Johannesburg - The chief executive officer of the South African local organizing committee (LOC) of the 2010 World Cup, Danny Jordaan, on Wednesday called on his fellow South Africans to serve the country by supporting the event.

Jordaan told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa late Wednesday, that while many South Africans had served in the army under apartheid, the way to serve the country now was to be behind the World Cup.

Hamburg  - English and Spanish clubs completed their Champions League charge when Liverpool and Atletico Madrid swept into the knockout phase on Wednesday.

Italian champions Inter Milan also progressed to join Serie A rivals Juventus in the last 16 despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Panathinaikos

Liverpool joined defending champions Manchester United and Arsenal in the last 16 with a 1-0 win over Olympique Marseille, while Atletico complete a Spanish quartet including city rivals Real Madrid, Barcelona and Villareal by beating PSV Eindhoven 2-1.

However last season's losing finalists Chelsea will have to wait after being held 1-1 at Girondins Bordeaux.

Hamburg  - Germany coach Joachim Loew has said national team captain Michael Ballack knows "the consequences" should he again express criticism regarding the national team in public.

It follows a television interview by Ballack Tuesday in which the Chelsea midfielder said he did not regret a newspaper interview last month which led to him having to apologize to an angry Loew.

Loew told Wednesday's Bild newspaper: "Michael has a right to give his opinion and to express criticism. But he won't be doing it in public, you can be quite sure of that because he knows what the consequences are."

Cologne, Germany  - Bundesliga club Cologne have confirmed they plan to bring their long lost son Lukas Podolski back home from Bayern Munich.

Club president Wolfgang Overath and general manager Michael Meier said that Cologne have talked with the relevant parties and are now waiting for a signal from Munich on the future of the Germany striker.

However Meier told Deutsche Presse-Agentur dpa Wednesday a transfer during the forthcoming winter break could be ruled out.

"It's not an issue for this winter. Bayern have decided that he is staying for the time being," he said.

London, Nov. 26 : Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has apologized to coach Alex Ferguson for diving to try to win a penalty during the match against Villarreal.

The Manchester United striker fell when Villarreal’s Fabricio Fuentes went to challenge him.

Cologne- Bundesliga club Cologne confirmed on Tuesday night that they are plan to bring their long lost son Lukas Podolski back home to the club from Bayern Munich.

Club president Wolfgang Overath and general manager Michael Meier said that Cologne have talked with the relevant parties and now wait for a signal from Munich on the future of the Germany striker.

"We have done our homework and will do everything to bring Lukas back home," Overath told Cologne's annual members meeting amid thunderous applause.

Meier said: "Talks were held recently between Cologne and Bayern Munich and between Cologne and Lukas. Now we are waiting for a signal."