..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Cesar admits Arsenal talks before joining QPR

QPR goalkeeper Julio Cesar has stated that he held talks with Arsenal before deciding on a move to Loftus Road, with the "project" on offer in west London offering an ideal blend of culture and career development.


The Gunners have been without Polish international goalkeepers Wojciech Szczesny and Lukasz Fabianski for much of this season, with third-choice Vito Mannone conceding 16 goals in the last seven games.

Cesar won five consecutive Serie A titles with Inter Milan from 2005 to 2010 and also won the Champions League in 2010 under Jose Mourinho. He left the club in the summer, citing the location of QPR as the main reason for joining the club.

"I accepted this proposal because I wanted to live in London," he told The People. "I have an amazing way of life here and I'm giving my family a great opportunity to grow up culturally.

"I talked with Arsenal in the last transfer window, and they were really happy about me playing for them, but at the last minute I moved to QPR."

Cesar has arguably been his side's star player so far this season with the team yet to pick up a win, and has stated that he is already thinking about his future in a non-playing capacity, adding that he could see himself in a director's role at the west London club.

"QPR has a project, and I dream about that project coming true," he added. "But I came here because I was thinking about my future once I quit football, that's true.

"The directors have signed 11 footballers, and when you put them all into a team, it will be difficult for that team to work immediately. That's why QPR haven't won yet. We don't have an identity yet. But let me tell you we are on the right track.

"The fact that I can speak Portuguese, Italian and now English will give me opportunities in the future to be a director once I quit football. Even at QPR I could work as a director."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I did not mean to hurt Ronaldo, insists Navarro

Levante defender David Navarro says he did not deliberately injure Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Portugal international initially played on after a stray elbow resulted in his left eye being badly cut and swollen, and even opened the scoring with for Madrid, but he was eventually replaced at halftime because of dizziness, and Navarro has claimed the injury was just unfortunate.

"It was an accident, at no time did I try to cause harm to Cristiano Ronaldo," Navarro told his club's website.

"These are things that happen during a game and I regret having wounded him, but I repeat that it was something completely involuntary."

Navarro also revealed that he contacted Ronaldo on Monday morning to ask how he was and wished him a quick recovery.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard cleared for England's friendly against Sweden after scan

Steven Gerrard will travel with the England squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly against Sweden following a scan on a minor knee injury.

It had been feared that the 32-year-old would miss the clash after taking a knock to his knee during Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday. But the Reds star is now expected to earn his 100th cap in Stockholm, joining a list containing the likes of David Beckham, Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore and Peter Shilton.

"Steven Gerrard has been cleared to travel with the England squad to Sweden having undergone a precautionary scan on Monday afternoon," the FA wrote in a statement. "The England captain reported to the team hotel following Liverpool’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea, and having received positive news is set to win his 100th cap against Sweden on Wednesday evening in Stockholm."

While Gerrard is slated for his milestone, there are also a number of players who are expected to make their first appearance for the senior side, with 17-year-old Raheem Sterling and 31-year-old Leon Osman both included in Roy Hodgson's 23-man squad.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Damiao: I dream of playing for Real Madrid

Internacional forward Leandro Damiao has revealed his dream of playing for Real Madrid.

The Brazilian has been linked with a number of clubs across Europe and although he admits it is a personal ambition of his to play for the Santiago Bernabeu side, he insists he is committed to his club and enjoys playing in his homeland.

“Every footballer dreams of playing at a club such as Real Madrid, but I am only 23 and there is plenty of time to take that step forward," he told UOL.

"Now is not the moment to be thinking of playing in Europe, I just want to continue improving and scoring goals.

“I have a contract with Porto Alegre, I love it here and do not feel the need to move away right now, although it is obvious that the day will come when I will leave Brazil to go and play in Europe."

 

[rcccc]

Mallorca 2-4 Barcelona: History-maker Messi steadies brittle Blaugran

 

[rcccc]

Huntelaar: Netherlands will beat Germany

Schalke attacker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar is confident that the Netherlands has what it takes to beat Germany in Wednesday's international friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Oranje were beaten 2-1 by their archrivals at Euro 2012, while losing a friendly in November 2011 3-0, but Huntelaar has little doubt that they will do better this time around with the support of their fans.

"Netherlands against Germany is always a special game. The fans will be fully behind us and we want to win it. I say: 1-0 to Netherlands," Huntelaar told De Telegraaf.

Holland has integrated a number of promising youngsters since Louis van Gaal replaced Bert van Marwijk as national team coach after this summer's European Championship failure, and Huntelaar sees the match against Germany as the perfect test to see where they stand.

"Germany are on of the best teams in the world and Wednesday's game will be a good test for us. We have a good team with a lot of young players," Huntelaar explained. "This is a chance to measure ourselves against a big team."

patta match ekak yayi

 

[Banks PLK]

Manchester City 2-1 Tottenham: Super sub Dzeko and Aguero seal gritty comeback

MANCHESTER -- Manchester City moved within two points of league leader Manchester United after securing a dramatic late 2-1 victory over Tottenham.

Edin Dzeko enhanced his reputation as the super-sub-in-chief with a well-taken winner in the 86th minute, adding to Sergio Aguero's equalizer that had pulled the home side back following Steven Caulker's headed opener.

Roberto Mancini welcomed David Silva back to the side after he sustained a hamstring strain on international duty in September, while Sandro returned for the visiting team and Emmanuel Adebayor replaced Jermain Defoe despite the Englishman's hat trick against Maribor on Thursday.

City started in impressive fashion, with Spurs unable to break out of their own half under a blanket of pressure in the opening quarter of an hour. Sloppy passes from Silva and Gareth Barry and a fine tackle from Kyle Walker on Aguero left City frustrated, unable to capitalise on the early endeavour.

The club's profligacy was to be punished shortly after, as the home side's alarming inability to defend set pieces was aired yet again. Caulker nodded past Joe Hart after having found himself free in the area to connect with Huddlestone's superb whipped free kick from the right flank.

Mancini's side gave a response of sorts, and should have arguably had a penalty as William Gallas blocked Aguero's turn in the area with his arm, but referee Michael Oliver waved away the Argentine's desperate protests on the 25th minute.

Further controversy was to come for Oliver, as Huddlestone body-checked Pablo Zabaleta's run in the area as the Argentine chased down Silva's neat through ball. The referee remained unmoved again, and as Carlos Tevez's scuffed effort rolled into the arms of Brad Friedel shortly before halftime, Mancini and his side exuded frustration.

It was to linger into the second half, as an offside flag halted Tevez when he looked to latch on to Gael Clichy's lofted ball over the top of an increasingly shaky Spurs defense.

But as the hour mark passed and City continued to probe, the Tottenham retreated, allowed the home side possession and was duly punished. Caulker knocked the ball into Aguero's path and the Argentine calmly slotted past Friedel for his third Premier League goal this season.

The goal reignited Tottenham, and Gareth Bale's 73rd minute strike forced Joe Hart into a sublime reaction save to keep the scores level as the play stretched with nether side settling for a point.

It was Mancini's side, however, that looked the more likely as Edin Dzeko replaced Tevez for the final quarter of an hour and City pressed for a winner.

Redemption was to come from the likeliest of sources, as Dzeko latched on to Silva's brilliant ball to smash home on the 86th minute and move City within two points of its neighbor, to end a day that had for so long delivered immense frustration, ultimately, with sheer relief.

mama hithuwe edath draw thamai kiyala.


still unbeaten @ epl

mehema 1st place ekai 2nd place ekai utd and city thibboth derby eka negala yai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

El Shaarawy targeting Balotelli partnership

Stephan El Shaarawy is hoping to shine alongside Mario Balotelli, as Italy prepares to take on France on Wednesday.

The AC Milan forward is currently the joint leading goalscorer in Serie A, with eight goals, and is aiming to replicate his domestic form at international level.

"I am at the complete disposal of the coach [Cesare Prandelli]," El Shaaraway told reporters. "At Milan I have learned how to alternate attacking and defensive phases. I hope to do well with Balotelli. Prandelli has given me all of his instructions and now I have to prove my quality."

France boss Didier Deschamps has also spoken ahead of the clash and remains uncertain what approach the Azzurri will adopt, while stressing the importance of getting a result.

"When you take on a team like Italy, who are one of the best in the world, there are always special expectations and it requires a particular level of concentration," he explained. "I don't know exactly what to expect from Italy. In terms of systems they can adapt with a three-man defence or a 4-3-3. I'm certain Cesare Prandelli will choose a very attacking side. It is a friendly, but the result is always important."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low promises attacking Germany approach

Joachim Low says Germany will not betray their attacking ethos when they take on the Netherlands.

Die Mannschaft threw away a four-goal lead in their last international fixture, eventually drawing 4-4 with Sweden and the coach is hoping to bounce back with the help of a few new faces.

"Every game brings important insights. Now we will use the opportunity to give one or two players their chance," Low told reporters at a press conference. "Generally, we will remain true to our offensive style, we have the players who have the skills. German virtues are now about technically good players playing attacking football."

But, despite vowing to stick to his principles, Low acknowledges his side will have to improve defensively and find a balance between defence and attack.

"We need to improve our organisation and work things out defensively, without sacrificing our way of playing. Our focus must be to have stability in our game from the beginning."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Evra: It would be a failure if I won nothing with France

Manchester United and France defender Patrice Evra says it would be a failure for him if he did not win a tournament with his national team.

The former Monaco fullback made his debut for Les Bleus in 2004 and has since gone on to earn 46 caps for his country, representing them in four major competitions, and captaining the side at the World Cup in 2010.

In stark contrast to his domestic career at Old Trafford, the 31-year-old’s international career has been fraught with off-field controversy and is yet to produce any success on the pitch. The Senegalese-born fullback is now keen to put that right, believing that the international set-up has improved under Didier Deschamps.

"After World Cup 2010, Italy improved their way of playing and their results, but France had more difficulties," Evra told Gazzetta Dello Sport "Now I want to win with my national team, it will be a failure for me not winning."

"With Blanc I lost my position as a regular player, now with Deschamps things are better. He said to me 'Only if you play well you will be a regular player.'"

France take on Italy at the Stadio Ennio Tardini in Parma and ahead of the friendly, Evra emphasized the importance of Mario Balotelli, but denied their respective clubs' rivalry was relevant.

He added: "Balotelli is a big player, but it won't be City against United. I love Italy, in Italy I grew up like a man and like a player. I felt Italy like a family."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea criticized over approach to Mark Clattenburg allegations

The Chairman of the Society of Black Lawyers, Peter Herbert, has criticized Chelsea for not forwarding its allegations against Mark Clattenburg to the police.

The west London club lodged an official complaint to the FA following its 3-2 defeat to Manchester United in October, claiming Clattenburg used "inappropriate language" towards midfielder John Obi Mikel.


However, neither the club nor player forwarded the allegations onto the police, who have subsequently dropped their investigation into the Premier League official, citing a lack of evidence as a primary reason.

And Herbert has condemned the club's approach and believes it is further proof of football's inability to effectively deal with racism.

He told Sky Sports: "What seems to have happened is that although Chelsea made a report to the FA they've decided, in their infinite wisdom, not to submit the same papers to police.

"It appears on the face of it to be another example of the football industry seeking to sweep racism under the carpet. If there is anything we can do to put pressure on the victims concerned to go forward to the police with this matter, then we'll do that.

"It highlights the fact that football cannot regulate itself and really, on this issue of race, always wants to take the path of least resistance. Given the publicity this engendered it's fair for all concerned, including the person who's alleged to have made the comment, that justice is seen to be done and it's not dealt with by the FA internally."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gerrard nervous ahead of 100th England cap

Steven Gerrard has admitted that he is nervous ahead of his chance to win his 100th England cap in the friendly against Sweden.

The 32-year-old made his England debut against Ukraine in May 2000 and now stands on the verge of becoming just the sixth player to reach a century of games for the Three Lions, following in the footsteps of record-holder Peter Shilton, Bobby Moore, Bobby Charlton, Billy Wright and most recently David Beckham.

Gerrard was named as the national side's captain by Roy Hodgson and was the only member of the England team to make the Euro 2012 squad of the tournament.

However, despite his senior role in the international squad, the Liverpool skipper has admitted to feeling extra levels of excitement and nervousness ahead of the game, and was keen to stress he still has a lot to offer the national team.

"I'm excited, I'm slightly nervous, which I haven't been for quite a while in an England shirt, maybe because there is a bit more attention on me getting to the milestone," Gerrard told reporters. "It's very exciting and I can't wait for the game to start.

"I try to be the driving force, try and make things happen on the pitch, get assists, get goals and try to lead by example for the rest of the team to follow. My England journey has been full of ups and downs, probably the same as a lot of other England players, but I feel like there's a few more chapters to write as well. I don't feel as if I am coming to the end. I'm really happy where I am at the moment and really happy with my form in an England shirt. I'm certainly looking forward to helping this team qualify for the World Cup."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea target Falcao dreams of move abroad

Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao has opened the door to a potential transfer after admitting that he is "dreaming" of a move to a different league.


Chelsea, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are among the teams believed to be interested in the Colombian star, who has already struck 10 goals in La Liga this campaign.

The 26-year-old Falcao has now paved the way to a potential move abroad, revealing that it is his dream to make the move to a foreign league.

"The chance of playing in another league and for another club will come. I keep dreaming," Falcao told Radio Caracol. "I know that in time I would like to go to a different team. But I have three more years left on my contract with Atletico."

Falcao went on to state his objectives, including helping Colombia reach the World Cup finals in Brazil in 2014.

"There are dreams that I have met and others that I am achieving now. I dream of reaching the World Cup with Colombia, and also to keep winning with my club," he added.

"In my head I have these objectives, they are very clear. I can't think after these objectives."

The in-form front man scored 25 goals in La Liga last season, finishing third in the top-scorer charts behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, and has cleared up reports that he was deliberately being left out of Atletico's Europa League matches ahead of a potential January exit.

"The reason I don't play in the Europa League is because of a technical decision by [Atletico boss Diego] Simeone, not because I'm leaving in January. It's just a precaution," Falcao said.

"I am not friends with Cristiano Ronaldo or Messi. But when I see them on the field, I exchange words with the two.

"The dream is always there. The Premier League is an interesting league but I have a few years left on my contract with Atletico and I'm just focusing on Atletico."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

International Friendly Fixtures 2012.11.14

International Friendly Fixtures 2012.11.14


South Korea Vs Australia

China Vs New Zealand

Andorra Vs Iceland

Armenia Vs Lithuania

Israel Vs Belarus

Saudi Arabia Vs Argentina

Liechtenstein Vs Malta

Gabon Vs Portugal

Brazil Vs Colombia

Venezuela Vs Nigeria

Bolivia Vs Costa Rica

Russia Vs USA

Bulgaria Vs Ukraine

Czech Republic Vs Slovakia

Cyprus Vs Finland

Chile Vs Serbia

Romania Vs Belgium

Turkey Vs Denmark

Luxembourg Vs Scotland

Austria Vs Ivory Coast

Hungary Vs Norway

Netherlands Vs Germany

Sweden Vs England

Ireland Vs Greece

Poland Vs Uruguay

Italy Vs France

Panama Vs Spain​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

After 77th Minute

Sweden 2 Vs 2 England

 

[Wolverine GTR]

After 68th Minute

Netherlands 0 Vs 0 Germany

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zlatan Scores for Sweden again!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zlatan Scores Again...now 4 goals for him!

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Sweden(Zlatan) 4 Vs 2 England

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 1-1 Colombia: Neymar saves Menezes’ blushes in New Jersey

Brazil came back from a goal behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Colombia at the MetLife Stadium in a match that wasn’t quite the celebration it was hoping for in its landmark 1000th international.

Mano Menezes’ men came into the match off the back of six straight victories that has saw them grab 24 goals, but failed to impress in a first half that saw them go behind shortly before the break.

Colombia has been transformed under new coach Jose Pekerman, who has led his side to six wins in seven games, and the introduction of both James Rodriguez and Macnelly Torres to the side has been key for a side that struggled to retain possession prior to the Argentine’s arrival.

It was Torres and Rodriguez who combined to give Colombia what they will feel was a deserved lead on 44 minutes. The Porto man played a neat one-two before releasing Juan Cuadrado on the right. The Fiorentina wing back burst past an isolated Leandro Castan, who had been drawn inside after finding himself in a two-versus-one, before driving his finish beyond Diego Alves and inside the far post.

The setting held a certain resonance for Menezes – it has been two years since he made his debut on the bench led a new-look Brazil side to a stunning 2-0 win over the United States in the same stadium – but there was little of the free-flowing attacking verve his young side displayed two years ago.

His 4-2-2-2/4-2-3-1 was too narrow in the first half, allowing both Cuadrado and Pablo Armero to run on unchallenged from their fullback positions and, despite Kaka hitting the crossbar with a wonderful chipped effort 30 minutes in, Pekerman’s side fully deserved its narrow lead.

Brazil found more width in the second period, pinning Cuadrado and Armero back in their own half and found the equalizer just after the hour mark when Neymar found space on the left, cut inside and curled his cool finish into the far corner.

He should have put his side ahead less than 15 minutes later, when Dani Alves was brought down in the area by Armero. Despite Colombian protests that the Udinese man won the ball, the referee pointed to the spot. Neymar, however, got his spot-kick all wrong, leaning back and lofting his shot way over the bar.

There were half chances for both teams in the final 10 minutes, but Perkerman will be the happier of the two coaches this evening. His side acquitted itself very well and has gone some way to cementing suggestions that it will stroll into 2014 with what has already been dubbed a golden generation.

His experiment with Jackson Martinez alongside Falcao was a productive experiment, but 'El Tigre' has looked much more comfortable with the Teo Guttierez buzzing left and right of him.

For Menezes, the draw largely served to raise more questions. While Kaka did his reputation no harm, the inclusion of Castan and Thiago Neves was far less productive – both were withdrawn after disappointing displays. Brazil’s striker-less system with Neymar as a 'falso No. 9' may have produced a couple of victories and plenty of goals, but it failed its first test against stiffer opposition.