Keane denies improper conduct charge

Sunderland manager Roy Keane denied an English Football Association charge of improper conduct on Thursday.

Hughes starts search for Hart replacement

Manchester City boss Mark Hughes has been given the green light to sign a temporary replacement for injured England goalkeeper Joe Hart.

Kingston reveals fear behind Ghana trip

Ghana midfielder Laryea Kingston has admitted he feared his family would be harmed if he didn't join up with his international team-mates for their friendly with Tunisia.

Wenger confirms Walcott to be out for three months

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger confirmed that Theo Walcott will be sidelined for at least three months after the England winger had surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Thursday.

Chelsea expect Ballack to stay

Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon is confident Germany midfielder Michael Ballack will commit his long-term future to the Premier League leaders.

VfL Wolfsburg of Germany make offer for Japanese striker Okubo

German Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg have made a transfer offer for Japan international striker Yoshito Okubo, his J-League team Vissel Kobe said Thursday.

Japan coach says no time for complacency

Japan's coach Takeshi Okada has warned against complacency after his side's 3-0 rout of Qatar, a result which eased pressure on him and boosted morale ahead of a showdown with group leaders Australia.

RugbyL: International schedule unveiled from World Cup surplus

The Rugby League International Federation on Thursday unveiled an expanded international programme on the back of a projected surplus of five million dollars (3.2 million US) from the World Cup.

New A-League club Gold Coast sign defender Griffiths

Socceroo defender Adam Griffiths has agreed terms on a three-year deal with new Australian A-League club Gold Coast United, the club said Thursday.

Honduras, Mexico through, Jamaica ousted in FIFA World Cup qualifying

Honduras defeated Mexico 1-0 with the help of an own goal on a waterlogged field Wednesday to advance in 2010 South Africa World Cup qualifying at the expense of Jamaica.

Socceroos mauled for 'barely deserved' win over Bahrain

The Australian press Thursday castigated the Socceroos for their "barely deserved" win over Bahrain to put them on the cusp of qualification for the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa.

We've come a long way under Capello, says England skipper

England captain John Terry believes his side's 2-1 friendly victory over Germany here on Wednesday proves just how far the team has come under the guidance of manager Fabio Capello.

England were simply better, admits Germany's Loew

Germany coach Joachim Loew admitted England were simply better than his side as John Terry's late header sealed a 2-1 win for Fabio Capello's side.

France striker Savidan a high point, says Henry

Thierry Henry picked out the performance of Caen striker Steve Savidan as a high point in a dull 0-0 draw at the Stade de France in a friendly international against Uruguay.

Capello delighted as England take confident step forward

England coach Fabio Capello said the 2-1 friendly win over Germany here on Wednesday was not only an important step in terms of result, but a massive leap forward for confidence.

'Proud' Maradona turns again on Butcher

Diego Maradona said he felt "proud" after his first match as coach of Argentina ended in a 1-0 friendly international win over Scotland at Hampden Park here Wednesday.

European champions Spain finish superb 2008 on a high
Three Lions stay ahead of die Mannschaft
Beckham's childhood home attracts million-pound bids
Young guns fire England as old hand Maradona enjoys winning start
Poles hang on to end Trapattoni's unbeaten run
Maradona's reign starts with win over Scotland
Stuttering France frustrated by Uruguay
Lippi's Italy break unbeaten record
Two-goal Van Persie steers Holland to victory
Terry header seals England win in Germany