Sports

Brazilian soccer midfielder Ronaldinho is putting his Rio de Janeiro mansion on the rental market during the last half of the World Cup.

Tim Cahill will lead the Socceroos in Monday's World Cup warmup against South Africa in Sydney, with recently named captain Mile Jedinak still recovering from injury.

Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria accepted a Man-of-the-Match award from Alex Ferguson on Saturday and said winning the Champions League made a sore leg and a year of sacrifice worthwhile.

Ronaldo is fit for Saturday's Champions League final against Atletico Madrid but forward Karim Benzema and centre-back Pepe remain doubtful, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said.

The title of World Cup all-time top scorer is driving Germany forward Miroslav Klose to get fit for the tournament in Brazil next month after an injury-plagued season.

Italy striker Giuseppe Rossi is showing good signs of fitness as he bids to earn a place in Cesare Prandelli's squad for the Football WC 2014.

Ronaldo may have the edge over Costa but both are crucial players for their sides and capable of winning matches with a piece of trickery, a burst of pace or an explosive shot.

All professional players in English soccer will be banned from betting on matches anywhere in the world, the Football Association said on Wednesday.

Former Barcelona player Enrique signed a two-year contract to become coach on Wednesday, a hire the club hope will resemble the success stories of Johan Cruyff and Pep Guardiola.

Jarbas Meneghini, a 46-year-old mechanic who has carved out a side business of making replicas of the trophy that goes to the winner of international soccer's biggest tournament.

"Louis van Gaal will take over as manager of Manchester United from the 2014/15 season. He has signed a three-year contract," the club has announced.

Barcelona are focusing on a sweeping rebuilding effort after the Catalan giants ended the season without major silverware for the first time in six years.

Ancelotti said centre back Pepe, who has been suffering with a calf problem, was recovering well and the club were confident he could play against Atletico.

Paris St Germain defender Thiago Silva says he wants to follow compatriot Kaka and return to AC Milan later on in his career.

Celta Vigo confirmed that Luis Enrique will leave his position as first team coach at the end of the season.

East Bengal club authorities confirmed that Armando Colaco will continue as the chief coach for the upcoming season.