The USA produced the biggest upset of the Confederations Cup as they beat Spain 2 -0 in the first semi-final played in Bloemfontein. The first goal came from Jozy Altidore in the 27th minute the second came from Clinton Dempsey in the 74th. 

Lyon striker Karim Benzema is the latest object of desire for moneybags Real Madrid as opposed to Valencia forward David Villa, Marca sports daily reported today.

Chelsea’s French international midfielder Florent Malouda signed a four-year contract extension with the FA Cup winners.

Cristiano Ronaldo may be the world’s most expensive footballer, but Barcelona star Lionel Messi outshines him in terms of media value, at least according to a team of Spanish researchers.

English Premier League minnows Hull insist they are serious about trying to lure Newcastle striker Michael Owen to the club, according to reports.

ITALY coach Marcello Lippi, who was harshly criticised for his selections at the Confederations Cup, could soon have his team reinforced by a Brazilian striker. 

Ghana and Ivory Coast are to fill two of five places reserved for Africa at the 2010 World Cup.  

British and Irish Lions defence coach Shaun Edwards said this morning that there was no point in drawing inspiration from the past as the side prepares for Saturday’s second Test in Pretoria.

Schalk Burger will earn his 50th Test cap when he runs out for the Springboks against the British & Irish Lions at Loftus on Saturday. 

France flyhalf David Skrela will be out of action for up to six months after undergoing knee surgery, his Stade Toulousain club said on Tuesday.

The All Blacks have made seven changes in the side that will play Italy in a one-off Test on Saturday, with winger Lelia Masaga and prop Wyatt Crockett making their Test debuts in the starting lineup.

Phil Vickery does not expect to retain his place in the British & Irish Lions team for the second Test after suffering a mauling in Saturday’s defeat in the opening match in Durban. 

Former Australia wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist is wary of the threat posed by Andrew Flintoff ahead of the upcoming Ashes series — but only if the England all-rounder is fully fit.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, whose innovative batting earned him the player of the tournament award in the recently concluded Twenty20 World Cup, says opening the innings has provided a late spark in his career.

Pakistan allrounder Shahid Afridi says the short gap between the just-completed Twenty20 World Cup and next year’s edition has robbed Pakistan of full enjoyment of its triumph.

Pakistan captain Younus Khan urged his team on Tuesday to take the form they showed in winning the Twenty20 World Cup into the test and 50 overs arenas.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting says fast bowler Brett Lee is "jumping out of his skin" in his quest to get back in the Test side ahead of the Ashes series in England.