..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez looking forward to World Cup as recovery continues

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is optimistic about his recovery from knee surgery as he looks to play a full role in Uruguay's World Cup campaign.

The forward was a doubt for the competition after going under the knife in May, but having travelled to Brazil with his international team-mates he looks set to be fit for the majority of the competition.

And though he admitted he is still having to work hard each day in preparation for the tournament, he thanked his fans for all the messages of support he has received.

"Hello to everyone, I wanted to tell you that the knee is getting better. I feel very good," he told 888Poker.

"I have to go day-by-day but everything is going the right way. I wanted to thank you all for the support I received this week and now my mind is focussed on the World Cup.

"A big hug, thanks a lot again and Arriba Uruguay!"

Oscar Tabarez's side take on Costa Rica on Saturday in their tournament opener before matches against England and Italy in Group D.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scolari's nephew killed in road collision

The nephew of Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has been killed two days before the start of the World Cup, after his car struck another vehicle.

Entrepreneur Tarcisio Joao Schneider, 48, passed away after colliding with a truck at a roundabout early on Tuesday, in the city of Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul.

According to information from the Brazilian Federal Highway Police, the car was forced from the road after a heavy impact with the other vehicle, though the exact cause of the collision is yet to be determined.

Radio Uirapuru have reported that Schneider, who owned a network of garages, was found dead at the scene while the truck driver escaped injury.

Scolari was struck by another death in his family in May when his brother-in-law passed away in Canoas, also in the Rio Grande do Sul municipality, after suffering with cancer.

It remains unclear whether Scolari will leave his side's preparations for Thursday's Group A opener with Croatia to be with his grieving relatives, with a date for his nephew's funeral yet to be confirmed.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Italy ready for different England - Marchisio

Claudio Marchisio insists Italy are fully prepared to face Roy Hodgson's new-look England squad when the two sides meet in Saturday's World Cup Group D opener in Manaus.

The clash sets up a rematch of the Euro 2012 quarter-final in Kiev which saw eventual tournament finalists Italy progress on penalties after a goalless draw.

Only seven players in Hodgson's 23-man group played that night, while the emergence of the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley has given England fans cause for optimism.

But Marchisio is adamant that Italy have also improved over the past two years and is confident that Cesare Prandelli's men will be able to cope with the formidable humidity of Manaus.

“I think we’ll meet a different England to Euro 2012," he told reporters at Casa Azzurri in Mangaratiba . "It will be a very difficult match, but just as they have changed since the Euros, so have we.

"For many of us it was our first major tournament, so we now have more experience and have done important things over the last two years.

"There is a very positive air here, as we worked well at Coverciano and in Brazil. We were glad to be given permission to have our families by our sides, as we already did at Euro 2012.

"We already saw against Fluminense what this humidity means, so the fact we worked so well over the last month has prepared us for the conditions in Manaus."The meetings with England are always great clashes, so we’ll let the pitch do the talking."

Marchisio also revealed that Prandelli is yet to tell his players who is likely to feature against England. "We don’t know who will play," he added. "We tested two different systems in the last two friendlies and have many players who allow us to be versatile.

"We’ll see what the coach chooses, but the important thing is that everyone feels they are a part of this project."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Modric 'cannot wait' for World Cup opener with Brazil

Luka Modric has reassured Croatia fans he is in good shape ahead of his side's World Cup opener against Brazil.

Creative midfielder Modric, along with Ivan Rakitic, is one of head coach Niko Kovac's most pivotal players and was granted additional time to rest prior to pre-tournament training.

However, after a gruelling campaign with Real Madrid, where Modric won the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, he insists he is fully fit going into the World Cup.

"I feel good, I'm healthy and most importantly I have had the right training," he said.

"I got a few days of rest after winning the Champions League and the chance to mentally switch focus to the team.

"I am ready, eager and cannot wait for the first game of the World Cup."

Croatia missed out on the World Cup in South Africa four years ago before bowing out of Euro 2012 at the group stage.

However, with the likes of Modric, Ivan Rakitic and Mario Mandzukic all in good form, Kovac's side stand a good chance of making it to the knockout stages - despite only scraping into the finals at the expense of Iceland in the playoffs.

"As individuals, we have made a huge step forward and we will see in this tournament how we have progressed as a team," Modric added.

"We played very well at the European Championships two years ago but we lacked a little bit of luck.

"Then we had a lot of problems in qualifying. But I think that in this World Cup we could go far and our first goal is to get to the second round."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil not guaranteed Germany start - Matthaus

Lothar Matthaus believes Mesut Ozil is not guaranteed a place in Germany's starting line-up at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old, who joined Arsenal from Real Madrid in a club-record €50 million deal, has faced criticism over his form following a missed penalty against Bayern Munich in the Champions League in February.

Matthaus – who was a key part of Germany's World Cup triumph in 1990 – believes Ozil could subsequently lose his place in Joachim Low's starting side, especially given the wealth of talent available.

"Ozil has no guaranteed place in the starting lineup," he told Kicker. "Especially in his position as we have a lot of quality. First of all, he must prevail there. He could be the loser if you look at the way Low let his team play recently.

"But you always expect more from him than from other players. I don't think Ozil is untouchable."

Low has already confirmed he will wait to see which of his players adapts best to the Brazilian climate before deciding on his starting XI to face Portugal on June 16.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kagawa: We want the world to take notice of Japan


Shinji Kagawa has urged his Japan team-mates to show their quality at the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.

The Manchester United playmaker is set to feature in his first World Cup over the next few weeks, with Japan grouped alongside Colombia, Greece and Cote d'Ivoire.

Together with the likes of Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki and Yuto Nagatomo, Kagawa will be expected to play a key role as his nation aim get out of Group C and at least equal their previous best display of reaching the last 16.

The former Borussia Dortmund man is eager to show the strength of Japanese football in Brazil, and Alberto Zaccheroni's side can take confidence from scoring eight goals in their three warm-up matches against Cyprus, Costa Rica and Zambia.

"This is the first World Cup I have competed in. All we have to do is be fully prepared for our first game," said Kagawa.

"Since Japan is little known in football in the world, we want to play good football and make a huge impact so that we can make the world realise the presence of the Japan football team.

"Personally, scoring goals creates confidence and I gain the mental stability and get poised from it. And I would like to go into our first game with strength and need to be well prepared to do so."

Kagawa has struggled regularly to hit top form at Old Trafford, having initially caught the eye at Dortmund where he won two league titles and the DFB-Pokal.

The 25-year-old believes he faces different expectations at United, compared to those he has to deal with at international level.

"I personally think it is a completely different kind of pressure," he explained.

"When playing for Japan, it means that I carry my country on my shoulders and I feel a different kind of pressure as I am expected to do more when playing for Japan."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Time for Blatter to step down as Fifa president - Van Praag

Netherlands Football Association chief Michael van Praag has revealed he believes it is time for Sepp Blatter to stand down as Fifa president.

Blatter has been at the top of world football's governing body since succeeding Joao Havelange in June 1998, and recently indicated he will stand for a fifth term as president in 2015.

The 78-year-old has been a controversial figure for much of his tenure and has attracted criticism in recent days for his response to allegations published by the Sunday Times of bribery in the bidding process which saw Qatar awarded the 2022 World Cup.

Van Praag insists Fifa's image has deteriorated under Blatter's rule and claims a new president is needed to turn things around.

"If you're somewhere 16 years, you have to ask yourself if you are adding something," the KNVB chief told Dutch newspaper Volkskrant on Tuesday.
"The image of Fifa has deteriorated after everything that has happened in recent years. Few take it seriously. No matter how you look at it, Blatter is ultimately responsible.

"I like him personally, but it's part of the job that you're being criticised as Fifa president. If that's the case, you should take your responsibility.
"I expect that Uefa will make a statement today about his bid for another term. Maybe we won't even talk about it at the Uefa congress, because the elections are next year. But as European FA we have to be prepared."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Marco Reus to miss start of Bundesliga season

Borussia Dortmund star Marco Reus is set to miss the start of the 2014-15 Bundesliga season after it was confirmed his ankle injury is more serious than first thought.

The Germany international was ruled out of the World Cup after tearing ankle ligaments during the friendly clash with Armenia last Friday.

While it was initially hoped the 25-year-old would return to fitness during Dortmund's pre-season campaign, further tests have confirmed he has also suffered damage to his heel and that he will be out of action for three months.

"Marco Reus will be out longer than expected. The 25-year old will have to take a break until September," read a statement on the club's official website.

"[BVB team doctor] Dr Markus Braun expects a downtime of three months."

Reus made 44 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund last season, scoring 23 goals.

He won the German players' player of the year award for his performances in the Bundesliga as Jurgen Klopp's side finished second behind champions Bayern Munich.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Get well soon Reus!aparade Germany team 1ke innama ona player kenek​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: More to Italy than Pirlo

England manager Roy Hodgson insists his side will not get "hung up" on the threat of Andrea Pirlo despite the Italy midfielder’s "top class" ability.

The Three Lions open their World Cup campaign against Italy in Manaus on Saturday in a repeat of the Euro 2012 quarter-final, when Pirlo was the man-of-the-match as the Azzurri triumphed on penalties in Kiev.

“Andrea is someone I know very well and he is obviously a top, top class player,” Hodgson said in a press conference at England’s training base in Rio de Janeiro.
“I think it’s quite normal that people focus on him but there are a lot of other players in that Italy team that are worthy of contention too.

“We are focussing on Italy the team and the quality they have. We are not getting hung up on one player because Prandelli will tell you that his team are not totally dependent on Pirlo, even though I’m sure he thinks he’s as good a player as I do.”
Hodgson also insisted that his captain Steven Gerrard will be fully fit to play against Italy despite leaving training early on Monday with an apparent groin problem.

Midfielder Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is making steady progress as he recovers from a knee injury and could be fit to take part in England’s second game of the tournament against Uruguay on June 19.

Hodgson added: “I don’t really understand the Steven Gerrard one – I don’t know what was wrong with him. He did some extra running and there is absolutely nothing wrong with him.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be stepping up his training programme during the course of the week. The medics are hopeful he will be fit by the second game [against Uruguay].”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Hodgson: Gerrard has no injury issues

England manager Roy Hodgson insists Steven Gerrard has no injury issues despite the midfielder leaving midway through an open training session on Monday.

Gerrard pulled out of the session shortly after completing a couple of light jogs away from the squad but Hodgson maintains his captain is fit to face Italy on Saturday.

"There is nothing wrong with Steven Gerrard," he told reporters.

"I don't really understand [claims Gerrard is unfit].

"My understanding is yesterday he did some extra work. There is absolutely nothing wrong with him."

Meanwhile, Hodgson is hopeful that Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will be fit to feature in England's second match in Group D against Uruguay, with the Arsenal midfielder stepping up his recovery from a knee injury which he suffered during the 2-2 against Ecuador last Wednesday.

“Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain did well yesterday and we will be stepping up his training programme during the course of the week,” he added.

“The medics are hopeful he will be fit by the second game [against Uruguay].”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pele: I love Xavi

Brazil legend Pele has revealed his "love" for Spain star Xavi and likened the World Cup holders to Barcelona.

The 73-year-old is a keen admirer of the Blaugrana's style of football and has highlighted the midfielder and two of the club's other main men as the reasons behind his affection for the club.

“I reaffirm: I love Xavi. He is excellent. I mainly like Barca because of Xavi and also [Andres] Iniesta and [Lionel] Messi,” Pele said in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.

“That team reminds me of my time with Santos playing with Zito, Coutinho and Pepe.“A lot of Spain’s game is like Barcelona’s. Barcelona is the team of Spain. In fact, there should be about eight Barcelona players in the team.”One player who will line up for Spain at the World Cup in Brazil is Atletico Madrid striker Diego Costa.

The 25-year-old was born in Brazil but last year made the decision to switch allegiances to the country where he plays his club football, despite featuring in friendly matches for the Selecao.

Pele was surprised that Costa decided to play for Spain but says the striker's choice should be respected.“I'm surprised to the extent that before nobody wanted to stop playing for Brazil. But times have changed,” Pele said.

“First, you have to respect his decision. He must be where he feels better and it is in Spain.“It was possible to do that because he has dual citizenship and now I can only wish that Brazil is not unlucky.”

Pele’s Brazil are the hosts of this summer's World Cup, with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team facing Croatia in Thursday's tournament opener in Sao Paulo.With Brazilian people venting their anger over the cost of the tournament in a series of public protests, Pele has urged the nation not to blame football for the mistakes of politicians.

“The message I am giving is that football is not guilty. People are right in their complaints, but complaints are not against football,” Pele said.“This sport has given Brazil the best. It has done great. Another thing is the corruption of politicians.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Remy to wait for Arsenal despite agreeing Tottenham deal

Tottenham are ready to pay the £9 million buy-out clause to sign Loic Remy from QPR but the striker is holding out for the possibility of a move to Arsenal after the World Cup.

Spurs want to sign Remy to strengthen the attacking options for new manager Mauricio Pochettino and extensive talks have taken place over a deal to bring the 27-year-old to White Hart Lane.

Tottenham are long-term admirers of Remy and are confident of signing him on a four-year contract after the World Cup in Brazil, where he is part of the 23-man France squad.

They tried a number of times to sign Remy under Harry Redknapp and the versatile forward is highly-rated by scout Ian Broomfield, who returned to Spurs earlier this year from QPR.

Remy wants to play for a club in the Champions League next season but has been impressed by Tottenham’s ambition and considers the north Londoners a leading Premier League club.

But while he is open to a move to Tottenham, Remy would prefer to wait to establish the extent of the interest from their neighbours, Arsenal.

The Gunners have previously linked with Remy and the former Marseille man was pictured watching their final home game of the season against West Brom in May.

Remy signed for QPR for £8m in 2013 and is almost certain to leave this summer following an impressive campaign on loan at Newcastle last term, where he scored 14 Premier League goals.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stekelenburg hints at Fulham exit

Maarten Stekelenburg has hinted he is looking for a way out at Fulham after a disastrous spell in England.

The 31-year-old suffered relegation with the London outift and missed out on a place in the Netherlands World Cup squad as a result of his poor form.

And with the prospect of Championship football looming next season, Stekelenburg is hoping to secure a future away from Craven Cottage, believing he can still perform at the highest level.

"I'm 31, very fit and want to get back to playing," he told De Telegraaf.

"On the 25th I report back to Fulham because I am still under contract there for three years and then we'll see. My agent is working hard to find a satisfactory solution for everyone.

"I can't wait to get back to the Maarten Stekelenburg of 2010, but with more experience."

The former Roma keeper was first-choice for the Netherlands at the 2012 European Championship and also started the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.

However, he has since dropped down the pecking order of Louis Van Gaal's national side and having lost out to Jasper Cillessen, Michel Vorm and Tim Krul for a place in Brazil, Stekelenburg has taken personal responsibility for his current slump.

"I think you always have to blame yourself first," he said.

"If I had played at the high level I did in 2010 there would be no reason for the coach to overlook me.

"I came to Fulham to keep the club in the Premier League and to fight to get myself in the World Cup squad. I failed on both counts."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Illarramendi is future of Spain and Real Madrid - Alonso

Xabi Alonso has labelled midfielder Asier Illarramendi as Spain and Real Madrid's “future”.
The 24-year-old came through the ranks at Real Sociedad’s youth academy – just as Alonso did years before – and then completed a £34m move to Madrid in the summer of 2013.

Alonso believes the defensive midfielder has done well in his first season with the Spanish giants and is confident he will develop into a key player for club and country.

"Illarra is the future. He is in his first year with a major change. It is important for him. I have no doubt [of his talent],” Alonso told Cadena Cope.

“Madrid is a bull and we must be prepared for this – and Asier is going to be.”

Illarramendi made 29 league appearances for Carlo Ancelotti’s side last season, scoring two goals and making one assist for his colleagues.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Silva talks up Spain challenge


David Silva has talked up Spain's bid to become the first side to retain the World Cup after hailing their preparations for the tournament.Vicente Del Bosque will attempt to lead his team to a second consecutive triumph in the competition this summer – in what would be a fourth major title on the bounce.

Despite the tough task on their hands, the Manchester City midfielder, 28, believes Spain are more than ready for the test ahead.

“We know the environment that awaits us. Now we have a base here and that's great for us. We are ready,” Silva was quoted as saying in Marca.

Spain will play the Netherlands in their Group B opener on June 13, in a repeat of the 2010 World Cup final.

Silva was a fringe player in la Roja’s World Cup winning side of 2010 but hopes he will get the chance to play a bigger part in the team's campaign this summer - starting with Louis van Gaal’s side in Salvador.

"The first game is crucial and if we win it, it’s an important game,” Silva said.

"I feel more comfortable behind the front line. I am very good in that position. I attempt to adapt.

“We have very good strikers and we hope to score a lot of goals.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Shaw agrees £160,000-a-week Manchester United deal

Luke Shaw has agreed personal terms with Manchester United on a deal worth an astonishing £160,000-a-week, Goal can reveal.

The England defender, who does not turn 19 until July, will become the highest-paid teenager in world football when he completes his move from Southampton to Old Trafford.

Goal understands that Chelsea pulled out of the race to sign Shaw when they became aware of the £8 million-a-year, five-year contract offer that he had received from United.

Manager Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the 18-year-old and is in the market for a left-back after releasing Ashley Cole but the Blues felt that they had been priced out of a move for the Saints youngster.

United made a £27m bid for Shaw at the end of the recently completed domestic season and, although the offer was not accepted, the fee is not blocking the sale.

Southampton will not allow Shaw, Liverpool-bound Adam Lallana or any of their other players to leave St Mary's Stadium until a new manager is appointed.

Nevertheless, Shaw has made it clear to the Saints hierarchy that he wants to move to Old Trafford and there are not expected to be any hitches to him becoming a United player and being the first of a number of big-money United signings this summer.

The staggeringly lucrative deal handed to a teenager who will have to fight with Patrice Evra for a starting spot at Old Trafford next season under new boss Louis van Gaal is regarded as a huge statement of intent by United following their worst-ever Premier League season.

It demonstrates the lengths to which the Glazer family will go to capture Europe's best young players and restore United to a position of eminence both at home and abroad.

Shaw is a member of the England squad that starts their World Cup campaign against Italy on Saturday but he is expected to lose out to Leighton Baines for the left-back berth and start the competition on the substitutes' bench.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Luke Shaw nam pattaAth habai gana nam wadi wage​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Atletico Madrid's Miranda reveals English and Spanish offers

Atletico Madrid centre-back Miranda looks set to leave the club after admitting he has recieved offers from the Premier League and La Liga.

The Brazilian, who was left out of Luiz Felipe Scolari's World Cup squad, earned plaudits across the continent after helping Diego Simeone's Atleti side to their first Liga title since 1996.

Along with Diego Costa, who is set to join Chelsea, Miranda looks poised to leave the Spanish champions in the close season.

"I have some offers and we are negotiating," the 29-year-old told ESPN Radio.

"I have offers from the Spanish and English leagues and from some smaller ones, too.

"My agent is in Europe to decide my future, my buy-out fee at Atletico Madrid is €30 million, but that can be negotiated."

Miranda has been linked with both Manchester clubs, as well as Barcelona.

 

[Dexter Morgan]