The·Goal·News

LONDON, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger expects to be without Danish striker Nicklas Bendtner until the New Year, the Frenchman told the club website on Thursday. “Let’s say the New Year (for him),” Wenger said on the website (www.arsenal.com)....

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has told the club’s manager Harry Redknapp he will have to sell players of his squad before signing anyone in January’s transfer window.After taking the reins as Tottenham manager, Redknapp spent 45 million Pounds last January as Spurs climbed out of the relegation zone of the Premier League....

LONDON (AP) - The Brazilian star Ronaldinho has been selected soccer player of the decade by World Soccer magazine. Ronaldinho finished ahead of Argentina forward Lionel Messi and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo in the voting....

Mexico striker Carlos Vela has signed a new contract with Arsenal, the English Premier League club said Thursday.The 20-year-old Vela, who joined Arsenal two years ago, is now set to stay with the north London club until 2015....

After being linked with moves away from Toulouse, France international Andre-Pierre Gignac insists he is committed to his club.It had been reported that the French striker could leave his current employers and head to Arsenal at the end of the current Ligue 1 season....

By Mark Elkington MADRID, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Valencia have scorned media fuss over the suspension of Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo for Saturday’s game between the La Liga title rivals, pointing out they too are missing a top player in David Silva....

Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been ruled out of Saturday's derby against Espanyol due to an ankle injury.The 22-year-old Ballon d'Or winner sustained the problem late in last night's 2-1 UEFA Champions League win at Dynamo Kiev courtesy of a fierce tackle from Leandro Almeida - shortly after netting the decisive goal from a stunning free-kick....

Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner has suffered a setback in his return from injury and is now not due to be fit until the New Year.The Denmark international underwent minor surgery on November 10 after picking up a groin problem in the 3-0 victory over Tottenham....

Young Gunner thought everything went well in Greece…

Ex-Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann has landed himself in hot water after criticising his Stuttgart bosses for giving into pressure from ‘pubescent’ fans prior to sacking coach Markus Babbel.Babbel was fired on Sunday and replaced by former Tottenham Hotspur boss Christian Gross before the side’s impressive 3-1 win over Romania champions Unirea Urziceni on Wednesday to reach the last 16 of the Champions League....

Rafael Benitez will put all thoughts of the Europa League on hold in a bid to reignite Liverpool's stuttering Premier League form.The Merseysiders completed a miserable Champions League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at home to Fiorentina on Wednesday night - another late goal, this time from Alberto Gilardino, condemning them to a third defeat in six Group E contests....

Executive chairman Peter Trembling and Sven-Goran Eriksson are trying to secure a buyout of Notts County, Sky Sports News understands.It is understood that the Magpies' owners Munto Finance - a subsidiary of Qadbak investments -are looking to sell as soon as possible....

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)—A soccer hooligan in Serbia has been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison for a 2006 brawl that left one rival fan dead. Belgrade District Court has ruled that 24-year-old Bojan Hrvatin stabbed the victim to death during the fight that took place on a train....

Darron Gibson is determined not to waste the gilt-edged opportunity presented to him by Manchester United's current injury crisis.After going two months without an appearance following the Carling Cup victory over Wolves in September, Gibson has suddenly appeared five times in 18 days as United's list of casualties continues to grow....

Tony Pulis insists a line has been drawn under his alleged physical confrontation with Stoke City striker James Beattie at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.GettyImagesTony Pulis has been Stoke manager since June 2006• Reports: 'Naked' Pulis headbutted BeattiePulis and Beattie have been the subject of unwelcome headlines this week after it was reported that the Stoke manager had headbutted Beattie following a 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the weekend....

The Swedish Football Federation says the Swedish and Norwegian governments won't fund the countries' joint bid to host the 2016 European Championship.Messi boots Barcelona into knockout roundLionel Messi scored with a free kick in the closing minutes to give visiting Barcelona a 2-1 win over Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday as the defending champions advanced to the knockout stage of the Champions League.

A win over struggling Hertha Berlin this weekend would give Bayer Leverkusen the unofficial title of Bundesliga Autumn Champions. Leverkusen have set a new league record by finishing the first 15 games of the season without defeat and a win tomorrow night would secure top spot ahead of Werder Bremen and Schalke....

Plymouth have replaced manager Paul Sturrock with head coach Paul Mariner taking over the running of the first-team squad. Sturrock will take on a new role at the club after meeting directors in the wake of the 1-0 defeat away to Swansea City on Tuesday night....

"Nevland's body weight came down on the ankle when they went to ground and he's no chance of being ready for the weekend. "He's got no chance for Saturday and it looks like it could be a month at least for him....

Algeria have scheduled a friendly with Serbia for early next year in order to prepare them for group opponents Slovenia at South Africa 2010.Huh: We won't crumble Korea Republic coach Huh Jung-Moo has said that he is determined that his side will not crumble against an Argentina team "with no flaws"....

Portsmouth have issued a strongly-worded statement denying rumours they are planning to go into administration.GettyImagesPeter Storrie will not be leaving PortsmouthSpeculation over the club's finances has intensified since it was revealed last week that their players had been paid late for a second time this season....

(GSM) – Barcelona’s star midfielder Yaya Toure has rejected rumors concerning a possible move to England by stating that there is no bigger club for him than the reigning European champions.Toure has been linked to both Arsenal and Manchester City, where his brother Kolo plays, as likely destinations in recent months....

Burnley boss Owen Coyle is seeking talks with Portsmouth over the future of on loan striker David Nugent. Coyle is hoping to speak to his opposite number at Fratton Park, Avram Grant, about a possible permanent move for the player and he needs to know if Pompey's position has changed with their change of manager....

Spurs boss recommends England centre-back to Fergie…Dec 10, 2009 3:33:59 PMPhoto GalleryZoomSol Campbell (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsMan Utd.Tottenham PlayersSol CampbellHarry RedknappTottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp sees no reason why free agent Sol Campbell can't join Manchester United and even emulate the success Swedish legend Henrik Larsson enjoyed at the Theatre of Dreams....

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) -Lionel Messi will miss Barcelona's Spanish league match against Espanyol on Saturday after the Golden Ball winner sustained an ankle injury that could jeopardize his playing at the upcoming Club World Cup....

Could it be 14 unbeaten for the Kiwis this weekend?Dec 10, 2009 12:23:02 PMPhoto GalleryZoomRicki Herbert (Getty Images)Related LinksWellington Phoenix can claim the A-League record for unbeaten matches at home this weekend with a win or a draw....

(GSM) – English manager Hope Powell, who guided the England national women’s team to the final of the 2009 European Championship in the summer, has revealed she would consider coaching in the men’s game....

Sir Alex Ferguson has claimed that 'never in a million years' did he expect Mark Hughes to make the step up into management.The Manchester United boss was at the helm of the Old Trafford outfit while the Manchester City manager was on the Red Devils' playing staff in his days as a marauding forward....

Mourinho hopes his Serie A rivals do well in Europe's second tier competition...Dec 10, 2009 5:14:13 PMPhoto GalleryZoomFerrara & Mourinho - Juventus-Inter - Serie A (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsInter MilanJuventusPlayersJosé Mario MourinhoInter coach Jose Mourinho was satisfied with his side's progression from the group stage of the Champions League and also commented on the fate of the other three Italian sides, including Juventus, who finished third in their group and were bumped down to the Europa League....

Major League Soccer's season has finished and any deal to secure Donovan would be similar to the one which has seen Galaxy team-mate David Beckham re-join AC Milan next month. "Landon is a player David Moyes has identified as someone he would like to bring to the club," chief executive Robert Elstone said.

Squads for round 18 of the 2009-2010 A-League season.Friday, December 11 North Queensland Fury v Perth GloryDairy Farmers Stadium, Townsville ( 830pm EDT) North Queensland Fury: 1.Paul Henderson, 2.Robbie Middleby, 3....

and the return from injury of Fernando Torres. Though impressed by the 25-year-old's debut, Gerrard admitted he is aware even the midfielder's display will not wipe away the memory of another night of European misery....

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -Banfield looks set to claim its first title in 113 years after Victor Lopez's late header secured a 1-0 home win against Tigre in the Argentine league on Wednesday.Banfield will take a two-point lead over Newell's Old Boys into the final round of the Apertura....

Newcastle again proved their promotion credentials to see off a battling Coventry outfit and open up a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Coca-Cola Championship. A first-half which was evenly matched, with the Sky Blues twice hitting the woodwork, was turned on its head in stoppage time when Shola Ameobi fired the visitors ahead in what was his first appearance since August due to a foot injury....

Ajax Argentinian-Croatian forward Dario Cvitanich (25) is ready to join CF Pachuca, Mexican Primera Division team, starting from January 2010. Dutch club have already set a pre-deal for former Banfield player's transfer on a temporary basis.

Hearts have fined the three players who were reported by referee David Somers after the scuffle that followed their 2-1 defeat by Hamilton on Sunday.Suso Santana, Ian Black and Eggert Jonsson have all been penalised after an internal review of the disturbance....

LONDON, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be out for three to four weeks after scans revealed a torn hamstring, the Premier League club said on their website (www.chelseafc.com) on Wednesday....

Former Liverpool captain and manager Graeme Souness fears the club could go into "meltdown" after they finished their Champions League campaign with their lowest points haul.A stoppage-time 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina at Anfield left Rafael Benitez's side, who were already unable to progress to the knockout phase, with just seven points from six matches....

Despite feeling regret at missed opportunities during his side's 2-0 defeat to FC Internazionale Milano, midfielder Christian Noboa remained philosophical about FC Rubin Kazan's UEFA Champions League elimination and upbeat about their UEFA Europa League prospects....

Arsene Wenger praised the efforts of his young Gunners after they went down 1-0 to Olympiacos following a battling display in Wednesday night's final Champions League Group H clash in Athens.The Greeks went through to the knockout stages as runners-up to Arsenal, who named the youngest side to play in the Champions League with an average age of just 21....

Michael Ball could be on the brink of resurrecting his career with Wigan, although manager Roberto Martinez is remaining cautious over talk of a deal for the left back.GettyImagesMichael Ball has one England capBall has spent the last few weeks training with the Latics in a bid to regain his fitness after undergoing surgery in January to his left patella tendon....

Molinaro has been linked with the Partenopei, but his agent has ruled out such a move...

Potters decline offer of mediation as being unnecessary...Dec 9, 2009 6:18:57 PMPhoto GalleryZoomEPL: James Beattie, Stoke City - West Ham United (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsStokePlayersJames BeattieStoke City have declined an offer of mediation from the PFA with regard to the situation currently surrounding striker James Beattie, according to a report this evening from Sky Sports News....

He was still Ryan Wilson back then. The switch to using his mother's surname, Giggs, wouldn't come until later, along with chest hair. Yet already, although barely into his teens, the abundance of natural talent and the hints of future greatness were unmistakable....

Christian Gross enjoyed the perfect start as Stuttgart coach when his team stunned Romania's Unirea Urziceni 3-1 with three goals in the first 11 minutes to book their UEFA Champions League last 16 berth....

Suspended Queens Park Rangers (QPR) manager Jim Magilton has promised to clear his name and return to work with the Championship club.Magilton was suspended by the London side on Wednesday following British press reports he’d headbutted Hungarian midfielder Akos Buzsaky after QPR’s 3-1 league loss away to Watford on Monday....

Dossena could ponder a Roma switch if he is no longer required in England, explains his agent...Dec 9, 2009 3:05:20 PMPhoto GalleryZoomAndrea Dossena - Liverpool (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsLiverpoolPlayersAndrea DossenaLiverpool defender AndreaDossena has welcomed interest from Roma, says his agent Federico Pastorello....

Ajax's managing director Rik van den Boog claims striker Luis Suarez has told the club he has not agreed a summer move to Chelsea. It had been reported that a deal is already in place between the player and his representatives for the 22-year-old Uruguay international, who has scored 17 goals in 16 Eredivisie appearances this season, to make the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2010 if their appeal against a FIFA transfer ban is successful....

Goalkeeper Sinan Bolat headed an equaliser five minutes into injury time as Standard Liege snatched a place in the UEFA Europa League from opponents AZ Alkmaar in the dying seconds of their Group H UEFA Champions League clash....

Michael Carrick has confirmed Manchester United have no intention of taking their foot off the gas despite their ongoing injury crisis.The Red Devils made light of having 14 senior players missing on Tuesday night when they defeated Wolfsburg to ensure a top seeding in next week's Champions League knock-out stage draw....

Sevilla FC eased their way to victory and completed a miserable UEFA Champions League campaign for Rangers FC thanks to a first-half Frédéric Kanouté penalty which defined the match and sealed the Spanish side's place in the first knockout round as Group G winners....

Lyon turned on the style but were denied first spot in UEFA Champions League Group E on Wednesday despite a 4-0 win over Hungary's Debrecen at the Stade Gerland with Fiorentina winning 2-1 at Liverpool....

Australia's hopes of hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cup have been hit by concerns from other sports which would run at the same time as the tournament.Fifa regulations state that World Cup venues cannot run rival competitions at the same time as the finals....

* Lyon in danger of dropping off the pace * Bordeaux in good shape ahead of key clash By Patrick Vignal PARIS, Dec 10 (Reuters) - Olympique Lyon insist they are not in crisis but the seven-times champions know defeat to leaders Girondins Bordeaux on Sunday (2000 GMT) would deal a severe blow to their Ligue 1 title hopes....

Dynamo, who desperately needed to win to continue their campaign, got off to a flying start through Milevsky, who beat Victor Valdes with a close-range header from Andrei Shevchenko's well-struck freekick in the second minute....

Former Birmingham owners David Gold and David Sullivan are to launch a bid for West Ham within days, according to reports. A story in the Daily Telegraph says the two men are set to make an offer of between £25m and £30m for the club before the end of the week in a deal which would also see them take on the club's debuts estimated at around £40m....

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) -- Auckland City of New Zealand knocked out Al Ahli of the host United Arab Emirates in the opening round of the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday, winning 2-0 after goals from Adam Dickinson and Chad Coombes....

After the interest in Gennaro Gattuso (32), Manchester City are thinking also about Ignazio Abate (23). The last positive performances of the player, attracted the attention of the greatest European clubs....

MADRID (AP) -Raul Gonzalez said he isn't worried about his place with Real Madrid despite his dwindling playing time.The Madrid captain has gone from starter to substitute in coach Manuel Pellegrini's first season in charge but believes his role with the club remains as important as ever....

Martin O'Neill insists Aston Villa striker John Carew remains a key part of his plans amid speculation linking him with a January move to Fenerbahce.Carew's representatives are reported to have held talks with the Turkish club over a possible move for the Norway international....

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed manager Carlo Ancelotti vented his anger following their UEFA Champions League draw with Apoel Nicosia.The Blues had led the Cypriot outfit late on thanks to goals from Michael Essien and Didier Drogba after Marcin Zewlakow had given the visitors a surprise lead....

Craig Bellamy and Vladimir Weiss are expected to recover from swine flu in time for Man City's game at Bolton on Saturday. Assistant boss Mark Bowen revealed that striker Bellamy and midfielder Weiss have been suffering from a mild dose of the virus since last week....

By Richard ClarkeDennis Bergkamp is not returning to Arsenal in a coaching capacity – yet.It was reported this week that Arsène Wenger was about to bring the legendary striker into his backroom staff.Speaking ahead of tonight's game at Olympiacos, the manager denied the rumour but added that if and when he needed assistance he would look at those who had previously played for the Club....

(GSM) – Swiss club FC Sion have appealed to the CAS on Wednesday to overturn a transfer ban imposed by FIFA.The transfer ban was imposed by football’s highest governing authority after goalkeeper Essam El Hadary broke his contract with Egyptian club Al-Ahly to join the Swiss club....

David Moyes is planning a swoop on LA Galaxy for USA skipper Landon Donovan as he tries to increase his squad in January. There has been no confirmation from either side but negotiations are said to be well under way about a loan deal for the USA international who is David Beckham's team-mate....

Bolton manager Gary Megson revealed today that he is not too happy about the form of some of his players: "We've got a few players that could play really well, but are not delivering what they should. That's why our position is not as good as it should be....

However, Modric returned to action in a training-ground friendly against Grays Athletic on Tuesday. Modric successfully came through 70 minutes of the 5-2 win against the Blue Square Premier side at Spurs Lodge, the club’s Essex training headquarters....

Holders Barcelona and Inter Milan secured their places in the Champions League knockout stages at the last throw of the dice on Thursday morning (EDT).The pair were joined by Stuttgart and Olympiakos to complete the 16-team list for the second round....

Reports are linking Tottenham defender Alan Hutton with a switch to the Stadium of Light, with Anton Ferdinand heading to Spurs. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce is thought to be keen to bring Hutton in as competition for full-backs Phil Bardsley and George McCartney, while his Spurs counterpart Harry Redknapp is eager to boost his options in the heart of his defence....

CSKA Moscow could be thrown out of the Champions League after players Aleksei Berezutsky and Sergei Ignashevich tested positive for a banned substance.They failed a doping test on 3 November after the 3-3 draw at Manchester United and have been provisionally suspended....

“Can he have an impact from the start of games? Absolutely. At the end of the day, the evidence is always on the football field and Michael has given plenty tonight. "You know what he is. In the penalty box, he’s on the shoulder, making runs across defenders....

Former Santos coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo (57) has joined Atletico Mineiro on a two-year deal.

LONDON (AP) -- Real Madrid, AC Milan and Bayern Munich clinched their places in the next round of the Champions League on Tuesday.The trio, European champions a total 20 times between them, advanced alongside CSKA Moscow after their final group matches....

Centre back Nemanja Vidic is expected to be available to boost Man United's injury-hit defence against Aston Villa on Saturday. Vidic was forced to miss his second successive game, against Wolfsburg in the Champions League on Tuesday night, as he recovers from the virus that has sidelined him since last week....

R. Standard de Liège coach László Bölöni is hoping to add "another chapter" to the club's proud history as they seek the victory at home to AZ Alkmaar in Group H that could take them through to the first knockout round....

The Brazilian gaffer is confident Olympiacos have what it takes to record a good result against the Gunners...Dec 9, 2009 10:47:12 AMPhoto GalleryZoomZico - Olympiakos (INTIME)Related LinksTeamsArsenalOlympiacos Greek side Olympiacos need a point from their encounter with Arsenal on Wednesday evening to ensure progress to the knock-out phase of the Champions League and head coach Zico is confident that his men have what it takes to succeed....

Walter Smith has revealed his position as Rangers manager was under serious threat earlier this year.The club this week announced Smith had offered to work without a contract when his current deal expires in January....

* Juve coach Ferrara safe in job but admits problems * Bayern’s Van Gaal rewarded for attacking approach (Adds Juve president quotes) By Mark Meadows TURIN, Dec 9 (Reuters) - Juventus coach Ciro Ferrara is safe in his job for now while Bayern Munich boss Louis van Gaal has gone from villain to hero after the Germans thumped the Serie A side 4-1 to reach the Champions League last 16....

Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo turned on the style with Real Madrid as the Spanish giants advanced with ease to the knockout round of the UEFA Champions League with a 3-1 victory at Marseille.A double from Ronaldo and a Raul Albiol goal ensured the nine-time European champions lead the way in their Group C and go through to the second round after their 3-0 reverse fixture win....

DaMarcus Beasley is ready to quit Rangers after revealing he is desperate to go to the World Cup with USA.The American international has been missing from Bob Bradley's recent squads through injury after being one of the few players who failed to sparkle in their impressive run to the final of the Confederations Cup last summer....

Fernando Torres and Alberto Aquilani are poised to be included as Liverpool complete their miserable Champions League campaign at home to already-qualified Fiorentina on Wednesday evening.Rafael Benitez's men, the Champions League winners in 2005 and finalists in 2007, failed to progress from Group E, with two losses from five games ahead of the contest with La Viola....

As he prepares for a start against Fiorentina David Ngog has hit back at claims that he is a diver. The French striker was widely lambasted by all and sundry since the penalty awarded against Birmingham at Anfield last month but he has defended himself and claims he is not a diver....

Panathinaikos on Tuesday fired Dutch coach Henk ten Cate, with the club appointing Greece Under-21 manager Nikos Nioplias as his successor.Ten Cate, who had six months left to run on his contract, was given his marching orders after talks with Panathinaikos president Nikos Pateras....

Bridge, 29, insists that his performances have improved since the Burnley game, however, and he believes he has answered the criticisms voiced by Hansen on Match of the Day. Bridge said: "Alan Hansen said a few things and Mark Hughes said a few things back, but I don't like to think about it too much....

ESPN has finalised a deal which will see the the pay TV broadcaster screen live coverage of the FA Cup from 2010 in a four-year deal.   By Telegraph staff Published: 10:36AM GMT 09 Dec 2009Up for the Cup: thje romance of the FA Cup is not dead after ESPN win TV rights dealPhoto: GETTY IMAGES ESPN will show up to 25 FA Cup games after agreeing a deal with the Football Association, who had been eager to find a broadcaster to fill the gap left by Setanta, whose £150 million four-year deal fell through after just one year....

Leeds will meet Manchester United in the third round of the FA Cup after a 5-1 extra-time win over non-League Kettering while Blue Square Premier strugglers Barrow landed a lucrative trip to Sunderland after making short work of their league's runaway leaders Oxford at Holker Street....

England striker Michael Owen demonstrated his finishing class with a hat-trick to seal Manchester United's 3-1 victory at Wolfsburg and dump the Germans out of the UEFA Champions League.After his first-half header, Owen slid home his second on 83 minutes, before producing a superb effort in extra-time to claim his third and secure Sir Alex Ferguson's side top spot in Group B....

With Arsenal already guaranteed top spot in Group H boss Arsene Wenger will use his youth and squad players against Olympiakos. The Gunners sit six points clear of the Greek side, who would progress with Arsenal to the knock out stages if they can secure a draw against the young Gunners....

The Italian giants were sensationally knocked out of the Champions League by a resurgent Bayern side and Goal.com's Subhankar Mondal was on hand to rate the performance of the players on show......Dec 8, 2009 10:45:00 PMPhoto GalleryZoomDiego - Juventus (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsBayern MunichJuventusJUVENTUS:Buffon: 6....

Bordeaux concluded their impressive Champions League Group A campaign on a winning note against a Maccabi Haifa side who exited European competition without a goal or a point to their name. The French champions, who headed into this match already assured of top spot in the pool and having won four and drawn one of their five games, went ahead through Jussie in the 13th minute and that proved enough for another three points tonight....

Atletico Madrid scraped their way into the UEFA Europa League despite suffering a heavy 3-0 home defeat to already-qualified Porto at a half-empty Vicente Calderon on Tuesday.Fortunately for Quique Sanchez Flores' side, APOEL could only draw at Stamford Bridge, which meant Atletico's result was immaterial....

The Russians are joining the big boys in the knock-out stages after a late win in Istanbul. Goal.com rates the players on show in Turkey...Dec 8, 2009 11:10:00 PMPhoto GalleryZoomRPL: Milos Krasic - CSKARelated LinksTeamsBesiktasCSKA BESIKTASRustu Recber: 6 - The veteran tried a party piece in the second half but came off badly instead colliding with the shin of Rahimic when he attempted a dummy which left him bleeding heavily....

AC Milan did the minimum to secure their UEFA Champions League fortunes, coming from a goal down to secure a 1-1 draw as Swiss minnows Zurich almost repeated their first leg slaying of the Italian giants....

into third place in the Championship, but then Carson gave Chopra the Glasgow kiss and Pete Whittingham secured the game from the spot. Extraordinary scenes. It was the 115th anniversary of E.C. Segar’s birthday on Tuesday – as those of you who look at the Google doodle each day will know – but there would be no Popeye performance from West Bromwich Albion....

BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year, Ryan Giggs is arguably his country's finest player and certainly the most decorated. According to Sir Alex Ferguson, Giggs continued brilliance for Manchester United means he has assumed a status that goes beyond that afforded to ordinary people....

Die Schwaben sacked coach Markus Babbel at the weekend, and they will hope the move to appoint Christian Gross yields instant results as they aim for a place in the last 16...Dec 8, 2009 3:20:15 PMPhoto GalleryZoomBundesliga VfB Stuttgart - VfL Bochum: Elson & Christoph Dabrowski (Bongarts/Getty-Images)Related LinksTeamsUnirea Urziceni VfB StuttgartKick-Off: Wednesday, December 9, 2009....

Matt Le Tissier has offered his services as a penalty coach to England in a bid to help avoid World Cup shoot-out misery.The former Southampton forward successfully converted 47 of the 48 penalties he took in his professional career and thinks it is strange that England do not employ a coach in an area that has cost England so dearly in big tournaments in the past....

After the strong words declared by Pozzo in the official web site of the team, Antonio Di Natale, today would have a meeting with Udinese's board, as written by Tuttosport.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has credited his excellent start to life at the Nou Camp to Barcelona's attacking ethos.The Swedish striker has slotted seamlessly into Pep Guardiola's side since arriving in an expensive part-exchange deal which saw Samuel Eto'o head the other way to Inter Milan in the summer....

James Beattie apologised to Stoke boss Tony Pulis following Saturday's dressing room spat at Arsenal, according to a report. The striker's future at the Britannia Stadium was cast into doubt after revelations of a bust-up between himself and Pulis in the dressing room at the Emirates Stadium....

AZ Alkmaar have announced Dick Advocaat as their new coach with the 62-year-old set to combine his role as Belgium national team trainer with the top job at the Eredivisie champions until the end of the season....

Arsene Wenger has hailed youngster Aaron Ramsey's ability to hit teams "where it hurts" ahead of Wednesday night's Champions League match against Olympiakos.GettyImagesAaron Ramsey is "efficient", according to Arsene Wenger• Fabregas wants target man • Preview: Olympiakos v ArsenalWith first place in Group H secure, Wenger will unleash Ramsey and his other youngsters at the Georgios Karaiskakis stadium....

Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho was in customarily belligerent mood at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League encounter with Rubin Kazan.Inter must beat the Russian champions to guarantee progression from Group F to the competition’s knockout stages and go into the match on the back of a defeat to Serie A rivals Juventus on Saturday....

Arsenal have joined the race to sign Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko according to the player's agent. The Russian is desperate to leave White Hart Lane in January and Roma have been strongly linked with a move to sign him when the window re-opens next month....

LIVERPOOL, England (AP)—Alberto Aquilani will make his first start for Liverpool following a slow recovery from ankle surgery when the team faces Group E winner Fiorentina on Wednesday in the Champions League....

(GSM) – Louis Saha may not have age on his side, as the striker is on the wrong side of 30’s, but that hasn’t deterred the French striker to find the net for Premier League club Everton FC.Saha, who scored his 11th goal of the season in the 2-2 draw against Tottenham, insists performing well for the club is his top priority, but he would love to be in South Africa next summer....

Towering striker could turn to Greek-er pastures in the summer...Dec 8, 2009 3:41:10 PMPhoto GalleryZoomUEFA Cup: John Carew, Aston Villa v CSKA Moscow (PA)Related LinksTeamsAston VillaFenerbahcePlayersJohn Alieu CarewAston Villa striker John Carew's agent has poured cold water on the speculation surrounding the Norway international's future at Villa Park....

Manchester United are considering making special arrangements for Park Ji-Sung to travel back from international games in South Korea.The midfielder is fit again and part of the United squad for Tuesday night's Champions League encounter with German champions Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena....

Portsmouth defender Linvoy Primus has confirmed his decision to retire from football due to his ongoing knee problems. The powerful centre-half, who joined Pompey in 2000 when former boss Tony Pulis snapped him up from Reading, made 219 appearances and scored six goals for the Fratton Park outfit....

(GSM) – Gianluca Atzori is not longer in charge of bottom-placed Serie A club Catania. The coach was sacked on Monday night. The Sicilian side has contracted Sinisa Mihajlovic to replace Atzori.Catania only managed to draw nine points from the first fifteen games with Atzori at the helm....

Goalkeeper Jose Reina insists he "couldn't imagine playing for another club" as Liverpool prepare for new contract talks with the Spain international.The Anfield club have already held preliminary discussions with Reina and his agent over a new deal, with his current contract still having more than two years to run....

It is a case of winner takes it all in Milan as Inter battle with Rubin Kazan for a place in the Champions League knockout stages on Wednesday night.The Italians are level on six points with Rubin in Group F, two points behind leaders Barcelona, and whoever wins the crunch clash will progress to the next round....

Jermain Defoe feels European champions Spain are rightfully favourites to win next summer's World Cup.The Tottenham striker is firmly on course to take part in the finals in South Africa and he is fully backing England's chances - but admits Spain will start as favourites....

(GSM) – Cesc Fabregas advises Arsene Wenger to sign a target man in January. The Spanish midfielder admits the team needs a big physical presence up front to give them more threat in front of goal. Arsenal wants to sign an extra attacker when the transfer window opens again in January....

Club Atlético de Madrid coach Quique Sánchez Flores is targeting "the result we need" against FC Porto to claim UEFA Europa League football, with the Spanish capital side requiring an elusive first Group D win to end APOEL FC's hopes of pipping them to third place in the section....

Dec 8 (Reuters) - FC Zurich 1 AC Milan 0 - Champions League Group C latest. At the Letzigrund, Zurich. Scorer: Milan Gajic 29 Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) (Editing by Neil Maidment; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

LONDON - American defender Jay DeMerit has returned from a three-month layoff caused by an eye injury.The 30-year-old from Green Bay, Wis., played the second half Monday night as Watford defeated Queens Park Rangers 3-1 in England's No....

Fergie says injury crisis has stunted Red Devils...Dec 8, 2009 6:11:30 AMPhoto GalleryZoomSir Alex Ferguson looked removed from the Christmas spirit ahead of Manchester United's Boxing Day game against Stoke City (PA)Related LinksTeamsMan Utd....

Adelaide United have completed the signing of Argentinian midfielder Marcos Flores on a two-year deal subject to a medical and visa clearance.Reds boss Aurelio Vidmar had tried to sign the 24-year-old in April but contract negotiations initially broke down....

Sevilla striker Luis Fabiano has been sidelined until after Christmas due to a sprained ankle.The Brazil international suffered a "grade two" strain and will be out for two to three weeks, ruling him out of the club's remaining games before the Christmas break....

Czech international holds hands up after defeat at Eastlands…Dec 8, 2009 5:06:24 PMPhoto GalleryZoomPremier League: Chelsea London - Wigan Athletic, Petr Cech (PA)Related LinksTeamsChelseaMan CityPlayersPetr CechCarlos TevezChelsea suffered their third defeat of the Premier League season at the weekend, when a Carlos Tevez free-kick evaded Petr Cech's grasp to ensure Manchester City secured a 2-1 win....

(GSM) – VfL Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko could don a red and black striped jersey next year, as the player’s agent has claimed that AC Milan are interested in bringing the 23-year-old forward to San Siro....

Scouse star won't rest until he breaks league drought...Dec 8, 2009 1:20:43 AMPhoto GalleryZoomEPL: Steven Gerrard, Liverpool - Birmingham (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsLiverpoolPlayersSteven GerrardSteven Gerrard has rejected the tag of 'Liverpool legend', insisting that his decorated career will be incomplete if it ends without a Premier League title to show for it....

Wolfsburg know that victory against Manchester United would take the German champions into the first knockout round and coach Armin Veh fancies their chances against the injury-hit visitors. Wolfsburg will progress from Group B provided they do not secure fewer points in this game than CSKA Moscow pick up at Besiktas, while United – who are through but still need a draw to be guaranteed first place – have travelled without 14 regular players....

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola looks likely to miss out on Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni who looks to be heading back to Italy. The 32-year-old is desperate to play his way back into the Italian squad in time for next summer's World Cup finals, but after falling out with Bayern coach Louis van Gaal, he is finding first team football impossible to come by at the Allianz Arena....

Without a goal or point to their name in Group A, Maccabi Haifa coach Elisha Levy wants his side to remove "that monkey on our shoulder" when they end their campaign against group winners Bordeaux. Laurent Blanc, by contrast, will use the final match of the section to look at some of his younger players ahead of the resumption of the competition in February....

Mohamed Sissoko has been ruled out of Juventus's Group A game against FC Bayern München after suffering a left thigh injury in the final training session before the critical UEFA Champions League tie.Untimely injuryJuve are second in the section, one point ahead of Bayern, and must avoid defeat to advance to the knockout phase....

For at least 90 minutes they could bask in the intense satisfaction of their club, paupers by comparison with their affluent opponents, outfighting and outplaying players expected to make a surge for promotion to the Premier League....

The Turkish gaffer is confident his men will be able to secure third spot in the table in Tuesday's game...Dec 8, 2009 2:28:33 PMPhoto GalleryZoomCL: Mustafa Denizli (Besiktas) (Getty Images)Related LinksTeamsBesiktasCSKA Reigning Turkish champions Besiktas have to secure a win greater than 2-1 when they face CSKA Moscow on Tuesday evening and hope that German side Wolfsburg do not lose in order to finish third in Group B and earn qualification for the Europa League round of 32....

The list of men and women to be crowned as the FIFA World Players for 2009 have been cut down to five. But who do you think will be the winners?Kaka, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta and Xavi are in the running for the men's award, while Inka Grings, Cristiane, Marta, Birgit Prinz and Kelly Smith could claim the women's crown....

Deschamps has described OM's elimination as "a kind of sporting logic", indicating his belief that they deserved to finish third in their pool...Dec 8, 2009 10:42:30 PMPhoto GalleryZoomLucho Gonzalez vs Marcelo (Marseille VS Real Madrid)Related LinksTeamsMarseilleReal MadridPlayersDidier DeschampsOlympique de Marseille head coach Didier Deschamps has confessed that he knows Real Madrid are a superior outfit to his, but he also indicated that he felt OM perhaps should have claimed something from their encounter at Stade Velodrome on Tuesday evening....

Rangers manager Walter Smith says the decision the work without a contract was an easy one to make in the latter stages of his career.But the veteran boss hailed his backroom team of Ally McCoist and Kenny McDowall as "brave" for arriving at the same decision....

However, the 24 year-old is set to feature in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the club's training ground. If Modric gets through the game manager Harry Redknapp is hopeful he could feature against Wolves at White Hart Lane on Saturday....

Midfield starlet doesn't rule out gaining experience away from Emirates…Dec 7, 2009 5:27:35 PMPhoto GalleryZoomJack Wilshere - Arsenal (PA)Related LinksTeamsArsenalPlayersJack WilshereArsenal youngster Jack Wilshere has not ruled out leaving the Emirates on loan this season, after reports today that several clubs were interested in signing him on a temporary basis....

Benjani has warned potential January suitors that he intends to stay on at Manchester City to fight for his place in the first-team. Bolton Wanderers' under-fire boss Gary Megson had reportedly earmarked Benjani as the striker who could fire his club away from the Premier League relegation zone and a January bid was set to be on the cards....

(GSM) – Hull City will be without Jimmy Bullard for at least six weeks. The midfielder picked up a knee injury during the match against Aston Villa (3-0 loss) and is ruled out until February.Bullard, who joined Hull City from Fulham in January, will not look back in joy at 2009....

AC Milan coach Leonardo, whose side face a decisive Champions League group stage match on Tuesday, said he would not get carried away on a tide of euphoria after their win at the weekend.The Italians need to beat Swiss champions FC Zurich away in Group C to qualify for the knockout stage without having to depend on the result of the Olympique Marseille-Real Madrid tie....

Portsmouth's defender, Nadir Belhadj (27), interviewed by the Algerian newspaper "Le Buteur", has declared his will to change club: "I hope to go away, here I'm not playing at the moment. I want to play often, and it's not happening at the moment....

The Dutch international featured in the newspaper The Sun ahead of the away clash with Debrecen in the CL - but Ryan emphazises that the quotes were misrepresented from an old interview in Holland. Babel told Liverpoolfc.tv: "I was very disappointed when it came out because I never gave an interview here in England - I never gave an interview to The Sun....

The Bosnian playmaker has made it clear that the Wolfe cannot afford to lose their focus...

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has confirmed he will field a side of youngsters for the Champions League clash against Olympiacos. The Gunners are already assured of top spot in the group so Wenger says he will use the opportunity to give his young stars some valuable experience in Europe....

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has dismissed speculation linking him with a move for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy. Van Nistelrooy has been touted as a possible January transfer target for Wenger as he looks to stengthen his attacking options following the loss of Robin van Persie to long-term injury....

Central Coast Mariners have signed striker Daniel McBreen from North Queensland Fury starting next A-League season.McBreen, 32, who has scored three goals for the Fury this season, agreed a two-year deal with the Mariners and coach Lawrie McKinna believes the signing is a coup for the club....

Defending champions Pohang Steelers know they will need to be at their best to reach the knock-out stages of the 2010 AFC Champions League after being named in a tricky group in today's draw.The South Korean side are in Group H alongside 2008 A-League runners-up Adelaide United, Chinese side Shandong Luneng and the winners of the Japanese Emperor's Cup, which will be decided on January 1....

MILAN (AP) -Serie A scoring leader Antonio Di Natale has been banned two games for criticizing and threatening the referee after Udinese's 2-1 loss to Bologna.Di Natale, who scored Saturday to raise his season tally to 11 goals, was not carded for his protests....

By Julien Pretot MARSEILLE, France, Dec 7 (Reuters) - Karim Benzema has adjusted well to his new life at Real Madrid, his coach Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday ahead of the Spanish side’s Champions League clash at Olympique Marseille....

Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid have swept the list of five nominees for the 2009 FIFA World Player of the Year award.Barcelona are represented by Spanish midfielders Andres Iniesta and Xavi along with Argentine playmaker Lionel Messi, the strong favourite for the award to be handed out on December 21....

Aaron Hughes claims striker Bobby Zamora 'is a massive part of our squad' and he has urged Fulham fans to stop criticising him. The 30-year-old Northern Ireland international defender, who agreed a new contract to keep him at Craven Cottage until 2013 at the end of last week, has spoken out to defend Zamora after boss Roy Hodgson suggested he could even make Fabio Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup finals....

Australian officials want FIFA to allow the country's domestic football codes to continue running their competitions during the World Cup if their bid to host the tournament in 2018 or 2022 is successful....

Barcelona striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic today confirmed his plans to take a break from international duty in the wake of Sweden's failure to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™.Sweden missed out a spot in South Africa after finishing third in their qualifying group behind Denmark and Portugal, and Ibrahimovic admits the desire is not there for him to play in friendly matches and instead will concentrate on club matters with Barcelona....

LONDON (AP) -With six months to go before the World Cup, Tim Howard already has England worried.The United States goalkeeper saved a late penalty from England forward Jermain Defoe in Everton's 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday in the Premier League, and some British newspapers reacted as if the World Cup were already under way....

Wellington Phoenix defender Ben Sigmund has been suspended for three weeks following an incident involving Melbourne Victory's Adrian Leijer in the Round 17 match on Friday night in Wellington.The initial incident occurred in the 36th minute of the game that finished 1-1 and originally escaped the attention of the referee, therefore allowing the Match Review Panel to intervene....

Russia coach Guus Hiddink has revealed that he will not lead another team to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Both the Nigerian FA and the Argentinian FA were believed to be interested in signing the Dutchman....

Only a win over Juventus would be good enough for Bayern to join the already-qualified Bordeaux in the last 16, but despite winning their last three matches, chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge knows it is not going to be easy....

Gennaro Gattuso has vowed to make a decision regarding his future before the January transfer window opens for business.The AC Milan midfielder is disappointed at a lack of playing time at Giuseppe Meazza and has hinted that it may be time for him to move on....

Newcastle striker Andy Carroll has been arrested on suspicion of assault following an alleged fight in a nightclub.The England Under-21 international was held by police following the incident in the city's busy Bigg Market which left a man needing hospital treatment....

Dave Kitson has not ruled out a permanent switch to Middlesbrough despite previously indicating he had no long-term plans to stay with the Championship club. The striker had initially suggested he would be heading straight back to parent club Stoke at the end of his loan spell in a bid to prove himself again in the Premier League....

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is hoping negotiations over a new contract for goalkeeper Pepe Reina can be wrapped up over the coming months.The Reds boss revealed over the weekend that the club had begun talks over a new contract for Javier Mascherano, with Benitez also keen to tie down the Spanish stopper....

Goal.com’s Tim Sturtridge brings you bang up-to-date with the latest games from the domestic scene in Argentina...Dec 7, 2009 11:13:03 PMPhoto GalleryZoomSantiago Silva - Delantero de BanfieldRelated LinksTeamsArgentinaPlayersIgnacio PiattiSebastián GrazziniAntonio Joaquín Boghossian Fecha 17Estudiantes 0 - 0 Chacarita JuniorsGodoy Cruz 1 - 1 Rosario Central Huracán 0 - 1 Banfield Racing Club 1 - 0 Tigre Argentinos Juniors 2 - 1 San Lorenzo Atlético Tucumán 2 - 0 Colón Boca Juniors 1 - 2 Independiente Vélez Sársfield 3 - 1 River Plate Newell's Old Boys 1 - 2 Arsenal Lanús 2 - 0 Gimnasia La Plata Banfield regained their place at the top of the Apertura table with their win over struggling Huracán....

Arsene Wenger admits Arsenal's injury crisis has given the Gunners' rivals the edge in this year's title race. With 14 games gone, Wenger's side sit eight points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea. The Gunners halted a streak of three straight domestic losses with a 2-0 victory over Stoke at the Emirates Stadium....

LONDON (AP)—With six European titles between them, Bayern Munich and Juventus have grown accustomed to advancing in the Champions League, but one of them will be eliminated Tuesday when they meet in the last round of the group stage....

Victory over Chelsea has set Eastlands pulses racing once again...Dec 7, 2009 10:48:59 AMPhoto GalleryZoomEPL: Vassiriki Diaby - Nigel De Jong, Manchester City - Arsenal (PA)Related LinksTeamsMan CityPlayersNigel De JongManchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong has affirmed that his team's confidence and conviction have returned after their win over Chelsea on Saturday....

Midfielder happy to help out in defence but don't expect too much...Dec 7, 2009 10:04:12 AMPhoto GalleryZoomMichael Carrick - Manchester United (PA)Related LinksTeamsMan Utd.PlayersMichael CarrickManchester United midfielder Michael Carrick has admitted that he enjoyed his stint as a stand-in centre-back at West Ham United on Saturday, but has added a cautionary note as well....

Hamilton and Hearts await their Scottish Football Association sanctions over the tunnel brawl that saw four men sent off in the aftermath of their Scottish Premier League game at New Douglas Park.SNSHearts manager Csaba Laszlo described the post-match brawl as the worst he had seenThe SFA confirmed on Sunday that they would "conduct a full investigation'' into events which led to at least a dozen players from both sides becoming involved in a brawl as they left the field....

TRANSFER GOSSIPArsenal have ruled out a January move for Real Madrid's Ruud van Nistelrooy. Robin van Persie, Nicklas Bendtner and Eduardo are all injured and Gunners manager Arsene Wenger has said that although he needs a striker, it won't be the former Manchester United star....

Goalkeeper Tim Howard then produced a crucial penalty save from Defoe two minutes into added time after Wilson Palacios had been fouled by Tony Hibbert. "There looked to be only one winner," said Redknapp, who interrupted his post-match press conference on several occasions to watch replays of Everton's goals being shown on televisions in the room....