..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands 0-0 Germany: Old rivals disappoint in dour draw

The Netherlands and Germany recorded a dull 0-0 draw in Wednesday evening's international friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA.

Germany was the first team to threaten when Marco Reus escaped the attention of Ricardo van Rhijn after a good pass from Mats Hummels, but Kenneth Vermeer was alert and rushed off his line to collect the ball before the Borussia Dortmund star could get to it.

The guests continued to be the better side and came close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute. Benedikt Howedes found Mario Gotze with a low cross from the right, but the forward's first attempt was kept out by Vermeer, while the rebound was blocked by John Heitinga.

Reus then opted to try his luck after Heitinga failed to clear a cross from the left, but his powerful shot from a narrow angle only hit the side netting.

Ilkay Gundogan got the biggest chance of the first half in the closing seconds of the opening 45 minutes and the midfielder indeed manage to beat Vermeer. However, Heitinga bailed out his goalkeeper and cleared the ball off the line.

Oranje, meanwhile, struggled to created chances at the ArenA, and only Arjen Robben came close to opening the scoring for the hosts. The Bayern man was unable to get his shot on target, though, after rounding Manuel Neuer, and the chance went begging.

The second half continued in very much the same vein as the first half, with the majority of the game taking place in midfield.

Holland was the first to get a shot on target after the interval when Ibrahim Afellay tried his luck from long range, but his weak attempt was easy prey for Neuer.

The Bayern goalkeeper was again called into action in the 76th minute after a good combination between Daryl Janmaat and Dirk Kuyt. The former fired in a well-placed shot at the near post, but Neuer pulled off a superb save to tip the ball wide.

Eljero Elia then threatened with a powerful attempt after cutting in from the left, but his right-footed shot went high and wide.

Germany almost netted a winner well into stoppage time after Reus collected the ball on the edge of the area, but the former Monchengladbach star blasted his shot over the bar.

Netherlands' next match is the international friendly against Italy on Feb. 6, 2013, while Germany locks horns with France the same day.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Italy 1-2 France: Gomis delivers Deschamps first friendly win as Les Bleus boss

France came from behind to secure a 2-1 win over Italy, which had dominated for much of the match, in an international friendly at the Ennio Tardini.

Chances were limited in the first half but a flurry of action commenced when Stephan El Shaarawy put the hosts ahead in the 35th minute. But just two minutes later Didier Deschamps' men were level as Mathieu Valbuena netted a sublime solo goal.

The Azzurri were far more positive after the break but some inspired changes from the France coach paid dividends as Bafetimbi Gomis slotted home the winner in the 67th minute.

But it was by no means a smooth victory for Les Bleusas a long ball up from Marco Verratti was laid back to Mario Balotelli by El Shaarawy with 10 minutes played. The Manchester City striker shaped his body to shoot for the top corner, and despite beating Hugo Lloris, his effort cannoned back off the crossbar.

Although Italy was primarily in control of possession, France began to settle into the game and in the 21st minute it finally managed to test Salvatore Sirigu. Valbuena launched a quick-passing move on the edge of the area but his 20-yard shot made for a relatively straightforward save from the keeper.

Much of the match was being contested in the middle of the park, with very little action at either end. However, with 10 minutes remaining until the break the game sprung to life with two goals in quick succession.

It was Italy which deservedly took the lead as El Shaarawy latched onto Ricardo Montolivo's through-ball, displaying the striking instinct that has made him a sensation this season by slotting a first-time finish through the legs of Lloris.

Yet France replied almost instantly, and it did so in fantastic fashion. In possession on the left, Valbuena held off the challenge of Verratti on his way to the byline before cutting inside of Andrea Barzagli. Giorgio Chiellini was slow to close down the Olympique Marseille man and he took full advantage, curling a shot into the far corner to complete a sensational strike.

There was no real change to the dynamic of the match after the break, with the Azzurri largely on top and Deschamps' men limited to the counterattack.

But despite the excellent combination of Christian Maggio and Antonio Candreva down the right, Italy could not find an end product and they were punished in the 67th minute.

Two of Deschamps's substitutes were involved as Jeremy Menez dribbled down the left before the ball came to Patrice Evra. The fullback's shot on goal was completely mishit but Gomis popped up, four minutes after coming on, to divert the wayward ball into the back of the net.

Cesare Prandelli responded by making some changes of his own but the fresh combination of Alessandro Diamanti and Sebastian Giovinco failed to result in a goal. The Juventus forward was inches away from tapping his teammate's cross in with 15 minutes remaining.

Giovinco and Emmanuele Giaccherini both came close to finding an equalizer, with the latter of the pair rattling the bar with three minutes remaining, but it was France which left Parma with the victory in its final fixture of the calendar year.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sweden 4-2 England: Inspirational Ibrahimovic sours Gerrard’s big night

Zlatan Ibrahimovic inspired Sweden to a 4-2 victory over Roy Hodgson's England after hitting all four goals, including a stunning fourth, as the hosts came from behind to secure victory in Stockholm.

Hodgson handed debuts to three men with Steven Caulker, Leon Osman and Raheem Sterling all featuring, while captain Steven Gerrard became only the sixth man to win 100 England caps.

After a low-key start by both sides, it was perhaps fitting that Ibrahimovic opened the scoring in Sweden's brand-new Friends Arena after 20 minutes.

The goal came from a quick counterattack after Sterling was caught in possession just inside the Sweden half. Rangie then drove forwards, found Olsson on the left who crossed for Ibrahimovic inside the area. The striker’s initial shot was blocked by Caulker, but Ibrahimovic was first to react, poking past Joe Hart and into the roof of the net for the first goal in the new stadium.

Yet after a lackluster start the visitors slowly came to life and equalized 10 minutes before the break. Sterling began the move with a great ball out wide to Ashley Young. The Manchester United winger’s cross into the box was inviting and duly stabbed home first time by Danny Welbeck - the striker’s fifth shot on target for his country and, impressively, his fifth goal.

But just three minutes later the visitors were ahead. Again Sterling was involved, drawing a foul on the edge of the area. Up stepped captain Gerrard with another fine delivery, swung into the far post where Caulker was on hand to side foot home from close range under pressure from two defenders for a debut goal and a halftime lead.England continued where it had left off after the break with Young inches away from connecting with a fine Baines cross before both Osman and Gerrard went close with well-struck shots.

And there were even more reason for Three Lions fans to cheer on the hour mark when Jack Wilshere made his long-awaited return to international football.He was swiftly followed by Carl Jenkinson Tom Huddlestone and Ryan Shawcross yet the substitutions may just have disrupted England with Ibrahimovic equalizing within minutes of the trio’s arrival.

A simple pass from Svensson found the striker unmarked in the box and he struck a sweet volley past Hart to level the scores with his 37th international goal.

The striker was not finished there. With just five minutes remaining, Sweden was awarded a free kick some 25 yards out. There was never any question over who was going to take the kick, Ibrahimovic duly stepped up and fired it low, and past Hart into the corner of the goal for his hat trick.

The game was won, and the headlines written, but there was still time for Ibrahimovic to provide the outstanding moment of the match. With 90 minutes on the clock, a weak clearing header by Hart, came to the striker who grabbed his fourth of the night in unforgettable style with an overhead kick from fully 30 yards.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gabon 2-2 Portugal: Seleccao pay the penalty for defensive indiscipline

Portugal was made to pay for defensive indiscipline as Gabon earned a surprising 2-2 draw in West Africa on Wednesday night.

A penalty in each half - the first after a clumsy challenge from Silvio, the second following Custodio's handball - gave the hosts a share of the spoils after Pizzi and Hugo Almeida had seemingly put the Seleccao in control of the match.

Paulo Bento named a strong spine to his side, with Pepe and Joao Moutinho both starting for the visitors. In the absence of injured duo Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo, who withdrew from the squad earlier this week due to an eye injury, young Deportivo La Coruna attacker Pizzi started alongside Silvestre Varela in support of Sporting Braga striker Eder.

After something of a pedestrian opening quarter, Portugal carved out two chances in as many minutes. First Varela skipped away from Georges Ambouret and cut the ball across goal from the byline, but goalkeeper Yves Bitseki parried the ball away from danger. A moment later, Pizzi attempted a neat one-two with Moutinho, but was unable to beat Bitseki to the return ball.

The best chance of the opening half hour fell to the hosts, however, but Rogombe contrived to fire wide from point-blank range following a clever cutback from the right which dropped right into his path.

Portugal was struggling to find a rhythm on the difficult playing surface, and found itself behind after 33 minutes when Levy Madinda tucked home a confident penalty after Silvio's clumsy foul.

The lead lasted barely a minute, however, as Pizzi buried a spot kick of his own after Eder was tugged to the floor when turning his man with some clever chest control.

The half ended in controversial fashion when Beto fumbled a scuffed shot, Pepe outmuscled two Gabon attackers to hook it off the line only for the assistant referee to award a goal some 10 seconds later. With the players, coaches and fans unsure, the referee consulted with his linesman and ultimately the goal did not stand, with replays clearly showing that the ball was nowhere near crossing the line.

Bruno Alves replaced Pepe at halftime and almost became the most unlikely scorer in the freakiest of circumstances, when his looping cross confused Bitseki and ultimately came back off the crossbar.

Portugal had upped the tempo after the break and took the lead shortly before the hour mark. Varela played a superb one-two with Nelson to slice through the Gabon defense, and his scuffed shot across goal was turned home by substitute Hugo Almeida, despite the best efforts of Bitseki.

Just as Portugal seemed to be taking control, Gabon was - quite literally - handed an equalizer, when Custodio was penalized for blocking a shot with his hand, allowing Madinda to tuck home his second penalty of the night.

Pizzi came close after some brilliant control following Almeida's knockdown but he couldn't fire through the packed penalty area, before Beto made his first real save of the night as he beat out a fierce drive from Fabrice Do Marcolino.

Buoyed by their vociferous crowd, the hosts pressed on in pursuit of an unlikely winner, but no further chances were forthcoming and the sides ultimately settled for a surprise share of the spoils.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Russia 2-2 USA: Mikkel Diskerud scores in stoppage time to help Americans earn memorable draw

They beat Italy on the road. Then they had a historic win in Mexico.

In Russia, facing the ninth-ranked team in the world, the Americans once again walked away with a memorable result in an international friendly.

The United States ended an impressive streak of exhibition matches in 2012 on a high-note as Jurgen Klinsmann's men bounced back twice to earn a 2-2 draw to Russia at Kuban Stadium in Krasnodar.

Michael Bradley first evened the match in the second half following a Fedor Smolov goal in just the ninth minute. After Russia responded with a Roman Shirokov penalty, Mikkel Diskerud shocked the hosts with a long-range strike in stoppage time.

Klinsmann can be happy with the result heading into 2013, when the U.S. is set to compete in the CONCACAF Hexagonal for a chance to earn a spot in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"We saw a very entertaining game," Klinsmann said. "Russia proved why they are one of the best teams in Europe, and we wanted to see how good we are against such a strong team."

The U.S. finishes the year with five victories, two draws and only one loss in friendlies, including wins in Italy and Mexico for the first time in the nation's history. In World Cup qualifying, the Americans closed the group stage semis with a 4-1-1 record.

Klinsmann's squad closes the calendar year with the best winning percentage in U.S. Soccer history.

And the Americans were able to accomplish the feat despite being outplayed for most of the match against a resilient Russian side. Playing without veteran attackers Clint Dempsey and Landon Donovan, the U.S. was unable to hold on to possession for most of the match and lacked scoring opportunities.

The hosts took advantage of a huge mishap from U.S. midfielder Danny Williams when the youngster handed Russia the ball after taking free kick in his own defensive third. Alexander Kerzhakov picked off the sloppy pass and found Smolov down the right for the goal, causing concern for what might have been a long, cold night.

It wouldn't be the last time the U.S. backline would giveaway a goal and wouldn't be the last time the team responded with a shot from distance.

"The way our team fought back twice after being down a goal was great and it showed a lot of character," Klinsmann said. "This is a young team, and a team that is growing."

In the 76th minute, substitute Juan Agudelo won the ball in the box and played it back to Bradley for a long-range shot that hit the left post before crossing the goal line. But moments after the team began to celebrate, U.S. defender Clarence Goodson took down a Russian attacker in the six-yard box.

Shirokov easily beat goalkeeper Tim Howard and the game appeared over.

That's when Diskerud hit a ball very similar to Bradley's that found the back of the net after taking a nasty defelction. With just seconds remaining, the ref blew the whistle and the Americans ended a very successful year.

"We are pleased with the game overall, and to score in the last minute was great," Klinsmann said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Panama 1-5 Spain: Pedro at the double as La Roja run riot

Spain got back to winning ways after the World Cup Qualifying draw with France with an emphatic 5-1 win over Panama on Wednesday evening.

Vicente Del Bosque’s side travelled to Panama having seen its 24-match qualification winning run come to an end against Didier Deschamp’s side in its previous match, but a match against the Central American nation was just what the doctor ordered as it put in a dominant display.
The world champion settled into the match very early, with intricate passing in the center of midfield allowing the Spanish to dominate possession.

The first true threat to the home goal came through David Villa. The Barcelona forward picked up the ball just outside the area and powered a shot towards the top right corner but the attempt narrowly cleared the crossbar.Spain didn’t have to wait too long to open its account, however, and recorded an opening goal 16 minutes in. Andres Iniesta showed guile outside the box to draw in the tackles of defenders before slipping a pass through the middle for Pedro, who clinically finished into the bottom right corner.

Panama did well to keep Spain at bay for the next 15 minutes or so, but they were undone again half-an-hour into the match thanks to another moment of magic from Iniesta. The maestro glided past four challenges before putting the ball on a plate for Villa who showed composure to side-foot the ball into the top right corner.

Gabriel Torres was Panama’s main attacking threat in the first half, and held the ball up well with whatever fleeting moments of possession he had, but he was ultimately crowded out and frustrated in the Spain half.

Spain looked to be enjoying the match, with moments of flair from the front line sprinkled throughout. Pedro got in on the act again and grabbed his second goal just before half-time when he feigned to pass to Villa after receiving a defense-splitting pass from Mata. The 25-year-old had duped Panama goalkeeper Jaime Penedo to diving for the ball, thus allowing him to pass into the empty net.

The home side managed to up their game after the break, with more pace and intensity injected into their play. Spain was given a scare on the hour mark when Rolando Escobar and Carlos Rodriguez linked up excellently down the right hand side and took the ball into the box. A shot on goal looked likely but the visitors managed to scramble clear.Roberto Soldado, a halftime substitute, looked a massive threat towards Panama after he came on and was unlucky not to score with a pair of chances just after the hour mark. He saw a powerful effort superbly saved by Penedo and lashed a shot just wide of the post.

La Roja came within inches of extending their lead in the 68th minute when substitute Jesus Navas picked up a Soldado cross to the back post and hit a snapshot towards goal, only to see his attempt crash off the post.

Spain debutant Markel Susaeta then let Panama off the hook ten minutes later when he picked up the ball after a lovely move involving Cesc Fabregas and Navas. The Athletic man had the goal at his mercy but somehow missed the target.Sergio Ramos sealed the victory for Vicente Del Bosque’s side eight minutes from time when he curled a fantastic free kick into the top corner to make it 4-0.

The rout was completed two minutes later when Susaeta latched on to a Navas cross into the centre to easily tap home for a dream debut goal.However, Panama City would be allowed the chance to erupt in cheers. The hosts were awarded a penalty in the closing stages when Fabregas brought down Barahona inside the area. Gomez stepped up to dispatch the penalty and send the crowd wild.

The omission of a clean sheet aside, Spain will ultimately be happy with its result and the performance that went with it. A goal against the World and European champion is certainly a proud moment for Panama.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain

Congratulations Spain

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Hummels: Netherlands surprisingly defensive

Germany international Mats Hummels was not impressed with Netherlands' defensive approach in Wednesday's international friendly at the Amsterdam ArenA.

The 2010 World Cup finalist allowed Germany to dominate possession and opted to sit back and try to hit on the counterattack, and Hummels was quite surprised with Oranje's attitude in the scoreless draw.

"Netherlands didn't really put any pressure on us, and didn't think much about attacking," Hummels told Goal.com. "That was a bit of a surprise. Perhaps that's down to the fact that it was only a friendly game. Things would have been different had it been a competitive game. Both sides were pretty cautious, didn't take any risks, and hardly created any chances. It was not a good game to watch for the fans.

"We got two or three good chances before the break, but created little in the second half. Netherlands were a bit more aggressive after the break, but only got two chances as well. They did well defensively and looked dangerous on the counterattack."

The center back then looked ahead to Borussia Dortmund's Champions League match versus Ajax on Wednesday, and warned that the Eredivisie champion will not be a pushover.

"Ajax have a very strong team. A tough job awaits, but we want to grab at least a point in Amsterdam and make it to the knockout stages," he said.

"We are aware of Ajax's class. They are willing to take risks at the back even when put under pressure, and have plenty of quality in attack, too. Siem de Jong is a great player and so is Ryan Babel, even though he's injured now."

Dortmund sits atop of Group D with eight points from four games, while Ajax sits third with four points from as many matches.

 

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Lloris admits Tottenham situation is 'difficult'

Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris has admitted that he is finding it "difficult" not being the club's first-choice shot-stopper.

Lloris has once again stoked the flames by claiming that he is frustrated at playing second-fiddle to 41-year-old Friedel, having started just one Premier League game this season.

"Right now, we take what there is to take. Is it hard? Yes, a little," the France captain told L'Equipe. "I'm training, I do the maximum, and the coach has made his choice. This is difficult, and it's also difficult to accept, but such questions must also be asked to the coach.

"I just stay professional. When you're a competitor, you want to be on the pitch."

When asked whether that meant he would be seeking a move away from the club at the end of the season if things don't improve, Lloris remained elusive.

"I'm just a player," The former Olympique Lyonnais keeper said

Tottenham will play against north London rival Arsenal this weekend, with manager Villas-Boas hoping to increase the club's lead in the league over Arsene Wenger's stuttering outfit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Falcao: A transfer is the last thing on my mind

Radamel Falcao claims that a transfer away from Atletico Madrid isn't a focus for him.

The prolific Colombian striker has scored 10 goals in 10 games in La Liga this year. He's also scored five goals in five starts in World Cup qualifying. Rumors continue to link him to clubs across Europe, with his father suggesting the 26-year-old wouldn't turn down a move to Real Madrid.

But the former Porto player says a future transfer isn't distracting him.

"The last think I'm thinking right now is in a transfer," Falcao said. "I have a contract with Atletico Madrid and I'm focused on my team."

Falcao spoke after Colombia's 1-1 draw with Brazil in New Jersey on Wednesday night. He also discussed about the international friendly.

"It was a very good game," Falcao said. "We expected a great Brazilian team and we found it like that. They made it difficult for us to have possession of the ball the way we like it. We learned a lot from today."

The Brazilian defense managed to keep Falcao off the scoresheet, a feat not matched by many backlines this year. In the end a Neymar goal canceled out Juan Cuadrado's opener.

"I expected an strong game from the defense and I had to fight to touch the ball because they are very strong defenders," Falcao said.

Falcao will fly back to Spain to help Atletico Madrid take on Granada on Sunday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar open to playing in Italy or England

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Neymar to Barcelona, Neymar to Real Madrid -- the Brazilian soccer prodigy is assumed to be joining one of the elite clubs in Spain's La Liga.

But what about England's Premier League or Italy's Serie A? Neymar says that he's open to a move to either, though there's nothing concrete from any team in Europe right now.

"They are both big countries with great teams and great national teams. I don't have any [specific] choices right now," Neymar said through a translator after Brazil 1-1 draw against Colombia.

"I do dream about playing in Europe, but there's nothing concrete at this time. Maybe in the future."

Neymar has left quite an impression on the soccer world since debuting for Santos in 2009, scoring 52 goals in 99 games for the Brazilian side. He is arguably the game's third best player after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo and some have even claimed that he can better both after he heads abroad to Europe.

Neymar has been linked with Chelsea in the past, especially after the Blues top executives flew down to Brazil to try to convince the forward to join the team in London. The talks were unsuccessful as he was advised by many in Brazil to wait for a move to La Liga instead as a move to physical Premier League might not suit the slender attacker.

Still, Neymar's comments suggest that he is still open to play in the league if there is a good fit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kaka: I want to play in MLS one day

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. -- Things might be bleak now for the New York Red Bulls after another disappointing early playoffs exit, but the future could be very bright for the club.

Bright yellow and green to be exact.

After being linked with the Red Bulls over the past few months, Kaka revealed after Brazil's 1-1 draw against Colombia that he is in fact interested in playing in New York one day.


"Not now, I think. One day, I hope I can play in MLS," Kaka stated. "I don't think it's now [though]."

Reports link Kaka with a move to New York after the 2014 World Cup, which is hosted by the midfielder's home country. If he does decide to join the Red Bulls, it could have a massive impact on the team both on and off the field.

Bringing in Kaka, a former Ballon d'Or winner, would finally give the Red Bulls the No. 10 playmaker they have been looking for since Thierry Henry joined in 2010. Kaka also adds strength in set pieces and field vision. Though Kaka has struggled since his transfer to Real Madrid, his overall career numbers in Europe are impressive. He has scored 120 goals and dished out 76 assists in 370 appearances.

Kaka would bring a major boost to the Red Bulls ticket sales as the team struggles to lure fans to its new $200 million stadium. Red Bull Arena neighbors the Ironbound district of Newark, a predominant Brazilian and Portuguese area of the city. Kaka has seen firsthand Brazil's drawing power in New Jersey as half of the 40,000 in attendance were rooting for the Selecao.

"[The crowds were] very nice. I love to play here, " Kaka said. "It's nice to play in America."

Further adding to the possibility that Kaka will join New York in the future is the fact that his younger brother Digao joined the club earlier this summer. Though Kaka didn't mention his brother, he did say that he was impressed by the quality of MLS.

"I like it. I have some friends that are playing now here so they say a lot of good stuff about the MLS," Kaka stated. "One day I hope I can play here."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Saudi Arabia 0-0 Argentina: Sabella's side subdued in stalemate

Argentina labored to a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia in Riyadh, as the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero struggled to showcase their talents.

Albiceleste coach Alejandro Sabella will be unable to take many positives after his men turned in a dour display, not least because they appeared short of ideas in trying to carve open the Saudi backline.

Messi drew a smart save from goalkeeper Waleed Abdullah with a curling shot from 20 yards, after some neat link-up play with Aguero early on, but it was the hosts who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 19 minutes, only for Naser Al-Shamrani to shoot tamely at Sergio Romero.

The visitors constantly looked for a killer ball through or over the Saudi defence, but more often than not either Messi or Aguero were caught offside.

And the home team thought it had taken a shock lead when Mohammad Al Sahlawi headed in Saud Kearairi's free kick at the far post, only to be flagged offside.

Again the Albiceleste tried the long ball over the top and again they were unsuccessful, so Messi took it upon himself to try a change of tact moments later. The No. 10 ran straight at the heart of the Saudis, but his ball to the left was too strong for Angel Di Maria to catch.

The South Americans twice went close five minutes before the break, first when Pablo Zabaleta's low shot was comfortably saved, and then when Messi got to the byline, but the Barcelona man was unable to cut the ball back to Eduardo Salvio. Di Maria did break the offside trap following another direct pass, this time from Javier Mascherano, but he was flagged anyway.

Within a minute of the restart Messi was picked out with another ball over the top, but he was tackled in the nick of time by Yasir Al-Shahrani.

Five minutes later, the Barca man sent a curling free kick narrowly over the crossbar, but again the Argentines fell back into their slow rhythm and seemed happy to pass the ball between the defenders and midfielders.

And they were almost made to pay after 65 minutes when Yasser Al Qahtani was first denied by the out-rushing Romero and then Fabricio Coloccini, who turned away the attacker's weak follow-up effort on the line.

Soon afterwards, Romero was the hero once more when he raced from his goal to again thwart Al Qahtani, who had ran straight through the Argentine defense. Straight down the other end, halftime substitute Franco Di Santo was denied by Wahleed at his near post.

Argentina created its first real chance of the evening with 13 minutes on the clock, but Di Santo headed the ball well over the crossbar from Di Maria's cross. Moments later, Aguero turned the ball around the corner for Messi on the edge of the box, but the latter was denied again by Waleed Abdullah.

Di Santo once more showed that the international stage is still beyond his capabilities when he fired well off target with four minutes on the clock.

But the Argentines should have had a penalty in the fourth minute of added time when the referee awarded a free kick on the edge of the area, despite the fact that Abdullah's challenge was at least a couple of yards inside the box.

Aguero bent his shot wide, and the final whistle was duly called on an embarrassing night for Argentina, which has a vast amount of work to do as it builds towards the 2014 World Cup.

 

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Premier League chairmen meet to discuss Financial Fair Play regulations

All 20 chairmen of the current Premier League clubs have met to discuss a number of new proposals, including the introduction of a salary cap.

Many are concerned with the issue of teams operating at a loss, and Premier League outfits have shown an interest in introducing a similar framework to UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations. At least 14 votes are needed for any motion, which includes wage restraints and contract guarantees, to be passed.

FFP regulations are intended to ensure that all clubs break even and Wigan chairman Dave Whelan believes that this aim will appeal to all top-flight sides.

"I really think every club in the Premier League has this desire to break even, at least," the Latics owner told Sky Sports News.

Although an outright cap is expected to be legally unviable, a proposal for wage restraint would limit the percentage that any club can add to their annual wage bill.

A suggested initiative for contract guarantees is that any outgoing chairman would have to continue to pay the wages of any highly paid players signed under their tenure, in an effort to avoid owners simply bailing out after creating untenable expenditure at a club.

 

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Papiss Cisse a doubt for Newcastle after Senegal dispute

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has revealed that Papiss Cisse may be forced to miss Saturday’s clash against Swansea City due to a dispute with the Senegalese FA.

The striker withdrew from the national team squad for Wednesday’s trip to Niger with a back complaint, but Senegal is arguing that it never received a medical report on his condition. The West African nation is now threatening to invoke FIFA’s five-day rule, which entitles an FA to suspend a player who fails to turn up for international duty.

"We have a bit of an issue going on with the federation," said Pardew. "We feel we have covered all the bases to give them the information. But they seem not to have received it, so we are in discussions with Senegal and the FA about his availability for Saturday."

Cisse scored 13 goals in 14 matches last season after joining from Freiburg in January, but has failed to hit top form so far this year, hitting the back of the net just once in 10 league games.

Nevertheless, with just one win in their last six Premier League matches, Newcastle will be keen to field a team that is as strong as possible against the Swans.

 

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Moyes wants to offer Neville and Distin contract extensions at Everton

Everton manager David Moyes is keen to tie down veterans Sylvain Distin and Phil Neville to one-year contract extensions, with their current deals set to expire at the end of the season.

The two defenders have played important roles in the Toffees' encouraging start to the season and, although they are 36 and 35 years old, respectively, the Scot believes that they still have much to offer at Goodison Park.

"We are monitoring Phil's position, but, if you were asking me, I'd say: 'Let's give him another year's contract and keep it going'," Moyes told the Liverpool Echo. "I'd say the same for Sylvain Distin, who is in the same position.

"With all due respect, when you get to their age, they understand most things are on one-year deals or rolling contracts. Both of them have been excellent and I'd have no qualms recommending to the board that we give them another year's contract.

"Phil and Sylvain are both in the same boat. I've not really sat and had a word with the chairman yet - we'll probably do that after the new year and see if we are ready to give them a new contract."

Club captain Neville is currently taking his coaching badges in preparation for the conclusion of his playing days but the former England international insists that he is not ready to retire just yet.

"I want to keep playing for as long as I can - at least one more year at the top level if I can," he said. "I still have ambitions. For instance, I've always wanted to sample playing abroad, a different culture and different life-experience for all the family. Time's running out, I know, and if the gaffer comes to me in January and wants me to stay another year then the decision's made for me."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Balotelli ready to fight for Manchester City place, says coach Gregucci

Manchester City defensive coach Angelo Gregucci believes that Mario Balotelli is ready to fight for his place in the first team after watching from the sidelines in recent weeks.


The former Inter striker has only started six matches for Roberto Mancini's side this season and was not included in the squad for the recent win over Tottenham.

With Sergio Aguero and Carlos Tevez forging a productive partnership up front and Edin Dzeko continuing to impress when called upon from the bench, speculation is rife that Balotelli's days at the Etihad may be numbered.

However, Gregucci was impressed with the 21-year-old's performance for Italy against France on Wednesday and is sure that he is more than capable of working his way back into manager Roberto Mancini's plans.

He told Sky Sport Italia: "Mario gave a great contribution [for Italy] and I saw in him the right attitude and behavior.

"Mancini has chosen to give him a signal and it is his right to make choices. Perhaps during the last week something was missing but Mario is ready to take back the Manchester City shirt."

AC Milan has reportedly shown an interest in the mercurial striker and Gregucci remained coy on talk of a transfer away from Eastlands for the Italy international.

"Will he stay? It's not up to me to say," he added.

"I just know that he is definitely redeemable. He has 22 years of talent and quality.

"He is a resource of our football club. He will give his contribution to the national team and to City."

 

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Watt signs four-year contract extension at Celtic

Celtic youngster Tony Watt has committed his future to the club by penning a new four-year deal.

The 18-year-old striker made an instant impact at Celtic Park in April when he scored two goals on his league debut after coming on a substitute against Motherwell. Watt's stock has risen even further this season, with five goals in nine league games on top of the winning goal in Celtic's famous 2-1 Champions League victory over Barcelona on Nov. 7.


The Scotland Under-21 international told the club’s official website: "I'm delighted to have signed this new contract. I'm a Celtic fan and this is where I want to play my football. The last couple of weeks have been incredible and to sign the contract just a week after scoring against Barcelona is brilliant.


"I know I've still got a lot of hard work ahead of me in my career but it's great to know that I'll be here as part of this exciting young team the manager's building at Celtic."

Watt signed for the Hoops from Airdrie United last year in a deal worth a reported 80,000 pounds.

 

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Rafa Marquez wants Atlas loan during the offseason

If Rafa Marquez has his way, he’d be back in a black and red jersey sooner rather than later.

The New York Red Bulls midfielder says he’d like to go out on loan during the MLS winter break, and he sees struggling Atlas - the club where he made his professional debut - as a perfect place to do that.

“My intention during the break is to stay active, because I’d like to earn a place in the national team,” Marquez said. “I think Atlas has the priority for me to play January and February, and even December to do the preseason.”

Many international MLS players of late have sought offseason loans during MLS’ extended winter break. Marquez sought a loan to Atlas last year, but the deal couldn’t be completed with the Red Bulls.

“For now there’s nothing clear,” said Marquez. “I’m in discussions with Red Bull to see what the terms and conditions would be of the loan and the exit. Then I’ll bring it to Atlas and see if they can cover the expenses.”

Marquez also spoke of the possibility of investing in the troubled Guadalajara side, known for developing youth talent.

The long-time Barcelona player moved to New York in 2010, but results have been mixed as the Mexican has often been the center of controversy, most recently being sent off in the Red Bulls’ season ending loss to DC United in the Eastern Conference semifinals last week.

Atlas, a historic Mexican side, finds itself struggling to avoid relegation, heading into next year’s Clausura second to bottom in the percentages table, which determines which team goes down.

 

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El Shaarawy delighted with Italy goal, says agent

Stephan El Shaarawy was thrilled with his goal for Italy in the team's friendly against France, according to his agent.

The AC Milan forward opened the scoring in the game on Wednesday night, as well as his goal-scoring account for his country.

It was the attacker's 10th goal in 14 games and the starlet's representative has spoken of the striker's joy despite eventually losing 2-1 to Les Bleus.

“Stephan and I were together after the game,” Roberto Lo Florio told RadioCrc. “He was really delighted to score, but disappointed with the result.

“Italy did not deserve to lose, they suffered a lot of bad luck but the important thing for Stephan now is to get back and play well for Milan. He has made the most of his opportunities this season but we need to keep our feet firmly on the ground. Unfortunately, Milan are going through a difficult time at the moment, having sold all their senior players – it's going to be a year of reconstruction and transition.”

Milan is currently in 13th place in this season's Serie A table with 14 points from 12 games and plays Napoli in Naples at the weekend.