World Cup 2010: The Central African Republic and Sao Tome e Principe have pulled out of the 2010 World Cup, precipitating a change in the first phase of the African qualifiers. Both countries had been due to play in a first knockout round next month. No details were given as to the reasons for the withdrawal of the two countries.

Fletcher: Manchester United's Darren Fletcher will captain Scotland for their Euro 2008 qualifier with Lithuania today in the absence of suspended midfielder Barry Ferguson. Midfielder Fletcher skippered Scotland in last month's 1-0 friendly win over South Africa.

Brazil: Chelsea centre half Alex and Sao Paulo defender Alex Silva are out of Brazil's friendlies against United States and Mexico because of injury. The pair have been replaced by Edu Dracena of Fenerbahce and Gladstone of Sporting Lisbon. Brazil face the US in Chicago tomorrow and Mexico in Boston three days later.

Dos Santos: Giovani dos Santos, 18, will make his Mexico debut in tomorrow's home friendly against Panama in Puebla. "I don't usually give the line-up in advance but I can tell you Giovani will make his debut," coach Hugo Sanchez told reporters. Dos Santos, who joined Barcelona as a 13-year-old, is seen as one of Mexico's great hopes for the future.

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