..::Football III::..

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Spain cannot be nostalgic, says Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque has urged his team to forget the past as Spain prepare to defend their World Cup crown in Brazil in 2014.

La Roja have returned to Johannesburg, the scene of their 2010 success, as they prepare to take on South Africa in a friendly on Tuesday, but their coach has advised his team to resist the urge to become complacent.

“I’m not nostalgic about the past,” he said in a press conference. “We can’t stop to think about what has already happened.

“We now have to look to the future.

“Since the World Cup we have continued to grow. There is an element of continuity about our play, and we want to defend the title we won here in Brazil next summer.

“I consider myself lucky to be in the most successful period of Spanish football in its history, but that does not mean I’m the best coach."

But for all of his desperation to focus on the future, Del Bosque admitted his he was happy to be reacquainted with the passionate African support.

The 62-year-old added: “It’s nice to be back in South Africa though. The people here are very affectionate.

“Even after we lost to Switzerland [in the first game of the World Cup], the employees at the hotel were waiting up until three in the morning to greet us.

“That’s what I remember most.”

Andres Iniesta scored the winning goal in extra time of the 2010 final and the Barcelona midfielder says he is looking forward to retracing his footsteps from that famous night.

“To say that all stadiums are the same for players just isn’t true,” he told Cuatro. “It’s going to be a special moment for me.

“This stadium is different for me. I can’t wait to go back on the pitch and relive a unique moment.

“I will take photos. I’ll go back to that spot where I scored. It was a privilege to be able to score that goal.

“Apart from the moment when Iker lifted the trophy, the thing I most remember is when I took my shirt off and showed the Dani Jarque message.”

 

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Paulinho: I feel important to the Selecao

Paulinho says he now feels an important part of the Brazil team.

The midfielder has started the Selecao’s previous eight matches, with only injury keeping him out of the team that defeated Italy in the Confederations Cup prior to that run of games.

Brazil face Chile at Toronto’s Rogers Centre on Tuesday evening, where Paulinho is once again set to play a vital role in central midfield.

“It’s a difficult question,” replied the Tottenham midfielder when asked if he has become as important as Neymar for coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. “But I feel important.

“I have to use these opportunities to show Scolari what I can do. I know the responsibility that’s on me. I am ready and prepared to take it.”

Brazil have lost just one of their previous 17 games and the 25-year-old went on to praise Felipao’s approach since the 2002 World Cup-winning coach took over from Mano Menezes in November 2012.

“Right from the beginning, we have understood the way the coach wants us to behave and what he wants from the group on the field.

“We had time to work at it before the Confederations Cup. Football has no magic formula. It's a simple game and we kept it that way.”

Paulinho was one of those who featured for Brazil the last time they met Chile in April, when a team of domestic-based players were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw in Belo Horizonte, and he is desperate for a better outcome this time.

“I see [the game with Chile] as another opportunity for us to show our football.

“This is the last game for the national team this year and it is important to finish the year with a big win.”

Brazil arrive in Toronto on Monday having delayed their trip to Canada in order to continue to train in Miami, where it was around 20 degrees warmer.

Captain Thiago Silva will return to the starting XI after overcoming an injury that saw him training alone prior to Saturday’s 5-0 defeat of Honduras and the PSG defender insists the Selecao will have no problems with the drop in temperature.

“All players here are already accustomed to playing this kind of temperature,” he said. “It will not be a problem.”

 

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Casillas: Robben save still gives me shivers

Iker Casillas says he still gets goose bumps when he thinks about his save against Arjen Robben that helped Spain win the 2010 World Cup.

The Real Madrid keeper managed to turn away the Netherlands winger's effort in the second half of normal time, before Andres Iniesta gave La Roja the victory with his extra time winner.

And after returning to Johannesburg, the memories remain crystal clear for Casillas, who insists he was just thrilled to be a part of Spain’s first ever World Cup-winning side.

“I just remembered how we celebrated inside the dressing room. The memories came flooding back as soon as we stepped into the changing room,” he told reporters.

“All of us have different memories and anecdotes which we have been sharing amongst ourselves.

“As time goes by, you tend to forget things like that [save on Robben] but when I see it again on television, it all comes back to me.

“Watching it again still gives me shivers – I held out for as long as I could and got my right toe to his shot to steer it wide, I was lucky.

“I just feel very happy to have been part of that group of players in that side and being able to make the people back home feel proud of being Spanish.”

While Casillas has fond memories of that day, he refuses to accept the title of a ‘God’ given to him by the Spanish public, but rather is happy to be able to share the triumph with the fans.

“We know that, on that day, we marked an historic point in Spanish football history. It was an historic moment for Spanish sport and for the country – moments that we never thought would happen to us, but they did.

“We don’t feel like we are gods, we have to defend our national team whenever we do win a trophy, we’re happy that our people can enjoy it with us.”

Despite being relegated to a back-up role with Real Madrid, the 32-year-old remains focused on the possibility of more great moments to come.

“Nobody knows what is going to happen tomorrow. You have to live in the moment and that moment, three years ago, was marvellous – just like so many times I have enjoyed at Real Madrid and with Spain.

“Let’s hope that if you ask me the same question in another five months, my club will have won the league, the Copa del Rey and the Champions League and Spain, the World Cup.”

 

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Del Bosque: I backed Xavi and Iniesta for Ballon d'Or

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he has thrown his weight behind Xavi and Andres Iniesta in the battle for the Ballon d'Or but refused to disclose the identity of the recipient of his third selection.

Franck Ribery, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are regarded as the favourites for this year's accolade but the Roja coach would not be drawn on whether he backed one of the three.

“I voted for the two Spaniards [on Fifa’s 23-strong shortlist], and the other I’ll leave unknown," Del Bosque told Cadena Cope.

“I voted for [Jupp] Heynckes, [Rafa] Benitez and [Luiz Felipe] Scolari [for World Coach of the Year]. I base my choices on silverware, which is the most objective information.”

Meanwhile, Del Bosque defended himself against criticism over Spain's decision to play a friendly game against Equatorial Guinea at the weekend.

There were claims that by agreeing to the fixture in the oil-rich state, the world champions had effectively shown their support for a regime which leaves 75 per cent of the population to live on €0.75 a day, but the former Real Madrid boss insisted that the ethical implications had not been taken into consideration.

“In terms of the trip to Equatorial Guinea, the political element didn’t come into it. I don’t think I’ve done anything wrong, far from it," he declared.

 

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Oscar: Mourinho wanted me at Real Madrid

Chelsea midfielder Oscar claims he came "very close" to joining Real Madrid prior to his switch to Stamford Bridge.

The Brazil international moved to England from Internacional in 2012, but has revealed that current Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wanted him to join los Blancos instead.

Oscar explains that the Portuguese came to watch him in an international friendly against Denmark, but the 22-year-old was put off joining the Liga giants due to the intense level of competition at the Santiago Bernabeu.

"A month before signing for Chelsea I was very close to doing so with Real Madrid as Mourinho said he wanted me," he told Globoesporte.

"Before the game [against Denmark] there were talks with Madrid, but they had the playmaker position well covered. After that, I signed for Chelsea."

Oscar has scored four times in all competitions this season, helping Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League and top spot in Champions League Group E, and the Selecao starlet attributes his good form to Mourinho.

"He talked to me as soon as he came to Chelsea," Oscar stated. "He gives me confidence and I'm trying to return all such support on the pitch."

 

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Ancelotti rules out signing Khedira replacement

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has ruled out signing a replacement for Sami Khedira during the January transfer window, explaining that he could just "change the formation completely".

The international break has not been kind to los Blancos, with Germany's Khedira having been ruled out for at least six months with cruciate ligament damage sustained against Italy just a day before fellow midfielder Xabi Alonso picked up a knock in Spain's clash with Equatorial Guinea.

However, with the latter expected to be back in action very soon, and Madrid boasting a strong squad, Ancelotti does not feel the Liga giants need to strengthen during the January transfer window.

“We are not thinking about signing anyone," the Italian coach is quoted as saying by AS at the launch of his new book.

“We’ve had bad luck - particularly with Khedira. Xabi, fortunately, just took a knock. But Khedira is a very important player who brings equilibrium to the side and, without him, we need to find a solution.

"I’m sure we can sort something out in his absence, which is an significant setback for us.

“We have a few options open to us. We can fill his role with another player with similar characteristics or change the system completely.

"We just need to make sure that whatever system we employ, the players are all comfortable."

It has been suggested that Ancelotti has been put under pressure to pick world-record signing Gareth Bale this season, in spite of the Welshman's fitness problems, but the former AC Milan coach insists he has never had a club president interfere in his team selections.

“Nobody has ever told me which players I should field," he declared. "I was in constant contact with [Rossoneri owner Silvio] Berlusconi but only because I feel that every coach should give explanations to their superiors.

"But it wouldn’t be right for a president to tell the coach who to pick."

Ancelotti, though, was reluctant to be drawn on whether Cristiano Ronaldo should attend the upcoming Ballon d'Or ceremony in light of controversial comments made by Fifa president Sepp Blatter about the Portugal international.

“You have to ask Cristiano that," he stated. "Only he is able to say what’s best for him."

Blatter had expressed a preference for Lionel Messi over Ronaldo, claiming that "one spends more time in the hairdressers than the other".

 

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Blatter was disrespectful to Ronaldo, says Pedro

Barcelona attacker Pedro feels Fifa president Sepp Blatter crossed a line when he appeared to mock Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo in late October.

The 77-year-old jokingly described Ronaldo as "a commander on the field of play" before suggesting the Portuguese "spends more time at the hairdresser" when stating his preference for Lionel Messi.

While Pedro acknowledges the Swiss is likely to have his personal favourite players within the game, he insists he went too far with his comments on this occasion.

"I didn't like what Blatter did, his behaviour was uncalled for," Pedro was quoted as saying by Marca.

"You have to be respectful.

"I understand that he has his preferences, which must also be respected, but what he did wasn't right."

The Spain international then went on to stress that he hopes Messi will win the 2013 Fifa Ballon d'Or ahead of fellow front-runners Ronaldo and Franck Ribery.

"It’s a tough one, but hopefully Messi will win because he’s my team-mate and because he’s the best in the world in my opinion."

Pedro has found first-team football more difficult to come by this season due to the impressive form of Alexis Sanchez and Neymar, but the 26-year-old insists he has every intention of staying at Camp Nou to fight for his place.

"I have to remain patient at Barca until I find my place in the side. I've never thought about leaving. Right now, my head is fully focused on Barcelona," he said.

"It's true that you sometimes worry because there's a World Cup on the horizon and you want to arrive in tip-top condition."

 

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Cazorla: Ozil arrival surprised Arsenal players

Santi Cazorla has admitted that even Arsenal's players were surprised that the "magical" Mesut Ozil decided to leave Real Madrid for the Emirates.

The notoriously frugal Gunners broke their transfer record by paying €50 million to sign the Germany international from los Blancos on deadline day - but Cazorla feels that it has already proven to have been money very well spent.

"He brings us something different, because he’s all talent and what he does is magic," the Spaniard told El Pais. "It seems like he’s not there and then he changes a game with one control, one pass.

"It surprised us that he came to Arsenal, because you don’t expect him to leave Madrid and then choose our team. For us he’s a gift."

With Arsenal currently riding high at the top of the Premier League, Cazorla also feels the team as a whole have improved upon last season.

"We’ve matured, I think," the 28-year-old mused. "It’s nice to see yourself top, it gives you strength and confidence, but there’s a long way to go.

"We had to be more consistent and we are now; that is a defect that we have corrected. The team is not as innocent; we are committing fewer errors.

"Last year, through forgetfulness or lack of concentration, we lost games stupidly and we have learned from that."

Although Ozil's arrival has contributed to Cazorla being pushed out to the left-hand side, he says he still has sufficient time and space in which to express himself because of the nature of the Premier League.

"The football is England is less tactical; it’s more open," he explained. "It has given me absolute freedom.

"Although I play out a little on the left, [coach Arsene Wenger] lets me go into the centre, to change positions, and I like that a lot.

Cazorla also hailed the competitive nature of English football, and believes that surprise package Liverpool can go all the way this season.

"The Premier League is very open," he continued. "[Manchester] United beat us and they are now only five points behind, just like that things can change.

"And then there is Liverpool, who are the surprise of the campaign, and I think are serious candidates because they have strengthened well.

"They have put together a compact team and they have the advantage of only playing in one competition [rather than in Europe].

"But look at [Manchester] City, who lost against Sunderland, or Tottenham, who lost at home. The Premier League is not easy, it’s not Spain - it’s more equal."

 

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Aguero: I want to be the best player in the world

Sergio Aguero says he wants to win the World Cup with Argentina and become the best player in the world.

The Manchester City striker says that winning the tournament is his “dream” and that, realising it, would go a long way towards securing him legendary status within the game.

When asked if he feels like a ‘crack’ (a Spanish term for a great player), Aguero told La Nation: “Let’s see. I don’t know about that, but I do my best to be one of the best players in the world.

"My dream is to win the World Cup and then be the best player in the world. That would remain in history.”

Describing his role within the Argentina set-up, Aguero explained that his goal is to take some of the pressure off Lionel Messi, whose No.10 shirt he recently had the honour of wearing on account of the Barcelona attacker's current injury problems.

“Messi has a heavier load because everybody expects more [from him],” said Aguero. “I am there to help Leo carry all that responsibility in the national team, and also to help the team.

"We have to divide the responsibility between a few of us. The people want more from us and that’s good: we have to give the maximum to please the people.

“That [No.10] shirt has an owner. Somebody had to use the No.10 [against Peru] and Leo asked me to wear it. But some people even wrote to me [afterwards] and said: ‘What are you doing with the 10?’.

"I told them that the shirt has an owner and that’s Leo. I used it because somebody has to use it for now.”

The 25-year-old was also quick to dispel any rumours about a possible departure from Eastlands, citing his contentment in Manchester as a central reason for his continual improvement as a player.

“The truth is that I’m happy,” he added. “The club treats me very well. It’s very calm - it’s different to being in Spain or Argentina.”

"I’ve always said that in every match, watching or training, you learn things. It’s like in any job, you know what to do or not to do.

"The same happens on the pitch: you think where you have to attack, where you feel comfortable inside the area - it’s like you read where you can make the centre-backs feel uncomfortable.

“You are always improving. English football, for example, being so fast, it allows you to develop your concentration and refine your technique. So every day you’re learning and I feel that I still have plenty to learn.

“The only thing I do is enjoy football, rest, be at home and then go out or walk around or eat in peace. For a player or anybody who is well-known, it’s good not to be afraid of the madness because later, when it’s time to play, it’s important to have a clear head.”

 

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I'd rather be Spain than Germany, insists Rooney

Wayne Rooney insists Spain remain the best team in the world despite Germany's success at club and international level in recent years.

Joachim Low's men are considered one of the main contenders to topple the World and European champions in Brazil next summer following the rise of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.

Rooney believes Spain remain the team to beat, although he admits victory over Germany at Wembley on Tuesday would provide a big confidence boost for Roy Hodgson's men after defeat to Chile.

"I'd rather be Spain as they are world and European champions," he told reporters. "But Germany are a great team with great players and it will be a big test for us.

"It's nice to beat anyone but especially the Germans. It's always nice when you beat them.

"It's great when you beat the big teams. When we beat Brazil it gave everyone a lift and getting a draw away in Brazil was a great result for us.

"So it's important that we try to win the game but it’s important that we try to deliver what the manager wants from us on the pitch as well."

Mesut Ozil will miss out on Tuesday's game as Low experiments with his squad ahead of the World Cup, but Rooney believes Germany's work ethic will make them difficult regardless of who plays.

"The biggest thing they have got is that they are a team brought together that all know their jobs, that is why they are so difficult to play against," he added.

"Against Chile we did some good things but they caught us by surprise with the way they played.

"Germany will be a completely different game. It will be a game we are used to a bit more. Chile showed us how South American teams play. They were a difficult team to get near to.

"The Germany game will be more similar to a Premier League game. We should be ready for that. We have to move on now and prepare for Tuesday."

 

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Alderweireld urges Courtois to leave Chelsea

Atletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld has advised Thibaut Courtois to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis in order to fulfil his potential and become the best goalkeeper in the world.

The 21-year-old, who joined the Blues from Genk in the summer of 2011, is on loan at Atleti for the third consecutive season and Alderweireld feels it would be in his compatriot's best interest to either join the Liga side permanently or move elsewhere.

"He is very smart and I think it would be a good choice for him to maybe stay with Atletico, or go to another club where he will be number one," Alderweireld told Sky Sports.

"He does not want to sit on the bench for eight games then play for one.

"I don't think he has a weak point and I think he can be the best keeper in the world. He is good with the ball, he is good with his feet and he is great on his line.

"I see him in training every day and I see him in games and I doubt there are any keepers better than him."

Courtois has a contract with Chelsea until June 2016.

 

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Xavi: Messi faces a fight for Ballon d'Or

Barcelona midfielder Xavi believes Lionel Messi faces stiff competition for this year's Ballon d'Or year due to the impressive performances of Cristiano Ronaldo, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben in 2013.

The Argentina international has won the past four editions of the prestigious individual award and is once more one of the favourites to emerge victorious this year, despite struggling with injuries for much of the current season.

However, while he maintains Messi is still the world's best player, Xavi believes the 26-year-old could struggle to seal a fifth-straight prize based on the form of rival players this year.

"If we ask ourselves who the best player in the world is, then it has to be Messi, there's no question about that," he told Sport.

"But if we ask who has been the best player in 2013, then I admit there is more of a debate to be had. The fact Messi has won it four years in a row could end up damaging him when it comes to voting.

"I would always give it to Messi, because he is the player that wins matches by himself, although you have to recognise that Ribery and Cristiano have reached stratospheric heights in terms of goals and assists.

"Ribery won everything, and Cristiano has notched up an incredible amount of goals. If I were captain of Spain and had a vote, I'd vote for Messi first, then Ribery, and then Cristiano.

"[Arjen] Robben would also be worthy of my vote."

The winner of the 2013 Fifa Ballon d'Or will be announced on January 13.

 

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Dortmund-Bayern not my cup of tea - Low

Germany boss Joachim Low says he is not all that concerned about next week's clash between Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich.

The 53-year-old has come in for heavy criticism from BVB fans for his decision to release Philipp Lahm and Manuel Neuer from international duty early ahead of Tuesday's trip to England.

Dortmund stars Roman Weidenfeller, Marcel Schmelzer and Marco Reus are all set to feature at Wembley, but Low says he is only focused on his own side's World Cup preparations.

"Dortmund-Bayern is not my cup of tea. I'm focussing on England and Chile," he said at a press conference.

"For me as a coach, the match tomorrow is an important test ahead of the 2014 World Cup. That's why I have to focus on myself and the national team.

"Every player wants to play every match, but I might take care so that no one plays the 90 minutes in both matches."

Low went on to confirm that he will make several changes from the team who drew 1-1 against Italy on Friday as he looks to assess his options ahead of the tournament.

"There will be changes as a matter of fact, but that was planned anyway. Weidenfeller will definitely start as the goalkeeper. Reus, Schmelzer and Per Mertesacker will also start.

"Weidenfeller deserves a call-up. He's a goalkeeper with very good charisma. And now that he is with us, we want him to play. I also talked about the situation with Rene Adler and explained my decision to him."

When quizzed about Tuesday's opponents, Low said that he felt that England were still very much a part of the elite in the international game.

"I do think England are still part of the big footballing nations. They're still one of the strongest teams; they are especially experienced in central midfield.

"On the wings they have fast players like Townsend. Tactically, they don't play like Italy, but they have immense power at home and they still have players who can make the difference."

Finally, the former Stuttgart and Fenerbahce coach said he was fussed about which teams his side will draw in the group stage for the World Cup on December 6.

"We'll take it as it comes. We have no favourite opponents. At Euro 2012, we had a group that could not have been much stronger, but we handled the situation well."

 

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World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2013.11.19

World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2013.11.19

Croatia Vs Iceland

Romania Vs Greece

Sweden vs Portugal

France Vs Ukraine​

 

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Ada World Cup Qualifying 2nd leg 1ke pattama gemak yaiSweden Vs Portugal & France Vs Ukraine

Due or Die for France!​

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2013.11.19

International Friendly Fixtures 2013.11.19

Australia Vs Costa Rica

Russia Vs South Korea

Slovenia Vs Canada

Liechtenstein Vs Estonia

Malta Vs Faroe Islands

Austria Vs USA

Norway Vs Scotland

South Africa Vs Spain

Netherlands Vs Colombia

Poland Vs Republic of Ireland

Belgium Vs Japan

England Vs Germany

Brazil Vs Chile

Ecuador Vs Honduras​

 

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Cazorla: Ozil arrival surprised Arsenal players

Santi Cazorla has admitted that even Arsenal's players were surprised that the "magical" Mesut Ozil decided to leave Real Madrid for the Emirates.

The notoriously frugal Gunners broke their transfer record by paying €50 million to sign the Germany international from los Blancos on deadline day - but Cazorla feels that it has already proven to have been money very well spent.

"He brings us something different, because he’s all talent and what he does is magic," the Spaniard told El Pais. "It seems like he’s not there and then he changes a game with one control, one pass.

"It surprised us that he came to Arsenal, because you don’t expect him to leave Madrid and then choose our team. For us he’s a gift."

With Arsenal currently riding high at the top of the Premier League, Cazorla also feels the team as a whole have improved upon last season.

"We’ve matured, I think," the 28-year-old mused. "It’s nice to see yourself top, it gives you strength and confidence, but there’s a long way to go.

"We had to be more consistent and we are now; that is a defect that we have corrected. The team is not as innocent; we are committing fewer errors.

"Last year, through forgetfulness or lack of concentration, we lost games stupidly and we have learned from that."

Although Ozil's arrival has contributed to Cazorla being pushed out to the left-hand side, he says he still has sufficient time and space in which to express himself because of the nature of the Premier League.

"The football is England is less tactical; it’s more open," he explained. "It has given me absolute freedom.

"Although I play out a little on the left, [coach Arsene Wenger] lets me go into the centre, to change positions, and I like that a lot.

Cazorla also hailed the competitive nature of English football, and believes that surprise package Liverpool can go all the way this season.

"The Premier League is very open," he continued. "[Manchester] United beat us and they are now only five points behind, just like that things can change.

"And then there is Liverpool, who are the surprise of the campaign, and I think are serious candidates because they have strengthened well.

"They have put together a compact team and they have the advantage of only playing in one competition [rather than in Europe].

"But look at [Manchester] City, who lost against Sunderland, or Tottenham, who lost at home. The Premier League is not easy, it’s not Spain - it’s more equal."

 

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World Cup Qualifying Fixtures 2013.11.19

Croatia Vs Iceland

Romania Vs Greece

Sweden vs Portugal

France Vs Ukraine​

International Friendly Fixtures 2013.11.19



South Africa Vs Spain

Netherlands Vs Colombia

Belgium Vs Japan

England Vs Germany

Brazil Vs Chile


​

 

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Ada Sweden Vs Portugal match 1ke match refree Howard Webb

 

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Full Time

South Africa 1 Vs 0 Spain

Spain defence 1kata ada mona welada mandaada nam anthimai play karapu widiya
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