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

Luiz Felipe Scolari - Portugal Manager Talks About England Job Refusal

In an interview with the sports daily Record, Luiz Felipe Scolari has explained why he refused the England coaching job just before this year's World Cup.

The Brazil native stated, "Signing a contract with England as it was proposed to me would have been betrayal for Portugal."

Scolari rejected the England position after a public announcement from the English FA that it had secured the Portugal manager's services.

The FA quickly hired England assistant manager Steve McClaren in an attempt to gloss over the humiliating bungle.

Scolari won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and led Portugal to a 2nd place finish at Euro 2004, and a 4th place finish in Germany, eliminating England in all three tournaments.

Scolari: Signing for England equaled betrayal - FoxSoccer.com - AP Report (new window)

Jurgen Klinsmann Next U.S. Manager

Jurgen Klinsmann will be named manager of the U.S. national team in the next few weeks according to a report at FoxSoccer.com.

Speculation that Klinsmann would take over the struggling U.S. program has been rife since he stepped down from his position as manager of the German national team.

Klinsmann led the unfancied Germans to the World Cup Semifinals, where they lost in extra time to eventual champions Italy.

As a player, Klinsmann featured for West Germany as they won the World Cup at Italia '90.

German legend to lead U.S. Soccer by Jamie Trecker - FoxSoccer.com (new window)

Klinsmann to take over US football team: German TV - www.irna.ir 28.11.06 (new window)

FIFA's World Player of the Year Finalists Announced, Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro, Zinedine Zidane

FIFA has announced the three finalists for World Player of the Year: Ronaldinho, Fabio Cannavaro, and Zinedine Zidane.

Ronaldinho was the winner of the two previous World Player of the Year awards.

Cannavaro was just recently honored as European Footballer of the Year.

FoxSoccer.com AP Report (new window)

Fabio Cannavaro, European Footballer of the Year

Italy and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has officially been named European Footballer of the Year by France Football magazine.

A little over a week ago, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon had stated Cannavaro would be the winner.

The award is based on voting by European football journalists.

Ronaldinho was last year's winner.

Today's Official Announcement - Cannavaro wins Euro player award - BBC Report (new window)


Related:
19 November 2006 - Last Week's Announcement Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy Defender Wins European Footballer of the Year