Two days on from Kevin Keegan´s resignation as Newcastle United manager local media intimated Saturday the former England boss might return - if owner Mike Ashley sells.

Algeria, Libya and Malawi triumphed this weekend to keep alive hopes of qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Scotland have lost their opening match in their 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign, as FYR Macedonia successfully defended an early lead.

Premier League side Manchester City made an eleventh-hour bid to sign Germany striker Mario Gomez from Bundesliga club VfB Stuttgart last Sunday, the forward revealed on Saturday.

Real Madrid still have their heart set on Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo, Spanish media insisted Saturday amid fresh reports of the Portuguese star´s "dream" of starring at the Bernabeu.

Scotland crashed to a 1-0 defeat in their opening World Cup Group Nine qualifying game against Macedonia here on Saturday where temperatures hit a sizzling 35 degrees.

Spanish giants Real Madrid want to sign Bayern Munich´s disgruntled Germany striker Lukas Podolski during January´s transfer window, according to German sports agency SID.

Cologne´s Turkey defender Umit Ozat, who collapsed during a Bundesliga match at the end of August, suffers from a life-threatening herat problem, claimed German tabloid Bild on Saturday.

Teenage striker Samuel Vokes came off the bench to score a late winner as Wales beat Azerbaijan 1-0 in their opening World Cup qualifier at the Millennium Stadium here on Saturday.

MANCHESTER (SW) – Manchester United’s manager Sir Alex Ferguson said that he was not particularly perturbed by the challenge that may come out of neighbours Manchester City this season.

Fabio Capello heads into England´s first World Cup qualifier against Andorra on Saturday with his reputation on the line.

Lowly Cyprus are confident of causing a major upset when they kick off against world champions Italy in their Group 8 qualifier on Saturday.

Poland have begun their World Cup qualifying campaign with a rather disappointing home draw with Slovenia.

South Africa fell 1-0 to Nigeria Saturday and lost virtually all hope of playing in the African Nations Cup five months before hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Fabio Capello has warned Croatia that England have no intention of playing for a draw in Wednesday´s crucial World Cup qualifier.

Supersub Joe Cole rescued England as his double secured a 2-0 victory over Andorra in their opening World Cup qualifier on Saturday.

Republic of Ireland beat Georgia 2-1 in their opening World Cup Group Eight match here on Saturday to give Italian coach Giovanni Trapattoni a winning start in his first competitive match.

Portugal had no significant difficulties on the Isle of Malta on Saturday, beating their opponents 0-4 in their first World Cup qualifier.

England won but looked anything but confident in Andorra for their World Cup 2010 qualifying opener. Joe Cole scored twice to earn Capello's men the victory.

Croatia started their World Cup Qualifying campaign on a positive note with a 3-0 win over Zagreb.