International: Hleb stays in world cup race

Iceland lost 1-2 against the Netherlands. Barcelona attacker Eidur Gudjohnsen played the whole game.

1. Netherlands (6) 18
2. Scotland (5) 7
3. Iceland (6) 4
4. FYR Macedonia (5) 4
5. Norway (4) 3




Belarus defeated Andorra 5-1 and stays in the race for the World Cup 2010 in South-Africa. Barcelona attacker Alexander Hleb, who was the captain of his national team, played the whole game.

1. England (6) 18
2. Croatia (6) 11
3. Belarus (5) 9
4. Ukraine (5) 8
5. Kazakhstan (6) 3
6. Andorra (6) 0


the nine group-winners qualify directly, while the best eight of the nine second-placed teams will contest home and away play-off matches for the remaining four places

Valdes wins his second Zamora trophy

Barcelona goalkeeper Víctor Valdés (27) has won for the second time the Zamora trophy, the award for the Liga goalkeeper who has the lowest "goals-to-games" ratio.

With an average of 0,89 goals per game, Valdés wins the trophy for the second time, four years after his first win in the 2004-2005 season with an average of 0,71.

Despite a record number of 30 goals, Barcelona forward Samuel Eto'o (28) didn't win the Pichichi trophy for the top goalscorer of the Spanish league. Like in the 2004-2005 season, Eto'o finishes second behind Diego Forlán. Eto'o won the trophy three years ago having then scored 26 times. With 23 goals, Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi (21) finishes fourth in the final ranking.


Pichichi
32 Forlán (Atlético Madrid)
30 Eto'o (Barcelona)
28 Villa (Valencia)
23 Messi (Barcelona)
22 Higuaín (Real Madrid)

Zamora
0,89 Víctor Valdés (Barcelona)
1,00 Palop (Sevilla)
1,22 Aranzubía (Deportivo)
1,24 Toño (Racing Santander)
1,27 Kameni (Espanyol)

Aguero hints at Barcelona move

Asked about his future, Atlético Madrid forward and Argentinian international Sergio 'Kun' Agüero (21) has suggested to journalists that he would like to move to Barcelona in the summer:

"I wish to leave Atlético if they don't strengthen the team so we can compete for the league title next season.

Real Madrid? I certainly won't betray Atlético because they have always treated me very well. If I would join Real Madrid, I would show a lack of respect towards Atlético. Barcelona? Well, hopefully Messi can take me to Barça, but it's a matter of waiting for what the club officials decide."

Read more:
Verbal agreements on Aguero transfer
Barcelona has first option on Aguero

Fluminense interested in Sylvinho

Brazilian sports site Globo Esporte claims that Brazilian club Fluminense is interested in Barcelona left back defender Sylvinho (35), whose contract expires at the end of this month and won't be renewed (read more here).

The Brazilian club had earlier announced in an official statement that they are negotiating the last details of the signing of a player who is currently playing in Europe and Sylvinho would be one of the three candidates.

British tabloid News of the World meanwhile claims that the search for a new manager has stopped the contacts between Celtic Glasgow and Sylvinho. Asked about the matter, the player's agent Hans Lamberz said that he'll look at other options: "Celtic are a huge club who play in the Champions League and one that would normally appeal. But I doubt it will happen now."

Read more:
Espanyol interested in Sylvinho
OFFICIAL: Sylvinho will leave
Celtic Glasgow is an option for Sylvinho

Guardiola has 30 million to spend

Catalan sports paper Sport claims, based upon a Barcelona source, that Barcelona sports director Txiki Begiristain and Barcelona manager Josep Guardiola will be able to spend a little more than 30 million euro° this summer.

That amount will be increased with the transfer fees the club will receive from the sale of players of the current squad. After having seriously invested last summer, Barcelona plans to be a more modest player on the transfer market this year.

Read more:
Transfer Deals Explained
Laporta worried about treble bonuses
Financial impact of Champions League qualification