..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Grenier is 'never' joining Newcastle, says Bernard

Former defender Olivier Bernard thinks transfer targets like Clement Grenier will be put off moving to Newcastle because of the club's failure to qualify for European football.

The club had a bid rejected for the Lyon midfielder in January and reports have suggested Alan Pardew has renewed his interest - though Bernard feels a deal is unlikely due to an apparent difference in valuation.

In addition, Bernard expects Pardew's close-season recruitment drive to be hampered by missing out on a place in either the Champions League or Europa League last term.

"For the money that's been spoken about [for Grenier], it's never going to happen," Bernard told the Evening Chronicle. "I think if he goes, it'll be for €25 million [£20m]. It could even be a Champions League team.

"For me it will be a surprise if he goes to Newcastle. Sadly it could be a 90 per cent no [chance] for Grenier to [move to] Newcastle."

Newcastle finished 10th in the Premier League last season after a push for the top five unravelled at the turn of the year.

"The problem at Newcastle has been that when the club did well and finished fifth [in 2011-12] they didn't invest. Now it's a whole lot harder for them to attract players," he added.

"We have not done well enough to attract some of the ambitious players. They want to see a club playing in the Champions League or even the Europa League.

"And Newcastle aren't close to that at the moment. I really think the Grenier deal is unlikely."

 

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Milan confirm Menez signing

AC Milan have confirmed the capture of France attacker Jeremy Menez, who has joined the Serie A club after the expiration of his deal with Paris Saint-Germain.

Menez arrives in Italy on a free transfer after three years with les Parisiens, where he scored 19 goals in 110 games following an €8 million move from Roma in July 2011.

The Frenchman flew to Milan to undergo a medical on Friday and the Rossoneri have since released a short statement confirming the transfer."AC Milan announces that Jeremy Menez has signed a contract that will tie him to the club until June 30, 2017," the club wrote on their official website.

Menez had previously expressed his excitement at working with new Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi and also promised Rossoneri supporters that he would "give everything on the pitch" to return the club to the top three in Serie A.

Milan finished a disappointing eighth in the league last term, finishing 45 points behind champions Juventus.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ramos refuses to blame Casillas for Netherlands rout

Sergio Ramos insists Real Madrid team-mate Iker Casillas does not deserve to be singled out for criticism after Spain's 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Netherlands.

Casillas was widely perceived to have been at fault for the last three goals as the Dutch ran riot in Salvador on Friday, misjudging the flight of the ball for Stefan De Vrij to bundle in from a Wesley Sneijder free-kick, gifting Robin van Persie a tap-in with a heavy touch and going to ground early in the build-up to Arjen Robben's second of the match.

After the game the 31-year-old fronted up to the media and apologised to Spain fans for his performance, but Ramos is adamant that every one of Vicente del Bosque's team must take their share of the blame for the result.

"This is not a day to point at just one player - we are a team that has been champions for the last [few] years," he told reporters at a press conference in Curitiba on Saturday.

"I see Iker as another team-mate. The pressure is on all of us and we have to shoulder that. I see Iker as having has as bad a time as any other [of my] team-mates."

Ramos also revealed that Friday's mauling has made Spain even more determined to rescue their ailing World Cup defence with a convincing win over Chile at the Maracana on Wednesday.

"This match was one of the worst of my professional career but there's no time for lamentations," he added.

"The team is more united than ever, we're full of passion and we could [happily] play tomorrow against Chile. This is not possible and we can't forget about [Friday's] match, but this motivates you to keep on going forward with pride."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas ge mistakes naha kiyanna bahane.Specially 4th goal 1ke ge responsible kenlinma yanne Casillas ta.​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

People talk too much about Balotelli - Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo has criticised the press for the constant attention placed on Italy forward Mario Balotelli, insisting the player must be left in peace.

The former Manchester City and Inter striker comes into the World Cup with expectations on his shoulders, with plenty of supporters concerned he will not recapture the form he showed in the Euro 2012 semi-final win over Germany despite scoring 14 in 30 Serie A games for AC Milan last season.

However, Pirlo believes that the 23-year-old needs to be given time and space to mature without the media glare if he is to fulfil his potential as a footballer and urged reporters to judge him solely on his displays on the pitch.

"I think we talk too much [about him], about anything and everything," the 35-year-old told a press conference.

"He is a young player, he is good, but you have to give him some air. When he goes to the toilet, there is no need to fill pages about Balotelli going to the toilet. Everything he does ends up in the newspapers and I think that is unfair.

"He must be judged solely on what he does on the field. The press spoke and now there are huge expectations around him. Sometimes it's good, sometimes not. He still has to mature and grow, but he will get there probably much quicker if left in a little peace. "

Pirlo remains a vital part of the Azzurri set-up and was a World Cup winner in 2006 when they overcame France in the final, but he stressed he is not an essential player for Cesare Prandelli's side.

"When I'm on the field, actions pass by me," he continued.

"I help the team play differently. But the team is also able to play very good matches without me."

Italy face England in Manaus on Saturday as they begin their Group D campaign.

 

[kellsupun]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Casillas: Blame me for Netherlands thrashing

Iker Casillas believes he must shoulder much of the blame for Spain's humbling 5-1 defeat to the Netherlands.

Louis van Gaal's side recovered from falling behind to a first-half Xabi Alonso penalty, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie both scoring twice and Stefan De Vrij adding another to avenge the 1-0 defeat the Dutch suffered in the final of the 2010 World Cup.

Casillas, whose heavy touch allowed van Persie to nip in and score the Oranje's fourth goal on the night after he had earlier missed the cross for De Vrij's tap-in, acknowledged that he was below the standard expected of him and apologised to the Spain supporters.

"It's time to be quiet, to reflect and think about the next match against Chile as a final," the 33-year-old was quoted as saying by Marca.

"We apologise, and I am the first in line. Our fans must give out the criticism that comes to us and forget what happened soon.

"I have not been up to par and I accept that. We have not been fortunate, starting with me. Now only we think about the next game.

"I have to take the blame. All we could do is think about the next game when they scored the third goal and went further behind. I am mature enough to receive all criticism. We must sort ourselves out."

La Roja boss Vicente Del Bosque, however, insisted that no one player should shoulder the burden of responsibility for the loss, especially not their goalkeeper.

"When a team loses a match it's not just the performance of one single player, its a weakness in the total squad," the 63-year-old said.

"We can't blame anyone, least of all Iker Casillas."

Spain, who sit bottom of Group B after the first round of games, face Chile on June 18, who beat Australia 3-1 in their first match.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Gone is Gone Casi!dan thiyanne next matches wala hodata play karana 1ka​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vermaelen to follow Sagna out of Arsenal this summer

Thomas Vermaelen is set to follow Bacary Sagna out of the Arsenal exit door this summer.

The Gunners' captain wants to find a new club after slipping down the pecking order at Emirates Stadium over the last 15 months.

Arsenal expect the Belgian to become their second senior defender to leave in this window following Sagna, whose transfer to Manchester City on a three-year deal was confirmed on Friday.

Vermaelen has only a year remaining on his contract and Arsenal are unlikely to stand in the way of a move if they receive an offer that matches their €10 million valuation.

Manchester United and Napoli are among the clubs closely monitoring the versatile defender's situation.

The 28-year-old is expected to be a key figure for widely fancied Belgium in the World Cup, starting alongside Vincent Kompany in the centre of defence.

A strong tournament could increase interest across Europe in Vermaelen and give him more options later in the summer.

The Belgium international has been the third-choice centre-back at Arsenal since an error-strewn display in a 2-1 derby defeat to Tottenham in March 2013 prompted Arsene Wenger to make Per Mertesacker and Laurent Koscielny his preferred central defence partnership.

Mertesacker and Koscielny have both signed contract extensions in recent months, keeping them at the Emirates until 2017 and 2018 respectively.

Arsenal will be in the market for a new centre-back if Vermaelen ends his five-year spell at the club.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Suarez will snub Real Madrid - Forlan

Uruguay star Diego Forlan believes Luis Suarez will spurn the advances of Real Madrid and stay at Liverpool.

The striker handed in a transfer request last summer in an attempt to force through a move away from Anfield, before scoring 31 goals in 37 games to fire the club into the Champions League.

However, that has failed to end speculation regarding his future, with Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti believed to be firm admirers of the 27-year-old's talents.

But Forlan, who is set to star alongside Suarez for Uruguay at the World Cup, would be surprised to see his international team-mate depart.

He told Goal: "Luis Suarez is very happy at Liverpool. They are all rumours for now. If at any time he signs for Real Madrid, I will answer that question."

Oscar Tabarez's men kick off their World Cup campaign with a Group D clash against Costa Rica on Saturday evening without Suarez in their starting XI.

That means Forlan and Edinson Cavani will start in attack as their talisman continues his recovery from keyhole knee surgery, but the 35-year-old still expects Suarez to play his part in the tournament.

"Luis Suarez is much better," he added. "He is taking steps to recover well. Hopefully he recovers well and could be ready to play."

The former Atletico Madrid man also spoke of his admiration for Diego Simeone after the coach guided the club to the La Liga title and the Champions League final.

"Simeone has contributed a lot," said Forlan. "The team is in great form, fighting for championships with powerful teams that have a budget three times greater than that of Atleti. You can only admire what they are doing, the coaching staff and players."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

The end for Spain? That's crazy - Ramos

Sergio Ramos says talk of Spain's cycle of dominance coming to an end is "crazy", following their shock 5-1 loss to Netherlands.

The reigning world and European champions collapsed after taking the lead in their World Cup 2014 opener, as Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie struck twice to fire the Oranje to victory.

Comparisons have been made with Barcelona's demise this season, but Ramos hit back at those suggestions and said the key was now to respond in a positive fashion.

"We're more united than ever. To say that the cycle has come to an end is crazy," said the 28-year-old.

"In football you're forced to move on. We are still full of pride, passion and enthusiasm. We would play Chile today if we could.

"The key to this team has been knowing how to get back up. We cannot go grazy on the back of one result. We're still a great team."

The Real Madrid man also threw his support behind Iker Casillas, who endured a torrid evening between the posts, and backed him to come through his alarming crisis of confidence.

"Bad things can happen even to the best players. I feel bad for Iker but he is motivated and I am convinced he can come back. He will move on from this."

Spain face Chile on Wednesday in what is now a must-win game after the South American side dispatched Australia 3-1 on Friday night.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain will rise again!

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[Wolverine GTR]

No special plans for Ronaldo - Podolski

Germany will be making no special plans to thwart Cristiano Ronaldo in their World Cup opener against Portugal, according to Lukas Podolski.

The two teams go head-to-head on Monday night at the Arena Fonte Nova, with Ronaldo poised to start after recovering from the injury problems that have blighted his preparations for the tournament.

The 29-year-old almost single-handedly fired Portugal to the competition with a stunning hat-trick in the second leg of their play-off clash with Sweden and has since won the Champions League with Real Madrid.

But, with Germany tipped by many as potential winners, Podolski is insistent that Joachim Low's men have not prepared any special measures in a bid to keep him shackled.

He told reporters: "We're preparing for Portugal and not for a player.

"Cristiano Ronaldo is of course an exceptional player and a danger to us. But we also have players of great quality. If we can find our stride then we will win the game."

The Arsenal star, who was named the best young player at the 2006 World Cup, could start in place of the injured Marco Reus on Monday, after the winger was ruled out of the tournament.

Germany will hope to avoid the same fate as Spain, who were stunned 5-1 by Netherlands after being named among the favourites, and Podolski says that result serves as a warning.

He said: "We're focused on our group - we are not automatically through. Portugal are a tough opponent. But we want to make a statement and record a good result."

The heat in Brazil has been a major talking point in the pre-competition build-up, with temperatures soaring in the country, and Podolski has urged his team-mates to be streetwise.

"It could be 50, 55 or 70 degrees. We have to be smart because you cannot run up and down the pitch all game long in that heat. But we are prepared and focused."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow loku wenasak nam karana ekak nae.kohomahari next match deka win kaloth athi...

Ow machan aniwa​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ow casillias thama thamath spain number 1 gk . eth me widiyata giyoth drop karayi

Mathakane Real Madrid Vs Atletico Madrid Champions League final 1keth Atletico Madrid lage goal 1kata hethuwa Casillas ge mistake 1kakA match 1kema ayeth Extra Time waladi mata mathaka hatiyata ewagema mistake 1kak karanna gihin nuulen beruna

Anyway meh wena mistakes tika hadagatthanam Casillas ge kisima awlak naha bro & anith 1ka thamai Casillas ma witharak newei yesterday defeat 1kata hethuwa.Pique unath play karapu widiya anthimai bro​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Full Time

Uruguay 1 Vs 3 Costa Rica

Uruguay Goal(s)

Cavani 24(PEN)'

&

Costa Rica Goal(s)

Campbell 54'
Duarte 57'
Urena 84'


​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Uruguay shock defeat 1kak nehmama hithuwe thanikarama one-sided match 1kak wei kiyala.Suarez nathi aduwa thamai ithin.

& J.Campbell Arsenal hitapu player kenek neda...Hodata play karanawa​

 

[father]

uruguay anathai.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England Vs Italy

Starting Line-ups

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