..::Football III::..

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Paraguay 0-0 Argentina: Martino's men continue without victory in World Cup qualifiers

Argentina remain winless in qualifying for the 2018 World Cup after a 0-0 draw in a physical clash with Paraguay at the Estadio Defensores del Chaco.

Gerardo Martino's side lost their opening fixture against Ecuador 2-0 on Thursday, and a goalless game in Asuncion leaves them with just one point from a possible six.

In the absence of injured duo Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, the goal-scoring burden fell upon Carlos Tevez, but the striker missed a golden opportunity to put the visitors ahead midway through the first half.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was also unable to make the most of two openings before half-time, and chances proved hard to come by in the second half.

In their search for a goal, Argentina left themselves vulnerable to counter-attacks, but Ramon Diaz’s men were unable to exploit the gaps and steal all three points.

It was a result that was a far cry from Argentina’s 6-1 thrashing of Paraguay in the semi-finals of Copa America 2015 and is sure to increase the pressure on Martino.

After a scrappy start to proceedings, it was unsurprising that the first chance of the match came as a result of a free-kick.

With 15 minutes on the clock, Sergio Romero had to dive low to his left to parry Derlis Gonzalez's stinging strike from a 35-yard set-piece.

Paraguay's momentum grew, but they were let off the hook when Tevez passed up a glorious chance in the 21st minute.

After Antony Silva's drop-kick ricocheted off the Boca Juniors striker, Angel di Maria dispossessed the scrambling Miguel Samudio in the corner and curled in a cross that the unmarked Tevez could only head over.

It was an unlikely source that eventually forced Silva into his first save of the evening, with Javier Mascherano's 25-yard effort held by the keeper six minutes later.

Dario Lezcano saw his venomous shot from the top of the box blocked by Romero in the 39th minute, moments after Paraguay had lost influential midfielder Nestor Ortigoza through injury.

Argentina subsequently became more of a threat, but Lavezzi was thwarted by two terrific stops on separate occasions from Silva ahead of the interval.

The visitors picked up where they left off after the restart, with Di Maria fizzing an attempt narrowly off target with 53 minutes on the clock.

However, Argentina were almost punished on the counter-attack by Diaz's side on the hour-mark.

Lezcano's poor first touch off a square pass from Gonzalez afforded Pablo Zabaleta enough time to slide in and get an important block on the striker's shot.

In the quest for their first goal of the campaign, Martino introduced Erik Lamela and Paulo Dybala.

The pair combined with three minutes of normal time remaining, but the Juventus striker showed a lack of composure as he blazed over from the right-hand side of the box.

The 2015 Copa America finalists must now wait until their meeting with rivals Brazil in November to try and win their first match in qualifying.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Without Messi & Aguero Argentina performance madi​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Blind will stay - Van Oostveen

Danny Blind's job as Netherlands boss is not in danger despite failing to lead the nation to next year's European Championships, KNVB director Bert van Oostveen has said.

The Ajax legend took over from Guus Hiddink in July with a view to rescuing the qualifying campaign. Blind managed to win just one of his four games, though, culminating in Thursday's 3-2 defeat to Czech Republic to ensure his side missed out on a place in Euro 2016.

Blind has already said that he has no intention of leaving his post, and despite the poor results and disappointing performances, he has also received the backing of Dutch football's governing body.

"Blind will keep going as coach," the KNVB director told NOS.

"We have entered a process together, but everything that could go wrong did go wrong.

"The match against the Czechs is symptomatic of the whole qualifying campaign. We, as the KNVB, take responsibility for this staff and that means that Blind will be allowed to build for the future.

"We started with a fairly young team and the national coach must keep going to assist that process."

"If I had felt that I was the reason for this situation, I would be long gone. We continue together."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I will remain Netherlands coach - Blind

Danny Blind has insisted that he will remain Netherlands coach, despite the side's failure to qualify for Euro 2016.

Netherlands needed three points from their final qualifying match against Czech Republic and needed Turkey to lose to Iceland if they were to secure a spot in the playoffs.

However, the Dutch surrendered 3-2 to Tuesday's visitors to ensure they missed out on the competition altogether.

Blind, who replaced Guus Hiddink at the helm of the national team in July, insists he will not leave his role and is confident of getting the team back to a higher level.

"I want to stay with Oranje," he told NOS after the game.

"I don't feel damaged myself. Above all else, we now need to analyse where it went wrong and then look ahead.

"I'm not here at the right time, but I'm doing my job.

"The disappointment is with the whole qualifying campaign, which has not gone well.

"You have to stay realistic. Everyone will realise that we have to change many things, but we are missing 12 to 15 players.

"You cannot expect a country like Netherlands to win easily. We have to go on."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hiddink thamai Netherlands team 1ka kawe​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sneijder: Blind must not be sacked as Netherlands boss

A physically and mentally drained Wesley Sneijder says that that while there is "a lot wrong" with Netherlands, Danny Blind must remain on as national team coach.

Just over a year after finishing third at Brazil 2014, the Dutch failed to even secure a play-off for next year's European Champions in France, with Blind's side limping home fourth in their qualification group, behind Czech Republic, Iceland and Turkey.

Blind only took charge in July, after being promoted from assistant coach to the top job in Dutch football following the surprise resignation of Guus Hiddink, who had succeeded Louis van Gaal at the helm after the World Cup.

However, the former Ajax man's future is now in doubt, with Netherlands' shockingly poor Euro 2016 qualification campaign having come to a dismal on Tuesday with a 3-2 at home to the 10-man Czechs.

Sneijder admitted that Oranje had been justifiably punished for their defensive deficiencies but he insists that Blind should not be sacked.

"I am empty inside - both physically and mentally," Sneijder told NOS after the full-time whistle in Amsterdam. "If you know you have to win this game, you cannot just give it away with these types of errors.

"There's a lot wrong. We know Czech Republic are a good team, but you have to keep things compact and we were disappointing.

"I think we had a fantastic opening, but we made many mistakes, for which we were punished. Anyway, there is little we can do now. It's over.

"Blind must stay, though. This is not down to him; it is a collective failure. It's up to the players to make it happen and we did not."

Sneijder, who inspired Netherlands to the final of the 2010 World Cup, added that he has no intention of calling time on his international career.
"I will not stop playing for Netherlands," the Galatasaray playmaker stated.

"I still feel very fit."

Meanwhile, Daley Blind is also of the opinion that his father should be allowed to continue in his role.

"I support the coach and I think the whole group does too," the Manchester United ace said.
"Today was one big disappointment, but we are fully behind the coach.

"Of course this is a huge disappointment and obviously I am thinking of my father."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kompany proud to lead Belgium to the top of the world

Belgium captain Vincent Kompany spoke of his pride after his side's 3-1 Euro 2016 qualification victory over Israel ensured they will move above Argentina and Germany in the Fifa rankings.

The victory was secured by second-half goals from Dries Mertens, Kevin De Bruyne and Eden Hazard and also sealed top spot above Wales in Group B.

A successful qualifying campaign and Belgium's rise to the top of the rankings have sparked optimism ahead of next year's tournament in France and Kompany attempted to strike the balance between delight and caution.

The Manchester City defender told Sporza: "We remain realistic, but also a bit chauvinistic. We are the number one in the world and the Netherlands are out. And to think that I have seen times when we were 80th.

"Seriously, though, that is football. Sometimes you have a dip, but talent will always prevail. It has worked out well here in Belgium and we are ready for what is to come."

The 29-year-old was impressed by Belgium's performance against Israel, particularly after they overcame a slow start to the second half before scoring three times in a 20-minute spell to seal the win.

"It was the best first half of our campaign, we just did not score," Kompany said.

"In the second half we just had a dip, but we still scored suddenly three times. This team has always shown that we can get difficult beyond difficult moments.

"That has been the story of the last four years and we should be proud."

Kompany, who has just returned from a calf injury, played for just under an hour against Israel.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 3-1 Venezuela: Willian at the double for Dunga's men

Two goals from Willian helped Brazil secure a 3-1 victory over Venezuela in World Cup qualifying.

The Chelsea midfielder struck twice before half-time and although Christian Santos pulled a goal back for Venezuela after the break, Ricardo Oliveira sealed the win with his goal in the 74th minute.

The victory was Brazil’s first in World Cup qualifying following their 2-0 defeat to Chile on October 8.

And Dunga opted for four changes following the loss as Alisson replaced Jefferson in goal for Brazil, while Marcelo, David Luiz and Hulk made way for Filipe Luis, Marquinhos and Oliveira.

Fans in Brazil had barely taken their seats when Willian gave the home team a dream start less than a minute into proceedings as his shot proved too hot to handle as Baroja failed to push the ball over the crossbar.

That sparked Venezuela into action, albeit briefly, Luis Seijas coming close to equalising with a long-range free-kick that almost snuck in at the far post.

Brazil dominated from that point on as Willian continued to be in the thick of the action. He almost helped make it 2-0 in the 13th minute, rolling the ball across the six-yard box to veteran striker Oliveira, who was denied by Baroja.

Brazil had another golden opportunity to double the lead just past the half-hour mark but Douglas Costa - through on goal - opted to play the ball to Oscar, allowing Venezuela to clear their lines.

Willian all but sealed the points three minutes before half-time following a brilliant solo run from Filipe Luis.

Filipe Luis skipped past two defenders and cut the ball into the area and Oscar let the ball roll through his legs as Willian pounced to fire powerfully past Baroja again.

It was more of the same in the second half, Costa nearly scoring from a cross-cum-shot that clipped the top of the crossbar eight minutes after the break.

However, Venezuela found a way back into the contest thanks to Santos' historic equaliser in the 65th minute - his first international goal in a decade.

Santos kneed the ball into the net from a set-piece as Venezuela scored their first World Cup qualifying goal on Brazilian soil, setting up a grandstand finish in the process.

Venezuela's hopes of a comeback, though, were dashed by Oliveira with 16 minutes remaining.

Oliveira - the leading goalscorer in Brazilian Serie A - stooped low to head past Baroja after Venezuela failed to clear Costa's delivery across the penalty area.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England la hamadama qualifiers wala hodata play karala tournament ekata giyata passe kanawa

1kanam attha thamai bro.ENG hama sarema tournament 1kedi failbalamu meh sare​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

habai hadiidye wath jose murineo sack kaloth Chelsea yannath puluwan.
ow habai PSG & Bayern la degolloma me season eke patta.me para CL walath hoda gamek dei

he he ow bro 1ka kiyannath bahaMourinho ge future 1kath unclear nehanith 1ka Ancelotti th kalin Chelsea hitapu manager kenek.

Aniwa bro.pattama gemak yai CL wala​

 

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Allardyce demands defensive improvement at Sunderland

He told the club's official website: "I have come across challenges like this before and managed to pull clubs out of the relegation zone and hopefully I can do that again. The challenge is a big one but I'm a big man and I like a challenge.

"I don't know exactly how good we are as a squad but I know a lot of the players. I feel that if I improve the defensive record, prioritise that first, we can start winning football matches.

Big Sam dan ethin Sunderland lath bus parking team ekak karai

 

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Neymar: Ballon d'Or is reserved for Messi

The 2015 Ballon d'Or has already been "reserved" for Lionel Messi, according to Barcelona team-mate Neymar.

Messi is the current favourite to claim the game's top individual prize after inspiring Barcelona to the treble last season before reaching the final of the Copa America with Argentina.

Neymar is eager to be named among the final three nominees for the ceremony in January of next year but has little doubt who will claim the prize currently held by Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Leo is the favourite. This year, the Ballon d'Or is reserved for Messi, the best player in the world has already been named. For everything he's done, Leo deserves it," Neymar told Mundo Deportivo.

"I hope to grow playing alongside Messi. He's the best and an idol for me. And if I learn a lot then maybe one day I can win.

"Of course I want to be in the top three, that would be great for me."

With Messi currently sidelined with a knee ligament injury, Neymar insists he is ready to handle the pressure of becoming Barca's focal point in attack.

"Since I was young, I've always assumed responsibilities, for Santos, for the national team," he said.

"But here it's different, we know our responsibility, what we have to do on the pitch, and I'm going to do everything to help my team-mates.

"The challenge doesn't scare me even though I know it's difficult.

"Leo's fine. It's a delicate injury but he looks good and looks to be very happy with his recovery."

 

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Netherlands 2-3 Czech Republic: Van Persie own goal compounds Dutch misery against 10 man visitors

mechchara hoda team 1k thiyan qualify wenna bari uanane
hiddink onema match tika kala giye.
Blind ta time madi.mama essara kamathima team 1ka... Robben, RVP, Sneijder

 

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1kanam attha thamai bro.ENG hama sarema tournament 1kedi failbalamu meh sare​

ow ow England lata godak welawata easy teams set wenneth qualifier wala.
me parath Switzerland withrai tikak amaru team 1kta set une
.habai me para hoda attacking players tikak ennawa.

he he ow bro 1ka kiyannath bahaMourinho ge future 1kath unclear nehanith 1ka Ancelotti th kalin Chelsea hitapu manager kenek.

Aniwa bro.pattama gemak yai CL wala​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Valencia makes his case to start for Manchester United

The first round of World Cup qualifiers has been of vital importance for both Ecuador and Antonio Valencia.

After being dumped out of the Copa America in the group stage of the competition in the summer, Gustavo Quinteros’ men have made a flying start to their qualification campaign by winning their opening two games.

Ecuador stunned Argentina 2-1 last week to pick up their first victory over the Albicelese away from home in their history, before beating Bolivia 2-0 on Tuesday.

Manchester United’s Valencia also had a point to prove. He has looked a shadow of his former self after operating as a right-back for much of the past two seasons at Old Trafford, rather than in his more familiar attacking role.

But the talent is still there, as he demonstrated with two brilliant performances in a wide role to inspire his side to victory over Argentina and Bolivia.

The inexperienced Argentine Emanuel Mas, who was keen to get forward from the left side of defence but left himself exposed defensively, was the ideal opponent for the 30-year-old to exploit.

With partner in crime Jefferson Montero causing havoc as well on the other wing, Valencia helped Ecuador pin their hosts further and further back with his surging runs.

The United man really should have chalked up an assist in the first half, but perhaps a lack of confidence as a result of his indifferent form weighed on his mind. Valencia had done extremely well to expose Argentina out wide and break into the box, but he overhit a simple pass when Sergio Romero was facing a two-on-one situation with no defenders back to help.

With the Tricolor 1-0 up in the second half and playing with confidence, however, he made no mistake. Another lightning-quick counter from the visitors left him with space to manoeuvre, and this time there was no problem with his pass that found Felipe Caicedo, who fired home.

His 90 minutes on Tuesday against Bolivia was a little more muted, not helped by the heavy downpour that left Quito’s Estadio Atahualpa pitch covered in large puddles of water. But, Valencia and Montero refused to let up, and the pair created a number of chances before Miller Bolanos finally opened the scoring thanks to an fine pass from Juan Cazares.

The international fixtures showed that, given space and confidence, Valencia can still torment his full-back with ease. Now manager Louis Van Gaal will be hoping that he brings that form back to Old Trafford. But, the Dutchman must also trust him in an attacking role if he is to get the best out of him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: Euro 2016 without me? Unthinkable!

Sweden star Zlatan Ibrahimovic says it is "unthinkable" to imagine Euro 2016 without him starring at the tournament.

The Scandinavian nation finished third in Group G behind Albania and Russia, meaning they face a play-off to qualify for the competition next summer.

Ibrahimovic remains supremely confident Sweden will qualify, however, and has refused to entertain the prospect of him not participating.

He said: "I don't want to miss the European Championship, it's unlikely and unthinkable for me to see this tournament ongoing without me.

"We didn't go in the classical way, so we will find out another one to go. Whoever will be our opponent in the playoff, it will be tough.

"In this kind of games, each team give its 200%. It's an all-in. But I'm sure we will qualify."

The draw for the play-offs takes place on Sunday, with Sweden seeeded and will therefore draw one of Denmark, Norway, Republic of Ireland or Slovenia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lucas lifts the lid on life under Klopp at Liverpool

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has praised recently appointed manager Jurgen Klopp, as the former Borussia Dortmund head coach has overseen his first week of training on Merseyside.

Klopp's appointment was greeted by widespread optimism following his press conference on Friday and the 48-year-old comes with an impressive reputiation, having led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League runners-up spot during his time in Germany.

And Lucas has lifted the lid on how the German has approached his first week in charge, praising the manager's passion but admitting that there is plenty of information to digest.

"There is a lot of information and as players we need to listen a lot now, and learn and try to put everything he asks us to do onto the pitch and off the pitch as well. It has been very good, very positive and hopefully it will keep going like that," the Brazilian told the club's official website.

“He seems to be very passionate – he likes to put in everything that he has and he asks the players for the same. Be very intense, be aggressive with yourself, is what he has been saying.

“Always try to be better, always give 10 metres more, because that will be the key to success. That is what he has been saying to us in the last couple of days.

“He seems to be a very open manager and someone that likes to be close to the players, but very straight as well. That’s what I’ve learned from the last couple of days and I think it was a positive way to start.”

Lucas also revealed that the appointment of Klopp brought a lift to Anfield, indicating that the German's success at Dortmund gave hope to the players when they recieved the news of his arrival.

"He was so successful at Borussia Dortmund,” the Brazilian added. “Of course, when a manager like him comes it always gives you a lot of hope.

“It’s a fresh start for every player. His CV is amazing. So I think everyone is really excited to learn with him and improve as a player and a team, because that’s the only way we will achieve what we want.

“If we have the same success that Dortmund had when he was there, everyone will be happy. That’s why we’re really positive about it.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sergi Roberto: Barcelona working hard to do well for Messi

Sergi Roberto says Barcelona’s players are eager to do well for Lionel Messi, so that when he returns from injury they are in a strong position.

The Argentina international hasn’t played since the end of September after damaging his knee ligaments in the opening 10 minutes of the win against Las Palmas.

Barca are hopeful he will be back for the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid on Novmber 21 and Roberto says they’ll do all they can to make sure they go into that game with things in their favour.

“Leo is the best in the world and when he’s not there you notice a lot,” the midfielder, who’s been playing as a right-back recently, told Mundo Deportivo.

“In the difficult moments, he can turn up and provide solutions to games with impossible goals.

“But we can all push forward and do well for him while he’s injured, so that when he recovers we are in the best possible position.”

Without Messi, Luis Enrique’s side fell to defeat at Sevilla in their last La Liga outing before the international break.

It was the Catalan club’s second loss on the road in the league this season, but Roberto claims they are not placing too much emphasis on their slow start to the campaign.

“The other teams can also play, it’s a really equal league,” the 23-year-old added.

“But our rivals haven’t won all their games, either. We haven’t had luck with injuries, but we have to remain united and strong so that we can kick on.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal unlikely to make Carvalho January move

Arsenal are unlikely to revive their interest in William Carvalho in January having seen their move for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder scuppered by injury in the summer, Goal understands.

Arsene Wenger was the only manager from Europe's top five leagues not to sign an outfield player during the close season with goalkeeper Petr Cech's arrival from Chelsea representing his only acquisition.

Goal can confirm Arsenal were interested in signing Carvalho in the summer but opted not to push through with a deal after the 23-year-old suffered a fractured tibia following his heroics in the European Under-21 Championship, where he was named player of the tournament.

Carvalho has featured in Sporting's last three games since recovering from that injury and reignited talk of a move to Arsenal earlier this week by revealing his admiration for Thierry Henry.

"I am where I want to be right now, which is Sporting, but if I ever do leave then it's a sign that my work here was well done," he told A Bola. "I dream of winning the Primeira Liga here.

"I prefer not to say too much, but there is a club with which I've always been fond of: Arsenal. Because of Thierry Henry, a player with whom I have always enjoyed watching. Maybe this is why I look with so much affection to the Premier League."

Despite Carvalho's renewed fitness, Arsenal are unlikely to make a push for his services when the transfer window reopens in January.

Francis Coquelin has continued his fine form from last season and has established himself as the club's primary defensive midfielder, while Wenger is confident that the experienced duo of Mathieu Flamini and Mikel Arteta offer high-quality back-up and competition.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Courtois targets December return

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he is on track to return to action in December as he continues his recovery from a knee injury.

The Belgium international suffered ligament damage last month and was forced to undergo a minor operation, with manager Jose Mourinho confirming he would be out for "quite a long time".

The Premier League champions signed former AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia to provide back-up for Asmir Begovic during Courtois' absence, but he expects to be fit again within the next two months.

"In terms of my knee, it's good. I am doing my rehabilitation and it is progressing fine," he said after Belgium's Euro 2016 qualifying win over Israel.

"I will be starting the bulk of the work with my physio to come back as soon as possible.

"Of course I still have to be careful not to go too quickly but all being well, I should be back in December."

Chelsea face Aston Villa on Saturday looking for just their third win in the top flight this season.