Latest ads
-
Sell your Land, House on idamata.lk for FREE
- sajith.xp.pk
- Updated:
-
Handmade Character Soft Toys- anil1961
- Updated:
-
Bodim.lk out now !- Manoj Suranga Bandara
- Updated:
-
Power Lifting Lever Belt- SkullVamp
- Updated:
-
port.lk Domain for sale
- Lankan-Tech
- Updated:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
aniwaMata hithenawa Moyes ge Manchester United career 1ke key match 1kak wei kiyala heta thiyana Olympiakos match 1ka
Meh Season 1ke EPL title 1kata pattama gemak yanawaCity,Chelsea,Arsenal & Liverpool
Chelsea 2-0 Galatasaray (Agg 3-1): Eto'o & Cahill send Blues through
Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.
First-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill - on his 100th Chelsea appearance - sealed a comfortable 3-1 aggregate success, with the long-awaited Stamford Bridge return of Didier Drogba proving an anti-climax.
Eto'o opened the scoring with the first attack of the game, controlling Oscar's pass before firing low into the corner and Chelsea made their dominance count shortly before the break when Cahill converted the rebound from a John Terry header.
Former Chelsea striker Drogba had very little impact on the game, his most notable contribution coming in the first half when he blasted a free-kick over the crossbar and into a banner bearing his own name.
Mourinho's spiky relationship with opposite number Roberto Mancini was well documented in the build-up, but it was the Portuguese who had the last laugh as Chelsea secured an untroubled passage into the quarter-finals.
Eto'o, back in the side in place of Fernando Torres from the first leg, had scored all of his previous nine Chelsea goals at home and that trend continued in the fourth minute.
Eden Hazard played a pivotal role, spinning away from Felipe Melo before feeding Oscar, who slipped the ball into the path of the striker, the Cameroonian taking a touch before firing low beyond Fernando Muslera.
Hazard and Oscar combined to great effect once again midway through the half to set up Frank Lampard, who stabbed his effort wide.
Chelsea went close again in the 33rd minute, Lampard whipping in a free-kick from the left that Terry volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from 10 yards.
The hosts continued to press with Hazard at the centre of everything, this time bursting down the left to allow Eto'o to set up Willian, but the Brazilian's tame effort was comfortable for Muslera.
All Chelsea's pressure paid off three minutes before the break, Cahill smashing home from close range after Muslera had parried Terry's powerful downward header from a Lampard corner.
Willian tested Muslera with a powerful drive five minutes after the interval, while the Uruguayan also denied Lampard and substitute Torres towards the end.
In stoppage time, Drogba fluffed a chance to trouble Petr Cech on the goalkeeper's 100th Champions League appearance as Chelsea reached the quarter-finals for the eighth time in the last 11 seasons.
Samuel Eto'o gave the hosts an early advantage after slotting the ball past Fernando Muslera after just four minutes before Gary Cahill reacted quickest from a corner just before the break to double their lead.
Chelsea booked their place in the Champions League quarter-finals with a comfortable 2-0 win over Galatasaray on Tuesday evening.
First-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill - on his 100th Chelsea appearance - sealed a comfortable 3-1 aggregate success, with the long-awaited Stamford Bridge return of Didier Drogba proving an anti-climax.
Eto'o opened the scoring with the first attack of the game, controlling Oscar's pass before firing low into the corner and Chelsea made their dominance count shortly before the break when Cahill converted the rebound from a John Terry header.
Former Chelsea striker Drogba had very little impact on the game, his most notable contribution coming in the first half when he blasted a free-kick over the crossbar and into a banner bearing his own name.
Mourinho's spiky relationship with opposite number Roberto Mancini was well documented in the build-up, but it was the Portuguese who had the last laugh as Chelsea secured an untroubled passage into the quarter-finals.
Eto'o, back in the side in place of Fernando Torres from the first leg, had scored all of his previous nine Chelsea goals at home and that trend continued in the fourth minute.
Eden Hazard played a pivotal role, spinning away from Felipe Melo before feeding Oscar, who slipped the ball into the path of the striker, the Cameroonian taking a touch before firing low beyond Fernando Muslera.
Hazard and Oscar combined to great effect once again midway through the half to set up Frank Lampard, who stabbed his effort wide.
Chelsea went close again in the 33rd minute, Lampard whipping in a free-kick from the left that Terry volleyed narrowly over the crossbar from 10 yards.
The hosts continued to press with Hazard at the centre of everything, this time bursting down the left to allow Eto'o to set up Willian, but the Brazilian's tame effort was comfortable for Muslera.
All Chelsea's pressure paid off three minutes before the break, Cahill smashing home from close range after Muslera had parried Terry's powerful downward header from a Lampard corner.
Willian tested Muslera with a powerful drive five minutes after the interval, while the Uruguayan also denied Lampard and substitute Torres towards the end.
In stoppage time, Drogba fluffed a chance to trouble Petr Cech on the goalkeeper's 100th Champions League appearance as Chelsea reached the quarter-finals for the eighth time in the last 11 seasons.
Samuel Eto'o gave the hosts an early advantage after slotting the ball past Fernando Muslera after just four minutes before Gary Cahill reacted quickest from a corner just before the break to double their lead.
Real Madrid 3-1 Schalke (Agg 9-2): Ronaldo makes history but Jese suffers injury blow
Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Ferenc Puskas' goalscoring record as Real Madrid beat Schalke 3-1 and secured their progress to the quarter-finals of the competition with a 9-2 aggregate win.
The prolific Portugal captain took his goal tally for the La Liga leaders to 41 for the season and 13 in the Champions League in 2013-14.
The tie was settled in the first leg in Gelsenkirchen a fortnight ago, when Ronaldo also scored twice as Real hammered the Bundesliga side 6-1 to put one foot in the last eight and Ancelotti's men finished off the job at the Bernabeu.Ronaldo opened the scoring and restored Real's lead 16 minutes from time after Tim Hoogland briefly levelled for the visitors on the night.
Alvaro Morata sealed the victory a minute after Ronaldo's second goal and the former Manchester United forward struck the crossbar and the post in another outstanding display.
But there was concern for Madrid ahead of Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona as Jese Rodriguez was forced off early on and replaced by Gareth Bale after suffering suspected cruciate knee ligament damage
Real were determined to finish the job in style and were in front after 21 minutes when Bale picked out Ronaldo and the Portugal forward was left with a simple finish from six yards out.Bale then produced a rapid turn of foot before setting up Morata, but the striker scuffed his right-foot finish with only Ralf Fahrmann to beat.
But Schalke were level against the run of play when defender Hoogland's strike from outside the penalty area deflected off Ramos and wrong-footed Casillas after 31 minutes.
Real responded and Fahrmann had to be alert to deny Isco and Morata. Former Real striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then spurned a great chance to give Schalke a half-time lead when his left-foot finish was just wide of the far post.
The prolific Ronaldo sensed the opportunity to add to his incredible goal tally, but Fahrmann produced a fine save to keep out his downward header six minutes into the second half.Schalke suffered a blow when Benedikt Howedes was withdrawn injured 11 minutes after the break and they were behind once again when Ronaldo drove forward 16 minutes from time and beat Fahrmann at his near post.
The 29-year-old then spurned a chance to score a hat-trick when his shot struck the bar, but Bale set up Morata and the young striker made no mistake after he had been initially denied by Fahrmann.
Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Ferenc Puskas' goalscoring record as Real Madrid beat Schalke 3-1 and secured their progress to the quarter-finals of the competition with a 9-2 aggregate win.
The prolific Portugal captain took his goal tally for the La Liga leaders to 41 for the season and 13 in the Champions League in 2013-14.
The tie was settled in the first leg in Gelsenkirchen a fortnight ago, when Ronaldo also scored twice as Real hammered the Bundesliga side 6-1 to put one foot in the last eight and Ancelotti's men finished off the job at the Bernabeu.Ronaldo opened the scoring and restored Real's lead 16 minutes from time after Tim Hoogland briefly levelled for the visitors on the night.
Alvaro Morata sealed the victory a minute after Ronaldo's second goal and the former Manchester United forward struck the crossbar and the post in another outstanding display.
But there was concern for Madrid ahead of Sunday's Clasico against Barcelona as Jese Rodriguez was forced off early on and replaced by Gareth Bale after suffering suspected cruciate knee ligament damage
Real were determined to finish the job in style and were in front after 21 minutes when Bale picked out Ronaldo and the Portugal forward was left with a simple finish from six yards out.Bale then produced a rapid turn of foot before setting up Morata, but the striker scuffed his right-foot finish with only Ralf Fahrmann to beat.
But Schalke were level against the run of play when defender Hoogland's strike from outside the penalty area deflected off Ramos and wrong-footed Casillas after 31 minutes.
Real responded and Fahrmann had to be alert to deny Isco and Morata. Former Real striker Klaas-Jan Huntelaar then spurned a great chance to give Schalke a half-time lead when his left-foot finish was just wide of the far post.
The prolific Ronaldo sensed the opportunity to add to his incredible goal tally, but Fahrmann produced a fine save to keep out his downward header six minutes into the second half.Schalke suffered a blow when Benedikt Howedes was withdrawn injured 11 minutes after the break and they were behind once again when Ronaldo drove forward 16 minutes from time and beat Fahrmann at his near post.
The 29-year-old then spurned a chance to score a hat-trick when his shot struck the bar, but Bale set up Morata and the young striker made no mistake after he had been initially denied by Fahrmann.
Jese to miss rest of the season
Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez will miss the rest of the season after suffering a serious knee injury in Tuesday night's Champions League win over Schalke.
The Spain Under-21 international was withdrawn just three minutes into the second leg and Madrid have confirmed the initial fears that he will be out for a lengthy period.
A club statement read: "After scans and imaging tests conducted at the Hospital Sanitas La Moraleja, our player Jese Rodriguez has been diagnosed with a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee."
Madrid went on to win the game 3-1 and complete a 9-2 aggregate triumph, yet the achievement of reaching the quarter-finals was overshadowed.
Ancelotti told AS: "It's a big loss. We send him all our best wishes."
Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored twice to draw level with Ferenc Puskas on 242 goals for the club - good enough for fourth on the all-time list, said: "I send much encouragement for a very important player for us.
"Jesé did very well when he played and his injury is bad for the team. It is very bad news for us."
Real Madrid's director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno said: "It looks like the news isn't good [about Jesé].
"It's left everyone pretty upset."
Defender Sergio Ramos added on the UEFA.com Twitter feed: "The injury spoils this victory a little."The injury will be a crushing disappointment for the player who has established himself as a reliable squad member this season.
The 21-year-old has scored five goals in 18 La Liga games to help Madrid open up a three-point lead over city rivals Atletico at the top of the table.
Jese later tweeted: "Heartfelt thanks to each of you, thanks for all the messages of encouragement ....!"
Mancini: Galatasaray were very, very bad
Roberto Mancini labelled Galatasaray's showing in their 2-0 Champions League last-16 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday as "very, very bad".
After drawing the first leg 1-1 in Turkey, the Istanbul club knew they had to score at least once to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they put in a limp display at Stamford Bridge.
Even striker Didier Drogba, the subject of much of the talk in the build-up ahead of his return to his former club, failed to cause any problems for the home defence as first-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill saw Chelsea through 3-1 on aggregate.
Mancini and opposite number Jose Mourinho did little to hide their dislike of each other leading up to the game but it will be the Portuguese who will come away much the happier after getting the better of his counterpart.The Italian was left to rue his side's poor performance, conceding that Chelsea were worthy winners.
"We really played very, very badly," he said after the match."Chelsea were the better side and they converted the opportunities they got."It’s impossible to score with just one shot on goal. We need to take several steps in order to be a better team."
Drogba, meanwhile, was disappointed with his side's inability to match their first-leg performance."We wanted to play the way we played in the first leg but that did not happen," the Ivorian striker said.
"We are still learning and the team is still young. I hope next season things will be different."
Roberto Mancini labelled Galatasaray's showing in their 2-0 Champions League last-16 defeat at Chelsea on Tuesday as "very, very bad".
After drawing the first leg 1-1 in Turkey, the Istanbul club knew they had to score at least once to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-finals, but they put in a limp display at Stamford Bridge.
Even striker Didier Drogba, the subject of much of the talk in the build-up ahead of his return to his former club, failed to cause any problems for the home defence as first-half goals from Samuel Eto'o and Gary Cahill saw Chelsea through 3-1 on aggregate.
Mancini and opposite number Jose Mourinho did little to hide their dislike of each other leading up to the game but it will be the Portuguese who will come away much the happier after getting the better of his counterpart.The Italian was left to rue his side's poor performance, conceding that Chelsea were worthy winners.
"We really played very, very badly," he said after the match."Chelsea were the better side and they converted the opportunities they got."It’s impossible to score with just one shot on goal. We need to take several steps in order to be a better team."
Drogba, meanwhile, was disappointed with his side's inability to match their first-leg performance."We wanted to play the way we played in the first leg but that did not happen," the Ivorian striker said.
"We are still learning and the team is still young. I hope next season things will be different."
Hoogland proud of Schalke character
Tim Hoogland said he was proud of the character shown by Schalke in their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Real wrapped up a 9-2 aggregate success on Tuesday following a 3-1 win in Madrid, though the damage had already been done in the first leg of the last-16 tie when Carlo Ancelotti's men romped to a 6-1 victory.
Hoogland cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's opener on the night in the second leg at the Bernabeu, but two further goals in as many minutes from Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata put added gloss on an already one-sided scoreline.Despite the heavy defeat, Hoogland insisted that he and his team-mates bow out of the competition with their pride intact.
"We wanted to exit the competition with our heads held high and I think we managed that," he told reporters."Our first-half performance was good and we even created several chances to score.
"The Champions League chapter is over for us this season, but we have nothing to be ashamed of. Ronaldo and (Gareth) Bale are world-class players. It was a great experience to play against them."
Tim Hoogland said he was proud of the character shown by Schalke in their Champions League defeat to Real Madrid.
Real wrapped up a 9-2 aggregate success on Tuesday following a 3-1 win in Madrid, though the damage had already been done in the first leg of the last-16 tie when Carlo Ancelotti's men romped to a 6-1 victory.
Hoogland cancelled out Cristiano Ronaldo's opener on the night in the second leg at the Bernabeu, but two further goals in as many minutes from Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata put added gloss on an already one-sided scoreline.Despite the heavy defeat, Hoogland insisted that he and his team-mates bow out of the competition with their pride intact.
"We wanted to exit the competition with our heads held high and I think we managed that," he told reporters."Our first-half performance was good and we even created several chances to score.
"The Champions League chapter is over for us this season, but we have nothing to be ashamed of. Ronaldo and (Gareth) Bale are world-class players. It was a great experience to play against them."
Ancelotti 'excited' by Real Madrid charge
Carlo Ancelotti said he was "excited" by Real Madrid's charge for honours after los Blancos beat Schalke 3-1 on the night and 9-2 on aggregate to secure their passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.
It was a night of mixed emotions for the capital outfit after Jese Rodriguez was stretchered off with a cruciate knee ligament injury, while Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Ferenc Puskas' record of 242 goals for the club.
Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the first half before Schalke briefly levelled through Tim Hoogland. The Portuguese restored Madrid's lead on 74 minutes and Alvaro Morata rounded off the win 60 seconds later.
"I think we are in a good moment and we are really excited," said Ancelotti after the game.
"Europe's best teams have qualified so it will be very complicated for everyone. It is good for Spanish football to have three teams still in the competition."
However, Ancelotti admitted the atmosphere in the dressing room was a subdued one following the news of Jese's knee injury, which looks set to rule the 21-year-old out of action for several months.
"I believe Jese Rodriguez has broken his cruciate knee ligament. He is really unlucky," the Italian added.
"We will lose a very important player who has played very well this season but that is football. The dressing room has been affected by his injury."
Madrid's focus will now turn to La Liga and Saturday's Clasico encounter with Barcelona on Sunday evening. Victory for Ancelotti's side will put the Liga leaders seven points clear of their arch-rivals and the 54-year-old reveals he already knows which players will feature at the Bernabeu.
"We have to give our absolute best to beat Barcelona. I know which line-up I will use, it is not difficult and I won't complicate things."
Carlo Ancelotti said he was "excited" by Real Madrid's charge for honours after los Blancos beat Schalke 3-1 on the night and 9-2 on aggregate to secure their passage into the Champions League quarter-finals.
It was a night of mixed emotions for the capital outfit after Jese Rodriguez was stretchered off with a cruciate knee ligament injury, while Cristiano Ronaldo equalled Ferenc Puskas' record of 242 goals for the club.
Ronaldo opened the scoring early in the first half before Schalke briefly levelled through Tim Hoogland. The Portuguese restored Madrid's lead on 74 minutes and Alvaro Morata rounded off the win 60 seconds later.
"I think we are in a good moment and we are really excited," said Ancelotti after the game.
"Europe's best teams have qualified so it will be very complicated for everyone. It is good for Spanish football to have three teams still in the competition."
However, Ancelotti admitted the atmosphere in the dressing room was a subdued one following the news of Jese's knee injury, which looks set to rule the 21-year-old out of action for several months.
"I believe Jese Rodriguez has broken his cruciate knee ligament. He is really unlucky," the Italian added.
"We will lose a very important player who has played very well this season but that is football. The dressing room has been affected by his injury."
Madrid's focus will now turn to La Liga and Saturday's Clasico encounter with Barcelona on Sunday evening. Victory for Ancelotti's side will put the Liga leaders seven points clear of their arch-rivals and the 54-year-old reveals he already knows which players will feature at the Bernabeu.
"We have to give our absolute best to beat Barcelona. I know which line-up I will use, it is not difficult and I won't complicate things."
Mourinho: Chelsea belong in the Champions League elite
Jose Mourinho believes his Chelsea side belong amongst the "best teams in the world" after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Blues defeated Galatasaray 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory and secure safe passage to the next round of the competition, along with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
And Mourinho is adamant his players deserve to play alongside the world's elite and has backed them to prove it in the coming weeks.
"We are there. It's different than last season because last season was Europa League at a different level," he told ITV. "But to come from Europa League to the quarter-final of the Champions League is important for the players. Is important for the club.
"We are a club of Champions League and now we are in the best eight, amongst the best teams in the world. We are there.
"The players deserve to be there. This was a difficult tie where people think we have to do it. The reality is not like that. Galatasaray is a big club, with a lot of experienced players and especially away it was a very difficult match. I think we did very well."
Frank Lampard echoed Mourinho's sentiments and is confident he and his team-mates can go all the way in the competition, but remains wary ahead of Friday's quarter-final and semi-final draw.
"It [the performance] was everything we wanted it to be. It was a tough game,” he added.
"People take for granted that we got a decent result out there and think we're going to win comfortably here but we knew it was a tough game and I thought from beginning to end they hardly threatened. It was a very controlled, very professional performance.
"It's tough [to win the competition]. I wouldn't make those predictions yet with the amount of great teams left in it as we know. We'll wait and see who we get drawn against. We're confident at the minute. It gets tougher every year this competition but we're still in there."
Jose Mourinho believes his Chelsea side belong amongst the "best teams in the world" after reaching the Champions League quarter-finals.
The Blues defeated Galatasaray 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday to seal a 3-1 aggregate victory and secure safe passage to the next round of the competition, along with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
And Mourinho is adamant his players deserve to play alongside the world's elite and has backed them to prove it in the coming weeks.
"We are there. It's different than last season because last season was Europa League at a different level," he told ITV. "But to come from Europa League to the quarter-final of the Champions League is important for the players. Is important for the club.
"We are a club of Champions League and now we are in the best eight, amongst the best teams in the world. We are there.
"The players deserve to be there. This was a difficult tie where people think we have to do it. The reality is not like that. Galatasaray is a big club, with a lot of experienced players and especially away it was a very difficult match. I think we did very well."
Frank Lampard echoed Mourinho's sentiments and is confident he and his team-mates can go all the way in the competition, but remains wary ahead of Friday's quarter-final and semi-final draw.
"It [the performance] was everything we wanted it to be. It was a tough game,” he added.
"People take for granted that we got a decent result out there and think we're going to win comfortably here but we knew it was a tough game and I thought from beginning to end they hardly threatened. It was a very controlled, very professional performance.
"It's tough [to win the competition]. I wouldn't make those predictions yet with the amount of great teams left in it as we know. We'll wait and see who we get drawn against. We're confident at the minute. It gets tougher every year this competition but we're still in there."
Antonio Cassano: I rejected Juventus three times
Parma forward Antonio Cassano has revealed he has rejected Juventus three times and says Napoli would be the ideal club for him.
The Italy international has been in great form for the Northern Italy side, scoring 11 goals and setting up a further five as the Gialloblu moved up to sixth place in Serie A and contend for a European place.
The former Real Madrid player’s form has brought him back into contention for a place in Cesare Prandelli’s squad for the World Cup this summer and has also seen him linked to a move to a bigger club in the summer.
Cassano says he is happy and would like to finish his career at Parma but if he were to move he would only consider joining a club in Italy. The 31-year-old also feels Napoli would suit him perfectly, while revealing he has turned down Juventus three times in his career.“The big European clubs? No, no, only Italian, I don’t want to go abroad again,” he said.
“Juventus is not for me, I refused them three times. Napoli would be the ideal place for a madcap like me. If things go well then who knows what will happen?“I really like Naples, but I much prefer the tranquillity of Parma, where the food is good and you're happy.
“But just now I am super, super, super happy, I have my family in Parma and I think I'll finish my career here. But you never know."
Parma forward Antonio Cassano has revealed he has rejected Juventus three times and says Napoli would be the ideal club for him.
The Italy international has been in great form for the Northern Italy side, scoring 11 goals and setting up a further five as the Gialloblu moved up to sixth place in Serie A and contend for a European place.
The former Real Madrid player’s form has brought him back into contention for a place in Cesare Prandelli’s squad for the World Cup this summer and has also seen him linked to a move to a bigger club in the summer.
Cassano says he is happy and would like to finish his career at Parma but if he were to move he would only consider joining a club in Italy. The 31-year-old also feels Napoli would suit him perfectly, while revealing he has turned down Juventus three times in his career.“The big European clubs? No, no, only Italian, I don’t want to go abroad again,” he said.
“Juventus is not for me, I refused them three times. Napoli would be the ideal place for a madcap like me. If things go well then who knows what will happen?“I really like Naples, but I much prefer the tranquillity of Parma, where the food is good and you're happy.
“But just now I am super, super, super happy, I have my family in Parma and I think I'll finish my career here. But you never know."
Strootman surgery 'a complete success'
The operation to repair damage to Kevin Strootman's knee has been "a complete success", according to Roma.
The Netherlands midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 1-0 defeat to Napoli earlier this month, an injury that means he will miss the remainder of the Serie A season.
The injury has came as a huge blow to Roma, while the player himself has been ruled out of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.There was, however, some positive news on Tuesday with the club revealing in a statement on their official website: "This morning Kevin Strootman underwent surgery on his left knee at the AMC hospital in Amsterdam.
"The surgery, performed by Professor Van Dijk, Professor Kerkhoff and Dr Heijboer, and in the presence of Roma's head of medical staff Dr Colautti, lasted approximately two hours and was a complete success.
"During the operation a reconstruction of Strootman's anterior cruciate ligament was carried out, and injuries to the medial and lateral meniscus were treated.
"The player will begin his rehabilitation therapy within the next few days in Amsterdam."
The operation to repair damage to Kevin Strootman's knee has been "a complete success", according to Roma.
The Netherlands midfielder tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the 1-0 defeat to Napoli earlier this month, an injury that means he will miss the remainder of the Serie A season.
The injury has came as a huge blow to Roma, while the player himself has been ruled out of this summer's World Cup in Brazil.There was, however, some positive news on Tuesday with the club revealing in a statement on their official website: "This morning Kevin Strootman underwent surgery on his left knee at the AMC hospital in Amsterdam.
"The surgery, performed by Professor Van Dijk, Professor Kerkhoff and Dr Heijboer, and in the presence of Roma's head of medical staff Dr Colautti, lasted approximately two hours and was a complete success.
"During the operation a reconstruction of Strootman's anterior cruciate ligament was carried out, and injuries to the medial and lateral meniscus were treated.
"The player will begin his rehabilitation therapy within the next few days in Amsterdam."
Evra: Manchester United players need to show character
Patrice Evra has urged his Manchester United team-mates to show their character in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
David Moyes’ side face next season without Champions League football as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Greece, while a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League looks unlikely this term.
United head into the fixture following a dismal display in Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool and Evra believes the club’s inconsistent performances this term have made it “difficult” for the players to cope with.
"I think even a three-year-old United fan has been hurting by all the problems," Evra told reporters.
"But in life you always have a second chance and we get it tomorrow night.
"I'm not telling you we're going to qualify, but I can promise you we're all going to fight and respect the shirt and make sure all the fans will be really proud of us after the game.
"It's a difficult moment. It's a new challenge for us because we've never been in this situation. We're always used to playing to win the Premier League, to win games to win the Champions League.
"It's been a difficult season for everyone because we're not used to losing games. We always win.
“It's a tough moment and you have to show your character and personality. When you come out on the pitch and put on the United shirt, you know it's big story, a big pressure every year.
"This year is more difficult than a year ago, but I'm still confident. I think everyone wants to fight for this club. Everyone loves this club."
Patrice Evra has urged his Manchester United team-mates to show their character in Wednesday’s crucial Champions League clash with Olympiakos.
David Moyes’ side face next season without Champions League football as they attempt to overturn a 2-0 first-leg defeat in Greece, while a fourth-placed finish in the Premier League looks unlikely this term.
United head into the fixture following a dismal display in Sunday’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool and Evra believes the club’s inconsistent performances this term have made it “difficult” for the players to cope with.
"I think even a three-year-old United fan has been hurting by all the problems," Evra told reporters.
"But in life you always have a second chance and we get it tomorrow night.
"I'm not telling you we're going to qualify, but I can promise you we're all going to fight and respect the shirt and make sure all the fans will be really proud of us after the game.
"It's a difficult moment. It's a new challenge for us because we've never been in this situation. We're always used to playing to win the Premier League, to win games to win the Champions League.
"It's been a difficult season for everyone because we're not used to losing games. We always win.
“It's a tough moment and you have to show your character and personality. When you come out on the pitch and put on the United shirt, you know it's big story, a big pressure every year.
"This year is more difficult than a year ago, but I'm still confident. I think everyone wants to fight for this club. Everyone loves this club."
Klopp: We have already reached our Champions League target
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says anything his side do from now in the Champions Leagueis a bonus because they have already reached their goal in the tournament.
Last season’s Champions League runners-up look set to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament as they head into the second leg of their clash with Zenit Saint Petersburg at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday with a 4-2 lead.
But Klopp says his side have already reached their target for the competition this year having made it beyond the group stage and insists his team won’t set out to defend against their Russian opponents.“We have reached our goal in the Champions League by getting out of the group,” Klopp told reporters.“Everything coming now is a bonus.“We now have some experience in Champions League knock-out games. We will not go all out on the attack, but we will not only defend.
“We noticed there are many Dortmund fans in St Petersburg. That surprised us, as they spoke Russian. It was also nice.”The coach added that Marco Reus will not feature on Wednesday’s match as he is still out with a muscle strain.
Klopp continued: “Unfortunately, Reus could not participate in team training and will not be available on Wednesday."Meanwhile, Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says his side must be wary of Zenit's talent going forward.
The stopper said: “We have to be vigilant as they have enormous quality, especially in attack. The first leg put us in a good position.”
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says anything his side do from now in the Champions Leagueis a bonus because they have already reached their goal in the tournament.
Last season’s Champions League runners-up look set to progress to the quarter-finals of the tournament as they head into the second leg of their clash with Zenit Saint Petersburg at Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday with a 4-2 lead.
But Klopp says his side have already reached their target for the competition this year having made it beyond the group stage and insists his team won’t set out to defend against their Russian opponents.“We have reached our goal in the Champions League by getting out of the group,” Klopp told reporters.“Everything coming now is a bonus.“We now have some experience in Champions League knock-out games. We will not go all out on the attack, but we will not only defend.
“We noticed there are many Dortmund fans in St Petersburg. That surprised us, as they spoke Russian. It was also nice.”The coach added that Marco Reus will not feature on Wednesday’s match as he is still out with a muscle strain.
Klopp continued: “Unfortunately, Reus could not participate in team training and will not be available on Wednesday."Meanwhile, Dortmund defender Mats Hummels says his side must be wary of Zenit's talent going forward.
The stopper said: “We have to be vigilant as they have enormous quality, especially in attack. The first leg put us in a good position.”
Wilmots urges Hazard to be 'more decisive' for Belgium
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has urged Eden Hazard to be “more decisive” for the national side.
The 23-year-old has played a pivotal part in Chelsea’s campaign, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season.
Hazard is set to feature at this summer’s World Cup but Wilmots believes the midfielder has not delivered enough for Belgium ahead of the tournament.
"I once played with [Zinedine] Zidane. The ball was a part of him, nothing was impossible. I have the same feeling when Hazard has the ball,” Wilmots told L'Avenir.
"Eden knows what I expect of him and that I will not tolerate any laxity in matches.
“Drop once in effort, it is one too many times.
“If one day, I feel it is not in this spirit, I will do without him.
“He needs to improve his stats with the national team. Five goals, including two penalty kicks, in almost fifty games? This is not enough.
“I scored 29 times for Belgium and was less talented. Eden, I love him, but I ask him to be more decisive.”
Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has urged Eden Hazard to be “more decisive” for the national side.
The 23-year-old has played a pivotal part in Chelsea’s campaign, scoring 15 goals in all competitions for Jose Mourinho’s side so far this season.
Hazard is set to feature at this summer’s World Cup but Wilmots believes the midfielder has not delivered enough for Belgium ahead of the tournament.
"I once played with [Zinedine] Zidane. The ball was a part of him, nothing was impossible. I have the same feeling when Hazard has the ball,” Wilmots told L'Avenir.
"Eden knows what I expect of him and that I will not tolerate any laxity in matches.
“Drop once in effort, it is one too many times.
“If one day, I feel it is not in this spirit, I will do without him.
“He needs to improve his stats with the national team. Five goals, including two penalty kicks, in almost fifty games? This is not enough.
“I scored 29 times for Belgium and was less talented. Eden, I love him, but I ask him to be more decisive.”
Moyes: Manchester United can play much better
David Moyes believes his Manchester United players 'know they can perform better' as the club prepare for their crucial Champions League clash against Olympiakos.
The Premier League champions must overturn a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford in order to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, but head into the fixture on the back of a 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool.
"I see the players every day. The qualities they show me - I think they know they can play better. I don’t think any of them are questioning that," Moyes told reporters.
"I’ve got belief in the players. I can see what they can do.
"I agree we’ve not showed it as often as we’d like, we’ll try and make that happen tomorrow night."
On Tuesday it was revealed that Moyes had been locked in crisis talks with his backroom team following United's defeat to Liverpool, which has left the club 12 points behind fourth placed Manchester City in the Premier League.
But the United boss insists his has "big plans" for the team and maintains he is not a short-term appointment.
"My future has not changed one bit," said Moyes.
"I’ve got a great job. I know exactly the direction I want to go in. It’s not been the season we’d hoped we would have at this present time.
"But I’ve got ideas what I want to do and put in place when the time’s right.
"The most important thing is to get the Olympiakos game played. Hopefully get through that competition. If we can it’ll be a massive lift for us. "We know we’ve got ourselves in a poor position being 2-0 down and we’ve got to try and make it show and play well in the game."
"The biggest assurance is that they let me get on with the job. We make big plans for years going forward, that’s why they gave me a six-year contract. This club is not a club that works on short-term vision. It works on a long-term vision."
David Moyes believes his Manchester United players 'know they can perform better' as the club prepare for their crucial Champions League clash against Olympiakos.
The Premier League champions must overturn a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday evening at Old Trafford in order to reach the quarter-finals of the competition, but head into the fixture on the back of a 3-0 loss at home to Liverpool.
"I see the players every day. The qualities they show me - I think they know they can play better. I don’t think any of them are questioning that," Moyes told reporters.
"I’ve got belief in the players. I can see what they can do.
"I agree we’ve not showed it as often as we’d like, we’ll try and make that happen tomorrow night."
On Tuesday it was revealed that Moyes had been locked in crisis talks with his backroom team following United's defeat to Liverpool, which has left the club 12 points behind fourth placed Manchester City in the Premier League.
But the United boss insists his has "big plans" for the team and maintains he is not a short-term appointment.
"My future has not changed one bit," said Moyes.
"I’ve got a great job. I know exactly the direction I want to go in. It’s not been the season we’d hoped we would have at this present time.
"But I’ve got ideas what I want to do and put in place when the time’s right.
"The most important thing is to get the Olympiakos game played. Hopefully get through that competition. If we can it’ll be a massive lift for us. "We know we’ve got ourselves in a poor position being 2-0 down and we’ve got to try and make it show and play well in the game."
"The biggest assurance is that they let me get on with the job. We make big plans for years going forward, that’s why they gave me a six-year contract. This club is not a club that works on short-term vision. It works on a long-term vision."
Stephan El Shaarawy close to Milan return
Stephan El Shaarawy is set to resume full training with AC Milan in the coming weeks as he recovers from a foot injury.
The Italy international has endured a frustrating campaign thus far due to injuries and has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions for Milan, with his last coming in the 0-0 draw with Ajax in the Champions League group stage in December.A fractured metatarsal saw him miss two months of action in the early stages of the season and was later sent for surgery in December by the club.
However, there appears to better news on the horizon for El Shaarawy after Milan posted an update on his condition on their official Twitter feed."Stephan El Shaarawy can begin athletic work with a view to resuming full training with rest of the group in the coming weeks," the statement read.
The 21-year-old was a prominent figure in Milan's first-team last season, scoring 16 goals in 37 Serie A appearances.
His recovery will provide a boost to a Milan side that has struggled in Italy's top flight this term - they currently lie in 11th position, a massive 40 points behind leaders Juventus.
Stephan El Shaarawy is set to resume full training with AC Milan in the coming weeks as he recovers from a foot injury.
The Italy international has endured a frustrating campaign thus far due to injuries and has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions for Milan, with his last coming in the 0-0 draw with Ajax in the Champions League group stage in December.A fractured metatarsal saw him miss two months of action in the early stages of the season and was later sent for surgery in December by the club.
However, there appears to better news on the horizon for El Shaarawy after Milan posted an update on his condition on their official Twitter feed."Stephan El Shaarawy can begin athletic work with a view to resuming full training with rest of the group in the coming weeks," the statement read.
The 21-year-old was a prominent figure in Milan's first-team last season, scoring 16 goals in 37 Serie A appearances.
His recovery will provide a boost to a Milan side that has struggled in Italy's top flight this term - they currently lie in 11th position, a massive 40 points behind leaders Juventus.
Jurgen Klopp fined by DFB for weekend outburst
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has been fined €10,000 by the German Football Association (DFB), but has escaped a touchline ban.
The 46-year-old was investigated after he was sent to the stands during his side's 2-1 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
Klopp was incensed by a decision that denied the hosts an equaliser when Marvin Ducksch netted, with a foul awarded against Robert Lewandowski in the build-up.
He continued to remonstrate with the fourth official until referee Deniz Aytekin sent him to the stands.
The DFB have taken a dim view of the incident and imposed a fine on Klopp for "unsportsmanlike conduct", though he will be in the dugout for Dortmund's trip to Hannover on Saturday.Klopp, who served a two-game touchline ban in this season's Champions League for his conduct towards officials in September's defeat at Napoli, has accepted the decision.
"The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) has [punished] Jurgen Klopp, coach of Borussia Dortmund, with a fine to the amount of 10,000 euros because of unsportsmanlike conduct," read a statement on the official DFB website.
"Klopp had in stoppage time of the match between Borussia Dortmund and Borssia Monchengladbach on March 15, 2014, run to the fourth officials Christoph Bornhorst and yelled at him. "The coach has agreed to the judgement, it is therefore legally binding."
Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has been fined €10,000 by the German Football Association (DFB), but has escaped a touchline ban.
The 46-year-old was investigated after he was sent to the stands during his side's 2-1 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach at Signal Iduna Park on Saturday.
Klopp was incensed by a decision that denied the hosts an equaliser when Marvin Ducksch netted, with a foul awarded against Robert Lewandowski in the build-up.
He continued to remonstrate with the fourth official until referee Deniz Aytekin sent him to the stands.
The DFB have taken a dim view of the incident and imposed a fine on Klopp for "unsportsmanlike conduct", though he will be in the dugout for Dortmund's trip to Hannover on Saturday.Klopp, who served a two-game touchline ban in this season's Champions League for his conduct towards officials in September's defeat at Napoli, has accepted the decision.
"The sports court of the German Football Association (DFB) has [punished] Jurgen Klopp, coach of Borussia Dortmund, with a fine to the amount of 10,000 euros because of unsportsmanlike conduct," read a statement on the official DFB website.
"Klopp had in stoppage time of the match between Borussia Dortmund and Borssia Monchengladbach on March 15, 2014, run to the fourth officials Christoph Bornhorst and yelled at him. "The coach has agreed to the judgement, it is therefore legally binding."
Vidal: I'd love to play with Alexis Sanchez
Arturo Vidal says he would love to play alongside Alexis Sanchez at club level in the future but says they could play together at Juventus, instead of Barcelona.
The former Bayer Leverkusen star has been linked to a move away from Turin in recent weeks and the Blaugrana attacker recently urged the 26-year-old to leave the Serie A champions and join him in Spain.Vidal said he and Sanchez are good friends and admitted he would love to play in the same team as his Chile team-mate but insists they could pair up in Italy instead of Catalonia.
“I have no problem with Alexis,” Vidal told Las Ultimas Noticias. “We have known each other since we were kids, we were together at Under-20 level, we played together at Colo Colo and we have a beautiful friendship.
“Of course I’d like to play with someone with whom I have shared something, but maybe he can come here [to Juventus].“These things will be dealt with over time."The Juve star went on to say that he isn’t paying any attention to the reports linking him to other clubs and is focused on his duties with the Bianconeri.
“I live with my feet on the ground. I try not to think too much about the rumours, otherwise I’d go mad. I think it is better to focus on training and getting ready for games at my best.
“It is nice to hear my name linked to [Real] Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United, but I only think about training, the rest we shall see about.“Now I want to give everything for Juventus, because when one starts to dream, they move too far away from football. I want to stay focused and wear the Juventus shirt.”
Arturo Vidal says he would love to play alongside Alexis Sanchez at club level in the future but says they could play together at Juventus, instead of Barcelona.
The former Bayer Leverkusen star has been linked to a move away from Turin in recent weeks and the Blaugrana attacker recently urged the 26-year-old to leave the Serie A champions and join him in Spain.Vidal said he and Sanchez are good friends and admitted he would love to play in the same team as his Chile team-mate but insists they could pair up in Italy instead of Catalonia.
“I have no problem with Alexis,” Vidal told Las Ultimas Noticias. “We have known each other since we were kids, we were together at Under-20 level, we played together at Colo Colo and we have a beautiful friendship.
“Of course I’d like to play with someone with whom I have shared something, but maybe he can come here [to Juventus].“These things will be dealt with over time."The Juve star went on to say that he isn’t paying any attention to the reports linking him to other clubs and is focused on his duties with the Bianconeri.
“I live with my feet on the ground. I try not to think too much about the rumours, otherwise I’d go mad. I think it is better to focus on training and getting ready for games at my best.
“It is nice to hear my name linked to [Real] Madrid, Barcelona or Manchester United, but I only think about training, the rest we shall see about.“Now I want to give everything for Juventus, because when one starts to dream, they move too far away from football. I want to stay focused and wear the Juventus shirt.”
Buffon eager for 'special' Europa League run
Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon has called on his side to keep their "special" Europa League run going and beat Fiorentina on Thursday.
The two Serie A sides played out a 1-1 draw in Turin in the first leg of their last-16 tie and will try to book a quarter-final place at the Artemio Franchi this week.
Buffon, who saved a penalty in the 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday, wants his team-mates to make the fans proud and is eyeing a second triumph in the tournament following his Uefa Cup success with Parma in 1999.
"Let's make it to the quarter-finals and other special nights," he told Tuttosport.
"Winning helps you win. We spent a lot of energy in the match against Genoa but in one fell swoop, we got closer to the Scudetto and winning will help us recover in time for Fiorentina.
"The club and the fans should be proud of this Juventus once more. We've got the same chance of going through as Fiorentina. The tie is at 50-50. The first leg was in their favour, we'll see with the return game.
"I'd love to go all the way again. All we want for this is to prepare for a great match, but we are aware that Fiorentina are a good team - the only one to beat us in Italy.
"We win about 80 to 85 per cent of matches, so it's logical that a draw like last Thursday's felt like a loss, but it's important to analyse everything with common sense."
Buffon also hailed the influence of coach Antonio Conte, who has transformed Juventus' fortunes since arriving at the club in the summer of 2011.
"Juve play very good football and we have to thank our coach for this. Conte has transferred his spirit and tactical knowledge to us and we always impose our game."
Juventus skipper Gianluigi Buffon has called on his side to keep their "special" Europa League run going and beat Fiorentina on Thursday.
The two Serie A sides played out a 1-1 draw in Turin in the first leg of their last-16 tie and will try to book a quarter-final place at the Artemio Franchi this week.
Buffon, who saved a penalty in the 1-0 win over Genoa on Sunday, wants his team-mates to make the fans proud and is eyeing a second triumph in the tournament following his Uefa Cup success with Parma in 1999.
"Let's make it to the quarter-finals and other special nights," he told Tuttosport.
"Winning helps you win. We spent a lot of energy in the match against Genoa but in one fell swoop, we got closer to the Scudetto and winning will help us recover in time for Fiorentina.
"The club and the fans should be proud of this Juventus once more. We've got the same chance of going through as Fiorentina. The tie is at 50-50. The first leg was in their favour, we'll see with the return game.
"I'd love to go all the way again. All we want for this is to prepare for a great match, but we are aware that Fiorentina are a good team - the only one to beat us in Italy.
"We win about 80 to 85 per cent of matches, so it's logical that a draw like last Thursday's felt like a loss, but it's important to analyse everything with common sense."
Buffon also hailed the influence of coach Antonio Conte, who has transformed Juventus' fortunes since arriving at the club in the summer of 2011.
"Juve play very good football and we have to thank our coach for this. Conte has transferred his spirit and tactical knowledge to us and we always impose our game."
- Status
