..::Football III::..

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Neymar ruled out of World Cup with broken vertebra

Brazil forward Neymar has been ruled out of the remainder of the World Cup after suffering a broken vertebra in his side's win over Colombia.

Team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar confirmed the news to Brazilian TV after the Barcelona star underwent further tests in a Fortaleza hospital.

Lasmar said: "It's not easy news to give but the truth is he won't be available for the rest of the World Cup.

"The tests showed a fracture near the third vertebra. It won't need surgery but he needs to be immobilised to control the pain. He cannot play, a week will not be enough.

"He needs cautious treatment, with a belt around his back so he'll feel more comfortable. It is also required for him to heal the fracture."
The news realises the worst fears of coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who will be without both his star attacker and best defender against Germany in the semi-finals on Tuesday with captain Thiago Silva suspended.

Neymar was caught from behind by a reckless Juan Zuniga challenge and had to be carried off on a stretcher towards the end of the Selecao's 2-1 victory.

Scolari was pessimistic after the match. He said: "Neymar went to the clinic here in the stadium. He was kneed on his lower back and he was crying out in pain and I can guarantee that it won’t be easy for him to recover, based on what the doctor told us and the pain he’s in. And as it’s lower back, I don’t know."
Scolari bore no grudges against Zuniga and insisted Brazil would move forward with confidence even without their talisman.

He added: "Everyone knows that Neymar was going to be hunted. We knew this was the case.

"I don't think the foul was on purpose, I think he came in to stop the ball. There's no point in thinking about it, the game is over.

"If anything has to change, we’ll do that and we’ll play a great game."

Zuniga insisted there was no malice in the challenge. He said: "I never meant to hurt the player, I was just defending the shirt."

Neymar is the darling of the Selecao fans who must now be wondering where the goals are going to come from as the tournament enters its business end.

The former Santos star has scored four goals in five games at this World Cup and has carried the hopes of a nation on his young shoulders.

 

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Get well soon Neymar!Neymar nathi 1kanam loku paduwak wei Brazil team 1kata.​

 

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Golden Boot: Pressure on Messi as James extends lead

James Rodriguez has stolen the advantage in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot after scoring his sixth of the tournament in the quarter-final against Brazil.

Colombia star Rodriguez swept home a confident penalty to take his tally to six for the World Cup, although he was ultimately unable to prevent his side losing 2-1 to hosts Brazil.

Neymar was unable to add to the four goals he has so far in the tournament, meaning Lionel Messi has the chance to move into second place at least in the standings when his Argentina side face Belgium – though he is now two behind leader James.

Thomas Muller, who is also level with Messi on four, drew a blank against France as Germany recorded a 1-0 win which also saw Karim Benzema fail to add to the three goals he managed during the group stage.

6 goals
James Rodriguez (Colombia)

4 goals
Thomas Muller (Germany)
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Neymar (Brazil)

3 goals
Karim Benzema (France)
Arjen Robben (Netherlands)
Robin van Persie (Netherlands)
Xherdan Shaqiri (Switzerland)
Enner Valencia (Ecuador)

 

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Colombia made a statement at World Cup, says Pekerman

Jose Pekerman believes Colombia made a statement at the World Cup despite seeing their dreams dashed by hosts Brazil in the quarter-finals.

Los Cafeteros reached the last eight of the competition in their first appearance at the finals since 1998 following some impressive performances against the likes of Japan and Uruguay.

Their campaign in Brazil was brought to an end by the host nation following goals from Thiago Silva and David Luiz in a 2-1 win, but Pekerman was nothing less than delighted by their showing during the tournament.

"In regards to everything we did during the World Cup, after being absent for a long time, this team went a long way to reassess football in Colombia," Pekerman told reporters.

"We showed we have very talented players and we always competed with a significant spirit and we showed we came to play a wonderful World Cup and not just participate."

Despite his high spirits, the Argentinian was still raw over the defeat, which came about following a thoroughly-competitive clash in which Brazil committed 31 of the total of 54 fouls.

"This was a match in which we were going to have balance, and when you have good players on both sides, what happens is you create friction because of the competitiveness. Each player wants to win their duels.

"It's not easy to lead such a game, the tension was very high. Brazil needed the win, we aspired to the victory, and in every play there was a lot of intensity. That interrupted the game.

"These are two teams that can develop very good football, but this balance sometimes produces that sort of thing.

"The first goal is always key and Brazil calmed down and were able to create better moments. Colombia lost that sense of play... we were surprised by the [opening] goal."

James Rodriguez struck his sixth goal of the competition in the clash, moving him two clear of Neymar and Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

The Monaco midfielder has enjoyed a sensational tournament and has reportedly attracted interest from some of the best teams in the world, and Pekerman believes this is just the start of what is to come for the 22-year-old.

"The work of James during this World Cup has been excellent and for a long time we have expected this of him. He's an outstanding player and a huge talent - and he has ambitions," added Pekerman.

"He dreams of being able to continue to show what he can do - and also the team, which backed him. I tried to calm him down because personally he deserves a huge congratulations.

"He is to be commended because we enjoy the way he plays and I have no doubt that he will show in future he can be one of the best."

 

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'No one believed in us' - Scolari buoyant as Brazil reach semi-finals

Luiz Felipe Scolari was left delighted with the way his Brazil players took the game to Colombia and advanced to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

A battling 2-1 win over Jose Pekerman's side sealed the Selecao's spot in the last four on Friday, where they will face 2002 beaten finalists Germany, who overcame France.

Scolari was furious with Brazilian media in the build-up to the last-eight encounter following criticism of his side's displays so far and was thrilled with the way they performed on the night in Fortaleza.

"No one believed in us," he told reporters. "These players have skills and do this with a lot of dedication.

"We have a tough game ahead of us, but what we have foreseen, Germany was in our path to play in the final – and they know that."

Scolari admits his side could have allowed themselves to take their foot off the accelerator when David Luiz struck the second goal of the night, though he says he has come to expect the same high-intensity work-rate from his charges.

"I'm going to look at our players and expect them to recover. The rhythm in the second half when we scored and we went 2-0 up and we could have slowed the game down, we accelerated.

"We don't need to do that. We don't need a player who stops the ball because he might not run. My team runs a lot.

"To slow the game down a bit [is necessary] but you can't forget that for one and a half years we've been working with these players."

Brazil got off to a fantastic start when Thiago Silva scored in the first seven minutes following another awe-inspiring rendition of the national anthem, but Scolari says he is not all that surprised to see the Brazil faithful so vociferous in their support.

"For many years Brazil has been trying to embed in children that they have to respect their anthem. And when we see how the crowd reacted – the crowd in Fortaleza was excellent again – we have to say that it is important. We should consider our anthem important."

 

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Brazil hopes fade with Neymar blow

Brazil's worst fears have been confirmed. When Neymar left the pitch against Colombia on a stretcher on Friday following a reckless challenge by Juan Zuniga, a nation held its breath. But just two hours later, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar told the Brazilian public on live television just what they didn't want to hear: Neymar was out of the World Cup.

So forget a rapid return on Tuesday for the semi-final against Germany or a possible recovery in time for the final on July 13th. Neymar has a fractured vertebra and will be sidelined for between four and six weeks. His World Cup is over. And without him, Brazil's campaign may also be finished.

"It's a dream [to play in the next round], but we're a bit sad Neymar is out of the competition," David Luiz said after the game. "He's a great guy, a great person and a great player. He brings good things to football. Everyone feels a bit sad because he's like a brother to me. We'll try to win the competition for Brazil. It would be great if we can win and celebrate with him."

Earlier, in the post-match press conference, coach Luiz Felipe Scolari had been pessimistic. "Everyone knew that Neymar was going to be hunted," he said. "He was kneed on his lower back and he was crying out in pain and I can guarantee that it won’t be easy for him to recover, based on what the doctor told us and the pain he’s in."

However, the Brazil boss claimed his side could cope without the 22-year-old. "If anything has to change, we’ll do that and we’ll play a great game [against Germany]," he explained. That, however, will be easier said than done.

Neymar was Brazil's best player by far in the group games, scoring four goals in the wins over Croatia and Cameroon. He also hit home what turned out to be the winning penalty in the shootout against Chile following a 1-1 draw earlier this week. In an efficient and workmanlike side, the 22-year-old was unquestionably the shining star - the man making the difference.

But now he is gone - and there is no real replacement within the squad. The one Brazilian player with the 'X-factor' Neymar brings to the table is Ronaldinho, but Scolari gave up on the former Barcelona forward a long time ago. Likewise Kaka. In Neymar's absence, Felipao looks likely to turn to Chelsea's Willian, while Bernard is another alternative and Scolari could also opt for a formation change - although that seems unlikely.

Germany are up next in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday and on the evidence of Brazil's previous performances in this tournament, Joachim Low's men have little to be afraid of - especially without Neymar. Brazil remain a strong side, but with their best player out, much of the fear factor will also be missing.

Scolari is set to opt for a European-style, high-tempo pressing and passing game, placing his faith in a strong collective more than ever before. But with Thiago Silva suspended against Germany and Neymar now sidelined for the remainder of the competition, Brazil face a tremendous task if they are to win this World Cup. Right now, it looks a little too much to ask.

 

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Quarter-final: Brazil 2 Vs 1 Colombia in Pictures

 

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Thiago Silva banned from semi-final clash

Thiago Silva will miss the World Cup semi-final against Germany after picking up a booking in the 2-1 win against Colombia.

TheBrazil captain was shown a yellow card for a needless foul on David Ospina in the 64th minute, his second of the tournament which means he will be suspended for Tuesday's clash in Belo Horizonte.

Silva charged towards the goalkeeper, who had just collected a Neymar free-kick, and blocked him as he attempted to clear the ball from danger.

"The yellow card has taken me out of the semi-final, but I know whoever comes into my place is well equipped to fill my boots," Silva said.

"It was a silly thing. I was running back and he put the ball in front of me - there wasn't really much else I could have done."

Dante is likely to come in as Silva's replacement in central defence, with the Bayern Munich defender the most experienced option off the bench.

Napoli's Henrique is another option for Luiz Felipe Scolari, but with just five international caps he is likely to be considered too much of a risk against Germany.

 

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Deschamps looks at the positives despite 'frustrating' World Cup exit

Didier Deschamps is confident France can continue to make positive strides despite their disappointing World Cup exit on Friday.Les Bleus crashed out at the quarter-final stage following a 1-0 defeat to Germany, with Mats Hummels scoring the only goal with a 13th-minute header.It may have been a different story had Karim Benzema not squandered numerous half-chances, leaving Deschamps to reflect on what might have been.

"It was a high-level game. Germany are a more experienced team and they scored early from a set-piece. We were timid early but created some interesting situations but were not efficient," he said."Towards the end we were exposed and they could have scored a second. The players are frustrated."

Deschamps has no intention of quitting his post, however, and confirmed he would stay on to build for the European Championship on home soil in two years' time.
"I definitely hope so, the squad was born during the return leg (of the play-off) against Ukraine and during the warm-up games we did well," he added.

"We are not as experienced as Germany but I am proud of what we have done on the pitch and behind the scenes. I know I have a lot of work to do but it's promising. We would love to keep the momentum and keep the quality of the team. Although I'm disappointed there are a lot of positive things happening with this team."Everyone was sad and frustrated afterwards and I can't get that away from that as I feel the same way. But let's not forget what we have done. We wanted to go further but I don't think there was a huge gap between the sides."

Deschamps, a World Cup winner as a player in 1998, refused to criticise Benzema but admitted his side were not clinical enough in front of goal."Sometimes you need a bit of luck on your side, or to be a bit faster," he said.

"Also [Germany goalkeeper Manuel] Neuer made some good saves. This is the highest level of football, we had chances, but unfortunately we were not as efficient or as lucky as we could have been.

"Karim had one or two chances. He didn't score but I don't think he needed much, that little bit extra you need to score a goal was not on our side."

 

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FIFA World Cup 2014 Quarter-Finals Fixtures 2014.07.05

FIFA World Cup 2014 Quarter-Finals Fixtures 2014.07.05​

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Argentina Vs Belgium

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Netherlands Vs Costa Rica

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Argentina Vs Belgium hoda gemak yai​

 

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Howard is Everywhere!

 

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Neymar ruled out of World Cup with broken vertebra

 

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Get well soon Neymar!Neymar nathi 1kanam loku paduwak wei Brazil team 1kata.​

brazil semi final kanawa.Thiago Silvath suspend ne.

 

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Howard is Everywhere!

 

[රජ්ජුරුවෝ]

Get well soon Neymar!Neymar nathi 1kanam loku paduwak wei Brazil team 1kata.​

paw . brazil team eke best player mata nan.

 

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brazil semi final kanawa.Thiago Silvath suspend ne.

Ow machan lesi wenne naha with out Neymar & T.Silva nathuwa play karana 1kaAnith 1ka Germany pattama form 1kaka inne
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paw . brazil team eke best player mata nan.

mamath asama player kenek bro!
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No offers received for Carvalho, say Sporting

Sporting Lisbon president Bruno de Carvalho insists that the club have not received an offer for William Carvalho.

Reports in Portugal claim that Manchester United have held negotiations over a move for the defensive midfielder and Goal understands that the Red Devils are likely to focus their attentions on him after being quoted €56 million plus Nani by Juventus for Arturo Vidal.

But De Carvalho told reporters on Friday: "I haven't received any formal or informal proposals for any of our players."

On Tuesday evening, Sporting director Augusto Ignacio admitted that the club were open to selling the 22-year-old.

And De Carvalho reiterated that Carvalho will leave the club if his release clause is met but stressed that the youngster’s exit this summer is not a guarantee.

“Is it inevitable to see some players leave? Nothing is inevitable,” he said.

 

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Manchester United Carvalho ta bid kala kiyalane kalin thibbedan kiyanawa naha kiyala
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