Mido scored the deciding goal against his old club Tottenham Hotspur to ensure Middlesbrough made a winning start to the new season.

The knockout phase begins with San Lorenzo and River Plate, Boca Juniors and Cruzeiro, and Santos and Cucuta Deportivo resuming old rivalries.

West Ham United beat Wigan Athletic 2-1 in their opener, with England hopeful Dean Ashton scoring both his side's goals in front of Fabio Capello.

Hull City made a dream top-flight debut, Caleb Folan's late goal completing a 2-1 comeback victory over Fulham at a sold-out KC Stadium.

Argentinian clubs Estudiantes and Lanus slipped to defeat as the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores got underway.

A goalless stalemate appeared destined until Fernando Torres stylishly dispatched an 83-minute strike to earn Liverpool victory at Sunderland.

Italy coach Roberto Donadoni has hinted he may recall in-form Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero for UEFA EURO 2008.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic has agreed to extend his contract for two more years, local media reported on Wednesday.

Following a 1-1 draw in Costa Rica, Pachuca now welcome Saprissa to Mexico. At stake is the continental crown and a place at Japan 2008.

A Paul Scholes stunner saw Manchester United beat Barcelona 1-0 on Wednesday and book their passage to the Champions League final.

Liverpool have eliminated Chelsea at the semi-final stage on two occasions but after drawing 1-1 at Anfield, can the Blues make it third time lucky?

The reigning South American Player of the Year, Salvador Cabanas is eager to fire America to glory and Paraguay to a place at South Africa 2010.

The UEFA Champions League final will pit Chelsea against Manchester United in Moscow as the Blues beat Liverpool in a thriller on Wednesday.

Iran's coach Ali Daei launched a tirade against his FA on Tuesday, threatening to quit and revealing he is still waiting for a contract.

Manchester United and Barcelona will attempt to clear the final hurdle at Old Trafford and progress to the deciding match of the Champions League.