Tevez excited about Rooney partnership

Carlos Tevez says he cannot wait to launch his Manchester United strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

 The duo have yet to play together because of Tevez’s delayed switch to Old Trafford and Rooney’s broken foot that he sustained against Reading.

“I don’t think it is a question of us being too similar,” the former West Ham United striker said. “It will be a great experience to play alongside Wayne Rooney – it is something I am very excited about.”

Tevez has endured a relatively slow start to his United career compared to his amazing exploits with West Ham last term. Perhaps the signs of rustiness were understandable given the uncertainty he found himself in once Argentina’s Copa America campaign reached its conclusion.

Rooney boost for United

Manchester United have been boosted by the news that striker Wayne Rooney is nearing a return to fitness.

Rooney’s foot was in a plaster cast only five weeks ago after breaking his metatarsal for the third time in three years.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the 21-year-old is back in training but may not be fit for for Sataurday’s Barclays Premier League match against former club Everton.

Ferguson said: “He’s started training which is good. I’d not have brought him back to training unless he was ready.

“The latest scan was good and I’m pleased with that. We have to wait and see how his fitness is after being out but I’m delighted he’s on his way back.”

source:premierleague

Malouda enjoying Blue days

Florent Malouda revealed he is relishing the high expectations that come with being a Chelsea player.

The Frenchman joined The Blues in a £13million move from Lyon, and has enjoyed five league starts this season.

Malouda admitted that competition in the Chelsea side is fierce, but he is thriving off the challenge of being a success at Stamford Bridge.

“I am fine at Chelsea. I am still in an adaptation period. But that does not surprise me,” he said. “It’s not all roses – there are some difficulties. At first, there is very strong competition. Moreover, it is another culture. I have to swallow that.

“But I am happy. It is a new and exciting challenge. It is really great to be in this situation, with a lot of expectations around you. That gives me responsibilities and I love that.”

Blues choose not to sign Kallon

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has decided not to pursue his interest in signing striker Mohammed Kallon. The former Inter Milan striker had trained with the Blues for the past 10 days after becoming a free agent when Monaco paid up his contract.

He scored in a friendly against Kidderminster but Blues opted out because of paperwork issues.

Bruce said: “Our information was it would have been very difficult to get a work permit so he’s gone elsewhere.”

	 source:bbcsports

China women triumph over Denmark

Xiaoli Song scored a brilliant winner as host-nation China grabbed a dramatic 3-2 victory over Denmark in their opening game of the Women’s World Cup. Li Jie fired China ahead with a curling free-kick and Bi Yan’s shot looped in off Denmark defender Cathrine Paaske Sorensen to make it 2-0.

Denmark replied through Anne Dot Eggers Nielsen’s header and Paaske Sorensen nodded them level late on.

But there was still time for Song to win it with a spectacular 25-yard shot.

source:bbcsports

Abramovich Euro cash story denied

Chelsea have dismissed reports that owner Roman Abramovich has offered Russia’s players a financial incentive to beat England at Wembley. The two nations meet in a crucial Euro 2008 qualifier on Wednesday.

And reports claimed the Russian players would receive £40,000 if they were to defeat Steve McClaren’s men.

But a Chelsea statement said: “Roman Abramovich has never offered, proposed or promised any bonuses to the Russian team to beat England.”

The billionaire Chelsea owner has close links with football back in his homeland and is reported to bankroll the salary of coach Guus Hiddink.

Brazil 5-0 New Zealand

Brazil coasted to a 5-0 victory over New Zealand in their first match in Group D of the Women’s World Cup. Brazil were on top throughout and took the lead when Daniela’s shot looped over Jenny Bindon and into the net.

Cristiano added a second with another powerful effort into the top corner before Daniela’s drive hit the bar.

Cristiano set up Marta to score a third with a precise finish and Renata Costa smashed home a fourth before Marta’s superb solo goal completed the rout.

source:bbcsports