..::Football III::..

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New Betis signing Van der Vaart: I want to win La Liga

Rafael van der Vaart claims he wants to win La Liga after signing for Real Betis.
The 32-year-old has completed a return to Spain's top flight following two deeply disappointing seasons in the Bundesliga with Hamburg and was unveiled to supporters and the media on Tuesday.The hugely-experienced Netherlands international made it clear he still has lofty ambitions after agreeing a deal with the newly-promoted side.

"I spoke with the coach and we want to win the league," he said wryly to reporters.

"The most important thing is that the fans are happy because we're playing good football. When the club dropped to the Segunda [Division], I saw they still had 40,000 fans on YouTube, and that says a lot about the club.

"Betis are a great club and I'm happy to return to the best league in the world."
Van der Vaart, whose mother is from Cadiz, spent two years with Real Madrid before joining Tottenham for a successful two-season spell in the Premier League.
And the Ajax youth academy graduate is now eager to secure a return to the national set-up by impressing for Betis.

"I have huge ambition. In football, one day you're king, another you're bad. I want to return to the Holland side," he said."I'm a different footballer to the one who played at Real Madrid. I've got more experience, but I suppose that I'm basically the same type of player."

In an annual survey by German publication Kicker, Van der Vaart emerged top of a poll asking for Bundesliga players to nominate the most disappointing players of the season.

"I had two bad years with Hamburg but I think I'm still a good player. The Kicker piece doesn't bother me," he said simply.

 

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New Betis signing Van der Vaart: I want to win La Liga

With Real Betis?​

 

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Inzaghi 'bitter' at AC Milan departure


Filippo Inzaghi has admitted his "bitterness and disappointment" at being sacked by AC Milan on Tuesday.

Inzaghi's departure had been expected since the end of the Serie A season, with former Sampdoria boss Sinisa Mihajlovic installed as his successor within a couple of hours.

Former Milan and Italy striker Inzaghi was promoted from youth-team coach to first-team boss last summer but his one season in charge ended with the Rossoneri managing a 10th-place finish.

He thanked the fans for their support but failed to hide his anger at being shown the door.Inzaghi wrote on Facebook: "This completes an unforgettable experience that has enriched me from both a professional and personal point of view.

"I thank Milan for giving me this great opportunity. I gave everything, together with my staff, working every day with passion, desire and extreme dedication. But unfortunately it was not enough and things did not go as we had all hoped.
"The bitterness and disappointment remains at not having the opportunity to continue but this is football.

"A hug and best of luck from my heart to all the players who have followed me in these months. Despite the problems they have always shown respect and professionalism."

He added: "I also thank all the Rossoneri fans who, until the last moment, through the suffering were close to me. A special mention to the Curva Sud… thank you for your moving statement."Milan will always be in my heart … I will support and scream for them always. I hug you all and see you soon."

Mihajlovic led Sampdoria to seventh in Serie A last season but stepped down at the end of the campaign, revealing in an open letter to the club's fans that he was seeking "another challenge".

The 46-year-old had initially been expected to succeed Rafael Benitez as Napoli boss but the former Inter defender has now returned to San Siro to take charge of the Nerazzurri's city rivals.

"Sinisa Mihajlovic, who has signed a two-year contract, will be the new coach of AC Milan for next season," read a statement on the Rossoneri's official website.
"The club wish him good luck in his work and the best results."

Milan had originally sought to re-hire Carlo Ancelotti, after he was sacked by Real Madrid last month, but the 55-year-old ultimately decided to follow through with his plan to take a break from the game in order to recover from scheduled back surgery.

Mihajlovic spent two years with Inter before retiring in 2006 and taking on the role of assistant coach Roberto Mancini, who is now back in charge of the Nerazzurri.
The set-piece specialist then took the top job at Bologna before enjoying spells with Catania, Fiorentina, Serbia and Samp.

 

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We won't sell Bartra but Montoya could leave - Barcelona transfer chief Braida

Barcelona will not sell Marca Bartra but may allow Martin Montoya to leave, according to sporting director Ariedo Braida.

The Spain international centre-back has been linked with a possible exit from Camp Nou this summer in order to secure more regular first-team football, with Premier League side Tottenham among the clubs linked with an interest.

Braida, however, says the 24-year-old remains a firm part of Luis Enrique's plans.
"We have no intention of transferring him. I consider him to be a player who is unavailable," Braida told fcinternews.it.

However, full-back Martin Montoya could still be in line for a summer exit, with Braida confirming a decision will be taken with the player and his agent in the coming days."In the next few days we will speak with Montoya's agent and we will take a decision. The possibilities of him going are concrete," he said.

Both Juventus and Liverpool have been linked with the full-back, whose future has become placed in further doubt following Dani Alves' decision to extend his stay at Camp Nou.

 

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Liverpool eye Joe Gomez & Ben Gibson as Coates nears exit

Liverpool are eyeing England youngsters Joe Gomez and Ben Gibson as Sebastian Coates edges closer to a move to Sunderland.

Coates spent last season on loan at Sunderland having failed to establish himself as a first team regular at Anfield since moving to Merseyside in 2011.

And Goal understands Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat has given the move to sign the Uruguayan on a permanent deal the green light.

Liverpool are understood to want €7.8 million for the 23-year-old, with Sunderland hopeful of completing a deal closer to €6m, but the transfer is expected to be concluded this week.

With Coates set to leave the club, Liverpool have made an enquiry for Charlton defender Gomez.

Liverpool are believed to be in pole position to sign the 18-year-old, who is being monitored by as many as six Premier League clubs having made his breakthrough at Charlton last season.

Middlesbrough defender Gibson, who is part of the England Under-21 squad for the European Championships, has also attracted interest from Liverpool.

Manchester City and Everton are also understood to be keen on the defender, with Middlesbrough hoping to fend off potential buyers by placing a €15.6m valuation on the 22-year-old.

 

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OFFICIAL: Stoke sign Joselu from Hannover

Stoke City have confirmed they have signed Hannover 96 striker Joselu for a fee of €8 million.

The 25-year-old, who joined Real Madrid as a teenager before leaving for the Bundesliga, becomes the third Spaniard at the Britannia Stadium alongside Bojan Krkic and Marc Muniesa.

Joselu scored eight goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances last season, whilst also providing four assists, and it has been reported that the deal could cost close to €10 million in total, when both wages and transfer fee are factored in.

Joselu becomes Stoke's second signing of the summer, after goalkeeper Jakob Haugaard joined the club in May.

However, despite their flurry of activity in the transfer market, Stoke face a battle to keep hold of one of their prized assets, with Chelsea eyeing a move for Asmir Begovic as they look to replace Petr Cech, who is set to move to Arsenal.

 

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Chelsea on brink of Falcao deal

Chelsea are closing in on an agreement to sign Monaco striker Radamel Falcao on a one-year loan deal.

Goal revealed earlier this month that Jose Mourinho was driving Chelsea's interest in Falcao as he believes he can revive the Colombian after a serious knee injury and disappointing stint at Manchester United last season.

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue in the completion of the deal for the 29-year-old, who scored just four goals in 29 appearances in all competitions at Old Trafford and has endured a disappointing start to this summer's Copa America.

"It really hurts me that people in England believe that Falcao is the guy they saw at Manchester United," Mourinho told DirecTv Sports last week.

"He's a player I know, one that I've followed since Atletico Madrid and if I can help Falcao arrive at his level I will do it."

Chelsea made the signing of a third striker to compete with Diego Costa and Loic Remy a priority this summer after club legend Didier Drogba departed Stamford Bridge for the second time in search of more regular first-team football.

 

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OFFICIAL: Southampton sign Juanmi

Southampton have confirmed they have signed Malaga forward Juanmi on a four-year deal.

The 22-year-old, who has been at Malaga since 2008, enjoyed a stellar season in 2014-15, scoring eight goals in 34 La Liga appearances as the club finished ninth.

It has been reported that the Saints agreed to meet Juanmi's buy-out clause in order to acquire his signature, which is believed to have stood at €7 million.

 

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Laporta to stand for Barcelona president

Joan Laporta has announced he will stand in the upcoming Barcelona presidential election.

The Catalan politician has already had one period as the Camp Nou side's chief, having spent seven years there from 2003 to 2010. During that time, Barca won four league titles and two Champions Leagues.

The club's board has been dissolved as they prepare to enter the election campaign and the 52-year-old has announced that he is in the running to replace Josep Maria Bartomeu, who is standing for re-election.

"As you know, I will be a candidate ahead of Barcelona presidency elections," Laporta said in a video announcing his candidacy. "I am doing it to make Barcelona a club for everyone. I have to say that I feel more prepared than ever to be the president of this club.

"I have more experience, I have my faults too as you know, but I have the same principles. For me this club is more than a club. It’s a model based on Johan Cruyff, La Masia, Catalunya and Unicef.

"I will defend this model with all my strength. For many years I have received the support of many Barcelona fans, I thank you with all my heart. It’s one of the reasons I want to be president again."I will need your support more than ever.”

Despite being involved in a criminal investigation over fraud in relation to the signing of Neymar, Bartomeu may prove tough to dislodge after the club won the treble and he tied up futures of coach Luis Enrique and Dani Alves.

Laporta is the sixth man to enter the race, with Bartomeu, Toni Freixa, Agusti Benedito, Jordi Majo and Jordi Farre also looking to gain control of the club.

The election will be held on July 18 at Camp Nou.

 

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Benitez is the best coach I have ever had - Reina

Pepe Reina has lauded Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez as the best coach he has ever had in his career.

The goalkeeper, who now works under the tutelage of Pep Guardiola at Bayern Munich, has also played for Luis Aragones and Vicente del Bosque in the Spain national team but won the Uefa Super Cup and FA Cup with Liverpool under Benitez.The 32-year-old later followed the Spanish coach to Napoli, where they won the Coppa Italia together too.

And Reina is full of praise for the new Madrid boss, saying he had one of the best seasons of his career when paired with him.

"He is the best coach I have ever had," Reina told Marca. "At Liverpool, I had one of my best seasons as a player. I competed at the highest level and with a team that could challenge for everything.

"It was a shame that we did not go on to win the Premier League."The shot stopper also talked about his own situation at Bayern after having made only three Bundesliga appearances last season due to the form of Manuel Neuer.

"It has been a harder year than I expected," he said. "You can accept being the understudy in the national team, but it's more difficult to accept it at a big club.
"I hoped to play more, but I haven't felt deceived because I knew what I was letting myself in for.

"I have a contract with Bayern and the plan is to play more football next season."

 

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Italy 0-1 Portugal: Eder fires Ronaldo-less Seleccao to victory

Eder's long wait for an international goal came to an end as Portugal won Tuesday's friendly in Stade de Geneve 1-0 to consign Antonio Conte to his first defeat at Italy coach.

Portugal had to contend without talismanic captain Cristiano Ronaldo - who is reported to have been allowed to go on holiday rather than play in Switzerland - against Conte's side, but Eder's first goal for his country ensured they came out on top.

The Braga striker had failed to find the back of the net in 17 appearances for Portugal since making his debut back in 2012, but he converted an exquisite cross from Ricardo Quaresma.

It is Italy's first loss since losing to Uruguay in the World Cup almost a year ago and it comes just four days after a 1-1 Euro 2016 qualifying draw with Croatia that left them second in Group H.

Portugal, who beat Armenia 3-2 on Saturday and are top of Group I, have now won six of their last seven matches.

Salvatore Sirigu started in the Azzurri goal in the absence of Gianluigi Buffon, while Ciro Immobile also came into the side as Conte made six changes to the side which drew with Croatia.There were also six alterations to the Portugal line-up, with Danilo Pereira making his first senior start for his country.

Andrea Bertolacci was making only his third Italy start and almost had his maiden international goal when the ball fell kindly for him on the edge of the penalty area 17 minutes in, but the Genoa midfielder fired wide.

Eliseu replaced the injured Fabio Coentrao before Italy came close again, as Stephan El Shaarawy cut in from the left and flashed a shot just wide of the far post.Andrea Ranocchia spared Sirigu's blushes when the Italy goalkeeper looked to have gifted Portugal the lead on the half-hour mark.

Sirigu failed to deal with a backpass and Eder took advantage by intercepting before cutting the ball back for Silvestre Varela, whose placed effort was destined for the back of the net until Ranocchia intervened.

The first half was not particularly inspiring, but there was no shortage of action at the start of the second period as Bonucci met Andrea Pirlo's free-kick with an effort that came back off the post and Matteo Darmian's strike following up was deflected over the crossbar.

Portugal then moved in front seven minutes after the break, when Quaresma's sublime cross from the left with the outside of his right foot was turned in by Eder from close range.

Darmian came close again after showing lovely footwork to beat a Portugal defender before shooting wide of the far post following great work from Pirlo.
Beto made fine saves to deny Manolo Gabbiadini and Franco Vazquez as Italy failed to conjure up an equaliser and Fernando Santos' men ended the season on a high note.

 

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Falcao and Cuadrado will succeed at Chelsea - Pekerman

Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado will help each other flourish at Chelsea next season, according to Colombia coach Jose Pekerman.

The Premier League champions are closing in on an agreement with Monaco to take Falcao to Stamford Bridge on loan next season at the insistence of boss Jose Mourinho.

When he moves to west London, the 29-year-old will join fellow Colombian Cuadrado, who joined Chelsea in a €33 million deal in January but has so far failed to impress, contributing no goals and no assists in 13 appearances.

Falcao endured a similarly difficult spell on loan at Manchester United last term, scoring just four times in 29 games in all competitions, but Pekerman insists he has no worries about how either man will fare at Stamford Bridge.

"I've no doubts that Falcao and Cuadrado are going to help each other at Chelsea. They are going to be a success," he told reporters at a press conference ahead of Colombia's Copa America clash with Brazil on Thursday.

Cuadrado, also at the press conference, admitted he is looking forward to linking up with Falcao in a Chelsea shirt next season, though for now his focus is fully on Colombia's bid for glory in Chile.

"I'm very happy that he'll be with us at Chelsea, but first we've got to concentrate on the Copa," he insisted.

 

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Portugal defeat will help Italy grow - Conte

Antonio Conte says he is not disappointed in Italy despite their 1-0 defeat to Portugal on Tuesday, insisting they can use it to grow as a team.

The Azzurri suffered their first defeat under Conte, as Eder knocked home the winner for Fernando Santos' men early in the second half.The former Juventus boss, though, feels his side should treat it as a "healthy" defeat and use it to develop.

"These games are important because they help you to grow and understand a lot of things," Conte told Rai. "I'm not disappointed.

"I have no regrets at all. I can't really say if it's a step backwards or forwards. These games serve as a way to gain experience against big teams. Sometimes the defeats are healthy."

Italy needed a win in order to overtake Croatia in the Fifa rankings, meaning they will not be amongst the top seeds when it comes to drawing the 2018 World Cup qualifying groups.

"I don’t know why Italy are behind some nations. I don't know how it works," Conte said, insisting the failure was down to the results under previous coach Cesare Prandelli."It was the previous management that led to this. We have worked hard for a year and there is still a lot more for us to do."

Italy next return to action with a home Euro 2016 qualification tie against Malta on September 3.

 

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Any team would be dependent on Ronaldo, insists Portugal boss Santos

Portugal head coach Fernando Santos believes there is nothing wrong with his side being dependent on their star captain Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Seleccao defeated Italy 1-0 in Switzerland on Tuesday without the rested Real Madrid star, providing their critics with a perfect response after claims they were too reliant on their record goalscorer following his hat-trick in the unconvincing 3-2 win over Armenia at the weekend.

But Santos insists any team in the world would need Ronaldo if they were fortunate enough to have him in their ranks and paid tribute to the rest of his squad after recording their first victory over the Azzurri in almost 40 years.

"Any team that has Ronaldo has to be dependent on Ronaldo," he told reporters.
"But this Portugal squad has a great team spirit and we deserved to win. It was a balanced game and we had some good moments. The players knew what they were doing on the field and had belief that we could win.

"It was an intense game, almost like an early season match with two teams that tried everything. We did very well and it was a great victory."

Santos insisted he was always confident in forward Eder after the Braga player scored his first international goal in what was his 18th cap, three years after making his debut.

The former Greece boss added: "The players have my confidence. It is not a goal that means I will now have more confidence in Eder – if I call him up and he is in the team it's because I already believe in him."Goalkeeper Beto was delighted to see his side end their winless run against the Italians and hoped the result would provide a springboard towards Euro 2016 qualification.

"We managed to beat an opponent who we had not overcome since a long time ago," he said."We will continue to work in the next few games and everyone who is called up will give their best to ensure we qualify for Euro 2016 as soon as possible."

The victory continues a good run of results for Portugal, who have now won six of their last seven matches, with their defeat to Cape Verde Islands in March the only recent setback.

 

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Dunga demands better display from Brazil against Colombia

Brazil head coach Dunga says his side must be at their best when they take on Colombia in their next Copa America clash.

The Selecao were forced to come from behind against Peru in their first game of the tournament, with Neymar scoring the equaliser and then setting up an injury-time winner for Douglas Costa.

And Dunga feels his side must make sure their passing improves as they take on a Colombia side desperate to recover from a shock opening day defeat to Venezuela.

"We have to play better in a technical aspect," he told reporters. "We missed a lot of passes against Peru, which is normal for the first game as you are eager to get the win."Let's hone this, and let's hope it's a calmer match, with fewer fouls."

Despite Colombia's surprise loss, Dunga does not expect coach Jose Pekerman to make many changes to a starting XI which contained talents such as James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado.

"I don't think they will make that many changes to their team over one match," he added. "There's pressure, yes, because if they don't win then everybody around football will think that everything's wrong with them.

"At this Copa America, matches will keep getting tougher. Colombia will come out more determined and focused after their debut result. It will be a complicated match, like every other in this competition."

The match will likely see Neymar line up against Juan Camilo Zuniga, the player who injured him in the quarter-final of the World Cup last year, ruling him out of the remainder of the competition, with his side then losing 7-1 to Germany in the next game.

However, Dunga does not believe the reunion of the two players will cause any problems and is sure that the Napoli player did not mean to hurt the Barcelona star."There are no concerns over Neymar," he said. "He has already played against Colombia in the United States since that incident.

"The way I see it, it was a harsh but normal duel. Zuniga lost his coordination. He couldn't stop, so he ended up fouling him. I always think no player goes into a tackle with a malicious thought; to try to take an opponent out of the match."

 

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Argentina 1-0 Uruguay: Aguero downs titleholders

Argentina have recorded a 1-0 win over Uruguay in Tuesday's Copa America Group B encounter in La Serena courtesy of a Sergio Aguero header.

After his team surrendered a two-goal lead against Paraguay on Saturday, Martino would have been pleased with how Argentina ground out a result at the Estadio La Portada de La Serena, although the 52-year-old coach had to watch almost an hour from the stands. Martino was sent off in the 33rd minute, seemingly arguing a yellow card against Uruguay's Nicolas Lodeiro was too lenient.

Although Argentina produced more chances, Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez should take some positives from his team's performance, as they had a handful of genuine opportunities to score.

Bordeaux striker Diego Rolan was the most profligate of the Uruguayans, missing three top chances, including his blaze over the bar from inside the box with 15 minutes remaining.

After a tight opening to the game, Argentina generally had the better of the first half. Angel di Maria produced the first genuine chance but shot straight at Uruguay goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

Aguero forced Muslera into a stop down low with a header in the 26th minute, while Uruguay tested their opponents aerially as well.

Rolan had two good chances to score, failing to get his head on a cross in the first instance, before glancing an effort wide at the half-hour mark, while Diego Godin also had an opportunity from a corner.But neither side could breach the opposing defence until Aguero's effort after the break.

Javier Pastore found a pocket of space on the right in the 56th minute, releasing Pablo Zabaleta on an overlapping run and the Manchester City full-back whipped his cross to the near post, where a diving Aguero provided the final touch past Muslera.

The rest of the second half descended into a collection of fouls, scuffles and yellow cards as Uruguay became increasingly frustrated, with Rolan's miss after Sergio Romero parried a drive into the forward's path not helping their mental state.

Rolan almost redeemed himself with two minutes left but his header from a corner was cleared off the line, while Romero was forced into a top save to deny Abel Hernandez soon after.

 

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Copa America 2015.06.17 Fixture

Copa America 2015.06.17 Fixture

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Brazil Vs Colombia

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