Totti to only play in World Cup if fully fit
February 20, 2006Italy forward Francesco Totti says he'll only play in the World Cup if he's fully recovered from a leg injury. The AS Roma captain fractured his fibula and strained ligaments in his left ankle after being tackled from behind during Sunday's Serie A match with Empoli.
English FA Cup final will not be held at new Wembley Stadium, Multiplex says (AP)
February 20, 2006The Australian construction group Multiplex said Tuesday that the English Football Association has decided to move FA Cup final from Wembley Stadium, fearing it would not be completed in time for the game on May 13. The reconstruction of Wembley, England's national stadium, started in September 2002.
Multiplex say FA Cup final to be moved from Wembley to Cardiff (AFP)
February 20, 2006Australian construction giant Multiplex said the English Football Association (FA) will transfer the FA Cup final from Wembley to its reserve venue, the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Barcelona's Ronaldinho wants revenge against Chelsea (SportsTicker)
February 20, 2006BARCELONA, Spain (Ticker) - Barcelona striker Ronaldinho has been tormented by the Champions League loss to Chelsea a year ago and is determined to prevent a repeat this week at Stamford Bridge.
Italian M-F Totti undergoes surgery (SportsTicker)
February 20, 2006ROME (Ticker) - Roma playmaker Francesco Totti is hopeful of recovering from an injury in time to take his place at the World Cup in Germany.
Wenger has high hopes for Henry (AFP)
February 20, 2006Arsenal coach Arsenal Wenger relieves that his unsettled French striker Thierry Henry could be the key to success or failure against Real Madrid in their Champions League last 16 tie.
Smith pulls out of Scotland squad (AFP)
February 20, 2006Aberdeen's top scorer Jamie Smith has been forced to withdraw from the Scotland squad to play Switzerland in a friendly at Hampden on March 1 with a hamstring injury.
Wembley will not open for FA Cup Final
February 20, 2006Wembley will not open for FA Cup Final
by England
Wenger counting on captain marvel Henry
February 20, 2006Wenger counting on captain marvel Henry
by England
FA Cup favourites avoid quarter-final clash
February 20, 2006Favourites avoid quarter-final clash
by England
CL: Can Milan bust Bayern's home form?
February 20, 2006AC Milan will have to prove Bayern Munich isn't invincible at home in Wednesday's Champions League encounter. Bayern moved into Allianz Arena this season - a 70,000-seat stadium that will host the World Cup opener - and has won all 15 matches there, including its Champions League games. "I am very curious," Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said. "And I would love to inaugurate the stadium with a win." Milan can rely on a streak of its own against four-time European winner Bayern.
CL: Injury-hit Arsenal faces in-form Real
February 20, 2006Real Madrid's David Beckham is wary of an Arsenal side in need of a title when the teams meet Tuesday in the Champions League's first knockout stage at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Ronaldo doesn't feel at home at the Bernabeu
February 20, 2006Real Madrid striker Ronaldo says he doesn't feel loved by the club's fans and will decide at the end of the season whether to leave. Spectators at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium whistled and booed Ronaldo when he was substituted in the 58th minute in Saturday's league match against Alaves. "I have never felt at home in the Bernabeu," leading radio station Ser quoted Ronaldo as saying on Monday. "The whistling may influence my decision (whether to leave).
CL: Reds look to keep momentum at Benfica
February 20, 2006Liverpool is on a roll after a string of victories in domestic competition. On Tuesday, it resumes its Champions League campaign as strong favorite against a Benfica side reeling from a series of bad results. The defending European champion has built momentum with a win over Manchester United in the FA Cup for the first time in 85 years on Saturday and triumphs over Wigan and Arsenal in the Premier League which lifted the club into third place.
Barcelona looking for revenge against Chelsea
February 20, 2006Barcelona has unfinished business against Chelsea. The Spanish giant gets a chance to atone for its early exit from Europe last season on Wednesday when the Champions League resumes after a 2 1/2-month break.
Der Kaiser: Trinidad could surprise England
February 20, 2006Franz Beckenbauer opened his meeting with Trinidad's Prime Minister on Monday with a vote of confidence for the smallest country in this year's World Cup finals. "You're going to beat England right?" asked the World Cup organizing committee president. Prime Minister Patrick Manning said: "We'll do our best." Beckenbauer, the only person to have won the World Cup as a player and coach, was visiting the Caribbean two-island republic of 1.3 million for the organizing committee's welcome tour.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle in FA Cup quarters
February 20, 2006Premier League champion Chelsea will host Newcastle in an FA Cup quarterfinal next month.
Wenger expecting Arsenal youngsters to spring a surprise (Reuters)
February 20, 2006By Simon Baskett
If Fergie is having a dig, I must be doing something right: Benitez (AFP)
February 20, 2006Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez brushed aside Sir Alex Ferguson's jibe that his side had played for only "five minutes" in Saturday's FA Cup victory at Anfield.
Roma captain Totti upbeat after surgery (AFP)
February 20, 2006Roma coach Luciano Spalletti said he was surprised by the cheery mood of striker Francesco Totti after the Italian international striker underwent major surgery on his badly-injured left leg.
Milan coach wants goals against Bayern (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Coach Carlo Ancelotti insists AC Milan will go all-out for victory in Tuesday's Champions League knockout game at Bayern Munich.
Inter striker Cruz extends contract until 2008 (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Inter Milan striker Julio Cruz has extended his contract until the end of June 2008, the Serie A side said on its website on Monday.
Werder's Klose confident of playing against Juventus (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Werder Bremen's German international striker Miroslav Klose is confident of being fit to play in Wednesday's Champions League match against Juventus.
Chelsea standing in way of Shearer Cup dream (AFP)
February 20, 2006Premiership champions Chelsea were left standing in the way of Alan Shearer's dreams of leading Newcastle United to FA Cup glory after the clubs were drawn together Monday in the quarter-finals.
Hammers star Ferdinand laughs off Barca talk
February 20, 2006Hammers star Ferdinand laughs off Barca talk
by England
Seven held following violence after Stoke FA Cup tie
February 20, 2006Seven held following violence after Stoke FA Cup tie
by England
Villarreal confident against 'weakest link' Rangers
February 20, 2006Villarreal confident against 'weakest link' Rangers
by UEFA Champions League
Kingpin Riquelme returns to Villareal squad
February 20, 2006Kingpin Riquelme returns to Villareal squad
by UEFA Champions League
Todorov vindicates walk-out
February 20, 2006Portsmouth striker Svetoslav Todorov is hoping to be considered for a place in the squad to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday - despite walking out on the team before the last match.
Shenzhen Jianlibao renamed Shenzhen Kingway following investment from brewery
February 20, 2006Debt-wracked Chinese club Shenzhen was renamed Shenzhen Kingway following an injection of cash from the southern Chinese brewery that is partly owned by Holland's Heineken. Formerly known as Shenzhen Jianlibao, the 2004 China Super League champion's new owners have already raised millions of yuan (dollars; euros) by selling off its best players. Shenzhen general manager Meng Qingseng was quoted by newspapers Monday as saying Kingway had agreed to pay 40 million yuan (US$5 million; ?4.
Spurs launch new campaign
February 20, 2006Tottenham have launched a campaign to stamp out homophobic chanting at their White Hart Lane ground.
Jewell gives players credit
February 20, 2006Wigan manager Paul Jewell praised his players for reaching the club's number one target well ahead of schedule.
Wigan need new ambitions
February 20, 2006Arjan de Zeeuw admitted over-achieving Wigan will now revise their ambitions for the season after reaching the 40-point mark with a 2-2 draw at Tottenham.
FA Cup Quarter-final Draw
February 20, 2006FA Cup Quarter-final Draw
by England
Ronaldinho on revenge mission against Chelsea
February 20, 2006Ronaldinho on revenge mission against Chelsea
by UEFA Champions League
Mourinho is Chelsea's best player, claims Deco
February 20, 2006Mourinho is Chelsea's best player, claims Deco
by UEFA Champions League
Wembleygate: FA Cup final set for KO... again
February 20, 2006Wembleygate: FA Cup final set for KO... again
by England
Tottenham first to act against homophobic chants
February 20, 2006Tottenham first to act against homophobic chants
by England
Cup replay leaves Bolton facing fixture nightmare
February 20, 2006Cup replay leaves Bolton facing fixture nightmare
by England
Ronaldo drops departure bombshell on Real
February 20, 2006Ronaldo drops departure bombshell on Real
by Simon Baskett
Lippi to give Totti every chance to prove fitness
February 20, 2006Lippi to give Totti every chance to prove fitness
by World Cup
Naysmith wins recall into Scotland squad
February 20, 2006Naysmith wins recall into Scotland squad
by Europe
Borussia Dortmund cuts first half losses (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Borussia Dortmund sharply cut losses in the first half of its fiscal year, reaping the benefits of the Bundesliga club's revamp.
Soccer-Macedonia name two domestic-based players in squad (Reuters)
February 20, 2006In SKOPJE item, please read name of country in headline as Macedonia, correcting from Bulgaria.
Israel squad for friendly international v Denmark (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Israel coach Avraham Grant on Monday named the following 24-man squad for a March 1 friendly against Denmark in Tel Aviv which will be his last match in charge.
Rangers raises profit thanks to Champions League run (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Rangers have increased profit and turnover after reaching the knockout stages of the Champions League.
Chelsea vs. Newcastle in FA Cup quarters (AP)
February 20, 2006Premier League champion Chelsea will host Newcastle in an FA Cup quarterfinal next month. Chelsea, seeking its fourth FA Cup after last winning the title in 2000, beat League One Colchester 3-1 on Sunday to advance. Manager Jose Mourinho is looking to guide Chelsea to a League and FA Cup double for the first time.
Villarreal confident against 'weakest link' Rangers (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Villarreal are due to arrive in Glasgow on Monday for their Wednesday Champions League clash with a Rangers team they consider the weakest of the last 16.
Czech manager Bruckner names squad for Turkey friendlies (AFP)
February 20, 2006Czech manager Karel Bruckner has named a 28-strong squad, without injured Ajax players Tomas Galasek, Zdenek Grygera and Juventus midfield star Pavel Nedved, to play against Turkey in Izmir on March 1.
For pure football, the need is to go artificial
February 20, 2006It's hard to imagine that Chelsea, one of the world's richest clubs, is subjected weekly to one of the worst top-flight pitches in the game. FSC's Nick Webster thinks it's time to investigate artifical playing surfaces that with today's technology would simply make the game better.
Italy captain breaks leg, to miss 2-3 months
February 20, 2006Italian national team forward Francesco Totti broke his leg in Sunday's Italian league game between AS Roma and Empoli and will need 2-3 months to recover, but should return for the World Cup in June, his surgeon said. "It was a serious injury..." said Totti's doctor.
World Cup appearance in jeopardy for Totti
February 20, 2006Serie A Wrap: AS Roma beat lowly Empoli 1-0, equaling a Serie A record of 10 straight wins. However the hard-fought win at Stadio Olimpico, which lifted Roma up to fourth in the standings, was overshadowed by a gruesome injury to captain Francesco Totti.
Parreira says he could retire if Brazil wins
February 20, 2006Coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has reportedly said he could retire from professional soccer if he leads Brazil to a record sixth World Cup title in Germany later this year. "If I'm intelligent, I'll stop while I'm on top," Parreira told the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper in an interview published Sunday.
FA Cup Roundup, Feb. 19
February 20, 2006FA Cup Wrap: Chelsea overcame an own-goal and a feisty Colchester to advance to the quarterfinals of the FA Cup on Sunday with a 3-1 win. The Blues, missing eight regulars, needed two late goals from substitute Joe Cole.
FA Cup gallery, Feb. 19
February 20, 2006
Monday's Blue Gossip
February 20, 2006The Latest On Henry, Wigan Wooing And All The Other Rumours
U.S. easily defeats Guatemala in friendly
February 20, 2006USA vs. Guatemala friendly: Eddie Johnson scored his first international goal since March, and the United States routed Guatemala 4-0 Sunday to remain unbeaten this year in World Cup warmup games. The U.S. United States won its third straight game and dominated despite missing many regular starters.
USA vs. Guatemala gallery, Feb. 19
February 20, 2006
Wembleygate: FA Cup final set for KO... again
February 20, 2006Wembleygate: FA Cup final set for KO... again
by England
Mourinho offers Barca chance to escape Bridge pitch
February 20, 2006Mourinho offers Barca chance to escape Bridge pitch
by UEFA Champions League
Beckham targets swansong at 2010 World Cup
February 20, 2006Beckham targets swansong at 2010 World Cup
by World Cup
McClaren confident of strong finish for Boro
February 20, 2006McClaren confident of strong finish for Boro
by England
Pearce hails Richards after teenager's rescue act
February 20, 2006Pearce hails Richards after teenager's rescue act
by England
Villa winger Berger closes in on return to action
February 20, 2006Villa winger Berger closes in on return to action
by England
Lyon out to settle score with PSV Eindhoven
February 20, 2006Lyon out to settle score with PSV Eindhoven
by Jean-Philippe Baille
Bayern wait on Kahn fitness for Milan clash
February 20, 2006Bayern wait on Kahn fitness for Milan clash
by UEFA Champions League
Getafe claim Pernia will sign for Atletico Madrid
February 20, 2006Getafe claim Pernia will sign for Atletico Madrid
by Europe
La Liga: Comeback win lifts Valencia to second
February 20, 2006Comeback win lifts Valencia to second
by Europe
Serie A: Roma equal record with 10th-straight win
February 20, 2006Roma equal record with 10th-straight win
by Europe
United States 4-0 Guatemala: Klein wraps up win
February 20, 2006United States 4-0 Guatemala: Klein wraps up win
by World Cup
Getafe say Pernia has agreed to join Atletico (Reuters)
February 20, 2006Primera Liga side Getafe have said that their Argentine fullback Mariano Pernia has agreed to join Atletico Madrid next season.
ASEAN football bosses turn on 'gratuitous' Asian soccer chief (AFP)
February 20, 2006Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) football chiefs have lashed out at a senior Asian soccer administrator, criticising him for doing nothing to help the game in their region.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Last chance for Arsenal against rejuvenated Real (Reuters)
February 20, 2006By Simon Baskett
Lyon out to settle score with PSV (Reuters)
February 20, 2006By Jean-Philippe Baille
PREVIEW-Soccer-Bayern wait on Kahn fitness for Milan clash (Reuters)
February 20, 2006By Kevin Fylan