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.

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.

Real Madrid still interested in Ballack swoop

Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack remains a transfer target for Real Madrid, according to coach Bernd Schuster.

The Bernabeu boss has admitted that he did attempt to lure the Germany captain away from London in the summer, but financial difficulties blocked the move.

But now Ballack has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for the Champions League group stage, Schuster is prepared to try again in his bid to lure the 30-year-old with the guarantee of regular first-team football.

Czech Republic 1-0 Rep of Ireland

The Republic of Ireland’s chances of qualifying of Euro 2008 look to be over after they lost against the Czech Republic despite a battling display. Marek Jankulovski fired the dominant Czechs ahead in the 15th minute.

Stephen Hunt’s introduction rallied the Irish and Kevin Doyle struck the Czech woodwork before half-time.

Hunt’s harsh sending off was a huge blow for the Irish although Paul McShane went close and Radoslav Kovac was inches away from a late own goal.

Slovakia 2-5 Wales

Craig Bellamy scored a brace and forced an own goal as Wales confounded their critics with a fine win away in Trnava. Marek Mintal gave Slovakia an early lead, controlling and firing home in one swift movement, but Freddy Eastwood equalised from Joe Ledley’s cross.

Then Bellamy scored twice in quick succession, each time racing clear from through balls by Eastwood and Ledley.

England 3-0 Russia

A Michael Owen brace helped a vibrant England to a vital win over their main Euro 2008 qualifying rivals Russia. Owen was composure epitomised as Gareth Barry’s cross fell to him 10 yards out and he sidefooted a strike in off the post to give England an early lead.

Russia’s Konstantin Zhyrianov had a goal harshly ruled out for handball before a lethal Owen powered in a shot.

England weathered a spell of pressure from Russia before Rio Ferdinand angled in a shot to complete the win.

England’s performance had Wembley rocking at the end of a game which began with tensions high as Russia led Steve McClaren’s side by a point in Group E.

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

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

Euro 2008 qualifiers preview

A look ahead to Wednesday’s crucial Euro 2008 qualifying matches involving Barclays Premier League players.

England impressed in their 3-0 win over Israel on Saturday but face an altogether sterner challenge against Guus Hiddink’s Russia at Wembley. The Dutchman has claimed that all the pressure is on Steve McClaren’s men. And not without reason. England trail Russia by a point and must still travel to Moscow next month knowing that they also face a home match against group leaders Croatia. The likes of Emile Heskey, Michael Owen, Shaun-Wright Phillips and Joe Cole all caught the eye against Israel and there are reports that McClaren may opt for an unchanged team on Wednesday evening. Russia have conceded just one goal in eight games and are unbeaten.

England 2-2 Japan

England were denied an opening Women’s World Cup win as Japan stole a 2-2 draw with the last kick of the game. Aya Miyama put Japan ahead with a free-kick before Kelly Smith turned the game on its head with two goals.

Smith held off two defenders to level, and England looked on course for victory in Shanghai as the Arsenal striker struck from close range.

But England were thwarted as Miyama struck with a second free-kick from an identical position deep in injury time.