Aurier wa gaththoth hondhayi..Arsenal on brink of clinching £7m Aurier deal
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Kone ready to prove his worth at Everton
Arouna Kone hopes to put his injury nightmare behind him and get back on the field scoring goals for Everton next season.
The striker arrived at Goodison Park in July after impressing under Roberto Martinez at Wigan, but struggled with knee injuries throughout the season and was only able to make five appearances, scoring no goals.
He has now vowed to show the Everton faithful he can step into the shoes of departing loanee Romelu Lukaku and says he will be working hard over the close-season to be ready for the start of the new campaign.
"The most important thing is for me to be in the best possible shape I can be for the start of next season," he told the club's official website.
"I look back with a bit of pain [on the season]. I have not played as many games as I would have liked due to this injury.
"That is why I am not going on holiday, I am staying in Europe to work hard over the summer period, so I can hit the ground running when pre-season starts in July.
"The plan is to go back to Belgium, to the rehab centre where I have been working, then I will come back to Finch Farm for a fitness check.
"Then I will go back to Belgium but I will be back before the rest of the team to start pre-season."
Arouna Kone hopes to put his injury nightmare behind him and get back on the field scoring goals for Everton next season.
The striker arrived at Goodison Park in July after impressing under Roberto Martinez at Wigan, but struggled with knee injuries throughout the season and was only able to make five appearances, scoring no goals.
He has now vowed to show the Everton faithful he can step into the shoes of departing loanee Romelu Lukaku and says he will be working hard over the close-season to be ready for the start of the new campaign.
"The most important thing is for me to be in the best possible shape I can be for the start of next season," he told the club's official website.
"I look back with a bit of pain [on the season]. I have not played as many games as I would have liked due to this injury.
"That is why I am not going on holiday, I am staying in Europe to work hard over the summer period, so I can hit the ground running when pre-season starts in July.
"The plan is to go back to Belgium, to the rehab centre where I have been working, then I will come back to Finch Farm for a fitness check.
"Then I will go back to Belgium but I will be back before the rest of the team to start pre-season."
Perez: Ronaldo should only play if he’s fit
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t play at the World Cup if he is not fully fit.
Portugal have confirmed that Ronaldo is suffering from tendonitis, leaving the side’s captain as a doubt for their World Cup opener against Germany on June 16.
"I'm concerned that a player might get injured as happened with Kaka or with [Sami]Khedira with Germany," Perez told Cadena SER's radio programme, 'El Larguero’.
"Players like Cristiano should only play when they are fit."
Perez then went on to dismiss any current Real Madrid activity in the transfer market, but did reveal that Iker Casillas is set to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu along with Alvaro Morata.
He said: “We haven't made any moves in the market as yet. We'll have a talk with Morata, but we haven't sat down together, yet. I am a friend of the Juve directors, but I haven't spoken with them. The chances of Morata going there are nil.
"I had breakfast with Casillas and his agent. He has never said anything to me about wanting to leave. Casillas has been at Real since he was 9-years-old and as far as I know wants to end his career here.
"He'll see out this year at Real Madrid. Contracts are to be honoured, he has a buy-out clause."
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has stated that Cristiano Ronaldo shouldn’t play at the World Cup if he is not fully fit.
Portugal have confirmed that Ronaldo is suffering from tendonitis, leaving the side’s captain as a doubt for their World Cup opener against Germany on June 16.
"I'm concerned that a player might get injured as happened with Kaka or with [Sami]Khedira with Germany," Perez told Cadena SER's radio programme, 'El Larguero’.
"Players like Cristiano should only play when they are fit."
Perez then went on to dismiss any current Real Madrid activity in the transfer market, but did reveal that Iker Casillas is set to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu along with Alvaro Morata.
He said: “We haven't made any moves in the market as yet. We'll have a talk with Morata, but we haven't sat down together, yet. I am a friend of the Juve directors, but I haven't spoken with them. The chances of Morata going there are nil.
"I had breakfast with Casillas and his agent. He has never said anything to me about wanting to leave. Casillas has been at Real since he was 9-years-old and as far as I know wants to end his career here.
"He'll see out this year at Real Madrid. Contracts are to be honoured, he has a buy-out clause."
Reus wins German players’ player of the year
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus has won the German players’ union player of the year award for the 2013/14 season.
The Germany international won with 28.6% of the vote, with Robert Lewandowski ensuring a Dortmund one-two with 20.3%. Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben came third with 10.1%.
Andre Hahn, who scored 12 Bundesliga goals for FC Augsburg and has finalised a move to Borussia Monchengladbach, won newcomer of the season with 20.3% of the vote, fending off Dortmund’s Erik Durm and Schalke’s Max Meyer, who had 15.3% and 13.4% respectively.
The best coach award went to Augsburg’s Markus Weinzierl, who led his team to a surprising eighth place finish, while the double-winning Bayern coach Pep Guardiola finished as runner-up ahead of BVB coach Jurgen Klopp.
Bayern’s players unsurprisingly dominated the team of the year selection, with eight of the eleven coming from the Allianz Arena.
The elected side was: Manuel Neuer, Phillip Lahm, Dante, Mats Hummels, David Alaba, Arjen Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Marco Reus, Franck Ribery, Robert Lewandoswki and Mario Mandzukic.
Borussia Dortmund’s Marco Reus has won the German players’ union player of the year award for the 2013/14 season.
The Germany international won with 28.6% of the vote, with Robert Lewandowski ensuring a Dortmund one-two with 20.3%. Bayern Munich’s Arjen Robben came third with 10.1%.
Andre Hahn, who scored 12 Bundesliga goals for FC Augsburg and has finalised a move to Borussia Monchengladbach, won newcomer of the season with 20.3% of the vote, fending off Dortmund’s Erik Durm and Schalke’s Max Meyer, who had 15.3% and 13.4% respectively.
The best coach award went to Augsburg’s Markus Weinzierl, who led his team to a surprising eighth place finish, while the double-winning Bayern coach Pep Guardiola finished as runner-up ahead of BVB coach Jurgen Klopp.
Bayern’s players unsurprisingly dominated the team of the year selection, with eight of the eleven coming from the Allianz Arena.
The elected side was: Manuel Neuer, Phillip Lahm, Dante, Mats Hummels, David Alaba, Arjen Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Marco Reus, Franck Ribery, Robert Lewandoswki and Mario Mandzukic.
Mascherano: Messi still the best in the world
Argentina star Javier Mascherano has backed compatriot Lionel Messi to deliver at the World Cup, amid criticism over his form.
Messi endured a frustrating season with club side Barcelona last term as he struggled with injuries, while his team failed to defend its Liga title.Despite his injury-hit campaign, though, Messi still scored 41 goals in all competitions for the Blaugrana and will captain Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.
Mascherano, who also plays alongside Messi at Barcelona, has been baffled by criticism of the star, saying he is the best footballer in the world and can lead the national side to glory in Brazil."If you're the best in the world and you don’t depend on him [Messi] then who will you depend on?” Mascherano was quoted as saying by SPORT.
“It sounds ridiculous to me to doubt [Messi]. If you have the best then you will try to squeeze the maximum [out of him]. Messi has to feel that we play for him to show his virtues."Alejandro Sabella's side will be looking to add to their two World Cup titles when they arrive in Brazil for the tournament.
And Mascherano has admitted that the players want to go further than four years ago when the Albiceleste were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany at the quarter-final stage."I see a massive amount of hope in Leo. We are in such an important competition; we only care about the World Cup,” the 29-year-old said.
“As the leader of the group, we have to enjoy it. Everyone is dreaming about a different World Cup to those we've had previously, and [we want] to advance further than in other World Cups."
Argentina star Javier Mascherano has backed compatriot Lionel Messi to deliver at the World Cup, amid criticism over his form.
Messi endured a frustrating season with club side Barcelona last term as he struggled with injuries, while his team failed to defend its Liga title.Despite his injury-hit campaign, though, Messi still scored 41 goals in all competitions for the Blaugrana and will captain Argentina at the World Cup in Brazil.
Mascherano, who also plays alongside Messi at Barcelona, has been baffled by criticism of the star, saying he is the best footballer in the world and can lead the national side to glory in Brazil."If you're the best in the world and you don’t depend on him [Messi] then who will you depend on?” Mascherano was quoted as saying by SPORT.
“It sounds ridiculous to me to doubt [Messi]. If you have the best then you will try to squeeze the maximum [out of him]. Messi has to feel that we play for him to show his virtues."Alejandro Sabella's side will be looking to add to their two World Cup titles when they arrive in Brazil for the tournament.
And Mascherano has admitted that the players want to go further than four years ago when the Albiceleste were knocked out of the World Cup by Germany at the quarter-final stage."I see a massive amount of hope in Leo. We are in such an important competition; we only care about the World Cup,” the 29-year-old said.
“As the leader of the group, we have to enjoy it. Everyone is dreaming about a different World Cup to those we've had previously, and [we want] to advance further than in other World Cups."
Conte is like Mourinho - Zanetti
Javier Zanetti has likened Juventus coach Antonio Conte to former Inter boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho enjoyed a highly successful two-year spell in charge of the Nerazzurri – which culminated with a treble win in the summer of 2010.The Portuguese coach eventually left the club to take charge of Spanish side Real Madrid, with Conte taking over Juventus one year later.
Conte has since led a club coming off the back of consecutive seventh-placed finishes to three successive Serie A trophies and Zanetti says the former Italy international reminds him of Mourinho."They [Juventus] did a great thing, having a brilliant consistency," he said of the Old Lady's dominance during an interview with Tuttosport.
"Like [Diego] Simeone, Antonio was also a coach on the field and was able to convey his personality and his determination to the team.
“Jose is unique, but Conte also has his own character. If Juve won three league titles in a row it’s because of him.“[Marcello] Lippi's Juve had [Zinedine] Zidane and other star players; this group has more."Zanetti retired at the end of last season after making over 800 official appearances for Inter after joining from Argentine side Banfield in 1995.
The 40-year-old will now take up the sporting director role with the Nerazzurri and hopes he can help Inter return to winning ways."It will take time to return," the former Argentina international warned. "There was a change in ownership, many players are new.
"This is the beginning of a new story and you have to build a management team responsible for returning players.
"The coach [Walter Mazzarri] has his own ideas, he realised during his first season what the difficulties at Inter are, but we will now begin a new year with players who know and others that will come. It will be good.”
Javier Zanetti has likened Juventus coach Antonio Conte to former Inter boss Jose Mourinho.
Mourinho enjoyed a highly successful two-year spell in charge of the Nerazzurri – which culminated with a treble win in the summer of 2010.The Portuguese coach eventually left the club to take charge of Spanish side Real Madrid, with Conte taking over Juventus one year later.
Conte has since led a club coming off the back of consecutive seventh-placed finishes to three successive Serie A trophies and Zanetti says the former Italy international reminds him of Mourinho."They [Juventus] did a great thing, having a brilliant consistency," he said of the Old Lady's dominance during an interview with Tuttosport.
"Like [Diego] Simeone, Antonio was also a coach on the field and was able to convey his personality and his determination to the team.
“Jose is unique, but Conte also has his own character. If Juve won three league titles in a row it’s because of him.“[Marcello] Lippi's Juve had [Zinedine] Zidane and other star players; this group has more."Zanetti retired at the end of last season after making over 800 official appearances for Inter after joining from Argentine side Banfield in 1995.
The 40-year-old will now take up the sporting director role with the Nerazzurri and hopes he can help Inter return to winning ways."It will take time to return," the former Argentina international warned. "There was a change in ownership, many players are new.
"This is the beginning of a new story and you have to build a management team responsible for returning players.
"The coach [Walter Mazzarri] has his own ideas, he realised during his first season what the difficulties at Inter are, but we will now begin a new year with players who know and others that will come. It will be good.”
Official: Atletico complete signing of Getafe keeper Moya
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya from Getafe on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old made 26 appearances for Cosmin Contra's side last season before a knee injury in March brought his campaign to an early end.
Atletico have now moved to secure a deal believed to total €3 million for the former Spain youth international, who will join the Vicente Calderon outfit until 2017, pending a successful medical.
The news, confirmed via the Spanish champions' official website, raises further question marks over the future of Belgium No.1 Thibaut Courtois.
The 22-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons on loan from Chelsea, has been embroiled in transfer tug-of-war between the Blues and Diego Simeone's side.
Courtois himself claimed earlier in the Spring that he felt "no connection" with Chelsea, having never featured for the club, while Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin said the Belgian was eager to stay in the Spanish capital on a permanent basis.
However, Courtois hinted last week that a return to London could be better in the long term, and Moya's arrival will do little to dispel doubts over whether Atletico can reach a deal to keep him at the club.
Atletico Madrid have completed the signing of goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya from Getafe on a three-year deal.
The 30-year-old made 26 appearances for Cosmin Contra's side last season before a knee injury in March brought his campaign to an early end.
Atletico have now moved to secure a deal believed to total €3 million for the former Spain youth international, who will join the Vicente Calderon outfit until 2017, pending a successful medical.
The news, confirmed via the Spanish champions' official website, raises further question marks over the future of Belgium No.1 Thibaut Courtois.
The 22-year-old, who has spent the last three seasons on loan from Chelsea, has been embroiled in transfer tug-of-war between the Blues and Diego Simeone's side.
Courtois himself claimed earlier in the Spring that he felt "no connection" with Chelsea, having never featured for the club, while Atletico chief Miguel Angel Gil Marin said the Belgian was eager to stay in the Spanish capital on a permanent basis.
However, Courtois hinted last week that a return to London could be better in the long term, and Moya's arrival will do little to dispel doubts over whether Atletico can reach a deal to keep him at the club.
Hazard future will be sorted after World Cup, says father
Eden Hazard will make a decision on his Chelsea future after the World Cup in Brazil, according to the player's father.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who have already agreed a deal for Blues team-mate David Luiz, while the French champions' coach Laurent Blanc has hinted at a bid for the 23-year-old winger.
However, Hazard revealed on Tuesday what number jersey he will be donning next season, saying in a statement: "I am very pleased to be able to wear the No.10 for Chelsea.
"It is my favourite number and is one I am used to wearing for the national team, as well as the one worn by some of my heroes from when I was a kid, like Zinedine Zidane.
"I hope it brings me a lot of luck in the future and I look forward to the fans seeing me in it next season."
And Thierry Hazard claims there will be no transfer updates during the World Cup, as his son looks to guide Belgium to glory in Brazil.
“Eden? There is nothing yet. Every day I read new information,” he told Sudpresse. “Eden just wants to focus on the World Cup.
“There will be no news during the tournament.”
Eden Hazard will make a decision on his Chelsea future after the World Cup in Brazil, according to the player's father.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain, who have already agreed a deal for Blues team-mate David Luiz, while the French champions' coach Laurent Blanc has hinted at a bid for the 23-year-old winger.
However, Hazard revealed on Tuesday what number jersey he will be donning next season, saying in a statement: "I am very pleased to be able to wear the No.10 for Chelsea.
"It is my favourite number and is one I am used to wearing for the national team, as well as the one worn by some of my heroes from when I was a kid, like Zinedine Zidane.
"I hope it brings me a lot of luck in the future and I look forward to the fans seeing me in it next season."
And Thierry Hazard claims there will be no transfer updates during the World Cup, as his son looks to guide Belgium to glory in Brazil.
“Eden? There is nothing yet. Every day I read new information,” he told Sudpresse. “Eden just wants to focus on the World Cup.
“There will be no news during the tournament.”
Villa to end Spain career after World Cup
David Villa has announced that he will bring an end to his international career after the World Cup.
The 32-year-old has won 95 caps for the Spanish national side and, with a move to the MLS in 2015 to New York City FC confirmed, Villa is looking to focus on his club career after the campaign in Brazil.
"I don’t like to say that I’m saying goodbye, but obviously at the World Cup I’ll be playing my last games for Spain," Villa told Channel Cuatro.
"Now I want to enjoy myself from the word go, put in a great World Cup and, why not, get another star [on the Spain shirt]."
Villa added that he feels ready to play on for several more years and is targeting success in America next year after a break from the sport following the World Cup.
He said: "It’s one of the reasons why I’ve accepted [New York City FC’s offer]: I still have a lot of football left in me.
"If not, I would have gone home, although I didn’t consider the possibility of retiring. I want to make a name for myself here and make people talk about David Villa in this part of the world.
"I’m going to train, there’ll be someone by my side the whole time. After the busy time I’ve had, it’ll be good for me. I haven’t had summer holidays for a number of years and in these months I’ll be able to recover well."
And Villa, a member of this season’s league winning Atletico Madrid side, dismissed speculation of a mass exile from the Vicente Calderon, stating that it was nothing new for a successful side to receive interest for it’s stars.
"The players are very happy at Atletico," Villa continued.
"There’s a lot of talk that a number of players are going to leave, but it’s normal that European teams want Atletico’s players. That’s something to be proud about.
"They have contracts and I’m sure that Atletico are going to perform really well for years to come."
Spain received something of a boost in their World Cup preparations after Diego Costa got back to scoring ways in some style in training.
Coach Vicente del Bosque took a gamble and included the Atletico Madrid ace in his final squad despite the 25-year-old forward struggling to recover from a muscle injury he sustained during last month's Champions League final defeat to city rivals Real.
Del Bosque are hoping that Costa – who scored 36 goals in all competitions last season for his club side – will spearhead the team’s attack ahead of Fernando Torres and David Villa.
Although his recovery has been slow, the Brazil-born attacker trained normally with the Spain squad on Monday ahead of their final friendly before the World Cup and struck an impressive left-footed goal during their latest practice session.
When asked whether La Roja would be handicapped if Costa was not fully fit for the tournament, Del Bosque told TOI: “People asked the same during the [2012] European Championship. We were the champions despite playing, as they said, 4-6-0.
“Costa has played really well this season. He is the man in form and we shall love him to be on the field for Spain.
“But if he is not fully fit, I'll have to take a call before I announce the final team. However, I sincerely believe he will be fit before the World Cup.”
Spain will be looking to retain the title they won in 2010 this summer in Brazil, although they will face stiff competition from the hosts, who defeated them in the Confederations Cup last year.
However, Del Bosque has called on his players to first concentrate on getting out of their group – which includes Chile, Australia and Netherlands – before then turning their attention to lifting the World Cup again.
“We need to qualify first for the knockout round," the former Real Madrid boss said. "That is the first target. Once we achieve it, we shall be able to think about our opponent.
“One thing is for sure: you cannot pick and choose your opponents in a World Cup. And you need to play and win against bigger opponents in the knockout stages to become world champions.”
He added: “I believe we can [win the World Cup again].
“They [the team] are older with experience. To win the biggest tournament, you need a proper balance of youth and experience – and we have it.
"The players may have won three big tournaments on the trot, yet, they are hungry to win more."
Van Persie 'not yet at 100 per cent' - Van Gaal
Netherlands captain Robin van Persie is not yet "100 per cent" fit but will be fully recovered in time for the World Cup, according to coach Louis van Gaal.
Van Persie has been working his way back to full fitness after spraining his knee during Manchester United's Champions round-of-16 tie against Olympiakos in March.
The 30-year-old was ruled out for six weeks and returned to Holland to undergo rehabilitation, though he came back for the final three Premier League games of the season, scoring against Hull City.
Van Persie has played no more than 80 minutes in each of the Netherland's past two international friendlies against Ecuador and Ghana but he has scored in both games and Van Gaal is confident his star man will be fully fit for the World Cup finals.
"He is not 100 per cent, but we have two weeks to go. I think he will be 100 per cent," the Oranje boss said ahead of Wednesday's clash with Wales.
"He is coming out of injury but we built him already up in our federation, our medical department.
"It was under the permission of David Moyes, so we could control him. He has worked very hard.
"Then he played two matches of 20 or 30 minutes and the last match 70 minutes.
"We did not expect that as the injury was bad."
Netherlands will come up against defending champions Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B at the showpiece event, which kicks off on June 12.
Netherlands captain Robin van Persie is not yet "100 per cent" fit but will be fully recovered in time for the World Cup, according to coach Louis van Gaal.
Van Persie has been working his way back to full fitness after spraining his knee during Manchester United's Champions round-of-16 tie against Olympiakos in March.
The 30-year-old was ruled out for six weeks and returned to Holland to undergo rehabilitation, though he came back for the final three Premier League games of the season, scoring against Hull City.
Van Persie has played no more than 80 minutes in each of the Netherland's past two international friendlies against Ecuador and Ghana but he has scored in both games and Van Gaal is confident his star man will be fully fit for the World Cup finals.
"He is not 100 per cent, but we have two weeks to go. I think he will be 100 per cent," the Oranje boss said ahead of Wednesday's clash with Wales.
"He is coming out of injury but we built him already up in our federation, our medical department.
"It was under the permission of David Moyes, so we could control him. He has worked very hard.
"Then he played two matches of 20 or 30 minutes and the last match 70 minutes.
"We did not expect that as the injury was bad."
Netherlands will come up against defending champions Spain, Chile and Australia in Group B at the showpiece event, which kicks off on June 12.
Diego Costa passes Chelsea medical
Diego Costa has completed a medical at Chelsea and is now on the verge of completing a €43 million [£35m] move from Atletico Madrid.
Goal revealed early last month that a deal worth £75m, including transfer fee and salary, was finalised at a meeting in London less than 24 hours after Costa's penalty helped Atletico Madrid to eliminate the Blues from the Champions League.
The Brazil-born striker, who is a member of the Spain squad preparing for the World Cup, has long been identified by Mourinho as the player to provide a more regular supply of goals than Fernando Torres, Samuel Eto’o and Demba Ba were able to contribute last season.
Chelsea will pay around €43m for the striker, although a significant portion of the transfer fee includes agents' fees.
The move will also more than triple the wages of Costa, who is believed to earn around £50,000 a week at the Vicente Calderon Stadium. Chelsea will hand the 25-year-old a five-year contract worth £150,000 a week.
As reported by Goal in April, it had long been the plan of the west Londoners to confirm the deal before the World Cup, where he is expected to lead the line for Spain if he can recover from the hamstring injury that restricted him to just a short run-out in Atletico’s recent Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid.
Representatives of the Londoners have held a series of meetings with Costa's camp in recent months and the set of talks around the two clubs' Champions League second-leg showdown closed the deal.
Costa emerged as Chelsea's top centre-forward target following an outstanding campaign for Atletico, who won La Liga as well as finishing Champions League runners-up.
The 25-year-old scored 36 times in 50 matches for his club in the recently completed domestic season and his 27-goal league haul was third only to Cristiano Ronaldo (31) and Lionel Messi (28).
Chelsea were keen to trigger the Brazil-born forward's release clause in January, when he was also being closely monitored by rivals Arsenal, but the player did not want to leave in mid-season.
Mourinho has made no attempt to hide his desire to recruit a blue chip centre forward amid doubts over the futures of Torres, Eto'o and Ba. At least two of the trio are expected to leave in the summer, while Romelu Lukaku will hold talks with Chelsea chiefs this summer following a season-long loan at Everton.
Chelsea have been active in the transfer market following the completion of the domestic season.
The Londoners have agreed a deal with Paris Saint-Germain to sell David Luiz for an initial €49m [£40m] although the French champions have yet to officially confirm the Brazilian’s arrival.
Mourinho is also looking for a new left-back and a new central midfielder following the departures of Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard. Chelsea’s top midfield target is Juventus’ Paul Pogba and they are also monitoring the situation of Cesc Fabregas.
Hazard future will be sorted after World Cup, says father
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Argentina 3-0 Trinidad & Tobago: Comfortable win for Albiceleste
A misfiring Argentina defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on Wednesday in their first pre-tournament friendly ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Argentina opened up Trinidad and Tobago on numerous occasions but wasted a host of chances in Buenos Aires, which may prompt coach Alejandro Sabella to rethink his forward setup.
The hosts unsurprisingly dominated possession and goalscoring chances but they struggled to test Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip often enough, with only five of their 17 shots hitting the target.
Rodrigo Palacio opened the scoring with a header in first-half stoppage time, before Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez added goals after half-time.Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago made his first appearance since mid-April having missed over a month's worth of football with a knee injury, as Sabella left Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Pablo Zabaleta on the bench.
Gago had injured his left knee against Colon in Argentina's Primera Division on May 13 but declared the injury was "behind" him last month, and the 28-year-old looked comfortable before being replaced at half-time.
Inter's Hugo Campagnaro started ahead of Zabaleta at right-back, while Palacio and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi were preferred to Aguero and Higuain up front.A combination of poor decision making and inaccurate shooting was to blame for Argentina's wastefulness at River Plate's Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, with Sabella's men providing an example of both in the opening 15 minutes.
Angel di Maria chose to square the ball rather than shoot when clear on goal in the sixth minute, while five minutes later Lionel Messi missed a half-volley with an empty net gaping.Chances continued to be wasted with Lavezzi, Messi, Palacio and Di Maria all at fault.
Although Trinidad and Tobago struggled to get control of the ball for long periods, they broke through the home side's defence a couple of times later in the half, only for Campagnaro and Martin Demichelis to deny Kenwyne Jones with sliding tackles.The home fans had to wait until the last moment of the first half to see Argentina hit the front.
Argentina earned a corner when Di Maria rounded Phillip and, instead of shooting from a tight angle, squared the ball for Messi, only for Yohance Marshall to get back at the last second and slice a clearance over the bar from less than a metre out.Palacio got to Di Maria's corner first at the near post and, although Phillip got both hands to the ball, the visiting gloveman ended up almost throwing the ball into the net.The goal ended Trinidad and Tobago's run of 313 minutes without conceding.
Argentina doubled their lead just five minutes after the break when Messi struck the post with a free-kick and Mascherano stabbed home the rebound for just his third goal in 97 international appearances.
It was 3-0 in the 64th minute when Mascherano released Palacio with a lofted pass and the Inter striker knocked the ball past Phillip, kept it in with a slide, before teeing up Rodriguez.But Argentina's wastefulness continued with Rodriguez failing to convert a one-on-one opportunity soon after his goal.
Palacio limped off with a potential ankle injury with 14 minutes remaining and could be in doubt for Argentina's final warm-up friendly against Slovenia on Saturday in La Plata.
A misfiring Argentina defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on Wednesday in their first pre-tournament friendly ahead of the upcoming World Cup.
Argentina opened up Trinidad and Tobago on numerous occasions but wasted a host of chances in Buenos Aires, which may prompt coach Alejandro Sabella to rethink his forward setup.
The hosts unsurprisingly dominated possession and goalscoring chances but they struggled to test Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Marvin Phillip often enough, with only five of their 17 shots hitting the target.
Rodrigo Palacio opened the scoring with a header in first-half stoppage time, before Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez added goals after half-time.Boca Juniors midfielder Fernando Gago made his first appearance since mid-April having missed over a month's worth of football with a knee injury, as Sabella left Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Pablo Zabaleta on the bench.
Gago had injured his left knee against Colon in Argentina's Primera Division on May 13 but declared the injury was "behind" him last month, and the 28-year-old looked comfortable before being replaced at half-time.
Inter's Hugo Campagnaro started ahead of Zabaleta at right-back, while Palacio and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ezequiel Lavezzi were preferred to Aguero and Higuain up front.A combination of poor decision making and inaccurate shooting was to blame for Argentina's wastefulness at River Plate's Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti, with Sabella's men providing an example of both in the opening 15 minutes.
Angel di Maria chose to square the ball rather than shoot when clear on goal in the sixth minute, while five minutes later Lionel Messi missed a half-volley with an empty net gaping.Chances continued to be wasted with Lavezzi, Messi, Palacio and Di Maria all at fault.
Although Trinidad and Tobago struggled to get control of the ball for long periods, they broke through the home side's defence a couple of times later in the half, only for Campagnaro and Martin Demichelis to deny Kenwyne Jones with sliding tackles.The home fans had to wait until the last moment of the first half to see Argentina hit the front.
Argentina earned a corner when Di Maria rounded Phillip and, instead of shooting from a tight angle, squared the ball for Messi, only for Yohance Marshall to get back at the last second and slice a clearance over the bar from less than a metre out.Palacio got to Di Maria's corner first at the near post and, although Phillip got both hands to the ball, the visiting gloveman ended up almost throwing the ball into the net.The goal ended Trinidad and Tobago's run of 313 minutes without conceding.
Argentina doubled their lead just five minutes after the break when Messi struck the post with a free-kick and Mascherano stabbed home the rebound for just his third goal in 97 international appearances.
It was 3-0 in the 64th minute when Mascherano released Palacio with a lofted pass and the Inter striker knocked the ball past Phillip, kept it in with a slide, before teeing up Rodriguez.But Argentina's wastefulness continued with Rodriguez failing to convert a one-on-one opportunity soon after his goal.
Palacio limped off with a potential ankle injury with 14 minutes remaining and could be in doubt for Argentina's final warm-up friendly against Slovenia on Saturday in La Plata.
Ecuador 2-2 England: Rooney & Lambert strike but Three Lions falter in Miami
Raheem Sterling and Antonio Valencia both saw red as England and Ecuador played out an eventful 2-2 friendly draw in Miami on Wednesday.
As both sides continued their build-up to the World Cup, England youngster Sterling and Ecuador captain Valencia clashed late on in an incident that saw the duo given their marching orders.
Valencia took exception to a challenge from Sterling and grabbed the Liverpool winger by the neck, although fortunately for the pair they will be clear to play in the Brazil showpiece.
The flashpoint came at the end of the enthralling friendly that burst to life when Enner Valencia's fourth goal in as many games for his country gave England an early scare.
Wayne Rooney hauled the sides level with a controversial equaliser that appeared to strike Rickie Lambert's arm during the build-up.
Lambert then applied an emphatic finish to a slaloming Ross Barkley run in the opening stages of the second half, only for substitute Michael Arroyo to restore parity with a spectacular 70th-minute strike within a few minutes of coming off the bench.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limped off injured prior to Arroyo's sumptuous leveller having looked bright as the Arsenal midfielder, Lambert and Barkley all gave England manager Roy Hodgson plenty to ponder.
Despite the fact that England started with plenty of attacking intent - Frank Lampard missed the target with a side-footed effort following Lambert's drag back - Hodgson's experimental side were left shell-shocked by Enner Valencia's eighth-minute opener.
Walter Ayovi superbly controlled an aerial ball on Ecuador's left flank before crossing for the forward to sneak in between Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw and steer a firm header beyond Ben Foster, making his first start for his country since November 2010.
Nerves appeared to be getting the better of Foster when he scampered out and failed to win the ball soon after during a swift Ecuador counter, but the West Brom goalkeeper eventually got back on his line and gathered comfortably to collect Carlos Gruezo's weak curling shot.
Lampard let fly from 25 yards to test a sprawling Maximo Banguera after 24 minutes, but England did find the net five minutes later.
Oxlade-Chamberlain sent a delicate chip to the back post as Lambert lurked ominously, although the new Liverpool striker appeared to control the ball with his arm before his close-range backheel rebounded off the post and ricocheted off Banguera to Rooney.
The Manchester United striker, deployed on the left of midfield, duly slotted home his first England goal since October last year and, more significantly, netted a strike that will boost his confidence as he battles to regain full fitness after an injury-blighted end to the season.
Barkley, keen to catch the eye on his first England start, combined brilliantly with Lambert six minutes into the second half to give England the lead.
The Everton youngster nutmegged Jorge Guagua at the start of a jinking run that ended when he rolled the ball into the path of Lambert, who crashed a low effort across Banguera with the outside of his right foot.
Lambert came close to doubling his tally four minutes later after good work from Oxlade-Chamberlain, while at the other end, Enner Valencia somehow managed to hit the post with the goal at his mercy.
Arroyo then made his spectacular impact within a few minutes of his introduction as he moved the ball quickly at his feet to find space ahead of James Milner and Jack Wilshere before rifling into the top-right corner from 25 yards.
Then, with 12 minutes left, substitute Sterling and Valencia clashed in an unsavoury incident that both players will want to move quickly on from with the World Cup looming.
Next up for England is a friendly with Honduras in Florida on Saturday, while Ecuador will head to Brazil in buoyant mood after causing Hodgson's men plenty of problems.
Raheem Sterling and Antonio Valencia both saw red as England and Ecuador played out an eventful 2-2 friendly draw in Miami on Wednesday.
As both sides continued their build-up to the World Cup, England youngster Sterling and Ecuador captain Valencia clashed late on in an incident that saw the duo given their marching orders.
Valencia took exception to a challenge from Sterling and grabbed the Liverpool winger by the neck, although fortunately for the pair they will be clear to play in the Brazil showpiece.
The flashpoint came at the end of the enthralling friendly that burst to life when Enner Valencia's fourth goal in as many games for his country gave England an early scare.
Wayne Rooney hauled the sides level with a controversial equaliser that appeared to strike Rickie Lambert's arm during the build-up.
Lambert then applied an emphatic finish to a slaloming Ross Barkley run in the opening stages of the second half, only for substitute Michael Arroyo to restore parity with a spectacular 70th-minute strike within a few minutes of coming off the bench.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain limped off injured prior to Arroyo's sumptuous leveller having looked bright as the Arsenal midfielder, Lambert and Barkley all gave England manager Roy Hodgson plenty to ponder.
Despite the fact that England started with plenty of attacking intent - Frank Lampard missed the target with a side-footed effort following Lambert's drag back - Hodgson's experimental side were left shell-shocked by Enner Valencia's eighth-minute opener.
Walter Ayovi superbly controlled an aerial ball on Ecuador's left flank before crossing for the forward to sneak in between Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw and steer a firm header beyond Ben Foster, making his first start for his country since November 2010.
Nerves appeared to be getting the better of Foster when he scampered out and failed to win the ball soon after during a swift Ecuador counter, but the West Brom goalkeeper eventually got back on his line and gathered comfortably to collect Carlos Gruezo's weak curling shot.
Lampard let fly from 25 yards to test a sprawling Maximo Banguera after 24 minutes, but England did find the net five minutes later.
Oxlade-Chamberlain sent a delicate chip to the back post as Lambert lurked ominously, although the new Liverpool striker appeared to control the ball with his arm before his close-range backheel rebounded off the post and ricocheted off Banguera to Rooney.
The Manchester United striker, deployed on the left of midfield, duly slotted home his first England goal since October last year and, more significantly, netted a strike that will boost his confidence as he battles to regain full fitness after an injury-blighted end to the season.
Barkley, keen to catch the eye on his first England start, combined brilliantly with Lambert six minutes into the second half to give England the lead.
The Everton youngster nutmegged Jorge Guagua at the start of a jinking run that ended when he rolled the ball into the path of Lambert, who crashed a low effort across Banguera with the outside of his right foot.
Lambert came close to doubling his tally four minutes later after good work from Oxlade-Chamberlain, while at the other end, Enner Valencia somehow managed to hit the post with the goal at his mercy.
Arroyo then made his spectacular impact within a few minutes of his introduction as he moved the ball quickly at his feet to find space ahead of James Milner and Jack Wilshere before rifling into the top-right corner from 25 yards.
Then, with 12 minutes left, substitute Sterling and Valencia clashed in an unsavoury incident that both players will want to move quickly on from with the World Cup looming.
Next up for England is a friendly with Honduras in Florida on Saturday, while Ecuador will head to Brazil in buoyant mood after causing Hodgson's men plenty of problems.
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