..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Italy 2-2 Brazil: Balotelli beauty ensures Swiss spectacular ends all-square

Italy and Brazil played out an absorbing 2-2 draw in Switzerland on Thursday evening that warrants comparison with some of the most memorable clashes between these two great footballing nations.

Despite having the better of a thrilling first half, the Azzurri went in two goals down at the break, after being rocked by wonderfully taken goals from Fred and Oscar. However, Cesare Prandelli's men came storming back in the second half and after Daniele De Rossi had halved Brazil's advantage with a clever flick, Mario Balotelli earned Italy a thoroughly merited share of the spoils with a sublime curler.

It was the least Italy deserved. It had edged what was a refreshingly open start to this high-profile friendly, with both Emanuele Giaccherini and Balotelli drawing fine saves out of Julio Cesar. However, sandwiched in between those efforts was a stunning show of pace from Neymar, who breezed past Leonardo Bonucci before unleashing a well-struck shot which Gianluigi Buffon did well to parry around his right post.

Still, with Andrea Pirlo pulling the strings in the middle of the park, it was the Azzurri who exhibited the greater control and cohesion early on, and they went closest to breaking the deadlock at the end of the opening quarter.

Pirlo picked up possession in midfield and created some time and space for himself with a superb hand-off on Neymar before playing the most sublime pass in behind Filipe Luis for Christian Maggio. The full back took the ball in his stride but he his close-range effort on goal was weak and Julio Cesar saved with his chest.

However, despite its obvious superiority in midfield, Italy fell behind just after the half-hour mark, an inexplicably unmarked Fred calmly volleying home at the far post, after Filipe Luis' cross from the left wing had taken a slight deflection off the head of Bonucci.

Italy was left reeling by a second sucker punch just before the break. Neymar was released into space just inside Italian territory and the Santos starlet cleverly cut across Pirlo before slipping in Oscar with a brilliant reverse pass. The Selecao No. 10 took care of the rest, coolly prodding the ball past Buffon with the outside of his right foot.

Prandelli responded to the shock of conceding a second goal against the run of play by sending Stephan El Shaarawy on in place of Pablo Osvaldo during the halftime interval, as well as replacing Pirlo with Alessio Cerci. El Shaarawy made an immediate difference, linking well with Balotelli before being denied by Julio Cesar from an acute angle.

From the resulting corner, De Rossi halved Italy's deficit with an innovative flick of his right boot. Less than three minutes later, the Azzurri were level - and in even more spectacular style, Balotelli curling the ball past Julio Cesar from all of 25 yards out.

Incredibly, Italy should have then moved ahead just after the hour mark, but after instantly controlling Riccardo Montolivo's deflected strike, Balotelli volleyed straight at the overworked Julio Cesar. Another glorious chance went begging on 67 minutes when an unmarked Bonucci glanced a near-post header just wide.

The Azzurri continued to pile on the pressure in the closing stages but, despite the best efforts of El Shaarawy, they were unable to find a winner, which was probably no bad thing given that football deserved to be the only winner on a night like this.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Israel 3-3 Portugal: Coentrao rescues dramatic point for below-par Seleccao

Portugal secured a dramatic 3-3 draw with Israel in Tel Aviv, with Fabio Coentrao scoring on a last-gasp block of a goal-line clearance attempt to ensure that the two remained level on points in the World Cup qualifying group.

Bruno Alves headed Paulo Bento's side in front after two minutes, but the hosts continued to press and drew level through Tomer Hemed before Ben Basat fired Israel in front.The hosts doubled their advantage in the 70th minute, when Rami Gershon headed past Rui Patricio. Helder Postiga's 72nd-minute, close-range tap brought Portugal back within a goal before Coentrao salvaged the day with his equalizer.

Portugal started the brighter of the two teams and went ahead early, with Alves rising highest to meet Miguel Veloso's corner and head past Dudu Aouate. Coentrao then saw his low effort comfortably saved by the Israel goalkeeper as Portugal dominated proceedings early on.Israel looked to force their way back into the encounter, but Basat could only fire wide of Patricio's near post after winning his side a free kick having been played in by Bibras Natcho.

The hosts had been on the backfoot for much of the encounter, but drew level midway through the first half courtesy of Hemed, who turned expertly and fired past Patricio.Portugal continued to dominate and should have found themselves 2-1 up with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, with Postiga doing well to hold off the challenge of Tal Ben Haim, but the striker could only find the outside of the post with the goal gaping.

The visitors were made to pay for Postiga's miss as Israel took the initiative five minutes before halftime, Basat was played in exquisitely by Hemed before the former smashed past Patricio and into the roof of the net.Portugal began the second half the stronger, but it was Basat who came closest after the restart after the Israeli fired wide from close range.

Postiga saw his effort blocked superbly by Eitan Tibi before Veloso fired inches over from the edge of the 18-yard box as Portugal pressed for an equalizer.
Carlos Martins was introduced on the hour mark and almost made an immediate impact having come close twice after being substituted on, first firing over with a close range volley before he forced Aouate into action, with the Israeli equal to his long-distance strike.

Eli Guttman's side then doubled their advantage with 20 minutes remaining as Natcho's corner found Gershon unmarked to head past Patricio.Portugal did not roll over and accept defeat, however, and got back into the encounter when Postiga was on hand to tap in from Cristiano Ronaldo's ball across the Israel six-yard box.

Aouate did well to deny Postiga before Coentrao netted his dramatic last-second equalizer on the doorstep, stunning the Israelis who were poised to go three points clear of the Portuguese and instead settled to remain level on points behind Russia in UEFA's Group F.

 

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Japan 2-1 Canada: Havenaar goal secures Japanese win

Mike Havenaar scored the winner as Japan won 2-1 over Canada at the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha Qatar on Friday in an international friendly.

The decisive moment came 74 minutes in, as Havenaar got on the end of a ball from Yuichi Komano. The lanky striker scuffed his shot but made enough contact to see it go into the bottom right corner for what would ultimately turn out to be the winner.

That followed Shinji Okazaki’s ninth-minute opener, in which he chipped Milan Borjan after the Canadian goalkeeper botched a clearance attempt.

On 58 minutes, Canada brought the score to 1-1 from a corner, as Portland Timbers captain Will Johnson whipped in a ball which Marcus Haber stooped to convert for his first senior international goal.

Just moments after Okazaki’s opener, Japan nearly made it two, as Okazaki crossed to Ryoichi Maeda, but Borjan managed to get down to gather the quickly taken shot.

On 20 minutes, Yasuhito Endō took a free kick from the edge of the area, curling it into the top right corner. It deflected off the inside of the post before hitting Borjan and going out of play awkwardly to safety.

Canada’s only half-chance of the opening period came 10 minutes later, as Johnson, Randy Edwini-Bonsu and Atiba Hutchinson linked up outside the area, before Hutchinson’s ball into the area just evaded the head of a wide open Haber.

In the 38th minute, Johnson attempted a shot from just outside the area, which dipped near the end, but ultimately went over the bar.

At the start of the second half, substitute Havenaar found himself on a breakaway, but attempted a chip which ended up going wide to the right of Borjan’s goal.

Borjan nearly got himself in trouble in the 64th minute, as he came out to intercept a ball but was beaten to it by Gotoku Sakai, who rounded him well but failed to convert on the open goal from a tight angle.

In the 81st minute, Hutchinson ran through the middle with no pressure, before unleashing a low left-footed shot. Japanese goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima got down well to make the save and force the corner.

Canada is next in action on Monday, as it plays a friendly against Belarus. The match will also take place in Doha.

 

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Real Madrid responds to Fuentes' debt claims

The Spanish giants have released a statement explaining the situation, following suggestions they owe money to the doctor embroiled in the 'Operation Puerto' investigation Real Madrid has confirmed that it has a debt with doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, but the Spanish club has added that it relates to allowances over his appearance as a witness at a trial in 2009.

Fuentes' lawyer made the claims during the 'Operation Puerto' investigation, which alleges that the doctor was involved in one of the most extensive drugs rings in sporting history.

But los Blancos have told Europa Press Spanish agency that the debt is related to "travel expenses and his wages" when he was called to give evidence in the trial against the French newspaper Le Monde in 2009.

In 2006, Le Monde accused Real Madrid, Barcelona and other football clubs of being linked to a plot involving Fuentes and doping.

The newspaper was ordered to pay 300,000 and 30,000 euros to Alfonso del Corral, Madrid's director of medical services, for 'meddling in honor' over their unsubstantiated claims.

 

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Portugal must learn from mistakes - Pepe

The center back has revealed his disappointment at the display of the national side in its World Cup qualifier on Friday, in which a last-gasp goal forced a 3-3 draw with Israel.

Pepe says Portugal must learn from its mistakes after fighting back from two goals down to draw 3-3 with Israel.

Bruno Alves opened the scoring for the Seleccao, but goals from Tomer Hemed and Eden Ben Basat put the home side 3-1 in front, before Helder Postiga and Fabio Coentrao saved the day for the visitors.

"The problem was not just the defensive aspect,” Pepe told abola.pt. "We left spaces between the middle and the wings, but we must learn from mistakes so that will not happen in the next game.

"We wanted to win, we are sad, we had the conditions. The most important thing is that we are in the competition to fight."

Portugal is third in Group F -- level on points with second-place Israel but behind on goal differential -- with Pepe and his international teammates facing an uphill battle to qualify for World Cup 2014, but the 30-year-old is determined to do all that he can to achieve that goal.

"I am part of the Portuguese national team and want to be at the World Cup. We will do everything to be there - now we must learn from mistakes."

 

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Nani handed one-match ban for Real Madrid red, Sir Alex fined after media blackout

The Portuguese winger and the Red Devils manager have both been sanctioned in the wake of their actions during their Champions League last-16 tie with the Spanish champions.

Manchester United winger Nani has been handed a one-match ban from UEFA for his red card against Real Madrid in the Champions League, and manager Sir Alex Ferguson was fined 10,000 euros for refusing to fulfil media olbigations in the aftermath of the defeat.

The Red Devils lost the tie 2-1 after the Portuguese winger was sent off on the hour mark, sparking widespread fury that was typified by his manager's decision not to speak to the media after the game; however, UEFA has backed the initial decision - made my Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir - as well as handing Ferguson a hefty fine for his post-match reaction.

"Manchester United FC midfield player Nani has been suspended for one match by UEFA's Control and Disciplinary Body, following the red card he received at the UEFA Champions League round of 16 second leg against Real Madrid CF at Old Trafford on 5 March," UEFA wrote in a statement. "Manchester United head coach Sir Alex Ferguson has been fined 10,000 for non-fulfillment of the post-match media obligations at the same match."

United was eliminated from the Champions League with the loss but is currently top of the Premier League, holding a 15-point advantage over second-placed Manchester City.

 

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Villa: Vilanova and Abidal are a lesson in life

The striker says his previous problems with a broken leg have been put into perspective by the pair's respective battles with illness Barcelona and Spain star David Villa believes the health struggles of Tito Vilanova and defender Eric Abidal have provided valuable lessons in life.

Vilanova is battling parotid gland cancer, which has culminated in surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, while the France defender was diagnosed with a tumor in his liver.

And Villa says his own battle to come back from a broken leg has been put into perspective by the pair's respective struggles with illness.

"When you compare my injury to the diseases Tito and Abidal have had, their problems have been a lesson in life; two incredible people. These examples give us strength. They are the ones who encouraged us, urging us to be strong and fight. You see that the little annoyances of life are futile," Villa told El Pais.

The 31-year-old, who missed many months of action after suffering a broken leg in December 2011, reveals he struggled to adapt to not being with his team-mates and playing football week in week out.

"Mentally, I was not ready because I had never lived with such an injury before. The doctors told me that I could not do anything in the first month, but I wanted to work," Villa explained.

"My friends told me: 'Enjoy your family,' but I did not stay at home and went to the gym instead. I talked a lot with Xavi, who has suffered from long-term injury, and he told me: 'David, the feelings come back.' "

 

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Ramos set to become youngest European player to win 100 caps

The Real Madrid defender will reach three figures for Spain this evening in La Roja's World Cup qualifier against Finland, beating Lukas Podolski's previous mark by 21 days Sergio Ramos will become the youngest European player to reach 100 caps in international football when he steps out for Spain on Friday in their World Cup 2014 qualifier against Finland in Gijon.

Ramos, who will be 27 next week, will be the first European to reach three figures at the age of 26, beating Germany striker Lukas Podolski, who reached the milestone at Euro 2012, by 21 days.

The Seville-born star made his Spain debut in 2005 and has been a fixture in Spain's defense since the international retirement of former Real Madrid right back Michel Salgado in the lead up to the 2006 World Cup.

Ramos replaced Salgado for club and country and after appearing in Germany 2006, went on to star in the side which claimed the Euro 2008 and 2010 World Cup crowns.

He has since moved across to a central defensive role for Real Madrid and also switched to the middle for Spain last summer as Carles Puyol missed Euro 2012 through injury. And in the absence of the Catalan center back, Ramos went on to form a successful partnership with Barcelona's Gerard Pique.

Spain was successful again in Poland and Ukraine, winning an unprecedented third successive major title to be hailed as perhaps the greatest side ever in the international game. And Ramos was one of a select bunch of players to have featured in all three title-winning teams, along with Iker Casillas, Cesc Fabregas, Andres Iniesta, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso and Xavi.

The 26-year-old has eight goals in his 99 appearances for Spain so far, but perhaps the most memorable moment was his 'Panenka' penalty against Portugal in last summer's semifinal shootout, which saw him emulate Italy's Andrea Pirlo with a carbon copy of the Juventus midfielder's chipped spot kick versus England earlier in the competition.

Ramos is the latest member of this record-breaking Spain side to reach three figures, following Casillas (140 caps), Xavi (119), Xabi Alonso (106), Torres (101) and Puyol (100).

"It fills me with pride to form part of footballing history," Ramos said earlier this week. "I would say it's a dream come true, ever since my debut against China in Salamanca. But then staying in the team is the hardest thing. I will always remember the three titles, because it's that level of success that gives you that extra little pleasure.

"Two European Championships and a World Cup at my age is a feat that I think will be hard to beat. I only hope this team can continue winning things."

Former Saudi Arabia striker Sami Al-Jaber is the youngest player in world football to have earned 100 caps, reaching the milestone against Norway in May 1998, at the age of 25 years, four months and 16 days.

 

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Blanc: Matuidi has all the qualities

The French coach has been impressed by the midfielder's work rate, ability and psychological condition Former France boss Laurent Blanc has hailed the talent of Blaise Matuidi.

The midfielder has caught the eye for Paris Saint-Germain this season and has retained his place in the side despite a host of big name signings.And as les Bleus and Matuidi prepare to face Georgia in a World Cup 2014 qualifier on Friday, ex-national team boss Blanc was glowing in his appraisal of the 25-year-old.

"Blaise has all the qualities,” the 47-year-old coach told francefootball.fr. "He is an unusual worker and I think he can only grow, grow and grow. He's in the perfect state of mind. With him we cannot have any problems. Everything is easy, clean and square."

The Frenchman joined PSG in the summer of 2011 from Saint-Etienne and has played in all but one of his side's Ligue 1 games this season.

 

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Low has revolutionized German football, says Fringer

The former Stuttgart coach has nothing but praise for the 53-year-old, and believes he has changed foreign perception of the team Former Stuttgart boss Rolf Fringer has voiced his admiration for Germany coach Joachim Low and feels the 53-year-old has revolutionized the side since taking charge.

The Austrian has believes that the Nationalelf are no longer mainly known for their impressive work-rate like before, but have become a team that's all about attractive football.

"The national team were always known for the typical German virtues. Low has revolutionized German football, though, and has given the team an entirely new identity and football culture than it had before," he told Goal.com.

He added, "Ever since Jogi has taken charge of the team, German football has been valued much higher abroad. Simply because the team plays better football under him. Germany had good players before as well, but it was all about physicality and duels. German football has another look now and it's a rather pleasant one."

Low took over as Germany boss after the 2006 World Cup, and guided the nation to the final at Euro 2008, while the Nationalelf made it to the semifinals at both the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.

He succeeded Fringer at the Mercedes Benz Arena, leading Stuttgart to the DFB-Pokal in 1997.

 

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Liverpool striker Borini could be back before end of season

The Italian has been out with a dislocated shoulder, but could return this term, while Martin Kelly will not be rushed back.

Liverpool striker Fabio Borini could return from his dislocated shoulder before the end of the season, according to the club's head of performance Glen Driscoll.

Italian international Borini sustained the injury against Swansea last month, but Driscoll is optimistic that the 21-year-old's recovery from surgery is ahead of schedule.

"Fabio Borini was outside for the first time today, so he's starting that progression - passing balls, running and doing ball work," Driscoll told the club's official website. "He's due to be probably another six weeks from this point on. The injury he's had is normally eight to 12 weeks. He's quite a quick rehabilitator."

Driscoll believes that Borini's fast recovery could point to a return before the end of the season.

"At the moment, it's looking pretty positive for Fabio that he could be back ahead of schedule and maybe make the end of the season," Borini stated.

Meanwhile, defender Martin Kelly will not be risked this term as he continues his rehabilitation from a serious knee injury.

Kelly ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during September's game against Manchester United but Driscoll says the defender should look no further than the club and national team captain for inspiration during his recovery.

"Martin is doing extremely well; he's probably at the late stage of his rehab," Driscoll said. "Martin should look at what Steven Gerrard has achieved this season; people would never have considered that he would be available for a full campaign."

He added, "He should take great hope from that and know that if he continues to work and continues his professionalism, hopefully the future is bright. We hope to give him every chance.

"We'll probably look to prioritize getting him back for preseason 110 percent fit - 10 percent fitter, stronger and quicker, more powerful and agile than he was previously."

Driscoll explained that Kelly could technically play by the end of the season but insisted that Liverpool is playing it safe and wants to see the player totally fit next season.

"He'll probably be in a position where it will be tempting to put him into games again this season. But it will show class and quality if we make sure that he's in a very strong position so he can fly next season."

 

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Buffon: Balotelli has the right attitude for Italy

The veteran goalkeeper has hailed the AC Milan star's positive attitude and feels he proved himself worthy of the Italy jersey.

Gianluigi Buffon has nothing but praise for Italy teammate Mario Balotelli's performance in Thursday's 2-2 friendly draw against Brazil.

The Azzurri fell two goals behind before the break, but a second-half strike from the 22-year-old Balotelli helped them to a share of the spoils, and the goalkeeper was impressed with the his positive attitude as well as his fine goal.

"Balotelli was superb. I would also have said that if he hadn't scored the equalizer," Buffon told reporters. "The way he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard was a great thing to see.

"For me, Balotelli has shown that he deserves the respect of his teammates with this performance. He showed that he has the attitude needed for the national team."

Italy now turns its focus to Tuesday's World Cup qualifier at Malta. The Azzurri currently top their qualifying group with 10 points from four games, while Malta has yet to record a point in three matches.

 

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Park Ji-Sung contemplating retirement, says father

Asia's most decorated player may call it quits after his two-year contract with relegation-threatened QPR expires in 2014, despite calls for a K-League swansong.QPR midfielder Park Ji-Sung could retire after the 2013-2014 Premier League Season, father Sung-Jong has claimed.

The former South Korea captain has struggled since leaving Manchester United last summer, and he may step down after the conclusion of his current contract in what will have been a career lasting 14 years.

"My son has had difficult times at QPR this season; it was a new experience to him," the elder Park said in an interview with Sports Chosun. "He's never had times like this with PSV Eindhoven or Manchester United.

"Nobody knows the future; maybe he could play one more year with a new team after next season. But I think [Ji-Sung] has made his mind up to retire."

Park, who turned 32 last month, began his career with Japan's Kyoto Sanga just months after making his national team debut.

After winning the 2002 Emperor's Cup with Sanga, he captured two Eredivisie titles with PSV before a trophy-laden seven years with Manchester United that included four Premier League wins and the 2008 UEFA Champions League crown.

Despite his son being one of Asia's most popular players, Sung-Jong denied that Park would return for a victory lap in his native country before hanging up his boots.

"He won't play in the K-League," Sung-Jong said. "He wants Korean football to be popular but he wouldn't be able to perform well.

"He thinks he's played enough."

 

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Owen: I felt most at home at Liverpool

The veteran striker has reflected on his career following the announcement of his retirement at the end of the season, revealing he enjoyed his time with the Reds the most.

Retiring Stoke City striker Michael Owen has revealed that he felt most at home during his time with boyhood club Liverpool.

The 33-year-old, who has netted 222 club goals during spells with the likes Manchester United and Real Madrid, announced this week that he will call time on his career at the end of the current campaign having been blighted by injury in recent years.

And, in a blog post on his personal website following the announcement of his retirement, Owen has admitted that he holds the most affection for the club where it all started.

"It was at Liverpool where I felt most at home," he wrote.

The Chester-born forward went on to express regret over his failure to feature regularly for Stoke since moving to the club over the summer.

"I signed for Stoke with every intention of playing more football than in recent seasons," Owen continued. "It hasn't transpired. Yes, I've had a couple of small muscle injuries but it would be wrong to blame my lack of action on fitness."

Owen also underlined his desire to go into player representation after hanging up his boots at the end of the season.

"The representation of players is an area I believe I can excel in," Owen mentioned. "I propose to set up Michael Owen Management Limited focusing on guiding young players through their careers and offering them advice at every juncture of what can be a career full of pitfalls."

The former England international concluded by highlighting his 1998 World Cup goal against Argentina and his eventual loss of pace as the most prominent moments of his career.

"The first is a sense of pride at not only what I achieved but how I achieved it," he said. "Winning virtually every trophy at club level is the stuff of dreams but in amongst all that there were some incredible days. Making my England debut having just turned 18 before heading to the World Cup where I would score 'That Goal'."

He added, "The second emotion that lives with me is a sense of 'what might have been' had injuries not robbed me of my most lethal weapon – speed."

 

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Valdano: FIFA must act in Mourinho row

The former Real Madrid sporting director believes that Vicente del Bosque won the Coach of the Year award fair and square Former Real Madrid director Jorge Valdano has urged FIFA to prove that the voting for the Coach of the Year award was not rigged after Jose Mourinho's claims earlier this week.

The Blancos coach suggested that the election was fixed as a number of votes that should have gone to the Portuguese were wrongly attributed to eventual winner Vicente del Bosque.

FIFA was quick to deny any wrongdoing shortly the allegations, but this has not ended speculation that the voting was indeed rigged, and Valdano feels the body must act to make it clear for once and for all that there was no foul play.

"Mourinho's declarations mean that FIFA has to do something. They should prove that the voting process was clean," Valdano told El Larguero.

"Del Bosque won the election with a big margin. I do not believe that there were over 200 fraudulent votes."

The Spain coach branded Mourinho's claims "childish" on Thursday, and refused to further discuss the subject.

Meanwhile, FIFA has released a statement denying that Goran Pandev, captain of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, voted for Mourinho, not Del Bosque, despite the player's claims.

 

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After 42nd Minute

San Marino 0 Vs 5 England

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Spain 1 Vs 1 Finland



Dinaganna thibba match 1ka draw karagatthane

Anyway Good Luck Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA
​

 

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Argentina 3-0 Venezuela: Higuain the star as Albiceleste edge closer to Brazil 2014

Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain were the key for Argentina as the South American giant took another big leap towards Brazil 2014, the Real Madrid star combining expertly with Lionel Messi to take down Venezuela 3-0 at home.

Both of 'Pipita's' strikes were laid on by Messi, who also found his way onto the scoresheet with a powerful penalty during the first half.

Playing in front of its own fans for the first time in 2013, Argentina came out in the Monumental looking for early goals, with Lionel Messi looking to make the difference. The Barcelona wizard had the crowd on its feet in the first few minutes when he skipped in on goal in the opening minutes, but his shot was palmed away by Dani Hernandez.

The Albiceleste, still on a high after an unbeaten previous 12 months, looked confident throughout the first half; pushing men forward and looking to stretch a timid Venezuela. Hernandez again saved well from Messi after 'La Pulga' played a fluid one-two with Gonzalo Higuain, and Ezequiel Lavezzi just failed to pounce on the rebound with the net gaping. It was not long, however, before the hosts took the initiative.

Walter Montillo had gained a place in the first team thanks to Angel Di Maria's suspension, and the Santos man was determined to grab it with both hands. A quick pass to Messi was followed with a ball that cut through the away defense, and the beneficiary was Higuain as the striker slotted home clean through against Hernandez. Argentina was now in complete control, Venezuela reduced to spoiling play, with plenty of fouls, to keep a handle on its rival.

Alejandro Sabella's men were to go into the break two goals up, albeit thanks to more than a stroke of good fortune. Gabriel Cichero misjudged a ball under pressure in his own box and instinctively threw out an arm to control, an act which immediately led to a penalty in the final minutes of the half. There was no doubt over who would take the kick: Messi placed the ball on the spot, and blasted an unstoppable effort past Hernandez to send Argentina into the break in a comfortable position.

The Vinotinto keeper was beginning to loathe the sight of the little No. 10, and he again had to stop Messi minutes after the restart. Showing incredible balance and control, Messi weaved through the defense and tried to lift the ball over Hernandez, who managed to get enough of his body in the way to prevent a third. Montillo also went close after a fantastic turn from Fernando Gago, his shot floating just wide of the right-hand post.

Just before the hour mark, the two goalscorers combined again to end the game as a contest. Messi made space in the middle and showed his vision to release a perfect pass. Even if there was more than a suspicion of offside surrounding Higuain when the ball was played, there was no doubt about a supremely cool finish that put the Madrid man out in front as top scorer in the qualifiers.

Venezuela still chased a consolation, and went close thanks to a great individual move from Cichero. The fullback was keen to redeem himself and blasted his way to the byline, but his low cross was spooned over by substitute Romulo Otero with the defense disheveled and the goal gaping. It was all to no avail, however; Argentina was already on the way to victory, and the Albiceleste continue their seemingly unstoppable march to the World Cup in just over 12 months time.

The win puts Sabella's men four points clear of Colombia at the top of CONMEBOL's standings. Venezuela, meanwhile, will drop out of the places for Brazil if Chile takes anything from its clash against Peru in Lima, as it stays on 12 points.

 

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Scotland 1-2 Wales: Ramsey and Robson-Kanu compensate for Bale blow

Two goals from Aaron Ramsey and Hal Robson-Kanu helped Wales claim a 2-1 win away to Scotland.

The home side had gone into the halftime break ahead after a Grant Hanley header, but was reduced to 10 men when Robert Snodgrass saw red.

In his first competitive game in charge of the national team, Gordon Strachan handed a center half spot to Blackburn defender Grant Hanley, alongside skipper Gary Caldwell, while Charlie Adam was forced to settle for a place on the bench.

The visiting side was boosted by the availability of Tottenham superstar Gareth Bale, who had been doubtful for most of the week after picking up an injury and being struck down with a virus.

Scotland was handed a huge blow within the first minute, as Steven Fletcher rose for a header with Welsh defender Ben Davies, which saw the Sunderland hitman taken from the field in a stretcher and experienced frontman Kenny Miller replacing him.

The opening stages saw the Welsh dominant, with the tormentor in chief being Bale, as he seemed to pick through the Scotland defense at will. But the team couldn’t find the final ball to get in on Allan McGregor’s goal and open the scoring.

Miller was on the end of the first chance for the home side midway through the first half as he got onto the end of a cross from the right by Chris Burke, but the Vancouver Whitecaps striker could only direct his header over the bar.

Just before the halftime whistle the unthinkable happened. Scotland took the lead as Hanley, who somehow got above Sam Ricketts, met a Charlie Mulgrew corner and divert it beyond Boaz Myhill into the Welsh net.

Wales was handed another blow after the interval as Bale failed to reappear and was replaced by Jonathan Williams, with the visiting side chasing the game.

With just over five minutes gone in the second period, Ricketts turned from sinner to saint as he managed to block a strike from Burke, with Graham Dorrans followup going over.

Next to come to the rescue for the visitors was the Myhill’s left post, as Robert Snodgrass rattled it with a curling effort from the left wing and Chris Coleman’s side breathed a sigh of relief as it was cleared from danger.

With 20 minutes remaining on the clock Wales took the lead within the space of a minute. Chris Gunter was adjudged to have been brought down inside the box by Snodgrass and that saw the Norwich midfielder receive a second yellow card and Ramsey smash the penalty off the bar and into the net.

Then substitute Andy King found space down the right wing to deliver the ball into the box for Robson-Kanu to finish off the comeback and head Wales into the lead.

Scotland spent the closing stages of the game desperately searching for a way back, and despite a Ramsey red card, the team couldn’t find the goal to help Strachan claim a point on his Hampden bow.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

San Marino 0-8 England: Rooney and Lampard on target in Three Lions rout
A purposeful and clinical performance from the Three Lions saw them record their biggest win since 1987, demolishing La Serenissima at the Stadio Olympico in Serravalle.

England showed exactly why it is ranked 203 places above San Marino in the FIFA rankings, enjoying complete domination over the micro-state minnows and boosting the team's goal difference ahead of Tuesday’s crucial clash with group leader Montenegro.

England took an early lead through Alessandro Della Valle’s own goal, who skewed Leighton Baines’ cross into the far corner of the net, before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain doubled the Three Lions’ advantage.

Jermain Defoe, Ashley Young and Frank Lampard, captaining the side, all added to the scoreline before the halftime whistle, and the rout continued after the restart with Wayne Rooney dispatching a 20-yard free kick. Daniel Sturridge also struck late on before Defoe grabbed a second.

Injuries and withdrawals dictated Hodgson’s selections, with Oxlade-Chamberlain starting in the absence of injured Arsenal teammate Theo Walcott. With Rio Ferdinand in Qatar, Chris Smalling and Joleon Lescott lined up in central defense, while Steven Gerrard and Ashley Cole were rested.

San Marino manager, and P.E. Teacher, Giampaolo Mazza surprisingly left Danilo Rinaldi out of his starting XI – the furniture company employee is the only player in La Serenissima’s squad to have scored an international goal.

England exerted its superiority over the home side immediately, with San Marino retreating deep inside its own half. It took La Serenissima just 8.3 seconds to score the last time England visited the micro-state in 1993, this time it took 12 minutes for a blue shirt to find the back of the net.

Unfortunately for the home side, however, center back Della Valle was left embarrassed as he sliced the ball past his own keeper, Aldo Simoncini, to hand England an early lead. Baines’ low cross was heading towards Wayne Rooney until the 30-year-old defender diverted the ball into his own net.

With almost half an hour played, the Three Lions struck again. Oxlade-Chamberlain tricked his way infield and played a cute one-two with Rooney before firing a left-footed shot past Simoncini.

The Arsenal winger’s strike opened the floodgates at the Stadio Olympico, with Defoe finding the back of the net moments later, but the flag was up for offside. It didn’t matter. Barely a minute had passed when Oxlade-Chamberlain headed Rooney’s deep cross back across goal for Defoe to prod into an empty net from a yard out. This time it counted.

Soon after, Young added a fantastic fourth goal, firing the ball past Simoncini via the underside of the crossbar from 25-yards out. Lampard piled more misery on the home side just before the break, calmly passing the ball into the back of the net after more good work from Baines.

There were no signs of complacency in the second half, with England continuing its patient assault on the San Marino goal, and it wasn’t long before the Three Lions added to their tally. Rooney got a goal his performance merited, curling a free kick past the slow to react Simoncini from the edge of the box.

Hodgson began making changes after the sixth goal, with Manchester United duo Rooney and Tom Cleverley leaving the field. Far from disrupting the flow of the game, substitutes Sturridge and Leon Osman were eager to make an impression.

The home crowd erupted in the 65th minute as San Marino won a corner – only the team's third from five qualifying games – but it was easily dealt with by Joe Hart, who had been as much a spectator as the mischievous England fans occupying the hills overlooking the stadium until that point.

The elation of the San Marino supporters soon faded as the Three Lions struck for a seventh time – the first time England have managed that tally since their last visit to San Marino almost 20 years ago. The lively Young raced towards the by line and clipped the ball towards the back post where Sturridge was on hand to head home from close range.

Tottenham duo Kyle Walker and Defoe combined for the eighth goal, with the right back accelerating into the box and pulling the ball back for Defoe to stroke past Simoncini. It was the final goal on a thoroughly satisfying and efficient night for England, though the team faces a far sterner test in Podgorica on Tuesday night.