Archive soccer news from around the world
Bayern lose after Helmes' double strike (Jul 31, 2007)
German striker Patrick Helmes struck with two second-half goals as a weakened Bayern Munich side were beaten 3-1 in their pre-season friendly at second division Cologne on Tuesday night. . . . more . . .
Rangers struggle against Montenegrin minnows (Jul 31, 2007)
Two scrappy second half goals handed Rangers an unconvincing victory over Montenegro minnows FK Zeta in a Champions League second preliminary round first leg match at Ibrox here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Real's Schuster delighted Galacticos are gone (Jul 31, 2007)
Real Madrid's new coach Bernd Schuster expressed relief on Tuesday the Spanish giants have lost their star players - Los Galacticos - and can concentrate on being a European force again. . . . more . . .
Dubai ruler rewards Iraq's team for Asian Cup win (Jul 31, 2007)
The ruler of Dubai has awarded 5.5 million dollars to Iraq's national football team for its victory in the Asian Cup final, a football official said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Thuram opposes Barca's Asian tour (Jul 31, 2007)
Barcelona's tour of China and Japan is not the best way of preparing for the upcoming season, the team's French World Cup and Euro winning defender Lilian Thuram said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Adieu, Adu - Ghana-born US prodigy leaves for Benfica (Jul 31, 2007)
Freddy Adu, the 18-year-old Ghana-born US forward who joined Major League Soccer at age 14, has departed Real Salt Lake to play for Benfica of Portugal, the European club announced. . . . more . . .
Rossi leaves United for Villarreal (Jul 31, 2007)
Spanish side Villarreal's penchant for Manchester United's unwanted strikers continued on Tuesday as they signed Italian Under-21 international Giuseppe Rossi for 6.7million pounds. . . . more . . .
Real coach says team 'needs' Chelsea's Robben (Jul 31, 2007)
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster says his side "needs" Chelsea's Dutch international winger Arjen Robben who has two years left on his contract with the London club. . . . more . . .
Tevez court date set (Jul 31, 2007)
Carlos Tevez is expected to give evidence when his long-running transfer saga reaches the High Court on August 22. . . . more . . .
It's jolly Boateng weather for Spurs (Jul 31, 2007)
Tottenham signed Germany Under-21 midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng from Hertha Berlin on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Bayern's Hoeness "stupid not to spend sooner" (Jul 31, 2007)
Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness branded himself "stupid" on Tuesday for not spending the German giants' millions to assemble Bavaria's dream team sooner. . . . more . . .
Keane eyes double swoop (Jul 31, 2007)
Sunderland manager Roy Keane hopes to complete the signings of Cork City striker Roy O'Donovan and another unnamed player this week. . . . more . . .
Seol considers Fulham switch (Jul 31, 2007)
South Korea winger Seol Ki-Hyeon has admitted he is considering a move to Fulham. . . . more . . .
Angry Newcastle boss slams Martins rumours (Jul 31, 2007)
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has rubbished reports that he is ready to sell Nigeria striker Obafemi Martins. . . . more . . .
Brazil officially presents 2014 World Cup bid (Jul 31, 2007)
Brazil, the only candidate bidding to host the 2014 World Cup, on Tuesday officially presented its bid at the headquarters of world football's governing body FIFA in Zurich. . . . more . . .
I'd love to work with Mourinho again, says Barca's Deco (Jul 31, 2007)
Barcelona midfielder Deco has admitted he would love to be reunited with Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Alex's Chelsea switch on hold (Jul 31, 2007)
Chelsea face a nervous wait to see if Brazil defender Alex will be given a work permit after he was unable to link up with his new club. . . . more . . .
Premier League under fire over Thaksin's human rights record (Jul 31, 2007)
A human rights organisation has slammed the Premier League for allowing former Thailand prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra to buy Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Barcelona head to Asia reinvigorated by Henry arrival (Jul 31, 2007)
Barcelona head to Asia on Thursday for a pre-season tour reinvigorated by their new signing Thierry Henry who scored during his debut last week for the club at an exhibition match in Scotland. . . . more . . .
Nakamura pivotal to Celtic's European glory hopes (Jul 31, 2007)
Celtic will begin the defence of their Scottish Premier League title against Kilmarnock on Sunday but their supporters have loftier ambitions than mere domestic success. . . . more . . .
Premiership newboys prepared for yo yo effect (Jul 31, 2007)
The promotion champagne has only just gone flat in Derby, Sunderland and Birmingham, but already the English Premiership's three newcomers will be fearing the inevitable hangover. . . . more . . .
Martins still to prove himself with the Magpies (Jul 31, 2007)
The jury is still out on Obafemi Martins, who scored 17 goals in his first season at Newcastle United, but failed to convince all their supporters that he represents a worthy successor to the great names who have worn the No.9 jersey. . . . more . . .
Atletico looking for Reyes sharp attack (Jul 30, 2007)
Spanish international winger Jose Antonio Reyes became the eighth player to join Atletico Madrid in the close season when he moved from English Premiership side Arsenal for a fee believed to be 12million euros on a four year contract. . . . more . . .
Beckham set to miss Dallas shootout (Jul 30, 2007)
Los Angeles Galaxy star David Beckham will not play in Tuesday's Superliga match at Major League Soccer rival FC Dallas, missing his third game since joining the US club due to a sore ankle. . . . more . . .
Ghaly becomes Birmingham's latest recruit (Jul 30, 2007)
Newly-promoted Premiership side Birmingham City continued their overhaul of the squad on Monday by signing Egyptian international midfielder Hossam Ghaly from Premier League rivals Spurs for around 3million pounds. . . . more . . .
Brazil bids to host 2014 World Cup - official (Jul 30, 2007)
Brazil, the only candidate bidding to host the 2014 World Cup, is set to officially present its bid at the headquarters of world football's governing body FIFA in Zurich on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona heads to Asia reinvigorated by Henry arrival (Jul 30, 2007)
Barcelona head to Asia on Thursday for a pre-season tour reinvigorated by their new signing Thierry Henry who scored during his debut last week for the club at an exhibition match in Scotland. . . . more . . .
Cesar looking for salad days with loan spell at West Brom (Jul 30, 2007)
Marseille have loaned out Slovenian international defender Bostjan Cesar to English Championship side West Bromwich Albion with the option to buy, revealed Marseille club president Pape Diouf on Monday. . . . more . . .
Atletico Madrid to move to bigger stadium (Jul 30, 2007)
Atletico Madrid will move to a bigger capacity stadium in 2010 under an agreement reached with the local council, the Spanish first division club's president and city officials said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Benfica poised to sign US star Adu (Jul 30, 2007)
Freddy Adu, the most recognisable name in the Major League Soccer, was on Monday poised to sign a five year deal with Portuguese side Benfica. . . . more . . .
Castelen joins Dutch contingent at Hamburg (Jul 30, 2007)
Bundesliga club SV Hamburg said Monday they had completed the signing of Dutch international winger Romeo Castelen from Feyenoord on a four-year contract. . . . more . . .
Real set for record 90m euro bid for Kaka: report (Jul 30, 2007)
Real Madrid will later this week offer AC Milan 90 million euros (123 million US dollars) for the Italian side's Brazilian star Kaka, Spanish sports daily Marca reported Monday. . . . more . . .
Osim's Japan down but not out (Jul 30, 2007)
Japan's national squad and coach Ivica Osim returned home Monday after losing the Asian Cup but their spirit remained intact as attention turned to making the 2010 World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Wenger tries to cure Arsenal's growing pains (Jul 30, 2007)
Arsene Wenger faces his biggest challenge in a decade at Arsenal as he tries to stop his club slipping into Premiership obscurity. . . . more . . .
Fear of failure haunts Rangers' Champions League bid (Jul 30, 2007)
Rangers manager Walter Smith admits to having a 10-million-pound headache ahead of his side's Champions League qualifier against Montenegro minnows FK Zeta at Ibrox on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Pressure on Benitez after summer spending spree (Jul 30, 2007)
Rafael Benitez launches his fourth season in charge at Liverpool under real pressure to deliver silverware to the Anfield trophy room. . . . more . . .
Reyes set to sign for Atletico Madrid: Marca (Jul 29, 2007)
Spanish international Jose Antonio Reyes, on-loan from Arsenal to Real Madrid last season, is set to join Atletico Madrid on a four-year contract, Spanish sports daily Marca reported on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Iraqis greet Asian Cup triumph with joyful gunfire (Jul 29, 2007)
Iraq erupted in joy and celebratory gunfire on Sunday when the country's national football squad won the Asian Cup and united its bitterly divided communities in a rare moment of celebration. . . . more . . .
Stunning van Persie gives Gunners trophy (Jul 29, 2007)
A memorable piece of individual skill by Dutch international Robin van Persie helped Arsenal to a 2-1 win over Italian champions Inter Milan on Sunday which also secured the Emirates Cup trophy. . . . more . . .
Bin Hammam vows improvements as Qatar named 2011 Asian Cup host (Jul 29, 2007)
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed bin Hammam vowed improvements to the Asian Cup as Qatar was officially confirmed Sunday as host country for the next tournament in 2011. . . . more . . .
Sore ankle sidelines Beckham as Galaxy fall to Guadalajara (Jul 29, 2007)
David Beckham's sore ankle meant the Los Angeles Galaxy's new star could again only watch Saturday as they fell 2-1 to Chivas Guadalajara in a SuperLiga tournament group match. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer boost for England's 2018 World Cup bid (Jul 29, 2007)
England's hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup received a major boost on Sunday from Franz Beckenbauer who insisted there was "only one serious candidate". . . . more . . .
Iraq braced for bloodshed during Asian Cup final (Jul 29, 2007)
Iraq declared an overnight vehicle curfew in Baghdad and stepped up security as the country braced itself for celebrations and possible bomb attacks following the Asian Cup football final. . . . more . . .
Mahmoud the hero as Iraq win first-ever Asian Cup title (Jul 29, 2007)
Skipper Younis Mahmoud's thumping headed goal crowned Iraq as the Asian Cup champions for the first time with a stirring 1-0 win over Saudi Arabia in the final here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Socceroo Grella slams gamesmanship at Asian Cup (Jul 29, 2007)
Australian Vince Grella has lashed the gamesmanship and chicanery of the Socceroos' rivals and the standard of refereeing at the Asian Cup, calling it disgraceful. . . . more . . .
Mourinho plots Chelsea's title revenge (Jul 29, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has found himself in the unusual position of being out-gunned in the transfer market, but he believes his decision to go back to basics will prove decisive in the race for the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo pivotal to Man Utd retaining Premiership title (Jul 29, 2007)
Cristiano Ronaldo could have gone in one of two directions at Manchester United last season. . . . more . . .
Gunners stutter to victory (Jul 28, 2007)
Arsenal beat Paris St Germain 2-0 on Saturday to win their opening game of the four-team Emirates Cup at the London club's home ground. . . . more . . .
Bent doubles as Tottenham sink Pirates (Jul 28, 2007)
Club record signing Darren Bent scored twice as English Premiership club Tottenham brushed aside Orlando Pirates of South Africa 3-0 to lift the Vodacom Challenge Saturday. . . . more . . .
Klose strikes as Bayern lift League Cup (Jul 28, 2007)
Miroslav Klose struck for Bayern Munich as the Bavarian giants won the German League Cup with a 1-0 win over Schalke 04 on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Rangers beat Chelsea for Euro boost (Jul 28, 2007)
Glasgow Rangers warmed up for their Champions League campaign by beating Chelsea 2-0 in a pre-season friendly at Ibrox on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho stars at packed Scottish friendly (Jul 28, 2007)
Ronaldinho scored twice as Barcelona beat Hearts 3-1 in a pre-season friendly watched by 57,857 people at Murrayfield on Saturday. . . . more . . .
South Korea battle odds to beat Japan on penalties (Jul 28, 2007)
South Korea battled a man short and embroiled in their third straight penalty shootout to beat Japan in a marathon play-off for third place at the Asian Cup here Saturday. . . . more . . .
Spartak remain top of Russian league (Jul 28, 2007)
Nine-time champions Spartak Moscow remained top of the Russian league although they were held to a 1-1 draw at Vladivostok on Saturday. . . . more . . .
O'Donovan set for Fulham medical (Jul 28, 2007)
Fulham have agreed a fee for highly-rated Irishman Roy O'Donovan and he will undergo a medical this week, manager Lawrie Sanchez said. . . . more . . .
Benitez unworried by goal-shy Reds (Jul 28, 2007)
Rafael Benitez shrugged off concerns over new-look Liverpool's firepower after they failed to find the net in the Asia Trophy loss to Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Real coach wants a Ballack at the Bernabeu (Jul 28, 2007)
Real Madrid need a Michael Ballack type player in midfield to help them defend their Spanish title, coach Bernd Schuster believes. . . . more . . .
Iraq to pit defence against high-scoring Saudis in Asian Cup final (Jul 28, 2007)
The best defence takes on the best attack in the tournament as Iraq and Saudi Arabia play off for the region's premier football crown in the Asian Cup final here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Coach Vieira to quit Iraq, in talks with South Korea (Jul 28, 2007)
Brazil's Jorvan Vieira will quit as Iraqi national coach after their Asian Cup final with Saudi Arabia here on Sunday and is in talks to take over from Dutchman Pim Verbeek at South Korea. . . . more . . .
Gilberto retains Wenger's faith as Arsenal skipper (Jul 28, 2007)
Arsene Wenger says midfielder Gilberto will continue to wear the captain's armband for Arsenal this season. . . . more . . .
Furious Redknapp carpets 'nosey' Niall (Jul 28, 2007)
Portsmouth's Harry Redknapp launched a furious tirade at Niall Quinn after the Sunderland chairman accused him of spending "silly money" in the transfer market. . . . more . . .
Money talks as Premiership big guns prepare for battle (Jul 28, 2007)
When the whistle blows at the Stadium of Light to start the Premiership season on August 11, attention will finally turn to players rather than pound notes. . . . more . . .
Transfer saga finally ends as Chivu joins Inter Milan (Jul 27, 2007)
Romanian international defender Cristian Chivu finally completed his 13-million euro move from Rome to Inter Milan on Friday, bringing to an end the most protracted transfer saga in Serie A this summer. . . . more . . .
Gunners will always be in my heart, says Henry (Jul 27, 2007)
Thierry Henry insisted on Friday that he will always have affection for Arsenal despite his summer move to Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Henry delighted with debut goal for Barca (Jul 27, 2007)
Thierry Henry said Friday he was delighted to have made a goalscoring start on his Barcelona debut in Thursday's 1-0 friendly win at Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Schuster's Real reign begins with friendly win (Jul 27, 2007)
Bernd Schuster's reign at Real Madrid began with a 2-0 friendly win over English Championship side Stoke City on Friday with Raul and Roberto Soldado on target. . . . more . . .
Galaxy rule out hobbling Beckham (Jul 27, 2007)
David Beckham will not play Saturday for the Los Angeles Galaxy in a Superliga match here against Chivas of Mexico because of his injured left ankle, the Major League Soccer club announced Friday. . . . more . . .
Ferguson defiant over Heinze (Jul 27, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson has warned Gabriel Heinze that Manchester United remain confident they will not be forced to sell him to Liverpool - despite the Argentinian's decision to enlist Anfield solicitors in a bid to force the move. . . . more . . .
Zenden hungry for Marseille success (Jul 27, 2007)
Dutch international Boudewijn Zenden said on Friday he had no regrets moving from Liverpool to mediterranean giants Marseille. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth stun Liverpool on penalties (Jul 27, 2007)
Goalkeeper David James was the hero as Portsmouth withstood a Liverpool barrage before snatching the Asia Trophy title 4-2 on penalties here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United end Asia tour with win (Jul 27, 2007)
Manchester United new boy Nani wrapped up the club's Far East tour with a stunning goal in a 3-0 win against Guangzhou Pharmaceutical in China on Friday. . . . more . . .
Benfica captain Sabrosa unveiled as Atletico player (Jul 27, 2007)
Benfica captain Simao Sabrosa, who had been targeted by Liverpool, was officially unveiled on Friday as a player of Spanish Primera Liga side Atletico Madrid for the next four seasons. . . . more . . .
Santa Cruz could join Blackburn: manager (Jul 27, 2007)
Bayern Munich striker Roque Santa Cruz could join Blackburn in the next 24 hours according to Mark Hugues, the manager of the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Wenger considers Gallas for Arsenal captaincy (Jul 27, 2007)
Arsene Wenger has hinted France defender William Gallas could captain Arsenal this season despite publicly criticising the club. . . . more . . .
Henry makes Barcelona goal-scoring debut (Jul 26, 2007)
French international striker Thierry Henry enjoyed a goal-scoring debut for Barcelona as the Spanish giants defeated Scottish Premier League side Dundee United 1-0 in a friendly on Thursday. . . . more . . .
McShane adds to Keane's Sunderland revamp (Jul 26, 2007)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane on Thursday completed his sixth signing of the summer when he lured defender Paul McShane from West Brom. . . . more . . .
Partizan kicked out of UEFA Cup (Jul 26, 2007)
UEFA decided on Thursday to ban Serbia's Partizan Belgrade from European competitions for a one-year period due to violence at last week's UEFA Cup qualifier in Bosnia, the club said in a statement. . . . more . . .
Simao set for Atletico switch (Jul 26, 2007)
Portuguese international striker Simao was expected to finalise his move from Benfica to Atletico Madrid later Thursday, the Spanish club announced. . . . more . . .
Chivu on brink of Inter move, says agent (Jul 26, 2007)
Cristian Chivu's protracted transfer saga appears to be almost over with the Romanian international close to completing a move from Roma to Serie A rivals Inter Milan, his agent said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Mido deal under threat, says Bruce (Jul 26, 2007)
Egypt striker Mido's proposed move to Birmingham is close to collapse, according to the Premiership club's manager Steve Bruce. . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough clinch Young signing (Jul 26, 2007)
England defender Luke Young completed his 2.5 million pounds move to Middlesbrough on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Eriksson brings Petrov to City (Jul 26, 2007)
Manchester City manager Sven Goran Eriksson vowed to carry on spending after signing Bulgarian international winger Martin Petrov for 4.7 million pounds from Atletico Madrid. . . . more . . .
Brown's call on Wigan, says Sanchez (Jul 26, 2007)
Fulham boss Lawrie Sanchez on Thursday said it was up to Michael Brown whether to move to Wigan after an offer was accepted for the midfielder. . . . more . . .
Life looks Swede for Bolton (Jul 26, 2007)
Bolton have agreed to sign Sweden winger Christian Wilhelmsson on loan from Nantes. . . . more . . .
James to fight for England return (Jul 26, 2007)
Goalkeeper David James on Thursday said he would fight to return to the England set-up after his rejuvenating first season at Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Crouch assured of Liverpool role (Jul 26, 2007)
Liverpool striker Peter Crouch on Thursday said he was confident of playing a key role this season despite intense new competition for places. . . . more . . .
Iraqi players on emotional rollercoaster (Jul 26, 2007)
The Iraqi team are on an emotional rollercoaster after reaching their first Asian Cup final as it took a bloody toll back home where at least 50 celebrating fans were killed. . . . more . . .
Villarreal eye up swoop for Anelka (Jul 26, 2007)
Spanish side Villarreal on Thursday became the latest club to indicate an interest in signing French international striker Nicolas Anelka from English Premiership outfit Bolton Wanderers according to sports daily Marca. . . . more . . .
Benitez side-steps Mourinho barbs (Jul 26, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez refused to be drawn into a new dispute with Jose Mourinho on Thursday after the latest verbal salvo from the Chelsea boss. . . . more . . .
Liverpool stars get Hong Kong all-clear (Jul 26, 2007)
Liverpool will be at full strength for the Asia Trophy final after record signing Fernando Torres was given permission to play and Steven Gerrard recovered from injury, their coach said on Thursday. . . . more . . .
British legend Charlton trains Cambodia children (Jul 26, 2007)
British football legend Bobby Charlton on Thursday led a training session for young Cambodian players, as the impoverished country tries to boost its ailing football set-up. . . . more . . .
Japanese press blames fatigue for loss (Jul 26, 2007)
Japanese media on Thursday blamed fatigue for the national team's 2-3 loss to Saudi Arabia who ended Japan's bid for a third straight Asian Cup victory. . . . more . . .
Three Thai football players set for ManCity trial (Jul 26, 2007)
Three Thai international players have secured trials at Manchester City at the request of the club's new owner and deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, local newspapers reported Thursday. . . . more . . .
Iraqi football players on emotional rollercoaster (Jul 26, 2007)
The Iraqi team are on an emotional rollercoaster after reaching their first Asian Cup final as it took a bloody toll back home where at least 26 celebrating fans were killed. . . . more . . .
Shattered Korea regroup for 'terrible' third place play-off (Jul 26, 2007)
Coach Pim Verbeek says crushed South Korean will recover from the anguish of their defeat on penalties to Iraq and regroup mentally for Saturday's "terrible" play-off for third place at the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Deco staying put at Barcelona - Rijkaard (Jul 25, 2007)
Barcelona's Portuguese international Deco, who has been linked to a move to the English Premiership, will be staying put at the Spanish club, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Ribery steers Bayern into final (Jul 25, 2007)
French star Franck Ribery continued his impressive early form by scoring the opening goal and creating a second in Bayern Munich's 2-0 League Cup semi-final win over German champions VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Saudis celebrate football victory (Jul 25, 2007)
Saudi football fans poured on to the streets of the main cities Riyadh and Jeddah in celebration on Wednesday after their national team powered their way into the final of the Asian Cup. . . . more . . .
Derby complete Davis deal (Jul 25, 2007)
Premiership new-boys Derby completed Claude Davis's three million pounds transfer from Sheffield United after the Jamaican defender was granted a work permit on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Manchester's Ferguson accuses agents over Heinze row (Jul 25, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson has accused agents of causing Gabriel Heinze to consider quitting Manchester United for a move to Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Maaz fires Saudi Arabia into Asian Cup final (Jul 25, 2007)
Saudi Arabia reached the final of the Asian Cup for the sixth time in seven tournaments with a smash-and-grab 3-2 win over Japan here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Frings get better for injured German star (Jul 25, 2007)
German midfielder Torsten Frings was a relieved man on Wednesday night after discovering his knee ligament injury was only a strain - not a tear as first feared. . . . more . . .
Saudi Arabia to meet Iraq in Asian Cup final (Jul 25, 2007)
Iraq stunned South Korea 4-3 on penalties Wednesday and Saudi Arabia upset defending champions Japan 3-2 to set up an Asian Cup final few expected to see. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan still chasing Chivu (Jul 25, 2007)
Inter Milan's general manager Ernesto Paolillo on Wednesday confirmed the club's interest in signing Christian Chivu from Roma, but said no agreement had yet been struck with their Serie A rivals. . . . more . . .
Young on the verge of Middlesbrough move (Jul 25, 2007)
England defender Luke Young is on the verge of completing his move to Middlesbrough after passing a medical with the Premiership club. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Mourinho piles title pressure on Liverpool (Jul 25, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has warned Rafa Benitez that the pressure is on Liverpool to end their long wait for the Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Dong determined to make the grade with Man Utd (Jul 25, 2007)
China striker Dong Fangzhou insists he has not given up hope of becoming a Manchester United star. . . . more . . .
Liverpool unveil new stadium plans (Jul 25, 2007)
Steven Gerrard admitted he can't wait to lead Liverpool out at their new 60,000-seat stadium after the club unveiled the plans for the spectacular Stanley Park arena. . . . more . . .
Hong Kong's 'Ronaldinho' not packing his bags (Jul 25, 2007)
His wonder-goal against Liverpool drew comparisons with Ronaldinho, but Li Haiqiang is not packing his bags just yet. . . . more . . .
Tournament makes Nakamura a more complete player (Jul 25, 2007)
Celtic and Japan midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura believes that his international duty at the Asian Cup has made him a more complete player. . . . more . . .
Well-healing Beckham told to rest until he is 100 percent (Jul 25, 2007)
Los Angeles Galaxy coach Frank Yallop wants to keep England football icon David Beckham on the bench until his sore left ankle is healed and the midfielder is 100 percent fit. . . . more . . .
Czech Republic's Euro 2008 hopes hit by another injury (Jul 24, 2007)
The Czech Republic's hopes of qualifying for the Euro 2008 finals suffered a second blow on Tuesday when experienced defender Martin Jiranek was ruled out of their next two qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Lens looking for a good adventure with Ivory Coast star (Jul 24, 2007)
French first division side Paris Saint Germain on Tuesday agreed terms with league rivals Lens over the transfer of their Ivory Coast international striker Bonaventure Kalou, announced PSG club president Alain Cayzac. . . . more . . .
Furious Iraq coach lashes AFC over hotel shambles (Jul 24, 2007)
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira launched a furious tirade Tuesday against the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after his team was forced to wait six hours to get into their hotel. . . . more . . .
Bobby Charlton arrives in Cambodia (Jul 24, 2007)
British football legend Bobby Charlton arrived in Cambodia Tuesday for a goodwill visit that is hoped to boost the country's ailing football programme. . . . more . . .
Liverpool suffer South China seizure (Jul 24, 2007)
Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez was left frustrated on Tuesday after red tape and an injury to Steven Gerrard forced him to field a makeshift side in an unimpressive 3-1 win over South China. . . . more . . .
Tevez saga set for High Court showdown (Jul 24, 2007)
The Carlos Tevez transfer saga is to be settled in the High Court after it emerged that the Argentine striker's representatives are set to launch legal action against West Ham. . . . more . . .
Kaka pledges future to AC Milan (Jul 24, 2007)
AC Milan's Brazilian star Kaka pledged his future to the European champions on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Fulham accept Wigan offer for Brown (Jul 24, 2007)
Fulham accepted an offer from Wigan for midfielder Michael Brown on Monday, according to manager Lawrie Sanchez. . . . more . . .
No more title excuses for Reds stars (Jul 24, 2007)
Liverpool find themselves in a familiar position as everyone's outside bet to win the Premiership this season, but the club's stars are fed up of talking a good game. . . . more . . .
Pompey into Hong Kong final (Jul 24, 2007)
Zimbabwe international Benjani Mwaruwari struck just before half-time as Portsmouth edged Fulham 1-0 to reach the Asia Trophy final on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Ribery wants to forge Schweinsteiger partnership (Jul 24, 2007)
Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery said on Tuesday he is looking forward to taking on Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart on Wednesday and forging a midfield partnership with Bastian Schweinsteiger. . . . more . . .
Thaksin wants City to land Thai stars (Jul 24, 2007)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra expects Sven Goran Eriksson to sign at least two Thailand stars as he continues rebuilding the Premiership team. . . . more . . .
Catania cancel Japan tour (Jul 24, 2007)
Italian Serie A club Catania on Tuesday cancelled their tour of Japan, blaming a powerful earthquake that caused a small nuclear radiation leak. . . . more . . .
Sanogo signs for Bremen (Jul 24, 2007)
Ivory Coast international Boubacar Sanogo has waved goodbye to Hamburg's boo boys and signed a four-year contract at Werder Bremen, the club announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Blue Samurai wary of 'all-new' Saudis (Jul 24, 2007)
Defending champions Japan are wary of an "all-new" Saudi Arabia led by danger man Yasser Al Qahtani as the long-time rivals gear up for their Asian Cup semi-final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Iraq coach non-committal on future (Jul 24, 2007)
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira has refused to say whether he will sign a new contract after defying the odds to guide his team to the Asian Cup semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Furious Iraq coach lashes AFC over hotel shambles (Jul 24, 2007)
Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira launched a furious tirade Tuesday against the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) after his team was forced to wait six hours to get into their hotel. . . . more . . .
United's Ferguson stands firm on Heinze (Jul 24, 2007)
Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has expressed anger at the conduct of Gabriel Heinze's agent and again vowed to block any move by Liverpool for the Argentinian defender. . . . more . . .
Scholes injury blow for Manchester United (Jul 24, 2007)
Paul Scholes is set to miss the start of the Premiership season after flying home early from Manchester United's Asian tour with a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Becks gives America glimpse of The Glamorous Game (Jul 24, 2007)
Los Angeles, where Magic Johnson brought "Showtime" to the Lakers and Jack Nicholson defined courtside cool, has a new game in town thanks to David Beckham. . . . more . . .
Sore ankle makes Beckham questionable for next match (Jul 23, 2007)
England star David Beckham, suffering a sore left ankle that trimmed his much-heralded debut with Los Angeles to a 12-minute substitute's cameo, is questionable for the Galaxy's game Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart boosted as Gomez extends contract (Jul 23, 2007)
German international striker Mario Gomez declined a possible move to Italian giants Juventus on Monday and extended his contract with German champions VfB Stuttgart till 2012. . . . more . . .
Czech striker Lafata to miss next two Euro 2008 qualifiers (Jul 23, 2007)
Czech international David Lafata is likely to miss their Euro 2008 Group D qualification ties against San-Marino and Ireland in September after suffering a torn back muscle, reported the press agency CTK on Monday. . . . more . . .
FIFA meet with FA and Premier league over Tevez affair (Jul 23, 2007)
World football's governing body FIFA on Monday met with representatives of the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League to discuss the transfer of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez from West Ham to Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Lyon's Juninho back to full fitness (Jul 23, 2007)
Lyon's Brazilian playmaker Juninho has fully recovered from the thigh injury that kept him out of the Peace Cup in South Korea, announced the French champions on Monday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United hit six past Shenzhen (Jul 23, 2007)
English Premier League champions Manchester United handed FC Shenzhen a footballing lesson with a 6-0 victory in Macau Monday, even though they were missing injured midfielder Paul Scholes. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Ljungberg joins West Ham (Jul 23, 2007)
Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg has completed his move to fellow London club West Ham. . . . more . . .
Chinese players eyed for Birmingham (Jul 23, 2007)
Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, the new main shareholder of English Premier League side Birmingham City, said Monday he planned to bring Hong Kong and mainland Chinese players to the club. . . . more . . .
Liverpool lawyers chase Heinze move (Jul 23, 2007)
Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez on Monday said the club's lawyers were working on ways to prise defender Gabriel Heinze away from Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Ireland's Finnan extends Liverpool contract (Jul 23, 2007)
Liverpool's Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has been handed a new three-year contract and is expected to sign the deal on return from the Reds' tour of Asia. . . . more . . .
Liverpool's Gerrard predicts wide-open Premier League (Jul 23, 2007)
Liverpool star Steven Gerrard on Monday predicted a wide-open Premier League season with several teams challenging for the title. . . . more . . .
Ousted Thai PM to delist Manchester City: lawyer (Jul 23, 2007)
Thailand's ousted premier Thaksin Shinawatra has gained effective control of Manchester City football club and will delist it from the stock exchange, his lawyer said Monday. . . . more . . .
When will I be world famous, asks Torres (Jul 23, 2007)
Record Liverpool signing Fernando Torres on Monday said he hoped his big-money move would make him famous around the globe. . . . more . . .
Weary Koreans look to freshen for soccer tilt at Iraq (Jul 23, 2007)
South Korea's elation at staying alive in the Asian Cup has been tempered by only two days' recovery from their draining two-hour win over Iran on penalties. . . . more . . .
Osim warns Japan they must improve (Jul 23, 2007)
Disgruntled coach Ivica Osim has told Japan to forget about Australia and start working harder as they brace themselves for an Asian Cup semi-final clash with arch-rivals Saudi Arabia on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Weary Koreans look to freshen for tilt at Iraq (Jul 23, 2007)
South Korea's elation at staying alive in the Asian Cup has been tempered by only two days' recovery from their draining two-hour win over Iran on penalties. . . . more . . .
Newcastle lose Barton for six weeks (Jul 22, 2007)
Newcastle suffered another injury blow on Sunday when England midfielder Joey Barton was ruled out for six weeks after breaking a metatarsal in his left foot. . . . more . . .
Premiership hands 90 million pounds to poor relations (Jul 22, 2007)
The Premier League on Sunday agreed to pump more than 90 million pounds (133.9 million euros) into the Football League in a bid to reduce the financial chasm that separates the top flight clubs and the lower league sides. . . . more . . .
Angry coach slams victorious Ahly (Jul 22, 2007)
Egyptian giants Al-Ahly were slammed by their own coach Manuel Jose Sunday despite a win that virtually sealed an African Champions League semi-finals place. . . . more . . .
McCarthy shows Euro value to Rovers (Jul 22, 2007)
South African striker Benni McCarthy illustrated why he was targetted by Chelsea with one of the goals in Blackburn Rovers' 2-0 Intertoto Cup win over FK Vetra of Lithuania on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona to beef up player discipline (Jul 22, 2007)
Spanish gaints Barcelona will step up measures aimed at enforcing player discipline after a series of bust-ups that damaged the team's performance last season. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid head to training camp without Cassano (Jul 22, 2007)
Spanish champions Real Madrid headed to Austria on Sunday for a pre-season training camp without their unsettled Italian international striker Antonio Cassano. . . . more . . .
African Nations Cup draw date changed (Jul 22, 2007)
The 2008 African Nations Cup draw in Ghana has been moved forward one day to October 19, the organisers said Sunday. . . . more . . .
South Korea and Saudi Arabia make Cup semis (Jul 22, 2007)
Heavyweights South Korea and Saudi Arabia earned their places in the Asian Cup semi-finals Sunday, joining Japan and Iraq as the teams still standing in the regional showpiece. . . . more . . .
Sundowns rally to stun Mazembe in African thriller (Jul 22, 2007)
Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa staged a heroic comeback this weekend to get their African Confederation Cup group campaign off to a winning start. . . . more . . .
Injured Podolski vows to win back Bayern place (Jul 22, 2007)
Injured Bayern Munich striker Lukas Podolski, voted the best young player at last year's World Cup, has vowed on Sunday to win back his place with the German giants. . . . more . . .
Gunners fans warned of dangers of overseas takeover (Jul 22, 2007)
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman on Sunday warned fans that a takeover by an overseas investor may not be good news for the club, amid mounting speculation that American billionaire Stan Kroenke is set to launch a bid. . . . more . . .
Viduka mulls international future (Jul 22, 2007)
Australian captain Mark Viduka is considering his international future following the Socceroos exit from the Asian Cup, but insists he has no regrets about playing in the tournament. . . . more . . .
Ferguson calls on Dong (Jul 22, 2007)
Dong Fangzhou will link-up with Manchester United's Asian tour party Sunday, but the China international has been told he will not be selected to face Shenzhen of Guangzhou Ph