More soccer news in brief.
Krancjar leaves Hammers frustrated
FOR THE SECOND time in four days Portsmouth came to London and allowed the opposition to dominate the first half only to steal victory with a single goal in the second, but there the similarities end.
Saturday's FA Cup semi-final always had a sense of occasion; last night there was only a sense of anti-climax as West Ham wasted several chances before their opponents shook off their hangovers and took control.
West Ham looked the more relaxed side early on. Portsmouth's high defensive line encouraged their midfield to rove forward in support of their sole striker Bobby Zamora, the result being immense gaps both in front of and behind their back four for the home team to exploit.
But after half-time it was West Ham who looked becalmed as the visitors enjoyed long spells of possession and carved out three shooting opportunities for Niko Kranjcar, the first two of which he spurned. But in the 61st minute the Croatian was given time and space to turn 20 yards from goal, and his shot arrowed into the bottom corner.
Guardian Service
Beckham regains title of highest-paid player
DAVID BECKHAM has overtaken Ronaldinho to regain the title of soccer's highest-paid player, according to France Football magazine.
Beckham's earnings from salary and endorsements soared 82 per cent to €31m ($48.9m) following his switch to the Los Angeles Galaxy from Real Madrid, lifting him above Barcelona's Ronaldinho, whose income was unchanged at €24.1m, the magazine's annual survey said.
The 32-year-old Beckham reclaimed the position he held for 3 years through 2005. He has a €3.5m ($5.5m) base salary that could boom to as much as €160m ($250m) over five years with endorsements and profit-sharing.
TOP EARNERS 2008
1. D Beckham (LA Galaxy) €31m
2. Ronaldinho (Barcelona) €24.1m
3. L Messi (Barcelona) €23m
4. C Ronaldo (Man Utd) €19.5m
5. T Henry (Barcelona) €16.8m
Bolton deny lining up Siasia
BOLTON HAVE angrily rejected suggestions Nigerian coach Samson Siasia has been lined up to replace manager Gary Megson.
A report yesterday suggested Siasia would be on his way to the Reebok Stadium after leading his nation's under-23 side at the Olympics. In a statement on their website, Bolton said: "The story has no basis in fact whatsoever."
Siasia, however, told a Nigerian website: "Bolton made contact with my agent a week ago. Things are almost concluded and I expect to go to England by the 24th."
Cech plays down fears
CHELSEA GOALKEEPER Petr Cech has played down fears he could miss the rest of the season - and even miss Euro 2008.
The 25-year-old suffered his second serious facial injury in the space of two years in a training-ground clash on Sunday.
"I hope I will be back in the goal soon," said Cech. "The club said I should be back in two weeks, so we shall see. I believe it will be so."
