Shirokov: Russia captain Roman Shirokov has been ruled out of this month’s World Cup in Brazil because of an Achilles tendon injury and will be replaced in the squad by Pavel Mogilevets, coach Fabio Capello confirmed yesterday. The 32-year-old midfielder, who finished the Russian domestic season on loan at FC Krasnodar from Zenit St Petersburg, suffered the injury in a game against Lokomotiv Moscow on April 26 and has not played since.

Klose: Miroslav Klose became Germany’s all-time top goalscorer, breaking Gerd Mueller’s 40-year record when he notched his 69th goal in a World Cup warmup against Armenia last night. The veteran forward, who turns 36 next week, headed in after 76 minutes to help to a Germany a 6-1 win on his 132nd appearance. Mueller's record of 68 goals in 62 games has stood since 1974 when he scored then-West Germany’s winning goal in the World Cup final against Netherlands.

Erkin: Left winger Caner Erkin will not be joining Inter after agreeing a new contract with Fenerbahce. Erkin, 25, became a free agent this month, sparking the interest of a host of top clubs with Inter leading the chase. But, Fenerbahce confirmed that Erkin will stay put.

Red Star: UEFA has banned Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade from playing in next season’s Champions League because of unpaid bills. Red Star, 1991 European champions, have 10 days to appeal against the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Serie B: Relegation play-off, first leg – Novara vs Varese 0-2.

Friendlies

Russia vs Morocco 2-0
Germany vs Armenia 6-1
Brazil vs Serbia 1-0

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