Sports

FIFA president Sep Blatter said he was confident that Brazil would be ready in time to host the big event.

The 26-year-old Uruguay international, who scored 29 goals in 35 games for Napoli, has become one of the most sought-after players in Europe.

Gary Cahill has been ruled out of England's World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Friday because of a knee injury.

Kaka is the only player in Scolari's current 23-man squad to have played in Brazil's 2002 World Cup triumph.

UEFA said the Serie A club was under investigation for "racist behaviour of supporters, insufficient organisation and the throwing of missiles and/or fireworks".

Ferdinand, who has been replaced by Steven Caulker, says he wants to continue playing for England and will be available for future matches this year.

Malaga slipped to a 2-0 loss to visiting Espanyol on Sunday, wasting a chance to regain fourth place in the Spanish league.

Salgaocar and Mohun Bagan fought keenly to finish with a 1-1 draw in the opener of the final round of 6th Under-20 I-league tournament here Saturday.

The 34-year-old centre back was recalled on Thursday after a nearly two-year absence from the international squad.

Miranda has made 88 appearances for Atletico during his year and a half with the club.

Barcelona became the first team in Europe's elite club competition to ever overturn a two-goal first-leg deficit.

Messi's double strike helped Barcelona take a 2-0 lead over AC Milan at the end of first half of the second leg of round of 16 Champions League fixture.

Prayag United took the lead through a strike from Bidhan Bala in the eighth minute.

Ajax captured the top spot in the Dutch Eredivisie by beating PEC Zwolle 3-0, while former league leaders PSV lost 1-2 to SC Heerenveen.

The second-tier clubs will meet on Wednesday at Ewood Park as they chase a place in the semi-finals at Wembley Stadium.

Sesa put up a dominating show to hold Bagan to a goalless draw while local outfit Tata Football Academy beat ONGC 2-1.