..::Football III::..

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Arsenal weigh up £30m double swoop for Lovren and Schneiderlin

Arsenal are weighing up a £30million double swoop for Southampton stars Dejan Lovren and Morgan Schneiderlin, Goal can reveal. Arsene Wenger is targeting the Saints pair as he steps up plans to recruit a centre-back and midfield anchorman.

Arsenal are ready to rival Liverpool in the race for Croatia international Lovren and want to explore the possibility of a double deal that involves his team-mate Schneiderlin.

The two Southampton stars have both indicated they want to leave St Mary's Stadium and continue the exodus of marquee talent from the club this summer.Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert have joined Liverpool, Luke Shaw has moved to Manchester United and Mauricio Pochettino has taken the reins at Tottenham.

Wenger is expected to hold off from sanctioning a formal move until he gets an answer from Alexis Sanchez on whether the Gunners' priority signing wants to join from Barcelona.The Arsenal manager has met with Sanchez's agent in Brazil this week to push through a deal for the Chile World Cup star.

Wenger will then turn his attention to reinforcing other areas of his squad ahead of the new domestic season.

Thomas Vermaelen wants a move to Manchester United but, as revealed by Goal, Wenger will not allow the Belgian to leave until he has lined up a replacement.
Lovren fits the bill as a proven Premier League player who would be comfortable with Arsenal's playing style.

The 24-year-old, who is on holiday following Croatia's elimination from the World Cup, has asked Southampton for a transfer as he seeks a switch to a club who can offer Champions League football.Goal understands that Wenger is also preparing to promote 17-year-old Spaniard Julio Pleguezelo to the first-team squad next season.

The plan is for the teenage defender, who only signed his first professional contract in April, to effectively fill the fourth centre-back position at the club.Schneiderlin, who is rated in the £15m bracket by Arsenal, is being targeted for the midfield anchorman spot at Emirates Stadium.

He has been closely trailed by the Gunners over the last two seasons since Southampton were promoted back to the Premier League.

 

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Mathieu Debuchy th Arsenal join wei godak durata​

 

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Fellaini refuses to confirm Manchester United stay

Marouane Fellaini has refused to confirm he will remain at Manchester United this summer.

The 26-year-old was signed for £27.5 million from Everton last September but back and wrist injuries restricted him to just 16 Premier League appearances last season.

Fellaini has been linked with a move away from United this summer following the arrival of new manager Louis van Gaal.

And when asked by Sky Sports News if he will be at Old Trafford next season, the midfielder replied: "We will see after the World Cup."

Fellaini has appeared in all four of Belgium’s World Cup fixtures and netted the equaliser in his nation’s opening 2-1 win over Algeria in the group stage.

When asked if he had proved a point with his displays for Belgium, Fellaini said: "I don't have to prove [anything] - I've been a professional footballer for eight years."

 

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Chile star Vargas to stay at Napoli, claims agent

Napoli forward Eduardo Vargas will stay at the Serie A side next season, the player’s representative Cristian Ogalde has stated.

Vargas joined Napoli midway through the 2011-12 campaign but has made just 19 appearances in the league – all coming as a substitute – and has also failed to score.

Despite his slow start to life in Naples, though, the Chile international impressed while spending the second half of last season on loan at Spanish side Valencia.

And after a strong showing for his national side at the World Cup in Brazil this summer, Ogalde has confirmed that Napoli remain keen on sticking with Vargas for the upcoming Serie A season.

"I spoke with Napoli on Tuesday," Ogalde told emol.com. "And the contract with them is still in force.

"They consider him an important part of the squad, and are looking forward to him starting pre-season."They told me that they were delighted with Eduardo at the World Cup."[Former coach Walter] Mazzarri didn't really like him but with [current boss Rafael] Benitez it's a different story."

Vargas scored the opener for Chile in the 2-0 World Cup victory over holders Spain at the Maracana in Rio.

 

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Barcelona told to match Mathieu's buyout clause

Valencia president Amadeo Salvo has told Barcelona they must pay Jeremy Mathieu's buyout clause if they wish to take the Frenchman to Camp Nou.

The Blaugrana have reportedly made 30-year-old Mathieu one of their top targets in their search for new defensive options, with the player himself believed to be keen on a switch.

Salvo, however, is adamant he will not negotiate over the transfer fee, telling Barca to match the €20 million fee release clause if they wish to open talks with the player.

"Mathieu is a Valencia player and he'll only leave Valencia if his clause is paid," said Salvo at a press conference presenting new head coach Nuno Espirito Santo.

"He's one of our captains, he's very important to us and we don't have any cover for his position. Selling him would mean we’' have to cover his loss with a player of the same standard.

"If Barcelona don't pay his release clause, he will remain a Valencia player."

Mathieu, who joined Valencia in 2009, is currently under contract at the Mestalla until 2017.

 

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Costa Rica coach urges Fifa and officials: Watch out for Robben diving

Costa Rica boss Jorge Luis Pinto has pleaded with the match officials and Fifa to "watch out" for Arjen Robben's "diving" in Saturday's World Cup quarter-final clash with Netherlands in Salvador.

The Dutch winger caused controversy by admitting that he had been guilty of simulation in his country's last-16 win over Mexico, although he denied having gone to ground of his own accord for the penalty that decided the game.

Pinto, therefore, is extremely concerned by the prospect of Robben's alleged theatrics having an influence on the outcome of his side's meeting with Louis van Gaal's side at Arena Fonte Nova.

"This is one of the most important questions in the World Cup: diving," he told reporters in Salvador on Friday. "We're really worried about it. I would like the referee and Fifa to watch Robben closely.

"He's one of the three or four best players in the world. I have a website and I analysed him as a player on it; he's amazing.

"But we have to say that there have been mistakes in this World Cup and we're really worried about Robben's diving, which he admitted. He admitted it!

"So I hope that the officials are very careful tomorrow [Saturday]. I urge them to watch out.

"We hope that there are no mistakes so, please, I would like to ask Fifa and the officials to watch out and be careful. This is very important and could have a big impact on the result."

Pinto was asked if he would like to see Robben immediately booked if he is deemed guilty of simulation early on in the game, so as to act as a deterrent to any other diving.

"That would be the most logical conclusion," he reasoned. "Maybe he would have to leave the field for diving twice. That could happen.

"But you know what? I want to trust the referee, so let's just hope nothing happens."

Uzbekistan's Ravshan Irmatov will be the man in the middle of Saturday's last-eight encounter in Salvador, which is scheduled to kick off at 22:00CET.

 

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Vidic targets Lucio, Samuel and Materazzi legacy

Nemanja Vidic has revealed his desire to follow in the footsteps of Lucio, Walter Samuel and Marco Materazzi as he bids to make his mark at Inter.

The 32-year-old was unveiled as an Inter player at a press conference on Friday, after agreeing a three-year deal at San Siro following his departure from Manchester United.

The Nerazzurri have had their fair share of quality centre-backs in recent times, and Vidic has already targeted achieving the same legendary status as three club heroes.

“A lot of good defenders have been at this club and I can prove I am as good as them,” said Vidic to reporters.

“Hopefully I can be part of the new defence that will perform as well as the likes of Lucio, Walter Samuel and Materazzi have done.”

Vidic added that he had watched Inter games last season and knew he was joining a team with competition in the defensive ranks, with Juan, Andrea Ranocchia and Rolando already at the club.

He added: “I know there is competition in defence, and the young players here will definitely improve year by year. I would like to be part of that three in defence and I will fight to have a place. It’s good to have good competition.”

After over eight years in England with Manchester United, Vidic defended his decision to depart Old Trafford and insisted that a lack of Champions League football was not a problem for him ahead of next season.

“I think after nine years, I achieved nearly everything as an individual and a new challenge is important to my career,” said Vidic.

“I am motivated to prove I am capable of the same performances as in England.

“I would not play Champions League football at United next season anyway, I was not scared to change. We will have the Europa League.”

 

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Brazilian government investigates bridge collapse

Brazilian government officials have said they are already investigating yesterday's tragic bridge collapse in Belo Horizonte which left two dead and many more injured.

An overpass just three kilometres from the city's Estadio Mineirao gave way on Thursday, crushing several vehicles and taking the lives of two people, including the bus driver who slammed on the brakes to save the lives of her passengers and her young daughter, who was also on board.

The road section, which was originally due to be completed in time for the World Cup, was only days from completion and had been expected to be in operation in time for Tuesday's semi-final.

But tragedy struck instead on Thursday and awoke public concern over the safety of other overpasses in the city, with most built by the same construction company.

"It's a moment of tremendous emotion and tremendous sadness," said the Secretary of Public Works and Infrastructure of Belo Horizonte's city government, Jose Lauro Nogueira, at a heated press conference on Friday.

"We have undertaken very detailed and thorough tests into all of our constructions and none of them showed up any problems. We work with excellent companies with fine reputations and experience. Now we will take the necessary measures to establish what happened here.

"We are going to work with specialists in this phase to determine what went wrong and establish the cause and the responsibility for yesterday's tragedy.

And he added: "We will also take all of the necessary measures to ensure our other overpasses are safe."

Health Secretary Fabiano Geraldo Pimenta revealed that two of the 23 injured in the bridge collapse remain in hospital and confrmed there will be no further fatalities.

"First of all, I would like to express our sadness and our consternation, and offer our deepest condolences to the families of the victims," he said.

"Of the 23 injured, all were treated. Two are still in hospital, but their condition isn't serious and there is no risk [of any more deaths]."

The local government has opened a phone line to aid anybody who needs help in coping with the tragedy.

 

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Luiz: Brazil not winning the World Cup will be a failure

David Luiz has admitted that if Brazil do not win the World Cup on home turf it will be considered a failure.

The Selecao are under pressure to win a record sixth title in front of their fans this summer, with Luiz Felipe Scolari’s team having already progressed to the quarter-final stage of the competition.

Brazil will have to beat an impressive Colombia side in Fortaleza on Friday if they want to book their place in the semi-finals but Luiz says the players will deliver for the fans.

When asked about the expectations on the team at the World Cup, Luiz told The Times of India: “We need to win, that's our life. All the Brazilian people are expecting it; we have to deliver.“But, we have a manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has won it and done it before and that helps. He has been fantastic for us.”

Brazil had to overcome a tough last-16 tie against Chile, which the Selecao won on penalties, to reach the quarter-finals.

The team has been criticised for their lack of flair in comparison to previous Brazil sides, but Luiz arugued that what the squad lacked in firepower in the attacking areas, they made up for in defence.“I know what everyone used to say - that all Brazilians want to be Pele or Zico and don't think about defending or about tactics,” the centre-back said.

“But, world football has changed because many Brazilian players are now playing in Europe. These guys are used to different formations, different styles.“There are many, many names of top quality in our defence now, and it means Brazil are no longer known just for their strikers but for being a great team.”

Luiz endured a difficult season at Chelsea last year with the 27-year-old not being part of manager Jose Mourinho's first-choice central defensive pairing.

Despite his form for his club side last term, the defender admitted that he was grateful to have been called up to represent Brazil at the World Cup by Scolari.
"It made me think back to when I was a boy, dreaming of playing in the World Cup” he said.

“I'm just so happy that my dream came true and I have to say 'thank you' to so many people who helped me in my career.”Luiz will be playing for French champions Paris Saint-Germain next season after Chelsea agreed a £40m fee with the Ligue 1 side.

And the Brazilian has revealed his happiness at the move to France and is confident his compatriots at the club will help him fit in.“Right from the very first contact I had with Paris Saint-Germain, I was very happy,” he said.

“It's a big club with a great history and [is] a huge project. It has fantastic facilities and a lot of supporters.“It's a new step in my life and I'm impatient to play for Paris and show what I can do. I also can't wait to play with my new team-mates - the Brazilians, of course - but also everybody else.”

He added: “The fact that so many Brazilians already play for Paris Saint-Germain will be a big help, without doubt.”

 

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Quarter-final: France 0 Vs 1 Germany in Pictures

 

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Brazil Vs Colombia

Starting Line-ups

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Good Luck for both Teams!

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Full Time

Brazil 2 Vs 1 Colombia

Brazil Goal(s)

T.Silva 7'
David Luiz 69'

&

Colombia Goal(s)

James Rodriguez 80(PEN)'​

 

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Congratulations Brazil!David Luiz ge free-kick 1ka patta

& It's Brazil Vs Germany Semi-Final 1​

 

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France 0-1 Germany: Hummels breaks French hearts to seal semi-final berth

 

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Mathieu Debuchy th Arsenal join wei godak durata​

 

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Brazil 2-1 Colombia: David Luiz wonderstrike sends hosts through as Neymar is stretchered off

A wonderstrike from David Luiz helped Brazil to a 2-1 World Cup quarter-final win over Colombia - but star forward Neymar was stretchered off in the closing minutes.

Tipped by some to exit against a side who have been the talk of the tournament, Luiz Felipe Scolari's men progressed thanks to goals from Thiago Silva and his defensive partner in Fortaleza, the latter a superb 30-yard free kick.

Man-of-the-moment James Rodriguez pulled one back from the spot for Colombia in the 80th minute, yet Brazil held on to book a semi-final meeting with Germany.

However, Brazil will head into the last four with a series of worries, most notably the suspension of Silva and an injury to star man Neymar.

Silva picked up a needless yellow card in the second period, while Neymar was carried off on a stretcher late on to put a dark cloud over Brazil's win.

The duo's potential absences, combined with another workmanlike showing, will do little to dispel claims from the likes of Diego Maradona that Brazil are not good enough to win the tournament.

Much had been made of Brazil's perceived mental frailties ahead of the match, with players coming under fire for crying during renditions of the national anthem and Scolari's decision to call in a sports psychologist grabbing headlines.

Despite such scrutiny, the hosts made a flying start to surge ahead after seven minutes.

Silva was the hero, silencing his critics by sneaking behind Carlos Sanchez and kneeing home at the back post from close range after Colombia fatally failed to clear Neymar's corner.

Behind for the first time in the competition, Colombia found an immediate response as Juan Cuadrado's effort was deflected just wide.

Yet it was still Brazil looking the more purposeful, Hulk twice forcing good stops from David Ospina.

Colombia wasted a James-led four-on-two counterattack in between those saves, with the game's end-to-end nature making for a thrilling spectacle.

The second period did not assume the same pace, Jose Pekerman's side failing to find the fluency that has been their calling card.

Indeed, the biggest moment of those exchanges came when Silva collided with Ospina as the Colombia shot-stopper attempted to kick from his hands, the subsequent yellow card ruling him out of the next phase.

With chances few and far between, it took a moment of brilliance from Luiz to leave Brazil on the brink of the last four after 69 minutes.

James, so often Colombia's star, crucially brought down Hulk 30 yards from goal, paving the way for Luiz to send a stunning strike beyond Ospina.

But just when it seemed a nation could calm down, there was a twist in the tail when Julio Cesar felled Carlos Bacca in the area.

The goalkeeper was fortunate not to be shown a red, although that had little impact on tournament top-scorer James - who continued his record of scoring in every game when he coolly sent Cesar the wrong way.

As if the tension was not palpable enough, many in attendance were left with heads in hands late on as Neymar was taken from the field after being caught by Zuniga in the dying minutes.

Brazil defended defiantly during injury time to seal their semi-final spot against Germany and continue their quest for a sixth world title.

 

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Captain Fantastic carries Brazil through to last four

Prior to Brazil’s group match with Mexico, Thiago Silva proclaimed that this was not “a World Cup for defenders”. Over the course of the last few hours, the captain of the Selecao has been proven wrong, most notably as his side overcame Colombia 2-1 to progress to the semi-finals.

After Mats Hummels headed Germany past France, the Paris Saint-Germain defender took fewer than 10 minutes to scrappily turn home at the back post following a corner, with marker Carlos Sanchez left staring.

It was the first time a Brazil captain had scored at the World Cup finals since Rai found the net in 1994 against Russia. Rai was replaced as skipper in that competition by Dunga and there will be someone else wearing the armband on Tuesday against Germany after Silva collected a needless yellow card and a suspension in Fortaleza.

The absence of their captain represents a huge loss to the hosts, though the performance of David Luiz, including a breathtaking second goal via a free-kick, was encouraging.

Silva was the rock from which the home side built their challenge, re-asserting himself as the premier player in the world in the centre-back position after a difficult week that saw his leadership qualities questioned in the domestic press following his tears in the penalty shootout win over Chile.

Speaking on Thursday, the 29-year-old stated: “I don’t need to worry about what people say. This is just the way I am. It’s a natural thing for humans to be emotional. People are saying some silly things and that could make it more difficult. But it helps me.”

Certainly, the performance produced by the defender at Fortaleza’s Estadio Castelao was every inch that of a leader.

Silva, of course, would not habitually expect to contribute offensively, yet he was alert to open the scoring in the early stages and then built on this by demonstrating his wonderful defensive qualities.

The pick of these is arguably his reading of the game, and after a stunning burst from James Rodriguez had left Brazil exposed to a three-on-one counter, Silva was astute enough with his angles to cover any easy pass. The Colombians’ most dangerous moment – aside from the late penalty the Monaco playmaker converted – had passed.

That Julio Cesar went until almost the 40th minute without a meaningful touch of the ball owed much to the defence, in which Silva played a starring role with a couple of excellent blocks. Even with David Luiz prone to making the odd eye-catching burst forward, the Selecao never looked under any meaningful threat.

The effort was not solely down to Silva. In midfield, the contributions of Paulinho and Fernandinho were far above the level that either has previously attained during the tournament, and their contribution behind the offensive players was another vital stone for Luiz Felipe Scolari’s side. With the ball they were sharp and incisive, while robust enough to keep James from having a defining influence on the game.

Even the attack did not look quite as Neymar-dependent as it has been at times during the competition. Hulk, effectively playing on home turf as a native of Brazil’s north east, was particularly bullish with his play while even Fred contributed meaningfully with a number of promising lay-offs.

Neymar was restricted to a handful of dangerous bursts and went off with a concerning injury late on, while Oscar was limited in his contribution offensively.

Indeed, it was the defence and not Neymar that saw Brazil through their toughest challenge of the competition, and keeps them on track for the Hexa.

 

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Maicon thanks Scolari for starting him over Dani Alves

Brazil defender Maicon has thanked coach Luiz Felipe Scolari for selecting him ahead of Dani Alves for Friday’s World Cup quarter-final victory over Colombia in Fortaleza.

The 32-year-old was a surprise starter but played the full 90 minutes in the 2-1 win and will now be in line to start in the semi-final clash against Germany in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday.

"The coach trusted my work, gave me this opportunity and I hope I paid it back. But the priority here was to make it to the next round and I'm glad we did," Maicon told Fox Sports.

"It's kind of complicated, but when it comes to the national team, there's never a guaranteed spot.

"We'll wait for coach to make the decision – he will know which of us is the best option for the team on Tuesday."

Goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz were enough to send the Selecao into the last four, although the captain will be banned from the clash with Germany after picking up a booking while there are concerns over Neymar, who had to be stretchered off.