Soccer Capsules: U.S. determined to end title drought at Women's World Cup
The last time the United States won the Women's World Cup, Mia Hamm and Julie Foudy were still playing, Abby Wambach had just led Florida to the NCAA title and Alex Morgan was all of 10.
That 1999 title is so far in the distance, in fact, that captain Christie Rampone is the only current U.S. player who was part of the watershed tournament.
"It's been way too long — 12 years — since we brought home that trophy," goalkeeper Hope Solo said. "Twelve years is a long time."
Ending that drought is the Americans' sole objective at the Women's World Cup, which begins Sunday and runs through July 17 in nine cities across Germany. One of the four top seeds, the U.S. opens group play Tuesday against North Korea in Dresden, then faces Colombia on July 2 in Sinsheim, and Sweden on July 6 in Wolfsburg.
Two-time defending champion Germany and Brazil, silver medalist at the last two Olympics and runner-up at the 2007 World Cup, are also top seeds, as is Japan.
"Everyone has the final game on our minds, and winning it," Wambach said. "But we can't skip any steps to get there."
Despite coming up short at the last two World Cups, the Americans haven't exactly been in a slump. They've won the last two Olympic gold medals, and begin the World Cup as the No. 1 team in the world. They have the world's best goalkeeper in Solo, and one of the best goal-scorers in Wambach.
Yet the Americans aren't the juggernaut they once were.
Part of that is a credit to other countries, many of whom are seeing the results of the additional resources they poured into their programs over the last decade. But the U.S. has also been uncharacteristically inconsistent as of late, particularly over the last year.
After going more than two years without a loss, the U.S. dropped three games in five months. The Americans were stunned in the semifinals of regional World Cup qualifying by Mexico, a team that had been 0-24-1 against its northern neighbor. The U.S. had to win a home-and-home playoff with Italy just to get to Germany.
The United States lost to Sweden in the Four Nations opener, though it did go on to win the tournament, and then was beaten by England for the first time since 1988.
And now the Americans take a relatively inexperienced squad into the World Cup, where the stadiums will be loud and the pressure intense. Thirteen of the 21 players on the roster were part of the gold medal squad in Beijing, but only eight have played in a World Cup.
Should the U.S. win its group, it would face the runner-up in Group B — Japan, New Zealand, Mexico and England. A potential showdown with Germany looms for the semifinals.
"They just haven't shown that normal consistency of excellence that the U.S. is known for," said Tony DiCicco, the U.S. coach in 1999 who is now an analyst for ESPN, which will broadcast live all 32 matches from Germany. "(The team) has had great games and then all of (a) sudden it has a game that seems sub-par. I'm not sure why that is."
Injuries have been a big factor in the Americans' fickleness. Solo missed qualifying after having shoulder surgery in September, and didn't return until March. Wambach missed Four Nations with a heel injury. Heather Mitts, one of the team's best defenders, struggled with a hamstring early in the year. Lindsay Tarpley, a key player in the midfield, was ruled out of the World Cup just last month after tearing her right ACL with 15 minutes left in a tune-up game against Japan.
Slow starts haven't helped. Morgan scored in the 83rd minute against China in October to salvage a 1-1 draw and preserve the Americans' six-year unbeaten streak at home. Her goal in stoppage time gave the U.S. a much-needed 1-0 win in the first playoff game against Italy. Lauren Cheney scored in stoppage time to lift the team to a 1-0 victory over Mexico in a June 5 send-off match.
"Our biggest weakness has been how we start the games," Rampone said. "We have acknowledged it and now we are working on it and implementing things to start quicker. We know we can't afford any (slow starts) in Germany. I think we are ready and we've had enough time together and we're hitting our stride on the field. We're now playing our way."
And if the U.S. hits its stride, look out.
After losing the opening game in Beijing to Norway, the Americans outscored their next five opponents 12-3, including a 1-0 overtime victory against Brazil in the gold medal game. Even in a year when they've "struggled," the Americans have posted six shutouts in 11 games, and outscored opponents 23-8.
"I've talked with (teammates) about it, what everyone needs to do in order to win," Wambach said. "It comes down to playing well all the time and getting some lucky breaks. Really, luck plays so much into it. To win any championship in the world, you need some luck, too. What I do know is this team has the heart and the will and the desire to win."
MLS
Levesque scores 2 for Sounders in 4-2 win over N.Y.
SEATTLE (AP) — Substitute Roger Levesque scored twice in the second half to lift the Seattle Sounders to a 4-2 win over the New York Red Bulls before a record crowd in Major League Soccer on Thursday
Before the Sounders' biggest ever crowd for an MLS game at 46,505, Levesque headed in a corner from Leo Gonzalez in the 67th minute to put Seattle ahead 3-2, then knocked the ball away from New York goalkeeper Greg Sutton and into the open net in the 78th. The two goals for Levesque, who came on in the 60th minute, were his first of the season for the Sounders.
Seattle also got quickfire goals from corners in the 11th and 12th minutes, with Erik Friberg and Osvaldo Alonso netting. Seattle has scored seven goals from corners this season.
New York coach Hans Backe was left frustrated at a team that has conceded 13 of 20 goals this season from set plays, saying "that has to be stopped."
The Red Bulls had come from 2-0 down to equalize, with Dane Richards scoring in the 31st minute and an own goal in the 58th.
The large crowd was partly attracted by a special ticket package that includes next month's friendly against Manchester United.
Olympics
Australia, Japan, SKora advance in quals
ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Asian heavyweights Australia, Japan and South Korea advanced in London Olympic qualifying on Thursday while Bahrain ended Palestine's dream and Iraq stunned neighbor Iran to reach the next stage.
The tiny Gulf state of Oman humbled a 10-man China with three goals in extra time to win 3-1 and advance 4-1 on aggregate — the latest setback for a team that has failed to match its economic might with success on the football pitch.
Elsewhere in the second preliminary round, the United Arab Emirates drew with North Korea 1-1 to advance 2-1 overall, while Syria blanked Turkmenistan 4-0 to advance 6-2 in total. Qatar eliminated India 4-2 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw, and Saudi Arabia trounced Vietnam 4-1 for a 6-1 on aggregate.
Uzbekistan downed a 10-man Hong Kong 2-0 to advance 3-0 on aggregate and Malaysia stunned Lebanon 2-1 to advance after the two sides played to a scoreless draw in the first leg.
The next stage comprises of three groups of four teams, with the group winners qualifying for London. A draw will be held on July 7 and the teams will play a home-and-away format from Sept. 21 to March 14, 2012.
Striker Jason Hoffman scored a hat trick as Australia beat Yemen 4-0 and 7-0 overall. Hoffman finished the series with five goals.
Japan was given a scare when it lost to Kuwait 2-1 but still managed to advance on aggregate 4-3.
Japan's Saki Oriki opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, but Kuwait took over in the second half. Hamad Aman scored four minutes into the restart, and Yousef Nasser Al Salman made it 2-1 from the spot. But the host couldn't find the third goal to force the match into extra time.
South Korea also had a tough time with minnow Jordan, drawing 1-1 but still advancing 4-2 on aggregate. Hamzeh Al Dardour scored the opener four minutes before halftime, but South Korea's Hong Shell equalized in the 70th. Stung, Japan desperately sought a winner, and was denied only by some acrobatic keeping from Abdullah Zu'bi.
Bahrain rallied to defeat Palestine 2-1 in only the second competitive international ever on Palestinian soil. It spurred national pride, and hope for Palestine's first World Cup qualifier against Afghanistan on July 3.
The Palestinians looked set to advance after Khaled Salem gave the hosts the lead in the 44th, but Sayed Dihay Saeed and Ali Khalil scored in the second half to lift Bahrain. Palestine won 1-0 away in the first leg on Sunday for a 2-2 aggregate score, but Bahrain advanced on away goals.
A brace from Iraq's Amjad Radhi helped the 2004 Athens Games semifinalist beat Iran 2-0 and advance on aggregate 2-1.
Ten minutes before the break, Iran keeper Hamed Lak failed to collect a square ball and Radhi slotted it home at the far post. Iran's Arash Afshin and Hamidreza Aliasgari had chances to equalize before halftime but both efforts sailed wide, and it was Radhi who found the net three minutes after the hour to secure victory.
The loss prompted many of the 15,000 spectators in Iran to walk out early, with some calling for the resignation of Ali Kafashian, head of the country's football federation. Iran has not qualified for the Olympics since 1976.
In Oman, China midfielder Wu Xi struck in the 69th but then substitute midfielder Cao Yunding was sent off by for a dangerous tackle on Amer al-Shatri. Oman took advantage, scoring three times in extra time — including a brace from midfielder Hussain al-Hadri, who also scored the lone in the first leg.
In Ashgabat, striker Omar Al Suma scored and set up another goal as Syria hit the target twice in each half to beat Turkmenistan and move on 6-2 on aggregate. The sides played the first-leg draw in Jordan due to the ongoing political unrest in Syria.
In Hanoi, Saudi Arabia came into the second leg with a 2-0 advantage over Vietnam and never was threatened. Nawaf Alabid, Saud Hassan, Ibrahim Jahshan and Abdulrahim Jezawi scored for the Saudis, while only midfielder Le Van Thong managed to score through the visiting defense.
In Kuala Lampur, Malaysia pulled in front of Lebanon in the 9th thanks to Mohd Irfan's half volley, and Wan Zack doubled their lead in the 41st. After Gary Steven picked up his second yellow card, Lebanon took advantage when defender Chadi Atie scored in the 63rd.
-- Michael Casey
League Capsules
Helsingborg strengthens lead in Swedish league
STOCKHOLM (AP) — Helsingborg routed 10-man Trelleborg 7-3 to take a five-point lead in the Swedish league while second-placed Elfsborg was held to 1-1 by IFK Goteborg on Thursday.
Rasmus Jonsson, Alexander Gerndt and Erik Sundin scored twice each for Helsingborg. May Mahlangu also found the net before Thommie Persson was sent off for Trelleborg.
Also, defending champion Malmo drew with Gefle 0-0, while Kalmar beat GAIS 2-1, and Djurgarden won with the same score at Orebro. Syrianska came from a goal down to beat Mjallby 3-1 in the 13th round.
On Wednesday, Teteh Bangura scored twice as AIK beat Norrkoping 3-0, and Hacken rallied to beat last-placed Halmstad 3-1.
Elsewhere
FIFA witness steps down from Bin Hammam appeal
ZURICH (AP) — The head of FIFA's appeals panel withdrew from a case involving Mohamed bin Hammam because he gave evidence of an alleged election bribery plot involving the Qatari official.
Larry Mussenden, a former Bermuda government attorney general, has recused himself from the appeal hearing, FIFA said Thursday.
Bin Hammam faces a full inquiry before FIFA's ethics committee next month, but wants to overturn a provisional suspension. It bars the Asian Football Confederation president from all duties during the investigation.
Bermuda is among four Caribbean Football Union members whose officials refused $40,000 cash payments allegedly arranged by bin Hammam and former FIFA vice president Jack Warner in Trinidad last month.
Mussenden, who heads Bermuda's soccer body, gave a sworn statement in an evidence dossier that sparked the scandal and prompted FIFA's ethics panel to suspend two of world soccer's most powerful figures.
A FIFA report into their initial hearings found "compelling" evidence of bribery. It states that Mussenden told his general secretary David Sabir not to accept an envelope stuffed with $100 bills after a May 10 meeting with bin Hammam.
Sabir represented Bermuda when CFU members were invited to hear the Qatari candidate's pitch at a hotel on Warner's home island.
Bin Hammam then allegedly offered cash — "at least indirectly and under the pledge of secrecy" — intended to influence them to back him against FIFA President Sepp Blatter, the ethics panel said.
The panel's report said Sabir immediately telephoned Mussenden, who "advised him that the Bermuda Football Association would not accept any cash gifts."
Any payment "would have to be accompanied by the proper letters authorizing such contribution and it would need to be wire transferred.
"Mr. Mussenden confirmed in his affidavit sent to the secretariat to the Ethics Committee upon its request that he advised Mr. Sabir as set out above," the document stated.
FIFA dropped its investigation of Warner on Monday, saying it no longer had legal authority over the Trinidad and Tobago government minister because he quit all his soccer positions.
Warner denies wrongdoing and retained a "presumption of innocence," FIFA insisted. He is still required as a witness in the case against bin Hammam, who also denies the allegations.
FIFA said it had not appointed Mussenden's replacement to chair bin Hammam's hearing.
The appeals committee deputy chairmen are Madagascar federation president Ahmad, and Solomon Islands lawyer Charles Ashley.
Police scatter River Plate demonstrators with water cannons
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — Police with shields marching behind water cannons scattered hundreds of demonstrators outside River Plate's stadium Thursday as they called for the resignation of the football club's president Daniel Passarella and coach Juan Jose Lopez.
The situation surrounding one of Buenos Aires' most famous teams threatens to become more violent as the club faces relegation to the Argentine second division.
River Plate lost 2-0 to second-division club Belgrano on Wednesday, and a failure in the second-leg playoff match Sunday would send the club to the second tier.
The match at Belgrano's stadium was stopped for 20 minutes early in the second half when hooligans ripped through a chain-link fence and shoved and taunted River players on the field. Dozens of invaders when crawled back through the fence, or climbed it — trying to avoid barbed wire at the top.
Violence is endemic in Argentine football. The country has had 13 football-related deaths in just over a year, and the nonprofit group, Let's Save Football, says 256 people overall have died in football-related violence in the country.
Television and news reports said eight police were injured when they moved on protesters as they tried to enter club offices inside the stadium at northern Buenos Aires.
Interior ministry authorities met Thursday with officials of the Argentina Football Association and decided to allow fans in the stands for the return match against Belgrano. Many had speculated they would be banned.
The AFA said 45,000 River Plate supporters would be allowed into the match with 2,500 from the Belgrano club also admitted.
There may be trouble no matter what. Filling a 50,000-seat stadium for such a match could be dangerous, but shutting out fans could stir even more anger. Early reports said 2,500 police would be deployed inside and around the stadium.
One banner hanging outside the River Plate stadium read: "Kill or be killed."
The general manager of the Belgrano club, Armando Perez, said he'd agree to playing with no fans.
"I would accept playing behind closed doors at Monumental," he said, referring to the River Plate stadium which also serves as the national stadium. "The first thing is people's lives. After, it's a football match."
River Plate has a similar stature to Manchester United in England or Real Madrid in Spain with Argentine fans. It has won 33 league titles — 10 more than any other club — but its performance has been in free fall recently. The club — known by the nickname "The Millionaires" — has debts reported at $19 million and has sold off many of its top players to European clubs, hoping to save itself.
The AFA has tried to distance itself from the recurring violence, saying it's caused by rising street crime in the South American country.
Many have placed the blame on AFA President Julio Grondona, who is also the senior vice president of FIFA, the No. 2 to president Sepp Blatter and the chairman of FIFA's finance committee.
-- Stephen Wade
Young joins Man United from Aston Villa
MANCHESTER, England (AP) — England winger Ashley Young became Manchester United's second major signing of the offseason on Thursday when he joined the Premier League champions on a five-year deal.
The 25-year-old Young is reported in the British media to have cost United 17 million pounds ($27 million), even though he had only 12 months left on his contract at Villa.
"It's a prospect I always looked at from being a child — to play for one of the biggest clubs in the world," he told United's in-house TV channel. "I've got that opportunity now so I've just got to take it with two hands."
United manager Alex Ferguson has already signed England under-21 defender Phil Jones from Blackburn this summer for a reported 16 million pounds.
Capped 15 times by England and able to play on either wing as well as in a central position behind the strikers, Young will add further strength to United's attacking options.
He will compete with Portugal winger Nani, Ecuador international Antonio Valencia and former South Korea star Park Ji-sung for a place in the first team as United looks to add to its record haul of 19 English league titles.
"It's a chance to hopefully become part of history by helping to win the 20th title," Young said.
The signing of Young was welcomed by United center back Rio Ferdinand, who described his England teammate in a Twitter post on Thursday as "another top, hungry (and) young player."
The move to Old Trafford represents a major step-up in the career of a player who wasn't a regular member of the England squad until last year. He failed to make his country's squad for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Young is an established performer in the Premier League, though, scoring 30 goals in 193 appearances in his four seasons with Villa. United said only Arsenal playmaker Cesc Fabregas has provided more assists than Young in the league over the last five seasons.
Ferguson is having to fill the gaps left in his squad following the retirement of veteran pair Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar at the end of last season.
The Scottish coach has already declared in interest in 20-year-old Atletico Madrid goalkeeper David de Gea as a replacement for Van der Sar.
Israeli club implicated in match-fixing scandal
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli police have arrested the owners and a former coach of topflight team Hapoel Petah Tikva and questioned the head of Israel's football federation about an alleged match-fixing scandal.
Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Thursday that the national fraud unit is investigating numerous games as the corruption allegations reach "the highest levels" of Israeli football. He added that the police commissioner is personally involved in the matter.
Police suspect Hapoel Petah Tikva tried to influence the selection of referees for its final matches of last season. They believe criminal elements have infiltrated the team and forced its coaches and players to serve their gambling interests.
Hapoel Petah Tikva Owners Gal Hatzor and Tomer Sinai have been arrested on suspicion of offering bribes to fix two league games and one friendly.
One match suspected of being manipulated is Hapoel Petah Tikva's 3-2 loss to Hapoel Haifa on April 16 after conceding an 88th-minute goal. Former coach Yuval Naim is also suspected of extorting Hapoel Petah Tikva with the help of an underworld friend.
Israel is the latest country affected by match-fixing and betting scandals in world football, involving international and club teams. Israeli football federation Avi Luzon is one of the highest profile officials to be directly questioned in an investigation. Luzon is a member of the UEFA executive committee and FIFA appeals committee.
FIFA and UEFA have declared zero tolerance campaigns against corruption.
FIFA is investigating a global network of fixers with links to Malaysia and Singapore, which is suspected of arranging for national teams from Togo and Zimbabwe to lose matches.
A FIFA-approved referee from Niger is also suspected of manipulating the results of several international friendlies, including Nigeria's 4-1 win against Argentina three weeks ago.
Criminal trials in Germany and Finland this year have revealed bribes paid to players and referees to fix matches in about a dozen European leagues for betting coups, as organized criminal gangs exploit the increased opportunities offered by online gambling to cash in on corruption.
South Korea and Italy have also launched criminal investigations into fixed domestic league matches in recent weeks.
Topflight clubs named in Greek betting probe
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Authorities identified the chairmen of two Greek topflight soccer clubs as suspects in Greek match-fixing probe on Thursday.
The chairmen of clubs Kalava and Volos were named among 10 suspects charged with participation in a criminal gang, money laundering and other corruption offenses. The other identified suspects include second-division team officials, businessmen and bookmakers.
The investigation was launched after UEFA handed Greek authorities a report citing irregular betting patterns, mostly involving Greek Cup and Division 2 games in 2009 and 2010.
Volos finished fifth last season in the 16-team league, while Kalava was seventh. Judicial officials said no evidence had emerged so far implicating players of either team in the alleged match-fixing — only the club officials.
They said a total of 85 people are under investigation including players, team officials, businessmen and others, but did not give further details.
Culture Minister Pavlos Geroulanos, who oversees professional sport, said the probe was part of a broader anti-corruption drive led by the government.
"We have (pledged) to tackle the problems in football. There is a direct link between what is happening in football and broader Greek society," he said. "This is were the money went: It went in the pockets of corrupt people. That's the reality."
Al-Jazeera buys share of French league TV rights
PARIS (AP) — Qatar-based broadcaster Al-Jazeera bought a share of the domestic TV rights for topflight games from 2012 to 2016 on Thursday after having previously secured the international rights.
France's football league said that Al-Jazeera will broadcast two games per round, on Fridays and Sundays. Current right holders Canal Plus will keep the Sunday night game and broadcast a match on Saturdays.
The league that Al-Jazeera and Canal Plus agreed to pay a total of €510 million ($725 million) per season, describing that as "a very satisfying result comforting our strategy despite the lack of competition on the French market."
The league has yet to sell the mobile and pay-per-view rights.
"After having obtained a few weeks ago the Ligue 1 international broadcasting rights, we are now very happy to be part of the growth of the French football," said Nasser Al-Khelaifi, director of Al-Jazeera Sport.
"Ligue 1 is a fascinating championship and we are happy to be able to offer football fans the football they love."
Al-Khelaifi will also be the next president of Paris Saint-Germain after Qatar Sports Investments recently acquired a 70 percent stake in the club.
Mutu transfers from Fiorentina to Cesena
ROME (AP) — Troubled Romania forward Adrian Mutu has transferred from Fiorentina to Cesena in the Serie A, accepting a reduced salary. Cesena says on Thursday it has signed Mutu to a two-year deal with an option for a third year.
Mutu is quoted on the club website saying he agreed to less pay.
While still considered a talented striker, Mutu has made more headlines for his behavior off the pitch lately than on it. After returning from a nine-month doping ban, Mutu attacked a barman in October, then abandoned training without explanation in January.
Mutu has also been ordered to pay his former club Chelsea more than €17 million ($24 million) in compensation in a lengthy legal case. Cesena finished 15th in the Serie A last month to conclude its first season in the top division in 20 years.
Lens president says Varane will move to Madrid
LENS, France (AP) — Lens president Gervais Martel has confirmed that defender Rafael Varane will join Real Madrid. Martel, whose club was demoted to the second division for next season, told Lens supporters that they shouldn't bemoan Varane's departure as he would have left even if the team had stayed in the top flight "because he is phenomenal."
The 18-year-old central defender was also courted by Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain but Martel says "I will be proud to see him play in Real colors."
Varane has already met Madrid coach Jose Mourinho and Zinedine Zidane, who acts as an adviser to the club's president. According to L'Equipe newspaper, the clubs have agreed a €10 million fee and Varane will sign a five-year contract on Monday.
Croatia fined for fan violence, fascist flags
NYON, Switzerland (AP) — Croatia's football federation has been fined $80,000 (€56,000) for hooliganism from its fans at a European Championship qualifier after having been previously warned by UEFA that the country's teams face expulsion from international competitions.
UEFA says Croatia fans were responsible for "crowd disturbances, a pitch invasion, (and) the showing of illicit banners" during a 2-1 win against Georgia on June 3 in Split. Media reports say fans chanted fascist slogans and displayed swastikas.
UEFA President Michel Platini visited Croatia in February and said fans would be monitored for one year after a series of violent incidents. State president Ivo Josipovic committed his government to prepare new laws controlling hooligans.
Inter to announce coach in next three days
MILAN (AP) — Inter Milan plans to announce its new manager sometime over the next three days. Former Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly the leading candidate after Inter failed to lure away Fabio Capello from England and Chelsea hired Andre Villas-Boas. Former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa also turned the job down.
Inter president Massimo Moratti said on the club's website Thursday that the new coach will be announced either "Friday or this weekend."
Gasperini led Genoa up from the second division in 2007, then qualified the club for the Europa League with a fifth-place finish in Serie A in 2009. He was fired by Genoa in November. Current Inter coach Leonardo is negotiating for an executive position with Paris Saint-Germain.
Bahrain soccer player jailed for anti-govt protest
MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Bahrain's main opposition party says one of the detained national team players has been convicted of participating in anti-government protests and sentenced to two years in prison.
Al Wefaq party says in a statement that Mohammed Hubail was convicted and sentenced on Thursday during closed-door proceedings in Bahrain's special security court. The court was set up under martial law imposed in March to quell Shiite-led demonstrations against a Sunni monarchy. At least two of his teammates, including Hubail's brother and Bahrain soccer star Alaa, have been in custody since the crackdown began.
More than 150 athletes, coaches and referees have also been suspended for their alleged involvement in protests.
Basa joins French champion Lille
LILLE, France (AP) — Montenegro defender Marko Basa has signed a four-year deal with French champion Lille from Lokomotiv Moscow. Basa already played under Lille coach Rudi Garcia at Le Mans from 2005-08 before joining Lokomotiv.
The 1.9-meter defender will replace France center-back Adil Rami, who left for Valencia at the end of the season. Basa, 28, said "I'm joining an ambitious club and I'm happy to be reunited with Rudi Garcia, who helped me improve a lot."
Lille secured its first title since 1954 and added the French Cup this season.
Costa Rica defender killed in car crash
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — The Red Cross says Costa Rica defender Dennis Marshall was killed Thursday when the car he was driving collided head-on with a truck in a mountainous area near San Jose. A woman traveling with him also was killed.
Marshall recently returned to Costa Rica following the Gold Cup in the United States. He scored Saturday in a loss on penalties to Honduras. Marshall scored to make it 1-1 in regulation time with Costa Rica losing 4-2 on penalties. Marshall played for the Danish club Aalborg.
Altintop may miss start of Madrid season
MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid may have to start the season without recent signing Hamit Altintop since the Turkey international is scheduled to have back surgery.
Madrid says Altintop will undergo the operation on Monday in Germany after pain in his lower back failed to improve despite treatment. Altintop joined Madrid from Bayern Munich at the close of the season, agreeing to a four-year deal.
