..::Football III::..

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Leicester City sack Pearson

Leicester City have sacked first team manager Nigel Pearson.

The club announced on Tuesday that the 51-year-old has been relieved of his duties, despite guiding the club to Premier League survival in 2014-15.

The Foxes finished 14th, but Pearson has now been axed, with a statement revealing that the club "believes that the working relationship between Pearson and the board is no longer viable".

"The board of directors recognises the success Nigel has helped to bring to Leicester City during his two spells in charge of the club, particularly during the last three and a half years," the statement added.

"However, it has become clear to the club that fundamental differences in perspective exist between us."

Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh will take charge of the first-team while the club searches for a new manager.

 

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Argentina 6 : 1 Paraguay (FT)

Chile v Argentina final 1k

 

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Cruyff: Would Pogba improve Barcelona?

Johan Cruyff has questioned Barcelona's reported interest in Paul Pogba.
The Juventus midfielder, 22, is a summer target for a host of European clubs, with Barca believed to be among his suitors.

Barca presidential candidate Joan Laporta has spoken of his desire to sign the midfielder if he is elected, but club legend Cruyff isn't convinced he is the right man to improve the current side."Pogba is a great player, but we have to look at whether he makes the team better," he told Marca.

However, the Netherlands legend offered his backing to Laporta's bid to become Barcelona president for a second time.He added: "I think Laporta is what Barcelona need at the moment. If Laporta doesn't win, Barca lose."

Laporta responded to Cruyff's comments by adding: "I'm privileged to be able to rely on his advice and I will talk to him about sporting and non-sporting matters."

 

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No talks with Arsenal, says Vidal agent

Arturo Vidal's agent Fernando Felicevich says he has not spoken to Arsenal over a potential move for the Juventus and Chile midfielder.

Vidal has been linked with a move to the Emirates this summer and Arsene Wenger has previously spoken of his admiration for the 28-year-old.

He said earlier in June: "If you want me to say I like Arturo Vidal, yes I like Arturo Vidal. Are we in a transfer mode? I say, no."

Reports linking Vidal with a move to the Emirates have continued to persist, but the player's agent - who is also Alexis Sanchez's representative - gave a blunt response to the speculation.

Speaking on radio show America y Cross, he said: "I've not had any contact with Arsenal."

Vidal has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons during Chile's run to the final of Copa America 2015, with the midfielder formally charged for drink-driving after crashing his Ferrari following a team night out.

 

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Sweden U21s 0-0 Portugal U21s (aet, 4-3 pens): Carlgren the shootout hero as Ericsson's clinch title

Sweden have clinched their first ever European Under-21 Championship title, denying Portugal thanks to a 4-3 penalties triumph after drawing 0-0 in Prague on Tuesday.

Despite finding themselves under pressure for long spells in the match, Hakan Ericsson’s side held firm at the back for 120 minutes and ultimately prevailed in the shootout, as goalkeeper Patrick Carlgren saved from Ricardo Esgaio and then William Carvalho to make history.

Before such heartbreak, Carvalho had impressed throughout the tournament in midfield for Portugal and, while he was very much on top again, Sweden’s work ethic saw their opponents struggle to make the most of their superiority.

Sergio Oliveira went closest for Portugal as he struck the crossbar early on, but Sweden prevented any other narrow escapes until the second half, when Carvalho and his comrades once again began to stamp their authority on proceedings.

The highlight of Portugal’s passage to the final was undoubtedly the 5-0 thrashing of pre-tournament favourites Germany in the semi-final, though Sweden’s setup and harassing ensured a repeat performance was not possible, forcing extra-time.

And Sweden, who barely scraped through qualifying in nail-biting fashion against France ultimately had fate on their side, as Carlgren kept out two penalties to give Sweden the title and simultaneously deny Portugal their first success in the competition.

Following their 5-0 demolition of Germany in the semis, it came as little surprise to see Portugal take full control of proceedings early on and their intense start almost paid dividends just seven minutes in.

Carvalho won a free-kick after being clipped 25 yards from goal and Oliveira’s whipped right-footed effort crashed back off the crossbar.

Although Joao Mario saw a presentable chance blasted over seven minutes later, Sweden weathered the storm well and eventually forced Portugal goalkeeper Jose Sa into action with just under half an hour played – Oscar Lewicki trying his luck from distance.

Jorge’s men continued to see more of the ball, though Sweden generally restricted them to efforts from distance and Portugal went into the break somewhat frustrated.

Portugal began the second period with a renewed urgency, though Sweden were alert enough to sense a chance of their own on the break in the 52nd minute – Guidetti slicing his half-volley just over following Isaac Kiese Thelin’s fine knock-down.

The introduction of Toze and Iuri Medeiros around the hour mark reinvigorated Portugal in attack, with the former testing Carlgren with a powerful drive, before the latter sent a curling effort just off target.

As Sa thwarted Guidetti from point-blank range with four minutes left, the game ultimately passed into extra-time, but the 30 minutes drew no goals and penalties were required.

Calgren produced fine stops to deny Esgaio and then Carvalho, bailing out Abdullah Khalili for his miss and clinching a famous victory for Ericsson’s side.

 

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Congratulations Sweden U21!

Mamanam hithuwe Portugal U21 gahai kiyala​

 

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Juventus target joins Monaco

Monaco have completed the €3.5 million signing of highly-rated Lyon midfielder Fares Bahlouli on a five-year deal.

Bahlouli was linked with Manchester City and Juventus, but it is Lyon's Ligue 1 rivals Monaco who have won the battle for his signature.

The 20-year-old made only four substitute appearances in the league for Lyon last season, but is held in high regard and played his part in France Under-20's Toulon Tournament success earlier this month.

He told Monaco's official website: "I am excited to join AS Monaco. This is a club that is currently building a beautiful project by trusting youth. I cannot wait to see my new team-mates."

Monaco vice-president Vadim Vasilyev said: "Fares will have the opportunity to show the talent that carries him from a young age. We hope it can advance under the direction of Leonardo Jardim and confirm the hopes placed in him."

Lyon revealed that the deal includes a sell-on clause which will see them receive a "significant profit" if and when Bahlouli leaves the Principality club.

 

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Porto confirm Jackson Martinez will join Atletico Madrid

Porto have confirmed Atletico Madrid have agreed to pay Jackson Martinez's €35 million release clause.The player's agent revealed last week that the 28-year-old would move to the Vicente Calderon after rejecting the chance to join AC Milan.

A statement on Porto's website said: "Atletico Madrid agreed on Tuesday to pay Jackson Martinez's release clause to the sum of €35 million."

The Colombia striker has spent three seasons with Porto and played 136 official matches, scoring 92 goals.

He was the top scorer in the Portuguese league in those three campaigns, with 26 goals in 2012-13, 20 in 2013-14 and 21 in 2014-15.

 

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Bernardo Silva: Things always go against Portugal

Portugal Under-21 midfielder Bernardo Silva revealed his hurt after his nation were beaten by Sweden on penalties in Tuesday's U21 European Championship final.

The game ended 0-0 after extra-time before the Scandinavians won 4-3 on spot-kicks after Sporting's William Carvalho missed from 18 yards."Of course it hurts, because we lost," Silva told Sport TV.

"It is certainly a great disappointment to lose this way. But we played a good tournament and we must be proud of our work, although it is not good to lose a final like this.

"It's a reality that with Portugal, in the decisive moments, it almost always goes the other way. I do not know if it's luck or anything we can do more ."It is a great disappointment to lose like that."

Silva has been arguably the tournament's best player but was quiet on the night and didn't take a penalty in the shoot-out.

 

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Argentina 6-1 Paraguay: Messi the architect as Albiceleste set up Chile date

Argentina moved a step closer to ending a 22-year major trophy drought, reaching the Copa America final with a 6-1 win over Paraguay.

Gerardo Martino's men were dominant and an Angel di Maria brace early in the second half helped them secure their win in Concepcion.Lionel Messi had set up first-half goals for Marcos Rojo and Javier Pastore, only for Lucas Barrios to give Paraguay hope.

But Pastore and Messi continued running the show in the second half as Di Maria ensured Argentina's place in Saturday's decider against Chile.

Sergio Aguero headed in a fifth and the man who replaced him immediately – Gonzalo Higuain – also struck after a pass from Messi, who completed the pass laying down.Taking on Martino's former team, Argentina started well and built on that – but victory only looked safe after the pair of goals early in the second half.

Messi was at the heart of most of their attacking moves, assisting three goals and playing a huge part in two others.In that form, the Barcelona superstar may yet lead Argentina to their first major title since the 1993 Copa America.

Martino's side were rewarded for their promising start with the opener 15 minutes in.

Messi's set-piece from the left eventually fell to Rojo, who side-footed in a simple finish from close range.Argentina perhaps should have doubled their lead eight minutes later.

Messi was at the centre of the attack again as he ran at the Paraguay defence before finding Pastore, who opted to take a touch before seeing his shot saved by Justo Villar.

The duo would combine to make it 2-0 for Argentina in the 27th minute.
Messi picked out Pastore's well-angled run and the Paris Saint-Germain man found the bottom corner with a fine finish.

Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz was forced into two substitutions before the half-hour mark, and one of his introductions had the desired impact.Bruno Valdez intercepted an Argentine clearance and headed into the path of Barrios, who buried his chance from the edge of the area.

Paraguay's hopes of another comeback – they came from behind in three of their four games at the tournament – were dealt a huge blow early in the second half.
It was Pastore's time to turn provider as he slid Di Maria through and the Manchester United attacker finished clinically into the bottom corner.

Messi's run soon after led to a five-on-one situation that Argentina capitalised on when Di Maria put away a rebound following Pastore being denied.And Martino's side added a fifth through an Aguero header and Higuain also scored as they saw out a huge victory.

 

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Argentina pattama gahillak gahalane

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Messi: I'm not worried by lack of goals, Argentina were complete

Lionel Messi asserted that he is not concerned by failing to get among the goals for Argentina as they thrashed Paraguay 6-1 in the Copa América semi-final on Tuesday.

The Albiceleste captain was an influential figure for Gerardo Martino's men in Concepción, supplying three assists and earning the Man of the Match award.

He failed to find the net during the comprehensive victory over La Albirroja at the Estadio Ester Roa but insisted that the team's impeccable display more than made up for it."I am not too worried that I did not score any goals. We played a complete game," Messi told reporters after the match.

"We did what we were doing in the previous matches. We follow the same idea.
"We fulfilled the first objective of being in another final. We are very excited that we can be champions."The victory set up a date with hosts Chile in the final at the Estadio Nacional on July 4.

Messi - who has scored just one goal so far at Copa América 2015 - is predicting a tight encounter and revealed his eagerness to get his hands on a trophy with Argentina.

"It is a final and I am hopeful. It will be a close game," he added."Winning the Copa would round off something spectacular. I really want to win something with the national team."

Despite the manner of their semi-final win, Javier Mascherano does not feel that they will have the upper hand on La Roja in Santiago on Saturday. "Now we are not going back. We will continue to play our way," he said.

"We are going to play a final, not a war. We are brotherly countries."I do not see a clear favourite in the final. Whoever does the best things will be the winner."

 

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Martino: Argentina star Messi doesn't need goals to be happy

Argentina coach Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi doesn't need goals to be happy after the Barcelona forward failed to score but starred in a playmaking role in the 6-1 win over Paraguay .

Messi dropped deep into midfield, particpated in five of the six goals and ended the night with three assists as the Albiceleste turned it on in Concepción on Tuesday to set up a final against Chile in Santiago on Saturday.

"If Messi gives passes that end up in goals then there is no problem," Martino said after the match. "What is more important is that he responds to what the game demands. He doesn't look worried to me. He is happy and he has no problems."He doesn't need to be the team's goalscorer to be happy."

Argentina had scored only four times in four games before Tuesday and Martino claimed before this match that their finishing had let them down, but he was delighted with his side's superb performance against Paraguay.

"We are very happy because these guys are in another final of an important tournament in the space of less than a year," he said. "It's not the World Cup, but it's very important. We will have to work hard to win the game against Chile in the final, but today we played a good game and it's clear we were very decisive."

As well as Messi, the 52-year-old coach praised Javier Pastore after the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder scored one and was involved in several of the other goals on Tuesday.

"He played a great game," Martino said. "He was clear of his role in midfield, he showed good skills and he found the spaces to attack goal which is something we are always talking about with him."Argentina now face Chile in Santiago on Saturday as the Albiceleste look for a first continental crown since winning the Copa América in 1993.

"We are up aganst a Chile team that are playing well," Martino said. "They have good players and have been in a process for three years. Some ideas don't change and Chile won't change against us. They will press us when they can and attack us just like they do against other teams."

 

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Argentina 6 : 1 Paraguay (FT)

Chile v Argentina final 1k

Ow bro patta gemak yai final 1ke

aniwa balanna one broSL time 1.30AM wage thiyenne

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Sweden U21s 0-0 Portugal U21s (aet, 4-3 pens): Carlgren the shootout hero as Ericsson's clinch title

anthimata hithuwe wath nathi team ekak win kale
Congratz Sweden U21

 

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Argentina 6-1 Paraguay: Messi the architect as Albiceleste set up Chile date

Ow bro patta gemak yai final 1ke

aniwa balanna one broSL time 1.30AM wage thiyenne

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anthimata hithuwe wath nathi team ekak win kale
Congratz Sweden U21

He he 1ka thamai bro....Portugal U21 thamai oya sides 2ken hodama lineup 1kak inneahema welath win kale Sweden
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Ada thamai Summer Transfer window 1ka officially start wenne
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He he 1ka thamai bro....Portugal U21 thamai oya sides 2ken hodama lineup 1kak inneahema welath win kale Sweden
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ow mama mulinma hithuweth Germany U21 win karai kiyala . Germany U21 kawane Portugal U21 walin.anthimata Portugal U21th kawa
England U21 la group stage walinma elie. tournament eka win karanawa kiyala giye
EURO 2016 th hithannawath nathi team ekak win karaida danne nae...

 

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Ada thamai Summer Transfer window 1ka officially start wenne
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