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Soccer Shorts

News from the world of soccer

Mon Aug 02 2004 - 01:00

News from the world of soccer

Zidane injured

Zinedine Zidane limped off with a foot injury as Real Madrid ended their Japan tour with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Tokyo Verdy yesterday. Zidane, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Fernando Morientes got the goals for Real, who also beat JEF United Ichihara on Thursday.

Real officials said the extent of Zidane's injury was not known after the France midfielder, who had hit a superb opening goal, was scythed down by Verdy's Kentaro Hayashi just after the hour.

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Just one more year

Newcastle manager Bobby Robson has been told he is entering his last season in charge at St James' Park. The 71-year-old's contract runs out at the end of the forthcoming season and he will not be offered a new one.

"Sir Bobby Robson's contract expires at the end of the season" said Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd. "We have no plans to extend that arrangement." Newcastle lost 1-0 to Sporting Lisbon in the final of the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup at St James' Park yesterday.

Defeat for Celtic

AS Roma - swept aside 3-0 by Chelsea in Pittsburgh in midweek - bounced back with a 1-0 win over Celtic in the Champions World Series on Saturday.

Italy striker Francesco Totti scored the only goal of the game in the 25th minute at the SkyDome as Celtic ended their participation in the tournament with a defeat.

Spot the winner

Rangers manager Alex McLeish found plenty to be positive about after the penalty shoot-out win against Feyenoord in the Newcastle-Gateshead Cup at St James' Park.

Young goalkeeper Graeme Smith saved the final Feyenoord spot-kick to allow Stephen Hughes to win third place in the competition with his converted effort for an 8-7 triumph.

Price isn't right

Sam Allardyce has ruled out a move for Dwight Yorke if Blackburn demand a transfer fee.

"Now a transfer fee is involved then I wouldn't," the Bolton manager said when asked whether he would still interested in signing Yorke.

Allardyce was speaking after his side's 1-0 friendly defeat by Inter Milan with Brazilian striker Adriano scoring the second-half winner.

Paying the penalty

The Asian Cup has suffered another blow to its credibility following a controversial penalty shootout involving Japan and Jordan.

Holders Japan won Saturday's quarter-final 4-3 on spot-kicks amid ugly scenes having persuaded the referee to switch ends after missing their first two penalties. Jordan missed four of their six kicks at the other end.