..::Football III::..

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Manchester United pencil in Falcao return versus Arsenal

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao is in line for a return to action against Arsenal on Saturday, Goal understands.

Falcao has missed the club's last three matches, against Chelsea, Manchester City and Crystal Palace, with a calf injury but he has been training well since the end of last week and United staff are confident he will be able to feature against Arsene Wenger's men.

The 28-year-old recently hit out at rumours that a permanent move to Old Trafford could be scuppered by his ongoing fitness issues, while Goal understands that the terms of the deal have already been established and agreed.

Falcao moved to Manchester on September 1, in the middle of his return from a knee ligament injury which kept him out of the 2014 World Cup.

He scored his first and, to date, only goal for United against Everton in October, but has played just 18 minutes since then after Louis van Gaal started him on the bench against West Brom due to fatigue from playing for Colombia in the United States just days beforehand.

Falcao has also been left out of the Colombia squad for the recent fixtures against the US and Slovenia, but coach Jose Pekerman has revealed that his star striker is nearing full fitness once again.

"There is no doubt he is in optimal condition," he told reporters. "He's recovered very successfully. He did everything perfectly. This is a small muscular injury, it is different to the knee injury before the World Cup.

"He's in a good condition and could be ready for Arsenal. He hasn't even started yet. He will be one of the best players Manchester United have had and will break a lot of records in England."

 

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Ferguson considering sin-bin viability for Uefa

Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson says that he is looking into the feasibility of introducing ‘sin-bins’ into football.

Already implemented in rugby, the practice would see players sent off for a set period of time for certain offences before being allowed back onto the pitch.

Ferguson, now heading a Uefa panel of elite coaches, is keen on the idea but wants to be certain that it would work.

He told reporters: "I chair a forum of elite coaches that meet every year and I'm a member of the technical study group of the Champions League and the European Championship so I'm still involved in football at the highest level.

"Right now we're looking at the possibility of introducing sin-bins like they have in rugby - a 10-minute suspension during the match - but we want to be careful that somehow it isn't exploited if it's introduced."

Ferguson welcomed Uefa's decision to wipe out yellow cards accumulated in the Champions League when the competition reaches the quarter-final stage to avoid players missing the final through suspension.

"We lost Darren Fletcher from the 2009 Champions League final against Barcelona and also missed Keane and Scholes for picking up cards in the 1999 final against Bayern Munich," he recalled.

"Now, they'd all played in all the previous rounds so it wasn't fair that they missed out.

"We're also looking at allowing 11 substitutes on the bench for big finals in Europe. That way you can recognise the contribution the squad's made and allow a wider range of substitutions.

"Mind you, it wouldn't work in the Premier League. Too many chairmen would moan about the increase in bonuses they'd need to pay!"

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2014.11.18

International Friendly Fixtures 2014.11.18


Japan Vs Australia

Thailand Vs New Zealand

China Vs Honduras

Iran Vs South Korea

Slovakia Vs Finland

Slovenia Vs Colombia

Belarus Vs Mexico

Greece Vs Serbia

Austria Vs Brazil

Romania Vs Denmark

Hungary Vs Russia

Italy Vs Albania

Republic of Ireland Vs USA

Spain Vs Germany

Argentina Vs Portugal

Poland Vs Switzerland

France Vs Sweden

Scotland Vs England

Bolivia Vs Venezuela

Chile Vs Uruguay

Panama Vs Canada

Peru Vs Paraguay​

 

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Ada pattama matches set 1kak thiyanawa

Spain Vs Germany & Argentina Vs Portugal

C.Ronaldo back in at Old Trafford

 

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Spain 0-1 Germany: Kroos fires world champions to victory

Kiko Casilla had a debut to forget as he failed to stop Toni Kroos' late strike which gave Germany a 1-0 victory over Spain in Tuesday's friendly in Vigo.

Germany coach Joachim Low had urged the world champions to mark their last fixture in 2014 by beating the European champions in Vigo, but the game looked destined to finish goalless until Kroos struck after 89 minutes.

Spain's substitute goalkeeper Casilla ought to have kept out the Real Madrid midfielder's long-range effort, but the ball skidded off the surface and bounced over his body and into the net to ensure Die Mannschaft ended their World-Cup winning year on a high note.

Low was without the likes of Andre Schurrle, Marco Reus and Jerome Boateng, while Thomas Muller went off with an injury in the first half as Germany sent Spain crashing to their first home defeat under Vicente del Bosque.

La Roja were also missing key players such as Andres Iniesta, Cesc Fabregas and David Silva and the hosts ended what has been a difficult year with a defeat at Estadio de Balaidos Vigo.

Nolito was handed his Spain debut on his home ground and the Celta Vigo winger's performance was a plus point for Del Bosque on a dismal night in the rain.
Alvaro Morata and Juan Bernat also made their first starts for the hosts, while Ron-Robert Zieler got the nod to start in the absence of Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and striker Kevin Volland made only his second international start.Sami Khedira was passed fit and took the captain's armband.

Nolito had the crowd on their feet just 12 minutes in when he turned away from Antonio Rudiger and tried his luck with a curling right-footed strike from outside the area that Zieler palmed away for a corner.

Germany responded and Mario Gotze's volley forced a fine save from Iker Casillas after the midfielder combined well with Bayern Munich team-mate Muller.
Muller had been off for treatment after picking up a knock in a challenge with Sergio Ramos and was replaced by Karim Bellarabi after only 22 minutes.

Zieler booted the ball away in unorthodox fashion with Nolito waiting to pounce, then Sebastian Rudy fired over the crossbar at the other end as the rain continued to lash down.Bernat casually diverted Volland's dangerous cross over his own bar from close range just before the break as the opening goal remained elusive.

Ignacio Camacho came on to make his Spain bow at half-time, with Raul Albiol and Marc Bartra also introduced as Sergio Busquets, Sergio Ramos and Gerard Pique made way. Nolito was relishing the occasion and he forced another save from Zieler with a free-kick that was destined for the top corner until the Hannover keeper again denied him a debut goal.

Espanyol keeper Casilla replaced Iker Casillas 13 minutes from time and he was left red-faced when Kroos' long-range effort beat him a minute from time to give Germany the victory.

 

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Aparade dunna goal 1kanam​

 

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Italy 1-0 Albania: Azzurri leave it late against minnows

Stefano Okaka came off the bench to score on his debut and give Italy an unconvincing 1-0 friendly win over Albania in Genoa.

Albania, fresh from a 1-1 friendly draw in France on Friday, impressed again with their defensive stability and quick counter-attacks.But they were undone eight minutes from time when Okaka, introduced as a 65th-minute substitute for Sebastian Giovinco, nodded in from a corner.

The match, moved from Parma to Genoa to raise money after devastating floods hit the area, was played at a high tempo and saw both sides create numerous chances.

Composure was lacking, though, and the match seemed to be headeing for a goalless draw. Albania's best chance coming when Sokol Cikalleshi rattled the crossbar from distance in the 38th minute.But Sampdoria forward Okaka had other ideas, with his glancing header at the near post, which took a touch off Albania substitute Hamdi Salihi, making the difference.

The result is Italy's fifth win in six matches under new coach Antonio Conte.
Conte made several changes, as Mattia Destro and Giovinco started up front, while Torino defender Emiliano Moretti became Italy's oldest debutant at the age of 33.

Unsurprisingly, Albania were unchanged after their excellent effort in France, but they were on the back foot in the early stages.

Atletico Madrid's Alessio Cerci - who had his shirt ripped after storming past two defenders in the first three minutes - forced a smart save from Etrit Berisha in the 13th minute.

Cerci continued to get in and behind the Albania defence and cause problems, while Destro fired just wide on the half-hour mark.

Giovinco also went close, with his header forcing a fingertip save from Berisha, but Italy were nearly caught out at the other end after a sloppy Lorenzo De Silvestri error.De Silvestri conceded possession to let Cikalleshi in and he surged forward before firing against the crossbar from 30 yards in stunning fashion.

Albania almost fashioned the opener out of the rebound, but Mergim Mavraj, scorer against France, could only nod wide.

Berisha was alert to keep out Andrea Bertolacci and Cerci before the break and Giovinco shot straight at him five minutes after the resumption to end a neat move.
A routine back pass nearly led to Albania opening the scoring, after goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu took a heavy touch, but scrambled defending allowed Italy to eventually clear their lines.

The frantic nature of the contest continued, as Destro shot wide when sent through on goal, and Ermir Lenjani tested Sirigu at the other end.Berisha then made an outstanding stop to keep out Okaka's effort on the turn.

The flow of the match was interrupted by multiple substitutions and pitch invasions, but there was still time for Okaka to net the winner, with Italy only denied a second by Giacomo Bonaventura's sloppy finish in stoppage time.

 

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France 1-0 Sweden: Varane secures win for dominant Bleus

Raphael Varane headed a late winner as Euro 2016 hosts France overcame a battling Sweden 1-0 in Marseille on Tuesday.

France dominated for the majority of the contest at the Stade Velodrome, but were unable to find a way past goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson until Real Madrid defender Varane powered home Antoine Griezmann's corner at the near post after 84 minutes.

There was still time for substitute Karim Benzema to blaze a penalty over, but Varane's club team-mate would not rue his miss as Didier Deschamps' team added to friendly wins over Spain, Portugal and Armenia this season.

Sweden's attack was largely toothless in the absence of star man Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Malmo youngster Isaac Thelin passing up rare chances either side of half-time.France coach Deschamps has used his team's lack of competitive action to experiment with different combinations so far this season and Tuesday's game was no exception as he made eight changes to the XI that drew 1-1 with Albania.

Marseille forward Dimitri Payet was one of the additions to the starting line-up and he cut in from the left and past a pair of challenges to curl a first-minute effort over the far post.

Sweden centre-back Andreas Granqvist made a telling interception to deny Josuha Guilavogui on the end of Griezmann's perfectly weighted pass before full debutant Layvin Kurzawa smashed a volley over when Paul Pogba scooped over the visiting defence.Mathieu Valbuena took his turn to try the spectacular as he controlled Payet's chipped pass on his chest and sent an overhead kick off target.

Andre-Pierre Gignac unpicked the Sweden defence in the 36th minute, but Griezmann's touch deserted him and Isaksson was out to avert the danger.

Opposite number Steve Mandanda belatedly enjoyed his first action in the France goal five minutes before the break, getting down well to the bottom corner to keep out Thelin's hooked volley on the turn.

Isaksson was the goalkeeper back in the spotlight four minute after the interval with a superb point-blank save to stop Gignac from opening the scoring.Thelin was allowed too much room to head over and France responded as Gignac came agonisingly close to turning home Griezmann's acrobatic effort before the latter blasted at Isaksson from close range on the angle.

The customary drip-feed of second-half substitutions served to dull the game's competitive edge before an unexpectedly dramatic finale.Isaksson excelled again in denying sub Moussa Sissoko, but he had no chance when Varane finally broke the deadlock.

Oscar Wendt's handball gave France the chance to take a 2-0 lead, but Benzema joined the Sweden substitution in feeling sheepish with a woeful attempt from 12 yards.

 

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Belarus 3-2 Mexico: Late winner secures surprise win for hosts

Substitute Pavel Nekhajchik scored a late winner to help Belarus secure a notable scalp in a 3-2 victory over Mexico in Borisov on Tuesday.Having won their last four matches, Mexico were expected to comfortably overcome 106th-ranked Belarus at the Borisov Arena.

But Miguel Herrera's men were on the receiving end of a surprise defeat at the hands of their plucky hosts, who have claimed just one point from their opening four Euro 2016 qualifiers.

After a goalless opening 45 minutes, the match burst into life with four goals in the space of eight second-half minutes.

Atletico Madrid striker Raul Jimenez twice put Mexico ahead, but Syarhey Kislyak fired home an initial equaliser after Ihar Stasevich's missed penalty and Nikolay Signevich headed a second Belarus goal from close range.

The drama was complete in the 81st minute when Nekhajchik provided a composed finish from the left of the six-yard box to secure the win for Belarus.
The hosts belied their underdog status in the early stages and Igor Shitov fired an early warning when he stot wide from eight yards in the fifth minute.

Mexico grew into the game, however, and Giovani dos Santos could have had a penalty when he was tripped in the area, before Arturo Gonzalez was denied when one-on-one with Belarus goalkeeper Sergey Chernik.The visitors' improvement continued after the break and they took the lead in the 47th minute, Jimenez controlling the ball on his chest and prodding past Chernik after collecting a wonderfully deft chip from Jonathan dos Santos.

Yet Belarus were back level within three minutes. Paul Aguilar was punished for a foul on Kislyak, who then fired home a rebound after Stasevich's penalty had been parried on to a post by Alfredo Talavera.

The breathtaking start to the half continued as Mexico moved back ahead in the 53rd minute, Jimenez coolly slotting home Dos Santos' cross from the right, only for the home team to strike back again when Signevich converted Anton Putsila's powerful cross two minutes later.lIya Aleksievich should have won the game for the hosts when he skewed wide from six yards with the goal gaping.

But the miss did not prove costly as a deflected shot from the same player fell into the path of Nekhajchik, who calmly guided the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

 

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Slovenia 0-1 Colombia: Ramos goal extends Cafeteros winning streak

Adrian Ramos' first-half goal earned Colombia a 1-0 friendly win over Slovenia on Tuesday and secured their fourth consecutive victory.

The Borussia Dortmund striker finished off a well-crafted move involving Juan Cuadrado and James Rodriguez shortly before the interval as Jose Pekerman's side prevailed in Ljubljana.After being played in by Rodriguez's pass, Ramos coolly rounded goalkeeper Jan Oblak and tapped home his third international goal.

On a bobbly playing surface, Colombia managed to knock the ball around in typically attractive style, with captain Rodriguez to the fore.

The Real Madrid man was replaced 17 minutes from the end as Pekerman utilised his options from the bench, and Colombia held on as Slovenia were unable to force a late equaliser.Defeat means Srecko Katanec's men have now lost each of their last four friendlies, without scoring a goal.

The hosts changed their entire starting XI from Saturday's 3-1 Euro 2016 qualifying defeat to England and went close early on as Nejc Pecnik fired narrowly wide from 20 yards in the third minute.

Colombia looked the more likely, though, with Rodriguez and Cuadrado linking up well with the front pairing of Ramos and Jackson Martinez, who replaced Teofilo Gutierrez and Carlos Bacca - the goalscorers from Friday's 2-1 win over the United States.The home side did pose a threat on the break and Dejan Lazarevic curled an effort wide of the right-hand post eight minutes before the interval.

Ramos broke the deadlock six minutes later, however, as quick thinking from Cuadrado and Rodriguez at a free-kick helped to play in the striker, who took the ball past Oblak and tucked into an empty net.Slovenia made four changes at half-time and one of those, Jasmin Kurtic, had Camilo Vargas scrambling across his line with a bouncing shot from 35 yards.

Substitute Damjan Bohar stabbed an effort wide of goal from close range as Slovenia pushed for a leveller, but one was not forthcoming as the visitors emerged victorious from the first meeting between these two sides.

 

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Austria 1-2 Brazil: Firmino earns Selecao sixth successive win

Robert Firmino's first international goal earned Brazil a dramatic 2-1 victory in Austria on Tuesday, extending their winning streak under Dunga to six games.
The 23-year-old Hoffenheim attacker, who made his debut for the national side in Turkey last week, came off the bench to smash home an 83rd-minute winner in Vienna.

Austria gave a good account of themselves and looked set to earn a memorable draw when Aleksandar Dragovic found the net from the penalty spot, thus cancelling out David Luiz's headed opener midway through the second half.

However, Firmino's late strike earned a hard-fought victory for the South Americans, who boast a 100 per cent record since Dunga reclaimed the reigns of the national team from Luiz Felipe Scolari following a disappointing home World Cup, while Austria fell at the final hurdle in their bid to go through 2014 unbeaten.
Austria had started brightest and Rubin Okotie had the ball in the back of the net after six minutes.

It would have been the ideal start for the hosts had the striker not brazenly used both hands to slap the ball beyond goalkeeper Diego Alves from a Zlatko Junuzovic free-kick.Despite Brazil enjoying the lion’s share of possession, it was Austria who continued to pose the biggest threat in front of goal in the early stages – Filipe Luis hurling himself in the path of a dangerous-looking Florian Klein strike.

Okotie came close to opening the scoring once again in the 26th minute when he headed against the left upright, although the flag had already been raised for offside.

Miranda pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring problem soon after, affording former captain Thiago Silva a chance to prove his worth to coach Dunga in his first appearance for the Selecao since the World Cup.

Brazil’s first shot on target did not materialise until after the half-hour mark, when Oscar saw a speculative low effort comfortably collected by home goalkeeper Robert Almer, before Luiz sent a 25-yard free-kick whistling over the crossbar.The visitors ended the half in the ascendancy, but their appeals for a penalty when Danilo was barged over in the box went unrewarded.

Brazil continued to see a greater share of the ball after the interval, but struggled to carve out any clear-cut opportunities.However, David Luiz finally broke the deadlock in the 64th minute when he got the better of marker Stefan Ilsanker and evaded his marker to head home from a corner.

Dragovic levelled matters from the spot 11 minutes later after Andreas Weimann was felled by Oscar in the box, the equaliser representing the first goal Brazil have conceded in Dunga's second spell in charge.Yet Firmino had the final say - firing in a swerving 20-yard effort seven minutes from time to announce his arrival on the international stage.

 

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Scotland 1-3 England: Rooney at the double to close in on goal record

Wayne Rooney scored twice after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain opened the scoring to earn England a 3-1 win over Scotland at Celtic Park.

The Arsenal forward headed home an inch perfect cross from Gunners team-mate Jack Wilshere before Rooney scored his 45th England goal as he closes in on Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker's goal tallies.

Andrew Robertsongave the home side hope when he fired low past Fraser Forster but Rooney struck again to give the visitors a two-goal cushion.

Many had predicted a fiercely contested affair between the neighbouring nations but, despite some early resistance from the home side Roy Hodgson's men were quickly in firm control.Scotland brought Chris Martin in for injured striker Steven Fletcher, while Hodgson handed a first England appearance since 2012 to Stewart Downing, who was in the thick of the action early on.

The midfielder, occupying the central position in which he has excelled for West Ham this season, played in captain Rooney, who in turn fed Danny Welbeck for a strike that was unconvincingly stopped by Marshall.

Scotland, roared on by a fervent home crowd, settled after a period of English pressure, but both teams were struggling to carve out any clear-cut opportunities.
That was until the 32nd minute, when Oxlade-Chamberlain – one of six changes to the side that triumphed 3-1 over Slovenia in a Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday – got his head to a pinpoint Wilshere ball into the area, applying the slightest of touches to beat Marshall.

England pressed for a swift second, but Welbeck was unable to control James Milner's pass in the centre of the penalty area as the move broke down, while Scotland's half ended without having tested Fraser Forster – the former Celtic stopper back on his old stomping ground, as he replaced Joe Hart in goal.

Both managers elected to make changes at the interval, with Craig Gordon coming on to make his first Scotland outing since 2010, but his first task was to pick the ball out of the back of the net.

Robertson failed to clear his lines when the ball was driven into the penalty area by Wilshere, and Rooney reacted quickly to head beyond the reach of the current Celtic keeper, surpassing Jimmy Greaves to go outright third on the list of all-time England goalscorers.Forster tipped over from a looping Russell Martin header at the other end as Scotland pushed to reduce the deficit, before Sheffield Wednesday frontman Stevie May was thrown on for his international debut.

Although Robertson did pull a goal back from close range seven minutes from time, Rooney found the net in similar fashion two minutes later - putting himself within two goals of second-placed Gary Lineker in the England record books.

 

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Congratulations Rooney!​

 

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Wenger can make me a better player at Arsenal, insists Ozil

Mesut Ozil insists Arsene Wenger can make him a better player at Arsenal.

The 26-year-old, who joined from Real Madrid in a club-record €53 million (£42.4m) deal in September 2013, is currently sidelined with a knee injury and is set to return in January.

Ozil has been criticised for his performances since his move to the Premier League but the Germany international claims Wenger is key to his development.

“He [Wenger] knows what he wants and I know he can bring me a step forward; he trusts me in that way and I trust him, completely,” Ozil told Esquire.

“I’m proud to be part of this team.”

Ozil also maintains he is not affected by criticism from the media.

“I’ve been in this business so long now. I’ve been a professional since I was 16, 17,” he said.

“I don’t care what the press thinks about me as football changes from day to day. You can play well one day and badly the next. I’m used to it.”

 

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Sammer handed three-year Bayern extension

Bayern Munich have confirmed that sporting director Matthias Sammer has signed a three year contract extension.

The former Borussia Dortmund player and coach began his work at the Allianz Arena in 2012, when Cristian Nerlinger was replaced after the Bavarians suffered two trophyless seasons.They have since started to dominate German football, winning an unprecedented treble under Jupp Henyckes in 2013.

Though they fell short in the Champions League last term, they retained both domestic titles and Pep Guardiola's side currently sit top of the Bundesliga.

"The board decided unanimously at its last meeting to extend Matthias Sammer's contract," club president Karl Hopfner said."This is a big vote of confidence in him."

Sammer himself added: "I am grateful for the board's confidence but also for the good cooperation with my colleagues."I promise that I will continue with the same passion and intensity. We all have big goals at Bayern. I want to help us achieve this."

Sammer, who was previously filling a similar role with the DFB, won the Bundesliga as BVB coach in 2002 but has courted controversy with his former club, with Jurgen Klopp suggesting in March that he was lucky even to be involved at Bayern.

 

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England announce France and Germany friendlies

The Football Association has revealed that England will play France and Germany in friendlies at Wembley before Euro 2016.

It was announced on Wednesday that Roy Hodgson's side will take on European Championship hosts France on November 17 next year, subject to qualification for the Euros.

World champions Germany will face England in March 2016, while the FA are also in talks over potential fixtures with reigning European champions Spain and Netherlands.

The FA stated that "positive talks" have been held with their Spanish and Dutch counterparts with a view to international clashes before Euro 2016.

England are already due to lock horns with Italy next March and the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on June 7.

Hodgson told the FA's official website: "It's very encouraging that our search for opposition in the international weeks has led to quality teams such as France, Spain and Germany - with Italy and the Republic of Ireland already announced for 2015.

"They will complement the important Euro qualifiers which remain the top priority and we are taking nothing for granted. However, these six potential fixtures will provide the type of test we're looking for going forward."

England beat Scotland 3-1 at Celtic Park in a friendly on Tuesday and are sitting pretty with a six-point lead at the top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group E after winning all four matches so far.

 

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Alonso: Hard for a German to beat Messi & Ronaldo to Ballon d'Or

Bayern Munich star Xabi Alonso believes that it would be tough for a German player to beat Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi to the Ballon d'Or.

The veteran Spaniard made a surprise summer move to the Allianz Arena from Real Madrid, where he played alongside Ronaldo and enjoyed many battles with Messi's Barcelona.

A number of Bayern's contingent of German World Cup winners are nominated for the prestigious award, including the likes of Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller and Manuel Neuer, but Alonso feels the Liga pairing are still ahead of the competition in terms of individual performances.

He told Sport Bild: "It's a very general question: is the award about individual, personal performances?

"In this case, it would be tough against Messi and Ronaldo. Or is it about the team's success? Then the Germans have the best chance. I'll cross my fingers for my Bayern colleagues."If Manuel Neuer were to win it, it would be just. I have to say that he's not only the best goalkeeper I've played with but also outstanding as the 11th outfielder.

"Of course I knew before that he is world class, but his strength surprised me the most along with David Alaba."

Alonso went on to say that he is interested to see how Toni Kroos, who moved to Real Madrid in the summer, fares at his former club."Of course I'm interested in how he does. Toni is still young and has been playing at the top level for two years now," he added.

"For me, he is one of the top five midfielders in the world. I knew that he would not only succeed at Madrid, but also show his importance for the team."

 

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Thohir: Mancini must get Inter into Europe

Inter president Erick Thohir says expectations remain the same for new coach Roberto Mancini as they were for predecessor Walter Mazzarri - to get the club into Europe.Mancini was confirmed as the man to take over from Mazzarri last week and will mark the start of his second stint with the side against rivals Milan on Sunday.

Having won Serie A and Coppa Italia titles during his first spell at San Siro, Mancini takes over with Inter ninth in the top flight and without a win in three matches in all competitions.

However, president Thohir claims he does not expect miracles, stating European qualification remains the objective, as it was with Mazzarri."The objectives are the same as the ones we set Mazzarri: qualifying for Europe," he told Indonesian newspaper Topskor .

"The minimum goal is the Europa League, which now provides a route to the Champions League."I'm not asking for heroics. I will give Mancini as long as possible to build this team in order to achieve the ideal level of stability.

"The decision to hire Mancini went through thorough examination. I spoke with him, he's very ambitious."

 

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Modric: Three month injury a real shock

Real Madrid star Luka Modric has revealed his dismay after being ruled out of action for three months with a thigh injury.

The 29-year-old picked up the knock while representing Croatia against Italy and it was confirmed that he would be sidelined until February after he underwent further tests.

Modric says he expected bad news from club doctors but says the extent of the blow came as a real shock to him."It's a despair," he told Sportske Novosti.

"The real shock came when the doctors told me that my recovery would last for three months. I was speechless."I thought I'd be out for some time, but I never imagined it could be for three months."

Modric also revealed that Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged him to return stronger than ever, but not to rush his comeback."He told me to listen to the doctors and not to rush the rehabilitation process. I'll do my best.

"I'll be in Madrid for a week receiving therapy then we'll see what we're going to do."

 

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Get well soon Modric!​