Germany's in-form striker Mario Gomez admitted that despite his present goal-scoring streak he still faced a battle with veteran Miroslav Klose to be their first choice striker at Euro 2012.

The 26-year-old Bayern Munich star - who was honored by being made captain for last Friday's friendly with Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine - also paid tribute to Germany coach Joachim Loew for his loyalty to him despite a poor start to his international career.

David Beckham's hopes of forcing his way into England's squad for the Euro 2012 finals in Poland and Ukraine have been all but quashed by manager Fabio Capello.

Beckham, who has been in outstanding form for his U.S. club side LA Galaxy after guiding them to the MLS Cup Final this season, has never given up hope of adding to the 115 caps he has won so far for his country.

Khalil Beschir, a Lebanese A1 Grand Prix driver, has joined Gravity Sport Management, which is part of the Lotus Renault Formula One team’s program dedicated to the development of drivers.

He will join the management in 2012.

Syria says it will boycott upcoming Arab Games in Qatar's capital Doha to protest against an Arab League decision to suspend the country's membership.

The 22-member bloc voted for the suspension Saturday over Syria's bloody crackdown against an eight-month uprising and failure to implement an Arab League-brokered peace plan.

Germany host fellow European giants Holland in Hamburg Tuesday in a friendly which, nonetheless, could produce another classic encounter as both sides look to throw down a marker before Euro 2012.

"It is exciting," said Holland's Inter Milan star Wesley Sneijder.

Portugal will look to justify their tag as favorites in the Euro 2012 play-off second leg match with Bosnia-Herzegovina on Tuesday and seal their place in a fifth successive European championships.

The Portuguese -- finalists when hosts in 2004 -- largely dominated the first leg which finished in a 0-0 draw in Zenica on Friday but will be counting on stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo to see them safely on the plane to Poland and Ukraine next year.

Roger Federer’s tough season is ending on a high note after the Swiss star beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 6-1, 7-6 (3) on Sunday to win his first Paris Masters title and the 69th of a glittering career.

The 16-time Grand Slam champion had never previously reached the Paris final, but gave the sixth-seeded Frenchman limited opportunities after saving two break points in his opening service game.

Veteran AC Milan forward Filippo Inzaghi has hinted he might leave the defending Serie A champions in the January transfer window.

Inzaghi signed a new one-year deal in May but has played just 34 minutes this season.

After Silvio Berlusconi's resignation, AC Milan fans are hopeful that the billionaire tycoon could take back the reins of his beloved football club and lead it to victory next year.

In an interview before stepping down as prime minister, the 75-year-old said, "Maybe I'll be the president of AC Milan again" -- a position that he was forced to give up due to a conflict of interests after winning the 2008 elections.

Dutch playmaker Rafael van der Vaart was on Saturday ruled out of Tuesday's high-profile friendly with Germany because of a thigh injury.

The Spurs star suffered the injury during Friday's friendly with Switzerland which ended 0-0.