Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Cristiano Ronaldo continued his brilliant run of play with two second-half goals to lift Manchester United to a 3-2 win over Reading at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Ronaldo has now scored six goals in United's last three matches and has proven himself to be among the best players in the world. The win moves the Red Devils six points clear of Chelsea, who were held to a 2-2 draw for the second consecutive match on Saturday, this time to Fulham.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer put United on the board in the 33rd minute, but it took Reading's Ibrahima Sonko just five minutes to reply with his first goal of the season to level the match.

After the restart Ronaldo took over, scoring two goals in an 18-minute span before Leroy Lita pulled one back late for the Royals.

The 33-year-old Solskjaer has enjoyed a rebirth this season, scoring his eighth league-goal 33 minutes into the match. The Norweigian striker did well to elude Sonko and get to the near post, where he headed home the opening goal of the match.

The visitors showed what they are made of just five minutes later, as an Edwin Van der Sar blunder led to the equalizer. The towering Dutchman fumbled Lita's effort and left it for Sonko, who slammed home his first tally of the campaign.

Sir Alex Ferguson's men almost responded immediately, as Ronaldo struck the bar before halftime.

The second half saw the home side continue to pressure the Reading net. Solskjaer called Reading keeper Marcus Hahnemann into action with a near-post header that the American netminder did well to keep out. Wayne Rooney also nearly cracked the scoreboard, as he was sent through by Ronaldo but watched his shot curl just wide.

The Reading back line finally buckled in the 59th minute on a nice build-up from the hosts. One-touch passing from Ryan Giggs and Rooney sent Solskjaer in on net. His shot was slightly deflected by Hahnemann and rebounded off the post. However, Ronaldo was there to touch it home, giving United a 2-1 lead.

Reading's task became even more daunting in the 69th minute as Sam Sodje received his second yellow card and was sent off.

Eight minutes later, United capitalized as Giggs found Ronaldo at the back post and the Portuguese midfielder volleyed home from close range.

Reading kept battling and were rewarded in stoppage time as Lita hit the net for a 3-2 game. It was too late for the Royals to find the equalizer, but it was another strong effort from Steve Coppell's rugged side.

In other EPL action on Saturday, Charlton dumped Aston Villa 2-1 at The Valley on two second-half goals, Benny McCarthy scored in the 74th minute to hand Blackburn a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough, Bolton recorded a big 3-2 win over Portsmouth, Everton got two goals from Victor Anichebe to defeat Newcastle 3-0, Luis Garcia scored right before halftime to lift Liverpool to a 1-0 win over Tottenham, Manchester City won by the same 1-0 score as DaMarcus Beasley tallied in the 83rd minute and Arsenal suffered a bad setback at Bramall Lane as the Gunners dropped a 1-0 decision to the Blades.

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London, England (Sports Network) - Chelsea and England national team captain John Terry underwent successful surgery on a disc problem in his lower back according to a statement from the club Thursday.

"Chelsea Football Club can confirm that today club captain John Terry underwent successful surgery following his back injury," the club said. "The operation took place in France following consultation between the Chelsea medical department and a leading neuro-surgical specialist. The operation to remove a sequestrated lumbar inter-vertebral disc was successful and everyone at the club wishes John a speedy and full recovery."

The center defender has missed the defending Premiership champion's last four games in which the team has given up six goals.

The injury was at first not thought to be serious, and it was reported Wednesday that Terry was to undergo an exploratory procedure in France to determine if further surgery is needed to correct the problem.

It is unclear how much time Terry will need to recover from the operation, but it is estimated the recovery time will be weeks rather than months like it was originally thought.

Terry's injury, coupled with the injury to goalkeeper Petr Cech in October has left the squad considerably weaker on the defensive side of the ball while it is chasing top team Manchester United in the Premiership table. The duo are considered two of the best at their respective positions in Europe.

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(Soccer365.com) - Goal legend Romário says he is closing to joining the club where he made his name, Vasco da Gama, to finish his pursuit of the magic 1000 mark.

The former Brazil star, who starred with USL side Miami FC in 2006, is 13 goals short of the milestone.

"I have already spoken to Eurico (Miranda, Vasco president) via telephone and he told me Vasco's doors are open," Romario told Esporte Record.

"If there is no legal problem, I'm sure I'm going to Vasco."

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(Soccer365.com) - The agent for Real Madrid enfant terrible Antonio Cassano has rubbished reports that his client is available for a cut price in January.

The striker had a well publicized bust-up with coach Fabio Capello, but his representative says all is in the past.

"Where do they want Cassano to go? He’s staying here with Real Madrid,” insisted Giuseppe Bozzo.

“He doesn’t have the slightest intention of leaving,” he asserted. “Nobody has said anything to us.”

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(Goal.com) - "Our objective remains survival in Serie A."

During the break for the holiday season, Atalanta president Ivan Ruggeri talked about his team's season so far: "I am satisfied, even though lately we haven't got many points. Our objective should still remain survival in Serie A, if we get more in the end that's even better. The league is long, sometimes unexpected things can happen if you do well. Football is not math, so it's better to reach our objective as soon as possible."

Then he complimented coach Colantuono who is working very well in Bergamo: "Sure, he is making the team his, creating it to his image." And on the return of Bobo Vieri: "In 2007 we wait for the return of Vieri. I am hopeful: if Vieri went to do this operation it means he wants to go back to playing and someone with his past could also have chosen to stay on vacation. No one forced him to come back."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh off a 1-0 win over nearby rivals Liverpool, Blackburn manager Mark Hughes thanked keeper Brad Friedel for coming up big on a bum leg.

The American Abroad made a good low save on Peter Crouch in the first half, then preserved the victory with a late dazzler on Xabi Alonso’s drive.

"He got a bang on his leg and was struggling for maybe a good 20 minutes," Hughes told the club website.

"But he pulled off one great save down to his left and he came for balls when he had to and helped us immensely."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Betis liason Luis Viana has revealed that the club are close to swooping for a third member of FIFA World Club Cup champs Internacional in the person of right back Ceará.

The Seville side, currently languishing in the drop zone, are pressing the issue after completing the captures of attackers Raphael Sóbis and Jorge Wágner.

“Betis need Ceará right at the start of January as the club is in a complicated situation in La Liga,” he stated.

“Any definitive decision must be reached over the next few days.”

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(Goal.com) - In form forward Sergio Aguero has insisted that Atletico Madrid will see his best before the end of the season.

Aguero has impressed at Atleti in the first half of the season, graduating from substitute appearances into regular ones on the back of some strong displays.

However, the young Argentine insists that his best is yet to come, though he did express satisfaction with his progress thus far.

“I am happy at Atletico and I'm delighted because everything is working out better than I thought,” said Aguero. "I want to show my very best form for my new fans, to return to playing as I did in Argentina.

"I'm a stranger in Spain, but I am happy. I need five more months in Spain to reach my best form.”

Javier Aguirre – who sought to play down the fuss around Aguero’s signing earlier in the season – has also expressed great satisfaction with the way the youngster has made the transition from South American to European football.

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(Goal.com) - A final decision regarding John Terry's back operation will be taken after examination by a specialist in France.

Terry has been out of action for a couple of weeks with a back injury that has been bothering him for a while, and his failure to improve through physitherapy has led to opinion being divided among Chelsea's medical team on the way forward.

He is having problems with a disc in his lower back, and the Blues' doctors are increasingly of the opinion that only surgery will repair the damage. That, however, would rule the defender out for almost a month, something Chelsea are wary of.

As a result, he is now being sent to France to be examined by a specialist, who will ascertain whether rest and physiotherapy for another ten days or so will be sufficient.

The opinion among the technical staff is also said to be divided on the matter, as to whether to go for the shorter option as they chase down Manchester United, or to have him fully fit for the Champions League.

A decision will be made by the end of the week.

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(Soccer365.com) - Fresh Toronto FC catch Alecko Eskandarian says he was not ready to be shipped away by D.C. United just prior to Christmas and believes the club could have at least given him some notice.

"It was definitely a surprise, but you could see what direction things were going with the team," he told the Washington Post.

"It's a little disappointing the way they handled it," admitted Eskandarian. "No one contacted me, it was a bit unprofessional."

The striker has spent all four of his MLS seasons in the capital, scoring 24 times in 88 appearances, including four goals in four games on the way to the 2004 title.

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(Goal.com) - Mourinho will face his past: "We had a group of players that went from zeros to heroes."

Through an interesting twist of fate Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho will go back to face his past, which has made him one of the top football coaches in the world. That past at Porto is considered by him as his "golden age", or almost: "It was my best team, I can't remember seeing any team defend so well. We won the Uefa Cup, the Champions League, it represented 50 per cent of the national team which was second at Euro 2004 and reached the semi-finals of the World Cup. It was a group of players who went from nothing to everything in no time."

In comparing his old club to his current one, Mourinho said: "If you ask me whether Chelsea are stronger I say yes, but the team I enjoyed most assembling was the one that brought me the first Portuguese championship and the Uefa Cup."

But while in Oporto they might be hoping for a "gift" from their old mentor, the Blues coach confirmed Chelsea are aiming to go for European success after winning two Premiership titles in a row: "We've won two league titles and we are in the third year where, without losing the characteristics that made us win in England, we want to do more on the European level."

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(Goal.com) - The Inter President has no intention of celebrating the Scudetto despite his team winning the past eleven consecutive matches in Serie A and holding a seven point league over closest rivals Roma.

Massimo Moratti does not want to think about the title being already Inter's property, even though the Neazzurri have impressively enough won eleven matches in a row, thus equalling Roma's record from last season and with a chance of extending it in the upcoming league games.

"Eleven consecutive wins represent many battles won. No one must delude himself because we have not won anything yet. We're climbing day by day, trying to arrive at the top before the others."

Inter have so far won 48 points from 18 matches played, thanks to fifteen wins, three draws and no defeats. When the Serie A season continues in mid-January, the Nerazzurri will travel to Turin to face the Granata in the 19th matchday of Serie A.

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(Soccer365.com) - Mercurial Bayern Munich keeper Oliver Kahn has let it be known that Germany would have won World Cup 2006 had they started him in net.

The team claimed third place at home with Arsenal’s Jens Lehmann in goal.

Kahn claims his history is to lose a final before winning it, meaning that a 2002 final loss to Brazil had cosmically set him up for the title.

"I'm not criticizing what Jens Lehmann did, but with me Germany would have been world champions," he told German magazine Stern.

"I'm convinced of it because the way my career has evolved points in that direction."

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(Soccer365.com) - Ricardo Lavolpe didn’t take long to find a job after leaving Bcoa Juniors, latching on to lead Velez Sarsfeld next season.

"After several days of negotiations, (he) agreed to join as the new coach of Velez Sarsfield for one year," read a club statement.

Ironically, the former Argentina and Mexico boss replaces Miguel Angel Russo, who replaced him at Bocas.

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(Goal.com) - Fernando Gago has been officially presented as a new Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium’s ‘Palco de Honor’ (VIP Box) and on the Bernabéu turf and dressed in Real Madrid kit. The player was presented by President Ramón Calderón and Honorary President Alfredo Di Stefano.

The ex-Boca star midfielder was presented without a number by Calderón, who described the landing of the 20 million Euro Gago as ‘It like winning the lottery. It’s our day to celebrate hitting the jackpot with the arrival of this player.” The player himself was also thankful. “I’d like to personally thank President Ramón Calderón, Mijatovic and Baldini for all making it possible for me to arrive at the club of my dreams.”

“I’m going to help Real Madrid to reach the highest heights possible. My idea is to transfer the successes I’ve enjoyed at Boca from Argentina to Europe as it’s my aim to triumph here", explained Gago. “We’ve signed one of the best centre-halves in the world, a player who moves the ball with speed and intelligence”, added the President. “Even though it was far from easy”, he added.

"Even the Boca President said it was one of the hardest deals of his life and Macri is nom newcomer to dealing", stressed Calderón, adding that “Gago has shown his love for his new home by renouncing an important personal financial amount in order to close the deal and allow him to wear white.”

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(Goal.com) - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed that his players were astounded to learn that star striker Henrik Larsson would be joining the Red Devils' squad in January.

The loan signing took them all by surprise, with a host of other players being linked with United in the media but no mention of Larsson until it was a done deal.

Ferguson hopes the goalscoring Swede's class and experience will boost United's quest for honours this season during his two-month loan from Helsingborgs.

The former Celtic and Barcelona star is training with United this week at their Carrington HQ, prior to joining the club for a 13-match tenure.

Confirming that Larsson had received a warm welcome from his new team-mates, Ferguson said the news of his signing had stunned the squad.

"Henrik has created a buzz around the dressing room, there is no question about that," he said.

"When we announced it, a few of the players came to me and said 'that was a good one, where did you get that one from?'. They were surprised at the suddenness and the secrecy of it.

"He has come at a good time. It looks as though the championship race is going to go the whole road. Players like Henrik will only help us with that."

Larsson's United debut is likely to be the FA Cup third-round tie against his old Celtic manager Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa at Old Trafford on January 7.

Meanwhile, Ferguson hinted that there may be other arrivals in January.

"It is possible, you never know," he said when asked if he intended bringing anyone else in.

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(Soccer365.com) - Despite having his left leg amputated, former Uruguay strike star Dario Silva is keeping his competitive fire well lit, with an Olympic rowing berth as his new objective.

The former Málaga and Portsmouth man was injured in a September auto accident, and amputation was the only choice.

Not one to dwell on the negative, Silva has set his sights on returning to the world stage.

"It's true," he declared. "I want to compete in the Olympic Games."

"I don't know yet whether to compete in Beijing 2008, I still have time to decide."

"I still have one year to recover fully," added Silva. "I'm training, but I think it is very probable and maybe I can compete in London 2012."

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(Goal.com) - Francesco Tavano will leave Valencia and sign for AS Roma during the winter transfer window, the Spanish club's president announced on Thursday.

The Italian striker has endured a dismal time at Mestalla since joining from Empoli over the summer and has leapt at the chance to return to Serie A.

"We have reached an agreement," los Ché supremo Juan Soler stated. "The player will return to Valencia on December 28 and the join Roma on January 4."

After moving to Spain for €10 million at the end of last season, Tavano was tipped to be a success in la Primera but injuries have hampered his chances.

At the start of the season the Italian forward suffered a hamstring problem and did not make his debut until mid-November.

Tavano went onto make five further appearances for the club, but failed to score and is now considered to be surplus to requirements.

The one match that the 27-year-old did complete came in the Champions League against his new club Roma, which will mean that he is ineligible to appear for the Giallorossi.

During his spell on the sidelines with injury he was reported to have complained about the way he was being treated by Valencia, which infuriated some members of the club's board.

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Interim United States Men's National Team head coach Bob Bradley announced, Tuesday, the 29 players that will join him Jan. 4 in Carson, Calif. for the team's first training camp in preparation for the 2008 World Cup.

The 29-man roster is made up of mostly domestic players and boasts 28 players from Major League Soccer. Twenty-two players on the initial roster have five caps or less, while ten will be in search of their first-ever appearance with the senior team. FC Nordsjaelland defender Heath Pearce is the only European- based player on the roster and is available because the Danish Super League is shut down for the winter break.

"This is a great opportunity to get a first-hand look at a wide variety of domestic-based players as we begin a new World Cup cycle," Bradley said. "Along with some experienced players, we have quite a few players who will be getting their first exposure to the national team. Obviously, the goal for developing our team is to be ready for World Cup qualifying in 2008, and this is where we start. At the same time, we want to be prepared to compete against Denmark, and many of these players have recently had a long break from soccer. With only a short period of time to prepare, we will have to work very hard to get our players both physically and mentally ready to play."

In addition to World Cup 2008, the group will be preparing for the USA’s first two matches of 2007 - a friendly against Denmark on Jan. 20 in Carson followed by a friendly against Mexico in Arizona on February 7.

Along with a series of friendlies this winter and spring, the MNT will compete in two major championships this summer. The team will first try to defend its title against 11 other teams at the 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup, scheduled from June 6-24 in several cities across the Unites States. Just a few days later, the team will participate in the 2007 Copa America, the regional championship of South America. The 12-team tournament will run from June 26 to July 15 in nine cities across Venezuela. For the United States, the appearance will mark their third entrance into CONMEBOL’s signature event.

Bradley, MLS's reigning coach of the year as well as the league's all-time winningest head coach, has a roster of decorated MLS athletes. Six members of the 2006 MLS Best XI have been invited, including Bobby Boswell (MLS defender of the year), Troy Perkins (MLS goalkeeper of the year), and Jonathan Bornstein (MLS rookie of the year).

Three of the top 10 scorers in MLS will also be in Carson: Landon Donovan (12), Kenny Cooper (11) and Taylor Twellman (11).

The 24-year-old Donovan, a two-time World Cup veteran, is the leading cap- winner on the roster, having made 84 international appearances for the senior team. He is the USA’s all-time leader in assists (22), and sits in third-place on the all-time goal scoring list with 25.

The complete roster is as follows:

GOALKEEPERS(4) - Joe Cannon (Los Angeles Galaxy), Brad Guzan (Chivas USA), Troy Perkins (D.C. United), Matt Reis (New England Revolution)

DEFENDERS(9) - Chris Albright (Los Angeles Galaxy), Bobby Boswell (D.C. United), Jonathan Bornstein (Chivas USA), Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City Wizards), Bryan Namoff (D.C. United), Michael Parkhurst (New England Revolution), Heath Pearce (FC Nordsjaelland), Dasan Robinson (Chicago Fire) Eddie Robinson (Houston Dynamo)

MIDFIELDERS(10) - Kyle Beckerman (Colorado Rapids), Brian Carroll (D.C. United), Ricardo Clark (Houston Dynamo), Clint Dempsey (New England Revolution), Joshua Gros (D.C. United), Sacha Kljestan (Chivas USA), Justin Mapp (Chicago Fire), Pablo Mastroeni (Colorado Rapids), Brian Mullan (Houston Dynamo), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution)

FORWARDS(6) - Kenny Cooper (FC Dallas), Alecko Eskandarian (D.C. United), Landon Donovan (Los Angeles Galaxy), Nate Jaqua (Los Angeles Galaxy), Chris Rolfe (Chicago Fire), Taylor Twellman (New England Revolution)

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(Soccer365.com) - Fulham striker Brian McBride says, despite loving life in London, he is in no big rush to extend his contract with the club.

The American Abroad has five goals on the term, but reportedly has been targeted for a Columbus return by Crew coach Sigi Schmid.

"I'm enjoying my time at Fulham and we'll see what happens about a new contract," said McBride in the aftermath of a deciding strike against Middlesbrough on Monday.

"Fulham will decide what they want from me and I'll decide with my family what's best for us," he added. "But right now, I have to concentrate on what's happening on the pitch."

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has advised the board to fill their winter backline needs by swooping for Palermo ace Andrea Barzagli.

The World Player of the Year feels his World Cup 2006 champion teammate with Italy can provide what the club are looking for.

“I like Barzagli,” said Cannavaro. “He’s playing a great season with Palermo and has a huge margin for improvement.”

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(Goal.com) - Manchester United strker Louis Saha has signed a contract extension that will keep him at Old Trafford until 2010.

His existing contract was not due to expire for another two full seasons beyond this one, but wanted to show his commitment to the club and manager Sir Alex Ferguson now that he has been confirmed as the club's top striker following the departure of Ruud van Nistelrooy to Real Madrid in the summer.

Saha has taken on the Dutchman's mantle with aplomb, scoring 12 goals so far this season.

"It is great news," the 28-year-old Saha told the club's website, www.manutd.com. "I am really enjoying my time here and I wanted to show my commitment to Manchester United and also repay the faith that Sir Alex has shown in me.

"Hopefully we will have an exciting end to the season and add some silverware to the trophy room."

Saha was initially plagued by injuries after joining United from Fulham in January 2004, but has become a key member of the team since regaining full fitness.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney also committed themselves to United on new long-term contracts recently, so Ferguson has tied all three members of his current strikeforce to the club for the next several seasons.

"I am delighted we have extended Louis' contract," said Ferguson. "We are happy to see Louis here until at least 2010 and to add him to the players who have recently signed new contracts like Cristiano and Wayne.

"We address the situation of players' contracts now and then in order to strengthen the club and it's great to add Louis to the list.

"Louis' form has been fantastic since he has come back from injury and he has scored 26 goals in that time."

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(Goal.com) - Jose Mourinho has apologised for the comments he made about Everton striker Andrew Johnson following Chelsea's 3-2 victory at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Everton announced yesterday that they would be making an official complaint to the Football Association after Mourinho described Johnson as "untrustworthy" and implied that the England international was a player who dived.

His remarks caused Everton and Johnson's agent to issue a joint statement calling for a retraction.

The Toffees have also taken legal advice over Mourinho's remarks, which they claim question Johnson's "professionalism and integrity".

Mourinho said today: "First I would like to say I have the utmost respect for Everton Football Club, David Moyes and their players. That's why I love to play them, and especially at Goodison Park where the atmosphere is magnificent.

"Secondly, after the match I was clear and said Andy Johnson is a great player and I never used aggressive words, like some managers did against my players in previous seasons, or like some others recently said about him and Ronaldo. I never used the word 'cheat'.

"After seeing it again on the video, (referee) Mr Halsey did wonderful work and both decisions for penalties were correct. Did Andy Johnson try to avoid a collision with my goalkeeper? It seems now the answer to that is yes so Everton, his manager and he deserve my apologies."

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(Soccer365.com) - Fulham manager Chris Coleman was in the mood to salute Brian McBride after his clinical strike stood up to beat Middlesbrough on Monday night.

The former U.S. star fired home in the 35th minute of 2-1 win for his fifth goal of the season.

“That man is superb,” Coleman told reporters. “He’s probably one of the easiest players to manage.”

“He’s a great professional… and he’s always up for it.”

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(Soccer365.com) - Barcelona netminder Victor Valdés has tipped the Spanish champs to put their FIFA World Club Cup final defeat to Brazilian side Internacional behind them as soon as Thursday’s league showdown with Atlético Madrid.

The Catalans can reclaim the top spot in Spain with a victory over Atlético.

“After losing in the Club World Cup Final, there can be nothing better than winning again,” he asserted. "A win would be great so we can enjoy the festive season in a more relaxed mood.”

“We are doing well in the league and we want the three points against Atlético Madrid.”

“The defeat against Internacional will not affect us,” said Valdés. “We need to turn the page and there is nothing we can do apart from win on Thursday.”

"The coach knows that this team is perfectly capable of getting its confidence back."

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(Goal.com) - Fabio Capello believes that Fabio Cannavaro deserved to win the FIFA World Player of the Year award for his performances in the World Cup Finals during the summer.

The Real Madrid coach was pleased that the player he has coached at Juventus and now Real Madrid was honoured in Switzerland on Monday evening with the game's highest individual accolade.

After winning the Ballon D'Or earlier this month, Cannavaro was given the FIFA award and Capello was confident that it was the correct decision.

"It is deserved," the Madrid boss said. "The World Cup is the most important competition and the best player there is always chosen. Cannavaro and Zidane were the two best.

"This is recognition of his performance in a very difficult tournament. To win the World Cup is never easy."

Capello then turned his attention to the race for the title and admitted that he expects this to be one of the closest contests for some time, but would not be drawn on whether Barça's defeat Japan would effect them.

The Blaugrana were confident of winning the FIFA Club World Cup, but were defeated by Brazilian outfit Internacional.

"I do not know how they will react," Capello explained. "I do not know what happens inside their squad and I do not want to speculate.

"What I do know is that Sevilla are continuing to win and Valencia and Zaragoza are coming back. It will be a difficult league to win."

After leaving Mahamadou Diarra on the bench for the first time this season for the victory over Espanyol at the weekend, Capello reacted to news that the Malian international had been unhappy.

Reports in Spain suggested that Diarra spoke to Antonio Cassano and Ronaldo and the trio complained that the same players were always substitutes, but Capello is not bothered.

"I know that they have talked, but Diarra has played 16 consecutive games and anyone should stay silent then it is him," the Italian said.

"I believe in freedom of speech, but I choose my teams to win games, not to make players happy.

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(Soccer365.com) - Bayern Munich keeper extraordinaire Oliver Kahn has revealed that he may hang his gloves for good if the Bavarians claim another Champions League title in the spring.

The 37-year old already lifted the silver with FC Hollywood in 2001.

"If we were to win the Champions League this season, it's quite possible I'll retire on the spot," Kahn told German television. "I want to try to quit at the top, I want to have the feeling of being at the peak."

"I definitely don't want to hang on to the point where people are saying: 'Send that old guy home'."

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(Goal.com) - Fabio Cannavaro capped off a story-book year Monday night at the Zurich Opera House.

Italy's World Cup captain Fabio Cannavaro was named 2006 FIFA World Player of the Year on Monday, capping off a story-book year for the player. Cannavaro is the first defender to win the honor in the 16-year history of the award, and he is the second Italian to be named.

Cannavaro (498 total points) beat out France's Zinedine Zidane (454) and Barcelona's Brazilian ace Ronaldinho (380). Thierry Henry finished fourth, and Samuel Eto'o finished fifth in the voting by national team coaches and international captains.

Last month Cannavaro won the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or) as the top footballer in Europe, and in July, of course, the Real Madrid man lifted the World Cup in Germany.

FIFA World Player of the Year Winners

Year Player Country
2006 Fabio Cannavaro Italy
2005 Ronaldinho Brazil
2004 Ronaldinho Brazil
2003 Zinedine Zidane France
2002 Ronaldo Brazil
2001 Luis Figo Portugal
2000 Zinedine Zidane France
1999 Rivaldo Brazil
1998 Zinedine Zidane France
1997 Ronaldo Brazil
1996 Ronaldo Brazil
1995 George Weah Liberia
1994 Romario Brazil
1993 Roberto Baggio Italy
1992 Marco van Basten Netherlands
1991 Lothar Matthäus Germany

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Sam Allardyce believes that David Beckham could be tempted to join Bolton Wanderers should he ever decide to leave Real Madrid.

The Trotters' boss threw his club's hat into the ring as the future of the English midfielder continues to be unknown as he his contract in Spain runs out at the end of the current campaign.

"Bolton Wanderers would love to sign David Beckham, of course we would, " Allardyce told Wanderers TV.

"In the past when that sort of name has been attached to this club, people considered it as something that was never going to happen.

"But cast your mind back to Youri Djorkaeff. People scoffed and said he would never come to play for Bolton but he came.

"So did Bruno N'Gotty, Ivan Campo and Fernando Hierro - we've attracted some fabulous players to the club.

"I am not saying that is going to get us Beckham but if it could, I would love it."

Madrid president Ramón Calderón has said that he believes that Beckham will sign a new deal, but until he does speculation continues to grow about where he would move to.

The United States is one destination that has been touted with Alex Ferguson statng that his former player would never play for another English side because of his love of Manchester United.

Allardyce is sceptical that Beckham will leave the Santiago Bernabéu because he, and wife Victoria, enjoy living in Madrid.

"I don't think David is considering leaving Real Madrid," he continued.

"He wants to do well and fight for his place because I know how much he loves the club and how much he loves Spain."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma strike starlet Mirko Vucininc is crossing his fingers that a weekend knee operation will finally allow him to the make his name at the Stadio Olimpico.

The Serbia & Montenegro forward has struggled for fitness since arriving from Lecce this past summer.

“The operation went well,” reported Vučinić to Sky Italia.

“It is a liberation for me because when I was playing I felt pain.”

Roma boss Luciano Spalletti hopes to have Vučinić back in the new year, but still seems intent on loaning out Valencia striker Francesco Tavano.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) - Former Atlético Madrid and Middlesbrough star Juninho Paulista has returned to Flamengo, wher he spent a happy 2002 season on loan.

"To play important tournaments, and even more the Copa Libertadores, is always very special," said the 33-year old attacker.

"I'm very happy for being back here," exclaimed Juninho.

"I've loved living in Rio de Janeiro and I'm very happy to return."

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - Italy and Real Madrid centre-back Fabio Cannavaro, this year’s FIFA World Player, mixed his happiness at winning the award with a spiked message that all those who rubbished his candidature for the Ballon D’Or should now clam up.

"For a defender it’s so much more difficult when you’re competing alongside footballers of the calibre of Zidane or Ronaldinho. It’s almost as if we start off with a handicap but the World Cup conquest obviously helped a lot", explained the Italian as he landed in the Swiss city.

"This year has been incredible and I couldn’t ask for more. For me it’s a really important day and it’s also important that my critics realise that and stop getting at me”, he added. “For years everybody has been whining about why a defender doesn’t get this sort of award and when one does they criticise him!"

"It’s a kind of revenge, although I don’t take this sort of criticism seriously or personally. I’m not that kind of person and I know that it’s fair to award this type of prize to a defender who’s had an exceptional year, not complain because it’s going to somebody who is purely concerned with defensive tasks", he stressed.

"I’ve got a lot to thank to the two Coaches who’ve influenced me the most; Capello and Lippi. When you watch a Barcelona game it’s charming, but the World Cup showed us that playing charming football doesn’t equate winning. Winning is what Capello is concerned with", he explained, defending the Coaches that led him to Scudetto and World Cup glory.

Ronaldinho also backed up the award sportingly as he arrived, visibly drained, after his long-haul flight from Japan. "There’s a defined role for every player on the field. He (Cannavaro) is the best defender in the world and that’s what he has to do: defend. I try to do what I can on the field, he does what he can on the pitch too. I think he deserved it”, explained the outgoing incumbent.

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Posted by soccer365 at 03:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Yokohama, Japan (Sports Network) - Substitute Luiz Adriano scored in the 82nd minute to lift South American champions Internacional to a 1-0 win over European champions Barcelona on Sunday, securing the FIFA Club World Cup for a Brazilian side for the second straight year.

Fellow Brazilian outfit Sao Paulo upset Liverpool in last year's final, and another South American side, Corinthians, won the inaugural event in 2000.

The European champs dominated the game for long stretches but failed to capitalize. In the opening half-hour Barca created some chances but were turned away each time.

In the 19th minute, Giovanni van Bronckhorst fired a shot on target from long range that Clemer was able to save easily. However, the keeper fumbled the shot and gave Ronaldinho a chance on the rebound. Clemer was able to deflect his attempt wide of goal, bailing himself out.

Eidur Gudjohnsen then missed a couple of opportunities to put Barcelona ahead. Gudjohnsen first headed a cross from Ludovic Giuly over the net, and just a few minutes later, smacked a right-footed effort wide.

The first half finished scoreless, but Barca looked to be the much more dangerous side.

The pace slowed in the second half, with Barcelona controlling possession but failing to score. The Spanish club seemed to be in control of the match, but they soon found themselves trailing in the 82nd minute.

Iarley slid a through-ball past the Barcelona back line and second-half substitute Adriano ran onto it and slotted his shot past Victor Valdes in the Barca net, putting Internacional on top 1-0.

The two-time defending La Liga champions then pressed forward for the final eight minutes in search of the equalizer, but came up empty.

Deco clipped his shot from 25-yards out over the net, and Ronaldinho's free- kick effort sailed just wide of the post, securing the title for the Brazilians.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - U.S. Soccer have found their next top target, Manchester United assistant Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz, Sir Alex Ferguson's top assistant at Manchester United, has long been rumored one of the top prospects to land the U.S. coaching vacancy, and even more so now following Jürgen Klinsmann's decision not to take the job.

The Sun published a report Friday quoting a source close to the process, "Carlos is the top choice. His work in helping the MLS has not been forgotten. We will do everything to get him.”

What has Carlos Queiroz done for MLS, USA's top-flight league? Queiroz was the mastermind behind U.S. Soccer's Project 2010, a program designed in 1998 as a blueprint for future success of the U.S. men's national soccer team. Queiroz's "Q-Report" was the fulcrum for the program.

Ironically, "Project 2010" refers to USA's ambition to field a team capable of winning the 2010 World Cup, a tournament to which Queiroz likely would lead the Americans if he indeed ends up with the job on a full-time basis.

MLS, as the source quoted in The Sun hinted, has been a driving engine in the improvement of the American player. Specifically, the league has engaged in a youth development initiative designed to place promising young American prospects into the league at a young age, the belief MLS could develop and improve talents faster and better than the college system. Generation adidas is the name of the current program.

Former U.S. assistant and Chicago Fire and Chivas USA head coach Bob Bradley, a finalist himself, was named interim coach earlier this month. U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, though, said USA will be spending the next six months pursuing some foreign-based candidates, one of them Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz, 53, was born in the Portuguese colony of Mozambique. He rose to stardom with his management skills, credited with unearthing the "Golden Generation" of Portuguese players from the famous 1989 and 1991 U-20 World Youth Championship-winning sides. Luis Figo and Rui Costa were among the players led by Queiroz.

Queiroz's management resume has a bit of everything U.S. Soccer brass could possibly want. In addition to his successful spell as Fergie's number two, Queiroz has managed such giants as Sporting Lisbon and Real Madrid. He also has experience managing at the international level (South Africa) and in MLS (MetroStars).

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)

(Soccer365.com) - Colombia have appointed Jorge Luis Pinto as their new coach, with designs on ending their World Cup drought in 2010.

The 2001 Copa America champs have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.

"The aim is to build a team which will lead us to the World Cup finals," declared Pinto at his presentation.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Benfica president Luis Filipe Vieira has hushed long standing rumours linking star man Simão Sabrosa with several buig name clubs.

The Portugal winger has been mentioned as a target for the likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Valencia.

"We have not received an offer for Simão recently, not from England or any other country," said Vieira.

"Selling Simão in January does not enter into our plans because he is a key player in the team," he added.

"We are only ready to think if a spectacular proposition arrives."

Adu Pleased With New Address

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Goal.com) - The United States and Mexico will renew their regional rivalry in the first quarter of 2007.

In a battle of (the) CONCACAF heavyweights, USA will host Mexico on February 7, 2007, at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The match will kickoff at 9:00 p.m. ET, and tickets will go on sale December 19, 2006.

The match will be the second for U.S. interim coach Bob Bradley. The former MLS Coach of the Year with Chivas USA and Chicago Fire, Bradley's first game as caretaker manager will take place on January 20, 2007, against Denmark at the Home Depot Center in Carson, California.

"I'm excited to be a part of my first game against Mexico," said Bradley. "There is a great history to the rivalry, and I know it is always a special game for the players and fans. It is a great opportunity to see how our players respond against a challenging opponent."

Mexico also have a new manager, the greatest Tricolor icon of them all: Hugo Sanchez. Hugo "Boss" was named head coach of the national team back in November, replacing Ricardo La Volpe.

USA have not lost to Mexico at home since 2000, a span of seven games of which the U.S. won six.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) - Fresh Real Salt Lake catch Freddy Adu says he delighted to be shifting his MLS career from Washington D.C. to the Rockies.

The U.S. Under-20 captain will get to play his favored playmaking role under familiar coach John Ellinger.

“I cannot be happier here,” Adu told the New York Times. “This is something I wanted, I feel reborn.”

“This is a new chapter in my life,” he declared. “I will get to play my natural position, I’ll get games and get better and help this team out.”

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