FIFA Soccer News

“There has been a debate about Raul because he has been an extraordinary player and is a media icon”

Spain coach Luis Aragones has omitted Raul Gonzalez from his squad for Euro 2008, ignoring pressure to recall the national team's all-time leading scorer. via CNN

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Ranked second in the world behind Argentina, Brazil is slated to play Canada at Qwest Field in Seattle on May 31, and Venezuela at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Mass., on June 6. The 25-man Brazilian roster ... via The Globe and Mail

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“It would be nice to put on a performance in the final but it's more important to win”

LONDON: Portsmouth play Cardiff for the FA Cup today in their first major Wembley final for 69 years. via Gulf Times

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“I would certainly love to extend my contract, I am very happy here”

Manchester United striker Carlos Tevez would "love" to sign a permanent contract with the Red Devils. via Football.co.uk

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“The quality is there, you just have to look at the players here and see what they have won in their careers. 'We have a great future here and a team that is ready to play big games.”

Portsmouth's Niko Kranjcar claims winning the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday would top Croatia's momentous victory over England at the famous stadium. via RTE.ie

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“It is a symbol of a big team throughout Europe and the world and it is a good sensation for a player. "Then Real Madrid were the best team in the world and it gave them more credit as a club”

Veteran midfielder Claude Makelele believes winning the Champions League would earn Chelsea respect throughout the world. via Daily Express

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“Once he found out it was for kids, he said OK, no problem, and he is donating his services for free”

The team, managed by France's World Cup winning coach Aime Jacquet, will take on a side composed of stars from Australia's 1997 World Cup qualifying squad including Paul Okon, Tony Vidmar, Craig Foster and Stan ... via NEWS.com.au

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“I have not said anything of the sort. To suggest I would be happy to sell Gareth is simply not true. 'I did say that no club would want to keep an unhappy player but at no time has Gareth expressed any displeasure about his time at Villa.”

Martin O'Neill has reacted with fury to suggestions Aston Villa are prepared to let Gareth Barry join Liverpool. via ESPN

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RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil : Kaka, Alexandre Pato and Robinho headline Brazil's roster for upcoming exhibition games in the United States and a pair of World Cup qualifiers. via International Herald Tribune

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“When you come to the final you want to continue dreaming”

Avram Grant has accused some English match officials of buckling under the influence of Manchester United and admitted that he is pleased a foreign referee will take charge of next week's Champions League final ... via Telegraph.co.uk

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