..::Football II::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Tahiti boss Eddy Etaeta 'deeply moved' by Confederations Cup debut

The 43-year-old coach saw his side beaten 6-1 by Nigeria in Belo Horizonte but said he was enormously proud of their performance.Tahiti boss Eddy Etaeta has admitted that he was nearly reduced to tears by the sight of his country competing in the Confederations Cup.

The South Pacific side was beaten 6-1 by Nigeria in their Group B clash in Belo Horizonte, but the OFC Nations Cup champion, which is ranked 138th in the world, did the country proud as it grabbed a fine headed goal through Jonathan Tehau.

Etaeta could not hide his admiration for his side's showing, which won over neutrals in the Brazilian crowd, and confessed that he was almost overcome with emotion during the national anthems.

"I was deeply moved, almost crying," the 43-year-old told FIFA.com. "We watch World Cups on TV. Today we were participants.

"All of Tahiti was watching. Our President sent us a message and even suspended a cabinet meeting for [the game]."

Meanwhile, Marama Vahirua, the only full-time professional in the Tahiti squad, admitted he was touched by the way in which the local fans cheered his team's every touch.

"We want to thank the Brazilian fans for their support," he enthused. "It helped us to play such a great game.

"For us, it is a win to be on a pitch with Nigeria. We can be really proud of our performance today. The next game against Spain will be a dream."

Tahiti faces Spain in Rio on Thursday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Qatar chief hints at winter World Cup switch

The secretary general of the 2022 organizing committee has admitted the finals could be moved from the summer due to concerns over the heat
RIO DE JANEIRO -- Qatar's World Cup chief has said the Gulf state will consider calls to host the 2022 finals during the winter.

Last week, UEFA secretary general Gianni Infantino joined the calls for the tournament to be held in the winter amid fears over the scorching temperatures close to 120 degrees in the Qatari summer.

Hassan Al Thawadi, secretary general of the Qatar 2022 supreme committee for the World Cup, insists that the nation is planning for a June tournament in nine years, but admits it is prepared to alter the schedule.

“There are significant voices in the football community who are saying winter would be perfect,” said Al Thawadi at the FT/IFA Business of Football Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

“We are willing to have that debate to decide which is the best time.

“It’s the World Cup, it’s not Qatar’s cup. If we don’t sit down and listen to what the world wants, we would be doing an injustice to the World Cup.

“The way I see it, a number of people have spoken about their preference for it to move. It would have to be discussed with the football community.”

While Al Thawadi is open to a winter World Cup, which would face considerable opposition from European clubs, he remains adamant that Qatar can host a summer tournament.

Concerns have been raised over player safety while Qatar’s proposed air conditioning system inside the stadiums has yet to be fully tested.

But Al Thawadi said: “When we bid for the World Cup our intention was always for it to be in June. The weather is not very bad in Doha in June, it’s not so bad.

“I’ve had many people come to Qatar during June and it wasn’t the horror story people expected, that they would burst in flames. It’s not armageddon.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dortmund's Zorc 'astonished' by Eriksen signing rumors

The BVB chief denied suggestions that his side had completed a deal for the Aajx attacker but reiterated interest in Kevin De Bruyne.Borussia Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc was "astonishment" at suggestions that a deal has been completed to sign Christian Eriksen from Ajax.

The Champions League runner-up is on the lookout for a replacement to Bayern Munich-bound Mario Gotze, who is leaving the club this summer.

Reports have claimed the Bundesliga outfit is on the verge of signing the Danish attacker. Zorc has denied such rumors but reiterated interest in Chelsea midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who impressed on a loan spell at Werder Bremen in 2012-13.

"I've read [the Eriksen rumors] with astonishment as well," the 50-year-old told Ruhr Nachrichten.

"However, the player [De Bruyne] wants to join us," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lyon announces Gael Danic signing

The Ligue 1 giant has revealed its first summer addition, who is set to sign a two-year deal this week from Valenciennes.Olympique Lyonnais has announced the signing of Gael Danic from Valenciennes.

The 31-year-old midfielder provided 11 assists for his former team during the 2012-13 season, and OL is happy to hav secured the services of the experienced winger.

"Olympique Lyonnais announce the arrival of Valenciennes midfielder Gael Danic who will this week sign a contract for two years for a transfer fee of 800,000 euros, to which could be added a maximum of 200,000 euros in incentives," a statement on the club's official website read.

Lyon finished the 2012-13 season third, 16 points behind champion Paris Saint-Germain.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez: Matching Forlan's feat is an honor

The Premier League star is delighted to have equaled his teammate's national record while coach Oscar Tabarez admits Spain was too strong.Liverpool's Luis Suarez is ecstatic about matching Diego Forlan's goal-scoring record for Uruguay during the loss to Spain in the Confederations Cup.

The striker's delightful free kick was no more than a consolation goal for the Copa America winner as Uruguay lost 2-1, however it put him level with Internacional striker Forlan on 33 goals for his country and in only 65 appearances compared to Forlan's 99.

The attacker, who has been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, says it was a special moment for him.

"On a personal level it is an honor and a compliment to have reached the same level as Diego [Forlan] in respect of what he has done for la Celeste," the 26-year-old told reporters. "Having scored the same amount goals as Diego, on a personal level is good, but now what we are focused on is performing in the group and our results in this cup."

Meanwhile, coach Oscar Tabarez admitted Spain was simply too tough to handle for his side.

"Spain were better in the game and fully justified their victory. They caused us much trouble and we did not have the discipline needed," he said.

"In the second half we faced a difficult situation and the 2-0 looked very bad. I would say that it could have been catastrophic. We knew the reality before the match. If Spain thrashed Germany and Italy, why wouldn't they beat Uruguay? They are playing an important tournament which is always a great motivation for a great team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tevez in the dark on Manchester City future

The striker, who has just one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad Stadium, does not know where he will be playing next season, but has ruled out a move to Boca Juniors Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez says he "really doesn't know anything" about where he will be playing next season.

As Goal previously reported, Ligue 1 big-spender Monaco is considering a move for the Argentine, while Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus have also been linked to the controversial forward.Also, there may be room for he and other City veterans to link up with the club's new MLS venture, New York City FC.

Tevez is entering the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, leaving new boss Manuel Pellegrini with a decision to make on whether or not to cash in before he will be able to leave for nothing in 2014.

"I really don't know anything about my future," the striker told Radio Cooperativa in Argentina. "I have to wait for news. I am on vacation and for the moment I haven't been told anything."

One place where Tevez will definitely not be playing in 2013-14, however, is former club Boca Juniors.

The 29-year-old was in attendance as his boyhood club beat Arsenal de Sarandi 1-0 on Sunday but confirmed that he will not yet rejoin the Buenos Aires outfit.

"The supporters of Boca know that I want to go back there," he explained. "But this year isn't the moment."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cafu warns Balotelli to control his temper


The two-time World Cup winner believes the controversial forward could go far with the right attitude, while revealing he is set for a return to Roma Cafu believes that Mario Balotelli has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world - but only if he learns to control his temper.

The 22-year-old netted the winner in Italy's 2-1 Confederations Cup win over Mexico on Sunday, but made the headlines for all the wrong reasons earlier this month when he was booked twice - and subsequently sent off - within four minutes of the Azzurri's World Cup 2014 qualifier against Czech Republic.

And the Brazil legend has urged the AC Milan forward to make the most of his talent, while warning him to curb his temper on the field.

"Balotelli could become one of the greats of the game. He has a particular character, though. He must learn to control himself in order to give his best on the pitch," the Brazilian told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

The 43-year-old then went on to praise Neymar as he feels his compatriot, too, has the potential to become one of the best players in the world.

"Neymar is an incredibly strong player. He can become a real star as well," he added.

Cafu has been linked with the position of sporting director at Roma following Franco Baldini's recent departure and he has admitted that the Serie A side have contacted him about a return.

"There has been contact and I think that there will soon be news... A future as coach? I'm not ready yet, but I'm studying to become one. We'll see," Cafu revealed.

The former right back wore the Roma jersey from 1997 until 2003, winning one Serie A title during his time at the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Spain is on the right track

The Barcelona midfielder feels the Euro 2012 winners put in a good performance and are well on their way to the semifinals of the Confederations Cup Andres Iniesta has voiced his satisfaction with Spain's 2-1 Confederations Cup win over Uruguay on Sunday and feels the reigning European and world champions are on the right track.

First-half goals from Pedro and Roberto Soldado helped Spain to a comfortable lead before Luis Suarez pegged one back in the closing stages of the game and Iniesta was pleased with his side's display in their Group B opener.

"The team put in a great performance and worked very hard. We are on the right track with two games left in the group stages," the Barcelona star told reporters. "We knew that Uruguay were going to approach the game aggressively and would not allow us time to think on the ball. We always made the right decisions, though, and always picked the right pass.

"We struggled a bit with the humidity towards the end. We were looking for a third goal, but were unable to get one. The overall feeling is good, though."

Spain takes on Tahiti on June 20 in its second group game.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Isco reveals City and Madrid offers

The Spain Under-21 star has admitted that both sides are keen to sign him, but he has yet to make a final decision on his future Isco has confirmed that both Real Madrid and Manchester City have approached him over a summer transfer, as speculation surrounding his Malaga future intensifies.

The 21-year-old has long been linked with a move away from his current club following his fine performances throughout the 2012-13 campaign and he has now admitted that Madrid and City are leading the race for his signature.

"There are two options on the table. I have received offers from Real Madrid and Manchester City," the youngster was quoted as saying by AS. "I hope to make a decision soon because I still have a contract with Malaga. I have already said before that Madrid and City are both great clubs. I want the best solution for Malaga and for myself.

"It doesn't matter to me who the owner or president is. I just want to play football and have fun. It doesn't matter to me what kind of formation a team plays. I have my own characteristics, but you always have to adapt to your surroundings."

The 21-year-old then went on to discuss his relationship with new Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini, who he previously worked with at Malaga.

"I have not spoken to him yet. I heard about his move to City on the Internet. He's a great coach and I hope he will do well in England. He did an impressive job at Malaga and at other clubs in the past, so I have little doubt that he will succeed at City," Isco said.

He added, "It's a fact that I already know Pellegrini. I know how he works and he has played a key role in my career so far during our two years together at Malaga. It's a plus that I already know him, but there isn't anything definitive as of yet."

Isco's contract with Malaga runs until 2016, but he has a 35 million euros buyout clause.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Agent says Strootman eyes Premier League move

The Manchester United target is 'focused on England' but the PSV star's representative has warned that the midfielder will not come cheap.PSV star Kevin Strootman is keen on a switch to the Premier League, according to the player's agent.

The Netherlands international has long been linked with a move to a bigger league, with Manchester United among the teams reportedly keeping a close eye on the 23-year-old rising talent.

United’s chief scout, Jim Lawlor, reportedly watched Strootman in action against Russia during the Under-21 European championship this summer, but Napoli is the only outfit to have made its interest concrete.

"He is focused on England, because that would suit his style - he has the physique, the character and the fitness for it. I am certainly not afraid he could handle that level," Strootman's agent, Chiel Dekker, told reporters. "Kevin has ambition, but it is not in my hands. From PSV it would have to be a step up to a good club. It is not simple though, because the price will be expensive and not many teams can afford him.

"The clubs know what he can do now. It is up to them whether they want to reach an agreement with PSV and take him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Under 21 Championship Final 2013.06.18

UEFA Under 21 Championship Final 2013.06.18

Italy U21 Vs Spain U21

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain U21

Full Time

Italy U21 2 Vs 4 Spain U21

Italy U21 Goal(s)

Immobile 10'
Borini 80'


&

Spain U21 Goal(s)

Thiago 6',31',38(PEN)'
Isco 66(PEN)'
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain U21

Spain Are The UEFA U21 Champions

Congratulations Spain

VAMOS ESPANA

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain U21!!!

Italy U21 2-4 Spain U21: Dazzling Rojita claim another European title

Spain's Under-21 national team successfully defended its European championship throne after defeating Italy's Under-21s 4-2 in a footballing masterclass in Tuesday's final.

Captain Thiago Alcantara's hat trick, along with a penalty strike from Isco crowned La Rojita as junior champions of Europe, despite Ciro Immobile and Fabio Borini's attempts to cause an upset in Jerusalem. The scoreline heavily favored the Italians, who were dealt a harsh lesson in possession play.

The Spaniards showed their intent earliest, and it was aptly rewarded when a fine interchange between Isco and Alvaro Morata down the left flank resulted in the Real Madrid striker crossing the ball onto the head of an unmarked Thiago in the box.

But moments later, just when it appeared that Italy were reeling from falling behind so prematurely, a raking pass dropped at the feet of Immobile who delightfully lifted the ball over a hapless David de Gea on the half-volley to level matters on 10 minutes.

It was game on between the giants of the U21 game, yet it was the Spaniards led by Morata - top scorer in the tournament with four goals prior to kickoff - who were more likely to find the back of the net again.

Morata first saw a powerful header denied by the fingertips of Francesco Bardi, before latching onto Thiago's through-ball a split-second later and firing again at the Brescia goalkeeper.

On the half-hour mark, Spain deservedly regained the lead when Koke sent in a lobbed pinpoint pass onto the chest of Thiago, and the Barcelona starlet evaded Luca Caldirola before creeping a low shot over the line.

Eight minutes later, Cristian Tello peeled inside from the left flank but was brought down by Giulio Donati in the box, allowing Thiago the chance to grab his third from the penalty spot through the middle of Bardi's goal.

Spain found a deserving fourth midway through the second half, again from the penalty spot, when Martin Montoya's legs were clipped by Vasco Regini, and it was Isco who was entrusted with the burden of sending Bardi the wrong way.

Italy showed signs of an improvement with time fast becoming a precious commodity, and it managed to salvage some pride with just 10 minutes remaining as Borini scored in his second consecutive match following an intelligent one-two with Lorenzo Insigne, but it was far too little to prevent Spain from achieving more international success.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Aston Villa signs Nicklas Helenius on three-year deal


The Denmark international has become Villa boss Paul Lambert’s fourth signing of the summer after the arrivals of Aleksander Tonev, Leandro Bacuna and Jores Okore Aston Villa has confirmed the signing of striker Nicklas Helenius on a three-year deal from Danish club Aalborg BK.

The 22-year-old Denmark international has joined for an undisclosed fee and becomes Villa boss Paul Lambert’s fourth signing of the summer following the arrivals of Aleksander Tonev, Leandro Bacuna and Jores Okore.

And Lambert is delighted to have completed a deal for Helenius and backed his new striker to be a success in the Premier League.

"Nicklas is a young lad but also a full international with a good goalscoring record in Denmark and he'll prove himself in the Premier League," Lambert told the club’s official website. "The opportunity will be there for him, as it will be for the rest of the lads, and he has all the attributes to go and take it.

"He wants to go and make a name and a career for himself and he's made a good start at Aalborg. It's a case of continuing to work hard and building on that and I believe he can.

"He's a good player and the potential is there for him to grow into the team and grow with the team. He'll definitely be able to give the team a hand."

Helenius netted 16 times in 33 league games last season, and he’s hoping to thrive in English football alongside fellow attacking stars Gabriel Agbonlahor, Andreas Weimann and Christian Benteke.

He said: "This is a big opportunity for me, a big dream to play in the Premier League with a club with the history of Aston Villa and I'm very excited," Helenius said. "I know we have a young team and I know we came through a test last season and got better as a team over the course of the campaign. I watched the game against Liverpool at Anfield and was very impressed by the way the team played.

“As we got more confidence in the game, we became better and better and won 3-1 with some great attacking football.

"In Gabby Agbonlahor and Andi Weimann, for example, we have good players who have great speed and energy and a real love for playing for Villa. You can see this and you can also see the strength and quality of Christian Benteke.

“It is really exciting to be a part of this and I'm looking forward so much to pulling on the shirt and getting to know my new team-mates.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid offers world-record deal to keep Cristiano Ronaldo


The Portuguese superstar is in advanced negotiations over a five-year contract that will be the most lucrative in the history of football Cristiano Ronaldo is close to agreeing a new contract with Real Madrid which will make him the world's highest-earning footballer, Goal can reveal.

Madrid is in advanced talks with Ronaldo's representatives over a deal totaling around 155 million euros over five years, with the Portuguese forward set to earn 15m euros annually after tax in what will be the most lucrative contract in the history of the game.

Ronaldo, who has scored 201 goals in just 199 games in his four seasons at the Santiago Bernabeu, raised alarm bells on Thursday when he posted a cryptic message on Twitter which read simply: "All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false." Days earlier, however, he revealed his intention to remain at the Spanish side beyond his current contract, which expires in 2015.

After Portugal's 1-0 win over Russia in a World Cup qualifier last week, Ronaldo said: "I haven't spoken to anyone yet, [but] I know we will reach an agreement on a new contract. The most important thing now is the national team." And he also claimed his future has nothing to do with the departure of coach Jose Mourinho. "I am not worried by what Mourinho does; I am concerned with Real Madrid and my future," he said in May. The pair's relationship, once excellent, deteriorated in recent months following an angry dispute over a tactical correction made by Mourinho in a game against Valencia in January.

Ronaldo's posture has changed after his well-documented 'sadness' at the beginning of last season, when he was frustrated at what he perceived to be a lack of public support from the club in the race for the Ballon d'Or, a fallout with teammate Marcelo and the club's apparent unwillingness to discuss a new deal.

Madrid signed Ronaldo from Manchester United in a world-record deal of 94 million euros back in the summer of 2009, following Florentino Perez's return to the presidency at the capital club. He currently earns around 10m euros annually after tax.

When Ronaldo arrived, however, the so-called 'Beckham Law', which allowed foreigners who had lived in Spain for less than 10 years and who earned above 120,000 euros per year to pay a lower tax rate of around 23 percent and not the usual 45 percent, was still in force. David Beckham was one of the first to take advantage of the law after his move from Manchester United in 2003.

However, the Spanish government has since scrapped that initiative and a new deal would see Ronaldo required to pay 52 percent of his salary to the taxman. Hence, Madrid will be faced with an annual outlay close to 31m euros in order to pay the Portuguese the net 15m euros he has asked for.

Madrid, however, is aware of the importance of keeping Cristiano. The capital club missed out on Neymar recently, while it looks to be frustrated in its pursuit of Dortmund duo Ilkay Gundogan and Robert Lewandowski. Other previous transfer targets, such as Sergio Aguero and Radamel Falcao, will not be arriving either, while Gareth Bale is expensive and unwilling to force a move and Edinson Cavani is considered overpriced by the Madrid board. Ronaldo's renewal, therefore, assumes even greater importance.

President Perez has already spoken about Real's intention to make the Portuguese the cornerstone of the club's next sporting project. "I want to build Real Madrid around Cristiano Ronaldo," he said late last month. "And I want Cristiano to be the best-paid player in the world."

Madrid is ready to meet Ronaldo's wage demands and make the Portuguese a higher earner than Lionel Messi, who takes home around 13m euros before bonuses at Barcelona, and Falcao, who will bring in 14m euros annually at Monaco. Samuel Eto'o earns 20m euros per year at Anzhi Makhachkala, although the Cameroonian is on just a three-year deal and his total package will be surpassed by Ronaldo's Real contract.

The one sticking point currently is the player's image rights. Cristiano currently has a 60 percent share (of which he pays a third to Jorge Mendes' company Gestifute), while the club keeps 40 percent. The Portuguese is keen to improve that ratio and his recent tweet, as well as news stories leaked to press over a stalemate in negotiations, are thought to be two tactics used in conjunction with Mendes in order to apply pressure on the club. However, both parties are confident an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol set for further surgery

The Barcelona skipper will be out of action for three to four weeks when he undergoes an operation on his right knee Barcelona skipper Carles Puyol is set to undergo surgery once again which is hoped will rid him of a persistent knee problem.

The 35-year-old was limited to just 22 games in the 2012-13 campaign due to a string of injuries and will go under the knife on Wednesday.

He is expected to miss between three to four weeks after the procedure.

“Carles Puyol will undergo outpatient surgery to remove a cyst in his right knee,” an official club statement read. The Camp Nou center back last featured for the Blaugrana back in March.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vilanova: Lack of competition hurt Barca

The Barcelona boss has praised his side for equaling La Liga's record points tally but feels it would have thrived under pressure from Real Madrid Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova believes his side "fell short" last season because of a lack of credible competition in La Liga.

The Blaugrana amassed a record-equaling 100-point tally, winning back the title from Real Madrid after having led the table for the entire campaign.

And the 44-year-old feels that a better title challenge from the capital club would have helped his side, but praised it for reaching the century despite the lack of pressure.

"We fell short," he is quoted as saying by AS. "The difficulty is that we didn't have pressure on us for more time. The year that Madrid got 100 points, we got 91.

"When we got 99, Madrid had 96. Once we were Liga champions, it would be normal to have lost a game and not reach 100 points.

"This clearly demonstrates the competitive spirit of the team."

Barca got its campaign underway with a 5-1 victory over Real Sociedad and Vilanova believes this was key to the players accepting him as Pep Guardiola's replacement.

He added: "It was very important and it was very difficult. Until that moment, the players had seen me as the assistant coach and they accepted me as the main man."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pearce to leave England Under-21 role


FA chairman David Bernstein has highlighted the side’s poor showing in the last two tournaments as the main reason for a change in coach The Football Association has confirmed it will not be renewing Stuart Pearce's contract as coach of the England Under-21 side.

The news follows a dismal display by the Young Lions at the European Championship in Israel. Pearce's men lost all three games and failed to score a goal from open play in matches against Italy, Norway and host Israel.

FA Chairman David Bernstein said: "I'd like to thank Stuart Pearce for his hard work. Nobody can doubt his commitment to the job throughout his time as Under-21 Coach.

"He has done extremely well in qualifying for Finals tournaments, but after the disappointment of the past two tournaments, we believe it is time to change coach.

"On behalf of everyone at The FA I'd like to wish Stuart well for the future."

Bernstein added: "It is important the organization now considers the best approach for the role of Under-21 coach and how this works best within the overall England structure before making any new appointment."

Pearce has been in charge since 2007 and guided the team to four European U-21 Championship Final tournaments.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fabregas: Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to bid 100 million euros for Bale


Tottenham’s star player has been heavily linked with a big money move to the La Liga giants, but the ex-Arsenal midfielder is shocked at the potential world-record transfer fee.Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas thinks Real Madrid would be ‘crazy’ to break the world transfer record and pay 100 million euros for Tottenham’s Gareth Bale.

The Wales international has been heavily linked with a move to the Bernabeu with speculation putting a potential transfer fee in the region of 100 million euros, which would break the record fee that Real Madrid paid to Manchester United for Cristiano Ronaldo; however, Fabregas does not understand how a club could be prepared to spend such a substantial figure.

“For me, spending 100 million euros on Gareth Bale is crazy," Fabregas told AS. "I don’t know how any club could spend that amount of money in these [economic] circumstances.

“He is a great player with all the right attributes, but we will have to see if Madrid sign him and if he can perform there.”

Fabregas also reiterated his desire to remain at Barcelona despite continued speculation linking him with a return to the Premier League.

“People talk a lot, but the truth is that no one has spoken with me,” Fabregas said. “I want to triumph in Barcelona. That club is my home and I always dreamed of playing there, so I will try and succeed there as long as I can.”

The midfielder also insisted newboy Neymar will need time to settle at Camp Nou, adding: “Neymar will need time to adapt, because he is coming from a completely different type of football.

“We need to help him settle in and grow so that he can give us great nights.

“The egos are very controlled in our team. [Lionel] Messi has won the Ballon d’Or four times and is probably the best player of all time - but when you see him every morning, he doesn’t seem like it.”