..::Football III::..

Status
Not open for further replies.

Wolverine GTR

Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    'It affects all of us' - Fabregas slams 'stupid' Pique jeers

    gerard-pique-barcelona-athletic-bilbao-supercopa-17082015_183t928ul4lxv1gny99kvlb1wo.jpg


    Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has called for an end to the jeering of Gerard Pique from sections of Spain fans, stating that the whole team are affected by it.

    Pique has been singled out largely for his pro-Catalan political views as well as sly digs at Real Madrid, but Fabregas feels that Clasico-related issues should be left well away from the national team.

    “It's just not a national team issue,” Fabregas told Cadena SER. “It's a Barcelona vs Madrid issue.

    “Pique has always given his best. He's always been there with a smile on his face when we've needed him, just like the rest of our team-mates.

    "We're a team and he is part of that, so it affects all of us negatively.

    “We're recovering from a bad World Cup and we need to keep the standards high in order to reach Euro 2016. We cannot be distracted by such stupid things, we need everyone's support.”
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Messi won't quit Argentina, says Aguero

    lionel-messi-cropped_1flpx4397y5210zrkie9xajvp.jpg


    Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed suggestions that Lionel Messi is considering retiring from international football.

    The Barcelona star has received his fair share of criticism in his native country throughout his career and it has increased after they lost both the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 Copa America final.

    Nevertheless, Aguero has made it clear Messi will continue to represent Argentina for the foreseeable future.

    "When all these rumours about Messi potentially retiring from the national team emerged, I asked him straight up whether he was no longer coming over," Aguero told TyC Sports.

    "He told me that people were making things up again.

    "I replied by telling him that we would continue to meet with Argentina then and he nearly s*** himself laughing...

    "Messi is calm and relaxed. He will continue to show up for the national team and play for Argentina. He always does his utmost for the team.

    "Leo is always in the spotlights and people forget all the good things he has done. I'm not talking about just now, but they have been saying things about him that are not true for a while."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Rooney's England record will be tough to beat - Mata

    mata-and-rooney-manchester-united-x-roma_gzio642b6pchzcyvl39944lx.jpg


    Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata believes Old Trafford team-mate and England captain Wayne Rooney will set a formidable goalscoring record for The Three Lions.

    The 29-year-old drew level with Sir Bobby Charlton's long-standing tally of 49 goals in an England shirt when he fired home a penalty in Saturday's 6-0 rout of San Marino.

    With the outright record now within his sights ahead of Tuesday's clash with Switzerland, Mata has backed Rooney to create his own lasting legacy for the national team.

    Writing in his 'One Hour Behind' blog, Mata said: "I would like to congratulate England for becoming the first team already qualified for the Euro 2016. They have good players in every line and I'm sure they're going to be one of the main rivals in France.

    "Special congrats to my team-mate Wayne Rooney for equalling Sir Bobby Charlton as England's leading all-time goalscorer. Wayne is one of the best players I've ever had as a team-mate, and I'm sure he's going to set a record very difficult to beat in the future.

    "In general, the national teams in the British Islands (sic) are doing very well in the qualifiers. Wales and Northern Ireland are the leaders of their respective groups, whereas Scotland is in a more complicated situation after being defeated in Georgia."

    Spain edged to the top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group C with a 2-0 win over Slovakia and Mata is now keen to consolidate their place with victory over Macedonia, who have lost six of their seven games so far."Now we must finish the job against Macedonia," he said. "They are not in a good position in the group, but I'm sure it's going to be a tough team to beat.

    "It won't be easy to win in Skopje. And we will keep an eye on the other game between Ukraine and Slovakia, because the score can have a big impact on the group."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Diego Costa is just missing a goal, says Pedro

    diego-costa-premier-league-chelsea-v-crystal-palace-290815_zv0lhxdn78a31qzhc3o2l7sf9.jpg


    Spain winger Pedro has spoken out in support of Diego Costa, insisting that all the striker needs is a goal to help him become a star for the national team.

    The forward has scored just one goal in eight games for La Roja and has come under criticism following his switch from his native Brazil, with many pundits suggesting he does not fit the style of Vicente del Bosque's team.

    Chelsea team-mate Cesc Fabregas insists the 26-year-old is a fine striker and backed him to succeed with Spain, and Pedro believes another goal will see him find the net more regularly.

    "He's missing a goal, but he's in the right place, he provides solutions and the goals will arrive," Pedro said.

    Pedro is now a club team-mate of Costa, having joined Chelsea in a deal worth a reported €30 million and admits his discussions wtih Cesc Fabregas encouraged him to snub interest from Manchester United in favour of a switch to Chelsea.

    "My transfer to Chelsea was done within a couple of days," he told El Pais. "It all started with a call from Cesc.

    "Jose Mourinho then gave me a call and that helped me make a decision. Mourinho made me feel important and gave me confidence."

    Pedro won numerous trophies during his time at Barcelona, alongside Lionel Messi, and he was quick to admit that he will miss the Argentina international at his new club.

    "Messi is an amazing team-mate. He really is a great guy," he added.

    "We have achieved a lot together, played many important games and scored many goals. I will definitely miss Leo.

    "I will continue to see Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta with the national team, but I will clearly miss Messi."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Scotland 2-3 Germany: Gundogan wins five-goal thriller

    1888852_heroa.jpg


    Thomas Muller struck a double as Germany moved to the brink of Euro 2016 qualification with a 3-2 Group D victory that left Scotland's hopes in tatters on Monday.

    The Bayern Munich forward netted a brace before turning provider for Ilkay Gundogan to settle the contest after the world champions, who remain four points ahead of the Republic of Ireland with just two games remaining, were twice pegged back.

    Germany's position of relative comfort is in complete contrast to the reality facing Scotland, who sit four points behind an Ireland side occupying the sole play-off place.

    Joachim Low's men headed into the fixture at Hampden Park knowing a victory, coupled with Ireland losing to Georgia, would secure their place in France.

    A 1-0 loss for Georgia in Dublin meant that was never an option, although Germany will have been relieved to just leave Glasgow with the points following a spirited Scotland display.

    The hosts twice recovered from going behind in the opening period as a Mats Hummels own goal and neat James McArthur finish cancelled out Muller's pair. But their resolve was finally broken in the second half, with Gundogan's smart finish proving decisive.

    Germany unsurprisingly started on the front foot, although chances were few and far between in the early stages as a disciplined Scotland held their shape impressively.The visitors maintained their patience, though, and took the lead with their first real attempt in the 17th minute.

    Muller drove at the defence and unleashed a left-footed strike that took a wicked deflection off Russell Martin to wrong-foot David Marshall and fly into the corner.
    That piece of bad luck was forgotten 10 minutes later, however, as Scotland levelled.

    After Charlie Mulgrew was hauled over, Shaun Maloney whipped in a fizzing free kick that Manuel Neuer could only push into Hummels – with the ball hitting the defender's chest and rolling into the net.Yet Germany responded with stunning ease as Muller grabbed his second.

    Mario Gotze switched play to an open Emre Can and, after the Liverpool midfielder's powerful strike was stopped by Marshall, Muller showed great reflexes to nod in off the inside of the post.Germany settled back into a comfortable passing rhythm, only for Scotland to again find a riposte.

    McArthur was the scorer of a superb equaliser, sending a side-footed 18-yard half-volley beyond Neuer after Germany failed to clear Maloney's corner.

    Germany wasted little time restoring their advantage after the interval as Gundogan found the net in the 53rd minute.The Borussia Dortmund midfielder played a fine one-two with the outstanding Muller and slid in off the inside of the post.

    They continued to dominate possession, although Scotland offered a reminder of their threat when Alan Hutton narrowly missed the target after a good move.
    Gotze had the last chance to grab another goal, although him volleying just over from close range mattered little as Germany saw the game out.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Republic of Ireland 1-0 Georgia: Walters wins it as hosts hold onto third place

    1888862_heroa.jpg


    Jon Walters scored the only goal of the game as Republic of Ireland enhanced their chances of securing at least a play-off place in Euro 2016 qualifying by beating Georgia at the Aviva Stadium.

    Martin O'Neill's side went into Tuesday's match with the initiative in the fight for third place in Group D after beating Gibraltar 4-0 on Friday and seeing Scotland lose 1-0 to Georgia in Tbilisi.

    With Scotland taking on group leaders Germany at Hampden Park, Ireland had the chance to put daylight between themselves and Gordon Strachan's side.

    But they were made to work hard by a well organised Georgia team, whose slim hopes of earning a place at the finals in France next year have now disappeared with this defeat.Walters settled an uninspiring contest in the 69th minute with a goal from point-blank range that owed much to the creativity of midfielder Jeff Hendrick.

    A second goal did not arrive despite further pressure from Ireland, but it mattered not as they easily saw the game out to go four points ahead of Scotland, who now have a mountain to climb in the final two games following a 3-2 defeat to Germany.

    Poland remain two points clear of Ireland and as many behind Germany following their 8-1 hammering of Gibraltar.

    Ireland started brightly and went close to opening the scoring in the seventh minute, however, Robbie Keane could only fire over the crossbar from close range following neat build-up play from Wes Hoolahan and Walters.Georgia were soon able to establish a foothold in the game and frustrated the hosts, who did not craft another clear-cut opportunity until the 37th minute.

    Seamus Coleman let fly with an effort from 20 yards out, but Georgia goalkeeper Nukri Revishvili made a fine save as he turned the ball over the bar.

    O'Neill's men were able to test Revishvili more in the second half but found the keeper in good form, Hendrick seeing his 62nd-minute deflected effort from the edge of the penalty area parried wide.Revishvili then kept out Walters' close-range header but the Stoke forward was not to be denied as he finally broke the deadlock thanks predominantly to some excellent play from Hendrick.

    The Derby County man cleverly jinked his way from the left flank into the area before laying the ball off for Walters to prod into an empty net.Substitute Shane Long was prevented from ending the game as a contest when he met James McClean's low cross, only to see his goal-bound effort blocked.

    McClean drew an acrobatic save from Revishvili in injury time with a long-range shot, yet one goal proved to be enough to ensure a result that gives Ireland welcome breathing space going into games with Germany and Poland next month.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    France 2-1 Serbia: Matuidi hot streak continues with devilish double

    1888962_heroa.jpg


    Blaise Matuidi helped France keep their Euro 2016 preparations on the right track with his second international brace securing a 2-1 friendly win over Serbia.

    Didier Deschamps made six changes from the side that overcame consecutive defeats to beat Portugal 1-0 last Friday, but it was a player that the coach had kept faith with that had the greatest impact.

    Matuidi - who is in goalscoring form for Paris Saint-Germain right now too - got the hosts off to a strong start by heading home inside 10 minutes and the midfielder added a sublime second with a 25-yard volley midway through the first half.

    Serbia had threatened once through Nemanja Gudelj and eventually put a dampener on the jubilant atmosphere in Bordeaux with a goal from Aleksandar Mitrovic on the brink of half-time.

    Only the post stopped Antoine Griezmann putting France two goals ahead once again early in the second half, and even the introduction of Karim Benzema could have no effect on the scoreline at the final whistle.

    France started at an impressive pace. Their high press saw them regain possession in the opposition half and Bacary Sagna used it to whip in a cross that Matuidi arrived late to head off the ground and into the top corner.

    There was no let up as the chances quickly began to flow with both goalkeepers soon called into action.

    Serbia's Pedrag Rajkovic produced a fantastic reaction save to deny Olivier Giroud at his near post before quarter of an hour had been played.

    Hugo Lloris replicated his counterpart's efforts at the other end as he stopped Gudelj from converting a Nemanja Matic cross three minutes later.

    France went back on the offensive and, after Giroud fired wide and Benoit Tremoulinas had a cross tipped behind with the help of the crossbar by Rajkovic, they added to their tally.

    Matuidi met Mathieu Valbuena's half-cleared delivery from the resultant set-piece on the volley and sent the ball flying beyond the keeper and into the top corner.
    However, the hosts suffered a blow as Serbia managed to pull one back five minutes ahead of the interval.

    Dusan Tadic's floated cross from the left was met by Lazar Markovic, whose volley deflected off Mitrovic and trickled into the corner past the wrongfooted Lloris.

    Seven minutes after the restart, France came close to restoring their two-goal cushion, Griezmann's placed shot coming back off the upright and his follow-up strike sailing over the top.

    Valbuena was playing a pivotal role in the hosts' creative efforts, and after some neat interplay with substitute Geoffrey Kondogbia he curled a rather tame 25-yard effort into Rajkovic's arms before the hour mark.France dominated possession but the introductions of Adem Ljajic and Zoran Tosic breathed some new life into Serbia's attack.

    However, following some fine work to beat Eliaquim Mangala in the box, the CSKA Moscow man fired high of the target to leave Serbia with just three wins from their last 12 outings.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Albania 0-1 Portugal: Veloso header bails out Fernando Santos's side

    1889622_heroa.jpg


    Miguel Veloso's last-gasp header moved Portugal within touching distance of a place in Euro 2016 as they beat Albania 1-0 in Elbasan.

    The Dynamo Kiev midfielder connected with a corner from substitute Ricardo Quaresma in the second minute of stoppage time to end the hosts' unbeaten run in Group I.

    Cristiano Ronaldo, without a goal for club or country in four games so far this campaign, hit the post from just three yards out early on, and was routinely frustrated by Albania goalkeeper Etrit Berisha.

    Fernando Santos' side, beaten by France last week, also squandered a glut of chances after the interval, before Albania hit the woodwork through Sokol Cikalleshi's deflected strike.

    Benfica left-sided player Eliseu thought he had snatched it for Portugal with 10 minutes remaining, but his deft chip inched just wide of the target.However, he made amends in the dying moments to extend Portugal's lead at the top of Group I to four points.

    Gianni de Biasi named an unchanged Albania line-up to the one that drew 0-0 in Denmark last time out, and Berisha had to be alert from the off to prevent Ronaldo's low drive nestling in the bottom corner.

    Ronaldo should have opened the scoring after stealing in unmarked to latch onto the resulting corner, but he could only clip the post with a miscued toe-poke.Portugal continued to dominate, with Berisha again doing well when he rushed out to beat Ronaldo, deployed in a central role up top, to Veloso's lofted pass.

    The Real Madrid star went close with another long-range strike on the half-hour mark, before Bernardo Silva saw a curling effort sail just wide of the left-hand upright.

    Berisha was once again called into action shortly after the restart and the Lazio man was well positioned to gather in Nani's audacious flick, before Danny could only nod wide from close range.Albania continued to stifle the visitors, however, though they were unable to carve out any real chances of their own, with Santos introducing Ricardo Quaresma in place of the largely ineffectual Silva.

    Albania finally had an effort on target with 15 minutes remaining, Cikalleshi's effort taking a wicked deflection off Pepe and bouncing off of the crossbar.Berisha was left stranded by Eliseu's lob moments later, he could not find the target.

    Just as Albania's unbeaten qualification campaign looked as it would go on, Veloso had his goal, rising highest to thunder Quaresma's right-wing corner past a helpless Berisha.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Rooney record is incredible, says Hodgson

    waynerooney-cropped_gfs6o9y0tdxq1m5ol4qi6yw5z.jpg


    England manager Roy Hodgson has labelled Wayne Rooney's international record as "incredible" ahead of the striker's attempt to become the nation’s all-time top goalscorer in the match against Switzerland on Tuesday.

    The Manchester United star equalled Bobby Charlton’s mark of 49 international goals in the 6-0 Euro 2016 qualification victory over San Marino on Saturday and will move clear on his own at the top of the Three Lions' list if he can strike against the Swiss when he wins his 107th cap at Wembley.

    Hodgson is hopeful the record will be broken to ensure his captain is not distracted and paid tribute to the 29-year-old’s England contributions since his debut in 2003.

    "Wayne's record is quite incredible - at 29 with 107 caps," the 68-year-old said. "As his manager, I say he can play for a lot longer so goodness knows how many goals he can get in future.

    "I can be patient but I would like it to happen against Switzerland and then we can have press conferences about other things than the pressure he feels under. It is going to happen so for Wayne's sake I guess the sooner the better.

    "His record speaks for itself. Comparisons aren't always a good thing, especially from different eras. Good players are good players whether they are from 1950 or 2020.

    "But I never get the impression watching him that he is playing for goals or headlines. I sense he is trying to help team win. If that means staying out from penalty area or tracking back then that is what this man does.
    "That is why we appreciate him and that is why he is captain."

    The England boss also attempted to play down concerns over Michael Carrick, who has withdrawn from the squad after injuring his calf in the warm-up prior to the San Marino win.

    Hodgson said: "It is a calf and we don't believe it is serious. It is strange because it came out of nowhere."It was the start of the warm-up in San Marino and he felt something very small so we didn't push that. He had a preliminary scan with our doctors and they decided there was something there.

    "It is up to Manchester United to look more closely, but we don’t believe it is long term."We will wait and see who replaces him, but there are other options. We have Delph, we have Mason, we have Milner so we have options without radically changing the system.

    "The players know the team but I'm not in the habit of announcing it. There will be some changes."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    :)Del Bosque hints at De Gea start for Spain

    vicente-del-bosque-spain_1h0qpggqxdu2e1u7m407nf2p03.jpg


    Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque has suggested he could give a starting spot to David De Gea ahead of Tuesday's Euro 2016 qualifying match with Macedonia.

    The goalkeeper has not featured for Manchester United as his lengthy transfer saga dragged on through the summer as he neared a move to Real Madrid, though the deal broke down on deadline day.

    Iker Casillas was used in goal in La Roja's last game against Slovakia, but Del Bosque praised the goalkeeper's quality, admitting that there could be some changes of personnel ahead of the Macedonia game.

    "I have changes on my mind against Macedonia," the Spain manager said.

    "Both Casillas and De Gea have the right level to be starters with the national team. Both of them are here because they are great players.

    "We have barely had time to recover. I don't know how many changes I will make.

    "We have to value our squad and all the players are ready to play.

    "We will give the right value to last Saturday's win if we win against Macedonia as well. I can see the team is motivated."

    Del Bosque, who has won both the European Championship and the World Cup during his time with the national team, also came out in support of Gerard Pique, who was booed during Saturday's win.

    "I hope the whistles against Pique are now over. He has had exemplary behaviour in his 70 appearances with the national team," he added.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ramos and Casillas voice support for Pique

    gerard-pique-spain_7rxyzrjn32rt19puc6ja5bd2r.jpg


    Sergio Ramos and Iker Casillas have become the latest Spain players to come out in support of Gerard Pique, after the defender was subjected to boos during Saturday's 2-0 win over Slovakia.

    Pique has been a controversial figure with a number of Spain fan's due to the 28-year-old's stance on Catalan independence.

    Jordi Alba, Cesc Fabregas and Santi Cazorla have subsequently condemnded the jeers aimed at the defender, and now Ramos and Casillas have also come out in support of him.

    "We are here to represent our country and we must be together," Ramos said.

    "Pique gives his best when he plays.

    "We are with the national team because we want to keep winning. The ones who have lived all the good times, we just want to repeat them."

    Spain captain Casillas also weighed in, adding to Ramos' sentiments whilst also acknowledging his own personal milestone of 100 games as national team captain.

    "No one likes it when a team-mate is whistled," Casillas added.

    "If he wears this shirt it is because he wants to be here. We felt great in Oviedo on Saturday. Loyal to our style and the play we like."
    The Porto player reached a milestone when he wore the captain's armband against Slovakia and was delighted to make the achievement.

    "I never thought I would play so many games with the national team. I dreamt it when I was a child and I fulfilled it. Reaching the 100th game as a captain is just an honour.

    "I did not feel weird because I came to the national team with a team other than Real Madrid. I just try to help as much as I can."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Barcelona win ECA Club of the Year award

    lionel-messi-barcelona-champions-league-06062015_8f44g14zz7vg17fvp4aog3usd.jpg


    Barcelona have been crowned Club of the Year for their treble-winning efforts in 2014-15 by the European Club Association (ECA).

    Luis Enrique's debut season was practically perfect as the Catalans waltzed to the Champions League, La Liga and Copa del Rey clean sweep, following a phenomenal second half of the season.

    Blowing their chance of claiming a much-vaunted sextet by losing the Spanish Super Cup to Athletic Bilbao didn't affect Barca's chances of claiming the accolade at Monday's ECA award ceremony in Geneva.

    Europa League runners up Dnipro were also rewarded with the Best Sporting Progress award for reaching the final of the second-tier continental competition against all odds and expectations.The Best Community and Social Responsibility Programme reward went to Arsenal for their efforts in working with the local London community to tackle the growing level of youth employment in the area.

    The fourth and final ECA award for 2015, Best Achievement, went to Estonian side Levadia Tallinn for their “Together we move” scheme aimed at improving stadium accessibility for fans who require assistance dogs.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Ronaldo played through pain barrier for Portugal - Santos

    cristiano-ronaldo-thaulant-xhaka-albania-portugal-uefa-euro-qualifiers-07092015_12c87qj2sbeaf1ddymntq20pjt.jpg


    Fernando Santos has defended Cristiano Ronaldo for failing to score as Portugal edged past Albania 1-0 on Monday, claiming the Real Madrid star played through the pain barrier in the Euro 2016 qualifier.

    The Seleccao skipper, 31, played the entire Euro 2016 qualifier, but it took an injury time goal from Miguel Veloso for Portugal to get the win and extend their Group I lead to three points.

    Ronaldo has now gone four games without a goal since 2015-16 started - and missed a glaring opportunity against Albania - but Santos is not concerned with his forward's barren streak.

    "He's a player who scores 50 goals a season, so it's not surprising that it causes some anxiety when he goes a few games without a goal," the coach told reporters after the win in Elbasan.

    "He showed a fantastic, sacrificial spirit because he was experiencing some pain but gave everything in the game. The goals will come.

    "Sometimes anxiety plays its part in stopping goals being scored, but he's just saving himself up for the right time."

    Triumphing over Denmark in October would ensure qualification for Portugal and Santos is demanding they treat the game like a do-or-die clash.

    "We have to face Denmark like it's a final," he said. "Victory is always important. We took an important step, but still nothing is decided.

    "We played well against a good Albania team, but the team always believed and we ended up being happy."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Muller has a sixth sense - Low

    thomas-muller-alan-hutton-scotland-germany_1ew9gkv288fyp1u05wvw6clmvx.jpg


    Joachim Low has lauded Thomas Muller for his "sixth sense" after he starred in Germany 's 3-2 Euro 2016 qualification victory over Scotland on Monday.

    The Bayern Munich forward was the star for Germany at Hampden Park, setting up Ilkay Gundogan's decisive strike having seen his first-half double cancelled out by a Mats Hummels own goal and James McArthur's fine, lofted effort. "Muller has a sixth sense," Germany coach Low told reporters. "He only thinks of scoring, scoring and scoring. You can't teach that."

    The world champions head to Republic of Ireland for a Group D clash on October 8 knowing victory will guarantee their spot in France next summer."Of course I expect us to qualify at the next opportunity," Low responded when asked what result he is predicting in Dublin.

    "I am very happy we won tonight, too. It was difficult for us but, at the end of the match, the reality is that we were the better team."We expected them to do everything because it was maybe their last chance to qualify."

    Germany are two points clear of second-placed Poland and four points clear of third-placed Ireland with two games to go in qualification.
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Deschamps: Giroud was unlucky against Serbia

    oliviergiroud-cropped_1oftl6uyaxiby16uwl83n0vyxc.jpg


    Olivier Giroud was unfortunate not to score against Serbia, France coach Didier Deschamps has said despite the striker being booed off.

    The Euro 2016 hosts claimed a 2-1 win in Bordeaux on Monday thanks to a double from Blaise Matuidi, though it was a difficult night for Arsenal forward Giroud, who saw three chances to get his name on the scoresheet go begging.

    He was later withdrawn to jeers from the fans at the Stade Atlantique in the 62nd minute, but Deschamps insists the 28-year-old had a sound game.

    "He also helped during the game," he told reporters.

    "He got unlucky on a few chances because the goalkeeper made a great save and he got three clear opportunities.

    "One was not on target, a header close from the goal-frame. Obviously if he had been more efficient the score would have been much higher.

    "In his role he made a lot of effort. I always leave a lot of freedom to the three attacking players so he also had to counterbalance.

    "Obviously he knows about his performance. He's the first to be sad about his lack of efficiency.

    "But it happens sometimes. If it's not Olivier, it might be Karim Benzema. The performance of the entire team remains of a great level."
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    Rooney: Sir Alex is the greatest ever... but we had our differences!

    wayne-rooney-alex-ferguson-manchester-united-premier-league-120513_uwh6rdptlrk1zpg988d6ao4f.jpg


    Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney says he and former boss Sir Alex Ferguson had disagreements during the Scotsman's last year at Old Trafford.

    Ferguson's final season at Old Trafford was a testing one for the England captain, as he saw Robin van Persie occupy the main striking role, and the forward soon showed a desire to leave Old Trafford.

    Rooney, who equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's England goalscoring record in Saturday's 6-0 win over San Marino, admittted that he had disagreements with the former manager during the 2013-14 campaign.

    “We had differences of opinion, but that’s normal,” said Rooney.

    “Ask Roy Hodgson. He’s had differences with players over the years, too. That’s part of football.

    "I’m not the only person who had differences with Sir Alex Ferguson but I can still sit here and say he was the greatest manager of all time.

    “I still see Sir Alex quite a bit at games and he travels away to European games with us.

    "It’s not that we don’t like each other. We just had differences. That’s normal.”

    The England captain also looked forward to the 2018 World Cup in Russia, setting the tournament as a target for what may be his final competition in the Three Lions' colours.

    And Rooney suggested that he would never rule himself out of England selection, admitting that it would require the decision of a manger to remove him from the national team set-up.

    “Realistically 2018 is a target for me, to go and play that World Cup, and then we will see what happens in terms of the manager or myself," Rooney added.

    "I’ll listen to my body but, if I still feel 100 per cent fit for England and I can do my job then we will see what happens after that.

    “If I feel I can carry on, I’ll try. But I won’t be one to say I’m not available for selection. I’m sure it’ll probably be the manager’s choice more than mine.

    "It’s a huge honour to play for England and I imagine it’ll be difficult to say I’m ready not to play.”
     

    Wolverine GTR

    Well-known member
  • Jan 1, 2009
    268,940
    11,592
    113
    ♥♥Ŧhệatrệ Θf Drệamś♥♥
    European Championship Qualifying Fixtures 2015.09.08

    European Championship Qualifying Fixtures 2015.09.08

    Group C

    Belarus Vs Luzemburg

    Macedoania Vs Spain

    Slovakia Vs Ukraine

    Group E

    England Vs Switzerland

    Lithuania Vs San Marino

    Slovenia Vs Estonia

    Group G

    Liechtenstein Vs Russia

    Moldova Vs Montenegro

    Sweden Vs Austria
     
    Status
    Not open for further replies.