Football

Barcelona coach Martino has enjoyed his first season in charge at the club despite a disappointing season for the Spanish champions, he said on Friday.

Ganguly, who co-owns the Kolkata franchise in the upcoming ISL football league, would also strategise about their team with officials of partners Atletico Madrid.

Mourinho, whose defensive tactics frustrated free-scoring Atletico in Madrid, though will be without the suspended Frank Lampard and John Obi Mikel.

Alves, who is black, was about to take a corner in Sunday's 3-2 win at Villarreal when a banana was thrown at him.

Scolari, 65, guided his country to their fifth triumph in the competition 12 years ago and has promised the fans more glory this time round.

Every time Brazil have lifted the World Cup the star of the show has been a forward, and Neymar will seek to keep up that tradition in June and July.

Espanyol went ahead at Cornella-El Prat Stadium when Christian Stuani headed in Sergio Garcia's cross in the 42nd minute.

A report in the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf suggests that the current Netherlands coach has reached an agreement to replace the ousted Moyes.

Vilanova had an operation late Thursday night at the Quiron clinic, where his condition has been described as "stable but serious", reports Xinhua.

Daniel Sturridge is optimistic of returning from injury for the key clash against former team mates and title rivals Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

The Liverpool Football Academy-DSK Shivajians academy has offered to groom Indian players for the Under-17 World Cup.

Moyes had replaced Sir Alex Ferguson as the club's manager at the start of the current Premier League season.

"Messi is under contract until 2018, but we want to improve it to adapt to football's current situation," Barca president has said.

A week ago, Barca were well placed to repeat their record treble of La Liga, Champions League and King's Cup from 2008-09 but are now likely to end the season trophyless.

FIFA said Brazilian citizens got 63 percent of the tickets (80,496) on Tuesday, followed by fans from the United States, Colombia, Argentina, Germany, Mexico, France, England, Chile and Australia.

Wenger took a risk by picking Arsenal's old guard against West Ham but it paid off with a 3-1 win as his weary side regained fourth place in the EPL.