Soccer Shorts

Today's other stories in brief

Peru shock Uruguay

Peru produced a shock 3-0 win over Uruguay while Bolivia twice fought back to draw 2-2 with hosts Venezuela in a dramatic opening to the Copa America on Tuesday night.

Venezuela also had an injury-time penalty turned down as the tournament began under the watchful eye of President Hugo Chavez. Chavez, flanked by Diego Maradona on one side and his close ally President Evo Morales of Bolivia on the other, was in San Cristobal to watch the official opening ceremony and Venezuela's first match.

"Today, nobody will lose, we will all win, because this is the same country, our South America, our America," said Chavez, who has warned of a plot by his opponents to sabotage the tournament.

Although the ceremony took place before the Venezuela-Bolivia game, the tournament had already kicked off with Peru's upset win over Uruguay in Merida.

Peru's impressive attacking force of Jefferson Farfan, Claudio Pizarro and Paolo Guerrero belied the team's reputation for ineffective football as they sliced through the Uruguayan defence in the Group A opener.

The Peruvians also matched the Uruguayans for tenacity as the tackles flew in from both teams.

Miguel Villalta headed Peru into the lead in the 27th minute from Jefferson Farfan's cross before substitute Juan Carlos Marino surprised Fabian Carini as he whipped in the second in the 73rd.

Guerrero tapped in the third following good work by Andres Mendoza.

That goal was missed by millions of television viewers as the Venezuelan networks transmitting the game had cut to the opening ceremony in San Cristobal without any warning.

Venezuela twice led with goals from Giancarlo Maldonado in the 21st minute and Richard Paez in the 56th.

But an own goal by Alejandro Cichero put Bolivia level at half-time and Juan Carlos Arce's 84th-minute equaliser deprived Venezuela of only their second win in the tournament's history.

The Venezuelans claimed a penalty when Jorge Vargas was upended by Gualberto Mojica in injury-time but a goal kick was awarded.

Liverpool post filled

Former Ajax player Piet Hamberg will take over as academy technical manager at Liverpool after the departure of former Republic of Ireland winger Steve Heighway.

Hamberg joins from Grasshoppers of Zurich, where he was in charge of the youth set-up, having previously coached in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

He will work alongside John Owens (academy manager) and Malcolm Elias (recruitment).

Chief executive Rick Parry said: "Following the departure of Steve we took the opportunity to review the academy structure and decided to separate the very distinct roles. Piet will come in with the specific brief to head up the coaching and development side, while Malcolm will be in charge of all recruitment."

Manager Rafa Benitez added on the club's website, www.liverpoolfc.tv: "We have had some very good reports about Piet and he will bring great experience to the new role. Our youngsters can only benefit from working with someone with his background in youth development."

Newcastle eye Geremi

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is closing in on a deal to take Chelsea utility man Geremi to St James' Park.

It is understood Newcastle are hopeful of securing the 28-year-old Cameroon international on a Bosman free transfer as he approaches the end of his four-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Geremi, who spent a season on loan at Middlesbrough from Real Madrid earlier in his career, made 23 starts and five substitute appearances for Chelsea last season.

Nakamura 'staying'

Celtic and Shunsuke Nakamura's agent have assured supporters there is no chance of the Japanese midfielder moving on this summer. Italian agent Angelo Massoni claimed there could be a £1million get-out clause in Nakamura's contract, which he signed last summer, and stated that four giants of world football wanted to sign the 29-year-old.

But Celtic have now rubbished Massoni's suggestion.

In a statement on their website, the club said: "Celtic can state categorically that there is absolutely no 'get-out clause' in Shunsuke Nakamura's contract." Massoni does not represent Nakamura, who joined from Reggina two years ago and completed a clean sweep of Scotland's player of the year awards last season.

Nakamura's agent is Robert Takuda, who said: "These reports about Naka are complete nonsense. Naka is currently preparing for the Asian Cup but straight after this, is looking forward to returning to Celtic. He and his family are very happy at Celtic and very happy in Glasgow. He has no reason to go anywhere else."

Coleman set for Spain

Chris Coleman is expected to accept the offer of becoming the next manager of Real Sociedad, according to his representative. The 37-year-old, sacked by Fulham in April, is "enthusiastic" about the prospect of taking over the Basque club, who were relegated from La Liga earlier this month.

Alan Smith said: "They are very keen to sign him." Smith, manager of Coleman's former club Crystal Palace from 1993-95 and 2000-01, continued: "I think they've made as good an offer as they're going to. Now it's just a case of Chris sleeping on it - he's got to decide if this is the type of place he wants to be."

Smith revealed that Wales coach John Toshack, himself a former Sociedad boss, has been instrumental in the job offer. He continued: "John Toshack has recommended Chris - he's been very positive. John Toshack is still a major hero out there and it's a magnificent club. When you see the training facilities, it doesn't get much better."

In brief . . .

Giovanni van Bronckhorst has left Barcelona and joined Feyenoord . . . Rangers have signed DaMarcus Beasley from PSV Eindhoven. Beasley has joined on a three-year contract, with Rangers paying an undisclosed fee. Rangers have also signed former Kilmarnock goalkeeper Graeme Smith to act as cover for Allan McGregor. Defender Karl Svensson has been off-loaded to Caen. Northern Ireland defender Aaron Hughes has agreed to a £1 million move from Aston Villa to Fulham which sees him reunited with former international manager Lawrie Sanchez. Liverpool have purchased 19-year-old goalkeeper Nikolay Mihaylov from Levski Sofia.

Tonight's Fixtures

Copa America - Group C: Paraguay v Colombia (11.35pm, live on Sky Sports 1); Argentina v USA (1.50am, live on Sky Sports 1).

Results

Copa America (Tuesday night) - Group A: Uruguay 0 Peru 3 ( Villalta 27, Marino 69, Paolo Guerrero 89). Venezuela 2 (Maldonado 21, Paez 56) Bolivia 2 (Cichero 39og, Arce 84).