Football

A second-half strike from Reza Ghoochannejhad put Iran on top of Group A while South Korea secured the second automatic spot ahead of Uzbekistan on goal difference.

According to reports in Spain, the Reds have rated the Uruguay striker at a price of £40 million against the backdrop of interest from Real Madrid.

According to reports in Spain Thiago Alcantara has made up his mind and will leave for the Premier League next year.

Italy coach Prandelli said he was frustrated with Balotelli after the striker's shirtless goal celebration in the Azzurri's 2-1 victory over Mexico.

Napoli manager Rafa Benitez is hoping to beat Manchester United to the signing of PSV Eindhoven midfielder Kevin Strootman.

The Spain forward believes the new Chelsea coach will help him regain his form.

IBNLive Sports gives you Friday's round-up of all the latest transfer news and gossip from the leading clubs and top players around the world.

The 32-year-old, who captained Spain to victory at the 2010 World Cup, also revealed that next year's World Cup could be his international swansong.

At the Confederations Cup, Brazil will play alongside defending world champion Spain, Italy, Uruguay, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria and Tahiti.

While the expenses of hosting the event will be borne by FIFA and AIFF, the government has assured additional financial assistance.

Garcia has been hired to coach Roma, becoming the capital club's fourth different manager in two years since coming under American ownership.

The four-year deal gives INVEX the rights to produce United-branded credit cards in Mexico, where the club says it has 24 million followers.

Ivory coast beat Gambia 3-0, while Ethiopia and Zambia gained crucial victories leaving South Africa and Ghana at the risk of missing out on the World Cup.

The trio head a list of 165 who have retired or been let go as managers look to freshen up their squads before the new season.

Keisuke Honda and Manchester United midfielder Kagawa were among the 23 named by coach Zaccheroni.

Brazil striker Neymar completed his move to La Liga champions Barcelona for an undisclosed fee on Monday.