..::Football III::..

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Chelsea close in on £20m Filipe Luis signing

Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign Atletico Madrid left-back Filipe Luis.

The Londoners have told the Spanish champions they willl pay the €25 million release clause in the 28-year-old's contract.Chelsea are confident that Luis is keen to join them and line up alongside current team-mate Diego Costa at Stamford Bridge next season.

Manager Jose Mourinho has already bolstered his squad by signing Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona and a deal worth up to €43m for Costa is expected to be completed imminently.

Chelsea have money to spend following the combined €65m sales of Juan Mata and Kevin De Bruyne in January, and by off-loading David Luiz to Paris Saint-Germain for an initial €50m this summer.

Brazil international Luis has been targeted by Mourinho to replace Ashley Cole, who will leave Stamford Bridge on a free transfer when his contract expires this month.

Losing another key figure in Atletico's title triumph is a blow for the Spanish club's manager Diego Simeone. But the Champions League runners-up were prepared for the defender's departure and have already signed his replacement, with fellow Brazilian Siqueira joining from Granada last week for €10m.Mourinho had moved for Southampton's Luke Shaw to fill the left-back slot that was taken by Cesar Azpilicueta for the second half of last season.

However, the Londoners were not prepared to match the €200,000-a-week offer tabled to the player by Manchester United, who are confident they have wrapped up a €33.7m deal for the England international.Chelsea and Atletico have also been negotiating the future of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who has spent the last three seasons on loan in Madrid.

Mourinho has confirmed that he wants the giant Belgian at Stamford Bridge next season.

It is understood that the manager is keen to promote Courtois and encourage long-serving No. 1 Petr Cech to find a new club.

 

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Van Persie: Spain header my best ever goal

Robin van Persie says that his diving header during Netherlands' 5-1 demolition of Spain was the best goal of his career.

The Manchester United forward equalised for the Dutch with a stunning effort in their opening World Cup game andwent on to score again as Louis van Gaal's men ran riot over the defending world champions.

The 30-year-old heralded the result as "unreal" in the aftermath of the win, and has since declared his vital looping effort over Iker Casillas as the greatest he has ever scored.

"It is the best goal of my career," Van Persie told The Sun. "It was a brilliant goal, even I have to say that.

"I look at the occasion and this was one of the biggest so far in my career. It was a bit of a gamble but I spotted (Iker) Casillas off his line before the cross came in.

"Just before I received the ball, I saw Casillas standing in front of his goal, so it was a header but a lobbed header - a great goal."

Van Persie has scored a number of high-profile goals during his career - including a superb volley against Chalrton seven years ago for Arsenal - but the striker says that his most recent effort tops that due to the occasion.

"I remember the goal at Charlton. If I choose between the Charlton goal for Arsenal and this one, it is quite simple," he continued. "I have to choose this one because it's the World Cup and against the No.1 team in the world for the last six years. They have an incredible team. So I go for this goal."

While the Netherlands have recieved high praise for their dismantling of Vicente del Bosque's side, Van Persie insists that it is too early in the tournament for his side to get ahead of themselves.

"The tournament has barely started yet,” he told FIFA.com. “We achieved an impressive result but we have a long way to go to win this tournament.

"This is my fifth [major] tournament and I know how these things work: the euphoria vanishes just as quickly as it appears. So we have to make sure that we hold on to it - not only for the people and fans, but also for ourselves."

The Dutch striker did admit, however, that his understanding with Van Gaal - who is set to become his club manager at United after the World Cup ends - can give them the edge in the tournament.

“We have a coach who's won everything and who is greatly respected and trusted by our team,” Van Persie added. “And we are in tune with what he wants.
"If you have such a connection with your trainer, and I speak for the whole team, it is definitely a huge advantage.

“Our coach isn't easily impressed, and he lets us know too. So we are taught to respect our opponents, but not be intimidated - because we are just as good. That's something we proved to everyone against Spain.”

 

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Spain match 1ke RVP ge header 1ka mama methek dakapu pattama header 1kak

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Del Bosque: I know my starting XI

Vicente del Bosque says he already knows which 11 players will start Spain's World Cup clash with Chile on Wednesday.

The reigning world and European champions were stunned by Netherlands as they fell to a 5-1 defeat in their opening game on Friday.

Iker Casillas was at fault for several of the goals, while defender Sergio Ramos also came in for criticism after the game, which could see changes made.

That said, Del Bosque is convinced that his players are now over the hangover that ensued in the aftermath of that defeat and says they are very much alive in the competition.

"I was worried at first, but their heads are no longer down," he told reporters.

"Clearly the frustration will not go immediately, overnight. But we need people to know that we are aware of what is at stake here.

"Until their goal I thought we controlled the game. And then through [Arjen] Robben and [Robin]Van Persie they had a stream of optimism.

"I have profiled an eleven to face Chile, but I will not let them know in advance. If I do, that could alter the mood of the players before the game."

The 63-year-old was also quick to defend his players following the avalanche of criticism that has come their way and said they remain wonderful ambassadors for the country.

"There are many people who love us. This group has led us very far. When we were winning titles we were the saviours of Spain and now we're trampling the flag?

"We are not killed, we have a lot left to say."

 

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Xavi play karanawana 1kak naha godak welawata.​

 

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Hummels: Manchester United? Maybe some day

Mats Hummels has revealed that he would entertain the possibility of a move to Manchester United "some day", but does not expect to move to Old Trafford this summer.

Goal understands that the Borussia Dortmund centre-back is one of Louis van Gaal's top targets, with the incoming United coach keen for the 25-year-old Germany international to become the leader of his defence following the departures of Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic.

And Hummels - who scored and was injured during Germany's 4-0 victory over Portugal in their opening World Cup game - says that although a move is unlikely this summer, he is open to a future switch to the Premier League side.

"I never think about that or talk about it because it is something that isn’t important for me right now," The Daily Telegraph reports Hummels as saying. "Maybe it will be some day, but I don’t expect it to be like that this summer."

Following their emphatic victory over Portugal, Hummels believes that Germany have a good chance of going all the way at the World Cup but must keep their concentration levels up in the heat of Brazil.

"If we are concentrated and focused, both defensively and offensively, then we are a good team and that is the way we play," Hummels added.

"If we can do that in every game, we are going to have a good chance to be very successful.

"The thing is to work as a team. If we work defensively as we should, then our attacking play is so good that we have a chance to beat every team.

"In the shade, it is almost perfect weather for football, but in the sun, it is a bit too hot."

 

[1118lakmalkumara]

Mexico Goal Keeper Ochoa ge pattama saves set 1kak thibba​

Math Football balanna patan gaththa ei ban mewala denne neththe 0-0 nam ara 6-6 da koheda shoot karanna . football denima mage 0 mata kisima interest ekak nae eth den poddak thiyanawa world cup eka nisa
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'England won't cheat to beat Uruguay' - Sturridge

Daniel Sturridge has revealed he will not "cheat" to win England's "do or die" Group D game against Uruguay on Thursday.

The Three Lions lost their opening World Cup fixture 2-1 against Italy on Saturday, and defeat to Oscar Tabarez's side would all but end their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages.

And Sturridge - who netted against the Azzurri - says that while he will "do anything" to make sure England stay in the competition in Brazil, his methods will not stretch to breaking the rules.

"We’re an honest country," he told reporters on Monday. "We go about our business in an honest way. No disrespect to other countries, I’m sure they are honest, too.

"But we play within the laws of the game. We don’t bend the rules. We play by the book. There’s nothing wrong with that.

"We’ve gone a long way doing it, from 1966 when we won the World Cup. We played within the laws and that’s how I was brought up, how everyone in our squad was brought up."

Sturridge's Liverpool team-mate Luis Suarez attracted controversy by handling on the line to deny a certain goal for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup quarter-final, with Uruguay progressing in a penalty shootout.

Although Suarez showed no qualms over his actions by celebrating wildly afterwards, Sturridge says it is not in his nature to seek victory in a similar manner.

"We don’t like to cheat to win," he continued. "We want to play in an honest way. That’s how I feel football should be played. I will stay on my feet. I will never dive on purpose to get some guy sent off.

"I’m not going to handle a goal to stop the ball going in the net because it’s not in my nature. So not diving, but I will do anything - just like every single one of my team-mates - as Uruguay will, too.

"They’re hungry, just like us. And we’ll work our socks off, do more than we’ve ever done before.

"I’ll be truthful. I am going to do anything in my power to win this next game. I am prepared to do anything and I am talking anything.

"I’m being serious. It is do or die. It’s a World Cup. I’m hungry, I’m confident and I’m so happy to be out here.
"This means everything to every single individual in this squad. Do I want to go home early? No. I want to win this World Cup like everyone back home wants us to win it and I’d be gutted to go out in the group.

"It means the world to me to play for England and I’d be devastated if that happened. So, yes, anything. And I’m being totally honest with you guys."

Suarez sat out Uruguay's shock 3-1 defeat to Costa Rica as he battles back to fitness following knee surgery before the tournament, but Sturridge insists that even if the forward does not play, Uruguay have enough talent to cause Eng;and problems.

"The best are unpredictable and Luis is unpredictable," he said. "So it’s not for us to worry just about Luis. We’re the players that are up against him most, the English defenders. We know him better than anyone else at the World Cup.

"Sure, he’s a world-class player, but we’re facing Uruguay, with [Edinson] Cavani and [Diego] Forlan, who is a legend in Uruguay and has done really well in Europe. There are other players who are technically very gifted.

"Would I want Luis to be injured? Would I want to play against him? It doesn’t really matter. If Luis is fit, good luck to him. If not, there’ll be another hungry player doing his best. We’re worrying about Uruguay as a team, not just him."

 

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Aguero and Higuain struggled - Maradona

Diego Maradona says he was disappointed with the lack of understanding between Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain in Argentina's 2-1 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina on Sunday.

An early own goal from Sead Kolasinac was followed by a Lionel Messi strike in the second half, with Vedad Ibisevic's late strike nothing more than a consolation for the World Cup debutants.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella started with a front two of Messi and Aguero, before bringing on Higuain at half-time and switching to a 4-3-3 system.

The pair failed to strike up an understanding, though, with Argentina legend Maradona highlighting their lack of chemistry while revealing his delight at Messi's "important" goal.

In his column for Times of India, he said: "Lionel Messi needed a goal more than anyone else. And he scored it in style to start a new journey for Argentina. It was a beauty!

"We showed a lot more intent after the break. Perhaps they knew an insurance of a second goal was needed. Messi, Angel Di Maria, Aguero and Higuain all were running diagonally.

"Once Messi got his goal, Argentina attacked more but Aguero and Higuain failed to combine. By and large, it was a good start, with a win over a good team. But they have to be sharper to do better."

 

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Van Gaal: We're not getting carried away by Spain rout

Louis van Gaal insists it has been business as usual in the Netherlands camp since their incredible 5-1 demolition of World Cup holders Spain on Friday.

The Dutch produced the performance of the tournament so far by coming from behind to humiliate the reigning world champions and take the early initiative in Group B. The 2010 runners-up will continue their campaign on Wednesday when they face Australia, a team they have never beaten.

And although morale is high in the team, Van Gaal is confident his side will not become complacent against the Socceroos.

"Nothing has changed, the team reacted very well, especially the more experienced players, they understand what is going on," he said at Tuesday’s pre-match press conference."They knew that was just one win, we haven’t even qualified yet, so I see this attitude in a positive way."At the same time, I must prepare this team for the next match. So no new approach to what we’ve been doing."

Despite his call for continuity, Van Gaal could alter his formation for the clash at the Estadio Beira-Rio, switching from the 5-3-2 which served him so well against Spain to a 4-3-3 with Dynamo Kiev midfielder Jeremain Lens in with a chance of starting the game."Against Australia I can play both systems, which is something I couldn’t do against Spain," he said.

"There will always be critics, if I was using a 4-3-3, I would’ve heard it the same way. In general, the press needs to write something, positive or negative, which for me tends to be more negative. But it’s okay."Australia lost their opener, 3-1 to Chile, and Van Gaal is not expecting a defensive mindset from Ange Postecoglou's men.

"Their line-up and tactics show just how much of an offensive side they are. I think they will play more offensively than anyone here can imagine."

 

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Wilmots: Belgium substitutes made the difference

Marc Wilmots says his substitutions made the difference for Belgium as they came from behind to beat Algeria 2-1 in their first World Cup game.

The Desert Foxes took a surprise lead through Sofiane Feghouli's first-half penalty, but the Belgians had Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens to thank after both came off the bench to score and scrape a win for their side.

Wilmots believes his players looked nervous throughout the encounter, but praised their resolve to find a way to victory and particularly the difference his substitutes made.

"The players were very tense and stressed," the 45-year-old said after the game.
"The circumstances didn't help them either but ultimately we managed to be patient before capitalising on the Algerians' tiredness. During half-time, I gave the players the message that the bench will make the difference and that turned out to be true."

Belgium, who have not featured in a World Cup finals since 2002, struggled to make an impact in large portions of the game against their less-fancied opponents, but Wilmots insisted he was impressed by his team's attitude."It was a difficult match. We made a very little mistake, but at World Cups they are punished," he continued.

"In the second half, this young team showed mental strength." Belgium now face Russia on June 22 and South Korea on June 26 to complete their Group H campaign.

 

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Boateng: Ghana must beat Germany

Kevin-Prince Boateng expressed his frustration with Ghana's loss to the United States, admitting they are now under pressure to win against Germany.

The Black Stars fell behind in the first minute to Clint Dempsey's strike and, though they levelled through Andre Ayew late in the game, Jurgen Klinsmann's side sealed a 2-1 win through John Brooks' header four minutes from time.With Ghana still to play Portugal and Germany, they face a struggle to progress beyond Group G, a reality Boateng freely accepts.

"We know that we need to win now," the 27-year-old told the DFB's official site.
"And we also know that there will be no easy task against Germany. But we will prepare and try to give our all for it.

"The first game is always the most difficult and somehow always the most important and we just went to sleep. We must not now hang our heads - we have another game in four days."

Boateng, who has 12 caps and two goals for his national side, faced stern criticism in Ghana when he retired from international football in 2011 - only to reverse his decision two years later - but was dismayed by coach Kwesi Appiah's decision not to start him against the Stars and Stripes."Yes, I was surprised that I did not play from the start," he complained after coming on as a substitute in the 59th minute.

"Apparently the coach had different ideas."Commenting on the exclusion of Boateng and Michael Essien in the starting line-up, Appiah defended his tactical approach, but conceded that his team now face a difficult battle to qualify for the second round.

"Kevin and Michael are good players," he said. "But I opted for a 4-4-2 and found that Jordan Ayew and Asamoah Gyan worked well in training.

"The early goal for us was a disaster. Now we need two wins to still qualify for the knockout stages, even if it is difficult."

Ghana face Germany on Saturday in their second Group G game.

 

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Sterling: I don't want to play against Suarez

Raheem Sterling says he would rather not face Luis Suarez as he prepares for England's group game against Uruguay at the World Cup.

An injury saw the Liverpool striker miss his side's opening game of the tournament as they lost 3-1 to Uruguay but he is expected to be fit to face the Three Lions on Thursday, after recovering from knee surgery.

Sterling is well aware of the danger that his Reds team-mate possesses and would prefer it if Suarez wasn't involved.

"I'd rather not see him on the pitch! We know he can score some spectacular goals," he told reporters.

"We're not just thinking of Luis Suarez. He's a great player but we have to stop the team. We'll do everything we can."

England vice-captain Frank Lampard, also at the press conference, put faith in his defenders to see off all of Uruguay's talented forward line.

"The solution for Suarez is to defend as well as you can," said the veteran. "He's a great player, so is [Edinson] Cavani. We must work hard in the game.

"Suarez was rightly voted player of the year [in the Premier League] but, at the same time, we have top-class defenders in our team who will try to stop him."

Much has been made of Wayne Rooney's future in the England team after he was claimed by some to have struggled in a wide role against Italy but Lampard is keen to avoid fixating on individuals.

"Wayne and Raheem are both great players," he insisted. "If we keep focusing on individuals it could become detrimental to the team.

"We do have a fixation with one player during a World Cup and it can become an agenda. Let's look at the team and not focus on one player."

 

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Wenger to hold Balotelli talks

Arsene Wenger will meet with Mario Balotelli's agent Mino Raiola on Saturday as Arsenal close in on the €31 million signing of the Italy striker, Goal understands.

Wenger is currently in Brazil working as a pundit for French TV and will hold talks with Raiola in an attempt to broker the Gunnders' first major deal of the summer.

Having seen Bacary Sagna leave on a free transfer to Manchester City and resisted the temptation to activate the buyback clause in Cesc Fabregas' Barcelona contract, Wenger is now primed to make use of the €122 million warchest it was revealed he would have at his disposal this summer.

Wenger is ready to spend up to €31m on the 25-year-old former Manchester City striker, who has scored 28 goals in 51 appearances for AC Milan since returning to Serie A in January 2013.

The Gunners boss is understood to be in the market for a marquee striker again this summer after missing out on the likes of Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain 12 months ago, leaving Olivier Giroud as the club’s only recognised senior centre-forward.

Raiola revealed earlier on Tuesday that "anything is possible" regarding the possibility of Balotelli signing for Arsenal during the close season.

"Arsenal are a fantastic club," he told Sky Sports when asked about the report.

"Only eight or 10 clubs in the world can afford Mario Balotelli - like all premium players, and he is one of the greatest.

"[Will the move happen?] Anything is possible."

Balotelli was on the scoresheet for his country against England in Manaus, netting the winner as the Azzurri got off to a strong start in Group D.

 

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Belgium 2 Vs 1 Algeria in Pictures

 

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Coentrao ruled out of the World Cup

Fabio Coentrao will play no further part in the World Cup after injuring his groin against Germany in Salvador on Monday, the Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed.

The Real Madrid defender was stretchered off the field in the 65th minute of the Group G crunch clash, with Portugal going on to lose the match 4-0.

"I’m afraid that my World Cup has come to an end," Coentrao told reporters immediately after the match. "I think it’s a serious injury, though I hope it’s not. These things happen in our profession and, unfortunately, today it fell to me.

"It’s a very sad day, one of the saddest of my life. But this is just a game and despite the heavy defeat, we can still go through to the next round."

Paulo Bento's men now face an uphill task to qualify for the knockout stage and their cause is not helped by the growing injury list which is depleting the squad.

Striker Hugo Almeida limped off midway through the first half and is now set to miss the rest of the group stage, while captain and talisman Cristiano Ronaldo has been struggling with a knee problem.

 

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Get well soon Coentrao!​

 

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Iniesta: Spain face two finals to stay in World Cup

Andres Iniesta admits Spain face ‘two finals’ to stay in the World Cup after their nightmare start against the Netherlands.

The World Cup holders face Chile at the Maracana on Wednesday after a humiliating 5-1 defeat in their Group B opener last Friday.

Barcelona midfielder Iniesta says the remaining matches against Chile and Australia are make or break for Spain – but he feels they should take heart from the fact they lost their first game against Switzerland four years ago in South Africa.

“We had a similar situation in the last World Cup. We must play two finals to go to the second phase,” Iniesta said.

“We must trust in ourselves and I believe we are ready to do it.

“It’s a very hard situation for us because the result against Holland was really bad. It’s a blow but we have to give our best to change this hard situation.”

Striker Fernando Torres agreed with his team-mate during their pre-match press conference on Wednesday, with the Chelsea forward insisting the Spain squad are not even contemplating an early exit.

“Nobody thinks about losing,” Torres said. “We all think about winning. We don’t want to think about the possibility of defeat.”

Torres came on as a second-half substitute against Holland but refused to be drawn on whether he might start against Chile as coach Vicente Del Bosque prepares to make several changes to his team.

Torres added: “Whether I play or not is not important. What is important is that we win. I hope we play in our usual style, at a high level.

“But we have to win anyway because anything else and we go back home.”

 

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Aniwa kohomahari matches 2kama dinaganna oneGood Luck Spain!​

 

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Petrescu: Xavi has signed a pre-contract with Al-Arabi

Al-Arabi coach Dan Petrescu has claimed Barcelona midfielder Xavi has agreed a pre-contract with the Qatari club.

The 34-year-old is tied to Barca until 2016 but his future remains uncertain following the appointment of new Blaugrana boss Luis Enrique.

Reports in Catalunya suggest the player's agent was holding talks with Barca on Tuesday but Petrescu is confident his side have stolen a march and agreed a deal with the player who is currently in Brazil with Spain's World Cup squad.

“Xavi has signed a pre-contract with Al Arabi. It is likely that he has offers from other clubs too,” Petrescu told digisport.

“I told Xavi that if he is prepared to run and give everything for the team, he should come here.

“We are in direct contact with the player. He is currently in Brazil focusing on his job with the national team.

“I talked to him on the phone and I appreciate that he's an extraordinary man. If Xavi comes here, we'll be able to attract bigger names but I'm not prepared to disclose these names now.

"Naturally I would like to bring Xavi to our team. Al Arabi can give him €8m per year."