Football United

Tomas Ujfalusi is leaving HSV! The Czech Republic defender will join the newly-promoted Italian Serie A club AC Florence. Both clubs reached agreement on a transfer deal late on Friday evening (30.07.04). The deal hinged on the acceptance of the classy defender: "I have asked HSV to let me go. A childhood dream will become reality for me when I play in Italy," said the player.

HSVsport director Dietmar Beiersdorfer explained: "Sportingly and humanly speaking, the loss of Tomas is a great loss for us, which we plan to compensate for as soon as possible. We will plough the transfer money back into the team." hsv.de spoke to the want-away defender about his reasons for his shock transfer.

Source: HSV.de

Portuguese Cup holders SL Benfica have continued their preparations for the UEFA Champions League by signing Brazilian midfield player Everson from OGC Nice.

Champions League campaign
The 28-year-old has spent two seasons with Nice, having previously played for VfL Osnabrück in German regional football. He has signed a four-year contract, and having not played for Nice in the 2004 UEFA Intertoto Cup but to an adductor injury will be eligible for Benfica's Champions League campaign, which begins with a third qualifying round tie against RSC Anderlecht this month.

'This transfer is fantastic'
Everson said: This transfer is fantastic for me. Benfica are one of the best European clubs and this move is like a prize for all the work I have been doing."

Source: Uefa.com

The draw for the third qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League has thrown up a mouthwatering tie between two of European football's great names - SL Benfica and RSC Anderlecht.

Excellent pedigree
Both clubs have an excellent European pedigree. Benfica were champions of Europe in 1961 and 1962, while Anderlecht won the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup in 1976 and 1978 and the UEFA Cup in 1983. Another tie to capture the imagination is the meeting between Swiss champions FC Basel, who reached the second group stage of this competition in 2002/03, and Italian side FC Internazionale, winners of this competition in 1964 and 1965.

Source: Uefa.com

GAK-Liverpool
Juventus-Djurgardens (SUE) / Kaunas (LIT)
Ferencvaros (HUN) / KF Tirana (ALB)-Sparta Praga (RCH) / Apoel Nicosia (CHI)
Rosenborg (NOR) / Sheriff Tiraspol (MOL)-Maccabi Haifa
Leverkusen-Banik
CSKA Moscovo (RUS) / Nefchi (AZE)-Rangers
Shakhtar Donetsk (UCR) / Pyunik (ARM)-Brujas (BEL) / Lokomotiv Plovdiv (BUL)
Dinamo Kiev-Trabzonspor (TUR) / Skonto Riga (LET)
Estrella Roja (SyM) / Young Boys (SUI)-PSV (NED)
Dinamo Bucarest (ROM) / Zilina (ESL)-Manchester United
Basileia-Inter de Milão
Benfica-Anderlecht
Deportivo-Hajduk SPlit (CRO) / Shelbourne (IRL)
PAOK-Maccabi Tel-Aviv (ISR)/HJK Helsinki (FIN)
Wisla Cracovia (POL)/WIT Georgia (GEO)-Real Madrid
FC Copenhague (DIN)/Nova Gorica (ESV)-Mónaco

Wisla Kraków scored eight goals for the first time in any of their 61 European ties as they returned from FC WIT Georgia with an overwhelming victory in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League second qualifying round tie.

Record defeat
It was some contrast to the Polish champions' UEFA Cup exit last year, where they drew both legs of their tie with Vålerenga IF 0-0 before losing on penalties. The result was also the heaviest defeat ever inflicted on a Georgian club in European competition

Frankowski scores four
WIT coach Merab Kochlashvili had decided to go for broke and field an attacking lineup, but his side were caught out especially after they adopted even more positive tactics after falling behind in Tbilisi. Within five minutes the visitors were 2-0 up with Tomasz Frankowski scoring the first two of a personal four-goal haul.

Lead stretched
On 13 minutes WIT defender Tengiz Kobiashvili headed in from a corner to reduce arrears, but midway through the half Damian Gorawski chipped in Wisla's third and Frankowski completed his hat-trick two minutes later with a long-range lob. WIT held on until the break, but six minutes into the second half Frankowski was on target yet again, though seconds later Georgi Adamia pulled one back.

Zurawski double
Still, Wisla were not finished and captain Maciej Zurawski scored on 58 and 67 minutes to stretch the lead before substitute Marcin Kuzba turned in a low cross to extend his side's advantage to 8-2 - a lead that will require WIT to pull off an unheard-of comeback to turn the tie in Poland next Wednesday.

Source: uefa.com

The 28 year´s old italian midfielder from Modena is close for signing for Benfica. According to the latest information Modena is in the provisory list that Benfica send to UEFA for the Champions League Qualifying stage. Milanetto already worked with Trapp in Juventus and would look with good eyes a move to the portuguese giants.

Sonny Anderson's penalty gave UEFA Intertoto Cup holders Villarreal CF a 1-0 victory against Hamburger SV in the first leg of their semi-final, but stubborn defending ensured the home team could not build up more of a lead.

Early chance
The match rolled into a slow start as both sides fought for possession in midfield. Three minutes in Anderson was sent clear by Roger García and headed towards the Hamburg goal but defender Daniel Van Buyten proved equal to the task.

Wicky denies Anderson
Roger was proving the pick of the players in the Levante heat, and in the eleventh minute he again found his Brazilian team-mate. But although Anderson lobbed the ball over Hamburg goalkeeper Martin Pieckenhagen, the ball was drifting wide and although the striker was able to direct it back towards goal, Raphaël Wicky cleared off the line.

Hamburg chance
Despite some more fine play by Roger and Anderson, Hamburg refused to be broken down before the break. Four minutes into the second half they nearly caught Villarreal off guard, but although Emile Mpenza's cross cleared the surprised home defence, recipient Bernardo Romeo could not take advantage.

Penalty converted
Villarreal finally made their intense pressure tell in the 51st minute. José Mari was brought down by Björn Schlicke in the Hamburg box and Anderson made no mistake from the spot. Ten minutes later, Roger and Anderson were withdrawn by Villarreal coach Manuel Pellegrini, but 19-year-old substitute Santiago Cazorla proved a worthy replacement as he ran the show late on, only for Pieckenhagen to repel all efforts.

Close tie
Villarreal will take their lead to Hamburg next Wednesday, but especially considering a late miss by Víctor Fernández, will feel they will still have plenty of work to do if they are to keep alive their dreams of progressing through this competition to the UEFA Cup for the second season running.

Source: Uefa.com

Karadas, who has been capped by Norway at all levels, impressed the Lisbon Eagles last season during their Third Round UEFA Cup clash with Rosenborg.

The 22-year-old is a powerful striker who is also a good ball dribbler and is dangerous from free-kicks.

He has signed a four year deal and will arrive in Lisbon on Thursday.

Benfica were eager to close out this deal because they did not want Karadas to play for Rosenborg in their Champions League qualifier today against FC Sheriff. If he were to play, he would be rendered cup tied and would be unable to represent Benfica in their Third Round Champions qualifier.

Karadas has scored 3 goal for Rosenborg, who are currently topping the Norweigan Premier League, this season.

Last year he bagged 8 goals in his first season with the club, he had previously played with SK Brann of Norway where he scored 15 goals in 50 first team appearences.

Source: goal.com

So finally the day has come for which all HSV fans have been waiting for. Tonight at 10.00 pm (!), HSV take on the Spanish first division side Villarreal, in the first leg of the Intertoto Cup semi-final. The match will be shown live on Premiere TV. HSV's coach knows the Spaniards well, he watched them three times last season.

Danger man!

Toppi knows their main danger man is the hugely experienced veteran striker Sonny Anderson. Toppi will man-mark the prolific goal scorer by putting Bastian Reinhardt on his tail. Should Anderson get away from his "shadow", big Daniel van Buyten will be waiting for him!

Romeo on fire

The Spanish press has rightly been warning of the goal scoring prowess of HSV's Argentinean striker Bernardo Romeo, who scored four times in tow matches against the Swiss side Thun, in the quarter finals of the competition. Romeo is on fire at the moment, and as opposed to last season, is willing to drop back and help his team mates. HSV knows that tonight's opponent is a different proposition than (with all due respect) Thun was. Sport director Dietmar Beiersdorfer recently said in an exclusive interview with hsv.de, that he sees the game in Spain as a pointer as to exactly where the team is at the moment, performance wise and fitness wise.

No skipper

HSV's newly appointed skipper Tomas Ujfalusi will not play in Spain, he is recovering from bruising to his toe, sustained during the recent EURO 2004 championships in Portugal. Veteran striker Sergej Barbarez has stayed in Hamburg to receive treatment for an adductor problem. Villarreal is hoping for a crowd in excess of 10,000 for tonight's match. All season ticket holders get in for free this evening.

Second chance

Klaus Toppmöller described how he sees the optimal situation for his side regarding the first leg tie: "Not to lose and to score an away goal. That would set us up nicely for the return leg in the AOL Arena a week later," hopes Toppi.


Probable HSV line-up: Pieckenhagen - Schlicke, van Buyten, Reinhardt - Wicky, Benjamin, Jarolim, Beinlich, Kling - Romeo, Mpenza.

Source: HSV.de

Reports out of Portugal are suggesting that Benfica have signed Norwegian striker Azar Karadas from Norway for 1.5 million euros from Rosenborg.
Karadas is a powerful striker with good technical ability and a free-kick specialist. With Nuno Gomes and Mantorras still recovering from injuries, manager Giovanni Trappatoni wanted to sign another striker to help them qualify for the Champions League.

The 22 year-old striker impressed Benfica officials last season when they faced Rosenborg in the UEFA Cup.

Source: Goal.com

After the departs of crucial players sutch as Kezman, Robben, Romedahl, Hoffman and Waterraus PSV is under a complete remodelation.

This season, contrary to the last two, PSV signed 9 new players, namely the goalkeepers Edwin Zoetebier (ex Feynoord) and Gomes (ex Santos), the defenders Csaba Fehér (ex NAC), Nathan Coe (ex Heerenven) and Alex (ex Santos), the midfielders DaMarcus Beasley (ex DC United) and Phillip Cocu (ex Barcelona) and the strikers Jefferson Farfán and Sibon.

This was a very exciting match in the early going as Zlatko Zahovic fired Benfica into the lead in the first minute of play.

The Slovenian international controlled the ball well before firing a low shot from 20 meters out into the right hand corner of the goal and well out of Iker Casillas’ reach.

But Real Madrid responded quickly and evened the score line just two minutes later.

Zidane was first to get on the end of a David Beckham cross, but his well placed header was brilliantly saved by the finger tips of French keeper Yannick but the rebound fell neatly for Ronaldo who was left with a simple tap-in.



Beckham nearly fired Madrid in front in the 15tth minute but his powerful strike from outside the box hit the bar and bounced on the line. Raul was first to get to the loose ball but his goal was disallowed because he was deemed to be in an offside position.

No scoring until the second half, when Fernando Morientes capitalized on some sloppy defending and thrashed the ball past substitute goalkeeper Jose Moreira.

But Benfica gave the home fans something to cheer about as Giovanni headed home an injury time equalizer and salvage some pride for the Portuguese giants.



After the match Jose Antonio Camacho said he was impressed with the way Trapattoni organized his former club and that he hopes Madrid do not have to play Benfica in the Champions League qualifiers.



Benfica: Yannick (Moreira, m. 56); Miguel, Ricardo Rocha (Amoreirinha, m.60), Argel, Dos Santos (Fyssas, m.71), Geovanni, Petit (Bruno Aguiar, m.60), Paulo Almeida, Simao (Joao Pereira, m.56); Zahovic (Manuel Fernandes, m.80), Sokota (Mantorras, m.79).

Real Madrid: Casillas (César, m.46); Salgado, Samuel (Mejía m.85), Helguera, Roberto Carlos (Raúl Bravo, m.46); Núñez (Miñambres m.70), Beckham (Pavón, m.46), Guti (Celades, m.70), Zidane (Solari, m.46); Raúl, Ronaldo (Morientes, m.46).

Goals: Zahovic (1’), Ronaldo (2’), Morientes (76’) e Geovanni (91’).

Source: goal.com

Things couldn't have started better for HSV in their Intertoto Cup quarter final second leg tie (first leg in Thun 2-2), in front of 27,200 in the AOL Arena on Saturday evening (24.7.04). After only 2 minutes the home side went ahead as wonderful work in midfield involving Jarolim, a back heel by Mpenza and finally a sugar-sweet pass from Sergej Barbarez, put Bernardo Romeo in on goal, where the Gaucho goal-getter finished superbly with a well timed lob over the advancing Thun keeper Coltorti. HSV dominated the first half against the Swiss first division side who knocked Bundesliga club VFL Wolfsburg out over two legs in the previous round. The home side played exciting refreshing football, and their short passing game was a sight for sore eyes.

Dubious decisions...

HSV pressed forward and created a hatful of chances, the first of which was missed by Emile Mpenza on 15 minutes. The lightning-quick Belgian striker seemed surprised to have such an easy chance to take care of. Sergej Barbarez was taken off as a preventive measure with what looked to be a groin problem, and was replaced by Christian Rahn. The referee disallowed what looked to be a perfectly good goal by Romeo on 25 minutes. The Argentinean was adjudged to have been offside...TV pictures however clearly showed that the ref was wrong. Further HSV chances followed, where Jarolim hit the bar and missed another sitter in first half injury time. Thun could count themselves lucky not to be four or even five goals behind at half time instead of only 0-1.

More dubious decisions...

HSV carried on where they had left off in the second half and should have been further ahead, but another awful decision by the linesman adjudged this time Mpenza to be offside a minute after the re-start... a laughable decision to say the least. Thun held their own without really threatening Martin Pieckenhagen in the HSV goal. Piecke didn't have much to do, but he took care of business in his usual calm collected way in his first competitive game for 9 months. On 61 minutes the Thun keeper Coltorti saved well from Romeo who played as if he had a point to prove. He was however powerless three minutes later as Collin Benjamin played Mpenza into the box, where the Belgian finished clinically with a lob into the bottom corner to make the score 2-0 to coach Klaus Toppmölller's side.

Daniel van Buyten superb

Usually it is the strikers in a team who grab the headlines due to their goal scoring prowess, but it must be said that HSV's latest signing the Belgian international man-mountain defender Daniel van Buyten, had a superb game, holding things together at the back while being simply unbeatable in the air. He played as if he'd been in the side for years, giving out clear instructions at the back, all in perfect German. HSV fans can look forward to watching the big man play in the coming season that's for sure. It must also be said that Björn Schlicke played very well alongside the Belgian.

Bernardo at the double!



There was very little to see from the visiting side apart from a free kick on 69 minutes, which Pieckenhagen did well to turn around his post. Three minutes later, a curling free kick into the Thun box caught the Swiss defence who were watching van Buyten and the second half substitute Reinhardt off guard. They failed to pick up Bernardo Romeo who stole in at the far post to gleefully head home his second and HSV's third, to put the game beyond Thun's reach. The Swiss side grabbed a consolation goal 9 minutes from time, as the youngster Moser scored superbly with a fantastic left foot volley, but by then the damage had already been don and HSV played out for time and a well deserved 3-1 win.

Villarreal in semi-final on Wednesday

So HSV move on into the semi-final of the Intertoto Cup, where they face the very dangerous Spanish side Villarreal in Spain on Wednesday (28.7.04). The Hamburg side surely has a chance if it can reproduce the first half form shown in the AOL Arena on Saturday evening.



HSV: Pieckenhagen - Schlicke (71. Reinhardt), van Buyten, Wicky - Jarolim, Beinlich (75. Hampel) - Benjamin, Barbarez (20. Rahn), Kling - Mpenza, Romeo - Trainer: Klaus Toppmöller

Thun: Coltorti, Hodzic, Renggli, Cerrone, Gerber, Tchami, Aegerter, Lustrinelli (65. Ojong), Ferreira, Dos Santos (78. Moser), Kulaksizoglu - Trainer: Hans Peter Latour

Goals: 1:0 Romeo (2.), 2:0 Mpenza (66.), 3:0 Romeo (72.), 3:1 Moser (81.)

Source: HSV.de

Attacker Dave van den Bergh has signed a three-year extension to his contract at FC Utrecht.

Improved contract
The left-footed forward, whose contract was due to expire this summer, has put pen to paper on a new and improved contract which will not expire until the summer of 2007. The 28-year-old will now be able to play in the club's UEFA Cup campaign this season.

Winning goal
"Dave is a very good player, and a left winger with the most beautiful pass in the Netherlands," said FC Utrecht coach and technical manager Foeke Booy. "So we are very glad he wants to stay here, having been here for four years already." Van den Bergh scored the only goal in the Dutch Cup final against FC Twente to send Utrecht into Europe.

Source: Uefa.com

United States midfield player DaMarcus Beasley has joined PSV Eindhoven from Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire.

Four-year contract
The 22-year-old Beasley, who has won 36 caps for his country and played at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, will move to the Netherlands for a reported €2m fee. He made his MLS debut at 16 and has spent the past five years in Chicago, making a total of 114 appearances and scoring 16 goals. Beasley has agreed a four-year contract.

'Very good feeling'
"I have a very good feeling about joining PSV," Beasley told the club's official website. "The club have wanted for some time. Guus Hiddink is a very good coach and I hope to convince the supporters of my ability."

Robben replacement
PSV could use the left-sided Beasley as a direct replacement for Arjen Robben, who left the club to join Chelsea FC earlier this summer. The Dutch runners-up will enter the UEFA Champions League at the third qualifying round stage next month.

Convey moves too
Another US international on the move is Bobby Convey. The 21-year-old midfield player has joined English first division side Reading FC from D.C. United.

Source: Uefa.com

Benfica beated Marselha last night in their 3rd friendly game of the season. The Slovenian International Zahovic scored the two goals for Benfica.

BENFICA – Yannick; João Pereira, Amoreirinha, Argel, e Dos Santos; Paulo Almeida; João Vilela (Manuel Fernandes, 54 m), Geovanni, Zahovic e Bruno Aguiar; Sokota (Mantorras, 67 m).

MARSELHA: Gavanon; Ribault, Dehu, Yahaoui e Bamoto (Merlin, 79 m); Koke, N´Diaye, Cheyrou (Pascal, 68 m) e Ferreira (Leonardo, 61 m); Olembe e Batiles (Pedretti, 61 m).~

Goals: 1-0, Zahovic (13 m); 2-0, Zahovic (88 m).

As we all know, the media don't always get it right, and HSV coach Klaus Toppmöller has never been a coach easily influenced by media speculation anyway, as he proved yesterday by announcing that the Czech Republic international defender Tomas Ujfalusi will become team captain with immediate effect: "Tomas Ujfalusi is our new captain," announced Toppi after Tuesday's morning training session.

Toppmöller's decision was made after a one on one meeting with the Czech defender, after Ujfalusi's first training session after arriving back in Hamburg following his fine performances during the EURO 2004 in Portugal: "He has a high acceptance level within the team. A decision like this one has to be thought out carefully. I also see the decision as a sign for the future," explained the HSV coach. Ironically as Toppmöller made the announcement, Sergej Barbarez rushed came out of the changing rooms with a look on his face which said everything.

Ujfalusi himself was surprised by the decision, but took it in his stride: "I'm happy that the coach thinks so highly of me. I think I can do a good job," said the defender, who when asked if he though he was a little too quiet on the pitch said: "No, I'm not all that quiet on the pitch. NOw I'll certainly become more vocal." It’s possible that the interest of foreign clubs in signing the classy Czech played a role in Toppmöller's decision: "This new responsibility binds me mentally to the club. I have a contract until 2007 at HSV, and I presume that I will fulfill it," says Ujfalusi.

Source: HSV.de

Rivaldo’s future appears to have been settled at last. He will be playing for Greek giants Olympiakos next season.
The former Barcelona and Milan star is expected to arrive today in Athens to sign his contract with the Champions League participants.

The Brazilian has been looking for a new club for some time, with Bolton and Celtic both registering interest in the summer months.

Rivaldo will be looking to re-ignite his career after a subdued couple of seasons.

The prospect of Champions League football will no doubt have been a major factor in his decision to join Olympiakos.

Source: Goal.com

Portugal midfield player Tiago will travel to the United States with the rest of the Chelsea FC squad today after completing a reported €15m move from SL Benfica late last night.

Three-year deal
The 23-year-old signed a three-year contract on the day that Didier Drogba became Chelsea's record purchase, joining from Olympique de Marseille for an undisclosed fee between €35 and €40m. José Mourinho turned his attentions towards his countryman after failing to tempt Liverpool FC captain Steven Gerrard to London. Tiago was part of the Portugal squad which reached the final of UEFA EURO 2004™, although he did not play.

Cup winner
Groomed at SC Braga, he joined Benfica in December 2001 and excelled in 2002/03, scoring 13 times in 31 SuperLiga games. A Portuguese Cup winner last season, Tiago joins new recruits Mateja Kezman, Paulo Ferreira, Petr Cech and Arjen Robben at Stamford Bridge. There are unlikely to be any more Chelsea signings this summer after Mourinho said he wanted to finalise his squad before departing for the US, where the Blues will play Celtic FC, AS Roma and AC Milan.

Source: Uefa.com

Benfica got his second win in their second friendly game of the season, with a solitary goal by Zahovic. Still without the internationals Nuno Gomes, Miguel, Petit, Simão, Moreira, Quim, Fyssas and Luisão, Benfica played in a slow ritmo, still enouth to beat the spanish side.

Benfica – Yannick; João Pereira, Amoreirinha, Ricardo Rocha e Dos Santos; Paulo Almeida, João Vilela, Geovanni, Zahovic (cap.) e Bruno Aguiar, Sokota.
Bench: Manuel Fernandes (50’ Geovanni), Mantorras (59’ Sokota), Hélio Roque (71’ João Vilela) e João Coimbra (78’ Zahovic).
Coatch: Giovanni Trapattoni.

Saragoça – Lainez, Cuartero (cap.), Jimenez, Milito, Aranzabal, Ruben Garcia, Drulic, Galleti, Zapater, Granero e Soriano.
Bench: Zaparain, Álvaro Maior, Óscar Gonzalez, Toledo, Ponzio, Camacho, Lafita, Pina, Dorado, Filla e Generelo.
Coatch: Victor Muñoz

Goal: Zahovic (15’)

Dutch club PSV Eindhoven have signed Brazilian goalkeeper Heurelho Silva Gomes.

'Eager to sign'
The 23-year-old has left Cruzeiro EC and signed a four-year contract with last season's Eredivisie runners-up. A former member of Brazil's Olympic football team who has won five senior caps, Gomes said: "I think PSV is the best club with which to start a European adventure. They are a big name in Brazil and although other clubs were also interested in me, I was eager to sign for Eindhoven."

Qualifying round
Gomes had spent four years with Cruzeiro, whom he joined from Democrata SL. Earlier this summer, PSV also signed 20-year-old Australian goalkeeper Nathaniel Coe as well as Edwin Zoetebier from Feyenoord. The experienced Zoetebier, 35, is expected to start the season as first-choice keeper. PSV enter this season's UEFA Champions League in the third qualifying round.

Source: uefa.com

HSV began its European campaign for this season, with a 2-2 (0-2) draw away to the Swiss side Thun, in the third round of the Intertoto Cup on Saturday afternoon (17.7.04). HSV was 0-2 down at half time, after goals from Dos Santo (28.) and Ramondi (31.) put the Swiss side in the driving seat.

A question of character

HSV showed great character in the second half, and a brace of goals by the Argentinean striker Bernardo Romeo (49./85) gave the Hamburg side hope for the second leg which will be played in the AOL Arena next Saturday (24.7.04, kick off 7.00 pm, live coverage on Premiere TV).

Hot stuff

The game was played in sweltering heat and HSV had the first chance as a van Buyten header shaved the crossbar after 9 minutes. His Belgian international team mate Emile Mpenza also went close as he forced a good save from the Thun keeper Coltori after 17 minutes.

Swiss on a roll...

Despite those early opportunities, it was the Swiss side which struck twice before half time as first Antonio Dos Santos finished well from an acute angle and then the referee gave a more than dubious penalty after Björn Schlicke was adjudged to have fouled an opponent while going for a header. Raimondis gave Stefan Wächter no chance from the spot, and the Swiss side, who had beaten VFL Wolfsburg out 7-3 on aggregate over two legs in the previous round, went into the break with a two goal lead.

Attack is the best form of defence

HSV came out for the second half and took the game to Thun. Their pressure was rewarded as Bernardo Romeo pulled a goal back following good work by Beinlich and Jarolim. Mpenza missed a sitter shortly afterwards, the Belgian blasted over from a couple of yards out. Thun sat back and concentrated on counter attacks.

Wächter on top

Stefan Wächter was called upon several times, as the Swiss showed why they deservedly dumped Wolfsburg out of the competition last week. There were half chances on both sides, with HSV pressing for an equaliser. Five minutes from time they got the goal they wanted as Jarolim set up Romeo again who finished well to give HSV a more than deserved draw.

Bernie over the moon

Bernardo Romeo was understandably delighted with his double whammy: "I am very happy with my brace of goals. But that was only the beginning. We have to work hard because we are no where near 100 %," said Romeo. Coach Klaus Toppmöller was full of praise for Berniegoal" as well: "He is a real goal poacher; everyone could see just how important he is for our team. I was happy with the way we battled back after we had disappointed in the first half. We were closer to victory than Thun. I am convinced that we can finish the job next Saturday in the AOL Arena," said Toppi.

HSV: Wächter - Schlicke, van Buyten, Wicky - Benjamin, Jarolim, Beinlich, Kling - Barbarez, Mpenza, Romeo

FC Thun: Coltorti - Hodzic, Renggeli, Cerrone, Gerber - Deumi, Rainondi, Aegerter, Lustrinneli (60. Ojong). Ferreira - dos Santos

Goals: 1:0 dos Santos (28.), 2:0 Ramondi (31.FE), 2:1/2:2 Romeo (49./85)

Source: HSV.de

Portuguese Cup holders SL Benfica announced today the signing of French left-back Manuel dos Santos, from Olympique de Marseille. Dos Santos, 30, has signed a three-year contract with the Lisbon club and joins for an undisclosed fee.

Competition for places
A member of the Marseille side which reached the final of the UEFA Cup last season, he will face competition from Greek international Panagiotis Fyssas for a place in the Benfica team. The new Benfica coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, had been keen to recruit another full-back after the departures of Cristiano and Armando.

Title winner
Capped by France at Under-21 and 'B' levels, Dos Santos started his career at AS Monaco FC, where he won the league title. He then moved on to SC Montpellier Hérault for three seasons before joining Marseille ahead of the 2000/01 season.

Source: Uefa.com

Olympiacos CFP have signed Croatian international Ivan Rezic on a free transfer from NK Varteks.

Squad strengthening
 
The 25-year-old defender has penned a two-year contract at the Apostolos Nikolaidis stadium as the Greek club strengthens their squad ahead of their forthcoming UEFA Champions League campaign, which begins in the third qualifying round.

Croatian call-up
 
Rezic, who has been at Varteks since 1998, earned a call-up to Otto Baric's preliminary squad for UEFA EURO 2004™, but did not make the final cut.
 
Source: Uefa.com

Group A

Venezuela 1-1 Bolivia



Venezuela and Bolivia succeeded in eliminating each other Monday evening, as they played to a 1-1 draw at Mansiche stadium in Trujillo in the penultimate Group A match. Thus Colombia and Peru both advance out of Group A, with the only thing left needing to be decided which side will win the group. Bolivia finishes in third place with two points, whilst Venezuela brings up the rear with one point. The minnows still have not won in the Copa America since a victory in their first ever Copa America match. Both goals came in an even first half. Ruberth Moran sent Venezuela into the lead in the 27th minute, but Gonzalo Galindo equalized for Bolivia to keep their hopes of going to four points alive. But neither side could break through in the second half, thus dooming both countries to disappointing experiences in the 2004 Copa America.

VENEZUELA: Gilberto Angelucci; Luis Vallenilla, José Rey, Jonay Hernández, Alejandro Cichero; Ricardo Páez, Leopoldo Jimenez, Juan Arango, Andrée González (Leonel Vielma); Massimo Margiotta (Héctor González), Dickson Morán (Alexander Rondón).

BOLIVIA: Leonardo Fernández; Miguel Hoyos, Sergio Jáuregui, Lorgio Álvarez, Ronald Arana, Ronald Raldes; Limberg Gutiérrez, Limberg Pizarro (Ruben Trufiño); Miguel Mercado (Juan Carlos Arce), Joaquín Botero, Roger Suárez (Walter Flores).

GOALS: 1-0, Dickson Móran (27'); 1-1, Gonzalo Galindo (33')

Peru 2-2 Colombia


Edwin Congo

Peru fought back bravely from a two-goal deficit but could not get past Colombia in a 2-2 draw to conclude Group A on Monday night. The hosts finish a disappointing second in the group, whilst the Cafeteros wound up winners. The defending champions began to click after a tense opening twenty minutes. Edwin Congo rewarded his manager for the start with a first half goal in the 34th minute. Peruvian goalkeeper Oscar Ibanez perhaps was a bit to blame, but nonetheless the Levante striker was in perfect position to head home Elkin Murillo’s cross. Abel Aguiar then put the Cafeteros two-goals up with a strike ten minutes into the second half. But Peru struck back with two goals in a four-minute span to stun Reinaldo Rueda’s men, who had not surrendered a goal in eight Copa America matches. First Nolberto Solano beat Juan Carlos Henao with a free kick, and then the midfielder had a hand in Flavio Maestri’s equalizer. Solano served a ball into the area, which Andres Mendoza knocked down for Maestri. The Vitoria forward headed home to send Trujillo into hysterics. From there the Peruvian whirlwind appeared to pick up momentum as Solano and Roberto Palacios owned the Colombian midfield, trying to will their side to victory and the Group A title. But luckily for Colombia the storm passed as quickly as it came when Ciurlizza replaced the sensational Solano in the Peruvian midfield with just a few minutes left. Colombia advances as the top team out of Group A, whereas hosts Peru get a quarterfinal date with one of the teams from the group of death.

PERU: Oscar Ibañez; Santiago Acasiete, Miguel Rebosio (Jorge Soto), Walter Vílchez, Guillermo Salas; Nolberto Solano (Marko Ciurlizza), Juan Jayo, Roberto Palacios; Flavio Maestri (Pedro Garcia), Andrés Mendoza, Jefferson Farfán.

COLOMBIA: Juan Henao; Arley Rodríguez (Andrés González), Gustavo Victoria, Gonzalo Martínez, Andrés Orozco; Oscar Asprilla, Néider Morantes (David Ferreira), Jhon Viáfara, Abel Aguilar; Elkin Amor, Edwin Congo (Edixon Perea).

GOALS: 0-1, Edwin Congo (33'); 0-2, Abel Aguilar (53'); 1-2, Norberto Solano (58'); 2-2, Flavio Maestri (60')

GROUP A FINAL STANDINGS

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Colombia 3 7
2. Peru 3 5
3. Bolivia 3 2
4. Venezuela 3 1

Source: goal.com, conmebol.com

Group C

Brazil 4-1 Costa Rica


Adriano

Brazil quieted the critics with its offensive exploits in their 4-1 win over Costa Rica. Adriano led the way with a hat trick. In the process the Selecao booked passage into the quarterfinals, and they lead Group C with six full points. Costa Rica, meantime, are all but eliminated from the Copa America. Brazil had the first quality chance of the match after a poor giveaway in midfield by Costa Rica. Adriano fired a 30-yard laser that missed the far post by centimeters in the twelfth minute. The Ticos struck back shortly after, but Steven Bryce shot right at Julio Cesar from the top right corner of the penalty area. Midway through the first half a great sequence of one-touch passes by Costa Rica shredded the yellow defense, but the cross just missed the jump of Bryce at the back post. Costa Rica had most of the run of play for the first quarter of the match, but Brazil began to take over the final quarter hour of the first half. The Selecao struck a vicious blow to the Costa Rican psyche just before halftime. Adriano showed glorious touch after getting in behind the Ticos to trap down a long ball from beyond midfield. Then the Inter Milan forward dribbled past the sprawled Ricardo Gonzalez before firing the ball into the roof of the net from 15 yards on forty-five minutes. Juan doubled the lead five minutes into the second half. A deft touch from Alex sprung the Bayer Leverkusen defender behind the Ticos’ defense for a rare foray into the opposite penalty area. Juan had no problems slotting the ball past poor Gonzalez. Costa Rica fought back quickly, but once again Julio Cesar made a brilliant save on Bryce’s wicked volley. But the dangerous chance failed to spark the Ticos as Adriano headed in his second goal of the match in the 55th minute to ensure the Auriverde’s place in the final eight. Gonzalez came off his line to punch a corner kick but missed everything, and Adriano was left with a wide-open goal. Adriano then punctuated the victory with his hat trick in the 68th minute. Luis Marin brought a bit of honor to the Ticos, when he kicked in a loose ball on a corner kick. And Julio Cesar was forced to tip over Andy Herron’s impressive volley with a few minutes left to thwart the mini comeback.

BRAZIL: Julio César; Mancini, Luisão, Juan, Gustavo Nery; Renato, Kléberson (Diego), Alex, Edu (Dudu Cearense); Adriano, Luis Fabiano (Vagner Love).

COSTA RICA: Ricardo Fonseca; Luis Marín, Leonardo González, Try Benneth, Mauricio Wright; Alonso Solís, Walter Centeno, Cristian Badilla (Ronald Gómez), Steven Valerio, Duglas Sequeira; Alvaro Saborio (Andy Hérron).

GOALS: 1-0, Adriano (49'); 2-0, Juan (49'); 3-0, Adriano (54'); 4-0, Adriano (67'); 4-1, Luis Marín (81')

Paraguay 1-1 Chile



Paraguay came from behind to draw Chile 1-1 in Group C action. The result gives the Paraguayns four points, good enough for second place behind Brazil. Barring a win by either Chile or Costa Rica on Wednesday and a horrible result against Brazil, Paraguay can book their place in the final eight. Sebastian Gonzalez atoned for his penalty miss against Brazil, by firing Chile into the lead in the 71st minute. Gonzalez slid to meet midfielder Mauricio Aros' cross to beat goalkeeper Justo Villar. But Ernesto Cristaldo equalized with a left-footed rocket from distance in the 78th minute to give Paraguay a share of the points. Up until Gonzalez's opener, and finally Cristaldo's wonder-strike, the match proved to be a snorefest for the fans when compared to Brazil's and Costa Rica's exciting appetizer.

PARAGUAY: Justo Villar; Carlos Gamarra; Ernesto Cristaldo, Pedro Benítez, Derlis González; Edgar Barreto, Diego Figueredo (Dante López), Carlos Paredes, Aureliano Torres; Freddy Bareiro (Emilio Martinez), Nelson Haedo (Julio dos Santos).

CHILE: Claudio Bravo; Luis Fuentes, Rodrigo Pérez (Mauricio Aros), Ismael Fuentes, Rafael Olarra; Clarence Acuña (Rodrigo Millar), Rodrigo Valenzuela, Milovan Mirosevic, Rodrigo Meléndez; Sebastián González, Patricio Galaz (Moises Villarroel).

GOALS: 0-1, Sebastián González (11'); 1-1, Ernesto Cristaldo (78')

GROUP C STANDINGS

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Brazil 2 6
2. Paraguay 2 4
3. Chile 2 1
4. Costa Rica 2 0

The talks between CSKA Moscow and River Plate, over the transfer of Fernando Cavenaghi, have endeed, with no agreement beeing reached. Even so, the final destination for El Torito will still be Moscow. Spartak has stepped in the story. The russians giants have turned their interest in a concret offer, of 10.000.000 USD, even better that the one presented by CSKA. According to the argentinan press, their is an agreement between the clubs. Cavenaghi's agent is in Europe, and in the next days, he's expected to meet with Spartak's representants to talk about the player's wage and lenght of contract.

Group B

Uruguay 2-1 Ecuador


Diego Forlan and Marcelo Sosa

Uruguay defeated Ecuador 2-1 on Saturday night in the Copa America courtesy of second half strikes from Diego Forlan and Carlos Bueno. The match appeared to be headed for a deadlock because the scoreless first half suggested that both sides were playing very cautiously. However, this all changed when Manchester United striker Diego Forlan made a daring solo run up the middle of the park and scored from 23 yards out in the 61st minute to bring this match to life. But Ecuador, just as they did against Argentina, tied the score line at 1-1 when replacement forward Franklin Salas equalized in the 73rd minute after knocking home a cross from full back Ulises de la Cruz. But Ecuador, just as they did against Argentina, squandered the even scoeline as Carlos Bueno scored the eventual game winning goal in the 79th minute by poking in a rebound over goalkeeper Giovanny Ibarra for his second goal of the tournament. The victory was the 99th in Copa history for Uruguay, which plays Argentina at Piura on Tuesday. The loss has virtually eliminated Ecaudor from the competition as they have 0 points from their first two matches.

URUGUAY: Luis Barbat; Joe Bizera, Dario Rodriguez, Paolo Montero (Eduardo Lago); Marcelo Sosa, Gustavo Varela, Omar Pouso, Cristian Rodríguez (Vicente Sánchez); Debray Darío Silva, Carlos Bueno, Diego Forlan (Diego Pérez).

ECUADOR: Geovanni Ibarra; Iván Hurtado, Ulises De la Cruz, Geovanny Espinoza, Neicer Reasco; Alfonso Obregón, Kléber Chala, Édison Méndez (Evelio Ordoñez), Edwin Tenorio (Franklim Salas), Alex Aguinaga; Agustín Delgado.

GOALS: 1-0, Diego Forlan (61'); 1-1, Franklim Salas (72'); 2-1, Carlos Bueno (79')

Argentina 0-1 Mexico


Ramón Morales

Argentina, fresh off their 6-1 dismantling of Ecuador, were stunned by Mexico 1-0 Friday night in Chiclayo. The Albiceleste fall to third place in deadly Group B, one behind Uruguay and Mexico. Ramon Morales stunned Marcelo Bielsa's men with a goal inside ten minutes. Morales zipped a classy free kick past goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri, who stood no chance on the shot.
The Tricolores proved to be a much sturdier side than Argentina's opening round opponents, who simply collapsed under pressure over the final thirty minutes. Javier Saviola, Andres D'Alessandro and company failed to find the space that killed off Ecuador, despite controlling play for the remainder of the match. To their credit Mexico was able to sustain threatening counterattacks to keep Argentina honest, thus limiting the numbers thrown forward in the attack. Goalkeeper Oswaldo Sanchez made a few crucial saves in the second half as Argentina earned a slew of corner kicks. Roberto Ayala had the best chance to equalize, but his header was parried magnificently by Sanchez.

ARGENTINA: Roberto Abbondanzieri; Roberto Fabián Ayala, Juan Pablo Sorín (Luciano Figueroa), Gabriel Heinze, Javier Zanetti; Javier Mascherano, Andrés D'Alessandro, Luis González (Mauro Rosales), Kily González; Javier Saviola, César Delgado (Carlos Tevez).

MEXICO: Oswaldo Sánchez; Gabriel Briceño (Octavio Valdez), Rafael Márquez, Duilio Davino, David Oteo, Ricardo Osorio; Gerardo Torrado, Pavel Pardo, Ramón Morales (Daniel Osorno), José Arellano; Jared Borgetti (Hector Altamirano).

GOALS: 0-1, Ramón Morales (8')

GROUP B STANDINGS

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Uruguay 2 4
2. Mexico 2 4
3. Argentina 2 3
4. Ecuador 2 0

Source: goal.com; conmebol.com

Group A

Colombia 1-0 Bolivia


Edixon Perea

Colombia assured themselves of a place in the quarterfinals after defeating Bolivia 1-0 at Estadio Nacional in Lima. Despite being outplayed for long stretches Friday evening, Bolivia could still advance beyond the group stage with a win over Venezuela on Monday. Bolivia actually had the first good chance of the match on nine minutes, but Miguel Mercado headed over the goal. Fifteen minutes later Colombia’s Tressor Moreno latched onto a delightful ball from Gonzalo Martinez, but his acrobatic volley was deflected clear by Leonardo Fernandez. Bolivia went right back down the pitch, and drew a dangerous free kick. But while Henao did not grab it cleanly, there never was any doubt about him saving the shot either. Colombia put intense pressure on their opponents in the opening quarter hour of the second half. Four minutes after the break Oscar Diaz shot powerfully at Fernandez, but the Chacaritas Juniors keeper blocked the shot with his chest. Moreno eluded a defender inside the area just before the hour mark, but blazed his shot high and wide. Then a couple minutes later Sergio Herrera left Fernandez flat-footed but his header floated just beyond the far post. Reinaldo Rueda inserted Elkin Murillo and Edixon Perea in an attempt to give the Cafeteros’ attack a gilt-edged look over the final quarter hour. With five minutes remaining Colombia advanced all the way to the six yard line before Fernandez came out to block Gustavo Victoria’s toe-poke. But eventually Perea proved Rueda to be a genius. The Atletico Nacional striker was left unmarked in the 90th minute, and looped a header from the penalty spot over Fernandez for a deserved winner.

COLOMBIA: Juan Henao; Andrés Orozco, Arley Rodríguez, Gustavo Victoria, Gonzalo Martínez; Oscar Asprilla, David Ferreira (Edixon Perea), Jairo Patiño, Abel Aguilar (Jhon Viáfara); Tressor Moreno (Elkin Amor), Sergio Herrera.

BOLÍVIA: Leonardo Fernández; Sergio Jáuregui, Lorgio Álvarez, Ronald Arana, Ronald Raldes; Luis Cristaldo (Walter Flores), Rubén Tufiño, Limberg Gutiérrez, Limberg Pizarro; Miguel Mercado (Roger Suarez), Joaquín Botero.

GOALS: 1-0, Edixon Perea (89')

Peru 3-1 Venezuela


Norberto Solano

Peru put forth a massive effort at Estadio Nacional in the capital city of Peru to overpower Venezuela 3-1 in Copa America Group A action. Peru put constant pressure on Venezuelan goalkeeper Gilberto Angelucci over the entire ninety minutes. Barring a massive collapse against Colombia in their final Group A match, Peru will advance to the round of eight. Jefferson Farfan fired an early warning shot wide of Angelucci’s post from 20 yards. Some nifty passing freed Peru’s Andres Mendoza for a clean shot from 16 yards in the 27th minute, but the former Club Brugges forward’s shot across goal flashed inches wide of the post. On thirty-three minutes Farfan benefited from another set of quick Peruvian passes only to see his shot blocked over the goal by a defender. But glory did not elude the new PSV signing for much longer. Some poor communication between goalkeeper and defender led to the opener with eleven minutes left in the first half. Angelucci ran out to the top of the box to punch a high ball, but only succeeded in knocking the ball off the back of his defender, Alejandro Chicero, before falling to the ground. With Angelucci on the carpet, Farfan pounced on the spilled goods like a kid at a piñata party and chipped the ball into the goal. Five minutes into the second half, Roberto Palacios hit side netting after picking Venezuelan pockets a few yards from Angelucci’s goal. On 54 Peru stayed one step ahead of the defense with some unselfish passing, but Mendoza pushed his nine-yard shot to the right of the post. Just before the hour mark Massimo Margiotta lumbered onto the pitch to give Venezuela another attacking option, but the Vicenza striker brought bad luck initially. On the hour mark Mendoza bounced a header down at goal, but Angelucci batted the ball before it bounced over his head and the goal line. A couple minutes later, however, Nolberto Solano doubled the Peruvian lead from 14 yards to send the supporters into another frenzy. Miguel Mea Vitali was perhaps unnecessarily sent off for an early shower midway through the second half, confirming which team would win the match. Defender Santiago Acasiete scored Peru’s third with a powerful diving header, but Margiotta pulled one back for Venezuela in less than two minutes with a powerful dipping volley from the top of the box. To Venezuela’s credit they did not quit over the final quarter hour, keeping Oscar Ibanez awake through a series of shots. The entertainment turned sour late, when Peru captain Claudio Pizarro was sent off for an overzealous challenge after a whistle to stop play.

PERU: Oscar Ibañez; Santiago Acasiete, Miguel Rebosio, Walter Vílchez, Guillermo Salas; Nolberto Solano (Jorge Soto), Juan Jayo, Roberto Palacios (Marko Ciurlizza); Claudio Pizarro, Andrés Mendoza (Flavio Maestri), Jefferson Farfán.

VENEZUELA: Gilberto Angelucci; Luis Vallenilla, José Rey, Jonay Hernández, Alejandro Cichero (Massino Margiotta), Jorge Rojas; Miguel Ángel Vitali, Ricardo Páez (Héctor González), Leopoldo Jimenez, Juan Arango; Alexander Rondón.

GOALS: 1-0, Jefferson Farfán (33'); 2-0, Norberto Solano (61'); 3-0, Santiago Acasieste (72'); 3-1, Massimo Margiotta (74')

SENT-OFF: Miguel Ángel Vitalí (65'); Claudio Pizarro (87')

GROUP A STANDINGS

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Colombia 2 6
2. Peru 2 4
3. Bolivia 2 1
4. Venezuela 2 0

Source: goal.com; conmebol.com

Wisła Kraków has won 5-0 in the semi-final of the 65th year jubilee of Stal Mielec Club. The Polish champions will now play in the final of the pre-season tournament against Górnik Łęczna, who won in the other semi-final.

Stal Mielec 0–5 Wisła
Górnik Łęczna 1-1 Kolporterem Korona Kielce (5-4 on penalties)

WISŁA: Majdan (46. Wróbel) – Baszczyński (46. Mysiak), Kłos (46. Kowalczyk), Głowacki (46. Fechner), Mijailović (46. Stolarczyk) – Kwiek, Kukiełka, Cantoro, Zieńczuk (46. Ekwueme) – Żurawski (46. Kuźba), Frankowski (46. Omeonu)

GOALS: 0-1, Frankowski (14'); 0-2, Zieńczuk (29'); 0-3, Żurawski (41'pen); 0-4, Kuźba (76'); 0-5, Cantoro (80')

Athletic Club has arranged the following matches por the 2004-2005 pre-season:

Peña Sport - Athletic Bilbao (July 31st)
FC Groningen - Athletic Bilbao (August 5th)
SC Heerenven - Athletic Bilbao (August 7th)
Numancia - Athletic Bilbao (August 11th)
Racing Santander - Athletic Bilbao (August 14th)
Athletic Bilbao - Olympiacos (August 21st) - Presentation Match

The tide is turning for Botafogo. After achieving its first vicotry in the tournament last sunday, the Rio team won for the first time vefore its fans. And it was not just any victory, but an astounishing 5-1 performance, over Internacional. The vicotry took Botafogo away from the last place in the table. Almir, Raúl Estevez, Luizão, Camacho and Túlio scored for the alvinegros.

BOTAFOGO: Jefferson; Ruy (Camacho), Gustavo, Rafael Marques, Renatinho; Túlio, Fernando, Valdo, Almir (Têti); Raúl Estevez (Carlos Alberto), Luizão.

INTERNACIONAL: Clemer; Bolívar, Edinho, Vinícius, Chiquinho; Gavilán (Marcelo Labarthe), Marabá, Wellington, Danilo (Élder Granja); Rafael Sobis, Dauri (Kauê).

GOALS: 1-0, Almir (21'); 2-0, Estevez (48'); 2-1, Rafael Sovis (67'); 3-1, Luizão (70'); 4-1, Camacho (79'); 5-1, Túlio (92')

Brasileirão League Table

Pos. Team Pld Pts
1. Palmeira 13 25
2. São Paulo 13 24
3. Figueirense 13 23
4. Santos 13 22
5. Cruzeiro 13 21
...
23. Botafogo 13 12

Group C

Costa Rica 0-1 Paraguay



Costa Rica looked to have earned a 0-0 draw with Paraguay until substitute Fredy Barreiro collapsed at the slightest of contact from Mauricio Wright. It was enough to convince Colombian referee Oscar Ruiz, as he did not hesitate to award the decisive penalty. Paraguay gradually found their true form in this contest after a dismal first half performance. Costa Rica seemed to catch Paraguay by surprise in the early going with their fluent passing play, as Andy Herron and Ronald Gomez looked dangerous all evening. Gomez came close to breaking the deadlock in the 22nd minute but his left-footed volley was parried at the by goalkeeper Diego Barreto. Barreto was called into action again four minutes later as he saved another close range shot from Gomez. As time wore on neither side seemed able to produce the entertaining football we have grown accustom to in the matches prior to his one. However, the arrival of substitute Dos Santos provided Paraguay with a pacey attacking threat down the right flank, and Paraguay created a several scoring chances as a result of the tactical switch. The best chance fell to Carlos Paredes, but the Reggina anchorman saw his close range header sail agonizingly over the bar. No worries in the end for Paraguay, who in the end got the result they were aiming for and now have a realistic chance of advancing from the group. Meanwhile, Costa Rica face an uphill battle as their two remaining matches are against Chile and Brazil.

COSTA RICA: Ricardo Fonseca; Luis Marín, Leonardo González, Try Benneth, Mauricio Wright; Walter Centeno, Cristian Badilla, Steven Valerio, Duglas Sequeira; Ronald Gómez (Alonso Solís), Andy Herrón (Alvaro Saborio).

PARAGUAY: Diego Barreto; Emilio Martínez, Carlos Gamarra, José Devaca (Pedro Benitez), Ernesto Cristaldo; Jorge Britez (Julio dos Santos), Edgar Barreto, Diego Figueredo (Freddy Bareiro, Carlos Paredes; Aureliano Torres, Nelson Haedo.

GOALS: 0-1, Julio dos Santos (85',pen)

Brazil 1-0 Chile


Luis Fabiano

Luis Fabiano headed in the winner off from a corner kick in the 90th minute to give Brazil all three points and move them into a tie for first place in the group with Paraguay. Chile had their fair share of scoring chances but none greater than when they were awarded a penalty kick in the 24th minute. Sebastian Gonzalez converted the initial attempt but the match official ordered a retake because Chilean players had entered the box before the ball was struck. A gutsy call from the match official because Gonzalez blazed his second shot over the crossbar. Both teams created several scoring chances and the match could have gone either way.

BRAZIL: Julio César; Mancini (Maicon), Luisão, Juan, Gustavo Nery; Renato, Alex, Edu, Dudu Cearense (Diego); Adriano (Ricardo Oliveira), Luis Fabiano.

CHILE: Alex Varas; Luis Fuentes, Rodrigo Pérez, Rafael Olarra; Clarence Acuña, Rodrigo Valenzuela, Moisés Villarroel, Jonathan Cisternas (Luis Gimenez), Milovan Mirosevic, Rodrigo Meléndez; Sebastián González (Hector Mancilla).

GOALS: 1-0, Luis Fabiano (90')

Source: goal.com, conmebol.com

Dellas (on the right) celebrate with Charisteas the Greek silver goal

New Benfica boss Giovanni Trapattoni is chasing Roma defender Traianos Dellas and Inter midfielder Giorgos Karagounis.
Trapattoni believes that with the arrival of Roberto Mancini at Inter, Karagounis will not have a place in Inter’s team and that the Greek ace is the ideal player for his new side. As for Dellas, Trap can see him fitting in well at the back.


Karagounis and Fyssas with the European Cup. can they celebrate together again in Estádio da Luz?

It is believed that both Greek internationals would be keen on playing alongside fellow countryman Takis Fyssas at Benfica.

Dellas had an outstanding Euro 2004 and will likely attract interest from other clubs, while Karagounis has been linked with Fiorentina.

Source: Goal.com

Paris Saint Germain appear to be interested in signing Norwegian striker John Carew.
The French club have sent an offer to Valencia for the services of the striker as Carew's chances of first team football with the Spanish champions seem limited after the club brought in Corradi for the forward line.

Carew was on loan to Roma last season, but failed to leave his mark in what can be considered a poor season for him.

Source: Goal.com

Hamburger SV have revealed that they have had no offer for Czech defender Tomas Ujfalusi from any other club, and hope to refuse any future bids for the 26-year-old.
Ujfalusi was one of the stars of the Czech Republic's run to the semi-finals of the European Championship and has been linked with Juventus in the past. However, at the HSV pre-season training camp at Glücksburg, Sport Director Dietmar Beiersdorfer said: "We saw what a class player he is at Euro 2004. Of course there’s speculation, but no club has made an offer for Tomas yet. I can’t imagine anyone coming in with an offer for him that we can’t refuse.

Klaus Toppmöller's side has been seriously strengthened this summer with the additions of Emile Mpenza, Benjamin Lauth, and Daniel van Buyten. Hamburg are expected to chllange for Champions League football in the new Bundesliga season which they kick off on August 7 against Bayern Munich at the AOL Arena.

Source: Goal.com

Group B

Mexico 2-2 Uruguay


Paolo Montero

Mexico had the better of play in the opening forty-five, with Francisco Palencia an early thorn in Uruguay’s side. The Guadalajara forward had two threatening shots midway through the first half, but difficult angles conspired against him. The first half ended with two goals. First Carlos Bueno managed to get free in the Mexican area, and he powered a twelve-yard shot past Oswaldo Sanchez. But an innocuous cross-turned-shot by Ricardo Osorio drew the Tricolores level in first half stoppage time. Osorio’s 25-yard goal floated over goalkeeper Luis Barbat and off the far post. Barbat, who was a late replacement for Fabian Carini, had positioning issues all evening. In the second half Pavel Pardo put Mexico ahead with a vicious shot from 32 yards. Again Barbat was caught off his line. The ball dipped violently behind the Danubio player, who no doubt was as much surprised by the mercurial shot as much as he was poorly placed. Diego Forlan nearly equalized a few minutes later but shot over from six yards after a nice flick-on header, and Jorge Fossati inserted Juan Parodi in place of the ineffective Manchester United striker at the next opportunity. Adolfo Bautista replaced Palencia, and had a terrific chance to extend the lead after being put through clean on goal. But the Guadalajara striker shot just wide of the far post as Barbat just closed down enough. Substitute Richard Morales thought he had the equalizer on 80 minutes but Sanchez deflected with his leg. Moments later the Osasuna striker was given a straight red by Peruvian referee Gilberto Hidalgo for a mistimed tackle against Pardo in midfield. He had only been on the pitch for a couple of minutes! A few minutes from the death Uruguay won a rare corner kick, and some poor jumping by Duilio Cesar Davino left Paolo Montero with a textbook header, low and past the dive of Sanchez. Fossati has to be thanking his lucky stars his side was able to salvage one point. Despite the mysterious absence of Mexico’s all-everything midfielder Gerardo Torrado, Uruguay were never able to do much of anything in midfield. Ricardo Lavolpe will be reaching for the antacid tablets after a couple of defensive lapses cost the Tricolores three points.

MEXICO: Oswaldo Sánchez; Duilio Davino, Rafael Márquez, José Carmona, Ricardo Osorio; David Oteo (Hector Altamirano), Pavel Pardo, Jaime Lozano, Octavio Valdez; Francisco Palencia (Adolfo Bautista), Jared Borgetti (José Arellano).

URUGUAY: Luis Barbat; Paolo Montero, Dario Rodriguez, Joe Bizera; Gustavo Varela, Omar Pouso (Vicente Sánchez), Marcelo Sosa, Cristian Rodríguez; Debray Darío Silva (Richard Morales), Diego Forlan (Martin Parodi), Carlos Bueno.

GOALS: 0-1, Carlos Bueno (42'); 1-1, Ricardo Osório (45'); 2-1, Pavel Pardo (68'); 2-2, Paolo Montero (86')

SENT-OFF: Richard Morales (82')

Argentina 6-1 Ecuador


Javier Saviola

Kily Gonzalez put Argentina ahead inside five minutes, converting a dubious penalty to the chagrin of Ecuadorian defender Ivan Hurtado. Saviola nearly opened his account before ten minutes, but Geovanny Ibarra made a lucky leg save. A quarter hour went by and Ibarra's counterpart, Roberto Abbondanzieri, could have taken a nap at Argentina's end of the pitch. On the hour mark Ecuador surprisingly equalized through Agustin Delgado. But Argentina regrouped quickly to regain the lead. Following some great passing Saviola beat Ibarra with a precise shot into the far side netting, and the rout was on. Saviola put the match out of reach in the 73rd minute, rising above Ibarra to head home a terrific cross from substitute Mauro Rosales. The Barca beauty completed his personal trifecta on a corner kick. Andres D'Alessandro beat Ibarra with a precise, low shot from distance with six minutes remaining. Then the Wolfsburg maestro delivered a sublime chip into the area for the run of Luis Gonzalez. The River Plate midfielder volleyed coolly past Ibarra, thus completing the demolition with an injury time cherry.

ARGENTINA: Roberto Abbondanzieri; Javier Zanetti, Gabriel Heinze, Juan Pablo Sorín, Roberto Ayala; Kily González (Clemente Rodriguez); Andrés D'Alessandro, Luis González, Javier Mascherano; Javier Saviola (Carlos Tévez), César Delgado (Mauro Rosales).

ECUADOR: Geovanni Ibarra; Ulises De la Cruz (Édison Méndez), Iván Hurtado, Neicer Reasco, Geovanny Espinoza; Alfonso Obregón, Paul Ambrossi, Edwin Tenorio (Franklim Salas), Kléber Chala, Marlon Ayoví; Evelio Ordoñez (Agustín Delgado).


GOALS: 1-0, Kily González (5',pen); 1-1, Agustín Delgado (60'); 2-1, Javier Saviola (63'); 3-1, Javier Saviola (74'); 4-1 Javier Saviola (80'); 5-1, Andrés D'Alessandro (84'); 6-1, Luís González (91')

Source: goal.com, conmebol.com

Uncertainty surrounds the coming Hungarian season with several clubs set to be denied playing licences.

Financial problems
The Hungarian Football League is attempting to set strict guidelines for teams competing in the NB I in the coming season, but as things stand, six clubs have failed to satisfy the league's conditions. Now Kispest Honvéd FC, Ferencvárosi TC, Balaton FC, Diósgyöri VTK, Békéscsabai EFC and Videoton FCF all face being excluded from the competitition.

Successful clubs
The positive thing for Hungarian football is that the remaining six sides in the top flight have all managed to pass the rigorous tests set by the league, as they attempt to create increased stability in Hungarian football.

Not a trap
László Szieben president of Hungarian Football Federation said: "Our aim was not to make traps for the clubs. We just want the clubs to pay attention to every important thing. Not every club fulfilled the economic requirements. I believe that an angel will arrive to every club and will solve these problems. To be frank I hope that each club's management can find new investment."

Club licences
Hungary has also endorsed UEFA's Club Licensing system which sets requirements for all top-level teams, including stadium facilities, such as the condition of the stands and pitches, and the provision of floodlighting and press boxes. Newly-promoted Diósgyöri have already been told that they have not reached the required standard to be awarded a licence and another team from NB I B are now expected to be promoted in their place.

Source: uefa.com

River Plate has scheduled 7 pre-season friendlies before the start of the Torneo de Apertura, to begin on August 15th. Te team will start the pre-season next Tuesday, and three days later leaves for the USA, travelling then to Mexico and back to Buenos Aires. The first three opponents haven't been announced yet. After that River leaves for Europe. First to a tournamente organized by Budweiser, witb the participation also of Arsenal, Ajax, and Panathinaikos. The end of the tour will be in Portugal, with matches scheduled with Beira-Mar and portuguese champions FC Porto, in the beginning of August.

Benfica’s new manager Giovanni Trapattoni has submitted a list of 4 players that he wants to bring to Benfica and Inter defender Danielle Adani is said to be topping that list.
Adani’s contract is up at the end of this season and he will likely not be in Inter’s starting eleven this season. So don’t be surprised if Adani is loaned out to Benfica this season.

Fernando Couto is also said to be high on Trapattoni’s list of players to acquire. Couto still has one more year remaining on his Lazio contract but may rescind with the club in the next few days.

Lazio has already told Couto that they will not renew his contract when it expires in June.

Also said to be on Trapattoni’s list is a goalkeeper, which was revealed to be the newly signed Quim, and a playmaking midfielder whose identity is currently unknown.

SOurce: Goal.com

Portuguese international goalkeeper Quim has signed for SL Benfica from SC Braga on a five-year contract.

Braga time ends
The 28-year-old, who was a member of the Portugal squad that reached the final of UEFA EURO 2004™, has spent his entire career at Braga since making his debut in the 1994/95 season, although he was supended in 2002 for failing a drug test. Last season he played 32 of 34 games for Braga as they finished fifth in the Super Liga and qualified for the 2004/05 UEFA Cup.

'Dream come true'
Quim said: "Every season I have read news in the papers saying that I was going to this or that club and nothing happened. I am very happy to be here, and for the agreement with Braga. It is a dream come true." His new club, who are Portuguese Cup holders and appointed Giovanni Trapattoni as coach earlier this week, begin their UEFA Champions League campaign in the third qualifying round.

Source: UEFA.com

The two players join Belenenses on loan from Benfica. Cristiano is a defender that can either play in the center or in the left and Rodolfo Lima is a young striker that played last season in the relegated Alverca where he scored 10 goals.

Group A

Venezuela 0-1 Colombia


Tressor Moreno

Tressor Moreno scored what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 21st minute from the penalty spot. Incidentally, Moreno was forced to retake the original penalty because Venezuelan goalkeeper Gilberto Angelucci had strayed off his line too soon. This was a poor call by the referee who should have counted the goal because Moreno had done nothing wrong. Nonetheless, justice Moreno also made good on his second crack at goal as well so justice prevailed... or did it? Questions will certainly be raised regarding the foul that led to the goal was also a dubious decision by the referee, as the Colombian attacker (Moreno) appeared to have simulated contact with the goalkeeper. Another tough break for the Venezuelans came in the second half when a goal was disallowed. However, television replays showed that not a single Venezuelan attacker was offside…a very poor call indeed. Venezuela kept on pressing for the equalizer but it never came, and Colombia walked away with all three points. With this result, Colombia notches its seventh consecutive win in the Copa America without conceding a goal.

VENEZUELA: Gilberto Guió; Luis Pacheco (Héctor Guzmán), José Cortegoso, Alejandro Konarek, Jonay Santos (Jorge Méndez); Leopoldo González, Miguel Ángel Vitali, Juan Sáenz, Ricardo Gómez; Dickson Puleo, Alexander Heredia (Pedro Jacobo).

COLOMBIA: Juan Carlos Valencia; Andrés Orozco, Gonzalo Martínez, Gustavo Victoria; Oscar Asprilla, Abel Tapias (Jaime Vázquez), Andrés González, David Ferreira (Neider Londoño), Jairo Patiño; Tressor Moreno (Jhon Viáfara Mina); Sergio Month.

GOALS: 0-1, Tressos Moreno (21', pen)

Peru 2-2 Bolivia


Roberto Palacios and Jefferson Farfán

Bolivia came out flying in this contest but did not take the lead until the 36th minute when Joaquin Botero fired them in front. When Lorgio Alvarez doubled Bolivia’s lead in the 56th minute, they had seemingly put this match out of reach and appeared to be sitting in first place in Group A after match day 1. But their lead was short-lived as Claudio Pizzaro sent goalkeeper Jose Carlos Fernandez the wrong way from the penalty spot to cut the lead in half. Peru pressed hard for the equalizer and even brought on some more attacking players, including Norberto Solano. Their attacking persistence finally paid off as Roberto Palacios took advantage of some poor defending before striking home a left-footed drive into the top corner the 85th minute to complete the dramatic fight-back and send the home fans into a frenzy. With this result, Colombia now sits in sole possession of first place in group A after one round of matches. Peru and Bolivia have a point each while Venezuela face an uphill battle following their opening day defeat.

PERU: Oscar Ibañez; Santiago Ariadela, Jorge Soto, Walter Soto; Nolberto Solano (Roberto Palacios), Miguel Rebosio, Juan Jayo, Carlos Zegarra (Aldo Vasallo); Claudio Pizarro, Jefferson Farfán, Flavio Andrade.

BOLIVIA: José Carlos Fernández; Ronald Raldes, Ronald Arana, Lorgio Álvarez, Sergio Landívar; Limberg Pizarro (Juan Carlos Arce), Rubén Tufiño, Limberg Gutiérrez, Luis Cristaldo; Miguel Mercado, Joaquín Botero.

GOALS: 0-1, Joaquín Botero (36'); 0-2, Lorgio Álvarez (56'); 1-2, Claudio Pizarro (68',pen); 2-2, Roberto Palacios (85')

Source: goal.com, conmebol.com

The dutch cup winners started season 2004/05 yesterday. Here it goes the full squad that works now under the supervision of the coatch Foeke Booy.

Goalkeepers
1. Joost Terol
12. René Ponk

Defenders
15. Edson Braafheid
19. Bas van den Brink
2. Tim Cornelisse
22. Sander Keller
17. Alje Schut
5. Etienne Shew-Atjon
4. David di Tomasso

Midfielders
6. Jean-Paul de Jong
8. Joost Broerse
21. Rick Kruys
23. Hans Somers
3. Jordy Zuidam

Strikers
11. Dave van den Bergh
20. Sandro Calabro
7. Darl Douglas
16. Samir El Gaaouiri
9. Hans van de Haar
14. Richal Leitoe
18. Prince Rajcomar
10. Stefaan Tanghe

Twenty-one year old Brazilian forward William will be on trial at PSV and take part in the training sessions of the PSV first team squad. William, whose full name is William Júnior Salles de Lima Souza, will arrive in Eindhoven this week and then report at the PSV training ground De Herdgang.
Contact persons of Guus Hiddink brought William (69 kilograms, 1, 80) to the attention of PSV. He made appearances for, among other clubs, Santos, which was also the club of PSV defender Alex. In his spell at Santos (2001-2003), William scored 22 goals from 73 games. He was also called up for the Brazilian squad Under 20.

Source: PSV.nl

Horacio Ameli as left River Plate, to join mexicans of America. The defender played in River for six months on loan from São Paulo, and the brazilians had already signaled their intention to sell the player at the end of the loan, but the financial conditions of the argentinian club did not allow them to negociate the effective signing of the defender.

PSV and NAC Breda have reached agreement on the transfer of Csaba Fehér. Fehér will sign a four-year deal in Eindhoven, but he will have to undergo a medical first.
Csaba Fehér was born in Szekszard (Hungary) on 2 September 1975. He started his career at the Hungarian club Pècsi MFC in 1992. From MTK Budapest he moved to the Belgian club Verbroedering Geel in 1999. In 2000 he was transferred to NAC, where he stayed four seasons. The midfielder made 118 appearances in official league games and scored 15 goals.

In Breda there were mixed feelings. General Manager Theo Mommers explains: "NAC Breda think it’s a shame that Csaba moves to PSV, both football-wise and from a personal point of view. Of course we grant him his transfer; for him a transfer to a top club is a dream that has come true. Obviously we wish him the best of luck in Eindhoven. And we should not forget that we have done good business", he announces on the NAC official website.

Source: PSV.nl

Botafogo has released central defender Sandro, so that the player can negotiate with Belenenses. The departure from the Alvinegros was in common agreement, as the board had already promised the player that he would be released if a proposal would arrive from Europe. According to the brazilian press, that player as been in Lisbon recently for medical exams, and only contratual details are in the way of the linkage between the central defender and the Restelo team.

Marcelo Gallardo and Marcelo Salas have extended their connection with reigning Argentinan Champions. The influential players will stay in Buenos Aires for one more year. Salas decision was easier, has Juventus has signaled that has no intention in having the striker in its team next season. Marcelo Gallardo had some turkish and french clubs interested in his signing, but has decided to remain in River Plate.



Meanwhile, River will see one of its youth strikers leave before the start of the next season. CSKA Moscow is in advance talks with River board for Fernando Cavenaghi. Luis Gonzalez may also be involved in the deal. An Ukrainian club is seeking to sign Maxi Lopez, and is also interested in Luis Gonzalez. Nevertheless, the board has already indicated that only one of the strikers will leave the club, beeing that it is likely that Lucho Gonzalez will also be departing from Buenos Aires

New Benfica coach Giovanni Trapattoni has been officially unveiled by the club.
"I’m here to win," he said. "This team has everything that is needed to aim for the League championship.

"I never thought that I would one day be in charge of the side that I faced 41 years ago in the European Cup Final.

"I’m aware that Porto and Sporting Lisbon will provide us with stiff opposition but we are not inferior."

He added: "I’ve asked for three players. The club will do their best to get them."



Benfica preparation for 2004/05 season started yesterday already with six new faces: Yannick (french goalkeeper), Amoreirinha (defender, portuguese under 21) , Bruno Aguiar (midfielder, portuguese under 21), Carlitos (attacker midfielder, portuguese under 21), Alcides (defender, brasilian under 21) and Paulo Almeida (defender midfielder, brasilian international).

The players that participate in the EURO 2004, namely Tiago, Moreira, Nuno Gomes, Miguel, Simão, Petit, Fyssas and Sokota, will only join the team later on. The same with Luisão, that is currenty playinf for Brasil in the Copa America.

Source: Goal.com, slbenfica.pt

HSV had its scoring boots on Saturday, as they took on a team made up of two amateur teams. Bundesliga class shone through as HSV beat Freiburg (Elbe) 16-0. A crowd of 1,500 enthusiastic fans saw HSV's exciting new striker Emile Mpenza score a hat trick, a fact that delighted his coach Klaus Toppmöller: "Emile put in a good performance as did the rest of the team," said Toppi after the match.

Goals galore

Apart from Mpenza, several other players got their names on the score sheet: Christian Rahn(2), Bernardo Romeo(2), Bastian Reinhardt(2), Oliver Hampel(2) all scored twice. The other goals were scored by Björn Schlicke, Mehdi Mahdavikia, Stefan Beinlich, Vyacheslav Hleb and new signing Daniel van Buyten.

East coast beckons

HSV travels to the east coast today, to set up their summer training camp in Glücksburg. The squad will stay there until Sunday (1.7.04), during which time there are two friendly matches on the agenda, against TSV Kropp (Tuesday, 07.07.04) and FC Copenhagen (Sunday, 11.07.04).

Source: HSV.de

If newspaper reports are to be believed, Dalibor Lacina (Tomas Ujfalusi's agent) is receiving daily enquiries from possible future employers for his client. Some people reckon that Ujfalusi leaving HSV is just a matter of time. The English Premier League club Newcastle United were interested in securing the services of HSV's star defender, but pulled out in the end.

Porto want him

Among the clubs apparently vying for the Czech Republic international's services is Porto...the winners of the Champions League last season. Ujflusi himself (if he decides to go) fancies a move to the Italian Serie A league. Juventus Turin, AC and Inter Milan have recently expressed their interest, the burning question is of course is whether or not they can put their money where their mouth is, Italian football is known not to be exactly swimming in money at the moment... HSV is believed to be asking a transfer fee in the region of 7 million Euros for their star defender. Either way, the Ujfalusi question is expected to be resolved within the next two weeks.

Bye bye Ujfalusi...hello Gravesen?

Funds from that transfer fee could pave the way for the return of one of HSV's "lost sons". The Danish international Thomas Gravesen who is under contract at the English Premier League club Everton, has been recently quoted as wanting away from the Liverpool club, and his agent has recently said that HSV would be one the first clubs he would listen to offers from should a move be on the cards. Gravesens' contract at Everton has another year to run, that fact shouldn't be considered to be a hurdle regarding possible transfer dealings.

Source: Hsv.de

Wisla Kraków has beaten a representative team of the Tatra Highlands in a friendly match. Nigerian Kelechi Temple Omeonu, who has been on trial at the club, has scored 3 of the seven goals. Recent signing Marcin Kuzba also scored.

Wisła: Majdan (Piekutowski); Baszczyński (Mysiak), Kłos (Kowalczyk), Głowacki (Jop), Stolarczyk (Fechner); Gorawski (Kwiek), Kukiełka, Cantoro (Ekwueme), Zieńczuk; Żurawski (Kuźba), Frankowski (Omeonu)

Goals: 0-1, Żurawski (2'); 0-2, Zieńczuk (19'); 0-3, Omeonu (48'); 0-4, Kuźba (59'); 0-5 Omeonu (69'); 0-6, Omeonu (71'); 0-7, Kukiełka (76')

Source: wisla.krakow.pl

The 2004 edition of the Copa America is set to begin on Tuesday when Venezuela and Colombia kick-off the opening game in the Estadio Nacional of Lima, Perù. Once again this magical tournament will show case affirmed world class players and some of the most interesting rising stars.

Copa America Group A Preview

Despite having defending champions Colombia and host nation Peru, Group A is shaping up as the weakest group of them all. All four sides are in the bottom half of the South American World Cup qualification table, including last place Bolivia.
The surprise of the group may be Venezuela. Traditionally minnows in South America, the Venezuelans have made great leaps and bounds in recent years. Currently they are ahead of the other three teams in the qualification table.

BOLIVIA
New coach Ramiro Blacutt enters the competition essentially against all odds. Ever since Bolivia was runner-up in the 1997 edition, the Andean nation has become a mere after-thought on the international stage. Blacutt will rely on Juan Manuel Pena and Oscar Sanchez to anchor a five-man back line. Joaquin Botero of Mexico’s UNAM Pumas and Bolivian top-scorer Miguel Mercado will be charged with looking for goals on the counter attack. But arguably the country’s best young player, midfielder Joselito Vaca, and the country’s best old player, Marco Etcheverry, are not a part of the squad.

COLOMBIA

The defending champions enter the competition in a bit of disarray. The Cafeteros have earned only seven points in seven qualifiers, and now face the difficult task of defending their 2001 Copa America title. Manager Reinaldo Rueda only called in one field player from Copa Libertadores champions Once Caldas, but midfielder Arnulfo Valentierra is a special player and certainly one to watch. Many of the players from the 2001 title are taking part in 2004, but Rueda will be just as keen to see how some of Colombia’s rising young stars do in the Copa as much as the old.

PERU

The tournament hosts have won the competition twice before, most recently in 1975 with the talented Cubillas in the side. The 2004 version has the potential to win it a third time, with foreign-based stars like Claudio Pizarro and Nolberto Solano, and new PSV signing Jefferson Farfan. The host country is busting at the seams with budding international stars, but is Paulo Autuori the coach that can polish the Peruvian jewels?

VENEZUELA
Manager Richard Paez faces an uphill battle simply because the country he is leading has only ever won one match in the Copa America—and that came in their first appearance 37 years ago. However, if ever South America’s doormat is to pick itself up from off the floor now is the time, as a part of wide-open Group A. With no superstars in the side, expect the Venezuelans to play as a team, and to play with pride.

Copa America Group B Preview

If there has to be a group of death, then Group B probably is it. Argentina, Mexico and Uruguay all are capable of making the finals, and between them Argentina and Uruguay have claimed 28 of the 40 previous competitions.
But Ecuador is not to be looked upon lightly, either, which makes Group B the strongest from top to bottom.

ARGENTINA

Argentina have not won a Copa America since 1993 when they defeated Mexico. In 2001 Argentina did not send a squad. In 2004 the Albiceleste enter Peru as the pre-tournament favorites. Manager Marcelo Bielsa has brought an extremely strong side capable of exorcizing some of the demons from World Cup 2002. Bielsa was at the helm in 1999 when Argentina were knocked out in the quarterfinals. But only five domestic-based players were named to the 2004 squad, among them the highly capable Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Still, the domestic stars will have a difficult time seeing the pitch over established stars like Javier Saviola, Roberto Ayala, and Javier Zanetti to name just a few.

ECUADOR
Ecuador enter Peru a shadow of the side that went to Colombia three years ago for the same event. They sit a pathetic eighth in the World Cup qualification standings, and bring a fairly veteran squad to the table in an effort to make it out of the group of death. Old stars like Aston Villa’s Ulises de la Cruz, Agustin Delgado and the ageless Alex Aguinaga will carry the load for manager Hernan Dario Gomez.

MEXICO
The Tricolores always have been a difficult guest in the Copa America. They were runners-up to Colombia in 2001, including a 1-0 victory over Brazil. CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers will be on manager Ricardo Lavolpe’s mind in Peru, but don’t expect Mexico to show up expecting only three matches. Sevilla’s Gerardo Torrado is more than capable of pulling strings in midfield against the other Group B contenders, and Santos Laguna’s Jared Borgetti will command respect in the attack. Barcelona’s stud Rafael Marquez will marshal an experienced defense. The prospects of Mexico making it far in 2004 are good.

URUGUAY
Like Argentina, Uruguay have won 14 continental championships that we now call the Copa America. But unlike Argentina, Uruguay enter the competition with an untested coach in Jorge Fossati and with a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Venezuela in World Cup qualifying fresh on everyone’s mind. It will be anybody’s guess what the team does with Fossati at the helm, but with an attack that boasts Manchester United’s Diego Forlan Uruguay could go far and nobody would be surprised.

Copa America Group C Preview

Group C is neither the weakest nor the strongest group. Brazil is Brazil, and will be favorites to take top honors. Guest nation Costa Rica is in a confused state, having sacked American head coach Steve Sampson after narrowly getting past Cuba in World Cup qualifying.
Chile are looking to be an improved side once qualifying resumes, whilst Paraguay are searching for a new identity.

BRAZIL

Brazil needs no introduction usually, but this version of the Auriverde differs greatly from the one most people know. The three R’s of Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos are conspicuously absent from Carlos Alberto Parreira’s squad, as well as Cafu, Emerson and Milan’s starlet Kaka. But fans of the famous yellow should delight in the inclusion of Santos’ boy wonder Diego, teammate Renato and domestic top-scorer Luis Fabiano. The defense is more than capable of standing up to Group C’s challenges, with Juan, Cris and the exciting Maicon all there for Parreira’s picking.

CHILE

So many times Chile has come close to continental victory, bowing out in the semifinals in 1999 and in 1991. Before that four times the Chileans have been runners-up. But 2004 appears too difficult a task for manager Juvenal Olmos and young squad. To gain experience is key, and certainly will be the response if the Red team bows out early. Midfielder Clarence Acuna is one of the true veterans of the side, but will not strike the type of fear into opponents usually associated with top-class veterans.

COSTA RICA
Paulo Wanchope helped the Ticos surprise in the 2001 Copa America, but the highly skilled striker will not be on hand to lead new coach Jose Luis Pinto’s squad. That task will fall to skipper Luis Marin and the country’s other veterans, Walter Centeno and Ronald Gomez. Winning the Copa America will not be Pinto’s goal, rather melding the players into the form necessary to navigate CONCACAF’s World Cup qualifying with a bit more ease than his predecessor will be the end goal.

PARAGUAY

Paraguay is at a crossroads on the senior level. Manager Anibal Ruiz is charged with helping shape Paraguay’s future on the international scene. Several Paraguayan stars are reaching maturation, so now Ruiz must find some younger blood to fill the gaps. Inter Milan’s Carlos Gamarra will still lead the defense, but Bundesliga winner Nelson Haedo Valdez will spearhead the Paraguayan goal search. The 20-year old attacker is primed to become one of the country’s greatest players ever.

Source: goal.com

Botafogo achieved it's first victory in the Brazilian Championship. Two early goals by Luizão, and a wonderfull performance by goalkeeper Jefferson, gave Botafogo a surprising win away. This is Botafogo's first win in 104 days.

SÃO CAETANO: Sílvio Luiz, Anderson Lima, Thiago, Dininho e Triguinho; Marcelo Mattos (Anaílson), Mineiro, Mateus e Ceará (Lúcio Flávio); Euller (Warley) e Fabrício Carvalho. Técnico: Murici Ramalho.

BOTAFOGO: Jefferson, Ruy, Gustavo, Rafael Marques (Scheidt) e Renatinho; Fernando, Túlio, Valdo e Almir; Estévez (Schwenk) e Luizão (Carlos Alberto). Técnico: Mauro Galvão.

GOALS: 0-1, Luizão (14'); 0-2, Luizão (24'); 1-2 Mateus (47')

League Standings

Pos Team Pld Pts
1. Palmeiras 12 22
2. Figueirense 12 22
3. São Paulo 12 21
4. Atlético PR 12 20
5. Inter RS 12 20
...
24. Botafogo 12 9

Giovanni Trapattoni has been named as the new coach of Portuguese Cup winners SL Benfica.

Replaces Camacho
Trapattoni, who stepped down as Italy coach after UEFA EURO 2004™, will be presented officially at a press conference later today, when the length of his contract will be revealed. He replaces José Antonio Camacho who left the Lisbon club to take charge at Real Madrid CF and his first task will be to negotiate a UEFA Champions League third qualifying round next month.

Second job abroad
Trapattoni, the former Juventus FC and FC Internazionale coach, returns to club coaching four years after he took the Italian national team coach's job. It will be the 65-year-old's second job at a club abroad, following a short spell at FC Bayern München in the 1990s, where he won the Bundesliga title.

Source: Uefa.com

VfL Wolfsburg fought back from three-goals down to set up an intriguing second leg tie against FC Thun in their UEFA Intertoto Cup second round first leg. Under-strength Wolfsburg were eventually beaten 3-2 at home by their Swiss opponents, but will be grateful that two late goals from Stefan Schnoor and Roy Präger clawed them back into the tie. With Wolfsburg resting several players the Swiss outfit sailed to a 3-0 lead at the VfL-stadion with goals from Baykal Kulaksizogli, Samuel Ojong and Mario Raimondi, before the German side hit back to set up a fascinating second leg in the canton of Berne next Sunday.

Source: uefa.com

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder is the third signing for the Piraeus club after Greece’s goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis (not yet announced officially) and a young Brazilian player named Alexandre D’Acol Joaquim.

Marcic, will have a chance to participate for the first time with the senior team of Serb & Montenegro, as coach Ilija Petkovic invited him for the Kirin Cup in Japan (between 9 and 13 July) among other five players who took part in this summer’s Under-21 European Championship.

Olympiakos’ new coach Serb-Greek Dusan Bajevic according to his latest statements, is trying to build a team which, in two-three years will be ready to compete in Europe for more than one or two games by putting faith in a mixture of youth and the experience of the veteran players like Predrag Djordjevic, Brazilian Giovanni and the new signing goalkeeper Antonis Nikopolidis.

But, Bajevic and the club’s administration did not renew the contract of veteran French player Christian Karembeu who was the best Olympiakos player for the last three years and had impressed by displaying leadership qualities. Bajevic also decided not to renew the contracts of goalkeeper Fanis Katergiannakis, midfielder Takis Gonias as well as strikers Marcin Kuzba and Lampros Choutos.

Source: goal.com

Portugal playmaker Rui Costa has announced his international retirement ahead of tomorrow night's UEFA EURO 2004™ final against Greece.

Distinguished career
The 32-year-old AC Milan player has made three appearances for Portugal at the finals, scoring twice as a substitute. He first shot to stardom in his homeland in 1991 when scoring the winning penalty for Portugal in the FIFA World Youth Championship success against Brazil. He made his full debut against Switzerland in March 1993 and first appeared in a major competition at EURO '96™.

'First goal'
"Tomorrow will be my last match with the national team," said Rui Costa, who will win his 94th cap if selected. "When I won the 1991 World Youth Cup, my first goal was to prove to everyone that Portugal could win something and I expect we will do this tomorrow.

New generation
"It has been a great honour to play so many years for my country, but the transition from the 90s generation to the new one is done and now is the time for our young players to lead our team to great things. Of course I will miss these players, because I have spent more than 13 years giving my best for my country."

Source: uefa.com

U-21 forward Davide, from Estrela da Amadora, is on the verge of signing for Espanyol Barcelona. An agreement between the parts has been reached, and Estrela will receive a fee of about 750.000 euros. The signing of the player is pendant from the official approval from the interin board, that is temporarily leading the Spanish club.

Meanwhile, Estrela has signed midfielders Rui Borges from Belenenses and Sérgio from Seixal.

The danish creative midfielder is set to leave Everton this summer. Hamburg had shown interest in see the return of their former player, specially because the team from the north of Germany need a creative midfielder to assist the powerfull strikers Lauth and Emile Mpenza.

Atlético Madrid is also interested in seeing the danish streight their squad. About this subject the HSV Coach, Klaus Toppmöller had been very clear:

"It's always annoying when a player you would like at your club moves somewhere else," explained the coach: "Thomas would fit perfectly into our setup, the last word hasn't been spoken yet" added Toppi.

Source: Mopo.de

UEFA Champions League qualifiers PSV Eindhoven have signed Edwin Zoetebier from Feyenoord.

UEFA Cup winner
The 34-year-old goalkeeper played 59 games in two spells at De Kuip, winning a UEFA Cup medal in Feyenoord's 3-2 win over BV Borussia Dortmund in 2002. He was also a member of the 2002/03 championship winning squad.

Fall from favour
Zoetebier, who has also had spells at Sunderland AFC and SBV Vitesse, has since fallen out of favour though, and found himself behind both Gábor Babos and Patrick Lodewijks in the Feyenoord pecking order last season.

Source: Uefa.com

Striker Marcin Kuzba has returned to Polish champions Wisla Kraków from Greek side Olympiacos CFP.

Back to Wisla
The 27-year-old Polish international has signed a three-year contract with Wisla and will be available to play in the UEFA Champions League, which Wisla enter in the second qualifying round. He returns to the club as a free agent after just one year at Olympiacos, where his stay was disrupted by injury problems.

Concrete offer
"Wisla's offer was the most concrete one," said Kuzba, whose partnership with Maciej Zurawski was crucial in leading Wisla to the Polish title in 2002/03. "Therefore, I am back in Krakow again and will fight together with my team mates to reach the Champions League."

Summer signings
Kuzba is also hoping that good performances for Wisla will impress Polish national team coach Pawel Janas as the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup loom. He is Wisla's fourth signing of the summer, following the arrival of Tomasz Dawidowski and Marek Zienczuk from KS Amica Wronki and Aleksander Kwiek from MKS Odra Wodzislaw Slaski.

Source: uefa.com

Football United will go deeper in the Easteren Europe Football. From now on, FU will follow Polish Champions Wisla Kraków and historical and recently promoted Hungarian club Kispest Honvéd.

Both teams will have an early start of season. Wisla will play in the second qualifying round of the Champions League agains either WIT, from Georgia, or HB Tórshavn, from the Faroe Islands. Honvéd will face MIKA, from Armenia, in the first qualifying round of the Uefa Cup.

Once Caldas pulled off one of the biggest upsets in Copa Libertadores history Thursday, downing six-time champion Boca Juniors in a penalty shootout to become only the second Colombian team to lift South America's premier club trophy.

This year was the first time Once got past the first round of an international competition and its ironclad defense ensured it never lost a match at home.

The two sides were tied 1-1 at the final whistle, forcing a penalty showdown. Boca Juniors then missed all four of its spot kicks, while Once netted two shots thanks to Elkin Soto and Jorge Agudelo to complete a 2-0 win.

Earlier, John Viafara opened for the Colombians in the 7th minute with a powerful 25-meter shot. But Nicolas Burdisso equalized with a header off a Franco Cangele pass from deep in the right corner in the 51st minute.

Valentierra and Wilmer Ortegon's spot kicks were both deflected by Boca goalie Roberto Abondanzzieri, but it wasn't enough for the Argentines, and the 40,000 home fans packing the stadium went into a frenzy when the victory bell sounded.

The two sides had played to a scoreless draw in last week's first-leg final in Buenos Aires.

The loss was extra bitter for Boca -- which won three of the past four Libertadores -- after losing the Argentine championship to archrival River Plate last week.

Once Caldas wil now face F.C.Porto, in the Intercontinental Cup.

It has been rumoured in Spain, that Atletico and Spanish striker Fernando Torres may be on the verge of signing for Serie A title holders AC Milan. Atletico would be analising a transfer proposal from the Milan, and the fact the Patrick Kluivert may also be signing for Los Colchoneros might make the decision easier.



Furthermore, it has also been commented in the backgrounds of European Footbal, that Chelsea has offered forward Hernán Crespo to Milan on a one-year loan. The recent signing of Yugoslavian striker Mateja Kezman, from PSV, by the london club, may give some grounds to these reports.

FC Internazionale have signed Real Madrid CF midfield player Esteban Cambiasso on a free transfer.

Bosman free
The 23-year-old Argentinian has signed a four-year deal with the Italian side after leaving deposed Spanish champions Madrid on a free transfer. Having spent eight years on the books at the Santiago Bernabéu, his contract at the club finally expired on 30 June.

Official presentation
"I am very happy and excited," said the player after completing a medical on Friday. "It is a professional dream come true." Inter's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of Giuseppe Favalli and Juan Sebastián Veron, Cambiasso will be officially presented to the media on Saturday morning.

Long association
Cambiasso came to the Bernabéu with his brother in 1996 and spent two seasons in the reserve team before being farmed out to gain experience in Argentina with CA Independiente and then CA River Plate. He was restored to Madrid's first team by Vicente Del Bosque for their title-winning 2002/03 campaign.

Few options
However with a surplus of midfield players competing for first-team places at Madrid, Cambiasso saw his chances of making a mark at the club diminish over the past 12 months and Madrid allowed the player to walk free from the club after his contract expired.

Source: uefa.com

VfL Wolfsburg have signed Bulgarian midfielder Marian Hristov on a three-year contract.
The deal reunites former Kaiserslautern boss Erik Gerets with one of his erstwhile playing staff. Wolfsburg General-Manager Peter Pander revealed that Hristov, 30, will be the final summer signing of the VW-backed club. Wolfsburg have already signed Kevin Hofland from PSV Eindhoven and Thomas Brdaric from Bayer Leverkusen this summer.

Source: goal.com

Chelsea FC have agreed a fee with PSV Eindhoven to bring Serbia and Montenegro striker Matekja Kezman to the English Premiership.

Finalising deal
The 25-year-old will travel to London next week to finalise personal terms, undergo a medical and apply for a work permit. During four seasons in the Netherlands, Kezman has scored 105 goals in 122 games, also making 18 UEFA Champions League appearances in the process. He has played for nis country 32 times, scoring ten goals.

Kenyon delight
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon said: "We are delighted to have agreed terms with PSV for Mateja. He is one of the top strikers in Europe and will be an excellent addition to our squad and team."

Mourinho plans
Kezman would be the second new signing for new Chelsea FC manager José Mourinho, who has already agreed to buy Portuguese international defender Paulo Ferreira from his former club FC Porto.

Source: Uefa.com

Paris Saint-Germain FC have signed José-Karl Pierre-Fanfan from AS Monaco FC.

Loan spell
The defender spent last season on loan at the Parc des Princes and was a first-team regular as PSG finished second in Ligue 1 and sealed a berth in the UEFA Champions League group stage. The 28-year-old, formerly with RC Lens, has signed a three-year deal.

Summer signings
PSG also officially unveiled their five other major summer signings yesterday. Pierre-Fanfan's former club-mate Jérôme Rothen also moves from the Champions League finalists, while Sylvain Armand, Mario Yepes and Jean-Hugues Ateba all join from FC Nantes Atlantique. Former Lille OSC defender Stéphane Pichot completes the quintet. "They're all ambitious and I hope they'll show their talents in Paris," coach Vahid Halilhodzic said.

Source: Uefa.com

Chelsea FC have agreed to release striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink from the final year of his contract, making the 32-year-old a free agent.

That´s good news for the eagles, that after the failure to sign Larson, look with good eyes to the dutch striker. Jimmy could again make a partnership in the attack with the portuguese international Nuno Gomes, now in the Benfica attack (they made an amazing season together in Boavista before Nuno Gomes joined benfica and Jimmy joined Leeds United).

Turkish champions Fenerbahçe SK have concluded their lengthy search for a left-back by signing Fabiano Lima Rodriguez on a one-year loan deal from SC Corinthians Paulista.

Brazilian connection
The 25-year-old defender, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Italian side Perugia AC, becomes the fifth Brazilian player at Fener, joining compatriots Alex de Souza, Marcio Nobre, Marco Aurélio and Fabio Luciano.

Petkov released
Fenerbahçe, who have qualified for the group stage of the Champions League, have also announced that Bulgaria international left-back Ivailo Petkov has been released from his contract.

Source: Uefa.com, fenerbahce.org