Archive soccer news from around the world
Valencia held but still progress (Oct 31, 2006)
Valencia came back twice to earn a 2-2 draw at Shakhtar Donetsk to seal their passage into the knockout stages of the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Kone the cream of PSV as he shoots them into Champions League last 16 (Oct 31, 2006)
PSV Eindhoven shot into the Champions League knockout stages after earning a 2-0 victory over 10-man Galatasaray. . . . more . . .
Totti makes amends to move Roma closer to knockout stages (Oct 31, 2006)
Francesco Totti made up for missing a first-half penalty by scoring a 66th minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Olympiakos, which moved the Serie A club to the brink of the Champions League's knockout stages. . . . more . . .
Drogba rescues a point in Nou Camp cauldron (Oct 31, 2006)
Chelsea took another step towards the last 16 of the Champions League as Didier Drogba rescued a 2-2 draw away to holders Barcelona with a last-gap equaliser which left the defending champions facing the danger of being eliminated. . . . more . . .
Garcia double eases Liverpool into knockout stages (Oct 31, 2006)
Luis Garcia further enhanced his reputation as Liverpool's European saviour as Rafa Benitez's side secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League with a 3-0 win over Bordeaux at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Point enough to see Bayern into last 16 (Oct 31, 2006)
Bayern Munich qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League with two games to spare despite firing blanks in a 0-0 group B draw with Sporting Lisbon. . . . more . . .
Cruz missile hits Spartak (Oct 31, 2006)
Italian giants Inter Milan kept their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League alive as a Julio Cruz goal gave them a 1-0 win over Spartak Moscow in their Group B clash. . . . more . . .
Celtic seeking more European glory in Lisbon (Oct 31, 2006)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says his side will be looking for more European glory when they face Benfica Wednesday in the Champions League in Lisbon, the city where in 1967 the team became the first British side to win the European Cup. . . . more . . .
This could be our year: Ferguson (Oct 31, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's exhilarating current form can carry them all the way to Champions League glory next May. . . . more . . .
Task force to kick violence, racism out of German football (Oct 31, 2006)
The German Football Federation (DFB) and German Football League (DFL) revealed they have decided to assemble a task force to combat violence, racism and xenophobia. . . . more . . .
Newcastle dismiss Eriksson link (Oct 31, 2006)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has dismissed reports that the former England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson could be on his way to the English Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Hibs unveil old boy Collins as new manager (Oct 31, 2006)
Scottish Premier League club Hibernians have named former international John Collins as its new manager following the departure of Tony Mowbray for West Brom. . . . more . . .
Manchester United hit by injuries to Giggs, Saha and Neville (Oct 31, 2006)
Manchester United trio Ryan Giggs, Louis Saha and captain Gary Neville will miss Wednesday's Champions League match against FC Copenhagen through injury. . . . more . . .
Striker crisis for Chelsea at Barcelona (Oct 31, 2006)
Chelsea will travel to Barcelona for today's Champions League fixture knowing that a draw would leave them firmly in the driving seat in Group A. . . . more . . .
Pressure, what pressure says Pearce as City get back on track (Oct 31, 2006)
Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce shrugged off suggestions his players had secured him some valuable breathing space with Monday night's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough, insisting he had never felt his job was on the line. . . . more . . .
Nakamura is vital to us says Strachan (Oct 31, 2006)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan, whose side face Benfica in the Champions League on Wednesday, said Japan's Shunsuke Nakamura was becoming more and more vital as the season went on. . . . more . . .
Dons do Proctor no favours as Hibs lose (Oct 30, 2006)
Any hopes Mark Proctor had of heading off a late challenge by John Collins for the Hibernian managerial post probably disappeared as his side were beaten 2-1 at Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. . . . more . . .
Captain's display from Dunne eases pressure on City (Oct 30, 2006)
A true captain's performance from Richard Dunne helped Manchester City to a 1-0 win over Middlesbrough that earns the club's under-fire manager Stuart Pearce some badly-needed breathing space. . . . more . . .
Skullduggery not on Barca's agenda, say Messi and Rijkaard (Oct 30, 2006)
Barcelona's Argentine star Lionel Messi and the European champions' coach Frank Rijkaard shrugged off any idea they will resort to gamesmanship if the chips are down in their Champions League match with Chelsea. . . . more . . .
No harm intended Blatter tells Italy (Oct 30, 2006)
FIFA boss Sepp Blatter has denied making comments to the Australian media disparaging World Cup winners Italy for their tactics in the last 16 round game against Australia. . . . more . . .
Stadium, conflict centre to rise from ashes of notorious N. Irish prison (Oct 30, 2006)
Work has started to transform the site of the former Maze prison for paramilitaries into a 42,000-capacity national stadium for Northern Ireland and an international centre for conflict transformation. . . . more . . .
Injury-hit Dynamo brace for high-flying Lyon (Oct 30, 2006)
Injury-hit Dynamo Kiev are bracing themselves for a tough Champions League Group E encounter away against an on-fire Lyon. . . . more . . .
Mourinho puts shirt on mature Blues (Oct 30, 2006)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has said his side would target three points in their Champions League Group A trip to Barcelona to vault into the last 16, insisting his men were "more mature" than last season when they exited to the same rivals. . . . more . . .
Beckham says he's going nowhere (Oct 30, 2006)
David Beckham, discarded by England, insisted he was going nowhere and intended to stay with Real Madrid despite spending much of this season on the bench. . . . more . . .
Give us a break, pleads coach of weary Al-Ahly (Oct 30, 2006)
Coach Manuel Jose will beg Egyptian soccer chiefs for help this week as Al-Ahly battle to keep the African Champions League trophy. . . . more . . .
World Cup winner Djorkaeff retires (Oct 30, 2006)
Midfielder Youri Djorkaeff has retired from football after a glittering career that saw him play in the French international teams that won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000. . . . more . . .
Zola linked to Aussie A-League (Oct 30, 2006)
Former Italian international Gianfranco Zola has been linked with a guest stint at several clubs in Australia's A-League, reports have said. . . . more . . .
Pardew relieved to win at last (Oct 30, 2006)
Alan Pardew breathed a huge sigh of relief as his West Ham team snatched their first win since August in overcoming Blackburn 2-1 at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Masterful Lyon march on with Nancy win (Oct 29, 2006)
Lyon appear in a hurry to wrap up a sixth consecutive French title before Christmas as they extended their unbeaten run to 15 games in all competitions this season with a 1-0 win over Nancy at the Stade Gerland. . . . more . . .
Sfaxien hit back to hold Ahly in African Champions League final (Oct 29, 2006)
Club Sportif Sfaxien of Tunisia came from behind to surprisingly hold title holders Al-Ahly of Egypt 1-1 in the first leg of the African Champions League final. . . . more . . .
Porto's Anderson to miss Champions League match due to injury (Oct 29, 2006)
FC Porto's Brazilian midfielder Anderson will miss Wednesday's Champions League Group G match against Hamburg after he broke his right leg in a weekend Portuguese league match, the club said. . . . more . . .
Palermo win five-goal thriller to keep pace with Inter (Oct 29, 2006)
A last minute goal from Brazilian striker Amauri took Palermo back level with Inter Milan at the top of the Italian table. . . . more . . .
Sevilla move up to second after Celta conquest (Oct 29, 2006)
Sevilla came back from a goal down to win 2-1 at Celta Vigo and move up to second place in the Spanish first division. . . . more . . .
Hammers back on winning trail (Oct 29, 2006)
West Ham hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a passionate 2-1 win over Blackburn at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Strachan dismisses Beckham talk as Celtic go ten points clear (Oct 29, 2006)
Celtic opened up a 10-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League but manager Gordon Strachan found himself laughing off reports that David Beckham was heading to Parkhead. . . . more . . .
Vieira to miss Spartak clash (Oct 29, 2006)
France captain Patrick Vieira is out of Inter Milan's crucial Champions League trip to Spartak Moscow, the team said Vieira was injured during the Milan derby on Saturday, in which Inter consolidated top spot in the Italian league following a thrilling 4-3 victory at the San Siro. . . . more . . .
Gerrard staying at Liverpool Benitez says (Oct 29, 2006)
Liverpool have no intention of allowing skipper Steven Gerrard to leave the club, manager Rafael Benitez has said. . . . more . . .
Celtic interested in Beckham (Oct 29, 2006)
David Beckham's frustrations at his lack of first-team appearances at Real Madrid have renewed speculation about his future with both Tottenham and Celtic being touted as possible buyers. . . . more . . .
Osaka beat Shimizu to keep J-League title hopes alive (Oct 29, 2006)
Brazilian duo Sidiclei and Magno Alves has helped defending champions Gamba Osaka beat Shimizu S-Pulse 3-0 and close the gap to front-runners Urawa Red Diamonds in the J-League. . . . more . . .
Wenger blasts negative Everton (Oct 29, 2006)
Arsene Wenger berated Everton's "negative" tactics after Arsenal's Premiership title ambitions were dented by a 1-1 draw with the Merseysiders. . . . more . . .
Benitez defiant after Liverpool defeat Villa (Oct 29, 2006)
Rafael Benitez claimed his players had responded to the criticism over his tactics with a comprehensive 3-1 win against Aston Villa here at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Chelsea facing striker pain in Spain (Oct 29, 2006)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has admitted he is facing a striker crisis ahead of his side's Champions League group game against title-holders Barcelona in Spain next week. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hails resurgent Rooney (Oct 29, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was relieved after Wayne Rooney ended his two-month goal-drought with a hat-trick against Bolton that ensured Manchester United remain on top of the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Nantes edge out Monaco in basement clash (Oct 28, 2006)
Nantes finally lifted themselves off the bottom of the table with a narrow 1-0 victory in the basement battle against Monaco. . . . more . . .
Two-goal Ronaldinho helps Barcelona extend lead (Oct 28, 2006)
World Player of the Year Ronaldinho scored twice to help reigning champions Barcelona extend their lead at the top of the Spanish first division with a 3-0 win over Recreativo Huelva. . . . more . . .
Charlton battle hard for point but stay bottom (Oct 28, 2006)
Charlton secured their first away point of the season but still remained rooted to the foot of the Premiership after a goalless draw against Newcastle at St James' Park. . . . more . . .
Mancini relieved as 10-man Inter edge derby thriller (Oct 28, 2006)
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini said the dismissal of Marco Materazzi almost cost his side victory in the pulsating 4-3 derby win over AC Milan. . . . more . . .
Hearts and Gers SPL hopes falter (Oct 28, 2006)
Hearts were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Dunfermline as their Scottish Premier League challenge faltered after a traumatic week at the Edinburgh club. . . . more . . .
Watford still winless after Tottenham stalemate (Oct 28, 2006)
Watford remain the only Premiership team without a win after being held to a 0-0 draw by Tottenham. . . . more . . .
Rooney hat-trick too much for Bolton (Oct 28, 2006)
Wayne Rooney ended his 10-game goal-drought in spectacular style with a hat-trick in Manchester United's comfortable 4-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers which kept Sir Alex Ferguson's side top of the Premiership Cristiano Ronaldo added United's other goal but this display was all about Rooney's return to form against a Bolton side that hadn't conceded a league goal at their Reebok Stadium home this term prior to Saturday's rout. . . . more . . .
Kanu inspires Portsmouth triumph (Oct 28, 2006)
Nigeria striker Nwankwo Kanu inspired Portsmouth to a 3-1 home win against Reading. . . . more . . .
Van Persie rescues point for Arsenal (Oct 28, 2006)
Robin van Persie preserved Arsenal's unblemished home record with a spectacular strike but the Londoners were still frustrated by a 1-1 draw with Everton. . . . more . . .
Benitez buoyed by Liverpool win over Villa (Oct 28, 2006)
Liverpool have eased the pressure on manager Rafael Benitez by ending Aston Villa's unbeaten start to the season with a 3-1 victory here at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Del Piero scores his 200th goal as Juve march on (Oct 28, 2006)
Alessandro Del Piero scored his 200th goal for Juventus to secure a 1-0 home win over Frosinone as the scandal-hit Turin club chalked up their seventh consecutive Serie B victory. . . . more . . .
Camara flashes Wigan past Fulham (Oct 28, 2006)
Senegal international striker Henri Camara gave Wigan their second successive Premiership win here as they beat Fulham 1-0. . . . more . . .
Munich stay in hunt with home win (Oct 28, 2006)
Double winners Bayern Munich kept pace with league leaders Werder Bremen with a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. . . . more . . .
Chelsea warm-up for Barca by downing Blades (Oct 28, 2006)
Chelsea warmed up for next week's Champions League showdown against Barcelona with a fifth straight win after defeating struggling Sheffield United 2-0 at Bramall Lane here. . . . more . . .
SPL matters most for Celtic chief Strachan (Oct 28, 2006)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan has insisted it is the Scottish Premier League and not the prospect of European glory which is the Hoops' chief concern. . . . more . . .
Nike doubles investment in Barcelona (Oct 28, 2006)
Sportswear company Nike have signed a new sponsorship agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona which will see them invest a minimum of 150 million euros over a five year period ending in 2013. . . . more . . .
Goal-happy Bremen breeze past Mainz (Oct 27, 2006)
Werder Bremen trounced strugglers Mainz 05 6-1 to pull three points clear at the top of the Bundesliga. . . . more . . .
Sanctions reduced against three of Italy's match-fixers (Oct 27, 2006)
Juventus, Lazio and Fiorentina had their match-fixing penalties cut by the Arbitration Court of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI). . . . more . . .
Wenger admits interest in Johnson (Oct 27, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he wanted to sign Everton's Andrew Johnson. . . . more . . .
Podolski out for three weeks (Oct 27, 2006)
German international forward Lukas Podolski is out for three weeks, his club Bayern Munich said, after suffering an injury in training. . . . more . . .
Blaes insist player bust-up is over (Oct 27, 2006)
Sheffield United have insisted that the training ground confrontation between striker Ade Akinbiyi and Claude Davis has been resolved. . . . more . . .
Hearts skipper reveals fresh 'player unrest' (Oct 27, 2006)
Hearts captain Steven Pressley has said there is "significant unrest" among the players at the Scottish Premier League side as a result of the latest round of changes to the Edinburgh club's coaching staff. . . . more . . .
Ferguson tells clubs to give managers more time (Oct 27, 2006)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has added his voice to calls for clubs to show more patience with their managers, on a weekend when the job security of some of his Premiership colleagues will again come under close scrutiny. . . . more . . .
Diaby eager for Arsenal return (Oct 27, 2006)
Abou Diaby can't wait to play a part in Arsenal's push for the Premiership title after spending several frustrating months on the sidelines with injury. . . . more . . .
Cech can't recall sickening clash (Oct 27, 2006)
Chelsea goalkeper Petr Cech has admitted he has no memory of the frightening challenge with Reading's Stephen Hunt that left the Czech international with a fractured skull. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann in talks for US coaching job (Oct 27, 2006)
Former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann is reportedly in preliminary discussions with the American football federation (USSF) on the possibility of him becoming the coach of their national team. . . . more . . .
Bakero first coaching casualty in Spain (Oct 27, 2006)
Real Sociedad's Jose Mari Bakero has become the first coach in the Spanish first division to be sacked this season. . . . more . . .
Defoe says biting days are behind him (Oct 26, 2006)
Tottenham striker Jermain Defoe has vowed never to bite another opponent following the controversy surrounding his "nibble" of West Ham's Javier Mascherano last weekend. . . . more . . .
Blair hails Shearer as 'simply the best' (Oct 26, 2006)
British Prime Minister Tony Blair paid handsome tribute to Alan Shearer as the former England and Newcastle striker handed over the proceeds of his testimonial fund to charity. . . . more . . .
Hearts reported to FIFA over Beslija transfer (Oct 26, 2006)
Belgian side FC Genk have reported Scottish Premier League highflyers Hearts to FIFA for failing to pay part of the reported 1.2 million euro (1.5m dollars) transfer fee for Bosnia player Mirsad Beslija. . . . more . . .
Wise wants nasty approach from Leeds (Oct 26, 2006)
New Leeds United manager Dennis Wise has told the struggling Championship club to show a nasty streak in a bid to reverse their ailing form. . . . more . . .
Serb defender gets five-match UEFA ban for McCarthy racist abuse (Oct 26, 2006)
Serbian defender Nikola Mijailovic was handed a five-match ban from all UEFA matches after European football's governing body found him guilty of racist abuse against Blackburn striker Benni McCarthy. . . . more . . .
Injured queen unfit for Arsenal visit (Oct 26, 2006)
Queen Elizabeth II has cancelled a scheduled visit to the Premiership football club Arsenal's new stadium due to a strained muscle in her back, her office said. . . . more . . .
Head of Turkish football association faces trial for misusing funds (Oct 26, 2006)
A Turkish prosecutor has sought up to 11 years and three months in prison for the president of the Turkish Football Association and three former aides for misusing official funds of at least one million dollars (800,000 euros), the Anatolia news agency reported. . . . more . . .
Kenya says FIFA ban won't help end football woes (Oct 26, 2006)
FIFA's suspension of Kenya from international football will not help end woes plaguing the sport in the east African nation, the chief of Kenya's soccer governing board said. . . . more . . .
Eriksson advisors deny Hammers link: report (Oct 26, 2006)
The agent of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has denied he is set to become the new boss of West Ham following the news he met with two people involved with Kia Joorabchian's potential takeover of the club. . . . more . . .
Hammers chairman backs Pardew (Oct 26, 2006)
West Ham chairman Terence Brown said he firmly backed manager Alan Pardew although they were beaten by Chesterfield for their eighth successive defeat to continue their worst run in 74 years. . . . more . . .
Life tough at Sydney FC, says under-fire Butcher (Oct 26, 2006)
Former England captain Terry Butcher says the turmoil over his coaching future at Sydney FC is one of the most difficult periods of his professional life. . . . more . . .
Kewell plans to play again in February (Oct 26, 2006)
Injury-hit Liverpool midfielder Harry Kewell says his playing comeback is months away after recent groin and foot surgery in Sydney. . . . more . . .
England's Cole getting back to form (Oct 26, 2006)
England international Joe Cole, who scored in his first start of the season in Chelsea's midweek League Cup action, should be hitting top form by next month. . . . more . . .
Barry laments Crouch loss (Oct 26, 2006)
Gareth Barry has criticised former Aston Villa manager David O'Leary for selling striker Peter Crouch. . . . more . . .
Manchester United survive Crewe scare (Oct 25, 2006)
League Cup holders Manchester United were just two minutes away from a penalty shoot-out before seeing off minnows Crewe 2-1 in a dramatic third round tie at Gresty Road. . . . more . . .
Inter and Palermo stretch lead in Italy (Oct 25, 2006)
Joint leaders Inter Milan and Palermo both recorded home victories to stretch their lead at the top of Serie A to four points. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid held by third division minnows (Oct 25, 2006)
Spanish giants Real Madrid were held 1-1 by third division Ecija in their Spanish Cup round of last 32 first leg match. . . . more . . .
Bayern on course for cup treble as rivals tumble (Oct 25, 2006)
Holders Bayern Munich stayed on course to lift the German cup for the third successive year with a 1-0 second round win over Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Wiltord brace breaks Parisian hearts (Oct 25, 2006)
Sylvain Wiltord scored a late brace to preserve Lyon's aura of invincibility as the five-time champions came back from the dead to beat Paris St Germain 2-1 in the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Newcastle deny takeover bid despite ongoing talks (Oct 25, 2006)
Struggling English Premiership giants Newcastle United have said they are having ongoing discussions with financial group Belgravia but denied that meant an offer would be imminent. . . . more . . .
Gerrard refuses to concede title (Oct 25, 2006)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has insisted his team can still win this season's Premiership title despite currently being 11 points behind leaders Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Desailly says Kenya to blame for its woes (Oct 25, 2006)
Former France captain Marcel Desailly has said that Kenya had only itself to blame for football woes that led FIFA this week to ban it indefinitely from international play. . . . more . . .
FIFA suspends Kenya from international football (Oct 25, 2006)
FIFA has confirmed that Kenya has been thrown out of international football until a 28-point plan agreed earlier this year to tackle alleged government interference and other problems is fully implemented. . . . more . . .
FA, Croatians charged by UEFA (Oct 25, 2006)
European football's ruling body UEFA have charged England's Football Association over the "improper behaviour" of England supporters in Croatia. . . . more . . .
Viduka can't toe the line for six weeks (Oct 24, 2006)
Middlesbrough's Australia international striker Mark Viduka has been ruled out for six weeks after X-rays revealed he'd broken a toe in last weekend's derby win against Newcastle. . . . more . . .
New coach same result for desperate Monaco (Oct 24, 2006)
Crisis-ridden 2004 Champions League finalists Monaco didn't get the usual boost of a victory on taking on a new coach as they crashed out of the League Cup losing to Second Division Reims on penalties. . . . more . . .
Schalke cup woe continues against Cologne (Oct 24, 2006)
North German giants Schalke 04 and Borussia Dortmund were both left licking their wounds as they were dumped out of the second round of the German Cup. . . . more . . .
Chesterfield add to West Ham's woes (Oct 24, 2006)
English Premiership strugglers West Ham suffered an eighth straight defeat as they went down 2-1 in the League Cup away to giantkillers Chesterfield. . . . more . . .
Smith set for League Cup return with United (Oct 24, 2006)
Alan Smith is set to start his first game since being seriously injured at Liverpool last season when League Cup holders Manchester United begin the defence of their trophy at Crewe on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
FIFA send Kenya into football exile: report (Oct 24, 2006)
Kenya have been handed an indefinite ban from all international competitions by football's world governing body FIFA, according to reports. . . . more . . .
Leeds seal Wise move (Oct 24, 2006)
Fallen English football giants Leeds United confirmed former England midfielder Dennis Wise as their new manager. . . . more . . .
South Africa will confound World Cup sceptics: Mbeki (Oct 24, 2006)
South Africa will confound international sceptics by meeting all its deadlines and staging a well-organized football World Cup in 2010, President Thabo Mbeki vowed. . . . more . . .
Cech out of hospital (Oct 24, 2006)
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has left hospital, ten days after fracturing his skull in a collision with Reading's Stephen Hunt. . . . more . . .
Benitez defends himself over Gerrard role (Oct 24, 2006)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has insisted he is getting the best out of club captain Steven Gerrard despite criticism that the England midfielder is being played out of position. . . . more . . .
Newcastle chairman Shepherd gets Hall backing (Oct 24, 2006)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has won backing from predecessor Sir John Hall after being targeted by fans during last weekend's derby defeat against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Beckham welcome back in England: Roeder (Oct 24, 2006)
David Beckham would find himself at the centre of a bidding frenzy were he to return to English football according to Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder. . . . more . . .
Lippi to return to coaching next year (Oct 24, 2006)
Marcello Lippi, who resigned as Italy coach shortly after their triumphant World Cup campaign this year, says he will look for another job in 2007. . . . more . . .
Time off for Hearts coach (Oct 24, 2006)
The mystery surrounding Hearts manager Valdas Ivanauskas has deepened wth the news that he is to take two weeks off to deal with an urgent "health issue." . . . more . . .
Porato on trial at Chelsea (Oct 24, 2006)
Chelsea have taken French goalkeeper Stephane Porato on trial as coach Jose Mourinho looks at how to resolve his goalkeeping crisis. . . . more . . .
Appeal verdicts for Italian match-fixing clubs expected on Monday (Oct 24, 2006)
Four of the five Italian football clubs found guilty of match-fixing should find out next Monday whether their punishments will be reduced further. . . . more . . .
Gallic untouchables Lyon out on their own (Oct 24, 2006)
Lyon look to be seamlessly racing away to their sixth straight French title and cruising through the Champions League qualifying group stages which begs the question - are Gerard Houllier's side the best in Europe? . . . more . . .
Hibs make a right Killen (Oct 23, 2006)
A double from Chris Killen inspired Hibernian to a 4-0 victory away at Dunfermline to record their first victory in the Scottish Premiership since previous manager Tony Mowbray left to take over at English Championship side West Brom. . . . more . . .
Boavista look for return to glory days as they hire Pacheco (Oct 23, 2006)
Portuguese side Boavista named Jaime Pacheco, who led the club to their only league title in 2001, as their new coach, replacing Zeljko Petrovic who resigned a day earlier. . . . more . . .
Lyon lose Fred after Marseille injury (Oct 23, 2006)
Lyon's Brazilian striker Fred will be sidelined for at least two months with a leg injury he picked up in the 4-1 defeat of Marseille here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Leeds look set to get their Wise-man after Swindon change mind over talks (Oct 23, 2006)
Struggling English football giants Leeds United were finally given permission by League Two highflyers Swindon Town to talk to their head coach Denis Wise and his assistant Gustavo Poyet. . . . more . . .
The 'Guvnor' opens managerial career at the bottom (Oct 23, 2006)
Former England international midfielder Paul Ince became a manager for the first time as he was appointed player-manager of the English league's bottom club Macclesfield Town on a 14 month contract. . . . more . . .
FA receive Chelsea letter over Cech incident (Oct 23, 2006)
The Football Association has confirmed they had received Chelsea's letter addressing concerns over the treatment of fractured skull-victim Petr Cech. . . . more . . .
Sending off to blame for dip in form says Rooney (Oct 23, 2006)
Manchester United's Wayne Rooney has brushed off suggestions his recent dip in form is down to post-World Cup trauma, and believes a red card he received in Amsterdam is more to blame. . . . more . . .
Bayern miss Ballack admits Sagnol (Oct 23, 2006)
French international defender Willy Sagnol believes Bayern Munich's indifferent start to the season can be traced back to the departure of several key players in the summer, notably Michael Ballack. . . . more . . .
Defoe defends 'mischievous' bite (Oct 23, 2006)
Tottenham's England striker Jermain Defoe has sought to play down an incident in Sunday's game against West Ham when he bit Javier Mascherano's arm. . . . more . . .
Leeds thwarted in Wise coaching bid...for now (Oct 23, 2006)
Leeds United appear to have been thwarted in their bid to lure Swindon head coach Dennis Wise and his assistant Gustavo Poyet to Elland Road to fill their vacant managerial position. . . . more . . .
Ferguson refuses to write off Liverpool (Oct 23, 2006)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson insists Liverpool can still win the Premiership even though their deadly rivals are 11 points adrift of the top of the table. . . . more . . .
Wenger fires title warning (Oct 23, 2006)
Arsene Wenger watched Thierry Henry and Cesc Fabregas combine to destroy Reading 4-0 and then warned Arsenal's Premiership title rivals: We are getting better and better. . . . more . . .
Real rain down on Barcelona (Oct 22, 2006)
Real Madrid gained revenge for their humiliation 12 months ago when they beat bitter rivals Barcelona 2-0 in a match played in torrential rain. . . . more . . .
Four-goal Lyon march towards sixth title (Oct 22, 2006)
Leaders Lyon's 4-1 victory at 10-man Marseille gave the clearest indication yet they have no credible rival in the chase for a sixth consecutive French league title. . . . more . . .
Villa strike lifts Valencia into second place (Oct 22, 2006)
Valencia's prolific Spanish international striker David Villa got the only goal in a 1-0 win over Osasuna, to keep up the pressure on league leaders Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Peruvian star Guerrero hands Hamburg first win (Oct 22, 2006)
SV Hamburg finally got their season up and running with Peruvian international Paolo Guerrero scoring twice to secure a 2-1 win over Bayer Leverkusen. . . . more . . .
Henry leads the way as Arsenal torment Reading (Oct 22, 2006)
Thierry Henry scored his first Premiership away goals of the season as Arsenal produced a vintage performance to sweep Reading aside 4-0 at the Madejski Stadium. . . . more . . .
Mido adds to West Ham's woes (Oct 22, 2006)
Tottenham have taken revenge over West Ham for denying them a Champions League place last season and pushed Alan Pardew a step closer to the sack as Mido's goal clinched a 1-0 win against their London rivals. . . . more . . .
Boro's Yakubu leaves it late to sink Newcastle (Oct 22, 2006)
Middlesbrough striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu grabbed a late goal to earn his side a 1-0 win against Newcastle at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Jaaskelainen's penalty heroics stun Blackburn (Oct 22, 2006)
Ivan Campo scored the decisive goal but goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen was the hero as 10-man Bolton staged a smash and grab raid to win 1-0 at Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Aussie Bresciano fires Palermo to top in Italy (Oct 22, 2006)
Australian international Mark Bresciano scored one of the goals which gave Palermo a 2-0 victory at AC Milan and a share of the lead in Italy. . . . more . . .
Dominant United sweep aside Liverpool (Oct 22, 2006)
Manchester United have gone back to the top of the Premiership with a 2-0 win against arch-rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Wenger wants video evidence (Oct 22, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes video technology must be introduced into football to help referees get controversial decisions right. . . . more . . .
Beckham gets the blues as bench takes its toll (Oct 22, 2006)
Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham has admitted he is sad and frustrated at being left on the sidelines by both club and country. . . . more . . .
Celtic still learning Champions League lessons says Strachan (Oct 22, 2006)
Celtic are still going through a learning process as they try to cope with the demands of playing in the Champions League while also retaining their league title, says manager Gordon Strachan. . . . more . . .
Warnock fury as Toffees blunt Blades (Oct 22, 2006)
Neil Warnock saw Sheffield United's away troubles continue in a 2-0 defeat at Everton and, not for the first time this season, the outspoken manager has laid the blame at the feet of a referee. . . . more . . .
Mourinho lavishes praise on Shevchenko (Oct 22, 2006)
Jose Mourinho lavished praise on Andriy Shevchenko after the Ukrainian striker finally scored for Chelsea for the first time in two months in their 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
We'll get it right, say sinking Monaco (Oct 21, 2006)
Monaco coach Laszlo Boloni insisted his side will rescue their dying season despite the former Champions League runners-up sinking to second from bottom of the French league. . . . more . . .
No sympathy as Deportivo's Arizmendi punishes former club (Oct 21, 2006)
Deportivo La Coruna moved up to second place in the Spanish first division after a hard-fought 1-0 over Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Volz breaks his duck to frustrate Villa (Oct 21, 2006)
Fulham midfielder Moritz Volz climbed off his sick bed to score his first ever Premiership goal and earn his side a 1-1 draw at high-flying Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Wigan pile the pressure on Pearce (Oct 21, 2006)
Wigan took advantage of a defensive horror-show to crush Manchester City 4-0 at the JJB Stadium. . . . more . . .
Everton blunt Blades to get back to winning ways (Oct 21, 2006)
Mikel Arteta's header and James Beattie's penalty saw Everton's recent problems in front of goal come to an end at the expense of relegation favourites Sheffield United. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko back on track as Chelsea triumph (Oct 21, 2006)
Andriy Shevchenko ended his goal-drought as Chelsea went back to the top of the Premiership with a 2-1 win over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Goalless stalemate leaves Watford and Charlton deep in mire (Oct 21, 2006)
Charlton remained anchored to the bottom of the English Premiership after being held to a goalless draw by fellow strugglers Watford at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Celtic move eight points clear (Oct 21, 2006)
Celtic moved eight points clear at the top of the Scottish Premier League after struggling to a 2-1 victory at home to Motherwell. . . . more . . .
Juventus in the black after sixth consecutive win (Oct 21, 2006)
A sixth consecutive victory for demoted Juventus in the Italian second division has finally wiped out their 17-point deficit imposed at the start of the season for match-fixing. . . . more . . .
Bremen win title duel as Diego magic bewitches Bayern (Oct 21, 2006)
Werder Bremen showed they are genuine contenders to end Bayern Munich's dominance of the domestic league after defeating the reigning champions 3-1 to stay top of the Bundesliga. . . . more . . .
Shevchenko breaks goal drought as Chelsea go top (Oct 21, 2006)
Andriy Shevchenko's goal drought has finally came to an end as Chelsea overpowered Portsmouth to move to the top of the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Dujkovic to coach Chinese Olympic football team (Oct 21, 2006)
Serbian veteran Ratomir Dujkovic, who guided Ghana to the second round of the World Cup, has been unveiled as the new coach of China's Olympic football team. . . . more . . .
Platini would reduce Champions League spots to three (Oct 21, 2006)
France legend Michel Platini would aim to reduce each country's Champions League allocations if he is voted in as the next president of UEFA. . . . more . . .
Everton director sells stake to BRC Sports (Oct 21, 2006)
Everton director Paul Gregg has ended his power struggle with chairman Bill Kenwright by selling his 23 percent stake in the club to BCR Sports, it was announced on the club's website. . . . more . . .
Bring back Beckham says Henry (Oct 21, 2006)
Arsenal captain Thierry Henry belives England manager Steve McClaren should give midfielder David Beckham another chance in the England set-up. . . . more . . .
Aussie goalkeeper Petkovic's career in doubt after broken leg (Oct 21, 2006)
The playing career of former Australian international goalkeeper Jason Petkovic may be over after he broke his leg in Perth Glory's 2-1 loss to Central Coast in the A-League. . . . more . . .
Time for Asia to play football by Australian rules: AFL coach (Oct 21, 2006)
The fast-flowing, hard-tackling sport of Australian rules football ought to take a giant punt at establishing itself in the booming Asian sports market, insists the coach of top AFL side Geelong. . . . more . . .
Spurs determined to give Hammers food for thought (Oct 21, 2006)
Tottenham captain Ledley King believes his side are ready to wipe out the painful memories of West Ham destroying their dream of qualifying for the Champions League last season. . . . more . . .
Arsenal rejects get chance to prove Wenger wrong (Oct 21, 2006)
Arsene Wenger, the Arsenal manager famed for his foreign recruitment policy, claims the club will be regularly producing their own home grown talent within the next five years. . . . more . . .
Gerrard key for Liverpool, says Benitez (Oct 21, 2006)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard makes his 350th