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Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho was delighted with his players after they beat cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid 2-1 on Saturday.Goals to Karim Benzema and Mesut Oezil scored first-half goals for Real and, although Atletico grabbed an equaliser in the dying stages through Sergio Aguero, Mourinho’s side hung for an crucial away victory.”It was a very important victory. Atletico Madrid played a great game and were excellent in attack. For us it was a great win,” Mourinho told Eurosport.”Things were difficult for us. In the first half we controlled the game very well and in the second we have been able to contain Atleti. The second half was very difficult for us. We did not have the necessary intensity and we were tired, especially (Cristiano) Ronaldo and Karim Benzema.”Argentina attacker Angel Di Maria was left out of the side and replaced by French midfielder Lassana Diarra in order to make the side more compact, according to Mourinho.”I opted for three midfielders because I knew the team was tired and to make the team more compact,” he said.”I wanted to rest some players but I did want to risk our championship chances ending today. It was a risk but you have to take each day as it comes. Now we will have three days of rest.”Mourinho reserved special praise for the ‘fantastic’ Iker Casillas and also made mention of referee Fernando Teixeira Vitienes’ performance.”The referee had a great game as it is not difficult to officiate such a match,” he said.”Perhaps Cristiano Ronaldo could have had a penalty but overall he had a great game.”

Vancouver striker Eric Hassli keeps making headlines as New England rode a last-gasp equaliser to a 1-1 draw at the Whitecaps on Wednesday.A designated player signing from Swiss club FC Zurich, Frenchman Hassli scored from the penalty spot on 60 minutes to put the Whitecaps within touch of their second-ever Major League Soccer win.

But he picked up his second yellow card in the ensuing celebrations after removing one of two playing shirts he was wearing and throwing it into the crowd.

The Revolution eventually capitalised on their man advantage deep in stoppage time through Serbian substitute Ilija Stolica, whose headed goal in the 93rd-minute preserved New England’s unbeaten start to the season for another week.

Remarkably, Hassli was one of three players to receive their marching orders in the game, with team-mate Gershon Koffie sent off in the 44th minute for a stray elbow and New England defender AJ Soares dismissed for a clattering challenge on Atiba Harris late in the game.

Hassli now has three goals from as many games in his stint with the Whitecaps, but has also picked up two red cards.

The Whitecaps move to fourth on the Western Conference table following the draw, while New England narrowly retain their lead in the East from the Philadelphia Union.

Germany’s squad has come together ahead of the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where they will fight to retain the title on home soil.The squad, which bears little resemblance to that which claimed the title in China four years earlier, posed for group and individual photos in Cologne on Monday as the kickoff to the tournament nears.

Captain Birgit Prinz, one of the few remaining faces from the 2007 squad, has already announced she will retire following the World Cup.

The 33-year-old three-time FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year said it is still too early to say if the new-look German squad will be able to repeat their previous success, but is looking forward to the tournament all the same.

“The team still needs to find its feet,” Prinz told FIFA.com last week.

“In 2007 we functioned very well as a team and the various pillars of the side just fitted together perfectly. We had some great individual players and were well-organised tactically.”

“We’ll have to see what happens in 2011. Once again we’re in with a great chance, but we need to grow together as a team and function as a unit.”

“My enthusiasm is growing constantly. Obviously we’re favourites, but really it’s a win-win situation for us. We’ve got nothing to lose and just want to play good football.”

Germany face Canada in their opening group fixture on June 26. The final will take place in Frankfurt on July 17.

Bayern Munich chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is confident the club can secure the services of Schalke goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.Neuer has confirmed he wants to move from Schalke at the end of this season, and Manchester United had been tipped as a potential destination for the 25-year-old.

But Rummenigge told German television station ZDF that Bayern is in the box seat to secure the ‘keeper’s services because he would prefer to stay in Germany.

“Let’s talk about the facts,” Rummenigge said.

“Fact one is Manuel Neuer will not be staying with Schalke beyond 2012. Fact two is that Manuel Neuer will not be moving abroad.”

Rummenigge, however, insists Bayern still have a lot of work to do to capture the signature of Neuer, who is regarded as one of the world’s best shot stoppers.

“We are in talks with Schalke, but I am not as optimistic as certain members of the media,” he said.

“We don’t have any urgency, though. It is only April 30 and the transfer market closes on August 31.”

“We will see if we can find a solution. If there is one, then okay, but if not then both clubs will have to live with it.”

Bayern fans voiced their displeasure at the possible signing of Neuer during their 4-1 win over them on Saturday, but Bayern midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said he would love to play alongside his fellow German international at club level.

“If you can sign Manuel Neuer, who is not only the world’s best, but Germany’s goalkeeper too, you have to sign him,” Schweinsteiger said.

“If there is the chance to strengthen the position, so that no other team is better, then you have to do it.”

“I personally hope the club manage to sign him.”

Neuer’s talents will be on view again at Old Trafford on Wednesday when Manchester United tackle his club in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.

Newcastle look safe, but Birmingham need all three points from their trip to St James’ Park on Saturday to take another step towards survival.Alan Pardew’s Newcastle are vying with West Brom for the mantle of the best-performed newcomer to the English Premier League this season, and at the moment Newcastle are in 12th place on 41 points, two points behind West Brom who are 11th.

Interestingly, Newcastle and West Brom are two of the four teams to change managerial direction throughout the 2010-11 season – along with Liverpool and Blackburn – with Pardew replacing the unlucky Chris Hughton at Newcastle and Roy Hodgson taking Roberto Di Matteo’s job at West Brom.

In their most recent game, Newcastle were on the receiving end of a 3-0 drubbing from Liverpool at Anfield and they will be keen to respond from that setback with a win at home.

Birmingham, meanwhile, have had a 2010/11 campaign boasting a clear high point that was followed by some indifferent league form.

On February 27, Alex McLeish brought the club their first silverware in 48 years with a 2-1 win over Arsenal in the Carling Cup final.

Since then, however, Birmingham’s form in the league has been found wanting – claiming just nine points from a possible 27 to see them sit in 15th place, four points clear of the relegation zone.

In their most recent game McLeish’s men were held to a 1-1 draw at home by lowly Wolves in a spiteful affair that saw the dismissal of Birmingham midfielder Craig Gardner for two bookable offences.

In the only other meeting between Newcastle and Birmingham this season, goals from Peter Lovenkrands and Leon Best lifted Newcastle to a 2-0 win at St Andrew’s on February 15.

Neither manager will admit their side are safe until mathematically proven, and goals have been a rare commodity for both teams of late – Newcastle scoring once in four games, and Birmingham netting two in three games.

United will be at a pains to admit it, but selling striker Andy Carroll has seen them struggle in the front third since January, with first-choice strikers Shola Ameobi and Lovenkrands struggling to find the back of the net with any regularity.

Proof of their shortcomings is that neither Ameobi nor Lovenkrands (five goals each) have threatened to reach captain Kevin Nolan’s tally of 12 goals this season, although many of the former Bolton midfielder’s goals came when Carroll was present.

Gardner’s dismissal against Wolves rules him out for Saturday’s match, and he heads a long list of selection concerns for McLeish, with defender Scott Dann still in doubt.

Striker Nikola Zigic may be ready to resume after groin and hip problems, but Enric Valles, James McFadden, reserve goalkeeper Maik Taylor and striker Obafemi Martins are ruled out for the season.

Cameron Jerome and Kevin Phillips joined forces up front in their 1-1 draw with Wolves, and the latter should be fresh for the Newcastle clash as he was tactically substituted following Gardner’s red card after half an hour at St Andrews on Sunday.

Pardew also has troubling news from his medical staff, with on-loan midfielder Stephen Ireland ruled out for the rest of the season and Danny Guthrie still troubled by a foot injury.

Hatem Ben Arfa is nearing full fitness after a long absence with a broken leg, and Dan Gosling has put a long-term knee issue behind him, but it remains to be seen whether they will be fit enough to play a part in the run home.

Still, it should be a somewhat comfortable end to the season to the side that takes all three points, with a draw likely to prolong the wait for both clubs.

Fulham boss Mark Hughes was delighted his players showed hunger despite having little to play for in their 2-0 win over Birmingham City.A brace from defender Brede Hangeland at St Andrew’s on Sunday helped Fulham move into eighth in the Premier League.

Hughes said he was pleased with the way his team came out, particularly with their spot in mid-table assured.

“I was pleased to get the reaction I got. I didn’t doubt the players,” he said.

“Today it was about showing we haven’t switched off for the end of the season.”

“We’ve got targets that we’ve set ourselves and we intend to reach them. We were fully focused and I think you could see that from the way we approached the game and thankfully we were able to get another away win which have been hard to come by.”

Hughes said his team could have guaranteed the points earlier than Hangeland’s 49th-minute goal.

“We had a number of chances. Maybe we felt there was too much time and space and we didn’t make the best of it and kill the game off early,” he said.

“I think everybody saw we are an accomplished team and we like to get the ball down and play the right way. When we get our noses in front, we are hard to beat.”

Fulham host Arsenal on the last day of the season and a win, along with other results falling their way, could see them finish as high as seventh.

Birmingham City manager Alex McLeish said his relegation-threatened team would travel to Tottenham aiming to win.

“We know the consequences of going out of it (the Premier League), but it is what it is and we’ve still got one game to go,” he told Sky Sports.

“We’ll go to White Hart Lane to win.”

McLeish said Fulham had attacking options he wished his team had.

“They’re a good side. They’ve got six or seven forward players who we’re very envious of,” he said.

“It was always, on paper, a very hard game for us and I was a little bit concerned about it because I know the quality of that team.”

Delio Rossi has thanked the Palermo fans for their loyalty after stepping down from his role as head coach of the Serie A.Rossi, 50, resigned on June 1, bringing to an end an eventful two years in charge at the Stadio Renzo Barbera.

After joining in November 2009, Rossi guided the Sicilian club to fifth place and a Europa League berth in 2010.

He was sacked by president Maurizio Zamparini in February following a 7-0 thrashing at home to Udinese.

But Zamparini then performed a remarkable U-turn, dismissing replacement coach Serse Cosmi and re-hiring Rossi in April.

The re-instated Rossi then took Palermo to the Coppa Italia final, which they lost 3-1 to Inter Milan, before walking away from the job.

“I want to thank those 40,000 supporters who were there for us at the (Stadio) Olimpico for the Coppa Italia final,” Rossi said.

“That night I already knew I would be leaving the club and whatever happened in the match, it wouldn’t have changed my mind.”

“I think it is right for me to go. I lack the reasons to stay. One realises when it’s time to go.”

“Maybe I could have stayed a bit longer, but it was right for the club to want to go in a different direction and to do what they believe is right.”

“When the president wanted to see me again, I told him personally what I thought.”

While Rossi’s departure may have come as a surprise to Zamparini, apparently the Palermo squad were well aware their coach was set to quit.

“My players knew the truth and have always known it,” Rossi said.

“If you have noticed, before declaring my intentions, I wanted to talk with my players and look them into their eyes because I wanted to know what their opinion was.”

“So I went on my way and I wanted the president to know he shouldn’t worry too much looking for a replacement.”

“He gave me the chance to coach a great team here and I wanted to thank him, but I don’t have any reason to stay on.”

Sao Paulo defeated Cruzeiro 2-1 on Saturday to close within a point of Brazil Serie A leaders Corinthians, while Vasco de Gama also won.Hosts Sao Paulo – playing their first match under caretaker manager Milton Cruz – led from the 21st minute of the match at Estadio Cicero Pompeu de Toledo through a goal from forward Dagoberto.

Midfielder Marlos doubled the lead a minute into the second half.

Although Wallyson pulled one back for the visitors with 19 minutes to go, Sao Paulo held out to record their sixth win from nine matches this season.

It was a welcome return to form for Sao Paulo, who sacked manager Paulo Cesar Carpegiani on Thursday after three-straight defeats.

Corinthians remain top by one point, with two games in hand over second-placed Sao Paulo.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Internacional lost ground on the leaders after they went down 2-0 away to Vasco da Gama.

Striker Eder Luis opened the scoring for the hosts 25 minutes in at Estadio Sao Januario.

But Internacional remained in the hunt, until defender Dede struck with eight minutes left to seal the win for Vasco.

They are now seventh with 14 points, just one point back from fourth-placed Internacional.

Finally, the league’s bottom side, Atletico Paranaense, played out a goalless draw at home to second-bottom Avai.

Both clubs are yet to win this season.

Lionel Messi says Argentina dreams of Copa America, but are aware of the challenge that faces them in the quarter-finals against Uruguay.Argentina tackle Uruguay at Santa Fe’s Estadio Brigadier General Estanislao Lopez on Saturday, in the first meeting between the two rivals since qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in October 2009.

While both sides are undefeated in the Copa America, their form has been unconvincing.

Argentina was held to two frustrating draws to Bolivia and Colombia, eventually breaking the shackles in a 3-0 over Costa Rica on Monday in their last Group A match.

Uruguay began their own tournament with two draws – against Peru and Chile – before edging Mexico 1-0 in Group C on Tuesday.

But they still present a tough challenge for Ricardo Batista’s Argentina, who are searching for their first major trophy in 13 years.

“We want to go slowly. We know, as we’ve been saying, that Uruguay will be a complicated opponent, and we don’t want to get ahead of ourselves,” said Messi, who quieted criticism of his own performances in the tournament with a masterclass against Costa Rica.

“We want to go match-by-match but, obviously, we dream of winning the Copa. We will continue to dream and it’s what we most want.”

“I believe that Argentina needs a title. It’s been a long time without one. We were very close on the last Copa America (in 2007, when they lost to Brazil) but we couldn’t quite get it, and it continues to be the dream of all of us.”

The winners will take on either Colombia or Peru for a place in the final.

Neymar has reiterated that he will remain with Brazilian club Santos beyond the end of the European transfer window.The Brazil international has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe following his excellent performances for Santos last season, as he guided them to Copa Libertadores glory courtesy of a two-legged final victory over Penarol.

His agent, Wagner Ribeiro, revealed at the weekend that both Real Madrid and Barcelona have made an approach for the services of the 19-year-old, and earlier this month Ribeiro also stated that Neymar would prefer to join Madrid over Barca, although the player himself remarked that he wants to remain with Santos and play in the Club World Cup in December.

Neymar has now once again said that he will stay in Brazil, confirming the words of his father that he would decide his future after the Copa America.

“I’m staying at Santos,” the attacker told reporters on arrival in Brazil from Argentina following the exit of his nation from the Copa America at the quarter-final stage to Paraguay on Sunday evening.

Neymar is currently under contract with Santos until 2015, and has a buy-out clause of 45 million euro.