..::Football III::..

Status
Not open for further replies.

Wolverine GTR

Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Berlusconi: Milan need three strikers

    ac-milan-president-silvio-berlusconi_s1hh2abut0h81mb45flpgktpq.jpg


    Milan president Silvio Berlusconi is hoping the imminent arrival of Jackson Martinez from Porto will be followed by two more forwards.Porto president Pinto da Costa revealed on Friday that Milan are set to capture the 28-year-old Colombia international by paying his €35 million release clause.

    And Berlusconi says the Porto striker is just the start of a summer spending spree as the club attempt to build a squad that can challenge Juventus for the league title.
    “We need three strong strikers and we are looking for them,” Berlusconi told Antenna 3.“There's great ambition for next season. Hopefully. It will absolutely be a great year.

    “Yes. I am hopeful [Martinez will join Milan]. He has scored a lot of goals for Porto in recent years."The 28-year-old hit 31 goals in all competitions for the Portuguese club last season.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Pirlo hits out at Juventus exit talk

    andrea-pirlo-italy-11062015_1xo7dg0vx3ll1859lv4r9fvwa.jpg


    Andrea Pirlo says there are "too many rumours" about him leaving Juventus and has vowed to be part of Italy's Euro 2016 squad.

    The 36-year-old has been linked with moves to the USA and Middle East after entering the final year of his contract but poured cold water on the speculation.

    “There are too many rumours about me leaving Juventus, I just want to keep playing and I will be present at Euro 2016.”

    Pirlo spoke after Italy stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Croatia on Friday, having gone behind after 11 minutes to a controversial Mario Mandzukic opener.

    Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had given the visitors the lead but saw his goal rule out for offside. As Italy players raced to the linesman to protest, Croatia raced up the other end to take the lead.

    "We knew it was a tough match but we were also aware that we could play well against Croatia,” said Pirlo. “Despite the unpleasant episode of the Croatian goal, we reacted well."

    Antonio Candreva struck from the penalty spot on 36 minutes to rescue a point for Antonio Conte’s side and the Lazio man blasted Croatia for what he considers bad sportsmanship.“El Shaarawy scored and then the linesman raised his flag,” he said.

    “They have not shown fair play because we had half our team in their half.”The draw leaves Italy on course for qualification from Group H, though they sit two points behind leaders Croatia.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Van Persie: Netherlands deserved win

    robin-van-persie-letland-nederland-riga-ek-kwalificatie-06122015_10bslaq4cu55p1j7rtf7444i6j.jpg


    Robin van Persie expressed his delight after Netherlands overcame a stubborn Latvia side in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Friday.

    The Oranje secured a 2-0 victory in Riga thanks to goals from Georginio Wijnaldum and Luciano Narsingh, but had to wait until the 67th minute to break the deadlock.Guus Hiddink’s side dominated from the outset and Manchester United striker Van Persie says once the first goal went in they knew they had won the match.

    "Latvia kept so many men behind the ball. We kept going for a goal. When it finally came, the match was over," Van Persie told NOS.

    "In the first half we had many chances, good chances," Van Persie continued. "I think there are certainly two or three that could well have gone in."Wijnaldum eventually opened the scoring after turning to poke a tame shot that crept just inside the post.

    "Before that, I was already close with a header, but it went wide," said Wijnaldum. "In the end the game came. I did not strike the ball well, but I thought I just had to get the shot off and fortunately it went in."

    The victory leaves Netherlands third in Group A, three points behind Czech Republic and five behind leaders Iceland. The top two progress automatically to France 2016 while third place may have to face a qualifier.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Wilmots: Lukaku and Benteke stood around like two poles

    marcwilmots-cropped_1ssb17b9icbzs1cx9j1ienc1kw.jpg


    Belgium coach Marc Wilmots was left furious by the lack of movement from Christian Benteke and Romelu Lukaku during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Wales in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.
    .
    Gareth Bale capitalised on a misjudged header from Radja Nainggolan to slot home the only goal of the game in Cardiff and send Wales three points clear at the top of Group B.

    However, rather than blame the Roma man for his costly error, Wilmots was more frustrated by his side's inability to get back in the game despite boasting an array of attacking talent.

    "[Nainggolan] misjudged in this moment but he's a good player. It is all too easy now to blame him," the Belgium boss told Sporza."We are a bit disappointed. The first half was good, but we've given away a goal and that made Wales stronger.

    "I changed my system afterwards, because Benteke was isolated. I then played with two strikers, but they need more crosses. We asked them to get to the front post, but they stand there like two poles. We still have work to do."We missed [Fellaini] in this game because this really was a match for him. He gets in the box.

    "[Axel] Witsel tried [to get forward] but was a little bit too deep. That's why I talk about the profile of players in creating a system."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Kakuta set to leave Chelsea for Sevilla

    gael-kakuta-chelsea_q642fv9rpp6y13gql2hyll2xz.jpg


    Gael Kakuta is on the verge of leaving Chelsea, with Sevilla in negotiations with the Blues over the signing of the attacking midfielder.

    Kakuta joined Chelsea in 2009 amid a whirlwind of controversy, with the Frenchman accused of breaching his contract with Lens, while the Premier League club were also handed a transfer ban, though it was later lifted.

    Despite that, the 23-year-old has failed to make an impression at Stamford Bridge and has made just 16 first-team appearances, having embarked on a series of loan spells.

    But he may be set to end his time in England by moving to Sevilla, with sporting director Monchi revealing that the deal is nearing completion.

    “The move for Kakuta is very close, although it’s not finalised yet,” he told AS. “We’re in advanced negotiations with Chelsea and the player. He fills the needs we have, I’m optimistic.”

    Sevilla are also attempting to sign Yehven Konoplyanka from Dnipro, but Monchi accepts that the club face a number of difficulties as they attempt to secure his signature.

    “Konoplyanka is a bit more complicated,” he added. “There’s a lot of factors that go into it and there’s a lot of competition. He has a strong link to Dnipro and doesn’t want to end on a sour note.

    “He’s wanted by a lot of teams, but Sevilla can help him continue his progression. I’m objective and it’s won’t be easy at all.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Armenia 2-3 Portugal: Ronaldo hat-trick wins thriller for Seleccao

    1520802_heroa.jpg


    Cristiano Ronaldo's hat-trick dragged Portugal to a thrilling 3-2 win over Armenia in Euro 2016 qualifying on Saturday.

    Real Madrid superstar Ronaldo netted the only goal in a scrappy reverse fixture back in November, but was in danger of being upstaged here when Armenia's Marcos Pizzelli smashed in a sensational free kick from long range in the first half.

    An onlooking Ronaldo may have appreciated the goal - scored using a technique similar to his own - before he equalised with a penalty just before the half-hour.

    His second, shortly after half-time, owed much to Armenia's poor defensive work, but the third was vintage Ronaldo - an effortless piece of control before a thumping finish into the top corner from 25 yards.

    Portugal were forced to play the final 28 minutes a man down after Tiago was dismissed for a second booking, but although Hrayr Mkoyan's close-range effort set up a nervy finish, they were able to hold on to cement their place at the top of Group I.
    The game marked the first in charge for Armenia's interim head coach Sargis Hovsepyan, while Portugal were led by assistant boss Ilidio Vale, with Fernando Santos serving a touchline ban for an offence committed when in charge of Greece at last year's World Cup.

    Portugal had conceded just twice in their four games prior to this, but they were shaky early on and, in the 14th minute, Pizzelli produced a stunning free kick that Ronaldo himself would have been proud of.

    As Pizzelli lined up the ball 40 yards from goal, Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio appeared to be expecting a cross but was caught out by the midfielder, who produced a vicious, dipping strike that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar.

    Armenia's advantage lasted only quarter of an hour, however, as Henrikh Mkhitaryan's clumsy challenge on Joao Moutinho allowed Ronaldo to send Roman Berezovsky the wrong way from the spot.

    Ten minutes after the restart, Ronaldo took advantage of woeful defending to put his side in front.

    After Mkoyan allowed the ball to bounce, hesitation between Robert Arzumanyan and Berezkovsky gave Ronaldo the opportunity to nip in and poke the ball beyond the keeper.

    Three minutes later, Ronaldo superbly brought down Patricio's clearance with his left foot, and sent a fizzing drive into the top-right corner from 25 yards with his right.

    Tiago was dismissed soon afterwards for picking up his second yellow card, and in the 72nd minute Patricio spilled substitute Aras Ozbiliz's shot at the feet of Mkoyan, who tapped home.

    Although the hosts pressed hard in the closing stages, it was Ronaldo's third successive hat-trick for club and country that ultimately proved decisive.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Albania 1-0 France: Kace condemns Deschamps' men to another defeat

    alexandre-lacazette-france-albania-friendly-14112014_1tn9npuujwy4c19vl68vq9ay9d.jpg


    Ergys Kace's stunning free kick condemned France to another friendly defeat as they lost 1-0 to Albania on Saturday.

    The Euro 2016 hosts have been far from convincing in friendly encounters in the last few months, which have included a 3-1 defeat to Brazil and a 4-3 reverse against Belgium last Sunday.

    But their performance on Saturday will have been particularly worrying for coach Didier Deschamps, with France second best to a side of inferior international pedigree.

    Albania dictated matters for the majority of the game in Elbasan, showing signs of continued improvement as they bid to qualify for Euro 2016.

    A well-struck free kick from midfielder Kace late in the first half proved to be enough for the eastern European side to claim a surprise victory.

    Gianni De Biasi's men are third in Group I and can look ahead to September's qualifiers against Denmark and Portugal with confidence.

    Deschamps, though, will need to consider how to get his side back on track, with friendlies against Portugal and Serbia next on the horizon for the two-time European champions.

    Olivier Giroud went close to giving France the lead in the eighth minute as he volleyed wide at the near-post but Albania, who lost Andi Lila to injury, grew into the game and spurned a pair of gilt-edged chances.

    Odise Roshi's right-wing cross was spilled by France goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and Ermir Lenjani could only send the ball over the crossbar from point-blank range on the rebound.

    Lenjani was then thwarted by a fine one-on-one save from Lloris on the half-hour mark after the midfielder was played through on goal by a throughball from Ledian Memushaj.

    But the goal Albania deserved arrived in fine fashion a minute before half-time.

    The hosts were awarded a free kick on the edge of the area following Giroud's foul on Kace, who stepped up and produced a superb curling effort into the top-left corner, leaving Lloris with no chance.

    Paul Pogba and Nabil Fekir came on for the visitors at half-time but France continued to struggle in the second half and would have fallen further behind had Valdet Rama not fired wastefully wide after bursting into the box.

    Albania substitute Armando Sadiku then had an effort deflected narrowly wide before Mathieu Valbuena tested goalkeeper Etrit Berisha with a free-kick at the other end, but De Biasi's side stood firm to claim the triumph their fine performance merited.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :no:Mexico full team eka neme machan yawala thinne.Europe based players la kawuruth nae(Carlos Vela,Chicharito,Guillermo Ochoa,Giovani Dos Santos...):dull:.
    full team eka ewwath copa america win karanna amaru nisa wenna athi:baffled:.gold cup ekata full team eka dala thibba:yes:

    Mexico's 23-man Gold Cup squad
    http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/114/mexico/2015/06/12/12670302/mexico-announces-23-man-gold-cup-squad

    Ow neda bro mamath dan dakke squad 1ka.Full team 1kak newei neh play karala thiyenne:yes:

    Gold Cup squad 1ka patta:)
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Gibraltar 0-7 Germany: Schurrle nets hat-trick in easy victory

    1521492_heroa.jpg


    Germany eased to a comfortable 7-0 success over Gibraltar in their Euro 2016 Group D qualifier, with Andre Schurrle netting a hat-trick for the world champions.
    Having seen group leaders Poland dispatch Georgia 4-0 earlier on Saturday, Joachim Low's side knew an expected victory at Estadio Algarve would see them climb back to within a point of their neighbours in the standings.

    The opening 25 minutes did not go entirely to plan, as Bastian Schweinsteiger saw a penalty saved by Jordan Perez, while minnows Gibraltar created openings of their own.

    It was Schurrle who finally broke the deadlock shortly before the half-hour mark, and only some inspired goalkeeping from Perez kept it that way until the interval.
    But after the break, Germany's superior class and fitness began to show and they went on to net four goals in a 20 minute spell.

    Max Kruse - on as a replacement for the injured Mario Gotze - Ilkay Gundogan and Karim Bellarabi added further strikes, before Schurrle completed his treble and Kruse doubled his tally in another comprehensive defeat for Gibraltar.

    Germany should have been ahead in the 10th minute but, after Jake Gosling had felled Jonas Hector, Schweinsteiger's weak penalty was kept out by Perez.
    The visitors dominated possession, but Gibraltar were not without chances of their own.

    Having seen Liam Walker thump a long-range effort narrowly wide before the missed spot-kick, Adam Priestley and Aaron Payas both brought saves out of Roman Weidenfeller.

    Gibraltar held out until the 28th minute before conceding - longer than in any of their other qualifying matches. Schurrle capitalised on a poor touch from Ryan Casciaro to slot beyond Perez with a calm finish.

    Undeterred, the hosts should have had an immediate equaliser when Gosling fired straight at Weidenfeller from six yards.

    Germany seemed stunned into action and Perez had to deny Mesut Ozil with his legs before twice clawing away efforts from Patrick Herrmann at close quarters.
    At the start of the second half, Kruse blazed a shot over but he soon made amends by tapping in Ozil's cushioned ball across the six-yard box.It was 3-0 soon afterwards, as Gundogan controlled a pass from Kruse before prodding the ball home.

    After Weidenfeller had denied Lee Casciaro, the visitors pulled further clear in the 57th minute, as Ozil teed up Bellarabi to sweep home his first international goal, while Low was spotted filing his nails on the bench instead of celebrating the strike.
    With 25 minutes to go, Perez's save from Gundogan fell kindly for Schurrle to tap home, and the Wolfsburg man completed his second international treble courtesy of a delicate pass from Ozil.

    The final goal went the way of Kruse, who thumped home a volley from the edge of the area as the world champions put the seal on an emphatic victory.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Uruguay 1-0 Jamaica: Copa America champions start with a win

    1521292_heroa.jpg


    Defending champions Uruguay began their Copa America campaign with an unconvincing 1-0 win over Jamaica.

    With Barcelona forward Luis Suarez - the 2011 player of the tournament - banned for the competition due to his bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini at last year's World Cup, Uruguay were uninspiring in front of goal.

    Oscar Tabarez's men struggled to break down tournament invitees Jamaica, who were resolute at the back for much of Saturday's contest in Antofagasta.

    However, Uruguay took advantage of the one true defensive lapse made by the tournament outsiders, as Cristian Rodriguez opened the scoring in the 52nd minute.
    Winger Rodriguez made no mistake with a close-range strike at the end of a well-worked set-piece move from the two-time World Cup winners.

    That goal proved to be enough to ensure maximum points, although with 2014 World Cup runners-up Argentina also in Group B, Uruguay will likely need to make significant improvements to hold onto the top spot.

    Few would have expected Jamaica to be able to compete with Tabarez's side but they more than held their own in a dour first half bereft of goalscoring opportunities.The Caribbean side clearly had the backing of the neutral supporters inside the Estadio Regional Calvo y Bascunan and they had the Uruguay defence on the back foot on a number of occasions in the opening 45 minutes.

    However, a lack of quality in the final third was painfully evident as Jamaica laboured to create any chances of note.

    Winfried Schafer's men were almost punished in the 39th minute, but goalkeeper Dwayne Kerr sprung to his side’s rescue by turning Rodriguez's effort from the edge of the area around the post.

    That did not deter the ambition of Jamaica, who would have taken a shock lead had Darren Mattocks not mis-hit his shot when through on goal, allowing Diego Godin to clear.

    A frustrating half for Uruguay was summed up in the 43rd minute when Edinson Cavani volleyed wide at the near post from Maxi Pereira's cut-back.

    But it took Uruguay just seven minutes after the restart to break the deadlock, as Rodriguez met Jose Gimenez's header back across goal from Nicolas Lodeiro's free-kick with a simple finish into the bottom-right corner.Jamaica saw a good chance to level go begging 14 minutes from time when substitute Lance Laing's left-wing cross was headed narrowly wide of the post by Giles Barnes.

    Despite further late pressure from Jamaica, there were no more real scares for Uruguay, while Christian Stuani fired over the crossbar with the goal gaping at the other end as Tabarez's team ground out a victory that provided little to suggest they can lift the trophy for a 16th time.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Dunga: Brazil under enormous pressure

    dunga-brazil-28032015_bgwokixku35y1lrif0hsav9z4.jpg


    Brazil coach Dunga has stressed that it will not be easy for the eight-time winners to emerge victorious at the Copa América in Chile.The Brazilians kick off their campaign against Peru on Sunday and Dunga has urged his men to take things one game at a time.

    "The Copa America is one of the hardest tournaments. Brazil went without winning it for 40 years until 1989," Dunga said at a press conference.

    "Brazil have had some great players in the past who failed to win the Copa. Things have only become harder with the development of our rivals. That means there is enormous pressure. We have to be humble and believe in ourselves."But we have to take one step at a time. We have to focus on our next game, so we're only thinking about Peru now. They are a tough team with a great coach.

    "The World Cup did not go as planned, but we have a lot of players in big competitions and two of them were decisive in the Champions League final."
    The Brazil boss then went on to praise Neymar, but insisted that the Barcelona man is not his side's only leader.

    "Brazilian football is hugely important to children and they all love Neymar. He is an exceptional player and has done very well as the team's captain."One player has to wear the captain's armband, but we have more than one leader."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Deschamps: I'm responsible for France defeat

    didierdeschamps-cropped_1hfueb69po0mtzv5nfxjthx1r.jpg


    Didier Deschamps was left "angry and disappointed" by France's 1-0 loss to Albania on Saturday, but says he is the man to blame for it.

    The Euro 2016 hosts succumbed to their second defeat in less than a week as they were humbled by Gianni De Biasi's side in Elbasan after losing 4-3 to Belgium last Sunday.

    A stunning free-kick from Ergys Kace just before half-time settled the encounter in Albania's favour, leaving Deschamps to fume over France's loss of form."With Belgium we had an opponent that was superior and played a great game," Deschamps said. "It was down to their level.

    "Against Albania, there was an opponent with more determination. I am particularly annoyed and disappointed because I'm responsible."I choose the players, the systems. I'll take time to analyse the game but this is not a period that is very favourable to us.

    "We did not have enough hunger, this is not acceptablet. I do not judge the players but we were not mentally ready to play a high level game."I will not castigate one player. But they have five, 10, 30 minutes or an entire game, all players must be as efficient as possible and that was not the case."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ronaldo delighted after 'extraordinary and awesome' hat-trick

    cristiano-ronaldo-portugal_eyev6svj8rga1pg1vzm2gz34l.jpg


    Cristiano Ronaldo was happy to revel in the glory after his "extraordinary" hat-trick saw Portugal beat Armenia on Saturday.The Real Madrid star's goals made the difference in the 3-2 win for his side which keeps them top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group I, two points above Denmark.

    Ronaldo posted a video message to his Twitter account, speaking of his happiness after an "awesome moment" and stating that the team are edging towards qualification for next year's tournament in France.

    "I wanted to share with you this extraordinary moment we lived with the national team," the Ballon d'Or holder said. "It was an awesome moment. We've taken a major step forward in this qualifying phase."

    Portugal's next qualifying game comes in September, when they will face Albania before meeting Denmark the following month.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Argentina 2-2 Paraguay: Barrios and Valdez cancel out Messi and Aguero strikes


    Substitute Lucas Barrios netted a dramatic 90th-minute equaliser to earn Paraguay a 2-2 draw against Argentina in their Copa America Group B opener in La Serena on Saturday.

    Barrios - a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz with 11 minutes remaining - fired low past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero after Paulo da Silva had knocked the ball down to his path following a set-piece.

    Argentina thought they had the match won thanks to Lionel Messi, who had a hand in both of his side's goals, forcing Paraguay defender Miguel Samudio into a mistake as Sergio Aguero gave Argentina the lead, before the captain converted a penalty seven minutes later to put them in control before half-time.

    Nelson Valdez pulled a goal back for Paraguay via a stunning long-range strike on the hour mark, and Ramon Diaz's men completed the comeback in the final minute of normal time thanks to Barrios' late intervention.

    After a cagey start, Messi almost gave Argentina an 18th-minute lead but his side-footed effort went wide of the post, while a last-ditch Pablo Aguilar tackle denied Aguero four minutes later.

    Argentina, though, did not have to wait long for their opener thanks to Aguero - fresh from his first international hat-trick in the final warm-up clash against Bolivia last time out.Aguero pounced on a misplaced pass from Samudio - harassed by Messi - and rounded goalkeeper Antony Silva with ease.

    Messi made it 2-0 for Argentina from the spot in the 36th minute after Angel di Maria had been bundled over by Samudio in the area.

    The second half was a much more open affair, with opportunities at both ends.
    Messi and his team-mates were a constant threat, but Valdez reduced the deficit against the run of play after an hour.

    The Paraguay attacker unleashed a powerful strike into the top corner of the net from outside the penalty area, leaving Romero helpless.That sparked Argentina into action, Messi and Javier Pastore both presented with opportunities to extend the lead, however both chances went begging.

    And with time running out Argentina were made to pay for those missed opportunities, when Barrios rifled the ball into the net from close range to snatch an unlikely point for his side.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Man City & Chelsea target Alderweireld eyes Premier League stay

    toby-alderweireld-premier-league-southampton-v-arsenal-010115_1dyan09m1av81031kwc2dwh06.jpg


    Toby Alderweireld is keen to play Premier League football again next season, following the end of his loan spell with Southampton.

    The Belgian spent last season at St Mary's Stadium, on loan from Atletico Madrid, and played a key role in an impressive campaign under Ronald Koeman.

    Goal revealed in March that Manchester City have lined up a potential summer move for Alderweireld, while Chelsea have also been linked with the versatile defender who is planning talks with Atleti in the coming weeks.

    "The only thing I can say is that I'm happy in England, but it isn't just up to me," Alderweireld told reporters.

    "I had a fantastic season at Southampton and, after I have been on holiday, I will talk to Atletico.

    "I don't have an answer now but hopefully Atletico will tell me quickly what is happening. It would be good to come back to England."

    Alderweireld was part of the Belgium side who suffered a 1-0 defeat by Wales in qualifying for Euro 2016 on Friday.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Courtois: Falcao would be very good for Chelsea

    radamel-falcao-premier-league-manchester-united-v-leicester_1tt1ewvcqukpi1izz1bpec4drf.jpg


    Thibaut Courtois has backed Chelsea's summer move for Radamel Falcao.

    Jose Mourinho has been the driving force behind the Premier League champions' bid to sign Falcao and the Blues boss has admitted that he would welcome the chance to work with the Colombia international after his subdued campaign at Manchester United.

    Falcao scored just four goals in 26 appearances during his season-long loan at Old Trafford but the Chelsea goalkeeper believes that the 29-year-old would be an excellent addition to Mourinho’s squad.

    "I know Falcao very well," said Courtois.

    "He's a very good boy, he's a good friend of mine so, if he comes, great.

    "It's the decision of the club but he would be a very good player for Chelsea."

    Falcao is currently in Chile playing the Copa America, with his Colombia side set to open their campaign against Venezuela on Sunday.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Filipe Luis: Fred can fill Oscar’s boots for Brazil

    1520562_heroa.jpg


    Filipe Luis believes Fred can help fill the void left by the injured by Oscar at this month’s Copa America.The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder was a late addition to the squad for the tournament in Chile, drafted in at the last minute to replace Luiz Gustavo.

    Fred, 22, was already with the squad for the Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour friendlies against Mexico and Honduras last week as Dunga was keen to cast a close eye on the former Internacional star ahead of next year’s Olympic Games in Rio.

    He was handed starts in both fixtures and impressed the coach with his versatility, bringing both defensive and offensive attributes to the side, providing Dunga the option to tweak his 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 as Brazil face their first competitive fixtures since last year’s World Cup.

    And Chelsea defender Filipe Luis believes his new colleague can play a major role as the Selecao seek redemption under Dunga.

    "Fred is a great player who likes to triangulate quickly in possession, which is a style of game that I really like and feel comfortable playing,” Filipe Luis told Chevrolet Brasil Global Tour.“I have to also note that Oscar fulfils that role too and we miss a lot by not having him with us, but Fred has played very well.

    “The two players have different characteristics, but there are playing the same function in setting out the rhythm. Each brings different qualities to the team but Fred has made a great impression.”

    Drafted into a new-look back four that has conceded just twice in 10 games under Dunga, Filipe Luis has been much more reserved than his predecessor, Marcelo, slotting into a system that puts a tighter harness on its full-backs.

    However, Filipe Luis bucked that trend to charge forward and create the only goal of the game against Mexico, sliding in Roberto Firmino with a neat pass.And the 29-year-old says his assist owed much to the greater element of surprise a forward run from full-back now provides in a more rigid defensive system.

    “My job is primarily to defend and help the defenders, not to make goals,” he said.
    “But when I can manage to get up the pitch and help the forward players, even better. It was not a specific request from Dunga. I just try to offer support when I can, to get forward as an element of surprise.

    "I don’t go forward a lot, but aim to do so with quality whenever I get the chance."

    Brazil open their Copa America campaign on Sunday against Peru.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Agent backs Bacca for Roma move

    europa-league-final-sevilla-dnipro-27052015_1qg1y01nfidfp1qjt61h3ood94.jpg


    Carlos Bacca's agent claims the Sevilla striker would jump at the chance to play for Roma.The Serie A runners-up are looking for a new striker in order to break Juventus' stronghold on Serie A, and have identified the Colombian as their top target.

    And while claiming Bacca was more than happy to stay at Sanchez Pijuan, where he won back-to-back Europa League titles, his representative Sergio Barila admitted his client is ready to seeking a new challenge.

    "Carlos is deeply religious. And in Rome, there is the pope. And apart from that we are talking about one of the best clubs [Roma]," Sergio Barila told Corriere dello Sport.

    "If Bacca were to leave Sevilla, it will not be for the money, but a chance to play in the Champions League. We've already said no to lucrative offers out of China and the United Arab Emirates.

    "Bacca is now totally focused on doing well with Colombia at the Copa America and is fine with, and grateful to, Sevilla, who helped him to be recognised at the international level.

    "However, the market is unpredictable. We'll have a meeting with Sevilla after the tournament and look at what's on the table."The 28-year-old moved to Andalusia from Club Brugge for a mere €7 million in 2013, and has since scored 49 goals in 108 matches in all competitions.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Dortmund sign Freiburg goalkeeper Burki

    roman-burki-sc-freiburg_kife3pxzpnom10tsvigcuy90u.jpg


    Borussia Dortmund have completed the signing of goalkeeper Roman Burki from Freiburg.The 24-year-old played every game of the Bundesliga season as his club was relegated.

    Dortmund have now pounced for the young custodian, who had just completed his debut season in Germany's top flight.

    Burki impressed sufficiently despite being unable to save his club from the drop, keeping nine clean sheets.Details of the transfer were not released by Dortmund when they announced the deal on Sunday.

    The rising Switzerland international will now provide competition between the posts for Roman Weidenfeller and Mitch Langerak, with new BVB boss Thomas Tuchel looking to renew a side that slumped to seventh under former coach Jurgen Klopp last term.

    Burki has two caps for his country, having played in friendlies against Poland and United States in the last 12 months.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Messi: Argentina cannot fall asleep against Uruguay

    lionel-messi-argentina-paraguay-copa-america-13062015_1gh9p2q516po51b6f5kyy43rpw.jpg


    Argentina captain Lionel Messi warned his team cannot afford to fall asleep against Uruguay in the Copa America following their 2-2 draw against Paraguay.

    The World Cup 2014 finalists surged into a two-goal lead against Ramon Diaz's side on Saturday, but were stunned when first Nelson Valdez then Lucas Barrios scored to peg them back.

    And Messi insists his side have no more room for error in Group B, warning that defending champions Uruguay have the talent to punish them when the two sides meet on Tuesday

    "We played well in the first half, but we fell asleep in the second," the 27-year-old said."We should have put the game to bed when they came on to us. In the first half we completely dominated possession, but in the second Paraguay took the ball away from us.

    "Obviously it's frustrating to be held to a draw after being 2-0 up, but we have to move on, think about Uruguay and improve. We have to keep the ball a bit more and manage the game."

    Uruguay are eager to establish themselves as favourites to advance to the quarter-finals after they opened their Copa campaign with a 1-0 victory over Jamaica.
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.