..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane and Messi my idols - Lucas Moura

Paris Saint-Germain star Lucas Moura has revealed how he tried to copy Zinedine Zidane as a child but has grown to admire Lionel Messi.

The 22-year-old has developed into one of Europe's most exciting young talents since joining PSG from Sao Paulo in 2013, with his pace and trickery key to the club's double success this term.

His growing influence at the Parc des Princes was highlighted as Laurent Blanc's men exited the Champions League at the quarter-final stage, with the forward missing both legs through injury.

The addition of goals to his game - he scored seven in all competitions last season - has made him a greater threat and in an exclusive interview with Goal he spoke about the biggest influences on his game.

He said: I've always been a fan of Zidane, he is my idol, I grew up watching what he did and tried to mirror him and become a great player. But I also admire Messi.
"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also an excellent player and one of the best in his position. He is a sensational person and friend - he plays hard and is very sincere."

Lucas Moura's first season at PSG was blighted by inconsistency as he adapted to a new club as well as life in Europe and he recalled those difficult early days in France."The most difficult in the beginning was the cold," he continued. "I arrived in France in the middle of winter and that year it snowed a lot.

"In Brazil, we're not used to it. When I arrived, it was minus seven degrees. So I played and trained in gloves and two pairs of pants - which is tough to move in!

"I'm very happy to be in Paris, though. I've been to a theatre called Moulin Rouge, which is very, very cool. Sometimes we stop at some beautiful places to take photos of the Eiffel Tower."I go out a lot to dinner with my family as well. The other day I visited a zoo here in France, which is 200km from Paris."

On the pitch, there have also been additional challenges: "Here in France, the game is also very fast, with good, smooth pitches which are always wet so the ball runs a lot.

"The tactical side of the game is also part of the difficulty here because the system is very different to Brazil. Every movement must be perfect, which we're not used to."For all of his efforts at club level, the winger was still overlooked for Dunga's Copa America squad this summer after missing the back end of the season through injury.

That disappointment came 12 months on from being left out of the Selecao's World Cup selection by Luiz Felipe Scolari, but he remains determined to make his mark for the Selecao.

"Of course I was very upset to miss out through injury, but my head isn't down. I was treated well and now I've returned to PSG. I know my chance will come again, you can't give up at the first hurdle, I'll keep fighting."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ribery injury nightmare continues

Franck Ribery's injury nightmare is set to continue after Bayern Munich confirmed his ankle has been "immobilised" in a bid to cure the problem.

The winger has been absent since March 11 but hoped to return to action by July 1 after receiving non-surgical therapy on the area, but that treatment has failed to work.

As a result the injured area is likely to be contained within a protective boot or plaster to avoid any further damage and accelerate the healing process.A statement released by Bayern said: "Conservative therapy has not delivered the desired result. Therefore an immobilisation of the right ankle was carried out."

The club's sporting director Matthias Sammer added: "We support Franck in this healing process and hope that he can return to the court soon."

On Wednesday, Ribery revealed his dismay at his injury problems over the past 12 months after he also missed last summer's World Cup with a back problem.

The Bavarians haven't put a specific timeframe on his length of recovery but the 32-year-old is now expected to be out for several more weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low calls for Germany reinvention

Germany coach Joachim Low says his side must reinvent themselves in order to continue to be successful.

Low's men have been far from convincing since lifting the World Cup last year and sit second in their Euro 2016 qualifying group, while they were beaten 2-1 by the United States in a friendly on Wednesday.Low said: "We have to reinvent ourselves in some areas.

"Opponents have adjusted to us. Over the years we have become a possession team with up to 60 - 70 per cent possession."Games against Australia and United States have shown there is a means to disrupt our game early, which makes it hard for us.

"We also need to improve on the counter-attack, but also in the final third, the last pass. We have rarely been rewarded, missed the goal."

Asked specifically about the clash with minnows Gibraltar, Low added: "We are expecting Gibraltar to play very defensively. Of course, we are expecting to get three points.

"They [Gibraltar] like to be defensively well organized. They hold back. Up front they will try to counter-attack."We want to score goals. We want to do it early."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Jackson Martinez has chosen AC Milan, says Porto president

Jackson Martinez has chosen to join AC Milan this summer, according to Porto president Pinto da Costa.

The 28-year-old Colombia international has been widely expected to move to San Siro over the last couple of weeks, with his agent admitting that a deal with the Rossoneri and Porto was "imminent".

Martinez, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Liverpool in recent months, has now seemingly committed his future to Milan and will complete a transfer this summer.

"I have just learned that Jackson Martinez has chosen AC Milan," Da Costa told Porto Canal. "This is what he wants, I just want him to be happy. AC Milan will pay the €35 million clause."

Martinez, who arrived from Chiaspas in 2012, scored 31 goals in all competitions for Porto in 2014-15, including eight in nine Champions League appearances.

He lifted the Primeira Liga title in 2013 and has finished as top league goalscorer in each of his three seasons in Portugal.

The powerful striker is currently on international duty in Chile ahead of Colombia's Copa America opener against Venezuela on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Khedira: Real Madrid exile the toughest part of my career

Sami Khedira has described his last few months at Real Madrid as the most difficult spell of his career.

The Germany midfielder will move to Serie A champions Juventus at the end of the month when his Madrid contract expires after falling out of favour at the Spanish club last season.

Juve have agreed a four-year-deal with former Stuttgart man Khedira, who was also the subject of interest from Schalke.

But Khedira decided against a return to the Bundesliga and told a media conference ahead of Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier with Gibraltar: "I am very happy this is now fixed and I can now prepare myself for my new club.

"The last few months were perhaps the most difficult of my career because I could not show that I can still do it in Madrid."

Asked about the interest from Schalke, Khedira added: "I had good talks with Schalke but with the changes, especially the dismissal of Roberto Di Matteo, it was no longer as I had imagined."I think Juve suits me."

Khedira made just 11 appearances in La Liga during Carlo Ancelotti's final campaign in charge of Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wales 1-0 Belgium: Bale winner puts Dragons three points clear

Gareth Bale marked his 50th international appearance by scoring a priceless winner as Wales took a giant stride towards qualifying for Euro 2016 by beating Belgium 1-0 at the Cardiff City Stadium.

Not since the 1958 World Cup have Wales featured in a major tournament, but they enhanced their chances of ending that long wait on Friday by securing a victory that moved them three points clear at the top of Group B with four games remaining.

Bale has had to contend with criticism for his form at Real Madrid this season, but the forward can do no wrong for his country and took his tally in qualification to five with the only goal of the game in the first half.

The former Tottenham man capitalised on a dreadful mistake from Radja Nainggolan to put Wales in front and Belgium were unable to respond despite putting the home side under intense pressure.

Chris Coleman described the game between the top two in the group as the biggest of his career and it proved to be an occasion to savour for the Wales manager.

Belgium, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat since losing to Argentina in a World Cup quarter-final almost a year ago and Marc Wilmots' side subsequently slip to second in the group.

James Chester and Jazz Richards replaced injured duo James Collins and Ben Davies in the Wales starting line-up.

Kevin De Bruyne came in for the injured Marouane Fellaini in the only change to the Belgium side that started Sunday's 4-3 friendly win over France.

Belgium started like a side full of confidence and Wayne Hennessey produced a fine save after 10 minutes, diving to his left to keep out Nainggolan's measured strike after the midfielder had exchanged passes with Dries Mertens.

Eden Hazard then blazed high over the crossbar when the ball fell kindly for him inside the area following another brisk Belgium attack.

Wales were struggling to pose any sort of attacking threat, but were gifted the lead after 25 minutes courtesy of a moment to forget for Nainggolan.

The Roma man failed to spot Bale when he attempted to head back to Thibaut Courtois and the Real Madrid forward showed great composure to control the ball on his chest before slotting under the Belgium goalkeeper.

Courtois then produced a great save to deny Aaron Ramsey and Hal Robson-Kanu fired narrowly wide when he had little time to react after Toby Alderweireld failed to clear as Wales grew in confidence.

Romelu Lukaku replaced Mertens at the break and Belgium made a blistering start to the second half, with Christian Benteke stabbing just over the crossbar after Wales failed to deal with a corner.

De Bruyne then showed lovely footwork to outwit two Wales defenders before unleashing a shot that flew narrowly wide of the right post.

Jan Vertonghen failed to make contact after arriving at the back post in the 79th minute when yet another Belgium corner caused all kinds of problems in the Wales penalty area, and the Tottenham defender's chance proved to be his side's last.

Bale was given a standing ovation when he came off with cramp three minutes from time and Wales then held on for a famous win to spark jubilant scenes.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Latvia 0-2 Netherlands: Wijnaldum and Narsingh secure vital three points

Netherlands secured a vital three points in their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign as they saw off stubborn Latvia 2-0 on Friday.

With Turkey beating Kazakhstan 1-0 earlier in the day, Netherlands went into Friday's game in Riga in fourth place in Group A, five points behind second-placed Iceland and six adrift of leaders Czech Republic.

And it looked as if it was going to be another disappointing game for Hiddink as his team struggled to take advantage of the numerous opportunities they created.

But the introduction of PSV attacking midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum turned the game in Netherlands' favour.

Wijnaldum broke the deadlock in the 67th minute with a scrappy finish before Luciano Narsingh put the game beyond doubt.

Winger Narsingh raced beyond the Latvia defence and made it 2-0 with a confident strike, securing a victory that moves them within three points of Czech Republic, who dropped to second with a 2-1 loss to Iceland.

Latvia made a bright start without creating any goalscoring opportunities and were almost punished in the 11th minute as Memphis Depay volleyed into the ground and over the crossbar after good work down the right from Narsingh, although the ball appeared to have crossed the line before the PSV man put in his low cross.

The hosts lived dangerously at the back and were fortunate not to fall behind when midfielder Wesley Sneijder curled an effort against the right-hand post from the edge of the area.

Robin van Persie then forced Andris Vanins to turn round the near post before the Latvia goalkeeper kept out a fierce close-range strike from Jetro Willems in what quickly developed into a frustrating half for a dominant Netherlands side.

Netherlands saw another chance go begging as Narsingh cut in from the right and bent an effort not far off target, with Latvia forward Valerijs Sabala spurning their first real chance by shooting wide from the edge of the area at the other end.

The visitors' profligacy continued after the half-time interval, Depay somehow heading wide from Sneijder's ball back across the face of goal and Wijnaldum's looping header clawed away by Vanins shortly after he replaced Van Persie.

But Wijnaldum was not to be denied and Netherlands got the goal they deserved as he latched on to Sneijder's deflected pass and managed to get off a tame effort that crept beyond Vanins' outstretched arm and into the bottom-right corner.

Narsingh doubled their advantage four minutes later by racing on to an excellent throughball from Daley Blind and coolly slotting the ball home to give Latvia a mountain to climb.

Netherlands were unlucky not to make it 3-0 as Depay was again thwarted by Vanins and Sneijder struck the underside of the crossbar with a delicate lob, yet Hiddink should be pleased with his side's professional performance in bouncing back from last week's 4-3 friendly defeat to United States.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Croatia 1-1 Italy: Candreva secures point after controversial Mandzukic goal

Italy bounced back from a contentious opening goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Croatia in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.

Playing in front of an empty stadium in Split as punishment for alleged racist chanting against Norway in March, Niko Kovac's side maintained their two-point advantage at the top of the pool, but that cushion would have been bigger had Gianluigi Buffon - who was taken off at half-time – not saved Mario Mandzukic's early spot-kick.

The Atletico Madrid forward was not to be denied soon after as he opened the scoring following a swift break from the hosts, but they were unable to find a winner.

Instead, Italy were given a way back into the game 10 minutes before the break as Mandzukic handled, Lazio's Antonio Candreva making no mistake from the spot.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, but found chances much harder to come by, with neither goalkeeper truly stretched.

The point leaves Croatia - who saw captain Darijo Srna sent off late on - in the driving seat in the group with four games remaining, while Italy are looking over their shoulders to Norway in third.

The Azzurri conceded just seconds after having a goal disallowed but the Lazio man's delightful penalty ensured a draw after the hosts missed one of their own
Italy bounced back from a contentious opening goal to secure a 1-1 draw with Croatia in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.

Playing in front of an empty stadium in Split as punishment for alleged racist chanting against Norway in March, Niko Kovac's side maintained their two-point advantage at the top of the pool, but that cushion would have been bigger had Gianluigi Buffon - who was taken off at half-time – not saved Mario Mandzukic's early spot-kick.

The Atletico Madrid forward was not to be denied soon after as he opened the scoring following a swift break from the hosts, but they were unable to find a winner.

Instead, Italy were given a way back into the game 10 minutes before the break as Mandzukic handled, Lazio's Antonio Candreva making no mistake from the spot.

Both sides pushed for a winner in the second half, but found chances much harder to come by, with neither goalkeeper truly stretched.

The point leaves Croatia - who saw captain Darijo Srna sent off late on - in the driving seat in the group with four games remaining, while Italy are looking over their shoulders to Norway in third.

Despite a lack of atmosphere inside the empty Stadion Poljud, the game got off to an exhilarating start, with the hosts handed the chance to open the scoring from the spot after six minutes as Davide Astori felled Srna.

The defender's blushes were spared, though, as Buffon – making a record 50th appearance in a European Championship game – made a comfortable save from Mandzukic's poor effort from 12 yards.

The action-packed start showed no signs of abating as Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had given Italy the lead four minutes later, only for his tap-in from Graziano Pelle's flick to be ruled out for offside.

While Italy protested the decision Croatia raced down the other end and Mandzukic made up for his earlier miss with a close-range finish from Ivan Rakitic's low delivery.

El Shaarawy – making his first start for Italy since June 2013 –had another two chances to bring his side level before the half hour as the visitors came into the game, but it was Candreva who grabbed the equaliser.

A Mandzukic handball inside his own area after 35 minutes gifted the Lazio winger the opportunity to level from the spot, which he duly accepted with a sublime chip to restore parity.

Croatia failed to test Salvatore Sirigu after the break following his introduction for Buffon, the game trapped in the middle of the pitch as both defences tightened things up.

The clearest opening fell to Marco Parolo with 20 minutes to play after a superb run from El Shaarawy, but the Lazio man wasted the chance with a weak effort that Danijel Subasic easily gathered.

Croatia were reduced to 10 men in the closing minutes as Srna was shown a second yellow card, leaving both sides settling for a point to maintain their unbeaten record.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Depay dazzles despite drawing a blank for Netherlands

Memphis Depay celebrated his official Manchester United unveiling on Friday with a very lively display for the Netherlands against Latvia.

The Dutch won 2-0 in Riga to boost their Euro 2016 qualifying hopes, although they are still five points behind Group A leaders Iceland following a poor start to the campaign.

Although Depay did not score - despire firing off an incredible 11 shots (one shot every 7.2 touches) - he lit up Oranje's attacking play and received a warm reception from the travelling fans when he was withdrawn late on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mandzukic goal should not have stood, says Conte

Italy head coach Antonio Conte believes Croatia's goal should not have been allowed to stand in their 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw on Friday.

The visitors survived an early scare in Split when Gianluigi Buffon saved Mario Mandzukic's penalty and they thought they had taken the lead through Stephan El Shaarawy some minutes later.

However, after the linesman's flag for offside had ruled out the goal, Croatia took advantage of Italian protests to spring a counterattack and open the scoring through Mandzukic.

Although the Azzurri went on to equalise in the first half through Antonio Candreva's spot-kick, Conte believes referee Martin Atkinson should have stopped play following El Shaarawy's disallowed effort.

"I think we put in a good performance with character and courage. I'm happy, but we know there is work to do," he told Rai Sport."The young players are growing and gaining experience, which is very important.

"We were a bit naive but we were convinced it was a goal and the players were celebrating. It was a double blow because the goal was not offside."In my view, at the very least the referee should have found some reason to stop the counterattack."

Italy fashioned a number of chances - especially in the first half - using a 4-3-3 system, and Conte feels that better tactical flexibility will serve his side well going forward."The 4-3-3 is a system that allows me to make the most of all the wide players that Serie A provides," said the former Juventus boss.

"We had worked on it in training and it's important to be aware of other systems. When the Juventus players are all here, the 3-5-2 is automatic for them.

"I think, aside from the result, it was a good performance and a huge step forward from the 1-1 draw against Croatia at San Siro in November."In fact, I think we deserved something more."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale lost for words after match-winning Wales performance

Gareth Bale has hailed the Wales fans as "the best in the world" after his goal sealed a 1-0 victory over Belgium on Friday.

The win put Wales three points clear at the top Group B and has edged Chris Coleman's side closer to a place in Euro 2016 next summer.

"I can't really put it into words to be honest. The crowd here, what can you say, we literally have the best fans in the world," Bale told Sky Sports.

"We prepared well, we worked hard together we played good football, we were under the cosh at times. we battled in every area and I felt we deserved the win in the end.

"We know what position we're in but we're going to enjoy this evening. We know there's still a long way to go, we can enjoy now but when the next camp comes around we will be straight back on the floor, straight working hard on the training field and ready to do the business.

"[After] 65-70 minutes I was gone! The gaffer said everyone put 100 per cent in, leave nothing out there, obviously the season is over now, so put it all on the field and enjoy your summer."

Aaron Ramsey was also buoyed by the atmosphere at the Cardiff City Stadium and claims that it was one of the best crowds he has played in front of for Wales.

"It was a great effort from the lads, everybody worked their socks off, few people struggling with cramp at the end but that shows the effort the amount of effort we put in," said the Arsenal midfielder.

"We prepared amazing all week, even the players who weren't involved tonight and didn't get the chance to get on, they've been superb as well. The fans come in their numbers and we put on a bit of a show for them tonight.

"Great atmosphere - probably one of the best atmospheres I've played in in a Welsh jersey."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands are back on track, insists Hiddink

Netherlands head coach Guus Hiddink is confident his side are back on track following their 2-0 win over Latvia on Friday.

The Oranje were frustrated for over an hour at Skonto Stadium before Giorginio Wijnaldum finally broke the deadlock and Luciano Narsingh added a second.

The win moves Netherlands back to within three points of Czech Republic, who surrendered top spot in Group A with a 2-1 loss to Iceland, and Hiddink was keen to praise his players for their efforts at the end of a gruelling season.

He told NOS: "I compliment the boys. For this match, but also for the last few weeks. During training sessions they all did very well. That's not easy after a long season.

"After the unexpected succes at the World Cup last year, some changes had to be made and other players joined. Often you see a setback, it's the same with other countries. Now we are heading in the right direction."

Galatasaray playmaker Wesley Sneijder felt the win was essential given the way Latvia were so eager to 'park the bus' and try to hold out.

"It was a difficult match, but you must win these games and that's what we did," he said. "It was hard to find team-mates up front."That had to do with Latvia because they defended very well and were parking the bus. With Wijnaldum on, we got more space."

Striker Robin van Persie, meanwhile, felt his side should have won by a greater margin."The match went as we expected - Latvia with a lot of players behind the ball," said the Manchester United man.

"We had to hope for a goal. After we scored, the match was over. In the first half we got good chances. I think we had to score two or three in the first half. They had just one chance. With a bit more luck we would have been leading 2-0 at half-time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lampard 'honoured' to receive OBE

Frank Lampard has expressed his pride after it was announced that he would receive an OBE for services to sport.

The former England midfielder – who appeared at three World Cups and won 106 caps – was honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, having won 14 trophies in an illustrious career.

Lampard, who is set to join New York City FC, spent the last season at Manchester City but racked up over 400 appearances for Chelsea and captained the side to Champions League glory in 2012, having also won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Europa League at Stamford Bridge.

"I am delighted to receive this huge honour. I feel very fortunate to have had such a long and fulfilling career in football," Lampard, who began his career at West Ham, told reporters.

"This is an extremely proud moment for myself and my family."

Elsewhere, Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has been awarded an OBE for services to Welsh sport, while ex-England women's captain Casey Stoney and former Sunderland goalkeeper Jim Montgomery have also been honoured with an MBE and British Empire Medal, respectively.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cahill expecting tough title defence for Chelsea

Gary Cahill admits that Chelsea face a tough task to retain the Premier League title in 2015-16 because every side will want to claim their scalp.

The Blues won the league at a canter last season, eventually finishing eight points ahead of nearest challengers Manchester City.

Cahill, though, believes that there will be a target on his side's backs in the upcoming campaign and expects every potential challenger to strengthen their squad this summer.

"We have spoken among ourselves and we know it will be even harder to retain it," Cahill told The Guardian. "The top teams in our league all pose threats and they are going to provide bigger challenges next year.

"After Manchester City won the league, the following season, whenever anyone played City, they knew that they were up against the reigning champions so there was that added pressure on them and an added incentive for everyone playing them.

"That's natural, that added incentive to beat the reigning champions, because they'd been the best the season before – and we will feel that next year. It'll be even harder to retain it. I've never experienced this before because that was my first league title but the senior boys in the squad and the management know what it takes and it's going to be harder, not least because there'll be movement in the summer to strengthen teams."

Jose Mourinho has already hinted that he could sign Radamel Falcao from Monaco this summer but there is an intention to promote from within, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek particularly highly rated.

The Portuguese, however, recently singled out the young midfielder for criticism though Cahill has hailed the 19-year-old's ability.

"That did surprise me a little bit but you know the manager," he added. "He voices his opinion when he needs to. Everyone knows Ruben is such a talented player.

"We had a glimpse of that at the end of the season and he has trained with us for a long time now: for me, he has everything but, to reach the top of your profession or at any top club, you will get criticism, whether it's from fans or the manager."

 

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Wilshere: I'll stay if Arsenal want me

Midfielder Jack Wilshere is adamant that his priority is "to be wanted by Arsenal" rather than any rival clubs.

The England international had another season disrupted by injury in 2014-15 but has been linked with a summer move to potentially revitalise his prospects.

Wilshere, though, is keen to stay with the Gunners after their back-to-back FA Cup triumphs and remains confident that he can put his injuries behind him.

He told the press: "I definitely wouldn't go somewhere just because I'm a homegrown player. I'd want to be wanted by a club. I want to be wanted by Arsenal. I've grown up at Arsenal, I'm a homegrown player and, as long as Arsenal want me, then I'm happy.

"There have probably been more lows then highs, although winning the FA Cup makes you realise, after all that hard work in the gym, that it was all worth it.

"It has been a frustrating season for me, getting injured in November and not coming back until April. It is frustrating when you see all the players going out to training and playing in the games but I am back now and hopefully I can have a fully fit season next year.

"I'd come back from the World Cup and my ankle was fine, felt good, and then all of a sudden I got tackled [by Manchester United's Paddy McNair]," Wilshere explained of his particular troubles last season. "It wasn't a great tackle but it wasn't done on purpose. It was just one of those things.

"It was a pretty straightforward injury, quite common in football: just syndesmosis, with the ligaments. I just had to respect the time limit the specialist gave me and, since I've been back, I've had no problems with it; no pain. I got a cyst around it so they took the wire out but that took four weeks and I was fine. My first ankle injury had been different, as a stress fracture, and the screws they put in had irritated me."

The midfielder, however, has no intention of adapting his playing style to avoid putting pressure on his legs.

"When I was injured, a few people said I should change my game, I should get it and pass it," he continued. "It did go through my head. I thought 'maybe they are right and I should' ... but as soon as I came back and I got on the ball, I just wanted to run with it.

"Look at the best dribblers in the world - Lionel Messi and Andres Iniesta - and the ball seems to stick to their foot so I can work on that when I am dribbling but I'm never going to change my game."

 

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Mexico 0-0 Bolivia: Herrera's men frustrated at Sausalito

Mexico have recorded a 0-0 draw against Bolivia in their Copa America Group A opener at the Estadio Sausalito on Friday evening.

Despite heading to Chile with an understrength squad, Miguel Herrera's side were the better team and Raul Jimenez, who came off the bench, had their best chance, only to miss his header during the second half.

Marcelo Martins Moreno struck the post in the first half for Bolivia, who earned a point to be alongside Mexico, but behind hosts Chile (three points).

Mexico attacker Jesus Corona was particularly lively early on, as Herrera's men made a bright start.

A decent chance fell for Juan Carlos Medina in the 12th minute as he sliced an effort wide from 20 yards.

Mexico started well, yet Bolivia went closest to opening the scoring in the first half.

A cross from Ricardo Pedriel was met at the near post by Moreno, but he was denied by the woodwork in the 15th minute.

Just before the break and it was again Bolivia who threatened as Jhasmani Campos' swerving 25-yard strike was punched away by goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona.

Substitute Jimenez missed Mexico's best chance in the 66th minute, moments after coming on.

The excellent Jesus Corona tricked his way past his marker down the left before crossing to Jimenez, but the Atletico Madrid forward put his free header wide.

Mexico thought they had a penalty in the 79th minute. Javier Aquino was through down the right side of the area before falling despite there appearing to be no contact from Leonel Morales.

Vicente Matias Vuoso then had a close-range shot blocked as Mexico were forced to settle for a point.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mexico performance dan godak aduwela​

 

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Mexico performance dan godak aduwela​

Mexico full team eka neme machan yawala thinne.Europe based players la kawuruth nae(Carlos Vela,Chicharito,Guillermo Ochoa,Giovani Dos Santos...).
full team eka ewwath copa america win karanna amaru nisa wenna athi.gold cup ekata full team eka dala thibba

Mexico's 23-man Gold Cup squad
http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2015/06/12/12670302/mexico-announces-23-man-gold-cup-squad

 

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Wales 1-0 Belgium: Bale winner puts Dragons three points clear

wales patta ne

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi in unbeatable shape - Martino

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi is in "unbeatable shape" as he prepares his side for their Copa America opener against Paraguay on Saturday.
Messi is fresh from inspiring Barcelona to the treble, as they lifted La Liga, the Copa del Rey and Champions League titles to confirm their status as Europe's dominant force.

The 27-year-old now switches his attention to his national side, with Argentina kicking off their Copa campaign in La Serena on Saturday, and Messi has said he believes the group is better prepared than they were before the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"I think it depends on the season the players have had," Martino told a news conference on Friday.

"You would have to make an analysis of the previous season. Messi speaks a lot about what happened to him and when we were together at Barcelona, things didn't end well [because we didn't win a title]."This year, by contrast, he has won everything."

Martino's sole season at Camp Nou saw Barcelona claim the Spanish Supercopa but miss out on the major prizes at the end of the campaign, while Messi struggled with fitness problems in 2013-14.

However, 2014-15 has seen the forward hit new heights with some stunning performances in Barca's run to the treble."He comes here fresh from securing those three titles," Martino said.

"He was in superlative form throughout the season. He is in unbeatable shape.
"Last year he arrived at the World Cup without winning any titles and this year he heads into the Copa America having won three and he has been key in those, playing above his usual level."

Asked about Argentina's change in style since he took over from Alejandro Sabella after the World Cup, Martino added: "The footballers play a big part in that and it is their ability to execute those ideas that have helped us. I believe we have consolidated and reinforced those beliefs. And on top of that, we have the best player in the world."

In attack, Sergio Aguero looks set to hold off strong competition from both Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain for the number nine role, but Martino refused to reveal his preferences."The chosen one must be a mix of Aguero, Higuain and Tevez," he joked.

"The one who plays is worth about €50million, just like the other two. But all of the players in the squad are ready to play."

Martino coached Paraguay for five years and led them to the Copa final in 2011, which they lost 3-0 to Uruguay."I always said: in my career as a footballer, I owe everything to Newell's," he explained.

"But as a coach, I owe everything to Paraguay."On his side's prospects in the Copa America, the 52-year-old said: "I judge the team on their performances, but I know that we cannot survive without results.

"I could tell you that this team are in conditions to become champions, but the players already know that. If we can achieve the level of play that we are looking for, we will be closer."