Late goal gives England 2-1 victory
March 1, 2006England vs. Uruguay: Joe Cole scored in the second minute of injury time Wednesday and England came from behind to beat Uruguay 2-1 in a World Cup warmup game. The Chelsea midfielder curled an angled, first-time shot at Anfield for the last-minute winner.
Dempsey goal gives U.S. win in Europe
March 1, 2006USA vs. Poland: The U.S. team wasn't counting on a blizzard in its World Cup tuneup game Wednesday night. In a scene more befitting Lambeau Field than a soccer field, Clint Dempsey scored the only goal off a misplay by Poland's goalie, and the Americans survived the elements in a 1-0 victory.
USA vs. Poland gallery, Mar. 1
March 1, 2006
France's unbeaten run over against Slovakia
March 1, 2006Jozef Valachovic scored in the 80th minute, and Slovakia beat France 2-1 in a friendly on Wednesday to inflict coach Raymond Domenech's first defeat in 18 games. Slovakia forward Szilard Nemeth put Slovakia ahead against the run of play in the 6oth minute. But Sylvain Wiltord equalized 13 minutes later from the penalty spot after his Lyon teammate Florent Malouda was fouled in the area.
Portugal beats Saudi Arabia 3-0 in friendly
March 1, 2006Cristiano Ronaldo scored in each half and Portugal defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0 in a friendly on Wednesday, extending its unbeaten run to 17 games. Ronaldo scored with a header in the 30th minute after a fierce shot of his had brought a corner kick. Midfielder Maniche netted in the 45th minute after Saudi Arabian goalkeeper Al Daeyea could only parry a shot from Ronaldo. Ronaldo scored again with a low left-footed shot into the corner of the net in the 85th.
Argentine Roundup, Mar. 1
March 1, 2006With a goal by midfielder Federico Dominguez, River Plate rallied to draw 1-1 with Velez Sarsfield on Wednesday, leaving Colon in the lead after seven rounds of the Argentine Clausura championship. Leandro Gracian opened the scoring in the 70th minute and Dominguez equalized three minutes later. Colon, which trounced Banfield 4-2 Tuesday, leads the standings with 15 points, followed by River and Newell's with 14, Boca Juniors and Velez with 13, and Gimnasia Jujuy with 12.
Iran 3, Costa Rica 2 (AP)
March 1, 2006Iran built a three-goal lead in the opening 34 minutes Wednesday to beat Costa Rica 3-2 in a World Cup warmup. Ali Karimi opened the scoring in the 10th minute, Ali Daei scored from close range in 16th and Vahid Hashemian increased the lead 18 minutes later. Carlos Hernandez scored for Costa Rica with one minute left in the first half, and defender Danny Fonseca got a goal in the 60th.
England have winning mentality, says Eriksson (Reuters)
March 1, 2006By Trevor Huggins
U.S. edges Poland in snowy friendly (SportsTicker)
March 1, 2006KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany (Ticker) - New England Revolution midfielder Clint Dempsey is making a strong case for inclusion on the United States' World Cup squad.
Cool Lippi talks down Italy's mauling of Germany (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Italy coach Marcello Lippi tried to stem the rising tide of expectation after his side beat World Cup hosts Germany 4-1 in a friendly on Wednesday.
Italy 4, Germany 1 (AP)
March 1, 2006Italy routed World Cup host Germany 4-1 in an exhibition game Wednesday night, extending its unbeaten streak to 16 games. Alberto Gilardino, Luca Toni, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Del Piero built a four-goal lead for the Azzurri before Robert Huth scored in the 82nd minute for Germany. It was the most goals for Italy against the Germans since a 4-3 overtime win over West Germany in the 1970...
England 2, Uruguay 1 (AP)
March 1, 2006Joe Cole scored in the second minute of injury time Wednesday night as England rallied to beat Uruguay 2-1 in a World Cup warmup game. Uruguay, which failed to qualify for the World Cup, went ahead in the 26th minute on one of its few attacks in the first half. Mario Regueiro's corner kick was headed out by defender John Terry, but the ball fell to Omar Pouso, who volleyed past goalkeeper Paul...
Friendlies wrap: Italy stun World Cup hosts
March 1, 2006Friendlies wrap: Italy stun World Cup hosts
by World Cup
Match-winner Cole was fantastic - Eriksson
March 1, 2006Match-winner Cole was fantastic - Eriksson
by World Cup
England 2-1 Uruguay: Cole shines for Sven
March 1, 2006England 2-1 Uruguay
by World Cup
Ireland 3-0 Sweden: Dream start for Staunton
March 1, 2006Ireland 3-0 Sweden: Dream start for Staunton
by World Cup
Italy 4-1 Germany: Cup hosts crushed
March 1, 2006Italy 4-1 Germany
by World Cup
Spain 3-2 Ivory Coast: Late winner for Juanito
March 1, 2006Spain 3-2 Ivory Coast: Late winner for Juanito
by World Cup
Croatia 3-2 Argentina: Simic leads fight back
March 1, 2006Croatia 3-2 Argentina: Simic leads fight back
by World Cup
Russia 0-1 Brazil: Fortuitous Ronaldo goal
March 1, 2006Russia 0-1 Brazil: Fortuitous Ronaldo goal
by World Cup
France 1-2 Slovakia: Unbeaten run shattered
March 1, 2006France 1-2 Slovakia
by World Cup
Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador: Kuijt nabs winner
March 1, 2006Netherlands 1-0 Ecuador
by World Cup
United States 1-0 Poland: Dempsey header
March 1, 2006United States 1-0 Poland: Dempsey header
by World Cup
Brazil downs Russia 1-0 in friendly
March 1, 2006Russia vs. Brazil: Ronaldo scored Wednesday to give Brazil a 1-0 victory over Russia in a warmup for its World Cup defense. The striker deflected Roberto Carlos' pass off his chest from just outside the box.
International Friendly Roundup, Mar. 1
March 1, 2006Int'l Friendly Wrap: Brazil warmed up for its World Cup defense by beating Russia 1-0 in dipping temperatures Wednesday. Ronaldo scored the winner for the Selecao.
International Friendlies gallery, Mar. 1
March 1, 2006
Union Espanola downs The Strongest
March 1, 2006Copa Libertadores: Emerson Pereira scored a second-half goal to give Union Espanola of Chile a 1-0 win over The Strongst of Bolivia and a dim hope to remain in contention in Group 3 of Copa Libertadores.
Former Chelsea great dies at funeral
March 1, 2006Peter Osgood, one of Chelsea's greatest strikers who helped the club win the European Cup Winners' Cup, died on Wednesday age 59 while attending a funeral, the club announced.
Palestinian team beats Singapore 1-0
March 1, 2006The Palestinian team defeated Singapore 1-0 Wednesday in an Asian Cup soccer qualifier at Amman International Stadium. Fahd Al-Atal scored the only goal in the 33rd minute in the second half, but was ejected three minutes later for a foul after receiving a warning in the first half. The Palestinian team lost two opportunities to score in the first half, while Singapore blew a scoring chance in the second half. Only about 300 people attended the match.
Damage found on Frankfurt World Cup stadium (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Two small sections of cement on a supporting column at Frankfurt's World Cup stadium have cracked open and were discovered by the construction company on Wednesday, a company official said.
Former Mexico coach Lapuente back in charge of America (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Former Mexico coach Manuel Lapuente is back in charge of Clausura championship strugglers America.
Pope to make anti-racism call at Italy-Germany game (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Pope Benedict will issue a message against racism in soccer at the World Cup warm-up match between Italy and Germany on Wednesday night, the Italian football federation said.
Ronaldo goal gives Brazil 1-0 win against Russia (Reuters)
March 1, 2006(Adds details)
Lampard uncertain for Barcelona trip (AFP)
March 1, 2006Frank Lampard's participation in Chelsea's Champions League match away to Barcelona next week has been called into question by the hamstring injury which forced the midfielder to withdraw from the England squad for the friendly against Uruguay at Anfield.
Chelsea legend Osgood dies (AFP)
March 1, 2006Chelsea legend Peter Osgood, dubbed the "King of Stamford Bridge," died aged 59 after collapsing at a funeral, the football club said.
Chelsea great Osgood dies, aged 59
March 1, 2006Chelsea great Osgood dies, aged 59
by England
Harris leads tributes to legend Osgood
March 1, 2006Harris leads tributes to legend Osgood
by England
Owen 'ahead of schedule' in injury comeback
March 1, 2006Owen 'ahead of schedule' in injury comeback
by England
Eto'o calls for tougher measures to combat racism
March 1, 2006Eto'o calls for tougher measures to combat racism
by Europe
England wants strong World Cup farewell
March 1, 2006Friendly: England vs. UruguayLIVE on FSC, Wed., 3 p.m. ET Sven-Goran Eriksson is nonchalant about his tenure as England coach coming to a close. He wants to instead focus on his final task - winning England its first World Cup since 1966.
Striker Kuranyi injures knee
March 1, 2006Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi, who was dropped from Germany's squad for Wednesday's friendly against Italy, has injured his knee, further threatening his chances of playing at the World Cup.
South Korea edges Angola in friendly
March 1, 2006Park Chu-young scored midway through the first half Wednesday as South Korea eased to a 1-0 win over fellow World Cup qualifier Angola.
Union Espanola downs The Strongest
March 1, 2006Emerson Pereira scored a second-half goal to give Union Espanola of Chile a 1-0 win over The Strongst of Bolivia and a dim hope to remain in contention in Group 3 of Copa Libertadores.
AC: Hong Kong beat Bangladesh
March 1, 2006Hong Kong substitute Chan Siu Ki scored the only goal Wednesday to give Hong Kong a 1-0 win over host Bangladesh in Asian Cup soccer qualifying.
Asian Cup: Syria trounces Taiwan
March 1, 2006Zyad Chabbo scored two goals Wednesday to power Syria to a 4-0 victory over Taiwan in Asian Cup qualifying.
Asian Cup: Yemen outplays India
March 1, 2006Yemen outplayed India 3-0 Wednesday in an Asian Cup soccer qualifier, posting its first win from two Group-A outings.
Platt backs Bent to star with England
March 1, 2006Platt backs Bent to star with England
by World Cup
England search for solution to Euro2008 impasse
March 1, 2006England search for solution to Euro2008 impasse
by Europe
Neville determined to win back Premiership crown
March 1, 2006Neville determined to win back Premiership crown
by England
Angel determined to win place back at Villa
March 1, 2006Angel determined to win place back at Villa
by England
Davies happy to continue education with Baggies
March 1, 2006Davies happy to continue education with Baggies
by England
Rally champion Sainz mulls over bid for Real top job
March 1, 2006Rally champion Sainz mulls over bid for Real top job
by Europe
English show way to tackle racism, say Spanish stars
March 1, 2006English show way to tackle racism, say Spanish stars
by Europe
Trinidad coach Beenhakker optimistic for finals
March 1, 2006Trinidad coach Beenhakker optimistic for finals
by Mike Collett
FIFA consider pushing back finals squad deadline
March 1, 2006FIFA consider pushing back finals squad deadline
by World Cup
South Korea beat Angola 1-0 in friendly (Reuters)
March 1, 2006A goal by Park Chu-young gave South Korea a 1-0 victory over Angola in a World Cup warm-up game on Wednesday.
Iran coach says they can beat anyone in the world (AFP)
March 1, 2006Iran's World Cup build-up has been hit by the cancellation of friendlies due to the nuclear standoff, but coach Branko Ivankovic insists it hasn't affected them and they can beat anyone.
Japan show weaknesses ahead of World Cup (AFP)
March 1, 2006Asian champions Japan displayed their weaknesses heading into the World Cup as they finished 2-2 in a warm-up game against Bosnia-Hercegovina.
Yemen upset India in Asian Cup qualifier (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Injury-hit India lost 3-0 to Yemen in their Asian Cup Group A qualifier on Wednesday.
Colon go top in Argentina, Simeone's problems mount (Reuters)
March 1, 2006Colon beat Banfield 4-2 to open up a two-point lead over River Plate in Argentina's Clausura title race.
Ferguson set for ankle op (AFP)
March 1, 2006Rangers captain Barry Ferguson has said he may decide to have surgery on his injured right ankle if the Scottish champions are eliminated from the European Champions Cup next week.
Eto'o appeals for support in fight against racism in sport (AFP)
March 1, 2006Barcelona's Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, the victim of racial abuse at a weekend game, has appealed for public support in the campaign to stamp out intolerance in sports during an awards ceremony.
Raul hopes nickname 'galacticos' disappears
March 1, 2006Real Madrid captain Raul Gonzalez hopes the nickname "galacticos," given to the troubled team's superstars, will never be used again now Florentino Perez has resigned as club president. "I hope that finishes because it has done a lot of damage to the club."
Convey, Hahnemann eye World Cup
March 1, 2006Bobby Convey finally got to play in England on the basis of three videos. Now he's on the highlight packages as Reading heads for the Premier League for the first time.
Ballacks To The Gossip
March 1, 2006Peter Kenyon refutes the Michael Ballack rumours, Freddy Shepherd refutes the Martin O'Neill rumors and more...
Chelsea star Essien looks to lead Ghana past Mexico (AP)
March 1, 2006Ghana might experience a few nervous moments before it takes on favored Mexico in a prep match for the World Cup. But midfielder Michael Essien is no stranger to pressure on the international stage. He plays for Chelsea of the English Premier League, one of the most visible teams in the world. "It helps," Essien said.
Big-name players miss buildup to World Cup (AP)
March 1, 2006Ronaldinho, Francesco Totti and Michael Owen are out with injuries and Juan Roman Riquelme's status is uncertain. Some of the biggest teams are missing some of their biggest names in the buildup to the World Cup Thirty of the 32 qualifiers are in action this week with 100 days to go before the June 9 kickoff in Munich, Germany.
Forlan tips England to go far at World Cup finals
March 1, 2006Forlan tips England to go far at World Cup finals
by World Cup
U21 - England 3-1 Norway: Bentley bags brace
March 1, 2006U21 - England 3-1 Norway: Bentley bags brace
by England
Chelsea left to sweat over Lampard fitness
March 1, 2006Chelsea left to sweat over Lampard fitness
by UEFA Champions League
'No problem' with Ferguson, insists Ruud
March 1, 2006No problem' with Ferguson, insists Ruud
by England
Giggs sets challenge for Wales youngsters
March 1, 2006Giggs sets challenge for Wales youngsters
by Europe
Abidal ignores club demands to play for France
March 1, 2006Abidal ignores club demands to play for France
by Pierre Serisier
Keane determined to make an impression as skipper
March 1, 2006Keane determined to make an impression as skipper
by Europe