Archive soccer news from around the world
Giggs set for new United deal (Sep 30, 2007)
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs looks certain to stay with the Premier League champions after Sir Alex Ferguson hinted he will sign a new contract. . . . more . . .
Real break Getafe football jinx, Valencia ready for Chelsea (Sep 30, 2007)
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster enjoyed a successful return to former club Getafe on Sunday with a Sergio Ramos goal seeing the champions reclaim top spot in the Spanish first division with a 1-0 win over their local neighbours. . . . more . . .
Chelsea chairman Buck angered by racist taunts (Sep 30, 2007)
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has hit back at fans who sent racist messages to the club after their appointment of Israeli coach Avram Grant. . . . more . . .
Stuttering AC Milan still looking for home win (Sep 30, 2007)
AC Milan suffered another setback in their stuttering championship bid on Sunday after being held 1-1 at home by lowly Sicilian side Catania. . . . more . . .
Bayern sweat on Klose and Kahn for Lisbon trip (Sep 30, 2007)
Striker Miroslav Klose and goalkeeper Oliver Kahn are Bavaria Munich's main injury doubts for their UEFA Cup first-round second-leg tie at Belenenses in Lisbon on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Ronaldinho recalled for Stuttgart match (Sep 30, 2007)
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has included the club's under-fire Brazilian star Ronaldinho in his 19-man line-up for Tuesday's Champions League match against German side Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Villarreal back on top as purple patch continues (Sep 30, 2007)
Villarreal knocked Barcelona off the Spanish first division summit with a 1-0 triumph over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday to record their 13th league victory in their last 14 outings. . . . more . . .
Pienaar shoots Everton up to fifth (Sep 30, 2007)
South Africa midfielder Steven Pienaar scored his first Everton goal as David Moyes's side beat Middlesbrough 2-0 on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Efficient Germany tame Brazil to win World Cup (Sep 30, 2007)
A ruthlessly efficient Germany tamed Brazil Sunday to win the World Cup final 2-0 with goals from Birgit Prinz and Simone Laudehr making them the first nation to successfully defend their title. . . . more . . .
Owen admits England may have to wait (Sep 30, 2007)
Michael Owen admits he may have to miss England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers if his recovery from two operations takes longer than expected. . . . more . . .
No takeover for Usmanov says Arsenal director Edelman (Sep 30, 2007)
Major Arsenal shareholder Alisher Usmanov does not want to take over the club, managing director of the Gunners Keith Edelman told BBC radio on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Germany ready to blunt Brazil magic in World Cup final (Sep 30, 2007)
Rock-solid Germany are confident they can blunt the magic of Brazil and their sensational striker Marta as they go in search of a second successive World Cup title on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Argentine team beats British side to win gay world cup (Sep 30, 2007)
Argentina's Los Dogos captured the gay football world cup Saturday, defeating British title-holders Stonewall 1-0 in Buenos Aires in the first final held in Latin America. . . . more . . .
Strachan hails his free-scoring Celts (Sep 30, 2007)
Gordon Strachan hailed his free scoring Celtic team after they moved top of the Scottish Premier League on Saturday with a 3-0 at home to Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Redknapp hails Portsmouth's magnificent seven (Sep 30, 2007)
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp saluted his magnificent seven after watching his side rout Reading 7-4 in the highest scoring game in Premier League history. . . . more . . .
Van der Saar to have tests on foot injury (Sep 30, 2007)
Edwin van der Saar will have precautionary scans on the foot injury he suffered in Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Birmingham City this weekend which kept the Premiership Champions within two points of leaders Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Defiant Benitez vows to keep rotating (Sep 30, 2007)
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez saw Yossi Benayoun clinch a 1-0 win at Wigan and then defended his controversial policy of rotating his Anfield squad. . . . more . . .
Grant defends Chelsea flops (Sep 30, 2007)
Chelsea manager Avram Grant refused to criticise his players after they failed to overcome Fulham at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Hleb injury takes shine off Arsenal's winning run (Sep 30, 2007)
Arsene Wenger admitted a serious injury to Alexander Hleb had stripped the gloss from Arsenal's 1-0 victory at West Ham. . . . more . . .
Henry hat-trick fires Barcelona to summit (Sep 29, 2007)
Thierry Henry scored a sensational hat-trick, his first league goals for Barcelona, as they nudged rivals Real Madrid off the summit with a crushing 4-1 win over Levante on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan shoot two points clear in Italy (Sep 29, 2007)
Inter Milan won 4-1 at 10-man AS Roma on Saturday for a convincing victory in this top-of-the-table clash to surge two points clear of the Italian championship. . . . more . . .
Lyon back on top in France (Sep 29, 2007)
Champions Lyon resumed their traditional place atop the French league with a 3-0 victory over Lens at their Gerland Stadium on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo keeps United hot on Arsenal's heels (Sep 29, 2007)
Cristiano Ronaldo marked his 100th Premiership appearance for Manchester United in the perfect style with the solitary goal that delivered a 1-0 victory over Birmingham at St Andrews on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Super-sub Benayoun sinks Wigan (Sep 29, 2007)
Fernando Torres was handed a start by Rafa Benitez against Wigan but it was substitute Yossi Benayoun, another player sometimes lost in Liverpool's squad rotation, who claimed the only goal in a 1-0 victory at the JJB Stadium on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Gunners rocking thanks to Robin (Sep 29, 2007)
Robin van Persie maintained Arsenal's dazzling start to the season as his goal earned an impressive 1-0 win at West Ham on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Terry and Drogba's woes make it bad day for Chelsea (Sep 29, 2007)
Chelsea endured a traumatic goalless draw with London rivals Fulham on Saturday as Avram Grant saw John Terry forced off and Didier Drogba sent off. . . . more . . .
Hat-trick by Portsmouth's Mwaruwari sinks Reading (Sep 29, 2007)
Zimbabwean international Benjani Mwaruwari scored a hat-trick in Portsmouth's 7-4 win over Reading here Saturday which gave the home side its third win of the season. . . . more . . .
Anelka gets Lee out of jail (Sep 29, 2007)
Nicolas Anelka got beleaguered manager Sammy Lee out of jail as the Bolton striker's equaliser rescued a 1-1 draw at Derby on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Hughes wins battle of Man Utd old boys (Sep 29, 2007)
Blackburn Rovers stunned Sunderland with two quick-fire goals to earn a 2-1 victory away at Roy Keane's side on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Aussie McDonald Celtic's hat-trick hero (Sep 29, 2007)
Scott McDonald was Celtic's hat-trick hero as they returned to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win at home to Dundee United. . . . more . . .
Terry to have surgery on fractured cheekbone (Sep 29, 2007)
England captain John Terry will have surgery on Sunday after suffering a depressed fracture of the cheekbone in Chelsea's goalless draw against Fulham. . . . more . . .
Toni-Klose double-act keeps Bayern top (Sep 29, 2007)
Bayern Munich are now four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga as the Miroslav Klose-Luca Toni double-act struck again to seal a 1-0 win over Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Owen could be fit for England's Euro qualifiers (Sep 29, 2007)
Michael Owen could be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers, according to his Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce. . . . more . . .
Man City in dreamland after stylish win over Newcastle (Sep 29, 2007)
Manchester City's dream start to the season gathered pace as Sven Goran Eriksson's side fought back from a goal down to beat Newcastle 3-1 on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid draws up player conduct code (Sep 29, 2007)
Spanish giants Real Madrid have drawn up a players' 'code of conduct' to avoid the excesses attributed to Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho, Spanish media reported Saturday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal ride the wave but this season pivotal, says Wenger (Sep 29, 2007)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted the current season could be pivotal as the Gunners go in search of elusive silverware following a series of major changes at the club. . . . more . . .
Crouch dreaming of Torres double act (Sep 29, 2007)
Peter Crouch claims that he is ready to strike up a deadly partnership with 26.5-million-pound hitman Fernando Torres at Liverpool after admitting that the Spaniard has already proven he has what it takes to become a huge success in the Premiership. . . . more . . .
Giggs talks up United's defence ahead of Birmingham trip (Sep 29, 2007)
Manchester United were hailed for their attacking prowess and swagger as the won the Premiership last season but as they prepare to travel to face one of their defensive legends, Steve Bruce, Ryan Giggs has acknowledged the key to turning around the current campaign has been Sir Alex Ferguson's back-line. . . . more . . .
Grant knows time is not on his side (Sep 29, 2007)
Chelsea manager Avram Grant has been preaching patience since taking over from Jose Mourinho but he desperately needs to beat Fulham as he tries to win over the club's sceptical fans. . . . more . . .
Drogba stunned by Mourinho departure - report (Sep 29, 2007)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has admitted he was stunned by the severity of the way in which former manager Jose Mourinho departed the club. . . . more . . .
Rafinha fires Schalke into second (Sep 28, 2007)
Schalke 04 went second in the Bundesliga on Friday night as Brazilian defender Rafinha fired home a first-half penalty to give the Royal Blues a 1-0 home win over Hertha Berlin. . . . more . . .
Reid to become new Celtic chairman (Sep 28, 2007)
Former British government minister John Reid is set to become the new chairman of Scottish giants Celtic, it was revealed on Friday. . . . more . . .
Birmingham's Forssell requires hernia surgery (Sep 28, 2007)
Birmingham will have to do without their Finland international Mikael Forssell for the next month as the striker requires surgery to cure a hernia problem. . . . more . . .
Belief pushes Brazil to brink of football glory (Sep 28, 2007)
Self-belief has pushed Brazil to the brink of World Cup glory as the Samba Girls go in search of a title won by their more famous male counterparts five times. . . . more . . .
Wenger tells young Guns to prove their strength (Sep 28, 2007)
Arsene Wenger has called on Arsenal to prove their English Premier League title credentials ahead of Saturday's potentially treacherous trip to West Ham. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid overcome battling Betis to regain top spot (Sep 27, 2007)
Real Madrid maintained their unbeaten record and returned to the top of La Liga after a 2-0 win over Real Betis but they made hard work of despatching the side from Seville on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Hamburg's Castelen out for three weeks (Sep 27, 2007)
Hamburg will be without Dutch midfielder Romeo Castelen for at least three weeks after the 24-year-old tore his adductor muscle, the club announced on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Barca's Zambrotta out for a month but Puyol is back (Sep 27, 2007)
Barcelona said Thursday they will lose Italian international defender Gianluca Zambrotta for a month with a leg muscle tear he sustained in Wednesday's 4-1 win over Zaragoza but centre back Carles Puyol is fit again after knee problems. . . . more . . .
Injured Ricardinho tells Cisse: I'm suing (Sep 27, 2007)
Besiktas's Brazilian midfielder Ricardinho announced Thursday his intention to sue Marseille's Djibril Cisse for a tackle that has left him facing two months on the sidelines. . . . more . . .
Platini backs refs who stop matches because of racism (Sep 27, 2007)
Referees who stop football matches because of racist behaviour would be fully supported by Europe's football governing body, UEFA president Michel Platini said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Dazzling Brazil shock US to make World Cup final (Sep 27, 2007)
Brazil shocked the top-ranked United States 4-0 Thursday in a dazzling display that set up a World Cup final with defending champions Germany. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho set for Barcelona return (Sep 27, 2007)
Barcelona's under-fire Brazilian star Ronaldinho will return to the pitch for Tuesday's Champions League match against Stuttgart, according to Spanish press reports on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea facing rap over Old Trafford antics (Sep 27, 2007)
Chelsea have vowed to fight a charge of failing to control their players over the fracas that erupted following the sending-off of Mikel John Obi during their 2-0 defeat by Manchester United on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Blatter wants more women running 'macho' soccer (Sep 27, 2007)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter Thursday hailed the advances made by women in "macho" football, and said he wanted to see more females in the corridors of power. . . . more . . .
Platini rules out video replay (Sep 27, 2007)
UEFA president Michel Platini on Thursday ruled out the introduction of video replays to solve controverisal calls in football games but said he favoured the eventual use of goal-line technology. . . . more . . .
Spurs will go into reverse if I'm sacked: Jol (Sep 27, 2007)
Martin Jol has stepped up his efforts to save his job by warning that Tottenham could easily go into reverse if he is sacked. . . . more . . .
Hiddink reveals Chelsea approach (Sep 27, 2007)
Russia coach Guus Hiddink revealed on Thursday that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has asked him to take over as manager of the Premiership giants. . . . more . . .
Leaders Madrid in Betis battle (Sep 27, 2007)
Real Madrid, who conceded a draw against Valladolid at the weekend, will go back to the top of the Spanish football league if they beat Real Betis on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Prinz's Germany peaking at the right time (Sep 27, 2007)
Buoyant German captain Birgit Prinz says the champions are peaking at the right time after demolishing arch-rivals Norway 3-0 to reach the women's World Cup final. . . . more . . .
Fergie fuming as United crash out (Sep 27, 2007)
Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was 'flabbergasted' after two goals from Maltese striker Michael Mifsud sealed a stunning 2-0 League Cup victory for Championship outfit Coventry at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Grant sends Shevchenko a warning (Sep 27, 2007)
Avram Grant has warned Andriy Shevchenko he cannot guarantee the Ukraine striker a place in his Chelsea revolution. . . . more . . .
Inter join AS Roma on Serie A summit (Sep 26, 2007)
Defending champions Inter Milan moved level on points with Serie A leaders AS Roma after a 3-0 home win over Sampdoria on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Mifsud stings United (Sep 26, 2007)
Maltese striker Michael Mifsud stunned Manchester United with two goals as Coventry clinched a 2-0 League Cup victory against the Premier League champions at Old Trafford on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Celtic back on track in League Cup (Sep 26, 2007)
Celtic got back on track as Gordon Strachan's side beat Dundee 2-1 in the League Cup third round on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Kalou gives Chelsea boss Grant his first win (Sep 26, 2007)
Salomon Kalou's double strike helped Chelsea book their place in the League Cup fourth round with a 4-0 win at Hull that secured Avram Grant's first victory since taking over from Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Villarreal lead La Liga, Barca still unbeaten (Sep 26, 2007)
Villarreal took the lead in La Liga after they won 2-0 at Racing Santander on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Klose bags hat-trick as Bayern rout Cottbus (Sep 26, 2007)
Miroslav Klose bagged a hat-trick to take his tally of Bundesliga goals to eight as Bayern Munich opened up a three-point lead at the top of the table with a 4-0 win over bottom-side Energie Cottbus on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
England can cope without Owen says Crouch (Sep 26, 2007)
Peter Crouch insists England can cope without Michael Owen after the striker was ruled out of his country's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Defending champions Germany storm into women's World Cup final (Sep 26, 2007)
Defending champions Germany crushed arch-rivals Norway 3-0 to storm into their second successive women's World Cup final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Ballack still weeks from comeback (Sep 26, 2007)
Michael Ballack admitted on Wednesday that he was still "a few weeks" away from a return to full fitness following two operations on his damaged ankle. . . . more . . .
Podolski has to earn his place in the team: Bayern general manager (Sep 26, 2007)
Bayern Munich manager Uli Hoeness insisted on Wednesday that German striker Lukas Podolski still has to prove himself - more than a year after joining the Bundesliga giants. . . . more . . .
Romania probe match-fixing and tax evasion claims (Sep 26, 2007)
Romania's National Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (DNA) confirmed on Wednesday they are in the process of finalising their investigation into alleged match-fixing and tax evasion in the country's league. . . . more . . .
West Ham striker Ashton to get call-up into England squad (Sep 26, 2007)
England are set to turn to West Ham's Dean Ashton as the answer to the striker crisis threatening to blow their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign off course. . . . more . . .
Liverpool coach offers no guarantees to hat-trick hero Torres (Sep 26, 2007)
Rafael Benitez refused to promise Fernando Torres a regular starting place despite seeing the Spaniard score his first Liverpool hat trick in their League Cup third round win at Reading. . . . more . . .
Chelsea deny Van Basten was asked to be successor to Mourinho (Sep 26, 2007)
Chelsea have been forced to deny reports that they have offered Marco Van Basten the chance to become the long-term successor to Jose Mourinho. . . . more . . .
Gerets called in to save Marseille (Sep 26, 2007)
Belgian coach Eric Gerets has been called in to save struggling French giants Marseille in place of Albert Emon, the club confirmed on Tuesday night. . . . more . . .
Chelsea face League Cup acid test against Hull (Sep 26, 2007)
Tel Ben-Haim is desperate for new Chelsea coach Avram Grant to give him the chance to put Sunday's defeat at Manchester United behind them with a much-needed victory over Hull City. . . . more . . .
Barcelona aim to go top of Spanish league (Sep 26, 2007)
Barcelona have an opportunity to catapult themselves to the top of the Spanish league if they can overcome Real Zaragoza on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Defending champions Germany storm into women's World Cup final (Sep 26, 2007)
Defending champions Germany crushed arch-rivals Norway 3-0 to storm into their second successive women's World Cup final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Benitez - no guarantees for Torres (Sep 26, 2007)
Rafael Benitez refused to promise Fernando Torres a regular starting place despite seeing the Spaniard score his first Liverpool hat trick in their League Cup third round win at Reading. . . . more . . .
Premiership chief dismisses UEFA investment concerns (Sep 26, 2007)
The Premier League's chief executive dismissed concerns from UEFA over the commercialisation of European football in an interview published Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Wenger optimistic about Arsenal silverware as youngsters hit form (Sep 26, 2007)
Arsene Wenger could barely disguise his delight after seeing his youthful second string Arsenal team knock Premier League high-fliers Newcastle out of the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Owen to see hernia specialist (Sep 25, 2007)
Newcastle striker Michael Owen will see a hernia specialist on Thursday to decide if he needs surgery to cure his injury problems. . . . more . . .
Sevilla extend losing streak against Espanyol (Sep 25, 2007)
Two-time UEFA Cup winners Sevilla extended their losing streak to three matches on Tuesday with a 3-2 loss at home to Espanyol. . . . more . . .
Hat-trick hero Torres too hot to handle (Sep 25, 2007)
Fernando Torres showed Liverpool what they have been missing by guiding Rafael Benitez's side into the last 16 of the League Cup with a hat-trick in his side's 4-2 win at Reading. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's next generation sweep Newcastle aside (Sep 25, 2007)
Arsenal's young Gunners gave manager Arsene Wenger plenty of cause for optimism as they advanced to the League Cup fourth round with a 2-0 win over Newcastle on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Torres treble makes a point to Benitez (Sep 25, 2007)
Fernando Torres produced the perfect response to Rafa Benitez's rotation policy as the Liverpool forward hit a hat-trick in his side's 4-2 League Cup win against Reading on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Kuranyi, Altintop strike to put Schalke second (Sep 25, 2007)
Schalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi and Halil Altintop fired Schalke 04 into second in the Bundesliga as the Royal Blues maintained their unbeaten record with a 2-0 win over Duisburg on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Celtic to appeal Strachan ban (Sep 25, 2007)
Celtic have launched an appeal against the Scottish Football Association's decision to only halve Gordon Strachan's four-match touchline ban. . . . more . . .
Date set for release of jailed Liverpool fan - report (Sep 25, 2007)
A Liverpool football fan jailed for 10 years in Bulgaria for attempted murder could be released after serving five years after being transferred back to Britain, his local newspaper reported Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Spurs deny crisis talks over Jol (Sep 25, 2007)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has rubbished claims that the club had agreed a compensation deal with Martin Jol in preparation to sack the beleaguered boss. . . . more . . .
Grant claims Chelsea were struggling under Mourinho (Sep 25, 2007)
Avram Grant believes Chelsea had lost their way during the final weeks of Jose Mourinho's reign. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Mikel banned as red card appeal fails (Sep 25, 2007)
Chelsea's problems deepened on Tuesday when Nigerian midfielder Mikel John Obi was banned for three matches after failing in an appeal against the red card he received in Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Inter expect Vieira return in time for PSV clash (Sep 25, 2007)
Inter Milan expect influential midfielder Patrick Vieira to recover from a thigh injury in time to play in their second Champions League group G match against PSV Eindhoven, the club said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Celtic's Nakamura is a doubt for AC Milan visit (Sep 25, 2007)
Celtic's Japanese playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura is facing a race against time to be fit for next week's Champions League clash against AC Milan at Parkhead. . . . more . . .
Talk of Ronaldinho departure hangs heavy over Nou Camp (Sep 25, 2007)
Talk of divorce hung heavy in the Spanish air Tuesday with Ronaldinho's forecast split from Barcelona filling the back pages. . . . more . . .
Gunners put boot into Chelsea as Wenger sits on cash pile (Sep 25, 2007)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has poured salt on Chelsea's wounds over the departure of Jose Mourinho by describing the west London club's goal of becoming the biggest brand in football a fantasy. . . . more . . .
Carew blow for Norway and Aston Villa (Sep 25, 2007)
Aston Villa and Norway striker John Carew will miss his country's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Bosnia next month after being ruled out of action for up to six weeks with knee ligament damage. . . . more . . .
England facing striker crisis as Owen set for op (Sep 25, 2007)
England coach Steve McClaren was Tuesday facing up to the likelihood that he will have to do without Michael Owen for next month's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Wenger ready to unleash his young guns against Newcastle (Sep 25, 2007)
Arsene Wenger will let Arsenal's youngsters off the leash when he sends the club's next generation of stars into League Cup action against Newcastle on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Japan's Marinos said to want Nakamura back (Sep 25, 2007)
Japan's Yokohama Marinos will attempt to re-sign Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura, a report said Tuesday, although they will face a fight from the Scottish champions. . . . more . . .
Hargreaves back for another bite at United career (Sep 25, 2007)
Owen Hargreaves is set to kick-start his Manchester United career in Wednesday's League Cup third round tie with Championship outfit Coventry City. . . . more . . .
Arsenal chairman calms takeover fears (Sep 25, 2007)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood calmed fears there would be a takeover of the London club and was adamant the Gunners would remain in safe hands for the long term. . . . more . . .
Villa fear long Carew absence (Sep 24, 2007)
Aston Villa striker John Carew is expected to be out of action for some time following a knee ligament injury against Everton at the weekend. . . . more . . .
League Cup nuisance for Reading and Liverpool (Sep 24, 2007)
At this stage of the English season Premier League managers tend to dismiss the League Cup as a nuisance. . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough blow as Arca sidelined for two months (Sep 24, 2007)
Middlesbrough have been dealt a blow with the news that influential midfielder Julio Arca will be out for at least two months with medial knee ligament damage. . . . more . . .
Team matters most, not Ronaldinho, says Cruyff (Sep 24, 2007)
Dutch legend Johan Cruyff insists that Barcelona can afford to leave their Brazilian star Ronaldinho out of the squad. . . . more . . .
Italian court targets AC Milan vice president Galliani (Sep 24, 2007)
An Italian court here on Monday called for AC Milan vice president Adriano Galliani to stand trial on charges of false accounting. . . . more . . .
Birmingham's Oubina out for six months (Sep 24, 2007)
Birmingham midfielder Borja Oubina is facing at least six months on the sidelines after rupturing his cruciate ligaments at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Ahly, Etoile hold slight advantage in African Cup semi-finals (Sep 24, 2007)
Al-Ahly of Egypt stayed on course for a record third consecutive African Champions League title by forcing a 0-0 draw at Al-Ittihad of Libya in the semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Arsenal hand Wenger a 70 million pound transfer kitty (Sep 24, 2007)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been promised an enormous 70 million pound (142 million dollars) transfer kitty after Arsenal revealed themselves to be one of Europe's richest clubs. . . . more . . .
Hajduk Split president resigns amidst crisis (Sep 24, 2007)
Hajduk Split's president announced his resignation on Monday, blaming the struggling Croatian side's recent run of poor results. . . . more . . .
Gers go top, but wary of SPL's 'high standards' (Sep 24, 2007)
Walter Smith admitted he has been pleasantly surprised by the standard of the Scottish Premier League since returning as Rangers manager in January. . . . more . . .
Defiant Jol doesn't fear the sack (Sep 24, 2007)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol has insisted Jose Mourinho will not be taking his job after seeing his team claim a 1-1 draw at fellow strugglers Bolton. . . . more . . .
New Chelsea manager remains positive despite loss to Man Utd (Sep 24, 2007)
Avram Grant, Chelsea's new manager, insists he is confident he will prove a successful replacement for Jose Mourinho despite a debut defeat against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Lyon drop points, PSG stumble and Nancy stay top (Sep 23, 2007)
Fans of arch rivals Paris St Germain and Marseille are finally united - although it is mostly in grief, at the respective performances of their sides in the French first division. . . . more . . .
Norway and Brazil into World Cup semi-finals (Sep 23, 2007)
Norway sent hosts China packing and Brazil did the same to Australia as they clinched their places in the women's World Cup semi-finals on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Real stay top after snatching point at Valladoid (Sep 23, 2007)
Real Madrid's flawless start to the season came to an end with a 1-1 draw away to mid-table Valladoid on Sunday. . . . more . . .
United confound Chelsea's post-Mourinho era (Sep 23, 2007)
A new chapter in the remarkable recent history of Chelsea opened in controversial and inauspicious fashion at Old Trafford on Sunday as Avram Grant's first game in charge of the club ended in a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Bayern go top as new boys help crush Karlsruhe (Sep 23, 2007)
Bayern Munich's four summer signings - Luca Toni, Miroslav Klose, Hamit Altintop and Ze Roberto - all scored to put their side top of the Bundesliga with a 4-1 win at Karlsruhe on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Juventus hit back to draw at Roma (Sep 23, 2007)
Roma retained the Italian league lead on Sunday, but they were left with a hatful of regrets after Juventus hit back to draw 2-2 in the day's big match at the Olympic Stadium. . . . more . . .
Kanu gives Portsmouth a rare away win (Sep 23, 2007)
Portsmouth savoured the rare taste of an away victory after Nwankwo Kanu's goal clinched a 1-0 success at Blackburn on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Campo rescues Lee (Sep 23, 2007)
Ivan Campo eased the pressure on Sammy Lee by salvaging a crucial 1-1 draw against Spurs on Sunday after being brought back in from the cold by the Bolton manager. . . . more . . .
Villa move into top half of Premiership with 2-0 win over Everton (Sep 23, 2007)
Aston Villa moved into the top half of the English Premier League with a convincing 2-0 win over Everton at Villa Park Sunday. . . . more . . .
Viduka's double fires Newcastle (Sep 23, 2007)
Mark Viduka scored twice on his return from injury as Newcastle turned on the style to beat West Ham 3-1 at St James' Park on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Rangers return to SPL summit as Celtic lose to Hibs (Sep 23, 2007)
Rangers returned to the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win at home to Aberdeen on Sunday - taking advantage of Celtic's earlier defeat away to Hibernian. . . . more . . .
Grant's qualifications under scrutiny (Sep 23, 2007)
Chelsea's new manager Avram Grant faces an examination of his coaching credentials following his surprise appointment at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Brazil see off brave Australia in women's World Cup (Sep 23, 2007)
Brazil ended Asian interest in the World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday but needed a dash of magic to subdue battling Australia 3-2. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho taken to task over late nights (Sep 23, 2007)
Ronaldinho's love of the good life was the target of criticism by the media here Sunday after he missed Saturday's win over Sevilla. . . . more . . .
Mourinho reveals painful exit from Chelsea (Sep 23, 2007)
Jose Mourinho has admitted his dramatic exit from Chelsea was the most painful experience of his life. . . . more . . .
Chelsea usher in post-Mourinho era at Old Trafford (Sep 23, 2007)
A new era without Jose Mourinho gets underway at Old Trafford for Chelsea on Sunday, as they play their first Premier League match under new manager Avram Grant against Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Schmeichel signs new deal with Man City (Sep 23, 2007)
Manchester City's Danish Under 21 international goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel has been rewarded for his impressive form with the Premiership highflyers in the shape of a new four year deal. . . . more . . .
Norway blow China out of women's World Cup (Sep 23, 2007)
A defensive blunder cost hosts China a place in the women's World Cup semi-finals on Sunday as they lost 1-0 to traditional powerhouse Norway. . . . more . . .
Favre's delight at resurgent Hertha (Sep 23, 2007)
Hertha Berlin coach Lucien Favre was a happy man on Sunday after his side picked up their third-straight win by beating Borussia Dortmund and get amongst the Bundesliga's title contenders. . . . more . . .
Struggling Bundesliga side Cottbus sack manager (Sep 23, 2007)
Energie Cottbus, winless this season after six matches and lying bottom of the Bundesliga, have sacked their manager Petrik Sander. . . . more . . .
Hong Kong billionaire denies Inter Milan bid (Sep 23, 2007)
Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shiLg denied a report from an Italian sports website that said he would make an offer to buy Inter Milan, a spokeswoman for the tycoon said Sunday. . . . more . . .
North Korea blame physical shortcomings (Sep 23, 2007)
North Korean coach Kim Kwang Min has blamed physical disadvantages for his team's failure to beat formidable defending champions Germany at the women's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Young guns drive has Wenger purring (Sep 23, 2007)
Arsene Wenger believes the determination of his young side to become successful is the driving force behind their early season surge to the top of the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Benitez rotation policy under fire as Reds stumble (Sep 23, 2007)
Rafa Benitez defended his decision to leave club record signing Fernando Torres on the bench after a goalless draw that saw his Liverpool side fall further behind pacesetters Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Messi ensures perfect Nou Camp anniversary (Sep 22, 2007)
Barcelona celebrated the 50th anniversary of their Camp Nou Stadium on Saturday and Argentine sensation Lionel Messi ensured the party continued all night scoring twice to sink title rivals Sevilla 2-1. . . . more . . .
Milan suffer another Serie A stumble (Sep 22, 2007)
AC Milan continued their early season stumble through Serie A with a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Parma on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Barcelona unveil plans for 'Gaudi-inspired' stadium (Sep 22, 2007)
British architect Norman Foster on Saturday unveiled his proposal to remodel Barcelona's famed Camp Nou stadium inspired on the colourful works by the late Catalan architect Antonio Gaudi. . . . more . . .
Troubled Ronaldinho misses Sevilla game (Sep 22, 2007)
Barcelona's under-fire Brazil forward Ronaldinho has pulled out of Saturday's title clash with Sevilla at Camp Nou complaining of a calf problem in his right leg. . . . more . . .
Niemi nightmare helps City claim point (Sep 22, 2007)
Bulgarian winger Martin Petrov scored twice as Manchester City shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Fulham. . . . more . . .
Nancy still top as Auxerre tear a strip off woeful Marseille (Sep 22, 2007)
Youssouf Hadji took another step away from the limelight of his older brother Mustapha with two late headers to keep Nancy top of the French first division on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Germany and United States into World Cup semi-finals (Sep 22, 2007)
Ruthless defending champions Germany and the top ranked United States stormed into the World Cup semi-finals on Saturday, leaving North Korea and England to rue missed chances. . . . more . . .
Almeida brace steers Bremen to win over Stuttgart (Sep 22, 2007)
Striker Hugo Almeida hit two goals in 54 seconds on Saturday as Werder Bremen beat Bundesliga champions VfB Stuttgart 4-1, while Hertha Berlin took a temporary lead at the top of the table. . . . more . . .
Harper gets Reading back on track (Sep 22, 2007)
Reading midfielder James Harper hit a last minute winner to give his side a much-needed 2-1 victory over Wigan on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Miller just in time for Sunderland (Sep 22, 2007)
Liam Miller snatched a point for Sunderland as Middlesbrough were made to pay for failing to make more of the chances they generated in an entertaining northeast derby clash. . . . more . . .
Reds taunted by own fans after goalless draw (Sep 22, 2007)
Liverpool were booed off at Anfield after a 0-0 draw with Birmingham left Rafa Benitez's side without a win in three matches. . . . more . . .
Gunners put the boot into Derby and pull clear (Sep 22, 2007)
Arsenal showed why they are the early Premier League leaders as they eased past Derby County 5-0 at the Emirates Stadium in emphatic style. . . . more . . .
US rout England to reach World Cup semis (Sep 22, 2007)
Two-time champions the United States shocked England with three goals in 12 second-half minutes to reach the women's World Cup semi-finals on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Germany shatter Korean hopes to make semi-finals (Sep 22, 2007)
Defending champions Germany powered into the women's World Cup semi-finals Saturday with a 3-0 win over North Korea, shattering the hopes of the Asian number ones. . . . more . . .
Corinthians president quits over fraud scandal (Sep 22, 2007)
A financial scandal engulfing Corinthians has claimed the jobs of the top Brazilian side's president and vice president. . . . more . . .
Wenger rues Mourinho's departure (Sep 22, 2007)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he was sad to see Jose Mourinho leave Chelsea despite their stormy relationship. . . . more . . .
I'll work outside the Premier League next says Mourinho (Sep 21, 2007)
Jose Mourinho claims his next job will not be in the Premier League but he would love to return to the English top-flight later in his career. . . . more . . .
Chelsea are bigger than Mourinho says Kenyon (Sep 21, 2007)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon claims Jose Mourinho had to leave because the club had outgrown him. . . . more . . .
Grant - I'm not Abramovich's puppet (Sep 21, 2007)
Avram Grant insists he is not Roman Abramovich's stooge and did not play a role in Jose Mourinho's dramatic departure from Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Puyol returns to training with Barcelona teammates (Sep 21, 2007)
Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has trained with the rest of the squad for the first time since he injured his knee at the end of last season, the Spanish club said Friday. . . . more . . .