Czech club Sparta Prague is showing interest in signing their former player Jan Koller. The 35 year old Czech International is presently playing for German Nuremberg which was relegated to the second division this season. Koller joined Nuremberg in January from AC Monaco, but scored only two goals and spent the end of the season as a substitute.
The fight for the top spot in Copa Libertadores will continue today with the semifinal match between Mexican America and Liga de Quito from Ecuador. On Wednesday in the other semifinal Boca Juniors will take on Fluminense. America upset Brazilian team Santos and Liga de Quito overcame one of the favorites, San Lorenzo of Argentina to reach the semifinals.
England’s coach Faboi Capello named John Terry the captain for the friendly match with the USA on Wednesday at Wembley. There were some questions about how well Terry has recovered mentally after missing a penalty kick in the Champions League final last week. Capello said this about his decision to make Terry the captain “It is very important to be a leader and John Terry is a leader.”
The three nation Kirin Cup tournament was won by Japan after they played to a scoreless draw with Paraguay on Tuesday. Paraguay also tied with the Ivory Coast 1-1, but Japan beat them by a score of 1-0 and that gave them the overall victory. The teams used the Kirin Cup as preparation for their World Cup qualifiers next month.
“FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached agreement for the transfer of Gerard Pique to the Catalan club. Gerard 21, will sign a four year contract with Barcelona,” said the message you could read on Barcelona’s Web site Tuesday. Pique joined Manchester United four years ago from Barcelona. He played only 23 matches and with players like Nemanja Vidic or Rio Ferdinand he found increasingly difficult to break into the first team.
EURO 2008 starts on June 7 and as a part of a campaign against racism in soccer, the tickets for the Euro 2008 will carry Unite Against Racism message. FARE (Football Against Racism in Europe) and FIFA will promote race diversity in soccer during the tournament through different activities. An opening day reception by FARE will kick start all of these activities with the involvement of former soccer players, the European Commission and UEFA.
