The Chelsea yesterday completed the purchase of the 30-year-old playmaker who has followed his Portugal manager to west London in an £8m deal which may have an effect on Frank Lampard's future at Stamford Bridge.

The Premier League club had been unsure whether Deco, who was below par in a Barcelona side well adrift of Real Madrid last season, represented value for money but Scolari was obviously persuaded by Deco's good form at Euro 2008.

The midfielder was a key member of Scolari's squad in Austria and Switzerland as Portugal reached the quarter-finals and has long been viewed as the coach's on-pitch lieutenant.

But what now for Frank Lampard? The England midfielder is currently on holiday in Italy but with only a year to run on his contract he has been courted by Chelsea's former manager, Jose Mourinho, who is now at Internazionale.

Deco's arrival appears to threaten Lampard's place in the team.

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bet365 are offering 5/2 that Michael Ballack finishes on the losing side for Chelsea in a cup final next season.

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth "Ballack's trophy cabinet should have more winners medals than it does and his nearly man tag will have been added to after tasting yet more defeat on Sunday night."

Will Ballack Be A Losing Finalist Next Season?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Yes 5/2
No 2/7

(Ballack must actually feature for Chelsea in a final to count.
Champions League , Carling Cup &/or FA Cup)

Take a look at the odds at bet365 now

Murray looked down and out when his French opponent served for the match at 5-4 in the third set but an incredible turn of events saw him claim a magical 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7/3) 6-2 6-4 triumph late on Monday evening.

The final set was played with the light fading out on court and the patriotic crowd were roaring Murray towards the finish line.

He will now meet second seed Rafael Nadal of Spain in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

RELATED LINKS :
Tennis Betting Previews on the main site
Wimbledon Tennis Live Scores on the Guide
Wimbledon Tennis Live Betting Odds at BookieLabrat.com

After a strong start from Germany, Spain were the more dangerous side throughout an somewhat uninspiring final at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion and it took just one goal - in the 33rd minute, courtesy of Torres's pace, perseverance and an unerring finish - to end their long wait.

Xavi was the architect, playing a pass in behind the Germany defence towards Torres, who outmuscled a hesitant Philipp Lahm and clipped the ball over the diving Jens Lehmann and just inside the far post.

Spain had more openings in the early stages of the second half, Lehmann getting a touch to Xavi's low shot before Ramos nearly flicked in Silva's drive from the resulting corner.

Yet Germany still posed a threat, and at the hour mark substitute Marcell Jansen and Bastian Schweinsteiger combining for Ballack to shoot centimetres wide.

Klose then deflected a Schweinsteiger effort past the post and in response to Germany's renewed menace Spain coach Luis Aragones promptly introduced Xabi Alonso and Santi Cazorla in place of Fabregas and Silva.

The switches reinvigorated Spain instantly, Lehmann making sharp stops from Ramos and Iniesta while Torsten Frings blocked another Iniesta effort on the line.

Spain continued to carve out chances as the match reached its conclusion, Marcos Senna narrowly failing to apply the finishing touch to an unselfish header from substitute Daniel Guiza – but the celebrations really started for Spain at the final whistle.

beat

GERMANY (0) 0

"Germany could go into Sunday's final against Spain without their captain and inspiration Michael Ballack as the midfielder is receiving treatment for a calf injury" the website says.

"Ballack sat out the team's final training session in Tenero on Friday and was also a notable absentee tonight as the team were put through their paces at the Ernst-Happel-Stadion on the eve of the UEFA EURO 2008™ showpiece." it continues.

"The muscles has tightened and we'll have to wait and see how things develop," explained coach Joachim Low. "Our medical people are working around the clock to give him a chance to play."

But do you believe it?

I need to go no further than Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger who has said .. "It's an old Bayern Munich trick!" said the Arsenal manager. "I'm convinced if it's a minor injury he will play - they have very good doctors in Germany!"

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth commented "Wednesday's semi final seemed to be about which ageing keeper could make the most ricks and somehow Lehmann finds himself in the final.

It may not be long before he follows Rustu in hanging up his international gloves."

Jens Lehmann Specials - Euro 2008 Final
-------------------------------------------
7/4 .. Keep a clean sheet
13/2 .. Concede goal from penalty
15/2 .. Get Booked
10/1 .. Give away a penalty
16/1 .. Man of the Match
25/1 .. Save a penalty
33/1 .. Get Sent Off

bet365 spokesman Steve Freeth said "The quarter finals belonged to the bookies, but the punters are well on top after the first semi ...

They could only see one outcome with all the injuries and suspensions that Turkey had to deal with and in the end they got it spot on – but only just!"

Ranked No. 1 since Feb. 2, 2004, the longest consecutive stay atop the rankings.

No. 2 RAFAEL NADAL ----- Age: 22. Major titles: 4
--------------------------------------------------
Second man to win four consecutive French Open titles (Borg did it from 1978-81) and this year's French Open win against Federer was most lopsided men's Grand Slam final since 1984.

Last week became the first Spanish man in 36 years to win a grass-court title, beating Novak Djokovic in the Queen's Club final.

Lost Wimbledon final to Federer last two years.

No. 3 NOVAK DJOKOVIC ----- Age: 21. Major titles: 1
--------------------------------------------------
Has lost to Nadal in his past three tournaments but has been a semifinalist or better at each of past five major championships.

No. 4 NIKOLAY DAVYDENKO ----- Age: 28. Major titles: 0
--------------------------------------------------
Second only to Nadal on the men's tour in total number of match wins this year. ATP still investigating irregular betting on a match he played in August 2007.

No. 6 ANDY RODDICK ----- Age: 25. Major titles: 1
--------------------------------------------------
Missed the French Open with a shoulder injury but has managed to beat Federer, Nadal and Djokovic this year. Ranks second on tour with 380 aces - a huge weapon on grass.

The Portuguese winger has stated his intention to "take advantage of a great opportunity". "Everybody knows what I want but things don't only depend on me. I am not the person who decides but I hope to complete my dream."

Ronaldo stated that he made up his mind before the Champions League final that he wanted to leave United for Real. And he revealed that Luiz Felipe Scolari, about to take over at Chelsea after Portugal's exit from Euro 2008, advised him to make the move.

"It is a dream, a step forward," Ronaldo replied when asked about the prospect of playing at the Bernabau. "For me, it is a great opportunity and, as Scolari says, that train passes by only once and we have to take advantage of it."

Ronaldo indicated he will make a public statement about his plans over the next few days. He said he had not spoken to Sir Alex Ferguson, who is on holiday in France, during his participation in Euro 2008.

And he insisted he is not worried about upsetting the United manager, who he is set to meet for talks about his future following Portugal's exit against Germany on Thursday.

"It is my opinion," added Ronaldo. "That is why I don't mind if people get upset. It is my decision. It is what I want."

The All Blacks led 20-0 at half-time in Christchurch through tries from Richard Kahui and Dan Carter, who added two penalties and two conversions.

England finally got on the board when Danny Care crossed for a converted try after he took a quick tap penalty.

But Ma'a Nonu, Sione Lauakiadded further converted tries for the All Blacks, with Tom Varndell's score little consolation for England.

New Zealand ended the match on the front foot and although they had tries from Sivivatu and Thomson chalked off for infringements they did add a fifth converted try through replacement scrum-half Cowan on the final hooter.

New Zealand 44-12 England
----------------------------------------------------------------------
New Zealand (20) 44
Tries: Kahui, Carter, Nonu, Lauaki, Cowan
Cons: Carter 4, Donald
Pens: Carter 3

England (0) 12
Tries: Care, Varndell
Cons: Barkley

The Premier League board ratified the appointment on the basis that the 40-year-old gains his UEFA Pro Licence within the next two years.

The decision removes the last remaining obstacle in the way of Blackburn offering the job to the current MK Dons manager, who is viewed as one of the most promising young English managers in the game.

The decision was made that much easier by the League Managers' Association (LMA) saying they would have no objections were he to be offered the job.

Young English managers are in such short supply in the top flight of English football that LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said the organisation would actively support Ince were he to be appointed.

The Germans became the first team through to the last four after beating Portugal 3-2 in an enthralling contest in Basel. And it means Germany head the market again with Paddy Power making Joachim Low's side 5/2 (3.50) favourites.

Holland are the second favourites at 4.50 at BoyleSports, followed by :
Spain 6.00 at BoyleSports
Italy 6.50 at BoyleSports
Croatia 8.00 at VC Bet
Russia 17.00 at VC Bet
Turkey 26.00 at VC Bet

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