Hamburg tie up talented twosome

Hamburger SV have taken their first steps towards next season's UEFA Champions League campaign by securing Khalid Boulahrouz and Guy Demel on long-term contracts.

World Cup ambition
The defensive duo, who are both 24 and hoping to play for their countries at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, have pledged their future to the German club until 2010. Boulahrouz, of the Netherlands, arrived in September 2004 while Demel, who represents the Ivory Coast, moved to Hamburg last summer. Meanwhile, Stefan Beinlich, 34, will not be at the AOL Arena next season as the midfielder is leaving for second division FC Hansa Rostock.