..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale: There's more to come at Real Madrid

Gareth Bale insists he can improve further after scoring twice in Real Madrid's 7-3 La Liga win over Sevilla on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old has struggled for fitness since completing his world-record €100 million move from Tottenham in September, but appeared to be back to his best on his first Bernabeu start.

Bale picked out the top corner after 14 minutes to open the scoring, before netting his second via a deflected free kick, and the Wales star has vowed to perform even better as he regains fitness.

"I felt good and I played the whole match, but I have to keep getting better and work hard to be 100 per cent as soon as possible," the winger told the official Madrid website.

"It's been a great night and was important for my fitness level. We played very well and hopefully there's much more to come in the future."

The Welshman will hope for another opportunity to continue his comeback when Real Madrid make the trip to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday before facing Juventus in the Champions League three days later.

"It's a very exciting time," he added.

"We have big matches ahead and everyone's looking forward to them. We're feeling very confident and hopefully we can keep winning and giving performances like tonight's."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isla: I want to repay Juventus

Mauricio Isla is keen to repay Juventus for their faith in him following his return to full fitness.

The 25-year-old joined the Serie A champions from Udinese in 2012, but initially saw his opportunities limited as he struggled for form following knee surgery.

However, having started Juve's last two Serie A fixtures, Isla is now determined to make a positive impact and give something back to the reigning champions.

"I had a nasty injury and everyone here at Juventus has been very patient with me," Isla told reporters.

"I have always given my all, but I need to continue working hard to repay people for the faith they have shown.

"[Antonio] Conte decided that I would stay at this club and I'm happy to be here, but I need to show that on the field of play."

Isla has made eight appearances for Juventus so far this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea defender Azpilicueta aiming to overtake Arsenal

Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta has set his sights on overtaking Arsenal at the top of the Premier League this weekend and believes the Blues are improving with every game.

The versatile full-back was an unlikely hero for the Stamford Bridge outfit in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup clash against Arsenal, scoring the opening goal of the game and helping his side run out comfortable 2-0 winners at the Emirates Stadium.

Mourinho’s men have won six games in a row, and with Arsenal facing tough tests against Liverpool and Manchester United in the coming weeks, the Spanish full-back sees Chelsea's lunchtime clash with Newcastle as the perfect opportunity to top the table.

"We have the chance to overtake them this weekend, although we know how hard it will be at Newcastle,” the 24-year-old told The Mirror.

"But it is true that Arsenal have two really difficult games: Liverpool and then Manchester United. We don't need to look to the other teams, but to keep working. We are improving in every game, and this is the most important.

"I think we are growing up as a team. We are second, two points behind Arsenal but we are going to try to be the first."

Featuring only intermittently under Mourinho so far this season, the Spain international was buoyed by his manager’s comments in last Sunday’s programme notes, in which the 50-year-old praised the full-back for his work-ethic and commitment.

"I saw what he wrote, and I feel really good about it. I feel this confidence from him because when he needs me I try to do my best in every position.

"The most important for me is the team, and if he needs me to play as a left-back, as a right winger, I try to do my best and to do the job for the team.

"Last season, as well, I didn't start playing but by the end I played practically every game. This year it is a different manager, who plays Ivanovic. But I am training, very happy, and I feel confidence with him.

"It's true that I am not playing a lot of games, but the season is young. I had the chance to play two League Cup games, I played against Schalke, so I feel really confident with the team, with the manager, and I am happy with the work that I am doing.

"The season is very long, and we will need everybody to win trophies."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pirlo surpasses Del Piero in Serie A free kick ranking

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has surpassed Alessandro Del Piero's tally of 22 Serie A goals from direct free kicks after taking his own figure to 23 with his successful strike in the 4-0 win over Catania on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old has consequently moved to second place in the ranking of best free kick takers in the Italian top flight of the past 30 years, with only former Serbia international Sinisa Mihajlovic still ahead of him with 28 goals.

Pirlo netted two set-pieces for Brescia in the early stages of his career, while adding three more to his tally during his time at Reggina.

The influential midfielder's reputation grew during his spell at AC Milan as he converted 10 free kicks during his 10 seasons at the Rossoneri. His goal versus Catania saw him take his tally at Juventus to eight.

Former greats Roberto Baggio and Gianfranco Zola complete the top five with 20 goals each, while specialists such as Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Alvaro Recoba are among the best free kick takers of the past 30 years too.

Roma skipper Francesco Totti is the only other player who is still active in Serie A in the top 10 with 14 goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blatter should show Ronaldo respect, says Arbeloa

Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa has hit out at Fifa president Sepp Blatter in the wake of his comments about Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 77-year-old joked last week at an event at Oxford Union that the Portugal international "is a commander on the field of play" and spends "more time at the hairdressers" when comparing the Madrid star to Barcelona attacker Lionel Messi, prompting the Santiago Bernabeu side to demand an apology.

Blatter has since acknowledged his comments were inappropriate, but the issue seems unresolved as Ronaldo added fuel to the fire on Wednesday when he mocked the Swiss by celebrating his first goal against Sevilla by saluting like a commander.

"You have to have a little more respect when you have a position like Blatter has. Everybody’s noticed the things he’s said in public and hearing what he says in private attracts attention," Arbeloa was quoted as saying on the official Madrid website.

"I don’t know if Blatter's recent comments explain a lot of things, but it can explain some. They’re things that nobody understands.

"Cristiano’s a point of reference in the world of football. Whoever likes football has to like Cristiano Ronaldo.

"He’s got to where he is because of his valour and personality. It’s extra motivation for him."

Ronaldo played a key role in Madrid's 7-3 win over Sevilla on Wednesday as he netted a hat-trick to make it 11 goals in as many La Liga games this term.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fiorentina 1-2 Napoli: Partenopei survive second-half barrage to stay second

Napoli kept pace with the likes of Roma and Juventus at the top of Serie A by valiantly holding on for a 2-1 victory at Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Jose Callejon's top-notch volley was cancelled out by Giuseppe Rossi, but the Vincenzo Montella's side were unable to score a second to equalise from Dries Mertens' first-half strike.

The second half was a less goal-ridden affair and full of bookings, with Partenopei defender Christian Maggio seeing red for a second yellow before Viola attacker Juan Cuadrado suffered the same fate in stoppage-time.

Fiorentina, looking for their fourth victory in a row, conceded first when Gonzalo Higuain's cross was met sweetly by the right foot of Callejon, who lashed in to give the visitors a 12th-minute lead.

The home side wrestled their way back into the match, though, when Stefan savic was pushed over in the 18-yard box by Federico Fernandez, and Rossi made no mistake sending Pepe Reina the wrong way to equalise.

Juan Cuadrado looked a danger all game long when dribbling at Napoli defenders and he almost put Montella's men into the lead, but his effort cannoned off the crossbar and did not bounce in.

This allowed Rafa Benitez's side to edge back into the lead, as Mertens struck an effort past Neto to send the Partenopei in at the break a goal to the good.

The second half was significantly more physical and battling and the tempo was stalled as a result. Yellow cards were free-flowing as the likes of Maggio, Borja Valero, Raul Albiol and Cuadrado picked up cautions for a variety of offences.

Napoli suffered a potential setback with 10 minutes to go when Maggio was sent to the stands for impeding Viola substitute Ryder Matos.

But the hosts failed to take advantage of the extra man and even lost one of their own in stoppage-time when Cuadrado saw a red card which, though undeserved, fooled the referee as a result of his diving earlier in the game.

Benitez's men stay second in Serie A, level on points with Juventus and two points behind the Giallorossi, while Hellas Verona overtook Fiorentina, who slip down to sixth.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sturridge: Partnership with Suarez is telepathic

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has revealed that his partnership with Luis Suarez is telepathic and believes that their impressive performances together have come naturally.

The two forwards have been in lethal form of late, scoring 14 Premier League goals between them as the Reds look to mount a genuine challenge for Champions League football.

Liverpool ran out as 4-1 winners against West Brom in last weekend's game, with Suarez scoring a scintillating hat-trick and Sturridge bagging his eighth league goal of the season.

“It’s a natural partnership between us – it’s almost telepathic,” Sturridge told the Metro.

“We get on really well on and off the pitch and I think that makes a huge difference to how we play together.

“The relationship we have means we know when to pass to each other and when we’re going to make runs. It’s just a totally natural thing.

“It means we can do more off-the-cuff and instinctive things – because we’re on the same wavelength.

“I think it’s only going to improve the more we play together.”

The 24-year-old has also moved to heap praise on his manager. After featuring intermittently for both Manchester City and Chelsea, the Premier League’s top scorer believes the faith that Brendan Rodgers has shown him is beginning to pay off.

“He’s given me something I’ve never had before – and that’s a chance to prove myself,” he added.

“A lot of people have passed judgments on me based on five minutes here and there at different clubs.

“But now I’m getting the run of games I’ve always wanted and I’m building my confidence. I know now there’s not the constant pressure to deliver all the time and that’s helping me develop."

The England international was speaking ahead of Liverpool’s trip to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, where both teams will be looking to continue their impressive start to the season - the Merseyside outfit sit in third, two points behind league leaders Arsenal.

“It’s a massive game for both teams and we’ll get a great match for the neutrals to watch," he said.

“It’s going to be a great occasion and we’re hopeful of going there and getting a victory.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pantilimon lays down marker as Hart prepares to learn his fate

Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is set to make a decision on whether or not to drop Joe Hart for the club's match against Norwich City after Costel Pantilimon's fine display in the Capital One Cup.

The Romanian produced key saves throughout the game against Newcastle United, effectively keeping them in the tie until two late goals from Edin Dzeko and Alvaro Negredo saw them through to face Leicester City in the next round.

The Chilean has been increasingly frustrated by Hart after a number of high-profile errors and assured Pantilimon that a good enough game against the Magpies would see him given the chance to keep his place.

And Pellegrini told reporters after the match on Wednesday: "I think Costel is a very good goalkeeper. Also, he normally plays in the Capital One Cup and FA Cup, so it is possibly [an] important match for him.

"From tomorrow, I will start thinking about the game against Norwich and today we were just thinking about the match.

"[I am] very pleased because it was a very close match, a very difficult match, as Newcastle played very well. Playing 120 minutes is not easy, so it was important to get a result."

Asked if progress into the quarter-finals had him thinking of Wembley, the Chilean replied: "No, absolutely not. If Leicester are there then they deserve to be there. They won two matches before. It is not a team from the Premier League and it won't be an easy match.

"We will have to continue in the Capital One Cup playing the way we played today and see if we can get to the semi-final."

Stevan Jovetic went off injured inside the first five minutes and Pellegrini explained: "[He] has pulled his calf. He was on for five minutes and it was his third injury, so we will see [on Thursday] with the doctor to see what kind of injury [it is]."

The City boss also reflected on Uefa's decision to order a partial stadium closure for CSKA Moscow after a section of their fans racially abused Yaya Toure.

"It is very important that Uefa sanction CSKA about what happened in the stadium because it's the country where the next World Cup will be played," he said. "It's important they find a way to finish all these things.

"I don't know about the severity, whether it should be less or more severe, but Uefa have levels of sanctions and this is the first time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

PSG prepare €41m bid for Mata

Chelsea star Juan Mata is ready to leave the club in January as big-spending French side Paris Saint-Germain prepare a bid worth €41 million for the playmaker.

The Spanish star started and scored in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win against Arsenal but is unhappy under Jose Mourinho having again been left out of the starting line-up for key matches including last Sunday’s home win over Manchester City.

Mata is fearful for his place in the Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil - and he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge in the winter as he goes in search of regular first-team football.

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old but will refuse to sell him to a Premier League rival, ruling out a transfer to Manchester United or Tottenham, who both tried to sign the former Valencia man over the summer.

Mata is happy in London and has publicly vowed to fight for his place and declared himself "happy" at Stamford Bridge. Behind the scenes, however, he is strongly considering his future, especially with no sign of a new deal to improve on his €82,000-a-week contract which runs until 2016.

“I am happy at Chelsea. I have always felt the support of the fans - in every game, on the street - I have felt the love from them. I try to play for them, score for them and make them happy. We have great support," he told Talksport on Wednesday.

“I want to play as much as I can, but if you want to win titles you need 24-25 players ready to play. Anyone can play any game."
Mata’s father, who also acts as the player’s agent, is understood to have made discrete enquiries to sound out potential interest in his son.

PSG are the leading contenders at this stage, with sources confirming to Goal that the Ligue 1 club tried to sign Mata in the summer and are preparing to return with a bumper bid in the new year.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have both ruled out bids for the midfielder, while Valencia’s precarious financial situation means they are unable to fund a move to re-sign their former star.

Mata has failed to establish himself in Mourinho’s plans this season, often settling for a place on the substitutes’ bench, especially in big games against Manchester United, Spurs and City.

Mourinho has cited Mata’s lack of defensive work as the main reason behind the Spain international’s frequent omission, with Oscar preferred in the No.10 role at Stamford Bridge.

Mata has been Chelsea’s player of the year in the last two seasons, and last term scored 12 goals and provided 12 assists in the Premier League alone.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone defends Costa's Brazil snub

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has defended Diego Costa's decision to snub Brazil in order to represent Spain at international level.

On Tuesday, the Brazil-born marksman ended weeks of speculation by officially announcing he would be switching allegiances from the country of his birth to la Roja, much to the frustration of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF), whose chiefs have called for the 25-year-old to be stripped of his citizenship.

However, Simeone has lept to the defence of the Atleti hitman, stating that Costa - who is eligible for Spain via five-year residency - has his respective reasons for making the switch.

"I never influenced him personally and collectively - he was always influence by what the team needed," the coach told a press conference.

"Surely this will give him more peace of mind to focus on what he has to do for the future with the Spanish national team and with us, to keep doing the same.

"Decisions are decisions. When one makes a decision, he has already evaluated the reason to take it. Those who think and look from outside are not taking this decision.

"Diego has shown what he wants and now he has to keep giving everything every day."

The former Argentina international guided the Rojiblancos to Copa del Rey glory last season at the expense of bitter rivals Real Madrid, but failed to earn a nomination for Fifa's World Coach of the Year award.

However, the 43-year-old claims that he is unperturbed by the exclusion, insisting that he does not concern himself with individual honours.

He added: "I have always said that I do not look for credit in different places, I just try to do good in the eyes of the people who employ me.

"I have to continue working with my team, with my players, and trying to do my best for the club and that is what matters most to me."

Costa, who has hit 11 goals in 10 appearances for the capital club in La Liga thus far this season, earned two caps for the Selecao at senior level, both coming in friendlies earlier this year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea can be best goalkeeper in the world, says Manchester United coach

Manchester United coach Chris Woods has tipped David De Gea to become the best goalkeeper in the world.

De Gea, who arrived at United from Atletico Madrid in 2011, endured a difficult first season at the club but has since secured the No.1 spot at Old Trafford following a number of eye-catching performances.

The 22-year-old's part in last weekend’s win over Stoke City drew praise from Red Devils manager David Moyes and team-mate Javier Hernandez, and Woods believes that he has everything needed to realise his ambition of becoming the best in the world.

“David has got everything that you need to be the best and he has just got to keep doing what he is doing at the moment,” he told United Review.

“It is about achieving a level of consistency, which he is now doing but I don’t want to tempt fate. He has everything needed to be up there with the best.”

Woods also reserved praise for the other goalkeepers on United's books, including Anders Lindegaard and Ben Amos, and highlighted the healthy competition for places at the club.

“They have been absolutely first class,” Woods continued.

“From my point of view, they have taken the training on board, worked hard and I don’t think they have moaned! They have worked really hard and we are forming that coach/player relationship that you need."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

La Liga 2013.10.31 Fixtures

La Liga 2013.10.31 Fixtures


Granada Vs Atletico Madrid

Villareal Vs Getafe

Athletic Bilbao Vs Elche

Real Betis Vs Levante
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Serie A 2013.10.31 Fixture

Serie A 2013.10.31 Fixture

Roma Vs Chievo
​

 

[unicornx]

PSG prepare €41m bid for Mata

Chelsea star Juan Mata is ready to leave the club in January as big-spending French side Paris Saint-Germain prepare a bid worth €41 million for the playmaker.

The Spanish star started and scored in Tuesday’s Capital One Cup win against Arsenal but is unhappy under Jose Mourinho having again been left out of the starting line-up for key matches including last Sunday’s home win over Manchester City.

Mata is fearful for his place in the Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil - and he is ready to quit Stamford Bridge in the winter as he goes in search of regular first-team football.

Chelsea are willing to listen to offers for the 25-year-old but will refuse to sell him to a Premier League rival, ruling out a transfer to Manchester United or Tottenham, who both tried to sign the former Valencia man over the summer.

Mata is happy in London and has publicly vowed to fight for his place and declared himself "happy" at Stamford Bridge. Behind the scenes, however, he is strongly considering his future, especially with no sign of a new deal to improve on his €82,000-a-week contract which runs until 2016.

“I am happy at Chelsea. I have always felt the support of the fans - in every game, on the street - I have felt the love from them. I try to play for them, score for them and make them happy. We have great support," he told Talksport on Wednesday.

“I want to play as much as I can, but if you want to win titles you need 24-25 players ready to play. Anyone can play any game."
Mata’s father, who also acts as the player’s agent, is understood to have made discrete enquiries to sound out potential interest in his son.

PSG are the leading contenders at this stage, with sources confirming to Goal that the Ligue 1 club tried to sign Mata in the summer and are preparing to return with a bumper bid in the new year.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have both ruled out bids for the midfielder, while Valencia’s precarious financial situation means they are unable to fund a move to re-sign their former star.

Mata has failed to establish himself in Mourinho’s plans this season, often settling for a place on the substitutes’ bench, especially in big games against Manchester United, Spurs and City.

Mourinho has cited Mata’s lack of defensive work as the main reason behind the Spain international’s frequent omission, with Oscar preferred in the No.10 role at Stamford Bridge.

Mata has been Chelsea’s player of the year in the last two seasons, and last term scored 12 goals and provided 12 assists in the Premier League alone.

He is Madrid's target if Xabi leaves

 

[unicornx]

Real Madrid 7-3 Sevilla: Seventh heaven for Bale & Ronaldo

Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals between them as Real Madrid romped to a 7-3 win in a thrilling clash with Sevilla on Wednesday.

Ronaldo struck a first-half penalty before netting twice in the second period to become the club's fourth-highest Liga goalscorer with 157 goals, one more than the legendary Ferenc Puskas.

On a record-breaking night at Santiago Bernabeu, Bale also capped his first start at home with two first-half strikes.

Madrid saw their 3-0 lead reduced before the break as an Ivan Rakitic penalty and close-range strike from Carlos Bacca brought the visitors to within a goal.

The hosts, however, turned on the style in the second half as Karim Benzema and Ronaldo both found the net twice to seal a comfortable victory, despite Rakitic curling home a third for the visitors. Rakitic also missed from the spot and Stephane M'Bia was sent off for two yellow cards in a frantic encounter.

Carlo Ancelotti made four changes from Saturday's Clasico defeat to Barcelona, while Sevilla - without an away win in 13 months - made a single change from their victory over Osasuna.

Madrid enjoyed the perfect start following a low-key performance at Camp Nou and took the lead through Bale in the 14th minute.

Isco ran the ball out of his own half and played a neat ball into Benzema, the Frenchman rolled the ball back into the Wales international and he fired into the top corner.

Sevilla were struggling to find any end product despite neat build-up play when they did have the ball, and their task became even tougher when Bale netted his second of the night.

Madrid were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal after a crude challenge by Rakitic on Ronaldo in the 26th minute. Bale took the set piece and saw his effort deflect off the wall to wrong-foot Beto as it flew into the opposite corner.

The hosts moved 3-0 ahead after some poor defending from Fernando Navarro allowed Isco to dispossess him on the edge of the area. The defender then brought the forward down inside the area and Ronaldo made no mistake from the spot.

Sevilla were given a way back into the game when Sergio Ramos bundled Diogo Figueiras to the floor in the 38th minute and they had a penalty of their own.

Rakitic grabbed the ball and made no mistake with a well-placed spot-kick for his first goal of the season.

And the visitors reduced the deficit even further two minutes later as Vitolo and Jairo Samperio combined well to give Bacca the easy task of firing into the empty goal.

Unai Emery's side should have levelled early in the second half after creating a fantastic opening for Jairo, but he was unable to convert it and the hosts broke on the counterattack with Ronaldo.

Ronaldo found Bale on the right who delivered a low cross to Benzema and the Frenchman fired home to end a seven-game run without a goal.

On the hour mark, Ronaldo netted his second of the game after meeting a cross from Bale to fire past Beto, but Rakitic kept his side in the game with an exquisite finish from the edge of the area after neat work from substitute Diego Perotti.

But the night belonged to Portugal international Ronaldo as he completed his hat-trick in the 71st minute before Benzema added his second in the 80th minute to secure the win, with Rakitic slamming a spot kick against the crossbar in between Madrid's sixth and seventh goals.

Miracle combination finally paid off

 

[unicornx]

FIFA 14 On My Mobile

Kohomada Goal deka...

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FIFA 14 On My Mobile

Kohomada Goal deka...

Patta bro

Anyway oya use karana mobile 1ka mokakda?

 

[unicornx]

Patta bro

Anyway oya use karana mobile 1ka mokakda?

Galaxy Ace2.....Godak mid-range wala meka elakiri wage wada

 

[charitha chandi]

Chelsea can beat anyone, says Mata

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Granada 1-2 Atletico Madrid: Costa and Villa on the spot for Rojiblancos

A penalty each from Diego Costa and David Villa saw Atletico Madrid earn a 2-1 win over Granada on Thursday night.

The strikers scored from 12 yards in each half to secure maximum points for the visitors despite Ighalo's late consolation, with the hosts left to rue their profligacy in front of goal as they suffered a second consecutive home defeat in La Liga.

No team in Spain's top flight has scored fewer goals than Granada, but they began the match by far the more threatening of the two sides, with Manuel Iturra in particular causing problems for Diego Godin and Co.

Once again though, Granada couldn't turn possession into goals, and late on in the second half it was a clumsy challenge from captain Diego Mainz on Villa which gave Costa the chance to open the scoring, and the striker - who this week affirmed his desire to play for Spain - duly buried the spot-kick.

From that point, Atletico seized control of the game and mid-way through the second half made their pressure tell. A swift counterattack led to another trip on Villa, and the veteran striker made no mistake as he converted the penalty.

Granada mounted a late assault on goal after Filipe Luis was sent off for a second yellow card, and Odion Ighalo turned home a cross as the clock ticked over into stoppage time, but ultimately to no avail.

Tempers flared after the final whistle as Costa tangled with Iturra as the teams departed the pitch, but Atletico's 10th win in 11 games is all that will matter to Diego Simeone, as his side moved back to within one point of Liga leaders Barcelona.