Sports

Robin van Persie will captain the Netherlands in their World Cup warm-up match against Ecuador on Saturday as coach Louis van Gaal insists he needs game time after a long injury layoff.

Failure to qualify for European soccer next season will cost Manchester United more than 30 million pounds, the club said on Thursday.

Barcelona are ready to grasp their second chance with both hands and snatch the Spanish title from Atletico Madrid, midfielder Xavi said.

Wayne Rooney expects to be in peak condition when he embarks on his third World Cup finals campaign next month.

"I didn't cry about it yesterday, and I'm not crying about it today, that means I'm leaving with no regrets," Park Ji-sung said.

Nasri, who was instrumental in helping Manchester City to win the EPL title, was left out of France's World Cup squad when Didier Deschamps unveiled a 23-man list.

Januzaj joins other talented youngsters in the squad, including goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and playmaker Eden Hazard.

Serie A club Atalanta were fined 40,000 euros on Monday after a banana was thrown onto the pitch during Sunday's 2-1 win at home to AC Milan.

A win or a draw would be enough for Atletico, while Barcelona, who are chasing a fifth title in six years, need to beat the Madrid club to lift the trophy.

Manchester United failed to qualify for next season's Europa League after drawing with Southampton 1-1 on the final day of the Premier League.

Costa looks certain to miss Sunday's La Liga game at home after a scan showed he has a thigh-muscle injury.

Aguero hurt his groin during the 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday. He missed the 4-0 victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Europe's top leagues have stated their clearest opposition yet to changing the 2022 World Cup dates in Qatar.

Juventus's clash with AS Roma was set to be Sunday night's Serie A showcase but neither club knows what time the match will start.

Real are two points behind Barca in third before their game in hand at second-from-bottom Valladolid.

Liverpool handed Manchester City a potentially decisive advantage in the EPL title race after losing a three-goal lead on their way to a 3-3 draw with Palace.