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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(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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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.

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(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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(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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(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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(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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(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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(Goal.com) - Italian legend Francesco Totti has revealed his dream to play at Old Trafford.

On the eve of the Champions League knockout stage draw, AS Roma talisman Francesco Totti stated his desire to face the legendary Manchester United. Such a draw would mean an Old Trafford debut for the Azzurro World Cup winner.

"At this stage of the competition, all the teams are equally strong, but if I have to choose, then I’d like to face Manchester United," Totti revealed.

"I've never been able to play at Old Trafford and it's something I would really like to experience."

The Champions League draw takes place Friday in Nyon.

The Giallorossi finished second in Group D behind Spanish side Valencia, meaning Roma face the possibility of a Manchester United test. The Red Devils topped Group F.

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(Soccer365.com) - According to River Plate executive Hector Grinberg, Real Madrid are on the verge of completing a €12.5 million move for Millionairos starlet Gonzalo Higuain.

"We expect to complete negotiations today," he told reporters on Thursday.

"We had to stop things this morning because the people from Real had a Christmas lunch with the players, but we are meeting again at 5 pm and we should announce something by 7 or 7:30 pm."

The teen attacker is also in a tug-of-war over his international status, with Argentina and France looking to stake claim.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed sadness about West Ham United's decision to fire Alan Pardew.

Although Wenger and Pardew were involved in a well-publicised row on the touchline last month when Pardew's celebration of a late Hammers goal against the Gunners was perceived by Wenger as disrespectful, the Arsenal boss told BBC Five Live Sport: "That is not a reason to want someone to be unhappy.

"I think this is very cruel for Pardew as he's done remarkably well there.

"He wasn't given time by the new owners but sometimes that's the risk in our job, you undeservedly get the sack even if it's not linked with your quality."

Meanwhile Pardew's predecessor as West Ham manager, Glenn Roeder, now boss of Newcastle, said: "When one of the football family gets knocked down and lose their job like Alan has, of course there is sympathy.

"They were just seconds away from winning the FA Cup final and Alan Pardew would have been in West Ham's history books forever and a day.

"That is scary, how fine the dividing line is that we all live by. We all hang by a thread, all of us," said Roeder.

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(Soccer365.com) - Freshman Estudiantes boss Diego Simeone is on cloud nine after sealing an improbable Argentine championship with a 2-1 victory over Boca Juniors on Wednesday night.

The Bombonera crew only needed a draw on the final day of the season, but lost to set up the one-game playoff.

"In this stadium, I started my career as a player and now I am winning my first title as a coach," exclaimed Simeone. "This is a really emotional time, in life you always have to believe in what you do."

"I am really happy, the players understood my message from the first moment and we never gave up despite the fact that Boca had the championship nearly won," he continued.

"We kept on fighting and in the final we showed that we were stronger."

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Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - The U.S. Men's National Team announced Thursday that it will play Mexico in an exhibition game Feb. 7 at Glendale, Ariz., the second game for the MNT under interim head coach Bob Bradley.

Bradley was appointed to the position last week after former German star player and national team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann turned down the offer from the U.S. Soccer Federation.

The game against Mexico comes 18 days after the Americans meet Denmark at Carson, Calif., in their first game since they were eliminated from the World Cup last June.

"I'm excited to be a part of my first game against Mexico," Bradley said. "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."

Like Bradley, Mexico head coach, Hugo Sanchez, will be embarking on his first year as his nation's head soccer coach after being appointed to the position in November.

The U.S. has dominated the series of late, collecting a 6-0-1 home record against Mexico since 2000. During that span, the USA has netted 11 goals, while the Mexicans have failed to score a single goal on American soil in this decade. In the team’s last meeting, the U.S. used a 2-0 victory on Sept. 3, 2005, in Columbus, Ohio to become the first team in the CONCACAF region to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

The U.S. has a lifetime record of 12-29-10 against Mexico in a series that dates to 1934, but has compiled a 10-6-8 advantage in home matches since 1957. Since the rivalry between these two teams began in 1990, the sides have played 24 times, with the U.S. holding a 10-7-7 advantage. In the team’s most significant matchup, the United States defeated Mexico 2-0 in the round-of-16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, advancing the U.S. to the quarterfinals of the tournament for the first time in 72 years.

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(Soccer365.com) - Reading attacker Bobby Convey is progressing after knee surgery and could be ready to train on his own next week.

The American Abroad has not played since a Premiership match since October 28th.

"Bobby's doing strength work, and once he's strong enough to start running then he will do that," Royals physio Jon Hearn told the club website. "That'll be this week or next, hopefully."

"If he breaks down we'll see where we are, but he's making progress."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Salt Lake general manager Steve Pastorino knows the giants of Europe are watching, but says he intends to have Freddy Adu wearing the team’s shirt for as long as he can.

The US wonder boy arrived in a trade from D.C. United over the weekend.

"Freddy is a dynamic, brilliant young player who is going to have some opportunities overseas," Pastorino told reporters.

"We just hope that we can postpone those a little while and that you can bring a couple of championships here to RSL first before you go anywhere."

Concluded Pastorino, "We wouldn't have entered into this transaction without the belief that Freddy is going to be a part of this organization for quite a while to come."

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(Goal.com) - Jose Reina is poised to return to Spain for the next club season.

Jose "Pepe" Reina, Liverpool's number one goalkeeper under Spanish manager Rafael Benitez, appears set to leave the Reds and return to top flight football in the Primera Liga with Valencia. Benitez was manager of Valencia before taking over at Liverpool, but it is unclear whether Rafa is playing any part in the 24-year-old's link with Valencia.

A source close to the player told Goal.com, "Reina is negotiating with Valencia."

Reina would sign on with Los Ches for the start of the 2007/08 season.

"The Catalan goalkeeper wishes to return to Spain for personal reason," added the source.

Current Valencia goalkeeper, and tri-captain, Santiago Canizares turns 37 on December 18 and is likely to hang up his gloves at the end of the current campaign.

Reina previously represented FC Barcelona and then Villarreal in La Liga before joining Liverpool in 2005 and relegating Polish international Jerzy Dudek, the man between the pipes in the famous 2005 Champions League finale, to purgatory.

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(Goal.com) - South Africa striker Benni McCarthy is looking forward to 2010, which is when his country will host the first ever World Cup finals to be staged on African soil.

Benni who plays for English Premiership side Blackburn Rovers, said he is excited about the upcoming World Cup and believes football in his country is improving.

“I'm so excited. I'm always finding out what South Africa is doing to prepare for the World Cup - both on and off the field. It would be great to be there, to play in front of my people - and the fact that it's the first World Cup ever to be played in Africa makes it even more special,” McCarthy said in an interview carried on the Fifa website.

Talking about the potential of football in his country at present, he said: “It is making progress. We still have a lot to learn. We're a young nation. We're getting bigger by the day - and we're getting more established on the football field too.

“So, as time goes by, we're getting better and better. Thankfully, we're using the experience of European coaches who are a lot more advanced and experienced than South Africans, but we are still not at the level where we would all love to be at. However, we still have three and a half years to improve by the time the next World Cup comes along. Hopefully, we'll be ready to take on the world by then.”

McCarthy has had problems with his international career in the past as his relationship with previous Bafana coaches was not always a good one. He snubbed the national team on different occasions though he hopes things will change ahead of the 2010 World Cup.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Goal.com) - Alan Curbishley, who was manager of Charlton Athletic for 15 years until resigning in the summer, has been officialy unveiled as the new man in charge of West Ham United.

The club's recently-installed chairman, Icelandic businessman Eggert Magnusson, wasted no time in filling the vacancy he created on Monday by summarily dismissing Alan Pardew after a poor run of results.

"I am absolutely delighted that Alan has agreed to join us," said Magnusson. "He's a manager with a proven track record and a real love for the club."

Ex-Hammer Curbishley and his assistant, Mervyn Day - another former West Ham player - will take charge of the team for the first time against Manchester United on Sunday. Ironically, his last game at Charlton was against United, whom he has never beaten in his management career.

With the Red Devils top of the table, Curbishley could hardly have a tougher first assignment in his new role, but he is looking beyond the short-term.

"If you'd said to me when I was at West Ham at the age of 16 that one day I'd be manager I would have thought it impossible," he said at the press conference announcing his appointment.

Curbishley played for West Ham between 1975 and 1979.

"I'm deeply delighted. It's a privilege to be here and I'm looking forward to lifting us out of the position we're in at the moment."

The Hammers have endured a miserable season so far and find themselves in a relegation battle following their last two defeats against Wigan (2-0 at home) and Bolton (4-0 away).

Those results convinced Magnusson he had to take action, and Pardew paid the price.

Curbishley added: "I feel disappointed for Alan Pardew, he is someone I know very well. But this is the world we live in at the moment."

Magnusson explained that he sacked Pardew because he was shocked by the players' "lack of motivation" in those two recent defeats. He said: "It was a tough decision but it was in the club's best interests."

Curbishley can expect to have transfer funds available to briong in new players when the market reopens in January, but he said his first priority was to boost morale among the existing squad.

"If I think we need to spend, we'll do it, but first I've got to meet the players," he said.

"Everyone needs a lift. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, it's the same bunch and they are better than what they are producing.

"This club has the opportunity to be in the top half of table."

Curbishley decided the time had come to leave Charlton last May after being interviewed for, but not getting, the England manager's job.

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(Soccer365.com) - After watching Jay Demerit captain the side in Gavin Mahon’s absence last weekend, Watford boss Adrian Boothroyd has championed the American Abroad as the next man inline to the Hornets’ armband.

"I am absolutely convinced that Jay will one day be the captain of this club," he told FIFA.com. "No one works harder or sets a better example with the way he handles himself in training and away from the club."

The gutsy defender scored the key goal in their promotion playoff final victory over Leeds United and hasn’t let his level drop in the Premiership.

"Jay has come so far since he came to the club, progressing from a raw, talented youngster to a brave, capable defender," added Boothroyd.

"He was one of the major reasons for our success last season and in the early part of this season has already shown that he's comfortable playing at a higher level."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Goal.com) - Real Madrid President Ramón Calderón has spoken out in the wake of two sensitive resignations high up in the Merengue management, denying that the exits will alter his status at the White House and will certainly not affect the team.

"There is no crisis here. These are normal situations which happen in the world of business. When you have a group of fifteen people some leave and some enter. I’ve talked personally with the other members of the board and there will be no more resignations", he explained.

The exec also went on to deny that he’s close to being forced to call a new election. "A new election is something that doesn’t even occur to me. We’ve just got to keep on working as the club has been forced to undergo an election recently and people really don’t want all the uncertainty that a new one would bring”, he emphasised.

"These are mere anecdotes in the process off any project. If one member of the management, or two, decide that they want to leave there’s no problem. Everybody on the board needs to be united to bring the project to fruition and it’s best that those who feel they can’t handle the pressure leave now", he explained firmly.

Juan Mendoza, son of ex-President Ramón Mendoza, wads the surprise for Calderón, although he had been expecting to see Juan Carlos Sánchez’s resignation due to his disagreement over closer links between the Basketball section of the club and the US NBA. Calderón was elected in the wake of the decline and fall of Florentino Perez’s ‘Galactico’ era.

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(Soccer365.com) - With his club one win away from the FIFA World Club Cup final against Barcelona, Internacional coach Abel Braga has made a point to keep 17-year old phenom Alexandre Pato away from a rabid media.

The latest Brazilian wonder boy, better known as “The Duck”, hit his debut goal for the second place side during the recently completed Campeonato Brasileiro.

"He's got the ability and he answers in a positive way every time we ask him to do something, but it's not good to put all the pressure on him," he explained. "We don't want him to have all the responsibility."

"We're a team - he's very important, but he's just 17 years old at the moment."

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(Goal.com) - Head of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Technical Committee, Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, has showered praises on the Golden Eaglets for qualifying for the 2007 African Under-17 Championship billed for Togo.

Ogunjobi told Goal.com that the country’s Under-17 team arrived Nigeria this morning and assured that the NFA would make sure that they begin earnest preparations ahead of the African championship, which also serves as qualification for the World Cup.

But the former NFA Secretary-General opened up that it was a difficult match in Morocco, adding that he was happy that the boys were composed throughout the match despite the antics of the North Africans in Sunday’s return leg.

Ogunjobi also said the boys coped well under the harsh weather of the North African country.

“You needed to see these boys on Sunday. Although they lost by a lone goal to their Moroccan counterparts they gave really good account of themselves even when the Moroccans tried to play some tricks in the match.

“Besides the antics of the Moroccans, the weather was very, very cold. These are boys who never played under such weather and I believe they learnt a lot in that game against Morocco,” he said.

The NFA board member, who was the head of delegation of the team to Morocco, also singled out the team’s coach, Deacon Yemi Tella, for doing such a good job on the players, adding that the players would make the country proud at the African Under-17 championship
next year.

“The coach has done really well with the team I must confess. We should all recognise that handling the age-grade teams especially the Under-17 is the most difficult job, because most of the players have little exposure in terms of playing outside the country and in front of large crowds. So the coach has done well and I believe that with what I saw on Sunday in Morocco that these boys will go places,” he said.

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(Goal.com) - Serie A minnows Reggina have received a shot in the arm as FIGC (Federazione Italiana Giuoco Calcio – The Italian Football Federation) have restored four of the fifteen points that were deducted from the club before the start of the 2006-7season.

Reggina were indicted for fraud as part of the second wave of Calciopoli investigations. FIGC exec Stefano Palazzi asked to relegate the club to Serie B with a 15-point deduction, but the final verdict was that Reggina will remain in Serie A for the 06-07 season, but with a 15-point deduction that the Amaranto have now semi-successfully appealed against.

With the penalty now down to 11 points, Reggina abandon the uncomfortable Serie A last place and hand the dubious honour of being first in line for the drop to Ascoli. Reggina now have nine versus Ascoli’s six points, moving up into the Parma and Chievo slipstream as the Gialloblu and Flying Donkey’s are just into double figures. Without the FIGC wrist-slapping Reggina would have 20 points and be neck-and-neck with Empoli in seventh place.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Salt Lake City, Utah (Sports Network) - Major League Soccer's Real Salt Lake acquired 17-year-old American phenom Freddy Adu along with the rights to goalkeeper Nick Rimando in a trade with Washington D.C. based D.C. United on Monday.

In return, RSL will send a major allocation, the rights to goalkeeper Jay Nolly and future considerations, including a share of any future replacement allocation money attributed to Adu, should he be transferred to another league.

Adu recently spent two weeks with Manchester United of the English Premiership on a trial hoping to display enough talent to earn a transfer offer when he is eligible this summer after he turns 18.

"This should serve as a signal to the people of Utah that we continue to be committed to building something of permanent and lasting value here in the valley," RSL owner David Checketts said. "I anticipate big things from Freddy, and I am thrilled that we were able to bring him to Salt Lake and reunite him with (RSL head) coach (John) Ellinger."

Adu previously played for Ellinger as a member of the U-17 National Team in 2002 as a 13-year-old. A year later, Adu helped the U-17's qualify for the 2003 FIFA U-17 World Cup with a goal and an assist in a pair of 3-0 wins over Jamaica and Guatemala. He opened the tournament with a hat-trick and helped lead the U.S. team into the quarterfinals, where they would fall to eventual champions Brazil.

Along with being a key member of the U.S. Youth National Teams, he became the youngest player to earn a cap as a member of the full Men's National Team on Jan. 22 against Canada.

"This was a difficult decision for all of us at D.C. United," United President and CEO Kevin Payne said. "Freddy has been a valued member of our team both on and off the field for three years. We appreciate that he wanted the opportunity to play a different role on the field than he would have been afforded here and he will apparently get that opportunity in Salt Lake. We wish him nothing but the best."

Adu joins Salt Lake after three full seasons in D.C., while Rimando departs after five. Nolly goes to D.C. after spending his first two seasons in Utah.

With D.C., Adu scored 11 goals and 17 assists in 87 career appearances. His 17 career assists ties him for eighth all-time in D.C. history. He was twice named an MLS All-Star (2004, 2006) and helped D.C. capture the 2004 MLS Cup during his rookie season and the Supporters' Shield after earning the best regular season record this past season.

Rimando made just two appearances for United in 2006, but departs as the club's all-time leader in wins (41), shutouts (29), saves (355), save percentage (72.2 %) and goals-against-average (1.22).

Nolly leaves for D.C. after being used as the starting goalkeeper for the RSL reserves and serving as the top backup for the RSL senior squad. In two seasons, Nolly logged six starts, posting a 1-4-1 record and a 2.62 GAA.

Adu is expected to arrive in Salt Lake Monday evening and will be making various media appearances throughout the day Tuesday, before departing for Florida to report to camp for the U-20 Men's National Team.

Adu serves as the captain for the U-20's, who are coached by Thomas Rongen. The team will be training Dec.12-23 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. The 12- day camp marks the final time the U-20s will be together before Rongen names his final roster for the 2007 CONCACAF Final Round Qualifying Tournament, which will take place from Jan. 17-21 in Panama City, Panama.

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(Soccer365.com) - Boston College striker Charlie Davies says he hopes to become the third American to suit up for Ajax.

The 20-year old is on trial with the Amsterdammers through Wednesday, and could follow in the footsteps of Eddy Hamel and John O’Brien.

“It is very exciting to be on trial here at Ajax,” he told the club website. “I am learning a lot and I am anxious to sign a contract here.”

“The level of play is very high and I want to play with the best players.”

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(Soccer365.com) - With young payers like Phillip Lahm and Lukas Podolski leading the way, Germany boss Joachim Löw believes the national team are set for a new ‘golden generation’.

The coach also has several uncapped starlets on the verge of making a breakthrough.

"Beside the established figures like Michael Ballack, Torsten Frings, Jens Lehmann, Miroslav Klose and Bernd Schneider, we have many players coming through with great potential," he told reporters.

"In the next few years we can see a new golden generation coming through," declared Löw. "We have the ability in the team now to play at a high level for a number of years to come."

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(Goal.com) - Deportivo centre-half Juanma has accused David Villa of diving to win a penalty and having him sent off in yesterday's clash.

Valencia picked up a convincing 4-0 win over Deportivo at the Mestalla, but the match was marred by the controversial sending off.

With the score 1-0, Villa went down in the area as he and Juanma went for the ball. The referee pointed to the spot and sent the defender off, though replays showed that there had been no contact, and the Che forward had gone over the challenge.

The similarities with Cristiano Ronaldo's now famous fall against Middlesbrough were striking. No surprises, then, that the two sides have also dished out similar arguments.

Juanma has accused Villa of "poor sportmanship," insisting that there had been no contact, and that it should not have been a penalty, and least of all, a sending off. "We need to be more honest," he concluded in resignation after the game.

Expectedly, Villa has refuted the allegations, insisting that he went down "while trying to avoid Juanma's challenge, and did not dive to win a penalty."

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(Goal.com) - Arsenal's captain Gilberto Silva has criticised Chelsea players for pressurising and attempting to influence referee Alan Wiley during Sunday's 1-1 draw between the teams.

Chelsea players surrounded Wiley to convey their views on several occasions, notably when Ashley Cole was given a first-half booking. A number of Chelsea players harangued Wiley and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho strode along the touchline.

"They should respect the referee more," Gilberto told BBC Radio Five Live.

"All their fouls there were two, three, four players around the referee putting him under pressure. "

In the second half, the embarrassing incident involving Arsenal goalkeeper Jens Lehmann and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, saw Wiley having to wave a gaggle of protesting Blues players as he went to consult his assisstant.

Gilberto added: "It's not good because the referee tried to do his best. If he is under pressure it is much more difficult.

"They know the referee was doing his job very, very well.

"Especially when Ashley Cole got booked, they tried to put him under pressure to book our players. It's not the kind of game everybody wants to see."

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(Goal.com) - West Ham United have fired manager Alan Pardew, the Hammers struggling to deliver the results this season after a European-worthy campaign a year ago.

West Ham United announced the sacking of manager Alan Pardew on Monday.

"The Chairman, Mr. Eggert Magnusson, and the Board have been concerned by the performances of recent weeks and feel that it is the right time to make a change in the best interests of the Club," read a statement on the club's web site.

"The search for a successor is now underway in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window.

"First Team Coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made. No further statements on this matter will be made by the Club before that time," concluded the club's statement.

West Ham currently reside in the relegation zone, sitting 18th with just 14 points from 17 Premiership matches.

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Mexico City, Mexico (Sports Network) - One of Mexico's most popular teams, Guadalajara, came from behind Sunday to beat Toluca 2-1 in the second leg of the aggregated Apertura Final to take the championship.

Toluca seemed to have the upper hand before the game after holding for a draw away in the first leg of the final, and seemed even surer of the victory after championship leading scorer Bruno Marioni opened the scoring with his 14th goal of the competition, but second half goals from defender Francisco Rodriguez and striker Adolfo Bautista gave the Chivas the title on the road.

Guadalajara are the second team to win a championship in the Mexican Division I season in 2006. Pachuca won the Clausura Championship earlier in the season. Since the 1996-97 season, two separate championships have been played in the Mexican season.

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(Soccer365.com) - Real Madrid strike star Ronaldo says he is done listening to questions and jibes about his weight, which he feels only begin when he fails to find the net.

"I think it is absurd we spend so much time talking about my weight," he blared. "All the tests and controls are open for everyone to see."

"What most annoys me is the way things come out in the press: when you score goals you are great, when you don't you are fat."

"I am completely dedicated to my work and trying to improve and I'm not interested in what others say," concluded Il Phenomeno, who has only struck once on the young season.

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(Soccer365.com) - AS Roma netminder Doni believes the club will handle business against arch enemies Lazio this weekend.

"We shall win the derby," he declared. "I remember the derby of the first leg from last year, when I debuted."

"We managed only to draw, but for me it was a good game."

The young Brazilian admitted he was a little nervous squaring off against Lazio veteran Angelo Peruzzi.

"It was an emotion to debut in such a difficult match," admitted Doni. "Peruzzi is one of the best goalkeepers in the league, I used to follow him when I was in Brazil."

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(Goal.com) - The current Chelsea coach would not mind taking up the Serie A challenge after his English adventure comes to an end.

Jose Mourinho is ready for a new experience, preferably in the Italian topflight according to the Portuguese coach.

"It's the first time that I remain in the same team for three years, but I don't know where I can find more than I have here at Chelsea.

"For me the English league is the best in the world, but I must confess that Serie A stimulates me and you never know what the future might hold."

In the past weeks it’s been rumoured that Chelsea and Inter are ready to exchange coaches for the upcoming season. With Roberto Mancini who has not yet signed a new contract with the Nerazzurri, and Mourinho's latest comments, the speculation of a possible swap will increase, despite both coaches doing extremely well for their respective clubs both domestically and in the Champions League.

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(Goal.com) - The Brazilian would prefer not to meet Barça yet on the road that leads to the Champions League final.

Despite the ugly defeat against Lille, Milan finished their Champions League group in first place and now awaits what opponent they will have in the next round. Milan midfielder Kaká has one certainty: better to avoid Barcelona. "I don't think it's right to say who we want to meet - the Brazilian said in an interview with UEFA's official website - certainly no one would like meeting Barça in the round of 16. They are not unbeatable, and we might have the squad to prove it if we do get them as opponents, but theirs is a very strong team and in the last few games they seem to have re-found their compactness."

This year Milan are a two-faced side: strong in the Champions League, less so in Serie A. "It's due to the toughness of the Italian league - the rossonero ace continued - in Serie A there are many teams used to playing against the big teams and are tactically able to play against them. In the Champions League it's different. Seeing the way things are going it's obvious we have the ambition to go all the way in the Champions League, but we mustn't forget that to play in the competition next season we have to do well in the league, regardless of how we do this year in Europe. My goals? I've scored five. Certainly it's satisfying to be among the best finishers, even though this is not my objective, I'd prefer not to score and win the trophy."

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(Soccer365.com) - Columbus Crew coach Sigi Schmid says he will try his best to find the right star to sign, using a new MLS salary rule.

The boss, currently in England with an Generation adidas team of young league players, told the Columbus Dispatch he would meet with former Crew ace Brian McBride.

"You’re always looking, always taking into account the possibilities," stated Schmid. "I think the fans have to be realistic because I don’t think we’re going to find a David Beckham or a Ronaldo, but if you find the right fit you’re going to be able to get that kind of player."

"We’re in uncharted territory, but (Crew general manager) Mark McCullers, myself and the Hunt family are willing to support the right guy."

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(Goal.com) - Ramón Calderón believes that David Beckham will sign a new contract to keep him at the Santiago Bernabéu for the rest of his career.

The Real Madrid president has stated before that he is confident the English midfielder will stay at the club instead of leaving next summer

Rumours persist that English midfielder is set to move from the Spanish giants when his current deal expires at the end of the current season, with the United States looking set to be his destination.

Despite the stories, Calderón is confident that he can persuade Beckham to stay with los Merengues and denied rumours that the player is unsettled with his bit-part role under Fabio Capello.

"He is an exceptional player on the field and an exceptional person off it," the Madrid supremo said. "I am someone who truly believes that he will sign a contract to keep him here for life.

"He has never complained about being a substitute and has always behaved extremely well towards everyone."

Calderón also revealed that he praised Ronaldo after the Brazilian scored twice to help earn Madrid a 2-2 in the Champions League meeting against Dynamo Kyiv.

"I told him on the flight back that if he continued like that we would win the European Cup," the president explained. "He is a special player that can win you a game on his own when he is on form."

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(Goal.com) - "It's a match that always gives strong emotions."

Talking about the upcoming Derby of Rome, programmed for Sunday evening at the Olimpico Stadium, giallorosso midfielder declared: "The emotion of the derby is something I compare to a World Cup final - then he added - It's a game that's always very exciting. A goal in the derby? Let's say I would not give up my salary for it, but it would be a huge emotion."

The midfielder is still in doubt for the big match, but should be able to recover in time: "I'm feeling much better and I think I'll make it." The captain is in a similar situation: "I don't think we will play the derby without Totti. We know how much he cares and it seems, and I mean seems, as if he's better."

A forecast was inevitable: "The derby is always a tricky game, not always does the best team win. The mental aspect is fundamental. Who approaches the game more serene and concentrated will end up playing better. We are serene and hope to play a good game."

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(Soccer365.com) - Sevilla executive Monchi has declared that right back sensation Daniel Alves is on the verge of extending his stay with the UEFA Cup champs.

The Brazilian has often been linked to Barcelona, but nothing that has gone beyond the interest stage.

"We will be able to announce that the player has renewed his contract very soon," he insisted. "An agreement is very close."

"We have not had any contact with Barcelona, not now or during last summer.

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea have refuted reports that striker Andriy Shevchenko is prepared to leave the club if he doesn't fit into manager Jose Mourinho's plans, claiming the player's alleged comments were misinterpreted from a Russian magazine article.

Shevchenko, 30, joined the Premiership champions from AC Milan for £30.8 million in May. He has been linked with a possible return to Milan, reports today quoting him as saying that his style of play did not suit Mourinho, and that he was "ready to pack his bags" and go back to Italy if he did not fit in.

However, Chelsea have insisted in a statement that his comments were misinterpreted.

Shevchenko said he had not discussed his future with the club.

Chelsea's Russian owner Abramovich was instrumental in Shevchenko going to Stamford Bridge, where he is on a four-year contract. The popular belief was that Shevchenko's goals and experience would help Chelsea win the Champions League.

The Ukraine international is revered as a hero in Milan, where the Rossoneri have clearly missed his talents so far this season.

In the Premiership, however, he has so far struggled to reach his best form.

Shevchenko himself has now clarified the situation, insisting that he has given only one interview in recent weeks to a Russian magazine called ProSport, and reiterating his commitment to Chelsea.

"I give 100 per cent all the time and I am committed and hungry for success with Chelsea," he said.

"I have total respect for the Chelsea club and fans as well as for football in England and the culture of the country.

"There are always good and not so good moments in sport, that's normal. If that means there is opinion and criticism, I respect that."

In the ProSport interview, Shevchenko admitted that he was unhappy with his start at Chelsea, but denied struggling to adapt to the demands of English football.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Manchester, England (Sports Network) - Just one year ago, Benfica put an end to Manchester United's Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win over the Red Devils. One year later, Sir Alex Ferguson's men re-paid the Portuguese side with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford to advance and send Benfica packing.

United entered the match knowing that a draw would be enough to push them through, but they came out at the start of match looking for goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo twice created room for a shot, but misfired in the opening 10 minutes.

The home side looked the more threatening, spending almost the entire opening 20 minutes in Benfica's half of the field. Despite the strong start for United, it was the visitors that found themselves ahead after 27 minutes.

Simao took possession of the ball on the right wing and made a run towards the end-line. He took on defender Patrice Evra before dropping the ball back to Nelson, who fired a shot from the top of the box that sailed past a diving Edwin Van der Sar and into the top-left corner of the net, putting Benfica ahead 1-0.

United thought they had the equalizer in the 30th minute on a corner kick. Ryan Giggs served the ball into the box and Nemanja Vidic headed it towards the back post, where Louis Saha was waiting. The Frenchman headed it towards goal, but keeper Joaoquim Quim kept it out with a sprawling save.

Vidic found the equalizer for the home side right before the halftime whistle. Giggs played a free-kick from the left flank towards the six-yard box. Quim reacted late and Vidic snuck in front of the netminder and headed the ball into the gaping net, tying the score at 1-1.

In the second half United continued to push for more goals, pressing the action and forcing Benfica back on its heels.

Giggs put United ahead in the 61st minute off of a cross from Ronaldo, who beat a defender on the right wing before serving the ball. The Benfica defense was caught ball-watching as Giggs found an opening 10-yards from goal and headed past a helpless Quim for a 2-1 Man. U lead.

Despite the cushion, the Red Devils were not content and added a third goal to put the game away. Darrin Fletcher's corner found the head of Saha at the penalty spot. Saha held off a defender and steered a well-place header past Quim to cap the scoring.

United will go through as the Group F winners, thanks to Celtic dropping a 3-1 decision to Copenhagen at Parkstadion. The Hoops were already assured a spot in the knockout round, but will now advance as runners-up to Manchester United.

Group E was already decided as both Lyon and Real Madrid were the teams moving on. Lyon played to a 1-1 draw with Steaua Bucuresti, while Maksim Shatskikh scored twice for Dynamo Kiev, who earned a 2-2 draw with Madrid. The French powerhouse ends up as group winners while Madrid finishes as runner-up.

In Group G, Arsenal and Porto played to a dull scoreless tie, but both teams will move on as third-place CSKA Moscow suffered a surprising 3-2 loss to previously winless Hamburg. Boubacar Sanogo scored in stoppage time to give the German club something to take away from the competition.

Rounding out Matchday 6 in Group H was group winners AC Milan dropping a 2-0 contest to Lille, who also advances with the Italian club into the next round based on AEK Athens' 2-2 draw against Anderlecht.

The final 16 teams have now been determined for the knockout round, with the draw being announced on Friday December 15.

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(Soccer365.com) - West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector has revealed that he rejected the chance to sign an extension with Manchester United just before his move to Upton Park.

“They spent a lot of money on a lot of guys who play my position,” he explained to the New York Times. “I wanted to go on loan, but after last season I had every intention of going back to ManU.”

“They even offered me a new contract, but I felt it was time to move on.”

“It wasn’t that I felt unwanted,” continued the American Abroad. “I just couldn’t go back to sitting on the bench.”

“Sir Alex (Ferguson, United boss) understood that I wanted to play,” conclude Spector, now a Hammer regular. “He has always been up front with me and said that I still had a future at the club.”

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(Soccer365.com) - CSKA Moscow playmaker extraordinaire Daniel Carvalho wasn’t exactly excited when told the news that Barcelona were busy standing in his shop window.

The Brazil international first drew widespread attention when led the Russian side to the 2005 UEFA Cup championship.

"I'm pleased that Barcelona is interested in me, but at the moment, I have a contract with CSKA," he stated plainly. "I plan to play for CSKA till the end of my contract."

"My contract expires next December," Carvalho noted. "Maybe it can be extended, but this depends on me and CSKA's president Yevgeny Giner."

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(Goal.com) - Josh Wolff finally will realize his dream of playing abroad.

U.S. international Josh Wolff, a veteran of two World Cups, has signed a contract to play for 2. Bundesliga side 1860 Munich. His contract begins in January, 2007, and runs until June, 2008.

The Kansas City Wizards striker is out of contract at the end of the year, so the move is a free transfer for 1860, who already boast Wolff's U.S. teammate Gregg Berhalter on the roster.

Wolff, 29, began his professional career in 1998 with the Chicago Fire, scoring over 30 goals and helping the club win a domestic double the same year, winning the MLS Cup and US Open Cup tournaments.

After five years with Chicago, Wolff was traded in 2003 to Kansas City, where he collected 27 goals and 20 assists in four seasons. Wolff has earned 48 caps for the United States, tallying nine goals.

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(Goal.com) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has reassured Shaun Wright-Phillips that he has a future with the Premiership champions.

The 25-year-old winger who signed for £21 million in July 2005 from Manchester City scored his first goal for Chelsea in Tuesday's 2-0 victory over Levski Sofia.

But he is a target for West Ham United, whose new Icelandic chairman, Eggert Magnusson, has said publicly that he will discuss the possibility of signing Wright-Phillips with Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon ahead of the January transfer window.

However, Mourinho said: "I want him to stay. We know the squad is good in quality but short on numbers.

"We cannot lose players. We have 19 outfield players for the four competitions we are still involved in - we need every player."

The Portuguese coach added:

"If the answers from him are positive ones then that is good for me, the team and for the boy. His future does not depend on a goal he scored."

As for Wright-Phillips himself, he has said he wants to continue proving his worth at Chelsea and become more of a first-team regular there.

He said: "I don't want to leave - so why should I want to go anywhere?"

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(Goal.com) - Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez is excited about the funds the proposed takeover could bring into the club.

"The big picture now is clear," said Benitez. "This investment can help us for the future. We can have a big stadium, more fans seeing us and also a lot of money.

"That will help us for sure. We will be able to compete at the top end of the transfer market and that is a good prospect for me. It is important for a club like ours to have this level of investment, and it is important for the manager, too.

"You can consider buying certain players and you will know that the club is behind you. If they have enough money it will certainly help us for the future. Maybe in the future we will have more money. It is a great possibility.

"It is important for the club to have the prospect of such new investment, we are pleased and so I believe are our supporters."

However, Benitez suggested that care would have to be taken to not change a lot suddenly, perhaps in a bid to reassure the current players as well:

"We do have to be careful, we cannot just change all the team straight away, and we would not want to because we have some fine players already," he said. "It would be wrong to change everything. This team has won trophies while the chairman has spent three years trying to find investment."

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(Soccer365.com) - With a Manchester United trial behind him, D.C. United phenom Freddy Adu essentially conceded that he will need to set his initial sights lower to achieve full development.

"I want to be in a situation where I'm playing and I want to learn faster," Adu told the Sun. "I don't respond too well to being brought along slowly."

United boss Peter Nowak recently gave his two cents that the young attacker should try to latch on with a top Dutch side, such as Ajax or PSV Eindhoven.

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(Goal.com) - Juventus midfielder Pavel Nedved has been handed a massive five match ban following his red card in Friday's volatile Serie B clash against Genoa.

The game ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw for Juventus, with Nedved's 71st minute opener was cancelled out just three minutes later.

The Czech saw a straight red in the dying minutes, being adjudged to have deliberately stamped on an opponent. He subsequently bad-mouthed the referee, and stamped on him as well in a fit of rage.

His efforts have now been rewarded with a five match ban, something that is certain to hit Juventus hard.

The Turin giants are currently second in Serie B behind Napoli, level on points with Bologna, whom they meet on December 19 in a crunch clash.

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(Goal.com) - Wigan Athletic manager Paul Jewell believes the best way to deal with the issue of diving in football is simply to accept that it happens, allow it, and move on. He expressed his controversial views on the subject in the wake of the pillorying of Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo by Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate at the weekend.

Ronaldo was accused of tumbling under minimal contact to win a penalty at The Riverside. Arsenal's Tomas Rosicky was also accused of going to ground too easily in the derby game against Spurs for the first of Arsenal's two penalties, while on the same day Wigan striker Emile Heskey was also criticised in the game against his former club Liverpool.

Jewell's solution to the controversy is simple: he feels the best way to stop diving is to allow it.

His reasoning is that layers will always try to steal an advantage, gain an edge, but if diving is legalised the decisions will even themselves out.

"I may be the only person in the world who believes this, but why don't we allow it?" Jewell told Sky Sports News.

"The pubs open 24 hours a day and everybody was worried people would be drunk on the streets. Well, there are less drunks on the streets now than when they used to close at three o'clock.

"So we just allow it and stop everyone talking about it. One week you get away with it, the next week you wouldn't. So stop it in my opinion.

"People say it is cheating, but you ask any supporter, and if one of our players goes down in the box and we need a penalty to stay in the league or win a cup, do you know what they are going to say? It will be the same as Man United fans, Liverpool fans, Chelsea fans and chairman: Go down.

"At the end of the day I might get lambasted for that, but that's the way it is.

"We are all trying to get an edge. When the ball goes out of play and it is obviously a corner, defenders always say it is their ball. It is a just creating an edge.

"I hate diving, but if it is in the game and if you allow it, it will go away on its own and people will stop talking about it."

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(Soccer365.com) - Werder Bremen general manager Klaus Allofs has admitted for the first time that interested parties could possibly name the right price for strike star Miroslav Klose.

The Bundesliga pacesetters have thus far refused to even listen to bids for the Germany ace.

Bayern Munich have cast an eye to Klose, but Bremen are unlikely to sell to their rivals in this case.

"If he expresses a wish, we will deal with any enquiries," Allofs told Kicker. "But we'll do everything to convince him to stay."

"A change would only be possible if the financial details were right and we had a replacement ready."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - The president of Fifa, Sepp Blatter, is proposing a change to the seasonal pattern of European leagues so that the fixture list runs through the summer months.

Blatter told Germany's Kicker magazine that he'd like the season to begin in late February and end in November.

He said: "I've just proposed to the clubs: play through the summer.

"This would leave enough time for players to recover and there could be blocks of three weeks of national teams' qualifying games in winter."

He added: "This idea is supported by big European clubs."

He also believes that to ease fixture congestion further, there should be more European groups, each comprising fewer teams, for World Cup qualifying.

Blatter feels this will involve national teams having to play fewer matches, something the big clubs have been advocating.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)

(Soccer365.com) - Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini has categorically denied the club will be making a move for Juventus netminder Gianluigi Buffon.

"He's the greatest goalkeeper in the world, but he is and will remain Juve's goalkeeper," said the Nerazzurri boss.

"We are very happy with Julio Cesar and Toldo, who must sit on the bench."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Goal.com) - Roma have suffered a blow prior to their crucial Champions League meeting with Valencia on Tuesday with the news that their talismanic captain Francesco Totti will miss the tie through injury.

While Valencia have already qualified for the knockout stage, Totti's Giallorossi still require one more point to guarantee that they will join Los Che i the draw for the Round of 32.

“Totti will not be part of the squad because he hurt his ankle on Saturday, but I am confident he can recover in time for the [Roman] derby with Lazio next weekend,” said Giallorossi coach Luciano Spalletti.

“I also have doubts over Simone Perrotta, I hope he will be able to play but I cannot guarantee this will be the case. If he does not recover, I have several alternatives.

“Both Vincenzo Montella and Mirko Vucinic are feeling well, although it is normal for them to not be at their best seeing as they are not playing with continuity,” added Spalletti.

If it is any consolation to Roma fans, Valencia are also somewhat depleted for Tuesday's showdown. They travel to the Italian capital with a squad of only 18 players, which includes a number of youngsters.

“This is not an easy moment for us, but tomorrow’s match will give us the chance to field our younger players and show our value,” said Amedeo Carboni, Valencia’s sporting director.

“Fernando Morientes and David Villa are both out, so the only striker available is Francesco Tavano and then we have four young forwards, all 21-year-olds.

“I am glad to be in Roma, where I played for seven years and I also wore the captain’s armband.

“I am very relaxed, since we are already qualified and we can play without worrying about having to win at all costs,” added Carboni.

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) - Real Zaragoza midfielder D’Alessandro has moved to strike notions that he cannot co-exist with playmaker Pablo Aimar.

"Pablo and I can play together because we are compatible, even if people have questioned that sometimes," he assedrted.

"The team can benefit from the fact that I can play on the right and Pablo on the left or with one us in the middle."

"When I came here, I was used to that (idea)," said D”Alessandro.

"Although it is not my strongest point, I can help at the back and win possession, as can Aimar."

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Posted by soccer365 at 12:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

New York, NY (Sports Network) - CONCACAF unveiled Thursday the six stadiums that will host the 2007 Gold Cup - the 12-nation tournament taking place from June 6-24 in the USA - that crowns the region’s top national team.

The six venues will be the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla., The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas and Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill.

"Once again the Gold Cup will be in six cities across the USA and will draw upon the host country’s unique position as home to soccer fans from every corner of the world," CONCACAF General Secretary Chuck Blazer said in a media conference call Thursday. "In 2005, over one-third of a million people attended Gold Cup games and this time around we are confident that the tournament will prove just as popular with 12 CONCACAF teams competing for the famous Gold Cup trophy and a place in the next FIFA Confederations’ Cup. All the venues selected have a rich pedigree as hosts of major soccer events and everyone is really excited about the tournament."

The tournament quarterfinal matches will take place at Gillette and Reliant Stadiums with the semifinals and finals taking place at Soldier Field. Chicago is hosting Gold Cup games for the first time in the history of the event.

With the exception of the final on June 24, all match dates will be double- headers with specific dates of games to be announced early in 2007 and the full tournament match schedule to be announced at the start of March 2007, after Central American and Caribbean qualifying has concluded.

The 2007 CONCACAF Gold Cup champion will represent CONCACAF at the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.

Previous Gold Cup Champions:

2005 - USA

2003 - Mexico

2002 - USA

2000 - Canada

1998 - Mexico

1996 - Mexico

1993 - Mexico

1991 - USA

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)