Beckham's Man-of-the-Match Performance Allegedly Pressures McClaren

David Beckham might well wonder what it would take for him to receive an England recall. A new England manager might be his only hope.

The Real Madrid midfielder had a hand in all three goals on Tuesday as Real Madrid took a 3-2 lead over Bayern Munich in their Champions League first-leg tie. Aside from the goals, Beckham was dangerous throughout, putting Gonzalo Higuain in alone, and forcing a magnificent save from Oliver Kahn from a free kick.

In the three matches since Beckham's return to Fabio Capello's squad, the former England captain has scored, received a standing ovation from the notoriously difficult-to-please Bernabeu faithful, and put in a Man-of-the-Match performance in the Champions League.

But aside from a few compliments to Beckham's strong character, England manager Steve McClaren has stopped far short of saying a recall was imminent.

McClaren was quoted as saying, "It's four weeks before the squad will be announced, so we will see what happens within the four weeks."

England has been plagued with injuries and poor performances while attempting to qualify for Euro 2008, but McClaren has remained adamant in picking a squad that seems to have relatively little to do with on-pitch performances.

Shaun Wright-Phillips's selection being a perfect example of McClaren's unorthodox strategy. The Chelsea winger has received little playing time at Stamford Bridge, and has never lived-up to the promise of his performances at Manchester City.

McClaren continues to claim a "new direction" for England, but any reasonable football supporter would question a direction that doesn't begin with picking the best available players.

David Beckham will surely wonder the same.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
McClaren says Beckham's back in the mix - FoxSoccer.com AP
McClaren hints at Beckham recall - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
English FA Quick to Dismiss Beckham Recall Rumours
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red

Javier Mascherano Finally Cleared for Liverpool

The Premier League has finally given clearance for Javier Mascherano to play for Liverpool.

FIFA had previously ok'ed the transfer that bends rules preventing a player from featuring for three teams in a season starting July 1.

Exceptions were made since one of the teams Mascherano had played for was in Brazil where the schedule does not match Europe's.

Mascherano has made the trip to Barcelona and is eligible to play in Wednesday's Champions League first-leg tie.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
Mascherano granted Reds clearance - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Javier Mascherano Liverpool Deal Not Quite Done
Champions League 2007 - Knockout Stages

Copa Libertadores 2007 - Colo Colo v River Plate on Thursday

Big matches in the Copa Libertadores this week.

Holders Internacional are in action on Wednesday versus Nacional of Uruguay.

Then, the marquee match-up for the week is on Thursday in Santiago as River Plate visit Colo Colo.

Mar 20-feb-07 17.15 22.15 1 El Nacional (ECU) - Club America (MEX)
Mar 20-feb-07 21.30 00.30+ 1 Libertad (PAR) - CA Banfield (ARG)
Mar 20-feb-07 21.45 02.45+ 2 Alianza Lima (PER) - Necaxa (MEX)

Mie 21-feb-07 21.30 5 Parana - Brazil - Real Potosi (BOL)
Mie 21-feb-07 21.45 23.45 5 Flamengo (BRA) - UA Maracaibo (VEN)
Mie 21-feb-07 21.45 23.45 4 Nacional (URU) - Internacional (BRA)
Mie 21-feb-07 21.00 02.00+ 7 Cienciano (PER) - CD Toluca (MEX)
Jue 21-feb-07 21.15 02.15+ 8 Deportivo Pasto (COL) - Santos (BRA) Moved

Jue 22-feb-07 21.00 00.00+ 6 Colo Colo (CHI) - River Plate (ARG)


Copa Libertadores 2007 - Fixtures and Results



More from other web sites (in a new window):
Matches and scorelines @ Goalzz.com
CONMEBOL.com - Copa Libertadores 2007
Wikipedia

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Riquelme Returns To Boca Juniors
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Champions League 2007 - Knockout Stages

Round of 16 Results:

Tuesday, 20 February 2007

Lille 0-1 Manchester United
PSV 1-0 Arsenal
Real Madrid 3-2 Bayern Munich
Celtic 0-0 AC Milan

Wednesday, 21 February 2007

FC Porto 1-1 Chelsea
Barcelona 1-2 Liverpool
Inter Milan 2-2 Valencia
Roma 0-0 Lyon

Tuesday, 06 March 2007

Chelsea 2-1 FC Porto - Chelsea 3-2
Liverpool 0-1 Barcelona - Liverpool 2-2
Valencia 0-0 Inter Milan - Valencia 2-2
Lyon 0-2 Roma - Roma 2-0

Wednesday, 07 March 2007

Manchester United 1-0 Lille - Manchester United 2-0
Arsenal 1-1 PSV - PSV 2-1
Bayern Munich 2-1 Real Madrid - Bayern Munich 4-4
AC Milan 1-0 Celtic - AC Milan 1-0


More from other web sites (in a new window):
BBC - Web Updates
Live - Pay-Per-View @ UEFA / ESPNsoccernet

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Michel Platini - New UEFA President Seemingly Takes Aim at England
Jose Mourinho - Chelsea Manager Hails His FC Porto Days

English FA Quick to Dismiss Beckham Recall Rumours

Not surprisingly, the English FA have moved quickly to deny rumours that Steve McClaren is considering a David Beckham recall.

The Mirror had reported that the England manager had polled players as to their feelings regarding a possible return of the former England captain.

The claims of the Mirror did seem highly improbable considering McClaren's previous stance against any kind of role for Beckham in the squad.

Despite a myriad of injuries and woeful England performances following last summer's World Cup, McClaren seems unlikely to recall Beckham for duty as it would surely be viewed as an admission of failure.

England travel to Israel for a 24 March Group E showdown.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
FA dismisses reports over Beckham - BBC

Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

Football Argentina - Match Abandoned - River Plate Receives Five Match Ban

The match between River Plate and Newell's Old Boys on Saturday was abandoned in the 86th minute with River leading 2-1.

Clashes in the stands between rival supporters caused referee Hector Baldassi to halt the contest.

An Ernesto Farias brace had put River in the lead.

Argentine football has been plagued with violence in recent months. The Apertura at the end of 2006 had seen many matches played with no away supporters as authorities looked to quell the violence.

But the Clausura has picked up where the Apertura left off with River Plate having just been banned from playing at their Monumental Stadium for five matches on Thursday.

The suspension was called for by the Argentine government after violence between rival factions of River supporters caused problems prior to River's match against Lanus.

River travel to Santiago, Chile for Thursday's much anticipated match with Colo Colo in the Copa Libertadores.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
River Plate's Stadium shut for five games - FoxSoccer.com - AP
Argentine match abandoned due to missile-throwing fans - reuters.com
River match stopped due to violence - SI.com
CCCCC

Related on SoccerGolazo:
Copa Libertadores 2007 - Schedule of Group Matches
Riquelme Returns To Boca Juniors

David Beckham - Mirror Reports McClaren Interest

In a story that falls under the category of "hard to believe," the Mirror is reporting Steve McClaren having polled England players about a possible David Beckham recall.

The article goes on to speculate that the move might take some of the heat off McClaren.

Presumably, that heat would then fall on David Beckham, as it often does.

Beckham has been in good form since his return from exile at Real Madrid.

The former England captain scored in his first match back and received a standing ovation Saturday as he was sent off with a straight red.

18 February 2007
SHOULD I PICK BECKS? - Mac's amazing phone poll of England stars - Exclusive by Paul Smith - sundaymirror.co.ik


Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

David Beckham Receives Standing Ovation and Straight Red

David Beckham was sent off in extra time as Real Madrid were drawn 0-0 by Real Betis at the Bernabeu.

While his red card was widely reported, Beckham's standing ovation from the home supporters was not.

The former England captain played brilliantly on the wing as well as in central midfield, and he was provider on the few scoring opportunities Madrid created, as Robinho and substitute Raul struggled.

The Spanish giants had two gilt-edged chances in the second half, one of those when Beckham rolled a perfectly placed ball in the path of Ruud Van Nistelrooy who fired over the bar from point-blank range.

The second coming from another lovely Beckham cross, this time over the defense, that found Jose Antonio Reyes open on the far post. Having more time than he may have realized, Reyes rushed his shot and another chance went begging.

With a chance to do it on his own, Beckham came agonizingly close with a free kick that sailed just wide of the post as Madrid desperately searched for the winner.

In extra time, it appeared that Beckham might have been pushed down at the edge of the area. But when no foul was given, he lashed out, kicking rashly at the heels of his marker.

The straight red may have been a harsh, but there was little doubt of Beckham's intentions.

As he left the pitch, the Bernabeu faithful gave the previously out-of-favor Beckham a well-deserved standing ovation.

Just moments later, at the final whistle, supporters jeered the rest of the Real Madrid squad and staff off the pitch.

Madrid miss out on an opportunity to gain ground on La Liga leaders Barcelona. The draw keeps them third, four points back, with Barca at Valencia later today.

Real Madrid face Bayern Munich Tuesday in the Champions League.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
SHOULD I PICK BECKS? - Mac's amazing phone poll of England stars - Exclusive by Paul Smith - sundaymirror.co.uk
Madrid coach defends Beckham after red card - Sat Feb 17, 2007 10:19 PM By Mark Elkington - reuters.co.uk

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Beckham Goal - Becks Scores on Real Madrid Return
Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

Steve McClaren - England Manager Prepares For Next Loss

Just as he did before England's 1-0 friendly loss to Spain, Steve McClaren has already started the process of lowering expectations ahead of March's crucial Euro Qualifier in Israel.

Earlier this week, the England manager errantly stated, "Qualifications are never decided in March, they are always decided in November."

In fact, qualifications are not decided in November, but they are decided over many months, during a series of matches with an equal amount of points available for each match. It's surprising this simple equation seems lost on McClaren.

Every match matters, no matter how often McClaren makes claims to the contrary.

And friendlies, if used properly, can be a gauge of how well the team is progressing, as well as being accurate measures of pride, a quality McClaren definitely seems to be lacking while attempting to "sneak" wins.

Of course all of this is presuming McClaren wasn't speaking to this past November when the English FA decided to keep him on, despite a pitiful October that saw once-mighty England draw Macedonia, and lose outright to Croatia.

If he was referring to that November, then it is entirely possible that England's qualifying hopes were in fact decided during that month.

But to truly interpret McClaren properly, it helps to go back to early February. Just ahead of England's friendly with Spain, McClaren made clear the unimportance of that match by stating, "I don't see it as make or break for me."

With his strategies on the pitch failing miserably, the off-pitch strategy of downplaying losses before they happen certainly appears to be paying huge dividends. After a horrible performance against Spain, there was not even the slightest of rumblings from the FA that McClaren might be in trouble.

Moreover, at this point, it appears that even a loss in Israel next month might not bring McClaren's reign to an end.

Interestingly, McClaren's predecessor, Sven Goran-Eriksson was afforded no such luxury as the Swede found himself on the rack at all times, even when qualifying relatively easily.

Credit to McClaren and the FA, it certainly is a new-look England. An excuse-making, underachieving, whinging England, whose hierarchy blames everyone but themselves.

Assistant manager Terry Venables was recently quoted by the Guardian as saying, "The academy system hasn't borne fruit. There are a lot of players coming from around the world which makes it difficult for local boys."

Whether or not Venables considers Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney academy-fruit is unclear.

But even if Venables statement were valid, with the current England regime, if the English Premier League were all home-grown, it would surely be safe to assume that the complaint would then be that "our boys don't have enough experience abroad."

Inexplicable inclusions of average Premier League players over proven and in-form players; failed experimental formations; draws and near-losses to Europe's minnows; a completely inept performance and loss against the only serious qualifying competition; never showing even the remotest signs of a squad that could compete with the world's footballing powers; and excuses in advance of every match.

Maybe the FA just don't want to admit failure, but unbelievably, it now seems entirely possible that the FA would accept a future McClaren quote of, "I don't think we can be judged solely on our failure to qualify for Europe. It takes time to build a program and we're making steps in the right direction. I should be judged after qualifying for the World Cup and not before."

It is all far from what should be expected from one of the world's top footballing nations. But startlingly, and sadly, it has become the status quo.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
McClaren doesn't fear being fired - FoxSoccer.com AP
Venables irked by foreign influx - BBC
England boss McClaren out of his depth? - Nick Webster / Fox Soccer Channel

Related on Soccer Golazo:
England Manager Steve McClaren Starts Spin Early
Michael Owen - England, Newcastle Striker Back In Training

Copa America 2007 Group Draw

UPDATE: Copa America 2007 Schedule and TV Information

Copa America 2007 starts 26 June with hosts Venezuela versus Bolivia.

Holders Brazil face Mexico the next day, the 27th, and Argentina open against the United States on the 28th.

The top two teams in each group will advance, as do the two best third-place teams.

The Final will be held 15 July in Maracaibo.

The draw took place on Tuesday, 13 February as directors of CONMEBOL met in Caracas.

Among the other topics:

-The Copa America will now be contested every four years unless "conditions were to exist so that an extraordinary Copa America can be played."

-Preliminary qualifying rounds for World Cup 2010 must be played in all-seater stadiums.

Details of CONMEBOL Meeting

Copa America 2007 Groups

Group A
Venezuela
Uruguay
Peru
Bolivia

Group B
Brazil
Mexico
Chile
Ecuador

Group C
Argentina
United States
Paraguay
Colombia



More from other web sites (in a new window):
Wikipedia - Copa America 2007
CONMEBOL - Copa America

Riquelme Returns To Boca Juniors

Juan Roman Riquelme returned to Boca Juniors on Monday, calling it "one of my happiest days as a football player."

The former Argentina international is on loan from Villarreal for €1.5 million.

Riquelme retired from international football following last year's World Cup and has since fallen out of favor at the Spanish club.

The playmaking midfielder is not expected to feature in Boca's Copa Libertadores match on Wedneday, but he could make his first Clausura 2007 appearance on Sunday against Rosario Central.

In Riquelme's first stint at La Bombonera from 1996-2002, Boca won three league titles (98A, 99C, 00A), two Copa Libertadores (00, 01), and one Intercontinental Cup (00).

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Riquelme read to play for Boca Juniors - FoxSoccer.com AP
Wikipedia Juan Riquelme
Riquelme is already with Boca - Official Boca Juniors Website

Michael Owen - England, Newcastle Striker Back In Training

Injured England and Newcastle striker Michael Owen jogged in training Monday.

It was the first time Owen was able to do so since injuring his cruciate ligament in last year's World Cup.

Owen's return date has not yet been set.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Newcastle star Owen back running

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Michael Owen - Return Might be Next Season
Michael Owen - Newcastle and England Striker Michael Owen Eyes 2007 Return

Beckham Goal - Becks Scores on Real Madrid Return

David Beckham rewarded manager Fabio Capello's change of heart, scoring the equalizer in Real Madrid's 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad on Saturday.

The scoresheet will resemble a 2003 Manchester United win with Beckham scoring in the 37th and Ruud Van Nistelrooy grabbing the winner in the 49th.

The former England captain knocked home a patented free kick from 30 yards to draw even at 1-1, and Van Nistelrooy headed the winner just 4 minutes after the restart.

It was Beckham's first start since his much publicized move to the U.S.

The under-fire Capello had stated in January that Beckham would not play for Madrid again after the superstar midfielder's record signing for MLS' LA Galaxy.


Video at YouTube.com


Related on Soccer Golazo:
Fabio Capello - Real Madrid Manager Blames Beckham
David Beckham Left Out at Real Madrid Again

England Manager Steve McClaren Starts Spin Early

Just ahead of England's friendly with Spain on Wednesday, Steve McClaren looked to get one step ahead of the criticism he will surely endure, win or lose.

While Spain manager Luis Aragones spoke to the importance of winning the match, McClaren was quoted as saying, "I don't see it as make or break for me."

Whether his quote was for the FA, the supporters, or both, is unclear.

But what is not unclear is the under-fire manager's motives.

An England win, of any kind, will take him off the rack until March when Euro 2008 Qualifying resumes.

But a draw or a loss, particularly a convincing one, would surely have the once supportive FA pondering the unthinkable: no England at Euro 2008.

No matter the outcome of tomorrow's friendly, a loss in Israel in March would surely be McClaren's final undoing, but today's comment reveals his desire to keep the wolves at bay for at least six more weeks.

The only real question is whether or not the FA is numbered among those howling just outside the door.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
England, Spain coaches under pressure - FoxSoccer.com AP

Related on Soccer Golazo:
Michael Owen - Return Might be Next Season
Owen Hargreaves Back Friday for Bayern Munich

Liverpool Takeover By Two Americans Going Through

Americans George Gillett and Tom Hicks are reportedly taking over Liverpool for £470m.

Rumours of a buy-out of the legendary club have been rife for the last few years, but it appears one has finally gone through.

There is a news conference at 1400 GMT and the deal has already been announced on the Stock Exchange.

BBC Story (in a new window):
Duo agree Liverpool takeover deal

Fabio Capello - Real Madrid Manager Blames Beckham

Fabio Capello is starting to show signs of a coach on his way out, as his new-look Real Madrid loses 1-0 to 18th place Levante.

The beleaguered manager took a swipe at David Beckham after the historic loss in which the former England captain was not included.

Capello seemingly blamed Beckham entirely for Real Madrid's lack of silverware over the last three seasons, stating, "In his three years the results haven't been so good. Now we're looking for a new direction."

Unfortunately for Capello and Real Madrid supporters, that "direction" appears to be more directly downward.

Capello's Real Madrid have scored only 28 goals in 21 matches, slipped to 4th place, crashed out of the Copa del Rey, and now have the distinction of being the only Real Madrid squad in history to have lost to Levante.

The former Juventus boss is also starting to string together a sizable list of embarrassing comments, many of which have been directed at Beckham.

Just last month, when Beckham signed for MLS' LA Galaxy, Capello reacted petulantly, saying Beckham could train, but he would not be allowed to play for Real Madrid again, the football equivalent of "no more reindeer games."

To Capello's credit, he did appear to get one thing right today when he stated, "As coach it will always be my fault."

Of course, something may have been lost in the translation.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
Madrid loses in Spanish league - FoxSoccer.com - AP

Related on Soccer Golazo:
David Beckham Left Out at Real Madrid Again
David Beckham - Real Madrid's Capello Says Becks Might Still Play

Rafael Benitez - Liverpool Manager Calls Everton 'Small Team' After Draw

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez dubbed Merseyside rivals Everton a "small team" after the two clubs played to a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Benitez was quoted as saying, "Playing against a small team it is not always easy when they have nine men behind the ball."

Benitez' remarks were in reference to the defensive style of football employed by David Moyes' side.

Everton supporters will obviously be agitated by the assessment, but Chelsea supporters will surely find irony in Benitez' comment.

En route to the 2005 Champions League title, Benitez employed a similar strategy with great success as Liverpool blanked Chelsea over the two-leg Semifinal for a 1-0 aggregate win.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
Benitez labels Everton a 'small team' - ESPNsoccernet
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UEFA_Champions_League_2004-05>Wikipedia - Champions League 2004-2005
Rafa labels Everton 'a small team' - RivalsDM - FoxSoccer.com


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Liverpool FC @ Soccer Golazo

David Beckham Left Out at Real Madrid Again

David Beckham has been left off the Real Madrid squad for their Sunday match against Levante.

The former England captain has not featured in Fabio Capello's side since signing for MLS' LA Galaxy on 11 January.

Real Madrid are in desperate need of a win as they have fallen to 4th, four points off Barcelona's league leading pace.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Beckham again left off Madrid squad - FoxSoccer.com AP

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David Beckham - Real Madrid's Capello Says Becks Might Still Play
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David Beckham - Soccer Golazo

Samuel Eto'o, Barcelona Striker Returns Sunday as Ronaldinho Ruled Out

Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o returns for Barcelona on Sunday.

It is the Cameroon international's first appearance since September.

Ronaldinho has yet to recover from a leg injury he picked up in Barcelona's Copa del Rey quarterfinal on Wednesday.

The Brazilian superstar is also not expected to be ready for the London friendly versus Portugal on Tuesday.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Eto'o returns to Barcelona squad = FoxSoccer.com - AP

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Ronaldinho Gaucho Institute - Emotional Opening Brings Tears for World's Best Player

Serie A Violence Halts All Football In Italy

Violence at Friday's Serie A match between Catania and Palermo has caused the Italian Football Federation to suspend all matches indefinitely, including Wednesday's friendly between the national teams of Italy and Romania.

A police officer was killed in rioting outside Catania's Stadio Massimino.

Violence was a concern before the match and tear-gas stopped play for 30 minutes during the second half.

More rioting occurred following the game which Palermo won controversially 2-1.

Officials had earlier threatened to halt all football in the country following violence last weekend.

On Saturday, an official of amateur club Sammartinese died after being punched while attempting to separate brawling players and fans.

No less than three other Italian football matches reported some kind of violence last weekend.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Italian games called off By Nadia Carminati - Sky Sports
Italian league halted by violence - BBC
Violence could halt Italian games - BBC - 30 Jan 2007

Chelsea Issue Statement In Support of Jose Mourinho

Chelsea FC have issued a statement backing manager Jose Mourinho.

In reference to Italy World Cup winning manager Marcello Lippi claiming Chelsea were interested in his services, the club stated flatly, "Nobody from Chelsea has spoken to Mr. Lippi or his representatives or indeed anyone regarding the manager's job."

Mourinho and Blues owner Roman Abramovich have reportedly fallen out, leading to speculation that the self-proclaimed "Special One" would not see out his contract that runs into 2010.

Mourinho has recently expressed his desire to stay with the club.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Mourinho receives Chelsea backing - BBC

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Marcello Lippi - "Chelsea Want Me"

Michael Owen - Return Might be Next Season

Injured Newcastle and England striker Michael Owen may not return this season.

Speculation of an April return might have been optimistic as the former Liverpool and Real Madrid forward has yet to run since his surgery in September.

Owen collapsed in the opening moments of England's World Cup match against Sweden on 20 June, rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

More from other web sites (in a new window):

Owen may miss rest of the season By Saj Chowdhury - BBC

Ashley Cole - Chelsea Defender Should Return This Season

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is expected to return this season after suffering ligament damage in a 3-0 win over Blackburn on Wednesday.

The England international was stretchered-off after catching his left boot in the turf causing his leg to hyper-extend.

Chelsea have been riddled with injuries in defense, although central defender John Terry is expected back on Saturday versus Charlton.

The Blues however, are well-covered at left-back. Wayne Bridge, who also backs-up for Cole on the England national team, is hardly a step down.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Cole suffers knee ligament damage - BBC

Marcello Lippi - "Chelsea Want Me"

World Cup winning manager Marcello Lippi has allegedly claimed that Chelsea are interested in him.

The Sun reports the former Italy manager to have said, "I'm on the wanted list at a number of big clubs, but specifically at Chelsea."

Jose Mourinho and Blues owner Roman Abramovich have reportedly fallen out even though Mourinho recently told BBC Sport he believed he would see out his contract that runs to the end of 2010.

More from other web sites (in a new window):
Lippi ready for England By Simon Fudge - Sky Sports
Mourinho denies Chelsea exit talk - BBC Story


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Javier Mascherano Liverpool Deal Not Quite Done

The Premier League now says it is looking at the Javier Mascherano, West Ham to Liverpool deal.

Just yesterday, FIFA gave its approval of the deal that will bend its rules by allowing the Argentine international to play for three clubs in the year, starting July 1.

The Premier League was not specific in what is was looking for, but said however, that it would be quick in its assessment.


More from other web sites (in a new window):
New twist in Mascherano transfer

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Javier Mascherano To Liverpool

CF America Through to Group Stage - Santos Hold Slim Lead

America are through to the Group Stage of the Copa Libertadores despite their 2-1 loss at Peru's Sporting Cristal. A 5-0 romp in the first leg sees the Mexican side through 6-2 on aggregate.
Sporting Cristal beats Mexico's America - FoxSoccer.com AP

Santos have a slim 1-0 lead going in their second leg at home against Bolivia's Blooming.
Santos wins 1-0 at Bolivia's Blooming - FoxSoccer.com AP

Related Links (new window):
Jerseys - Español
Jerseys - English