'Mourinho in a skirt' makes soccer history

French second division club Clermont on Wednesday named Portugal's Helena Costa as coach, making her the highest-level woman running a men's team in a major European championship.

Wenger: give women a chance

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger on Thursday led the support for Helena Costa, who is set to become the top women's coach in the leading European leagues.

Brazilian squad is worth half a billion euros

Brazil's 23-strong World Cup squad is worth an estimated half a billion euros, Brazilian financial daily Valor reported on Thursday, a day after Luiz Felipe Scolari named his list.

Another worker dies at cup site

A worker died on Thursday at a World Cup stadium in Brazil after he was electrocuted, an official source said; the eighth fatality during chaotic preparations for the soccer showpiece.

Score board

City would make a worthy champion, says Pellegrini

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini said his side would make a deserving Premier League champion after it swept to the verge of glory by crushing Aston Villa 4-0.

FIFA has 'been through hell' over World Cup-Valcke

FIFA has "been through hell" over this summer's World Cup in Brazil, according to secretary-general Jerome Valcke.

Openly gay player may have to wait

University of Missouri standout Michael Sam, who appeared to be poised to become the NFL's first openly gay player, may face an uphill climb to fulfill his dream as NFL analysts say he may not be drafted this week.

Jordan says he was racist in new book

Basketball Hall of Famer Michael Jordan says in a new book that he considered himself a racist growing up.

Chengdu Special: Visa-free policy more fuel for soaring Chengdu

As international investors increase in Chengdu, the 72-hour visa-free policy that started last September has received a hearty welcome from businessmen who need to conveniently tend to their interests.

MVP Durant gives kudos to his mom

A humbled Kevin Durant heaped praise on his Oklahoma City Thunder teammates and called his mother the true MVP after winning the National Basketball Association's top individual honor on Tuesday.

Stifling Heat smothers Nets

Rest didn't lead to rust for the defending NBA champion Miami Heat in Tuesday's opening game of their Eastern Conference semifinal against the Brooklyn Nets.