INJURIES are set to deprive Socceroos coach Pim Verbeek of three of his key overseas-based players for the Asian World Cup qualifier against Qatar next week.

BRAZILIAN great Rivaldo won't be man marked by Adelaide United in tomorrow night's Asian Champions League semi-final, Reds coach Aurelio Vidmar says.

THE Newcastle Jets' season refuses to take off, after the A-League champions threw away a goal advantage to be held to a draw by Wellington Phoenix.

AUSTRALIA'S U16 footballers began their Asian championship campaign with a 3-1 victory over Saudi Arabia - including a first half double from Stephen Domenici.

THE Oceania Football Confederation suspended the Samoan Football Soccer Federation following concern over the handling of funds from world body FIFA.

LIVERPOOL fought back to a last-gasp 3-2 victory at 10-man Manchester City to keep pace with Chelsea at the top of the English Premier League today.

AS Roma plunged further into crisis after suffering a 1-0 defeat at Siena today and having both their centre-backs dismissed. Juventus also lost, at home to Palermo.

SYDNEY FC striker John Aloisi admits he is under pressure to open his account with the club, but insists his mislaid mojo will quickly return with a vengeance.

SIR Alex Ferguson believes Wayne Rooney and Manchester United are ready to take a stranglehold on the EPL after emerging from a visit to Blackburn with a win.

AUSTRALIAN striker Scott McDonald made a gallant return to Celtic's starting side overnight, scoring in the 4-0 romp of Hamilton at Parkhead.