..::Football II::..

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We must focus on Italy first, warns Pique

The Spain defender insists his side must not be distracted by thoughts of potential final opponents or else risk replicating its defeat to the USA in 2009
Spain star Gerard Pique has warned his teammates to focus on their Confederations Cup semifinal against Italy, and not on who they could face in the final.

La Roja finished with maximum points from the group stage after their 3-0 win over Nigeria on Sunday, and many have predicted a final showdown against Brazil, which takes on Uruguay in the last four on Wednesday after also winning all three of its opening games.

But Pique insists his side must only concentrate on overcoming Cesare Prandelli's side in its next game, claiming that premature thoughts of the final could see a replica of the team's 2009 semifinal defeat to USA.

"Let's not talk about a potential final, it happened to us at the last Confederations Cup in 2009 and we lost to the United States in the semifinals," the 26-year-old told reporters. "Let's talk about the game that comes next against Italy.

"They won the first two games and lost to Brazil but they played hard at all times."

The center back also spoke about the effect the high temperatures at the Estadio Castelao had had on he and his teammates, after Vicente del Bosque admitted his side suffered in the conditions in Fortaleza.

"The pitch was in good condition and that helped us, but it's true that the heat was more intense," said the Barcelona man. "It's been a good day for us to get used to it."

The tournament has been marred by anti-government protests outside stadiums in Brazil, with fatalities already confirmed following violent clashes between police and civilians in the past week.

Pique, however, claims his side has largely been shielded from the problems off the pitch.

"We're not too aware of it [the protests], we're always in the hotel and being shuttled around," he added.

"When we're in the bus we see them sometimes protesting and saying what they think. We hope that our football is something they enjoy regardless."

 

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Spain sets new world record of 28 competitive matches unbeaten

The world and European Champions have not lost a tournament fixture since the opening match of the 2010 World Cup and have eclipsed the record set by France fourteen years ago Spain has broken the record for the highest number of competitive games without defeat following a 3-0 victory against Nigeria in its final group match of the Confederations Cup.

Vicente del Bosque's side has strung together a run of 28 consecutive matches without defeat in official FIFA competition, a run which goes back to its opening group match of the 2010 World Cup, a 1-0 loss to Switzerland.

Spain's run, which began with a 2-0 victory over Honduras in the second group game of the World Cup in South Africa, has seen it record 24 wins and four draws with an aggregate score of 69-11. Del Bosque's men have also managed 18 clean sheets in that time.

The previous record was held by France which, under the coaching of Aime Jacquet and later, Roger Lemerre, went unbeaten for five years between September 1994 and March 1999, although that run does include a 6-5 defeat on penalties to Czech Republic in Euro '96.

Spain's 3-0 victory against Nigeria also marks its 25th consecutive victory in all competitions, with its last defeat coming in a 1-0 friendly loss to England at Wembley in November 2011.

 

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Brazil-Spain final ekak set wunoth patta
uruguay team ekath hodhyi

Aniwa bro godak durata Brazil Vs Spain final 1kak set wei

 

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sign tikak karagathth nam gamek deyithama 1kwath karagaththe nae

Higuain wa ganna 1ka gana nam loku sure 1kak thiyanawa brohabai oya kiwwath wage thawa signs nam one

 

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http://trollfootball.lockerdome.com/articles/108234079
Great Save by the Tahiti GK

 

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Luís Boa Morte Scores Penalty after Terrific Dummy on Keeper

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Negredo seeks Sevilla exit

The Spain striker has requested a move to a bigger club with the hope of developing his career in the Champions League.Alvaro Negredo says he wants to develop by playing in the Champions League and has asked club president Jose Maria del Nido for a move away from Sevilla.

The striker, who has been with Sevilla for four seasons, is eager to test himself against Europe’s finest but will not be able to do so if he stays with the Andalusian club, which finished ninth in La Liga.

“He said he wants to develop and that he wants to play in the Champions League,” del Nido told Sevilla's club video channel. "One of the (interested) teams is Atletico Madrid and the other is outside of Spain. Sevilla will choose the best offer.”

The Spain international, who missed out on a place on the country's Confederations Cup squad to Valencia's Roberto Soldado, scored 25 goals in 36 La Liga games for Sevilla in 2012-13.

Negredo was the fourth highest scorer of the Liga season, behind only Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Radamel Falcao.

“An operation of this kind has three legs: Sevilla, the club that wants to buy, and the player. Do not forget that the will of the player is very important to decide," del Nido said. “In this case, the player wants to go. In this way we are kind of forced to negotiate.”

Del Nido says when picking a team, the club will look for “the one who gives more money or security, or less money but offers more guarantees.”

Sevilla has been in a situation like this before with Dani Alves. The defender did not leave on good terms with the club after being bought by Barcelona for 41.5 million euros.

“One of the greatest footballers in the history of Sevilla reached refusing to play a competitive game because he wanted to sign for another club," del Nido said. "his is something we assess at the time of a transaction.”

Negredo has three years left on his current contract but would be another star to leave the club this summer following the departure of Jesus Navas to Manchester City and Luis Alberto to Liverpool.

 

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Perez: I'm convinced Ronaldo will renew his contract

The Real Madrid president is adamant that the Portuguese star will renew his existing deal with Los Blancos and retire at the Bernabeu.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is convinced Cristiano Ronaldo will renew his contract at the club.

Speculation continues to surround the Portuguese star's future following his revelation that he has not signed a new deal with Los Blancos despite claims to the contrary. Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United have both been frequently linked with the 28-year-old this summer, but the Madrid president insists he is going nowhere.

"He's our most important asset, around who we build the Madrid of the future," Perez told 20minutos. "Soon we will clarify this issue. I have no doubt that Cristiano is going to retire at Real Madrid. I'm convinced that he'll renew. The renewals are done before the season starts."

Ronaldo's current contract at with Real Madrid expires in 2015.

 

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Gomez still has chance to be at Bayern, says Guardiola

The 27-year-old seemed to be heading for the exit at the Allianz Arena, but the new coach insists he still has an opportunity to revive his Roten career.Pep Guardiola has reassured Mario Gomez of his place with Bayern Munich despite the striker’s requested departure from the club.

The 27-year-old forward has become unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena having to settle for prolonged periods on the sidelines this season as Mario Mandzukic became the preferred option in attack and Robert Lewandowski continues to be touted as a future Bayern signing.

Gomez has made his desire to leave the Champions League winners known, with a number of clubs across Europe interested in his signature, but Guardiola says his career is not necessarily over with the Bavarian outfit.

“Gomez belongs to us,” Guardiola told reporters. “He is a Bayern player right now, and I’ll treat him like one.”

The striker played 32 games with the club this year, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists -- a far cry from the 40 goals he scored in the 2011-12 season.

“He will be present at the club’s first training session of the season," Guardiola said. “All players have the same value. He has his chance.”

The attacker has been linked as a possible replacement for Napoli's Edinson Cavani and Fiorentina's Stevan Jovetic, and his contract with Bayern runs through June 2016.

 

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Perez: Madrid closing in on Isco, Ancelotti

The Real Madrid president says that the club is closing in on the signings of both the Paris Saint-Germain boss and the Malaga winger.Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed that his club is close to securing the signings of both Malaga star Isco and Paris Saint-Germain coach Carlo Ancelotti.

The Italian manager has long been touted as a replacement for Jose Mourinho, who left the club for Chelsea at the season's end. Isco, meanwhile, has Manchester City and his former Malaga boss Manuel Pellegrini on his tail, but according to Perez, Real Madrid is expected to fight off competition from the Premier League outfit to sign the Spain international.

"Now nothing has been signed," Perez told 20Minutos about Ancelotti. "PSG could announce an agreement tomorrow, which would allow him to join Madrid. We hope that everything turns out well. My coach is Ancelotti.

"The signing depends on Paris Saint-Germain reaching an agreement with Ancelotti and announce their new coach, [Laurent] Blanc."

On the signing of Isco, who is fresh off helping Spain to an Under-21 European championship, Perez said: "He has a big chance to be a Real Madrid player, because he wants to go to Madrid and Madrid want him too.

"Isco is one of Spain's best players, and the coaching team believe he's good enough to play for Madrid. I know he's excited to come. It's the same with me.

"If all goes well, we can announce his signing soon. Always after annoucning the coach."

 

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Santos balks at Robinho asking price

The Brazilian club's president believes the attacker is not worth the 10 million euro fee being sought given his age and remaining contract at AC Milan.Santos president Luis Alvaro Ribeiro feels AC Milan forward Robinho is not worth the 10 million euros being demanded by by the Italian club for his services.

The Peixe have been interested in signing the attacker following the sale of Neymar to Barcelona, with Cruzeiro also thought to be keen on securing the Brazil international's services. Despite the 57 million euro windfall from Neymar's switch to the Spanish champion, Ribeiro believes the Rossoneri's asking price for Robinho is far too steep given the attacker's age and current contract length.

"A player who is 29 years old and out of the loop of the national team is not worth that kind of money," Ribeiro told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In addition, he only has a year left on his contract, he's not worth more than 6 million euros."

Robinho scored twice and notched six assists in 23 Serie A appearances for Milan last season as the club clinched third place in the table, but he has found himself increasingly frozen out of the side due to the burgeoning talents of Stephan El Shaarawy, Mario Balotelli and Mbaye Niang.

 

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Kagawa: I've had a tough time at Manchester United

The Japan international playmaker had a difficult first year at Old Trafford despite picking up a Premier League winners' medal in his debut season with the club.
Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa admits his performances have not been up to scratch during a difficult first season at Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old arrived in Manchester last summer but did not live up to the reputation he built while playing in Germany for Borussia Dortmund. And having been bought by former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, Kagawa now has to impress new boss David Moyes.

"It was a tough time for me with a lot going on in my head," Kagawa told the Premier League's official website. "I am not happy with my performance for the team at all. I didn't score that much and I also had my (knee) injury.

"Despite that, it was great we won the league, I just don't feel that I achieved everything that I wanted. For me personally, it wasn't a good season."

Kagawa made 26 appearances for United last season, scoring six times.

 

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AC Milan owner Berlusconi jailed for seven years

The 76-year-old has been found guilty of sex and corruption offenses and also banned from taking up political office pending an appeal.AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of charges of corruption and soliciting an underage prostitute.

The 76-year-old was accused of paying for sex with Moroccan girl Karima El Mahroug in 2010, when she was 17, as well as abusing his position in public office for attempting to force her release from police custody over a charge of petty theft.

Although prosecutors sought a six-year custodial sentence for the former Italian Premier, a court in Milan issued a seven-year punishment following the guilty verdict in addition to a lifetime ban from politics, pending any appeal from Berlusconi's solicitors.

His lawyer, Niccolo Ghedini, immediately announced an appeal and said the sentence was unjust.

"This is beyond reality," Ghedini told reporters outside the courthouse.

"I'm calm because I've been saying for three years that this trial should never have taken place here," Ghedini added.

Berlusconi holds no official post in the current Italian government, but remains influential after inconclusive February elections.

He is already embroiled in several legal battles in the Italian courts. In Oct. 2012, he was issued a four-year prison sentence for tax fraud, which has been upheld following a first appeal.

 

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Falcao 'seduced' by long-term challenge at Monaco

The striker insists he did not move to the Ligue 1 side for financial reasons and hopes to see compatriot Fredy Guarin join him at the club.Radamel Falcao claims he was "seduced" by the prospect of the long-term challenge at Monaco.

The Ligue 2 champion, backed by the riches of fertilizer tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, stunned European football when the club signed the Colombian star from Atletico Madrid in a 60 million euro deal, fending off interest from the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid.

Falcao, however, has stressed his move was not motivated by money, insisting he is relishing the prospect of the challenges which lie ahead for Claudio Ranieri's side.

"I went to Monaco because I was seduced by their long-term project and because I love challenges," the 27-year-old told El Heraldo.

Having also signed Porto duo Joao Moutinho and James Rodriguez, Monaco has now reportedly set its sights on Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, and Falcao admits he would be thrilled to see his former club teammate and compatriot move to Stade Louis II.

"His arrival at Monaco would definitely make me happy," he continued. "Both because I know what kind of player he is, and because with him and James Rodriguez I have already done great things at Porto. Moreover, it would be a good news for the national team [of Colombia]."

 

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Galliani: New captain Montolivo is not for sale

The Rossoneri CEO has quashed speculation linking the midfielder with a move to Spain after appointing him as Massimo Ambrosini's replacement as skipper.AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani has stressed that the club's new captain Riccardo Montolivo is not for sale.

Reports in Spain emerged over the weekend suggesting that Sevilla had tabled a 20 million euro offer for the midfielder, which was promptly rejected by the San Siro side.

Galliani has since moved to quash speculation over the 28-year-old's future, claiming he is in line to captain the side in the future after Massimo Ambrosini departed the club.

"We are talking about the future captain of Milan, the player [Montolivo] is not for sale," Galliani told Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I talked to [Christian] Abbiati before, he had no problem with Montolivo being named as the new captain. And then we assigned it to Riccardo, who among other things has a name that I always like to mention, since his footballing style reminds me of Kaka."

Montolivo established himself as a key player for Milan after joining the club from Fiorentina on a free transfer in the summer of 2012, scoring four goals in 39 appearances in all competitions for the club last season.

The Italy international donned the captain's armband for the first time in November last year.

 

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Ramos excited by Isco to Madrid rumors

The Spain international has hailed the Malaga starlet's abilities and is hopeful his compatriot will chose to join los Blancos ahead of Manchester City.Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has lauded Malaga starlet Isco's abilities amid speculation linking the youngster with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu.

Premier League giants Manchester City is locked in a battle with Madrid for the 21-year-old's signature, and Ramos is convinced he would make a great addition to the Blancos squad should he opt to move to the Spanish capital.

"Isco is a great player and we always aspire to reinforce with the best. It's a joy [to hear rumors of a transfer]," the experienced stopper told Onda Cero.

Ramos is currently preparing for Spain's Confederations Cup semifinal with Italy on Thursday, and while he is relishing the prospect of facing host Brazil in the final, the 27-year-old has warned his side to be on point against the Azzurri.

"It'd be a dream to play a final with Brazil in Maracana but before you get to that stage you have to play the semifinal against Italy," Ramos continued. "Italy bring us good memories, they are a great team, it will hopefully be a nice game.

"We want to be the champions but we will have to approach the match very humbly with a lot of respect for our opponents."

 

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Janssen: Van Ginkel wouldn't be loaned out at Chelsea

The Vitesse midfielder believes that his 20-year-old teammate should join Jose Mourinho's men at Stamford Bridge, where he would already be able to fight for a place.Vitesse midfielder Theo Janssen reckons that teammate Marco van Ginkel should move to Chelsea if he thinks that he is ready to fight for a first-team place.

The 20-year-old is a target for returning Blues boss Jose Mourinho, with the youngster set to decide his future when his summer holiday is over.

"I gave him a call and told him my opinion. I said he must follow his feelings," Janssen told NUsport. "If he thinks he's ready for the next step, then he must do it. I think he is ready for a next step but the step to Chelsea is very big.

"Eventually I think he will reach that level. Only the question is if he will reach that level already, or if he needs some time to adapt. I think the last one."

Janssen also revealed that the youngster would not be sent on loan if he did join Mourinho's men at Stamford Bridge.

"It's the plan that he'll join the Chelsea squad, learn a lot and play on a regular basis," the veteran explained. "It all looks very positive for Marco but he must make his own decision. I told him that opportunities like this don't come that often and, if you get a chance like this, I think you must do it."

 

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Rummenigge: No offers yet for Gomez

The Germany legend has confirmed the striker's desire to leave the European champion this summer, but insists no approaches have yet been made.Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez is keen to leave the club this summer, according to CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge.

Gomez fell out of favor under Jupp Heynckes last season, with Mario Mandzukic preferred in the lone forward role for the 2012-13 treble winner, leading the Germany international's agent to confirm his client is seeking pastures new this summer.

Although he admits Gomez has made it clear he wishes to leave the Allianz Arena, Rummenigge has stressed there have been no approaches for the player as yet and, as such, he remains part of Bayern's preseason plans.

"Mario has the desire to leave the club," he told Sky Sport. "He announced that to us. But until now, this has not lead to a transfer. Mario will get back to training with us and then we will see. There have been no offers from Italian clubs and not from clubs from other countries.

"We have to stay calm and see what happens. If we reached an agreement with another club, I would not exclude him leaving us."

Gomez has been linked with the likes of Fiorentina and Napoli in recent weeks, as well as a switch to the Premier League.