Sports Shorts

Report: Grant to get Pompey work permit

Avram Grant is set to take up his post as director of football for Portsmouth this weekend, according to the club's Web site. The site announced yesterday that Grant's work permit is imminent. Richard Hughes, Portsmouth's midfielder who knows Grant from his 2006 stint as the club's technical director, was quoted as saying he believed Grant would be a hit at Pompey. "I'm sure Avram's influence will grow as he settles in at the club." (Steve Klein)

U-21s face Bulgaria in decisive match

Israel's national under-21 soccer team began preparations yesterday for tomorrow's crucial match against Bulgaria in the national stadium in Ramat Gan. Any outcome other than victory will practically put the nail in the coffin for Israel's hopes to qualify for the European championship. Coach Motti Ivanir told his charges they must translate control of the ball on the field into goals. (Haaretz Staff)

b Israel's national women's soccer team will host Russia this afternoon in the national stadium in Ramat Gan, in a qualifier for the 2011 World Cup. Israel is in fourth place in Group 6. Entrance to the match is free. (Yitzhak Solomon)

b Oakland Athletics closer Andrew Bailey was named MLB"s AL Rookie of the Year while Florida Marlins outfielder Chris Coghlan won the NL award announced yesterday. Bailey, 25, registered 26 saves with a 1.84 ERA. Coghlan, 24, batted .321, scored 84 runs and logged an on-base percentage of .390. (Reuters)