..::Football III::..

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Nani: Portugal had to win

Portugal beat Serbia 2-1 on Sunday night to move top of Group I in Euro 2016 qualification and afterwards Luis Nani admitted it was a game his side had to win.
The hosts led through Ricardo Carvalho's 10th minute goal but a superb strike from Nemanja Matic made it 1-1 on 61 minutes.

However, Portugal replied within two minutes as Fabio Coentrao scored the winner and sent his side above second-placed Denmark after four group games.
He said: "We had to win! We are used to conceding goals from set pieces but were able to get back on track because we were all well aware we had to win this match.

"Matic's goal could have destroyed us but we had to keep calm and we managed to do that. We were strong, superior, knew what we wanted and got that in the end!"Assistant coach Ilido Vale took charge of Portugal in the absence of the suspended Fernando Santos and dedicated the result to the Seleccao boss.

"We never doubted we will qualify for Euro and this moves us one step closer," he added."We played against a tough, quality opponent, but what can I say: we are better and deserved to win.

"We dedicade this victory to our coach Santos. No, I haven't spoken to him or exchanged text messages during the match, we got it all prepared. It is easy when you have such great players!"

 

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Muller unhappy with Germany wastefulness

Thomas Muller conceded that Germany were wasteful in front of goal after they overcame Georgia 2-0 in Euro 2016 qualifying on Sunday.Muller doubled Germany's advantage a minute before half-time after Marco Reus had opened the scoring five minutes earlier.

Their lead was never threatened and Joachim Low's men eased to a victory that moves them within a point of Group D leaders Poland, despite missing a host of further chances.

Muller said to the German Football Association's (DFB) website: "I think the key to our success was that we spent a lot of time in their half. We didn't always play the right pass and we lost the ball too often.

"In the second half we could have made it easier for ourselves. I have mixed feelings because we started strongly but didn't manage to score after the break. However, it is nice to climb up the table."

Low echoed the Bayern Munich forward's sentiments, adding: "If you looked at the table ahead of the game you would have seen that we had to win today.

"I was happy with how we played in the first half. We combined well and looked dangerous. After the break we were a bit sloppy and made a few mistakes. Georgia stayed deep and made it difficult for us."

 

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It's football, not UFC - Neymar angered by rough treatment

Neymar accused Chile of employing "UFC" tactics after he was on the end of some rough treatment during Brazil's 1-0 friendly victory at the Emirates Stadium.

Roberto Firmino's 72nd minute strike was enough for the Selecao to extend their winning streak to eight matches, but the major talking point was Gary Medel's stamp on Neymar.

The Inter midfielder appeared to tread on the Barcelona star during a first half altercation, but escaped without caution, much to Neymar's dismay.

"This wasn't a game of football," he said. "It's meant to be football not UFC. The referee is there to stop these things from happening, but there were four referees and none of them saw anything!"It seems we have to suffer. I am a sufferer!"

Medel, meanwhile, rejected the post-match protests of the 23-year-old in a scathing response on Twitter, in which he accused him of "theatre"."Tackles are normal in a game. Some players do theatre, others play football ... it's a pity that not everyone gets on with the game."

The victory means Brazil boss Dunga has won every game since taking over from Luiz Felipe Scolari following last summer's World Cup.

 

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Dunga: Brazil have won nothing yet

In the aftermath of Brazil's 1-0 victory over Chile at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, Dunga warned his team they have achieved nothing yet.

Roberto Firmino scored the only goal of the game to secure the Selecao's eighth consecutive victory since Dunga succeeded Luiz Felipe Scolari following last year’s World Cup.

But despite presiding over impressive victories against Argentina and France, the former midfielder is keen to not get carried away.“We have not won anything yet,” he told a press conference.

“But we are looking good. We are building a competitive national team that is clearing obstacles and working well as a team.

“Against France we went behind in their home stadium, but we came back and got the result. Today, we changed six players, Chile put us under pressure and the team did not lose our stability. “We remained in shape and waited for the chance to attack our opponents.”

Hoffenheim striker Firmino hit the winning goal for the second time in just four Brazil appearances, having grabbed a late winner to secure a 2-1 November victory over Austria, and Dunga says he and his staff are delighted with the way the 23-year-old has settled into the group.

“We were watching Firmino for some time,” he said.“We knew the characteristics he has and he was introduced to the team gradually, which I think greatly helped his performance.

“He is a plyer who looks comfortable. As I said the first time he was called, he can sniff out a goal. He played well and took up some good positions."

 

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Mourinho demands perfection from Chelsea - Zouma

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho demands perfection from each of his players, says defender Kurt Zouma.

The youngster has been eased into the Blues' first team in his debut season at Stamford Bridge, sometimes playing in midfield instead of centre-back, and admits that his boss is not an easy taskmaster.

"Mourinho puts pressure on all his players. It is very demanding - he wants perfection from everyone," the Frenchman told L'Equipe. "He won't let you take a month to fix something.

"In defence, he asked me to move tactically, to be well placed to listen to the older players around me, John Terry and Gary Cahill.

"Initially, in midfield, I was obsessed with the ball - I was not paying enough attention to the players behind me - but it's something I've been working on. In midfield, it's different. He asks me to use my power and stay in place to help the defence.

"I've learned to hate losing," the 20-year-old continued. "The only thing you get when you lose is the right to eat in the evening. When we play at Chelsea, we should not accept losing."

Zouma is winning over the fans at Stamford Bridge but feels that he has a long way still to go, particularly if he wants to secure a place in the France squad when they host Euro 2016, and the former Saint-Etienne man knows that displacing one of Terry and Cahill may be necessary.

"It's good to see that the fans know my name now," he remarked. "Maybe my physicality impresses them a little, yes, but it will have to stay impressive throughout my career, otherwise it is useless.

"I know that we are talking about me but I really have to be very careful with that because it can play tricks on you. Anyway, I was taught not to get carried away with myself - if I did, I'd get a thrashing.

"Honestly, I think I have to play a little more for Chelsea to make the France squad for Euro 2016. We have many, many players in contention to be worthy of such an event so I'll make a big effort.

"It's normal that Cahill and Terry like to play together - I also like to play with them. They're really beefy, they have the experience, but, when you have a goal, do not look at who is in your way. You have to fight, that's all."

 

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I'll stay if I'm wanted, Smalling tells Man Utd

Chris Smalling has insisted he is willing to stay at Manchester United for "as long as the club want me".

The centre-back's contract is due to expire at the end of next season, with talks yet to begin over an extension.

Arsenal have been linked with the England international but he insists that he is committed to the Red Devils.

"My contract is one that I have not really discussed with anyone," Smalling told reporters ahead of the Three Lions' friendly against Italy on Tuesday.

"The manager is showing his faith in me and, if I am playing, I'm happy. We have got another eight games left in the Premier League season so we will look to finish as strong as we can.

"I do see my long-term future at United. I am enjoying it, I have always enjoyed playing for United, especially at the minute. If I can contribute, as now, then I am happy to stay as long as they want me."

Smalling has made 18 Premier League appearances for Louis van Gaal's men this term.

 

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Hummels: I'm considering my Dortmund future

Mats Hummels has confessed he is considering leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and heavily hinted it will be for a club outside of the Bundesliga.

The centre-back, 26, has been considered one of the top defenders in world football for years but has so far resisted overtures from an array of clubs to stay at Signal Iduna Park.However, with Dortmund looking likely to finish well short of the top four this season and interest from clubs such as Manchester United reported to be strong, Hummels suggested this summer could see him depart his native Germany.

"I have had many conversations with the leaders of Dortmund, where I know I am a big part of the team," he told Kicker. "But I am yet to make a decision about my future.

"I'm being open about this because I'm not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club.

"I will do what is best for my career and what I would like to do. Everyone knows how much I love it at Dortmund, but I also want to make sure I'm part of a strong team with powerful players.

"Whether we are in the Champions League, the Europa League or have no European football at all, it will play no part in my decision-making.

"Some days I think I would definitely like to move abroad. But then other days I think I don't fancy it at all. Basically... I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well-being. Eventually, I'd like to leave the Bundesliga."

Hummels also looked ahead to Saturday's derby with Bayern Munich, which will have very little sway on the German league title due to Dortmund's poor 2014-15 results."We are not as good as in previous years," he added. "We need a very good performance against the Bavarians. While in previous years perhaps just a good day was enough to win against them."

Hummels has played under Jurgen Klopp's Dortmund since making his loan move from Bayern - where he progressed through the youth system - permanent in 2009.

Reports suggest BVB could charge up to €45 million this summer for clubs interested in the Germany international.

 

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Hummels: I'm considering my Dortmund future

Please come to Manchester United!​

 

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Inter need five star signings for Serie A title challenge - Brozovic

Marcelo Brozovic believes Inter need half of their squad overhauling with top players if they are to challenge for the Scudetto once again.

The Nerazzurri last won Serie A in 2009-10 - when Jose Mourinho won an historic treble - and they have not been involved in a title race for four years having
slumped into mid-table obscurity.

Walter Mazzarri was fired earlier this season with former coach Mancini – who enjoyed a fruitful spell in charge at San Siro several years ago – brought back to revive their flagging season, but the move has failed as Inter sit down in 10th with 10 games to go.

Brozovic signed for Inter in the winter transfer window from Dinamo Zagreb and he praised the current coach, but accepted that a summer spending spree might be needed to return the club to Italy's summit."Working with Mancini is very enjoyable," the midfielder told Vecernji List . "He is a top coach and I don't have any problems with him.

"I hope that we can challenge for the Scudetto next season, we will see. But we need five more top players to get back to the top."We have Mateo Kovacic already, of course. He's injured now but I think he will be back fit in five or six days."

Brozovic, called up to Croatia's squad during the international break, is happy with how he has personally played under Mancini in 2015 but lamented how good performances have not been rewarded with positive results."I always play the same and I always give my all," he added. "Inter don't play in the same way as Croatia, but even when Inter put in a good showing we are unable to get a good result. I believe it will soon get better, though."

The 22-year-old started for Croatia in their 5-1 thrashing of Norway in Euro 2016 qualification on Saturday.

 

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Wenger: I sit at home and sulk when Arsenal lose

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says he just sits around and sulks at his home for days after a defeat.

Wenger faced criticism from supporters before ending a nine-year trophy wait last season, with former player Emmanuel Petit last week admitting the club has been left disappointed "year after year".

Arsenal have impressed lately in the league but were dumped out of the Champions League by Monaco, and Wenger revealed he is his harshest critic with tough defeats affecting his home life for days.

"I never go out after we lose, I just sit at home miserably and think about why we lost," Wenger told Arsenal magazine, as quoted by the Sunday Mirror.

"I’ve had periods where I’ve stayed at home for two or three days. If we have not got a game for a while, and we have lost, there are times when I have not gone out for days.

"It really hurts. If it does not, you will never survive in the game.

"People who live around you suffer with you, so the only thing I can do is try to get out of other people’s way.

"I try to be like a dog who is sick – I go away into quarantine and come back when I’m cured!"

 

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Kane has captivated the whole country - Rooney

Wayne Rooney has admitted that he did not expect Harry Kane to make such an instant impact in an England shirt - but says the whole country is now captivated by his form.

The Tottenham striker, who leads the Premier League scoring charts with Diego Costa on 19 goals, scored just 79 seconds after coming off the bench in England's 4-0 win over Lithuania on Friday.

And Rooney was full of praise for his new international colleague.

"It's incredible, really. You can feel the excitement around the country," he said.

"You could tell when he came on everyone wanted him there, and we are all delighted for him. He's an exciting player.

"I said to him when I came off, 'Go and get yourself a goal' - but even he didn't think he'd score so quick!

"I think there are things I could say to help him but there are things you have to learn on your own too, which I am sure he will do in the next year or two.

"He is obviously a little bit older than I was, and a bit wiser, as I was 16 or 17 when I came in.

"I think people try to help you but it is best on your own. When you are a young lad you do make mistakes and you have to learn from them because it will make you a better player."

 

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Liverpool contract negotiations 'not an issue', says Henderson

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has insisted he wants to extend his contract at Anfield and play for the club for "many years".

The 24-year-old is now seen as an integral part of the club having established himself as a regular, and is widely tipped to be replace the departing Steven Gerrard as captain.

Henderson's contract is set to expire at the end of next season and the two parties are yet to agree terms, but the midfielder insists he wants to extend his stay and hopes a deal will be agreed soon.

"It's definitely not an issue," he told reporters when asked about negotiations. "I love playing football for Liverpool and I want to be there for many years.

"In terms of my contract, I think everybody else will make a big deal of it. But, for me it's just letting my agent and the club talk, and whenever it gets sorted it gets sorted.

"All I want to do is my best for club and country. It's definitely not a distraction. For me, playing football is all I've ever wanted to do and contracts and stuff can be sorted out by clubs and agents.

"Hopefully this can get done soon. All I want to do is concentrate on my football and not let this get in the way."

The England international could be promoted from his role as vice-captain with Gerrard moving to LA Galaxy in the summer, yet Henderson insists he is relaxed over the decision.

"I don't know if I'm going to be captain and that is up to the manager.

"We've got a lot of leaders and a lot of good characters in the team. Of course it would be an honour for me to do that."

 

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Bale: I have nothing to prove to Madrid boo-boys

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale insists he does not need to impress his critics after scoring two goals while on international duty for Wales on Saturday.

The 25-year-old has faced heavy criticism from supporters and Spanish media alike after the club's stuttering start to the year, having been booed by Santiago Bernabeu fans and with supporters venting their frustration by attacking his car last Sunday.

Bale hit a double against Israel on Saturday, including a stunning free kick, as his side secured a 3-0 win in their European Championship qualifier, but he does not feel pressured to perform.

"I don't need to answer the critics," he told reporters. "I know, and everyone around me knows, what I can do.

"There are ups and downs in football, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and all you can do is respond with your performances on the pitch, like that.

"I don't feel I need to prove anyone wrong or right, I just need to play my football. I love playing for Wales, it's a big honour and the most important thing is I focus on my football.

"I don't listen to anyone else, what they're saying, just enjoy my football with the boys."

Bale has now scored 16 goals in 47 appearances for his country, pushing him to joint-sixth on the all-time goalscoring list, but admits he is not thinking about surpassing record-holder Ian Rush, with 28.

He said: "It's obviously great to score for Wales and all that comes with it but the most important thing was the victory.

"We put a great performance in, just worked hard, every single player on the pitch deserves the credit."

 

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Rooney must match Charlton to become England great, says Hodgson

England striker Wayne Rooney must perform at a major international tournament to be considered a great like Bobby Charlton, warns manager Roy Hodgson.

Rooney moved within two of all-time leading goalscorer, Charlton, with 49 goals, after opening the scoring as England routed Lithuania 4-0 in Friday's Euro 2016 Group E qualifier at Wembley.

Hodgson believes Rooney must improve on his record of never progressing beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament in five attempts to become an England great like Charlton, who won the 1966 World Cup.

He said: "To do it [become an England great], a player would have to be very successful at a European Championship or World Cup as Bobby Charlton was.

"People would argue Bobby was England's best ever player - there wouldn't be many of my age who would have him outside the top three.

"If Wayne can break into that in the future when he stops playing, then that is fantastic for him.

"Bobby Charlton, for me, is up there on a pedestal and it will take time for any of the modern-day players to get up to that level."

Hodgson added: "He will be remembered. We don't have that many players who have played 100 games for England or captained England.

"Don't worry about Wayne Rooney not being remembered - he will be."

 

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Manchester United are my concern, not Juventus - Falcao

Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao has played down speculation over a move to Juventus and insisted he is focused on playing for Louis van Gaal's side.

The 29-year-old has largely disappointed in the Premier League since his big-money loan move from AS Monaco, with a return of just four goals in 19 games from all competitions.

However, Falcao - who was back among the goals with a four-minute double for Colombia on Thursday - insists he is 100 per cent committed to his stay at Old Trafford, despite talk of a move away.

"Juventus looking for me? They talk a lot, but now I'm focused 100% on Manchester United," he told Colombia's Radio Caracol.

The striker has struggled for starts at his new club and has been left out of Van Gaal's United starting line-up since February, including crucial matches again Liverpool and Arsenal in recent weeks.

He admitted earlier this week that he needs to be at a club where he can play more regularly and, once again, reiterated his desire for more first-team football with just eight games left to play this season.

He continued: "Before the end of the season there are some crucial matches and I hope that this situation will change."

United play local rivals City on April 12 before vital games against Chelsea and Arsenal as they seek to finish in one of the Champions League qualification spots.

The Red Devils' first game following the international break is against Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Saturday.

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2015.03.30

International Friendly Fixtures 2015.03.30

Colombia Vs Kuwait

Qatar Vs Slovenia

Macedonia Vs Australia

Puerto Rico Vs Canada​

 

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FYR Macedonia 0-0 Australia: Socceroos shut out in Skopje

The Socceroos have been held to a dour 0-0 draw by a stubborn FYR Macedonia in Skopje on Tuesday.

In a match of very few clear-cut chances, Australia were the better side but lacked the same cutting edge they showed against Germany last week.It was a fifth game in succession without defeat for the Socceroos and their final hit-out before the World Cup qualifying campaign begins in June.

Australia missed the energy and quality they showed in Kaiserslautern – especially in midfield - with the home side making it hard by sitting deep and keeping players behind the ball.The small crowd also didn't help the occasion, with no real atmosphere inside the Nacional Arena Filip II Makendinski Stadium.

Ange Postecoglou made six changes to the side which drew 2-2 with the world champions, including handing a debut to Adelaide United's Tarek Elrich at right-back.

Adam Federici started in goal, Aziz Behich, Aaron Mooy and Asian Cup heroes Trent Sainsbury and Massimo Luongo also came into the XI.After a scrappy start it was the Socceroos who created the first real chance on 12 minutes, with the front three all involved.

Mathew Leckie found Nathan Burns on the right and the Wellington Phoenix attacked burst into the box and finding James Troisi, but his snap shot took was deflected wide of goal.

The bumpy surface was making it difficult for the visitors to play their quick tempo, passing game and the quality of the contest suffered as a result.Federici wasn't tested in the first half while FYR Macedonia gloveman Martin Bogatinov was only called on once to deny Burns on the half-hour mark.

After winning a free-kick on the left wing, Burns picked himself up to get the ball short before turning past a couple of defenders and surging into the box, only to shoot straight at Bogatinov.

The second half started in a similar vein to the first, with the Socceroos enjoying most of the possession and trying to unlock FYR Macedonia’s compact defence.
Leckie almost did that 12 minutes after the break, getting on the end of Burns' cross but his far-post header sailed just over the bar.

The FC Ingolstadt man went even closer midway through the half, turning brilliantly on Behich’s ball into the box, with Leckie’s powerful low drive forcing substitute keeper Kristijan Naumovski into a smart save.

With nine minutes to go, impressive teenager Chris Ikonomidis was brought on for his international debut, becoming Socceroo No.579 in the process.But not even the Lazio winger’s youthful exuberance could spring the contest to life late on as both sides were content to play out a stalemate.

Now all the focus will be on the World Cup qualifying draw in Kuala Lumpur on April 14 before taking the first steps on the long road to Russia 2018 in June.

 

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England U21s 3-2 Germany U21s: Ward-Prowse winner caps stunning comeback

James Ward-Prowse struck eight minutes from full-time to secure a dramatic victory for England Under-21s against their German counterparts.

Goals from Philipp Hoffman twice gave the visitors the lead, only for Jesse Lingard and Nathan Redmond to net equalisers before Southampton midfielder Ward-Prowse struck late on to send the Riverside Stadium wild.

Both sides were looking for a morale-boosting victory ahead of the summer's European Championship, though neither team were at their strongest due to senior call-ups.

After a cagey start to affairs, Germany took the lead with their first real opportunity.

Christian Gunter was given room to cross from the left-hand side, and Hofmann was given time to take the ball down on the edge of the area and arrow a shot into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Jonathan Bond helpless.

That strike sparked the home side into life, and Marc-Andre ter Stegen had to be alert to divert Lingard's controlled volley round the post following Nathan Redmond's deep cross from the left.

The Young Lions continued to create opportunities as the first half wore on, with Ter Stegen pushing a Danny Ings effort wide before making a fine double-save to deny Lingard and Ben Gibson from the resulting corner.

Gareth Southgate's side eventually found the equaliser their play deserved as Carl Jenkinson broke into the Germany box before squaring for Lingard, and the midfielder slotted into the bottom corner.

At the ther end, Bond was forced into a save by Emre Can's 20-yard free kick as the sides went in level at the break.

Germany introduced Arsenal winger Serge Gnabry at half-time, and they again moved ahead five minutes into the second period as Hofmann poked home from close range following Julian Korb's cross.

Retaking the lead seemed to settle the visitors, and they dominated possession for long periods, with long-range shots from Ings and Redmond England's only meaningful efforts in the half hour that followed Hoffman's strike.

All signs pointed to a comfortable win for Germany as they kept the ball well in midfield, only for Redmond to see his shot from the edge of the area nestle in the bottom corner via a deflection.

And just three minutes later Ward-Prowse sparked wild scenes as he placed a shot past Ter Stegen as Jenkinson again got forward and found a man on the edge of the area.

Ings should really have made it 4-2 in the final minute as he struck straight at Ter Stegen after the goalkeeper spilled Alex Pritchard's effort, but Southgate's side were not made to pay.

 

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Colombia 3-1 Kuwait: Spot-on Falcao equals Iguaran record

Radamel Falcao was on the scoresheet again as Colombia saw off a plucky Kuwait side 3-1 in Monday's friendly in Abu Dhabi.

The striker scored twice as Colombia hammered Bahrain 6-0 last Thursday and he continued a productive international break with an emphatic penalty in the 73rd minute.

There was more than an air of contention about the spot-kick, with the former Atletico Madrid man seemingly fouled by Musaed Al Enazi outside of the penalty area.

Falcao has endured a frustrating season on loan at Manchester United from Monaco, but his third goal in two games saw him equal Arnoldo Iguaran's record of 25 goals for Colombia.

Abel Aguilar's sensational volley put Colombia ahead, only for Al Enazi to bundle home an equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

Abdullah Al Buraiki struck the post for Kuwait shortly after the restart, but Colombia - ranked 122 places above their opponents in the Fifa world rankings - moved back in front thanks to Edwin Cardona's strike from distance in the 68th minute, before Falcao's spot-kick wrapped up the win.

Jose Pekerman's men controlled possession in the early stages and fired the first warning when Falcao shifted the ball on to his right foot and shot wide of the right-hand post in the 10th minute.

Kuwait created little going forward, although Bader Al Mutawa did have tentative penalty claims waved away after going to ground from Carlos Sanchez's shoulder charge.

But it was the South American side who deservedly made the breakthrough in the 21st minute. Juan Quintero's free-kick was only half cleared and Aguilar guided an exquisite side-footed volley into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.
Colombia remained in the ascendancy and Carlos Bacca had the ball in the back of the net, only to be denied by an offside flag.

However, they were hit by a sucker punch on the stroke of half-time when Al Enazi poked home Al Buraiki's corner, with that goal appearing to revitalise Kuwait, who started the second half at a high tempo.

Al Buraiki should have hit the target as he hit a wild shot over the crossbar when one-on-one, but the striker was desperately unlucky to see a fine left-footed effort from distance rebound off the right-hand post.

Colombia regained control thereafter and Cardona's accurate 25-yard drive nestled in the bottom left-hand corner with goalkeeper Hameed Youssef rooted to the spot.

Pekerman's side were then afforded the chance to open up a two-goal cushion when referee Sultan Abdulrazaq Al Marzouqi wrongly adjudged that Al Enazi had chopped down Falcao in the penalty area, with replays suggesting the contact occurred just outside the area.

The Manchester United striker took full advantage as he thumped the resulting spot-kick into the top left-hand corner to secure a sixth straight victory for Colombia.

 

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Competition makes it tough for Fabregas, says Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque admits the competition in Spain's midfield means Cesc Fabregas may never be an automatic selection for the national side.

The Chelsea star was left on the bench for the entire 90 minutes during La Roja's 1-0 Euro 2016 qualification victory over Ukraine on Friday and then told reporters on Monday that he had never felt like he had a secure role when playing for his country.

Fabregas was forced to leave Barcelona with the likes of Xavi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta preferred in central midfield and Del Bosque says the quality in Spain's engine room makes it difficult for players like the ex-Arsenal man to become regulars.

He said: "Fabregas is one of the players who is named in the squad regularly, but there was much competition in the midfield area in 2012, when we played six midfielders.

"There are less midfield places now that we play with a striker, so sometimes he is picked and at other times we play someone else."Del Bosque also hinted he was frustrated at the criticism his side are receiving for their performances since the World Cup in Brazil.

The coach added: "In the past, we used to get positive criticism - now the emphasis is on all of the negative aspects. When the criticism is unanimous, maybe they are right."

Del Bosque, who insists he is not seeking revenge against Netherlands in Tuesday's friendly, will make a number of changes to his side for the match, with Vitolo and Juanmi set to make their first appearances for Spain.