Dundee United ease past ´Dons to book place in final

Dundee United demolished Aberdeen 4-1 in their Scottish League Cup semi final at Tynecastle on Tuesday to set up a Hampden Final against Rangers on March 16.Goals from Darren Dods, Norwegian Christian Kalvanes, Craig Conway and Frenchman Morgaro Gomis cancelled out Andrew Considine's early opener for the Dons.And Aberdeen's miserable night was compounded when former Dundee United striker Lee Miller was sent-off for two bookable offences in the second half. The match had started promisingly for Jimmy Calderwood's Dons after they took a 19th minute lead.Considine reacted first when United's Polish goalkeeper palmed out Zander Diamond's header and rammed the ball home from six-yards. But only four minutes later United restored parity.Christian Kalvanes' inswinging free-kick found Dods and his glancing header beat Aberdeen keeper Jamie Langfield.Dundee United took the lead for the first time in the 59th minute when Kalvanes launched himself at Conway's corner to send a diving header beyond Langfield.And only six minutes later United moved a huge step closer to a place in the final with a third goal. Former Hearts' Dutch striker Mark De Vries, making his debut since signing from Leicester, headed the ball into the path of Conway who smashed the ball home from six-yards.Any chance of a dramatic comeback for the Dons all but disappeared in the 68th minute when Lee Miller received a second yellow card for a late challenge and was sent-off by referee Ian Brines.And the emphatic victory was completed when a poor back pass from Aberdeen's Scott Severin put Gomez clean through on goal and he sent a left-foot shot past Langfield.

Pato fires Milan closer to Champions League

Teenage Brazilian star Pato fired a late winner in a 1-0 win at Fiorentina on Sunday to boost AC Milan's hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.The victory moved the reigning European champions up to fifth in the table, just four points behind the Viola in fourth, and with a game in hand.City rivals Inter, however, stayed on course to retain their title after a 1-0 win over Empoli allowed them to open up an eight-point gap at the top.Second-placed Roma slumped to a miserable 3-0 defeat at lively Siena to undo all the good work they managed last weekend in cutting the gap at the top from seven to five points.Despite the victory, Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti is worried about his attacking resources as Pato injured ankle ligaments and faces a spell on the sidelines while Alberto Gilardino will be suspended next week."Now we have an attacking emergency, Gilardino and Pato won't play next Sunday. We hope to get Ronaldo and (Filippo) Inzaghi back," said Ancelotti.

Ivory Coast coast into semi finals

Ivory Coast overwhelmed Guinea in the closing stages to triumph 5-0 in an African Nations Cup quarter-final Sunday and equal the record winning margin for the tournament. The 'Elephants' led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a Kader Keita goal and captain Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou (twice) and Bakary Kone were on target as Guinea fell apart. Ivory Coast thrashed Ethiopia 6-1 in the group phase of the 1970 Nations Cup in Sudan and although strongly fancied to defeat Guinea, they could hardly have imagined winning so comfortably. Next up for Ivory Coast are either defending champions Egypt or dark horses Angola in the semi-finals on Thursday with the odds favouring a second consecutive appearance in the final for Drogba and his stars. Ivorian fears that they would be without defensive kingpin Kolo Toure from English Premiership leaders Arsenal materialised as he failed to recover from a groin injury sustained in a group match against Benin.

Roma and Juventus losing hope of catching Inter

Title chasers Roma and Juventus both lost hope in their quest to overhaul Inter Milan in the Serie A race as they dropped points against supposedly weaker opposition on Sunday. Roma, who had won their previous four games to cut Inter's lead to five points before the start of play, suffered a dreadful 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Siena to allow Inter, who beat Empoli 1-0, to stretch the gap at the top to eight points. Juventus lost further ground as well as they were held to a third draw in a row, 1-1 at home to rock-bottom Cagliari, to see their gap open up to 12 points. Juve are now more concerned by the teams creeping up behind them rather than catching those ahead.

Defoe makes dream debut to frustrate Chelsea

Jermain Defoe marked his Portsmouth debut with an equaliser that earned a 1-1 draw against Chelsea and denied the London club their tenth successive win on Saturday.Chelsea led through Nicolas Anelka's first Premier League goal for the Blues, but Portsmouth showed great determination to prevent Avram Grant making a happy return to Fratton Park.Grant spent a year with Portsmouth as technical director before becoming Chelsea manager but he can have no complaints about the outcome of a tense and close match.It was the fourth time in his career that the 25-year-old England international had scored on his debut having done the same for Bournemouth, West Ham and Spurs.Pompey's point was the first they have taken from Chelsea in ten Premier League matches and the first time they have managed a goal against the Blues.

Bolton ease relegation fears with victory at Reading

Bolton beat Reading 2-0 here on Saturday thanks to goals from Kevin Nolan and Heidar Helguson to ease their relegation worries. It was their first away win in the league and intensified the home side's own worries about the drop as Reading have now lost their last six in the Premier League.

Egypt loss spurred Cameroon on says Bikey

Cameroon's painful opening game loss to Egypt spurred the team into the African Nations cup quarter-finals, defender Andre Bikey believes.

The four-time champions looked to be heading for a shock early exit after that 4-2 defeat to the defending titleholders, but Otto Pfister's side raised their game to beat Zambia 5-1 and Sudan 3-0 and clinch a last-eight place. "We did not start the competition off in the way we would have liked to," Reading defender Bikey told mtnfootball.com on Saturday. "After the first match we all sat down before the next training session and we said that it is not possible for a team like ours to leave the tournament early,"

The end of the regular season

The regular season is over and the best 16 teams will find out their opponents soon in Top 16 campaign. Madrid will host the Draw of Top 16 on Monday, February 4, at the Real Casa de Correos in the famous Puerta del Sol. CSKA ended their Euroealgue regular season campaign with yet another confident victory. The Russian favorites overwhelmed Italian La Fortezza to complete a 12-2 record on top of Group A.

Partizan Igokea revenged defeat against Fenerbahce Ulker in Belgrade. They beat Fener in Turkey 91-86 and proved that spot in Euroleague TOP 16 is not a coincidence. After nice played first quarter by the hosts Partizan made run 16-0 and at the half way of the second period they had plus 5. Partizan totally out rebounded their rivals in the first half as they had 23 rebounds matched with only 10 by Fener.

La Fortezza - CSKA 68:92 CSKA ended their Euroealgue regular season campaign with yet another confident victory. The Russian favorites overwhelmed Italian La Fortezza to complete a 12-2 record on top of Group A. La Fortezza on the contrary suffered 12th defeat and completed the action at the bottom of the group. The crowd in Bologna warmly welcomes the local native Ettore Messina . He however was not about to give away presents for La Fortezza.

Gilberto completes Spurs switch

Brazilian international defender Gilberto joined Tottenham on Thursday from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, the English Premier League side announced.The left-back spent three and a half years in Germany where he made 101 appearances for Hertha after joining from Sao Caetano in Brazil. The 31-year-old has won 27 caps and was a member of the Brazil squads that won the 2004 and 2007 Copa America, as well as the Confederations Cup in 2005.He also featured in the 2006 World Cup and scored his first international goal against Japan. "We are delighted to announce we have reached agreement with Hertha Berlin for the transfer of Brazilian international Gilberto," said a statement on the Spus website.Earlier in the day, it was reported in Germany that Gilberto had failed a medical and was staying in Berlin.According to reports in the German press, Spurs had been willing to pay 2.6 million euros (3.8 million US dollars) for Gilberto.

Chelsea´s Drogba still wants to join Real Madrid

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba would still like to leave the English Premiership side to join Spanish giants Real Madrid next season, sports daily Marca reported Friday.The 29-year-old Ivory Coast star's agents contacted Real officials last week once again to express the player's interest and this time the defending Spanish champions were more receptive, the paper said without citing sources.In previous contacts between the player and the club, as reported by the Spanish and British press, Real Madrid reacted coolly because of Drogba's age and Chelsea's asking price of over 40 million euros (60 million US dollars).But according to Marca, the striker's insistence on joining Real had swayed the club's officials who are nonetheless willing to pay Chelsea only 20 million euros for the player.Drogba, who is under contract with Chelsea until 2010, has expressed his desire to leave the club on several occasions since Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho left Stamford Bridge in September.He will play for Ivory Coast on Sunday in an African Nations Cup quarter-final match against Guinea.

Bolton sign Villa defender Cahill

Bolton signed Aston Villa defender Gary Cahill in a deal believed to be worth around five million pounds on Wednesday.Cahill, 22, agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal at the Reebok Stadium after weeks of uncertainty surrounding his future.Villa's city rivals Birmingham made a late attempt to sign Cahill, after matching their neighbours' valuation of the player.But sources close to the player had indicated Cahill wanted to rebuild his career at Bolton."It is the right move for me to come to Bolton. I had a look around their set-up and met with the manager and chairman and I was impressed with what I saw and heard," Cahill said.Bolton manager Gary Megson added: "He is a player I have admired for a long time. Gary is very talented and at 22 years of age has a very, very bright future ahead of him."It is fantastic news that he has agreed to join Bolton Wanderers."

Maradona sorry for ´Hand of God´

Argentina football legend Diego Maradona apologised in an interview Thursday for his infamous "Hand of God" goal in the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals that cost England a shot at the trophy. Speaking to The Sun tabloid, Maradona, who scored both goals in the 2-1 victory over England more than 20 years ago, said that if he could go back in time and "change history", he would. Maradona's first goal in the quarter-final match in Mexico was deemed by the match referee to be a legitimate header past England goalkeeper Peter Shilton but replays confirmed he had illegally punched the ball in with his hand. The controversy surrounding that incident has, in England at least, long overshadowed Maradona's superb solo second goal, which saw him dribble past five England players before shooting past Shilton. He told The Sun, speaking through a translator: "If I could apologise and go back and change history I would. But the goal is still a goal. Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world."

Reggie Freeman join to Helois Domzale

Ex player of Crvena Zvezda, FMP and Cibona Reggie Freeman (198-G/F-75, college: Texas) signed contract until the end of the season with Slovenian champs Helos Domzale. Director of the club Lado Gorjan didn't hide happiness because the team finally found an appropriate player on forward position. Last season Freeman played for Upea Capo D'Orlando while the last two month he spent in Greek Rethimno from Crete.

Fiorentina sign French defender Da Costa

Fiorentina announced the signing of Portugal-born French defender Manuel Da Costa from PSV Eindhoven on Tuesday for an initial fee of 4.5 million euros. The 21-year-old is due to arrive in Italy on Wednesday to take a medical and could come into contention for the Viola's clash against AC Milan on Sunday. He will be officially presented as a Fiorentina player on Friday at the club's Franchi stadium. Da Costa was thought also to be a target for Serie A giants Inter Milan and Juventus."We've been following him for two years, he's a very interesting player, with character and a great physique," said Fiorentina coach Cesare Prandelli. Palermo, meanwhile, completed the signing Tuesday of Brazilian striker Tulio De Melo from French side Le Mans on a four-year deal effective from season's end.The 23-year-old arrived in 2005 at Le Mans from Danish side Aalborg after starting out with Atletico Minero.

Roma beat Sampdoria to reach Cup semi finals

Brazilian winger Alessandro Mancini scored a brilliant second half winner to send holders Roma into the Italian Cup semi-finals following a 1-0 win over Sampdoria on Tuesday at the Stadio Olimpico. That completed a 2-1 aggregate victory for the capital-based club, who came back from having a man sent off in the first leg to snatch a vital 1-1 draw. They had the better of the first period with both Alberto Aquilani and Daniele De Rossi forcing Sampdoria goalkeeper Antonio Mirante into making fine stops. After the break the visitors almost took the lead but Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Taddei was in the right place to clear Hugo Campagnaro's shot off the line with Brazilian goalkeeper Doni beaten. But on the hour mark Mancini fired Roma in front, rounding off a sweet move after playing a one-two in the Samp box. Roma could have extended their lead but Mirante was in fine form and twice denied nippy French forward Ludovic Giuly.

Baxter steps into Finland fray

Former Helsingborgs IF coach Stuart Baxter has been named coach of Finland as the Nordic country look to reach a first major tournament. Having missed out narrowly on a trip to UEFA EURO 2008 under Roy Hodgson, Finland have turned to another Englisman, Baxter, to lead them through 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying. "We were searching for the best possible successor to Roy Hodgson," said Football Association of Finland president Pekka Hämäläinen. "Baxter knows Scandinavia and the way people think here. He has enough international experience and has shown he can work in demanding conditions. We believe we have found the right person to take Finland to the World Cup."

ULEB Cup

So the ULEB Cup Elimination round draw was just held in Barcelona and sixteen pairs were chosen to decide on the 16 lucky ones to go through. The series will consist of two games and the winners will be decided on aggregate score. The first elimination round is scheduled to tip off on February 19. The return leg will be played on February 26. Top 16 round should be played on March 11 and 18. Then the competition will enjoy Final Eight tournament scheduled for April 10-13 in Turin, Italy. So the Top 32 matchups will clash together: Dynamo Moscow - Slask Wroclaw, Ventspils - Lukoil, BC Kyiv - Oostende, Turow - Nymburk, Akasvayu - Elan Chalon, Buducnost - Hemofarm, Turk Telekom - Unics, Triumph - Artland Dragons, Joventut - Gmunden, Khimky - Koeln 99ers, Zadar - Azovmash, Pamesa - Panionios, Besiktas - Hapoel, Benetton- Crvena Zvezda, Galatasaray - Asvel Basket, Gran Canaria - KK Bosna.

Kasperczak resigns as Senegal coach

Senegal coach Henri Kasperczak confirmed here Monday his resignation 24 hours after his side's crushing 3-1 loss to Angola at the African Nations Cup. Assistant coach Lamine Ndiaye will step in for the Pole as caretaker boss for Senegal's remaining Group D tie against South Africa in Tamale on Thursday. Kasperczak quits as Senegal face an early exit from Ghana, Sunday's defeat leaving them with a must-win game against South Africa and needing the result of the game between Angola and Tunisia to go there way. "I take full responsibility for the level of our results. I'm disappointed for the Senegalese supporters," the 61-year-old added."

Juventus sign Stendardo from Lazio

Juventus said on Monday they have signed Lazio defender Guglielmo Stendardo on loan until the end of the season.The 26-year-old has been largely a first choice starter for Lazio this season, playing in 13 league matches and seven Champions League encounters.He previously played for Napoli, Sampdoria, Salernitana, Catania and Perugia.

Danish dreams come true

Denmark 24:20 Croatia (13:10). Denmark had the gold medal on their minds when they travelled to Norway for Euro 2008. Though they opened the tournament with a defeat against Norway, since that game they were just winning and winning. In the final they met Croatia for the second time after a ten-goal victory in the Main Round. The Croatians had no intention to be defeated again. Ivano Balic & Co. played at high speed denying Denmark the chance to make counter attacks. However, it didn’t last long and the Danes were three goals in front at half time. Kasper Hvidt has been outstanding in the Danish goal at the whole tournament, but he also needed 15 minutes to get in form today. In the second half both Hvidt and the rest of the Danish team showed their best abilities and served the affection of the supporters. They started to dominate and carried out fast breaks to score goal after goal. With Ivano Balic playing with passion, the Danes had to wait with the celebration. At the end it was 24-20 for the Scandinavian red and whites. This was Denmark’s first major trophy, which will help the men step out of the shadow of the so successful women`s team. Coach Ulrik Wilbek is the first coach ever to win European championship with both women´s and men´s team.