..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Costa to represent Spain

Atletico Madrid star Diego Costa has confirmed that he wants to switch his international allegiance from Brazil to Spain.

The Brazil-born striker, who initially signed for the Rojiblancos in 2007, has been granted Spanish citizenship, which entitles him to switch to la Roja, having never represented the Selecao at any level.

Coach Vicente Del Bosque recently encouraged the Atleti star to make the switch and, according to the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF] Costa has verbally agreed to link up with the World champions for future internationals.

However, the 24-year-old will not be eligible for selection for the country's upcoming World Cup qualifiers with Belarus and Georgia due to a bureaucracy issue.

The statement read: "Diego Costa wants to play for the Spanish national team, although bureaucracy inhibits this for the moment.

"Atletico Madrid player Diego Costa cannot be selected tomorrow by manager Vicente del Bosque for the upcoming games against Belarus and Georgia as Fifa have demanded additional paperwork, which is already being undertaken, even though the player has verbally expressed to the Spanish coach his desire to play for his national team in the future."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Costa!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fifa unsure of winter World Cup

Fifa has confirmed that it is yet to reach a decision as to whether the 2022 World Cup will be staged in winter or summer.

It had been suggest that the governing body could move the competition to the European winter due to the soaring temperatures in the region during its traditional staging dates.

The Fifa Executive Committee convened in Switzerland to discuss the matter on Thursday and while it is unsure when it will be held, it insists that the tournament will go ahead in Qatar as planned."No doubt," spokesman Walter De Grigorio said when asked if the World Cup is set to be played in the Gulf nation.

"What is open to question is if we play in winter, and if so is it November, December, January? I don't know."But there is no doubt we will play in Qatar."

The World Cup was awarded to Qatar back in 2010, with hosting rights for the 2018 tournament being given to Russia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Flamini hails Arsenal's fighting spirit

Mathieu Flamini believes a new-found “fighting spirit” could see Arsenal bring an end to their eight-year wait for silverware after an impressive start to the new season.

Including a penalty shoot-out victory over West Brom in the Capital One Cup, the Gunners have now won 10 consecutive games since their shock 3-1 home defeat to Aston Villa on the opening day of the season.

Flamini has hailed the side's spirit and work rate displayed throughout the campaign so far, and believes it could be crucial to securing major honours this term.

"I think everyone knew Arsenal have a lot of qualities," the Frenchman told the club’s official website.

"But this year we are showing we have the fighting spirit, everyone is helping each other and it makes the difference because of course in a season you have some good periods and some difficult periods.

"What is important is to win game after game, work hard and stay focused and to keep going with our great spirit and then we'll see. Maybe for us there will be a good surprise this season."

The 29-year-old has impressed since returning to the Emirates on a free transfer this summer and played an important role in helping his side to a 2-0 Champions League win over Napoli on Arsene Wenger’s 17th anniversary with the club.

Having now signed twice for Wenger, Flamini understands his fellow countryman’s importance to the north London club, and was delighted to celebrate the landmark with a fitting victory.

"Arsene Wenger is Arsenal," he continued. "He's been here for a long time and is doing an amazing job. He always qualifies for the Champions League and today he knows our group are following him and believing in what he is saying.

"I'm happy because the fans are with us again and it was a great communion tonight because everyone was happy."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidic praises Manchester United improvement after Shakhtar draw

Manchester United captain Nemanja Vidic has hailed his side's performance after the Red Devil's drew 1-1 with Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Danny Welbeck opened the scoring early in the Group A encounter at the Donbass Arena, before the home side's Brazilian attacker Taison grabbed a 76th-minute leveller as United clung on to secure a hard-fought point.

Although the Premier League champions were unable to claim all three points, Vidic was delighted with the way United responded to their disappointing home defeat against West Brom at the weekend.

"The most important thing is I saw improvement. I saw solidity, I saw a reaction from the last game," the Serbia international told MUTV.

"We were hard to beat in all positions, not just at the back, but in midfield and wide, and that's the way we have to play. We have to work hard, play as a team and hopefully goals will come."

Vidic does not believe United have played their best football yet, and is keen to use the result against Shakhtar as a springboard for a good performance in their next league outing against Sunderland.

"We improved, we didn't let them have many chances to run at our defence. Our team worked really hard but there is still room to improve, and that's a good thing," continued the 31-year-old.

"We know we have not played at our best yet, but we still have time to improve and the next game is really important.

"We came to win, we wanted three points but we have to accept as well they were a good team.

"They have quality players and it's hard to play away in the Champions League, but we had some improvement on the last game. That's encouraging and we showed character from what happened in the last game, and hopefully we can improve against Sunderland."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

meh Improvement 1ka madi Vidic!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: PSG stronger than last year

Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that Paris Saint-Germain are even better placed to challenge for the Champions League than they were last season.

Les Parisiens reached the quarter-finals upon their return to Europe's premier cup competition in 2012-13, unluckily losing out on away goals to Barcelona.

However, having been buoyed by his side's performance in Wednesday night's 3-0 rout of Benfica, Ibrahimovic is confident that the French champions can go even further this term.

"It was important to win for the team," the Sweden international told beIN Sport after his two-goal haul at the Parc des Princes. "We played two good havles. Now we must continue like this.

"These are two important goals that open the doors towards the last 16.

"I think we are stronger than last year. We have now been playing together for a year - and we bought good players this summer."

PSG, who signed the likes of Edinson Cavani and Marquinhos during the close-season, sit top of Champions League Group C, three points clear of Olympiakos and Benfica.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fit-again Varane glad to be back

Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane was a happy man after making his comeback from injury in Wednesday night's 4-0 win over Copenhagen.

The France international had been out of action since undergoing surgery at the tail end of last season, but turned in a characteristically-assured display at the heart of the Blancos defence.

"I have worked very hard and I’m in quite good physical shape," Varane told the club's official website.

"It has been a pleasure playing after so long, and even more so because it was in the Champions League."

The victory over the Danes was a vital one for Madrid's morale, in light of last weekend's derby defeat by Atletico, and also put them in complete control of Group B ahead of their mouthwatering double header with Juventus.

However, Varane insists that Carlo Ancelotti's men will not be distracted from their domestic goals by their crucial clashes with the Bianconeri.

"We’re only thinking about the Levante game," the centre-half stated, alluding to Saturday's Liga trip. "We shouldn't look any further.

"What’s important is that the team has improved its game and we’re going away happy because of scoring four goals and not giving up any.

"We’ve played well, won, and were strong behind. That’s always good and we’ve got to continue in the same way."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klopp banned for Arsenal clash

Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp will be consigned to the stands for his side's Champions League clash with Arsenal after his touchline ban was extended for another game.

Tournament organisers Uefa had initially suspended the 46-year-old coach for one match for clashing with the fourth official during last month's 2-1 defeat by Group F rivals Napoli.

However, after reviewing the incident again on October 2, the European game's governing body have decided to double the length of the ban, meaning he will not be on the touchline for the game at the Emirates Stadium later this month.

Klopp has already publicly apologised for his antics, admitting that he behaved "like a monkey", and Dortmund could yet decide to appeal this latest ruling.

Dortmund, who routed Olympique de Marseille 3-0 at Signal Iduna Park on Tuesday evening, face group leaders Arsenal in a crunch clash at the Emirates on October 22.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Neymar will come good

Andres Iniesta believes that under-fire Barcelona team-mate Neymar must be given time to develop and improve, insisting it is clear that the Brazilian is "a great player".

The Catalan club's star summer signing has netted just once in La Liga since arriving from Santos for a fee of €57 million and the likes of Johan Cruyff have argued that the 21-year-old attacker is simply not compatible with Blaugrana talisman Lionel Messi.

However, while Iniesta feels that Neymar has plenty of work to do in the coming years, he is in no doubt that the Selecao starlet will prove a big hit at Camp Nou.

"There is much room for improvement," the midfielder told RAC-1. "But he is a different kind of player; he will do well this year.

"We should not forget that he is very young and much remains for him to improve upon.

"But it seems clear to me that Barca have a great player for many years."

Goalkeeper Victor Valdes is set to leave Catalunya when his current contract with Barcelona expires at the end of the season, and although Iniesta would dearly love for the shot-stopper to stay put, he has intimated that his "best friend" has his heart set on a move away.

"There is nothing to do," the Spain international argued. "We have spoken many times about it, but it is not a matter of me convincing him. What more I can I tell Victor?

"Ultimately, it is a personal matter and I respect him and his decision because he is my best friend in the locker room."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney will be ready for Sunderland clash, reveals Moyes

Manchester United boss David Moyes expects Wayne Rooney to be available for Saturday’s game against Sunderland despite missing their Champions League draw with Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.

Rooney suffered a shin injury after clashing with team-mate Danny Welbeck in training and was unable to feature in the 1-1 draw at the DonBass Arena.

However, Moyes insists the England striker will be back in time for Saturday’s clash at the Stadium of Light.

"My plan wasn’t to use Wayne Rooney," the 50-year-old told reporters. "He picked up a crack on the shin and its swollen up. He was going to be on the bench but he has not been able to make it.

"I think he will be okay for Saturday. We could have risked him but we decided not to."

United’s 1-1 draw means they remain unbeaten in Group A after two games, yet Moyes suggests an air of disappointment lingers within the dressing room after the Red Devils went ahead in the first half and looked close to holding on for victory.

"We had to be harder to play against than we have in recent games and we were," the United manager continued.

"I’m beginning to understand the players a bit better. They were aware of how tough a game it was going to be and I thought we defended very well.

"There’s a bit of disappointment that we didn’t see the game out but I felt Shakhtar deserved something from the game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hoeness: Bayern were almost perfect against City

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness hailed his side for producing "almost perfect football for 80 minutes" in their 3-1 Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday.

Pep Guardiola's men took an early lead at the Eithad through Franck Ribery and were 3-0 up by the hour mark following further strikes from Thomas Muller and Arjen Robben.

City rallied late in the game, with Alvaro Negredo putting a more respectable look on the scoreline, but Hoeness was ecstatic with his side's general performance

"For 80 minutes we played almost perfect football here," the Bavarian supremo told his club's official website.

"I can not remember us ever having so much possession of the ball in the final third against well-known opponents such as Manchester City, nor having offered up so much incredible football.

"I can only congratulate the team and the coach. What we have shown here tonight is worthy of the highest praise."

Bayern's second successive victory in Group D moved them three points clear of City and CSKA Moscow, whom they face next.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arteta: Ozil arrival a message of intent to Arsenal's rivals

Mikel Arteta believes the club-record signing of Mesut Ozil sent a message of intent to Arsenal's rivals from the Premier League title.

The German international has shone since his €50 million arrival at the Emirates Stadium, grabbing his first of five assists so far just 10 minutes into his debut before opening his account against Napoli in the Champions League.

Arsenal are currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League having won five games on the bounce - 10 in all competitions - and Arteta believes Ozil's arrival has given the whole squad a boost.

"I think it was a great message from the club [to sign Ozil] because everybody was expecting a top, top player - probably a striker more than a No.10 - but at the end we got an amazing player," Arteta told the club's official website.

"I think he has lifted not only us but you can see the people are excited again to come and watch us and it makes a big difference.

"When you have a type of player who is capable of finishing the way he finished his goal it makes the difference between winning and losing those games. He's a very intelligent player, he is quick and his final ball is terrific.

"[Ozil] gives you a step forward quality-wise, and is someone on the pitch who can win the game by himself. The more players you have like that the better chance we have to win the games."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moyes frustrated by late Shakhtar leveller

David Moyes admitted he is frustrated by Shakhtar Donetsk's late equaliser, but feels his Manchester United side earned a "good point" in the Champions League Group A clash.

Danny Welbeck's 18th-minute opener paved the way for United to become the first English team to win at the notoriously intimidating Donbass Arena, only for Taison to level 14 minutes from time.

United managed just one shot on target during the game, and Moyes feels a more fluid passing game could have seen his team record a second Champions League win of the season but was happy with the overall display.

"The team stood up well tonight, we got a good goal and I thought we looked as if we were going to stop them scoring tonight, we defended very well," he told Sky Sports.

"We said at half-time we needed to keep the ball better, but we actually gave it away more in the second half, so I was disappointed we didn't pass it better.

"We carved out a really good chance and Robin [van Persie] was a bit unlucky not to get a second goal and I think if we'd got that we would have seen it out quite easily.

"I think their goal goes through Michael Carrick's legs and then goes through one of their players' legs before it reaches Vida [Nemanja Vidic] and they get a ricochet which gets them the goal, so we were really unlucky to lose a goal.

"Although it is a point in the Champions League, it doesn't take us any further just now. We're going to have to win other games if we want to progress in the competition.

"On paper this looked a hard away tie and we have picked up a good point."

Moyes also hailed Ryan Giggs, who became the most-capped player in Champions League history with his 145th appearance when he replaced Marouane Fellaini in the second half.

He added: "It was fantastic. I was telling him before the game he was going to be subbed on, he was going to come on off the bench. What a record, and I've got to say, what a player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mokata frustrate wenawada Moyesgame plan 1ka thibbe goal 1kak score karala athanin passe full defend karana 1ka nehNikamatawath Shakhtar la goal 1kak score kaloth mokada wenne kiyala hithuwe nahane

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: Real Madrid more important than me

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has played down the significance of his recent struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu, claiming the club is more important than any individual.

The Spain international fell out of favour under former coach Jose Mourinho midway through last season and has continued to play second fiddle to Diego Lopez since the arrival of new boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer.

However, Casillas was handed a rare start in the Champions League clash with Copenhagen on Wednesday night and was understandably delighted to have not only returned to the first team, but also picked up a clean sheet from a 4-0 win.

"It was a long time without playing in the Bernabeu in an official match and getting back to wearing this shirt makes me feel proud," the World Cup winner is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"It has been a very long time and a lot has happened in that time but I have not tried to hide anything.

"When you've gone so long without playing, lots of things go through your head, but my dream is to keep playing until the mind and body will permit.

"The club has treated me very well and Real Madrid are more important than Casillas.

"What I want is to play football and do so for Real Madrid. Right now, the aim is to keep going."

Madrid came in for fierce criticism after their derby defeat to Atletico at the weekend - their first Liga loss to their city rivals in 14 years - but Casillas feels that the players deserve credit for the way in which they responded to such a disappointing setback.

"The team should be congratulated because we managed to win, which was not easy," the 32-year-old added.

"The players try to make it better. We have to focus on the present, as we have a team with great quality.

"Real Madrid is the most demanding club and playing in this team and for Spain means that people have opinions of you.

"You have to respect the most critical people and work hard to change their minds so they are with the team so that, together, we can win titles."

Having won their opening two games, Madrid currently top Champions League Group B, four points clear of Juventus, whom they face next.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Me para Madrid ekata attack karanna hitenne 1st goal eken passe. etakal wanenawa..At least Ancellotti trys to attack. Playerslage aulak na bro. Out of form hitiyath nathath Shots on the goal wadi karagannone...Mona lokeda appa 1shot ekak gahala eka defend karanna hadanne..ATL.MADRID karanneth okamai..habai break ekedi un patta speed eka nisa un break ekedi gema atarinne na score karalamai nawatinne...Moyes ATL.MADRID tactic eka kaloth sira..Habai ekata speed eka one :/ Eye goal ekath nuulen awe

Ow wadak naha kathakaralamamath agree wenawa 1kata.match 1ka paradunath duka naha goals score karanna chances aran thiyanawanam.Shaktar player kenekuge podi mistake 1kak nisa goal 1ka awe nathnam ithin 1kath naha

anemanda bro matanam terenne naha mona wenna yanawada kiyalaKawada Bayern,Barca & Real Madrid play karana style 1kata Manchester United eida kiyala thamai hithaganna bari

this saturday thiyana Snderland match 1katath mokak weida manda.

 

[unicornx]

Casillas: Real Madrid more important than me

Real Madrid captain Iker Casillas has played down the significance of his recent struggles at the Santiago Bernabeu, claiming the club is more important than any individual.

The Spain international fell out of favour under former coach Jose Mourinho midway through last season and has continued to play second fiddle to Diego Lopez since the arrival of new boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer.

However, Casillas was handed a rare start in the Champions League clash with Copenhagen on Wednesday night and was understandably delighted to have not only returned to the first team, but also picked up a clean sheet from a 4-0 win.

"It was a long time without playing in the Bernabeu in an official match and getting back to wearing this shirt makes me feel proud," the World Cup winner is quoted as saying by his club's official website.

"It has been a very long time and a lot has happened in that time but I have not tried to hide anything.

"When you've gone so long without playing, lots of things go through your head, but my dream is to keep playing until the mind and body will permit.

"The club has treated me very well and Real Madrid are more important than Casillas.

"What I want is to play football and do so for Real Madrid. Right now, the aim is to keep going."

Madrid came in for fierce criticism after their derby defeat to Atletico at the weekend - their first Liga loss to their city rivals in 14 years - but Casillas feels that the players deserve credit for the way in which they responded to such a disappointing setback.

"The team should be congratulated because we managed to win, which was not easy," the 32-year-old added.

"The players try to make it better. We have to focus on the present, as we have a team with great quality.

"Real Madrid is the most demanding club and playing in this team and for Spain means that people have opinions of you.

"You have to respect the most critical people and work hard to change their minds so they are with the team so that, together, we can win titles."

Having won their opening two games, Madrid currently top Champions League Group B, four points clear of Juventus, whom they face next.

He is the SAINT OF ESB.... People charmed IKER SAINT IKER SAINT once he made the saves..People love him like a hell

 

[unicornx]

Ow wadak naha kathakaralamamath agree wenawa 1kata.match 1ka paradunath duka naha goals score karanna chances aran thiyanawanam.Shaktar player kenekuge podi mistake 1kak nisa goal 1ka awe nathnam ithin 1kath naha

anemanda bro matanam terenne naha mona wenna yanawada kiyalaKawada Bayern,Barca & Real Madrid play karana style 1kata Manchester United eida kiyala thamai hithaganna bari

this saturday thiyana Snderland match 1katath mokak weida manda.

Match eka gahai udin..Trust me I trust Man U players...Sure Moyes wade wana karagattata playersla wana karagannekak na...Specially Fellanige role eka maarama doubtful. eth RVP and Welbeck play karanone..Me match eka dinnoth Mid table eken ain wenawa MU..So hope for the best bro

 

[unicornx]

Mean while Buffon