..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

We'll see a strong Ozil at the World Cup - Low

Germany coach Joachim Low believes that Mesut Ozil will be primed to perform to his top level at the World Cup.

The Arsenal man disappointed in Sunday’s 2-2 draw against Cameroon, but the coach says that patience is required for him to come back to his best.

"Mesut Ozil has not had his best day," Low stated.

"He needs two more weeks, then we'll see a strong Mesut at the World Cup."

The coach lamented the errors his side made in Germany’s penultimate friendly before the competition.

Low named a strong side for the clash at Borussia Park but saw Cameroon take the lead through Samuel Eto'o shortly after the hour mark.

Thomas Muller and Andre Schurrle swiftly responded to put Germany in front, but Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting fired an equaliser late on to leave Low and his men with work to do ahead of a meeting with Armenia on Friday - their final friendly before the World Cup.

Low felt his side lacked a spark and were let down by poor passing - something they will look to address ahead of a Group G opener against Portugal on June 16.

"With us, one has noticed that the freshness is missing," he said.

"Our passing game was not good and we made many, many mistakes. If we had taken the lead, it would have helped the team.

"It pervades through the last few years that we need many opportunities [to score]."

 

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Belgium on course to impress, says Kompany

Captain Vincent Kompany believes Belgium are coming to the boil nicely with the World Cup on the horizon.

Kompany put in a typically rock-solid display at the back as his side continued their preparations for Brazil with a 2-0 win over Sweden.

Romelu Lukaku's superb opener was followed up by a cool finish from Eden Hazard as Marc Wilmots' men eased to a solid win that bodes well for their hotly-anticipated tournament opener against Algeria in just over two weeks."The important thing is that we showed moments of class and that everyone is fit," said Kompany.

"The preparation is going very well. People need to know that we have trained very hard."We now have two weeks to be ready from the first match at the World Cup."

One factor working in Belgium's favour is the form of Lukaku, who followed up his hat-trick over Luxembourg earlier this week with a man-of-the-match showing.
"I'm very happy with this victory," he said. "We are now reaping the fruits of the hard work at training and that gives us confidence for the World Cup."

Speaking about his own form, the striker added: "Everything is going according to plan and now it's up to me to keep it up."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vidal retained in Chile squad

Arturo Vidal has been retained in Chile's final World Cup squad as he continues his recovery from a minor knee operation.

The Juventus midfielder had arthroscopic surgery on the lateral meniscus of his right knee last month in a bid to be fully fit for the finals in Brazil.Although Vidal has yet to play since going under the knife almost four weeks ago, he remains part of coach Jorge Sampaoli's plans.

Chile's 23-man selection was announced on Sunday, with seven players cut from the original party named by Sampaoli on May 13.Key midfielder Matias Fernandez had already seen his World Cup dreams dashed by an ankle injury.

Experienced centre-back Marcos Gonzalez will also miss out following a lack of playing time in recent months.There is also no place for O'Higgins duo Paulo Garces and Pablo Hernandez, with Enzo Andia, Rodrigo Millar and Gustavo Canales the other players to have been left out.

Chile face Northern Ireland in Valparaiso on Wednesday, in their final friendly before the World Cup.Sampaoli's men face a daunting group in Brazil, having been drawn alongside Spain and the Netherlands - the teams who contested the 2010 final - together with Australia.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica)

Defenders: Miiko Albornoz (Malmo), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest), Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile)

Midfielders: Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Jean Beausejour (Wigan Athletic), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Felipe Gutierrez (Twente), Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Arturo Vidal (Juventus)

Forwards: Fabian Orellana (Celta), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia)

 

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Rossi left out of Italy's 23-man World Cup squad

Giuseppe Rossi has been left out of Italy's final 23-man squad for the World Cup in Brazil despite playing in their warm-up match against the Republic of Ireland.

Rossi damaged the anterior cruciate ligament in his right leg in January, but recovered to earn a place in Cesare Prandelli's provisional party.

However, the striker has now suffered heartbreak for the second successive World Cup, having also been cut from an initial squad chosen by Marcello Lippi in 2010.

After choosing to overlook Rossi and Roma forward Mattia Destro, Prandelli has five attackers at his disposal.

Torino duo Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci have been retained, together with Milan's Mario Balotelli, Lorenzo Insigne of Napoli and experienced Parma forward Antonio Cassano.

Milan midfielder Riccardo Montolivo had already been ruled out of the World Cup after suffering a fractured tibia in Saturday's 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland.
The other players to have been purged from Italy's provisional 30-man selection
are Christian Maggio, Manuel Pasqual, Romulo and Andrea Ranocchia.

However, Inter defender Ranocchia is set to remain with the squad as injury cover.
Italy play Luxembourg on Wednesday before flying out to Brazil, where they will face England, Uruguay and Costa Rica in Group D.

Squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon (Juventus), Mattia Perin (Genoa), Salvatore Sirigu (Paris Saint-Germain)

Defenders: Ignazio Abate (Milan), Andrea Barzagli (Juventus), Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus), Giorgio Chiellini (Juventus), Matteo Darmian (Torino), Mattia De Sciglio (Milan), Gabriel Paletta (Parma)

Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Fiorentina), Antonio Candreva (Lazio), Daniele De Rossi (Roma), Claudio Marchisio (Juventus), Marco Parolo (Parma), Andrea Pirlo (Juventus), Thiago Motta (Paris Saint-Germain), Marco Verratti (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Milan), Antonio Cassano (Parma), Alessio Cerci (Torino), Ciro Immobile (Torino), Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli)

Reserve: Andrea Ranocchia (Inter)

 

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G.Rossi wa Italy squad 1kata gatthe nathi 1kanam aparade​

 

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'Ancelotti puts us under less pressure than Mourinho' - Benzema

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema says coach Carlo Ancelotti brought calm to the squad after a turbulent final season for Jose Mourinho at the Bernabeu.

Ancelotti's men finally won their 10th Champions League at the end of 2013-14, ending an agonising 12-year wait by beating Atletico Madrid 4-1 after extra-time in Lisbon.

Benzema says the Italian's style has been very different to that of Mourinho and also spoke about the Portuguese boss famously describing playing with the Frenchman up front being like 'hunting with a cat'.

“Ancelotti is serenity," the 26-year-old told L’Equipe. "He doesn’t put pressure on the players. It is very different from Mourinho, who has another method.

“When it happened I thought, ‘Why does Mourinho say that about me?’ But everything is relative.

“There were no jokes about it back then but today my friends call me 'cat' and it is friendly. I am not a cat or a dog - there is nothing I can do!

"There were some difficult days, but I overcame them. Some people don’t know the difference between a good game and a very good game. If I produced a normal game, some observers would say I have been poor.

"At first, in the hard days, some mornings I would say ‘I have no desire’ but I could not afford to give up."

Benzema, who is often the subject of speculation surrounding his future, says he feels at home in Madrid and has been inspired to work harder by following the example of Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

“I am happy in Madrid. This is my home,” said the France international.

“I love working. After training I stay in the gym. I noticed this about Cristiano Ronaldo... I realised I should aim higher, like he does."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Honda: Japan are ready to shock the world

Japan international Keisuke Honda says his side are ready to shock the world this summer in Brazil.

The AC Milan star is currently with his team-mates in Florida preparing for their World Cup campaign.

Japan will take on Costa Rica on June 2 looking for a fourth consecutive victory, before their final warm-up game, against Zambia on June 7.

“I think we are all ready to shock the world,” the 27-year-old told newspaper Kyodo.

“We just have to believe in our style and play like we normally do. Right now, we are focused on going as far as possible.

"The World Cup only comes around once every four years and there is no guarantee that I’m going to be around in four years’ time. So I want to play this tournament as if it will be my last.”

Japan begin their tournament against Cote d'Ivoire on June 15, before taking on Greece and Colombia in their remaining group stage matches.

 

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Ancelotti reveals Real Madrid's dressing room secrets

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has uncovered some his players' quirks at the end of a campaign that saw them clinch La Decima in the Champions League final.

Los Blancos finally secured their 10th European crown after a 12-year wait and as his charges broke up for the World Cup this summer, the coach was asked to reveal some of the squad's most interesting dressing room traits.

"The last one to leave the locker room before every game is Sergio Ramos," the 54-year-old Ancelotti told Telecinco.

"Who eats the most? I have to say Isco is the player with the biggest appetite, no doubt about that.

"Then Xabi Alonso is the most disciplined player in the changing room and Marcelo is the most fun player with the best sense of humour."

The three-time Champions League winner said he hoped his players would perform well in Brazil but said he would still be hoping for an Italy win at the tournament.

Anelotti said: “The season was very long and I wish luck to the Madrid players going to the World Cup - but I am still backing Italy!

“I have a good relationship with all the players but it is not easy. I speak with all the players on the same level. I am not going to impose something they are not convinced about.”

Ancelotti also praised defender Ramos after his heroics towards the end of the campaign on the way to his side's success in Lisbon.

“Sergio Ramos was incredible at the end of the season,” the Italian added.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England fly to Miami as World Cup preparations continue

England have jetted off to Miami as they step up their preparations for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Fresh from beating Peru 3-0 at Wembley on Friday, the entire 23-man squad have flown to Florida, while stand-by defenders Jon Flanagan and John Stones have also travelled, with the blessing of Liverpool and Everton, respectively.

Once in the United States, England will face Ecuador on June 4 before clashing with Honduras three days later, and Hodgson insists every member of the squad will get a chance to show what they can do before they travel to Brazil.

“I will make certain that every member of the squad has at least played some football before we get to face Italy,” he said following the victory over Peru. “In the back positions we have a pretty clear idea of what we want.

“Once you get past Steven Gerrard in midfield there are five positions to fill. I think there are plenty of options there.”

England travel to South America on June 8 and will clock up more air miles when in Brazil. They will base themselves at the Royal Tulip Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, and face a journey of 1,774 miles up to Manaus, the location of their opening fixture against Italy. While there they will stay in the Blue Tree Premium before flying back to Rio, and then jetting 223 miles to Sao Paulo for the second game against Uruguay. Then, having returned to base once again, they will fly 215 miles to Belo Horizonte for the final group game against Costa Rica.

The Three Lions would play in either Rio or Fortaleza if they were to make it out of Group D, and Joe Hart is confident heading into the tournament.

In an exclusive interview with Goal, he outlined his intention to come home victorious: “We’re going there to win it, otherwise there isn’t any point in going there. You can’t go with any other mentality.

“I think when it comes to it, the players have our own internal beliefs. We have the belief of the management and belief in each other to go out and perform - and that’s the most important thing.

“We’ve got exciting young players who are getting chances at Premier League sides and playing at the top level. We have some really good talent and hopefully we will use that.

“It’s a World Cup, it was never going to be an easy group. I don’t think you will ever look at a group in a World Cup and say ‘that’s easy’ because everyone has earned the right to be there.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: Rooney obsession is sad

England trainer Roy Hodgson has described the nation's "obsession" with striker Wayne Rooney as "sad."

Rooney, 28, has been questioned as England head into the World Cup, with his form and ability to perform on the biggest stage coming under the spotlight.

But Hodgson is bemused by the speculation, and insists the Manchester United star remains a "very important member of the squad" as the Three Lions prepare to tackle a tough Group D, where they will face Italy, Uruguay and Costa Rica.

"It is a bit sad that the country is so Wayne Rooney-obsessed," he told reporters.

"I don't think Wayne sets himself up to be anything other than a very important member of the squad, someone who does his best and tries his best at all times.

"Talk about combinations doesn’t interest me. All I want is for Wayne Rooney to play well and Daniel Sturridge to play well.

"We don’t share this obsession with Wayne, we also think that people like Danny Welbeck, Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana are in there to play well and help us score goals, too.

"That's what a squad is about."

Another of Hodgson's strikers, Rickie Lambert, appears close to finalising a move from Southampton to Liverpool and the former Reds boss has congratulated the 32-year-old.

"I congratulate him. And I congratulate Liverpool [for] signing a good player," Hodgson said.

"When he plays you will see a fella running around with all the joy that his heart can muster because he is very happy to be with England and he's very happy that the move to Liverpool has gone through."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Villa 'excited' by MLS move

David Villa has announced he is set to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, as he closes in on a move to Major League Soccer.

The Spain international is reportedly on the brink of signing for new MLS franchise New York City FC, who will join the league next season.

Villa scored 13 goals in 36 La Liga appearances for Atleti last season, as Diego Simeone's men celebrated a first league triumph since 1996, while they were losing finalists in the Champions League to city rivals Real Madrid.The former Barcelona forward took the time to thank the club for a "great experience", and is relishing a new challenge outside of Spain.

"[I am] excited with this important project, for me, and for my family, personally and professionally," he told Atletico's official website.

"And I am very excited to start a new challenge, which is what I have tried along my whole career, and I think this is a really important one for my life in general.

"It has been a great experience, not only for sporting matters, that you have all seen, but further than that. Personally I found a great family, inside the locker room, the communion with the supporters and the club.

"That has helped me a lot, and honestly, they have make me feel really happy. I will remember this year all my life."Villa revealed that owner Enrique Cerezo and chief executive Miguel Angel Gil Marin wanted him to remain at Vicente Calderon, but the 32-year-old could not resist the chance of a new experience.

"[I want to] thank all the Atletico aficionados, everyone from the club who wanted me to stay here," he added. "Especially 'Cholo' [Simeone] and his staff, who transmitted that they wish me to stay in the team.

"And obviously I thank Enrique and Miguel Angel, who as well offered me to stay. But as I said before, this is something you can't refuse, a great project that I must accept."

 

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Every team is stronger with Ronaldo, admits Bento

Portugal coach Paulo Bento has no issue relying on Cristiano Ronaldo after his side slumped to a scrappy goalless draw with Greece on Saturday.

The Portuguese captain was hampered by thigh injuries towards the the end of the season with Real Madrid and is yet to train fully after reporting for international duty.And while Bento recognises the need for his side to step up if Ronaldo is not fit, he will happily lean on the 2013 Ballon d'Or winner if need be.

"Whoever we have in the team, we'll have to compete," he told reporters. "The national team, Real Madrid or Manchester United were always stronger when they had a player with Cristiano Ronaldo's ability."If teams that train every day together depend on him, why should we be afraid of saying he has an enormous influence on our team?

"But we can't lose the capacity of working when he's not available for selection."
Ronaldo was crucial to his country reaching the finals, scoring eight goals in qualification and netting four in their play-off win over Sweden.

Portugal been drawn against Germany, Ghana and USA in Group G for the showpiece in Brazil.

 

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Navas wishes Spain good luck after losing out on World Cup spot

Jesus Navas and Daniel Carvajal wished their Spain team-mates good luck in the World Cup as they reacted to their omission from Vicente del Bosque's 23-man squad for the tournament.

Navas missed out on a spot in the squad with the coach concerned about his fitness after he recovered from an ankle injury.The 28-year-old last played in the Premier League in April, but said he was happy to have been able to stake his claim.

"I'm proud to have recovered in time and to have fought for a spot in Brazil," Navas wrote on Twitter."I wish my team-mates and the boss luck in retaining the title."

Real Madrid defender Carvajal was another to be cut from the star-studded 30-man squad as Spain aim for a fourth straight major tournament win.The 22-year-old tweeted: "It's a shame I didn't get into the final list, but I'm so proud to have been close. Best of luck to Spain."

Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid midfielder Koke was delighted to have been selected for his first World Cup after a good campaign for the La Liga champions."So happy to be picked for Brazil! I'm very keen to help the team at my first World Cup."

 

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Navas Spain sqaud 1ke innama ona player kenek​

 

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Rooney: This is the best England team in over a decade

Wayne Rooney has admitted he has "no idea" how England will perform at the World Cup but says the current squad is the best he has ever been in at national team level.

Roy Hodgson has picked the likes of inexperienced Luke Shaw, Ross Barkley and Adam Lallana among the 23-man roster for the tournament in Brazil.

Although Rooney feels this is the best national team he has played with since his debut 11 years ago, he is unsure how the more inexperienced members of the squad will handle the pressure when they meet Uruguay, Italy and Costa Rica.

"This is the best England squad I’ve ever been involved with," he told the Daily Mirror. "The one weakness is that we have a lot players who haven’t got any real experience of tournament football.

"I don't think anyone can predict what will happen to England in Brazil – and that’s why I am really excited about this World Cup.

"I've got absolutely no idea how we are going to perform. We could have a massive impact on the tournament, go all the way to the final and surprise everyone.

"All I can say is that the potential and quality we have got in this squad is really exciting. I look at lads like Daniel ­Sturridge, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana and I can’t help but be positive about what we can do.

"It’s mad because we’ve got so many good young players. When I look back at Euro 2004, I was the youngest player in the squad, but I was able to call on a lot of top experienced ­players to help me through.

"So, it will be up to the likes of Steve Gerrard, Frank Lampard and myself to pass on our knowledge of playing in these tournaments to the younger lads."

Rooney had severe injury doubts ahead of each of his previous two outings at a World Cup but there are no such worries this time around and the striker is keen to prove himself on the world stage after disappointments in Germany and South Africa.

"After the injury problems I have had in the build-up to my two previous World Cups, I really hope this can be my tournament," he continued.

"I haven’t scored at a World Cup yet and and that’s something I want to put right because it does wind me up.

"I want to do better this time – not just for myself – but because I know that, if I am playing well, then I’ll be helping the team."

 

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Mehpara England hoda fight 1kak dei kiyala hithanawa​

 

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Diego Costa 'buzzing' and ready to return for Spain

Diego Costa says he can't wait to represent Spain at the World Cup in Brazil.
The Atletico Madrid forward was a major injury concern for coach Vicente Del Bosque after picking up a hamstring injury that saw him limp out of the Champions League final.

But the Brazil-born international is confident his injury problems are behind him and that he will be ready to play a big part in Spain's quest to retain the World Cup.
"I'm very happy," he told AS. "I am buzzing to with Spain to play in the World Cup in Brazil. I'm delighted."

"I was working these days with the physios and rehabilitation coaches and I feel great. Starting tomorrow, I will start and work with the team under the command of Vicente del Bosque."I hope to have a few minutes in the game next week against El Salvador in Washington.

"We will fight for the World Cup."Last month the Brazil-born striker's Atleti side were just seconds away from a first ever Champions League crown before Sergio Ramos's last-minute header forced the tie into extra time.

Real Madrid went on to beat their city rivals 4-1 and Diego Costa says Carlo Ancelotti's men were lucky to win La Decima."Real Madrid were lucky," he laughed.

 

[SIC]

yanthan i chanell eke denna csn dunnama add ma tama

 

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yanthan i chanell eke denna csn dunnama add ma tama

Ow bro Channel Eye dena nisa hodai nathnam ithin CSN unanam balanna wenne add thamai match 1kata wada
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Liverpool confirm Lambert signing

Liverpool have confirmed the signing of England striker Rickie Lambert from Southampton.Lambert, 32, has penned a contract with the Reds and passed a medical after a fee of four million pounds was accepted by Southampton.

Lambert told Liverpool's official website: "I can't believe it. I've loved this club all my life. I left here 17 years ago -- and I haven't stopped loving it since.
"I have always dreamt of playing for Liverpool, but I did kind of think the chance of playing for them had gone. I didn't think the chance would come.

"I know how big Liverpool are -- and it means everything to me -- but I know what is important; I know it's what I do on the pitch and the minutes I play. I know that's what matters, and that's what I'll be focused on."

Lambert, who will travel with England to the 2014 World Cup, scored 117 goals in 235 appearances for the Saints.Southampton signed the forward for one million pounds from Bristol Rovers in 2009, with the player having had spells at Rochdale, Stockport, Macclesfield and Blackpool.

Southampton chairman Ralph Krueger said on the club's official website: "On behalf of the club, I would like to thank Rickie. He served with distinction and helped to take Saints from League One to the Premier League.

"Rickie has been a shining light in Saints' growth and will forever remain an icon in the history of the club. He leaves with the best wishes of everyone at Southampton and will always be welcome back at St Mary's."