Sporting Digest: Football

EVERTON are taking Shaun Brooks, the 30-year-old Bournemouth midfielder who is available on a free transfer, on their pre-season tour to Switzerland.

CARECA, the former Brazilian World Cup player, is set to become the latest recruit to Japan. The 32-year-old forward has reportedly left Napoli to sign a pounds 750,000 six-month contract with Kashiwa Reysol, who are applying to join the J League next season.

THE Women's Football Association was yesterday formally taken over by the Football Association. The WFA, formed in 1969, had enjoyed 24 years of autonomy, which had seen the formation of a national league.

EUROPEAN WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP Semi-final (Rimini, It): Italy 1 Germany 1 (aet; Italy win 5-4 on penalties and meet Norway in Sunday's final).

J LEAGUE: JEF United Ichihara 0 Kashima Antlers 2; Verdy Kawasaki 1 Shimizu S-Pulse 1 (aet, Kawasaki win 4-2 on penalties); Yokohama Marinos 5 Urawa Red Diamonds 1; Gamba Osaka 2 Yokohama Flugels 1; Sanfrecce Hiroshima 2 Nagoya Grampus Eight 0.