Frank Lampard's continued presence at Chelsea this season will be one of the top tasks of Luiz Felipe Scolari when the new Stamford Bridge boss officially starts work at the club on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Portugal midfielder Deco has signed for Chelsea, the English Premiership club said on Monday, for eight million pounds (10.1 million euros). . . . more . . .
Portuguese judicial authorities announced Monday they were dropping the case against FC Porto president Jorge Pinto da Costa, relating to alleged match-fixing of a first division game during the 2003/2004 season. . . . more . . .
Hundreds of thousands of ecstatic flag-waving fans cheered Spain's Euro 2008 players as they were feted in a parade in an open-top bus through Madrid to celebrate the country's first major football trophy in 44 years. . . . more . . .
A huge flag-waving crowd gave Germany's not quite all-conquering football team a heroes' welcome in central Berlin on Monday despite their 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
It doesn't say much for the Bundesliga defenders that Luca Toni and Mario Gomez accrued 40 goals between them last season and yet when they got to Euro 2008 their return was - zero. . . . more . . .
Spanish goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas basked in the glory on Monday of having won Euro 2008 and reflected on the ghosts Spain laid to rest by winning their first title for 44 years. . . . more . . .
Spanish midfielder Xavi was named player of Euro 2008 by UEFA on Monday. . . . more . . .
A Spanish football supporter was found dead on Monday in Madrid where 52 others were arrested after a night of revelry to celebrate their team's victory over Germany in the final of Euro 2008, police said. . . . more . . .
Turkish striker Nihat Kahveci could be out for up to four months after undergoing a successful operation on his right thigh that he injured in Turkey's Euro 2008 quarter-final win over Croatia. . . . more . . .
Gamba Osaka midfielder Yasuhito Endo was the only over-age player in Japan's preliminary 20-member Olympic football squad announced on Monday. . . . more . . .
Spanish midfielder Xavi was named player of Euro 2008 by UEFA on Monday. . . . more . . .
Spain ended their 44-year wait for a major international title with a 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2008 final here. . . . more . . .
After 44 long years - virtually as long as the trophy drought still afflicting England - Spain finally threw off their chains on Sunday in winning the European Championship, beating Germany with a Fernando Torres strike. . . . more . . .
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero is dreaming of glory for Spain at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after his side beat Germany 1-0 to win Euro 2008, its first major title in over 40 years. . . . more . . .
Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso said Sunday night's Euro 2008 win over Germany was just as good as the Reds dramatic Champions League victory over AC Milan in 2005. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid's German defender Christoph Metzelder praised Spain's Euro 2008 winning-performance which inflicted a 1-0 win over Germany in Vienna on Sunday night as Fernando Torres's first-half strike settled the matter. . . . more . . .
Veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann admitted his side were in shock after losing Sunday's Euro 2008 final as a first-half strike by Liverpool's Fernando Torres sealed Spain's 1-0 triumph. . . . more . . .
Tens of thousands of ecstatic Spanish fans danced and chanted "Viva Espana" in central Madrid late Sunday as the country's first major international football trophy in 44 years sparked a nationwide fiesta. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted that Spain were the better side after watching his team be beaten 1-0 in the Euro 2008 final here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Having lost May's Champions League final with Chelsea, Michael Ballack again suffered silverware heartbreak on Sunday as Germany lost the Euro 2008 final 1-0 to Spain. . . . more . . .
Fernando Torres showed that anything his fellow striker David Villa can do he can do too with the precious goal that gave Spain victory over Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
Luis Aragones's tenure as national coach came to a glorious and deserving conclusion here on Sunday with Spain's success over Germany in the Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
Spain ended their 44-year wait for a major international title with a 1-0 victory over Germany at the Euro 2008 final here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Jurgen Klinsmann took his place as a spectator at the final of Euro 2008 here on Sunday in the knowledge that the German Federation credit him with laying the foundations of Die Mannschaft's new rise to prominence. . . . more . . .
The Euro 2008 final has arrived at last and the whole world - and universe - came together on Sunday in Vienna to celebrate the culmination of three weeks of football, ahead of Germany v Spain. . . . more . . .
Exuberant Spanish football fans massed in front of giant outdoor TV screens, piled into bars or rushed home on Sunday as normal life came to a halt across the country for the Euro 2008 final against Germany. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack was rated almost certain to start Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain despite straining his right calf in training, German media reported from Vienna as the countdown to the match reached fever pitch. . . . more . . .
FIFA president Sepp Blatter says the one-match bans handed to both Germany coach Joachim Loew and Austria's Josef Hickersberger by UEFA during a Euro 2008 group game were unjustified. . . . more . . .
Germany's three-week-long Euro 2008 party ended with a whimper on Sunday as throngs of colourful supporters headed home forlornly after defeat to Spain, but looking ahead to the 2010 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Spain will head into Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany here confident that they have overcome the mental fragility that has so often dogged them in the past. . . . more . . .
Germans were unfurling their flags and applying the black, red and gold face-paints on Sunday as three weeks of Euro 2008 football frenzy approached its climax of Germany versus Spain. . . . more . . .
Excited fans gathered in front of giant outdoor television screens, newspapers ran front pages in the team colour of red and shops planned to close early as Spain was gripped by football fever ahead of the Euro 2008 final Sunday. . . . more . . .
Excited fans gathered in front of giant outdoor television screens, newspapers ran front pages in the team colour of red and shops planned to close early as Spain was gripped by football fever ahead of the Euro 2008 final Sunday. . . . more . . .
Germans were unfurling their flags and applying the black, red and gold face-paints on Sunday morning as football fever approached its climax for the team's Euro 2008 final against Spain. . . . more . . .
Spain will head into Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany here confident that they have overcome the mental fragility that has so often dogged them in the past. . . . more . . .
Once more, Germany are in the final of a European Championship, their sixth. . . . more . . .
Spain will head into Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany here confident that they have overcome the mental fragility that has so often dogged them in the past. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones has hinted that Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas will start during his side's Euro 2008 final against Germany on Sunday night in Vienna. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones criticised his employers on the eve of Sunday's Euro 2008 final for not sounding him out about a new contract. . . . more . . .
Spain was swept up in football fever Saturday one day ahead of its national team's Euro 2008 final against Germany in Vienna which fans were confident would lead to its first major title in over 40 years. . . . more . . .
Captain Iker Casillas says Spain will take to the field against Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 final with only one objective in mind -- to end their 44-year title famine. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew is hopeful captain Michael Ballack can shake off the calf strain he suffered in training on the eve of Sunday's Euro 2008 final to lead his country against Spain. . . . more . . .
Spanish striker Dani Guiza will marry his girlfriend if Spain land their first title since 1964 in the Euro 2008 climax against Germany on Sunday, the Real Mallorca marksman told the Spanish press on Saturday. . . . more . . .
It may be called rather fetchingly the 'Old Lady' but the stadium for Sunday's Euro 2008 final between Germany and Spain has a dark past - it was formerly a site for Nazi propaganda and racial experiments. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew says he expects his side to beat Spain in Sunday night's Euro 2008 final in Vienna with or without their injured captain Michael Ballack. . . . more . . .
No South American has ever picked up a winner's medal in the European Championships - but that will change on Sunday when either Marcos Senna tastes glory with Spain or Germany's Kevin Kuranyi shares in a win for Die Mannschaft. . . . more . . .
A black political figure later to become president was sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa, Can't Buy Me Love was number one in Britain, Cassius Clay upset Sonny Liston to win the world heavyweight title, Tokyo staged the 18th Olympic Games and here in Vienna Inter Milan won the Europe Cup. . . . more . . .
The presidents of the 53 football federations in European governing body UEFA indicated Saturday they backed plans for 24 teams at future Euros following an informal meeting chaired by UEFA president Michel Platini in Vienna, a source said. . . . more . . .
Double World Cup-winner Franz Beckenbauer says he expects Germany to win Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain in Vienna on penalties - as the Germans have not missed in a shoot-out for 26 years. . . . more . . .
Sweden captain Fredrik Ljungberg has announced his retirement from international football, the country's TT agency reported on Friday. . . . more . . .
Russia football coach Guus Hiddink was amazed at the reception his team received here on Friday after returning to the country following the exploits at the Euro 2008 championships in Switzerland and Austria. . . . more . . .
All 23 members of Turkey's Euro 2008 squad are to receive 450,000 euros each, dwarfing the amount which players from finalists Germany and Spain will be paid in bonuses. . . . more . . .
German automakers said Friday they would shut down production lines late Sunday so workers could follow the European football championship final between Germany and Spain. . . . more . . .
German Chancellor Angela Merkel will be in the stands on Sunday to watch Germany take on Spain in the Euro 2008 final, the government said. . . . more . . .
In front of hordes of watching cameras Euro 2008 finalists Spain underwent a light training session here on Friday morning just hours after knocking out Russia on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Germany's Spanish spy Christoph Metzelder says his side must take advantage of Spain's first appearance in a major final since 1984 when they face the Germans in Sunday's Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
German World Cup-winning player and coach Franz Beckenbauer on Friday insisted veteran keeper Jens Lehmann was in top form, notwithstanding a couple of errors in his team's run to the Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
Oliver Bierhoff, whose golden goal won Euro '96, says Germany must approach Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain without fear as the Germans bid to win a fourth European title. . . . more . . .
Spain midfielder Santi Cazorla said on Friday he sees Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany as too close to call, telling reporters "there's no favourite." . . . more . . .
Germany midfielder Torsten Frings insists he would play himself in Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain if he was German coach - despite having a fractured rib. . . . more . . .
The Swiss city of Lausanne, disappointed it would not be hosting a Euro 2008 game, found another way to celebrate the sport -- with artsy, offbeat "interactive" football tables. . . . more . . .
Spain one of the pre-tournament title favourites ensured they made their first final for 24 years when they demolished Russia 3-0 here on Thursday in their Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Spain's Cesc Fabregas says that he has no intention of letting Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Germany slip through his hands. . . . more . . .
"Tonight we showed our winning mentality," was the simple, yet razor-sharp observation German coach Joachim Loew made after his side somehow cast aside dominating Turks to reach their sixth Euro final. . . . more . . .
As a player Luis Aragones earned the nickname 'Zapatones' or big boots and his will certainly be hard to fill when he stands down as Spain coach after his side's exorcising of so many ghosts at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
The strains of "Que Viva Espana" rang out across central Madrid Thursday as around 10,000 Spanish fans celebrated their team's 3-0 defeat of Russia in Euro 2008, which they watched on giant outdoor screens. . . . more . . .
The South Koreans gave him free international flights for life after the 2002 World Cup, Russia's offered him honorary citizenship for his exploits at Euro 2008 - if Guus Hiddink ever took charge of Saudi Arabia he could end up with his very own oil well. . . . more . . .
Spain one of the pre-tournament title favourites ensured they made their first final for 24 years when they demolished Russia 3-0 here on Thursday in their Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Spain are hoping to continue undoing their underachievements of the past as they aim to get past Russia in Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Defender Philipp Lahm's late strike put three-times European champions Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 final and sealed a 3-2 win to knock out injury-ravaged Turkey. . . . more . . .
Hope turned to sadness for Germany's huge Turkish minority as their team were denied a place in the finals of the Euro 2008 football championship by none other than their host country. . . . more . . .
Turkey coach Fatih Terim is set to coach a European club side next season he revealed after his side pushed three-time champions Germany to the limit in their Euro 2008 3-2 defeat in the semi-final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Turkey coach Fatih Terim is set to coach a European club side next season as he revealed after his side had pushed three-time champions Germany to the limit in their Euro 2008 3-2 defeat in the semi-final on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Defender Philipp Lahm's late strike put three-times European champions Germany in Sunday's Euro 2008 final and sealed a 3-2 win to knock out injury-ravaged Turkey on Wednesday night. . . . more . . .
Luis Aragones insisted on the eve of Spain's crucial Euro 2008 quarter-final against Russia on Thursday that he has no need to change his winning side. . . . more . . .
Hope turned to sadness for Germany's huge Turkish minority on Wednesday as their team were denied a place in the finals of the Euro 2008 football championship by none other than their host country. . . . more . . .
Villarreal forward Santi Cazorla is quickly becoming the revelation of Spain's run into the latter stages of Euro 2008 and the team's players agreed that he is a player who could make the difference. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink, recalling the hazardous qualification route his team suffered to get to Vienna, insisted he was keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of Thursday's Euro 2008 semi-final with Spain. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink paid tribute to his Spanish counterpart Luis Aragones here Wednesday on the eve of their Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack says his side must use the confidence from their 3-2 quarter-final win over Portugal to knock out comeback kings Turkey on Wednesday in order to reach the Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
Russia forward Andrei Arshavin is well up to handling all the interest from media and clubs triggered by his starring role in his country's journey to the Euro 2008 semi-finals, coach Guus Hiddink stressed on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Thousands of supporters of the Spanish national team have vowed to shave their heads if their side wins the Euro 2008 football championship. . . . more . . .
On the eve of his side's historic Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany, Turkey coach Fatih Terim says he refuses to believe in miracles, despite his side's incredible come-back record. . . . more . . .
If Spanish coach Luis Aragones greeted King Juan Carlos like an old friend following his team's quarter-final shootout success over Italy that's because that's just what they are, reporters Tuesday quoted him as saying. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is going to be sacked and replaced by reigning World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi, the Italian press reported on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Euro 2008 semi-finalists will read out messages against racism ahead of their matches as part of the Unite Against Racism campaign at the tournament, organisers said Tuesday. . . . more . . .
He is regarded as one of the world's most talented playmakers. . . . more . . .
Football-crazy Germany is lapping up this month's European Championships but with a three-million Turkish minority, the country, it seems, has two national teams -- who face off on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Hamit Altintop is using insider information to help Turkey plot Germany's downfall in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew says he knows all about the passion and never-say-die spirit of Turkey ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final from his year spent coaching Fenerbahce. . . . more . . .
Josef Hickersberger announced his retirement as Austrian coach in an interview to be published on Tuesday which will appear on the day that the Austrian federation were to decide on his future. . . . more . . .
The defeated Croatian squad will be get a 6.25 million-euro (9.7 million-dollar) bonus for reaching the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, the country's football association said Monday. . . . more . . .
Turkey's selection problems ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final with Germany deepened on Monday as they lost their appeal against first choice goalkeeper Volkan Demirel's suspension. . . . more . . .
Luis Aragones said on Monday that he would not go back on his decision to retire as Spain coach after Euro 2008 despite having guided them to their first semi-final in 24 years. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew says his side can ill-afford to write off injury-hit Turkey ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final when the come-back kings look to claim another scalp. . . . more . . .
A total of 520 people have been arrested and 1,500 charges filed in the first two weeks of the Euro, the Austrian interior ministry said on Monday in a positive security assessment of the tournament. . . . more . . .
Italian Roberto Rosetti will take charge of the Euro-2008 final on Sunday, UEFA announced on Monday, becoming the first referee from his country since Pierluigi Collina's retirement in 2005 to referee a major final. . . . more . . .
Defiant Italy boss Roberto Donadoni ruled out quitting the national team despite his country's insipid Euro 2008 exit on penalties to Spain. . . . more . . .
Veteran German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann said on Monday he was prepared to put his life on the line in Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Turkey. . . . more . . .
Three-time champions Germany's hour of truth at Euro 2008 is approaching, claimed their captain Michael Ballack on Monday. . . . more . . .
Coach Luis Aragones, unlike the rest of his fellow countrymen, was keeping his feet firmly on the ground after watching Spain finally confront their demons and defeat Italy to clinch a semi-final spot at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties here on Sunday to reach the Euro 2008 semi-finals and in so doing break a number of painful hoodoos. . . . more . . .
Italy Football Federation (FIGC) president Giancarlo Abete failed to back coach Roberto Donadoni after his team's Euro 2008 quarter-final defeat on penalties against Spain. . . . more . . .
Spain hero Iker Casillas admitted his team had been lucky in progressing to the Euro 2008 semi-finals following their penalty shoot-out victory over world champions Italy. . . . more . . .
Spain beat Italy 4-2 on penalties here on Sunday to reach the Euro 2008 semi-finals and in so doing break a number of painful hoodoos. . . . more . . .
Russia's playmaker Andrei Arshavin is set to have a great career France football legend Zinedine Zidane told AFP on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci has left his team's base in Vienna to return to Spain for treatment on the injured right thigh which has ruled him out of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final with Germany. . . . more . . .
France's World Cup and Euro winning captain Didier Deschamps would be a worthy successor to Raymond Domenech as France coach should the latter either resign or be sacked, claimed French football icon Zinedine Zidane on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Young AS Roma midfielder Alberto Aquilani was handed the onerous responsibility of replacing the suspended Andrea Pirlo for Italy's Euro 2008 quarter-final with Spain later on Sunday (kick-off 1845GMT). . . . more . . .
Turkey are so decimated by injury and suspension ahead of Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final against Germany they may resort to playing reserve keeper Tolga Zengin as an outfield player, according to coach Fatih Terim. . . . more . . .
Three-time champions Germany will not be taking Turkey for granted in their Euro 2008 semi-final on Wednesday, German captain Michael Ballack said on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Swiss police arrested 30 people in Basel following rioting in the city centre on Saturday in the wake of Russia's Euro 2008 quarter-final win against the Netherlands, police said Sunday. . . . more . . .
Holland's elimination from Euro 2008 on Saturday by Russia looks certain to have brought down the international curtain on several of their older players - even if some have yet to admit it. . . . more . . .
Disappointed Dutchman Arjen Robben admits the Holland team are hurting from their shock 3-1 defeat by Russia in Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final and says it will take time to get over it. . . . more . . .
Echoing the thoughts of the majority of the Spanish public, Italy defender Christian Panucci believes his side have the mental edge over Spain ahead of Sunday's Euro 2008 quarter-final here. . . . more . . .
Hundreds of thousands poured out into the streets all over Russia early Sunday to a cacophony of honking and shouting as news came in of Russia's historic Euro 2008 quarter-final win over the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink got the result he wanted to become a traitor in his native Holland after his team's 3-1 quarter-final win after extra-time dumped the Dutch out of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink says he knows what his side's stunning 3-1 win over Holland on Saturday will mean to millions of Russians as their side reached the Euro 2008 semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Dutch captain Edwin van der Sar equalled France's Lilian Thuram's record for appearances in European championships finals with his 16th here on Saturday in the quarter-final with Russia - but it ended in sadness as the Russians won 3-1. . . . more . . .
The fear factor and rediscovered pride will spur world champions Italy on to victory in their Euro 2008 quarter-final with Spain on Sunday according to their goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink got the result he wanted to become a traitor in his native Holland after his team's 3-1 quarter-final win after extra-time dumped the Dutch out of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas said on Saturday his countrymen must throw off the hoodoo of going out of major tournaments in quarter-finals, a regular fate in recent years. . . . more . . .
Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz was selected in the starting line-up to face Russia in their Euro 2008 quarter-final here on Saturday against Russia - just days after the tragic loss of Anissa, his prematurely born baby daughter. . . . more . . .
Former Spanish great Luis Enrique has called for Spain and in particular striker David Villa to exact revenge on the country's 1994 World Cup loss to Italy when he walked off the pitch in Boston with a broken nose. . . . more . . .
He may not have their experience in the hotseat but Roberto Donadoni is benefiting from the twin benefits of the pedigree associated with being Italian coach as well as relative youth which has helped him establish a close bond with his squad. . . . more . . .
Germany striker Miroslav Klose said on Saturday the fighting-spirit of come-back kings Turkey is his side's biggest concern ahead of next Wednesday's Euro 2008 semi-final. . . . more . . .
Hamit Altintop, who drove in Turkey's winning penalty in the quarter-final shoot-out win over Croatia, is relishing taking on some of his Bayern Munich teammates in Wedneday's semi-final against Germany. . . . more . . .
Colin Kazim-Richards claimed that dreams do come true as he revelled in Turkey's victory over England's nemesis Croatia following his country's Euro 2008 quarter-final victory. . . . more . . .
With World Cup winning veteran central defenders Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi either out injured or out of favour it has fallen to another old stager Christian Panucci to marshal the defence in Sunday's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Spain. . . . more . . .
Italy striker Luca Toni admits he has problems with "his best friend" - the football - and is looking to fix his troubled friendship by opening his Euro 2008 account against Spain on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Coach Slaven Bilic believes the absence of Arsenal striker Eduardo counted against his defeated Croatia side at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones insisted on Saturday that his team will leave body and soul on the pitch in Sunday's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Italy here. . . . more . . .
Russian striker Andrei Arshavin has warned Marco van Basten's Holland to expect his side's attacking machine to hit top gear for Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Turkey lived up to their billing as comeback kings with a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Croatia here on Friday to put them into the Euro 2008 semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Turkey lived up to their billing as comeback kings with a 3-1 penalty shoot-out win over Croatia here on Friday to put them into the Euro 2008 semi-finals. . . . more . . .
Former Dutch star Ruud Gullit said on Friday he believed the Oranje, coached by his 1988 teammate Marco van Basten, would just edge out a Russia side coached by Dutchman Guus Hiddink, in Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Netherlands captain Rafael van der Vaart says the Oranje may have earned plenty of praise ahead of Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Russia, but they have won nothing yet. . . . more . . .
Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz declared himself available for selection for Saturday's Euro 2008 quarter-final on Friday as he battled to shrug off the tragic loss in midweek of Anissa, his prematurely born baby daughter. . . . more . . .
Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz participated in training with his teammates on Friday as he battled to shrug off the tragic loss in midweek of Anissa, his prematurely born baby daughter. . . . more . . .
Russia's Dutch coach Guus Hiddink says he wants to be the traitor of the year in the Netherlands and see Russia knock his countrymen out of Euro 2008 in Saturday's quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Italian defender Christian Panucci on Friday said France coach Raymond Domenech, who criticised the referee after his side's loss to the Italians, "always has excuses". . . . more . . .
Wesley Sneijder may be the one reaping the praise for his attacking play, but to many afficionados eyes it is Rafael van der Vaart who has been the lynchpin in the Dutch success so far at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Just as Spain prepare to end a hoodoo of quarter-final exits at recent major tournaments by beating world champions Italy on Sunday off-field tensions have emerged between coach Luis Aragones and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos. . . . more . . .
Sam Allardyce has pulled out of the race to succeed Mark Hughes at Blackburn as Paul Ince looks increasingly likely to fill the Ewood Park vacancy. . . . more . . .
Croatia may go into Friday's Euro 2008 quarter-final as favourites but Slaven Bilic's men are wary of being caught out by Turkey's reputation as the comeback kings. . . . more . . .
As Orange fever rises with every goal scored in the Dutch team's Euro 2008 campaign, lawyers, housewives and school kids become crazed wig-wearing fans adorning their homes, bikes and even their pets in the national colour. . . . more . . .
Manchester United slapped a 'not for sale' sign on striker Cristiano Ronaldo Friday following the Portuguese international striker's most recent bid to pave the way towards joining Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Luiz Felipe Scolari will head for Chelsea with his pride and his reputation for getting the most out of his players having suffered bruising blows at the hands of a German side that has reclaimed the status of favourites at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Germany marched into the last four of Euro 2008 after Portugal pressed the self-destruct button in a five-goal thriller of a quarter-final here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Turkey coach Fatih Terim reminded the watching world of the fragility of life as he looked ahead to his team's Euro 2008 quarter-final clash against Croatia here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Turkey striker Nihat Kahveci who plays his club football with Villarreal says he's dreaming of taking on Spain in the Euro 2008 final. . . . more . . .
Swedish coach Lars Lagerback said Thursday he intended to stay in his post and was not contemplating resigning despite their first-round exit at Euro 2008 to Russia. . . . more . . .
Italian defender Andrea Barzagli was ruled out of the rest of Euro 2008 on Thursday after injuring his left knee in training, the Italian Football Federation said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic says complacency is not an issue for his high-achievers who Friday take on Turkey in the second quarter-final at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Italy are a united group who can end Spain's impressive run at Euro 2008 in the quarter-finals on Sunday, midfielder Massimo Ambrosini said Thursday. . . . more . . .
For anyone offering an opinion on how an international football tournament might pan out, 'never write off the Germans' has long been one of the most reliable cliches. . . . more . . .
Barcelona have made an offer to Arsenal for Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor, Spanish newspapers reported Thursday. . . . more . . .
Both Real Madrid and Manchester United want his services for next season, but Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo must now reveal his future plans after his Euro 2008 heart-break on Thursday. . . . more . . .
European football's governing body UEFA will make a decision on whether to enlarge their flagship tournament the European championships by the end of the year announced their general secretary David Taylor on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Harry Kewell is one of only five players from last weekend's win over Qatar selected for Australia's World Cup qualifying 'dead rubber' against China here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Guus Hiddink's reputation as a miracle worker was given further credence here on Wednesday as a young Russian side overcame a vastly more experienced Swedish one 2-0 in their Euro 2008 Group D clash to progress to the last eight at the expense of the Swedes. . . . more . . .
Russian newspapers voiced their delight Thursday with their national team winning a Euro 2008 quarter-final berth for the first time in over 20 years. . . . more . . .
Europe's footballing wheat has been sorted from the chaff and the current eight best teams on the Old Continent will do battle from Thursday for the right to claim semi-final berths at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Veteran Swedish striker Henrik Larsson said on Wednesday he has no intention of retiring from the international stage even though he will turn 37 in September. . . . more . . .
Spain equalled their record of nine straight wins with a 2-1 defeat of Greece here on Wednesday that confined the reigning champions to their third defeat of the tournament. . . . more . . .
Guus Hiddink's reputation as a miracle worker was given further credence here on Wednesday as a young Russian side overcame a vastly more experienced Swedish one 2-0 in their Euro 2008 Group D clash to progress to the last eight at the expense of the Swedes. . . . more . . .
Midfielder Clemens Fritz says the Germany team want to beat Portugal in Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final to protest against UEFA's decision to ban coach Joachim Loew from the sidelines. . . . more . . .
It's past midnight, the day's matches are over, the fans have gone home and Vienna's fan mile has closed down for the night. . . . more . . .
Turkey's first choice goalkeeper Volkan Demirel has been suspended for two international matches following his sending off in the epic Group A win over the Czech Republic, UEFA said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
There were mixed messages from the Portugal camp about the new pitch of freshly-laid Dutch grass at Basel's St-Jakob-Park stadium ahead of Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Germany. . . . more . . .
French midfielder Franck Ribery will be out of action for up to two months after he had to go off injured in his country's Euro 20008 loss to Italy on Tuesday, his club doctor said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Luiz Felipe Scolari's confidence that Portugal will beat Germany in Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final was underlined on the eve of the match when the Brazilian coach revealed his starting line-up. . . . more . . .
Portugal will revert to the line-up that beat Turkey and the Czech Republic in their first two matches at Euro 2008 for Wednesday's quarter-final against Germany, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari revealed on the eve of the match. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insisted on Wednesday his men can "beat anyone" after shrugging off their opening loss to the Dutch to reach the least eight of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff has urged UEFA president Michel Platini to investigate the one-match ban handed to German coach Joachim Loew for Thursday's Euro 2008 clash with Portugal. . . . more . . .
Under-fire French coach Raymond Domenech on Wednesday refused to give a clear idea of his future after his side crashed out of Euro 2008 following defeat to Italy and admitted in hindsight he might have done some things differently. . . . more . . .
Under-fire French coach Raymond Domenech on Wednesday refused to give a clear idea of his future after his side crashed out of Euro 2008 following defeat to Italy and admitted in hindsight he might have done some things differently. . . . more . . .
The future of France coach Raymond Domenech following their exit at the first hurdle of Euro 2008 will not be decided by either public opinion or the media declared the France Football Federation (FFF) president on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Reigning European champions Greece will be aiming to bow out of Euro 2008 on Wednesday by salvaging some pride against Group D winners Spain. . . . more . . .
Reigning European champions Greece will be aiming to bow out of Euro 2008 on Wednesday by salvaging some pride against Group D winners Spain. . . . more . . .
Marco van Basten has warned his rampant Holland squad they must start all over again after completing a glorious romp through the group stage of Euro 2008 by sending Romania home. . . . more . . .
After they sneaked past a rather mediocre Austria with a 108 kilometres-per-hour bullet free kick from Michael Ballack's boot Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted an improvement would be needed to see off Portugal. . . . more . . .
Veteran France international midfielder Claude Makelele confirmed his international retirement on Tuesday following the 2006 World Cup finalists first round exit from Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Beleagured France coach Raymond Domenech sought solace in his personal life on Tuesday as he publicly proposed to his girlfriend on French television just moments after his side had ignominously exited Euro 2008 at the first hurdle with a 2-0 defeat by Italy. . . . more . . .
World champions Italy beat old foes France 2-0 here on Tuesday to go through to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals as Group C runners up with a helping hand from Holland whilst their rivals and 2006 World Cup finalists exited. . . . more . . .
Holland marched into the quarter-finals of Euro 2008 with a 100 percent record in group C and their momentum intact after the Oranje reserves strolled to a 2-0 victory over Romania here on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Croatian defender Dario Knezevic is out of the rest of Euro 2008 after injuring knee ligaments, the national coach Slaven Billic announced on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones dismissed speculation linking him with Turkish side Fenerbahce on the eve of Wednesday's Euro 2008 Group D clash against reigning champions Greece. . . . more . . .
Germany midfielder Torsten Frings is rated as highly doubtful for Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final clash against Portugal in Basel after discovering he fractured ribs against Austria. . . . more . . .
The new pitch comprising freshly-laid Dutch grass is in place at Basel's St-Jakob-Park stadium, Euro 2008 organisers said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
After four years as the champions of Europe Greece coach Otto Rehhagel admitted on Tuesday that the status quo had been re-established. . . . more . . .
Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo on Tuesday insisted he would not address whether his future lies away from Manchester United before the end of Euro 2008 as he prepares for Thursday's quarter-final against Germany. . . . more . . .
Sweden's hugely experienced side should prove to have a huge advantage over their younger Russian opponents in the crucial Euro 2008 Group D match here on Wednesday according to Swedish coach Lars Lagerback. . . . more . . .
Sweden coach Lars Lagerback refused to confirm or deny on Tuesday whether star striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic would play in their crucial Euro 2008 Group D clash with Russia on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Germany's ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann says he knows a secret recipe to contain Portugal's chief play-maker Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Juventus' Czech Republic midfielder Pavel Nedved has called on Italy not to make the same mistakes his compatriots made that sent them home early from Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Otto Rehhagel is to stay on as Greece coach till the 2010 World Cup finals despite Greece being deposed as European champions, the Greek Football Federation (EPO) president said on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew will learn on Wednesday whether he will be able to take his place in the dugout for Thursday's Euro 2008 quarter-final with Portugal after being sent to the stands during Monday's 1-0 win over co-hosts Austria. . . . more . . .
Sweden may have taken a huge hit to their morale with the last minute defeat by Spain in their Euro 2008 Group D clash but they will be buoyed by the fact all they need out of their final match with Russia on Wednesday is a point. . . . more . . .
Ivan Klasnic capped a quite remarkable return to top class football just over a year after undergoing a kidney transplant operation by scoring the only goal against Poland as Croatia beat them 1-0 in their Group B Euro 2008 clash. . . . more . . .
Match-winner Michael Ballack admitted Germany would be underdogs against Portugal in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals after his goal defeated Austria 1-0 to earn his team second place in Group B. . . . more . . .
France go into their do or die clash with Italy here Tuesday beset by doubt, reports of internal strife and player fatigue. . . . more . . .
Russia have endeared themselves to many at Euro 2008 with their smart and flowing football but what they have lacked is the final killer touch and here on Wednesday they hope that returning star Andrei Arshavin will add it. . . . more . . .
Co-hosts Austria toiled and probed but Germany's class told in a 1-0 Euro 2008 Group B victory secured by Michael Ballack's freekick here Monday that put the European powerhouses into the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic became the first kidney transplant patient to score at a World Cup or European championships when he got the only goal in Croatia's 1-0 win over Poland in their Euro 2008 Group B match here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Veteran Turkish goalkeeper Rustu Recber is set to replace the suspended Volkan Demirel in goal for Turkey's Euro 2008 quarter-final against Croatia on Friday in Vienna, coach Fatih Terim revealed on Monday. . . . more . . .
In what could be his last press conference as France manager Raymond Domenech went on a charm offensive here Monday in a bid to reduce the tension surrounding Tuesday's make or break Euro 2008 clash with Italy. . . . more . . .
France captain Patrick Vieira said on Monday he had not recovered sufficiently from his left thigh injury to to play in his country's crunch Euro 2008 Group C match on Tuesday against world champions Italy. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insists his side are ready for their do-or-die Group C clash against fellow 2006 World Cup finalists France with a Euro 2008 quarter-final place at stake. . . . more . . .
Romania coach Victor Piturca believes it will be in Holland's interest to lose to his side on Tuesday and ensure that France and Italy are both eliminated from Euro 2008 before the knockout phase. . . . more . . .
Football may be the beautiful game but it is also a cruel one and no-one is more vulnerable to the ups and downs of it than the man in charge - the coach. . . . more . . .
As loud and taunting as their Austrian counterparts, German fans arrived on Monday afternoon in Vienna just hours before a crucial group B match that could see either team crash out of the tournament or make it into the quarter finals. . . . more . . .
World champions Italy, having managed just one goal in their opening two Group C matches, could turn to a wild card in Zurich on Tuesday in the shape of Antonio Cassano as they try to see off France to reach the Euro 2008 quarters. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech has received the usually-poisoned chalice of a vote of confidence from the French Football Federation (FFF) president on Monday on the eve of their do or die Euro 2008 clash with Italy. . . . more . . .
Holland coach Marco van Basten has expressed concern after Euro 2008 organisers decided to change the turf at Basel's St Jakob-Park stadium three days before the first of two quarter-finals due to take place there. . . . more . . .
Fiery Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has matured both as a player and as a person, national coach Lars Lagerback said on Monday. . . . more . . .
Spanish central defender Raul Albiol, in line to replace the injured Carles Puyol for Wednesday's final Group D game on Greece, warned Monday he believed potential quarter-final opponents Italy and France could be about to bounce back. . . . more . . .
Marco van Basten has delivered an ominous warning for Holland's Euro 2008 rivals: the Dutch coach believes the side that has taken the tournament by storm still has room for improvement. . . . more . . .
They say the grass is always greener on the other side, well the St Jakob Park stadium in Basel has taken that one step further. . . . more . . .
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech said Sunday night's shock 3-2 defeat by come-back kings Turkey summed up his unlucky season after missing out on three titles with the Blues. . . . more . . .
Turkey coach Fatih Terim said he wants his side to beat Croatia in Friday's Euro 2008 quarter-final in Vienna and then go all the way to the final in the Austrian capital on June 29. . . . more . . .
Germany are teetering on the brink of joining Europe's other traditional powerhouses on their sofas at home as they prepare for their final Group B match against Austria on Monday. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Turkey made the greatest of escapes to book their Euro 2008 quarter-final berth as they came from 2-0 down to stun the Czech Republic 3-2 here and take their place in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
The Dutch are past masters at self destructing at major finals despite always having squads loaded with talent, but this time round at Euro 2008 they appear to be the happiest they have been for a long time whilst it is the French who look the most ill at ease. . . . more . . .
On the page or on the pitch any encounter between France and Italy generates sauna-like temperatures, even more so with the kind of stakes riding on this latest instalment of their rivalry. . . . more . . .
Italy's all-time top-scorer Luigi Riva, whose goals helped claim their last European Championships title in 1968, wants the Azzurri to break their Euro jinx by beating France on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Ten-man Turkey made the greatest of escapes to book their Euro 2008 quarter-final berth as they came from 2-0 down to stun the Czech Republic 3-2 here on Sunday and take their place in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Switzerland departed Euro 2008 with their heads held high after beating a second-string Portugal side 2-0 here on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Poland's grizzled veteran of a coach Leo Beenhakker has all but conceded that the controversial last-minute penalty which handed Austria a draw with them on Thursday effectively eliminated them from Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Germany are teetering on the brink of joining Europe's other traditional powerhouses on their sofas at home as they prepare for their final Group B match against Austria on Monday. . . . more . . .
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic should be fit to play against Russia in Wednesday's crucial Euro 2008 Group D match Sweden coach Lars Lagerback said on Sunday. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech must be replaced by World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps after Euro 2008 said one of the latter's 1998 World Cup team-mates Emmanuel Petit on Sunday. . . . more . . .
France's Franck Ribery is relishing coming head to head with his Bayern Munich teammate Luca Toni in Tuesday's Euro 2008 Group C decider against Italy. . . . more . . .
Gianluigi Buffon said on Sunday that Tuesday's final Group C pool decider against France would be "the match of our lives" with both sides needing to win to reach the last eight. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew promised on Sunday not to let down millions of German fans when his side faces Austria with a place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals at stake. . . . more . . .
Poland's future at Euro 2008 is out of their hands and all they can do is beat the Croats in their final Group B match on Monday and hope for the best from the other match said their coach Leo Beenhakker on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Marco van Basten insisted on Sunday his side may have reached the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, but they will not be taking their foot off the pedal against Romania in Berne on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
With speculation over his future reaching fever pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo insists he is only concentrating on the tougher challenges that lie ahead for Portugal at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spanish fans, expecially those who follow Real Madrid, will rejoice that David Villa's last-gasp winner against Sweden will almost certainly put off, for the time being, their having to achieve what world champions Italy and runners-up France could not. . . . more . . .
Spanish coach Luis Aragones said on Sunday he intended to ring the changes and give the fringe players a run out in their final, Group D pool match against outgoing champions Greece. . . . more . . .
Greece's reign as European champions came to an early end here on Saturday as Russia beat them 1-0 in their Group D Euro 2008 clash. . . . more . . .
Luiz Felipe Scolari insisted on Saturday that his move to Chelsea, which he admitted was partly for financial gain, would not distract him or his Portugal squad from their bid to win Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Czech Republic captain Tomas Ujfalusi insisted his side will win Sunday's crucial Euro 2008 clash against Turkey whether that will be over the 90 minutes or through an historic penalty shoot-out. . . . more . . .
Dutch defender Andre Ooijer conceded on Saturday that he had deliberately handballed a shot from Thierry Henry in their Euro 2008 Group C clash with France on Friday. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni swatted away suggestions on Saturday that Holland would allow Romania an easy ride in their final Euro 2008 Group C clash and thereby ensure neither the world champions or 2006 World Cup finalists France can progress. . . . more . . .
Turkey coach Fatih Terim says his side have not practised taking penalties even though Sunday night's winner-takes-all clash against the Czech Republic could be decided by a historic shoot-out. . . . more . . .
David Villa scored a dramatic injury time winner as Spain defeated Sweden 2-1 in Euro 2008 Group D here on Saturday to all but book their place in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
France's faint hopes of making it to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals were boosted here on Saturday with an upbeat assessment on the well being of captain Patrick Vieira. . . . more . . .
Tomas Galasek may not be as glamorous a figure as Pavel Nedved, Karel Poborsky and Milan Baros but it is in a large part down to him that the Czech Republic has enjoyed a successful past six years under coach Karel Bruckner. . . . more . . .
Thierry Henry was trying to look for the positives here on Saturday after Holland had pushed France halfway through the Euro 2008 door marked exit. . . . more . . .
Midfielder Torsten Frings insists Germany will beat Austria on Monday to make the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and ensure there is no repeat of previous early exits from the last two European Championships. . . . more . . .
Former French coach Aime Jacquet, who led Les Bleus to the 1998 World Cup, told AFP on Saturday he made Spain his favourites for Euro 2008 as his countrymen in contrast labour to survive. . . . more . . .
Croatia will not take it easy against Poland in their final Euro 2008 Group B match Croat coach Slaven Bilic promised on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Switzerland's players are determined to get a result against Portugal on Sunday as a farewell present to departing coach Jakob 'Kobi' Kuhn, midfielder Gokhan Inler revealed. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech moved on Saturday to try and diffuse the controversy surrounding his refusal to send France player of the year Karim Benzema on during the 4-1 humiliation by Holland in their Euro 2008 Group C clash. . . . more . . .
Holland will be doing nothing wrong if they field a second choice side against Group C rivals Romania on Tuesday said a UEFA spokesman on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Swiss police said on Saturday they made more than 100 arrests following Friday's Euro matches between Holland and France and Italy and Romania in Berne and Zurich. . . . more . . .
Italian fury over the refereeing at Euro 2008 showed no signs of abating on Saturday as the recriminations escalated towards a level last witnessed after the Azzurri's exit from the 2002 World Cup. . . . more . . .
The battered and bruised France team woke up Saturday morning still barely able to believe how Holland had inflicted their worst defeat in almost three decades the night before. . . . more . . .
Either Spain or Sweden could wrap up a place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals if they emerge triumphant from the pair's Group D meeting here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Four years ago Otto Rehhagel, the German disciplinarian who turned Greece into officially the best team in Europe, could have snapped his fingers and reserved himself a table at the best restaurants in the country. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has hit out at Norwegian referee Tom Henning Ovrebo after a 1-1 draw with Romania left his side on the brink of elimination from Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
A man who shares a name with and lives in the same town as the British referee who awarded a controversial injury-time penalty in Euro 2008 has received death threats, newspapers here said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Just 12 years after newly-independent Croatia made its entrance at Euro '96 five men who were on the pitch in those heady days are back again, directing operations from the bench the Balkan state makes waves anew at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Less than 24 hours after Germany's Euro 2008 aspirations were brought crashing back to Earth, coach Joachim Loew faced some tough questioning from the disgruntled German media. . . . more . . .
Portugal's great start to their Euro 2008 campaign as they bid to go one better than the 2004 edition where they lost to Greece in the final could be hindered by the endless transfer speculation surrounding their squad. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Marco van Basten went out of his way to allay fears from France and Italy that his already qualified side would take their foot off the pedal for their remaining Group C match. . . . more . . .
France stood on the brink of elimination Friday after Holland maintained their dream start with a 4-1 win over the 2000 champions here to book their place in the quarter-finals Goals from Dirk Kuyt, Wesley Sneijder and second half substitutes Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben knocked the stuffing out of France and left the Oranje army marching on to join Portugal and Croatia in the last eight. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones was in relaxed mood on the eve of his team's Euro 2008 Group D clash against Sweden here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Romania midfielder Mirel Radoi is likely to need eye surgery after being stretchered off during his side's 1-1 draw with Italy here on Friday. . . . more . . .
A penalty save by Gianluigi Buffon spared Italy a second defeat of Euro 2008 but the world champions' involvement in the tournament was still left hanging by a slender thread after a 1-1 draw with Romania here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Spain admitted on Friday they are wary of the twin threat posed by Sweden's dynamic strike pairing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson when the teams meet in Saturday's Group B clash here. . . . more . . .
A penalty save by Gianluigi Buffon spared Italy a second defeat of Euro 2008 but the world champions' involvement in the tournament was still left hanging by a slender thread after a 1-1 draw with Romania here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Bern was awash with Dutch fans on Friday ahead of Holland's Group C clash with France at the Stade de Suisse. . . . more . . .
Sweden midfielder Freddie Ljungberg said Friday that his team would be looking to keep things tight and punish Spain on the counter-attack in the pair's Group D clash here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Russia's Euro 2008 Group D match against titleholders Greece on Saturday will be like a final claimed the Russian coach Guus Hiddink on Friday. . . . more . . .
Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has been banned for one-match by UEFA and will miss Monday's clash with Austria in Vienna with a Euro 2008 quarter-final place at stake. . . . more . . .
Barcelona could be about to sell its Portuguese midfielder Deco and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o to Chelsea for a total of 55 million euros, a Spanish newspaper said Friday. . . . more . . .
Croatia's goal-scorer Ivica Olic fired his country into the quarter-finals and said only further Euro 2008 glory in the knock-out phase could better their 2-1 group stage win over Germany. . . . more . . .
Barcelona could be about to sell its Portuguese midfielder Deco and Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto'o to Chelsea for a total of 55 million euros, a Spanish newspaper said Friday. . . . more . . .
Holland are looking for a repeat dose of the same magic that crushed world champions Italy when they take on a France team with their backs to the wall on Friday. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni is counting on history repeating itself as his embattled squad fight for Euro 2008 survival against Romania here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is ready to hand Luiz Felipe Scolari unlimited access to the club coffers when the Brazilian takes charge of the team next month, reports said Friday. . . . more . . .
Croatia bristled with imagination and inspiration as they dealt Germany a 2-1 Euro 2008 Group B defeat here on Thursday in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. . . . more . . .
Tottenham have picked up a rare diamond who is better than Cristiano Ronaldo, if Croatia coach Slaven Bilic is to be believed. . . . more . . .
Poland's veteran Dutch coach Leo Beenhakker said on Thursday that the injury-time penalty awarded against his side which gave Austria a 1-1 draw in their Euro 2008 Group B clash was totally unjustified. . . . more . . .
Croatian-born Austrian player of the year Ivica Vastic became the oldest scorer in Euro championships history as he converted an injury-time penalty to give the co-hosts a 1-1 draw with Poland and ironically send his Croatia compatriots into the Euro 2008 quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic claimed his team's Euro 2008 Group B victory over Germany here on Thursday topped even their win at Wembley last year. . . . more . . .
Alessandro del Piero will lead Italy in their fight for Euro 2008 survival with Romania here on Friday after the Juventus star was restored to the world champions' starting line-up. . . . more . . .
Russia's depleted resources at Euro 2008 looked to have been further weakened on Thursday as it was revealed that striker Roman Pavlyuchenko was uncertain for the crucial Group D match against titleholders Greece on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Croatia bristled with imagination and inspiration as they dealt Germany a 2-1 Euro 2008 Group B defeat here on Thursday in one of the biggest surprises of the tournament so far. . . . more . . .
The F factor can help motivate France against Holland here Friday in a match that has taken on even greater significance since the opening Euro 2008 draw with Romania. . . . more . . .
When it comes to betting on football results, it does not matter if you are a football expert or completely ignorant on the sport, a study published Thursday by Geneva's health department indicates. . . . more . . .
Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has never been one to protest by refusing to play as several of his compatriots have done down the years, preferring instead to resorting to quiet diplomacy to smooth things over with the man in charge of the 'Oranje'. . . . more . . .
Holland received a boost here Thursday when Arjen Robben received a clean bill of health ahead of Friday's Euro 2008 clash with France. . . . more . . .
German star Michael Ballack has compared his role with Die Mannschaft with that of former French maestro Zinedine Zidane, saying he sees himself as a leader on the field regardless of his official status as skipper. . . . more . . .
Swiss police made around 80 arrests late Wednesday following violent incidents between supporters after the Switzerland v Turkey match at the European Championships. . . . more . . .
Chelsea's Portugal centre-back Ricardo Carvalho said Thursday his defensive partnership alongside Real Madrid's Pepe will only improve as the quarter-finalists aim for further Euro 2008 glory. . . . more . . .
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has welcomed Luiz Felipe Scolari being appointed the team's new manager, expressing hopes he would reproduce his international success with the Premier League giants. . . . more . . .
Croatia need to put together a much more convincing performance against Euro 2008 co-favourites Germany here on Thursday if they are to really reflect the confidence their coach Slaven Bilic has that they can win the title. . . . more . . .
Austria may have played above themselves given their FIFA ranking in the Euro 2008 clash with Croatia but they came away with nothing - here on Thursday they will have to get something from the match against Poland if they are to keep their dream alive of making the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech has lifted his habitual guard with the media, divulging that he could make as many as four changes to the side that must confront the freescoring Group C leaders Holland in Berne on Friday. . . . more . . .
Deflated Switzerland boss Jakob Kuhn has vowed the Euro 2008 party will continue in his country despite the co-hosts' heartbreaking exit from the tournament. . . . more . . .
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari praised his side for reaching the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and promptly kicked off the mind-games by talking up potential semi-final opponents Germany. . . . more . . .
Czech coach Karel Bruckner lauded Portugal's play-maker Cristiano Ronaldo after his match-winning showing in their Euro 2008 Group A clash in Geneva. . . . more . . .
Arda Turan ended Switzerland's interest in Euro 2008 in heartbreaking fashion by capping a man-of-the-match display with the stoppage time strike that gave Turkey a 2-1 win here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spanish striker David Villa, fresh from hitting the first hattrick at Euro-2008 in his country's thrashing of Russia, has suffered a hairline fracture of his right index finger, Spanish Football Federation spokeswoman Paloma Antoranz said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Portugal's play-maker Cristiano Ronaldo hit a second-half goal to all but book his side's Euro 2008 quarter-final berth with a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Dutch coach Marco van Basten said Wednesday his side's place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals is far from assured despite their 3-0 demolition of world champions Italy. . . . more . . .
Defender Jacek Bak will take the skipper's armband for Thursday's match against co-hosts Austria in Group B in place of the injured Maciej Zurawski, coach Leo Beenhakker said Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic showed he was in no mood to joke around on the eve of his team's crucial Euro 2008 Group B clash against Germany here on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Portugal's play-maker Cristiano Ronaldo hit a second-half goal to all but book his side's place in the Euro 2008 quarter-finals in a 3-1 win over the Czech Republic here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew on Wednesday identified his midfield pairing of Michael Ballack and Torsten Frings as key to the success of his team at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Germany's hot-shot forward Lukas Podolski is hoping to celebrate his 50th cap in Thursday's key Euro 2008 Group B clash against Croatia by firing his side into the last eight. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech sought to put a positive spin on his side's hesitant start to Euro 2008 here on Wednesday by insisting the 2000 champions' fate was still in their own hands. . . . more . . .
World champions Italy have to beat Romania on Friday if they are to keep alive their dream of adding the Euro 2008 title to their laurels, claimed fullback Gianluca Zambrotta on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Spain's hat-trick hero David Villa in their impressive 4-1 opening Euro 2008 victory over Russia said he may have grabbed the headlines but his strike partner Fernando Torres should receive an equal amount of praise. . . . more . . .
Italy forward Luca Toni insisted on Wednesday that Italy must beat Romania on Friday or face elimination from Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Russia coach Guus Hiddink said his team needs to become more street wise if they are to progress out of the Euro 2008 Group D following their opening 4-1 thrashing at the hands of Spain. . . . more . . .
Switzerland star Tranquillo Barnetta is steeling himself for a "hard-fought and aggressive" clash with Turkey as the two countries go head-to-head for the first time since their last match ended in a notorious brawl. . . . more . . .
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says his side will be confident - but not too confident - when they face the Czech Republic on Wednesday with a Euro 2008 quarter-final place at stake. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones said every player in his squad is as important as the next despite hat-trick hero David Villa's match-winning performance in the 4-1 Euro 2008 Group D victory over Russia here. . . . more . . .
Spain coach Luis Aragones said every player in his squad is as important as the next despite hat-trick hero David Villa's match-winning performance in the 4-1 Euro 2008 Group D victory over Russia here. . . . more . . .
Croatia's "little genius" Luka Modric will be in the limelight on Thursday as he and his countrymen go up against three-time champions Germany in a B match whose outcome will have a huge bearing on the outcome of Group B. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack says his team are wary of England-slayers Croatia ahead of Thursday's Euro 2008 Group B clash which will guarantee the winner a last eight berth. . . . more . . .
Suddenly Cristiano Ronaldo does not look such a shoo-in for this year's European and world player of the year awards. . . . more . . .
Spain fired a warning shot to their Euro 2008 title rivals with a stunning victory over Russia here on Tuesday, winning their Group D clash 4-1. . . . more . . .
Sweden beat defending champions Greece 2-0 here on Tuesday in their opening Euro 2008 Group D match here with Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Petter Hansson on target with quickfire second half efforts to get the Scandinavians off to a flier. . . . more . . .
Switzerland coach Jakob Kuhn could be in hot water with UEFA after publicly questioning the neutrality of top Italian referee Roberto Rosetti, the official who took charge of the Euro 2008 opening match. . . . more . . .
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari described Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on Tuesday as the "King of Off-side" insisting the Real Madrid forward's controversial goal against Italy was off-side. . . . more . . .
Turkey midfielder Emre Belozoglu has been ruled out of his country's Euro 2008 Group A survival battle with Switzerland on Wednesday, head coach Fatih Terim confirmed. . . . more . . .
William Gallas had earlier in the day called for goals after Monday's drab 0-0 draw with Romania and France produced them here on Tuesday - albeit against a side made up of local youngsters. . . . more . . .
Spain fired a warning shot to their Euro 2008 title rivals with a stunning dissection of Russia here on Tuesday, winning their Group D clash 4-1. . . . more . . .
Germany coach Joachim Loew insisted Tuesday it is too early to say who will win Euro 2008 despite strong opening performances from the Germans, Portugal and the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
Euro 2004 finalists Portugal will not fall into the trap of being over confident when they play the Czech Republic in their second Euro 2008 Group A match on Wednesday, claimed midfielder Deco on Monday. . . . more . . .
Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo is the hottest player at this year's European football championship and not just because of his dribbling skills, according to a Europe-wide women's survey. The Manchester United striker was voted most beautiful player of the tournament, in a poll of 12,000 women carried out by electronics company LG. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni admitted on Tuesday that he was unsurprised by the press backlash in response to the world champions stunning 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy on Tuesday heralded his side's stunning 3-0 win over world champions Italy as his "most beautiful" in the orange shirt of the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni admitted on Tuesday that he was unsurprised by the press backlash in response to the world champions stunning 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
After a strong opening weekend, fan zones in Austria saw a distinct drop in numbers on Monday as Switzerland played host to matches for the third day of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
National gloom over Poland's 2-0 thrashing by Germany in their Euro 2008 debut cost the Polish economy some 50 million zlotys (14.7 million euros, 23 million dollars), experts estimated on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy's goal for Holland in their 3-0 trouncing of world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 opening Group C match was legal despite a clear offside said European football's governing body UEFA on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Greece were the unlikeliest of Euro winners four years ago and to many people they would be an even unlikelier victor this time round as they set out on their bid to retain the title with an opening Group D match against Sweden. . . . more . . .
International football's perennial underachievers Spain are in defiant mood ahead of their Euro 2008 Group D opener against Russia in Innsbruck on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Raymond Domenech drew parallels with France's drab opening stalemate with Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup after a similarly uninspiring result in Monday's Euro 2008 opener against Romania. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni insisted the world champions can win their battle for Euro 2008 survival despite a traumatic demolition by Holland in their opening match. . . . more . . .
Marco van Basten believes Holland have earned the right to dream of glory at Euro 2008 after their 3-0 demolition of world champions Italy kicked the tournament into life. . . . more . . .
Raymond Domenech drew parallels with France's drab opening stalemate with Switzerland at the 2006 World Cup after a similarly uninspiring result in Monday's Euro 2008 opener against Romania. . . . more . . .
Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff says the Euro 2008 side can emulate their Euro 1996-winning predecessors after finally breaking their 12-year winless streak in the competition. . . . more . . .
Holland's 30-year wait for a victory over Italy ended in glorious fashion here on Monday as Marco van Basten's side rampaged their way to a 3-0 defeat of the world champions. . . . more . . .
First night nerves, an impotent attack, a stolid Romania team and even the weather were all put forward as reasons why favourites France were held to a goalless draw in their opening Euro 2008 tie here Monday. . . . more . . .
Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas insisted on Monday that the Euro 2008 Group D favourites were not a collection of individuals like their their star tennis player Rafael Nadal but instead a finely honed team. . . . more . . .
The Swedish camp are more realistic about their prospects of qualifying for the Euro 2008 quarter-finals than their non playing compatriots of whom 75percent in a recent poll believed they would, according to coach Lars Lagerback. . . . more . . .
France stumbled in their opening Euro 2008 game here on Monday as Romania held Raymond Domenech's favourites to a goalless draw, a result that will put a totally new complexion on Group C. . . . more . . .
Quietly effective and a man who gets on with the job - as well one who will force Cesc Fabregas to make do with a place on the bench Tuesday as Spain take on Russia in their Group D opener. . . . more . . .
Over 200 people were arrested on Sunday in Austria on the second day of Euro 2008, including 157 mostly German fans in Klagenfurt, the interior ministry said on Monday. . . . more . . .
France captain Patrick Vieira will take some part in Euro 2008 after it was judged that he had sufficiently recovered from a left thigh injury on Monday. . . . more . . .
Poland suffered another huge injury blow on Monday as it was revealed that their captain Maciej Zurawski will miss the next Group B match with co-hosts Austria and could well be out of the group stages. . . . more . . .
Croatia will have to shake off the cobwebs and play a lot better against Euro 2008 co-favourites Germany than they did against Austria in the 1-0 win on Sunday, said their coach Slaven Bilic on Monday. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack insists his side have shown the mental strength to cope with their tag of joint Euro 2008 favourites ahead of Thursday's showdown with Group B rivals Croatia. . . . more . . .
Poland suffered another huge injury blow on Monday as it was revealed that their captain Maciej Zurawski will miss the next Group B match with co-hosts Austria and could even be out of the tournament. . . . more . . .
Russia's coach Guus Hiddink upped the ante ahead of his team's opening Euro 2008 Group D match with Spain on Tuesday by saying that the Spanish were the clear favourites. . . . more . . .
Holland embark on yet another major finals campaign with high expectations but their first clash of Euro 2008 will evoke memories of another failure to cash in on their constant conveyor belt of talent when they face world champions Italy here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Romania's Scottish Premier League-based striker Marius Niculae believes his countrymen should use a little Highland know-how if they are to bely their underdog tag and silence France's bark in Monday's Group C opener in Zurich. . . . more . . .
In the absence of the injured Patrick Vieira it could be down to Claude Makelele to hold the line in the French midfield on Monday when they take on Romania in their opening Group C Euro 2008 fixture. . . . more . . .
"If someone had told me a year ago I would play at the Euros and score the opening goal I would never have believed them," smiled Vaclav Sverkos after netting the Czech Republic's goal in their win over co-hosts Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Angelos Charisteas joined other more mythical Greek heroes when he headed the winning goal at the Euro 2004 final against hosts Portugal - but since then he has sunk careerwise into the equivalent of Hades. . . . more . . .
Polish-born forward Lukas Podolski admitted he was suffering from divided loyalties after his goals sealed a 2-0 win which sank Poland and launched the German's Euro 2008 campaign. . . . more . . .
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni believes his country's 30-year unbeaten run against Holland will count for nothing when the two sides meet in the first major clash of Euro 2008 here on Monday. . . . more . . .
Holland can survive their opening "Group of Death" test against world champions Italy in Berne on Monday without injured wideman Arjen Robben, coach Marco van Basten insisted Sunday. . . . more . . .
Polish-born forward Lukas Podolski ended Germany's 12-year wait for a European Championship win on Sunday with two goals as his side's Euro 2008 campaign began with a 2-0 win over Poland. . . . more . . .
Police said Sunday they had arrested some 140 German fans Sunday evening in Klagenfurt but managed to avoid any violence in the southern Austrian town, ahead of a Euro 2008 group stage match. . . . more . . .
Zurich has plenty of city parks but France are not expecting a leisurely stroll in one when they open their Euro 2008 campaign against Romania on Monday. . . . more . . .
It takes quite something to replace the seemingly irreplaceable but Jeremy Toulalan is more than ready to do just that if France captain Patrick Vieira fails to prove he is fit enough for Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Croatia opened their Euro 2008 account with a predictable but unconvincing 1-0 victory over co-hosts Austria at the Ernst-Happel Stadium here in Vienna on Sunday. . . . more . . .
The most successful footballing nation in history has no place at the European Championships - but one Brazilian is still hoping to triumph on the Old Continent at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
The sleepy Austrian town of Klagenfurt was deafened by football chants and blaring music on Sunday as German and Polish fans in full supporter attire invaded the city centre ahead of their countries' first Euro 2008 match. . . . more . . .
Switzerland will head into Wednesday's make-or-break clash with Turkey fired up by a belief that poor refereeing robbed them of victory against the Czech Republic. . . . more . . .
Swedish striking star Zlatan Ibrahimovic admitted on Sunday that he was far from certain whether he would be able to play for all of their opening Euro 2008 Group D clash with titleholders Greece on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy cuts a much happier figure these days than he did at the 2006 World Cup finals and with him soon to turn 32 he realises that Euro 2008 may well be his last appearance on a major international stage. . . . more . . .
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic wrote the theme song for the squad for their Euro 2008 campaign and here on Sunday he will be hoping that they will sing in tune for their opening clash with co-hosts Austria. . . . more . . .
Joint favourites Germany begin their Euro 2008 campaign against neighbours Poland on Sunday with Polish-born striker Miroslav Klose in the form of his life, says German coach Joachim Loew. . . . more . . .
Switzerland have been left with a mountain to climb at Euro 2008 but head coach Jakob Kuhn insists his side can recover from a heartbreaking defeat to the Czech Republic in the tournament's opening match. . . . more . . .
Seven German supporters were arrested in Klagenfurt after incidents with Polish fans late Saturday on the eve of their Euro-2008 encounter, local police said. . . . more . . .
Even before opening match protagonists Switzerland and the Czech Republic had kicked a ball in anger a growing clutch of the 16 participating nations were seeking a clean bill of health in vain on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Portugal avoided the same fate that befell them in 2004 when getting their Euro 2008 campaign off to the perfect start with a 2-0 win over Turkey here on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Croatia can go a long way at Euro 2008 despite their leading striker Arsenal's Eduardo having to miss the tournament because of a dreadful injury claimed their coach Slaven Bilic on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Austrian coach Josef Hickersberger said his Euro 2008 co-hosts had set themselves a target of winning at least one match as he Saturday looked forward to Sunday's opening Group B encounter with Croatia. . . . more . . .
A late, opportunist goal by striker Vaclav Sverkos enabled the Czech Republic to kick off their Euro 2008 campaign with a scarcely-deserved 1-0 over co-hosts Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Portuguese goalkeeper Quim is to be replaced in the Euro 2008 squad after injuring his right hand in a training session, Portuguese media reported team doctor Henrique Jones as saying Saturday. . . . more . . .
While the sleepy south Austrian city of Klagenfurt braces itself for potential trouble ahead of Sunday's Euro 2008 Group B clash between neighbours Germany and Poland, peace has broken out between the rival camps. . . . more . . .
UEFA president Michel Platini on Saturday called on players to respect the referees at Euro 2008 as well as their opponents and for fans to accord similar respect to rival teams' national anthems. . . . more . . .
Italy star Alessandro Del Piero said he could play in just about any attacking position regardless of formation if that meant securing a starting berth for the world champions' Euro 2008 opener against the Netherlands. . . . more . . .
UEFA has given Russia permission to substitute injured striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, Russian media reports said Saturday, indicating a doctor accredited with European football's governing body had signed a statement saying he ought not to play at Euro-2008. . . . more . . .
The Russian camp have called in UEFA's medical commission to examine the knee injury of striker Pavel Pogrebnyak, a move which seemed likely to presage his withdrawal from the squad, Russian and Austrian media reports said Saturday. . . . more . . .
Veteran full-back Christian Panucci claimed on Saturday that he will be fit for Italy's Euro 2008 opener against the Netherlands, despite limping out of Friday training. . . . more . . .
Former German international goalkeeper Andreas Kopke said Saturday that shot-stoppers must not make excuses about the new ball being used at Euro 2008, which current German guardian Jens Lehmann has criticised. . . . more . . .
Germany midfielder Torsten Frings said Saturday he had never feared that an injury-plagued season would force him to miss out on Euro-2008. . . . more . . .
Spain's winless run at major tournaments since their only international triumph at Euro 64 could end this summer if Cesc Fabregas can shine for the Furia Roja as he has with Arsenal. . . . more . . .
Croatian defender Vedran Corluka has been passed fit and was named Saturday by coach Slaven Bilic in his team for their Euro 2008 Group B encounter with co-hosts Austria. . . . more . . .
Russian police have begun work at the European football championship keeping watch over their country's fans attending the tournament, Russian press reported Saturday. . . . more . . .
A joke in Vienna says that three countries will play home games in Austria during the Euro -- Austria, Croatia and Turkey -- and two of these have a reputation as violent fans. . . . more . . .
Germany's Polish-born striker Lukas Podolski says he will treat Sunday's Euro 2008 game against Poland with the same fierce desire to see his side win in style. . . . more . . .
Czech captain Tomas Ujfalusi admitted his thoughts will be with crocked team-mate Tomas Rosicky as his side kick-off Euro 2008 in the tournament opener against Switzerland on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Spoain got down to business at their Austrian base on Friday determined to snap a recent poor streak which has brought premature heartbreak at major tournaments. . . . more . . .
Switzerland coach Jakob 'Kobi' Kuhn, who has had to prepare his side for Euro 2008 while caring for his seriously ill wife, on Friday paid tribute to the support he had received from everyone connected with the Swiss side. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo can stamp his mark on Euro 2008 in much the same way that Michel Platini and Zinedane Zidane bestrode the European championships of 1984 and 2000 and Diego Maradona at the 1986 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Even though Les Bleus also have to contend with world champions Italy and Holland, French midfielder Claude Makelele said Friday the other side in Group C, Romania, posed a major threat to French chances at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Italy suffered a second defensive injury scare on Friday when veteran full-back Christian Panucci limped out of training here with a suspected knee injury. . . . more . . .
France captain Patrick Vieira has until Sunday - the eve of their first match at Euro 2008 with Romania - to prove his fitness reiterated coach Raymond Domenech on Friday. . . . more . . .
Sweden's Inter Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic said on Friday he is looking forward to linking up with his new club coach Jose Mourinho at the Italian champions after his Euro 2008 campaign. . . . more . . .
Much-maligned Italy centre-back Marco Materazzi lashed out at the press on Friday just three days before Italy's first Euro 2008 match against the Netherlands in Zurich. . . . more . . .
Michael Ballack has admitted that images in the press showing Polish coach Leo Beenhakker brandishing the German captain's head has disturbed him ahead of Sunday's Euro 2008 clash with Poland. . . . more . . .
English fans are putting a brave face on their country's absence from Euro 2008 by throwing their support behind countries whose star players ply their trade in England, with Spain leading the way. . . . more . . .
Dutch attacking midfielder Robin van Persie was effectively ruled out of their opening Euro 2008 match with world champions Italy by national coach Marco van Basten on Friday. . . . more . . .
The phoney war is over and now the real one begins as the 16 Euro 2008 finalists can get down to the real business of who is the fairest or rather the best of them all in footballing terms on their continent. . . . more . . .
Philippe Senderos is determined to banish the demons of a traumatic end to his season with Arsenal by leading Switzerland into the knockout stages of Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
English fans are putting a brave face on their country's absence from Euro 2008 by throwing their support behind countries whose star players ply their trade in England, with Spain leading the way. . . . more . . .
Germany defender Philipp Lahm fired his country's imagination with the first goal on their way to third in the 2006 World Cup, but he is more concerned about stopping opponents during Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Perennial underachievers Spain headed out to their Austrian Euro 2008 base on Thursday with an underwhelmed media getting the barbs in early after a last warm up match brought an unconvincing 1-0 win over the United States. . . . more . . .
Poland's attacking midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski has been ruled out of Euro 2008 after suffering a serious thigh injury during training on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Clad in the blue and white stripes of Argentina, the dark-haired Messiah appears serene as red devils, guardian angels and big game hunters all eye each other up on the pitch. . . . more . . .
Dutch players Mario Melchiot, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder took part in light training here on Thursday, as the national side prepares to face Italy in four days time. . . . more . . .
Days before the European Football Championships kick off in Basel, Swiss police have sent letters to football hooligans warning them that no violence would be tolerated, a Swiss tabloid reported Thursday. . . . more . . .
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he does want to play for Real Madrid, according to a Brazilian website. . . . more . . .
Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he does want to play for Real Madrid, according to a Brazilian website. . . . more . . .
Pep Guardiola on Thursday signed a two-year contract to coach Barcelona, the Spanish giants announced. . . . more . . .
Blackburn chairman John Williams insists he is not in a rush to replace Mark Hughes after the Rovers boss took over at Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra is determined to bring Barcelona star Ronaldinho to Eastlands. . . . more . . .
FIFA insist England's 3-0 win against Trinidad and Tobago will not be wiped out despite a row over the number of substitutes used by Fabio Capello. . . . more . . .
Former European champions FC Porto could be forced to sell top players in a bid to rebound financially from their Champions League exclusion due to corruption, press reports said Thursday. . . . more . . .
Ruud van Nistelrooy wants to star at Euro 2008 so he can erase the painful memory of a World Cup flop he blames on Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Sweden's captain Freddie Ljungberg says it is good to have former Celtic and Barcelona striker Henrik Larsson back as they prepare for their Euro 2008 campaign. . . . more . . .
Many Chelsea fans would have taken pleasure in Arjen Robben's injury woes last season with Real Madrid given his regrettably selfish attitude on the pitch during his time there but the Dutch star believes he has hit top form at just the right time for Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Footballers may not have the hardhitting nicknames of the boxing fraternity such as Tommy 'The Hitman' Hearns or 'Smoking' Joe Frazier but there are many who will perform at Euro 2008 who have interesting ones to say the least. . . . more . . .
Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi has insisted he is not competing with AC Milan's Andrea Pirlo for a place in the starting 11 during Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spain laboured to a 1-0 Euro 2008 warm-up victory over the USA here on Wednesday night, badly missing injured striker David Villa and midfielder Andres Iniesta. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic squad for Euro 2008 is as strong as the one that reached the semi-finals in the 2004 edition claimed their veteran coach Karel Bruckner on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Euro 2004 finalists Portugal should be regarded as favourites for winning Group A at Euro 2008 and not Turkey insisted the latter's star turn Nihat Kahveci on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
With just days to go before Euro 2008 kicks off in Austria and Switzerland, Italy coach Roberto Donadoni finally put his signature to a new contract that will keep him in his role until after the next World Cup. . . . more . . .
Russia completed their programme of Euro 2008 warm-up matches with a 4-1 win over Lithuania here on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
The Czech Republic squad for Euro 2008 is as strong as the one that reached the semi-finals in the 2004 edition claimed their veteran coach Karel Bruckner on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
The Dutch cannot afford to go on all out attack against world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 Group C opener next Monday insisted striker Ruud van Nistelrooy in an interview with Dutch magazine Sportweek. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo is totally focussed on adding the Euro 2008 title to the Premiership and Champions League trophies he won with Manchester United this season and not being distracted about his future claimed squad mate Paulo Ferreira on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Injured Spain strikers David Villa and Sergio Garcia have pulled out of Wednesday night's Euro 2008 warm-up match against the USA at Santander, Spain's team doctor said. . . . more . . .
Croatia can win the Euro 2008 title claimed their highly-rated young coach Slaven Bilic on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann insists he has no fear going into Sunday's opening Euro 2008 game against Poland despite a string of errors and a questionable lack of match practise. . . . more . . .
Injury-prone Dutch attacking midfielder Robin van Persie said on Wednesday he was ready to take his place against world champions Italy in their Euro 2008 opener on June 9 - should coach Marco van Basten feel he was match fit. . . . more . . .
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro underwent an operation on his left ankle on Wednesday in Vienna, after injuring it during training on Monday, the chief medical officer for the Euro, Christian Gaebler said. . . . more . . .
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner cancelled his press conference on Tuesday after being taken ill suddenly only days before they open their Euro 20087 campaign against co-hosts Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta left hospital on Wednesday to join up with his team-mates in Santander after being treated for a severe bout of food poisoning. . . . more . . .
The Dutch squad arrived for Euro 2008 in Geneva on Tuesday albeit rather later than planned after heavy traffic round Amsterdam delayed their departure. . . . more . . .
Dignity and restraint, even in the wake of a scintillating victory or a disastrous loss, are essential during Euro 2008, says Austria's etiquette guru Thomas Schaefer-Elmayer. . . . more . . .
A first-half penalty by Franck Ribery managed not to ruin Thierry Henry's 100th international appearance and give France a 1-0 win over Colombia in their final warm-up match before Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Spanish international midfielder Andres Iniesta had to go to hospital here on Tuesday suffering from a serious bout of food poisoning. . . . more . . .
Greece are not feeling the pressure ahead of the defence of their European crown claimed number one goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis on Tuesday. . . . more . . .
Czech Republic coach Karel Bruckner cancelled his press conference on Tuesday after being taken ill suddenly only days before they open their Euro 20087 campaign against co-hosts Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo trained normally with the rest of the Euro 2008 squad on Tuesday a day after he took a knock on his right ankle. . . . more . . .
Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn expressed his relief on Tuesday that his wife's life was not in danger after she had to be hospitalised on Monday after an epileptic fit. . . . more . . .
Veteran Germany striker Oliver Neuville may be back home at the team's Euro 2008 training camp in Tenero, Switzerland, but his side are already getting down to business. . . . more . . .
Russian national manager Guus Hiddink said Tuesday he would be leaving injured forward Pavel Pogrebnyak in the Euro 2008 squad regardless of the advice of doctors. . . . more . . .
Euro 2008 co-hosts Switzerland were waiting anxiously on the fitness of influential playmaker Tranquillo Barnetta on Tuesday just days away from their opener against the Czech Republic. . . . more . . .
As Poland brace for their first-ever European championships appearance, the Church in this deeply Catholic country is urging fans to pray for the squad, and to behave themselves if they are off to Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Injury-hit Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro said Tuesday that he intends to stay with the national side for the duration of Euro 2008 despite being ruled out of the competition with an ankle injury. . . . more . . .
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the upcoming Euro 2008 championships on Monday after suffering a left ankle injury according to Ansa press agency. . . . more . . .
It took time, but with less than a week to go before the start of Euro 2008 and with sunny weather bringing people out in droves, Vienna is starting to show some football fever. . . . more . . .
It may have something to do with the world champions' love of cagey football, the 'catenaccio' cat and mouse variant they patented, that Italy arrive at Euro 2008 with the oldest squad. . . . more . . .
Injured Dutch striker Robin van Persie has been given the all clear to join up with the national squad at their Euro 2008 training camp, coach Marco van Basten said Sunday. . . . more . . .
Croatian Prime Minister Ivo Sanader on Monday wished good luck to the national football team before they left for Euro 2008, the Hina news agency reported. . . . more . . .
French international striker Bafetimbi Gomis extended his contract with French First Division side Saint Etienne on Monday which ties him to the club till June 2012. . . . more . . .
Swiss football coach Kobi Kuhn's wife was taken to hospital on Monday less than a week away from her husband's side's first match at Euro 2008. . . . more . . .
Alain Perrin's days as Lyon coach look numbered after club president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted on Monday that the trend was not to keep him as coach for next season. . . . more . . .
France coach Raymond Domenech said on Monday that he would make a decision about whether to retain injured captain Patrick Vieira in the squad on the eve of their first match against Romania next Monday. . . . more . . .
Alain Perrin's days as Lyon coach look numbered after club president Jean-Michel Aulas admitted on Monday that the trend was not to keep him as coach for next season. . . . more . . .
Uzbekistan smashed seven goals past Singapore and Bahrain won in Thailand as they remained the only teams with 100 percent records after three rounds of Asian World Cup qualifying. . . . more . . .
Iran was on Monday facing a tense set of final World Cup qualifying matches after the Team Melli again under performed in a goalless draw against a spirited United Arab Emirates side. . . . more . . .
Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro was ruled out of the upcoming Euro 2008 championships on Monday after suffering a left ankle injury according to Ansa press agency. . . . more . . .
He has conquered Portugal, England and Europe and now the self-proclaimed 'Special One' has arrived in Italy ready to weave once again his magic wand. . . . more . . .
Cristiano Ronaldo cast a pall over Portugal's first training session here ahead of Euro 2008 as he left the field with a bandaged ankle, an AFP photographer on the scene reported. . . . more . . .
In the week before a major tournament like Euro 2008 the streets of England's towns and cities take on an unusually unified look. . . . more . . .
Austria on Monday reimposed frontier controls as part of a major security operation for the European football championships which start this week. . . . more . . .
In the week before a major tournament like Euro 2008 the streets of England's towns and cities take on an unusually unified look. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello believes England are ahead of schedule going into next season's World Cup qualifiers. . . . more . . .
In atypical Italian fashion, national team coach Roberto Donadoni has decided to tackle June's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland with all guns blazing. . . . more . . .
Fabio Capello believes England are ahead of schedule going into next season's World Cup qualifiers. . . . more . . .
Jermain Defoe's double strike helped England cruise to a 3-0 friendly victory against Trinidad and Tobago on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Late substitute Youssouf Kone scored twice in four minutes to give Burkina Faso a sensational 2-1 away win over Tunisia Sunday in a 2010 World Cup-African Nations Cup qualifier. . . . more . . .
In atypical Italian fashion, national team coach Roberto Donadoni has decided to tackle June's European Championships in Austria and Switzerland with all guns blazing. . . . more . . .
Ukraine beat Sweden 1-0 in a lacklustre warm-up match in Stockholm on Sunday that saw the Swedes booed by home team just days before the start of the European Championships. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid pair Wesley Sneijder and Arjen Robben scored the goals to give Holland a 2-0 victory over Wales on Sunday in Rotterdam in their final Euro 2008 tune-up. . . . more . . .
FIFA vice-president Jack Warner said Sunday he would be backing England's bid to host the 2018 World Cup. . . . more . . .
England's understudies will get a rare chance to take centre stage in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago. . . . more . . .
David Beckham will lead England out as captain for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in Sunday's friendly against Trinidad and Tobago, the BBC reported on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Harry Redknapp has warned four of Portsmouth's young players they could face the sack for drinking heavily during the club's FA Cup victory parade. . . . more . . .
Iranian football star Ali Karimi has been reinstated in the national squad after intervention from no less than President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the grandson of revolutionary leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, media reported Sunday. . . . more . . .
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's American owners would do anything in their power to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Guus Hiddink insisted Sunday there was no chance of him leaving Russia to take charge of Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Harry Kewell scored another of his big-match goals to unlock Iraq and edge Australia closer to the final phase of World Cup qualifying here Sunday. . . . more . . .
Germany captain Michael Ballack netted the winner in his side's 2-1 victory over Serbia on Saturday in their final warm-up before Euro 2008 and insisted his team are approaching top form. . . . more . . .
Robinho's second-half strike lifted Brazil to a 3-2 victory over Canada here Saturday in a friendly tuneup for their upcoming qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup. . . . more . . .
The Australian government said Sunday it backed the country's bid to organise the 2018 World Cup, despite comments from FIFA President Sepp Blatter that Europe would likely host the tournament. . . . more . . .