Other soccer stories in brief
Brazil up against it
Holders Brazil landed a tricky draw for the Copa America yesterday as they were thrown into Group B along with Mexico, Ecuador and Chile.
Brazil lost 1-0 in their last meeting with Mexico while Ecuador reached the last 16 at last Summer's World Cup in Germany and Chile appear set for a revival with a talented crop of young players.
Argentina - beaten on penalties by Brazil in the 2004 final - will face the United States, Paraguay and Colombia in Group C.
The tournament, being held in Venezuela for the first time, takes place from June 26th to July 15th.
The top two teams in each group and the two best third-placed teams qualify for the quarter-finals.
Copa America 2007:Group A - Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay, Peru. Group B - Brazil, Mexico, Ecuador, Chile. Group C - Argentina, United States, Paraguay, Colombia.
Mpenza set for City
Manchester City are poised to complete the signing of Belgium striker Emile Mpenza (28) after he impressed during a trial match with the club.
Mpenza recently severed his contract in Qatar with Al Rayyan and is free to join another club outside the transfer window as a free agent.
Murray bags draw
The Republic of Ireland women's under- 19 team recovered after losing to Italy on Tuesday to draw 2-2 with the same opposition in Rome yesterday. Both of Ireland's goals were scored by Noelle Murray.
The matches are being played as part of the team's preparation for the Uefa Championship in April.
In brief . . .
Portuguese international full back Nuno Valente (32) will stay at Everton until the end of the 2007/'08 season after the club took up the option to extend his two-year contract . . . The English FA have confirmed England will reduce the number of friendly games played over the next four years from 20 to 18 and replace them with training camps . . . Coventry City and Republic of Ireland under-21 midfielder Kevin Thornton (20) is likely to miss the rest of the season after scans revealed he suffered ankle ligament damage against Sunderland earlier this month . . . None of the 18 clubs in the Bundesliga say they want to sign Germany international goalkeeper Jens Lehmann when his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of this season, a survey by Germany's Bild newspaper showed yesterday.
Last Night's Results
Uefa Cup - Third Round, First Leg
Braga 1 Parma 0, Lens 3 Panathinaikos 1, Spartak Moscow 1 Celta Vigo 1, Steaua Bucuresti 0 Sevilla 2, Zulte-Waregem 1 Newcastle 3.
