(Soccer365.com) Fabio Capello has told David Beckham that he will not be part of his first England squad, which is being named this afternoon.

The England manager telephoned the midfielder last night and broke the news to Beckham - who is just one appearance short of becoming the fifth man to earn 100 England caps - but assured him he could be part of his plans for the future.

It is understood that Capello told the 32-year-old he wanted his players to be match-fit, and that naming Beckham in his squad to face Switzerland next week would be unfair on those who have been playing in matches week-in, week-out.

Beckham is very disappointed by the news, especially as he has been training with Arsenal during his holiday - Major League Soccer's close season - to get fit for Capello's first game in charge, the friendly against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday.

He has however been encouraged by his talk with Capello about the future.

In the phonecall, Capello told Beckham he was still part of his plans and that there was no reason why he will not pick him again as long as he is fit enough and playing well enough for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

It is also understood that Capello had no issue with Beckham going to Brazil and Africa this week.

Capello had been urged to give Beckham his 100th cap against Switzerland, if only to reward the player for his 10 years of service, but it is clear the Italian is refusing to indulge in any sentimentality.

Capello does know what Beckham can offer to a side - he was manager of Real Madrid last season and restored the England midfielder to the team after he was initially left out when he announced he was moving to America.

Beckham responded with a run of form that helped inspire Real to win the Spanish league.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) Samuel Eto'o became the all-time leading goalscorer in African Nations Cup history as his two goals helped fire Cameroon into the quarter-finals with an easy 3-0 victory over Sudan.

The Barcelona striker scored either side of a Mohamed Khider own goal to move his overall tally on to 16, two more than previous record holder and Ivory Coast legend Laurent Pokou.

With Egypt drawing 1-1 against Zambia in the other game, the three points mean the Indomitable Lions finish second to the Pharaohs in Group C.

They looked the stronger team from the start and missed three easy chances in the third minute.

Joseph-Desire Job picked up on an error from the Sudanese defence on the left and had his powerful shot only parried by Elmuiz Abdalla.

The ball fell into the path of Eto'o, who put the rebound straight back at the Desert Hawks' goalkeeper, before the ball again fell back to him, but this time he wastefully blasted over.

In the 20th minute another slip, this time from Rigobert Song almost let in Haytham Tambal, but Carlos Kameni managed to get out quickly to clear the danger.

Two minutes later, a poor clearance from Sudan saw the ball fall into the path of Achille Emana, but his 25-yard strike was straight at Abdalla.

But in the 28th minute Cameroon did find the breakthrough after Alaa Eldin Yousif pulled back Emana in the box and the referee awarded a penalty, which Eto'o tucked away easily to make Pokou's record his own.

It was 2-0 within five minutes when Joel Epalle rifled in a low shot from the right side of the penalty area that was cleared straight onto Khider by Hamouda Bashir and the ball deflected in for an own goal.

Sudan hit back with a swift counter attack which saw the ball laid on for Haitham Mustafa, but his shot from the edge of the penalty area flew tamely wide.

Five minutes before the break, Job rose highest to meet a Geremi corner, but his header was straight at Abdalla as Otto Pfister's went into the break ahead.

Eldin Yousif almost opened the scoring after the restart when he completed a good passing move by firing a low cross-shot from the edge of the area which drew an excellent save from Kameni.

The ensuing corner saw Tambal Haytham blaze an easy volley over as Sudan searched eagerly for their first goal in the competition.

Bertin Tomou was the first to come close for Cameroon in the second half when he was left unmarked in the penalty are, but he nodded Epalle's cross straight at Abdalla.

But Sudan looked to have shifted gears and continued to pour forward.

Mohamed Tahir was next to have a go, but his free-kick from the edge of the penalty area flew straight at Kameni, before skipper Mustafa ended another sweeping move by firing narrowly wide.

But in stoppage time Eto'o added his second, latching onto a long pass from Modeste M'Bami before sliding the ball beyond Abdalla to complete an easy win.

In the day's other game, Egypt secured their place in the quarter-finals with a 1-1 draw against plucky Zambia.

The holders were denied a 100% Group C record by an 89th-minute goal from Felix Katongo, which cancelled out Amr Zaki's 16th-minute opener, but a point was enough for them to finish top of the table.

Zambia are now eliminated after Cameroon beat Sudan to finish second, but the Chipolopolo went out in style with their late equaliser against much-fancied Egypt.

The Pharaohs missed a host of chances and will want to address their poor finishing if they are to make the semi-finals.

They took the lead when Zaki fired a rasping left-foot volley past Kennedy Mweene from Sayed Moawad's pin-point cross.

After that their attacks stalled in front of goal, although Mweene was in inspired form between the posts for the Chipolopolo.

Christopher Katongo had a good chance in the 24th minute but was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Moawad and Katongo then fired a 25-yard shot wide as Zambia searched for a way back.

Zaki could have grabbed a second for Egypt but shot straight at Mweene and Ahmed Fathi launched a thunderbolt inches over the bar minutes later.

Moawad was a constant menace on the wing and one of several teasing crosses set up Hosni Abd Rabou, whose header was well saved by Mweene.

Zambia almost gifted Egypt a second when Joseph Musonda completely missed a headed clearance but Zaki mis-timed his own header and it went well wide.

The chances kept coming for Zaki but still the striker could not add to his tally. Ahmed Hassan rampaged down the right wing and whipped in a cross but Zaki shot weakly at Mweene.

Jacob Mulenga should have done better with his shot from the edge of the area but the chance galvanised the Chipolopolo, who then came close to equalising when Clive Hachilensa's header bounced over.

The leveller finally came with a minute of normal time left when Katongo beat Fathi at the far post and struck past Essam El Hadari.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has rubbished reports that the club are set to replace Frank Rijkaard with former coach Johan Cruijff.

Cruijff led the Catalan giants to 11 trophies in an eight-year spell in charge between 1988 and 1996, a haul that included four La Liga titles, a European Cup Winners' Cup and the 1992 European Cup.

But Laporta has poured cold water on rumours that the Dutchman, Barcelona's most successful manager to date, could be set for a second stint at the helm as the replacement for compatriot Rijkaard.

"This idea has never been considered by the board of directors," Laporta said.

"Frank Rijkaard has a contract until 2009 and, moreover, I would like him to continue until the end of my mandate (2010).

"This gives stability to the club. Rijkaard has been here five years, we have the maximum confidence in him and that will continue as long as he wants.

"I consider him a person who is very prepared as much on a personal level as on a professional and I don't have any interest or intention to change a coach who, moreover, also gives the image of the club that we want with his seriousness and discretion. And personally I respect him a lot."

Barcelona have struggled to keep pace with Real Madrid at the top of Primera Liga this season and sit nine points adrift of their arch-rivals after 21 matches.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Cesc Fabregas believes Emmanuel Adebayor is now "one of the best strikers in the world" and admits Arsenal could not "live without him".

Togo's loss in failing to secure qualification for the African Nations Cup has certainly proved the Gunners' gain, as in-form Adebayor took his tally to 19 for the season with a first-half strike in the 3-0 win over Newcastle at Emirates Stadium on Tuesday night.

It was a result which lifted Arsenal back to the top of the Barclays Premier League over Manchester United, who host Portsmouth on Wednesday, and ensured their would be no hangover from last week's Carling Cup semi-final defeat to arch-rivals Tottenham.

Adebayor, 23, has now netted an impressive nine goals in his last seven appearances, scoring the opener in three successive league games.

Manager Arsene Wenger hailed the 6ft 4in African as a "dream striker", who continues to go from "strength to strength".

Midfielder Fabregas believes there are few around to match him, as understandably comparisons with the likes of Chelsea's Ivory Coast frontman Didier Drogba begin to be drawn.

"Emmanuel is one of the best in the world, without any doubt," Fabregas declared.

"You can not fault him in any way. He works, he defends, he chases the centre-backs, he goes behind, he can play to feet, he has a good first touch and a good technique.

"He has improved amazingly and for us I don't think we could live without Adebayor right now."

Adebayor - signed from Monaco during January 2006 - is certainly repaying the faith showed in him by Wenger following the summer sale of talisman Thierry Henry to Barcelona, and on current form he looks set to smash the 30-goal barrier sooner rather than later.

Fabregas is glad to see how quickly his team-mate has become the "idol of the club".

"You have to have the capacity to learn, to be patient. He was when Thierry was here. Now he has the chance and he has taken it," said the midfielder.

"That's what a big player does. Sometimes players they have the chance and they don't take it. He took it, he is playing very well, is improving every day and now he is the idol of the club."

Fabregas was also on the scoresheet last night, netting Arsenal's third with 10 minutes left.

His midfielder partner Mathieu Flamini capped another impressive display with a stunning 25-yard effort.

Flamini, who almost left the club in the summer, has been a revelation this season, and is in talks about extending his contract, which runs out at the end of the campaign.

Fabregas hopes the 23-year-old Frenchman will remain part of an exciting young side.

"Mathieu has been amazing all season," said Fabregas. "He is hyperactive, on the pitch, outside the pitch.

"He has so much passion for the game. He enjoys it and he hates losing.

"I don't know how he does it but he has so much power. With his encouragement we play better."

Fabregas added: "He is a very big player for us and has improved a lot.

"Mathieu has stepped up this year as have Adebayor and Gael [Clichy] and all these kind of players. We need them so badly."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Diego Maradona Jr claims he has been contacted about the prospect of joining a club in La Liga.

The son of the Argentina idol currently plies his trade at Italian Serie D side Venafro and has never played top-flight football.

The 21-year old says he has been contacted by clubs in Spain's top two divisions and is waiting to see what develops.

He told Brazilian website globoesporte.com: "There have been contacts from Spain, both top flight and others from the second division. We will see what happens.

"I think my style is similar to Carlos Tevez. I am a player who likes attacking, but also competes in midfield and always at speed."

Maradona Jr also wants to follow in his father's footsteps by playing for the Argentina national team despite being born in Italy.

He said: "I have Argentinian relatives in my family and the national team would be a dream, as well as playing at Napoli."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) Real Madrid are reportedly preparing a six-year contract for Ronaldo that is worth £40m after tax.

According to the Spanish newspaper DiarioSport, who publish a similar rumor every single day, Real president Ramon Calderon is prepared to make Ronaldo the highest-paid player in the world.

And that money would be on top of the £60m or so that it would take to prize Ronaldo away from Old Trafford.

Ronaldo's mother thinks he should hotfoot it to Madrid and so does Real defender Pepe, who says: "Sincerely, it would be very important for his future if he can join a club like Real Madrid. For me, personally, I would like if he was with us.

"Of course, I'd tell him to join me here. In addition, if he wants to be the best player in the world he must play for an organization like Madrid."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (39)

(Soccer365.com) Fulham have completed the signing of USA striker Eddie Johnson.

The 23-year-old leaves Kansas City Wizards for a three-and-a-half-year deal with the Barclays Premier League strugglers, after his application for a work permit was successful.

He joins Danish midfielder Leon Andreasen and Norwegian defender Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage since the transfer window reopened.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson told his club's official website: "I have made no secret of the fact that I believe the squad lacks a certain balance in specific areas of the team and following the loss of Brian McBride to injury, this is true of our strike force.

"At 6ft 1in Eddie has the presence that will complement the other forwards within our squad and he has the ability to offer us another dimension to our attacking play.

"I am delighted that he has joined us and am grateful to the representatives from the Home Office for granting him the work permit which will enable him to play for us as soon as possible."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) Barcelona look set to splash the cash on Chelsea striker Didier Drogba.

Drogba, who is currently at the African Cup of Nations with the Ivory Coast, has made no secret of his desire to leave Stamford Bridge.

Spanish paper AS has reported that the funds are available to bring the highly-sought-after striker to the Nou Camp.

It is thought that Barca sports chief Txiki Begiristain will now start to negotiate with Chelsea immediately in order to get their man.

Barca will have to fight off competition from Bayern Munchen, Real Madrid and AC Milan to land the Blues star.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 02:09 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)

(Soccer365.com) Tottenham marched into the Carling Cup final after dismantling arch rivals Arsenal 5-1 in the semi-final second leg to win 6-2 on aggregate.

The White Hart Lane tie was finely balanced after a 1-1 first-leg draw at The Emirates - but the Gunners were rocked on three minutes when Jermaine Jenas steered home the opener from 20 yards off the inside of the post.

It was 2-0 on the night when Nicklas Bendtner headed into his own net from Jenas' free-kick under pressure from Michael Dawson - and it could have been more had Dimitar Berbatov's strike not hit the upright.

Bacary Sagna's 31st-minute header was tipped over by Radek Cerny, but Robbie Keane made it 3-0 on 48 when he lashed home a right-footed shot.

Bendtner smacked the woodwork with a hooked effort on 49 - but the home crowd were delirious on the hour-mark when Aaron Lennon's calm finish ensured Spurs would be in the Wembley final on Sunday, February 24.

Sub Emmanuel Adebayor smashed home a consolation for the visitors on 70 - but Steed Malbranque slotted a fifth for the hosts in injury-time to put the icing on the cake for Juande Ramos.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 09:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo's mother wants her to son to play for Real Madrid rather than any English team.

The Portugal international is currently playing a major role in Manchester United's bid for the English Premier League title but his mother, Dolores Aveiro, is keen to see her 22-year-old son at the Bernabeu.

She told Spanish TV channel Canal Plus: "I don't like English teams but I know I have to like them because he (Ronaldo) is at Manchester.

"But for me... Real Madrid. Of all the foreign clubs, Real Madrid is the best. Before I die I would like him (Ronaldo) to play for Real Madrid. I would really like that and then I could die, it wouldn't matter."

Ronaldo signed a five-year contract extension with Sir Alex Ferguson's side in 2007 and has struck 17 league goals so far this season.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 05:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (15)

(Soccer365.com) Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is flattered to be compared to Manchester United great George Best but insists his only focus is winning the title.

The Portuguese winger is chasing Best's record of 32 goals in a season after continuing his red-hot form with a goal against Reading on Saturday.

Ronaldo's late effort at the Madejski Stadium took his tally for the campaign to 23 to equal his return of last season.

But while he is happy to be likened to United legend Best, Ronaldo insists his aim is to win the title, rather than set a new benchmark for a wide man.

"I never imagined I would have 23 goals by January, but the team are playing very well and my friends are creating many opportunities for me to score," said Ronaldo in The Sun.

"It is a pleasure and a great compliment when people compare me to George Best. For me, Best was one of the most important players ever.

"If I break his record I'm happy, but to be honest, I don't care. The most important thing is for the team to win the title.

"Last season I scored 23 times. This time I want to score more. I just want to do my best and improve every year."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(Soccer365.com) American international goalkeeper Brad Guzan admits he is 'excited' about the chance to earn a move to SPL giants Celtic.

The 23-year-old will spend the week training with the Bhoys in a bid to convince Gordon Strachan he is worth spending £1million on.

Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the Chivas USA custodian, but Strachan appears to have stolen a march in the chase for his services.

And Guzan, who played for the US national side in their 2-0 victory over Sweden at the weekend, told the Daily Record: "It's always exciting when a club such as Celtic are in for you.

"I know all about them, they are a world-renowned team with a great history."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(ussoccer.com) The U.S. Women’s National Team scored a 77th minute goal off a header from midfielder Shannon Boxx to earn a 1-0 victory over China and win the 2008 Four Nations Tournament. It was the first tournament title for new U.S. head coach Pia Sundhage.

The U.S. team swept almost all of the tournament awards as midfielder Lindsay Tarpley scored four times to earn the Top Scorer award, forward Heather O’Reilly was named Tournament MVP, Sundhage was named Best Coach and the USA also won the Fair Play Award, going three games without getting a yellow card. Chinese net-minder Zhang Yanru was named Best Goalkeeper.

Boxx’s goal came after defender Lori Chalupny had burst past a defender outside the penalty box on the right side only to be been scythed down, earning a free kick.

The initial service was cleared off a Chinese head, but the ball fell to defender Becky Sauerbrunn on the right wing and she sent a looping service back into the middle. Boxx got a bit of separation from her defender and arched her body to send a looping header over the Chinese goalkeeper into the right corner from 11 yards out. The goal was the 18th of Boxx’s international career. It was Sauerbrunn’s first career assist.

The USA came into the match needing just a draw to win the tournament, but it was China who played the more conservative game, dropping way back into a low-pressure defense, often getting all 11 players behind the halfway line when the U.S. defenders had the ball. The Steel Roses stayed in their 4-5-1 formation until late in the game when they finally tried to push some players forward in search of an equalizer.

The low-pressure tactics forced the Americans into a more patient possession game, as well as a formation change in the second half. The U.S. team moved from a 4-4-2 with O’Reilly playing wide on the left, to a 4-3-3 with Abby Wambach at center forward, O’Reilly coming down the right and halftime substitute Tobin Heath on the left.

The USA out-shot China 12-2 for the match, but the boisterous crowd, seemingly all armed with bang sticks, created an electric atmosphere as they urged their team forward.

China’s most dangerous chance came in the 13th minute when star forward Han Duan evaded U.S. captain Christie Rampone with a masterful juke at the top of the box and lashed a left-footed shot that was brilliantly saved by U.S. goalkeeper Hope Solo, who flew backwards to tip the ball over the crossbar.

China created most of its danger off three free kicks from outside shooting range. Solo had to grab two services that skidded into the penalty box and saw one cross flash through the goal mouth and out of bounds.

The U.S. put half of its 12 shots on frame, but dangerous chances were definitely at a premium against the organized and committed Chinese defense.

In the 32nd minute, O’Reilly tore into the penalty area on the left side and chipped a cross through the goal box. Zhang leaped to get a hand to it, changing the trajectory just enough to throw Boxx off-balance and she miss-hit her volley a yard wide right of the open net.

In stoppage time of first half, the USA took a short corner kick and midfielder Carli Lloyd fired a cross in on the ground. In a mad scramble, no U.S. player could get a solid swing at the ball and Zhang was able to corral it.

China definitely got the memo on Tarpley, who had scored twice in the two previous matches, Zhang Tong blanketing her for the entire first half and giving her little space to create. Tarpley was replaced at halftime by Angie Woznuk, who earned her third cap.

Lloyd came close to scoring on a set play three minutes into the second half, but Zhang pushed her 25-yard blast off the cross bar and out for a corner kick.

O’Reilly had a nice chance in the 54th minute after Wambach won ball at midfield and played her through down the right flank, but with a defender on her left hip, she cut her shot wide of the left post. In the 68th minute, Heath showed some crafty skills, beating her player in the left side of the penalty box and dribbled straight down the goal line to the near post. She cut the ball back to O’Reilly, but she knocked her contested shot over the goal.

In the 83rd minute, O’Reilly set up substitute Amy Rodriguez will a perfect slip pass behind the Chinese defense on a lightning counter-attack. Rodriguez got her shot on frame, but Zhang got a few fingers on it to push it outside the right post.

O’Reilly’s impact in taking players on and creating danger down the flanks during all three matches was so great that she won the tournament MVP award without scoring a goal.

The USA has now won the Four Nations Tournament six out of the seven times it has attended the competition. The USA won in 1998, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008, failing to take top honors only in 2002. The nine goals over the three games were also the most ever scored in a single Four Nations Tournament by the USA, besting its previous high by three.

Veteran U.S. defender Cat Whitehill did not see any action in the Four Nations due to an ankle injury suffered right before the tournament started. Becky Sauerbrunn and Ali Krieger shared minutes next to the ever-steady Rampone in the center of the defense and both performed admirably in their first-ever caps. Sauerbrunn played against China wearing a mask after breaking her nose against Canada in the first match. Rampone played all 270 minutes in the tournament, marshalling a defense that gave up just one goal over three matches.

In the first match of the day, Canada pulled out a last gasp tie with Finland, scoring its first goal of the tournament in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time as Jodi-Ann Robinson fired on a 25-yard blast into the left corner just 30 seconds before the final whistle. Canada earned third-place and Finland finished fourth.

The U.S. team now returns to the United States and will reconvene at the beginning of February for a training camp at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif. The roster for that camp will be announced in the near future.

ussoccer.com Woman of the Match: Shannon Boxx

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Internazionale boss Roberto Mancini still holds out hope the Serie A leaders could make a shock swoop for Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian playmaker has has a torrid time at Barcelona this season and has been heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Inter's city rivals AC Milan.

But, ahead of his 200th game in charge of the Serie A giants, Mancini confirmed the Nerazzurri's interest in the 27-year-old who has yet to play in 2008 as he recovers from a knee injury.

"Two months ago I said Inter were going to sign Ronaldinho," said Mancini. "And no one believed me, in fact everyone started laughing.

"I don't think it would be a problem fitting him into a squad. Ronaldinho is a great player.

"What's more important than behaviour is that a champion steps onto the pitch and changes the game and Ronaldinho does that always."

Reports in Italy suggest that Inter could be set to offload troubled star Adriano to offset the hefty costs of bringing Ronaldinho to the San Siro.

And the money that Inter would net from the sale of Adriano, currently on loan at Sao Paolo where he bagged a brace on his debut, could be on the up if the Brazilian's dazzling form for his new club continues.

"It was important for him to return to Brazil," added Mancini. "He's rediscovered his enthusiasm.

"Here, after a few goals he was charged with too great a responsibility."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)

(ussoccer.com) Landon Donovan became the all-time leading scorer for the U.S. Men’s National Team after scoring from the penalty spot in the second half to help defeat Sweden, 2-0 on Saturday night.

For Donovan, his penalty kick in the 48th minute was his 35th goal in international play, pushing him past Eric Wynalda for the all-time lead in his 97th appearance.

“I wouldn’t classify it as important but it’s something that I’m very proud of,” said Donovan of the record. “More so than scoring goals, being part of the team for a long time it’s something I’m proud of. For me, the most important part of any game is helping the team get a victory.”

Donovan wasn’t the only one who made history on the night as defender Eddie Robinson’s opening strike put him into the history books as well, although not as exclusive. By burying his one-timer off a deflected save in the 15th minute, Robinson became just the 44th player in U.S. history to score a goal in his first appearance – something Donovan, still just 25 years old, had done himself back in 2000.

The victory was the 10th straight time the U.S. has either tied or won their opening game of the year, with the U.S. also defeating Sweden to start the streak, 1-0, in 1998.

“For us it’s a good way to start the year. This camp is always a challenge because guys have been off for a while, but we felt throughout the camp that things we worked on throughout last year were coming back, especially working as a team. Our fitness levels came along quickly, and tonight we played against a team who is always a good match for us. The game had tempo. It was physically challenging. I think to come out of it with a good result was important.”

The U.S. started the game brightly and created the first real chance of the game in the seventh minute. Left back Ramiro Corrales, making his first international appearance since 2004, lifted the ball towards Taylor Twellman near the edge of the area. The New England forward cleverly flicked the ball behind him to Revolution teammate Pat Noonan, who dropped the ball back to midfielder Ricardo Clark just outside the area. Clark’s stinging one-timer was saved well by Rami Shaaban, who parried the ball away.

Brad Davis, starting on the left flank for the U.S., took the majority of the free kicks and his deliveries were dangerous all night. In the 12th minute, his well-placed free kick just missed an onrushing Twellman at the edge of the six yard box.

The U.S. was getting the better of their opponents, and in the 15th minute Robinson gave them the deserved lead. Davis whipped in an enticing corner, and Noonan’s flicked header caught the Sweden goalkeeper Rami Shaaban by surprise, but he was still able to punch it off the line. The ball deflected inside the area and Robinson pounced on the rebound, slamming the ball into the roof of the net from seven yards out.

The goal was the wakeup call Lars Lagerbäck’s side needed, and Sweden began to come back into the game. Brad Guzan was forced into action in the 30th minute after a Sweden free kick fell invitingly for forward Pontus Wernbloom. Guzan was quick to react, however, and he made himself big to deny Wernbloom from close range.

Three minutes later, Guzan was called upon again and denied Wernbloom for the second time. A mixup between Robinson and defender Jimmy Conrad gifted Wernbloom the ball in the box. But Guzan flew off his line and smothered the shot to deny Sweden its best chance of the match.

The U.S. carried its one goal advantage into the break, and made three changes to start the second half. One of those subs, forward Jozy Altidore, stamped his authority on the game almost instantly, as he was brought down in the box in the 48th minute. A good combination from Donovan and right-back Drew Moor lead to a low cross into the area. Noonan controlled well, and found Altidore streaking to the edge of the six yard box. The New York Red Bulls forward wound up to shoot, but was impeded by Sweden’s Mattias Bjärsmyr.

Donovan took it upon himself to dispatch the spot kick and came through for the U.S. as he has done so many times before. The weight of history seemed to have no effect on the California native, but he clearly knew what his achievement meant to U.S. soccer history, grabbing the ball immediately after the goal and taking it to the sidelines to be saved.

Now up 2-0, the U.S. began to stroke the ball around with confidence. Altidore was causing all sorts of problems for the Swedish backline, who had to resort to physical play in order to stop the athletic 18-year old.

In addition to Robinson, Bob Bradley handed debut caps to defender Clarence Goodson and midfielder Jeremiah White. The young U.S. internationals were unfazed by the bright lights and the team closed out the final whistle without ever really being threatened in the second half.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will next play host to CONCACAF rival Mexico on Feb. 6 in Houston. Kickoff at Reliant Stadium is set for 8 p.m. CT, and the match will be broadcast live on ESPN2 and Univision. Fans can also follow the match live online via ussoccer.com’s MatchTracker.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:35 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

(Soccer365.com) Kevin Keegan will sensationally return to Newcastle as the club's manager.

The 56-year-old was a hugely popular figure during his first spell as Magpies boss from 1992-1997 but was ranked as an outside candidate to replace Sam Allardyce, who left St James' Park last week after an unsuccessful short stint in charge.

Gerard Houllier and Didier Deschamps were strongly linked with the position in the last two days but the club unexpectedly announced Keegan as the club's new manager on their website on Wednesday afternoon.

Keegan was linked to the role but initially only in partnership with legendary striker Alan Shearer.

Keegan took Newcastle to promotion back to the top flight in 1993 and came close to winning the league title in the 1995-96 season when they famously led Manchester United by 12 points before finishing as runners up.

He went on to manage Fulham, England and Manchester City but has been out of the game since leaving City in 2005 after a largely unsuccessful spell.

Harry Redknapp had been first choice for owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort but he last week opted to stay at Portsmouth.

That only fueled increased speculation about possible contenders with Mark Hughes, Houllier, Deschamps and Shearer being mentioned most prominently.

The message coming out of the club was that experience was the main prerequisite - instantly making Shearer a more unlikely candidate.

The 37-year-old confirmed when he revealed he had been told as much in a telephone call last week, although he added he believed he could galvanize the dressing-room.

Mort, in issuing what was effectively a job specification on Tuesday, also hinted that the likes of former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho were not on the club's radar.

Former chairman Sir John Hall, whose family's decision to sell their holding in the club to Ashley sparked his £134.4million takeover bid, earlier said he felt Houllier and Shearer would be the ideal partnership.

But with Keegan surprisingly being given the task of reviving the club's fortunes, he will be keen to step into the role quickly to maximize the remainder of the transfer window.

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

(Soccer365.com) Alan Shearer has admitted he hopes to manage Newcastle "one day", and the Magpies could try to lure both him and Gerard Houllier to St James' Park.

Sources on Tyneside have suggested Houllier's name is on a short-list of candidates to replace Sam Allardyce, and that he could form a partnership with Geordie hero Shearer.

The 60-year-old, who guided Liverpool to five major trophies during his six years at Anfield, has more than once been heavily linked with the vacant post at St James' Park in recent years.

He would certainly fit the profile drawn up by the club in the immediate aftermath of Allardyce's departure last Wednesday evening with his immense experience and proven track record.

However, the city's evening newspaper, the Evening Chronicle, is reporting that he and 37-year-old Shearer, who has never been too far away from the top of the betting in the last week, would be happy to work together.

The former Magpies and England skipper has found himself touted both as the man to take over in his own right, or in partnership with Kevin Keegan, with both options receiving popular support.

But whether Shearer and Keegan, the man who paid Blackburn £15million for his services back in 1996, would be willing to work together seems uncertain.

But the Houllier-Shearer option is one which was received warmly on Tyneside as the news emerged on Tuesday with the prospect of a combination of a high-class manager and a man long touted as a future saviour meeting approval.

Shearer was diplomatic as he arrived back on Tyneside from his holiday in Barbados.

Asked by Sky Sports News if he wanted the Newcastle job, he replied: "Am I wanting it? One day, hopefully."

Questioned further about the possibility of him linking up with Keegan, he said: "I haven't spoken to Kevin for a long time. We will have to see."

Houllier is currently working as the French Football Federation's technical director, although FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalette has insisted he would not stand in his way if was offered the chance to take up a job at St James'.

Shearer was not the only significant figure in the Newcastle saga arriving back in the country on Tuesday with owner Mike Ashley due back from a trip to Hong Kong.

However in his absence, chairman Chris Mort has continued to work behind the scenes in the wake of Harry Redknapp's withdrawal from the race to succeed Allardyce.

Club insiders insist several candidates are under consideration - Blackburn's Mark Hughes continues to be mentioned - but with a must-win Premier League clash with Bolton to follow Wednesday night's FA Cup third-round replay against Stoke, time is of the essence.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 11:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri has joined Alexandre Pato's growing fan club after describing the AC Milan youngster as "out of this world".

The 18-year-old Brazilian made his Rossoneri debut in Sunday night's 5-2 defeat of Napoli and capped a fine display with a goal.

"There are players in football that are out of this world and Pato is one of them, considering what he proved at the San Siro," Ranieri said.

"He played like a veteran, with personality...and rightly the newspaper headlines are all for him."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 04:06 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) New England strike star Taylor Twellman has admitted his frustration after Championship strugglers Preston North End had a second transfer bid rejected for the U.S. international this weekend.

The Lilywhites offered $2.5 million for the forward, who has the first two years of a four-year deal that was signed at the start of last season.

"I want to go," Twellman told the Washington Post. "It's the right club and, being 27, it's the right time to go to Europe."

"When I ask MLS, they say the Revs rejected it - when I ask the Revs, they said it was MLS."

"You're not going to get more than that for a guy like me, who is not always with the national team," Twellman insisted. "It's a good offer."

"I feel like they've gotta sell me or compensate me, whether it's with money or more guaranteed years."

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

(Soccer365.com) Nicolas Anelka has completed his move from Bolton to Chelsea after the Blues reportedly agreed to pay £15million for his services.

Reports suggest that the France international has penned a four-and-a-half-year deal with Avram Grant's Blues, who had a £12million bid rejected earlier this week.

Chelsea boss Grant has been keen to seal Anelka's switch to Stamford Bridge before Saturday's clash with Tottenham, and it now appears the Israeli has got his man.

The 28-year-old striker has netted 11 goals so far this season and joined Bolton from Fenerbahce in 2006 for £7million.

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

(Soccer365.com) Germany coach Joachim Low is excited at the prospect of seeing his former mentor Jurgen Klinsmann take charge of Bayern Munich.

Klinsmann, who was assisted by Low when he led the national team to third place in the 2006 World Cup, will take over from Ottmar Hitzfeld at Bayern at the end of the season.

Low admitted he had not seen the move coming, saying: "It does come as a bit of a surprise.

"He is a true ambassador for German football. It is an exciting project for a former national team manager, who achieved a lot, to coach a top German club.

"I am looking forward to working well together with him."

Indeed, relations between Bayern and the German Football association (DFB) have been strained of late.

Klinsmann was criticized when he was in charge of Germany for not moving from his home in America back to his home country.

Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff is pleased that state of affairs is set to change.

"Jurgen is always good for a surprise, as he proved as national team coach," he said.

"I am delighted that he is back in Germany permanently."

DFB president Dr Theo Zwanziger echoed the sentiments, saying: "It is great to have Jurgen Klinsmann back in Germany.

"He has achieved a lot for German football and will certainly be able to move things forward at FC Bayern too."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Sam Allardyce has admitted his exit from Newcastle was "a shock" as the club launched the search for their eighth manager in 11 years.

The 53-year-old looked to have survived the worst of the intense pressure which came his way as the Magpies' season lurched from one crisis to another.

However, just four days after they avoided an FA Cup giant-killing act - if only just - at Stoke on Sunday, owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort decided the time was right to act.

The decision clearly came as a surprise to Allardyce, who told Sky Sports News: "I'm disappointed obviously but I'd just like to wish everybody at Newcastle all the best for the future and I hope things go very, very well.

"Yes it was a shock, I didn't expect it."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 03:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

(Soccer365.com) Bernd Schuster believes that Barcelona have treated their star players badly for the last 30 years. The Real Madrid coach feels that the club's current treatment of Ronaldinho echoes the way in which he was forced out of Camp Nou during the 1980s.

The German had spent eight years in Catalunya, but after his form dipped he received widespread criticism and subsequently moved on to Real.

Schuster admits that he sympathises with the Brazilian's current situation and cannot understand why the club have turned their back on a player who has brought them so much success.

"It is very unjust. They are doing the same thing to Ronaldinho as they did to me," he told AS.

"It is not difficult to forget that all the best players that have played there in the last 30 years have all left via the back door.

"Ronaldinho has been great, he changed their fortunes and helped Barca win the Champions League and two league titles. What more do they want from him?

"The worst thing is knowing how things are done at Barca and that he is not the first and will not be the last to receive this treatment.

"I really feel for him.

"I am not going to deny that his level has dropped in the past few months, but at his age it is ridiculous to say that he is finished."

He added: "The best players are the ones that give you identity and people should remember that.

"But I insist that I remember from my time there how I left and other famous players were treated.

"Nobody ended their time there well and our exit was ugly. It is unusual and of course it is not the fault of the fans as they seem to understand."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 01:18 PM | Permalink | Comments (7)

(Soccer365.com) Luis Figo's agent insists the star wants to stay at Inter Milan - but might consider a move to MLS if the club do not want to extend his deal.

The 35-year-old has been linked in the Portuguese media with a move to Major League Soccer, but Miguel Macedo claims his player is happy at the San Siro.

Macedo said: "It doesn't make any sense, all these reports that he's moving to the United States. It's just speculation."

Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha claimed earlier this week that Figo had agreed a two-year deal with AEG - the parent company to Houston Dynamo and Los Angeles Galaxy.

But Macedo added: "At the moment there is nothing with the Los Angeles Galaxy.

"He has got a contract with Inter. He expects to extend it. If the club does not extend it, yes, he will consider - as he has said publicly - going to the United States."

Posted by SoccerAdmin at 07:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (8)