FUTBOL/FOOTBALL

Togo Soccer Team Attacked; Pull Out of Tournament

2010-01-09T15:52:00.000-08:00

Gunmen opened fire on the bus carrying Togo's national soccer team to a tournament in Angola, killing at least three people. The team has withdrawn from the African Cup of Nations.

U.S. to Open Against England at World Cup

2009-12-05T06:32:00.000-08:00

The United States will open the World Cup against England, then play Slovenia and Algeria in the first round of next year's tournament.

Football Star Visits HIV Clinic

2009-12-04T13:57:00.000-08:00

David Beckham visits HIV-positive mothers in Khaylitsha township in Cape Town, South Africa as part of his work as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

U.S. Soccer Player Davies Hurt in Car Accident

2009-10-14T05:14:00.001-07:00

U.S. national team forward Charlie Davies was in serious condition Tuesday evening following a one-vehicle accident in which another person was killed.

U.S. Men Seeking World Cup Berth

2009-09-24T05:37:00.000-07:00

The U.S. men's soccer team can qualify for its' sixth straight World Cup with a victory at Honduras in early October. U.S. star Landon Donovan was in New York Wednesday and said the U.S. could also qualify with a tie against Costa Rica.

Video Essay: Language No Barrier for L.A. Sol

2009-08-20T14:38:00.000-07:00

French, Swedish, Portuguese, Japanese and Chinese: The Los Angeles' Women's Professional Soccer team has plenty of language barriers. That hasn't held them back as the Sol are shooting for the inaugural WPS title.

FIFA President Suggests MLS Start Season in Fall

2009-07-27T05:23:00.000-07:00

In an interview with the AP, FIFA President Sepp Blatter said Major League Soccer needs to switch to a fall-to-spring schedule. Blatter meets with President Obama Monday.

SAfrican Strike Threatens 2010 World Cup Events

2009-07-14T14:42:00.000-07:00

Striking South African construction workers, building stadiums for the 2010 World Cup, vow to continue their strike until employers meet their demand for a 12 percent wage increase.

Fantasy Sports Girl - English Premier Pickups and Dumps

2009-03-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

After a brief Euro break, everyone is back to league play. Fantasy Sports Girl Holly Weber is back to give you the hot boys at the pitch.

Fantasy Sports Girl - Premier League Pickups and Dumps

2009-02-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

Fantasy Sports Girl Brittany has this weeks update for the footballers across the pond.

Mexico Fans 'Stick It' to the U.S.

2009-02-08T06:25:00.000-08:00

After Radioshack dropped out, a Mexican newspaper has found a new U.S. corporate sponsor to help put a voodoo hex on the U.S. national soccer team, and end Mexico's decade-long losing streak.

Fantasy Sports Girl - English Premier Pickups and Dumps

2009-02-05T14:03:00.000-08:00

Fantasy Sports Girl Annie thinks Robbie Keane's being back in Tottenham could make all the difference.

Arena says Beckham will return to Galaxy

2009-01-29T15:20:00.000-08:00

CARSON, Calif. (AP) -- Galaxy coach Bruce Arena dismissed reports from Italy that David Beckham could stay with AC Milan beyond his current loan.

"No one ever knows the accuracy of anything," Arena said after practice Thursday. "Everything gets distorted, so we don't concern ourselves with those kind of reports."

Beckham joined AC Milan in December on a loan that ends March 8. He has started four games and scored twice.

"He's going to be back here March 9," Arena said. "We've entered into a loan agreement with AC Milan (in which) the player, his agent, AC Milan, ourselves and Major League Soccer understand the guidelines."

Arena says Beckham will return to Galaxy....

Fantasy Sports Girl: Fantasy Pickup and Dump

2009-01-23T15:03:00.001-08:00

Fantasy Sports Girl Kristen returns with action from the Premier League.

Fantasy Sports Girl - Fantasy Premier League

2009-01-15T16:10:00.000-08:00

The top five teams are breaking away from the Premiership pack, and Fantasy Sports Girl Crystal has who's rising and falling in this weeks Fantasy Premiership update.

Cristiano Ronaldo voted FIFA player of year

2009-01-12T17:08:00.000-08:00

By GRAHAM DUNBAR
Associated Press Writer

ZURICH, Switzerland (AP) -- Cristiano Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year award Monday to complete a sweep of soccer's top individual honors for 2008.

The Portugal winger led Manchester United to the Premier League and Champions League titles in May. He scored 42 goals in all competitions last season and became the first English Premier League player to win the honor in the award's 18-year history.

"It is an overwhelming moment, a very special moment in my life," Ronaldo said. "I would like to say to my mother and sister that the fireworks can be fired off now."

Brazil's Marta won the women's award for the third year in a row. She earlier announced she is joining the Los Angeles Sol in the Women's Professional Soccer League.

Cristiano Ronaldo voted FIFA player of year....

Fantasy Sports Girl - EPL Pickups and Dumps

2009-01-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

The pitch is heating up and Fantasy Sports Girl Jennifer has the 411 on which one to grab and which ones to leave alone.

Columbus Crew beat New York Red Bulls 3-1 to capture first MLS Cup

2008-11-23T18:36:00.000-08:00

CARSON, Calif. — Midfield maestro Guillermo Barros Schelotto collected some more hefty bling. Coach Sigi Schmid got a sense of redemption.

The 35-year-old Schelotto, a long-time star in his native Argentina, assisted on all the Columbus Crew's goals in Sunday's 3-1 MLS Cup victory over the New York Red Bulls. Afterward, he received the game's MVP award to go with the regular-season MVP trophy he was presented earlier in the week.

Schmid hoisted the Cup in the home stadium of the Los Angeles Galaxy, a team that axed him in 2004, two years after he guided the club to the MLS championship.

"It's a very emotional moment for me, winning this game here in L.A. in front of family and friends. And, to be quite honest, the town that I was fired in," Schmid said.

Columbus Crew beat New York Red Bulls 3-1 to capture first MLS Cup....

Sports Friday: Mussina Retires, Steelers Roll

2008-11-21T06:35:00.000-08:00

After 18 major-league seasons, Mike Mussina announced his retirement Thursday. A 270-game winner with the Yankees and Orioles, the 40-year old right hander ranks 32nd on baseball's career win list.

Fantasy Sports Girl - English Premier Flash 10.30.08

2008-10-30T17:52:00.000-07:00

Fantasy Sports Girl newbie Sarah has a look at who's gonna be getting it done in Premiership action.

Fantasy Sports Girl: Fantasy Futbol Flash

2008-10-18T15:33:00.001-07:00

Hertfordshire's own, Fantasy Sports Girl Joanne has a look at who's gonna be getting it done in Premiership action.

Sierra Mist Goal of the Week (week 28)

2008-10-06T14:39:00.000-07:00

Gallardo Out for Season

2008-10-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

Marcelo Gallardo, D.C. United's 1.9 million-dollar man, will miss the remainder of the MLS season with a knee injury. The results of an MRI exam showed a Grade 2 sprain of a medial collateral ligament, an injury that typically sidelines a player for six to eight weeks.

Gallardo suffered the injury during United's 3-0 loss to Chivas USA on Saturday night, his first game back from an adductor strain. He also missed nearly two months of the summer schedule with a sports hernia.

Gallardo Out for Season....

Extra Time ep. 72

2008-10-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

In the latest EXTRA TIME, Shep and Greg look at the league leading Columbus Crew, pick players that need to come up big for their teams answer some mail and more.

Olympics '08: U.S. Soccer Women Score Gold

2008-08-21T13:19:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Women's soccer team triumphs over Brazil 1-0 in overtime, snaring the gold medal for the third time in four Olympics.

U.S. women will play for soccer gold

2008-08-18T11:55:00.001-07:00

By Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

BEIJING -- They are barely recognizable, with a style that is hardly understandable, yet this new U.S. women's soccer team does share one thing with their famous ancestors.

They win Olympic games. They make Olympic finals.

With more fight than finesse, the U.S. team lumbered past Japan in the semifinals at Worker's Stadium on Monday night, 4-2, to reach the Olympic finals for the fourth time in four Olympics.

"I don't think many of us even knew that," said goalkeeper Hope Solo about the American streak. ''We're trying to create our own history."

That will only happen if they are able to beat Brazil in Wednesday's final, a tough task considering the Brazilians overwhelmed defending world champion Germany, 4-1, in the other semifinal.

U.S. women will play for soccer gold....

Kai scores winner in extra time; U.S. women advance

2008-08-16T07:15:00.001-07:00

By Beau Dure, USA TODAY

BEIJING — The U.S. attack was as persistent as the Shanghai rain, which forced a delay of more than 90 minutes. Tied 1-1, the women's soccer team kept Canada pinned in its own end throughout the second half.
All the while, Natasha Kai bided her time on the bench. After regulation time ended, Kai got her chance to go in the game.

Eleven minutes later, the substitution paid off. Shannon Boxx dropped an inviting ball into the box, and Kai threw herself forward to meet it and score the winning goal.

And so the USA avoided a potential quagmire and advanced to the semifinals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory Friday.

Kai scores winner in extra time; U.S. women advance....

Nigeria eliminates U.S. men in soccer, 2-1

2008-08-13T12:32:00.001-07:00

By Grahame L. Jones, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

An elbow thrown in anger and a header that was just a few inches too high.

That, on Wednesday, was what separated the U.S. men's Olympic soccer team from a place in the tournament quarterfinals and instead put the players and coaches on a flight back home.

A 2-1 loss to Nigeria in front of 48,096 at the Workers' Stadium in Beijing ended American participation in soccer in the Games, at least on the men's side of things. The U.S. women on Friday play Canada in a quarterfinal match.

Nigeria eliminates U.S. men in soccer, 2-1....

Americans let one get away against the Netherlands

2008-08-10T13:53:00.000-07:00

By Grahame L. Jones, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Poised on the brink of an unexpected place in the quarterfinals of the Olympic men's soccer tournament, the U.S. looked down, blinked, suffered vertigo and fell.

Instead of a one-goal victory over the Netherlands in Tianjin, China, on Sunday, the Americans came away with a 2-2 tie after giving up a goal with seconds left.

So, while medal favorites Argentina, Brazil and Italy each advanced to the final eight with victories Sunday, the U.S. was left with a decisive third match against Nigeria on Wednesday in Beijing.

The Americans have to either tie or defeat the Nigerians or they will be on the next flight home. Yet they played well enough in the second half Sunday to deserve a spot in the knockout phase, coming back from a goal down to take the lead, only to throw it all away.

It was a cruel lesson learned, and no one took it harder than Coach Peter Nowak.

Americans let one get away against the Netherlands....

US defeats Japan 1-0 on goal by Stuart Holden

2008-08-07T13:59:00.001-07:00

By BRIAN TRUSDELL

TIANJIN, China (AP) — Stuart Holden ended the United States' three-game scoring drought with a goal in the second half, giving the Americans a 1-0 victory over Japan on Thursday in the Olympic opener for both.

The Scottish-born Holden struck a loose ball at the top of the penalty area that Japanese goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa was able to slow, but couldn't keep from trickling over the line in the 47th minute.

This was a welcome change for Holden. He hasn't scored for Houston in 16 Major League Soccer games this season but had three goals in the North American SuperLiga.

"It's always a good feeling to get a goal," Holden said. "MLS is on the side right now. It's great to get a goal not only personally, but to get a win."

A victory was critical for both teams with the more heavily favored Dutch and Nigerians yet to play in Group B.

US defeats Japan 1-0 on goal by Stuart Holden....

Poor start dooms USA against Norway

2008-08-06T10:26:00.000-07:00

Qinhuangdao, China (Sports Network) - Norway scored two goals in the first five minutes of the game on Wednesday to beat the United States Women's National Team, 2-0 in the Group G opener for both teams at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Both Norway goals were the result of mistakes by the USA defense, with Leni Laursen Kaurin scoring two minutes into the game, and Melissa Wiik adding another two minutes later.

While Norway entered the tournament as a favorite to reach the knockout round, the result was a big surprise considering the United States had beaten the Scandinavian side the last 10 times the team's played, including a pair of 4-0 wins this year.

Poor start dooms USA against Norway....

Beckham says MLS is better than people think

2008-07-18T14:43:00.000-07:00

By Tom Canavan, AP Sports Writer

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — While the quality of play in the MLS is better than people think, David Beckham said Friday that he believes the it will take time to catch up to some of the world's better leagues.
Beckham said that he is enjoying his first full season with the Los Angeles Galaxy, noting that he had a tough time adjusting last year after arriving in the middle of the season and having to battle an assortment of injuries.

The 33-year-old has been healthy this season. His seven assists are tied for second best in the league and his five goals are tied for 10th.

"I have enjoyed it," Beckham said at a news conference to promote Saturday's game at Giants Stadium against the New York Red Bulls.

"Soccer is definitely changing in this country, and it is getting bigger and growing," Beckham said. "But it is going to take time, and I said that at the start. It's not just going to happen in a year or two. It's a long-term plan to raise the profile for this game in this country. I think it has gone well so far."

Beckham says MLS is better than people think....

Wambach Breaks Leg in Exhibition

2008-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

By JERÉ LONGMAN

The United States women's soccer team received an apparently devastating blow to its chances for winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics when its top player, forward Abby Wambach, suffered a broken left leg Wednesday night in an exhibition against Brazil.

Wambach broke the tibia and fibula in the leg and will undergo surgery on Thursday to have a titanium rod inserted, a team spokesman said. She is expected to be out of action for three months and will miss the Beijing Games, where the United States women begin play on Aug. 6.

Thirty-one minutes into Wednesday's exhibition, played in San Diego, the fearless and powerful Wambach charged ahead at full speed, seemingly to take a shot from nearly 30 yards, when she collided ferociously with the Brazilian defender Andreia Rosa and helicoptered to the ground.

Immediately, Wambach signaled for assistance in the nationally televised match. Her left leg was immobilized in a brace, and she was taken off the field on a stretcher. Wambach was placed in an ambulance and taken to a San Diego hospital for X-rays, where the fractures were confirmed, Aaron Heifetz, a team spokesman, said by telephone.

Wambach Breaks Leg in Exhibition....

Rodriguez's goal lifts U.S. women

2008-07-13T19:33:00.000-07:00

From staff and wire reports

Once again Amy Rodriguez made all the difference for the U.S. women's soccer team in a 1-0 win against Brazil in an exhibition match Sunday.
Rodriguez scored in the 71st minute in the exhibition played in Commerce City, Colo. Rodriguez scored the winning goal against Brazil the last time the two teams played at the Peace Queen Cup on June 17.

The teams meet again Wednesday in San Diego in their last match before the Olympics.

Rodriguez's goal lifts U.S. women....

Spain Wins First Major in 44 Years

2008-06-30T10:08:00.000-07:00

By BARRY WILNER AP Sports Writer

Spain, European champion.

It's been a long time.

It has taken 44 years, to be exact. With teams as talented as most opponents in the major championships they qualified for, the Spaniards always fell short. They were called underachieving, short on heart, even chokers.

With one magnificent month, Spain put all those shortcomings in the past, emphasizing its rise with a 1-0 victory over Germany on Sunday night in the European Championship.

Spain Wins First Major in 44 Years....

D.C. United take down Beckham, L.A. Galaxy

2008-06-29T14:08:00.000-07:00

By Beau Dure, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — Once again, D.C. United stole the spotlight from the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Last year in RFK Stadium, United held on for a 1-0 win when David Beckham made his long-awaited Major League Soccer debut. This year, as part of a national broadcast doubleheader with the Euro 2008 final, the Galaxy wilted in the heat as United's stars – Marcelo Gallardo, Luciano Emilio and Jaime Moreno – made the ABC showcase their own with a 4-1 win.

For United?s Clyde Simms, the TV time was a means to an end for a team that has few league games next month.

?It helps send a message to the other teams that we?re playing better soccer,? Simms said.

D.C. United take down Beckham, L.A. Galaxy....

Germany's Ballack doubtful for final

2008-06-28T18:18:00.000-07:00

Vienna, Austria (Sports Network) - Germany captain Michael Ballack has emerged as an injury doubt for Sunday's Euro 2008 Final against Spain.

The Chelsea midfielder sat out training on Friday with a calf injury and could miss the showpiece at Vienna's Ernst Happel Stadium.

The absence of the 31-year-old skipper would be a major blow to coach Joachim Loew after his impressive form during Germany's drive to the final.

Germany's Ballack doubtful for final....

Cooper, Ching score as Houston and Dallas play out to 1-1 draw

2008-06-27T10:56:00.000-07:00

HOUSTON — Kenny Cooper scored in the 62nd minute to help FC Dallas tie the Houston Dynamo 1-1 on Thursday night in Major League Soccer.

Brian Ching had a first-half goal for Houston (4-4-7, 19 points), which missed a chance to tie Los Angeles for first in the Western Conference. FC Dallas (4-6-5, 17 points) is tied for fourth with Chivas USA.

In the 21st minute, Ching took a pass from Craig Waibel in the right six-yard box and headed it into the goal. It was Ching's sixth goal in seven games, and Waibel's first assist since the MLS Cup championship game against New England last season.

Cooper tied it on a header off Juan Toja's pass.

It was the third time this season FC Dallas and Houston have played to a tie. They tied 3-3 in April in Houston and 2-2 in Dallas last month.

Pat Onstad made three saves for Houston, while Dario Sala made four saves for FC Dallas, 0-6-2 at Robertson Stadium.

Cooper, Ching score as Houston and Dallas play out to 1-1 draw....

Spain beats Russia 3-0 to reach final

2008-06-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

By ROB MURRAY

VIENNA, Austria (AP) — Spain scored three second-half goals Thursday to beat Russia 3-0 and reach the European Championship final, giving the team a chance to shed its status as one of soccer's biggest underachievers.

Xavi Hernandez, Dani Guiza and David Silva each scored to give the Spaniards a shot at their second European title when they play Germany on Sunday at Ernst Happel Stadium. Spain, which won the 1964 European tournament, ended its run of five quarterfinal defeats by beating Italy in a penalty shootout Sunday. It confirmed its title aspirations with a penetrating passing attack on a slick surface in pouring rain against Russia.

The Spaniards and Germans have not played a competitive match since a 1-1 draw in the 1994 World Cup. Overall, Germany has won eight of 19 meetings, with Spain taking five and six draws. In competitive games, it is 4-1-2 for Germany.

Germany beat Turkey 3-2 on Thursday night and is seeking a record fourth Euro title.

Spain beats Russia 3-0 to reach final....

Russia Coach Hiddink Advocates Arshavin Move After Euro 2008

2008-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Russia coach Guus Hiddink is not letting rising speculation over the club future of star attacker Andrei Arshavin distract him from preparing his side for the semi-final clash with Spain on Thursday, June 24.

In fact, Hiddink has joined the chorus of voices advocating a move for the talented 27-year old who has taken the tournament by storm since coming back from suspension. The Dutchman believes his playmaker should play in a top European league after Euro 2008.

Arshavin helped Zenit St Petersburg to win the UEFA Cup last season and has excelled against Sweden and the Netherlands after missing the first two games of the tournament through suspension.

All but one of the 23-man Russia squad play their club football in Russia, but Hiddink said Monday: "I think some players can survive and make a contribution to the big leagues in Europe."

Russia Coach Hiddink Advocates Arshavin Move After Euro 2008....

U.S. Announces Women’s Olympic Roster

2008-06-23T14:47:00.000-07:00

By Jack Bell

When the United States hired Pia Sundhage as coach of the women’s national team seven months ago, her brief included taking the American team back to the top of the soccer world, preparing the team to defend its Olympic gold medal, and altering the chemistry and composition of the roster.

Sundhage, speaking via a conference call from her home in Sweden, announced her 18-player roster for the Beijing Games on Monday, a list that includes seven players who were not part of the team during last year’s disappointing performance at the Women’s World Cup and three women who made their first roster for a senior national team. Of the 18 players, five are from California and four are from New Jersey.

“I would say that the team’s strength is that they are brave and can play in different systems,” said Sundhage, who has led the team to a 17-0-1 record in 2008. “We have different players now and we have talked about change since I started and I think they have embraced the word. But I think there has not been too much change and not too little. To adapt to a new coach in seven months, I’m impressed.”

U.S. Announces Women’s Olympic Roster....

D.C. beats Quakes with late surge

2008-06-22T16:42:00.000-07:00

By Charles Boehm / MLSnet.com Staff

WASHINGTON -- They certainly made heavy work of the task, but D.C. United was nonetheless able to dispose of the last-place San Jose Earthquakes at warm RFK Stadium on Sunday afternoon, running their unbeaten streak to five with a 3-1 victory.

D.C. beats Quakes with late surge....

Spain stops Italy on penalties

2008-06-22T16:35:00.000-07:00

Vienna, Austria (Sports Network) - Iker Casillas stopped two penalty kicks and Spain converted four of its five attempts to knock Italy out of Euro 2008 in the quarterfinals, winning 4-2 on penalty kicks following a 0-0 match.

David Villa and Santiago Cazorla converted Spain's first two penalties, while Italy's Fabio Grosso was also successful from the spot. Casillas then came up with his first save on Italy's second attempt, stopping Daniele De Rossi's shot from finding the lower right corner.

The teams then traded successful kicks before Spain's Daniel Guiza was stopped by Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. However, Casillas seized the edge right back for Spain, stopping Antonio Di Natale, which allowed Cesc Fabregas to send Buffon the wrong way on the next kick, clinching victory for Spain.

The Spanish are now unbeaten in their last 20 games, and will play Russia on Thursday in one semifinal, while Germany will play Turkey on Wednesday in the competition's other semifinal.

Spain stops Italy on penalties....

Crew forges tie with L.A.

2008-06-22T07:05:00.000-07:00

Mercury News Wire Services

Second-half substitute Stephen Lenhart scored the tying goal in the 88th minute for the Columbus Crew, which scored three times in the final 23 minutes to earn a 3-3 draw with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Saturday. Landon Donovan converted a penalty kick in the 83rd minute, but Lenhart erased the second one-goal deficit of the half for the Crew.

The match marked the first time since May 24 that Donovan and David Beckham played together for the Galaxy, and the pairing quickly paid off. Beckham crossed a ball into the front of the net, but Columbus goalkeeper William Hesmer couldn't control it. Donovan got the ball and scored into an empty net in the fourth minute.

Crew forges tie with L.A....

Germans overpower Portugal once again

2008-06-19T18:03:00.000-07:00

Different year, same result.

Germany, who have now won ten of their 12 knockout round games played in the European Championship, rolled over Portugal 3-2 in an enthralling and at times devastating performance today in Basel.
This was an assured performance from the Germans, who last met — and beat — Portugal by almost the same scoreline in the 2006 World Cup third place match.

Led by Bastian Schweinsteiger, who scored a goal and assisted the other two, Germany was relentless, controlling the tempo and flow of the game with ease and silencing Portugal's biggest guns. In fact, Schweinsteiger's work killed the game off after only an hour, and while sub Helder Postiga's late goal gave the Portuguese a final burst, there was little suspense about who the winner would prove to be.

For Portugal, tonight's result in the driving rain that has been the hallmark of this tournament, will mean yet another year without a prize. Ultimately, it also must mean some serious heart-searching. This was arguably the strongest team they had fielded since the heady days of Eusebio and a much smaller international game.

But despite the glitz of Cristiano Ronaldo and the smoothness of Deco and Simao, once more Portugal fell short because they allowed their stars to be isolated and their weaknesses to be exposed.

Germans overpower Portugal once again....

Spain sends Greece home winless

2008-06-18T17:20:00.000-07:00

Salzburg, Austria (Sports Network) - Ruben de la Red and Daniel Guiza scored in the second half as Spain rallied for a 2-1 win Wednesday over Greece, which was already eliminated but finished last in Euro 2008 after winning four years ago.

Spain joined Croatia and the Netherlands as unbeaten, untied group winners, and plays Italy in the quarterfinals Sunday in a meeting of the two highest-ranked teams in the Euro finals.

Spain (3-0-0) is ranked fourth by FIFA and Italy, which defeated France 2-0 on Tuesday to advance as the second-place team from Group C, is ranked third.

Angelos Charisteas scored in the 42nd minute for Greece (0-3-0), which avoided ending the tournament without a goal. Spain joined Turkey as the only teams to overcome a deficit in the tournament - Turkey has done it twice.

Spain sends Greece home winless

Ballack's blast sends Germany to quarterfinals

2008-06-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

Vienna, Austria (Sports Network) - Michael Ballack's thunderous free kick in the 49th minute lifted Germany to a 1-0 win over a gutty Austria side on Monday, allowing Germany to advance to the quarterfinals.

The Germans will meet Portugal on Thursday in the knockout round, while co- hosts Austria are eliminated from the competition after earning only one point.

Austria was always a long shot to beat the Germans, but they gave their neighbors all they could handle and overall put together a much better effort than expected.

MORE....

U.S. blasts Barbados in World Cup qualifying

2008-06-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Carson, CA (Sports Network) - Brian Ching and Clint Dempsey each had two goals and the United States men's national team opened 2010 World Cup qualifying with an 8-0 win over Barbados on Sunday.

Michael Bradley, Landon Donovan and Eddie Johnson also scored, and an own goal accounted for the other U.S. goal at The Home Depot Center.

The U.S. took a commanding lead in the second round series, which consists of a home-and-away series. The next leg is June 22 at 3 p.m. (ET) in Barbados.

MORE....

First World Cup qualifier will test U.S. team's focus

2008-06-15T08:31:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Dillman, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer

Sharks one week, minnows another.

That's one of the many beguiling features of soccer, the democratic notion of sharing the pitch, and attempting to thwart David Beckham, and doing the same a few weeks later against folks coming off back-to-back losses to Bermuda.

Yes, Bermuda.

That's the key difference in looking at the first step along the road to the 2010 World Cup, starting with today's qualifier between the U.S. men's national team and Barbados at the Home Depot Center in Carson. It is the first of a home-and-home series between the teams.

The U.S. may have gone without a goal in its last three games, but those contests (all in friendlies) were against the likes of powerhouses Argentina, Spain and England. The 121st-ranked Barbados squad tuned up for qualifying with consecutive defeats to Bermuda, getting outscored, 5-1, and has given up 11 goals in two meetings against the Americans.

CONTINUE....

Euro 2008: Spain scores late for 2-1 win over Sweden

2008-06-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

INNSBRUCK, Austria (AP) -- One goal in the closing moments meant more to David Villa than his hat trick earlier in the European Championship.

With a stunning burst in injury time, Villa put Spain into the European Cup quarterfinals Saturday. He outraced two Sweden defenders to a long pass and sent it into the net for a 2-1 victory. It was his fourth goal in two games and put Spain at six points in Group D, three more than Sweden.

Spain won the group when Russia beat Greece 1-0 in a night game.

MORE....

Dutch blast French to win 'Group of Death'

2008-06-13T16:45:00.000-07:00

Berne, Switzerland (Sports Network) - The Netherlands got goals from Dirk Kuyt, Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder to blast France, 4-1, in the in the Euro 2008 finals Friday to win the "Group of Death" after two games.

The Dutch rolled to a 3-0 win over 2006 World Cup champion Italy in their Euro opener and just as easily disposed of France, which was the '06 Cup runner-up.

The Netherlands (2-0-0) have six points from two games to seal the group, with Romania, Italy and France still alive for the second berth from Group C. The Dutch will play the runner-up from Group D in the quarterfinals.

France (0-1-1) battles Italy in a rematch of the World Cup final Tuesday, with both needing a win to have a realistic shot of advancing. The Netherlands plays its final game against Romania on Tuesday.

STORY....

Donovan is youngest American to join century club

2008-06-13T16:34:00.000-07:00

CARSON, Calif. (AP) - For Landon Donovan, playing 100 games for the United States is part of an ongoing process.

"I don't set goals like that," he said. "I'm proud of it but I enjoy winning as much as possible. My main goal is to try to win MLS Cup every year and try to get us to the World Cup."

The 26-year-old Donovan enters Sunday's World Cup qualifier against Barbados as the youngest American player to appear 100 times for the United States. He achieved that milestone by starting the June 8 exhibition against Argentina.

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