INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH RESULTS

International Friendly Match Results

Colombia 2-2 Senegal
Mexico 3-1 Ecaudor
Finland 2-0 Estonia
Croatia 2-1 Mali
Norway 1-1 Russia
Algeria 3-1 Armenia
Albania 0-1 Romania
Lithuania 0-1 Latvia
Netherlands 1-0 Ghana
Portugal 0-0 Greece
Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland

INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLY MATCH FIXTURES

International Friendly Match Fixtures

Saturday, 31 May 2014
12:00 PM - Finland vs Estonia
3:00 PM - Croatia vs Mali
5:00 PM - Algeria vs Armenia
6:00 PM - Albania vs Romania
6:00 PM - Lithuania vs Latvia
6:30 PM - Norway vs Russia
7:30 PM - Netherlands vs Ghana
7:30 PM - Portugal vs Greece
7:45 PM - Italy vs Republic of Ireland
8:00 PM - Mexico vs Ecuador
10:00 PM - Colombia vs Senegal

Sunday, 1 June 2014
12:00 AM - Panama vs Serbia

CHILE BATTLES BACK TO BEAT EGYPT IN FRIENDLY

Chile battled back to a 3-2 victory over Egypt in a friendly in Santiago.
Egypt had taken the lead after 12 minutes when Chelsea's Mohamed Salah took advantage of a Gary Medel error.
They were two up shortly afterwards thanks to Khaled Kamar, who produced an impressive chip over Chile keeper Claudio Bravo.However, Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez inspired a stirring comeback. He first provided an assist on 26 minutes, racing down the right before squaring for Marcelo Diaz to reduce the arrears, and then set up Eduardo Vargas to level with an hour played.
With 12 minutes remaining, Sanchez provided a third assist of the game to set up Vargas, who completed his brace to secure victory.
Chile face Spain, the Netherlands and Australia in their World Cup group.

DZEKO'S BRACE HELPS BOSNIA TO VICTORY OVER COTE D' IVOIRE

Edin Dzeko scored twice as Bosnia and Herzegovina began their World Cup preparations with a 2-1 win over the Cote d'Ivoire.
The Manchester City striker scored in the 17th and 53rd minutes to set his side on the way to victory with veteran forward Didier Drogba responding in stoppage time for the Africans."We knew they were going to be a powerful team with good pace and they showed that," goalkeeper Asmir Begovic said. "It was a good test for us to play against a good team and we enjoyed it."
The match was played in St. Louis -- the second time Bosnia-Herzogovina had played in the U.S. city in the last six months.
It's estimated more than 30,000 Bosnians relocated to St. Louis from the former war-torn Yugoslavia, and the games have provided an opportunity to display national pride.

URUGUAY PIPS NORTHERN IRELAND

Northern Ireland showed England they have little to fear from a Uruguay side lacking Luis Suarez as they battled to an honourable 1-0 defeat in Montevideo.
With 78 places separating the teams in the FIFA rankings and Michael O'Neill's side far from full strength, La Celeste were expected to roll the visitors over with ease en route to the World Cup.
Instead, they edged - and pocketed the little known Copa Antel trophy - thanks to a solitary second-half strike from substitute Christian Stuani as Northern Ireland stood firm against their opponents' weight of possession.
Edinson Cavani is a star in his own right at Paris St Germain and Diego Forlan is a proven goalscorer but neither man could replicate the kind of magic Suarez brings to so many occasions.
On this evidence, England would fancy themselves to keep both shackled when they meet in Brazil next month.
Either might still have scored had Roy Carroll not produced a wonderful double save in the 32nd minute and the veteran keeper played a big part in keeping the score down.
But there were impressive showings across the board for O'Neill's men, with Doncaster's Luke McCullough among those to emerge in credit on a tough debut assignment.
The game settled quickly into a pattern, Uruguay seeing plenty of the ball and rolling it up and down looking for Northern Ireland to lose their shape.
It was an offer the visitors were not eager to accept and O'Neill's men kept tight and marked close.McCullough, thrust in at the age of just 20 and not yet a regular at Doncaster, had a nervy moment early on when he slipped attempting to turn Christian Rodriguez but otherwise heads were calm.Southampton's Gaston Ramirez, who had blazed over under pressure from Chris Baird in the 13th minute, was first to threaten the stalemate, powering past a couple of green shirts before dragging a low shot wide of the far post.
Northern Ireland were hardly set up to counter with numbers and when Niall McGinn did get the chance to make a break he was halted abruptly by Diego Lugano's sliding tackle.
Walter Gargano betrayed a little impatience as the half progressed at the same pace, chancing his arm with a hopeful 30-yarder then going in the referee's book for a late challenge on Sammy Clingan.
Uruguay upped the ante in the 15 minutes before the break but could not make the breakthrough.
Sebastian Coates might have done better when he rose highest to meet Forlan's corner, but it was Carroll who did most to preserve the scoreline.
When Oliver Norwood's loose pass left his side short at the back, Cavani looked certain to score with a placed shot towards the bottom corner.But Carroll's full-length dive pushed it into the right channel, where Forlan was waiting to pounce.His follow-up was destined to creep inside the post from a tight angle, but Carroll raced back and clawed to safety.
It cost the 36-year-old a nasty collision with the woodwork but it was a price well worth paying.
He stood firm again when Cavani unfurled an elegant scissor-kick, though an offside flag would have saved Northern Ireland anyway.Carroll almost saw his good work undone on the stroke of half-time when he lost sight of a swerving shot from Forlan, but an instinctive right glove spared his blushes.
Uruguay replaced Coates and Forlan with Jose Gimenez and Stuani and it was the latter who grabbed the opener after 62 minutes.
There had been warning signs, the busy Corry Evans and Clingan both booked attempting to firefight in the middle of the park.
The goal came when Rodriguez skipped towards the byline and cut back towards Cavani.
He took a heavy first touch but made amends by finding Stuani at the near post, where he poked home ahead of Baird.
The goal settled Uruguay as they began to hold court further up the pitch, though a string of substitutions provided regular breaks in play.
Amongst the changes, Dundee United's Paul Paton and Liverpool's Ryan McLaughlin became the second and third debutants of the night for Northern Ireland.McLaughlin, a right-back by trade, was deployed in an unusually advanced role and had one half-chance at glory which he skied.
Abel Hernandez came closer than most to turning possession into a second goal, glancing just wide from eight yards after a perfectly-timed run, but the margin was a fair one for both sides.

KOLO TOURE DOWN WITH MALARIA

Ivory Coast international Kolo Toure is recovering from malaria with less than two weeks until the World Cup gets underway.
Toure, 33, who will be hoping to start for the Elephants in their opening game against Japan on June 14, contracted the illness on a recent trip home to Abidjan and is currently undergoing treatment.

Ivory Coast team doctor Cyrille Dah says the Liverpool player will miss Friday's friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina, although he should return in time for the World Cup.

"He just needs rest and so he won't play against Bosnia but he will be OK to return to training next week," Dah told the Ivorian Football Federation's official website.

Didier Drogba has also been struggling with malaria, but after undergoing surgery in Qatar last month the striker says he is now fully fit.

"I've worked hard to regain my form and get to a good level for the training camp," Drogba said in a news conference of his work over the last week in Dallas, where the Elephants have been preparing for the World Cup.

Drogba is expected to win his 100th cap for Ivory Coast on against Bosnia.

Toure's younger brother Yaya, meanwhile, is due to join up with the Ivory Coast squad on Saturday following surgery on a muscle injury in Qatar.

"We expect him back on the pitch," Dah said of the Manchester City midfielder.

Ivory Coast play a second friendly against El Salvador on Wednesday, before arriving in Brazil next Friday.

The Elephants have been drawn in Group C alongside Colombia, Greece and Japan

OMERUO HOPES TO BREAK INTO CHELSEA'S FIRST TEAM

Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo is determined to break into the first team after signing a new two-year deal that keeps him at the club until 2018.

The 20-year-old Nigeria international has largely been loaned out by Chelsea since he joined in January 2012.

Omeruo, who is part of the Super Eagles World Cup squad, told BBC Sport: "I've been working towards a new contract and I am really happy it is done.

"I'm very confident and I know I have to prove myself more to get a chance."

After signing for the Blues from Standard Liege, Omeruo was immediately sent on a season-long loan to Dutch side ADO Den Haa

He is yet to make his Chelsea debut and spent the second half of last season on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship, where he made 14 appearances.

However, Omeruo remains positive about his chances at the London club and is aware of what he needs to do to convince manager Jose Mourinho to play him.

"Going to the World Cup is an opportunity to show myself and prove that I am ready to play in the first-team," Omeruo said.

"I'm enjoying myself here in England and settling down to the football.

"I just need to take the opportunities when presented to me, stay focused, do my best and show the manager what I'm capable of doing."

Omeruo was a key member of the Nigerian side that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013.

He also played in last summer's Confederations Cup in Brazil.

SHERINGHAM NAMED AS A COACH IN WEST HAM

Former West Ham forward Teddy Sheringham has rejoined the Premier League club as an attacking coach.

Sheringham, who spent three seasons at Upton Park between 2004-07, joins Sam Allardyce's back-room staff with the aim of improving the club's goal tally.

The Hammers scored just 40 league goals in 38 games last season and signed Argentine striker Mario Zarate on Wednesday to help address the problem.

Sheringham, 48, said of the job offer: "It was far too good to resist really."

He added: "Being a West Ham boy and coming from the area, it fits nicely in all that I'm about, what with working alongside Sam and knowing a few of the players as well."

West Ham finished 13th last season and Allardyce has been asked by the board to deliver a more attacking style of play.

Sheringham is a former Premier League Golden Boot winner and scorer of 147 top-flight goals.

As a player, he won the Champions League, three Premier League titles and an FA Cup with Manchester United following a transfer from Tottenham in 1997.

Upon joining the Hammers in 2004 - via a second spell at Spurs and a season at Portsmouth - he helped the club earn promotion to the Premier League and played in the FA Cup final defeat against Liverpool the following year.

He was voted Hammer of the Year and the league's Player of the Year for his efforts during the 2004-05 campaign.

He also excelled for England, earning 51 caps and scoring 11 goals and playing at two World Cups and the European Championship finals in 1996.

Sheringham played alongside Allardyce at Millwall as a youngster and has known the Hammers manager for more than 30 years.

He is currently completing his coaching qualifications.

WENGER SIGNS THREE-YEARS DEAL WITH ARSENAL

Arsene Wenger has signed a three-year deal to remain Arsenal manager.

Wenger has led Arsenal to eight major trophies since arriving in September 1996 and will now stay until 2017.

The 64-year-old has just guided the Gunners to a 17th consecutive Champions League qualification and ended a nine-year wait for silverware with victory over Hull in the FA Cup final.

"We are entering an exciting period. We have a strong squad, financial stability and huge support," he said.

"The club has always shown faith in me and I'm very grateful for that.

"We have gone through fantastic periods and also periods where we have had to stick together. Every time when that togetherness was tested I got the right response.

"I think I have shown some loyalty as well towards this club and hopefully we can make some more history. I am sure we can."

The Frenchman's previous contract was set to expire this summer.

Arsenal had not lifted a major domestic trophy since 2005 prior to the recent FA Cup triumph, although they did reach the Champions League final in 2006.

During Wenger's time at the club, Arsenal moved to the new Emirates Stadium close to their old ground at Highbury.

   Wenger, who became the longest-serving manager in England when Sir Alex Ferguson retired from Manchester United in May 2013, is credited with bringing new ideas about sports science and nutrition to English football.

"This is a guy who works 24 hours a day all year around," former Arsenal goalkeeper Bob Wilson told BBC Radio 5 live.

"He hates to lose. He totally revolutionised all sorts of things in the game in this country. People tend to think he has too much power, (but) a guy who dedicates himself to the game in the manner that he does is someone you treasure."

Wenger has not enjoyed the easiest of seasons, and a 6-0 thrashing by Chelsea in March during his 1,000th game in charge led to suggestions this season could be his last at the club.

Arsenal chairman Sir Chips Keswick said: "Arsene is a man of principle, who lives and breathes Arsenal.

"He has established Arsenal for its exciting playing style around the world, continues his commitment to young players and has the ability to bring top-class players to the club."

Wenger has won three league titles, five FA Cups and four Charity/Community Shields during his time at Arsenal.

His greatest achievement was when his 'Invincibles' remained unbeaten in winning the 2003-04 Premier League.

Arsenal have not won the title since, and, despite being in contention for much of this season following the club record signing of Mesut Ozil for £42.4m, they faded to finish fourth for the sixth time in nine years.

Stan Kronke, Arsenal's major shareholder, said: "Sustained excellence is the hardest thing to achieve in sport.

"The fact Arsenal has competed at the top of the game in England and Europe throughout the time Arsene has been manager is the ultimate testimony to his consistency of performance, talent and ambition.

"We are delighted with the FA Cup success which has added to his already outstanding record. Under his guidance, we look forward to adding more trophies."

FRIENDLY MATCH RESULTS

Friendly Match Results:

Uruguay 1-0 Northern Ireland
Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Ivory Coast
Chile 3-2 Egypt
Spain 2-0 Bolivia
England 3-0 Peru
Switzerland 1-0 Jamaica
Iran 1-1 Angola
Qatar 0-0 Macedonia
Austria 1-1 Iceland
Honduras 0-2 Turkey

SWITZERLAND RIDE ON JAMAICA IN FRIENDLY

Josip Drmic's emergence as Switzerland's best source of World Cup goals continued on Friday, striking late in a 1-0 warm-up win over Jamaica.

The Bayer Leverkusen forward's assured finish with the outside of his right foot in the 84th minute marked his third goal in two international friendlies this year.

Drmic, a half-time substitute, earlier shot over a gaping goal from three yards out. He also forced Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake into a diving save from a rising shot.

Switzerland improved after a lacklustre first half, when coach Ottmar Hitzfeld started with only five players from his likely World Cup lineup.

The Swiss host Peru next Tuesday before traveling to Brazil.

Switzerland opens their Group E campaign against Ecuador on June 15 in Brasilia, then play France and Honduras.

ENGLISH THREE LIONS TRASH PERU

England departed for their summer mission with a 3-0 win over Peru which looked far more convincing on paper than it did in actuality.

Daniel Sturridge curled home a stunning opener to put England ahead in their final game on home soil before the World Cup.

Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill then scored from two set-pieces after the break to give the result an encouraging appearance.

Yet it was clear from this performance that there is still much work to be done if England are to hit the ground running - as they must - when they land in Brazil to take on Italy in their Group D opener.

Wayne Rooney and Sturridge failed to hit it off as had been hoped, while Jean Deza, a 20-year-old debutant, breached the England defence on several occasions.

Had it not been for the excellent Joe Hart and some last-ditch defending from Jagielka, Peru would have scored the goal their attacking display perhaps deserved.

England manager Roy Hodgson said preparations for the friendly could not have gone better, but the tactical work England put in this week in Burton barely paid off in the first half.

Danny Welbeck, a surprise starter ahead of Raheem Sterling, failed to create a spark out wide while Rooney went missing for most of the match.

At some points England fans found more entertainment in making paper planes and throwing them on the pitch.

However, England will take some positives to Miami, where they will play Ecuador and Honduras in their final two warm-up games next week.

Jordan Henderson and Steven Gerrard performed solidly in midfield, as they did all last season for Liverpool.

Sturridge's fourth goal for England was a joy to behold, while Sterling and Jack Wilshere showed glimpses of skill after their introduction.

And, most importantly, there were no injuries.

England fans did their best to create a carnival atmosphere inside Wembley, but on the pitch there were little signs of flair from the hosts.

Peru had not played together for eight months, but in the opening 20 minutes they looked the more likely team to score.

Cahill held back Corinthians midfielder Luis Ramirez after he sneaked into the area and only a last-ditch tackle by Glen Johnson prevented Andre Carrillo from testing Hart deep inside the England box.

Deza was the next man to breach England's defence. The debutant sprinted past Jagielka into the home area, but Hart came to the rescue.

England's number one had to be at his best moments later when he acrobatically saved a Deza shot which looped up off Jagielka's outstretched leg.

Hodgson scratched his head, wondering what had happened to the team that had so impressed him in training over the past fortnight.

The atmosphere inside Wembley fell flat. The home crowd resorted to chucking paper aeroplanes on to the pitch for entertainment.

Sturridge offered the first glimmer of hope, blasting a low shot just wide of the far post following a run by Adam Lallana.

The Liverpool striker made no mistake with his second effort.

Sturridge picked up Johnson's quick throw, strode past his marker and clipped a curling left-foot shot over Raul Fernandez.

The goal brought Hodgson to his feet and Prince William, who had spoken to the team in the dressing room prior to kick-off, gave it a royal seal of approval with a clap.

The goal lifted the atmosphere inside Wembley, but England almost threw their lead away just before half-time by allowing Ramirez to sneak through. Johnson played the midfielder onside, but again Hart came out to smother the ball.

England emerged from the tunnel long before their opponents, eager to start the second half with a bang.

But it was the same slow opening all over again. Deza picked the ball up on the halfway line and sprinted forward 10 yards before firing a looping shot that flew a few inches over Hart's goal.

Andre Carrillo rode Johnson's tackle and slipped Deza in again, but Jagielka saved the day with a crucial tackle.

England looked shaky, but they opened up a two-goal cushion in the 65th minute when Cahill powered Baines' corner into Fernandez's goal.

Hodgson brought Wilshere and Sterling on for Gerrard and Rooney, who had a poor night.

Sterling made an immediate impact, winning a corner from which England scored their third.

They had Fernandez to thank for the goal.

The Peru goalkeeper dropped Baines' corner when he challenged Cahill for the ball and Jagielka rolled the ball between Fernandez's legs and into the net.

Hodgson took Jagielka and Lallana off. A few boos rang out when their replacements, Chris Smalling and James Milner were announced.

John Stones then came on for his international debut before Ross Barkley was introduced.

Sterling was the best of the substitutes. His pace and trickery bamboozled the Peruvians and he almost floated a shot beyond Fernandez in the dying minutes.

Wilshere also chipped in with an exquisite bit of skill that fooled two Peru defenders, but Milner could not convert.

The players went on a mini lap of appreciation after the final whistle - even though most of the 83,000 plus crowd inside Wembley had left.

Those who remained clapped the 3-0 win, but they will know their team must play better to achieve the same scoreline against Italy in two weeks' time.

FRIENDLY MATCH RESULTS

Friendly match results:

Cameroon 1-2 Paraguay
Lithuania 1-0 Finland
Latvia 0-0 Estonia
Saudi Arabia 0-2 Georgia

Mexico 3-0 Israel

RONALDO HIT BY THIGH INJURY

Cristiano Ronaldo has been hit by a thigh problem as Portugal continue their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The 29-year-old overcame a hamstring complaint to play in Real Madrid's Champions League final victory over Atletico Madrid, but linked up with his international team-mates on Thursday carrying a fresh injury.

The forward was one of five players named on Portugal's official website that were forced to remain on the sidelines - four of whom were nursing thigh injuries.

A brief statement said Ronaldo was suffering from "myalgia (pain) in the posterior region of his left thigh" and underwent specific rehabilitation work at the team hotel.

He was joined there by Raul Meireles, Hugo Almeida, Rubon Amorim and Joao Moutinho, as Portugal prepare for their latest pre-World Cup friendly against Greece on Saturday.

None of these players are believed to be serious doubts for the tournament, though there will be concerns over Ronaldo given the Seleccao's reliance on the forward during qualification.

The reigning Ballon d'Or winner scored a hat-trick in the second-leg of their World Cup play-off with Sweden to almost single-handedly fire Paulo Bento's men to Brazil.

Portugal will need him at his brilliant best if they are to advance from a tough group containing Germany, USA and Ghana.

CAMEROON SLUMP TO PARAGUAY

Cameroon slumped to a 2-1 defeat against Paraguay after resting several leading players in a pre-World Cup friendly on Thursday.

Midfielder Oscar Romero put Paraguay ahead in the fourth minute and Roque Santa Cruz added a second in the 68th minute.

Maxim Choupo-Moting pulled a goal back for Cameroon with a 75th minute volley and striker Mohammadou Idrissou missed a chance to equalise in the 87th minute when his penalty was saved by Paraguay goalkeeper Roberto Junior Fernandez.

Cameroon coach Volker Finke, who has to cut his 28-man squad to 23 by Monday, left several regular starters out of the team for most of the game.

One of the key players missing was Pierre Webo, who hurt his left shoulder as he landed after an acrobatic bicycle kick that earned Cameroon the opening goal in its 2-0 win over Macedonia on Monday.

Webo later wrote on Twitter that medical examinations had shown no severe injuries.

Cameroon dominated possession but lacked pace and accuracy to create chances until the final 20 minutes.

Romero put Paraguay in front when he converted a low cross by Ramon Coronel.

Just seconds after coming on for Romero, substitute David Mendieta had a goal disallowed for offside when he rounded off a smooth Paraguay counterattack in the 66th minute.

Santa Cruz doubled the lead two minutes later with a subtle touch past Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje off a Junior Alonso pass.

Choupo-Moting brought Cameroon back into the game but Idrissou failed to capitalise on the spot-kick after defender Gustavo Gomez had brought down Benjamin Moukandjo in the area.

Paraguay earned only a second win from its last 10 matches. The South Americans were quarterfinalists at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa but failed to qualify for this year's tournament.

Cameroon, who are in Group A with Mexico, Croatia and host Brazil, continue their buildup against Germany in Moenchengladbach on Sunday, while Paraguay will take on France in Nice the same day.

FABIANSKI JOINS SWANSEA CITY

Swansea City have signed goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski from Arsenal.

The 29-year-old Poland international will join the Swans on a free transfer when his contract with the Gunners expires at the end of June.

Fabianski's last game for Arsenal will prove to be the FA Cup win over Hull City, bringing a seven-year spell with the club to an end.

"The main reason I came to Swansea was because I want to be the number one goalkeeper," he said.

Fabianski's arrival at the Liberty Stadium will increase speculation over the future of first-choice keeper Michel Vorm.

Vorm, 30, has been Swansea's first-choice keeper since joining in 2011, but has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool.

Reds manager Brendan Rodgers brought the Dutchman to the Liberty Stadium from FC Utrecht and is looking for a goalkeeper to provide back-up for Simon Mignolet.

Swansea insist Liverpool have not been in touch over Vorm, who has two years to run on his contract, but Fabianski's arrival could alter the situation significantly.

Liberty Stadium boss Garry Monk told the club's website: "He's [Fabianski] come from a big club where it has been difficult for him to command the number one spot.

"It's been frustrating for him at Arsenal because he hasn't played as many games as he would have liked.

"But speaking to him this week I could see the hunger he has to come here and prove he is a number one goalkeeper.

"That's a great attitude to have and it's the only type of player I want at Swansea City."

Despite playing in the FA Cup final, Fabianski had played second fiddle to fellow Pole Wojciech Szczesny, five years his junior, for the past three seasons.

In February, Arsenal manager Arsene Wegner said it was likely Fabianski would leave at the end of the season in search of more regular appearances after rejecting an offer of an extended contract.

Fabianski, who joined Arsenal from Legia Warsaw in 2007, made only one Premier League appearance in the Premier League this season - the last league game of the season against Norwich City.

His other 13 appearances came in cup competitions, playing a starring role in the FA Cup semi-final against Wigan Athletic by saving two spot-kicks in the penalty shoot-out.

He also saved a penalty in the 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in March as Arsenal bowed out of the Champions League in the last 16.

"I want to play week-in, week-out. It's going to be a real fight, but I'm not afraid of that," said.

"Competition is always good, so I think everyone will take positives from that.

"I'm excited. I've already asked for the pre-season programme to see how it looks.

"I'm really looking forward to starting with my new team-mates and I think it's going to be a fantastic new chapter in my life.

"I will be working hard for the club, giving everything every single day."

LIVERPOOL ON VERGE OF SIGNING RICKIE LAMBERT

Liverpool are close to agreeing a deal for Southampton and England striker Rickie Lambert for a fee of around £4m plus add-ons.

The Reds are hopeful Lambert will be able to complete a medical on Saturday before flying out to Miami with the England squad on Sunday.

The Liverpool-born forward is intent on leaving St Mary's this summer.

Southampton rejected a similar bid from West Ham in January but are set to cash in on the 32-year-old.

Southampton have turned down Liverpool's initial offer for Lambert, but talks are continuing and if Saints receive a bid they deem acceptable they will not stand in his way.

There has been interest in Lambert from other Premier League clubs, but it is understood he is currently only considering Liverpool.

Lambert spent five years as a youth player at Anfield before being released as a 15-year-old and he still supports the Reds.

He scored 14 goals in 39 games this season and has 117 in 235 appearances since joining Southampton from Bristol Rovers in 2009.

Liverpool remain in talks with Southampton over deals for both England midfielder Adam Lallana, 26, and Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, 24.

The Anfield club have also made an enquiry for Sevilla full back Alberto Moreno, 21, and told the Spanish side they are willing to pay as much as £16m for the player.

Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino has left to take over at Tottenham, and the Saints have already turned down offers this summer for Lallana and left-back Luke Shaw, from Liverpool and Manchester United respectively.

The south coast club, who finished eighth in the Premier League, are under no financial pressure to sell and are determined not to be pressurised into sanctioning deals by suitors keen to make signings before the World Cup.

SOUTH KOREA NAMES 23-MAN SQUAD FOR THE WORLD CUP

Cardiff City's Kim Bo-kyung and Sunderland's on-loan midfielder Ki Sung-yeung have been included in South Korea's 23-man squad for the World Cup.

Arsenal striker Park Chu-yung, 28, Bolton's Lee Chung-yong, 25, and QPR's Yun Suk-young, 24, are also among 10 Europe-based players named.

Midfielder Kim, 24, has played 31 times for Cardiff this season, while Ki, 25, is on loan from Swansea.

South Korea are in Group H, along with Russia, Algeria and Belgium.

Former Monaco striker Park will be going to his third World Cup, despite playing only once for Arsenal and twice during a loan spell at Watford this season.

"Among Korean forwards, I couldn't find another attacker to replace Park," said coach Hong Myung-Bo, who will oversee South Korea's ninth appearance in the finals.

The South Koreans were forced into a late change to their squad when Park Joo-Ho was called up to replace injured left-back Kim Jin-Su.

Goalkeepers: Jung Sung-Ryeong (Suwon Bluewings), Kim Seung-Gyu (Ulsan Horang-I), Lee Bom-Young (Busan I'Park)

Defenders: Park Joo-Ho (Mainz), Yun Suk-Young (QPR), Kim Young-Kwon (Guangzhou Evergrande), Hwang Seok-Ho (Sanfrecce Hiroshima), Hong Jeong-Ho (Augsburg), Kwak Tae-Hwi (Al Hilal), Lee Yong (Ulsan Horang-I), Kim Chang-Soo (Kashiwa Reysol).

Midfielders: Ki Seung-Yueng (Sunderland, on loan from Swansea), Ha Dae-Sung (Beijing Guoan), Han Kook-Young (Kashiwa Reysol), Park Jung-Woo (Guangzhou R&F), Son Heung-Min (Bayer Leverkusen), Kim Bo-Kyung (Cardiff City), Lee Chung-Yong (Bolton Wanderers), Ji Dong-Won (Augsburg).

Forwards: Koo Ja-Cheol (Mainz), Lee Keun-Ho (Sangju Sangmu), Park Chu-Young (Arsenal), Kim Shin-Wook (Ulsan Horang-I).

NEUER RETURNS TO TRAINING AS GERMANY PREPARES FOR WORLD CUP

Germany's number one goal keeper, Manuel Neuer has made a return back to training on Thursday as Germany prepares for the World Cup in Brazil.
The Bayern Munich keeper hurt his right shoulder in his side's 2-0 DFB Pokal final win over Borussia Dortmund on May 17 and there were concerns he could be a doubt ahead of the World Cup.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said on Wednesday that Germany would be adopting a cautious approach to his reintroduction, but Bayern have now confirmed that he has resumed preparations for Brazil.

The 28-year-old took part in a running session with his team-mates, but is not likely to be in contention for Sunday's friendly against Cameroon.

Neuer's club team-mate Philipp Lahm also returned to training this week following a foot injury, while Bastian Schweinsteiger stepped up his comeback from a tendon problem.

Germany have been drawn in Group G for the World Cup alongside Portugal, Ghana and United States.

DEL BOSQUE DOUBTFUL OF DIEGO COSTA'S FITNESS FOR THE WORLD CUP

Brazilian-Born Spanish Striker, Diego Costa could miss the World Cup after national team coach Vicente Del Bosque admitted he was uncertain over the striker's fitness.

The Atletico Madrid forward tore his hamstring in his side's Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid, which has resulted in Del Bosque delaying finalising his 23-man squad - and he may even wait until the Fifa deadline on June 2.

But, despite being optimistic earlier in the week, Del Bosque has questioned whether the 25-year-old will be fit for the reigning world and European champions.

"I'm not sure Costa will make it," Del Bosque told reporters.

The 63-year-old added that there was still time for the Brazil-born star to recover, but that he wants him to be fully fit if he is to make the final cut.

"We've still got time but now it's in the hands of the doctors and the medical team. We have to be cautious," he said.

Costa was the subject of much controversy when he opted to play for Spain rather than Brazil, back in March.

He made two friendly appearances for the Selecao in 2013 before making his international debut for Del Bosque's men against Italy.

Even if Costa misses out, Spain have plenty of attacking talent, with Fernando Torres, David Villa, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Negredo among their other striking options.
 

BOYATA SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH MANCHESTER CITY

Manchester City defender Dedryck Boyata has signed a new two-year contract with the Premier League champions.

The Belgian played six matches for Manuel Pellegrini's team last season.

Boyata, 23, made four appearances in the Capital One Cup en route to the final, but did not play in the 3-1 victory against Sunderland at Wembley.

The move to extend Boyata's contract comes after City were fined and their transfer spend limited by UEFA for breaching Financial Fair Play rules.

City were fined £49m, £32m of which is suspended, and can only spend £49m on players this summer, as well as any transfer fees they receive.

And their wage bill for 2014-15 must stay the same as this season.

Boyata made his senior debut for City against Middlesbrough in the FA Cup in January 2010, but he has struggled to claim a regular first-team place.

He was sent on loan to Bolton in 2011 and Dutch side FC Twente in 2012.

WEST HAM SIGNS ZARATE

West Ham have signed Argentine forward Mauro Zarate on a three-year contract from Velez Sarsfield.

The 27-year-old will join with a further one-year option when the international transfer window opens next month.

The former Lazio forward scored four goals while on loan for Birmingham in the Premier League in 2008.

    He said: "I hope I will bring goals to the squad. I will also bring dribbling skills and other attacking qualities."

He was top scorer in Argentina last season with 20 goals in 35 matches in all competitions.

"West Ham is a very important club and we know all about them and the Premier League in Argentina," Zarate added. "This club is a beautiful club. I know English football from my time at Birmingham and I hope I will play well and reach the highest possible level.

"My aim is come here and do my best in order to help the club to climb as high as possible in the table and to reach European competition again."

Zarate returns to the Premier League on top form, although his successful second stint at his first club Velez Sarsfield followed a controversial four-year spell at Lazio.

In 2010, while serving a two-match suspension at the Biancocelesti for insulting a referee, he was photographed giving a fascist salute amid the 'Ultras' section of fans. Zarate's spokesperson later claimed the player was unaware of the significance of his actions.

And in April last year, Zarate was spotted on holiday in the Maldives when he was supposed to be in Argentina receiving medical treatment. At the time he was not training with Lazio's first team because of persistent disciplinary issues.

POYET SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH SUNDERLAND

Sunderland boss Gus Poyet has signed a new deal that will keep him at the Stadium of Light until 2016.

Poyet kept the Black Cats in the Premier League with a late run that included four straight wins, and also took them to the League Cup final.

"Stability is absolutely key to long-term and sustained success for any football club," the 46-year-old told the club website.

"This new contract gives both the club and me that stability going forward."

Sunderland were bottom of the table in April, and by Poyet's own estimation requiring "a miracle" to stay up, before a draw with Manchester City sparked a run of form that confounded expectations.

Victories over Chelsea and Manchester United, as well as fellow strugglers Cardiff and West Brom, saw Poyet's team climb away from trouble and finish the season in 14th place.

"Now it's a different challenge for me and the club and I am relishing the next stage with Sunderland," added the Uruguayan.

"We achieved so much last season, working together - the club and the fans - and we took many good memories from the season.

"The prospect of creating more of those memories is one which excites me."

Poyet replaced Paolo Di Canio in October last year after the club had taken just one point from their opening seven games. He oversaw a season in which the team struggled for consistency in the league but reached their first major cup final in more than two decades.

"We are naturally delighted that Gus has committed his long-term future to Sunderland," said Sunderland sporting director Lee Congerton.

"Our plans are well under way in terms of summer recruitment and we are working hard to bring new faces to the squad ahead of the 2014-15 season."

Former Chelsea and Tottenham midfielder Poyet started his coaching career at Swindon and Leeds before moving to Spurs as first-team coach, where he became assistant manager to Juande Ramos.

He was appointed manager at Brighton in 2009, leading them to promotion from League One then taking them to the Championship play-offs.

He was suspended by the Seagulls after an internal investigation and disciplinary hearing and sacked a month later for gross misconduct although the full reasons for his sacking have never been revealed.

MANCHESTER UNITED OWNER DIES

Manchester United owner Malcolm Glazer has died at the age of 85.

The American businessman, who also owns American football franchise Tampa Bay Buccaneers, passed away on Wednesday.

A statement on the Buccaneers' website confirmed: "The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are saddened to announce the passing of Owner/President Malcolm Glazer earlier this morning at the age of 85."

Glazer purchased United in 2005, with the Red Devils going on to win five Premier League titles, the Champions League and the Club World Cup under his stewardship.

And the club expressed expressed their condolences to the Glazer family in a short statement on their website, which read: "The thoughts of everyone at Manchester United are with the Glazer family tonight following the news that Malcolm Glazer has passed away.

"Malcolm leaves behind his wife Linda, six children and 14 grandchildren. Staff at Manchester United extend deep and sincere condolences to them all at this difficult time

FRIENDLY MATCH RESULTS

Friendly match results

Nigeria 2-2 Scotland
South Korea 0-1 Tunisia
Turkey 3-3 Latvia
Canada 0-1 Costa Rica
Denmark 1-0 Sweden
Angola 2-0 Morocco

NWOFOR'S LATE STRIKE EARNS A DRAW FOR NIGERIA

Scotland will be jealous onlookers at this summer but Gordon Strachan's side showed against World Cup qualifiers Nigeria that their future looks rosy, with only a last-gasp strike denying them victory as talk of match-fixing made way for an entertaining fare.

Reports in the build-up were dominated by allegations that the National Crime Agency, which investigates serious and organised crime, asked FIFA to issue an alert over attempts to fix the game at Craven Cottage.

The match went ahead despite those claims, which are under police investigation, and few could have foreseen the goals that punctuated the Tartan Army's 2-2 draw with the African champions.

Just 10 minutes were on the clock when Charlie Mulgrew's quick thinking saw Scotland ahead, meeting a James Morrison effort with a flick which looped home thanks to a large dollop of luck.

Grant Hanley saw a header harshly ruled as they looked to further their advantage, only for the Blackburn defender to suffer more misfortune soon after as Michael Uchebo's strike deflected in off him.

The leveller was harsh and Scotland deservedly regained the lead through a comical Azubuike Egwuekwe own goal, which highlighted the defensive errors that littered Nigeria's play and will have their Group F rivals licking their lips.

Stephen Keshi's side pushed for a late leveller and got it with seconds remaining as substitute Uche Nwofor struck from an acute angle, although the goal will do little to dampen Scotland's spirits ahead of the start of their European Championship qualifying campaign.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at Craven Cottage, with the noise going up a further few decibels after just four minutes as Ikechi Anya broke behind the Nigeria defence.

Latching onto a fine ball forwards from Morrison, the Watford flyer saw his goal-bound strike graze the far post after a slight deflection off Kunle Odunlami.

Scotland would not have to wait long to beat goalkeeper Austine Ejide, though, thanks to a mixture of quick thinking and luck on Mulgrew's behalf, meeting a 20-yard Morrison strike with a flick which looped into the top-right corner.

The Celtic man's grin said everything you needed to know about his goal and Scotland's bright start against the World Cup qualifiers.

A tame Uchebo strike at Allan McGregor was all Nigeria had to show for their endeavours in the opening 20 minutes and even that came courtesy of a wayward defensive pass.

The Tartan Army were standing firm and, after the returning Shaun Maloney saw a hopeful 30-yard strike fly over, looked to have doubled their advantage when Hanley leapt to meet a corner, only for referee Lee Probert to chalk the goal off for a foul on Ejide.

The Nigeria goalkeeper was fortunate to see that goal scrapped after his feeble attempt to gather and was almost caught out again when Maloney whipped in a cross from the right shortly afterwards.

Scotland were still in the ascendancy at this point but were caught cold as the Africans got a lucky goal of their own, with Uchebo bursting through the middle and hitting a 25-yard strike that deflected in off Hanley.

Shola Ameobi hooked a volley goalwards and struck wide before the break, with the recently released Newcastle man continuing to struggle in front of goal when play resumed.

A wicked deflection saw the ball fall into his path just four minutes after the restart, only for the big striker to be denied from close range by McGregor's feet.

It was a missed opportunity the Super Eagles were made to rue in the 52nd minute as woeful defending saw them again fall behind.

Having failed to clear their lines, Alan Hutton sent in a low cross from the right and Egwuekwe directed past his own goalkeeper under pressure from Morrison.

It was a farcical goal, made even more comedic but Odunlami's failed goal-line clearance, and one which led Nigeria to make changes.

Having seen Scotland bring on Derby's Chris Martin for his debut at half-time, Keshi introduced Nosa Igiebor and Stoke's Peter Odemwingie, who had not represented his country since February 2012.

The substitutes linked up immediately and the latter's low strike smothered by McGregor, before Scotland celebrated a third - only for the offside flag to see Maloney's close-range effort from Hutton's low cross cancelled out.

Martin stung the palms of Ejide in a bid to add to the 25 goals he scored for Derby this campaign as Nigeria struggled to make a telling impact.

They suffered a potentially serious setback as Odunlami left the field on a stretcher, before Craig Forsyth came on for his Scotland debut with 14 minutes remaining - a period Strachan's side spent on the backfoot.

Victor Moses hit a fizzing 20-yard strike over and Nwofor missed two headers of differing difficulty, before finally finding the net.

Gordon Greer hit the deck in a challenge with Nwofor, who reacted quickly when the ball came back into the box to fire past McGregor from an acute angle.