Australia coach Ange Poste-coglou was satisfied that the Socceroos were making progress after they won their first match in 10 months with a 3-2 friendly victory over Saudi Arabia in London on Monday night.
After losing all three of their matches at the World Cup and a friendly against Belgium, the Socceroos needed a win of some sort to end a barren spell.
“There were some good lessons and there was still some progress. I know exactly where we’re at and we’ll just keep moving forward,” Postecoglou said.
United unfazed by Falcao rumours
Manchester United insist there is no issue with regard to the age of their new striker Radamel Falcao.
Falcao has denied reports he is two years older than he claims, which would make him 30 rather than 28. Such talk has surrounded the Colombia international for some time and in 2013 he addressed the matter on Twitter, stressing the speculation was “ridiculous”.
United have now played down the idea of Falcao lying about how old he is, saying there has not been a problem on that front as far as the club are concerned.
“We were aware of the rumours at the time and it was never an issue,” a Red Devils spokesman said.
Everton cancel Russia fan trip
Everton have cancelled a supporters’ day trip package to Russian city Krasnodar after a lack of interest.
Roberto Martinez’s team take on FC Krasnodar on October 2 in their second Europa League Group H fixture and proposals for fans wanting to go to the game were revealed last week.
But the club have now withdrawn the day trip package for the clash in Russia after numbers failed to meet the “minimum requirement”.
The day trip packages for the other two away games in Group H – against Lille and Wolfsburg – are going ahead as planned.
Rangers fans flock to share scheme
Almost 500 Rangers fans have signed up to a scheme seeking to buy a controlling stake in the club since the troubled Ibrox outfit launched a £4m share issue last month, organisers have revealed.
The fallen Glasgow giants admitted in a statement to the stock exchange that it would not be able to pay its creditors if it could not sell at least 15 million new shares.
That has sparked fears that the 54-time Scottish champions could be heading back into administration.
Now Rangers First say they have seen an upsurge in supporters backing their efforts to put the club back in the hands of the Ibrox faithful.
Zola hails clever Chelsea spending
Former Chelsea star Gianfranco Zola believes his old club have improved considerably as a result of “clever” summer spending.
Chelsea, boosted by the signings of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa, are the early favourites for the Premier League after winning their opening three games.
Zola said: “I think it was very clever the way they used their money. They have a strong team, in every position they are very good. The quality of the football has been made better and I believe that Fabregas has a lot to do with that.
“Chelsea look like they will be one of the teams to beat.”
Football saved me says Benatia
Bayern Munich defender Medhi Benatia does not know what would have become of him had football not “saved” him as a child.
The son of African parents grew up in a town just beyond the suburbs of Paris, where criminality is high and football was one of the only ways to steer clear of trouble.
“I certainly wouldn’t have become a doctor or an engineer. My parents didn’t have much money so there was no solution – I had to find one,” he said.
“I wouldn’t like to imagine what would have happened if it wasn’t for football.”
Benatia was spotted by talent scouts at the age of 13 and selected for a place in the French Football Federation’s school.
I’m committed to Chelsea says Cesc
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas is fully committed to the “important project” at Chelsea, but maintains he will always hold Arsenal close to his heart.
The former Gunners captain feels comfortable working under Blues boss Jose Mourinho, with Arsenal having decided against taking up an option to bring him back from Barcelona.
In an interview, Fabregas explained his feelings for Arsenal will not be diminished by whatever he may go on to achieve across London with Chelsea.
“Don’t think I didn’t think about it (playing for Arsenal’s rivals) when I decided to join Chelsea. I will keep the Gunner feeling forever and I know that I will return to the Emirates and (it) will be a special moment, but I am a committed guy,” Fabregas said.