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Arsenal new-boy Petr Cech pens open letter to Chelsea fans - in full
New Arsenal signing Petr Cech has written an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans after his £11 million move to the Emirates Stadium was confirmed.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper brought to an end an 11-year spell with the Blues after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Highlighting his desire to stay in the Premier League and thanking staff and supporters for their work together over the years, Cech posted the message on social media as his transfer was announced.
Cech's letter in full:
"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will.
"Since 2004 it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and not many lows. We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all - Champions League. Looking back at all the achievements, including our first-ever league double in 2010, back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, and multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn't be more proud! As a team we made history together!
"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career when I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.
"The limited playing time gave me the chacne to refesh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level, because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career and I love the challenges brought by the top-quality players you face while playing the Premier League - simply the best and the most challenging league in the world.
"That's why I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea would not be where it is now. He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us.
"I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea for their support - all the players, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them it would have been impossible for us to have achieved such success.
"But most important of all - a huge thank-you goes to all the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever. We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure.
"I wish everybody at Chelsea all the best for the new season and for the future. Thank you for an incredible 11 years."
New Arsenal signing Petr Cech has written an emotional open letter to Chelsea fans after his £11 million move to the Emirates Stadium was confirmed.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper brought to an end an 11-year spell with the Blues after falling behind Thibaut Courtois in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Highlighting his desire to stay in the Premier League and thanking staff and supporters for their work together over the years, Cech posted the message on social media as his transfer was announced.
Cech's letter in full:
"I thought this would never happen but it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea. The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career. But life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will.
"Since 2004 it has been an incredible journey with so many highs and not many lows. We have managed to win every single English trophy as well as the Europa League and the biggest of all - Champions League. Looking back at all the achievements, including our first-ever league double in 2010, back-to-back titles in 2005 and 2006, and multiple EPL and FA Cup wins, I couldn't be more proud! As a team we made history together!
"Last summer, things changed and I understood I was no longer the first-choice keeper but I felt it was not the right time for me to go. During the season it became clear that my situation would not improve and as I know I am not at the stage of my career when I want to be on the bench, I made my decision to move on and look for new challenges.
"The limited playing time gave me the chacne to refesh and rest mentally as well as make me realise just how much I enjoy playing football at the highest level, because I missed it badly every game day I was not involved. I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career and I love the challenges brought by the top-quality players you face while playing the Premier League - simply the best and the most challenging league in the world.
"That's why I spoke to Mr Abramovich about me staying in the Premier League and I'd like to thank him from the bottom of my heart for his support in this matter. It means so much to me because without him Chelsea would not be where it is now. He deserves huge credit for what he has done for the club and for all of us.
"I would like to personally thank everybody involved with Chelsea for their support - all the players, staff, managers and all the coaching staff I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. Without them it would have been impossible for us to have achieved such success.
"But most important of all - a huge thank-you goes to all the Chelsea fans. I did everything for you and you gave me your love back. I'll never forget it. It will stay with me forever. We will meet again but this time I will be in the other goal - I hope you will remember our history and understand it is time for me to begin a new adventure.
"I wish everybody at Chelsea all the best for the new season and for the future. Thank you for an incredible 11 years."
Manchester United Ramos ta Bid karala & Ramos kiyala thiyanawa Manchester United join wenna ona kiyalath
Monaweida danne naha
Anyway ganna puluwan unoth nam patta.Meh wage Cxperienced CB kenek ge aduwa thamai apita digatama thibbe
Monaweida danne naha
Anyway ganna puluwan unoth nam patta.Meh wage Cxperienced CB kenek ge aduwa thamai apita digatama thibbe
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Laporta: Barcelona will have advantage in getting Pogba
Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes his good rapport with Mino Raiola and Eric Abidal's friendship with Paul Pogba will be key to persuading the Juventus ace to move to Camp Nou.
Pogba is one of the most in-demand players in world football at the moment, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all interested in the midfielder.
However, Laporta believes that Barca would have a clear advantage in the race to sign him should he beat Josep Maria Bartomeu to the presidency in next month's elections as he has previously done deals with Pogba's agent, Raiola.
Furthermore, the former Barca supremo says that ex-France international Abidal, whom he hopes to appoint as his technical secretary, is on friendly terms with his compatriot."We feel that the key to a potential signing of Pogba is Mino Raiola, with whom we get on with very well, both Abidal and myself," Laporta told reporters.
"We carried out negotiations with him for the deals involving Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Abidal also knows Pogba on a personal level and if this is something that gives the supporters confidence in our project, then, we’ll talk to Juve, as he would be a positive addition.
"I haven't spoken with the player or his club as being a pre-candidate forbids me from doing so."But there is no doubt that he would be a great signing for the club.
"We’ve reviewed this with Abidal and he would fit in perfectly with our style and give us added quality and strength."He’s a player with a unique manner of playing. It would be great to secure his signature."
While Barca cannot currently register new arrivals on account of their Fifa-imposed transfer ban, they can sign players this summer and then field them from the start of 2016 onwards.
Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta believes his good rapport with Mino Raiola and Eric Abidal's friendship with Paul Pogba will be key to persuading the Juventus ace to move to Camp Nou.
Pogba is one of the most in-demand players in world football at the moment, with Chelsea, Manchester City, Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain all interested in the midfielder.
However, Laporta believes that Barca would have a clear advantage in the race to sign him should he beat Josep Maria Bartomeu to the presidency in next month's elections as he has previously done deals with Pogba's agent, Raiola.
Furthermore, the former Barca supremo says that ex-France international Abidal, whom he hopes to appoint as his technical secretary, is on friendly terms with his compatriot."We feel that the key to a potential signing of Pogba is Mino Raiola, with whom we get on with very well, both Abidal and myself," Laporta told reporters.
"We carried out negotiations with him for the deals involving Maxwell and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
"Abidal also knows Pogba on a personal level and if this is something that gives the supporters confidence in our project, then, we’ll talk to Juve, as he would be a positive addition.
"I haven't spoken with the player or his club as being a pre-candidate forbids me from doing so."But there is no doubt that he would be a great signing for the club.
"We’ve reviewed this with Abidal and he would fit in perfectly with our style and give us added quality and strength."He’s a player with a unique manner of playing. It would be great to secure his signature."
While Barca cannot currently register new arrivals on account of their Fifa-imposed transfer ban, they can sign players this summer and then field them from the start of 2016 onwards.
Koeman: No serious Man United bid for Schneiderlin
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed the club are yet to receive a "serious bid" for Morgan Schneiderlin for Manchester United, despite speculation linking the midfielder with an imminent move to Old Trafford.
Goal understands that, while United are closing in on the Frenchman, they are yet to meet Saints' £25 milion (€35m) asking price.
And Koeman insists recent rumours of a done deal are premature.
"We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin, we will have to wait what will happen," said Koeman in an interview on the club's official YouTube channel.
"Until now, we have not a serious bid for him from Man United.
"We will wait, but okay that's business that normally starts from now. And it's no problem, it's the first day."
Schneiderlin has represented Southampton in the top three tiers of English football, making 256 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has revealed the club are yet to receive a "serious bid" for Morgan Schneiderlin for Manchester United, despite speculation linking the midfielder with an imminent move to Old Trafford.
Goal understands that, while United are closing in on the Frenchman, they are yet to meet Saints' £25 milion (€35m) asking price.
And Koeman insists recent rumours of a done deal are premature.
"We have the situation with Morgan Schneiderlin, we will have to wait what will happen," said Koeman in an interview on the club's official YouTube channel.
"Until now, we have not a serious bid for him from Man United.
"We will wait, but okay that's business that normally starts from now. And it's no problem, it's the first day."
Schneiderlin has represented Southampton in the top three tiers of English football, making 256 appearances for the club in all competitions.
Chile 2-1 Peru: Vargas beauty sends hosts to Copa America final
Eduardo Vargas' stunning strike sent Chile into their first Copa America final since 1987, after a controversial red card to Peru's Carlos Zambrano gave the tournament hosts a big advantage.
Referee Jose Argote expelled Zambrano in the first half, leaving Peru to play 70 minutes with 10 players and, despite a brave performance from Ricardo Gareca's men, Chile eventually prevailed 2-1 in Santiago thanks to a brace from Vargas.
The Napoli striker opened the scoring in the 42nd minute in borderline comical circumstances, scuffing his initial shot before rolling the ball past Peru's prostrate goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
There was nothing slapstick about Vargas' second goal, however, with the 25-year-old thumping the ball over Gallese into the top corner from outside the box in the 64th minute, putting the home side back in front soon after Gary Medel's own goal had drawn Peru level.
With reports Bolivian referee Raul Orozco was initially selected to take charge of Monday's game before being replaced due to historical animosity between Bolivia and both Peru and Chile, stand-in official Argote was always going to be in the spotlight.
And it took just three minutes for Argote to be involved in a moment of controversy, with the Venezuelan keeping his cards in his pocket after a clash between Zambrano and Arturo Vidal, with the latter particularly lucky to escape sanction after he pushed his opponent in the face.
Midway through the first half and Argote sent off Zambrano for what appeared to be an accidental high boot on Charles Aranguiz, and although Peru defended stoutly and produced a number of chances on the counter-attack, Gareca's side will feel hard done by.
Having progressed from their first Copa America semi-final since 1999, Chile are now one game away from a maiden title at South America's continental championships.
It could have been a very different match at the Estadio Nacional had Argote chosen to send off Vidal early, with the Juventus midfielder tangling with Zambrano as the latter looked to shepherd the ball out in the fourth minute.
Just two minutes later and Zambrano received a yellow card for a foul on Alexis Sanchez, before Peru's Jefferson Farfan struck the post with a header, and in the 20th minute, Argote left an indelible mark on the match.
Zambrano cleared the ball high into the air and Aranguiz appeared to back into the central defender as he tried to block, with the Chile midfielder making the most of contact as his opponent's studs struck his back.
Gareca withdrew Christian Cueva for centre-back Christian Ramos as Peru sat back, with Luis Advincula pulling off an incredible block to deny Vargas just after the half-hour mark.
Paolo Guerrero was doing well as the lone man up front for Peru and almost teed up Farfan seven minutes before the break. But soon after, Vargas broke the deadlock, tapping in after Alexis Sanchez's cross came off the post, although there was suspicion of offside.
Just after half-time and Chile were harshly dealt with by the offside flag, after Vargas expertly volleyed David Pizarro's chip into the net.
Peru remained a threat on the break with Farfan heading at Claudio Bravo, before a rapid attack down the right on the hour-mark saw Advincula whip in a cross and Medel's outstretched boot poked the ball into his own net.
Vargas would save Chile, however, as Peru were sent into the third-place play-off for the second straight Copa.
Eduardo Vargas' stunning strike sent Chile into their first Copa America final since 1987, after a controversial red card to Peru's Carlos Zambrano gave the tournament hosts a big advantage.
Referee Jose Argote expelled Zambrano in the first half, leaving Peru to play 70 minutes with 10 players and, despite a brave performance from Ricardo Gareca's men, Chile eventually prevailed 2-1 in Santiago thanks to a brace from Vargas.
The Napoli striker opened the scoring in the 42nd minute in borderline comical circumstances, scuffing his initial shot before rolling the ball past Peru's prostrate goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.
There was nothing slapstick about Vargas' second goal, however, with the 25-year-old thumping the ball over Gallese into the top corner from outside the box in the 64th minute, putting the home side back in front soon after Gary Medel's own goal had drawn Peru level.
With reports Bolivian referee Raul Orozco was initially selected to take charge of Monday's game before being replaced due to historical animosity between Bolivia and both Peru and Chile, stand-in official Argote was always going to be in the spotlight.
And it took just three minutes for Argote to be involved in a moment of controversy, with the Venezuelan keeping his cards in his pocket after a clash between Zambrano and Arturo Vidal, with the latter particularly lucky to escape sanction after he pushed his opponent in the face.
Midway through the first half and Argote sent off Zambrano for what appeared to be an accidental high boot on Charles Aranguiz, and although Peru defended stoutly and produced a number of chances on the counter-attack, Gareca's side will feel hard done by.
Having progressed from their first Copa America semi-final since 1999, Chile are now one game away from a maiden title at South America's continental championships.
It could have been a very different match at the Estadio Nacional had Argote chosen to send off Vidal early, with the Juventus midfielder tangling with Zambrano as the latter looked to shepherd the ball out in the fourth minute.
Just two minutes later and Zambrano received a yellow card for a foul on Alexis Sanchez, before Peru's Jefferson Farfan struck the post with a header, and in the 20th minute, Argote left an indelible mark on the match.
Zambrano cleared the ball high into the air and Aranguiz appeared to back into the central defender as he tried to block, with the Chile midfielder making the most of contact as his opponent's studs struck his back.
Gareca withdrew Christian Cueva for centre-back Christian Ramos as Peru sat back, with Luis Advincula pulling off an incredible block to deny Vargas just after the half-hour mark.
Paolo Guerrero was doing well as the lone man up front for Peru and almost teed up Farfan seven minutes before the break. But soon after, Vargas broke the deadlock, tapping in after Alexis Sanchez's cross came off the post, although there was suspicion of offside.
Just after half-time and Chile were harshly dealt with by the offside flag, after Vargas expertly volleyed David Pizarro's chip into the net.
Peru remained a threat on the break with Farfan heading at Claudio Bravo, before a rapid attack down the right on the hour-mark saw Advincula whip in a cross and Medel's outstretched boot poked the ball into his own net.
Vargas would save Chile, however, as Peru were sent into the third-place play-off for the second straight Copa.
Guus Hiddink out as Netherlands coach, KNVB announces
Netherlands -- The Dutch football federation terminated the contract of national team coach Guus Hiddink on Monday, ending his second stint in charge after just one disappointing season.The KNVB said that Hiddink's contract will now end on Wednesday. It had been set to last through next year's European Championship.
Hiddink took over after Louis van Gaal led the Netherlands to third place at last year's World Cup, but the Netherlands have had a poor qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 so far. It sits third in Group A, behind leader Iceland and the Czech Republic.
"It's a shame that it went this way," Hiddink said in a statement released by the KNVB. "It was an honor to coach the Netherlands team again and I wish my successor, the staff and the squad every success on their way to the European Championship in France.""Sadly, the results of Guus' work were not immediately visible to everybody," he said.
Hiddink's assistant, Danny Blind, was set to replace him after Euro 2016, but was not immediately named to take over Monday. Instead, the KNVB said it was considering how to fill the vacancy left by Hiddink's early exit.
Hiddink, who led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the World Cup in France in 1998 in his first stint as national team coach, never managed to build on the success of Van Gaal's World Cup campaign and left the job with a record of five losses, four victories and a draw.
Monday's announcement marked one of the lowest points in the 68-year-old Hiddink's storied international coaching career. After taking the Netherlands to the semifinals in France, he repeated the feat with unfancied South Korea in 2002, when the country co-hosted the tournament with Japan.
Hiddink is still revered in South Korea, where statues of him were built after the 2002 World Cup and where he was named an honorary citizen of the capital, Seoul.
He continued his run of international successes by leading Australia in 2006 to only its second qualification for the World Cup. Australia lost in the round of 16 to Italy, which went on to win the tournament.
He also guided Russia to the European Championship semifinal in 2008, coached Turkey's national team and won the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 1988.
But he seemed to have lost the knack of getting the best out of teams in his second term at the helm of his home country's national team.
His last match was a 2-0 victory over Latvia this month that came days after the United States rallied to beat the Dutch 4-3 in a friendly in Amsterdam.That result again exposed frailties in the Dutch defense that Hiddink, unlike his predecessor Van Gaal, failed to successfully patch up.
Netherlands -- The Dutch football federation terminated the contract of national team coach Guus Hiddink on Monday, ending his second stint in charge after just one disappointing season.The KNVB said that Hiddink's contract will now end on Wednesday. It had been set to last through next year's European Championship.
Hiddink took over after Louis van Gaal led the Netherlands to third place at last year's World Cup, but the Netherlands have had a poor qualifying campaign for Euro 2016 so far. It sits third in Group A, behind leader Iceland and the Czech Republic.
"It's a shame that it went this way," Hiddink said in a statement released by the KNVB. "It was an honor to coach the Netherlands team again and I wish my successor, the staff and the squad every success on their way to the European Championship in France.""Sadly, the results of Guus' work were not immediately visible to everybody," he said.
Hiddink's assistant, Danny Blind, was set to replace him after Euro 2016, but was not immediately named to take over Monday. Instead, the KNVB said it was considering how to fill the vacancy left by Hiddink's early exit.
Hiddink, who led the Netherlands to the semifinals of the World Cup in France in 1998 in his first stint as national team coach, never managed to build on the success of Van Gaal's World Cup campaign and left the job with a record of five losses, four victories and a draw.
Monday's announcement marked one of the lowest points in the 68-year-old Hiddink's storied international coaching career. After taking the Netherlands to the semifinals in France, he repeated the feat with unfancied South Korea in 2002, when the country co-hosted the tournament with Japan.
Hiddink is still revered in South Korea, where statues of him were built after the 2002 World Cup and where he was named an honorary citizen of the capital, Seoul.
He continued his run of international successes by leading Australia in 2006 to only its second qualification for the World Cup. Australia lost in the round of 16 to Italy, which went on to win the tournament.
He also guided Russia to the European Championship semifinal in 2008, coached Turkey's national team and won the European Cup with PSV Eindhoven in 1988.
But he seemed to have lost the knack of getting the best out of teams in his second term at the helm of his home country's national team.
His last match was a 2-0 victory over Latvia this month that came days after the United States rallied to beat the Dutch 4-3 in a friendly in Amsterdam.That result again exposed frailties in the Dutch defense that Hiddink, unlike his predecessor Van Gaal, failed to successfully patch up.
Sampaoli: Peru was our toughest game of the tournament
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted his side had overcome their most difficult opponent in defeating Peru 2-1 to reach the Copa America final.The hosts were under pressure early on until Peru's Carlos Zambrano was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Charles Aranguiz.
Eduardo Vargas fired La Roja ahead and although Gary Medel put through his own goal to level the match, Vargas struck a superb second to clinch victory.
Sampaoli said in his post-match press conference: "Reaching the final at home with La Roja is a dream we wanted to achieve. Peru have valuable players and they made us suffer."They played a great game. In the games we've had in the 2015 Copa America, this was the most complex. We are very happy with the victory.
"We faced very difficult rivals and the opponent in the final will be the same. We must recover the performance of our previous games."Sampaoli also singled out goal hero Vargas for praise, with his two strikes edging him onto four for the tournament and in position to claim the top scorer's crown.
He added: "It is gratifying to know that Vargas always pays us. We have a great affinity with him and you see that every time he plays for us he gives everything.
"[Jose] Rojas also had a great match against the best forward of the tournament, [Paolo] Guerrero."
Sampaoli concluded that his team had only achieved their minimum requirement at this stage, stating: "We will try in this time of preparation to recover players for the final."Our obligation was to take the team to the final. Now, we start a new dream."
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli admitted his side had overcome their most difficult opponent in defeating Peru 2-1 to reach the Copa America final.The hosts were under pressure early on until Peru's Carlos Zambrano was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Charles Aranguiz.
Eduardo Vargas fired La Roja ahead and although Gary Medel put through his own goal to level the match, Vargas struck a superb second to clinch victory.
Sampaoli said in his post-match press conference: "Reaching the final at home with La Roja is a dream we wanted to achieve. Peru have valuable players and they made us suffer."They played a great game. In the games we've had in the 2015 Copa America, this was the most complex. We are very happy with the victory.
"We faced very difficult rivals and the opponent in the final will be the same. We must recover the performance of our previous games."Sampaoli also singled out goal hero Vargas for praise, with his two strikes edging him onto four for the tournament and in position to claim the top scorer's crown.
He added: "It is gratifying to know that Vargas always pays us. We have a great affinity with him and you see that every time he plays for us he gives everything.
"[Jose] Rojas also had a great match against the best forward of the tournament, [Paolo] Guerrero."
Sampaoli concluded that his team had only achieved their minimum requirement at this stage, stating: "We will try in this time of preparation to recover players for the final."Our obligation was to take the team to the final. Now, we start a new dream."
Copa America Semi-Final Fixture 2015.06.30
Copa America Semi-Final Fixture 2015.06.30
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Argentina Vs Paraguay
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Chile v Argentina final 1k set unoth hodaiCopa America Semi-Final Fixture 2015.06.30
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Argentina Vs Paraguay
Hiddink wa sack karapu eka nam hodaiGuus Hiddink out as Netherlands coach, KNVB announces
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Argentina will face attacking Paraguay, promises Diaz
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz has promised Argentina that lessons have been learned ahead of their rematch in the Copa America semi-finals.
Diaz's men were outclassed in the first half of the two sides' Group B opener, trailing 2-0 to goals from Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi as they tried - and failed - to sit back and temper their star-studded attack.
The second half was a different story, however, as the Paraguayans climbed off the canvas in La Serena to earn a 2-2 draw, with Lucas Barrios struck a 90th-minute equaliser."We have learned that we cannot go out and close up at the back against Argentina," Diaz told reporters on Monday.
"We have to go out and play. This will be different. We know that if we make mistakes, we could miss out on the final."We are evaluating everything we have done in this Copa America. For us it's an important test: of character, of determination.
"We know what we want, we know how we want to play, we know who we are up against. But I have great belief in this team.
"We have experienced players and for me, we are going to play a great game."
Derlis Gonzalez was Paraguay's hero in the quarter-finals, scoring in their come-from-behind 1-1 draw with Brazil - before netting the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
However, euphoria quickly turned to tragedy when the 21-year-old learned his uncle Irrazabal Manuel suffered a heart attack after watching the game and died, though Diaz backed the Basel forward to play through the loss."I have no doubts about the team," the former River Plate coach said. "But I will confirm one of the most promising youngsters in Paraguayan football: Derlis Gonzalez.
"People talk a lot about age, but he is a great example and he had the character to take two penalties in very difficult circumstances."He is one of the great future players for Paraguay. He is a very strong player who is in a difficult moment, but he is a guy who has to keep growing."
On a lighter note, Diaz revealed his players have been offered the incentive of their own pick-up trucks if they advance to the Copa final.
Paraguay coach Ramon Diaz has promised Argentina that lessons have been learned ahead of their rematch in the Copa America semi-finals.
Diaz's men were outclassed in the first half of the two sides' Group B opener, trailing 2-0 to goals from Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi as they tried - and failed - to sit back and temper their star-studded attack.
The second half was a different story, however, as the Paraguayans climbed off the canvas in La Serena to earn a 2-2 draw, with Lucas Barrios struck a 90th-minute equaliser."We have learned that we cannot go out and close up at the back against Argentina," Diaz told reporters on Monday.
"We have to go out and play. This will be different. We know that if we make mistakes, we could miss out on the final."We are evaluating everything we have done in this Copa America. For us it's an important test: of character, of determination.
"We know what we want, we know how we want to play, we know who we are up against. But I have great belief in this team.
"We have experienced players and for me, we are going to play a great game."
Derlis Gonzalez was Paraguay's hero in the quarter-finals, scoring in their come-from-behind 1-1 draw with Brazil - before netting the decisive penalty in the shoot-out.
However, euphoria quickly turned to tragedy when the 21-year-old learned his uncle Irrazabal Manuel suffered a heart attack after watching the game and died, though Diaz backed the Basel forward to play through the loss."I have no doubts about the team," the former River Plate coach said. "But I will confirm one of the most promising youngsters in Paraguayan football: Derlis Gonzalez.
"People talk a lot about age, but he is a great example and he had the character to take two penalties in very difficult circumstances."He is one of the great future players for Paraguay. He is a very strong player who is in a difficult moment, but he is a guy who has to keep growing."
On a lighter note, Diaz revealed his players have been offered the incentive of their own pick-up trucks if they advance to the Copa final.
- Status
