Soccer Shorts:Brazil were undone by a slice of magical talent yesterday as they were beaten 2-0 by Mexico in their Copa America Group B fixture in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela - their first competitive match under coach Dunga.
Mexico went ahead in the 21st minute with a sublime piece of skill by Castillo, who chose to play for Mexico this year after also being chased by Uruguay and Greece. Latching onto Juan Carlos Cacho's chip into the area, the Olympiakos striker flicked the ball over Juan and then past goalkeeper Doni without letting it touch the ground.
Ramon Morales's free-kick eight minutes later gave Mexico their second successive win over Brazil following their 1-0 victory at the Confederations Cup two years ago.
Brazil took control of the game in the second half but were foiled by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, the crossbar and defender Fausto Pinto, who cleared one chance off the line.
With the last move of the game, Castillo ran half the length of the pitch, rounded Doni and then shot wide of the open goal.
In the other Group B fixture, Chile twice came from behind and then scored a late winner to beat an otherwise dominant Ecuador 3-2.
Bent on the verge
Darren Bent is on the verge of completing his move from Charlton to Tottenham, bolstering Martin Jol's attack for next season.
A fee is understood to have been agreed between the two teams, starting at around £15 million and rising towards the £17 million Charlton were looking for.
Trezeguet in demand
David Trezeguet claims he spurned interest from Manchester United and Liverpool before signing a new contract with Juventus.
The 29-year-old France striker this week penned a new deal with the Turin side, tying him to the club until June 2011.
He told L'Équipe: "My father (and agent) told me I had other propositions from ambitious clubs like Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona. But as soon as Juventus showed their desire to keep me, I accepted immediately."
Rigters talks to Celtic
NAC Breda have given permission for striker Maceo Rigters to open transfer talks with Celtic. The 23-year-old has two years left to run on his contract with the Dutch outfit but has become hot property since finishing as top scorer for winners the Netherlands at the European Under-21 Championship.
Meanwhile, Italian midfielder Massimo Donati has passed his medical with Celtic.
The 26-year-old will be unveiled at a Parkhead press conference at 11am today following his €4.5 million move from AC Milan.
Blatter to reconsider
Fifa president Sepp Blatter is to reconsider a ban on high-altitude matches following a meeting on Thursday with Bolivian President Evo Morales.
"I am going to reconsider this decision," Blatter said less than 24 hours after announcing Fifa would raise its controversial altitude limit from 2,500 metres (8,200 feet) above sea level to 3,000 metres (9,800 feet).
Blatter, who spent around 40 minutes discussing the issue with Morales, said he would summon an emergency committee and announce a final decision next week.
Faubert digs heels in
Julien Faubert has refused to train with Bordeaux as he puts pressure on the French club to sell him to Rangers. The 23-year-old midfielder, who can also play in defence, is a confirmed Rangers target but a stumbling block to the deal is Bordeaux's valuation of the France international. They have started negotiations at €15 million, and Rangers will pay only a fraction of that price.
Midfielder Charlie Adam has signed a new five-year contract with the Ibrox club.
In brief . . .
Former Fulham manager Chris Colemanwas yesterday appointed as coach of Real Sociedad . . . Freddie Ljungbergwants to stay at Arsenal for the rest of his career . . . Birmingham have completed the £2.7-million capture of Scotland striker Garry O'Connorfrom Lokomotiv Moscow . . . Sunderland chairman Niall Quinnsays the club have a 50-50 chance of signing Preston striker David Nugent.
