USA disappointing in 1-1 draw with Jamaica

April 11, 2006

Tony Meola's 100th international appearance didn't go quite as he hoped - but at least he didn't get a loss. Ben Olsen scored the tying goal in the 25th minute off a record-setting assist from Landon Donovan and the United States salvaged a 1-1 tie against Jamaica.

CTL: Velez clinches second-round berth

April 11, 2006

Copa Libertadores: Sebastian Ereros scored three goals Tuesday and Argentina's Velez Sarsfield thrashed host Rocha 5-0 to eliminate the Uruguayan side and send Liga de Quito into the second round of the Copa Libertadores.

United States 1, Jamaica 1 (AP)

April 11, 2006

Tony Meola's 100th international appearance didn't go quite as he hoped -- but at least he didn't get a loss. Ben Olsen scored the tying goal in the 25th minute off a record-setting assist from Landon Donovan and the United States salvaged a 1-1 tie against Jamaica on Tuesday night in the final exhibition game before coach Bruce Arena chooses his 23-man World Cup roster.

Demonstrators demand Blanco be included in Mexico's World Cup team (AP)

April 11, 2006

About 200 demonstrators marched through Mexico City on Tuesday to demand that forward Cuauhtemoc Blanco be added to Mexico's World Cup roster. Blanco, a key player for Mexico in the last two World Cups, was not included in the provisional 26-man roster announced by coach Ricardo Lavolpe last week. Lavolpe, an Argentinean, says Blanco does not fit it into his "football system." Blanco, known for...

Hapoel Tel Aviv name Shum as next coach (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Hapoel Tel Aviv appointed Yitzhak Shum as their coach for next season, both parties said on Tuesday.

Eintracht Frankfurt edge through to German Cup final (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

A cool finish from Ioannis Amanatidis sent Eintracht Frankfurt through to the final of the German Cup with a 1-0 home win over Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday.

Kenyon pours scorn on Mourinho rift rumours

April 11, 2006

Kenyon pours scorn on Mourinho rift rumours

by England

Charlton preparing for Curbishley departure

April 11, 2006

Charlton preparing for Curbishley departure

by England

Inter reach Coppa Italia final with second leg draw

April 11, 2006

Inter reach Coppa Italia final with second leg draw

by Europe

Eintracht Frankfurt edge into German Cup final

April 11, 2006

Eintracht Frankfurt edge into German Cup final

by Europe

Campbell to return to Arsenal starting lineup

April 11, 2006

England defender Sol Campbell will play his first match for Arsenal in more than two months against Portsmouth on Wednesday. Campbell has not played since Feb. 1 when he stormed out of Highbury after being taken out at halftime.

Seventeen-year-old player dies during practice

April 11, 2006

A 17-year old reserve team player for Colombia's Envigado soccer club died while practicing Tuesday at the team's stadium in Medellin. Victor Alfonso Guerrero fell unconscious 10-15 minutes into the team's practice, said Carlos Falcon, the first-division team's doctor. He was pronounced dead after being rushed to a hospital. "We ran to help him when he fell and tried to resuscitate him, but it was useless," Falcon said.

French Cup Roundup, Apr. 11

April 11, 2006

Senegal striker Mamadou Niang scored a second-half winner and Marseille won 2-1 at four-time French champion Lyon to reach the French Cup semifinals.

German Cup Roundup, Apr. 11

April 11, 2006

An early goal by Ioannis Amanatidis gave Eintracht Frankfurt a 1-0 win over Arminia Bielefeld on Tuesday and a place in the German Cup final. Amanatidis collected a through ball from Stefan Lexa, beat Bielefeld's offside trap, rounded the visitors' goalkeeper and scored the winning goal after 16 minutes. Two minutes later, Bielefeld's Fatmir Vata hit the crossbar in its best chance.

FAC: Middlesbrough vs. Charlton

April 11, 2006

Gareth Southgate, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Stewart Downing should return for Middlesbrough's FA Cup quarter-final replay with Charlton at The Riverside.

Barcelona's Messi doubtful for Milan game

April 11, 2006

FC Barcelona forward Lionel Messi is doubtful for the Champions League semifinal with AC Milan after suffering a recurrence of a right thigh injury, news reports said Tuesday.

Argentina's famed soccer team goes global

April 11, 2006

From a line of exclusive taxis to fancy wines and coffins, die-hard fans of Boca Juniors can pledge their devotion till the end. As part of the soccer team's latest plan to boost its brand name off the field, Boca is offering fans more than 500 items adorned with the club's popular shield.

Standard's Conceicao banned until August (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

(Adds confirmation from Belgian FA, background)

FIFA to pay for repairs of Gaza soccer field (AP)

April 11, 2006

FIFA will pay to repair a soccer field in the Palestinian-run Gaza Strip that was damaged during a bombing this month. Soccer's governing body said Tuesday it will confer with Palestinian soccer officials in next few days on the extent of the damage to the stadium and stands. "Football is one of the very few universal tools mankind can use to bridge gaps between nations and peoples, and to...

FIFA to pay to fix Gaza stadium bombed by Israel (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

By Ori Lewis

Ex-FIFA president Havelange has pacemaker inserted (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Former FIFA president Joao Havelange has undergone an operation to have a pacemaker inserted, a hospital statement said on Tuesday.

Pauleta fires PSG into French Cup semi-finals (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

A second half goal by Portuguese striker Pedro Pauleta gave Paris St Germain a 2-1 win over Lille and a place in the French Cup semi-finals on Tuesday.

Zaragoza coach winds up moaning Espanyol before Cup final (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Real Zaragoza coach Victor Munoz has described his opposite number as one of life's moaners on the eve of the King's Cup final in Madrid.

Inter reach Italian Cup final with second leg draw (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Holders Inter Milan reached the Italian Cup final on Tuesday after a 2-2 draw at Udinese in the second leg of the semi-final.

Campbell set for Arsenal return

April 11, 2006

Campbell to return for Arsenal against Pompey

by England

Rejuvenated Kewell reveals debt to Rafa

April 11, 2006

Rejuvenated Kewell reveals debt to Rafa

by England

Glazers prepared to invest for success - Gill

April 11, 2006

Glazers prepared to invest for success - Gill

by England

FIFA overhauls finances to account for terrorism

April 11, 2006

FIFA overhauls finances to account for terrorism

by Mark Ledsom

Domestic players get last chance to shine

April 11, 2006

The USA men's national soccer team will meet Jamaica tonight in Cary, N.C. in what Jamie Trecker sees as a final chance for many domestic players, including red-hot Brian Ching, to make their case for a spot on the 23-man World Cup roster.

Barthez says he's not thinking about WC

April 11, 2006

Marseille goalkeeper Fabien Barthez said he isn't thinking about the World Cup, or his rivalry with Gregory Coupet for a place in the starting lineup. Barthez said he had taken up the challenge "as I have always lived rivalries since I began playing soccer...by concentrating on myself."

Fowler's age a worry for Rafa

April 11, 2006

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has suggested that Robbie Fowler's age could prevent him being offered a permanent deal at Anfield.

Chilean itching for Reds move

April 11, 2006

Chilean winger Mark Gonzalez says it would be "absurd" if he were not granted a work permit to play for Liverpool next season.

Stefanovic ready for Gunners

April 11, 2006

Portsmouth centre-back Dejan Stefanovic wants to extend his run in the first team by keeping his place for the clash against Arsenal.

Portsmouth vs. Arsenal

April 11, 2006

Portsmouth centre-half Andy O'Brien is back in full training and is set to return to the side against Arsenal on Wednesday.

Ballack move 'only about money', claims Bayern chief

April 11, 2006

Ballack move 'only about money', claims Bayern chief

by Europe

Police investigate conduct of Blades 'keeper Kenny

April 11, 2006

Police investigate conduct of Blades 'keeper Kenny

by England

Two coaches fall before start of Brazilian championship (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Two clubs have announced coaching changes in Brazil less than one week before the start of the national championship.

U.S. continues World Cup tuneup Tuesday against Jamaica (SportsTicker)

April 11, 2006

CARY, North Carolina (Ticker) - The United States men's national soccer team looks to answer key questions when it faces Jamaica on Tuesday at the SAS Center.

World Cup begins national tour in Germany (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

The World Cup trophy began a 5,000-km trip taking in 21 towns and cities around Germany on Tuesday.

African Champions League draw set for May 13 (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

The draw for the league phase of this year's African Champions League will be conducted on May 13, the Confederation of African Football said on Tuesday.

Betis striker Oliveira agrees loan move to Sao Paolo (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Real Betis's Brazil forward Ricardo Oliveira has agreed a loan move to Brazilian club Sao Paulo, the player confirmed on Tuesday.

World Cup trophy begins tour of Germany (AP)

April 11, 2006

The World Cup trophy began a tour of the host country Tuesday, offering German fans a chance to see soccer's most coveted prize before it is presented to the captain of the winning team this summer. The trophy's 3,107-mile journey through Germany will include areas not near the 12 venues where games will be played during the June 9-July 9 tournament.

Zaragoza seeks third Copa del Rey

April 11, 2006

Zaragoza is hoping to win the Copa del Rey for the third time in six years when it faces Espanyol on Wednesday at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

Three investors to buy Paris Saint-Germain

April 11, 2006

A trio of investors, two of them U.S.-based, has agreed to purchase French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain, current owner Canal Plus television said Tuesday.

Upson set for derby return

April 11, 2006

Birmingham defender Matthew Upson could be pushing for a recall in Sunday's derby at Aston Villa after starting on the comeback trail following groin and pelvic injuries.

Pennant eyes England place

April 11, 2006

Jermaine Pennant believes he has played well this season and has his sights on on the England squad for next season.

French lawmakers pass anti-hooligan bill

April 11, 2006

French lawmakers took a step toward approving an anti-hooligan bill that would give authorities more power to crack down on racism and discrimination at soccer stadiums.

Tuesday's Slightly Bent Gossip

April 11, 2006

All of the buying and selling talk in London and, erm, Blackburn...

Upson eyes return in Sunday's derby with Villa

April 11, 2006

Upson eyes return in Sunday's derby with Villa

by England

Bolton confident Allardyce will remain at the helm

April 11, 2006

Bolton confident Allardyce will remain at the helm

by England

Shevchenko urges Italian fans to gain perspective

April 11, 2006

Shevchenko urges Italian fans to gain perspective

by Simon Evans

Zaragoza cautious ahead of showdown with Espanyol

April 11, 2006

Zaragoza cautious ahead of showdown with Espanyol

by Mark Elkington

Canal Plus to sell Paris St Germain to investors

April 11, 2006

Canal Plus to sell Paris St Germain to investors

by Europe

Djurgarden open title defence with goalless draw

April 11, 2006

Djurgarden open title defence with goalless draw

by Europe

Decision time for US coach Arena against Jamaica

April 11, 2006

Decision time for US coach Arena against Jamaica

by World Cup

Barthez ready to prove his worth ahead of finals

April 11, 2006

Barthez ready to prove his worth ahead of finals

by World Cup

South Korea striker Lee suffers World Cup blow

April 11, 2006

South Korea striker Lee suffers World Cup blow

by Alastair Himmer

Australia seek full-time coach to replace Hiddink

April 11, 2006

Australia seek full-time coach to replace Hiddink

by World Cup

PSV clinches its second straight Dutch title (SportsTicker)

April 11, 2006

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands (Ticker) - PSV Eindhoven secured its second successive Eredivisie title on Sunday despite a lackluster performance against FC Groningen.

Juventus draws; AC creeps closer (SportsTicker)

April 11, 2006

TURIN, Italy (Ticker) - Juventus appeared to be suffering from a Champions League hangover as it lost ground at the top of Serie A with a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina.

FIFA announces rise in profits (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

By Mark Ledsom

Toulouse coach to leave his job, remains at the club (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

Toulouse coach Erick Mombaerts will leave his job at the end of the season and will become the club's deputy chief executive, the Ligue 1 side announced on Tuesday.

Beckham plans to end career in United States

April 11, 2006

Beckham plans to end career in United States

by Global

Survey shows Premiership wages still on the rise

April 11, 2006

Survey shows Premiership wages still on the rise

by England

United chief Gill hails Glazers' ownership

April 11, 2006

United chief Gill hails Glazers' ownership

by England

Rooney's gambling not a problem, claims Merson

April 11, 2006

Rooney's gambling not a problem, claims Merson

by England

Mexico to face Venezuela at Rose Bowl

April 11, 2006

Mexico will face Venezuela on May 5 in a friendly at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, the beginning of El Tri's final phase of preparations for the World Cup in Germany.

Will the Dutch playoff system start a trend?

April 11, 2006

Guus Hiddink and PSV Eindhoven secured the Eredivisie title this Sunday, but for many of Holland's other teams, a complicated new playoff system will determine European spots. Bobby McMahon goes behind the numbers to make sense of the innovation.

China bids to root out gambling, match-fixing (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

China is struggling to clean up its tainted professional football leagues, beleaguered by match-fixing, bribery and online betting, state media announced on Monday.

Hiddink says he is set to become Russia coach (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

(adds quotes from Football Federation Australia paras 7-10)

Decision time for US coach Arena against Jamaica (Reuters)

April 11, 2006

By Chris Cowles

Ruiz to miss 2-3 weeks (AP)

April 11, 2006

FC Dallas forward Carlos Ruiz will miss two to three weeks because of a strained hamstring, the team said Monday. Ruiz, who has 61 career goals in 93 MLS games, was injured Saturday in a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake.