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..::Football II::..
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France 3-1 Georgia: Valbuena the star of the show as les Bleus edge clear in Group I
France took control of UEFA World Cup qualifying Group I as it punished Spain’s surprise slip against Finland by beating Georgia 3-1 at Stade de France to claim a two-point lead of the pool.
Goals from Olivier Giroud and the inspired Mathieu Valbuena immediately either side of halftime were essential for Didier Deschamps’ side, which struggled to break obstinate opponents for long periods of the opening 45 minutes. Franck Ribery added a fine third for les Bleus before Aleksandr Kobakhidze pounced to score a consolation.
Marseille star Valbuena was to the fore of many of the hosts’ best moves, and it was his free kick that produced the opening goal for Giroud in first-half stoppage-time. His delivery was met by a textbook header from the Arsenal forward that picked out the corner of the net.
It took only moments after the restart for the home side to add to its tally. Giroud and Ribery combined down the left to set up Valbuena to smash home a terrific shot into the roof of the goal.
Quarter of an hour later it was Ribery’s turn to score from a Valbuena pass. The Marseille man showed his confidence with a superb crossfield ball that was fired in at the near post by his former teammate at Stade Velodrome, who easily beat Zurab Khizanishvili.
When Valbuena was withdrawn to be rested for Tuesday’s match against Spain, France allowed its concentration to slip, and Kobakhidze clinically shot home after a lapse from Mamadou Sakho following a Ucha Lobjanidze cross.
Although Ribery’s fine solo run on six minutes ended with the winger clipping the top of the crossbar, France would be stifled impressively for much of the first half.
Karim Benzema would be particularly profligate, as he scuffed a near post chance wide after fine work for Gael Clichy. The Real Madrid man looked shorn of confidence throughout, and his failure to beat Giorgi Loria when clean through soon after France’s second typified another poor outing for the national side.
Giroud was also guilty of profligacy early on, as he lofted over after another pinpoint pass from the ubiquitous Valbuena.
But it was not completely one-way traffic, and had Hugo Lloris not saved well from Aleksandr Amisulashvili or Kobakhidze when the game was still scoreless then the outcome may have been very different.
Nevertheless, Deschamps can feel pleased his side has taken control of their section ahead of Tuesday’s crunch encounter against Spain. Win that and France will be well on its way to Brazil 2014.
France took control of UEFA World Cup qualifying Group I as it punished Spain’s surprise slip against Finland by beating Georgia 3-1 at Stade de France to claim a two-point lead of the pool.
Goals from Olivier Giroud and the inspired Mathieu Valbuena immediately either side of halftime were essential for Didier Deschamps’ side, which struggled to break obstinate opponents for long periods of the opening 45 minutes. Franck Ribery added a fine third for les Bleus before Aleksandr Kobakhidze pounced to score a consolation.
Marseille star Valbuena was to the fore of many of the hosts’ best moves, and it was his free kick that produced the opening goal for Giroud in first-half stoppage-time. His delivery was met by a textbook header from the Arsenal forward that picked out the corner of the net.
It took only moments after the restart for the home side to add to its tally. Giroud and Ribery combined down the left to set up Valbuena to smash home a terrific shot into the roof of the goal.
Quarter of an hour later it was Ribery’s turn to score from a Valbuena pass. The Marseille man showed his confidence with a superb crossfield ball that was fired in at the near post by his former teammate at Stade Velodrome, who easily beat Zurab Khizanishvili.
When Valbuena was withdrawn to be rested for Tuesday’s match against Spain, France allowed its concentration to slip, and Kobakhidze clinically shot home after a lapse from Mamadou Sakho following a Ucha Lobjanidze cross.
Although Ribery’s fine solo run on six minutes ended with the winger clipping the top of the crossbar, France would be stifled impressively for much of the first half.
Karim Benzema would be particularly profligate, as he scuffed a near post chance wide after fine work for Gael Clichy. The Real Madrid man looked shorn of confidence throughout, and his failure to beat Giorgi Loria when clean through soon after France’s second typified another poor outing for the national side.
Giroud was also guilty of profligacy early on, as he lofted over after another pinpoint pass from the ubiquitous Valbuena.
But it was not completely one-way traffic, and had Hugo Lloris not saved well from Aleksandr Amisulashvili or Kobakhidze when the game was still scoreless then the outcome may have been very different.
Nevertheless, Deschamps can feel pleased his side has taken control of their section ahead of Tuesday’s crunch encounter against Spain. Win that and France will be well on its way to Brazil 2014.
Spain 1-1 Finland: Pukki leveler leaves Spain reelingSergio Ramos marked his 100th cap with a goal, but that was not enough for Spain, which was held to a shocking 1-1 draw by Finland in their World Cup qualifier at El Molinon on Friday.
The 26-year-old defender became the youngest player to reach a century of international appearances, and his 49th minute header seemed to be enough for Vicente del Bosque's men, who dominated throughout but were frustrated for long spells by the visitor's defensive approach.
But la Roja's inability to turn possession into goals cost them late on, as Teemu Pukki stunned the crowd by drilling home a 79th minute leveler to salvage a point for the visiting side.
Spain now falls two points behind Group I leader France, which the team visits on Tuesday, while Finland, despite the result, still remains bottom in the standings with only two points to its name.
Cesc Fabregas reprized his false-nine role as one of seven Barcelona players in the home side’s XI, which was a record number of starters from a single team in la Roja’s World Cup qualifying history.Spain was quickly on the front foot, and nearly took an early lead when Nicklas Moisander inadvertently deflected Cesc Fabregas’ cross towards goal, forcing a fine reflex save out of Niki Manepaa.
The match soon settled into a familiar pattern, as Finland was penned deep in its own half by Spain’s tiki-taka football, with Pukki cutting an isolated figure alone up front for the visitors.
Manepaa smothered a close range effort from Andres Iniesta, but was forced to work a bit harder to beat away Santi Cazorla’s strike, after the Arsenal man had cut in from the flanks.Cazorla then completely mishit a loose ball that caught the defense by surprise, before Finland belatedly sniffed out its first decent sight on goal when Roman Eremenko blasted about a foot over from outside the box.
The entirety of the match was being played in the offensive third, but not for the first time, Spain was frustrated by the sheer numbers at the back from its opponent, and could not muster much more than half-chances as the first half petered out.With the conventional approach stymied, it took a more direct route for la Roja to break the deadlock, and it was Ramos who came up with the goods, heading in Silva’s corner minutes into the second half.
The goal seemed to unburden Spain, and Ramos, who was finding himself increasingly forward, nearly struck again when a rasping drive from him flew the wrong side of the post.
The home side was then up in arms when the referee waved play on after Fabregas was sent tumbling by Alexander Ring in the area, moments before Pukki shot wide on a rare Finland sighting in the opposition half.But Spain was unable to seriously threaten again as the match entered its closing stages, and the team was pegged back with 11 minutes remaining when Pukki stole in between Ramos and Pique to turn home from close range.
Still, Spain had chances to win it late on, but Alvaro Negredo twice failed to convert, sending a header wide before he was denied by Manepaa. Finland became only the second team in seven years to avoid defeat away to the world and European champion.
Netherlands 3-0 Estonia: Van Persie among the goals as Oranje maintain perfect record
Netherlands has recorded a 3-0 win over Estonia in Friday evening's 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Louis van Gaal's men were unable to break the deadlock before the break, but Rafael van der Vaart gifted Holland the lead only minutes into the second half. Oranje continued to dominate after the opener and Robin van Persie eventually made it two, before Ruben Schaken put the match to bed.
The home side started the match with attacking intentions, yet struggled to create any chances of note early in the game as Estonia defended well. Wesley Sneijder tried his luck from long range twice, but his first attempt went over the crossbar while his second shot lacked power.
Oranje first looked dangerous around the half-hour mark when Daley Blind found Van Persie with a fine cross from the left. The striker then set up Sneijder, who fired wide from inside the area.
An Arjen Robben free kick shortly after almost led to the opener, but Sergei Pareiko was alert and kept the ball out. The Bayern man again threatened minutes later when he dances past two opponents, only to aim just wide from a narrow angle.
Van Persie had by then already seen a goal disallowed for offside, while Robben saw his cheeky lob cancelled for the same reason.
Estonia was initially happy to sit back and defend, yet the team came close to grabbing the lead in the closing minutes of the first half. Sander Puri cut inside from the right before setting up Konstantin Vassiljev in the center of the pitch. The midfielder blasted a powerful shot toward the Dutch goal, which was only just parried by Kenneth Vermeer, who also kept out the rebound.
The Dutch started the second half superbly and needed only two minutes to break the deadlock. Daryl Janmaat charged forward down the right and reached substitute Van der Vaart with a low pass inside the area. The HSV man controlled the ball with his back to goal and turned before beating Pareiko with a low shot.
Van Persie could have doubled Oranje's lead only moments later after a superb cross from Van der Vaart, but his header lacked both power and accuracy. The former Arsenal man again failed to find the net at the hour mark, when his right-footed shot from close range went over the crossbar after some good work from Janmaat.
Nevertheless, the prolific forward got his goal at last in the 72nd minute. Once again Janmaat sent in a dangerous cross from the right, and the unmarked Van Persie volleyed home from five yards out.
Estonia should have pegged one back 10 minutes before the final whistle when Martin Vunk was clean through on goal after a superb pass from Vassiljev. However, the Sillamae Kalev midfielder budged under the pressure and blasted his shot over.
Holland poured even more salt in the wounds in the closing stages of the game. A Van Persie cross fell to Schaken at the far post, and the Feyenoord winger had no trouble finding the net from a narrow angle.
Netherlands remains first in its section with 15 points from five games. The team's next match is at home against Romania on Tuesday.
Estonia sits fifth in Group D with three points from five encounters. It takes on Andorra on March 26.
Netherlands has recorded a 3-0 win over Estonia in Friday evening's 2014 World Cup qualifier at the Amsterdam ArenA.
Louis van Gaal's men were unable to break the deadlock before the break, but Rafael van der Vaart gifted Holland the lead only minutes into the second half. Oranje continued to dominate after the opener and Robin van Persie eventually made it two, before Ruben Schaken put the match to bed.
The home side started the match with attacking intentions, yet struggled to create any chances of note early in the game as Estonia defended well. Wesley Sneijder tried his luck from long range twice, but his first attempt went over the crossbar while his second shot lacked power.
Oranje first looked dangerous around the half-hour mark when Daley Blind found Van Persie with a fine cross from the left. The striker then set up Sneijder, who fired wide from inside the area.
An Arjen Robben free kick shortly after almost led to the opener, but Sergei Pareiko was alert and kept the ball out. The Bayern man again threatened minutes later when he dances past two opponents, only to aim just wide from a narrow angle.
Van Persie had by then already seen a goal disallowed for offside, while Robben saw his cheeky lob cancelled for the same reason.
Estonia was initially happy to sit back and defend, yet the team came close to grabbing the lead in the closing minutes of the first half. Sander Puri cut inside from the right before setting up Konstantin Vassiljev in the center of the pitch. The midfielder blasted a powerful shot toward the Dutch goal, which was only just parried by Kenneth Vermeer, who also kept out the rebound.
The Dutch started the second half superbly and needed only two minutes to break the deadlock. Daryl Janmaat charged forward down the right and reached substitute Van der Vaart with a low pass inside the area. The HSV man controlled the ball with his back to goal and turned before beating Pareiko with a low shot.
Van Persie could have doubled Oranje's lead only moments later after a superb cross from Van der Vaart, but his header lacked both power and accuracy. The former Arsenal man again failed to find the net at the hour mark, when his right-footed shot from close range went over the crossbar after some good work from Janmaat.
Nevertheless, the prolific forward got his goal at last in the 72nd minute. Once again Janmaat sent in a dangerous cross from the right, and the unmarked Van Persie volleyed home from five yards out.
Estonia should have pegged one back 10 minutes before the final whistle when Martin Vunk was clean through on goal after a superb pass from Vassiljev. However, the Sillamae Kalev midfielder budged under the pressure and blasted his shot over.
Holland poured even more salt in the wounds in the closing stages of the game. A Van Persie cross fell to Schaken at the far post, and the Feyenoord winger had no trouble finding the net from a narrow angle.
Netherlands remains first in its section with 15 points from five games. The team's next match is at home against Romania on Tuesday.
Estonia sits fifth in Group D with three points from five encounters. It takes on Andorra on March 26.
Kazakhstan 0-3 Germany: Schweinsteiger, Gotze and Muller complete conventional win
Germany kept up the pace in the race to qualify for the 2014 World Cup by recording a routine 3-0 win over Kazakhstan in Astana.
First-half goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze within a minute of each other gave the visitors the lead, and Thomas Muller grabbed a third shortly before full time.
While Kazakhstan looked up for the fight in the opening minutes of the contest, doing its best to harry its opponent, the gulf in class between the two was obvious from the off. An early burst forward from Gotze came to nothing, while Sami Khedira had an effort charged down.
Marcel Schmelzer looked willing to get down the left and almost laid one on a plate for Julian Draxler, who could only tap the ball wide from close range, and Mesut Ozil drove a free kick into the wall when he should have done better.
Andrey Sidelnikov got himself behind a Draxler pop shot from distance, but the visitors really should have taken the lead when a masterful flick from Schweinsteiger set up Gotze, who contrived to skew a shot high and wide a matter of yards from goal.
In the end, though, the inevitable goal came. Ozil floated in from the left-hand side, drove a pass to Schweinsteiger, who took the ball over his man brilliantly and shot. It appeared to take the slightest deflection off Thomas Muller, but the Germany vice-captain claimed it nonetheless.
Within seconds, it was two. Khedira drove down the byeline and pulled it back to Muller, who was promptly crowded out, but forced it back to Gotze, and the Dortmund star applied the finish to get his goal.
For the rest of the first half, it was plain sailing. Draxler was withdrawn due to a head injury and replaced by Lukas Podolski, who combined well with Schmelzer, while Ozil, Schweinsteiger, Gotze and Muller played for possession, rarely surrendering the ball.
After the break, the Germans made a slightly lax start, giving the home fans something to cheer about for a change, but, while Kazakhstan's industry down the lines was praiseworthy, it struggled to craft any real chances.
Bauyrzhan Dzholchiyev sent an effort straight into Manuel Neuer's hands, and Sergey Ostapenko's looming presence forced Muller to turn a corner over his own bar, but in truth, the visitors looked more likely to score than concede.
Podolski had three of efforts charged down in quick succession on the break, while the Kazakh wall stood firm to block another free kick, this time from Schweinsteiger.
Germany pressed and probed but the hosts were happy to drop back and deprive them of space. And their conservative approach almost paid dividends. Ulan Konysbaev rattled the woodwork with an extraordinary strike, before Neuer made an acrobatic save to deny Heinrich Schmidtgal.
The two chances seemed to wake up Germany, which charged up the other end and added a third through Muller after some neat build-up play from Ozil and Gotze.
These two sides clash again in Nurnberg on Tuesday.<IMG alt="">
Germany kept up the pace in the race to qualify for the 2014 World Cup by recording a routine 3-0 win over Kazakhstan in Astana.
First-half goals from Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mario Gotze within a minute of each other gave the visitors the lead, and Thomas Muller grabbed a third shortly before full time.
While Kazakhstan looked up for the fight in the opening minutes of the contest, doing its best to harry its opponent, the gulf in class between the two was obvious from the off. An early burst forward from Gotze came to nothing, while Sami Khedira had an effort charged down.
Marcel Schmelzer looked willing to get down the left and almost laid one on a plate for Julian Draxler, who could only tap the ball wide from close range, and Mesut Ozil drove a free kick into the wall when he should have done better.
Andrey Sidelnikov got himself behind a Draxler pop shot from distance, but the visitors really should have taken the lead when a masterful flick from Schweinsteiger set up Gotze, who contrived to skew a shot high and wide a matter of yards from goal.
In the end, though, the inevitable goal came. Ozil floated in from the left-hand side, drove a pass to Schweinsteiger, who took the ball over his man brilliantly and shot. It appeared to take the slightest deflection off Thomas Muller, but the Germany vice-captain claimed it nonetheless.
Within seconds, it was two. Khedira drove down the byeline and pulled it back to Muller, who was promptly crowded out, but forced it back to Gotze, and the Dortmund star applied the finish to get his goal.
For the rest of the first half, it was plain sailing. Draxler was withdrawn due to a head injury and replaced by Lukas Podolski, who combined well with Schmelzer, while Ozil, Schweinsteiger, Gotze and Muller played for possession, rarely surrendering the ball.
After the break, the Germans made a slightly lax start, giving the home fans something to cheer about for a change, but, while Kazakhstan's industry down the lines was praiseworthy, it struggled to craft any real chances.
Bauyrzhan Dzholchiyev sent an effort straight into Manuel Neuer's hands, and Sergey Ostapenko's looming presence forced Muller to turn a corner over his own bar, but in truth, the visitors looked more likely to score than concede.
Podolski had three of efforts charged down in quick succession on the break, while the Kazakh wall stood firm to block another free kick, this time from Schweinsteiger.
Germany pressed and probed but the hosts were happy to drop back and deprive them of space. And their conservative approach almost paid dividends. Ulan Konysbaev rattled the woodwork with an extraordinary strike, before Neuer made an acrobatic save to deny Heinrich Schmidtgal.
The two chances seemed to wake up Germany, which charged up the other end and added a third through Muller after some neat build-up play from Ozil and Gotze.
These two sides clash again in Nurnberg on Tuesday.<IMG alt="">
Croatia 2-0 Serbia: Mandzukic and Olic claim impressive Group A victory
Croatia's 2-0 win over Serbia saw it, temporarily at least, leapfrog Belgium to the summit of Group A following a heated encounter between the two sides in Zagreb.
Mario Manduzkic opened the scoring midway through the first half for the hosts, before Ivica Olic doubled the advantage in the 35th minute to ensure Igor Stimac's side all three points.It took until the 20 minute mark for the first clear cut opportunity to be mustered after Niko Kranjcar dragged his effort wide following some good link-up play between Luka Modric and Darijo Srna.
The hosts were the better of the two teams in the opening exchanges and deserved their goal in the 23rd minute after a defensive mistake by Aleksandar Kolarov was capitalised upon by Olic, the striker pressed forward and squared for Mandzukic to sidefoot into the Serbia net from six yards out.
Croatia made it 2-0 with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, as Olic turned goalscorer with the simplest of finishes having been picked out with Srna's free kick to chest in from close range.Serbia finally sprung into life at the beginning of the second half through Kolarov, as the left back strode forward and forced a good save from Stipe Pletikosa as the visitors looked to force a way back into the encounter.
Modric attempted to add a third in the 50th minute, but his long distance effort drifted wide as Croatia looked to wrap up all three points in the minutes after the restart.
The Real Madrid midfielder came closer moments later after pushing towards the Serbia goal and unleashing a teasing effort that drifted inches wide of Brkic's near post.Ivan Rakitic and Olic both tested Brkic on the hour mark, as Croatia continued to press Serbia in a bid to add a third goal of the evening and secure three vital points in its quest to confirm a place at Brazil 2014.
Filip Djuricic forced Pletikosa into action with 15 minutes remaining after the Serbia midfielder saw his curling effort denied by the Croatia goalkeeper.
Croatia held out for the 2-0 win despite some late Serbia pressure to earn a deserved victory that moves it onto 13 points in Group A.
Croatia's 2-0 win over Serbia saw it, temporarily at least, leapfrog Belgium to the summit of Group A following a heated encounter between the two sides in Zagreb.
Mario Manduzkic opened the scoring midway through the first half for the hosts, before Ivica Olic doubled the advantage in the 35th minute to ensure Igor Stimac's side all three points.It took until the 20 minute mark for the first clear cut opportunity to be mustered after Niko Kranjcar dragged his effort wide following some good link-up play between Luka Modric and Darijo Srna.
The hosts were the better of the two teams in the opening exchanges and deserved their goal in the 23rd minute after a defensive mistake by Aleksandar Kolarov was capitalised upon by Olic, the striker pressed forward and squared for Mandzukic to sidefoot into the Serbia net from six yards out.
Croatia made it 2-0 with 10 minutes of the first half remaining, as Olic turned goalscorer with the simplest of finishes having been picked out with Srna's free kick to chest in from close range.Serbia finally sprung into life at the beginning of the second half through Kolarov, as the left back strode forward and forced a good save from Stipe Pletikosa as the visitors looked to force a way back into the encounter.
Modric attempted to add a third in the 50th minute, but his long distance effort drifted wide as Croatia looked to wrap up all three points in the minutes after the restart.
The Real Madrid midfielder came closer moments later after pushing towards the Serbia goal and unleashing a teasing effort that drifted inches wide of Brkic's near post.Ivan Rakitic and Olic both tested Brkic on the hour mark, as Croatia continued to press Serbia in a bid to add a third goal of the evening and secure three vital points in its quest to confirm a place at Brazil 2014.
Filip Djuricic forced Pletikosa into action with 15 minutes remaining after the Serbia midfielder saw his curling effort denied by the Croatia goalkeeper.
Croatia held out for the 2-0 win despite some late Serbia pressure to earn a deserved victory that moves it onto 13 points in Group A.
Sergio Ramos: Galatasaray is a force to be reckoned with
The stopper has preached caution ahead of Madrid's European encounter against Fatih Terim's side, and revealed his dreams of winning the competition
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has called for his team to maintain concentration ahead of its Champions League tie with Galatasaray next month.
The Istanbul outfit overcame Schalke in the knockout stages to be drawn against Jose Mourinho's Spanish champions, and Ramos, currently on international duty, has said that no team represents an easy opponent at this stage.
"Galatasary are a pretty strong team with their new signings. They are a force to be reckoned with," the 26-year-old told UEFA's website. "We have to give them a lot of respect. That we have drawn Galatasary is not a stroke of luck by any means. One should never estimate any team. They have had to earn the right to get where they are.
"Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder are world class players, but the real danger is the collective and never just the individual. We have to try to keep a clean sheet at home because I am sure that things will be difficult on their home turf."
The decorated player has tasted success for both club and country, but admitted that getting his hands on an elusive Champions League trophy is a personal priority.
"Unfortunately, it is one of the few things that I have yet to win, and I must admit that it is an itch I want to scratch, to be able to hold and raise a trophy as important as it," he revealed.
"It is one of my greatest dreams that I can have at this stage of my career. Hopefully one day we can say that I have won not just one Champions League title.
"I just hope that tomorrow my name will live on in this regard in a club as important as this one."
Los Blancos host their Turkish opponents on April 3 at the Bernabeu, before travelling to Turk Telekom Arena on April 9.
The stopper has preached caution ahead of Madrid's European encounter against Fatih Terim's side, and revealed his dreams of winning the competition
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has called for his team to maintain concentration ahead of its Champions League tie with Galatasaray next month.
The Istanbul outfit overcame Schalke in the knockout stages to be drawn against Jose Mourinho's Spanish champions, and Ramos, currently on international duty, has said that no team represents an easy opponent at this stage.
"Galatasary are a pretty strong team with their new signings. They are a force to be reckoned with," the 26-year-old told UEFA's website. "We have to give them a lot of respect. That we have drawn Galatasary is not a stroke of luck by any means. One should never estimate any team. They have had to earn the right to get where they are.
"Didier Drogba and Wesley Sneijder are world class players, but the real danger is the collective and never just the individual. We have to try to keep a clean sheet at home because I am sure that things will be difficult on their home turf."
The decorated player has tasted success for both club and country, but admitted that getting his hands on an elusive Champions League trophy is a personal priority.
"Unfortunately, it is one of the few things that I have yet to win, and I must admit that it is an itch I want to scratch, to be able to hold and raise a trophy as important as it," he revealed.
"It is one of my greatest dreams that I can have at this stage of my career. Hopefully one day we can say that I have won not just one Champions League title.
"I just hope that tomorrow my name will live on in this regard in a club as important as this one."
Los Blancos host their Turkish opponents on April 3 at the Bernabeu, before travelling to Turk Telekom Arena on April 9.
'Chelsea can't replace Lampard', warns England teammate Defoe
The Spurs striker has known the veteran midfielder since their days at West Ham and believes the west London club would be foolish to let the 34-year-old run down his contract Jermain Defoe has warned Chelsea that it will not be able to replace Frank Lampard if the club lets him leave at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old recently scored his 200th goal for the Blues, leaving him only two goals away from becoming the club's greatest ever marksman.
Yet the club is seemingly unwilling to offer the England international an extension on his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
"I don't know his situation at Chelsea but in my opinion he is someone you can't replace because of the amount of goals he has scored over the years," Defoe told talkSPORT. "He is a special player. He can easily go on for another two or three years.
"At the end of the day you know you are going to get goals. You know what you are going to get from Frank and goals win games.
"I'm sure Chelsea won't get rid of him. He is a special player."
The Spurs striker played with Lampard in their formative years at West Ham and he recalls how the 34-year-old's finishing was as good then as it is now.
"I was with Frank at West Ham when I was really young and, even then, his finishing was unbelievable," he added.
"He finishes like a forward. There are not many like him, he loves scoring goals and, when he gets the chances, he doesn't miss."
The Spurs striker has known the veteran midfielder since their days at West Ham and believes the west London club would be foolish to let the 34-year-old run down his contract Jermain Defoe has warned Chelsea that it will not be able to replace Frank Lampard if the club lets him leave at the end of the season.
The 34-year-old recently scored his 200th goal for the Blues, leaving him only two goals away from becoming the club's greatest ever marksman.
Yet the club is seemingly unwilling to offer the England international an extension on his current deal, which expires at the end of the season.
"I don't know his situation at Chelsea but in my opinion he is someone you can't replace because of the amount of goals he has scored over the years," Defoe told talkSPORT. "He is a special player. He can easily go on for another two or three years.
"At the end of the day you know you are going to get goals. You know what you are going to get from Frank and goals win games.
"I'm sure Chelsea won't get rid of him. He is a special player."
The Spurs striker played with Lampard in their formative years at West Ham and he recalls how the 34-year-old's finishing was as good then as it is now.
"I was with Frank at West Ham when I was really young and, even then, his finishing was unbelievable," he added.
"He finishes like a forward. There are not many like him, he loves scoring goals and, when he gets the chances, he doesn't miss."
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Messi hails Argentina partnership with Higuain
The Barcelona ace lauded the ability of his Real Madrid counterpart, before turning his attention to their next game against Bolivia Argentina forward Lionel Messi has revealed his growing understanding with Gonzalo Higuain, after the pair combined to inspire a 3-0 victory against Venezuela on Friday.
Messi laid on his international colleague's brace before getting in on the scoring with a penalty, and the 25-year-old acknowledged the potency of their relationship on the pitch.
"Higuain is a great player because he scores a lot of goals," Messi told reporters after the match. "Every time we play, our understanding together increases. Playing together is a great joy shared amongst the members of the Argentina squad. The most important thing is to win, no matter who makes the assists or gets the goals.
"We knew they [Venezuela] would try to hit us on the break, but we had the ball, and scored the first goal. Space opened up for us after that. We were patient."
Higuain shared similar optimism in reviewing his performance with his Albiceleste teammate, adding: "Every time Leo looks forward, he knows I give him an option, as does [Ezequiel] Lavezzi.
"We are happy to give this victory to our supporters who filled the stadium. We've been playing and winning well for several games at home. We now have a big cushion in fourth place [of the South American World Cup qualifiers]."
Alejandro Sabella's men next travel to Le Paz where they face Bolivia on Tuesday, and Messi was left under no illusions as to the scale of the task awaiting his team, after being on the receiving end of a 6-1 drubbing in 2009.
"The games we are playing are getting more and more difficult," the striker concluded. "We know we have to be ready for the atmosphere of Le Paz, and know what happened the last time. Personally, it was a very complicated affair, recovering from defeat.
"Hopefully, it will be different this time."
The Barcelona ace lauded the ability of his Real Madrid counterpart, before turning his attention to their next game against Bolivia Argentina forward Lionel Messi has revealed his growing understanding with Gonzalo Higuain, after the pair combined to inspire a 3-0 victory against Venezuela on Friday.
Messi laid on his international colleague's brace before getting in on the scoring with a penalty, and the 25-year-old acknowledged the potency of their relationship on the pitch.
"Higuain is a great player because he scores a lot of goals," Messi told reporters after the match. "Every time we play, our understanding together increases. Playing together is a great joy shared amongst the members of the Argentina squad. The most important thing is to win, no matter who makes the assists or gets the goals.
"We knew they [Venezuela] would try to hit us on the break, but we had the ball, and scored the first goal. Space opened up for us after that. We were patient."
Higuain shared similar optimism in reviewing his performance with his Albiceleste teammate, adding: "Every time Leo looks forward, he knows I give him an option, as does [Ezequiel] Lavezzi.
"We are happy to give this victory to our supporters who filled the stadium. We've been playing and winning well for several games at home. We now have a big cushion in fourth place [of the South American World Cup qualifiers]."
Alejandro Sabella's men next travel to Le Paz where they face Bolivia on Tuesday, and Messi was left under no illusions as to the scale of the task awaiting his team, after being on the receiving end of a 6-1 drubbing in 2009.
"The games we are playing are getting more and more difficult," the striker concluded. "We know we have to be ready for the atmosphere of Le Paz, and know what happened the last time. Personally, it was a very complicated affair, recovering from defeat.
"Hopefully, it will be different this time."
Fabregas: Spain must go all out to beat France
Following la Roja's draw with Finland on Friday, the Barcelona midfielder has warned his teammates they they cannot afford to drop any more points
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has told his teammates that they must do their utmost to win their upcoming game against France on Tuesday.
The world and European champions currently sit two points behind les Bleus, and the Barcelona star feels that they have to triumph at the Stade de France to keep first place in their hands.
"We will have to go out to win on Tuesday, if we win that match things will become different [in the group]," he said at a press conference.
"Tomorrow, the starters will be in a poor mood, but the qualification is in our hands."
The former Arsenal skipper also feels his side was hindered by the negative approach taken by the Finns, who were happy to sit back.
"We have never faced a team who play so defensively," he added.
"The same thing happened against Georgia, but it is always hard to face a team who defend with 10 players in the area, it is hard to find spaces, but we have to move on.
"We now have to rest well, train well and come out strongly on Tuesday."
Following la Roja's draw with Finland on Friday, the Barcelona midfielder has warned his teammates they they cannot afford to drop any more points
Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas has told his teammates that they must do their utmost to win their upcoming game against France on Tuesday.
The world and European champions currently sit two points behind les Bleus, and the Barcelona star feels that they have to triumph at the Stade de France to keep first place in their hands.
"We will have to go out to win on Tuesday, if we win that match things will become different [in the group]," he said at a press conference.
"Tomorrow, the starters will be in a poor mood, but the qualification is in our hands."
The former Arsenal skipper also feels his side was hindered by the negative approach taken by the Finns, who were happy to sit back.
"We have never faced a team who play so defensively," he added.
"The same thing happened against Georgia, but it is always hard to face a team who defend with 10 players in the area, it is hard to find spaces, but we have to move on.
"We now have to rest well, train well and come out strongly on Tuesday."
Hazard: Courtois kept Belgium in FYROM clash
Marc Wilmots' side won 2-0 in Skopje and the Chelsea star thanked the goalkeeper for his contribution during a difficult first half Eden Hazard has thanked Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for helping his side record a 2-0 victory over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Friday.
The Chelsea star admits that Marc Wilmots' men encountered problems early on in Skopje, but was delighted with their show of resolve as they ran out winners.
"It was just like the game against Serbia. We had trouble in the first half but in the second it went a lot better for us," he told reporters.
"The match was not easy. Courtois kept us in contention with a few good saves using his leg. I didn't think I played too badly, but I can always do better."
Meanwhile, defender Vincent Kompany feels everyone put in a fine performance, and was happy that his team gave the fans what they deserved for making such a long trip.
"A great result, the men played perfectly. I am pleased that we can give so much to our country," he wrote on Twitter.
"Our fans have made a long trip to Skopje and they have been rewarded. Massive thanks for the support."
Marc Wilmots' side won 2-0 in Skopje and the Chelsea star thanked the goalkeeper for his contribution during a difficult first half Eden Hazard has thanked Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois for helping his side record a 2-0 victory over the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia on Friday.
The Chelsea star admits that Marc Wilmots' men encountered problems early on in Skopje, but was delighted with their show of resolve as they ran out winners.
"It was just like the game against Serbia. We had trouble in the first half but in the second it went a lot better for us," he told reporters.
"The match was not easy. Courtois kept us in contention with a few good saves using his leg. I didn't think I played too badly, but I can always do better."
Meanwhile, defender Vincent Kompany feels everyone put in a fine performance, and was happy that his team gave the fans what they deserved for making such a long trip.
"A great result, the men played perfectly. I am pleased that we can give so much to our country," he wrote on Twitter.
"Our fans have made a long trip to Skopje and they have been rewarded. Massive thanks for the support."
Benzema is useless, says Domenech
The ex-France coach believes his doubts about the Real Madrid striker have now been vindicated after his poor showing against Georgia Former France coach Raymond Domenech believes that Karim Benzema's performance against Georgia on Friday has shown that the Real Madrid striker is "useless".
The former Olympique Lyonnais man has not scored for his country in 929 minutes of football and was roundly booed by Bleus fans after refusing to sing the Marseillaise before the match.
And Domenech feels Franck Ribery was also a disappointment, but was impressed with the performances of Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena.
"I had already said it: Benzema confirms his uselessness and Ribery is still inconsistent. But that was before!" he wrote on Twitter.
"Valbuena and Matuidi are certain to face Spain. Ribery will also play Spain."
However, Benzema's striker partner, Olivier Giroud has defended Benzema's performance against the Georgians.
"He created chances. I was trying to set him up too. I was trying to find it. It's a partnership that could work and we achieved a lot tonight. There are no problems."
During Domenech's six-year tenure in charge of France, he had many well-publicized rows with players, most notably Nicolas Anelka at the 2006 World Cup.
The ex-France coach believes his doubts about the Real Madrid striker have now been vindicated after his poor showing against Georgia Former France coach Raymond Domenech believes that Karim Benzema's performance against Georgia on Friday has shown that the Real Madrid striker is "useless".
The former Olympique Lyonnais man has not scored for his country in 929 minutes of football and was roundly booed by Bleus fans after refusing to sing the Marseillaise before the match.
And Domenech feels Franck Ribery was also a disappointment, but was impressed with the performances of Blaise Matuidi and Mathieu Valbuena.
"I had already said it: Benzema confirms his uselessness and Ribery is still inconsistent. But that was before!" he wrote on Twitter.
"Valbuena and Matuidi are certain to face Spain. Ribery will also play Spain."
However, Benzema's striker partner, Olivier Giroud has defended Benzema's performance against the Georgians.
"He created chances. I was trying to set him up too. I was trying to find it. It's a partnership that could work and we achieved a lot tonight. There are no problems."
During Domenech's six-year tenure in charge of France, he had many well-publicized rows with players, most notably Nicolas Anelka at the 2006 World Cup.
Coutinho: I want to become a key player for Liverpool
The 20-year-old has revealed that he has settled well into life at the Merseyside club and has vowed to become an important player at Anfield over the coming years.Philippe Coutinho has reflected on his successful start to life at Anfield and has vowed to continue to improve and eventually become a key player for Liverpool.
The midfielder joined the Reds in January from Inter, scoring two goals and assisting a further two in his first five appearances for the club.Despite his positive start, the Brazilian isn't content with his early success and says he will continue to improve in the coming years."The manager here is still young but he's an excellent person and a very good coach. He speaks openly to everyone and I'm pleased to be working with him," he told the Liverpool Echo. "The games are quicker and more physical but I like that. I am learning all the time."
He added, "Every player wants to improve and get better and I am the same. I am still young and have so much still to learn."Coutinho has impressed with his stay at Merseyside so far and he admitted that he hopes he can be a legend at Anfield.
"I hope to be here for many years and become a big player for Liverpool. I will continue to work hard and do my best to improve my performances and help Liverpool," Coutinho said.
Coutinho also added that he hopes his successful domestic performances could result in him being called up for the Brazil squad, where he already has one cap.
"It was an honor for me when I was called up the first time," Coutinho revealed. "At the moment my aim is to play well for Liverpool and to learn and develop as much as I can. But I am sure if I play consistently well for Liverpool then the Brazil coach will notice me and I'll be called up for the national team."Coutinho stated that his dream would be to play in next year's World Cup in his native Brazil.
"The fact the next World Cup is in Brazil makes that extra special. I will try to play as well as I can in order to make the squad," Coutinho stated. "It's my dream to play for Brazil in the World Cup."
The 20-year-old has revealed that he has settled well into life at the Merseyside club and has vowed to become an important player at Anfield over the coming years.Philippe Coutinho has reflected on his successful start to life at Anfield and has vowed to continue to improve and eventually become a key player for Liverpool.
The midfielder joined the Reds in January from Inter, scoring two goals and assisting a further two in his first five appearances for the club.Despite his positive start, the Brazilian isn't content with his early success and says he will continue to improve in the coming years."The manager here is still young but he's an excellent person and a very good coach. He speaks openly to everyone and I'm pleased to be working with him," he told the Liverpool Echo. "The games are quicker and more physical but I like that. I am learning all the time."
He added, "Every player wants to improve and get better and I am the same. I am still young and have so much still to learn."Coutinho has impressed with his stay at Merseyside so far and he admitted that he hopes he can be a legend at Anfield.
"I hope to be here for many years and become a big player for Liverpool. I will continue to work hard and do my best to improve my performances and help Liverpool," Coutinho said.
Coutinho also added that he hopes his successful domestic performances could result in him being called up for the Brazil squad, where he already has one cap.
"It was an honor for me when I was called up the first time," Coutinho revealed. "At the moment my aim is to play well for Liverpool and to learn and develop as much as I can. But I am sure if I play consistently well for Liverpool then the Brazil coach will notice me and I'll be called up for the national team."Coutinho stated that his dream would be to play in next year's World Cup in his native Brazil.
"The fact the next World Cup is in Brazil makes that extra special. I will try to play as well as I can in order to make the squad," Coutinho stated. "It's my dream to play for Brazil in the World Cup."
Barcelona sweating over Jordi Alba fitness
The former Valencia wing back could face a spell on the sidelines after he picked up a thigh injury while away on international duty Barcelona has received some disappointing news on the injury front as it will possibly have to make do without the services of Jordi Alba for a while due to injury.
The left back picked up a thigh injury in the closing stages of Spain's 1-1 World Cup qualification draw against Finland on Friday evening, and could be out of action for a number of weeks as a result.
Alba has yet to undergo further examination to determine the exact extent of the knock, but a first diagnosis hints at a small tear in the femoral biceps of his right thigh.
The 24-year-old will miss Tuesday's crucial qualification game away against France due to the injury, while he could also be forced to watch the first leg of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain from the stands.
Alba's injury comes only a week after fellow full back Adriano was ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring problem.
The former Valencia wing back could face a spell on the sidelines after he picked up a thigh injury while away on international duty Barcelona has received some disappointing news on the injury front as it will possibly have to make do without the services of Jordi Alba for a while due to injury.
The left back picked up a thigh injury in the closing stages of Spain's 1-1 World Cup qualification draw against Finland on Friday evening, and could be out of action for a number of weeks as a result.
Alba has yet to undergo further examination to determine the exact extent of the knock, but a first diagnosis hints at a small tear in the femoral biceps of his right thigh.
The 24-year-old will miss Tuesday's crucial qualification game away against France due to the injury, while he could also be forced to watch the first leg of Barcelona's Champions League quarter-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain from the stands.
Alba's injury comes only a week after fellow full back Adriano was ruled out for up to six weeks with a hamstring problem.
Cavani 'loves' Napoli, insists agent
The striker's representative has revealed the Uruguayan is happy in Naples and is not looking to depart the Italian side - despite growing interest from a number of clubs Edinson Cavani will not necessarily be leaving Napoli this summer because he "loves the club", according to his agent Gennaro Famiglietti.
The Uruguay international has had a number of sides interested in acquiring his services, including Manchester City, which reportedly has not been put off by the 71 million euro release clause in Cavani's contract.
However, the player's representative, Famiglietti, says this is an irrelevance as the 26-year-old is happy at Napoli."Cavani loves the club and the city," he told Italian radio station Kiss Kiss.
"Few clubs can pay the price for Cavani and this will determine his future. There is no agreement with anybody."
However, Famiglietti has urged Napoli to improve its current squad in order to match Cavani's ambition.He added: "We have already said that he is ready to stay if the squad can become stronger and new signings can arrive.
"The player is ambitious and wants to win titles with Napoli."
The striker's representative has revealed the Uruguayan is happy in Naples and is not looking to depart the Italian side - despite growing interest from a number of clubs Edinson Cavani will not necessarily be leaving Napoli this summer because he "loves the club", according to his agent Gennaro Famiglietti.
The Uruguay international has had a number of sides interested in acquiring his services, including Manchester City, which reportedly has not been put off by the 71 million euro release clause in Cavani's contract.
However, the player's representative, Famiglietti, says this is an irrelevance as the 26-year-old is happy at Napoli."Cavani loves the club and the city," he told Italian radio station Kiss Kiss.
"Few clubs can pay the price for Cavani and this will determine his future. There is no agreement with anybody."
However, Famiglietti has urged Napoli to improve its current squad in order to match Cavani's ambition.He added: "We have already said that he is ready to stay if the squad can become stronger and new signings can arrive.
"The player is ambitious and wants to win titles with Napoli."
Simeone hints at Fernando Torres move
It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid have the financial resources to sign the attacker, but their coach would welcome his former teammate with open arms
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has hinted the Primera Division side could make a move for Chelsea attacker Fernando Torres in the summer transfer window.
The Spain international's future at Chelsea is in doubt as he continues to struggle at last year's Champions League winners, and a shock return to Atletico could be on the cards if it is up to Simeone.
"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," the Atletico coach told Onda Cero. "Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability. We were teammates [from 2003 until 2005]. I know how important he can be."
Simeone also had his say on the Rojiblancos' current star player Radamel Falcao, and insisted he does not know whether the striker will leave the club this summer.
"I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here," he explained.
He added, "He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other."
Falcao is continually being linked with a move to Chelsea, while Paris Saint-Germain is believed to be keeping tabs on the Colombia international, too.
It remains to be seen whether Atletico Madrid have the financial resources to sign the attacker, but their coach would welcome his former teammate with open arms
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has hinted the Primera Division side could make a move for Chelsea attacker Fernando Torres in the summer transfer window.
The Spain international's future at Chelsea is in doubt as he continues to struggle at last year's Champions League winners, and a shock return to Atletico could be on the cards if it is up to Simeone.
"Fernando Torres is currently playing for another team. We have to wait for the season to finish and decide which of the available players could come here and do a good job," the Atletico coach told Onda Cero. "Fernando knows about the club's history, what it means to play here and I don't need to speak about his ability. We were teammates [from 2003 until 2005]. I know how important he can be."
Simeone also had his say on the Rojiblancos' current star player Radamel Falcao, and insisted he does not know whether the striker will leave the club this summer.
"I'm not Falcao and I'm not his agent. I'm the manager and have the utmost respect for him, because he gave me so much at River Plate and has done the same here," he explained.
He added, "He always gives his all and I really respect players who do that. But everyone makes their own decisions in life. Every person is different, and we have to respect each other."
Falcao is continually being linked with a move to Chelsea, while Paris Saint-Germain is believed to be keeping tabs on the Colombia international, too.
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