Eduardo: Genoa have completed the signing of goalkeeper Eduardo from SC Braga. The 27-year-old had a starring role for Portugal at the World Cup, where he only conceded once, in their last-16 defeat by Spain. Genoa had already acquired former Bayern Munich forward Luca Toni last month, and confirmed earlier yesterday the signing of Hungary international Gergely Rudolf.
Victory Parade: Germany's World Cup squad will break with recent tradition and not go through with a parade in Berlin because in their minds they have failed to achieve their aim at the finals. Captain Philipp Lahm said the players appreciated the support they had received back in Germany but felt the 1-0 defeat by Spain in the semi-finals was not worthy of a parade.
Gourcuff: Lyon are set for a tug of war with Bordeaux over midfielder Yoann Gourcuff after Bernard Lacombe admitted they are interested in bringing the youngster to the Stade Gerland. Gourcuff is a year into a four-year contract at Bordeaux but Lacombe, special advisor at Lyon, claims he has been reliably informed the France international wants to join Les Gones.
Klose: Brazil's all-time World Cup record goal scorer Ronaldo's mark of 15 goals could well remain intact as it was revealed yesterday German striker Miroslav Klose could miss tomorrow's third place match with Uruguay because of a back injury. The 32-year-old Poland-born marksman suffered the injury during the 1-0 defeat by Spain.
Jovanovic: Serbia forward Milan Jovanovic completed his long-expected move to Liverpool yesterday after signing a three-year contract with the English Premier League club.
Doping: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is considering re-introducing a ban on caffeine products after a scare involving Australian Rules footballer Ben Cousins. WADA president John Fahey told The Age newspaper that caffeine pills were against the spirit of the sport, adding that he would ask the body's medical committee to examine a new ban when it meets in September. Fahey was speaking after Cousins, a recovering drug addict, was admitted to intensive care after suffering a bad reaction to a sleeping tablet which he took to neutralise a post-game caffeine buzz.
Basket, NBA: Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade teamed up to win a gold medal for the US in the Beijing Olympics and now they have decided to play alongside each other with the Miami Heat, American media reported. Still uncertain is where another all-star free agent, LeBron James, will end up. Bosh was not the only high-profile player on the move now that the signing season has begun as Carlos Boozer reportedly has agreed to a deal with the Chicago Bulls.
Rugby Union: Leicester and England scrum-half Harry Ellis announced his retirement from professional rugby union yesterday after failing to overcome several knee problems. The 28-year-old, who won 27 caps, required a reconstruction of his left knee in 2007 and sustained a second injury in the same area last season. "The most difficult decision for any player to make is about when they have to stop playing," said Ellis. "But, after taking medical advice, unfortunately I have to announce my retirement."
Formula One: Former world champion Briton Nigel Mansell is the latest driver from the F1 hall of fame to be the stewards' driver advisor, and will offer his advice at this weekend's British Grand Prix. As part of the FIA's plans, Mansell, champion in 1992, will offer his experience and expertise to other members of the stewards panel about on-track incidents. Other drivers who have already undertaken the role this year include Heinz-Harald Frentzen, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, Johnny Herbert, Alexander Wurz and Emerson Fittipaldi.