`Bad boy' Beckham gets warm welcome
OSLO (NORWAY): David Beckham played his first game since the World Cup when Manchester United tied Norwegian Valerenga, 2-2, in a friendly yesterday. If English soccer fans have not forgiven Beckham for his mistake, the Norwegian United fans certainly have with newspapers asking fans to bring posters saying ``Welcome Beckham,'' andmany fans had brought the posters to give Beckham their support. Many Norwegians think the English press went too far in harassing Beckham, and quite a few fans had Beckham jerseys.When United arrived in Norway on Sunday, Beckham received flowers and a teddy bear from fans, but he is still silent.

Zoff hints at changes to Italy side
ROME: Newly appointed coach, Dino Zoff today hinted he would reshape Italy's squad following their disappointing World Cup performance but declined to say which players were in line for a call-up. Speaking at his first news conference since taking over from Cesare Maldini, Zoff acknowledged he had little scope for experiment before Italy's opening European Championship qualifier against Wales on September 5.The Serie `A' season does not kick-off until September 13 and most of Italy's players will be short of match practice before the tie in Liverpool, England. ``Obviously I won't get much chance to see the players before we play Wales,'' Zoff said. ``Nevertheless therecould be some general changes before the first few matches.''