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Rodgers wants new Reds faces
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is aiming to bring more new signings to Anfield before the end of the August transfer window.
Rodgers says the Reds have spoken to a number of rival clubs about unnamed players and he remains hopeful of agreeing deals in the next fortnight.Liverpool have signed two players - Swansea midfielder Joe Allen and Roma forward Fabio Borini - since Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in May.
But the Northern Irishman insists he will not be rushed into buying players who do not fit his vision for the club's revival.
Contact
"There has been contact and communication with the clubs," Rodgers told the club's official website. "The team of people behind myself are working very, very hard in relation to those targets."We hope that within the next number of weeks those will bear fruit.
"The work has been continual right the way through to try and get in players that fit the profile of Liverpool and the team. I would hope there would be a couple more signings before the end of August."Under Dalglish, the Reds finished a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League last season - their worst league position for 18 years.
Rodgers has allowed Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Fabio Aurelio to leave Anfield, but has resisted a major overhaul of the first-team squad he has inherited.
Work
He added: "We obviously haven't brought in too many players, but there are some players that have gone out for a number of reasons.
"There is still a lot of work to do within the group and there will probably be more changes between now and the end of August in terms of ins and outs.
"Come the end of August when everyone is here, we can be real focused and be together, and start on the journey to hopefully having a real good campaign."
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is aiming to bring more new signings to Anfield before the end of the August transfer window.
Rodgers says the Reds have spoken to a number of rival clubs about unnamed players and he remains hopeful of agreeing deals in the next fortnight.Liverpool have signed two players - Swansea midfielder Joe Allen and Roma forward Fabio Borini - since Rodgers replaced Kenny Dalglish in May.
But the Northern Irishman insists he will not be rushed into buying players who do not fit his vision for the club's revival.
Contact
"There has been contact and communication with the clubs," Rodgers told the club's official website. "The team of people behind myself are working very, very hard in relation to those targets."We hope that within the next number of weeks those will bear fruit.
"The work has been continual right the way through to try and get in players that fit the profile of Liverpool and the team. I would hope there would be a couple more signings before the end of August."Under Dalglish, the Reds finished a disappointing eighth place in the Premier League last season - their worst league position for 18 years.
Rodgers has allowed Dirk Kuyt, Craig Bellamy and Fabio Aurelio to leave Anfield, but has resisted a major overhaul of the first-team squad he has inherited.
Work
He added: "We obviously haven't brought in too many players, but there are some players that have gone out for a number of reasons.
"There is still a lot of work to do within the group and there will probably be more changes between now and the end of August in terms of ins and outs.
"Come the end of August when everyone is here, we can be real focused and be together, and start on the journey to hopefully having a real good campaign."
Modric set for Real switch
Sky Sports sources understand that Luka Modric is to fly to Spain on Thursday to finalise a move to Real Madrid from Tottenham.
It is thought that the transfer could now be completed quickly after the clubs finally agreed a fee following months of uncertainty.Reports suggest that a compromise has been reached that will see Real pay an initial fee of £23.6million, plus a further £3.9m in add-ons.
Tottenham are believed to have accepted Real's offer now to give them enough time to sign a replacement before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
If the move goes through it would bring to an end a four-year spell at White Hart Lane for Modric, during which time he has developed into one of the Premier League's most impressive performers.
Criticised
The Croatia international was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy stood firm to keep him at the club.However, intense speculation resurfaced ahead of the current transfer window and Modric made no secret of his desire to move on.
New Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas criticised Modric after he did not travel to the United States for their pre-season tour, and the 26-year-old has continued to train apart from the rest of the squad.
Villas-Boas has already strengthened his midfield with the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson since replacing Harry Redknapp at the Tottenham helm, while Joao Moutinho has been linked with a move to join up with his former Porto manager.
Sky Sports sources understand that Luka Modric is to fly to Spain on Thursday to finalise a move to Real Madrid from Tottenham.
It is thought that the transfer could now be completed quickly after the clubs finally agreed a fee following months of uncertainty.Reports suggest that a compromise has been reached that will see Real pay an initial fee of £23.6million, plus a further £3.9m in add-ons.
Tottenham are believed to have accepted Real's offer now to give them enough time to sign a replacement before the window slams shut at the end of the month.
If the move goes through it would bring to an end a four-year spell at White Hart Lane for Modric, during which time he has developed into one of the Premier League's most impressive performers.
Criticised
The Croatia international was linked with a move to Chelsea last summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy stood firm to keep him at the club.However, intense speculation resurfaced ahead of the current transfer window and Modric made no secret of his desire to move on.
New Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas criticised Modric after he did not travel to the United States for their pre-season tour, and the 26-year-old has continued to train apart from the rest of the squad.
Villas-Boas has already strengthened his midfield with the signing of Gylfi Sigurdsson since replacing Harry Redknapp at the Tottenham helm, while Joao Moutinho has been linked with a move to join up with his former Porto manager.
Lionel Messi has said he does not see himself as in direct competition with Cristiano Ronaldo, and any talk of a personal duel between the two is just media speculation.
Messi, speaking to Argentine newspaper Ole from Frankfurt ahead of his national side's friendly against Germany on Wednesday, explained that as far as he was concerned Ronaldo was just another opposition player.
"I respect (Ronaldo), but I have no relationship with him, just as I have no relationship with many other players," Messi said. "We just see each other on the pitch. I am close to my team-mates for club and country, and with Argentine players who I have met over the years."
Many observers feel that rivalry between the two superstars drives each to ever greater heights - Ronaldo hit 38 La Liga goals for Real Madrid in 2010-11 only for Messi to reach 50 last season for Barcelona - but the Argentine was keen to stress that any supposed personal battle was just a media invention.
"But, look, with Cristiano there is no row or anything like that," said Messi. "Anything that happens comes from the media, the papers, who want a duel between us, but I have never competed with Cristiano nor fought against him. I try and do my work, so that things go well, and to try and win trophies with the national team and with Barcelona."
When asked about opposition fans who try to unsettle Ronaldo by chanting 'Messi, Messi', the Argentine was reportedly "uncomfortable" and said it was nothing to do with him."I am happy with how fans treat me in every stadium," he said. "I am not the one who organises that nor can I do anything against it."
The three-time Ballon D'Or winner was on happier ground when suggesting that one his illustrious colleagues at club level could take the FIFA award for 2012.
"I would be delighted if it was one of my Barcelona team-mates, Xavi Hernandez or (Andres) Iniesta, who are winning important thing like the World Cup and European Championships at international level," Messi said. "There is also Ronaldo, who is a great player, and (Iker) Casillas is being talked about. But, for friendship, personally I would like it to be Xavi or Iniesta."Messi, who himself has not always carried his club form onto the international level, said that the albiceleste needed time to gel under newish coach Alejandro Sabella.
"There are players to make up a very strong national team, in attack and defence," he said. "But it is the time to work, to find the players that the coach wants and to be able to give them continuity and confidence. I believe the only way the team will become 'well-oiled' is to play many games together with the same players so we get to know each other well. It takes work and nothing more."
Henrique eyes United success
Manchester United's latest signing Angelo Henrique insist he is determined to make the most of his opportunity on such a grand stage. The 18-year-old successfully completed his medical at Old Trafford on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet with Sir Alex Ferguson to sort out his short-term future.
There are several options available to Ferguson, who could allow the teenager to remain with the Red Devils, loan him to an English club or send him back to his present team Universidad in Chile.
United are yet to confirm the full details of their swoop but Henriquez has admitted to being surprised by the speed of the deal.
Dream
"I am super happy to get to Manchester United. I'm fulfilling a dream," he said."I am going where I wanted. You look on television and see the outstanding players, scoring spectacular goals. I cannot waste this opportunity. It is not clear what will happen with my future.
"I want to play in the first team of Manchester United. That's my first thought.
"If they decide to send me on loan, I would prefer to continue at Universidad, although I will do whatever United deem appropriate."
Manchester United's latest signing Angelo Henrique insist he is determined to make the most of his opportunity on such a grand stage. The 18-year-old successfully completed his medical at Old Trafford on Tuesday and was scheduled to meet with Sir Alex Ferguson to sort out his short-term future.
There are several options available to Ferguson, who could allow the teenager to remain with the Red Devils, loan him to an English club or send him back to his present team Universidad in Chile.
United are yet to confirm the full details of their swoop but Henriquez has admitted to being surprised by the speed of the deal.
Dream
"I am super happy to get to Manchester United. I'm fulfilling a dream," he said."I am going where I wanted. You look on television and see the outstanding players, scoring spectacular goals. I cannot waste this opportunity. It is not clear what will happen with my future.
"I want to play in the first team of Manchester United. That's my first thought.
"If they decide to send me on loan, I would prefer to continue at Universidad, although I will do whatever United deem appropriate."
Manchester United have agreed terms with Premier League rivals Arsenal for the transfer of star striker Robin van Persie.
The Holland international is now due to travel to Manchester on Thursday to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical with the Red Devils before putting pen to paper.Van Persie announced shortly after Euro 2012 that he would not be extending his contract with the Gunners, which has just 12 months left to run.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie."
That sparked a scramble for his services, with United, Manchester City and Juventus all tabling offers for the 29-year-old former Feyenoord player.
Medical
Sir Alex Ferguson's side moved to the head of the queue and have now reached an agreement with Arsene Wenger's men, with the fee believed to be in excess of £20million.
A statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie."The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."
Arsenal issued a similar statement which added: "Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday in order to agree personal terms and complete a medical ahead of the proposed move."
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Manchester United agree RVP deal
Manchester United have agreed terms with Premier League rivals Arsenal for the transfer of star striker Robin van Persie.
The Holland international is now due to travel to Manchester on Thursday to finalise personal terms and undergo a medical with the Red Devils before putting pen to paper.Van Persie announced shortly after Euro 2012 that he would not be extending his contract with the Gunners, which has just 12 months left to run.
"Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie."
That sparked a scramble for his services, with United, Manchester City and Juventus all tabling offers for the 29-year-old former Feyenoord player.
Medical
Sir Alex Ferguson's side moved to the head of the queue and have now reached an agreement with Arsene Wenger's men, with the fee believed to be in excess of £20million.
A statement on United's official website read: "Manchester United is pleased to announce it has reached agreement with Arsenal Football Club for the transfer of Robin van Persie."The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."
Arsenal issued a similar statement which added: "Van Persie will travel to Manchester on Thursday in order to agree personal terms and complete a medical ahead of the proposed move."
Mexico 0-1 USA: The Americans win in Mexico for the first time in 25 attempts
The U.S. national team won for the first time in 25 trips to Mexico after Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 81st minute to shock El Tri with a 1-0 victory at Azteca Stadium on Wednesday.
Although it was only a friendly, it was a historical night for the Americans, who entered the match with an 0-23-1 record in 75 years of competition south of the border.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann did not call in the team's biggest offensive threats - including Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley - but his defense kept his squad in the game just long enough for an unlikely hero to come in and ruin Mexico's Olympic gold-medal celebrations.
Fiscal, who plays for San Luis in Mexico, entered as a substitute in the second half after the U.S. was quiet on the offensive end throughout the game and knocked one past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Brek Shea set up the play with Terrence Boyd assisting on Fiscal's game-winning goal.
The first half went back and forth with neither team getting any real scoring opportunities, which could have initially been viewed at as a major accomplishment for the makeshift U.S. squad.
Playing with an experimental defense that featured Maurice Edu and Geoff Cameron in central defense and Fabian Johnson at right back, goalkeeper Tim Howard did not have to make a single save in the first half. He punched away a couple crosses, but that was about it.
The U.S. may have been even less threatening on offense to open the game, however, and the teams entered the intermission scoreless. During halftime, Mexico's gold-medal winning team was honored on the field while fireworks went off around them.
The U.S. defense continued to keep Mexico from getting a good shot on goal as the second half went on. In the 55th minute, Cameron saved a potential goal when he got his head on a cross that was intended for Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez about four yards away from the goal line.
Cameron was a key player for U.S. the entire night and showed why Stoke City decided to bring the former Houston Dynamo defender to the English Premier League this summer.
Mexico began to really put on the pressure in 75th minute when Chicharito found himself free from the U.S. backline on a cross from Elias Hernandez, but his header went just wide of the net. It was a play that the Manchester United striker would have finished during his breakout year in 2010-11.
The U.S. national team won for the first time in 25 trips to Mexico after Michael Orozco Fiscal scored in the 81st minute to shock El Tri with a 1-0 victory at Azteca Stadium on Wednesday.
Although it was only a friendly, it was a historical night for the Americans, who entered the match with an 0-23-1 record in 75 years of competition south of the border.
Coach Jurgen Klinsmann did not call in the team's biggest offensive threats - including Clint Dempsey, Jozy Altidore and Michael Bradley - but his defense kept his squad in the game just long enough for an unlikely hero to come in and ruin Mexico's Olympic gold-medal celebrations.
Fiscal, who plays for San Luis in Mexico, entered as a substitute in the second half after the U.S. was quiet on the offensive end throughout the game and knocked one past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Brek Shea set up the play with Terrence Boyd assisting on Fiscal's game-winning goal.
The first half went back and forth with neither team getting any real scoring opportunities, which could have initially been viewed at as a major accomplishment for the makeshift U.S. squad.
Playing with an experimental defense that featured Maurice Edu and Geoff Cameron in central defense and Fabian Johnson at right back, goalkeeper Tim Howard did not have to make a single save in the first half. He punched away a couple crosses, but that was about it.
The U.S. may have been even less threatening on offense to open the game, however, and the teams entered the intermission scoreless. During halftime, Mexico's gold-medal winning team was honored on the field while fireworks went off around them.
The U.S. defense continued to keep Mexico from getting a good shot on goal as the second half went on. In the 55th minute, Cameron saved a potential goal when he got his head on a cross that was intended for Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez about four yards away from the goal line.
Cameron was a key player for U.S. the entire night and showed why Stoke City decided to bring the former Houston Dynamo defender to the English Premier League this summer.
Mexico began to really put on the pressure in 75th minute when Chicharito found himself free from the U.S. backline on a cross from Elias Hernandez, but his header went just wide of the net. It was a play that the Manchester United striker would have finished during his breakout year in 2010-11.
Canada 2-0 Trinidad and Tobago: Canadians strike twice in Florida
A pair of second half goals gave Canada a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly match played on a cricket oval in south Florida.
Tosaint Ricketts struck at the 58th minute and Will Johnson sealed the win just before the full time whistle for the Canadians, who played a host of uncapped and less experienced players against an equally underpowered opponent.
After a scoreless first half that saw Ricketts hit the post, Canada finally took the lead near the hour mark when the Edmonton, Alberta native latched on to a Marcel de Jong cross and fired it into the top right corner.
Canada had numerous chances after the goal, but it wasn't until the 88th minute when the Canucks would double their lead, with Johnson converting a penalty kick to give his side the insurance marker. The 25-year-old had earned the spot kick after shooting the ball off the arm of a T&T defender.
The win gives Canada a bit of positive momentum heading into its next match, a Sept. 7 meeting with Panama in World Cup qualifying action.
A pair of second half goals gave Canada a 2-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago in a friendly match played on a cricket oval in south Florida.
Tosaint Ricketts struck at the 58th minute and Will Johnson sealed the win just before the full time whistle for the Canadians, who played a host of uncapped and less experienced players against an equally underpowered opponent.
After a scoreless first half that saw Ricketts hit the post, Canada finally took the lead near the hour mark when the Edmonton, Alberta native latched on to a Marcel de Jong cross and fired it into the top right corner.
Canada had numerous chances after the goal, but it wasn't until the 88th minute when the Canucks would double their lead, with Johnson converting a penalty kick to give his side the insurance marker. The 25-year-old had earned the spot kick after shooting the ball off the arm of a T&T defender.
The win gives Canada a bit of positive momentum heading into its next match, a Sept. 7 meeting with Panama in World Cup qualifying action.
France 0-0 Uruguay: Deschamps' debut ends in deadlock
Didier Deschamps’ France reign started on Wednesday evening with a 0-0 friendly draw against Uruguay at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre.
Each of the three previous meetings between the sides had finished scoreless, so there was little hope for an exciting encounter heading into this clash, and the first half would be a very disappointing affair. After the interval, the game livened up, yet neither side was able to find a winning goal, with Karim Benzema going closest as he hit the post.
The opening period was very bland, with France dominating play but struggling to find a path through a packed visiting defense. Indeed, les Bleus fashioned only one opening of note, but Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s header proved little more than an awkward block for Fernando Muslera.
There would be significantly more excitement after the break, though the South Americans were largely content to play on the counter.
Mathieu Valbuena would be lively for the hosts, and four minutes after the restart he would be set up by substitute Etienne Capoue’s accurate pass, though his finish was too close to Muslera to seriously trouble the goalkeeper.
On the hour mark, les Bleus went even closer. A lofted ball forward picked out Benzema at the edge of the box, but the Real Madrid man saw a technically-excellent side-foot volley come back off the post.
If there was not a flurry of chances for the home side, there was certainly a steadier stream of opportunities, with Ribery’s deft chip exciting the crowd before dropping just too high. Soon afterwards, Bafetimbi Gomis sent a shot from range skidding towards goal only for Muslera to deny the substitute.
While Uruguay’s approach was rather negative, the fourth-placed side on the FIFA rankings was not entirely subdued as an attacking force. At times Cristian Rodriguez drove them forwards from the midfield with real purpose, delivering a wonderful cross that Sebastian Abreu contrived to send straight back to Hugo Lloris when he really should have scored.
Ultimately a scoreless draw always looked on the cards, although France pushed for a winner until the end. Jimmy Briand had a good chance from a Mathieu Valbuena cross, and Gomis should have done better in stoppage time when well placed.
Deschamps’ first match in charge of France, therefore, did not end in disaster. Instead, it was a respectable draw against highly ranked opposition, and Aime Jacquet’s record of being the last Bleus coach to win on debut way back in 1994 remains intact.
Didier Deschamps’ France reign started on Wednesday evening with a 0-0 friendly draw against Uruguay at the Stade Oceane in Le Havre.
Each of the three previous meetings between the sides had finished scoreless, so there was little hope for an exciting encounter heading into this clash, and the first half would be a very disappointing affair. After the interval, the game livened up, yet neither side was able to find a winning goal, with Karim Benzema going closest as he hit the post.
The opening period was very bland, with France dominating play but struggling to find a path through a packed visiting defense. Indeed, les Bleus fashioned only one opening of note, but Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa’s header proved little more than an awkward block for Fernando Muslera.
There would be significantly more excitement after the break, though the South Americans were largely content to play on the counter.
Mathieu Valbuena would be lively for the hosts, and four minutes after the restart he would be set up by substitute Etienne Capoue’s accurate pass, though his finish was too close to Muslera to seriously trouble the goalkeeper.
On the hour mark, les Bleus went even closer. A lofted ball forward picked out Benzema at the edge of the box, but the Real Madrid man saw a technically-excellent side-foot volley come back off the post.
If there was not a flurry of chances for the home side, there was certainly a steadier stream of opportunities, with Ribery’s deft chip exciting the crowd before dropping just too high. Soon afterwards, Bafetimbi Gomis sent a shot from range skidding towards goal only for Muslera to deny the substitute.
While Uruguay’s approach was rather negative, the fourth-placed side on the FIFA rankings was not entirely subdued as an attacking force. At times Cristian Rodriguez drove them forwards from the midfield with real purpose, delivering a wonderful cross that Sebastian Abreu contrived to send straight back to Hugo Lloris when he really should have scored.
Ultimately a scoreless draw always looked on the cards, although France pushed for a winner until the end. Jimmy Briand had a good chance from a Mathieu Valbuena cross, and Gomis should have done better in stoppage time when well placed.
Deschamps’ first match in charge of France, therefore, did not end in disaster. Instead, it was a respectable draw against highly ranked opposition, and Aime Jacquet’s record of being the last Bleus coach to win on debut way back in 1994 remains intact.
Sweden 0-3 Brazil: Pato and Damiao do damage for Selecao
Brazil rose from its Olympic disappointment and was completely dominant as it defeated a well-organized Sweden 3-0 at the Rasunda stadium on Wednesday.
The venue, which is due to be demolished in November, was the site of the 1958 World Cup final in which the two sides went head-to-head; that game finished 5-2 to the Selecao but the rematch did not quite scale such prolific heights.
Leandro Damiao opened the scoring in the first half before substitute Alexandre Pato netted a late double to cap an impressive and commanding performance.
After Pele, who scored two goals in that 1958 final, had placed the ball for kick off, neither side forced itself on the other but Brazil held an advantage due to its far greater retention of the ball.
In the 18th minute, Neymar tapped home after an effort from Oscar had rattled the post. However, the assistant referee had raised his flag and dubiously declared the Santos man offside.
Sweden was offering very little going forward, with just Christian Wilhelmsson offering a positive, purposeful outlet. It could have been two up with 24 minutes played but although Alves' free kick had Andreas Isaksson beaten, it flew narrowly wide of the bottom corner.
Brazil continued to up the ante and after Thiago Silva fell narrowly short of a tap-in from Neymar's pass, Damiao added the finishing touch to the 20-year-old's next delivery. A wonderful ball in from the left was met by the in-demand Internacional forward, who headed in his second full international goal.
The Blagult, who had not created an opportunity all night, had two opportunities to equalize on the stroke of halftime. After some lovely interplay, Marcus Berg was denied by Gabriel and then, from the resultant corner, Andreas Granqvist volleyed wide of the goal.
Within 10 minutes of the restart Brazil could well have run away with the game. Alves had a booming shoot palmed away by Isaksson and moments later Neymar poked wide after attempting to be too clever. Damiao then completed a hat trick of missed chances as he found Paulinho's flick on agonizingly out of reach at the back post.
There was little Erik Hamren's men could do to resist the Samba Boys but some impressive organization was maintaining a single-goal difference between the pair. However, after some off-target attempts from Damiao, it was his replacement who managed to finish off the resilient Swedes.
Pato was brought on in the final 15 minutes and he polished off the win with two goals in quick succession. After tapping home Alves' little dink over Isaksson, the AC Milan striker won and converted a penalty in the 85th minute to give the scoreline the gloss it deserved.
Sweden sorely missed talismanic forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it will expect a much better result when he returns for its World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan next month. Brazil, meanwhile, will be seeking further improvement when it continues its non-competitive fixture list with another friendly in September against South Africa.
Brazil rose from its Olympic disappointment and was completely dominant as it defeated a well-organized Sweden 3-0 at the Rasunda stadium on Wednesday.
The venue, which is due to be demolished in November, was the site of the 1958 World Cup final in which the two sides went head-to-head; that game finished 5-2 to the Selecao but the rematch did not quite scale such prolific heights.
Leandro Damiao opened the scoring in the first half before substitute Alexandre Pato netted a late double to cap an impressive and commanding performance.
After Pele, who scored two goals in that 1958 final, had placed the ball for kick off, neither side forced itself on the other but Brazil held an advantage due to its far greater retention of the ball.
In the 18th minute, Neymar tapped home after an effort from Oscar had rattled the post. However, the assistant referee had raised his flag and dubiously declared the Santos man offside.
Sweden was offering very little going forward, with just Christian Wilhelmsson offering a positive, purposeful outlet. It could have been two up with 24 minutes played but although Alves' free kick had Andreas Isaksson beaten, it flew narrowly wide of the bottom corner.
Brazil continued to up the ante and after Thiago Silva fell narrowly short of a tap-in from Neymar's pass, Damiao added the finishing touch to the 20-year-old's next delivery. A wonderful ball in from the left was met by the in-demand Internacional forward, who headed in his second full international goal.
The Blagult, who had not created an opportunity all night, had two opportunities to equalize on the stroke of halftime. After some lovely interplay, Marcus Berg was denied by Gabriel and then, from the resultant corner, Andreas Granqvist volleyed wide of the goal.
Within 10 minutes of the restart Brazil could well have run away with the game. Alves had a booming shoot palmed away by Isaksson and moments later Neymar poked wide after attempting to be too clever. Damiao then completed a hat trick of missed chances as he found Paulinho's flick on agonizingly out of reach at the back post.
There was little Erik Hamren's men could do to resist the Samba Boys but some impressive organization was maintaining a single-goal difference between the pair. However, after some off-target attempts from Damiao, it was his replacement who managed to finish off the resilient Swedes.
Pato was brought on in the final 15 minutes and he polished off the win with two goals in quick succession. After tapping home Alves' little dink over Isaksson, the AC Milan striker won and converted a penalty in the 85th minute to give the scoreline the gloss it deserved.
Sweden sorely missed talismanic forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic and it will expect a much better result when he returns for its World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan next month. Brazil, meanwhile, will be seeking further improvement when it continues its non-competitive fixture list with another friendly in September against South Africa.
Portugal 2-0 Panama: Ronaldo rocket helps hosts to easy win
Portugal took the first step on the road to recovery after its Euro 2012 heartbreak, recording a predictably facile 2-0 victory over 10-man Panama in Faro on Wednesday night.
Nelson Oliveira broke his international duck with a stunning 30th-minute opener before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the Seleccao's advantage with an equally sumptuous strike just seconds after the visitors had seen Gabriel Gomez dismissed for violent conduct.
Playing against a side ranked 54th in the world, Portugal unsurprisingly dominated possession throughout but, in truth, it initially struggled to prise open the Panama defense.
Indeed, a decent strike from Joao Moutinho was the best Paulo Bento’s men had mustered before they broke the deadlock in sensational fashion on the half-hour mark.
Receiving the ball from Miguel Lopes just inside the area and with his back to goal, there appeared to be little on for Oliveira. However, he held off one defender, cut inside past another before then unleashing a terrific left-footed shot into the top corner.
It could have been 2-0 just moments later but after failing to even get a hand near Oliveira’s opener, Panama shot-stopper Jaime Penedo covered himself in glory by getting out quickly to narrow the angle and save well from Ronaldo, after the Real Madrid star had been put in on goal.
Portugal squandered an even better chance to double the advantage just before the break. This time Ronaldo was the creator, putting the ball on a plate for Oliveira with a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass from wide on the left-hand side.
However, the 21-year-old criminally failed to do justice to what was a truly exquisite ball, firing it first time over the bar. Consequently, Oliveira trudged off at the end of a half in which he had bagged his first goal for his country shaking his head.
Gomez was doing likewise within five minutes of the restart, having received a straight red card for lashing out at Moutinho, and the midfielder had barely reached the dressing room by the time Ronaldo effectively ended the game as a meaningful contest. The Madrid man beat Penedo from 25 yards with a blistering half-volley that flew into the bottom right corner of the Panama net.
Ronaldo was withdrawn on the hour mark but the chances kept coming for the home side. Hugo Almeida saw a downward header cleared off the line, while Nani was denied by the post.
Almeida then miscued from point-blank range after Penedo had kept out Ricardo Costa’s header, before then nodding the ball wide with the goal at his mercy after being picked out by Fabio Coentrao's terrific cross from the left wing.
However, it mattered not, as Portugal was able to cruise to a victory that sets it up nicely for an opening 2014 World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg next month.
Portugal took the first step on the road to recovery after its Euro 2012 heartbreak, recording a predictably facile 2-0 victory over 10-man Panama in Faro on Wednesday night.
Nelson Oliveira broke his international duck with a stunning 30th-minute opener before Cristiano Ronaldo doubled the Seleccao's advantage with an equally sumptuous strike just seconds after the visitors had seen Gabriel Gomez dismissed for violent conduct.
Playing against a side ranked 54th in the world, Portugal unsurprisingly dominated possession throughout but, in truth, it initially struggled to prise open the Panama defense.
Indeed, a decent strike from Joao Moutinho was the best Paulo Bento’s men had mustered before they broke the deadlock in sensational fashion on the half-hour mark.
Receiving the ball from Miguel Lopes just inside the area and with his back to goal, there appeared to be little on for Oliveira. However, he held off one defender, cut inside past another before then unleashing a terrific left-footed shot into the top corner.
It could have been 2-0 just moments later but after failing to even get a hand near Oliveira’s opener, Panama shot-stopper Jaime Penedo covered himself in glory by getting out quickly to narrow the angle and save well from Ronaldo, after the Real Madrid star had been put in on goal.
Portugal squandered an even better chance to double the advantage just before the break. This time Ronaldo was the creator, putting the ball on a plate for Oliveira with a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass from wide on the left-hand side.
However, the 21-year-old criminally failed to do justice to what was a truly exquisite ball, firing it first time over the bar. Consequently, Oliveira trudged off at the end of a half in which he had bagged his first goal for his country shaking his head.
Gomez was doing likewise within five minutes of the restart, having received a straight red card for lashing out at Moutinho, and the midfielder had barely reached the dressing room by the time Ronaldo effectively ended the game as a meaningful contest. The Madrid man beat Penedo from 25 yards with a blistering half-volley that flew into the bottom right corner of the Panama net.
Ronaldo was withdrawn on the hour mark but the chances kept coming for the home side. Hugo Almeida saw a downward header cleared off the line, while Nani was denied by the post.
Almeida then miscued from point-blank range after Penedo had kept out Ricardo Costa’s header, before then nodding the ball wide with the goal at his mercy after being picked out by Fabio Coentrao's terrific cross from the left wing.
However, it mattered not, as Portugal was able to cruise to a victory that sets it up nicely for an opening 2014 World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg next month.
Belgium 4-2 Netherlands: Mertens inspires impressive win for hosts
Belgium earned a 4-2 home win over the Netherlands in Wednesday's international friendly in Brussels, spoiling Louis van Gaal's debut as Oranje manager.
Christian Benteke gifted the hosts the lead before the break, but two goals within as many minutes from Luciano Narsingh and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar helped the Dutch to a 2-1 lead. However, goals from Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku got the home crowd back on their feet. Jan Vertonghen then poured even more salt in Holland's wounds in the 80th minute.
Fans had to wait until the 20th minute for the first big chance of the game, and it immediately resulted in the opener. The Dutch defense allowed Kevin Mirallas too much space down the left wing, and the attacker cut inside before unleashing a low shot that bounced off John Heitinga. Benteke calmly controlled the loose ball, and evaded Joris Mathijsen's challenge before firing home.
Holland then took over the initiative and came close to levelling the scoring after 28 minutes of play. Luciano Narsingh set up Ricardo van Rhijn with a fine low cross, but Thibaut Courtois showed his class with a superb save to prevent the equalizer.
There was little Courtois could do about the equalizer shortly after the interval, though. Bruno Martins Indi found Robben with a superb pass down the left, with the latter then sending in a low cross for Narsingh, who tapped home from close range.
Belgium did not have much time to recover from conceding as the guests were celebrating once more in the 55th minute, and Martins Indi and Robben were again at the heart of it. The Feyenoord defender set up the Bayern star with an intelligent through pass, who then unselfishly squared it off to Huntelaar. The Schalke star had no trouble finding the empty net from close range, thus scoring his 32nd goal for Oranje.
The home side immediately tried to restore parity, and both Steven Defour and Nacer Chadli tested Maarten Stekelenburg with powerful shots from the edge of the box. The Roma shot stopper was alert to the danger, though, and prevented the 2-2. Kevin De Bruyne, too, came close to restoring parity with a good header, but the Oranje glovesman once more came out on top.
The Dutch eventually conceded after all, though, when Nigel de Jong lost possession inside his own half. Substitute Mertens picked up the loose ball, and beat Stekelenburg with a low shot at the near post.
Things would only get worse for Oranje from there on as it was unable to cope with the energetic Mertens. Only two minutes after the 2-2, the PSV man once more escaped the attention of Van Rhijn and set up Lukaku for Belgium's third goal.
A superb Kevin De Bruyne pass toward Mertens then lead to the hosts' third goal within the space of five minutes. The former Utrecht star controlled the ball, danced past his marker, and then squared the ball off for Vertonghen, who blasted home from inside the area.
Belgium resumes match action when it takes on Wales on Sept. 7 in the qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup. Netherlands' next game is the 2014 World Cup qualifier at home against Turkey on Sept. 7.
Belgium earned a 4-2 home win over the Netherlands in Wednesday's international friendly in Brussels, spoiling Louis van Gaal's debut as Oranje manager.
Christian Benteke gifted the hosts the lead before the break, but two goals within as many minutes from Luciano Narsingh and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar helped the Dutch to a 2-1 lead. However, goals from Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku got the home crowd back on their feet. Jan Vertonghen then poured even more salt in Holland's wounds in the 80th minute.
Fans had to wait until the 20th minute for the first big chance of the game, and it immediately resulted in the opener. The Dutch defense allowed Kevin Mirallas too much space down the left wing, and the attacker cut inside before unleashing a low shot that bounced off John Heitinga. Benteke calmly controlled the loose ball, and evaded Joris Mathijsen's challenge before firing home.
Holland then took over the initiative and came close to levelling the scoring after 28 minutes of play. Luciano Narsingh set up Ricardo van Rhijn with a fine low cross, but Thibaut Courtois showed his class with a superb save to prevent the equalizer.
There was little Courtois could do about the equalizer shortly after the interval, though. Bruno Martins Indi found Robben with a superb pass down the left, with the latter then sending in a low cross for Narsingh, who tapped home from close range.
Belgium did not have much time to recover from conceding as the guests were celebrating once more in the 55th minute, and Martins Indi and Robben were again at the heart of it. The Feyenoord defender set up the Bayern star with an intelligent through pass, who then unselfishly squared it off to Huntelaar. The Schalke star had no trouble finding the empty net from close range, thus scoring his 32nd goal for Oranje.
The home side immediately tried to restore parity, and both Steven Defour and Nacer Chadli tested Maarten Stekelenburg with powerful shots from the edge of the box. The Roma shot stopper was alert to the danger, though, and prevented the 2-2. Kevin De Bruyne, too, came close to restoring parity with a good header, but the Oranje glovesman once more came out on top.
The Dutch eventually conceded after all, though, when Nigel de Jong lost possession inside his own half. Substitute Mertens picked up the loose ball, and beat Stekelenburg with a low shot at the near post.
Things would only get worse for Oranje from there on as it was unable to cope with the energetic Mertens. Only two minutes after the 2-2, the PSV man once more escaped the attention of Van Rhijn and set up Lukaku for Belgium's third goal.
A superb Kevin De Bruyne pass toward Mertens then lead to the hosts' third goal within the space of five minutes. The former Utrecht star controlled the ball, danced past his marker, and then squared the ball off for Vertonghen, who blasted home from inside the area.
Belgium resumes match action when it takes on Wales on Sept. 7 in the qualification campaign for the 2014 World Cup. Netherlands' next game is the 2014 World Cup qualifier at home against Turkey on Sept. 7.
Germany 1-3 Argentina: Messi on target as 10-man hosts collapse
Argentina took advantage of Ron-Robert Zieler's red card to record a comfortable 3-1 victory over Germany in a friendly encounter at the Commerzbank Arena on Wednesday.
The Hannover keeper was given his marching orders after half-an-hour for bringing down Jose Sosa in the area, though Lionel Messi saw his resulting penalty saved by substitute keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
However, Sami Khedira's own goal on the stroke of halftime would give Argentina a lead it would never relinquish, with Messi atoning for his spot-kick faliure with the visitors' second goal on 52 minutes.
Angel Di Maria's stunning drive from 30 yards out sealed the victory with just over a quarter of an hour to go, rendering Benedikt Howedes' 81st minute header nothing but mere consolation.
Things looked to be so different for Germany after a positive opening, where Marco Reus fired the first warning shot in the second minute with a drag across the face of goal after a mazy run past a few defenders.
Miroslav Klose’s enterprising foray down the left flank fashioned the next opening for Die Mannschaft after 12 minutes, but Mesut Ozil was unable to make the most of his cutback, with Sergio Romero able to block.
Argentina played some entertaining football of its own and was able to cause problems in the attacking third. Its movement and interplay out wide was a particular cause for concern, though Messi struggled to cope with the attentions of the home side's defense.
The complexion of the match would change completely on the half hour mark, after Sosa was brought down by Zieler in the box after a quick dart past the German backline.
The Hannover keeper was sent off, with Ter Stegen coming off the bench to replace Thomas Muller, and face Messi from 12 yards out. However, the match would remain goalless, as Messi's weak penalty was read by the 20-year-old keeper, who got down well to smother at his left post.
Argentina would strike just before the break, after a wild attempted clearance from a corner by Khedira instead resulted in him deflecting the ball into his own net.
Germany thought that it had equalized five minutes after the restart when Reus hit the woodwork, with Khedira working the rebound in for Ozil to turn home. However, an offside call on Khedira halted celebrations of the Commerzbank Arena crowd in their tracks, and they were further silenced two minutes later when Argentina doubled the lead.
Messi had not been at his best all game, but would take full advantage of Germany's numerical deficit, slotting home unmarked after he was teed up by Gonzalo Higuain from a flowing counterattack.The Barcelona star nearly made it 3-0 shortly after an hour with a trademark dink over Ter Stegen, but his finish bounced the wrong side of the post.
There would be no way back for Low's men after the 73rd minute, after Di Maria took aim from 30 yards out and buried an unstoppable effort past the helpless Ter Stegen. Howedes would pull one back on 81 minutes after nodding in a cutback from Mario Gotze, who had done well to exploit a pocket of space behind the Argentine defense.
Germany finished with a late flourish in the opposition half, but the South Americans nearly scored a fourth late on after Higuain fired Messi's through ball onto the post.
Argentina took advantage of Ron-Robert Zieler's red card to record a comfortable 3-1 victory over Germany in a friendly encounter at the Commerzbank Arena on Wednesday.
The Hannover keeper was given his marching orders after half-an-hour for bringing down Jose Sosa in the area, though Lionel Messi saw his resulting penalty saved by substitute keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
However, Sami Khedira's own goal on the stroke of halftime would give Argentina a lead it would never relinquish, with Messi atoning for his spot-kick faliure with the visitors' second goal on 52 minutes.
Angel Di Maria's stunning drive from 30 yards out sealed the victory with just over a quarter of an hour to go, rendering Benedikt Howedes' 81st minute header nothing but mere consolation.
Things looked to be so different for Germany after a positive opening, where Marco Reus fired the first warning shot in the second minute with a drag across the face of goal after a mazy run past a few defenders.
Miroslav Klose’s enterprising foray down the left flank fashioned the next opening for Die Mannschaft after 12 minutes, but Mesut Ozil was unable to make the most of his cutback, with Sergio Romero able to block.
Argentina played some entertaining football of its own and was able to cause problems in the attacking third. Its movement and interplay out wide was a particular cause for concern, though Messi struggled to cope with the attentions of the home side's defense.
The complexion of the match would change completely on the half hour mark, after Sosa was brought down by Zieler in the box after a quick dart past the German backline.
The Hannover keeper was sent off, with Ter Stegen coming off the bench to replace Thomas Muller, and face Messi from 12 yards out. However, the match would remain goalless, as Messi's weak penalty was read by the 20-year-old keeper, who got down well to smother at his left post.
Argentina would strike just before the break, after a wild attempted clearance from a corner by Khedira instead resulted in him deflecting the ball into his own net.
Germany thought that it had equalized five minutes after the restart when Reus hit the woodwork, with Khedira working the rebound in for Ozil to turn home. However, an offside call on Khedira halted celebrations of the Commerzbank Arena crowd in their tracks, and they were further silenced two minutes later when Argentina doubled the lead.
Messi had not been at his best all game, but would take full advantage of Germany's numerical deficit, slotting home unmarked after he was teed up by Gonzalo Higuain from a flowing counterattack.The Barcelona star nearly made it 3-0 shortly after an hour with a trademark dink over Ter Stegen, but his finish bounced the wrong side of the post.
There would be no way back for Low's men after the 73rd minute, after Di Maria took aim from 30 yards out and buried an unstoppable effort past the helpless Ter Stegen. Howedes would pull one back on 81 minutes after nodding in a cutback from Mario Gotze, who had done well to exploit a pocket of space behind the Argentine defense.
Germany finished with a late flourish in the opposition half, but the South Americans nearly scored a fourth late on after Higuain fired Messi's through ball onto the post.
Congratulations Spain!!!
Puerto Rico 1-2 Spain: Cazorla and Fabregas strikes save La Roja's blushes
Spain may have picked up a 2-1 win over Puerto Rico, but will be disappointed not to have won by a higher margin at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.
The hosts made it difficult for Vicente Del Bosque's men with their compact defending but goals from Santiago Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas ensured La Roja went into halftime with a comfortable lead. However, it failed to enhance upon that advantage and El Huracan Azul pulled a goal back through Marc Cintron to earn a hugely respectable result.
Spain made its dominance clear from the off as it controlled the ball and dictated the play from the whistle. After a couple of limp efforts, Gerard Pique almost found the net in the 12th minute but his header from Cazorla's corner crashed against the post.
Puerto Rico was making things harder for itself by being sloppy in possession and but it was New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Bill Gaudette who kept them level. Midway through the first half he saved a header from Fernando Torres that looked destined for the corner and then he parried a powerful Cazorla effort away from the danger area.
The game was heavily congested in the final third with El Huracan Azul consistently getting all but one man behind the ball, limiting the space in which Spain could move possession around and penetrate the defense.
La Roja continued to be frustrated in its attempts to break the deadlock but finally broke down the tremendously disciplined Puerto Rico side with two goals in the closing stages of the first half.
In the 42nd minute Cazorla opened the scoring with a driven shot from 25 yards that flew past an unsighted Gaudette and moments later it was two. Fabregas added a sublime finish to Jesus Navas' cross with a first-time, cross-goal volley that the keeper had no chance of reaching.
Spain maintained the momentum early in the second half and within a matter of minutes it pressured the opposing goal. However, both Cazorla and Llorente were thwarted by the impressive Gaudette.
Puerto Rico, which is 137 places lower in the FIFA Rankings than the World and European champions, halved the deficit in the 65th minute. A long ball up field was flicked into the path of Cintron by Hector Ramos and despite only being on the pitch for three minutes, he slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner.
In response, Del Bosque's men were guilty of trying to walk the ball in the back of the net and it was not until three minutes from time, when Torres forced another save from Gaudette with a curling effort, that they came close to adding some shine to the result.
Nevertheless, they picked up the win but La Roja will be hoping for a far improved performance when it begins World Cup qualifying against Georgia next month.
Puerto Rico 1-2 Spain: Cazorla and Fabregas strikes save La Roja's blushes
Spain may have picked up a 2-1 win over Puerto Rico, but will be disappointed not to have won by a higher margin at the Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.
The hosts made it difficult for Vicente Del Bosque's men with their compact defending but goals from Santiago Cazorla and Cesc Fabregas ensured La Roja went into halftime with a comfortable lead. However, it failed to enhance upon that advantage and El Huracan Azul pulled a goal back through Marc Cintron to earn a hugely respectable result.
Spain made its dominance clear from the off as it controlled the ball and dictated the play from the whistle. After a couple of limp efforts, Gerard Pique almost found the net in the 12th minute but his header from Cazorla's corner crashed against the post.
Puerto Rico was making things harder for itself by being sloppy in possession and but it was New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Bill Gaudette who kept them level. Midway through the first half he saved a header from Fernando Torres that looked destined for the corner and then he parried a powerful Cazorla effort away from the danger area.
The game was heavily congested in the final third with El Huracan Azul consistently getting all but one man behind the ball, limiting the space in which Spain could move possession around and penetrate the defense.
La Roja continued to be frustrated in its attempts to break the deadlock but finally broke down the tremendously disciplined Puerto Rico side with two goals in the closing stages of the first half.
In the 42nd minute Cazorla opened the scoring with a driven shot from 25 yards that flew past an unsighted Gaudette and moments later it was two. Fabregas added a sublime finish to Jesus Navas' cross with a first-time, cross-goal volley that the keeper had no chance of reaching.
Spain maintained the momentum early in the second half and within a matter of minutes it pressured the opposing goal. However, both Cazorla and Llorente were thwarted by the impressive Gaudette.
Puerto Rico, which is 137 places lower in the FIFA Rankings than the World and European champions, halved the deficit in the 65th minute. A long ball up field was flicked into the path of Cintron by Hector Ramos and despite only being on the pitch for three minutes, he slotted a composed finish into the bottom corner.
In response, Del Bosque's men were guilty of trying to walk the ball in the back of the net and it was not until three minutes from time, when Torres forced another save from Gaudette with a curling effort, that they came close to adding some shine to the result.
Nevertheless, they picked up the win but La Roja will be hoping for a far improved performance when it begins World Cup qualifying against Georgia next month.
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