Spain tops FIFA world rankings; US is No. 24 (AP)

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European champion Spain remained No. 1 in FIFA’s rankings Wednesday, followed by Germany, Italy and the Netherlands. The United States dropped to No. 24, tops in its regional group. England advanced to No. 10 among the world’s soccer elite, moving up four places. Coach Fabio Capello’s team fell from the top 10 in July after failing to qualify for the European Championship.

Inter Assistant Giuseppe Baresi: Jose Mourinho Is Like Giovanni Trapattoni (Goal.com)

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The second in command has compared 'The Special One' to the legendary 'Trap'…

Gullit heads Netherlands-Belgium World Cup bid (AP)

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Former European player of the year Ruud Gullit has been appointed president of the bid committee seeking to stage 2018 or 2022 World Cup in Belgium and the Netherlands. Gullit, who will be a broadcaster for ESPN at this year's tournament, will head bid delegations throughout the world as the prospective joint-hosts seek to build support ahead of the Dec.

Michael Ballack Hails Chelsea’s Unity And Professionalism (Goal.com)

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Michael Ballack, Chelsea (Getty Images)
Blues fight for the shirt and for each other.

Premier League Preview: Wolverhampton - Tottenham (Goal.com)

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Aaron Lennon - Stephen Ward, Tottenham - Wolverhampton (Getty Images)
Spurs will be out for revenge after 1-0 defeat at the Lane.

Redknapp: Tottenham Have A ‘Big Chance’ Of Finishing In The Top Four (Goal.com)

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Harry Redknapp, Arsenal - Tottenham Hotspur (PA)
Spurs still in with a shout.

Real Madrid’s Gonzalo Higuain: It Would Be A Dream To Retire Here (Goal.com)

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Gonzalo Higuain, Real Madrid, Getafe (Getty Images)
Pipita is living his dream at Real Madrid and hopes to stay at the Spanish capital for life.

Oudin advances to 2nd round in Paris (AP)

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Melanie Oudin of the United States beat Sorana Cirstea of Romania 6-3, 6-0 on Tuesday to reach the Open GDF Suez's second round. Oudin, a U.S. Open quarterfinalist last year, next plays Patty Schnyder of Switzerland, who beat seventh-seeded Virginie Razzano of France 6-3, 7-6(3) at Stade Pierre de Coubertin.

Indians, RHP Wright agree to contract (AP)

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Right-hander Jamey Wright and the Cleveland Indians have agreed to a minor league contract. The 35-year-old led the Kansas City Royals with 65 relief appearances last season, going 3-5 with a 4.33 ERA. He is 82-115 with a 5.03 ERA in 14 seasons, also pitching for Colorado, Milwaukee, St. Louis, San Francisco and Texas.

Happy Hour: Bigger isn’t always better (Yahoo! Sports)

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In this week’s mailbag, one reader thinks super-teams have stripped NASCAR of what racing is supposed to be about.