..::Football II::..

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Italy U21 1-0 Netherlands U21:Italy edge past Netherlands

Italy will face Spain in the final of the European Under-21 Championship after Fabio Borini's goal secured a 1-0 win over Netherlands.

The Liverpool striker's cool 79th-minute finish settled a tense affair which had looked destined for extra-time before his intervention. The result sets up a clash of two Under-21 superpowers on Tuesday night, with Italy chasing a sixth title while Spain hunt a fourth.The Dutch came close to breaking the deadlock in just the fifth minute as Marco Verratti brought down Georgino Wijnaldum on the edge of the penalty area.

Adam Maher took the resulting free-kick and Italy goalkeeper Francesco Bardi was rooted to his line as he watched the ball hit the outside of his left post.
Netherlands were applying some pressure and won a series of corners but Bardi was able to deal with them before Kevin Strootman fired a shot from distance wide.

Borini passed up a chance for Italy in the 29th minute as he won a free-kick but when Lorenzo Insigne supplied the resulting cross the 22-year-old could only head wide.Ciro Immobile then brought a save out of Jeroen Zoet with the keeper having to stop his shot with his feet before Insigne fired wide from 25 yards.

Daley Blind forced Bardi into a smart parry as the interval approached and but it was Italy who should have taken the lead three minutes before the break.Borini gathered the ball midway into his own half and ran into the penalty area but could only fire into the side-netting after bearing down on Zoet.

The second half proved to be a more cagey affair than the first and Borini's speculative shot from distance which went wide was one of few chances. But the former Roma man's next opportunity proved to be pivotal as he fired his team into the final.Insigne showed smart feet to beat his man on the edge of the box and played the ball in to Borini who took two touches on his right foot to get on his preferred side and slotted past Zoet into the far corner.

Netherlands substitute Leroy Fer should have equalised in the 89th minute as he leapt highest to connect with Maher's corner but he could only head straight at the keeper.

 

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Its another Spain Vs Italy Euro FinalThis time Spain U21 Vs Italy U21

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Mexico wary of Pirlo threat


Chepo de la Torre recognizes the threat the 34-year-old veteran playmaker poses against his young side.Mexico coach Jose Manuel “Chepo” de la Torre believes Italy’s Andrea Pirlo – making his 100th cap on Sunday - is the player El Tri has to stop if it is to be victorious in the Maracana in its Confederations Cup opener.

“Pirlo makes his teammates play,” said De la Torre in a press conference Saturday in Rio de Janeiro. “(He) is an important piece, like (Mario) Balotelli, but they need the others for it to work. We need to concentrate on their movements to be able to break plays up.”

Chepo added that Italy has become a more attacking sides in recent times and that could work to Mexico’s benefit, although the former Chivas coach also highlighted the qualities of the Azzurri.

“Sometimes they give you a few more spaces, but that will also depend on us, on how we move, how we contain the opposition and break forward,” stated De la Torre.

The Mexico coach is looking to put the flat CONCACAF World Cup qualifying campaign to one side and is adamant his goal is to win the Confederations Cup, even though El Tri has recorded just one win in nine games during 2013.

“We’ve come to enjoy it and with the firm intention of winning,” opined Chepo. “It won’t be easy, but that is our intention in every tournament.”

 

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Brazil 3-0 Japan: Neymar volley opens Confederations Cup in style

Brazil got its Confederations Cup title defense off to the perfect start with a thrilling 3-0 victory against Japan in Brasilia.

Goals from Neymar, Paulinho and Jo ensured that the Seleção maintained their unbeaten record against the Asian nation with a convincing performance to alleviate some of the pressure on Luiz Felipe Scolari's shoulders.There had been much debate as to whether new Barcelona signing Neymar could rise to the occasion and he provided the hosts with the dream start with a sumptuous strike after just three minutes.

The 21-year-old ended his nine-game streak without a goal for club and country with a stunning half-volley into the top right corner after Marcelo's cross had been deftly cushioned into his path by the chest of Fred.Japan almost struck back immediately when Keisuke Honda tried his luck from distance but his fierce free kick was palmed to safety by Julio Cesar.

The CSKA Moscow midfielder proved a constant thorn in the Seleção side and he forced the Queens Park Rangers shotstopper into another save on 18 minutes from the edge of the box after jinking inside the challenge of David Luiz.The partnership of Dani Alves and Hulk down the right wing was causing the Japanese defense problems and the pair combined excellently on 22 minutes but the Zenit St. Petersburg forward's dangerous low cross was crucially hooked clear by Japan captain Makoto Hasebe.

The same two players combined again five minutes before the break with Alves feeding Hulk on the right-hand side of the box. The forward cut inside the challenge of Yuto Nagatomo onto his preferred left foot before thumping a ferocious drive into the side netting with Eiji Kawashima scrambling.The Standard Liege goalkeeper was called into action soon after as he produced a fine finger-tipped save to prevent Fred's low drive across goal after the striker had been picked out by Neymar's inch-perfect cross.

The Samurai Blue came out of the blocks quickly after the interval but it was the hosts who doubled their advantage three minutes into the second half. The relentless Alves drove forward from defense before his fizzing low cross was controlled expertly by Paulinho, whose low shot somehow squirmed under the body of Kawashima.

Brazil's performances have come under scrutiny since the re-appointment of Scolari but the boys in yellow appeared solid at the back and irresistible in attack, throwing down the gauntlet to the rest of the world that they are serious contenders for the World Cup next summer.Alberto Zaccheroni's side really should have pulled a goal back on 50 minutes when Hiroshi Kiyotake's teasing low cross found Shinji Okazaki in the area, but the Stuttgart forward inexplicably steered his effort the wrong side of the post.

Ryoichi Maeda was introduced in a bid to add some attacking steel to Japan's play and the striker nearly reduced the deficit on 72 minutes when he latched onto a loose ball in the Brazil box before swivelling and forcing Cesar into a smart stop with his low effort. The boos did ring out for Scolari however when he opted to withdraw Neymar from the action, but with games against Italy and Mexico to come, the 64-year-old's decision was understandable.

Late substitute Jo added gloss to the scoreline in stoppage time when he swept home from Oscar's pass after a devastating counter attack to cap a convincing display from Scolari's side.Brazil could secure progress to the semifinals with victory against Mexico on Wednesday evening whilst Japan looks to get its first points on the board when it faces Italy.

 

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Brazil's Neymar 'delighted' with performance against Japan


The Brazil forward turned in a superb display to get his team's Confederations Cup title defense off to the perfect start ahead of facing Mexico Brazil forward Neymar says he is delighted after the host nation opened its Confederations Cup campaign with a 3-0 victory over Japan.

The new Barcelona signing scored the pick of the goals three minutes into the game to end his personal drought of nine games for club and country without a goal.

Speaking to reporters after the game, the 21-year-old expressed his happiness with his own personal display and feels that the team are progressing.

"I am delighted to have scored," he said. "I always say that I want to evolve my game, and want the team to play as a group."

Neymar was withdrawn late in the second half to a standing ovation after he picked up a slight knock but he insists there is nothing to worry about.

"I am fine and ready for the next match, and for every match," he said. "I always think about my family and get inspired to play."

Brazil could secure progression to the semifinals with victory against Mexico in Fortaleza on Wednesday.

 

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Neymar Volley Goal against Japan​

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Neymar ge goal 1ka Patta!

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Isco: Spain trio insist I join Madrid

La Roja sealed their passage into the final of the Euro Under-21 Championship in Israel but their wonderkid was once again the center of attention Spain starlet Isco has revealed Real Madrid trio Alvaro Morata, Nacho and Daniel Carvajal are trying to tempt him to the Bernabeu this summer.

Speaking after his side's 3-0 demolition of Norway in the Euro U-21 semi-final on Saturday, the 21-year-old refused to rule out a future transfer to los Blancos, after impressing with Malaga last season and is also a target for Manchester City.

"Those [Morata, Nacho and Carvajal] indeed are the guys insisting [for the move to Real Madrid]," he told reporters after the match. "We'll see what happens.

"I try to draw the line there. We have the U-21 final and need to focus all five senses on that now."

The attacker inspired la Rojita to the tournament final in Israel thanks to his sublime goal, but was keen to share credit for the achievement with his teammates.

"There were many defenders close and the only option was to try the spectacular, and I tried it out well. There was no other way to do it. I'm very happy," he said.

"We have earned it all on the field. Now follows the most important and beautiful thing, the final. I will not talk about myself only, but also the group, which is what makes us great.

"We'll play the final as we always do, even if it will be very complicated."

The defending champions will face Italy in the final following the Azzurrini's 1-0 victory over Netherlands.

 

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Cazorla: Uruguay most important game

The Arsenal playmaker has warned his team to be wary of the Copa America winners, while stating he will be at Spain's disposal when called upon.Santi Cazorla is refusing to underestimate the threat posed by Uruguay as Spain prepares to do battle in the Confederations Cup on Sunday.

The European and world champions will face Oscar Tabarez's men in the Group B opener as favorites, but Cazorla is anticipating the potential pitfalls awaiting his side.

"For us, the most important match is the Uruguay one. They're a difficult team to beat and are very competitive," the 28-year-old told Marca. "We need to be well prepared to face up to them.

"They don't just have [Edinson] Cavani and Luis Suarez - they also have a Golden Boot winner in [Diego] Forlan. It's a team that poses a great threat up front.

"The game will be completely different from the one we played a few months ago [Spain won 3-1]. This game is much more important than a friendly."

The Arsenal star came off the bench in the victory against Ireland last Wednesday, providing an assist for Juan Mata, and Cazorla has reiterated that he has no qualms accepting his role as a substitute.

"I consider myself lucky just to be part of this group. It would be great to get some time on the pitch, but I know how difficult it is to get into this team," he added. "You need to make a contribution, hopefully by playing, but otherwise I will make my contribution during each training session, supporting my team-mates.

"Not playing wouldn't be a disappointment for me."

Uruguay warmed up for the blockbuster with a 1-0 win against Venezuela last Wednesday.

 

[ilanganthilaka]

එළකිරි

 

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Its another Spain Vs Italy Euro FinalThis time Spain U21 Vs Italy U21

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Brazil 3-0 Japan: Neymar volley opens Confederations Cup in style

Neymar Volley Goal against Japan​

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Neymar ge goal 1ka Patta!

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patta

 

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Suarezge goal eka patta

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mexico 1-2 Italy: Pirlo and Balotelli on target as El Tri drops opener

Goals from Italian legend Andrea Pirlo and star striker Mario Balotelli on either side of the half handed Mexico its first loss of 2013.
A change in competitions couldn't change Mexico's fortunes for the better.

El Tri stepped away from World Cup qualifying and took a 2-1 loss to Italy to open up the 2013 Confederations Cup campaign for both nations at renovated Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Mario Balotelli was the hero for the Italians by scoring the game-winning goal in the 78th minute, while teammate Andrea Pirlo had the opening goal of the match off a free kick early in the first half.

Mexico's Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez capitalized on a penalty kick for the equalizer in the 34th minute.

"We had a lot of moves when we were in good positions," Mexico coach Jose Manuel de la Torre said. "I believe we could have had better luck. Of course nobody likes to lose."

The Italians got off to a flying start and exposed a shaky Mexican defense in the early stages. Balotelli, Emanuele Giaccherini and Claudio Marchisio all tested Mexican goalkeeper Jose de Jesus Corona in the opening 10 minutes.

Italy's pressure finally paid off in the 27th minute when Pirlo, playing in his 100th match for the Azzurri, gave his side the lead with a brilliant free kick from 25 yards out, bending his effort over the wall and into the upper corner.

"I was dreaming of a free-kick goal," Pirlo said. "It was important to win the first match and now we have three days to recuperate. It's nice to be applauded in a legendary stadium like this."

Despite the dominance from Italy, the lead wouldn't last long.

Eight minutes later, Chicharito pulled El Tri back level from the penalty spot. Giovani dos Santos - back in his familiar starting role playing behind Hernandez - won the penalty when he stepped around Andrea Barzagli while pressure the ball and was brought down in Italy's box.

The goal was Hernandez's 33rd strike in just 50 matches for Mexico, and sent the match to the break with the score knotted at 1-1.

Mexico gifted Pirlo another chance from a free kick just after the break and almost paid for it again. This time the Italian legend kept his shot low and as it slipped under the leaping Mexican wall, it fell kindly for Riccardo Montolivo. The Milan midfielder had little time to collect himself before poking the ball at goal, but Corona was already off his line to make the save.

Another free kick for Pirlo in the 59th minute blazed narrowly wide of the mark, but Mexico was living dangerously early in the second half much as it had in the first.

El Tri held out until the 78th minute, but the defense finally fell short.

What looked like an innocent enough flick into the box gave Balotelli a chance to spin on Mexico captain Maza Rodriguez, who was simply not strong enough to hold keep the Milan forward from rounding him and poking the ball past Corona for the winning goal.

"Mario has to stop showing off his muscles," Italy coach Cesare Prandelli said of Balotelli ripping off his shirt to celebrate the goal. "The yellow cards count. Anyhow, well done."

While Mexico's form in 2013 has been poor, the loss to Italy was still the first suffered by the team this year, ending a 13-match run without a defeat.

The road doesn't get any easier for Mexico either, with a match against host nation Brazil on tap for Wednesday. Italy will be back in action that day as well, taking on Japan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!!!

Spain 2-1 Uruguay: World champion records imperious victory

Spain put in a classy performance to get their Confederations Cup campaign off to a winning start against Uruguay with a 2-1 win in at the Arena Pernambuco.

The reigning world and European champion was in complete control and won over local fans with its stylish soccer seeing them find the net twice in the first half through Pedro and Roberto Soldado. Though the crowd became frustrated at times, the Europeans took their foot off the gas but an exquisite Luis Suarez free kick late on proved just a consolation.

Vicente del Bosque elected to start with Iker Casillas in goal for his side, despite the keeper not appearing for Real Madrid since January. The 62-year-old also opted to begin with Soldado in attack and the Valencia man almost repaid his coach's faith within five minutes, however he was unable to turn Jordi Alba's cross in at the back post.

La Roja monopolized possession in the opening stages and in the 10th minute a quick attacking injection caught Uruguay off guard. Andres Iniesta's dummy let the ball roll through to his Barcelona teammate Cesc Fabregas, who was denied a goal when his low shot crashed against the foot of the post.

Oscar Tabarez's men were struggling to cope with the crisp, interlinking passing of the Spaniards in the final third. It took two attempts for Fernando Muslera to keep out an effort from Iniesta after a lovely move at the top of the box six minutes later.

It seemed an inevitability that Spain would find the net and that is precisely what happened in the 20th minute. Pedro's sublimely-struck effort looked to be heading for the bottom corner but a deflection off of Lugano made sure it found the net by redirecting it past the already-committed Muslera.

Uruguay began to rile its opponent and almost stole a goal through Edinson Cavani with a well-worked free kick routine, but the World Cup holder re-asserted itself by doubling its advantage soon after.

A tremendous disguised pass from Fabregas picked out Soldado with space to take a touch on the edge of the area before guiding the ball past Muslera confidently just after the half-hour mark.

Spain's relentless pressing made it difficult for Uruguay to get any respite and it took a brilliant reflex save from its keeper in order to keep out Gerard Pique's header before the break.

After the interval it was more of the same from la Roja, as Soldado and Iniesta both came close to adding their team's third but neither was able to pull a save from Muslera.

There was less urgency from Del Bosque's men in comparison to the first half but their incessant passing was stopping Suarez and Cavani from having any impact on the game. A tame volley from Pedro in the 64th minute that went wide of the post was their only subsequent effort.

They certainly paid the price as Suarez conjured up a moment of sheer magic when he bent an immensely-precise free kick inside Casillas' near post from in excess of 25 yards, but la Roja held on in a nervy end to the game.

Victory ensures Spain goes to the top of the Group B with three points but that could change depending on the result of tomorrow's fixture between the group's other contenders, Nigeria and Tahi

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA

Suarez ge free-kick 1kath Patta​

 

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Pirlo: I could only have dreamed of 100 caps

The midfielder stamped a century of Azzurri appearances with a supreme showing at the Maracana, scoring a brilliant goal, and took time to celebrate his achievements.

Andrea Pirlo could not hide his delight at reaching his 100th cap for Italy after scoring during a 2-1 Confederations Cup victory over Mexico at the Maracana on Sunday.The midfielder became only the fifth player to reach the milestone for the Azzurri, and ensured that the occasion would not be solely a ceremonial one with a man of the match display – including a stunning free kick to break the deadlock.

“First of all, it’s really rewarding for me,” Pirlo told reporters. “It’s not something everyone does. It’s a great feeling to get 100 caps and to score, especially in a historic stadium like the Maracana. I could only have dreamed of this as a child."
But Pirlo was not ready to look at the landmark as the beginning of the end of his international career, and maintained that he still had much to accomplish in an Italy shirt before hanging up his boots.“I was lucky enough to get 100 caps for Italy, but it’s not over yet,” revealed Pirlo. "I have other objectives, including winning the Confederations Cup.”

Pirlo joins Fabio Cannavaro, Gianluigi Buffon, Paolo Maldini and Dino Zoff as the other Italy centurions, but was the quickest out of the five to reach the landmark, with less than 11 years passing since his international debut against Azerbaijan in September 2002.

 

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Italy can reach Confeds Cup final, says Balotelli

The AC Milan striker was delighted to have got on the scoresheet during his side's 2-1 win over Mexico and is optimistic of the Azzurri's chances in the tournament
Mario Balotelli is convinced that Italy can make it all the way to the Confederations Cup final after producing a solid display to defeat Mexico 2-1 in their opening group match.

The AC Milan striker sealed all three points for his side with an effort 12 minutes from time and the 22-year-old is confident that his side has what it takes to reach the final.

"It was a great game, a great feeling and a wonderful crowd. I don’t care about the referee, the important thing is that we won. That’s all," he told Rai Sport after the game.

“If we win the next game, then we can progress. It would be wonderful to play here in the final and we will do everything to get there, it doesn't matter who it is against.

“Do we have what it takes to reach the final? I think we really do.”

Balotelli picked up a booking for removing his shirt late on but he insists that he had no idea that two bookings led to a suspension in the competition.

“I didn't know there was this rule about the two bookings leading to a suspension in this tournament," he said. "Next time I won’t do it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bebe keen on Sporting Lisbon switch

The Portuguese frontman is ready to leave Old Trafford for a move to his home country after finding chances hard to come by with the Red Devils
Manchester United attacker Bebe is eying up a move to Sporting Lisbon this summer, as his unsettled career at Old Trafford looks to be coming to an end.

The 22-year-old arrived at United in August 2010 from Vitoria Guimaraes for 8.8 million euros, despite not playing a single game for the Portuguese club.

Bebe has spent the second half of this season on loan at Rio Ave where he played 17 games and scored one goal, and has admitted he would prefer to leave Old Trafford and return to Portugal permanently.


"I would love to play for Sporting," he told Correio da Manha. "The club would suit me and it is an ambition of mine to play for Sporting."Bebe, who also had a loan spell at Besiktas, has made seven appearances for the Red Devils, scoring twice, and has revealed he never felt settled in the Premier League.

"They put faith in young players [at Sporting], appreciate them, and play an attractive game that suits my style," he added. "It is a club that can grow. I haven't found that in England."