England, Italy, Scotland win in soccer

England, Italy, Scotland, the Netherlands and Spain won important qualifiers Wednesday night for next year's European Championship.

With England missing David Beckham and several other injured regulars, Michael Owen scored in the seventh and 31st minutes and Rio Ferdinand added the final goal in the 84th for a 3-0 victory over Russia at Wembley.

"We've just got to enjoy it, but keep our feet on the ground," England coach Steve McClaren said. "We've set a standard, but we've got to continue with that."

England (6-1-2) moved into second in Group E with 20 points, three behind Croatia (7-0-2), which won 6-0 at Andorra. Russia (5-1-3) is third with 18 points, one ahead of Israel (5-2-2).

The top two nations in each group qualify for next year's tournament in Austria and Switzerland. England's remaining qualifiers are Oct. 13 against Estonia, Oct. 17 at Russia and Nov. 21 against Croatia.

At Kiev, Antonio Di Natale scored twice, including a tiebreaking goal in the 77th minute that gave Italy a 2-1 victory at Ukraine.

Di Natale headed in Christian Panucci's cross from the left in the 41st minute, but Andriy Shevchenko — a former star in the Italian League with AC Milan — beat goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to tie the score in the 71st.

Massimo Ambrosini set up Di Natale's second goal, feeding him for a one-on-one with goalkeeper Olexandr Shovkovskiy.

"We showed a lot of character," Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said. "We're still a step behind physically but we're improving."

Italy (6-1-2) is second in Group B with 20 points, one point behind Scotland (7-2) and one ahead of France (6-2-1).

At Tirana, Ruud van Nistelrooy scored in second-half injury time to lift the Netherlands over Albania 1-0. Substitute Urby Emanuelson crossed to Van Nistelrooy, who scored with a low shot from close range. Albania finished a man short after midfielder Lorik Cana was ejected in the 87th for clashing with Sneijder and Van Nistelrooy.

The Netherlands and Romania (both 6-0-2) are tied for the Group G lead, two points ahead of Bulgaria (5-1-3), which beat visiting Luxembourg 3-0.

Spain defeated visiting Latvia 2-0 at Oviedo on goals by Xavi Hernandez in the 13th minute and Fernando Torres in the 85th. Spain (6-2-1) and Sweden (6-1-1) are tied atop Group F with 19 points, three ahead of Northern Ireland (5-3-1), which lost 2-1 at Iceland.

At Prague, the Czech Republic beat Ireland 1-0 on Marek Jankulovski's goal in the 16th minute. Germany (7-0-1) leads Group D with 22 points, two in front of the Czechs (6-1-2). Ireland fell to 4-3-2.

Germany beat visiting Romania 3-1 in an exhibition game at Cologne, getting goals from Bernd Schneider in the 42nd, David Odonkor in the 65th and Lukas Podolski in the 82nd. Dorian Goian gave Romania the lead in the third minute.

In other Euro qualifiers, it was: Finland 0, Poland 0; Kazakhstan 2, Belgium 2; Portugal 1, Serbia 1; Lithuania 2, Faeroe Islands 1; Bosnia-Herzegovina 0, Moldova 1; Norway 2, Greece 2; Turkey 3, Hungary 0; Cyprus 3, San Marino 0; Slovakia 2, Wales 5; Macedonia 1, Estonia 1; Denmark 4, Liechtenstein 0; Iceland 2, Northern Ireland 1; Bulgaria 3, Luxembourg 0; and Slovenia 1, Belarus 0.

In other friendly matches it was Azerbaijan 1 Georgia 1; Malta 0, Armenia 1; Montenegro 1, Sweden 2; Singapore 1, United Arab Emirates 1; South Africa 0, Uruguay 0

Mexico was scheduled to play a friendly against Brazil in Foxborough, Mass., later Wednesday night.

Nesta saves Milan's honour at Siena

ROME (AFP) - AC Milan were held to their second successive 1-1 draw in Serie A which resumed Saturday after last weekend's time-out for Euro 2008 qualifier action. The European champions missed out on the chance of taking temporary possession of the Serie A summit ahead of Sunday's programme when only Alessandro Nesta's late late equaliser avoided an embarrassing slip up at struggling Siena. AC Milan, who won the European Super Cup against Sevilla in Monaco at the end of last month, were held 1-1 by Fiorentina on their last league tie at the start of the month. And they were short of full strength for this away fixture as Kaka, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Oddo were left out in preparation for their Champions League opener against Benfica. The injured Ronaldo was also missing. Siena, lying fourth from the foot of the table, took a 24th minute lead thanks to Massimo Maccarone, who pounced on some comedy defending as Nelson Dida fumbled an effort from Cristian Bucchi and then Kakha Kaladze tripped over the ball as he attempted to clear it. That let in Maccarone although the former Middlesbrough player was lucky not to be caught up for offside as he slotted in from close range. The Tuscany club were heading for a valuable maximum points until Nesta popped up in the 91st minute to level from a volley after a move started by a freekick awarded when Leandro Grimi felled Clarence Seedorf. The result left AC Milan in third, on five points, one behind Juventus and Inter Milan. In Saturday's late match Lazio were held to a goalless draw by Empoli, who climbed a place to third from bottom. On Sunday Juventus and Roma are out to defend their perfect record against Udinese and Reggina. Juventus have scored eight goals in their two matches so far against Livorno and Cagliari, and their home match against out-of-form Udinese will give them a chance to add to their tally. Udinese have yet to win this season though the form of Italy international striker Antonio Di Natale, who scored twice in Wednesday's 2-1 Euro 2008 qualifing victory in Ukraine, will be a plus.

2007-09-15 22:30:33

Madrid on cloud nine as Sneijder scores again

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid's flawless start to the season continued with a 3-1 win over Almeria on Saturday as the Spanish champions warmed up for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Werder Bremen. Man of the moment Wesley Sneijder continued his record of scoring in every league game curling in a trademark free-kick on 68 minutes for his fourth goal of the season. Earlier Javier Saviola, starting in place of the rested Ruud van Nistelrooy, had opened the scoring with his first league goal for Real before Sneijder doubled their advantage. Kalu Uche pulled one back for ten-man Almeria on 73 minutes but substitute Gonzalo Higuain scored late on to clinch another win for Real. Real now have a perfect nine points under new German coach Bernd Schuster and, although it is early in the season title rivals Barcelona, five points adrift, are certainly under pressure to win their game in hand against Osasuna on Sunday. "We had to work hard and we lacked that match sharpness after a complicated week with players away on international duty," said Schuster. "We gave away a silly goal and made it hard for ourselves but we won and if we want to win titles at the end of the season we have to win games like this." For Real the Champions League is up next with their opening match a tricky home tie against resilient German side Bremen on Tuesday. Schuster has hinted that he will rotate his team again believing Real now have the strength in depth to rest key players. "This year it makes more sense to rotate players because the squad is well balanced," Schuster explained. "Everyone is capable of playing in the league, cup or the Champions League. We have a squad for competing in all competitions." Club president Ramon Calderon said Real were the best team in Europe in midweek and they now have a chance to prove it against Europe's elite. Nine-time European champions Real were beaten by Bayern Munich at the last 16 stage last year and Schuster will be under pressure to do better than his predecessor Fabio Capello. Valencia needed an 89th minute strike from winger David de Silva to secure their first home win of the campaign with a 2-1 victory over Valladolid. Cameroon midfielder Daniel Kome put Valladolid ahead on ten minutes before Spanish international Fernando Morientes equalised on 23 minutes. A draw looked on the cards until de Silva popped up with a winner close to the end and Valencia climb to second, three points behind tabletoppers Real. Valencia are also in action in midweek facing Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Tuesday.

2007-09-15 22:35:34

Blues slip as Gunners stay top

A dogged Blackburn rearguard action held off Chelsea's challenge as Jose Mourinho's men could only draw 0-0 at Stamford Bridge to keep Arsenal top of the Premier League. The Gunners' 3-1 comeback win over Tottenham Hotspur had taken them to the top of the table as they profited from Liverpool's 0-0 draw at Portsmouth. Manchester United kept in touch with a somewhat fortunate 1-0 win at Everton. [+]

MANCHESTER, England - The Glazer family will not sell Manchester United, despite reports of potential billion-dollar takeover bids from China and United Arab Emirates.

"United is not for sale," the family's spokesman said Sunday. "The Glazer family is 100 percent committed to long-term investment and ownership in the club ... demonstrated by the expenditure during the transfer window.
"The position has not changed and nor will it."
A Chinese consortium has reportedly expressed interest in the club, while a rival group with connections to the Emirates royal family is also considering a bid.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers owner Malcolm Glazer bought United for $1.47 billion in 2005.
Since winning the Premier League title last season, Glazer has financed the purchase of more than $100 million worth of players, including England midfielder Owen Hargreaves and Argentina striker Carlos Tevez.
FC United, the breakaway club formed by supporters in protest against Glazer's takeover, reached the first qualifying round of the FA Cup for the first time Sunday. The non-league team will play Fleetwood Town — also the opponents when Manchester United played its first match in the competition in 1886

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has finally agreed a three-year contract extension with the Premier League club, according to reports. The deal, which will keep Wenger at the Emirates Stadium until the summer of 2011, is set to be formally announced on Friday.

European Championship Qualifying Scores - Saturday, September 8, 2007
Serbia

19:15
Finland

UK
Portugal

21:00
Poland

UK
Scotland

15:00
Lithuania

UK
Georgia

16:00
Ukraine

UK
Italy

19:50
France

UK
Hungary

15:00
Bosnia-Herzegovin

UK
Malta

18:30
Turkey

UK
Moldova

19:00
Norway

UK
San Marino

19:15
Czech Republic

UK
Slovakia

19:30
Ireland

UK
Wales

19:30
Germany

UK
Russia

16:00
Macedonia

UK
England

17:00
Israel

UK
Croatia

19:30
Estonia

UK
Latvia

17:15
Northern Ireland

UK
Sweden

19:30
Denmark

UK
Iceland

21:00
Spain

UK
Luxembourg

16:00
Slovenia

UK
Belarus

17:00
Romania

UK
Netherlands

19:30
Bulgaria

UK

McClaren: Hargreaves not ruled out

McClaren: Hargreaves not ruled out
England coach Steve McClaren remains optimistic Owen Hargreaves will be fit to face Israel at Wembley on Saturday.
Hargreaves pulled out of training on Wednesday, complaining of tightness in his thigh.
He was immediately sent for a scan, prompting speculation that he would miss the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier with Israel.
However, McClaren has confirmed the damage is not extensive and he is still hopeful the Manchester United midfielder will be available.
'Owen's thigh felt tight after we started training on Wednesday, so he sat out most of the session,' said McClaren.
'As a precaution he was sent for a scan.
'Thankfully the scan only revealed a small problem and we are hoping it will clear.
'We are still hoping he will be available for Saturday, and he is definitely not ruled out.'
McClaren confirmed the new injury is not related to the tendinitis problem Hargreaves has been suffering from since the end of last season.
Before reporting the fresh problem, the Manchester United star had spoken of his belief he could get through two games in five days, even though it is something he has not managed since completing an £17million move from Bayern Munich this summer.
And McClaren feels the determination Hargreaves has to play could be a factor in whether the 26-year-old makes it onto the field.
'We will give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision,' he said.
'He is a determined character and we know that he really wants to play. Naturally, we won't take any unnecessary risks with him.'
Hargreaves' injury is the latest in a series of setbacks to hit the England camp.
Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and David Beckham have already been ruled out of the Israel game, along with Gary Neville and Kieron Dyer.
Such are McClaren's lack of options that Peter Crouch, who is suspended this weekend, was forced to play in midfield during Tuesday's training session.
Aston Villa's Gareth Barry is the man most likely to profit should Hargreaves fail in his fitness quest, although at least McClaren was able to offer some good news, confirming Steven Gerrard came through training yesterday without a problem.
The Liverpool captain is still suffering some slight discomfort from his broken toe but it is looking increasingly likely he will be able to face Israel without resorting to a pain-killing injection.
'We did have some positive news on Steven Gerrard yesterday, when he played a part in training without any problems,' said McClaren.
'We will continue to assess him closely and stay in regular contact with the medical staff at Liverpool Football Club, before making any decision as to whether he will play.'
McClaren certainly finds himself in an unenviable position, with so many key men either out, struggling or, in Michael Owen's case, just coming back from major injury.
Yet the former Middlesbrough coach remains resolute in his belief England can achieve a positive result at the weekend to retain a realistic chance of reaching next summer's European Championships.
'As I have already said, regardless of who is injured, we are looking forward to Saturday with confidence,' he said.
'I have told the players we have enough ability in the dressing room and it is up to us to go out and get the result. We are good enough to do so.

GErrard

The Football Association have confirmed Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has returned to training with England. Gerrard's fitness had been the subject of intense debate before the crucial Euro 2008 clash with Israel. 'Steven Gerrard played a part in training,' said an FA statement. 'He will be continually assessed by the England medical staff and a decision on his fitness will be taken later in the week.' [+]

FIFA to inspect Zimbabwe's host capacity ahead of 2010 World Cup

FIFA to inspect Zimbabwe's host capacity ahead of 2010 World Cup HARARE (AFP) - A delegation of FIFA officials will arrive Monday to asses the country's capacity to host visitors for the 2010 World Cup to be hosted in South Africa."The FIFA officials will assess the capacity of Zimbabwe to host visitors for 2010," Karikoga Kaseke, chief executive officer of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), said in a statement."They have specifically requested to see three- to five-star hotels in Harare, Bulawayo and Victoria Falls as well as other service facilities in the tourism sector."Zimbabwe, which plans to invest 20 million US dollars on hotels and stadiums, is one of the host country's neighbours expecting to rake in the windfall of the month-long event by hosting training camps, accommodation and fan parks for teams and visitors during the tournament.A report drawn up by the sports and environment ministries, which has been adopted by President Robert Mugabe's cabinet, called for a comprehensive refurbishment programme of hotels which have seen a marked drop in foreign visitors since the implosion of the economy. A new stadium is also in the pipeline.The FIFA delegation will also be looking at issues such as ports of entry, customs and immigration, transport, as well as touring possibilities and activities, Kaseke added."We will not leave anything to chance. We have to make sure that the industry standards are brought up to expectations of FIFA," he said."We will not hesitate to exclude any facility, and I mean any facility that does not meet the required standards. There is no compromise in this position and they will be no sacred cows." 2007-09-04 11:35:12

UEFA uphold ban on France coach Domenech

UEFA uphold ban on France coach Domenech NYON, Switzerland (AFP) - UEFA on Tuesday rejected France coach Raymond Domenech's appeal against a one-match ban, four days before his team face World Cup final rivals Italy in a Euro 2008 qualifying clash.European football's governing body had slapped the ban on Domenech last month for bringing the game into disrepute, following comments he made in a newspaper suggesting that an under 21 international match in 1999 had been rigged.UEFA's appeals body decided, however, to lift a 10,000 Swiss Francs (8,000 dollars) fine on the French national team coach, UEFA spokesman Thomas Giordano said.Domenech initally refused to comment after he left the hearing at UEFA's headquarters in Switzerland, saying "I don't know" in response to journalists' questions.But later, speaking at his team's Clairefontaine training base ahead of the game in Milan, he said: "For me (the affair) is finished. I'll be in the stands for Italy-France on Saturday."I don't have any reaction. It's a decision that's been taken. I refer you back to (the song of) Serge Gainsbourg: 'No Comment'.In a newspaper interview in August, Domenech alluded to a "referee being bought" during a tie between France and Italy's under 21 sides in 1999. He was the coach of the junior French team at the time.A suspended coach is banned from the touchline and the dressing rooms during a match but can watch as a spectator in the stadium and give instructions by mobile telephone.Domenech's opposite number, Roberto Donadoni, believed UEFA should have allowed the Frenchman to take his place in the dug out."If it was up to me Domenech would be on the touchline without any problem."He added: "If I bump into Domenech in the stands I'll shake his hand."For one of his players at least, Lassana Diarra, Domenech's absence changes nothing."We'll prepare in the same way, it won't make any difference. The staff will manage the situation well," predicted the Arsenal midfielder.He added: "All the players are a bit sad the coach won't be there but we'll just have to focus on the job in hand. I'm there to do what I have to do, not to join in the off the pitch chit-chat." 2007-09-04 15:15:13

Milan come back down to earth ROME (AFP) - 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.Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti said he was disappointed not to wrap up the three points but admitted that the task of playing twice in such a short space of time had affected his players."I am always angry when we don't get the maximum points, but in this case we did everything we possibly could," he said."We tried to win and ran quite a few risks, but so soon after our last game it was understandable we had some difficulties.""After that equaliser we took back the initiative and wanted the victory, so we poured forward and became a little unbalanced, but I cannot fault my team for anything. We faced a strong side that were organised, fresh and made life difficult for us."At times we poured forward in waves without a great deal of patience or organisation, but at least that is a sign of a team with heart."Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli put his team's comeback down to a change of tactics after the break."We changed our approach in the second half. At the end of the first period we told ourselves that continuing that way would probably lead to us conceding a second, so we may as well push the defence further up the field," he said."It is true we allowed a few more counter-attacks that way, but when you come to Milan you have to attack and take advantage of the space."The result meant that both sides moved onto four points, two off joint leaders Juventus and Roma.But Prandelli saw enough to suggest that his team could keep pace with the top sides this season."We are convinced that over time we will be rewarded for our work, because I have some quality players who need patience. Games like this give you the confidence that you can believe in your chances," he said.And Mutu has grasped his chance at leading the line since Luca Toni's defection to Bayern Munich."He gives extra value to the squad, has class and character," added Prandelli of Mutu. "He has great vision and we are very happy to have him here. I hope he repeats the wonderful things he did last season, although in my view he can do even better." 2007-09-03 20:55:14

Barcelona coach praises new Real Madrid signing MADRID (AFP) - 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. 2007-09-04 16:05:14

Mourinho makes case for the defence

Mourinho makes case for the defence
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is adamant he has no cause for concern over his side's defensive record heading into their English Premier League clash with Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.Questions have been raised over whether the Blues' back line is as strong as it has been in the past three seasons, after they conceded four goals in their opening three matches.Injuries to key defenders, including John Terry, Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira and Wayne Bridge since the start of the campaign have not made life easy for Mourinho.The Portuguese boss has bought Brazilian international right-back Juliano Belletti from Barcelona, after the west London outfit failed to secure the signature of Dani Alves from Sevilla.Despite the obvious need for Mourinho to add depth to his defensive options, he refuses to show any fear about leaking more goals. He would rather stress his side's improved attacking edge, which has helped them find the net six times."I am happy with the amount of goals we are scoring," Mourinho said."In previous seasons we were criticised for not scoring many, and people now criticise us for conceding too may goals, but people should praise our attacking way at the moment."This is a new Chelsea in the way we play, but is the old Chelsea in the way we fight for points."One attacking option is now gone, after Netherlands winger Arjen Robben signed for Real Madrid, while Ukraine forward Andriy Shevchenko appears short of full fitness.Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are expected to start in attack against Pompey, while Ghana midfielder Michael Essien will be fit to start following a knock to his knee in midweek.Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth, meanwhile, have been given good news regarding their defence.Sol Campbell, Lauren and Noe Pamarot are all in line to feature at Stamford Bridge.The south coast outfit have been struggling for numbers too in recent weeks, but hope the trio will help them frustrate Mourinho's side.Djimi Traore is one of the defenders who has performed superbly in their last two games -- a draw with Manchester United and win over Bolton -- but realises their next two matches are going to be even more difficult.Eight days after the trip to Chelsea, Portsmouth visit Arsenal."It doesn't get any easier, with the next two away games against two of the best teams in the Premier League," Traore admitted."We know that away from home last season our results weren't good and we had a difficult time. But I think the difference this year is we have a stronger squad."To call Portsmouth's away form below average is an understatement.They have not won on their travels in the last 12 attempts -- only Fulham have a worse record in the entire country.