Germany: Germany's soccer team, who finished an unexpected third at the World Cup, were voted German team of the year by the nation's sportswriters. Juergen Klinsmann's side were clear winners of the annual award. It was the eighth time the national team had won the honour, which was presented at a gala ceremony in Baden-Baden. Michael Greis, who won three biathlon gold medals at the Turin Winter Olympics, was voted Germany's sportsman of the year while Kati Wilhelm, who got one gold and two silver medals in biathlon at Turin, was selected as sportswoman of the year.
Gustavo: Schalke 04 have signed Brazilian defender Gustavo from Parana on a contract running until the end of the 2008-09 season. The 24-year-old joins on a free transfer, Schalke said.
Vatican team: The Vatican may be the world's smallest state but it is thinking of mustering a soccer team, according to Secretary of State Tarcisio Bertone. "I don't rule out that in the future the Vatican could form a top soccer team of the level of Inter, Roma," Bertone said. The number two to Pope Benedict, a well-known soccer fan, recently said the Holy See could form "a magnificent team" by drawing on the hundreds of Brazilian students at its pontifical universities around the world.
Dos Santos: Bayern Munich midfielder Julio Dos Santos is joining Wolfsburg on a loan deal running until the end of the season. Bayern, who announced the move yesterday, signed Dos Santos for two million euros 12 months ago. The Bavarians see the Paraguay international as a possible replacement for Michael Ballack in the long term but so far he has had few chances. He has a contract at Bayern running until June 30, 2009.
Real appeal: Real Madrid have said they will appeal against the red card given to centre-back Fabio Cannavaro for a handball during his side's 1-0 victory at Espanyol on Sunday. Video replays showed that the ball hit the Italian's face and not his hand and Real want him to be able to play in their final match of the year at home to Recreativo Huelva.
Cruyff: Former Barcelona coach Johan Cruyff said he had expected Barca to lose the final of the Club World Cup to Brazilian side Internacional. "For me it would have been a surprise if Barcelona had won," the Dutchman said in La Vanguardia. "The competition is made for South American sides... they look so motivated."
Bolton: People should not scoff at Bolton Wanderers' interest in Real Madrid midfielder David Beckham, manager Sam Allardyce said. "Bolton Wanderers would love to sign David Beckham, of course we would," he told reporters. "In the past when that sort of name has been attached to this club, people considered it as something that was never going to happen. But cast your mind back to Youri Djorkaeff. People scoffed and said he would never come to play for Bolton but he came."
Liechtenstein: Liechtenstein have named former Switzerland coach Hans-Peter "Bidu" Zaugg as the new manager of the tiny principality's national team. The Liechtenstein FA announced yesterday that it had agreed a three-year deal with Zaugg, running to the end of the qualifying period for the 2010 World Cup.
In England: Premier League - Fulham 2 (Helguson 12 pen, McBride 35) Middlesbrough 1 (Viduka 74).
In Italy: Serie C - Ravenna vs Teramo 1-0.