..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Montpellier 2-2 Olympique Lyonnais (2-4 on penalties): Lloris the hero as Les Gones clinch record seventh Trophee des Champions

Olympique Lyonnais clinched its seventh Trophee des Champions after beating 10-man Montpellier 4-2 on penalties in a highly pulsating encounter at the Red Bull Arena in New Jersey.

John Utaka opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bafetimbi Gomis restored parity a minute before half time. New signing Emanuel Herrera converted a penalty early into the second period before Jimmy Briand again equalized with a superb volley with 15 minutes left to play.

Marco Estrada was sent off for a challenge on Yassine Benzia, as Alexandre Lacazette and Briand wasted a glorious chance to win it for Lyon late on. In the ensuing penalty shootout, Hugo Lloris was the hero as Lyon prevailed, saving from Henri Bedimo to win.

A rather turgid opening 15 minutes in the United States did little to enthuse the surprisingly sparse crowd inside the Red Bull Arena. Nevertheless, the first chance did eventually present itself, at the feet of the man who struck the decisive blow in the Ligue 1 title race in May.

After a sweeping attacking move from La Paillade, John Utaka cut in from his left before striking a powerful effort against the crossbar of Lloris as Remi Garde's men breathed an early sigh of relief.

Rene Girard's side were much the more adventurous outfit in the first half, a testament perhaps to Lyon's below-par preparations and turmoil. The fact became apparent again when Montpellier took the lead in the 27th minute.

A fine threaded ball towards Utaka on the left saw the Nigerian international take full advantage of questionable OL defending, dribbling nonchalantly past three defenders and rifle a sumptuous finish into the roof of Lloris' net for 1-0.

The leveler came a minute before half-time. Yoann Gourcuff's whipped cross met the head of Gomis, and the former Sainte man rose highest to equalize and frustrate the previously dominating Montpellier as the sides went in for the break.

The second half began in controversial fashion. A free kick from Marco Estrada struck the hand of Mahamadou Dabo and referee Jorge Gonzalez was unhesitating in awarding a penalty. Up stepped Herrera who struck with aplomb to restore La Paillade's advantage.

Reeling from the second setback, Garde's side again sought another opportunity, in which Fofana again let fly from distance, narrowly missing Jourdren's post. Lyon was in the ascendancy as the game wore on, with a Yoann Gourcuff effort being tipped over by the goalkeeper.

Lyon's persistent perseverance was rewarded, and in great fashion. A dipping cross from substitute Alexandre Lacazette was met by a delicious volley by Jimmy Briand who fired into the bottom corner. Montpellier was subsequently reduced to 10 men after Estrada was sent off for a poor challenge on Yassine Benzia.

A highly entertaining spectacle by this point, substitute Benjamin Stambouli forced Bakary Kone into a goal-line clearance before Lacazette spurned the biggest of chances to miss from an open goal and Briand to smack against the post with an acrobatic overhead kick in the last few minutes.

At the other end, substitutes Souleymane Camara and Gaetan Charbonnier combined to force Lloris into a world-class stop as the game ended 2-2. On penalties, Lyon made up for their APOEL heartbreak, as Bedimo's effort was saved by Lloris to clinch the trophy.

Montpellier commences the defense of its title against Toulouse on Ligue 1's opening night on Aug. 10. Lyon encounters Rennes a day later.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool 0-0 Tottenham: Rodgers and Villas-Boas see makeshift sides play out preseason stalemate in Baltimore

Liverpool and Tottenham played out a goalless draw in Baltimore on Saturday evening as the Anfield club concluded a winless U.S. tour.

Both sides lined up with a blend of experience and youth, notably employing an academy graduate each up front in Adam Morgan, scorer of Liverpool's solitary goal in the 1-1 draw with Toronto, and Harry Kane, leading the attack for Spurs in Jermain Defoe's absense due to a family bereavement.

The two teams traded half-chances in the opening five minutes as Gareth Bale first picked off a loose pass from kickoff but saw his shot blocked for a corner, before Stewart Downing's dangerous cross from the right just drifted wide of Brad Friedel's far post.

The tempo of the game in the early stages owed somewhat to the sweltering conditions in the M&T Bank Stadium and looked a far cry from the speed of the Premier League.

After 15 minutes of gentle jousting, Tottenham fashioned the first genuine chance as Gylfi Sigurdsson took charge of some promising play on the right to thread a through ball to Kane. His touch, turn and shot showed good intuition but the 18-year-old's low drive zipped just beyond Brad Jones' far post.

There followed a worrying moment for Andre Villas-Boas as Charlie Adam tripped Bale on the halfway line leading to lengthy treatment for the Welshman. It would have served as a reminder of the tackle that ended the winger's season in 2011 but fortunately in this case, he was able to run it off.

Liverpool had so far created a decent chance through Jonjo Shelvey but on the 27th minute had its first clear-cut opportunity as Jay Spearing clipped a 20 yard pass over the Spurs defense for Morgan to latch onto. The youngster timed his run to stay onside, bore down on goal and fired a left-footed shot toward the near post only for Friedel to turn it behind for a corner.

Tottenham retaliated and came closest to scoring as Bale's cross from the left saw Kane get the merest of touches on the ball diverting it into Aaron Lennon's path. But the winger struggled to fully commit himself to the finish, tapping the ball onto the post with an empty net in front of him.

And Bale ended the half with another good cross, this time met by Sigurdsson but well held by Jones.

The break saw both coaches make a raft of substitutions, with Bale succumbing to injury and making way for Andros Townsend while Brendan Rodgers rotated his team, introducing Raheem Sterling and Nathan Eccleston in attacking positions.

It had an immediate effect and the pace of the new forward line gave William Gallas and Younes Kaboul something else to worry about. But it was Martin Skrtel who recognized an opportunity, striding out of defence before shooting from 20 yards, drawing the save from Friedel.

By the hour mark, the substitute benches were utilized again, as Rodgers handed Fabio Borini his debut as well as welcoming Lucas Leiva into midfield.

For Spurs, Tom Huddlestone entered the field and made an immediate impact, caressing a 30-yard pass over the top of the Liverpool defense for the galloping Gallas, but he was foiled by Peter Gulacsi.

By the 80th minute there hadn't been a further chance of note and even when Kane was presented with a chance from a 25-yard free kick, his effort was hit well over the bar.

Liverpool did find some joy down its right flank with Sterling up against the out-of-position Sebastian Bassong and although he found a way in behind the Cameroon international, the 17-year-old's final ball just lacked precision for the waiting Borini.

It was as close as Rodgers' team came to breaking the deadlock and would prove to be the last good chance of the game.

The match marks the final game of Liverpool's U.S. tour as the club begins its Europa League campaign against FC Gomel of Belarus on Thursday. Tottenham concludes it tour with a match against New York Red Bulls early on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

D.C. United 1-1 Paris Saint-Germain: Ibrahimovic scores three minutes into debut

WASHINGTON -- Zlatan Ibrahimovic got off to a flying start with Paris Saint-Germain, scoring three minutes into his debut – a 1-1 friendly draw with D.C. United at RFK Stadium.

The Swedish striker did not make much of an impact beyond his quick goal, and was withdrawn after 38 minutes. Manager Carlo Ancelotti had stated prior to the match that Ibrahimovic would play 40-45 minutes. His time on the pitch was interupted by a lightning delay, which broke up the first half of the international friendly.

PSG's newest arrival made his debut in style in the third minute. Ibrahimovic collected a probing pass from Jeremy Menez, sharply cut to his left foot, feigned, then buried a laser into the far corner.

Then, the rains came. Play was halted for 45 minutes after lighting and thunder made their way into the area.

When the teams came back, D.C. United drew level within a few minutes. A cross went straight into the outstretched arm of PSG defender Milan Bisevac, forcing the referee to point to the spot. Dwayne De Rosario blasted his spot kick into the upper corner, giving Nicolas Douchez zero chance.

As the game drew to its conclusion, PSG had a number of chances to earn the win, but substitute goalkeeper Joe Willis came up with a the saves to ensure the match would end at 1-1.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lyon hopeful of keeping Lloris

Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas says the club is hoping to hold on to goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

Several media sources had recently claimed that Tottenham was close to agreeing a deal for the French international, and Arsenal had also been linked with a bid. But Aulas says that no firm offer had been made by Andre Villas-Boas' side, and that unless Lloris is determined to leave, the club have no intention of selling him.

"Tottenham made contact through [Lloris'] agent but there has been no concrete offer since," Aulas explained. "I don't think they really want him, but we really want to keep him.

"He will stay at Lyon unless he absolutely wants to go. The best present we can give to the fans is finding a way to keep him. We will try to do just that."

Reports claim that Tottenham had a 10 million pound bid for Lloris rejected recently, and was prepared to pay up to 12m pound to secure his signature as a long term replacement for 41-year-old Brad Friedel.

However, Lyon would not negotiate down from its 16 million pound asking price, and after playing in the French Super Cup against Montpellier on Saturday Lloris could be set to stay put.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool's Cole: My style of play works with Brendan Rodgers

Over the past two seasons, the creative midfielder has been castaway from the Merseyside club as previous managers Roy Hodgson and Kenny Dalglish both preferred more rigid tactics. Under Liverpool's new manager Brendan Rodgers, Cole believes that he can make an impact this season.



"Yeah, I think the system is good for me," Cole explained to Goal.com. "I [also] think it's going to be good for the team mainly. We've taken the ideas on board.

"It's a different style of play, it's a very 'un-British' style of play."

Prior to joining Liverpool, Cole was considered to be one of England's top players on the wing. He made 56 appearances, scoring 10 goals with the England national team. Since his move to Anfield in 2010, Cole's free-wheeling creative style of play hasn't fit and his international career has taken a hit. Cole's defensive deficiencies were problematic for both Hodgson and Dalglish and he was loaned away to Lille last season after playing in only 20 matches.

In Liverpool's 0-0 draw with Tottenham at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday, Cole appeared to fit in well with Rodgers system that emphasizes ball movement and possession. Rodgers said in a press conference that his philsophy is very simple: keep hold of the ball.

Cole enjoys the system, claiming that he's eager to get the new season started after the team's North America tour.

"It's exciting to be back," he said. "We are really happy with the progress we've made on this tour with this team. We're going to keep going in the right direction."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona would like Neymar to join after the Olympics, reveals vice president

Barcelona vice president Josep Maria Bartomeu has hinted at a summer move for Neymar, declaring that he hopes the striker joins the club after the conclusion of the Olympic Games.

Catalunya has repeatedly been suggested as the likeliest destination for the Santos forward, who is currently away on international duty with Brazil in the quest for a gold medal at London 2012.

The Blaugrana supremo has now confirmed the side's interest in the 20-year-old and admitted that, in an ideal world, Neymar would arrive at Camp Nou after the summer showpiece event.

"We would all like Neymar to come after the Olympics," Bartomeu told Barca supporters' groups in Morocco ahead of Saturday's friendly with Raja Casablanca.

"He is a Santos player [at the moment] but I am sure Neymar will come to Europe in the future, and when that moment arrives we will be attentive so he can sign for Barcelona."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spartak Moscow agrees deal to sign Kallstrom

Spartak Moscow has announced that it has reached an agreement with Olympique Lyonnais over the transfer of Kim Kallstrom.

The Sweden international will now undergo a medical in the Russian capital before signing a contract, although the details of which remain unspecified.

Kallstrom, 29 arrived in Ligue 1 with Rennes via Djurgarden in 2004, before moving onto then-champion Lyon just two years later.

He made 171 appearances for Les Dogues, scoring 17 times, but his time at club appeared to be up following president Jean-Michel Aulas' admission that he was ready to move the midfielder on.

The Swede joins the likes of Unai Emery, Romulo and Juan Insaurralde as new faces at Spartak, which has spent the summer rebuilding its squad in an bid to end Zenit St Petersburg's hold on the Russian Premier League crown.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Menezes admits Neymar is struggling for form

Brazil coach Mano Menezes has admitted that Neymar is finding it tough to maintain the high standards placed upon him.

The 20-year-old has come under scrutiny from various quarters back home for his tendency to dip in and out of form, with his displays for the Selecao especially coming under the microscope.

However, he netted in his country's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Olympics earlier in the week to allay some of the pressure heaped on his shoulders, and Menezes is aware of the pitfalls that face the starlet.

"[Neymar's] critics are natural due to the great form he has enjoyed in recent months and even years," Menezes said at a press conference.

"Criticism appears when your performance levels drop below the expectations that you created.

However, Menezes is optimistic in his player's ability to shake off the criticism levelled in his direction, but wants the forward to use his goal on Thursday as a platform for the rest of the tournament.

"He must learn to live with [the criticism]," continued the boss. "He needs to do everything he can to return to the important player that we need to help us in these Olympics."

Next up for Brazil in the Olympics group stage is Belarus on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham and Everton agree Pienaar deal

Everton has agreed a 4.5 million pound deal to sign Steven Pienaar permanently from Tottenham, Goal.com understands.

Pienaar has been eyeing a return to the Toffees for much of the summer and Goal.com reported earlier in the week that a deal between the two sides was close, with the 30-year-old having agreed personal terms.

The South African enjoyed a loan spell back at Goodison Park last season where he had previously played between 2007 and January 2011 before moving to north London.

Pienaar struggled to break into the side under Harry Redknapp after moving for 2.5 million pounds, and struggled with injuries that restricted him to making just 18 appearances in 12 months at White Hart Lane.

After switching temporarily to the Toffees in January, Pienaar made 14 appearances, notching four goals in the process, including a stunning equalizer in Everton's 4-4 draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The former Ajax man has scored 16 goals in total in 147 appearances for the Toffees in three spells.

Everton has also bolstered its attack with the signing of Steven Naismith this summer, although Tim Cahill has departed Goodison after eight seasons, moving to New York Red Bulls.

Spurs new manager Andre Villas-Boas has added to his midfield ranks already this summer, snapping up Gylfi Sigurdsson from Hoffenheim, but the club faces a battle to keep hold of Luka Modric, who is eyeing a move to Real Madrid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Carvalho left out of Real Madrid's U.S. tour

Ricardo Carvalho's days at Real Madrid appear numbered after the defender did not travel with the rest of the squad as they flew to the United States.

The 34-year-old, who started just 10 matches in all competitions for Jose Mourinho's side last season, looks set for an imminent departure from the Bernabeu after failing to report for preseason training on July 16, and now being left out of the squad for the tour.

Two players who were included in Mourinho's roster despite rumors linking them with moves away from the club were Kaka and Nuri Sahin.

Both have attracted interest from elsewhere in the current transfer window, with AC Milan reportedly interested in taking Kaka back to San Siro, while the latter is a target for the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United.

Madrid, meanwhile, starts its tour of the United States with a match against LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center in California on Aug. 3.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Oscar: I will play anywhere Di Matteo wants me to for Chelsea

New Chelsea signing Oscar has told manager Roberto Di Matteo he is happy to play anywhere ahead of his first season in England.



The young Brazilian has recently sealed a 25 million pound switch from Internacional, and joins fellow new recruits Kevin De Bruyne, Eden and Thorgan Hazard and Marko Marin at Stamford Bridge. Despite finishing sixth last season, Chelsea qualified for the Champions League, after a penalty shootout victory over Bayern Munich, and Oscar has admitted his desire to play a big part in the upcoming campaign.

“This is a dream for me. After the Olympics I am going to talk to the manager," he told reporters. “I am ready to do whatever the manager wants me to do. For Internacional I played in several different positions, so I have no problem adapting.”

After watching the Blues pick up both the European Cup and the FA Cup last season, Oscar is also hoping to win some silverware during his stay in west London.

“I’m joining Chelsea hopefully to win more titles," he added. “The project is very exciting, especially with the young players that they are signing. The offer was very good for me and I didn’t have to think twice about signing.“I am good friends with David Luiz, there’s also Ramires and Lucas Piazon playing for Chelsea, so they will help me adapt.”

Oscar is currently part of the Brazil squad taking part in London 2012, and played a crucial role in his country's impressive opening victory over Egypt. However, despite the win, Oscar feels his side must improve and is also hoping to maintain his early form in the tournament.“It is always hard at the start in a competition like this," he added. “We made some mistakes which we cannot make. We have to improve this. Our team is growing after every game.

“My performance was good as I picked up two assists. I did what I usually do on the pitch and I tried to help my team as much as possible. I hope that I will continue like this.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FC Dallas 0-1 LA Galaxy: Magee goal enough to give Galaxy all three points

Mike Magee curled home a left-footed effort to give the LA Galaxy a 1-0 win over FC Dallas in front of a record crowd in Frisco, Texas Saturday night.

The goal came just over an hour into the match. Robbie Keane picked up a loose ball and clipped a pass into Magee at the top of the box, where he curled his shot past Kevin Hartman and into the lower corner of the goal.


For Hartman and the Dallas defense it was a tough beat after holding strong to keep Keane and company out for so long. Jackson had the best chance to pull the home side level in the 82nd with a free header, but he pushed the attempt wide of the mark and Dallas once again came up short.

Brek Shea was left off the game-day roster for the second match in a row.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Montreal Impact 3-1 New York Red Bulls: Nesta makes MLS debut

Montreal Impact Designated Player Alessandro Nesta made his full MLS debut in a 3-1 win over the New York Red Bulls.

Nesta's best friend, Marco Di Vaio, opened the scoring in the first half when he drifted to the left of the NY back line to receive a feed and then slanted his low shot inside the far post.

Just seconds later the Impact doubled the lead. Felipe Martins chipped the ball into the attack. Patrice Bernier ducked to get out of the way, and Davy Arnaud broke the offside trap. His shot bounced off Bill Gaudette but still trickled in.

Thierry Henry scored New York's goal. Joel Lindpere hustled to keep the ball in play at the end line and it bounced to the Frenchman, who dinked the ball over the poorly-positioned Donovan Ricketts.

Sanna Nyassi scored the sealing goal in the second half. Again Martins assisted, this time sliding the ball through a jumbled Red Bulls defense, leaving Nyassi completely free at the far post. The Gambian knocked the ball around Gaudette and finished with his left.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibrahimovic: Paris Saint-Germain is better than AC Milan

WASHINGTON - Zlatan Ibrahimovic had only played one match for his new team, and it didn't even count. Still, he had seen enough.

For him, his new side Paris Saint-Germain is already superior to his old one, AC Milan. Following Saturday's 1-1 friendly draw with D.C. United, a reporter asked Ibrahimovic if he thought his current team was better than his previous one. His response? A simple “Yes.”

The reporter followed by asking Ibra why he thought that.

“Because they (Milan) lost their two best players,” was his quick reply.

Earlier in the month, PSG made a stunning double swoop for Ibrahimovic and Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, which cost the Qatari-owned club a reported 62 million euros.

Silva is away with the Brazilian Olympic team, but Ibrahimovic made his debut in Saturday night's friendly. The Swedish striker wasted no time opening his PSG account, scoring in the third minute of the match.

Much like Ibrahimovic's previous club, PSG didn't bring home any trophies in the 2011-12 season, but with the addition of the two Milan stars, plus Pescara midfielder Marco Verratti and Napoli attacker Ezequiel Lavezzi, Ibra has big hopes for the Parisians.

“We're aiming for everything,” he said plainly. “We're in the Champions League, we have the two cups in France, so of course a club team has to win everything. We have a top team and we are only missing a winning team.”

Prior to the arrivals of Ibrahimovic and Silva, PSG brought in another piece with strong Milan ties: manager Carlo Ancelotti, who played at Milan for six seasons and coached the Rossoneri from 2001 to 2009.

Unlike his new striker, Ancelotti refused to be baited into proclaiming one club superior to the other.

“I don't know. It's not important to compare ourselves to another team,” Ancelotti said. “They play a different style with a different philosophy and a different identity. The objective is to improve the quality of our team.”

Both Milan and PSG are in the group stage of the 2012-13 UEFA Champions League. If there is such thing as a soccer god, Ibrahimovic's proclamation will be tested on the pitch sometime in the coming season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wilshere set for October return

Arsene Wenger has confirmed Jack Wilshere is on track to return, but Arsenal fans are unlikely to see him until October.

The midfielder missed the whole of last season after damaging an ankle during the summer of 2011, with his progress halted by a series of setbacks.

There was hope that he would return to aid England at Euro 2012, but that proved a false dawn and it will be the autumn before he will be back to boost an Arsenal side who were beaten by champions Manchester City in a friendly this week and are reeling from the possible departure of captain Robin van Persie."Hopefully, we will get Wilshere back playing for October, Wenger said. "With Abou Diaby returning, it will be like signing two new players. This season, the squad will be strong and competitive."


Wilshere underwent a procedure on his knee in May, which was connected to his longstanding ankle problem, but he is now seemingly on the road to recovery after starting gym work and with light training pencilled in for next month.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

AVB rage as Adam crocks Bale again

FURIOUS Andre Villas-Boas will report Charlie Adam to the FA after another horror tackle on Gareth Bale.

The new Spurs boss was fuming as a so-called friendly was overshadowed when the Liverpool man crocked Bale.Tottenham players were in shock as the Welsh ace struggled on in the goalless game before getting substituted at the break.

A source said: “The manager was horrified by the tackle and thinks it is one of the most cowardly tackles he has seen."He believes Adam could have pulled away if he wanted to.“The manager is determined to report Adam.”The pair have a history of bad blood from May last year when Adam was at Blackpool and appeared to stamp on the Spurs player.

FA officials did not take action over that tackle but AVB wants them to look at this latest incident.Spurs medics will now check on Bale as he has only just returned to action after being ruled out of the Olympics through a back injury.

Angry AVB said: “I think it was a very nasty challenge from Charlie. The player had gone and he came in from behind on Gareth’s ankle. I did not know the previous history between the two. I do now.“It is a difficult one to be fair. You do not want to end up in a game with Liverpool with 10 men. “At half-time Charlie came to me and said something about the challenge.“I can accept that but I think he should go to the player to say sorry.

“If the player escapes hospital it is because he is very lucky. The last time he was out for three months and in the end it is the Premier League that suffers without a player of Bale’s talent.”

Bale sparked uproar by playing in Spurs’ US tour opener against LA Galaxy on Wednesday — after pulling out of Team GB’s squad.He received lengthy treatment after the 19th-minute incident and spent the rest of the half hobbling before being subbed at the interval.

Adam’s ugly tackle raised temperatures further inside the M&T Bank Stadium — where the thermometer never dipped below 100 degrees, despite an evening kick-off. But it was one of the few incidents of note as this game wilted in the American sun.

Joe Cole, welcomed back by new Reds boss Brendan Rodgers after a season on loan at Lille, forced a save out of Brad Friedel on 12 minutes.Spurs winger Aaron Lennon hit the post from a YARD on the stroke of half-time after Bale’s inswinging cross.

Martin Skrtel nearly won the game for Liverpool with a run and shot on 55 minutes. Rodgers gave England stars Steven Gerrard and Andy Carroll their first pre-season outings in the second half.His opposite number AVB was left to ponder his luck as his American dream has turned into a nightmare.

Since arriving in the States, the new Spurs boss has had to contend with Luka Modric going AWOL, Scott Parker possible needing surgery on his Achilles, Bale’s Olympic controversy, Jermain Defoe returning home following the death of his cousin and now Adam’s wretched tackle on Bale.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain 0-1 Honduras: Bengtson header sends Spaniards crashing outAVB rage as Adam crocks Bale again

Spain have been knocked out of the Olympic Games after a 1-0 defeat to Honduras in a match that saw La Roja his the frame of the goal three times.

Jerry Bengtson gave Luis Suarez's side the lead with a towering header in the first-half as the Central Americans put up a good fight in the opening period.

After the break things were a little different as Spain dominated from start to finish, hitting the woodwork three times, with Adrian Lopez, Iker Muniain and Rodrigo all going very close to getting their team at least one point.

Luis Milla resisted the opportunity to make considerable changes following the defeat to Japan, with Alberto Botia coming in for the suspended Inigo Martinez and Iker Munian replacing Rodrigo the only differences to the team.

Honduras also named a very similar side to their 2-2 draw with Morocco, with Wilmer Crisanto the only new player as he came in for Alex Lopez at left-back.

Spain started in a fairly ominous fashion, attacking with intent, but the unfancied Hondurans took the lead with just over six minutes played as Roger Espinoza delivered a masterful cross from the left that Bengtson powerfully headed past David De Gea after unsurprisingly beating Jordi Alba in the air.

Milla’s side continued to control the possession after the goal, but they were struggling to create chances and Honduras were looking dangerous once again soon after.

Silky midfielder Mario Martinez found himself on the left-wing and brilliantly beating Martin Montoya before crossing in for Bengtson, but this time Botia was able to clear for a corner.
After missing out the Japan defeat with injury, Muniain was looking determined to leave his print on the match, but after a good run in which he beat two defenders thanks to a one-two with Isco, his final ball back to the Malaga man was poor and Honduras marched away with possession.

A few minutes later it was the final ball again letting Spain down. This time thanks to some good work by Isco and Juan Mata, Munian found Adrian in the left channel of the penalty area, but when in a prime position to cross he gave the ball straight to the goalkeeper. The despair of his teammates was patently obvious.

Spain were living life dangerously, and when Javi Martinez conceded a free-kick on the left-hand side, the Athletic Club midfielder’s Honduran namesake almost found the bottom corner with a curling delivery, but De Gea saved well down to his right.

Mata had the Spaniards’ best chance with 10 minutes left of the first-half. Montoya advanced down the right before cutting back a well-placed cross towards the Chelsea man, but his sliced volley bounced and spun inches wide of the far post.

The final chance of the first period also fell to Mata, who narrowly missed the very same post with a low curling effort after Isco’s knock back and Milla’s side deservedly went into the break trailing.

La Roja started the second-half in a similar manner to the first, attacking with intent from the off, but it was Honduras who had the first chance as Martinez’s cross was volleyed goalwards from a tight angle by Espinoza, but Botia got in the way and blocked.

Two minutes later the exact same combination was inches from doubling their lead as Martinez’s sumptuous delivering from the right was headed on to the post by Espinoza, with St. James’ Park gasping with shock as the rebound bounced just behind Bengtson.

Spain nearly hit back with an instant reply as Adrian headed Montoya’s deep cross against the crossbar, before he was then put through on goal by Mata, but Honduras captain Johnny Leveron got back in time and poked the ball away from the Atletico Madrid man.

With just over 20 minutes to go, Spain struck the woodwork again, and it denied what would have been a quite brilliant goal. The elusive Muniain received possession just inside the Honduras half before turning his marker, drifting inside and firing from the edge of the area, but the post bailed out the helpless Jose Mendoza.

Spain were dominating now, but they just couldn’t find the net as substitute Rodrigo headed Montoya’s cross towards the far side of the goal, but Mendoza launched himself into the air and knocked it round the post.

La Roja were playing some excellent pass-and-move football, but luck just wouldn’t go their way as Ander Herrera slipped a pass through to Adrian whose shot was saved by Mendoza, and then from the rebound Jordi Alba’s first-touch deserted him.Adrian was involved again a minute later as he surged into the area from the left side and was bundled over from behind by Arnold Peralta, but no penalty was given.

Spain hit the frame of the goal for a third time with eight minutes to go as Adrian’s chipped cross evaded Mendoza, but Rodrigo, with the goal at his mercy could only find the crossbar.
They were then denied another penalty as Adrian was once again dumped on the floor in the area, and this time they lost their cool as Muniain barged into the referee, while Mata was booked for arguing.

Young Anthony Lozano had a late chance for Honduras, winning a corner after some dodgy goalkeeping by De Gea, and they managed to hold on for a magnificent victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Team GB 3-1 UAE: Suber-subs Sinclair and Sturridge put Pearce's men in sight of Olympics quarterfinals

Daniel Sturridge scored a superb chip to add to Scott Sinclair and Ryan Giggs' goals to seal a 3-1 win for Team GB over UAE and provide a much-needed Group A win for Stuart Pearce's team at Wembley on Sunday evening.

Giggs' opener was cancelled out by Rashed Eisa's well taken equalizer and though UAE threatened further trouble, Pearce's substitutes came to the rescue as Sinclair netted with his first touch before Sturridge delivered a touch of class to ensure the three points.

Pearce made three changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Senegal, bringing in James Tomkins, Aaron Ramsey and Marvin Sordell for Ryan Bertrand, Danny Rose and Sturridge, whilst his counterpart Mahdi Ali opted to name the same starting XI that narrowly lost to Uruguay.

Bellamy started on the left flank and instantly troubled his opposite number, drilling a flat cross into the six yard box that was only just smuggled through to the keeper when it looked as though Sordell would score.

At the other end, UAE had an early penalty shout as Joe Allen appeared to push Eisa in the back but the referee pointed for a corner after taking a long look at the sprawling bodies.

But just as UAE was starting to grow in confidence, Team GB worked the ball from right to left as Tom Cleverley moved the ball to Bellamy and his inswinging right-footed cross was met by the 38-year-old Giggs at the backpost, who planted his header across the motionless Ali Khasif to open the scoring.

That didn't deter the Middle Eastern nation though and in patches it showed it was able to zip the ball around in the final third as well as Team GB, leading to Ismail Al Hammadi striking a 20-yard shot just over Butland's crossbar.

But the opportunities came in far greater abundance for Team GB and Sordell was the next in line to test Khasif as he collected Cleverley's pass on the edge of the box, turned his man and fired a shot that drew the UAE goalkeeper into a diving save.

In the lead-up to halftime, Pearce's side was slightly more wasteful with its chances, most evidently as Bellamy opted to hit a first time shot from the left channel rather than look for the onrushing Giggs.

But Bellamy was a constant menace and carried the ball down the left, beating Mohammed Ahmed before cutting the ball back for the onrushing Cleverley who watched as his first time shot rebounded off both posts.

Pearce made one halftime change, introducing Sturridge for the impressive Sordell as Team GB looked to find a second goal.

And it was the Chelsea man who had the first true chance of the second period as he found room in the box to wriggle onto his left-foot and fire low at goal but Khasif was equal to the effort, beating it away with his right boot.

Bellamy continued to cause the UAE defence problems but his final ball was lacking the precision needed to carve a clear cut chance. Sturridge however found room on the edge of the box, again firing at Khasif, but again finding the shot-stopper in good form.

And that was as near as GB came to opening a two goal lead as Eisa burst onto an excellent pass to career beyond a flat-footed Tomkins and pass the ball low past Butland to level the game.

It was no less than UAE deserved but was a cruel blow for Pearce's side, given its earlier dominance in the game. From here Mahdi Ali's team pressed forward and looked much the better outfit.

Khalil exchanged a fast-paced one-two on the corner of the GB box and found himself in on goal but was denied by the large figure of Butland when it appeared he would give UAE the lead. That was to be its last genuine opportunity.

As GB labored, Pearce made his second move, introducing Swansea's Scott Sinclair for Giggs, pushing Ramsey infield and Bellamy to the right flank. And the change had an immediate impact as Bellamy delivered a teasing low cross into the box that Khasif struggled to deal with, leaving Sinclair to tap home with his first touch from six yards to put GB back in the lead.

Minutes later, Sturridge latched onto Cleverley's incisive through ball and sealed victory with a deft chip over Khasif. It was an exquisite goal that received the adulation from the crowd it deserved; the Chelsea man had an impressive impact.

UAE appeared to have the stuffing knocked out of them following the third goal and the final 15 minutes were processional.

Though Team GB wobbled after Eisa's equalising goal, on the balance of play, it was a thoroughly deserved win for Pearce and a welcome three points as it targeted qualification from Group A. GB just has to avoid defeat to Uruguay on Wednesday to ensure a spot in the quarterfinals. For the UAE, elimination was confirmed by this result.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 3-1 Belarus: Neymar dazzles to send Selecao through to Olympics quarterfinals

Brazil ensured its qualification to the Olympic Games quarterfinals thanks to a 3-1 victory over Belarus at Old Trafford.

The game began at a fast and furious pace, and it was Belarus who took a surprise lead thanks to a Renan Bardini Bressan header in just the seventh minute. Alexandre Pato struck the equalizer in the 14th minute with another header, and from there the Brazilians began to dominate possession.

The second half saw Neymar justify the intense speculation surrounding his possible transfer, as he scored a superb free kick before playing in Oscar via a backheel for the third to guarantee the three points.

The first half began with Brazil dominating possession, but it was the eastern Europeans who had the first chance of the game as a cross in from the right by Aleyaksey Koslov found Renan Bardini Bressan with a free header, and he duly put Belarus into a shock 1-0 lead.

The Brazilians were clearly stunned, and set about righting the wrongs soon after with a cross from left-back Marcelo being headed wide by Hulk in Selecao’s first meaningful effort.

And Brazil had to wait just three more minutes to level, as Neymar found space on the left-hand side and sent a superb cross into the penalty area where Alexandre Pato was on hand to head home and tie the game at 1-1 with just under 15 minutes gone.

It was a superb start to the game from both sides, with the crowd at Old Trafford very appreciative, and just a minute after Brazil’s equalizer, Bressan saw a long-range shot go just wide of the post.

After such a fast start, the game inevitably slowed down in pace and attacking play, but with Brazil still enjoying the majority of possession.

It took until the 38th minute for either side to create another chance, as the ball broke to Brazil’s Hulk, but the Porto striker blazed his shot over the bar from just outside the penalty area.

However, the Brazilians struggled to break down a solid Belarusian defense and, despite enjoying a good deal of possession, they could not make any further inroads and they went into the break level.

The second half began scrappily, as both sides looked to regain the momentum but struggled to keep the ball, but Brazil created the first chance of the period as Oscar accelerated through the Belarus defense and put the ball over the bar.

Then, in the 50th minute, the ball broke to Marcelo just outside the box, and he fired a shot towards the top corner that Belarus goalkeeper Aleksandr Gutor could only tip over the bar for a corner.

Brazil created its clearest chance of the half in the 54th minute. Marcelo managed to keep the ball in, and after his cross was cushioned by the head of Pato, Oscar was on hand to put the ball away but was blocked by a last-ditch Sergey Politevich tackle.

The new Chelsea signing was beginning to influence the game to a much greater extent from the center of midfield, and saw another shot tipped over the bar by Gutor in the 58th minute.

Then, just a minute later, Bressan sent a speculative curling shot towards the goal from well outside the penalty area, and it took Brazilian goalkeeper Neto to intervene and avert the danger, as the ball looked to be dipping under the bar.

In the 65th minute, Brazil finally gained the advantage. After Neymar was brought down just outside the box, the Santos star picked himself off the turf and hit the free kick into the top corner, giving his side a 2-1 lead.

After a quiet period, Neymar then set hearts racing in the 79th minute after a sensational surging run that took him past several Belarus defenders and only a superb last-ditch challenge stopping a seemingly certain candidate for goal of the tournament.

However, Belarus responded well and begun to attack with a great deal of intent in the final 10 minutes, but Brazil’s defense just about stood firm.

Then, with time running out, Neymar was again instrumental in the play, and turned provider as he played through Oscar with a disguised backheel for the new Chelsea boy to slot the ball home to confirm the victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Japan 1-0 Morocco: Late Nagai effort sends Blue Samurai into Olympic quarterfinals

A late winner from Kensuke Nagai gave Japan a 1-0 win over Morocco at St James' Park to ensure its place in the quarterfinals.

Nagai lobbed home with just seven minutes remaining, after racing onto a clever flicked pass from Hiroshi Kiyotake, giving the Blue Samurai a deserved win against a Moroccan side lacking any punch or penetration.

Pim Verbeek's team started brightly, fashioning a chance in the fourth minute when Nordin Amrabat timed his run into the box to perfection, but Japan skipper Maya Yoshida did just enough to put the Morocco striker off.

With the talented wingers Zakaria Labyad and Soufiane Bidaoui on either flank, it was no surprise to see the north African side utilizing the wings at every available opportunity and one such move saw them force an 18th minute corner from which Amrabat had a chance following a knockdown, but his shot was well blocked by Sakai.

Three minutes later and more terrific work on the right-flank from Bidaoui saw him bamboozle the Japanese left-back Daisuke Suzuki, but the Lierse wideman's cross was behind the onrushing Labyad and the chance was lost.

Labyad, a new arrival in the Portugese capital Lisbon this summer having completed a move to Sporting, decided he'd have a go from distance in the 34th minute, and his 30-yarder almost caught out Shuichi Gonda at his near-post, but the keeper was alert enough to make the save.

Takashi Sekizuka's side, outstanding on the counterattack in its surprise victory over Spain - when it really should have won by more than just the single goal - struggled to trouble the Moroccans in the opening 35 minutes, but almost took the lead when Yuki Otsu curled a splendid 25-yard effort just wide.

Japan's goal against Spain came from a set-piece and they almost opened the scoring in a similar manner here, not once, but twice, before the half-time interval.

First, an inswinging corner from the right found the head of Suzuki, and his header was just about stopped on the goalline by Mohammed Amsif, when some in the stadium thought it had crossed the line.

Moments later, a corner from the opposite side found the head of Yoshida, but his glancing header went wide of Amsif's left-hand post, the final chance of a lackluster half.

With the tempo noticeably quicker in the second half, Morocco set about taking control of the match, aware that a point would be a better result for its opponent than itself and forced a succession of early corners, but struggled to threaten the Japanese goal, Amrabat coming closest with a curling effort in the 58th minute, which went a yard wide.

Moments later however, and after 15 minutes spent almost exclusively in its own half, Japan was unfortunate not to be in front itself.

A swift breakaway saw the ball arrive at the feet of Hiroshi Kiyotake, who drifted from the flank into a central area, before unleashing a terrific left-footed effort which Moroccan keeper Amsif did outstandingly well to tip onto the crossbar, before collecting the ball as it landed nearby, to ensure the stalemate continued.

Bursting through midfield, Hotaru Yamaguchi played a clever one-two with the previously anonymous Nagai, but presented with a golden opportunity, the Cerezo Osaka midfielder fired his shot over the crossbar.

Now firmly in the ascendency, Japan continued to attack and with seven minutes remaining, their bold approach got its reward.

Under pressure in the center of the field, the impressive Kiyotake clipped the ball over the Morocco defense for Nagai to chase, and seeing Amsif charging from his goalline to meet him, the 23-year-old striker lobbed the ball from 30-yards into the unguarded net.

An aimless punt was flicked on by Barrada, but Labyad, clear of the last defender, saw his effort saved by Gonda, before Barrada's follow up was cleared by Tokunaga, ensuring victory for the Blue Samurai.