Sydney FC has today confirmed the signing of Brazilian World Cup winner Juninho as their marquee player for the 2007-08 A-League season.
The Brazilian playmaker was presented at a press conference at Sydney Football Stadium today and put pen to paper on a one-year deal reportedly worth $1 million.
Juninho will wear the No. 22 shirt at Sydney FC
Sydney FC chief executive officer George Perry says that Juninho, as the first FIFA World Cup winner to ink a season-long deal with a Hyundai A-League club, is the competition’s biggest-ever signing.
"Juninho is a true superstar of the world game, a household name to football fans around the globe," said Perry. "We're thrilled to welcome him aboard and can't wait to see him run out in a Sydney FC shirt."
Sydney FC coach Branko Culina is licking his lips at the prospect of working with Juninho, who has starred for Sao Paulo, Middlesbrough, Atletico Madrid, Vasco da Gama, Flamengo, Celtic and Palmeiras.
"As a World Cup winner, Juninho brings a wealth of experience at the highest possible level to Sydney FC," said Culina. "It's not often that you get to work with someone of his phenomenal footballing ability.
"Not only is Juninho's signing great news for Sydney FC but also for Australian football in general. It demonstrates how the far the game has come in this country over the past few years," Culina added.
Juninho told reporters he chose Sydney FC because of the club and manager's tremendous interest "and that make me make my head up to sign with them."
"I'm delighted to join Sydney FC and hope me and my new teammates can bring the A-League Championship back to the city," he said.
The Iraqi soccer team gave their war-torn country a huge boost and something to cheer about when they beat Saudi Arabia to win the 2007 Asian Cup.
In a huge upset win for Iraq against Saudi Arabia, the three-times winner of the Asian cup, the underdogs dominated their more illustrious opponents to win 1-0 despite wasting glorious opportunities to seal a much bigger win.
Iraqi captain Younis Mahmoud scored the winner in the 71st minute when he climbed above the defence at the far post and headed a perfectly-weighted corner from Hawar Mulla Mohammed into the net.
That was enough to seal the win for the underdogs with Saudi Arabia unable to find a way past the Iraqis, who had the best defence in the competition, conceding just two goals in six matches.
After the unlikely win, Iraq's Brazilian coach Jorvan Vieira said: "This is not just about football... this is more important than that. This has brought great happiness to a whole country. This is not about a team, this is about human beings."
The people of Iraq, have finally something to smile and be happy about, after seeing their national team book a place in the Asian cup final against neighbours Saudi Arabia.
Maybe just a Asian cup final win, will bring peace to Iraq and bring the country together, ending many months and years of internal fighting.
Iraq booked a finals berth by surprisingly and dramaticaly beating South Korea in a penalty shootout in Kuala Lumpur after being tied at 0 all after extra time, starting wild celebrations around the streets in Iraq.
The Iraqi's goal keeper, Noor Sabri was the hero tipping South Korea's Yeom Ki-Hun's spot kick around the post to clinch his sides famous victory.
Iraq actually had a chance to win the game in the first period of extra time when Iraq's Hawar Mulla had a shot from Lee Woon-Joe's fingertip deflection and hit the near post and then was hacked off the line by Kim Jin-Kyu
It will be Iraq's first Asian cup final.
On the other hand their opponents Saudi Arabia booked their place by defeating defending champions Japan 3-2.
If Japan would have won the Asian cup, it would have been the third time in succession.
It was goal for goal throughout the match to ensure a thrilling finish to the game with Saudi Arabia's Yasser Al Qahtani hooking a ball in from a free kick from Abdulrahman Al Qahtani, two minutes later Yuji Nakazawa from Japan equalised.
Two minutes into the second half Malek Maaz headed home another to put Saudi Arabia back in front, while it only took Japan's Yuke Abe six minutes to equalise again setting up a dramatic finish.
On the 57th minute mark Malek maaz was able to get past two defenders to kick a unstoppable goal to kick his second.
It seemed like Japan would have equalised again when Naotake Hanyu rattled the cross bar, but Saudi Arabia booked a place in the Asian Cup final against Iraq to be played in Jakarta on Sunday 29th, while Japan has to settle to play South Korea for third place on Saturday 28th in Palembang.
Beckham in the colours of LA Galaxy on the front cover of Sports Illustrated (Simon Bruty/SI)
Beckham-mania has reached fever pitch in the US with the global sporting icon set to be publicly unveiled as a LA Galaxy player in just over two days time.
The imminent arrival of the former Manchester United and Real Madrid player is so hyped up that images of the former England captain is appearing in almost every major newspaper across the US - rivalling the publicity of the new iPhone, Apple's latest must-have accessory.
He also features prominently on the front cover of this month's US sporting bible, "Sports Illustrated" where on the inside you will feature a six-page interview which you can read here online.
In the interview, Beckham is quick to dispel rumours that he is only going to LA to join up with pal Tom Cruise to become an actor -- he is there to be an ambassador for the MLS.
He also openly admits to being worried about the expectation fans will have from him from the very first game:
"People probably do think they're going to see me turn out, and we'll win our first game 10-nil.
"I'm not a player who will run past 10 players and score three or four goals," he says. "My game is about working hard, being a team player and assists."
"Goldenballs" is due to be unveiled at the home ground of the Galaxy - the Home Depot Center - on Friday, July 13 and will make his debut for the side in a friendly against English club side Chelsea on July 21.
Liverpool vice-captain and defender Jamie Carragher is set to announce his retirement from international football with immediate effect.
The main reason for the the lion-hearted centre-back's decision is due to his status in the national team's pecking order where he has failed to cement a place in the first-team despite making his debut for the national side back in 1999.
Despite playing a starring role for Liverpool in the club's 2005 Champions League triumph and helping the club to its third Champions League final appearance in three years last season, the 29 year-old has continually been over-looked for a starting berth for England.
Having played second fiddle to the likes of Sol Campbell, Rio Ferdinand and John Terry over the years, he has also been bumped down the pecking order by the likes of Jonathan Woodgate and young gun Ledley King in recent times.
The final straw came in the recent Euro 2008 qualifier against Estonia when he was overlooked for a starting position at centreback despite an injury to Rio Ferdinand.
Instead, King was given the chance to partner Terry in the middle of the back four despite an injury-ravaged season.
"I thought I'd had a good season for Liverpool, especially helping Liverpool get to the Champions League final.
"Like any player I thought I deserved to play but not doing so made the situation crystal clear to me." he said.
Despite the loyal service he gave to his country including the high number of times he was asked to play out of position, his decision did not escape the wrath of Talksport radio presenter Adrian Durham who suggested he was a 'bottler'.
Incensed by the stupidity of Durham's remarks, Carragher telephoned the show to let rip at the moron: “Don’t ever call me a bottler on radio with thousands of people listening. I’ve had the stomach to fight for my place for the last eight years.
It’d be interesting to see if you’ve got any bottle and come down to Anfield or Melwood and say it to me and we’ll see what happens.
“I’ve never really played centre-half for England and, to be honest, I’ve never really played that well for England because I’ve played a lot of the time at full-back.
“At centre-half, I don’t think I’ve played as much as maybe I deserved. But that’s the manager’s choice.
“If Steve McClaren’s chosen people ahead of me then I don’t think anyone can really complain if I would rather concentrate and save myself for Liverpool games.
“He played Ledley King, who is a top player. But he’s been injured all season, so how would you feel in my situation?
“And when John Terry was out, Jonathan Woodgate played.
“I’m 29, I’ve been doing it for eight years and obviously I haven’t proved it enough, so it’s not going to change now, is it?
Needless to say, Durham was put in his place and quite rightly so.
Thierry Henry proudly displays his new Barcelona shirt
France striker Thierry Henry completed his move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona for a fee of £16.1m from English Premier League side Arsenal over-night.
Henry, who turns 30 in August, passed a medical on Monday afternoon (GMT) before being unveiled in front of 30,000 fans at the Nou Camp after signing a four-year deal with the Catalan outfit.
Henry won't be wearing this away kit now!
The mega-bucks four-year deal which includes a staggering £84million buy-out clause in the Frenchman’s contract should see the pacy forward end his career in Spain.
Henry leaves Arsenal as the top scorer in the club's history with 226 goals in 364 appearances.
The following video is of Henry's presentation at the Camp Nou:
In the following two video clips, Henry says goodbye to his beloved Gunners fans:
Arsenal's talismanic captain and France striker Thierry Henry is set to leave his beloved Gunners for Spanish giants Barcelona in a reported fee of around £16 million.
At the time of this post, Henry is in Barcelona to undergo a medical and is set to be officially unveiled as a Barcelona FC player on Monday afternoon (GMT).
The move will come as a huge blow to Arsenal - the club will be losing their talismanic captain, a hugely talented striker and a club icon who epitomises the beautiful flowing football under Arsene Wenger's reign.
Click here for more details as Henry seals his move to Barcelona.
According to the Sun newspaper in the UK, Ryan Giggs is set to announce his shock retirement from international football just three days out from a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic.
The Wales skipper is said to be retiring in a bid to prolong his career at Manchester United, the club he made his debut for in 1991 as a fresh-faced 17 year old.
The Welsh wizard recently won a record-breaking ninth League title with Manchester United this season and played a major part in their triumph as one of the veterans in the side.
His conversion from an all-out pacy winger to midfield maestro/support striker is a testament to the all-round ability of this truly wonderful player who never ceases to amaze his manager, team-mates and fans alike.
Ryan Giggs stars for Manchester United
Former team-mate and current Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce, formerly Pallister's partner in central defence, once said: "When Ryan ran, he ran like the wind. You couldn't hear him he was that light on his feet.
"He had that natural body swerve, that way with a ball only the great players have got."
Despite achieving great success at club level with the Red Devils, Giggs' biggest regret is being unable to grace the world stage at major international finals - Wales can be said to be footballing minnows in that respect.
He readibly admits he finds it tough listening to his United team-mates talk about World Cups and European Championships.
He once said: “Playing for Wales is completely different from club football. At United you are used to winning things and to be favourites. Then you come away with Wales and you are the underdogs.”
Giggs was due to win his 64th cap for Wales against the Czech Republic on Saturday.
David Beckham has earned a recall to the England squad for a friendly at the new Wembley against Brazil on June 2nd and the crucial Euro 2008 trip to Estonia on June 6th.
The former England captain has been in exile from the England squad ever since current coach Steve McLaren took over the team after last year's World Cup quarter-final loss against Portugal.
Despite McLaren publicly saying that the door would not be closed for a Beckham return, many doubted he would appear in a Three Lions shirt again as England looked towards the future in the post-Sven Goran Eriksson era. Others have said that Beckham's axing had to do with McLaren's intention of stamping his authority on the team.
However, with England suffering a huge set-back on the back of a poor run of results, McLaren has had to recall the Real Madrid superstar for the crucial Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia.
Becks has been in sensational form for Real Madrid since making a return to the side after boss Fabio Capello had previously vowed he would never pick the Englishman again after the transfer saga which saw the player sign on for MLS side LA Galaxy for the next five seasons.
He has played a huge part in a resurgent Real side who are on course for triumph in La Liga - they currently top the League standings with 72 points.
I have always maintained that Beckham has been made a scapegoat for England's underperformance at the last World Cup. No, his play has never been about pace but precise and accurate passing, long or short, which he is continuing to do on a consistent basis for Real Madrid.
And more importantly, the fact is he is still clearly one of the best English players going around. His return maybe short-lived though given his impending move to US soccer, but as he has proven once again, write him off at your own peril.
Or just ask the two managers with egg on their faces!
The Sun newspaper in the UK has reported that England captain John Terry would love to see his predecessor David Beckham back wearing a Three Lions shirt.
The Chelsea defender, who took over as skipper when Beckham was axed by boss Steve McClaren after World Cup '06, said that 'Becks' still has the quality to play for the national side and was "too good to ignore".
“Yes, of course. He’s a fantastic player. That’s Steve McClaren’s decision to pick and drop players, but he’s still a world-class player." said Terry.
“Taking over from such an iconic captain as David Beckham was a tough act to follow. He changed the role of England captain in many ways.
But first and foremost he was a fantastic player and still is." he added.
The pressure is on England boss Steve McLaren to recall the former skipper for the must win game against Estonia on June 6.
Despite only just returning from injury, Beckham looked in great form against Athletic Bilbao and helped setup the first goal with a pin-point free-kick in his side's 4 - 1 win over the weekend.
A friendly clash between the Socceroos and China over the weekend resulted in an Australian victory that sent out an ominous warning to its rivals for the upcoming Asian cup.
Despite missing a whole host of first-team regulars namely, Harry Kewell, Tim Cahill and Brett Emerton, the Socceroos were still too strong for China with Brett Holman (8) and Marco Bresciano (28) getting on the scoresheet for a richly deserved 2- 0 win.
Australia:
Mark Schwarzer (gk), Lucas Neill, Luke Wilkshire, Shane Steffanuto (Jade North 66'), Michael Beauchamp, Patrick Kisnorbo, Mark Bresciano (Nick Carle 80'), Carl Valeri (Jacob Burns 90'), Brett Holman (Archie Thompson 69'), Mile Sterjovski (Simon Colosimo 85'), Mark Viduka (c) (Scott McDonald 76')
A strong 74,343 crowd - the highest recorded crowd for a non-competitive match - packed the Old Trafford stadium to watch Manchester United play a European "All-Stars" team in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the European Union and of Manchester United becoming the first English side to play in UEFA's European club competition.
In a match of celebration, an emotional 'thank you' from David Beckham and mass substitutions, the Red Devils beat the Europe XI 4-3 courtesy of goals from Wayne Rooney (2), Wes Brown and a stunning 35-yard free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo.
The European select-side answered with three goals of their own from El-Hadji Diouf (2) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
An Emotional 'Thank You' from David Beckham
Former Manchester United star David Beckham returned to his former stomping ground as a guest following a knee ligament injury that forced him to pull out of the Europe XI side.
Making his first return to a Manchester United match since leaving for Real Madrid in 2003, 'Golden-balls' was afforded a hero's welcome during his emotional speech at half-time.
"I just want to say that the time I spent at this club is the best time of my football career.
"I've waited four years to actually come back and say thank you to the fans and the people at this club." he said.
A star-studded 22-man European squad will face English Premier League leaders Manchester United in a charity match on Tuesday evening (GMT) to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the European Union and of Manchester United becoming the first English side to play in UEFA's European club competition.
Liverpool players Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, Barcelona captain Carlos Puyol and many of the Italian World Cup-winning squad will take part in the match as well as three Brazilian stars - Ronaldinho, Ronaldo and Juninho - taking part as 'guests'.
Former Manchester United player David Beckham has had to withdraw from the European select-side due to injury, but will return to his old stomping ground to watch the game from the stands.
Retired France legend Zinedine Zidane has turned down the opportunity to take to the pitch for the select-side - whether or not Italian Marco Materazzi's presence in the squad had anything to do with his decision, we do not know.
'Zizou' ended his career with a red card after thrusting his head into Materazzi's chest in the World Cup final of 2006.
The full Europe XI squad are as follows:
Goalkeepers: Oliver Kahn, Grégory Coupet, Iker Casillas. Defenders: Paolo Maldini, Jamie Carragher, Eric Abidal, Lilan Thuram, Carles Puyol, Marco Materazzi, Fabio Grosso. Midfielders: Gianluca Zambrotta, Steven Gerrard, Juninho Pernambucano, Florent Malouda, Luis Miguel, Gennaro Gattuso, Andrea Pirlo. Strikers: Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Alessandro Mancini, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Henrik Larsson.
David Beckham's return to the Real Madrid first-team has been cut short by a knee ligament injury that will rule him out for 4-6 weeks.
The former England captain has been in fine form since his return to the Madrid line-up and was on the verge of an England recall for the upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers.
The 31-year-old midfielder was hurt playing for Real Madrid against Getafe in the Spanish League on Sunday. Beckham hurt his right knee after mis-hitting a cross and running into advertising hoardings behind the goal.
Not only will he miss the chance of a recall to the national team, he will also miss Wednesday's Champions League game against Bayern Munich, a crucial match against Barcelona next weekend and possibly a further three league games.
He will also miss an emotional return to Old Trafford on 13 March when he was set to play for a European All-Star XI against the current Manchester United side.
Beckham has said many times in the past that one of his biggest regrets was not being able to say goodbye to the United fans at Old Trafford after being sold to Real Madrid in the summer of 2003.
Chelsea and Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba has been voted Africa's number one footballer of the past year by the continent's national coaches.
It's the first time a Chelsea player has landed the African honour and the first Ivorian to win this award.
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) committee members chooses a shortlist of three which is then voted upon by the 53 national coaches.
Drogba came out on top with 79 points followed closely by Barcelona's three-time winner Samuel Eto'o with 74 and Michael Essien, also of Chelsea FC with a distant 36 points.
The award capped off a year in which Drogba captained his country to the African Nations Cup final where they were beaten on penalties by hosts Egypt.
In the second half of 2006 and the current season of the English Premier League in particular, Drogba has been on top form and scoring goals at ease with a tally of 17 goals in the Premiership alone.
England were booed off the pitch after suffering their first defeat at home since November 2003 (against the Socceroos) at the hands of Spain in an international friendly overnight.
With an injury-ravaged side missing at least 5-6 first-teamers, the Three Lions started brightly in each half but were left to rue missed chances when subsitute Spanish midfielder Andres Iniesta fired in a spectacular shot in the 63rd minute.
The positives for England in this match were the return of injury-plagued duo Kieron Dyer and Jonathan Woodgate who slotted into the team with ease in attack and defence respectively.
However, the negatives far out-weigh the positives at this stage with a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel next month.
Click here to read SoccerNet's comprehensive match report.
The world's most famous footballer, ex-England captain David Beckham, will join US Major League Soccer outfit Los Angeles Galaxy in a staggering US$250 million five-year deal at the end of the season.
"Golden Balls" will leave Spanish giants Real Madrid in June and start his new life in the US in August.
After months of speculation, the 31 year-old finally put pen to paper - sealing one of the most lucrative deals in world sport.
Beckham said in a statement: 'This week, Real Madrid asked me to make a decision regarding my future and the offer to extend my contract by a further two seasons.
'After discussing several options with my family and advisers to either stay here at Madrid or join other major British and European clubs, I have decided to join the Los Angeles Galaxy and play in the MLS from August this year.
'I would like to thank the supporters and people of Madrid who have made my family and I feel so welcome in my time here, making this an extremely difficult decision to make.
'I have enjoyed my time in Spain enormously and I am extremely grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity to play for such a great team and their amazing fans.
'I am proud to have played for two of the biggest clubs in football and I look forward to the new challenge of growing the world's most popular game in a country that is as passionate about its sport as my own.
'For the rest of this season I will continue to give 100% to my coach, team mates and fans as I believe Fabio Capello will bring this club and its supporters the success they truly deserve.'
This ground-breaking deal took place after the MLS recently changed their salary cap rules to allow sides to make 'marquee signings' of top international stars.
A break-down of the deal are as follows:
Annual salary: US$10m Total control of his image rights, including sponsorship contracts with his four sponsors - Motorola, Pepsi, Gillette and Volkswagen - estimated to be US$25m Merchandising (sales of replica shirts): US$10m Share of club profits: US$10m
My personal opinion on this move is that Beckham no longer harbours the ambition of achieving success in European football and representing his country on the international stage.
While Beckham enjoyed much success at club level with Manchester United, he has endured a barren run of three years without lifting a trophy at Real Madrid.
As the Spanish giants stepped into a new era with Italian Fabio Capello as head coach this season, Beckham has endured a frustrating season in which he has only started a total of five games in all competitions.
His England career also came to an abrupt end after he relinquished his captaincy post World Cup 2006 and has not been picked ever since by new national manager Steve McLaren despite the "door still being opened" for the midfielder.
Although Beckham has stated that he still harbours ambition to play for his country, his latest career move to a lesser league proves otherwise and it is safe to say that Beckham will definitely not be adding to his 94 caps.
Beckham's move stateside has been greeted as a historic moment in the history of football in the country with MLS commissioner Don Garber saying: "David Beckham coming to MLS might be viewed by some as one of the most important moments for soccer in this country and perhaps the history of professional sport.
"David transcends the sport and is a cultural icon. David is clearly one of the most recognisable athletes in the world.
"People are going to feel really good about David Beckham spending the rest of his career in the US."
Becks will therefore be in charge of rejuvenating a sport that lags behind in terms of popularity to other mainstream sports such as the NFL, NBA and baseball over in the US.
This is a huge ask, even for "Golden Balls".
Although I expect interest in the MLS to surge ten-fold upon his arrival, what remains to be seen if this interest can be maintained over the course of a season and beyond.
Italy captain and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has been crowned World Player Of The Year in a glittering ceremony at the Zurich Opera House.
The award capped off a brilliant year for the Italian maestro who won a World Cup winner's medal in July and the European Footballer of the Year award last month.
'It's an unbelievable moment,' he said before adding: 'It is not usual for a defender to be sitting alongside Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane, who get to do marvellous things all season, so I saw it as a victory just to be here".
The 33 year-old defender edged out three-time FIFA World Player Of The Year and sentimental favourite Zinedine Zidane to scoop the award with two-time award winner Ronaldinho in 3rd place.
To underline Cannavaro's achievement, he became the first defender and second Italian to win the FIFA award since its inception in 1991.
Italian legend Roberto Baggio was previously the only Italian to have won the prestigious award.
Cannavaro won the award with a total of 498 points - as voted by the Coaches' and Captains' of all national teams.
Retired France legend Zinedine Zidane came second with 454 points and Ronaldinho, third, with 380 points.
Also presented at the glittering ceremony were awards for the Top 3 scorers and players at the World Cup 2006 with Miroslav Klose, Hernan Crespo and Ronaldo winning the Golden, Silver and Bronze Shoes respectively.
The Golden, Silver and Bronze Balls for best player at the tournament went to Zinedine Zidane, Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Pirlo.
For the full list of players nominated for the World Player Of The Year award, click here.
Italy captain and Real Madrid defender Fabio Cannavaro has won the prestigious Ballon D'or - the European Footballer of the Year award presented by the respected France Football magazine.
Born and raised in Naples, Italy, the 33 year old won the honour with 173 points, ahead of Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon (124) of Italy and Arsenal's France striker Thierry Henry (121).
This personal achievement comes after his glorious displays at the World Cup where he lead his country to the Jules Rimet trophy after a penalty-shootout win in the final over France.
Apart from winning the World Cup, Cannavaro also clinched victory in Serie A with Juventus over the last two seasons before his previous club side were stripped of those titles and demoted to the second division after being found guilty of match fixing.
He moved to Spanish giants Real Madrid shortly after the World Cup.
The Ballon d'Or award is based on a vote by European football journalists and Cannavaro becomes the fifth Italian and only the third defender to win the award.
In his acceptance speech, the defender thanked his team-mates, club and country: "I want to thank Real president Raman Calderon and my team-mates from Juve and the national team who had an important part to play in my winning this award".
The top five footballers in Europe for 05/06 were:
footballnotsoccer
Paladin
Hardy
KC Hill
techman
Graham Fisher
Andrew Aigner-Muehler
LukeS
Craig Hill
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