Cho Kwang-rae criticizes football governing body’s decision processThe Korea Football Association is in hot water following the sacking of the men’s national team manager. Cho Kwang-rae. The team’s 2-1 loss to Lebanon last month during Asian qualifier for the 2014 World Cup sealed Cho’s fate, the KF

Dec. 8, 2011

Drogba’s two strikes secure Chelsea last 16 placeLONDON (AP) ― With Chelsea’s Champions League progress secured with a ruthless victory over Valencia, Andre Villas-Boas had the confidence ― after weeks of pent-up frustration ― to take on his critics. The manager declared that his players had delivered a “slap in the face” to their detractors with a 3-0 win over Valencia on Tuesday that sent Chelsea through to the knockout round as the Group E winner.“(There) is a continuous persecution of Chelse

Dec. 7, 2011

Brazilian duo strikes to beat Ulsan 2-1 in the final Brazilian forwards Luiz Da Silva Alves and Enio Oliveira scored to see Jeonbuk Motors reclaim the K-League title, beating Ulsan Hyundai 2-1 (4-2 on aggregate) in the league final on Sunday at Jeonju World Cup stadium.The Motors were always in control, but missed a couple of first-half chances before the visitors took the lead in the early second-half thanks to Seol Ki-hyeon’s strike.But Enio leveled the score for Jeonbuk with a spot kick and L

Dec. 4, 2011

MANILA (AP) ― David Beckham said he has a “big decision to make’’ after his contract with the Los Angeles Galaxy expires and reiterated his desire to play for for the British team in the London Olympics next year.The former England captain arrived in Manila on Thursday with his Galaxy teammates for the second leg of a series of friendlies.“I’m very proud of the time that I’ve spent with the Galaxy and it might continue,’’ said Beckham, whose contract expires at the end of the tour. “I think at t

Dec. 2, 2011

ULSAN (Yonhap News) ― Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors edged Ulsan Hyundai FC 2-1 in the opening leg of the championship soccer series. Playing in driving rain in the K-League championship series at Munsu Football Stadium in Ulsan, some 410 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Brazilian midfielder Eninho scored both goals for Jeonbuk in the second half. Jeonbuk is seeking its first K-League crown since 2009.The second leg will be played at 1:30 p.m. this Sunday at Jeonbuk’s home in Jeonju, some 240 kilometers s

Dec. 1, 2011

TAICHUNG, Taiwan (Yonhap News) ― South Korea’s Samsung Lions beat SoftBank Hawks of Japan 5-3 to capture the Asia Series tournament in a battle of league champions.At Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium, the Lions, the 2011 champions of the Korea Baseball Organization, overcame an early deficit against the Hawks, the Nippon Professional Baseball champions. Samsung’s starter Jang Won-sam settled down after a shaky start and the bullpen took care of the rest, as the Lions became the first K

Nov. 30, 2011

Barcelona returns to its winning ways with an easy victory over Rayo VallecanoLONDON (AP) ― An emotional Craig Bellamy set up two goals in his first game following the suicide of friend Gary Speed, helping Liverpool win 2-0 at Chelsea on Tuesday night to advance to the English League Cup semifinals.Bellamy missed Sunday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Manchester City because he was too upset to play following the death of Speed. The Wales manager hanged himself in his garage, a police officer sai

Nov. 30, 2011

The final in South Korea’s first-division football this year will pit the league’s biggest offensive juggernaut against the little engine that could.The regular season champions Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors will take on Ulsan Hyundai FC in the two-game championship series for the K-League. The first leg is this Wednesday at 6:10 p.m. in Ulsan, about 410 kilometers southeast of Seoul. The second leg will be at Jeonbuk’s home of Jeonju, some 240 kilometers south of Seoul, at 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The aggreg

Nov. 28, 2011

Liverpool holds City to 1-1 drawLONDON (AP) ― The death of Wales manager Gary Speed cast a shadow over the English Premier League games on Sunday.Liverpool and Manchester City observed a moment of silence before their 1-1 draw at Anfield hours after news broke that Speed had been found dead at age 42. Asked to do the same, the fans at Swansea’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa instead opted for an impromptu minute’s applause and chanted Speed’s name.Villa goalkeeper Shay Given was in tears thinking of

Nov. 28, 2011

LONDON (AP) _ Gary Speed, who took over as Wales football coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country a record 85 times, has died. He was 42. Gary Speed (AP)The Football Association of Wales announced Speed's death Sunday without giving the cause.Local police said there were no suspicious

Nov. 28, 2011

LONDON (AP) ― Manchester United was held to a 1-1 draw at home by Newcastle on Saturday, costing the defending champions in their bid to catch first-place Manchester City in the Premier League.A disputed foul allowed Demba Ba to tie the score on a 61st-minute penalty kick for Newcastle at Old Trafford. Javier Hernandez put United ahead in the 49th.United is four points behind City, which plays Liverpool on Sunday. Third-place Tottenham closed within two points of United with a 3-1 win at West Br

Nov. 27, 2011

DOHA (Yonhap News) ― South Korea played Qatar to a 1-1 draw in the final round of the Asian football qualification for the 2012 London Olympics here on Wednesday.Kim Hyun-sung pulled South Korea even in the 68th minute, after the home side got onboard on a penalty by Ibrahim Majid Abdulmajid late in the first half.The visiting side failed to capitalize on early chances. Park Jong-woo’s free kick from left of the Qatar net in the 13th minute sailed just wide of the goal. Three minutes later, Yun

Nov. 24, 2011