..::Football III::..

[MihiCherub]

Ohhh...Sorry bro pahugiya FIFA World Cup 2010 & Euro 2012 updates unath damme Football I & II threads wala so FIFA 2014 1keth updates mekema danna thamai decide karala thiyenne
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awlak na me para ekak damu.. anika eye eke pennaneth.. paduwe balanna puluwan..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France 4-0 Norway: Giroud shoots down Scandinavians

Olivier Giroud scored two goals - including one stunner - as France routed Norway 4-0 in a one-sided friendly in Paris on Tuesday night.

Six minutes after half-time the forward controlled Mathieu Valbuena's pass on the edge of the box and struck a volley high into the net for his sixth international goal, as the hosts thumped their ragged opponents in the Stade de France on Tuesday.

Didier Deschamps' men were already one to the good at that point, Paul Pogba having headed in Valbuena's pinpoint cross on 15 minutes as the home side made a bright start to proceedings.

Loic Remy, on as a substitute for Antoine Griezmann, scored just after coming on in the 67th minute after being played through by a glorious first-time pass from Mathieu Debuchy.

Giroud added his second and France's fourth two minutes later, adjusting his body to head home after another assist from Valbuena, as the first of France's three pre-tournament friendlies ended in comfortable victory.

Deschamps will have been pleased with his side's attacking prowess, with the impressive Valbuena especially dangerous in creating three of the four goals as the French look to put the nightmare of their World Cup campaign in South Africa four years ago behind them.

The hosts made a blistering start, twice bringing flying stops out of Norway goalkeeper Orjan Nyland in the opening two minutes.

Nyland first tipped Griezmann's glancing header over the crossbar and then kept out Giroud's powerful nodded effort from Valbuena's resulting corner.

Griezmann went close again in the 10th minute, flicking Yohan Cabaye's miscued volley narrowly wide.

France's early dominance paid off five minutes later, when Pogba glanced in Valbuena's left-wing cross, although the Marseille man looked to have received the ball in an offside position before delivering.

Pogba almost doubled his and France's tally in the 19th minute, fizzing a low effort just wide of the right-hand post after driving into space on the edge of the box.

After weathering the early storm the visitors grew into the game, Havard Nordtveit sending a 25-yard free kick wide of the post before Alex Tettey tested Stephane Ruffier with a low shot from a similar distance.

Tom Hogli then linked up with Joshua King down the left and stung the palms of Ruffier from a tight angle in the 42nd minute as Norway ended the half on top.

France began the second period as they had the first and extended their advantage with a moment of real quality.

Valbuena played the role of creator once more, picking out Giroud on the edge of the box, and the Arsenal man took a touch to control before looping a fine volley over Nyland into the top right-hand corner.

Remy, fresh on as a replacement for Griezmann, made it three by slotting past Nyland following Debuchy's perfect pass, before Giroud's flicked header compounded Norway's misery.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giroud: I'm available if needed at World Cup

France striker Olivier Giroud believes he will have an important role to play at the World Cup after scoring twice in their 4-0 win over Norway.

Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is expected to be Didier Deschamps' first-choice forward in Brazil but was rested for the Stade de France friendly on account of his exploits in Saturday's Champions League final.

Giroud shone in his absence and feels that every single member of the France squad will have a role to play in Brazil.

"At the World Cup, everyone will be needed," the Arsenal attacker is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"When I am called upon, I try to make the most of my chance and do the job.

"It's always good to win, including in friendlies. It's good for morale. Tonight, I really want to highlight the team effort. It was really good. Still, we'll stay measured, we still have to pass tests."

France's World Cup campaign kicks off with a game against Honduras on June 15, before they clash with Switzerland and Ecaudor.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Eberl: Monchengladbach have stake in Ter Stegen future

Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has revealed his club will receive a high percentage of the transfer fee should Barcelona decide to sell Marc-Andre ter Stegen in the future.

The goalkeeper, who made over 100 appearances for Bundesliga outfit, has been signed by the Liga runners-up to replace Victor Valdes.

Eberl is hoping that Ter Stegen is a success at Camp Nou but acknowledges that Monchengladbach would benefit greatly from their sell-on clause.

"We would not be happy if he is sold by Barcelona, but it would be a pretty big investment for us if it came to this," he told the Rheinische Post.

"It is natural pride, even if it hurts to lose such a player. The fact that he now plays with the greatest players in the world is an honour for our club.”

The 22-year-old has signed a five-year contract with Barcelona and was unveiled by the club in a presentation last week.

With Jose Pinto also parting ways with the club, it is not yet clear who will compete with the 22-year-old for the first-choice goalkeeper position.
Barca sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta is confident, however, that Ter Stegen has the quality to be a success at the Spanish club.

"He's quick, he's agile, he is also very good in the air and has strengths in one-on-one situations,” said the retired goalkeeper. “Obviously, there is still room for improvement but he is young and has time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid sign San Lorenzo starlet Correa

Atletico Madrid have announced the signing of Angel Correa from San Lorenzo - subject to a medical.

The Argentine teenager had previously been linked with a move to Manchester City but, after arriving in the Spanish capital on Monday, he has agreed terms on a five-year contract with the newly crowned Liga champions.

"Atletico Madrid and San Lorenzo have reached an agreement for the transfer of Angel Correa, pending the young Argentine talent passing a medical," read a statement on the Liga side's official website.

"Subsequently, the forward will engage with our club for five seasons."

The 19-year-old Correa, who hails from Lionel Messi's hometown of Rosario, only made his San Lorenzo debut last year but quickly established himself as one of the most exciting young attackers in Argentina.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cardiff sign former Manchester United striker Macheda

Cardiff City have confirmed that they have signed Federico Macheda on a three-year deal.

The 22-year-old striker will officially join the Bluebirds on July 1st after his contract at Manchester United expires.

The striker rose to prominence at Old Trafford as a teenager, coming off the bench to score the winner against Aston Villa in 2009.

However, Macheda struggled to establish himself as a regular at Old Trafford and has subsequently enjoyed loan spells at Sampdoria, QPR, Stuttgart and Doncaster.

Macheda spent the majority of last season on loan at Birmingham City, scoring 13 goals in 33 Championship appearances.

The striker will now stay in the second tier with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side but says he is confident Cardiff can return to the Prmeier League quickly.

“It’s a massive opportunity for me and it is with thanks to Ole Gunnar Solskjær that I am here,” he told the club’s official website.

“I’m really looking forward to starting this season. This is a new chapter of my career and I can’t wait to get going.

“Knowing Ole, he wants to get back into the Premier League as soon as possible and the recent signings show that.

“I’m here for the same reason, I feel this is a great team. If we can have a good year and work hard, we can go straight back up.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Argentina boss Sabella: Everyone is behind Messi

Alejandro Sabella says that everyone within his Argentina squad is fully behind captain Lionel Messi.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner racked up 41 goals in just 46 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona last season yet his form and attitude were the subject of much scrutiny throughout the 2013-14 season, with former Blaugrana assistant coach Angel Cappa claiming that the 26-year-old had lost his passion for football.

Sabella, though, insists that neither he nor his players have any doubts over Messi's commitment to their particular cause.

"The leader is the captain and that is Messi," the Argentina boss told reporters. "Everyone is behind him. He is our flag.

Argentina received a favourable draw for Brazil 2014, having come out in Group F alongside Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria.

Sabella is refusing to talk about the Albiceleste going all the way but he is confident of reaching the semi-finals.

"I don't promise the cup," he stated. "We are thinking of finishing in the top four. And we want more than that.

"We have to do better than the last World Cups."

Argentina have reached the quarter-finals at the past two World Cups, while the last of their two titles came in 1986.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France boss Deschamps delighted by Norwegian rout

Didier Deschamps has expressed his delight at France's performance in Tuesday night's 4-0 rout of Norway.

Paul Pogba opened the scoring 15 minutes into the friendly at the Parc des Princes and Olivier Giroud doubled the hosts' advantage with a sublime lob shortly after the break.

Loic Remy made it 3-0 shortly after his introduction as a substitute before Giroud headed home his second of the game just two minutes later to put the seal on a resounding World Cup warm-up win for Les Bleus.

"We were up against a team that has quality," France boss Deschamps told TF1. "Scoring four goals at international level is never easy.

"It's good for confidence and it allowed me to change things around a little bit, so it was very good."

France have been drawn in the same group as Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zanetti: I’m looking for the right role with Inter

Javier Zanetti believes his future at Inter will be clearer by next month, but has reiterated his desire to stay at San Siro.

The former Argentina international retired from competitive football earlier this month, after 19 seasons with the Nerazzurri, and is expected to take up an administrative role with the club.

Indeed, Zanetti says that he has already discussed his future with owner Erick Thohir and that they are now just trying to decide upon the right job for him.

“I’ve been talking with Thohir for months to find a corporate role that’s suitable,” the 40-year-old told reporters.

“In early June I’ll be able to be more precise about my future at Inter.”

The defender then commented on his exclusion from the starting XI for his last ever derby, which Milan won 1-0 thanks to Nigel De Jong’s second half goal.

“I’m not angry about the exclusion," he said of Walter Mazzarri's decision. "I remain a professional at heart and it’s not my style to challenge the decision of the coach.

“All I regret is the fact that we lost the game.

“Other than that though, I have no regrets in my career. I’m just happy that I’ve received so much respect from everyone.”

Zanetti made over 600 appearances for Inter, while he also holds the record number of appearances for his country, having represented Argentina on 145 occasions.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Perez: Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Ancelotti to replace him at Manchester United

Manchester United wanted Carlo Ancelotti to replace former boss Sir Alex Ferguson at the helm in the summer, according to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

Ferguson retired at the end of last season, having guided the Red Devils to Premier League glory, and was replaced by David Moyes, who was subsequently sacked after failing to deliver European football to Old Trafford, with Louis van Gaal recently named as his successor.

Perez has now claimed Moyes was not the senior Scot's first choice, insisting Ferguson asked Ancelotti to take the job when he was still at PSG, even though the Italian had already agreed a deal with the Spanish side.

“Ferguson called him [Ancelotti] to be his successor but he told him he had already promised to come here with us,” the Madrid supremo stated.

Ancelotti, who won the Premier League and the FA Cup with Chelsea, has previously denied that he was approached by United.

However, he has revealed that he would be open to managing Italy in the future, though he intends to continue with the Champions League winners for now.

"Coaching the your country's national side is always a goal," the 54-year-old told reporters.

"But I still want to be on the [training] field every day; I very much enjoy the daily relationship with the team.

"When I am no longer having fun ... I'll call the Italian Football Federation [FIGC]. When [Cesare] Prandelli's contract expires [in 2016]," he jokingly added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone: World Cup might have distracted Messi


Diego Simeone has suggested that Lionel Messi became distracted by the World Cup last season.

The Argentina international scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona in 2013-14 but his performances and attitude were the subject of much scrutiny throughout an injury-interrupted campaign.

It has been suggested that Messi was saving himself for the World Cup, which many argue the attacker needs to win in order to strengthen his claim on the title of the greatest player of all time.

Simeone, for his part, feels that it is entirely possible that the four-time Ballon d'Or winner has become consumed with proving himself on the game's grandest stage but is in no doubt that the 26-year-old will handle the pressure he has placed upon himself.

"After winning so much in Europe, it's normal that a World Cup could be tempting for him; that it could pose him extra responsibilities and pressures," the Atletico Madrid boss told Perform.

"But it'll be a great responsibility for him. There is no doubt that winning a World Cup makes you more special.

"Few players have had the chance to win it [from] our country. So that's why he and his team-mates will try to take Argentina to the best place in the world."

Indeed, Simeone is in no doubt that Argentina boss Alejandro Sabella has constructed a side capable of lifting the trophy.

"It will be a unique opportunity [for Argentina] in Brazil," he mused. "They will have to compete well as a team, the way they have done recently.

"Alejandro has overseen this growth in the last stages of qualifying and also in recent friendlies.

"At the end of the day, the progress must be shown on the pitch for all to see."

After leading Atletico to a shock Liga title win, as well as the final of the Champions League, Simeone is now one of the most sought-after coaches in world football.

However, the former midfield enforcer insists that he would turn down the chance to lead his country if the opportunity presented itself after the World Cup.

"Of course I would like to coach Argentina one day but for now, I feel that I still want to coach from the touchline every day," he explained.

"I look at the best national head coaches like Luis Aragones or Vicente del Bosque and I think you need to find the experience and wisdom you get from a long managerial career in order to be in the best seat in the world - your national side's.

"You need to be calm and patient and I'm not sure I have that right now due to my restlessness to be there on the pitch close to my players every day.

"Coaching a national side is different. That's why I'm convinced that you need an experience given by time and a patience given by the years to be in that place."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Alonso and Simeone face Uefa disciplinary action

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against Xabi Alonso and Diego Simeone over their conduct in the Champions League final.

Simeone was embroiled in a heated confrontation with Real Madrid players and the referee after becoming incensed when Raphael Varane kicked the ball into the dugout during extra time.

Alonso, who was watching the game from the stands after being suspended for the clash in Lisbon, could face similar misconduct charges after he ran down the touchline to celebrate with team-mates after Bale's header.

Both Atletico Madrid and Real also face sanctions each side received more than five yellow cards during the match, while Uefa has also taken exception due to the conduct of supporters in Estadio da Luz, with fireworks set off from both sections of fans.

Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Board is set to meet over each of the incidents on July 17 before confirming whether action will be taken.

Madrid claimed their 10th European title in the clash on May 24 as goals from Sergio Ramos, Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo secured a 4-1 win after Diego Godin's opener.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Barcelona insist Alexis is not for sale

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu says Alexis Sanchez is not for sale, after the forward was linked with a move to Juventus.

The Chile international has had a productive year at Camp Nou, scoring 19 goals in 34 league games, although question marks remain over his long-term place in the side due to competition for places from Pedro, Lionel Messi and Neymar.

The Chile international has long been a reported target for Juventus, who are looking to bolster their wide attacking options as they prepare to switch their tactical approach from 3-5-2 to 4-3-3, but Bartomeu insists the 25-year-old will not leave.

"He's not for sale," Bartomeu told El Mercurio. "He has a contract with us and is an important part of the squad.

"I know nothing about interest from Juventus. No one has made an official offer.

"Sanchez has had a great season and, of course, will be a part of Barcelona next season as well."

The 51-year-old also talked about the reported interest from his own club in Juve midfielder Arturo Vidal.

"Vidal? These are just rumours. Personally, I know nothing about that," he added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal character not in doubt, insists Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny expects Arsenal to get stronger under Arsene Wenger, after a season in which he believes they have developed well.

Arsenal spent large parts of the season on top of the Premier League but were unable to convert that into a title win as Manchester City finished the campaign as champions.

They did manage to end their nine-year wait for silverware, though, with the FA Cup and Szczesny believes there is plenty to be positive about at the Emirates Stadium.

"We've been fighting and not a lot of people believed in us at the start of the season," the goalkeeper told the club's official website."But we stuck together and played very well for most of the season.

"I think the character is one thing you cannot question with this team. We dropped out of the title race but I think mentally we showed some great strengths."I think the most positive thing is that there's a lot of improvement and there is still a lot of room for [more]."

Szczesny played in 37 matches for Arsenal last season, keeping 16 clean sheets.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reina: Other teams are catching up with Spain

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina has admitted that other teams are "catching up" with the reigning world and European champions.

Last year's 3-0 defeat to Brazil in the final of the Confederations Cup has raised questions over Spain's chances of successfully defending their World Cup crown this summer, despite La Roja having won the last two European Championships as well as the title in South Africa in 2010.

And back-up goalkeeper Reina believes it is getting tougher for Vicente del Bosque's side to maintain their dominance on the international stage.

"We're going to try to become world champions again but we know that it's going to be difficult," Reina was quoted as saying by AS.

"Other teams are catching up to us and it just keeps getting more difficult."

Reina has been part of Spain's all-conquering squads at Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as at the 2010 World Cup.

But the 31-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Napoli from Liverpool, has admitted that playing in the finals in Brazil will be a truly special experience.

"This World Cup is a bit of an obsession for me because it is going to be really special," Reina added. "We'll be playing in the cradle of football."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Paris Saint-Germain talk won't disturb me - Hazard

Chelsea player of the year Eden Hazard has played down speculation that he will make a summer move to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Belgium international fuelled the rumours by suggesting he would move to the Ligue 1 champions if his wife asked him to, and PSG boss Laurent Blanc has also admitted his interest in the forward.

Talk of a €74 million transfer has been widespread, but when asked about a potential move to the Parc des Princes, Hazard says he is just focusing on the World Cup.

"If you got to know me you'd know I'm not someone who is disturbed by it," he responded. "Every year they say I'm everywhere. It's part of the job. I focus on the World Cup which is much more important than what is said in the papers."

Hazard's relationship with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho had been called into question during the previous season.

The 23-year-old had said the Blues "are not made to play football" following the club's Champions League exit, before Mourinho hit back by saying the player is not ready to make sacrifices for the team.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Remy: I will use World Cup as a shop window

France international Loic Remy intends to use the World Cup as a "shop window" to earn a move away from QPR.

Remy spent last season on loan at Newcastle United and scored 14 goals in 26 Premier League appearances but has admitted he is uncertain over where his future lies.

QPR manager Harry Redknapp has suggested the striker will not be at Loftus Road next season and the 27-year-old has now confirmed he hopes to impress any interested clubs during the tournament in Brazil.

"The World Cup is a shop window for me," Remy told L'Equipe. "Newcastle, to whom I was loaned by QPR, want to buy me.

"I don't know if I'm going to stay there. I'm at a crossroads, in a key year. It can either all take off or stagnate.

"Since the start of the year, apart from the injuries, it's been good. And when I feel good, I think I can do a lot of damage. I hope [the World Cup] is the start of something big for me."

Remy also revealed he asked to be rested for Newcastle's final match of the season at Liverpool to ensure there was no repeat of him missing Euro 2012 through injury.

"The coach, Alan Pardew, fully understood my point of view. We didn't have anything to play for," Remy added.

"I didn't want to take the risk of getting injured again. What happened to me two years ago really hurt me. Physcially and mentally. The sky fell in. It was devastating."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Torres: I never thought my Spain career was over

Fernando Torres insists he never believed his international career was over after being called up for the Spain squad for Friday's friendly with Bolivia.

The Chelsea striker managed 11 goals in all competitions in the 2013-14 campaign, but was largely restricted to a back-up role to Samuel Eto'o under boss Jose Mourinho.

Despite his domestic struggles, Torres was handed a place in Spain's set-up for their World Cup warm-up by Vicente del Bosque, who has opted to rest a number of regular stars who were involved in last weekend's Champions League final, including strikers Diego Costa and David Villa.

And Torres maintains he has the same desire as ever to compete on the international stage as he looks to secure a spot in the 23-man World Cup squad, due to be announced on Sunday.

"I've never thought that I had played my last game. I am excited to come to the national team. I've been very happy here and I feel in good shape for the World Cup," he told a press conference on Tuesday.

"You always have doubts when you're away for a time. The other day, when the coach gave the list I was very excited waiting for my name. My dream is the same as when I made my debut. I was prepared to come or not to come, after a very strange year, in which I played little. But fortunately I am here and I will fight to be in the latest list."

Diego Costa's place is in doubt due to a persistent hamstring problem but Torres is confident the player himself will be able to make the call on whether he will be fit enough for the tournament.

"The player is the one who has to decide if he is in optimal condition for the World Cup," said the 30-year-old. "If the coach has called him up it is because he can give his best, there is no question from the medical services."

Torres also admits he is looking forward to facing Netherlands in their World Cup group after beating the Oranje in the final in 2010, but warns that Spain must not allow themselves to slip up in their opening game as they did against Switzerland four years ago.

"We like to play against them [Netherlands]. Netherlands and Chile are very complicated, Australia are also dangerous because they can be a surprise," he said.

"Netherlands are a great team, they will be looking forward to revenge and we don't want to make the mistakes of the previous World Cup against Switzerland.

"In my case it would be my third World Cup. In Germany [in 2006] we learned a lot and we used it in South Africa. We have to enjoy it, and the results will come."

Barcelona youngster Gerard Deulofeu also earned a surprise spot for the Bolivia clash after impressing during a loan spell with Everton, but the 20-year-old says he is not allowing himself to be distracted with thoughts of making the World Cup party.

"I ended my season with Everton and I was on holiday. I received a call from Andoni [Zubizarreta] and he told me that I could come and I quickly began to train," he said.

"It has been great, I am very happy to be here with these players.

"I'm not thinking about Brazil, I have to enjoy this week and I want to learn from them and what has to happen will happen.

"[Jesus] Navas is injured but I don't want to think about Brazil. I repeat to myself that I want to learn.

"[England] has been a great experience [for me] as a person and as a player."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Friday match 1ke Torres hodata play kaloth Spain Final squad 1ke place 1ka sure​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Japan 1-0 Cyprus: Uchida scores the only goal in unconvincing friendly win

Japan got their World Cup preparations off to a less-than-convincing start with a narrow 1-0 win over Cyprus at Saitama Stadium.

Alberto Zaccheroni's side have now won three friendlies in a row but showed little sign of the quality that helped them recently overcome Belgium and New Zealand on Tuesday.

While Japan enjoyed the better of the first-half possession, they were forced to wait until two minutes before the break for Atsuto Uchida to open the scoring.

After good work from Shinji Kagawa, Uchida finished from close range at the second attempt but the scoring ended there, despite their dominance after the interval.

Yoichiro Kakitani, Kagawa and Yoshito Okubo all went close but to no avail against a stubborn Cypriot defence - leaving Zaccheroni with plenty to ponder ahead of meetings with Costa Rica and Zambia as well as their Group C opener against Cote d'Ivoire.

Japan named a strong side that included Kagawa, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Okazaki but it was Cyprus who started the brighter.

Aside from an early corner, Pambos Christodoulou's men failed to test Japan sufficiently, however, as the home side grew into the game - Honda's shot saved well after good link-up play with Kakitani.

The pair combined again shortly after, Kakitani almost getting on the end of Honda's delivery, before Uchida struck the ultimate winner.

After Kagawa crafted a chance on goal with a clever flick, he was denied by an Angelos Charalambous tackle, with Uchida's follow-up blocked.

However, the Schalke defender showed persistence to tap home the loose ball.

It was one of Uchida's final contributions as he, Yasuhito Endo and Yasuyuki Konno made way for Hiroki Sakai, Maya Yoshida and Makoto Hasebe at the break.

Japan almost doubled their advantage when Giorgos Merkis gave the ball away to Kagawa who slipped in Kakitani. However, Panos Constantinou saved well, with Kagawa unable to reach the loose ball.

Kagawa again forced a strong save from Constantinou before Kakitani was replaced by surprise squad inclusion Okubo but the in-form Kawasaki Frontale striker saw his first effort deflected wide.

After large spells of dominance from the home side, Onisiforos Roushias could have secured a late equaliser had he kept his cool when played in on goal rather than blasting an effort into the side-netting.