Fergie: Actions speak louder than words

Sir Alex Ferguson decided not to give full vent to his anger at Rafael Benitez's amazing personal attack.

For now, the Manchester United boss is happy to let his team do the talking. Should results go the Red Devils' way following their clinical 3-0 destruction of Chelsea at Old Trafford yesterday, they will be top of the Premier League on Saturday night.

It is a position they might not relinquish either on the evidence of the past 48 hours, as Benitez starts to find out how hot it can get battling for a title.

"There was a lot of venom in what he has said," reflected Ferguson.

"I don't understand where it has come from.

"He is obviously disturbed about something. When he reflects on it he must realise what a ridiculous thing he is saying.

"But all I want to do is focus on my own team. If we can do that we have a big chance."

Benitez might wish he had kept his mouth shut after watching United destroy Chelsea.

Once Nemanja Vidic had put the hosts in front just before the break, there was only going to be one outcome, with Wayne Rooney and Dimitar Berbatov adding second-half efforts.

Not that the England striker was entirely happy following a controversial decision to rule out a Cristiano Ronaldo header just before Vidic struck, the officials deciding Rooney had not taken his audacious corner correctly before Ryan Giggs crossed.

"The linesman got it wrong," argued Rooney.

"I didn't see a problem with it, it is something we practise in training."

Ferguson was equally non-plussed, although Vidic's goal ensure there were no complaints from United at the break.

Rooney admitted he just took a swing and hoped as he could not see the ball when it flicked off Berbatov's head in the build-up to United's second.

It merely confirmed Ferguson's team were operating at a different level to their visitors.

United now prepare to entertain in-form Wigan on Wednesday, with Rooney claiming it might have been a pivotal weekend.

"After watching Liverpool draw on Saturday, we got exactly the result we needed," he said.

"If we do our jobs right and win our two games we could be top of the league on Saturday.

"It is down to us now because it is something we want. We want to look at that table on Saturday and be top."

James: Strangest transfer window ever

Portsmouth's England goalkeeper David James has admitted he has never known a stranger January transfer window.

Pompey's Lassana Diarra agreed a switch to Real Madrid before the window opened and Jermain Defoe sealed a return to Tottenham earlier this week.

Speculation has suggested a number of other players could be set to leave Fratton Park and James concedes he has been puzzled by the rumours.

"This is the strangest transfer window I have ever experienced. It's the first time I've been at a club where the rumours are all about who is going rather than who is coming in," James wrote in his column for The Observer.

"Even at West Ham when we were bottom of the table over the Christmas period, I don't remember much gossip about anyone leaving the club.

"It is pretty surreal for Portsmouth too. In recent times we've gone from relegation dodgers to FA Cup winners playing in Europe - that's the kind of ambitious club most people want to join, not leave.

"But anyone reading the headlines would be led into thinking otherwise. In fact, probably the only symmetry between this year's transfer window and last are the names Harry Redknapp and Jermain Defoe."

James hopes Tony Adams is able to strengthen his squad before the end of the month as Portsmouth look to bounce back from a poor run of results.

He explained: "At the moment we're not being linked with players coming in, which is a worry.

"Couple that with a string of disappointing performances and Tony Adams faces a difficult task to steady the ship.

"In order to keep the confidence of the dressing room and the fans, he's got to talk about the kind of players he wants to bring in. But that is a risky strategy - for one thing it can inflate the prices if agents know you have money to spend."

James added: "Portsmouth's next two games will be crucial, defending our FA Cup against Bristol City, and then facing Jermain and Tottenham next weekend in the league.

"We will be hoping to regain our form on the pitch, but it is also clear that in times such as these the tactics used off the field will be as important as the ones used on it."

Man United 3-0 Chelsea

Jose Mourinho did not do Chelsea much good as Man United turned the heat up under Luiz Felipe Scolari with a thumping win.

Chelsea suffered their worst Old Trafford defeat in 15 years as United eased to a thoroughly-deserved success after Nemanja Vidic had broken the deadlock in first-half stoppage time.

Wayne Rooney added another just after the hour mark before Dimitar Berbatov completed victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's men near the end.

With Mourinho looking down from the stands in judgement on his old club, this would have been the perfect time for Scolari to start proving his doubters wrong.

The decision not to start with Nicolas Anelka, especially with Rio Ferdinand's back injury ruling him out, seemed strange.

But to start with Chelsea seemed more incisive in midfield, even if their hosts had more possession.

Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack both had chances and a more natural offensive player than Ashley Cole would surely have profited from Deco's inspired pass instead of allowing it to bounce through to Edwin van der Sar.

In return a viciously curling Giggs free-kick caused Petr Cech a problem, more so than Berbatov's scuffed shot after being invited to shoot by Rooney.

But, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Ballack also having penalty claims turned down, a hotly-contested scrap was still waiting for its switch to be triggered as it entered the last couple of first-half minutes.

Ronaldo might have flicked it but he mis-hit a shot that bounced into Rooney. Then Darren Fletcher had a penalty appeal turned down when his effort struck John Terry on the arm.

Instead, United got the corner which will still be debated years from now.

Rooney seemed to know exactly what he was doing when he rolled the ball into, then out of the quadrant. Giggs ambled over, crossed and Ronaldo - expected to be crowned FIFA world player of the year in Zurich on Monday - powered home a near-post header.

Referee Howard Webb and his linesman said no. United reacted with fury at the perceived injustice of it all, surrounding the linesman who had made the decision. Chelsea were merely bemused.

Amazingly, Chelsea were still trying to take it in as Giggs swung over the re-take. This time Berbatov got there first, flicking the ball on towards the far post where Vidic arrived to power home.

A month ago, Vidic scored United's injury-time winner against Sunderland before getting sent off in the FIFA Club World Cup final win in Japan that might yet rule him out of the Champions League clashes with Mourinho's Inter Milan.

This was something different and prompted Scolari into a half-time reshuffle, with Anelka replacing Deco.

The move worked to the extent that Chelsea were able to enjoy more sustained spells with the ball.

However, the double negative for the visitors was that their finishing was poor and their need to attack played to United's strengths.

Nevertheless, Chelsea's goal should not have been under threat once Patrice Evra exchanged passes with Ronaldo but then skimmed Berbatov's head with the left-wing cross.

Cole seemed to be in control of the situation but Rooney had other ideas as he pushed his leg between the England full-back's and got enough power into a shot to divert it past a startled Cech.

And when Ronaldo picked out Berbatov with a low free-kick four minutes from time that gave the Bulgarian an easy finish, Scolari could probably feel Mourinho's eyes burning into him from above.

But this is a different team to the one Mourinho crafted. Some of the names may be the same but their power has waned.

Once the most feared Premier League striker, Didier Drogba hit one shot so wide he conceded a throw-in, another skidded off the side of his foot and missed the target by 20 yards.

None of this will worry United, of course. They are now a single point adrift of the Londoners with two matches in hand. And if they win the first of them, against Wigan on Wednesday, they will only trail Liverpool by two.

Given those statistics, it is maybe little wonder Rafael Benitez went for Ferguson's jugular earlier in the week. It might be the best chance he gets.

Teams:

Man Utd Van der Sar, Neville, Vidic, Evans, Evra (O'Shea 66),Ronaldo, Fletcher, Giggs (Carrick 79), Park, Berbatov, Rooney.

Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson, Scholes, Welbeck, Tevez.

Booked: Ronaldo, Rooney, Park.

Goals: Vidic 45, Rooney 63, Berbatov 87.

Chelsea Cech, Bosingwa (Belletti 64), Carvalho, Terry,Ashley Cole, Mikel, Joe Cole (Di Santo 85), Lampard, Ballack,Deco (Anelka 46), Drogba.

Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Kalou.

Booked: Lampard, Bosingwa, Carvalho, Terry, Belletti.

Att: 75,455

Ref: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Terry stays as club captain

New Chelsea manager Luiz

New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has confirmed that John Terry will remain as the London club's captain.

Terry has been the Blues' permanent captain for the past four years after being given the armband when Jose Mourinho took charge.

During his time as skipper, Terry has led Chelsea to two Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League final and successes in both the FA Cup and Carling Cup.

Scolari will retain the centre-half as his skipper for next season, with Terry's England team-mate Frank Lampard as his understudy.

"I like him as a captain," said Scolari of Terry live on Sky Sports News. "I like him as a player and as a leader.

"Yesterday, he came to my room and he said I'm the captain John Terry and I said I know you and we spoke!

"The captain is John Terry and the second captain is Lampard, but we want more captains on the pitch."

Regarding potential arrivals at Stamford Bridge before the close of the transfer window, Scolari is keen to assess the players currently at his disposal.

He added: "I don't know now how many changes I need because I need to train and I need to know the players because when you are on the outside, you have one idea, but when you are inside this group, you need to know the group, you need to know the characteristics and quality.

"After this, it's possible to say how many changes I want or we need, or we do not need."

Reid to be new Thai coach

Former Sunderland and Leeds United manager Peter Reid will be unveiled as the new coach of Thailand at the end of July.

The Bangkok Post reported on Tuesday that Reid and ex-Canada coach Holger Osieck were the front-runners to replace Chanvit Phalajivin, who resigned last month after failing to lead Thailand to the final round of the Asian qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup.

But after Osieck, who led Urawa Reds to victory in the Asian Champions League last season, decided against returning to Asia, Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi announced the coup late on Tuesday.

"I had a chance to consult Sir David Richards, the chairman of the FA Premier League, on our search for a new national coach during my overseas trip. He recommended Reid as a suitable choice, given his vast experience," Worawi is quoted in The Nation.

"Then, I held talks with Reid about the possibility we could work together. He didn't take much time to consider our offer because of his affection for our country."

Reid, who led Sunderland to promotion twice during a seven-year spell, has not held a manager's position since leaving Coventry in January 2005.

Worawi revealed 52-year-old Reid would be officially unveiled at the end of July and would sign a four-year deal.

Reid will be tasked with preparing Thailand, who are currently ranked 111th by FIFA, for the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and will be assisted by a local Thai management team.

Benitez sorry to see Crouch go

Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez says he wanted to keep Peter Crouch as the striker moves closer to a move to Portsmouth.

Crouch has completed a medical at Fratton Park and the finer points of his £11million move back to the south coast are almost complete with Pompey likely to formally confirm the move on Thursday.

But Benitez has pre-emptied Crouch's final departure from Merseyside by saying: "He is a good professional and a nice person, and we would have wanted him to stay. We offered him a new contract."

He added: "But sometimes you have to understand the player. He wanted to play a lot more, and with Fernando Torres now first choice, that was always going to be difficult.

"I can understand Peter's situation. But he did very well for this club and we always supported him when people doubted the decision to bring him to Anfield."

Benitez made it clear that he will now try to sign a replacement striker, and refused to rule out a possible move for Spanish star David Villa.

He said: "We have Torres, Andriy Voronin, Dirk Kuyt, Ryan Babel and Steven Gerrard, who can play as a second striker.

"But we will try to bring in another option. Villa is a player we know all about and he is on our list. But maybe it will be difficult."

Benitez now hopes to complete the drawn-out saga of Gareth Barry's move from Aston Villa, which the club still hope to have sealed by the weekend.

Whether that will be in time for Liverpool's first pre-season friendly at Tranmere on Saturday is debatable. But Benitez would wish to have the midfielder on board for the training camp in Switzerland which starts on Sunday and includes three matches before a return to the UK ahead of the trip to play Rangers in Glasgow on July 26.

Riise: I made the right move

John Arne Riise is convinced he made the right decision to leave Liverpool and join the Giallorossi.

Following seven predominantly fruitful seasons with the Reds, the Norwegian, who has 71 caps, left Merseyside to embark on a new challenge in the Eternal City with Roma last month.

However, it was widely regarded that Riise’s Liverpool career was starting to grow stale after indifferent displays, in particular his own-goal gaffe against Chelsea in the Champions League semi-finals which ultimately cost his side a place in the final.

"Roma are the right choice," Riise told La Roma.

"I need a new adventure, a new challenge on a professional level and a lifestyle change."

"I have been well received, just like in a real family. (Coach Luciano) Spalletti is a man who loves his job, asks for 100 per cent from his players, and he knows how to obtain this."

Riise also told Roma fans what they can expect from him on the field next season.

"I'm someone who likes to run a great deal, make tackles and work for the team," he concluded.

By Mohd Sham (espnstar.com)

Robinho ready to buy out contract?

Robinho is ready to break away from his contract under the Webster ruling and leave his club with a token US$16 million sum.

Despite being tied to the club for another two years, the Brazilian starlet, who moved to Real from Santos in 2005, is said to be unhappy and disillusioned ever since the Los Merengues viewed him as a pawn in a player-plus-clash deal for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

With Chelsea and new boss Luiz Felipe Scolari now looking to snag him to London, Robinho might take advantage of the Webster ruling and break away from Real’s books.

His apparent decision stems from Article 17 of FIFA's transfer regulations, which stipulates that any player who signs a deal when aged below 28 is able to unilaterally break that contract after just three years.

Spanish paper Marca believe that Robinho’s potential buying out decision could leave Real with a paltry US$16 million compensation, a stark reality to the estimated US$80 million Robinho is priced at by Real.

His choice to buy out his contract would follow in the footsteps of FC Porto midfielder Paulo Assunção, who decided to break his contract with the Portuguese Champions and he is now on the verge of completing a move to Atletico Madrid.

By Mohd Sham (espnstar.com)

Chelsea step up for Eto'o

Chelsea are ready to dispense with Florent Malouda and US$44 million in order to land Barcelona's Samuel Eto’o.

The Cameroonian front man who boasts the best minutes: goal ratio of all La Liga front men last season, has been deemed to be surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp and is seeking a move elsewhere.

Despite being available for a move, it was reported that the deadly striker’s wage demands were putting off interest from clubs but according to The Sun, West London outfit Chelsea are now ready to reignite their interest in Eto’o.

The paper claims that Chelsea are aiming to draft in a replacement for the departing Didier Drogba and are ready to use out-of-favour winger Florent Malouda as a sweetener along with a staggering US$44 million to prise the Barca striker.

Barcelona’s technical secretary Txiki Begiristain is said to be an admirer of Malouda but the possible move of Russian Andrei Arshavin to the Nou Camp could disrupt Malouda’s arrival.

By Mohd Sham (espnstar.com)

Galliani won't break bank for Ronaldinho

AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani insists the Rossoneri will not pay over the odds for Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho.

After a disappointing and injury-hit season, Ronaldinho has been told by Barca that he is not part of their plans as they make wholesale changes after two trophy-less campaigns.

There has been no shortage of interest for the two-time FIFA World Player of the Year and, while Galliani claims that Milan are leading the pack, he insists a deal for the Brazilian will only be completed if the price is right.

"It seems to me that Ronaldinho has placed Milan at the top of his desires, even if Chelsea has a lot of appeal," he said.

"We have to see how much the final cost will be, the transfer and then his signing-on fee. But I don't promise anything to the fans.

"In any case in attack we already have (Marco) Borriello, (Filippo) Inzaghi, Kaka, (Alexandre) Pato and not only those, so if we can get someone else then good, if not we'll stay how we are. We're already competitive.

"I'm not happy not making big signings, I'm a fan too, but a big transfer will only be done if there's the right conditions.

"Players who cost, between wages and other things, 20 million euros (US$31 million) a year, aren't compatible with Italian clubs' bank balances."

Galliani's comments come a day after Manchester City's executive chairman Garry Cook claimed the Premier League club had a "50-50" chance of signing Ronaldinho.

Galliani has also poured cold water on the idea that former Milan star Andriy Shevchenko would be leaving Chelsea for a return to the San Siro.

"If Sheva comes to Italy, he comes to us," he continued. "He was one of our targets but we have been told that he is not for sale."

The club's supporters have been angered by Milan's lack of movement in the transfer market, especially after what they perceive to be a poor season for the Serie A giants.

The Rossoneri finished fifth last campaign, missing out on a Champions League place, and the fans have laid the blame for their miserable year squarely at the door of club owner Silvio Berlusconi.

An online petition has been set up demanding that the Italy prime minister sells up and has over 1,700 signatories but Galliani has slammed the fans' actions.

"Everyone thinks a lot about the fans and not at the problems which club owners have with the Italian tax authorities," he added.

"I find this protest by the Milan fans a bit bizarre, Berlusconi is the one who has won the most in Italy and in Europe.

"And even this year he will make a huge sacrifice because Milan have kept onto all of their stars even though we are in the UEFA Cup.

Almeria move for Solari

Almeria have completed the signing of Esteban Solari from Mexican side Pumas, the Primera Liga club have announced.

The 28-year-old forward, who has previously played in Europe with Italian side Chioggia and Belgians Lierse, will join the Spaniards on a four-year contract.

A statement on the club website, www.udalmeriasad.com, read: "UD Almeria has completed the deal to acquire the services of Argentinian forward Esteban Andres Solari for the next four seasons.

"Solari is a tall forward - he is 6ft 3in - with experience, pace and who opens up spaces perfectly in the opposition area.

"Last season he was the top scorer in the Mexican league with 25 goals for Pumas."

Upon completing the deal, Solari told the Almeria website that is was a dream come true for him to play in the Spanish top flight.

He said: "For me it is a big challenge to play in such a major competition as the Spanish league, but I face that challenge with responsibility.

"It's a dream to come to Span and I hope to live up to the confidence the club has shown in me."

Esteban is the younger brother of Internazionale player Santiago Solari, who played in Spain with both Atletico and Real Madrid.

Chelsea confirm Deco deal

English side Chelsea have confirmed they have signed Portugal midfielder Deco from Spanish giants Barcelona.

The talented playmaker had recently been told by the Catalan club he did not feature in their future plans and had been linked with a move to the Blues regularly in recent years.

And Chelsea tonight confirmed the 30-year-old has agreed the move to Stamford Bridge, becoming the club's first signing since Portugal coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was appointed manager.

The west Londoners announced the news this evening and are expected to confirm they have paid US$15.8million (£8million) to sign the two-time Champions League winner on a two-year deal.

The Brazil-born player's exit from the Nou Camp proved to be protracted due to the Catalans' valuation of around £11million for the player despite his age.

That price seemed to have deterred Inter Milan - who were also apparently interested - but Chelsea have managed to negotiate the price down.

Jose Mourinho, who coached him during their time at Porto, was linked with the diminutive schemer on numerous occasions during his Stamford Bridge tenure and was reportedly interested in signing him after taking over at Inter recently.

Deco's arrival is Chelsea's second signing of the summer after international team-mate Jose Bosingwa.

Comment: Ronaldo out, who comes in?

Who will be the new No.7 to rule the Theatre of Dreams when CR7 decides to finally make his 'dream' move to Real Madrid?

Assuming the charming and charismatic Portuguese flyer finally shuttles off to the Bernabau. Who will Sir Alex Ferguson bring in to replace the boy who he groomed into a superstar?

espnstar.com's Kelvin Leong gives his two cents worth advice to one of the greatest managers in the modern game. So listen up Fergie!

Lionel Messi - Barcelona & Argentina

Age: 21-years-old

With the whole mess over at Nou Camp with Pep Guardiola taking over the reigns from Frank Rijkaard and the constant bickering between board members, I reckon most players are unsettled and nervy over at the Catalan club.

A whole list of big names like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o and Deco are all either on their way out or have left already. One name never brought up is that of Lionel Messi.

Blessed with lightning quick speed and a low center of gravity, Messi's style of play is similar to Ronaldo and he too likes to switch from left to right and drift just behind the chief striker.

One has to wonder if Messi is irritated by the negative vibes going around the place and he did fire a warning shot last week when he said he wanted Ronaldinho to stay.

If Ronaldinho does finally make that protracted move to AC Milan, the coffers at Old Trafford should swiftly test the waters by stating their interest in Messi to the media and see how he reacts. If he wants a move, I don't think there is a bigger and better club to fit his style than the Red Devils.

Diego Capel - Sevilla & Spain U21

Age: 20-years-old

Breaking into the first team after the unfortunate death of his teammate Antonio Puerta at Sevilla gave Diego Capel added pressure to deliver. 38 appearances and a three goal return in his first season isn't a bad achievement is it?

Mind you, he was thrown into the first team without warning.

Sevilla's former coach, Juande Ramos, had to throw Capel into the deep end of the water to replace the deceased Puerta but now we all know why Ramos was so calm and collected about not going out to purchase a more experienced replacement.

He knew he had a gem in the wings waiting to be unleashed like a hungry beast searching for food. Looking a little plump and heavy akin to another former United favourite, Andrei Kanchelskies, his main strength is the ability to have the ball glued to his feet. Never one to go for the normal pass, Capel just loves taking on a string of defenders and leaving them to rot as he glides past them like a hot knife through butter.

The beast has been much talked about as the season progressed and it will not be long before he makes himself a legend somewhere.

Will he be United's next legend in the making?

Lucho Gonzalez - FC Porto & Argentina

Age: 27-years-old

One thing Lucho has over my other nominees is experience. At 27 years of age, he has played at the highest level on a club and international level.

Not the fastest of dribblers, his languid style of dictating play from midfield will mean Ferguson can switch all four midfielders around without compromising quality of play. Interchanging positions is one of the biggest assets of the United formation and Lucho will fit in immediately.

Packing a thunderous shot on the run and an excellent free-kick taker, he will be another option in the all-encompassing attacking armoury in Fergie's red brigade.

With fellow compatriot Carlos ‘The Apache' Tevez already enjoying cult status down at Old Trafford, he'll not be too worried about settling in with the gang and getting into the groove. Just don't hang around Anderson and Nani who seem to have majors problems keeping their hands off the many women hovering around them.

David Silva - Valencia & Spain

Age: 22-years-old

Xavi might have won Player of the Tournament at Euro 2008 but for me, the one player who stood out amongst the magnificent Spanish side was the smallest player on the team. David Silva.

When Silva first broke onto the Valencia first team, everyone compared him to Mestella's prodigal son, Pablo Aimar. Both players have a knack of weaving through traffic with the ball stuck to their small feet and at the end of the run, deliver that killer cross or needle-eyed pass for their forwards to finish the job. Silva even had the guts to take over Aimar's classic No.21 jersey when the Argentina was booted out of the club. Shows you what the boy is made of.

A lot of talk on the backpages of the papers in the past month were about Chelsea wanting to add the diminutive winger to their ranks to provide that much needed creative spark. The Glazers will need to move in fast before he ends up with one of their much hated arch rivals. Maybe even down the road at Thaksin's tom yum City!

A different style to Ronaldo's wizadry but will prove to be just as exciting for fans and elusive for markers. Sounds like batman!

So yes, I reckon any one of these four footballing wizards will lessen the pain and anguish felt by United fans when their superstar decides to seek a divorce from the club that gave him everything he has today.

Schweinsteiger wants BPL move

Bayern Munich and German Euro 2008 star Bastian Schweinsteiger says he is drawn to the prospect of English football.

By Nick Horsburgh

Speaking before Germany's 1-0 loss to Spain in the Euro 2008 final, the 23-year-old winger admitted that it has been a personal dream to play in England.

"England does have a good appeal," said Schweinsteiger.

"It is now one of the world's best leagues and I heard all about it from Michael, Jens Lehmann and Thomas Hitzlsperger who have all played there.

"I have always wanted to play in England so we will see if it happens this year."

Bayern have already slapped an imposing 32 million U.S. dollar price to buy-out the player from his contract with the club, a matter which could discourage some teams from making a move.

However, Bayern are known for spotting chances to make a good profit and if a club approaches the German champions with a large enough deal, Schweinsteiger could see his English dreams realised.

Torres: Football was the winner

Fernando Torres was in dreamland after a stunning final performance by the Liverpool striker saw Spain claim the European Championships crown.

The 24-year-old tormented Germany and scored the only goal in Spain's 1-0 triumph in the Ernst-Happel Stadium in Vienna.

Torres, voted man of the match by UEFA, said: "This is good not just for Spain but for football, because the best team won and that is not always the case."

He added: "It has been a fantastic season for me - it was fantastic with Liverpool and now a fantastic end of the season for the national team.

"This is the first big trophy for me and I hope not the last.

"We are privileged to be in the national team and we have had a chance to live through a beautiful tournament.

"We are proud to see so many people enjoying it, and now we have the peace of mind that we have achieved what we set out to do."

Spain have often been viewed in the past as having suffered from divisions within the team, and Torres paid tribute to the togetherness of this squad who won the country's first major tournament since 1964.

Torres added: "I am happy because my job is to score goals and I have done my job tonight but this was a victory for the unity of the group - it doesn't often happen that a group gets along so well."

Xavi top Euro 2008 star

Spain midfielder Xavi has been named the best player at Euro 2008.He was voted the Castrol player of the tournament.

The 28-year-old Barcelona player was the heartbeat of Spain's midfield during the tournament.

There was no place for Cristiano Ronaldo in the 23-man squad of the tournament however.

The squad did include Manchester United's keeper Edwin van der Sar, Michael Ballack and Jose Bosingwa from Chelsea, Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas, Liverpool striker Fernando Torres, and Tottenham-bound midfielder Luka Modric.

UEFA technical director Andy Roxburgh explained Ronaldo's absence was due to the fact Portugal did not progress further in the tournament.

Roxburgh said: This is entirely about the tournament and not about reputations or how well you started.

"Of course he was mentioned - and if Portugal had gone further, there's no argument he has been in this group because he's a fantastic player.

"He was in our Champions League all-star squad for the season, and the beginning of the tournament he threatened he was going to be in this one.

"But then it came abruptly to an end. When it comes to a squad of the tournament, those that go to semis and final dominate things like this."

UEFA's squad of the tournament: Goalkeepers: Buffon (Italy), Casillas (Spain), Van der Sar (Holland).

Defenders: Bosingwa (Portugal), Lahm (Germany), Marchena (Spain), Pepe (Portugal), Puyol (Spain), Zhirkov (Russia).

Midfielders: Hamit Altintop (Turkey), Modric (Croatia), Senna (Spain), Xavi (Spain), Zyryanov (Russia), Ballack (Germany), Fabregas (Spain), Iniesta (Spain), Podolski (Germany), Sneijder (Holland).

Striker: Arshavin (Russia), Pavlyuchenko (Russia), Torres (Spain), Villa (Spain).

Spain triumph Euro finale

Fernando Torres fired Spain to Euro 2008 glory against Germany and ended 44 years of underachievement with a 1-0 victory.

Torres struck in the 33rd minute at Ernst Happel Stadion and despite the efforts of Germany skipper Michael Ballack, they held on to their lead to spark wild celebrations in Austria's capital.

Heavyweights in European football who produce a constant stream of individual talents, Spain had not won a major tournament since 1964 but finally shook off their tag of being chokers, not able to cope with the pressure of the highest stage.

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann could do little about the goal that Torres scored to put Spain ahead. Xavi threaded the ball through and the Liverpool man did superbly to escape the attentions of Philipp Lahm before dinking the ball over the outrushing Lehmann and into the net.

Spain had a chance to go 2-0 up soon after but the unmarked David Silva badly fluffed his volley after being picked out by Andres Iniesta inside the area.

After the break the Germans sparked into life, with Ballack hitting the side-netting of Iker Casillas' goal with a volley from the edge of the box soon after, before the Chelsea man and Bastian Schweinsteiger both fired in dangerous crosses.

The match threatened to boil over in the 65th minute when Silva and Lukas Podolski went head-to-head, but despite the appearance of a butt from the Spain man, he escaped a card.

Spain very nearly doubled their lead in the 67th minute when Sergio Ramos broke the offside trap to power a Xavi free-kick goalwards with his head but Lehmann diverted the ball for a corner.

From the corner Iniesta saw his shot cleared off the line by Torsten Frings, before the Barcelona man was denied by Lehmann with another effort soon after.

Luis Aragones' side still looked the more likely scorers over the closing stages and, with Germany producing nothing to worry Casillas in the Spain goal, the Iberian nation deservedly walked off with the Henri Delaunay trophy.

Wenger has no plans to meet Adebayor

Arsene Wenger has insisted he will not meet Emmanuel Adebayor next week for talks on the striker's future at Arsenal.

The Gunners boss is adamant the Togo international will still be at the Emirates Stadium next season and said he does not plan any further talks.

AC Milan are pursuing the striker and Adebayor yesterday claimed he will meet Wenger next week before deciding on his future - he is demanding a pay rise to a reported £120,000 a week.

But Wenger said he already met Adebayor some time ago and has no plans to meet him again.

The Arsenal manager said: "He's under contract and that's quite simple. I can tell you as manager of Arsenal FC I'm not worried.

"Of course I expect him to be at Arsenal next season - he's under contract."

Asked if he was going to meet the striker next week, Wenger replied: "No - I've already met him."

Casillas soaks up the pressure

Spain captain Iker Casillas feels it is his "responsibility" to help his side beat Germany in the Euro 2008 final on Sunday.

The Real Madrid goalkeeper was the hero against Italy, saving two penalties to guide Spain past the quarter-final stage, and has been a consistent performer throughout the run to the final.

Spain have finally managed a return to the title game for the first time since 1984 and Casillas says he and his team have to make to sure they lift the trophy.

"I feel a responsibility and tension ahead of the final," said the 24-year-old.

"I feel a responsibility not only for my team-mates but for all the millions of fans that are behind us.

"The most important thing is to get to a final and win it. Although it will not be easy."

La Seleccion have only managed to overcome the Germans once in a competitive game and that was back in 1984.

This is the third time that Spain have reached the European Championship final, compared to the six now reached by the Germans, and Casillas is well aware that his side face a team which always seem to perform in the big games.

"Germany have more experience and history in this type of game," he said.

"They are a national team that have always managed to get past the quarter-finals, something which we have struggled with until now."

Spain go in search of their second-ever major trophy without tournament top scorer David Villa, who is unavailable because of a thigh injury.

However, Germany also have their share of problems with captain Michael Ballack doubtful for the clash with a calf injury.

His absence might be seen as a blessing for Spain, but Barcelona defender Carles Puyol hopes the Chelsea midfielder will recover.

"Ballack is a very important player," said Puyol. "I don't know if he will able to play or not.

"But I am a footballer and I hope that he can play.

"I would feel sorry if he didn't make it because of injury but we also know that whoever replaces him will do a good job."

Barry blasts O'Neill over Reds move

Gareth Barry still wants to join Liverpool and has blasted Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill for not persuading him to stay.

The England midfielder has made no secret of his desire for the regular Champions League football on offer at Anfield, but the Villa hierarchy rejected a reported £15million bid from the Reds earlier this month.

Barry told the News of the World: "My mind's made up, I want to join Liverpool. Villa kept saying they wanted me to stay but I have not heard from the manager for weeks."

He added: "There's no going back, it's time for me to move on. I'm desperate to play Champions League football and that's why I have to leave Villa."

O'Neill has been openly critical of Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez over his pursuit of the Villa skipper.

But despite O'Neill's public posturing, a scornful Barry insists nothing has been done to get him to remain at Villa Park.

He added: "It's seven weeks now since the season finished but while the gaffer's found time to be a pundit for the BBC at Euro 2008, he hasn't found the time to speak to me.

"Have Villa offered me anything to try to persuade me my future is at Villa Park, not Anfield? Not a thing."