..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Roma must believe in Scudetto chances - Nainggolan

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan insists his side must continue to believe in their chances of winning the Serie A title.

The Giallorossi currently sit nine points adrift of leaders Juventus, although they do have a game in hand on the reigning champions, but Nainggolan insists they can yet haul in Antonio Conte's men.

"As long as we're not mathematically out of it, we have to believe," he told Mediaset.

Juve's 1-0 win over Torino on Sunday was marred by controversy, with the Bianconeri slapped with a fine for offensive banners in the crowd while the Granata were denied what they believed to be a clear penalty during the game.

Nainggolan was impressed with the way Torino took the game to their bitter rivals but refused to be drawn on the game's more unsavoury incidents.

"I saw the derby between Juventus and Torino. Torino played well, they made it difficult for Juve, but then we don't talk about the other teams," he said.

Finally, Nainggolan stressed he feels he fully deserves a spot in Marc Wilmots' squad in the World Cup despite the fierce competition for places within the Belgium side.

"The abundance of midfielders at Roma doesn't scare me, the Scudetto is long and we must all do our part. The more players, the better - the competition is good for me making the World Cup squad," he added.

"I think I have a chance. In recent years I was given a chance and I have deserved it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Classy Kroos essential for Germany, says Low

Germany coach Joachim Low insists Toni Kroos has an essential part to play for his country at this year's World Cup.

The Bayern Munich midfielder has struggled to retain his place in Pep Guardiola's first team at club level, with the Allianz Arena outfit and the 24-year-old seemingly reaching an impasse over contract talks.

Kroos' deal with the Bavarians expires in the summer of 2015 but despite doubts over the player's future, Low firmly believes he has a crucial role to play for Germany.

"In our midfield we will have players at the World Cup who are technically excellent," he told Bild. "Toni Kroos is for me a very important building block.

"He is a classy footballer with technique and game intelligence."

Low also stressed his confidence that Bastian Schweinsteiger will be back to his very best in the coming months for club and country after returning from an ankle injury.

The 54-year-old added: "He will be back in enough time and he will also find his former strength."

Germany play host to Chile on Wednesday, March 5 in their next friendly.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Xavi: Barcelona in optimal position for the treble

Barcelona midfielder Xavi has insisted the club are in the "optimal position" to win three major trophies this season.

The Catalans suffered a 3-1 Liga defeat against Real Sociedad at the weekend to fall three points behind in the title race to Real Madrid, who they also play in the Copa del Rey final in April.

However, Madrid face city rivals Atletico this weekend in La Liga, which will give Barca, who host Almeria, the opportunity to take advantage of any slip-ups, according to the 34-year-old.

"We’re annoyed about what happened last Saturday. It was a step backwards and we lost an opportunity," Xavi told reporters on Wednesday.

“Knowing that the two Madrid teams are playing against one another, we can’t let ourselves down this weekend because we can recover points. One of the two could lose points and we’ll be there waiting.

“All three of us are favourites. We’re the defending champions and we’re in an optimal position to achieve all three titles. We’re going to battle for that and be competitive."

Gerardo Martino's men are also in a commanding position in their Champions League last-16 clash against Manchester City, as they hold a two-goal cushion heading into the second leg.

“We can’t afford to fail any more - now is the moment of truth. We’re depending on ourselves in all competitions and that means we’re still positive," Xavi continued.

“The requirement is for us to win everything. We know how difficult that will be, but it’s what we’ll be trying to do. We’re depending on ourselves, that’s what matters the most, though we’ll have to tread carefully and be prudent.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Reina yet to decide on Napoli future

Pepe Reina says his Napoli future will not necessarily be determined by the level of success the club achieves this season.

The Spain international goalkeeper is currently on a season-long loan at Stadio San Paolo from Premier League side Liverpool.

Spanish champions Barcelona - with whom Reina began his career - have been heavily linked with a move for the 31-year-old as they look to replace Victor Valdes.

Reina is yet to reach a decision on his future, though, and intends to return to Merseyside before making a judgement on his next move.

"I need to go back to Liverpool at the end of my loan and I will make my decision there," he said ahead of Napoli's Europa League last-32 second leg with Swansea City.

"My future does not depend on our results this season. We are having a good season, it's a shame we have lost a few too many points at the San Paolo.

"Juventus' season is overshadowing everyone a little bit. We hold the Europa League in high regard and we have a Coppa Italia final to play. We also must qualify for the Champions League."

Napoli entertain Swansea on Thursday having secured a 0-0 draw at the Liberty Stadium last week.

And head coach Rafael Benitez is looking for his charges to play at a high tempo to secure progression.

"Rhythm and speed will be the keys to winning tomorrow," he commented. "We must also play with lots of intensity because we have seen that the away leg was played at a very high tempo.

"I don't think possession is all important tomorrow. It will be more important for us to combine our defensive and attacking phases of play well, so that we are well balanced.

"We must be able to create chances to score without risking being hit on the counter-attack."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Podolski: Team spirit can help Arsenal claim title

Lukas Podolski says that Arsenal's excellent team spirit is crucial to their Premier League title challenge.

The Gunners are one point behind leaders Chelsea with 11 games left to play and the Germany international claims that he has never before played in a squad boasting such a great atmosphere.

"The team spirit is always good here, even after defeats," he told the club's official website. "This is a great team - there's a good atmosphere between us and, up until now, we've had a super season. We need to keep that with us now.

"I've been at a few clubs and in different dressing rooms but I've never been in a team with such a strong spirit. You feel comfortable here - be it on the pitch or off it.

"You always look forward to being with the team and I think that helps us in matches."

The Gunners' title credentials face a stiff examination in the coming weeks, with Arsene Wenger's men set to face Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City in consecutive games.

However, Podolski urges his side to keep fighting, arguing that the title race is likely to go all the way to the end of the campaign.

"When you look at the table and compare it to the Bundesliga, you can see that here you've got five or six teams competing for the title," he observed.

"It's going to be tight until the end of the season. We've got 11 games left in the league and we have to try to find a way of winning as many of those as we can and get the points in any way possible. We want to be at the top come the end of the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Two Chelsea fans stabbed in Istanbul

Two Chelsea supporters have been stabbed in Istanbul ahead of the club's Champions League last-16 clash with Galatasaray.

The supporters were both involved in incidents at the same bar on Tuesday night, though they are believed to have been separate instances.

Though the fans have been hospitalised, neither injury is thought to be serious.

Chelsea are conducting an investigation into the incidents and collecting evidence alongside the British Consulate, who are also involved in the process, though responsibility lies with the local Turkish police.

There is a significant precedent to this situation with clashes between Leeds United and Galatasaray fans before a Uefa Cup match in 2000 resulting in the death of two fans of the now-Championship club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Turkey wala ohommama thamai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Draxler refuses to rule out Bayern move

Schalke star Julian Draxler has refused to rule out Bayern Munich as a potenital destination when he leaves the Veltins Arena.

The 20-year-old has been strongly linked with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months and has a buyout clause which becomes active in the summer.

Bayern sporting director Matthias Sammer admitted his interest in the Germany international and Draxler says he cannot promise not to go to the Allianz Arena.

"I'd prefer not to comment on all those rumours," he told Der Westen.

"Look at what happened to Manuel Neuer. He was 100 per cent convinced that he would never join Bayern, but after playing for five years, time made him change his opinion.

"I also can't say what I will think in five or six or maybe even 10 years. And when you rule something out entirely and you end up playing where most people don't want you to be, the outcry is huge."

Draxler went on to say that Barcelona and Real Madrid are perhaps his dream destinations but insisted that he was not looking to leave Schalke.

"Barcelona and Real Madrid are the best-sounding names in world football. But that doesn't mean I want to go there immediately, stay at Schalke, or go somewhere else first."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Okkoma kattiya Bayern join wenna gatthama Bundesliga one horse race 1kak wenawa

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Giovinco: I deserve to play more

Juventus striker Sebastian Giovinco believes he deserves to play more regularly for the Italian champions.

The 27-year-old has made just 11 Serie A appearances for this season after featuring on a regular basis as Antonio Conte's side won the Scudetto last term.

However, his first-team spot has been taken by summer signings Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, and though he wants to play a bigger role, Giovinco has hailed the form of his new team-mates.

"I'm worth more than the minutes I've played so far but those who play more regularly are making a lot of progress," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"It's fair to point out Tevez and Llorente are doing well. In the past I used to play, but now others are playing more. Carlos is humble and positive."

Giovinco was booed by sections of the Juventus fans after being substituted recently and was comforted by Conte, but the Italy forward is refusing to dwell on the incident.

"When you're booed, it's ugly, but it's part of the game. I'm calm because I always try to do better. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don't.

"Conte was almost paternal. I appreciated the gesture, but he would do the same with any other player.

"Conte is demanding and always thinks about using the right training techniques to win. It was so last year and it is now."

Juventus face a Europa League trip to Trabzonspor on Thursday before tackling AC Milan this weekend, but Giovinco is only thinking about winning the competition.

"I am focused on winning the game and going through. The Europa League is a cup and we have a chance to play the final at our own stadium, which is another incentive to try and win it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Beckham: Ibrahimovic in my top three

David Beckham rates Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic as one of the best players he ever played with and in the top three footballers in the world.

The England legend saw out his career at the Parc des Princes last season, helping Carlo Ancelotti's side claim the Ligue 1 title after signing in January.

And Beckham, who played alongside the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldo during his career, believes the Swede is one of the finest in the game now.

"He's in the top three," he is quoted as saying by L'Equipe.

"Being in the same team as him is incredible. He's one of the most talented players I crossed during my career. One of the best in the world without doubt."

Ibrahimovic has scored a total of 37 goals in all competitions for Paris Saint-Germain this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hulk wants Dortmund move, says Kehl

Sebastian Kehl has claimed that Hulk asked if he could join Borussia Dortmund in the summer during his side's Champions League meeting with Zenit St Petersburg.

The German outfit will be in the market for a new star forward when Robert Lewandowski leaves the club for Bayern Munich at the season's end.

However, the veteran midfielder has joked that his club could scarcely afford the Brazilian's wages were he to move to Signal Iduna Park.

"Hulk asked me if could play in Dortmund from the summer, but I don't know if we could afford him!" he told reporters.

Reflecting on the match, Kehl said that his side cannot afford to start thinking about the last eight, despite their 4-2 win in Russia, adding that the victory was entirely different to Saturday's 3-0 loss to Hamburg.

"It would be silly to say that the quarter-final place has been booked, because we still have a game to play yet," he said.

"Anything can happen in football, but we have taken a giant step forward. We've done a lot and scored four away goals. If we aren't stupid and work well, we should be able to get through after the home game.

"It was a completely different game [to Hamburg]. We were compact and used Zenit's errors to take our chances. In Hamburg, it was the other way around."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Europa League 2014.02.27 Round of 32 Fixtures

UEFA Europa League 2014.02.27 Round of 32 Fixtures

Rubin Kazan Vs Real Betis
Sevilla Vs NK Maribor
Shakhtar Donetsk Vs Viktoria Plzen
FC Red Bull Salzburg Vs Ajax
Eintracht Frankfurt Vs FC Porto
Basel Vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Ludogorets Razgrad Vs Lazio
Napoli Vs Swansea City
AZ Vs Slovan Liberec
Valencia Vs Dynamo Kyiv
Trabzonspor Vs Juventus
Fiorentina Vs Esbjerg
KRC Genk Vs Anzhi Makhachkala
Benfica Vs PAOK Salonika
Lyon Vs FC Chornomorets Odesa
Tottenham Hotspur Vs FC Dnipro​

 

[rcccc]

Zenit 2-4 Dortmund: Lewandowski double puts BVB firmly in control

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham 3-1 Dnipro (3-2 agg): Adebayor inspires dramatic comeback

Emmanuel Adebayor inspired Tottenham to a stirring comeback against Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk at White Hart Lane and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Roman Zozulya headed in Yevhen Konoplyanka's free-kick on 47 minutes to put the Ukrainian giants two goals in front on aggregate, but Christian Eriksen's free-kick pulled the hosts level on the night.

And Adebayor struck twice in four minutes after Zozulya had seen red for headbutting Jan Vertonghen to turn the tie on its head and fire Tim Sherwood's men through.

Sherwood named a more attacking line-up than the one that started the first leg in Ukraine, with Adebayor and Eriksen among the big names to return.

But despite the more adventurous selection, it was 25 minutes until the hosts managed a meaningful effort on goal - Eriksen's 30-yard free-kick comfortably saved by Denis Boyko low down to his right. After a first half devoid of action, the hosts suffered a nightmare start to the second period, Zozulya stealing in unmarked to head home Ruslan Rotan's whipped free-kick from the left.

Rather than deflate them, the goal appeared to spark Spurs into life, Mousa Dembele thumping a shot into the turf and onto the roof of the net, before Roberto Soldado's first-time effort was denied by an offisde flag.Eriksen did pull one back in the 56th minute, sending a dipping free-kick around the wall and into the bottom left-hand corner, despite Boyko's strong hand.

The second half was unrecognisable from the turgid fare on offer in the first, former Tottenham target Yevhen Konoplyanka curling a low effort against the post from 25 yards with Hugo Lloris beaten.

Shortly after the hour, Zozulya put his side under unnecessary pressure by headbutting Vertonghen as Dnipro prepared to defend another Eriksen set-piece.
Ten minutes later, two goals from Adebayor turned the tie completely on its head.
Eriksen was involved yet again for the first, sending in a devilish low ball for the Togolese, who sprung the offside trap and tapped home from six yards.

Four minutes later Spurs were ahead for the first time in the tie, Ezekiel Fryers sending a long ball forward which Adebayor controlled beautifully on his chest before poking the ball beyond Boyko.

Tottenham held on comfortably in the final stages to set up a last-16 tie with last year's runners-up Benfica, although they will be without their record goalscorer in European competition Jermain Defoe, who bid farewell to the home fans at half-time ahead of his move to MLS outfit Toronto.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Tottenham lagen hoda comeback 1kak

meh wage deyak unoth Manchester United Vs Olympiacos match 1ke Manchester United progress wenna puluwan.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Trabzonspor 0-2 Juventus (0-4 agg.): Vidal and Osvaldo strike as Bianconeri cruise in Turkey

Juventus breezed to a 4-0 aggregate win over Trabzonspor after goals from Arturo Vidal and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo sealed a 2-0 second-leg win in their Europa League last-32 tie.

In an utterly breathless opening half, Juve - targeting a Serie A and Europa League double this season - set about their opponents like a team possessed in Thursday's second leg and would have been out of sight but for the heroics of goalkeeper Onur Kivrak.

But Kivrak could do nothing to prevent Vidal's 17th goal of the season after 19 minutes and Osvaldo capped a fine display in Turkey by heading in from close range just after the half-hour to confirm a convincing aggregate win.

It leaves the Italian champions on course for the dream final at their home ground, although first up are Serie A rivals Fiorentina, who inflicted Juve's only league defeat of the campaign when the sides met earlier this season.

Although Antonio Conte changed his forward line from Sunday's Torino victory, Juventus started strongly and almost went in front when Sebastian Giovinco fed Mauricio Isla in oceans of space on the right, but his shot was superbly tipped onto the post by Kivrak.

The onslaught continued from the visitors with Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba both testing Kivrak from long range.

Despite having the luxury of a two-goal cushion from the first leg, there was no let-up from Juve and Kivrak again kept his side in it by thwarting Leonardo Bonucci and then producing a fabulous reflex save from Isla's powerful 18-yard effort.

Federico Peluso forced the rebound home, but was flagged offside.

Juve finally got the goal their determined start deserved after 17 minutes. Giovinco played a neat one-two with Osvaldo, whose cross found the Italian 10 yards out. Giovinco's first-time shot produced an amazing point-blank save from Kivrak before Vidal smashed home the rebound.

Conte's men were rampant and doubled their advantage on the night after 33 minutes when Giovinco latched on to an inch-perfect pass before crossing for the unmarked Osvaldo to head home.

Such was the dominance of the away side that Conte was able to withdraw Pogba before half-time to rest the Frenchman for Sunday's trip to AC Milan.

The unrelenting pace of Juve's first-half performance subsided after the restart, but they still looked dangerous and the magnificent Giovinco's delicate effort had Kivrak beaten, but Aykut Demir got back to head clear.

Giovinco was denied again after 56 minutes when Osvaldo released the Italian in a lightning counterattack, but Kivrak stood tall and blocked the near post effort.

Both players really caught the eye and it was Osvaldo's turn to go close moments later when his quick footwork gave him space for a shot in the area before he lashed over.

Trabzonspor were never in the game and were restricted to long-range opportunities, such as the one that Marc Janko blazed over just after the hour mark.

Juve substitute Simone Padoin almost added a third late on, but Kivrak scrambled clear.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Napoli 3-1 Swansea City (3-1 agg): Higuain & Inler break Swans hearts

Gonzalo Higuain scored a late winner at San Paolo to break Swansea City hearts and send Napoli through to the last 16 of the Europa League.

After a goalless first leg at the Liberty Stadium, Lorenzo Insigne lofted the ball over Michel Vorm on 16 minutes before Jonathan De Guzman levelled to put the Welsh side ahead on away goals.

But Higuain capitalised on a defensive mix-up to hammer in the winner for the hosts on 78 minutes and bring an end to Swansea's first ever European campaign before Gokhan Inler struck a third at the death.

Victory means Benitez, who won the tournament last year while in charge of Chelsea, remains on course to defend his title.

Marvin Emnes, one of three Swansea changes to the starting XI from the home leg, had the first sight of goal in the 11th minute, but, after being played in by Pablo Hernandez, the Dutchman saw his chipped effort over Reina cleared from just in front of the goalline by Raul Albiol.

The hosts ought to have broken the deadlock themselves four minutes later, but Higuain blazed over from 10 yards after linking up with Goran Pandev.

Swansea failed to heed the warning in the 17th minute, Insigne springing the offside trap before lofting his finish over Vorm and into the net.

The Swansea defence was in disarray, Higuain flashing an effort a yard wide with the visitors apparently still reeling from falling behind.

The Premier League side recovered their composure, however, and were level on the half-hour mark.

A slick passing move resulted in the ball being fed into Wilfried Bony and his clever flick was picked up by De Guzman, who fired left footed beyond Reina to provoke jeers from the home crowd.

The goal gave Swansea added confidence and they enjoyed long spells of possession, Bony cutting inside Henrique before testing Reina as the half drew to a close.

Midway through the second half, Insigne broke through only to see his effort blocked by Chico Flores, before Bony wasted a glorious chance when he headed Hernandez's cross straight into the arms of Reina.

Swansea hearts were broken on 78 minutes when the ball bounced off both Flores and Davies and landed perfectly for Higuain, who made no mistake from 10 yards.

With almost the last kick of the game and with Swansea completely exposed, substitute Marek Hamsik fed Inler, who beat Vorm to seal the win and set up a tie with Porto in the next round.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Ridiculous' critics just want to hurt Barcelona - Alba

Jordi Alba has lashed out at "ridiculous" critics of Barcelona, claiming people are simply out to harm the reigning La Liga champions.

The Catalans have fallen behind Real Madrid in the race for the title in Spain, albeit only by three points, but have made it to the Copa del Rey final and have a healthy 2-0 lead heading into the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at Camp Nou against Manchester City.

However, their altered style of play under Gerardo Martino and two defeats in February have combined to draw criticism in the direction of the Catalans, but the left-back dismissed it as hearsay that is created to derail the club's hopes of success.

"The criticism is coming from people from outside the club that want to do us harm," Alba, 24, told reporters at a promotional event. "It's just a slagging off, it's nothing objective.

"These days, many ridiculous things have been said, but the team are calm about it.

"We're doing fine in all three of the competitions and we're out to win every one of them. It's important that in all three it's up to us. We have to be united."

Barca are back in La Liga action on Sunday at home to Almeria, where a win could see them return to the top of the table if Atletico Madrid defeat Real Madrid at the Vicente Calderon earlier that day.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Adebayor: Sherwood has given me a stage to play on

Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has thanked manager Tim Sherwood for "giving me a stage to play on".

Adebayor had been frozen out of the squad under former Spurs boss Andre Villas-Boas, but has been brought back into the fray since Sherwood took over in December.

The Togo striker has scored 11 goals in 15 outings, including two a 3-1 win over Dnipro in the Europa League last-32 Thursday, goals which helped send the Londoners through 3-2 on aggregate.

"I'm playing well for my team and I'm happy for my team," he told ITV. "I just have to keep playing well. I have to say big thank you for Tim for giving me a stage to play on. We just have to keep focused."

Spurs went 1-0 down on the night, meaning they needed three goals in 42 minutes to progress to the next round.

Christian Eriksen pulled one back and Adebayor struck a brace to set up a last-16 tie with Benfica, and the former Arsenal and Manchester City man was never afraid the match was beyond them.

"No, not at all," he added. "I know we have quality up front and on the bench. We knew it would be very difficult because they have an advantage after leading 1-0.

"We just kept our focus very well. When Eriksen scored that goal it put us on the way. We went through so we're very happy."