..::Football III::..

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    Indonesia 1-8 Chelsea: Six different scorers for rampant Blues

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    Chelsea completed their pre-season tour of Asia with a comprehensive 8-1 victory over an Indonesia XI in Jakarta.

    Eden Hazard starred for Jose Mourinho’s side and opened the scoring from the penalty spot before turning provider for Ramires.

    Demba Ba and John Terry both struck before half time, with Bertrand Traore, Romelu Lukaku and Ramires all among the goals after the interval.

    Mourinho selected a number of younger players, including Nathaniel Chalobah, Marco van Ginkel, and young right-back Wallace.

    Chelsea could have had an opener less than 15 minutes in after good work from Ryan Bertrand, but a Ramires header from the left-back’s cross was well saved by Kurnia Meiga.

    The Indonesia goalkeeper was beaten from the spot by Hazard moments later, the Belgian making no mistake after Terry was bundled over in the box by Hamka Hamzah.

    The visitors continued to enjoy the best of the play and twice hit the post through Chalobah and Wallace as Hazard dominated proceedings.

    And the forward was the creator for the second goal, as his scooped cross was flicked on by Bertrand, before Ramires controlled, turned and blasted the ball into the roof of the net.

    Ba added a third shortly after as Indonesia failed to clear their lines, and Chelsea went into half time four goals up after Terry thundered a header beyond Meiga from a Bertrand free-kick.

    Mourinho made a number of changes at the interval as Lukaku, Michael Essien, Ashley Cole and Mark Schwarzer among others all came on.

    And it was another second half substitute in impressive starlet Traore who scored the fifth, driving the ball home from distance following a combination with Branislav Ivanovic.

    Lukaku made it six with a header after yet more excellent work from Hazard, and Ramires had his second – and Chelsea’s seventh – with another emphatic strike into the bottom right corner of Meiga’s goal.

    Ramires, Van Ginkel, and the exceptional Hazard made way after an hour with Islam Feruz, Josh McEachran and Lucas Piazon all introduced.

    But the goals kept coming as Piazon combined with Lukaku for the Belgian to side-foot the ball beyond Meiga.

    The hosts, however, bagged a small consolation as Greg Nwokolo’s cut-back was turned into the Chelsea goal by Blues centre-back Tomas Kalas.
     

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    Rosicky backs Giroud to improve Arsenal goal tally

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    Arsenal midfielder Tomas Rosicky expects Olivier Giroud to improve his record in front of goal next season.

    The 26-year-old arrived from Montpellier last summer and netted 17 goals in all competitions for Arsene Wenger's side in his debut campaign.

    Arsenal are looking to bolster their attacking options with the signing of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who is preparing to hand in a formal transfer request in order to secure a move to the Emirates Stadium.

    But Rosicky believes Giroud, who has scored six goals in three games during the club's pre-season tour of Asia, will surpass last season's tally.

    "When you come to England it can be difficult in the first season because you have to settle and get used to it," Rosicky told Arsenal's official website.

    "So I expect him to have a better season than he did last year, and I believe he can score more than he did then. If he continues with how he has played in pre-season, then why not?

    "Goals always give strikers confidence, whenever they score them. Olly started very well and we know he has great qualities which he showed last season."
     

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    Verratti-PSG contract talks hit snag

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    Marco Veratti is understood to be in contract talks with Paris-Saint Germain as speculation mounts over a return to Serie A after PSG received a "monstrous" offer from Napoli for his services.

    The Italy midfielder is earning €800,000 a year and is meeting with club directors regarding an increase in wages for the upcoming season, while his agent Donato Di Campli insists some tempting offers are coming in from abroad.

    “We are still some way off an agreement. The negotiations need to continue even if I’m not that optimistic or hopeful at the moment," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

    "The fact remains that Marco still has four years to go on his contract here.

    “However, he is not short of alternatives. Just this morning a monstrous offer arrived on behalf of Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

    “We will meet with PSG again next week. I need to speak with Marco and his family, then we will see.”

    The Partenopei, under new coach Rafa Benitez, have already bolstered their squad with new additions, including Real Madrid duo Raul Albiol and Jose Callejon, while they are waiting to confirm Madrid attacker Gonzalo Higuain following the departure of Edinson Cavani to PSG.
     

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    Bernard confirms offers from Shakhtar, Porto and Premier League
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    Atletico Mineiro star Bernard says he has offers from Shakhtar Donetsk and Porto as well as from Premier League clubs.

    The 20-year-old attacking midfielder has been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, with his agent hinting that he would depart after helping the Brazilian side to their first Copa Libertadores title on Wednesday.

    "I'll keep working until the board decides something about the transfer," the youngster told Sportv. "There are offers from English football, Shakhtar and Porto."

    Elated at his role in the Libertadores triumph, Bernard claims that he would remain at his club for the rest of his life if it were feasible but believes a decision is not in his hands.

    He added: "I don't have anything to say about the fans. If I could, I would stay here the rest of my life.

    "I don't know what can happen with me but, if I leave, I know I will have done my job.

    "I have said a thousand times that I want to stay, but it doesn't depend on me now.

    "I made it clear that, if I stay or not, I wanted to leave here with an important title. It's up to God to decide if I stay or not, up to God, [Atletico Mineiro's] presidency and the board.

    "I am very happy and I want to celebrate this title, which is one of the most important ones I will have in my life."
     

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    Thiago Silva rules out PSG exit

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    Thiago Silva has rubbished claims he will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid interest from Barcelona.

    The Brazil defender, 28, has been heavily linked with the Blaugrana, who see him as the main target to shore up an ageing backline.

    But Thiago insists he will honour his contract with les Parisiens.

    “There’s always this kind of speculation during the transfer period,” he told L’Equipe.

    “I felt flattered because it means that my work with PSG is appreciated, but these things are normal.

    “I am happy with PSG and the club is happy with me. There was no reason to jump ship. I appreciate president Nasser Al-Khelaifi as a friend, and I want to honour him.

    “In fact, I am buying more and more into the project PSG are working on at the moment.”

    The club have plenty of options in the centre-back position, with Alex, Mamadou Sakho, Diego Lugano and new €35 million signing Marquinhos vying for a spot alongside Thiago in the starting XI.

    The former Milan defender remains under contract with PSG until summer 2017.
     

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    Januzaj predicting big season with Manchester United

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    Manchester United youngster Adnan Januzaj believes he has a big season ahead of him at Old Trafford.

    The 18-year-old has been a key part of United's youth and reserve teams since arriving from Anderlecht in 2011, and has joined the senior squad on the club's pre-season tour of Asia and Australia this summer.

    The Belgian playmaker feels he has been in good form so far, and hopes he will be able to force his way into the first team next season, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Wayne Rooney's future.

    "It will maybe be a chance for me to play there, so we will see in the future what will happen," he told reporters. "I think it's a big season for me. I've tried to impress the manager and try to play regularly.

    "I worked hard last season. I didn't play in my favourite position, more as a striker, but I think I did well.

    "I've tried to do my best and worked hard on the pitch but it's hard for us as well, with all the travelling and moving between different countries and time zones. I've tried to impress the manager and make sure I give myself the chance to stay with the first team."

    Januzaj's contract expires in two years' time, and is hopeful he can secure a long-term deal with the club.

    "I don't decide what happens with my contract," he added. "I've got people behind me who do this for me. Manchester United are a big club, I love it here, I feel good, so I hope to stay.

    "My dad does everything for me. He just told me to work hard on the pitch, which is what I try to do."
     

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    Totti urges De Rossi to stay at Roma

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    Francesco Totti has urged Daniele De Rossi to stay at Roma amid ongoing speculation that the midfielder could be on the move this summer.

    Chelsea showed an interest in signing the Italy international in the early part of the close season, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with a bid for the midfielder.

    However, Totti is hopeful that De Rossi will honour his 30th birthday by committing his future to the Stadio Olimpico side.

    "Best wishes for turning 30 Daniele, even though you are getting old now and are practically finished," joked Totti in a video message on Roma Channel.

    "It will be best if you give us a present rather than the other way around, so stay here at Roma and we will win something beautiful together."

    De Rossi has spent his entire career to date with Roma, making over 300 Serie A appearances for the capital club so far.
     

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    Jese signs new Real Madrid deal

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    Real Madrid have confirmed that promising youngster Jese Rodriguez has signed a new contract with the Santiago Bernabeu side until the summer of 2017.

    The Spain Under-20 star's previous deal was due to expire in 2014 and the attacker recently hinted at a potential transfer elsewhere in order to bolster his chances of first-team football.

    However, Jese has now ended all speculation about his future by inking a four-year extension with Madrid.

    "Real Madrid announce that Jese has extended his contract, by which he will remain with the club for the next four seasons," a statement on the club's official website reads.

    The versatile attacker is seen as one of the biggest talents to have come through the ranks of the Madrid youth academy in recent years and made his official first team debut in December 2011.

    Jese impressed with Real Madrid Castilla in the Segunda Division in 2012-13, netting 22 goals to beat club legend Emilio Butragueno’s record for goals scored in one season with the youth side.

    He was also one of Spain's brightest stars at the U20 World Cup, bagging five goals in five appearances.
     

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    Atletico Mineiro 2-0 Olimpia (agg 2-2, pens 4-3): Leonardo Silva hands Brazilians Copa Libertadores glory


    Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro have won their maiden Copa Libertadores title after defeating Paraguayan side Olimpia 4-3 on penalties.Leonardo Silva was the hero for Mineiro as he headed home the late equaliser that ensured the tie finished at 2-2 after two legs, and the 34-year-old defender then slotted home his side's fourth and final spot kick of the shootout before Olimpia's Matias Gimenez hit the bar, handing the Brazilians victory.

    Mineiro started Wednesday's second leg two goals down, and after a goalless first-half, the tie appeared to be heading in Olimpia's favour.

    However, Jo started Mineiro's comeback in the 46th minute at the Estadio Governador Magalhaes Pinto when he took advantage of a botched clearance and struck the ball on the turn past visiting goalkeeper Martin Silva.

    The home side kept pushing for an equaliser but as the half wore on, Olimpia looked set to collect their fourth Libertadores title until Julio Cesar Manzur was sent off in the 85th minute. That decision gave Mineiro the momentum and, just two minutes later, the hosts drew level when Silva leapt highest to head Bernard's cross into the top corner of Olimpia's net.

    The Brazilians dominated extra-time, with one header hitting the bar before Olimpia defender Herminio Miranda cleared a shot off the line with a well-timed interception.

    But Cuca's side would not be denied in the shootout, with goalkeeper Victor saving Miranda's opening spot-kick before Alecsandro, Guilherme, Jo and Silva all converted. Gimenez then rattled the bar for the Paraguyans, sending the home support into raptures.The victory ensured Mineiro's star playmaker Ronaldinho joined an elite group of players to have lifted both the Champions League and Copa Libertadores' trophies: former AC Milan trio Dida, Cafu and Roque Junior all secured the double, along with Inter defender Walter Samuel and Juventus striker Carlos Tevez.
     

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    Panama 2-1 Mexico: Torres takes Canaleros to second final in history

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    Mexico suffered a second shock defeat of the 2013 Gold Cup to Panama on Wednesday as the Central Americans recorded a 2-1 semi-final win.

    Roman Torres headed home the winner midway through the second half after Luis Montes had levelled following Blas Perez's opener, setting up a showdown with USA on Sunday in a repeat of the 2005 final.

    Panama recorded a 2-1 win in the earlier rounds of the competition and they struck first against el Tri on Wednesday. In the 13th minute, midfielder Alberto Quintero played in Perez on the right side of the six-yard box and the forward blasted a shot past goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco for his 10th career goal of the tournament.

    Mexico, however, did not take long to respond after surviving an early Panamanian onslaught. Following some fancy dribbling from Marco Fabian, the Chivas midfielder found Montes at the far post where he turned home a stylish header to level the scores.

    But Mexico's reprieve was not to last - 15 minutes into the second half, Torres headed home Gabriel Torres' corner to stun the crowd expecting a fourth-consecutive final between el Tri and USA.

    Mexico spurned a host of chances in the final quarter of the game: first Jorge Enriquez was denied by a fine stop from Jaime Pendo, before Montes fired just wide of the target.

    Isaac Brizuela was then thwarted by the fingertips of Pendo before Javier Orozco squandered a great opportunity with just two minutes remaining, sending a diving header inches wide of the post.

    Ultimately, Jose Manuel de la Torre's side could not find that elusive second equaliser and Panama progress to Sunday's showdown with Jurgen Klinsmann's USA.
     

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    USA 3-1 Honduras: Donovan leads Americans to Gold Cup final

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    Landon Donovan was once again the hero for USA as he inspired his side to a 3-1 win over Honduras to reach the Gold Cup final.

    The LA Galaxy star set up Eddie Johnson for the opening goal of the game before striking twice himself either side of a Nery Medina header to set up a clash with Panama on Sunday.

    Jurgen Klinsmann made three changes to his line-up from USA's 5-1 victory over El Salvador. Johnson replaced Chris Wondolowski up front, Alejandro Bedoya took over for Joe Corona and Stuart Holden moved ahead of Mix Diskerud in midfield.

    And the changes paid dividends after just 11 minutes, when Johnson linked up with Donovan before racing clear through the middle and side-footing high past Donis Escober.

    In the 27th minute, it was Donovan's turn to get on the scoreboard - Bedoya cushioned a long ball into his path, and the 31-year-old expertly pulled the ball down on his chest and poked home into the bottom corner.

    The United States dominated throughout, with Donovan almost connecting with a fine cross from 6 yards to put the game to bed, but Honduras did manage to cause some concern shortly after half-time.

    Medina scored his first international goal in his 10-year career from a beautifully-flighted free-kick in the 52nd minute, but any pressure put on Klinsmann's side was not to last long.

    A simple long ball over the backline found its way into the path of Bedoya, who knocked the ball across goal into the path of Donovan for the simplest of tap-ins from five yards out.

    Nick Rimando was forced into action when Jerry Palacios charged down a clearance, but the USA keeper was alert off his line to smother the danger as Honduras battled in vain for a way back into the match.

    The Americans' win was tarnished by a moment of controversy involving coach Klinsmann in the closing minutes: the German took exception to a challenge on DaMarcus Beasley and was sent from dugout for his remonstrations, meaning he could be suspended from the final itself pending a hearing of the tournament's disciplinary committee.
     

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    Messi: Barcelona will overcome Tito blow

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    Lionel Messi admits Tito Vilanova's health problems have come as a huge blow but is confident that Barcelona will overcome the 44-year-old's departure.

    Vilanova announced his resignation as Blaugrana coach last week as he continues his battle against cancer, with Barcelona appointing former Newell's Old Boys boss Gerardo Martino as the new man in charge.

    "We've very sorry for everything that's happened to Tito, but the team is strong," Messi was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

    "We have to keep on moving forward."

    Messi then went on to discuss his fitness and stressed his delight to have shaken off last season's injury problems, with the Argentine playing a full 45 minutes in Wednesday's pre-season defeat to Bayern Munich.

    "Luckily, my injury is a thing of the past. I’ve completely recovered. I’m very eager to start the new season."
     

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    'Qatar World Cup a blatant mistake'

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    Fifa executive committee member Theo Zwanziger believes the decision to host the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is "a blatant mistake".

    Qatar's bid was favoured over those of the USA, South Korea, Japan and Australia, but concerns over the temperatures in which the games will be played in were raised immediately and the 68-year-old German has voiced his disapproval.
    "It was a blatant mistake," he told Sportbild magazine.

    "If the decision was really a mistake it should be lifted and should not become an even bigger burden for those who are not involved by changing it to the winter."
    Fifa president Sepp Blatter has suggested that the tournament should be moved to the winter to avoid the soaring temperatures in the Middle East, but the former German Football Association chief feels this would only hamper the domestic season across Europe.

    "Changing the World Cup to the winter is going deep into the structures of European national federations and also amateur football in Germany," he added.
    "A change in playing schedules does not only affect the Bundesliga but continues affecting lower divisions due to the link with promotion and relegation. The game pyramid is in danger and so is the unity of German football."
     

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    Moyes: I have to learn quickly in Champions League

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    Manchester United manager David Moyes is excited to compete in the Champions League proper for the first time this season but admits that he has a lot to learn about participation in the competition.

    As Everton boss, the Scot managed in the Uefa Cup and Europa League several times but the club missed out on Champions League football after agonisingly losing a qualifier 4-2 on aggregate to Villarreal in 2005.

    Now the new Red Devils No.1 acknowledges that he must get up to speed as quickly as possible to avoid a slow start in the competition this season.

    "For me it will be a thrill and I'm going to have to learn a lot quickly and that's where I'm looking to the likes of Ryan Giggs and a few players around me for the things which I need to be told about," he told reporters.

    "It's not all about the playing side of it – I've been in the Champions League [qualifiers], watched loads of games, managed in the Europa League – everybody has to start somewhere."

    Moyes also believes that winning the Champions League - which United managed twice under predecessor Sir Alex Ferguson - has taken on greater significance in England over time.

    He added: "I think, to win one of the big European tournaments, it's always been seen as something special.

    "Winning your own domestic league is very important but winning the Champions League has become very important, for the country and Premier League as well.

    "I think the year when Manchester United and Chelsea played in the final [2008] everyone connected to football in this country sort of stuck their chest out. It was the German teams this year [at Wembley].In the past it's been the Spanish teams.

    "I genuinely think there's a swell [of pride] from our country that we want the British teams to do really well. I've got to say I'm really looking forward it."
     

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    Barca did nothing to keep me - Thiago

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    Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has hit out at Barcelona for undervaluing him during his time at the club.

    The midfielder left Camp Nou for €20 million earlier in July, ignoring overtures from Manchester United to join up with former coach Pep Guardiola at the Allianz Arena.

    "I wanted to feel valued," Thiago revealed to Rac1 on Thursday. "I wanted to leave and the club didn't do anything to make me stay.

    "They knew I wanted to leave, but nobody from the club got in contact to [try to] persuade me to stay. In any case, you can't dwell on the past - it's better to look to the future.

    "[Munich] is wonderful, very pretty and the people at the club and in the city have made things much easier for me [to settle in]."

    The 22-year-old denied claims from his father and agent Mazinho that he nearly chose to join United ahead of the Bavarians while refusing to rule out a return to the Catalans in the future, despite not liking his treatment this summer.

    "Nobody from Manchester United spoke to us," Thiago added. "Bayern were always my first option. Did Real Madrid want me? That's my business.

    "During the summer I had a lot of patience, I was waiting and waiting [for Barca to make an offer] but there comes a [stopping] point.

    "I would never close the door on Barca though - the club gave me so much."
     
    Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Latest Buzz on Gareth Bale

    Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Latest Buzz on Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas
    BY RICHARD LANGFORD (FEATURED COLUMNIST) ON JULY 25, 2013
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    David Moyes is looking to make a strong impression early in his tenure with the Red Devils, and he's had his eyes set on some big transfer targets to help accomplish this.

    I think it is safe to call Gareth Bale and Cesc Fabregas big targets. Of course, both Tottenham and Barcelona have been eager to tell anyone who will listen that they don't want to part with these guys.

    But that certainly isn't stopping the rumors.



    Gareth Bale



    If a report by the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton is true, Manchester United better hurry up and open the vault if they want to land Tottenham star Gareth Bale.

    It's been a lucrative couple of days for Bale. First, there was a report Sky Sports passed along from a rumors in Spanish sports daily Marca, that "a six-year contract has been prepared for [Bale]."

    In response to this, according to Ashton, Spurs put together a deal that would pay Bale "in excess of £150,000 a week."

    According to Ashton, Real Madrid is prepared to pay Bale £200,000 a week.

    Yet, in these reports there is no mention of Manchester United. :rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl: meya BLEACHER REPORT WEB ADAVIYEN ELESEMA UPUTAGENA COPY PASTE KIRIMAK LESA SALAKANNA:lol::lol::lol::lol:
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