Soccer Sports News & Betting

South Korea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng has begun training with Celtic even though he cannot play for his new club until next month.

Ki trained with his new teammates for the first time in snow and ice on Thursday and says he expects to be playing in the Scottish Premier League by the middle of January.

The 20-year-old Ki is eligible to make his debut in the Jan. 3 match against fierce city rival Rangers but says he may not be fit enough by then.

Ki says he will play if manager Tony Mowbray wants him to but that the season back home finished in November, so I need to build my body strength a bit more.

Ki joined from FC Seoul this month on a four-year contract.

Andrey Arshavin admits playing in the Premier League has been tougher than he imagined - but expects the Gunners to mount a title challenge.

The Russian star joined Arsenal at the start of 2009 from Zenit St Petersburg and has now become a firm fans favourite.

A return of 12 goals in 27 league games has followed for Arshavin, but he admits things in England have been tougher than expected.

I expected before I moved to England, if you are a good player if you play for a big team it is easier, Arshavin told Sky Sports News.

But even if you play against Burnley or Wolverhampton, it is not easy - you dont have time to turn or do any dribbling, if you get two touches youre lucky.

Arshavin is hopeful Arsenal will mount a serious title challenge in the New Year but admits they cannot afford to drop many more points.

We have had some chances to be very close to the top but we have not taken them so I am a little disappointed, he said.

But now if we win games in hand we are still in the race but at the same time we cannot lose more points.

Arshavin is full of praise for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger.

He gave me freedom, he requires of me to play as I see on the pitch, he said.

He also paid tribute to the Gunners faithful, adding: I am happy, I sometimes think they like me more than my wife.

The Spanish football federation says Vicente del Bosque will coach Spain through 2012 after agreeing to a two-year contract extension.

Federation president Angel Villar says Del Bosques extension was a unanimous decision after the 59-year-old Spaniard clinched the teams spot in next years World Cup.

Del Bosque replaced Luis Aragones after Spains European Championship triumph in June last year.

Spain has won 21 of the 22 games under Del Bosque and is one of the favorites for next years finals in South Africa.

American businessman Stan Kroenke has increased his stake in Arsenal and is now within 17 shares of the threshold that forces him to make a takeover bid.

Kroenke, who owns 29.9 percent of Arsenal, acquired 25 more shares last week at a cost of 212,500 pounds ($342,400), the Premier League club said Monday.

If the Denver-based businessman reaches 30 percent, he has to make an offer for the remaining shares in Arsenal Holdings.

If Kroenke manages to acquire more than 50 percent of the shares he will gain legal control of the club. If he reaches 90 percent he can compulsorily purchase the remaining shares.

But if he fails to surpass the 50 percent level, he is prohibited from making another takeover bid for at least a year - unless asked to do so by the club.

But Russian businessman Alisher Usmanov - the clubs second-largest shareholder - signaled his interest in a takeover earlier this month by taking his stake beyond 26 percent through investment vehicle Red and White Holdings.

Unlike Kroenke, Usmanov has not been invited on the board of directors.

Kroenke, who first bought a 9.99 percent stake in Arsenal in April 2007, also owns the Colorado Rapids of Major League SOCCER, the NBAs Denver Nuggets and the NHLs Colorado Avalanche.

Lionel Messi added FIFAs World Player of the Year award to his growing list of accolades Monday, completing a nearly perfect campaign in which his club won an unprecedented trio of Spanish and European titles.

Messi received the award at a gala ceremony in Zurich, easily outdistancing the last two winners - Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka - along with his Barcelona teammates Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta in voting among national team captains and coaches.

Messi also received the Ballon DOr as the best player in Europe after FC Barcelona won the Spanish league and cup and the Champions League. He sealed the teams first Club World Cup on Saturday with an extra-time goal to beat Estudiantes 2-1.

All thats missing from the 22-year-old Argentines resume is a World Cup title.

It is beautiful to achieve a year that cannot possibly be improved, Messi said through a translator, calling the FIFA award the icing on the cake.

Messi, who was runner-up the last two years, received 1,047 points in voting. Ronaldo was second with 352 points, followed by Xavi with 196 points.

The womens award went to Marta for the fourth year in a row. The 23-year-old Brazilian playmaker won out over teammate Cristiane, Kelly Smith of England, and German stars Birgit Prinz and Inka Grings.

Im really surprised, Marta said.

Nobody was surprised that Messi won the award, after scoring 38 goals in 51 matches in all competitions during 2008-09 season. He has 15 goals in 22 games already as Barcelona has surged to the top of La Liga and back to the Champions League knockout phase.

His form with Argentina has been less spectacular.

The South American team stumbled into the World Cup after late winners in the final qualifying matches against Peru and Uruguay, with Messi in particular appearing confused and uninspired since Diego Maradona took over as coach last year.

Maradona has labeled Messi his successor on the field, and Messi has already surpassed the former great in terms of successes at the club level. But his only international triumph was an Olympic gold medal in 2006, and he will have to play better to lead Argentina to a third World Cup and its first since Maradona inspired victory in 1986.

Asked about his play with Argentina, Messi said he didnt know why hes been unable to recapture his club form with his country.

Argentina had a hard time in the qualifying round, he said, but the World Cup is something different. I just hope the team and I can play better.

The late England player and manager Bobby Robson received FIFAs fair play award, while the presidential award for contributions to soccer and society went to Jordans Queen Rania.

The world governing body also announced its first World XI mens team, which included six players from the Spanish league and five from the Premier League.

Real Madrids Iker Casillas was goalkeeper, with Manchester Uniteds Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra joining Chelseas John Terry and Barcelonas Dani Alves on defense. Xavi, Iniesta and Liverpools Steven Gerrard were picked as midfielders, with Messi, Ronaldo and Liverpool striker Fernando Torres in attack.

The short list of candidates for Player of the Year highlighted the shift in soccer power over the past year to Spain, whose national side is the reigning European champion and whose club sides Barcelona and Real Madrid shared all five finalists for the award.

Ronaldo was the runaway winner in 2008 after a season during which he scored 42 goals and won the European championship with Manchester United. The English side was beaten in this years final by Barcelona, and the 24-year-old Portuguese winger moved to Real Madrid in the offseason to join Kaka, the 2007 winner of the FIFA award who transferred from AC Milan.

Ronaldo was honored at the gala for scoring the best goal of the year, a 40-yard shot against Porto in last seasons Champions League. Ronaldo hailed Messi for having played very well but credited his rivals success to Barcelonas fluid play among teammates.

Xavi and Iniesta also deserve the award, Ronaldo said. If I had to choose, I would say all three of them.

Xavi and Iniesta have formed the backbone of the worlds best midfield, their silky passing, penetrating runs and sublime distribution of the ball perfectly complimenting Barcelonas three-pronged attack of Messi, Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

It is a combination that has also been at the heart of Spains rise to No. 1 in the world, and has the potential to lead Spain to its first World Cup title in South Africa.

We have great hopes, Xavi said. Lets see if this is the moment for Spain.

Argentine club Estudiantes is the last team standing between Barcelona and a sixth major trophy of 2009.

The Copa Libertadores champions will face their European counterparts on Saturday in the Club World Cup final at the Zayed Sports City stadium.

Its going to be a matchup between titans, said Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola, whose team beat Manchester United, Athletic Bilbao and Shakhtar Donetsk in cup finals in 2009.

Estudiantes captain Juan Sebastian Veron called it the biggest match of his career.

Obviously this is not just like winning any trophy, Veron said. It wont be just another day. Itll be the day.

Barcelona will have Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi available again after recovering from an ankle injury, but fellow FIFA Player of the Year finalist Andres Iniesta is out with a leg injury.

Its a final so there are no favorites, said Messi, who scored the winning goal against Atlante in the semifinals. (But) we need to win to close out the year with another title not only for the historical importance to the club but to world football also.

Iniestas absence is one of the few advantages that Estudiantes - led by Argentina playmaker Veron - has.

There are a lot of factors in play. Weve got a huge challenge tomorrow and we have to give our maximum, coach Alejandro Sabella said. It doesnt bother me that theyre favorites. We have a team with a lot of spirit.

Estudiantes, which beat Asian champion Pohang Steelers of South Korea 2-1 in the semifinals, won the competition once in 1968, when it was known as the Intercontinental Cup. It played a physical game then and Barcelona was ready for a physical game now.

We have two Argentines in our team and we know how they act and what they like, Guardiola said Friday. They do have other qualities that are not aggressive. Its up to the referee to control things.

Verons father Juan Ramon was on the team that beat Manchester United 1-0 in 1968. However, both Veron and Sabella objected to the animals nickname that squad earned for its physical play, a reputation that has followed the club.

We always go onto the field with 11 players and we always aim to leave with 11, Sabella said.

Barcelona is making its third final appearance after losses in 1992 and 2006, the last setting off a season and a half to forget. The Catalan club lost two straight league titles to Madrid, and Ronaldinho was better remembered for off-field problems than his dribbles on it.

We dont have to make up for anything, Guardiola said of the final in Japan, when Barcelona lost to Brazilian club Internacional 1-0. Up to now I havent told them anything. They already know the task in front of us. We have a fantastic opportunity to crown the season.

Estudiantes can capitalize on one element - Barcelonas tired legs.

The Spanish clubs condensed December schedule has taken its toll on the roster of internationals, who showed little flair and trailed Atlante 1-0 early.

We have to get over (the fatigue), said Guardiola, who is in his second year as coach. We have holidays coming up. If we have the desire to do something very important, then we cant stop now.

AC Milan midfielder David Beckham will get the matchup he wished for against former club Manchester United in the first knockout round of the Champions League.

The one-time Old Trafford favorite - who returns to Italy next month for a second loan spell from the Los Angeles Galaxy - had said before Fridays draw he would relish the chance to play against his old team.

I think David wanted this match and destiny looked after him, Milan director Umberto Gandini said at UEFA headquarters.

United spokesman Phil Townsend said Beckham would get a fantastic reception on his first return to the club he helped become European champion in 1999.

He was a terrific servant for the club and we all hope he will be playing, Townsend said.

Milan will host the English champion on Feb. 16, and United - as a group winner - has Home advantage in the second leg on March 10.

Also, Italian champion Inter Milan will face Chelsea in a meeting of coach Jose Mourinhos current and former clubs.

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti said it would be an emotional game for Mourinho to oppose some of the players with whom he won two straight Premier League titles in 2005 and 06.

Mourinho did a very good job and maintained a very good relationship with these players. Thats normal, Ancelotti said.

Its difficult because I think that Inter are, at this moment, the strongest team in Italy. They are at the top of the table. Its difficult also for them, though, to play against Chelsea.

The first leg on Feb. 24 will be played at the San Siro, where Ancelotti spent the past eight years coaching AC Milan, and won two European titles.

It is another derby between Mourinho and Ancelotti, but in Milan and in London, Inter chief executive Ernesto Paolillo said. (Chelsea) is the team I wanted to avoid but this is the destiny. Mourinho has a lot of motivation to do well.

Former Inter forward Luis Figo said his fellow Portuguese had nothing to prove to Chelsea, which stages the return March 16.

(Mourinho) brought titles to them and I think people there love him, Figo said. It will be an emotional return for him.

Defending champion FC Barcelona was drawn to play Stuttgart, which has struggled in the Bundesliga and fired coach Markus Babbel this month. The Germans host the first leg on Feb. 23 with a March 17 return at the Nou Camp.

We have to be very smart and not have too much confidence, Barcelona director of football Txiki Begiristain said. They will have time to prepare for these games against us and we must be ready.

British bookmaker William Hill made Barcelona a 3-1 favorite to win the trophy, with Chelsea next at 9-2 and Real Madrid at 5-1.

Nine-time champion Madrid - whose Santiago Bernabeu stadium hosts the final on May 22 - will take on Lyon in France in the Feb. 16 first leg.

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas said it would be a privilege to play against Madrid.

We wont be the favorites but we will try to show that the addition of the greatest stars in the world doesnt make everything, Aulas said of Madrids 250 million ($360 million) offseason spending that lured Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka and former Lyon forward Karim Benzema.

No doubt Karim is the happiest, Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano said. Well go with utmost seriousness to advance, something that has eluded us in recent years. But, as a group, we are getting stronger and believing and well go into it with confidence.

Arsenal drew a comparatively low-key matchup against FC Porto, with the first match in Portugal on Feb. 17 and the return on March 9.

(Manchester United and Chelsea) will capture the headlines and that probably suits us, Arsenal club secretary David Miles said. We will go about our work and do a thorough job.

Sevilla coach Manolo Jimenez was content to draw CSKA Moscow despite expected subzero temperatures in the Russian capital on Feb. 24.

You have to respect every team but I prefer CSKA before Inter, Jimenez said. The biggest handicap could be the playing surface, which is artificial. Its a team that has completed its season and now it has time to prepare for the series.

In other matchups, it was: Olympiakos vs. Bordeaux; and four-time winner Bayern Munich vs. Fiorentina.

Raymond Domenech was confirmed as France coach Friday and will lead his team at next years World Cup in South Africa, French federation president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said.

Earlier this week, a member of the federations governing body, Guy Chambily, had called for Domenech to leave in order to stop the bloodshed.

It would not have been very professional to put somebody else in charge of the France team, Escalettes said. It would have been difficult for the players to accept that. They would have felt betrayed.

Escalettes added that federation members were asked about the possibility of dismissing Domenech but none except Chambily wanted to debate the matter.

Domenech has been harshly criticized for Frances poor results during its qualifying campaign. France booked its place at the World Cup through the playoffs with a controversial 2-1 win over Ireland.

After its 1-0 win in Dublin, France secured a 1-1 draw at the Stade de France thanks to Barcelona striker Thierry Henrys handball in the build-up to William Gallas equalizer.

Domenech was appointed in 2004 and guided France to the World Cup final in 2006 only for it to crash out in the first round of the European championships two years later.

Escalettes said that France will set up its World Cup training camp in Tunisia. Following a friendly against Costa Rica on May 25 at the Stade de France, the French players will travel to the town of Sousse and will play Tunisia in Rades on May 30.

France will then fly to Reunion island in the Indian Ocean to face China in June. France will start its World Cup campaign against Uruguay on June 11.

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes was left reeling after Joleon Lescotts injury and a lacklustre defeat at Tottenham on Wednesday evening.

England centre-back Lescott has undergone surgery and will be out for up to two months, with the news emerging on the eve of the 3-0 defeat at White Hart Lane courtesy of Niko Kranjcars double and Jermain Defoes strike.

Hughes substituted Robinho for Roque Santa Cruz before the hour mark and the Brazil international headed straight to the dressing room rather than joining his team-mates on the bench.

He wasnt injured, Hughes said. There is no hard-and-fast rule that he has to sit on the bench. He started reasonably well down the left-hand side. He was involved and linked with our front guys but as the game wore on he found it more difficult to have a positive impact so we made a change.

In the clash between the two teams with aspirations to qualify for the Champions League, Hughes was disappointed with his teams failure to perform.

Were disappointed, he said. We didnt hit any kind of level. For the first 30 minutes we took the game to them but in terms of producing a real threat we were not creating.

At the moment we are having difficulty when the ball goes into the box. We were disappointed at half-time because we thought we should have done better with the goal. The second goal killed us.

There are no excuses, we missed personnel and were lacking width because of that but we had a team good enough to get a positive result.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp feels City will still challenge for a Champions League place and will be title contenders within five years.

Backed by the billions from Citys owners, Hughes can go into the transfer window next month, but Redknapp warned: Its about getting the right players. Sometimes you have star players who dont perform. You saw the game, you see people out there and you think they missed Craig Bellamy.

Of Robinhos performance, Redknapp said: We kept him quiet, Redknapp added. Charlie (Vedran Corluka) played him well and he wasnt a threat.

Spurs returned to winning ways after losing to Wolves at the weekend.

People over-react to one result, suddenly you are finished and out of the race, Redknapp said. Its unbelievable, the over-reaction. But this is the game.

Spain has been ranked No 1 in the year-end FIFA standings for the second straight year.

In rankings published Wednesday, the European champion maintained the leading status it took over last month from South American champion Brazil.

The Netherlands and world champion Italy stayed third and fourth as the top 10 remained unchanged.

Cameroon leads the African nations at No. 11, the United States tops the CONCACAF region at No. 14 and Australia heads the Asian confederation at No. 21.

World Cup qualifier New Zealand drops five places but still leads Oceania at No. 82.

Algeria, which also will play in the World Cupnext year, continued its rise to No. 26 - its best since the rankings were launched in 1993.