..::Football III::..

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Del Bosque: Costa? Where was Osvaldo born?


Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has hit back at reporters in Italy for questioning the inclusion of Brazilian-born Diego Costa in his squad ahead of Wednesday's friendly between the two nations.

The striker is set to make his first appearance for la Roja at the Santiago Bernabeu since making his decision to represent the current world and European champions rather than the country of his birth, Brazil.

That move has provoked much debate and after the Italian media quizzed Del Bosque over the striker's call-up, the 63-year-old hit back by accusing the Azzurri of hypocrisy for their selection of Argentina-born Dani Osvaldo.

He told reporters: "Italy play [Pablo] Osvaldo, right? Was he born in Italy? The argument has passed. Costa is eligible to play for us, legally and technically.

"He's playing well with Atletico Madrid, is a striker who can compete with all the other strikers at our disposal and also has different characteristics from the others."

Del Bosque then discussed the prospect of facing Mario Balotelli and admitted the AC Milan star possesses some considerable attributes that could cause Spain problems.

"He is a unique player, capable of anything and everything," he added. "He is a great player who has a vast array of qualities - goals, strength, speed, shooting. If he wants to be, he can become one of the best strikers in the world."

Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Fernando Llorente are three high-profile absentees from Spain's squad, with Del Bosque admitting he has some difficult selection decisions to make ahead of the World Cup.

"Juventus were expecting a call for Llorente, but then some might be wondering at Chelsea why Torres isn't with us. The same goes for Tottenham and [Roberto] Soldado, or [David] Villa at Atletico Madrid.

"For Llorente it is important that he has already exceeded anything he did last season with Bilbao, he has continuity at Juventus and he and the club are happy. He knows we appreciate him."

 

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Seedorf: Milan not trying to copy Juventus

Clarence Seedorf insists AC Milan are looking to create their own identity rather than try and copy the style that has brought Juventus so much success in recent years.

The Turin side have dominated Serie A for the past two seasons and are on course to make it three domestic titles in a row following this weekend's 2-0 win over the Rossoneri at San Siro.

However, Seedorf is not looking at the titleholders for inspiration, explaining that he has own ideas about how to bring the glory days back to the Giuseppe Meazza.

"We are not trying to be like Juventus. We are Milan and we want to be like Milan," the Dutchman told reporters.

Seedorf then went on to discuss the Serie A title race and admitted that Juventus appear to be sitting in pole position to retain the Scudetto, given Antonio Conte's men are now 11 points clear of second-placed Roma.

"Indeed, it seems like the Bianconeri are out of their rivals' reach, but the title race is not over yet," he argued.

"Roma are a great team and a comeback is always possible in football. But I admit that it's unlikely that Juventus will throw this lead away."

 

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Surgery not required for Everton loanee Traore

Lacina Traore will stay at Everton for the rest of the season after a scan revealed he does not require surgery on an injured hamstring.

The Ivorian moved to Goodison Park on loan from Monaco in January and scored on his debut in the 3-1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Swansea City.However, he then suffered a hamstring injury during the warm-up ahead of the Merseysiders' 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on February 22.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez subsequently said that Traore's loan deal would be terminated if he needed an operation, but the Spaniard revealed on Tuesday that he hopes to have the 23-year-old available again before the end of the season.
"We've seen the specialists and it's not going to be surgery, which is fantastic news," the former Wigan boss told reporters.

"We're expecting between six and eight weeks to be the period he needs to be recovering, but we're all very positive."It's fantastic news that he doesn't need surgery, as that means he's going to be available for the end of the season."

Martinez also refused to rule out captain Phil Jagielka for Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Arsenal, although the defender remains a major doubt due to a hamstring problem of his own.

 

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Mertesacker and Rosicky sign new Arsenal contracts

Per Mertesacker and Tomas Rosicky have signed new Arsenal contracts, the club has announced.

Goal reported in October that Mertesacker had opened talks over an extension committing him to the club until 2017 and revealed a new deal for Rosicky was in the offing in November.

Mertesacker has been rewarded for forging a hugely successful partnership with Laurent Koscielny, while Rosicky's experience has made him useful to the Gunners in big matches.

"We are delighted that Mertesacker and Rosicky have committed their futures to the club," Arsene Wenger told the club's official website.

"They are players of exceptional quality and experience, and have consistently proven themselves at the highest level.

"There is a great feeling of togetherness and belief in the group and this news will only help to strengthen this further."

On the announcement of his new deal, Mertesacker said: "It was easy for me to commit myself to the club. I have been here for two and a half great years and feel I have great support from everyone at the club and the fans. I’m really looking forward to having more years coming up with this fantastic club.

"We have a great team here and we all want to do our best to win trophies."

Rosicky added: "Ever since I arrived at Arsenal, I have always felt that I'm at the right place where I want to be. I still feel this way now and I'm proud that after such a long time I'm still here and will continue.

"One big factor is that I want to win the league with Arsenal. It's my big goal and I will do everything that I can to achieve it.

"Arsenal is a great club, we have a great spirit here and we are all working together to do the best we can."

 

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Costa: I am privileged to play for Spain

Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa feels "privileged" to have been called up for Spain's national side.

The 25-year-old made two appearances for his native Brazil in friendlies last year but pledged his allegiance to la Roja in October and is now set to make his debut for his adopted country against Italy at the Vicente Calderon on Wednesday night.

Much has been made of the forward's decision to snub his homeland and Selecao coach Luiz Felipe Scolari criticised Costa for turning his back on his country of birth, but the 25-year-old is in no doubt that he made the right choice.

"I never imagined that his decision would attract such attention," Costa told Canal+.

"When I realised there was interest from Spain I started to imagine things, and thought 'why not?'. It is a privilege that the world champions want you to play for them, especially given the quality of players they have.

"I felt very important. I value it a lot. Vicente del Bosque showed me the person that he is. I like to talk with people face-to-face, I feel the truth and lies, and Vicente was very clear.

"He didn't promise me anything. I don't like it when people promise me things, I like to earn it. This, I value."

Costa has scored 27 goals in all competitions for Atletico this season.

 

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Pique: Don't believe the hype, Ronaldo is a good guy

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has insisted that Cristiano Ronaldo's public image does not correspond with how the Real Madrid attacker is in real life.

The Portugal international is often criticised for his perceived arrogance, yet Pique is adamant that the prolific forward is a friendly guy off the pitch.

The pair were team-mates at Manchester United between 2004 and 2008 and the Spain international centre-back has nothing but good words for the Madrid star.

"He may have been a bit too sincere when he said that people are jealous of him because he's handsome, rich and a great player," Pique was quoted as saying by Marca.

"I know him very well and he is a friendly guy. His public image does not correspond with how he is in real life."

Pique left United for Barcelona in the summer of 2008, with Ronaldo saying farewell to Old Trafford for Madrid one year later, yet the duo have maintained a good relationship ever since their time together at the Premier League champions - despite the rivalry between their current clubs.

 

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Thiago: I will only get better at Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has insisted that he is nowhere near his peak just yet and will only get better over time.

The Spain international has developed into an important first team member at the Bundesliga champions since joining the club from Barcelona in the summer of 2013, yet he has stressed that he still has room for improvement.

"I am in fine form at the moment. My team-mates are showing faith in me and I know that I can rely on them as well," the 22-year-old told TZ.

"However, Pep Guardiola is right when he says I can still get better. My objective is to show the fans and myself that I am nowhere near my peak just yet.

"I am getting to know my team-mates better each game. It's still only my first year here.

"I am taking things one step at a time, though. It's all about Bayern for now and about the titles we can still win this term."

Thiago has made 12 Bundesliga appearances so far this term, scoring two goals in the process.

 

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Shaw is the best teenager I have ever seen, says Lallana

Southampton midfielder Adam Lallana says Luke Shaw is the best 18-year-old he has ever seen, with the duo currently preparing for England’s friendly with Denmark.

The full-back has been called up to Roy Hodgson’s squad for the first time and could earn his maiden cap for the national team at Wembley on Wednesday.

Saints team-mate Lallana has given Shaw his full backing and believes the teenager, heavily linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea, merits his place in the England side.

"Luke wouldn't for one minute have thought he'd be involved in the senior team but he's an outstanding talent and one of the best, probably the best player I've ever seen at 18,” he told reporters.

“He's won plaudits and gained recognition, and he's certainly good enough to be here today.”

Southampton have seen players such as Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Gareth Bale come through the ranks at St Mary’s and Lallana feels Shaw is of the same pedigree.

"It's hard to compare him with the others: Gareth's gone on and never looked back,” he added.

“I know Gareth did play left-back as well, so there are similarities there, but I wouldn't want to put too much pressure on Luke. He's done unbelievably for us this season.

“When Gareth was playing with us we were in the Championship. For Luke, at 18, to be playing so consistently well for us against some of the best wingers in the world, that's credit to him and his attitude and how he keeps his feet on the ground.
“Nothing fazes him and I'm really excited to hopefully see him gets some minutes on Wednesday."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Puyol to leave Barcelona at end of this season

Barcelona captain Carles Puyol has announced that he will leave the club at the end of the season, at which point he will have a "rest" before deciding his next move.

The 35-year-old has struggled with injury in recent years and has made just 12 appearances in all competitions this term, with Javier Mascherano and Marc Bartra preferred alongside Gerard Pique at centre-back.

His current deal runs until 2016 but Puyol has revealed that an agreement has been reached with the club to erase the final two years of his contract.

"The club knows of my decision. It doesn't mean that I am leaving today, there are three months of the season left to play," he told reporters at a press conference on Tuesday.

“I do not know what I will do after June 30. I will need to rest and think. We will see then.

"I wanted to call this press conference to thank everyone, directors, team-mates, managers, media - thank you everyone for everything you've done for me."

Puyol admitted that his recent physical problems did have a key impact in his choice to quit.

"After the two aggressive surgeries, it's taking me a lot to get back to the level I demand myself to keep playing. More than I thought and much more than what doctors told me. That's why I made this decision," he said.

The defender came through the youth ranks at Camp Nou and made his debut for the club in 1999, before going on to rack up nearly 600 appearances for Barcelona in all competitions.

Puyol becomes the latest experienced head to announce his departure from the reigning Liga champions after Victor Valdes revealed last season that he will leave when his contract expires this summer.

 

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Puyol's brilliant Barcelona career in numbers

Carles Puyol announced on Tuesday that he will depart Barcelona and he leaves behind a trail of silverware in his 15 years of service.

The defender has played for the Catalans his entire career and has been a key figure for over a decade after making his debut under Louis van Gaal's tenure in 1999.

Injuries in the past 18 months have restricted the 35-year-old's playing time and subsequently resulted in him being linked with a move away when his contract ends in the summer, something the Spain international has now confirmed during the international break.

Puyol will depart Camp Nou with at least 21 titles to his name, plus whatever remaining trophies Gerardo Martino's men can lift before the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

The Barca skipper's career has seen him take home three Champions Leagues, six La Ligas, two Copas del Rey, six Supercopas de Espana, two Uefa Super Cups and two Club World Cups.

Puyol will hope that he can play some part in the Blaugrana's defence of their Primera Division crown, with the club currently sitting just one point behind leaders Real Madrid.

Barca's 2-0 victory at Manchester City in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash means that their European ambitions still look healthy, although they will be desperate to avoid another humiliation like they suffered last season in their 7-0 semi-final loss to Bayern Munich.

The next chance that the centre-back will have to make it 22 Barca trophies will be in the Copa del Rey final against Clasico rivals Real Madrid on April 16.

 

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'My guardian angel' - Pique pens thank you to departing Puyol

Gerard Pique says Carles Puyol has been his "guardian angel" at Barcelona and is devastated that he will be leaving Camp Nou in the summer.

The 35-year-old has been a key part of the Catalans defence for over a decade but on Tuesday announced his intention to leave the reigning La Liga champions this summer when his contract ends.

Pique, who returned to the Catalans from Manchester United in 2008, penned a tribute letter in response to his centre-back partner's upcoming exit and says he cannot fathom the possibility that Barca will find an equal replacement.

"The day has come. You're going," he wrote in a note for Puyol written publicly on his official Facebook page.

"It might be the way of life, but it is impossible to imagine a Barca without you.

"When I look back and remember [victories in] Paris or Rome, the first image that come to my mind is you lifting the European Cup. At Wembley, you gave the honour to Eric Abidal, a gesture that makes you even greater.

"My generation and those that come after us don't know a Barca without Puyol in the back four, with the armband and the No.5 on the back. I guess nothing will be the same.

"I met you almost six years ago. You were the captain and the symbol of the team and I was a youngster eager to conquer the world.

"From the first day we had a great relationship, both on and off the pitch. At your side, I felt protected, I knew that if I failed one day, you would be there to save me. You are my guardian angel.

"I want you to know that I will miss our chats in the dressing-room, your advice and, above all, your scolding on the pitch.

"You are unique and one of a kind. I have to laugh when they talk about signing the new Puyol - they can keep on looking, because they never will find him."

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2014.03.05

International Friendly Fixtures 2014.03.05

Georgia Vs Lichtenstein
Russia Vs Armenia
Azerbijan Vs Philipines
Lithuania Vs Kazakhastan
Bulgaria Vs Belarus
Albania Vs Malta
Algeria Vs Slovenia
Greece Vs South Korea
Hungary Vs Finland
Montenegro Vs Ghana
Bosnia Vs Egypt
Czech Republic Vs Norway
Israel Vs Slovakia
Andorra Vs Moldova
Colombia Vs Tunisia
Cyprus Vs Nothern Ireland
Macedonia Vs Latvia
Luxemburg Vs Cape Verde
Turkey Vs Sweden
Gibraltar Vs USA
Switzerland Vs Croatia
Belgium Vs Ivory Coast
Germany Vs Chile
Poland Vs Schotland
Republic Of Ireland Vs Serbia
Wales Vs Iceland
Australia Vs Ecuador
England Vs Denmark
France Vs Netherlands
Portugal Vs Cameroon
Spain Vs Italy
Mexico Vs Nigeria
Southafrica Vs Brazil
Romania Vs Argentina
Austria Vs Uruguay​

 

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Matuidi ge goal eka patta

 

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Portugal 5-1 Cameroon: Ronaldo becomes Seleccao's top goalscorer of all-time

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to become Portugal's all-time leading goalscorer and inspire his nation to a 5-1 thrashing of Cameroon.

The Real Madrid star was making his 110th international appearance and broke the deadlock 21 minutes in with his 48th goal for his country, overtaking Pauleta as Portugal's most-prolific player almost 10 years after scoring his first against Greece in Euro 2004.


Cameroon were in no mood to let sentiment get in the way, however, and equalised two minutes before the break as Vincent Aboubakar hit an emphatic finish under the helpless Beto.

Portugal should have retaken the lead on multiple occasions leading up to the hour mark, but found half-time substitute Guy N'Dy Assembe in good form between the posts.


N'Dy Assembe, though, was powerless to prevent Portugal running riot in the last 25 minutes. Raul Meireles capitalised on a glaring defensive error before Fabio Coentrao, Edinho and Ronaldo wrapped up an easy win against a side who will join Portugal at the World Cup later this year.

Seleccao coach Paulo Bento spoke prominently in the build-up regarding the integration of younger players to the national team and he subsequently gave debuts to 20-year-old pair Rafa Silva and Ivan Cavaleiro.

The hosts got off to a bright start in Leiria, with Meireles pulling the strings as he first set Rafa up to shoot straight at Charles Itandje following a cutback.

Cameroon's first chance of the match arrived in the 11th minute as Aboubakar burst in front of Rolando to meet a corner delivery, but Beto did well to keep the headed effort out to his left.The visitors were made to regret that miss as Ronaldo gave Portugal the lead 10 minutes later.

Joao Pereira cut a precise pass back to Ronaldo on the edge of the area and, after a clever first touch to escape Nicolas N'Koulou, the Ballon d'Or winner drove his historic effort into the bottom-left corner.Cameroon levelled just before the break, however.Jean Makoun cleverly looped the ball over the Portugal defence for Aboubakar and all the Lorient man had to do was slot it under Beto.

Portugal appeared to have renewed enthusiasm after the break following a stuttering end to the first half and created several good opportunities
Itandje's half-time replacement – N'Dy Aseembe – was forced into action twice in quick succession in the 56th minute as he first palmed away Coentrao's half-volley before tipping a Ronaldo volley around the post.Portugal eventually retook the lead 66 minutes in as Meireles pounced on a loose pass from Aurelien Chedjou to knock into an empty net before Coentrao made it 3-1 a minute later.

The Real Madrid man latched on to Cavaleiro's clever disguised pass in the left side of the area before dispatching with admirable composure.A fourth arrived 10 minutes later. Ronaldo dazzled Allan Nyom with several stepovers before flashing a low ball across the face of goal and Edinho was on hand for an easy finish.

And four became five in the 83rd minute as the Cameroon defence failed to get Miguel Veloso's cutback under control and Ronaldo stole possession away before rifling a low shot past the goalkeeper.

 

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Belgium 2-2 Cote d'Ivoire: Drogba and Gradel deny Wilmots' men

Max Gradel struck an injury-time equaliser to hand Cote d'Ivoire a share of the spoils as they drew 2-2 with Belgium in Brussels.

A towering first-half header from Marouane Fellaini and a goal at the start of the second period from Radja Nainggolan had put Marc Wilmots' men in charge but the Elephants fought back impressively.

Drogba halved the visitors' deficit with 16 minutes to go before Gradel struck late on.

The draw means Belgium have not won in four contests and their form will be of concern to Wilmots just over three months out from the World Cup in Brazil.

Rated by many as tournament dark horses, the home side started impressively and it was no surprise when Fellaini, who has endured a torrid first season at Manchester United, rose highest to nod home Dries Mertens' corner after 17 minutes.

The African side posed few alarms for Belgium and the hosts ought to have made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half when Kevin Mirallas picked out Christian Benteke, only for the Aston Villa striker to shoot wastefully over the bar.

It did not look like being a costly miss when Nainggolan struck two minutes later, as the Roma midfielder fired past visiting goalkeeper Sayouba Mande.

Cote d'Ivoire appeared to be out of the contest but, not for the first time, Drogba led a dramatic recovery.
The Galatasaray man prodded in after 74 minutes after the Belgium defence had failed to clear a free-kick.

And it was more defensive uncertainty which led to the equaliser a minute into stoppage time.
Again, Belgium failed to clear their lines and Gradel steered the ball past Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the box.