Milan edge out Inter in Super Cup

Milan edge out Inter in Super Cup

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the Italian Super Cup soccer match against Inter Milan at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.


BEIJING - Serie A champions AC Milan scored twice in nine second-half minutes to come back and beat city rivals Inter Milan 2-1 in the Italian Super Cup played in Beijing on Saturday.

Milan, who ended Inter's five-year reign as Italian champions by winning the scudetto in May, fought back through ex-Inter striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Kevin-Prince Boateng.

Inter dominated the first half with Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder, heavily linked in the media with a move to Manchester United or City, firing in the opener on 22 minutes with a freekick after Gennaro Gattuso had escaped a red card.

Ibrahimovic equalised with a header against the run of the play in the 60th minute after being set up by Clarence Seedorf and nine minutes later Boateng scored the winner.

"A derby game is always a derby. We really faced difficulties with stamina in the first 30 minutes as players looked tired," Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri told a news conference after the season curtain-raiser.

"But in the second half, it has turned out to be much better. We did not give any more chances to Inter except Wesley Sneijder."

Sneijder talks

The defeat was an inauspicious start for new Inter coach Gian Piero Gasperini, who replaced Leonardo during the close season as the Brazilian became Paris St Germain sports director having had short spells as both Milan and Inter boss.

"We played very well in the first half," Gasperini said in a bid to find some positives.

"As for the rumour of Sneijder leaving, we will talk about it next week after we go back Italy."

Gasperini's appointment disappointed many Inter fans given he was sacked by modest top flight side Genoa early last campaign and has no big club experience.

His penchant for three at the back, rare in European football nowadays, has also raised eyebrows but his side got off to a good start only to let Milan impose themselves like they did in the two derbies last season which practically swung their first Serie A title since 2004 their way.

Transfer movement over the break has been limited for both clubs but despite the familiarity, the match had the feel of a friendly given there are several weeks before the actual season begins.

The new league season starts on August 28 when Milan travel to Allegri's former club Cagliari and Inter, Italian Cup winners last term having won the treble the previous season under Jose Mourinho, host Lecce.

The games are under threat of a strike by the Italian player's association over a long-running disagreement with the league over a collective contract, with two strikes narrowly averted last season.

The Super Cup was played in the packed Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing in front of over 70,000 under a deal between the league and Chinese authorities to host Italy's season curtain-raiser there four times over six years.

Lazio previously beat Inter at the Bird's Nest in 2009.

"I came from Sichuan province with a bunch of Milan fans to Beijing just to watch the Milan derby," 29-year-old Dai Wei, wearing a Milan shirt, told Reuters as he entered the stadium.

An Italian campaign to have the game played back in Milan failed to succeed because of the contract with the Chinese authorities and the huge marketing opportunities for European clubs in the world's most populous nation.

AC Milan's players celebrate with the Italian Super Cup trophy after winning the Italian Super Cup soccer match against Inter Milan at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

AC Milan's Robinho (L), Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (C) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrate with the trophy after winning the Italian Super Cup soccer match against Inter Milan at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

AC Milan's coach Massimiliano Allegri (C) holds the trophy with his colleagues as he celebrates after winning the Italian Super Cup soccer match against Inter Milan at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

Inter Milan's Thiago Motta (top) jumps for a header with AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini (R) during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng (top) dives for a header as he is challenged by Inter Milan's Walter Adrian Samuel (bottom) and Dejan Stankovic during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

Inter Milan's Samuel Eto'o (L) is challenged by AC Milan's Thiago Silva during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

Inter Milan's Thiago Motta (R) falls as he is challenged by AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

Inter Milan's Thiago Motta (C) falls as he fights for the ball with Robinho (L) of AC Milan during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) hugs his teammate Clarence Seedorf as he celebrates his goal against Inter Milan during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

AC Milan's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after winning the Italian Super Cup soccer match against Inter Milan at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.

(Agencies)

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Milan wins Italian Super Cup after classic derby

Milan wins Italian Super Cup after classic derby

AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng (top) dives for a header as he is challenged by Inter Milan's Walter Adrian Samuel (bottom) and Dejan Stankovic during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.


BEIJING - AC Milan rallied from one goal down to beat feud Inter Milan 2-1 to win the 2011 Italian Super Cup after an exciting derby at a fully-packed Bird's Nest here on Saturday evening.

Wesley Sneijder broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute for the Nerazzurri with a powerful shot from the edge of the box to beat Christian Abbiati.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic equalized in the 61st minute when the tall striker headed Clarence Seedorf's pinpoint center into the empty net at the far post.

Kevin Prince Boateng netted home the winner on 69 minutes when he slided in a rebound after substitute forward Pato's sharp diagonal shot hit the near post.

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri used a 433 formation, while Inter boss Gian Peiro Gasperini took a 361 starting eleven.

The two sides had a even first half, Inter's attacking power from the left flank seemed to be more effective compared to the opposing front pair of Ibrahimovic and Robinho, with Ricardo Alvarez and Joel Chukwuma Obi threatening their rivals from time to time.

Ibrahimovic missed a good chance to level the score before the end of the first period with a header hit the post.

After the break, both teams quickened the pace. AC Milan gradually took some advantage with fine combination upfront. Gasperini brought on Pato to replace Robinho, and the in-form Brazilian tried to challenge the opposing defence with his speed and technique.

Inter Milan's Wesley Sneijder (L) dribbles next to AC Milan's Mark Van Bommel (R) during their Italian Super Cup soccer match at the National Olympic Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing, August 6, 2011.


Inter couldn't find their form after Boateng's goal, and had to taste the failure before some fervent 80,000 spectators.

The Italian Super Cup will still be held in the Bird's Nest for the next two seasons before the start of the Serie A, which means the event will create more business value and sporting fever in the place where the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games was held.

More and more Chinese clubs of different Chinese cities began to invite top European clubs to play friendlies in the summer break.

Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid all came to China to play with Chinese local teams this summer, and the clash between the Italian feuds was the climax one. Both the organizers and the foreign clubs can make benefits from these business matches.

According to a senior organizer of this years Italian Super Cup, the ticket sale of the game may reach an amount of more than 60 million Yuan, and the final result may likely to surpass the record high 70 million Yuan from the 2009 version Super Cup between Inter and Lazio in the National Stadium, one year after the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics.

More than 40 TV stations, and more than 100 companies of various kinds of media from different nations and regions covered the Milan Derby. Adding the advertisement profits, the total commercial revenue may be higher.

"We are also considering to hold the Spanish Super Cup at the Bird's Nestle in the future," said Wang Hui, a senior official of the organizing company.

"From the two Italian Super Cup held here, we think it's a successful example both in sporting and commerce."

(Xinhua)

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Video game makers turn to legends during lockout

Video game makers turn to legends during lockout

In this undated video-generated image released by Take-Two Interactive Software Inc/2K Sports, the likenesses of Magic Johnson (32) and Larry Bird (33) are shown in the video game "NBA 2K12." Associated Press

ATLANTA - Video game makers are bracing for an extended NBA lockout by focusing on former players who made the league popular in hopes of taking the attention away from the impact labor strife will have on their product.

In the upcoming "NBA 2K12," which goes on sale Oct 4 despite the lockout, 2K Sports plans to introduce a new mode called, NBA's Greatest, that will feature the league's top 15 players of all-time and some of the most famous rivalries.

Hall of Famers such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Julius Erving will be featured on the latest installment of the best-selling basketball video game franchise. Jordan, Johnson and Bird will appear on three separate covers.

"NBA basketball is about the history and the future of the game," said Jason Argent, vice-president of marketing at Take-Two's 2K Sports. "We love the current game and are looking to optimize it."

But an extended lockout would eliminate daily updates.

The video game became popular through its in-depth mode, The Association. The mode includes 30 NBA teams with daily updates for rosters, injuries, a player progression system, new rookies, trades and free agency moves, and an NBA Development League.

Buyers of the game won't be able to make any updates in The Association mode until the lockout ends, when freeagent moves are made and the regular season starts.

"Hopefully people will go out and purchase the game," said Atlanta Hawks forward Josh Smith, an avid video game player who appeared in a commercial to promote "NBA 2K11" last year. "They're just as upset as us that there is a lockout. I don't know. They might put a strike on video games until the lockout is over."

Greg Miller, the executive editor of the gaming site IGN, doesn't expect the upcoming NBA 2K game to sell more than last year's game, which 2K Sports said it sold more than 5 million units. But with the addition of the former players, he believes the new mode can help the upcoming NBA 2K game continue to stay relevant during the lockout.

"Sales will dip, but not super drastic," Miller said. "Especially if they're able to push the milestone cover with Magic, Bird and Jordan. If they push that way, I don't see much of a dip."

Electronic Arts long-running video game series NBA Elite, formerly titled NBA Live, will not release a game for the second year in a row and expects to relaunch in 2012. But in October, EA will still offer "NBA Jam: On Fire Edition", a 2-on-2 basketball game that is highlighted by exaggerated high-flying dunks.

An EA spokeswoman said the company announced in April that NBA Elite would be postponed before the lockout started in July. Since NBA Jam doesn't keep track of player movements through the season, she said the game shouldn't be affected by the NBA work stoppage.

Associated Press

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'Unless I become the worst ever ...'

'Unless I become the worst ever ...'

The then Blackburn Rovers manager Sam Allardyce takes to the pitch before the Premier League match against Stoke City at Ewood Park, Blackburn, on Dec 20, 2008. Andrew Yates / Agence France-Press

LONDON - West Ham manager Sam Allardyce admits he is under pressure to secure an immediate return to the Premier League as he prepares for the most fascinating Championship campaign in years.

The action in English soccer's second tier kicks off on Friday when Hull host Blackpool and a full program follows on Saturday before Allardyce's team takes on promotion rival Cardiff on Sunday.

That fixture should set the tone for an enthralling season and Allardyce knows only promotion will satisfy co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold after the agony of relegation.

Sullivan and Gold - nursing concerns over the club's 80 million pounds ($130.8 million) debts - can take comfort from the widespread view that Allardyce is the ideal man to restore West Ham to the Premier League. His no-nonsense style will erase memories of the feckless Avram Grant era and Allardyce has his own incentive to return to the big time after acrimonious departures from Blackburn and Newcastle in recent years.

"We want to go up automatically," Allardyce said. "And if we don't quite achieve that goal, then we are going to be left in the playoffs, at the very least, unless I become the worst manager ever overnight and the players become the worst there has ever been."

To achieve that goal, Allardyce has signed Kevin Nolan, Matt Taylor and Abdoulaye Faye - battle-hardened pros who won't shirk their responsiblities whatever the situation - and it would be little surprise to see the Hammers on top of the pile come May.

If West Ham stumble, there will be no shortage of candidates to leapfrog them in what should be a fiercely contested race for those three lucrative spots among the elite.

Leicester, managed by former England coach Sven Goran Eriksson, has embarked on the Championship's biggest close-season spending spree and the club's Thai owners expect a significant return on their 8.5 million pounds ($13.9 million) investment in nine new players.

Eriksson has added the likes of Paul Konchesky, David Nugent, Matthew Mills, John Pantsil and Kasper Schmeichel to an already solid squad and that should make Leicester strong contenders for a top two finish.

"They (the owners) want to take Leicester City up to the Premier League and they want to stay there," Eriksson said. "We have a big squad so I am very positive. We all know what it is about - we want to be promoted."

Agence France-Pressep

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Olympic champ Wang expelled from national team

Olympic champ Wang expelled from national team

Wang Meng is pictured after receiving stitches following a drunken brawl during the team's training camp in Qingdao, July 24 file photo.

* Wang Meng expelled for the second time, four other athlets to quit

BEIJING - Four-time Winter Olympic champion Wang Meng was expelled from the Chinese national short track speed skating team after a drunken brawl with team manager, announced the country's sports governing body on Thursday evening.

"Wang Meng is expelled from the national team and is banned from international competitions as her conduct has violated the team's disciplines and jeopardized the sport's image," read a statement released late Thursday by China's General Administration of Sport.

Wang, 26, had been earlier suspended under an interim castigation following an incident at a training camp based in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao on July 24.

The most decorated Winter Olympic athlete of China punched her team manager Wang Chunlu after being criticized for failing to return on time to the camp after a night out with five other teammates.

Also expelled was male speed skater Liu Xianwei, who was alleged to have stirred things up before the argument between Wang Meng and Wang Chunlu turned physical.

Four other squad members involved, including Zhou Yang, Liu Qiuhong, Han Jialiang and Liang Wenhao, were allowed to keep training with the national team, but would have to write confessions.

(Xinhua)

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NBA superstars consider various options in lockout

NBA superstars consider various options in lockout

NBA star Dwyane Wade dunks at "The One Million RMB Basketball Charity Challenge" on Wednesday in the Forbidden City in Beijing. Wade played to collect one million yuan ($155,394) at the challenge, which was organized by Hubolt, a Swiss luxury watch brand. The money has been donated to leading non-profit organization One Foundation to help promote sport among young people on behalf of Hublot and Wade's World Foundation.

BEIJING - Due to the prolonged league lockout, NBA stars are considering all their options, including potential sojourns in China.

The NBA all-star trio of Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, who came to China for a week-long tour organized by sponsor Jordan Brand recently, said the possibility of playing overseas was wide open, but none had firm plans.

"We have considered that (coming to play in China). We will keep it as an option. All options will be on the table. We are all competitors. We love to play the game. But we can't say when and where because there is still too much uncertainty," New Orleans Hornets guard Paul told China Daily on Tuesday.

"I think that is the biggest thing. We all like to play the game of basketball. We will find a way to play. Playing basketball should provide options. We will play somewhere, somehow. We all love the game more than anything," said Wade, the Miami Heat swingman.

"As far as coming over here, we've always said this whole trip that our options are open," Anthony, the New York Knick forward said, echoing his pals.

The big three, who continually monitor news from the United States about the NBA's labor impasse, all hail China as an "amazing destination" for hoopsters, but expect to play a full NBA season in 2011-2012.

"Hopefully, we won't have to take that route - coming over here. Hopefully, we have a season, but who knows, we shall see," said Anthony.

New Jersey Nets all-star guard, Deron Williams, signed a short-term contract with Turkish club Besiktas last month, while a bunch of big names including Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Blake Griffin have been linked to Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) teams.

Howard, a five-time all-star who led the Orlando Magic to the NBA finals in 2009, stopped short of saying he's in contract discussions with teams overseas.

"I'm not at liberty to talk about it," he recently told Associated Press, "but there's a huge possibility of me going to China or (somewhere) overseas to play basketball."

NBA star Dwyane Wade (2nd L) dunks at "The One Million RMB Basketball Charity Challenge" in the Forbidden City in Beijing, Aug 3, 2011.

However, no player has confirmed any contact attempts by CBA clubs.

"Of course not. We are not there yet. We are going to start working out. The time to consider that has not come," said 29-year-old Wade.

Wade teamed with Paul and Anthony to instruct and play with teenage Chinese players in Dongdan's basketball park in Beijing on Monday night during the Jordan Brand Flight Tour before attending a fan festival in Chaoyang stadium the next day.

(China Daily)

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Van der Sar bids farewell at star-studded Ajax finale

Van der Sar bids farewell at star-studded Ajax finale

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (R) pose with his family members during his farewell tribute at Amsterdam Arena stadium, the Netherlands, Aug 3, 2011.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar (L) shakes hands with fans during his farewell tribute at Amsterdam Arena stadium, the Netherlands, Aug 3, 2011.

AMSTERDAM - Manchester United's former Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar bid farewell to his adoring public on Wednesday in the company of several star internationals in front of 53,000 Ajax fans.

"I want to thank everyone in the stadium ... thanks for your support down through the years," van der Sar told the crowd at the Ajax Arena where he started his career in 1990.

The towering 1.97m goalie selected a "Dream Team" made up notably of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Dirk Kuyt, Edgar Davids, Rio Ferdinand and Dennis Bergkamp, who played for an hour against Dutch giants Ajax.

To a standing ovation from the crowd, Van der Sar left the pitch several minutes before the end of the game which was won 2-1 by the "Dream Team" thanks to goals from Louis Saha and Bergkamp.

"He is maybe the best goalkeeper that Manchester United ever had, but I say maybe because we also had Peter Schmeichel," said United legend Sir Bobby Charlton.

Earlier in the evening two teams for which van der Sar played - Ajax, with whom he won the Champions League in 1995, and the Dutch national side that were World Cup semi-finalists in 1998 - played each other.

Patrick Kluivert, Marc Overmars, Frank Rijkaard, Frank de Boer and his brother Ronald, represented Ajax while Bergkamp and Giovanni van Bronckhorst were among the players representing the national side.

"Ajax fans thank Edwin van der Sar," a banner draped on the stands read.

Manchester United's former Dutch goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, May 2011 file photo.

Van der Sar won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995 and Manchester United in 2008, four Premier League titles and four Dutch league titles.

The 40-year-old also holds the Premier League record of 1,311 minutes without conceding a goal during the 2010-2011 season and a Dutch record for 130 caps.

He started his career at Ajax (1990-1999) before moving on to Juventus (1999-2001), Fulham (2011-2005) and Manchester United (2005-2011), playing his last official match at Wembley on May 28 during the Champions League final loss to Barcelona.

(Agencies)

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Former Japan defender Matsuda dies from heart attack

Former Japan defender Matsuda dies from heart attack

Japan's Naoki Matsuda raises his arms after winning their Group H soccer match against Russia at the World Cup Finals in Yokohama in this June 9, 2002 file photo.

TOKYO - Former Japan defender Naoki Matsuda died in hospital on Thursday, three days after collapsing during training from a suspected heart attack. He was 34.

Matsuda, who won 40 caps for Japan and represented his country at the 2002 World Cup, had been put on an artificial respirator after arriving at hospital unconscious on Tuesday.

The president of his JFL (third division) side Matsumoto Yamaga, Hiroshi Otsuki, told Japanese media the club had been informed Matsuda had lost his fight by the player's family.

Medical personnel had rushed to Matsuda's aid early on Tuesday after he collapsed with suspected heatstroke. Yamaga later said the player had gone into cardio-respiratory arrest.

Record temperatures across Japan have caused a rise in heatstroke cases with 43 deaths in the two months through the end of July, according to Kyodo news agency.

Matsuda played 40 times for Japan and made 385 appearances for Yokohama F-Marinos, helping them win back-to-back J League titles in 2003 and 2004.

(Agencies)

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Real Madrid thump Chinese league leader 7-1

Real Madrid thump Chinese league leader 7-1

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (L) scores a goal with his back heel, against Guangzhou Evergrande's goalkeeper Yang Jun, during their friendly soccer match at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

GUANGZHOU, China - Spanish giant Real Madrid thumped Chinese super league leader Guangzhou Evergrande 7-1 on Wednesday night.

It is a huge blow to the newly promoted team who were enjoying their 9 points advantage in CSL table, and concluding the home team's 15 matches unbeaten record.

Khedira opened the scoring for Real followed by Ozil, Ronaldo, Jeze and Di Maria each, adding Bezenma's twice. Guangzhou's youngster Yang Yihu scored a consolation goal just before the final whistle.

Real took an easy lead in the 6th minute as the 24-year-old Khedira headed home at the penalty spot. It hadn't taken long for Real made their second as another German Midfielder Ozil performed a tricky shot.

Then the visiting team totally dominated the left hour. The game for them was rather dancing than playing. Di Maria, who replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the second half, showed some flashy stuffs until he bicycled into the box following a Marseilles revolve and made it home.

Real Madrid's Kaka (L) runs with the ball during their friendly soccer match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

More than 40,000 local fans forgot who was their home team and turned to cheers and cries after every Real striking, passing and scoring.

"It is a nice victory, I could tell you that we are well-prepared for the upcoming new season," said Jose Mourinho.

The Spanish side was heading to China east coastal city of Tianjin, where they had another friendly against the city's super league team Tianjin Taida.

The result of the friendly game between Guangzhou Evergrande and Real Madrid:

Guangzhou Evergrande 1 (Yang 87)

Real Madrid 7 (Khedira 7, Ozil 31, Benzema 39, 48, Ronaldo 56, Jese 71, Di Maria 82)

Real Madrid's Head Coach Jose Mourinho looks on during their friendly soccer match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos (R) fights for the ball with Guangzhou Evergrande's Jiang Ning during their friendly soccer match at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

Real Madrid's Mesut Ozil reacts after scoring a goal during their friendly soccer match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

Real Madrid's Angel Di Maria (top) celebrates a goal during their friendly soccer match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, August 3, 2011.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo (C) runs with the ball during their friendly soccer match against Guangzhou Evergrande at Tianhe Stadium in Guangzhou, Guangdong province August 3, 2011.

(Xinhua)

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German Klinsmann introduced as new US coach

German Klinsmann introduced as new US coach

Former German soccer star Juergen Klinsmann (R) poses with US Soccer president Sunil Gulati after he was introduced as the new head coach of the United States men's national soccer team at a news conference in New York August 1, 2011.

NEW YORK - New US coach Juergen Klinsmann believes his mix of international experience and American knowledge will allow him to improve the national team.

The former Germany striker and coach, who has lived in the United States for 13 years, was introduced Monday and he spent much of the time talking about how to mold future American stars, not managing current ones.

"It all starts down to develop the next Landon Donovan," Klinsmann said of the US one day becoming a serious contender for World Cup titles.

And "one day" is the key phrase - he believes "we still are quite a long way away from that." "You need maybe 10 Landon Donovans at different positions with different characteristics in order to one day be there," Klinsmann said in an interview.

Perhaps it's partly a way to temper expectations as he takes over from Bob Bradley, whose firing was announced Thursday. The US reached the round of 16 at last year's World Cup, but blew a two-goal lead in the Gold Cup final loss to Mexico in June.

Still, Klinsmann makes it clear he views his charge as bigger than just preparing Donovan and his teammates for major tournaments. "It also is vital I am involved in all the discussions with a lot of coaches out there, how we improve the grass-roots level," Klinsmann said. "I'm fascinated by that approach."

He contends his background of international experience plus American savvy is the perfect blend to accomplish that. He won a World Cup title as a player and starred for elite European clubs, then coached Germany to a third-place finish at the 2006 World Cup.

But he has also lived in the United States for 13 years and sounds right at home talking about Oakland A's general manager Billy Beane's statistical analysis of baseball. "I'm not coming in here to play the European guy," Klinsmann said.

His wife is American and he concedes his two football-playing kids consider themselves more American than German. Klinsmann feels fluent in his adopted country's culture, that he'll know which parts of the European system will work here and what must be uniquely American.

"It took me years to understand how important this whole education path for people is in this country," said Klinsmann, who just turned 47.

That means college level will remain a piece of the development pipeline, as different as that is from other countries. Klinsmann plans to consult with college coaches as he hones his approach.

He repeatedly mentioned MLS teams' growing youth academies as hugely positive development. And he can influence the future of the sport in the United States in a more indirect way, as well. The marketing and success of the national team have the power to inspire young players to spend more time working on their sport.

Long linked to the job, Klinsmann finally was announced as the US coach Friday.

Klinsmann said he had several opportunities in the past year to coach big European clubs or national teams, but didn't want to leave his home in California. He and US Soccer President Sunil Gulati insisted that control was not the issue when they failed to come to an agreement in the past.

"I reached a comfort level with Sunil where I really think it's not about a paper anymore," Klinsmann said of not being able to get a deal done in writing last summer.

Gulati said the firing of Bradley wasn't simply a reaction to the Gold Cup disappointment.

"It's not a single game or a single result," he said. "It's where the program is, how comfortable we feel in the direction that it's going - based partly on results, partly on looking at the last year."

Klinsmann spoke to five or six players over the weekend and plans to get in touch with the rest Tuesday. The US team has just nine days before its next game, against Mexico in Philadelphia on August 10. Klinsmann expects to announce the squad Wednesday.

He plans to take a few months before picking his staff to see who's available and what the squad needs.

Bayern Munich's team coach Juergen Klinsmann smiles during a training session in Munich, in this April 13, 2009 file picture.

Former German soccer star Juergen Klinsmann smiles at a news conference after being introduced as the new head coach of the United States men's national soccer team at a news conference in New York August 1, 2011.

(Agencies)

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Bayern beats Eintracht 3-0 in DFB first round

Bayern beats Eintracht 3-0 in DFB first round

Bayern Munich's Thomas Mueller, Mario Gomez and Bastian Schweinsteiger (L-R) celebrate after scoring the second penalty against Eintracht Brunswick during their DFB first round German soccer cup (DFB-Pokal) match in Brunswick August 1, 2011. Bayern won 3-0.

Bayern Munich's Schweinsteiger plays ball during their DFB first round German soccer cup match against Eintracht Brunswick in Brunswick August 1, 2011.

Bayern Munich keeper Manuel Neuer saves the ball during their DFB first round German soccer cup match against Eintracht Brunswick in Brunswick August 1, 2011.


(Reuters)

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Tiger Woods attends news conference

Tiger Woods attends news conference

Tiger Woods of the U.S. speaks at a news conference after his practice round for the WCG Bridgestone Invitational PGA golf tournament in Akron, Ohio, August 2, 2011.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. speaks at a news conference after his practice round for the WCG Bridgestone Invitational PGA golf tournament in Akron, Ohio, August 2, 2011.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. speaks at a news conference after his practice round for the WCG Bridgestone Invitational PGA golf tournament in Akron, Ohio, August 2, 2011.

Tiger Woods of the U.S. speaks at a news conference after his practice round for the WCG Bridgestone Invitational PGA golf tournament in Akron, Ohio, August 2, 2011.

(Reuters)

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