..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

England 3-0 Peru: Sturridge stunner helps Three Lions to friendly win

Defence was the best form of attack for England as they kicked off their World Cup preparations with a 3-0 win over Peru.

After Daniel Sturridge had opened the scoring for the hosts in the first half, defensive duo Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka found the net to send England on their way with a comfortable victory.

Boss Roy Hodgson included six players who ply their Premier League trade on Merseyside in his starting XI,and it was the Liverpool pairing of Glen Johnson and Sturridge who combined for the opener.

Johnson's quick-thinking from a throw-in opened the door for Sturridge to shoot from the edge of the penalty area and he made no mistake in curling the ball into the top left-hand corner in the 32nd minute.

Everton's Leighton Baines provided the cross for Cahill to head home England's second in the 65th minute, before Jagielka capitalised on a goalkeeping error to net a third.

Hodgson's strong starting XI may have offered a hint as to the team that will start England's World Cup opener against Italy on June 14, with Danny Welbeck and Jordan Henderson among the more notable inclusions, while Adam Lallana also started.

Goalscoring chances were few and far between in the opening stages, but the reactions of England goalkeeper Joe Hart were put to the test in the 19th minute when Jean Deza's effort from outside the penalty area deflected off Jagielka and almost looped over the Manchester City man.

England were soon causing problems at the other end, though, and Sturridge will have been disappointed after dragging an effort across the face of goal one minute later.

But when the opener came, it was through the swift actions of two members of England's sizeable Liverpool contingent.

Johnson delivered the ball to Sturridge from a throw-in, and the Anfield frontman produced a wonderful finish to delight the sizeable Wembley crowd.

Deza got a sight of goal again 10 minutes into the second half, but his 20-yard hit whistled just over Hart's crossbar.

England then doubled their advantage with 25 minutes left, when Cahill rose well to head home as a helpless Luis Advincula attempted to clear off the line.

And the result was put beyond doubt five minutes later as Jagielka poked home after Peru keeper Raul Fernandez spilled the ball at his feet from a corner.

Hodgson introduced a number of players from the bench in the second half, and handed a senior debut to Everton youngster John Stones, who came on in place of Baines in the 75th minute.

England's World Cup build-up now moves on to the United States, where they face friendlies against Ecuador and Honduras on Wednesday and Saturday respectively.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sturridge ge goal 1ka patta!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain 2-0 Bolivia: Torres and Iniesta seal Roja victory

Goals from Fernando Torrers and Andres Iniesta gave Spain a 2-0 victory over Bolivia in Sevilla on Friday night.

Against a Bolivia side ranked 68th in the world, Spain were not expected to face many problems in Seville on Friday.

And that proved to be the case as Vicente Del Bosque's men cruised to victory without ever reaching top gear, ahead of the defence of their FIFA World Cup crown.Spain predictably dominated possession, but were frustrated for large periods by a Bolivia outfit content to sit behind the ball and commit cynical fouls when needed.

Pep Guardiola had opened the scoring with a penalty in the sides' only previous meeting, which saw Spain run out 3-1 winners in the 1994 World Cup.Spain threatened as early as the third minute, Mata seeing a goalbound volley blocked after Pedro's darting run and cross from the byline.

Bolivia were happy to drop deep when the hosts attacked, and Torres dragged a shot from distance well wide in the 26th minute as Spain toiled in search of a breakthrough.

Cesar Azpilicueta struck the outside of the right-hand post with a low, curling effort and Pedro tested Romel Quinonez with a rasping drive as Spain continued to dominate.As the half came to a close, Quinonez had to be alert to tip Mata's free-kick over the crossbar after Santi Cazorla had been felled on the edge of the box.

Spain hit the front six minutes into the second half, Torres calmly sending his spot-kick down the middle after Luis Gutierrez was adjudged to have pushed Martinez inside the area.The Chelsea man ought to have doubled his tally two minutes later when picked out by a trademark pinpoint pass from Iniesta.

Torres controlled the ball beautifully but then sent an attempted chip high into the stands.Pedro stung the palms of the goalkeeper for a second time as Spain moved through the gears, while Cesc Fabregas was only denied by a last-ditch challenge by Marvin Bejarano in the 63rd minute.

David Silva, on in place of Cazorla, was next to test Quinonez three minutes later, but his weak effort was comfortably held by the keeper.Apzilicueta also side-footed a deep cross from Alberto Moreno into the side netting, but Spain's win was wrapped up thanks to Iniesta's curling strike before Sergio Busquets hit the bar with a minute remaining.

Iniesta, on as a half-time substitute for Juan Mata, sealed victory six minutes from time, driving forward into space and bending a precise effort in off the right-hand upright.

Spain will now travel to the United States for a friendly with El Salvador before their World Cup defence begins in earnest.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sturridge: England team made up of winners

Daniel Sturridge labelled the England team "winners" after they began their World Cup preparations with a comfortable 3-0 win over Peru.

A fine effort from the Liverpool striker opened the scoring at Wembley before Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka struck in the second half.

And the 24-year-old was bullish in his claims that the Three Lions will not be heading for Brazil just to make up the numbers.

"For everybody it's a case of not going out there to make the numbers up. I'm a winner, all the players are winners, " he told ITV.

"It doesn't necessarily mean we're going to win the World Cup but we're winners. We'll do our best.

"We'll put 100 per cent in every training session, every match and we'll try to bring some success."

But the forward admitted that the team weren't at their best with just over two weeks until their opening game against Italy on June 14.

"It was difficult because they defended well, they were very compact. We've worked very hard throughout the week also and we weren't as sharp as we'd have liked to have been.

"It was great to be out there to try and put a performance on for the fans and I'm happy with the result.

"It's not important about myself. It's about the team and the preparation for us. It's about putting in a shift, tactically, technically and doing everything possible to be in optimum shape for the first game."

Manager Roy Hodgson, meanwhile, hailed the victory as a "perfect end to a perfect two weeks", with his side now set to travel to Miami to take on Ecuador and Honduras.

"When you play against teams who get 10 men behind the ball you have to be patient, keep going. I never doubted we'd win the game," he told ITV.

"I knew they'd tire and in the end I think 3-0 is the minimum we can accept from the game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bullish Hodgson defends Rooney after Peru win

Roy Hodgson insisted he has no fears over Wayne Rooney's form or fitness after the Manchester United star produced another underwhelming display in England's 3-0 win over Peru at Wembley.

Rooney was unable to exert any real influence on proceedings before being replaced by Raheem Sterling on 66 minutes, with strike partner Daniel Sturridge stealing the headlines with a superb strike to break the deadlock.

Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka both found the net for England in the second half to add a layer of gloss to the scoreline, but it was the performance of Rooney which proved the hottest topic on social media.

It was the 28-year-old's first competitive match in a month, raising fresh fears that England's talisman will once again approach a major international tournament in less than peak condition.

But Hodgson was in no mood to indulge pointed questions about Rooney in his post-match press conference. When asked whether the United man might need more game time before the World Cup, he replied: "No, because I don’t have to accept those evaluations. We think we know where he is and how his fitness is progressing.

"We took him and Gerrard off tonight because they’re both important members of our squad. We’re not blessed with senior players and at 3-0 it seemed a great opportunity to give younger ones a go.

"I don’t have any fears in that respect and you saw that Wayne’s attitude and commitment is first class, even in a game of this nature, and he’s got two more weeks to keep that going."

A wary Hodgson was no more willing to single out Sturridge for gushing praise, despite his moment of individual brilliance. "I’m excited about them all [the whole squad]," he insisted. "I don’t want to talk about individuals here and I’ll stick to it: I think I’ve got a good squad of players here with a good many talented and exciting players.

"It was good for Daniel to score that goal because every goal you score for England when you’re young is an important one, and it was the goal that unlocked the game.

"I’m happy with him but I’m no more happy with him than I am with other players."

Leighton Baines caused concern when he was withdrawn on 75 minutes with a calf problem, but Hodgson was at pains to stress his substitution was not the result of anything serious.

"It was a calf [problem] and it was purely a precaution on our part," he continued.

"He could have continued but the game, as far as I was concerned, was basically over, and it was a great opportunity to give John Stones, who’s had a great couple of weeks training with us, 10 minutes of 85,000 at Wembley."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney thamath out of form neh​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Del Bosque to leave Navas, Iturraspe & Moreno out of World Cup squad

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque has confirmed that Jesus Navas, Ander Iturraspe and Alberto Moreno will not make his final 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil next month.

The former Real Madrid coach took a squad of 27 to the Sanchez Pizjuan in Seville on Friday night for his side’s 2-0 victory over Bolivia.

But that number has now been reduced to 24 after Del Bosque confirmed that Manchester City winger Navas, Athletic Bilbao's Iturraspe and Sevilla defender Alberto Moreno will all miss out.

“Navas has recovered well over the last few days, but he has gone six weeks without playing, so we have told him it's difficult for him to come,” said Del Bosque.

“I have told Iturraspe and Alberto Moreno that, for now, they will not travel with us unless something else happens.”

Diego Costa is still hoping to overcome his injury and Del Bosque said that he will make a decision on the Altetico Madrid striker and his club team-mate Juanfran on Saturday.

“We still have Juanfran and Diego Costa who have small problems. On Saturday at 1pm we will make our decision,” the 63-year-old continued.

“With Diego Costa it is still up in the air. We will wait for the response from our medical team.”

One man who looks like he will be going to Brazil is Fernando Torrres, who after opening the scoring from the penalty spot on Friday, saw his coach provide backing.

“I have a lot of confidence in Torres, that is why he is here,” added Del Bosque. “I am very happy with his work.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Navas wa ganne nathi unoth nam aparade​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Spain will be even stronger at the World Cup

Andres Iniesta is confident Spain are looking good ahead of their quest to retain the World Cup in Brazil next month.

The Barcelona midfielder rounded off a 2-0 victory over Bolivia on Friday night after Fernando Torres had given La Roja the lead from the penalty spot.

Iniesta says he is confident Vicente del Bosque’s side will be even stronger by the time they kick-off their World Cup campaign against Netherlands on June 13.

“Whether the coach decides to go with those who played tonight or bring in others, the group will be even stronger,” Iniesta told AS.

“We trained well during the week, in every session, and played well today.”

The 30-year-old also revealed that he had to disappoint one of the match officials after he asked for a special memento after the match.

“We only have two shirts each and they were already assigned. They don’t usually ask me, but today one did,” Iniesta explained.

Juan Mata, who was replaced by Iniesta at half-time, spoke of Spain’s strength in depth, highlighting Del Bosque’s options in midfield.

“This team has players of all kinds,” said the Manchester United man.

“We have wide players like Jesus Navas or Gerard Deulofeu and then David Silva, Iniesta and me who like to play inside. That’s the beauty of the national team, it is a group which has so many options.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Benatia is worth at least €61m' - Sabatini

Mehdi Benatia's weak foot alone is worth €30 million, according to Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini, who values the centre-back at a total of €61m.

After a thoroughly impressive debut season in the Italian capital, the 27-year-old has attracted the attention of several of Europe's top clubs, with Premier League champions Manchester City having tabled a €30m bid for the Morocco international last week.

But Sabatini has claimed Benatia is worth a minimum of €61m, and insisted the defender does not want to leave the Italian capital.

"Benatia is a guy with sound principles: he doesn't want to take a step away from the Roma fans or his team-mates," he told a press conference.

"Personally I think €30m is the value of Benatia's weak foot.

"If Benatia's weak foot is worth €30m then the total price would be €61m."

When pressed on the prospect of Benatia leaving the club, Sabatini claimed that only a huge offer would convince Roma to sell.

“Benatia is not for sale, unless someone comes to us with an offer of €61m,” he added. "With that we could improve the squad."

And Sabatini does not believe the star will press for a transfer, claiming he has "never played for himself" since joining the club from Udinese in 2013.

"Benatia has been completely coherent, he's never played for himself, always with and for the team," he said.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benzema wants Pogba to join Madrid

Karim Benzema wants Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba to jump ship for Real Madrid this summer as transfer rumours continue to swirl regarding the young midfielder's future.

The Blancos have been linked with a mega-money move for the 21-year-old France international for months now, with Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea also fellow admirers of the former Manchester United youth prospect.

Benzema, who will line up alongside Pogba at the World Cup this summer, would love his international team-mate to come to the Santiago Bernabeu should he decide to leave Turin in the upcoming transfer window.

"He’s a young player playing at a big European club. He gets better with each game and he’s at a high level and will continue to work hard," the Madrid striker told reporters.

"I would love him to leave for Madrid, because he’s French and can become a great player."

Benzema says his recovery from a minor muscle injury is going positively and dismissed concerns he is an injury doubt for the World Cup as Didier Deschamps' men prepare for a friendly against Paraguay.

"My adductor is healing, it's much better, there's nothing to worry about," the forward added.

"I started to run again and I work with the physios, it's evolving in the right way. Now I have to keep working but don't be worried, it's much better than when I played in the Champions League final against Atletico Madrid."

Benzema and Pogba are expected to be prominent players in France's attempt to win the World Cup, starting with group stage games against Switzerland, Ecuador and Honduras.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos: I'm at my best & would love Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos believes he is playing the best football of his life right now and would love to win the Ballon d'Or as a result.

The defender was part of a stunning sequence of clean sheets earlier in 2014 and was ever-present for the Blancos all year long, making 51 appearances for the club as they romped to Champions League and Copa del Rey success.

His goals in Europe in particular - two against Bayern Munich in the semi-final stage and a last-minute header to send the Champions League final into extra-time versus Atletico Madrid - were crucial in the club's Decima glory.

Ramos admitted that following up team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or win with one of his own, based on his quality year so far, would be brilliant but stressed the team effort it took to win Real Madrid's

"I'm at my best," the Spain international told reporters when he was presented with the City of Seville Medal. "I've had a great year, both on a personal and professional front.

"Let's hope it continues for the World Cup in Brazil. The whole Spain national squad have to give it every last drop of sweat.

"I would love to win the Ballon d'Or, but honestly I'm not even thinking about it. In the end, individual titles are achieved with the help of all your team-mates.

"It isn't Sergio Ramos' Decima, it's everyone's. There are lots of people who have worked hard to win the title. It's been a great year for all Madridistas."

Ramos' also became a parent for the first time recently, adding the joy he has had in his professional life on the pitch in 2013-14, and he believes it has helped him to mature.

"This is the most important time of my life and the truth is that I'm loving it," he added. "I'm really happy about becoming a father and about having had a great season.

"Those things all add up and make you grow up emotionally."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Ronaldo and Messi worse than Suarez'

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are not at the same level as Luis Suarez, according to loyal Uruguay team-mate Cristian Rodriguez.

The Liverpool striker underwent a knee operation earlier in May and is a doubt to be fit in time for the World Cup, which kicks off in under two weeks, although senior Uruguay figures insist he will play in the tournament.

Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Barcelona's Lionel Messi are widely considered to be the best players on the planet, but Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodriguez contests the status quo and claims Suarez is the cream of the crop.

"Suarez is the best player in the world," the Uruguayan, 28, told the Daily Mail. "And I’m not saying that because I’m Uruguayan and so is he.

"As far as I’m concerned Leo Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a notch or so below Suarez. He has demonstrated it for club and country. Messi and Ronaldo are not as good for their countries as for their clubs.

"Everyone loves him in the squad. He is a rebel on the pitch who fights for every ball but that is what we love about him in Uruguay. We hate to lose at anything, we want to win - so his will to win makes him a good Uruguayan."

Suarez enjoyed a bumper season with Liverpool in 2013-14, firing 31 goals to take them within touching distance of the Premier League title before dropped points in the final straight allowed Manchester City to triumph.

However, Ronaldo also put in a stunning season with Real Madrid as he scored a record number of goals in a single Champions League season to help the club win La Decima, with the Copa del Rey also in the Blancos bag.

Messi's campaign was muted, by comparison, as Barcelona finished 2013-14 with just the Supercopa to show for their efforts after failing to defeat Atletico Madrid in the final day of the season when a win would have given them La Liga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I can win Golden Boot - Aguero

Argentina star Sergio Aguero believes he can take the World Cup by storm and win the Golden Boot this summer.

No Argentine has lifted the top goalscorer award since Mario Kempes fired in six goals en route to glory as tournament hosts in 1978, with Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo having since finished as runner-up.

Aguero did not score when he made his World Cup debut four years ago but he has faith that 2014 will be the year he shines on the global stage having impressed with his goals at Manchester City this season.

"Of course I can win the Golden Boot! It's there to be won," the 25-year-old said in a new self-interview to mark the launch of PUMA Tricks.

"We could also win the World Cup but it won't be easy!"

Aguero's PUMA Tricks boots have been tasked with winning him the Golden Boot
Aguero might be considered among the best footballers in the world but he knows his limits - specifically, he tries to avoid dribbling trickery.

"I always wanted to try to copy the stepover, but one day I tried to do it in training and just fell over so I stopped trying to do it," he said. "Now I just play my own game."

Aguero is among a number of global superstars who will be sporting the new PUMA Tricks boots in Brazil this summer.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Courtois leaves door open to Chelsea return

Thibaut Courtois has hinted that he could return to Chelsea after this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

The Belgium goalkeeper has spent the past three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid and played a pivotal role in the club's success in 2013-14, with Diego Simeone's men winning La Liga and reaching the Champions League final.

Courtois played against his parent club in the semi-final of Europe's elite club competition and later said that he does not have an “emotional connection” with the Londoners, though he has now hinted that a move back to Stamford Bridge could be better for him in sporting terms.

“We will talk after the World Cup, we’ll talk with Chelsea," he told Cuatro. "I’m very comfortable here, I love living here, but at times you have to think about the sporting aspect.

“We’ll see what happens, I can’t say right now. First the World Cup.”

It had been suggested that Courtois went to see his team-mates to bid farewell after the Champions League final, but the 22-year-old ruled that out: “I’ve not said any goodbyes, I went to the bench to do some things."

Courtois is expected to start for Belgium in Brazil, ahead of Liverpool's Simon Mignolet, with the Red Devils set to face Algeria, Russia and South Korea in Group H.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Uruguay 1-0 Northern Ireland: Stuani strike sees Celeste win

Christian Stuani was the hero as Uruguay battled their way to a 1-0 win over Northern Ireland in a friendly at Estadio Centenario on Friday.

Substitute Stuani netted the decisive goal on the hour-mark to lift Uruguay to victory against an under-strength Northern Ireland team in Montevideo.

The Espanyol man replaced veteran striker Diego Forlan at half-time and his introduction worked wonders as the sixth-ranked nation stepped up preparations for the World Cup in Brazil, where they will come up against Italy, England and Costa Rica in Group D.Uruguay, who had drawn their past two competitive games heading into Friday's clash, extended their unbeaten home streak to 13 matches.

Minus injured star striker Luis Suarez, Oscar Tabarez named close to a full-strength team, with Edinson Cavani, Diego Forlan, Maximiliano Pereira and Gaston Ramirez among the starters for Uruguay's first match against Northern Ireland on home soil.While Northern Ireland were without key men Jonny Evans, Chris Brunt, Kyle Lafferty and Paddy McCourt.

The two countries had gone head-to-head on three previous occasions, with their most recent clash a 1-0 victory for Uruguay in New Jersey in 2006.But despite their superior standing in the Fifa world ranking, Uruguay were limited to just long-range efforts during the opening 15 minutes.

The home side were even out-passed by Northern Ireland at stages of the first half and their frustrations began to show, with tough-tackling midfielder Walter Gargano shown a yellow card for a late challenge in the middle of the pitch.

Uruguay were eventually presented with an avenue to goal after the ball fell to the feet of both Cavani and Forlan in the 32nd minute but they were sensationally denied by Olympiakos goalkeeper Roy Carroll.

Northern Ireland turned over possession outside the penalty area and Uruguay pounced with Cavani attempting to guide his low effort past Carroll, who parried the ball in the direction of Forlan.

With an open goal gapping, Forlan had the opportunity to break the deadlock and close to within one goal of Uruguay's all-time scoring record held by Suarez (38) but Carroll did well to dive low and push the ball away for a corner.

Forlan came close again on the stroke of half-time, unleashing a tricky shot from distance, which cannoned off the chest of Carroll and dropped to Cavani, but the Paris Saint-Germain striker blazed his effort wide of the post to leave the game on level terms at the break.

That proved to be Forlan's final contribution after he was replaced by Stuani at half-time, while Jose Gimenez came on for defender Sebastian Coates.Coates' exit seemed to disrupt Uruguay, who were caught out at the back but Northern Ireland failed to make the most of a two-on-one situation.

But having matched Uruguay for the most part, Michael O'Neill's men were made to pay in the 61st minute when Stuani reacted quickest inside the penalty area to finally breach the Northern Ireland goal.After Cristian Rodriguez dazzled his way inside the box, the ball found its way to Cavani, who squared to Stuani to smash home within 15 minutes of being brought on.

The hosts dominated from that point with several chances falling their way, though they were unable to add to their advantage as Northern Ireland's winless streak stretched to seven games.

Uruguay return to Estadio Centenario for Wednesday's fixture against Slovenia before flying out to Brazil for their opening World Cup game against Costa Rica on June 14.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chile 3-2 Egypt: Alexis inspires comeback

Alexis Sanchez inspired Chile to a come from behind 3-2 friendly win over Egypt in Santiago on Friday.

The Barcelona attacker set up all three goals for Jorge Sampaoli's men, whose high line had been exposed by Mohamed Salah and Khaled Kamar in the first half.
Alexis provided Marcelo Diaz's goal in the first half and did exceptionally well to set up Eduardo Vargas' second-half brace.Despite not being at full strength, the defence would have worried Sampaoli, whose team face Spain, the Netherlands and Australia at the World Cup.

Having earned a free kick, Sanchez carved out the first opportunity of the game as he brought down the set piece before scuffing a shot from just outside the area which Sherif Ekramy saved easily.Egypt had looked forced into mostly long balls before making the most of an opportunity to open the scoring through Salah in the 12th minute.

Gary Medel gave possession away cheaply in the middle third and the Chelsea attacker was released in behind by Mohamed El Nenny and finished neatly past Claudio Bravo in a one-on-one.Just four minutes later and Egypt doubled their lead.

Kamar beat the offside trap to latch onto Ali Ghazal's long pass, netting his first international goal with an exquisite chip over an onrushing Bravo.Chile had half-chances from set pieces and range but struggled to break down an Egypt side content to sit deep and hit on the break.

Alexis helped his side back into the game by setting up Diaz to make it 2-1 in the 26th minute. His run down the right led to him squaring for the Basel midfielder, whose first touch bounced up and allowed him to volley into the bottom corner and in off the post.Bravo was forced into two good saves, including once from a corner, while Vargas was denied an equaliser by Ekramy's stop soon after.

Alexis was denied twice more before half-time as Ekramy kept out his stinging volley and then watched as the lively attacker headed a glorious chance over the bar.Chile looked more comfortable in possession to start the second half, but struggled to create clear-cut chances.

On the hour-mark, more genius from Alexis saw Chile level. From the right, he picked out the deep run of Vargas, who finished first time past substitute goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary.

The Barcelona forward was at it again to set up what proved to be the winner in the 78th minute.Receiving a pass with his back to goal and just inside the attacking half, he lost his marker before picking out Vargas through the centre of a big hole in the middle of Egypt's defence.

The attacker, who spent the season on loan at Valencia from Napoli, finished neatly, but Chile had to endure a couple of nervous moments to hang on.

Egypt substitute Ibrahim Abdul-Khaleq had an attempt cleared off the line, but the hosts held on for an entertaining win as they also survived a late penalty shout.Chile wrap up their preparations for the World Cup with a clash against Northern Ireland on Wednesday before their Brazil 2014 opener against Australia on June 13.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-1 Cote d'Ivoire: Dzeko double downs African giants

Edin Dzeko bagged a double as Bosnia-Herzegovina accounted for Cote d'Ivoire 2-1 in their international friendly in St Louis on Friday.

Dzeko scored either side of the half-time break to inspire Bosnia to victory against their fellow World Cup participants at Edward Jones Dome.

The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock just past the quarter-hour mark before making sure of the win eight minutes into the second-half.Cote d'Ivoire substitute Didier Drogba scored a stunning free kick during the closing stages, though it was only a mere consolation.

It was a confidence-boosting win for Bosnia, who are set to face Argentina, Nigeria and Iran in Group F in their first-ever World Cup appearance.Safet Susic's men had lost their last two competitive games prior to Friday's fixture but they now head into Tuesday's friendly against Mexico full of confidence.

As for Cote d'Ivoire, it is back to the drawing board and quickly after three games without a win, with the African nation up against Colombia, Greece and Japan in Group C in Brazil.A very open start saw Bosnia with the better of the play before Dzeko's opening goal in the 17th minute.Miscommunication in the Cote d'Ivoire defence led to the ball falling to the Manchester City striker at the edge of the area.

With goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo having been drawn out by an attempted chest back, Dzeko was on hand to curl an effort into an open net for his 34th international goal.Cote d'Ivoire started to settle into the encounter midway through the first half, albeit without overly troubling Asmir Begovic's goal.It was mostly from set pieces that Ivory Coast, without Manchester City star Yaya Toure and his brother Kolo, looked threatening.

Bosnia continued where they left off after the break, doubling their advantage in the 53rd minute.Miralem Pjanic delivered the ball to Dzeko on the edge of the box and the towering front man turned his defender before finding the back of the net with a half-volley to move 10 goals clear of team-mate Zvjezdan Misimovic in the scoring charts, though Gbohouo could have done better.

Cote d'Ivoire almost found a way back into the contest on the hour-mark, however their effort was cleared off the line by veteran defender Emir Spahic.
The introduction of Drogba sparked Cote d'Ivoire into action, however, but as they attempted to reduce the deficit, it left them exposed in defence during the final half-hour.

Second-half substitute Vedad Ibisevic, who replaced man-of-the-match Dzeko, was at the centre of some decent chances for Bosnia, but the Stuttgart striker could not get on the end of several delightful crosses into the penalty area.Bosnia were by far the better team throughout but they were breached in the first minute of injury-time.

Drogba was fouled outside the box and the striker, who is a free agent after leaving Galatasaray, alerted potential suitors with a thunderous free kick - his sixth goal in eight games for the national team.Bosnia are back in action against Mexico in Chicago on Wednesday before flying out to Brazil for their opening World Cup match against Argentina on June 15.

Meanwhile, Cote d'Ivoire are set to face El Salvador on the same day before going head-to-head with Japan in the opening game of their World Cup campaign on June 14.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hamann urges Liverpool to sign Lallana

Former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann believes the club should secure the signing of England playmaker Adam Lallana.

As revealed by Goal, the Southampton captain has already been the subject of a £20 million offer from Brendan Rodgers's side since the end of the season, but with the Saints valuing him at £30m, the bid was rejected by the St Mary's outfit.

And with the Merseyside club closing in on a deal for Saints team-mate Rickie Lambert, Hamann feels Liverpool should push on and seal a deal for the talented midfielder as they look to bolster their squad ahead of a return to Champions League football.

"I think we can sign Lallana. If you see how we played last season, I think many players will be interested to play with us," he told Goal.

"Liverpool have a great project for the future and we have a chance to sign him.

"Lallana will give us more balance in the depth of the squad. Next season we will compete in many competitions and probably will get more injuries and suspensions.

"His position is what we need at the moment and I think he will be suitable for us."

Former Reds defender Phil Thompson, meanwhile, has called on the club to sign Cardiff City centre-back Steven Caulker in a bid to put a halt to their defensive issues.

The Reds conceded 50 goals on their way to finishing second in the Premier League last season, and Thompson believes the former Tottenham centre-back would prove the perfect fit.

"If Liverpool need a defender, I think the Cardiff City defender, Steven Caulker, would be the one. He also played under Rodgers's guidance when at Swansea City," he admitted to Goal.

"At the moment we have some British figures in the defensive line such as [Jon] Flanagan and [Glen] Johnson, but they are not players who play in Carragher’s position."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool make final £25m Lallana bid as Lambert arrives for medical

Liverpool have made a final £25 million bid for Southampton forward Adam Lallana.

The Reds are keen to tie up a deal as soon as possible and are adamant that they will not return with more money should the Saints knock back their latest approach.

Tottenham are also in the race to sign Lallana but it is the Merseysiders who have shown concrete interest with two formal bids.

The first, worth around £20m, was made on the final weekend of the Premier League season but was rejected by the Saints.

The south-coast club are holding out for nearer to £30m for the England man, but Liverpool will test that resolve by making it clear that they will not stretch any further than £25m.

Lallana's club and international team-mate, Rickie Lambert, will complete his Anfield move over the weekend after completing a medical on Saturday.

Both players will travel to Miami with the England squad on Sunday as they step up preparations for the World Cup in Brazil.

The Three Lions beat Peru 3-0 at Wembley on Friday evening thanks to goals from Daniel Sturridge, Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka.

Roy Hodgson's men will play Ecuador on Wednesday and Honduras next Saturday, before opening their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus on June 14.