..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Hart: Manchester City a Premier League 'superpower

Joe Hart believes Premier League champions Manchester City have now established themselves as one of English football's superpowers.

Sheikh Mansour's takeover in 2008 heralded a new era at the club, with global stars such as Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and David Silva being brought to the Etihad Stadium.

And City's haul of two Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the Capital One Cup in the last three years is evidence for Hart that they are now among the country's footballing elite.

"Doing it for a second time has established who we are and what standards we've got," Hart told the Manchester Evening News in their end-of-season review.

Hart added that City's players are eyeing more silverware next season after representing their countries at the World Cup in Brazil.

"You can't help but move on - we won the league but it's gone," the 27-year-old added.

"The World Cup and next season are in mind now, and we want to do it again."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I'll be 100 per cent fit for World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo has reassured Portugal fans he will be 100 per cent fit for the World Cup after coming through the 5-1 friendly win over the Republic of Ireland.

The 29-year-old has been dogged by multiple injuries since Real Madrid's Champions League final win over Atletico, and there were concerns he could join Marco Reus, Franck Ribery and Radamel Falcao in missing the tournament.

However, the former Manchester United winger appeared from the start against Martin O'Neill's side in New Jersey on Tuesday night and completed 65 minutes before being replaced by Nani.

It has left Ronaldo confident he will be firing on all cylinders when Portugal face Germany in their opening World Cup game on Monday.

He told Times of India: "I am training well, keeping the advice of the doctors in mind. The progress is encouraging, they say, and I am feeling better with each day.

"You need to reach there when you are at your peak, both physically and mentally. I shall definitely be there, fully fit, no worries."

Paulo Bento's side face a tough task to qualify from Group G, after being drawn alongside Germany, USA and Ghana, and Ronaldo is realistic about the challenges ahead.

He added: "We played Germany in the Euros, so we know a bit or two about them. On the other side of the coin, they know more about us too. They have a great side. They are one of the favourites to win it this time. It's going to be really tough.

"But we had the Netherlands and Denmark in our group in the Euros too and we did qualify. This time we have the USA and Ghana. It's going to be real tough. But we are determined to give our best."

 

[Lokka Baba]

repost nm sry thma

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney & Gerrard can lead England to World Cup glory, says Joe Cole

Joe Cole believes England have what it takes to win the World Cup, with the midfielder backing Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard to play pivotal roles.

The 32-year-old played alongside Rooney and Gerrard at both the 2006 and 2010 tournaments, though a quarter-final place was the best they could manage in two tilts at the trophy.

But Cole, who completed a move to Aston Villa on Tuesday, feels that a failure to reach the same stage again would see Roy Hodgson's side fall short of expectations.

"My heart says we can win it,” Cole told talkSPORT. "I think from the quality of the squad and from what I hear from inside the camp, anything less than the quarter-finals would be disappointing.

"I have watched all three [pre-tournament] friendlies and I’m very happy. Forget the two draws [with Ecuador and Honduras], I think the performances have been good and Adam Lallana, Raheem Sterling and Ross Barkley all look sharp.

"I genuinely think England have got a massive chance here because those three boys in particular look fearless and Steven Gerrard has got the bit between his teeth too. I’m quite positive about it all."

Rooney especially has come under the spotlight as he heads into his third World Cup still searching for a first goal at the finals.

But Cole believes the Manchester United man will answer his critics and go on to break goalscoring records for the Three Lions.

"Wayne Rooney is proven. He will break all goalscoring records with England.

"The class is there and I just think he’s going to be the difference now. If a ball drops in the penalty box against Italy, there is no other man in England you would want it going to.

"He will come out and deliver this time."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pirlo signs new Juventus deal

Andrea Pirlo has handed Juventus a boost by signing a new two-year deal with the club.

The 35-year-old is preparing to star at the World Cup with Italy, but has reached an agreement with the Bianconeri that extends his association with the Serie A champions until 2016.

Pirlo arrived at Juventus Stadium in May 2011 after being released by AC Milan, and has gone on to enjoy something of an Indian summer in the latter stages of an illustrious career.

The former Inter and Brescia man has made 131 appearances for the club and lifted the Serie A title in each of the last three seasons, as well as adding two Italian Super Cups to his CV.

Last season, Pirlo was again one of Juve boss Antonio Conte's star men, scoring eight goals in all competitions and weighing in with a further six assists for his team-mates.

Perhaps most impressive, is a pass completion rate of close to 90 per cent across three seasons at the club, revealed in stats released on the club's official website.

Pirlo will be one of the first names on the team sheet when Italy take on England in their World Cup opener in Brazil on Saturday night.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Pirlo!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lahm and Muller extend Bayern deals

Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller have signed two-year extensions to their contracts with Bayern Munich.

Captain Lahm is now contracted to the Bundesliga champions until June 2018, while versatile attacker Muller - whose future had been the subject of much speculation - will remain at the Allianz Arena until June 2019.

Both players came through the youth ranks at Bayern, and the club's chief executive Karl-Heinz Rummenigge expressed his delight at the home-grown duo's decisions to stay put.

"Philipp Lahm and Thomas Muller are very important building blocks of FC Bayern," Rummenigge told the club's official website."Both have remained loyal to the club since the start of their careers and will play a major role in the future.

"We are very happy that both players have chosen the long term for Bayern Munich."Germany skipper Lahm joined Bayern at the age of 11 and is thrilled to have been given the opportunity to end his career at the club.

"Both the club and my management have decided to pursue talks since the time appeared good for a contract extension," said the 30-year-old."It is definitely my last contract, I'm going to finish my career at Bayern. That was always my wish - I am very glad and happy."

Muller had been linked with a move away from Bavaria, with incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal - a former Bayern boss - reportedly keen to take him to Old Trafford.However, the 24-year-old has now committed his future to Bayern, something that makes him "very happy".

"There were some good discussions with the leaders of the association, who made me realise that I am in the right place here," Muller said."I want to be an important part of the plans of the association. Bayern Munich has been my club since 2000, and it will remain so in the coming years."

Lahm and Muller are away with Germany's World Cup squad, with both seen as crucial members of coach Joachim Low's starting XI.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratzzzz For Lahm & Muller!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester United line up Schweinsteiger bid

Manchester United are ready to test Bayern Munich's resolve with a £20 million bid for star midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, Goal understands.

Louis van Gaal, who will take charge of United following his World Cup commitments with Holland, is expected to oversee a summer overhaul at the club and has identified the Germany international as a top target.

United are set to make a formal offer for the 29-year-old in the coming days as executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who was heavily criticised for the club's perceived failure in the transfer window last season, gets to work on Van Gaal's list of potential signings.

Schweinsteiger is seen as a Bayern Munich icon but Goal understands that United are increasingly confident that the midfielder could be persuaded to make the switch to Old Trafford and be reunited with former boss Van Gaal, following third-party conversations.

Although Pep Guardiola's side would be reluctant to part with one of their star players, at 29 it could be a case of now or never if the Bavarians are to cash in for a significant fee.

Van Gaal had also identified Thomas Muller, a player he brought through the ranks at Bayern while in charge there, as a transfer target, but the playmaker ended speculation about his future by signing a new contract at the Allianz Arena that ends any possibility of a summer departure.

Forward Muller, 24, had recently cast doubt on his future, saying: "I have now come to the point where I insist to know that I am part of the starting 11 at Bayern Munich.

"I have also demanded to know if the club really want to go forward with me in the next few seasons.

“I am no longer the type who says, ‘OK then, today I will play in this role, next match in that role. Just move me about and I will keep my mouth shut’. No, those days are gone.’’

But United officials have long suspected that Muller's preference was to stay at Bayern, and confirmation that he has agreed a new deal will come as little surprise at Old Trafford.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fernando could join Manchester City by end of week

Porto midfielder Fernando could join Manchester City "by the end of the week", according to the player's agent.

The Brazilian signed a new contract with Porto after City manager Manuel Pellegrini failed with a January deadline-day bid to sign the midfielder and his team-mate Eliaquim Mangala.

Fernando and Bacary Sagna are expected to become City's first two signings of the summer and Fernando's agent has revealed a £12 million deal is edging closer to completion after inital hold-ups.

"Everything is in Porto's hands and we hope to finalise the transfer by the end of the week," Antonio Araujo told Maisfutebol.

"Fernando is in the city of Porto waiting for Porto tell him their decision about the documents they have received so that he can travel immediately [to Manchester]."

The 26-year-old, who was recently denied the opportunity by Fifa to represent Portugal, has been targeted by City for his midfield anchorman qualities.

He was a regular feature in the Porto starting XI last season, making 36 appearances for the third-placed club, with Everton and a number of Serie A sides also reportedly interested in the player.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FIFA World Cup 2014 Opening Fixture 2014.06.12

FIFA World Cup 2014 Opening Fixture 2014.06.12

Group A

Brazil Vs Croatia

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[Michael]

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...&set=a.217015422258.132731.86037497258&type=1

30m kiyala kiyanne LOL

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea secure deal for ex-Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas

Chelsea have signed former Arsenal midfielder Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona on a five-year deal.The 27-year-old had been told earlier in the summer that he was surplus to requirements in Spain, leading to speculation he was about to return to the Premier League.Arsenal inserted a clause in the deal that took him to the Nou Camp in 2011 that gave them first option to re-sign the player.

But the Gunners decided not to take up that option and Chelsea have secured a deal for Fabregas, who is currently with the Spain squad at the World Cup.
"Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where I enjoyed three wonderful years,” said Fabregas.

“It was my childhood club and I will always be proud and honoured that I had a chance to play for such a great team.“I do feel that I have unfinished business in the Premier League and now is the right time for my return.

“Yes, everyone knows that Arsenal had the first option to sign me. They decided not to take up this option and therefore it wasn't meant to be. I wish them well in the future.

“I considered all the other offers very carefully and I firmly believe that Chelsea is the best choice. They match my footballing ambitions with their hunger and desire to win trophies.

“They have an amazing squad of players and an incredible manager. I am fully committed to this team and I can't wait to start playing.“It was extremely important to me that this transfer was completed before the World Cup so that my mind will only be focussed on hopefully helping my country try to retain the trophy."

Barcelona confirmed the deal in a club statement which thanked the player for his three years at the Nou Camp.The statement said: "FC Barcelona wishes to publicly thank Cesc Fabregas for his professionalism and dedication during his years at the Club, which will always be his home, and to wish him all the very best for the future."

Barcelona have already moved to replace Fabregas in their squad having agreed terms with Sevilla for Croatian Ivan Rakitic.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations & Good Luck Fabregas!

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea Football Club is delighted to announce the signing of Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona!

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?...&set=a.217015422258.132731.86037497258&type=1

30m kiyala kiyanne LOL

Hoda sign 1kak Chelsea lata

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

FIFA 2014 Opening Ceremony Pictures

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[Wolverine GTR]

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[charitha chandi]

Yeah. Patan gatto,. !

 

[rcccc]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Brazil 3-1 Croatia: Neymar inspires Selecao comeback

Two goals from Neymar and a late Oscar strike inspired Brazil to a 3-1 comeback victory over Croatia in the opening game of the 2014 World Cup.

The host nation fell behind to an early own goal from Marcelo, before Neymar was perhaps fortunate to be shown just a yellow card after catching Luka Modric in the throat with a stray arm.

Soon after, the 22-year-old levelled with a fine 25-yard effort on his left foot, before converting a controversial second half penalty after Dejan Lovren was adjudged to have brought down Fred.

And as the game entered injury-time, man-of-the-match Oscar sped forward and toe-poked home an effort from the edge of the box to give Brazil breathing space and, most importantly, three points.

While Brazil had the luxury of naming the same side that started last year's Confederations Cup final success over Spain, Croatia were without suspended striker Mario Mandzukic, leaving Nikica Jelavic to lead the line in his absence.

Also without injured left-back Danijel Pranjic, Croatia fired the first shot in anger as Mateo Kovacic steered an effort wide in the first minute.Brazil's first significant foray forward saw David Luiz's tame header saved, but the pressure was on them at the other end of the pitch.

Ivica Olic's header wide served as a warning for Brazil, and it was one they did not heed, as Croatia claimed a surprise 11th-minute lead.

Olic galloped down the left wing in space before crossing for Jelavic, and although he could only scuff a left-foot shot, his effort was inadvertently steered in by Marcelo from six yards.

Brazil's initial response was frantic and anxious, but they soon found their rhythm, with Neymar's run to the byline and subsequent centre causing panic, and almost the equaliser, as Oscar saw a 20-yard left-foot effort superbly saved by Pletikosa after Croatia failed to clear their lines.

Neymar's contact with Modric then drew an angry response, with replays showing that the Barcelona star had caught the midfielder in the throat with a stray arm, before Jelavic headed straight at Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

Croatia's promising start was undone in the 29th minute, though, as Oscar, who did superbly in a cluster of players to find Neymar, watched his team-mate trickle a left-foot strike past Pletikosa and in off the inside of the post from 25 yards.

A lull was inevitable following half an hour of mayhem, but it lasted longer than expected, and although Brazil shaded the early stages of the second half, the best they had to show for it was a Dani Alves free-kick that sailed over.That was until Nishimura pointed to the spot after Oscar's ball to Fred brought about slight contact from Lovren.

Neymar's stuttering run-up was far from convincing, and his tame effort ought to have been kept out by Pletikosa, but the goalkeeper could only get a hand to the shot on its way into the net.

A sublime Oscar cross nearly brought about Brazil's third goal, only for Luiz to head over, while at the other end Croatia's hard luck was summed up by Ivan Perisic's disallowed goal, ruled out because of Olic's minimal contact with Cesar.

Modric and Vedran Corluka both went close as well, as Croatia mounted a late charge, but Oscar's composed finish capped a stunning performance from the midfielder, as the hosts opened the World Cup with a victory.