FutebolTotal

Champions League draw

2008-07-01T12:38:30-03:00

Champions League quarter-finalists Fenerbahce will begin next season's campaign in the second qualifying round against Hungarian champions MTK Budapest following Tuesday's draw.
Greece's Panathinaikos will meet the winners of the first qualifying round match between Georgia's Dinamo Tblisi and Runavik of the Faroe Islands.

Serbian champions Partizan could face Rabotnicki from neighbouring Macedonia if they can overcome Inter Baku of Azerbaijan.

Last season's UEFA Cup runners-up Rangers will face the winners of the tie between Andorran champions Santa Coloma and Lithuania's Kaunas, while Dynamo Kiev of Ukraine will take on either Drogheda United of Ireland or Estonian's Levadia Tallinn.

First qualifying round draw
First leg: 15/16 July
Second leg: 22/23 July

• 1 Linfield FC (NIR) v NK Dinamo Zagreb (CRO)
• 2 Valetta FC (MLT) v FC Artmedia Petr~alka (SVK)
• 3 FC Dinamo Tbilisi (GEO) v NSÍ Runavík (FRO)
• 4 FC Santa Coloma (AND) v FBK Kaunus (LTU)
• 5 S.S. Murata (SMR) v IFK Göteborg (SWE)
• 6 Llanelli AFC (WAL) v FK Ventspils (LVA)
• 7 Anorthosis Famugusta (CYP) v FC Pyunik (ARM)
• 8 FK Inter Baki (AZE) v FK Rabotnicki (MKD)
• 9 Tampere United (FIN) v FK Buducnost Podgorica (MNE)
• 10 F91 Dudelange (LUX) v NK Dom~ale (SVN)
• 11 KS Dinamo Tirana (ALB) v FK Modrica (BIH)
• 12 FK Aktobe (KAZ) v FC Sheriff (MDA)
• 13 Drogheda United FC (IRL) v FC Levadia Tallinn (EST)
• 14 FC BATE Borisov (BLR) v Valur Reykjavík (ISL)
Second qualifying round draw
First leg: 29/30 July
Second leg: 5/6 August

• Rangers FC (SCO) v Winners Match 4
• SK Brann (NOR) v Winners Match 6
• Winners Match 8 v FK Partizan (SRB)
• Winners Match 9 v Winners Match 2
• Winners Match 7 v SK Rapid Wien (AUT)
• Winners Match 10 v Winners Match 1
• Panathinaikos FC (GRE) v Winners Match 3
• Winners Match 5 v FC Basel 1893 (SUI)
• Winners Match 12 v AC Sparta Praha (CZE)
• Winners Match 13 v FC Dinamo Kyiv (UKR)
• RSC Anderlecht (BEL) v Winners Match 14
• Beitar Jerusalem FC (ISR) v Wisla Kraków (POL)
• Fenerbahçe SK (TUR) v MTK Budapest (HUN)
• Aalborg BK (DEN) v Winners Match 11

Sevilla bid farewell to Daniel Alves before Bar�a move

2008-07-01T12:37:47-03:00

Sevilla said goodbye to Brazil full back Daniel Alves on Tuesday ahead of the 25-year-old completing his transfer to Primera Liga rivals Barcelona.

'He is one of the most important players in Sevilla's recent history, and maybe even in the entire history of the club,' Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido told a news conference shared with the player.

Alves was a key figure in helping Sevilla to win two UEFA Cups, a Copa Del Rey, a European Super Cup and a Spanish Super Cup in his five-and-a-half seasons with the Andalucians.

Spanish media have reported that he will move on a four-year contract for a fee of around €29.5 million, rising to €36 million depending on appearances and results.

The right back was due in Barcelona on Tuesday to take a medical before completing the transfer, Barca said.

Sahar makes Pompey switch

2008-07-01T12:36:34-03:00

Portsmouth have signed Chelsea teenager Ben Sahar on a six-month loan. The 18-year-old Israeli striker had loan spells at QPR and Sheffield Wednesday last season but could now get his chance to shine on a regular basis in the Barclays Premier League.

Sahar has made three appearances for the Chelsea first team and is relishing his move to the FA Cup winners, who will also feature in the UEFA Cup next season.

'I'm ready for the challenge of being part of such a big club, like Portsmouth,' he told the club's official website.

Deco targets Blues glory

2008-07-01T12:35:34-03:00

Portugal playmaker Deco immediately set his sights on Premier League and European glory after joining Chelsea from Barcelona on Monday night.

The 30-year-old Brazil-born player is the club´s first signing since the appointment of Luiz Felipe Scolari as manager and he is believed to have cost around £8million.

Deco told Chelsea TV: "It is good for me to be here and first of all I am very happy to be here. I am sure I have come at the right time to do great things and be able to help Chelsea go back to the way it was and come back to being the first one, not only in England but also to win the Champions League that has been their dream for so long."

Mourinho raises Lampard doubts

2008-07-01T12:34:57-03:00

Inter Milan boss Jose Mourinho has seemingly abandoned his hopes of signing Frank Lampard from Chelsea this summer but claims he is "100% sure" the midfielder will make the move in 12 months´ time.

The arrival of Deco at Chelsea on Monday night appeared to suggest Lampard´s future may lie away from Stamford Bridge as rumours continue about the England midfielder, but former Blues boss Mourinho is quoted by The Sun admitting it is unlikely the 30-year-old will be at the San Siro any time soon.

"This season? I don´t think so," Mourinho said. "Why won´t he? Well, it´s not because we don´t want him to, but I´m sure Chelsea and Chelsea´s officials don´t want to sell him."

Norwich name their price

2008-07-01T12:34:09-03:00

Norwich have told businessman Peter Cullum it will cost £56million to buy the Coca-Cola Championship club.

The 57-year-old, who ranked in the top 40 of Britain´s rich list, admits he made an informal offer in October last year and has stressed his bid still stands, saying he would look to keep joint majority shareholder Delia Smith on board as the "figurehead and icon".

But Norwich dismissed his approach, saying in a statement: "When evaluating any potential investment we look at the individual, we look at what they want to achieve and we look at the financial viability of their proposition. In the case of someone seeking to take control of the club and at the same time invest £20million in the playing squad, this would take a minimum of £56m."

Latics snap up de ridder

2008-07-01T12:32:40-03:00

Wigan have signed Dutch winger Daniel de Ridder on a three-year deal after he was released "by mutual consent" from Birmingham on Monday.

The 24-year-old signs for Steve Bruce for the second time in 12 months after the manager took him to St Andrews last summer and becomes Wigan´s first signing of the summer.

Bruce said: "Daniel is an exciting player and I´m convinced he can make an impact at Wigan. He has very quick feet and can pull off the unexpected, he´s a player with a trick who can go past defenders and has an eye for a pass."

Lithuanians likely for Rangers

2008-07-01T12:32:13-03:00

Rangers can expect to face FBK Kaunas - the Lithuanian club closely associated with Hearts - in the second round of qualifying for the Champions League.

Kaunas were handed a favourable draw in the first qualifying round, after being paired with Andorran side Santa Coloma.

The winners of that tie will go on to face Rangers in a two-legged second-round tie, the matches to be played on July 29/30 and August 5/6.

Bischoff eyeing Arsenal move

2008-07-01T12:31:47-03:00

Werder Bremen midfielder Amaury Bischoff claims he is set to sign for Arsenal in the near future.

The 21-year-old Frenchman, who has represented his country at Under-18 and Under-20 level, has rejected a contract extension with the Bundesliga club in the hope that he will meet with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger to finalise a move to London.

"Arsene Wenger has known about me since I was at Strasbourg (2004-05) and he believes in me," he told German newspaper Bild.

Draw throws up intriguing qualifiers

2008-07-01T12:31:07-03:00

Northern Irish challengers Linfield have been handed a mouth-watering Champions League tie with Dinamo Zagreb following the draw for the first qualifying round of this season´s competition in Switzerland.

Although they would appear to have little chance of progress, Linfield at least know they have a glamour tie.

Winners of the Croatian league for the past three seasons, Dinamo have just sold Luka Modric to Tottenham for £15.8million and are looking to invest the money wisely.

Alonso could keep Liverpool waiting

2008-07-01T12:30:43-03:00

Liverpool may have to wait until European champion Xabi Alonso returns from holiday before they can sort out the Spanish midfielder´s future.

Alonso has been given a three-week break following Spain´s successful Euro 2008 campaign, with his proposed £16million move to Juventus seemingly on hold, but Alonso admits to having "no idea" where he will be playing next season.

Alonso told Spanish football expert Guillem Balague´s website, www.guillembalague.com: "I have no idea [what the future holds]. Right now I am just thinking about going on holiday, sitting back and relaxing. We all need time to sit back and think about what we (Spain) achieved and to take it all in."

Spain gives football heroes ecstatic welcome

2008-07-01T07:04:01-03:00

Tens of thousands of ecstatic Spaniards lined Madrid's streets and packed into a central square on Monday to raucously cheer home their soccer heroes, after Spain's Euro 2008 final victory in Vienna.

Finally free of pressure after beating Germany 1-0 on Sunday, delighted players celebrated on a stage in front of thousands in Madrid's Colon Square and tossed 69-year-old coach Luis Aragones into the air.

Captain Iker Casillas credited Aragones, who the players treat more as a father figure than coach, as the main reason for Spain's victory -- the first time the country has won a major soccer tournament in 44 years.

Earlier, Spain's most popular television channels showed live footage as the team's plane, painted with the word 'Champions', taxied to a halt at Madrid's Barajas airport.

'This is for all of you,' goalkeeper Casillas said to Spanish television as he stepped onto the tarmac with the trophy under his arm.

SPL secure bumper �125m TV deal

2008-07-01T07:02:57-03:00

The Scottish Premier League have secured a £125million broadcasting deal with Setanta Sports. The four-year contract is the richest in the history of the Scottish game and will take effect from the start of the 2010/11 season, once Setanta's current contract with the SPL expires.

SPL executive chairman Lex Gold believes the deal will have a hugely positive impact on member clubs.

Gold said: 'Ten years ago we spoke about delivering a brighter future for Scottish football. Today, as we look ahead to our next 10 years we can do so with confidence. An investment on this scale, £125million, marks the biggest ever TV deal in Scottish football history. No commercial deal comes close to matching what has been achieved today by the SPL and Setanta Sports for our game."

Castrol joins forces with FIFA World Cup until 2014

2008-07-01T07:04:12-03:00

With UEFA’s EURO 2008 just completed, the focus of the football world will now shift to Africa for the next two years, culminating in the 2010 FIFA World Cup™, the first to be staged on African soil. FIFA is therefore proud to announce that, with Castrol, today (30 June) another major global company has joined up as a FIFA World Cup Sponsor until 2014. The partnership represents by far the largest sponsorship deal that the global lubricants company has entered into in its 100-year history – a further indication of the faith put into South Africa and Brazil as hosts of the next two FIFA World Cups™.

Today’s partnership awards Castrol global rights for the 2010 FIFA World Cup™ in South Africa, the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil and the two FIFA Confederations Cups that fall within the 2008-2014 period. “With Castrol, we are delighted to welcome a committed football supporter into our global sponsorship family.

The FIFA World Cup, with more than 26 billion TV viewers, attracts massive involvement from fans and non-fans alike, who are drawn to the drama and excitement that comes with top national-team football. With its new Performance Index, Castrol enhances the fans’ experience with exclusive data on the players’ speed, efficiency and performance in matches. The index was developed with renowned football experts such as Arsène Wenger, Ottmar Hitzfeld and Emilio Butragueño and it underlines Castrol’s passion for the game,” said FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter, before adding: “This agreement not only highlights FIFA’s confidence in South Africa and Brazil as the host nations but also shows that the global business community believes in the incredibly positive impact the events will have.”

Castrol’s main sponsorship emphasis lays on the new Castrol Performance Index, with which it showcases the importance of the brand’s core values of passion, technical progress and performance in an innovative and fascinating manner. “I chose to work with Castrol because its football sponsorship goes beyond simply ticket promotions and branding. The development and launch of a new performance index was something that really interested me and I was impressed by the way they used their experience in improving vehicle performance to champion the objective measurement of players and teams,” commented Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger, Castrol’s headline ambassador.

Castrol now has exclusive global marketing rights in the category ranging from lubricants, transmission fluids and anti-freeze to refined oil and gas products. “Our investment in football has proved to be a tremendous success and it has allowed Castrol to develop new opportunities in a way that has added value to our business partners, excited and rewarded fans and motivated our staff, ” said Mike Johnson, Senior Vice-President for Lubricants.

FIFA’s commercial hierarchy comprises six FIFA Partners, six to eight FIFA World Cup Sponsors and six National Supporters. The six members of the FIFA Partners category are adidas, Coca-Cola, Emirates Airline, Hyundai, Sony and Visa. Only two slots are left as second-tier FIFA World Cup Sponsors alongside Anheuser-Busch, Castrol, Continental, McDonald’s, MTN and Satyam. FNB and Telkom have claimed two of the six National Supporter slots and negotiations are currently underway to confirm the remaining four.

Berlin gives beaten finalists a heroes' welcome

2008-07-01T07:00:54-03:00

EURO 2008 runners-up Germany were welcomed home by more than 300,000 fans at a colourful ceremony at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on Monday.

Supporters waving black, red and yellow flags packed a fan mile in front of the Berlin landmark, at the start of the public viewing area from which some 600,000 spectators had watched the final. Germany captain Michael Ballack told the crowd upon the team's arrival from Vienna: "It is disappointing to go so far in the tournament, get to the final and then lose. That's always a bitter feeling." Joachim Löw's side went down 1-0 to Spain in Sunday's climax to the EURO.

However, Ballack added that the Mannschaft had been helped along to the final by the huge shows of support from the crowds filling public-viewing venues across Germany throughout the tournament. "I don't think we'd have gone so far without these great fans," the midfielder said. "We all saw the television pictures of what was going on here, and it felt like we had an extra man on the pitch all the time."

Xavi emerges as EURO's top man

2008-07-01T06:59:38-03:00

Spain midfielder Xavi Hernández has been named the Castrol Player of the Tournament for UEFA EURO 2008™ after his stirring displays helped his country to the title.

The 28-year-old FC Barcelona player appeared in five matches at the finals, scoring once in the semi-final against Russia, as Spain earned their first major international success since beating the Soviet Union to win the 1964 UEFA European Championship. His ability to dictate the pace of the game from midfield brought him to the attention of the UEFA Technical Team who decide upon the Castrol Player of the Tournament, taking into account votes from the public.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said: "We chose him because we think he epitomises the Spanish style of play. He was extremely influential in the whole possession, passing, penetrating kind of game that Spain played."

Spain dominate Team of the Tournament

2008-07-01T06:58:38-03:00

The UEFA Technical Team has named its EURO 2008 Team of the Tournament, with no fewer than nine Spanish players being picked in the final 23.

The nine-strong group of experienced football technicians who have followed every game at the tournament decided the selection – and the success of Luis Aragonés's side was underlined by the fact nine Spain players made the cut, with the remainder of the squad comprising three players from runners-up Germany, four from Russia, two each from the Netherlands and Portugal and a single player representing Turkey, Croatia and Italy.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh said: "The Team of the Tournament is something we put into our technical report for our coaching colleagues. We give them pointers on the players that our technical experts have appreciated during this event. This team is very much self-contained in terms of the tournament – this is not about reputations. In fact there are only four players in here who were in our UEFA Champions League team of the competition. It's all very much about the performances in this competition. We haven't included anybody who was knocked out in the group phase."

EURO 2008 Team of the Tournament:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Italy), Iker Casillas (Spain), Edwin van der Sar (Netherlands).

Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Carlos Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Carles Puyol (Spain), Yuri Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altıntop (Turkey), Luka Modrić (Croatia), Marcos Senna (Spain), Xavi Hernández (Spain), Konstantin Zyryanov (Russia), Michael Ballack (Germany), Cesc Fàbregas (Spain), Andrés Iniesta (Spain), Lukas Podolski (Germany), Wesley Sneijder (Netherlands).

Forwards: Andrei Arshavin (Russia), Roman Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Fernando Torres (Spain), David Villa (Spain).

Kalmar ready to rejoin Swedish battle

2008-07-01T06:57:50-03:00

After a long break for EURO 2008, the Swedish Allsvenskan resumes on Tuesday with
Kalmar comeback Leaders Kalmar return to action at Gefle IF on Wednesday, having secured 25 points from their first eleven games of the campaign. Nanne Bergstrand's much-heralded side had caught the eye before the recess, which started on 12 May, with striker Patrik Ingelsten – in his second season after joining from Halmstads BK – rifling in eight goals. Indeed, scoring has been one of Kalmar's strengths, wheareas stout defending has been key for second-placed IF Elfsborg, who are three points adrift of Kalmar. A winter recruit from BK Häcken, 35-year-old former Swedish international Teddy Lucic has been a big influence on a team who have conceded only three goals.

AIK Solna sit third, but their record of ten goals scored in eleven games gives a good idea of where their frailties lie, while title-holders IFK Göteborg are fourth. Not a tremendous start, yet given the problems they have had playing their usual passing game this term, they will be relieved to be just six points off the pace. Helsingborgs IF, Hammarby, Malmö FF and Djurgårdens IF are all hovering towards the top; Halmstad and GAIS Göteborg, though, are having a less edifying time in mid-table. Newcomers Ljungskile SK have surprised everyone by earning ten points to leave them above Trelleborgs FF, Örebro SK, Gefle and GIF Sundsvall. Another promoted side, IFK Norrköping, are bottom with coach Sören Cratz desperate to get some momentum going.

De Rossi signs Roma extension

2008-07-01T06:57:12-03:00

AS Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi is on course to spend a decade in the Giallorossi first team after extending his contract until 2012.

The Italian international has signed a three-year extension to underline his commitment to the capital club where he started his Serie A career in 2002/03. The academy product, now 24, has made 155 top-flight appearances for Roma, scoring 17 goals, with his progress also being rewarded by 36 Italy caps. He struck the Azzurri's second goal in their EURO 2008 victory over France. Second in Serie A last term, De Rossi and Roma will compete in the UEFA Champions League group stage next season.

Knezevic jumps at Juventus chance

2008-07-01T06:56:33-03:00

UEFA Champions League hopefuls Juventus have bolstered their defensive ranks by loaning Dario Kne�ević from AS Livorno Calcio with a view to a permanent deal.

The versatile 26-year-old has joined the Turin club on a season-long loan after returning from UEFA EURO 2008™, where he made three appearances for Croatia before suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 victory against Poland. He played 35 Serie A games for Livorno in 2007/08 but could not prevent his side suffering relegation. The versatile Kne�ević will link up with another defensive recruit, Sweden's Olof Mellberg, who is arriving on a free transfer from Aston Villa FC – a move agreed last January.

Claudio Ranieri's team have also secured, with UC Sampdoria, the co-ownership of goalkeeper Antonio Mirante. The 24-year-old will spend the coming campaign with the Bianconeri, having featured 13 times for Sampdoria last term. Juventus start their UEFA Champions League attempt in the third qualifying round after finishing third in Serie A.

Huddlestone pens new Tottenham deal

2008-07-01T06:55:55-03:00

England Under-21 midfielder Tom Huddlestone has signed a new five-year contract to stay with UEFA Cup contenders Tottenham Hotspur FC until the summer of 2013.

The deal indicates that Huddlestone, who has scored four goals in 53 Premier League matches since joining Tottenham from Derby County FC in January 2005, has won the confidence of White Hart Lane manager Juande Ramos. The 21-year-old came on as a substitute as Spurs lifted the English League Cup last season with a 2-1 Wembley victory against Chelsea FC in February. T

he towering anchorman has also found the net three times in 26 appearances for the England U21s and was called up to the senior squad for the summer friendlies against United States and Trinidad & Tobago, without featuring in either game. The London club enter the UEFA Cup in the first round.

Chelsea sign midfielder Deco

2008-07-01T06:55:23-03:00

Chelsea confirmed on Monday night they have signed Portugal midfielder Deco from Barcelona. The talented playmaker had recently been told by the Catalan club he did not feature in their future plans and had been linked with a move to the Blues regularly in recent years.

And Chelsea confirmed the 30-year-old has agreed the move to Stamford Bridge, becoming the club´s first signing since Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was appointed manager.

Scolari faces tough start to reign Chelsea

2008-07-01T06:54:47-03:00

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will begin work at Chelsea faced with the task of persuading England midfielder Frank Lampard to remain at the club.

Lampard has one year remaining on his current contract and the holidaying midfielder has refused to rule out a move to Inter Milan when quizzed over his future.

"Inter? Let´s wait and see," said Lampard when questioned about a proposed move. "For the moment I am here on holiday with my family. My future at Chelsea? I don´t know anything yet.

Barton admits training ground assault

2008-07-01T06:54:11-03:00

Newcastle midfielder Joey Barton pleaded guilty on Monday to assaulting a former team-mate in a training ground row. The 25-year-old was due to go on trial at Manchester Minshull Crown Court over the incident, but changed his plea shortly before the scheduled start.

Barton admitted one charge of assault occasioning actual bodily harm to Ousmane Dabo when they were playing colleagues at Manchester City.

Anfield salute from Spain hero

2008-07-01T06:53:30-03:00

Fernando Torres believes Liverpool have turned him into a European champion. The Spain striker, who scored the goal against Germany in Vienna which decided the Euro 2008 final, has paid tribute to Liverpool and the club´s fans for their part in his success story.

"I have had a wonderful first season at Anfield and the 33 goals I scored for Liverpool gave me the confidence and belief I needed for the European finals," he told the Liverpool Echo.

Metzelder targeting World Cup

2008-07-01T06:52:52-03:00

Defender Christoph Metzelder does not feel Germany ever managed to find top gear during Euro 2008 and is hoping for an improved showing in the World Cup in two years´ time.

Although they reached a record sixth European Championship final, Germany lost to Croatia during the group stages, were hugely fortunate to get past Turkey in the semi-finals and were then beaten by Spain in Sunday´s final.

"We still have a very young team and I don´t think that in this tournament we were able to show the quality that we did in 2006 and qualification," said the Real Madrid defender.

Pellegrino joins Liverpool staff

2008-07-01T06:52:06-03:00

Former Liverpool defender Mauricio Pellegrino has re-joined the club as first-team coach.

The 36-year-old Argentinian, who played 12 times for the Reds in 2005, has been working as a youth team coach at Valencia but will now return to Merseyside to join the backroom team that also has Sammy Lee recently installed as assistant manager.

Boss Rafael Benitez said of Pellegrino: "His role will be first-team coach, and he will also carry out specialist training sessions. He can also work specifically with the defence, and also the reserves."

Fergie rules out transfer rush

2008-07-01T06:51:26-03:00

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson will not rush into making any new signings. The United manager has targets, but after a season in which his team won the Barclays Premier League and Champions League he is confident in the quality they already possess and could settle on just one new arrival.

Ferguson said: "The European Championship derails transfer activity. Nothing really happens when the championships are on. Obviously, now that is all over, people settle down.

"Managers are back at their clubs and you can get some dialogue now if they are interested, but I wouldn't think (we would buy) any more than one player. We are looking at one or two things."

Richards hoping for new arrivals

2008-07-01T06:42:30-03:00

Micah Richards hopes for new faces at Manchester City to ensure the Blues have 'no excuses' at the end of the season. New manager Mark Hughes has the millions of owner Thaksin Shinawatra available to spend this summer and Richards is hoping the players he brings in can propel the club into the top four.

"With a new manager in place, I am hoping we can get some new players in all positions to strengthen the squad and give it a really good go," he said.

Richards has recovered from a knee injury and will be available for the new season, which starts in just over a fortnight as City begin their UEFA Cup campaign.

The Blues learn their first qualifying round opponents on Tuesday, with the first leg due to be played on 17th July.

Villa takes scoring prize

2008-07-01T06:41:09-03:00

Spain striker David Villa has been crowned top scorer at UEFA EURO 2008™ despite missing the final because of a thigh injury.

Villa scored four goals in Spain's first two games in Austria – three against Russia and one against Sweden – making him the first player to hit a UEFA European Championship finals hat-trick since 2000, and only the seventh overall.

The 26-year-old Valencia CF forward was unable to add to that tally, but nevertheless finished one goal clear of Germany's Lukas Podolski, Roman Pavlyuchenko of Russia, Switzerland's Hakan Yakin and Semih Şentürk of Turkey. Twelve players registered two goals each, including Villa's team-mates Daniel Güiza and final hero Fernando Torres, plus Germany trio Michael Ballack, Miroslav Klose and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

Emotional Aragon�s bows out on a high

2008-07-01T06:40:39-03:00

Luis Aragonés was "full of emotion" after Fernando Torres's first-half goal gave Spain victory in the EURO 2008 final – for the country's first silverware since 1964 – and gave the outgoing coach the pleasure of a job well done. For Germany's Joachim Löw, meanwhile, obvious disappointment at the defeat was tempered by the progress shown by his squad and the excitement of the challenges that lay ahead.

Luis Aragonés, Spain coach
We have put together a group that plays well, that keeps the ball and mixes their passes very well and that is difficult to stop. We work hard together, those that play more and those that play slightly less, and we've managed to get there. This is a happy day for Spain – we've won this tournament in style and we're very happy. Now we will start expecting to win on this sort of stage.

Many people will look at this Spain team because it has been a model for playing football. I think all football lovers want people to make good combinations, to get into the penalty area and to score goals. At the beginning I said that if we managed this squad well, we would be champions. The team just thought I was trying to give them confidence. I just hope Spain carry on in this way and have many more victories.

Fernando Torres is a great player for Liverpool [FC] and for Spain. He can do anything. Why? He has such extraordinary speed and he knows how to dribble at pace. He is so young and could learn to do anything. He could be one of the best players in the world, no doubt. I am delighted. I usually don't show what I feel, but I'm full inside. I don't get very emotional but there were moments out there from some of my players that filled me with emotion. I'm like that – I don't show it but I'm so full of feelings. That's my way of showing it – other people might be more expressive.

Spain beats Germany and wins the Euro

2008-07-01T06:40:05-03:00

Spain became European champions for the second time after Fernando Torres's first-half goal in Vienna proved enough to defeat Germany in the final of UEFA EURO 2008™.

Spain had won their only previous piece of silverware in this competition in 1964 and had not been beyond the quarter-finals of any tournament in 24 years, yet Luis Aragonés's men chose to use that history as an inspiration rather than a burden. After a strong start from Germany, seeking a fourth title themselves, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an entertaining final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion although it took just one goal – in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and unerring finish – to end their long wait.

We got a fair fee for Gomes, insist PSV

2008-07-01T06:38:50-03:00

PSV Eindhoven director Jans Reker has claimed the club will receive a larger transfer fee than has been reported for the sale of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to Tottenham Hotspur.

The two clubs agreed an undisclosed fee on Friday and the Brazilian is now awaiting a work permit before completing his move to White Hart Lane. But Reker has rejected reports the transfer fee is €9million (£7million), although he declined to say how much it is.

'Gomes is going to Tottenham for a justifiable number of euros,' he told Dutch newspaper Dagblad.

Want-away Adebayor now eyes Barca switch

2008-07-01T06:34:16-03:00

Emmanuel Adebayor has cast further doubt on his Arsenal future after revealing his interest in a move to Barcelona. AC Milan are also pursuing the striker, who has given conflicting statements about his immediate future over recent days.

On Friday he insisted he would be staying with the Gunners before minutes later hinting he would push for a move to the San Siro in showdown talks with manager Arsene Wenger next week. On Saturday, however, Wenger insisted he would not be seeing Adebayor - who scored 30 goals last season - having already held talks with him.

Now the 24-year-old has further muddied the waters by revealing Barca's interest which he would favour if the north London club do not meet his demands for a pay rise to a reported £120,000 a week

Swiss, Austrian football bank on Euros boom

2008-07-01T06:32:57-03:00

Austrian and Swiss football officials said on Sunday they were confident that Euro 2008 would bring a long-term boost to local interest in the sport despite the early exit of both co-host teams.

Speaking at a news conference before Sunday's final match between Germany and Spain, the presidents of the two national football associations said the performance of the home sides and some bad weather had been the tournament's only negative points.

'From the Swiss point of view, we are of course not satisfied with the performance of the national team,' said Swiss FA president Ralph Zloczower whose team were eliminated after just two games, five days into the June 7-29 event.

'We had the target of reaching at least the quarter-final and we didn't make it. But interest remained high throughout the tournament and the atmosphere in the fanzones could not have been better.'

The decision to award Euro 2008 to Switzerland and Austria attracted some criticism based on the two countries' relative lack of profile as footballing nations.

Austria, in particular, had never managed to qualify for a European Championship before receiving its automatic place as co-host of Euro 2008 and are currently ranked 92nd in FIFA's international standings. Austrian FA president Friedrich Stickler said on Sunday that his country's reputation for being interested only in Alpine skiing was exaggerated.

'The Austrians do love their football and they already did before the Euro,' he said. 'But now you can tell that people are getting even more enthusiastic with far more people taking an interest.

At the professional level, both Austria and Switzerland will return to action for World Cup 2010 qualifying with new coaches at the helm. Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn retired following Euro 2008 and will be officially succeeded by two-time Champions League winning trainer Ottmar Hitzfeld on Tuesday. Austria are yet to name a replacement for Josef Hickersberger who stepped down following his team's group stage exit. Stickler said on Sunday that the new man would be chosen by the end of July.

FIFA has 'plan b' for 2010 World Cup

2008-07-01T06:31:24-03:00

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has confirmed for the first time that there is a 'plan B' for the host nation of the 2010 World Cup.

The tournament is due to take place in South Africa - the first World Cup to be staged in Africa - but concerns over continued security problems in the area have led to reports FIFA might look for new hosts.

However, while Blatter admits that there is an alternative in place, he remains confident the World Cup will go ahead as planned unless there is a 'natural catastrophe'. 'I would be a very negligent president if I hadn't put away in a drawer somewhere a plan B,' said Blatter.

Ballack fit to start for Germany

2008-07-01T06:30:26-03:00

Michael Ballack has been passed fit to start for Germany in the UEFA EURO 2008™ final against Spain, who include Cesc Fàbregas in a five-man midfield instead of using Daniel Güiza as a second striker.

Ballack had been a major doubt after coach Joachim Löw announced on the eve of the match that his captain was suffering from a calf muscle problem, and it will come as huge boost to his side that the 31-year-old is able to play. Also in midfield, Torsten Frings takes over from Simon Rolfes in the central holding role having recovered from a rib injury, as Löw sticks with the XI that started the second half of the 3-2 semi-final victory against Turkey.

With David Villa injured, Spain coach Luis Aragonés is forced to make one change from the side that started the 3-0 win over Russia. Fàbregas comes in to make up a five-man midfield after impressing as a subsitute in the semi-final, with striker Güiza among the substitutes.

Germany: Lehmann, Lahm, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Friedrich, Podolski, Frings, Hitzlsperger, Ballack, Schweinsteiger, Klose.

Spain: Casillas, Capdevila, Marchena, Puyol, Sergio Ramos, Iniesta, Senna, Fàbregas, Xavi, Silva, Torres.

Steaua Bucuresti in Champions League

2008-07-01T06:29:54-03:00

Romanian club FC Steaua Bucureşti have been admitted to the 2008/09 UEFA Champions League by the UEFA Control and Disciplinary Body.

The body ruled that Steaua would be accepted into the competition because a final decision was still pending in disciplinary proceedings involving the club in Romania. UEFA said that subject to a final decision in the disciplinary proceedings involving Steaua, proceedings could still be opened in the future regarding the club's admission to UEFA club competitions.

Leadbitter signs Black Cats deal

2008-07-01T06:29:19-03:00

England Under-21 midfielder Grant Leadbitter has signed a new three-year contract with Sunderland. The 22-year-old put pen to paper on a new deal which commits him to the Barclays Premier League club until 2011 at least.

Leadbitter, from nearby Fencehouses, scored two goals in 17 Barclays Premier League starts for the Black Cats last season and has impressed since Roy Keane arrived as manager in August 2006.

The midfielder, whose previous deal ran out in 2009, said: "I'm happy at the club and I want to help drive it forward next season, I want to kick on."

Wenger has no plans to meet striker Adebayor

2008-07-01T06:23:23-03:00

Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not meet Emmanuel Adebayor next week for talks on the striker's future at Arsenal. The Gunners boss is adamant the Togo international will still be at the Emirates Stadium next season and said he does not plan any further talks.

AC Milan are pursuing the striker and Adebayor yesterday claimed he will meet Wenger next week before deciding on his future - he is demanding a pay rise to a reported £120,000 a week. But Wenger said he already met Adebayor some time ago and has no plans to meet him again.

UEFA chief Platini endorses Cristiano Ronaldo pursuit

2008-07-01T06:22:37-03:00

Manchester United's hopes of fending off Real Madrid's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo have been dealt a further blow after UEFA president Michel Platini publicly endorsed the Spanish side's pursuit of the player.

United have already had an official complaint against Real rejected by FIFA and now Platini has said the Madrid club's public wooing of the player is part and parcel of the game.

Platini told a news conference in Vienna: 'Every club in the world would like to have Ronaldo. It's part of the system we have today. Players move from club to club and I can understand why Real Madrid want him. They had Di Stefano and Puskas in the past, and as Ronaldo is considered one of the best or the best player in the world it's normal. If the club has the finances they can do it so, if they don't have the money they can't.'

Huntelaar's future in doubt as Ajax talks stall

2008-07-01T06:21:34-03:00

There is fresh doubt over Klaas Jan Huntelaar's long-term future at Ajax after the Holland striker failed to agree a new contract with the club. Huntelaar has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United and Arsenal.

Ajax technical director Danny Blind admitted to De Telegraaf that contract talks had failed in large part because Huntelaar wanted a release clause written into the deal but felt Ajax wanted to set the price too high.

'When you look at the Ajax salary structure he could get a huge deal,' Blind said. 'But he doesn't want to see a release clause set at €25million in his contract. We didn't want to go any lower.'

Man City 'seal' �19million deal with CSKA for Jo

2008-07-01T06:20:59-03:00

Reports claim Manchester City have agreed the club record £19million transfer of Brazilian striker Jo from CSKA Moscow. City executive chairman Garry Cook has been working hard to tie up a deal which represents the first of Mark Hughes' reign as manager.

Cook hoped the signing would have been announced before now but complications over Jo's ownership held up the move - although confirmation the forward has joined fellow countryman Elano at Eastlands may not be made official by the club until Monday.

The fee would eclipse the £13.5million Kevin Keegan paid Paris St Germain to sign Nicolas Anelka in 2002, representing a significant statement of intent from owner Thaksin Shinawatra.

Ageing French braced for Deschamps overhaul

2008-07-01T06:20:02-03:00

The overhaul of an ageing squad in readiness for the 2010 World Cup will be the first item on Didier Deschamps' agenda if, as expected, he replaces Raymond Domenech as France coach following their Euro 2008 debacle.

This summer's tournament exposed some glaring deficiencies within Les Bleus' camp for which Domenech, whose four years at the helm should come to an end in the coming days, has to take most of the blame.

Domenech has always been viewed as an eccentric - he once admitted astrology played a part in his squad selections - but his coaching abilities have now been called into serious question for a number of reasons.

So Deschamps, captain of the France teams that won the World Cup in 1998 and the Euros two years later, is the heavy favourite to come in as a replacement - and he has a tough job on his plate.

Lyon reject second bid for 'keeper Coupet

2008-07-01T06:18:02-03:00

Gregory Coupet's move to Atletico Madrid appears to have fallen through after Lyon announced they had rejected the Spanish club's second bid for the goalkeeper.

The 35-year-old French international told Les Gones that he would not be playing for them next season before heading to Euro 2008, despite him signing a contract extension last summer which ties him to the club until 2010.

Atletico have since emerged as favourites to sign him, with the president of the Spanish club, Enrique Cerezo, confirming on Friday that they were in negotiations with Lyon for the player. But the club's director of communications, Olivier Blanc, has announced that the offer made by Atletico was less than they had expected and had therefore been rejected.

German enforcer Frings fit to face Spain

2008-07-01T06:17:20-03:00

Germany midfielder Torsten Frings insists he is fit and raring to go for Sunday's Euro 2008 final against Spain after recovering from a rib injury.

Frings was featured in Germany's opening three matches but he was forced to sit out his side's quarter-final victory over Portugal after suffering a broken rib in the last group game against Austria.

The vastly experienced Werder Bremen man returned to action during Wednesday's semi-final against Turkey, being sent on at half-time as coach Joachim Low sought to counteract the early dominance of their opponents.

The move appeared to help, with Germany much more effective after the break before going on to win the clash in Basle 3-2, and although it remains to be seen which team Low starts with against Spain, Frings is eager to be involved.

In-demand Diego happy to stay with Bremen

2008-07-01T06:16:34-03:00

Werder Bremen playmaker Diego has revealed Italian clubs Juventus and Internazionale have inquired about him, but admits his future probably lies in Germany.

The Brazilian attracted plenty of attention from Europe's top clubs last season thanks to some eye-catching performances during Bremen's Champions League campaign, which came to an end at the group stage.

In April Diego's father and agent claimed Juventus had held talks with the Bundesliga club over the possible transfer of the 23-year-old. On Friday the player himself also claimed that Juve and their Italian rivals Inter had enquired about him, but conceded that at the moment a deal was far from likely.

'Juve and Inter have spoken with my club, but nothing came of it. We never spoke about money,' he told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport. 'At the moment it looks like my future lies with Werder Bremen. I'm fine there, I have a good team, I'm considered important, so we'll see.'

Deportivo La Coruna sign Mista on three-year contract

2008-07-01T06:15:10-03:00

Deportivo La Coruna have completed the signing of forward Miguel Angel Ferrer 'Mista' on a three-year-deal. Mista joins the club after reaching an agreement on Friday with Atletico Madrid to cancel his contract a season early.

A statement on the Deportivo website read: 'Deportivo have recently formalised the deal to bring Spanish forward Miguel Angel Ferrer 'Mista' to the club for the next three seasons. The footballer from Murcia joins the club from Atletico Madrid, the club with which on Friday he cancelled his professional contract, originally due to expire in June 2009.'

Costa Rica sack coach Medford after dismal run

2008-07-01T06:14:25-03:00

Costa Rica fired coach Hernan Medford on Friday as a result of their long winless streak in the run up to their 2010 World Cup qualifiers, local media reported.

'At last I'm free,' Medford said after a meeting with the country's soccer federation chiefs, according to Costa Rican newspaper La Nacion.

Under Medford, Costa Rica went 12 successive games without a victory until they beat Grenada 3-0 on June 21 in the second leg of a World Cup qualifier. The two sides drew 2-2 in the first leg.

Platini pleasure at positive EURO

2008-07-01T06:13:16-03:00

UEFA President Michel Platini has thanked players, coaches and fans for making EURO 2008 an outstanding experience and for transmitting European football's positive image across the globe.

Ahead of Sunday's final between Spain and Germany at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion in Vienna, Mr Platini also praised host countries Austria and Switzerland and looked forward to a memorable encounter tomorrow night. "When you arrive at the end of a tournament you say thanks to people and I would like to thank the players and the coaches because they have given a very good image of European football," said the UEFA President. "The players have been positive, the coaches have been positive.

Since the start of the competition, the players have given happiness through the quality of their football. I'm happy the football and the national associations have given such a fine image of football, we can be proud of what has been shown throughout the world.

"I am a happy President," he continued. "The organisation has been excellent, the two host countries' work has been remarkable. The atmosphere has been nice, the supporters have been super and it was wonderful in the Fan Zones. I hope that tomorrow night's match is a fine final with fine goals and great saves, and with the accent on attacking [football]. Each match has its history, and football is so irrational that anything could happen."

Mr Platini said that attacking football has been rewarded at EURO 2008. "We protect the players to the maximum, [for example] there are no more tackles from behind; everything is done so that players can play and express themselves. And those that go forward win the match. Coaches should put it into their heads that you have more chance of going through a round if you play to win, rather than not to lose."