Leagues

Rubin Rule Russia

Rubin Kazan retained their title as Russian champions after a 0-0 draw with Zenit St. Petersburg. Despite entering the match thinking they would need a win to retain the title, results went the way of the defending champs and the single point was enough to earn a second straight crown.

Scandalous!

UEFA has confirmed a probe into another large match fixing scandal that involves several countries in Europe. According to the report authorities in several countries have conducted raids to take down the criminal gang thought to be responsible for fixing the matches.

Going To Seed

UEFA revealed the seeds for qualifying for the 2012 Euro Championship, to be held in Poland and Ukraine. The draw will take place on February 7 next year in Warsaw. The usual favorites are in Pot 1, while Euro debutants Montenegro are in Pot 5, just above the continent's minnows.

Hand Of Henry

Ireland took probably the toughest loss of the day as they were bounced in extra time by France. After winning in regulation and leveling the tie, Thierry Henry seemed to have a clear handball that set up William Gallas's winner in the 103rd minute to dash the hopes of the Irish.

Ronaldo Not Needed

Portugal made the World Cup without superstar Cristiano Ronaldo thanks to a 1-0 win over Bosnia. Raul Meireles was the hero with a 55th minute goal to give Portugal a 2-0 aggregate scoreline and a spot on the world's biggest stage next year in South Africa.

Greece Headed To World Cup

A 1-0 win over Ukraine was enough to push Greece into the 2010 World Cup. After a scoreless draw in the first leg Greece had to go on the road, but even the home crowd could not do enough to push Andriy Shevchenko into a spot in South Africa.

Something To Prove

The USA has a few core players out of action, and that means the roster deck has shuffled a bit, with some hoping to see starting action versus Slovakia to prove they are worthy of coach Bob Bradley's further consideration. The clock, after all, is ticking down to the World Cup in June.