Spain’s Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso should be fit for their World Cup last 16 match with Portugal despite spraining his right ankle in the 2-1 victory over Group G rivals Chile on Friday.

The 28-year-old former Liverpool star suffered the injury just before half-time but played on until he was replaced in the 73rd minute in a game which saw the European champions qualify for the second round along with their opponents.

“The first x-ray confirmed that he had sprained his right ankle when he was violently tackled,” said Spanish team doctor Oscar Luis Celada.

“But we are optimistic that he will be fit for the second round match.”

Alonso, a member of the Euro 2008 winning side, has until Tuesday to prove his fitness when the Spanish take on the 2006 World Cup semi-finalists in Cape Town.

Argentina forward Diego Milito on Friday described the World Cup as strange and admitted he has been surprised at some of the results.

France and Italy, the finalists from the 2006 World Cup, have already bitten the dust while England, Germany and Spain all reached their final games with their passage to the knock-out stages in doubt.

And while Argentina cruised through their group with three wins out of three, even they could have gone out had they lost significantly in their final match against Greece.

Ahead of their second round clash with Mexico on Sunday, Milito spoke of his shock.

“It’s a World Cup of surprises, I was surprised that Italy were knocked out in the first round,” said Inter Milan striker Milito.

“France, too, with their great players. It’s a fairly strange World Cup but the South American teams are having a good competition.”

Given his first start in the tournament, Milito had a frustrating time in the 2-0 win over Greece before being replaced by Martin Palermo despite coming into the competition off the back of a stunning season with the Italian champions.

“It’s difficult to explain. At Inter I played many games up front but the other day it was very difficult due to the Greeks’ tactical plan,” he said.

“But I’m working hard every day, I’m at peace with myself. Sometimes things go well, sometimes not, that’s the key.”

Four years ago Argentina also played Mexico and won thanks to a Maxi Rodriguez goal.

Now the Liverpool winger is dreaming of repeating the feat.

“That’s a great memory but the victory of the team is the most important memory,” he said.

“But that game is history now and we’re playing against a different team that is playing well.”

Serbia striker Nikola Zigic is targeting a second round finish at the World Cup from remaining two Group D matches.

Asamoah Gyan’s goal lifted Ghana to a 1-0 victory over Serbia. The defeat leaves the White Eagles needing a win in their next game with Germany who defeated Australia 4-0 in the other group game but Zigic insisted his side would not fear about Germany match in Port Elizabeth on Friday. (more…)

Internacional qualified for the Round of 16 in the Copa Libertadores with a 3-0 victory over Deportivo Quito, who were eliminated despite finishing second.
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Godoy Cruz’s chance to go top of the Clausura fell short on Thursday as they were held to a 0-0 draw at Racing Club.
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Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt hailed the impact of Fernando Torres after Liverpool’s number nine became the first player in the club’s illustrious history to net four successive double strikes at Anfield during the 4-1 victory over Benfica.
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Liverpool look set to miss the services of playmaker Alberto Aquilani for their Europa League round of 16 clash against Lille.
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The Netherlands got goals from Dirk Kuyt and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar before holding off a late charge from the United States in a 2-1 friendly win in Amsterdam on Wednesday.
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Colombian side Once Caldas lead Group 2 of the Copa Libertadores following a 2-1 victory over Brazilian powerhouse Sao Paulo.
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Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was pleased with the character shown by his side in their 3-1 victory over Unirea Urziceni in Romania, which sealed a 4-1 aggregate win and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.
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