..::Football II::..

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Corinthians 2-0 Boca Juniors: Emerson's brace wins the Copa Libertadores for Corinthians

Emerson’s two goals after half time were enough to see off Boca Juniors at the Pacaembu. Corinthians dominated ball possession for the majority of the match, as the Brazilians looked the more adventurous of the two sides and deservedly claimed their first-ever Copa Libertadores title.

Despite looking more threatening, the Sao Paulo side went into the break tied with its Buenos Aires counterparts. However, following the break, Emerson struck twice to win the game for the Timao. The 33-year-old scored a well-taken half volley after a wonderful assist from Danilo, before coolly slotting under substitute goalkeeper, Sebastian Sosa, after collecting a misplaced Rolando Schiavi pass.

On the half hour mark, the visitors suffered a blow to their chances as Agustin Orion’s knee injury forced Julio Falcioni to replace his regular number one with reserve goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa.

Following the half time interval, Corinthians continued to press, as Emerson and Paulinho began to influence the game and create openings. Just 20 seconds into the second half, Emerson tested Sosa from the right wing as he played a dangerous ball into the 6-yard box, bringing a good save from the substitute stopper.

However, he did not have to wait long to finally break the deadlock. In the 54thminute, Alex’s freekick from the right flank was flicked-on inside the box by Jorge Henrique towards Danilo. As the ball fell inside the area, Danilo skillfully back-heeled the bouncing ball to Emerson, who took the pass in his stride and struck past Sosa on the half volley to score the ever-important first goal.

With less than 20 minutes to play, Emerson doubled Corinthians’ advantage. The Qatari international capitalised on Rolando Schiavi’s horrible mistake, collecting his loose pass across the pitch before running one-on-one with Sebastian Sosa and slotting the ball into the far corner to score his fifth goal of the tournament and confirm victory for the Brazilians.

Corinthians has now qualified for the FIFA Club World Club Championships which will take place in December in Japan.

 

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Di Matteo open to further Chelsea acquisitions

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has revealed his desire to bring further recruits to Stamford Bridge but refused to name any potential transfer targets at risk raising the price tag.

The Blues have already spent big during the summer window, bringing in Lille attacker Eden Hazard and Werder Bremen midfielder Marko Marin for a reported combined total of 40 million pounds - with a move for 38m pound-rated Porto striker Hulk also touted.

Di Matteo, who led Chelsea to FA Cup and Champions League glory after taking the job on an interim basis in February, was full of praise for his new signings but remained tight-lipped on any potential future recruits.

"Hazard is a wonderful player, a fantastic player and has achieved a lot at such a young age, winning the Ligue 1 player of the year," Di Matteo is quoted as saying by Sky Sports. "Marin is another talented young player who can play in a variety of positions, which is helpful for the team.

"I'm pretty happy with the team but we will look at the market and if there are any opportunities to improve the team then we will pursue it."

However, Di Matteo, who recently penned a two-year deal, refused to be drawn on individuals, citing financial risk.

"I am not going to discuss our targets. Every time you say something the price goes up," the Italian added.

 

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Julio Cesar: I'm not leaving Inter

Julio Cesar insists that the imminent arrival of Samir Handanovic at San Siro will not spell the end of his Inter career.

Udinese confirmed on Wednesday that they had agreed a deal with the Nerazzurri for their Slovenian goalkeeper, prompting immediate speculation that Julio Cesar will now be shown the exit door at Appiano Gentile.

However, the Brazil international insists that Handanovic has been signed as a rival, not an heir.

"I have a contract until 2014," Julio Cesar told Sky Sport Italia. "I am an employee of the club. Will I stay? I think so. We'll train and then we will see. It will be the coach who decides who plays.

"The important thing is that there is a respect among us all. Handanovic is a very good goalkeeper; better for us to have him. We will have three strong goalkeepers."

It has been reported that AC Milan might attempt to lure the Selecao shot-stopper away from its city rival, but Julio Cesar insists that there has been no approach from the Rossoneri.

"There is nothing there," the 32-year-old insisted. "Many people are asking me about this, but there is nothing official."

Meanwhile, Julio Cesar admitted that he is disappointed that Inter has allowed Lucio to leave the club and join bitter rival Juventus on a free transfer.

"I'm losing all my teammates and Brazilian friends," he lamented. "But I hope that I can do everything that he has done in his career. Juve have signed a great defender."

Julio Cesar, who has been capped 64 times, joined Inter from Chievo in 2006.

 

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Nasri, Ben Arfa, Menez and M'Vila to face FFF hearing on July 27

Samir Nasri, Hatem Ben Arfa, Jeremy Menez and Yann M'Vila will reportedly appear before a French Football Federation (FFF) disciplinary panel just before the end of the month.

The hearing into the players' behavior during France's Euro 2012 campaign has been set for July 27, according to AFP.

It is believed that Nasri is running the greatest risk of suspension, having caused controversy by launching a foul-mouthed tirade at the press box following his equalizer in Les Bleus' tournament opener against England. He was then involved in a heated exchange with a journalist following the quarterfinal defeat to Spain.

Ben Arfa, meanwhile, reportedly had a dressing-room dispute with France boss Laurent Blanc after the 2-0 loss to Sweden, but assistant coach Alain Boghossian subsequently claimed that the pair shook hands soon after.

Menez landed himself in hot water for both insulting the referee in the Spain game, an indiscretion that earned him a yellow card, and then snubbing his captain, Hugo Lloris, though the latter show of disrespect was sorted out among the players concerned.

As for M'Vila, he refused to shake hands with Olivier Giroud, his replacement, or Blanc after being replaced against La Roja, but he later apologized for his actions.

 

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Dynamo Kiev confirms Veloso signing

Dynamo Kiev has announced the signing of midfielder Miguel Veloso from Genoa for an undisclosed fee.

The Portugal international, who played a key role in his country's run to the semifinals of Euro 2012, has penned a four-year contract with the Ukrainian outfit.

"I was aware of interest from many clubs, but Dynamo were the most persistent in the negotiations," Veloso told the club's official website.

"I also liked the fact that this is a club with great history and ambitions, and I was very interested by the opportunity to play in the Champions League."

The 26-year-old, who has been capped 29 times by the Seleccao, joined Genoa from Sporting Lisbon in 2010.

 

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Arsenal releases statement on Van Persie

Arsenal has releases a statement regarding its captain Robin van Persie, who has revealed that he will not be renewing his contract.
The 28-year-old had confirmed earlier on Wednesday that discussions with manager Arsene Wenger and chief executive Ivan Gazidis had not gone as planned, with both parties sharing differing views on how the club should move forward.


However, the Gunners remain hopeful that their captain, who netted 37 goals in 48 appearances last season, will see out the remaining year of his contract instead of moving on this summer.

A statement on the club’s official website read: "We have to respect Robin's decision not to renew his contract. Robin has one year to run on his current contract and we are confident that he will fulfil his commitments to the club."We are planning with ambition and confidence for next season with Arsenal's best interests in mind."Wenger has already bolstered his striking options with the summer signings of Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, from Koln and Montpellier respectively.

However, the loss of Arsenal's talisman would be a major blow as the club attempts to keep within touching distance of the Premier League’s title-challenging sides.

 

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Agent: Luuk de Jong is ready for the next step in his career

The agent of Twente striker Luuk de Jong has declared that his client is ready to make the next step in his career, with Borussia Monchengladbach ready to pounce.

A delegation of Gladbach officials are already in Netherlands to strike a deal, and hope that the inclusion of young Swedish left back Oscar Wendt could tip the scales in their favor.

"We've made it clear to Twente that De Jong is ready for his next step," agent Louis Laros told Voetbal International.

"The important thing considered by him will be how serious the sporting project is. We are not overly concerned about the money, what matters more to De Jong is the club's plans and how they plan to use him.

"I hope that Twente do not lose sight of reality though, and demand only a fair market price."

Newcastle already had a 15 million euro bid reportedly turned down by the Dutch club.

 

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Marseille appoints Baup to replace Deschamps

Marseille has announced Elie Baup as its new coach just two days after the departure of Didier Deschamps.

The 57-year-old coach, who has been out of the game since being fired by Nantes three years ago, has put pen to paper on a contract which ties him to the Stade Velodrome until the summer of 2014.

"Elie Baup is named coach of l'OM for two seasons," a statement on the club's official website read.

"He should now travel to Crans-Montana, where the players have been in training since Wednesday. He will be presented to the press on Thursday afternoon."

Baup won the Ligue 1 title with Bordeaux in 1999 and drew plenty of plaudits for guiding Toulouse into the qualifying stages of the Champions League on the back of a stunning third-place finish in the top-flight five years ago.

However, the club only just beat the drop the following season and he took Nantes down after moving to the Beaujoire-Louis at the start of the 2008-09 season.

 

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Lucio completes Juventus switch

Juventus has aannounced the signing of former Inter defender Lucio on a free transfer following the player's early release by Serie A rival Inter.

The defender passed a medical in Turin on Tuesday morning before putting pen to paper on a two-year contract with the Bianconeri later in the day.

Lucio will earn 2.6 million euros per season with the Old Lady, but that figure could rise on account of a number of performance-related bonuses.

The veteran center half still had two years to run on his deal with Inter but the club terminated his contract last week by mutual consent.

Lucio was briefly linked with a move to Fenerbahce but the Turkish club was quick to insist that it had no interest in signing the Brazilian, while Bayer Leverkusen reportedly dropped out of the running after learning of its former player's wage demands.

That left the way clear for Juve to sign the 34-year-old, who becomes the fourth major arrival in Turin this summer, with the Bianconeri already having tied up deals for Sebastian Giovinco, Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah.

 

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Jordi Alba delighted to be 'coming home' to Barcelona

Euro 2012 winner Jordi Alba has expressed his delight at rejoining Barcelona, after the La Liga runner-up completed a deal to bring the youth product back from Valencia for 14 million euros.

After an impressive domestic season with Los Che, the 23-year-old left back played a key role in Spain's European Championship triumph, and he admitted that he is now focusing on his move to Camp Nou.

"I'm coming home, with my family and my people, that's why I'm so content," Alba told the club's official website. "It's been an incredible month for me and now I have to take advantage of the opportunity that Barcelona have given me.

"I'm excited that I'll be playing for the best team in the world, with the best players and the best fans. It's a big challenge for me but I'll try to do my best. I was only 15 when I left Barcelona to do my own thing. Luckily, after some years, they have signed me again. The club has given me a chance and I'm very pleased."

The Catalan assured fans he would have no problems bedding into the club again, and confirmed he had already spoken with incoming coach Tito Vilanova.

"Besides the national team players, I already know a lot of guys in the youth system, the teammates I played with when I was here. I'm sure I'll have a fast transition. Vilanova and I talked after the Euro final and he congratulated me. I'm very eager to start playing under him."

Alba played in every game of La Furia Roja's successful defense of their European crown, and scored the second goal of the 4-0 win over Italy in the final in Kiev.

 

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Good Luck Alba!

 

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Giovani dos Santos: I want to return to Spain

Tottenham attacker Giovani dos Santos has set his sights on a return to Spain, but revealed that his current club is trying to price him out of a move.

The Mexico international signed for the north London club in 2008, but has failed to hold down a regular place at White Hart Lane, spending spells on loan at Ipswich Town, Galatasaray and Racing Santander.

Andre Villas-Boas was confirmed as Spurs' new coach on Tuesday, but the Portuguese's arrival has had no bearing on Dos Santos' decision.

"I want to return to Spain," he told ESPN Radio. "There is a new coach at Tottenham, a new season is starting and it is clear to me that I want to return to Spanish football.

"I think that I will be able to announce the move soon.

"Tottenham have always tried to sell me for double the price that they paid for me. There are offers, but nothing can be made public yet."

Malaga is the most recent Spanish side to be credited with an interest in the 23-year-old, with Atletico Madrid and Sevilla also understood to be vying for the Mexican's services.

 

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Hulk is the most sought-after player in Europe

Porto forward Hulk is one of the most in-demand players in Europe, his agent has declared.

The Brazil international has refused to commit his future to the Portuguese champions, with Premier League giant Chelsea being mooted as an interested party.

Last month, Porto president Pinto da Costa intimated that he had not yet received any offer for Hulk, but the 25-year-old's representative insists that his charge is still the object of desire for many clubs on the continent.

"He has never said that he wants to leave Porto and he has not expressed that on or off the field," Teodoro Fonseca told Antena 1. "He is part of Porto's family and if he has to leave the club, it will happen in the best possible way."

He added, "His goal is to be at the World Cup. He has the capacity to play in any league, but the Premier League is where I would like him to play."

"This is his moment and he is the most sought-after player in Europe."

 

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Capello in the running to become next Russia coach

Fabio Capello is mulling over an offer to become the new Russia coach, according to La Repubblica.

The 66-year-old is currently unemployed having resigned from his position as England manager in February following the Football Association's decision to strip John Terry of the captaincy.

Rather than revert to club management, however, the ex-Juventus and Roma boss may opt to continue working on the international scene.

The Russia Football Union (RFU) are looking for a new coach to replace Dick Advocaat, who has jumped ship to take the reins at PSV, as well as a new president, and the country's Sports Minister, Vitaly Mutko, revealed that the organization must make a quick decision.

"The RFU will decide everything pretty soon," he told reporters at a press conference. "Today [Wednesday] they will announce the date of their EGM to elect the new RFU chief. They do not have much time as we need to name the new national head coach before July 20, when the Russian league kicks off for the new season."

"The new manager will also need time to prepare the squad for a friendly with Cote d'Ivoire on August 15 and the 2014 World Cup qualifiers with Northern Ireland and Israel."

However, Capello faces competition for the post, with the publication claiming that UEFA Cup-winning coach Valery Gazzaev, Russia Under-21 coach Nikolai Pisarev and Advocaat's former assistant Alexander Borodyuk are also under consideration.

 

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Di Natale extends Udinese contract until 2014

Antonio Di Natale has agreed a one-year extension to his contract with Udinese, the Italian club has confirmed.

Di Natale had attracted the interest of AC Milan with his superb performances for the Zebrette in the past few seasons but has now ended all speculation about his future by inking the new agreement.


"Udinese Calcio has renewed the contract of captain Antonio Di Natale for another year. The contract now expires on 30 June 2014," a statement on the Udinese website reads.

Di Natale started his professional career with Empoli and also wore the jerseys of Iperzola, Varese and Viareggio before joining Udinese in the summer of 2004.

He has since made 264 Serie A appearances for the Udine side, scoring 135 goals in the process, and was selected to represent Italy at Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine.

 

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Di Matteo: Current Chelsea strikers will rise to the occasion and replace Drogba

Roberto Di Matteo has insisted that Chelsea possesses enough cover to fill the void left by Didier Drogba's departure.

The Ivorian striker scored the winning penalty in the Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in his last game for the west London club, before moving on to Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua.

The Blues' boss paid tribute to the 34-year-old's career in west London but indicated that he is looking for players already at the club to step up and fill the striker's role.

"We have a lot of quality players," the Italian told reporters. "Didier Drogba has been superb for the club for many years. People will rise to the occasion to fill the role he left. We have [Fernando] Torres, Daniel Sturridge, [Romelu] Lukaku. We have options."

Fernando Torres picked up the Golden Boot award at Euro 2012 and Di Matteo is now looking for the Spaniard to carry on his form on his return.

"He was fantastic," the Italian assessed. "What the Spain players achieved in the last few years is amazing. It will bring confidence, sportsmen need confidence to do well and hopefully they will come back in good form."

Chelsea has already brought in Eden Hazard from Lille this summer, and Di Matteo insisted that the Blues will not rush into the transfer market for additional players.

"Hazard wasn't cheap so we have already spent some money. It's not just about spending money though, it's about bringing in quality players," Di Matteo said.

"We will only enter the market if we can move to improve the team. I'm not going to discuss our targets. When I do the price goes up."

The ex-Blues player became permanent manager over the summer and despite rumors of Pep Guardiola taking over, even with Di Matteo given a contract, the Italian is determined to bring success to Stamford Bridge.

"I'm very happy to be here, it's a fantastic club to work with," he stressed. "I always said I would respect the club's decision. I'm looking forward to meeting with the players and hopefully bringing success to the club.

"We were always in contact, it was just a matter of time. We needed a holiday. There was contact from clubs too, but this is normal.

"I've been in football a long time, I know managers are judged on results, I'm no different. I just focus on my job to do the best I can."

"There has been speculation from day one. I've lived with it, I don't feel his shadow."

Frank Lampard missed England's Euro 2012 with injury but Di Matteo is confident he will be fully fit for the new campaign: "Frank should be okay for the start of the season, it was a shame he missed the Euros.

Doubts also remain over the future of a number of Chelsea players but Di Matteo confirmed Yossi Benayoun and Florent Malouda will be with the club this summer.

"They're going to come back in and I'm looking forward to seeing what they can do in preseason," he said.

 

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Di Matteo confirms Sturridge has viral meningitis

Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge has viral meningitis, manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed.

"Daniel [Sturridge] has viral meningitis. I spoke to him and he feels better now. Hopefully he gets well ASAP," Di Matteo told a press conference.

The 22-year-old striker was taken into the hospital at the weekend but the Italian says the outlook is "optimistic".

After missing out on Euro 2012 with England the forward was named in Stuart Pearce's Team GB squad for the London Olympics, and Di Matteo says there is still a chance he could feature.

"He felt unwell over the weekend and was taken to hospital afterwards," Di Matteo revealed. "We have to monitor Sturridge on a daily basis but the fact he is feeling better is very positive. I am optimistic.

"We can't put a time frame on it but I hope he will return [in time for Olympics]."

The news represents a huge blow for manager Pearce, who has already been denied the services of regular Premier League performers Gareth Bale and Kyle Walker as a result of back and toe injuries respectively.

The 22-year old’s potential exclusion leaves Wales international Craig Bellamy and Bolton forward Marvin Sordell as the only recognized strikers in the 18-man squad and Pearce may be forced to raid his standby list for replacements.

Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace and Scotland international Jordan Rhodes are thought to be on the list after both missing out on the initial squad despite enjoying productive seasons at club level.

David Beckham’s omission has been the major talking point since the squad was announced on Thursday but Sturridge's withdrawal will not free up one of three over-age slots, meaning the LA Galaxy midfielder is still unlikely to feature.

 

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Everton signs Steven Naismith


Everton has completed the signing of Scotland international Steven Naismith after the striker opted not to join the new setup after Rangers' liquidation.

The 25-year-old moves to Goodison Park after agreeing a four-year deal with the Premier League club.

The Scot, who has played 15 games at international level, was delighted with his move to Merseyside stating that the club's history and proud supporters, as well as Premier League football, were big factors in his decision.

"It is a great honor to be joining a club of Everton’s wonderful history and to have the chance to play with such a talented group of players in the world’s best league, the Barclays Premier League, in front of such a passionate group of fans," he told the club's official website.

"I look forward greatly to working with the manager, David Moyes, and all the staff at Everton and working hard to deliver on the pitch to repay their, and the Chairman Mr. Kenwright’s, faith and belief in me."

Toffees boss Moyes indicated that the player's versatility made him an attractive signing, with Naismith able to play up front and on either flank in midfield, as well as the second-striker role.

"We are delighted that Steven has agreed to join us," the 49-year-old added. "He will be an excellent addition to the players we already have and we look forward to him being fit and ready to play at the start of the season.

"He is an established international who can play in a number of positions. He has a flexibility we always like in our players and which will hopefully prove to be very useful for us."

Moyes' new man will join up with the rest of the squad for preseason training later this week.

 

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Brazil drops out of top 10 in new FIFA rankings

Brazil has dropped out of the FIFA rankings top 10 for the first time since the system's inception in 1992.

The Selecao have fallen five places to 11th after losing their last two games to Mexico and a Lionel Messi inspired-Argentina, which remains seventh.

England has moved up to fourth in the world despite the quarterfinal exit at Euro 2012 while Italy, which beat the Three Lions in the quarterfinals and reached the final has jumped up six places into sixth.

Spain retsain top spot with Germany rising to second place at the expense of Uruguay.
Portugal has also jumped into the top five after reaching the semifinals in Ukraine and Poland and the Czech Republic has risen nine places to break into the top 20 after making the quarterfinals before being knocked out by the Seleccao.

Mexico and the USA remain the two highest ranked teams in CONCACAF, with Mexico holding firm at 19 and the USA dropping eight spots to 36.

 

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Sakho: I will leave PSG if Ancelotti signs another defender

Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho has revealed he will leave the club if manager Carlo Ancelotti signs a new center back.


The 22-year old endured a torrid season for the Parisien side, struggling with injuries before losing his place in the Italian's first-team plans.

Sakho also faced the embarrassment of being stripped of the captaincy mid-season and being deemed "slightly overweight" by the Ligue 1 club's director Leonardo.

The France international has now spoken of his desire to leave if Ancelotti makes another defensive signing, having already fallen down the pecking order behind Alex and Milan Bisevac.

"If a new defender comes in, then I'll do anything to leave because I have to think about my future," Sakho told L'Equipe. "My goal this season is to play. I will be open to offers from clubs willing to give me game time and the opportunity for me to continue my development.

"I'm not ready to relive the last six months. During the second part of the season, I preferred not to speak about my situation, and I took it upon myself to not disturb the group."