Frank Nouble scored on his first outing in claret and blue as a West Ham XI including Gianfranco Zola's son beat Thurrock 3-2 on Friday night.
Nouble only signed from Chelsea in midweek, but he managed the full 90 minutes against the non-leaguers and capped off a good performance with a last-minute winner.
West Ham fell behind early on when Phil Anderson converted from close range in the 18th minute, but German trialist Sebastian Huke produced a cool 15-yard finish nine minutes later to level things up.
16-year-old Eoin Wearen headed the Irons in front on 79 but Thurrock looked to have earned a share of the spoils when David Knight fired home with just four minutes later.
It was not to be, however, and Nouble marked his first game of pre-season with a tidy finish into the bottom corner after Cristian Montano danced past two defenders.
Zola Jr played the first 45 minutes in midfield, with the second string boosted by the presence of Calum Davenport and Nigel Quashie, who both played the full 90 minutes for Alex Dyer's side.
7/25/2009
Tigers stand firm on Zamora offer
Hull boss Phil Brown has offered Bobby Zamora a take-it-or-leave-it deal, believed to be worth £40,000 a week, to move to the KC Stadium.
The Tigers have agreed a £5million fee with Fulham for the striker and Brown has held talks with the former West Ham player.
Zamora is considering his options before committing to a move to East Yorkshire, but Hull insist they will not be improving the personal terms on offer.
"We have put a contract on the table, a very lucrative one," said Brown in the Daily Mirror.
"We are standing firm on it. This is our evaluation of Bobby Zamora - end of story."
Reports suggest Zamora has been offered a £40,000-a-week deal to move to the KC Stadium.
The Tigers have agreed a £5million fee with Fulham for the striker and Brown has held talks with the former West Ham player.
Zamora is considering his options before committing to a move to East Yorkshire, but Hull insist they will not be improving the personal terms on offer.
"We have put a contract on the table, a very lucrative one," said Brown in the Daily Mirror.
"We are standing firm on it. This is our evaluation of Bobby Zamora - end of story."
Reports suggest Zamora has been offered a £40,000-a-week deal to move to the KC Stadium.
Foster is best by far, boasts Fergie
Sir Alex Ferguson is 100% certain Ben Foster will be England's first choice goalkeeper for the World Cup in South Africa next summer.
Foster has only played once for his country under Fabio Capello, coming on as a half-time substitute in the March friendly against Slovakia.
The Manchester United stopper would almost certainly have added another couple of caps to his tally last month, only for a thumb operation to prevent him facing Kazakhstan and Andorra as replacement for David James, who had undergone shoulder surgery.
It is a depressingly familiar story for Foster, who spent his first two years as a United player on loan at Watford and had his third wrecked by a cruciate injury.
Yet despite the catalogue of injury, Ferguson has never lost faith in the former Stoke man.
He has said often enough in the past that Foster will be England's number one at some point in the future. Now he has gone one step further by claiming the 26-year-old will oust James as Capello's first choice before the coming campaign is done.
"Ben Foster will be England's goalkeeper in South Africa, I have absolutely no doubts about that," he said.
"He is streets ahead of any other English goalkeeper.
"He has magnificent abilities. He is lightning quick, has excellent use of the ball and is exceedingly brave. He is a top drawer goalkeeper."
Ferguson does concede Foster needs his abysmal luck with injuries to end.
However, he has confirmed the Leamington Spa-born player, who is set to figure against Hangzhou Greentown in the final match of United's Far East tour on Sunday night after sitting out Friday's victory over FC Seoul, will get enough chances to impress Capello.
"I have to keep an eye on him," admitted Ferguson.
"Ben has an opportunity with England, so I have to give him chances with us.
"I would not want to deny him the chance to play in South Africa so he will play a lot of games this season
"If he stays fit, he will be number one in South Africa. That is my prediction."
Ferguson is effectively confirming he intends to wind down Edwin van der Sar's career, even though the veteran Dutchman will start his final Old Trafford season as first-choice.
It is however bad news for Tomasz Kuszczak, who signed a contract extension last season but now seems set to play third fiddle under Ferguson.
"Tomasz deserves some recognition," he said.
"He has never complained and trains like a beast all the time.
"It is a very difficult situation because I need to get him minutes on the clock as well.
"Unfortunately Tomasz seems to have been bombed out by Poland for some reason.
"I don't understand why because I have to think about these things in terms of their careers."
Foster has only played once for his country under Fabio Capello, coming on as a half-time substitute in the March friendly against Slovakia.
The Manchester United stopper would almost certainly have added another couple of caps to his tally last month, only for a thumb operation to prevent him facing Kazakhstan and Andorra as replacement for David James, who had undergone shoulder surgery.
It is a depressingly familiar story for Foster, who spent his first two years as a United player on loan at Watford and had his third wrecked by a cruciate injury.
Yet despite the catalogue of injury, Ferguson has never lost faith in the former Stoke man.
He has said often enough in the past that Foster will be England's number one at some point in the future. Now he has gone one step further by claiming the 26-year-old will oust James as Capello's first choice before the coming campaign is done.
"Ben Foster will be England's goalkeeper in South Africa, I have absolutely no doubts about that," he said.
"He is streets ahead of any other English goalkeeper.
"He has magnificent abilities. He is lightning quick, has excellent use of the ball and is exceedingly brave. He is a top drawer goalkeeper."
Ferguson does concede Foster needs his abysmal luck with injuries to end.
However, he has confirmed the Leamington Spa-born player, who is set to figure against Hangzhou Greentown in the final match of United's Far East tour on Sunday night after sitting out Friday's victory over FC Seoul, will get enough chances to impress Capello.
"I have to keep an eye on him," admitted Ferguson.
"Ben has an opportunity with England, so I have to give him chances with us.
"I would not want to deny him the chance to play in South Africa so he will play a lot of games this season
"If he stays fit, he will be number one in South Africa. That is my prediction."
Ferguson is effectively confirming he intends to wind down Edwin van der Sar's career, even though the veteran Dutchman will start his final Old Trafford season as first-choice.
It is however bad news for Tomasz Kuszczak, who signed a contract extension last season but now seems set to play third fiddle under Ferguson.
"Tomasz deserves some recognition," he said.
"He has never complained and trains like a beast all the time.
"It is a very difficult situation because I need to get him minutes on the clock as well.
"Unfortunately Tomasz seems to have been bombed out by Poland for some reason.
"I don't understand why because I have to think about these things in terms of their careers."
Arbeloa closes in on Real return
Alvaro Arbeloa's agent says the Liverpool defender is still wanted by Real Madrid and could complete a £4.5million return to Spain next week.
The Spaniard was first linked with a return to the Bernabeu at the start of the summer but rumours had recently died down.
However, Arbeloa's representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, remains in discussions with the Primera Liga giants and expects a conclusion by the start of next week.
Quilon told The Sun: "Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."
Real sporting director Jorge Valdano has also confirmed that the 26-year-old, who played for the club in 2004-5, remains a transfer target.
Valdano said: "Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans."
Arbeloa has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield and faces a fight for a first-team place on Merseyside following the arrival of Glen Johnson.
The Spaniard was first linked with a return to the Bernabeu at the start of the summer but rumours had recently died down.
However, Arbeloa's representative, Manuel Garcia Quilon, remains in discussions with the Primera Liga giants and expects a conclusion by the start of next week.
Quilon told The Sun: "Discussions with Real are not over and I expect a solution early next week."
Real sporting director Jorge Valdano has also confirmed that the 26-year-old, who played for the club in 2004-5, remains a transfer target.
Valdano said: "Arbeloa is a basic part of our plans."
Arbeloa has one year remaining on his contract at Anfield and faces a fight for a first-team place on Merseyside following the arrival of Glen Johnson.
O'Neill: No wad of cash can grab Ash
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill has warned Ashley Young's suitors he would not even consider selling the England winger for £50million.
Young has been the subject of some frenzied transfer speculation in recent weeks with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea linked as well as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
But O'Neill insists not even a bid of £50million would persuade him to sell the 24-year-old, who joined from Watford back in 2007 for a then club-record £9.65m.
The Villa boss told The Sun: "There has been no thought about selling him.
"If somebody came in with £50m, I would not do it. It would be up to the chairman but the last time I spoke to Randy Lerner he was not entertaining anything, at any price.
"There are loads of teams who want him but he's at the right club.
"I could not be more strong on this. He's not going anywhere."
Young has been the subject of some frenzied transfer speculation in recent weeks with Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea linked as well as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid.
But O'Neill insists not even a bid of £50million would persuade him to sell the 24-year-old, who joined from Watford back in 2007 for a then club-record £9.65m.
The Villa boss told The Sun: "There has been no thought about selling him.
"If somebody came in with £50m, I would not do it. It would be up to the chairman but the last time I spoke to Randy Lerner he was not entertaining anything, at any price.
"There are loads of teams who want him but he's at the right club.
"I could not be more strong on this. He's not going anywhere."
De Zeeuw poised for Ajax switch
Ajax have signed AZ Alkmaar midfielder Demy de Zeeuw, subject to a medical, after agreeing an undisclosed fee with ther Eredivisie champions.
The 26-year-old began his senior career with the Go Ahead Eagles before joining AZ in 2005 for a fee of €100,000.
De Zeeuw made his debut for Holland in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovenia in March 2007 and has gone on to win 20 caps for his country.
AZ confirmed the transfer with a brief statement on their website on Friday night, saying: "Ajax have met our asking price."
Ajax presented their new signing at half-time of their meeting with Atletico Madrid in the Amsterdam Tournament.
The 26-year-old began his senior career with the Go Ahead Eagles before joining AZ in 2005 for a fee of €100,000.
De Zeeuw made his debut for Holland in a Euro 2008 qualifier against Slovenia in March 2007 and has gone on to win 20 caps for his country.
AZ confirmed the transfer with a brief statement on their website on Friday night, saying: "Ajax have met our asking price."
Ajax presented their new signing at half-time of their meeting with Atletico Madrid in the Amsterdam Tournament.
Dossena agent expects Napoli switch
Andrea Dossena's agent expects the Liverpool defender to join Napoli this summer with both the player and Serie A side willing to do business.
Dossena endured a tough time during his debut season with Liverpool despite scoring goals in the thumping wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The left-back otherwise struggled to make an impact as the speed and physical nature of the Premier League at times overwhelmed the Italian international.
The £7 million signing from Udinese is thought to be seeking a move back to his homeland in order to re-establish himself as Marcelo Lippi's first choice left back for the Italian national side.
Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio is eager to finalise a deal and says a move to Napoli would suit all parties involved.
"There is the will to join Napoli. Napoli want Dossena, and should they follow him, it means they are ready to satisfy the player's exigencies," La Florio told Italian radio station Kiss Kiss.
"Now they must decide, because they may need Andrea due to Fabio Aurelio's injury. The two parts must meet to find an agreement."
Dossena endured a tough time during his debut season with Liverpool despite scoring goals in the thumping wins over Real Madrid and Manchester United.
The left-back otherwise struggled to make an impact as the speed and physical nature of the Premier League at times overwhelmed the Italian international.
The £7 million signing from Udinese is thought to be seeking a move back to his homeland in order to re-establish himself as Marcelo Lippi's first choice left back for the Italian national side.
Dossena's agent Roberto La Florio is eager to finalise a deal and says a move to Napoli would suit all parties involved.
"There is the will to join Napoli. Napoli want Dossena, and should they follow him, it means they are ready to satisfy the player's exigencies," La Florio told Italian radio station Kiss Kiss.
"Now they must decide, because they may need Andrea due to Fabio Aurelio's injury. The two parts must meet to find an agreement."
Man United aims to maintain preseason form
BEIJING (AP) - Manchester United will aim for four wins out of four matches when it ends its Asian tour in China against Hangzhou Greentown on Sunday.
But the English champions will be without captain Gary Neville, who flew home for treatment on a groin strain before United beat FC Seoul 3-2 on Friday. United twice had to come from behind before Dimitar Berbatov's 65th minute header which proved the winner.
The Premier League giant earlier played two matches in Malaysia, winning 3-2 and 2-0. The second game was hastily scheduled because the hotel bombings in Jakarta forced the club to cancel its match in Indonesia.
Although the Red Devils have lost star winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez to Manchester City, they remain massively popular in Asia. China's population of 1.3 billion people is a huge potential market for United and it is the club's fifth game in greater China in the past 10 years.
Hangzhou is in eastern China, south of Shanghai.
United manager Alex Ferguson said he was pleased with the fan reception so far on the trip.
"It's typical of the whole Far East, we have a terrific fan base and there's a great fanaticism here," he told United's Web site.
Last month Manchester signed a 5-year deal with Aigo, which will make and sell co-branded digital cameras, multimedia players and data storage devices for United around the world, and cell phone handsets in China.
But the English champions will be without captain Gary Neville, who flew home for treatment on a groin strain before United beat FC Seoul 3-2 on Friday. United twice had to come from behind before Dimitar Berbatov's 65th minute header which proved the winner.
The Premier League giant earlier played two matches in Malaysia, winning 3-2 and 2-0. The second game was hastily scheduled because the hotel bombings in Jakarta forced the club to cancel its match in Indonesia.
Although the Red Devils have lost star winger Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid and Carlos Tevez to Manchester City, they remain massively popular in Asia. China's population of 1.3 billion people is a huge potential market for United and it is the club's fifth game in greater China in the past 10 years.
Hangzhou is in eastern China, south of Shanghai.
United manager Alex Ferguson said he was pleased with the fan reception so far on the trip.
"It's typical of the whole Far East, we have a terrific fan base and there's a great fanaticism here," he told United's Web site.
Last month Manchester signed a 5-year deal with Aigo, which will make and sell co-branded digital cameras, multimedia players and data storage devices for United around the world, and cell phone handsets in China.
Hughes tips Adebayor for big things
Emmanuel Adebayor could make his Manchester City debut on Saturday - and Mark Hughes has tipped him to an outstanding player for the club.
City have bought in Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Adebayor so far this summer but Barry is the only player to pull on a blue shirt to date.
The situation will remain the same for Tevez - the Argentinian has been left out of the squad to play Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge final due to a heel injury - but Hughes expects his other £25 million man, Adebayor, and the newly-wed Robinho to feature.
He said: "I am convinced he (Adebayor) will be an outstanding player for us for many years to come.
"He's has got a chance to be selected. We had to make sure that he is in a good shape. He has been training with his former team and I think he will play a significant part.
"Robinho is here after flying in on Thursday. Quite possibly he will play some part. He has been playing a lot of football lately and he hasn't had much of a holiday. But he is in good spirits.
"He is newly married and very happy. I am sure he is looking forward to playing the part."
Stuart Taylor was a somewhat lesser signing bought in by City this summer - he signed on a free transfer from Aston Villa - and the goalkeeper could not be happier with the move.
"We're getting a fantastic squad together now, if we gel together and do it as a team on the field, it's looking good," he told the club's official website.
"The strikeforce we have coming together is frightening. We can chop and change it for anything we need and it looks like there will be a lot of goals.
"It's nice for me to get a chance to come to a club like this.
"I believe I am still good enough to do a job with a team like this, and the club feel that as well.
"Shay is an outstanding goalkeeper and he has proved it year in, year out in the Premier League for a long time.
"He's a consistent performer, always puts in a solid display and you need players like that to build a team around.
"It will be great for me to work for him."
Meanwhile Hughes has refused to talk any more about John Terry as Chelsea look set to keep hold of their skipper.
The England captain has been on the radar of the Eastlands manager all summer, but Chelsea have insisted he is going nowhere and have rejected several offers from free-spending City.
Hughes said: "We keep on dismissing certain individuals and we keep on giving the same response.
"There is no value from our point of view to keep on saying the same things. I would imagine from your view that you are pretty fed up with me saying the same thing over and over again.
"I much rather talk about the players we have signed. That's where my focus will lie for the next few days.
"The situation with other players, whether or not they are coming to the club, may well be resolved in the completion of the transfer window."
It remains unlikely that Terry will be swapping Stamford Bridge for the City of Manchester Stadium, with reports from the United States, where Chelsea are currently touring, suggesting that he is staying put.
City have bought in Gareth Barry, Roque Santa Cruz, Carlos Tevez and Adebayor so far this summer but Barry is the only player to pull on a blue shirt to date.
The situation will remain the same for Tevez - the Argentinian has been left out of the squad to play Kaizer Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge final due to a heel injury - but Hughes expects his other £25 million man, Adebayor, and the newly-wed Robinho to feature.
He said: "I am convinced he (Adebayor) will be an outstanding player for us for many years to come.
"He's has got a chance to be selected. We had to make sure that he is in a good shape. He has been training with his former team and I think he will play a significant part.
"Robinho is here after flying in on Thursday. Quite possibly he will play some part. He has been playing a lot of football lately and he hasn't had much of a holiday. But he is in good spirits.
"He is newly married and very happy. I am sure he is looking forward to playing the part."
Stuart Taylor was a somewhat lesser signing bought in by City this summer - he signed on a free transfer from Aston Villa - and the goalkeeper could not be happier with the move.
"We're getting a fantastic squad together now, if we gel together and do it as a team on the field, it's looking good," he told the club's official website.
"The strikeforce we have coming together is frightening. We can chop and change it for anything we need and it looks like there will be a lot of goals.
"It's nice for me to get a chance to come to a club like this.
"I believe I am still good enough to do a job with a team like this, and the club feel that as well.
"Shay is an outstanding goalkeeper and he has proved it year in, year out in the Premier League for a long time.
"He's a consistent performer, always puts in a solid display and you need players like that to build a team around.
"It will be great for me to work for him."
Meanwhile Hughes has refused to talk any more about John Terry as Chelsea look set to keep hold of their skipper.
The England captain has been on the radar of the Eastlands manager all summer, but Chelsea have insisted he is going nowhere and have rejected several offers from free-spending City.
Hughes said: "We keep on dismissing certain individuals and we keep on giving the same response.
"There is no value from our point of view to keep on saying the same things. I would imagine from your view that you are pretty fed up with me saying the same thing over and over again.
"I much rather talk about the players we have signed. That's where my focus will lie for the next few days.
"The situation with other players, whether or not they are coming to the club, may well be resolved in the completion of the transfer window."
It remains unlikely that Terry will be swapping Stamford Bridge for the City of Manchester Stadium, with reports from the United States, where Chelsea are currently touring, suggesting that he is staying put.
Clichy: City have cash but not image
Arsenal defender Gael Clichy reckons money is the only thing Manchester City can offer top players as they do not have the image of a big club.
Clichy's former Gunners team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has joined former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez in joining Mark Hughes' City revolution, but Clichy is sceptical.
Adebayor has advised his new employers to consider Arsenal's Kolo Toure should they fail to tempt John Terry from Chelsea, but Clichy believes such a move may only make financial, rather than footballing, sense.
The French full-back told The Sun: "I really believe if you are a player who thinks only about money then you could end up at Manchester City.
"You have to think if you want to play for a big club and have your image or if you want to play for a good club and earn big money.
"I've been here six years and this is not the first summer where a club have spent big money to get big players. But it does not always mean a team will play well."
Adebayor, meanwhile, lavished praise on Toure - a player he feels Hughes would be well advised to move for.
"Kolo is a great friend of mine, he's a big player and a top defender," said the Togo striker.
"He's been playing in the Premier League for seven or eight years now so he knows this league really well.
"If the manager could get him he can be exactly what this club wants and needs from him, I'm sure about that.
"I know how good Kolo is and I think what Manchester City need now is a top-quality defender like him or John Terry."
Clichy's former Gunners team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor has joined former Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez in joining Mark Hughes' City revolution, but Clichy is sceptical.
Adebayor has advised his new employers to consider Arsenal's Kolo Toure should they fail to tempt John Terry from Chelsea, but Clichy believes such a move may only make financial, rather than footballing, sense.
The French full-back told The Sun: "I really believe if you are a player who thinks only about money then you could end up at Manchester City.
"You have to think if you want to play for a big club and have your image or if you want to play for a good club and earn big money.
"I've been here six years and this is not the first summer where a club have spent big money to get big players. But it does not always mean a team will play well."
Adebayor, meanwhile, lavished praise on Toure - a player he feels Hughes would be well advised to move for.
"Kolo is a great friend of mine, he's a big player and a top defender," said the Togo striker.
"He's been playing in the Premier League for seven or eight years now so he knows this league really well.
"If the manager could get him he can be exactly what this club wants and needs from him, I'm sure about that.
"I know how good Kolo is and I think what Manchester City need now is a top-quality defender like him or John Terry."
Ancelotti wants actions not words
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti will not be playing mind games with other managers this season as he is only interested in winning trophies.
The Italian is aware of last season's war of words between Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson, conducted while Liverpool and Manchester United were battling it out for the title.
Ancelotti was forced to play mental games of his own while in charge of AC Milan, who played in the shadow of local rivals Inter and their boss Jose Mourinho last campaign.
However, he is determined there will not be a repeat of that during his first season in England.
"I have respect for all of the Premier League managers, but I don't care about these mind games," he said. "It happens all over the world, exactly the same thing.
"Little things worry little minds. What I worry about is getting the team ready, preparing the team to beat my opponents, to win against Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal."
Ancelotti has, however, warned his rivals his team mean business this season on the domestic front and in Europe.
"(We want to win) the Premier League or the Champions League, or maybe even both," he added.
"It won't be easy but we will try to do it."
The Italian is aware of last season's war of words between Rafael Benitez and Sir Alex Ferguson, conducted while Liverpool and Manchester United were battling it out for the title.
Ancelotti was forced to play mental games of his own while in charge of AC Milan, who played in the shadow of local rivals Inter and their boss Jose Mourinho last campaign.
However, he is determined there will not be a repeat of that during his first season in England.
"I have respect for all of the Premier League managers, but I don't care about these mind games," he said. "It happens all over the world, exactly the same thing.
"Little things worry little minds. What I worry about is getting the team ready, preparing the team to beat my opponents, to win against Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal."
Ancelotti has, however, warned his rivals his team mean business this season on the domestic front and in Europe.
"(We want to win) the Premier League or the Champions League, or maybe even both," he added.
"It won't be easy but we will try to do it."
Vieira wants to play for Spurs - Harry
Harry Redknapp says Patrick Vieira is keen to join Tottenham - but he is set to give up on Peter Crouch as he feels the deal is too expensive.
Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an inquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.
He feels Vieira would add quality to his midfield and has no reservations over the 33-year-old spending almost a decade at the club's rivals.
"I'm still interested in Patrick, I would like him," Redknapp said after Friday night's friendly 1-1 draw against Barcelona at Wembley. "What's he done wrong, he hasn't killed anyone, he's just a great player who played for Arsenal.
"If he wants to come to Tottenham it shows you about his character. He wants to come and play, he's a fantastic player and wants to play here."
Redknapp is also still interested in Crouch, but he is not sure the Portsmouth striker is worth the money. He said: "We are interested in him but the whole deal is expensive. We feel it is more than we want to spend."
Jake Livermore, after signing a new contract with the club earlier in the day, grabbed the equaliser against Barca after Bojan Krkic had opened the scoring.
The European champions fielded a team of reserves and youngsters but gave Spurs a massive test with their passing.
"It's very difficult to play under that pressure - anyone can play when given time," he added. "I should have had my youth team here to watch.
"The whole club is a credit to football. People will only talk about their passing but I saw the other side of their game."
Redknapp auditioned Vedran Corluka, Tom Huddlestone, Pascal Chimbonda and Dorian Dervite at centre-back as Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jonathan Woodgate are sidelined.
"I haven't got a lot of options," Redknapp added. "It was difficult with the movement they had to deal with.
"It was a different system, unlike a team from England when they would have a big centre-forward to play against."
Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an inquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.
He feels Vieira would add quality to his midfield and has no reservations over the 33-year-old spending almost a decade at the club's rivals.
"I'm still interested in Patrick, I would like him," Redknapp said after Friday night's friendly 1-1 draw against Barcelona at Wembley. "What's he done wrong, he hasn't killed anyone, he's just a great player who played for Arsenal.
"If he wants to come to Tottenham it shows you about his character. He wants to come and play, he's a fantastic player and wants to play here."
Redknapp is also still interested in Crouch, but he is not sure the Portsmouth striker is worth the money. He said: "We are interested in him but the whole deal is expensive. We feel it is more than we want to spend."
Jake Livermore, after signing a new contract with the club earlier in the day, grabbed the equaliser against Barca after Bojan Krkic had opened the scoring.
The European champions fielded a team of reserves and youngsters but gave Spurs a massive test with their passing.
"It's very difficult to play under that pressure - anyone can play when given time," he added. "I should have had my youth team here to watch.
"The whole club is a credit to football. People will only talk about their passing but I saw the other side of their game."
Redknapp auditioned Vedran Corluka, Tom Huddlestone, Pascal Chimbonda and Dorian Dervite at centre-back as Ledley King, Michael Dawson and Jonathan Woodgate are sidelined.
"I haven't got a lot of options," Redknapp added. "It was difficult with the movement they had to deal with.
"It was a different system, unlike a team from England when they would have a big centre-forward to play against."
Lee poised to complete Bolton move
FC Seoul have announced Lee Chung-Yong will finally sign for Bolton once the South Korean international has been issued a work permit.
The 21-year-old has spent the past week in the north of England, where according to the K-League side Lee reached a verbal agreement on a three-year deal for a transfer fee of about £2.1 million.
"The contract will be signed officially after a work permit is issued," Seoul said in a statement.
Lee returned to Seoul on Friday confident the deal would go ahead.
"On my second day in England I had the medical tests and looked at the training facilities. I thought they were very good. I was jealous," he said.
"It was my dream to play there so I am so happy.
"To adjust quickly, I need to get to know my team-mates. I met manager Gary Megson a few times. He spoke to me but as I can't speak English, I couldn't understand him.
"We haven't quite agreed the details of the contract but we will do so when the work permit is sorted.
"In about 15 days I should get the work permit. Until it comes, I will spend my time training as hard as possible."
Should the deal go through Lee, who has already made 15 appearances for the national team, would become the seventh Korean player to ply his trade in England.
The 21-year-old has spent the past week in the north of England, where according to the K-League side Lee reached a verbal agreement on a three-year deal for a transfer fee of about £2.1 million.
"The contract will be signed officially after a work permit is issued," Seoul said in a statement.
Lee returned to Seoul on Friday confident the deal would go ahead.
"On my second day in England I had the medical tests and looked at the training facilities. I thought they were very good. I was jealous," he said.
"It was my dream to play there so I am so happy.
"To adjust quickly, I need to get to know my team-mates. I met manager Gary Megson a few times. He spoke to me but as I can't speak English, I couldn't understand him.
"We haven't quite agreed the details of the contract but we will do so when the work permit is sorted.
"In about 15 days I should get the work permit. Until it comes, I will spend my time training as hard as possible."
Should the deal go through Lee, who has already made 15 appearances for the national team, would become the seventh Korean player to ply his trade in England.
City won't win trophies - Ferdinand
Rio Ferdinand says he would not complemplate swapping Manchester United for City as they are not capable of winning trophies any time soon.
Ferdinand's England team-mate John Terry has been at the centre of intense speculation for much of the summer as City have maintained their pursuit of the Three Lions skipper.
It is now felt Terry will commit his future to Stamford Bridge, even if City have not quite given up on getting their man.
However, after watching the situation develop from afar, Ferdinand concedes it is not a move he could contemplate.
Local rivalries would play a part in his situation.
However, of more relevance is the feeling that, in return for collecting pots of cash, you would also be waving away any short-term dream of landing major honours.
"JT is his own man, he will make his own decision," Ferdinand is reported as saying on therepublikofmancunia.com
"For what reason he might go there will be down to him. I am sure he will tell everyone when he decides to come out and speak.
"Everyone makes their own decisions in life but, if I was leaving United, I wouldn't go to a team that I didn't feel was capable of winning trophies.
"That's just my feeling. I wouldn't leave here to go to a team that I didn't think would finish in the top two or three in the league and be vying for European medals.
"Whether that's Manchester City or not, I don't know.
"I am not sure if they're going to be championship-winning material."
Ferdinand's England team-mate John Terry has been at the centre of intense speculation for much of the summer as City have maintained their pursuit of the Three Lions skipper.
It is now felt Terry will commit his future to Stamford Bridge, even if City have not quite given up on getting their man.
However, after watching the situation develop from afar, Ferdinand concedes it is not a move he could contemplate.
Local rivalries would play a part in his situation.
However, of more relevance is the feeling that, in return for collecting pots of cash, you would also be waving away any short-term dream of landing major honours.
"JT is his own man, he will make his own decision," Ferdinand is reported as saying on therepublikofmancunia.com
"For what reason he might go there will be down to him. I am sure he will tell everyone when he decides to come out and speak.
"Everyone makes their own decisions in life but, if I was leaving United, I wouldn't go to a team that I didn't feel was capable of winning trophies.
"That's just my feeling. I wouldn't leave here to go to a team that I didn't think would finish in the top two or three in the league and be vying for European medals.
"Whether that's Manchester City or not, I don't know.
"I am not sure if they're going to be championship-winning material."
Benitez urges Alonso to stay at Liverpool
SINGAPORE (AP) - Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez has urged Xabi Alonso to stay at the club, indicating he is not resigned to losing the midfielder to Real Madrid.
At a training session Friday ahead of Sunday's friendly against Singapore, fans waved banners and chanted for Alonso to remain with Liverpool. A group of 21 fans lined up in the stands wearing shirts that spelled out, 'Xabi, please don't leave' in Spanish.
"I told him that he could hear the fans yesterday," Benitez said Saturday. "I said to him, 'Maybe you have to stay."'
"Clearly, my idea is he's a very good player and we'll be really pleased if he stays."
Real Madrid are thought to be eager to sign Alonso, but on Friday also completed the signing of midfielder Esteban Granero from Getafe. Granero is a player in a similar mould to Alonso, both noted for passing accuracy and shooting.
During the preseason Asian tour, Benitez had also been forced to fend off fresh talk of the departure of defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano.
At a training session Friday ahead of Sunday's friendly against Singapore, fans waved banners and chanted for Alonso to remain with Liverpool. A group of 21 fans lined up in the stands wearing shirts that spelled out, 'Xabi, please don't leave' in Spanish.
"I told him that he could hear the fans yesterday," Benitez said Saturday. "I said to him, 'Maybe you have to stay."'
"Clearly, my idea is he's a very good player and we'll be really pleased if he stays."
Real Madrid are thought to be eager to sign Alonso, but on Friday also completed the signing of midfielder Esteban Granero from Getafe. Granero is a player in a similar mould to Alonso, both noted for passing accuracy and shooting.
During the preseason Asian tour, Benitez had also been forced to fend off fresh talk of the departure of defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano.
Pachuca wins Mexican Apertura opener
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Pachuca beat Estudiantes Tecos 3-2 in the opener to Mexico's Apertura season on Friday.
Pachuca, runner-up in the previous Clausura championship, took the lead in the 32nd minute through returning striker Juan Carlos Cacho, after a cross by Argentine Damian Alvarez.
Alvarez's compatriot Bruno Marioni equalized for Estudiantes in the 40th minute. Marioni is a former Pachuca player now at his 14th professional club.
Pachuca was back in front in the 43rd through Alvarez.
Estudiantes drew even again as Marioni's perfectly placed cross was knocked in by veteran Chilean striker Rodrigo Ruiz early in the second half.
Pachuca went in front for a third time in the 65th as another Argentine Christian Gimenez converted a penalty in the 65th minute after a dubious referee's decision.
The results gave new manager and former Pachuca player Guillermo Rivarola his first win.
Pachuca, runner-up in the previous Clausura championship, took the lead in the 32nd minute through returning striker Juan Carlos Cacho, after a cross by Argentine Damian Alvarez.
Alvarez's compatriot Bruno Marioni equalized for Estudiantes in the 40th minute. Marioni is a former Pachuca player now at his 14th professional club.
Pachuca was back in front in the 43rd through Alvarez.
Estudiantes drew even again as Marioni's perfectly placed cross was knocked in by veteran Chilean striker Rodrigo Ruiz early in the second half.
Pachuca went in front for a third time in the 65th as another Argentine Christian Gimenez converted a penalty in the 65th minute after a dubious referee's decision.
The results gave new manager and former Pachuca player Guillermo Rivarola his first win.
Zhirkov goal gives Chelsea 2-1 win over AC Milan
BALTIMORE (AP) - It was a rare post-game news conference: Both coaches sitting at the same table after a game that both men treated with the utmost importance.
Fortunately, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo of AC Milan are anything but antagonistic.
Yuri Zhirkov scored the tiebreaking goal in the 69th minute, and Chelsea defeated AC Milan 2-1 Friday night to provide their new coach a satisfying victory over his former team in the World Football Challenge.
"It was a difficult game because Milan played so well," said Ancelotti, who quit as coach of the Italian team in May and promptly signed a three-year contract with Chelsea. "I'm happy for the victory, but we have to improve."
Ancelotti won two Champions League titles and one Serie A championship with AC Milan. During that time he coached Leonardo, who is now the team's coach.
"I lost my voice. I'm not used to being a coach," Leonardo said. "To play against Carlo is very, very special. We're still good friends. That's why it was very special today, this match between two of the best teams in the world."
With the score 1-all, Chelsea fired two close-range kicks at goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac before Zhirkov's low-flying attempt from 19 yards landed in the left corner of the net.
AC Milan had two excellent chances to tie it during stoppage time, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech tipped away one attempt before another shot went wide.
The World Football Challenge is a four-team round robin tournament. Chelsea has also beaten Inter Milan, and AC Milan has also lost to Club America.
Didier Drogba also scored for Chelsea, and Clarence Seedorf had the lone goal for AC Milan.
Oguchi Onyewu, who earlier this month became the first American-born player to sign a contract with AC Milan, entered in the 67th minute. The defender (who's from Olney, Md.) received cheers from many in the sellout crowd of 71,203 at the home stadium of the Baltimore Ravens.
"Gooch today showed a different style," Leonardo said. "He's a very smart guy."
Drogba gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute, shooting from the right side with his right foot and sending a rising shot into the left corner of the net. The goal was set up by a pass from John Terry.
AC Milan missed a chance to draw even in the 19th minute, when Andrea Pirlo fired a shot that was deflected by Cech to Ronaldinho, who was denied on a bicycle kick.
But the Italian team drew even in the 38th minute on a goal by Seedorf, who broke free at the penalty arc and sent a shot past the outstretched arms of Cech. Ronaldinho received credit for the assist.
Midway through the second half, however, Seedorf left with a leg injury.
Fortunately, Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti and Leonardo of AC Milan are anything but antagonistic.
Yuri Zhirkov scored the tiebreaking goal in the 69th minute, and Chelsea defeated AC Milan 2-1 Friday night to provide their new coach a satisfying victory over his former team in the World Football Challenge.
"It was a difficult game because Milan played so well," said Ancelotti, who quit as coach of the Italian team in May and promptly signed a three-year contract with Chelsea. "I'm happy for the victory, but we have to improve."
Ancelotti won two Champions League titles and one Serie A championship with AC Milan. During that time he coached Leonardo, who is now the team's coach.
"I lost my voice. I'm not used to being a coach," Leonardo said. "To play against Carlo is very, very special. We're still good friends. That's why it was very special today, this match between two of the best teams in the world."
With the score 1-all, Chelsea fired two close-range kicks at goalkeeper Zeljko Kalac before Zhirkov's low-flying attempt from 19 yards landed in the left corner of the net.
AC Milan had two excellent chances to tie it during stoppage time, but Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech tipped away one attempt before another shot went wide.
The World Football Challenge is a four-team round robin tournament. Chelsea has also beaten Inter Milan, and AC Milan has also lost to Club America.
Didier Drogba also scored for Chelsea, and Clarence Seedorf had the lone goal for AC Milan.
Oguchi Onyewu, who earlier this month became the first American-born player to sign a contract with AC Milan, entered in the 67th minute. The defender (who's from Olney, Md.) received cheers from many in the sellout crowd of 71,203 at the home stadium of the Baltimore Ravens.
"Gooch today showed a different style," Leonardo said. "He's a very smart guy."
Drogba gave Chelsea a 1-0 lead in the seventh minute, shooting from the right side with his right foot and sending a rising shot into the left corner of the net. The goal was set up by a pass from John Terry.
AC Milan missed a chance to draw even in the 19th minute, when Andrea Pirlo fired a shot that was deflected by Cech to Ronaldinho, who was denied on a bicycle kick.
But the Italian team drew even in the 38th minute on a goal by Seedorf, who broke free at the penalty arc and sent a shot past the outstretched arms of Cech. Ronaldinho received credit for the assist.
Midway through the second half, however, Seedorf left with a leg injury.
D.C. United's Simms, Khumalo have operations
WASHINGTON (AP) - D.C. United midfielder Clyde Simms and forward Thabiso Khumalo had surgery and both are expected to be sidelined for weeks.
Simms had sports hernia surgery on his right side in Germany and could miss up to three weeks.
Khumalo had an operation in Virginia to repair his broken right wrist and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.
He was hurt in injury time of D.C. United's 2-1 victory over Rochester in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals Tuesday night. Khumalo scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute.
Simms had sports hernia surgery on his right side in Germany and could miss up to three weeks.
Khumalo had an operation in Virginia to repair his broken right wrist and is expected to be sidelined four to six weeks.
He was hurt in injury time of D.C. United's 2-1 victory over Rochester in the U.S. Open Cup semifinals Tuesday night. Khumalo scored the winning goal in the 82nd minute.
Preview: Colorado vs. New York
The last time the New York Red Bulls went 12 games without a win, they set MLS records for futility. They'll attempt to avoid matching that dismal streak Saturday night when they visit the Colorado Rapids.
The Red Bulls (2-14-4) have an MLS-low 10 points, 16 behind fourth-place Toronto for the final playoff spot while playing two more games. They haven't posted a victory since beating San Jose 4-1 on May 8, going 0-9-2 while being outscored 22-7.
New York's 11-game stretch without a victory is its longest since setting a league record with a 12-game streak during 1999, when MLS decided tie games via the 35-yard shootout. That slide contributed to the worst finish in MLS history, as the then-MetroStars finished with 15 points and a 7-25 record.
The Red Bulls' current winless streak, which includes a 3-2 loss to Colorado (6-5-6) on May 30, has come a season after they reached the MLS Cup final for the first time in team history.
They lost for the fourth time in a row last Saturday, surrendering three first-half goals and falling 3-1 to Los Angeles.
"We managed to make history last year, for the first time in franchise history we managed to win a conference championship and we were in the (MLS Cup final)," forward Juan Pablo Angel told the team's official Web site. "Now, we're about to make history as the worst team in the league. Me personally, I don't want to be remembered for that. ... I didn't come here to be remembered for playing for the worst team in the league. No way."
The Red Bulls are also enduring an MLS-record 23-game road winless streak (0-17-6), during which they've been outscored 43-11 since beating the Galaxy 2-1 on May 10, 2008.
"I am very optimistic as a matter of fact," said Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio, 1-18-7 on the road in two seasons at the helm. "From what I watched this week, if I am honest, the way we have been training, it's no way we are where we are at the moment."
Angel leads New York with seven goals and has 40 in his career, one shy of the team mark held by Giovanni Savarese.
Angel has two goals in five games against Colorado - one coming on a penalty kick May 30.
The Rapids look to take advantage of the woeful Red Bulls as they open a three-game homestand following a 3-1 defeat at D.C. last Saturday. They are 4-1-3 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado, however, will have to deal with the absence of Conor Casey, who is serving a one-game suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. The forward is third in the league with eight goals and has five in three games against New York.
With Casey suspended, the Rapids could use a strong performance from Omar Cummings. The Jamaican forward hasn't scored in two games after finding the back of the net four times in the previous three.
Cummings has two goals and two assists in three games versus the Red Bulls.
The Red Bulls (2-14-4) have an MLS-low 10 points, 16 behind fourth-place Toronto for the final playoff spot while playing two more games. They haven't posted a victory since beating San Jose 4-1 on May 8, going 0-9-2 while being outscored 22-7.
New York's 11-game stretch without a victory is its longest since setting a league record with a 12-game streak during 1999, when MLS decided tie games via the 35-yard shootout. That slide contributed to the worst finish in MLS history, as the then-MetroStars finished with 15 points and a 7-25 record.
The Red Bulls' current winless streak, which includes a 3-2 loss to Colorado (6-5-6) on May 30, has come a season after they reached the MLS Cup final for the first time in team history.
They lost for the fourth time in a row last Saturday, surrendering three first-half goals and falling 3-1 to Los Angeles.
"We managed to make history last year, for the first time in franchise history we managed to win a conference championship and we were in the (MLS Cup final)," forward Juan Pablo Angel told the team's official Web site. "Now, we're about to make history as the worst team in the league. Me personally, I don't want to be remembered for that. ... I didn't come here to be remembered for playing for the worst team in the league. No way."
The Red Bulls are also enduring an MLS-record 23-game road winless streak (0-17-6), during which they've been outscored 43-11 since beating the Galaxy 2-1 on May 10, 2008.
"I am very optimistic as a matter of fact," said Red Bulls coach Juan Carlos Osorio, 1-18-7 on the road in two seasons at the helm. "From what I watched this week, if I am honest, the way we have been training, it's no way we are where we are at the moment."
Angel leads New York with seven goals and has 40 in his career, one shy of the team mark held by Giovanni Savarese.
Angel has two goals in five games against Colorado - one coming on a penalty kick May 30.
The Rapids look to take advantage of the woeful Red Bulls as they open a three-game homestand following a 3-1 defeat at D.C. last Saturday. They are 4-1-3 at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.
Colorado, however, will have to deal with the absence of Conor Casey, who is serving a one-game suspension for an accumulation of yellow cards. The forward is third in the league with eight goals and has five in three games against New York.
With Casey suspended, the Rapids could use a strong performance from Omar Cummings. The Jamaican forward hasn't scored in two games after finding the back of the net four times in the previous three.
Cummings has two goals and two assists in three games versus the Red Bulls.
Redknapp waiting for Vieira news
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is waiting for developments in his efforts to sign former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira from Inter Milan.
Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an enquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.
"Patrick was someone I was interested in but I'm not sure where that's gone. It's not developed," Redknapp said.
Vieira's wages are thought to be the main obstacle if a move is to be agreed and it would also be a controversial signing after the 33-year-old spent nine years at rivals Arsenal.
Regarding his interest in Diarra, whom Redknapp signed for Portsmouth from Arsenal, the Spurs boss added: "We spoke to Real Madrid and made an enquiry but there was nothing doing."
Redknapp has signed Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United already this summer, while Didier Zokora has left for Sevilla.
Redknapp has played down suggestions David Beckham could arrive on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.
He told the Daily Mail: "David's a great player and a great professional but we have players in that position so nothing will happen there."
Redknapp's priority at the moment is for cover at centre-back but he is also in the market for a defensive midfielder and the club have made an enquiry to Real Madrid about Lassana Diarra.
"Patrick was someone I was interested in but I'm not sure where that's gone. It's not developed," Redknapp said.
Vieira's wages are thought to be the main obstacle if a move is to be agreed and it would also be a controversial signing after the 33-year-old spent nine years at rivals Arsenal.
Regarding his interest in Diarra, whom Redknapp signed for Portsmouth from Arsenal, the Spurs boss added: "We spoke to Real Madrid and made an enquiry but there was nothing doing."
Redknapp has signed Kyle Naughton and Kyle Walker from Sheffield United already this summer, while Didier Zokora has left for Sevilla.
Redknapp has played down suggestions David Beckham could arrive on loan from Los Angeles Galaxy.
He told the Daily Mail: "David's a great player and a great professional but we have players in that position so nothing will happen there."
MLS fines Beckham $1,000 for gestures to fans
NEW YORK (AP) - David Beckham was fined $1,000 by Major League Soccer, which said his gestures toward taunting fans suggested that they leave their seats and come on the field.
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
No surprise: US vs. Mexico for Gold Cup
This was the perfect Gold Cup for an outsider to steal. Honduras, perhaps. Or Canada.
Instead, Sunday's final at the Meadowlands will have that familiar if not comfortable look when the United States and Mexico, by far the most dominant nations in CONCACAF, meet for the title.
Neither country sent its best team to the biennial event, with the United States fielding something of a JV squad with players unproven on the international scene. Those players, particularly Stuart Holden, Kyle Beckerman and Heath Pearce, have performed well on the regional stage after the big boys lost in the Confederations Cup final to Brazil earlier this summer.
Mexico is missing some key players, too, and it has been struggling in World Cup qualifying, sitting fourth behind leader Costa Rica, the Americans and Hondurans. Yet Mexico survived a difficult round-robin in the Gold Cup, beat Costa Rica on penalty kicks in the semifinal, and has every reason to believe it can walk off with the trophy for the fifth time in its sixth trip to the finals.
"The United States is always a very difficult opponent and it will be a challenge for us," said Guillermo Ochoa, whose penalty-kick save was the difference against Costa Rica. "But we played well (in the semifinals) and it gives us a lot of confidence for the final."
Ochoa was a backup when the Americans beat the Mexicans for the 2007 Gold Cup. With Mexico in dire straits in World Cup qualifying, and facing an Aug. 12 home match against the U.S. team - with all of its top players - Ochoa could do some positive for his career and his nation's chances to make the South Africa 2010 field by beating the hosts.
But winning in the United States has been impossible for El Tri this decade: the Americans are 9-0-2, with some of the games getting downright nasty. Of course, U.S.-Mexico is as heated a soccer rivalry as you'll find in CONCACAF.
"We need to be looking at this final, not the other match," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.
Still, a win Sunday, even with a vastly different lineup than each side will field at Azteca next month, would be huge for El Tri.
"I don't think it sets a tone," U.S. forward Brian Ching said.
Ching is a rare veteran of international play on this U.S. squad, and wore the captain's band in the semifinal. "But on a personal level, we've done well against them in the U.S. and you don't want to be the team that lets them win at home."
Instead, Sunday's final at the Meadowlands will have that familiar if not comfortable look when the United States and Mexico, by far the most dominant nations in CONCACAF, meet for the title.
Neither country sent its best team to the biennial event, with the United States fielding something of a JV squad with players unproven on the international scene. Those players, particularly Stuart Holden, Kyle Beckerman and Heath Pearce, have performed well on the regional stage after the big boys lost in the Confederations Cup final to Brazil earlier this summer.
Mexico is missing some key players, too, and it has been struggling in World Cup qualifying, sitting fourth behind leader Costa Rica, the Americans and Hondurans. Yet Mexico survived a difficult round-robin in the Gold Cup, beat Costa Rica on penalty kicks in the semifinal, and has every reason to believe it can walk off with the trophy for the fifth time in its sixth trip to the finals.
"The United States is always a very difficult opponent and it will be a challenge for us," said Guillermo Ochoa, whose penalty-kick save was the difference against Costa Rica. "But we played well (in the semifinals) and it gives us a lot of confidence for the final."
Ochoa was a backup when the Americans beat the Mexicans for the 2007 Gold Cup. With Mexico in dire straits in World Cup qualifying, and facing an Aug. 12 home match against the U.S. team - with all of its top players - Ochoa could do some positive for his career and his nation's chances to make the South Africa 2010 field by beating the hosts.
But winning in the United States has been impossible for El Tri this decade: the Americans are 9-0-2, with some of the games getting downright nasty. Of course, U.S.-Mexico is as heated a soccer rivalry as you'll find in CONCACAF.
"We need to be looking at this final, not the other match," Mexico coach Javier Aguirre said.
Still, a win Sunday, even with a vastly different lineup than each side will field at Azteca next month, would be huge for El Tri.
"I don't think it sets a tone," U.S. forward Brian Ching said.
Ching is a rare veteran of international play on this U.S. squad, and wore the captain's band in the semifinal. "But on a personal level, we've done well against them in the U.S. and you don't want to be the team that lets them win at home."
Real Salt Lake 4-2 FC Dallas
SANDY, Utah - Yura Movsisyan knew it wouldn't take much for Real Salt Lake to rally from a two-goal deficit against FC Dallas on Friday night.
It turns out the Real Salt Lake striker was correct.
Movsisyan scored twice and Real Salt Lake (6-7-5) took advantage of an own goal by FC Dallas' Daniel Torres to earn a 4-2 victory, with all four goals coming in the second half.
"We knew all we needed was one (goal) to wake us up," said Movsisyan, who entered the game at the start of the second half. "It was good we got it so early in the second half."
With the score tied at 2, Real Salt Lake took the lead when Fabian Espindola's cross hit off Torres and into the goal in the 88th minute. Movsisyan added his second goal of the match in stoppage time to seal the win over FC Dallas (4-9-5).
"I've been involved in a lot of games that you believe were a game of two halves," said Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis. "Obviously that's the case for us tonight. We were utterly abysmal for 45 minutes then extremely good for 45 minutes."
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Real Salt Lake cut FC Dallas' lead in half in the 55th minute when Movsisyan beat Dallas goalkeeper Ray Burse on a one-on-one.
Robbie Findley pulled RSL even in the 62nd minute with a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by Jair Benitez.
Jeff Cunningham scored a goal and assisted on another against his former team for FC Dallas, but missed a second-half penalty kick.
In the 71st minute, with the score tied at 2, RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando saved Cunningham's shot from the penalty spot. On the sideline, Kreis jumped with his fist in the air to celebrate the save, but then continued to yell at the fourth official concerning the call that set up the penalty kick.
"That was a game-changing play from someone who is a leader on this team," Kreis said. "But then I got ridiculous there after that and got myself thrown off."
Kreis was red-carded and ejected for verbally abusing the fourth official and missed RSL's final two goals.
"Somebody told me we won," joked Kreis during his postgame press conference. "Is that true?"
Kreis had another reason to celebrate Rimando's save. Cunningham's 13th-minute goal was the 108th of his career, moving him into a tie for third all-time with the Salt Lake coach. Cunningham still trails D.C. United's Jaime Moreno (128) and Chivas USA's Ante Razov (114).
Kreis was Cunningham's teammate during the 2006 season and then for four games in 2007 before retiring to become coach. Following RSL's next three games, Cunningham was traded to Toronto FC.
Dave van der Bergh gave FC Dallas a 2-0 lead in the 21st minute when Cunningham passed the ball to David Ferreira, who sent the ball across the goal box to van der Bergh.
"I thought we played some of our best soccer in the first half," said FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman. "We were able to come up and press, win some balls and get a couple of goals. The second half was obviously a different story."
FC Dallas' Drew Moor was ejected in stoppage time after a hard foul on Tony Beltran.
It turns out the Real Salt Lake striker was correct.
Movsisyan scored twice and Real Salt Lake (6-7-5) took advantage of an own goal by FC Dallas' Daniel Torres to earn a 4-2 victory, with all four goals coming in the second half.
"We knew all we needed was one (goal) to wake us up," said Movsisyan, who entered the game at the start of the second half. "It was good we got it so early in the second half."
With the score tied at 2, Real Salt Lake took the lead when Fabian Espindola's cross hit off Torres and into the goal in the 88th minute. Movsisyan added his second goal of the match in stoppage time to seal the win over FC Dallas (4-9-5).
"I've been involved in a lot of games that you believe were a game of two halves," said Salt Lake coach Jason Kreis. "Obviously that's the case for us tonight. We were utterly abysmal for 45 minutes then extremely good for 45 minutes."
Trailing 2-0 at halftime, Real Salt Lake cut FC Dallas' lead in half in the 55th minute when Movsisyan beat Dallas goalkeeper Ray Burse on a one-on-one.
Robbie Findley pulled RSL even in the 62nd minute with a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by Jair Benitez.
Jeff Cunningham scored a goal and assisted on another against his former team for FC Dallas, but missed a second-half penalty kick.
In the 71st minute, with the score tied at 2, RSL goalkeeper Nick Rimando saved Cunningham's shot from the penalty spot. On the sideline, Kreis jumped with his fist in the air to celebrate the save, but then continued to yell at the fourth official concerning the call that set up the penalty kick.
"That was a game-changing play from someone who is a leader on this team," Kreis said. "But then I got ridiculous there after that and got myself thrown off."
Kreis was red-carded and ejected for verbally abusing the fourth official and missed RSL's final two goals.
"Somebody told me we won," joked Kreis during his postgame press conference. "Is that true?"
Kreis had another reason to celebrate Rimando's save. Cunningham's 13th-minute goal was the 108th of his career, moving him into a tie for third all-time with the Salt Lake coach. Cunningham still trails D.C. United's Jaime Moreno (128) and Chivas USA's Ante Razov (114).
Kreis was Cunningham's teammate during the 2006 season and then for four games in 2007 before retiring to become coach. Following RSL's next three games, Cunningham was traded to Toronto FC.
Dave van der Bergh gave FC Dallas a 2-0 lead in the 21st minute when Cunningham passed the ball to David Ferreira, who sent the ball across the goal box to van der Bergh.
"I thought we played some of our best soccer in the first half," said FC Dallas coach Schellas Hyndman. "We were able to come up and press, win some balls and get a couple of goals. The second half was obviously a different story."
FC Dallas' Drew Moor was ejected in stoppage time after a hard foul on Tony Beltran.
MLS fines Beckham $1,000 for gestures to fans
NEW YORK (AP) - David Beckham was fined $1,000 by Major League Soccer, which said his gestures toward taunting fans suggested that they leave their seats and come on the field.
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
MLS fines Beckham $1,000 for gestures to fans
NEW YORK (AP) - David Beckham was fined $1,000 by Major League Soccer, which said his gestures toward taunting fans suggested that they leave their seats and come on the field.
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
The fine by MLS commissioner Don Garber on Friday came five days after the English star confronted Los Angeles Galaxy fans in a group called the L.A. Riot Squad. The Galaxy and AC Milan played to a 2-2 tie in an exhibition game. Beckham played with AC Milan this year and was booed through much of the game.
"We support our players interacting with fans, whether it is at clinics, charity events or by high-fiving their supporters in the stands while celebrating a goal," Garber said. "However, our players should never engage in conduct that can be interpreted as encouraging fans to come out of the stands and onto the field, regardless of the reason."
At halftime, Beckham walked toward the group while shouting and pointing. He challenged fans to meet him on the field and tried to lift himself over advertising boards before security intervened. Police arrested a fan who left the stands.
Then after a second-half corner kick in front of the Riot Squad's section, Beckham immediately turned to those fans, put his index finger to his lips, shrugged his shoulders and blew them a kiss. The kick resulted in a goal.
Beckham has been unapologetic about his actions.
"At the end of the day, I play my game," Beckham said Thursday. "If it's not good enough for some people, as long as it's good enough for myself and the team, nothing else matters."
The Riot Squad blamed Beckham for agitating the situation in a statement on the group's Web site Thursday.
"Had David responded differently on Sunday, the booing and the chanting probably would have ended at halftime," the statement said. "We don't believe questioning Beckham's commitment to our team is over the line, but it's clear that David feels otherwise."
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