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English National Team
Owen cautious over comeback prognosis (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen does not expect to be fit for England's Euro 2008 double-header next month.

Owen could be back in a few days - Allardyce (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen stands a good chance of being fit for England's vital Euro 2008 double-header next month according to Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.

Ashton must be ready to perform - Brooking (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Trevor Brooking has told Dean Ashton he must be ready to perform when he gets his chance to play for England again.

Crouch wants FIFA answers over Poll claim (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch wants FIFA to come clean over whether he is a target for over-zealous referees at international level.

Crouch confident despite Owen's injury woe (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Peter Crouch insists England have the striking 'riches' to be able to cope with Michael Owen's latest injury woe.

Ashton stakes his claim for England call-up (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Dean Ashton insists he is ready to finally win his first cap for England if he is called up for the Euro 2008 qualifying double-header next month amid growing concern over the fitness of first-choice

England to prepare on state of the art pitch (Sep 24, 2007 17:56 GMT)
England's Euro 2008 hopefuls will prepare for next month's crucial qualifier with Russia on a £1million state-of-the-art school pitch in Altrincham.

Rafa blames England for Gerrard's poor form (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes Steven Gerrard is paying the price for his recent outings with England.

Heskey: I deserve to start for England (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Emile Heskey believes he has done enough to warrant keeping his starting place up front for England.

Mental strength helped my comeback - Owen (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen has revealed the inner mental strength which drove him on to regain the form which made him England's deadliest finisher of the modern era.

Venables happy with competition for places (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England assistant coach Terry Venables insists the door is not closed to some of the country's established stars despite two accomplished team performances without them in the last week.

McClaren ignoring selection headache for now (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England coach Steve McClaren is happy to put an impending selection headache to the back of his mind for now.

Barry aims to become fixture in England midfield (Sep 13, 2007 22:53 GMT)
Gareth Barry is keeping his fingers crossed he will remain an integral part of England coach Steve McClaren's plans after another superb display during the demolition of Russia.

Allardyce purrs over 'terrific' Owen goals (Sep 13, 2007 22:47 GMT)
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce today hailed the ice cool temperament of striker Michael Owen after his heroics for England.

We've still got work to do, warns Owen (Sep 13, 2007 16:04 GMT)
Michael Owen has warned England still have work to do before they can begin celebrating securing a spot at the European Championship finals after he joined his country's exclusive 40-goal club.

Raynor: Fortune hands McClaren sense of balance (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren must stick with Barry and exclude Lampard, says Dominic Raynor.

Insider: Credit where it's due to McClaren (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Insider doffs his cap in the direction of England and particularly Michael Owen.

Big Mac to go flexible in bid to beat Russia (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren is looking for a few flexible friends to ensure England gain a vital European Championship victory over Russia at Wembley tonight.

Russia boss plans changes to face England (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Russia coach Guus Hiddink hinted on Tuesday that he would make some changes to his line-up for the crucial Group E qualifier against England despite his side's convincing 3-0 home victory over Macedon

Terry talks up a united England (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Captain John Terry maintains a new-found 'togetherness' and a touch of 'arrogance' can help England shake off their tag as quarter-final also-rans to make an impact on major international tournaments

Young Lions continue perfect start to qualifiers (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tom Huddlestone and Mark Noble grabbed the goals in soggy Sofia as England Under-21s continued their perfect start to Euro 2009 qualification.

No regrets for Hiddink over England job (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Russia coach Guus Hiddink insists he has no regrets about watching tomorrow's Euro 2008 qualifier from the visitors' bench instead of leading out the England team at Wembley.

Wembley stumped over prawn sandwich problem (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wembley officials are preparing themselves once more for the embarrassing sight of hundreds of empty seats in the minutes after half-time when England face Russia tomorrow night.

'We thrive on pressure' - Terry (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England captain John Terry warned Group E opponents Russia on Tuesday that his team are capable of winning all four of their remaining qualifying matches because they play best under pressure.

McClaren accepts decisions will be questioned (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England manager Steve McClaren admitted the decisions he makes will be viewed as either brave or foolish depending on the results he achieves.

Pearce in positive mood ahead of U-21 test (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce wants his youngsters to maintain the 'feelgood factor' that comes when the national teams win.

Barry to start with Lamps and Hargreaves out? (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Gareth Barry is poised to start back-to-back games for England for the first time in nearly seven years after the withdrawal from the squad of Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard ahead of the crunch Eur

Gerrard: I've never played in a better squad (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard believes the current England squad possesses more quality than any other he has been involved in since making his debut seven years ago.

Hargreaves and Lampard ruled out for Russia game (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Owen Hargreaves and Frank Lampard are both unavailable for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Russia due to injury.

Hubbard: Summer recruitment hurting England duo (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard suggests that Steve McClaren visit some obscure grounds in search of players.

Women's World Cup: England feeling confident (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England coach Hope Powell has called on her players to 'rise to the challenge' on the on the eve of their World Cup return and Group A opener against Japan.

Gerrard fit to face Russia (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England midfielder Steven Gerrard has declared himself fit for Wednesday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia at Wembley after suffering no reaction to his broken toe.

Gerrard delighted by Heskey England return (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard has hailed Emile Heskey as England's unsung hero as they begin the countdown to Wednesday's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia at Wembley.

Impressive Barry prepared for tougher test (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
After making the most of the freedom of Wembley against Israel, Gareth Barry now fully expects Russia to try to put the squeeze on England.

England debutant Bentley shrugs off boos (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Bentley has defended the decision which ensured he got a cool welcome from Wembley on his England debut, insisting: 'I was doing the right thing for my career.'

Venables slams Hiddink 'kidology' (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England's assistant coach Terry Venables has accused Russia boss Guus Hiddink of 'kidology' in the build-up to the sides' crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday night.

England coach McClaren calls for more of the same (Sep 9, 2007 20:13 GMT)
Steve McClaren has pointed to England's best performance of his difficult time in charge and warned his players not to drop below those standards in future.

Hiddink still has an eye on managing in England (Sep 9, 2007 19:57 GMT)
Gus Hiddink has every intention of guiding Russia to the European Championships next summer, but has not ruled out one day coaching in England.

Robinson vows to repay McClaren faith (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Paul Robinson has vowed to repay Steve McClaren for retaining him as England number one after admitting he feared he could have faced the axe for his blunder against Germany.

Owen confident of return to top form (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen is confident he can be 'as good as ever' after demonstrating the goal threat which can help England qualify for the Euro 2008 finals.

Russia urge Hiddink to attack depleted England (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
With England missing several leading players through injury, Russian media have urged coach Guus Hiddink to play an attacking game when the two sides meet in a Euro 2008 Group E qualifier on Wednesday

Gardner selection poser for Pearce (Sep 8, 2007 21:13 GMT)
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce admits Craig Gardner has given him a selection dilemma for next week after watching the Aston Villa youngster in his preferred midfield role.

Pearce proud of Gabby's fine display (Sep 8, 2007 18:52 GMT)
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce hailed the cutting edge of Gabriel Agbonlahor after his striker led the way in a 3-0 win against Montenegro.

McClaren backs Owen to fire England to victory (Sep 8, 2007 18:47 GMT)
Steve McClaren is confident Michael Owen can fire England to a crucial Euro 2008 victory over Israel at Wembley this evening.

Buoyant McClaren targets Russia victory (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren called for an action replay on Wednesday against Russia after seeing his England side demolish Israel at Wembley .

Gerrard and Robinson given the nod (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England manager Steve McClaren has confirmed Steven Gerrard and Paul Robinson will play against Israel at Wembley tomorrow. A decision on Owen Hargreaves' fitness will be made tomorrow.

Maradona to relive 1986 classic match at Villa Park (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Diego Maradona will lead Argentina in a replay of the 1986 World Cup quarter-final against England at Villa Park next month. The playmaker is set to play in the match featuring the original line-ups f

Ben Haim calls on Israel to cause Wembley upset (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tal Ben Haim has called on Israel to play the match of their lives at Wembley on Saturday to record a shock victory and dash England's hopes of reaching Euro 2008.

Rio reveals hopes for Euro 2008 (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rio Ferdinand has revealed his burning desire to finally feature in the European Championship finals for the first time next summer after missing out on the previous two tournaments.

PFA chief warns England over Gerrard future (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Players' chief Gordon Taylor believes Steven Gerrard's long-term fitness could be put at risk if he is given a painkilling injection to play for England.

Jewell backing Heskey to prove critics wrong (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Paul Jewell believes that Emile Heskey can 'ram his critics' words down their throats' if he gets another England chance.

A nation's hopes rest with Owen, again (Sep 7, 2007 04:35 GMT)
Chris Murphy ponders England's striking options, but keeps coming back to Michael Owen.

Barry 'will not let England down' - O'Neill (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill on Thursday insisted that Gareth Barry 'will not let England down' if he makes his first competitive start for his country in almost seven years in Saturday's Euro 2

Hargreaves not ruled out, says McClaren (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England coach Steve McClaren has played down fears over the latest blow to hit his injury plagued squad and remains optimistic Owen Hargreaves will be fit to face Israel at Wembley on Saturday.

Richards unfazed by England absences (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Micah Richards believes England can overcome the loss of key performers such as Wayne Rooney and David Beckham and collect a maximum six-point haul from their vital Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Gerrard boost for England as midfielder trains (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Football Association have confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard returned to training with England today.

Pearce: U21 players can handle racist bullies (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England Under-21 coach Stuart Pearce has backed his players to show maturity and restraint if they are targeted with racism during their Euro 2009 qualifier in Montenegro.

Benayoun hails Gerrard as world's best (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Israel captain Yossi Benayoun declared Steven Gerrard the 'best midfielder in the world' and believes his Liverpool team-mate will do everything he can to be fit to play for England at Wembley on Satu

Rae's Say: Platini's proposals and Beckham's injury (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derek Rae gives his thoughts on Michel Platini and the impact of David Beckham's injury.

Hargo-a-go-go for both qualifiers (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Midfield dynamo Owen Hargreaves is confident his body can take the strain of back-to-back must-win Euro 2008 qualifiers for England.

Moyes feels Lescott call is just desserts (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Everton manager David Moyes has welcomed Joleon Lescott's call-up to the senior England squad and described it as a 'just reward' for the defender.

Poll: World Cup refs singled out Crouch (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former World Cup referee Graham Poll has claimed the game's top officials have been told to 'look out for' England striker Peter Crouch.

Heskey can provide England Plan B, says McClaren (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren is convinced Emile Heskey can provide the aerial route to victory for England against Israel this weekend.

McClaren to overrule Rafa on Gerrard (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England coach Steve McClaren has refused to rule out the possibility of defying Rafael Benitez over whether Steven Gerrard should have a pain-killing injection to play for his country against Israel o

The pressure is all on England, insists Tal (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Israel midfielder Idan Tal believes the pressure will be on England to deliver at Wembley in the clash on Saturday that could determine who reaches Euro 2008.

Lampard out, Gerrard recovering (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Frank Lampard has been ruled out of England's Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel on Saturday with a thigh injury although the midfielder has a 50-50 chance of being fit to face Russia next week.

Contrite Bentley relishing England chance (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Bentley has urged England fans to judge him on his performances and not on his controversial withdrawal from the Under-21 squad.

Pragmatic Carson not expecting England start (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Scott Carson is convinced he will not be the one to benefit from England's current goalkeeping dilemma.

'I never doubted my ability' - Heskey (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Emile Heskey has urged Steve McClaren to give him the chance to prove he is good enough to play for England again.

England crock Gerrard misses training (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard was among four high-profile absentees from training this morning as the debate over his availability for England's crucial Euro 2008 double-header with Israel and Russia continues.

Influx of foreigners harming England - Brooking (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Trevor Brooking, English soccer's director of development, says that England's long-term chances of success are being undermined by the rising number of foreign players in the Premier League.

Underachieving England running 'scared' - Hiddink (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Russia coach Guus Hiddink has claimed England have underachieved in recent years.

Young shocked by England call-up (Sep 3, 2007 23:45 GMT)
Ashley Young did not believe it was Steve McClaren on the phone when he received his maiden call-up to the senior England squad.

Benitez: Take no risks with Gerrard (Sep 3, 2007 23:44 GMT)
Liverpool will hand Steven Gerrard over to England's care this week with Rafael Benitez urging Steve McClaren not to take any risks with his captain.

Lescott wins first call-up into England squad (Sep 3, 2007 19:32 GMT)
Everton defender Joleon Lescott has been drafted into the England squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

Heskey recall was not at the bequest of Owen (Sep 3, 2007 18:52 GMT)
England coach Steve McClaren spoke to Michael Owen after his matchwinning performance for Newcastle on Saturday - but the name of Emile Heskey was never mentioned.

Rafa urges England: No risks with Gerrard (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool will hand Steven Gerrard over to England's care this week with Rafael Benitez urging Steve McClaren not to take any risks with his captain.

Carter: Time for McClaren to take a gamble (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jon Carter urges Steve McClaren to be brave with his selections for the Israel game.

Redknapp rules Sol out of England squad (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sol Campbell is the latest England player to be ruled out of the pivotal Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.

Young Lions bow out of Under-17s World Cup (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England exited the FIFA Under-17s World Cup at the quarter-final stage on Sunday after they were thrashed 4-1 by Germany at the Goyang Stadium in South Korea.

McClaren hands Heskey England recall (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Emile Heskey has been called into Steve McClaren's squad for England's Euro 2008 double header with Israel and Russia.

Lampard 'very doubtful' for England qualifiers (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England manager Steve McClaren has conceded Frank Lampard is 'very doubtful' for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.

McClaren: Rio could be one of the best in world (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England head coach Steve McClaren believes Rio Ferdinand can be one of the best defenders in the world and has asked the Manchester United player to 'prove his credentials'.

McClaren tight-lipped on Beckham loan report (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England manager Steve McClaren declined on Sunday to be drawn on a report that David Beckham is considering a possible return to England from the United States on a four-month loan period from January

Young part of England's future - McClaren (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren feels Ashley Young's involvement with the England squad over the next 10 days will form an essential part of his footballing education. The Villa youngster was a surprise choice.


English Premier League
Stubbs praises returning Arteta after Boro win (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Alan Stubbs acknowledged that the return of Mikel Arteta helped Everton get back on track.

Buck slams Chelsea fans over racist abuse (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck has accused some of the clubs fans of sending abuse bordering on racism after Avram Grant replaced Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge.

Villa boss O'Neill leaps to defence of Spurs' Jol (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has leapt to the defence of Martin Jol and believes Tottenham are capable of breaking into the top four and achieving Champions League football.

Reading boss Coppell deflated after 7-4 rout (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Shell-shocked Reading manager Steve Coppell admitted his side had thrown away the platform that Dave Kitson's equaliser had given them in the 7-4 defeat at Portsmouth.

Usmanov 'doesn't want to takeover' Arsenal (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal managing director Keith Edelman has insisted Alisher Usmanov does not want to take over the club.

Insider: Time to be taken seriously (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Insider took his life in his hands as he returned to West Ham to watch table- topping Arsenal.

Chelsea's Terry undergoes cheekbone surgery (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea and England captain John Terry is to undergo surgery this evening for a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.

Premier League: Drogba off as Blues held (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
John Terry was taken off with a suspected fractured cheekbone and Didier Drogba dismissed as Avram Grant had to make do with a 0-0 draw against Fulham in his first home game as Chelsea manager.

Tevez not the only third-party player - Joorabchian (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Kia Joorabchian, the agent who brought Carlos Tevez to West Ham, has claimed there are 'a lot of players' in the Barclays Premier League whose third-party ownership is being deliberately concealed fro

Terry anger over Jose rift reports (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
John Terry says he is taking legal action after British newspapers ran stories that a row between the Chelsea captain and Jose Mourinho precipitated the Portuguese coach's shock exit from the club las

Yakubu hits back at criticism from ex-club Boro (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Everton striker Ayegbeni Yakubu has hit back at criticism from former club Middlesbrough by saying: 'I think they have to grow up'.

Arsenal defiant despite Red and White meeting (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal insist the club's board members have no intention of selling their shareholding despite admitting a 'constructive meeting' took place with Farhad Moshiri of Red and White Holdings Limited, who

Mourinho's 'eviction' hard to take - Drogba (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has spoken of his shock at the sudden departure of his mentor and manager Jose Mourinho.

Wenger worries for 'heart' of English football (Sep 28, 2007 23:04 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has voiced his fears about the wave of foreign owners in England, saying it could have 'catastrophic' consequences.

Levy finally admits Jol's future is in doubt (Sep 28, 2007 23:02 GMT)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy admits there is an 'element of truth' behind concerns surrounding Martin Jol's future but insists the Dutchman has the squad and boardroom backing for success.

Fergie could look to loan out young stars (Sep 28, 2007 22:36 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United's shock Carling Cup exit to Coventry will mean more players being loaned out of Old Trafford.

Sir Alex: Don't write off Chelsea (Sep 28, 2007 22:29 GMT)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels it would be folly to write Chelsea out of the Premier League title race just yet.

Grant looks for all-out attack against Fulham (Sep 28, 2007 22:27 GMT)
Avram Grant is set to unleash all-out attack on the Premier League as he prepares to welcome back Didier Drogba.

O'Neill eager to tie Mellberg to new deal (Sep 28, 2007 21:14 GMT)
Martin O'Neill has revealed his desire for Aston Villa defender Olof Mellberg to sign a new contract after hailing his form as a makeshift right-back.

Nugent pleads for chance in Premier League (Sep 28, 2007 20:29 GMT)
David Nugent is pleading for another chance at Premier League level but Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp insists his £6million summer signing has to earn the right to play.

Forssell forced to have another operation (Sep 28, 2007 18:42 GMT)
Birmingham striker Mikael Forssell will be out of action for a month after discovering he needs surgery to cure a hernia problem.

Usmanov ups stake in Arsenal once again (Sep 28, 2007 16:44 GMT)
Russian Alisher Usmanov has further increased his stake in Arsenal to 23%, it was announced this morning.

Joorabchian looking for Premier League purchase (Sep 28, 2007 15:37 GMT)
Kia Joorabchian, the man at the centre of the Carlos Tevez row, has admitted he remains interested in buying an English club after Joorabchian after missing out in the West Ham takeover battle.

Allardyce joins moaners over fixture programme (Sep 28, 2007 15:33 GMT)
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has called for action to prevent clubs being penalised for recruiting top international players.

Giggs has no concerns over new United contract (Sep 28, 2007 15:30 GMT)
Ryan Giggs does not expect to encounter any problems in talks over a new contract with Manchester United.

Shevchenko speaks out over Chelsea's team spirit (Sep 28, 2007 15:29 GMT)
Andriy Shevchenko has urged his team-mates to show some unity following Jose Mourinho's departure as coach.

Benitez still to decide over Torres starting role (Sep 28, 2007 15:27 GMT)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez insists he is far from certain he will pick striker Fernando Torres for Saturday's Premier League clash with Wigan despite the Spaniard's midweek hat-trick in the Carling

Hutchings defends Benitez's policy of rotation (Sep 28, 2007 15:26 GMT)
Wigan boss Chris Hutchings has defended Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez's under-fire rotation policy.

Jol: Spurs have become attractive proposition (Sep 28, 2007 15:24 GMT)
Tottenham boss Martin Jol believes the progress of the past three years means the club can now attract the finest available young talent to White Hart Lane.

Coppell seeks cure for Reading's second half woe (Sep 28, 2007 15:22 GMT)
Reading manager Steve Coppell has no idea why his side keep letting in goals straight after half-time.

Moyes facing double selection headache (Sep 28, 2007 15:20 GMT)
Everton boss David Moyes has been dealt a selection headache ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Middlesbrough after Wednesday's Carling Cup win over Sheffield Wednesday came at a price.

Eriksson thrilled with form of wing man Petrov (Sep 28, 2007 15:12 GMT)
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson is convinced he has unearthed a gem in £4.7million winger Martin Petrov.

Hiddink happy in Russia, says agent (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Guus Hiddink's agent insists the Dutchman has no intention of quitting as Russia manager to take up a post in the Premier League.

Spurs boss Jol: Sacking me would be a mistake (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham boss Martin Jol has suggested getting rid of him would be a backward step for the club and feels his board understand the progress made in the last three years.

Keeper Almunia gunning for automatic selection (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia intends to do all he can to remain number one at Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool chief: New stadium needed (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry has admitted it is imperative for his club to move to their proposed new stadium as soon as possible in order to keep financial pace with their major Barclays Prem

USA star Convey suffers injury setback (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Reading winger Bobby Convey has suffered yet another injury setback.

Former City star Musampa on trial with Keano (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is running the rule over former Manchester City midfielder Kiki Musampa, after the 30-year-old left Turkish club Trabzonspor with a view to sealing a permanent move.

Chelsea to fight FA Old Trafford charge (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea are to strongly defend themselves against two Football Association charges relating to the conduct of their players and assistant coach Steve Clarke. The Premier League club stand accused of

Sam: Owen set for hernia and groin surgery (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen appears set to have surgery to prevent a hernia - as well to repair his injured groin.

Man Utd set to oppose Grant's Pro Licence bid (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United are likely to oppose any bid by Chelsea for the Premier League to provide Avram Grant special dispensation to manage the club without a UEFA Pro Licence.

Torres reminds me of legend Rush - Gerrard (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has likened the club's record buy Fernando Torres to Reds' goalscoring legend Ian Rush.

Gold furious at Krulak's 'pig in the mud' comment (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Gold has demanded an apology from Aston Villa director general Charles Krulak for his 'pig in the mud' attack over comments the Birmingham chairman made about ticket pricing.

Blues refute manager speculation (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea have denied speculation they offered the manager's job to anyone other than Avram Grant.

PFA announce 'Match of the Century' for centenary (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Professional Footballers Association have announced plans to host a game featuring a host of international and English legends at Eastlands Stadium on December 2.

Hutchings plays down Heskey transfer speculation (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wigan manager Chris Hutchings has fended off transfer speculation surrounding Emile Heskey - despite the striker facing another six weeks on the sidelines through injury.

Mellberg in no rush over new deal (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa's long-serving defender Olof Mellberg insisted he is in 'no rush' to sign a new contract with the midlands club.

Chelsea's Grant scouting for new backroom staff (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
New Chelsea coach Avram Grant hopes to have his own backroom staff in place inside the next three weeks.

Toon were 'on the brink' - Mort (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle chairman Chris Mort claims his club were on the brink of 'folding like a pack of cards' until the former regime was bought out by billionaire Mike Ashley four months ago.

Allardyce: No risking Owen fitness (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sam Allardyce has insisted Michael Owen will not be rushed back into action to prevent him from exacerbating his injuries - and has definitely ruled him out of England's next two internationals.

Levy hits out at Jol compensation claims (Sep 26, 2007 01:12 GMT)
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has issued a statement denying that a compensation package has been agreed for Martin Jol to leave White Hart Lane.

Moyes delighted with attitude of benched Yak (Sep 25, 2007 23:51 GMT)
Ayegbeni Yakubu is ready to prove himself to Everton boss David Moyes after being dropped for Sunday's 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa.

Carter: Roman Empire built on dangerous foundations (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jon Carter asks if the long-term future of Chelsea is safe under Roman Abramovich's rule.

Henry hails Fab and Arsenal's next 'generation' (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry is backing Cesc Fabregas and Arsenal's 'generation next' to make the club contenders for top honours again.

Grant bemused as Obi's ban appeal fails (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Avram Grant has voiced his disappointment at the Football Association's decision to reject Chelsea's appeal against Mikel John Obi's sending off against Manchester United on Sunday.

Salla: Next in line to succeed Henry? (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bruno Salla talks to Arsenal striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, about life after Henry.

Defiant Mourinho - 'I think I'm still special' (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jose Mourinho insists he is still the 'Special One' despite having left Chelsea.

Eriksson standing by £9m signing Bianchi (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes Rolando Bianchi is ready to start justifying his hefty price tag.

National Football Centre is vital, insists Wilkinson (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The planned National Football Centre is a vital step to boost the number of English players in the game, according to league managers chief Howard Wilkinson.

Chelsea's world plan is 'fantasy' - Hill-Wood (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood has marked the Gunners' emergence as Britain's richest club by dismissing Chelsea's plans for world football domination as 'fantasy'.

Arca ruled out for two months (Sep 24, 2007 22:59 GMT)
Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca is facing at least two months on the sidelines after tests confirmed he damaged medial ligaments against Sunderland at the weekend.

Carragher tips Hobbs to be a star of the future (Sep 24, 2007 22:37 GMT)
Teenager Jack Hobbs is standing by for his Liverpool debut with the full backing of Anfield lynchpin Jamie Carragher.

Rovers call for commonsense over Nelsen's fitness (Sep 24, 2007 22:31 GMT)
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen is set for a quick return to action - but that may yet lead to other problems.

Spurs dismiss rumours of crisis meeting (Sep 24, 2007 22:29 GMT)
Tottenham have dismissed claims they are to hold a crisis board meeting today following a report that Martin Jol has told them he is ready to leave White Hart Lane.

LMA chief Wilkinson disappointed with Chelsea (Sep 24, 2007 22:27 GMT)
League managers' chief Howard Wilkinson claims Chelsea should have sorted out the issue with Avram Grant's coaching qualifications before they appointed him as Jose Mourinho's successor.

Oubina out for six months with cruciate injury (Sep 24, 2007 21:09 GMT)
Birmingham's worst fears have been confirmed with on-loan midfielder Oubina ruled out for at least six months with knee ligament damage.

Arca ruled out but Mido and Tucay get boost (Sep 24, 2007 18:01 GMT)
Middlesbrough midfielder Julio Arca could be out of action until December after scans confirmed medial ligament damage but both Ahmed Mido and Tuncay have gone for scans and should be okay.

Allardyce backs new signings to make a splash (Sep 24, 2007 16:21 GMT)
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is backing his new boys to further their Premier League education on the job.

Arsenal profits to provide £70m transfer warchest (Sep 24, 2007 16:19 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has been promised a mammoth £70million transfer kitty after Arsenal revealed themselves to be one of Europe's richest clubs.

Kanu's form pushes him towards new contract (Sep 24, 2007 15:45 GMT)
Evergreen Portsmouth striker Kanu is on course to earn himself a new contract at the end of the season.

Hubbard: Arsenal flourish in age of change (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard on Arsene Wenger's ability in converting players to benefit his Arsenal side.

Carew set for lay-off after knee strain (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa striker John Carew is bracing himself for several weeks on the sidelines with the knee ligament injury suffered against Everton.

Sven dismisses rumours of Chelsea interest (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson has moved to deny reports that he could be head-hunted by Chelsea.

Coppell opens door for Sidwell Royal return (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Reading manager Steve Coppell has indicated he could try to bring midfielder Steve Sidwell back to the club on loan when the transfer window reopens in January.

Jol expecting great things from Bale (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham boss Martin Jol has been testing Gareth Bale in midfield but believes the teenager will emerge as one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.

Premier Showdown - Sept 22/23 (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Owen limps out with another groin injury (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England striker Michael Owen is to undergo a second scan on his injured groin after limping off the field for the second time in a week.

Jol claims boss Levy is still backing him (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol claims he has the full backing of chairman Daniel Levy.

Angry Fergie blasts Cole for Ron tackle (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has launched a bitter attack on Joe Cole for the tackle he felt should have seen Chelsea reduced to nine men at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Jolly: Grant struggling to banish Mourinho's ghost (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly was at Old Trafford to watch Mourinho-less Chelsea lose to the champions.

LMA demand 'clarification' over Grant qualifications (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The League Managers' Association will 'seek clarification' over new Chelsea manager Avram Grant's coaching qualifications. Reports have claimed the Israeli does not hold the UEFA coaching badges neede

Schmeichel earns new four-year deal at Man City (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Kasper Schmeichel has signed a new four-year deal with Manchester City.

Gill: No more speculation over Ferguson future (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
As Chelsea try to contain the fall-out from Jose Mourinho's shock departure, Manchester United chief executive David Gill has confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson will remain at Old Trafford for a few years ye

Grant facing uphill struggle to win over Blues stars (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Marcel Desailly fears new Chelsea coach Avram Grant will struggle to build the love and respect that was afforded to Jose Mourinho by the current Blues stars.

Premier League: Blues lose, Gunners cruise (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Carlos Tevez netted his first Manchester United goal and Louis Saha came off the bench to win and convert a late penalty as Sir Alex Ferguson's team moved up to second.

Grant: I can handle the Chelsea dressing room (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Avram Grant is confident of earning the respect of the dressing room and keeping Chelsea in the hunt for the Premier League title following the departure of Jose Mourinho.

Venables surprised by Mourinho job block reports (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England assistant manager Terry Venables believes Chelsea have 'got a cheek' if, as has been reported, they have blocked Jose Mourinho from taking another job in this country for a year.

Ballack will be a success at Chelsea - Hargreaves (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves is convinced his former Bayern Munich team-mate Michael Ballack will be a success at Chelsea providing he is given the opportunity.

Grant qualifications in doubt (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Israel national coach Avram Grant's qualifications to succeed Jose Mourinho as manager of Chelsea have been questioned by the English Premier League, spokesman Dan Johnson said on Saturday.

Grant awaits new contract (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Avram Grant is set to agree new terms with Chelsea following his permanent appointment as first-team coach at Stamford Bridge.

Book: Derby County Season Review 06/07 (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby fans must have this at hand to offer fond memories during this turbulent Premier League campaign.

Backing for Johnson after penalty nightmare (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Andrew Johnson has won the support of his manager David Moyes and club skipper Phil Neville in the wake of his Everton penalty nightmare.

Newcastle cautious over Owen injury scare (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen's groin problem will be closely monitored by Newcastle as he attempts to avoid another bout of surgery.

Benitez unmoved by Mourinho exit (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez kept his feud with Jose Mourinho going to the last today by declining to offer any compliments about the former Chelsea boss' time at Stamford Bridge.

Man Utd's Ronaldo to face fan 'stamp' probe (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo is at the centre of an official police probe after an Everton fan claimed he was stamped on during a match.

Wenger pays tribute to departing Mourinho (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has paid tribute to the impact former Chelsea rival Jose Mourinho has had on English football, although he expressed surprise the Portuguese did not see his job at Stamfo

Mourinho 'raised the bar' - Keane (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Roy Keane has credited Jose Mourinho with 'raising the bar' in the Barclays Premier League to catch the big guns napping.

Fergie bids Jose farewell, but warns Grant (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson has paid a warm tribute to departed Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and claimed Avram Grant has a 'big test' on his hands trying to replace him.

Laursen seeking long-term Aston Villa deal (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Martin Laursen is focused on securing his long-term future at Aston Villa after seeing his first three years at Villa Park wrecked by injury.

Nelsen injury blow for Rovers (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Blackburn captain Ryan Nelsen has been ruled out for up to a month after he suffered a hamstring injury in the UEFA Cup defeat by Larissa.

UEFA Cup can kick-start Bolton's season - Lee (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sammy Lee is hoping Bolton can kick-start their season after getting a lucky break in the UEFA Cup.

Moyes hopes for Arteta and morale boost (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Everton boss David Moyes will be praying midfielder Mikel Arteta is fit for Sunday's Barclays Premier League trip to Aston Villa.

Rovers' face uphill Euro battle (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes knows his side face a mountainous task if they are to avoid the embarrassment of falling at the first UEFA Cup hurdle.

Flamini finally settled in Gunners role (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
After almost quitting Arsenal during the summer, midfielder Mathieu Flamini intends to make the most of his chance this season.

Derby wary of Fabregas threat (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby manager Billy Davies is preparing his side to face a player he believes is potentially the best midfielder in the world - Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas.

Jol offers praise but no promises to Defoe (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Martin Jol hailed Jermain Defoe as the finest finisher in England following two goals against Anorthosis Famagusta last night - but the Tottenham boss could not guarantee him a place in his starting X

Arsenal board stand firm despite takeover rumours (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Managing director Keith Edelman maintains Arsenal have no intention of making any changes in the boardroom, despite continued speculation concerning a takeover at the Emirates Stadium.

'I can't believe we've lost Mourinho' - Carvalho (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ricardo Carvalho has expressed his shock at losing 'the best coach in the world' after Jose Mourinho parted company with Chelsea.

Avram Grant Factfile (Sep 20, 2007 18:50 GMT)
The background of Avram Grant.

Hamann court date set over driving offences (Sep 20, 2007 17:56 GMT)
Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann will appear in court next month to learn his fate over a series of driving charges.

Chelsea: The contenders (Sep 20, 2007 17:53 GMT)
The possible names on the shortlist to replace Jose Mourinho.

Pedersen: We're getting rid of 'tough guys' tag (Sep 20, 2007 17:21 GMT)
Morten Gamst Pedersen feels expectations are rising at Blackburn now Mark Hughes' team have finally shaken off their 'thugs' tag ahead of tonight's UEFA Cup tie against Larissa.

Riise hoping to return against Birmingham (Sep 20, 2007 17:17 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez returned from the near-disaster of the Champions League trip to Porto to be boosted by confirmation that Norwegian defender John Arne Riise had declared himself fit fo

Nolan jumps to defence of under fire boss (Sep 20, 2007 17:14 GMT)
Bolton captain Kevin Nolan has launched a spirited defence of under-pressure manager Sammy Lee ahead of the UEFA Cup match against Rabotnicki tonight.

Hernia expert urges Owen to go under the knife (Sep 20, 2007 17:12 GMT)
Newcastle striker Michael Owen could be back on the field within 14 days of undergoing hernia surgery.

Mourinho departure timeline (Sep 20, 2007 17:09 GMT)
The background to Jose Mourinho's exit from Stamford Bridge

Mourinho's run-ins (Sep 20, 2007 17:04 GMT)
The controversies which have hit Jose Mourinho's time at Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho: In his own words (Sep 20, 2007 17:02 GMT)
Words of wisdom from the former Chelsea manager.

Jose Mourinho factfile (Sep 20, 2007 16:57 GMT)
The life and times of Jose Mourinho

Agger and Alonso suffer curse of the metatarsal (Sep 20, 2007 16:09 GMT)
Scans on Liverpool pair Daniel Agger and Xabi Alonso have confirmed that both have broken metatarsals picked up on international duty and could be out for six weeks.

Grant steps up following Mourinho's departure (Sep 20, 2007 15:50 GMT)
Chelsea moved swiftly following the shock departure of Jose Mourinho as they announced that director of football Avram Grant and assistant manager Steve Clarke will take charge of the first team.

Mourinho leaves Chelsea after crisis meeting (Sep 20, 2007 15:25 GMT)
Chelsea have confirmed that manager Jose Mourinho has left the Stamford Bridge club by 'mutual consent' after three trophy-laden years at the helm.

Wilkins stunned at departure of Mourinho (Sep 20, 2007 15:22 GMT)
Former Chelsea captain Ray Wilkins believes the club could struggle following the departure of manager Jose Mourinho.

Satisfied Jose settles up and waves goodbye (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jose Mourinho settled a massive compensation package with Chelsea and then declared he was proud of his achievements with the Premier League side.

Your Verdict: Mourinho's departure (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Your Verdict on Chelsea's decision to part company with manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho sacked after Chelsea crisis meeting (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jose Mourinho has quit as Chelsea manager after his latest bust up with owner Roman Abramovich, according to reports.

Carter: Trophies not enough to save Mourinho (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jon Carter on Chelsea's decision to part company with manager Jose Mourinho.

Defoe vows to stay and fight for Spurs place (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jermain Defoe is determined to fight a starting place at Tottenham and is ready to prove himself when given a chance.

Queiroz dismisses Old Trafford exit reports (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United assistant manager Carlos Queiroz has denied he is ready to walk out on the Premier League champions after a report today suggested he may be ready to consider his options in December

United youngster Gibson fractures toe (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United midfielder Darron Gibson is facing a spell on the sidelines after fracturing a toe in a reserve-team match with Sporting Lisbon.

Villa defender Cahill loaned to Blades (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill has joined Championship side Sheffield United on a three-month loan deal.

'Daddy Dick' Ireland set to play on for City (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Stephen Ireland looks sure to be in Manchester City's squad for Saturday's trip to Fulham despite posting a bizarre message on the internet questioning his desire to play football.

Big Sam pledge: Owen will face Hammers (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has eased any worries over England striker Michael Owen's fitness, insisting he could play on Sunday against West Ham.

No Drogba or Lampard at Old Trafford? (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea could face Manchester United in the biggest game of their season so far without England midfielder Frank Lampard and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba.

Magnusson steps down as West Ham chairman (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Billionaire Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is to tighten his control of West Ham, the English Premier League club said on Tuesday as the club's executive chairman Eggert Magnusson stepped down

Ferguson fears referees are targeting Ronaldo (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson fears Cristiano Ronaldo is being targeted by referees because of his extreme talent.

Harewood injury boost for Aston Villa (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Aston Villa manager Martin O'Neill has been boosted by the news striker Marlon Harewood's injury is not as serious as first thought.

Allardyce blames international calls for defeat (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce believes his Magpies side were reeling from the effects of a wearying international week when they lost to Derby on Monday night - but admits he used to take adv

Hutchings: Heskey touch and go for England (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wigan head physio Alan Tomlinson is reluctant to set a date for Emile Heskey's return from injury. The striker has had an operation to insert a screw in his foot after breaking his fifth metatarsal.

Usmanov buys second largest stake in Arsenal (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov has increased his shareholding in Arsenal after his investment company Red and White Holdings Limited raised their stake in the club to 21%.

Allardyce plays down concerns over Owen (Sep 18, 2007 06:45 GMT)
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce expects Michael Owen to be fit to keep his place against West Ham at the weekend despite coming off with a groin complaint against Derby tonight.

Heskey has operation on broken foot (Sep 18, 2007 00:46 GMT)
Wigan have announced England striker Emile Heskey today had an operation to insert a screw in his foot after suffering a stress fracture of his fifth metatarsal.

Premier Showdown - Sept 15-17 (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Jlloyd ruled out for six weeks with hamstring woe (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bolton defender Jlloyd Samuel has been ruled out for six weeks with a torn hamstring.

Tottenham play down speculation over Jol (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham continue to insist that they have no plans to replace coach Martin Jol - despite their 3-1 home defeat to north London rivals Arsenal on Saturday.

Hubbard: Rafa's rotation causing unwanted flashbacks (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool may regret their rotation policy come the end of the season, says Norman Hubbard.

City must maintain high standards - Hamann (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City midfielder Dietmar Hamann insists the club must keep up their excellent start to the season at Eastlands to have any hope of qualifying for Europe.

Whelan: Heskey will bounce back from injury (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has backed England striker Emile Heskey to bounce back after fracturing a metatarsal bone within days of resurrecting his international career.

Jolly: Johnson a symbol of Sven's new City (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly sees young Michael Johnson show what Man City lacked in Pearce era.

Silvestre out for season with cruciate knee injury (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury in yesterday's 1-0 win at Everton.

Chimbonda's agent reveals he lent him £18k (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Pascal Chimbonda's agent Willie McKay has revealed that he gave the Tottenham full-back an £18,000 loan shortly after he joined Tottenham from Wigan.

Samba rushed to hospital in a neck brace (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Blackburn defender Christopher Samba was taken to hospital on Saturday after being knocked unconscious in a goalmouth clash during his side's 0-0 Premier League draw at Chelsea.

Heskey metatarsal blow to end England return? (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Emile Heskey's England recall could prove to have been painfully brief after the striker was whisked to hospital today with a suspected broken fifth metatarsal.

Insider: Burying the ghost of Henry (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry will soon be forgotten at Arsenal, says The Insider.

Premier League: Gunners pile on Jol misery (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Two stunning long-range strikes from Cesc Fabregas and Emmanuel Adebayor saw Arsenal brush aside north London rivals Tottenham 3-1 at White Hart Lane to go top of the Barclays Premier League.

Ronaldo pledges to cool it when provoked (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Cristiano Ronaldo has vowed not to react to provocation as he returns to Premier League action with Manchester United.

Given injury kept Harper at Newcastle (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve Harper admits he might have had to leave Newcastle had it not been for close friend Shay Given's injury misfortune last season

Davies admits weakness of Rams squad (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby manager Billy Davies admits his side are still a work in progress and will look to strengthen his squad again in January.

Ferguson: Top teams punished for success (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Liverpool counterpart Rafael Benitez's complaints over the Premier League fixture scheduling and claimed clubs like his own are being punished fo

Chelsea chief Kenyon: Ballack not for sale (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon has warned Europe's top clubs that Michael Ballack is not for sale.

Rooney back in United squad to face Everton (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Striker Wayne Rooney was included in Manchester United's squad to play at Everton on Saturday after more than a month out with a broken bone in his foot.

Hughes sees chink in Chelsea armour (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has turned up the heat on Jose Mourinho by insisting Chelsea are vulnerable.

Neville expecting same top four to challenge (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Gary Neville is confident it will be the same old faces scrapping it out for the Premier League title next spring, despite the fact that only three points separate the current top 12 teams.

Curbishley calls for re-think over fixtures (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley wants all Premier League fixtures moved to Sundays following an international double-header to ease the demands on the jet-setters.

Eriksson: Extra cash means more quality for City (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City manager Sven-Goran Eriksson believes the Premier League is the strongest in the world thanks to fast-improving teams like his own.

Shevchenko in for injured Drogba (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has welcomed the return to form and fitness of Andriy Shevchenko and silenced suggestions the Ukrainian is not part of his plans.

Real Madrid still interested in Ballack swoop (Sep 13, 2007 23:34 GMT)
Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack remains a transfer target for Real Madrid, according to coach Bernd Schuster.

Carragher could return against Portsmouth (Sep 13, 2007 22:55 GMT)
Jamie Carragher could return for Premier League leaders Liverpool when they visit Portsmouth on Saturday.

Chimbonda to play despite recent arrest (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham manager Martin Jol insists his team selection for Saturday's north London derby will not be affected by Pascal Chimbonda's questioning by police this week.

Charlton hopes Giggs will surpass his record (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Bobby Charlton cannot wait for the opportunity to acclaim Ryan Giggs for snatching his Manchester United appearance record.

'Fighting drunk' man kicked Fergie in groin (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A 'fighting drunk' today admitted punching Sir Alex Ferguson in the groin and head butting a police community support officer.

Roman denies offering Russia incentives (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has denied media reports he offered bonuses to Russia's players to defeat England in their Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley later on Wednesday.

Kallon denied Blues move after permit problems (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Birmingham have decided not to pursue their interest in signing striker Mohammed Kallon.

Returning Bent aims to make derby impact (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham striker Darren Bent is determined to make an impression against Arsenal on Saturday after recovering from his thigh injury.

Keano rocked by Richardson, Edwards losses (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sunderland midfielder Kieran Richardson will be out of action for up to three months with a stress fracture of the back.

Football pays tribute to departed Porterfield (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sunderland is in mourning after the death of the man whose goal produced one of the great FA Cup final shocks.

Moyes braced to lose four to African Nations (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Everton boss David Moyes is already bracing himself for losing four key men at the same time in the New Year when the African Nations Cup gets underway.

Man United boss Ferguson 'suffers assault' (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson was kicked by an attacker in a random attack at a train station on Monday, it was claimed on Tuesday night.

Tevez relishing Rooney partnership at OT (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Carlos Tevez cannot wait to launch his Manchester United strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

Embattled Jol to unleash Lennon on Arsenal? (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manager Martin Jol is considering whether to unleash Aaron Lennon against Arsenal on Saturday as Tottenham look to turn around their dismal start to the season.

Arsenal don't need a billionaire backer - Hill-Wood (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chairman Peter Hill-Wood insists suggestions that Arsenal need a billionaire backer are 'lunacy'. There has been speculation the club are ripe for a takeover as wealthy investors continue to circle th

Carter: United's strike-force looking sparse (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jon Carter wonders if Alex Ferguson will regret not signing another striker in the transfer window.

Bierhoff hits out at Chelsea over Ballack treatment (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Germany manager Oliver Bierhoff has accused Chelsea of denying Michael Ballack permission to participate in an adidas promotional campaign.

Neville targeting return to action in a fortnight (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United captain Gary Neville hopes to return to action in the next fortnight after almost six months on the sidelines.

Gunners chief prepared to listen to proposals (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood maintains the board have no intention of selling any more shares in the club but would listen to any 'sensible proposals' from the likes of Alisher Usmanov and Stan Kr

Everton in the dark over Howard's finger injury (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Everton have revealed they are still in the dark as to the full extent of goalkeeper Tim Howard's finger injury suffered while on international duty with the United States against Brazil.

Birmingham boss Bruce eyes Vassell swoop (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is eyeing Manchester City striker Darius Vassell as an early potential target for the January transfer window.

Wenger revels in backing of Arsenal board (Sep 9, 2007 22:33 GMT)
Arsene Wenger has never doubted the support of the Arsenal board, from the moment he arrived at Highbury more than a decade ago to agreeing a new deal with the Premier League club last week.

Glazers hit back over United debt claims (Sep 9, 2007 19:53 GMT)
The Glazer family have strongly denied that Manchester United's debts are spiralling out of control.

Wenger considered quitting, insists Dein (Sep 9, 2007 01:11 GMT)
Former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein has revealed manager Arsene Wenger 'wasn't sure' whether he would remain with the club earlier this year.

Stam 'not surprised' by Ferguson's admission (Sep 8, 2007 20:34 GMT)
Former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam claims Sir Alex Ferguson's recent admission that he made a mistake by selling the Dutchman in 2001 has come as no surprise.

Terry reveals extent of problems with toe injury (Sep 8, 2007 18:53 GMT)
England captain John Terry has admitted it will take up to eight months for his broken toe to heal properly after revealing he is having constant injections to train and play for club and country.

Defender Campbell pledges future to Portsmouth (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell has signed a new two-year deal with the club.

Wenger has work to do - McLintock (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Arsenal captain Frank McLintock firmly believes the future remains bright under Arsene Wenger but feels making the 'quantum leap' to Premier League champions this season may just be out of rea

Magpies' Taylor 'disappointed' at new contract offer (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle defender Steven Taylor has rejected the offer of a new five-year contract at St James' Park.

Ferguson urges patience from United's fringe (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson believes Manchester United's fringe players should look to Champions League winner Nicky Butt for encouragement as they attempt to force their way into his plans.

Sir Bobby sceptical over academies (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Bobby Charlton has question whether the academy system is doing anything to end the current dearth of English talent.

Rams 'disappointed' over Fagan four-match ban (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby have admitted they are 'disappointed' by the Football Association's decision to ban striker Craig Fagan for four matches following a stamp on Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa.

Wenger signs new Gunners deal (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger has vowed to turn Arsenal's potential into silverware after agreeing a new three-year deal to remain in charge at Emirates Stadium.

Royals midfielder Gunnarsson gets new contract (Sep 7, 2007 01:40 GMT)
Reading midfielder Brynjar Gunnarsson has signed a new contract which will keep him with the Royals until 2009.

FA charge Wigan for Newcastle shenanigans (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Football Association have charged Wigan with 'failing to ensure that their players conducted themselves in an orderly fashion' during last weekend's defeat at Newcastle.

Fabregas: No regrets over Real Madrid snub (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas insists he has no regrets about turning his back on a potential move to Real Madrid this summer to continue at the Emirates Stadium.

Chelsea: Ballack left out for medical reasons (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea have denied that Germany captain Michael Ballack has been left out of their Champions League squad because he has no future with the London club.

Eriksson targets Bresciano in January sales (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has not abandoned hope of signing Australia international Mark Bresciano. Eriksson was keen to lure Bresciano to Eastlands before the August transfer deadline.

Derby's Fagan contests violent conduct charge (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby striker Craig Fagan has denied a charge of violent conduct in relation to an incident during the match at Liverpool on Saturday.

Injured Fulham star Bullard targets return (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard has said that he is on course for a full return to action by this Christmas as he continues his recovery from an horrific knee injury.

German coach Low enters Ballack debate (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Ballack's Chelsea future is set to come under further scrutiny after Germany head coach Joachim Low claimed the player was mystified by the club's decision to omit him.

'Much more to come from Anderson' (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has promised there is much more to come from summer signing Anderson.

Fergie regrets selling of defender Stam (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted he was too quick to write off defender Jaap Stam.

Beeckmans: Moving up the table (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Much needed victories may have arrived at Old Trafford but Ive Beeckmans is concerned that a new striker hasn't.

Young: Dein's 'vision' is not wanted or needed (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A fine victory against Portsmouth suggests that David Dein's 'vision' is not wanted or needed, says David Young.

When Sunday comes? October fixture farce (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A new record will be set on October 6 with only one of the 10 Premier League games starting at the traditional Saturday 3pm kick-off.

Simpson pens new United deal (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United defender Danny Simpson has committed himself to the club until 2010 by signing a new contract.

Gullit, Vieira: Academies failing English football (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Premier League overseas stars Patrick Vieira and Ruud Gullit both believe that a lack of quality means that English academies are failing to produce top home-grown talent.

Richards all set to sign new City deal (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Micah Richards has admitted playing regular football with Manchester City - rather than being part of a rotation system at one of the top four clubs - will enhance his chances of becoming a first choi

Thaksin confirms he will remain Thai exile (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has reiterated he does not intend to return to Thailand despite a second set of arrest warrants being issued against him in his homeland.

Fergie tips Queiroz as successor... eventually (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sir Alex Ferguson believes his assistant Carlos Queiroz will be a strong contender to replace him as Manchester United manager - but he still has no idea when he will retire.

Derby's Fagan faces ban following video evidence (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby County striker Craig Fagan faces a possible three-match suspension after being issued with a violent conduct charge from the English Football Association (FA) following retrospective study of vi

Wigan land Cameroon international Olembe (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wigan Athletic have signed Cameroon international Salomon Olembe, subject to the player being given international clearance.

Boro form puts Mido back into Egyptian frame (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Mido's blistering start to life on Teesside could leave delighted manager Gareth Southgate with a major headache.

Benitez expresses fears over Platini plan (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez fears new proposals to allow national cup winners into the Champions League will mean the best clubs and players may not be involved in the competition.

Bolton's Helguson sidelined for 'seven weeks' (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bolton striker Heidar Helguson is set to be sidelined for up to seven weeks after undergoing ankle surgery.

Forgotten man Mendieta nears Boro return (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Forgotten man Gaizka Mendieta could pull on a Middlesbrough shirt once again for the reserves tonight.

Wenger teases fans with new contract hint (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects there will be a development in his contract negotiations on Thursday or Friday this week.

Derby chairman reveals hate mail campaign (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derby chairman Peter Gadsby has received hate mail after the club's poor start to the Premier League campaign.

Moyes speaks out against third party deals (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle midfielder Charles N'Zogbia today committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract, ending speculation over his future on Tyneside.

Injury rules Drogba out of Nations Cup qualifier (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been left out of the Ivory Coast squad for their African Nations Cup qualifier at Gabon this weekend after picking up a knock on his knee in the English Premier Leagu

Newcastle's N'Zogbia signs five-year deal (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle midfielder Charles N'Zogbia today committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract, ending speculation over his future on Tyneside.

Loew surprised by Chelsea omission of Ballack (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Germany coach Joachim Loew said on Tuesday he was surprised Chelsea had omitted Michael Ballack from their Champions League group stage squad because he expected his injured captain to be back in Octo

English transfer spending breaks £500m barrier (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Television money has fuelled a rise in transfer spending by English clubs in the Premier League and Football League from £300million last summer to more than £500million.

Benitez not expected to appoint a new No.2 (Sep 3, 2007 23:40 GMT)
Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is set not to replace his departing assistant Paco Ayestaran.

Arsenal fans welcome commitment from Fiszman (Sep 3, 2007 23:38 GMT)
Arsenal Supporters' Trust have been given assurances by Danny Fiszman over the his long-term future at the club following the emergence of Alisher Usmanov in the battle for power at the Emirates Stadi

Second arrest warrant issued for Shinawatra (Sep 3, 2007 21:48 GMT)
Manchester City owner Thaksin Shinawatra today had a second set of arrest warrants issued against him in his native Thailand.

Yakubu out to form best partnership in league (Sep 3, 2007 18:55 GMT)
Everton's record signing Ayegbeni Yakubu believes his partnership with Andrew Johnson can become the best in the Premier League.

Kamara has no regrets about rejecting Hammers (Sep 3, 2007 18:49 GMT)
Diomansy Kamara is convinced he made the right decision to join Fulham over London rivals West Ham.

Redknapp tips Gunners for championship tilt (Sep 3, 2007 15:49 GMT)
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp backed Arsenal to challenge for the Premier League title after his side were beaten by Arsene Wenger's young side at the Emirates on Sunday.

Rovers boss Hughes excited about the future (Sep 3, 2007 15:47 GMT)
Mark Hughes believes Blackburn could be on the verge of something special because of the buoyant mood of his players.

Mourinho plays down Abramovich's early exit (Sep 3, 2007 15:43 GMT)
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has insisted there was no significance in Blues owner Roman Abramovich's decision to leave the directors' boss immediately after Gabriel Agbonlahor sealed a 2-0 win for Asto

Hubbard: Looking through the closed window (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Norman Hubbard reviews the closed transfer window, and is blaming Lawrie Sanchez for his RSI.

Premier Showdown - Sept 1/2 (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Premier Showdown is back for another season - do you want to take on Dale Johnson and Tommy Smyth in our predictions game?

Jolly: Knight makes dream Villa debut (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Richard Jolly was at Villa Park to watch a defeated Chelsea dominate the ball, but not the match.

Manchester United not for sale, insist Glazers (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Glazer family have firmly dismissed any chance of a Manchester United takeover in response to the latest rumours suggesting the club is being targeted by overseas investors.

FA chief Barwick has fears over foreign influx (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Football Association chief executive Brian Barwick fears the continuing influx of foreign players into the Premier League will stifle the development of young English talent.

Premiership: Reds run riot against Rams (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League for the first time in five years with a 6-0 drubbing of bottom side Derby at Anfield.

Formula One boss Ecclestone makes QPR offer (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
QPR have confirmed that Formula One magnates Flavio Briatore and Bernie Ecclestone have 'made a recommended offer' for the Championship club.

Eriksson hopeful over new Richards deal (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sven-Goran Eriksson is hoping that Micah Richards is the next bright thing to commit his long-term future to Manchester City.

Suree's City move in doubt after permit woe (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Suree Sukha's hopes of becoming the first Thai to play in the Premier League have hit a setback after his application for a work permit was rejected by the British government.

Wenger unconcerned by possible takeover (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger insists he is unconcerned by the possibility of a takeover by Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov at Arsenal.

Hammers bring in Camara and Solano (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
West Ham have confirmed they have signed Henri Camara from Wigan and Nolberto Solano from Newcastle United.

Newcastle leave it late to bag Beye, Faye (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle United have beaten the transfer deadline to complete the signings of Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye.

Spurs' Murphy joins Fulham on one-year loan (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Danny Murphy has joined Fulham on a one-year loan deal from Tottenham.

Transfers: Arsenal sign Diarra from Chelsea (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle left it late to beat the transfer deadline and make last-minute signings on Friday night.


English League Championship
Championship: Hornets held but stay on top (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Watford remain top of the Coca-Cola Championship despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Blackpool at Vicarage Road.

Blades pull out of move for Brazilian Ze Maria (Sep 25, 2007 23:48 GMT)
Sheffield United have pulled out of a deal to sign Ze Maria after talks with the Brazilian's agent broke down.

Championship: Top two held as Charlton move up (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Watford remain top of the Coca-Cola Championship after the top two at the beginning of the day were both held to draws this afternoon.

'Cardiff fans are driving me out' - Ridsdale (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale has offered to stand down after being targeted by a section of the club's fans.

Championship: Boothroyd demands more (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd insists there are still improvements to be made ahead of tomorrow's short trip to face QPR if his side are to consolidate their lead in the Coca-Cola Championship.

Championship: Orr sends Bristol City top (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A late equaliser from Bradley Orr helped Bristol City claim top spot in the Coca-Cola Championship after a 1-1 draw with West Brom.

Championship: Boothroyd speechless at comeback (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Watford manager Adrian Boothroyd admitted he had mixed emotions after his side's 3-2 victory over Southampton propelled the Hornets to the top of the Coca-Cola Championship

Championship: Bristol City go top of the table (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bristol City beat Coventry 3-0 at the Ricoh Arena to replace the Sky Blues at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship.

Megson confirmed as new Leicester manager (Sep 13, 2007 15:54 GMT)
Leicester have confirmed former West Brom and Nottingham Forest boss Gary Megson as the club's new managerat a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

Mandaric to interview quartet for Foxes job (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Leicester chairman Milan Mandaric will speak to four candidates about the vacant managerial position at the Walkers Stadium and intends to make a decision by the end of the week.

WIN! West Bromwich Albion - The Complete Record (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
WIN a copy of West Bromwich Albion - The Complete Record, we've got two copies to give away to our lucky readers!

Eccelstone and Briatore hailed as QPR's saviours (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Flavio Briatore claims he and fellow Formula One magnate Bernie Ecclestone have saved QPR from extinction.

Taylor anger at Jordan over Warnock-Palace link (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Crystal Palace boss Peter Taylor has held talks with chairman Simon Jordan over rumours linking Neil Warnock with the Selhurst Park manager's job.

Folan gives Hull boss Brown cause for concern (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hull boss Phil Brown admitted his concern for Caleb Folan after the striker was knocked unconscious during Monday's 2-1 defeat at Blackpool.

Nigeria legend Okocha joins Championship Hull (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Nigeria international Jay-Jay Okocha has completed his move to Coca-Cola Championship side Hull.


English League One
League One: Two off as Leeds battle for point (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nine-man Leeds had both their strikers dismissed as they dropped their first points of the Coca-Cola League One season in a 1-1 draw at Gillingham.

Leeds lose out in demand for inquiry (Sep 28, 2007 16:42 GMT)
Leeds have been told by the Football Association that there will be no further inquiry into their 15-point penalty.

Boss Foyle parts company with Vale after poor start (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Port Vale manager Martin Foyle has left the League One club following a poor start to the season.

Leeds await news on 15-point penalty appeal (Sep 24, 2007 21:07 GMT)
Leeds hope to learn this week whether their appeal against their 15-point deduction is likely to be heard by an independent review panel.

Poyet faces FA rap over D'Urso (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Leeds assistant Gus Poyet is facing an FA charge over comments he made towards referee Andy D'Urso after the Carling Cup tie against Portsmouth in August.

League One: Orient back on top after Yeovil win (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Leyton Orient returned to the summit of the Coca-Cola League One table with a slender victory at Yeovil.

Leeds chief Bates plays down Shepherd meeting (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ken Bates insists he is not about to sell Leeds United to former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd, but has confirmed he has held preliminary talks about the possibility of investment.

Jepson resigns as Gillinham manager (Sep 9, 2007 19:54 GMT)
Gillingham chairman Paul Scally accepted the resignation of manager Ronnie Jepson because he believed it was in the club's best interests.

League One: Leeds keep perfect record (Sep 9, 2007 01:18 GMT)
Leeds maintained the only 100% record in the country and moved out of negative figures for the first time with a 2-0 win over Hartlepool at Elland Road.

Leeds hit by new sanction over FA privileges (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Leeds have been barred from full membership of the Football Association after they were unable to prove all their non-football creditors had been paid.


English FA Cup
FA Cup final hero Porterfield dies age 61 (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The man whose goal produced one of the greatest FA Cup final shocks has died at the age of 61.


English Carling Cup
Carling Cup draw: Liverpool return for Fowler (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Robbie Fowler is set for a quick return to Anfield after his Cardiff side were drawn at Liverpool in the fourth round of the Carling Cup.

Maltese Mifsud hero as United exit cup (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael `mosquito' Mifsud gave Sir Alex Ferguson a bite he will not forget in a hurry at Old Trafford last night.

Grant: Cup win shows spirit of Chelsea (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
New Chelsea manager Avram Grant insists the spirit in his side cannot be questioned, after their 4-0 Carling Cup defeat of Hull.

Jol eyes glory, defends Defoe subbing (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tottenham boss Martin Jol set his sights on silverware following Carling Cup victory over Middlesbrough - but defiantly added he has already brought his club success in the last two years.

O'Neill admits mistakes in Carling Cup loss (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Martin O'Neill learned 'a big lesson' in terms of team selection after seeing a much-changed Aston Villa crash out of the Carling Cup to his old club Leicester.

Ferguson 'flabbergasted' by Coventry defeat (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bitterly disappointed Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admitted he was 'flabbergasted' by his side's stunning Carling Cup exit to Coventry at Old Trafford tonight.

Carling Cup: Man United humbled by Coventry (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Coventry stunned an inexperienced Manchester United side to send the Premier League champions crashing out of the Carling Cup at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Wenger urges caution after young Guns shine (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger once again urged cautious optimism after watching his Arsenal youngsters book their place in the last 16 of the Carling Cup with a 2-0 win over Newcastle at Emirates Stadium.

Carling Cup: Hatters' delight, Cardiff blitz Baggies (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Luton first-team coach Sam Ellis was delighted to see his side's Carling Cup run continue as they claimed a 3-1 extra-time win over Championship high-fliers Charlton.

Hughes expects return to form against Birmingham (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Blackburn boss Mark Hughes has shrugged off his side's sudden nosedive in form as he prepares for tomorrow night's Carling Cup third round clash with Birmingham at Ewood Park.

Rooney pleads with Fergie over Carling Cup (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wayne Rooney has pleaded with Sir Alex Ferguson to let him play in tomorrow's Carling Cup tie with Coventry at Old Trafford.

Bolton boss Lee relishing selection dilemma (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bolton boss Sammy Lee is hoping his receding injury problems will help spark a Carling Cup push at Fulham tomorrow night.

Liverpool to blood teen Hobbs in Carling Cup? (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Teenager Jack Hobbs is set to make his Liverpool debut tonight, in the Carling Cup third round match at Reading.

Carling Cup Draw: Holders face trip to Hull (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Carling Cup holders Chelsea face a tricky trip to Championship club Hull in the third round of the competition.


England
On The Move - September 2007 (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The transer window may have closed, but there was still plenty of loan action in the Football League.

McClaren hoping to have Terry fit for qualifiers (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England boss Steve McClaren is hopeful captain John Terry will be fit for the forthcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia

Beckham's dad has heart attack, hospitalized (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Beckham flew to Britain on Thursday because his father was hospitalized after suffering a heart attack.

Owen: We showed quality when it mattered (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Michael Owen believes England blew Russia away tonight after taking his international goal tally to 40 in a 3-0 win at Wembley. The Newcastle striker netted twice in the first half as Steve McClaren's

McClaren banking on a repeat performance (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steve McClaren has named an unchanged team for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Russia, meaning both Emile Heskey and Gareth Barry retain their places.

Ferdinand blasts Bentley boo-boys (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rio Ferdinand admitted the booing of winger David Bentley had 'left a bad taste in the mouth' after England's impressive 3-0 win over Israel in a Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley.


Scottish National Team
McLeish cautious after victory in Paris (Sep 13, 2007 16:06 GMT)
Alex McLeish has warned his Scottish heroes their incredible victories over France will mean nothing if they fail to reach Euro 2008.

McFadden looks forward to qualification celebration (Sep 13, 2007 16:02 GMT)
Scotland hero James McFadden admitted only qualification for next summer's European Championship finals would beat the feeling of scoring a remarkable winner against France in the Parc des Princes las

Rae's Say: A job well done for Scotland in France (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A buoyant Derek Rae reflects on Scotland's famous Euro2008 qualifying win over France.

Domenech: Beating Scotland not essential (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech insists his focus is not purely on beating Scotland in Paris - but on ensuring his team qualify for Euro 2008.

Anelka expecting tough test from Scotland (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nicolas Anelka admits France will have to meet Scotland's physical challenge at the Parc des Princes tomorrow.

Ribery confident of goals against Scotland (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France midfielder Franck Ribery is confident that Les Bleus have plenty of firepower to cover for the absent Thierry Henry tomorrow when they host Scotland in a European Championship Group B qualifier

Ferguson expected to gain Scotland recall (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson is set to return to the starting line-up for the Euro 2008 qualifier against France at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.

France to move goalposts against Scotland (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France goalkeeper Mickael Landreau admits Les Bleus will have to change their tactics for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifying clash with Scotland.

Lithuania diving an eye-opener for McEveley (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Scotland full-back Jay McEveley found the play-acting of Lithuania an eye-opener on his competitive international debut.

Ferguson has no fears as France clash looms (Sep 9, 2007 19:59 GMT)
Scotland skipper Barry Ferguson will not be fazed by the reputations of his illustrious French opponents in the Parc des Princes on Wednesday night.

Frey sees Scotland as tougher than Italy (Sep 9, 2007 19:55 GMT)
France goalkeeper Sebastian Frey claims the visit of Scotland will be more difficult than their clash with world champions Italy in Milan.

McLeish hails fringe stars after tough test (Sep 9, 2007 01:01 GMT)
Scotland manager Alex McLeish hailed his fringe players after James McFadden and Shaun Maloney came off the bench to give the lift the hosts needed in their 3-1 win over Lithuania.

McLeish: We can cope without Ferguson (Sep 7, 2007 04:20 GMT)
Alex McLeish is confident the loss of captain Barry Ferguson will not greatly affect Scotland's hopes of a win over Lithuania on Saturday.

Hartley: Only victory acceptable for Scotland (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Scotland midfielder Paul Hartley admits only victory against Lithuania at Hampden Park on Saturday will do if they want to reach the European Championship finals next summer.

Scotland lose services of Sunderland's Anderson (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Scotland head coach Alex McLeish has confirmed Sunderland defender Russell Anderson will miss Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Lithuania.


Scottish Premier League
SPL: Hearts hit three past St. Mirren (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hearts had to soak up intense pressure before securing a 3-1 win at St Mirren on Sunday in th e Scottish Premier League.

SPL wrap: Celtic go top with McDonald treble (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A hat-trick from Scott McDonald put Celtic top of the Scottish Premier League on goal difference as the champions beat Dundee United 3-0 on Saturday while rivals Rangers were held to a 1-1 draw at Mot

Labour MP Reid named new Celtic chairman (Sep 28, 2007 22:25 GMT)
Former Home Secretary John Reid is to become chairman of Celtic.

FK Zeta fined over racist abuse of Gers duo (Sep 28, 2007 16:46 GMT)
FK Zeta have been fined £9,000 by UEFA after Rangers duo DaMarcus Beasley and Jean-Claude Darcheville were subjected to racist abuse from their fans.

Strachan laughs off Boruc's Hibs nightmare (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan revealed how he had a laugh with Artur Boruc following the Polish goalkeeper's uncharacteristic blunders for two goals in the defeat by Hibs on Sunday.

Strachan to launch fresh appeal over suspension (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic will appeal after confirming they are unhappy with the Scottish Football Association's decision to halve Gordon Strachan's four-match touchline ban.

Scotland: Boruc blunder hands Hibs victory (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rangers trounced Aberdeen 3-0 to go top of the Scottish Premier League on Sunday after two blunders by Celtic keeper Artur Boruc sent the champions to a 3-2 defeat by Hibernian.

SPL wrap: Brewster breaks Hearts with late strike (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Inverness player-manager Craig Brewster scored a stoppage time winner to end Hearts' winning run in the Scottish Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory on Saturday.

Lithuania to appeal player's UEFA diving ban (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lithuania's soccer federation will appeal UEFA's decision to issue a two-match ban to midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas for diving.

McManus vows Celts will bounce back (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic captain Stephen McManus has vowed to bounce back from the comprehensive Champions League defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk.

Strachan and SPL chief slam Platini Euro plan (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan and Scottish Premier League chairman Lex Gold have criticised UEFA president Michel Platini's plans to award a Champions League place to cup winners.

Scottish Cup runners-up to lose Euro place (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Scottish Football Association have decided to stop the Scottish Cup runners-up competing in Europe.

SPL: Five-star Celtic cruise to the top (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Champions Celtic knocked rivals Rangers off the top of the Scottish Premier League (SPL) with an emphatic 5-0 win over Inverness Caledonian Thistle, helped by a double from Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink,

Date set for Strachan's four-game ban appeal (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Gordon Strachan's appeal against a four-match touchline ban will be heard by the Scottish Football Association's disciplinary committee on September 25.

SPL: Aussie McDonald sparks five-goal Hoops (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Australian striker Scott McDonald set Celtic on their way to a comfortable 5-1 win at St Mirren in the Scottish Premier League on Sunday.

SPL: Rangers romp to 4-0 win over Gretna (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Leaders Rangers kept up their 100 percent start to the Scottish Premier League season by crushing newcomers Gretna 4-0 on Saturday.


Scotland
McFadden savours his magical moment (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Goal hero James McFadden hailed Scotland's 1-0 win in France as his country's best result in living memory. McFadden kept his country on course for Euro 2008 qualification with a long-range strike whi

Domench fumes as Rugby ruins Parc des Princes (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech has expressed concerned about the condition of the pitch at the Parc des Princes, where his side play Scotland in a Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.


French National Team
Marshall: Use your head, Raymond (Sep 14, 2007 17:58 GMT)
Paul Marshall asks questions of France's superstars rather than coach Raymond Domenech.

Houllier to be named French technical director (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Liverpool manager Gerard Houllier is to be appointed France's national technical director, a source said on Friday. He previously served as France's technical director from 1989 to 1998.

France face up to Euro disappointment (Sep 13, 2007 18:35 GMT)
France know they cannot afford another slip-up if they are to qualify for Euro 2008 after defeat to Scotland in a qualifier on Wednesday left their chances hanging by a thread.

Draw in Italy boosts spirits in France camp (Sep 9, 2007 20:06 GMT)
France host Scotland in a Euro 2008 qualifier this week without suspended striker Thierry Henry but Saturday's 0-0 draw with Italy has boosted their confidence as they continue to top Group B.

Mental strength crucial in Italy, says Malouda (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France midfielder Florent Malouda believes mental strength will be the key to victory for Les Bleus when they travel to San Siro to face Italy in a highly-anticipated Euro 2008 qualifier on Saturday.

Vieira plays for France against Inter wishes (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France captain Patrick Vieira looks likely to play in the Euro 2008 qualifier with Italy on Saturday but his club Inter Milan are less sure of his fitness.

UEFA upholds Domenech's touchline ban (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech will watch Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against world champions Italy from the stands after UEFA upheld his one match touchline ban.

Domenech's appeal to be heard on Tuesday (Sep 3, 2007 23:33 GMT)
France coach Raymond Domenech will appear on Tuesday before UEFA's appeals committee over controversial comments about refereeing he made in a newspaper interview last month, the French Federation (FF

World Cup winner Candela hangs up his boots (Sep 3, 2007 18:47 GMT)
France 1998 World Cup winner Vincent Candela has ended his playing career after 18 years as a professional, French media reported on Monday. 'It is time to call it quits,' the player revealed.


French Ligue 1
New coach Gerets ready for Marseille challenge (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Eric Gerets insisted on Wednesday that he had no fears over taking the job at Marseille that many consider one of football's poisoned chalices.

French Cup: Nancy cruise into next round (Sep 26, 2007 06:39 GMT)
Nancy breezed into the fourth round of the League Cup with a comfortable 3-0 win over Ligue 2 Boulogne-sur-Mer on Tuesday.

Marseille sack Emon and draft in Gerets (Sep 26, 2007 06:38 GMT)
Olympique Marseille have sacked coach Albert Emon and replaced him with Belgian Eric Gerets, the French Ligue 1 club announced on Tuesday.

Bordeaux start League Cup defence against Metz (Sep 24, 2007 18:00 GMT)
In-form Girondins Bordeaux start the defence of their League Cup title when they take on struggling Metz in the third round on Wednesday.

Ligue 1: Lyon held, Girondins on fire (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Olympique Lyon failed to make up for last week's Champions League setback when they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Ligue 1 wrap: Niculae double sinks Lorient (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Youssouf Hadji's double in the last 10 minutes gave leaders Nancy a 2-0 victory over Lorient in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Ligue 1: Didot free-kick settles Breton derby (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Paris St Germain clinched their second victory of the Ligue 1 season when they beat Monaco 2-1 at the Stade Louis II on Sunday.

Ligue 1: Benzema hat-trick inspires Lyon victory (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Olympique Marseille slumped to a 2-1 home defeat against Toulouse as both teams finished with 10 men in the early Ligue 1 game on Saturday.<

Lyon gunning for fourth league win in row (Sep 13, 2007 15:44 GMT)
Olympique Lyon will be looking for a fourth consecutive victory when they travel to bottom club Metz in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

Marshall: Big Three slip out of top billing (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Paul Marshall on why Ligue 1 is not its usual procession for Lyon so far this season.

Ligue 1: Bordeaux beat Monaco to go top (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Girondins Bordeaux beat Monaco 2-1 on Saturday to knock the visitors off the top of Ligue 1.


France
Mancini attacks Domenech over Viera selection (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has criticised France boss Raymond Domenech for playing Patrick Vieira in both the recent Euro 2008 qualifiers despite the midfielder carrying a hamstring injury.


German National Team
Germany beat Brazil in women's World Cup final (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A solid defence and clinical efficiency in front of goal allowed Germany to triumph 2-0 over Brazil to become the first back-to-back winners of the women's World Cup on Sunday.

Brazil's Alves targets a place in history (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil's Daniela Alves is eager to make history by helping Brazil's women to win their first World Cup on Sunday.

Defence vs flair in Women's World Cup final (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil will look to their 21-year-old prodigy Marta to breach a staunch German defence in the women's World Cup final in Shanghai on Sunday.

Uli: Bayern boosting Bundesliga profile (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Uli Hesse-Lichtenberger is happy with the new style of play in Germany.

No complaints from deflated Toshack (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
John Toshack admitted that his youthful Wales side were made to 'suffer' by a German team who cruised to a convincing 2-0 victory in Cardiff.

Germany coach Low expecting Ballack explanation (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Germany boss Joachim Low is to contact Chelsea next week to ask them to explain Michael Ballack's exclusion from their Champions League squad.

Lahm injury another blow for Germany boss (Sep 7, 2007 04:22 GMT)
Germany defender Philipp Lahm will miss Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales in Cardiff after suffering a knee injury in training on Thursday.

Lehmann fit and ready to face Welsh (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jens Lehmann is set to start for Germany against Wales on Saturday after coming through a training session unscathed.

Bellamy ready to Hammer Germany - Toshack (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wales manager John Toshack believes his captain Craig Bellamy 'will be ready to take on the world' after his early-season form with new club West Ham.

Germany coach Loew braced for withdrawals (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Joachim Low will be fearing another wave of withdrawals from his Germany squad after Serdar Tasci and Gerald Asamoah dropped out of his squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Wales and Romania.


German Bundesliga
Bundesliga: Schulz brace destroys Duisburg (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Defender Christian Schulz scored twice to lead Hanover 96 to a 2-1 victory over MSV Duisburg in the Bundesliga on Sunday while Energie Cottbus let slip a 2-0 halftime lead against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Hertha defender Lucio out with knee injury (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hertha Berlin's Brazilian defender Lucio has undergone surgery for a serious knee injury and will be out of action for at least six to nine months, a club doctor said on Sunday.

Bundesliga: Toni strike settles top-of-the-table tussle (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Luca Toni tapped in a Miroslav Klose cross just before half-time to give unbeaten Bayern Munich a 1-0 victory in a top-of-the-table clash at Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga on Saturday.<

Germany: Free-scoring Bayern head to Bayer (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich have scored an average of three goals a match this season and their high-flying attack is on target to break the Bundesliga record of 101 goals.

Bundesliga: Klose hattrick as Bayern crush Cottbus (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Miroslav Klose scored a hat-trick in the final half hour to lead Bayern Munich to a 5-0 home win over bottom-of-the-table Energie Cottbus on Wednesday and raise his tally to eight goals in his six Bun

Bayern chief Hoeness critical of misfiring Podolski (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich commercial manager Uli Hoeness says Germany striker Lukas Podolski has not done enough in Munich since his arrival in July 2006.

Bundesliga: Kuranyi on target again for Schalke (Sep 26, 2007 06:36 GMT)
Kevin Kuranyi scored his fourth goal of the season to help Schalke 04 to a 2-0 win at MSV Duisburg which put his team second in the Bundesliga on Tuesday.

Weber named as interim Cottbus coach (Sep 24, 2007 18:49 GMT)
Heiko Weber will take temporary charge of Energie Cottbus while a permanent replacement for coach Petrik Sander in found, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.

Bundesliga: Bayern look to consolidate lead (Sep 24, 2007 16:08 GMT)
Bayern Munich coach Ottmar Hitzfeld said there was still room for improvement after his side thumped Karlsruhe SC 4-1 to open a two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Bundesliga: Bayern demolish Karlsruhe 4-1 (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich won 4-1 at Karlsruhe SC to open a two-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga on Sunday.

Energie Cottbus sack coach after poor start (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Energie Cottbus fired coach Petrik Sander on Sunday after the Bundesliga club slipped to last place with just two points from their first six matches.

Bremen thump Stuttgart to revive campaign (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hugo Almeida scored twice in two minutes to lead Werder Bremen to a convincing 4-1 victory over champions VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Bundesliga: Bremen and Stuttgart to bounce back (Sep 20, 2007 18:09 GMT)
Werder Bremen defender Per Mertesacker is confident Tuesday's fighting defeat at Real Madrid will help his team when they host champions VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

Disgraced Japanese player set for German move (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Disgraced Japanese player Naoya Kikuchi is poised to join German club Wolfsburg, local media reported on Tuesday.

Bundesliga: Pantelic double helps Hertha to win (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Marko Pantelic struck twice to set Hertha Berlin on their way to a 2-1 win at Duisburg on Sunday, a result that sent them up to fifth place in the Bundesliga.

Bundesliga: Schalke cut Bayern's lead (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Schalke 04 on Saturday, a result that cut their lead in the Bundesliga to a single point.

Family affair in Bayern's clash with Schalke (Sep 13, 2007 15:48 GMT)
It will be a family affair at the Allianz Arena on Saturday when twins Hamit and Halil Altintop line up on opposite sides in the Bundesliga clash between Bayern Munich and Schalke 04.

Bayern's Sosa to miss six weeks after surgery (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bayern Munich's Argentine international midfielder Jose Sosa is facing at least six weeks out after having surgery on his injured right ankle, the club said.

Bundesliga: Stuttgart downed, Bayern Munich held (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Bundesliga

Bundesliga: Werder victory caps perfect week (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Werder Bremen beat Eintracht Frankfurt 2-1 in the Bundesliga on Saturday, capping a perfect week with a second successive league win an a place place in the Champions League.


Dutch National Team
Bouwes: A tale of two systems for Holland (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ernst Bouwes laments Holland's inability to play well in their chosen formation.


Dutch Eredivisie
Eredivisie: Feyenoord back on top after Heerenveen win (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Feyenoord returned to the top of the Dutch League on Saturday after Roy Makaay and Nick Hofs scored in a 2-0 home win over Heerenveen.

Eredivisie: PSV thrash Feyenoord, Ajax go top (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
PSV Eindhoven emphatically proved they remain the team to beat in Holland after ending Feyenoord's unbeaten start to the season with a 4-0 thrashing of the Rotterdammers.

De Guzman double fires Feyenoord to top (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Canadian Jonathan de Guzman scored twice in the second half to help Feyenoord to a 3-1 victory at Roda JC Kerkrade in the Dutch league on Sunday.

Eredivisie: Huntelaar hite spectacular Ajax winner (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Striker Klaas Jan Huntelaar scored the winner with a bicycle kick as Ajax Amsterdam beat Heracles Almelo 1-0 away in the Dutch league on Saturday.

Keeper Westerveld signs for Sparta Rotterdam (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Liverpool goalkeeper Sander Westerveld has signed a four-month deal with Dutch club Sparta Rotterdam.

Eredivise: Ajax rescue late point against Gronigen (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Klaas Jan Huntelaar struck seven minutes before time to salvage a point for Ajax Amsterdam in a 2-2 home draw against Groningen in the Dutch league on Sunday.

Eredivisie: Feyenoord win and hit summit (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Two first half goals earned Feyenoord a 2-0 home win over Willem II Tilburg in the Dutch league on Saturday.


Italian National Team
Italy top of the world in new FIFA rankings (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
World champions Italy have returned to the top of FIFA's world rankings after leaping above Argentina and former leaders Brazil.

Donadoni rewarded for dropping big guns (Sep 13, 2007 18:37 GMT)
Roberto Donadoni's decision to shuffle his pack came up trumps on Wednesday when Italy won 2-1 in Ukraine in their Euro 2008 qualifier to move into second in Group B.

Gotta: Hoping for a moment of genius (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Roberto Gotta watched an Italian side bereft of confidence draw 0-0 with France.

Donadoni not worried about slipping to third (Sep 9, 2007 20:11 GMT)
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was unperturbed after Saturday's 0-0 draw with France knocked the world champions down to third place in their Euro 2008 qualifying section.


Italian Serie A
Serie A: Kaka penalty rescues point (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A second-half penalty taken by Kaka earned AC Milan a 1-1 draw with Sicilian minnows Catania at the San Siro on Sunday as the European champions' poor domestic form continued.

Serie A: Champions Inter hit four in Roma rout (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Champions Inter Milan went top of Serie A on Saturday with a 4-1 win in a top-of-the table clash against AS Roma at the at the Stadio Olimpico

Napoli given stadium ban over fans' conduct (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Napoli will host Genoa behind closed doors on Sunday as punishment for their fans' conduct at Wednesday's Serie A game against Livorno, Italian media reported on Thursday.

Serie A: Chivu fighting to face old club Roma (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Inter Milan defender Cristian Chivu is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's top-of-the-table clash with former club AS Roma.

Serie A: Milan lose, Inter go level at top (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
AC Milan's patchy form continued when they lost 2-1 at Palermo while Inter Milan went level at the top of Serie A with Zlatan Ibrahimovic scoring another brace in a 3-0 win over Sampdoria on Wednesday

Totti to miss Roma's trip to Fiorentina (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Francesco Totti will miss AS Roma's midweek visit to Fiorentina because of a thigh strain, the Serie A leaders said on Tuesday.

Andrade injury less serious than Juve feared (Sep 24, 2007 22:26 GMT)
Juventus said on Monday that the knee injury Jorge Andrade suffered in Sunday's 2-2 draw at AS Roma was less serious than first feared but the Portugal defender was still looking at a long spell on th

Rome police arrest 66 armed Lazio fans (Sep 24, 2007 21:10 GMT)
Italian police have arrested 66 fans of Lazio, some of them armed with knives, machetes, clubs and knuckle-dusters, in a major crackdown on football hooligans.

Serie A: Fiorentina to test Roma's mettle (Sep 24, 2007 18:52 GMT)
AS Roma visit Fiorentina on Wednesday for the second of four matches in 10 days that will show the Serie A leaders how credible their domestic and European ambitions are.

Juve's Andrade out for season? (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Juventus's Portugal defender Jorge Andrade looks likely to miss the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury during his side's 2-2 draw at AS Roma on Sunday.

Iaquinta earns Juve Roma draw (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A late goal by Italy striker Vincenzo Iaquinta earned Juventus a thrilling 2-2 draw at Serie A leaders AS Roma on Sunday.

Serie A wrap: Milan struggle against lowly Parma (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Serie A wrap:

Serie A: Juve lose Camoranesi for trip to Roma (Sep 20, 2007 18:11 GMT)
Juventus will be without injured right winger Mauro Camoranesi for the visit to Serie A leaders AS Roma on Sunday, the first clash between two of Italy's 'big four' this season.

Juve's Nocerino out of hospital after car incident (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Juventus midfielder Antonio Nocerino has been released from hospital after being hit by a car in Turin on Monday. The 22 year-old was struck outside a restaurant and suffered a slight head injury.

Serie A: In-form Di Natale shocks Juve with header (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Antonio Di Natale continued his fairytale week with another neat finish in Udinese's surprise 1-0 win at Juventus in Serie A on Sunday.

Serie A: Late Nesta goal saves point for Milan (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
European champions AC Milan snatched a 1-1 Serie A draw at Siena on Saturday thanks to Alessandro Nesta's injury-time strike.

Milan still without Ronaldo, Juve lack defenders (Sep 13, 2007 15:53 GMT)
Ronaldo will miss AC Milan's trip to Siena on Saturday because of a nagging thigh injury that doctors are struggling to treat.

Doc: Ronaldo back for Milan in three weeks (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
AC Milan striker Ronaldo should be fit to return from his thigh injury in three weeks, the Brazil national team doctor said on Wednesday.

Ronaldo set for longer spell on sidelines (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ronaldo looks set to miss another month of action after AC Milan's medical staff admitted to miscalculating the seriousness of the striker's thigh injury.

Italian court rules over violent players and officials (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Violent players and club officials must be banned from soccer stadiums in the same way as fans who cause trouble, an Italian court ruled on Wednesday.

Viola's Mutu pegs back Milan to share points (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu earned Fiorentina a 1-1 draw with European champions AC Milan at the San Siro on Monday.

Serie A: Juve leave it late to win at Cagliari (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Giorgio Chiellini's last minute header gave Juventus an extraordinary 3-2 win at Cagliari in their second game back in Serie A on Sunday. The home side had equalised twice with debatable penalties.

Lazio bring in Muslera to end keeper quest (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lazio finally ended their quest for a new goalkeeper on Saturday when the Serie A club unveiled Fernando Muslera from Uruguay's Nacional.

Serie A: Ibrahimovic the difference for Inter (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
ROME, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice to help Inter Milan return to form with a 2-0 Serie A win at Empoli on Saturday.


Italy
Euro2008 wrap: Croatia crush Andorra (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Croatia remain in control at the top of European Championship qualifying Group E following a comprehensive 6-0 away victory over Andorra.

Anatoly Tymoshchuk il capitano dell'Ucraina si racconta... (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Anatoly Tymoshchuk il capitano dell'Ucraina si racconta...

Veteran Panucci recalled for Italy qualifiers (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
AS Roma defender Christian Panucci was recalled to the Italy squad on Sunday for the Euro 2008 Group B qualifying double-header against France and Ukraine.


Spanish National Team
Aragones no-show angers Spanish media (Sep 13, 2007 18:39 GMT)
Coach Luis Aragones's decision not to give a post-match press conference after his side beat Latvia 2-0 at home in their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday, has antagonised the local media.

Spain take positives from draw in Iceland (Sep 9, 2007 20:01 GMT)
Spain drew positives from an otherwise miserable night in Iceland after securing a late draw . 'It was always going to be a tough game,' said goalscoring hero Andres Iniesta.

Bilic happy after Croatia's Rakitic cleared to play (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said the presence of Ivan Rakitic would boost his team after the Swiss-born midfielder was cleared by FIFA to play in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Andorra.

Spain's Joaquin not expecting sweets in Iceland (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Spain know they cannot afford to be complacent when they visit Iceland for their Euro 2008 Group F qualifier, winger Joaquin said on Tuesday.


Spanish Primera División
La Liga: Ramos to the rescue for Real (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Champions Real Madrid rode their luck away to Getafe before running out 1-0 winners to return to the top of the Primera Liga on Sunday.

La Liga: Henry hat-trick crushes sorry Levante (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Barcelona ran riot against Levante with Thierry Henry scoring three times from his first four shots. Barca now lead Real Madrid at the top by a point.

Schuster returns to Getafe with Real intent (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster returns to face his former club Getafe for the first time in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Rae's Say: U.S. overtaken and Messi's magic (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derek Rae on the U.S. women's defeat to Brazil and Barcelona's young Argentine magician Lionel Messi.

Villarreal celebrating challenging of status quo (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Villarreal are challenging Spain's established order after Manuel Pellegrini's new-look side made it four wins from five to top the Primera Liga for the first time in their history in midweek.

Barca move to end Ronaldinho speculation (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Barcelona have moved to end the intense speculation surrounding Ronaldinho by releasing an official statement regarding the under-fire playmaker's injury and future at the club.

La Liga: Villarreal win to go top for first time (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lionel Messi scored twice as he inspired Barcelona to a 4-1 home victory over Real Zaragoza on Wednesday, while Giuseppe Rossi scored to take Villareal top of the Primera Liga table for the first time

Barcelona pledge support for Ronaldinho (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta and defender Gianluca Zambrotta have thrown their support behind under-fire playmaker Ronaldinho.

Turner: Del Horno eager to make up for lost time (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
ESPNsoccernet.es' Lucy Turner speaks to Asier Del Horno about his hopes for the season with old club Bilbao.

La Liga: Real's slip gives slow starters a lift (Sep 24, 2007 21:05 GMT)
Real Madrid's 1-1 draw a promoted Valladolid on Sunday has given the Primera Liga's slow starters a lift before the midweek matches.

Ball: Read all about it (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Phil Ball vents his spleen on architects and disinformation creeping into Spanish football.

Liga: Saviola rescues Real at Valladolid (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Substitute Javier Saviola scored a late equaliser for champions Real Madrid as they could only draw 1-1 at promoted Valladolid in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

La Liga: Barca hit form ahead of Sevilla clash (Sep 20, 2007 18:02 GMT)
The contrasting fortunes of Barcelona and Sevilla in their midweek Champions League matches sets up an intriguing Primera Liga clash between the sides at the Nou Camp on Saturday.

English architect to redesign Camp Nou (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The studios of British architect Norman Foster have been selected to carry out the remodelling of Barcelona's Nou Camp stadium, the Primera Liga club have said.

Ball: Back to the grind in La Liga (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Too many prima donnas proved costly for Barca in Osasuna as Real won again, says Phil Ball.

La Liga: Barca held in goalless draw, Sevilla waltz (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Big spending Atletico Madrid stumbled to a 1-1 draw at promoted Real Murcia in the Primera Liga on Sunday while fellow UEFA Cup contenders Villarreal snatched a late victory against Real Mallorca.

La Liga: Third win in a row for Real (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Real Madrid made it three wins out of three at the start of the new Primera Liga season on Saturday after seeing off 10-man Almeria.

Almeria to test Real's concentration (Sep 13, 2007 18:41 GMT)
Champions Madrid have made a perfect start to their Primera Liga campaign and the leaders receive promoted Almeria at the Bernabeu on Saturday riding high on a wave of optimism.

Navarro back in action after six-month ban (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Real Mallorca defender David Navarro, on loan from Valencia, will be able to join the squad for the first time for Sunday's Primera Liga match at home to Villarreal, after completing his six-month ban

Vicente out for four weeks after second opinion (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Valencia winger Vicente will be out of action for about a month after getting a second opinion on a thigh injury.

Dos Santos' father plays down England rumours (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Giovani Dos Santos' father has played down reports linking the highly-rated forward with a move to England, insisting the teenager is committed to staying with Barcelona.

Shakhtar file £16m compo claim over Matuzalem (Sep 7, 2007 04:26 GMT)
Shakhtar Donetsk have filed a compensation claim for €25 million (£16.8 million) to world soccer's governing body FIFA after Brazilian midfielder Matuzalem walked out on the club to join Spain's

Valencia take Vicente to task over criticisms (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Valencia said on Wednesday they would open disciplinary proceedings against Spain winger Vicente after he criticised the club's medical staff.

Sneijder has coach Schuster reminiscing (Sep 3, 2007 18:45 GMT)
Wesley Sneijder's impressive display for Real Madrid in their 5-0 away victory over Villarreal in the Primera Liga on Sunday drew praise from coach Bernd Schuster.

Ball: Unlikely embraces, take-overs and away wins (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
After a difficult week for Spanish football Phil Ball reflects on a weekend of respect and results.

La Liga: Majestic Madrid hammer hapless Villareal (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Two goals from Ronaldinho set Barcelona on their way to a 3-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao in the Primera Liga on Sunday.

Barca's Eto'o out for two months after surgery (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o had surgery on a thigh injury on Saturday and will be out of action for a minimum of two months, the Primera Liga club said.

Liga: Oliveira earns Zaragoza draw with Racing (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazilian striker Ricardo Oliveira scored a late goal to grab a point for Real Zaragoza in their 1-1 home draw with Racing Santander in the Primera Liga on Saturday.

Henry in line for Nou Camp bow against Bilbao (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry will make his Nou Camp debut for Barcelona against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday after Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o was ruled out for two months.

Alves stay delights Sevilla boss Ramos (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos expressed his delight after the Spanish club fended off last-ditch attempts to sign Brazilian right-back Daniel Alves. He had spoken previously about his desire to move.


Europe
Fifteen arrrests in violent clashes before Turin derby (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rival fans clashed in Turin on Sunday ahead of the derby match between Juventus and Torino

Lopez double helps Porto preserve perfect record (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Argentina striker Lisandro Lopez scored twice to give Porto a 2-0 home win over Boavista on Saturday as they preserved their 100 percent league record.

Ligue 1: Lyon warm up for Rangers with Lens romp (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Olympique Lyon crushed strugglers Racing Lens 3-0 to move top of Ligue 1 on Saturday

Tampere United close in on Finnish title (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tampere United moved closer to a third Finnish league title after beating rivals FC Haka Valkeakoski 2-1 with a last-minute winner on Thursday.

PSV Eindhoven thrown out of Dutch Cup (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
PSV Eindhoven have been thrown out of this season's Dutch Cup by the national FA for fielding an ineligible player in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Heerenveen's reserves.

Fatima end Porto's quest for League Cup (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Champions Porto, fielding a second-string team, were knocked out of the Portuguese Cup by second division Fatima in the third round on Wednesday.

Holders Bordeaux stunned in French League Cup (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Second-half goals by Cedric Barbosa and Babacar Gueye gave Metz, second from bottom in Ligue 1, a surprise 2-1 victory over holders Girondins Bordeaux in the French League Cup third round on Wednesday

Quickfire goals for Feyenoord in Dutch Cup (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Feyenoord scored three second-half goals in eight minutes to sink Utrecht 3-0 in the Dutch Cup second round on Wednesday.

Romanian coach Iordanescu retires at 57 (Sep 26, 2007 06:36 GMT)
Anghel Iordanescu, acclaimed as the best Romanian coach of the 20th century, announced his retirement on Tuesday, 20 years after leading Steaua Bucharest to victory in the European Super Cup.

Portugal: Champions Porto maintain perfect record (Sep 24, 2007 16:17 GMT)
Argentine striker Lisandro Lopez struck twice to give Porto a 2-0 win at Pacos Ferreira and maintain the champions' 100 percent record in the Portuguese Premier League on Sunday.

Greece: Olympiakos hit six, Xanthi go top (Sep 24, 2007 15:58 GMT)
Olympiakos Piraeus recovered from their mid week Champions League disappointment to thrash OFI Crete 6-2 in the Greek Super League on Sunday.

Eastern Europe: Zenit top, Partizan increase lead (Sep 24, 2007 15:56 GMT)
Roundup of the weekend soccer action in eastern Europe.

Delegates confident over Cyprus talks (Sep 20, 2007 22:58 GMT)
An opening round of talks aimed at ending more than 50 years of deadlock in Cypriot football has ended with both sides confident of reaching a solution.

Steaua owner Becali admits: 'I humiliated Hagi' (Sep 20, 2007 22:57 GMT)
Gheorghe Hagi resigned as Steaua Bucharest coach on Thursday after his team lost their opening Champions League group match 2-1 away to Slavia Prague, the club's owner said.

Euro league chiefs not convinced by Platini plan (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
European soccer league representatives have expressed unanimous concern about proposed changes to the format of UEFA's Champions League competition, following a meeting in Paris.

Platini tells Brown: Money is spoiling game (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
UEFA president Michel Platini has written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown asking for his help in battling 'the malign and ever-present influence of money' in the modern game.

Twelve arrested as violence mars Bucharest derby (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A policewoman was seriously injured and police had to use teargas to break up clashes between fans of Romania's Steau and Rapid on the streets of Bucharest at the weekend, police said on Monday.

Gonzalez continues Porto's perfect start (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lucho Gonzalez gave leaders Porto a 1-0 victory over second-placed Maritimo to make it four wins from their first four games as they moved three points clear in the Portuguese Premier League on Saturd

G-14 to expand to 50 clubs by end of 2007? (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The group which represents 18 of Europe's top clubs said on Thursday it would expand to around 50 by the end of the year in a move it hopes could lead to resolving differences with soccer's governing

Former Austrian coach Senekowitsch passes away (Sep 9, 2007 21:18 GMT)
Austrian former national coach Helmut Senekowitsch, a hero in his country for leading the side to victory over West Germany during the 1978 World Cup, died on Sunday, the Austrian soccer association (

Referees to clamp down on off-the-ball 'wrestling' (Sep 7, 2007 04:23 GMT)
Referees are to crack down on jostling in the penalty area before free kicks and corners, European soccer's governing body UEFA said on Thursday.

Celtic Cup could kick-off next year - SFA chief (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A Celtic Cup featuring Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland could start next year, according to Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith.

Italy legend Zenga takes Dinamo reins (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Italy goalkeeper Walter Zenga on Wednesday signed a two-year contract to take charge of Romanian champions Dinamo Bucharest, the club's president said.

Round-up of action from Eastern Europe (Sep 3, 2007 19:03 GMT)
Round-up of the weekend soccer action in eastern Europe.

Costa helps Benfica clinch first league win (Sep 3, 2007 15:40 GMT)
Benfica recorded their first Portuguese Premier League victory of the season when they beat Nacional Madeira 3-0 away from home on Sunday.

Ligue 1: Paris St Germain fail to win at home again (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Paris St Germain remain winless at home after they were held to a 1-1 draw by arch-rivals Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

Greek Super League starts after fires (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Greek league kicked off on Saturday after a week's delay because of devastating forest fires that have killed at least 63 people.

AEK Athens sign Austria keeper Macho (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
AEK Athens have signed Austria goalkeeper Juergen Macho from German club Kaiserslautern.

Rangers sign Naismith seconds before deadline (Sep 1, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steven Naismith admits he had almost given up hope before Rangers came in with their last-minute transfer on Friday night.


UEFA Champions League
Man Utd's Van der Sar to miss Roma clash (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United will be without first choice goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar for Tuesday's home Champions League clash against Roma after he injured his toe in Saturday's win at Birmingham City.

Wenger belittles 'over-rated' Champions League (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger maintains winning the Champions League with Arsenal would not be about massaging his 'personal ego', and would rather focus on achievements closer to home.

UEFA to grant Avram permission (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
UEFA has no plans to ban new Chelsea manager Avram Grant from coaching in the Champions League despite uncertainty over his qualifications, European soccer's governing body said on Thursday.

McCulloch keen to take centre stage in Lyon (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rangers midfielder Lee McCulloch is desperate to take centre stage in Lyon next week after being reduced to the role of backing vocalist for their Champions League opener.

Barca star Ronaldinho to return against Stuttgart (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ronaldinho is working to recover from his calf injury and expects to be back in time for Barcelona's next Champions League match, club president Joan Laporta said.

Injury worry for Nakamura ahead of Milan (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura fears he could miss next week's Champions League group game against AC Milan due to injury.

Norway dignitaries in fear of angry Chelsea fans (Sep 20, 2007 18:05 GMT)
A Norwegian minister and the country's richest man fled their seats during Tuesday's Champions League match between Chelsea and Rosenborg fearing a backlash by angry home fans, Norwegian media reporte

Rae's Say: Farewell to the Special One (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Derek Rae reacts to Jose Mourinho's Chelsea exit and Arsenal's Champions League chances.

Wenger buoyed by impressive players and fans (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Robin van Persie believes Arsenal are 'playing football from a different world' after tonight's 3-0 defeat of Sevilla.

Ferguson delirious with Rangers fight back (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rangers captain Barry Ferguson dismissed the importance of a nasty head injury following his side's 2-1 victory over Stuttgart in their Champions League opener.

Mixed emotions for Ronaldo after winner (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Goalscoring hero Cristiano Ronaldo admitted to mixed emotions after his header sealed a 1-0 win for Manchester United at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Champions League: Henry bags first Barca goal (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Thierry Henry scored his first competitive goal for Barcelona but it was Lionel Messi who starred in their 3-0 Champions League win over Lyon at the Nou Camp.

The Insider: Young Gunners firing on all cylinders (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Insider was at Arsenal but all the press pack talk was about Jose Mourinho and his exit.

Pennant hopes for Rafa penance (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jermaine Pennant admits he will have to learn from the painful experience of the first sending-off in his career and hopes Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will not hold it against him.

What crisis? Cech plays down crisis talk (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Petr Cech insists there is no crisis in the dressing room after Chelsea began their Champions League campaign with a disappointing 1-1 draw against Rosenborg.

Gerrard: Reds standard dropped in Porto draw (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool let their standards lip in a scrappy 1-1 draw away to Porto in the Champions League n Tuesday, according to captain Steven Gerrard.

Robben delight at making Real bow (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Chelsea winger Arjen Robben spoke of his delight after finally being able to make his Real Madrid debut during the Champions League clash with Werder Bremen.

Ancelotti singles out Pirlo as match-winner (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Kaka will be named European player of the year but that team mate Andrea Pirlo will run the Brazilian close.

Wenger pledges Henry gamble can pay off (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Arsene Wenger accepts it was something of a 'gamble' to move on without Thierry Henry but the Arsenal manager is confident his men are up to the challenge of the Champions League.

Ronaldo relishes return to Sporting Lisbon (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Cristiano Ronaldo has admitted he never tires of watching the game which transformed him into a star.

Benitez brands Liverpool 'very, very bad' (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez branded his shell-shocked side 'very, very bad' after their fortunate 1-1 Champions League draw and admitted Jermaine Pennant deserved to be sent off.

Mourinho alarmed by Chelsea's lack of goals (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jose Mourinho admitted he is alarmed by Chelsea's failure to score goals but refused to blame his strikers after unfashionable Rosenborg held the Blues to a draw at Stamford Bridge.

Sevilla's Ramos focussed on Arsenal not Spurs (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sevilla coach Juande Ramos was focused on Arsenal rather than Tottenham on the eve of his side's Champions League clash at the Emirates Stadium.

Champions League - Live streaming (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Champions League - Live streaming

UCL wrap: AC Milan open defence in style (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
European champions AC Milan began their Champions League defence with a 2-1 win over Benfica team at the San Siro tonight.

Steaua owner orders Hagi to change line-up (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steaua Bucharest's vocal owner Gigi Becali has ordered his team's coach Gheorghe Hagi to change the line-up for Wednesday's Champions League Group H match against Slavia Prague.

Gers sweat on Ferguson for Stuttgart clash (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rangers have confirmed that captain Barry Ferguson is struggling to be fit to face Stuttgart at Ibrox on Wednesday.

Stuttgart missing Hitzlsperger for Ibrox clash (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Stuttgart midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger has been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League clash with Rangers by an injury to his right foot.

Milan open European defence against Benfica (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Holders AC Milan will face Benfica and former midfielder Rui Costa on Tuesday when this season's Champions League group stages get underway.

Hargreaves out for Utd, Rooney raring to go (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester United will be without midfielder Owen Hargreaves for Wednesday's Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon.

Benitez recalls 'most influential' Gerrard (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Steven Gerrard will appear in his 80th European match for Liverpool on Tuesday with a ringing endorsement from his manager.

Sevilla need to nullify Fabregas, says Kanoute (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute returns to north London this week confident of putting one over his old adversaries Arsenal in the Champions League.

Shakhtar: Celtic buoyed by Scotland victory (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Shakhtar Donetsk's head coach Mircea Lucescu believes Scotland and Ukraine's contrasting results last week will have an effect on Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Celtic.

Banned Schalke coach will trust in assistants (Sep 18, 2007 03:17 GMT)
Banned Schalke 04 coach Mirko Slomka has promised he will make no attempt to communicate with his assistants from the stands during Tuesday's Champions League Group B game against Valencia.

Mourinho bemoans eggs-traordinary injuries (Sep 18, 2007 00:54 GMT)
Jose Mourinho is determined to avoid having egg on his face as he prepares for the most important Champions League campaign of his Chelsea tenure.

Hargreaves unlikely to make Sporting clash (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Owen Hargreaves has virtually written off his chances of making his Champions League debut for Manchester United in Lisbon on Wednesday.

Benitez after quick qualification (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Rafael Benitez wants his Liverpool team to qualify for the knock-out stages of the Champions League long before the end of the their group matches.

Riise to miss Reds' Champions opener (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool left back John Arne Riise has been ruled out of his side's Champions League opener in Porto on Tuesday because of a groin injury.

Champions League: Big guns plan for Moscow (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The aristocrats of European football get the chance to show off their latest accessories when the Champions League returns to stadiums across the continent this week.

Hoops' Strachan sets sights on landmark win (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan called for perspective as he insisted the Parkhead side's dreadful away record in the Champions League is improving ahead of their clash with Shakhtar Donetsk.

In-form Jan plans first Celtic away victory (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Celtic striker Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink shrugged off the Parkhead side's poor European record on the road as he looked forward to their Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk in Ukraine.

Benfica lose lynchpin Petit for Milan clash (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Benfica midfielder Armando Petit will be out of action for a minimum of three matches, including Tuesday's Champions League opener against AC Milan, due to a knee injury, coach Jose Antonio Camacho sa

Champions League 2007/8, Group H (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Champions League 2007/8, Group G (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Champions League 2007/8, Group E (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Champions League 2007/8, Group D (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Champions League 2007/8, Group C (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Champions League 2007/8, Group A (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nick Bidwell and Kevin Palmer have the low-down on every team lining up in the UEFA Champions League group stage.

Liverpool, Man Utd oppose Platini Euro plan (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Liverpool and Manchester United have formally declared their opposition to UEFA president Michel Platini's plans for domestic cup winners to qualify for the Champions League.

Mourinho and Wenger back Platini's plans (Sep 8, 2007 20:37 GMT)
Top coaches including Chelsea's Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger of Arsenal have backed Michel Platini's plan to give domestic cup winners a place in the Champions League, a senior UEFA official said o

UEFA fine five clubs over UCL crowd trouble (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
UEFA has fined five clubs over crowd trouble during the final qualifying round for the Champions League. Anderlecht were hardest hit as UEFA handed out a 20,000 Swiss francs ($16,526) fine.

Injured Ballack axed from Chelsea Euro squad (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack, who has not played for Chelsea since April because of an ankle injury, has been left out of the squad for the Champions League group stages.

Injured Ballack axed from Chelsea Euro squad (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Germany captain Michael Ballack, who has not played for Chelsea since April because of an ankle injury, has been left out of the squad for the Champions League group stages.


Global
Dasey: A second chance for Tony Vidmar (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jason Dasey speaks to Central Coast Mariners star Tony Vidmar about the dramatic twists and turns of his career.

Tecos win again as pink ball makes debut in Mexico (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Cesar Luis Menotti's Tecos UAG won for the second time in four days, beating Morelia 3-2 in the first Mexican championship match to be played with a pink ball.

Guadalajara sack championship-winning coach (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Mexican soccer suffered it's third major coaching casualty in a week on Friday when Guadalajara, the country's most popular club, sacked Jose Manuel de la Torre.

Nine-man River hit back to knock out Botafogo (Sep 28, 2007 21:18 GMT)
River Plate, reduced to nine men, scored three times in the last 16 minutes to beat Botafogo 4-2 and reach the Copa Sudamericana quarter-finals.

Parreira takes swipe at SA officials (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira took a swipe at his South Africa employers on Thursday after failing to secure players called up for an international against Botswana on Saturday.

Workers end strike at World Cup stadium (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
About 1,000 South African workers ended a strike on Thursday at a soccer stadium construction site for the 2010 World Cup, a union official said.

Audax lose 24-match unbeaten record in Chile (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Audax Italiano lost a 24-match unbeaten record when they went down to a surprise 2-1 defeat against Deportes Concepcion in the Chilean championship on Wednesday.

Colombian player banned for goal celebration (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Colombia striker Leider Preciado has been given a six-match ban for an offensive celebration after scoring his 100th goal for Santa Fe.

Copa Sud: Sao Paulo end Boca's hopes (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sao Paulo knocked Boca Juniors out of the Copa Sudamericana and Vasco da Gama overturned a two-goal deficit to eliminate Lanus on a good night for Brazilian teams against Argentine opposition on Wedne

Monterrey coach quits as sack race quickens (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Monterrey coach Miguel Herrera quit on Wednesday, becoming the fourth to lose his job since the Mexican season started last month.

Coelho banned for stopping 'seal dribble' (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The row over Cruzeiro forward Kerlon's so-called seal dribble continued on Wednesday when a player who was sent off for fouling him was banned for 120 days.

Argentine football in a sorry state, says Bilardo (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Argentina coach Carlos Bilardo launched an outspoken attack on the state of the game in his country and the leadership of its football association on Wednesday.

Beckham on FIFPro's World Best Player list (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Beckham has become the first Major League Soccer player to be shortlisted for FIFPro's World Best XI Player Awards.

Defending champions knocked out by Urawa Reds (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Japan's Urawa Reds booked their place in the Asian Champions League semi-finals with a 2-0 victory at 10-man holders Chonbuk Motors of South Korea on Wednesday.

Corinthians coach leaves after seven games (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ze Augusto became the third coach to leave struggling Corinthians this year when he quit the job on Monday after only seven games in charge.

Defending champs Chonbuk eye semi-final place (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Defending champions Chonbuk Motors of South Korea face Japan's Urawa Reds in the second leg of the Asian Champions League quarter-finals needing a 1-0 win to reach the last four.

Round-up: America lose gate receipts in hold-up (Sep 24, 2007 22:24 GMT)
America lost the gate receipts from their Colombian championship match at home to Once Caldas in an armed robbery on Sunday, local media said.

Al Ahli force valuable away draw in semi-final (Sep 24, 2007 16:14 GMT)
Defending champions Al Ahli of Egypt set themselves up for a third successive African Champions League final appearance with a goalless draw at Al Ittihad of Libya in the first leg of their semi-final

Brazil: Leaders Sao Paulo and Cruzeiro win (Sep 24, 2007 16:11 GMT)
Champions Sao Paulo beat Figueirense 2-0 to stay nine points clear at the top of the Brazilian championship. Second-placed Cruzeiro kept up the chase, winning by the same score at Vasco.

Argentina: River of red cards, Sanchez injured (Sep 24, 2007 16:10 GMT)
River Plate's unhappy season continued when they had two players sent off and lost teenage striker Alexis Sanchez to injury in a 4-1 defeat at promoted Tigre on Sunday.

Mexico: Santos, Atlante keep unbeaten records (Sep 24, 2007 16:03 GMT)
Santos Laguna thrashed Puebla 4-1 while Atlante came from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Cruz Azul as both teams stayed unbeaten after nine game in the Mexican championship.

Denis scores two more as Independiente win again (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Independiente striker German Denis scored twice, taking his tally to 13 in 10 games, as Argentine championship leaders beat bootm side Olimpo 3-0.

Victory for Argentine champions San Lorenzo (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Holders San Lorenzo won 3-1 at Rosario Central while Osvaldo Ardiles's Huracan were held 2-2 at home by Colon in the Argentine championship.

Atlas sack coach, Mexican champions Pachuca lose (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ruben Omar Romano became the third coaching victim of the Mexican season when he left struggling Atlas ahead of Saturday's game against Chiapas.

Palermo double gives Boca win over Sao Paulo (Sep 20, 2007 18:06 GMT)
Boca Juniors striker Martin Palermo headed two goals to give the Argentines a 2-1 win over Brazilian champions Sao Paulo in their Copa Sudamericana tie on Wednesday.

Soccernet's Jason Dasey talks to Craig Moore (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A-league expert Jason Dasey talks to Queensland Roar's new defender and former Newcastle player Craig Moore.

Cop injured at 2010 stadium strike riot (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A South African police officer was injured on Wednesday during a wildcat strike at a soccer stadium work site, raising fears that labour disputes could disrupt the nation's preparations to host the 20

Chonvuk grab away strike at Urawa Reds (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Choi Jin-cheul scored an important away goal in the final minute as champions Chonbuk Motors lost 2-1 to Japan's Urawa Reds in the first leg of their Asian Champions League quarter-final in Saitama on

Beckham set for New Zealand appearance (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
David Beckham will make an appearance in New Zealand in December after the Wellington Phoenix confirmed a friendly against the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Former Norway manager Olsen to coach Iraq (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Former Norway coach Egil Olsen signed a three-year contract on Monday to coach Asian Cup champions Iraq, Norwegian broadcaster NRK said.

Menotti's Tecos suffer another setback in Mexico (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tecos UAG slumped to their second defeat in three games under former Argentina coach Cesar Luis Menotti when they lost 2-0 to Pumas UNAM in the Mexican championship on Sunday.

Palermo scores four as Boca hit six at Banfield (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Striker Martin Palermo scored four goals, including a hat-trick in the first half-hour, as Boca Juniors hammered Banfield 6-0 away in the Argentine championship.

Cruzeiro win seven-goal derby, Kerlon brawl (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Cruzeiro kept up the pressure on Brazilian championship leaders Sao Paulo by beating arch-rivals Atletico Mineiro 4-3 on Sunday.

Brazilian spitter banned for 4 months (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazilian championship leaders Sao Paulo will be without midfielder Hugo for the rest of the tournament after he was banned for 120 days on Friday for spitting at an opponent.

Serbian Petrovic appointed as China coach (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
China have appointed former Yugoslavia international Vladimir Petrovic as national coach until after next year's Beijing Olympics, state media reported on Friday.

Brazil's Supreme Court orders release of Rincon (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil's Supreme Court has ordered the release of former Colombian soccer star Freddy Rincon, who was arrested in May on charges of money laundering for a Colombian drug lord.

Velez return to winning ways, River shocked (Sep 13, 2007 15:40 GMT)
Velez Sarsfield beat Estudiantes 1-0 in the Argentina championship on Wednesday, going some way to erasing memories of a 5-0 thrashing at the hands of River Plate at the weekend.

Ardiles' Huracan humbled by Independiente (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Argentine championship leaders Independiente handed Osvaldo Ardiles his second defeat in four days since taking over as coach of lowly Huracan.

Chonbuk face Urawa in tough Asian quarters (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Defending champions Chonbuk Motors of South Korea make their first appearance in this season's Asian Champions League with a tricky quarter-final first-leg tie against Urawa Reds on Wednesday.

Argentina's Messi tires of Maradona comparison (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lionel Messi has played down comparisons with Argentina hero and compatriot Diego Maradona ahead of his country's friendly against Australia in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Independiente on top, losing start for Ardiles (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Independiente reclaimed top spot in the Argentine championship at the weekend while former Argentina midfielder Osvaldo Ardiles made a losing start as coach of Huracan.

Stingy Sao Paulo win again to lead in Brazil (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sao Paulo completed their ninth game without conceding a goal and secured a 2-0 win at Vasco da Gama to maintain their nine-point lead at the top of the Brazilian championship.

Namibia snatch Nations Cup qualification (Sep 9, 2007 20:08 GMT)
Namibia snatched a surprise berth at next year's African Nations Cup finals in Ghana, scoring a stoppage time winner in a 3-2 victory at Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Saturday.

Oliech goal gives Kenya late victory (Sep 9, 2007 20:07 GMT)
Striker Denis Oliech snatched the winning goal three minutes from time as Kenya secured a morale boosting victory over Angola in an African Nations Cup qualifier in Nairobi on Saturday.

Guinea 1-0 Cameroon: Historic upset (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Equatorial Guinea produced a huge shock when they beat Cameroon 1-0 in their African Nations Cup Group Five qualifier on Sunday.

Burundi 0-0 Egypt: 10-man Egypt slip up (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Holders Egypt had captain Ahmed Hassan sent off and missed a chance to qualify for the African Nations Cup in a 0-0 draw with Burundi in their Group Two qualifier on Sunday.

Obua scores hat-trick as Uganda impress again (Sep 9, 2007 02:01 GMT)
Winger David Obua scored a hat-trick to lift Uganda on to the verge of African Nations Cup qualification as they beat Niger 3-1 in their Group Three encounter in Kampala on Saturday.

Mexico's Chivas to set up team in China? (Sep 9, 2007 00:59 GMT)
Guadalajara, Mexico's most popular club, say they are looking to start a team in China.

Nigeria labour to 2-0 win over Lesotho (Sep 9, 2007 00:57 GMT)
Nigeria laboured to a 2-0 win over minnows Lesotho in their African Nations Cup qualifier in Warri on Saturday, but the spectacle was marred by torrential rain and a waterlogged pitch.

Menotti enjoys first win with Tecos (Sep 9, 2007 00:06 GMT)
Former Argentina coach Cesar Luis Menotti enjoyed his first win with Tecos UAG when his new side beat Chiapas 2-1 in the Mexican Apertura championship.

Ardiles back in management with Huracan (Sep 8, 2007 18:55 GMT)
Former Tottenham favourite Ossie Ardiles has been named the new head coach of Argentinian outfit Huracan.

Senegal 5-1 Burkino Faso: Camara brace (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Henri Camara came on as second half substitute and scored twice for Senegal who beat Burkina Faso 5-1 on Saturday to book their place in next year's African Nations Cup finals.

Gabon 0-0 Ivory Coast: Ivorians through (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ivory Coast qualified for the African Nations Cup finals despite being held to a goalless draw by Gabon in their last Group One qualifier on Saturday.

New Malaysia coach hoping for fresh start (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Malaysia's new national coach B. Sathianathan is confident his new-look team can rise from the ashes of a woeful Asian Cup because they 'can't go any lower'.

Kaka philosophical about bench role with Brazil (Sep 7, 2007 01:29 GMT)
Brazil midfielder Kaka says he has no complaints about having to sit on the substitutes' bench for his country, despite his rampant success at club level.

Rogerio saves penalty as Sao Paulo extend lead (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni saved a last-minute penalty as Sao Paulo drew 0-0 at Atletico Mineiro to extend their lead at the top of the Brazilian championship.

Fiji, New Caledonia advance in World Cup qualifiers (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
New Caledonia rallied to beat Solomon Islands 3-2 in the Oceania region's World Cup qualifiers in Apia, Samoa on Wednesday, sealing the win with the last kick of the match to advance.

Egypt lead list of Nations qualifying contenders (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Holders Egypt head the list of heavyweight contenders seeking to confirm their qualification for next year's African Nations Cup finals this weekend.

River back in hunt after win over Newell's (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
River Plate leapt up the Argentine championship by beating Newell's Old Boys 3-1 on Wednesday in a game previously postponed because of security worries.

Starlet Dos Santos to be Mexico's role model (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Teenager Giovani Dos Santos is set to play a pivotal role in the future of Mexican football, the head of the country's youth teams said on Wednesday.

No regrets for nude-posing lineswoman (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazilian lineswoman Ana Paula Oliveira has no regrets about posing nude for Playboy magazine even though she has not been selected to officiate at a professional game since.

Dasey: Perth Glory's Lazaridis left in limbo (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Jason Dasey on the plight of Perth Glory's Stan Lazaridis as he nears the end of a 12-month drug ban.

Socceroos forced to call off China friendly (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Australia have agreed to China's request to postpone next month's scheduled friendly in Sydney because of changes to the World Cup qualifying programme.

Nigeria league cleared to start after row (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nigeria's 2007/08 league season will now start on Sunday after the sports minister brokered a truce in a feud between the FA and the league over who should assign match referees, officials said on Tue

Argentina's Crespo, Rodriguez to miss Australia trip (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Striker Hernan Crespo and midfielder Maxi Rodriguez have been ruled out of Argentina's friendly away to Australia next week, the Argentina Football Association said in a statement.

Teen prodigy Rivaldo makes Mozambique squad (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Mozambique have handed a first call-up to teenage prodigy Rivaldo for their African Nations Cup qualifier against Tanzania in Dar-es-Salaam on Saturday.

AFC seeks to heal ties with Malaysian leaders (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Asian Football Confederation welcomed leading Malaysian government officials to their headquarters on Tuesday, hoping to work towards healing a rift caused by a Manchester United friendly.

Two jailed for knife attack on ex-China striker (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A court in China has given jail terms to two men involved in a knife attack on former China striker Chen Yongqiang, local media reported on Tuesday.

South Afriacan star Leremi killed in car accident (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
South Africa international Gift Leremi was killed in a car accident last night, police have confirmed.

Vanuatu progress in World Cup qualifiers (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Seule Soromon scored a first half hat-trick to help Vanuatu beat Tonga 4-1 in Apia, Samoa on Monday, giving them a place in the semi-finals of Oceania's first stage of regional qualifiers for the 2010

CAF postpone qualifiers because of election (Sep 3, 2007 23:35 GMT)
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed the postponement of two African Nations Cup qualifiers because of the weekend's general election in Sierra Leone.

Camara gets Senegal recall for qualifier (Sep 3, 2007 23:34 GMT)
Striker Henri Camara was named in Senegal's 22-man squad for their African Nations Cup qualifier against Burkina Faso on Saturday.

Mido wins recall into Egypt squad for qualifier (Sep 3, 2007 21:53 GMT)
Middlesbrough striker Mido has been recalled to the Egypt squad after scoring for his new club, coach Hassan Shehata announced.

South America: Sub hits 10-minute hat-trick (Sep 3, 2007 21:52 GMT)
12 de Octubre striker Jose Burgos came on as a 77th minute substitute and scored a 10-minute hat-trick to give them a 3-2 win at Olimpia in the Paraguayan championship at the weekend.

Gilberto returns to Angola squad (Sep 3, 2007 19:00 GMT)
Egypt-based winger Gilberto has been recalled to the Angola squad for the first time since suffering an Achilles' tendon injury early last year, the Angolan Football Federation said on Monday.

Round-up of action from leagues in Africa (Sep 3, 2007 18:33 GMT)
A round-up of league action from around Africa at the weekend.

Asian champions Iraq eye Olsen as coach (Sep 3, 2007 16:44 GMT)
Asian Cup champions Iraq are considering Norwegian Egil Olsen as national team coach but have not given up hope former boss Jorvan Vieira will return to the post, the country's soccer chief said on Mo

Leading pair go on goal sprees in Brazil (Sep 3, 2007 15:41 GMT)
Brazilian championship leaders Sao Paulo thumped Parana 6-0 while second-placed Cruzeiro hammered five goals past hapless 10-man Palmeiras in the weekend's games.

Boca go top as Independiente slip again (Sep 3, 2007 15:39 GMT)
Boca Juniors went top of the Argentine championship on Sunday, beating Huracan 1-0 to overhaul Independiente who lost to Gimnasia-La Plata.

Menotti's return to Tecos ends in defeat (Sep 3, 2007 15:37 GMT)
Former Argentina coach Cesar Luis Menotti made an unhappy return to the touchline on Sunday as his new team Tecos UAG were thumped 3-0 by modest Puebla in the Mexican championship.

Ismaili grab first group win in African cup (Sep 3, 2007 15:36 GMT)
A last-minute goal from Mostafa Karim handed Egypt's Ismaili a first win in the group stage of the African Confederation Cup as they beat Dolphins FC of Nigeria 1-0 at home on Sunday.

Bouazza set for return to Algeria squad (Sep 3, 2007 15:33 GMT)
Fulham striker Hameur Bouazza is set to return to the Algeria national side for the first time since March for their vital African Nations Cup qualifier against Gambia on Sunday.

Fiji, Sol. Islands progress in World Cup qualifiers (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Fiji and the Solomon Islands progressed to the last four of the first stage of the Oceania region's World Cup qualifiers after winning their respective matches.


Euro 2008
Charisteas and Stelios named in Greece squad (Sep 28, 2007 21:16 GMT)
Striker Angelos Charisteas and midfielder Stelios Giannakopoulos were called up on Friday for Greece's Euro 2008 Group C qualifiers against Bosnia and Turkey next month, after recovering from injury.

Russia hit by absence of Bystrov (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Russia international Vladimir Bystrov has been ruled out of his country's Euro 2008 tie with England in October after damaging cruciate ligaments in his left leg.

Austria fans petition for Austria-free Euro 2008 (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Thousands of Austrian soccer fans dismayed at their national side's poor showing ahead of co-hosting Euro 2008 are petitioning for their team to be withdrawn from the tournament.

Mikoliunas ban for shameful Scotland dive upheld (Sep 20, 2007 23:01 GMT)
Saulius Mikoliunas has been suspended for Lithuania's next two Euro 2008 qualifying games after UEFA found him guilty of diving to win his country's penalty against Scotland.

Scolari to appeal over four-match 'punch' ban (Sep 20, 2007 20:11 GMT)
UEFA have banned Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for four matches following his attack on Serbia player Ivica Dragutinovic, European soccer's governing body said in a statement on Thursday.

Fighting Irish duo fined for plane incident (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Northern Ireland duo Keith Gillespie and George McCartney have been fined by the Irish Football Association following an incident on last week's return flight from Iceland after a Euro 2008 qualifier.

Platini warns Ukraine on stadium for 2012 (Sep 18, 2007 03:16 GMT)
UEFA president Michel Platini has warned Ukraine's authorities that a Kiev stadium cannot be used for Euro 2012, to be hosted jointly with Poland, unless construction of a nearby shopping centre is ha

Ireland admits to lying over squad withdrawl (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Manchester City midfielder Stephen Ireland has today admitted to lying about the circumstances of his withdrawal from the Republic of Ireland squad.

Emre apologises for press box hand gesture (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Newcastle United midfielder Emre has issued a public apology after a launching a furious tirade at the Turkish media.

Irish FA to investigate alleged flight bust-up (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Irish Football Association president Raymond Kennedy is looking into the incident between Keith Gillespie and George McCartney as a matter of urgency.

Lithuania's Mikoliunas hit with UEFA charge (Sep 13, 2007 23:32 GMT)
UEFA have charged Lithuania's Hearts midfielder Saulius Mikoliunas with misconduct after reviewing video evidence of the penalty he won against Scotland.

Phil apologises but accuses Serb defender (Sep 13, 2007 22:45 GMT)
Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari apologised on Thursday for lashing out at Ivica Dragutinovic after Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier but said the Serbian defender had insulted his family.

Serbia remain hopeful after draw in Portugal (Sep 13, 2007 20:32 GMT)
Serbia kept alive their hopes of reaching the Euro 2008 finals with a 1-1 draw in Portugal on Wednesday, in a match that was marred by ugly scenes at the final whistle.

Bilic in confident mood after Andorra thrashing (Sep 13, 2007 20:30 GMT)
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic was delighted with the team's effervescent performance in a 6-0 rout of Andorra on Wednesday that kept them in pole position to reach the Euro 2008 finals in Austria and Swi

Ukraine boss blames press for Italy defeat (Sep 13, 2007 20:27 GMT)
Coach Oleg Blokhin has blamed journalists for Ukraine's disappointing Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, accusing them of putting a curse on his team.

We must remain positive, insists Worthington (Sep 13, 2007 15:57 GMT)
Nigel Worthington refused to be despondent despite Northern Ireland now only having an outside chance of reaching Euro 2008.

Richardson: Sweden celebrate a beautiful own goal (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sweden are celebrating as Northern Ireland falter, says Egan Richardson.

Euro hosts Austria extend winless run to eight (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Euro 2008 co-hosts Austria extended their miserable run of form with a 2-0 friendly defeat at home to Chile on Tuesday.

Healy return to training to boosts Norn Iron (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington has been given a triple boost ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier against Iceland on Wednesday.

Laporta: Countries should pay clubs for players (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Barcelona president Joan Laporta said on Tuesday that national teams should compensate clubs for the use of their players.

Healy limps out of training to give Irish injury scare (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Record scorer David Healy limped out of training today to give Northern Ireland a scare ahead of their Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday against Iceland.

Finnan out of Ireland qualifier with Czechs (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has confirmed defender Steve Finnan will miss Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic through injury.

Injured Koumas out of Slovakia game (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wigan Athletic midfielder Jason Koumas is out of Wales' trip to face Slovakia in Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Trnava, but skipper Craig Bellamy is expected to join up with John Toshack's squad.

Ireland Euro bid not over yet, insists Dunne (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Republic of Ireland defender Richard Dunne insists his side still have every chance of qualifying for Euro 2008 despite their injury-time heartbreak against Slovakia on Saturday.

Skipper Bellamy returns to boost Wales (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wales are hoping captain Craig Bellamy links up with the squad, ahead of the Euro 2008 qualifier with Slovakia. The striker has spent the last three days at the bedside of his recently born daughter.

Staunton: We'll pick ourselves up for Wednesday (Sep 9, 2007 22:34 GMT)
Steve Staunton's Republic of Ireland side headed to Prague today determined to quickly banish the disappointment of their failure to hold out for three priceless Euro 2008 qualifying points in Slovaki

Wales hoping to welcome back skipper Bellamy (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Wales captain Craig Bellamy has contacted national team boss John Toshack tonight and said after all that he may well be able to travel with the squad to Slovakia tomorrow.

Two wins and we're through, insists Ballack (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic, whose team stayed top of Group E by beating Estonia in their Euro 2008 qualifier, believes he needs two more wins to secure a berth at next year's tournament.

Injured Ireland withdraws from Republic squad (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Stephen Ireland has withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague.

Staunton upbeat despite devastated players (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton admitted his players were 'absolutely devastated' after an injury-time goal robbed them of victory in their Euro 2008 qualifier in Slovakia.

Northern Ireland boss rues 'lack of passion' (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nigel Worthington accused his Northern Ireland side of lacking passion as they suffered a shock defeat against Latvia in a Euro 2008 qualifier.

Ireland woe as Finnan withdraws from squad (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton faces a defensive headache following Steve Finnan's withdrawal from the squad for Saturday's crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Slovakia with a knee injury.

Finnan ruled out for Republic with knee injury (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Republic of Ireland defender Steve Finnan has been ruled out of his country's crunch Euro 2008 qualifier in Slovakia on Saturday with a knee injury.

Ukraine president throws 2012 into doubt (Sep 5, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Ukraine's president has accused the ex-Soviet state's government of failing to take seriously the huge tasks of preparing for the 2012 European soccer championships, to be staged jointly with Poland.

Drunken Danish fan gets suspended sentence (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The drunken Danish fan who attacked the referee in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Sweden in June was handed a suspended 30-day prison sentence by a Copenhagen court on Tuesday.

Ukraine coach laments injuries before qualifiers (Sep 4, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko is just one of a series of injury concerns Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin has been left with ahead of his team's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Georgia and Italy.

Injured Charisteas out of Greece squad (Sep 3, 2007 21:50 GMT)
Nuremberg striker Angelos Charisteas will miss Greece's Euro 2008 qualifier against Norway after failing to recover from the muscle strain that ruled him out of the friendly match against Spain.

Ukraine boss demands action on new stadium (Sep 3, 2007 18:31 GMT)
Ukraine's top soccer official has hit out at the time it has taken to resolve a row that could prevent the use of Kiev's main stadium in the 2012 European championship.

Staunton loses two players to injury (Sep 3, 2007 16:46 GMT)
Goalkeeper Wayne Henderson and winger Alan O'Brien have withdrawn from the Republic of Ireland squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Slovakia and Czech Republic.

Denmark call up Sorensen despite injury (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Denmark coach Morten Olsen named a 23-man squad on Monday for the Euro 2008 Group F qualifiers against Sweden and Liechtenstein later this month.

Slovakia lose striker ahead of double-header (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Nuremberg striker Robert Vittek has been ruled out of Slovakia's next two Euro 2008 Group D qualifiers against Ireland and Wales because of a knee injury.

Tosh anger after withdrawal of Collins (Sep 3, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Sunderland defender Danny Collins' Wales career has been thrown into serious doubt for the second time after he clearly upset John Toshack with a late squad withdrawal.

Ljungberg withdraws from Sweden squad (Sep 2, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Freddie Ljungberg has pulled out of Sweden's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifier against Denmark next Saturday because of injury - he has been struggling with a groin problem.


Women's World Cup
Canales: Solo made the scapegoat (Sep 30, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hope Solo's outburst has deflected the blame from the real culprit for the U.S. team's failure, coach Greg Ryan, writes Andrea Canales.

Germany chases history in final (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
No women's team has been able to successfully defend a World Cup or Olympic title. Never has a team looked as likely to do so as Germany.

Canales: Third place isn't the charm (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The third-place game against Norway is largely just a chance for the U.S. to salvage some pride, writes Andrea Canales.

Jackson: Solo left standing alone (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Hope Solo's plight in China at the World Cup shouldn't have become a solo act. Her teammates should have stuck by her long before her on-camera rant, writes Melanie Jackson.

Solo won't be with U.S. Sunday; Scurry gets start (Sep 29, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Outspoken U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo will not be with the team for Sunday's third-place game against Norway in the Women's World Cup.

U.S. undecided on goalkeeper for third-place game (Sep 28, 2007 07:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Greg Ryan is mum on who will start in goal against Norway in Sunday's third-place game at the Women's World Cup.

Canales: Women's World Cup final preview (Sep 28, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The flair of Brazil, the ruthless efficiency of the Germans. The World Cup final (Sunday 8 a.m. ET, ESPN2) promises to be a classic, writes Andrea Canales.

Solo sorry, says she didn't mean to criticize Scurry (Sep 28, 2007 07:00 GMT)
U.S. women's soccer coach Greg Ryan is looking to patch things up with goalkeeper Hope Solo.

Purdy: Five things I think about the U.S. team (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The U.S. was expected to sweep all before it but failed miserably in the semifinals. Jacqueline Purdy with her thoughts on the U.S. loss to Brazil.

Hays: Solo's future with the U.S. team undetermined (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
After some pointed postgame criticism of Greg Ryan, Hope Solo's future with the U.S. team is unclear, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: U.S. vs. Brazil recap (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Greg Ryan's decision to change goalkeepers overshadowed one simple fact. Brazil are a far better team than the U.S., writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Lilly still contributing despite lack of goals (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The goals have yet to flow as expected for Kristine Lilly in this World Cup, but the U.S. isn't concerned, writes Graham Hays.

U.S. swaps goalies for World Cup semifinal (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Briana Scurry will replace Hope Solo as goalkeeper when the United States plays Brazil with a spot in the women's World Cup final on the line.

Hays: Ryan gambles on Scurry against Brazil (Sep 26, 2007 07:00 GMT)
By opting for Briana Scurry against Brazil, Greg Ryan has made the biggest gamble of his coaching career, writes Graham Hays.

Sources: U.S. to swap goalies for World Cup semis (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
ESPN has learned that the United States women's soccer team will make a change in goal for its semifinal game against Brazil on Thursday.

Hays: Cristiane overshadowed by Marta but not forgotten (Sep 25, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil's "other" striker, Cristiane, is a dangerous force in her own right, writes Graham Hays.

Brazil leans on Marta for its title hopes (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Like just about all the great Brazilian soccer stars, Marta Vieira da Silva is known by a single name.

Canales: Women's World Cup semifinal preview (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Women's World Cup semifinal matchups are set. Bet on the U.S. and Germany to emerge, writes Andrea Canales.

Hays: U.S. vs. Brazil preview (Sep 24, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil is lauded for its flair, but the U.S. is prepared for a physical matchup (Thursday 8 a.m. ET, ESPN2), writes Graham Hays.

U.S. expects struggle against Brazil (Sep 23, 2007 07:00 GMT)
U.S. coach Greg Ryan is bracing for Brazil. He knows the semifinal will be rough, smoothed a bit by the artistry of Marta, the game's best female player.

Hays: Gulbrandsen back with a vengeance for Norway (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
After taking time out to have her baby, Norway's Solveig Gulbrandsen is back to her best, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: U.S. vs. England recap (Sep 22, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The insertion of midfielder Leslie Obsorne into the starting lineup was the key to the U.S. win against England, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Smith gives England a cutting edge (Sep 21, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England's success depends on the play of Kelly Smith. So far, she's lived up to expectations, writes Graham Hays.

U.S. and England renew friendships (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
American Cat Whitehill spotted her English friend Rachel Unitt in the hotel lobby and jumped off the sofa to give her a bear hug.

Purdy: Five things I think about the quarterfinals (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
An upset is in the making and Yolanda the Panda could be a difference-maker. Jacqueline Purdy with her thoughts on the quarterfinal matchups.

Canales: Women's World Cup quarterfinal preview (Sep 20, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The Women's World Cup has reached the quarterfinal stage with some appetizing matchups to watch, writes Andrea Canales.

Canales: Claiming ownership of the beautiful game (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Marta gets all the publicity, but the Brazilian team is strong across the board, writes Andrea Canales.

Chalupny experiences good and bad in China (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Lori Chalupny has experienced three decisive moments in China.

Hays: U.S. vs. England preview (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The U.S. will need to rediscover its offensive rhythm if it hopes to defeat England (Saturday, 8 a.m. ET, ESPN2), writes Graham Hays.

Two World Cup games postponed until Thursday (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The two Women's World Cup matches scheduled for Wednesday have been postponed for a day, team officials said.

Typhoon derails Women's World Cup schedule (Sep 19, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Today's women's World Cup group games in China between Australia and Canada and China and New Zealand have been put back one day due to a typhoon in the region.

Hays: U.S. vs. Nigeria recap (Sep 18, 2007 07:00 GMT)
In the win against Nigeria, the U.S. women's national team played its best possession soccer of the opening round, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: U.S. and European grip on World Cup might be waning (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
North Korea and Brazil could be the teams that end the domination of the World Cup by the U.S. and Europe, writes Graham Hays.

Burns Ortiz: Marta's talent is unquestioned (Sep 17, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Only 21, Brazil's Marta is already the best player in the world and a transcendent talent, writes Maria Burns Ortiz.

Hays: U.S. vs. Nigeria preview (Sep 16, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The U.S. women can't take their final Group B opponent Nigeria (Tuesday, 8 a.m. ET, ESPN) for granted, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Ellertson arrives on the World Stage (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Tina Ellertson could have played for Ghana, but she opted for the U.S. She hasn't regretted her decision, writes Graham Hays.

Denmark coach banned for two games (Sep 15, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Denmark's coach received a two-game suspension Saturday for ``physical contact'' with an assistant referee, adding another incident to the team's turbulent World Cup campaign.

Hays: U.S. vs. Sweden recap (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The key to the U.S. win over Sweden was coach Greg Ryan's willingness to experiment with lineup changes, writes Graham Hays.

Denmark team demands more answers (Sep 14, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Denmark demanded more answers Friday following a FIFA investigation into why two men with video cameras were hiding behind a two-way mirror in the team's meeting room.

Powell confident England can shock Germany (Sep 13, 2007 22:51 GMT)
Hope Powell is confident England can compete against the best in the world as they prepare for their crucial World Cup Group A clash with Germany tomorrow.

U.S. awaits crucial test against Sweden (Sep 13, 2007 21:38 GMT)
Abby Wambach's bloody head has been stitched, and her toe needs to be numbed before games.

FIFA take no action in Danish 'spying' case (Sep 13, 2007 18:43 GMT)
FIFA has opted against taking any action after Denmark officials asked soccer's governing body to probe security at the Women's World Cup after men were found covertly filming a 'tactical session' at

Watching Women's World Cup a challenge (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
In the sports lull of late June and early July, the 1999 Women's World Cup gained a foothold in fans' attention spans.

Australia's Walsh employs shoe-phone celebration (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Australian striker Sarah Walsh is very quick, and in the Matildas' opening 4-1 win over Ghana she saved her fastest burst for a sprint to the bench to celebrate her opening goal.

England's Smith won't kiss boots again (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
England forward Kelly Smith will not be kissing her soccer boots if she scores again at the Women's World Cup.

Purdy: Five things I think (Sep 13, 2007 07:00 GMT)
North Korea is for real and England's Kelly Smith might be the second-best player in the world. Jacqueline Purdy with her thoughts on the World Cup so far.

World Cup roundup: Interest grows in China (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The World Cup has sparked some interest in women's soccer in China, where the sport is generally thought of as a game for boys.

Hays: U.S. vs. Sweden preview (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The U.S. women take on a familiar opponent, Sweden, in a critical matchup (Friday, 5 a.m ET., ESPN), writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Sweden's hopes hinge on veteran striker duo (Sep 12, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Beset by injuries, Sweden will depend more than ever on strikers Hanna Ljungberg and Victoria Svensson , writes Graham Hays.

Blatter favors Women's World Cup expansion (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
FIFA president Sepp Blatter favors expanding the Women's World Cup to 24 teams despite the 11-0 rout in the tournament opener.

Hays: U.S. vs. North Korea recap (Sep 11, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The North Koreans lived up their billing as a possible dark horse as the U.S. was fortunate to escape with a draw, writes Graham Hays.

Host China enters World Cup amid criticism (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
For China, the women's World Cup is another opportunity to boost its sports stature before the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Hays: Lloyd and Chalupny key midfield offense (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
To alleviate the offensive burden, Lori Chalupny and Carli Lloyd must step up for the U.S. in midfield, writes Graham Hays.

North Korea poses threat to U.S. (Sep 10, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The American women are about to meet soccer's "mystery" team.

North Korea a tournament dark horse (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
North Korea rarely allows its less-than-average men's soccer team to participate in international tournaments. The secretive Stalinist state has no such qualms about its high-performing women.

Germany seeking second straight title (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
When Germany's women played their first international soccer game 25 years ago, school kids were bused in to fill the stands and the public was at best bemused by the sight.

Hays: U.S. vs. North Korea preview (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Korea DPR is a mystery but the U.S. women are expecting a tough game ( ESPN2), writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Wambach blazes a new trail (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Following in Mia Hamm's footsteps was never going to be easy, but Abby Wambach has blazed her own trail, writes Graham Hays.

U.S. experiences Panda-mania at breeding center (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The American women's World Cup team has stayed away from one local specialty in China's southwestern Sichuan province _ the red-hot food.

U.S. enters women's World Cup as favorites (Sep 8, 2007 07:00 GMT)
The top-ranked Americans are favored to win it all, but few back home have seemed to notice.

ESPN talent picks WWC winners (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Who will triumph in China? ESPN analysts take a stab at predicting the winner of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Hays: On Leslie Osborne (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Although she's not a starter, Leslie Osborne just might be the second-best defensive midfielder in the world, writes Graham Hays.

Hays: Wambach ready to go (Sep 6, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Abby Wambach is ready to go, despite a slight toe injury picked up against Finland, writes Graham Hays.


World Cup 2010
Dunga: Qualifiers are more difficult than finals (Sep 27, 2007 07:00 GMT)
Brazil coach Dunga said the qualifying competition was more difficult than the World Cup itself on Thursday as he named his squad for the first two games on the road to the 2010 finals in South Africa

Players brawl after Venezuela hold Panama (Sep 13, 2007 21:52 GMT)
Players punched and kicked each other in an ugly brawl after Venezuela converted an injury-time penalty to draw 1-1 with Panama in a friendly international.

Dunga delighted to gain victory over Mexico (Sep 13, 2007 21:50 GMT)
Brazil coach Dunga was glad to put the record straight after his team beat Mexico 3-1 to avenge a 2-0 Copa America defeat less than three months ago.

Ecuador hit five past nine-man El Salvador (Sep 9, 2007 20:09 GMT)
Striker Cristian Benitez scored twice to help Ecuador to a crushing 5-1 win over nine-man El Salvador. The visitors were beaten by the same score on their previous visit to South America.

S Africa 1-3 Zambia: Quickfire Katongo hat-trick (Sep 9, 2007 07:00 GMT)
A hat-trick inside the opening 20 minutes from captain Chris Katongo steered Zambia to a 3-1 win over South Africa on Sunday and a place at next year's African Nations Cup finals.

Vanuatu progress in World Cup qualifiers (Sep 8, 2007 18:45 GMT)
New Caledonia claimed gold in the South Pacific Games football tournament on Friday while Vanuatu won a playoff to progress in the World Cup.

Two African nations withdraw from World Cup (Sep 8, 2007 18:38 GMT)
The Central African Republic and Sao Tome e Principe have pulled out of the 2010 World Cup, precipitating a change in the first phase of the African qualifiers which begins next month.

Beckenbauer boosts S.Africa 2010 World Cup effort (Sep 7, 2007 07:00 GMT)
FIFA member Franz Beckenbauer is confident South Africa will host a successful World Cup in 2010 despite the country's crime problem and other challenges clouding its preparations.