Australia's brotherly misfits made 1974 finals (Reuters)
April 18, 2006By Julian Linden
Spector dislocates shoulder
April 18, 2006USA defender Jonathan Spector dislocated a shoulder playing for Charlton, a blow to his chances of making the U.S. World Cup roster. Spector was hurt when he fell awkwardly after a collision with Portsmouth's Benjani Mwaruwari during Monday night's Premier League game.
Female referee hopes to be at World Cup
April 18, 2006An assistant referee seeking to become the first woman to officiate in a World Cup could benefit from FIFA's decision to double the salaries of referees at the tournament.
Premiership Recap, Apr. 17-18
April 18, 2006EPL Recap: The future of Aston Villa boss David O'Leary is again open to debate as Wigan finally celebrated their first Barclays Premiership win at the JJB Stadium since Boxing Day.
CL: Giuly scores to give Barcelona 1-0 win
April 18, 2006Champions League: Ludovic Giuly scored the only goal Tuesday to give Barcelona a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of the semifinals. The France forward sent a left-footed shot past Milan goalkeeper Dida in the 57th minute.
Camara double hands Wigan 3-2 win over Aston Villa (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Two goals in five minutes by Henri Camara secured Wigan Athletic a 3-2 home win over Aston Villa in the Premier League on Tuesday. It was 1-1 when Camara struck for the first time in the 56th minute, Juan Pablo Angel having equalised three minutes earlier for Villa following Jimmy Bullard's first half goal for Wigan.
Barcelona edges AC Milan in Champions League semifinals (SportsTicker)
April 18, 2006MILAN, Italy (Ticker) - Ludovic Giuly's first goal of the Champions League came at an opportune time for Barcelona.
Newcastle not hopeful about Shearer recovery (Reuters)
April 18, 2006(adds Shearer quotes about taking a break in last two paras)
Spector dislocates shoulder (AP)
April 18, 2006Defender Jonathan Spector dislocated a shoulder playing for Charlton, a blow to his chances of making the U.S. World Cup roster. Spector, regarded as a long shot to make the U.S. team, was hurt when he fell awkwardly after a collision with Portsmouth's Benjani Mwaruwari during Monday night's Premier League game.
Barcelona 1, AC Milan 0 (AP)
April 18, 2006Ludovic Giuly scored off a pass from Ronaldinho in the 57th minute Tuesday night, giving Barcelona a 1-0 win over AC Milan in the first leg of the European Champions League semifinals. Ronaldinho, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year, chipped a pass as Giuly beat an offside trap, and the French forward sent a left-footed shot past goalkeeper Dida.
Wigan 3-2 Aston Villa: O'Leary under pressure
April 18, 2006Wigan 3-2 Aston Villa
by England
AC Milan 0-1 Barcelona: Giuly grabs advantage
April 18, 2006AC Milan 0-1 Barcelona
by UEFA Champions League
We can still do it says Milan coach Ancelotti
April 18, 2006We can still do it says Milan's Ancelotti
by UEFA Champions League
Sheff Utd 1-1 Leeds: Warnock sent to stands
April 18, 2006Sheff Utd 1-1 Leeds: Warnock sent to stands
by England
Shearer 'fears the worst' over knee injury
April 18, 2006Shearer 'fears the worst' over knee injury
by England
I'm 50-50 for World Cup place, says Bent
April 18, 2006I'm 50-50 for World Cup place, says Bent
by World Cup
Barca's Messi hopes to be fit for end of season
April 18, 2006Barca's Messi hopes to be fit for end of season
by Europe
Boro set to make history
April 18, 2006Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren insists his players "are ready to rise to the challenge" and make history at the club.
Cahill focused on first team
April 18, 2006New hero Gary Cahill has insisted his future at Aston Villa is "not an issue" and his main concern is becoming a first-team regular.
Barcelona's Messi hopes to be fit for end of season (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Barcelona forward Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina to continue treatment on his injured thigh muscle on Tuesday and said he hoped to be ready for the end of the European season.
Henry frustrated by speculation (SportsTicker)
April 18, 2006LONDON (Ticker) - Thierry Henry insists his commitment on the pitch is enough to prove to the fans how much he loves Arsenal as he refuses to become embroiled in a debate over his future with the club.
Fabregas fit for Arsenal semi-final against Villarreal (Reuters)
April 18, 200618.4.06 FABREGAS TO RETURN FOR ARSENAL From: Hayters teamwork For: Reuters sports desk
Newcastle star Shearer's outlook bleak (SportsTicker)
April 18, 2006NEWCASTLE, England (Ticker) - Alan Shearer admits he may have played his last game for Newcastle.
Atletico strikers Torres and Kezman out for two weeks (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Strikers Fernando Torres and Mateja Kezman are likely to miss three of Atletico Madrid's remaining five league games because of injury.
Make last European game at Highbury a classic, says Henry (Reuters)
April 18, 2006By Simon Vincent
Milan confident ahead of Barcelona semi-final
April 18, 2006Milan confident ahead of semi-final
by UEFA Champions League
Henry bullish over Arsenal contract extension
April 18, 2006Henry bullish over contract extension
by England
Mido closing in on derby-day comeback
April 18, 2006Mido closing in on derby-day comeback
by England
'I'll never quit,' insists defiant Blues boss Bruce
April 18, 2006'I'll never quit,' insists defiant Blues boss Bruce
by England
Chelsea keeper Cech determined to shrug off injury
April 18, 2006Chelsea keeper Cech determined to shrug off injury
by England
McClaren: Players 'are ready to rise to the challenge'
April 18, 2006McClaren: Players 'are ready to rise to the challenge'
by England
UEFA appeal Rangers verdict over sectarian chanting
April 18, 2006UEFA appeal Rangers verdict over sectarian chanting
by UEFA Champions League
Drogba relishing 'big final'
April 18, 2006Chelsea striker Didier Drogba believes the title showdown against Manchester United is the game the fans have waited to see. The Blues require one point from their clash with United at Stamford Bridge on April 29 to claim their second successive title.
Toon sweat on Shearer scan
April 18, 2006Newcastle are anxiously waiting to discover whether or not Alan Shearer's playing career is over.
FIFA signs up Emirates Airline
April 18, 2006Emirates Airline has agreed to pay US$195 million (€159 million) to become FIFA's sixth and final major sponsor, soccer's governing body said Tuesday.
Ball for World Cup final presented
April 18, 2006Franz Beckenbauer, chief of the World Cup organizing committee, on Tuesday presented a special edition of the tournament ball that will be used for the July 9 final in Berlin.
Lennon dismisses exit talk
April 18, 2006Celtic captain Neil Lennon insists his off-the-field problems will not force him to quit the Glasgow giants.
Referees' wages doubled for World Cup (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Referees at the 2006 World Cup have won a 100 percent pay rise and will earn $40,000 each.
Beckenbauer calls FIFA criticism superfluous (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Franz Beckenbauer lashed out at FIFA on Tuesday for its criticism of World Cup organisers and said Germany was ready to host the month-long tournament.
Leipzig to distribute tissues, condoms to World Cup fans (Reuters)
April 18, 2006The city of Leizpig will hand out World Cup "first aid" packages including condoms and tissues so soccer fans can dry their eyes after a defeat.
Giuly wants World Cup place (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Barcelona midfielder Ludovic Giuly said on Tuesday he deserved a place in France's World Cup squad, despite being out of favour with coach Raymond Domenech.
Emirates airline in $195 mln partnership with FIFA (Reuters)
April 18, 2006Emirates [EMAIR.UL] has signed a $195 million partnership deal with football's governing body which would give the Dubai-based airline sponsorship rights to all FIFA competitions for seven years from 2007.
Beckham: Gambling 'no problem' in England camp
April 18, 2006Beckham: Gambling 'no problem' in England camp
by World Cup
Magpies await inevitable news on Shearer injury
April 18, 2006Magpies await inevitable news on Shearer injury
by England
Villa hero Cahill puts contract wrangle on backburner
April 18, 2006Villa hero Cahill puts contract wrangle on backburner
by England
Injury rules Blues defender Upson out for six months
April 18, 2006Injury rules Blues defender Upson out for six months
by England
United confirm permanent exit of misfit Bellion
April 18, 2006United confirm permanent exit of misfit Bellion
by England
Kirkland faces uncertain future after Baggies loan
April 18, 2006Kirkland faces uncertain future after Baggies loan
by England
Ferrari in a race to earn extended Goodison stay
April 18, 2006Ferrari in a race to earn extended Goodison stay
by England
Real 'gradually falling apart', claims dissident director
April 18, 2006Real 'gradually falling apart', claims dissident director
by Simon Baskett
VfL Bochum make quick return to Bundesliga
April 18, 2006VfL Bochum make quick return to Bundesliga
by Europe
Out-of-favour Giuly demands World Cup place
April 18, 2006Out-of-favour Giuly demands World Cup place
by World Cup
Riquelme, Fabregas escape Nou Camp shadow
April 18, 2006Barcelona faces a tough Champions League semifinal against Milan, but should they reach the final, Bobby McMahon sees two potential former Nou Camp players who may come back to haunt them in Juan Roman Riquelme of Villarreal and Arsenal's teen sensation Cesc Fabregas.
Barry: We need Baros to stay
April 18, 2006Stand-in skipper Gareth Barry believes it is vital for Aston Villa to retain the services of leading scorer Milan Baros after this season.
Tuesday's Mirror Gossip
April 18, 2006Boro wants Bellamy, Giles is Toon target, City wants Dabo and more...
VfL Bochum make quick return to top flight in Germany (Reuters)
April 18, 2006VfL Bochum secured a return to top division of the Bundesliga with a 2-0 victory over Alemannia Aachen on Monday, just one year after they were relegated.
Lalas rejoins Galaxy as president and GM
April 18, 2006Alexi Lalas, one of the most colorful personalities in American soccer, has rejoined the Los Angeles Galaxy as president and general manager. The 35-year-old Lalas replaces the late Doug Hamilton, who died of a heart attack March 9.