Premiership Recap, May 1-4
May 4, 2006EPL Recap: Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-1 on two goals in the final 12 minutes from substitute Jose Antonio Reyes on Thursday. The victory left the race for fourth place in the standings wide open.
Premier League reject Magpies' plan for Roeder
May 4, 2006League reject Magpies' plan for Roeder
by England
Real climb to second with victory over Racing
May 4, 2006Real climb to second with victory over Racing
by Europe
Albright replaces injured Hejduk on U.S. roster (SportsTicker)
May 4, 2006CHICAGO (Ticker) - Over a month away from the World Cup, team USA has already suffered a setback.
Arsenal beats Man City 3-1 (AP)
May 4, 2006Arsenal defeated Manchester City 3-1 on two goals in the final 12 minutes from substitute Jose Antonio Reyes in the English Premier League on Thursday. The victory left the race for fourth place in the standings -- the last Champions League place -- wide open going into Sunday's final round. Tottenham has 65 points and Arsenal 64.
Atletico striker Torres has no plans to leave (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Spain striker Fernando Torres has said he is not about to leave Atletico Madrid despite seeing his side fail once again to achieve a place in Europe.
Dossevi recalled to Togo squad (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Togo have recalled French-born midfielder Thomas Dossevi to their squad for a friendly against Saudi Arabia in Rotterdam on May 14, France Football reported on Thursday.
Anti-trafficking advocates spar with Germany over prostitution during World Cup (AP)
May 4, 2006The expected World Cup boom for Germany's sex industry has ignited a trans-Atlantic tiff over prostitution, with a U.S. congressman and other anti-trafficking advocates contending Thursday that thousands of foreign women will be forced into sex work during the four-week tournament. The German government, while defending its policy of legalized prostitution, emphatically denies that it condones...
Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal: Fighting for fourth
May 4, 2006Manchester City 1-3 Arsenal: Fighting for fourth
by England
Sunderland 2-1 Fulham: Home hoodoo broken
May 4, 2006Sunderland 2-1 Fulham: Home hoodoo broken
by England
Wenger gives Spurs CL backing
May 4, 2006Arsene Wenger would not object to UEFA making "an exception" to allow Tottenham into the Champions League if Arsenal win the competition but miss out on a top-four Premiership finish.
WC: England, Sweden favored to advance
May 4, 2006England and Sweden both hope to have secured places in the second round of the World Cup by the time they face each other in the group stage. The two strongest teams in Group B have to play Paraguay and Trinidad and Tobago before meeting each other, and each could get six points from those games to ensure advancement to the knockout round. Still, their match on June 20 in Cologne could be very important, because one of the two might end up playing host Germany in the second round.
WC: Host Germany expected to continue trend
May 4, 2006Every World Cup host has advanced through the group stage when playing on home soil, and Germany is expected to have no problem maintaining that trend at this year's tournament. The Germans were put into Group A before December's draw to ensure they would play in the country's three biggest stadiums. And they did just about as well as they could have hoped by getting Poland, Ecuador and Costa Rica as opponents in the first round.
Klinsmann to announce roster May 15
May 4, 2006Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann will announce his World Cup roster on May 15, the final day of the FIFA deadline.
WC: Ballack, Germany's biggest hope
May 4, 2006Michael Ballack is preparing to leave Germany, and there would be no better way to depart than with a World Cup winner's medal around his neck.
WC: Ronaldinho will be the man to watch
May 4, 2006He learned his first moves with the help of a mixed-breed dog named Bombom. Today he is the best soccer player in the world, praised by Pele and Diego Maradona. All eyes will be on Ronaldinho when the 2006 World Cup begins next month. No other player will attract as much attention as the Brazilian midfielder during the monthlong tournament in Germany - thanks to his nifty skills and dazzling moves, and to Bombom. "He loved to play with me," Ronaldinho said.
WC: Ronaldo ready to silence his critics again
May 4, 2006Ronaldo approaches the 2006 World Cup in one of the worst slumps of his career. Fans have been jeering him and commentators have been criticizing him. Even the great Pele has hit out at him. But as far as Ronaldo is concerned, everything is just fine. "I've been faced with tough challenges my entire career," he said. "But now I know that I'm strong enough to overcome them. I'm certain that I'll be well prepared for the World Cup.
Neville makes FA accusation
May 4, 2006Gary Neville has accused the Football Association of setting a "dangerous precedent" by failing to meet their own deadlines after an appeals hearing upheld his £5,000 fine for improper conduct.
England defender Terry cleared to return for World Cup (SportsTicker)
May 4, 2006LONDON (Ticker) - England defender John Terry has been cleared to return for the World Cup after undergoing a scan on his injured ankle.
Sevilla's Alves reveals interest from Barcelona (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Sevilla's Brazilian right back Daniel Alves said on Thursday that Spanish champions Barcelona were interested in signing him.
McClaren named England manager, signs four-year contract (SportsTicker)
May 4, 2006LONDON (Ticker) - Steve McClaren was named as England's manager following a board meeting of the Football Association on Thursday.
Dortmund's Woerns banned for four matches for elbowing (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Borussia Dortmund defender Christian Woerns has been banned for four matches for elbowing Nuremberg striker Stefan Kiessling in the face last month.
McClaren is 'good choice', says mentor Fergie
May 4, 2006McClaren is 'good choice', says mentor Fergie
by England
Barwick: McClaren was always my first choice
May 4, 2006Barwick: McClaren was my first choice
by England
Middlesbrough start search for new manager
May 4, 2006Middlesbrough start search for new manager
by England
Boro optimistic over Schwarzer fitness
May 4, 2006Boro optimistic over Schwarzer fitness
by Europe
Spain arrange Egypt and Croatia warm-ups
May 4, 2006Spain arrange Egypt and Croatia warm-ups
by World Cup
Scolari contract worry for Portugal
May 4, 2006Scolari worry for Portugal
by UEFA Champions League
Sevilla's Alves reveals interest from Barcelona
May 4, 2006Sevilla's Alves reveals interest from Barcelona
by Europe
Seven Levski players in Bulgaria squad for Japan trip (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Bulgaria coach Hristo Stoichkov, unable to call on most of his regulars because of their club duties, named an 18-man squad including four debutants on Thursday for next week's Kirin Cup in Japan.
Goalkeeper Abbondanzieri believes bad patch is over (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Argentina goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri is confident his poor run of form is over and he will be at his peak for the World Cup next month.
Man Utd, Liverpool chase runners up spot
May 4, 2006EPL Preview: With one round of EPL games to go, the title and relegation issues are all decided. Now Manchester United and Liverpool are battling for the runners-up spot and at the other end of the scale, the race for the final promotion place continues.
Bayern success cannot hide problems
May 4, 2006Bayern Munich is almost certain of repeating last season's double by adding the league title to their Cup triumph. Oliver Hinz says that this success can't hide the fact that Bayern is lagging far behind on the international stage.
Bayern closes on historic title
May 4, 2006Although it keeps getting delayed, the decision seems inevitable. Bayern Munich will retain its Bundesliga title and make German soccer history unless it self-destructs spectacularly.
Juventus seeks decisive points at Palermo
May 4, 2006Juventus is a maximum two games from clinching a second consecutive Serie A title. How it feels about that is anyone's guess.
PSG hopes UC place will make Pauleta stay
May 4, 2006Paris Saint-Germain coach Guy Lacombe hopes the club's qualification for the UEFA Cup persuades striker Pauleta to stay.
Lille, Marseille lead chase for CL berth
May 4, 2006Four teams are vying for third place in the French first division and the country's last spot in the Champions League.
QPR boardroom scene like gangster movie, court told (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Queens Park Rangers chairman Gianni Paladini was threatened with a gun in a boardroom battle that resembled a scene out of gangster movie, a court heard on Thursday.
Defender Albright replaces Hejduk in U.S. World Cup squad (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Los Angeles Galaxy defender Chris Albright will replace injured Frankie Hejduk in the U.S. squad for the World Cup.
Manager Hughes pledges future to Blackburn (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Manager Mark Hughes pledged his future to Blackburn Rovers on Thursday after agreeing a new three-year contract with the Premier League club.
PREVIEW-Soccer-Anderlecht seek win to secure 28th Belgian title (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Anderlecht will win their 28th Belgian first division title on Friday if they beat Zulte Waregem on the final day of the season.
Top Ukrainian sides draft in foreign refs for showdown (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Dynamo Kiev and Shakhtar Donetsk, going to the wire in Ukraine's premier league championship, have decided to draft in a team of foreign match officials for their decisive game in Kiev next week.
Hosts Germany to name World Cup squad on deadline day (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann will announce his squad for the World Cup on Monday, May 15 at 1100 GMT in Berlin, the German Football Association announced on Thursday.
'Barca will add European Cup to Liga title' - Cruyff
May 4, 2006'Barca will add European Cup to Liga title' - Cruyff
by Europe
Rooney using oxygen chamber to aid recovery
May 4, 2006Rooney using oxygen chamber to aid recovery
by World Cup
Eriksson ready to back McClaren as successor
May 4, 2006Eriksson ready to back McClaren as successor
by World Cup
Coleman braced for interest in key Fulham duo
May 4, 2006Coleman braced for interest in key Fulham duo
by England
New contract keeps Hughes at Ewood til 2009
May 4, 2006New contract keeps Hughes at Ewood til 2009
by England
O'Leary denies link with Sunderland
May 4, 2006O'Leary denies link with Sunderland
by England
Hughes signs contract extension at Rovers
May 4, 2006Blackburn manager Mark Hughes agreed to a contract extension Thursday that will keep him at Ewood Park until at least 2009.
CTL: Sao Paulo beats Palmeiras
May 4, 2006Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni converted an 86th-minute penalty kick and defending champion Sao Paulo defeated Brazilian rival Palmeiras 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals 3-2 on aggregate.
Copa Libertadores Roundup, May 3
May 4, 2006Copa Libertadores Wrap: Defending champion Sao Paulo, Velez Sarsfield and Internacional advanced to the quarterfinals on Wednesday. Goalkeeper Rogerio Ceni scored a penalty for Sao Paulo to beat Palmeiras 2-1.
WC: Soca Warriors targeting upset
May 4, 2006The smallest country to ever qualify for the World Cup is planning on causing one of the tournament's biggest upsets.
Mexican Roundup, May 3
May 4, 2006Despite playing with 10 men for 55 minutes, defending Mexican League champion Toluca topped visiting Cruz Azul 2-1 and San Luis beat Atlante 1-0 in first-leg playoff matches on Wednesday.
Real stadium snag has the brass Salty
May 4, 2006Funding for Real Salt Lake's new $150 million soccer complex has hit a snag as news was leaked about the club's ailing finances. FSC writer Jamie Trecker talks with the brass in Utah to get to the bottom of the situation and explore the "fuzzy math" behind MLS' finances.
Pearce: We'll be revved up
May 4, 2006Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce insists no motivation will be required as the Blues look to end Arsenal's bid for a top-four place at Eastlands on Thursday night.
Manchester City vs. Arsenal
May 4, 2006Kiki Musampa is doubtful for Manchester City's final Premiership home game of the season against Arsenal on Thursday.
WORLD CUP 2006: Michael Ballack, Germany's biggest hope (AP)
May 4, 2006Michael Ballack is preparing to leave Germany, and there would be no better way to depart than with a World Cup winner's medal around his neck. For that to happen, Ballack needs to get a second chance to play in a World Cup final, the biggest game in any player's career. If any player needs extra motivation for a World Cup, Ballack certainly has a special reason to get pumped up -- apart from the...
Santos knocked out of Copa Brasil by third division team (Reuters)
May 4, 2006Third division Ipatinga stunned Vanderlei Luxemburgo's Santos by knocking them out of the Copa Brasil on penalties following a 2-2 aggregate draw on Wednesday.
Rummenigge demands salary cap to curb Chelsea
May 4, 2006Rummenigge demands salary cap to curb Chelsea
by Europe
Lampard hails 'fantastic' McClaren
May 4, 2006Lampard hails 'fantastic' McClaren
by England
Sven ready to back McClaren as successor
May 4, 2006Sven ready to back McClaren as successor
by England
Anxious Sven sweats on Rooney update
May 4, 2006Anxious Sven sweats on Rooney update
by England
Premiership Recap, May 1-3
May 4, 2006EPL Recap: Bolton and Middlesbrough played to a 1-1 draw, a match with little importance in the standings but featuring two managers being considered for the England national team position.
WC: Paraguay aiming to advance
May 4, 2006Paraguay will be relying on strikers Roque Santa Cruz and Nelson Haedo Valdez to take it into the second round of the World Cup for the third straight time. Often lost in the shadow of Brazil and Argentina, Paraguay has made six World Cup appearances since 1934 and was knocked out in 1998 by champion France and in 2002 by finalist Germany.
WC: Sweden changes its gears
May 4, 2006A quick look at statistics shows something has changed about the way Sweden plays soccer. Long known as a team with an extremely solid defense - but dull and boring on the attack - Sweden has become a prolific scoring machine that averaged more goals per game than any other European team in qualifying for this year's World Cup, scoring 30 times in 10 games.
Asian Champions League Roundup, May 3
May 4, 2006South Korea's Ulsan Hyundai and China's Shanghai Shenhua advanced to the Asian Champions League quarterfinals on Wednesday while the five other groups will be decided on the last day. Lee Chun-soo scored in the first half as Ulsan held on to beat Tokyo Verdy 1-0 in Group F, while substitute Gao Lin scored twice as Shanghai snatched a 4-2 win over Dong Tam of Vietnam in Group G.