Liverpool beats Chelsea 4-1

LIVERPOOL, England (AP) ― Liverpool defeated Chelsea 4-1 Tuesday, gaining a small measure of revenge for its FA Cup final loss and eliminating the Blues from the race for fourth place in the Premier League.

Three days after Chelsea beat Liverpool 2-1 at Wembley, the Reds dominated from the start at Anfield and were up 3-0 after 30 minutes.

Stewart Downing of Liverpool missed a penalty kick just before halftime and Ramires pulled a goal back for Chelsea after the break. Jonjo Shelvey took advantage of backup goalkeeper Ross Turnbull’s blunder to put the game away with his first Premier League goal for Liverpool.

The Chelsea players seemed to already have their minds on the Champions League final against Bayern Munich, and the loss means they cannot overtake Tottenham for fourth place.

FIFA, Brazil on same page

ZURICH (AP) ― FIFA and Brazil say they have overcome their differences and are cooperating to make the 2014 World Cup a success.

The two sides met for nearly six hours Tuesday at the headquarters of soccer’s governing body ― the first encounter between Brazil Sports Minister Aldo Rebelo and FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke. Valcke ignited a feud this year when he criticized Brazil for its slow pace of preparations.

FIFA says a member of the Brazilian government will be included in the local World Cup organizing committee. That will allow the government to be more closely connected to decisions. FIFA adds that organizers will meet every two months in Brazil to make sure preparations stay on track.

Puyol to miss Euro 2012

BARCELONA (AP) ― Barcelona defender Carles Puyol is set to undergo knee surgery and will be sidelined while Spain defends its title at the European Championship.

Puyol felt discomfort in his right knee in Barcelona’s 4-0 victory over Espanyol last Saturday, and medical tests have led the 34-year-old to opt for an arthroscopic operation.

Barcelona said Tuesday the surgery will be performed on Saturday and Puyol will need six weeks to recover.

Puyol missed most of last season after surgery on his left knee. The Barcelona captain recovered and was a regular this season.

Puyol has 99 international appearances and has played for Spain at all major championships since the 2002 World Cup.