..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea expect to sign Diego Costa from Atletico Madrid by Tuesday

The Spain striker has already passed a medical and Chelsea have met the £32m buyout clause in his contract.

Costa has also directed Atletico to accept the offer and Sky sources understand that Chelsea are determined to get the deal done before the start of the World Cup, so that he can concentrate on the tournament.

"Chelsea have made an offer to Atletico Madrid in compliance with the buyout terms in Diego Costa's contract, and have been advised that the player has provided notice to Atletico Madrid invoking the buyout clause and directing the club to accept Chelsea's offer," said a club source.

"Chelsea look forward to entering into formal transfer documentation with Atletico Madrid as soon as possible so that the player can concentrate on the World Cup."The Brazil-born forward scored 36 goals in 52 games last season as he helped Atletico win the La Liga title for the first time since 1996 and reach the final of the Champions League.

Costa limped off after just nine minutes of the final in Lisbon which was won by city rivals Real but the 25-year old is fit again and training with Spain ahead of the tournament in Brazil.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Diego Costa wa gatthama Chelsea attacking niyamai
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[unicornx]

aaaand ribery gets injured :/

 

[Wolverine GTR]

aaaand ribery gets injured :/

World cup 1kata play karanna bari wei kiyala kiyanne bro.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 1-0 Serbia: Fred fires Selecao to victory

Fred scored the only goal of the game as Brazil completed their World Cup preparations with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Serbia.

The Selecao were struggling to break down their European opponents when, in the 58th minute, the forward expertly controlled a long ball forward from Thiago Silva before prodding home.

Brazil had chances to add to their tally but were ultimately forced to settle for a narrow win.

Having not been tested by Panama in midweek, the World Cup hosts were at full-strength for the clash against Ljubinko Drulovic's side.

They were restrained for large spells, however, and coach Luiz Felipe Scolari will be aware improvement is required despite Fred's well-taken winner.

Brazil's victory may do little to fill an expectant nation with great confidence. However, with Neymar getting almost 80 minutes of action on his road to full fitness and Fred scoring his first in Brazil colours since the Confederations Cup, there are reasons for the hosts to be optimistic.

After a lively opening from both sides, Aleksandar Kolarov threatened first when he struck an effort wide of Julio Cesar's left-hand post after nine minutes.

Neymar then almost benefited from a block that fortuitously landed in his path - only for Ivanovic to produce a well-timed last-ditch tackle.

A combination of tenacious and robust defending helped keep Brazil's forwards well shackled, although Fred was next to threaten - his dipping strike veering off target 24 minutes in.

David Luiz was forced into a hurried clearance following Kolarov's fierce delivery before Aleksandar Mitrovic wasted the best chance of the half, heading wide with the goal at his mercy.

Luiz and Thiago Silva, who will team up at Paris Saint-Germain from next season, then got mixed up close to half-time, but an offside flag rescued Brazil as Lazar Markovic converted.

Scolari swapped Oscar for Willian at the break, presumably in an effort to shake things up, but Brazil still looked somewhat out of sorts.

Indeed, Dusan Tadic perhaps could have opened the scoring for Serbia had he gambled on reaching a cross lofted into the hosts' box.

Fred subsequently ensured first blood went to Brazil, the striker cleverly chesting Thiago Silva's delivery to take Branislav Ivanovic out of the game and then prodding the ball past Vladimir Stojkovic - despite having stumbled before doing so.

Neymar, lively but far from his dangerous best, then flashed an effort over the crossbar as his side sought to make the scoreline more emphatic.

There were to be no more goals, although Serbia's Milos Jojic and Brazil forward Jo hit the woodwork in the closing stages.

Brazil open their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 12 and will be hopeful of a more fluent display.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hazard dismisses Chelsea exit claims

Belgium forward Eden Hazard has declared his intention to remain with Chelsea following speculation over his future.

The former Lille man has been linked with a return to France, with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain keen to sign the 23-year-old.

Hazard and Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho have regularly exchanged differences of opinion since the Portuguese's return to Stamford Bridge - specifically on Hazard's defensive work rate and the team's tactics - and PSG boss Laurent Blanc aired his admiration for the player in May.

However, last season's PFA Young Player of the Year insists he wants to remain at Stamford Bridge, adding his desire to focus on Belgium's World Cup campaign.

"For the moment, I just want to focus on the World Cup. For the moment I have a contract with Chelsea and I don't want to leave the club," he told reporters.

"My aim is to give 100 per cent on the pitch and that's it really.

"I'm looking forward to going to Brazil. We have one game left tomorrow (against Tunisia) and then we will take a two-day break and then it (the World Cup) will start."

Hazard scored 14 Premier League goals and chalked up a further nine assists for Chelsea in 2013-14.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low: It looks bad for injured Reus

Germany boss Joachim Low has admitted that he is desperately hoping that Marco Reus did not suffer ligament damage in Friday night's friendly clash with Armenia.

The Borussia Dortmund ace was forced off just before the break in the game at the Coface Arena in Mainz, after collapsing to the ground in agony clutching his ankle following a heavy challenge from Artur Yedigaryan.

Given Reus was a certainty to start for Germany in their World Cup opener against Portugal, Low was understandably left deeply concerned by the attacker's injury-enforced withdrawal.

"He's in the hospital, undergoing a MRI scan," the coach told ZDF. "We have to wait for the results. In such a situation you have many thoughts running through your head.

"During half-time we saw that his foot had swollen. I hope that he hasn't suffered a ligament injury and everything is okay.

"But it looked bad. We can call up another player until 24 hours before the first game."

Mats Hummels, meanwhile, said it might be best if Germany consider Reus' World Cup over even before it's started in the hope that they are pleasantly surprised.

"Maybe you must expect the worst," the defender reasoned. "Otherwise you could be surprised in a negative way."

Germany, who also have USA and Ghana for company in Group G, face Portugal in Salvador on June 16.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Thiago Silva: Serbia test perfect World Cup preparation

Brazil captain Thiago Silva believes his side’s 1-0 victory over Serbia in Sao Paulo on Friday was the perfect way to prepare for their World Cup opener against Croatia on June 12.

Luiz Felipe Scolari’s struggled in the first half at the Morumbi and could well have gone into the break a goal down.

And the PSG stopper is expecting even tougher opposition next week.

“Today we had a lot difficulty in the first half and this served to show us how much more difficult it will be against Croatia,” he said.

“Croatia should play the same way [as Serbia] ... We must be very careful, learn our lessons from this game and believe that our opening [World Cup] match will be very complicated.”

A mix-up with central defensive partner David Luiz almost gifted the visitors a first-half lead at the Morumbi but Thiago Silva says his understanding with his new club-mate is improving.

“My relationship [with David Luiz] is getting better and better, but there was some indecision in the first half which almost resulted in a goal that could have made the game very complicated," he mused.

"I was glad the striker was flagged offside. We will work in those days remaining to fix some things we still need to improve."

Fred scored the only goal of the game to give Brazil their 15th victory in their last 16 outings

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Klose: World Cup fitness much more important than Muller goals record

Miroslav Klose played down the significance of breaking Germany's all-time goals record on Friday, insisting that his primary focus is on being fully fit for the World Cup.

The Lazio strike surpassed Gerd Muller as his country's premier marksmen by netting for the 69th time shortly after coming off the bench in a 6-1 win over Armenia in Mainz.

Klose, though, claimed that while he is proud of the record, he just wants to get himself in shape for Brazil 2014.

"Of course the record means something to me," he told ZDF. "But it is much more important for me to become fit again.

"I didn't have the legs for the last friendly [against Cameroon]. Now they are coming back and it shows, I guess."

Germany had struggled during the first half of a friendly marred by an injury to Marco Reus just before the break and even when the host finally opened the scoring through Andre Schurrle, Armenia equalised with a Henrikh Mkhitaryan.

However, Joachim Low's side then cut loose, with Lukas Podolski, Benedikt Howedes, Klose and Mario Gotze all netting in the final 18 minutes.

"When the team plays as it did in the second half, I will get my opportunities and I will get my goals," Klose mused.

"It is important for us to push into the box - not playaround it like some sort of handball team."

 

[rcccc]

Ribery ruled out of World Cup

nasrith squad eke naene Griezmann ta chance eka...

 

[rcccc]

Germany rocked by Reus injury against Armenia

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany's Marco Reus to miss tournament following ankle injury

The 25-year-old left the field in Mainz in tears after turning his ankle shortly before half-time of a game which Germany went on to win 6-1.He was taken to hospital where the injury was diagnosed as a partial tear of his anterior ligament above his left ankle, which is expected to keep him out for up to seven weeks.

He has been replaced in the squad by Sampdoria defender Shkodran Mustafi, who was part of the provisional squad but missed the cut as one of three players omitted from the final list announced this week.Germany leave for Brazil on Saturday evening with their first game in the World Cup coming against Portugal on Monday 16th June.

With seven goals in 21 international appearances, Reus' withdrawal is a big blow for Joachim Low's side.Reus, who enjoyed a superb season at Borussia Dortmund, was seen as a key player in Germany's quest to claim their first international title in 18 years.

"Both for him and for us it is extremely bitter," Low told reporters. "Marco was in top form and both in the training camp and in the friendlies against Cameroon and Armenia left an outstanding impression."He had played a central role in our planning for Brazil."

The injury put a dampener on an impressive Germany display as goals by Lukas Podolski, Benedikt Howedes and Mario Gotze, who scored twice, helped see off Armenia, whose goal came from the penalty spot courtesy of Henrikh Mkhitaryan.Substitute Miroslav Klose made history when he headed home Germany's fourth to become the country's all-time top scorer.It was his 69th goal, in his 132nd appearance, and broke the record of 68 held by Gerd Mueller for West Germany.

Low was pleased to see his side being ruthless in front of goal."Our pre-World Cup training camp was intense for all the players and you could see they were fresher today," he said."When you come from Europe to Brazil, you can't assume to be able to play the same type of football, which we can here.

"I have experienced the temperatures and humidity in Brazil, you can't expect to go flat out for 90 minutes."So efficiency in taking your chances is an important topic for us."After facing Portugal in their opening Group G game, Germany then take on Ghana before ending their first-round games against the USA.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

EL Salvador 0 Vs 2 Spain

Spain Goal(s)

David Villa 60',87'

Congratulations Spain!!!

VAMOS ESPANA
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

USA 2-1 Nigeria: Altidore strikes twice to hand Klinsmann's side a timely boost

Jozy Altidore gave USA and himself a much-needed boost of confidence after scoring both goals in his side's 2-1 win over Nigeria on Saturday.

The Sunderland striker struck in either half as Jurgen Klinsmann's side secured a comfortable victory in their final World Cup warm-up, with a late penalty from Victor Moses not enough for Stephen Keshi's Super Eagles to earn a share of the spoils.

While many would have benched Altidore ahead of USMNT’s final 90 minutes ahead of their World Cup opener against Ghana on Monday week, coach Klinsmann maintained his belief in the Sunderland striker.

His faith was repaid, not once, but twice, as Altidore gave USA the perfect send off for their Brazilian campaign and laid to rest some of the concerns over the omission of Landon Donovan from the 23-man squad.

The only blemish on USA’s display - completing an unbeaten three-game warm-up series after previous wins over Azerbaijan and Turkey - was conceding a late penalty, converted by Moses, which denied Everton’s Tim Howard a clean sheet while making his 100th international appearance.

While Klinsmann enjoyed the luxury of a fully fit squad for this match, his Nigerian counterpart Keshi was using this match to reshape his line-up after injuries had accounted for Monaco defender Elderson Echiejile - who misses the World Cup with a hamstring tea - and CSKA Moscow winger Ahmed Musa, another injury victim from the Greece friendly.

Kenneth Omeruo, meanwhile, had been unable to practice with the squad since suffering a heavy knock in a training ground incident on Thursday.

Perhaps it was the potential threat of injury that meant neither side appeared fully committed in the early exchanges, meaning opportunities were few and far between.

If Keshi had been hoping for a quiet day, then his heart must have skipped a beat when Celtic defender Efe Ambrose - operating at right-back - was clattered by USA midfielder Jermaine Jones.

Ambrose lay motionless for a moment, but resumed after being treated for a knock to his hip, much to the relief of the Super Eagles bench.

USA gradually played themselves into the game and with their first real passing move broke the deadlock on 32 minutes. After Jones had found Bedoya, the Nantes winger slipped in the advanced Fabian Johnson, and the Hoffenheim right back squared across goal for Altidore to apply the finishing touch.

With just one goal to his name all season in England, Altidore maintained his more impressive record at international level, this being his 22nd goal for his country.

Nigeria pressed for an equaliser as the half drew to a close, Jones doing well to clear after Beckerman had given the ball away in the centre while Howard had to deal with an Ambrose header from a corner.

The second half had a bit more pace to it than the first period, helped by the injection of fresh legs by both sides.

Clint Dempsey probably should have done better after a good run and shot in the 64th minute, but Vincent Enyeama deserves credit for a good stop.

However, the Lille goalkeeper was helpless as Altidore again repaid Klinsmann’s confidence in him with a superb finish in 68 minutes.

Michael Bradley’s chip forward found Altidore breaking on the left, the striker controlling the ball before stepping inside Yobo on to his right foot and drilling his shot in at Enyeama’s near post.

Altidore was withdrawn near the end, more likely to savour the acclaim from the Jacksonville crowd rather than through fatigue, but the game was far from over.

Five minutes from time, Sporting Kansas defender Matt Besler felled Moses, who picked himself up and rolled the spot-kick past Howard.

It proved a mere consolation goal for the Super Eagles, however, who look as if they still have various problems to overcome - especially around their sluggish defence - if they are to take anything from their must-win game against Iran in eight days' time.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England 0-0 Honduras: Three Lions held in bruising encounter

England finalised their World Cup preparations with a disappointing goalless draw against 10-man Honduras in Miami on Saturday.

Daniel Sturridge had opportunities in each half to break the deadlock, while Honduras played the final 25 minutes with a man less after Brayan Beckeles was dismissed, but England were still unable to make the breakthrough at Sun Life Stadium.

The international friendly, which was the first meeting between the two teams, also came to a temporary halt in the first-half, when referee Ricardo Salazar suspended the game due to lightning.

Play eventually resumed after 40 minutes but England failed to head to Brazil on a winning note as they recorded their second consecutive draw, following Wednesday's stalemate against Ecuador.

Saturday's result ended a run of back-to-back defeats for Honduras, who were below their best against Turkey (2-0) and Israel (4-2).

Roy Hodgson made 10 changes to the team that drew against Ecuador on Wednesday, with Wayne Rooney the only player to retain his place.

Joe Hart started in goal, while the familiar back four of Glen Johnson, Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Leighton Baines were all named.

Captain Steven Gerrard, Adam Lallana, Jordan Henderson, Danny Welbeck and Sturridge also all returned, as Hodgson fielded the team that is expected to go head-to-head with Italy in their Group D opener on June 14.

For Honduras - who kick-off their own World Cup campaign against Group E opponents France on June 15 - Maynor Figueroa and Jerry Bengston were among those recalled, while Wilson Palacios, Beckeles, Roger Espinoza and Marvin Chavez kept their spots in the starting XI from the 4-2 defeat to Israel.

Against Ecuador in midweek, England found themselves trailing inside eight minutes and while they made a more positive start this time, they still lacked a decisive final ball in the attacking third.

They were presented with a golden opportunity in the 22nd minute, but Sturridge fluffed his lines.

England finally managed to engineer an opening inside the penalty area after Rooney played the ball to Welbeck, who dummied it through his legs. The ball reached Sturridge, but the Liverpool striker fired his effort just wide of the post in what was the last piece of action before the break in play.

England struggled to find their feet after the resumption, with their rhythm clearly affected by the weather break.

However, Honduras could not take advantage as the scores remained goalless at half-time.

Hodgson decided to mix things up at the interval, introducing Jack Wilshere and Ross Barkley for Rooney and Gerrard.

The midfield pair seemed to spark England into action, with their energy and enthusiasm putting Honduras on the back foot and it almost resulted in the game's opening goal just shy of the hour-mark.

Lallana worked his way into the box and the ball somehow fell to the feet of Welbeck, who got a last-ditch foot to the ball, only for onrushing goalkeeper Valladares came out to smother his effort.

Honduras appeared to be coping with whatever England offered in attack but the Central American side were dealt a blow in the 65th minute, when Beckeles was shown a second yellow for elbowing Baines in an aerial duel.

England almost made the most of their numerical advantage seven minutes later, however Sturridge wasted yet another opportunity.

Johnson whipped in a delightful cross form the right-hand side but an unmarked Sturridge skied his header well over the crossbar.

That proved to be England's last clear sight on goal as Honduras held on for a morale-boosting draw against their more fancied opponents.

 

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El Salvador 0-2 Spain: Villa double secures straightforward win for world champions

Two second-half goals from David Villa secured a 2-0 win for Spain over El Salvador in their final World Cup warm-up clash on Saturday.

Spain's record goalscorer and recent New York City acquisition was required to spare his country's blushes as they were forced to work hard at FedEx Field in Maryland on Saturday.

Cesc Fabregas' penalty woes at international level continued as he spurned a spot-kick early on in what proved to be a frustrating goalless first half for the world and European champions.

However, substitute Villa opened the scoring 15 minutes into the second half when he fired home Sergio Ramos' headed knockdown into an empty net.

He then added a second two minutes from time to cap off a positive outing for Spain, who were given a stern test of their offensive capabilities.

Despite recent injury problems, Diego Costa came through 74 minutes unscathed to boost Vicente Del Bosque's side of their World Cup opener against the Netherlands on Friday.

Fabregas wasted a glorious opportunity to open the scoring from the penalty spot after just four minutes following a foul on Costa by goalkeeper Derby Carrillo inside the area.

However, the Barcelona man sidefooted his penalty over the crossbar as he missed a third spot-kick in normal time for his country.

Carrillo was busy early on - first thwarting Pedro with a good save one-on-one before keeping a speculative long-range drive from Ramos out.

Del Bosque's men continued to probe but, for all their dominance, they were frustrated by a resilient El Salvador back line.

Spain were given a scare when Jordi Alba went off for treatment following a strong challenge, although he was able to return to action soon afterwards.

Alexander Larin then had El Salvador's first attempt on goal - a free-kick from well outside Spain's penalty area that went high and wide - before Spain resumed their near-complete control of possession.

Despite plenty of intent, Spain's deft lobbed passes and slick movement failed to yield a breakthrough before the interval, with Del Bosque opting to replace Fabregas, Andres Iniesta and Pedro with Villa, Santi Cazorla and David Silva.

The latter produced a strong run shortly after the break but saw his shot blocked, before Villa was denied by Carrillo at close range.

However, the experienced Villa was on hand just before the hour to capitalise on Ramos' knockdown and finish well into an open goal.

Sergio Busquets was unfortunate not to add to Spain's tally when his long-range strike hit the crossbar, but Villa did finally add gloss to a hard-fought win when he slotted home Silva's cross following a clever turn late on.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Belgium 1-0 Tunisia: Mertens strike settles stormy encounter in Brussels

Belgium beat 10-man Tunisia 1-0 on Saturday in a game most notable for a 45-minute delay for a violent hailstorm in the first half.

Dries Mertens' goal a minute from time handed the hosts a win in their final friendly ahead of the World Cup in what was otherwise a disjointed Belgium performance probably not helped by the stoppage.

Heavy rain began to fall as soon as the two sides kicked off in Brussels, and that soon turned to hail as the game progressed.

With 23 minutes gone, Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai called a halt to proceedings as Kevin Mirallas prepared to take a right-wing corner for the hosts.

It seemed the correct decision, with hail stones the size of golf balls beginning to bounce off the turf, and the two sets of players retreated to the dressing rooms to wait for the storm to abate.

When play resumed, a turgid encounter unfolded, with the visitors reduced to 10 men midway through the second period as Issam Jemaa was shown what appeared to be a harsh second caution, seemingly for an attempted handball.

Despite the man advantage, Belgium toiled to make the breakthrough in the remaining 25 minutes, but Mertens' late strike at least ensures they will depart for Brazil on a winning note.

Mirallas brought the first real save out of either goalkeeper in the 11th minute, thumping a 30-yard free kick in on goal which Farouk Ben Mustapha punched away to safety.

Divock Origi, selected by coach Marc Wilmots in the loan striker role ahead of Romelu Lukaku, brought another save out of the keeper three minutes later after a sharp turn in the box, but once again Ben Mustapha was equal to the effort.

Following the lengthy weather delay, the hosts lost their early momentum and struggled to create chances against a stubborn Tunisia defence.

On the one occasion they did break through prior to the interval, four minutes before the break, Mirallas dragged his low effort narrowly wide of the right-hand post after running onto Eden Hazard's beautifully weighted pass.

Following a low-key start to the second half, Jemaa was given his marching orders by Kassai after being shown two yellow cards.

Already shown a caution for a first-half tangle with Jan Vertonghen, the attacker was sent from the field after trying to control a long ball under pressure from Vincent Kompany - remonstrating furiously with the referee on his way off the pitch.

Tunisia made light of their disadvantage and almost took the lead shortly afterwards, Syam Ben Youssef heading Yassin Mikari's left-wing free kick over the crossbar.

Vertonghen then fired a 79th-minute free kick narrowly wide of the post as Belgium pressed for a late winner, which duly arrived in the 89th minute, Mertens evading the attentions of two players and slotting home after being picked out by Nacer Chadli's pass.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Argentina 2-0 Slovenia: Messi and Alvarez send Albiceleste to World Cup with a win

Ricardo Alvarez's first international goal and a Lionel Messi effort helped Argentina to a comfortable 2-0 win over Slovenia on Saturday.

Alejandro Sabella's men were cruising throughout Saturday's encounter in Buenos Aeries, and will head to Brazil for the World Cup on the back of consecutive friendly victories, having defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-0 on Wednesday.

Argentina made a measured start and took the lead with the first meaningful effort as Alvarez's well-placed strike beat Vid Belec in the Slovenia goal.

Maxi Rodriguez spurned a great chance for a second before the break with a tame effort, while the same man was denied by a superb save from Belec.

However, Sabella introduced Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Messi in the second half, and it was the Barcelona man who ensured the comfortable win with a neat finish inside the area.

Argentina can now look forward to their Group F opener with World Cup debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 15.

The hosts had claims for a penalty as early as the 10th minute when Ezequiel Lavezzi tumbled in the area under Dalibor Stevanovic's challenge, but referee Martin Vazquez deemed that the midfielder had won the ball.

Argentina had the lead two minutes later, however, Alvarez opening his international account with a low left-foot drive from 20 yards that accurately found the bottom right-hand corner.

Shortly after, Lucas Biglia took a knock to his knee and was replaced by Hugo Campagnaro, seemingly as a precaution.

The change did little to disrupt Argentina and Rodriguez should have doubled the ahead when he collected Javier Mascherano's pin-point throughball in the area, only to shoot tamely at Belec when one-on-one.

Rodriguez was at the heart of the action again in the 35th minute, his superb curling effort from the edge of the box drew a great save from Belec, who tipped the ball onto the bar.

Argentina continued the pressure after the break and Alvarez could have had a second, only for Belec to deny his Inter colleague after neat work from Lavezzi.

With the tempo slowing, Sabella introduced Messi, Di Maria and Aguero into the action, yet it was Slovenia who went close to an undeserved equaliser when Milivoje Novakovic spun well in the box but shot straight at Sergio Romero.

That was as good as it got for the visitors, however, and Argentina saw Di Maria scuff an effort wide before Aguero squared a superb ball across the six-yard box but his team-mates failed to gamble on the delivery.

However, the second did arrive for Argentina in the 76th minute when Aguero's knockdown Di Maria's cross was stabbed home by Messi.

The goal was Messi's first for his country in 2014 and will give him a fillip as he looks to lead Argentina to glory in rival territory in the coming weeks.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cameroon 1-0 Moldova: Hosts edge to victory without Eto'o

Cameroon rounded off their largely positive World Cup preparations with a 1-0 victory against Moldova on Saturday.

After victory over Macedonia and a respectable draw with Germany, Volker Finke's men played their last friendly on home soil before departing for Brazil.

Resting the likes of Samuel Eto'o and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, Lens forward Edgar Salli bolstered his World Cup hopes by scoring the winner at the Stade Omnisport Ahmadou Ahidjo.

Eto'o was not in the matchday squad while in-form Choupo-Moting was an unused substitute, allowing Salli to take centre stage.

The 21-year-old scored the only goal of the game after half an hour, when he dispatched Benjamin Moukandjo's cut-back past Stanislav Namasco.

Finke's only concern ahead of their World Cup opener against Mexico will likely be their lack of cutting edge as they could only force one past lowly Moldova - ranked 101st in the world.

Having been impressive for large spells against Germany on Thursday, Cameroon began brightly in a game where they were rarely troubled.

Nancy forward Moukandjo was lively from the start - providing an early chance for striker Pierre Webo, although the experienced frontman was unable to convert.

Goalkeeper Namasco was then required to produce his first save of the encounter when Moukandjo's work led to an opportunity for Salli.

Webo hit the post with a header from Allan Nyom's delivery before Namasco was called on to deny Moukandjo's effort.

However, Salli eventually converted Cameroon's possession into goals when he dug out Moukandjo's pass to finish past a helpless Namasco.

Moldova, playing their final game before qualification begins in September for the European Championships struggled to put their hosts under any pressure.

Salli, Webo and Nicolas N'Koulou were among a host of players taken off in the second half with Finke clearly having an eye on Friday's Group A clash with Mexico.

The German will likely be content with his side's build-up to the competition despite only finding the net once against the Moldovans.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Higuain: Serie A defences have made me a better player

Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain feels he has become a better player following his debut season in Serie A.

The Argentina international scored 24 times in all competitions last term following a move from Real Madrid in July - helping Napoli to the Coppa Italia title and a third-placed finish in the Italian top flight.

Having previously been at Santiago Bernabeu for six years, Higuain claims the increased competition in Italy has helped improve him as a player.

"When I went to Spain it was a risk because I was really young," the 27-year-old told El Pais.

"But I quickly learned the game and I grew as a result. Serie A has been the same for me - except it's a more competitive league.

"Maybe the quality of the games is slightly less (than Spain) but from a tactical point of view it's a big step up.

"The defenders in Italy are stronger and that makes me better. Serie A is played in a different way to other leagues.

"I've become accustomed to playing against four defenders throughout my career but in Italy I have to play against five."

Higuain is set to feature at his second World Cup in Brazil, having scored four times in as many games during the 2010 tournament in South Africa.