(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos has rejected a lucrative offer from Turkish giants Fenerbahçe after a conversation with new boss Fabio Capello.

"I want to stay at Real Madrid," he told Spanish daily AS. "I say it loudly and clearly."

"It's true that (Fenerbahçe) have been calling me for a long time."

"Fabio Capello has given me a new lease of life and I feel much happier," said the left back. "We had quite a long conversation, we spoke about everything."

"I'm not leaving now because of that talk."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Goal.com) - New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway hailed Houston Dynamo as the top team in MLS following Saturday night's 1-1 draw at Robertson Stadium.

Conway's Red Bulls left Texas with a 1-1 draw despite only having three shots on goal. Both teams were reduced to ten men in the 71st minute, moments after Houston's Dwayne De Rosario beat Conway with a penalty kick to tie the score.

"In the first half they were coming at us pretty strong, but we were able to hold them off," said Conway. "I thought we were pretty good defensively. We got a goal early [in the second half], however right after the goal we gave up a penalty kick.

"They're by far the best team in the league from front to back so coming down here and getting the draw is a big accomplishment for us," added Conway, who made a terrific save on U.S. international Brian Ching in the 83rd minute to preserve the draw.

"He didn't know where I came from so I just looked up and said, 'Not tonight buddy'," said Conway about preventing his former teammate from netting a winner.

"Again, they're by far the best team in the league so to get a draw tonight is a good way to keep us on our run."

The Red Bulls have gone unbeaten in four straight matches.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - With the start of the Premiership season around the corner, Fulham are looking to bolster their defense and have reportedly made a £2.5m offer to Belgian club Standard Liege for USA World Cup defender Oguchi Onyewu.

If the deal is completed the former Clemson tiger would join Carlos Bocanegra and Brian McBride on the Whites roster. Fulham has denied speculation that the U.S. target man was in the process of being transferred stating that he was ‘very much part of Chris Coleman’s plans for next season.’

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Goal.com) - The Spanish media still believes that the Brazilian ace will join the Merengues.

Despite Milan being confirmed in the Champions League and Kaka declaring his love for the Rossoneri, the transfer speculation linking the Brazilian to Madrid continues.

However, Kaka once again denied that he is on his way to join Fabio Capello and Fabio Cannavaro.

"I never thought of leaving Milan. I'm still here, I'm at Milan and I signed an extension to my contract before the verdicts came out.

"I never spoke with anyone neither before nor after the decisions taken from the trial.

"I think that signing before the verdicts proves that I'm happy to be here."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite claims to the contrary, PSV general manager Stan Valckx has stated that the Dutch champs have not yet tendered an offer for LDU Quito star Edison Mendez.

The Ecuador star revealed that he was close to securing a dream move to Holland, but the Farmers are still preparing their approach.

Valckx believes the World Cup ace can slot smoothly into the midfield position vacated by Mark van Bommel last summer.

"Mendez is a good player, but PSV has not made a bid on him and there has been no discussion with his club," he told Eindhovens Dagblad.

"We are actually looking into the possibility of bringing him to the Netherlands – the interest is serious."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Sol Campbell is reportedly set to shelve his plans on moving abroad after it was claimed he has informed Newcastle United of a desire to sign for the Magpies.

The centre-back is available on a free transfer after leaving Arsenal earlier this summer, quoting a desire to have a new challenge.

The 31-year-old has been linked with Inter Milan and Fenerbahce, but may yet be set to stay in the Premiership and provide an answer to Glenn Roeder's defensive problems.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Corinthians strike star Carlos Tevéz has hinted that he may soon leave the club in the aftermath of a scary incident involving his family after their seventh loss in a row.

Tensions are high with the big spending Brazlian side in last place, and Tevéz has felt the brunt of the kick back.

“I was really annoyed on Saturday,” announced Tevéz. “(Angry fans) surrounded my car and I had my daughter and my wife inside.”

“That’s when I thought that I could leave Corinthians, and it’s going to be difficult to stay here,” he continued. “(My family) are really scared and these sort of things aren’t easy to just forget.”

“I want to stay, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve also got a responsibility to listen to my family.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid and Manchester United have agreed on a 15 million Euro deal according to Spanish daily AS.

Real Madrid had made a 15 million Euro offer yesterday, which Manchester United have accepted, despite earlier indications that they were planning to hold out for a higher sum.

Reports indicate the Dutch international, 30, will arrive in Madrid this evening, and is set to sign a three year deal worth 15 million Euros after tomorrow's medical.

However, The Sun reports that Tottenham Hotspur have sized up a swap deal to land Ruud. Tottenham would send Michael Carrick, the midfielder so highly coveted by United, the other way.

Van Nistelrooy would be Real Madrid's third big signing within a week, after Cannavaro and Emerson, if the Spanish giants are able to pip Tottenham to the deal.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:04 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh Atlético Madrid catch Mista says he is overjoyed at the prospect of suiting up at the Vicente Calderon this season.

The attacker moved from Valencia on Wednesday and could not hide his delight.

"It has come as a surprise, but overall an enormous joy for me to be signed by Atlético Madrid," he told the club website. "To arrive at a club of this stature is always very important for any footballer."

"What I hope to do is to give back to Atlético all the effort that has been put in to sign me."

Mista joins a crowded summer recruit that includes Sergio Aguero, Costinha and Mariano Pernia.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Fulham's American striker Brian McBride has followed in the footsteps of Manchester City's American midfielder Claudio Reyna and has retired from international football following the 2006 World Cup.

The 34-year-old calls it quits on a 13-year career with the Stars and Stripes, having netted 30 goals in 95 international appearances. McBride scored three goals in 10 World Cup appearances and 10 goals in 25 World Cup qualifiers.

The 2005/06 Fulham Player of the Year was held scoreless at the 2006 World Cup. But McBride, known for his toughness, inspired fans when he returned to the pitch to play out USA's dramatic 1-1 draw with Italy despite getting bloodied up from a Daniele De Rossi elbow.

“This is a special day in that I have the opportunity to thank U.S. Soccer for all it has done for me and my family,” said McBride.

"I will truly miss being part of the team. Additionally, I want to thank the fans of U.S. Soccer for their enthusiasm and support. Without the encouragement and warm words from many fans, I would not be where I am today."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

(Soccer365.com) - Despite the failure of the WUSA a few years ago, former U.S. Women’s National Team star Julie Foudy believes a women’s professional soccer league could work in America with some cost control.

"I am cautiously optimistic it's going to be back," she told Reuters. "The women's game attracts a different market than the men's game - I think they can build on each other."

"Sponsorship was good, our revenue was steady, it's just that our expenses were way out of line," suggested Foudy. "Now you are seeing an environment where there is a potential for sharing infrastructure with a lot of (MLS) teams."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) - New Brazil manager Dunga has vowed to field a team with the confidence and spirit required to call themselves the Samba Kings.

The 1994 World Cup champion was hired Monday night to replace Carlos Alberto Parreira.

"A national team player has to have posture and attitude and it shouldn't be necessary for me or anyone else to tell them that," he told Reuters. "While I'm in charge, they'll have to give their body, soul, mind and heart to the national team."

"The players have to understand that we've got quality, but they have to be highly motivated, be excited to play for the national team, know that few have this possibility and make the most of it."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:39 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - The agent for Juventus forward Ibrahimovic Zlatan has announced that his client would be willing to stay if the relegated giants make it worth his while.

"Zlatan feels good in Turin and he wouldn't have problem with staying, but the contract conditions must change and not just a little," Mino Raiola told Corriere dello Sport.

"I'm not pessimistic or optimistic about Zlatan's stay," he asserted. "I'm simply realistic."

"Our position is clear and the first step is up to the club."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid, 29-time Spanish Liga Champions, are all set to face four-time MLS Champions D.C. United and Freddy Adu.

The match will take place Wednesday, August 9th at Qwest Field in Seattle, Washington. Kick off is slated for 8:00 p.m. local time (11:00 p.m. ET). Tickets to the match will go on sale to the public on Wednesday, July 26th at 10:00 a.m. ET.

“D.C. United is thrilled to be playing one of the top teams in the world,” said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. “We look forward to the challenge of competing against Real Madrid and to a great evening of soccer.”

United currenty sit atop the MLS standings with just one loss from 20 matches.

Three days later Real Madrid will face MLS outfit Real Salt Lake in the XanGo Cup in Utah.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Goal.com) - The big four Italian clubs smacked around by the punishments handed down from the match-fixing scandal just five days after Italy won the World Cup have used appeals to soften the blows.

Juventus will remain in Serie B to start the season, but the Old Lady had her 30-point deduction to start the season reduced to 17 points.

Fiorentina and Lazio were the biggest winners. Both clubs were Serie B-bound until the appeals; now they have been reinstated to Serie A. Fiorentina will start the new campaign with a 19-point deduction, while Lazio have been hit with an 11-point deduction.

AC Milan were never relegated to Serie B as an outcome from the match-fixing verdict, and now the Rossoneri have seen their 15-point deduction to start the season nearly halved to just eight points. However, Milan fans will be disheartened by the news that the decision to ban the club from European competitions this season has been upheld.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) - With various reports claiming that wantaway forward David Trezeguet is too costly for Lyon, club president Jean-Michel Aulas has admitted that the Juventus star is still under discussion.

"A quality player is never too expensive," said the executive, who still could see a windfall should Mahamdou Diarra leave for Real Madrid. “David is an exceptional player.”

"The Juventus officials ask themselves if they have to let him leave or to keep him," Aulas told L'Equipe. "Even with his price, he represents 20 to 25 goals a season, and that is fantastic."

"I think at a certain time we will have to make a decision that matches our ambitions and our abilities, but it is too early yet."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - Following the capture of Juventus defenders Lilian Thuram and Gianluca Zambrotta, Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard declared that he would be happy to go into the season with his current group.

"I am happy with the squad," he told the club website. "We have signed two more players that can do a lot for the team."

"I said I was pleased even before these two signings, and that was the truth," stated Rijkaard. "Anybody can see we have a finely balanced team."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Inter coach Roberto Mancini is preparing for the arrival of Juventus midfielder Patrick Vieira.

The Nerazzurri are said to be close to sealing a deal for the Frenchman, who may step into the midfield slot vacated by Juan Sebastian Veron.

"It's true that they are not so similar players, but they are both central midfielders," said Mancini.

"Should Vieira arrive, something will change in comparison to last season.

"I could say we would be a little less technical and a little more thoughtful.

"Anyway, in the middle we could also line up Pizarro as a playmaker, with Vieira and Cambiasso on the wings."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - France defender Lilian Thuram has criticised the Togo Football Association for allowing a dispute with the players of the national team over allowances and bonuses, something that affected their World Cup campaign.

The West Africans made their first World Cup appearance in Germany this year and the dispute is something that did not go well with many.

The row had to be resolved after Fifa's intervention, as the world football governing body promised to pay the players and deduct the total from Togo's World Cup appearance fee.

"Togo has given a poor image to international football," Thuram said at a news conference in Lome.

"I think when a team has qualified for the World Cup it should have all these things already sorted out.

"There is already prejudice about the disorganisation of African teams and I don't think it's a good idea to reinforce this.

"Unfortunately Togo gave a bad image of the African teams and I'm very disapointed."

Togo were paired in Group G alongside France, South Korea and Switzerland and lost all three of their group matches thus making a first round exit.

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:48 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Chelsea striker Hernan Crespo has reiterated his desire to return to Serie A.

The Argentinian star has enjoyed a prolific career with Parma, Lazio, Inter and Milan, and wishes to return to the country.

Crespo is desperate to leave Chelsea despite the incentives offered by owner Roman Abramovich.

"He offered me a house, a private jet and more money, but money and success doesn't come into it," Crespo said.

"Italy is my natural environment, it's where I'll live when I retire and it's the best place to play.

"Abramovich is a marvellous person and Chelsea is a fantastic club, they have treated me like a king.

"The fans have been great too, but I am waiting here, just hoping my mobile will ring.

"I can guarantee that I am a healthy striker with just one wish - to return and play my sort of football."

But a Chelsea statement read: "He is contracted for the next two years and will remain so unless we receive a suitable offer.

"Everyone at Chelsea is aware of his domestic situation and we have every sympathy for that."

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Posted by soccer365 at 04:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - Veteran keeper Quim was the first Benfica player to mention the imminent departure of midfielder Manuel Fernandes (pic) for Portsmouth. Speaking to Portuguese radio station Renascença, Quim was bittersweet about his ex-team mate’s move to the Premiership.

"It’s a shame that he’s off as he’s a great kid, very humble, who got on well with everybody. Also as a footballer we’ll miss him as he’s a player of rare quality", explained Quim. “He deserves to be happy wherever he goes, and I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from him in the future.

As to his own situation – the goalie went from first choice to substitute under Ronald Koeman last season and Morretto was brought in to replace what the Dutchman thought was a weak link in the Encarnado first eleven – Quim was philosophical.

"I’m still willing and able and have three years left to run on my contract. This season we’ll all start from zero and I’ll do everything I can to help Benfica. If an offer comes in I’ll study it, but right now all my thoughts remain with Benfica.”

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) - New Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello was over the moon after completing the capture of Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson, two of his key Juventus cogs from the last few seasons.

The trainer left Turin due to their penalty regulation for the wiretap scandal, and these two players are likely beginning a mass squad exodus.

"They were two of our key objectives for the coming season," insisted Capello. "I have no doubt whatsoever that they be very important for Real Madrid."

"They’re both great footballers and men that play for team glory."

The Galacticos have reportedly paid €20 million to add the two stars to their constellation.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - The two players at the center of the "Head-butt Heard Around the World" during the World Cup finals on July 9 have been banned a total of five matches and fined a total of $10,000.

France's Zinedine Zidane was banned three matches by FIFA and also fined $6,000. Because Zidane retired, he will participate in three days of community service.

"Zinedine Zidane has also agreed to do community service work with children and youngsters," read a FIFA statement. "As Zidane has now retired from international football, the committee took note of Zidane's pledge to do three days of community service work with children and youngsters as part of FIFA's humanitarian activities"

Italy's Marco Materazzi has been banned two international matches and fined $4,000 for his part in provoking the famous head-butt from Zidane, an incident which marred the 2006 World Cup finals.

"In their statements, both players stressed that Materazzi's comments had been defamatory but not of a racist nature," continued the FIFA statement.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (18)

(Soccer365.com) - Argentine federation head Julio Grondona has officially accepted Jose Pekerman’s resignation after spending everyday since their World Cup 2006 exit trying to change the coach’s mind.

The post will now be thrown open to a field of interested parties, including erstwhile Mexico manager Ricardo Lavolpe and Albiceleste legend Diego Maradona.

"I've talked to Pekerman and he told me that he will not continue with the national team," Grondona told Clarin. "It was something that was always possible and I am relaxed about it."

"We'll see what will happens… we don't have any names yet."

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - New Italy boss Roberto Donadoni has made it clear that auditions are wide open for national team places.

"All Italian players must have the same chance," he stated. "All must know they have a chance to wear the Azzurri shirt."

The also admitted to being concerned over the possibility of a Serie A wiretap scandal appeal process that could delay the start of the new season.

Relegated Fiorentina, Lazio and Juventus are looking into the idea with hopes of saving theior top flight status.

"This scenario could happen and could further complicate my job," sighed Donadoni, who must first deal with a Croatia friendly in mid-August before Euro2008 qualifying begins in September.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid have announced that they have signed Fabio Cannavaro and Emerson from Juventus as Fabio Capello's rebuilding programme begins.

The Italian coach has returned to his former club to snap up the duo for a reported fee of around €20million.

Madrid's new president, Ramón Calderón, promised that several new signings would be made in the next few days and he has delivered.

The club's sporting director, Predrag Mijatovic, met with Juve officials in Turin and closed a deal for the players on Wednesday evening.

Cannavaro was one of the true stars of the World Cup Finals as he captained Italy to success, while Emerson has been a key player for Capello at Roma and Juve.

The Italian giants were bracing themselves for a player exodus after the club was relegated to Serie B for their involvement in the recent match-rigging scandal.

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Posted by soccer365 at 05:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Goal.com) - Bruce Arena, who just learned last Thursday he would not be offered a new contract by US Soccer after a two-World Cup cycle run, was named Red Bull New York's new sporting director and head coach on Tuesday morning. Arena will oversee all of the club's soccer operations, including the first team, reserve and academy teams and youth development.

Arena will be on the Red Bulls' sidelines starting on Aug. 12 in the team's friendly vs. UEFA Champions League winner FC Barcelona at Giants Stadium. Until then, current interim head coach Richie Williams will serve as the acting head coach until Arena permanently arrives. Williams may be retained as an assistant. The former US, New York, and D.C. United midfielder played under Arena at college and professional level for several years.

Prior to becoming the U.S. national team coach, Arena led D.C. United to back-to-back MLS Cup championships in 1996 and 1997 and during his three-year stint, he earned the best winning percentage (.635) in league history.

D.C. United have been regarded as New York's arch-rivals since the clubs began playing in 1996, meaning Arena, who has long been revered in United circles, will have a lot of explaining to do when he returns to United with the Red Bulls on September 23.

The move, however, is not that shocking. Arena's son, Kenny, played 20 games for the New York franchise, and Arena himself was born in Brooklyn, NY.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Goal.com) - AC Milan’s Brazilian starlet Kaka’ told Spanish daily ‘AS’ that he is available to move to Real Madrid if the Rossoneri agree to the move as well.

“If a deal is found that would satisfy both me and Milan, then I would be happy to join Real Madrid,” said the former Sao Paulo star.

“I like Milano. And Milan are one of the strongest and most prestigious clubs in the world. I am very devoted to Milan. This is why I have a contract with them up until 2011,” he added.

Fabio Capello’s Real Madrid have reportedly tabled an offer of 50 million Euros to the Rossoneri for their Brazilian jewel.

However, after letting Shevchenko go to Chelsea for a similar amount, Milan have made it clear more than once that they aren’t ready to sell anymore of their superstars.

Kaka’s future will most probably depend on whether the Italian football federation’s appeals court confirms Milan’s -44 point deduction from last season as this would leave the Berlusconi club out of Europe, the place where the big money is to be found.

Deprived of the cash deriving from a Champions League participation, Milan might have to let go of another of their prized-possessions, with Kaka being the most coveted one.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (29)

(Goal.com) - Atletico Madrid's highly coveted striker, Fernando Torres, does not want to leave the club, according to his agent.

The news is likely to disappoint Manchester United, who have been linked with a move for the Spanish international forward to replace Ruud van Nistelrooy, who looks set to leave Old Trafford soon for Madrid's other big guns, Real.

Antonio Sanz, who represents Torres, says: "The player's intention is to remain at Atletico Madrid.

"Neither us, nor the club, has received an offer from Manchester United, or any other clubs for that matter."

Torres has been La Primera Liga's leading goalscorer in each of the last four seasons, has become a regular fixture in the starting eleven for Spain and won many new admirers last month with his performancers at the World Cup.

Not surprisingly, Atletico want to hang on to the biggest playing asset.

Sanz confirmed: "On 21 July, Torres will join Atletico Madrid for pre-season training.

"Torres has two years left on his contract with Atletico and then we will see what happens.

"After the World Cup, there has been interest from Italian clubs but not from English clubs, and there hasn't been anything concrete."

Atletico coach Javier Aguirre implied that Torres' future at the club looked uncertain when he told Spanish newspaper Marca: "I've spoken to Fernando and he hasn't been able to guarantee his presence in the team in the forthcoming season.

"The market is still open and a lot of things can happen, but it is clear that every day that passes is one day less for something to occur.

"What I want to make clear, though, is that Fernando has a great commitment to the club."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - US Soccer (USSF) president Sunil Gulati announced today that Bruce Arena would not be offered a new contract as head coach of USA once his contract expires in December.

Gulati met with Arena for over four hours on Thursday, discussing Arena's tenure for the past eight years and also for the past 30 days. The two spoke twice this morning, before departing on amicable, yet final, terms. Arena's 8-year tenure as national team coach -- rare by modern standards -- almost made him expendable by default.

"We will begin an immediate search for someone to guide the program going forward," said Gulati, who praised Arena for what he has done for US Soccer, but who said the USSF wanted a fresh look.

"It comes down primarily to eight years being a long period. I'm not going to say we needed to change direction -- I think the direction that Bruce has set has been very, very positive. If anything we want to continue the type of progress we've made (since Arena took over for Steve Sampson in 1998)," added Gulati.

"We didn't get the results we wanted at the (2006) World Cup, but, as I've said repeatedly, Bruce Arena did not become a bad coach in three games."

Gulati commented favorably on former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann as a possible coaching candidate, but he did emphasize that he had not spoken with Klinsmann personally about the US vacancy.

"The search will be worldwide. We’re not restricting anyone who has an American passport or who resides in the US," Gulati said. But he did express his desire to find someone who is knowledgeable about the American soccer and sports landscape, criteria Klinsmann, who resides in southern California, fits to a tee.

Arena issued the following statement through the USSF:

"I would like to thank the players, coaches and staff who have been with the program over the last eight years. Their tireless effort has helped transform the national team program into something we can all be proud of, and I am extremely grateful for their commitment. I have thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and I would like to thank US Soccer for the opportunity and their support throughout my tenure. I am proud of how far the organization has come over the last eight years, and I am extremely optimistic about the future of the sport in our country. As for me, I am planning to take some time off to weigh my future opportunities.”

Gulati revealed that Bruce Arena turned down a coaching job abroad before the World Cup to retain his position as coach of USA. Speculation is that Arena was offered a post at an English club, but it is unclear whether or not that opportunity still exists for the former DC United manager. It is believed one opportunity Arena is mulling over is the position of head coach and director of soccer operations with the New York Red Bulls.

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich general manager Uli Hoeness admitted that coach Felix Magath could get his wish to acquire France World Cup sensation Franck Ribéry from Olympique Marseille.

The €12 million winger has also been linked with Arsenal and Real Madrid since a strong showing in Germany.

"Ribéry really impressed us in the World Cup," Hoeness told Bild.

"He is an excellent dribbler, takes risks and is not afraid to get stuck in."

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Three of the four Serie A clubs under investigation for match-fixing have been demoted to Serie B for next season, and the fourth will start with negative points in Serie A next season.

Juventus were hit hardest, having their Scudetto titles for winning Serie A the past two seasons stripped. The Old Lady also was demoted to Serie B and will begin the upcoming season with -30 points.

Fiorentina and Lazio also have been demoted to Serie B. Fiorentina will begin the upcoming seasonwith -12 points, while Lazio will begin with -7 points.

AC Milan avoided demotion, but they will begin the upcoming season with -15 points.

None of these four clubs will be eligible to play in the Champions League or UEFA Cup this season, and they have three days to file an appeal with the Federal Court.

No Scudetto titles will be awarded retroactively for the 2004/05 and 2005/06 Serie A seasons won by Juventus.

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) - Valencia coach Quique Sanchez Flores has refused to scrap plans to sign Cristiano Ronaldo despite Manchester United's continued determination to fend off his suitors.

The Old Trafford club issued a statement on Thursday insisting they "will not listen to any offers" after the Portugal international had been linked with a move to Barcelona and Real Madrid. But Sanchez Flores, who is poised to complete the signing Chelsea full-back Asier Del Horno, still harbours hopes of luring the 21-year-old winger to the Mestalla.

"His arrival would bring great happiness to everyone," said Sanchez Flores. "He is a very young player that is capable of doing important things. There should be more players with his quality in the market."

Valencia, who finished third in the Primera Liga last season, should formally announce the arrival of Del Horno after the Spain international struggled to command a regular first-team place at Stamford Bridge.

Sanchez Flores added: "Asier is a good player.

"(Valencia sporting director Amedeo) Carboni already confirmed the possibility of his arrival and I believe he is the right man to cover that left-back role."

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Posted by soccer365 at 06:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Goal.com) - Celtic FC endured their third straight pre-season defeat, this one coming 4-0 at the hands of MLS leaders DC United Wednesday night at RFK Stadium in Washington DC.

"They blew us off the pitch with their energy," said Strachan after the match. "Especially in the second half. As the game went on, (our) players felt less energy. That is disappointing."

United, in mid-season form and with only one loss in 18 league matches, ran riot past the reigning Scottish Premier League Champions. Freddy Adu dazzled for one hour, scoring the opening goal just before halftime before getting a deserved break. Reserve striker Jamil Walker scored the second United goal in the 57th minute.

Celtic FC struggled with the humidity and with their lack of fitness, with only Scottish player of the year Sean Maloney appearing equal to the task.

"It was the lethargy, really," explained Strachan of his team's dreadful performance. "If you're lethargic, you'll give chances away. If you cure that, then the other things will be cured. We need to work on the lethargy problem."

Celtic's night went from bad to worse when new signing from Wolves, Kenny Miller, was sent off for a malicious scissor tackle on United defender John Wilson in th 66th minute. United defender Bobby Boswell headed home the resulting free kick.

"We're all frustrated, you have to be able to handle it. Kenny has to accept whatever comes his way," said Strachan of Miller's impropriety.

Enjoying the man advantage, United's entire reserve team closed out the match in style. Andy Metcalf collected a back heel from Matt Nickell before beating David Marshall at his back post.

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(Soccer365.com) - Costa Rica top gun Paulo Wanchope is prepared to sign a two-year contract with Argentine side Rosario Central.

Wanchope struck a double against Germany at World Cup 2006, giving him the all-time Ticos scoring crown with 45 international goals.

The 29-year old has formerly played for Derby County, Málaga, Manchester City and West Ham United.

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(Goal.com) - FIFA have today opened disciplinary proceedings against Marco Materazzi for his role in the World Cup final controversy surrounding Zinidine Zidane.

The Italian player was head-butted in the chest by the French legend in the closing minutes of the final in Berlin on Sunday. Zidane, who was playing the last match of his glittering career, was shown a red-card following the incident.

Zidane revealed on French TV yesterday that his reponse followed repeated provocation from Materazzi, which he claims involved his mother and sister.

Both players have been summoned to attend a face-to-face hearing before the Disciplinary Committee at FIFA headquarters in Zurich on Thursday, 20 July.

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee is expected to reach a decision later that day.

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(Soccer365.com) - Germany midfield ace Michael Ballack has praised the promotion of Joachim Low to head man following the departure of World Cup 2006 navigator Jürgen Klinsmann.

"It's a shame that Klinsmann has decided against carrying on, but at the same time I'm glad that Joachim Low will be our new coach," he told the DFB website.

"He knows the team well and will continue to work in the way that we have been used to in recent times."

The Germans are coming off a third place finish in their hosted World Cup, and drew plaudits for the attacking play of several youngsters.

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(Soccer365.com) - Brazil strike ace Ronaldo believes that observers back home have been too dramatic over their World Cup 2006 campaign, which ended with a quarterfinal loss to France.

"I've seen and heard the criticism, and it all seems very exaggerated," he told reporters. "Our performance was below expectations."

"We just have to accept it," add Ronaldo. "I think it's too much to look for a culprit for our elimination."

"Brazil won't win every Cup, even though we're the best team in the world."

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(Goal.com) - Marcello Lippi has officially stepped down as coach of Italy despite leading the team to World Cup glory on Sunday.

There has been widespread support for Lippi to stay on after the success against France but he has decided to go out on a high.

He said in a statement on the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) website: "After the conclusion of an extraordinary professional and human experience during my time guiding this group of players, I believe my role as coach of the national team is over.

"I have therefore announced to the FIGC my wish to leave the post as national coach when the contract expires.

"I would like to thank the FIGC for the trust they have given me in the last two years I have worked for them."

He added: "I believe that I have achieved what I set out to achieve as coach of the Italian team."

Lippi turned down a new contract before the tournament in Germany began and failed to attend a meeting with the Italian Federation on Tuesday.

He feels he and his son Davide were attacked personally in the Serie A corruption scandal.

Lippi was questioned by prosecutors before the World Cup about alleged pressure he received to select particular players for the national team.

His son is under investigation for his position at a player agency linked to the scandal.

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(Soccer365.com) - Hamburg coach Thomas Doll was quite flattered to be linked with the formerly vacant Germany job, but says he’d rather wait a while for taking that post.

Right hand man Joachim Low was quickly named as successor when Jürgen Klinsmann stepped down after a third place finish at World Cup 2006.

"Why not? But only when I'm older," he told Hamburger Morgenpost. "There is no question of me taking the job at the current time."

"I've only been in the Bundesliga for 18 months, but it is a nice feeling to know that I'm being linked with the post."

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(Goal.com) - Jurgen Klinsmann confirmed speculation that he was leaving his post as coach of Germany at a press conference in Frankfurt on Wednesday.

Klinsmann, a star striker and World Cup-winner as a player with Germany in 1990, had been coach for less than two years, having taken the reigns of Die Mannschaft in August 2004. His stint as Germany's head honcho also was his first professional coaching gig.

"I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, who pushed us along to this fantastic success," said Klinsmann, who was offered a contract extension by the DFB. "It was the most beautiful World Cup ever. We've created a new image of the Germans around the world.

"I hope that no one's heart will be broken by this. Now let's look to the future. We'll have a lot of fun watching this team," he added.

Klinsmann silenced most of his critics after his un-German approach to coaching, which included monitoring the progress of his players from his home in southern California and adopting innovative training techniques, led a young and inexperienced German squad to a third place finish at the World Cup.

Klinsmann, 41, has long been rumored to be a top candidate to become the next coach of the United States, although recently he has denied any contact with U.S. Soccer about taking over for Bruce Arena, the Americans' coach for eight years. For now, however, Klinsmann will return home to California to consult with his family before making a decision about his future.

Klinsmann will be replaced by Joachim Loew, one of Klinsmann's top assistants.

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid boss Fabio Capello has furthered the club’s campaign to attract Fabio Cannavaro from troubled Juventus by saluting the world champion to the press.

“We only want real men, who aren’t afraid of wearing this glorious jersey,” said the coach to Spanish daily AS. “Cannavaro is one of these - a serious person, a true leader.”

The erstwhile Juve manager left due to the wiretapping scandal which seems certain to relegate the Old Lady.

The penalty will also send the players looking elsewhere, and Capello says he is unconcerned over the veteran’s shelf life.

“Age is not a problem as, physically, Cannavaro is in full form,” he stated. “To me he was the best player of the World Cup.”

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(Goal.com) - Fifa have lifted their of Greece, which means the national team and Greek clubs can resume playing in international competitions.

The ban was imposed when Fifa decided there was too much government interference in Greek football affairs.

But the Greek minister for sport, George Orfanos, reacted by amending a proposed law, which has now been voted through in parliament.

The Hellenic Football Federation (HFF) will now operate independently - but loses government funding as a result.

"In view of this amendment, the Fifa emergency committee deemed that the federation is now in a position to respect the statutes and regulations of Fifa as well as those of Uefa," Fifa said in a statement.

"As a result, the suspension previously imposed on the HFF has been lifted."

therefore, European champions Greece will now be allowed to defend their title in 2008.

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid general manager Predrag Mijatovic claims the club are close to luring Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro from troubled Juventus.

The two-time defending Serie A champs are facing relegation for their part in the Italian wiretap scandal, and several players could quickly jump ship – as coach Fabio Capello did for the Bernabéu.

“During the last two years, he has been instrumental in Juve winning two Scudettos and in Italy winning the World Cup,” said former Merengue hero Mijatovic.

“We are going to do everything possible to bring him to Real.”

The Galacticos may do more shopping in Turin, with wingback Gianluca Zambrotta apparently also in discussion.

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(Goal.com) - Italian crisis club Juventus has appointed Didier Deschamps as their new manager.

The former World Cup winner with France joins in the week that it is expected Juventus will be relegated from Serie A for their role in the match-fixing scandal that has stunned the world of football.

The 37-year-old, who has managed Monaco to a Champions League final, won three league titles during his playing days with Juventus.

Deschamps, who replaces Fabio Capello in the role, has signed a two-year contract.

Juve's fate, and that of the other clubs involved in the investigations, is set to be revealed later this week.

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(Goal.com) - The 2006 World Cup in Germany is now over, and while the outing of teams in the finals will live long in our memories, many will start looking forward to the next edition, which will be staged in Africa for the first time.

On 7 July, 2006, the official Logo for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa was unveiled in the German city of Berlin. The ceremony itself drew a lot of dignitaries with the likes of South Africa president Thabo Mbeki, FIFA president Sepp Blatter, CAF president Issa Hayatou and the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

But is South Africa really prepared to host the tournament? “We said we will host in 2010 the most successful FIFA World Cup and we will keep that promise,” maintained the nation’s president Thabo Mbeki during the launching of the 2010 World Cup emblem.

South Africa has previously hosted the Rugby World Cup, the Cricket World Cup and the Women’s Golf World Cup; but with the football World Cup coming up in four years’ time it is rather more challenging in terms of preparation as they strive towards a successful hosting of one of the most prestigious sporting events in the world.

South Africa is now set to be in the spotlight and billions of dollars will be spent on stadiums and on upgrades of the country’s airport and transport systems, among other things.

The matches are to be played in ten stadiums throughout South Africa. There are plans to upgrade five stadiums and build two new ones for the semi-finals, in the Indian Ocean city of Durban and south-coast city of Cape Town. Others will also be put up in Polokwane, Nelspruit and Port Elizabeth.

Other factors such as transportation, communications and security are things the South African officials will have to be working on ahead of the 2010 finals.

In terms of communications, there needs to be an upgrade of the country’s 30-year-old broadcasting infrastructure. The state-owned national broadcasting signal distributor, Sentech, is expected to be upgraded to meet the necessary standards for a proper World Cup coverage, an investment that is worth billions of dollars.

Though Africa had to wait for eight decades since the first World Cup before winning the opportunity to host the premier sporting event, the entire continent is expected to back the South Africans in their quest for a successful hosting.

African teams believe the time has come when they should make most of the tournament – on African soil. Excitement and confidence are already beginning to fill the air in anticipation of a brighter finals.

“Africa is ready, Africa’s time has come, Africa is calling. Come to Africa in 2010,” said Mbeki.

From a business point of view, there are more commercial prospects for the South Africa finals, which have already attracted more marketers than the finals in Germany did.

“The market trusts Africa,” FIFA president Sepp Blatter recently said. “The contracts we have already signed for 2010 are higher than the contracts for 2006 in Germany, by about 25%.”

It’s now a race against time for South Africa to execute the entire necessary projects before 2010.

If many of the above developments may have come as good news to millions of South Africans, the disappointing thing is that the national team, Bafana Bafana, have sunk into oblivion over the last few years and are still facing difficulties in regaining their form.

Coming into the limelight after the apartheid period in the early '90s, South Africa quickly made a mark on the African continent in terms of football. They created a positive impression by successfully hosting the 1996 African Nations Cup finals and won it.

They have also featured in all of the succeeding African Nations Cup finals. In 1998, they won the silver medal and in 2000 they won the bronze medal. In 2002, they crashed out during the quarter-finals and in 2004 they faced an exit in the first round. If that first round outing was so disappointing, worse was to come.

In Egypt earlier this year, they again faced a first round exit at the Nations Cup. Their dismal outing in a group that also included Guinea, Tunisia and Zambia, saw them lose all their group matches without scoring a single goal, something that surprised many, not only South Africans.

On the World Cup front, Bafana Bafana have made two appearances in the finals. They made their World Cup debut in France in 1998 where they faced a first round exit. They made another appearance in 2002 when the tournament was co-hosted by Korea/Japan, but again faced an early exit.

They have now qualified for the 2010 finals automatically as hosts and unless they start preparing the team well ahead of time, we might see another disaster for the South Africans.

Much of the task is now left to all the parties involved -- the government, the local organizing committee and the footballing authorities -- to ensure the smooth preparatory processes on infrastructures, security, communication, the national team and all that it takes to successfully host a major tournament like the World Cup.

The 2006 World Cup is now history, and misery on the part of the South Africans should be avoided, come 2010.

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(Goal.com) - FIFA insists that video evidence did not play any part in the dismissal of France captain Zinedine Zidane during the World Cup final.

Zidane was sent off for head-butting Italy's Marco Materazzi in the chest, although the incident was not seen by center referee Horacio Elizondo.

The Argentine ref acted after being advised by his fourth official - but France coach Raymond Domenech claims the decision was reached only after a video replay was studied.

However, FIFA spokesman Andreas Herren told the BBC: "This was definitely not video evidence. I spoke with the senior person responsible for refereeing in the FIFA administration.

"He clearly told me the fourth official had seen the incident involving Zidane and had advised the referee through the headset.

"The fourth official saw it as it happened on the pitch and directly advised the referee and the referee took action. Full stop.

"It appears the referee was waiting for the situation to clear up a little bit before taking action."

IFFA added that while the fifth official has a TV monitor, he is not permitted to intervene, and the fourth official has no access to video replays.

Zidane, who despite the red card for violent conduct still won FIFA's Golden Ball award for best player in the tournament, announced before the World Cup began that he would quit football when France's campaign came to an end.

Herren said FIFA would decide whether Zidane will be punished for his assault on Materazzi.

"It is up to the disciplinary committee to decide what kind of sanction that would be," Herren explained.

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(Soccer365.com) - France center back William Gallas has blasted Italy defender Marco Materazzi for his embellishment of Zinedine Zidane’s head butt attack in Sunday night’s World Cup final, which was won by the Azzurri on penalties.

Zidane responded in stunning fashion to some trash talking and got the gate at a time when Les Bleus looked like they might pull off a late winner.

Depending on which French news outlets you check, Materazzi either called the son of Algerian parents a “terrorist” or made a derogatory remark about the playmaker’s sister.

"Italians always act like this," he told AFP. "It is a shame to say that, but when they feel they are being dominated they try to provoke you."

"FIFA and the referees only see the second act, they never look at why there is an incident."

"I accept when the adversary wins with honor, but that is not the case," blared Gallas. "People can't react like that, but he has been insulted - when you play against people like that you want to kick their ass."

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(Goal.com) - While France coach Raymond Domenech ironically lauded Italian defender Marco Materazzi for his part in the dismissal of Zinedine Zidane during Sunday's World Cup final, Italy coach Marcello Lippi was swift to defend his player from criticism.

Domenech said referee Horacio Elizondo should have given Zidane more protection.

The France captain was sent off in extra time for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the chest before Les Bleus went on to lose on penalties.

"Materazzi is the man of the match, not Andrea Pirlo," said Domenech, implying that the Inter Milan centre-back, who also scored Italy's equalizer, had deliberately created the final's pivotal moment by provoking Zidane.

"Something must have happened but I don't know what. I don't think (Zidane) decided out of the blue to head-butt him, that he wanted to leave the pitch, something must have happened.

"The referee saw nothing, the assistant referee saw nothing and then we have the fourth official seeing the video replay and telling the referee.

Domenech added that Zidane regretted what had happened, but he would not say whether the winner of FIFA's Golden Ball as the World Cup's top player had apologized.

Italy coach Marcello Lippi criticised Domenech and defended Materazzi, saying his players did nothing to provoke Zidane and get him sent off.

"Domenech made a gesture that was not very nice, a gesture as if Materazzi had done something but there was nothing. There was no acting. There was nothing going on," said Lippi.

"And you will realise that it was not Materazzi who got the attention of the referee. It was the fourth and fifth officials looking at the video at the edge of the pitch," added Lippi.

"We did not do anything. They saw it and they called the attention of the referee. Materazzi was not acting. He took a blow and he was hurt."

Meanwhile, legendary German World Cup-winning player and coach Franz Beckenbauer said he was stunned by Zidane's actions.

"Something must have been said to Zidane. He is actually a reserved and inoffensive person," said Beckenbauer, president of the 2006 World Cup organising committee.

"He weakened his team. We know how sensitive the French are when they lose their captain."

The President of France, Jacques Chirac, present at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, said: "I don't know what happened, why Zidane was punished.

"But I would like to express all the respect that I have for a man who represents at the same time all the most beautiful values of sport, the greatest human qualities one can imagine, and who has honoured French sport and, simply, France.

"It was really a matter of chance," said Chirac of the outcome of Sunday's finale. "So it's not for me to console them. I have simply to express my admiration and respect."

The game finished 1-1 after extra time and went to penalties, previously the graveyard of Italian hopes.

However, this time the Azzurri converted all five of their spot-kicks, while David Trezeguet - a star at Italian club Juvenuts - hit the crossbar for France, who eventually lost 5-3.

"Zidane is the first one to shoot normally but him not being there shouldn't change it that much," Domenech admitted.

"We have no particular plan when it comes to penalties, it depends who is on the pitch and who feels that they want to take them.

"I can't say I'm happy just to be a finalist," Domenech added, before making it clear that it was too soon to reflect on the positive aspects of the final or the World Cup as a whole.

"I don't have the heart to remember the good things right now. Only the disappointment at the moment," he said.

"I am deeply disappointed. We deserved the title based over the whole match.

"Only victory is beautiful and we missed out just by a little thing. We can say it wasn't too bad but it is the Italians who are the world champions.

"They played for the penalties because that was the only option for them."

And the future? "I'll think about that in two or three days' time when I've had a rest and start to forget this very big disappointment.

"We have the meeting of the French federation on Tuesday and the president will say what has been decided, but this is not important now, I'm not worried about that now, I'm disappointed.

"It's not enough for me that we made the final - I thought we should have won.

"We had Patrick Vieira who was injured, that was an important element, and then the sending off reduced us to 10 men. We had the match very much under control at that point so that was indeed sad," concluded Domenech.

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The Italians won their fourth world title by not missing a kick in the extra-time penalty shootout.

Both teams scored in the opening 20 minutes, but were held scoreless for the remainder of the match. France controlled the majority of play, but could not find a winning goal, despite two fine chances by Ribery and Zidane in the first 15 minutes of extra time. Italy had a second half goal called back for offsides.

But the most shocking development in the match was Zinedine Zidane being sent-off in the second overtime period for a violent head butt to the chest of Marco Materazzi. Zidane ended his international career with a red card in a crucial spot after playing a huge role in the match, and scoring France's only goal on a penalty kick.

Materazzi scored Italy's only goal in the 19th minute off a well-taken corner kick. Italy was very dangerous on set pieces the entire night, but did little on attack during the run of play.

But in the end, it was enough. Pirlo, Materazzi, De Rossi, Del Piero and Grosso all converted their spot-kicks for the Azzurri. The French side went to penalties without Henry, Ribery, Vieira and Zidane, but it was substitute David Trezeguet's miss off the post that hurt the most.

Italy is now the most successful European team in World Cup history with four trophies to Germany's three.

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(Soccer365.com) - France defender Lilian Thuram has cautioned his teammates against peaking too soon because they have one last big championship obstacle in considerable World Cup final foe Italy.

"I know these players and I know how strong they are," said the Juventus star. "I know their quality and it will be a very hard game."

"It is probably the best team in the tournament, I could always see them going very far."

"The coach made a very good selection for this group and they have been playing together for a long time," warned Thuram, a veteran of Les Bleus’ 1998 triumph. "It will be very hard for us."

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(Goal.com) - Italy coach Marcello Lippi insists his side will play to win in the World Cup final against France on Sunday.

Lippi watched Les Bleus squeeze past Portugal 1-0 in Munich on Wednesday evening thanks to a Zinedine Zidane penalty.

“It will be a difficult game, yet certainly a balanced one seeing as both sides equal each other on the pitch,” said Lippi.

“We saw the game and it confirmed to us how much France have grown in the tournament since their first two games.

“As they have gone on, they have found their best condition and have rediscovered their best Zidane.

“Nevertheless, we’re going for victory.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Italy team physicians have given key defender Alessandro Nesta the thumbs down for Sunday’s World Cup 2006 final against France.

"He's definitely not available," announced Dr. Enrico Castellacci.

It is the third straight time that Nesta, who suffered a groin setback against the Czech Republic, has missed time due to injury in a World Cup.

Marco Materazzi is expected to retain his semifinal place next to Fabio Cannavaro for the title match.

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(Goal.com) - Alex Del Piero took advantage of today’s press-conference to hit-back at his critics.

“People have distorted reality incredibly when talking about me and judging my performances. Some said that I wasn’t even half a player,” said the Juventus idol, who scored Italy’s second goal against Germany on the stroke of the final whistle.

“With regards to Sunday I will try to take advantage of the the space that is given to me. It is not easy to come onto the pitch and score. It would be something extraordinary if I had more time available,” he added.

Pinturicchio then some what surprisingly revealed he believes Les Blues are favorites to lift the World Cup.

“France are favorites. They arrive with less stress at this appointment. But Sunday is Sunday, and therefore anything can happen. The final appears to be a fantastic confronatation, with incredible players, Zizou on top of them all. It is the best final possible, for what was seen in the World Cup,” he said.

Del Piero concluded with a possibly underground parting shot at his former coach, sometimes friend, more than sometimes foe, Fabio Capello.

“Capello to Real? I wasn’t surprised for one bit,” he said.

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(Soccer365.com) - Germany midfield engine Michael Ballack is having a tough time dealing with the fact that they were dumped from the World Cup semifinal by Italy in an untimely manner.

With the game seemingly headed for spot kicks, the Azzurri bagged twin strikes from Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero in the waning moment.

"It's very hard for us to get eliminated like this, one minute from time," sighed Ballack. "It is bitter, but not undeserved."

"The Italians had the better chances in extra time as they hit the woodwork twice."

"I don't know what happened with the first goal," he shrugged. "Pirlo did a superb job."

"Normally, you would shoot but he ran parallel to the box - we had three players in front of him, but could not prevent his feed, then Grosso's finish was great."

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(Goal.com) - If reports out of the Daily Telegraph are to be believed, US Soccer have approached Jurgen Klinsmann about taking over for Bruce Arena once the current US soccer coach's contract expires in December. This also would confirm what Goal.com's own Nooner reported last week.

The deal on the table reportedly is for $1.5 million a year, which is approximately three times what Arena is making under his current contract.

Klinsmann impressed everyone by taking an inexperienced Germany all the way to the World Cup semifinals. The former World Cup winner already lives in the United States, and he is seen as an ideal candidate for the US post not only for his successes achieved with Germany, but also because of his familiarity with the American lifestyle and player pool, which is a mix of European-based stars and burgeoning potential within MLS. In addition, Klinsmann's style -- a wide-open attacking system -- would be favored over the conservative approach employed by Arena at these finals.

Klinsmann has dodged questions about his future with Germany, however, preferring to concentrate on Germany's third-place match this Saturday.

German legend Franz Beckenbauer has come out and called for Klinsmann's contract with Germany to be re-upped, which could force a bidding war between US and German soccer officials.

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(Soccer365.com) - Longtime Brazil star Roberto Carlos has announced his international retirement, leaving with a 2002 World Cup championship, two Copa Americas and a Confederations Cup to his credit.

"My days playing with the national side are over," he told his official website.

"It's time to move on and I hope I can hand over the #6 shirt to someone else who can continue to win for our country."

"Many thanks to all the players and the fans who have supported me," offered the man who earned the first of 125 Samba King caps in a 1992 win over the United States.

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(Soccer365.com) - Italy midfielder Francesco Totti has announced that he will likely retire from international football after waging battle in the World Cup 2006 final.

"I'm 90 percent sure I will leave the national team," he told Sky Italia. "I hope to end the adventure in a good way."

The AS Roma star thanked his Azzurri coach for keeping the faith when he was injured this winter.

"I've thanked Marcelo Lippi," said Totti. "I'll thank him always because from the beginning, he believed in my recovery."

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(Goal.com) - Germany captain Michael Ballack admitted that Italy deserved to win the dramatic World Cup semifinal between the two sides on Tuesday night.

A marvellous match was deadlocked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and extra time also looked unlikely to separate the two sides after the Azzurri struck the woodwork twice.

But then in the last two minutes Italy made the breakthrough, with a 119th-minute strike from Fabio Grosso and an Alessandro Del Piero chip in the 120th.

The defeat was especially hard on Ballack, who had missed the 2002 final against Brazil because of suspension.

"It just is not meant to be for me," said the midfielder who has just joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich. "It is very bitter for us to get eliminated like this, one minute from time. It is bitter but not undeserved.

"We started out rather slowly but did a much better job in the second half," added Ballack.

"The game was well-balanced. The Italians had the better chances in extra-time as they hit woodwork twice. But we also had some good opportunities afterwards, with the header (from Lukas Podolski)."

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

In a match that looked destined for penalty shootout finish, Italy grabbed two goals on the edge of extra time to beat their German hosts and advance to the World Cup final.

After Italy hit the post twice in extra time, Fabio Grosso finally broke through in the 119th minute with a twisting strike around German keeper Jens Lehmann and into the sidenetting. As the Germans frantically pushed forward to find an equalizer, Alessandro Del Piero broke away on a counterattack and made the score 2-nil.

It was a sad ending for the Germans, who had played inspired soccer throughout the tournament in front of their home fans, but never really threatened the Italian goal in this match. Germany managed only two shots on goal in 120 minutes; Italy had 10. The Italians also enjoyed a possession and corner kick advantage.

Italy will face the winner of Wednesday's France - Portugal match.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Luís Figo was naturally proud of the fact that he’s captained Portugal into the Lusitanian nation’s second semi-final after a long interval of forty years. "I feel incredibly proud to form part of this team," explained the Inter Milan man to Sport TV, adding a typical touch of ‘saudade’ (longing) for his homeland.

"I’m far away from my homeland, and I’m not the only one who’d like to be celebrating back home with the rest of the Portuguese nation. What we’d like to see is everybody back in Portugal enjoying this unique moment to the max," he said.

Figo clocked up 125 caps with Portugal in the England game that saw ‘revenge’ for the 1966 semi-final elimination by England forty years ago.

Figo didn’t play the whole game, being taken off exhausted and slightly injured for Hélder Postiga in the 86th minute, but still hopes that he’ll be able to recover in time for a semi-final that any player would give their right arm to play. "I hope to be able to play on Wednesday. I pulled my left hamstring slightly, but there’s still hope,” added Portugal's number 7.

"We played an intelligent game against England. Both our nations know each other’s football pretty well, and there’s no doubt that having an extra man made a difference, as well as our humble work on the pitch. In the final reckoning we were the better team on the pitch, and it really helps to have a keeper like Ricardo on your side," added Figo about the Gelsenkirchen quarter-final.

"Me holding the World Cup?” exclaimed a smiling Figo when asked if he thought that Portugal could go all the way. “That would really be a motive for a huge celebration; the perfect end to the dream that we’re living," said the usually taciturn Figo, carried away by the euphoria of being on the verge of making history. Two games and there could well be a statue at the top of Avenida Liberdade in his honour.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

(Soccer365.com) - Portugal keeper Ricardo, fresh from a penalty success over England, says it will be difficult to put the breaks on the offense of World Cup semifinal foe France.

"I think it will be a tough game, particularly given the excellent French attack," said the netminder. "We just must make sure we score one more goal than them."

Ricardo specifically target Zinedine Zidane for praise, but warned that he cannot be a focal point.

"Zidane is one of the world greats and I really think it is a shame he has decided to retire when he is still playing at such a high level," he asserted.

"But he is not their only class act; there are others where he came from."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Former Mexico international Cuauhtémoc Blanco has vented against Ricardo La Volpe, the Mexican national team coach, after the Tri’s elimination from the World Cup.

“The national team was a disaster,” the Club America striker said. “They did absolutely nothing. This failure can only be attributed to Mr. La Volpe, he did nothing for the squad.”

Blanco also mentioned that La Volpe had made several promises to the Mexican people that did not come through with his end of the bargain, and that there was no progress at the domestic level. This is why he believes that the Mexican Football Federation should give a Mexican coach the opportunity to lead the national team for the next four years.

“We showed nothing in Germany, with the exception of the Argentina match,” Blanco said.

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Posted by soccer365 at 02:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

Ok, be honest. How many of you picked an all European final four? Tell the truth, you had Brazil in there like we did. Now it's up to Germany, Italy, France or Portugal. Let us know who you think will win it all.

Each team has its positives and negatives. Germany has the tournament's top goalscorer, Miroslav Klose, and a huge home field advantage. Jens Lehmann isn't a bad keeper to have in net on PK's either.

Italy looked to be in top form against Ukraine, with players like Totti and Luca Toni beginning to come alive at the right time. Plus, the Italians have given up only one goal the entire tournament -- an own goal. No opposing player has found net against them yet.

Portugal has fought its way through two top squads to get here, England and Netherlands. And they are getting Deco and Constinha back from suspension. The Portuguese have only let in one goal thus far as well.

And France? All they did was shut down Brazil and Spain in back to back games. The French may have had a rough start, but Zinedine Zidane looks like a man who wants to go out as a champion. (Not to mention Thierry Henry, Frank Ribery and Patrick Viera).

So who will it be? Who is your favorite? Let us know right here!

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (55)