..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.20

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.20

-------------------------------------------

Uruguay Vs Paraguay

Argentina Vs Jamaica

​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Neymar banned for rest of Copa America after Colombia red card

A disciplinary panel of the South American confederation ruled on Friday that he must sit out four games for violent conduct after the sending off, ruling him out of the remainder of the competition even if Brazil reach the final.In addition to his ban, the 23-year-old was also fined $10,000. Brazil have the right to appeal the ruling.

The Barcelona forward picked up a red card after kicking the ball at Colombia's Pablo Armero after the final whistle in Colombia's 1-0 victory over Brazil on Wednesday. He also appeared to headbutt Jeison Murillo.Brazil play their final group game on Sunday against Venezuela. If they advance to the knockout rounds they could only play a maximum of three more games.

Brazil are tied on points with Colombia, Venezuela and Peru heading into the last group game.

 

[rcccc]

Chile 5-0 Bolivia: Rampant hosts cruise through as group winners


.

Chile patta

 

[rcccc]

Neymar banned for rest of Copa America after Colombia red card

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City to make take-it-or-leave-it €63m Sterling offer

Manchester City are prepared to make a final take-it-or-leave-it offer of £45 million (€63m) for Liverpool's wantaway forward Raheem Sterling, Goal understands.

City have so far seen initial package offers of £30m (€42m) and £35m (€49m) dismissed, but believe an offer comprising a larger up-front payment of £40m (€56m) plus add-ons amounting to around £5m (€7m) could get the deal done.

Sterling, for his part, has made it clear to the Liverpool hierarchy that he wants to leave - though he has yet to go as far as submitting an official transfer request.

The 20-year-old could yet do so in a bid to force Liverpool's hand, with the player thought to be increasingly desperate to resolve his exit from the Anfield club.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers would be happy to sanction a sale at £45m (€63m), with his eye cast firmly on bringing Nathaniel Clyne and Christian Benteke in.

The manager - whose power base at the club has been reduced as part of a management reshuffle following last season's sixth-place finish - is concerned that the Sterling saga could scupper his bid to bring the Southampton right-back and Aston Villa forward to Anfield if the situation continues unresolved through the summer.

With James Milner and Danny Ings already signed up and Joe Gomez coming in from Charlton, Rodgers hopes the signings of Clyne and Benteke will really see his squad start to take shape ahead of the new season.

City are aware of this, but refuse themselves to be hamstrung in their efforts to overhaul their squad by getting caught up in a summer-long bidding war.

There is a belief that their new proposal could see a deal for Sterling completed in the next few days.

England international Sterling fits the bill perfectly for City, not least as he will boost a homegrown quota at the Etihad weakened by the departures of James Milner and Dedryck Boyata.

The club also see him as the perfect foil for star forward Sergio Aguero as part of a new frontline that they hope will also include Kevin De Bruyne - described exclusively to Goal this week as a "phenomenal talent" by City captain Vincent Kompany.

Paul Pogba also tops City's wish list this summer, with Jack Wilshere - as revealed by Goal in March - also a target. Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph is being monitored as a back-up option, while Tottenham left-back Danny Rose continues to interest the Etihad outfit.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sterling nam over overpriced​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sampaoli: Dominant Chile now at their best

Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli believes his team reached a "much higher level" in their 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia on Friday.

Goals from Alexis Sanchez, Gary Medel, an own goal by Ronald Raldes and two from Charles Aranguiz helped the Copa America hosts to all three points in Santiago, securing top spot in Group A.

Sampaoli was full of praise for his players, who followed up their 2-0 win over Ecuador with a 3-3 draw against Mexico.

"We were in control throughout the game. We were very strong, something we were lacking before. It was a great game for us. We were on an incredibly high level," Sampaoli said."The team dominated, like in the other games. But we were on a much higher level."Chile will not change its style for the quarter-finals. Playing like this is the only way to beat the big teams we will meet from here on.

"We will now get ready for our next opponent. We scored a lot of goals against Mexico and did the same today. But we have to keep an eye on the balance of the team."

Sampaoli lauded Jorge Valdivia following his man-of-the-match performance, while also hailing Aranguiz's role in the comprehensive victory."Jorge has made the necessary physical development," he said.

"They said he could not play for 90 minutes, but he has got a lot of playing time.
"Charles also put in a great performance."Chile will meet the third-placed team from Group B or Group C in their quarter-final in Santiago on Wednesday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Galliani: Kondogbia will cost AC Milan at least €35m

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani says Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia will cost at least €35 million.

The Rossoneri have identified the 22-year-old France international as their top summer target but face competition for his signature from local rivals Inter and reigning Italian champions Juventus.

Galliani was in Monte Carlo on Friday to discuss the deal with Monaco officials but concedes the club have a huge fight on their hands to secure what is looking like increasingly costly deal.

"Whoever wins [will haemorrhage money]. Without wanting to withdraw from the race, the competition has exploded, increasing the price tag and the player's wages,” Galliani told La Gazzetta dello Sport.“We're starting from at €35 million but one can imagine having to go more than €40m. And Kondgobia himself is now asking for maybe a million euro to be convinced.

“I am neither pessimistic nor optimistic. In 30 years of work I've seen too many transfers. Certainly, this is a derby, but it’s like a TIM Trophy because Juve is also involved!”

Both Milan clubs are set to splash the cash following the arrival of new owners as they look to improve on a disappointing campaign for the city which saw both fail to secure European football for next season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kane: I want to be one of the best in the world

Tottenham striker Harry Kane has his heart set on becoming "one of the best players in the world".

The young forward burst into the public consciousness in 2014-15, forcing his way into the England reckoning after a prolific campaign of 31 goals from 51 games for Mauricio Pochettino's side. As revealed by Goal, his form has drawn interest from Manchester United.

Kane is wary of resting on his laurels, however, and is keen to push himself even harder in the years to come to become a truly elite player.

"I've proved to myself that I can do it at the top level this season and that's great confidence to have," he told the Football Association's official website.

"I've physically got better and stronger so things are going well but it doesn't stop here and this is just the start for me.

"I know what I have to do to keep improving and I've got to keep working hard to maintain it and get better throughout the years.

"I want to win trophies and be one of the best players in the world. As any footballer growing up, you want to be the best that you can.

"The top players around the world are doing it week-in and week-out, scoring goals and [putting in] great performances and that's what I want to achieve.

"Sometimes you see players have a good season and they go off the boil, whether that's off the pitch or on it. I'm quite level-headed and never get too high or too low.

"I know what I have to do and I have great support around me that will always keep me in place if that ever did happen."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Milner a 'smart signing' for Liverpool - Kewell

James Milner's knowledge of what it takes to win major titles makes him a "smart signing" for Liverpool, says former Anfield man Harry Kewell.

England international midfielder Milner will move to Merseyside on a free transfer, subject to a medical, upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract on July 1.

During his time at the Etihad Stadium Milner has won the Premier League twice and the FA Cup in 2011.

Kewell, who won the Champions League with Liverpool in 2005, was at Leeds United at the same time as Milner and believes that the 29-year-old will prove a valuable asset to Brendan Rodgers's squad.

"I think it's a good signing," Kewell told the Reds' official website. "James obviously came through when I was at Leeds and I always knew he had that kind of talent. He's got that grit between his teeth, first and foremost. He's got that hunger and desire.

"Obviously, when he left Leeds, he played for a few other teams and he did well, but he didn't get to the potential that I thought he could have done.

"But then going to Manchester City, he kind of just rose up that little bit more and put his name back up there to being one of the best England players again.

"For Liverpool to snatch him up, I think he's going to do wonders.

"I think he can come in there and get respect straight away off the players because he's been there and done it - he's won titles, so he knows what it takes. I think that's a smart signing by Brendan to bring in, to hopefully help the team."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nobody even comes close to Messi – Simeone

Former Argentina international Diego Simeone says Lionel Messi stands alone as the world’s best, insisting nobody else even comes close to the four-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Messi scored from the penalty spot as he captained the Albiceleste to a disappointing 2-2 draw in their Copa America opener against Paraguay last week before helping his side to a 1-0 victory over Uruguay which has seen them qualify for the knockout stage.

Argentina face Jamaica in their final group game on Saturday hoping to secure top spot and Simeone believes Messi is the man to lead Argentina to their first major title in 22 years."Messi is the No.1; no player today can even come close,” Simeone told Tyc.

“Lionel can hopefully lead to Argentina to win the Copa America and then the World Cup.” Simeone went on to add that he considers any comparisons beteween Messi and Diego Maradona are futile.

“Comparisons always serve only the controversy, to set one of them aside is not fair," he added."Maradona and Messi played in different times and in different positions. Messi is much more a striker, Diego was all over the entire pitch.

“They are two extraordinary players. Messi has won four Champions Leagues… you cannot compare these two great players.”Atletico Madrid coach Simeone played 106 times for Argentina, lifting the Copa America in 1991 and 1993.

Messi, who is yet to win a title with Argentina at senior level, will make his 100th appearance for his country against Jamaica.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Official: Liverpool complete Gomez signing

Liverpool have completed the signing of young Charlton defender Joe Gomez.

The 18-year-old becomes Brendan Rodgers' fourth signing of the summer, in a deal believed to be worth £3.5 million (€4.9m).

Goal revealed on Thursday that the Reds were nearing a deal for the England Under-19 international, who has signed a 'long-term' contract at Anfield.

And Gomez told the club's official website: "It's a dream come true. It's a bit surreal and it hasn't really hit me yet. But I'm buzzing and just excited to get started.

"The club has got great history and it's a great club, and one that I've always been following from when I was young.

"The style of football and the top players here was somewhere that I wanted to go and get better and learn, and play good football. It was an easy decision.

"I know the Premier League is obviously a step up but hopefully I can take it in my stride. I know the tempo and the aggression might be a bit higher, but I'm ready to learn and I'm sure training with quality players at Liverpool now is only going to help me get better. So I'm looking forward to it."

The London-born centre-back also says Brendan Rodgers had a sizeable impact on his decision to move to the Reds.

"Being a young player, I know that opportunities can be slim sometimes. But under a manager like Brendan, it speaks for itself," he added. "That's why I was really keen to come here and play under him.

"I have met him once and he seemed really nice. It made me want to come here even more really. He just told me how good it is here and how he thinks he can help me get better, the opportunities I would get."

Gomez made 24 appearances for the Addicks last year in his breakthrough season of professional football.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kondogbia agrees to join Inter

Monaco midfielder Geoffrey Kondogbia has agreed to join Italian giants Inter after snubbing city rivals AC Milan, Goal understands.

Both Milanese clubs have been in negotiations for the 22-year-old midfielder, with Milan originally seen as the favourites to buy him.

Rossoneri CEO Adriano Galliani, who travelled to Monte Carlo to meet with the player on Thursday, complained that Kondogbia would cost upwards of €35 million and bemoaned the player's wage demands.Inter have capitalised on their city rivals' apprehension and are now set to complete the transfer, after he was swayed by a telephone call from Roberto Mancini on Friday.

While the two teams still have to come to a final agreement over the transfer fee, the France international has agreed a five year deal with Inter worth €4m a season plus bonuses. He is set to have a medical on Monday.

Kondogbia spent two seasons at Monaco after joining from Sevilla. The midfielder scored three goals in 33 games in all competitions in 2014-15. He was also of interest to Spanish duo Barcelona and Real Madrid, as well as a number of Premier League clubs, including Tottenham.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Uruguay 1-1 Paraguay: Draw seals quarter-final berth for La Celeste

Uruguay and Paraguay played out a 1-1 draw in Copa America Group B as Oscar Tabarez's men got the point they needed to clinch a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Jose Gimenez powered a header past a helpless Justo Villar to put the tournament holders in front, before Paraguay equalised with a header of their own through Lucas Barrios.

Tabarez's men looked the more likely to claim a crucial second goal, but were forced to settle for a point that is likely to see them meet hosts Chile in the last-eight.

Paraguay's opponents will depend on both the outcome of Argentina's match with Jamaica later on Saturday and the make-up of Group C, which currently sees all four sides level on points after two games each.

Amid a scrappy and keenly-contested opening, clear-cut chances were few and far between until Nelson Valdez failed to convert a Bruno Valdez knock-down from inside the six-yard box.Despite failing to take advantage of the game's first opening, Paraguay nonetheless gained momentum.

Gimenez was required to clear when Nestor Ortigoza did well to find Nelson Valdez before the Atletico Madrid defender showed his quality at the other end as Uruguay edged ahead.

The centre-back rose highest to power home Carlos Sanchez's corner past Villar in the Paraguay goal 29 minutes in.

Gimenez's centre-back partner Sebastian Coates threatened to double the lead, almost connecting with Diego Rolan's deep cross before the latter tested Villar from a corner.

Now on top, Uruguay sought to press home their advantage before the break as Edinson Cavani prodded a shot wide, but it was Paraguay who had the final say in the first half.Barrios outmuscled Gimenez to meet Edgar Benitez's lofted corner and level matters with his second goal of the competition.

Cavani had the first effort of the second half - nodding Maxi Pereira's delivery wide - as the holders piled on the pressure against a Paraguay side shorn of the impressive Ortigoza due to an apparent muscle problem.

Substitute Christian Stuani headed wide, Cavani had a volley saved and Fernando Muslera was also required to save from Derlis Gonzalez in the final moments, as Uruguay now look ahead to likely a quarter-final meeting with unbeaten Group A winners Chile.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Argentina 1-0 Jamaica: Messi wins 100th cap as Albiceleste seal top spot

Argentina celebrated Lionel Messi's 100th cap with a comfortable 1-0 victory over Jamaica to seal top spot in Copa America Group B.All of the attention was on Messi in Vina del Mar on Saturday, as the Argentina captain brought up his international milestone.

But Gonzalo Higuain was the hero for the South Americans, with his 11th-minute strike the difference between the sides as the Albiceleste ended the group stage on seven points.

Argentina boss Gerardo Martino - watching from the stands after receiving a one-match ban for stepping on the field against Uruguay - rested Sergio Aguero and Nicolas Otamendi and drafted in Higuain and Martin Demichelis.

Jamaica made three changes to their line-up after losing to Paraguay midweek, with Dwayne Miller, Lance Laing and Deshorn Brown replacing Dwayne Kerr, Giles Barnes and Simon Dawkins.Higuain was a constant threat early and he made the most of his start up front with a strike in the 11th minute - his first international goal since October last year.

Angel Di Maria rolled the ball into the penalty area and Higuain held off two defenders before turning and shooting low into the corner of the net to end a run of seven matches without a goal for Argentina.

Higuain almost doubled his tally with a looped effort over the onrushing Miller in the 22nd minute, having been played in by Lucas Biglia, but the Napoli striker's shot bounced off the top of the crossbar.

Jamaica struggled to make it out of their own half for much of the first 45 minutes - with Argentina controlling 82 per cent of possession - but they somehow made it to the interval only trailing 1-0, despite chances to centurion Messi and Higuain, while Di Maria was denied by a goal-line clearance and Miller.

The crossbar came to Jamaica's rescue again seven minutes in the second half, after Di Maria rattled the woodwork from the edge of the area, with Miller left watching cluelessly.Di Maria was in the thick of the action shortly after, teeing up Higuain, who passed the ball to Roberto Pereyra, only for the substitute to scuff his shot wide.

Jamaica, surprisingly, finished the stronger of the two teams but were unable to breach Argentina's defence as they exited the tournament without a point and a goal.

But in bad news for Martino's men, Pablo Zabaleta was shown a late yellow card and will miss their quarter-final.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Harry Kane is a magical player'

England Under-21 star Harry Kane has been labelled a "magical player" by Sweden's John Guidetti ahead of Sunday's meeting between the two nations.

The striker has blossomed for Tottenham this season but was unable to prevent the Three Lions losing to Portugal in their first group game of the European Under-21 Championships on Thursday.Sweden, on the other hand, were surprise victors over Portugal, but Guidetti says Kane's finishing ability marks him out as a special player who will pose a significant threat.

"I met Kane at a younger age, he's a very good footballer," said the former Manchester City man, who is a free agent after leaving the Etihad Stadium on a free transfer.

"Many say that he scores easy goals but that's what makes a magical player a magical player."Everyone wants a player who scores many goals - it is invaluable for a team."However, Guidetti believes Kane and England are now under big pressure to deliver against the Swedes because of their opening game defeat.

"'There is much pressure on their team and we also know how their media work," he told reporters. "They are big stars and should always go far, then they have gone and lost in the first match.

"I do not know if it's an advantage because they will be very motivated when they meet us."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.21

Copa America Fixtures 2015.06.21

-----------------------------------------------

Colombia Vs Peru

Brazil Vs Venezuela

​

 

[rcccc]

Argentina 1-0 Jamaica: Messi wins 100th cap as Albiceleste seal top spot

 

[rcccc]

Sterling nam over overpriced​

english players la kohomath overpriced and overrated machan
Harry Kane ehema €100m wath kiyai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Higuain: We have to take our chances now


Gonzalo Higuain says there can be no room for complacency in the Argentina squad after their 1-0 win over Jamaica clinched top spot in Group B of the Copa America.

The Napoli striker fired in the only goal of the game after 10 minutes and, while he was pleased to have made the difference against the Reggae Boyz, Higuain insisted the Albiceleste must begin to take more of their chances.

"I am happy to have scored the goal, and I'm happy with the win, but now we need to take every opportunity as if it were our last," Higuain told reporters."We have got through a difficult group and have encountered it very well. Now we must rest our minds and our bodies ahead of the quarter-final."

Argentina will face either Ecuador or the third-placed team in Group C in their last-eight encounter, but Higuain insists he has no preference among the potential opponents.

"There is not really a difference between one team and another, every team will be difficult as we have already seen in this competition.

"All we can do now is wait. What matters is that we are already in the quarter-finals, it is the problem of the other teams now to qualify. We must just rest without thinking about which opponents we will be up against."Substitute Carlos Tevez added that Jamaica provided tough opposition due to their insistence on sitting behind the ball for much of the clash.

"It is hard to play against teams who stand off you when you have the ball," said the Juventus forward. "We had three or four good chances, unlike against Uruguay in our last game, but the important thing is that we won."Now it is time to grow because if you lose you go home. Today it took us a while to secure the win, but that is normal."

Argentina return to the Estadio Sausalito for Friday's third quarter-final.