PREVIEW-Soccer-Valencia see chance as Real, Barca are distracted (Reuters)
February 23, 2006By Mark Elkington
Wigan skipper De Zeeuw has no time for Cup dreams (Reuters)
February 23, 2006By Jeremy Butler
UC: Boro advances to last 16
February 23, 2006UEFA Cup: Middlesbrough advanced into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup on away goals after losing 1-0 at the Riverside stadium to VfB Stuttgart on Thursday. Middlesbrough won the first leg 2-1 in Germany.
UEFA Cup Roundup, Feb. 23
February 23, 2006UEFA Cup Wrap: Italian clubs AS Roma, Udinese and Palermo all made it to the last 16 of the UEFA Cup on Thursday.
UEFA Cup gallery, Feb. 23
February 23, 2006
Mexican soccer federation upholds sanctions
February 23, 2006Salvador Carmona's and Aaron Galindo's yearlong suspensions for positive steroid tests were upheld by the Mexican soccer federation. The federation made its unanimous decision on Wednesday after Cruz Azul club appealed to reduce the bans for its pair of Mexico defenders. "For us this is a closed case," federation president Alberto de la Torre said. "Cruz Azul asked us for a reduction in the punishment but this cannot be done. The players took prohibited substances, it's that simple.
Uefa Cup review: Hamburg end Thun's fairytale
February 23, 2006Hamburg end Thun's fairytale
by Europe
Marseille 2-1 Bolton: Haim own goal settles tie
February 23, 2006Marseille 2-1 Bolton: Haim own goal settles tie
by Europe
Lee insists this is not the end of Bolton in Europe
February 23, 2006'The beginning not the end'
by Europe
Middlesbrough 0-1 VfB Stuttgart: Boro scrape through
February 23, 2006Middlesbrough 0-1 VfB Stuttgart: Boro scrape through
by Europe
McClaren relishing hosting Roma in last 16
February 23, 2006McClaren relishing Roma contest
by Europe
Generous Lens bow out
February 23, 2006Generous Lens bow out
by Europe
Roma's winning run continues
February 23, 2006Roma's winning run continues
by Europe
No happy ending for Thun
February 23, 2006No happy ending for Thun
by Europe
Three and easy for Schalke
February 23, 2006Three and easy for Schalke
by Europe
Postal strike means cup final tickets may not arrive
February 23, 2006Fans face final frustration
by England
Marseille blunt Bolton, Roma through in UEFA Cup (Reuters)
February 23, 2006(adds quotes, later games)
Marseille overcome Barthez error to sink Bolton (Reuters)
February 23, 2006(adds quotes)
Roma beat Bruges 2-1 to reach UEFA Cup last 16 (Reuters)
February 23, 2006AS Roma cruised into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup when they beat Club Bruges 2-1 to seal a 4-2 win on aggregate on Thursday.
Sevilla extend home record to advance in UEFA Cup (Reuters)
February 23, 2006Sevilla extended their unbeaten home record in Europe to 25 games with a 2-0 win over Lokomotiv Moscow on Thursday, sealing a last 16 place in the UEFA Cup.
Klein replaces Noonan on U.S. roster for Poland game (AP)
February 23, 2006Salt Lake midfielder Chris Klein was added Thursday to the U.S. roster for next week's exhibition game against Poland. He replaces Pat Noonan, who was on the original 20-man roster announced Wednesday. Noonan injured a hamstring Wednesday night playing for the New England Revolution against Deportiva Alajuelense in a CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal at Hamilton, Bermuda.
Barcelona's Messi denies play-acting
February 23, 2006FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi said he didn't feign injury after a challenge from Chelsea defender Asier Del Horno during Wednesday's Champions League game at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona rallied for a 2-1 first-leg win.
Beckenbauer: Mexico to at least WC quarters
February 23, 2006Franz Beckenbauer predicts Mexico will advance to at least the quarterfinals at the World Cup. Beckenbauer, touring Germany-bound nations as head of the World Cup organizing committee, believes Mexico had a winnable group including Angola, Iran and Portugal.
Neururer and his success at Hannover 96
February 23, 2006Coach Peter Neururer has not tasted defeat since taking the reins at Hannover 96 back in November. FSC writer Oliver Hinz takes a look at what makes the 50-year-old tick after his club managed to hold mighty Bayern Munich to a draw last weekend.
Bayern players warned about letting down
February 23, 2006Bayern Munich coach Felix Magath has warned his team to focus on Saturday's Bundesliga match against Eintracht Frankfurt. Bayern drew 1-1 with Hannover last week in the German league and with AC Milan by the same score in the Champions League on Tuesday. "After a draw last week in Hannover, we only played a 1-1 against Milan too," Magath said. "Now it's our duty to pick up three points against Frankfurt.
Ceni likely to start for Brazil
February 23, 2006Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni is likely to start for Brazil in next month's friendly against Russia. Ceni and PSV Eindhoven's Gomes were summoned Wednesday as replacements for injured goalkeepers Dida and Julio Cesar in the March 1 match at Lokomotiv stadium in Moscow. "Rogerio has more time in the national team and the tendency is that he will start," Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira said. "He has participated in one World Cup and has more experience than Gomes.
Woerns left off German squad
February 23, 2006FRANKFURT, Germany AP - Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann left Christian Woerns off his 20-man squad named Thursday to play Italy, angering one of his country's most experienced defenders. The Borussia Dortmund player, who has played 66 times for Germany, is upset that two non-regular starters - Dortmund teammate Christoph Metzelder and Chelsea's Robert Huth - were preferred. "This is wrong and untruthful," Woerns said.
Rapid Bucharest ease past goal-shy Hertha in UEFA Cup (Reuters)
February 23, 2006Strikers Daniel Niculae and Mugurel Buga fired Rapid Bucharest into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup on Thursday, a 2-0 win against Hertha Berlin sealing a 3-0 aggregate success.
Rangers striker Prso tells of penalty anguish (Reuters)
February 23, 2006By Kenny MacDonald
Revolution's Noonan sidelined with hamstring injury (AP)
February 23, 2006New England forward Pat Noonan will be sidelined up to five weeks because of a right hamstring injury. Noonan was examined by team doctors Thursday and will likely miss two games next month for the U.S. national team, said Revolution spokesman Brad Feldman. Noonan limped off the field in the 79th minute of a 0-0 tie with Costa Rica's Alajuelense in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup...
Newspapers, agencies protest FIFA stance on WCup restrictions (AP)
February 23, 2006An international coalition of newspapers and news agencies expressed "deep regret and dismay" Thursday at FIFA's decision to impose media restrictions at this summer's World Cup. The World Association of Newspapers said it would explore possible legal action after soccer's governing body refused to lift the embargo on use of photographs over the Internet during the June 9-July 9 tournament in...
Once bitten, twice shy Houllier may not release Abidal (Reuters)
February 23, 2006Olympique Lyon coach Gerard Houllier has threatened not to release defender Eric Abidal for France's friendly against Slovakia in Paris next week.
Quaresma in Portugal squad for Saudi Arabia friendly (AFP)
February 23, 2006Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari called up FC Porto winger Ricardo Quaresma, a regular at the Under-21 level, for a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Dusseldorf, Germany on March 1.
Kahn to get Italian nod over Lehmann (AFP)
February 23, 2006Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has selected bitter goalkeeping rivals Oliver Kahn and Jens Lehmann together in the same squad for the first time since the middle of last year, ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Italy in Florence.
Bird flu will not halt World Cup, says FIFA's Grondona (Reuters)
February 23, 2006The World Cup will not be halted by fears of bird flu in Germany, FIFA vice-president Julio Grondona said on Thursday.
Ref defends Del Horno red
February 23, 2006Ref Terje Hauge defends Del Horno red card
by UEFA Champions League
Palermo 1-0 Slavia Prague: Godeas goal seals place
February 23, 2006Palermo 1-0 Slavia Prague: Godeas goal seals place
by Europe
Barcelona must move for Henry, insists Silvinho
February 23, 2006Barca must move for Henry, insists Silvinho
by Europe
Ronaldo must work hard to win over fans, says Raul
February 23, 2006Ronaldo must work hard to win over fans, says Raul
by Europe
Adriano wins appeal against two-match ban
February 23, 2006Adriano wins appeal against two-match ban
by Europe
France fail to agree with Ukraine over qualifiers
February 23, 2006France fail to agree with Ukraine over qualifiers
by Europe
Barcelona's Messi denies play-acting
February 23, 2006FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi said he didn't feign injury after a challenge from Chelsea defender Asier Del Horno during Wednesday's Champions League game at Stamford Bridge. Barcelona rallied for a 2-1 first-leg win with Del Horno getting sent off.
Mourinho's Euro magic fades
February 23, 2006Jose Mourinho's magic touch in Europe appears to be fading.
Neururer and his success at Hannover 96
February 23, 2006Coach Peter Neururer has not tasted defeat since taking the reins at Hannover 96 back in November. FSC writer Oliver Hinz takes a look at what makes the 50-year-old tick after his club managed to hold mighty Bayern Munich to a draw last weekend.
Arsenal: European success into EPL form?
February 23, 2006EPL Preview: Arsenal is on a high after beating Real Madrid in the Champions League. Now it must carry that form into the Premier League. However, Arsenal must improve on a record of three wins in 13 games away from home at Blackburn on Saturday.
Valencia seeks club record against Getafe
February 23, 2006Second-place Valencia will set a club record if it extends its unbeaten streak to 14 Spanish league games against Getafe on Sunday.
Clubs condemn fans after Smith ambulance trouble (Reuters)
February 23, 2006Manchester United and Liverpool have condemned fans who attacked the ambulance carrying United midfielder Alan Smith to hospital after he broke a leg in Saturday's FA Cup tie at Anfield.
Messi says Chelsea's Del Horno was out to stop him (Reuters)
February 23, 2006By Rex Gowar
Doctors wait for full extent of Sissoko eye damage (Reuters)
February 23, 2006Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko's right eye is "closed down" after he was kicked in the head during their Champions League defeat by Benfica, club chief executive Rick Parry said on Thursday.
France pick Clerc but overlook Ribery in squad (Reuters)
February 23, 2006(writes through with details)
Rangers will miss Prso, says Villarreal's Forlan (Reuters)
February 23, 2006By Kenny MacDonald
Sissoko's vision could be 80% compromised
February 23, 2006Sissoko's vision could be 80% compromised
by England
Mourinho: Ref ruined match
February 23, 2006Mourinho: Sending off changed everything
by UEFA Champions League
Liverpool condemn Smith ambulance attackers
February 23, 2006Liverpool condemn Smith ambulance attack
by England
Lowe accepts 'no action ruling' on Redknapp
February 23, 2006Lowe accepts 'no action ruling' on Redknapp
by England
Fresh blow for injury-jinxed Dyer, Bramble
February 23, 2006Fresh blow for injury-jinxed Dyer, Bramble
by England
Vidic aiming for 'time of life' at Old Trafford
February 23, 2006Vidic aiming for 'time of life' at Old Trafford
by England
Bolton boss Allardyce passes late fitness test
February 23, 2006Allardyce passes late fitness test
by Europe
Villa defender Delaney faces injury lay-off
February 23, 2006Delaney faces injury lay-off
by England
We haven't turned the corner, insists McClaren
February 23, 2006We haven't turned the corner, insists McClaren
by Europe
Multiplex reveal heavy losses
February 23, 2006Multiplex reveal heavy losses
by Global
Woodgate injury woes baffle Butragueno
February 23, 2006Woodgate woes baffle Butragueno
by Europe
Rangers will miss Prso, says Villarreal's Forlan
February 23, 2006Rangers will miss Prso, says Villarreal's Forlan
by UEFA Champions League
Milan's Dida a doubt for Bayern return match
February 23, 2006Milan's Dida a doubt for Bayern return match
by UEFA Champions League
World Cup media dismayed at FIFA photo limit
February 23, 2006World Cup media dismayed at FIFA photo limit
by World Cup
Japan and Australia impress in Asian qualifers
February 23, 2006Japan and Australia impress in Asian qualifers
by Global
Hill-Wood hopeful over Henry
February 23, 2006Arsenal chairman Peter Hill-Wood is convinced the Champions League win over Real Madrid will convince striker Thierry Henry to sign a new contract. The 28-year-old French star scored a virtuoso solo goal as the Gunners won at the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
Brazilian League Roundup, Feb. 22
February 23, 2006Romario scored a hat trick and Vasco trashed Botafogo da Paraiba 7-0 to advance to the second round of the Brazilian Cup 8-1 on aggregate on Wednesday.
Copa Libertadores Roundup, Feb. 22
February 23, 2006Copa Libertadores: Venezuela's Atletico Maracaibo managed to beat Pumas of Mexico 1-0 Wednesday in Group 6 of the Copa Libertadores. Universidad Catolica of Chile drew Brazil's Corinthians 2-2 while Brazil's Goias defeated Bolivia's The Strongest 2-0.
Parents of Chinese players petition
February 23, 2006Parents of players in China's debt-ridden Super League are demanding the soccer association help them obtain salaries owed to their sons, saying they fear team owners are trying to walk out on their obligations.
New Zealand beats Malaysia in friendly
February 23, 2006Substitute Andrew Barron scored three minutes from fulltime Thursday to give New Zealand a 2-1 win over Malaysia in an international soccer friendly for a sweep of the two-match series.
Thursday's Bare Gossip
February 23, 2006There's less than we thought...
Club America 2, Portmore United 1 (AP)
February 23, 2006Aaron Padilla scored the go-ahead goal midway through the second half to help Club America of Mexico City defeat Portmore United of Jamaica 2-1 in the quarterfinals of Series 1 play in the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Wednesday night. Padilla scored on an easy kick from the left in the 73rd minute. Miguel Zepeda got the assist from the middle as he drew the goalkeeper out of position for Padilla's...
Red card blinds Mourinho to Messi magic (AFP)
February 23, 2006Jose Mourinho has branded Lionel Messi a master of the dramatic arts after the Argentinian teenager claimed centre-stage in the latest chapter in Chelsea and Barcelona's bitter Champions League rivalry.
CTL: Goias beats The Strongest 2-0
February 23, 2006Copa Libertadores: Strikers Nonato and Romerito scored and Brazil's Goias defeated Bolivia's The Strongest 2-0 to move atop Group 3 of the Copa Libertadores on Wednesday. Goias leads Group 3 with six points, three more than The Strongest and Argentina's Newell's Old Boys.
China to use face-recognition technology
February 23, 2006China will use face-recognition technology to scan stadium crowds for known hooligans and hopes the system can protect the 2008 Summer Olympics from fan violence, the official Xinhua News Agency said Thursday.