..::Football IV::..

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Ibrahimovic a 'great addition' to the Premier League - De Bruyne Getty Images Previous

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be a "great addition" to the Premier League should he decide to move to England this summer, according to Kevin De Bruyne.

Sweden striker Ibrahimovic is reportedly on the brink of completing a move to Manchester United at the end of his Paris Saint-Germain contract, which expires this month.And De Bruyne, who plays for United's rivals Manchester City, believes Ibrahimovic would settle into life in the city well and thinks his possible switch would be “good for the league”.

"I think it will be good for him," said De Bruyne ahead of Belgium's Group E clash with Sweden at Euro 2016.

"He's lived already in a couple of cities, so I think he will take care of himself."I personally like it very much, so I'm happy with the way everything's going over there. That is, for me, very important."He's a great addition, so that's good for the league."

 

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Russia 0-3 Wales: Dragons storm into last 16 as group winners

Wales secured their place in the Euro 2016 knockout stages as Group B winners after blasting their way past a sorry Russia 3-0 in Toulouse.

The Dragons soared into a two-goal lead inside 20 minutes as Aaron Ramsey dinked the ball over Igor Akinfeev, before Neil Taylor scored his first goal for his country.

Russia almost hit back as Artem Dzyuba forced a good save from Wayne Hennessey, in what proved to be his side's only real chance of scoring past a dominant Wales side who showed no signs of a hangover from their last-gasp 2-1 defeat to England in Lens.

Gareth Bale netted his third goal of the tournament in the second half to put the icing on the cake for Wales, who topped their pool after England drew 0-0 with Slovakia in Saint-Etienne.

Wales will now face the third-placed side from either Group A, C or D in the last 16 in Paris on Saturday after pipping England to top spot.

For Wales, the result also represents a measure of revenge for their Euro 2004 play-off defeat at the hands of Russia, who are now left to reflect on a campaign blighted by off-field issues and poor performances, finishing fourth with just a point to their name.

Roman Shirokov returned to the Russian line-up as captain in one of four changes, but it was Wales who applied the early pressure as Ramsey broke the deadlock in the 11th minute.

An intercepted Russia pass was seized upon by Joe Allen, who took out four defenders with a tremendous through ball that Ramsey coolly lobbed over Akinfeev.


With the heartbreak of England's late comeback still fresh in their minds, Wales were determined not to rest on their laurels and Taylor's second gave them a welcome cushion.Found in acres of space down the left by Bale, Taylor's first attempt was blocked by Akinfeev.

However, the ball fell back at the feet of the Swansea City left-back, who made no mistake with his second bite at the cherry, scoring his first senior goal since he netted for Wrexham at Grays in 2010.

Sam Vokes' inclusion in place of Hal Robson-Kanu allowed Bale to play a deeper role and the Real Madrid attacker was more involved in Wales' general play than he had been against Slovakia or England, but Dzyuba caused alarm when he forced Hennessey to push behind with Russia's first and last chance.

Vokes then had a glorious opportunity to make it 3-0 when he fired straight at Akinfeev from close range, before Bale saw appeals for a penalty turned down after tumbling under the challenge of Sergei Ignashevich.

Wales were playing with real confidence, Ramsey and Bale testing Akinfeev with powerful drives from distance, and the feeling around the Russia squad was perhaps summed up when Shirokov struggled to find a willing recipient of the captain's armband when he was replaced seven minutes into the second half.

And Bale gave the scoreline a deserved convincing gloss when he prodded the ball beyond Akinfeev with the outside of his left boot after getting on the end of a Ramsey ball into the box.

Bale became the first player since Milan Baros and Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2004 to score in the opening three matches of a European Championship and will have no intention of slowing down as Wales embark on their knockout campaign.

 

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Slovakia 0-0 England: Hodgson's men conspire to finish second

England failed to break down a resolute Slovakia side in their final Group B game at Euro 2016 on Monday and were subsequently consigned to a second-placed finish behind Wales.

Roy Hodgson made six changes from the side that started the 2-1 win over Wales last time out, but will face criticism after England drew a frustrating blank in Saint-Etienne while Chris Coleman's side thrashed Russia 3-0 to win the group.

Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge, the goalscoring heroes against Wales, were given starts, with Wayne Rooney among those rested as Gary Cahill was handed the captain's armband.

Vardy and Sturridge were among a number of players guilty of missing opportunities as England failed to make their dominance count at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, where they suffered a World Cup last-16 exit to Argentina in 1998.

Slovakia, to their credit, produced a dogged rearguard action to keep Hodgson's men out despite spending long spells camped in their own box and will likely go through as one of the best third-placed sides.

England looked to control possession and set the tempo from the start, with Vardy flashing an improvised effort just over the crossbar from a tight angle early on.The Leicester City striker then flicked on Jack Wilshere's cross for Sturridge inside the six-yard box, but Peter Pekarik made a crucial block.

Adam Lallana escaped down the left in the 16th minute and provided a delivery that initially eluded Jordan Henderson, who managed to shoot on the turn but saw it deflected behind for a corner that came to nothing.

Goalkeeper Matus Kozacik came to Slovakia's rescue moments later, thwarting Vardy after he raced through one-on-one beyond the attentions of a labouring Martin Skrtel.

Slovakia, who lost to Wales before beating Russia, were hanging on at times and the impressive Nathaniel Clyne got the better of Tomas Hubocan again before picking out Lallana, whose powerful first-time effort was beaten away by Kozacik.

Jan Kozak's men showed a little more attacking intent early in the second half and Pekarik won a free-kick that Joe Hart had to tip away from the onrushing Marek Hamsik, before England escaped unharmed from a mix-up between the goalkeeper and Chris Smalling.

Rooney was summoned from the bench before the hour to rapturous applause and Dele Alli followed soon after, handing England fresh impetus as the Tottenham midfielder immediately had a shot cleared off the line by Skrtel.

England came close again when Sturridge needed only to make meaningful contact with Eric Dier's lofted pass in order to break the deadlock 17 minutes from time, but failed to do so before being replaced by Harry Kane.

The Spurs striker flicked a late header wide as England continued to press for a winner that never came, leaving the likelihood of a much tougher last-16 tie than might otherwise have been the case.

 

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Teams will fear England, insists Hart


Joe Hart insists playing England will strike fear into any prospective knockout-phase opponents, despite Monday's goalless draw with Slovakia.A much-changed England side toiled fruitlessly in Saint-Etienne, the point ensuring they qualified from Group B but only in second place behind Wales.

Roy Hodgson's men were dominant, but squandered the chances that came their way and will learn on Wednesday which Group F side they will face in the last 16 next Monday, with a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal a very real possibility.

"We all wanted to finish top, but we didn't. We have dominated every corner of the pitch and every Slovakian player will be proud of that result," said England goalkeeper Hart in quotes reported by BBC Sport.

"We are into the next round and nobody will want to play us. I haven't had anything to do in the whole tournament to be honest. We have been playing very well as a team.

"There are good chances being made, I couldn't criticise anyone. Some heroic defending against us, it is frustrating, but we are through."England could also face Austria, Hungary or Iceland in the knockout stages should they not face Portugal.

 

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Pique stands up for Spain team-mate Pedro


Gerard Pique has come out in defence of Spain international team-mate Pedro after the Chelsea attacker vented his frustrations about being a bit-part player at Euro 2016.

Pedro came off the bench late in Spain's 1-0 win over the Czech Republic in their tournament opener, but was an unused substitute as the two-time defending European champions defeated Turkey 3-0 on Friday.

The former Barcelona winger said he had "other expectations" when he arrived in France, but later apologised to the media and team-mates for his outburst, before Vicente Del Bosque confirmed that he would not be punished for his statements.And Pique has now backed Pedro, telling reporters:"This is a normal statement from a player who wants to play more.

"Players like Pedro have had a significant career and want to continue playing and providing for the team."Spain face Croatia in their final Group D clash on Tuesday as they look to seal top spot, with Pique coming up against Barca team-mate Ivan Rakitic.

"I have a very good relationship with him although I haven't spoken to him in the last few days," the 29-year-old said."They have a great team and it will be a difficult game."

 

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Higuain set to stay at Napoli for five more years - De Laurentiis

Gonzalo Higuain is set to continue at Napoli for the next five years, according to club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Higuain has attracted interest from some of Europe's biggest clubs following his record-breaking season for Napoli in 2015-16. The Argentine striker scored 36 goals in 35 Serie A appearances, breaking the league's long-standing goalscoring record.

The likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid and Chelsea are all reportedly interested in Higuain, but De Laurentiis says the 28-year-old has committed to Napoli.

"If his words are sincere then Higuain will play in Naples for at least another five years," he told Radio Kiss Kiss. De Laurentiis added: "I am willing to extend his contract, I appreciate him both as a player and a person.

"I would like him to stay in Naples forever."He is one of a kind, he plays for the pleasure of scoring goals which is what makes every genuine and self-respecting attacker."

Higuain is in the United States representing Argentina at the Copa America Centenario, helping the side reach the semi-finals courtesy of two goals against Venezuela.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Witsel open to Serie A switch


Belgium international Axel Witsel admits Italy's Serie A "fascinates" him, but he has not ruled out a switch to the Premier League.

Witsel has been in Russia since 2012 after moving from Portuguese outfit Benfica to Zenit.The 27-year-old midfielder has made over 150 appearances for the club, winning the Russian Premier League in 2014-15.



But after a four-year stint in Russia, Witsel says he is keen on a change of scenery, just days after confirming that Roma are among those interested in his services.

"Russia was a nice adventure, but it's time for me to change," said Witsel, who is in France representing Belgium at Euro 2016. "I don't know whether I'll go to the Premier League or to Serie A.

"Italian football fascinates me and at 27 it would be the right move. [AC] Milan had looked for me, it's true, but that's a story from a long time ago."Now the only thing I'm thinking of is Euro 2016. The next step is to beat Sweden."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We've put Welsh football on the map - Ramsey


Aaron Ramsey believes Wales can be proud of what they have achieved so far at Euro 2016, but insists they do not have to be satisfied with merely qualifying for the last 16.Arsenal midfielder Ramsey scored the opening goal as Wales recorded a 3-0 win over Russia on Monday, a result that clinched top spot in Group B.

Neil Taylor and Gareth Bale also found the net as Chris Coleman's side made sure they extended their stay on French soil.Ramsey was particularly pleased with the way the players responded from the disappointment of their last-gasp 2-1 defeat to England, who had to settle for second place in the group after a toothless goalless draw with Slovakia.

"We wanted to come to this competition and really make a statement, put Welsh football on the map and show what we are capable of doing. I think we've done that," he told ITV."Maybe against England we let the occasion get to us a bit, in terms of when we had the ball. That was something we really wanted to improve on [against Russia].

"We've shown what a good defensive team we are, but now we have shown what a good team we are in possession. We created loads of opportunities and we can really be proud of what we have achieved so far."For only the second time in their history, Wales are through to the knockout stages of a major international tournament.

They do not yet know the identity of last-16 opponents, although they are certain to face a third-placed team from either Group A, C or D in Paris on Saturday."That was our main target - to get out of the group," Ramsey added. "We've achieved that and finished top.

"It’s a great day for Welsh football. I've been waiting for a while for this moment, to show what we are capable of on a big stage."Who knows what can happen now?"

 

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Redknapp: West Ham won't sell hero Payet

Harry Redknapp insists West Ham will retain the services of Dimitri Payet beyond this summer, as he is the club’s “biggest crowd favourite since Paolo Di Canio”.

Payet has enjoyed a remarkable rise since joining the Hammers for around £10 million from Marseille last summer and has excelled for France at Euro 2016 thus far this summer.

West Ham have subsequently braced themselves for bids from elite European clubs for Payet, with reports suggesting that the likes of Real Madrid and Manchester City are monitoring his performances.

Goal understands that the Hammers have subsequently placed a £60 million asking price on the playmaker, and Redknapp insists that the club will do all they can to keep the 29-year-old as they prepare to move into the Olympic Stadium.

“I don’t think they'd sell him. West Ham have a new stadium, 60,000 stadium, Olympic Stadium, sold 50-odd thousand season tickets,” he told Betsafe. “David Sullivan, David Gold, they aren’t into selling that club, it's worth a fortune. They won't be short of money, I don’t see a reason why they would sell their star player.

“The fans idolise him, he has become a superstar with the West Ham supporters, probably the biggest crowd favourite since Paolo Di Canio. I definitely don’t see West Ham selling Payet, he has either signed a new contract or is on the verge of signing a new contract.

“I'm sure Slaven Bilic and the board will keep him. West Ham is an emerging club; they were excellent last year and next year they could do even better. Dimitri Payet will want to be part of that West Ham team; he has loved being at the Hammers. I'm sure he'll want to stay.”

Payet scored 12 goals and provided 15 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions for West Ham last season.

 

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Copa America Semi-Finals Fixtures 2016.06.21

Copa America Semi-Finals Fixtures 2016.06.21

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USA Vs Argentina

(SL Time 6.30AM(June 22th)​

 

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Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.21

Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.21

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Nothern Ireland Vs Germany

(SL Time 9.30PM)

Ukraine Vs Poland

(SL Time 9.30PM)

Croatia Vs Spain

(SL Time 12.30AM(22nd June)

Czech Republic Vs Turkey

(SL Time 12.30AM(22nd June)​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Good Luck Spain!​

 

[sri D]

Spain danatamat knockout stage ekta qualify welane tyne?
croatia match eka dinanama onada??

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Spain danatamat knockout stage ekta qualify welane tyne?
croatia match eka dinanama onada??

qualify wela thiyenne. habai parada unoth group second wenawa croatia 1st wenawa

 

[sri D]

qualify wela thiyenne. habai parada unoth group second wenawa croatia 1st wenawa

Ela ela..

 

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Half Time

Croatia 1 Vs 1 Spain

​

 

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Full Time

Croatia 2 Vs 1 Spain

Crotaia Goal(s)

Nikola Kalinic 45'
Ivan Perisic 87'

&

Spain Goal(s)

Álvaro Morata 7'

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Adanam Spain play karapu widiya anthimai

Aparade 1st place ganna thibba chance 1ka nathi karagatthe

Group D runners-up nisa Italy set wenne Round of 16 wala.

Anyway good luck for Round of 16 Spain
​

 

[sri D]

affa spainut paradaida?
Ape cricket team eka wage tama..
Ela bn udeta highlights blanwa..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic to retire from international football after Euro 2016


Zlatan Ibrahimovic has announced that he will retire from international football following Euro 2016.

Sweden play Belgium on Wednesday in what could the former PSG striker's final game for his country, with the Swedes currently on one point, two points behind their opponents, who occupy second spot in the group.

And speaking to the media ahead of the game, Ibrahimovic said: "The last game of the Euros will be my last game with Sweden. I will not participate in the Olympics.

"So my final game of the Euros will be my last. So let's hope it goes as long as possible. I hope that tomorrow will not be my last game. But I don't have any regrets.
"There is no disappointment. I'm very proud to be the captain of Sweden.
"I want to take this moment to thank the fans for always supporting me wherever I go, I will always carry the Sweden flag with me and stand with it."