..::Football III::..

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Guardiola was born to coach Bayern Munich, says Rummenigge

Karl-Heinz Rummenigge believes Pep Guardiola has proven himself to be the best candidate to coach Bayern Munich.

Guardiola was handed the reins following the departure of Jupp Heynckes, who led Bayern to an historic treble in 2012-13.

But Rummenigge thinks Guardiola can still take the club to another level, with the Bavarians on course to defend their three titles this term.

"We had a very successful season last year, winning the treble. But with the arrival of Pep came something additional with quality, I’d say," the CEO told Sports Illustrated.

"I’d say he’s born to work in favour of Bayern. I’m watching sometimes 15 to 20 minutes in training sessions, and this quality he’s giving in favour of the team is impressive to all of us.

"He’s a fantastic coach and guy. We believe it’s a fantastic story, what he is doing."

Despite their Champions League triumph last season, Rummenigge admits Barcelona and representatives from the Premier League still have the lead in Europe.

"Barcelona are a very good example, a kind of benchmark for us. We try to follow them. Regarding the five-year Uefa ranking, we are number two. Barcelona is still number one," he continued.

"[Upcoming Champions League opponents] Arsenal are doing well this year in the Premier League, so it looks like they’re a bit reborn, a kind of comeback to the old times.

"In the next five to seven years I’d say the Premier League will remain number one. Maybe the Bundesliga is on a good path to be number two, but the Premier League has a certain advantage."

 

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Hernanes' 'extreme quality' can help revive Inter, says Mazzarri

Inter coach Walter Mazzarri is hopeful new signing Hernanes can be the catalyst for his side's revival this season.

Hernanes joined the Nerazzurri from Lazio in a €20 million deal in January and is in line to make his debut against strugglers Sassuolo on Sunday.Inter have failed to win a game in 2014 and were comfortable beaten 3-1 by leaders Juventus last week, but Mazzarri believes his new midfielder could help the likes of Mateo Kovacic to improve in the latter part of the campaign.

"I hope Hernanes can do even more than he has done so far in his career" he told a press conference. "He's a Brazil international and can help Mateo Kovacic to grow too.

"We needed a player with extreme quality who can also help those with less experience. I don't want to give him too much responsibility, but he can be useful psychologically as well."Mazzarri has come under pressure recently following a run of five league games without a win that has seen Inter drop to sixth in Serie A.

However, Inter president Thohir insisted on Tuesday that the former Napoli boss will form part of the club's future plans, and the 52-year-old was delighted with the owner's public backing."I already knew what he [Thohir[ thought but it's important for what we're doing here that the president said certain things publicly as well," he said.

"Words of praise like that carry a lot of meaning. Now I only hope that we can turn around this negative run of form we're in as soon as possible."We're working well in training, both mentally and physically.

"Right now the result is more important than anything else. It's important for the players so that they can feel freer again because negative results start to weigh down on you."

 

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Fernando signs new Porto contract

Porto midfielder Fernando has signed a new contract with the Primeira Liga champions.

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a late switch to Manchester City towards the end of the January transfer window and speculation was rife that he would opt to join Manuel Pellegrini's side when his contract expired at the end of the season.

The player's brother, Joca Reges, claimed earlier this week that Fernando had already agreed to leave the club this summer, but Fernando has now ended talk over his immediate future by extending his deal with Porto until 2017, with the club confirming the news via their official Twitter account.

Fernando began his career with Vila Nova before joining Porto in 2007, where he has won 12 major honours to date including four Primeira Liga titles and the 2010-11 Europa League.

He has three caps to his name for the Brazil Under-20 side but has yet to earn a senior cap for the Selecao.

Reports in Portugal claim Fernando's new deal includes a €30 million buyout clause.

 

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Shakhtar striker Maicon dies in car accident

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed that striker Maicon Pereira de Oliveira has died in a car accident.The 25-year-old Brazilian joined the Ukrainian Premier League leaders in 2012 and was on loan at Illichivets Mariupol.

A statement on the Shakhtar website read: "FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended. He died in a car crash in Donetsk."He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright. Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.

"It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon's family and friends. May he rest in peace."Maicon moved to Ukraine to join Volyn Lutsk in 2009 and scored over 30 goals for the club, having begun his career in his homeland with Fluminense.

He also enjoyed loan spells with Steaua Bucharest and Zorya Luhansk either side of his switch to Shakhtar.

 

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R.I.P Maicon​

 

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Maicon has passed away

 

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Inter confirm interest in signing Vidic

Inter director Piero Ausilio has confirmed the club would be interested in signing Nemanja Vidic this summer.

The defender revealed this week that he would not be extending his stay at Old Trafford when his contract expires at the end of the season, with the Nerazzurri emerging as early frontrunners for the Serbian's signature.

Ausilio has now admitted the club see "a great opportunity" in 32-year-old Vidic but is expecting stern competition from across the rest of Europe.

"Vidic is an important player whose contract expires in June. Like other European clubs, we will try to get something from this great opportunity," he told Tuttosport.

"He is one of the players we are tracking. He has an interesting profile for Inter, as he has charisma and international experience.

"We will probably lose some players in his role because their contracts are up, so he is someone we are trying to pay attention to.

"However, we're a long way from saying we've already done something with regards to Vidic and I don't feel ready to confirm anything."

 

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Vidic Manchester United ma thiyaganna puluwan unoth thamai hoda

 

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Mata relishing Van Persie & Rooney link-up

Manchester United's club-record signing Juan Mata is thrilled to be playing alongside Robin van Persie and Wayne Rooney and has hailed their burgeoning relationship.

The trio all started together for the first time in the Red Devils' disappointing 2-1 loss at Stoke City last weekend, though Mata combined with Van Persie to create United's only goal.

The Spain international, who has settled quickly at Old Trafford, says playing with footballers of his new team-mates' ilk is easy and is keen to find his scoring touch in a United shirt.

"We have been working on things in training to try to link better and understand each other better," Mata told MUTV. "But when you talk about players like them, they are top players so it's easy to play with them.

"Robin, Wayne and Adnan [Januzaj] are all great players and it's a pleasure to play alongside them.

"I want to do my best to help the team. I think my main position on the pitch is to assist and to try to provide opportunities to the strikers. But if I can score then that is even better.

"It's true that in my career I have always scored a good amount of goals as a midfielder. And I will try to score as many goals as I can because it is the best feeling in the world."

The 25-year-old has had no problems adjusting to life in Manchester and says former Spain Under-21 international team-mate David de Gea has helped him settle into his new surroundings.

"The welcome I've had from the lads, from the club, from the manager and the fans from the first day since I came here has been amazing," he continued.

"I will never forget my debut at Old Trafford – seeing the fans in the warm-up wearing my shirt, it was fantastic. Hopefully we can win as many games until the end of the season for them because they deserve that from us.

"David was very important for me coming here. The first week he was with me, almost all the time he was calling me to check I was okay and asking what I needed. I have known him since we were kids and I'm very happy to be here with him."

 

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Drogba quiet over MLS rumours

Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba has played down rumours linking him with a move to Seattle Sounders later this year.

The former Chelsea striker joined the Turkish giants from Shanghai Shenhua a year ago and helped fire them into the last 16 of this season's Champions League.

In recent weeks, though, the Cote d'Ivoire international has been linked with a move to MLS - specifically joining the likes of Obafemi Martins at Seattle - but the forward told fans he has every intention of giving his all for Galatasaray.

"So many things have been said these last few days and I normally don't react other such rumours so it's gonna be the first and last time I do it," he wrote on his official Instagram page.

"I'm here focusing on achieving history for my team and nothing will take my eyes out of my goals! To all my red and yellow fans let's keep on winning until the end of the season."

Drogba has a contract at the Turk Telekom Arena until June 30 with Galatasaray.

 

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Martinez won't leave for Madrid - Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Javi Martinez will snub reported interest from Real Madrid to stay at Bayern Munich.

The Bavarians midfielder joined from Athletic Bilbao for €40 million in 2012 and remains the Bundesliga giants' record signing.

However, he has been linked with a return to La Liga, but the former Barcelona boss has insisted that the 25-year-old will remain at the Allianz Arena while he is in charge.

"That is a question for the player, no?" he responded when asked if the player wanted to join the Santiago Bernabeu side,

"I do not think that a move will happen. I am of the opinion that as long as I'm here, Javi is here. We need him, Javi is 100 per cent important to us."

Martinez has finally rid himself of a long-term ankle injury and is in line to feature for die Roten in Saturday's clash with Nurnberg.

 

[නැකැත් රාල]

Shakhtar striker Maicon dies in car accident

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed that striker Maicon Pereira de Oliveira has died in a car accident.The 25-year-old Brazilian joined the Ukrainian Premier League leaders in 2012 and was on loan at Illichivets Mariupol.

A statement on the Shakhtar website read: "FC Shakhtar regretfully informs that on 8 February 2014 the life of a footballer Maicon Pereira de Oliveira tragically ended. He died in a car crash in Donetsk."He was a talented footballer, open and friendly guy. Maicon loved life and knew how to make it positive and bright. Tragic, untimely and absurd death took away a wonderful person from our ranks. Maicon was only 25 years old.

"It is a terrible bereavement for each of us. FC Shakhtar expresses condolences and sympathy to Maicon's family and friends. May he rest in peace."Maicon moved to Ukraine to join Volyn Lutsk in 2009 and scored over 30 goals for the club, having begun his career in his homeland with Fluminense.

He also enjoyed loan spells with Steaua Bucharest and Zorya Luhansk either side of his switch to Shakhtar.

RIP Maicon Pereira

 

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Barclays Premier League 2014.02.09 Fixtures

Barclays Premier League 2014.02.09 Fixtures

Tottenham Vs Everton

Manchester United Vs Fulham

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Dan 4th Place(Liverpool) gap 1ka 10 points1ka match 1kakwath dan draw wela or paradila baha

Good Luck Manchester United!​

 

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La Liga 2014.02.09 Fixtures

La Liga 2014.02.09 Fixtures

Osasuna Vs Getafe

Real Valladoid Vs Elche

Real Soceidad Vs Levante

Sevilla Vs Barcelona​

 

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Serie A 2014.02.09 Fixtures

Serie A 2014.02.09 Fixtures

Torino Vs Bologna

Hellas Vs Juventus

Lazio Vs Roma

Livorno Vs Genoa

Parma Vs Catania

Sampdoria Vs Cagliari

Inter Vs Sassuolo​

 

[unicornx]

Napoli 3-1 AC Milan: Higuain puts Rossoneri to the sword

Gonzalo Higuain scored twice to help Napoli record a 3-1 success over AC Milan to inflict a first defeat upon new Rossoneri boss Clarence Seedorf.

When Adel Taarabt opened the scoring for the visiting side, it seemed their rejuvenation under the ex-midfielder was going to continue, but Gokhan Inler drew Rafael Benitez's men level before the break.

In the second half Higuain grabbed a double to ensure the hosts ended a three-match winless streak.

Napoli, who were beaten by Atalanta in Serie A last weekend and Roma in semi-final of the Coppa Italia in midweek, dominated from start to finish and are now only three points behind second-placed Roma - who have two games in hand.

Defeat for Milan was their first in the league since Seedorf took over as coach last month, but the Dutchman may count his blessings that his side were not beaten by a more handsome margin.

Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam replaced the injured Anthony Reveillere and Dries Mertens came in for Jose Callejon, who started on the bench along with January signing Henrique.

Michael Essien and Taarabt made their Milan debuts, while striker Mario Balotelli returned from suspension as Seedorf made six changes to the side that drew with Torino last weekend.

Napoli made a bright start, but they were caught out after only seven minutes when QPR loanee Taarabt raced forward before placing a measured right-foot strike into the far corner of the net from just outside the area as the home defence backed off.

The goal was harsh on Benitez's team, but they were level three minutes later courtesy of a fine left-foot strike from Inler that took a deflection and looped over Christian Abbiati.

Milan struggled to cope with Napoli's attacking threat, and Higuain was inches away from putting the home side in front when his shot flashed wide of the far post.

Abbiati was lucky to escape with only a yellow card after 22 minutes when he rushed out of his area and upended Mertens after the winger had raced onto a through-ball and attempted to lob the veteran goalkeeper.

To add insult to injury, Abbiati kept out the resulting free-kick from the Belgium international, before Marek Hamsik's venomous left-foot volley flashed just wide.

Christian Maggio then hit the post from a tight angle and Lorenzo Insigne headed just wide as Milan somehow went in level at the break.

Kaka replaced fellow Brazilian Robinho at half-time, but his introduction failed to turn the tide as Napoli maintained the upper hand and Abbiati could only watch on as Insigne's strike flashed wide.

It was only a matter of time before the home side took the lead, and it was former Real Madrid man Higuain who put them in front when he headed home an inviting cross from Inler 11 minutes into the second half.

The Argentina striker was a constant menace and he ought to have given Napoli breathing space but missed his kick after evading the vulnerable Philippe Mexes.

Napoli could have been made to pay for not making their dominance count but Taarabt's strike was kept out by Pepe Reina and then Balotelli failed to capitalise after the Spanish goalkeeper had totally missed his kick.

Higuain sealed the points with eight minutes left, though, slotting home from close range after Callejon picked him out.

Mario andala

 

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Half Time

Manchester United 0 Vs 1 Fulham



Common Manchester United do something!​

 

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Full Time

Manchester United 2 Vs 2 Fulham

Aparade pattama comeback 1kakkagattha anthimata goal 1kak deela

Miss une onama karana points 2kak​

 

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Manchester United 2-2 Fulham: Last-gasp Bent equaliser stuns Old Trafford

Darren Bent's injury-time equaliser helped rock-bottom Fulham claim a point in a dramatic 2-2 draw at Manchester United on Sunday.


Half-time substitute Bent headed in during the fourth minute of added time as United's comeback, led by late goals from Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick, was ultimately denied.

Fulham – who sit bottom of the Premier League table and had lost their last 11 trips to Old Trafford – claimed a shock lead in the 19th minute through Steve Sidwell.

United struggled to break down a resolute Fulham side for long spells, and they were staring down the barrel of a ninth league defeat of the season at one stage as goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg excelled.

But Van Persie then swept in Juan Mata's attempted shot from three yards at the far post in the 78th minute and, less than two minutes later, Carrick's deflected strike from outside the penalty area sailed into the top corner.

That seemed to have swung the game and spared United boss David Moyes' blushes, with the Scott celebrating the second United goal emphatically on the pitch.

Fulham, though, produced a late sucker-punch for under-fire Moyes, as Kieran Richardson's shot – which was parried by David de Gea – was nodded in by Bent.

United are now nine points adrift of the fourth-placed Liverpool, with the result another blow to their hopes of qualifying for next season's Champions League.

After announcing he will quit Old Trafford at the end of the season, Nemanja Vidic returned from a three-match suspension to captain the side, while Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen swung the axe with a bold team selection after four consecutive league defeats.

The former Manchester United assistant manager gave new signings John Heitinga and Ryan Tunnicliffe their Fulham debuts and 18-year-old forward Muamer Tankovic made his first Premier League start.

However, there was no place for fellow recent signing Kostas Mitroglou, while Brede Hangeland and Scott Parker were only on the bench.

Fulham's intention was obvious from the initial stages, as they sat deep and invited their opponents to attack, but they took a shock lead on a rare foray forward through Sidwell.

Lewis Holtby, making just his second appearance since arriving on loan from Tottenham, lofted a perfect ball into the penalty area for Sidwell, who did not have to break stride before cushioning a volley into the bottom corner.

Van Persie shot over and Carrick volleyed wide as United pressed for an equaliser, but they were nearly two goals behind as a quick counter-attack, led by Tankovic, saw Richardson blaze over when one-on-one with goalkeeper De Gea.

Fulham's Stekelenburg then made a superb save at the other end, keeping out a fierce Carrick effort that made its way through a crowd of bodies, and Van Persie's follow-up was turned wide for a corner – from which Vidic headed straight at the Netherlands keeper.

Wayne Rooney drew an outstanding save from Stekelenburg nine minutes into the second half, with the Fulham man showing great reactions to turn the ball over from close range.

The home crowd grew more and more frustrated as their side's consistent decision to cross rarely troubled Dan Burn and fellow Fulham centre-back Heitinga.

Van Persie's great positioning finally drew United level though, and Old Trafford then erupted when Adnan Januzaj's cross was not cleared properly and Carrick struck, via a deflection.

However, Bent had the last laugh, reacting quickest after Richardson – who was played in by the excellent Sidwell – saw his shot parried to end a thrilling contest.