Soccer News

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - England was among the eight seeded teams announced here Wednesday for the 2010 World Cup at the expense of France and Portugal, whose tournament just got a lot harder. Full Story »

MANCHESTER (AFP) - Dutch midfielder Nigel de Jong believes that Manchester City's League Cup quarter-final with Arsenal provides a perfect opportunity to make up for their recent problems. Full Story »

BLACKBURN (AFP) - A visit from Chelsea is never less than daunting: when they roll into your home stadium fresh from marmalising their supposed title rivals Arsenal on their own patch it becomes positively nerve-shredding. Full Story »

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Italy under-21 striker Federico Macheda has been rewarded for helping Manchester United win last season's Premier League title race with a four-year contract extension at Old Trafford. Full Story »

BERLIN (AFP) - Schalke 04's German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is being courted by Manchester United as they look to eventually replace Edwin van der Sar, according to a report citing the player's agent Wednesday. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - The Spanish football federation (RFEF) is to investigate two second division clubs and seven professional players for possible match-fixing, one of the clubs concerned said Wednesday. Full Story »

CAPE TOWN (AFP) - David Beckham is the key in selling England's struggling bid for the 2018 World Cup and he must be used at every opportunity, according to FIFA president Sepp Blatter. Full Story »

BERLIN (AFP) - Bayern Munich's France star Franck Ribery said Wednesday although his troublesome left knee is back to full fitness, he is doubtful to face Juventus in next week's crucial Champions League match. Full Story »

MADRID (AFP) - Real Madrid playmaker Kaka is doubtful for the club's Champions League away match to Marseille next week after he picked up a groin injury over the weekend, Spanish media reported Wednesday. Full Story »

BERLIN (AFP) - Former Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann has ruled out coaching a Bundesliga side again and has brushed off reports that linked him to Rafael Benitez's job at Premier League side Liverpool. Full Story »

LONDON - Defending champion Manchester United advanced to the League Cup semifinals Tuesday by beating Tottenham 2-0, while Aston Villa won 4-2 over Portsmouth. Full Story »

Prepare to be disappointed, South Africans. One of the world's leading sports economists says you're not going to get rich hosting next year's World Cup. Full Story »

SEATTLE - They were railed and criticized for reaching the championship of Major League Soccer despite a losing record in the regular season. Full Story »

LOS ANGELES - The City Council has voted to submit a bid for Los Angeles to become a host city of the World Cup in 2018 or 2022. Full Story »

SAINT-DENIS, France - France qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup when officials missed an obvious hand ball by Thierry Henry that led to William Gallas' overtime goal in a 1-1 tie against Ireland on Wednesday night. Full Story »

CAPE TOWN, South Africa - France will not be a seeded team for Friday's World Cup draw, meaning Les Bleus could face powerful teams such as Brazil or Spain in the group stage. Full Story »

BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. - Real Salt Lake advanced to its first MLS Cup final by beating the Chicago Fire 5-4 on penalty kicks after 120 scoreless minutes in the Eastern Conference final Saturday night. Full Story »

New Zealand reached the World Cup for the first time since 1982, with Cameroon and Nigeria also qualifying Saturday for next year's soccer showcase in South Africa. Full Story »