(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.

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(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."

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(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.

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(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."

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(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."

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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.

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(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."

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(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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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."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:07 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

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.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

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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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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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 Serie A following a match-fixing scandal two years ago, dubbed Calciopoli, and the killing of a policeman during riots outside a Catania match in February.

"First Calciopoli, then the police officer killed in Catania. Now this new tragedy. A fan killed while he was going to see a game," he said.

"Italy is losing credibility. The list is becoming too long."

Real Madrid spent most of the close season trying to tempt AC Milan to sell prized asset Kaka, who has admitted a move to the Bernabeu might interest him.

He did not say if the latest events in Italy could force him to leave but described the scene after the players had left the field at Atalanta as fans tried to break down a barrier keeping them from the pitch.

"Inside our dressing room there was a frightened silence. I tried to understand what was really happening. Everything was thrown into the air," Kaka said.

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LONDON, Nov 12 (Reuters) - Classy Arsenal cruised to a 3-1 win at Reading on Monday to maintain their unbeaten start to the season and replace Manchester United at the top of the Premier League.

Goals from Frenchman Mathieu Flamini after 44 minutes, Ivorian Emmanuel Adebayor after 52 and Belarussian Aleksandr Hleb 12 minutes from time lifted Arsenal to 30 points from 12 matches. United have 30 points from 13 games.

Both teams have goal differences of plus 17 but Arsenal are top, having scored 27 to United's 23.

Arsenal dominated the match at the Madejski Stadium and could easily have won by a bigger margin after Adebayor hit the post in the third minute and the same player had a goal harshly ruled out for offside in the second half.

Nicky Shorey took advantage of rare confusion in the Arsenal defense to score a consolation for Reading three minutes from time.

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MILAN, Nov 11 (Reuters) - Inter Milan's match with Lazio was postponed on Sunday and AC Milan's game at Atalanta was abandoned early on after a Lazio fan was accidentally shot dead by a police officer.

By Mark Meadows

AS Roma's late home match with Cagliari was also postponed, an Italian soccer federation spokesman said, quoting Rome's civil defence officer.

The Lazio fan was killed during clashes with Juventus supporters at a service station near Arezzo, prompting the federation to postpone the San Siro match and delay the kickoffs of the other Serie A matches by 10 minutes.

The dead man was in a car with other Lazio fans, police said.

News of the fan's death filtered through to other fans and violence erupted before the Atalanta game with supporters scuffling with police in riot gear.

The match went ahead but a small group of fans, covering their faces with scarves, tried to smash a glass barrier keeping them from the pitch, prompting the players to leave the field in the seventh minute.

The game was abandoned 40 minutes later with players telling media that the fans had threatened to cause more trouble if the game had re-started.

A match in Italy's third tier at Taranto was also suspended because of fan violence, media reported.

Roma general manager Rosella Sensi told reporters that fear of more violence was not the main reason for the request to postpone her side's game.

"In a sign of solidarity with Lazio fans and all the city of Rome grieving the death of Gabriele Sandri, it is right to ask the postponement of the game this evening in the Stadio Olimpico against Cagliari," she said.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni was still scheduled to name his squad for the crunch Euro 2008 qualifiers with Scotland and Faroes Islands later on Sunday.

Italy has been trying to crack down on fan violence since a policemen was killed in riots outside Catania's match with Palermo last season. The league was suspended for a period following the death and strict new safety rules brought in.

The other top-flight matches on Sunday were played without serious incidents but there was an eerie atmosphere inside the stadiums, where fans took down team banners as a mark of respect.

Inter remain top, despite not playing, with second-placed Fiorentina losing 2-1 at home to Udinese, their first defeat in 21 games in all competitions since April.

Italy forwards Fabio Quagliarella and Antonio Di Natale scored either side of halftime for Udinese, who are now fifth on 22 points.

Juventus went up to third, level on points with Udinese, after coming back from two down to draw 2-2 at coach Claudio Ranieri's former club Parma in a game of three red cards.

Andrea Gasbarroni's penalty just before halftime and Andrea Pisanu's strike on 57 minutes gave struggling Parma a cushion before Nicola Legrottaglie and Vincenzo Iaquinta netted from close range for the visitors.

Juve's Giorgio Chiellini and Parma's Domenico Morfeo were sent off for wrestling in between Juve's two goals.

Parma's Ferdinand Coly was also sent off in stoppage time when Iaquinta had a goal ruled out for a foul.

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LONDON, Nov 10 (Reuters) - Javier Mascherano will quit English football if he fails to agree a permanent move to Liverpool, the Argentina midfielder said on Sunday.

"I only want to play for Liverpool," Mascherano told British newspapers. "I hope the situation will be sorted in the next month.

"If I cannot play for Liverpool I will not play for another club in England. Not even Chelsea, Arsenal or Manchester United."

Mascherano signed an 18-month loan deal with the Anfield club when he left Premier League rivals West Ham United in January.

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LONDON, Nov 9 (Reuters) - England and Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney will be out of action for up to four weeks after injuring his ankle in training on Friday.

United confirmed on their club Web site (www.manutd.com) that he will miss United's match against Blackburn Rovers on Sunday and is out of England's final Euro 2008 qualifier with Croatia on Nov. 21 at Wembley.

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LOS ANGELES, Nov 8 (Reuters) - Former European Footballer of the Year Ruud Gullit has been appointed Frank Yallop's successor as coach of Los Angeles Galaxy.

By Mark Lamport-Stokes

The 45-year-old Dutchman, who previously coached Chelsea, Newcastle United and Feyenoord, will be introduced at a news conference at the Home Depot Center on Friday, the Major League Soccer (MLS) club said in a statement on Thursday.

The appointment of Gullit gives the club the highest-profile coach in MLS as well as the highest-profile player in former England captain David Beckham, who joined the club in July on a five-year deal.

Gullit has been offered a three-year contract, according to local media.

European Footballer of the Year in 1987, the flamboyant dreadlocked Dutchman epitomized the ethos of 'total football' with his all-round skills in several positions.

EUROPEAN CUP

He joined AC Milan in 1987 for a then-world record $8.4 million and, with compatriots Frank Rijkaard and Marco van Basten, helped the Italian club win the European Cup in 1989 and 1990.

Gullit played for Sampdoria and Chelsea late in his career before coaching Chelsea, Newcastle United and Feyenoord. He has been working as a television soccer analyst since 2006.

He coined the term "sexy football" while commentating for the BBC during the 1996 European Championship in England.

On Monday, Galaxy president and general manager Alexi Lalas told reporters his club were looking for a "sexy" coach.

"We would certainly look to use this opportunity to bring in somebody who is going to have an impact on the Galaxy but also on the league and the sport in many of the same ways that David Beckham did," Lalas said.

The Galaxy released Yallop from his contract on Monday, allowing the former Canada international to take charge of the San Jose Earthquakes.

Under Yallop, the Galaxy failed to reach the playoffs for the last two seasons.

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NEW YORK, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Former United States coach Bruce Arena has left Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.

The Red Bulls, beaten in the Eastern Conference semi-finals by New England Revolution on Saturday, said coach Arena's departure was by "mutual agreement".

"We've made progress this season but it is not where we want to be," managing director Marc de Grandpre said in a news release. "We made a promise to our fans to provide the best quality product on the field.

"Unfortunately we haven't achieved that promise to this point. I want to thank Bruce for his hard work. I am certain he will have success in his future endeavours."

Arena coached the U.S. from 1998 to 2006 and had two years left on his deal with New York.

The Red Bulls said they would begin their search for a new coach immediately.

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MEXICO CITY, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Pumas UNAM notched the biggest win of the Mexican season on Sunday when they thumped hapless Veracruz 8-0.

Argentine Esteban Solari hit a hat-trick, Pablo Barrera and Ignacio Scocco scored twice each and Brazilian-born Leandro Augusto got the Pumas' other goal.

The Red Sharks were floundering after Barrera, Solari and Leandro Augusto scored in a four-minute spell to put the Pumas 3-0 ahead in less than 20 minutes.

Scocco made it 4-0 in the 38th minute and the hosts produced another flurry of goals after the break as Scocco notched his second and Solari added two more in a five-minute spell.

Veracruz goalkeeper Fabian Villasenor picked the ball out of the net for the last time in the 59th minute when Barrera swept in Scocco's pass.

The result lifted the Pumas to second place in Group One, ahead of defending champions Pachuca on goal difference, with one match each to play in the qualifying stage.

Leaders Toluca, who won 3-2 away to Cesar Luis Menotti's UAG Tecos, have already qualified.

The 18 teams play each other once but are divided into three groups. The top two in each group qualify for the quarter-finals and the four best teams of the remainder, regardless of group, play off for two more places.

Pachuca kept their hopes alive by winning 2-0 at Chiapas with two goals from Mexico forward Juan Carlos Cacho. Javier Campora missed a late penalty for the hosts.

San Luis and Guadalajara made sure of the top two places in Group Three with a match to spare.

San Luis drew 1-1 at Atlas while Guadalajara, the country's most popular club and the only one not to field foreigners, won 3-0 at Puebla.

Omar Bravo scored twice for the Chivas in the opening 2-0 minutes and Alberto Medina added the third.

America beat Necaxa 1-0 at the Azteca to stay third in Group Two and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the repechage.

Santos Laguna and Atlante have already taken the top two places in the group.

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LONDON, Nov 2 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday he was not surprised by their outstanding start to the season and believes his Premier League leaders have what it takes to beat champions Manchester United on Saturday.

Arsenal go into the game at the Emirates Stadium with the narrowest of leads over United after rattling up 26 points from their opening 10 matches.

United have 26 points from 11 matches, both have goal differences of plus 15, but Arsenal are top having scored 22 goals to United's 19.

"I am not surprised because I said to the players at the beginning of the season, I wanted to be up there, and wanted to be fighting for the title because I felt we had the belief and the quality," Wenger said.

Arsenal are unbeaten in all their 17 league and cup matches so far, while United, after a relatively slow start, have won their last eight league matches -- and scored 16 goals in their last four league and cup games.

Wenger's team did the double over United last season, but still finished fourth, 21 points behind Alex Ferguson's men.

"I think we have improved since last season," Wenger told a news conference at the club's training ground at London Colney.

"In the last two years we dropped our level and we were too far behind the top teams. This season we are back fighting for the championship.

"We have different characteristics to Manchester United, but I believe the collective pressure we put on them will be good enough, despite the fact they have very strong players."

He also expects Saturday's game to be more of a technical affair rather than some of the blood-and-guts encounters of previous years.

"The game has a lot of special importance, a lot of tradition and over the last 10 years there have been some very good, competitive games.

"The characteristics of the two teams might have been more physical in the past, now today they are more technical, which will come out in the game tomorrow."

The Frenchman said he knew nothing about a claim by his Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor that he was approached by Manchester United last season, nor about stories linking his former skipper Gilberto Silva with a move to Italy.

"I don't know anything about that at all," he said. "The players are under contract and if anyone wants to speak to them they have to speak to me first -- and no-one has."

He also said it was far too early to compare his current team with the "Invincibles" who went unbeaten in the league in the 2003-04 season.

"We are consistent, we are a very young side, and it's difficult to be consistent with a young side. There is room to improve, there is more to come from this team.

"Tomorrow we play at home, everyone will be looking at us, and we have to relax and enjoy it and not think too much about being invincible."

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MEXICO CITY, Nov 1 (Reuters) - Atlante and Toluca have booked places in the Mexican championship quarter-finals while Cesar Luis Menotti's Tecos UAG revived their chances with a surprise win at Cruz Azul.

Atlante made sure of a top-two finish in Group Two with two matches to spare by beating America 2-1 in Cancun in Wednesday night's games.

Argentine Javier Munoz and Venezuela forward Giancarlo Maldonado scored for Atlante who are second in the group behind already-qualified Santos Laguna.

Santiago Fernandez grabbed a late consolation for the visitors, who had midfielder Lucas Castroman and coach Daniel Brailowsky sent off in the second half.

America, the country's richest club, are third in Group Two with 20 points from 15 games and struggling to qualify.

The 18 teams play each other once in the qualifying stage but are divided into three groups.

The top two in each group qualify and from the remainder the four teams with the most points regardless of their group play off for two more places.

Toluca, led by Argentina's 2006 World Cup coach Jose Pekerman, drew 0-0 at home to Pumas UNAM to book their place in the last eight.

The Red Devils lead Group One with 28 points, eight more than their opponents and defending champions Pachuca, who continued a poor run as they were held 0-0 at home by Puebla.

Tecos UAG, who are led by Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning coach Menotti, are bottom of Group One with 17 points but could still qualify for the playoffs after Wednesday's win.

Chile forward Hugo Droguett scored both goals for the Owls, including an 87th minute winner after Miguel Sabah had equalized for Cruz Azul with a penalty.

"This has rekindled our hopes and improved our spirits," said Menotti. "The triumph always helps to rediscover our faith and believe in the idea of the football which we want."

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