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Serbia-Albania abandoned after brawl over flag-flying drone
Serbia 's highly-charged Euro 2016 qualifier at home to fellow Balkan nation Albania had to be suspended after a drone flown on to the pitch triggered a brawl between players and fans.
There is plenty of political tension between the two nations, with Serbia having fought a with Kosovo (made up largely of ethnic Albanians) since the dissolution of Yugoslavia in the 1990s.
Despite Kosovo now claiming independence - which is not officially recognised by the United Nations, which is why they do not have a Fifa-ratified team - both Serbia and Albania remain bitter over the conflict and seven of the visitor' 23-man squad were born in the Kosovo region.With the score still level at 0-0, a small drone was flown on to the pitch towards the end of the first half carrying a pro-Albanian flag, pausing the game momentarily, before Serbia's Stefan Mitrovic ripped the flag down.
Some of Albania's players reacted angrily and charged at Mitrovic, which initiated a mass brawl, with both sets of players, numerous coaching staff an even fans from the stadium rushing on to the field of play to get involved.
Referee Martin Atkinson abandoned the game - which was the first time Albania's team had visited Begrade since 1967 - and no restart time has been allocated, leaving the Euro 2016 qualifier in limbo.
The banner which was carried on to the pitch by the remote-controlled drone had the word 'autochthonous' (a dig at Serbia's attempt to control Kosovo despite not being indigenous to the region) printed across what looked to be a colour-inverted Albanian flag.
Albania have never before reached a major international tournament but topped Group I heading into Tuesday's game after beating Portugal and holding Denmark to a draw in their opening two matches.
Arsenal chasing Croatian star Brozovic
Arsenal are among “several English teams” ready to negotiate for the signing of Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, his agent has revealed.
The 21-year-old, who plays in the centre of midfield, featured for Croatia at the World Cup this summer and has attracted interest from a number of teams.
His representative, Miroslav Bicanic, intends to discuss possible next steps for his client when Niko Kovac’s side come to England in November for an international friendly, with the Gunners among those in the hunt.
"Croatia plays USA in November in London and during our stay there we will hold meetings and negotiate with several English teams," Bicanic told Goal .
"Yes, I can confirm Arsenal are one of them."
Brozovic signed a seven-year contract with Dinamo in 2012 after leaving Lokomotiva.
Arsenal are among “several English teams” ready to negotiate for the signing of Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, his agent has revealed.
The 21-year-old, who plays in the centre of midfield, featured for Croatia at the World Cup this summer and has attracted interest from a number of teams.
His representative, Miroslav Bicanic, intends to discuss possible next steps for his client when Niko Kovac’s side come to England in November for an international friendly, with the Gunners among those in the hunt.
"Croatia plays USA in November in London and during our stay there we will hold meetings and negotiate with several English teams," Bicanic told Goal .
"Yes, I can confirm Arsenal are one of them."
Brozovic signed a seven-year contract with Dinamo in 2012 after leaving Lokomotiva.
Alonso: Guardiola was desperate to sign me - that's why I ditched Real Madrid
Xabi Alonso has revealed that Pep Guardiola's infectious desire to sign him was enough to convince him to ditch Real Madrid this summer.
The midfielder joined Bayern Munich in a deal rumoured to be worth €10 million, ending his five-year stint with the reigning European champions.
Many people suspected Toni Kroos arrival from the Allianz Arena was the reason Alonso chose to jump the Santiago Bernabeu ship, but he continues to deny this and stressed that all was well at Real Madrid and that he just wanted a change of scenery - which Guardiola was desperate to provide him.
"There are lots of opinions on my reason for moving in Spain," he told Goal. "But the fact is that I wanted a restart. For me, it was the right decision for my career.
"It had nothing to do with transfers or with Toni Kroos. Carlo Ancelotti trusted me and he knew that I would play an important role. There were no problems in Madrid.
"It was no easy decision but I thought that the right moment had come. Real Madrid are a big club. Now I had the chance to get to know another big club, in a new country, to experience new things. For me, it was the last chance to join Bayern.
"When I had made up my mind, I talked to the club officials at Real. They respected my decision and wanted to support me. Pep Guardiola wanted me badly and that was really important for me.
"I have always written the script for my career. That played an important part in my decision. When the interest in me became bigger, I thought about it seriously. I was already at a big club knowing that I would play because coach Carlo Ancelotti trusted me."After five years and having just won the Champions League - something we had worked hard towards for years - I was looking for a new challenge. It certainly was the right moment."
Having worked with a number of Champions League-winning trainers - including Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez - Alonso gave his verdict on the style of his new boss, Guardiola, whom he claims works meticulously on forming the perfect tactics for Bayern."It is difficult to compare coaches," the Spaniard added. "Guardiola is an analyst. He always tries to improve the team, to prepare it perfectly for the next match.
"He always thinks about new ideas and has a great tactical background. For hours he thinks about the right tactics and he tries to teach the players what they have to do and consider. He spends hours coming up with a gameplan.
"For me, it is an incredible experience. I've learnt many things. He was a reason why I came here. He had a big interest in getting me here. For me, it was very important to feel that trust."
Xabi Alonso has revealed that Pep Guardiola's infectious desire to sign him was enough to convince him to ditch Real Madrid this summer.
The midfielder joined Bayern Munich in a deal rumoured to be worth €10 million, ending his five-year stint with the reigning European champions.
Many people suspected Toni Kroos arrival from the Allianz Arena was the reason Alonso chose to jump the Santiago Bernabeu ship, but he continues to deny this and stressed that all was well at Real Madrid and that he just wanted a change of scenery - which Guardiola was desperate to provide him.
"There are lots of opinions on my reason for moving in Spain," he told Goal. "But the fact is that I wanted a restart. For me, it was the right decision for my career.
"It had nothing to do with transfers or with Toni Kroos. Carlo Ancelotti trusted me and he knew that I would play an important role. There were no problems in Madrid.
"It was no easy decision but I thought that the right moment had come. Real Madrid are a big club. Now I had the chance to get to know another big club, in a new country, to experience new things. For me, it was the last chance to join Bayern.
"When I had made up my mind, I talked to the club officials at Real. They respected my decision and wanted to support me. Pep Guardiola wanted me badly and that was really important for me.
"I have always written the script for my career. That played an important part in my decision. When the interest in me became bigger, I thought about it seriously. I was already at a big club knowing that I would play because coach Carlo Ancelotti trusted me."After five years and having just won the Champions League - something we had worked hard towards for years - I was looking for a new challenge. It certainly was the right moment."
Having worked with a number of Champions League-winning trainers - including Carlo Ancelotti, Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez - Alonso gave his verdict on the style of his new boss, Guardiola, whom he claims works meticulously on forming the perfect tactics for Bayern."It is difficult to compare coaches," the Spaniard added. "Guardiola is an analyst. He always tries to improve the team, to prepare it perfectly for the next match.
"He always thinks about new ideas and has a great tactical background. For hours he thinks about the right tactics and he tries to teach the players what they have to do and consider. He spends hours coming up with a gameplan.
"For me, it is an incredible experience. I've learnt many things. He was a reason why I came here. He had a big interest in getting me here. For me, it was very important to feel that trust."
Filipe Luis surprised by rapid Dunga impact
Brazil defender Filipe Luis says he is impressed with how quickly new coach Dunga has transformed the team.
Dunga returned for his second spell as Selecao to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari after Brail suffered a 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany and has sought to implement a more dynamic, counterattacking approach.
Filipe Luis was left out of the World Cup squad by Scolari but has played all four matches at left back for Dunga and he says the new boss has made an immediate impact.
“When the group starts to play under a new coach, there's always some adapting to do” the Chelsea defender told reporters.
“With Dunga, everything happened very fast. We’ve played four matches and kept four clean sheets. Our defence is doing really well and the group has found some balance. We'll try to keep it like this and maintain the same levels of determination.”Brazil saw off Japan 4-0 at the National Stadium in Singapore on Tuesday to follow up Friday’s Gillette Superclasico de las America’s victory over Argentina.
New captain Neymar scored all four goals against Japan, a game which also saw Mario Fernandes make his international debut.
“The first half was hard for us,” said the CSKA Moscow defender, who replaced Danilo at half-time.“Japan marked tightly and were very strong, but the second half went really well for us and we scored more goals.
“It was my first time playing for Brazil and I wanted to take it slowly and remain calm. I hope I pleased Dunga.”
Brazil defender Filipe Luis says he is impressed with how quickly new coach Dunga has transformed the team.
Dunga returned for his second spell as Selecao to succeed Luiz Felipe Scolari after Brail suffered a 7-1 World Cup semi-final defeat to Germany and has sought to implement a more dynamic, counterattacking approach.
Filipe Luis was left out of the World Cup squad by Scolari but has played all four matches at left back for Dunga and he says the new boss has made an immediate impact.
“When the group starts to play under a new coach, there's always some adapting to do” the Chelsea defender told reporters.
“With Dunga, everything happened very fast. We’ve played four matches and kept four clean sheets. Our defence is doing really well and the group has found some balance. We'll try to keep it like this and maintain the same levels of determination.”Brazil saw off Japan 4-0 at the National Stadium in Singapore on Tuesday to follow up Friday’s Gillette Superclasico de las America’s victory over Argentina.
New captain Neymar scored all four goals against Japan, a game which also saw Mario Fernandes make his international debut.
“The first half was hard for us,” said the CSKA Moscow defender, who replaced Danilo at half-time.“Japan marked tightly and were very strong, but the second half went really well for us and we scored more goals.
“It was my first time playing for Brazil and I wanted to take it slowly and remain calm. I hope I pleased Dunga.”
Ronaldo passes 100m Facebook Likes
Cristiano Ronaldo has surpassed the 100 million Likes on his Facebook page and released a video to thank his fans for their support.The Real Madrid star reached the milestone on Monday afternoon and posted a video in which he expressed his gratitude to his fans before showing highlights of his life and career.
"Thank you everyone, finally I achieve 100 million fans on Facebook," the Portuguese star said in the video.During the video, text shows on screen which reads: "Since I was a little boy, I always dreamed about beautiful moments like this.
"I'm proud to be one of the world's most-liked public figures on Facebook."The 29-year-old is well ahead of other football stars. Lionel Messi is approaching 74m Likes on Facebook, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is close to hitting the 20m mark.
Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is approaching 25m, meanwhile, former United, Madrid, PSG an LA Galaxy player David Beckham has less than 50m.
Ronaldo even has more Likes than Real Madrid and Barcelona themselves, who have around 75m and 76m Likes respectively.
Messi: Argentina are developing well under Martino
Lionel Messi feels Argentina are in a period of transition, but insists the team are adapting well to Gerardo Martino 's style and improving.The Barcelona star scored twice in the Albiceleste's 7-0 win over Hong Kong on Monday as they looked to recover from their defeat to Brazil on Saturday.
And Messi says he was happy to see his side put in a strong performance, but insists it will take time for the South American side to reach their peak under his old coach at Camp Nou.
"In every game, the obligation is to play well and win," he told reporters after the match. "It doesn't matter what the result is. That's for official competitions."Now we are in a process of change, which will take time. But this win comes in handy, regardless of the outcome and the opponent.
"Argentina are always forced to challenge for every championship. Unfortunately, many do not get anything done. We came close in the World Cup and we are preparing to try to win the Copa America.
"Like any coach, Martino has his ideas. He is similar to Alejandro Sabella in some respects. He isn't better or worse, just different. And we are adapting to what he wants now."
Lionel Messi feels Argentina are in a period of transition, but insists the team are adapting well to Gerardo Martino 's style and improving.The Barcelona star scored twice in the Albiceleste's 7-0 win over Hong Kong on Monday as they looked to recover from their defeat to Brazil on Saturday.
And Messi says he was happy to see his side put in a strong performance, but insists it will take time for the South American side to reach their peak under his old coach at Camp Nou.
"In every game, the obligation is to play well and win," he told reporters after the match. "It doesn't matter what the result is. That's for official competitions."Now we are in a process of change, which will take time. But this win comes in handy, regardless of the outcome and the opponent.
"Argentina are always forced to challenge for every championship. Unfortunately, many do not get anything done. We came close in the World Cup and we are preparing to try to win the Copa America.
"Like any coach, Martino has his ideas. He is similar to Alejandro Sabella in some respects. He isn't better or worse, just different. And we are adapting to what he wants now."
Griezmann: I needed Atletico and Simeone, not Arsenal or PSG
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann says the chance to work with Diego Simeone helped him to decide to snub Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
After his form for Real Sociedad earned him a place in France's squad for World Cup 2014, the 23-year-old had attracted attention from several of Europe's top clubs, with Arsene Wenger's side making an approach for the him in April.
But Griezmann says that staying in Spain and joining the reigning champions of La Liga was too good to turn down.
"Why Spain and not elsewhere? This is my championship, my home. I'm happy here and Atletico is a great club. The [champions] were willing to pay €30 million for me," he told France Football.
"I had the boss on the phone. He motivated me and said the club really wanted me. I knew that I was coming here to learn.
"Was it weird when PSG and Arsenal were also interested? [Atletico are] still the champions of Spain!
"I needed a club like that and a coach like Diego Simeone to progress. I always demands intensity in training. That's my style and I like it."
Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann says the chance to work with Diego Simeone helped him to decide to snub Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain this summer.
After his form for Real Sociedad earned him a place in France's squad for World Cup 2014, the 23-year-old had attracted attention from several of Europe's top clubs, with Arsene Wenger's side making an approach for the him in April.
But Griezmann says that staying in Spain and joining the reigning champions of La Liga was too good to turn down.
"Why Spain and not elsewhere? This is my championship, my home. I'm happy here and Atletico is a great club. The [champions] were willing to pay €30 million for me," he told France Football.
"I had the boss on the phone. He motivated me and said the club really wanted me. I knew that I was coming here to learn.
"Was it weird when PSG and Arsenal were also interested? [Atletico are] still the champions of Spain!
"I needed a club like that and a coach like Diego Simeone to progress. I always demands intensity in training. That's my style and I like it."
Michael Carrick will step up his return from injury in a behind-closed-doors training match at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Tuesday.
Carrick has been unavailable to new Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal since he suffered an ankle injury during a pre-season session in July.
But the midfielder returned to training in September and has been running and working with a ball over the last few days.
Carrick will take part in the hour-long training match, featuring two sides made up of United first team and youth players, in a bid to continue his return to full fitness.
United are hopeful Carrick will come through the hour-long match and be available to face West Brom.
The 33-year-old is understood to have an outside chance of being fit for the trip to The Hawthorns on Monday night if his ankle stands up to the test of match practice.
United signed Daley Blind and Ander Herrera this summer to bolster their options in central midfield, but have lost the Spain international to a fractured rib which could rule him out of facing West Brom.
Suarez: Barcelona Clasico debut is fate
Luis Suarez believes it's fate that he could make his Barcelona debut in the Liga match against arch-rivals Real Madrid on October 25.
The Uruguay international will be available for selection again when his four-month ban expires on October 24 and he thinks it's no coincidence that he could take on Madrid on his maiden appearance for the Catalans.
"You know, I’m the kind of person who believes that things happen for a reason, and out of all 19 teams in the league, it’s precisely against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu that I’ll make my comeback. There must be a reason," Suarez told Barca Magazine.
"I imagine what it’ll be like to pull on the shirt, to be with the rest of the team in the dressing room before the match, getting kitted up to play, and as chance would have it, in such a stadium. It’s a huge coincidence but I’m looking forward to the experience.
"It hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t believe it’s true yet. I did play 15 minutes in the 6-0 Gamper win over Leon, but to be honest, it felt like I was a guest player. I didn’t really feel like a Barca player. I’d only just arrived in time for the Gamper and I was still a bit nervous."
Attackers such as David Villa and Thierry Henry struggled at Camp Nou as they had to settle for a position on the wing rather than their preferred No.9 position, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic also failed to make an impact at Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Suarez does not fear that he will encounter similar problems and is ready to play wherever head coach Luis Enrique needs him.
"Some people see me as a centre-forward and others as a forward, but even if I play at centre forward I never stay there all the time. I’m always moving around and don’t like to be still.
"When we have the ball, I like to move all around the attack. I don’t just want to be in the area. But you have to listen to what the coach wants and asks for and try to help the team however you can.
"What a striker likes best is to score goals and doing that depends on their quality, their confidence, their instinct at the right time, opportunism. But a striker is also a team member and in my case I also like making nice moves and providing passes for my colleagues to score.
"Although some people might not believe it, there are strikers who prefer to set up a goal for a team-mate if they are better positioned. In the teams I’ve played for, I’ve always tried to help not only with goals but also with assists."
The Uruguay star also had his say on the quality of his team-mates and admitted that he is thoroughly impressed by what Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are capable of.
"The quality of the players here is incredible. It’s admirable. You watch the games and see how good the players are and training with them confirms what you’ve seen in those matches.
"To see the passes that players like Leo, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta make! They’re all top quality players and when you think it’d be impossible for them to make a pass, you are stunned to see that they do.
"Sharing training and day-to-day life with those people is spectacular."
Luis Suarez believes it's fate that he could make his Barcelona debut in the Liga match against arch-rivals Real Madrid on October 25.
The Uruguay international will be available for selection again when his four-month ban expires on October 24 and he thinks it's no coincidence that he could take on Madrid on his maiden appearance for the Catalans.
"You know, I’m the kind of person who believes that things happen for a reason, and out of all 19 teams in the league, it’s precisely against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu that I’ll make my comeback. There must be a reason," Suarez told Barca Magazine.
"I imagine what it’ll be like to pull on the shirt, to be with the rest of the team in the dressing room before the match, getting kitted up to play, and as chance would have it, in such a stadium. It’s a huge coincidence but I’m looking forward to the experience.
"It hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t believe it’s true yet. I did play 15 minutes in the 6-0 Gamper win over Leon, but to be honest, it felt like I was a guest player. I didn’t really feel like a Barca player. I’d only just arrived in time for the Gamper and I was still a bit nervous."
Attackers such as David Villa and Thierry Henry struggled at Camp Nou as they had to settle for a position on the wing rather than their preferred No.9 position, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic also failed to make an impact at Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Suarez does not fear that he will encounter similar problems and is ready to play wherever head coach Luis Enrique needs him.
"Some people see me as a centre-forward and others as a forward, but even if I play at centre forward I never stay there all the time. I’m always moving around and don’t like to be still.
"When we have the ball, I like to move all around the attack. I don’t just want to be in the area. But you have to listen to what the coach wants and asks for and try to help the team however you can.
"What a striker likes best is to score goals and doing that depends on their quality, their confidence, their instinct at the right time, opportunism. But a striker is also a team member and in my case I also like making nice moves and providing passes for my colleagues to score.
"Although some people might not believe it, there are strikers who prefer to set up a goal for a team-mate if they are better positioned. In the teams I’ve played for, I’ve always tried to help not only with goals but also with assists."
The Uruguay star also had his say on the quality of his team-mates and admitted that he is thoroughly impressed by what Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Andres Iniesta are capable of.
"The quality of the players here is incredible. It’s admirable. You watch the games and see how good the players are and training with them confirms what you’ve seen in those matches.
"To see the passes that players like Leo, Neymar, Xavi and Iniesta make! They’re all top quality players and when you think it’d be impossible for them to make a pass, you are stunned to see that they do.
"Sharing training and day-to-day life with those people is spectacular."
Ferguson: Manchester United wanted Shaw as a 16-year-old
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United tried to sign Luke Shaw when he was 16, only to be told by Southampton that he was not for sale.
Shaw, 19, eventually moved to Old Trafford this summer for €38 million during a busy transfer window which saw United spend more than €190m on new players.
Ferguson revealed the Red Devils's long-standing interest in the defender in an interview with MUTV, and also said the club had scouted another big-money summer signing, Ander Herrera, some years back.
“The signing of Shaw was the one we were trying to get at 16 years of age,” he said.
“They wouldn't sell him to us but said we would be the first to know if they ever did, and Ed Woodward has followed that through.
“We got him for I think it was €38m. [He's a] talented boy, good footballer, likes to get forward all the time.
“[Herrera] played against us three years ago for Bilbao in the Europa League.
“They gave us a right battering. We scouted him quite a lot at the time, obviously they tried to get him last year but it collapsed for whatever reason.”
Ferguson also admits United’s summer spending spree was needed, and says he has been impressed with the calibre of players Louis van Gaal has brought to the club.
“The way the game is going today - it was €100m for Gareth Bale last year - and I think when you can identify ability like that needed for Manchester United... they have the resources to do that, there's fees that I never quite equalled but nonetheless they needed a big injection this year,” he added.
“The big one Falcao is the one we're all waiting to see. He's obviously got fantastic goalscoring ability, he's had his injury and I think getting him on loan was the right thing to do.
“[Marcos] Rojo, I watched him at the World Cup, I think he did really well for them. He can play at left-back, as a wing-back or in the centre of defence.
“Daley Blind is one of these common sense footballers that make up a team, he's probably a version of Darren Fletcher of a few years ago, that type of player.
“A good professional, common sense to his game, keeps it simple, and protects the defenders or the attacking midfield players.”
Sir Alex Ferguson says Manchester United tried to sign Luke Shaw when he was 16, only to be told by Southampton that he was not for sale.
Shaw, 19, eventually moved to Old Trafford this summer for €38 million during a busy transfer window which saw United spend more than €190m on new players.
Ferguson revealed the Red Devils's long-standing interest in the defender in an interview with MUTV, and also said the club had scouted another big-money summer signing, Ander Herrera, some years back.
“The signing of Shaw was the one we were trying to get at 16 years of age,” he said.
“They wouldn't sell him to us but said we would be the first to know if they ever did, and Ed Woodward has followed that through.
“We got him for I think it was €38m. [He's a] talented boy, good footballer, likes to get forward all the time.
“[Herrera] played against us three years ago for Bilbao in the Europa League.
“They gave us a right battering. We scouted him quite a lot at the time, obviously they tried to get him last year but it collapsed for whatever reason.”
Ferguson also admits United’s summer spending spree was needed, and says he has been impressed with the calibre of players Louis van Gaal has brought to the club.
“The way the game is going today - it was €100m for Gareth Bale last year - and I think when you can identify ability like that needed for Manchester United... they have the resources to do that, there's fees that I never quite equalled but nonetheless they needed a big injection this year,” he added.
“The big one Falcao is the one we're all waiting to see. He's obviously got fantastic goalscoring ability, he's had his injury and I think getting him on loan was the right thing to do.
“[Marcos] Rojo, I watched him at the World Cup, I think he did really well for them. He can play at left-back, as a wing-back or in the centre of defence.
“Daley Blind is one of these common sense footballers that make up a team, he's probably a version of Darren Fletcher of a few years ago, that type of player.
“A good professional, common sense to his game, keeps it simple, and protects the defenders or the attacking midfield players.”
Del Bosque: I will leave Spain job after Euro 2016
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has revealed that he aims to say farewell to the national team when his contract expires after Euro 2016.
Del Bosque replaced Luis Aragones as coach after Euro 2008 and won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Spain were then eliminated at the group stages at this summer's World Cup in Brazil and Del Bosque aims to do make amends in France in two years' time before stepping down.
"I think Euro 2016 will be my last tournament as Spain boss," Del Bosque told Radio Nacional de Espana."We'll see what happens when we get to France. In theory, this is my last tournament."The Spain coach then went on to insist that Iker Casillas will not be retiring from international duty.
Reports from Spain suggested that the Real Madrid goalkeeper could say farewell to the national team after losing his starting berth to David de Gea, but Del Bosque is unaware of such a decision."I've read a story about Casillas wanting to retire from international duty, but I don't know anything about it.
"I don't think there's any truth to it. He has not told me anything."
Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has revealed that he aims to say farewell to the national team when his contract expires after Euro 2016.
Del Bosque replaced Luis Aragones as coach after Euro 2008 and won the 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012.
Spain were then eliminated at the group stages at this summer's World Cup in Brazil and Del Bosque aims to do make amends in France in two years' time before stepping down.
"I think Euro 2016 will be my last tournament as Spain boss," Del Bosque told Radio Nacional de Espana."We'll see what happens when we get to France. In theory, this is my last tournament."The Spain coach then went on to insist that Iker Casillas will not be retiring from international duty.
Reports from Spain suggested that the Real Madrid goalkeeper could say farewell to the national team after losing his starting berth to David de Gea, but Del Bosque is unaware of such a decision."I've read a story about Casillas wanting to retire from international duty, but I don't know anything about it.
"I don't think there's any truth to it. He has not told me anything."
Gundogan: I'm ready for BVB comeback
Ilkay Gundogan is eagerly anticipating making his Borussia Dortmund return against Koln at the weekend after a 14-month spell on the sidelines.
The Germany international has been out of action with a back problem since August 2013, but is raring to go again after featuring in a friendly game with Dortmund's reserves last week.
"I think that I am available for first-team selection again from here on," Gundogan told Sky Sport News."The plan was to get in some training hours during the international break and make another step forward in a friendly game.
"I will be part of the squad again from the point that everybody returns from the international break. This weekend's match versus Koln should be that moment.
"So long as nothing out of the ordinary happens, I expect to be part of the match squad versus Koln."
Gundogan joined Dortmund from Nurnberg in the summer of 2011 and had developed into an important first-team player before his long-term setback.
Ilkay Gundogan is eagerly anticipating making his Borussia Dortmund return against Koln at the weekend after a 14-month spell on the sidelines.
The Germany international has been out of action with a back problem since August 2013, but is raring to go again after featuring in a friendly game with Dortmund's reserves last week.
"I think that I am available for first-team selection again from here on," Gundogan told Sky Sport News."The plan was to get in some training hours during the international break and make another step forward in a friendly game.
"I will be part of the squad again from the point that everybody returns from the international break. This weekend's match versus Koln should be that moment.
"So long as nothing out of the ordinary happens, I expect to be part of the match squad versus Koln."
Gundogan joined Dortmund from Nurnberg in the summer of 2011 and had developed into an important first-team player before his long-term setback.
Match Interrupted Because a Drone With a Flag Hanging - Serbia Vs Albania 0-0 (Euro) 14.10.2014
Albania
Albania
Wenger admits: Crocked Ozil heard his knee crack
Arsene Wenger has revealed Mesut Ozil "felt a crack" in his knee against Chelsea but played on for Arsenal nonetheless.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 defeat but Germany doctors ruled him out for up to three months with a collateral ligament tear in his left knee three days later.
Wenger says he is "shocked" by the extent of the injury, admitting the length of the lay-off is "difficult to take" due to it seemingly being caused without contact with another player.
"He had a little problem just before he went out at half-time. He had a little pain with his knee, he felt a crack," he told beIN Sports.
"I said to our physio to keep an eye on him and if there was anything wrong with him, tell me because when you’re 1-0 down, you want to keep your offensive players on the pitch.
"I am deeply shocked. He wasn’t involved in a collision with anybody. It was just after making a pass with the outside of his foot that he injured his leg.
"It's very hard to believe that you can damage your ligament with just making a simple pass and it’s very difficult to take that he will be out for a while."
Ozil's injury is the 10th suffered by a first-team member, prompting criticism of Wenger's training techniques, but the Arsenal manager insists such troubles are "accidental".
He added: "I am not a great believer in coincidences but this time it really is coincidence. You cannot say our injuries are preparation mistakes. The big injuries we have are really accidental.
"Scientifically we are quite good. We have been hit hard after seven games. I would never have thought we would have had so many bad injuries."
Arsene Wenger has revealed Mesut Ozil "felt a crack" in his knee against Chelsea but played on for Arsenal nonetheless.
The midfielder played the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 defeat but Germany doctors ruled him out for up to three months with a collateral ligament tear in his left knee three days later.
Wenger says he is "shocked" by the extent of the injury, admitting the length of the lay-off is "difficult to take" due to it seemingly being caused without contact with another player.
"He had a little problem just before he went out at half-time. He had a little pain with his knee, he felt a crack," he told beIN Sports.
"I said to our physio to keep an eye on him and if there was anything wrong with him, tell me because when you’re 1-0 down, you want to keep your offensive players on the pitch.
"I am deeply shocked. He wasn’t involved in a collision with anybody. It was just after making a pass with the outside of his foot that he injured his leg.
"It's very hard to believe that you can damage your ligament with just making a simple pass and it’s very difficult to take that he will be out for a while."
Ozil's injury is the 10th suffered by a first-team member, prompting criticism of Wenger's training techniques, but the Arsenal manager insists such troubles are "accidental".
He added: "I am not a great believer in coincidences but this time it really is coincidence. You cannot say our injuries are preparation mistakes. The big injuries we have are really accidental.
"Scientifically we are quite good. We have been hit hard after seven games. I would never have thought we would have had so many bad injuries."
Giggs: Van Gaal embraced Man Utd's philosophy
Ryan Giggs believes Louis van Gaal has embraced "the philosophy of Manchester United" by nurturing youngsters like Tyler Blackett.
The new United manager has handed 20-year-old Blackett and fellow defender Paddy McNair – who turned 19 in April – their Premier League debuts this season.Van Gaal has praised the manner in which Manchester-born Blackett and McNair have made the step up and Giggs, himself a product of the club's youth system, is excited to see the duo flourish.
"That's the philosophy of Manchester United, you always bring young exciting footballers through and the fans demand it and the club demands it," Giggs told reporters.
"Yeah, you spend money on world-class stars, but you also have young players coming through. Right from the Busby Babes right from before that, right up until now, you give youth a chance.
"That's what Manchester United have always done and will continue to do."
Under Van Gaal, who succeeded David Moyes, a new-look United have flattered to deceive in this season, producing just one convincing performance in the 4-0 thrashing of QPR last month.
However, United mustered successive wins for the first time prior to the international break and face leaders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and Arsenal before the end of November.
He said: "Obviously, we've made a lot of investments this season. I think the new boys are starting to settle in and it's exciting.
"We're fourth in the table and we'll look to build from that. We've got a tough few weeks coming up with West Brom [next Monday], and then a real test with Chelsea and City.
"That'll sort of be a test to see where we're at, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Ryan Giggs believes Louis van Gaal has embraced "the philosophy of Manchester United" by nurturing youngsters like Tyler Blackett.
The new United manager has handed 20-year-old Blackett and fellow defender Paddy McNair – who turned 19 in April – their Premier League debuts this season.Van Gaal has praised the manner in which Manchester-born Blackett and McNair have made the step up and Giggs, himself a product of the club's youth system, is excited to see the duo flourish.
"That's the philosophy of Manchester United, you always bring young exciting footballers through and the fans demand it and the club demands it," Giggs told reporters.
"Yeah, you spend money on world-class stars, but you also have young players coming through. Right from the Busby Babes right from before that, right up until now, you give youth a chance.
"That's what Manchester United have always done and will continue to do."
Under Van Gaal, who succeeded David Moyes, a new-look United have flattered to deceive in this season, producing just one convincing performance in the 4-0 thrashing of QPR last month.
However, United mustered successive wins for the first time prior to the international break and face leaders Chelsea, champions Manchester City and Arsenal before the end of November.
He said: "Obviously, we've made a lot of investments this season. I think the new boys are starting to settle in and it's exciting.
"We're fourth in the table and we'll look to build from that. We've got a tough few weeks coming up with West Brom [next Monday], and then a real test with Chelsea and City.
"That'll sort of be a test to see where we're at, but we're looking forward to the challenge."
Cote d’Ivoire 3-4 DR Congo: Elephants stumble in topsy turvy tussle
Cote d’Ivoire were shockingly beaten 4-3 at home in Abidjan by DR Congo in 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stage on Wednesday.
The Leopards went into the break with a 3-1 lead but the home side returned stronger to level the scoreline at 3-3 before conceding a last-minute goal that stunned the fans.
Buoyed by a 2-1 win over the Congolese in the reverse fixture, the Elephants began with strong ambitions to get the job done and conserve second spot in Group D, after Cameroon edged Sierra Leone 2-0 in Yaounde earlier on to keep stranglehold on the group.
After balanced quarter-hour exchanges, DR Congo began exploiting the potholes in the Ivorian defence and tested their post with a couple of long-range strikes as Yaya Toure and company focused their attention up field.
French-born midfielder Neeskens Keban handed the Leopards a dream start in the 21st minute after topping off his side’s pacy and vigilant counterattacks with a fine finish into the Ivorian net.
Four minutes later, Yaya Toure answered for Cote d’Ivoire after claiming a loose ball in the midfield and dropping deep to the edge of the box before unleashing his effort past DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba.
Inspired by the equaliser, the Ivorians poured forth in search of a second goal while leaving gaps behind, as inexperienced centre-back Frank Kessi struggled to contain the intermittent counters from the Leopards.Congo scored two goals in quick succession before the 40thminute, each coming through blunders in the Ivorian backline.
Junior Kabananga was set up to the right edge of the Ivorian box, completely unmarked. He adjusted his foot and powered home his finish past Copa Barry to make it 2-1 for DR Congo. A minute later, Jeremy Bokila made it 3-1 with a superb volley after overwhelming Serge Aurier near the box.
Issues seemed to have compounded for Cote d’Ivoire after Kessi picked a straight red card for blocking a goalbound Congolese player upon their return from the break. However, the Elephants quickly seized the game and pushed the visitors on to the defensive.
Their efforts finally yielded fruit when Salomon Kalou was thrown into the fray by a desperate Herve Renard - the former Chelsea winger hit a double within three minutes (69th and 72nd) to level and revive spirits for his side.
With one man down and pegging it at 3-3, Cote d’Ivoire maintained a continuous flow of traffic towards the Leopards’ post in a bid to scramble the winner.Yaya Toure, after being served to the right by Gervinho, chipped his effort blindly towards Kidiaba, who sprawled to deflect it for a corner.
The Ivorians multiplied efforts across the final quarter of the meeting, but were stabbed in the back when Bokila scored his double, and fourth goal for DR Congo, in the 89th minute.
It ended 4-3 for the Congolese, who are now on six points with Cote d’Ivoire in Group D, still led by Cameroon on 10.
Cote d’Ivoire were shockingly beaten 4-3 at home in Abidjan by DR Congo in 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group stage on Wednesday.
The Leopards went into the break with a 3-1 lead but the home side returned stronger to level the scoreline at 3-3 before conceding a last-minute goal that stunned the fans.
Buoyed by a 2-1 win over the Congolese in the reverse fixture, the Elephants began with strong ambitions to get the job done and conserve second spot in Group D, after Cameroon edged Sierra Leone 2-0 in Yaounde earlier on to keep stranglehold on the group.
After balanced quarter-hour exchanges, DR Congo began exploiting the potholes in the Ivorian defence and tested their post with a couple of long-range strikes as Yaya Toure and company focused their attention up field.
French-born midfielder Neeskens Keban handed the Leopards a dream start in the 21st minute after topping off his side’s pacy and vigilant counterattacks with a fine finish into the Ivorian net.
Four minutes later, Yaya Toure answered for Cote d’Ivoire after claiming a loose ball in the midfield and dropping deep to the edge of the box before unleashing his effort past DR Congo goalkeeper Robert Kidiaba.
Inspired by the equaliser, the Ivorians poured forth in search of a second goal while leaving gaps behind, as inexperienced centre-back Frank Kessi struggled to contain the intermittent counters from the Leopards.Congo scored two goals in quick succession before the 40thminute, each coming through blunders in the Ivorian backline.
Junior Kabananga was set up to the right edge of the Ivorian box, completely unmarked. He adjusted his foot and powered home his finish past Copa Barry to make it 2-1 for DR Congo. A minute later, Jeremy Bokila made it 3-1 with a superb volley after overwhelming Serge Aurier near the box.
Issues seemed to have compounded for Cote d’Ivoire after Kessi picked a straight red card for blocking a goalbound Congolese player upon their return from the break. However, the Elephants quickly seized the game and pushed the visitors on to the defensive.
Their efforts finally yielded fruit when Salomon Kalou was thrown into the fray by a desperate Herve Renard - the former Chelsea winger hit a double within three minutes (69th and 72nd) to level and revive spirits for his side.
With one man down and pegging it at 3-3, Cote d’Ivoire maintained a continuous flow of traffic towards the Leopards’ post in a bid to scramble the winner.Yaya Toure, after being served to the right by Gervinho, chipped his effort blindly towards Kidiaba, who sprawled to deflect it for a corner.
The Ivorians multiplied efforts across the final quarter of the meeting, but were stabbed in the back when Bokila scored his double, and fourth goal for DR Congo, in the 89th minute.
It ended 4-3 for the Congolese, who are now on six points with Cote d’Ivoire in Group D, still led by Cameroon on 10.
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