"Ronaldinho, Robinho set for Vietnam friendly"

Brazil's Olympic soccer team, with Ronaldinho and Robinho, will face Vietnam in a warming in Beijing for the Games, an official said Friday.

The friendly is scheduled for Hanoi's My Dinh stadium on August 1, said Tran Quoc Tuan, secretary general of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

"This is good news for football fans and players in Vietnam," he told AFP.

"This is also a very rare opportunity to meet with renowned players from Brazil," said Tuan.

Ticket prices and team line-ups will be announced at the federation's official website, he said, adding that Ronaldinho and Robinho "are on the list of the 18 team members sent to VFF in Brazil."

Ronaldinho has just completed a 18.5 million euro move from Barcelona to AC Milan, while Robinho plays for Spanish giants Real Madrid.

The fixture is part of Brazil in preparation for Beijing to launch the August 8.

According to VN Express newspaper online, tickets will be sold at between 200000 dong (12 dollars) and 700000 dong.

"Fergie gives Ronaldo marching orders to return"

Sir Alex Ferguson has ordered Cristiano Ronaldo to return to Manchester United in two weeks to end the ongoing tragedy on Ronaldo's dream move to Real Madrid, the Daily Mirror reported on Saturday.

Ferguson, who was furious at Ronaldo said that he agreed with Fifa Sepp Blatter, president of the Commission at this point that is being treated like a slave for which he was not allowed to leave United, Ronaldo wants to recover from ankle surgery in Under his watch and clear the air over Ronaldo's future at Old Trafford.

The Daily Mail also reported that Ferguson pulled out Saturday of a draft confrontation with Ronaldo in Lisbon. The meeting, scheduled for Sunday, would have been the first between the director and actor since the movement of Ronaldo to the Bernabeu became the hot topic during last month's European Championship.

"Lamps Livid Over Scolari Comments"

Frank Lampard was reportedly furious with the new Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari's comments to the media yesterday declaring that the player was staying at the club ...

Only hours after Scolari inaugural press conference, the player's agent Steve Kutner issued a statement clarifying that the England international's future remains completely unresolved because of contract negotiations under way.

Internazionale president Massimo Moratti also rubbish Chelsea the official statement claiming that no financial offer was made and only an investigation of his club, insisting that both he and knew that an offer had been put on the table.

Later in the evening of the reports came to € 10 million bid for the midfielder, and the mirror now reports its disappointment with the very popular new leader Chelsea. "

The 30-year-old reportedly que se han ido al chief executive Peter Kenyon with a complaint, as earlier the same day the club refused to offer the five-year deal he was looking for - an agreement that will see him finish his career in club.

The objective of midfielder claimed he was being forced to leave the club after seven years of service - with only one remaining in his current contract - and the final offer from the Blues to 140000 pounds per week for four years cree que han been rejected by former West Ham United man.

Despite what Scolari told the press, Lampard was reported that in fact said: "Listen, I always dreamed to end my career at Chelsea, but not going to happen. We can not accept a contract".

"Rage no accident in this L.A. collision"

David Beckham getting in Jesse Marsch's face is even more likely with Chivas and L.A. fighting for MLS's West lead Thursday.
The top of the Major League Soccer in the Western Conference resembles Los Angeles' rush hour in the middle of the season, with six of the seven teams separated by just three points. When the two clubs leading the jam square off on Thursday at night at the Home Depot Center, expect about 405-stylesheet rabies.

Because although the battle for first place in the West are added some extra spice to the confrontation between Chivas and the U.S. Los Angeles Galaxy (both on 21 points with a record 6-6-3), the prize of SoCal bragging rights really your blood boiling.

Both teams are radically different picture, financial clout and fan base. However, they share a strong mutual commitment displeasure that rearing its head every time you play and is actually a major positive impact for the league.

Local derbis are a basic element of all major soccer leagues, and they add color and flavor to the season. The Super Clasico is the only real city in the same derby in MLS, and how it has developed - and continues to do so - is welcome.

Of course, the limited history of the rivalry (Chivas MLS only joined in 2005) means that it is absurd to compare them with similar clashes in Manchester, Milan and Buenos Aires. However, the deep antipathy of the clubs share makes these games: compulsive.

Thursday's contest, which will be televised nationally by ESPN2, should not be different.

"Derbis the first games are always looking for when schedules leave," said Galaxy midfielder David Beckham, who has taken part in some of the world's largest intracity rivalry games during his time with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

"We know that it is important to play well against Chivas, because there are a lot of passion and a lot of spirit - and rightly so. - When you do reach against rivals you can see the rivalry that exists between players, between teams and among fans . "

LA has not forgotten the two hammerings Chivas 3-0 last season, bad losses pile further embarrassment to the already deplorable campaign. A 5-2 victory in April did little to the Galaxy sate your appetite for the success of their local enemies, but has given extra motivation for Chivas, which was enraged by Landon Donovan's coach antagonize preki while celebrating one of its three objectives.

Everything points to another fiery encounter. Chivas could not cope with the defensive with the Beckham / Donovan connection last time around and may try to exert greater physical presence. Beckham in particular does not like being pushed around, as evidenced by their furious charge towards Chivas midfielder Jesse Marsch after a rough tackle.

"We did well against them the last game, obviously," said Beckham. "I think the score flattered us because we played really well and deserved to win, but we have targets at the end of the game and Chivas did not play that bad in the day. We know it will be tough but hopefully we will strike again. "

Chivas striker Ante Razov played its part in stirring things this week, when he stressed his satisfaction with the attention it gets loud Galaxy supporters.

"That (booing) comes from fear," said Razov. "They must fear something to do with them. Do not boo bad players in general. They boo boys who fear could hurt your team."

"City's Hughes hopes to lure star"

Mark Hughes remains determined to sign star Ronaldinho.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes remains committed to attracting Ronaldinho Eastlands.

Discussions are ongoing between the club and the player's representatives after he was outside the burden of Barcelona.

City today declared its ambition to Hughes by completing the signing 21-year-old striker Jo, CSKA Moscow.

Now they want to tempt his colleagues from Brazil after splashing out an undisclosed club record fee, cree que se £ 19million.

Hughes claims Ronaldinho has given encouraging signs.

"It's a world star and whether these things will happen is likely to take a little time and we are patient," said the former Blackburn boss.

"In the discussions I had with the club I think is very positive about the idea of coming here.

"It's a process that is underway. It has not diminished in any way or form and there is no immediate deadline."

Ronaldinho has been linked with move to Chelsea under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Doubts have arisen about the playmaker of the form and fitness.

But Hughes remains adamant that Ronaldinho could give the platform they need to go back to his best.

The City boss said: "Perhaps in the past 18 months has not reached its potential.

"We are offering an opportunity to encourage him and let him return to the level it was in before.

"I think it might be an interesting idea to him. Perhaps what we are doing here what would attract more than go to a Champions League club.

"The decision is yours, of course, as I am sure that many offers. Whether he can see our vision is still to be seen."

Hughes, who will have the staffing to a training camp in Germany tomorrow, is ready to make further additions.

He said: "We are looking to improve the quality of the workforce. In the window that progresses I am sure that there will be players and leave to be replaced.

"It's an ongoing process and something that will continue until the end of the window.

"There are good quality and excellent players here. It's just one case, the balance of the workforce was the right one.

"We are very excited about what's ahead of us. Jo signature is only the first step."

Jo, capped once by Brazil, has agreed a four-year contract.

The state has at the point of making the move to Eastlands for several weeks and Hughes is the first signing since replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson.

During his spell with CSKA, which won the Russian league and cup double in 2006 and has Champions League pedigree having made numerous appearances in the competition for the Moscow club.

He said: "I decided to come to Manchester City because it is one of the clubs who showed more interest in me, although I had other offers too.

"After I spoke with the manager (Hughes) I was very pleased.

"I was told is a club Manchester City to move forward at this time. We can go there, that is our goal. I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason."

Jo revealed joint Spanish Valencia, the City of the main rivals of his signature.

He added: "The club showed interest was officially Valencia. I know the press there are other clubs who showed interest."

Meanwhile, Hughes is close to agreeing new deals to captain Richard Dunne and goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The Dunne said, without a hint of irony: "It's as good as done.

"It's a very important player for us. It's one of my priorities when I became a manager to keep it."

In Hart, added: "Joe is another that we want to stay. We hope to resolve their situation.

"These negotiations are ongoing but I think there is a willingness on both sides."

Hughes' comments came the same day that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain admitted both Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o - also made available by the Catalan giants this summer - could end up staying at the club if not acceptable can be found.

Begiristain told reporters at the inauguration of Daniel Alves that "no news" on an agreement of the two players.

"We await concrete offers from other clubs so that we can negotiate. I understand that this is difficult because there are not many clubs in the world willing to pay these amounts."

"Pompey agree Crouch fee"

Portsmouth have agreed a fee with Liverpool striker Peter Crouch and is ready for talks with the south coast club for a £ 10million move to Fratton Park.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp has seen two previous bids for Crouch rejected by the Anfield club and has promised not to pay over the odds for the England striker.

However, the two clubs have now agreed a fee for a player who was scheduled to spend this summer after revealing his frustration at the lack of starting opportunities.

"We have reached a verbal agreement with Portsmouth and have given them permission to speak with Peter," confirmed a spokesman Reds.

Crouch spent one season at Portsmouth six years ago under Redknapp, before moving to Aston Villa, Southampton, and then the Reds in 2005.

The scored 42 goals in 135 games during his time on Merseyside, despite struggling to maintain a starting point in manager Rafael Benitez plans.

Crouch is a new way of seeing strike partnership with fellow England international Jermain Defoe at Fratton Park in next season if they agree personal terms at Fratton Park.

"Ronaldo likely staying at Manchester - Real Madrid boss"

Striker Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to stay at Manchester United next season because the English champions are not willing to let him go, Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon said on Sunday.

"Ronaldo has said that he would like to play here, it's a dream, that would be very happy to come to Real Madrid but is a desire that the player can not be conducted without the agreement of Manchester," the online edition of sports daily Marca quoted him as saying.

"Manchester is that we want. Once you decide to sell him and communicate this, we can say that we are talking about a possible transfer. But as of today that is not happening," said Calderon.

"Theoretically we still have time, there are still two months until the end of August if Manchester in contact with Real Madrid and makes an offer," he added.

The most likely outcome "from today" is that "Cristiano Ronaldo will play for Manchester United next year," Calderon said.

Calderon and Manchester United chief executive David Gill held talks in Switzerland next week during the 23-year-old Spanish sports daily AS reported on Saturday.

The private talks will take place on Monday at the headquarters of the Uefa in Nyon on the sidelines of a broader meeting of European clubs, he said.

United on Friday moved to quell talk that his prize asset was about to establish a link with the Bernabeu club, saying that the rumours were "totally absurd and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale".

Manchester United have said repeatedly that the player - whose contract runs until 2012 - is certainly not for sale.

Last month, the club informed of nine real-time European champions to try to disconcert Ronaldo, but the Fife found no Spaniards had breached regulations.

Ronaldo is scheduled to undergo an ankle operation next week and is not scheduled to join the club in his pre-season tour of South Africa, which begins on July 18.

Ronaldo going nowhere say United

Manchester United said on Friday recent reports say extreme stars Cristiano Ronaldo was about to move to Spanish giants Real Madrid were "totally absurd" and insisted the Portugal international was not for sale.

Ronaldo, a boyhood fan Royal, has been related to the transfer to the Spanish capital since the end of last season even though they scored a very impressive 42 goals in all competitions last term as United won both the Premier League and Champions League trophies.

The 23-year-old could miss the start of next season if they need surgery on an ankle injury.

In the meantime, the U.S. insisted on their prize asset would not be joining Real in the coming days. "It is totally absurd and totally laughable. Cristiano Ronaldo is not for sale," said a spokesman for the club.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has become increasingly frustrated by the Royal very public courtship of Ronaldo, whose contract at Old Trafford until 2012. And that led United to report the Bernabeu club to Fifa, but the world governing body have taken no action against Real.

Ronaldo were to leave Old Trafford is unlikely to deviate from a rate much less than 70 million pounds.

United leave for their tour of South Africa on July 18, but Ronaldo was not scheduled to be a member of staff for pre-season trip.

"Ronaldo likely to miss out for start of Man U's Premier League season"

Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to miss the start of the season with Manchester United due to an ankle surgery.

The end Portugal is ready to be operated on next week after playing with pain during the past two months across the English season and the Championship of Europe. The Premier League season begins in mid-August.

Despite talk of a transfer to Real Madrid, the 23-year-old Ronaldo seems likely to stay with United, which won the Premier League and Champions League last season. Ronaldo has not submitted a transfer request.

"Nasri close to Arsenal move"

Samir Nasri France international is only ten days to join Arsenal, according to his agent.

The 20-year-old Marseille star claimed last month that it had signed an agreement to sign the Gunners only by his representative, Jean-Pierre Bernes, to deny the transfer had been completed.

The highly valued child is expected to move to the United Arab Emirates Stadium for a fee of around £ 15million.

But after being in limbo for two weeks, Nasri is now cree be close to sealing his transfer to north London Club.

"He is in his holidays," revealed Bernes. "It (the agreement) will take place when back in about ten days."

Nasri, who has been a long-term goal of Gunners manager Arsène Wenger, made two substitute appearances for France against Italy and Romania at Euro 2008, as Les Bleus not for the progress of the group stage.

"Report: Glazers give Madrid green light for Ronaldo"

The Glazer family is willing to do business with Real Madrid and accept its mega-bid for Cristiano Ronaldo after lengthy talks with Manchester United directors, according to a report in the Spanish sports daily AS.

After weeks of promotion of the Portuguese star Mark switch increasingly problematic, the strongest Madrid-paper has now tilted by Wade with a statement that an agreement will be implemented.

While acknowledging that Sir Alex Ferguson will continue to strongly oppose the transfer, the owners of the Red Devils are tempted, according to the report.

It was reported several weeks ago that Madrid is considering circumventing the vociferante Scottish manager to try to tempt the Glazers, and can work.

After a meeting with United chief executive David Gill, the club heads are even more convinced that the cash bid is worth more than the player himself.

Recent reports that Ronaldo does not require surgery have declined cree que el deseo de Madrid, because as reported on Wednesday the club could not afford to lose him for signature.

Some figures in the Bernabeu doubt within the meaning of splashing out so much money when the club's debts are already supposed to be neighbors of 630 million dollars, but the president Ramon Calderon has much interest in the press.

The above figures of $ 140 million has been mentioned, but as now stated that Madrid will look to carry less than $ 110 million in order to maintain a certain restraint.

"Hughes remains hopeful of trying to Ronaldinho"

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes remains committed to attracting Ronaldinho Eastlands.

Discussions are ongoing between the club and representatives of the player after he was outside the burden of Barcelona.

City have expressed their ambition to Hughes by completing the signing 21-year-old striker Jo, CSKA Moscow.

Now they want to tempt his colleagues from Brazil after splashing out an undisclosed club record fee, cree que se £ 19million.

Hughes claims Ronaldinho has given encouraging signs.

'The world is a star and if these things will happen is likely to take a little time and we are patient,' said the former Blackburn Rovers boss.

"In the discussions I had with the club I think is very positive about the idea of coming here.

"It's a process that is underway. It has not diminished in any way or form and there is no immediate term '.

Ronaldinho has been linked with move to Chelsea under new manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Doubts have arisen about the playmaker of the form and fitness.

But Hughes remains adamant that Ronaldinho could give the platform they need to go back to his best.

The City boss said: 'Maybe in the past 18 months has not reached its potential.

'We are offering an opportunity to encourage him and let him return to the level it was in before.

"I think it might be an interesting idea to him. Perhaps what we are doing here what would attract more than go to a Champions League club.

"The decision is yours, of course, as I am sure that many offers. If you can see our vision remains to be seen '.

Hughes, who will have the staffing to a training camp in Germany tomorrow, is ready to make further additions.

He said: 'We are looking to improve the quality of the workforce. As the window progresses I am sure that there will be players and leave to be replaced.

'It's an ongoing process and something that will continue until the end of the window.

'There are good quality and excellent players. It's just one case, the balance of the workforce was the right one.

"We are very excited about what's ahead of us. Jo signature is only the first step."

Jo, capped once by Brazil, has agreed a four-year contract.

The state has at the point of making the move to Eastlands for several weeks and Hughes is the first signing since replacing Sven-Goran Eriksson.

During his spell with CSKA, which won the Russian league and cup double in 2006, with Champions League pedigree having made numerous appearances in the competition for the Moscow club.

He said: 'I have decided to come to Manchester City because it is one of the clubs who showed more interest in me, although I had other offers too.

"After I spoke with the manager (Hughes) I was very pleased.

"I was told Manchester City is a club to move forward at this time. We can go there, that is our goal. I decided to come to Manchester City for that reason."

Jo revealed joint Spanish Valencia, the City of the main rivals of his signature.

He added: 'The club showed interest was officially Valencia. I know from the press there are other clubs who showed interest. "

Meanwhile, Hughes is close to agreeing new deals to captain Richard Dunne and goalkeeper Joe Hart.

The Dunne said, without a hint of irony: "It is as good as done.

'He is a very important player for us. It is one of my priorities when I became a manager to keep. "

In Hart, added: "John is another who want to stay. We hope to resolve their situation.

"These negotiations are ongoing but I think there is a willingness on both sides."

Hughes' comments came the same day that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain admitted both Ronaldinho and Samuel Eto'o - also made available by the Catalan giants this summer - could end up staying at the club if not acceptable can be found.

Begiristain told reporters at the inauguration of Daniel Alves that "no news" on an agreement of the two players.

"We await concrete offers from other clubs so that we can negotiate. I understand that this is difficult because there are not many clubs in the world willing to pay these amounts.

"Spain leaps to top of FIFA rankings, U.S. falls to 30th"

Spain jumped to the top of the monthly Fifa rankings for the first time after their triumph in the European Championship with Brazil and Argentina, both the drop in the first three.

The United States maintains its fall from the highest echelons of world football, falling nine places to 30, its lowest ranking since he was 30th in March 2007. The Americans were fourth in April 2006.

The teams are ranked based on points awarded for performances in matches in the past four years.

Spain 1-0 victory over Germany on Sunday in the Euro 2008 final which rose three places, making it the sixth team - along with France, Germany, Brazil, Italy and Argentina - to claim the top spot since the ranking began 15 years ago. The Spaniards have 1,557 points

Italy deadline for the quarter was enough to push it to a point at second place with 1404 points, while Germany climbed two places to third with 1364.

Brazil fell to fourth place in the list published on Wednesday, the first time since November 1993 that the five-time champions of the World Cup have been outside the first three.

The squadron of americas encountered from its previous ranking of 21, accumulating 780 points in the last survey. Places that the U.S. team behind countries like Israel (21 meetings), Ivory Coast (28 meetings) and Paraguay (25 meetings).