Sao Paulo, Brazil - Three-time world footballer of the year Ronaldo could be fit enough to play for Brazil at the 2010 World Cup finals in South Africa, his team doctor told German Press Agency dpa.

Although Ronaldo will be nearly 34 when the tournament takes place, he should be physically strong enough to play at the highest level, Corinthians doctor Joaquim Grava said.

London - Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has committed his future to the Premier League club by agreeing to extend his contract for a further two years until 2013.

Liverpool said on their website on Friday that the 28-year-old is expected to sign the deal "soon."

The agreement is a major boost for the club, who are chasing league and Champions League honours this year.

The news comes hot on the heels of the new five-year deal signed by manager Rafael Benitez last month.

Madrid - Real Madrid will be without Marcelo, and possibly Arjen Robben as well, in their Spanish league match away to Malaga on Saturday.

The left-back Marcelo will be out of action for around 12 days, after pulling the abductor muscle in his right leg whilst warming up before Wednesday's Brazil vs Peru World Cup qualifying match.

Real coach Juande Ramos will now have to field either Miguel Torres or Royston Drenthe at left-back, because Gabriel Heinze is also missing through suspension.

London, Apr 3: Midfielder David Beckham's chances of going to the World Cup are increasing with every game.

Many thought England young guns Aaron Lennon and Shaun Wright-Phillips would edge out Beckham.

But boss Fabio Capello was thrilled with Beckham's game against Ukraine and Slovakia, and reckons his break at the end of last year did him good, The Sun reported.

"David is in very good form. He did not play until January and for that reason he is fresh," Capello said.

Lahore, Apr. 3: Former Pakistan left-hand opening batsman Imran Farhat has that all Pakistani players attached to the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL) are planning to quit the league.

Farhat also clarified that neither he nor any other Pak ICL player has given any assurance in writing to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that they would terminate the league’s contract.

Wellington, Apr. 3 : India finished the first day of the third Test match here at a respectable 375 for nine, after slumping to 190 for five at tea with the entire top order back in the pavilion.

India was asked to bat first after Daniel Vettori won the toss, and started in typical fashion, with both openers Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir looking in a punishing mood.