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..::Football IV::..
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Portugal privileged to have hat-tick hero Ronaldo, says Pepe
Portugal defender Pepe labelled it a "privilege" for the nation to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the star's start to the World Cup came as no surprise.
Ronaldo stole the show early at the showpiece event in Russia, scoring a hat-trick to lead his side to a 3-3 draw against Spain Friday.But that display, capped with a stunning 88th-minute free-kick for the equaliser, was unsurprising to Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Pepe.
"To me, it's nothing new," he said Tuesday."We had a fantastic match and it was very important the fact that he's so humble on the pitch and working to help the team.
"We are very happy with him and his performance and the performance of the other players. We work with a single goal – to honour our country and our shirt."
Ronaldo's hat-trick saw him move onto 84 international goals , level with Ferenc Puskas for the most by a European.Pepe, whose team face Morocco Wednesday, said it was an honour to play alongside Ronaldo.
"He's very happy to be with us and he's full of confidence every day, in every match," he said."It's a privilege for us, Portugal, to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo."Portugal and Spain sit level second place in Group B after the first matchday, with Iran atop the group after beating Morocco in their opener.
Portugal defender Pepe labelled it a "privilege" for the nation to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, saying the star's start to the World Cup came as no surprise.
Ronaldo stole the show early at the showpiece event in Russia, scoring a hat-trick to lead his side to a 3-3 draw against Spain Friday.But that display, capped with a stunning 88th-minute free-kick for the equaliser, was unsurprising to Ronaldo's former Real Madrid team-mate Pepe.
"To me, it's nothing new," he said Tuesday."We had a fantastic match and it was very important the fact that he's so humble on the pitch and working to help the team.
"We are very happy with him and his performance and the performance of the other players. We work with a single goal – to honour our country and our shirt."
Ronaldo's hat-trick saw him move onto 84 international goals , level with Ferenc Puskas for the most by a European.Pepe, whose team face Morocco Wednesday, said it was an honour to play alongside Ronaldo.
"He's very happy to be with us and he's full of confidence every day, in every match," he said."It's a privilege for us, Portugal, to have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo."Portugal and Spain sit level second place in Group B after the first matchday, with Iran atop the group after beating Morocco in their opener.
Dybala: I can play beside 'best player in the world' Messi
Paulo Dybala believes he can play alongside "the best player in the world" Lionel Messi for Argentina.
Before his team's World Cup campaign started, coach Jorge Sampaoli said the duo were not yet ready to play together, and Dybala was left on the bench as Argentina were held 1-1 by Iceland in their opener on Saturday. But Dybala feels he is ready to be used in association with Messi, saying they needed to find a way to work together.
"Messi does not have any substitute here, in Barcelona or anywhere in the world. So obviously I think we could work together," he told a news conference on Tuesday.
"We need to figure out how I would fit on the team because, as you said, I used to play in the same position he plays and lately I have been used to playing in that position."But obviously I think we must work together."
Messi endured a tough opening game in Russia, including seeing a second-half penalty saved in the shock Group D draw.But Dybala said his team needed to make the most of having Messi, who is regularly outnumbered on the field, leaving space for others to work in.
"We are aware we have the best player in the world by our side, and we must take advantage from him and try to get some action too, taking advantage from each space he leaves, every rival player marking him," the Juventus star said."We must take advantage from those spaces, those moments so we can attack in a better way."Argentina continue their World Cup campaign with a clash against Croatia on Thursday.
Paulo Dybala believes he can play alongside "the best player in the world" Lionel Messi for Argentina.
Before his team's World Cup campaign started, coach Jorge Sampaoli said the duo were not yet ready to play together, and Dybala was left on the bench as Argentina were held 1-1 by Iceland in their opener on Saturday. But Dybala feels he is ready to be used in association with Messi, saying they needed to find a way to work together.
"Messi does not have any substitute here, in Barcelona or anywhere in the world. So obviously I think we could work together," he told a news conference on Tuesday.
"We need to figure out how I would fit on the team because, as you said, I used to play in the same position he plays and lately I have been used to playing in that position."But obviously I think we must work together."
Messi endured a tough opening game in Russia, including seeing a second-half penalty saved in the shock Group D draw.But Dybala said his team needed to make the most of having Messi, who is regularly outnumbered on the field, leaving space for others to work in.
"We are aware we have the best player in the world by our side, and we must take advantage from him and try to get some action too, taking advantage from each space he leaves, every rival player marking him," the Juventus star said."We must take advantage from those spaces, those moments so we can attack in a better way."Argentina continue their World Cup campaign with a clash against Croatia on Thursday.
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.20
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.20
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Group B
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Portugal Vs Morocco
Iran Vs Spain
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Group C
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Uruguay Vs Saudi Arabia
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Group B
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Group C
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All the Salah hype train. Pure BS 
Egypt is one of the worst teams in the cup. Salah is a good player but not really extra ordinary. All that comes because of English football hype. They are there one season & not to be found in the next.
Egypt is one of the worst teams in the cup. Salah is a good player but not really extra ordinary. All that comes because of English football hype. They are there one season & not to be found in the next.
Da Fuk is portugal doing. Jao Mario, Guedes, Gurreiro have been utter shit! Mario needs to be subbed asap
Sampdoria chief confirms Torreira's €30m Arsenal transfer
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has confirmed that Lucas Torreira has left the club to join Arsenal for €30 million (£26m/$35m).
The midfielder is currently in Russia as part of the Uruguay squad for the World Cup, and is expected to complete his transfer to the Emirates Stadium once the tournament has finished.
He will become Unai Emery's fourth signing of the summer, having already sealed deals for defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and goalkeeper Bernd Leno . A transfer for centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos is due to be confirmed in July as Borussia Dortmund want to wait until their new fiscal year before announcing the move.
New Arsenal boss Emery had targeted a defensive midfielder ahead of the 2018-19 Premier League season, opening talks with the 22-year-old Uruguay international before Jack Wilshere confirmed his departure from the club .
Torreira will join the Gunners after the World Cup, with Sampdoria chief Ferrero announcing the departure on Italian television, highlighting the excellent business the club had done by increasing his price tenfold."Sampdoria do not sell unless there are excellent offers," Ferrero told SportItalia ."We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose values increase exponentially.
"Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It's a family-run club and that allows players to grow up. It's normal they have aspirations to play for big clubs, but I do not need to sell out."Torreira has left for €30 million. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed.
"We bet and we won, paying just €3 million. The money that comes in is used to keep the club going."Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It's a family-run club and that allows players to grow up."Torreira made his 2018 World Cup debut in Uruguay's opening game against Egypt and could feature again as they take on Saudi Arabia in Rostov on Wednesday.
Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero has confirmed that Lucas Torreira has left the club to join Arsenal for €30 million (£26m/$35m).
The midfielder is currently in Russia as part of the Uruguay squad for the World Cup, and is expected to complete his transfer to the Emirates Stadium once the tournament has finished.
He will become Unai Emery's fourth signing of the summer, having already sealed deals for defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and goalkeeper Bernd Leno . A transfer for centre-back Sokratis Papastathopoulos is due to be confirmed in July as Borussia Dortmund want to wait until their new fiscal year before announcing the move.
New Arsenal boss Emery had targeted a defensive midfielder ahead of the 2018-19 Premier League season, opening talks with the 22-year-old Uruguay international before Jack Wilshere confirmed his departure from the club .
Torreira will join the Gunners after the World Cup, with Sampdoria chief Ferrero announcing the departure on Italian television, highlighting the excellent business the club had done by increasing his price tenfold."Sampdoria do not sell unless there are excellent offers," Ferrero told SportItalia ."We do not look for buyers. We have natural talents whose values increase exponentially.
"Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It's a family-run club and that allows players to grow up. It's normal they have aspirations to play for big clubs, but I do not need to sell out."Torreira has left for €30 million. I bought him from Pescara when no one believed.
"We bet and we won, paying just €3 million. The money that comes in is used to keep the club going."Sampdoria is a stepping stone. It's a family-run club and that allows players to grow up."Torreira made his 2018 World Cup debut in Uruguay's opening game against Egypt and could feature again as they take on Saudi Arabia in Rostov on Wednesday.
Man City close on £50m deal for Napoli star Jorginho
Manchester City are closing in on a deal worth around £50 million (€56.9m $66m) for Napoli midfielder Jorginho, Goal understands.Jorginho and his agent are poised to finalise the move after a payment structure between City and Napoli was agreed earlier this week.
City are still in talks with Leicester regarding a move for Riyad Mahrez, although there is a difference in opinion regarding the winger’s value.
The Premier League champions had found themselves in that position with Napoli for the best part of the last two months, although there had always been a confidence and a willingness from both sides to get a deal done.Goal revealed in May that City had seen a bid of around £39m ($52m) rejected for Jorginho.
After weeks of further haggling a fee of around £46m ($60.4m) plus bonuses worth around £6m ($7.9m) was provisionally agreed on Monday.Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now given his sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, the go-ahead to rubber-stamp the agreement. City had agreed personal terms with Jorginho many weeks ago, having identified him as their priority midfield target.
The Blues had been hoping to bring him to the club ahead of the World Cup, but adjusted their expectations after Napoli rejected their initial proposal.
Jorginho recently spent some time with family in Brazil, his homeland, after learning that the deal had dragged on, but returned to Europe this week and is now ready to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.City still indeed to sign Mahrez this summer but have been frustrated by Leicester’s demands.
Unlike in their pursuit of Jorginho, City would have an alternative option if their pursuit of Mahrez comes to nothing - Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey has been watched closely - but negotiations with Leicester will continue in the coming weeks.
Manchester City are closing in on a deal worth around £50 million (€56.9m $66m) for Napoli midfielder Jorginho, Goal understands.Jorginho and his agent are poised to finalise the move after a payment structure between City and Napoli was agreed earlier this week.
City are still in talks with Leicester regarding a move for Riyad Mahrez, although there is a difference in opinion regarding the winger’s value.
The Premier League champions had found themselves in that position with Napoli for the best part of the last two months, although there had always been a confidence and a willingness from both sides to get a deal done.Goal revealed in May that City had seen a bid of around £39m ($52m) rejected for Jorginho.
After weeks of further haggling a fee of around £46m ($60.4m) plus bonuses worth around £6m ($7.9m) was provisionally agreed on Monday.Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has now given his sporting director, Cristiano Giuntoli, the go-ahead to rubber-stamp the agreement. City had agreed personal terms with Jorginho many weeks ago, having identified him as their priority midfield target.
The Blues had been hoping to bring him to the club ahead of the World Cup, but adjusted their expectations after Napoli rejected their initial proposal.
Jorginho recently spent some time with family in Brazil, his homeland, after learning that the deal had dragged on, but returned to Europe this week and is now ready to sign a five-year deal at the Etihad Stadium.City still indeed to sign Mahrez this summer but have been frustrated by Leicester’s demands.
Unlike in their pursuit of Jorginho, City would have an alternative option if their pursuit of Mahrez comes to nothing - Bayer Leverkusen’s Leon Bailey has been watched closely - but negotiations with Leicester will continue in the coming weeks.
Portugal 1 Morocco 0: Record-breaker Ronaldo sends Renard's men out
Cristiano Ronaldo took just four minutes to score the goal that made him the top-scoring European in international football as Portugal beat Morocco 1-0 in Moscow to dump Herve Renard's men out of the World Cup.
One the tournament's star performers so far picked up where he left off after his hat-trick against Spain in Portugal's opening 3-3 Group B draw, heading Fernando Santos' men into an early lead with a goal that moved him to 85 international goals - one ahead of the legendary Ferenc Puskas in the all-time standings.
Morocco head coach Renard came into the game having seen his players denied a point after dominating much of their opening encounter against Iran and they were largely the better side here too, keeping Portugal on the back foot and quelling the threat of Ronaldo for long periods.
Renard was involved in discussions with officials over two rejected first-half penalty claims but his side created enough chances to score from open play had they been more accurate in front of goal.
Portugal once again relied upon Ronaldo to produce their best moments and the weaknesses evident throughout the rest of Santos' team belie their pre-tournament billing as one of the favourites.
Morocco will have the chance to restore some pride by claiming a result from their final Group B game against Spain and will then head home disappointed not to have had more to show for two good displays in Russia, while Portugal took a huge step towards the last 16.Khalid Boutaib headed wide as Morocco began the match on the front foot but they were undone by the irrepressible Ronaldo before they could find their stride.
Morocco defender Manuel da Costa failed to track the Real Madrid star as Joao Moutinho swung in a corner and Ronaldo stooped to power a header over goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and into the middle of the goal.
Their World Cup campaign hanging by a thread, Renard's side rallied and Medhi Benatia brought a good low save from Rui Patricio with a downward far-post header and he was soon tested again by Hakim Ziyech's raking drive from 20 yards.
Portugal were pinned back for extended spells as Morocco attacked in waves without causing any major scares, and they might have extended their lead when Ronaldo played Goncalo Guedes into the box but Munir stood tall and made a one-handed save.
Ronaldo blazed over the crossbar when Bernardo Silva's mishit presented him with a clear shooting chance on the edge of the box early in the second half.Patricio then made a stunning save to preserve Portugal's lead when Ziyech's free-kick was headed towards goal by Younes Belhanda, the goalkeeper diving to palm the ball away from danger after it bounced up at him awkwardly.
Ziyech whistled another set-piece just over the crossbar from 25 yards as the minutes ticked away and both Nordin Amrabat and Benatia fired over with better chances, but there was to be no last hurrah for Morocco as their hopes of making the knockout stage slipped out of reach.
Cristiano Ronaldo took just four minutes to score the goal that made him the top-scoring European in international football as Portugal beat Morocco 1-0 in Moscow to dump Herve Renard's men out of the World Cup.
One the tournament's star performers so far picked up where he left off after his hat-trick against Spain in Portugal's opening 3-3 Group B draw, heading Fernando Santos' men into an early lead with a goal that moved him to 85 international goals - one ahead of the legendary Ferenc Puskas in the all-time standings.
Morocco head coach Renard came into the game having seen his players denied a point after dominating much of their opening encounter against Iran and they were largely the better side here too, keeping Portugal on the back foot and quelling the threat of Ronaldo for long periods.
Renard was involved in discussions with officials over two rejected first-half penalty claims but his side created enough chances to score from open play had they been more accurate in front of goal.
Portugal once again relied upon Ronaldo to produce their best moments and the weaknesses evident throughout the rest of Santos' team belie their pre-tournament billing as one of the favourites.
Morocco will have the chance to restore some pride by claiming a result from their final Group B game against Spain and will then head home disappointed not to have had more to show for two good displays in Russia, while Portugal took a huge step towards the last 16.Khalid Boutaib headed wide as Morocco began the match on the front foot but they were undone by the irrepressible Ronaldo before they could find their stride.
Morocco defender Manuel da Costa failed to track the Real Madrid star as Joao Moutinho swung in a corner and Ronaldo stooped to power a header over goalkeeper Munir Mohamedi and into the middle of the goal.
Their World Cup campaign hanging by a thread, Renard's side rallied and Medhi Benatia brought a good low save from Rui Patricio with a downward far-post header and he was soon tested again by Hakim Ziyech's raking drive from 20 yards.
Portugal were pinned back for extended spells as Morocco attacked in waves without causing any major scares, and they might have extended their lead when Ronaldo played Goncalo Guedes into the box but Munir stood tall and made a one-handed save.
Ronaldo blazed over the crossbar when Bernardo Silva's mishit presented him with a clear shooting chance on the edge of the box early in the second half.Patricio then made a stunning save to preserve Portugal's lead when Ziyech's free-kick was headed towards goal by Younes Belhanda, the goalkeeper diving to palm the ball away from danger after it bounced up at him awkwardly.
Ziyech whistled another set-piece just over the crossbar from 25 yards as the minutes ticked away and both Nordin Amrabat and Benatia fired over with better chances, but there was to be no last hurrah for Morocco as their hopes of making the knockout stage slipped out of reach.
Uruguay 1 Saudi Arabia 0: Centurion Suarez strikes to send La Celeste, Russia through
Luis Suarez booked Uruguay's place in the World Cup knockout rounds, marking his 100th international appearance with the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay's result also means hosts Russia, who have won their opening two Group A matches, are through to the next phase with one fixture to spare, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia are both out of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia gave a far better performance than they produced in their 5-0 loss to the hosts but a poor mistake from replacement goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais handed the South Americans the winner in Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday.
A corner from the left taken by Carlos Sanchez was missed by the keeper, with Suarez on hand to knock home and become the first Uruguay player to score at three World Cups.With Juan Antonio Pizzi's men unable to create a clear chance, Saudi Arabia are without a win in 12 World Cup matches and in danger of finishing bottom of their group, as they have in all three previous appearances.
Russia and Uruguay, though, can look forward to a likely second-round meeting against either Portugal or Spain, depending on the outcome of Group B's remaining contests.
Suarez became Uruguay's sixth centurion and the Barcelona forward saw an early effort blocked.Saudi Arabia initially showed far greater defensive resilience following their hammering at the hands of Russia, only for Al Owais - who replaced Abdullah Al-Mayoof in the side - to gift Uruguay the opener in the 23rd minute.
A left-wing Sanchez corner was completely missed by Al Owais, giving Suarez a simple close-range finish into an unguarded net.
Fernando Muslera had to tip over a long-range drive from Hattan Bahebri, who then missed a fine chance in the box, as Saudi Arabia responded well to falling behind.The flat feel of the game continued after the interval with both sides struggling to build tempo in hot conditions at the Rostov Arena.
Sanchez and Suarez wasted half-chances to extend the lead for Uruguay, who also won their opener against Egypt 1-0 thanks to a set-piece goal, defender Jose Gimenez heading home a late winner.Saudi Arabia have conceded 14 headed goals at the World Cup and it could have been 15, Martin Caceres heading over in the 68th minute from another Sanchez delivery.
Although Pizzi's side had plenty of the ball in the closing stages there was no route to goal as Uruguay held firm easilySterner tests await Uruguay and Russia in the last 16, though, with Group A's qualified nations set to face off on Monday in Samara to decide who secures top spot.
Luis Suarez booked Uruguay's place in the World Cup knockout rounds, marking his 100th international appearance with the only goal in a 1-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
Uruguay's result also means hosts Russia, who have won their opening two Group A matches, are through to the next phase with one fixture to spare, while Egypt and Saudi Arabia are both out of the tournament.
Saudi Arabia gave a far better performance than they produced in their 5-0 loss to the hosts but a poor mistake from replacement goalkeeper Mohammed Al Owais handed the South Americans the winner in Rostov-on-Don on Wednesday.
A corner from the left taken by Carlos Sanchez was missed by the keeper, with Suarez on hand to knock home and become the first Uruguay player to score at three World Cups.With Juan Antonio Pizzi's men unable to create a clear chance, Saudi Arabia are without a win in 12 World Cup matches and in danger of finishing bottom of their group, as they have in all three previous appearances.
Russia and Uruguay, though, can look forward to a likely second-round meeting against either Portugal or Spain, depending on the outcome of Group B's remaining contests.
Suarez became Uruguay's sixth centurion and the Barcelona forward saw an early effort blocked.Saudi Arabia initially showed far greater defensive resilience following their hammering at the hands of Russia, only for Al Owais - who replaced Abdullah Al-Mayoof in the side - to gift Uruguay the opener in the 23rd minute.
A left-wing Sanchez corner was completely missed by Al Owais, giving Suarez a simple close-range finish into an unguarded net.
Fernando Muslera had to tip over a long-range drive from Hattan Bahebri, who then missed a fine chance in the box, as Saudi Arabia responded well to falling behind.The flat feel of the game continued after the interval with both sides struggling to build tempo in hot conditions at the Rostov Arena.
Sanchez and Suarez wasted half-chances to extend the lead for Uruguay, who also won their opener against Egypt 1-0 thanks to a set-piece goal, defender Jose Gimenez heading home a late winner.Saudi Arabia have conceded 14 headed goals at the World Cup and it could have been 15, Martin Caceres heading over in the 68th minute from another Sanchez delivery.
Although Pizzi's side had plenty of the ball in the closing stages there was no route to goal as Uruguay held firm easilySterner tests await Uruguay and Russia in the last 16, though, with Group A's qualified nations set to face off on Monday in Samara to decide who secures top spot.
