Crouch out to shoot down United at Wembley

Peter Crouch is out to get his Portsmouth return off to a flying start - by helping shoot down Premier League champions Manchester United at Wembley on Sunday.

The giant England striker returned for a second spell at Fratton Park following an £11million transfer from Liverpool.

Crouch is likely to form a little-and-large partnership with Jermain Defoe as Pompey look to build on their FA Cup triumph, and he cannot wait for the action to get under way.

He said: 'I've got good memories of the Community Shield - I scored the winner in it two years ago, when Liverpool beat Chelsea 2-1.

'I was right by all the Liverpool fans and ran to them - it was a great feeling.

'Sunday is going to be a really difficult match, but we will be fit and ready and hopefully we will give them a good game.

'I think we have had a good pre-season, so hopefully we can continue the way we have been and start the season well.'

Crouch told the club's official website: 'It's a fantastic occasion - like a cup final. It's the first game of the season and all the new signings are out.

'With my great memories of that day, scoring the winner against Chelsea, I'm really looking forward to Sunday.'

Portsmouth's FA Cup final hero Kanu faces a fitness battle to play this weekend.

The striker picked up a dead leg while on international duty with Nigeria and has been stepping up his rehabilitation in order to face United.

With fellow forward David Nugent sidelined with a groin problem, youngster Ben Sahar - on loan from Chelsea - could be included.

Captain Sol Campbell is recovering from a virus and is expected to face United, but fellow former Gunner Lauren is a doubt with a dead leg.

Van der Vaart shines on debut for Real Madrid

Rafael Van der Vaart scored on his Real Madrid debut as the Spanish champions recorded a 2-1 comeback victory against Colombian side Santa Fe at the El Campin Stadium in Bogota on Thursday.

Madrid goalkeeper Jerzy Dudek was forced into early action to deny Venezuelan Luis Seijas and Cesar Valoyes before Real were reduced to 10 men when defender Michel Salgado was sent-off after 20 minutes following a strong tackle on Yulian Anchico.

The home side took advantage of their numerical advantage as Argentinian striker Daniel Neculman, who had earlier seen a shot cleared off the line by Mahamadou Diarra, handed the home side a half-time lead after converting Alejandro Bernal's cross.

But following the second half introduction of Holland midfielder Van der Vaart, who signed from Hamburg on Tuesday, Madrid came to life.

Van der Vaart had a goal ruled out for handball 10 minutes after his introduction, but the 25-year-old secured a goalscoring debut as his 74th minute free-kick from the edge of the area pulled Madrid level.

And just 60 second later, Van der Vaart picked out substitute Pepe, who broke into the area and sealed the win for Bernd Schuster's side.

Real next travel to Germany to face Eintracht Frankfurt on August 12 before taking on Valencia in the season opening Supercopa.

Robinho's agent talks up move to the Bridge

Robinho's agent claims his client is unhappy at Real Madrid and would jump at the chance to move to Chelsea.

The London club on Thursday night made a formal offer for the 24-year-old Brazilian - believed to be in the region of £20 million.

The bid is likely to be rejected with the Spanish champions thought to be holding out for a figure nearer £27m, but Robinho's agent, Wagner Ribeiro, is hoping some middle ground can be found to allow the player to quit the Bernabeu for Stamford Bridge.

Ribeiro told Spanish newspaper Marca from Bogota, where Madrid are currently on tour: "Robinho is very angry with the way the Madrid bosses are dealing with him.

"He calls me every day to know whether anyone has spoken to me about his future and I always have to tell him that no-one has called.

"I have been trying to speak with someone from the club for three days. Robinho does not understand what is going on.

"His ambition is to become the best player in the world but he won't achieve that at Madrid because they treat him like a normal player.

"He didn't like at all the idea of being fourth choice in the plans Madrid have had this summer.

"First they wanted to sign Cristiano Ronaldo but couldn't. Their second option was (Rafael) Van der Vaart. Third is (Valencia striker David) Villa. Robinho is fourth."

Ribeiro suggested Madrid's attitude is pushing Robinho towards the exit door.

"Robinho's plan was to play for Real Madrid for many years," he added. "Where can he find a better club than Madrid?

"But he no longer feels that way. He is getting affection from (Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe) Scolari. He knows Robinho well and calls him every day."

Scolari can see his plans coming together

Luiz Felipe Scolari is happy with the progress he has made during his first month at the club after the Blues arrived back from their Asian tour.

He told Chelsea's official website: 'Now I have more confidence. I play four games and I know my players better. These two weeks with the players are very important to me.

'I know the players very well now, their reactions. I have had one month with the players, every day together. Now I have more choice than before.'

Scolari also hailed the attitude of his players, adding: 'They surprise me in one question - they are very professional. I never saw in my life players more professional than these players. Brilliant.'

Despite winning the Premier League title twice under Jose Mourinho, Chelsea were often criticised for a negative style of play.

That continued under Avram Grant last season. But in revealing his tactical plans, Scolari implied that may not be the case this season - while the 59-year-old is also likely to prove one of the more colourful Premier League managers.

'(On the tour) I started three games as 4-4-2 and at half-time I changed to 4-3-3 - which was normal for Chelsea before - and I looked for the reaction from the team,' he said.

'I will try in the next 10 days one new system for a few moments in each game. But normal for us now is 4-4-2 and 4-3-3. They play not bad, and I think this is the situation in the future.

'I am involved with the training and in the games I talk with the players and I talk with the bench.

'It's difficult for me only to look, see and not say something. They accept this, and I think they are receptive.'

Arshavin desperate for resolution to Spurs saga

Zenit St Petersburg forward Andrei Arshavin has revealed his frustration at the delay over his proposed move to Tottenham - and hopes his 'whining' will convince bosses to let him leave.

The UEFA Cup holders have rejected formal bids from Barcelona and Tottenham for Arshavin, whose inspirational performances led Russia to the Euro 2008 semi-finals.

Zenit have raised Arshavin's price tag to a reported 27 million euros, with the 27-year-old now fearing he has been priced out of the market.

'This price tag has frightened everybody off,' Arshavin told Sport Express. 'Only Tottenham have dared continue negotiations. But as it stands nothing has developed.

'My desire to leave is still as strong, but there is nothing more to do now other than hope for a miracle. I understand perfectly well that if I don't move on now, I probably never will.

'I'm just hoping that one fine morning the bosses at Gazprom will wake up in a good mood and say: 'We've had enough of Arshavin's whining - let's let him go'.'

With the prospect of his dream move to Barcelona over for now after the Catalans signed Alexander Hleb, Arshavin has turned his attention to the English Premier League and reiterated his desire to work with Spurs coach Juande Ramos.

'When Tottenham made their offer I was sceptical at first,' Arshavin continued. 'But after Ramos called me personally and told me that that they were selling Robbie Keane and that he wanted me in his side, the situation changed.

'When a coach shows an interest in you, especially such a renowned and strong coach, then that is already half of the success of any move. I also like the way Tottenham play, so I agreed in principle to join.

'A short while later a representative from Spurs arrived to discuss my personal terms and contract. The discussion didn't take long and we agreed on everything quickly. Only then did my asking price go up.

'Tottenham have a decent squad with (Luka) Modric, (Dimitar) Berbatov and other players, and the club is fully capable of fighting for a place in the Champions League.

'The main thing is to try my strengths in a league like the English Premier League and play against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal on a regular basis rather than once every five years.'

Despite the breakdown in negotiations, Zenit coach Dick Advocaat believes the club have not heard the last from Tottenham and is confident the deal can be resurrected.

The Dutchman told Rossiskaya Gazeta: 'I am sure Tottenham will be back to make another, more suitable offer for Arshavin's transfer. There is no set time period or deadline for this. Zenit are doing everything in the correct way.

'If Tottenham can sell Robbie Keane to Liverpool for 25 million euros then in my opinion they should pay good money for Arshavin.'

Arshavin is currently preparing to fly to Kazan for Zenit's crucial Premier Liga match against league leaders Rubin tomorrow despite reports in the English press that the player is 'on strike'.

Arshavin, along with fellow Russian internationals Alexander Anyukov, Roman Shirokov and Konstantin Zyryanov, was rested in midweek for Zenit's cup defeat to Sibir Novosibirsk.

Liverpool trio stay in China for Olympics

Liverpool have made it clear that they have no intention of forcing their players to return from the Beijing Olympics.

Suggestions Javier Mascherano, Ryan Babel and Lucas Leiva would be told to return to England have been discounted by club sources.

The confusion had arisen during the day following a ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport upholding an appeal from Barcelona, Werder Bremen and Schalke that allows the clubs to recall their players from the Games.

The argument has centred around the fact the Olympics do not figure in the FIFA schedule.

But Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has taken the view that although he would ideally like to have all his players available for next week's Champions League qualifier and the first day of the Premier League season, he has no intention of denying his young stars the chance of a lifetime to win an Olympic medal.

Liverpool declined to comment officially today on the surprise ruling but Benitez has let it be known he does not want to upset his three players who are about to start the tournament later this week, particularly Mascherano, who wants to win a second gold medal with Argentina.

To recall them now would certainly leave Benitez with three very unhappy players, all of whom have made it clear they want to be in China.

A club source said: 'Liverpool want to make it clear that they have no intention of denying their players their wish of playing in the tournament.'

Friendlies: Young Gunners win Chapman Trophy

Huddersfield 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal's youngsters took home the Herbert Chapman Trophy after two goals in the last 15 minutes gave them victory over Huddersfield at the Galpharm Stadium on Wednesday night.

The match was held to celebrate Huddersfield's centenary, with the cup named after the legendary manager of both clubs in the 1920s and 30s.

James Berrett gave the hosts the lead after 75 minutes but Sanchez Watt quickly equalised and Nacer Barazite grabbed the winner three minutes from time.

Justin Hoyte denied Luke Beckett with a last-ditch saving tackle when the striker was clean through on goal with quarter of an hour gone.

Theo Walcott - the only household name given a run-out by Arsene Wenger - was then denied by an impressive double stop by Terriers keeper Matt Glennon but the hosts gave as good as they got.

The second half saw more Gunners youngsters given a chance but it was Huddersfield who took the lead 15 minutes from time through teenager Berrett's deflected shot.

That was harsh on Arsenal, who had the better of things in the second half, but they only had to wait a matter of minutes to get their equaliser through Watt.

Penalties would have decided the match had it finished level but that outcome was avoided as Glennon failed to hold Barazite's shot.

Celtic 0-0 Man City

Celtic failed to get a shot on target in the first half of their insipid challenge match against Manchester City at Parkhead.

Manager Gordon Strachan gave surprise starts to out-of-favour duo Thomas Gravesen and Derek Riordan and fielded an unusual centre-back pairing of Scott Cuthbert and Darren O'Dea with youngster Paul McGowan appearing in midfield.

Neither Gravesen or Riordan did themselves any favours in a low-key encounter that the visitors edged, certainly in terms of possession.

Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink, as skipper in the absence of Stephen McManus, played the lone striker's role for the Scottish champions, who struggled to get going.

City did their best to entertain the sparse crowd and Valeri Bojinov's header from a Martin Petrov corner after 22 minutes, which flew over the bar, was almost the first effort on goal.

Moments later, Petrov, who was finding acres of space on the left-hand side, cut inside and drilled a right-footed shot past Artur Boruc's left-hand post.

Three minutes from the break, Boruc had to tip a Darius Vassell header onto the bar and over for a corner, from which Vassell headed over from close range after Micah Richards had helped on Petrov's set-piece.

Newcastle 2-2 PSV Eindhoven

Newcastle had to settle for a 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven at St James' Park tonight despite scoring twice in the first 10 minutes.

Steven Taylor put the hosts ahead after only three minutes, heading in Geremi's outswinging corner, and debutant Danny Guthrie made it two five minutes later from James Milner's through ball.

Newcastle were pegged back on the half-hour mark as Ibrahim Afellay fired in after Shay Given parried a shot from Nordin Amrabat.

Former Manchester City goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson prevented the Magpies from extending their lead and it was Amrabat who drew PSV level 20 minutes from time with a snapshot from 12 yards.