Soccer Capsules: Copa Libertadores kicks off with qualifiers
MONTERREY, Mexico (AP) — Brazilian World Cup winners Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo will add a touch of glamor to the Copa Libertadores when Latin America's top club competition kicks off this week with six first-leg qualifying matches.
The two men will be in action in one of the opening matches when Brazilian club Corinthians takes on Colombian side Deportes Tolima. The second legs are next week, with the winners joining the main draw of 32.
The competition brings together a sprinkling of experienced veterans and a handful of potential stars of the future.
Already in the main draw, former Manchester United midfielder Juan Sebastian Veron will be trying to guide Estudiantes of Argentina to a second Libertadores title in three years, while Brazilian club Santos can showcase two of the continent's brightest prospects in forwards Neymar and Keirrison.
On paper, the Copa Libertadores should be second only to Europe's Champions League in the pecking order of club tournaments.
However, like 30-somethings Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Veron, the Libertadores may have lost some of its edge.
That's partly because many of South America's top players are continually being sold. Argentina exported more than 2,200 players in 2010, with around 45 percent ending up in Europe, according to a recent study. Brazil is not far behind, shipping out more than 1,600 players.
The talent drain is hitting Argentina's biggest clubs. River Plate and Boca Juniors, for example, have failed to qualify for the second time running.
A complicated qualifying process can also be blamed.
Most of the region's league seasons are broken into tournaments running half a season each, while Brazilian clubs are mired in regional tournaments at the beginning of each calendar year, only moving to a national league in the second six months.
What's more, clubs from Mexico are invited to the Libertadores as guests since the nation is not a member of the governing body of South American football, CONMEBOL. CONMEBOL encourages Mexican clubs to compete because they make the tournament more attractive to sponsors.
With every country using different qualification methods, playing on different schedules, working out which teams will reach the Libertadores is a headache-inducing exercise.
It also tends to make the Libertadores tricky to predict. In the last 10 years, Paraguayan club Olimpia, Colombia's Once Caldas and LDU Quito of Ecuador have all been surprise winners. In a similar period in Europe, only Porto's unexpected success in the 2003-04 Champions League can compare.
This year's Libertadores looks as difficult to call as ever. In the last 20 years, at least one club from Argentina or Brazil has made the final — Chilean club Colo Colo's win over Paraguay's Olimpia in 1991 being the last exception.
Argentina's challenge will be led by current national champion Estudiantes, where 35-year-old captain Veron still dominates the midfield.
Veron's father, Juan Ramon, won the Libertadores three times in a row with Estudiantes in 1968, '69 and '70. A win for Veron junior in this year's tournament would bring the son closer to his father's total after leading Estudiantes' to victory in the 2009 Libertadores.
Argentina's Independiente, the current champion of South America's No. 2 club tournament, the Copa Sudamericana, can also boast recent continental success and is the only one of the country's so-called "big five" clubs to qualify.
Velez Sarsfield, Argentinos Juniors and Godoy Cruz complete the Argentine contingent.
Meanwhile, Brazilian hopes center on Libertadores holder Internacional, whose Argentine playmaker Andres D'Alessandro has just been voted the best player in South America.
Roberto Carlos, Ronaldo and Co. add weight to Corinthians' bid to win the Libertadores for the first time, while Santos has the youthful promise of Neymar and Keirrison — on loan from Barcelona — on its side. Brazil's current national champion Fluminense is also in the draw.
Elsewhere, the names of Uruguay's Penarol — third on the all-time list with five Libertadores wins — and three-time Libertadores champion Nacional stand out.
The glory years of Uruguayan football may have faded since Nacional's last triumph in 1988, but after the national team's surprise fourth place in the World Cup last year, both clubs will be keen to show the revival has percolated to club level too.
If it's time for another unexpected champion, then a victory for Mexico City club America would make a good story.
Along with Corinthians' game against Tolima, the first leg matches feature Alianza Lima (Peru) vs. Chiapas (Mexico); Cerro Porteno (Paraguay) vs. Deportivo Petare (Venezuela); Bolivar (Bolivia) vs. Union Espanola (Chile); Independiente (Argentina) vs. Deportivo Quito (Ecuador); and Liverpool (Uruguay) vs. Gremio (Brazil).
U.S. Soccer
Timbers prep for first MLS season
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Portland Timbers have begun training for their inaugural Major League Soccer season with one catch: No soccer balls.
The Timbers are working on their fitness — and that means a lot of running — this week at Adidas. Their home field, PGE Park, is still being renovated for the upcoming season.
The team won't break out the soccer balls all that much until next week when they train for a week in Southern California.
"I can't wait," said goalie Troy Perkins. "I haven't touched a soccer ball in about six weeks."
Among those at the workout Monday was Darlington Nagbe, a forward and midfielder who helped Akron win its first NCAA title. He was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the MLS draft earlier this month. Nagbe was asked about how his life has changed now that he's made the jump to professional soccer.
"My mom's not here," he joked. "That's big."
The team had individual testing on Sunday. After running drills and weight training this week at Adidas in North Portland, the Timbers will relocate to Ventura, Calif., to prepare for a preseason game against the Ventura County Fusion on Feb. 4.
The team's preseason includes a match at the San Jose Earthquakes on Feb. 6 and training in Casa Grande, Ariz., where they'll play several exhibition games.
The highlight of the preseason will be the Cascadia Classic, set for March 4-6 in Tukwila, Wash., where the Timbers will play both Pacific Northwest Rivals the Seattle Sounders and the Vancouver Whitecaps, also an MLS expansion club.
The Timbers open the MLS season on March 19 at the Colorado Rapids.
"I don't like the term 'expansion team,'" said Timbers coach John Spencer, "because history tells you expansion teams don't do well or don't do well for a couple of years."
Spencer obviously has bigger goals for these Timbers, who also will focus this week on getting to know each other.
The Timbers have signed 22 of the league's limit of 30 players for their roster. Six of those were with the Timbers last season, when they played in the USSF Division-2 Pro League.
One of them was Bright Dike, who had 10 goals in 23 games with the Timbers. He had a hat trick in a U.S. Open Cup match against the Kitsap Pumas.
"I don't think I've ever been this excited to play soccer," Dike said.
New players include midfielder Jeremy Hall, acquired last November in a trade with New York, and defender Rodney Wallace, who came via a trade with D.C. United.
Forward Kenny Cooper, who spent several seasons with FC Dallas before playing in Germany the past two years, was not expected to join the Timbers until February. Cooper started his career with Manchester United but was sold in 2006 to Dallas, where he scored 40 goals over four seasons.
Kerrea Gilbert, a 23-year-old defender who has played for the last five seasons in the Arsenal system, is expected to arrive in Portland later this week. nd rumors continued to swirl over a major player signing, but nothing was official as of Monday.
-- Anne M. Peterson
Solli signs with New York Red Bulls
HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Norwegian midfielder Jan Gunnar Solli has signed with Major League Soccer's New York Red Bulls.
The 29-year-old spent the last four seasons with SK Brann. In 2007, the team won its first Norwegian Premier League title since 1963, and he also helped Brann advance to the final 32 of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup.
He also played for Norway's Odd Grenland (2000-03) and Rosenborg (2003-06), which won three league titles while he was there and qualified for the group stage of the 2004-05 Champions League.
Solli has one goal in 40 appearances for Norway's national team, scoring against Russia on April 28, 2004. His agreement was announced Monday.
League News
Arsenal looks to overturn deficit in League Cup
LONDON (AP) — Arsenal will look to in-form striker Robin van Persie to help the London club overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit in the League Cup semifinals against second-tier Ipswich.
The Netherlands international has scored six goals in his last three games — including a hat trick against Wigan in the Premier League on Saturday — and appears rejuvenated after finally returning to full fitness following an ankle injury.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has slowly integrated Van Persie back into the first team since the striker's comeback in November, rotating him with close-season signing Marouane Chamakh and Denmark international Nicklas Bendtner for the cup competitions.
But there is no doubt Van Persie is Wenger's No. 1 choice up front and he may be asked by the French coach to start at the Emirates Stadium for a second game in four days as the Gunners attempt to turn the two-legged match on its head.
"Robin is now completely sharp and fit and strong. He looks strong mentally," Wenger said. "Robin is an important player in our squad. He can finish, provide and the understanding with our offensive players is very good so, of course, he will be very important.
"Some players have played many games, but Van Persie has been out for a long time. Him and (Spain midfielder Cesc) Fabregas had a long breather and we hope he can benefit from that."
Arsenal, trophyless for over five years, slipped to a surprise defeat at Portman Road in the first leg two weeks ago, with Hungary striker Tamas Priskin scoring the only goal.
Wenger's side will still be favorite to progress, however, with Ipswich languishing in 19th place in the 24-team League Championship.
"If we beat Ipswich we will have one game to play to have a trophy and if we have that one, then it's out of the way," Van Persie said of Arsenal's silverware drought.
"I believe that can give us a lot of confidence as well, just to lift that trophy and get that feeling together."
In an all-Premier League meeting in the other semifinal, West Ham holds a 2-1 lead over Birmingham ahead of the second leg, which takes place at St. Andrews on Wednesday.
The Hammers, two-time runners-up in the competition, are bottom of England's top division but their form has improved in recent weeks. They have lost just two of their last nine games in all competitions.
The League Cup has proved to be a welcome distraction for West Ham manager Avram Grant, who last week was given a vote of confidence by the club's board despite widespread reports saying he was on the verge of being fired.
"I treat every match as my first game and my last game," Grant said. "Wednesday represents a good chance to get to Wembley. It would be a nice feeling to get there and we have a small advantage but it will be a tough game because it would be a big achievement for Birmingham too."
Birmingham is coming into the game on the back of a 5-0 thrashing at Premier League leader Manchester United on Saturday.
United is in action at midtable Blackpool on Tuesday in one of three league matches to be rearranged for this week.
Wigan hosts Aston Villa on Tuesday and Liverpool is at home to Fulham on Wednesday.
United, which remains unbeaten in the league after 22 games, is two points ahead of Arsenal having played a game less.
"The players are in the mood now and they're ready for the run-in," assistant manager Mike Phelan said.
United manager Alex Ferguson has Brazilian right back Rafael available after suspension but there are fitness concerns over center back Rio Ferdinand and midfielder Michael Carrick.
-- Steve Douglas
Bilbao downs Hercules 3-0 in Spanish league
BILBAO, Spain (AP) — Athletic Bilbao moved into the Europa League positions in the Spanish league on Monday after beating Hercules 3-0 at home.
Defensive midfielder Javier Martinez extended his scoring run to three games by putting Bilbao in front with a header in the fifth minute.
Fernando Llorente doubled the lead with a header in the 59th, and strike partner Iker Muniain capped the win five minutes later.
Bilbao's eighth win in 11 games at San Mames stadium lifted the team into sixth place for the first time since week one.
Promoted Hercules, which was limited to a pair of chances by Nelson Valdez, remained 12th, five points above the relegation zone.
Martinez rose above the defense to nod David Lopez's corner into goal, giving the Basques control of the game from the start.
Llorente made it 2-0 with a header from Andoni Iraola's cross for his 12th goal of the season, fourth best in the league, as Bilbao looked even more purposeful after halftime.
Bilbao's continued pressure soon helped the team steal possession near the Hercules area. The 18-year-old Muniain didn't waste the opportunity, instead coolly firing past the goalkeeper with his left foot.
Hercules showed its worst side with a very tame performance. The team is the only one to beat Barcelona in the league this season, but this is the fifth game Hercules has lost by the score of 3-0.
Hercules defender David Cortez should have received a second yellow card before the 20-minute mark after a hard tackle on Muniain, but the referee mistakenly booked Matias Fritzler for the foul.
Barcelona leads the standings with 55 points, four ahead of second-place Real Madrid. Villarreal is third on 42 points, Valencia fourth on 40 and Espanyol fifth on 37.
Asian Cup semifinals a study in contrasts
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Japan and South Korea will represent tradition and consistency in Tuesday's Asian Cup semifinals, whereas Australia and Uzbekistan are the upstarts bringing some novelty to the continental competition.
While Australia and Uzbekistan have advanced to the last four for the first time, Japan and South Korea, the other semifinal pair, have five titles and 12 semifinal appearances between them.
Australia is playing only its second Asian Cup after switching from the Oceania federation and already has done better than four years ago, when it reached the quarterfinals. Uzbekistan lost twice in the quarterfinals before getting through this time.
Australia reached the last four with a sapping extra-time win over defending champion Iraq thanks to a late Harry Kewell goal, but its German coach Holger Osieck is confident his players will recover physically.
"We shouldn't put too much into it because if you talk about it then it really catches you. No, our players, they should recover OK and do all the stuff that is requested in order to get them back in shape.
Osieck told The Associated Press that "everybody will be ready, mentally and physically" for the challenge of an Uzbekistan side sprinkled with dangerous players such as Maksim Shatskikh and Server Djeparov.
"What I've seen here is impressive," Osieck said of his Central Asia opponents. "They looked a very solid team and they have some excellent individuals, So what counts now is the actual state and not what happened in the past."
Defender Lucas Neill said the Socceroos "owed to themselves" to do better than four years ago.
"We've put ourselves in a position where we can win the title. We've just knocked out the cup holders so the title's up for grabs and we want it," he said after Saturday's win over Iraq.
"They (Uzbekistan) are a good team, very European style of football. We go into the game with confidence knowing they'll play good football, but that we can perhaps expose them in certain areas.
"They'll be full of confidence, the first team into the semifinals, and having an extra day of preparation. Seeing us go to extra time, they'll think they have a physical edge over us, but I assure you there's enough spirit in this camp to overcome all that," Neill said.
Australia beat Uzbekistan twice during qualifying for the 2010 World Cup, but experienced goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer said that was no cause for confidence of a repeat on Tuesday.
"They're vastly improved from what they were like when we played them a couple of years ago in the World Cup qualifiers," Schwarzer said.
"They've played very well at this tournament and they deserve to be in the semifinals. We've got to do our homework on them."
Japan has won three of the past five Asian titles but has a losing record overall (34-10) against South Korea. At the Asian Cup, though, the teams have won a game each, with South Korea winning on penalties in the third-place playoff four years ago.
The Blue Samarai, coached by Alberto Zaccheroni — a man to have achieved the rare feat of coaching each of Italy's big three clubs Milan, Internazionale and Juventus — goes into the match bolstered by a 3-2 quarterfinal win over host Qatar in which it twice came from behind.
South Korea, which progressed with a 1-0 extra-time win over Iran, will be eager to make up for a consistent record of failure in the knockout stages of this tournament. It has only once failed to make the quarterfinals in 12 appearances but has not won it since the last of its two titles in 1960.
"We know very well each other," South Korea captain Park Ji-sung said. "It will be a great match, Japan is a great team, but if we play like (the quarterfinal) we can win."
-- Nesha Starcevic
Argentina U20 defeats Chile 3-1
AREQUIPA, Peru (AP) — Venezuela drew 1-1 with host Peru on Monday in South American qualifying for the Under-20 World Cup, leaving berths in the second round wide open going into the final Group A matches.
In Monday's first match in Group A, Argentina defeated Chile 3-1 to move to 10 points and the group lead, securing a place in the second round. Two other teams will progress from Group A, with those places to be determined Thursday when Chile faces Venezuela and Peru plays Uruguay. Uruguay has four points, Chile and Venezuela have three and Peru has one.
Osnar Noronha put Peru ahead in the 16th minute to raise hopes of the home side getting its first win of the tournament and boosting chances of reaching the second round, but Yoahandry Orozco equalized for Venezuela in the 79th minute with an impressive individual effort, racing from midfield and beating several defenders before scoring on a rising shot from 20 meters.
In the earlier game Facundo Ferreyra scored in the 57th and 67th to put Argentina up 2-0. Alejandro Marquez pulled a goal back for Chile in the 68th before Claudio Mosca made it 3-1 to Argentina in the 73rd.
In Group B, Brazil leads with seven points and has also advanced to the next round. On Tuesday in Group B, Colombia will play Bolivia and Ecuador will face Brazil.
Brazil has seven points from three matches. Ecuador have four from two, Paraguay three from three and Bolivia and Colombia both have one from two games.
In the second round, all six teams will play each other once with the top four advancing to the U20 World Cup later this year in Colombia. The top two also qualify for the 2012 London Olympics. The second round begins Jan. 31.
Elsewhere
AP Interview: Bin Hammam says Blatter needs to go
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — A top Asian soccer executive says Sepp Blatter has been at FIFA too long and needs to be replaced as president of the sport's governing body.
Less than two months ago, Mohamed bin Hammam helped Qatar surprisingly land the 2022 World Cup following a voting process marred by accusations of bribery. Bin Hammam, president of Asia's soccer federation, says Blatter's longevity in office has contributed to an unhealthy perception of the organization.
"Everybody is going to accuse us today as corrupted people because maybe people see Mr. Blatter has stayed a long time in FIFA," Bin Hammam told The Associated Press on Monday.
"Thirty-five years in one organization is quite long time. No matter how clean you are, honest or how correct you are, still people will attack you. You are going to be defenseless. That is why I believe change is the best thing for the organization."
The 74-year-old Blatter joined FIFA in 1975 as technical director and became general secretary in 1981 and president in 1998. He is up for re-election for a fourth four-year term as FIFA president in June, and so far no one is running against him. Although Bin Hammam has said that he wants to someday replace Blatter, he declined to say whether he will challenge the incumbent this year.
"I did not make up my mind yet," Bin Hammam said. "I would rather wait and see."
The 61-year-old Bin Hammam is hoping that someone will run against Blatter.
"I'm actually seeking to see competition within FIFA for the post. I would prefer to see two candidates proposing themselves, or maybe more than two proposing themselves to the congress of FIFA," Bin Hammam said. "Competition is good for the organization, whether president or any other posts. Competition is the best way to make the organization vibrant and alive."
As for suggestions that Qatar might host the 2022 World Cup in January, to avoid the searing summer heat, Bin Hammam said it was "premature" for FIFA to be even talking about it.
"We in FIFA should stop acting on behalf of people who are going to be in power in the future," he said. "There will be a different executive committee in FIFA which will be in power that day. Let them decide what is best for 2022," he said. "Why are we rushing? Why are you in hurry to decide something for 2022?"
Bin Hammam also continued to defend suspended FIFA executives Amos Adamu of Nigeria and Reynald Temarii of Tahiti, who were accused of taking bribes and trading votes before last month's election of host countries for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The 2018 World Cup will be in Russia.
Both men deny wrongdoing, have appealed their sanctions and will have hearings on Feb. 2-3.
"I believe none have asked for anything for their own benefit," he said.
The Sunday Times published video showing Adamu requesting $800,000 to build four artificial soccer fields in his native Nigeria, and for the money to be paid to him directly.
On the issue of goal-line technology, Bin Hammam gave a much stronger endorsement than Blatter, who stipulated it could be used for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil as long as proves to be fast and accurate.
Pointing to intensive television coverage at stadiums, Bin Hammam said: "If more and more cameras are brought in and identify each and every mistake, we need technology that helps and supports the referees, so I believe goal-line technology is very important."
-- Michael Casey
Two English commentators taken off air for sexism
LONDON (AP) — Two of Britain's leading soccer commentators were reprimanded by their TV network and taken off the air Monday after making sexist remarks about two female game officials and a team executive.
Andy Gray and Richard Keys were disciplined Monday for derogatory comments about Sian Massey's suitability as a lineswoman for a Premier League game the commentators were working Saturday for Sky Sports.
Gray and Keys have been respected voices in soccer for the past 20 years. They also criticized the ability of former Premier League official Wendy Toms and a column written by West Ham executive Karren Brady in the Sun newspaper that day.
The men have privately apologized to their employer. Sky said the two have been warned and "reminded of their responsibilities." They will not work the show Monday night when Bolton hosts Chelsea in the Premier League.
"They (the comments) are inexcusable from anyone at Sky, regardless of their role or seniority," said Barney Francis, managing director of Sky Sports.
Keys later telephoned Massey to apologize, according to the group that represents game officials.
On Saturday, Gray and Keys were at Molineux Stadium for the Wolverhampton-Liverpool game. They thought their microphones were off when they questioned whether Massey knew the offside rule. Keys, who has worked for Sky since 1990, said he could "guarantee" Massey was going to make a big mistake.
Keys added that the game had "gone mad" by allowing a woman to run the line. Gray, a former Scotland striker who is Sky's leading commentator, made an abusive reference to Toms, saying she had been "hopeless".
Toms was the first female to officiate in the Premier League, as a lineswoman. She is no longer an active referee.
Keys then criticized Brady, who in her column had written about sexual discrimination in the soccer media.
"See charming Karren Brady this morning complaining about sexism? Yeah. Do me a favor, love," Keys said.
Brady said Monday in the Guardian it was "absolutely abhorrent that gender is the only consideration when talking about female officials."
The comments were leaked to a British newspaper, leaving Gray and Keys open to a widespread criticism.
Piara Powar, executive director of Football Against Racism in Europe, a group working with European soccer's governing body to end discrimination in soccer, said the remarks were "medieval in tone" and demonstrated the "appalling and damaging sexist attitudes" that still existed in the sport.
Sports Minister Hugh Robertson added: "It is very disappointing to hear these comments at a time when we are trying to get more women participating and officiating in sport, particularly football."
The English Football Association gave its "wholehearted and continuing support" to female referees while England defender Rio Ferdinand was one of the many Twitter users to register his displeasure with Gray and Keys.
"What's wrong with a woman being an official in a football game? I'm cool with it," Ferdinand posted.
In fact, the 25-year-old Massey got perhaps the biggest call of the game correct. She judged Raul Meireles to be marginally onside when he ran onto a pass and sent the ball for Fernando Torres, who opened the scoring in the 36th minute in Liverpool's 3-0 victory.
Massey is one of 853 females officiating in English soccer, from grass-roots level up to the Premier League, the Football Association said. Amy Fearn last year became the first woman to referee a second-tier League Championship match.
The FA said all its female officials were "fantastic ambassadors" for soccer, adding the organization "will continue to offer every encouragement to all officials within the football family to progress to the highest levels possible."
Gray and Keys are not the first commentators caught making inappropriate remarks while thinking they were not on the air. In 2004, former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson made a racial insult about Chelsea defender Marcel Desailly. Atkinson was forced to resign, calling his comments "obviously unacceptable."
-- Steve Douglas
Park to celebrate century for South Korea
DOHA, Qatar (AP) — South Korea captain Park Ji-sung will add another milestone to his list of career achievements when he plays his 100th international in the Asian Cup semifinals against Japan on Tuesday.
Park could be winding down his international career after three World Cup campaigns and three Asian Cup tournaments, although he has remained evasive about his future.
"I won't put too much meaning to the fact that it'll be my 100th match," said Park, who made his international debut in 2000. "It's the semifinal and against Japan, and that will make the match very interesting."
The Manchester United midfielder has grown into one of Asia's biggest stars and he would reach his pinnacle if South Korea finally won its third Asian Cup title after waiting since 1960.
South Korea coach Cho Kwang-rae said Park has done an "excellent job" for his country so far at the tournament.
"I'd like to congratulate him and as a gift I'd like to give him victory tomorrow," Cho said Monday. "He has shown outstanding leadership on and off the field I want him to continue his excellent contribution to the end of the Asian Cup."
Midfielder Koo Ja-cheol, one of South Korea's crop of younger players, said Park had been an inspiration to the entire team.
"To be with a player who is one of the best is the world is important. He is giving us a lot of advice both on and off the pitch to make young players like me comfortable," the 21-year-old Koo said. "He has excellent leadership of the team and is the perfect example of someone who sacrifices himself for the team very much."
The 29-year-old Park made his World Cup debut in 2002, when he was picked by then-coach Guus Hiddink for the tournament South Korea co-hosted with Japan and went on to reach the semifinals. Park played in 2006 and 2010 as well and has scored at all three World Cup tournaments.
Park has distinguished himself with exemplary commitment and fitness on both club and country level.
After moving to Manchester United in 2005, Park helped the club win three consecutive Premier League titles and was the first Asian to play in a Champions League final when United lost to Barcelona in 2009.
The season before that, Park had helped United reach the final but was excluded from the squad against Chelsea by manager Alex Ferguson. Manchester United won on penalties.
-- Nesha Starcevic
Tevez left off Argentina roster to play Portugal
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez and several other first-choice players were left off Argentina's roster for a Feb. 9 exhibition against Portugal at Geneva.
Coach Sergio Batista also omitted Atletico Madrid forward Sergio Aguero and defenders Martin Demichelis of Malaga and Gabriel Heinze of Marseille. Also missing was injured Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi, who won his second straight FIFA player of the year award, heads the roster announced Monday.
Just two of the 24 players are based in Argentina: Estudiantes midfielder Enzo Perez and Velez Sarsfield forward Juan Manual Martinez.
Preparing to host the Copa America in July, Argentina also plays the United States on March 26 at East Rutherford, N.J., then opens Costa Rica's new stadium three days later in San Jose.
AC Milan's Nesta, Seedorf, Gattuso out for three weeks
MILAN (AP) — AC Milan defender Alessandro Nesta and midfielders Clarence Seedorf and Gennaro Gattuso are expected to each miss about three weeks of action after being injured in Sunday's 2-0 win over Cesena. All three players could miss Milan's round of 16 clash in the Champions League with Tottenham on Feb. 15.
Medical tests Monday revealed that Nesta's rotator cuff wasn't torn, as feared, although the left shoulder injury will likely keep him out three to four weeks.
Gattuso and Seedorf both injured their right legs. Gattuso should be out at least three weeks, while Seedorf could return in two to three weeks.
Milan holds a four-point lead over Napoli in Serie A.
Hamburg: Van Nistelrooy won't return to Madrid
HAMBURG, Germany (AP) — Hamburg says it has rejected attempts by Real Madrid to bring Dutch striker Ruud van Nistelrooy back to Spain.
Chairman Bernd Hoffmann says on Hamburg's website that Madrid had offered €2 million ($2.7 million) plus a friendly match for the 34-year-old striker but the Bundesliga club rejected the offer "again and for the last time" on Sunday.
Hoffmann says Hamburg wants to do everything to secure a place in international competition next season and it is "unthinkable" to let Van Nistelrooy go.
Van Nistelrooy joined Hamburg from Madrid a year ago. Hamburg is currently sixth in the Bundesliga, 17 points behind leader Borussia Dortmund.
Gremio says striker Jonas transferring to Valencia
SAO PAULO (AP) — Striker Jonas, the top scorer in last year's Brazilian league, has reached a deal with Spanish club Valencia.
The 26-year-old Jonas is transferring from Brazilian club Gremio, which said Monday that Valencia is paying a €1.25 million ($1.7 million) buyout clause to acquire the striker.
Jonas led the Brazilian league with 23 goals last year, earning high praise from fans and local media. He previously played for Guarani and Santos, where he sustained a serious knee injury early in his career.
Club director Antonio Vicente Martins said Gremio was trying to keep Jonas at least until the end of the Copa Libertadores, but it wasn't possible because of the low value on the buyout clause.
Babel set to move to Hoffenheim from Liverpool
LIVERPOOL, England (AP) — Liverpool says Netherlands winger Ryan Babel will fly to Germany on Tuesday to complete a transfer to Bundesliga club Hoffenheim.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish had said earlier Monday that Babel "is staying here" after talks between the player and Hoffenheim had reportedly broken down over personal terms. But a later statement on Liverpool's website reported that Babel is set to agree to a move.
The two clubs agreed a fee last week for Babel, who has struggled to receive first-team football at Anfield over the past two seasons.
Babel would be a replacement at Hoffenheim for Senegal striker Demba Ba, who says he is joining English team West Ham on loan for the rest of the season.
Mata agrees to 2-year deal extension at Valencia
VALENCIA, Spain (AP) — Valencia forward Juanma Mata has agreed to a two-year contract extension through till 2014. The agreement was announced Monday.
The 22-year-old Spanish international has scored 41 goals in three and a half seasons at the club, establishing himself as one of Valencia's leaders.
Mata told Spanish news agency Europa Press that "there are players that have (more) responsibility because they have been here longer, but in the end we win and lose together."
Valencia is fourth in the league standings and on a five-game winning run. Mata has scored two late winners during that period.
Valbuena out for up to six weeks due to injured leg
MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Marseille winger Mathieu Valbuena will be sidelined for up to six weeks after injuring his left leg in a training incident.
Club doctor Christophe Baudot told Marseille's website on Monday that Valbuena underwent medical tests that revealed the France international partially tore knee ligaments and damaged a cartilage in his ankle from Saturday's incident.
Valbuena will miss France's friendly against Brazil at Stade de France on Feb. 9 and Marseille's home match against Manchester United in the Champions League two weeks later. Valbuena has made seven appearances for France and been one of Marseille's best players so far this season.
Zaragoza signs midfielder N'Daw from Saint-Etienne
ZARAGOZA, Spain (AP) — Zaragoza has signed Senegal midfielder Guirane N'Daw from French team Saint-Etienne. The Spanish club announced the deal Monday but didn't reveal the length of the contract nor how much it paid for N'Daw.
N'Daw, who has made 36 appearances for Senegal, had played for Saint-Etienne since joining from Nantes in 2009. He previously played six seasons for Sochaux.
On Sunday, Zaragoza won its second straight league game to move out of the relegation places for the first time in 17 rounds. The team is two points above the drop zone.
Zarate banned for three games; Gimenez suspended for two
MILAN (AP) — Lazio striker Mauro Zarate has been banned for three matches for hitting an opponent in the face with the ball in an altercation following a 3-1 loss at Bologna in Serie A on Sunday. Bologna forward Henry Gimenez was banned for two games by the Italian league on Monday for his role in the skirmish.
Also, Bari was hit with a €12,000 ($16,000) fine for raucous fan behavior during a 2-0 loss to Napoli, while Genoa was fined €5,000 ($7,000) for its fans' behavior during a 0-0 draw at Chievo Verona.
Striker Demba Ba to join West Ham on loan
BERLIN (AP) — Senegal striker Demba Ba says he is moving to West Ham for the rest of the season on loan from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. Ba says he is "eager to join the club and meet my new teammates."
The six-month loan deal comes after a proposed move to Stoke fell through when the 25-year-old Ba failed a medical examination. Ba's website says it followed several weeks of discussions. West Ham is fighting to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
