PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) - Luis Fabiano scored a pair of first-half goals to help Brazil defeat Italy 3-0 Sunday and eliminate the world champions from the Confederations Cup.
Brazil scored the three goals in an eight-minute span just before halftime, with Luis Fabiano getting on the board in the 37th with a low shot from inside the area and adding another goal from close range in the 43rd.
Brazil added to the lead in a breakaway in the 45th when Italy defender Andrea Dossena scored an own-goal.
Italy needed to beat Brazil by at least two goals to reach the semifinals without having to depend on the other Group B match between Egypt and the United States, but it was outplayed from the start by the Brazilians.
6/21/2009
Cannavaro matches Maldini with 126th cap for Italy
PRETORIA, South Africa (AP) - Italy captain Fabio Cannavaro matched Paolo Maldini's record for most national team appearances with his 126th cap Sunday against Brazil at the Confederations Cup.
"It's very gratifying to still be a part of this squad," the 35-year-old defender said earlier this week. "It's always different wearing Italy's jersey, and matching someone like Paolo is really an honor."
Cannavaro made his Italy debut more than 12 years ago against Northern Ireland. He took over as Italy's captain when Maldini retired from the national team after the 2002 World Cup.
The high point of Cannavaro's career came during Italy's run to the 2006 World Cup title. The Naples native played superbly in all seven matches in Germany and won the FIFA World Player of the Year and Golden Ball awards that year for his efforts.
"It's tough - maybe impossible - to get back to that level," Cannavaro said. "I played at an unbelievable level for seven games. It was really incredible."
Known for his superb tackles and ability on headers - despite his diminutive size of 1.76 meters (5-foot-9) - Cannavaro was a starter at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.
At Euro 2008, he injured his ankle during Italy's first training session in Austria and missed the entire tournament. Cannavaro also missed the opening game of this year's Confederations Cup due to a right calf injury, then remained in South Africa despite the death of his grandfather.
Cannavaro followed a long tradition of great Italian defenders, such as Franco Baresi, Giuseppe Bergomi, Maldini and Alessandro Nesta. While 24-year-old Giorgio Chiellini is developing into a reliable starter alongside Cannavaro, the pool of prospects at the position is thinning.
"Italy has had great defenders and goalkeepers for the last 20 years, whereas now we have more midfielders and forwards, but I'm sure that in five or six years defending will be back in style," Cannavaro said.
Cannavaro's club career has paled in comparison to his international exploits.
After establishing himself with Parma, he struggled during a two-year stint with Inter Milan, then had the two Serie A titles he won with Juventus revoked during the Italian match-fixing scandal - which immediately preceded Italy's World Cup victory.
Cannavaro followed coach Fabio Capello from Juventus to Real Madrid after the scandal. While he contributed to Madrid's Spanish league titles in 2007 and 2008, Cannavaro was often criticized in Spain for not performing up to his potential.
When his contract expired after last season, Cannavaro signed with Juventus again despite the Turin club's fans protesting that he was "a traitor" - an incident Cannavaro addressed recently.
"We need to start re-educating people and teach sporting culture," he said. "Italy is a great country, one of the most beautiful in the world, but I've always gone my own way."
"It's very gratifying to still be a part of this squad," the 35-year-old defender said earlier this week. "It's always different wearing Italy's jersey, and matching someone like Paolo is really an honor."
Cannavaro made his Italy debut more than 12 years ago against Northern Ireland. He took over as Italy's captain when Maldini retired from the national team after the 2002 World Cup.
The high point of Cannavaro's career came during Italy's run to the 2006 World Cup title. The Naples native played superbly in all seven matches in Germany and won the FIFA World Player of the Year and Golden Ball awards that year for his efforts.
"It's tough - maybe impossible - to get back to that level," Cannavaro said. "I played at an unbelievable level for seven games. It was really incredible."
Known for his superb tackles and ability on headers - despite his diminutive size of 1.76 meters (5-foot-9) - Cannavaro was a starter at the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups, as well as the 2000 and 2004 European Championships.
At Euro 2008, he injured his ankle during Italy's first training session in Austria and missed the entire tournament. Cannavaro also missed the opening game of this year's Confederations Cup due to a right calf injury, then remained in South Africa despite the death of his grandfather.
Cannavaro followed a long tradition of great Italian defenders, such as Franco Baresi, Giuseppe Bergomi, Maldini and Alessandro Nesta. While 24-year-old Giorgio Chiellini is developing into a reliable starter alongside Cannavaro, the pool of prospects at the position is thinning.
"Italy has had great defenders and goalkeepers for the last 20 years, whereas now we have more midfielders and forwards, but I'm sure that in five or six years defending will be back in style," Cannavaro said.
Cannavaro's club career has paled in comparison to his international exploits.
After establishing himself with Parma, he struggled during a two-year stint with Inter Milan, then had the two Serie A titles he won with Juventus revoked during the Italian match-fixing scandal - which immediately preceded Italy's World Cup victory.
Cannavaro followed coach Fabio Capello from Juventus to Real Madrid after the scandal. While he contributed to Madrid's Spanish league titles in 2007 and 2008, Cannavaro was often criticized in Spain for not performing up to his potential.
When his contract expired after last season, Cannavaro signed with Juventus again despite the Turin club's fans protesting that he was "a traitor" - an incident Cannavaro addressed recently.
"We need to start re-educating people and teach sporting culture," he said. "Italy is a great country, one of the most beautiful in the world, but I've always gone my own way."
Arshavin wants Zenit finish
Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin has conceded his intention to finish his career off at former club Zenit St Petersburg.
The talented Russian is revered at the Ukrainian giants after his nine-year spell there, between 2000 and 2009, which coincided with the capture of the Russian Premier League, Russian Cup and UEFA Cup.
Arshavin moved to north London in January after impressing for Russia at Euro 2008 and quickly acclimatised to English football.
Having finished the campaign as Arsenal's most in-form player, his four-goal Anfield salvo will long be remembered, Arsene Wenger can feel confident he has again worked the market cleverly.
Arshavin is happy in the capital but concedes he would one day like to again wear Zenit colours.
"I played for Zenit for a long time and now I want to play abroad and then return to St Petersburg to finish off my career there," he told Radio Zenit.
The talented Russian is revered at the Ukrainian giants after his nine-year spell there, between 2000 and 2009, which coincided with the capture of the Russian Premier League, Russian Cup and UEFA Cup.
Arshavin moved to north London in January after impressing for Russia at Euro 2008 and quickly acclimatised to English football.
Having finished the campaign as Arsenal's most in-form player, his four-goal Anfield salvo will long be remembered, Arsene Wenger can feel confident he has again worked the market cleverly.
Arshavin is happy in the capital but concedes he would one day like to again wear Zenit colours.
"I played for Zenit for a long time and now I want to play abroad and then return to St Petersburg to finish off my career there," he told Radio Zenit.
U.S. beats Egypt 3-0 to secure semifinal spot
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) - The United States inserted Brad Guzan in goal against Egypt, one of three changes to the starting lineup for its final Confederations Cup first-round match Sunday.
Guzan, the backup for Aston Villa in England, took over from Everton's Tim Howard, the regular starter. Ricardo Clark, who missed Thursday's 3-0 loss to Brazil while serving a one-game suspension from a red card in the opening 3-1 loss to world champion Italy, was back in midfield in place of Sacha Kljestan, who in turn was serving a one-game suspension from a red card against Brazil.
Forward Charlie Davies replaced DaMarcus Beasley, his first start since a Jan. 24 exhibition against Sweden.
The back four defenders remained the same, with Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu in central defense, and Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector at outside backs. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan joined Clark in the midfield, and Jozy Altidore was with Davies at forward.
After losing its opener 4-3 to Brazil, Egypt upset Italy 1-0.
The United States would join European champion Spain and host South Africa in the semifinals by beating Egypt by at least three goals, and either Italy scoring three fewer goals than the United States in a loss to Brazil or the victory margins of the U.S. and Brazil totaling seven or more.
Egypt, the African champion, played the United States just once before, winning 3-1 in June 1987 at Seoul, South Korea.
Guzan, the backup for Aston Villa in England, took over from Everton's Tim Howard, the regular starter. Ricardo Clark, who missed Thursday's 3-0 loss to Brazil while serving a one-game suspension from a red card in the opening 3-1 loss to world champion Italy, was back in midfield in place of Sacha Kljestan, who in turn was serving a one-game suspension from a red card against Brazil.
Forward Charlie Davies replaced DaMarcus Beasley, his first start since a Jan. 24 exhibition against Sweden.
The back four defenders remained the same, with Jay DeMerit and Oguchi Onyewu in central defense, and Jonathan Bornstein and Jonathan Spector at outside backs. Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan joined Clark in the midfield, and Jozy Altidore was with Davies at forward.
After losing its opener 4-3 to Brazil, Egypt upset Italy 1-0.
The United States would join European champion Spain and host South Africa in the semifinals by beating Egypt by at least three goals, and either Italy scoring three fewer goals than the United States in a loss to Brazil or the victory margins of the U.S. and Brazil totaling seven or more.
Egypt, the African champion, played the United States just once before, winning 3-1 in June 1987 at Seoul, South Korea.
Del Bosque: Maybe Raul should be at Confed Cup
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - Even as Spain reshapes football's record books, the legacy of Raul Gonzalez continues to trail the world's top-ranked team.
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Sunday, a day after leading the European champions to a record-breaking 15th straight victory, that maybe the iconic Real Madrid striker should be with the team at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
"I don't know if we made a mistake or if we didn't make one by not bringing him, because you also have to be respectful of the past," Del Bosque said Sunday in an interview with The Associated Press and one other reporter. "He's someone who has donned the Spanish jersey more than 100 times. In other countries, with this fact, you have to be very careful. But we thought that what had been done without Raul worked and so we continued on with what was given to us."
Former Spain coach Luis Aragones endured constant questioning over Raul, Spain's all-time leading scorer, since dropping him from the team after a 3-2 European Championship qualifying loss at Northern Ireland in September 2006. Spain's last loss came two months later, and a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday stretched its unbeaten run to 35 games, a record that matched Brazil's 1993-96 streak. Spain reached the Confederations Cup semifinals with a perfect record from Group A.
The last 13 wins have come under Del Bosque, who believes that the continued saga over Raul had something to do with Spain's inability to let go of its most recognizable star.
"It's a little of everything," Del Bosque said. "The debate is a football one, because he's still playing at Real Madrid. And if Real Madrid has two strikers and one of them is Raul - that's a fact."
Raul, who has scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain, has had two prolific seasons since being dropped, scoring 47 goals in all competitions as Madrid won the league title in 2007-08.
Without Raul, Spain has reached the top of FIFA's rankings after ending 44 years of futility in major tournaments with last year's European Championship victory.
"It wasn't an easy decision, and I'm sure that we probably didn't act so well with him but we did what we believed was convenient," Del Bosque said.
Del Bosque, who took over following that Euro 2008 win, said his decision to stick with Aragones' winning formula - from tactics to training methods - paid off by not disrupting a group that has come together, often calling each other teammates on the field and friends off it.
"We had a group that already had good relations and there was a way of playing that was practically untouchable and that we didn't have to change much," the Spanish coach said. "It was an easy arrival."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque said Sunday, a day after leading the European champions to a record-breaking 15th straight victory, that maybe the iconic Real Madrid striker should be with the team at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
"I don't know if we made a mistake or if we didn't make one by not bringing him, because you also have to be respectful of the past," Del Bosque said Sunday in an interview with The Associated Press and one other reporter. "He's someone who has donned the Spanish jersey more than 100 times. In other countries, with this fact, you have to be very careful. But we thought that what had been done without Raul worked and so we continued on with what was given to us."
Former Spain coach Luis Aragones endured constant questioning over Raul, Spain's all-time leading scorer, since dropping him from the team after a 3-2 European Championship qualifying loss at Northern Ireland in September 2006. Spain's last loss came two months later, and a 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday stretched its unbeaten run to 35 games, a record that matched Brazil's 1993-96 streak. Spain reached the Confederations Cup semifinals with a perfect record from Group A.
The last 13 wins have come under Del Bosque, who believes that the continued saga over Raul had something to do with Spain's inability to let go of its most recognizable star.
"It's a little of everything," Del Bosque said. "The debate is a football one, because he's still playing at Real Madrid. And if Real Madrid has two strikers and one of them is Raul - that's a fact."
Raul, who has scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain, has had two prolific seasons since being dropped, scoring 47 goals in all competitions as Madrid won the league title in 2007-08.
Without Raul, Spain has reached the top of FIFA's rankings after ending 44 years of futility in major tournaments with last year's European Championship victory.
"It wasn't an easy decision, and I'm sure that we probably didn't act so well with him but we did what we believed was convenient," Del Bosque said.
Del Bosque, who took over following that Euro 2008 win, said his decision to stick with Aragones' winning formula - from tactics to training methods - paid off by not disrupting a group that has come together, often calling each other teammates on the field and friends off it.
"We had a group that already had good relations and there was a way of playing that was practically untouchable and that we didn't have to change much," the Spanish coach said. "It was an easy arrival."
Egypt denies local reports of 'womanizing'
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - The Egyptian delegation at the Confederations Cup denied local news reports Sunday that players who were robbed last week at the team hotel were "drinking and womanizing" and it was those women who stole from them.
Five Egyptian football players said their Johannesburg hotel rooms were burgled Thursday while they were beating world champion Italy at Ellis Park stadium.
The Sunday Independent quoted an unnamed "senior policeman" as saying: "No money was taken from the safe, but we have heard that they had been drinking and womanizing, and the same women later robbed them."
Egyptian delegation head Mahmoud Taher denied that report and asked the police to also issue a denial.
"Security officials should have been focused on their duties and thorough investigations and reporting the results," Taher said in a statement. "After what was published by the newspapers today ... we are demanding a formal statement from the police department to either deny these allegations or to provide us with evidence they have (if there is any)."
Taher also demanded a formal apology from the newspapers that printed the claim.
Egypt pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, beating Italy 1-0 in front of a pro-Egyptian crowd at Ellis Park.
Both FIFA and the local organizing committee have declined to comment on the case because the investigation is ongoing, but Taher gave some details of the incident on Sunday.
"The theft was discovered by some of the players after their arrival from the Egypt-Italy game and was reported to the hotel and the team liaison officer, who reported it to the LOC (local organizing committee) and FIFA," Taher said. "Police arrived in the morning and questioned the players who had been robbed and wrote their reports. We are still waiting for the results of these investigations."
Taher also said the local security would not have allowed anyone into the players' rooms.
"The LOC has provided very tight security for the Egyptian team, especially inside the hotel and with their transportation issues, since their arrival," Taher said. "This tight security measure does not allow any strangers access to the floor of the delegation."
Five Egyptian football players said their Johannesburg hotel rooms were burgled Thursday while they were beating world champion Italy at Ellis Park stadium.
The Sunday Independent quoted an unnamed "senior policeman" as saying: "No money was taken from the safe, but we have heard that they had been drinking and womanizing, and the same women later robbed them."
Egyptian delegation head Mahmoud Taher denied that report and asked the police to also issue a denial.
"Security officials should have been focused on their duties and thorough investigations and reporting the results," Taher said in a statement. "After what was published by the newspapers today ... we are demanding a formal statement from the police department to either deny these allegations or to provide us with evidence they have (if there is any)."
Taher also demanded a formal apology from the newspapers that printed the claim.
Egypt pulled off the biggest upset of the tournament, beating Italy 1-0 in front of a pro-Egyptian crowd at Ellis Park.
Both FIFA and the local organizing committee have declined to comment on the case because the investigation is ongoing, but Taher gave some details of the incident on Sunday.
"The theft was discovered by some of the players after their arrival from the Egypt-Italy game and was reported to the hotel and the team liaison officer, who reported it to the LOC (local organizing committee) and FIFA," Taher said. "Police arrived in the morning and questioned the players who had been robbed and wrote their reports. We are still waiting for the results of these investigations."
Taher also said the local security would not have allowed anyone into the players' rooms.
"The LOC has provided very tight security for the Egyptian team, especially inside the hotel and with their transportation issues, since their arrival," Taher said. "This tight security measure does not allow any strangers access to the floor of the delegation."
Lens chief expects Dindane exit
Lens president Gervais Martel admits Aruna Dindane will be leaving the club during the summer - with Arsenal and Tottenham leading the chase.
Dindane has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa and Stoke City also reportedly chasing the powerful Ivorian striker.
Martel says that his Ligue 2 outfit will not be able to hang on to the 28-year-old for much longer and expressed his regret that he will be leaving France.
"Aruna Dindane is a world class player, there are clubs abroad interested in him," he told Sport10.
"I think he will leave and join a foreign club. It is sad because many French clubs can't afford him."
Dindane has stated his desire to play in England before but, according to reports form the Ivory Coast, could end up heading to La Liga if his agent cannot complete a deal by the end of June.
Dindane has attracted interest from numerous Premier League clubs, with Aston Villa and Stoke City also reportedly chasing the powerful Ivorian striker.
Martel says that his Ligue 2 outfit will not be able to hang on to the 28-year-old for much longer and expressed his regret that he will be leaving France.
"Aruna Dindane is a world class player, there are clubs abroad interested in him," he told Sport10.
"I think he will leave and join a foreign club. It is sad because many French clubs can't afford him."
Dindane has stated his desire to play in England before but, according to reports form the Ivory Coast, could end up heading to La Liga if his agent cannot complete a deal by the end of June.
Clarets aim to tie down star McCann
Burnley are set to offer highly-rated midfielder Chris McCann a new four-year deal to ward off £4million interest from Aston Villa.
McCann was in inspirational form last season as the Clarets secured a place in the Premier League via the play-offs and a number of top-flight sides have been tracking the young midfielder's progress.
But amid talk that Villa boss Martin O'Neill is readying a £4million bid for the 21-year-old, Burnley boss Owen Coyle has urged the Clarets to move quickly and secure McCann to a lucrative new deal.
Coyle said of McCann, 21, and his young side: "I am excited about how they will do."
McCann was in inspirational form last season as the Clarets secured a place in the Premier League via the play-offs and a number of top-flight sides have been tracking the young midfielder's progress.
But amid talk that Villa boss Martin O'Neill is readying a £4million bid for the 21-year-old, Burnley boss Owen Coyle has urged the Clarets to move quickly and secure McCann to a lucrative new deal.
Coyle said of McCann, 21, and his young side: "I am excited about how they will do."
Hahnemann: McCarthy has big plans
Wolves new boy Marcus Hahnemann says Mick McCarthy sold him the club by stating his intention to lead the Molineux men to a top-half finish.
The veteran American stopper moved to Molineux on a free transfer from Reading and is largely expected to provide cover and competition for Wayne Hennessey.
But Hahnemann has revealed to the Express and Star how McCarthy plans to take the top flight by storm next season.
"He has big plans for Wolves and he is confident we can do well next season," said the former Reading keeper, who signed a one-year deal.
"The aim is to try to repeat what we achieved with Reading in our first Premier League season when we finished eighth.
"I've looked at their team and I've been impressed. I also visited their training ground which is unbelievable.
"Wolves are a big club with an amazing set-up and I know I've made the right choice."
McCarthy is looking to add at least another four faces to supplement Nenad Milijas and Hahnemann and his vision is shared by chief executive Jez Moxey.
"I think we've got to try to be as high as possible," said Moxey.
"Psychologically, we're not just talking about finishing fourth bottom but looking to finish as high as possible, and who knows what may happen?
"If you look back to my former club Stoke City, who did so well, I think everybody, including me, thought they would be almost certain to go down.
"But Tony Pulis and Peter Coates and everybody there did a superb job.
"If you can end up mid-table as they did in their first season, that would be remarkable."
Hahnemann said meeting McCarthy convinced him Wolves was the right place to come.
"I was surprised by how quickly Wolves initiated it and got it done.
"I spoke to Mick McCarthy about his plans. We both had questions to ask and it was a great to meet him.
"I had already spoken with Kasey Keller about Mick because they were together at Millwall.
"He said Mick was a great guy and to have that kind of recommendation from a good friend meant a lot.
"People have time for Mick and now I can see why."
The veteran American stopper moved to Molineux on a free transfer from Reading and is largely expected to provide cover and competition for Wayne Hennessey.
But Hahnemann has revealed to the Express and Star how McCarthy plans to take the top flight by storm next season.
"He has big plans for Wolves and he is confident we can do well next season," said the former Reading keeper, who signed a one-year deal.
"The aim is to try to repeat what we achieved with Reading in our first Premier League season when we finished eighth.
"I've looked at their team and I've been impressed. I also visited their training ground which is unbelievable.
"Wolves are a big club with an amazing set-up and I know I've made the right choice."
McCarthy is looking to add at least another four faces to supplement Nenad Milijas and Hahnemann and his vision is shared by chief executive Jez Moxey.
"I think we've got to try to be as high as possible," said Moxey.
"Psychologically, we're not just talking about finishing fourth bottom but looking to finish as high as possible, and who knows what may happen?
"If you look back to my former club Stoke City, who did so well, I think everybody, including me, thought they would be almost certain to go down.
"But Tony Pulis and Peter Coates and everybody there did a superb job.
"If you can end up mid-table as they did in their first season, that would be remarkable."
Hahnemann said meeting McCarthy convinced him Wolves was the right place to come.
"I was surprised by how quickly Wolves initiated it and got it done.
"I spoke to Mick McCarthy about his plans. We both had questions to ask and it was a great to meet him.
"I had already spoken with Kasey Keller about Mick because they were together at Millwall.
"He said Mick was a great guy and to have that kind of recommendation from a good friend meant a lot.
"People have time for Mick and now I can see why."
Zola tips Carlo's Blues to challenge
Gianfranco Zola believes Chelsea will pose the biggest challenge to Manchester United's crown following the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti.
The West Ham boss feels Ancelotti will bring an element of competition to the Premier League, believing his Chelsea side will be more than capable of challenging for top honours.
Ancelotti was appointed as boss of the Blues side after mutually terminating his contract with AC Milan.
Zola spent seven years at Stamford Bridge as a player, and believes his countryman can bring success to Chelsea once more.
Speaking to Daily Star Sunday, Zola said: "For Carlo it is an opportunity to start over.
"He will have enormous motivation and with his skills and Chelsea's he can do well, very well.
"He can break Manchester United's dominance, making the Premier League more fascinating."
The West Ham boss feels Ancelotti will bring an element of competition to the Premier League, believing his Chelsea side will be more than capable of challenging for top honours.
Ancelotti was appointed as boss of the Blues side after mutually terminating his contract with AC Milan.
Zola spent seven years at Stamford Bridge as a player, and believes his countryman can bring success to Chelsea once more.
Speaking to Daily Star Sunday, Zola said: "For Carlo it is an opportunity to start over.
"He will have enormous motivation and with his skills and Chelsea's he can do well, very well.
"He can break Manchester United's dominance, making the Premier League more fascinating."
Agent: Sebek on his way to Blues
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has given the green light to the signing of teenage goalkeeper Jan Sebek, according to the player's agent.
Sebek joined the Blues on trial in 2007 but struggled to adapt to life away from the Czech Republic.
The 18-year-old returned to his homeland but was offered the chance to again impress at Stamford Bridge last year.
Upon his return to West London, Sebek was handed the chance to represent the club's reserve side and he kept a clean sheet versus their Arsenal counterparts.
"I can confirm that Sebek is going to sign a professional contract with Chelsea on July 2," Sebek's agent, Pavel Zika, told deniksport.cz.
Sebek said: "It is a dream come true for me. I had been playing football at Tachov until I was 15 and I could not imagine that I would be going elsewhere then.
"After moving to Viktoria Plzen and a first half-year I earned my first international call-up and then the Chelsea offer came."
Sebek joined the Blues on trial in 2007 but struggled to adapt to life away from the Czech Republic.
The 18-year-old returned to his homeland but was offered the chance to again impress at Stamford Bridge last year.
Upon his return to West London, Sebek was handed the chance to represent the club's reserve side and he kept a clean sheet versus their Arsenal counterparts.
"I can confirm that Sebek is going to sign a professional contract with Chelsea on July 2," Sebek's agent, Pavel Zika, told deniksport.cz.
Sebek said: "It is a dream come true for me. I had been playing football at Tachov until I was 15 and I could not imagine that I would be going elsewhere then.
"After moving to Viktoria Plzen and a first half-year I earned my first international call-up and then the Chelsea offer came."
Pellegrino feels Masch may move on
Mauricio Pellegrino admits Barcelona target Javier Mascherano could leave Liverpool this summer as "money always makes the decision".
The Argentina midfielder is said to be a target of Barcelona and it is claimed his agent, Walter Tamer, met with officials of the Spanish club on Wednesday.
Reds manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that Mascherano will not depart the side as he sees the 25-year-old as a vital component of his squad.
However, Anfield coach Pellegrino concedes 'anything is possible' in football, as Barca and Real Madrid continue to be linked with an offer for Mascherano's services.
"Every time negotiations are underway, money always makes the decision," Pellegrino told sport.es. "Anyway, Mascherano is such an important player for us, like other ones can be for Barca.
"I do not want to say anything about it because we already know that in football's world, nothing is impossible."
The Argentina midfielder is said to be a target of Barcelona and it is claimed his agent, Walter Tamer, met with officials of the Spanish club on Wednesday.
Reds manager Rafa Benitez is adamant that Mascherano will not depart the side as he sees the 25-year-old as a vital component of his squad.
However, Anfield coach Pellegrino concedes 'anything is possible' in football, as Barca and Real Madrid continue to be linked with an offer for Mascherano's services.
"Every time negotiations are underway, money always makes the decision," Pellegrino told sport.es. "Anyway, Mascherano is such an important player for us, like other ones can be for Barca.
"I do not want to say anything about it because we already know that in football's world, nothing is impossible."
Moyes has big plans for star Rodwell
Everton boss David Moyes has confirmed he intends to hand teenager Jack Rodwell a more prominent role in his side next season.
England Under-21 international Rodwell is highly rated on Merseyside after making his Toffees debut in 2007 at just 16 years of age.
Moyes believes the midfielder has a bright future ahead of him and plans to further utilise his qualities, after handing him nine Premier League starts last term.
The Scot said in the Daily Star: "We're going to keep trying to bring him on and there have been some periods of the season where he's been very good and some periods where you can see he's still a boy.
"He has only just turned 18. It's going to take experience and time but he has undoubtedly got a good future ahead of him. You can see his ability and we are keen to push him on.
"Next year instead of playing five, six or eight games it might be up to 18 or 20 games depending on how his improvement is. He has got great pace and athleticism."
Reports in Sunday's press have linked Rodwell, who signed a new five-year deal at Everton earlier this year, with a move to Manchester United.
England Under-21 international Rodwell is highly rated on Merseyside after making his Toffees debut in 2007 at just 16 years of age.
Moyes believes the midfielder has a bright future ahead of him and plans to further utilise his qualities, after handing him nine Premier League starts last term.
The Scot said in the Daily Star: "We're going to keep trying to bring him on and there have been some periods of the season where he's been very good and some periods where you can see he's still a boy.
"He has only just turned 18. It's going to take experience and time but he has undoubtedly got a good future ahead of him. You can see his ability and we are keen to push him on.
"Next year instead of playing five, six or eight games it might be up to 18 or 20 games depending on how his improvement is. He has got great pace and athleticism."
Reports in Sunday's press have linked Rodwell, who signed a new five-year deal at Everton earlier this year, with a move to Manchester United.
FIFA: Economy will affect WCup sponsor activities
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - The global financial downturn will not have a direct effect on next year's World Cup in South Africa, but FIFA marketing director Thierry Weil said Sunday it will hamper sponsor activities at the monthlong tournament.
The governing body of world football showed a $184 million profit in 2008 despite the economic slowdown, thanks in part to marketing deals struck for the 2010 World Cup.
"It would be wrong to say we will not be affected by the crisis because, at the end of the day, our partners, they will a little bit reduce their activities," Weil said. "So it will not affect us directly, but (it will) when it comes to activities and especially to activities like youth programs."
FIFA has six sponsor partners for both this year's Confederations Cup and next year's World Cup, and Weil noted that they bring children into the host country to help promote their products.
"In that regard, most probably they will only bring half from foreign countries and they will more activate locally," Weil said. "Which is actually a nice thing that local kids will get the right to be part of those programs, but that's the only ... affect we (will) have."
FIFA and the local organizers also spoke about accommodation issues facing visiting fans for next year's World Cup and the prospect of fan parks, areas away from stadiums where supporters without tickets or those in different cities can gather to watch World Cup matches on big-screen televisions.
About 450,000 fans are expected to travel to South Africa next year for the 32-team tournament played around the country, and reports are already surfacing that there will not be enough hotel rooms to house everyone.
"We're looking at all forms of accommodation, hotel and non-hotel accommodation," said Jermaine Craig, a spokesman for the World Cup organizing committee. "And certainly looking at a comprehensive solution on the accommodation front for next year."
Fan parks are also a key issue facing the local organizing committee, especially considering that South Africa has one of the worst murder rates in the world with at least 50 people being killed a day.
Fan parks were used at both the last World Cup in Germany in 2006 and the 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. Craig said the matter was still under discussion between the organizing committee, FIFA and the various host cities, but FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot was sure they will exist next June.
"Fan parks in Germany were a huge success," Maingot said. "And there will be definitely fan parks next year in South Africa as well. Definitely."
The governing body of world football showed a $184 million profit in 2008 despite the economic slowdown, thanks in part to marketing deals struck for the 2010 World Cup.
"It would be wrong to say we will not be affected by the crisis because, at the end of the day, our partners, they will a little bit reduce their activities," Weil said. "So it will not affect us directly, but (it will) when it comes to activities and especially to activities like youth programs."
FIFA has six sponsor partners for both this year's Confederations Cup and next year's World Cup, and Weil noted that they bring children into the host country to help promote their products.
"In that regard, most probably they will only bring half from foreign countries and they will more activate locally," Weil said. "Which is actually a nice thing that local kids will get the right to be part of those programs, but that's the only ... affect we (will) have."
FIFA and the local organizers also spoke about accommodation issues facing visiting fans for next year's World Cup and the prospect of fan parks, areas away from stadiums where supporters without tickets or those in different cities can gather to watch World Cup matches on big-screen televisions.
About 450,000 fans are expected to travel to South Africa next year for the 32-team tournament played around the country, and reports are already surfacing that there will not be enough hotel rooms to house everyone.
"We're looking at all forms of accommodation, hotel and non-hotel accommodation," said Jermaine Craig, a spokesman for the World Cup organizing committee. "And certainly looking at a comprehensive solution on the accommodation front for next year."
Fan parks are also a key issue facing the local organizing committee, especially considering that South Africa has one of the worst murder rates in the world with at least 50 people being killed a day.
Fan parks were used at both the last World Cup in Germany in 2006 and the 2008 European Championship in Austria and Switzerland. Craig said the matter was still under discussion between the organizing committee, FIFA and the various host cities, but FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot was sure they will exist next June.
"Fan parks in Germany were a huge success," Maingot said. "And there will be definitely fan parks next year in South Africa as well. Definitely."
Major League Soccer Roundup, Jun. 20
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) - FC Dallas scored twice in the final 10 minutes, including Kenny Cooper's penalty kick in the 87th minute, for a 2-1 win over Columbus on Saturday night that snapped the Crew's nine-game unbeaten streak.
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira, and Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the penalty kick into the left corner of the net.
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Pablo Campos converted a penalty and assisted on Ryan Johnson's sixth goal of the season for San Jose.
The Earthquakes (3-8-3) have seven points in their last four games after getting just five from their first 10.
Jovan Kirovski had his first goal of the season for the Galaxy (2-3-9), who lost for the second straight time following a 10-match unbeaten streak.
Seattle's Fredy Montero scored off a defensive miscue to extend the Red Bulls' winless streak to eight.
The Red Bulls ended a five-game league and six-game overall losing streak but extended their winless run to 0-5-2 in MLS and 0-6-2 with their 5-3 loss to D.C. United in the U.S Open Cup last month.
Juan Pablo Angel scored for New York (2-10-4) in the 40th minute, when defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute against 10-man Real Salt Lake to extend the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to a team record-tying 11 games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal after it went in off Houston defender Bobby Boswell.
Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th.
Omar Cummings scored twice and added an assist to help the Colorado Rapids extend their home unbeaten streak over D.C. United to nine games.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado.
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira, and Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the penalty kick into the left corner of the net.
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Pablo Campos converted a penalty and assisted on Ryan Johnson's sixth goal of the season for San Jose.
The Earthquakes (3-8-3) have seven points in their last four games after getting just five from their first 10.
Jovan Kirovski had his first goal of the season for the Galaxy (2-3-9), who lost for the second straight time following a 10-match unbeaten streak.
Seattle's Fredy Montero scored off a defensive miscue to extend the Red Bulls' winless streak to eight.
The Red Bulls ended a five-game league and six-game overall losing streak but extended their winless run to 0-5-2 in MLS and 0-6-2 with their 5-3 loss to D.C. United in the U.S Open Cup last month.
Juan Pablo Angel scored for New York (2-10-4) in the 40th minute, when defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute against 10-man Real Salt Lake to extend the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to a team record-tying 11 games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal after it went in off Houston defender Bobby Boswell.
Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th.
Omar Cummings scored twice and added an assist to help the Colorado Rapids extend their home unbeaten streak over D.C. United to nine games.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado.
S. Africa struggles through easy part of Confed Cup
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - The easy part was hard enough for South Africa, struggling through the group phase of the Confederations Cup against relatively soft opposition. Thursday's semifinal match will be a much sterner test for the hosts.
Unburdened by the fact that Bafana Bafana failed to beat Iraq, a team ranked 77th in the world, and were outclassed by Spain 2-0, there was belief Sunday that the best is yet to come.
"We have shown such an improvement during this tournament that I am not afraid to play any side," South Africa coach Joel Santana said.
Only weeks ago, in the run-up to the Confederations Cup, the Brazilian coach was expected to be fired for his defensive tactics and poor results. But since then, his confidence has grown.
From a wide-open Group B, South Africa could still play Brazil, world champion Italy or African champion Egypt in the semifinals.
"The bigger the better as we need the experience to keep building the side for the 2010 World Cup," Santana said.
Spain won Group A with nine points, and South Africa was second with four. Iraq finished with two points while New Zealand had one. Had Iraq beaten New Zealand by two goals, South Africa would have been eliminated. Instead, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Qualification was the only imperative for Santana and South Africa, something necessary to build momentum within the team and throughout the nation ahead of next year's World Cup.
After an depressing 0-0 draw against Iraq in the tournament opener, that had looked unlikely. Bafana Bafana's only positive result came against New Zealand, when the team thrilled the crowd with sparkling play to win 2-0. New Zealand, though, is ranked 82nd in the world.
There, too, Santana is looking on the bright side.
"We beat them 2-0 but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative," the Brazilian coach said. "The fact that neither Iraq nor New Zealand scored a goal in the tournament speaks for itself."
However, South Africa only scored two goals in three games, and against Iraq and Spain the lineup was overly defensive-minded.
It is unlikely Santana's setup will change for a semifinal match where the host nation is expected to be an overwhelming underdog. His only worry is the suspension of defensive midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who earned a second yellow card against Spain and will miss Thursday's match.
Unburdened by the fact that Bafana Bafana failed to beat Iraq, a team ranked 77th in the world, and were outclassed by Spain 2-0, there was belief Sunday that the best is yet to come.
"We have shown such an improvement during this tournament that I am not afraid to play any side," South Africa coach Joel Santana said.
Only weeks ago, in the run-up to the Confederations Cup, the Brazilian coach was expected to be fired for his defensive tactics and poor results. But since then, his confidence has grown.
From a wide-open Group B, South Africa could still play Brazil, world champion Italy or African champion Egypt in the semifinals.
"The bigger the better as we need the experience to keep building the side for the 2010 World Cup," Santana said.
Spain won Group A with nine points, and South Africa was second with four. Iraq finished with two points while New Zealand had one. Had Iraq beaten New Zealand by two goals, South Africa would have been eliminated. Instead, the game ended in a 0-0 draw.
Qualification was the only imperative for Santana and South Africa, something necessary to build momentum within the team and throughout the nation ahead of next year's World Cup.
After an depressing 0-0 draw against Iraq in the tournament opener, that had looked unlikely. Bafana Bafana's only positive result came against New Zealand, when the team thrilled the crowd with sparkling play to win 2-0. New Zealand, though, is ranked 82nd in the world.
There, too, Santana is looking on the bright side.
"We beat them 2-0 but could have scored six while Iraq were totally negative," the Brazilian coach said. "The fact that neither Iraq nor New Zealand scored a goal in the tournament speaks for itself."
However, South Africa only scored two goals in three games, and against Iraq and Spain the lineup was overly defensive-minded.
It is unlikely Santana's setup will change for a semifinal match where the host nation is expected to be an overwhelming underdog. His only worry is the suspension of defensive midfielder Macbeth Sibaya, who earned a second yellow card against Spain and will miss Thursday's match.
Gold in a rush to get hands on Hart
Birmingham chairman David Gold says it will be a 'disappointment' if Blues do not tie up a loan deal for Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart.
Premier League new boys Birmingham are expected to finalise the season-long signing of Hart following the end of England's European Under-21 Championship campaign.
Eastlands boss Mark Hughes is willing to loan Hart out next season to allow the 22-year-old to gain further experience at first-team level.
Hart started last term as the club's first-choice stopper, but he was dropped to the bench following the January arrival of Shay Given from Newcastle.
He now appears to be on his way to St Andrew's and Gold expressed his eagerness to conclude a loan deal for the former Shrewsbury Town youngster.
"It will be a disappointment if we do not tie up a deal quickly," said Gold in the News of the World.
Hart is currently with the Under-21 squad in Sweden and admits he must be playing regularly next season if he is to break into the senior squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.
"The coach has said you need to be playing," said Hart. "That is what you want to be doing anyway, regardless of whether it gets you in the England side."
Premier League new boys Birmingham are expected to finalise the season-long signing of Hart following the end of England's European Under-21 Championship campaign.
Eastlands boss Mark Hughes is willing to loan Hart out next season to allow the 22-year-old to gain further experience at first-team level.
Hart started last term as the club's first-choice stopper, but he was dropped to the bench following the January arrival of Shay Given from Newcastle.
He now appears to be on his way to St Andrew's and Gold expressed his eagerness to conclude a loan deal for the former Shrewsbury Town youngster.
"It will be a disappointment if we do not tie up a deal quickly," said Gold in the News of the World.
Hart is currently with the Under-21 squad in Sweden and admits he must be playing regularly next season if he is to break into the senior squad for the 2010 World Cup finals.
"The coach has said you need to be playing," said Hart. "That is what you want to be doing anyway, regardless of whether it gets you in the England side."
Whelan hails 'world-class' winger
Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan believes Manchester United will be getting an 'absolute steal' if they sign Antonio Valencia.
United are hoping to land Ecuador international Valencia following the decision to accept a world-record £80million offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whelan plans to meet with United and Real, who are also keen on Valencia, in the coming days, while an unnamed third club have also shown an interest.
Reports claim United are favourites to nab Valencia, although the reported £18million asking price is rumoured to be proving a sticking point.
However Whelan is confident that, for the sums being discussed, the Premier League champions will be securing a bargain if they conclude a deal for Valencia.
"I think Antonio is the best wide right player anywhere and that includes Franck Ribery," Whelan told The People. "If this lad goes to Man United he will be a sensation there.
"Within a few months and over the course of a season the United supporters would come to worship this lad.
"We see him week-in, week-out in games and in training and he's a world-class player.
"He doesn't play the same way as Ronaldo. There is no show or flash, but he's a world-class player and he'll take some replacing. No-one tackles him or takes the ball off him because they can't get near him.
"At the kind of money that's been talked about for Antonio he'd be an absolute steal. United appear to be getting £80m for Ronaldo and they would be paying out a fraction of that for Valencia, so it would be great business because this boy has got immense ability."
United are hoping to land Ecuador international Valencia following the decision to accept a world-record £80million offer from Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whelan plans to meet with United and Real, who are also keen on Valencia, in the coming days, while an unnamed third club have also shown an interest.
Reports claim United are favourites to nab Valencia, although the reported £18million asking price is rumoured to be proving a sticking point.
However Whelan is confident that, for the sums being discussed, the Premier League champions will be securing a bargain if they conclude a deal for Valencia.
"I think Antonio is the best wide right player anywhere and that includes Franck Ribery," Whelan told The People. "If this lad goes to Man United he will be a sensation there.
"Within a few months and over the course of a season the United supporters would come to worship this lad.
"We see him week-in, week-out in games and in training and he's a world-class player.
"He doesn't play the same way as Ronaldo. There is no show or flash, but he's a world-class player and he'll take some replacing. No-one tackles him or takes the ball off him because they can't get near him.
"At the kind of money that's been talked about for Antonio he'd be an absolute steal. United appear to be getting £80m for Ronaldo and they would be paying out a fraction of that for Valencia, so it would be great business because this boy has got immense ability."
Trotters not planning Davies sale
Bolton have no intention of cashing in on Kevin Davies and will robustly reject any bids for the striker, who has been linked with Blackburn.
Last season the 32-year-old enjoyed his best Premier League campaign, scoring 12 goals, and former Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is reported to be ready to make a £5million bid to lure him back to Ewood Park.
Allardyce originally brought Davies to The Reebok from Southampton in 2003 and was credited with resurrecting his stuttering career.
He sees the former Chesterfield forward as an ideal replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, who is on the verge of a big-money move to Manchester City.
Davies, who endured a frustrating time at Ewood Park in the late 1990s after a £7.5million move from Saints, only signed a new contract last year and £5million would represent good money for a player approaching the end of his career.
However, Wanderers have no intention of allowing their influential captain to depart.
No bids have yet been made for the player and Bolton intend to reject any approach as they value Davies too highly.
Last season the 32-year-old enjoyed his best Premier League campaign, scoring 12 goals, and former Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is reported to be ready to make a £5million bid to lure him back to Ewood Park.
Allardyce originally brought Davies to The Reebok from Southampton in 2003 and was credited with resurrecting his stuttering career.
He sees the former Chesterfield forward as an ideal replacement for Roque Santa Cruz, who is on the verge of a big-money move to Manchester City.
Davies, who endured a frustrating time at Ewood Park in the late 1990s after a £7.5million move from Saints, only signed a new contract last year and £5million would represent good money for a player approaching the end of his career.
However, Wanderers have no intention of allowing their influential captain to depart.
No bids have yet been made for the player and Bolton intend to reject any approach as they value Davies too highly.
Villa troubled by uncertain future
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea target David Villa is not expecting a speedy resolution to the uncertainty surrounding his Valencia future.
The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a transfer to Madrid this summer, with Los Che open to a move as they continue to struggle financially.
A transfer was expected to be nearing completion only for Villa's agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, to claim that Valencia are no longer willing to discuss the potential sale of the forward.
Villa, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, has admitted that the past week has been a difficult period of his career.
"I don't believe that my future will be settled quickly," said Villa. "The past week hasn't been easy, nobody can imagine what I've been through. It has been a really bad time. I must just put it out of my mind."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres feels that his compatriot Villa will remain in the Primera Liga, despite reported interest from Chelsea.
"Listen, I think Villa will play in Spain next year," said Torres in the Daily Star.
"It's his decision - but I think Barcelona and Real Madrid are trying to sign him and he will be in Spain.
"I don't think Chelsea's money will tempt him, or United. I think with his abilities and qualities he is better for the Spanish league - he scores over 25 goals every season there.
"I would like him to come to Liverpool of course but I think he is too expensive for us.
"I would prefer it if he played in Spain than signed for Chelsea or United. That's what I'll tell him!"
The Spaniard has been strongly linked with a transfer to Madrid this summer, with Los Che open to a move as they continue to struggle financially.
A transfer was expected to be nearing completion only for Villa's agent, Jose Luis Tamargo, to claim that Valencia are no longer willing to discuss the potential sale of the forward.
Villa, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup, has admitted that the past week has been a difficult period of his career.
"I don't believe that my future will be settled quickly," said Villa. "The past week hasn't been easy, nobody can imagine what I've been through. It has been a really bad time. I must just put it out of my mind."
Meanwhile, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres feels that his compatriot Villa will remain in the Primera Liga, despite reported interest from Chelsea.
"Listen, I think Villa will play in Spain next year," said Torres in the Daily Star.
"It's his decision - but I think Barcelona and Real Madrid are trying to sign him and he will be in Spain.
"I don't think Chelsea's money will tempt him, or United. I think with his abilities and qualities he is better for the Spanish league - he scores over 25 goals every season there.
"I would like him to come to Liverpool of course but I think he is too expensive for us.
"I would prefer it if he played in Spain than signed for Chelsea or United. That's what I'll tell him!"
Ronaldo takes blame for deal furore
Cristiano Ronaldo has shouldered the blame for the furore that surrounded his proposed transfer from Manchester United to Real Madrid.
The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2008/09 season.
Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger's future.
However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.
The FIFA World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.
He told the News of the World: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United.
"I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."
When asked if a move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private.
"I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."
Ronaldo also outlined his respect for Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 24-year-old to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
He said: "I have said many times that it is the relationship a son has with a father. He respects me and I respect him and when one of us is talking, the other one listens.
"It is not a one-sided relationship. We both hear each other out and that is why we have got on so well.
"He taught me everything about football and I have never met a man who is so passionate about the game after so many years.
"He instilled that passion into me and he made me a winner. The most important thing he taught me is that second place is not an option.
"He also taught me lots of things in order to make me a better person and people might not understand how much time he invests in players off the pitch. But he really does and he cares about each and every one of us.
"In an ideal world. I would like him to be my life coach and for me to never leave him but that is not possible and I just have to continue my journey and hold on to what he has taught me.
"Sir Alex has shown so much confidence in me and for that I owe him everything. When I arrived - even though I did not want it - he insisted I have number seven on my shirt.
"I was very adamant that I did not want it. Then, he sat me down and told me about the history of the number seven and said...do you understand what I am trying to say to you? I think you will be worthy of wearing this shirt.
"When I think of the greats who have worn that United shirt, I understood how much confidence he had in me. And I hope now that I am another Manchester United great who wore the most famous shirt at the club."
The Portugal international has already conceded that he had his heart set on a switch to the Spanish giants at the end of the 2008/09 season.
Last summer's transfer window was dominated by rumours that Ronaldo was seeking a switch to Real, but United held firm over the winger's future.
However, Real appear set to finally secure their long-term target after they had an £80million bid accepted by United earlier this month.
The FIFA World Player of the Year has now voiced his regret for the controversy that marred the lead up to the agreement.
He told the News of the World: "Anything that has not been right with the move is my fault and nothing to do with Real Madrid or Manchester United.
"I opened my mouth and that is what caused the problems between the two clubs who both acted in the correct way. Yes, I would have handled things differently and not been so public."
When asked if a move had been agreed a year ago, he replied: "No, not that I know of. Any agreements that the clubs had were private.
"I expressed a desire to join Madrid and the two clubs reached an agreement. This transfer is no different from any other."
Ronaldo also outlined his respect for Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who brought the 24-year-old to Old Trafford from Sporting Lisbon in 2003.
He said: "I have said many times that it is the relationship a son has with a father. He respects me and I respect him and when one of us is talking, the other one listens.
"It is not a one-sided relationship. We both hear each other out and that is why we have got on so well.
"He taught me everything about football and I have never met a man who is so passionate about the game after so many years.
"He instilled that passion into me and he made me a winner. The most important thing he taught me is that second place is not an option.
"He also taught me lots of things in order to make me a better person and people might not understand how much time he invests in players off the pitch. But he really does and he cares about each and every one of us.
"In an ideal world. I would like him to be my life coach and for me to never leave him but that is not possible and I just have to continue my journey and hold on to what he has taught me.
"Sir Alex has shown so much confidence in me and for that I owe him everything. When I arrived - even though I did not want it - he insisted I have number seven on my shirt.
"I was very adamant that I did not want it. Then, he sat me down and told me about the history of the number seven and said...do you understand what I am trying to say to you? I think you will be worthy of wearing this shirt.
"When I think of the greats who have worn that United shirt, I understood how much confidence he had in me. And I hope now that I am another Manchester United great who wore the most famous shirt at the club."
Tamudo 'in talks' over Prem move
Raul Tamudo's agent has confirmed that the Espanyol striker is currently in the process of negotiating a move to the Premier League.
Tomas Duran did not reveal the identity of interested clubs but it is thought that Wigan, Hull City and Blackburn are chasing the forward.
New Latics boss Roberto Martinez has already signed Jordi Gomez from Espanyol and is rumoured to be especially keen on bringing Tamudo to the DW Stadium.
The 31-year-old's agent insists that a deal has not yet been completed and his client would only leave Espanyol, who he has been with since 1996, if the money was right.
"It is true there is interest but I cannot say any names. There still isn't a done deal but negotiations are in progress," Duran said in the Catalan press.
"Raul will only move if given a big proposition."
Tomas Duran did not reveal the identity of interested clubs but it is thought that Wigan, Hull City and Blackburn are chasing the forward.
New Latics boss Roberto Martinez has already signed Jordi Gomez from Espanyol and is rumoured to be especially keen on bringing Tamudo to the DW Stadium.
The 31-year-old's agent insists that a deal has not yet been completed and his client would only leave Espanyol, who he has been with since 1996, if the money was right.
"It is true there is interest but I cannot say any names. There still isn't a done deal but negotiations are in progress," Duran said in the Catalan press.
"Raul will only move if given a big proposition."
Spain dazzles to equal Brazil's unbeaten run
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - On the verge of setting more football history, Spain's dazzling attack appears to be the defining trait that sets it apart from a Brazil team whose undefeated record it is on the cusp of breaking.
Spain's 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday was a record setting 15th straight victory that also represented a 35th straight game without a loss, a feat that only Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning team managed.
Hungary (1950-54) and Argentina (1991-93) both went unbeaten for 31 games but only Spain and Brazil have managed to surpass that mark.
And in quite contrasting fashion.
Anchored by midfielders Dunga and Mauro Silva, Brazil was criticized for a defensive style of play that many labeled boring and surprisingly went on to win football's showcase event.
Spain has based its quick-touch possession game - that has won plaudits from rival teams after last summer's European Championship win - around creative midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta delivering to strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.
"It's important that we leave a good image here in all senses and I think we're achieving that," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.
Torres believes football fans are enjoying Spain's exciting brand of football.
"Above all there is a hunger to keep winning, which stays with us for every game," the Liverpool striker said. "We should value the work of this team and in a few years time we can look back and see what we have achieved."
Following an early exit at the 2006 World Cup, coach Luis Aragones reshaped the play to be led by his Barcelona-led midfield and Spain ended a 44-year major trophy drought at Euro 2008.
Del Bosque has stayed true to that formula, with Spain winning 13 straight under the former Real Madrid coach to stay top of FIFA's world rankings. Spain's last defeat was a 1-0 friendly to Romania at Cadiz in November 2006.
"Now we need to focus on winning the Confederations Cup and what happens after we'll see," Torres said.
Under coaches Carlos Alberto Parreira and Mario Zagallo, Brazil began its run against Mexico in December 1993 and ended it with a Gold Cup final loss to the same opponent in January 1996.
With Zinho and Mazinho rounding out a staunch midfield, Parreira ultimately led Brazil to victory at the World Cup in the United States.
But it wasn't until soon after their defeat to Mexico that Zagallo began to return the beautiful game to a bruising Brazil team with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho introduced in the coming years as Brazil's exciting play returned.
"Now, (Spain) have good strength because they have a good team. But they still need time," South Africa's Brazilian coach Joel Santana said. "At the moment I need to see Spain win the best competition, the Confederations Cup and World Cup."
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Spain's achievement has been a psychological shift.
Spain's European win last year has shaken its perennial underachiever tag as it continues on course as favorite to win the Confederations Cup.
"We still haven't won anything yet," Del Bosque said. "You have to know how to win and how to lose."
But at the end of the day, Del Bosque was pleased to be among exclusive company.
"The Brazilians, I'm not sure if I'm exaggerating, are the fathers of football. To share something with them is stupendous," Del Bosque said.
Spain's 2-0 win over South Africa on Saturday was a record setting 15th straight victory that also represented a 35th straight game without a loss, a feat that only Brazil's 1994 World Cup winning team managed.
Hungary (1950-54) and Argentina (1991-93) both went unbeaten for 31 games but only Spain and Brazil have managed to surpass that mark.
And in quite contrasting fashion.
Anchored by midfielders Dunga and Mauro Silva, Brazil was criticized for a defensive style of play that many labeled boring and surprisingly went on to win football's showcase event.
Spain has based its quick-touch possession game - that has won plaudits from rival teams after last summer's European Championship win - around creative midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta delivering to strikers Fernando Torres and David Villa.
"It's important that we leave a good image here in all senses and I think we're achieving that," said Spain coach Vicente del Bosque.
Torres believes football fans are enjoying Spain's exciting brand of football.
"Above all there is a hunger to keep winning, which stays with us for every game," the Liverpool striker said. "We should value the work of this team and in a few years time we can look back and see what we have achieved."
Following an early exit at the 2006 World Cup, coach Luis Aragones reshaped the play to be led by his Barcelona-led midfield and Spain ended a 44-year major trophy drought at Euro 2008.
Del Bosque has stayed true to that formula, with Spain winning 13 straight under the former Real Madrid coach to stay top of FIFA's world rankings. Spain's last defeat was a 1-0 friendly to Romania at Cadiz in November 2006.
"Now we need to focus on winning the Confederations Cup and what happens after we'll see," Torres said.
Under coaches Carlos Alberto Parreira and Mario Zagallo, Brazil began its run against Mexico in December 1993 and ended it with a Gold Cup final loss to the same opponent in January 1996.
With Zinho and Mazinho rounding out a staunch midfield, Parreira ultimately led Brazil to victory at the World Cup in the United States.
But it wasn't until soon after their defeat to Mexico that Zagallo began to return the beautiful game to a bruising Brazil team with Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Ronaldinho introduced in the coming years as Brazil's exciting play returned.
"Now, (Spain) have good strength because they have a good team. But they still need time," South Africa's Brazilian coach Joel Santana said. "At the moment I need to see Spain win the best competition, the Confederations Cup and World Cup."
Perhaps the most remarkable thing about Spain's achievement has been a psychological shift.
Spain's European win last year has shaken its perennial underachiever tag as it continues on course as favorite to win the Confederations Cup.
"We still haven't won anything yet," Del Bosque said. "You have to know how to win and how to lose."
But at the end of the day, Del Bosque was pleased to be among exclusive company.
"The Brazilians, I'm not sure if I'm exaggerating, are the fathers of football. To share something with them is stupendous," Del Bosque said.
Anton not craving Cottage switch
Defender Anton Ferdinand insists that he is not contemplating a possible summer move to Fulham as he is enjoying life at Sunderland.
The 24-year-old has recently been linked with a switch to Craven Cottage.
It was thought that Ferdinand could arrive as a replacement for Brede Hangeland if Fulham did not succeed in keeping hold of the Norwegian.
But he has dismissed the rumours and remains adamant that he is enjoying his time at the Stadium of Light.
"I'm not sure about interest from other clubs, but that is the last thing on my mind," he said. "I signed for Sunderland on a four-year deal and it wouldn't be fair to stay one year and then leave.
"I'm enjoying it up there - I look forward to working with Steve Bruce and the players I had round me last year.
"We had a good team spirit. It will be sad to see people leave if that happens, but if the manager brings in better players then I am not going to complain.
"Football is about bettering yourself and playing with the best players."
The 24-year-old has recently been linked with a switch to Craven Cottage.
It was thought that Ferdinand could arrive as a replacement for Brede Hangeland if Fulham did not succeed in keeping hold of the Norwegian.
But he has dismissed the rumours and remains adamant that he is enjoying his time at the Stadium of Light.
"I'm not sure about interest from other clubs, but that is the last thing on my mind," he said. "I signed for Sunderland on a four-year deal and it wouldn't be fair to stay one year and then leave.
"I'm enjoying it up there - I look forward to working with Steve Bruce and the players I had round me last year.
"We had a good team spirit. It will be sad to see people leave if that happens, but if the manager brings in better players then I am not going to complain.
"Football is about bettering yourself and playing with the best players."
Reds owner GG to sell Canadiens
Liverpool owner George Gillett has agreed to sell the NHL's Montreal Canadiens in a deal that could help lift the financial cloud over Anfield.
The deal to sell the NHL's most successful ever team is worth a reported US dollars 550 million (£330million).
Gillett put the Canadiens up for sale earlier this year as he scrambles to find funds to meet obligations on debt incurred as part of his takeover of Liverpool in partnership with Tom Hicks.
The sale includes Gillett's 80% stake in the team, the Bell Centre arena, and the Gillett Entertainment Group. Brewing moguls the Molson family, who sold the controlling interest in the team to Gillett for around USD275 million (£165million) in 2001, already own the remaining 20% share.
"This is a very exciting time for our family and we are grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to offer their collaboration in the development of our proposal," Geoff Molson said in a statement on Sunday.
The sale must first be approved by the NHL's Board of Governors, and will likely not be completed for several more weeks.
The NHL's approval of the sale would, however, seemingly be only a matter of course.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman responded positively to the news of the deal, saying: "I think to the extent that they've been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans in Montreal."
News of the deal comes a little over two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of "significant doubt" over the club's parent company's ability to continue as a going concern with debt repayments due on July 24.
The company formed by Gillett and Hicks suffered a loss of £42.6million (USD70.5 million) last year, largely on interest repayments. The pair took out a loan of £350 million (USD580 million) when they bought the club in 2007.
While Hicks and Gillett have been seeking other investors for Liverpool, they have so far come back empty-handed, meaning funds from a sale of the Canadiens could be needed to help cover upcoming payments.
Hicks has also been seeking to sell off elements of his own sporting empire - which includes Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars.
Hicks' situation is further complicated as the Hicks Sports Group in April defaulted on a £325million loan (USD 525million) relating to the Rangers and Stars.
The Canadiens, who are celebrating their centenary year, are the oldest continually run professional ice hockey team in North America. Their 24 Stanley Cup titles are the most in the NHL.
"Our family has been very proud to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens over the past eight years and particularly to be a part of their Centennial Season," Gillet said after confirming the deal.
"I am fully confident that the Molson brothers, who have been a great part of the heritage of the club, will ensure the preservation and development of this great sports institution."
The Molson family first bought the team in 1978, although their involvement dates back to the 1950s.
The deal to sell the NHL's most successful ever team is worth a reported US dollars 550 million (£330million).
Gillett put the Canadiens up for sale earlier this year as he scrambles to find funds to meet obligations on debt incurred as part of his takeover of Liverpool in partnership with Tom Hicks.
The sale includes Gillett's 80% stake in the team, the Bell Centre arena, and the Gillett Entertainment Group. Brewing moguls the Molson family, who sold the controlling interest in the team to Gillett for around USD275 million (£165million) in 2001, already own the remaining 20% share.
"This is a very exciting time for our family and we are grateful to the many people and organisations who came forward to offer their collaboration in the development of our proposal," Geoff Molson said in a statement on Sunday.
The sale must first be approved by the NHL's Board of Governors, and will likely not be completed for several more weeks.
The NHL's approval of the sale would, however, seemingly be only a matter of course.
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman responded positively to the news of the deal, saying: "I think to the extent that they've been able to find people who are obviously passionate about the game and structure a transaction that makes sense for everybody, that's a real plus for the franchise and the fans in Montreal."
News of the deal comes a little over two weeks after Liverpool's accountants warned of "significant doubt" over the club's parent company's ability to continue as a going concern with debt repayments due on July 24.
The company formed by Gillett and Hicks suffered a loss of £42.6million (USD70.5 million) last year, largely on interest repayments. The pair took out a loan of £350 million (USD580 million) when they bought the club in 2007.
While Hicks and Gillett have been seeking other investors for Liverpool, they have so far come back empty-handed, meaning funds from a sale of the Canadiens could be needed to help cover upcoming payments.
Hicks has also been seeking to sell off elements of his own sporting empire - which includes Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers and the NHL's Dallas Stars.
Hicks' situation is further complicated as the Hicks Sports Group in April defaulted on a £325million loan (USD 525million) relating to the Rangers and Stars.
The Canadiens, who are celebrating their centenary year, are the oldest continually run professional ice hockey team in North America. Their 24 Stanley Cup titles are the most in the NHL.
"Our family has been very proud to be associated with the Montreal Canadiens over the past eight years and particularly to be a part of their Centennial Season," Gillet said after confirming the deal.
"I am fully confident that the Molson brothers, who have been a great part of the heritage of the club, will ensure the preservation and development of this great sports institution."
The Molson family first bought the team in 1978, although their involvement dates back to the 1950s.
UANL Tigres beat Chivas USA, 2-1
CARSON, Calif. (AP) - Jesus Duenas and Armando Pulido scored to give UANL Tigres of Monterrey a 2-1 victory over 10-man Chivas USA in group play at the SuperLiga tournament Saturday night.
Tigres won with its under-20 team, which played in Mexico's second division last season, to tie the Chicago Fire for first place in Group A. Each team has three points.
"The team's attitude didn't surprise me," Tigres assistant coach Carlos Turrubiates said. "We're a young group, but we're very strong as a group and we were very prepared."
Duenas broke a 1-1 tie in the 82nd minute. Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton dived to stop Alan Pulido's 11-yard shot with his left hand, but Duenas converted the rebound from six yards.
"I warned the team before the game," Chivas USA coach Preki said. "Sometimes, it's harder to play against these young guys because they have a lot to prove. If we don't match their intensity and their fight, we're going to have a tough time."
Chivas USA had to play with 10 men after Eduardo Lillingston received his second yellow card in the 67th minute. Lillingston is suspended for Tuesday night's SuperLiga game against Chicago.
The top MLS teams from last year's regular season who weren't in the CONCACAF Champions League were invited to the SuperLiga along with the top four Mexican clubs who weren't in the region's top club tournament.
Tigres won with its under-20 team, which played in Mexico's second division last season, to tie the Chicago Fire for first place in Group A. Each team has three points.
"The team's attitude didn't surprise me," Tigres assistant coach Carlos Turrubiates said. "We're a young group, but we're very strong as a group and we were very prepared."
Duenas broke a 1-1 tie in the 82nd minute. Chivas USA goalkeeper Zach Thornton dived to stop Alan Pulido's 11-yard shot with his left hand, but Duenas converted the rebound from six yards.
"I warned the team before the game," Chivas USA coach Preki said. "Sometimes, it's harder to play against these young guys because they have a lot to prove. If we don't match their intensity and their fight, we're going to have a tough time."
Chivas USA had to play with 10 men after Eduardo Lillingston received his second yellow card in the 67th minute. Lillingston is suspended for Tuesday night's SuperLiga game against Chicago.
The top MLS teams from last year's regular season who weren't in the CONCACAF Champions League were invited to the SuperLiga along with the top four Mexican clubs who weren't in the region's top club tournament.
Tigres, Chicago win in SuperLiga openers
CARSON, California (AP) - Mexico's UANL Tigres used a youth team to record an away win while the Chicago Fire won at home in the opening games of the 2009 North American SuperLiga on Saturday.
Tigres B- the lower-league affiliate of the senior team - won 2-1 at Chivas USA after the hosts were reduced to 10 men, while Chicago downed Mexico's San Luis.
Armando Pulido scored Tigres' opener in the 11th minute, but Chivas equalized 10 minutes into the second half through midfielder Michael Lahoud.
Chivas' Eduardo Lillingston, a Mexican forward who used to play for Tigres, was sent off in the 67th minute for his second yellow card.
Tigres capitalized on that advantage in the 82nd minute via Jesus Duenas. Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton blocke Pulido's shot and Duenas was on hand to knock in the rebound.
"The team's attitude didn't surprise me," Tigres assistant coach Carlos Turrubiates said. "We're a young group, but we're very strong as a group and we were very prepared."
Meanwhile, Chicago notched an opening victory thanks to a goal by former Fulham striker Brian McBride.
McBride fired a pass from Mexico international striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco into the upper left corner of the net.
"It was a great finish. Credit Cuauhatemoc on a play," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "He chased a guy down, which he normally doesn't do, and made a play out of that. He hit a left-footed shot. It was a great finish."
Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch preserved the victory with a shot from Marvin de la Cruz in the 87th minute.
"It was a well-disputed match for us. It took a little bit for us to get started," San Luis technical director Juan Antonio Luna said. "One personal mistake cost us the goal. Games are won by scoring goals, and we didn't score tonight."
This is the third staging of the SuperLiga, a competition for U.S. and Mexican clubs, secondary to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Tigres B- the lower-league affiliate of the senior team - won 2-1 at Chivas USA after the hosts were reduced to 10 men, while Chicago downed Mexico's San Luis.
Armando Pulido scored Tigres' opener in the 11th minute, but Chivas equalized 10 minutes into the second half through midfielder Michael Lahoud.
Chivas' Eduardo Lillingston, a Mexican forward who used to play for Tigres, was sent off in the 67th minute for his second yellow card.
Tigres capitalized on that advantage in the 82nd minute via Jesus Duenas. Chivas goalkeeper Zach Thornton blocke Pulido's shot and Duenas was on hand to knock in the rebound.
"The team's attitude didn't surprise me," Tigres assistant coach Carlos Turrubiates said. "We're a young group, but we're very strong as a group and we were very prepared."
Meanwhile, Chicago notched an opening victory thanks to a goal by former Fulham striker Brian McBride.
McBride fired a pass from Mexico international striker Cuauhtemoc Blanco into the upper left corner of the net.
"It was a great finish. Credit Cuauhatemoc on a play," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "He chased a guy down, which he normally doesn't do, and made a play out of that. He hit a left-footed shot. It was a great finish."
Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch preserved the victory with a shot from Marvin de la Cruz in the 87th minute.
"It was a well-disputed match for us. It took a little bit for us to get started," San Luis technical director Juan Antonio Luna said. "One personal mistake cost us the goal. Games are won by scoring goals, and we didn't score tonight."
This is the third staging of the SuperLiga, a competition for U.S. and Mexican clubs, secondary to the CONCACAF Champions League.
Colorado Rapids 3-0 D.C. United
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) - Omar Cummings scored twice and added an assist to help the Colorado Rapids extend their home unbeaten streak over D.C. United to nine with a 3-0 victory on Saturday night.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
Four minutes into the second half, Cummings dashed into the box and passed to midfielder Colin Clark who scored a third for the Rapids.
Eastern Conference-leading D.C., playing its third game in eight days, did not have Fred, Luciano Emilio or Jaime Moreno available.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado. The Rapids were without Conor Casey who is with the United States at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
Four minutes into the second half, Cummings dashed into the box and passed to midfielder Colin Clark who scored a third for the Rapids.
Eastern Conference-leading D.C., playing its third game in eight days, did not have Fred, Luciano Emilio or Jaime Moreno available.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado. The Rapids were without Conor Casey who is with the United States at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Major League Soccer Roundup, Jun. 20
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) - FC Dallas scored twice in the final 10 minutes, including Kenny Cooper's penalty kick in the 87th minute, for a 2-1 win over Columbus on Saturday night that snapped the Crew's nine-game unbeaten streak.
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira, and Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the penalty kick into the left corner of the net.
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Pablo Campos converted a penalty and assisted on Ryan Johnson's sixth goal of the season for San Jose.
The Earthquakes (3-8-3) have seven points in their last four games after getting just five from their first 10.
Jovan Kirovski had his first goal of the season for the Galaxy (2-3-9), who lost for the second straight time following a 10-match unbeaten streak.
Seattle's Fredy Montero scored off a defensive miscue to extend the Red Bulls' winless streak to eight.
The Red Bulls ended a five-game league and six-game overall losing streak but extended their winless run to 0-5-2 in MLS and 0-6-2 with their 5-3 loss to D.C. United in the U.S Open Cup last month.
Juan Pablo Angel scored for New York (2-10-4) in the 40th minute, when defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute against 10-man Real Salt Lake to extend the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to a team record-tying 11 games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal after it went in off Houston defender Bobby Boswell.
Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th.
Omar Cummings scored twice and added an assist to help the Colorado Rapids extend their home unbeaten streak over D.C. United to nine games.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado.
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira, and Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the penalty kick into the left corner of the net.
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Pablo Campos converted a penalty and assisted on Ryan Johnson's sixth goal of the season for San Jose.
The Earthquakes (3-8-3) have seven points in their last four games after getting just five from their first 10.
Jovan Kirovski had his first goal of the season for the Galaxy (2-3-9), who lost for the second straight time following a 10-match unbeaten streak.
Seattle's Fredy Montero scored off a defensive miscue to extend the Red Bulls' winless streak to eight.
The Red Bulls ended a five-game league and six-game overall losing streak but extended their winless run to 0-5-2 in MLS and 0-6-2 with their 5-3 loss to D.C. United in the U.S Open Cup last month.
Juan Pablo Angel scored for New York (2-10-4) in the 40th minute, when defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute against 10-man Real Salt Lake to extend the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to a team record-tying 11 games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal after it went in off Houston defender Bobby Boswell.
Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th.
Omar Cummings scored twice and added an assist to help the Colorado Rapids extend their home unbeaten streak over D.C. United to nine games.
In the 11th minute, Cummings took a pass from captain Pablo Mastroeni and ran past defender Greg Janicki before pausing in the box and curling the ball past Josh Wicks in the United (5-2-8) goal.
Cummings found the back of the net just before halftime from a near-impossible angle to give the Rapids a 2-0 lead.
Cummings, who paired with recently acquired Pat Noonan up front for Colorado (5-2-5), has five goals this season.
United fell to 0-6-3 in its last nine trips to Colorado.
Fire beats San Luis 1-0 in SuperLiga
BRIDGEVIEW, Ill. (AP) - Brian McBride scored on a pass from Cuauhtemoc Blanco in the 69th minute to give the Chicago Fire a 1-0 win over San Luis in the opening game of the SuperLiga on Saturday night.
Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch saved a shot from Marvin de la Cruz in the 87th minute.
McBride, who scored in the United States' 2-0 win over Blanco and Mexico in the 2002 World Cup, fired Blanco's pass into the upper left corner of the net after the midfielder was marked by Michael Orozco.
"It was a great finish. Credit Cuauhatemoc on a play," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "He chased a guy down, which he normally doesn't do, and made a play out of that. He hit a left-footed shot. It was a great finish."
Gladiadores midfielder Braulio Luna had two quality shots for the visitors, sending the ball wide right in the 36th minute and into Busch's grasp in the 49th.
Midfielder Marco Pappa attempted to double Chicago's margin in the 74th minute, shooting toward an open goal, but Orozco ran and caught up with the attempt.
"It was a well-disputed match for us. It took a little bit for us to get started," San Luis technical director Juan Antonio Luna said. "One personal mistake cost us the goal. Games are won by scoring goals, and we didn't score tonight."
The top MLS teams from last year's regular season who weren't in the CONCACAF Champions League were invited to the SuperLiga along with the top four Mexican clubs who weren't in the region's top club tournament.
Fire goalkeeper Jon Busch saved a shot from Marvin de la Cruz in the 87th minute.
McBride, who scored in the United States' 2-0 win over Blanco and Mexico in the 2002 World Cup, fired Blanco's pass into the upper left corner of the net after the midfielder was marked by Michael Orozco.
"It was a great finish. Credit Cuauhatemoc on a play," Fire head coach Denis Hamlett said. "He chased a guy down, which he normally doesn't do, and made a play out of that. He hit a left-footed shot. It was a great finish."
Gladiadores midfielder Braulio Luna had two quality shots for the visitors, sending the ball wide right in the 36th minute and into Busch's grasp in the 49th.
Midfielder Marco Pappa attempted to double Chicago's margin in the 74th minute, shooting toward an open goal, but Orozco ran and caught up with the attempt.
"It was a well-disputed match for us. It took a little bit for us to get started," San Luis technical director Juan Antonio Luna said. "One personal mistake cost us the goal. Games are won by scoring goals, and we didn't score tonight."
The top MLS teams from last year's regular season who weren't in the CONCACAF Champions League were invited to the SuperLiga along with the top four Mexican clubs who weren't in the region's top club tournament.
Houston Dynamo 1-1 Real Salt Lake
HOUSTON (AP) - Brian Ching scored in the 89th minute to give Houston a 1-1 tie against 10-man Real Salt Lake on Saturday night and extend the Dynamo's unbeaten streak to a team record-tying 11 games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal. Chris Wingert gave Yura Movsisyan a pass in the box, and Movsisyan gave it to Espindola, whose shot went through the box and deflected off Houston defender Bobby Boswell and into the left side of the net.
Real Salt Lake nearly held on for the win after playing a man down from after Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th minute. Nick Rimando had three saves to help Real Salt Lake extend its unbeaten streak to three games.
Houston (8-2-4) had a five-game winning streak snapped but is 8-0-3 since a 1-0 loss to D.C. United on April 4. The Dynamo took over sole possession of first place in the Western Conference.
Ching charged through the box for a point-blank header from three yards after getting a pass from Brian Mullan on the right side.
Real Salt Lake (4-6-4) took the lead in the 28th minute on Fabian Espindola's goal, which was originally called an own goal. Chris Wingert gave Yura Movsisyan a pass in the box, and Movsisyan gave it to Espindola, whose shot went through the box and deflected off Houston defender Bobby Boswell and into the left side of the net.
Real Salt Lake nearly held on for the win after playing a man down from after Jamison Olave got his second yellow card in the 58th minute. Nick Rimando had three saves to help Real Salt Lake extend its unbeaten streak to three games.
FC Dallas 2-1 Columbus Crew
FRISCO, Texas (AP) - A late surge finally resulted in a win at home for FC Dallas.
Dallas got two goals in the final 10 minutes, including Kenny Cooper's penalty kick in the 87th, for a 2-1 win over Columbus on Saturday night that snapped the Crew's nine-game unbeaten streak.
"Hopefully we're back on track, it's a big win against the defending (MLS Cup) champion Crew," Cooper said.
Schellas Hyndman's club recorded ties in three straight home games from May 16-June 7.
"We've tied enough at home, that slippery slope is getting more slippery and we need to start getting more wins," the Dallas coach said. "They (Columbus) were a little tired and we kept pressing."
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira.
Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the kick into the left corner of the net.
"I felt like I got my arm in front of him and position," said Marshall of the call. "I'm 6'4" and he (Ferreira) is 5'4", he's going to go down in that position."
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila, who entered just four minutes earlier for Anthony Wallace, scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Avila curled a right-footed volley from outside the top left corner of the penalty box and into the right corner of the net.
"As soon as I got in I tried to attack," Avila said. "As soon as I touched the ball inside I knew I had a shot. I've been waiting almost a year."
Columbus took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute after an own goal by FC Dallas captain Pablo Ricchetti. A corner kick from Guillermo Barros Schelotto was headed by Eric Brunner toward the Dallas net, then bounced off Ricchetti's chest and into the right corner.
It was the second time in three games that Ricchetti has been the victim of an own goal. Ricchetti's other own goal was in a 2-2 tie against San Jose on June 7.
"We didn't want to settle for a tie," Avila added. "They were sitting back they gave us a lot of chances to attack them."
FC Dallas outshot the Crew 14-13, including 8-6 in the second half. Columbus almost allowed an own goal in the 60th minute after Dave van den Bergh's shot bounced off of Crew defender Gino Padula and drifted a few feet wide right of the post.
"At some point we have to lose a game," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. "I think in the second half we dropped too much. Obviously we don't want to lose on a penalty kick."
Dallas got two goals in the final 10 minutes, including Kenny Cooper's penalty kick in the 87th, for a 2-1 win over Columbus on Saturday night that snapped the Crew's nine-game unbeaten streak.
"Hopefully we're back on track, it's a big win against the defending (MLS Cup) champion Crew," Cooper said.
Schellas Hyndman's club recorded ties in three straight home games from May 16-June 7.
"We've tied enough at home, that slippery slope is getting more slippery and we need to start getting more wins," the Dallas coach said. "They (Columbus) were a little tired and we kept pressing."
Dallas (3-7-4) was awarded a penalty kick after Crew defender Chad Marshall was called for a reckless foul inside the penalty box on David Ferreira.
Cooper notched his seventh goal of the year by putting the kick into the left corner of the net.
"I felt like I got my arm in front of him and position," said Marshall of the call. "I'm 6'4" and he (Ferreira) is 5'4", he's going to go down in that position."
Dallas had tied the game when Eric Avila, who entered just four minutes earlier for Anthony Wallace, scored his first career MLS goal in the 80th minute.
Avila curled a right-footed volley from outside the top left corner of the penalty box and into the right corner of the net.
"As soon as I got in I tried to attack," Avila said. "As soon as I touched the ball inside I knew I had a shot. I've been waiting almost a year."
Columbus took a 1-0 lead in the 17th minute after an own goal by FC Dallas captain Pablo Ricchetti. A corner kick from Guillermo Barros Schelotto was headed by Eric Brunner toward the Dallas net, then bounced off Ricchetti's chest and into the right corner.
It was the second time in three games that Ricchetti has been the victim of an own goal. Ricchetti's other own goal was in a 2-2 tie against San Jose on June 7.
"We didn't want to settle for a tie," Avila added. "They were sitting back they gave us a lot of chances to attack them."
FC Dallas outshot the Crew 14-13, including 8-6 in the second half. Columbus almost allowed an own goal in the 60th minute after Dave van den Bergh's shot bounced off of Crew defender Gino Padula and drifted a few feet wide right of the post.
"At some point we have to lose a game," Crew coach Robert Warzycha said. "I think in the second half we dropped too much. Obviously we don't want to lose on a penalty kick."
New York Red Bulls 1-1 Seattle Sounders
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) - Five minutes after New York's Juan Pablo Angel scored thanks to a defensive miscue, Fredy Montero capitalized with a goal of his own to give the Seattle Sounders a 1-1 tie with the Red Bulls on Saturday night.
Montero also benefited from a defensive breakdown, stripping Red Bulls defender Jeremy Hall near the corner, turning and firing in his 13th goal of the season in the final minute of the half. Montero has goals in three straight games and a team-best seven this season.
"I just didn't give up," said Montero, who twice had shots deflect off the post, including a potential game-winner in the 84th minute. "I went sliding, got the ball and sent the ball to the area. Those things happen."
Though the result snapped a five-game losing streak for his team, Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio wasn't pleased with Hall's lapse in judgment afterward.
New York (2-10-4), which extended its winless streak to eight games, remains in last place in the Eastern Conference with 10 points. The Red Bulls have scored a league-low 14 goals while netting more than one in only four games.
"We all saw the play," Osorio said. "I thought (Hall) was going to let it go. I don't know why he didn't."
Hall, New York's first-round pick in the 2009 draft, said he felt like a baseball pitcher who surrendered a walk-off homer to lose a game.
"It cost us points and I feel terrible," the Red Bulls defender said. "I didn't think (Montero) was that close. I tried to clear it, and got punished for it."
Angel had little trouble giving New York (2-10-4) a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute. Defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
"I think we had a little bit of luck on a couple of plays, and certainly on the one that I scored, it was a rebound and I was quick to react," said Angel, who notched his team-leading fifth goal of the season. "We should have won the game, but I'm happy with the point in the end."
Seattle (5-3-7), playing on just two days rest and in its third game in seven days overall, remains in third place in the West after picking up its 22nd point.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid wasn't displeased by recording a win and two ties from his three-game stretch.
"We gave away a goal that we shouldn't have given away," Schmid said. "But they made a mistake as well. Our guys did well. We're not disappointed."
Montero also benefited from a defensive breakdown, stripping Red Bulls defender Jeremy Hall near the corner, turning and firing in his 13th goal of the season in the final minute of the half. Montero has goals in three straight games and a team-best seven this season.
"I just didn't give up," said Montero, who twice had shots deflect off the post, including a potential game-winner in the 84th minute. "I went sliding, got the ball and sent the ball to the area. Those things happen."
Though the result snapped a five-game losing streak for his team, Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio wasn't pleased with Hall's lapse in judgment afterward.
New York (2-10-4), which extended its winless streak to eight games, remains in last place in the Eastern Conference with 10 points. The Red Bulls have scored a league-low 14 goals while netting more than one in only four games.
"We all saw the play," Osorio said. "I thought (Hall) was going to let it go. I don't know why he didn't."
Hall, New York's first-round pick in the 2009 draft, said he felt like a baseball pitcher who surrendered a walk-off homer to lose a game.
"It cost us points and I feel terrible," the Red Bulls defender said. "I didn't think (Montero) was that close. I tried to clear it, and got punished for it."
Angel had little trouble giving New York (2-10-4) a 1-0 lead in the 40th minute. Defenders Tyrone Marshall and Patrick Ianni had the ball carom off each other as they were trying to clear and goalkeeper Kasey Keller slipped while coming out of the net.
"I think we had a little bit of luck on a couple of plays, and certainly on the one that I scored, it was a rebound and I was quick to react," said Angel, who notched his team-leading fifth goal of the season. "We should have won the game, but I'm happy with the point in the end."
Seattle (5-3-7), playing on just two days rest and in its third game in seven days overall, remains in third place in the West after picking up its 22nd point.
Sounders coach Sigi Schmid wasn't displeased by recording a win and two ties from his three-game stretch.
"We gave away a goal that we shouldn't have given away," Schmid said. "But they made a mistake as well. Our guys did well. We're not disappointed."
San Jose Earthquakes 2-1 Los Angeles Galaxy
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) - San Jose Earthquakes coach Frank Yallop said he had "a gut feeling" about inserting rookie forward Pablo Campos back into his starting lineup for Saturday's match against the Los Angeles Galaxy.
After Campos' performance, it's more than just a feeling.
Campos created and converted a penalty kick in the 6th minute and helped set up Ryan Johnson's second-half insurance goal as the Earthquakes held on for a 2-1 victory over the Galaxy.
Campos, who had started only twice in the Earthquakes' previous six matches, now has two goals and one assist in his MLS career � all against the Galaxy.
"I thought he played very well against them last time," Yallop said. "We're working on parts of his game that are unnatural (to him), but he's trying to do the right things. He came back with terrific aggression on the ball."
So too did the San Jose defense, which came in having allowed the most goals of any MLS team (26), but withstood the Galaxy's pressure in the final 15 minutes.
"If we start putting up victories again, we're going to look for the playoffs," Campos said. "That's what we have to do."
Of the 12 points San Jose (3-8-3) has collected this season, seven have come in its last four matches. And the Earthquakes play five of their next seven at home.
"Looking at the last four games, we've won two, lost one and tied one, and really, we could have had three wins and a loss, which is a good run in this league," Yallop said. "I feel like we're on the right path."
Campos once again forced the issue early, this time carrying the ball on a strong drive into the Galaxy penalty box. That led to a sweeping leg tackle by defender Greg Berhalter, which drew an immediate whistle from referee Baldomero Toledo.
Campos sent a low, skimming penalty kick to the right of goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who dove to no avail.
"One more time, another goal," Campos said. "I think the coach believed in me."
Campos made believers of the 17,128 on hand in the 54th minute, when he redirected a long cross off the opposite sideline by right back Chris Leitch. Campos' header floated across the goalmouth to Johnson, who caught up with it at the right post and knocked it home.
The Galaxy (2-3-9) had been hoping to right themselves after seeing a 10-match unbeaten streak end with a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake last weekend, but instead suffered a second consecutive defeat despite Jovan Kirovski's first goal of the season.
Los Angeles was playing without forward Landon Donovan, the team's leading goal-scorer, who is with the US national team at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
"We were a little suspect in defending in the box today and it cost us the game," Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena said. "You can't say, 'It would have been nice to have Landon Donovan today.' You can't use that as an excuse."
The Galaxy pulled back to within a goal in the 65th minute off a set piece that began with a free kick near midfield. Mike Magee's searching pass found the head of Alan Gordon, and he laid the ball off perfectly to Kirovski, who had shed marking back Brandon McDonald and hammered it home from point-blank range.
Los Angeles, which had scored nine goals after the 75th minute in its first 13 matches, was unable to find an equalizer against San Jose's much-maligned defense, although not for lack of trying. The Galaxy flooded the box with taller targets, but despite the heightened danger, they never forced San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon to make a save.
After Campos' performance, it's more than just a feeling.
Campos created and converted a penalty kick in the 6th minute and helped set up Ryan Johnson's second-half insurance goal as the Earthquakes held on for a 2-1 victory over the Galaxy.
Campos, who had started only twice in the Earthquakes' previous six matches, now has two goals and one assist in his MLS career � all against the Galaxy.
"I thought he played very well against them last time," Yallop said. "We're working on parts of his game that are unnatural (to him), but he's trying to do the right things. He came back with terrific aggression on the ball."
So too did the San Jose defense, which came in having allowed the most goals of any MLS team (26), but withstood the Galaxy's pressure in the final 15 minutes.
"If we start putting up victories again, we're going to look for the playoffs," Campos said. "That's what we have to do."
Of the 12 points San Jose (3-8-3) has collected this season, seven have come in its last four matches. And the Earthquakes play five of their next seven at home.
"Looking at the last four games, we've won two, lost one and tied one, and really, we could have had three wins and a loss, which is a good run in this league," Yallop said. "I feel like we're on the right path."
Campos once again forced the issue early, this time carrying the ball on a strong drive into the Galaxy penalty box. That led to a sweeping leg tackle by defender Greg Berhalter, which drew an immediate whistle from referee Baldomero Toledo.
Campos sent a low, skimming penalty kick to the right of goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, who dove to no avail.
"One more time, another goal," Campos said. "I think the coach believed in me."
Campos made believers of the 17,128 on hand in the 54th minute, when he redirected a long cross off the opposite sideline by right back Chris Leitch. Campos' header floated across the goalmouth to Johnson, who caught up with it at the right post and knocked it home.
The Galaxy (2-3-9) had been hoping to right themselves after seeing a 10-match unbeaten streak end with a 2-0 loss to Real Salt Lake last weekend, but instead suffered a second consecutive defeat despite Jovan Kirovski's first goal of the season.
Los Angeles was playing without forward Landon Donovan, the team's leading goal-scorer, who is with the US national team at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.
"We were a little suspect in defending in the box today and it cost us the game," Los Angeles coach Bruce Arena said. "You can't say, 'It would have been nice to have Landon Donovan today.' You can't use that as an excuse."
The Galaxy pulled back to within a goal in the 65th minute off a set piece that began with a free kick near midfield. Mike Magee's searching pass found the head of Alan Gordon, and he laid the ball off perfectly to Kirovski, who had shed marking back Brandon McDonald and hammered it home from point-blank range.
Los Angeles, which had scored nine goals after the 75th minute in its first 13 matches, was unable to find an equalizer against San Jose's much-maligned defense, although not for lack of trying. The Galaxy flooded the box with taller targets, but despite the heightened danger, they never forced San Jose goalkeeper Joe Cannon to make a save.
Villa again refuses to talk about future
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - David Villa again refused to answer questions about his future Saturday after scoring the winning goal in Spain's 2-0 victory over South Africa at the Confederations Cup.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are among the teams trying to lure the 27-year-old striker, and he believed it would be "impossible" to make up his mind about where he will next play after Valencia suddenly announced Friday it did not want to sell him.
"I don't want to answer any questions over my future. More because I don't want to cause any problems," Villa said after scoring for the third straight game. "I'm here, relaxed and happy and looking to get to the final by scoring more goals."
Villa joined strike partner Fernando Torres as the tournament's leading scorer with his third goal in three games at the World Cup warm-up event as the European champions won Group A with a record 15th straight win.
"We're used to beating records," Villa said as Spain also equaled Brazil's record 35-match unbeaten run. "It's always nice, another one. We're going to try to win these last two."
Moments after missing a penalty, Villa took a high cross on the chest in the 52nd minute at the Free State Stadium and, with perfect control, turned and powered it past Itumeleng Khune with an angled shot to score his 31st goal for Spain.
As if unleashing all the frustration resulting from his offseason transfer tale, Villa aggressively kicked the corner flag out of its bearings as he ran to the sidelines to celebrate with his teammates.
"I'm good. Not in the best moment of my life because of everything happening with me professionally, but I'm here at the Confederations Cup, which is what I want, to be here," Villa said.
There are few doubts that reports of a €50 million ($70 million) price tag have been exaggerated as Villa continued to close in on Raul Gonzalez's leading international tally of 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain. Villa, who was the leading scorer as Spain won last year's European Championship, reached No. 31 in his 47th game.
"I'm really happy because when you look at that list, it makes me very proud because they are legends of Spanish football," Villa said.
Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are among the teams trying to lure the 27-year-old striker, and he believed it would be "impossible" to make up his mind about where he will next play after Valencia suddenly announced Friday it did not want to sell him.
"I don't want to answer any questions over my future. More because I don't want to cause any problems," Villa said after scoring for the third straight game. "I'm here, relaxed and happy and looking to get to the final by scoring more goals."
Villa joined strike partner Fernando Torres as the tournament's leading scorer with his third goal in three games at the World Cup warm-up event as the European champions won Group A with a record 15th straight win.
"We're used to beating records," Villa said as Spain also equaled Brazil's record 35-match unbeaten run. "It's always nice, another one. We're going to try to win these last two."
Moments after missing a penalty, Villa took a high cross on the chest in the 52nd minute at the Free State Stadium and, with perfect control, turned and powered it past Itumeleng Khune with an angled shot to score his 31st goal for Spain.
As if unleashing all the frustration resulting from his offseason transfer tale, Villa aggressively kicked the corner flag out of its bearings as he ran to the sidelines to celebrate with his teammates.
"I'm good. Not in the best moment of my life because of everything happening with me professionally, but I'm here at the Confederations Cup, which is what I want, to be here," Villa said.
There are few doubts that reports of a €50 million ($70 million) price tag have been exaggerated as Villa continued to close in on Raul Gonzalez's leading international tally of 44 goals in 102 appearances for Spain. Villa, who was the leading scorer as Spain won last year's European Championship, reached No. 31 in his 47th game.
"I'm really happy because when you look at that list, it makes me very proud because they are legends of Spanish football," Villa said.
New Zealand earns 1st point at FIFA competition
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Without even scoring a goal, New Zealand managed to do something it had never before done at a FIFA tournament: earn a point.
The All Whites - dressed all in black Saturday - held on for a 0-0 draw against Iraq at the Confederations Cup. It was the first time that New Zealand had earned a point in 12 matches at FIFA tournaments, and coach Ricki Herbert celebrated when the final whistle blew.
"I think tonight's another milestone for the country," Herbert said. "The team, I thought, were magnificent. We've never come to a tournament and gained a point and we've never come to a tournament and dominated a game."
Herbert was in the 1982 World Cup team that lost all three games in Spain. New Zealand also lost all three at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cups.
On Saturday at Ellis Park, the Kiwis got plenty of support from the local crowd because a draw automatically put host South Africa into the semifinals. The South Africans lost to Spain 2-0 in the other Group A match.
"We told the players to acknowledge the fans before the game," Herbert said. "We knew they could help us."
New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss, who saved one shot with his head late in the match, was also happy with the point.
"It's a pretty proud moment, to be honest," Moss said. "We really wanted to play with a bit of pride tonight and show everyone that we can play in this competition and we should be here."
Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud said he was impressed with the New Zealanders.
"We wanted to score goals but New Zealand came out trying and they were a different team than what faced Bafana Bafana and Spain, and we missed too many opportunities," Mahmoud said of the Kiwis, who lost 5-0 to the Spanish and 2-0 against the hosts.
New Zealand qualified for the tournament as champions of Oceania, a region it is expected to dominate since the defection of Australia to the Asian confederation. But there is still work to be done before the team becomes a perennial World Cup qualifier.
"We don't play often enough as a team," New Zealand midfielder Tim Brown said. "It's very difficult to play against good teams ... (but) we showed that we can challenge."
The All Whites - dressed all in black Saturday - held on for a 0-0 draw against Iraq at the Confederations Cup. It was the first time that New Zealand had earned a point in 12 matches at FIFA tournaments, and coach Ricki Herbert celebrated when the final whistle blew.
"I think tonight's another milestone for the country," Herbert said. "The team, I thought, were magnificent. We've never come to a tournament and gained a point and we've never come to a tournament and dominated a game."
Herbert was in the 1982 World Cup team that lost all three games in Spain. New Zealand also lost all three at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cups.
On Saturday at Ellis Park, the Kiwis got plenty of support from the local crowd because a draw automatically put host South Africa into the semifinals. The South Africans lost to Spain 2-0 in the other Group A match.
"We told the players to acknowledge the fans before the game," Herbert said. "We knew they could help us."
New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss, who saved one shot with his head late in the match, was also happy with the point.
"It's a pretty proud moment, to be honest," Moss said. "We really wanted to play with a bit of pride tonight and show everyone that we can play in this competition and we should be here."
Iraq captain Younis Mahmoud said he was impressed with the New Zealanders.
"We wanted to score goals but New Zealand came out trying and they were a different team than what faced Bafana Bafana and Spain, and we missed too many opportunities," Mahmoud said of the Kiwis, who lost 5-0 to the Spanish and 2-0 against the hosts.
New Zealand qualified for the tournament as champions of Oceania, a region it is expected to dominate since the defection of Australia to the Asian confederation. But there is still work to be done before the team becomes a perennial World Cup qualifier.
"We don't play often enough as a team," New Zealand midfielder Tim Brown said. "It's very difficult to play against good teams ... (but) we showed that we can challenge."
Ron decided to quit United last year
Cristiano Ronaldo admits he made up his mind to leave Manchester United last year after deciding there was nothing more he could achieve at Old Trafford.
The Portugal winger looks set to seal an £80million move to Real Madrid after United accepted a world record bid from the Spanish giants.
Madrid conducted a long and public pursuit of Ronaldo last year but it proved ultimately unsuccessful as the 24-year-old remained at Old Trafford.
But despite staying in the Barclays Premier League, and helping United retain their title, Ronaldo claims he made up his mind to leave after the Champions League triumph over Chelsea a year ago.
"After we won the European Cup. I thought there is no more I can achieve here," Ronaldo told the News of the World.
"And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid."
The fact Madrid have not won the Champions League since 2002 - and are currently comfortably only the second best team in Spain behind Barcelona - has led some critics to claim Ronaldo is more interested in money than medals.
But Ronaldo insisted: "Of course, I have not gone for the money.
"To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target. If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time."
The winger also apologised for his infamous wink which followed Wayne Rooney's sending off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England.
"Sometimes you do things because emotions are running high but Wayne is my good friend," Ronaldo said.
"I can't regret it because I think the whole experience made me stronger.
"But looking back it was not the right thing to do and not something I would do any more."
The Portugal winger looks set to seal an £80million move to Real Madrid after United accepted a world record bid from the Spanish giants.
Madrid conducted a long and public pursuit of Ronaldo last year but it proved ultimately unsuccessful as the 24-year-old remained at Old Trafford.
But despite staying in the Barclays Premier League, and helping United retain their title, Ronaldo claims he made up his mind to leave after the Champions League triumph over Chelsea a year ago.
"After we won the European Cup. I thought there is no more I can achieve here," Ronaldo told the News of the World.
"And when you have done all you can, you know it is time for a new challenge. I stayed one more season and it was nice to make it three titles in a row but it was my dream to play for Madrid."
The fact Madrid have not won the Champions League since 2002 - and are currently comfortably only the second best team in Spain behind Barcelona - has led some critics to claim Ronaldo is more interested in money than medals.
But Ronaldo insisted: "Of course, I have not gone for the money.
"To go down as the greatest. It will take lots of work but that is my target. If you go down as the greatest at Madrid it means you are one of the greatest of all time."
The winger also apologised for his infamous wink which followed Wayne Rooney's sending off in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and England.
"Sometimes you do things because emotions are running high but Wayne is my good friend," Ronaldo said.
"I can't regret it because I think the whole experience made me stronger.
"But looking back it was not the right thing to do and not something I would do any more."
Milutinovic mulls future after Iraq eliminated
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - The latest stop in Bora Milutinovic's well-traveled career may have come to a close Saturday when Iraq was eliminated from the Confederations Cup.
The 64-year-old Milutinovic, who has coached five different countries at World Cup tournaments, appears undecided on his future. His contract with Iraq lasted through this tournament and it's unclear if he'll be asked to stay on.
"I'm only a football coach," Milutinovic said after a 0-0 draw with New Zealand. "My future doesn't depend on me. If someone calls me I'll check it out. If not, I'll keep living my life."
While Iraq failed to score a goal in its three matches in South Africa, the Asian champions allowed only one.
Milutinovic's players opened with a 0-0 draw against host South Africa, then had a respectable 1-0 loss to European champion Spain. A win over New Zealand could have sent Iraq through to the semifinals, but three late scoring opportunities were denied by New Zealand.
"Our boys gave it their all," Milutinovic said. "We didn't win the match but we achieved a very interesting result and we proved that the players of Iraq could become competitive with time."
Milutinovic didn't have much time with Iraq, taking over earlier this year.
"I just hope they can play freely and enjoy life," the Serb said. "This isn't the appropriate time to talk about my future. I'm really proud of my guys. In very little time they achieved an excellent result."
Milutinovic previously coached Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Honduras, Nigeria, China, Jamaica - as well as several club teams. He took four of those countries into the knockout round of the World Cup, failing to get out of the group stage only with China in 2002.
"I wish all my teams well," Milutinovic said, listing all his previous teams one-by-one. "I still follow them all."
The 64-year-old Milutinovic, who has coached five different countries at World Cup tournaments, appears undecided on his future. His contract with Iraq lasted through this tournament and it's unclear if he'll be asked to stay on.
"I'm only a football coach," Milutinovic said after a 0-0 draw with New Zealand. "My future doesn't depend on me. If someone calls me I'll check it out. If not, I'll keep living my life."
While Iraq failed to score a goal in its three matches in South Africa, the Asian champions allowed only one.
Milutinovic's players opened with a 0-0 draw against host South Africa, then had a respectable 1-0 loss to European champion Spain. A win over New Zealand could have sent Iraq through to the semifinals, but three late scoring opportunities were denied by New Zealand.
"Our boys gave it their all," Milutinovic said. "We didn't win the match but we achieved a very interesting result and we proved that the players of Iraq could become competitive with time."
Milutinovic didn't have much time with Iraq, taking over earlier this year.
"I just hope they can play freely and enjoy life," the Serb said. "This isn't the appropriate time to talk about my future. I'm really proud of my guys. In very little time they achieved an excellent result."
Milutinovic previously coached Mexico, Costa Rica, the United States, Honduras, Nigeria, China, Jamaica - as well as several club teams. He took four of those countries into the knockout round of the World Cup, failing to get out of the group stage only with China in 2002.
"I wish all my teams well," Milutinovic said, listing all his previous teams one-by-one. "I still follow them all."
Confederations Cup Games 9 & 10: Predictable
Group A of the Confederations Cup wrapped up on a sour note this evening in South Africa, with a dour 0-0 draw between Iraq and New Zealand; combined with an expected 2-0 loss by the hosts to Spain.
Both games were in play, but as Spain have run away with the group, the European champions’ meeting against hosts South Africa in the Free State Stadium was expected to be a stroll. South Africa, on four points after beating the Kiwis, didn’t need a result; they just needed to hold the score as low as possible in case Iraq beat New Zealand. They did just that, with both teams noodling about much of the first half.
The one flash of excitement came ten minutes into the second, before David Villa finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Aaron Mokoena conceded a penalty kick in the 51st, pulling down Cesc Fabregas, which Villa stepped up to take, only to see keeper Itumeleng Khune make a huge save, and then keep Carlos Puyol’s rebound out as well. But on the ensuing restart, Villa chested downa fine Cesc lob, turned sharply and fired it past the helpless Kaizer Chiefs keeper to the far corner. A terrific goal to decide a walking pace game with Fernando Llorente adding the insurance in the 72nd.
The loss wouldn’t matter, as an exhausted-looking Iraq were tested by an already eliminated New Zealand side with nothing to lose in Johannesburg. The All-Whites’ Glen Moss, who had had a miserable tournament to date, made three major saves to preserve a 0-0 draw and consign the Asian side to the tourney dustbin.
The Kiwis never looked much above the level of say, St. John’s, which is not a compliment. Yet, against an Iraq team that needed to go forward, they had some chances — nearly all of which were spectacularly whiffed by Celtic man Chris Killen. Shane Smeltz also had a chance on a late breakaway, only to utterly miss the ball. Iraq at least put the ball on net in the final ten minutes, with Salih Sadir forcing Moss to make a huge stop, but the comedy gold moment came when Karrar Jassim’s shot stuck Moss in the head, and stayed out. Iraq also had one cleared off the line, but that small bit of effort couldn’t make up for 80 minutes of impotence.
The matches put to an end the poorest group stage in the tournament. Spain scored eight goals, while the Kiwis conceded seven. Neither Iraq nor New Zealand scored a single goal. And South Africa? They got a 2-0 win against a lousy New Zealand side. They look dreadful, and for their trouble are likely to face Brazil in the semifinals.
Both games were in play, but as Spain have run away with the group, the European champions’ meeting against hosts South Africa in the Free State Stadium was expected to be a stroll. South Africa, on four points after beating the Kiwis, didn’t need a result; they just needed to hold the score as low as possible in case Iraq beat New Zealand. They did just that, with both teams noodling about much of the first half.
The one flash of excitement came ten minutes into the second, before David Villa finally broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute. Aaron Mokoena conceded a penalty kick in the 51st, pulling down Cesc Fabregas, which Villa stepped up to take, only to see keeper Itumeleng Khune make a huge save, and then keep Carlos Puyol’s rebound out as well. But on the ensuing restart, Villa chested downa fine Cesc lob, turned sharply and fired it past the helpless Kaizer Chiefs keeper to the far corner. A terrific goal to decide a walking pace game with Fernando Llorente adding the insurance in the 72nd.
The loss wouldn’t matter, as an exhausted-looking Iraq were tested by an already eliminated New Zealand side with nothing to lose in Johannesburg. The All-Whites’ Glen Moss, who had had a miserable tournament to date, made three major saves to preserve a 0-0 draw and consign the Asian side to the tourney dustbin.
The Kiwis never looked much above the level of say, St. John’s, which is not a compliment. Yet, against an Iraq team that needed to go forward, they had some chances — nearly all of which were spectacularly whiffed by Celtic man Chris Killen. Shane Smeltz also had a chance on a late breakaway, only to utterly miss the ball. Iraq at least put the ball on net in the final ten minutes, with Salih Sadir forcing Moss to make a huge stop, but the comedy gold moment came when Karrar Jassim’s shot stuck Moss in the head, and stayed out. Iraq also had one cleared off the line, but that small bit of effort couldn’t make up for 80 minutes of impotence.
The matches put to an end the poorest group stage in the tournament. Spain scored eight goals, while the Kiwis conceded seven. Neither Iraq nor New Zealand scored a single goal. And South Africa? They got a 2-0 win against a lousy New Zealand side. They look dreadful, and for their trouble are likely to face Brazil in the semifinals.
Alonso not planning Anfield exit
Midfielder Xabi Alonso insists he is happy at Liverpool, but the Spaniard has refused to rule out an Anfield exit this summer.
Alonso has recently been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid amidst rumours of a rift between himself and Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
While Alonso has not ruled out a move away from Merseyside, the 27-year-old insists he is content at Anfield.
"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go," he told El Pais.
"With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.
"There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles."
The 27-year-old also denied that his relationship with Benitez has deteriorated in light of the manager's indecision over his future last year.
"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me," Alonso added.
"We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.
"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons."
Alonso has recently been linked with a move to Spanish giants Real Madrid amidst rumours of a rift between himself and Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
While Alonso has not ruled out a move away from Merseyside, the 27-year-old insists he is content at Anfield.
"I am happy at Liverpool but in football you cannot close the doors on anything because you don't know what will happen. I do not plan to go," he told El Pais.
"With Sami Hyypia already gone, I am one of the senior players alongside Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard.
"There was strong interest in me from Madrid (in 2004) but Liverpool came and that is where I went. It was not a wrong decision, not for me anyway. I have played at Liverpool, a special club, and grown as a player and won titles."
The 27-year-old also denied that his relationship with Benitez has deteriorated in light of the manager's indecision over his future last year.
"Each one has his own point of view. He is the manager and I try to do the best with what he tells me," Alonso added.
"We have a good professional relationship. We speak normally, saying what he wants from me and what I can give. He makes the decisions and we try to execute them.
"Last summer there was certain indecision and I did not know what was going to happen. I finished up playing well, though. I have had two quite complete seasons."
Bradley not surprised position is under scrutiny
RUSTENBURG, South Africa (AP) - United States coach Bob Bradley isn't surprised that his position is under scrutiny from some fans and commentators ahead of Sunday's must-win Confederations Cup match against Egypt.
Bradley's team needs to beat the African champions to have any chance of reaching the semifinals of the eight-team tournament but his ability to motivate and organize his players has been queried on internet blogs and fan forums.
That seems harsh after the United States only lost to World Cup holder Italy after playing 57 minutes with 10 men and then came up short against an in-form Brazil, but Bradley was expecting it.
"It goes with the job," Bradley said Saturday. "I believe strongly in the way we go about things on the inside and within our group we always make sure that when we're in something together there's a trust, there's a sense that even when things are swirling around on the outside none of that has anything to do with what we're doing on the inside and that's the nature of international soccer.
"In order to make sure that the team feels that, the coaching staff must show that every day."
The 3-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Costa Rica that preceded the Confederations Cup is unlikely to severely dent the United States' efforts to reach the 2010 tournament, but the pressure could really be on Bradley if his team loses against Mexico in its next match on Aug. 12.
Bradley was seen by some fans and commentators as a second-choice appointment in 2006 after Juergen Klinsmann turned down an approach but the former Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA coach remains confident that his approach remains the right one.
"I've been in this long enough and have had experiences along the way where I've been tested in that regard and always come out very strong in terms of sticking to what I believe in," Bradley said. "Knowing what it's all about and making sure that the players understand what it means to compete and be fearless and not let anything else change what we're doing."
Bradley's team needs to beat the African champions to have any chance of reaching the semifinals of the eight-team tournament but his ability to motivate and organize his players has been queried on internet blogs and fan forums.
That seems harsh after the United States only lost to World Cup holder Italy after playing 57 minutes with 10 men and then came up short against an in-form Brazil, but Bradley was expecting it.
"It goes with the job," Bradley said Saturday. "I believe strongly in the way we go about things on the inside and within our group we always make sure that when we're in something together there's a trust, there's a sense that even when things are swirling around on the outside none of that has anything to do with what we're doing on the inside and that's the nature of international soccer.
"In order to make sure that the team feels that, the coaching staff must show that every day."
The 3-1 World Cup qualifying loss to Costa Rica that preceded the Confederations Cup is unlikely to severely dent the United States' efforts to reach the 2010 tournament, but the pressure could really be on Bradley if his team loses against Mexico in its next match on Aug. 12.
Bradley was seen by some fans and commentators as a second-choice appointment in 2006 after Juergen Klinsmann turned down an approach but the former Chicago Fire, MetroStars and Chivas USA coach remains confident that his approach remains the right one.
"I've been in this long enough and have had experiences along the way where I've been tested in that regard and always come out very strong in terms of sticking to what I believe in," Bradley said. "Knowing what it's all about and making sure that the players understand what it means to compete and be fearless and not let anything else change what we're doing."
Spain wins, but South Africa also goes through
BLOEMFONTEIN, South Africa (AP) - Spain earned its record 15th straight victory Saturday with a 2-0 win over South Africa, a result which allowed the host nation to scrape into the Confederations Cup semifinals along with the European champions.
Moments after missing a penalty, David Villa took a high cross on the chest in the 52nd minute and with perfect control, turned and shot past Itumeleng Khune with an angled shot.
In a goalmouth scramble off a cross from Xavi Hernandez, striker Fernando Llorente added a second goal in the 72nd.
South Africa and its fans were dependent on the score in the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand. The 0-0 result unleashed huge celebrations among the 38,212 fans at the Free State Stadium.
Spain won Group A with nine points, while South Africa is second with four. Iraq finished with two and New Zealand earned one.
"The important thing is we go to the semifinals," Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana said. "It is important for the players. It is important for the people."
Since a big loss could possibly have eliminated South Africa, Bafana Bafana was all too pleased to see when Spain coach Vicente del Bosque pulled off Villa and fellow striker Fernando Torres in the 60th, dulling Spain's fabled forward thrust.
The opening goal was Villa's 31st in his 47th appearance. He trails only Raul Gonzalez's mark of 44 goals from 102 matches.
Even though Spain dominated with skill and grace, it was South Africa which kept pushing, chasing down balls and hustling opponents throughout the match to make sure the tournament turned into a motivational boost ahead of the World Cup.
The victory gave Spain one more win than Brazil had in separate runs in 1969 and 1970. Spain also matched Brazil's record 35-match unbeaten run, a streak set between 1993-96.
"It's very important because we continued along the same route that the streak has been marked by," Del Bosque said. "The ones that will come will be the most difficult though.
"We played very securely, against a rival with great potential," Del Bosque added.
The Spanish haven't lost a game since 2006, winning last year's European Championship along the way as it was propelled to the top of FIFA's rankings - 71 places above South Africa. With such stakes, Del Bosque didn't rest his top players even though the team had already qualified.
The slick work between playmakers Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas feeding Villa and Torres worked well enough but the finishing was off during the first half.
A sturdy South African defense of four players backed by three holding midfielders was partly to blame, and at the back the towering Matthew Booth was as rudimentary as he was efficient.
"They're not No. 1 in the world for nothing," South Africa midfielder Steven Pieenar said. "If you're not well organized they can punish you and that's what happened today."
Santana has often been rebuked for his conservative tactics but few could disagree with his decision to field only one striker and pack the midfield with five men.
Bernard Parker had proved his standing with two goals against New Zealand, which meant that fellow forward Thembinkosi Fanteni was sidelined to allow for the return of holding midfielder Benson Mhlongo.
Parker ran all he could but was too solitary a figure to be effective. Most danger came from creative midfielders Steven Pienaar and Teko Modise.
After some Spanish players had criticized the use of the blaring vuvuzela horns, the fans made sure they rang in their ears for most of the match.
As it became clear that qualification could turn by a few goals in either of the games, the Bafana Bafana fans grew quiet with tension and apprehension.
The final whistle could even release them since the other game was still ongoing. The players huddled in midfield, the vuvuzelas blared and a huge cheer went up when the draw was announced that let them through.
Solemnly, the players embraced in a big circle and ran up to the fans to congratulate them.
"It's going to be tough. I'm just happy we got through," Pienaar said.
Lineups:
Spain: Pepe Reina, Carles Puyol, Raul Albiol, Gerard Pique, Alvaro Arbeloa (Santi Cazorla, 81), Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Albert Riera, David Villa (Pablo Hernandez, 60), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente, 60).
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Matthew Booth, Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya (Katlego Mashego, 83), Teko Modise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Bernard Parker (Siphiwe Tshabalala, 90), Benson Mhlongo.
Moments after missing a penalty, David Villa took a high cross on the chest in the 52nd minute and with perfect control, turned and shot past Itumeleng Khune with an angled shot.
In a goalmouth scramble off a cross from Xavi Hernandez, striker Fernando Llorente added a second goal in the 72nd.
South Africa and its fans were dependent on the score in the other Group A game between Iraq and New Zealand. The 0-0 result unleashed huge celebrations among the 38,212 fans at the Free State Stadium.
Spain won Group A with nine points, while South Africa is second with four. Iraq finished with two and New Zealand earned one.
"The important thing is we go to the semifinals," Bafana Bafana coach Joel Santana said. "It is important for the players. It is important for the people."
Since a big loss could possibly have eliminated South Africa, Bafana Bafana was all too pleased to see when Spain coach Vicente del Bosque pulled off Villa and fellow striker Fernando Torres in the 60th, dulling Spain's fabled forward thrust.
The opening goal was Villa's 31st in his 47th appearance. He trails only Raul Gonzalez's mark of 44 goals from 102 matches.
Even though Spain dominated with skill and grace, it was South Africa which kept pushing, chasing down balls and hustling opponents throughout the match to make sure the tournament turned into a motivational boost ahead of the World Cup.
The victory gave Spain one more win than Brazil had in separate runs in 1969 and 1970. Spain also matched Brazil's record 35-match unbeaten run, a streak set between 1993-96.
"It's very important because we continued along the same route that the streak has been marked by," Del Bosque said. "The ones that will come will be the most difficult though.
"We played very securely, against a rival with great potential," Del Bosque added.
The Spanish haven't lost a game since 2006, winning last year's European Championship along the way as it was propelled to the top of FIFA's rankings - 71 places above South Africa. With such stakes, Del Bosque didn't rest his top players even though the team had already qualified.
The slick work between playmakers Xavi Hernandez and Cesc Fabregas feeding Villa and Torres worked well enough but the finishing was off during the first half.
A sturdy South African defense of four players backed by three holding midfielders was partly to blame, and at the back the towering Matthew Booth was as rudimentary as he was efficient.
"They're not No. 1 in the world for nothing," South Africa midfielder Steven Pieenar said. "If you're not well organized they can punish you and that's what happened today."
Santana has often been rebuked for his conservative tactics but few could disagree with his decision to field only one striker and pack the midfield with five men.
Bernard Parker had proved his standing with two goals against New Zealand, which meant that fellow forward Thembinkosi Fanteni was sidelined to allow for the return of holding midfielder Benson Mhlongo.
Parker ran all he could but was too solitary a figure to be effective. Most danger came from creative midfielders Steven Pienaar and Teko Modise.
After some Spanish players had criticized the use of the blaring vuvuzela horns, the fans made sure they rang in their ears for most of the match.
As it became clear that qualification could turn by a few goals in either of the games, the Bafana Bafana fans grew quiet with tension and apprehension.
The final whistle could even release them since the other game was still ongoing. The players huddled in midfield, the vuvuzelas blared and a huge cheer went up when the draw was announced that let them through.
Solemnly, the players embraced in a big circle and ran up to the fans to congratulate them.
"It's going to be tough. I'm just happy we got through," Pienaar said.
Lineups:
Spain: Pepe Reina, Carles Puyol, Raul Albiol, Gerard Pique, Alvaro Arbeloa (Santi Cazorla, 81), Cesc Fabregas, Sergio Busquets, Xavi Hernandez, Albert Riera, David Villa (Pablo Hernandez, 60), Fernando Torres (Fernando Llorente, 60).
South Africa: Itumeleng Khune, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela, Aaron Mokoena, Matthew Booth, Steven Pienaar, Macbeth Sibaya (Katlego Mashego, 83), Teko Modise, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Bernard Parker (Siphiwe Tshabalala, 90), Benson Mhlongo.
Iraq and New Zealand draw 0-0 at Confed Cup
JOHANNESBURG (AP) - Iraq and New Zealand both exited the Confederations Cup following a 0-0 draw Saturday.
Iraq could have advanced with a multi-goal victory, but the Asian champions rarely threatened until the final minutes and had to work hard to fend off a spirited fight from the All Whites - who wore all black.
Iraq finished with two points in Group A and New Zealand left with one point. European champion Spain won the group with nine points and South Africa also went through with four points despite a 2-0 loss to Spain in the other group game.
Iraq had three chances in the final minutes to earn the win.
First, midfielder Karrar Jasim's close-range effort was blocked in the 87th minute, then Salih Sadir's long shot was pushed away by New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss in the first minute of injury time. Seconds later, defender Tony Lochhead cleared a shot from Salam Shaker off the goal line.
South Africa fans in attendance at the half-filled Ellis Park rooted for New Zealand, since a draw or Kiwi win automatically sent the Bafana Bafana through.
New Zealand was already eliminated after losing its opening two games, but coach Ricki Herbert raised both arms in triumph at the final whistle, celebrating his country's first point at a FIFA tournament.
Herbert played when New Zealand lost all three of its games at the 1982 World Cup. The Kiwis also failed to gain a point at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cups.
Only 23,295 fans showed up, but many of them brought along vuvuzela trumpets, creating a raucous atmosphere.
In a match that featured sloppy play from both sides, Iraq attempted to run past New Zealand while the Kiwis relied on headers and set pieces.
Iraq came out determined but then settled down as New Zealand took control for much of the first half.
Iraq forward Emad Mohammed bounced a header over the bar following a corner in the seventh minute, then the Asian champions had an even better chance when Younis Mahmoud strode through the Kiwis' porous defense three minutes later, but Moss charged forward to block his shot.
New Zealand also had trouble finishing. Celtic striker Chris Killen received the ball in front of the Iraqi defense in the 15th, had time to control the ball and look at the target but still missed badly, then covered his head with his jersey.
Leo Bertos was creative on the left wing for New Zealand and provided a perfect cross for Shane Smeltz in the 30th, but the Gold Coast United forward headed wide.
New Zealand finally put a decent shot on target in the 35th, but goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid lunged to his left to catch Killen's header.
Iraq used all three of its substitutions early in the second half but still couldn't create much until the final minutes, while New Zealand substitute Andy Boyens had an opportunity with a header in the 74th that went high.
Lineups:
Iraq: Mohammed Kassid, Mohammed Ali Kareem, Basem Abbas, Nashat Akram, Emad Mohammed (Alaa Abdul Zahra, 56), Younis Mahmoud, Hawar Mulla Mohammed (Fareed Majeed, 46), Karrar Jasim, Salam Shaker, Ali Hussein Rehema, Mahdi Kareem (Salih Sadir, 67).
New Zealand: Glen Moss, Aaron Scott, Tony Lochhead, Ben Sigmund (Andy Boyens, 71), Ivan Vicelich, Simon Elliott, Tim Brown, Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie (Jeremy Christie, 68).
Iraq could have advanced with a multi-goal victory, but the Asian champions rarely threatened until the final minutes and had to work hard to fend off a spirited fight from the All Whites - who wore all black.
Iraq finished with two points in Group A and New Zealand left with one point. European champion Spain won the group with nine points and South Africa also went through with four points despite a 2-0 loss to Spain in the other group game.
Iraq had three chances in the final minutes to earn the win.
First, midfielder Karrar Jasim's close-range effort was blocked in the 87th minute, then Salih Sadir's long shot was pushed away by New Zealand goalkeeper Glen Moss in the first minute of injury time. Seconds later, defender Tony Lochhead cleared a shot from Salam Shaker off the goal line.
South Africa fans in attendance at the half-filled Ellis Park rooted for New Zealand, since a draw or Kiwi win automatically sent the Bafana Bafana through.
New Zealand was already eliminated after losing its opening two games, but coach Ricki Herbert raised both arms in triumph at the final whistle, celebrating his country's first point at a FIFA tournament.
Herbert played when New Zealand lost all three of its games at the 1982 World Cup. The Kiwis also failed to gain a point at the 1999 and 2003 Confederations Cups.
Only 23,295 fans showed up, but many of them brought along vuvuzela trumpets, creating a raucous atmosphere.
In a match that featured sloppy play from both sides, Iraq attempted to run past New Zealand while the Kiwis relied on headers and set pieces.
Iraq came out determined but then settled down as New Zealand took control for much of the first half.
Iraq forward Emad Mohammed bounced a header over the bar following a corner in the seventh minute, then the Asian champions had an even better chance when Younis Mahmoud strode through the Kiwis' porous defense three minutes later, but Moss charged forward to block his shot.
New Zealand also had trouble finishing. Celtic striker Chris Killen received the ball in front of the Iraqi defense in the 15th, had time to control the ball and look at the target but still missed badly, then covered his head with his jersey.
Leo Bertos was creative on the left wing for New Zealand and provided a perfect cross for Shane Smeltz in the 30th, but the Gold Coast United forward headed wide.
New Zealand finally put a decent shot on target in the 35th, but goalkeeper Mohammed Kassid lunged to his left to catch Killen's header.
Iraq used all three of its substitutions early in the second half but still couldn't create much until the final minutes, while New Zealand substitute Andy Boyens had an opportunity with a header in the 74th that went high.
Lineups:
Iraq: Mohammed Kassid, Mohammed Ali Kareem, Basem Abbas, Nashat Akram, Emad Mohammed (Alaa Abdul Zahra, 56), Younis Mahmoud, Hawar Mulla Mohammed (Fareed Majeed, 46), Karrar Jasim, Salam Shaker, Ali Hussein Rehema, Mahdi Kareem (Salih Sadir, 67).
New Zealand: Glen Moss, Aaron Scott, Tony Lochhead, Ben Sigmund (Andy Boyens, 71), Ivan Vicelich, Simon Elliott, Tim Brown, Shane Smeltz, Chris Killen, Leo Bertos, Jeremy Brockie (Jeremy Christie, 68).
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