Archive soccer news from around the world
Two-thirds of Scots will support England during World Cup in Germany: poll (Mar 31, 2006)
Two-thirds of Scottish football fans will support England at the World Cup finals in Germany, dispelling the stereotype they will cheer on their southern neighbour's opponents, a survey showed. . . . more . . .
Solskjaer gets new United deal (Mar 31, 2006)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has signed a new two-year contract with Manchester United aimed at easing the Norwegian forward's transition into coaching, the club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Kiwi star now fishing for Scottish Cup glory (Mar 31, 2006)
It took a close encounter with a shark to make up his mind but Hibernian striker Chris Killen has never regretted swapping the life of a fisherman for a football career on the other side of the world. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Van Basten calls for joint Dutch-Belgian football league (Mar 31, 2006)
Netherlands coach Marco van Basten has called for a joint Dutch-Belgian Football league to be set up to counter the gap between the Netherlands and the big European football nations. . . . more . . .
Australian firm pushes Wembley completion day back again (Mar 31, 2006)
Construction group Multiplex has confirmed that its problem-plagued 1.3-billion-US-dollar redevelopment of London's Wembley Stadium will not be "substantially" completed until the end of June, three months after a deadline that fell on Friday. . . . more . . .
New Wembley will not host first match until 2007 (Mar 31, 2006)
The new Wembley will not host its first football match until 2007, nine months after this year's FA Cup final was due to be played in the 757 million pound ($1.3 billion) stadium, the English Football Association revealed. . . . more . . .
Benfica to offer Pires dream contract in Portugal (Mar 31, 2006)
Portuguese giants Benfica are confident of signing Arsenal midfielder Robert Pires at the end of the season, the A Bola sports daily reported. . . . more . . .
Henry promises decision on future before World Cup (Mar 31, 2006)
Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has insisted his club future will be resolved before the World Cup finals get underway in Germany in June. . . . more . . .
Lyon rest players before Milan game (Mar 31, 2006)
Four of Lyon's first team players will be rested from Saturday's French league action, coach Gerard Houllier confirmed, because of their big return match at AC Milan next week. . . . more . . .
Horror injury rules Pogatetz out for season (Mar 31, 2006)
Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz will sit out the rest of the season after suffering serious facial injuries in the club's 2-0 UEFA Cup quarter-final first leg defeat by FC Basel. . . . more . . .
Bayern join chase for Argentine teen Aguero (Mar 31, 2006)
German giants Bayern Munich have joined the chase for Argentine teen striker Sergio Aguero by offering a reported 15.7 million euros (19m dollars) to his club Independiente. . . . more . . .
Wenger happy with Henry promise on Arsenal future (Mar 31, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger insisted he'd no problems with star striker Thierry Henry's announcement that his club future would be resolved before the World Cup finals get underway in Germany in June. . . . more . . .
I'm not going anywhere says Monaco coach (Mar 31, 2006)
Monaco coach Francesco Guidolin insisted he was staying at the French club amid persistent speculation that he is set to be replaced by Lille boss Claude Puel. . . . more . . .
Argentine starlet Aguero invites Liverpool bid (Mar 30, 2006)
Independiente's Argentine teenage sensation Sergio Aguero says he would prefer to join his boyhood club and Champions League holders Liverpool rather than German champions Bayern Munich. . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough continue European glory run (Mar 30, 2006)
The impressive UEFA Cup run of Middlesbrough continues at Swiss side FC Basel with Steve McLaren's men among the favourites for the title following prior victores over Roma and Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Germany may tighten border controls for World Cup (Mar 30, 2006)
German Minster of the Interior Wolfgang Schaeuble has revealed that the German governement are considering overruling the Schengen agreement for the duration of this summer's World Cup and reimposing border controls to combat hooliganism. . . . more . . .
England stars to be excused United's South Africa tour (Mar 30, 2006)
Wayne Rooney and Manchester United's other England stars will be left out of the club's pre-season tour of South Africa if Sven-Goran Eriksson's side reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup, Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed. . . . more . . .
We'll go down fighting says Sunderland boss (Mar 30, 2006)
Sunderland could finally be put out of their Premiership misery on Saturday -- but caretaker boss Kevin Ball want to see the Black Cats go down snarling. . . . more . . .
Divers could face trial by television (Mar 30, 2006)
Players who dive to win penalties or simulate injury in a bid to get opponents booked could soon face disciplinary action based on video reviews of their actions. . . . more . . .
US football league finds money, growth entering 11th season (Mar 30, 2006)
Major League Soccer opens its 11th season on Saturday with the 12-team US football league seeing signs of growth and stability despite major changes for two founding clubs. . . . more . . .
Poulsen set for AC Milan switch (Mar 30, 2006)
Schalke 04 and Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen will join AC Milan at the end of the season on a free transfer. . . . more . . .
FIFA ban all players from betting on World Cup (Mar 30, 2006)
Football's governing body FIFA has decided to introduce a strict betting ban for all players at this summer's World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Boro get Swiss rolled as Basel head for UEFA Cup semis (Mar 30, 2006)
Middlesbrough's dreams of European glory were ripped to shreds after a two-goal burst by Swiss side Basel left Steve McLaren's men staring down the barrel of a UEFA Cup exit. . . . more . . .
Blatter to run for re-election in 2007 (Mar 30, 2006)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he intends to run for re-election in 2007, providing he is still in good health. . . . more . . .
Bachini banned for life after second positive drugs test (Mar 30, 2006)
Siena midfielder Jonathan Bachini has been given a life-long ban after twice testing positive for cocaine, the Italian football league's disciplinary commission revealed. . . . more . . .
Olympiakos renews contract with Rivaldo (Mar 30, 2006)
Olympiakos president Socrates Kokkalis announced that Brazilian superstar Rivaldo will remain with the club for another season. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko dismisses talk of Chelsea deal (Mar 30, 2006)
AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has dismissed English media reports that he has agreed to join big-spending Premiership club Chelsea this summer. . . . more . . .
Brazil's World Cup secret -- plenty of sex (Mar 30, 2006)
Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira wants his team to play with a smile on their faces at this year's World Cup -- so has ruled out imposing a sex ban. . . . more . . .
Bayern to replace Kahn with youngster Rensing (Mar 30, 2006)
German champions Bayern Munich have said that their German Under-21 goalkeeper Michael Rensing will take over from veteran Oliver Kahn when he hangs up his gloves in 2008. . . . more . . .
Nedved downbeat about Juve's Champions League hopes (Mar 30, 2006)
Pavel Nedved fears Juventus' 2-0 defeat away to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final may have left them with too much to do to reach the last four. . . . more . . .
Wenger tips Pires to resurrect international career (Mar 30, 2006)
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes rejuvenated midfielder Robert Pires ought to be in France's World Cup squad. . . . more . . .
Keane set for United testimonial (Mar 30, 2006)
Manchester United will play Celtic in Roy Keane's testimonial match at Old Trafford on May 9. . . . more . . .
Japan beat Ecuador 1-0 in World Cup warm-up game (Mar 30, 2006)
Substitute striker Hisato Sato scored five minutes from time to give Asian champions Japan a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a warm-up game for the World Cup in June. . . . more . . .
Jol confident Mido will not be lured away from Spurs (Mar 30, 2006)
Martin Jol believes Tottenham are in pole position to secure the permanent signing of Mido before the end of the season, despite growing interest in the Egyptian striker from rival clubs. . . . more . . .
Aussies no World Cup cannon fodder: Cahill (Mar 30, 2006)
Australia is not going to this year's World Cup finals to make up the numbers and will be competitive in Germany, according to midfielder Tim Cahill. . . . more . . .
Exhausted Parker out for season (Mar 30, 2006)
Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker is set to miss the rest of the season after succumbing to exhaustion brought on by a suspected case of glandular fever. . . . more . . .
Blatter slams G14 greed over player compensation (Mar 30, 2006)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter hit out at the G14 group, a collection of the 18 richest clubs in Europe, saying their stance on compensation for players injured on international duty was just motivated by greed. . . . more . . .
Eriksson the Real deal says Beckham (Mar 29, 2006)
David Beckham believes England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is the "obvious choice" to take over at Real Madrid after this summer's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Liverpool confirm talks with investors (Mar 29, 2006)
Liverpool have confirmed they are in discussions with potential investors which may lead to the sale of the club. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer ends marathon World Cup welcome tour (Mar 29, 2006)
Germany icon Franz Beckenbauer concluded his marathon FIFA World Cup welcome tour when he arrived at Frankfurt airport following a 24-hour return flight from Australia. . . . more . . .
We must beat Australia, says Japan's Zico (Mar 29, 2006)
Japan coach Zico admits the Asian champions are under huge pressure to defeat Australia in their first World Cup match, in a tough group that also includes Brazil and Croatia. . . . more . . .
Ferguson wants refs to red card diving cheats (Mar 29, 2006)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes referees should be given more power to punish diving cheats. . . . more . . .
Succeeding Klinsmann is not my aim says Sammer (Mar 29, 2006)
Germany's new sporting director Matthias Sammer insists he is not interested in becoming the next coach of the German national team and offered his full backing to current manager Jurgen Klinsmann. . . . more . . .
Darcheville keen to join Le Guen at Rangers (Mar 29, 2006)
Bordeaux striker Jean-Claude Darcheville is keen to join up with former Lyon coach Paul Le Guen at Rangers. . . . more . . .
Defiant Deisler calms career fears (Mar 29, 2006)
German international midfielder Sebastian Deisler claims his career is not over following the serious cruciate ligament injury that has ruled him out of the World Cup in June and July. . . . more . . .
Cesc is absolutely Fabregas says Henry (Mar 29, 2006)
Arsenal skipper Thierry Henry has hailed 'amazing' Cesc Fabregas, the Spanish teenager instrumental in plotting Juventus' downfall at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Chelsea announce deal to break into US market (Mar 29, 2006)
Chelsea have signed a ground-breaking deal with an American sports conglomerate that they hope will help them become the most popular European football club in the United States. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo 'D-Lists' fiancee (Mar 29, 2006)
It was only a fleeting engagement but model Daniella Cicarelli quite literally left her mark on Brazilian football star Ronaldo. . . . more . . .
Spurs drop off pace in race to sign Mido: agent (Mar 29, 2006)
Tottenham are showing a surprising reluctance to sign on-loan striker Mido, the Egyptian forward's agent claimed. . . . more . . .
Honours even as Lyon hold Milan to draw in quarter-finals (Mar 29, 2006)
French league leaders Lyon held Serie A giants AC Milan to a goalless draw in their Champions League quarter-final, leaving the Italians marginal favourites to go through. . . . more . . .
Inter bounce back after early scare to edge Villarreal (Mar 29, 2006)
Inter Milan recovered from the shock of going a goal down inside the first minute to beat Spanish side Villarreal 2-1 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Record crowd watch van Nistelrooy return in style (Mar 29, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy made an immediate impact on his return from a five-match exile, producing the only goal in Manchester United's 1-0 win over West Ham in front of a record Premiership crowd at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Beckham in doubt for Barcelona game (Mar 28, 2006)
Real Madrid star David Beckham is a doubt for Saturday's Spanish Primera Liga classic against Barcelona after injuring his right ankle in training. . . . more . . .
Come and get me Giannakopoulos tells Reds (Mar 28, 2006)
Greek international Stelios Giannakopoulos is ready to ditch Premiership strugglers Bolton if a bigger club, such as Liverpool, come in with an offer. . . . more . . .
Wenger wary of Juve French connection he helped create (Mar 28, 2006)
If Juventus wreck Arsenal's dream of Champions League glory this season, Arsene Wenger will have only himself to blame. . . . more . . .
Come and get me Giannakopoulos tells Reds: report (Mar 28, 2006)
Greek international Stelios Giannakopoulos is ready to ditch Premiership strugglers Bolton if a bigger club, such as Liverpool, come in with an offer. . . . more . . .
Young stars Lennon and Dawson commit to Spurs (Mar 28, 2006)
Champions League hopefuls Tottenham Hotspur have moved to secure the long-term futures of two of their brightest young talents Michael Dawson and Aaron Lennon. . . . more . . .
It's back to the future as Koeman eyes Barcelona upset (Mar 28, 2006)
Benfica coach Ronald Koeman is plotting the downfall of Barcelona in the Champions League Tuesday -- 14 years after inspiring the Catalan giants to their greatest victory in European football. . . . more . . .
Stambouli to coach FAR Rabat (Mar 28, 2006)
French coach Henri Stambouli has signed a 16-month contract to train Moroccan first division club The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) Rabat. . . . more . . .
Spanish league referees threaten strike (Mar 28, 2006)
Barcelona's long-awaited league fixture with Real Madrid this Saturday could be postponed along with other Primera Liga matches if a planned strike by referees over unpaid salaries goes ahead. . . . more . . .
Match-rigger feared for wife and children's lives (Mar 28, 2006)
Ex-La Louviere coach Gilbert Bodart claimed he rigged a match to save his wife and children from "taking a bullet in the head". . . . more . . .
Fabregas wrecks Vieira homecoming (Mar 28, 2006)
Patrick Vieira ensured a torrid return to Highbury on Tuesday as Arsenal produced one of their most exhilarating European performances to beat Juventus 2-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Ferguson primes young guns for Hammers visit (Mar 28, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson has called up three youngsters to his squad ahead of the Premiership visit of West Ham this Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona held to goalless draw (Mar 28, 2006)
Benfica's 0-0 draw against a Ronaldinho-inspired Barcelona here at the stadium of Light has left the Catalonians favourites to move into the Champions League semi-finals. . . . more . . .
World Cup doubt as Vieri sidelined for four weeks (Mar 28, 2006)
Italian international striker Christian Vieri's participation in the World Cup this summer has been thrown into doubt as the veteran was ruled out of action for up to a month on Tuesday after injuring his left knee in weekend French league action. . . . more . . .
Villa confirm Baros buy-out clause (Mar 28, 2006)
Milan Baros can walk away from Aston Villa in the close season as long as a potential buyer comes up with enough cash to activate his buy-out clause at Villa Park. . . . more . . .
Belgian coach denies admitting match-rigging (Mar 28, 2006)
Former La Louviere coach Gilbert Bodart on denied admitting that he rigged a football match while with the Belgian first division side. . . . more . . .
Ex-Leverkusen official asked to explain financial dealings (Mar 27, 2006)
Cologne prosecutors started their investigation into the finanical dealings of former Bayer Leverkusen general manager Reiner Calmund amid speculation that players were bribed to stop the club being relegated from the Bundesliga in the 2002/03 season. . . . more . . .
Campbell out of Juventus clash (Mar 27, 2006)
Sol Campbell has been ruled out of Arsenal's Champions League clash against Juventus at Highbury with a bruised toe. . . . more . . .
Wenger tells Arsenal fans to 'respect' Vieira (Mar 27, 2006)
Arsene Wenger has pleaded with Arsenal fans to give Patrick Vieira the respect he deserves when the midfielder returns to Highbury as a member of the Juventus side for Tuesday's Champions League clash. . . . more . . .
Blatter threatens G14 with 'war' over international player release (Mar 27, 2006)
FIFA chief Sepp Blatter declared "war" on G14 during a visit to Tunisia and reiterated his threat to expel any of their members from international competitions if they refused to release players for international matches. . . . more . . .
Mourinho springs to Drogba's defence (Mar 27, 2006)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has insisted that star striker Didier Drogba is a "fighter" not a diver after the Ivory Coast international faced renewed criticism about his on-field conduct. . . . more . . .
Midfield supremacy the key: Wenger (Mar 27, 2006)
Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger said the battle for supremacy in midfield will be the key in Arsenal's home Champions League match against Juventus on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Keane double does for Baggies (Mar 27, 2006)
Robbie Keane scored twice as Tottenham came from behind to stay in the Champions League qualification driving seat with a 2-1 win at home to West Bromwich Albion at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Fratton faithful will roar Pompey to safety says Mandaric (Mar 27, 2006)
Portsmouth chairman Milan Mandaric is banking on Fratton Park's famously noisy fans to roar their team to Premiership survival. . . . more . . .
Struggling Messina sack Mutti (Mar 27, 2006)
Struggling Serie A side Messina have sacked their coach Bortolo Mutti. . . . more . . .
Strachan poised for first SPL success (Mar 27, 2006)
Gordon Strachan is preparing to uncork another bottle of champagne as manager of Celtic, who need just one more win to take back the Scottish Premier League title from Rangers. . . . more . . .
Metatarsal won't affect my World Cup plans says Owen (Mar 27, 2006)
England striker Michael Owen expects to go to the World Cup 100 percent fit despite an unexpected setback in his bid to return from a similar injury which affected David Beckham four years ago. . . . more . . .
Stubbs hits out at falling legion (Mar 27, 2006)
Everton defender Alan Stubbs has hit out at the Premiership's legion of foreigners, whom he says is largely responsible for play-acting and bringing the game into disrepute. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko insists Chelsea is not an option (Mar 27, 2006)
AC Milan striker Andriy Shevchenko has scuppered Chelsea's hopes of securing his services for next season by claiming he is happy to finish his career with the Milan giants. . . . more . . .
No regrets for Vieira over Juve move (Mar 27, 2006)
Patrick Vieira returned to Highbury insisting he'd no regrets regarding his pre-season move from Arsenal to Juventus. . . . more . . .
Vietnamese journalists attacked while reporting on graft scandal (Mar 27, 2006)
Vietnamese journalists have been beaten while covering a corruption scandal over the looting of state funds in which the deputy transport minister has been questioned. . . . more . . .
Wenger defends Vieira sale (Mar 27, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has insisted selling Patrick Vieira was the right move for the long-term future of the club. . . . more . . .
World Cup tickets now on sale via online portal (Mar 27, 2006)
The 2006 World Cup Organising Committee opened the internet ticket portal providing fans with the chance to return match tickets or legally transfer them to other supporters. . . . more . . .
Courbis faces two-year jail term (Mar 27, 2006)
Former Marseille coach Rolland Courbis is facing a two-year jail term for allegedly accepting transfer bungs between 1997 and 1999 after prosecutors recommended the sentence. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy could end exile against Hammers (Mar 27, 2006)
Dutch international Ruud van Nistelrooy could end his spell of warming the substitutes' bench on Wednesday when Manchester United face West Ham. . . . more . . .
Germany line up cannon fodder to boost World Cup confidence (Mar 27, 2006)
Host nation Germany want their next friendly match to be against against minnows Luxembourg or Liechtenstein in a bid to boost confidence ahead of this summer's World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Bayern monitor Argentine teenager (Mar 26, 2006)
German champions Bayern Munich are looking to swell their South American contingent with the capture of Argentine teenager Sergio Aguero from Independiente. . . . more . . .
Lyon's attack blunted ahead of crucial Champions League tie (Mar 26, 2006)
Lyon's strikers were in erratic form as the French champions warmed up for Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final against Italy's AC Milan with a 1-1 draw at home to lowly Toulouse. . . . more . . .
G14 call for expanded Champions League (Mar 26, 2006)
Europe's 18 richest clubs have denied they are plotting to set up their own rebel super league but concede that they would like to see UEFA expand the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Del Piero ruled out of Arsenal clash (Mar 26, 2006)
Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero has been ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg away to Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Late Sevilla win gives them Champions League chance (Mar 26, 2006)
Sevilla left it late but a Jordi Lopez header two minutes into injury time gave them a 1-0 win over 2004 champions Valencia in the Spanish Primera Liga. . . . more . . .
Ancelotti coming to Madrid insist Spanish press (Mar 26, 2006)
The Spanish sporting press insisted on that Carlo Ancelotti will be Real Madrid's coach next season although he has just signed a contract extension until 2008 with AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Oddo double boosts Lazio's UEFA Cup bid (Mar 26, 2006)
Lazio took a step towards qualifying for the UEFA Cup after defeating Sampdoria 2-0 at the Olympic stadium where Massimo Oddo scored both goals for the Rome club. . . . more . . .
Giggs double downs Birmingham (Mar 26, 2006)
Ryan Giggs inspired Manchester United to a comfortable 3-0 win over Birmingham City as Sir Alex Ferguson's men made it seven straight victories at Old Trafford to leapfrog Liverpool back into second place in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Germany's goalkeeping World Cup duel settled in May: Bierhoff (Mar 26, 2006)
Germany goalkeeping legend Oliver Kahn has been warned not to take his place in the host nation's starting line-up at the World Cup finals for granted. . . . more . . .
Hoyzer scandal prompts FIFA to watch World Cup betting (Mar 26, 2006)
Football's governing body FIFA will monitor dubious betting at all future World Cups, starting with this summer's finals in Germany, following the Robert Hoyzer match-fixing scandal. . . . more . . .
Injured Yanagisawa doubtful for World Cup (Mar 26, 2006)
Former Messina striker Atsushi Yanagisawa of Kashima Antlers injured his right foot during a J-League match Saturday, casting doubt on his hopes of joining the Japanese side at the World Cup in June. . . . more . . .
Boro dent Bolton's Euro chances (Mar 26, 2006)
Bolton Wanderers' charge towards a top-six English Premiership finish was given a severe jolt by Middlesbrough after an injury-time goal saw them crash to a 4-3 defeat. . . . more . . .
Reading's Royals looking forward to Premiership coronation (Mar 26, 2006)
The promised land of the Premiership awaits Reading after the Berkshire outfit secured a place in English football's top division for the first time in the club's 135-year history. . . . more . . .
Thuram hits out and calls for closer racial integration (Mar 26, 2006)
France's World Cup winner Lilian Thuram has called on his country to open up its troubled ghettos to help generate closer bonds between different social and ethnic factions within French society. . . . more . . .
Fans want homegrown successor to Sven: Allardyce (Mar 26, 2006)
Bolton boss Sam Allardyce says the fans want to see an Englishman replace Sven-Goran Eriksson as manager of the national side after the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid get back to winning ways (Mar 26, 2006)
Real Madrid notched up their first win in four games and moved back up to second place in La Liga after comfortably beating Deportivo La Coruna 4-0 in the Spanish Primera Liga. . . . more . . .
Kewell hails Reds digger spirit (Mar 25, 2006)
Harry Kewell paid tribute to the resilience of his Liverpool team-mates after they bounced back from losing Steven Gerrard to a red card to beat Everton 3-1 in the Merseyside derby. . . . more . . .
Kyrgiakos keeps Gers on Hearts' tails (Mar 25, 2006)
A solitary Sotirios Kyrgiakos goal gave Rangers a narrow 1-0 win at home to Dunfermline in the Scottish Premier League to keep them in the hunt for second place. . . . more . . .
German army beefs up World Cup security (Mar 25, 2006)
The German government are prepared to beef up security at this summer's World Cup finals with Minister of Defence Franz-Josef Jung revealing that the German army would now be able to call upon an additional 5000 soldiers. . . . more . . .
Reo-Coker robs Wigan of point (Mar 25, 2006)
West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker's stoppage time-goal sealed the Londoners come-from-behind 2-1 win away to Wigan at the JJB Stadium. . . . more . . .
Barca draw bore at Malaga (Mar 25, 2006)
Barcelona's seemingly unstoppable march towards their second successive league title had the brakes put on it by Malaga when they were held to a 0-0 draw by the bottom club. . . . more . . .
Roma stall Juve's title charge (Mar 25, 2006)
Juventus' march towards retaining the Serie A title stalled after they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Roma. . . . more . . .
Kewell stunner seals Liverpool derby win (Mar 25, 2006)
Harry Kewell's superb strike sealed Liverpool's 3-1 victory over Everton in a stormy Merseyside derby where the European champions were forced to play with 10 men for more than 70 minutes after skipper Steven Gerrard was sent-off at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Pitch puts paid to Pompey clash with Arsenal (Mar 25, 2006)
Portsmouth's Premier League match at home to Arsenal at Fratton Park was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch. . . . more . . .
Wenger defends Premiership fat cats (Mar 25, 2006)
Arsene Wenger has taken issue with this week's attack by Birmingham boss David Sullivan on the vast wages paid out in the Premiership - as long as the players' have the right attitude. . . . more . . .
Lyon held at home ahead of crucial Champions League tie (Mar 25, 2006)
Lyon were held 1-1 at home against a spirited Toulouse side just four days before the league leaders' biggest match of the season. . . . more . . .
Drogba double gets blues back on track (Mar 25, 2006)
Chelsea have been a magnet for controversy this season and they proved it again during this 2-0 win over 10-man Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Owen World Cup fears mount after new operation (Mar 25, 2006)
Fears Michael Owen will not be fully fit in time for England's World Cup campaign have mounted after the Newcastle forward underwent follow-up surgery on the broken metatarsal bone which has kept him sidelined since New Year. . . . more . . .
Urawa beat Yokohama 3-1 to take J-League lead (Mar 25, 2006)
Urawa Red Diamonds skipper Nobuhisa Yamada scored the opening goal in his side's 3-1 victory over Yokohama Marinos to push them to the top of the J-League. . . . more . . .
Bayern on cloud nine as Hamburg falter (Mar 25, 2006)
Bayern Munich moved closer to their 20th Bundesliga title with a 3-1 comeback win over MSV Duisburg, stretching their lead at the top to nine points with just seven games to go. . . . more . . .
O'Leary feels the heat as Villa draw with Fulham (Mar 25, 2006)
Aston Villa and Fulham both edged a little further away from the relegation zone but that was not enough to spare Villa boss David O'Leary the wrath of his club's frustrated supporters. . . . more . . .
Simplicio strikes as Inter crash at Parma (Mar 25, 2006)
Inter Milan's hopes of gaining direct entry to the group stages of next season's Champions League suffered a setback after they lost 1-0 at in-form Parma. . . . more . . .
Rovers' roar too loud for sorry Sunderland (Mar 25, 2006)
Sunderland are homing in on new unwanted Premiership records after losing for the 25th time this season with a 1-0 reverse to Blackburn at the Stadium of Light. . . . more . . .
Barca draw bore at Malaga but Osasuna lose (Mar 25, 2006)
Barcelona's seemingly unstoppable march towards their second successive league title had the brakes put on it by Malaga when they were held to a 0-0 draw by the bottom club. . . . more . . .
Queiroz hails captain fantastic (Mar 25, 2006)
Manchester United number two Carlos Queiroz has hailed Gary Neville, who makes his 500th appearance for the club in Sunday's Premiership game against Birmingham, as a "fantastic" captain. . . . more . . .
Unlucky Kirkland facing World Cup KO (Mar 24, 2006)
Chris Kirkland, once rated the most promising young goalkeeper in England, has seen his fading hopes of making Sven-Goran Eriksson's World Cup squad crushed by a broken finger. . . . more . . .
Hiddink to quit PSV (Mar 24, 2006)
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink is to quit the Dutch giants at the end of the season in a move that will inevitably fuel speculation over his succeeding Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager. . . . more . . .
Rooney dreaming of World Cup glory (Mar 24, 2006)
Wayne Rooney kept his distance from the greatest prize in football but is looking forward to reuniting with the World Cup trophy this summer. . . . more . . .
Ballack out of Bayern trip to Duisburg (Mar 24, 2006)
Michael Ballack was ruled out of Bayern Munich's Bundesliga clash with Duisburg after suffering a groin strain in Germany's midweek friendly against the United States. . . . more . . .
Beckham counting on fan-power at World Cup (Mar 24, 2006)
David Beckham believes support from the fans will play a major role in how England fare at the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Dinamo Zagreb to collect money for war crimes suspect (Mar 24, 2006)
Croatian first division side Dinamo Zagreb said they would donate the money earned during their last match in the country's championship to the defence of a former general in custody at the UN war crimes court in The Hague. . . . more . . .
McLaren shrugs off fixture woe after FA cup stalemate (Mar 24, 2006)
Steve McClaren insisted Middlesbrough's season would not be derailed by a surfeit of fixtures, despite his side's FA Cup quarter-final against Charlton going to a replay. . . . more . . .
Hiddink uncertain over future post PSV (Mar 24, 2006)
PSV Eindhoven coach Guus Hiddink, a one-time favourite to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager, is to quit the Dutch giants at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Respect will be present says Benitez (Mar 24, 2006)
Rafael Benitez insisted there would be respect between Chelsea and Liverpool in next month's FA Cup semi-final, following the draw, although there has been animosity between the teams in recent matches. . . . more . . .
Chelsea drawn with Liverpool in FA Cup semis (Mar 24, 2006)
Chelsea will cross swords with Liverpool once more after the two biggest clubs left in the FA Cup were drawn to face each other in the semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Atletico offer Borussia's Rosicky four-year deal (Mar 24, 2006)
Atletico Madrid have offered Borussia Dortmund midfielder Tomas Rosicky a four-year deal, the Czech international's agent revealed. . . . more . . .
O'Leary draws up transfer wishlist after Villa season of woe (Mar 24, 2006)
David O'Leary has already drawn up a list of potential transfer targets he wants to bring to Aston Villa for next season. . . . more . . .
Neville revels in membership of United 500 club (Mar 24, 2006)
Gary Neville will become only the eighth player to make 500 appearances for Manchester United when he skippers Sir Alex Ferguson's side against Premiership strugglers Birmingham on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Game abandoned after Sevilla goalkeeper hit by whisky bottle (Mar 24, 2006)
Atletico Madrid's supporters disgraced themselves again when crowd trouble caused the Spanish first division match against Sevilla to be abandoned after 78 minutes. . . . more . . .
Woodgate still injured, did not train (Mar 24, 2006)
Injury-prone Jonathan Woodgate did not train and is uncertain for Real Madrid's match against Deportivo La Coruna at the Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Chaos as Sevilla down eight-man Atletico after crowd violence (Mar 24, 2006)
Sevilla beat eight-man Atletico Madrid 1-0, to keep alive their hopes of European competition next season, but the game was marred by crowd trouble which saw the match halted for 25 minutes. . . . more . . .
Lay off bumbling Boumsong says Newcastle boss (Mar 24, 2006)
Newcastle caretaker boss Glenn Roeder is concerned that the flak directed at Jean-Alain Boumsong is starting to affect the hapless French defender's form. . . . more . . .
Taylor hits back at Birmingham chief's swipe at players (Mar 24, 2006)
Players'chief Gordon Taylor has hit back at David Sullivan after the Birmingham chairman branded some of his players mercenaries who are only interested in picking up fat pay cheques. . . . more . . .
Toffees will be stickier this time: Benitez (Mar 24, 2006)
Rafael Benitez has warned his Liverpool players they will face a much tougher Everton side on Saturday than the one they demolished 3-1 in the last Merseyside derby in December. . . . more . . .
Angry Spurs slam Benitez over Defoe transfer talk (Mar 24, 2006)
Tottenham have reacted furiously to comments by Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez that Spurs are desperate to sell unsettled England striker Jermain Defoe. . . . more . . .
Europe superclubs could face Champions League shutout: UEFA (Mar 23, 2006)
European football's governing body UEFA warned it could bar the continent's top clubs from its competitions next season if they refused to abide by the organisation's rules. . . . more . . .
Real Sociedad sack Arconada (Mar 23, 2006)
Struggling Spanish side Real Sociedad have sacked their manager Gonzalo Arconada in a last ditch effort to stave off relegation. . . . more . . .
City lose Cole for rest of season (Mar 23, 2006)
Manchester City will be without Andy Cole for the rest of the season after the former England striker underwent his second knee operation in less than a month. . . . more . . .
All smiles for Germany and Klinsmann (Mar 23, 2006)
Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann was smiling again Thursday after his team trounced the United States 4-1 to build confidence ahead of this summer's World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
UEFA takes stand against G14 (Mar 23, 2006)
UEFA adopted a resolution firmly condemning the activities of the renegade G14 group of clubs at its congress in Budapest. . . . more . . .
German newspaper says sorry over corruption story (Mar 23, 2006)
A Munich newspaper which wrongly alleged that German international Bastian Schweinsteiger had been questioned by police investigating a match-fixing scandal apologized. . . . more . . .
United to offer Solskjaer pay-as-you-play deal (Mar 23, 2006)
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, the hero of Manchester United's 1999 European Cup win, has been assured he will be kept on by the club after his current contract expires at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Bore draw sees Charlton and Boro face FA Cup replay (Mar 23, 2006)
The identity of the fourth FA Cup semi-finalists remains undecided after Charlton and Middlesbrough ground out a dour goalless draw at the Valley. . . . more . . .
Former Fiorentina player's death raises doping suspicions (Mar 23, 2006)
The death of a fourth former Fiorentina player has raised suspicions that their fatal illnesses may have been caused by drugs given to them by the club. . . . more . . .
O'Neill gets Robson backing for England job (Mar 23, 2006)
Sir Bobby Robson has said Martin O'Neill cannot be overlooked when the Football Association consider who should succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach. . . . more . . .
City facing injury crisis as Cole ruled out for season (Mar 23, 2006)
Manchester City will be without Andy Cole for the rest of the season after the former England striker underwent his second knee operation in less than a month. . . . more . . .
Sewer trouble will not flush Wembley down the drain: builders (Mar 23, 2006)
Broken sewers beneath the new Wembley Stadium will not result in further delay to the opening of England's long-awaited national football venue, construction firm Multiplex said. . . . more . . .
Game abandoned after Sevilla goalkeeper hit by whisky bottle (Mar 23, 2006)
Atletico Madrid's supporters disgraced themselves again when crowd trouble caused the Spanish first division match against Sevilla to be abandoned after 78 minutes. . . . more . . .
Punter pays million-pound penalty for fluffed spot-kick (Mar 23, 2006)
A British man missed out on a one million pound (1.74 million dollar) payday after a penalty blunder scuppered what would have been a remarkable football betting coup. . . . more . . .
Capello dreams of coaching in England (Mar 23, 2006)
Juventus coach Fabio Capello says he hopes one day to realise his dream of coaching an English Premiership side. . . . more . . .
Kahn or Lehmann? Decision time for Klinsmann (Mar 23, 2006)
After rotating his two leading goalkeepers for 20 months Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann must now make a final decision before naming his 23-man World Cup squad on May 15. . . . more . . .