..::Football III::..

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Honduras 0-5 Brazil: Selecao hammer Catrachos

Brazil continued their positive preparation ahead of hosting next year's World Cup with a 5-0 win over Honduras in Miami on Saturday.

The result was Brazil's fifth straight win since a shock loss to Switzerland in August, a period in which Luiz Felipe Scolari's men have scored 18 goals.

For Honduras, the result ended a four-match unbeaten run, but coach Luis Suarez will no doubt be desperate to improve their defence ahead of the World Cup.

The Selecao took the lead on 22 minutes when Paulinho crossed for Bernard to power home the game's first goal.

Dante then nodded home a Neymar free kick to double Brazil's lead 10 minutes after the half-time, with the Bayern Munich man's attempt on goal deflecting off Honduras' Wilson Palacios and Carlo Costly before trickling into the net.

Maicon then added a third as he tapped into an empty net after Paulinho's close-range effort was blocked.

Substitute Hulk teed up Brazil's fourth goal when his cut-back pass found Willian, who guided his shot across Honduras goalkeeper Noel Valladares.

Hulk himself made it 5-0 in the 74th minute with a well-placed finish after neat backheels from both Ramires and Robinho.

Roger Espinoza and Maynor Figueroa were at fault for Brazil's first, gifting Paulinho space on the right to send in a cross to winger Bernard - who powerfully tucked away the opportunity.

There was some earlier concerns for Scolari, however, as superstar Neymar pulled up sore from a first-minute challenge.

The Barcelona forward shook off the knock to his right knee, though, much to the pleasure of the Sun Life Stadium fans who he went on to impress with some fancy footwork.

Neymar could have made it two goals late in the first half with two sights on goal - the first was saved strongly by Valladares in the 37th minute.

Four minutes later, Neymar dribbled his way into the area and was crashed into from behind, but referee Dave Gantar waved away the penalty appeal.

Brazil took full control of the contest in the second half, and converted that dominance to the scoreboard in the first 30 minutes after the restart.

Honduras were left to rue some flat-footed defending, but Scolari will be delighted with his side’s capacity to convert their chances into goals.

Brazil continue their preparations for the World Cup when they face Chile in Toronto on Tuesday.

 

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Senegal 1-1 Cote d'Ivoire (2-4 on agg.): Last-gasp Kalou seals spot in World Cup finals

A second-half penalty from substitute Moussa Sow was not enough for Senegal as Salomon Kalou secured Cote d'Ivoire's place at the World Cup with a late equaliser in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

Sabri Lamouchi's side headed into Saturday's game having eased to a comfortable 3-1 win in the first leg last month, although Senegal still had half a chance by virtue of their away goal.

The Elephants completed the job with a solid performance, although they were pushed hard before finally confirming a 4-2 aggregate victory.

The second leg was played at the Stade Mohamed V in Casablanca as Senegal lost home advantage as punishment for crowd trouble in an Africa Cup of Nations play-off tie between the two sides back in October 2012.

However, that did not appear to affect them, and they dictated play for the majority of the game as they looked to qualify for the World Cup finals for the first time since 2002.

For all their pressure, it took Senegal until the 77th minute to make the breakthrough, with Sow's penalty giving Alain Giresse's side brief hope.

But the crucial second goal did not arrive, and their hopes were finally killed off when Kalou struck in injury time to send Cote d'Ivoire to next year's finals in Brazil.

Senegal coach Giresse made five changes to the side that lost the first leg, with midfielders Salif Sane and Sadio Mane among those to come into the side as the likes of Sow and Mohamed Diame dropped to the bench.

Cheick Tiote and Geoffrey Serey Die both missed out due to suspension for Ivory Coast, who maintained a front three of Gervinho, Kalou and Didier Drgoba.

Giresse's men made the better start, but it took them until the 14th minute to create the game's first real chance as Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse saw his goalbound header hooked away by Drogba.

Cote d'Ivoire continued to defend well despite sustained pressure from Senegal, who were reduced to largely speculative efforts from range in what was a frustrating first half from their perspective.

Senegal pressed forward with renewed energy after the interval, and Cisse was involved again as he broke through on goal following some poor defending, only for Boubacar Barry to block his close-range effort with his feet.

Lamouchi's side struggled to get a foothold in the game throughout, and they were continually grateful for Senegal's profligacy, which was showcased agains as Dame N'Doye curled a free kick wide from the edge of the area.

However, 13 minutes from time Giresse's men were offered a lifeline when Drogba pulled down Mane in the area, allowing Sow to step up and convert from the spot.

Senegal failed to create further momentum, though, and they were caught on the counter in the final minute of injury time, Kalou steering home to send the Elephants to their third consecutive World Cup.

 

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Wales 1-1 Finland: Late equaliser denies hosts friendly win

Riku Riski's last-gasp leveller denied Chris Coleman a win in his first game since signing a new deal as Finland held Wales to a 1-1 draw.

King's second international goal early in the second half looked to have secured a friendly win for Wales in Cardiff on Saturday, but Riski latched onto a fine pass from the impressive Roman Eremenko in injury time and finished clinically to thwart Coleman's charges.

There had been much speculation over Coleman's future as his previous contract was due to expire after this game, but he put pen to paper on a new two-year agreement this week.

Coleman, who had been linked with the vacant Crystal Palace job, would have been encouraged by Wales' second half display but Mixu Paatelainen's side refused to accept defeat.

Gareth Bale made welcome return for his first Wales performance since his record move from Real Madrid and he showed glimpses of his class.

Finland, and Eremenko in particular, also had their moments and Teemu Pukki almost put Finland in front in the first half when his shot hit the post.

In-form Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey was ruled out with a virus as Coleman made five changes to the side that drew with Belgium last time out.

Eremenko was passed fit after recovering from a dental problem and he was one of only four players to retain their starting berths following last month's defeat to France.

The visitors were unfortunate not to be in front after 14 minutes, when Wales stood off Pukki in the penalty area and the Celtic striker almost made them pay only for his right-footed strike to rattle the post.

Wales were struggling to fashion clear goalscoring opportunities, but Bale flashed a dangerous cross across the face of the goal that somehow evaded everybody after 26 minutes.

Finland goalkeeper Lukas Hradecky was finally forced into a save 10 minutes before half-time when he kept out Hal Robson-Kanu's downward header, but the goal would not have stood as Ashley Williams was penalised for a push.

Bale then cut in from the right touchline at full tilt before unleashing a vicious left-foot shot from 25 yards out that was beaten away by Hradecky.

Wales looked far more dangerous after the break and they were in front after 57 minutes when King burst into the box to head home Robson-Kanu's cross from six yards out.

Finland responded and Wayne Hennessey got done well to palm away a shot from the lively Eremenko in the 62nd minute.

Bale made another opportunity for himself when he fired wide after 77 minutes but Finland had the final say at the death when Riski showed a good turn of pace to race clear and apply the finish after Eremenko had played him in.

 

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Netherlands 2-2 Japan: World Cup hopefuls share spoils in four-goal thriller

Japan staged a superb fightback to rescue a 2-2 friendly draw with the Netherlands in Belgium on Saturday.

Rafael van der Vaart put the Netherlands ahead after 12 minutes when Japan failed to clear their lines and Arjen Robben doubled the lead six minutes before half-time.

However, Alberto Zaccheroni's men responded well and were level after an hour following goals from Yuya Osako and Keisuke Honda.

The result extends the Netherlands' unbeaten record to 16 matches, while Japan have stopped the rot after back-to-back defeats.

Van der Vaart and Nigel de Jong were among five players brought into the Dutch starting XI following their final World Cup qualifier against Turkey, with striker Robin van Persie having withdrawn from the squad through toe and groin injuries earlier in the week.

Shinji Kagawa dropped to the bench in the most notable change for Japan from their 1-0 friendly defeat to Belarus in October.

Hotaru Yamaguchi blazed over the crossbar from the edge of the penalty area early on as Japan looked to gain an early advantage.

Yet it was the Netherlands who opened the scoring in the 12th minute as Van der Vaart capitalised on a dreadful Atsuto Uchida header to break clear of the Japanese defence and chip over goalkeeper Shusaku Nishikawa.

Jeremain Lens prodded just wide of the left post in the 23rd minute, drawing a last-ditch challenge from Uchida, before Robben forced a diving save from Nishikawa with an effort from 18 yards.

The Bayern Munich winger had better luck from similar range after 39 minutes as Robben curled in a wonderful left-footed strike to hand the Netherlands a comfortable lead.

However, Osako pulled one back for Japan a minute before half-time, slotting beyond Jasper Cillessen from the centre of the penalty area after some good work by Makoto Hasebe to set up the chance.

Yuto Nagatomo went close in the 55th minute as Japan dominated following the break, and they got their just reward five minutes later as Honda drove home an equaliser from inside the area following a scintillating passing move.

Kagawa almost put his side ahead in the 67th minute, but Cillessen tipped the Manchester United man's shot wide of his left-hand post.

There was a golden chance for Japan to cap a sensational comeback with 12 minutes remaining, but Yoichiro Kakitani slipped the ball narrowly wide after being put through on goal.

 

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World Cup 2014 will be special, says Enyeama

Nigeria goalkeeper and stand-in captain Vincent Enyeama is relishing the prospect of playing in a third World Cup finals after his side overcame Ethiopia 4-1 on aggregate in their African section play-off.

Nigeria won the initial leg 2-1 in Addis Ababa courtesy of a brace from Emmanuel Emenike but they were made to work harder in Calabar during the second leg before recording a 2-0 win thanks to goals from Victor Moses and Victor Obinna.
The Lille shot-stopper admitted he is amazed to have earned the chance to play in a third global finals and claimed 2014 would be extra special for his side given that they enter the tournament as champions of Africa.

"We are happy that we have booked a place at next year's World Cup. It is amazing that we shall be in the party to Brazil," Enyeama told reporters.
“I have been to two World Cup finals in 2002 when I was picked miraculously and also at the 2010 edition in South Africa. This one is special because we are going to Brazil as African champions," he said.

Nigeria were joined in the draw for the group stages on December 6 by Cote d'Ivoire on Saturday, after the Elephants secured a 4-2 aggregate win over Senegal.

 

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Manchester United to open Chicharito contract talks

Manchester United are set to open contract talks with Chicharito in order to keep the striker at Old Trafford.

Goal understands that the Mexican, who recently spoke of his frustration over a lack of first-team opportunities under David Moyes, has been assured of his importance to the club going forward.

United are keen to tie the striker down for the long-term and are willing to improve his current £60,000-a-week deal, which has two years remaining.

Hernandez has been linked with both Arsenal and Tottenham in recent months but has indicated privately that he would prefer a move abroad if he were to leave Old Trafford.

Former United coach Rene Meulensteen admitted a fortnight ago that the 25-year-old could look to leave the club in search of regular first-team football.

"If Hernandez comes to an age where he thinks he wants regular football and he can get into another top team in the Premier League then I can see him considering it, but it’s not easy leaving Manchester United," he said.

However Moyes has been vocal in his support of Chicharito, insisting that the champions need the striker who has scored four goals in nine games so far this term.

The forward's agent Eduardo Hernandez revealed in the summer that the forward had rejected a move to Valencia in order to succeed at United, insisting that his client is more motivated than ever at the Theatre of Dreams.

 

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Real Madrid and Spain suffer Alonso injury scare

Real Madrid suffered another injury scare after Xabi Alonso was forced to limp off in Spain's friendly clash with Equatorial Guinea, although the problem appears to be only minor.

The 31-year-old played his first match for his country since last appearing for them six months ago against France, and was named captain after Vicente del Bosque fielded a young starting XI against the African side.

But fresh from recovering from a groin operation that ruled him out of la Roja's Confederations Cup campaign, the midfielder went down under a challenge from Thierry Fidjeu clutching his ankle and was replaced by Sergio Busquets, although initial examinations suggest the midfielder has merely suffered bruising.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Del Bosque assured: "It's nothing serious, just a knock."

Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti will be particularly relieved to hear the good news, after already being forced to contend for the rest of the season without Sami Khedira.

The Germany international tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Friday's 1-1 draw with Italy, and faces a recovery period of at least six months.

A prolonged spell on the sidelines for Alonso would have left Madrid with something an injury crisis in midfield, with Luka Modric, Asier Illarramendi and Casemiro the only recognised alteratives.

 

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Alonso ayeth injured wela neh

Get well soon Alonso​

 

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Buffon: Italy excel under pressure

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon feels pressure brings out the best in Italy as they continue preparations for the 2014 World Cup.

The Azzurri battled to a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Germany in Milan on Friday to prolong their impressive unbeaten run against Joachim Low's side.

While he was keen to appear cautious over their chances at next summer's finals, Buffon insists Cesare Prandelli's men can achieve anything if they maintain their level of belief.

"There are certainly those who are at a more advanced stage than we are, but we are still in good shape," the Juventus custodian told reporters.

"Unlike others, we have the quality of knowing when and how to suffer under pressure. When there is a complicated situation, we tend to do very well indeed.

"However, it's not easy to say what the real Italy are like now. Prandelli is right when he says we mustn't ask for the moon, that we are not the strongest team in the world.

"We've got to go into the World Cup expecting the same as we did before Euro 2012 and the Confederations Cup. That means good performances, often hand-in-hand with good results."

Italy finished second at the European championship last summer, before coming in third in this year's World Cup dress rehearsal held in Brazil after their semi-final defeat to Spain on penalties.

They will face Nigeria in London on Monday in their next friendly, with the Super Eagles having secured their place in Brazil with Saturday's 4-1 aggregate win over Ethiopia.

 

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Messi is a step below Ronaldo, says Ramos

Sergio Ramos has labelled Cristiano Ronaldo the best player in the world by claiming Ballon d'Or rival Lionel Messi is a "step below him right now."

The attacking duo are frontrunners alongside Franck Ribery to win this year's edition of the prestigious award, though Messi has fallen behind in the running after suffering another injury setback last week.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti demanded that Ronaldo receives due recognition for his 2013 achievements, and now Ramos has tipped his club-mate to reclaim the award after last winning it in 2008.

"Perhaps this year he [Ronaldo] is showing that [he should win the Ballon d'Or], since the player normally seen as the best in the world, Messi, is maybe a step below him right now," the Spain international noted to Movistar.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter caused a furore earlier this autumn when he made comments suggesting he saw Messi as the better player, prompting Ramos to stress the importance of impartiality.

"You have to give the Ballon d’Or to the best player in the world at that time," he continued.

"Any differences between what the players are like as individuals should not affect who is chosen for a personal award."

Despite failing to win any silverware this calender year, Ronaldo has notched up an impressive 63 goals for club and country to stake his claim for the prize.

His latest strike, the winner for Portugal in the first leg of their World Cup play-off against Sweden, gives Paulo Bento's men a crucial advantage before Tuesday's return match.

 

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Pirlo: Now is not the time for contract talks

Andrea Pirlo says he will not be rushed into making a decision regarding his future at Juventus.

The 34-year old Italy international’s contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

And speaking to journalists during a post match interview following Italy’s 1-1 draw with Germany on Friday, Pirlo felt relaxed about where his future lies beyond the current campaign.

“My future? There is throughout the season to talk about it; we’ll see,” Pirlo said.

“I’m optimistic. I want to keep playing, because I'm good and enjoy it. I don’t know if it will be at Juventus or another team."

Pirlo, who joined from Milan back in 2011, has helped Juventus secure two Serie A titles, as well as two Supercoppa Italiana titles.

 

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Mascherano: Messi must be selfish

Javier Mascherano says Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi needs to be the “most selfish person in the world” during his recovery from injury.

The star forward is currently facing six to eight weeks out of action with a hamstring injury, which he picked up against Betis last weekend.

Mascherano, who captained Argentina in the draw with Ecuador in the absence of Messi, admits he knew the injury was a serious one and urged his club and international team-mate to focus only on himself as he works his way back to fitness.

"When Messi was lying on the ground and looking back to the bench I knew something was badly wrong,” the ex-Liverpool player said to Ole.

“Now he has to be the most selfish person in the world. I say that in a good way - he needs to really look after himself and recover well.

“An injury is never good news but it certainly does not hurt to rest properly and take some time out just for you. He needs to focus on recovering.”

Mascherano rejected the suggestion that being without Messi could prove to be a positive experience for Barcelona as they learn to reduce their dependence on him.

“Not having Messi in the team is never a positive thing,” he said.

“Leo is fine now. He has passed the stage of logical bitterness that you get when you are injured and is now focused on getting better. It is just a muscle injury, so nothing too severe.”

Barcelona face Granada on Saturday when they return to action after the international break, a match which is followed by a Champions League trip to Ajax.

 

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Szczesny signs new long-term Arsenal contract

Wojciech Szczesny has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal.

The Poland international, who joined the club's academy in 2006, has been ever-present this season as the Gunners sit top of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old, whose previous deal was due to expire in 2015, has now established himself as the club's first-choice shot-stopper after briefly losing his place in the side last season.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is delighted to have secured the Pole's long-term future and believes he will continue to play an important role for the club for the foreseeable future.

“We’re very pleased Wojciech has signed a new long-term contract,” the Frenchman told the club's official website. “I have always believed he is an extremely talented player, with excellent reflexes and good mental strength.

“He continues to grow and improve all the time too, so he has the potential to be even better. He can be an important part of Arsenal Football Club for many years to come.”

Szczesny is thrilled to have extended his stay at the Emirates Stadium, having already been at the club for seven years, and is now targeting trophies as the Gunners bid to end their eight-year trophy drought.

“I am very pleased to have signed a new contract," said the Polish keeper. “Arsenal is like my family and I’m so happy to be committing my long-term future here.

“I’ve been at this Club for over seven years now and I’d just like to take the opportunity to thank everyone for their support towards me during my time here.

“I’m so proud to be an Arsenal player and am looking forward to helping our club towards success in the years to come.”

 

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Congratulations Szczesny!​

 

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Benzema: France can still qualify

Karim Benzema has insisted that France can still reach next year's World Cup despite their 2-0 loss against Ukraine on Friday in the first leg of their qualification play-off.

Second-half goals from Roman Zozulya and Andriy Yarmolenko saw France leave the pitch empty handed and they face a tough task to turn things around in the return leg on Tuesday.

However, Benzema refuses to throw in the towel just yet.

"There is still a second leg at the Stade de France. We know that it will not be easy, but we are not giving up," Benzema told reporters.

"We were ready for them and knew we were in for a tough task. It's not as if they were more determined than we were. They outmuscled us with their physical approach.

"Theoretically speaking, we are the better team. It's not just about talent, though. The physical aspect is important, too."

The second leg will take place at the Stade de France on Tuesday.

 

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Khedira faces six months out

Real Madrid will possibly have to make do without the services of Sami Khedira for the rest of the season as the midfielder has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.

The 26-year-old picked up the injury in Germany's 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday after a collision with Azzurri star Andrea Pirlo and was promptly forced to leave the pitch after 67 minutes.

Khedira visited the hospital for further examination and a series of tests have now revealed that he has suffered a torn ACL.

"Sami will have to undergo surgery. We hope that he will be healthy again at the start of the World Cup," Germany doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt told the official DFB website.

No exact details have been given about the length of Khedira's absence, but the midfielder is expected to be out of action for at least six months.

"This is a huge blow for Sami and the rest of the team. He's a real fighter, though, and always remains optimistic. That will help him," Germany coach Joachim Low commented.

"I am optimistic that he will be ready in time for the World Cup in Brazil."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Khedrira!​

 

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Manchester United in danger of standing still with no signings, warns Phil Neville

Manchester United coach Phil Neville admits the club will be in danger of being ‘left behind’ if they fail to bolster the squad with new signings.

United will make a fresh bid for Everton left-back Leighton Baines in January, although David Moyes has publicly played down expectations of securing a high-profile signing in the upcoming transfer window.

"We have a fantastic squad as it is,” Neville told the BBC's 'Football Focus'.

“In the transfer window early on in the season we were looking for players, that was well documented.

"That search continues. We need to keep reinvesting in the squad because if you stand still in this league you get left behind, as Manchester City found out last season when they didn't strengthen as much and they ended up losing the league [title]."

Neville has praised Wayne Rooney’s performances this season and says the England international, paired alongside Robin van Persie, will keep United in the title race this term.

"His level of performance not just in games but in training has been first class," Neville said.

"And at the start of the season when we weren't in the best of form, he was a shining light.

"Now you are seeing everybody else to come into form, and with the partnership between him and Robin van Persie, if they continue at that rate in terms of goals, then we will be right up there.

"If you look at facts, when they play together, Manchester United win football games."

Defeat at home to West Brom in September meant United suffered their worst start in the league for 24 years but four wins and a draw since the loss has put Manchester United five points behind leaders Arsenal.

Neville believes the players are now are buying into Moyes' playing style and concedes the club inevitably faced a sharp change from Sir Alex Ferguson's reign.

"Defeat by West Brom was a real wake-up call for the players and manager," he said.

"The players are beginning to trust the manager and his philosophy and I think you saw that against Arsenal."

"It was always going to take a bit of time after one man had controlled the club for so long, there was always going to be a transition period."

 

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January window 1kewath hoda playersla set 1kak gatthe nathnam sorryma thamai​

 

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World Cup Qualifying Fixture 2013.11.17

World Cup Qualifying Fixture 2013.11.17

Cameroon Vs Tunisia​