A round-up of today's other Soccer stories in brief...
Newcastle interest denied
AMERICAN tycoon Philip Anschutz has denied he is interested in buying Newcastle United.
Reports had suggested billionaire Anschutz, whose AEG company own London's O2 Arena, was part of one or two US groups involved in talks over lodging a bid for the Premiership club.
However, he has now moved to distance himself from the speculation, a day after compatriot Clark Hunt did the same.
A statement said: "Neither AEG nor anyone affiliated with the organisation are in negotiations or are contemplating the purchase of Newcastle United Football Club."
Anschutz's denial came as Keith Harris, chairman of investment bank Seymour Pierce, continued his efforts to find a buyer for the club.
Despite Harris' insistence interest persists, he has also hinted the world-wide credit crunch is complicating matters.
Ireland move up two places
IRELAND have moved up two places, from 38th to 36th, in the latest Fifa world rankings published yesterday. European champions Spain remained on top for a fifth successive month.
Spain celebrated back-to-back World Cup qualifying victories over Belgium and Estonia in October to maintain their perfect record in the campaign so far. Germany, who also won twice in October, have climbed back into second place at the expense of Italy with the world champions paying the price for last months goalless World Cup qualifying draw in Bulgaria. England saw their stock improve as they re-entered the top 10. Brazil slipped one place to fifth.
FIFA RANKINGS(previous position in brackets): 1. (1) Spain, 2. (3) Germany, 3. (2) Italy, 4. (5) Netherlands, 5. (4) Brazil, 6. (7) Argentina, 7. (6) Croatia, 8. (9) Russia, 9. (8) Czech Republic, 10= (10) Portugal, 10= (14) England, 12. (11) France, 13. (13) Turkey, 14. (12) Cameroon, 15. (16) Israel. Selected: 33. Scotland (-7), 36. Republic of Ireland (+2), 42. Northern Ireland (-7), 62. Wales (-1).
Capello wants to go out on a high note
FABIO CAPELLO has spelled out his "dream" to coach a Britain football team at the London 2012 Olympics.
The England head coach's contract expires in 2012 and he wants to go out on a high at the London Games.
He could face stiff competition, however as London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe has held informal talks with Manchester United mnager Alex Ferguson about filling that position.
The Italian also revealed he has told the England stars to stay off "ketchup and chips" and follow a Mediterranean diet.
Capello told the latest issue of Fifa Magazine: "I will be 66 by then (2012) and I will have reached retirement age. Then I want to travel and visit all of the ancient cultures that fascinate me so much.
"But I would also like to make another of my dreams come true by taking part in the Olympic Games, something that I was denied as a player, and something that still fills me with regret.
