Santos eye Club World Cup Barcelona showdown

2011-12-09T05:30:19Z

Santos coach Muricy Ramalho said that his Copa Libertadores winners are in peak condition to take on what he called "the best team in the world" at the Club World Cup.

The Brazilians are widely tipped to face Barcelona in the December 18 final of the seven-team intercontinental showpiece in Oswaldo de Oliveira, the most successful manager in Japanese football history with six trophies in five seasons, is leaving Kashima Antlers to be nearer his family.

"My family cannot stay with me here so long. Along with several other reasons... I have to stay in Brazil...

Socrates' former side lift Brazilian crown

2011-12-04T19:30:19Z

Corinthians, former club of Brazil midfield legend Socrates, who died on Sunday, honoured his memory by winning their fifth national league championship after a goalless draw against Sao Paulo rivals Palmeiras.

A full house of 39,000 saw the game at the Pacaembu, where Corinthians held on to claim top spot as second-placed Vasco da Gama drew 1-1 with Flamengo in

Brazilian football legend Socrates dies, aged 57

2011-12-04T18:30:21Z

Former Brazil captain Socrates, who played in the great 1982 Brazilian side which was widely-regarded as the finest team never to win a World Cup, died on Sunday, aged 57.

Socrates was taken to Albert Einstein Hospital late Friday after suffering food poisoning. He went into septic shock, placed on a life ...

Brazilian football legend Socrates dies

2011-12-04T10:30:24Z

Former Brazil captain Socrates died on Sunday aged 57 from an intestinal infection, a spokesperson for the Albert Einstein Hospital announced.

Socrates -- who in 1982 captained what is widely regarded as the best Brazil side never to have won the World Cup

Socrates, gifted but troubled Brazilian star

2011-12-04T09:30:21Z

Socrates, who died on Sunday, aged 57 (eds born Feb 19, 1954), was skipper of Brazil at the 1982 World Cup, a team widely-regarded as one of the finest never to have won the title.

Socrates - who also played at the 1986 World Cup finals - was a flamboyant footballer who boasted a myriad of contradictions.

He was a qualified doctor who never gave up his enjoyment of a smoke ...

CSKA count on Vagner in Lille clash

2011-11-21T20:30:17Z

CSKA Moscow will be relying on their maverick Brazilian marksman Vagner Love to spearhead the Red Army side's attack in their Champions League Group B encounter with the French reigning champions Lille on Tuesday.

Especially so as CSKA will be without their Ivory Coast sharpstooter Seidou Doumbia, who was red-carded i...

Grass gets greener at home for Brazil's soccer aces

2011-11-11T10:30:36Z

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Brazilian soccer phenomenon Neymar was photographed on a luxury yacht this week, enjoying the view as two bikini-clad women sunbathed on the deck. Displaying the image on its front page, one daily paper asked: "Europe, what for?".

The 19-year-old str...

Sabella boosts Argentina World Cup squad

2011-11-07T13:30:27Z

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella added four players to his squad for upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bolivia and Colombia on Monday.

Sabella called up four domestically-based players - defender Clemente ...

Ronaldinho, Neymar handed triple Brazil chance

2011-09-22T18:30:22Z

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has handed Ronaldinho and highly-rated Neymar a triple chance to stamp their claims as the 2014 World Cup hosts prepare to face bitter rivals Argentina as well as M...

Brazil football great Socrates in 'stable' condition

2011-09-07T14:30:19Z

Former Brazil captain Socrates remains in a "stable" condition in intensive care in the Albert Einstein hospital here after being readmitted on Monday night.

According to a statement released by the hospital, the 57-year-old "has remained stable for the past 24 hours" while his dose of medication to control his blood pressure has been lowered.

"(He) remains in the intensi...

Ailing Brazil great Socrates returns to hospital

2011-09-06T17:30:19Z

Brazil great Socrates has been readmitted to intensive care two weeks after suffering a stomach hemorrhage, the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo confirmed on Tuesday.

Socrates was readmitted "to treat a new stomach hemorrhage due to portal hypertension," said the hospital in a statement.

"He received...

Brazil footballer Socrates suffers stomach haemorrhage

2011-08-20T12:30:20Z

Former Brazil captain Socrates is in intensive care in hospital after suffering a stomach haemorrhage, Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Hospital revealed on Friday night.

Socrates, 57, who made his name with Sao Paulo giants Corinthians, "displayed symptoms of upper gastrointestinal bleeding brought about by high bl...

Ronaldinho handed Brazil recall to face Ghana

2011-08-18T15:30:30Z

Veteran striker Ronaldinho was on Thursday handed a surprise recall to the Brazil squad for next month's friendly against Ghana, with coach Mano Menezes opening the door to the 2014 World Cup finals.

The 31-year-old, now playing for...

Brazil's under-fire Menezes backed by CFB boss

2011-08-11T14:30:36Z

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has the backing of CFB president Ricardo Teixeira even though the South American's 3-2 loss to Germany means back-to-back defeats after last month's Copa America exit.

"The work will continue in...

Argentine top flight ready for life without River

2011-08-04T14:30:29Z

The Argentine Apertura season that kicks off this weekend will go down in history as the first ever to be played without River Plate, after the Buenos Aires giants were relegated.

River, the "Millionaires" who have won a record 33 titles, were condemned to the second tier Primera B Nacional after losing a playoff against Belgrano of Cordoba in June.

An Argentine top flight without River was always as hard to...

Iwata beat Independiente to win Suruga title

2011-08-03T13:30:52Z

J-League Cup winners Jubilo Iwata beat Copa Sudamericana champions Independiente 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out on Wednesday to win the Suruga bank championship.

Former Japan international goalkeeper World Cup is concerned, but Ronaldinho is bagging most of the limelight in Rio, even as the city prepares to host Saturday's draw for the 2014 tournament.

With Brazil themselves already qualified for the 2014 Wo...

Sergio Batista dismissed as Argentina coach

2011-07-25T19:30:30Z

Sergio Batista was dismissed as Argentina coach after his side's Copa America flop, an Argentine Football Association (AFA) spokesman said Monday.

AFA's Ernesto Cherquis Bialo confirmed Batista's departure.

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Brazil announce squad for Germany friendly

2011-07-25T14:30:33Z

Brazil coach Mano Menezes on Monday named a 23-man squad for the friendly with Germany in Stuttgart on August 10, as he looks to turn the page on his side's Copa America quarter-final exit.

Bidding for what would have been a fifth tit...

Forlan leads Uruguay to record 15th Copa America

2011-07-25T04:30:17Z

Uruguay defeated Paraguay 3-0 on Sunday to win a record 15th Copa America with striker Diego Forlan grabbing two goals to take his international tally to 31 and complete an incredible family story.

Liverpool attacker Luis Suarez, the player of the tourn...

Argentina turn page after Copa flop

2011-07-21T20:30:22Z

After being knocked out by Uruguay in the quarter-finals, fans of Argentina have drawn a line under the Copa America final.

The hosts had hoped to bag a record 15th title but instead it is neighbour Uruguay who will themselves go for a 15th crown in Sunday's final against Paraguay

Tevez still 'important' City player, says Mancini

2011-07-21T20:30:20Z

Carlos Tevez remains a key player for Manchester City, the Premier League club's boss Roberto Mancini insisted on Friday, despite the Argentine striker seeing his hopes of a transfer to Corinthians in

2011-07-21T15:30:20Z

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez inisted Thursday his countrymen were "robbed" as they lost out to Paraguay in the semi-finals of the Copa America to end their dream of a shock final place.

The Venezuelans deserved better than a penalty shootout loss which handed the Paraguayans a trophy match against

Uruguayan media laud Celeste's Copa run

2011-07-20T14:30:27Z

Uruguay's media on Wednesday paid tribute to their national team after the win over Peru saw the 'celeste' reach the Copa America final.

Coach Oscar Tabarez's team now stand on the verge of a historic 15th triumph if they can see off either Venezuela or

Corinthians throw in towel on Tevez

2011-07-20T08:30:21Z

Brazilian side Corinthians said they had admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Argentinian star Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

City manager Roberto Mancini had said on Monday that the English Premier ...

Sao Paulo throw in towel on Tevez deal

2011-07-20T01:30:17Z

Brazilian side Corinthians have admitted defeat in their attempt to sign Argentinian star Carlos Tevez from Manchester City.

City manager Roberto Mancini had said on Monday that the English Premier League

From thrashed teen to stardom - Venezuela's Vega

2011-07-19T15:30:43Z

For most people, football is a game of two halves, but where Venezuelan goalkeeper Renny Vega is concerned his Copa America experience is a tall-but-true tale spanning three decades.

Vega, who plays for Caracas FC, is 32 years old and until this month was a perfect example of the sporting "journeyman" cliche.

Brazil on right track despite Copa exit - coach

2011-07-18T15:30:19Z

Brazil coach Mano Menezes insisted on Monday that there was no need to panic after his side lost their Copa America quarter-final shoot-out to Paraguay.

The media were scathing after a poor match ended goalless following extra-time and lambasted the auriverde for contriving to miss...

Confusion surrounds Tevez deal

2011-07-18T13:30:23Z

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said on Monday that the English Premier League club had agreed a deal to sell their Argentinian star Carlos Tevez to Brazilian side Corinthians.

"At the moment we have an agreement w...

Corinthians up the ante and the offer on Tevez

2011-07-16T20:30:14Z

Brazilian outfit Corinthians on Saturday said they had upped their offer to lure Manchester City's Argentinian forward Carlos Tevez back to Sao Paulo.

With City holding out for more than the 40 million euros ($63.57 million) the Brazilians have offered, the latter have suggested paying a sum of bonuses to City ...

Political undercurrent to Copa venues choice

2011-07-16T19:30:16Z

A political undercurrent is running through the choice of venues for the Copa America and as World Cup qualifiers also loom the issue is becoming increasingly controversial.

The Argentine authorities decided early on to take the event out to the provinces -- their decentralising zeal meaning the capital Buenos ...

Copa could be extended to CONCACAF - official

2011-07-16T15:30:23Z

The Copa America, the South American championship which Argentina is currently hosting, could in future be extended to include Central American and Caribbean States, the head of the South American grouping, CONMEBOL, told AFP on Saturday.

CONMEBOL president

Spurs' Sandro out for three months after knee op

2011-07-16T08:30:09Z

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Sandro will be out of action for three months after undergoing knee surgery, his club revealed on Saturday.

Sandro returned to London earlier this week after suffering the injury on international duty with Brazil at the Copa...

Third bite at Copa cherry for Brazil

2011-07-13T18:30:11Z

After two false starts Brazil are out to ensure it is a case of third time lucky at the Copa America as they target the win they need over Ecuador to reach the quarter-finals.

Draws with Venezuela and then Paraguay, ...

Brazil will come good - keeper Julio Cesar

2011-07-12T21:30:06Z

Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar insisted on Tuesday that the team would, like Argentina, come good at the Copa America, telling reporters they would iron out their early problems.

The critics have rounded on the team after draws with

Tevez agent waits on City over Corinthians move

2011-07-12T18:30:27Z

Carlos Tevez's agent says a move for the striker to join Brazilian club Corinthians from English Premier League side Manchester City "will not be simple".

Last week Argentina forward Tevez, currently playing for his count...

Uruguay face Mexico challenge at Copa

2011-07-11T18:30:23Z

With Chile and Peru unexpectedly setting the pace in Group C of the Copa America, World Cup semi-finalists Uruguay have it all to do if they are to reach the quarter-finals.

A win over Mexico in

'El Tigre' Falcao sets Copa on fire for Colombia

2011-07-11T14:30:25Z

While favourites Brazil and Argentina limp along searching for inspiration, Radamel Falcao Garcia Zarate is setting the Copa America on fire for Colombia.

With his full name a bit of a mouthful for quickfire Colombian commentators, they have simply dubbed the 25-year-old Colombia have one foot in the Copa America quarter-finals after their draw with Argentina but will be wary that final-group opponents Bolivia also secured as much against the host nation before blotting their own copybook against Costa Rica...

Peru ready for young Mexicans' assault at Copa America

2011-07-08T04:30:20Z

Peru say they think Mexico's young side are a Copa America threat and won't be treating El Tri with kid gloves in Friday's Group C showdown.

With Chile having seen off the Mexicans in their first match, the latter, regular special guests at the South American jamboree, have it all to do, pa...

Sluggish Brazil held by Venezuela in Copa America

2011-07-03T20:30:18Z

Brazil made a tame entrance into the Copa America, missing a host of chances in a goalless draw with ultra-minnows Venezuela at the Estadio Unico in La Plata, outside Buenos Aires.

Just over a decade ago the five-times world champio...

Model vows nude stunt if Paraguay win Copa

2011-07-03T19:30:14Z

Paraguayan fans will be keener than ever for their team to land the Copa America after model Larissa Riquelme on Sunday promised to pose nude should they triumph.

The Paraguayans are in Group B with favourites and holders Brazil as well as Ecuador, w...

Colombia reject favourites tag

2011-07-03T14:30:10Z

Colombia say it's far too early to make them favourites to get out of Group A at the Copa America despite going top of the group with their opening win over Costa Rica.

Argentina's draw with Bolivia left the ...

Argentine media round on Copa America flops

2011-07-02T13:30:18Z

Argentinian media rounded on their national side on Saturday after the 14-time continental and double world champions just scraped a 1-1 draw in their Copa America opener against modest Bolivia.

The dropped points were front page news nationwide with home fans demanding a strong showing on home soil as the hosts chase their first silverware at senior level since a 1993 success in t...

River relegation talk of the town among Argentines

2011-06-30T14:30:34Z

Argentina stars may be plotting the demise of Bolivia in Friday's opening Copa America fixture - but it is the relegation of emblemic club River Plate which has been the chief topic of conversation in recent days.

Even the arrival of European-based megastars such as Lionel Me...

River Plate appoint Almeyda as new coach

2011-06-28T07:30:23Z

Fallen Argentine football giants River Plate have appointed Matias Almeyda to be their new manager with a prime objective of getting the side back into the first division.

The famous Buenos Aires outfit were relegated from the country's top division Sunday for the first time in their 110-year history, amid tears and scenes of violence from disgruntled dan...

Argentine football giants relegated for first time

2011-06-27T03:30:12Z

Legendary Argentine football giants River Plate were relegated from the country's top division for the first time in their 110-year history, amid tears and scenes of violent mayhem.

The Buenos Aires team are Argentina's most successful club with 33 championships to their name, and their rivalry with Boca Juniors, based in the same city, is one of the m...

Brazil Rio Violence

2010-11-26T08:32:08Z

Policemen take position next to a burned vehicle during an operation against drug traffickers at the Vila Cruzeiro slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, Nov. 26, 2010. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

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Brazil Coach

2010-07-23T18:30:29Z

Fluminense's soccer coach Muricy Ramalho waves to supporters during a training session at the Fluminense training center in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Friday, July 23, 2010. Ramalho was invited by the Brazilian Football Federation on Friday to head the national team. (AP Photo/Felipe Dana)

Brazil Wcup Soccer

2010-05-27T10:46:05Z

Brazil's soccer player Juan, right, arrives to hold a press conference at the Atletico Paranaense training center in Curitiba, southern Brazil, Monday, May 24, 2010. (AP Photo/Maurilio Cheli)

Brazil Flamengo Universidad de Chile Postponed

2010-04-07T14:17:45Z

A passage is flooded in the Maracana soccer stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Wednesday, April 7, 2010. The Copa Libertadores match between Flamengo and Universidad de Chile has been postponed because of heavy rains in Rio de Janeiro. (AP Photo/Silvia Izquierdo)

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Brazil Argentina Soccer

2010-03-28T15:27:22Z

Argentina's Huracan's Chivillo, back, pushes Brazil's Corinthians' Marcelinho Carioca during a friendly soccer match in Sao Paulo, Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

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Brazil Soccer News