..::Football III::..

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Vidal reassures Juventus: My knee is okay

Juventus star Arturo Vidal has dismissed fears that he has aggravated the knee problem that almost ruled him out of the World Cup.The Chile international was forced to undergo surgery last May but returned in time to play a key role in Chile's run to the last 16 of Brazil 2014.

However, after being carefully managed by Juventus during pre-season, Vidal appeared to suffer a setback last week when he was seen holding an icepack over his knee during a training session ahead of his country's friendly with Mexico.

Vidal ultimately played all 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw with El Tri but Chile then confirmed that the 27-year-old would play no part in the September 10 clash with Haiti and was being sent back to Turin, much to the concern of Juve.However, the midfielder told Tuttosport: "The ice that I used the other day was a normal thing. I only need time to get back to 100 per cent."Rest assured, my knee is okay. I am ready to return to Turin.

"Even with Mexico, I showed that I can play every game this season with Juventus. I feel great."I'll have to be at one hundred percent, but I've proved that I can play a full game without any problems."

Vidal played 85 minutes of Juve's season-opening win over Chievo but it now remains to be see if he will be available to coach Massimiliano Allegri for his club's second Serie A outing, against Udinese on Saturday.

 

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Van Persie: Di Maria & Falcao are world class

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie insists he can't wait to play alongside the club's expensive new arrivals.

United splashed out around £150 million during the transfer window, breaking the British record to sign Angel di Maria from Real Madrid, while Luke Shaw, Ander Herrera, Marcos Rojo and Daley Blind were also acquired.

A frantic end to the transfer window also saw United sign Colombian star Radamel Falcao on a lucrative one-year loan from French side Monaco.

Such was the flurry of arrivals that only Di Maria and Herrera made their Premier League debuts before the international break, with Shaw not yet fully fit and Rojo unable to obtain a valid UK work permit in time.

But the likes of Falcao, Rojo and Blind are expected to make their debuts at Old Trafford against QPR on Sunday and Van Persie says he is relishing the opportunity to work alongside United's new signings.

"I can't wait to go and train and play with the world-class players we have signed – wow," the Netherlands international told reporters.

"That feeling, that we are going to perform well has only got stronger after the buying of players over the last weeks. I find it very exciting, the arrival of all those new players.

"For me personally, it's brilliant to go and play with some of the best players in the world. It's great that I can go and train and play with them every day."

 

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Neymar: I am ready to lead Brazil


Neymar says he is ready to lead the rebirth of Brazil after captaining the team to two straight Gillette Brasil Global Tour victories.

The Selecao followed up Friday’s 1-0 victory over Colombia with a triumph by the same scoreline against Ecuador in New Jersey on Tuesday, ensuring new coach Dunga got off to the perfect start in his first tests since succeeding Luiz Felipe Scolari.

22-year-old Neymar was a surprise appointment as captain this week and the Barcelona forward believes he has the experience required to skipper the team.

“I am still a young leader, I am one of the younger players here but I am really happy. These four years I have been learning so many things, from the first day until today and now I can help where I can when we have new players, to make them feel comfortable.

“I think the results here were good. It’s very positive because we had two difficult games but we have won both and so we are very happy.”

The Barcelona forward scored the only goal of the game against Colombia but couldn’t replicate the feat on Tuesday, somehow managing to hit the crossbar from just a few yards out in the second half, but he insists he won’t have any sleepless night following his miss.

“The ball came in a bit strong,” he said. “It ended up moving a little and I just stuck out my foot to make contact, but it ended up going too high. It’s just part of the game.”

 

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Togo 2-3 Ghana: Atsu heroics give Ghana first win

Christian Atsu scored a late winner as Ghana claimed a dramatic first win in Africa Cup of Nations qualification, beating Togo 3-2.

The winger, on loan at Everton from Premier League rivals Chelsea, hit home the winner five minutes from time to give Kwesi Appiah's men victory in the Group E clash in Lome.Having been held to a 1-1 draw by Uganda last Saturday, Ghana appeared set for further disappointment when Floyd Ayite put the hosts ahead after 12 minutes.

First-half goals from Asamoah Gyan and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu quickly turned things around for Ghana, only for Emmanuel Adebayor to seemingly rescue a point for Togo 13 minutes from time.

But the hosts were left heartbroken as Atsu settled the game in Ghana's favour, boosting their hopes of qualifying for a competition they have won on four occasions.Togo will have been keen to get back to winning ways after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Guinea in their opening match last Friday.

And Tchakala Tchanile's men promptly made a superb start as Ayite capitalised on a defensive mistake from the visitors to find the net at the second time of asking after seeing his initial effort blocked by goalkeeper Stephen Adams.Yet Togo's lead lasted just 12 minutes, striker Gyan levelling matters with a towering header into the bottom corner, before midfielder Agyemang-Badu completed the turnaround in the 34th minute.

The Udinese man was left unmarked by the Togo defence and made no mistake as he nodded home Abdul Rahman's low cross at the near post.Ghana held out for much of the second half with little difficulty, but Adebayor set the stage for a frantic finale when he netted with a towering header.

But it was Atsu who had the final say, the 22-year-old using his pace to break free from the defence, confidently slotting home to seal all three points for Ghana.

 

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Ghana team 1ka hodaiWorld Cup 1keth 1st round 1ken out unata hoda fight 1kak dunna​

 

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Atletico Madrid hit by Rodriguez blow

Atletico Madrid may have lost Cristian Rodriguez from their wide options to a calf injury ahead of this weekend's city derby with Real Madrid .

The Uruguay winger suffered the setback while on international duty this week, limping out of his country's 1-0 win over South Korea just 24 minutes into the contest.

While an Atletico statement did not put a timeframe on Rodriguez's injury, he immediately becomes a major doubt for Saturday's Liga clash with the Champions League holders at the Santiago Bernabeu.

It read: "The Atletico midfielder retired injured in the encounter between South Korea and Uruguay.

"Medical tests have determined he suffered a calf injury in the left leg.

"The player has today undergone medical tests in the FREMAP Majadahonda clinic. The diagnosis has determined that the Uruguayan is also suffering a hamstring injury, which is still being monitored."

Rodriguez may not have been at the forefront of coach Diego Simeone's thoughts for this weekend's match regardless as the winger has featured in just six minutes of action across Atletico's opening two games of the Liga season.

 

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Torres will be more useful than Balotelli, says Lopez

AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez believes Fernando Torres will be a more useful player for the team than Mario Balotelli.

The Rossoneri opted to cash in on Italy international Balotelli this summer as they sold him to Liverpool for €20 million, before signing Torres from Chelsea on a loan deal.

Lopez - who also moved to San Siro in the summer transfer window - claims his compatriot will bring far stronger characteristics to the club than the former Manchester City and Inter striker.

"He's a great signing. We're talking about a player who has done amazing things, who has experience, speed, and will be important. Balotelli? Torres will be more useful as he has shown the characteristics needed to win," he told Milan Channel.

Lopez also admitted that he did not hesitate to join Milan after listening to Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti extol the virtues of the Serie A club.

"There are many similarities with Real, we're talking about two big clubs at every level of infrastructure. I'm getting to know the city and my team-mates and settling in. Hopefully everything will go well," said the 32-year-old.

"I jumped at the opportunity [to join]. Ancelotti and [former goalkeeper Villiam] Vecchi have spoken glowingly about this club and their words absolutely match the reality.

"Now we can compete with everyone, we just have to keep on working well."

 

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Torres Liverpool innakota thibba form 1kata awoth patta​

 

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Manquillo: Gerrard link-up a dream

Javi Manquillo has revealed that lining up alongside Steven Gerrard is a dream come true and is relishing his move to Liverpool.

The full-back arrived at Anfield on loan from Atletico Madrid last month and has started two of the club's first three Premier League games this season.

Manquillo, 20, is feeling increasingly at home on Merseyside and spoke of his delight at getting the opportunity to play in the same side as captain Gerrard.

"The first time I watched Gerrard play, I was only a child," Manquillo told Liverpool's official website.

"Now I play in the same team with him, he's a truly great player and it's a dream come true to share the field with him.

"I'm very happy to stay here. There's some things I miss about home - the weather is the main one - but I'm getting accustomed to things here more and more every day."

Manquillo also praised Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers for the manner in which he has helped him settle at the club.

"I get on very well with the manager here. He helps us with everything he can, which is great. He also speaks Spanish fluently too, so it's really easy for us to communicate," added the Spain Under-21 international.

"I have some fellow Spanish team-mates with me over here too - Alberto Moreno, Suso and Jose Enrique are all here and there are some others in the squad who speak Spanish too. It's been really easy for me to adapt."

 

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Cameroon 4-1 Cote d'Ivoire: Aboubakar and Njie hit doubles in drubbing

Cameroon thrashed Cote d'Ivoire 4-1 at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying phase on Wednesday.

Two goals each from Clinton Njie and Vincent Aboubakar sealed the Indomitable Lions' thrilling victory, with Yaya Toure scoring one for the Elephants in their worst rout in more than a decade.

Cote D'Ivoire began with confidence, proving dominant in the opening exchanges and pushing Cameroon towards their own area, but goal chances created by the Ivorians were blocked in quick succession.

The flow of traffic towards the Cameroonian box continued after the 10th minute, although with Gervinho's several attempts to cut in from both flanks proved futile.

And as the Ivorians maintained ascendancy, the space they left behind their lines was exploited ruthlessly in the 14th minute when Njie of Lyon raced down through the left and fired an effort at goal which was deflected in by Serge Aurier.

The pace grew frenetic as both sides struggled to hold and use the ball, with Cote d'Ivoire pushing to find an equaliser.

And after 10 minutes, they found their equaliser: Aurier drifted deep from the right side of the Cameroon area and, after outmuscling his marker, scuffed a shot which goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoua parried into the path of the onrushing Toure.

Thereafter, Cote d'Ivoire enjoyed more domination but wasted a number of glorious chances to take the lead.

Minutes after Gervinho spurned another opening, Aurier surged forward and laid it on for the unmarked Wilfried Bony, who fluffed his lines.

Cameroon retook the lead after defender Lamine Kone's back header was seized upon by Vincent Aboubakar, who flawlessly hit home his team's second goal in the 37th minute.

The Lions returned from the break looking even hungrier for goals than in the first half, launching a siege of the Ivorian goal, and Aboubakar claimed a loose ball in the scramble and lashed home his second less than 10 minutes into the half.

Substitute Seydou Doumbia of CSKA Moscow brought some pace to Cote d'Ivoire's attacking line but sloppy finishing continued, with Bony and Max Gradel failing to beat goalkeeper Ondoua while in one-on-one positions.

Cameroon continued to impress as they settled into an effective passing rhythm and, after dragging two defenders to the right to create some space, Aboubakar dispatched a sublime chip to Njie, who completed his double to take it to 4-1 in the 76th minute.

The home side were then able to ease to their victory which keeps them on top of Group D with six points, while Cote d'Ivoire are temporarily second ahead of the group's second game between Sierra Leone and DR Congo.

 

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I have not moved to Real Madrid sit on the bench - Hernandez

Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez has insisted he has not moved to Real Madrid to sit on the bench.

The Mexico forward signed a season-long loan deal from Manchester United to provide depth to a Madrid attack which saw its out-and-out striking options blunted by the sale of Alvaro Morata to Juventus.

Chicharito is likely to play a support role to the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema at Real but is adamant he will compete with the Frenchman for a spot.

"No one trains to be a back-up," Hernandez told Neox TV .

"I'm a football player and there are 11 starters, so the ones on the outside are always waiting for a chance and no player will say that they train to wait on the outside.

"I know I will have to face Benzema, as happened to me when I arrived at Manchester. It is normal to compete for a spot.

"I am delighted to be with Karim. I've had competition at Manchester United from [Dimitar] Berbatov, [Wayne] Rooney or [Robin] Van Persie and learned from the best in the world."

Chicharito could make his Real debut against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.

 

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Juventus receive Vidal injury boost

Juventus received welcome news on Wednesday when it was revealed key midfielder Arturo Vidal 's latest injury appears to be relatively minor.The Chile international underwent knee surgery at the end of last season and, although he played at the World Cup, he struggled for fitness as his country exited at the last-16 stage to host nation Brazil.

Hopes of a trouble-free start to the 2014-15 campaign were swiftly dashed when he sustained an injury prior to the friendly against Mexico on Saturday. He played the full 90 minutes against El Tri but was then released from the squad and sent back to Turin prior to the midweek game against Haiti.He insisted on Tuesday the setback was not a recurrence of the knee injury and that was confirmed by Juve 24 hours later.

A club statement read: "After sitting out yesterday’s training in Vinovo, Arturo Vidal today underwent medical tests which revealed a light strain of the semitendinosus muscle in his right thigh."The 27-year-old has immediately begun his rehabilitation programme and further examinations to monitor his progress are scheduled for next week."

Vidal played 85 minutes of Juve's season-opening win over Chievo but it now remains to be see if he will be available to coach Massimiliano Allegri for his club's second Serie A outing, against Udinese on Saturday.

 

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Ancelotti: Lopez left Real Madrid to find stability

Diego Lopez left Real Madrid in order to find greater "stability" as a player, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Lopez joined AC Milan during the summer after slipping back down the pecking order in the Spanish capital, with Iker Casillas and new signing Keylor Navas the favoured options competing for the No.1 spot.

Ancelotti has backed the 32-year-old to become a success in Serie A after admitting he feels the player wanted a more consistent playing situation than he had been afforded at Santiago Bernabeu.

“In Madrid he was competing for a place with Casillas; he has decided to take on a new challenge, a different style of football in a different league," Ancelotti told Il Giornale.

"He’s a quality keeper, hard-working and dedicated. He wanted more stability which is why he left Madrid."

Madrid have struggled to find their best form since the upheaval of their squad in the summer, which saw Lopez, Alvaro Morata, Angel Di Maria and Xabi Alonso all leave the club as James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos joined Navas in signing for the European champions.

Ancelotti, however, maintains that president Florentino Perez was telling the truth when he said the former Paris Saint-Germain boss was consulted over every deal.

“That’s right. All of the decisions have been made in accordance with the coach," said Ancelotti.

“I’m curious to see how he [Morata] gets on in Italy. I know him well and he needs to play regularly because he is still young."

Madrid have been dealt further blows by injuries suffered by Dani Carvajal and Sami Khedira during the international break and Ancelotti concedes he is weary of seeing players return to club duty with problems.

“We’re not having much luck with the national teams, it’s been the same story from last year until now," he added.

 

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Tottenham to move from White Hart Lane in 2017-18

Tottenham are set to play their home games in 2017-18 away from White Hart Lane as plans for a new stadium on the site are to go to the High Court.

A compulsory purchase order (CPO) was pushed through by the secretary of state for communities and local government, Eric Pickles, in July to allow Spurs to press ahead with construction work that was hoped to be completed by 2017.

However, landowners Archway Sheet Metal Works Ltd and the Josif family have exercised their right to challenge the CPO in the High Court, meaning that the project will now be subject to further delays.

As a result, Tottenham's hopes of continuing playing at White Hart Lane while work is carried out have now been shelved in order to speed up the construction time, leaving the Premier League club with no choice but to find a new home for the 2017-18 campaign.

A statement on the club's official website read: "The challenge proceedings will now commence and we await notification of the earliest possible date for the High Court hearing.

"We have already successfully and amicably relocated more than 70 businesses in the area to the satisfaction of all parties concerned and a number of these organisations continue to reside in the borough.

"Whilst we were able to accommodate all these other businesses' requests, in the instance of Archway, we have been unable to reach agreement over the period of the last seven years.

"That said, we remain committed to finding the earliest possible resolution and shall continue to engage with Archway regarding a possible agreement reached by private treaty.

"Given the lengthy period of time taken to reach the CPO decision in the first place, we should like to advise supporters that it is highly unlikely we shall be able to open the new stadium at the start of the 2017-18 season.

"The club has revised its construction programme in order to take the shortest possible time to construct. This now therefore involves the club moving away from the Lane during construction for a period of one season, to start at the beginning of a season in order to comply with Premier League rules.

"We are currently undertaking due diligence on alternative stadium options. Consideration needs to be given to several factors, including planning and policing and, importantly, our fans and the impact it may have on the team itself.

"Clearly all possible options have pros and cons and we are aware that we shall not be able to find one which will please all parties.

"We shall however seek to find the optimum solution for the club and our supporters and we shall be sharing our deliberations with our supporters at an appropriate time."

 

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Manchester United paid sacked Moyes €6.5m

Manchester United's latest accounts have revealed that the club paid €6.5 million in compensation to sacked manager David Moyes and his coaching staff last season.

Moyes oversaw a dismal 2013-14 season at Old Trafford, with United finishing seventh in the Premier League and subsequently missing out on European football.

The Scot, who has been replaced by Louis van Gaal, was sacked in April, two days after a 2-0 defeat to former club Everton.

"Exceptional items for the year were €6.5m, primarily related to compensation payments on loss of office to the former manager and certain members of the coaching staff," a statement from the club announced.

"Exceptional items for the prior year were €7.75m."

Despite their poor season under Moyes, United still reported record annual revenue of €538.4m, while they also announced profits of €29.6m.

 

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Aparade Moyes ta gewanna wechcha sallie tika​

 

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Sirigu extends PSG deal

Paris Saint-Germain have announced that Italy international goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has signed a contract extension that will keep him with the Parc des Princes club until 2018.

The 27-year-old arrived in the French capital from Palermo in 2011 and has been first choice in his role since that time, playing over 100 Ligue 1 matches. His consistent displays have been rewarded with a contract extension, which the keeper was pleased to pen.

“I want to continue this great human and sporting adventure with Paris Saint-Germain,” he told the club’s official website. “I know we're only at the beginning of something special. We will still win many titles together!”Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi was also delighted that the 10-time capped Italy international has committed himself for a longer period.

“We are very proud to extend the contract of Salvatore, who is an outstanding goalkeeper and a remarkable man. He is a symbol of the Paris Saint-Germain project, which is to build over a period one of the most successful sides in Europe,” he said.

Since moving to France, Sirigu has claimed two league titles and a Coupe de la Ligue crown with PSG. In each of the last two campaigns he has also been named Le Championnat’s outstanding goalkeeper.

 

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Uefa takes action over Wales fan conduct

Uefa has opened disciplinary proceedings against the Football Association of Wales over the conduct of fans in Andorra on Tuesday.

Gareth Bale scored twice as Wales came from behind to beat their hosts 2-1 in their opening Euro 2016 qualifier, escaping a major upset to claim the three points.

A number of travelling supporters leapt over advertising hoardings to celebrate following Bale's winner nine minutes from time but were quickly encouraged back into the stand by a combination of the Andorran stewards and Welsh players.

Uefa confirmed on Wednesday that it would be taking action over the incident.

The Andorran Football Federation is also facing charges relating to a lack of organisation at the Group B fixture, as well as for "improper conduct of the team", who received six yellow cards.

Sanctions over organisation at the match will come as an added blow to Andorra, who are already under fire for the quality of the artificial pitch at their new national stadium.

The cases will be dealt with by the Uefa's Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body on October 16.

 

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Remy blasts Liverpool over failed medical claims

Chelsea striker Loic Remy has hit out at Liverpool after missing out on a move to Anfield during the summer.

The France international had agreed an €10 million (£8m) deal with Brendan Rodgers's side before the Reds pulled out of a move due to medical concerns.

Rodgers was quiet on the issue at the time, saying only that it had "happened before", while Remy's boss at the time, Harry Redknapp, insisted that he had passed a "stringent" medical before joining QPR.

The striker subsequently completed a move to Chelsea, signing a four-year deal with the Blues after they met his buyout clause.

Remy now says that he does not understand why Liverpool opted against signing him and is adamant that he has no concerns about his health.

"I did not understand Liverpool's decision," he told TF1's 'Telefoot'. "It was not very honest from their side.

"I was not scared. I know exactly what I have, I met all the specialists in the world. A lot of players share the same situation as mine and Liverpool know it."

 

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Remy ta Liverpool miss unata Itath wada hoda team 1kakata join wenna puluwan una​