(Soccer365.com) Barcelona's disappointing away form will come under the spotlight again this weekend when they make the short trip to city rivals Espanyol.

Barca have been heavily criticised for their lack of success away from the Nou Camp this season, with the team winning just one of their six league matches on their travels.

They have also won just one of their three away matches in the Champions League, although Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Lyon was enough to guarantee Frank Rijkaard's men both a spot in the last 16 and first place in the group.

"Our aim was to come top of the group, and we did that. That was important and we are very pleased," said Rijkaard, who sent from the dug-out during the match.

Barca now need to re-focus on domestic matters, with this weekend's derby promising to be a major test for Rijkaard and his men.

Espanyol are fourth in the Primera Liga standings, just two points behind third-placed Barca, and are unbeaten in their last nine matches, winning six.

Barca will again be without Thierry Henry for the clash, while Sylvinho, Deco, Oleguer and Edmilson are also set to be out.

Samuel Eto'o is another who is unlikely to play, but the Cameroon international is moving ever closer to a return after three months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

"A lot of people want to know if I will play on Saturday. All I know is that I have worked hard up until now. In football everything changes very quickly and moves so fast, that nobody knows," Eto'o told Barca TV this week.

On Barca's poor away form, Eto'o said: "At home the pitch is bigger and we can open up the play and play as we want to.

"Quite often the fields are smaller away from home and we have been unable to play our normal style, which is to push up and win possession.

"Espanyol are doing very well and playing well. They are up there on merit."

It was a mixed week for Spain's four Champions League participants.

Reigning champions and Primera Liga leaders Real Madrid lost 3-2 at Werder Bremen and will need a point from their final game to be sure of getting through, while Valencia's participation in the tournament came to an end following their 0-0 home tie with Schalke.

Both clubs will be looking to recover from their setbacks this weekend, when Real host Racing Santander and Valencia meet Athletic Bilbao.

The only Primera Liga side to triumph in the Champions League this week was Sevilla, and they will be eager to emulate their performance in Tuesday's 3-1 win over previously-undefeated Arsenal when they go to Almeria.

Sevilla have lost seven of their 12 league matches this season and are 14 points behind leaders Real, but confidence has soared following the European triumph.

"The league is very important. If we want to climb higher we have to start winning. We have to win this game, we cannot fail," said Sevilla winger Jesus Navas.

"It is a key game, the same as it was against Arsenal."

Also this weekend, second-placed Villarreal travel to Real Valladolid, free-scoring Atletico Madrid make the trip south to second-bottom Real Betis, Deportivo La Coruna host Osasuna and Real Murcia travel to Real Mallorca.

At the foot of the table, gradually-improving bottom club Levante go in search of a fourth win in five competitive matches when they travel to Getafe while Recreativo Huelva - the other team in the relegation zone - are at home to Real Zaragoza.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:23 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has ruled out selling Peter Crouch after Manchester City were the latest club linked with the striker.

Crouch's future at Anfield has been subject of speculation for the last few months as he has struggled to hold down a regular place in the starting line-up.

And City owner Thaksin Shinawatra has admitted his manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was interested in signing Crouch as he looks to bolster his attack.

However, Benitez insists the England international is going nowhere and remains part of his plans at Anfield.

"We do not want to sell Peter. So there could be rumours in the press but we are really happy with him," said Benitez

"The players in a top side know sometimes they will not play every game but you can see how important Peter Crouch is for us

"The other day he was a key player with Harry Kewell [against Porto] and we do not want to do any movement

"We want to enjoy and see Crouchie score a lot of goals

"Always you know Peter in every training session is a very good professional.

"He is always ready if he must play and if he is not playing he is working hard to be ready for the next time."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster admits his side's Champions League defeat to Werder Bremen has put them in a situation he was hoping to avoid.

Real could have guaranteed themselves a place in the last 16 with a victory in Germany, but that was not to be as they slumped to a 3-2 loss.

Therefore the Spanish champions must now take something out of their final match at home to Lazio if they are to be certain of avoiding an embarrassing early exit from the competition.

Having also had the chance to book their place in the knockout stages against Olympiacos in the previous round of matches - a game they drew 0-0 - Schuster concedes things are not quite going to plan.

"I didn't want to arrive at this situation," the German coach said.

"We missed out on two great chances. We came close to winning in Greece and now in Germany it has been difficult.

"This defeat is a warning, and not only for this game. We know we want the ball, but when we don't have it we have to be more intelligent."

Despite their first European loss of the season, Real are still top of the standings with eight points, the same as Olympiacos, two ahead of Werder and three in front of Lazio.

Real only need a point against the Italian side at the Bernabeu, and Schuster is confident they can achieve at least that.

"We still have things to do and learn. Losing is disappointing, but I still have faith in my players," he said on his club's website.

"At home and in front of our fans we will secure our qualification against Lazio."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Liverpool's Champions League survival fight will go right down to the wire with victory in their final game against Marseille now required following their four-goal blast against Porto.

As a statement of support for under-pressure coach Rafael Benitez it was a pretty conclusive effort both on and off the pitch as Fernando Torres' double saw the Reds through a potentially difficult night after Lisandro Lopez had levelled for the Portuguese outfit.

It means the planned meeting between Benitez and co-owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks immediately after the Anfield encounter with Manchester United on December 16 will take place just six days after Liverpool's European fate is decided in the Stade Velodrome.

And, if the Kop have their way, win or lose Benitez will be hanging around, in their eyes the clear winner after an unseemly stand-off that has developed between the popular Spaniard and the men who run the club.

With his name being chanted from all corners of the ground, Benitez emerged from the tunnel, acknowledged the support, then immediately pointed to the pitch as if to ensure their fervour was directed towards his team.

The Kop heeded to an extent in that they maintained the atmosphere until Torres opened the scoring.

But most of their songs made it perfectly clear they saw Benitez, who has led them to two Champions League Finals without getting close to ending a near 20-year title drought, as the long-term future.

For Benitez, the requirement is two-fold; keep winning matches and prove his previous expenditure has been worth the investment.

Already, the £26million paid to Atletico Madrid for Torres looks like a shrewd deal.

The opener at Anfield, a firm downward header after Steven Gerrard had picked him out, completely unmarked, with a right-wing corner, was his ninth goal in 16 games for Liverpool, although strangely his first in Europe.

Such a statistic begs an obvious question over why Benitez has repeatedly left him out of his starting line-up.

The answer is in the Spaniard's cherished, if controversial, rotation policy, which Benitez is convinced will bear fruit come the spring.

For the period around Torres' goal, it all looked entirely plausible.

The Spain forward might have scored already but Helton got behind his powerful 20-yard drive and Andriy Voronin was also making a nuisance of himself as the Porto defence creaked.

Everything changed just after the half hour mark though as Liverpool's passing suddenly became sloppy and Porto seized their chance.

Alvaro Arbeloa completely misread the flight of Przemyslaw Kazmierczak's cross and as it drifted over the full-back's head, Lopez arrived with perfect timing to power home.

Gerrard and the previously excellent Javier Mascherano became hesitant and but for half an inch, Liverpool would have been behind as the excellent Lucho Gonzalez lifted a sublime pass to Lopez whose flicked finish bounced agonisingly wide of Pepe Reina's goal.

Marek Cech then saw his piledriver flick off Mascherano and fly just over with Reina beaten.

The interval at least allowed Benitez to generate some self-belief into his players, which had the desired effect as Liverpool attacked with some gusto immediately after the restart.

Yossi Benayoun had a gilt-edged chance to relieve the pressure when he was set up by Torres, who himself had been found by Reina's amazingly accurate 70-yard clearance.

All it needed was a firm strike. Instead, Benayoun scuffed his shot which bobbled horrendously wide.

The miss induced even more nervousness in Liverpool ranks, which only the arrival of Harry Kewell alleviated.

Helton then cut out Mascherano's low cross in unconventional feet-first fashion as Ryan Babel closed in.

A close thing it may have been but it was enough to raise the rafters once more.

Kewell went close twice, Sami Hyypia had a shot blocked and Milan Stepanov booted Babel's curling effort off the line.

It needed a master craftsman to unpick the Porto defence. Thankfully for Liverpool, in Torres they had one.

And, after collecting Arbeloa's through ball, the 23-year-old retained the calmest head in the stadium to finish superbly.

For the first time Porto's heads dropped, their spirit deflated by the knowledge they have another chance to go through against Besiktas in a fortnight.

Liverpool ploughed on regardless and when Stepanov handled Gerrard's free-kick, the Reds skipper ignored the fact Torres was on a hat-trick to stroke home the spot-kick himself.

Substitute Peter Crouch added a fourth three minutes from time.

"Rafa's going nowhere" chanted the Kop as he shook every player by the hand and then left the pitch on his own with the support of the crowd ringing in his ears.

Benitez will hope they get their wish.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona strike ace Thierry Henry has explained some of the reasons he wants to finish his career in America: NBA basketball and more public anonymity.

The France superstar will look forward to the chance to see friend Tony Parker play in person on a regular basis, but it is the full stateside experience that he is really after.

"Since I was young, I've always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted live there," Henry told Sports Illustrated. "Some players want to finish their careers in Australia, the Middle East or back at the club where they started - for me, it's America."

"I don't know when it's going to happen, I just know I've been wanting to do this since I was young."

"I always go to America when I have down time because I can just chill," he explained. "When I go to New York, L.A., Miami, it's still okay."

"There are always some people who recognize me, who know their soccer, but I can go to the movies any time and have a popcorn and a Pepsi and just sit down and that's it - when I'm there, I feel relaxed and comfortable."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Arsenal suffered their first competitive defeat in over seven months as they went down 3-1 at Sevilla in Champions League Group H on Tuesday.

The Spanish side, beaten 3-0 at the Emirates Stadium back in September, have now joined Arsenal in the knockout stages and will finish top of the group if they win at Slavia Prague in a fortnight's time.

The Gunners, who host Steaua Bucharest on the same night, had not been beaten in any competition since the 1-0 Premier League defeat at home to West Ham on April 7 - a total of 28 games.

Arsenal managed to take the lead at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan with their first serious attack in the 11th minute.

Nicklas Bendtner sent in a cross from the right which found Eduardo lurking between two Sevilla defenders, and the Croatian showed good chest control before slotting the ball home at the far post.

Sevilla drew level in the 24th minute with a superb strike from midfielder Seydou Keita.

A mistake by Senderos gifted Jesus Navas possession on the right and although his low cross was cleared by Gilberto, Keita was on hand to rifle a stunning left-footed shot into the roof of Manuel Almunia's net.

Luis Fabiano made no mistake with his next opportunity soon after though as he headed Sevilla into a 34th-minute lead.

The goal stemmed from a free-kick on the right which Daniel Alves curled towards the penalty area, where his fellow Brazilian sent a glancing header past Almunia.

Arsenal felt they had good claims for a penalty in the 50th minute when Eboue went down inside the area following a challenge by Christian Poulsen.

That was again rejected by Dutch referee Eric Braamhaar though, leaving Emmanuel Eboue and Bendtner holding their heads in disbelief.

Controversy reigned in the 65th minute when referee Braamhaar awarded Sevilla a penalty following what he felt was a handball by Philippe Senderos, only to reverse his decision moments later.

Sevilla then had the chance to wrap the game up with three minutes remaining when they were awarded a spot-kick, with this one standing.

Former Tottenham striker Fredi Kanoute went tumbling under the combined challenge of Kolo Toure and Bacary Sagna as he raced to meet a Navas cross, and the Mali international picked himself up to slot home the resulting penalty and settle the outcome.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Rangers suffered Champions League heartache in Germany as Ciprian Marica's late goal gave Stuttgart a thrilling 3-2 victory in Group E.

However, there was a silver lining for Walter Smith's side as Lyon could only draw 2-2 at home to Barcelona. That means the Gers will qualify for the round of 16 if they can avoid defeat to the French side at Ibrox on December 12.

At the Gottlieb-Daimler Stadion, the Gers took the lead through substitute Charlie Adam's opener on 27 minutes, which was cancelled out by Cacau on the stroke of half-time.

It was then the hosts' turn to take the lead when Pavel Pardo's low drive on 62 found its way past goalkeeper Allan McGregor - but Barry Ferguson calmly placed an equaliser into the back of the net eight minutes later.

The visitors looked set to earn a hard-fought point - but their hearts were broken five minutes from time when Marica cheekily flicked an effort past McGregor to give Stuttgart their first win of the group campaign.

Rangers had started the game well, with DaMarcus Beasley scuffing a shot at keeper Raphael Schafer and David Weir having a goalbound header hacked off the line by Ludovic Magnin.

Lee McCulloch had to be replaced by Adam, whose first touch ended in the back of the net after he bundled in Carlos Cuellar's header from a corner.

Cacau drew the hosts level on 45 though, backheeling a shot from Thomas Hitzlsperger into the net.

Smith's woes were doubled on 62 when Pardo made it 2-1 - but sub Steven Naismith set up a leveller, intercepting a throw-out by Schafer and then crossing for Ferguson to keep his cool and sidefoot the ball home.

Marica then latched on to Magnin's late cross - and it means Rangers must not be beaten by Lyon to ensure qualification to the knockout stages.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo smashed home a stunning 90th-minute free-kick to earn Manchester United a 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon.

United had won all four Group F games heading into Tuesday night's clash - and it looked like Carlos Tevez's 61st-minute equaliser had earned them a point after Fernando Abel had given the visitors a shock lead on 22 minutes.

But Ronaldo, playing against his former club, drilled home a 20-yard piledriver in stoppage time to ensure the Red Devils take top spot in Group F.

Ronaldo set up the first chance of the game for Louis Saha, who dragged his shot wide from eight yards.

Joao Moutinho flashed an effort across the face of United's goal, which was breached on 22 when Abel caught keeper Tomasz Kuszczak napping at his near post with a swerving right-footed drive from wide on the right flank.

It should have been 2-0 on 26 minutes but Liedson's goal was wrongly ruled out for offside - and Anderson Polga's volley stung Kuszczak's hands before the interval.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent Tevez and Ryan Giggs on from the bench for the second half - and the Argentinian equalised when he bundled in Ronaldo's scuffed shot towards goal.

That put some fire in the Red Devils' bellies, and after Miguel Veloso's 20-yard shot hit the roof of the net, visiting keeper Rui Patricio had to sharp to deny Ronaldo and Owen Hargreaves with his legs.

But he could only watch in admiration as Ronaldo's thunderous free-kick sailed past him in the dying minutes of the game.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(soccer365.com) Alex McLeish has resigned as Scotland manager and looks set to be unveiled as Birmingham's new boss at a Wednesday press conference.

Scottish Football Association chief executive Gordon Smith revealed that McLeish submitted a written resignation on Tuesday afternoon.

Smith said: "We are very disappointed to lose Alex as our manager."

Scottish FA president George Peat said in a statement: "It is with regret that I can confirm that Alex McLeish has notified the Scottish FA that he has resigned from his position as national team coach with immediate effect.

"I am disappointed that Alex has chosen this course of action.

"He is an outstanding manager who has done a fantastic job with the national team.''

Chief executive Smith and president Peat had been involved in talks with McLeish during their trip to Durban for Sunday's 2010 World Cup qualifying draw, and hoped he would agree an improved new contract.

His deal was due to expire after the 2010 World Cup.

The former Rangers boss steered Scotland close to qualification for the Euro 2008 finals, with their hopes finally shattered by Italy's 2-1 win at Hampden 10 days ago.

However McLeish, on his arrival back in Britain, decided his future was not with the Scotland team.

The World Cup qualifiers begin next season and the lack of competitive games in the coming months may have been a factor in McLeish's decision to quit.

Peat said: "Everyone at the SFA and indeed Scotland fans around the world were looking forward to Alex leading us into the World Cup qualification campaign.

"This is why we chose to offer Alex an extended contract while we were in South Africa.

"Sadly, he has chosen not to take up this offer.

"A special meeting of the SFA board will take place tomorrow morning at 11am to discuss the current situation.''

Chief executive Smith was still waiting for the chance to speak to McLeish about the resignation.

"He's not said anything, he's sent a written resignation,'' Smith said.

"We were sitting down at this stage and had broached increasing his deal time-wise and financial-wise.

"He has been a terrific manager for Scotland and a great asset to the association.

"He's also been working in other aspects within the SFA, and he's a big loss.''

Wednesday's meeting of the SFA board had been called to discuss McLeish's future.

However Scotland's future without the 48-year-old will now rise to the top of the agenda.

"The meeting tomorrow has probably lost a bit of its impact,'' said Smith.

"I didn't think we'd be dealing with this today.

"It's one of those things. It's market forces these days, and the Premier League is where lots of guys want to be.''

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) David Beckham overcame an injury scare to score from a trademark free-kick as Los Angeles Galaxy were beaten 5-3 by Hyundai A-League side Sydney FC at the Telstra Stadium.

The former England captain's left ankle collapsed under his body in the 28th minute before Sydney midfielder Brendon Santalab slid into him after losing his footing in the greasy conditions.

Beckham received attention for around a minute before hobbling back into the fray and recovering to find the net from around 25 yards just before half-time, to rapturous applause from the 80,295 crowd.

Sydney led 3-0 at the time through goals to Alex Brosque (two) and Ruben Zadkovich.

Beckham, who played the full 90 minutes, and Edson Buddle replied for the Galaxy before Robbie Middleby added a fourth for Sydney FC and Iain Fyfe rounded off the hosts' scoring three minutes from time.

Landon Donovan scored a consolation goal for the Galaxy at the death but the Major League Soccer outfit finished the game with 10 men after Kevin Harmse was sent off for a 77th-minute foul.

Speaking after the game, Beckham revealed he feared he had severely damaged his ankle.

He said: "I was worried at first because I felt as if I'd twisted my ankle again and done the same thing injury I had on the last game of the season with Real Madrid.

"It wasn't as bad - it just caught under the guy that slid in. It's all part of the game. It's fine."

Asked why he refused to leave the field, Beckham said: "I always try to stay on whether I'm injured or get kicked in games.

"It's part of the game and I'm quite a stubborn person and when I want to play and when I want to stay on there's not many people who can convince me to come off.

"I was happy to stay on the whole game. I wanted to play.

"So many fans turn out and they expect you to perform and to be out there for as much time as possible."

Galaxy coach Ruud Gullit admitted he briefly thought about replacing the former England captain but was glad he left him on.

"He didn't have any injury, he had a knock, that can happen," Gullit explained.

"But it was tempting (to take him off).

"I had a lot of difficulties with my own substitutions - I didn't have many players here - so he couldn't be (replaced).

"Also I had a feeling that he liked the game. It's an environment every player wants to play, 80,000 people."

"He knows also his responsibility to come here. He wanted to make that effort."

"He wants to win, he wants to perform."

Speaking of Beckham's performance, the former Newcastle and Chelsea coach said: "I am happy with the effort of David. He played really well."

"He scored a marvellous goal, so the crowd got what it wanted.

"I am very happy with his performance."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona will be without Thierry Henry as they go to Lyon in search of the win they need to qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Henry will miss Tuesday's Group E clash with a back problem that surfaced during Barca's 3-0 win over Recreativo Huelva at the weekend.

The Frenchman has spearheaded the Catalans' attack this season in the absence of Samuel Eto'o, who has been injured for much of the campaign, and the flurry of games - combined with his international commitments - looks to have taken its toll.

Eto'o is back in training, but is still not match fit and was not part of the squad that travelled to the Loire region.

Coach Frank Rijkaard may therefore choose to play Eidur Gudjohnsen up front, although 17-year-old Bojan Krkic is also pushing for a first-team place after scoring the second goal of the match at the weekend.

"Things have been going well for me lately, and this motivates me to keep working," said Krkic.

"Henry has been helping me a lot and I really appreciate it. It's important that there is understanding between us."

Centre-back Lilian Thuram, another player rested at the weekend, is included while Carles Puyol travels having recovered from a blow to the ribs.

Defender Oleguer Presas (hamstring) has stayed back in Spain and his fitness will be monitored closely over the next few days.

Barca know a win, over even a point, will guarantee them a place in the next round. A victory will ensure they top the group, no matter what second-placed Rangers do in their final two games.

Lyon are a point behind the Scots, who play Stuttgart away on Tuesday.

If Rangers win and Lyon lose, Les Gones will be eliminated.

The reigning six-time French champions are set to be without in-form striker Karim Benzema on Tuesday.

The France international, who is earning admiring glances from a number of leading European clubs thanks to his superb start to the season, injured his quadricep against Rennes on Saturday and is a major doubt.

"If the match was being played on Wednesday, it would be possible," club advisor Bernard Lacombe said on Lyon's website www.olweb.fr.

"But for Tuesday, it seems very, very doubtful."

The player himself said of his injury: "It still hurts but I hope to be able to play on Tuesday evening."

Benzema has been named in Alain Perrin's 20-man squad for the game, and his fitness will be watched, but fellow striker Milan Baros (knee) is still out.

Brazil striker Fred, recently returned from a broken foot, will start if Benzema is out.

Midfielder Fabio Santos and centre-back Cleber Anderson are back after missing the 2-0 win at Rennes because of suspension.

Goalkeeper Gregory Coupet and centre-back Cris (both knee) are out.

Lyon are searching for their third straight group win after beating Stuttgart twice over the past month.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:37 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)

(Soccer365.com) Although New York strike phenom Josmer Altidore is not searching for the exit door, his agent claims that they could lend an ear to Real Madrid representatives visitng New York this week.

"We've heard of the interest, and for any soccer player, it is a thrill to be linked with Real Madrid," Richard Motzkin told The Associated Press. "Jozy's really happy about the news."

"Jozy's happy with where he's at in this stage of his career with the Red Bulls, but we'll see what happens."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 06:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) Glenn Hoddle has urged the Football Association to appoint Fabio Capello as the next England manager.

Capello has enjoyed a glittering coaching career at some of Europe's greatest clubs including AC Milan, Roma and Real Madrid, winning a vast array of silverware including the Champions League.

Former England boss Hoddle insists Capello is the right man to lead the Three Lions following the disastrous reign of Steve McClaren, which ended on Thursday.

But Hoddle would like to see an English understudy working alongside the Italian with a view to eventually succeeding him.

"If the FA want a foreign coach then it needs to be someone who has done well at the highest level," he told Radio 5 Live's Sportsweek programme.

"The man who fits that description is Capello. He's my number one choice for the job.

"I feel the successful candidate must have vast experience at all levels if the FA are to opt for a foreign manager."

Hoddle continued: "I would allow Capello to bring one of his assistants in that he could work off.

"But I would have an English guy operating alongside him who would be groomed to eventually take over.

"It doesn't have to be a young man but guys like Stuart Pearce, Alan Shearer, Steve Coppell are possibilities."

Hoddle, who managed England between 1996 and 1999, believes Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is the obvious choice if the FA refuse to look overseas.

"If the FA are going to go English, then there aren't too many candidates," he said.

"But if he has to be English I would go for Harry Redknapp. He can handle players and knows how the game should be played.

"He's done a great job at Portsmouth and would get the best out of the players.

"The FA would probably not go for a character like Henry. But it's time to get who we feel is the right person in there rather than someone who fits the mould."

Hoddle believes the traditional selection process for appointing the England manager is flawed with the FA powerbrokers lacking hands-on football experience.

Instead the Tottenham legend, who won 53 caps, believes former England coaches like himself should be consulted during the selection process.

"The FA have to be honest with themselves. They're men who love football and try their best but they've worked in other businesses," he said.

"It doesn't make sense to me that we have people making decisions on the England job when they haven't been in at the deep end of game.

"They don't have the experience of playing or managing. Sir Trevor Brooking is someone who should be high up the decision-making scale.

"Possibly people like Sir Bobby Charlton could be involved, as should former England managers - guys like myself, Bobby Robson, Graham Taylor and Terry Venables.

"They should ask what our problems were. Once we had been consulted a much healthier decision could be made. But the FA have never done that."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

England fell 2-3 to Croatia at home in Wembley, failing to secure the point needed for qualify for the European Championships next year.

A 10-man Russia advanced to the competition, eeking out 1-nil victory over Andorra.

England fell behind quickly, allowing 2 goals in the first half. A penalty conversion by Frank Lampard and a volley by Peter Crouch off a pass from David Beckham drew the Three Lions level, but only 12 minutes later Croatia claimed the lead for good.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (20)

(Soccer365.com) Roma captain Francesco Totti has ruled out a return to international football despite Italy qualifying for the finals of Euro 2008.

Totti played his last game for Italy in the World Cup final against France in Berlin last summer before announcing his wish to retire from international duty.

Roma fans had hoped the 31-year-old would play again for the Azzurri but the player has emphatically ruled out a return for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

"I took the decision to leave the national team after the World Cup final," said Totti.

"Since announcing to the Federation my decision to quit the national team, I have not thought of returning, not even in the case of Italy qualifying for the European Championship finals nor in the case of failure.

"I know the rules of the squad and out of respect, I have never thought about or would think about returning.

"I wish my colleagues the best of luck for the European finals."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)

(Soccer365.com) Steven Gerrard has told his England team-mates it is "time to deliver" as they prepare for Wednesday night's make-or-break Euro 2008 qualifier against Croatia.

Israel's win over Russia on Saturday means England need just a draw at Wembley to secure a place in next year's tournament.

And Gerrard, captain in the absence of John Terry, admitted hanging on for a favour from the Israelis had been a distraction.

But he said: "It was a difficult weekend when it wasn't in our hands.

"But as soon as we knew we had a lifeline we were 100% focused on the Croatia game. Now it's time to deliver on the pitch."

There had been reports Terry would have recovered from a month-long absence with a knee injury in time to play against the Croatians.

But Gerrard confirmed the Chelsea defender - who joined in training on Tuesday morning - would not be fit, although he will be at Wembley to support the team.

"I've spoken to John and he tells us he's not ready but he'll still be there and be a big help to all the players," he said.

Gerrard also backed Peter Crouch to prosper as a lone striker should England manager Steve McClaren opt for a 4-5-1 formation.

"I'm sure he can handle that and it's down to the other players to make sure he's not isolated," Gerrard added.

Gerrard will take immense pride in leading the side in a match which will determine their Euro 2008 fate - but he also stresses the importance of a former captain.

David Beckham has seen his place on the right side of midfield questioned since a poor showing in the friendly win over Austria last week, but Gerrard insists he remains an important figure.

"I'm very proud to lead this side. For England it probably is (my biggest game as captain). But I've captained Liverpool in enough big games to know what it's all about," Gerrard told Sky Sports News.

"To come off the pitch on Wednesday night knowing we'd qualified would be great.

"David's a big player too, and he was the captain of this side for a long time.

"He's got experience and he's very important, especially for the younger boys who he is a great help to.

"But whoever he [McClaren] chooses will have to be ready. It's not just about 11 players - every single player has to be ready."

Gerrard also went on to insist England's qualification campaign, despite some obvious low points, can only be truly judged once all the matches were played.

"I suppose we can feel slightly fortunate; we had a bit of luck and we did need other people to help us," said the midfielder.

"But tables don't lie - everybody in football knows that. If we qualify on Wednesday we will deserve it."

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(Soccer365.com) Fresh from pacing Argentina to a World Cup qualifying win over Bolivia, outcast Villarreal playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme revealed that he is busy engineering a return to Boca Juniors.

The superstar #10 is essentially persona non grata with the Yellow Submarines, but remains a Bombonera hero after leading the team to a Copa Libertadores crown while on loan last season.

"I know that I will return to play with Boca Juniors, be it tomorrow, or within five months after my contract with Villarreal runs out," Riquelme told Spanish sports daily Marca.

"We're still talking about the same things, and in reality I hope that the issues will be resolved quickly."

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MEXICO CITY, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Cruz Azul and Morelia completed the line-up for the Mexican championship quarter-final ties by winning their repechage matches.

Cruz Azul hammered defending champions Pachuca 4-0 to win 6-0 on aggregate while Morelia went through 3-1 on aggregate, despite losing 1-0 to America.

Cruz Azul, already 2-0 ahead from the first leg, quickly increased their advantage when Argentine striker Cesar Delgado scored in the 13th minute.

Jared Borgetti snapped up a rebound for the second in the 32nd minute and Uruguayan Richard Nunez scored twice in three minutes midway through the second half to set up a quarter-final with Atlante.

The defeat avoided a possible fixture pile-up for CONCACAF champions Pachuca, who take part in the Club World Cup in Japan next month.

Enrique Estrada scored America's only goal three minutes before halftime against Morelia.

The Eagles missed a chance to cut the deficit further when Hernan Lopez missed a penalty in the 54th minute.

Morelia will face Santos Laguna in the last eight, while Guadalajara take on San Luis and Toluca play Pumas UNAM.

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(Soccer365.com) Second half goals from Joseph Ngwenya and Dwayne De Rosario rallied Houston for a 2-1 MLS Cup victory over New England in Washington D.C. on Sunday afternoon.

The Revolution began more brightly than the holders and had the opening salvo in the 20th minute.

Steve Ralston got loose on the right and picked out Taylor Twellman for a header that left Dynamo keeper Pat Onstad stationary as it fell into the net.

Twellman could have extended the lead in the 33rd minute, but his soft roller from Khano Smith's cutback was smothered easily by Onstad.

Before the break, the teams swapped good chances from headers; Pat Noonan narrowly missed at one end, then Ngwenya spurned a good opportunity at the other.

Noonan was stopped on an early second half breakaway and then went close on a rasping drive before the the momentum swung towards Houston.

Just past the hour, the Dynamo drew level when the New England backline allowed De Rosario's soft cross through to Ngwenya, who buried it on the second swing after originally whiffing.

In the 74th minute, De Rosario nodded home the winner from a Brad Davis cross and New England were unable to recover for a late equalizer.

The Revs' Jeff Larentowicz had a golden chance on a firm corner kick header, but Onstad was on the spot to cover the late effort.

The victory makes Houston only the second team to claim back-to-back MLS Cup titles, joining D.C. United.

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MILAN, Nov 18 (Reuters) - AC Milan and Brazil playmaker Kaka has said he would vote for Cristiano Ronaldo if he could vote for the European footballer of the year.

Kaka is hot favourite to win the award next month, handed out by magazine France Football, but believes Manchester United's Portuguese winger deserves the accolade this year.

"He is the best, not only for his technical ability but also for what he has done with Portugal," Kaka was quoted as saying in Italian media from Brazil on Sunday.

Kaka, 25, also said he hoped to captain his country when Brazil host the 2014 World Cup.

"In 2014 I will still be playing and it would be a marvellous experience to be captain of our national team," he
said.

However, one of Kaka's main dreams lies away from soccer.

"I would like to meet Michael Jordan. He has been the best basketball player of all time," he added.

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JERUSALEM, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Substitute Omer Golan was hailed "King of England" by an Israeli newspaper after his goal gave the side a 2-1 win over Russia in a Euro 2008 qualifier that boosted England's chances of reaching the finals.

By Ori Lewis

Yedioth's sports section led with the headline and a picture of substitute Golan, who scored the injury-time winner which sank Guus Hiddink's men.

"Kashtan's babes beat arrogant Russia 2-1 and have handed the keys to Euro 2008 back to England," the paper wrote.

England need a point against already-qualified Croatia in their final Group E clash at Wembley on Wednesday to reach next year's finals in Austria and Switzerland. Russia, who play Andorra, will have to hope England lose.

The Maariv tabloid said that with the victory Israeli soccer had "entered the family of nations" and had "shown contempt for all the conspiracy theories" spread before the match saying they would allow Russia to win.

Local media reported an English businessman had promised a Mercedes car to the player who scored the team's winning goal, however the Israeli FA said Golan would not be able to accept the gift because it was deemed to be "beyond the bounds of sportsmanship".

"Only the Israel FA can give incentives to the players. Certainly they cannot be given by any interested third party and obviously this applies when the offer comes from a fan of a team which has a direct interest in the result," the association said in a statement.

Golan had joked he would take on Elyaniv Barda, who scored Israel's first goal and laid on the winner, to be his driver but said he did not mind missing out on the car.

"I really don't care about the Mercedes, my first goal for the national team (in a competitive fixture) means everything to me," Golan was quoted by Hebrew sports Web site ONE as saying.

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LONDON, Nov 18 (Reuters) - Croatia coach Slaven Bilic said his team would be happy with a draw against England at Wembley on Wednesday, a result that would send the home side to Euro 2008 alongside their opponents.

Israel's upset 2-1 win over Russia on Saturday sent Croatia through and left England needing a point to join them in Austria and Switzerland next year.

A draw in their final qualifier would be enough for Croatia to secure top spot in Group E.

"Nobody is favorite when they play away against England so we would be happy for a point," Bilic told BBC Radio. "A point at Wembley is always a good result but you can't play for a draw.

"It is a big match. It is every player's dream to play at Wembley and we will do everything we can to represent our country in the best possible way.

"We are coming to Wembley to play a serious game. We are going to play our normal game."

Bilic also praised England manager Steve McClaren, who was under huge pressure before Saturday's results changed his situation.

"He has got what he wanted and he deserves it but Steve McClaren is extremely unlucky in every game he plays because he is missing three or four important players with injury," said Bilic.

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GLASGOW, Nov 17 (Reuters) - Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said securing qualification for Euro 2008 with a last-gasp 2-1 victory in Scotland on Saturday was a fantastic achievement.

By Kenny MacDonald

The world champions, who went into the game third in Group B after a mixed campaign, overcame driving rain and a Scottish fightback thanks to Christian Panucci's stoppage-time header.

"I obviously am overjoyed to reach a European Championship," Donadoni told a news conference.

"It was a fantastic achievement but the biggest result of all for me is the relationship I have with these players, they went out and battled away for the Italian nation."

Donadoni, who took over from Marcello Lippi after Italy's World Cup triumph last year, was under severe pressure but can now relax for Wednesday's home match against the Faroe Islands.

The result in Glasgow means World Cup runners-up France are also through from Group B at the expense of the Scots.

Luca Toni gave Italy a second-minute lead before Barry Ferguson equalised for Scotland in the 65th. Donadoni then used his three substitutes and Panucci's winner came from a freekick controversially won on the right.

"Obviously, when a team equalizes they push forward and some fear does creep into your play," said Donadoni. "It's important not to give up, that's why we needed changes because we felt Scotland were weak on the right side."

The former AC Milan midfielder and Livorno coach praised Scotland and their manager Alex McLeish after they missed out on qualifying despite beating France twice.

"Obviously, the imprint of the manager is on this team, they gave their all in the game," Donadoni said. "For a team to achieve 24 points (in the group) is a fantastic achievement and it is not by chance or luck that they have done so."

Italy wore black armbands after a tough period for the Italian game following Sunday's shooting dead of a Lazio fan by a policeman and subsequent riots. Donadoni said the Hampden Park crowd had shown Italian supporters how to behave.

"The Scottish fans have given us something that we can learn from," he said.

Scotland boss McLeish was livid at the officials for awarding a marginal freekick that led to Italy's winner, despite Ferguson appearing offside for the equaliser and Italy's Antonio Di Natale having a goal wrongly chalked off.

"We didn't deserve that, to lose that game, we battered them in the second half and they were dead men walking at the end. The set-piece that led to their second goal was an unbelievable decision," McLeish told the BBC.

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TERESOPOLIS, Brazil, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Dunga, who has given Brazil a meaner streak since taking over as coach, said he simply had the courage to make the tough decisions that were necessary.

By Brian Homewood

Players like Ronaldo and Adriano, criticized for being lethargic and off the pace, have been sidelined by the former captain who has imposed a strict code of discipline.

Ronaldo has not played at all under Dunga while Adriano has made only one appearance.

"I think my biggest virtue during this time was I did what had to be done, and which all Brazilians said had to be done," Dunga told reporters on Thursday as he continued preparations for Sunday's 2010 World Cup qualifier in Peru.

"A lot of people didn't have the courage to take these decisions and I'm here to take them, to think about the team."

Dunga took over after Brazil's lackluster performance at last year's World Cup in Germany where they lost 1-0 to France in the quarter-finals.

Brazil have lost twice in 21 matches under Dunga and won the Copa America in Venezuela in July despite the absence of Ronaldinho and Kaka, who asked to be rested.

They have also taken four points from their opening two matches in World Cup qualifying.

"The players know they're here to serve the team with pride, passion and happiness," said Dunga. "Everyone has his space, they all want to play, but the decision is the coach's."

Despite good results, Dunga has been criticized for Brazil's sometimes pragmatic style and he has a prickly relationship with the media.

"My failing is I think things have to be transparent and I don't like personal advantages," he said.

"I'm very frank and transparent. If I was more cynical, more politically correct, perhaps it would be better."

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TERESOPOLIS, Brazil, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Ronaldinho's ankle injury has improved but he remains doubtful for Brazil's World Cup qualifier away to Peru on Sunday, team doctor Jose Luis Runco said on Thursday.

The Barcelona playmaker briefly took part in a practice game on Thursday but left the field early as planned.
"The injury has improved, it has progressed but he still has some limitations," Runco told reporters. "He felt a certain amount of insecurity and discomfort in the ankle and it is exactly this which we are looking at."

Runco said he continued to estimate Ronaldinho's chances of playing in Sunday's game in Lima at around 70 percent.

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LONDON, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Bobby Robson said on Thursday he did not expect to work again as an on-pitch coach because of ill health.

Robson, 74, is employed as a consultant by the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), having been appointed alongside manager Steve Staunton in January 2006.

Staunton left that job last month following Ireland's failure to qualify for Euro 2008 and Robson will stand down after Saturday's game in Wales, their final Group D qualifier.

"The day I signed I was a very fit, powerful man and had all my faculties," Robson told Sky Sports News. "I felt like Tarzan and I knew I could get on to the pitch. I could help Stan (Staunton) best by being on the pitch with the players but my health took a down turn.

"I found I had a small tumour on my brain that had to be removed and I became a little bit disabled so wasn't able to get on the pitch."

Robson has been treated for cancer on a number of occasions but has always returned to action.

He has spent 57 years in the game as player and coach in England, Spain, Portugal and the Netherlands and took England to the semi-finals of the 1990 World Cup.

His appointment with Ireland was intended to offer an experienced hand to Staunton, who was appointed with barely any international experience but the team failed to thrive.

"For the last two years I've enjoyed it and wish I could have done more," Robson said.

"Stan worked hard and did his best and I wanted to honor my contract and go to Cardiff for the last match."

Asked about his future plans, Robson said: "It depends on my health. I've still got my knowledge and enthusiasm but the chances are I'll never get back on to the pitch again."

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GLASGOW, Nov 15 (Reuters) - Scotland have warned world champions Italy they could be in for a bruising encounter in Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifier in Glasgow.

A win for Scotland in their final Group B game would send them through to the Euro 2008 finals for their first major championship appearance in a decade.

France top the group on 25 points, one ahead of Scotland with Italy a further point adrift but with a game in hand on both.

"It's come to a cup final kind of scenario with this last game. We know what is at stake and the prize on offer for the right result," Scotland striker Kenny Miller said.

"It is a cup final against the world champions to qualify us for our first major championship for 10 years, so it's a huge game.

"You have to put a stamp on the game and get the upper hand and if that means you put a few tackles in and upset a few people then that's what you do," he added.

Scotland have been the surprise package of the group with eight victories in their 11 qualifying matches so far, although they lost 2-0 in Italy in March.

"I think the Italians are apprehensive -- they know they were favourites to win the group so there is an element of pressure on them.," Scotland assistant manager Roy Aitken said.

"They know they are in for a game this weekend. But the Italians are the world champions and the respect is mutual.

"Our players are entitled to that respect with the performances they have put in with five out five victories at home which has been fantastic."

Italy's preparations have been overshadowed by the shooting of a Lazio fan by a policeman last Sunday which prompted riots in Rome and at Atalanta's match with AC Milan.

The Italian soccer federation has suspended lower league action this weekend but the Hampden Park game will go ahead with Italy asking UEFA if the team can wear black armbands.

Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero, 33 and AC Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi, 34, have again been left out of Roberto Donadoni's squad after he hinted last month they were getting too old for international soccer.

Flexible Juventus forward Raffaele Palladino, 23, has been given a surprise first call up.

AC Milan striker Alberto Gilardino is back after being ignored for recent squads while Juve forward Vincenzo Iaquinta is fit after missing the 2-0 win over Georgia last month.

Captain Fabio Cannavaro returns from suspension and fellow defender Gianluca Zambrotta has been called up after recovering from an ankle problem but World Cup winner Marco Materazzi is still out.

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BUENOS AIRES, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Former Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe quit as manager of Velez Sarsfield on Tuesday, two days after a 4-0 defeat by Boca Juniors.

"I resigned because after the game against Boca, a decision had to be made and I took it," the gruff former Argentina goalkeeper told reporters.

"Velez is a great institution in every sense, its directors, its players, its squad, its kit man," he said. "I thank the players for their support."

The resignation completed an unhappy homecoming for La Volpe, who last year resigned after only four months at Boca after they lost the league title to Estudiantes in dramatic circumstances.

On Sunday, La Volpe was jeered and insulted by Boca fans who still have not forgiven him for the team's failure to win what would have been the club's third successive title.

Needing to take one point from their last two games, Boca lost them both before going down to Estudiantes in a playoff.

La Volpe immediately resigned as Boca coach and was then appointed by Velez in a straight swap with Velez's Miguel Angel Russo, who took over at Boca.

La Volpe, reserve goalkeeper in Argentina's 1978 World Cup team, finished his playing career in Mexico, where he stayed on and turned to coaching.

After coaching at several top clubs, he was appointed Mexico coach following the 2002 World Cup and led them to the last 16 in last year's finals in Germany where they lost to Argentina.

During that period, La Volpe repeatedly clashed with the Mexican media and was the victim of bitter attacks from former Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez.

An ever-controversial figure, he was reprimanded for smoking on the touchline during the Confederations Cup in 2005 and cut a distinctive figure with his combination of jacket, jeans and
bright ties.

He stoked further criticism by leaving out the gifted but volatile Cuauhtemoc Blanco out of the World Cup squad.

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MIAMI, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Seattle will have a Major League Soccer team in the 2009 season, the North American league said on Tuesday.

The new Seattle franchise will become the 15th team in the league, following the arrival of San Jose in 2008.

"The Seattle team will be owned by Hollywood movie studio executive Joe Roth, Seattle Sounders Managing Partner Adrian Hanauer, actor Drew Carey and Vulcan Sports and Entertainment (VSE), the owner of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks," said a statement from the league.

Seattle was home to the Seattle Sounders of the now defunct North American Soccer League from 1974 until 1983 and a team with the same name currently plays a level below the MLS in the United Soccer Leagues First Division.

The Sounders have been crowned Champions of the USL First Division two of the past three years including 2007.

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SOFIA, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Juande Ramos was the ideal choice to take over as manager at Tottenham Hotspur, according to the Premier League club's Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov.

"He is the perfect man for this position," Berbatov told reporters in Sofia on Tuesday.

"He's talking to everyone in the team and he's trying to help anyone who seems to have a problem."

Ramos, 53, quit Spanish Primera Liga club Sevilla last month to take over at White Hart Lane in place of the sacked Martin Jol.

"I think he is a very good manager and a very nice person. He approaches everyone personally and it allows players to understand him much easier. Well, at least that's my first impression."

Berbatov said media speculation about his future had affected him, but he said he had not said anything to provoke discussion about his future.

"I have problem with no one," the Bulgaria captain said. "All these speculations affected me but I've never wanted to be the centre of the world."

The 26-year-old said he had no plans to leave the north London club.

"I'm a Tottenham player and I'll stay at the club, that's for sure."

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MILAN, Nov 13 (Reuters) - Top players will shun Italian soccer if fan violence and other scandals continue to dog the game there, AC Milan playmaker Kaka said on Tuesday.

Kaka, who plays for AC Milan, was shocked by the hooliganism that forced his side's game at Atalanta in Bergamo on Sunday to be abandoned after seven minutes.

The violence followed the shooting of a Lazio fan by a police officer following scuffles with Juventus supporters at a motorway service station. Police said the shooting was accidental.

"All these acts of violence risk distancing the top players from our Serie A," the 25-year-told told Gazzetta dello Sport from Brazil, where he is preparing to visit Peru for a World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

"The world class players want to play in great teams and in Italy there are some of the most prestigious clubs in the world. But they are also looking for joy and enthusiasm."

Top names had already begun to head to Spain and England rather than the once-dominant Ser