A Ronaldinho-inspired Barcelona booked their place in the Club World Cup final yesterday with a 4-0 victory over Mexico's Club America. The European champions will face Brazil's Internacional in Sunday's final after their win in front of 62,000 in rainswept Yokohama.
Eidur Gudjohnsen put Barcelona in front in the 11th minute. Rafael Marquez doubled their lead on the half hour. Ronaldinho added a third in the 65th minute before setting up Deco for Barcelona's fourth five minutes from time.
Fine for Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was fined £10,000, severely censured and warned to his future conduct by the English FA yesterday following his bust-up with former West Ham boss Alan Pardew last month.
Wenger admitted an charge of improper conduct after the two coaches had to be restrained after a late goal gave West Ham a 1-0 win on November 5th.
Pardew, who was sacked by West Ham this week, was also charged but requested a personal hearing of the FA's disciplinary commission.
Crawford lined up
Jim Crawford is on the verge of succeeding Pat Fenlon as manager of Shelbourne, writes Emmet Malone.
Crawford, along with former Cameroon international Joseph Ndo, were believed to be the leading internal canditates.
The former Newcastle midfielder has, however, been offered the post with his appointment expected over the next coming days.
In brief . . .
Aston Villahave signed Crystal Palace goalkeeper Gabor Kiralygoalkeeper on loan . . . Flamengohave signed Juninhothe former Middlesbrough midfielder.
