Retentive Japan not underestimating England

By Simon Evans EDMONTON (Reuters) - England may be being written off by some as rank outsiders for their Women's World Cup semi-final against defending champions Japan, but their opponents certainly aren't under-estimating them. The Lionesses beat hosts Canada 2-1 on Saturday to reach the semi-finals for the first time, but Japan know very well that they are up against a dangerous opponent having lost to England 2-0 during the group stage in 2011. "We lost to England four years ago.

Soccer-Copa America semifinal results:
June 30 (Infostrada Sports) - Results from the Copa America Semifinal matches on Monday SemifinalMonday, June 29Chile - Peru 2-1 (halftime: 1-0) Next Fixtures (GMT): SemifinalTuesday, June 30Argentina v Paraguay (2330)

Beijing says sports minister probe won't affect 2022 bid:
By Ben Blanchard BEIJING (Reuters) - A corruption investigation into a deputy Chinese sports minister who had sat on the country's Olympic committee will not impact Beijing's bid for the 2022 Winter Olympics, a spokeswoman said on Tuesday. The Communist Party's anti-graft watchdog the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection said last week that Xiao Tian, a deputy head of China's General Administration of Sport, is being probed for suspected "serious breaches of discipline and the law", the usual euphemism for corruption. Wang Hui, spokeswoman for the Beijing 2022 bid team, told reporters that China was committed to holding a "clean Olympics" and that Xiao's investigation showed the "vigor" of the government's ongoing anti-corruption campaign.


Soccer-Hiddink steps down as Netherlands coach:
(Adds background) AMSTERDAM, June 29 (Reuters) - Guus Hiddink has quit as coach of the Netherlands after less than one year in the job, the Football Association (KNVB) announced on Monday. The 68-year-old hands over to assistant Danny Blind with the Dutch third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group, facing the possibility of a playoff tie to win a spot at next year's championship in France. The much-travelled Hiddink, in his second spell as national coach, has delivered some mediocre results and been heavily criticised since taking over from Manchester United-bound Louis van Gaal in August.

Dutch FA terminates Hiddink's contract as coach:
The Dutch football federation terminated the contract of national team coach Guus Hiddink on Monday, ending his second stint in charge after just one disappointing season. The KNVB said that Hiddink's contract will now end on Wednesday. It had been set to last through next year's European Championship.

Soccer-Spurs midfielder Paulinho signs for Guangzhou Evergrande:
Tottenham Hotspur's Brazilian midfielder Paulinho has signed for Guangzhou Evergrande on a four-year contract, the Chinese club said on Monday. The 26-year-old has failed to live up to expectations at White Hart Lane since signing from Brazilian club Corinthians in 2013 and will join Guangzhou for a fee reported in British media to be around 9.8 million pounds ($15.41 million). Paulinho will be reunited at Guangzhou with former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who included the midfielder as a member of his squad at last year's World Cup.

Germay, U.S. set for 'very heated' World Cup semi-final:
The German juggernaut will run into the United States wall when the top-ranked nations clash on Tuesday at Montreal's Olympic Stadium with a spot in the Women's World Cup final on the line. Top-ranked Germany and the world number two U.S. team bring contrasting styles to a semi-final with all the makings of a classic as each powerhouse looks to move one step closer to capturing their third World Cup. "Of course it is exciting the first and second best team playing against each other," Germany coach Silvia Neid said during a news conference.


Soccer-Jones extends Man United contract:
Defender Phil Jones has signed a contract extension with Manchester United to keep him at Old Trafford until at least 2019, the Premier League club said on Monday. The 23-year-old England international joined United from Blackburn Rovers in 2011 for a reported fee of 16.5 million pounds ($26 million). "We are delighted that Phil has signed a new contract," United manager Louis van Gaal told the club's website.

Soccer-Laporta seeks to strengthen Barca's ties with UNICEF:
(Repeats to additional customers - no changes to text) By Tim Hanlon BARCELONA, June 30 (Reuters) - Former Barcelona president Joan Laporta said he will do his best to put the name of UNICEF or another humanitarian cause back in a prominent position on the team shirt if he returns to the helm in next month's elections. Laporta negotiated the initial deal with UNICEF almost 10 years ago during his previous spell as president from 2003 to 2010 that saw a logo put on the shirt for the first time in the club's history. Under the last board, led by Sandro Rosell and then Josep Maria Bartomeu, deals were struck to have first the Qatar Foundation and then Qatar Airways on the front of the shirt and it saw the UNICEF name relegated to the back.

Soccer-Paraguay eye third pickup truck as prize for Argentina upset:
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz, famous for his motivational methods, revealed on Monday he owes his squad two pickup trucks plus a third if they upset Argentina in their Copa America semi-final. Argentina are favourites to win Tuesday's match in the northern city of Concepcion (2330 GMT) and reach a final against hosts Chile or Peru. Ask the players, they've already won two," Argentine Diaz told a media conference, laughing.