..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal forward Giroud shocked by 'very harsh' FA ban

The Frenchman insists he showed no intent when scything down Stanislav Manolev on Saturday and was therefore surprised at the FA's decision not to overturn his suspension.Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud has hit out the Football Association after the decision to reject his claim of wrongful dismissal.

The French international was sent off by Andre Marriner for a challenge on Stanislav Manolev during the Gunners' 1-0 win over Fulham on Saturday, receiving an automatic three-match suspension for the straight red card.

The 26-year-old has protested his innocence ever since, insisting he slipped on the ball, and after having an appeal of wrongful dismissal rejected he criticized the FA's tough stance.

“I was very surprised at the verdict as my action was unintentional," he told The Sun.

“It does not hurt me but the rules in England are really very harsh. Very harsh indeed.”

The ban means the former Montpellier man, who moved to the Emirates in a 10 million pound deal in the summer, will miss important matches against Manchester United, QPR and Wigan as Arsene Wenger's men try and secure a top-four finish.

Theo Walcott may be given more of a chance as the main striker while Giroud is missing, but the Gunners boss can also call on Lukas Podolski or Gervinho to fill the void.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tevez hints at longer Manchester City stay

The Argentine striker is heading into the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, and despite some tough times with the club he says he will think about a new deal.Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has hinted that he could stay at the club beyond the end of his current contract, which is set to run out next summer.

The 29-year-old, who infamously went AWOL in the 2011-12 title-winning season, has yet to start formal talks with the club over a new deal.

However, the club's top scorer this season says he will honor the last year of his contract and that the changed circumstances in the last year mean he could consider a longer stay.

"I have a year left and I will respect that," Tevez told reporters. "I'll think about whether to sign a new one. It's not the same as last season when I wanted to leave as soon as possible.

"I'm going through a different time. The club is treating me really well and that's so important for me."

Tevez controversially swapped sides in Manchester in 2009, and has since gone on to win the Premier League and FA Cup with Roberto Mancini's side, which he will lift again if the club defeats Wigan at Wembley in May.

 

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[Wolverine GTR]

Fenerbahce 1-0 Benfica: Turks in command after Korkmaz winner settles frenetic first leg

Fenerbahce put one foot in the Europa League final with a narrow 1-0 win over Benfica in a frenetic semifinal first leg at Sukru Saracoglu.

In a match which saw attacking action primarily against the woodwork, which was to be hit an amazing five times, Egemen Korkmaz's late controversial winner pushed the Turkish hosts that little bit closer to Amsterdam and a first-ever European final.

On a night of frustration for Benfica, substitute Nicolas Gaitan got closest with a shot against the post, with the visitors having it all to do at Estadio da Luz next week.

Despite the typically raucous atmosphere inside the Istanbul venue, it proved to be a cautious opening to the semifinal, with both sides happy to bide their time as Eduardo Salvio and Maxi Pereira ensured Benfica enjoyed the better of the two starts.

But given Fenerbahce's tidal wave of support, it wasn't long before it rallied at the other end with chances coming in quick succession.

Firstly, Webo's neat pass into Sow flashed narrowly wide, before Kuyt's superb cross was met wonderfully by the Ivorian striker who easily beat Jardel in the aerial challenge, but was unlucky to see his bullet header cannon back off the crossbar.

The first half drama began to ensue in additional time.

Ola John was adjudged to have fouled Gokhan Gonul approaching the penalty box, with Serbian referee Milorad Mazic immediately pointing to the spot. Up stepped Cristian Baroni, whose low penalty slammed against the post and away on the stroke of halftime, with the midfielder being dragged away in tears by teammates to complete a high-tempo first half.

The second, however, started in equally the same way for the Turkish outfit which was once more unable to penetrate the defense. With Cristian once more bringing a fine save out of the goalkeeper, followed by Raul Meireles' stinging effort, Kuyt ensured a third effort against the woodwork with a fine swivel and shot which Artur eventually reached.

It was then time for Benfica to test the vulnerable Volkan in the opposite goal, with Cardozo smashing a low effort towards the goalkeeper, before subsitute Nicolas Gaitan ensured the post was hit for the fourth time with a great effort from outside the box which left the custodian stranded.

Despite the chances at both ends, the deadlock would be broken, and fortuitously as the game hurtled towards the final quarter of an hour. From a corner, Korkmaz rose highest to head the ball yet again off the post with Melgajero at fault as the ball crossed the line before celebrations got going after the fifth official's goal award.

Fenerbahce held on to take command of the semifinal tie, as it looks to confirm a place in the Europa League final next week in the semifinal second leg at Estadio da Luz.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Basel 1-2 Chelsea: Late Luiz winner puts Blues on verge of final

David Luiz's injury-time free kick gave Chelsea a 2-1 victory over Basel in the Europa League semifinal first leg at St Jakob Park on Thursday.

Victor Moses' first-half header put the Blues in front but Fabian Schar looked to have salvaged a share of the spoils for the hosts from the penalty spot.

Fueled by the harsh decision to award a spot kick for Cesar Azpilicueta's foul on Valentin Stocker, however, Chelsea mounted a last stand and Luiz's 20-yard effort slipped away from goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

Basel lost at home for the first time in this year's Europa League.

Against a Basel team unchanged from their quarterfinal second leg against Tottenham, John Terry partnered Branislav Ivanovic at the back for the Blues as David Luiz moved into midfield, while Ramires and Moses started ahead of Juan Mata and Oscar.

Basel has proved to be a force both domestically and in Europe on home turf this season and sought to immediately take the initiative, but despite its dominance of the early possession Chelsea looked a potent force on the counterattack.

Cesar Azpilicueta was a persistent threat from right back and picked out a trademark Lampard run with a cross to the near post but Yann Sommer was equal to the midfielder's first-time effort.

From the resulting corner, however, determined decoy work by Ivanovic allowed Moses to sneak into space unnoticed to nod home Lampard's center.

Basel remained on the front foot but was largely restricted to shots from distance, with Fabian Schar forcing Petr Cech to tip his fiercely struck free kick over the crossbar.

Chelsea continued to find space on the right-hand side and soon after Fernando Torres' shot was blocked, Sommer did well to claw away Ramires' half-volley.

Eden Hazard spurned the visitors' best opportunity of the half when Moses set him through on goal but by that point Basel's control over proceedings had diminished.

Murat Yakin drew a brief response out of his team after the break and Stocker hit the post after a one-two with Marco Streller, but, once again, Chelsea effectively took the sting out of the game.

Chelsea, too, rattled the frame of the goal early in the second half when Hazard danced down the left and cut the ball back to Torres, who crashed a left-footed shot against the post.

Rafa Benitez was dealt one significant setback when Cole collected a booking for wasting time that rules him out of the second leg and his team was harshly punished by another refereeing decision before the final whistle.

With the Blues looking reasonably comfortable in defense, Stocker earned a spot kick under the challenge of Azpilicueta when it looked as if a cross from the right had evaded the Basel winger and Schar made no mistake.

Chelsea can take great credit, though, for the spirited response that drew. Both Torres and Terry were denied from point-blank range before Luiz's free kick escaped Sommer's clutches and nestled in the bottom corner.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

David Luiz feels Chelsea still has work to do in Basel tie

The Brazilian defender netted a stoppage-time winner for the Blues to leave them on the verge of reaching the Europa League final, but is urging his team-mates to be cautious Chelsea defender David Luiz believes his side still has work to do to ensure it reaches the Europa League final.

Luiz's late winner gave Chelsea 2-1 win over Basel in Switzerland and the two away goals left the Blues firmly in the driving seat ahead of the return clash at Stamford Bridge.

Many believe the second goal gave Basel too much to do in the second leg, but Luiz is wary of a backlash from the side that knocked out Tottenham in the last round.

"It was important to score two goals here because Basel are a very good team and their philosophy to play good football is amazing. It is difficult to win here," he said. "It is amazing that we scored the second goal with the last kick but we have the second leg and we need to keep our minds strong because it will be another difficult game for us.

"I didn't see the penalty but if the referee gives a penalty then it is a penalty. A 1-1 would have been okay but 2-1 is better. We are so happy with this.

"I want to get to the final this year and to do that we have to win the second leg or draw so it is not finished."

With the race for a top four spot set to go down to the wire, critics have suggested the Europa League may not feature as high on Chelsea's list of priorities as it could do, but Luiz dismissed this claim.

"The competition is so important for us," he insisted. "I want to win another European title for my career and for Chelsea."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kuyt hails 'great night for Turkish soccer' after win over Benfica

Fenerbahce hit the post three times before they belatedly made the breakthrough against their Portuguese rivals through Egemen Korkmaz with 18 minutes to go.
Fenerbahce attacker Dirk Kuyt hailed "a great night for Turkish soccer" after his club's thoroughly deserved 1-0 victory over Benfica in a dramatic Europa League semifinal first-leg clash at Sukru Saracoglu Stadium.

For a long time, it appeared as if it would not be the Turkish outfit's night, having been denied by the woodwork three times, with Cristian even striking the post with a first-half penalty.

However, the hosts eventually made the breakthrough with 18 minutes remaining through Egemen Korkmaz, who headed home, almost inevitably, via the left upright.

"It is a great night for Turkish soccer," Kirt told reporters after the game. "We won in spite of our bad luck. "Tactically, and in terms of preparation, we were incredible. We managed to cancel them out, having spent the last three days studying everything that they do."

Coach Aykut Kocaman was delighted that his troops had kept a clean sheet, though he was quick to acknowledge that the tie is far from over.

"It was very important for us not to concede, and we managed that today," the Fenerbahce boss enthused. "Physically, I think we showed our strength tonight and we have managed to secure an advantage for the second leg.

"The final is by no means certain but we will do our best to make it. For now, I would just like to congratulate all of my players."

Aykut also insisted that he would not be taking the penalty-taking duties away from Cristian in light of his miss just before the break.

"It's meaningless to discuss this topic," he argued. "Penalties are missed. Cristian's our number one penalty taker and he will continue to take them."

Meanwhile, goalkeeper Volkan Demirelhttp://www.goal.com/en-us/people/turkey/5191/volkan-demirel believes the unwavering belief within the squad was key to their success on the night.

"We played really well today," Volkan told reporters. "I congratulate my team-mates and our coach. "We have again showed everyone what we can do and what you can achieve when you believe."

Defender Joseph Yobo was just as thrilled with the win and felt that Fenerbahce was good value for the 1-0 advantage that it will take to Lisbon next week.

"Benfica are a very good team, but we are also a good side, and we showed everyone that we can play tonight," the former Everton center half said. "It was a very good win."

Fenerbahce, which defeated Lazio in the quarterfinals, is making its first appearance in the last four of a European competition.

 

[shiyan_786]

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[Wolverine GTR]

Happy New Year Bro...!!!

kohomada itin..

mama hodain brokohomada oyataTitle 1kath haridan ithin hoda deals set 1kak thamai one

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich say no deal made for Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have a deal in place for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.


German newspaper Bild reported earlier in the week that the Poland international had already signed two contracts with Bayern, one that was due to start next season and one in 2014.But a Bayern statement read: "FC Bayern, contrary to these reports, do not have any contract with Robert Lewandowski."


Dortmund insist they have received no offers for the 24-year-old, whose fine season continued on Wednesday when he scored all four goals in their 4-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Their intention is to sign the prolific Pole to a new contract, with his current deal due to run out at the end of the 2013-14 season.


Dortmund's general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke said in Bild: "It would be negligent of us not to try to keep probably the best striker in Europe. It's true that we have discussed new conditions once again."Lewandowski, who has scored 34 goals this season with 10 of those in the Champions League, has also been linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United chief among his suitors.


Dortmund have already suffered one high-profile departure with midfielder Mario Gotze announcing earlier this week he was using a release clause in his contract to join Bayern over the summer.


Talk of Lewandowski joining Gotze in leaving the Westfalenstadion intensified on Thursday when his agent claimed a deal had been agreed with an unnamed club."We have reached an agreement with a club and intend (him) to move this summer," Maik Barthel told Sport Bild, who suggested the club in question was Bayern.


"There is a very interesting offer for Robert which fulfils entirely the demands set by Dortmund and also the demands of Robert."Dortmund have assured us that Robert can move at the end of the season under these conditions."We stick to agreements and now it's up to the clubs to sort things out."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Andre Schurrle deal to Chelsea gets closer

Andre Schurrle's agent is hopeful the deal to take the Bayer Leverkusen attacker to Chelsea could be concluded by this weekend.

A deal between Chelsea and Bayer for Schurrle is all but done, but it is the details of the transfer currently holding it up."I am waiting for information from either Leverkusen or Chelsea, but there could be some positive news by the end of this weekend," agent Ingo Haspel told Sportal.de.

"It is an indication of how much Chelsea want the player that they are continuing to negotiate."Indeed, the main stalling point does not even appear to concern the 22-year-old but is regarding Kevin De Bruyne.

De Bruyne, currently on loan at Werder Bremen, is wanted by Bayer on loan as part of the deal but, with a number of clubs interested in the Belgian, it remains to be seen if he will be included in the Schurrle deal.

 

[මුගටියා]

Bayern Munich say no deal made for Borussia Dortmund's Robert Lewandowski

Bayern Munich have denied reports that they have a deal in place for Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski.


German newspaper Bild reported earlier in the week that the Poland international had already signed two contracts with Bayern, one that was due to start next season and one in 2014.But a Bayern statement read: "FC Bayern, contrary to these reports, do not have any contract with Robert Lewandowski."


Dortmund insist they have received no offers for the 24-year-old, whose fine season continued on Wednesday when he scored all four goals in their 4-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid.Their intention is to sign the prolific Pole to a new contract, with his current deal due to run out at the end of the 2013-14 season.


Dortmund's general manager Hans-Joachim Watzke said in Bild: "It would be negligent of us not to try to keep probably the best striker in Europe. It's true that we have discussed new conditions once again."Lewandowski, who has scored 34 goals this season with 10 of those in the Champions League, has also been linked with a move to the Premier League with Manchester United chief among his suitors.


Dortmund have already suffered one high-profile departure with midfielder Mario Gotze announcing earlier this week he was using a release clause in his contract to join Bayern over the summer.


Talk of Lewandowski joining Gotze in leaving the Westfalenstadion intensified on Thursday when his agent claimed a deal had been agreed with an unnamed club."We have reached an agreement with a club and intend (him) to move this summer," Maik Barthel told Sport Bild, who suggested the club in question was Bayern.


"There is a very interesting offer for Robert which fulfils entirely the demands set by Dortmund and also the demands of Robert."Dortmund have assured us that Robert can move at the end of the season under these conditions."We stick to agreements and now it's up to the clubs to sort things out."

ela

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Song targets title win against Athletic

The Cameroon international is hoping for all three points at San Mames and a favor from Atletico Madrid in the derby as he looks to claim his first Liga crown
Barcelona midfielder Alex Song is looking to seal the Primera Division title against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

The Catalans travel to San Mames knowing a victory could seal the title should Real Madrid suffer defeat in the derby against Atletico Madrid later in the evening, and Song is hopeful he will soon be able to get his hands on his first league title since leaving Arsenal last summer.

"It will not be easy," he told reporters. "Athletic Bilbao are a great side, especially at home, but since my arrival here my aim has been to win titles. "We have to respect Athletic, it will not be a simple game. In addition, we have to hope for a favourable result in Madrid. Better, however, that we just think about our game and winning. Later, we will see what happens."Song has failed to establish himself in Tito Vilanova's first team plans since moving to Camp Nou for 18 million euros last August, but he insists he is not discouraged by his relative lack of playing time.

"I still have confidence and I am working hard in order to be able to play in midfield and defense," he concluded.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Santa Cruz in talks over permanent Malaga switch

The Paraguay international is in negotiations with the Spanish club over making his loan switch permanent when his contract expires with Manchester City this summer
Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz has revealed he is in talks with Malaga over making his loan switch permanent, although Botafogo remains interested in the forward.

The 31-year-old has been on loan with the Andalusians since the start of the season and has scored 10 goals in 40 games in all competitions for Manuel Pellegrini's men.

However, financial difficulties at La Rosaleda could prove to be an issue with regards a permanent deal and Santa Cruz has confirmed he is pleased to hear of Botafogo's interest.

“The interest [from Botafogo] does exist and I'm aware of it, my agents are analyzing this possibility that has appeared and there are some talks," he told Paraguayan outlet Radio La Nueva RGS. "It's a very big club; I'm flattered by their interest. It's always important to be wanted by a club of such size."

Santa Cruz cost Manchester City 17.5 million pounds when he joined them in the summer of 2009 from Blackburn Rovers, but failed to establish himself after boss Mark Hughes was replaced by Roberto Mancini.The striker has since enjoyed loan spells back at Ewood Park as well as in Spain with Real Betis and while his future remains uncertain he is confident a return to Manchester is not likely.

"I am also having conversations with Malaga, but I am not going to renew my contract with Manchester City," he added. "I'll be a free agent."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Muniain vows to delay Barcelona title celebrations

The Spain starlet is targeting all three points against the Catalans on Saturday, thereby denying Tito Vilanova's side the Liga crown for the time being
http://www.goal.com/en-us/teams/italy/1/ac-milan-newsAthletic Bilbao attacker Iker Muniain is determined to delay Barcelona's title celebration by beating the Catalan side at San Mames on Saturday.Barcelona could be crowned Liga champions should it defeat Athletic and Real Madrid loses the derby to Atletico Madrid later on Saturday evening.

Muniain has urged his teammates to put in the "perfect performance" in order to postpone Barca's title celebrations and help his side reach the target of 40 points to ensure top-flight survival.“They could be champions if they win, so they will do everything possible. We hope to play well and to delay their title,” Muniain told reporters. “But, we will have to play perfectly if we are to pick up the three points.

“Even though they are going through a slump, the capacity of the players at Barcelona is much greater than at any other team. Therefore, whoever plays for them will make things very difficult.

“We just want to win and make up the points tally to 40 as soon as we can. We will try to steal the ball, make them feel uneasy and play more as it is on our pitch rather than theirs.

“If we can do that, we will have a chance of winning".

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter defender Jonathan denies exit rumours

The 27-year-old insists he has no plans to return to his native Brazil despite struggling to cement his place in Andrea Stramaccioni's first team plans
Inter defender Jonathan has ruled out a possible return to Brazil despite a lack of regular first team football at Guiseppe Meazza.

The fullback has struggled to cement himself in Andrea Stramaccioni's plans since his arrival in Milan in 2011, and spent part of last season on loan at fellow Serie A side Parma, but he insists he has every intention of seeing out his contract with the Nerazzurri.

"I'm not thinking about going back to Brazil at the moment, I want to stay at Inter for the duration of my contract." the 27-year-old told the club's official TV channel. "If we then decide we want to renew it, that'd be great. I like Italian football even though I'm well aware of how difficult it is. I could have gone to play in Spain, but neither the team nor the contract was as attractive a prospect as coming here.

"When Inter came calling I immediately said to Santos that I wanted to come here and I'd like to stay here in Italy as long as I'm wanted."Inter face Palermo on Sunday as they aim to keep their hopes of European qualification alive.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque to step down after World Cup 2014

The current Spain boss has announced he is looking to take on more of an ambassadorial role for the country's football federation following the tournament in Brazil Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has declared that he will step down from his post after the 2014 World Cup.

The former Real Madrid boss led his country to glory in South Africa in 2010, and secured la Roja's second consecutive European Championships crown with last summer's triumph in Poland and Ukraine.The 62-year-old has confirmed that next year's finals in Brazil will be his last in his current capacity, and says he would consider moving into an ambassadorial role for the Spanish Football Federation [RFEF} in future.

"My final responsibility as Spain national coach will be at the World Cup in Brazil next year," Del Bosque told Telam. "Afterwards, maybe I will continue to work with the Spanish federation carrying out representative duties like this, traveling to different places and accepting invitations to public events."

Looking ahead to next summer's showpiece tournament, Del Bosque believes Argentina and hosts Brazil will pose the biggest threat to his side's crown."Argentina have a great team, from the midfield going forward, and can count on a player like Lionel Messi who can unbalance any defense," he continued. "I have always been an admirer of Brazilian football. As hosts, they will be one of the main challengers for the trophy."

Del Bosque also believes it is too early to claim that Germany has moved to the pinnacle of European football after Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's respective Champions League triumphs over Barcelona and Real Madrid this week, insisting it could all change in the second legs.

"I do not believe that Germany is going to unseat Spain just because of these results," he said. "We had three teams in the knockout rounds, and now the two ties are still not decided. When that happens, we will speak. We should not get ahead of ourselves. It could be next week we have to take back what is being said at the moment.

"Nobody expected these results as Spanish football is in a privileged position. The first leg results were very bad. But, we have the best foreign players in our country and Spain has been leading the FIFA rankings for some years now. This shows we are in a good moment, and we cannot enter into pessimism just because of two games."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lewandowski: I'll discuss my future at the end of the season

The Poland star insists he will not be drawn on press speculation linking him with summer moves to Bayern Munich and Manchester United.Robert Lewandowski has refused to comment on his future with Borussia Dortmund, dismissing rumors about a potential transfer as mere speculation.

The Poland striker has long been linked with a summer switch to Bayern Munich and Manchester United, with some reports suggesting a deal has already been brokered with the Bundesliga champion, but he insists he will not be drawn on gossip until the current campaign has drawn to a close.

"I will not comment on pure speculation," the 24-year-old told Polish newspaper Fakt. "The media write a lot about me, but that's just their duty. It's hard for me to say now what will happen when the season ends.

"I focus on the nearest game and then the second match with Real [Madrid]. We will see next what life brings."

Lewandowski hit all four of his side's goals as they thrashed Real Madrid in Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg, and the former Lech Poznan forward believes Jose Mourinho's side was left "clueless" by BVB's high-intensity play.

"They were clueless when we pressed them in the second-half, at times they simply didn't know what to do," he said. "They weren't too chatty afterwards. They ran to the changing room pretty quickly, while we were celebrating as a team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez bite 'truly disgraceful', says Independent Regulatory Commission report

The 18-page document also confirms the 2006 case of then-Manchester City defender Ben Thatcher was not used as a precedent when considering the Liverpool star's suspension The Football Association has released the written reasons that led to the 10-game suspension of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez following his bite on Branislav Ivanovic.

An Independent Regulatory Commission, appointed by the FA, cites Suarez's failure to appreciate the severity of the incident as one of the main thrusts behind the ban.

The 18-page document read: "It seemed to us that Mr Suarez has not fully appreciated the gravity and seriousness of this truly exceptional incident.

"The nature of biting an opponent is in itself extremely shocking, unexpected and truly exceptional. The incidents of biting an opponent in football are very rare at the moment and we need to ensure that it will remain so.

"We also felt that the purpose of our decision should not only be a punishment to Mr Suarez for the offense committed but must also be sending a strong message that such deplorable behaviors do not have a place in football."

The commission also confirmed that previous instances of violent conduct cited in Suarez's statement were not considered as this was an exceptional incident.

"We wished to note that the case of Ben Thatcher, of Manchester City, who was charged with serious foul play in 2006 against Pedro Mendes, of Portsmouth, as cited by Mr Suarez is dissimilar to the violent conduct offense we were dealing with for Mr Suarez," it added, "and, therefore, did not take it into consideration."

Past examples, it was stressed, were not taken into account when deciding the length of the ban. "We were also aware that the rules, regulations and practices have evolved and any temptations to refer to historical cases and sanctions would be wrong," noted the report.