Rangers hoping to keep Bocanegra...I hope they don't.

A little something for the ladies out there....all 2 of you who read this blog. Your welcome!

Via PA-Glasgow Rangers manager Ally McCoist has confirmed that Kirk Broadfoot is set to quit Ibrox but he remains hopeful that Carlos Bocanegra will remain beyond the transfer window.

Bocanegra, a member of the United States national team, has been linked with a move away from the Glasgow giants.

A number of first-team regulars have already left Rangers after the club was consigned to liquidation and voted into the Irn-Bru Third Division.

The most recent departure was Bocanegra's defensive partner Dorin Goian to Spezia on loan last week but McCoist is hopeful of retaining the services of the American.

"Carlos is still very much a Rangers player," McCoist said.

"There has been no activity or movement or change in the situation regarding Carlos so he will hopefully be involved in our next few games and be here post-window, so that's where we are with Carlos.

"The longer it goes, I would say the more chance of everybody staying."

McCoist is attempting to build a squad before a 12-month transfer embargo comes into effect on Sept. 1, but he confirmed that Broadfoot has reached agreement with chief executive Charles Green to be released from his contract.

"Kirk has agreed with Charles and the club that his contract will be made null and void and he will be free to leave the club from today or tomorrow," he said. "I think there are one or two issues still to be tidied up there but it looks like Kirk will be leaving the club.

"We would just like to take the opportunity to thank him very much for his services."


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Arsenal says Walcott not leaving.....but he might.

Arsenal is bracing to lose yet another big-name player after reportedly failing to convince Theo Walcott to sign a new contract.

Walcott has turned down a deal worth around 4 million pounds-per-season ($6.3 million) and could be sold before the transfer window closes on Friday.

An Arsenal spokesperson told ESPN that reports that talks have ended are "all speculation. Negotiations are ongoing."

When asked for coment, Walcott's representatives told ESPN they had "no comment to make."

Walcott reportedly wants to continue negotiations over what is said to be a 75,000 pounds-per-week ($118,000), five-year contract to replace the one that expires next summer.

The 23-year-old wants a better deal -- nearer 100,000 pounds-per-week ($158,000) according to reports -- and should he and Arsenal fail to reach an agreement in the next 48 hours, it could signal the end of his six-and-a-half-year stay in north London.

Walcott has been valued between 12 million and 15 million pounds ($18.9 million and $23.7 million) and has already been linked with Liverpool this summer.

Reports suggest Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City are also interested in adding the England winger to their ever-increasing ex-Gunners contingent after seeing a bid for Swansea's Scott Sinclair rejected.

Walcott's loss would be viewed by many as another huge blow to Arsenal, who lost captain Robin van Persie to Manchester United earlier this month.

Alex Song quickly followed by joining Barcelona, who signed Cesc Fabregas from the Gunners last summer. Arsenal also saw Gael Clichy and Samir Nasri move to City.

Walcott was one of Van Persie's main providers last season as the Dutchman notched 37 goals, with Walcott himself scoring 11.

Walcott, who joined the Gunners from Southampton as a 16-year-old in 2006, started their home game with Sunderland on the opening day of the season but was left on the bench for Sunday's match at Stoke, eventually coming on after 72 minutes in what was their second straight goalless draw.

Information from Press Association was used in this report.



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Samuel Eto'o boycotts national team duty

She does not look impressed. Maybe she's cold.



Via Press Association-Cameroon coach Denis Lavagne expressed his surprise and disappointment at Samuel Eto'o's decision to reject a return to the national team.

Eto'o, who plays soccer for Anzhi Makhachkala in Russia, was named to Lavagne's squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Cape Verde in September after serving an eight-month ban -- imposed by the Cameroon Football Federation (CFF) -- for his part in a player strike over unpaid bonuses.

But the 31-year-old is now in self-imposed exile as part of a protest against "amateurism and poor organization" within the CFF.

"I counted on him after his eight-month suspension. He would make us better because he has huge talent," Lavagne told Jeune Afrique.

"I'm surprised, but I have no choice but to take note of his refusal."

Sparta Prague striker Leonard Kweuke has been drafted as Eto'o's replacement but he is not of the same caliber as Eto'o, who has scored 54 goals in 109 appearances for the Indomitable Lions.

Eto'o insists he is taking a stance for the good of the team, and the country, but admits he is not sure it will be perceived that way.

In an open letter to the CFF, which was published on his personal website, Eto'o wrote: "Our national team continues to dwell in an environment characterized by amateurism and poor organization not compatible with professional sports.

"I doubt if supporters of the Indomitable Lions will understand my move aimed at attracting attention to the imperative necessity to make the team professional.

"The team is a veritable institution that has contributed much to the nation and from which much is still expected."

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As if it weren't bad enough being an Arsenal fan....

Via ESPNFC-Theo Walcott's future at Arsenal appears in doubt as widespread reports claim manager Arsene Wenger has given the forward an ultimatum ahead of the close of the transfer window.

Walcott, 23, has less than 12 months remaining on his current contract at Arsenal, and the club risk losing him on a free transfer next summer if they do not tie him down on a new deal.

It is claimed in a number of newspapers that Wenger has given the England international 48 hours to decide if he wants to extend his stay in North London, or otherwise be sold for around £12 million.

Further reports suggest Walcott's representatives have turned down the offer of a five-year deal worth £75,000-a-week, paving the way for a sale.

Manchester City and Liverpool have both been linked with the attacker, after the former's pursuit of Swansea's Scott Sinclair appeared to fall through on Tuesday.

Walcott signed for the Gunners from Southampton in 2006 and has since made 222 appearances in all competitions, scoring 42 goals.

Wenger has already seen Robin van Persie leave for Manchester United this summer, while Alex Song has also departed for Barcelona.



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Fulham sell one of their stars. Hint: It's not Dempsey

"I know! Alex is sooooooo pissed!"

Via ESPNFC-Fulham boss Martin Jol has revealed that the club have accepted a bid from Tottenham for playmaker Moussa Dembele, believed to be in the region of £15 million.

Manchester United attempted to sign the Belgium international earlier this summer, but their £5 million offer was viewed as derisory by the Cottagers, who were holding out for three times that amount - indeed some suggestions are that Dembele had a release clause in his contract set at £15 million.

Dembele's performance in his team's 3-2 defeat at Old Trafford illustrated why Sir Alex Ferguson is among his admirers and with the midfielder's contract not due to expire until 2014 - Fulham have an option to automatically extend in 2013 - Martin Jol is under no pressure to sell on the cheap.

Indeed, with Spurs looking to spend some of their £27 million received up front for Luka Modric, they have now turned to the 25-year-old midfielder and just need to agree personal terms on the deal after having a bid accepted.

Jol told BBC 5Live on Tuesday night that the player would be undergoing a medical at Tottenham and a Fulham source told ESPN: "A fee was agreed yesterday for the sale of Moussa to Tottenham."

Meanwhile, Fulham have turned to Kieran Richardson from Sunderland to fill the void and have had a bid accepted by the North East club.

Richardson was not included in the 18 for Tuesday's Capital One Cup second-round victory over Morecambe, and manager Martin O'Neill revealed the reason afterwards.

He said: "A club has made an offer for him today and we, as a club, have accepted that, and it gives Kieran the opportunity to find out for himself. If it doesn't materialise and he comes back, I'll still be pleased, but it's a position we might have to go and have a look at.

O'Neill has already been linked with a series of replacements, and he confirmed he would look to make progress on that front if a deal was to go through. He said: "It is something, if Kieran does go, that we would have to look at.''



Photo: Jeff Zelevansky

AC Milan has decided that now they don't want Kaka to return

This is Kaka's wife Caroline Celico who is much easier on the eyes than her husband.

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani claims the club have ended their interest in re-signing Kaka as there are "too many risks" involved.

The Rossoneri sold the Brazilian playmaker to Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 for a then world record fee.

Milan reluctantly agreed to part with the Samba star after benefiting from his considerable talent for six memorable years.

Kaka has struggled to produce his best since leaving Italy, with injuries and a loss of form seeing a former World Player of the Year reduced to a supporting role at the Bernabeu.

Real are prepared to let him leave and find regular games elsewhere, but their asking price and the sizeable salary involved are making transfer negotiations difficult.

Milan have found that out the hard way and Galliani says they are ready to turn their attention elsewhere.
"We were waiting on the opinion of a well-known Spanish economics expert, and that's now arrived," he told the Milan Channel.

"The operation is closed because there are too many risks."



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Everyone's favorite dickhead is crying again

I'll bet Bradley Johnson is right.

Joey, Joey, Joey...... When will you learn that acting like a spoiled baby will get you nowhere but in a lower league? At this rate you who in their right mind would want this guy? If your such a dick that the French don't want you..... I'm just sayin'......


Via SkySports-Joey Barton claims his reported move from QPR to Marseille has fallen through.

The 29-year-old midfielder is without a squad number at Loftus Road having been served with a 12-match Football Association suspension following his sending-off at Manchester City last season.

Manager Mark Hughes also stripped the one-time England international of the captaincy and, as a result, talk of a surprise move to France surfaced.

But it now appears the transfer may have hit the rocks after Barton tweeted on Tuesday morning: "Doesn't look like this Marseille thing is gonna happen now. 'Whatever doesn't kill you make you stronger' #heartbroken.

"Why can't things just be simple..."

Having criticised Hughes and been ostracised from the first-team squad, former Manchester City and Newcastle man Barton will now return to training with Rangers but he could find himself in further hot water after adding: "Been forced to go back training with the kids and fellow Taliban members at 2pm today...
"Maybe this is time to dumb down and be dishonest. It seems to take you a long way in this game... "

QPR have declined to comment



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SFA President wants to restructure Scottish football-swears it has nothing to do with Rangers

Via ESPNFC-Scottish Football Association president Campbell Ogilvie insists moves to reform the structure of the leagues are not designed to accelerate Rangers' progress through the divisions.

The SFA have written to the Scottish Premier League and Scottish Football League inviting the two bodies to join a reconstruction working party that would be led by an independent chairman.

The attempts follow a summer of furious debate over what division the Rangers should play in, with clubs voting against plans to put them in either the top or second tier.

Rangers chairman Malcolm Murray has since hinted that the club would not need three years to reach the SPL and reports have claimed a new three-league structure with a 16-team top flight is the preferred choice.

But Ogilvie is adamant that the discussions are not a means of returning the financial power of Rangers fans to the top level more quickly.

"This is a much wider debate, it's not about any one club. It's about getting the structure right in the Scottish professional game," he said.

Some SFL clubs accused the SFA and SPL of "bullying" amid warnings over the financial consequences of Rangers being relaunched in the Irn-Bru Third Division, predictions which have so far proved significantly overpessimistic.

"But what is key to this is that the SFA, SPL and SFL work together, and I know they all share the same aim of wanting to take the game forward," Ogilvie, a former director of Rangers, said.

"I haven't been involved in the debates with my previous involvement with Rangers but now I can and I want to work with clubs to take things forward."

Many previous attempts at serious change have fallen victim to self-interest and disagreement.

"I think so much of the debate in the past was about the number of teams in the league," Ogilvie said. "For me it's much more fundamental. We have got to get a structure in place that's attractive to supporters."

Arsenal fans: How bad does this hurt?

Via ESPNFC-New Barcelona signing Alex Song has laid bare his frustration at Arsenal's decision to repeatedly postpone his contract talks - but insists he never wanted to leave the club.

Song made the move to Barcelona earlier this month for a reported fee of £15 million, with Gunners boss Arsene Wenger subsequently suggesting the Cameroon international had expressed a desire to move to Spain.

However, Song - who played 46 times for Arsenal last season - is adamant all he wanted was a new long-term deal at Emirates Stadium. He has also been frustrated by reports suggesting he took a lax attitude to training.

"I woke up and read those things in the paper and was really surprised and disappointed. I love Arsenal, I never wanted to leave," Song told the Sun on Sunday.

"I was ready to commit my future to the club. All I wanted were talks about a new contract but each time we were due to sit down, the club postponed it. I was fobbed off. I wanted a new five-year contract at Arsenal. In the end I got one - at Barcelona.

"I had been trying for eight months to start talking about a new long-term deal but the club kept postponing me all the time, saying 'You have three years left'. I hadn't talked about money, I just wanted to sit down and discuss a new deal - I wanted to commit my career to the club I loved.

"Then out of the blue, Barcelona came in for me. And, suddenly, I was wanted by the biggest club in the world and they wanted to give me a five-year deal."



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U.S. women's U20 team onto U20WC Quarters

RIFU, Japan -- The United States advanced to the quarterfinals at the women's under-20 World Cup on Monday despite losing 3-0 to defending champion Germany in Group D.

After taking a 1-0 lead on a goal by Lena Lotzen in the first half, Germany made it 2-0 in the 54th minute when Lotzen scored again, pouncing on a rebound off a shot by Silvana Chojnowski. Melanie Leupolz scored from close range two minutes later to make it 3-0.

"We just made a couple of mistakes and they punished us for that and that's what good teams do," U.S. coach Steve Swanson said. "One of our goals was to advance, we've done that, and we're focused on the next game."

China beat Ghana 1-0 in Group D's other game.

China and the U.S. both finished the group stage with four points, but the Americans advanced because of better goal differential. Zhao Xindi scored in the 35th minute for China.

The U.S. will face North Korea in the quarterfinals on Friday. North Korea beat Canada 2-1 to finish first in Group C with nine points. Norway also advanced out of Group C with a 4-1 win over Argentina and will face Germany in the quarterfinals.

Japan plays South Korea and Mexico faces Nigeria in the other quarterfinal matchups.


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In today's LEAST surprising transfer news....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Via ESPNFC-Luka Modric has completed his transfer to Real Madrid after signing a five-year contract with the Spanish champions.

"I'm very happy, honored and proud to be at the biggest and best club in the world. I'm very excited," Modric said.

The 26-year-old Croatian playmaker made 160 appearances for Spurs, scoring 17 goals, and moves from Tottenham for a fee reported to be 33 million pounds ($52.2 million).

Tottenham loses one of the Barclays Premier League's most creative players, who had also been linked with Manchester United and Chelsea during the past year.

Modric joined Tottenham from Dinamo Zagreb in 2008 and was highly influential under former manager Harry Redknapp.

With Modric pulling the strings, Spurs secured two top-four finishes in the Barclays Premier League and qualified for the Champions League for the first time in 2010.

"Luka has been a terrific player for us," Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy said.

The clubs have also agreed to a new partnership that will see them work together in respect to players, coaches and commercial relationships.

"While we preferred not to part with Luka, we are pleased that it is to Real Madrid, a club with which we now look forward to sharing a long and productive partnership," Levy said.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez welcomed the decision for the clubs to work more closely together.

"The strong relationship and affinity between our two clubs has resulted in the cementing of a longer-term partnership and the successful transfer of Luka Modric," he said.

"We are delighted to welcome Luka and look forward to working closely with Tottenham in the coming years."

The money raised from Modric will fund Spurs' pursuit of Brazilians Willian of Shakhtar Donetsk and Internacional's Leandro Damiao.

Willian was left out of Shakhtar's squad Sunday for its league game against Karpaty, with coach Mircea Lucescu revealing he was not in the right frame of mind.

"Does anyone of you believe that in his current situation his head produces thoughts in the direction of right thinking?" he said to the press.

"I wouldn't like him to play and suffer an injury today, but this could happen. He will have some rest, and then we will see what to do with him.

"We have a week before the transfer window closes, during which, perhaps, everything will be solved."



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Celtic and Kiev put themselves in great position to make UCL group stage

Via  AP-LONDON (AP) -- Glasgow Celtic and Dynamo Kiev moved into commanding positions to reach the Champions League group stage after road wins Tuesday night in the first leg of the final round of qualifying.

Kris Commons scored on a volley in the second minute and Georgios Samaras got a goal on a header off a corner kick in the 75th, giving Celtic a 2-0 victory at Sweden's Helsingborg as the Scottish champions look to reach Europe's elite club competition for the first time in four years.

Kiev rallied to win 3-1 at Germany's Borussia Moenchengladbach on goals by Taras Mikhalik in the 28th and Andriy Yarmolenko in the 26th plus an own goal by Luuk de Jong in the 81st. Alexander Ring had put the Ukrainian club ahead in the 13th.

Romanian champion Cluj won 2-1 at Basel on goals by Moudou Sougou in the 65th and 70th minutes after Marco Streller had put the hosts ahead in the 44th.

Spartak Moscow beat visiting Fenerbahce 2-1 on goals by Emmanuel Emenike in the 59th and Dmitri Kombarov in the 69th, with Dirk Kuyt scoring for the visitors in the 65th.

Cesar Santin scored in the 39th for host Copenhagen in a 1-0 win over Lille.


Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved

QPR in talks with Inter 'keeper Julio Cesar

Via Sky Sports-Queens Park Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign Inter Milan goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The Brazil international was a key part of the Italian side's Champions League win two years ago but now looks set to leave the San Siro.

Samir Handanovic arrived from Udinese this summer and Cesar has been allowed to speak to other clubs about a move.

Tottenham have been heavily linked with the 32-year-old but it is understood that QPR are in talks with the Inter goalkeeper.

The west Londoners' technical director Mike Rigg is speaking with Cesar's representatives to see whether a move to Loftus Road can be pushed through.

The news comes just days after summer signing Rob Green's blunder set Swansea on course for a surprise 5-0 victory at QPR.

The defeat also saw manager Mark Hughes step up his search for defensive reinforcements, and talks with Tottenham club captain Michael Dawson and Real Madrid's Ricardo Carvalho are understood to be ongoing.



Photo: Alessandro Garofalo / Reuters

Dempsey saga continues...still not playing for anyone

Via SKY Sports-Clint Dempsey will once again be missing from Fulham's squad when they travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Saturday.

Dempsey has been dropped by Cottagers boss Martin Jol after agitating for a move to Liverpool, missing last weekend's 5-0 Premier League rout of Norwich.

The Reds have expressed an interest in signing the £7.5million-rated American forward, but have yet to table an offer, leaving player and club in limbo.

Jol is frustrated by Liverpool's conduct and feels a distracted Dempsey is unfit to play once more.

"It's the same situation. There has been no formal bid on the table and nothing has changed," Jol said.



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Brendan Rodgers can't make up his mind

Via ESPNFC-Brendan Rodgers has said he would "need to be nutcase" in order to let £35 million striker Andy Carroll leave Liverpool on loan.

In what appears an about-face on remarks made earlier in the summer as speculation over Caroll's future intensified, the Anfield manager said his squad was not deep enough to allow the 23-year-old to go without generating funds to sign a replacement.

He hit out at Newcastle - who sold Carroll to Liverpool in January 2011 - saying they would be taking "a liberty" if they tried to bring the England striker back to the North-East in a loan deal.

"There is absolutely no chance [of a loan deal] - and certainly not Newcastle,'' Rodgers was quoted as saying in the Guardian. "Newcastle got £35 million for this player last year. To even consider wanting to take him on loan is a liberty, really.

"We have got a very small squad as it is. We have lost a lot of players this summer, and I have not replaced them as of yet. That is the reality of where we are."

Rodgers said he needed a minimum of three strikers - which he has in Carroll, Luis Suarez and new arrival Fabio Borini - and said: "I would need to be a nutcase even to consider at this moment to let Carroll go out, unless there are other solutions for that."

In July, the Liverpool manager had suggested he would be open to the possibility of a loan deal for Carroll, with both West Ham and Newcastle expressing an interest in signing him.

But the Magpies' proposal - thought to be an initial loan move with a view to a potential £12 million permanent switch - has riled the Liverpool manager, while the player rejected the idea of a move to Upton Park.

Carroll, who was on the bench as the Merseysiders crashed to a 3-0 defeat at West Brom on the Premier League's opening day, is in line to start Thursday night's Europa League game at Hearts.

"He is due to start but he has felt a slight twinge, so we have had it looked at and scanned," Rodgers explained. "We will see what his response is. If he is available and then fit, he will start."

He said there had been no further developments in Manchester City's pursuit of central defender Daniel Agger, for whom the champions are reportedly ready to pay around £20 million.

"I can't see anything [happening] at this stage, to be honest," he said. "Like every player in the group, if someone comes in with a big, big offer then that might be out of my hands in relation to the club and where it is at with finances."


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Arsene Wenger has lost his f*ckin mind

Arsene Wenger has said that Arsenal now are better than last year..... Really Arsene? Selling the EPL's TOP scorer from last season and getting rid of your most promising young talent in Alex Song was a good thing for your club? Nice try dude but you won't fool me.

Any Arsenal fans that read this PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me why you guys keep supporting Wenger and your ownership. I'm mystified.... 


Via Kevin Palmer for ESPNFC- Arsene Wenger has claimed his Arsenal side are better equipped to challenge for trophies this season than they were last term - even after the sales of Robin van Persie and Alex Song.

Arsenal fans bemused by the latest departures of star names will hardly be comforted by Wenger's insistence that he does not need to add to his squad in the final days of the transfer window, as he insists he has enough quality at his disposal to challenge for honours.

"What happened to us a year ago was very different to the situation we find ourselves in now and we are far better prepared this time," Wenger said.

"We prepared for Van Persie to leave and recruited early with Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud and we have added to that strength with Santi Carzola. I believe we have a much stronger squad now than we had a year ago and that is why I was comfortable with the decision to let Song go.

"I have many options in midfield and feel we are well covered. We may also bring one more into the squad in this position."

Wenger's determination not to invest more money in the transfer market will not halt his pursuit of Nuri Sahin, with Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho confirming his unwanted midfielder is close to securing a loan move to the Premier League, and Arsenal confident they can beat Liverpool to the Turkey international's signature.


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USMNT away games will only be available to 7% of Americans

So I'm pissed.... The news comes out today that beIN Sports has bought the rights to U.S. Soccer away games for WC qualifiers. Never heard of beIN Sports? Yeah neither have most people. That's because only 7% of people in the US receive the channel! If you'll remember they are the channel responsible for you seeing less games this year. Why the hell, when the sport of soccer is starting to really blossom in the US, does CONCACAF want their games to be seen by LESS people?

The sad reality is that just like in the rest of the world, and sports in general, money is the motivating factor for everything. As long as everyone gets their dollar then who cares.  I know that U.S. Soccer doesn't have the rights to their own games. I'm sure U.S.S wants the USMNT seen by as many people as possible. It's just sad that greed is keeping the game that I love so much away from most people.


Associated Press-NEW YORK -- Add U.S. road World Cup qualifiers to the soccer games many American television viewers may not be able to see.

The new beIN Sport network said Wednesday it had acquired rights to U.S. road qualifiers this year and next along with all other qualifiers in the North and Central American and Caribbean region for the 2014 tournament, except for matches involving Mexico.

The network, launched last week by the Al-Jazeera Sport Media Network, is available to only about 7 percent of U.S. television households. It can be received in the eight million homes that subscribe to its tier on DirecTV and DISH, which are available in 34 million households in all.

While the U.S. Soccer Federation owns rights to its home qualifiers, Traffic Sports USA bought rights to the road games from the CONCACAF nations that owned them, and Traffic resold them to beIN.

"We don't control the rights for our away matches but have talked with beIN Sport and know that they have an aggressive plan to expand distribution over the weeks and months to come," U.S. Soccer Federation President Sunil Gulati said in an email. "Obviously, we'd like as wide a distribution in the US as possible for our WCQ matches."

The U.S. has remaining road qualifiers this year in the semifinal round at Jamaica on Sept. 7 and at Antigua and Barbuda on Oct. 12.

Rights to home U.S. qualifiers are held by ESPN. In qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, eight matches on ESPN2 averaged 787,000 viewers and two matches on ESPN averaged 734,000.

The opening U.S. qualifier this year against Antigua in June was seen by 899,000 viewers on ESPN2. The U.S. qualifier at Guatemala four days later was sold from Traffic to Integrated Sports Media and available only on pay-per-view. Integrated would not say how many households bought the match.

The new network also has rights to Spain's La Liga, Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1 and England's second-tier League Championship. In addition, it has rights to South American World Cup qualifiers and the 2015 Copa America.


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All new SNB: Cleavage Edition

I know this is a few weeks old but some how I missed it. I know I've let you down and for that I apologize. Please except my gift of a kitten and video with a girl with great cleavage. Actually you can't have the kittens after all...sorry...not really.

Ipswich makes bid for USMNT player Edu

This would be a great move for Edu. I would of course love to see him go to a higher league but at least 2nd tier English soccer is better than fourth tier Scottish soccer.


Via AP-Glasgow Rangers manager Ally McCoist says English second-tier club Ipswich has made an offer for American midfielder Maurice Edu.

Edu has not played this season for Rangers, which has seen several players leave since being plunged into liquidation and being forced into Scotland's fourth tier.

McCoist says "there has been an offer on the table from Ipswich which, as yet, he hasn't accepted."

Edu trained on Monday morning with Rangers and McCoist says he is "hopeful something can be resolved sooner rather than later."

The transfer window closes in England and Scotland on Aug. 31


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Malta National Team player banned for 10 years

Via AP-NYON, Switzerland -- UEFA banned Kevin Sammut for 10 years for helping to fix a 2008 European Championship qualifying match, Malta's soccer association said Monday.

Sammut has denied helping to manipulate the result of Malta's 4-0 loss to Norway in June 2007.

The Malta FA says the UEFA disciplinary verdict bans Sammut from "any football-related activity" and FIFA will be asked to extend the ban worldwide.

The 31-year-old Sammut can challenge the sanction at UEFA's appeals panel.

UEFA investigated claims made by members of a Croatian syndicate who were convicted of match-fixing last year in Bochum, Germany.

Sammut was substituted at halftime in the Euro 2008 qualifier when Malta trailed 1-0. Norway scored three late goals to boost wagers on how many would be scored.


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Pepe cleared to return home after head injury

Via ESPNFC-Real Madrid defender Pepe was cleared to return home Monday after spending the night under observation in a hospital because of a head injury suffered in a match against Valencia.

The Portugal international clashed heads with teammate Iker Casillas Sunday night in Real Madrid's La Liga opener and had to be replaced at halftime before being taken to hospital.

"He has spent the night under observation and everything is fine and we've decided, under the control of the Real Madrid medical team, that the player can be discharged from hospital without any problem," doctor Carlos Diez said, according to Real Madrid's website.

It is unclear if Pepe will be fit to play for Madrid in Thursday night's Spanish Supercopa first leg against Barcelona at the Nou Camp.


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If you don't have DISH you'll be seeing allot less soccer this season.

NEW YORK -- Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's league matches will disappear from the television sets of many American soccer fans, starting this weekend.

That's because the U.S. television rights to Spain's La Liga have switched from GolTV to the new beIN Sport USA network, launched this week by the Al-Jazeera Sport Media Network and available in only about 8 million homes to viewers of DirecTV and DISH Network.

And it's not just Spain's soccer that is affected.

Italy's Serie A, France's Ligue 1, England's second-tier League Championship and England's League Cup also have moved to high-spending beIN Sport, which is taking over all of them from News Corp.'s Fox Soccer.

"The ratings are going to be so low that they will be almost unmeasurable," said Marc Ganis of the Chicago-based Sports Corp. Ltd., consulting firm. "Considering the push that European soccer is making in the United States, taking additional money and losing exposure becomes fools' gold. They need to have a long-term strategy, not short-term."

The new network will not be rated by Nielsen at the start, but hopes to be at some point, according to managing director Yousef Al Obaidly. It also will be available online to authenticated subscribers of DirecTV and DISH.

"There will be more announcements coming soon," he said Thursday. "We are in a discussion with all the cable operators. Hopefully, we can reach an agreement so we can keep everyone happy."

Now that the European seasons are starting, at least some clubs are worried their leagues made a mistake by taking dollars over distribution. Complicating the matter, a dispute broke out in Spain, with some clubs saying their television rights were sold by a company that doesn't own them.

"I know Madrid and Barcelona are already concerned by what has happened domestically," AC Milan director Umberto Gandini said in a telephone interview. "We were trying to maximize revenues ahead of visibility. Frankly speaking, we were not aware of such difficulties reaching viewers in the United States and the fact that we are going to be penalized highly by the difference in viewership."

The big Spanish and Italian clubs will have their Champions League and Europa League midweek games available in the U.S. on Fox. In addition, RAI USA distributes Serie A matches with Italian commentary and Ligue 1 games will be available with Spanish commentary on Univision Deportes.

All of this could make the U.S. market a soccer Tower of Babel.


"It's a complicated situation," Real Madrid's Jose Mourinho said. "I'm glad I'm just a coach and no more than that, and I think about football and the game and prepare my team."

The English Premier League, which has the biggest American following, sells its international rights directly. Serie A, which didn't centralize rights as a league until just a few years ago, sells them through the agency MP & Silva. La Liga sells them through Mediapro -- but until an agreement this week to share domestic rights for three seasons, rival Prisa claimed it represented nine of the 20 clubs

Imagina USA, a Miami-based company that is part of the Mediapro Group, is beIN Sports' production partner. The English network launched Aug. 3 in an online preview at www.beinsport.tv and beIN Sport announced Wednesday -- the official launch date -- it will be carried on DirecTV's sports tier in high and standard definition and beIN Sport en Espanol will be distributed on DirecTV Mas in standard definition. A day later, it said DISH Network will televise beIN Sport on its America's Top 250 and DISHLatino packages.

Looming ahead is bidding for the U.S. rights to the Premier League. Networks anticipate a request for proposal next month for the package starting in 2013-14 and running for three seasons. Fox currently holds the rights and sublicenses some to ESPN and ESPN Deportes.

"We might get into it. We might not," Al Obaidly said. "We have to look into scheduling and financials."

The EPL averaged 185,000 viewers for 118 live telecasts on Fox Soccer last year, 321,000 for 48 broadcasts on ESPN2/ESPN and 58,000 for 54 games on ESPN Deportes, according to data from Nielsen Media Research and the networks. Serie A averaged 54,000 viewers for 96 live telecasts on Fox and Ligue 1 53,000 for four broadcasts on Fox.

GolTV averaged just 29,000 viewers for 75 La Liga telecasts among its Hispanic audience, the only portion Nielsen measures. ESPN Deportes averaged 115,000 people in its Hispanic audience for La Liga, but viewers swelled to an average of 770,000 for the two league "clasicos" between Real Madrid and Barcelona.

"It's going probably from a better distributed network to lesser distributed network," said Lino Garcia, general manager of ESPN Deportes. "Therein lies the real difference to the viewer. Some of this product is going to be unavailable to many fans for which it was available to before."

Without La Liga, GolTV's only European league is the German Bundesliga, which had a rating in the network's Hispanic audience that was too low to measure. There has been speculation that beIN Sport USA would like to take over GolTV, if the price is right.

Play-by-play man Phil Schoen and highly excitable color commentator Ray Hudson have moved from GolTV to beIN Sport.

"GolTV has greatly enhanced its portfolio of soccer from the Americas," Rodrigo Lombello, GolTV's chief operating officer, said in a statement. "Reaching new agreements to air matches from the Argentinian, Brazilian and Mexican club leagues, Gillette Brazil World Tour, CONCACAF tournaments and even the U.S. Open Cup, the network has placed an emphasis on this region in the past year as the United States Hispanic population continues to grow."

Qatar, where Al-Jazeera is based, is making a giant push in soccer. Qatar beat out the U.S. two years ago in bidding to host the 2022 World Cup, and the Qatar Investment Authority took control of Paris Saint-Germain and has spent about $200 million in transfer fees for players to strengthen its roster.

In France, Al-Jazeera bought rights to Ligue 1's Friday and Sunday night package from 2012-16; to most Champions League games from 2012-15; and to the 2012 and 2016 European Championship tournaments. In Spain, Barcelona agreed last year to a five-year, 170 million euro (then $225 million) sponsorship deal to carry the Qatar Foundation logo on its famous blue and red jerseys.

If the Premier League wants both beIN Sport's money and greater distribution, it could split its American rights into different packages for different time slots, as it does in Britain and as several U.S. leagues do at home. Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore declined to comment ahead of the bidding.

"They are a little bit more sophisticated than us because they have been on the market as a collective-selling entity far longer than us," Milan's Gandini said. "We are still very far behind the Premier League."

Oh yeah that's right folks! It's time for another SNB: Cleavage Edition

I know you were all wondering what footie extraordinaire Jessica Kardashian thoughts about the Hannover v Man U preseason game were so here it is. As always: Enjoy!



Fabrice Muamba announces retirement

Via ESPNFC-Bolton midfielder Fabrice Muamba on Wednesday formally announced plans to retire from soccer following his March 17 on-field collapse during an FA Cup quarterfinal.


The Wanderers made the announcement Wednesday, posting a statement from Muamba on the team's website. Muamba, 24, said he had hoped to make a comeback, but had made the decision to retire from the professional game after taking medical advice.


"Since suffering my heart attack and being discharged from hospital, I have remained utterly positive in the belief I could one day resume my playing career and play for Bolton Wanderers once again," Muamba said in his statement.


"As part of my on-going recovery, last week I travelled to Belgium to seek further medical advice from a leading cardiologist. But the news I received was obviously not what I had hoped it would be and it means I am now announcing my retirement from professional football."

Muamba collapsed during the 41st minute of an FA Cup quarterfinal at Tottenham on March 17.

He fell face-down to the field near the midfield line without any players near him.

Medics rushed onto the field with a defibrillator and treated the 23-year-old, pumping his chest for around six minutes of treatment before he was rushed to hospital.

"While the news is devastating, I have much to be thankful for," said Muamba. "I thank God that I am alive and I pay tribute once again to the members of the medical team who never gave up on me."

"We know that he will go on to achieve great things and within all this disappointment, the most important thing is that he is here, alive, today," Bolton manager Owen Coyle said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

Photograph: Michael Regan/Getty

US stick it to Mexico

Who thought this pose would be a good idea? Sweet ring.

MEXICO CITY -- After 75 years of frustration in Mexico, the U.S. national team finally won a soccer game at its southern neighbor and regional rival.

Dominated for most of the night at one of soccer's most intimidating venues, the Americans beat the Mexicans 1-0 in an exhibition Wednesday night behind Michael Orozco Fiscal's goal in the 80th minute and Tim Howard's late sprawling saves.

"The goal was for the U.S. fans and the whole U.S. We made history," said Orozco Fiscal, a 26-year-old defender from Orange, Calif., whose parents were born in Mexico.

A trio of second-half substitutes created the goal.

Brek Shea cut inside Severo Meza on the left flank and crossed to Terrence Boyd at the top of the 6-yard box. With his back to the goal, Boyd took a touch with his left foot and with his right made a quick backheel pass to Orozco Fiscal, who with his left foot poked it from 3 yards past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and defender Jorge Torres Nilo for his first international goal.

Orozco Fiscal, who plays in Mexico for San Luis, was a member of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team but hasn't established himself with the varsity.

He entered in the 77th minute for his fifth international appearance and first since October. Shea, back with the team for the first time since February following a season of turmoil in Major League Soccer, came on a minute later. Boyd, a German-American who made his U.S. debut in February, had entered to start the second half.

"Just happy we won and made history," Shea said. "It's something we haven't done in a long time. Just to be on the roster is cool."

Howard, in a snazzy gray-on-white uniform, twice preserved the lead. He moved to his right on a Javier Hernandez shot in the 85th, then sprawled to his left when it deflected off Maurice Edu. Four minutes later, he extended left to paw away a 4-yard downward header by Chicharito.

"I think it's huge. It's huge for I think all American fans, it's huge for the team, and it's historic," U.S. coach Jurgen Klinsmann said. "We were very well aware that we've never won here at the Azteca Stadium. This is an amazing experience for the all the players. We told them before the game: This moment is for you, go and grab it. We are all aware that it was a lot, a lot of work."

The U.S. had been 0-23-1 against El Tri in 75 years of games at Mexico, including 0-19-1 in the thin air at altitude in Mexico City -- where they had been outscored 81-14. Azteca, with loud, passionate fans, is a difficult site for road teams.

"You can shrivel up or you can accept it," Howard said. "We deserved a little bit of luck, and we got it tonight."

Mexico outshot the U.S. 15-6 and had a 10-0 advantage in corner kicks. But the Americans came away with their second big win this year, following February's first-ever victory over Italy, in a friendly at Genoa.

"Tim Howard kept us in the game I don't know how many times," said Klinsmann, who has been trying to change the defensive mindset the American had at times under Bob Bradley. "It's a mental aspect of it."

With the European clubs seasons getting under way, the U.S. used a half-strength roster and a makeshift central defense.

Mexico also was below strength following the Olympics. El Tri dominated possession but failed to connect on several open shots as the Americans paired Edu and Geoff Cameron in the center of their back line in the absence of Carlos Bocanegra, Clarence Goodson and Oguchi Onyewu.

"For me, it's a game that I grew up watching," Cameron said of the U.S.-Mexico rivalry. "To be a part of a win for the first time speaks for itself."

The game marked the start of the Americans' second year under Klinsmann, who replaced Bradley last summer after Mexico overcame a two-goal deficit to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup final 4-2.

The U.S. figures to have a lineup closer to full strength for a pair of World Cup qualifiers against Jamaica next month, on the road on Sept. 7 and at Columbus, Ohio, four days later. Mexico plays Costa Rica on those same days.

"We know we have to improve in many, many elements," Klinsmann said. "We have to keep the ball longer. We have to create more chances. We have to do a lot of work still. But I think this gives us a lot of confidence."

While the U.S. eliminated Mexico in the second round of the 2002 World Cup in South Korea, El Tri has improved in recent years, winning the Under-17 World Cup in 2005 and 2011 and adding the title in the Olympics, which is for Under-23 teams plus three overage players. Mexico is up to 18th in the world rankings, while the U.S. is down to 36th.

The game came at an awkward time for players, many focused on their clubs' season openers this weekend.

"It was very difficult in high altitude, with many of them flying in from Europe two days ago," Klinsmann said.
"But we had a plan, and we tried to execute that plan and getting that win here -- I mean it's quite enjoyable."

Chicharito may not be happy at Man U

God I love fan art! Thank you Aztekita18Princess!!

With the signing of RVP I can understand why Hernandez would want to go. The gives MU Berbatov, RVP, Hernandez, Rooney, Welbeck, Macheda, and Bebe up front. Tough to think that Hernandez will get the playing time a player of his calibur deserves.

Via ESPN-MEXICO CITY -- Focused on Mexico's historic 1-0 loss to the United States in an international friendly match Wednesday, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez steered conversation away from British newspaper reports that he is frustrated over a potential lack of playing time now that Manchester United has agreed to sign Dutch striker Robin van Persie, pending a medical exam.

"I am with the Mexican national team and when I am with my club I will think about them," Hernandez told Televisa Wednesday, refusing to address unconfirmed reports that he has told Alex Ferguson he would like to leave the team.

On Tuesday, Manchester United agreed to a deal reportedly worth over for Arsenal captain Van Persie, subject to a medical exam and personal terms.

Manchester United is set to complete the signing of Van Persie from Arsenal on Thursday after the Premier League rivals reached an agreement over the sale of the Netherlands striker.

Both clubs released statements on their websites on Wednesday saying personal terms still needed to be agreed upon and that a deal was subject to a medical examination.


No financial details were disclosed by either United or Arsenal, although British media has reported that the London club wanted 20 million pounds ($31.3 million) for its captain, who has one year left on his contract.

Ferguson spoke earlier this summer, voicing his frustrations over Hernandez's summer workload. Hernandez missed several weeks last December with an ankle injury and sturggled to score for the rest of the season.

"I think this season we will see an improved Chicharito," he told the club's official magazing, Inside United.

"During the past four or five seasons he has played all summer. This year, with Mexico's cooperation, he has rested as he should. And, he got started resting in May when I decided not to take him to Belfast for the game to honor Harry Gregg. We want him to rest as much as possible. He had a few weeks off and then he joined the Mexican selection to play in a few qualifiers before resting a few more weeks."


Photo via Fanpop

Man U stock falls flat on debut

AP-NEW YORK -- Soccer club Manchester United made a disappointing debut on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, even after opening at a discounted price, with enthusiasm for the celebrated team overshadowed by its debt load and financial track record.

Many had expected that fans of most famous soccer club in the world would snap up shares, leading to a pop in early trading, but that didn't materialize. Some analysts had warned that the initial public offering was overvalued, particularly since the club is debt ridden and the family that owns them, the Glazers, retained almost total voting control over the team.

"There was a lot of wing flapping, but not much flying today," said John Fitzgibbon, the founder of IPOScoop.com. "It's reflective of the overall IPO market, they may hit a couple of roadbumps, but the deals are getting done."


Manchester United shares were flat at $14 in midday trading on the New York Stock Exchange, the level they were priced at by the underwriters late Thursday.

The stock, traded under the MANU ticker symbol, had been expected to be sold for between $16 and $20 per share.

The $14 per share price still valued the club at $2.3 billion, slightly higher than the record $2 billion paid for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team earlier this year.

The 134-year-old soccer club expects to make $110.3 million from its offering of 8.3 million shares. It will use $101.7 million to pay down senior notes. The Glazer family, which owns the team, is selling another 8.3 million shares separately.

The family's 2005 leveraged takeover was valued at $1.47 billion, much of it borrowed. United carried 416.7 million pounds ($666.2 million) in debt as of March 31. It had no debt when it was bought by the Glazer family in 2005.

The Glazers are the American family that already owns the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Malcolm Glazer is CEO of First Allied Corp., a holding company with numerous business interests. His two sons Avram and Joel are co-chairmen of Manchester United.

After the stock offering, the Glazers will keep control of the team through Class B shares that have 10 times the voting power of the stock sold to the public.

Manchester United is one of the most renowned sports teams in the world. It claims 659 million followers and 26.9 million Facebook fans. Half of its fans are in Asia, where its games are televised and its replica shirts and other products are huge sellers. But analysts are more skeptical of the team, known as The Red Devils, as a financial commodity. It is not a high-growth company like a tech startup, but like some tech startups, it is heavily in debt.

Manchester United is hoping to expand its lucrative sponsorships and licensing deals. Earlier this month it announced a $559 million, seven-year shirt sponsorship agreement with Chevrolet. But financial performance has been choppy. The team expects to report a loss for the year ended June 30, excluding a tax credit, with revenue down 3 percent to 5 percent.

And broadcasting and ticket revenue is largely dependent on how far the team goes in English and European cup competitions.

The IPO market has been chilled since Facebook's disappointing debut in May. Another public offering expected from Carl's Jr. parent CKE Inc. on Friday was postponed.

Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin' Brands debuted below its expected offering price Wednesday. On Friday, shares rose 18 cents at $13.67 in morning trading, 24 percent higher than its IPO opening price of $11 per share.

One analyst said the flat opening is a signal that individual investors, who are typically attracted to well-known name brands on the market, are paying more attention to valuation and price.

"The bigger story confirms that individual investors felt so burned by the market -- having been burned twice, by the financial crisis and then by Facebook -- that they're not willing to get burned again," said Sam Hamadeh, CEO of PrivCo LLC, which researches privately held companies.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

Photo via

Several former WPS teams to try to make a go of it again.

Via ESPN-Several former Women's Professional Soccer league teams could form part of a new U.S. women's league that would begin play in the spring of 2013, it was announced Thursday.

The yet-to-be-named pro league would feature at least eight teams, including three former WPS teams -- the Boston Breakers, Chicago Red Stars and New Jersey Sky Blue FC -- as well as a newly formed team in Seattle and another West Coast club, according to a statement released by the Breakers on Thursday.


"All these teams are committed to playing with and against each other starting in 2013 and to working out the final details to allow a sustainable professional league for women's soccer in the U.S.," Michael Stoller, managing partner of the Breakers, said in the statement. "We want to emphasize this is not a competitor to any of the existing leagues, but rather this is a significant step up in the competitive level and professional standards, and we expect to establish a natural relationship to allow teams to enter this new league and perhaps to fall back (self-relegate) to their prior league if they need a break from the higher spending and competitive requirements."


The WPS folded after three seasons following the cancellation of the 2012 season. The league's predecessor, WUSA, also lasted only three seasons, burning through more than $100 million in investments in the euphoric aftermath of a U.S. victory at the 1999 World Cup. American fans again watched the Women's World Cup in 2011, but it wasn't enough to save the WPS.


The 2012 WPS season was scrapped amid a legal dispute with an ousted owner. League officials had clashed with Dan Borislow of the South Florida franchise all last season and tried to terminate the club in October. The WPS reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with Borislow, who had sued the league.


Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Photo via

US international Diskerud signs contract with Rosenborg

OSLO, Norway -- Norwegian club Rosenborg says it has signed Mikkel Diskerud for the rest of the year.
The 21 year-old Norwegian-born American says it is "an honor" to play for the club.

Rosenborg sporting director Erik Hoftun told a Norwegian news agency they had hoped the midfielder's contract would have been longer, but Diskerud only signed until the end of the year to get "acquainted" with the team.

Diskerud was presented by Rosenborg late Thursday. He has previously played for Stabaek Baerum of Norway and Belgium's KAA Gent.

Called "Mix" instead of Mikkel, Diskerud has an American mother and a Norwegian father and has two caps with the United States.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

Photo via

My thoughts on Melissa Tancredi: Classless &%*#$.

So before all the Canadians (Canadiens? I can't ever remember.) get all bent out of shape I'm going to take your side for a minute. Some of you may still be a little upset about the whole "BS 6-second call leading to a handball leading to a game tying PK for the US" thing. I have to say: I get it. If that call had gone against the US I, and so many other USWNT fans, would be screaming foul. (Get it?!?! OK sorry...)

I've watched a thousand matches just like this one and I have never ONCE seen this call go against a team. And if it had of gone against my team I would be pissed.

That said: I hope Melissa Tancredi breaks her leg and isn't able to play again for a long time. Her stomp on Carli Lloyd's face was one of the most classless things I've seen since Joey Barton was last on the field, or since that Columbian player punched Abby Wambach, either way.

My point is: Melissa Tancredi you are a classless whore and I hope you pay dearly for this.

That is all.



Your daily *Cleavage Edition!!!

So the always insightful Jessica Kardashian, and no I don't know if that's her real name, is back with us today with her take on Alex Morgan kneeing the New Zealand 'keeper in the head. 

Don't you guys love how I always bring you the hardest hitting most in-depth soccer coverage on the Interweb?? Your welcome!!

Santos sets Neymar pricetag at: Priceless

"Pay me bitches!"

Via ESPN-Santos president Luis Alvaro believes that Neymar can now be deemed "priceless" following Lucas Moura's €45 million switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

PSG spent big on the Brazilian starlet earlier this week but Alvaro is of the opinion that Neymar is worth far more than Lucas, and says he wouldn't even be able to put a price on his talented forward.

"I am adamant in saying that Neymar is priceless," Alvaro told Lance. "Millions and millions of euro, dollars and reais could not pay for him. He is a unique player, he's distinguished, he is the great idol of Brazilian football, for whom it is impossible to negotiate for.

"I also understand that the amount spent for Lucas is deserved. Both are players who represent a new stage of Brazilian football. Along with [Leandro] Damiao, they are impressing the world."

Neymar signed a new contract with Santos in December 2011, which includes a buy-out clause of £57 million. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been tipped to make a move for the Brazil international, but Santos want to keep hold of him until the new deal expires in 2014 at least.

"I do not regret anything," Alvaro said. "On the contrary, I am even more convinced that the service paid to the history of Santos is priceless. We are seeing the affection of the fans, how important it was for the young fans to see Neymar remain at the (Vila) Belmiro. I am privileged to have secured Neymar until 2014, at the end of his contract."

Alvaro is also pleased that Lucas has departed Brazilian football for France: "Sao Paulo has lost a player who always took great risks against Santos. His trip to Europe is a relief."


Photo via

Smug bastard Sacha Kljestan scores in Anderlecht opening game of CL

I would also look that smug if I had her on my arm. Damn son....

I really don't understand why Sacha ISN'T playing on the USMNT. He has blossomed in Belgium and has, in my opinion, become the player everyone thought he could be.  My only guess for Klinsmann's exclusion is that Kljestan isn't his type of player. I would make the argument that he would be much more valuable than Maurice Edu has been in the last year. Your thoughts?? On Jaime Lee Darley not Sacha sorry. I see how that was confusing.


American midfielder Sacha Kljestan scored in the ninth minute and Anderlecht went on to a 6-0 win at Ekranas of Lithuania on Wednesday night, advancing to the final round of qualifying for the Champions League.

Kljestan also assisted on the second goal for Anderlecht, which won the home-and-home series on 11-0 aggregate.

The 20 teams in the playoff round will be drawn into 10 series on Friday. The playoff winners will join the 22 clubs that qualified directly for the group stage.

Scottish champion Glasgow Celtic won 2-0 at HJK Helsinki on goals by Joe Ledley in the 67th minute and Giorgos Samaras in the 86th for a 4-1 aggregate victory. Panathinaikos beat Scotland's Motherwell 3-0 for a 5-0 aggregate win.

Also advancing were Basel (Switzerland), Cluj (Romania), Copenhagen (Denmark), Dinamo Zagreb
(Croatia), Fenerbahce (Turkey), Helsingborg (Sweden), Kiryat Shmona (Israel), AEL Limassol (Cyprus) and Maribor (Slovenia). Dynamo Kiev (Ukraine) and BATE Borisov (Belarus) advanced Tuesday.
Six teams start play in the final qualifying round: Borussia Moenchengladbach, Braga, Lille, Malaga, Spartak Moscow and Udinese.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press