math hithuwe ghana gahayi kiyala
Mamanam kalin hithuwe bro Ghana gahai kiyala.hoda set 1kak innawane
.
Last edited:
Latest ads
-
Video Content Creator
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
QA Engineer Intern
- pramukag
- Updated:
-
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:
..::Football III::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
- Status
.
Belgium 2-1 Algeria: Fellaini and Mertens seal World Cup comeback
World Cup dark horses Belgium bounced back from going a goal behind to beat Algeria2-1 in their opener on Tuesday.
After being left stunned by Sofiane Feghouli's first-half penalty, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots made two tactical changes that paid dividends as substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens both found the net to secure victory in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.Having missed the past two global showpieces, Belgium were caught flat-footed as Feghouli gave Algeria a surprise 25th-minute lead.
The 24-year-old was hauled down by Jan Vertonghen as they stretched for a left-wing cross and Feghouli punished him by sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way with his spot-kick.Belgium applied plenty of pressure and eventually got themselves back in the game as Fellaini levelled with a perfectly-placed header in the 70th minute.
Victory was assured with 10 minutes to play when Mertens capped a flowing move, the Napoli midfielder lashing the ball past Rais M'Bolhi.
A cautious start from both sides saw the game bereft of early chances, with Belgium dominating possession and Algeria restricted to breaks on the counter attack.
M'Bolhi was the first to be forced to make a save in the 21st minute as Belgian playmaker Axel Witsel unleashed a powerful strike from 20 yards, but the goalkeeper was equal to it and made a good stop.
Three minutes later, Algeria were gifted the lead as Faouzi Ghoulam raced down the left-hand side unopposed and delivered a perfect cross to the back post that Feghouli looked to get onto.However, Vertonghen pulled him back inside the penalty area as the Valencia winger stretched every sinew to reach the ball.
Referee Marco Rodriguez had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, with the Tottenham defender booked for his crude tackle. Feghouli duly rolled the ball calmly into the back of the net.
Belgium resumed their control of possession after the goal and Witsel tested M'Bolhi again with 10 minutes of the half remaining, but the 28-year-old was able to parry the shot away.
Wilmots introduced Mertens at half-time in an attempt to lift his team going forward, and it nearly had an immediate impact as he delivered a corner that Witsel headed over at the back post.Eventually Belgium's pressure forced a leveller, though, as Wilmots' third sub, Fellaini, restored parity with 20 minutes remaining.
Kevin De Bruyne, who had been very quiet up to that point, found room on the left and whipped in a cross to the near post for the Manchester United midfielder.
Fellaini was able to get himself in front of his marker and sent a flicked header crashing off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Mertens then ensured Wilmots will be lauded as a tactical genius in the 80th minute after a lightning-quick break from Eden Hazard led to the winner.The Chelsea man drew two defenders before finding his team-mate and Mertens made no mistake.
World Cup dark horses Belgium bounced back from going a goal behind to beat Algeria2-1 in their opener on Tuesday.
After being left stunned by Sofiane Feghouli's first-half penalty, Belgium coach Marc Wilmots made two tactical changes that paid dividends as substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens both found the net to secure victory in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.Having missed the past two global showpieces, Belgium were caught flat-footed as Feghouli gave Algeria a surprise 25th-minute lead.
The 24-year-old was hauled down by Jan Vertonghen as they stretched for a left-wing cross and Feghouli punished him by sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way with his spot-kick.Belgium applied plenty of pressure and eventually got themselves back in the game as Fellaini levelled with a perfectly-placed header in the 70th minute.
Victory was assured with 10 minutes to play when Mertens capped a flowing move, the Napoli midfielder lashing the ball past Rais M'Bolhi.
A cautious start from both sides saw the game bereft of early chances, with Belgium dominating possession and Algeria restricted to breaks on the counter attack.
M'Bolhi was the first to be forced to make a save in the 21st minute as Belgian playmaker Axel Witsel unleashed a powerful strike from 20 yards, but the goalkeeper was equal to it and made a good stop.
Three minutes later, Algeria were gifted the lead as Faouzi Ghoulam raced down the left-hand side unopposed and delivered a perfect cross to the back post that Feghouli looked to get onto.However, Vertonghen pulled him back inside the penalty area as the Valencia winger stretched every sinew to reach the ball.
Referee Marco Rodriguez had no hesitation in pointing to the spot, with the Tottenham defender booked for his crude tackle. Feghouli duly rolled the ball calmly into the back of the net.
Belgium resumed their control of possession after the goal and Witsel tested M'Bolhi again with 10 minutes of the half remaining, but the 28-year-old was able to parry the shot away.
Wilmots introduced Mertens at half-time in an attempt to lift his team going forward, and it nearly had an immediate impact as he delivered a corner that Witsel headed over at the back post.Eventually Belgium's pressure forced a leveller, though, as Wilmots' third sub, Fellaini, restored parity with 20 minutes remaining.
Kevin De Bruyne, who had been very quiet up to that point, found room on the left and whipped in a cross to the near post for the Manchester United midfielder.
Fellaini was able to get himself in front of his marker and sent a flicked header crashing off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
Mertens then ensured Wilmots will be lauded as a tactical genius in the 80th minute after a lightning-quick break from Eden Hazard led to the winner.The Chelsea man drew two defenders before finding his team-mate and Mertens made no mistake.
English media must drop Rooney agenda - Lampard
The English media's "obsession" with Wayne Rooney has become an "agenda" and must end if England are to do well at the World Cup, according to Frank Lampard.
Rooney took to Facebook to voice his frustration on Tuesday after several national newspapers reported that he had trained with England's 'reserves' in a bid to recapture his form.
The reports came after the Manchester United star's performance in a less preferred role on the left flank against Italy was widely criticised, and Lampard believes the media focus on his team-mate has gone too far.
"Unfortunately we do have a fixation with one player during every World Cup I’ve been involved in," he told reporters when asked about the coverage of Rooney.
"It’s a bit frustrating when you’re in a team group and that happens because we’re trying to play together trying to get results. The fixation with one player can become an agenda, and we do need to drop the agenda and look at the team.
"The manager will pick the best players and whoever plays, we want to win the game.
"If you take Wayne’s name away and look at the performance and the work rate and the assist for the goal, you might look at it differently. We are dwelling on something we don’t need to look for. It’s about a team performance."
Lampard also dismissed the notion that Rooney is more determined to make a lasting impact on this summer's World Cup than any other major international tournament over the past decade.
"He’s been determined at every World Cup I’ve seen him play, every tournament, every game for Manchester United from afar I’ve played against him," he insisted. "He’s a determined player.
"There’s a lot of furore built up around him but I see the same Wayne. He shows his ability in training and in games."
Raheem Sterling also revealed he has relished the opportunity to train with Rooney every day and play with him in matches, having idolised United's talisman before making his own breakthrough into the professional ranks.
"He’s a world-class player, someone I watched when I was young and someone I look up to, and playing with him at the training camp these last couple of weeks has been a real honour," he insisted.
"I speak to him a lot. He just says to relax and express myself and enjoy the game, and not to think too much about what’s going on."
The English media's "obsession" with Wayne Rooney has become an "agenda" and must end if England are to do well at the World Cup, according to Frank Lampard.
Rooney took to Facebook to voice his frustration on Tuesday after several national newspapers reported that he had trained with England's 'reserves' in a bid to recapture his form.
The reports came after the Manchester United star's performance in a less preferred role on the left flank against Italy was widely criticised, and Lampard believes the media focus on his team-mate has gone too far.
"Unfortunately we do have a fixation with one player during every World Cup I’ve been involved in," he told reporters when asked about the coverage of Rooney.
"It’s a bit frustrating when you’re in a team group and that happens because we’re trying to play together trying to get results. The fixation with one player can become an agenda, and we do need to drop the agenda and look at the team.
"The manager will pick the best players and whoever plays, we want to win the game.
"If you take Wayne’s name away and look at the performance and the work rate and the assist for the goal, you might look at it differently. We are dwelling on something we don’t need to look for. It’s about a team performance."
Lampard also dismissed the notion that Rooney is more determined to make a lasting impact on this summer's World Cup than any other major international tournament over the past decade.
"He’s been determined at every World Cup I’ve seen him play, every tournament, every game for Manchester United from afar I’ve played against him," he insisted. "He’s a determined player.
"There’s a lot of furore built up around him but I see the same Wayne. He shows his ability in training and in games."
Raheem Sterling also revealed he has relished the opportunity to train with Rooney every day and play with him in matches, having idolised United's talisman before making his own breakthrough into the professional ranks.
"He’s a world-class player, someone I watched when I was young and someone I look up to, and playing with him at the training camp these last couple of weeks has been a real honour," he insisted.
"I speak to him a lot. He just says to relax and express myself and enjoy the game, and not to think too much about what’s going on."
Kagawa: Japan ready for attacking Greece
Japan's Shinji Kagawa expects World Cup opponents Greece to be on the offensive in Thursday's Group C clash after Alberto Zaccheroni's men were beaten by Cote d'Ivoire in their opening fixture, as they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1.
The Manchester United man lamented Japan's inability to take anything from their opening game and says there is no room for caution in their remaining fixtures.
With Greece also suffering defeat in their first fixture in Brazil, via a 3-0 loss against Colombia, Kagawa feels that both teams will need to go for broke in Natal later this week.
"We were never really in control of the game against Cote d'Ivoire," he told AFP.
"Greece will attack us because they lost too. We have no option but to attack."
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima added that he is confident that the Samurai Blue have spirit to respond to their disappointing start in Brazil.
"We just have to give 100 per cent to win the game," he said.
"We have a good group and we have confidence as well so we can't lose our next game. We believe in ourselves."
Japan have made it out of the group stage in two of their last four World Cup appearances - reaching the last 16 in both 2002 and 2010.
Japan's Shinji Kagawa expects World Cup opponents Greece to be on the offensive in Thursday's Group C clash after Alberto Zaccheroni's men were beaten by Cote d'Ivoire in their opening fixture, as they surrendered a lead to lose 2-1.
The Manchester United man lamented Japan's inability to take anything from their opening game and says there is no room for caution in their remaining fixtures.
With Greece also suffering defeat in their first fixture in Brazil, via a 3-0 loss against Colombia, Kagawa feels that both teams will need to go for broke in Natal later this week.
"We were never really in control of the game against Cote d'Ivoire," he told AFP.
"Greece will attack us because they lost too. We have no option but to attack."
Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima added that he is confident that the Samurai Blue have spirit to respond to their disappointing start in Brazil.
"We just have to give 100 per cent to win the game," he said.
"We have a good group and we have confidence as well so we can't lose our next game. We believe in ourselves."
Japan have made it out of the group stage in two of their last four World Cup appearances - reaching the last 16 in both 2002 and 2010.
Lampard: There is no solution for Suarez
Frank Lampard admits England have no grand plan to keep Luis Suarez quiet when they meet Uruguay in Thursday's Group D crunch clash in Sao Paulo.
Suarez missed Uruguay's opening defeat to Costa Rica as he struggles with a knee injury but, with his country's qualification hopes on the line, the Liverpool star looks set to return.
And Lampard dismissed any notion that Roy Hodgson could come up with a tactical solution to stifle the Premier League's reigning PFA Player of the Year as he bids to keep England's own World Cup hopes alive."There is no solution with Luis Suarez," he told reporters. "The solution is to defend as well as you can.
"He’s fantastic player, the best player in the Premier League last year, quite rightly voted for by the other players. There isn’t some fantastic way of keeping him quiet.
"All you can do is try and prepare right, defend well individually and as a team and do as well as you can.
"Some players who are at the top, top level can come up with something off the cuff which you can’t call, but at the same time we’ve got top class defenders in our team and they’ll be doing their best to try and stop that."
Raheem Sterling, who knows Suarez better than most in the England squad, was at pains to stress that Hodgson's men cannot afford to focus solely on his Liverpool team-mate."He’s a great player, we know that. But we can’t be too focused on him. They’ve got other world-class players in that team, with Cavani and co, so we’ve got to focus on their positives and negatives, not just him.
"Most of the defenders have played against him in the Premier League. They know what he’s about and that he can score goals, so they’ll try everything they can to stop him.When asked if he was looking forward to being reunited with Suarez, Sterling repied: "I’d rather not see him on the pitch! He’s a great player but we don’t need to talk too much about his qualities because we all know what he can do.
"All the lads have played against him before, they know what he can do and we’ll be trying our best to keep him out."
Frank Lampard admits England have no grand plan to keep Luis Suarez quiet when they meet Uruguay in Thursday's Group D crunch clash in Sao Paulo.
Suarez missed Uruguay's opening defeat to Costa Rica as he struggles with a knee injury but, with his country's qualification hopes on the line, the Liverpool star looks set to return.
And Lampard dismissed any notion that Roy Hodgson could come up with a tactical solution to stifle the Premier League's reigning PFA Player of the Year as he bids to keep England's own World Cup hopes alive."There is no solution with Luis Suarez," he told reporters. "The solution is to defend as well as you can.
"He’s fantastic player, the best player in the Premier League last year, quite rightly voted for by the other players. There isn’t some fantastic way of keeping him quiet.
"All you can do is try and prepare right, defend well individually and as a team and do as well as you can.
"Some players who are at the top, top level can come up with something off the cuff which you can’t call, but at the same time we’ve got top class defenders in our team and they’ll be doing their best to try and stop that."
Raheem Sterling, who knows Suarez better than most in the England squad, was at pains to stress that Hodgson's men cannot afford to focus solely on his Liverpool team-mate."He’s a great player, we know that. But we can’t be too focused on him. They’ve got other world-class players in that team, with Cavani and co, so we’ve got to focus on their positives and negatives, not just him.
"Most of the defenders have played against him in the Premier League. They know what he’s about and that he can score goals, so they’ll try everything they can to stop him.When asked if he was looking forward to being reunited with Suarez, Sterling repied: "I’d rather not see him on the pitch! He’s a great player but we don’t need to talk too much about his qualities because we all know what he can do.
"All the lads have played against him before, they know what he can do and we’ll be trying our best to keep him out."
Buffon returns to Italy training
Italy have been given a huge boost ahead of their World Cup clash with Costa Rica after captain Gianluigi Buffon returned to training.
The veteran goalkeeper sat out his country's 2-1 victory over England in Manaus last Saturday due to an ankle injury but Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Monday that he was hopeful Buffon would not miss any further games in Brazil.
And the 36-year-old now appears to be in line for a return in Recife on Friday, with Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also playing some part in Tuesday's session.
"Good news for Cesare Prandelli," the FIGC announced on its official website. "Buffon, De Sciglio, De Rossi and Barzagli returned from injury and are on the road to recovery."
With all four players available to coach Cesare Prandelli, Italy were able to train together as a full squad for the first time since Buffon suffered his injury last Friday.
“Right after the injury on Friday evening, [Buffon] thought he had to leave the World Cup, but now as time passes he knows that this isn’t the case,” said Castellacci.
"Yesterday he wasn’t able to play, he is in therapy and today we’ll do other checks and if necessary, other diagnostic tests. We will try to recover him as soon as possible even if his health is priority."
Prandelli, though, may choose to leave the veteran out in order for him to make a full recovery as Italy have one eye on the knockout stages.
Italy have been given a huge boost ahead of their World Cup clash with Costa Rica after captain Gianluigi Buffon returned to training.
The veteran goalkeeper sat out his country's 2-1 victory over England in Manaus last Saturday due to an ankle injury but Italy's team doctor Enrico Castellacci confirmed on Monday that he was hopeful Buffon would not miss any further games in Brazil.
And the 36-year-old now appears to be in line for a return in Recife on Friday, with Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli also playing some part in Tuesday's session.
"Good news for Cesare Prandelli," the FIGC announced on its official website. "Buffon, De Sciglio, De Rossi and Barzagli returned from injury and are on the road to recovery."
With all four players available to coach Cesare Prandelli, Italy were able to train together as a full squad for the first time since Buffon suffered his injury last Friday.
“Right after the injury on Friday evening, [Buffon] thought he had to leave the World Cup, but now as time passes he knows that this isn’t the case,” said Castellacci.
"Yesterday he wasn’t able to play, he is in therapy and today we’ll do other checks and if necessary, other diagnostic tests. We will try to recover him as soon as possible even if his health is priority."
Prandelli, though, may choose to leave the veteran out in order for him to make a full recovery as Italy have one eye on the knockout stages.
Mandzukic return a huge boost to Croatia, says Pranjic
Croatia midfielder Danijel Pranjic expects his side to pose more of an attacking threat against Cameroon following star striker Mario Mandzukic’s return from suspension.
The Bayern Munich forward missed his country's defeat to Brazil in their Group A opener last Thursday after being sent off in the second leg of their qualification play-off victory over Iceland.
However, he has now served his ban, meaning coach Niko Kovac will be able to unleash him in Croatia's crucial clash with Cameroon, who were beaten 1-0 by Mexico in their first game.
And Pranjic, who also missed out against Brazil due to injury, believes his team will be better off with Mandzukic leading the line.
"Mandzukic definitely makes us stronger and you can't replace him like-for-like," the 32-year-old told Fifa.com. "He's prepared to go out and die for the cause.
"Nikica Jelavic did really well against Brazil but Mario is Mario. We need him. We're a totally different team without him."
Kovac’s side will be desperate to get off the mark following their 3-1 defeat against, suffered in controversial fashion with complaints that a number of key refereeing decisions went against them, and Pranjic warned his team-mates that it’s now win or bust.
“It's all-or-nothing for both teams,” he said.
“The losers will pack their bags and go home. We have to be ready for everything and play like it was our last match.”
Croatia midfielder Danijel Pranjic expects his side to pose more of an attacking threat against Cameroon following star striker Mario Mandzukic’s return from suspension.
The Bayern Munich forward missed his country's defeat to Brazil in their Group A opener last Thursday after being sent off in the second leg of their qualification play-off victory over Iceland.
However, he has now served his ban, meaning coach Niko Kovac will be able to unleash him in Croatia's crucial clash with Cameroon, who were beaten 1-0 by Mexico in their first game.
And Pranjic, who also missed out against Brazil due to injury, believes his team will be better off with Mandzukic leading the line.
"Mandzukic definitely makes us stronger and you can't replace him like-for-like," the 32-year-old told Fifa.com. "He's prepared to go out and die for the cause.
"Nikica Jelavic did really well against Brazil but Mario is Mario. We need him. We're a totally different team without him."
Kovac’s side will be desperate to get off the mark following their 3-1 defeat against, suffered in controversial fashion with complaints that a number of key refereeing decisions went against them, and Pranjic warned his team-mates that it’s now win or bust.
“It's all-or-nothing for both teams,” he said.
“The losers will pack their bags and go home. We have to be ready for everything and play like it was our last match.”
Gotze: Outstanding Muller vital for Germany
Germany forward Mario Gotze believes team-mate Thomas Muller has what it takes to lead Joachim Low’s men to World Cup glory in Brazil.
Muller grabbed a hat-trick as Germany swept aside Portugal 4-0 in their Group G opener in Salvador on Monday, in what was the 24-year-old’s 50th cap for his country.
And it was a performance that Gotze says proved how influential his Bayern Munich team-mate can be for the 2010 semi-finalists who are among the favourites to claim what would be their fourth world title.
“Thomas Muller’s performance was outstanding,” Gotze told Fifa.com.
“Now he’s got three goals. That was very, very important, both for the team and for Thomas himself.
"He’s a top-quality player and we saw that today. He’s clinical in front of goal and can score from nothing. The ability to do that, especially at a World Cup, can be decisive.”
Muller, whose five goals and three assists at World Cup 2010 saw him edge Diego Forlan, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder to the Golden Boot award for the tournament’s top scorer, now has 20 goals for his country.
Germany continue their group-stage campaign on Saturday when they will face Ghana in Fortaleza.
Germany forward Mario Gotze believes team-mate Thomas Muller has what it takes to lead Joachim Low’s men to World Cup glory in Brazil.
Muller grabbed a hat-trick as Germany swept aside Portugal 4-0 in their Group G opener in Salvador on Monday, in what was the 24-year-old’s 50th cap for his country.
And it was a performance that Gotze says proved how influential his Bayern Munich team-mate can be for the 2010 semi-finalists who are among the favourites to claim what would be their fourth world title.
“Thomas Muller’s performance was outstanding,” Gotze told Fifa.com.
“Now he’s got three goals. That was very, very important, both for the team and for Thomas himself.
"He’s a top-quality player and we saw that today. He’s clinical in front of goal and can score from nothing. The ability to do that, especially at a World Cup, can be decisive.”
Muller, whose five goals and three assists at World Cup 2010 saw him edge Diego Forlan, David Villa and Wesley Sneijder to the Golden Boot award for the tournament’s top scorer, now has 20 goals for his country.
Germany continue their group-stage campaign on Saturday when they will face Ghana in Fortaleza.
I chose extra training, not England - Rooney
England forward Wayne Rooney insists that he chose to do extra training in preparation for facing Uruguay rather than be banished there on the coaching staff's orders.
The Manchester United striker came in for criticism for his performance in the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup defeat to Italy in Manaus on Saturday.
While the rest of the starting XI from that match were put through a lighter session on Monday, Rooney trained separately with the remainder of the squad as speculation mounts over whether he will retain his place for Thursday's crucial game but the 28-year-old hit out at the English media for implying that he had been banished to the reserves.
" sometimes wonder what the press are getting at," Rooney wrote on his official Facebook page. "I said from the start I want to do everything I can to make sure I'm ready for these World Cup games and, as part of that, I was doing extra training a week before the squad joined up.
"That's exactly what I did [on Monday], my own extra training because that's what I wanted to do."
The Football Association also moved to clarify the situation, stating that Rooney asked to be allowed to take part in full training.
"Contrary to reports, Wayne Rooney requested additional training and worked with a wider group of players on Monday," it wrote on Twitter.
"Following a recovery session on Sunday, a number of players continued two-day post-match recovery on Monday. Rooney was not in that group."
Former England international Gary Neville, who is a member of manager Roy Hodgson's backroom team, defended his ex-United team-mate as well by claiming that it is impossible to make Rooney do a "light" session.
"I played with him for six or seven years - you couldn't get him to do a light day, that's his character," Neville told the FA's official website.
"He's a street footballer in the sense that he just wants to play every second of every day. The players all have individual programmes that they follow but he has an enthusiasm for football that is incredible. He's been like that since the moment I first played against him when he was a young Everton kid."
England forward Wayne Rooney insists that he chose to do extra training in preparation for facing Uruguay rather than be banished there on the coaching staff's orders.
The Manchester United striker came in for criticism for his performance in the Three Lions' 2-1 World Cup defeat to Italy in Manaus on Saturday.
While the rest of the starting XI from that match were put through a lighter session on Monday, Rooney trained separately with the remainder of the squad as speculation mounts over whether he will retain his place for Thursday's crucial game but the 28-year-old hit out at the English media for implying that he had been banished to the reserves.
" sometimes wonder what the press are getting at," Rooney wrote on his official Facebook page. "I said from the start I want to do everything I can to make sure I'm ready for these World Cup games and, as part of that, I was doing extra training a week before the squad joined up.
"That's exactly what I did [on Monday], my own extra training because that's what I wanted to do."
The Football Association also moved to clarify the situation, stating that Rooney asked to be allowed to take part in full training.
"Contrary to reports, Wayne Rooney requested additional training and worked with a wider group of players on Monday," it wrote on Twitter.
"Following a recovery session on Sunday, a number of players continued two-day post-match recovery on Monday. Rooney was not in that group."
Former England international Gary Neville, who is a member of manager Roy Hodgson's backroom team, defended his ex-United team-mate as well by claiming that it is impossible to make Rooney do a "light" session.
"I played with him for six or seven years - you couldn't get him to do a light day, that's his character," Neville told the FA's official website.
"He's a street footballer in the sense that he just wants to play every second of every day. The players all have individual programmes that they follow but he has an enthusiasm for football that is incredible. He's been like that since the moment I first played against him when he was a young Everton kid."
Eto'o: I need a 'miracle' to face Croatia
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o believes that he needs a "miracle" to face Croatia on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old played in Cameroon's opening 1-0 World Cup Group A defeat to Mexico on Friday, but has failed to take any part in training since that game.
And after admitting a knee problem flared up as early as the ninth minute of that game, the former Barcelona striker is hoping for some divine intervention.
"I am hoping the gods grant me a miracle and that I am able to defend my dear, beautiful country," Eto'o told Cameroon Radio-Television CRTV.
"If this is not the case, I will always play my role as captain and especially as the big brother to push my young team-mates to victory."
Eto'o may miss the rest of the group stage after revealing the injury had bothered him for a long time.
"For three and a half months, I have not had the time to recover. You could see that even in the build-up to the World Cup I hadn't had a lot of practice until the friendly against Germany."
After their loss to Mexico, Cameroon head into Wednesday’s clash against Croatia seeking to keep their qualification hopes alive, before they take on tournament hosts Brazil in their final Group A match next Monday.
Cameroon coach Finke had already confirmed Eto'o failed to train over the weekend and his absence means one of Vincent Aboubakar or Fabrice Olinga are likely to be called upon in Manaus.
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o believes that he needs a "miracle" to face Croatia on Wednesday.
The 33-year-old played in Cameroon's opening 1-0 World Cup Group A defeat to Mexico on Friday, but has failed to take any part in training since that game.
And after admitting a knee problem flared up as early as the ninth minute of that game, the former Barcelona striker is hoping for some divine intervention.
"I am hoping the gods grant me a miracle and that I am able to defend my dear, beautiful country," Eto'o told Cameroon Radio-Television CRTV.
"If this is not the case, I will always play my role as captain and especially as the big brother to push my young team-mates to victory."
Eto'o may miss the rest of the group stage after revealing the injury had bothered him for a long time.
"For three and a half months, I have not had the time to recover. You could see that even in the build-up to the World Cup I hadn't had a lot of practice until the friendly against Germany."
After their loss to Mexico, Cameroon head into Wednesday’s clash against Croatia seeking to keep their qualification hopes alive, before they take on tournament hosts Brazil in their final Group A match next Monday.
Cameroon coach Finke had already confirmed Eto'o failed to train over the weekend and his absence means one of Vincent Aboubakar or Fabrice Olinga are likely to be called upon in Manaus.
Cazorla considering Arsenal future
Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has revealed that he may look to leave the club this summer, with Atletico Madrid reportedly working on a deal to sign the Spain international.
The 29-year-old, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Malaga for around €20 million in 2012, has been strongly linked with a return to Spain despite having three years left on his current deal.
Cazorla made 47 appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring seven times with nine assists, but admits he could be tempted by a move to Spanish champions Atletico.
"When the World Cup is over, I'll start thinking about my situation," he told reporters.
"I don't want to be thinking about it right now and I've told my agents not to tell me anything if an offer comes in.
"But I know a few of the Atletico players - [Diego] Godin, Juanfran - and I know the side well from when I was playing the Spanish league.
"But until the tournament is over, I won't know if the rumours are true or not."
Atletico will have money to spend when the expected sales of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis to Chelsea go through for a combined €69m.
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has revealed that Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to re-sign him before completing his £28.4m move from Barcelona to Chelsea, stating: "Arsenal was my first option for the contract clause [but] we talked with Wenger and my position was filled in his team."
Arsenal playmaker Santi Cazorla has revealed that he may look to leave the club this summer, with Atletico Madrid reportedly working on a deal to sign the Spain international.
The 29-year-old, who arrived at the Emirates Stadium from Malaga for around €20 million in 2012, has been strongly linked with a return to Spain despite having three years left on his current deal.
Cazorla made 47 appearances for Arsenal last season, scoring seven times with nine assists, but admits he could be tempted by a move to Spanish champions Atletico.
"When the World Cup is over, I'll start thinking about my situation," he told reporters.
"I don't want to be thinking about it right now and I've told my agents not to tell me anything if an offer comes in.
"But I know a few of the Atletico players - [Diego] Godin, Juanfran - and I know the side well from when I was playing the Spanish league.
"But until the tournament is over, I won't know if the rumours are true or not."
Atletico will have money to spend when the expected sales of Diego Costa and Filipe Luis to Chelsea go through for a combined €69m.
Former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas has revealed that Arsene Wenger turned down the chance to re-sign him before completing his £28.4m move from Barcelona to Chelsea, stating: "Arsenal was my first option for the contract clause [but] we talked with Wenger and my position was filled in his team."
Onama karana welawal waladi goals score karanawa
Balotelli agent on Arsenal: Anything is possible
Mario Balotelli's agent says that "anything is possible" as regards a rumoured transfer to Arsenal for his client.
Reports in England suggest that the Gunners are preparing a €31 million bid for the AC Milan striker, currently on World Cup duty with Italy, and Mino Raiola indicated that it was a welcome link.
"Arsenal are a fantastic club," he told Sky Sports when asked about the report.
"Only eight or 10 clubs in the world can afford Mario Balotelli - like all premium players, and he is one of the greatest.
"Will the move happen? Anything is possible."
The former Manchester City striker has scored 28 goals in 51 appearances for the Rossoneri since returning to Serie A in January 2013.
He was on the scoresheet for his country against England in Manaus, netting the winner as the Azzurri got off to a strong start in Group D.
Mario Balotelli's agent says that "anything is possible" as regards a rumoured transfer to Arsenal for his client.
Reports in England suggest that the Gunners are preparing a €31 million bid for the AC Milan striker, currently on World Cup duty with Italy, and Mino Raiola indicated that it was a welcome link.
"Arsenal are a fantastic club," he told Sky Sports when asked about the report.
"Only eight or 10 clubs in the world can afford Mario Balotelli - like all premium players, and he is one of the greatest.
"Will the move happen? Anything is possible."
The former Manchester City striker has scored 28 goals in 51 appearances for the Rossoneri since returning to Serie A in January 2013.
He was on the scoresheet for his country against England in Manaus, netting the winner as the Azzurri got off to a strong start in Group D.
Vidal: I'll be fit to face Spain
Arturo Vidal is confident he will be fit for Chile's crucial World Cup clash with Spain and that he will play through the pain barrier if necessary.
The Juventus star underwent minor knee surgery last month and was only able to play an hour of Chile's 3-1 win over Australia in their opening Group B game last Friday.
Victory over Spain in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday could seal qualification for the last 16 and Vidal has indicated that he should to be available.
"I'll try to be 100 per cent," he said. "Physically I think I am fit. I feel good and I've tried very carefully in training.
"My knee has responded very well.
"Playing against Australia was my decision. As I said, I wanted to play at the World Cup even if it meant risking my knee."
Vidal went on to say that Spain will provide a stern test at the Maracana, dismissing any notion that the reigning world champions are past their best and suggesting that they are actually better than they were four years ago.
"We'll have to be very strong," the 27-year-old continued.
"Are they burnt out? I don't think so. Spain have increased in quality and have more technical players.
"If you stop to look at this Spain and the one in South Africa, I believe this is stronger. We'd take a draw, but we'll go out to win as always."
Arturo Vidal is confident he will be fit for Chile's crucial World Cup clash with Spain and that he will play through the pain barrier if necessary.
The Juventus star underwent minor knee surgery last month and was only able to play an hour of Chile's 3-1 win over Australia in their opening Group B game last Friday.
Victory over Spain in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday could seal qualification for the last 16 and Vidal has indicated that he should to be available.
"I'll try to be 100 per cent," he said. "Physically I think I am fit. I feel good and I've tried very carefully in training.
"My knee has responded very well.
"Playing against Australia was my decision. As I said, I wanted to play at the World Cup even if it meant risking my knee."
Vidal went on to say that Spain will provide a stern test at the Maracana, dismissing any notion that the reigning world champions are past their best and suggesting that they are actually better than they were four years ago.
"We'll have to be very strong," the 27-year-old continued.
"Are they burnt out? I don't think so. Spain have increased in quality and have more technical players.
"If you stop to look at this Spain and the one in South Africa, I believe this is stronger. We'd take a draw, but we'll go out to win as always."
Fabregas: Arsenal fans' reaction to Chelsea move won't hurt me
Cesc Fabregas insists that he will not let any backlash from Arsenal fans to his decision to move to Chelsea affect him.
The Spain midfielder spent eight years with the Gunners and was named their captain before leaving to return to Barcelona in 2011.
Arsenal retained a first option on the 27-year-old if the Catalan side did decide to sell but opted not to exercise it before he agreed to join their London rivals.
"I'm mature enough for that [reaction] not to hurt," Fabregas told the press. "I have explained it well. I've always been very loyal and grateful to Arsenal.
"There was a first option they could exercise - I talked with Arsene Wenger and he told me that the area was covered with Mesut Ozil - but there is always fans who want to cause trouble."
Fabregas has also revealed that he asked to leave Barcelona after three mixed seasons in La Liga. He played under three different managers but only won the Spanish title once.
"There was a certain point when I took the decision and spoke to Andoni Zubizarreta [director of football] and the president [Josep Maria Bartomeu] and asked them to help me make the best decision," Fabregas explained to Cope.
"There were many, many factors. My numbers weren't bad but it's true that in big games I didn't manage to find those goals or assists.
"But I leave satisfied. I have played with my friends and experienced incredible moments in Camp Nou and outside. For me it was a great period but it's over and I wanted to find something new. I asked to leave."
Cesc Fabregas insists that he will not let any backlash from Arsenal fans to his decision to move to Chelsea affect him.
The Spain midfielder spent eight years with the Gunners and was named their captain before leaving to return to Barcelona in 2011.
Arsenal retained a first option on the 27-year-old if the Catalan side did decide to sell but opted not to exercise it before he agreed to join their London rivals.
"I'm mature enough for that [reaction] not to hurt," Fabregas told the press. "I have explained it well. I've always been very loyal and grateful to Arsenal.
"There was a first option they could exercise - I talked with Arsene Wenger and he told me that the area was covered with Mesut Ozil - but there is always fans who want to cause trouble."
Fabregas has also revealed that he asked to leave Barcelona after three mixed seasons in La Liga. He played under three different managers but only won the Spanish title once.
"There was a certain point when I took the decision and spoke to Andoni Zubizarreta [director of football] and the president [Josep Maria Bartomeu] and asked them to help me make the best decision," Fabregas explained to Cope.
"There were many, many factors. My numbers weren't bad but it's true that in big games I didn't manage to find those goals or assists.
"But I leave satisfied. I have played with my friends and experienced incredible moments in Camp Nou and outside. For me it was a great period but it's over and I wanted to find something new. I asked to leave."
Draxler dismisses renewed Arsenal links
Schalke sensation Julian Draxler has revealed that he is planning to stay with the Bundesliga club for another year following further links to Arsenal.
The Gunners were lining up a bid for the Germany international back in January, with Draxler himself confirming that Schalke blocked a potential switch to Emirates Stadium.
The 20-year-old has long been tracked by Arsene Wenger's side and, following reports that he is again being lined up as a potential summer target, Draxler insists he wants to stay put for one further year.
He said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "In January there was an offer from Arsenal but I decided to stay.
"I will do same this summer. I want one more year with Schalke."
Draxler struck two goals in 26 Bundesliga games last season and was an unused substitute as Germany kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a 4-0 victory over Portugal on Monday.
Schalke sensation Julian Draxler has revealed that he is planning to stay with the Bundesliga club for another year following further links to Arsenal.
The Gunners were lining up a bid for the Germany international back in January, with Draxler himself confirming that Schalke blocked a potential switch to Emirates Stadium.
The 20-year-old has long been tracked by Arsene Wenger's side and, following reports that he is again being lined up as a potential summer target, Draxler insists he wants to stay put for one further year.
He said, as quoted by BBC Sport: "In January there was an offer from Arsenal but I decided to stay.
"I will do same this summer. I want one more year with Schalke."
Draxler struck two goals in 26 Bundesliga games last season and was an unused substitute as Germany kicked off their World Cup campaign in style with a 4-0 victory over Portugal on Monday.
- Status
