COLUMN-Soccer-Nations-Players get it right but not officials (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Brian Homewood
Goals starting to come for Twellman in U.S. uniform (AP)
February 9, 2006Scoring goals always came easy for Taylor Twellman -- until he started suiting up with the U.S. national team. The deft touch around the net that made him one of the top scorers in MLS with the New England Revolution deserted him in international matches. The player Eric Wynalda once predicted would break the U.S.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Juve prepare to call time on Inter's Serie A bid (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By James Eve
PREVIEW-Soccer-Arsenal desperate to get the better of Bolton (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Mitch Phillips
PREVIEW-Soccer-Injury-plagued Lyon aim to restore supremacy (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Pierre Serisier
Nigeria 1, Senegal 0 (AP)
February 9, 2006Nigeria defeated Senegal 1-0 Thursday night to finish third in the African Cup of Nations. Garba Lawal scored in the 79th minute as both teams used several players who had not been regular starters. Egypt and Ivory Coast play in the final Friday. Egypt beat Senegal 2-1 in the semifinals, and Ivory Coast defeated Nigeria 1-0.
Espanyol 2, Deportivo de La Coruna 1 (AP)
February 9, 2006Walter Pandiani scored in the final minute Thursday night, giving Espanyol a 2-1 victory over Deportivo de La Coruna in the first leg of the Spanish King's Cup semifinals. Pandiani scored after Luis Garcia's shot rebounded off teammate Ferran Corominas. Ruben Castro put Deportivo ahead when he converted a penalty kick in the fifth minute, and Garcia tied the score with a penalty kick in the 56th.
It's time for homegrown England manager, says Richards (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Football Association vice-chairman Dave Richards, a member of the panel which will find Sven-Goran Eriksson's successor as England manager, says he would prefer a homegrown appointment.
England boss should be a Brit, says selector
February 9, 2006England boss should be a Brit, says selector
by England
AFCON: Nigeria beat Senegal for third place
February 9, 2006African Cup: Garba Lawal scored to give Nigeria a 1-0 win over Senegal Thursday and take third place in the African Cup of Nations. The midfielder struck in the 79th minute during a lackluster playoff.
Ronaldinho ban stands after Barcelona appeal fails
February 9, 2006FC Barcelona failed with an appeal to have Ronaldinho's one-match suspension rescinded by the Spanish soccer federation on Thursday. The Brazil forward will miss the Spanish league leader's clash with second-place Valencia on Sunday. Ronaldinho was suspended after being ejected for a stamp on Zaragoza's Ruben "Cani" Gracia during a Copa del Rey quarterfinal second leg on Feb. 1. Barcelona was eliminated 5-4 on aggregate.
Valencia bids to improve title chances
February 9, 2006Spanish Preview: In-form Valencia has an opportunity to boost its title credentials on Sunday when it hosts Spanish league leader FC Barcelona.
Stuttgart sack Trapattoni (AFP)
February 9, 2006Veteran Italian manager Giovanni Trapattoni was sacked by Vfb Stuttgart, the German first division club announced.
Late Pandiani goal helps Espanyol defeat Depor (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Simon Baskett
International future of Jamaica's Whitmore in doubt (AFP)
February 9, 2006Theodore Whitmore, Jamaica's hero in the 1998 FIFA World Cup finals in France where he scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Japan, has hinted he is quitting international football.
For now, war-torn Ivory Coast unites behind its 'Elephants' (AP)
February 9, 2006An African proverb holds that "when the elephants fight, the grass suffers" -- meaning that warmaking by leaders only ends up injuring their people. These days, however, plodding pachyderms symbolize hope for peace in war-torn Ivory Coast. The war is in part over who can legitimately claim to be Ivorian, with northerners complaining they are treated as foreigners in their own country by...
German coach Klinsmann unhappy with new technical director (SportsTicker)
February 9, 2006FRANKFURT, Germany (Ticker) - Germany's World Cup preparations have been disrupted after coach Jurgen Klinsmann spoke out against the appointment of Matthias Sammer as the national team's technical director.
Zaragoza fined for racist abuse of Betis striker Robert (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Real Zaragoza have been fined 600 euros ($718.7) by the Spanish Football Federation after a section of their fans directed racist insults at Brazilian forward Robert during last Sunday's league match against Real Betis.
Ailton out for up to 10 weeks (AFP)
February 9, 2006SV Hamburg's Brazil striker Ailton will be out for up to 10 weeks after undergoing surgery Thursday on a broken jaw sustained in Wednesday night's Bundesliga game at Hannover.
Nigeria beat Senegal to third place in Nations Cup (AFP)
February 9, 2006Nigeria defeated Senegal 1-0 to win the third-place playoff of the African Nations Cup.
Copa Del Rey: El Rifle shoots down Depor
February 9, 2006Late Pandiani goal helps Espanyol beat Deportivo
by Europe
Hearts players to meet Romanov for talks
February 9, 2006Hearts players to meet Romanov for talks
by Europe
Nigeria 1-0 Senegal: Okocha bows out with win
February 9, 2006Nigeria 1-0 Senegal: Okocha bows out with win
by Global
AFCON: Egypt takes on Ivory Coast
February 9, 2006AFCON Final: Host Egypt will be looking to capitalize on its success and the relentless support of millions of fans in Friday's African Cup of Nations final. First though, it must deal with Ivory Coast's Chelsea hitman Didier Drogba.
McLeish to leave Rangers at end of season
February 9, 2006Glasgow Rangers said Thursday that manager Alex McLeish will quit at the end of the season. Chairman David Murray said McLeish's departure had been agreed early last month and scheduled for announcement after Feb. 22's Champions League meeting with Villarreal.
Altercation between coach and reporter gets nasty
February 9, 2006Palmeiras coach Emerson Leao spent time at a police station Thursday after a fight with a reporter in his team's match against Guarani in the Sao Paulo state championship.
Juventus and Inter heading for showdown
February 9, 2006Juventus and Inter Milan both have regrets as they prepare for Sunday's showdown.
UEFA to test referee communication system
February 9, 2006UEFA will test a system which allows referees to communicate directly with their assistants and fourth officials until the end of the season. Officials will be equipped with a microphone and earpiece so they can talk to each other at all times and hear what is happening on the pitch, European soccer's governing body said Thursday. The trial, which was originally proposed by UEFA's referees committee, will start in four UEFA Cup matches next week.
Kewell: Our heads are hanging
February 9, 2006Liverpool players should "hang their heads in shame" following the Premiership defeat at Charlton, according to Harry Kewell.
Paletta set for Reds talks
February 9, 2006Argentinian club Banfield have announced defender Gabriel Paletta will travel to England at the weekend to open talks with Liverpool.
Madrid refuses to give up
February 9, 2006Real Madrid's coach and players retain hopes of reaching the Copa del Rey final despite their 6-1 thrashing by Zaragoza in the semifinal first-leg. "I'm certain that for cowards this semifinal is now decided. But this is a team with a lot of pride, ability and hope," Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro.
Rangers already have McLeish replacement
February 9, 2006Rangers already have McLeish replacement
by Europe
Arsenal's Campbell out for 'two or three weeks'
February 9, 2006Arsenal's Campbell out for 'two or three weeks'
by England
Villa still waiting for Djemba-Djemba return
February 9, 2006Villa still waiting for Djemba-Djemba return
by England
Former England boss Greenwood dies, aged 84
February 9, 2006Former England boss Greenwood dies, aged 84
by England
Shilton pays tribute to Greenwood
February 9, 2006Shilton pays tribute to Greenwood
by England
Liverpool to open talks over Paletta transfer
February 9, 2006Liverpool to open talks over Paletta transfer
by England
Michel banishes demons to make Natons final
February 9, 2006Michel banishes demons to make Natons final
by Mark Gleeson
Controversial referee handed Nations Cup final
February 9, 2006Controversial referee handed Nations Cup final
by Mark Gleeson
WADA out to force FIFA into changing drugs code
February 9, 2006WADA out to force FIFA into changing drugs code
by Karolos Grohmann
McLeish to leave Rangers at end of season (AFP)
February 9, 2006Alex McLeish will leave Rangers at the end of the season, the club confirmed.
Nations-Lawal's goal gives Nigeria third at Nations Cup (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Midfielder Garba Lawal ensured a third-place finish for Nigeria at the African Nations Cup, scoring 11 minutes from time to settle the playoff match against Senegal 1-0 on Thursday.
European soccer to test referee communication system (AP)
February 9, 2006European soccer will test a system that allows referees to communicate directly with their assistants and fourth officials until the end of the season. Officials will be equipped with a microphone and earpiece so they can talk to each other at all times and hear what is happening on the field, European soccer's governing body said Thursday.
Fresh woe for Campbell as defender ruled out by injury (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Sol Campbell's troubled season took a turn for the worse on Thursday when an ankle injury ruled out the England and Arsenal defender for at least two weeks.
German armed forced won't be used for World Cup security (AP)
February 9, 2006Germany won't use its armed forces to aid security during this summer's World Cup. All security measures other than the army, however, will be employed for the June 9-July 9 soccer tournament, Defense Minister Franz Josef Jung said. Germany's constitution after 1945 prohibits the use of armed forces for domestic security.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Barca stutter adds extra spice to Valencia clash (Reuters)
February 9, 2006In MADRID story headlined 'PREVIEW-Soccer-Barca stutter adds extra spice to Valencia clash' please read dateline as Feb 9... instead of... Feb 10 (correcting date).
Madrid refuses to give up
February 9, 2006Real Madrid's coach and players retain hopes of reaching the Copa del Rey final despite their 6-1 thrashing by Zaragoza in the semifinal first-leg. "I'm certain that for cowards this semifinal is now decided. But this is a team with a lot of pride, ability and hope," Madrid coach Juan Ramon Lopez Caro.
Juventus and Inter heading for showdown in Serie A
February 9, 2006Juventus and Inter Milan both have regrets as they prepare for Sunday's showdown.
Benjani targets United's scalp
February 9, 2006Record signing Benjani Mwaruwari believes Portsmouth can beat Manchester United and insists he will start scoring the goals to beat relegation from the Premiership.
Galaxy trade forward King to Rapids
February 9, 2006The Los Angeles Galaxy traded forward Aaron King, the final player chosen in last month's Major League Soccer draft, to the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday in exchange for a first-round choice in the 2007 supplemental draft.
Ankle injury could delay Sol's return to action
February 9, 2006Ankle injury could delay Sol's return to action
by England
Benitez vows Reds will learn from mistakes
February 9, 2006Benitez vows Reds will learn from mistakes
by England
McClaren cautious after victory over Coventry
February 9, 2006McClaren cautious after victory over Coventry
by England
Beckham: England coach doesn't have to be English
February 9, 2006Beckham: England coach doesn't have to be English
by World Cup
Rotherham could face closure within weeks
February 9, 2006Rotherham could face closure within weeks
by England
Newell turns down Leicester job to stay with Hatters
February 9, 2006Newell turns down Leicester job to stay with Hatters
by England
Furious Mido hits out at Egypt 'amateurs'
February 9, 2006Furious Mido hits out at Egypt 'amateurs'
by Global
Comedy cure suggested for Roma's racist fans
February 9, 2006Comedy cure suggested for Roma's racist fans
by Europe
Zaragoza determined to finish off Real Madrid
February 9, 2006Zaragoza determined to finish off Real Madrid
by Simon Baskett
Morales steals late Libertadores win for Guadalajara
February 9, 2006Morales steals late Libertadores win for Guadalajara
by Global
Weakened Corinthians lose at Sao Caetano
February 9, 2006Weakened Corinthians lose at Sao Caetano
by Gareth Chetwynd
River win to close in on leading pack
February 9, 2006River win to close in on leading pack
by Global
UEFA change Artmedia-Levski Cup venue (Reuters)
February 9, 2006UEFA has moved the venue of Artmedia Bratislava's UEFA Cup tie against Levski Sofia on Feb. 15 to the Ernst Happel stadium in Vienna because of frozen pitches in Slovakia, the Bulgarian club said on their website on Thursday.
Nations-Moment of pride beckons for Drogba (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Trevor Huggins
Embattled Gaydamak says he is committed to Betar (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Ori Lewis
Former England manager Ron Greewood dies aged 84 (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Former England soccer manager Ron Greenwood has died at the age of 84 after a long illness, Sky Sports News reported on Thursday.
Romania to investigate alleged illegal transfer abroad (Reuters)
February 9, 2006The Romanian Soccer Federation (FRF) is investigating an allegedly illegal transfer abroad, an FRF official said on Thursday.
Nations-Ivory Coast's Michel makes the final at last (Reuters)
February 9, 2006By Mark Gleeson
Bremen goalkeeper Reinke has facial surgery (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Werder Bremen keeper Andreas Reinke has had surgery to repair facial injuries sustained in a collision during Wednesday's Bundesliga match at VfB Stuttgart.
Villarreal keeper Viera to remove trademark baseball cap (Reuters)
February 9, 2006Villarreal goalkeeper Sebastian Viera says he will be ditching his trademark white baseball cap after facing criticisms for his performances in recent matches.
Should MLS '86' Houston '36? Perhaps ...
February 9, 2006Racism in soccer is not only relegated to the fields of Europe. Even here in the United States says FSC's Jamie Trecker, a new team name like "Houston 1836" can stir up the wrong type of press and send the wrong message. Is there hope for MLS commissioner Don Garber to salvage the situation in Houston?
Sao Caetano rallies to beat Corinthians
February 9, 2006Midfielder Leandro Lima scored three minutes into second-half injury time, completing Sao Caetano's rally to upset Corinthians 2-1 in the Sao Paulo state championship on Wednesday.
Catolica downs Tigres 3-2 in Copa Libertadores
February 9, 2006Copa Libertadores : Jorge Quinteros headed in a goal in each half Wednesday to give Universidad Catolica a 3-2 win over Tigres in the opening Group 4 game of the Copa Libertadores. In other matches Nacional beat UNAM and Chivas escaped with a 1-0 victory over Cienciano.
CTL: Nacional of Uruguay downs UNAM
February 9, 2006Copa Libertadores: Gonzalo Castro scored a goal in each half and Nacional of Uruguay beat Mexico's Pumas UNAM 2-0 Wednesday night, the opening Copa Libertadores match for both sides. Nacional dominated from the outset, taking the lead in the 16th minute.