Bremen continue Real's German misery
Werder Bremen upset nine-time titleholders Real Madrid 3-2 to leave Champions League Group C too close to call with one match remaining.
Real are still favourites to go through to the knockout round as they still lead the standings despite this loss, level on eight points with Olympiakos, who beat Lazio in Rome.
But Werder Bremen, whose last match next month is away to Olympiakos, put themselves back in contention by moving up to six points with even Lazio, who are away to Real, still in with a mathematical chance of going through.
Real, deprived here of the suspended midfielder Diego, have a woeful record in Germany, this defeat stretching that run to 22 games and only one success.
And Bremen it was who got the perfect start when Markus Rosenberg, who despite scuffing his shot put enough force behind it to get the ball past Iker Casillas, put them ahead after five minutes.
Real, keen to seal their passage to the next round with one game to spare, were back on level terms nine minutes later when Robinho conjured up a magical curling shot to put the ball beyond Christian Vander's dive and into the far corner of the net.
Bremen, on a hot streak after securing their sixth win from seven games in the Bundesliga at the weekend to lie one point off leaders Bayern Munich, regained control five minutes from the interval.
Rosenberg was at the heart of the move, skipping past a number of Spanish challenges to cross for Boubacar Sanogo to volley into the far corner of the net.
Real were looking anything like nine time European Champions when Aaron Hunt put them further behind in the 58th minute.
The 21-year-old German attacker latched onto a ball pitched over the Madrid defence and he only had to proud it past Casillas with his left foot.
Real reduced the deficit with 18 minutes left on the clock when Ruud van Nistelrooy got his 53rd goal in the competition, chipping Guti's pass over Vander's head.
But the Dutch international's intervention wasn't enough to leave Real with work to do to join their fellow European giants like Manchester United and the two Milans, AC and Inter, in the next round.
Every loss is a 'crisis', says Barcelona's Deco
Barcelona's Portugal international Deco said Monday that every defeat for the club now becomes a new crisis.
"When we have two or three good matches, the critics are good, sometimes too good, and when we lose one, it's a crisis - we criticise the manager, some players too..," he told Barca TV, the club's television channel.
"But the criticism is normal, especially when the manager has been here a long time," said the Brazilian-born midfielder, who has been out injured for the past month.
Manager Frank Rijkaard, in place since 2003, has been the target of fierce criticism since a 2-0 away defeat by Getafe in the league this month. But away from home, they have taken just six points.
"We must be aware that in order to win the league, we must pick up points away from home," said Deco.
He added his recovery from a thigh injury he picked up during a 3-1 defeat at Villarreal on October 20, is going well.
"It's true that I've had a good start to the season," the former FC Porto star said.
"I was playing well, I felt good physically. Now I must get back and try to find the right level."
Barcelona are third in the title race, four points behind bitter rivals Real Madrid after 12 matches.
Cameroon and Ivory Coast secure Beijing slots
Cameroon and Ivory Coast secured slots at the 2008 Beijing Olympics football tournament with impressive weekend wins.
Indonesia-based Christian Bekamenga scored five minutes from full-time in Guinea to clinch a 3-1 that gave the 'Indomitable Cubs' of Cameroon a four-point lead in Group C with one round left.
And Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou was among the scorers as Ivory Coast overwhelmed Zambia 4-1 in Abidjan to record a fourth consecutive Group B victory and build a five-point advantage.
It will be the third appearance of 2000 Sydney gold medalists Cameroon at the quadrennial tournament where national under-23 squads can include three over-age footballers.
Ivory Coast are going to the Games for the first time and could be a side to watch as experienced French coach Gerard Gili has moulded a potent mix of local and foreign-based footballers.
The third place reserved for Africa rests between Group A leaders Ghana and second-placed Nigeria, who will climb to the top if they defeat South Africa at home next March.
Ghana have represented Africa six times, most notably by finishing third at the 1992 Barcelona Games, and the highlight of five appearances by Nigeria was winning the 1996 edition in Atlanta.
After closest challengers Morocco lost 2-0 in Botswana, Cameroon knew three points would suffice and were ahead within 13 minutes through France-based Aurelien Chedjou.
Abdoulaye Sylla levelled midway through the first half in Conakry only for Alexis Enam from Libyan club Al-Ittihad to edge the Cubs in front again before half-time.
Gervais Yao Kouassi scored twice and Sekou Cisse once to put the Ivorian 'Baby Elephants' three goals ahead after 59 minutes and Given Singuluma pulled one back before Kalou completed the rout.
Daniel Addo squandered the best chance as Ghana were held 0-0 by Nigeria in Accra, shooting timidly at goalkeeper Ambrose Vanzekin after breaking clear during the second half.
Knowing three points would take them beyond the reach of arch rivals Nigeria, Ghana attacked relentlessly, but even the introduction of Addo, Obed Ansah and Kwadjo Asamoah could not unlock the 'Dream Team' defence.
The final five qualifying fixtures are slated for March 26.
Fan admits breach of peace after Dida clash
The Celtic fan who slapped AC Milan goalkeeper Dida during his team's Champions League match at Parkhead admitted a breach of the peace on Friday.
Robert McHendry, 27, ran onto the pitch to celebrate Scott McDonald's last minute winner on Wednesday and taunted Dida before making contact with the Brazilian's face.
The goalkeeper started to chase after the supporter but then theatrically fell to the ground as if in pain and had to be stretchered off.
McHendry handed himself in to police the morning after the incident, which could lead to Celtic being hit with severe penalties after UEFA announced it had launched a disciplinary investigation.
He told Glasgow Sheriff Court that he had got "carried away" by the late goal.
"I was running over to celebrate with the team. As I was running by I tapped the keeper of AC Milan on the shoulder," McHendry said.
"I said 'Unlucky, Dida' and continued running towards the team."
McHendry, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, will be sentenced next month after reports.
Bremen sweat on Almeida, welcome back Sanogo
Werder Bremen are sweating on the fitness of their Portuguese goal-scorer Hugo Almeida as they prepare to face Duisburg on Saturday. The 23-year-old Portugal international has scored six goals already this season, five in the Bundesliga, but missed training on Friday after picking up a foot injury in his side's 3-1 Champions League defeat to Olympiakos in midweek.
"He took a heavy knock to the foot against Olympiakos, but we are hoping he will be fit to face Duisburg, we will have to wait and see," said Bremen coach Thomas Schaaf on Friday.
Almeida travelled with the squad to Duisburg, but Bremen have top-scorer Boubacar Sanogo - who has netted seven times this season with five of them in the Bundesliga - back from a hip injury.
Inter aiming to bounce back in Europe
High-flying Inter Milan will be aiming to repeat their impressive domestic form on the European stage when they host PSV Eindhoven in Champions League action on Tuesday.
Inter won 4-1 at Roma on Saturday in a victory which propelled them two points clear in the Italian championship after six matches. Their start to the European campaign has not been so good, however.
Inter, missing a number of key players including injured pair Marco Materazzi and Patrick Vieira, struggled under constant pressure from Fenerbahce, losing 1-0 in Istanbul in their opening Group G game two weeks ago.
Neither Materazzi nor Vieira played against Roma and coach Roberto Mancini, who has other injury worries, will be hoping he has better news on the injury front by Tuesday.
Mancini will also be deprived of Colombian defender Ivan Ramiro Cordoba and Argentine striker Julio Ricardo Cruz who are both disqualified for the tie.
Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti was delighted the form his side are beginning to show ahead of their first European meeting with PSV, although that is tempered by the Italians' poor record against Dutch sides.
"This is a fundamental victory for us, for the players and for our morale in general, and for Mancini who showed he's a great coach," said Moratti after the Roma defeat.
"Too many things have been said about Inter in 1recent weeks. To be honest, we're used to these things. The only annoying thing is the injuries.
"Mancini did very well. He's a coach who knows exactly what to do."
PSV lead Group G, following their 2-1 victory over CSKA Moscow at the Philips Stadium thanks to two second-half goals from striker Danko Lazovic and midfielder Kenneth Perez, and a good result at Inter would set them up for qualification.
But the Dutch champions have had a turbulent few days.
They were kicked out of the Dutch Cup on Thursday for fielding an ineligible player and ended a bad week on Saturday by losing their top spot in the domestic league to rivals Ajax with a 1-1 draw at NAC Breda.
Ronald Koeman's side, who are on an unbroken run of eleven appearances in Europe's premier club competition, last year made it to the quarter-finals before losing in both legs to eventual finalists Liverpool.
They will be looking for their first victory on Italian soil on their eighth visit.
Hargreaves warns United to expect Roman revenge mission
Owen Hargreaves has warned Manchester United that Roma will be thirsting for revenge in Tuesday's potentially explosive Champions League tie at Old Trafford. Sir Alex Ferguson's side thrashed the Italians 7-1 when they met in the quarter-finals of Europe's top club competition last season.
Only six months later, Roma have the chance to regain some pride at the scene of one of most humiliating defeats in their history.
United midfielder Hargreaves watched that game on television with his then Bayern Munich team-mates, but he will be in the firing line when Roma return to Manchester for the Group F fixture.
The England international is set to make his European debut for the Premier League champions after recovering from a thigh strain and is determined to ensure United guard against a backlash.
"There will be no repeat of the 7-1," Hargreaves said. "Those results possibly happen once every three or four years in the entire competition. It is just not going to happen again.
"We have put ourselves in a good position by winning in Lisbon. Now, we have three home games to play. If we win those we will be comfortably into the next round. Roma is the next stepping stone towards that.
"I am sure they will try to come and avenge what happened last season but I expect us to win the game."
Big European matches at Old Trafford have a special atmosphere, but there will be an added spice to the occasion after the crowd trouble that blighted both meetings between the clubs last season.
United fans were attacked by Roma hooligans and Italian police during the first leg in Rome and there were skirmishes outside Old Trafford before the return.
Security is certain to be high and both teams will need to keep their cool to avoid inflaming the situation.
Hargreaves's ability to cope with the biggest matches was one of the main reasons Ferguson was so determined to sign him and the Canadian-born star can't wait to sample the atmosphere.
"I have had a lot of experience at Bayern Munich and been successful in the Champions League, so I am very excited about playing in this competition with United," he said.
"I have heard the European nights at Old Trafford are very special, so I am looking forward to that. The atmosphere against Chelsea last week was exceptional and I look forward to a similar atmosphere, if not better, against Roma."
The principle threat to United's hopes of continuing their 100 percent start in Europe is Francesco Totti and the Italian striker will be motivated by a desire to erase the memory of the saddest night of his career.
Totti has been Roma's captain and talisman for over a decade, as well as helping Italy win last year's World Cup.
His dazzling reputation was further bolstered last season as he claimed 26 goals for Roma to earn the European Golden Boot, awarded to the continent's top scorer.
But the 31-year-old was completely anonymous as Roma slumped to that dismal defeat in Manchester.
Luciano Spalletti's side crumbled under the pressure of a overwhelming performance that Ferguson was moved to describe as United's best in Europe during his 21-year reign at Old Trafford.
Totti was devastated by the loss and would love nothing better than to exact a measure of revenge.
Roma endured a miserable preparation for what promised to be their toughest assignment in the group stage when they were thrashed 4-1 at home by Inter Milan on Saturday.
Despite Hargreaves's caution, Roma's run of three games without a win will only strengthen United's belief that they are the cream of the crop in Group F.
Talk of Ronaldinho departure hangs heavy over Nou Camp
Talk of divorce hung heavy in the Spanish air Tuesday with Ronaldinho's forecast split from Barcelona filling the back pages.
Fuelled by reports from London that Chelsea were preparing to table a 70 million euro bid for the out-of-sorts Brazil striker newspapers here predicted separation would come sooner rather than later.
Spanish media claim Barcelona are fed up with the 2005 Footballer of the Year's poor form while the player himself has grown tired of the repeated attacks on his private life.
He has kept a distinctly low profile since being accused of late night binges before games five days ago with the official line being that he's recovering from a muscle problem which kept him out of Barca's game against Sevilla last Saturday.
Absent from training on Monday he is certain to miss Barcelona's match against Real Zaragoza on Wednesday.
Barca president Joan Laporta declared on Monday that they needed "to help (Ronaldinho) to regain his best form so that he doesn't feel isolated".
Laporte insisted that he had not yet "received any firm offers" for the star forward, whether from AC Milan or Chelsea.
That conciliatory tone set by the Barca boss contrasted with the "ultimatum" reportedly issued to Ronaldinho by his Catalan employees.
According to sports daily Marca he was told: "If you don't change you'll find yourself on the street."
Marca on Tuesday declared "there was no doubt" that the club would sell one of the jewels in its crown at the end of the season or during the winter transfer window.
The 27-year-old forward's brother and agent, Roberto de Assis, commenting on the growing rift on Monday, told The Sun newspaper: "I'm sure that a campaign exists against Ronaldinho.
"He is doing everything he can in order to return to his very best and soon he will see the fruits of his hard work. He will be at a high level again soon.
"I have read many absurd stories about his nightlife and I do not want to comment on them. Ronaldinho still has four years on his contract at Barcelona and he is calm."
Despite being jeered by fans in the Nou Camp, criticised by former Barca star Johann Cruyff, and sidelined by coach Frank Rijkaard, Ronaldinho can still count on the support of his teammates.
Lionel Messi dedicated his two-goal haul against Sevilla to him on Saturday while Italian defender Gianluca Zambrotta insisted there was nothing wrong with having a drink 48 hours before kick-off as Ronaldinho is supposed to have done recently.
Ronaldinho joined Barcelona in 2003 and his silky skills have helped them to two league titles and the Champions League in 2006.
England facing striker crisis as Owen set for op
England coach Steve McClaren was Tuesday facing up to the likelihood that he will have to do without Michael Owen for next month's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia. McClaren, who is already resigned to being without Wigan's Emile Heskey, was anxiously awaiting a diagnosis on Owen's stomach muscle injury as speculation mounted that he will require a hernia operation that would sideline him for a month.
Newcastle striker Owen has underlined his importance to England's cause by scoring four goals in the last three qualifiers and his revived partnership with Heskey helped England to beat Israel and Russia convincingly at Wembley earlier this month.
The impact of the Owen/Heskey partnership was so significant in those matches that McClaren had been widely expected to retain them as his forward combination despite the return to action of Wayne Rooney, who missed the Israel and Russia matches with a metatarsal fracture.
With Heskey ruled out following surgery on a broken bone in his foot, West Ham's Dean Ashton is being tipped for a call-up to the national squad following his recovery from the broken ankle which wrecked his chances of going to the 2006 World Cup and forced him to miss all of last season.
The 23-year-old is delighted to be back in the England reckoning and to know that, following Heskey's success in unsettling the Israeli and Russian defences, powerful centre-forwards like him are back in fashion.
"It is obviously down to Steve McClaren but I feel I'm ready for a call-up and it would be lovely to realise my dream of playing for England," Ashton said at the weekend.
"Emile was outstanding in the last two games, so hopefully that shows there is room for a big guy up front."
Ashton has the aerial power England need if they are to make the most of their ability to turn opposing defences through the pacy combination of Micah Richards and Shaun Wright-Phillips on the right and Joe Cole's ability to deliver high-quality crosses from the left.
But he also boasts a superior first touch to Heskey and his willingness to loiter on the shoulder of the last defender potentially makes him an ideal foil for Rooney.
This month's victories have put England back on track to qualify for Euro 2008 but they cannot afford to lose to Russia in Moscow on October 17.
Newcastle were due to make an announcment on Owen's diagnosis later on Tuesday.
Benitez tells Liverpool to learn from their mistakes after draw
Rafa Benitez warned his Liverpool players they must learn from their sloppy Champions League draw at Porto.
Benitez's side were fortunate to escape from the Dragao Stadium with a 1-1 draw on Tuesday after being punished for a lacklustre start.
They fell behind to Lucho Gonzalez's early penalty and, although Dirk Kuyt equalised later in the first half, Jermaine Pennant's needless sending off on the hour summed up a underwhelming display by last season's Champions League runners-up.
Benitez knows Liverpool will have to improve vastly if they are to reach a third European final in four years and he will emphasise that message on the flight home.
The only crumb of comfort for the Spanish coach was the way his resilient team held on for a point in arguably their toughest Group A assignment.
"I haven't seen the other teams yet so it is difficult to say who is the best team in the group," Benitez said. "But we were playing against a good team so we have to be happy.
"The point is good because playing with 10 men against good players with pace and ability is not easy.
"I don't know why we were so bad in the first half because the warm-up was ok, but we made too many mistakes.
"We needed to show character and we did. We have to learn from the positives in the second half."
Pennant must have breathed a sign of relief that Liverpool's defenders, led by the imperious Jamie Carragher, managed to bail him out.
Benitez didn't even look at Pennant as the winger trudged off after earning a second booking for a rash lunge on Fucile as he shepherded the ball out for a goal-kick.
The Spanish coach made it clear he had told Pennant not to commit himself to a challenge unless he was certain he could win the ball, so it was especially galling to see him do the exact opposite.
"The sending off was right," Benitez said. "Jermaine made a mistake and he will learn from the experience. Maybe it will be positive for him in the future.
"It is clear he did not need to make the tackle. We were talking to him about staying on his feet. It was difficult to understand but he will learn."
While Pennant's woes were self-inflicted it was hard to recalled a less effective club display from Steven Gerrard.
The Liverpool captain, who is obviously still struggling with his broken toe, admitted his side were fortunate.
"I'm disappointed with the way we played," Gerrard said. "We didn't start well and never got going in the first half.
"But I'm glad to take a point. A point away in the Champions League is never a bad result."
Liverpool were caught cold and fell behind in the eighth minute when Tarik Sektioui easily beat Sami Hyypia to Ricardo Quaresma's clever pass.
Sektioui was clear on goal and he clipped the ball round Reina before being sent sprawling by the Liverpool keeper.
It was a clear penalty and Porto captain Lucho stepped up to send Reina the wrong way from the spot.
But Liverpool equalised in the 17th minute.
Hyypia looped Finnan's free-kick across goal to Kuyt and the Dutch striker got in front of Joao Paulo to plant a close-range header past Nuno.
Liverpool could have few complaints when Pennant was dismissed in the 58th minute. He had already been booked, so his lunge on Fucile was foolhardy in the extreme.
Inevitably the visitors were forced back but Porto came no closer than a Quaresma chip that Hyypia hacked away.
Jesualdo Ferreira believes the Portuguese champions will grow in confidence after a promising performance.
Although the Porto coach conceded his team had missed an opportunity for an invaluable victory, he was encouraged by the way they dominated one of Europe's top sides.
"A draw against Liverpool is ok, but if you look at the game we could have won it," Ferreira said.
"It was our first game and it is always difficult against Liverpool but we were superior at all times.
"We didn't have many chances after the sending off but we tried to win the match."
Mourinho mystified as Chelsea draw aginst minnows
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is alarmed by his expensively-assembled team's dramatic loss of goalscoring form which has dented their domestic and European title hopes. The Blues have scored just once in their last three matches -- hardly the sort of form likely to scare their next opponents: English Premier League champions Manchester United, who host Chelsea in Sunday's crunch match.
And the Blues' main goalscorers, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and England midfielder Frank Lampard, who have missed the last two games through injuries, are unlikely to make the trip to Old Trafford.
Hosts Chelsea dominated possession in Tuesday's 1-1 draw at home to unfancied Norwegian champions Rosenborg in the Champions League Group B match at Stamford Bridge.
But despite a hatful of chances, only Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko -- restored to the Chelsea first team in the absence of Drogba and Peru forward Claudio Pizarro -- managed to get on the scoresheet.
"I'm very disappointed," Mourinho said.
"We had about 20 chances and scored one goal. So to score two, maybe we need 40 chances; to score three, maybe 60.
"From the 20 chances, maybe 15 of them were not even on target. One in the net and some others the goalkeeper saved.
"We can speak and speak but the history of the game is we couldn't score more than one goal in 20 shots.
"I'm alarmed, I'm not happy."
The lack of sharpness in attack in the 2-0 defeat at Aston Villa, 0-0 draw with visitors Blackburn and the Rosenborg stalemate is playing on Mourinho's mind.
"For me, the drama is in three matches where we played with attacking teams, dominating games, creating chances and we scored one single goal," the Portuguese said.
"That's the reality of this team. Drogba and Lampard mean more than 50 percent of the goals Chelsea score. They are not playing. Good news is not arriving from the medical department.
"So I have to fight with these people, to make the team the best possible."
Against Rosenborg, Shevchenko scored an equaliser which could salvage his Chelsea career.
Mourinho had bizarrely compared the under-performing striker to a second-grade egg before the match, but Shevchenko left the Portuguese with just a little egg on his face as he rescued a point.
Finland centre-half Miika Koppinen flicked in a free kick cross in the 24th minute before Shevchenko equalised with a 53rd-minute header, his 56th Champions League goal in 90 appearances.
Chelsea hit the woodwork twice but a draw at home against the unfancied Norwegians could prove costly in a group featuring Germany's Schalke and Spain's Valencia.
The Blues were intent on winning the Champions League this time round, having reached the semi-finals in three of the last four seasons, but Mourinho now has a glum outlook.
"It's more difficult to qualify from the group stage because this is the kind of game you have to win," he said.
"It's the kind of game that normally you win, when you play at home against a team that normally should be the weakest in the group.
"So it's not a good result.
"We are not scared of the situation in the Champions League. It may be more difficult to finish first. Maybe we need to win something like four points against Valencia."
Shevchenko, a 30-million-pound (60-million-dollar, 43-million-euro) purchase from Italian giants AC Milan in May 2006, has been criticised for scoring only 15 goals in 53 Blues appearances.
He might have hoped his equaliser would have earned a pat on the back from his boss.
But when asked about the Ukrainian's performance, Mourinho stared blankly for a while then shrugged.
"My team didn't win," he said, eventually.
"Shevchenko is part of my team and I don't like to speak about individuals. We couldn't win, so I have nothing special to say."
Meanwhile Rosenborg boss Knut Torum reckons the Troillongan can certainly reach the Champions League knock-out phase.
"I thought that before the match and I said we don't have to win at Chelsea to go forward, so of course it was a good result for us," he said.
"The boys are having a good time in the locker room. They say we have a schedule now, draw away and win at home. We believe in that. That's one of the strengths of Rosenborg after so many years in the Champions League."
Blues deny Abramovich bonus bonanza
Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.
Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.
And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.
It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.
But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.
"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.
"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."
Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.
Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia's players a financial incentive to beat England in their key Euro 2008 qualifier at Wembley on Wednesday.
Reports claimed the Russian players would receive 40,000 pounds (81,000 dollars) each if they were to defeat Steve McClaren's men.
And Abramovich was accused of funding the bonus plan through the National Football Academy along with the Russian Football Union.
It was alleged that 15,000-pounds-per-man was being paid for by the Russian Football Union while the remaining sum would be guaranteed by the Abramovich-backed Academy.
But a Chelsea statement said: "Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.
"The financial backing Mr Abramovich gives to Russian football, via his National Academy of Football foundation, is for the development of the game as a whole and is not focused on specific matches.
"Mr Abramovich supports grass-roots football initiatives through such efforts as building football pitches, helping to organise youth sports academies and providing training for coaches."
Chelsea are likely to have four of their players lining up against the Russians, with Ashley Cole, John Terry, Joe Cole and Shaun Wright-Phillips possible starters.
Bremen wait on Brazilians Diego and Alberto
Werder Bremen are hoping to extend the contract of in-form Brazilian midfielder Diego as they wait on the fitness of his South American compatriot Carlo Alberto, the club announced on Wednesday. Alberto is struggling with a knee injury and broke down in training on Wednesday to become a major concern ahead of Friday's Bundesliga clash at Borussia Dortmund.
And playmaker Diego is under contract until June 2010 but after some top-class performances this season Bremen are keen to extend the 22-year-old's pay deal prematurely.
"We are pretty happy that Diego is still under contract with us until 2010," said director of sport Klaus Allofs said on Wednesday.
"It's not a burning issue for us, but we want to extend his contract."
But there is still no contract for Croatian striker Ivan Klasnic who has come back from two kidney transplants and is fighting his way back to full fitness.
"There is no time window on that issue and we don't want to avoid any pressure, we have to be patient," said coach Thomas Schaaf with Klasnic suffering from flu.
Real promise bumper bonus for Champions League win
Real Madrid have promised their players a bumper bonus of 600,000 euros (826,000 dollars) each if they can secure a tenth European Cup crown this season, Marca sports daily said Sunday.
In the event of victory in the Champions League, the bonus would cost the nine-times European champions a total of 15 million euros (20.6 million dollars).
But with Real picking up a hefty 21 million euros (28.9 million dollars) in Champions League revenus by making to the last 16 last season, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon is happy to splash out.
Calderon said he is determined to win Europe's premier club competition this season and has introduced the bonus scheme from which team coach Bernd Schuster will also benefit.
The Champions League final will be held on May 21 in Moscow.
Real, who last won the Champions League in 2002, currently sit top of the Spanish first division after just two match days.
Owen special puts England back on Euro 2008 track
Michael Owen scored one of the finest goals of his international career as England got their Euro 2008 qualifying campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Israel here on Saturday. Owen's 38th England goal, a sublime half-volley from 20 yards, was sandwiched between Shaun Wright-Phillips's first-half opener and a Micah Richards header midway through the second period as Steve McClaren's side strolled to their first win at the rebuilt Wembley.
Israel looked desperately out of their depth. But England still displayed sufficient quality to ensure they will go into Wednesday's meeting with Russia here confident of taking another big step towards next year's finals.
McClaren said: "Good performance, good result, now we have to follow that on Wednesday.
"The crowd really got behind the team, they kept us going for 90 minutes - we need that again on Wednesday."
He added: "Shaun Wright-Phillips was under a lot of pressure today. We were disappointed with him last season but he's really come to the boil.
"And what a tremendous goal by Michael."
McClaren's starting line-up, shorn of the injured Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and David Beckham, had a retrospective air about it.
Owen Hargreaves's failure to recover from a thigh strain allowed Aston Villa's Gareth Barry to make his first start for his country in almost seven years while, Owen resumed his strike partnership with Emile Heskey, recalled after three years in the international wildnerness.
Heskey's early contribution offered promise, the Wigan's striker willingness to make himself available to hold up the ball offering England's attacking moves a cohesion that was notably missing in a goalless draw with Israel in Tel Aviv in March.
But there was also an early reminder of why Heskey's previous 43 England appearances had yielded only five goals. Teed-up after Owen had pulled down Barry's ball into the box, he blasted his shot over the bar from 12 yards.
The 10th-minute chance highlighted Israel's defensive deficiencies and it took a crude body-check from Shimon Gershon to prevent Gerrard from charging on to a Heskey flick, the Israeli defender picking up a yellow card in the process.
With Heskey going close with a back-post header from Gerrard's corner, an England opener was looking inevitable.
It duly arrived in the 20th minute courtesy of a fine move launched by Gerrard, whose long ball sent Ashley Cole beyond the Israeli back four.
The left-back deftly clipped the ball back into the path of Joe Cole who floated in an angled cross that Wright-Phillips, timing his run around the back of the defence to perfection, volleyed past Dudu Awat from the edge of the six-yard box.
England should have doubled their lead eight minutes before the break, when Owen spurned two opportunities to beat Awat from close range.
Set up by Joe Cole's cushioned lay-off of a Wright-Phillips cross, the Newcastle striker blasted his first attempt into the Deportivo La Coruna goalkeeper's chest and the second high into the stand.
Owen's approach work was of a superior standard three minutes later but Ashley Cole was unable to squeeze his shot past Awat's outstretched left glove.
Israel introduced Toto Tamuz for the second half in the hope the Nigerian striker could unsettle England as he had done briefly in Tel Aviv.
Instead, it was to be Owen who put the outcome beyond doubt with a goal of sufficient quality to ensure his first-half double miss will be quickly forgotten.
Found by Barry's angled pass on the edge of the area, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid striker swivelled on his first touch before unleashing an unstoppable strike that flew beyond Awat's left hand and into the top corner.
Barry was also involved in England's third, delivering the corner that Richards headed past Awat in the 66th minute.
It was the Manchester City's first international goal and capped another energetic, mature display at right-back. Gary Neville must be wondering if he has played his last game for his country.
Nigeria beat Germany to reach Under-17 World Cup final
Nigeria reached the final of the FIFA Under-17 World Cup Thursday, defeating Germany 3-1 in the South Korean city of Suwon.
The African regional champions will face Spain in Sunday's final in Seoul.
In an entertaining first half, Nigeria struck first, with Macauley Chrisantus scoring his tournament-leading seventh goal in the 10th minute.
German goalkeeper Rene Vollath could not hold on to a shot by Yakubu Alfa and Chrisantus was all alone in front of goal to bang home the loose ball.
Eight minutes later, Alfa scored following another mistake by Vollath, with what appeared to be a harmless left-foot kick.
The ball went straight to the German keeper from outside the penalty box but it spun off his hands and into the net to give the Nigerians a two-goal cushion.
German skipper Tony Kroos pulled a goal back in the 33rd minute, dribbling past defender Kingsley Udoh and firing past Oladele Ajiboye.
Germany nearly equalised in the 38th minute, when Richard Sukuta-Pasu's diving header hit a post. A minute later, Chrisantus was one-on-one with Vollath but his shot rolled wide of the right post.
There were few scoring chances for either side in the second half, as Nigeria sat back to protect their lead. In the 62nd minute, German Kevin Wolze received a fine pass from Kroos but could not beat Ajiboye.
The last goal of the game followed a bizarre turn of events. Just moments before the final whistle, Chrisantus had a goal disallowed for offside.
Vollath picked the ball out of the net and kicked it to a defender. But the ball was carelessly passed back towards Vollath, and Kabiru Akinsola intercepted it and lobbed it over the hapless keeper.
Nigeria will be chasing their third win in this tournament on Sunday at the Seoul World Cup Stadium. Germany will face Ghana in the third-place playoff match, also in Seoul.
2010 World Cup enters "operational phase" in S.Africa
Preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa has entered its "operational phase", the chief executive officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), Dany Jordaan, said on Thursday. "The 1,000 days countdown signals to us now the beginning of the operational phase", he told a press conference ahead of the symbolic September 15 date marking 1,000 days to the start of the world soccer fiesta.
He enumerated LOC's achievements so far: "selection of nine host cities, signing of contracts with cities, finalisation of legislation, establishment of right committees, finalisation of match schedule, selection of management team and start of construction site.
"The first thing to deliver is preliminary draw for the qualifying phase", scheduled for November 27 in Durban, he added.
More than 3,000 officials of the LOC, FIFA, national coaches, notable names in footbal and media are expected at Durban ceremony.
Then, the "Confederation Cup", will follow in 2009 in five South African stadia which should be ready "in December 2008", he also said.
"To build all our stadia on time is a huge challenge ... we believe we have the winning formula."
"Yes, we will have difficulties in stadium construction, but we are confident in the capacity of the construction industry in this country."
To mark the "countdown to 1,000 days to the competition", the LOC has planned series of events, especially in capital Pretoria, for September 15.
"We would like to assert to the world and South Africans that the different institutions involved in the organisation are confident that we are on course that we will host a wonderful World Cup," said Jordaan without giving further details on the programme of activities.
Barcelona coach praises new Real Madrid signing
Barcelona's Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard on Tuesday praised arch-rival Real Madrid's new signing Wesley Sneijder, who is also from the Netherlands, calling him a "creative player".
"He plays well with both feet, he can play as a midfielder or in an attacking central role, he has a good mentality and the character of a winner," he told a news conference.
"He is a creative player, who can make great passes, who knows how to make great shots and score," he added.
Sneijder has scored three goals during two Spanish league matches for Real Madrid, including two as his side crushed Villareal 5-0 on Sunday, winning him praise from the press.
The 23-year Dutch international, who inherited the England star's number 23 shirt, joined Real from Ajax.
Ballack doesn't understand Chelsea's decision: Loew
Michael Ballack does not understand his club Chelsea's decision to axe him from their Champions League squad for the group stages, Germany's head coach Joachim Loew revealed on Wednesday. Ballack, 30, is hoping to return soon from April's ankle surgery, but misses Germany's Euro 2008 qualifier against Wales on Saturday, the friendly with Romania next Wednesday and has now been left out of Chelsea's plans.
Having this week been axed from Chelsea's Champions League squad for the autumn's group stages, Germany's captain is baffled, according to Loew, adding to rumours in the British press Ballack could be on the way out of Stamford Bridge.
"I discussed it with Michael and he could not fully explain Chelsea's decision to me," said Loew in a press conference on Wednesday ahead of Saturday's Group D Euro 2008 qualifier.
"Chelsea's doctors estimate he will not be able to play for two to three more months, but Michael is much more optimistic and expects to play sooner.
"For us, Chelsea's decision isn't justifiable," added Loew who plans to recall Ballack for October's Euro 2008 internationals with the Czech Republic and the Republic of Ireland.
Ballack, one of Germany's world-class players, has a superb international record for midfielder with 35 goals from 77 internationals and Loew wants his captain back on the field as soon as possible.
But this is not the first time Chelsea and the German camp have not seen eye-to-eye this summer.
The English giants were unhappy when Ballack flew back to Munich in April and, on the advice of German doctors, had an operation after picking up the ankle injury in a Premier League match.
The surgery ruled Ballack out of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final, plus the FA Cup final, and the English club felt Ballack was prioritising Germany's June internationals with San Marino and Slovakia above their schedule.
Ballack insisted the operation was crucial and ended the debate when he insisted: "Anybody saying that this operation was done because I was looking at the two Germany games in the beginning of June has to be kidding, " he said at the time.
"That's complete stupidity. Name me one player on earth who would risk not playing in the FA Cup final against Manchester United or not playing in a Champions League semi-final against Liverpool because of a Euro 2008 qualifier against San Marino."
Milan come back down to earth
AC Milan's joy at winning the European Super Cup last Friday was doused on Monday as they were held 1-1 by Fiorentina in their Serie A clash.
Milan - who beat Sevilla 3-1 on Friday in Monaco - looked to be on their way to joining AS Roma and Juventus at the top of the table when Brazilian star Kaka scored from the penalty spot - his third goal of the season - in the 27th minute.
However fatigue seemed to set in the second-half for the Milanese and Fiorentina took advantage as former Chelsea striker Adrian Mutu headed the equaliser in the 56th minute.
Milan pushed forward looking for a winner but found Fiorentina's French goalkeeper Sebastien Frey equal to the task of both Filippo Inzaghi and Kaka's efforts.
Spanish Federation gives red card to Catalan-USA friendly
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) on Monday vetoed a mooted friendly international between the eastern region of Catalonia and the United States, which had been slated for October 14. The Catalan regional federation (FCF) had reached agreement for the game with US counterparts but the RFEF board rejected the idea by 18 votes to three, FCF sources said.
One of the reasons put forward was that Spain are themselves playing Denmark a day earlier in a Euro 2008 qualifier and then on the 17th a friendly against Finland.
RFEF spokesman Jorge Carretero told the Europa Press news agency that the date was not opportune.
Occasionally, such as during the Christmas and New Year break, regional sides have played in friendlies and last October Catalonia played a Basque regional select XI.
Fabregas ready to come of age
Arsene Wenger believes Cesc Fabregas will come of age this season and prove that Arsenal don't need to spend big money to win the Premier League title.
The 20-year-old has been regarded as the most talented of Wenger's young prodigies for several seasons, but now the Spaniard has added goal-scoring to his game, making him the complete midfielder in the eyes of his manager.
He scored his fourth goal in six matches to help Arsenal to a 3-1 win over Portsmouth on Sunday, equalling his total for the whole of last season.
Wenger is convinced Fabregas is capable of being the kind of world-class playmaker who can ensuring compete with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool for the game's top honours.
He drew a comparison with the way Paul Scholes combines striker's instinct with the ability to influence matches from midfield.
"He has a lot of characteristics of Scholes," Wenger said. "The frame, intelligence in the game, passing when to go into the box. He is only 20 and people forget that.
"I made a tape of him last year and you wouldn't believe how many chances he had. When he was a young boy he scored goals. That is a nice disease to have.
"Sometimes it disappears but it always comes back when you mature physically and mentally.
"When you go into the senior game you can lose it but if you did it in the youth team you can take advantage of positive situations anywhere."
If Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov and former Gunners vice-chairman David Dein do manage to mount a takeover at Arsenal, Wenger is likely to have millions to spend in the transfer market.
But he maintains he has enough talent to succeed already, so spending vast sums on famous names would not necessarily be the best route to success.
"Money can always be enough or never enough," Wenger said. "If you have 100 pounds and your opponent has 200, then you want 200. When you have 200 he has 400. Where does it stop?
"It depends as well what the other clubs have. I believe football is great because everybody can have a chance by building a team.
"I feel we have stability. What is important in a football club is what is happening on the pitch.
"We are super ambitious and of course that creates a pressure but we can live with that. This team has been built to have an attacking personality. That means it is very important they express themselves.
"We have enough quality to fight for the championship. I selected these players and I believe in them. I have enough belief they share my ambition."
Arsenal were at their eye-catching best against Portsmouth.
They took the lead in the seventh minute when David James brought down Robin van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor stroked home the penalty for his first goal of the season.
Fabregas got the second with a close-range strike after Gilberto Silva had flicked on a corner.
Philippe Senderos's dismissal early in the second half for a professional foul on former Arsenal striker Nwankwo Kanu did little to disturb Arsenal's rhythm.
Tomas Rosicky punished slack Portsmouth marking to extend Arsenal's lead and Kanu's strike a minute later was no consolation.
Redknapp admitted several of his new players had been given a harsh lesson in the special demands of the Premier League.
"One or two of the new signings are still coming to terms with the English game," Redknapp said. "People like John Utaka; on the ball he did some fantastic things, but he has to learn the otherside of the game as well.
"I didn't shout and screaming at anyone. We just had a chat about it.
"The problem is I won't see those players until Friday week because of the internationals. I can't sit down with them and show them videos and discuss the goals in detail.
"Then when they come back we are concentrating on playing Liverpool. Am I then going to start getting into them about what they did here? It's crazy."
Villa defeat tests Abramovich patience
Jose Mourinho admitted he could not blame Roman Abramovich for leaving early after Martin O'Neill's Aston Villa became the first side to beat Chelsea this season. Abramovich, Chelsea's Russian owner, departed seconds after Villa scored their second goal to condemn the Blues to their first defeat since late January.
Debutant Zat Knight and Gabriel Agbonlahor, both local boys and lifelong Villa supporters, scored in the second half to leave Mourinho still waiting for his first Premier League victory at Villa Park.
It was a performance that suggested Chelsea might struggle to reclaim the league title this season, but Mourinho insisted that there was no great significance in Abramovich's early exit.
The Portuguese said: "Can I blame him for being frustrated? No. The owner leaves the stadium when he wants to leave. I went to see England play Germany the other week and left early because I wanted to run away from the traffic.
"But my congratulations go to Villa because we made a mistake we cannot make and got punished. We played well in my opinion.
"I'm not used to losing games which is a good thing. It is good because it means we win more than we lose and it's more difficult to live with a defeat."
The defeat means Liverpool and Arsenal have already established an early edge over Chelsea in the title race and Mourinho admitted: "The league will be tighter this year because a lot of teams have spent a lot of money.
"In my opinion there are a lot of good teams and a big improvement. It is more normal for the big teams to lose matches now.
"It's more difficult to play against teams like Villa because they are better. It is the first weekend of September and five games in so this means nothing yet."
Villa fully deserved their victory with an effervescent performance and are surely certain to make a marked improvement on their first season under Martin O'Neill.
Villa have avoided defeat to Chelsea since 1999 and Martin O'Neill was determined to pile on the agonyO'Neill is convinced that Villa's inability to claw their way higher up the table has been a result of their failure to beat the more established sides.
Liverpool have already accounted for Villa this season but their hoodoo over Chelsea showed no sign of abating at an exuberant Villa Park.
They could have gone in front early when Agbonlahor, the England under-21 international, nearly stunned the visitors in the eighth minute with a clever turn and shot but Petr Cech produced an excellent save.
But Chelsea responded strongly with Scott Carson, the England international goalkeeper, frustrating long-range efforts from Michael Essien and Shaun Wright-Phillips.
Villa's start to the second half was equally impressive and Ashley Young forced more heroics from Cech with a fine 20-yard effort.
From the resultant corner, Villa took the lead. Gareth Barry's corner was powerfully met by Knight and Ashley Cole on the goalline could not prevent it from finding the net.
Chelsea's misery was complete when Agbonlahor diverted Ashley Young's fierce cross cum shot past Cech a minute from time.
"We needed a good result against a good team like Chelsea to give us a boost," said O'Newill.
"We need it to give us some belief. But if you ask me if this team is better than it was last year I would say absolutely no question.
"We are getting better all the time and we've got loads of talent in the team. We've got that desire that Chelsea have shown in abundance again and again and again.
"I don't mind the expectation because this club should be built on it. We're not as good as the top four sides but we aspire to be.
"I'll now just wait and worry while my players are on international duty!"
Louis can be United goal king, says Ferguson
Sir Alex Ferguson will look to Louis Saha to kick-start Manchester United's season after the French striker made a goal-scoring return following his long-term injury problems.
Saha has struggled with ankle and knee injuries since the turn of the year and made his first appearance since early may in the single-goal defeat of Sunderland.
The forward's match-winner was his first Premiership goal since last December and with Wayne Rooney missing for at least another month with a broken foot, United manager Ferguson admitted he was relieved to have Saha back.
The champions have struggled so far with Rooney and the suspended Ronaldo, managing just three goals in five Premiership games.
And Ferguson believes the return of Saha with give United a major boost as he attempts to blend new arrivals Carlos Tevez, Nani and Anderson into his side.
"We needed someone like Louis against Sunderland," the manager said.
"He showed his penetration, his strength, his speed. He's a great asset to have and of course we have been missing him for the last eight months now.
"He has come through fine and we are delighted at that also because after being out for such a long time we are aware that kind of injury can come back again but thankfully he is okay."Our front four haven't played together before. It was Anderson's first game, Tevez playing through on his own when I think he is far better playing behind someone, Chris Eagles is a young lad, Nani, it's new to them."
Ferguson believes the two-week international break will ensure Saha is fresh to resume when United travel to Everton on September 15.
"The break will give them a chance to recover and get ready for the next game at Goodison," he added
"It's a big game because we will be in Europe immediately after so it's an exciting time but by then we will have Ronaldo back for certain."
Roy Keane admitted Sunderland's narrow defeat at Old Trafford meant much more than the rousing reception he received at Old Trafford on his first visit to his former club as a manager.
Keane's side have now suffered four straight defeats but the manager is convinced his promoted team have enough to survive their first season back in the top flight.
"The result overshadowed the occasion but I did enjoy the reception, it was very, very nice, but straight after the game it's all about getting the right result," he said.
"We didn't quite make it but overall there were good signs for us.
"I didn't really get sucked into it and get bogged down with it, I just got on with the match. Of course I appreciated it but United fans have always been good to me even the time when I let the club down as a player.
"I am comfortable in where we are and where we are trying to go. We are obviously on the back of playing Liverpool and United and that was always going to be a testing time for us.
"But we have a two-week break coming up, we had a couple of lads making their debuts, and I more than confident we will be alright come the end of the season.
"There will be disappointments along the way but we will just lick our wounds and get on with it."
Beckham hits out at LA Galaxy critics
Footballer David Beckham hit out at claims that his Los Angeles Galaxy side was "a pub team" and that the Major League Soccer was "a Mickey Mouse league", in an interview published Sunday. Beckham also dismissed suggestions that the burden of travelling between the United States and England's international games would be too much for him.
The former Manchester United and Real Madrid star said he had felt when around LA Galaxy's bosses, manager and coach "how much it hurt them when people who don't know anything were turning round and calling the Galaxy a pub team and calling the MLS a Mickey Mouse league."
Many sportswriters in Britain have criticised the former England captain's decision to join the club and criticised the standard of the game in the US.
"I don't know whether it's ignorance or snobbery or whether it's that the people saying these things have never played the game or watched it being played here, but they should be sitting here now, watching us beat a team that's won the Mexican league two years running," he added.
"The standard is nowhere near as low as people have been saying it is.
"For a start, you have to be incredibly fit and physically strong to play here: America's a country, after all, that produces some of the best athletes in the world."
Beckham joined LA Galaxy at the start of this season in a deal reportedly worth 250 million dollars (183 million euros).
The interview in the Observer newspaper was apparently conducted before he suffered a knee sprain last week which will sideline him for six weeks, meaning he will miss England's two September Euro 2008 qualifying matches.
He admitted that the workload in recent weeks had been "starting to wear me out, to be honest".
But Beckham insisted playing for his country was still important to him, regardless of how much travelling it would entail.
"The Galaxy have made it clear that they'll do anything they can to help me play for my country. They know how passionate I am about it.
"Everyone's working together."
He also spoke of how happy his family, including his wife Victoria, a member of pop group the Spice Girls, was in Los Angeles.
"I can't think of many better places: for me, for the kids, for Victoria. I haven't seen Victoria happier than this in the 10 years we've been together," he said.
"That on its own makes having come here worthwhile.
"The house is lovely, the schools are sorted, the boys are excited."
Gunners among Premiership trio in late transfer action
Arsenal, West Ham and Newcastle beat Friday's transfer deadline by a matter of minutes to make late additions to their respective squads.
Arsenal signed France international midfielder Lassana Diarra from Chelsea on a "long-term contract" for an undisclosed fee.
West Ham confirmed they signed Henri Camara from Wigan and Nolberto Solano from Newcastle, while the Magpies beat the midnight deadline to complete the signings of Habib Beye and Abdoulaye Faye.
Versatile 22-year-old Diarra had found first-team opportunities limited at Stamford Bridge and told arsenal.com: "I have great respect for the manager Arsene Wenger and am attracted by the style of football that the team plays.
"Of course I am excited by what the future holds and keen to play my part in helping Arsenal fight for trophies this season and for years to come."
Striker Camara has signed on a season-long loan at Upton Park while Solano joins on a one-year contract with the option of another year. Neither signed in time to play for the Hammers against Reading on Saturday.
Defensive pair Beye and Faye had been expected to make the move to St James' Park but left it late to confirm their three-year deals.
Middlesbrough overcame a late complication to complete the signing of Gary O'Neil from Portsmouth less than an hour before the transfer deadline. The 24-year-old underwent a medical on Teesside after the two clubs agreed a five million pounds (10 million dollars) fee.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate told Sky Sports News: "We've just completed the deal, we've very pleased and I'm looking forward to getting home to bed!"
Boca Juniors given extra time to lure Villarreal's Riquelme
Argentine giants Boca Juniors have been given an extra 72 hours to try and negotiate the purchase of Villarreal midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme. The Buenos Aires-based club have had an 8.8 million euros offer for the Argentine midfielder rejected by the Spanish league side, and are now set to increase their bid to secure the Argentine.
The transfer deadline in Europe was midnight on Friday but the Argentine Football Federation (AFA) said Friday they had given Boca until Monday night to finalise ongoing negotiations with Villarreal.
Riquelme, whose four-month loan spell at Boca ended in June, is linked with the Valencia-based club until June 2009.
England midfielder Gerrard struggling to make Euro 2008 qualifiers
Steven Gerrard faces a race against time to be fit for England's crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers as he struggles to recover from a broken toe.
Gerrard is expected to miss Liverpool's match against Derby on Saturday because the foot injury has not fully healed, making him a major doubt for Israel's visit to Wembley on September 8 and the game against Russia the following Wednesday.
Steve McClaren is likely to name Gerrard in his England squad on Friday in the hope that the midfielder can step up his fitness next week.
England must win both matches to keep their hopes of reaching the European finals, but Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez was downbeat about Gerrard's prospects.
"I have spoken to Steven and the news is not very positive," said Benitez. "The doctor will continue to help him. But it will be very difficult for him to play on Saturday."
'I made a mistake', admits Materazzi
Italy's World Cup winning defender Marco Materazzi said Thursday he had made a mistake in sledging French icon Zinedine Zidane during last year's final.
Materazzi told Zidane that he preferred his "whore of a sister" to his shirt.
It was this comment that led to Zidane headbutting the Inter Milan defender in the chest and being dramatically sent off. That incident preceded France losing the final in a penalty shoot-out.
"Six stupid words. I made a mistake but Zidane also made a mistake in reacting the way he did," said the uncompromising Materazzi, who scored in the final and one of the penalties in the shoot-out.
Materazzi was talking at the launch of his book "Life of a warrior", co-written with two Italian journalists, and released just before the Italians face France in Milan in a Euro 2008 qualifier on September 8.
The French won the first match 3-1, but Materazzi will miss the re-match after picking up a thigh injury in a friendly win over Hungary earlier this month.
"I understand why he reacted that way," added Materazzi. "It all happened in a match of high pressure. But I don't understand what came after when he was forgiven by everyone except me who had been headbutted.
"If we made peace, no-one would know about it, we would do it in private perhaps at my house or his. That's why I didn't want to say anything publically. I left the talking to others but only him and me know what happened."
Materazzi, who has undergone surgery on his injured thigh, believes he could be back in action in October.
Although he will miss the match with France in Milan, he appealed to fans to act peacefully in the return leg.
"I want spectators to greet the French team in the same way that we were welcomed by French fans in Paris. They were very fair. I ask the tifosi to do the same."
Materazzi also has his own thoughts on the one-match suspension handed out to France coach Raymond Domenech for that game.
"It's 19 years to the day that my mother died," he said. "Some things are more important."
Atletico Madrid snap up Riquelme
Atletico Madrid continued their summer spending spree Wednesday in snapping up Argentine playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme from Villarreal, Cadena Ser radio reported.
The radio said both parties had reached agreement, to be sealed officially Thursday, on a two-year contract with an additional year option.
Riquelme, out of favour with Villarreal's Chilean coach Manuel Pellegrini and recently plying his trade on loan to Boca Juniors in his homeland, had earlier said he would be willing to play for nothing if hard-up Boca had paid a transfer fee.
The 29-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Boca and helped the Argentines to victory in the Copa Libertadores but the club said they believed that all in all they would have to find some 20 million dollars to buy him, including image rights.
Riquelme's deal with Villarreal ran to June 2009 and he had been training on his own since the start of the new season, while his teammates enjoyed a 3-0 away success last weekend at Valencia.
Atletico, having lost striker Fernando Torres to Liverpool, have responded by spending 77 million euros this summer on new talent, not quite as much as the 120 million shelled out by neighbours Real, who beat them 2-1 at the Bernabeu last Saturday.
Other arrivals were keeper Christian Abbiati on loan from AC Milan, midfield star Luis Garcia from Liverpool, Riquelme's former Villarreal teammate Diego Forlan, Portuguese forward Simao and attacking midfielder Jose Antonio Reyes from Arsenal.
West Ham in talks to sign Brazil star Adriano
West Ham have made an approach to sign Inter Milan's out-of-favour striker Adriano on loan. The Premier League club were reported to have sent chief executive Scott Duxbury to Milan on Tuesday to start talks with the Brazilian.
Adriano has been told he can leave the Serie A champions and had already been offered to Arsenal, who turned down the chance to sign him.
West Ham have invested heavily in the transfer market since Eggert Magnusson took over the club last season, and the attempt to sign such a famous name is further evidence of the Icelandic businessman's determination to take the Hammers into the game's upper echelons.
Gunners manager Arsene Wenger decided that Adriano would not improve his squad despite the pre-season sale of Thierry Henry to Barcelona.
"I was offered Adriano on loan and I said no," Wenger said. "We do not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there to sign another striker.
"The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back in return.
"I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the squad."
Ferguson sounds Premiership title warning after opening win
Sir Alex Ferguson sounded a warning to Manchester United's title rivals after the reigning Premier League champions finally got their season up and running with victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
A spectacular 30-yard goal from young Portuguese talent Nani, his first for the club, earned United their first victory of the season and lifted them up to 10th in the table after they had started the day next to bottom.
However, United were far from convincing and survived two second half penalty appeals after Dimitar Berbatov went sprawling under a challenge from Nemanja Vidic before referee Howard Webb waved away another protest after Berbatov's shot hit Wes Brown.
Tottenham manager Martin Jol is convinced it struck the England defender's hand, but Ferguson insists Webb made the right decision.
Despite his side's nervous performance, Ferguson believes United will continue to make up for lost ground after failing to register a win in the opening three games.
United entertain newly-promoted Sunderland, managed by former United star Roy Keane, on Saturday.
"We've got players to come back so we're going to have to be patient," said Ferguson.
AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta has refused to come out of international retirement to play in Italy's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers against France and Ukraine, the Italian Federation president Giancarlo Abete said Monday.
The 31-year-old announced his retirement from the international scene over the summer but Italy were hoping to convince him to come back after Inter Milan centre-back Marco Materazzi was ruled out of the two crunch qualifiers with a thigh injury.
"When Nesta said he no longer wanted to be a part of the squad, he acted in the right and proper way as always," Abete told Rai Uno. "He's a player who has given so much to the national team.
"Yesterday (Sunday), he clearly repeated it. But the federation, with all the attention and discretion that was needed, checked after the match in Budapest (an embarrassing 3-1 defeat to Hungary) to see if he was available."
Nesta was quoted in the Monday edition of La Gazzetta dello Sport as saying: "I told them that I will not play any more for the national team, and therefore I won't....I made a decision and I'm sticking to it."
Materazzi was injured in the Hungary match and has been ruled out of the two Group B encounters against France in Rome on September 8 and four days later against Ukraine in Kiev.
Italy coach Roberto Donadoni now finds himself with a problem in deciding who should partner Real Madrid's Fabio Cannavaro in the heart of his defence, with Palermo's Andrea Barzagli the likely choice.
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