Soccer Capsules: Last chance for U.S. players to impress Bradley

AMSTERDAM — American players hoping to make an impression on U.S. coach Bob Bradley before he picks his World Cup roster have one last chance Wednesday night.

In its final match before the World Cup team gathers in mid-May, the United States plays an exhibition at the Netherlands, the world’s third-ranked team.

"My last memory playing Netherlands in Amsterdam Arena was not the best," midfielder Landon Donovan said. "I think we chased the ball for probably 90 minutes, so it’s hopefully a little different this time. Hopefully, we have a little more of the game. It’s really our last chance against a top, top, team before the World Cup and so we want to make the most of it."

The Netherlands is 3-0 against the No. 14 U.S., winning 2-0 in Miami in 1998, 2-0 at Foxborough, Mass., in 2002 and 1-0 in Amsterdam in 2004.

Donovan, enjoying a successful loan stint with Everton, is assured of a spot on the final 23. Others, such as Glasgow Rangers midfielders DaMarcus Beasley and Maurice Edu, might need good matches to earn their trips to South Africa.

"You feel that the World Cup is coming. It’s real," U.S. captain Carlos Bocanegra said. "Amsterdam Arena is cool venue to play in. So, it should be a good atmosphere, you know, another good test before we go down to South Africa."

Sixteen of the 20 players on the U.S. roster are based in Europe, with just three players from Major League Soccer and one from Mexico.

"It’s a good opportunity to play against a real good team, size ourselves up one more time and know that in a few months when we come together again it’s with everything right in front of us," U.S. coach Bob Bradley said.

The U.S. is missing AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu (Oct. 21 surgery to repair ruptured patellar tendon in his left knee); Hannover defender Steve Cherundolo (injured a shoulder in practice Jan. 31); Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey (injured right knee on Jan. 17); Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Ricardo Clark (pulled right calf muscle); Aarhus midfielder Benny Feilhaber (damaged ankle cartilage); and Sochaux forward Charlie Davies (recovering from injuries sustained in Oct. 13 car crash).

Jozy Altidore figures to start at forward, with Michael Bradley — the coach’s son — joined in the central midfield by Edu. Stuart Holden or Beasley could get a start in midfield along with Donovan.

"It’s a good way to gauge where we’re at, a good way for Bob to gauge where the team is at and also in the bigger scheme to make some assessments on how guys are going to be and help make choices for the World Cup," Donovan said.

The Dutch and Spain were the only teams in European qualifying with perfect records — the Netherlands was 8-0 and outscored opponents 17-2 in coasting to first place in Group Nine.

Even with Robin van Persie still sidelined after tearing ankle ligaments in November, Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk could start Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, Arjen Robben and Dirk Kuyt up front in a stiff test for the U.S. defensive line and goalkeeper Tim Howard.

Getting ready for its World Cup opener against England on June 12, the U.S. is looking to boost its confidence.

"I think a good performance will go a long way," Howard said.

Nigel de Jong is set to partner with Mark van Bommel, the coach’s son-in-law, in midfield along with Wesley Sneijder. Wingers Eljero Elia or Ryan Babel also are potential starters.

"What you see is a top team with great players," Bob Bradley said. "So you’re challenged by the technical ability that they have. You’re challenged by the speed that the game will get played, the way they press, the way they move the ball, the way they run off the ball. So it just gives you a chance to play in a game where the bar is real high in terms of just reactions and executing plays. It’s good for us."

After this, the Americans gather in mid-May and play exhibitions against the Czech Republic (May 25, possibly in East Hartford, Conn.) and Turkey (May 29 at Philadelphia), with a June 5 exhibition against Australia in Johannesburg also possible. After playing England, the U.S. meets Slovenia on June 18 before finishing the first round five days later against Algeria.

"Obviously we’re still missing a few guys through injury, but I think this is a big test for us," Donovan said. "And we’re going to take advantage of it."

NOTES: Schalke MF Jermaine Jones, sidelined by a shin injury since last summer, joined the U.S. team Monday night. He has not played for the U.S. since opting to switch to the American national team from Germany’s last year. ... All three U.S. opponents have matches Wednesday. England hosts Egypt, Slovenia is home against Qatar and Algeria hosts Serbia.

Garber: No players’ deal just to avoid strike

MANCHESTER, England — Major League Soccer commissioner Don Garber is confident the start of the season will not be affected by a strike, while insisting Tuesday that there won’t be a quick-fix deal with the players.

The league’s first collective bargaining agreement expired Thursday after the sides twice extended the five-year deal, which originally was to have run out Jan. 31.

The MLS Players Union failed to match league management’s no-lockout pledge with a no-strike offer, leaving the start of the season on March 25 in doubt.

"We will not lock them out, and we are confident they will not go on strike," Garber told The Associated Press at the SoccerEx convention Tuesday. "We will not make any decisions just to avoid a work stoppage. We’ve got to make decisions that will ensure the long-term financial success of the MLS, and I’m sure we will not make any decisions to prove a point.

"I don’t think any of our players want to go on strike, and we are taking their issues very seriously. The expectations are that the season will start on time, and the expectation is that will be reach agreement with our players."

The Philadelphia Union plays at Seattle in the MLS opener on March 25 and Garber acknowledges that talks could go on until then.

"It’s conceivable, but my expectation is not to be negotiating an agreement an hour before kickoff," Garber said. "I would describe these as big-league problems. Years ago we had nothing to fight about, so we didn’t have labor issues.

"Now that the league is growing and there is a bit more at stake, the players want to see improvement in their salaries and their working conditions. And we need to understand, we need to listen and take their issues into consideration."

-- Rob Harris

Kubik hired as assistant coach of U.S. soccer team

AMSTERDAM — Former Czechoslovakia star Lubos Kubik, who played against the United States at the 1990 World Cup, has been hired as an assistant coach of the American national team.

Kubik fills one of two spots that opened when Peter Nowak resigned last year to become coach of Major League Soccer’s expansion Philadelphia Union and John Hackworth left to become Nowak’s assistant with the Union.

Jesse Marsch was hired last month as an assistant after he retired as a Chivas USA player.

Kubik had 13 goals in 56 appearances for Czechoslovakia and the Czech Republic from 1985-97. He joined MLS’s Chicago Fire in 1998, when current United States coach Bob Bradley coached the team, and was Nowak’s top assistant with the 2008 U.S. Olympic team.

The 46-year-old lives in Pardubice, Czech Republic.

DC United’s Burch out 4 months, Simms out 4 weeks

WASHINGTON — D.C. United defender Marc Burch will be sidelined four months following foot surgery, and midfielder Clyde Simms will be out four weeks after a knee operation.

The club announced that Burch will have surgery Thursday to repair a broken bone in his right foot.

Simms underwent surgery Tuesday to repair meniscus in his knee.

Both were regular contributors last season. Burch played in 26 MLS games. Simms played in 28.

Earthquakes’ Luiz undergoes successful surgery

SAN JOSE, Calif. — The San Jose Earthquakes say that midfielder Andre Luiz underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left knee Friday.

The team made the announcement Tuesday. Team orthopedist Dr. Mike Oberlander performed the procedure.

Luiz signed with the team last July 31 and appeared in seven games as a central midfielder and central defender.

Mexico Soccer

Cabanas moved to clinic as part of recovery

MEXICO CITY — Paraguayan forward Salvador Cabanas has been moved from a hospital to a clinic as he recovers from a Jan. 25 shooting.

The 29-year-old, shot in the head at point-blank range in January, was transferred Tuesday from Mexico City’s Angeles del Pedregal Hospital, according to his club, Mexico City’s America.

Surgeons decided it was too risky to remove the bullet.

Cabanas was expected to be a star on Paraguay’s team at this year’s World Cup. Doctors have not ruled out that he may return to play one day, though they have repeatedly said it is too early to make predictions.

The main suspect in the shooting, identified as Jose Jore Balderas, remains at large.

Elsewhere

Brazil beats Ireland 2-0 in London exhibition

LONDON — Exactly 100 days before the World Cup opener, Brazil produced an impressive second-half display after having failed to reach any heights of brilliance before halftime.

Brazil defeated Ireland 2-0 in an exhibition Tuesday night, getting an own-goal by Keith Andrews followed by Robinho’s goal in the second half.

"He has shown with his effort on the pitch what he can do. You can see that he’s happy again," Brazil coach Dunga said of Robinho, who has returned to Brazil with Santos after spells at Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Andrews turned Robinho’s cross past goalkeeper Shay Given and into his own net in the final minute of the first half. Robinho swapped passes with Kaka and Grafite before scoring in the 76th minute.

Dunga suggested that AC Milan’s Pato and Ronaldinho, both overlooked, would struggle to earn places on Brazil’s World Cup roster.

"Everybody has had his chance to show what they can do," Dunga said. "Now things have to be decided."

Arsenal’s 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium appeared two-thirds full, with an even split between fans of both teams. It was Brazil’s fifth game at the site, following wins over Argentina (3-0), Sweden (1-0) and Italy (2-0) and a 2-0 loss to Portugal.

"Up until about 45 minutes, it was a beautiful game," Ireland coach Giovanni Trapattoni said. "I think we played to the level of Brazil. Afterwards we made two or three silly, easy mistakes and that gave them a great opportunity. They could have scored one or two goals more."

The five-time World Cup champions started without injured forward Luis Fabiano. Robbie Keane, initially ruled out with a knee problem, lined up as Ireland’s captain and leading threat in attack.

In a stop-and-start first half, Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar stuck out his left hand too block a header by Kevin Doyle and Given pushed a powerful 25-yard free kick by Adriano over the crossbar.

Brazil went ahead when Maicon sent Robinho, who appeared to be offside, down the right and his low cross was turned into his own net by Andrews.

Substitute Daniel Alves should have made it 2-0 within seconds of entering in the 65th minute, bursting past Sean St. Ledger and drawing Given off his line before shooting wide of the unguarded net.

Soon after, Robinho had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. He then scooped the ball over the bar from Kaka’s pass as the Brazilians began to slice through the Irish defense.

Robinho, loaned to Santos by Manchester City in January, produced a moment of magic to score the second goal. He took a return pass off Kaka’s heel and exchanged passes with Grafite before stroking the ball inside the post from 12 yards.

-- Robert Millward

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester United’s Glazer family is set to receive a takeover bid being put together by a group of financiers determined to oust the American owners.

The discussions, which are in their preliminary stages, are being led by soccer deal broker Keith Harris, chairman of investment bankers Seymour Pierce, and Jim O’Neill, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, in conjunction with the Manchester United Supporters Trust.

The 18-time English champions have been valued at $1.8 billion by Forbes Magazine, but the Glazers have consistently insisted that the debt-ridden club is not for sale.

The latest set of financial results released Tuesday confirmed the ability of United to generate cash, reporting a turnover of $216 million in the six months ending Dec. 31, up almost 20 percent year-on-year. But it’s the debt level — about $1.1 billion — arising from Malcolm Glazer’s 2005 leveraged takeover that concerns United fans.

The groundswell of opposition to the Glazer regime is growing despite the team chasing a fourth straight Premier League title, after collecting its first trophy of the season on Sunday by beating Aston Villa in the League Cup final.

A group of financiers, who describe themselves as being of "high net worth," met under the banner of the "Red Knights" in London on Monday to formulate a plan to purchase the team.

"This group is supportive of current management but are looking at the feasibility of putting together a proposal to be put to the Glazer family regarding the ownership of Manchester United," the Red Knights said in a statement. "These discussions are in early stages and no contact has been made with the Glazer family. For such a proposal to be viable, it would require the involvement and support of Manchester United supporters worldwide.

"Any new ownership model would aim not only to put the club on a sound financial footing, but would also aim to put the supporters at the heart of everything the club does. In the coming weeks the Red Knights will continue to work with MUST and others to formulate our proposal."

The United supporters group has stepped up its campaign in recent week to force the Glazers out of Old Trafford, notably by getting fans to wear green and gold — the colors of Newton Heath, the club’s original name.

"Initially the Red Knight Group has effectively set a challenge to Manchester United supporters to demonstrate they wish to see an alternative ownership proposal developed," MUST chief executive Duncan Drasdo said. "In the first instance supporters are being asked to do this simply by joining the free online membership of the Supporters Trust and swelling its ranks to an initial target of at least 100,000."

-- Rob Harris

Tax body queries Portsmouth administrator appointment

LONDON — Portsmouth’s immediate future appears even more uncertain after authorities challenged the appointment of the administrator running the Premier League club during its legal protection from creditors.

The British government’s revenue and customs authority is chasing the indebted club for unpaid taxes and has questioned the validity of Andrew Andronikou’s appointment last week.

Revenue and customs said at the High Court on Tuesday that the firm that hired Andronikou may have links with Portsmouth owner Balram Chainrai, compromising his independence.

After the lawyer representing revenue and customs told the court that there was still insufficient transparency in the club’s finances, the case was adjourned until the week of March 15 to let the club prepare a response to the allegations.

"The question we ask, and supporters and members of the public ask, is ‘How is it possible that this once-great club has become insolvent?"’ Gregory Mitchell said.

Portsmouth last week became the first club in the 18-year history of the Premier League, world soccer’s richest national club competition, to seek bankruptcy protection known as administration. The protection seemed to have thwarted revenue and customs’ application to have the club liquidated in its attempt to recoup about $17.9 million in unpaid taxes.

But the matter returned to court Tuesday, with revenue and customs challenging several aspects of the case.

"It is beyond highly unusual for a creditor to challenge the appointment of an administrator," Danny Davis, a restructuring expert at law firm Mishcon de Reya, told The Associated Press. "It is an indication of how upset the revenue is at how it has been treated."

Davis said the club, which is in debt even after selling almost a full squad of players for transfer fees, had used what is known as "involuntary finance" to stay in business.

After overspending on wages and transfer fees, it effectively borrowed from the government by failing to pay taxes.

"People need to get an understanding of the recessionary climate we are in," Davis said. "The treasury needs to collect every penny they can get. This is not all about getting upset."

Davis agreed with revenue and customs’ belief that Portsmouth is unlikely to raise the $20.9 million it supposedly needs by the end of April to stay in business.

"Who is going to invest in this club with insolvency rules as they are?" he said.

If Andronikou is allowed to stay in his position, Portsmouth could lose ownership of its Fratton Park stadium. Revenue and customs told the court that Andronikou plans to sell the team’s home of 112 years to Chainrai for $14.97 million.

It said the Hong Kong-based businessman would lease the stadium back to Portsmouth at $1.79 million for the first season, raising the rent by 3 percent per year.

-- Stuart Condie

Capello urges fans to support Terry against Egypt

LONDON — Fabio Capello urged fans to support John Terry when he plays against Egypt on Wednesday night despite the England coach’s decision drop him as captain.

Terry lost the captain’s job last month following revelations the married defender allegedly had an affair with the former partner of teammate Wayne Bridge. But Terry still is being asked to lead the defense in England’s final exhibition before Capello picks his World Cup roster.

"I think the fans have to support every moment," Capello said Tuesday. "You have to understand that privately some players were not so good, but on the pitch it is different. We wear the England shirt and it is really important they help us every moment. I hope that tomorrow the crowd help us and do not boo him."

Steven Gerrard will captain the side from midfield but Capello’s attention is likely to remain focused on the back line.

Central defender Rio Ferdinand succeeded Terry as captain but Ferdinand, right back Glen Johnson and left back Ashley Cole all are injured.

England trained Tuesday with Wes Brown at right back and Leighton Baines on the left. David James is likely to play in goal, although Joe Hart also is in contention to become the starter.

Wayne Bridge likely would have started in place of Cole, but he withdrawn from contention for the national team because of Terry’s relationship with the mother of his child.

The Manchester City defender refused to shake hands with Terry before his team’s Premier League victory at Chelsea on Saturday.

"Nothing has changed," Gerrard said. "The team spirit and togetherness has been fantastic over the last couple of days. The manager did reiterate our responsibilities both on and of the pitch yesterday but he has done that from day one. The message is to move on, forget about it and concentrate on football."

Capello is hoping the match against African champion Egypt provides experience for England’s World Cup match against Algeria on June 18.

Egypt is up to an all-time high 10th in FIFA’s rankings, just a spot behind England, after winning a third straight African Cup of Nations last month.

-- Stuart Condie

PSG bars fans from travelling to away games