Federer avoids upset to reach last 16

Roger Federer kept his bid for a fifth consecutive US Open title alive but was made to work hard by Igor Andreev.

The world number two progressed to the quarterfinals with a gruelling 6-7 (5/7) 7-6 (7/5) 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Federer was off the pace from the start, producing a number of poor shots before losing the first set in the tiebreak when the defending champion sent a backhand wide to give Andreev set-point before another wayward effort saw the Russian take the first set.
The second set once again went to tiebreak. Federer raced into a 3-0 lead and although Andreev battled back to 3-6, the 27-year-old converted set-point at the third time of asking to level at one-set all.
Federer, cheered on by the crowd, started to show the form he is capable of and comfortably won the third set 6-3 but Andreev continued to battle and took the encounter to a fifth when he produced a number of impressive serves to win the fourth set 6-3.
But Federer raised his game and came through a tough contest that lasted just over three-and-a-half-hours when he claimed the fifth and final set after Andreev's attempted lob went long. He will now face qualifier Gilles Muller of Luxembourg in the last eight.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/tennis/us-open

tennis

Drama not affecting Real Madrid

Roll back the clock to the end of last season and everything seemed rosy at the Bernabeu for champions Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants had just lifted their second Primera Liga crown on the trot - the first time they had achieved that in 18 years - and with bitter rivals Barcelona finishing third, their fans were crowing about being top dog in Spain.
A record-breaking season had seen them score more goals in the Primera Liga than ever before, while conceding the fewest, and rack up more points than in any previous campaign.
Moreover, everyone seemed certain that Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo was on the verge of moving to the Bernabeu - not least the player himself - and it seemed a question of when, not if, he would commit himself to Los Merengues.
Spirits were high in the white half of Madrid, with many feeling that with the arrival of Ronaldo, who led United to Champions League glory, Real would once again triumph in Europe's premier club competition.
Fast forward a few months and it's a very different story.
In contrast to the Nou Camp, which has been a hub of activity in the summer, the Bernabeu has been decidedly quiet.
Despite the plethora of players linked to the Primera Liga giants the squad looks more or less the same as last season, with one noticeable absentee - Robinho.
The summer started to go downhill for the legion of Madrid fans when Ronaldo announced he was staying at United. That was swiftly followed by another high-profile target, David Villa, signing a new deal at Valencia.
And things went from bad to worse on transfer deadline day when disgruntled winger Robinho headed out of the Bernabeu exit door and to Manchester City.
Sandwiched between that was the kick-off to the new Primera Liga season with Madrid desperate to get off to a winning start and prove their doubters wrong.
However, a 2-1 defeat at Deportivo La Coruna has seen some start screaming about a crisis at one of Spain's biggest clubs.
Some sections of the press are even talking about Bernd Schuster's possible successor - with Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who coached Madrid's youth and reserve sides for six years, favourite to take over the reins.
But Madrid fans might want to wait a while before starting a full-scale panic.
They might have lost the season opener, but they are no strangers to defeat at Depor, having failed to win at the Riazor since 1991/92 - since when they have lifted a whopping 18 trophies.
Moreover, they might have made only one signing this summer - but what a signing.
Under-pressure president Ramon Calderon might have failed in his attempts to land number one target Ronaldo, but the arrival of Hamburg playmaker Rafael van der Vaart will be of some consolation to the fans and he could make the difference in Europe.
The Madrid faithful also should not forget that one of their star players, Wesley Sneijder, is recovering from injury but should be back in action by mid-October.
Javier Saviola and Michel Salgado were also sidelined for the season opener, while Van der Vaart missed out due to his red card in the Supercopa victory.
Madrid have much of the same side who crashed out of the Champions League last season, going out to Roma before even the quarter-final stage, and the players are desperate to prove they can succeed on club football's biggest stage.
Once they have a fully-fit squad again they could be set for another record-breaking season and sweep all before them once more.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football/primera-liga

football

Moratti changes tact on Quaresma

In an amazing about-turn, Inter president Massimo Moratti has praised his club's latest recruit Ricardo Quaresma.

After a long transfer saga, Massimo Moratti finally backed down from a row with Jose Mourinho and brought Ricardo Quarsema to the San Siro for a hefty transfer fee. And the president now seems extremely pleased at bringing the ex-Porto winger on board. "Quaresma can add speed and class on the wings," explained the Nerrazzurri president. "He is another weapon besides Mancini and Figo. We hope he can be useful." Many pundits believe that the draw against Sampdoria was the reason Quaresma was finally brought in and Moratti gave a quick word about the performance of his team in the match that ended 1-1 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. "It was the result of a difficult match, even if there is no need to think it is a negative one," claimed Moratti. "The match was conducted well in the first half and a little less so after the restart, but this is the italian league and it's very difficult." When asked if he thought he would have spent so much money on football when he first became Inter president, Moratti smiled, "I had hoped not." Inter's next match will be at the San Siro when they host Sicilian side Catania, who were victorious over Geona in their match on Sunday afternoon.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football/serie-a

Arshavin could still join Spurs

Andrei Arshavin could still move to England this season, even though the player will stay in Russia at least until January.
The player's representative Dennis Lachter is confident that a deal could be concluded that would bring Arshavin to England in the January transfer window.
The Zenit St Petersburg playmaker was linked with a move to Tottenham, but it could not be brokered before the summer transfer window closed on Monday evening.
"The Zenit president Aleksandr Dyukov contacted me and informed me that Andrei would be staying at the St Petersburg club," Lachter explained to Russian newspaper Sovetsky Sport.
"But Dyukov said that if Tottenham continue to show an interest in buying Arshavin, then we will be able to return to the issue in January of next year, when the winter transfer window opens."
Lachter also explained why Tottenham and Zenit failed to reach an agreement on Arshavin's transfer during the summer.
"The reasons for the total refusal to sell the footballer were the following: Zenit would not allow the transfer fee for Arshavin to be paid over a number of years.
"Plus, Tottenham decided to make a renewed attempt to buy Andrei too late, at the very end of the Russian transfer window. So if the St Petersburg club had sold the forward, they would have had no time to replace him."
One bright spot for the player is that he will remain in the spotlight for the next few months.
Arshavin will have the opportunity to impress on the big stage as Zenit St Petersburg will begin their maiden UEFA Champions League campaign in September, with Arshavin expected to play a key role.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Drogba makes reserves return

Didier Drogba came through nearly an hour of his comeback from a knee injury in Chelsea reserves' 3-2 win at Arsenal.
The striker has been out for four months but seemed to come through his run-out without any problems at Barnet's Underhill ground.
The Ivory Coast international set up a goal in the first half and was replaced by youngster Fabio Paim in the 58th minute.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Arsenal duo pen new deals

Arsenal have confirmed that youngsters Mark Randall and Kieran Gibbs have signed new contracts at the club.
Both players joined the Gunners in the summer of 2006 and went on to sign professional contracts in 2007.
Randall, 18, spent time on loan at Burnley last season and has made six first-team appearances. Midfielder Gibbs, also 18, made his debut for the Gunners last season against Sheffield United in the Carling Cup.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league

Quaresma excited at Inter switch

Ricardo Quaresma has described his delight at sealing a deadline-day move from Porto to reigning Serie A champions Internazionale.
The Portugal winger on Monday put pen to paper on a five-year deal at the San Siro to end a summer of speculation over his future.
"It's a dream come true for me," said Quaresma. "In all this time I have always hoped that the negotiations would be successful and now I am delighted."
Quaresma joined Inter for a fee that could rise to 30.6 million euros, making the 24-year-old the most expensive arrival in Serie A this summer.
And Quaresma is determined to become an integral part of coach Jose Mourinho's plans.
"Whether physically or psychologically, my condition is optimum," he said.
"It will be down to Mourinho to decide when I should play, but when he decides I will be ready."
Quaresma is Mourinho's third signing of the summer following the arrivals of winger Mancini and midfielder Sulley Muntari, and the former Chelsea boss is delighted to have been able to secure another of his primary targets.
"When I arrived at Inter I selected three players: Quaresma, Mancini and [Frank] Lampard," said Mourinho.
"The club has signed the first two and did everything it could to sign the third one."

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Murray plays down Del Potro rivalry

British number one Andy Murray insisted he had no scores to settle with rival Juan Martin Del Potro as he began preparing for their US Open quarter-final in New York on Wednesday.
Murray accused Del Potro of firing a volley straight at his head when the two players met in Rome in May and the Scotsman was angered because his opponent did not apologise. Then during a change of ends the pair exchanged words, with Argentinian Del Potro launching an insult about Murray's mother.
But Murray said: "I haven't spoken to him since so whether there is (unfinished business) or not, to me, it's another tennis match,"
He added: "Whether I like Del Potro or not doesn't really make any difference. When you get on the tennis court it's just another match and you've got to win."
Murray, the sixth seed for this fourth and final grand slam tournament of 2008, set up a meeting with the 17th-seeded Argentinian on Monday night when he hammered world number 10 Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland 6-1 6-3 6-3.
Just over 10 weeks since reaching the last eight at Wimbledon for the first time in his career, Murray has now repeated the feat at the US Open, emulating fellow Britons John Lloyd, Greg Rusedski and Tim Henman.
If he is to get past Del Potro, however, he will have to beat a 19-year-old four-time ATP Tour winner this year, unbeaten in his last 23 matches.

Wednesday 3rd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/tennis

Dimi delighted with 'dream' move

Dimitar Berbatov has revealed his joy at completing the long-drawn transfer from Tottenham to Manchester United.
Berbatov sealed his Red Devils move in a US$60 million deal which sees Spurs compensated with a season-long loan of Fraizer Campbell.
The Berbatov transfer saga had been going on for much of the summer, as the Bulgarian international was desperate to leave for pastures new and play in the Champions League.
The 27-year-old is relieved to have finally moved to Old Trafford and hopes for a great career with Man United.
"Joining Manchester United is a dream come true for me," said Berbatov. "I look forward to playing my part in helping this club win more honours in the years to come."
As the transfer window inched shut before the 12am (UK time) deadline, even Sir Alex Ferguson said that he was doubtful that the transfer would go through, given the slow negotiations between the Red Devils and Spurs.
The Man United boss is therefore thrilled to finally have his man and is confident that Berbatov will fit in right away with strikers Wayne Rooney and Carlos Tevez.
"His style and ability will give the team a different dimension and I'm sure he will be a popular player with the fans," said Sir Alex after the deal was done.

Tuesday 2nd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Alex Silva bids farewell to Sao Paulo

Alex Silva admits he has unfinished business in Brazil after completing his transfer from Sao Paulo to Hamburg.
The 23-year-old, who helped Brazil clinch bronze at the Olympics last month, left the reigning two-time Brazilian champions to move to the German Bundesliga side on a five-year deal on Monday.
However, the defender has promised to return to Sao Paulo in the future and said: "My spell here is not complete as I would have loved to win a Copa Libertadores and a [Club] World Cup."
He added: "Anyway, I can look back on a successful time, as nobody knew me before and I won two Brazilian leagues.
"Sao Paulo signed me with a lot of defects, but now I leave as a complete man.
"I want to make history and be a leader of the [Hamburg] team. Then I hope I can come back to Sao Paulo to end my career."
The move marks the second time Alex Silva has plied his trade in Europe following a stint with Rennes in 2005, although injuries meant he failed to make a first-team appearance for the French side.
"Hamburg is a big team, although they are not known too much in Brazil," he added.
"They are an excellent club. They are second in their league and fight for titles."

Tuesday 2nd September 2008
by www.espnstar.com/football

Japanese ace loses teen showdown at US Open

NEW YORK (AFP) - Argentina's Juan Martin Del Potro ended the US Open dream run of Japan's Kei Nishikori with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 triumph Monday in a fourth-round matchup of teen stars seen as destined for greatness.

The 19-year-old South American stretched his win streak to 23 matches and became the first teen in the last eight at the US Open since American Andy Roddick in 2001, denying the honor to his 18-year-old Asian rival.
"It's unbelievable. I don't know what happened with me and my tennis but it has been a great week for me," Del Potro said.
Nishikori, who ousted fourth seed David Ferrer in the third round, was the youngest player to reach the US Open round of 16 since Marat Safin a decade ago and would have been the youngest quarter-finalist since Andre Agassi in 1988.
"I'm pretty happy right now. I came here trying to get past the first round. That was my goal," Nishikori said. "Next year hopefully I will stay healthy and play well, make the quarters next year I hope."
Del Potro, ranked 17th, has won his past four tournaments - Stuttgart, Kitzbuhel, Los Angeles and Washington - and is only the second player ranked outside the top 10 in the past 20 years to compile a 15-match win streak.
"I just do my best in the matches," he said. "I'll try to win my fifth in a row but it's very tough."
Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic, a 21-year-old Serbian seeded third at the US Open after a run to last year's final, is impressed with the talent of the duo and Croatian teen Marin Cilic, whom he ousted in the third round.
"It's good for the sport to have rising stars coming up," Djokovic said. "Cilic and Del Potro and Nishikori, they are all top-10 players. I'm sure we are going to see them in the future."
Nishikori, who injured his abdomen and retired this year at Wimbledon in his Grand Slam debut, won his first ATP title in February at Delray Beach and can see himself in the top 10 as well someday.
"Right now, no, but I'm playing well this year," Nishikori said. "I had so many injuries this year, my back, my stomach. I've got to work more on taking care of my body, less injuries. Then I can get my ranking higher.
"I will get more confidence from this week. I beat (Argentina's Juan) Monaco first round and I was almost cramping. I got mentally strong and beat Ferrer. I will get confidence."
Nishikori, who owns a home in Florida near his training base, failed in his bid to match the only Japanese man to ever reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam event in the 40-year Open era, Shuzo Matsuoka at Wimbledon in 1995.
"He taught me some things when I was 12 or 13. I'm trying to beat his career," Nishikori said.
The top idols for Nishikori are 12-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer and the man who replaced him as world number one, Spain's Rafael Nadal.
"I like how Nadal plays," Nishikori said. "Roger too. He can do everything. He plays so smart. That's what I'm trying to be."
Nishikori was the first Japanese man to reach the final 16 at the US championship since 1937 and could have become Japan's first quarter-finalist at the event, counting pre-Open era results, since Zenzo Shimidzu in 1922.
Nishikori, who would have been the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist since 1999 at 126th in the world, grabbed a 3-0 lead but lost seven games in a row and could never match Del Potro's rhythm in the match after that.
"I was a little tired, mentally more tired and at the same time he was playing really well. He didn't miss any balls," Nishikori said. "I was just waiting for his mistakes. I couldn't use my forehand."
Nishikori, with his mother Eri watching at Louis Armstrong Stadium, finally succumbed after two hours and eight minutes but not before earning his rival's respect.
"He's a good player. He has a good future," Del Potro said. "It's a good tournament for him also."

by Jim Slater

http://news.yahoo.com

Serena, Venus set up US Open sister showdown

NEW YORK (AFP) - Serena Williams will face sister Venus at the US Open for the fourth time after bringing Severine Bremond's wild card run to a halt with a 6-2, 6-2 victory.

Serena and Venus have met 16 times previously with both winning eight matches, but this will be the first time they have met in the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam tournament.
Seventh-seeded Venus, who eliminated Polish ninth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-1, 6-3 on Monday, said life on the court would be easier if she didn't have a superstar sister.
But says she won't hold back against eight-time Grand Slam winner Serena.
"If I had a sister who wasn't good then it would be easier because I would just beat her. But obviously she is very good," said Venus, who like Serena has two US Open titles.
"We have to meet in the quarters but this would be a huge milestone for me to win this championship. That's how I see it, as trying to win the tournament."
Said fourth seed Serena, "It's my career and her career. I know she can definitely bury it. So I can do the same thing."
In the other women's fourth-round matches Monday, Russian sixth seed Dinara Safina beat Anna-Lena Groenefeld 7-5, 6-0 and Flavia Pennetta of Italy trounced France's Amelie Mauresmo 6-3, 6-0.
Serena needed just 60 minutes to bounce France's Bremond and Venus not much longer to send Radwanska packing as neither sister has dropped a set so far.
Venus and Serena have met twice in the US Open final with the older Venus winning in 2001 before losing to Serena the following year.
Wednesday's match will be a repeat of this year's Wimbledon final, which Venus won 7-5, 6-4.
And this is only the third time since 1998 they have met before the semi-finals of a tournament. They have not been shy about expressing their disappointment at this year's draw.
"It sucks," Serena said. "That's how I feel. Even the semis would be better than the quarters. At least one of us will make it to semis."
They only have themselves to blame for their being in the same quarter of the draw as neither has played a full tour schedule in the past year.
There is more on the line than just sibling bragging rights for Serena. If the 26-year-old Serena makes it to the finals she could regain the No. 1 spot she held for the first time in July 2002.
"It is not about getting there for me," Serena said. "It is about keeping it."
Serena won 90 percent of her first-serve points and hammered 24 winners to 121st-ranked Bremond's 10 winners.
Venus, who won back-to-back US Open titles in 2000 and 2001, avenged a loss to Radwanska in their only other career meeting two years ago in Luxembourg.
Venus hammered four aces, won 77 percent of her first-serve points and converted five of 14 break-point chances in the 84-minute match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
She came out with plenty of fire, winning the first set in just 32 minutes before clinching the victory on her second match point when the error-prone Radwanska sailed a forehand into the net.
Venus never let Radwanska into the match, jumping on her serve and attacking the net. Venus broke Radwanska in the second and fourth games of the opening set and then held serve to take a 5-0 lead.
She smacked a 121-mph ace to win the fifth game and hit a total of 33 winners.
Safina is trying to follow in the footsteps of brother Marat Safin and win her first Grand Slam at the US Open.
Safina has won three titles and was runner-up at the French Open earlier this year, giving credence to the argument she is the most in form of all the WTA Tour.
Elder brother Marat won his initial Grand Slam at the US Open in 2000 and Safina, the Beijing Olympics silver medallist, is hoping to do the same.
Against qualifier Groenefeld, Safina won 71 percent of her first serve points and made just 17 unforced errors to the German's 28 unforced errors.
Pennetta, who competed for Italy in last month's Beijing Games, says she will have to step up her play against Safina.
"She's in good shape," Pennetta said of the Russian. "I have to serve. My first serve is going to be important, also the return."

by http://news.yahoo.com

Keegan quits Newcastle: report

NEWCASTLE, England (AFP) - Kevin Keegan has quit as manager of Premier League outfit Newcastle United after holding talks with club's board on Tuesday, Sky Sports News reported.

The 57-year-old was reportedly unhappy with the club's policy on transfers and has left after less than eight months in the job.
Keegan had hoped for three or four major signings but they failed to materialise as the transfer window closed at midnight on Monday.
Sky Sports News reported that Keegan did not take training Tuesday morning and was locked in talks with the club's board.
Keegan recently claimed James Milner would not be sold only for the midfielder to join Aston Villa in a 12-million-pound deal.
But having been unable to add to the signings of Argentinian pair Fabricio Coloccini and Jonas Gutierrez with several big-name stars Keegan is believed to have become disillusioned with his lot at Newcastle.
The club's only business on transfer deadline day was a 5.7-million-pound signing of Spanish striker Xisco and the loan signing of midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez.
Former England and Manchester City boss Keegan, who managed the club from 1992 to 1997, returned for a second time to St James' Park in January after the sacking of Sam Allardyce.
The club are currently 11th in the Premier League with just four points from their opening three games.

by http://news.yahoo.com

Arab cash and Robinho will transform Man City: Hughes

MANCHESTER, England (AFP) - Manchester City manager Mark Hughes believes that the cash boost provided by the club's new Arab owners coupled with the signing of striker Robinho will transform the team.

The capture of the Brazilian, on a four-year contract for a fee understood to be a British record 32 million pounds (57 million US dollars), was a major surprise as Chelsea had looked intent on signing the player from Real Madrid.
The Robinho transfer was made possible by the takeover of the club by the Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment earlier Monday.
And Hughes believes the new cash injection available from the Abu Dhabi group will see the club elevated to a new level in world football, while the Robinho effect will have a positive influence on his players.
"He brings a breadth of quality into the squad," the City manager told Setanta Sports News.
"If you can add the quality of the likes of Robinho then immediately the whole team has a lift, a positive lift.
"That can help lift performances right through the squad. Irrespective of how we play him he'll have an impact."
"It's a fantastic time for everybody connected with Manchester City," said Hughes
"It's just the start of the things we're trying to make happen."
The City manager added: "It's a huge statement of intent. A lot of credit has got to go to Dr Thaksin (Shinawatra, the club's current chairman and owner) for being able to bring the Abu Dhabi company to the table and this huge investment that is going to go forward.
"They wanted to present something to the people of Manchester and they have been able to do that.
"If we're going to get to the places we want to get to we are going to have to compete against outstanding teams.
"We have to attract world-class players and that is what we have done.
"He is an exceptional talent and opposition teams are going to fear him."

by http://news.yahoo.com

Toffees failed in Owen swoop

Everton boss David Moyes failed in an audacious bid to bring ex-Red Michael Owen back to the blue half of Merseyside.
The striker, who was left out of Fabio Capello's England squad for their World Cup Qualifiers, has been stalling over a new contract with the Magpies.
Sensing an impasse, Moyes swooped in with the hope of tempting Owen back to Merseyside but he was immediately knocked back by Owen's advisors, who claimed that the former Real Madrid star has no desire of a move back.
Owen was not the only player who knocked back any Everton interest after Valencia winger Joaquin also snubbed interest from the Toffees to stay with Valencia.
Nigerian winger Obinna Nsofor, 21, was denied a work permit.
He said: "It came as a big shock as I was looking forward to playing for Everton.
"The work permit is a tough law but one has to respect the rules.
"I know someday I'll play in England, though."
The Everton boss though has to be contended with the arrival of Manchester United forward Louis Saha.
Moyes has signed Manchester United forward Louis Saha.
The Frenchman, 30, said: "I am very happy to be here.
"It is a big club which is trying to reach the top."

Tuesday 2nd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/footbal

City made bids for Villa and Gomez

Manchester City's transfer scramble saw them bidding for Valencia striker David Villa and Stuttgart forward Mario Gomez.
As the dust on their blockbuster signing Robinho settles down, it has now been revealed that the club, who were bought over by Arab consortium Abu Dhabi United Group for Development and Investment, made late gasp dashes for the striking duo.
However, both bids for Villa and Gomez bore no fruit as Valencia refused to entertain any bids for Villa who only last week signed a new contract extension while a move for Gomez also failed to materialize.
More sensational reports emanated that the Citizens did indeed outbid arch rivals Manchester United for Dimitar Berbatov with a late US$70 million offer but with Berba's heart already set on a move to Old Trafford, Mark Hughes was powerless in convincing the Bulgarian to change his mind.
Dr Sulaiman Al-Fahim, who is heading up new owners new owners Abu Dhabi United Group confirmed the club's transfer hive, saying: "I am hopeful about Berbatov, but I need to speak to our colleagues in England to see what the latest is.
"We have bids in for three players. There is Berbatov, but there is also David Villa and Mario Gomez. We have bids in for Villa and Gomez."
Villa was top scorer at Euro 2008, netting four goals in Spain's triumphant campaign, while Gomez scored 22 goals in all competitions last season.
Al-Fahim has also endorsed his fullest support for Mark Hughes to continue his role as manager."
He added: "I don't want to put a figure on what will be available, like US$200million, because more than that might be needed.
"We are happy with Hughes. We need to sit down with him and discuss his targets."
" He has our support and we will give him the authority to sign the players he wants to sign. "
"Funds are available, and transfers such as these show we are serious."

Tuesday 2nd September 2008

by www.espnstar.com/football

Beckham's LA Galaxy to return to New Zealand

WELLINGTON (AFP) - David Beckham's LA Galaxy team will return to New Zealand in December for an exhibition match in Auckland, officials said Tuesday.

The US Major League Soccer team and its English celebrity skipper played the Wellington Phoenix in an exhibition late last year and will return to the country for a match against an Oceania All Stars team.
A crowd of nearly 32,000 saw Beckham's team beat the Wellington team 4-1 last year and up to 40,000 are expected for the Auckland match.
The Galaxy will play an Oceania All Stars invitational team captained by New Caledonian and French player Christian Karembeu.
There are hopes of including three international players from outside the Oceania region, officials said.
"Hosting David Beckham and the LA Galaxy for a match at the ARC's Mt Smart Stadium will bring a global sporting superstar of a popular sport to the people of the Auckland region," Auckland Regional Council chairman Michael Lee said.

by http://news.yahoo.com