England Women face tough US test

England will face the United States in the quarter-finals of the Women’s World Cup on Saturday. The US beat Nigeria 1-0, courtesy of a first-minute goal from Lori Chalupny, to top Group B and set up the showdown.

Chalupny’s shot was deflected in off Ulumma Jerome after she latched on to a Abby Wambach flick-on from a long throw in the first minute.

Magnusson switches West Ham role

West Ham’s billionaire owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will take a more hands-on role after Eggert Magnusson’s decision to step down as executive chairman. The shake-up is the next stage of West Ham’s plan to break into the Premier League’s top four, and includes moving the club to a new stadium.

Gudmundsson said: “It is vital we strengthen the senior team and build a management structure for the future.”

Magnusson will stay on as non-executive chairman and keep his West Ham stake.

He said: “We have worked hard to create stability and optimism, but I feel the moment is right to stand back a little as we move into a new and exciting period.” 

source:bbcsports

Real Madrid 2-1 Werder Bremen

Real Madrid continued their excellent start to the season by beating Werder Bremen 2-1 in their Champions League Group C opener on Tuesday.

Raul put the home side in front with a header after 16 minutes, taking his record haul in the competition to 57, but the lead only lasted a minute before Werder’s Boubacar Sanogo levelled on a swift break.

Netherlands striker Ruud van Nistelrooy settled the game in Real’s favour 16 minutes from time, making up for a host of missed chances.

Porto 1-1 Liverpool

Liverpool escaped with a fortunate draw after a poor display against Porto in this Champions League Group A match. Liverpool goalkeeper Jose Reina gave away a penalty and was beaten by Lucho Gonzalez’s spot-kick on eight minutes.

Despite their error-strewn first-half performance, Dirk Kuyt pulled Liverpool level with a close-range header.

But Liverpool had to play with 10 men for over 30 minutes of the second half after Jermaine Pennant was sent off after picking up a second yellow card.

Chelsea 1-1 Rosenborg

Chelsea’s stuttering start to the season continued as they were held to a shock draw by Norwegian underdogs Rosenborg in the Champions League. Rosenborg threatened to spring a surprise when Miika Koppinen turned in Marek Sapara’s free-kick at the near post in the 24th minute.

Andriy Shevchenko headed Chelsea level eight minutes after the interval.

Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou hit the woodwork for Chelsea, but resilient Rosenborg held out to force a draw.

And perhaps even more worrying for coach Jose Mourinho was a crowd of only 24,973 at Stamford Bridge, including a distinctly unimpressed owner Roman Abramovich – a miserable turn-out for a Champions League game.