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
FIFA World Cup 2014 Fixtures 2014.06.25
FIFA World Cup 2014 Fixtures 2014.06.25
----------------------------------------------------
Group F
Nigeria Vs Argentina
Bosnia Vs Iran
----------------------------------------------------
Group E
Honduras Vs Switzerland
Ecuador Vs France
----------------------------------------------------
Group F
----------------------------------------------------
Group E
FIFA announces Suarez investigation
FIFA has announced it will investigate the Luis Suarez alleged biting incident with Liverpool's Uruguayan striker likely to face a lengthy ban if found guilty.
Suarez appeared to bite Italy's Giorgio Chiellini towards the end of Uruguay's 1-0 Group D World Cup win, leaving teeth-marks on his shoulder.
A FIFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport: "We are awaiting the official match reports and will gather all the necessary elements in order to evaluate the matter."
FIFA asked the team to present evidence, which can include video recordings, by 5 p.m. local time Wednesday. A decision must be published before Saturday, when Uruguay plays Colombia in a round-of-16 match at Maracana stadium.FIFA's disciplinary code sets a maximum ban of 24 matches or two years, but the longest ban in World Cup history was eight games for Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking Spain's Luis Enrique's nose in 1994 with an elbow.
Suarez has twice been banned for biting opponents. In 2013, he was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic and in 2010 he was given a seven-game ban while playing for Ajax for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal.
"These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me,'' Suarez said in Spanish after the game. "These things happen on the pitch, and we don't have to give them so much (importance)."
FIFA's disciplinary code allows action to be taken retrospectively via video evidence even if the incident has been seen by the referee.
Article 77 of FIFA's disciplinary code states the disciplinary committee is responsible for "sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials' attention" and "rectifying obvious errors in the referee's disciplinary decisions."Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, who went on to resign immediately after the game, confirmed he had seen the bite marks.
He said: "I didn't see Suarez biting him but I saw the bite-marks on his shoulder but the referee's assistants were so busy they didn't see anything. It's a shame, it's a real shame that it turned out like this."Chiellini said it was "ridiculous" that Suarez had not been sent off while Italy's Claudio Marchisio was for a hard foul on Arevalo Rios.
"The disparity in judgement has been evident," said Chiellini, who showed the referee the bite marks while still on the field. "Marchisio's sending off was ridiculous but more so the fact that Suarez wasn't sent off. There's an inclination to protect star players but the referee should have shown him a red card."Jim Boyce, Britain's FIFA vice-president and head of FIFA's referees committee, expressed major concerns about Suarez's actions.
"I have watched the incident several times on television," said Boyce. "There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism. FIFA must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary."
FIFA has announced it will investigate the Luis Suarez alleged biting incident with Liverpool's Uruguayan striker likely to face a lengthy ban if found guilty.
Suarez appeared to bite Italy's Giorgio Chiellini towards the end of Uruguay's 1-0 Group D World Cup win, leaving teeth-marks on his shoulder.
A FIFA spokesperson told Press Association Sport: "We are awaiting the official match reports and will gather all the necessary elements in order to evaluate the matter."
FIFA asked the team to present evidence, which can include video recordings, by 5 p.m. local time Wednesday. A decision must be published before Saturday, when Uruguay plays Colombia in a round-of-16 match at Maracana stadium.FIFA's disciplinary code sets a maximum ban of 24 matches or two years, but the longest ban in World Cup history was eight games for Italy's Mauro Tassotti for breaking Spain's Luis Enrique's nose in 1994 with an elbow.
Suarez has twice been banned for biting opponents. In 2013, he was banned for 10 matches for biting Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic and in 2010 he was given a seven-game ban while playing for Ajax for biting PSV Eindhoven's Otman Bakkal.
"These are things that happen on the pitch, we were both in the area, he thrust his shoulder into me,'' Suarez said in Spanish after the game. "These things happen on the pitch, and we don't have to give them so much (importance)."
FIFA's disciplinary code allows action to be taken retrospectively via video evidence even if the incident has been seen by the referee.
Article 77 of FIFA's disciplinary code states the disciplinary committee is responsible for "sanctioning serious infringements which have escaped the match officials' attention" and "rectifying obvious errors in the referee's disciplinary decisions."Italy boss Cesare Prandelli, who went on to resign immediately after the game, confirmed he had seen the bite marks.
He said: "I didn't see Suarez biting him but I saw the bite-marks on his shoulder but the referee's assistants were so busy they didn't see anything. It's a shame, it's a real shame that it turned out like this."Chiellini said it was "ridiculous" that Suarez had not been sent off while Italy's Claudio Marchisio was for a hard foul on Arevalo Rios.
"The disparity in judgement has been evident," said Chiellini, who showed the referee the bite marks while still on the field. "Marchisio's sending off was ridiculous but more so the fact that Suarez wasn't sent off. There's an inclination to protect star players but the referee should have shown him a red card."Jim Boyce, Britain's FIFA vice-president and head of FIFA's referees committee, expressed major concerns about Suarez's actions.
"I have watched the incident several times on television," said Boyce. "There is no doubt Luis Suarez is a fantastic footballer but, once again, his actions have left him open to severe criticism. FIFA must investigate the incident seriously and take whatever disciplinary action deemed necessary."
Shaqiri ge 1st goal 1ka patta!
Nigeria 2-3 Argentina: Messi soars against Super Eagles
Lionel Messi stole the show for the third Argentina match in a row, propelling his team to a 3-2 win over a dogged Nigeria side who qualified for the World Cup last 16 regardless on Wednesday.
Barcelona superstar Messi was at his brilliant best at Estadio Beira-Rio on Wednesday, following up a stunning half-volley with a superb free kick.His efforts, though, were twice cancelled out by the equally impressive Ahmed Musa as Nigeria put in a spirited display.
They eventually succumbed as Marcos Rojo's unorthodox finish five minutes after half-time ensured Argentina went through with a maximum haul of nine points.While Nigeria entered their final Group F fixture needing a draw to guarantee their progression, Bosnia-Herzegovina's 3-1 triumph over Iran meant that they qualified anyway.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions look likely to face France in the last 16, with Argentina probably on course to tackle Switzerland or Ecuador - with Group E set to be concluded later on Wednesday.Any hopes Nigeria had of getting the point they required were dented immediately as Messi fired the two-time champions ahead.
Angel Di Maria was instrumental, charging into the area before unleashing a fierce strike that hit the post, struck the back of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and bounced back onto the woodwork.
Unfortunately for the African side, as the ball ricocheted back into the area, Messi was on hand to power home a sublime half-volley.
But Nigeria were not willing to be the supporting act for too long and levelled a minute later, Musa picking up the ball on the left flank before cutting inside and expertly bending a curling effort beyond Sergio Romero.Argentina required a response, and they almost found one soon afterwards when Gonzalo Higuain poked a shot wide after getting on the end of Messi's through-ball.
It was Di Maria who was causing the greatest threat, his low 25-yard strike forcing a good save from Enyeama. Yet Messi assumed centre stage again to re-establish his side's lead.
Having forced a fine save from Enyeama with a curling set-piece, he left the Nigeria goalkeeper stranded from exactly the same position in first-half injury time after the mercurial Barcelona man had been brought down by Kenneth Omeruo.
Far from downhearted, Nigeria found an almost immediate riposte after the interval as Musa ran into a huge gap between the Argentina centre-backs and slotted past Romero, having been picked out by Emmanuel Emenike.However, as the momentum swung once more, Argentina moved in front for the third time just three minutes later, Rojo kneeing Ezequiel Lavezzi's corner home in unorthodox fashion.
Suddenly attacking with renewed verve, Alejandro Sabella's men began to look increasingly threatening - with Enyeama having to be on high alert to keep out a Higuain effort before Messi slid a shot wide.The Argentina captain was withdrawn in the 63rd minute, to a rapturous ovation from the crowd.
Sabella's side barely missed a beat in his absence, although some poor finishing - summed up by Di Maria hitting straight at the goalkeeper towards the end - ultimately meant that they did not add to their tally.
Lionel Messi stole the show for the third Argentina match in a row, propelling his team to a 3-2 win over a dogged Nigeria side who qualified for the World Cup last 16 regardless on Wednesday.
Barcelona superstar Messi was at his brilliant best at Estadio Beira-Rio on Wednesday, following up a stunning half-volley with a superb free kick.His efforts, though, were twice cancelled out by the equally impressive Ahmed Musa as Nigeria put in a spirited display.
They eventually succumbed as Marcos Rojo's unorthodox finish five minutes after half-time ensured Argentina went through with a maximum haul of nine points.While Nigeria entered their final Group F fixture needing a draw to guarantee their progression, Bosnia-Herzegovina's 3-1 triumph over Iran meant that they qualified anyway.
The Africa Cup of Nations champions look likely to face France in the last 16, with Argentina probably on course to tackle Switzerland or Ecuador - with Group E set to be concluded later on Wednesday.Any hopes Nigeria had of getting the point they required were dented immediately as Messi fired the two-time champions ahead.
Angel Di Maria was instrumental, charging into the area before unleashing a fierce strike that hit the post, struck the back of goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama and bounced back onto the woodwork.
Unfortunately for the African side, as the ball ricocheted back into the area, Messi was on hand to power home a sublime half-volley.
But Nigeria were not willing to be the supporting act for too long and levelled a minute later, Musa picking up the ball on the left flank before cutting inside and expertly bending a curling effort beyond Sergio Romero.Argentina required a response, and they almost found one soon afterwards when Gonzalo Higuain poked a shot wide after getting on the end of Messi's through-ball.
It was Di Maria who was causing the greatest threat, his low 25-yard strike forcing a good save from Enyeama. Yet Messi assumed centre stage again to re-establish his side's lead.
Having forced a fine save from Enyeama with a curling set-piece, he left the Nigeria goalkeeper stranded from exactly the same position in first-half injury time after the mercurial Barcelona man had been brought down by Kenneth Omeruo.
Far from downhearted, Nigeria found an almost immediate riposte after the interval as Musa ran into a huge gap between the Argentina centre-backs and slotted past Romero, having been picked out by Emmanuel Emenike.However, as the momentum swung once more, Argentina moved in front for the third time just three minutes later, Rojo kneeing Ezequiel Lavezzi's corner home in unorthodox fashion.
Suddenly attacking with renewed verve, Alejandro Sabella's men began to look increasingly threatening - with Enyeama having to be on high alert to keep out a Higuain effort before Messi slid a shot wide.The Argentina captain was withdrawn in the 63rd minute, to a rapturous ovation from the crowd.
Sabella's side barely missed a beat in his absence, although some poor finishing - summed up by Di Maria hitting straight at the goalkeeper towards the end - ultimately meant that they did not add to their tally.
Bosnia-Herzegovina 3-1 Iran: Dzeko and Pjanic help Nigeria out
Bosnia-Herzegovina knocked Iran out of the World Cup and salvaged some pride with a 3-1 win on Wednesday.
With their fate already sealed after defeats to Argentina and Nigeria, Bosnia played with freedom and made history as goals to Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Avdija Vrsajevic saw them collect their first points at the showpiece.
The result also ended Iran's stay in Brazil, as they finished last in Group F with just one point from three matches.Carlos Queiroz's side needed to beat Bosnia and hope Argentina defeated Nigeria, but saw their slim chances of progression end in Salvador on Wednesday.
Dzeko broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a well-placed low strike from 25 yards, and Pjanic doubled their lead a minute before the hour.
Reza Ghoochannejad gave Iran a lifeline with eight minutes left, tapping in from close range, but Vrsajevic responded within 60 seconds for Bosnia, scoring an excellent angled finish.The result means Nigeria – who were beaten 3-2 by Argentina – progress to the last 16 with Alejandro Sabella's side.
Bosnia coach Safet Susic rang the changes following their defeat to Nigeria, making five, as Vedad Ibisevic lined up alongside Dzeko in attack, while, in stark contrast, Iran were unchanged after their impressive, albeit fruitless, performance against Argentina.
Bosnia – who had been on the front foot since kick-off – had their pressure rewarded in the 23rd minute when Dzeko, who proved an early threat, broke his World Cup duck.
The Manchester City forward won the ball 35 yards from goal and charged forward, evading two challenges before firing a low left-footed strike past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi, into the inside of the post, and in.
Iran were denied an immediate response when Masoud Shojaei's deflected effort from just inside the penalty area hit the crossbar after good work from Ashkan Dejagah on the right.
Ghoochannejad was next to go close for a rejuvenated Iran, but was denied by Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the 31st minute, while after the break, Dejagah completely missed the ball when presented with a good chance to equalise.
And Pjanic made Iran pay with 59 minutes played, as he netted a composed finish from seven yards after Tino Susic found him with a perfect pass.
Iran gave Bosnia a scare though, when after failing to net in their first two games, they finally got themselves on the scoresheet.Ghoochannejad was the man responsible, applying the finishing touches to Javad Nekounam's dangerous low cross.
It mattered little, though, as Bosnia sealed their victory when Vrsajevic fired in off the post to end a swift counterattack.
Bosnia-Herzegovina knocked Iran out of the World Cup and salvaged some pride with a 3-1 win on Wednesday.
With their fate already sealed after defeats to Argentina and Nigeria, Bosnia played with freedom and made history as goals to Edin Dzeko, Miralem Pjanic and Avdija Vrsajevic saw them collect their first points at the showpiece.
The result also ended Iran's stay in Brazil, as they finished last in Group F with just one point from three matches.Carlos Queiroz's side needed to beat Bosnia and hope Argentina defeated Nigeria, but saw their slim chances of progression end in Salvador on Wednesday.
Dzeko broke the deadlock midway through the first half with a well-placed low strike from 25 yards, and Pjanic doubled their lead a minute before the hour.
Reza Ghoochannejad gave Iran a lifeline with eight minutes left, tapping in from close range, but Vrsajevic responded within 60 seconds for Bosnia, scoring an excellent angled finish.The result means Nigeria – who were beaten 3-2 by Argentina – progress to the last 16 with Alejandro Sabella's side.
Bosnia coach Safet Susic rang the changes following their defeat to Nigeria, making five, as Vedad Ibisevic lined up alongside Dzeko in attack, while, in stark contrast, Iran were unchanged after their impressive, albeit fruitless, performance against Argentina.
Bosnia – who had been on the front foot since kick-off – had their pressure rewarded in the 23rd minute when Dzeko, who proved an early threat, broke his World Cup duck.
The Manchester City forward won the ball 35 yards from goal and charged forward, evading two challenges before firing a low left-footed strike past Iran goalkeeper Alireza Haghighi, into the inside of the post, and in.
Iran were denied an immediate response when Masoud Shojaei's deflected effort from just inside the penalty area hit the crossbar after good work from Ashkan Dejagah on the right.
Ghoochannejad was next to go close for a rejuvenated Iran, but was denied by Bosnia goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in the 31st minute, while after the break, Dejagah completely missed the ball when presented with a good chance to equalise.
And Pjanic made Iran pay with 59 minutes played, as he netted a composed finish from seven yards after Tino Susic found him with a perfect pass.
Iran gave Bosnia a scare though, when after failing to net in their first two games, they finally got themselves on the scoresheet.Ghoochannejad was the man responsible, applying the finishing touches to Javad Nekounam's dangerous low cross.
It mattered little, though, as Bosnia sealed their victory when Vrsajevic fired in off the post to end a swift counterattack.
'Balotelli wouldn't play for Italy if he were white'
Mario Balotelli would not play for Italy if he was white, according to popular psychological coach Alberto Ferrarini.
The 23-year-old striker was substituted at half-time during the Azzurri's 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which saw them crash out at the group stage of the World Cup for the second time in a row.
Balotelli has come under immense criticism once again and took to his Instagram to defend himself, insisting he "gave his all" for the national team.
He then added: "Or maybe, like you say, I’m not Italian. Africans would never cast aside one of their 'brothers'. NEVER ... There’s no shame on who misses a goal or runs less or more."
And Ferrarini, who works as a motivational coach for players such as Leonardo Bonucci and Alberto Gilardino, has outrageously insisted Balotelli is "privileged" and only has a place in the national team because he is black.
"Dear Mario Balotelli," he wrote on his Facebook. "I think that the colour of your skin has helped you significantly during your career...
"If you were like me, a white man, today you would not be in the national team... as a white guy you would have been a good player and that's all.
"In addition, you are a big pain in the ass. Moreover, every time I see you play, I watch you with my eyes and white skin: 'You are a privileged!'
"Finally I tell you, if you like Africa, it would be great to see you play 'with your brothers'. But, they aren't as naive as the Italians and there you'd only be one of many. Think about this!"
Mario Balotelli would not play for Italy if he was white, according to popular psychological coach Alberto Ferrarini.
The 23-year-old striker was substituted at half-time during the Azzurri's 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which saw them crash out at the group stage of the World Cup for the second time in a row.
Balotelli has come under immense criticism once again and took to his Instagram to defend himself, insisting he "gave his all" for the national team.
He then added: "Or maybe, like you say, I’m not Italian. Africans would never cast aside one of their 'brothers'. NEVER ... There’s no shame on who misses a goal or runs less or more."
And Ferrarini, who works as a motivational coach for players such as Leonardo Bonucci and Alberto Gilardino, has outrageously insisted Balotelli is "privileged" and only has a place in the national team because he is black.
"Dear Mario Balotelli," he wrote on his Facebook. "I think that the colour of your skin has helped you significantly during your career...
"If you were like me, a white man, today you would not be in the national team... as a white guy you would have been a good player and that's all.
"In addition, you are a big pain in the ass. Moreover, every time I see you play, I watch you with my eyes and white skin: 'You are a privileged!'
"Finally I tell you, if you like Africa, it would be great to see you play 'with your brothers'. But, they aren't as naive as the Italians and there you'd only be one of many. Think about this!"
Suarez's lawyer blames England & Italy for Suarez bite hysteria
Luis Suarez's lawyer has blamed England and Italy for the hype surrounding the Uruguayan striker's latest controversy.
The Liverpool forward has been accused of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in his side's 1-0 victory in their final Group D match - the third time the striker has been involved in such an incident in his career.
However Suarez's lawyer, Alejandro Balbi, has confirmed that they are working on a defence and has insisted the confrontation has been blown out of proportion as a result of the Liverpool man's history.
"We don't have any doubts that this has happened because it's Suarez and secondly because Italy was eliminated," Balbi, who is also a Uruguay FA board member, told local Uruguayan radio.
"There's a lot of pressure from England and Italy. We’re polishing off a defence argument.
"There is a possibility that they ban him, because there are precedents, but we're convinced that it was an absolutely casual play, because if Chiellini can show a scratch on one shoulder, Suarez can show a bruised and almost shut eye.
"If every player starts showing the injuries he suffers and they open inquiries for them everything will be way too complicated in the future. We’re going to use all the arguments possible so that Luis gets out in the best possible way.”
Luis Suarez's lawyer has blamed England and Italy for the hype surrounding the Uruguayan striker's latest controversy.
The Liverpool forward has been accused of biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder in his side's 1-0 victory in their final Group D match - the third time the striker has been involved in such an incident in his career.
However Suarez's lawyer, Alejandro Balbi, has confirmed that they are working on a defence and has insisted the confrontation has been blown out of proportion as a result of the Liverpool man's history.
"We don't have any doubts that this has happened because it's Suarez and secondly because Italy was eliminated," Balbi, who is also a Uruguay FA board member, told local Uruguayan radio.
"There's a lot of pressure from England and Italy. We’re polishing off a defence argument.
"There is a possibility that they ban him, because there are precedents, but we're convinced that it was an absolutely casual play, because if Chiellini can show a scratch on one shoulder, Suarez can show a bruised and almost shut eye.
"If every player starts showing the injuries he suffers and they open inquiries for them everything will be way too complicated in the future. We’re going to use all the arguments possible so that Luis gets out in the best possible way.”
Depay: Robben's unstoppable and unbelievable
Netherlands youngster Memphis Depay has heaped praise upon Arjen Robben, insisting the forward is "unstoppable".
Robben has been the key man for Louis van Gaal's side in the World Cup having scored three goals and picked up an assist as the Oranje beat Spain, Chile and Australia to finish top of Group B.
The Bayern Munich star's assist was for Depay himself, who slotted in his second World Cup goal in the dying minutes of his side's win over Chile and the 20-year-old is in awe of his team-mate.
"Robben is fantastic," he told De Telegraaf. "It's great to train with him every day. I can't believe my eyes how fast he can dribble the ball and I think he's one of the fastest players in the world. He's a top player and it's nice to play in a team with him.
"For my goal [against Chile] it was a great ball from Nigel de Jong and then nice play by Robben.
"Once Arjen is gone, he's unstoppable. The goal is half his. He put the ball in well and I believed I could score, so I also pointed out Arjen after the goal."
The PSV winger says he feels blessed to be at the tournament in Brazil and says the experience has made him a better player already.
"The world is very beautiful at the moment. It's nice to be playing. I've scored twice on such a big stage and I'm really happy."In the last weeks I've become a better player. I'm learning so much from the guys here around me. They have made me wiser."
After the World Cup, Van Gaal will begin work as Manchester United boss and Depay has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but he insists he isn't thinking about it now.
"I am still under contract with PSV until 2017 and I am now working at the World Cup. I want to stay completely focused on it."
Netherlands youngster Memphis Depay has heaped praise upon Arjen Robben, insisting the forward is "unstoppable".
Robben has been the key man for Louis van Gaal's side in the World Cup having scored three goals and picked up an assist as the Oranje beat Spain, Chile and Australia to finish top of Group B.
The Bayern Munich star's assist was for Depay himself, who slotted in his second World Cup goal in the dying minutes of his side's win over Chile and the 20-year-old is in awe of his team-mate.
"Robben is fantastic," he told De Telegraaf. "It's great to train with him every day. I can't believe my eyes how fast he can dribble the ball and I think he's one of the fastest players in the world. He's a top player and it's nice to play in a team with him.
"For my goal [against Chile] it was a great ball from Nigel de Jong and then nice play by Robben.
"Once Arjen is gone, he's unstoppable. The goal is half his. He put the ball in well and I believed I could score, so I also pointed out Arjen after the goal."
The PSV winger says he feels blessed to be at the tournament in Brazil and says the experience has made him a better player already.
"The world is very beautiful at the moment. It's nice to be playing. I've scored twice on such a big stage and I'm really happy."In the last weeks I've become a better player. I'm learning so much from the guys here around me. They have made me wiser."
After the World Cup, Van Gaal will begin work as Manchester United boss and Depay has been linked with a move to Old Trafford but he insists he isn't thinking about it now.
"I am still under contract with PSV until 2017 and I am now working at the World Cup. I want to stay completely focused on it."
Ramos promises Spain will return to top
Spain defender Sergio Ramos has promised to help return the country its former glory following a dismal World Cup campaign.
The 2010 champions got off to a dreadful start as they suffered a 5-1 defeat at the hands of eventual group winners Netherlands, before falling to a 2-0 loss against Chile.
That result saw them eliminated from the competition, but they did at least save some face with 3-0 win over Australia in their closing fixture.And, after returning to his homeland, Real Madrid vice-captain Ramos took to Twitter to make a promise to Spanish supporters.
"Falling isn't important, what is is knowing how to get up," he tweeted. "We'll bring you back the pride of feeling like champions."
Spain must now look to win a third consecutive European Championship as they prepare for the qualifying phase for the 2016 tournament in France. La Roja have been drawn in a group alongside Ukraine, Slovakia, Belarus, Macedonia and Luxembourg.
They begin their qualifying campaign against Macedonia on September 8.
Ghana resolve bonus row ahead of Portugal clash
Ghana's bonus row between the players and the nation's FA has been solved after €2.2 million was flown into Brazil by the government on Tuesday.
The Black Stars were irritated with the amount they had been paid and almost boycotted their trip to Brasilia to face Portugal in their must-win final group game.
Ghana president John Mahama had to intervene swiftly to calm nerves over the appearance fees for the World Cup which has not been paid since the start of the competition.
An official statement from the Ghana FA confirmed the ruckus in camp but assured that "the money will be paid by Wednesday afternoon which has brought some assurance to the Black Stars".
Ghana’s deputy sports minister Joseph Yamin said officials had no option than to arrive at that decision since the players threatened to derail the World Cup campaign.
The players held up their trip to Brasilia for hours demanding about $100,000 each as “appearance fee” at the global football fiesta before facing beleaguered Portugal on Thursday.
The sports ministry had initially planned to wire the money to the players as the tournament wears on but they had to “come back and mobilise the physical cash to be sent to them. Saturday morning, the money was mobilised but a chartered flight to take the money to Brazil is what has delayed the money up until now.”
Yamin told Accra-based Citi FM that the flight will be in Brazil on Wednesday then the money will be disbursed to the agitated players ahead of their must-win game against Portugal.He said “government had to contend with getting permits, getting the reliable flight to be able to send this money across, national security vans would have to be policing this money to the airport.”
Yamin said they had no option than to give in to the Black Stars pressure since government did not want to be blamed for a bad campaign in Brazil.
Ghana will play Portugal on Thursday and a convincing win could see them making it to the knockout stage of the competition.
Ghana's bonus row between the players and the nation's FA has been solved after €2.2 million was flown into Brazil by the government on Tuesday.
The Black Stars were irritated with the amount they had been paid and almost boycotted their trip to Brasilia to face Portugal in their must-win final group game.
Ghana president John Mahama had to intervene swiftly to calm nerves over the appearance fees for the World Cup which has not been paid since the start of the competition.
An official statement from the Ghana FA confirmed the ruckus in camp but assured that "the money will be paid by Wednesday afternoon which has brought some assurance to the Black Stars".
Ghana’s deputy sports minister Joseph Yamin said officials had no option than to arrive at that decision since the players threatened to derail the World Cup campaign.
The players held up their trip to Brasilia for hours demanding about $100,000 each as “appearance fee” at the global football fiesta before facing beleaguered Portugal on Thursday.
The sports ministry had initially planned to wire the money to the players as the tournament wears on but they had to “come back and mobilise the physical cash to be sent to them. Saturday morning, the money was mobilised but a chartered flight to take the money to Brazil is what has delayed the money up until now.”
Yamin told Accra-based Citi FM that the flight will be in Brazil on Wednesday then the money will be disbursed to the agitated players ahead of their must-win game against Portugal.He said “government had to contend with getting permits, getting the reliable flight to be able to send this money across, national security vans would have to be policing this money to the airport.”
Yamin said they had no option than to give in to the Black Stars pressure since government did not want to be blamed for a bad campaign in Brazil.
Ghana will play Portugal on Thursday and a convincing win could see them making it to the knockout stage of the competition.
Zenit complete Garay deal
Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica have both confirmed that defender Ezequiel Garay will join the Russian side this summer.
The centre-back has attracted the attention of several clubs after an excellent season with the Portuguese giants in which they won the Europa League.
And the former Real Madrid player has secured a move to the Russian side, having joined on a five-year deal active from July 1 for a fee reported to be around €15 million.
"Football clubs Zenit and Benfica have reached an agreement over the transfer of the defender of the Argentina national team," a statement on the Russian side's official website read. "The contract has been signed for five years from July 1. The player will join the team after the World Cup."
Benfica also confirmed the deal, revealing that they will make €6m from the sale, however the true transfer fee is reported to be around €15m as the Portuguese club owned only 40 per cent of the player, while Real Madrid owned 50% with the remainder belonging to a third party.
"Benfica announces that it has reached agreement with Zenit to transfer outright the sporting and economic rights of Ezequiel Marcelo Garay Gonzalez for the amount of €6m," the club announced.
Garay thanked coach Jorge Jesus and his team-mates for the support they have shown him in the three years he spent in Portugal.
"I want to thank everyone who supported me in these three magnificent years I spent at Benfica," he told Benfica TV.
"In particular the president, who believed and invested in me, and the coach who made me evolve and reach a level that I'm very proud of.
"Thanks also to all my team-mates with whom I had the honour of playing with for this club.
"I want to return all the love that Benfica and the supporters gave me. I'll take all the unforgettable moments I've had in Portugal in my heart. Thanks!"
Zenit St Petersburg and Benfica have both confirmed that defender Ezequiel Garay will join the Russian side this summer.
The centre-back has attracted the attention of several clubs after an excellent season with the Portuguese giants in which they won the Europa League.
And the former Real Madrid player has secured a move to the Russian side, having joined on a five-year deal active from July 1 for a fee reported to be around €15 million.
"Football clubs Zenit and Benfica have reached an agreement over the transfer of the defender of the Argentina national team," a statement on the Russian side's official website read. "The contract has been signed for five years from July 1. The player will join the team after the World Cup."
Benfica also confirmed the deal, revealing that they will make €6m from the sale, however the true transfer fee is reported to be around €15m as the Portuguese club owned only 40 per cent of the player, while Real Madrid owned 50% with the remainder belonging to a third party.
"Benfica announces that it has reached agreement with Zenit to transfer outright the sporting and economic rights of Ezequiel Marcelo Garay Gonzalez for the amount of €6m," the club announced.
Garay thanked coach Jorge Jesus and his team-mates for the support they have shown him in the three years he spent in Portugal.
"I want to thank everyone who supported me in these three magnificent years I spent at Benfica," he told Benfica TV.
"In particular the president, who believed and invested in me, and the coach who made me evolve and reach a level that I'm very proud of.
"Thanks also to all my team-mates with whom I had the honour of playing with for this club.
"I want to return all the love that Benfica and the supporters gave me. I'll take all the unforgettable moments I've had in Portugal in my heart. Thanks!"
Koke and Juanfran extend Atletico deals
Atletico Madrid duo Koke and Juanfran have committed their futures to the Spanish champions, signing new long-term deals.
After an excellent season in which they won La Liga and reached the Champions League final, the pair were linked to moves away from the club, with several Premier League sides expressing an interest in them.
However, the players have shrugged off offers from other clubs - with midfielder Koke most notably linked with Barcelona - and opted to stay at the Vicente Calderon.
The club have confirmed that Koke, 22, and right-back Juanfran, 29, will remain in the Spanish capital, having signed new five and four year deals respectively.
"Koke and Juanfran have extended their contracts with our club until 2019 and 2018," an Atleti statement read.
"Both players are key pieces of Atletico's recent success and their renewals are great news for the club.
"Koke started in our youth ranks and has become one of the stalwarts of the current Atletico Madrid team. He was a key part in the league and cup titles won in the last two seasons.
"Meanwhile, Juanfran joined in the winter of the 2010-11 season from Osasuna and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the league and in Europe in the last three campaigns."
Atletico Madrid duo Koke and Juanfran have committed their futures to the Spanish champions, signing new long-term deals.
After an excellent season in which they won La Liga and reached the Champions League final, the pair were linked to moves away from the club, with several Premier League sides expressing an interest in them.
However, the players have shrugged off offers from other clubs - with midfielder Koke most notably linked with Barcelona - and opted to stay at the Vicente Calderon.
The club have confirmed that Koke, 22, and right-back Juanfran, 29, will remain in the Spanish capital, having signed new five and four year deals respectively.
"Koke and Juanfran have extended their contracts with our club until 2019 and 2018," an Atleti statement read.
"Both players are key pieces of Atletico's recent success and their renewals are great news for the club.
"Koke started in our youth ranks and has become one of the stalwarts of the current Atletico Madrid team. He was a key part in the league and cup titles won in the last two seasons.
"Meanwhile, Juanfran joined in the winter of the 2010-11 season from Osasuna and has established himself as one of the best right-backs in the league and in Europe in the last three campaigns."
Wenger plays down Balotelli pursuit
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has attempted to play down the Gunners' interest in AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italy international is expected to leave Milan this summer, with director Barbara Berlusconi going as far as to describe the striker as "not irreplaceable" on Saturday.
And Goal understands that Wenger met with the 23-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, while working as a pundit in Brazil, though any deal could cost the FA Cup winners €44 million [£35m].
Raiola was quoted recently on the possibility of a move to the Emirates Stadium too, with the agent declaring: "Arsenal are a fantastic club.
"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."
But veteran coach Wenger has moved to calm excitement regarding the possible arrival of the Italy forward despite the Gunners' urgent need for striker cover.
When questioned on a move for Balotelli by beIN Sports, he said: "No. No, that's pure invention.
"We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on internet or is in newspapers.
"Sometimes it's created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it's not true."
Wenger has previously looked to keep his transfer dealings close to his chest, but with just Olivier Giroud and inexperienced pair Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell as options up front, a new forward is almost certain to be on his radar.
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has attempted to play down the Gunners' interest in AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli.
The Italy international is expected to leave Milan this summer, with director Barbara Berlusconi going as far as to describe the striker as "not irreplaceable" on Saturday.
And Goal understands that Wenger met with the 23-year-old's agent, Mino Raiola, while working as a pundit in Brazil, though any deal could cost the FA Cup winners €44 million [£35m].
Raiola was quoted recently on the possibility of a move to the Emirates Stadium too, with the agent declaring: "Arsenal are a fantastic club.
"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."
But veteran coach Wenger has moved to calm excitement regarding the possible arrival of the Italy forward despite the Gunners' urgent need for striker cover.
When questioned on a move for Balotelli by beIN Sports, he said: "No. No, that's pure invention.
"We cannot believe absolutely everything that is on internet or is in newspapers.
"Sometimes it's created by agents or by press who need news. But in this case, it's not true."
Wenger has previously looked to keep his transfer dealings close to his chest, but with just Olivier Giroud and inexperienced pair Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell as options up front, a new forward is almost certain to be on his radar.
Pjanic dismissess transfer talk: I want to stay at Roma
Miralem Pjanic has dismissed talk of a move away from Roma, insisting that he has "a great desire" to stay with the Serie A side.
The midfielder last month committed himself to the Giallorossi until 2018 yet he is still being linked with the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Pjanic reportedly penned a contract extension on the condition that Roma would not then try to cash in on their most valuable asset and he now fully expects to remain at Stadio Olimpico for the start of the new season.
"I've signed on for another four years," the Bosnia-Herzegovina star told Goal after his country's World Cup win over Iran in Salvador. "I have a great desire to return to Roma.
"The season starts soon and, with both the Champions League and the Scudetto [on offer this season], we're aiming high."
A 3-1 defeat of Iran at Arena Fonte Nova was not enough to see the Bosnians progress to the last 16, with their fate having already been sealed by defeats against Argentina and Nigeria, and the 24-year-old admitted that Safet Susic's side were leaving Brazil with an undeniable sense of regret.
"We can be happy about this game but it's a little bit of a strange feeling because we're already going home, so we cannot be so satisfied about that," Pjanic admitted after Bosnia ended up third in Group F, a point shy of a place in the knockout stage.
"But this game was important for us for our fans, for our supporters. This victory was for them.
"Our team could have made the next round because we have good players and we could have done more than we did in these three games.
"Before this game, we knew that we could not qualify, so it was difficult to find the motivation for this game but the team did very well [against Iran]. We were the better team.
"Unfortunately, against Nigeria [a 1-0 loss], we could have done much more. But we played well here [in Salvador]. We pressed right from the beginning and we didn't give them much space.
"I think we could have even scored more but this final result was good. Now we have to prepare for our next competition, the Euros."
Pjanic scored the second goal in Bosnia's 3-1 victory over Iran, with Edin Dzeko and Avdija Vrsajevic also on target for the tournament debutants.
Miralem Pjanic has dismissed talk of a move away from Roma, insisting that he has "a great desire" to stay with the Serie A side.
The midfielder last month committed himself to the Giallorossi until 2018 yet he is still being linked with the likes of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.
Pjanic reportedly penned a contract extension on the condition that Roma would not then try to cash in on their most valuable asset and he now fully expects to remain at Stadio Olimpico for the start of the new season.
"I've signed on for another four years," the Bosnia-Herzegovina star told Goal after his country's World Cup win over Iran in Salvador. "I have a great desire to return to Roma.
"The season starts soon and, with both the Champions League and the Scudetto [on offer this season], we're aiming high."
A 3-1 defeat of Iran at Arena Fonte Nova was not enough to see the Bosnians progress to the last 16, with their fate having already been sealed by defeats against Argentina and Nigeria, and the 24-year-old admitted that Safet Susic's side were leaving Brazil with an undeniable sense of regret.
"We can be happy about this game but it's a little bit of a strange feeling because we're already going home, so we cannot be so satisfied about that," Pjanic admitted after Bosnia ended up third in Group F, a point shy of a place in the knockout stage.
"But this game was important for us for our fans, for our supporters. This victory was for them.
"Our team could have made the next round because we have good players and we could have done more than we did in these three games.
"Before this game, we knew that we could not qualify, so it was difficult to find the motivation for this game but the team did very well [against Iran]. We were the better team.
"Unfortunately, against Nigeria [a 1-0 loss], we could have done much more. But we played well here [in Salvador]. We pressed right from the beginning and we didn't give them much space.
"I think we could have even scored more but this final result was good. Now we have to prepare for our next competition, the Euros."
Pjanic scored the second goal in Bosnia's 3-1 victory over Iran, with Edin Dzeko and Avdija Vrsajevic also on target for the tournament debutants.
- Status
