Gretna's Cup elopement nears happy ending in Scotland (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Kenny MacDonald

Six memorable Barcelona-Real Madrid league matches (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Six memorable league matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona:

PREVIEW-Soccer-Roma face Fiorentina in Euro showdown (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By James Eve

PREVIEW-Soccer-Real play for pride against title-bound Barca (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Simon Baskett

PREVIEW-Soccer-Lyon march towards fifth title (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Julien Pretot

PREVIEW-Soccer-Van Nistelrooy back in mix as United give chase (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Martyn Herman

Kiwi star now fishing for Scottish Cup glory (AFP)

March 30, 2006

It took a close encounter with a shark to make up his mind but Hibernian striker Chris Killen has never regretted swapping the life of a fisherman for a football career on the other side of the world.

Freddy Adu gets his chance

March 30, 2006

MLS Kickoff: Freddy Adu should have no reason to complain about playing time this year. D.C. United is going to count on him like never before. "We all look now to give him a shot for a long time," coach Peter Nowak said Thursday. "The answer is up to him."

UC: FC Basel beats Middlesbrough

March 30, 2006

UEFA Cup: Matias Delgado scored in the 43rd minute Thursday to help FC Basel beat visiting Middlesbrough 2-0 in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarterfinals.

UEFA Cup Roundup, Mar. 30

March 30, 2006

UEFA Cup Wrap: Steaua Bucharest walked away with a slight advantage Thursday after holding city rival Rapid to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the UEFA Cup quarterfinals.

UEFA Cup gallery, Mar. 30

March 30, 2006

'El Classico' still in doubt as referee strike looms

March 30, 2006

'El Classico' still in doubt as referee strike looms

by Europe

Basle 2-0 Middlesbrough: First-half blitz

March 30, 2006

Basle 2-0 Middlesbrough: First-half blitz

by Europe

Levski Sofia 1-3 Schalke: Favourites take advantage

March 30, 2006

Levski Sofia 1-3 Schalke: Favourites take advantage

by Europe

Sevilla 4-1 Zenit St Petersburg: Saviola hits brace

March 30, 2006

Sevilla 4-1 Zenit St Petersburg: Saviola hits brace

by Europe

Rapid Bucharest 1-1 Steaua Bucharest: Derby stalemate

March 30, 2006

Rapid Bucharest 1-1 Steaua Bucharest: Derby stalemate

by Europe

Pogatetz suffers suspected fractured skull

March 30, 2006

Pogatetz suffers suspected fractured skull

by England

Rapid and Steaua draw, Schalke ease past Levski (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Justin Palmer

Basel beat Boro, bad injury for Pogatetz (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

(adds details, quotes, byline)

Sevilla stride towards UEFA semis with 4-1 win (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

(Adds match details)

Romario to play for Miami in United Soccer League (AP)

March 30, 2006

Former Brazilian star Romario will play for Miami FC this year during its first season in the United Soccer League, then return to his home country. The 40-year-old striker helped Brazil win the 1994 World Cup in the United States. He will rejoin the Brazliian league club Vasco in September, Vasco president Eurico Miranda said at a news conference Thursday.

UPDATE1-Soccer-Moldovan earns Rapid 1-1 draw in UEFA Cup derby (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

(Adds details, quotes)

Ex-Italy player Bachini gets life ban for cocaine use (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Former Siena, Juventus and Italy midfielder Jonathan Bachini was been banned for life by the Italian Football League's disciplinary committee on Wednesday after he twice tested positive for cocaine.

'Blues finally snare Sheva'

March 30, 2006

Chelsea have provisionally agreed a four-year deal with AC Milan star striker Andriy Shevchenko, according to the Daily Mail. The deal will reportedly net the 29-year-old Ukrainian international at least $192,000 (£110,000) a week.

Mexico game highlights FIFA's need to change

March 30, 2006

A listless Mexico snatched a 2-1 win behind two goals from Omar Bravo in a pre-World Cup friendly in front of 46,510 at Soldier Field Wednesday night. FSC's Jamie Trecker was there to see how the USA's neighbors to the South are gearing up for Germany and why FIFA needs to reinvent the global footballing calendar.

Cisse admits World Cup fears

March 30, 2006

Djibril Cisse is "afraid" his lack of playing time at Liverpool will see him miss out on this summer's World Cup.

Neo-Nazis looking for publicity at World Cup

March 30, 2006

World Cup: Neo-Nazis and right-wing political parties may exploit the World Cup in Germany to publicize their extremist views, the country's interior ministry said Thursday. Wolfgang Schaueble, responsible for event security, confirmed media reports that Neo-Nazis and the National Democratic Party (NPD) may stage demonstrations.

Keane testimonial set for May 9

March 30, 2006

Roy Keane's testimonial is on May 9 at Old Trafford with Manchester United playing Celtic. Keane, who left United in November to join Celtic, has said he planned to donate money from the event to charity. Keane won seven Premier League titles with United, four FA Cups, and played 480 games for the club. "This is something that we wanted to do this season as Roy started the season with us," Man United manager Alex Ferguson said.

Champions League Roundup, Mar. 29

March 30, 2006

Champions League Wrap: Inter Milan and AC Milan came away from the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals with positive results Wednesday. Inter rallied from a one-goal deficit to beat visiting Villarreal 2-1, and AC Milan held host Lyon to a 0-0 draw. The second leg matches are scheduled for Tuesday.

Court delays Marseille trial verdict until June 9 (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Jean-Francois Rosnoblet

Blatter slams G14 greed over player compensation (AFP)

March 30, 2006

FIFA president Sepp Blatter hit out at the G14 group, a collection of the 18 richest clubs in Europe, saying their stance on compensation for players injured on international duty was just motivated by greed.

Bachini banned for life after second positive drugs test (AFP)

March 30, 2006

Siena midfielder Jonathan Bachini has been given a life-long ban after twice testing positive for cocaine, the Italian football league's disciplinary commission revealed.

Keane set for United testimonial (AFP)

March 30, 2006

Manchester United will play Celtic in Roy Keane's testimonial match at Old Trafford on May 9.

Jol confident Mido will not be lured away from Spurs (AFP)

March 30, 2006

Martin Jol believes Tottenham are in pole position to secure the permanent signing of Mido before the end of the season, despite growing interest in the Egyptian striker from rival clubs.

Tottenham negotiating to sign Mido on permanent deal (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Ken Ferris

Spanish referees call off strike after pay guarantee (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Spanish referees called off a strike that threatened this weekend's league matches after football authorities guaranteed immediate payment of overdue salaries, the Spanish Football Federation said on Thursday.

Sir Alex defends pre-season jaunt to South Africa

March 30, 2006

Sir Alex defends pre-season jaunt to South Africa

by England

Keane's United testimonial confirmed for May 9

March 30, 2006

Keane's United testimonial confirmed for May 9

by England

Glandular fever set to end Parker's season

March 30, 2006

Glandular fever set to end Parker's season

by England

Shevchenko laughs off reports of Chelsea offer

March 30, 2006

Shevchenko laughs off reports of Chelsea offer

by England

England demand improvement to training pitch

March 30, 2006

England demand improvement to training pitch

by World Cup

Champions 'not looking over their shoulders'

March 30, 2006

Champions 'not looking over their shoulders'

by England

Reading will not spend 'silly money' amongst elite

March 30, 2006

Reading will not spend 'silly money' amongst elite

by England

Southampton take a walk on the Wilde side

March 30, 2006

Southampton take a walk on the Wilde side

by England

Ronaldinho's 'brand' worth more than Beckham's

March 30, 2006

Ronaldinho's 'brand' worth more than Beckham's

by Europe

'El Classico' back on as referees call off strike

March 30, 2006

'El Classico' back on as referees call off strike

by Europe

Red Devils hope to cut Blues lead to six

March 30, 2006

EPL Preview: Chelsea's lead is now nine points, and that could be cut to six on Saturday. Second-place Manchester United will know its chances of catching the leaders before kicking off at Bolton on Saturday as Birmingham hosts the Blues in an early game.

Lyon visits lowly Troyes

March 30, 2006

Lyon failed to score against AC Milan in the Champions League in midweek for just the third time in 45 games this season. However, it is likely to find the net at Troyes in the French league.

Butt extends contract with Leverkusen

March 30, 2006

Goalkeeper Hans-Joerg Butt signed a new three-year contract with Bayer Leverkusen on Thursday.

Japan edges Ecuador in friendly

March 30, 2006

Substitute Hisato Sato scored the lone goal late in the second half Thursday as Japan defeated Ecuador 1-0 in an international friendly.

Parker's season could be over

March 30, 2006

Newcastle are awaiting confirmation that midfielder Scott Parker could miss the rest of the season with glandular fever.

Big Sam finally gets his man

March 30, 2006

Israel international Idan Tal has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bolton and will join the club on July 1.

Germany tells World Cup hooligans: stay at home (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Mark Trevelyan, Security Correspondent

Ronaldinho's brand worth more than Beckham's-study (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Brazil and Barcelona forward Ronaldinho is the most commercially valuable soccer player in the world, followed by England internationals David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, a study of brand value said on Thursday. Consultancy BBDO Germany estimated Ronaldinho's brand was worth 47 million euros ($56.4 million) followed by Beckham's at 44.9 million euros and Rooney's at 43.7 million euros.

United to visit South Africa in pre-season (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Manchester United will visit South Africa in July as part of their preparations for next season, the Premier League club announced on Thursday.

Bolton sign Israel midfielder Tal (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Israel international Idan Tal has signed a pre-contract agreement with Bolton Wanderers, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

Milan clubs' seasons hang in the balance (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

By Simon Evans

Blatter to run for re-election in 2007 (AFP)

March 30, 2006

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has revealed that he intends to run for re-election in 2007, providing he is still in good health.

Exhausted Parker out for season (AFP)

March 30, 2006

Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker is set to miss the rest of the season after succumbing to exhaustion brought on by a suspected case of glandular fever.

Glandular fever set to end Parker's season

March 30, 2006

Glandular fever set to end Parker's season

by England

Sir Alex defends pre-season jaunt to South Africa

March 30, 2006

Sir Alex defends pre-season jaunt to South Africa

by England

FA planning trial by video for serial divers

March 30, 2006

FA planning trial by video for serial divers

by England

McClaren ponders striking options for Basle tie

March 30, 2006

McClaren ponders striking options for Basle tie

by England

Chelsea defender Johnson set for surgery

March 30, 2006

Chelsea defender Johnson set for surgery

by England

Tal signs pre-contract agreement with Bolton

March 30, 2006

Tal signs pre-contract agreement with Bolton

by England

Leicester boss Kelly named Manager of the Month

March 30, 2006

Leicester boss Kelly named Manager of the Month

by England

Houllier confident after drawing blank with Milan

March 30, 2006

Houllier confident after drawing blank with Milan

by UEFA Champions League

Away goal gives Villarreal cause for optimism

March 30, 2006

Away goal gives Villarreal cause for optimism

by UEFA Champions League

Cisse fears for place in France World Cup squad

March 30, 2006

Cisse fears for place in France World Cup squad

by World Cup

Mexico 2-1 Paraguay: Bravo's brace secures win

March 30, 2006

Mexico 2-1 Paraguay: Bravo's brace secures win

by World Cup

Cahill: Aussies will spring a surprise at World Cup

March 30, 2006

Cahill: Aussies will spring a surprise at World Cup

by World Cup

Germany add Luxembourg date to warm-ups

March 30, 2006

Germany add Luxembourg date to warm-ups

by World Cup

Libertadores debutants Goias book passage

March 30, 2006

Libertadores debutants Goias book passage

by Global

CCC: Mexico's America advances

March 30, 2006

Mexico's America drew Costa Rica's Alajuelense 0-0 in a CONCACAF Champions Cup second-leg semifinal on Wednesday and advanced 2-1 on aggregate.

CCC: Saprissa wins but Toluca advances

March 30, 2006

Costa Rica's Saprissa defeated Mexico's Toluca 3-2 on Wednesday but Toluca advanced to the CONCACAF Champions Cup finals 4-3 on aggregate.

CTL: Union Espanola beats The Strongest

March 30, 2006

Chile's Union Espanola beat Bolivian host The Strongest 1-0 with a last-minute goal by Hector Tapia in a Copa Libertadores Group 3 match on Wednesday.

Thursday's Cynical Gossip

March 30, 2006

The Real deals, Wayne to Spain, City's in and outs and all the rest...

Australia set to spring World Cup surprise-Cahill (Reuters)

March 30, 2006

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill believes the Socceroos will be one of the surprise packages of the World Cup finals in Germany this summer.

Mexico 2, Paraguay 1 (AP)

March 30, 2006

Omar Bravo scored twice to lead Mexico to a 2-1 win over Paraguay in a World Cup tuneup match Wednesday night at Soldier Field. Bravo collected the ball on a cross from Israel Lopez, spun, and shot into the lower left corner of the net for the deciding goal in the 82nd minute. His first goal -- a penalty shot in the 31st minute -- tied it at 1-1 when he easily beat keeper Derlis Gomez after being...