..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Ozil & Mertesacker nominated for German football award

Mesut Ozil and Per Mertesacker have been nominated for the German Football Ambassador prize, which is awarded to the best German footballer playing in a foreign league.

The Arsenal duo are joined among 11 nominees by Lukas Podolski, who is on loan at Inter from the Gunners, as well as Real Madrid star Toni Kroos.

Lazio striker Miroslav Klose, Dinamo Moscow's Kevin Kuranyi, Shkodran Mustafi of Valencia and Cerezo Osaka forward Cacau are also in contention.

The shortlist is completed by female players Anja Mittag and Nadine Angerer, of Rosengard and Portland Thorns respectively, and Brisbane Roar midfielder Thomas Broich.

The award is decided by a public vote and fans from any country can choose their three favourites before the winner is announced on June 2 by clicking the banner below.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Navas: I want to oust Casillas as Real Madrid No.1

Keylor Navas has stressed that he will do everything within his power to displace Iker Casillas as Real Madrid's first-choice goalkeeper.

The Costa Rica international, 28, joined Madrid from Levante ahead of the 2014-15 campaign, but he has so far been unable to win over head coach Carlo Ancelotti despite Casillas' inconsistent form.Nevertheless, Navas remains determined to succeed at the Santiago Bernabeu side and will continue to give his all to become the club's No.1."I'm not somebody who just accepts his situation. I don't give up easily," Navas was quoted as saying by AS.

"I know the situation might not be what I wanted, but it's here that I need to bring out the best in myself, be stronger and commit myself completely like I have done up to now."It's not the first time I've been in this situation. I'm very relaxed, although it's true I want more.

"I know the path to follow to achieve results and I try to learn. I think that for me it's a privilege to be at Real Madrid and I try to show every day why they brought me to the club."Navas has made eight appearances in all competitions for Madrid so far, keeping three clean sheets.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

European Championship Qualifying Fixtures 2015.03.38

European Championship Qualifying Fixtures 2015.03.38

Group A

Kazakhstan Vs Iceland

Czech Republic Vs Latvia

Group B

Isarel Vs Wales

Group H

Azerbaijan Vs Malta

Croatia Vs Norway

Group A

Netherlands Vs Turkey

Group B

Andorra Vs Bosnia

Belgium Vs Cyprus

Group H

Bulgaria Vs Italy​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

El Salvador 0-2 Argentina: Martino's men triumph without Messi

Argentina triumphed in the absence of Lionel Messi as they beat El Salvador 2-0 at the FedEx Field on Saturday night.

The 27-year-old was left on the bench and wasn't risked after missing training on Thursday with a foot injury, while Javier Mascherano was also named among the substitutes.

It had no bearing on the result, though, as Neston Renderos put through his own net before Federico Mancuello enjoyed a goal-scoring international debut with a free-kick from an acute angle.For all their possession, Argentina rarely impressed before the break, producing a laboured and largely toothless display.

They improved in the second half, though, and shortly after Carlos Tevez had fired an effort just wide, Ever Banega found the net from distance with a little help from Renderos' deflection.

El Salvador, ranked 87 places below Argentina in the world rankings, offered little from an attacking perspective and had to rely on goalkeeper Derby Carrillo to keep the score down.

Carrillo continued to catch the eye in the final stages, but he was ultimately beaten in spectacular fashion with time running out, as Independiente ace Mancuello stepped off the bench to make an almost immediate impact on the international stage.

Despite Lionel Messi's omission from the starting XI due to a reported foot knock, Argentina looked purposeful during the early exchanges and they should have broken the deadlock as early as the third minute.

Mateo Musacchio met Ezequiel Lavezzi's right-wing delivery at the near post, flicking it to the far side of the goal for what appeared to be a simple chance for Gonzalo Higuain, who headed wide of the unguarded net.

Argentina struggled to build upon that early promise, though, as El Salvador's defensive tactics allowed little room for manoeuvre in the final third for Martino's attackers.

Higuain did eventually force El Salvador goalkeeper Carrillo into action in the 29th minute, cutting in from the left and seeing his powerful drive palmed away.Carrillo was tested again five minutes before the break but this time he comfortably turned Angel Di Maria's free-kick around the post.

Argentina looked a little more fluid once again after the break and Tevez went close to breaking the deadlock in the 52th minute, but his 20-yard effort was deflected agonisingly wide.

Luck went Argentina's way just a few moments later, however, as Banega's hopeful long-range effort struck Renderos and flew past the helpless Carrillo to give the World Cup finalists the lead.

It would have been 2-0 shortly afterwards if not for Carrillo, who acrobatically tipped a Tevez attempt over the crossbar.

Carrillo looked set to keep the score down as he denied Tevez again 18 minutes from time, but he was rendered helpless two minutes from the end.Mancuello, who replaced Di Maria with 17 minutes left, stepped up and struck a looping delivery that dropped into the far corner, capping a memorable day for the midfielder.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Morocco 0-1 Uruguay: Cavani spot-kick seals win

Edinson Cavani's penalty was enough to secure a 1-0 victory for Uruguay against Morocco on Saturday as they continued their Copa America preparations with another win.Karim El Ahmadi and Nordin Amrabat both went close for the hosts before Abderrazak Hamdallah hit the post on the stroke of half-time.

But it was the visitors who took the advantage from the penalty spot in the 51st minute after Diego Rolan had been fouled by Nabil Dirar.Morocco pushed hard late on for an equaliser, and Medhi Benatia spurned a gilt-edged chance to level, but Cavani's strike proved enough.

Despite the absence of Luis Suarez – who will also miss the entirety of this year’s Copa America as he continues to serve his suspension – Tabarez's side went into the game having won all but two of their friendlies since the World Cup.

However, they struggled early on in Agadir, with Cavani largely anonymous up front as the hosts, coming into the clash on the back of six consecutive victories, began well.Badou Zaki's side went closest to opening the scoring when former Aston Villa midfielder El Ahmadi's long-range drive flew just wide.

Amrabat squandered a golden opportunity soon afterwards, when, following a swift counter-attacking move, he was played through by Omar El Kaddouri, but the Malaga man could only poke his effort wide under pressure from Fernando Muslera.The visitors did manage to gain a foothold in the game as the half wore on, but they were still lucky to go in at the interval level when Hamdallah's neat near-post flick clipped the right-hand upright.

Uruguay started the second half reinvigorated, and they were rewarded for their efforts when referee Diedhiou Malang deemed that Dirar had pulled the shirt of Rolan as the striker bore down on goal.

Cavani made no mistake from the resulting penalty, dispatching it powerfully into the left-hand corner and sending debutant goalkeeper Munir Mohand Mohamedi the wrong way.

Muslera almost gifted Morocco an equaliser just after the hour mark, spilling El Kaddouri's curling effort at the feet of Benatia, but the Bayern Munich defender failed to convert the rebound.Cavani could have doubled his tally with 15 minutes remaining, but the PSG striker was unable to connect with substitute Alvaro Gonzalez's whipped cross.

Muslera then pulled off a superb point-blank save to deny Zakaira Labyad, before fellow substitute Mouhssine Lajour went close with a powerful header but Uruguay's defence – organised excellently by Atletico Madrid's Diego Godin – remained solid.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands 1-1 Turkey: Hiddink in danger despite late heroics

Klass-Jan Huntelaar's fortunate injury-time equaliser saw Netherlands draw 1-1 with Turkey as the pressure continues to mount on boss Guus Hiddink.

Burak Yilmaz's deflected first-half strike looked set to inflict defeat on the World Cup semi-finalists and leave their automatic qualification hopes in tatters.

Defeat in Amsterdam would have been the third for Hiddink's side in their opening five matches of this campaign, but Sneijder's late strike deflected off Huntelaar to save them.

Without leading lights Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Kevin Strootman, the Netherlands failed to break down Fatih Terim's well-drilled visitors until the closing moments of the match.

The absence of their talismanic attacking trio did not prevent the hosts from enjoying almost exclusive possession in the opening 15 minutes, but it was Turkey who created the best early chance.

Caner Erkin showed a fine turn of pace to burst down the left and cut back for Yilmaz, only for the striker's placed effort to be blocked on the line by a retreating Bruno Martins Indi.

That chance knocked the Netherlands out of their rhythm and they failed to create an opening of note for the remainder of the first half, despite enjoying more than 70 per cent possession.

They were punished for that lack of cutting edge in the 37th minute, when Turkey took the lead.

Terim's side had been growing into the game before Volkan Sen pulled down Gokhan Tore's hanging cross and squared for Yilmaz. The striker shifted the ball out of his feet before unleashing a powerful drive from 15 yards, which beat Jasper Cillessen with the aid of a deflection.

The Netherlands went close to equalising before half-time, but Babacan did well to pluck Stefan de Vrij's flick-on off the line before Huntelaar was denied by a block in the area.Hiddink introduced Luciano Narsingh at the break and the midfielder had a great chance to pull his team level just eight minutes after coming on.

He could only drag his shot wide from the edge of the box, though, with Babacan out of position having failed to get enough distance on a clearing punch.Ibrahim Afellay forced a more convincing save from the goalkeeper after 60 minutes with a stinging half-volley from 25 yards.

That seemed to inject some life into the Netherlands' attack, and Sneijder almost marked his 112th cap - a record-equalling total for a Dutch outfield international - with a goal from a long-range free-kick, but his 30-yard drive finished just outside the post.

But just as the Netherlands appeared to be running out of ideas, as they resorted to launching high balls into the box, they finally got their breakthrough.Sneijder was teed up 20 yards from goal and took aim from distance, with his shot taking a deflection off the head of Huntelaar before finding the net to rescue Hiddink's side.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bulgaria 2-2 Italy: Eder spares Azzurri blushes

Eder was Italy's hero after his debut strike salvaged a 2-2 draw away to Bulgaria in their latest Euro 2016 Group H qualifier on Saturday night.

The Brazlian-born striker, who came on as a 58th-minute substitute, grabbed a decisive leveller with six minutes remaining to spare his side's blushes.

All eyes were on Antonio Conte's men as they looked to keep pace with Croatia at the summit of the group, and they led after just four minutes through Yordan Minev's own goal.

But Bulgaria found a superb riposte when Ivelin Popov restored parity before Iliyan Mitsanski completed the quick reversal by heading home in the 17th minute.
That appeared to be enough to seal victory as the hosts kept the Azzurri at bay until late on when Eder curled home with Italy facing the prospect of a first qualifying loss for nine years.The result cranks up the pressure on Conte, with his side unconvincing yet again, though they still sit just two points behind group leaders Croatia.

Italy flew out of the blocks like a team looking to silence their critics and almost took the lead in the second minute.Ciro Immobile got in behind the home backline, only to see an onrushing Nikolay Mihaylov keep out his effort from close range.

The goalkeeper did not cover himself in glory moments later, however, as Italy took the lead.Mihaylov could only get a fingertip to Andrea Bertolacci's threatening cross, with the ball subsequently ricocheting off Minev and into the empty net.

Unfortunately for Conte, his men looked as susceptible at the back as their hosts.
Having been given a warning when Mihail Aleksandrov scuffed a volley inside the area, Italy conceded a leveller.Popov found himself unmarked 20 yards from goal and punished the visitors by unleashing a powerful shot into the bottom corner.

A second came for Bulgaria moments later - Mitsanski nodding Georgi Milanov's pin-point cross into the corner after the visitors were undone by another counter-attack.

An equaliser almost came immediately, with Immobile missing the simplest of chances when heading a Marco Verratti free-kick wide.Italy enjoyed a spell of possession thereafter, although they were fortunate not to fall further behind when Popov's curling free-kick skimmed the bar.

The game followed a similar pattern at the beginning of the second period, but Italy came up against a resilient Bulgaria rearguard.

A chance did finally come midway through the second period, yet Immobile's effort was beaten away by Mihaylov before Bertolacci hammered the follow-up wide.
But it mattered not as Eder curled home brilliantly from just outside the area to make it 1-1, while Manolo Gabbiadini came close to a dramatic winner with an effort that snuck wide.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Messi wasn't fit to play, insists Martino

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino says Lionel Messi was left on the bench for the 2-0 friendly win over El Salvador on Saturday because he simply wasn't fit enough to play.

A foot injury has troubled the Barcelona star this week and forced him to sit out Thursday's training session, though it was thought he could still be fit in time for the clash in the United States.

However, the game came too soon, with the 27-year-old remaining on the bench as his team-mates coasted to victory courtesy of an own goal and a Federico Mancuello free-kick.

"The first day Messi trained well, the second he felt discomfort and the third cost him," the former Barcelona boss said after the game.

"We all understand the desire of the people, but really he couldn't play. We have to be careful - people will always want to see him play, but physically it just wasn't possible."Martino also reserved praise for Independiente winger Mancuello, whose late goal came on his international debut for Argentina.

"We spoke to Federico about the system we were going to play and how we wanted him to play," said the coach.

"He is a good boy, an intelligent player, and it brought joy to see him score because we know he really appreciates this opportunity. We are very happy with him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Let me get on with my job - Conte

Antonio Conte said he wanted to focus on coaching Italy after a turbulent week ended with a 2-2 draw away to Bulgaria in Euro 2016 qualifying on Saturday.The Azzurri looked set for a costly defeat before debutant Eder came off the bench to curl home a wonderful equaliser with just six minutes remaining.

However, Conte remained underwhelmed after the game having been subjected to death threats from Juventus fans over the internet earlier this week.

Supporters blamed his training methods for Claudio Marchisio's knee ligament injury, which he sustained in training on Friday, despite the Italian leading the club to three league titles during his time in charge in Turin."Some things obviously hurt, all I ask is that I'm allowed to work in peace," he said after the game.

"I just want to work and do my job better to get the better results I want. I do not want to talk about it and I will remain silent."On his side's performance in Sofia, Conte added: "It was a good test from all points of view: intensity, play, possession and chances.

"I'm sorry about the result because we created so many chances, although you have to translate this to goals. I did not like the result, we deserved the win."
The draw leaves Italy second in Group H, two points behind leaders Croatia.

 

[us6754]

"We must attack" kiyala ara Tiki Taka magulama play karanna gatthoth thamai epa wenne​

tiki taka won them the world cup dude.But its now worked out by other teams

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bale: Wales showed how good we are

Gareth Bale has warned Wales there is still plenty of work to do after his excellent individual performance helped Chris Coleman's side go top of Euro 2016 qualifying Group B with an excellent 3-0 victory away to Israel.

Real Madrid star Bale has been much maligned by the club's supporters and the Spanish media in recent weeks as the Liga giants have struggled for form in 2015.

But the former Tottenham man was at his dazzling best in Haifa, assisting Aaron Ramsey to open the scoring before netting a stunning free-kick and rounding off the scoring in the 77th minute after Israel had Eitan Tibi sent off.

Unbeaten Wales subsequently leapfrogged their opponents to go top of the group, but Bale wants no let-up as they look to qualify for the first major tournament since 1958.

"We knew what a big game it was. A top-of-the-table clash and we don't often say that," he told Sky Sports.

"To come out on top is amazing. We're top of the league and we go on from here.

"The first half was hard and we did a lot of running. We closed them down well and the goal gave us confidence. We came out in the second half buzzing, we played good football and showed how good we are.

"We have put ourselves in a great position, but there is a lot of work to do yet. All we can do is keep fighting and working hard."

One of the biggest positives for Wales was the excellent combination work between Bale and Ramsey throughout and the Arsenal midfielder is already looking ahead to what could be a crucial encounter against Belgium in June.

"We are where we want to be," said Ramsey. "We have had a terrific start to the campaign and we hope we can continue that.

"We have a tough game against Belgium, but we are really looking forward to playing them in June."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

tiki taka won them the world cup dude.But its now worked out by other teams

Yeah but now need a change​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I don't know how to fix Holland - Hiddink

Guus Hiddink has admitted he doesn't know how to solve Netherlands' current problems after they stuttered to a 1-1 draw at home to Turkey in their latest Euro 2016 qualifier.

The Oranje trailed to Burak Yilmaz's strike until well into injury-time, when Wesley Sneijder's strike was deflected home by the head of Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

Holland are now third in Group A, six points behind leaders Czech Republic, with Hiddink stating after the game that his side are nowhere near Europe's best nations.
He said to NOS: "Of course I can get this team back to its best, but at this moment I don't know how yet."It wasn't a good game from us, but I'm satisfied with the result. In the end, this can be a very important draw.

"We shouldn't talk too big about ourselves, because we are not one of the top teams in Europe. The third place at the World Cup in Brazil was fantastic, but you have to look through that result. Look at the reality."

Hiddink was without two of his star men, with Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie both absent through injury, but Sneijder said that was no excuse for the performance at the Amsterdam Arena.

"From the first minute we played to win this game," the Galatasaray midfielder said.
"We dominated posession and created some opportunities but they got only one big chance and they scored immediately. We played the game, but we didn't create enough. Yes, I'm relieved that I scored the equaliser in injury-time.

"In the second half we have we played more opportunistic, especially after Bas Dost came on the pitch. We didn't play bad, but we didn't play good as well. We cannot blame the coach for this result. We have to be sharper and we must not point the finger to someone else. The absence of Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben may not be an excuse as well."The introduction of debutant Bas Dost in the second half was at least a small glimmer of positivity for Holland, with the Wolfsburg striker admitting his special night had been soured by the result.

"I don't have a good feeling, despite my debut for Oranje," he said. "You always hope you can come in, but with this scoreline it wasn't ideal. With the long balls we created some danger and we could have even won this one.

"At home against Turkey we are obliged to win, but we didnt. It was my first time that I was in the squad so I just try to give my best. We are kind of sad right now, but we have to be happy with a point after all."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Fellaini strikes twice as Belgium coast past Cyprus

Marouane Fellaini scored twice for Belgium as they thrashed Cyprus 5-0 to climb up to third place in Group C in the race to qualify for Euro 2016.

Christian Benteke, Eden Hazard and Michy Batshuayi also got on the scoresheet as the Red Devils moved to within three points of Wales in top spot.

The Manchester United midfielder opened the scoring in the 21st minute as he spun in the box and drilled a finish low into the corner. He later curled in a beautiful effort from just outside the box to make the scores 3-0, after Aston Villa striker Benteke nodded in Belgium's second.

Hazard added a fourth after dancing his way through a number of Cypriot challenges and placing a shot past the goalkeeper, before 21-year-old Marseille striker Batshuayi scored the fifth late on.

The victory now gives Belgium the chance to leap to the top of the table with victory against Israel on Tuesday night.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I want Valdes to get a chance at Man Utd, says Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque has admitted that he wishes Manchester United goalkeeper Victor Valdes was benefiting from more game time with the Red Devils.

The Spanish goalkeeper joined Louis Van Gaal's side on an 18-month contract in January but has yet to make an appearance for the senior side.

And his coach at international level regrets the fact that the 33-year-old is not getting any meaningful playing action.

"I know that he is training. I try to look whether he is on the United bench and I can see that he is currently a substitute," he told Cadena Cope.

“I wish him to play because he has always had sensational behaviour with Spain. I would like him to enjoy his job [rather than being on the bench] because at his age it is important to be active."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

I want Valdes to get a chance at Man Utd, says Del Bosque

Valdes ta chance 1ka denawa U21 wala​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Austin: I wasn't surprised by England snub

QPR striker Charlie Austin admits he was not surprised to miss out on a place in Roy Hodgson's England squad to face Lithuania and Italy.

The 25-year-old has scored 15 goals this season, despite his side's struggles, and was tipped to gain full international honours this month, though he did not see his form rewarded.

Harry Kane did receive a call-up and came off the bench to score in the 4-0 win over Lithuania, and Austin concedes that the Tottenham striker could not be overlooked.

He told Soccer AM: "I think, if you look at the strikers, there are three who pick themselves. [Wayne] Rooney, [Daniel] Sturridge and [Danny] Welbeck.

"And then you are going to pick Harry Kane, the form he is in, he has been incredible this season. So no, I did not expect to be picked."

Austin, though, insists he will continue to fight to earn an England call-up, having been playing non-league football just six years ago.

"It was my dream six years ago, to progress myself through, and try to play as high as I can," he added.

"If you had said six years ago, 'you will be playing in the Premier League', I would have said you are being daft.

"It is every kid's dream to be a footballer and hopefully I can make the step into international football. That is what I am trying to do."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France won't lose again - Deschamps

Didier Deschamps is confident his France side will return to winning ways against Denmark after watching them lose 3-1 to Brazil in a friendly on Thursday night.
The Euro 2016 hosts led through Raphael Varane's early goal, but strikes from Oscar, Neymar and Luiz Gustavo saw the Selecao record a seventh straight victory.

However, Deschamps doesn't believe the result will have any bearing on Sunday's qualifier and revealed he would be making several changes to the starting XI.

"When you have a bad performance, sometimes you have to wait a long time to set it right, but we have another game three days later," he said at a press conference. "It will be a different team to Brazil when we face Denmark.

"We have the same goal, to be as efficient as possible. I'm not blind, I know what we missed against Brazil. We will not get used to losing."The coach insists he is not concerned with friendly results, insisting that he is concentrating on getting the team in shape for next year's tournament.

"I am logical. I'm not thinking in the short term, I think of June 2016, about the Euros."I make a lot of changes that may affect the collective goal, but I must also see players in each situation and who can start matches."

Deschamps also admitted that Karim Benzema and Patrice Evra could miss Sunday's match, with Benoit Tremoulinas set to replace the left-back.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Dunga: Neymar will be judged on World Cup wins

Brazil coach Dunga says the team will help Neymar become the nation's all-time top goalscorer, but warned that the only number that will really matter come the end of his career is how many World Cups he has won.

The Barcelona striker has netted eight of Brazil’s 17 goals since Dunga’s arrival as coach in July 2014, inspiring the Selecao to seven consecutive victories.

But for all his fine individual form, 1994 World Cup-winning captain Dunga says all Neymar should really concern himself with is becoming a world champion.
“We do hope he becomes Brazil’s record goalscorer and we will try and help him to do that,” Dunga told a press conference.“But the number of goals he scores won’t be a problem – it’s about how many World Cups he wins.”

The 23-year-old now has 43 goals in 61 internationals and is widely tipped to eclipse Pele’s total of 77 official international strikes by the time he hangs up his boots.

He is expected to start Sunday’s Chevrolet Brasil Global tour clash with Chile at the Emirates Stadium in London, though Dunga refused to be drawn on whether he would change his side less than three days on from Thursday’s 3-1 victory over France in Paris.“In principle we intend to change the team a little bit because we only have 72 hours since the last game… We have to wait and see what the recovery time is for each individual.”

Arsenal’s Gabriel Paulista is hoping to make his international debut, but Dunga says the fact that the defender has the chance to appear in his home stadium will have no bearing on the team’s selection.“He’s been in very good form,” Dunga said.

“We have been observing him since he was in Spain and he has been playing very well. But just because he is playing at his home ground it does not mean he will play. If we picked players depending on where we play then the team would be constantly changing."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ibe eyes Liverpool return

Jordon Ibe is confident of playing a part in Liverpool's Premier League run-in after returning to light training following a knee injury.

The teenage winger spent the majority of the first half of the season on loan at Championship side Derby County, before returning to Anfield in January.

Ibe made a significant impact on Merseyside following his return, making five Premier League appearances, but he saw his progress hampered when he sustained a knee injury during the Europa League defeat to Besiktas on February 26.

Liverpool have yet to put a timescale on a potential return but, having stepped up his rehabilitation, Ibe hopes to return to action before the end of the season.

"I'm enjoying training and hopefully I can push on now, keep doing the gym sessions and hopefully get back into training soon and play again," Ibe told Liverpool's official website.

"I was a bit nervous coming back because I hadn't been out on the grass for four weeks, but everything is going well.

"It was the ligament on the side of my knee and they said I could be out for six to eight weeks, but everything has gone smoothly from here and hopefully I can crack on now and get back in action.

"Things happen for a reason so hopefully I can just learn from this, build up the strength in my knee and come back stronger and hopefully be even better."