Archive soccer news from around the world
Gilberto completes Spurs switch (Jan 31, 2008)
Brazilian international defender Gilberto joined Tottenham on Thursday from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, the English Premier League side announced. . . . more . . .
Mascherano's Liverpool future still uncertain (Jan 31, 2008)
Liverpool insisted Thursday they had yet to clinch a permanent deal for Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano. . . . more . . .
UEFA chief Platini pleads for additional referees (Jan 31, 2008)
UEFA chief Michel Platini Thursday repeated his support for the introduction of two additional assistant referees, positions he said could be taken by referees obliged to retire aged 45. . . . more . . .
Deadline looms as Pompey chase Defoe (Jan 31, 2008)
Portsmouth were involved in a race against time to sign England striker Jermain Defoe from Premier League rivals Tottenham as the final day of the January transfer window neared its end here Thursday. . . . more . . .
Keane adds Reid to Sunderland squad (Jan 31, 2008)
Sunderland signed Charlton's Republic of Ireland midfielder Andy Reid just hours before the close of the January transfer window in a deal which could cost them four million pounds. . . . more . . .
Megson confident Rasiak can boost Bolton (Jan 31, 2008)
Bolton signed Poland forward Grzegorz Rasiak on loan from second-tier Southampton until the end of the season on Thursday's final day of January's transfer window. . . . more . . .
Angola, Tunisia advance after African Nations Cup draw (Jan 31, 2008)
Angola and Tunisia drew 0-0 Thursday and advanced to the 2008 African Nations Cup quarter-finals from Group D at the expense of Senegal and South Africa. . . . more . . .
South Africa and Senegal crash out of Nations Cup (Jan 31, 2008)
South Africa and Senegal played out a 1-1 draw here Thursday as both exited the 2008 Africa Nations Cup in the first round. . . . more . . .
Litmanen links up with Fulham (Jan 31, 2008)
Fulham, second-bottom in the Premier League, announced Thursday the signing of Finland striker Jari Litmanen for the rest of the season in a move completed with just hours of the January transfer window remaining. . . . more . . .
Loew's delight as Ballack returns to Germany squad (Jan 31, 2008)
Germany head coach Joachim Loew has expressed his delight at having Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack back in the national squad for for Wednesday night's friendly against Austria in Vienna. . . . more . . .
Trezeguet out of France squad for friendlies (Jan 31, 2008)
France coach Raymond Domenech left out veteran Juventus striker David Trezeguet from a 36-man squad for full and A team friendlies against Spain and the Democratic Republic of Congo next month. . . . more . . .
Goalkeeper Carroll joins struggling Derby (Jan 31, 2008)
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Roy Carroll has joined Derby County from Scottish side Rangers, the Premier League basement club announced Thursday. . . . more . . .
Drogba accuses European clubs over Africa bias (Jan 31, 2008)
Didier Drogba believes European clubs are biased in the way they treat players from Africa. . . . more . . .
No place for Becks in Capello's new look England (Jan 31, 2008)
David Beckham was left out of Fabio Capello's first England squad on Thursday but reassured that he could still win the 100th cap he craves. . . . more . . .
Gilberto to stay in Berlin after failed medical (Jan 31, 2008)
Defender Gilberto will not be joining English Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, after the Brazilian failed a medical and is expected back in Berlin on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Walcott rules out loan move (Jan 31, 2008)
Arsenal teenager Theo Walcott has ruled out a move to another club on loan in order to fast-track his development. . . . more . . .
Coach says South Africa still have hope ahead of Senegal clash (Jan 31, 2008)
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Wednesday his under-performing team can still advance to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Angola ready for another Nations Cup leap with Tunisia clash (Jan 31, 2008)
The continuous rise of Angola into an African force could reach a new level Thursday in a top-of-the-table Nations Cup Group D showdown with leaders Tunisia. . . . more . . .
Fans plan Liverpool buyout (Jan 31, 2008)
A group of Liverpool supporters is trying to succeed where the financial might of Dubai International Capital has so far failed and buy their beloved club from its American owners. . . . more . . .
Get me goals, growls Grant (Jan 31, 2008)
Avram Grant said his Chelsea side simply had to score more goals if they are to stay in the race for the English Premier League title. . . . more . . .
Maradona sorry for 'Hand of God' (Jan 31, 2008)
Argentina football legend Diego Maradona apologised in an interview Thursday for his infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals that cost England a shot at the trophy. . . . more . . .
Under-strain Benitez refuses to concede title (Jan 31, 2008)
An unusually irate Rafael Benitez refused to rule Liverpool out of the Premier League title race despite a defeat which left them a massive 17 points behind leaders Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo has Becks appeal for Ferguson (Jan 31, 2008)
Sir Alex Ferguson billed Cristiano Ronaldo as the equal of David Beckham after seeing the Manchester United winger score a spectacular free-kick as the reigning champions returned to the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 win against Portsmouth. . . . more . . .
Everton manager left wanting more after Spurs stalemate (Jan 31, 2008)
Everton manager David Moyes admitted his Champions League hopefuls had wasted a great opportunity to pull well clear of city rivals Liverpool after failing to rattle up a fourth straight win. . . . more . . .
Bolton sign Villa defender Cahill (Jan 30, 2008)
Bolton signed Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill in a deal believed to be worth around five million pounds on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Record-breaker Eto'o's Cameroon, and Egypt fight on in African Nations Cup (Jan 30, 2008)
Samuel Eto'o became the all-time record goalscorer at the African Nations Cup Wednesday when he fired Cameroon into the quarter-finals, where Egypt will also feature despite Zambia holding the defending champions to a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Spurs stalemate frustrates Everton (Jan 30, 2008)
Champions League hopefuls Everton were frustrated as they were held to a goalless draw by Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Noble piles on the pain for Liverpool (Jan 30, 2008)
Liverpool's faint hopes of gatecrashing the Premier League title race were left in tatters after Mark Noble's stoppage-time penalty condemned Rafa Benitez's side to a 1-0 defeat at West Ham on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Rampant Ronaldo punishes Pompey (Jan 30, 2008)
Cristiano Ronaldo delivered yet another display of brilliance to lift Manchester United back to the top of the Premier League with both goals in a 2-0 win against Portsmouth at Old Trafford here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Teenage star Sturridge rescues City (Jan 30, 2008)
Teenage striker Daniel Sturridge marked his first Premier League start for Manchester City with the goal that earned a 1-1 draw at Derby on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Gers break Hearts to book final place (Jan 30, 2008)
Rangers booked their place in the final of the Scottish League Cup with a 2-0 victory over Hearts at Hampden on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Ballack reigns as Chelsea down Royals (Jan 30, 2008)
Michael Ballack scored the only goal of the game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday as Chelsea maintained their English Premier League title chase with victory over visitors Reading. . . . more . . .
Super Mario nets hat-trick on his Stuttgart return (Jan 30, 2008)
Germany's player of 2007, Mario Gomez, announced his return to form with a hat-trick in just 14 minutes to book VfB Stuttgart's place in the German Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Gilardino the hero for resurgent Milan (Jan 30, 2008)
Alberto Gilardino answered his doubters with a poacher's goal to earn AC Milan a vital 1-0 win at Reggina on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Egypt draw and qualify for quarter-finals (Jan 30, 2008)
Champions Egypt continued their march towards a possible sixth Africa Cup of Nations crown courtesy of a 1-1 draw with Zambia in a final Group C match here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Eto'o creates Nations Cup history as Cameroon qualify (Jan 30, 2008)
Samuel Eto'o became the leading all-time African Nations Cup scorer with 16 goals as Cameroon defeated Sudan 3-0 in Group C to finish runners-up and reach the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Barcelona hit back at Mourinho rumours (Jan 30, 2008)
Barcelona are not looking for a new coach, the club's president said Wednesday as Spanish media reported the club had held talks with former Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho to propose he takes over from Frank Rijkaard. . . . more . . .
Teenage pair steal headlines in Cup quarters (Jan 30, 2008)
Teenage strikers Takayuki Morimoto and Mario Balotelli proved the match-winners to send Catania and Inter Milan respectively into the Italian Cup semi-finals on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Pearce handed new England coaching role (Jan 30, 2008)
Stuart Pearce has been appointed one of England manager Fabio Capello's assistants, the Football Association announced here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Tottenham seal Hutton deal (Jan 30, 2008)
Tottenham completed the signing of right-back Alan Hutton from Rangers on Wednesday and hope to pitch their new man into Premier League action against Manchester United at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Aragones angry over Raul questions (Jan 30, 2008)
Spain coach Luis Aragones, angered by questions why Real Madrid star Raul had not been selected for the national team, repeated on Wednesday that the veteran was not part of his plans. . . . more . . .
UEFA chief Platini says next few months crucial for Euro 2012 (Jan 30, 2008)
UEFA chief Michel Platini said Wednesday that Euro 2012 joint-hosts Poland and Ukraine faced a crucial period after concerns mounted over the state of preparations for the event. . . . more . . .
Japan beat Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-0 (Jan 30, 2008)
Substitute Koji Yamase scored twice to lead Japan to a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers next month. . . . more . . .
Bring on Nigeria, say bullish Ghana (Jan 30, 2008)
Ghana, buoyed by their explosive performance against Morocco, can't wait to tackle Nigeria in Sunday's African Nations Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
S Africa can still reach last eight of African Nations Cup: coach (Jan 30, 2008)
South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said on Wednesday his under-performing team can still advance to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Recovering Osim attends friendly (Jan 30, 2008)
Former Japan coach Ivica Osim attended a friendly against his home country, Bosnia, here Wednesday in his first public appearance since suffering a serious stroke in November. . . . more . . .
Trapattoni denies Ireland link (Jan 30, 2008)
Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni insisted on Wednesday that he is not negotiating to take over the Republic of Ireland team. . . . more . . .
Everton boss demands Premier League break during African tournament (Jan 30, 2008)
Everton manager David Moyes believes the Premier League should look at shutting down during the African Nations Cup as his team attempt to cement their top four place without three key players. . . . more . . .
Cameroon fury at 'catastrophic' organisation for African Nations Cup (Jan 30, 2008)
Cameroon coach Otto Pfister is fuming at African Nations Cup organisers after his side's luggage failed to arrive with the team for Wednesday's crunch game with Sudan. . . . more . . .
South Africa sweat on fitness of Pienaar and Masilela (Jan 30, 2008)
South Africa are sweating on the fitness of defender Tsepo Masilela and Steven Pienaar of Everton ahead of their win-or-bust Group D tie against Senegal here Thursday. . . . more . . .
Nigeria vow to knock Ghana out of African Nations Cup (Jan 30, 2008)
Nigeria have said they are looking forward to ruining the victory party for hosts Ghana when the two teams clash Sunday in the quarter-finals of the 2008 African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
AC Milan players rally behind Gilardino (Jan 30, 2008)
AC Milan players have rallied behind team-mate Alberto Gilardino ahead of Wednesday's trip to lowly Reggina. . . . more . . .
Pfister steers Cameroon closer to glory in African Nations Cup (Jan 30, 2008)
Otto Pfister, a coach Cameroon did not want, is poised to lead them into the 2008 African Nations Cup quarter-finals Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Egypt keep eye on African Nations Cup crown (Jan 30, 2008)
The Pharaohs of Egypt say they are not about to take their foot off the pedal when they tackle Zambia in their final Group C tie at the Baba Yara Stadium here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Maradona primes Chelsea for clash with Reading (Jan 30, 2008)
Diego Maradona has fired up Chelsea going into Wednesday's clash with Reading at Stamford Bridge -- the Hand of God intervening to make the visitors' trip even more daunting. . . . more . . .
Liverpool hope victory will help them forget FA Cup nightmare (Jan 30, 2008)
Liverpool will try to put the embarrassment of conceding two goals against non-league Havant and Waterlooville behind them when they face West Ham in the Premier League at Upton Park here Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Cahill poser confronts Everton ahead of Spurs clash (Jan 30, 2008)
Everton head into Wednesday's Premier League clash at home to Tottenham knowing their bid to gain a place in next season's Champions League could be dented by the absence of Australia star Tim Cahill on international duty. . . . more . . .
Man Utd's Park targets treble after 'lonely' injury lay-off (Jan 30, 2008)
Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-Sung has targeted success on three fronts this season to compensate for his "lonely" road back to full fitness following nine-months out with a knee injury. . . . more . . .
Scholes will play key role in treble quest: Man Utd boss (Jan 30, 2008)
Sir Alex Ferguson believes experienced midfielder Paul Scholes could play an important part in Manchester United's bid this season to match their treble achievement of 1999. . . . more . . .
Arsenal inflict repeat defeat on Newcastle (Jan 30, 2008)
Kevin Keegan pleaded for more time to turn around Newcastle United as the excitement faded out of his return as manager. . . . more . . .
Prica emerges from the backwaters to shine at Sunderland (Jan 30, 2008)
It has been a long, hard road for Sunderland striker Rade Prica but after a decade toiling around European football's backwaters his dream journey is complete. . . . more . . .
US investment in English football brings profit and success (Jan 30, 2008)
Fully half of English football's 20 Premiership clubs are owned by foreign investors with a US group completing the purchase of basement-dwelling Derby County for a reported 100 million dollars. . . . more . . .
Aliadiere eases Middlesbrough's relegation worries (Jan 29, 2008)
Jeremie Aliadiere broke his goal-drought to ease Middlesbrough's relegation fears as his clinical strike secured a 1-0 win against Wigan on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Sunderland bounce out of drop zone (Jan 29, 2008)
Goals from Ireland international Daryl Murphy and new signing Rade Prica saw Sunderland ease to a 2-0 victory against fellow Premier League strugglers Birmingham City at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Fulham show steely new edge to take point (Jan 29, 2008)
Fulham's search for a first win under Roy Hodgson goes on but the west London club will have taken heart from a resilient defensive display in this goalless draw at Bolton. . . . more . . .
Roma beat Sampdoria to reach Cup semis (Jan 29, 2008)
Brazilian winger Alessandro Mancini scored a brilliant second half winner to send holders Roma into the Italian Cup semi-finals following a 1-0 win over Sampdoria on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico. . . . more . . .
Arsenal inflict repeat defeat on Newcastle (Jan 29, 2008)
History repeated itself at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday as hosts Arsenal beat Newcastle United 3-0 for the second time in four days to go top of the English Premier League. . . . more . . .
Bayern book quarter-final Cup berth, Bremen go out (Jan 29, 2008)
Bundesliga league leaders Bayern Munich booked their place in the German Cup's quarter-finals with a convincing 5-2 win at third division minnows Wuppertal on Tuesday night. . . . more . . .
Benitez closes in on Mascherano deal (Jan 29, 2008)
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez expects to sign Javier Mascherano on a permanent basis after selling Momo Sissoko to Juventus on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Fiorentina sign French defender Da Costa (Jan 29, 2008)
Fiorentina announced the signing of Portugal-born French defender Manuel Da Costa from PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday for an initial fee of 4.5 million euros. . . . more . . .
Ivory Coast maul Mali to avoid Cup hosts Ghana (Jan 29, 2008)
Didier Drogba marked his 50th international cap with a goal to help Ivory Coast beat Mali 3-0 here Tuesday to finish the opening round of the African Nations Cup as Group B leaders. . . . more . . .
Nigeria sneak into quarter-final versus Ghana (Jan 29, 2008)
Nigeria defeated Benin 2-0 here on Tuesday to set up an enticing quarter-final clash against hosts Ghana in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. . . . more . . .
I'm still fit enough for England, Beckham tells Capello (Jan 29, 2008)
David Beckham has reassured England coach Fabio Capello that he is still fit enough for international duty. . . . more . . .
Lippi backs Cassano for Azzurri return (Jan 29, 2008)
Former Italy coach Marcello Lippi gave his backing to an eventual return to the national team for Sampdoria striker Antonio Cassano. . . . more . . .
Celtic snap up Japan midfielder Mizuno (Jan 29, 2008)
Celtic have completed the signing of Japan midfielder Koki Mizuno after winning their battle to secure a work permit for the 22-year-old. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Ronaldinho returns to training (Jan 29, 2008)
Barcelona's Brazilian star Ronaldinho, who has missed the club's last eight matches because of a left knee injury, returned to training on Tuesday with the rest of the squad, the Spanish club said. . . . more . . .
Juventus sign Mali's Sissoko from Liverpool (Jan 29, 2008)
Mohamed Sissoko finally put pen to paper on a deal to join Juventus from Liverpool for 11 million euros, the Italian club announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Wise to be Newcastle director of football (Jan 29, 2008)
Former Leeds boss Dennis Wise is joining Newcastle in a director of football role, the club confirmed on Tuesday, a day after manager Kevin Keegan claimed he knew nothing about the appointment. . . . more . . .
New boy Prica out to make his mark for Sunderland (Jan 29, 2008)
New Sunderland arrival Rade Prica has promised Birmingham City a bruising time as he looks to make an instant impact in the Premier League. . . . more . . .
Keegan praying for Owen to stun Gunners (Jan 29, 2008)
Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is hoping Michael Owen can rediscover his goalscoring touch as he tries to avoid a second Magpies defeat by Arsenal in four days. . . . more . . .
Nigeria look to fierce rivals for big favour (Jan 29, 2008)
Nigeria's Super Eagles will hope fierce rivals Ivory Coast beat Mali while they do the business against Benin to get them back into the reckoning at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. . . . more . . .
No deal with Ivory Coast, insists Mali skipper Diarra (Jan 29, 2008)
Mali captain Mahamadou Diarra insists there'll be no arrangement to produce a mutually convenient draw with Ivory Coast in their final African Nations Cup Group B tie here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Namibia draw earns Guinea quarter-final ticket (Jan 28, 2008)
Guinea drew 1-1 with Namibia here Monday in a 2008 Africa Cup of Nations Group A tie to qualify for the quarter-final of the competition. . . . more . . .
Essien ensures Ghana's Cup party continues (Jan 28, 2008)
Ghana, to the general relief of this fanatical football nation, are through to the African Nations Cup quarter-finals after a 2-0 win over Morroco here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Tottenham sign Woodgate (Jan 28, 2008)
Tottenham Hotspur signed England defender Jonathan Woodgate from Premier League rivals Middlesbrough on Monday, the London club announced. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's Rijkaard won't concede title to Real (Jan 28, 2008)
Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard said Monday he has no intention of conceding the Spanish title to Real Madrid, even though his team are nine points adrift of the leaders. . . . more . . .
Newcastle get Wise with Leeds swoop (Jan 28, 2008)
Newcastle have prised Leeds coach Dennis Wise away from Elland Road to join Kevin Keegan's backroom staff after the English Premiership outfit agreed a compensation package with their League One counterparts. . . . more . . .
Roma coach Spalletti bemoans dominant Inter Milan (Jan 28, 2008)
AS Roma coach Luciano Spalletti complained on Monday that his side has had to be perfect just to keep champions Inter Milan from disappearing over the hill. . . . more . . .
Bulgarian striker Domovchiyski on trial at Hertha Berlin (Jan 28, 2008)
Levski Sofia striker Valeri Domovchiyski was at Hertha Berlin for a trial and medical checks Monday with a view to signing a contract with the Bundesliga side, his team announced. . . . more . . .
Juventus sign Stendardo from Lazio (Jan 28, 2008)
Juventus said on Monday they have signed Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
With South Africa facing exit, Parreira looks to future (Jan 28, 2008)
South Africa's African Nations Cup fate is out of their hands after Sunday's crushing 3-1 loss to Tunisia, prompting coach Carlos Alberto Parreira to look to the future. . . . more . . .
Cameroon coach backs under-fire defenders (Jan 28, 2008)
Coach Otto Pfister Monday put up a stout defence for Cameroon's backline, insisting they have not let down the rest of the team despite letting in five goals in two games at the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
New club enters bidding for Woodgate (Jan 28, 2008)
An as yet unidentified club has joined Tottenham and Newcastle in wanting to sign Middlesbrough's Jonathan Woodgate after agreeing a fee for the England defender. . . . more . . .
Man Utd and Arsenal clash in fifth round of FA Cup (Jan 28, 2008)
English Premier League giants Manchester United and Arsenal will face-off in the last 16 of the FA Cup following the fifth round draw made here Monday. . . . more . . .
England plan Wembley tribue to Munich victims (Jan 28, 2008)
A minute's silence will be held before England's friendly international against Switzerland at Wembley next week on the 50th anniversary of the Munich air disaster, the Football Association announced here Monday. . . . more . . .
Villa's Mellberg on his way to Juventus (Jan 28, 2008)
Olof Mellberg will move from Aston Villa to Juventus at the end of the season, the Sweden defender announced Monday. . . . more . . .
Kasperczak resigns as Senegal coach (Jan 28, 2008)
Senegal coach Henri Kasperczak confirmed here Monday his resignation 24 hours after his side's crushing 3-1 loss to Angola at the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Englishman Baxter named new Finland coach (Jan 28, 2008)
Finland have named Englishman Stuart Baxter as their new coach replacing compatriot Roy Hodgson with a view to qualifying the country for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. . . . more . . .
Derby County unveil US investors (Jan 28, 2008)
Premier League basement club Derby County have revealed the identity of the club's new owners as the US-based General Sports and Entertainment (GSE). . . . more . . .
Vogts gets Nigerian vote of confidence (Jan 28, 2008)
Under-fire Nigeria coach Berti Vogts has won a vote confidence from the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) despite the team's below-par performances at the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Zambia president refuses to pay for African Nations Cup rights (Jan 28, 2008)
Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa has defended his refusal to pay for the rights to show the ongoing African Nations Cup, saying he could not justify the expense while trying to help flood victims. . . . more . . .
Recordman Eto'o targets all-time scoring record (Jan 28, 2008)
Cameroon star striker Samuel Eto'o has said he wants to be the all-time top scorer of the African Nations Cup after he tied a 14-goal record held by the Ivorian star Laurent Pokou at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Ono leaves Japan for German side Bochum (Jan 28, 2008)
Former Asian Player of the Year Shinji Ono left Japan Monday to join German first division side VfL Bochum, with a hope to start playing in a February 3 match against Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
Morocco out to spoil Ghana's party in African Nations Cup (Jan 28, 2008)
Ghana need only to draw their last Group A game on Monday against Morocco to keep alive their dream of winning the African Nations Cup on home turf. . . . more . . .
Guinea set for must-win Nations Cup match with Namibia (Jan 28, 2008)
Guinea go into their must-win African Nations Cup game against Namibia on Monday rocked by star player Pascal Feindouno's two-match ban. . . . more . . .
AC Milan's Pato shows maturity beyond his years (Jan 28, 2008)
No-one in Milan has failed to be impressed by the start teenage striker Pato has made to life in Serie A. . . . more . . .
Inter Milan celebrate their continued dominance (Jan 28, 2008)
Inter Milan were celebrating their continued dominance over Serie A despite seeing their eight-match winning run brought to an abrupt halt as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Udinese. . . . more . . .
I owe United teammates for goal heroics, says Ronaldo (Jan 28, 2008)
Cristiano Ronaldo took his season's goal tally to 25 with a double in the 3-1 FA Cup win over Spurs but insisted he's indebted to his Manchester United teammates for his heroics. . . . more . . .
Blades bursting with joy as balloons deflate City (Jan 28, 2008)
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson saw his Premiership side crash out FA Cup but refused to blame a bunch of balloons which drifted across his team's penalty area as the first goal was scored. . . . more . . .
Santos torments South Africa as Tunisia triumph (Jan 27, 2008)
Veteran striker Francileudo dos Santos scored twice as Tunisia thrashed South Africa 3-1 Sunday to go top of Group D in the 2008 African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
First chinks show in Inter armour as Udinese claim point (Jan 27, 2008)
Udinese helped breathe life back into the Serie A title race as they held champions and league leaders Inter Milan to a 0-0 draw at home on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Robinho double sends Real nine points clear (Jan 27, 2008)
Defending champions Real Madrid went nine points clear at the top of La Liga on Sunday with a 3-2 win over Villarreal. . . . more . . .
Benzema gives Lyon breathing space (Jan 27, 2008)
A superbly-executed free kick from Karim Benzema gave leaders Lyon some breathing space Sunday in bringing a 1-1 draw at local rivals St Etienne to leave the reigning French champions four points clear. . . . more . . .
Manucho double gives Angola shock victory over Senegal (Jan 27, 2008)
Manchester United-bound Manucho scored twice as Angola hit back in the second half to shock Senegal 3-1 in a 2008 African Nations Cup Group D clash Sunday. . . . more . . .
Portsmouth sign Baros on loan (Jan 27, 2008)
Portsmouth announced Sunday they had signed former Liverpool and Aston Villa striker Milan Baros on loan for the rest of the season. . . . more . . .
Koeman feeling pressure after Almeria humiliation (Jan 27, 2008)
Ronald Koeman has only been in charge of Valencia for a little over three months but some supporters are already calling for his head after Valencia fell to a 1-0 home loss against unfashionable Almeria on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Deflated City dumped onto Premier League FA Cup scrapheap (Jan 27, 2008)
Only six Premier League sides were left in the last 16 of this season's FA Cup after Sheffield United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Bramall Lane on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Slipped disc sets back Bayern's Podolski (Jan 27, 2008)
Luckless Lukas Podolski has suffered a further injury setback with a slipped disc and will be missing when Bayern Munich resume their Bundesliga campaign on Friday. . . . more . . .
CAF voices concern over African Nations Cup match fix claims (Jan 27, 2008)
The Confederation of African Football confirmed Sunday it was taking seriously claims of attempted match-fixing at the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Ghana's Gyan planned to quit after threats (Jan 27, 2008)
Ghana's Asamoah Gyan almost walked out on the team after he and his family received threats following the young Udinese striker's shaky performance in Thursday's 1-0 win over Namibia. . . . more . . .
Hamburg's Van der Vaart cool over Juventus switch (Jan 27, 2008)
Despite being courted by Italian giants Juventus, Hamburg's want-away Dutchman Rafael van der Vaart seems to have cooled over a move to Italy. . . . more . . .
Gilberto set to sign for Spurs after medical (Jan 27, 2008)
Hertha Berlin's Brazilian defender Gilberto is set to sign for Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur after flying to London for a medical. . . . more . . .
No place for South Africa hero Van Heerden in Tunisia clash (Jan 27, 2008)
There is unlikely to be a place in the starting line-up for South Africa hero Elrio van Heerden when they tackle Tunisia in the 2008 African Nations Cup Sunday. . . . more . . .
Senegal's Diouf makes case for better defence ahead of Angola clash (Jan 27, 2008)
Senegal star and skipper El-Hadji Diouf has warned his defenders to improve ahead of a 2008 African Nations Cup clash against Angola Sunday. . . . more . . .
Man Utd's Park sets sights on FA Cup hat-trick (Jan 27, 2008)
Park Ji-Sung is targeting an FA Cup triumph with Manchester United to pull off of a memorable hat-trick of cup successes. . . . more . . .
Derby manager Jewell keeps the faith despite dismal Premiership showing (Jan 27, 2008)
Derby manager Paul Jewell is convinced his side have a bright future despite their embarrassing FA Cup exit against Championship strugglers Preston. . . . more . . .
High-flying Rangers target new blood (Jan 27, 2008)
Rangers moved seven points clear of Celtic in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday but manager Walter Smith is still seeking to strengthen his squad by the end of the month. . . . more . . .
Cole axe professional not personal, says Chelsea boss (Jan 27, 2008)
Avram Grant insisted there was nothing behind his decision to leave Ashley Cole out of Chelsea's squad for their 2-1 FA Cup fourth round win at Wigan. . . . more . . .
Gritty Gunners get Wenger's seal of approval (Jan 27, 2008)
Arsene Wenger insisted Arsenal's team spirit is rock solid after they booked an FA Cup fifth round berth with a 3-0 win over Newcastle. . . . more . . .
Liverpool advances to FA Cup round five (Jan 27, 2008)
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has paid tribute to the non-league players of Havant and Waterlooville after his teams 5-2 victory took them through to the fifth round of the FA Cup at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Fabiano strikes again to rescue Sevilla (Jan 26, 2008)
Luis Fabiano showed he is committed to the Sevilla cause scoring a last minute penalty to secure a crucial 2-1 victory over nine-man Osasuna on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Egypt brush aside Sudan in Nile battle (Jan 26, 2008)
Defending champions Egypt continued their African Nations Cup title defence by beating neighbours Sudan 3-0 in Group C here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Roma labour to Palermo victory (Jan 26, 2008)
AS Roma kept up their valiant chase of runaway Serie A leaders Inter Milan with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Palermo on Saturday thanks to a goal from Brazilian Alessandro Mancini. . . . more . . .
Anelka off the mark as Chelsea go through (Jan 26, 2008)
Nicolas Anelka scored his first Chelsea goal and laid on a second for Shaun Wright-Phillips as the FA Cup holders marched into the fifth round with a 2-1 win at Wigan on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Bayern draw final warm-up match (Jan 26, 2008)
Bayern Munich struggled to a 1-1 draw with second division 1860 Munich on Saturday in preparation for their German Cup match on Tuesday which will mark a competitive return after the long winter break. . . . more . . .
Cameroon bounce back as Eto'o equals record (Jan 26, 2008)
Four-time champions Cameroon got their 2008 Africa Nations Cup campaign back on course with a comfortable 5-1 trouncing of Zambia as star striker Samuel Eto'o matched the tournament's all-time scoring record. . . . more . . .
Cisse treble fires Marseille as PSG stumble (Jan 26, 2008)
Djibril Cisse may have struggled to impose himself at Liverpool but on Saturday he showed the form which led the Reds to buy him in the first place with a hattrick in Marseille's 6-1 demolition of Caen. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo out injured again (Jan 26, 2008)
Brazilian superstar Ronaldo will miss AC Milan's match against Genoa on Sunday due to a muscle problem, the club said on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Preston pile on the misery for struggling Derby (Jan 26, 2008)
Derby's miserable season went from bad to worse as they suffered an embarrassing 4-1 FA Cup fourth round defeat against Championship strugglers Preston. . . . more . . .
Young makes point for Villa and to England (Jan 26, 2008)
Ashley Young increased his chances of recognition by new England manager Fabio Capello with a wonderful free-kick to secure a 1-1 draw for Aston Villa at Villa Park on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Boumsong departure depends on arrivals: Ranieri (Jan 26, 2008)
Want-away French centre-back Jean-Alain Boumsong will have to wait until another defender is signed before completing his proposed move to French champions Lyon, Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri said Saturday. . . . more . . .
After Benin, Namibia raise match-fixing fears (Jan 26, 2008)
The match-fixing shadow over the African Nations Cup lengthened here Saturday with Namibia revealing they were approached to 'throw' their next game against Guinea. . . . more . . .
Adebayor redeems himself as Gunners ground Magpies (Jan 26, 2008)
Emmanuel Adebayor ensured his tortuous week ended on a high as his brace earned Arsenal a 3-0 FA Cup win over Newcastle on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Yossi spares Liverpool blushes (Jan 26, 2008)
Yossi Benayoun rescued Liverpool from the greatest FA Cup shock of all-time with a 15-minute hat-trick to secure a 5-2 victory and end Havant and Waterlooville's hopes of a stunning upset at Anfield on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Gers crush Saints to move seven points clear in the SPL (Jan 26, 2008)
Rangers soared seven points clear in the Scottish Premier League on Saturday after a 4-0 victory at home to 10-men St Mirren. . . . more . . .
Lee helps Middlesbrough avoid an upset (Jan 26, 2008)
Lee Dong-Gook helped Middlesbrough into the FA Cup fifth round as the South Korean's second goal of the season set up a 2-0 win against League Two Mansfield on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Derby to go global, chairman says (Jan 26, 2008)
The takeover of Derby County by US investors is aimed at turning the Premier League bottom dogs into a global force in football, club chairman Adam Pearson has said. . . . more . . .
Lehmann hasn't given up hope at Arsenal (Jan 26, 2008)
Jens Lehmann has admitted he decided to stay at Arsenal because he has not given up hope of winning back his first team place. . . . more . . .
Tottenham set to beat Newcastle to Woodgate (Jan 26, 2008)
Newcastle look set to miss out on Middlesbrough's Jonathan Woodgate to Tottenham despite having an offer accepted for the England defender. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann's appointment criticised by Bayern's Maier (Jan 26, 2008)
Bayern Munich's goalkeeping coach Sepp Maier has strongly criticised the appointment of Jurgen Klinsmann as coach of the German giants for his complete lack of experience at club level. . . . more . . .
Chile hold Japan to goalless draw in World Cup preparation (Jan 26, 2008)
Japan were held to a goalless draw by Chile on Saturday in a two-match tune-up series for the World Cup qualifying round starting next month in Tokyo. . . . more . . .
Nigeria in 'crisis meeting' after Mali setback (Jan 26, 2008)
The future of German coach Berti Vogts will be discussed by the board of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Saturday after the Super Eagles failed to beat Mali in a decisive Group B match and now risk a first round elimination from the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. . . . more . . .
Mali eye quarter-finals after Nigeria stalemate (Jan 25, 2008)
Mali edged closer to the last eight of the 2008 African Nations Cup on Friday when they held Nigeria to a goalless draw in a crucial Group B match. . . . more . . .
Juventus target Villa defender Mellberg (Jan 25, 2008)
Injury-hit Italian giants Juventus want to sign Aston Villa's veteran Swedish international defender Olof Mellberg, the English Premier League club said on Friday. . . . more . . .
King moves to Wigan after Fulham switch collapses (Jan 25, 2008)
Wigan signed Watford striker Marlon King on Friday after the player's protracted move to Premiership strugglers Fulham broke down. . . . more . . .
Drogba on target as Ivory Coast trounce Benin (Jan 25, 2008)
Superstar Didier Drogba scored the opening goal as Ivory Coast overwhelmed Benin 4-1 Friday in a 2008 African Nations Cup Group B match. . . . more . . .