Lithuania win over Czechs is Scotland's best hope

Just how do you defeat Spain, one of the best international sides ever seen, if not the best? The best place to start is with Ottmar Hitzfeld, given the German was the man who guided the Swiss to that stunning win in Durban last June.

"If you want to play an attacking game against Spain, you will lose by a big margin," he said after their clash.

"Our aim was to have two compact lines behind our strikers. We didn't want to lose too much energy fighting for the ball.

"We concentrated and were organised from the start."

And that is how to beat Spain. What Hitzfeld didn't mention was the luck factor, something the Scots had in abundance in the two games against France in the last European campaign. 

Another era of ItalJuve

How a strong Juventus influence could be key to Italy's Euro 2012 hopes

It is far from a new phenomenon for a country to call upon a large number of stars from a single club, and Italy themselves have quite the history – particularly in relation to Juventus – and it has proven to be a winning formula for them in the past.

The Azzurri’s first-ever World Cup win in 1934 came in the middle of a run of five straight Scudetti for the Turin side, and the likes of Giovanni Ferrari, Raimundo Orsi and Umberto Caligaris were among a nine-strong band of Juve players in the 22-man squad which triumphed on home soil under Vittorio Pozzo. Four years later, Italy grabbed a second world title immediately after the Bianconeri had added a Coppa Italia win to their roll of honour. The 1930s remains the second most successful decade in the club’s history.

Bruce vows to prove doubters wrong

Sunderland boss Steve Bruce has once again insisted he is the right man for the job amid fresh speculation over his future.

Sources on Wearside have dismissed suggestions that Bruce's job is under threat with Martin O'Neill being lined up to replace him at the Stadium of Light. However, there is little doubt results need to improve if the manager is to retain the support he currently enjoys from owner and new chairman Ellis Short.

Bruce, currently in Korea to promote the Black Cats brand around the world, told the Northern Echo: "I hope that people still have faith in me. I know people will be questioning me, of course they are. But I'm a determined, resilient, horrible so-and-so and I will try my utmost to turn it around."

Zinedine Zidane learns the A-ZZ of management

The ex-France, Juventus and Real Madrid superstar has started a two-year university diploma at Limoges to become a manager and is dreaming of coaching Les Bleus. Zizou said: "France manager? Why not? It would not be bad. Anything is possible in life."

Current coach Laurent Blanc is not yet quaking in his boots as Zidane has two years of hard studying ahead.

And it is believed he will first put his new skills to work in his current role as Real Madrid Director of Sport. Zidane enrolled into the Centre of Law and Sports Finances at Limoges with 17 other hopefuls, with former Leeds midfielder Olivier Dacourt among them.

Pep won't sign long-term deal

Pep Guardiola says he does not want to be tied down to a long-term contract at Barcelona because he needs to feel free to decide his future.

The 40-year-old was promoted from Barcelona's B team in June 2008 to replace Frank Rijkaard at the helm of the senior side.

Since then Guardiola has extended his contract with the reigning Spanish and European champions on a year-by-year basis, with his current deal due to expire next June.

Chelsea want long Andre Villas-Boas stay

The 33-year-old former Porto boss took over at Stamford Bridge in June. Buck told BBC Sport: "We do envy Arsene Wenger at Arsenal and Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United in terms of longevity, but it shouldn't be longevity for longevity's sake.

"It has to be the right guy in the job for 10 or 15 years and, in light of Andre's age, he may well be that guy." Buck added: "Everyone thinks his age might have been a negative but it's a positive."

Wenger, 61, is celebrating 15 years at Arsenal since his appointment in 1996. Ferguson, 69, arrived at Manchester United a decade earlier and, in November, will mark 25 years as manager at Old Trafford.

Transfer deadline quotes of the day

As transfer deadline day continues, BBC Sport rounds up the best of the quotes from those involved in the day's action.

"I always wanted to go to play abroad. I love football, I love watching it, I love talking about it." Joe Cole after his move from Liverpool to Lille.

"He's a good character, a fantastic person, a proper family man, a real good pro. He'll be great around the place for us." Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is pleased to have secured the signature of West Ham midfielder Scott Parker.

Fulham sign Grygera

Fulham have completed the signing of Juventus defender Zdenek Grygera on a one-year deal.

The 31-year-old has been with the Turin giants for the past four seasons and has now penned a deal with the Cottagers, with an option for a further year.

He moves on a free transfer after his contract with Juventus was terminated by mutual consent on Tuesday.

Grygera faced Fulham in March 2010 when he come off the bench during Fulham's 4-1 Europa League win against Juventus at Craven Cottage, which he is excited to now call home.

"I am delighted to have completed my transfer to Fulham Football Club," he told the club's official website, www.fulhamfc.com.

"It has always been an ambition for me to play in the Premier League and I am looking forward to an exciting new chapter in my career with Fulham."

Grygera began his career with Czech side FK Svit Zlin in 1997, before moving to Petra Drnovice and Sparta Prague.

The defender, who has made 52 appearances for his country, joined Ajax in 2003 and then Serie A outfit Juventus in 2007.

Source

Klinsmann named USA coach

Former Germany boss Jurgen Klinsmann has been named the new head coach of the United States.

The announcement comes a day after Bob Bradley was sacked following five years in charge.

Klinsmann had a distinguished playing career, highlighted by winning the World Cup in 1990 and European championship in 1996 with Germany, but has had only fleeting spells in management, first with Germany and later Bayern Munich.

He has also lived primarily in the United States since retiring from playing, and has frequently been linked with the national team job and vacancies in Major League Soccer.

Messi, Xavi & Ronaldo up for Uefa award

Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Xavi will fight Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo for the Uefa Best Player in Europe award after the list of nominees was announced.

The inaugural award will take place in August and the final trio have been announced after a jury of 53 sports journalists representing each of the Uefa member associations scaled down the list which included Manchester United's Wayne Rooney, and Barcelona's Andres Iniesta.

A deciding vote to determine which player will win the award takes place on August 25.

Gabbidon deal done

QPR have completed the signing of Danny Gabbidon following his release by West Ham.

The 31-year-old defender, who made 113 appearances in six years with the Hammers, has agreed a one-year deal at Loftus Road.

He becomes Rangers boss Neil Warnock's third signing of the summer, along with fellow former Hammer Kieron Dyer and Cardiff striker Jay Bothroyd.

Gabbidon told Rangers' official website: "Hopefully I can bring experience to the table having played in the Premier League for a number of years.

Mourinho ya es «manager» del Real Madrid

El Real Madrid ha hecho oficial, mediante un comunicado en su página web, el nombramiento de su entrenador José Mourinho como nuevo 'manager deportivo de fútbol' de la entidad que preside Florentino Pérez.

Además, el club madridista anunció también la reestructuración de otros cargos en el Real Madrid e informó de que habrá una única dirección General de la que se hará cargo José Ángel Sánchez y una dirección del Gabinete de Presidencia, bajo la responsabilidad de Manuel Redondo.

Mourinho asume más poder: también es mánager deportivo del Real

El Real Madrid anunció hoy que José Mourinho será, además del entrenador del primer equipo, el mánager deportivo, con lo que el portugués consiguió plenos poderes en su parcela.

El Real Madrid imita así el "modelo inglés", algo insólito en la Liga española hasta ahora, y Mourinho obtiene todo el margen de decisión en materia deportiva, desde fichajes a planificación de viajes o elección de médicos.

Bent wants N'Zogbia at Villa

Aston Villa striker Darren Bent believes Wigan winger Charles N'Zogbia would be a "fantastic" signing for the club.

Villa boss Alex McLeish is looking to bolster his squad after seeing Stewart Downing leave for Liverpool and Ashley Young for Manchester United.

Last week, Wigan turned down a £9 million bid from Villa for N'Zogbia, with Latics chairman Dave Whelan seeking £10 million for the Frenchman.

Bent accepts that the departures of Downing and Young will be felt, but is hopeful that Marc Albrighton, 21, can continue his development and that N'Zogbia can be brought in.

Alexis Sanchez joins Barcelona from Udinese for £23m

Alexis Sanchez is set to join Barcelona from Udinese for a fee of £23m, which could rise as high as £33m.

The Chilean winger, who will undergo a medical on Monday, has signed a five-year deal with the La Liga and Champions League holders.

Sanchez, 22, was voted Serie A's best player last season having scored 12 times in 31 games.

Sanchez, who has 40 caps for Chile, signed for Udinese in 2006 from Chilean side Cobreloa.

Ronaldo hat-trick propels Real Madrid win

Cristiano Ronaldo scored three goals in a devastating nine minute second-half spell on Wednesday to propel Spanish giants Real Madrid to a 3-0 victory over Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara.

Ronaldo, a former world footballer of the year, was thwarted by Chivas keeper Luis Michel in the first half of the friendly.

Michel stopped one of the Portuguese star's signature free kicks in the 6th minute and shortly afterwards denied a Ronaldo headed attempt off a corner.

Then as half-time approached Ronaldo fought off a defender to reach a through ball from Mezut Ozil, only to find Michel had rushed out to close the angle.

Udinese confirm Barcelona deal for Sanchez

The Serie A outfit have finalised a deal with the European champions for the Chile international, with an official announcement to be made in the coming days.

Barcelona have reached an agreement with Udinese over the signing of Alexis Sanchez, according to Gino Pozzo, the son of Udinese club owner Giampaolo Pozzo.

Speaking with Spanish radio station RAC1 upon his arrival on Wednesday at Barcelona's El Prat airport, Pozzo stated that "the agreement with Barcelona for Alexis Sanchez is complete."

The Chilean, who has finished international duty with his country in the 2011 Copa America, is expected to join Barca's pre-season training camp once the deal is officially rubber-stamped.

Gunners complete Gervinho signing

Arsenal have completed the signing of striker Gervinho from Lille for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £10.5 million.

The Gunners announced last week a deal had been agreed and the paperwork has now been approved, with Gervinho penning what Arsenal would only describe as a "long-term contract".

Gervinho, who helped Lille to win the Ligue 1 and Coupe de France double last season, said: "It's a great feeling to be an Arsenal player. I'm very happy. I've always dreamed to play for this club. I've achieved this dream now and I am so happy. It's one of the most beautiful days of my life.''

Man City manager Mancini expects Aguero developments

Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Atletico Madrid's Sergio Aguero, BBC Sport understands.

The move comes despite the deadlock in Carlos Tevez's proposed move to Brazilian outfit Corinthians.

The Tevez transfer is on hold after the Brazilian side contradicted City boss Roberto Mancini's claim that a deal had been agreed.

David Beckham: "I'll prove I'm still the Real deal"

Becks and his LA Galaxy team-mates are gearing up for the World Football Challenge in the States, which also features Premier League champions Manchester United.

And the England international is looking forward to proving he can still cut it among the best players in the world.

Beckham, who starred for Madrid from 2003 to 2007, said: "I spent four amazing years at Real Madrid.

"To go from a club like Manchester United to Real Madrid, it really doesn't get much better than that in football.

"I've got many friends still there. To be facing Real Madrid for the first time since I left is emotional.

"You get attached to the club, you get attached to the people.