Sports

The Japanese midfielder has hinted that lack of game time at Manchester United could harm his World Cup preparation.

Chiellini scored in the 51st minute and Balotelli converted a penalty kick in the 54th, giving Italy a 2-1 come-from-behind win over the Czech Republic.

African champion Nigeria and surprise package Ethiopia reached the final playoffs for the World Cup after winning last-round group games.

Manchester City center back Martin Demichelis has been ruled out for six weeks with a right knee injury.

Isco hurt an ankle in Tuesday's training session and will have tests to determine whether he can play in Friday's WC qualifier against Finland.

Messi said it would be positive to award Madrid the Games given the nation's recent success in a number of high-profile sports.

The transfer window's longest-running saga finally ended when Tottenham forward Gareth Bale joined Real Madrid for a world transfer record fee of 100 million euros.

Defending champions India dished out a listless performance but still managed to beat arch-rivals Pakistan 1-0 in the opening game.

Rooney suffered a deep gash in his forehead during a collision with a team-mate at the club's Carrington base on Saturday.

Crystal Palace earned their first win since returning to the Premier League by beating 10-man Sunderland 3-1 on Saturday.

Barcelona coach Martino will rest regular starters Xavi Hernandez and Alexis Sanchez for Sunday's Spanish league match at Valencia.

Wenger said he would not make any panic buys before the transfer window shuts and aimed a sly dig about inflated fees at bitter rivals Tottenham.

A Real Madrid vice president has admitted unspecified problems have delayed the signing of Tottenham Hotspur's Gareth Bale.

Schweinsteiger could be fit for Super Cup showdown with Chelsea after an injury he picked up on Tuesday was less serious than initially feared, the treble winners said.

Monaco had agreed to pay Sevilla his 20 million euros buyout clause.

Real Madrid made it two wins in two La Liga outings this season when Karim Benzema's 10th-minute strike secured 1-0 win.