Brazil pick daring Robinho after two-year absence
SAO PAULO (Reuters) – AC Milan forward Robinho was the surprise choice on Thursday when coach Luiz Felipe Scolari named Brazil’s squad to face Honduras and Chile in friendlies next month.
Coutinho in line for Liverpool return
(Reuters) – Liverpool midfielder Philippe Coutinho is in line for a return to action for his side’s top of the table clash against Premier League leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
Russia coach Capello ignores clamor for Arshavin recall
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russia coach Fabio Capello ignored calls from the media and fans to bring back Andrey Arshavin as he named his squad on Thursday for next month’s friendlies against Serbia and South Korea.
Red Bull defend Vettel’s donut delight
ABU DHABI (Reuters) – Sebastian Vettel was right to celebrate his fourth title with tyre-smoking ‘donuts’ in India last weekend and stewards should be allowed to show more leniency on such occasions, said Red Bull boss Christian Horner.
Chelsea sign Burkina Faso teenager Traore
LONDON (Reuters) – Chelsea have agreed to sign 18-year-old Burkina Faso midfielder Bertrand Traore on a four and a half year contract, the club said on their website (www.chelseafc.com) on Thursday.
Germany midfielder Bender extends Leverkusen deal to 2019
BERLIN (Reuters) – Germany international Lars Bender has extended his contract at Bayer Leverkusen by two more years to 2019, the club said on Thursday.
Berdych, Stepanek to lead Czech title defense against Serbia
PRAGUE (Reuters) – World number seven Tomas Berdych and Radek Stepanek will lead the Czech Republic when the title holders take on Serbia in the Davis Cup final in Belgrade on November 15-17.
Kiessling still concerned over ‘phantom goal’ fallout
BERLIN (Reuters) – Bayer Leverkusen striker Stefan Kiessling is still dealing with the effects of the ‘phantom goal’ he scored against Hoffenheim earlier this month despite the German federation ruling against a replay of the encounter.
Police detain 78 fans over violence at Russian Cup match
(Reuters) – Police detained 78 soccer fans in connection with crowd violence during the Russian Cup match between Shinnik Yaroslavl and Spartak Moscow on Wednesday, the head of the interior ministry in the Yaroslavl region said on Thursday.
Ex-Dutch defender Ricksen has motor neurone disease
(Reuters) – Former Dutch international Fernando Ricksen has revealed he has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
