Archive soccer news from around the world
Zaragoza fined for racism (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Zaragoza announced they must pay a 9,000-euro fine for racism aimed at Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o during a Spanish first division match at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Rape charges dropped against Arsenal's van Persie (Feb 28, 2006)
The rape charges against Robin van Persie have been dropped due to lack of evidence, the court heading the investigation against the Arsenal star announced. . . . more . . .
Quashie charged by FA after Boro red card (Feb 28, 2006)
West Bromwich Albion midfielder Nigel Quashie was charged with misconduct by the Football Association (FA) after being sent-off last weekend against Middlesbrough. . . . more . . .
Robbie Keane as mustard to be Irish captain (Feb 28, 2006)
Spurs striker Robbie Keane was named Irish captain by coach Steve Staunton and will make his first start in that role on Wednesday against Sweden. . . . more . . .
I still want to play for Madrid says sad Beckham (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez's surprise resignation was sad said England captain David Beckham. . . . more . . .
Zidane issues rallying call to his troops (Feb 28, 2006)
French skipper Zinedine Zidane regards Wednesday's World Cup warm-up against Slovakia as the perfect opportunity for the 1998 champions to start showing their true colours. . . . more . . .
World Cup fever keeps Gerrard engine ticking over (Feb 28, 2006)
Steven Gerrard's season started seven and a half months ago but, 44 exhausting matches later, he is not about to admit to the slightest trace of fatigue. . . . more . . .
Ballack denies he has signed for Chelsea (Feb 28, 2006)
Germany's captain Michael Ballack denied a British newspaper report that he had agreed to join English Premiership champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Fernando Martin, new man in charge at Real Madrid (Feb 28, 2006)
Fernando Martin Alvarez, the new man at the helm following Florentino Perez's surprise resignation as Real Madrid chairman on Monday, is a close friend of his predecessor and a well-known face in Spanish business circles. . . . more . . .
Ballack agent denies move to Chelsea (Feb 28, 2006)
Michael Ballack's agent dismissed a British newspaper report that the captain of Germany had agreed to join English Premiership champions Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Yorke strikes twice for Trinidad (Feb 28, 2006)
Former Manchester United forward Dwight Yorke struck twice as Trinidad and Tobago began their preparations for the World Cup in style, recording a comfortable 2-0 victory over Iceland. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has unexpectedly resigned to herald the end of an era at Spain's, and possibly the world's, most famous football club. . . . more . . .
Neville expecting new faces at United (Feb 28, 2006)
Gary Neville believes Manchester United will be active in the post-season transfer market as the club look to build on their League Cup success. . . . more . . .
Ghosts of goalkeepers past don't scare Robinson (Feb 28, 2006)
The danger of becoming a national scapegoat is part of the job description for an England goalkeeper. . . . more . . .
Chelsea to sign Germany star Ballack (Feb 28, 2006)
English Premiership champions Chelsea will make Germany captain Michael Ballack the world's highest paid player after winning the battle to sign the midfielder. . . . more . . .
Beckham reaffirms Madrid ambitions as Perez jumps ship (Feb 28, 2006)
Real Madrid, heading for a third season without silverware, were trying to right a storm-tossed ship after chairman Florentino Perez stepped down in a shock move. . . . more . . .
Cole facing World Cup heartbreak after new injury setback (Feb 28, 2006)
Ashley Cole's chances of being fit for England's World Cup campaign have suffered a fresh blow after the left-back broke down just seven minutes minutes into his latest comeback match. . . . more . . .
Trinidad coach praises two-goal Yorke (Feb 28, 2006)
Trinidad and Tobago Head Coach Leo Beenhakker paid tribute to the contributions of Dwight Yorke and Collin Samuel after his side beat Iceland 2-0 at Loftus Road, but admitted there is much to do before the Soca Warriors are ready for the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy demands United recall (Feb 28, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy has demanded a recall to the Manchester United starting line-up but attempted to play down reports of a bust-up with Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Lampard out of England friendly (Feb 28, 2006)
Frank Lampard has pulled out of the England squad for a friendly international against Uruguay after tweaking his hamstring in training. . . . more . . .
Five arrested over football violence in Turkey (Feb 27, 2006)
Police in this southeastern Turkish city arrested five people over violence during a first division game at the weekend which left some 30 people injured. . . . more . . .
Italy's Gattuso ruled out of Germany friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Italy's Gennaro Gattuso has been ruled out of Wednesday's international friendly against World Cup hosts Germany in Florence. . . . more . . .
Raul and Ronaldo ratchet up simmering feud (Feb 27, 2006)
The defeat at Real Mallorca has intensified a simmering feud between Real Madrid stars Raul and Ronaldo with the Brazilian hitting back at earlier criticism from the Spanish international. . . . more . . .
Guti out of Spanish friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid midfielder Guti withdrew from the Spanish squad to face African Nations Cup finalists Ivory Coast in a friendly on Wednesday with a thigh strain which forced him to miss Sunday's defeat by Real Mallorca. . . . more . . .
Van Nistelrooy future in doubt after Cup final 'snub' (Feb 27, 2006)
Ruud van Nistelrooy's Manchester United future has been thrown into fresh doubt after the club's top striker was left on the bench for all of the 4-0 League Cup final win over Wigan. . . . more . . .
I came back to win World Cup not be a clown: Zidane (Feb 27, 2006)
French footballing icon Zinedine Zidane said that he had not returned to the international fold to be made look a clown but to win the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Eriksson's successor doesn't have to be British: Lampard (Feb 27, 2006)
Frank Lampard has thrown his weight behind the appointment of a foreign coach to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager after urging the Football Association not to limit their search to within the British Isles. . . . more . . .
Becks back on track for Uruguay (Feb 27, 2006)
David Beckham expects to be fit for the start of England's World Cup countdown in a friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday. . . . more . . .
Roo relief over first United medal (Feb 27, 2006)
Wayne Rooney has admitted his relief at winning the first medal of his professional career by inspiring Manchester United to a 4-0 League Cup final thrashing of Wigan. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportdly resigned at an extraordinary meeting of the top Spanish club's board. . . . more . . .
Ivory Coast may walk away from World Cup finals (Feb 27, 2006)
The Ivory Coast may not go to the World Cup finals in June if there is still no peace in the war-torn country, the president of the Ivorian Football Federation warned. . . . more . . .
Chelsea returf pitch after player complaints (Feb 27, 2006)
Chelsea admitted they were relaying their badly-worn Stamford Bridge pitch after players at the London club complained the surface was a threat to the English champions' hopes of further title success. . . . more . . .
Ronaldinho out of Brazil's Moscow friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Ronaldinho will miss Brazil's World Cup warm-up against Russia in Moscow on Wednesday after picking up an injury in Barcelona's Champions League win against Chelsea last week. . . . more . . .
Taylor wants Eriksson's job (Feb 27, 2006)
England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor declared himself a candidate to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as boss of the senior national side after the World Cup. . . . more . . .
No all capital final after Scottish Cup draw (Feb 27, 2006)
Hopes of an all-Edinburgh Scottish Cup Final were dashed when capital rivals Hibernian and Hearts were paired together in the semi-final draw. . . . more . . .
Teenager Nyatanga set for new Wales record (Feb 27, 2006)
Lewin Nyatanga is set to become Wales's youngest full international after manager John Toshack confirmed the 17-year-old would play in Wednesday's friendly against Paraguay here at the Millennium Stadium provided the Derby defender recovered from a toe injury. . . . more . . .
Real Madrid president Perez resigns: official (Feb 27, 2006)
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has resigned, the Spanish first division club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Viana added to Portugal squad for Saudi Arabia friendly (Feb 27, 2006)
Valencia midfielder Hugo Viana has been added to Portugal's squad for their friendly against Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in Germany, the Portuguese Football Federation revealed. . . . more . . .
No replacements for Scots against Swiss says McCoist (Feb 27, 2006)
Scotland coach Ally McCoist has said he did not expect manager Walter Smith to bring in replacements for Steven Pressley and Paul Hartley after the Hearts pair withdrew from the squad for Wednesday's friendly international against Switzerland here at Hampden Park. . . . more . . .
Zoro disgusted as Eto'o suffers racial abuse (Feb 26, 2006)
Messina's Ivory Coast defender Marc Zoro has expressed his disgust over the racial abuse suffered by Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o in Saturday's Spanish first division match at Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Zaragoza's racist fans condemned as players support Eto'o (Feb 26, 2006)
Racism again reared its ugly head in Spanish football as Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o suffered sustained abuse at Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
10-man Lille see off hapless Monaco (Feb 26, 2006)
Troubled Monaco were booed off by their fans after falling 1-0 to ten-man Lille in a result that will have done nothing to ease the sense of crisis surrounding the 2004 Champions League finalists. . . . more . . .
Juve beat Lecce to maintain 10-point lead (Feb 26, 2006)
Juventus maintained their 10-point lead at the top of Italy's Serie A after beating relegation-threatened Lecce 3-1. . . . more . . .
Barca benefit as Valencia draw, Real Madrid lose (Feb 26, 2006)
Spanish league leaders Barcelona saw their lead stretch to eight points after their nearest rivals Valencia and Real Madrid both dropped points. . . . more . . .
Eriksson: I can't wait to find new job (Feb 26, 2006)
England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson insisted he cannot hang around until after the World Cup to find himself a new job in time for next season. . . . more . . .
Juve march on as Roma set new record for consecutive wins (Feb 26, 2006)
Juventus kept their 10-point lead at the top of Serie A after beating struggling Lecce 3-1, while Roma defeated city rivals Lazio 2-0 to set a new record of 11 consecutive league wins in Italy's top division. . . . more . . .
Eriksson urges FA to hurry up and appoint his successor (Feb 26, 2006)
The next England coach should be appointed by the Football Association as soon as possible the present incumbent Sven-Goran Eriksson has said. . . . more . . .
Valencia lose ground after Getafe draw (Feb 26, 2006)
Valencia lost ground on the Spanish league leaders Barcelona, and opened the door for Real Madrid to overtake them, when the 2004 champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Getafe. . . . more . . .
Rooney buys Ferguson breathing space (Feb 26, 2006)
Wayne Rooney scored twice as Manchester United avoided the ignominy of a second consecutive trophy-less season by hammering Wigan 4-0 to win the League Cup. . . . more . . .
Israel wins Arsenal deal to promote 'sun and fun' (Feb 26, 2006)
Israel has won an exclusive deal with English football club Arsenal to promote a country infamous for suicide bombings as a "sun and fun" holiday destination. . . . more . . .
Bayern boss says Bundesliga romps meaningless against AC Milan (Feb 26, 2006)
Bayern Munich manager Uli Hoeness said his side's 5-2 thrashing of Eintracht Frankfurt was meaningless unless they can repeat the feat in a key Bundesliga match and against AC Milan next month. . . . more . . .
Bolton edging towards Champions League (Feb 26, 2006)
Kevin Nolan's second half strike boosted Bolton's Champions League hopes as the Trotters rose to sixth in the English Premiership following a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Kewell winner lifts Liverpool onto United's shoulder (Feb 26, 2006)
Australian winger Harry Kewell scored the goal that lifted Liverpool level on points with Manchester United in the English Premiership table, following a 1-0 win over 10-man Manchester City at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Injured Koller bouyant about World Cup prospects (Feb 26, 2006)
The Czech Republic's injured attacker, Jan Koller, surprised his teammates by taking part in a training session in Prague and did his best to dispel doubts about his participation in June and July's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Kewell goal sinks 10-man City (Feb 26, 2006)
Australian winger Harry Kewell strengthened Liverpool's hopes of finishing in the Premiership's top two as Manchester City lost 1-0 at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Solano at the double as resurgent Newcastle sink Everton (Feb 25, 2006)
Peru winger Nolberto Solano scored both goals as Newcastle United beat Everton 2-0 at St James's Park to extend their unbeaten run to five games under caretaker-manager Glenn Roeder. . . . more . . .
Lyon crash to Rennes to open up title race (Feb 25, 2006)
Lyon suffered only the second defeat of their near-flawless season when Gerard Houllier's champions crashed 4-1 to Rennes. . . . more . . .
Cup romance as minnows Gretna reach Scottish semis (Feb 25, 2006)
Tiny Gretna became the first Second Division side to reach the Scottish Cup semi-finals since 1982 as Edinburgh rivals Hibernian and Hearts also made it through. . . . more . . .
Brown back in England squad as Sven shapes up for Germany (Feb 25, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson recalled Manchester United defender Wes Brown to the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Uruguay as the Swede begins to finalise his World Cup plans. . . . more . . .
Barca beat Zaragoza amidst another racism controversy (Feb 25, 2006)
Barcelona beat Real Zaragoza 2-0 to stay comfortably at the top of the Spanish league but their victory was overshadowed by the appalling racist abuse of Samuel Eto'o. . . . more . . .
FA can have Pearce for nothing (Feb 25, 2006)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce, one of the leading contenders to replace Sven Goran Eriksson as England manager after the World Cup, has revealed he is working without a contract. . . . more . . .
Recovery puts Heinze on track to make World Cup (Feb 25, 2006)
Gabriel Heinze, the Manchester United and Argentina left-back currently battling back from a serious knee injury, is set to return to action in time for the World Cup finals in Germany. . . . more . . .
Fiorentina go fourth after six-goal thriller (Feb 25, 2006)
Fiorentina shrugged off two straight defeats to stage a come-from-behind 4-2 win over Parma and move into fourth in Serie A. . . . more . . .
Lehmann close to securing Arsenal future (Feb 25, 2006)
Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has been offered a new one-year contract and says he is keen to stay at the club. . . . more . . .
Atletico add to Malaga misery (Feb 25, 2006)
Fernando Torres' lightning double strike helped Atletico Madrid notch up their sixth consecutive victory as they romped to a 5-0 win over hapless bottom club Malaga. . . . more . . .
Aussie club tries to lure Baggio out of retirement (Feb 25, 2006)
Australian A-League club Sydney FC are trying to coax former FIFA world player of the year Roberto Baggio out of retirement for a guest playing stint here next season. . . . more . . .
Unhappy slappy Adriano loses appeal (Feb 25, 2006)
Brazil striker Adriano has had his appeal against a two-match ban for slapping Livorno defender Alessandro Grandoni rejected by the Italian Football Federation's appeals panel. . . . more . . .
Aston Villa grind out draw at Charlton (Feb 25, 2006)
Aston Villa clung on for a 0-0 draw at Charlton Athletic, keeping dangerous striker Darren Bent at bay before the watching England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Trapdoor closing on Sunderland after Heskey winner (Feb 25, 2006)
Emile Heskey's goal ignited a glimmer of hope in Birmingham's quest to beat the drop while hammering another nail in Sunderland's coffin as the hosts won 1-0 at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Rovers bite another chunk out of Arsenal's Premiership campaign (Feb 25, 2006)
Arsenal, magnificent in beating Real Madrid in midweek, again showed their domestic limitations as they slumped to a 1-0 defeat against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Roberts fears United Cup Final backlash (Feb 25, 2006)
Wigan Athletic striker Jason Roberts fears a Manchester United backlash in Sunday's League Cup as Sir Alex Ferguson's side look to avoid a disastrous second successive trophy-less season. . . . more . . .
Chelsea make hard work of Portsmouth (Feb 25, 2006)
Frank Lampard edged Chelsea nearer to a second consecutive English Premiership title as his strike helped seal an unconvincing 2-0 win over Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Arsenal's Cesc gets Spanish call-up (Feb 24, 2006)
Arsenal's teenage midfielder Cesc Fabregas earned a first call up to the full Spanish squad from Spanish coach Luis Aragones for a March 1 friendly with Ivory Coast. . . . more . . .
Al-Hadary the hero again as Ahly lift African Super Cup (Feb 24, 2006)
Goalkeeper Essam al-Hadary was once again the hero of Egypt as Al-Ahly lifted the African Super Cup with a penalty shootout triumph over FAR Rabat. . . . more . . .
Porto's Emanuel eyeing Angola World Cup squad (Feb 24, 2006)
Portuguese side Porto's Angolan-born defender Pedro Emanuel, who is unlikely to make Portugal's World Cup squad, has said he welcomed an invitation to play for Angola during the finals in Germany later this year. . . . more . . .
Eriksson admits injuries fear (Feb 24, 2006)
Sven-Goran Eriksson admitted he feels scared every time one of his England players hits the ground and said injuries pose the biggest threat to the country's World Cup hopes in Germany. . . . more . . .
Ferguson allays Smith career fear (Feb 24, 2006)
Alan Smith, who underwent surgery Monday on the horror injury he suffered in Manchester United's FA Cup loss to Liverpool, could be back in action for the start of next season. . . . more . . .
Injured Kahn out of Italy friendly (Feb 24, 2006)
Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has been forced to pull out of Wednesday's World Cup warm-up friendly against Italy after failing to overcome a thigh strain, Bayern Munich spokesman Markus Horwick said. . . . more . . .
Fixture pile-up for Cup rivals (Feb 24, 2006)
The winners of the FA Cup fifth-round replay between West Ham and Bolton will have to play three matches in six days after it was confirmed the quarter-finals will be played on consecutive midweek nights next month. . . . more . . .
German state to enforce condom use in brothels during World Cup (Feb 24, 2006)
Health authorities in Germany's southern state of Bavaria have said they will put up signs in brothels during the 2006 World Cup to remind clients of a local law obliging them to use condoms. . . . more . . .
Chelsea vow to punish fans over ref threats (Feb 24, 2006)
Terje Hauge, the Norwegian referee who handled Chelsea's Champions League defeat by Barcelona, has been the subject of abusive messages posted on the London club's offical internet messageboard. . . . more . . .
Worns will not be picked for World Cup says Klinsmann (Feb 24, 2006)
Dortmund's veteran international defender Christian Worns will not be selected for this summer's World Cup finals, Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann said, reacting to criticism from the player. . . . more . . .
Champions Egypt get soft African Nations Cup qualifying draw (Feb 23, 2006)
The 2008 African Nations Cup qualifying draw treated newly crowned champions Egypt and runners-up Ivory Coast generously. . . . more . . .
Bitter sweet UEFA Cup experience for French and English clubs (Feb 23, 2006)
French and English clubs had a bitter-sweet night as the UEFA Cup, Europe's second-tier club competition, was whittled down to the final 16 teams. . . . more . . .
FIFA in the dock over World Cup image rights (Feb 23, 2006)
The world's media are threatening to take legal action against FIFA unless football's governing body lifts the restrictions its imposed on coverage at this year's World Cup. . . . more . . .
Clubs condemn Smith ambulance assault (Feb 23, 2006)
Manchester United and Liverpool have issued a joint statement condemning the fans who attacked the ambulance taking United midfielder Alan Smith to hospital at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Madrid fans want Henry claims Marca (Feb 23, 2006)
Real Madrid fans are clamouring for their club to sign Arsenal's talismanic French striker Thierry Henry after his wonder goal secured victory for the English Premiership side at the Bernabeu, according to sports daily Marca. . . . more . . .
Marseille, Middlesbrough and AS Roma in UEFA Cup spotlight (Feb 23, 2006)
Marseille's coach crisis, Middlesbrough's Cup run on two fronts plus AS Roma's superb form were the talking points in the run-up to Thursday's UEFA Cup action. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo outburst took away some of the 'magic': Raul (Feb 23, 2006)
An outburst by Real Madrid's unhappy Brazilian star Ronaldo was poorly timed and took away some of the 'magic' of the Champions League, fellow striker Raul said. . . . more . . .
Quaresma in Portugal squad for Saudi Arabia friendly (Feb 23, 2006)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called up FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, a regular at the Under-21 level, for a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 1. . . . more . . .
Kahn to get Italian nod over Lehmann (Feb 23, 2006)
Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected bitter goalkeeping rivals Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann together in the same squad for the first time since the middle of last year, ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Florence. . . . more . . .
Boro lose but still edge out Stuttgart (Feb 23, 2006)
Middlesbrough just did enough to make it through into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup despite losing 1-0 at home to Stuttgart at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Turkey could play Euro 2008 qualifying matches at Dortmund (Feb 23, 2006)
Turkey could play their Euro 2008 home qualifying matches in Dortmund, Germany, top official of the German first division club Hans-Joachim Watzke said. . . . more . . .
Messi defends himself over Del Horno red card (Feb 23, 2006)
Lionel Messi insisted Asier del Horno had tried to hurt him before being sent-off for a foul on the Barcelona teenager in the Spanish vistors' 2-1 Champions League victory away to Chelsea. . . . more . . .
Spanish football legend dies (Feb 23, 2006)
Legendary Spanish striker Telmo "Zarra" Zarraonandia, whose goal against England in the Maracana Stadium gave his country their only World Cup semi-final berth in 1950, died aged 85, hospital sources in Bilbao said. . . . more . . .
Colourful Mourinho makes his pitch to beat Barcelona (Feb 21, 2006)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho insisted the Stamford Bridge pitch was up to scratch for their mouthwatering repeat of last year's last 16 Champions League clash against Barcelona by using a colourful analogy. . . . more . . .
Liverpool dreaming of repeat glory (Feb 21, 2006)
The Champions League returns this week after the winter recess with titleholders Liverpool in high spirits for the last-16 first leg tie at Benfica buoyed by their weekend FA Cup victory over age-old rivals Manchester United. . . . more . . .
Hard choices don't floor Jewell (Feb 21, 2006)
Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell is ready to be unpopular with his own players in order to spring a surprise and steer the club to victory over Manchester United in the League Cup Final. . . . more . . .
Reina planning to emulate sidelined Dudek (Feb 21, 2006)
Jose Reina has already ousted Jerzy Dudek from the Liverpool team. . . . more . . .
Multiplex say FA Cup final to be moved from Wembley to Cardiff (Feb 20, 2006)
Australian construction giant Multiplex said the English Football Association (FA) will transfer the FA Cup final from Wembley to its reserve venue, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. . . . more . . .
Smith pulls out of Scotland squad (Feb 20, 2006)
Aberdeen's top scorer Jamie Smith has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad to play Switzerland in a friendly at Hampden on March 1 with a hamstring injury. . . . more . . .
ASEAN football bosses turn on 'gratuitous' Asian soccer chief (Feb 20, 2006)
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) football chiefs have lashed out at a senior Asian soccer administrator, criticising him for doing nothing to help the game in their region. . . . more . . .
Wenger has high hopes for Henry (Feb 20, 2006)
Arsenal coach Arsenal Wenger relieves that his unsettled French striker Thierry Henry could be the key to success or failure against Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 tie. . . . more . . .
FA Cup moved from Wembley over delay fears: construction firm (Feb 20, 2006)
The FA Cup final will not be held at the new Wembley Stadium because the English Football Association (FA) fears it will not be ready in time, according to the Australian construction giant overseeing the troubled project. . . . more . . .
USA beats Guatemala in World Cup warm-up (Feb 20, 2006)
Cold weather didn't cool off Chris Klein and the United States as they posted a 4-0 victory over Guatemala in a friendly international football match. . . . more . . .
If Fergie is having a dig, I must be doing something right: Benitez (Feb 20, 2006)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez brushed aside Sir Alex Ferguson's jibe that his side had played for only "five minutes" in Saturday's FA Cup victory at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Naysmith back in Scotland squad (Feb 20, 2006)
Everton defender Gary Naysmith was recalled to the Scotland squad for the March 1 friendly against Switzerland here at Hampden Park. . . . more . . .
Roma captain Totti upbeat after surgery (Feb 20, 2006)
Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he was surprised by the cheery mood of striker Francesco Totti after the Italian international striker underwent major surgery on his badly-injured left leg. . . . more . . .
Smith reveals injury concern (Feb 20, 2006)
Manchester United's Alan Smith knew he sustained major injuries during the weekend's FA Cup defeat against Liverpool because "when I looked down the leg was lying one way and my ankle was pointing to Hong Kong". . . . more . . .
Helguera dropped by Real Madrid (Feb 20, 2006)
Real Madrid coach Juan Lopez Ramon Caro has left Spanish international Ivan Helguera out of the 18-man squad that will face Arsenal in the Champions League. . . . more . . .
Czech manager Bruckner names squad for Turkey friendlies (Feb 20, 2006)
Czech manager Karel Bruckner has named a 28-strong squad, without injured Ajax players Tomas Galasek, Zdenek Grygera and Juventus midfield star Pavel Nedved, to play against Turkey in Izmir on March 1. . . . more . . .
Chelsea standing in way of Shearer Cup dream (Feb 20, 2006)
Premiership champions Chelsea were left standing in the way of Alan Shearer's dreams of leading Newcastle to FA Cup glory, in what the former England captain has said will be his last season as a player, after the clubs were drawn together in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Impressive African Confederation Cup debut by Zambian club (Feb 20, 2006)
Zesco United of Zambia made a dream African Confederation Cup debut by outclassing Pointe aux Sables Mates of Mauritius 3-0 at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Koeman ponders Robert gamble (Feb 20, 2006)
Benfica coach Ronald Koeman is contemplating a gamble on the form and fitness of Laurent Robert for Tuesday's Champions League last 16, first leg match with Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Arsenal can still gun us down, says Real coach (Feb 20, 2006)
Real Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro admitted that the Champions League tie against Arsenal was the pinnacle of his short career at the helm of the Spanish giants. . . . more . . .
Barca will be desperate for revenge says Gallas (Feb 19, 2006)
Barcelona will be even more motivated this time round in their Champions League last 16 first leg clash here on Wednesday said Chelsea's French international defender William Gallas. . . . more . . .
Yakubu at the double for Boro (Feb 19, 2006)
Nigeria striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu scored twice as Middlesbrough advanced into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win away to Championship club Preston North End. . . . more . . .
Athletic Bilbao improve survival chances (Feb 19, 2006)
Athletic Bilbao have won the Spanish title eight times but the focus of their attention this season has been on the other end of the table. . . . more . . .
Chelsea leave it late to beat Colchester (Feb 19, 2006)
Joe Cole came off the bench to score twice as Chelsea eventually advanced into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 win over lowly Colchester United at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Defoe just Champion for Spurs (Feb 19, 2006)
Jermain Defoe has kept Tottenham on course for a Champions League spot after his strike ensured a 2-2 draw against Wigan at White Hart Lane. . . . more . . .
Metz upset Marseille to renew survival hopes (Feb 19, 2006)
Metz, at the foot of the French first division and with a mountain to climb to stave off relegation, breathed new life into their survival hopes with a shock 1-0 win over Marseille. . . . more . . .
USA beats Guatemala in World Cup warm-up (Feb 19, 2006)
Cold weather didn't cool off Chris Klein and the United States as they posted a 4-0 victory over Guatemala in a friendly international football match. . . . more . . .
McClaren can go if England call on him says Boro supremo (Feb 19, 2006)
Middlesbrough manager and England assistant coach Steve McClaren can leave if he is asked to be the successor to England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson his club chairman has said. . . . more . . .
Kahn injured but Ballack saves Bayern (Feb 19, 2006)
An 89th-minute Michael Ballack header saved German league leaders Bayern Munich from defeat to Hannover 96 on Saturday but Bayern suffered a blow when 'keeper Oliver Kahn had to leave the field injured. . . . more . . .
Smith operation a 'success' say United (Feb 19, 2006)
Manchester United described the surgery on Alan Smith's broken leg as a "success" with the England international's agent insisting the player would resume his career even if he is set to miss the World Cup. . . . more . . .
City leave it late to keep Pearce's dream alive (Feb 19, 2006)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce's hopes of becoming the first English boss for more than a decade to lift the FA Cup were still alive after Micah Richards grabbed a heart-stopping equaliser in injury-time to secure a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa. . . . more . . .
Red-hot Roma rocked by Totti injury blow (Feb 19, 2006)
Roma defeated Empoli 1-0 to equal the record of 10 consecutive Serie A wins and snatch fourth place from Fiorentina in the race for Champions League places next season. . . . more . . .
Beckham finally ready for the Real deal (Feb 19, 2006)
England skipper David Beckham said he was about to start talks about new contract with Real Madrid. . . . more . . .
Smith career not over claims agent (Feb 19, 2006)
Alan Smith will definitely miss the World Cup after suffering a horror injury in Manchester United's FA Cup defeat at Liverpool but his agent has dismissed reports the midfielder's career could be over. . . . more . . .
Super Mario comes to Valencia's rescue (Feb 19, 2006)
Valencia stay in second place in La Liga thanks to their Uruguayan international winger Mario Regueiro, who had two moments of brilliance to earn them a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad. . . . more . . .
Cole helps Chelsea survive Colchester scare (Feb 19, 2006)
Joe Cole struck twice to ensure Premiership champions and leaders Chelsea staved off what would have been one of the all-time great upsets to advance into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup with a 3-1 win at home to Colchester United. . . . more . . .
Kahn injured but Ballack saves Bayern from defeat (Feb 18, 2006)
An 89th-minute Michael Ballack header saved German league leaders Bayern Munich from defeat to Hannover 96 but Bayern suffered a blow when 'keeper Oliver Kahn had to leave the field injured. . . . more . . .
Bordeaux stay in touch with Lyon (Feb 18, 2006)
Bordeaux kept some pressure on leaders Lyon by beating Ajaccio 2-0 to stay seven points off the pace in the French championship. . . . more . . .
Raul returns but Ronaldinho rules (Feb 18, 2006)
Real Madrid legend Raul returned to action for the first time in three months and the team responded in style as they won for the sixth successive league match beating Alaves 3-0. . . . more . . .
Sven says no to World Cup shadow (Feb 18, 2006)
Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has told the Football Association that he is against the idea of his successor shadowing England during the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Japan beat Finland 2-0 in World Cup warm-up (Feb 18, 2006)
Mitsuo Ogasawara set up the opening goal and then struck home himself to spearhead Asian champions Japan to a 2-0 win over Finland in a warm-up game for the World Cup in June. . . . more . . .
Crouch ends Liverpool's 85-year Cup wait against United (Feb 18, 2006)
Peter Crouch ended Liverpool's 85-year wait for an FA Cup triumph over bitter rivals Manchester United with the first-half header that ensured a 1-0 win at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Ferreira set for Chelsea return (Feb 18, 2006)
Paulo Ferreira is set to be available for Chelsea's FA Cup fifth-round clash against Colchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after missing seven games with a thigh injury. . . . more . . .
Ashton lets Bolton off the hook in Cup statlemate (Feb 18, 2006)
Dean Ashton spurned the chance to send West Ham into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a glaring second-half miss as the London club fought out a miserable 0-0 draw against Bolton at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Rangers buoyed by Hibs victory (Feb 18, 2006)
Rangers moved up to third place in the Scottish Premier League with a 2-0 win at home to Hibernian. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro sees red but Juve snatch point (Feb 18, 2006)
Juventus coach Fabio Capello admitted struggling Sicilians Messina gave his side one of their hardest games of the season after an entertaining 2-2 Serie A draw. . . . more . . .
Dyer spares Newcastle's blushes (Feb 18, 2006)
Kieron Dyer struck the winner on his first start in six months as Newcastle United edged out Southampton 1-0 for a place in the last eight of the FA Cup. . . . more . . .
Ashton lets Bolton off the hook in Cup stalemate (Feb 18, 2006)
Dean Ashton spurned the chance to send West Ham into the FA Cup quarter-finals with a glaring second-half miss as the London club fought out a miserable 0-0 draw against Bolton Wanderers at the Reebok Stadium. . . . more . . .
Cannavaro sees red but Juve salvage point (Feb 18, 2006)
Serie A leaders Juventus played for almost the entire second half with 10 men but they still managed to draw 2-2 at Messina. . . . more . . .
Thai factory drafted to make stitchless World Cup footballs (Feb 17, 2006)
A Thai factory has been drafted in to produce the special stitchless football for the upcoming World Cup. . . . more . . .
Vogts to help Klinsmann at World Cup (Feb 17, 2006)
Former Germany coach and World Cup winning player Berti Vogts will co-ordinate the German team of coaches at the World Cup from June 9 to July 9, German Football Federation (DFB) officials announced. . . . more . . .
Lyon take another step towards fifth French title (Feb 17, 2006)
Lyon beat Nantes 3-1 to take a 10-point lead in the French league and another step towards their fifth consecutive championship. . . . more . . .
Mouscron coach Put sacked (Feb 17, 2006)
Paul Put, the coach of Belgian first division club Mouscron, has been sacked because of his involvement in the match-fixing scandal which has rocked Belgian football. . . . more . . .
I made the right decision says Rooney over United move (Feb 17, 2006)
Wayne Rooney says he has no regrets about joining Manchester United and believes the move to Old Trafford has improved him as a player. . . . more . . .
Beckham bone breaker interested in United move (Feb 17, 2006)
Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Aldo Duscher said he would be interested in a move to the English Premiership amid reports of interest from Manchester United, four years after he broke former United star David Beckham's foot in a Champions League encounter. . . . more . . .
Djemba-Djemba sorry for late Villa return (Feb 17, 2006)
Aston Villa's Cameroon international Eric Djemba-Djemba apologised to his manager David O'Leary and the club's fans after returning home late from the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Anderlecht sack corrupt players (Feb 17, 2006)
Belgian giants Anderlecht dismissed two players who were caught up in the match-fixing scandal which has rocked Belgian football. . . . more . . .
Deschamps sues over Marseille fixed match claim (Feb 17, 2006)
Former France World Cup winning captain and Monaco coach Didier Deschamps is taking legal action over claims that he knew all about the infamous fixed game between Marseille and Valenciennes in 1993. . . . more . . .
Vogts to be Germany's World Cup 'spy' (Feb 17, 2006)
Former Scotland coach Berti Vogts will be Germany's 'spy' at this summer's World Cup making notes on opponents and relaying them to manager Jurgen Klinsmann. . . . more . . .
Chelsea shrug off Barca pitch claims (Feb 17, 2006)
Chelsea have defended the state of the Stamford Bridge pitch and insist claims it will favour them against Barcelona next week are nonsense. . . . more . . .
Zidane to commit to perfect Madrid (Feb 16, 2006)
Things are looking up at the Bernabeu as Zinedine Zidane is poised to commit to the nine-time European champions for another year and David Beckham claims the Real Madrid team is now perfect. . . . more . . .
Megson pays price for Forest failure (Feb 16, 2006)
Gary Megson became the latest manager to pay the price for failing to bring the glory days back to Nottingham Forest when the club announced that their manager had left the City Ground "by mutual consent." . . . more . . .
Middlesbrough impress in Stuttgart (Feb 16, 2006)
Middlesbrough notched up an impressive 2-1 win at German club VfB Stuttgart to give them a great chance of reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Cup. . . . more . . .
Babayaro loses red-card appeal (Feb 16, 2006)
Newcastle full-back Celestine Babayaro has had his claim for wrongful dismissal rejected by a Football Association disciplinary commission. . . . more . . .
Staunton breathes fresh life into Ireland squad (Feb 16, 2006)
New Republic of Ireland manager Steve Staunton included five new faces in his first squad for the friendly against World Cup finalists Sweden at Lansdowne Road on March 1. . . . more . . .
Kaiser picks Brazil and Argentina to shine (Feb 16, 2006)
German World Cup legend Franz Beckenbauer predicted Wednesday night that South American giants Brazil and Argentina will be the two sides to beat in Germany 2006. . . . more . . .
German government and FIFA to promote smoke-free World Cup (Feb 16, 2006)
The German government said it was joining forces with football's world governing body FIFA to launch a campaign to encourage spectators not to smoke at this year's World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
Cartoon row worries Denmark ahead of Israel friendly (Feb 16, 2006)
Players in Denmark's national football squad said they were nervous that tensions over Prophet Mohammed cartoons would turn next month's friendly against Israel into an ordeal. . . . more . . .
Larsson to leave Barcelona and head back to Sweden (Feb 16, 2006)
Striker Henrik Larsson signed with Sweden's Helsingborg team, making his move from FC Barcelona next summer official, Swedish public television SVT reported. . . . more . . .
Belgian match-fixing probe gathers pace (Feb 16, 2006)
A probe into match-fixing by a Chinese-mafia controlled betting ring in Belgian top-flight football has deepened after players confessed to being paid off, newspapers reported. . . . more . . .
Real confident they can spike Gunners (Feb 16, 2006)
Real Madrid are confident they can spike the Gunners when Arsenal come calling next week for the pair's Champions League showdown, media quoted French veteran Zinedine Zidane and Brazilian Roberto Carlos as saying. . . . more . . .
Gentenaar to make rapid Dutch return (Feb 15, 2006)
Netherlands goalkeeper Dennis Gentenaar will return to his homeland in the close season after signing a pre-contract agreement with Ajax, the club announced. . . . more . . .
Figo predicts three Ronaldos will shine at World Cup (Feb 15, 2006)
Portugal star Luis Figo predicts the three Ronaldos -- Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid's Ronaldo and Barcelona's Ronaldinho -- will shine at the World Cup in Germany later this year. . . . more . . .
Wenger gives up on automatic Champs League place (Feb 15, 2006)
Arsene Wenger admitted he has given up on hopes of finishing in the Premiership's top two after watching his side lose for the 9th time this season at Anfield. . . . more . . .
Shearer lines up Celtic testimonial (Feb 15, 2006)
Alan Shearer will mark a decade of service to Newcastle with a testimonial against Celtic in May. . . . more . . .
French quintet out of tune in UEFA Cup (Feb 15, 2006)
France's quintet of UEFA Cup challengers suffered a myriad of fortunes in the last 32 first leg clashes. . . . more . . .
Bellamy double does for Sunderland (Feb 15, 2006)
Craig Bellamy scored twice as Blackburn Rovers beat bottom-of-the table Sunderland 2-0 at Ewood Park to move up into seventh place in the English Premiership. . . . more . . .
Spanish designate Real match with Arsenal "high risk" (Feb 15, 2006)
Real Madrid's Champions League last 16 meeting with Arsenal next week has been designated "high risk," Spain's national anti-violence commission, an offshoot of the interior ministry, said. . . . more . . .
Zidane confirms imminent swansong (Feb 15, 2006)
France captain Zinedine Zidane confirmed on his internet site that he will end his sparkling career in the next 18 months, but first he wants to win the World Cup. . . . more . . .
Benfica's Geovanni to miss Liverpool visit (Feb 15, 2006)
Portuguese champions Benfica' Brazilian winger Geovanni is injured and will miss next week's Champions League match against Liverpool. . . . more . . .
Man Utd star Park says Advocaat more aggressive than Hiddink (Feb 15, 2006)
Manchester United's Park Ji-sung says South Korean coach Dick Advocaat is more aggressive than former boss Guus Hiddink and believes the current World Cup-bound squad has passion it previously lacked. . . . more . . .
Family values prompts Butt tantrum (Feb 14, 2006)
Former England international midfielder Nicky Butt could be punished by his club Birmingham City after walking off in a sulk when he was left out of the team which lost 3-0 to West Ham on Monday. . . . more . . .
City hotshot out in the Cole-d (Feb 14, 2006)
Highflying Premiership outfit Manchester City suffered a blow with the news that in-form striker Andy Cole would be out for a month with a knee ligament injury. . . . more . . .
Drogba in doubt for Barcelona clash (Feb 14, 2006)
Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba said he is worried about his long running battle with a knee problem that has cast in doubt his availability for next week's mouthwatering Champions League clash with Barcelona. . . . more . . .
Kluivert out for over two months (Feb 14, 2006)
Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert's nightmare season at Spanish titlechasers Valencia hit a new low when it was revealed he would be out for up to 10 weeks after undergoing an operation on his right knee. . . . more . . .
Luis Garcia hits late winner for Liverpool (Feb 14, 2006)
Luis Garcia scored an 87th-minute winner as Liverpool beat Arsenal 1-0 in the Premiership to close the gap on second-placed Manchester United to three points. . . . more . . .
Thun name Austrian as new coach (Feb 14, 2006)
Swiss Super League side FC Thun named Austrian Heinz Peischl to replace Urs Schoenenberger. . . . more . . .
Deschamps and Desailly knew about matchfixing claims Eydelie (Feb 14, 2006)
Former France football greats Didier Deschamps and Marcel Desailly were aware that the 1993 French championship match between Marseille and Valenciennes was fixed acccording to their former team-mate Jean-Jacques Eydelie. . . . more . . .
J-League champions may take part in Club World Cup (Feb 14, 2006)
This year's J-League champions may be allowed to take part in the Club World Cup in Japan even if they fail to win the Asian title, Japan Football Association president Saburo Kawabuchi said. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo confident Portugal can win World Cup (Feb 14, 2006)
Manchester United's Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo is confident that Portugal, runners-up in Euro 2004, can win the World Cup in Germany later this year. . . . more . . .
Both keepers sent off in Nantes versus Troyes match (Feb 14, 2006)
Both keepers were sent off in the 1-1 draw between Nantes and Troyes leaving outfield players attending both goalmouths in an extraordinary French league match. . . . more . . .
Birmingham fine Butt over West Ham walkout (Feb 14, 2006)
Birmingham have fined Nicky Butt a reported 80,000 pounds (116,000 euros) representing two weeks wages for walking out on the team before Monday's Premiership defeat at West Ham. . . . more . . .
Hungarians play down Gregory speculation (Feb 14, 2006)
Former England midfielder John Gregory could be the surprise choice to be the next manager of the Hungarian national side after he revealed on Tuesday he had held talks with the federation. . . . more . . .
Maldini doubtful for Bayern clash (Feb 13, 2006)
AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini is doubtful for their Champions League round of 16, first leg tie away to Bayern Munich a week on Tuesday having failed to recover from a long-standing knee injury. . . . more . . .
Hammers thrash Birmingham (Feb 13, 2006)
West Ham moved into the top six of the English Premiership with an emphatic 3-0 victory over relegation-haunted Birmingham at Upton Park for their seventh consecutive victory in all competitions. . . . more . . .
Merthyr want Gazza (Feb 13, 2006)
Former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne looks set to return to football management with Welsh minnows Merthyr Tydfil. . . . more . . .
Maradona charged with injuring two in car incident (Feb 13, 2006)
Argentina football legend Diego Maradona has been charged with injuring two pedestrians after a dawn car accident, a court official said. . . . more . . .
Wednesday D-Day for Le Guen (Feb 13, 2006)
Ailing Scottish giants Rangers will probably learn if their number one target to be their new manager Paul Le Guen is willing to join them. . . . more . . .
Arsenal get Reyes of sunshine (Feb 13, 2006)
Struggling English Premiership mammoths Arsenal received a boost as Spanish international striker Jose Reyes said he was hoping to be fit for the Champions League second round clash with Real Madrid later this month. . . . more . . .
Horsfield adds cutting edge to Blades attack (Feb 13, 2006)
Championship highflyers Sheffield United strengthened their attack by signing veteran West Brom striker Geoff Horsfield on loan until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Shakhtar on song ahead of UEFA Cup restart (Feb 13, 2006)
Ukraine's reigning champions Shakhtar Donetsk go into Wednesday's UEFA Cup clash with French side Lille on a high after winning a mid-season international tournament in Israel. . . . more . . .
Mido back for Spurs in Sunderland draw (Feb 13, 2006)
The return of Egypt international Mido was not enough to inspire a Tottenham Hotspur win as Sunderland claimed a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light. . . . more . . .
Mido back for Spurs in Sunderland draw (Feb 12, 2006)
The return of Egypt international Mido was not enough to inspire a Tottenham Hotspur win as Sunderland claimed a 1-1 draw with a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light. . . . more . . .
Barton winner wins back fans' hearts (Feb 12, 2006)
Manchester City completed a league double over visitors Charlton, winning a five-goal thriller at the City of Manchester Stadium 3-2. . . . more . . .
Alaves elevate themselves out of trouble (Feb 12, 2006)
Alaves have been mired in relegation trouble all season but their 3-2 victory over fellow strugglers Malaga saw them move out of the drop zone. . . . more . . .
Champagne still on ice, insists Lennon (Feb 12, 2006)
Celtic captain Neil Lennon denies the Scottish Premier League title was in the bag after leading his side to a 1-0 victory away to Rangers. . . . more . . .
SuperPippo nets hat-trick for AC Milan, Roma on cloud nine (Feb 12, 2006)
Filippo Inzaghi scored a hat-trick as AC Milan thumped Reggina 4-1, while Roma beat Siena 2-0 for their ninth consecutive league victory, leaving them one win short of equalling the Serie A record. . . . more . . .
Marseille drop points against Toulouse (Feb 12, 2006)
Marseille's 0-0 French league draw at home to Toulouse was two points lost as they failed to capitalize at the Velodrome stadium. . . . more . . .
Robinho and Raul Bravo on target as Real bounce back (Feb 12, 2006)
Goals from Brazilian starlet Robinho and Raul Bravo saw Real Madrid bounce back from their midweek Spanish Cup humiliation in Zaragoza to record a 2-0 away success in Bilbao which keeps their league title dreams alive. . . . more . . .
Wiltord rescues Lyon as Bordeaux cut the gap (Feb 12, 2006)
Sylvain Wiltord saved the day for Lyon when producing an injury time goal to earn the four-time French champions a 1-1 draw against Lens. . . . more . . .
Valencia victory opens up Spanish title race (Feb 12, 2006)
Valencia closed the gap on league leaders Barcelona to six points after beating the reigning Spanish champions 1-0. . . . more . . .
City make Barton new offer (Feb 12, 2006)
Manchester City manager Stuart Pearce confirms they have made unsettled midfielder Joey Barton a revised contract offer. . . . more . . .
Bayern edge Nuremberg to maintain title charge (Feb 12, 2006)
Bayern Munich stayed on course for a 20th German league title as they edged FC Nuremberg 2-1 in the Bavarian derby to extend their lead at the top to 10 points. . . . more . . .
More woe for Rangers as Celtic win Old Firm battle (Feb 12, 2006)
A Maciej Zurawski goal has given Celtic a 1-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox to all but clinch the Scottish Premier League title. . . . more . . .
Deadly Del Piero keeps Juve on course for title (Feb 12, 2006)
Juventus look set to retain their Serie A title after they beat nearest challengers Inter Milan 2-1 at the San Siro to extend their lead at the top of the table to a daunting 12 points. . . . more . . .
Boro put the boot into complacent Chelsea (Feb 11, 2006)
Chelsea suffered their heaviest defeat under Jose Mourinho as relegation-threatened Middlesbrough pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the season. . . . more . . .
Chelsea stunned by turbo-charged Boro (Feb 11, 2006)
Chelsea were stunned by relegation-threatened Middlesbrough as the Premiership leaders suffered an emphatic 3-0 defeat at the Riverside Stadium. . . . more . . .
Draw for Sensini on Udinese coaching debut (Feb 11, 2006)
Nestor Sensini's debut as coach of Serie A club Udinese ended in a 1-1 draw away to his former club Lazio. . . . more . . .
Hamburg overtake Werder as Schalke give Bayer a real headache (Feb 11, 2006)
Schalke 04 thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 7-4 in an extraordinary Bundesliga encounter while Werder Bremen's title challenge faltered again as they lost at home to basement side Kaiserslautern. . . . more . . .
Depleted Everton show Champions League form (Feb 11, 2006)
Ten-man Everton moved into the top half of the table for the first time this season after a backs-to-the-wall 1-0 victory over Blackburn at Goodison Park. . . . more . . .
Given the hero as ten-man Magpies take flight (Feb 11, 2006)
Newcastle made it two wins out of two since former manager Graeme Souness was sacked, thanks to a penalty save from Shay Given and a rearguard action with ten men for the final half hour. . . . more . . .
Fulham six-shooters too much for Baggies (Feb 11, 2006)
Fuhlham notched up their biggest Premiership win as they thrashed lowly West Brom 6-1 at Craven Cottage. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo at the double again as United sink Pompey (Feb 11, 2006)
Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice in a match for the second time in a week as Manchester United cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the table to 12 points and sent Portsmouth plummeting a step closer to relegation with a 3-1 win. . . . more . . .
Hyypia goal seals hard-fought Liverpool win (Feb 11, 2006)
Sami Hyypia was the unlikely scorer as Liverpool ended their recent Premiership slump by beating Wigan Athletic 1-0 at the JJB Stadium. . . . more . . .
Angry Wenger slams Bolton 'tricks' (Feb 11, 2006)
Arsene Wenger reopened his war of words with Sam Allardyce after Arsenal's tempestuous 1-1 draw with Bolton Wanderers. . . . more . . .
Lambert quits Livingston as Hearts broken by Dons (Feb 11, 2006)
Former Celtic, Borussia Dortmund and Scotland star Paul Lambert quit as player/manager of Livingston after a 1-0 defeat at home by Dunfermline left his struggling side six points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premier League. . . . more . . .
Thousands greet returning Elephants (Feb 11, 2006)
Beaten African Nations Cup finalists Ivory Coast have returned to a rapturous welcome the day after they lost to hosts Egypt 4-2 on penalties, the match having finished 0-0 after extra-time. . . . more . . .
Gilberto grabs Gunners lifeline (Feb 11, 2006)
Gilberto Silva prevented Arsenals troubled season lurching further into crisis when his last-gasp goal secured a 1-1 draw against Bolton Wanderers here at Highbury. . . . more . . .
Ajax fans banned after commando assault at The Hague (Feb 11, 2006)
Ajax fans have been banned from the club's Dutch League match at ADO Den Haag on Sunday after 70 hooligans went on the rampage with baseball bats. . . . more . . .
Spurs boss hopes Mido will improve after Egypt tantrum (Feb 10, 2006)
Mido's Tottenham manager Martin Jol believes the striker will emerge a better player from his touchline tantrum with Egypt coach Hassa Shehata which cost him a place in the African Nations Cup final win against Ivory Coast. . . . more . . .
Hiddink cleared to stay in Oz -- new England boss to be home grown (Feb 10, 2006)
Australia's chances of retaining Guus Hiddink as manager after the World Cup have been given a major boost after one of the men in charge of appointing the new England boss said he wanted a home-grown coach to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Former Vietnam club coach admits bribery (Feb 10, 2006)
Vietnam's scandal-plagued football league suffered another blow with the admission by the former coach of a top club that he bribed two other teams to grab the national championship five years ago. . . . more . . .
Hadary the hero as Egypt celebrates (Feb 10, 2006)
Egyptian newspapers have heaped praise on Issam el-Hadary, the goalkeeper who gave his team a record fifth African Nations Cup by saving two penalties in a dramatic shootout. . . . more . . .
Ferguson hit with extra four-match ban (Feb 10, 2006)
Everton striker Duncan Ferguson was banned for an additional four matches, bringing to seven the total number of games he will miss as a result of his violent conduct in a match against Wigan on January 31. . . . more . . .
Ahmed Hasan named player of Nations Cup (Feb 10, 2006)
Egypt skipper Ahmed Hasan has been named the most outstanding player of the 2006 African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Wenger insists Campbell injury genuine (Feb 10, 2006)
Arsene Wenger has insisted that the ankle injury which has sidelined Sol Campbell is genuine, not a smokescreen for deeper psychological problems. . . . more . . .
FIFA claim no case against Turkey manager in Swiss brawl (Feb 10, 2006)
FIFA hit out at claims that it should have punished Turkey manager Fatih Terim for his alleged role in the violence which marred the country's November World Cup qualifier against Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Egypt grab record fifth Nations Cup crown after penalty shootout (Feb 10, 2006)
Hosts Egypt won a record fifth African Nations Cup title when they defeated Ivory Coast 4-2 on penalties after both teams failed to score after normal and extra time in the final. . . . more . . .
Djemba-Djemba facing rap for Villa no-show (Feb 10, 2006)
Cameroon midfielder Eric Djemba-Djemba has failed to report back to his English club Aston Villa, nearly a week after his country's exit from the African Cup of Nations. . . . more . . .
Roo planning World Cup party as Owen cleared for Germany (Feb 10, 2006)
Wayne Rooney has confidently predicted that England will win the World Cup - a possibility that has been made more likely by strike partner Michael Owen's progress in overcoming his latest injury. . . . more . . .
Crespo ready to put up with homesickness in return for medals (Feb 10, 2006)
Hernan Crespo has admitted he still feels homesick for Italy and Argentina but is adamant it will not force him to leave Chelsea at the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Egypt hold the aces against Ivory Coast in Nations Cup final (Feb 10, 2006)
Hosts Egypt, without disgraced striker Mido, look set to be crowned champions for a record fifth time when they clash with the Ivory Coast in the African Nations Cup final. . . . more . . .
US take on Japan in World Cup tune-up (Feb 09, 2006)
Landon Donovan leads the US squad announced for an international friendly against Japan in San Francisco on Friday that is part of both nations' build-up for the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
International future of Jamaica's Whitmore in doubt (Feb 09, 2006)
Theodore Whitmore, Jamaica's hero in the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France where he scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Japan, has hinted he is quitting international football. . . . more . . .
Nigeria beat Senegal to third place in Nations Cup (Feb 09, 2006)
Nigeria defeated Senegal 1-0 to win the third-place playoff of the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Belaguered Turkey stands by Terim (Feb 09, 2006)
The Turkish Footbal Association said it would keep working with coach Fatih Terim despite widespred media criticism that he played a role in the violence which marred the country's November World Cup qualifier against Switzerland and triggered FIFA sanctions. . . . more . . .
Ankle knock sets back Campbell recovery (Feb 09, 2006)
Sol Campbell's hopes of a swift return to business as usual following his spell of absence without leave have been hit by the recurrence of an old ankle injury, which has left him doubtful for Arsenal's Premiership clash with Bolton on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Former England manager Greenwood dies (Feb 09, 2006)
Former England manager Ron Greenwood has died at the age of 84 after a long illness, it was announced. . . . more . . .
Ailton out for up to 10 weeks (Feb 09, 2006)
SV Hamburg's Brazil striker Ailton will be out for up to 10 weeks after undergoing surgery Thursday on a broken jaw sustained in Wednesday night's Bundesliga game at Hannover. . . . more . . .
Shaun sends Sven World Cup reminder as Chelsea stay treble course (Feb 09, 2006)
Shaun Wright-Phillips has reignited his World Cup hopes after making the most of a rare start to help fire Chelsea into the last 16 of the FA Cup. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart sack Trapattoni (Feb 09, 2006)
Veteran Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni was sacked by Vfb Stuttgart, the German first division club announced. . . . more . . .
Rooney story set to cover five-book deal: report (Feb 09, 2006)
England striker Wayne Rooney is to have the story of his football career told in a five-volume deal which will earn the Manchester United forward a minimum of five million pounds, The Daily Mail reported. . . . more . . .
McLeish to leave Rangers at end of season (Feb 09, 2006)
Alex McLeish will leave Rangers at the end of the season, the club confirmed. . . . more . . .
Becks wants England ton under new boss (Feb 09, 2006)
David Beckham has ruled out retiring from international football after the World Cup and set his sights on winning 100 caps for England under the successor to Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
All bets off on Le Guen as next Rangers boss (Feb 09, 2006)
British bookmakers are refusing to take any bets on Frenchman Paul Le Guen becoming the next manager of Rangers. . . . more . . .
Stuttgart decide that's the Veh to do things as Trapattoni departs (Feb 09, 2006)
German club VfB Stuttgart have named former Hansa Rostock boss Armin Veh to replace Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni. . . . more . . .
Strachan claims Celtic clicking into gear (Feb 09, 2006)
Gordon Strachan issued a warning to the rest of the Scottish Premiership as Celtic moved 10 points clear of their title rivals. . . . more . . .
Veh replaces Trapattoni at German club Stuttgart (Feb 09, 2006)
German club VfB Stuttgart have named former Hansa Rostock boss Armin Veh to replace Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni. . . . more . . .
Real hit for six in Spanish Cup (Feb 08, 2006)
European superpower Real Madrid were humbled 6-1 by Real Zaragoza in the first leg of their Spanish Cup semi-final. . . . more . . .
Charlton double does for Liverpool (Feb 08, 2006)
First-half goals from Darren Bent and Luke Young gave Charlton a 2-0 Premier League win over Liverpool here at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Hamburg striker Ailton faces layoff with broken jaw (Feb 08, 2006)
SV Hamburg's veteran Brazilian striker Ailton faces several weeks on the sidelines after breaking his jaw in the 2-1 defeat away to Hannover. . . . more . . .
Charlton add to Liverpool's woes (Feb 08, 2006)
Liverpool slumped to a third defeat in four games after goals late in the first-half from Darren Bent and Luke Young gave Charlton a 2-0 Premier League victory at The Valley. . . . more . . .
Golden oldie Sheringham still in demand (Feb 08, 2006)
Former England forward Teddy Sheringham rejected the chance of a return to Spurs last month and has set his sights on playing for West Ham until the end of next season, by which time he will be 41. . . . more . . .
Chelsea keep treble dream alive (Feb 08, 2006)
Chelsea kept their dreams of a treble-winning season alive by booking their place in the last 16 of the FA Cup with a 4-1 fourth round replay win at home to Premiership rivals Everton. . . . more . . .
Toothless Werder fail to trouble Bayern (Feb 08, 2006)
Werder Bremen failed to significantly close the gap on German leaders Bayern Munich as they were held to a goalless draw at VfB Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Rampant Chelsea hammer hapless Everton (Feb 08, 2006)
Chelsea's treble bid gathered pace after the Premiership champions beat an outclassed Everton 4-1 in a one-sided FA Cup fourth round replay at Stamford Bridge. . . . more . . .
Valdez misfires as Werder waste chance in German title race (Feb 08, 2006)
Werder Bremen failed to significantly close the gap on German leaders Bayern Munich as they were held to a goalless draw at VfB Stuttgart. . . . more . . .
Keane helps Celtic stretch lead as Rangers and Hearts stumble (Feb 08, 2006)
Celtic took a huge step towards the Scottish Premier League title with a narrow 2-1 win at home to Falkirk. . . . more . . .
Vietnam PM orders inquiry into illegal betting (Feb 08, 2006)
Vietnam Prime Minister Phan Van Khai has ordered a swift police inquiry into whether state funds have been used in a multimillion-dollar football betting scandal, an official said. . . . more . . .
Hearts captain wants Romanov meeting (Feb 08, 2006)
Hearts captain Steven Pressley has asked for a meeting with club owner Vladimir Romanov amidst reports the Lithuanian has taken over team selection. . . . more . . .
Turkish press furious at FIFA sanctions for Swiss brawl (Feb 08, 2006)
Turkey's press have blasted FIFA over the sanctions meted out by football's governing body for the country's part in the brawl that marred their November World Cup qualifier against Switzerland. . . . more . . .
Political storm as Juve's Capello praises Spain's Franco (Feb 08, 2006)
Comments by Juventus coach Fabio Capello praising late Spanish military dictator General Francisco Franco have provoked uproar with a Catalan politician on Wednesday calling for the European Commission to get involved. . . . more . . .
Platini remembered as Nancy face Nice in League Cup final (Feb 08, 2006)
Nancy's 2-0 win over Le Mans in the League Cup semi-final set up a repeat of their 1978 Cup final against Nice which they won courtesy of a goal from French football legend Michel Platini. . . . more . . .
Juve stretch lead despite draw as Inter crumble (Feb 08, 2006)
Juventus stretched their lead at the top of Italy's Serie A to nine points despite being held to a 1-1 draw at home to struggling Parma. . . . more . . .
Sammer preferred over hockey coach for German football job (Feb 08, 2006)
Former German international Matthias Sammer was named technical director of the national team by the German football federation (DFB) after being preferred over the national hockey coach. . . . more . . .
Rasiak joins Southampton on loan (Feb 08, 2006)
Tottenham striker Grzegorz Rasiak has joined Championship side Southampton on-loan for the rest of the season with the move set to become permanent when the current campaign finishes in a deal worth two million pounds in total. . . . more . . .
Benitez set to offer Dudek olive branch (Feb 08, 2006)
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has promised to give reserve goalkeepers Jerzy Dudek and Scott Carson the opportunity to permanently replace Jose Reina in the European champions' goal. . . . more . . .
South Africa names World Cup venues (Feb 07, 2006)
South Africa will host the 2010 World Cup at 10 venues, deputy sports minister Gert Oosthuizen announced here. . . . more . . .
Mido's star comes crashing down to earth with a bang (Feb 07, 2006)
"I am going to be the big man": so said former Egyptian golden boy Mido before the African Nations Cup -- but Tuesday's semi-final with Senegal saw his boast reduced to ridicule. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo will return to form after rough year (Feb 07, 2006)
Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has had a rough year but he will shortly return to form, the English Premiership club's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz vowed. . . . more . . .
Adu pondering MLS future as Europe beckons (Feb 07, 2006)
Freddy Adu will "have options" at the end of the 2006 Major League Soccer season with a move to Europe likely for the teen football phenom, DC United technical director Dave Kasper said. . . . more . . .
Dwight Yorke wants short-term J-League spell (Feb 07, 2006)
Former Manchester United star Dwight Yorke wants to play in Japan for a few months from the end of Australia's A-League season until the World Cup in Germany in June, a press report said. . . . more . . .
Campbell "focused" on return after Highbury walk out (Feb 07, 2006)
Sol Campbell is focused and determined to return to action after last week's Highbury walk out, his Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger claimed. . . . more . . .
Mido rants as Egypt down Senegal after Shehata's inspired change (Feb 07, 2006)
A truly inspired substitution by Egypt coach Hassan Shehata saw the hosts beat Senegal 2-1 and reach the African Nations Cup final. . . . more . . .
Bayern frustrated by battling Berlin (Feb 07, 2006)
Bayern Munich moved nine points clear at the top of the Bundesliga but were frustrated by Hertha Berlin who held them to a goalless draw in the German capital. . . . more . . .
Monaco knocked out of French League Cup (Feb 07, 2006)
Monaco, already smarting after being knocked out of the French Cup by amateurs Colmar, saw their last remaining hopes of earning some silverware this season dashed when they lost 1-0 to Nice in the League Cup semi-final. . . . more . . .
Gray the hero as Blues knock Reading out of FA Cup (Feb 07, 2006)
Julian Gray headed Premiership strugglers Birmingham into the last 16 of the FA Cup as the Blues won through 2-1 in a fourth round replay against promotion-chasing Reading at St Andrews. . . . more . . .
Turkey pay for Swiss brawl with six match stadium ban (Feb 07, 2006)
FIFA delivered its punishment to Turkey over a brawl during their World Cup qualifier against Switzerland, ordering them to play their next six home games behind closed doors at a neutral venue. . . . more . . .
Mick and Macca set the pace in sack race (Feb 07, 2006)
Sunderland manager Mick McCarthy and his Middlesbourgh counterpart Steve McClaren increasingly look as if they are engaged in a two-horse race to become the next Premiership manager to be axed. . . . more . . .
Drogba blasts Ivory Coast into Nations Cup final (Feb 07, 2006)
Chelsea star Didier Drogba blasted the Ivory Coast into the African Nations Cup final with a 1-0 win over Nigeria. . . . more . . .
Mido given six month ban for touchline rant (Feb 07, 2006)
Egypt striker Mido has been banned for six months from the national team after his extraordinary touchline confrontation with manager Hassan Shehata in Tuesday's African Nations Cup semi-final against Senegal. . . . more . . .
Beckham happy to stay at Real (Feb 07, 2006)
England skipper David Beckham was reported to have said that he is 99 percent certain of signing a new contract with Real Madrid taking him through until 2009. . . . more . . .
Heskey admits charge over red card protest (Feb 07, 2006)
Birmingham striker Emile Heskey has admitted a Football Association charge of improper conduct that was laid after he delayed his departure from the field following his sending off in his club's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Merson sacked as Walsall manager (Feb 07, 2006)
Paul Merson, the former Arsenal and England forward, has been sacked as manager of Walsall, the struggling League One side announced. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo will return to form after rough year: Queiroz(BON POUR TOUS) (Feb 07, 2006)
Manchester United's Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo has had a rough year but he will shortly return to form, the English Premiership club's assistant manager Carlos Queiroz vowed. . . . more . . .
Hartson retires from international game (Feb 06, 2006)
Wales striker John Hartson announced his retirement from international football to focus on playing for his club Celtic. . . . more . . .
World Cup stadia safe promise German organisers (Feb 06, 2006)
The German World Cup organising committee revealed that they do not want anything more to do with consumer protection watchdog Stiftung Warentest following their stinging criticism of the World Cup stadia. . . . more . . .
FIFA sets scene for verdict on Turkey-Switzerland brawl (Feb 06, 2006)
FIFA's disciplinary committee kicked off a final two-day meeting on the violent incidents which marred the Turkey-Switzerland World Cup qualifier in Istanbul last November. . . . more . . .
Barton to respond to fans boos with transfer U-turn (Feb 06, 2006)
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton, jeered by the club's fans since turning down a new contract offer, is on the verge of withdrawing his demand for a transfer. . . . more . . .
Vieira departure hit us hard says Bergkamp (Feb 06, 2006)
Dutchman Dennis Bergkamp has questioned Arsenal's sale of influential midfielder Patrick Vieira, and moreso why the Frenchman was not replaced at Highbury. . . . more . . .
South Korea's Ahn prepared to repeat golden goal heroics (Feb 06, 2006)
South Korean icon Ahn Jung-hwan is confident his Bundesliga club MSV Duisburg will not send him packing if he scores a golden goal to put hosts Germany out of the 2006 World Cup. . . . more . . .
Allardyce given England green light - if it shines on Bolton (Feb 06, 2006)
Bolton manager Sam Allardyce will be given the green light by the club chairman to accept the England manager's job if it is offered to him. . . . more . . .
Essien's African absence, or commitment, not an issue says Mourinho (Feb 06, 2006)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has hit back at Ghana boss Ratomir Dujkovic for criticising midfielder Michael Essien after they crashed out of the African Nations Cup in Egypt. . . . more . . .
Messi out for 10 days with leg injury (Feb 06, 2006)
Barcelona's Argentinian striker Lionel Messi will be out for 10 days with a pulled muscle in his right leg sustained in his club's shock 3-1 loss to Atletico Madrid over the weekend. . . . more . . .
Essien's African absence -- or commitment -- not an issue says Mourinho (Feb 06, 2006)
Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has hit back at Ghana boss Ratomir Dujkovic for criticising midfielder Michael Essien after they crashed out of the African Nations Cup in Egypt. . . . more . . .
Campbell back in training after break (Feb 06, 2006)
Sol Campbell has returned to training with his Arsenal team-mates, five days after walking out of Highbury in dismay at the uncharacteristic lapses which cost his side two goals in a 3-2 defeat by West Ham. . . . more . . .
Raul resumes team training (Feb 06, 2006)
Real Madrid star Raul resumed team training, in the next stage of recuperation from a ruptured meniscus and a partial knee ligament rupture suffered against Barcelona in November. . . . more . . .
Badboy Barton insists he's turned his life around (Feb 06, 2006)
Manchester City badboy Joey Barton insists that he has turned his life around since being sent home in disgrace from the Premiership side's pre-season tour of Thailand. . . . more . . .
Heskey charged for red card protest (Feb 06, 2006)
Birmingham striker Emile Heskey has been charged with improper conduct by the Football Association after delaying his departure from the field following his sending off in his club's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal at the weekend. . . . more . . .
Comeback special as Bremen stay second (Feb 05, 2006)
Werder Bremen conceded a goal after just 14 seconds but then produced the comeback of the season to stay within eight points of leaders Bayern Munich with a 4-2 win over Mainz 05. . . . more . . .
Victorious Chelsea take another huge stride to title (Feb 05, 2006)
Chelsea continued their march towards a second consecutive Premiership title by dispatching one of their main rivals Liverpool 2-0. . . . more . . .
Defeat would have been a catastrophe says Michel (Feb 05, 2006)
Had Ivory Coast lost to Cameroon in the African Nations Cup quarter-finals it would have been a catastrophe said their coach Henri Michel. . . . more . . .
We fear nobody, says Senegal coach (Feb 05, 2006)
Senegal may have struggled to qualify for the African Nations Cup but their coach Abdoulaye Sarr said they feared nobody even with an imposing semi-final on Tuesday against hosts Egypt. . . . more . . .
Atletico end Barcelona's winning run (Feb 05, 2006)
Atletico Madrid again proved themselves to be Barcelona's nemesis and ended the Catalan club's winning run with a 3-1 victory in the Nou Camp. . . . more . . .
United we stand, says Real ace Beckham (Feb 05, 2006)
David Beckham gave an insight into why Real Madrid have looked a different side since the start of the year. . . . more . . .
Totti reveals World Cup fears (Feb 05, 2006)
Italian star Francesco Totti believes his World Cup dream with Italy could be sabotaged by the constant stream of fouls he suffers with Roma in Serie A. . . . more . . .
Lyon and Bordeaux draw a blank (Feb 05, 2006)
Lyon stayed on course for a fifth French title after a 0-0 draw against second-placed Bordeaux. . . . more . . .
Newcastle chairman casts eye abroad in manager hunt (Feb 05, 2006)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd says he is ready to look abroad if necessary to find the club's next manager. . . . more . . .
Impressive Spurs stay on course (Feb 05, 2006)
Tottenham remained on course for Champions League qualification with a 3-1 win over Charlton at White Hart Lane on Sunday. . . . more . . .
Substitute Del Piero notches winner for Juventus (Feb 05, 2006)
Juventus maintained their eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings as Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to score the winner in a 1-0 victory over plucky 10-man Udinese. . . . more . . .
Attack best form of defence for Bremen (Feb 05, 2006)
Bayern Munich may well end up winning the German title this season but in terms of value for money there are few teams that match up to Werder Bremen. . . . more . . .
I want Sven's England job says World Cup winner Scolari (Feb 05, 2006)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who guided Brazil to their fifth World Cup success in 2002, put his name firmly in the frame to replace Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager. . . . more . . .
Villa wonder strike takes limelight from four-goal Real (Feb 04, 2006)
Real Madrid crushed Espanyol 4-0 as Brazilian World Cup star Ronaldo marked his return from injury with a goal but it was Valencia striker David Villa who grabbed the headlines with a remarkable long distance strike. . . . more . . .
Comeback special as Bremen stay second (Feb 04, 2006)
Werder Bremen conceded a goal after just 14 seconds but then produced the comeback of the season to stay within eight points of leaders Bayern Munich with a 4-2 win over Mainz 05. . . . more . . .
Enyeama the hero as Nigeria depose Tunisia (Feb 04, 2006)
Nigeria savoured victory with a taste of revenge when they beat Tunisia 6-5 on penalties after a 1-1 full time draw and extra time to qualify for the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Henry milestone puts gloss on Arsenal victory (Feb 04, 2006)
Thierry Henry made another entry into the Arsenal history books, collecting his 200th goal for the club as Arsene Wenger's youthful side put an end to their recent indifferent form with a 2-0 victory away to Birmingham City. . . . more . . .
Hammers pile on the misery for sad Sunderland (Feb 04, 2006)
Dean Ashton marked his home debut with a goal as West Ham condemned Sunderland to their 19th defeat of a miserable season with a 2-0 victory at Upton Park. . . . more . . .
Super-sub Johansson steals point (Feb 04, 2006)
Paul Jewell's inspired substitution helped Wigan snatch a 1-1 draw with Bolton at the Reebok Stadium as two of the English Premiership's highest-rated managers faced off. . . . more . . .
Vieri strikes for Monaco, Saint Etienne hold PSG (Feb 04, 2006)
Seasoned Italian striker Christian Vieri opened his French first division account at the double in Monaco's 3-1 win over Rennes. . . . more . . .
Shearer clinches record as Newcastle bounce back (Feb 04, 2006)
Alan Shearer finally became Newcastle United's all-time leading scorer when his 201st goal in a Magpies shirt guaranteed a 2-0 win against Portsmouth at St James's Park. . . . more . . .
Cascarino repeats Marseille doping accusations (Feb 04, 2006)
Former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino has repeated accusations that he and Marseille team-mates regularly received injections with unknown substances during his time at the French club in the early 1990s. . . . more . . .
Moore the merrier as Villa crush Middlesbrough (Feb 04, 2006)
Luke Moore piled further misery on Middlesbrough at the Riverside, the in-form striker scoring a hat-trick in Aston Villa's 4-0 drubbing of Steve McLaren's beleaguered side. . . . more . . .
Mancini helps Roma to club record (Feb 04, 2006)
Amantino Mancini scored twice as Roma matched their club record seven straight Serie A wins with a 3-0 win at Parma. . . . more . . .
Rangers dumped out of Cup by rampant Hibs (Feb 04, 2006)
Rangers' last realistic prospect of winning a trophy this season has disappeared as Alex McLeish's struggling side were dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Hibs. . . . more . . .
West Brom ease drop worries with Blackburn win (Feb 04, 2006)
West Bromwich Albion gained some crucial Premiership breathing space, climbing to fifth from bottom, six points above the drop zone, with a 2-0 home win against Blackburn. . . . more . . .
Four-goal Real Madrid storm past Espanyol (Feb 04, 2006)
Real Madrid crushed Espanyol 4-0 to move into second spot in the Spanish championship as Brazilian World Cup star Ronaldo marked his return from injury with a goal. . . . more . . .
Nigeria dethrone Tunisia to qualify for semi-finals (Feb 04, 2006)
Nigeria have avenged their defeat two years ago to beat Tunisia 6-5 on penalties after both teams were tied 1-1 at full and extra time to qualify for the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup here. . . . more . . .
Hibs humble Rangers in Scottish Cup (Feb 04, 2006)
Hibernian humbled Rangers with an emphatic 3-0 victory at Ibrox in the fourth round of the Scottish Cup. . . . more . . .
Drogba makes Cameroon pay the penalty (Feb 04, 2006)
Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba converted the winning penalty in a marathon shootout to give his side a place in the African Nations Cup semi-finals as they edged Cameroon 12-11 after the match finished 1-1. . . . more . . .
Everton recovery continues with Man City win (Feb 04, 2006)
Everton's recovery from a miserable start to the Premiership season continued apace, a 1-0 win at home to Manchester City pushing David Moyes's side to 11th in the table. . . . more . . .
United win six-goal thriller (Feb 04, 2006)
Manchester United cut Chelsea's lead at the top of the Premiership to 12 points in a thrilling 4-2 victory over Fulham at Old Trafford. . . . more . . .
Owen aiming for April comeback (Feb 04, 2006)
Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen hopes to have recovered from his broken toe in time for the last month of the Premiership season. . . . more . . .
Hasan double fires Egypt into semi-finals (Feb 03, 2006)
A double from Ahmed Hasan inspired hosts Egypt to a 4-1 victory over Democratic Republic of Congo and a place in the semi-finals of the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Now is the time for 'Tito' Drogba to lay down the law (Feb 03, 2006)
Samuel Eto'o has almost single handedly -- or footedly to be precise -- shot Cameroon into the African Nations Cup quarter-finals but here on Saturday Ivory Coast's 'star striker' Didier Drogba must step up to the plate. . . . more . . .
Walk-out Campbell's fine says lawyer (Feb 03, 2006)
Sol Campbell is fine and has no personal troubles, his lawyer insisted following intense speculation about the Arsenal and England defender's whereabouts and domestic life. . . . more . . .
Senegal storm back to reach African Nations Cup semi-finals (Feb 03, 2006)
A storming second-half show gave Senegal a 3-2 victory over Guinea in the first African Nations Cup quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Chelsea still fear Liverpool (Feb 03, 2006)
Chelsea captain John Terry believes Liverpool can still wreck the Londoners' chances of defending their Premiership title. . . . more . . .
Campbell insists: I'm fine (Feb 03, 2006)
Sol Campbell is fine and has no personal troubles, his lawyer has insisted following intense speculation about the Arsenal and England defender's whereabouts and domestic life. . . . more . . .
FA defend controversial German Cup deal (Feb 03, 2006)
The English Football Association has defended its decision to sign a four-year 32 million pound FA Cup sponsorship deal with German energy giant E.ON. . . . more . . .
Wenger offers Campbell support (Feb 03, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has told defender Sol Campbell that he only has to call him if he wants his help. . . . more . . .
Newcastle bide time on Souness' replacement (Feb 03, 2006)
Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd says despite the club's troubles he will not be rushing to replace manager Graeme Souness who was sacked on Thursday. . . . more . . .
Ferguson refuses to concede title (Feb 03, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson refused Friday to concede the Premiership title even though his Manchester United team trail leaders Chelsea by 15 points. . . . more . . .
Everton's Ferguson denies violent conduct (Feb 03, 2006)
Everton's Duncan Ferguson has denied using violent conduct against Wigan defender Pascal Chimbonda in this week's Premiership game. . . . more . . .
Ronaldo handed one-match European ban (Feb 03, 2006)
Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo was handed a one-match European ban by UEFA for his one-finger gesture to Benfica fans during United's Champions League defeat in Lisbon in December. . . . more . . .
Defensive problems mount for Arsenal (Feb 03, 2006)
Arsenal won't just be missing Sol Campbell when they take on Birmingham in the Premiership on Saturday. . . . more . . .
Maloney in talks to extend Celtic deal (Feb 03, 2006)
Celtic striker Shaun Maloney has opened talks with the Scottish giants about remaining at Parkhead until 2009, his agent confirmed. . . . more . . .
Ferguson faith in Saha pays off (Feb 03, 2006)
Sir Alex Ferguson insists that he never thought about letting injury-plagued French striker Louis Saha leave Manchester United during last month's transfer window. . . . more . . .
Beckenbauer backs England to push Brazil for World Cup title (Feb 03, 2006)
German legend Franz Beckenbauer believes Brazil will take some beating at the World Cup this summer but that England could give the world champions a run for their money. . . . more . . .
Blues holding on to Bruce (Feb 03, 2006)
Birmingham chairman David Gold has insisted that they are determined to hold on to manager Steve Bruce despite reports linking him to the vacant Newcastle job. . . . more . . .
Liverpool CEO joins chorus for native England manager (Feb 03, 2006)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has joined the call for an Englishman to take over from Sven-Goran Eriksson. . . . more . . .
Campbell will return to Arsenal says Wenger (Feb 03, 2006)
Sol Campbell will return to training with Arsenal next week after ending two days of uncertainty over his whereabouts and future by making contact with his manager Arsene Wenger. . . . more . . .
Tiago open to return to Chelsea (Feb 02, 2006)
Lyon's Portugal international midfielder Tiago Mendes said he would be open to a return one day to Chelsea, where he spent one season before moving to the French league leaders. . . . more . . .
Hiddink gets Beckenbauer backing (Feb 02, 2006)
Guus Hiddink, one of the favourites to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach, had his credentials endorsed by Franz Beckenbauer, the football great labelling the Socceroos boss a "genius". . . . more . . .
Stankovic delivers Italian Cup blow to Lazio (Feb 02, 2006)
Inter Milan's Dejan Stankovic scored the only goal to send his former club Lazio crashing out of the Italian Cup in the quarter-finals. . . . more . . .
Souness sacked as Newcastle turn to Shearer (Feb 02, 2006)
Graeme Souness's troubled 15-month reign as Newcastle manager has finally came to an end when the club terminated his contract with immediate effect. . . . more . . .
FA establish three-man panel to find Sven successor (Feb 02, 2006)
The Football Association (FA) has appointed a three-man panel to find the best man to succeed Sven-Goran Eriksson as England manager with a brief to report back by the end of this month. . . . more . . .
Turkey confident of fair decision over Switzerland trouble (Feb 02, 2006)
UEFA's Turkish vice-president Senes Erzik insisted that he was confident of a fair decision following a probe by world soccer governing body FIFA into the violence that marred their World Cup play-off game with Switzerland in November. . . . more . . .
Fergie in fallout with former foot soldier (Feb 02, 2006)
Blackburn manager Mark Hughes has taken exception to criticism of his side's style of play from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson. . . . more . . .
Drogba is not a one man team says Song (Feb 02, 2006)
Cameroon have a lot more to worry about than just Ivory Coast's star striker Didier Drogba in Saturday's African Nations Cup quarter-final, according to the Indomitable Lions captain Rigobert Song. . . . more . . .
Everton's Ferguson charged by FA (Feb 02, 2006)
Everton's Duncan Ferguson was charged with violent conduct by the Football Association. . . . more . . .
US international Keller extends Gladbach stay (Feb 02, 2006)
US international goalkeeper Kasey Keller has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach keeping him at the Bundesliga club until June 2007. . . . more . . .
Legal action against 11 Roma fans over Nazi symbols (Feb 02, 2006)
Legal action is being taken against 11 Roma fans for brandishing Nazi symbols during a Serie A game, Italian Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu revealed. . . . more . . .
Keller extends Borussia Monchengladbach stay (Feb 02, 2006)
US international goalkeeper Kasey Keller has signed a one-year extension to his contract with Borussia Monchengladbach keeping him at the Bundesliga club until June 2007. . . . more . . .
Newcastle sack Souness (Feb 02, 2006)
Graeme Souness's troubled 15-month reign as Newcastle manager finally came to an end when the club terminated his contract with immediate effect. . . . more . . .
Premiership clubs break transfer spending record (Feb 02, 2006)
Premiership clubs spent a record 70 million pounds (124m dollars) buying in fresh talent during January's transfer window. . . . more . . .
Campbell to miss Birmingham match after walkout (Feb 02, 2006)
Sol Campbell will miss Arsenal's match away to Birmingham this weekend following his extraordinary half-time walkout during Wednesday's defeat against West Ham. . . . more . . .
Wenger worried as Sol storms out (Feb 02, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger feared for Sol Campbell's mental health after the England centre-half stunned Highbury by storming out of their 3-2 defeat to West Ham United at half-time. . . . more . . .
Wenger backs troubled Campbell (Feb 02, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has backed his troubled Sol Campbell to make a quick return after his shock walkout during Wednesday's defeat against West Ham. . . . more . . .
Bereaved Lens striker rejoins Ivory Coast in Egypt (Feb 02, 2006)
Lens striker Aruna Dindane said he is happy to rejoin the Ivorian national team here after he had to leave the team to be with his family following the sudden death of one of his twin daughters. . . . more . . .
Dope tests for entire England World Cup squad in pipeline (Feb 02, 2006)
English anti-doping chiefs are planning to have the whole England football squad tested before they go to the World Cup finals. . . . more . . .
We're the underdogs, says Guinea captain Balde (Feb 02, 2006)
Guinea captain Bobo Balde admitted that despite topping their African Nations Cup group his side would still start as underdogs against 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists Senegal in their last eight clash here on Friday. . . . more . . .
Campbell psychodrama compounds Gunners crisis (Feb 02, 2006)
Arsene Wenger's judgement of footballers rarely fails him but even Arsenal's erudite manager must feel under-qualified to deal with the delicate dilemma he faces over Sol Campbell's immediate future. . . . more . . .
Tight-lipped Eto'o storms off (Feb 02, 2006)
Cameroon star striker Samuel Eto'o is going to do his talking on the pitch against the Ivory Coast in Saturday's quarter-final. . . . more . . .
Klinsmann encounters criticism over hockey coach idea (Feb 02, 2006)
Germany manager Jurgen Klinsmann has stirred up a hornet's nest in his homeland by calling for the national field hockey coach to be appointed as the new technical director of the German Football Federation (DFB). . . . more . . .
Gonzalez renews contract with Panathinaikos (Feb 01, 2006)
Argentine midfielder Ezequiel Gonzalez has renewed his contract with Panathinaikos for another three-and-a-half years, the Greek first division club said. . . . more . . .
Mantorras to quit Angolan team after 2006 World Cup (Feb 01, 2006)
Benfica's Angolan international Pedro Mantorras said he is quitting international football after the World Cup in Germany because he was reduced to a bit-part role at the African Nations Cup. . . . more . . .
Mido a huge doubt for quarter-final (Feb 01, 2006)
Hosts Egypt were left sweating on the fitness of their star striker Mido just 48 hours ahead of the African Nations Cup quarter-final with Democratic Republic of Congo. . . . more . . .
Vela leaves Arsenal for Spain (Feb 01, 2006)
Teenage Mexican striker Carlos Vela left Arsenal for Spanish side Celta Vigo after failing to secure a work permit to play for the Gunners. . . . more . . .
Lampard tops England fan poll (Feb 01, 2006)
Frank Lampard has been voted England Player of the Year for 2005, beating Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney in a poll conducted via the Football Association website. . . . more . . .
Wenger urges Henry to sign new deal (Feb 01, 2006)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has called for striker Thierry Henry to sign his new deal before knowing if the club will play Champions League football next season. . . . more . . .
Monaco knocked out of French Cup by fifth division side (Feb 01, 2006)
Monaco were knocked out of the French Cup 1-0 after extra time at fifth division Colmar on a frozen pitch and in foggy conditions. . . . more . . .
City pile pressure on Souness (Feb 01, 2006)
Graeme Souness's Newcastle United reign lurched deeper into crisis at Eastlands as his struggling Premiership team slumped to a 3-0 defeat against Manchester City. . . . more . . .
Karadas rescues new-look Pompey (Feb 01, 2006)
Norwegian striker Azar Karadas struck with five minutes left to rescue a point for relegation-haunted Portsmouth in a 1-1 draw against Bolton at Fratton Park. . . . more . . .
Roma edge Juve on away goals in Italian Cup (Feb 01, 2006)
Serie A leaders Juventus were knocked out of the Italian Cup despite beating Roma 1-0 in a bad-tempered quarter-final, second leg. . . . more . . .
Bentley in top gear as United crash in thriller (Feb 01, 2006)
David Bentley struck a stunning hat-trick as Blackburn Rovers edged out 10-man Manchester United 4-3 in a thrilling Premiership encounter at Ewood Park. . . . more . . .
Late Maloney goal puts Celtic in final (Feb 01, 2006)
A last gasp Shaun Maloney goal allowed Celtic to clinch a scarcely-deserved place in the Scottish League Cup final with a 2-1 win over Motherwell. . . . more . . .
Alonso own goal denies Fowler fairytale (Feb 01, 2006)
Robbie Fowler received a hero's welcome on his emotional Anfield return but a late own-goal by Xabi Alonso wrecked the anticipated fairy-tale ending, cancelling out Steven Gerrard's opening goal as ten-man Birmingham clinched a 1-1 draw. . . . more . . .
Hammers throw a spanner in the works at Arsenal (Feb 01, 2006)
In-form West Ham United stunned Arsenal with a 3-2 win in the English Premiership at Highbury to deliver another blow to the Gunners' faltering season. . . . more . . .
Barcelona's winning run ended by Zaragoza (Feb 01, 2006)
Spanish champions Barcelona saw their 14-match winning run come to an end when they were knocked out of the Spanish Cup by Real Zaragoza. . . . more . . .
Petras loaned to Hearts (Feb 01, 2006)
Slovak international defender Martin Petras has been loaned by Czech first division side Sparta Prague to Scottish Premier League outfit Hearts until the end of the season. . . . more . . .
Scaloni on loan to West Ham (Feb 01, 2006)
Deportivo La Coruna defender Lionel Scaloni has joined West Ham on loan until the end of the season, the Premiership outfit confirmed. . . . more . . .
Moore frustrates Chelsea (Feb 01, 2006)
Aston Villa substitute Luke Moore scored just two minutes after climbing off the bench to clinch a 1-1 draw for David O'Leary's team and leave Premiership champions Chelsea winless for the third successive game. . . . more . . .
Raul has eye on Arsenal return (Feb 01, 2006)
Real Madrid star Raul has his heart set on making the Champions League last 16 return on March 8 against Arsenal, nearly four months after rupturing a meniscus and suffering a partial knee ligament rupture against Barcelona on November 19, Spanish media said. . . . more . . .
Agathe leaves Celtic (Feb 01, 2006)
Didier Agathe has left Celtic by mutual consent, a spokesman for the Scottish Premier League leaders said. . . . more . . .
Barton tells City to pay up or he's off (Feb 01, 2006)
Manchester City midfielder Joey Barton has vowed that he will not back down on his demand to be made one of the club's highest earners, increasing the likelihood that he will be sold this summer. . . . more . . .
Madrid in for German star Podolski (Feb 01, 2006)
Struggling German side FC Cologne claim Spanish giants Real Madrid are interested in signing their German international marksman Lukas Podolski. . . . more . . .
Bosses see red over Ferguson and Roberts dismissals (Feb 01, 2006)
Everton boss David Moyes and his Wigan counterpart Paul Jewell were counting the cost after having a striker each sent off for violent conduct in a stormy Premiership clash. . . . more . . .
Rush begins with 84 percent of World Cup tickets sold (Feb 01, 2006)
Time is running out for football fans to get their hands on tickets for the 2006 World Cup with 84 percent of match tickets already sold. . . . more . . .
Sven tips Hiddink for England job (Feb 01, 2006)
England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has reportedly hinted that Guus Hiddink will be his successor as England manager. . . . more . . .
Beckham in clover with new man at Real helm (Feb 01, 2006)
Real Madrid's England star David Beckham says he is in clover after the arrival at the helm of Juan Ramon Lopez Caro two months ago. . . . more . . .
Denmark beat South Korea for cup glory (Feb 01, 2006)
Denmark defeated South Korea 3-1 to win an international friendly soccer tournament spoiling the chances for Dick Advocaat's men of making it two tournament wins in a row inside seven days. . . . more . . .
Czechs name friendly foes (Feb 01, 2006)
The Czech Republic set about finalising their World Cup preparation plans by announcing a series of warm-up friendly internationals. . . . more . . .
Cech extends Chelsea deal until 2010 (Feb 01, 2006)
Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has commited his long-term future to the English Premiership champions by signing a two-year contract extension. . . . more . . .
