Cowie milks plaudits as United foiled in cup bid (Edinburgh Evening News)
PENICUIK United’s bid to land a coveted place in the fourth round of the Soccer World Scottish Amateur Cup ended in disappointment as they lost out in extra time in their third-round replay against Viewfield Rovers.

Italian soccer federation drops betting investigation of Buffon (USA Today)
The Italian soccer federation ended an investigation into alleged illegal betting by Italy’s World Cup-winning goalkeeper. Proceedings against Italy and Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon were dropped, the federation said in a statement Friday. Similar allegations concerning Cagliari’s Antonio Chimenti, Sevilla’s Enzo Maresca and Messina’s Mark Iuliano also were dropped.

Brazil remains world number one, without World Cup (People’s Daily)
Despite failing to win the World Cup in Germany this year, Brazil’s national soccer team remains the number one team according a list published Friday by the sport’s government body FIFA.

Year had a little bit of everything (John Haydon) (The Washington Times)
What a year it has been in soccer — the year of the wink, the dive and the head-butt. Outgoing 2006 was the year Germany held the World Cup but saw the inspired Italians spoil the party and win their fourth title.