Hargreaves open to Premier approach

Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves has invited Premiership clubs to sign him before the transfer window closes

Hargreaves reported for England duty in Manchester on Monday and admitted he still longs for a move to this country.

The Bayern Munich midfielder believes a switch to the Premiership would boost his hopes of cementing a regular place in Steve McClaren's team.

And, after a series of outstanding performances in the World Cup finals, Hargreaves realises that demand for his services may never be higher.

Manchester United have been linked with a move and Tottenham are long-standing admirers of his energetic style.

Canada-born Hargreaves, 25, said: "I said in the past it would be a great opportunity to play here but so far it hasn't worked out.

"There's not much more to say on the topic except I would love to receive the opportunity.

"I'm 25 and I have a contract at Bayern for the next four years but anything's possible. We've seen that in the past.

"The deadline is not until the 31st of August.

"I can't say what will happen between now and then but with the way the World Cup went for me, more English teams have seen what I can offer.

"Before I don't think teams had really seen me play on a regular basis.

"I'm at a fantastic club in Bayern Munich. They've won many things in the past.

"I have already played 40 games in the Champions League and that's something not every club in England can offer."

Hargreaves is expected keep his place in the England team when they take on Greece in a friendly at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

With a new manager at the helm determined to take the team in a new direction, this could be the big chance for the Bayern star to make one of the central midfield places his own.

Hargreaves said: "To have the opportunity to be a regular for England would be something I've dreamt of.

"Every player in the squad has the opportunity to present himself to the new manager. Hopefully I'll get my chance.

"I've been patient in the past and it came. I was patient and I knew I'd get my opportunity but with the new manager coming in every player would like to impress."

Less than three months ago, Hargreaves was booed onto the Old Trafford pitch by England fans, when he came on as a substitute against Hungary.

He returns a hero after supporters voted him the team's best player in the World Cup.

Hargreaves said: "Deep down, I've always had faith in myself that in big games I could play my best so I was quietly confident.

"With an amount of negativity before the World Cup it was difficult at times and I was frustrated but I surrounded myself with the positives.

"Ask if you want a boo or a cheer and you would always have a cheer.

"But I tried not to focus on it. Obviously I was disappointed but I didn't let people know that.

"People would like to see the players in the England team who they see week in and week out.

"I appreciate that. I probably wouldn't agree but I can understand where they're coming from."

Arsenal trio up for 2006 Uefa club football awards.

Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, keeper Jens Lehmann and defender Emmanuel Eboue have all received nominations for the 2006 Uefa club football awards.

The Gunners trio are up for honours in their respective positions and are also shortlisted for the title of Uefa club footballer of the year 2006.


The coaches of the 16 Champions League knockout stage teams and members of the Uefa technical study group will vote.

Middlesbrough's Mark Viduka is up for the most valuable Uefa Cup player gong.

The awards are to be presented during the draw for the Uefa Champions League group stage in Monaco on 24 August.



The most valuable player of the Uefa Cup will be presented the following day during the draw for that competition.

Spain Summer 2006 Transfers

The Spanish transfer market is once again buzzing with another summer of frenetic activity as all the top flight clubs rebuild and strengthen their squads in preparation for the new campaign

As the contracts are signed and the deals are done, Goal.com will update all the moves from the all the top-flight clubs as they happen.

Deportivo La Coruña, Getafe and Levante have all been very busy both buying and selling numerous players, while Real Sociedad, Valencia and Villarreal have all thinned their numbers by allowing large numbers to leave.

Here is the complete list of all transfer to date during summer 2006.

ATHLETIC BILBAO

In: Alex García (Racing Santander B), Josu Sarriegi (Alavés), Javi Martínez (Osasuna), Igor Gabilondo (Real Sociedad)

Out: Jesús María Lacruz (Espanyol), Gorka Azkorra (Albacete), Felipe Gurendez (Numancia), Aitor Karanka (Colorado Rapids), Joseba Arriaga (Las Palmas), Javier Tarantino (Numancia one-year loan), Julen Guerrero (Retired), Felipe Guréndez (released), Endika Bordas (released), Miguel Escalona (released)

ATLÉTICO DE MADRID

In: Mista (Valencia), Mariano Pernía (Getafe), Sergio Agüero (Independiente), Giorgios Seitaridis (Dinamo Moscow), Costinha (Dinamo Moscow), Zé Castro (Académica), Miguel de las Cuevas (Hércules)

Out: Cosmin Contra (Getafe), Gonzalo Colsa (Racing Santander), Jorge Larena-Avellanada Roig (Celta Vigo), Manu del Moral (Getafe), José Ignacio Zahinos (Valladolid), José Manuel Jiménez 'Mané' (Almería), Juan Manuel Ortiz (Poli Ejido one-year loan), Javier Pinola (Nürnberg one-year loan), Marcelo Sosa (River Plate one-year loan)

FC BARCELONA

In: Eidur Gudjohnsen (Chelsea), Gianluca Zambrotta (Juventus), Lilian Thuram (Juventus)

Out: Henrik Larsson (Helsingborgs), Maxi López (Mallorca on loan), Gabri (Ajax), Cristian (Deportivo La Coruña), Óscar López (Real Betis), Rodri (Deportivo La Coruña), Ludovic Sylvestre (Sparta Prague), Joan Verdú (Deportivo La Coruña one-year loan), Mario Álvarez (Recreativo one-year loan)

REAL BETIS

In: Damià Abella (FC Barcelona), Tati Maldonado (Lorca), Fernando Vega (Lorca), Romero (Deportivo La Coruña), Óscar López (FC Barcelona)

Out: Fernando Varela (Mallorca), Luis Fernández (Racing Santander), Juan Cañas (Alcalá), Paolo Castellini (released)

CELTA VIGO

In: Nené (Alavés), George Lucas (Gremio), Jorge Larena-Avellanada Roig (Atlético Madrid), Matias Manuel Lequi (Lazio), Antonio Guayre (Villarreal),

Out: Carlos Vela (Arsenal), Toni Moral (Alavés), Sergio Fernández (Real Zaragoza), José Enrique (Villarreal), Iago Bouzón (Recreativo Huelva), Goran Maric (Las Palmas), David Silva (Valencia end of loan), Sebastian Méndez (San Lorenzo), Juan Sánchez (retired), Everton Giovanella (retired)

DEPORTIVO LA CORUÑA

In: Dudu Aouate (Racing Santander), Antonio Tomás (Racing Santander), Rodolfo Bodipo (Alavés), Albert Lopo (Espanyol), Juan Rodríguez (Málaga), Riki (Getafe), Pablo Álvarez (Sporting de Gijón), Cristian Hidalgo (FC Barcelona), Antonio Barragán (Liverpool), Rodri (FC Barcelona), Álvaro Arbeloa (Real Madrid), Joan Verdú (FC Barcelona), Fabián Estoyanoff (Valencia one-year loan)

Out: Pedro Munitis (Racing Santander), César Martín (Levante), Romero (Real Betis), Dani Mallo (Braga), Xisco (Vecindario one-year loan), Momo (Racing Santander one-year loan), Rubén (Racing Santander one-year loan), Iván Carril (Vecindario one-year loan), Gallardo (Sevilla end of loan), José Molina (retired)

ESPANYOL

In: Jonatas Domingo (Flamengo), Rufete (Valencia), Jesús María Lacruz (Athletic Bilbao), Moha (Osasuna)

Out: Lopo (Deportivo La Coruña), Jofre (Real Murcia), Miki Robusté (Poli Ejido one-year loan), Juanfran (Real Madrid end of loan), Domi, Posse (contracts ended), Pochettino (retired)

GETAFE

In: Roberto Abbondanzieri (Boca Juniors), Lucas Matías Licht (Gímnasia de la Plata), Juan Angel Albín (Nacional), David Cortés (Mallorca), Francisco Javier Casquero (Racing Santander), Cosmin Contra (Atlético de Madrid), Manu del Moral (Atlético de Madrid), David Sousa (Valladolid), Alexis Ruano (Málaga), Ignacio Pérez Santamaría 'Nacho' (Málaga)

Out: David García Cubillo (Rayo Vallecano), Nano (Cádiz), Diego Rivas (Real Sociedad), Riki (Deportivo La Coruña), Mariano Pernía (Atlético de Madrid), Aníbal Matellán (Gimnàstic de Tarragona), Jaime Gavilán (Valencia), Juan Calatayud (Málaga loan ended), Gica Craioveanu (retired)

GIMNÀSTIC

In: Javier Portillo (Real Madrid), Aníbal Matellán (Getafe), Alejandro Campano (Mallorca), Albano Bizarri (Valladolid), Juan (Sporting de Gijón), Mingo (Albacete), Manel Ruz (Valencia one-year loan), David Generelo (Real Zaraoza one-year loan)

Out: Diego Torres (Rayo Vallecano), Alex Pérez (Real Madrid end of loan), Iván Romero (Atlético de Madrid end of loan), Lupidio (Hércules end of loan), Alfonso (released), Bolo (released), Lluís Codina (released), Abdul Ekpoki (released), Miguel Pérez (released)

LEVANTE

In: Damiano Tommasi (AS Roma), Albert Meyong Ze (Belenenses), Álvaro Luiz Maior (Real Zaragoza), Roberto (Sporting de Gijón), César (Deportivo La Coruña), Laurent Robert (Benfica), Frédéric Déhu (Marseille), Manolo Gaspar (Almería), Nino (Elche)

Out: José Antonio Culebras (Tenerife), Juan Carlos Ceballos (Ciudad de Murcia one-year loan), Rodríguez (Lorca one-year loan), José Aizpurúa (Sporting de Gijón one-year loan) Jesule (Sporting de Gijón one-year loan), Edwin Congo (released), Fernando Lombardi (released)

MALLORCA

In: Fernando Varela (Real Betis), Jordi López (Sevilla), Javier Dorado (Sporting de Gijón), Fernando Navarro (FC Barcelona), Maxi López (FC Barcelona one-year loan)

Out: David Cortés (Getafe), Alejandro Campano (Gimnàstic de Tarragona), Yoshito Okubo (Cerezo Osaka loan ended), Borja Fernández (Real Madrid loan ended), Alessandro Potenza (Inter end of loan), Pancho Maciel (Real Murcia end of loan), Braulio Nóbrega (Atlético de Madrid end of loan), Javier Farinós (released), Yordi (relseased)

OSASUNA

In: Javad Nekounam (Al Sharjah FC), Héctor Font (Villarreal), Roberto Soldado (Real Madrid one-year loan), Juanlu (Real Betis one-year loan)

Out: Javi Martínez (Osasuna), Juan Manuel Ortiz (Atlético de Madrid), Moha (Espanyol), Fran Moreno (Numancia), Rafael Clavero (Tenerife)

RACING SANTANDER

In: Pedro Munitis (Deportivo La Coruña), Gonzalo Colsa (Atlético de Madrid), Luis Fernández (Real Betis), Momo (Deportivo La Coruña one-year loan), Rubén (Deportivo La Coruña one-year loan)

Out: Dudu Aouate (Deportivo La Coruña), Antonio Tomás (Deportivo La Coruña), Francisco Javier Casquero (Getafe), Pablo Casar (Alavés), Alex Garcia (Athletic Bilbao), Wilfried Dalmat (Mons), Jonathan Valle (Tenerife one-year loan), Trevi (Eibar one-year loan), Antoñito (Sevilla end of loan), Damià Abella (FC Barcelona end of loan), Mauricio Pinilla (Sporting Lisbon end of loan), Stephane Dalmat (released), Juan José Valencia (released)

REAL MADRID

In: Ruud Van Nistelrooy (Manchester United), Emerson (Juventus), Fabio Cannavaro (Juventus)

Out: Álvaro Arbeloa (Deportivo La Coruña), Javier Portillo (Ginmàstic de Tarragona), Roberto Soldado (Osasuna one-year loan), Zinedine Zidane (retired)

REAL SOCIEDAD

In: Diego Rivas (Getafe), Gerardo (Málaga), Fabio Felicio (Unión Leiria), Juanito (Alavés), Claudio Bravo (Colo Colo)

Out: Nihat Kahveci (Villarreal), Igor Gabilondo (Athletic Bilbao), Javier Barkero (Albacete), Óscar De Paula (Cádiz), Sergio Boris (Numancia), Gorka Larrea (Almería one-year loan), Néstor Susaeta (Salamanca one-year loan), Xabier Castillo (Las Palmas one-year loan), Sebastián Romero (Racing de Avellaneda one-year loan), Ximun Duhour (Eibar one-year loan), Markel Bergara (Vecindario one-year loan), Oskitz Estafanía (Eibar one-year loan), Mark González (Liverpool end of loan), Alberto López (released)

RECREATIVO DE HUELVA

In: Hipólito Fernández 'Poli' (Alavés), Mario (FC Barcelona), Dani Bautista (Sevilla), Iago Bouzón (Celta Vigo), Santi Cazorla (Villarreal), Edu Moya (Tenerife), Jesús Vázquez (Tenerife), César Arzo (Villarreal one-year loan), Javier López Vallejo (Villarreal one-year loan)

Out: Ignacio Benítez (Hércules), José Manuel Mateo (Alavés), Iker Begoña (Lorca), Gastón Casas (Elche), Pedro Baquero (Rayo Vallecano), Xavi Jiménez (Ciudad de Murcia one-year loan), Jesús Galván (released), Martínez Valero (released)

SEVILLA

In: Ernesto Chevantón (Sevilla), Christian Poulsen (Schalke 04), Duda (Sevilla), Andreas Hinkel (VfB Stuttgart), David Cobeño (Real Madrid), Ernesto Javier Chevantón (Monaco)

Out: Jordi López (Mallorca), Antonio Notario (Real Murcia), Francisco Gallardo (Real Murcia one-year loan), Antoñito (Real Murcia one-year loan), David Prieto (Xerez one-year loan), Javier Saviola (FC Barcelona end of loan)

VALENCIA

In: Asier Del Horno (Chelsea), Fernando Morientes (Liverpool), Hugo Viana (Newcastle United)

Out: Pablo Aimar (Real Zaragoza), Mista (Atlético de Madrid), Bernardo Corradi (Manchester City), Rufete (Espanyol), Fabio Aurelio (Liverpool), José Enrique (Villarreal), Javier Garrido (Lorca), Marco Caneira (Sporting Lisbon three-year loan), Sisinio González 'Sisi' (Valladolid one-year loan), Manel Ruz (Gimnàstic de Tarragona one-year loan), Juanlu (Hércules one-year loan), Amedeo Carboni (retired)

VILLARREAL

In: Robert Pires (Arsenal), Nihat Kahveci (Real Sociedad), Cani (Real Zaragoza), José Enrique (Valencia), Leandro Somoza (Vélez Sarsfield)

Out: Antonio Guayre (Celta Vigo), Héctor Font (Osasuna), Roger (Ajax), Santi Cazorla (Recreativo de Huelva), Antonio Valencia (Wigan Athletic), César Arzo (Recreativo de Huelva one-year loan), Javier López Vallejo (Recreativo de Huelva one-year loan), Xisco Nadal (Hércules one-year loan), Javier Calleja (released)

REAL ZARAGOZA

In: Pablo Aimar (Valencia), Juanfran (Besiktas), Sergio Fernández (Celta Vigo), Andrés D'Alessandro (VfL Wolfsburg one-year loan), Gerard Piqué (Manchester United one-year loan)

Out: Savio (Flamengo), Cani (Villarreal), Raúl Valbuena (Albacete), Álvaro Luiz Maior (Levante), Delio Toledo (Kayserispor), Capi (Real Murcia), Francisco Medina Luna 'Piti' (Hércules), David Generelo (Gimnàstic de Tarragona one-year loan)

LB

FA, will continue to pay Sven-Goran Eriksson in full until next year

The Football Association will continue to pay Sven-Goran Eriksson in full until next year and the Swede may end up costing another £3.4million.

While his successor Steve McClaren is being paid a reported £3million a year, the FA are also still having to fork out for Eriksson.

Under the details of the agreement, which have been confirmed by the FA, Eriksson will get his full salary paid until January 31 2007, and then half his salary for the five months until June 30 2007.

Eriksson had been under contract until 2008, so the FA will not have to pay anything for the final year of that deal but effectively agreed a nine-month pay-off of his £4.5million salary, a potential cost of £3.4million.

The settlement also makes clear that if Eriksson gets another job between now and next June, the FA are liable to cover any difference in salary between his England post and his new position.

The FA council met on Friday with some members unhappy that Eriksson has not provided any sort of debriefing on the failure of the World Cup campaign or his five years in charge of England.

The severance deal was agreed between Eriksson and FA chief executive Brian Barwick back in January when it was announced that the Swede was to step down following the World Cup.

At the time, Eriksson said: "Hopefully it will not cost the FA one penny. You can't be sure of absolutely everything in life but I am quite confident it will not cost the FA.''

At the moment, it is costing them £85,000 a week - and counting.

Fergie "SEEMS TO"loses astute touch in market as "ECONOMISTY"

Manchester United's signing of Michael Carrick shows the days of Sir Alex Ferguson snapping up bargain buys are long gone.

There is not a match goes by at Old Trafford without the fans paying tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson's most astute piece of transfer business.

'Ooh aah Cantona,' goes the chant and has done since Ferguson wrenched the Frenchman from Leeds on November 27, 1992, for £1.2million.

No matter that Cantona has been retired almost nine years now.

The supporters recognise the value of the man whose talent delivered United's first Premiership title in 1993 and was instrumental in supplying the creativity on which a dynasty was built.

I know you don't get much for your money these days, not in a week Rolling Stone Keith Richards paid £60,000 for a Sussex beach hut in which he could barely store, let alone swing, a guitar.

I know football inflation makes even less sense.

And I know Ferguson has bought some turkeys in his time, not least Eric Djemba-Djemba, Kleberson and most expensively Juan Sebastian Veron.

But even so, as Michael Carrick was paraded before the press and the United faithful got used to the idea that a player who joined Tottenham for £2.75m two years ago was suddenly costing them £18.6m, it did make you wonder whether Ferguson's eye for a bargain is quite what it was.

It is not to say that Carrick is not a fine footballer. He is. He played a useful part in restoring the fortunes of Spurs. He exercised the mind of Sven-Goran Eriksson as a holding midfielder for England even if the Swede could not quite make up his mind between him and Jamie Carragher and Owen Hargreaves.

Indeed, if you listen to one man who knows Carrick well, former England captain and ex-under-21 manager David Platt, you might be convinced Ferguson has done good business.

David Platt says: "I have never seen him struggle in a game of football.

"Carrick never has a bad game. He has everything. He can be a world-class player. He can be a stopper but in possession he has the passing ability of David Beckham.

"My criticism is that he has not stood up to the plate and shown people what an exceptional player he is."

And there is the rub. Carrick is no Cantona. He is no Roy Keane.

He will bring a certain stability but he is not the type of player around whom you can mould a team. He does not possess the personality to inspire others. Too often he appears afraid to demonstrate the full range of his talent.

That is not what United need. Not when Chelsea have landed an ego the size of the Dome in Michael Ballack and a goalscorer of world renown in Andriy Shevchenko.

Somehow I don't think Carrick is going to send a shiver of anxiety through Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho as he ponders his route to what looks likely to be a third successive Premiership title.

The £18.6m, however, is cause for alarm for English football.

The inflated fee simply confirms Roman Abramovich's strangling effect on a league in which Mourinho gets first choice of the cream, pays wages others cannot countenance, while the rest are forced to fork out daft prices for the scraps left over.

It conforms to the aggressive disciplines of supply and demand in the capitalist market place.

It just does not take into account the fact that sport is about hopes and dreams as much as money.

Unpredictability is the lifeblood of sport and while there has been a certain intrigue about Mourinho's work so far, another season of relentless triumph could be a Stamford Bridge too far for the Premiership.

Yes, I know that man Cantona set United off on a run in which they won eight Premiership titles in a decade of domination.

The difference is that these days Ferguson has to fork out 18 times what the Frenchman cost on a player in Carrick most people would not wager a pound on influencing the title race.

William Gallas hopes to hold talks with Chelsea next week

The agent of William Gallas hopes to hold talks with Chelsea next week over the French defender's future.

The 28-year-old, who told the Blues he wanted to leave in May, failed to turn up for a pre-season American tour and was criticised by boss Jose Mourinho.

"I think we will meet the directors of Chelsea next week," Pierre Frelot told BBC Sport.

"I think but don't know."



Asked about whether Gallas wanted to stay at Chelsea, he answered:

"I don't want to comment on this question."

World Cup review....

GOAL OF THE ROUND

Not a great deal of applicants for this award - perhaps we should let them put forward their own arguments (in a strange hybrid of languages).

ZIDANE: "Behold my penalty! A two-step run-up and a firm strike to Ricardo's right. Take note Angleterre, c'est facile! And Thierry tricked that nasty Ricardo Carvalho into the foul - for that alone, I am surely the winner!"

DEL PIERO: "Preposterous signor! My delicate chip across Jens Lehmann in the last minute of extra time was calcio bellissimo. Cannavaro released Gilardino, who ran towards what was left of a once-organised German defence. A quick sleight of foot and I am left with a tough one-on-one - which I make look easy! Give me the award!"

GROSSO: "I am but a humble full-back who came through several years of amateur football before earning a chance with unfashionable Palermo. What chance do I have?"

BUT FOR EVEN ME on talk: "When you collect a sublime through-ball from Andrea Pirlo and curl a tremendous shot around a top goalkeeper to save your side from a likely penalty shoot-out defeat, and then celebrate with a modern-day version of the Tardelli Scream, you stand a very good chance Fabio! Forza Azzurri!"

MAGIC MOMENT OF THE ROUND

The aforementioned Grosso Headshake of Joy was a memorable image but there was much to enjoy in the demise of the Portuguese in Munich.

Fernando Meira's woe at blasting high and wide;

Cristiano Ronaldo's tears and sulking face;

Big Phil Scolari's finger-jabbing ref rage as Senor Larrionda left the field.

In a tournament billed as 'A Time To Make Friends' by the hosts,

Portugal spent theirs making enemies - even the German fans in the stadium interrupted their cries of 'Deutschland,

Deutschland' to boo the World Cup's biggest winker every time he touched the ball.

But it would be wrong to deem any of these incidents as 'magic moments' so

I have instead chosen the mutual respect shown by Zinedine Zidane and Luis Figo after the final whistle.

It was the latest in a long line of symbolic Corinthian clinches,

following on from Moore and Pele,

Flintoff and Lee, and Bowyer and Dyer (well, the post-fight press conference anyway).

Two giants of the world stage saying farewell on the pitch - and credit to Figo for staying on his feet throughout their embrace.

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

Despite fine displays from Lehmann, Zidane, Lilian Thuram and even Ronaldo (as much as it pains to me say it), Italy were the ones to admire in the semi-finals. Andrea Pirlo won the official Budweiser Man of the Match award but as I have been suspicious of these trumped-up beer tokens throughout the tournament, I will shy away from the Milan man. We'll do the football lads!

And in truth, Fabio Cannavaro was the best player on the pitch.

Germany had 13 shots on goal to Italy's 15 during the 120 minutes in Dortmund which suggests how even the match was as a whole. But when you consider the hosts only had two on target to the Azzurri's 10, someone must take the credit for putting them off.

Cannavaro twice denied Lukas Podolski with fine blocks, stripped Miroslav Klose of the ball with consummate skill and generally tidied up in the rearguard whenever a white shirt ventured forward.

He even started the move which led to Italy's first goal on 119 minutes, winning a header in his own area and then chasing the ball out to midfield to nudge it to Gilardino.

His focus during the match is all the more remarkable considering he had to shut out off-field distractions as well as Germany's attacks. How apt he should now celebrate a century of caps in the biggest game of his career; truly Cannavaro is a man for the big occasion.

QUOTE OF THE ROUND

Some words of wisdom and some mad mumblings relating to the tournament this week.

On the night England bowed out, Sir Elton John vented his frustration to concert-goers in Bournemouth by slaughtering the players and then proclaiming: "I do not even want to talk about that f***ing Sven Goran Abba-dabba." Histrionics and a musical reference, a fitting tribute!

German newspaper Der Spiegel must be regretting their pre-match jibes at the Italians who they referred to as "lazy, greasy parasites". Bet Lippi had that one up on the dressing-room wall.

David Beckham's decision to hand back the captain's armband drew a scathing response from USA goalkeeper Kasey Keller, who labelled him "a total poseur".

And ITV
pundit David Pleat revelled in the link-up play of Klose and Podolski by stating "it's wonderful to see two strikers playing with each other". Guffaw.

But the last word - as usual - must go to Portugal chief Big Phil Scolari.

Perhaps his admirers at the English FA are better off without his rabble rousing and warrior spirit after all.

Particularly as his man-management ethos appears to have been borrowed off headache-inducing 90s Dutch techno outfit 2 Unlimited.

"My first job has been to try and help the players to see where the limits are," said Scolari before the France game.

"Then I must help them to get near the limits and then to reach the limits. Once they manage to surpass the limits then they will realise there are no limits to what they can achieve."

DO YOU KNOW THIS..???..who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?

Brazil won the world cup in 1994. Before that, they had won this title for the last time in 1970.

If you add up: 1970 + 1994 = 3964.

Argentina won the world cup for the last time in 1986. Before that only in 1978.

And 1978 + 1986 = 3964



Germany , though, won the world cup in 1990. Before that, Germany won in 1974.

Look: 1990 + 1974 = 3964

This could lead us to guess the winner of the World Cup in 2002,

since it should be the winner of the 1962 World Cup

(In fact 3964 - 2002 = 1962).

And Brazil won the world cup in 1962!
(And, in fact, Brazil won the 2002 WC)



YES..

This numerology seems to work...

And now,

who would be the winner of the 2006 world cup?

Let's see, 3964 - 2006 = 1958



And who will now go away with this CUP..???

What /WHO do you think now......



do you know who will win the world cup now ...???

let me hear your say....

TEAMtalk Soccers -second round World Cup review

The World Cup second round is now complete - and Rob McCarthy hands out TEAMtalk Soccer awards to Maxi Rodriguez and Ronaldo among others.

GOAL OF THE ROUND

There's no point even debating what the strike of the second round was - step forward Maxi Rodriguez and collect your gong.

An exciting clash between Mexico and Argentina looked as if it could have been heading for penalties - but thankfully the game was ended in a more dignified way when the winger trapped the ball on his chest on the right edge of the area and unleashed a spectacular left-footed volley that flew into the far corner and sparked wild celebrations in Leipzig and Buenos Aires.

Of course there were other contenders - David Beckham finally coming to the World Cup party with his splendid free-kick against Ecuador,

Maniche's goal helping Portugal win their battle, literally, with Holland and Zinedine Zidane's classy third for France against Spain - but there's no taxi for Maxi at this awards ceremony.

MAGIC MOMENT OF THE ROUND

No it's not Becks chucking up - more of a tragic moment that.

Although there could be some advertising potential there!

Now for the winner.

He may be a stone, or two, overweight and not quite the player he once was but for becoming the record goalscorer in World Cup finals history, the award has to go to Brazil striker Ronaldo.



Once again the other 'Big Ron' failed to sparkle as Carlos Alberto Pareira's men saw off Ghana in Tuesday's last-16 clash, although a lot of that was down to the performance, spirit and endeavor shown by the 'African Brazil' - if only they could finish.

The Real Madrid marksman took his goal superbly to notch up his 15th in finals and go ahead of legendary German Gerd Muller - and in Das Bomber's own backyard.

Now for the big question - did Big Ron celebrate with a Big Mac!

PLAYER OF THE ROUND

England weren't at their best again in beating Ecuador on Sunday but for me it was the return to form of Ashley Cole that stood out - particularly the moment he could well have kept us in the competition.

The Arsenal full-back was outstanding in Japan and Korea four years ago and performed admirably at Euro 2004, but so far in Germany he has lacked those lung-busting displays up and down the left flank that we all know him for as he fights his way back to full fitness - that was until Sunday's game.

Cole showed unbelievable pace to make up fully 30 yards and perfectly time a tackle to prevent Carlos Tenorio giving the South Americans an early lead - if there was an award for 'tackle of the tournament' it's surely up there. Cheryl would have been proud!

Mr Tweedy also got forward at every available opportunity to give England valuable width in what was a narrow new 4-5-1 formation against Ecuador.

King Cole is back - long live the King!

QUOTE OF THE ROUND

There were some absolute belters again in this category.

David Beckham blatantly name-dropping after grabbing England's winner against Ecuador: "Roberto Carlos texted me to score a goal for him so I am more than happy." Aaah!

Big Phil Scolari even got in on the act when talking about Luis Figo's headbutt on Mark van Bommel in the 'battle of Leipzig': "Jesus Christ said we should turn the other cheek. Unfortunately, Luis Figo is not Jesus Christ." Really!



But the award goes to Frenchman Eric Abidal ahead of the Spain game.

The defender was clearly up for the contest, but footballs that kill might be taking it too far!: "It's warfare and it's kill or be killed. Not literally of course as you can't kill with a football." Thank goodness!

THIS IS FROM TEAMTALK

Reds "Astonished" By comments from Juan Miguel Villar Villar Mir's Ronaldo Claim

United are “astonished” at comments from Juan Miguel Villar Mir, a Real Madrid presidential candidate, claiming he is in talks with the club over a deal to take Cristiano Ronaldo to the Bernabeu.

Spanish newspaper Marca carried quotes from the United winger claiming a deal would be done to take the 21-year-old to the Santiago Bernabeu if Juan Miguel Villar Mir is voted in.



However, a known political tactic in the past has been for presidential candidates to promise big-name signings.

On Tuesday Villar Mir claimed the reports were true, saying: "With Cristiano Ronaldo it's all correct, as he himself has recognised. We are acting by respecting the norms of FIFA. Manchester know that we are talking to him."

United immediately countered Villar Mir’s remarks, unequivocally denying being in talks over a deal for the 21-year-old.

"Manchester United is astonished with Villar Mir comments," the club said in a statement.

"There has been no contact between Manchester United, his election team and or Real Madrid and any suggestion there has is incorrect.

"Unfortunately these tactics seem to be a common occurrence in elections of this nature.

BUT..Ronaldo extends Man Utd contract

"Ronaldo has signed a long term contract until June 2010 and will be a player with Manchester United next season."

the scandal of "RONALDO" was ALSO announced here..OPEN




Ruud plays down Ronaldo 'dispute'

United and Chelsea battle for to sign Spanish World Cup sensation Torres

Manchester United and Chelsea are locked in a battle to sign Spanish World Cup sensation Fernando Torres.


The bitter Premiership rivals both want to sign 'El Nino' from La Liga club Atletico Madrid.
And Atletico have reportedly received a bid that matches their reported £25million valuation of the player.

Now Torres must decide whether he wants to move to Old Trafford or Stamford Bridge once the finals in Germany are over.

He has been hugely impressive so far as Spain have reached the knockout stages - scoring three goals in the process.



Torres has been repeatedly linked with a move to England for the last three years - Chelsea are reported to have made a £28million bid for him shortly after Roman Abramovich bought the club in the summer of 2003.



And now, with Jose Mourinho impressed by his international displays, they are set to try again to lure Torres away from the Spanish capital.

United meanwhile are desperate to find a replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy - who seems set to leave once the World Cup is over.

The Reds want around £15million for the out-of-favour Dutchman, and German giants Bayern Munich have already confirmed their interest.

They would love to pair him with Roy Makaay in a dream Dutch strike partnership.

Ruud wants urgent future talks with United,just to sort out his future ....

Out-of-favour striker Ruud van Nistelrooy wants urgent talks to sort out his future with Manchester United "sooner rather than later".

After being dumped to the United bench and eventually exiled altogether by Sir Alex Ferguson, van Nistelrooy found himself axed by Holland coach Marco van Basten on Monday night.

Van Nistelrooy's services were not called upon even though Holland were eventually beaten 1-0 by Portugal in an incredible World Cup knockout clash which saw both sides reduced to nine men.

But, if there is one consolation from a defeat which cost the Dutch a quarter-final meeting with England, it is that van Nistelrooy can now focus on establishing whether he still has a future at Old Trafford.

"I would like the situation to be sorted out sooner rather than later," said the 29-year-old.

"There must be some sort of contact between the club and myself over the next few days.

"As I have said a number of times before, if nothing happens I will be at Manchester United next season.

"Maybe in the coming weeks, we have to see what United do and whether other clubs get involved.

"Whatever will happen will happen. I have to assess the situation and see what is the best for me."

Bayern Munich have already expressed a firm interest in van Nistelrooy, insisting the likely transfer fee and high wages would not be a problem.

Armed with the near £30million fee they received from Chelsea for Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan are also set to be serious players in the hunt to sign one of the most prolific strikers in Europe.

Tottenham boss Martin Jol is also sure to make a speculative enquiry should United attempt to push through the transfer of Michael Carrick.

Ferguson has yet to offer a public opinion on van Nistelrooy since complaining about the negative influence the striker was having on United's training ground.

That verdict which came just hours after the former PSV Eindhoven forward - one of only eight men to score 150 times for the Red Devils - was booted out of the United team hotel prior to the final game of the season against Charlton.

At the time, van Nistelrooy sought immediate sanctuary with the Dutch squad, although he has now found van Basten is not quite as big a fan as he previously thought.

"I had a good discussion with the coach," said van Nistelrooy of a Thursday summit meeting at which van Basten informed him he was not contributing enough to the overall team effort.

"It was a hard discussion between us and I said what I wanted.

"I didn't totally agree with him but I accepted and respected his decision.

"I was happy he at least came to me and told me. Whether I agreed with the decision or not, I had to take it and move on.



"Now, I have to put the emotion of the World Cup behind me and think about my future."

Blatter also wants goal-line technology now.....

Sepp Blatter will push ahead with the introduction of goal-line technology after admitting that France had a legitimate goal denied to them.

Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira had a header against South Korea not credited even though the ball crossed the line and the decision led to his side only drawing the game 1-1.

There was also a similar incident in an earlier game with Argentina defender Roberto Ayala denied against Ivory Coast but on this occasion the incident did not have a bearing on the result as the South Americans won 2-1.

FIFA president Blatter told a news conference in Berlin: "What we will work on, and I had discussions about this yesterday, is the system of goal-line technology using a microchip in the ball.

"There have been two instances where the ball has definitely crossed the line but were not given as a goal by the referees and this is something we really need to work on.

"One of the teams was not affected

Kaka' accept new AC deal and ends Real hopes....

Brazil playmaker Kaka has ended Real Madrid's interest in him by agreeing a contract extension with Italian giants AC Milan.

Kaka, whose previous deal ran until 2009, has penned a new contract that is set to keep him at the San Siro until 2011.

Milan announced the news on their official website, saying: "After the Brazil-Australia (World Cup match) Kaka, our biggest star, the light

that shines in all Rossoneri eyes, has extended his contract until 2011.

"Ricky (Kaka) has pledged eternal love for Milan and will remain for another five years.''

The news will come as a major boost to Milan, who recently lost star striker Andriy Shevchenko to Chelsea, and should also end reported interest from Real in the 24-year-old.

Real presidential candidate Ramon Calderon had revealed he intended to take Kaka to Spain if he was elected.

at the same time today it was announced that AC MILLAN was one of the suspected in the "SCANDAL"...and may face huge point deduction...

but besides ,KAKA decide to stay with the team then...

Juve, Milan, Lazio And Fiorentina are "were charged " for the scandal...

As expected the four clubs, along with other officials, were charged with sporting fraud in the Italian scandal.

Fans of the four big Italian clubs can now start to worry as yesterday they were indicted to the Disciplinary Commission for violation of Article 1 (general duties and obligations)

and/or Article 6 (altering the result of a match or securing an advantage in the table with any means is considered sporting fraud.

The clubs, its Directors and players have the duty to inform the authorities if they believe this is in progress) of the sporting justice code.



Juventus is the club that is risking most as they have violated both articles directly and Serie B or even Serie C is a big probability.



Lazio and Fiorentina risk demotion to Serie B for their non-direct involvement,

whereas Milan risk a heavy point deduction.



The persons, including 8 referees, who have been charged as well are:

Luciano Moggi,
Antonio Giraudo,
Adriano Galliani,
Leonardo Meani,
Andrea Della Valle,
Diego Della Valle, Sandro Mencucci,
Claudio Lotito, Cosimo Maria Ferri,
Franco Carraro,
Innocenzo Mazzini, Tullio Lanese,
Paolo Bergamo,
Pierluigi Pairetto,
Gennaro Mazzei,
Pietro Ingargiola,
Paolo Bertini,
Massimo De Santis,
Paolo Dondarini,
Fabrizio Babini,
Domenico Messina,
Gianluca Paparesta,
Gianluca Rocchi,
Pasquale Rodomonti,
Paolo Tagliavento,
Claudio Puglisi.

The trial will start next week and by the 20th of July a verdict will be made.

after the "SCANDAL" Milan vice-President Adriano Galliani resign

The AC Milan vice-President has stepped down from his post as Lega President

Following the news that he was indicted in the Italian scandal, Adriano Galliani announced his resignation from the Presidency of the Lega Calcio.

Galliani announced the news through a letter in which he stated his "total estrangement from any accusation."

The accusation refers to the Article 1 of the sporting justice code, which means he violated the sports duties of loyalty and probity and rectitude.

Premiership champions fixture is online now

Premiership champions Chelsea will kick off their title defence with the visit of Manchester City on 19 August.

Last season's runners-up Manchester United will host Fulham, while FA Cup winners Liverpool travel to newly-promoted Sheffield United.

Arsenal will open proceedings at the Emirates Stadium by taking on Aston Villa, while rivals Tottenham face a trip to Bolton.




for the premiership fixtures open here...

Barca "NOW"set to enter "chelsea" Lahm race

Barcelona look set to enter the race for Chelsea target Phillip Lahm, according to reports in Spain

The Germany and Bayern Munich full-back has impressed during the World Cup and has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, but the Premiership champions will face competition from the European Champions according to Spanish daily Marca.

Frank Rijkaard sees Lahm as a long-term successor to current left-back Gio van Bronckhorst who will be 32 when his contract expires at the end of next season.

Bayern Munich have already said Lahm is not for sale and will resist any approaches for the 23-year-old.

Lahm spent two years on loan at Stuttgart after suffering a serious knee ligament injury before being called back to the Bundesliga champions.

The paper also credits Barcelona with an interest in Gianluca Zambrotta.

Injured Owen returning to England...FA confirm his World Cup KO

Michael Owen's World Cup is over after he was ruled out for the remainder of the tournament in Germany

Michael Owen is out of the World Cup and flying back to England after a scan revealed the extent of his knee injury

Owen could be out of action for up to five months after the England striker reportedly suffered cruciate ligament damage against Sweden.



The Football Association have confirmed the Newcastle player is on his way home from the England team's base in Germany.

Owen injured his right knee during the first minute of England's 2-2 draw against Sweden in Cologne and flew back to the team hotel in Baden-Baden ahead of an MRI scan this morning at the Max Grundig hospital at Buhlertal.

The 26-year-old missed the second half of last season with a metatarsal injury and Sky Sports reported this morning that he will now be out of action for a further five months.

Owen's England team-mates Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville were also at the clinic for scans, Ferdinand on a groin injury he picked up in the Sweden game an Neville on the calf problem which has kept him out of the last two matches against Trinidad and Tobago and Sweden.

Michael Owen said: "Obviously it's a massive blow to suffer the injury - and be out of the World Cup.

"As soon as it happened I knew I was in trouble. It was a major disappointment to pick up the injury so early in the game.

"I'll go back home now and work with the Newcastle medical staff to put a recovery programme in place.

"I'm clearly sorry to be leaving the lads in Germany, but I'm convinced they can go on and achieve success.

"I'll be following all the matches very closely and giving them my full support, hopefully all the way to Berlin.

"My main objective is now to get fit as quickly as possible for Newcastle United."

Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "Michael has had terrible luck with injuries since Christmas.

"I feel very sorry for him to miss out on the rest of the World Cup - it's a blow to him and a big loss for the team.

"However I am sure Michael will work very hard to get back as quickly as possible for Newcastle and England. He is a true professional and a very mentally strong person.

"I hope the team can now go on and achieve success in Germany for Michael."