..::Football III::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Valerenga 0-0 Real Madrid: Blunt Blancos held without Ronaldo

Real Madrid were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw against Valerenga as Rafael Benitez's star-studded side turned in a toothless display in Oslo.

Even without the injured Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, Benitez was still able to showcase his embarrassment of attacking riches in Sunday's pre-season friendly, but the likes of Gareth Bale and Luka Modric failed to find a way past resolute Valerenga, currently second in Norway's Eliteserien.

A combination of a series of smart saves from Sascha Burchert and profligacy in the final third cost Real dear, while Valerenga might have sprung an even bigger surprise had Rasmus Lindkvist converted his first-half chance.

Benitez followed through on his promise to play Norway prodigy Martin Odegaard on his return to his homeland, the 16-year-old handed a starting spot and keen to impress an expectant crowd.

Modric rifled an early warning shot well over from just outside the penalty area as Real predictably dominated from the off and created a host of chances.

Two of those opportunities came and went in as minutes with 15 minutes gone, Marcelo first striking a fierce 30-yard drive just off target and goalkeeper Burchert then required to tip over Bale's quick turn and shot.

A deflected Bale effort from the edge of the six-yard box came following a dangerous low Marcelo cross before Valerenga spurned a fantastic opening on the counter.

Lindkvist found himself through on goal following a quick break down the left, but Keylor Navas raced quickly off his line to keep the low effort out with his legs.

At the opposite end, Burchert had to be alert to get down to his left to deal with a 25-yard Bale free-kick that cleared the wall.

Benitez will have been concerned when first Nacho and then Bale required treatment on knocks in the latter stages of the first half, but both players were able to continue.

Wholesale changes after the break - including Odegaard departing to a warm round of applause from the full house - stunted the flow of the game, although it was Real who finished the stronger.

Denis Cheryshev had an effort turned away by Burchert before going close again with 14 minutes to go, blasting wide from the edge of the box. It was Borja Mayoral's turn to be thwarted by Burchert moments later, the advancing Valerenga goalkeeper getting his body in the way.

Burchert made way for Adrian Moller eight minutes from time and the substitute was involved in late drama as he made contact with Lucas Vazquez to trigger penalty appeals that were waved away as Real were held to a draw.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger refuses to blame Cech after costly errors

Arsene Wenger refused to blame Petr Cech for two errors that led to West Ham seeing off Arsenal in their opening Premier League clash of the season.

Cech was at fault for both goals as he missed a punch to allow Cheikhou Kouyate to head into an empty net before Mauro Zarate beat him at his near post from long-range in the second half.

"It was a collective lapse," Wenger said of Kouyate's opener. "There are many things to say about that.

"I knew that if the delivery was good, we were in trouble before the free-kick was taken. The concentration and organisation was not there from the set-piece -too far from our goal, too much distance to run into, we killed ourselves.

"I haven’t spoken to him [Cech] yet. I can’t see many individual convincing performances today so it’s difficult to single one out.

"Our passing was not incisive enough. Today we have to look at ourselves. We were not good enough."

Arsenal kicked off their 2015-16 campaign as many people's favourites for the title following their capture of Cech from rivals Chelsea - a signing many thought would help bring experience and quality to the Gunners' backline.

Indeed, upon his arrival, Wenger was quoted in July saying: "He has an intimidating presence, that's for sure. He makes the goals look small. That's the kind of charisma he has."

However, Cech - relegated to second choice at Chelsea throughout last season - looked ill-at-ease as West Ham put the hosts to the sword.

Wenger, though, insisted there would be no panic - and again refused to be drawn on reports of an imminent move for Real Madrid frontman Karim Benzema.

"I can only repeat what I’ve said. If an exceptional solution turns up, we will do it. But we must not the mistake of looking outside for solutions because of this result," he added.

"It’s difficult but it’s part of our job. A successful team is down to how you respond to difficult moments. It’s never a clear motorway and we have a difficult start to the season."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nottingen 1-3 Bayern Munich: Vidal off the mark in cup win

Arturo Vidal showed glimpses of his all-action best as Bayern Munich met expectations with a 3-1 win over fifth-tier side Nottingen to get their DFB-Pokal campaign off to a comfortable start on Sunday.

Pep Guardiola's men reached the semi-finals of last season's Pokal, and they will hope to go deep in the competition again after avoiding a shock at the Wildparkstadion thanks to goals from Vidal, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski before the break.

Vidal scored his first competitive goal for the club with a fifth-minute penalty and, although Nottingen threatened to spring a surprise with Niklas Hecht-Zirpel's strike, they stayed level for less than a minute.

Gotze, a subject of regular transfer speculation during the close-season, put Bayern back in the lead with a good finish from the edge of the box – Vidal claiming the assist in an impressive 45-minute cameo.

Lewandowski added his name to the scoresheet in the 26th minute, putting daylight between the two sides after a succession of kind ricochets.

Bayern should have scored a fourth 14 minutes from the end as Douglas Costa missed the target, but it mattered little as the Bavarian giants strolled into the second round.

Nottingen goalkeeper Robin Kraski acknowledged in the build-up that that Oberliga outfit's primary objective was to remain on level terms for as long as possible, but they shot themselves in the foot with just five minutes on the clock.

Felix Zachmann was penalised for handling the ball inside the area and Vidal confidently stroked past Kraski with the resulting spot-kick.

But the home side stunned their illustrious visitors 11 minutes later, as Hercht-Zirpel slammed in the rebound after his initial effort was saved by Sven Ulreich.

Their joy was short-lived, though, as Bayern retook the lead within a minute, Gotze producing a tidy finish from the edge of the area after a pinpoint pass from Vidal on the right flank.

And Bayern had their third nine minutes later, as Lewandowski stabbed in from close range after Jerome Boateng's powerful drive struck both Sascha Walter and Timo Brenner on its way to the Pole's feet.

Vidal was withdrawn at the break and Nottingen began the second period well, giving the Bayern defence plenty to think about and going close in the 52nd minute as Mario Bilger forced Ulreich into an unconvincing save.

The home side passed the ball around well and did catch the eye at times in the second half, but Bayern rarely looked in any real danger.

Bayern should have added a fourth for good measure in the 76th minute as Costa broke free and missed the target with Lewandowski well-placed, but it mattered little as the visitors sailed through.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke City 0-1 Liverpool: Late Coutinho stunner gets Rodgers's men off to winning start

Liverpool gained a measure of revenge for last season's hammering at the Britannia Stadium as Philippe Coutinho's long-range late strike sealed a 1-0 win over Stoke City.

Since going down 6-1 at the hands of Stoke some 77 days ago on the final game of last term, Rodgers has brought in a host of new faces, but it was the Brazilian who proved his worth four minutes from time with a moment of magic.

Christian Benteke, James Milner, Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez all made their competitive Liverpool debuts and, for much of the contest, the visitors lacked cohesion in the final third.

Stoke's makeshift centre-back pairing of Geoff Cameron and substitute Philipp Wollscheid were largely able to deal with Benteke's physical threat as Brendan Rodgers' new-look side looked set for a frustrating stalemate.

However, shortly after compatriot Roberto Firmino was introduced, Coutinho produced an early goal-of-the-season contender from distance in their Premier League opener.

The Brazil international cut in from the right and unleashed an unstoppable 30-yard drive past Stoke's new number one Jack Butland that goes some way to papering over the cracks on show in Liverpool's attack.

Amid an evenly-matched start, Charlie Adam snatched at a half-chance early on as both sides struggled to find rhythm, having named seven starting debutants between them.

A loose backpass from Martin Skrtel almost allowed Mame Biram Diouf in - Simon Mignolet was quick to react and clear the danger - before Glen Johnson came close to scoring against his former club.

Following Ibrahim Afellay's blocked shot, the ex-Liverpool defender dragged the ball across him before stabbing over.

Tempers then flared when another former Liverpool man, Adam, took exception to a Milner challenge towards the end of a first period lacking clear-cut chances.

Having avoided a repeat of the first-half horror show in the corresponding fixture last term, which saw them 5-0 down at the break, Liverpool started the second on the front foot.

The crucial final pass continued to elude the visitors as Rodgers opted to introduce Emre Can for Adam Lallana shortly after the hour.

Coutinho always looked the most likely to unlock Stoke's defence and his craft set up Benteke, only for the Belgian to see another effort blocked, with Jordan Henderson adding to the striker's frustration with an overhit cross.

Stoke got deeper as the game drifted away and Coutinho eventually punished the hosts with a trademark drive from distance.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Benitez: Madrid missed Ronaldo against Valerenga

Rafael Benitez admitted that Real Madrid sorely missed Cristiano Ronaldo in Sunday's friendly draw at Valerenga and hinted that the club could make new signings before the close of the transfer window.

Ronaldo missed the Blancos' final pre-season outing before the start of the Liga season with a back problem, while Karim Benzema (thigh) was also absent through injury.

Benitez thus turned to Jese, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez for the game in Oslo and was frustrated that nobody managed to make their mark - despite Madrid's dominance.

"The team did enough to score but we lacked precision," he told reporters.

“We have to think about the players that were missing.

"The most important player and the one who scores the most goals in this team was not here, but the team has come forward and that’s a positive.

"But when a team creates 20 chances, I’d like to think we could have scored a goal.

"I’m not 100 per cent satisfied. We have room for improvement.

"The market is always open, and more so for Real Madrid, until August 31."

Martin Odegaard also started for Madrid and Benitez was pleased with the 16-year-old's contribution but refused to be drawn on whether the attacking midfielder will remain with the club's B team or be sent out on loan this term.

“Martin has a lot of talent and we have to support him," the former Liverpool boss added.

"It was a friendly but he has shown his quality and we have to see where he can go.

"If I was Odegaard, I would feel very happy to be at Madrid and would be working hard to improve every day.

"When you have a player of such quality you can use him no matter what.”

Madrid kick off their Liga campaign at Sporting Gijon on August 23.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cech: Nightmare Arsenal debut was not in the script

Petr Cech admits a nightmare defeat at home to West Ham on his Premier League debut for Arsenal was "not in the script".

The former Chelsea goalkeeper - tipped by many to make a decisive difference as Arsenal bid for a first league title in 12 years - was culpable for both Hammers goals as the Gunners lost their Premier League opener 2-0.

First, Cech rushed out but failed to claim a Dimitri Payet free-kick that allowed Cheikhou Kouyate to nod West Ham in front shortly before half-time, then the 33-year-old found himself wrong-footed by an opportunistic Mauro Zarate strike from range that made the game safe.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Stoke back in talks with Shaqiri, confirms Hughes

Stoke City are back in talks to seal a statement deal to sign Inter winger Xherdan Shaqiri, boss Mark Hughes has confirmed.

The Switzerland international, who was believed to have turned down the chance to join the Potters last month, was spotted at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday as a spectacular late Philippe Coutinho strike saw Liverpool narrowly defeat Hughes' men.

And after the match the Stoke boss revealed that discussions have restarted with Shaqiri over a possible deal, though he insists no agreement is imminent.

"If we can conclude something, we'll be delighted. There's nothing certain when the window's still open," he told Sky Sports. "We've been close [to an agreement] in the past, so we'll wait and see.

"It's a time thing, sometimes you can get things done quickly. I'm always hopeful."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Bayern Munich's win was not easy - Guardiola

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was relieved to come through a DFB-Pokal first-round clash against Nottingen despite the difficult conditions.

The Bundesliga champions triumphed 3-1 at fifth-tier outfit, but it was the soaring temperatures that caused the biggest problems.Goals from Arturo Vidal, Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski ensured Bayern avoided what would have been an unthinkable upset, much to the boss' delight.

"This round is always dangerous. I'm very satisfied," said Guardiola."My players had the desire, but it's not easy when the temperature's 36 degrees at four in the afternoon.

"We need energy for the league restart against Hamburg on Friday."Captain Philipp Lahm, meanwhile, feels there is plenty of room for improvement ahead of Friday's Bundesliga opener against Hamburg.

"There's no question we can play better than that," he added. "But what mattered was that no-one got injured and we're through to the next round."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Arsenal deny Giroud was knocked unconscious

Arsenal have dismissed suggestions that Olivier Giroud was knocked unconscious during Sunday's Premier League shock opening-day defeat to West Ham.

The France striker clashed heads with James Tomkins 16 minutes from time at the Emirates Stadium, sparking fears of having sustained a serious injury as he lay motionless on his back before team-mate Nacho Monreal and a cluster of players helped to roll him on to his side.

Both Giroud and Tomkins eventually got back to their feet after receiving lengthy treatment and finished the match, though neither were assessed by an independent doctor in the tunnel - a Premier League requirement for dealing with incidents of concussion.

Arsenal were widely criticised for keeping Giroud on the pitch as they chased the game - which ended 2-0 to West Ham courtesy of goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate - but took to Twitter to dismiss any suggestion that the Frenchman was concussed.

The Gunners' official account tweeted: "Update on Olivier Giroud: contrary to some reports, he was not unconscious at any point after collision today and has returned home as usual."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rodgers hails 'magic' Coutinho after Liverpool winner

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was pleased to see his side avenge last season's 6-1 defeat against Stoke, and reserved praise for matchwinner Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian struck on 86 minutes after at the end of a closely fought contest to hand his side a 1-0 win at the Britannia Stadium, during which there were few goalscoring opportunities at either end.

After the game, Rodgers said: "It's always difficult coming to Stoke. Defensively we were strong and we always know we have the quality to win a game.

"It was embarrassing [the 6-1 loss in May] but today you've seen the determination and the quality. It was definitely one for [the fans]. They'll be proud of the team tonight.

"How close was I to taking Coutinho off? Very! I can't profess to be a genius! Danny Ings was going to come on but I'm obviously happy he scored and stayed on.

"Coutinho is already is a star. He's only been back three weeks training so he's not even at his peak."Liverpool now look ahead to the visit of newly promoted Bournemouth to Anfield on August 17.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pedro will be better for Man United than Di Maria - Henry

Former France star Thierry Henry believes Pedro will be a better player for Manchester United than Angel Di Maria.The winger is set to join the Old Trafford club after they reached an agreement with Barcelona to sign him.

The 28-year-old will succeed former Real Madrid rival Di Maria. who has left to join Paris Saint-Germain after a poor season and Henry feels the club are upgrading on the departed Argentine.

"Manchester United will be getting an excellent player if they can complete the signing of Pedro," Henry told The Sun."He was the perfect team-mate for me at Barcelona because his understanding of wing play was second to none.

"No one was better at applying pressure from out wide. It is a position that is in his DNA."It's been drilled into him by a lifetime at the Nou Camp and why I believe he will be such an important acquisition for United.

"Louis van Gaal's teams play in a structured way. He wants his players to stick rigidly to their positions and maximise their area of the pitch."Di Maria's game was based on running free from the right or the left. He didn't fit into Van Gaal's setup and that's why they have sold him.

"Pedro will be much more disciplined. He was more than important to Barcelona's success, even though he spent much of last season as backup for Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez."

The Red Devils started the season with a 1-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday and the former Arsenal striker insists they must keep racking up points in the early stages of the season to have a shot at the title.

"Van Gaal knows he cannot afford to wait for all of his new signings to gel at Old Trafford. "If the team don't get off to a good start, they will be out of the title race for another year.

"That is why he is signing the likes of Pedro and Bastian Schweinsteiger."They will understand his requirements straight away and immediately do what is asked of them.

"Pedro is generous in his defending, he can score goals and give plenty of assists. He is a great professional who will do anything for the team."I loved him as a team-mate and he can have a real positive impact on the Premier League."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pedro ganna 1ka hodai​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: Signing a striker not a priority for Manchester United

Louis van Gaal insists buying a striker is not a priority for Manchester United this summer.

Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao have both departed Old Trafford since the end of last season, with Wayne Rooney - often deployed in midfield last term - leading the line against Tottenham on Saturday.

A lacklustre display, with United's only shot on target resulting in Kyle Walker's decisive own goal, prompted concerns over Rooney's sharpness but Van Gaal feels he has plenty of competition already available.

"No, that is not a special item for me - it is more in the media they are discussing about a striker," Van Gaal told reporters.

"The striker is Wayne Rooney and we also have [Javier] Hernandez, [Adnan] Januzaj and [James] Wilson. It is not a special objective for me.

"But when we can buy another striker who has a lot of qualities, more than our players, then we buy. But we have always done that.

"I said it before but they [the media] are not writing it. I have said it before, we have Rooney. You [the media] said he has to play in a striker’s position."

A number of summer signings made their debuts on Saturday, with Memphis Depay installed in an unfamiliar supporting role behind the striker and Van Gaal afterwards revealed he challenged the youngster to step up.

The United boss added: "It is a new position for him and he has to adapt because he is a goalscoring type.

"We have to wait and see if he can fulfil the demands of this position but [he’s playing there] because Ashley Young is playing very good on the left side," said the manager.

"Therefore those is the circumstances but they can change during the season. He can play in this position."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Van Gaal: Signing a striker not a priority for Manchester United

LVG ta pissuda?

We have Rooney....Rooney...Rooney kiya kiya idala meh sareth kaganna wage hadanne.RVP th sell kala.Dan kiyanawa Striker kenek ganna 1ka priority 1kak newei kiyalaLVG mona kiwwath World Class Striker kenek ganne nathuwanam apita EPL 1ke meh sareth hoda fight 1kak denna bahaFirepower 1ka madi ape

"The striker is Wayne Rooney and we also have [Javier] Hernandez, [Adnan] Januzaj and [James] Wilson. It is not a special objective for me.

Januzaj Striker kenek da?

"But when we can buy another striker who has a lot of qualities, more than our players, then we buy. But we have always done that.

Kawadada danne naha Striker kenek gatthe


​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Pulis: Berahino will benefit from West Brom stay

Tony Pulis is confident reported Tottenham target Saido Berahino will stay at West Brom this summer.

Spurs are reportedly ready to test the Baggies' resolve with a bid, with Mauricio Pochettino keen to add the England Under-21 international to his ranks after 20 goals in all competitions last term.

The ongoing speculation led West Brom to issue a denial that any offers have been received, and Pulis feels Berahino would benefit from another year at the Hawthorns alongside new signing Rickie Lambert.

"At the moment, Saido is with us," he told reporters. "We are very pleased he is with us and we are hoping he will stay with us. He is a good player and we want him to stay at the football club.

"I believe another year playing regular football at West Brom will make him a better player. It will make him a stronger character and better player, that is my opinion.

"Saido got injured and missed the European tournament, that was a massive disappointment for the kid. But it has given him a break and a rest so hopefully he will come back nice and fresh.

"He has been fresh around the place and trained very well."

Pulis acknowledged that West Brom - who are rumoured to be closing in on a club-record deal for Zenit striker Salomon Rondon - are in need of more quality up front and feels Lambert's experience will be beneficial.

He added: "Last year, we relied a lot on Saido's goals. Rickie has a really good goalscoring record and we are hoping he will add to what Saido did last year.

"He will give us another threat. Rickie is a senior player and good character as well. I think Saido will learn a lot off him."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Odegaard: My Real Madrid future will be decided soon

Martin Odegaard has admitted he does not know if he will remain at Real Madrid this season or be loaned out to another club.A temporary move away from the Santiago Bernabeu outfit has been touted as a possibility for the 16-year-old in order to gain some first-team experience.

Coach Rafael Benitez, who handed Odegaard a start in their 0-0 draw with Valerenga on Sunday, has refused to rule out it out as an option and the Norway international himself says no decision has been made yet.

"We have to come to the end of the pre-season and then we’ll see what happens," he told reporters after the draw in Oslo. "I’m very happy in Madrid and that is all I can say at the moment.

“I’ve learned a lot during pre-season. I’ve been training well and I feel good."I don't have any specific goals for next season but I want to improve, it’s as simple as that."I think that I can show even more than I have done up until now.”

The former Stromsgodset player has admitted that playing for Madrid is stressful, but feels he is handling it well so far.“It’s always difficult, but I’m only 16, I’m handling things as I can and I have many years to develop as a footballer.

"I don’t have to be in any hurry and I can play without any pressure or stress.”

 

[Banks PLK]

De Bruyne gattha kiyanne CITY line-up 1ka patta​

Sterling silva aguero KDB pissu kora

 

[Banks PLK]

Cillessen oneth naha

Cillessen gannawata wada hodai Romero gen play karana 1ka.​

Romero niyamai

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Depay: It's an honour to wear No.7 at Manchester United

Memphis Depay is confident that he can live up to expectations in the iconic number seven shirt at Manchester United.

Depay asked to wear the famous number after Angel di Maria left for Paris Saint-Germain, following in the footsteps of United legends Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Eric Cantona and George Best.

The Netherlands international forward is ready to make the shirt his own following his debut in United's 1-0 Premier League win over Tottenham on Saturday and believes he has what it takes to succeed at Old Trafford.

"Yes, of course [I'm aware of the pressure] and the history," Depay said.

"I appreciate the history, but I want to be my own man. It's an honour to wear the number seven and I will wear it with pride.

"Last year I played with seven on my back [for PSV] and I scored a lot of goals so I am confident with that number."

Depay, who topped the Eredivisie goalscoring charts with 22 goals for champions PSV last season, added: "I want to bring creative things, goals. I have to play with discipline in midfield.

"I can't lose the ball too much, but I can make risks on the sides and when I come into the third phase, then I can make my tricks and take risks."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Buffon: Juventus right to rejuvenate squad

Gianluigi Buffon feels that Juventus had little other option but to rejuvenate their squad this summer and is confident they have now laid the foundations for more silverware.

The Bianconeri claimed their fourth consecutive Serie A title last term, as well as lifting the Coppa Italia and reaching the final of the Champions League, but saw accomplished stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez depart during the off-season.

However, with the likes of Sami Khedira, Simone Zaza, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala having subsequently arrived in Turin, Buffon believes that the overhaul is a good thing for the Old Lady.

"If there was a time for the squad to be freshened up and for us to be a little more daring, this was definitely it," Buffon told reporters.

"We’ve laid the foundations to enjoy plenty of success over the coming years."

Juventus kickstarted their 2015-16 campaign with a 2-0 Supercoppa Italiana win over Lazio at the weekend, with both Mandzukic and Dybala on target for the Bianconeri, and Buffon was pleased with his side's display.

"It was a tough game against an excellent and well-organised side who had 10 days on us in terms of their preparations," the goalkeeper added.

"We did well to not force the tempo and our play in certain moments, allowing us to ration our energy well across the 90 minutes."