..::Football III::..

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San Marino 0-6 England: Rooney equals Charlton's record as Three Lions seal Euro 2016 place

England captain Wayne Rooney equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's goalscoring record in a 6-0 win away to San Marino, securing the Three Lions' place at Euro 2016 with three games to spare.

The England and Manchester United captain had been closing in on Charlton's marker during the current qualifying campaign and, on the occasion of his 106th cap, matching Charlton's appearance haul, he pulled level with goal number 49 in international football.

Rooney scored from the spot in the 13th minute after the visitors were awarded a soft penalty, but was unable to take top spot in the all-time goalscoring list for his own before being substituted just short of the hour mark.

The captain set the ball rolling for England, and Cristian Brolli doubled the advantage with an own goal.Ross Barkley's first England goal made it 3-0 shortly after the interval, before substitutes Fabian Delph and Theo Walcott combined for the fourth.

Harry Kane, on in place of Rooney, chipped the visitors into a 5-0 lead, and Walcott rounded off the scoring with his second of the match as England convincingly sealed their place in next year's tournament in France.

With John Stones, Jonjo Shelvey and Jamie Vardy included from the start, Roy Hodgson was looking to learn more about the depth of talent at his disposal, but it was the most familiar of England faces who broke the deadlock for the visitors.

After a whipped James Milner free-kick into the box appeared to hit Stones on the hand, the referee confusingly chose to penalise San Marino, booking Marco Berardi, and Rooney stepped up to slot the ball into the bottom right-hand corner.

Rooney then drew a save from goalkeeper Aldo Simoncini from a tight angle six minutes later, with Milner unable to find the target from the rebound, but England continued to dominate on a challenging playing surface and soon doubled their advantage.Luke Shaw sent in a dangerous cross from the left and, desperate to get a head to it, Brolli inadvertently diverted the ball beyond his own goalkeeper.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain played a key role as England moved 3-0 in front less than a minute into the second half, hanging in a cross from the right for Barkley to head home.

Walcott made it 4-0 moments after being introduced in place of Arsenal team-mate Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 67th minute by tapping in at the far post from a Delph cross.Kane then confidently lifted the ball over Simoncini after being played in by a wonderful Shelvey pass in the 77th minute, before Walcott doubled his tally by shooting across the San Marino goalkeeper a minute later.

San Marino managed their first shot on target through Danilo Rinaldi in the closing stages, but the result was never in doubt and Hodgson can now turn his attentions to planning for next year's tournament.

 

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Congratulations Rooney!

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'I never thought Rooney could break England record' - Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson admits that he never expected Wayne Rooney to stand on the verge of becoming England’s greatest ever goalscorer.

The Manchester United striker levelled Sir Bobby Charlton’s record of 49 goals against European minnows San Marino on Saturday evening, as he scored a 13th minute penalty.

But Ferguson, who signed Rooney for £30 million in 2004 and managed him to five Premier League titles, concedes he did not initially identify Rooney as a prolific forward.

“I would never have thought that, we didn’t recognise him as an out and out goalscorer, the evidence wasn’t there – he looked an outstanding footballer and that was the main reason we wanted him,” he told ITV Sport.

Charlton played for England between 1958 and 1970, winning the World Cup in 1966, and Ferguson says that the legendary former midfielder used to take time out to offer Rooney advice at United.

“It’s impossible not to recognise the impact Sir Bobby has on players – any time he came into the dressing room he’d have a word with Wayne and he’d appreciate it,” he added.

“This humble man, bald headed you’d say to yourself “is he a footballer?”

Ferguson also refused to be drawn on which goalscoring achievement was greater, and simply praised the way in which Rooney has proven himself at international level.

“I’ve always loved the aggressive nature of Rooney, driving at defenders and whizzing by them. Plus he’s a goalscorer, that’s his greatest asset, he’s now proven he is one.

“A few of them have tried to break the record, Lineker, Owen, Greaves. It’s difficult to say what’s the biggest achievement but great players can play in any era, no doubt about that.”

Rooney says that he still hopes to win the World Cup with England, but Ferguson doubts the 29-year-old will ever lift any silverware with Roy Hodgson’s team.

“I think it’ll be very, very difficult,” he added. I’m not saying it’s because of the players but the pressure they’re under from the press and the fans is incredible.”

 

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Kane happy to end goal drought against San Marino

Harry Kane expressed relief at netting his first goal of the season, as England comprehensively defeated San Marino 6-0 to secure Euro 2016 qualification.

The Tottenham striker is yet to net in the Premier League this campaign, but slotted away an accomplished chip for England's fifth goal against the European minnows.
And Kane spoke of his delight at finally finding the net, suggesting that the attention around his start to the season was weighing heavily."It was great to get on the scoresheet," the 22-year-old told ITV Sport.

"Obviously there's a lot been said about not scoring yet this season. It was a great opportunity for me today."When I got off the bench I was looking to get that goal and thankfully I got on the scoresheet.

Kane also illustrated his delight for England captain Wayne Rooney, who equalled Sir Bobby Charlton's Three Lions goalscoring record with a first-half penalty.
"It was great for Wayne to equal the record," Kane added.

"A great achievement so we're all buzzing for him. But the whole team played well.
"We got the job done, first team to qualify and we don't want to stop here. We want to keep improving and continue to push on."

 

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Spain 2-0 Slovakia: Silva shines as La Roja gain revenge

Jordi Alba and Andres Iniesta struck in the first half as Spain beat Slovakia 2-0 in Oviedo on Saturday to replace their opponents at the top of the Euro 2016 qualifying Group C.

The European champions were beaten 2-1 when the two sides met back in October, but gained revenge with a dominant display at the Estadio Carlos Tartiere to end Slovakia's 100 per cent record and go above them thanks to a superior head-to-head record.Barcelona left-back Alba headed Spain into an early lead with his first international goal for two years when he was picked out by a brilliant David Silva pass.

Iniesta then contentiously doubled the hosts' lead from the penalty spot after Diego Costa had gone down when there appeared to be very little contact from goalkeeper Matus Kozacik.

There was no way back for Slovakia, as Iker Casillas kept a clean sheet in his 100th game as Spain captain to ensure the holders remain on course to qualify for next year's tournament in France.

Slovakia, who missed suspended captain Martin Sktrel at the heart of their defence, can still seal their place in the European Championships for the first time as an independent nation if they beat Ukraine on Tuesday.

Sergio Ramos breathed a sigh of relief when he was caught in possession by Robert Mak after only four minutes, as the Slovakia winger fired wide of the far post with only Casillas to beat.Spain took advantage to go in front within a minute of that let-off, thanks in no small part to the impressive Silva.

The Manchester City midfielder conjured up a sublime diagonal pass over the top of the Slovakia defence to pick out marauding full-back Alba, who ghosted in to head home.

Slovakia were struggling to live with Spain's crisp passing and movement and had a mountain to climb when the home side doubled their lead in somewhat controversial fashion on the half-hour mark.

There appeared to be minimal contact when Costa went down under a challenge from Kozacik as he attempted to round the keeper, but referee Damir Skomina pointed to the spot and Iniesta made no mistake with the resulting spot-kick.

Kozacik was also shown a yellow card and his night should have taken another turn for the worse when Cesc Fabregas' incisive pass found an unmarked Iniesta, who headed over the crossbar when he should have scored.

Michal Duris replaced Mak at half-time and the substitute almost pulled a goal back when he flashed a left-foot strike past the far post after surging into the area early in the second half.Spain continued to cause all sorts of problems for the Slovakia defence and Kozacik tipped over Fabregas' strike after Silva burst into the area and had a shot blocked.

Kozacik then came out to thwart Silva when the playmaker tried to round him and the City man missed another two chances to get his name on the scoresheet, but Spain were comfortable winners.

 

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Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA

Revenge 1ka gattha

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Portugal will be better than France next year - Santos

France dan patta.Euro 16 win karannath hoda chance 1k thiyenawa.

 

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Spain 2-0 Slovakia: Silva shines as La Roja gain revenge

 

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San Marino 0-6 England: Rooney equals Charlton's record as Three Lions seal Euro 2016 place

Rooney wa eye sub karala neh.naththam eyema record 1ka kadanna thibba

 

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Deschamps hails 'beautiful' France


France head coach Didier Deschamps paid tribute to his players after they responded to his call for desire and aggression in a 1-0 friendly win over Portugal in Lisbon.

Substitute Mathieu Valbuena's late free-kick clinched the win for France, who dominated Friday's game and played some attractive attacking football, despite clear cut chances being few and far between.

Deschamps was pleased to end a run of defeats in their previous two outings, and said: "We showed a lot of aggression, we had some good moves, and we did not concede a goal.

"Beyond the result against a good Portugal team, we had the ingredients we needed. We had the better chances and could have scored before we did."We had a stranglehold on the second half. I saw beautiful things."

Goalscorer Valbuena showed no sign of resentment at having to play from the bench and looked forward to the next friendly against Serbia in Bordeaux on Monday. He said: "It is a group, a family. Those who are on the bench must be decisive when they get a chance.

"We did a good job; the mood has returned. We showed that we were together. We had chances and that's encouraging - it will continue against Serbia."

 

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Ings: I can learn from fantastic Sturridge

Danny Ings is eager to learn from new team-mate Daniel Sturridge when the Liverpool striker returns following hip surgery.

Sturridge started just seven Premier League games for Liverpool last season due to a lengthy list of injury problems, with his last appearance coming as a substitute in April's 4-1 defeat at Arsenal.

The England forward has now returned to training after undergoing rehabilitation in the United States, and could make his comeback when Liverpool travel to Manchester United next Saturday.

And Ings - a close-season arrival from Burnley - cannot wait to play alongside the prolific Sturridge, who has scored 40 goals in 67 appearances for the Merseyside club since joining from Chelsea in January 2013.

"He's a fantastic striker, he scores so many goals, he's sharp, he works hard, so it will be great to have him back," Ings told Liverpool's official website."He's another player I can learn from - he's been doing it at the top level for many years now so it's great to have him back and I'm looking forward to working with him.

"I think everybody here has different qualities as strikers and it's only better for all of us to learn from each other, and especially for me to learn off them, the more experienced strikers here."It's great to have so many good strikers at the club for me to learn from."

 

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Wales warn fans against pitch invasion

The Football Association of Wales has warned fans against invading the pitch should the country qualify for Euro 2016 on Sunday, fearing a points deduction or stadium closure could "spoil" a stellar campaign.

Three points from this weekend's clash with Israel in Cardiff would be enough to see Wales reach a major tournament for the first time in 58 years.

However, with Wales having already been fined after a number of fans entered the field of play during their opening-round victory over Andorra, it is feared Uefa could come down hard in the event of another incident of a similar nature.

"Uefa do look upon these things quite poorly and we know there can be penalties if such things happen," FAW chief executive Jonathan Ford told WalesOnline."There is a range of disciplinary procedures and ultimately they do have the ability to take points away from teams or order games to be played behind closed doors.

"It goes without saying we do not want that to happen and potentially spoil what could be a great night.

"We want every single person at the stadium and across the country to enjoy the occasion and hopefully celebrate what could be a fantastic day in Welsh football but all should remember to do it in the right spirit.

"It would be a terrible shame if something like that happened and, come the Andorra game [Wales' final home fixture], we couldn't give the team the sold-out celebration the team deserves."

 

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Rooney substitution was planned from start - Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson planned to substitute captain Wayne Rooney from the start of the Three Lions' 6-0 win over San Marino on Saturday, despite the striker equalling Sir Bobby Charlton's Three Lions goalscoring record.

Hodgson's side became the first in Europe to qualify for Euro 2016, ensuring their place in France with three games to spare, ahead of Tuesday's match with Switzerland.

Rooney went into the game knowing that two goals would take him ahead of Charlton's scoring record but, after netting a first-half penalty to equal the World Cup winner, the England captain was withdrawn close to the hour mark.

And manager Hodgson later insisted that the substitution was always in his plans, aiming to give Harry Kane another appearance in an England shirt.

"We wanted to protect one or two players a few didn’t start it was in our thoughts all along we’d keep Wayne on for an hour," the England boss told ITV Sport.

"Harry Kane needed some football so it was the perfect situation really where we got to rest some important players for Tuesday.

Hodgson also singled out Swansea midfielder Jonjo Shelvey for individual prase, suggesting that the 23-year-old could occupy a number of positions in the side.

"Jonjo [Shelvey] deserves a mention to play almost as faultlessly as he did on that pitch deserves credit," he added.

"I think that [the position behind the central striker] could be his main role going forward, we play with three mainly in there and even the ones to the right and left he could do that too.

"But we’ve got two very good passing players in the central position and when Jack [Wilshere] comes back competition will be even greater."

With qualification now secured, Hodgson has hinted that the remaining Euro 2016 qualifying matches could be used to experiment with different positions and systems.

"I think now we are beginning to find that time to adapt. Going into the last two tournaments it wasn’t evident we could change systems. We had to get organised with the system we wanted," the England manager continued.

"But especially with the type of players coming in now I think there is a lot of possibilities there.

"Today we could’ve moved Jonjo or Ross Barkley up. The options are there but sometimes changes confuse more people than you’d like."

Hodgson did find one source of ire, however, complaining that the San Marino pitch was poor.

"Today’s game wasn’t easy in the sense that the pitch was poor and it was important to maintain our discipline because we know we’re a much better team and should win the game and didn’t want anything to happen that would mean we take a step back before Tuesday," he continued.

"I’m happy to win by a big margin and qualify whatever happens on Tuesday."

 

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It's hard to describe Buffon - Conte

Antonio Conte says it is difficult to find the words to describe Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon ahead of his 150th Italy cap.

The 37-year-old, who played with Conte at Juventus and then under his tutelage when the former midfielder took over the Bianconeri first team, has been a key player for the Azzurri for the last 18 years, leading them to World Cup glory in 2006.

The shot-stopper will reach a new milestone of appearances when he takes on Bulgaria in Sunday's Euro 2016 qualifying clash and Conte was full of praise for him.

“Finding the words to describe Gigi is tough," Conte told reporters. "He is such a champion. I admire him as a player and as a man. He was my team-mate, my goalkeeper at club level and now for Italy.”

After Thursday's 1-0 win over Malta, Italy are top of qualifying Group H but were criticised for the performance and Conte insists his side will work hard to win over the doubters.

“I am not disappointed by criticism - it's part of the game. The national team is on its own. It’s open to criticism more than any other team. We will try to silence the critics with hard work."

The coach revealed that he is not entirely sure of the condition of his squad heading into Sunday's game and refused to reveal if Andrea Pirlo would feature.

“We will evaluate who has recovered well in tomorrow's training session.

“You’ll find out my line-up tomorrow evening. There are many players who can play in Pirlo's position, like Claudio Marchisio, Daniele De Rossi, Riccardo Montolivo and Mirko Valdifiori.

“Simone Zaza can play up front with Graziano Pelle, but also with Ciro Immobile."

 

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Klopp on his next move: I may not join an absolute top club

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Jurgen Klopp has revealed that his next job in football does not have to be at one of the world's elite clubs.

Klopp, who reached the Champions League final with Dortmund in 2013, stepped down at the end of the 2014-15 campaign and was replaced by Thomas Tuchel, with the German set to take a year off.

The 2014-15 season was testing for Dortmund and Klopp as the side dropped down the league, ultimately finishing in 7th place in the Bundesliga table.

And though much of his work contributed to making Dortmund one of Europe's top clubs, the 48-year-old insists that his next role may not be at an elite club, despite rumours that he may one day replace Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool, or Arsene Wenger at Arsenal.

"It [Klopp's next move] doesn't have to be an absolute top club, there are other good projects that are exciting, [teams] who need help," the former Dortmund boss told Bild.

"I inform, read and meet a lot of people - there are ordinary little things that are great fun. I miss nothing [from football] currently."

Klopp also commented on his plans for the forthcoming year, hinting that he is enjoying the freedom afforded to him.

"I don't know where I'll be heading to," he continued.

"But right now, that's not important for me because I know that if I will have the right feeling it will be a wonderful next chapter. You will see what happens and I find it exciting right now not knowing what will happen next.

"Most of the time in life, the next day is pre-planned. In my case, the next year is completely unplanned. I don't know when to continue, where to continue but I know that I will continue."

 

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Klopp mid tabel team 1kakata join wenna kamatthen wage inne​

 

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Brazil 1-0 Costa Rica: Hulk fires Dunga's men to narrow victory

Brazil began preparations for their World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 friendly win over Costa Rica in New Jersey on Saturday.

In their first game since a disappointing Copa America exit at the hands of Paraguay, Dunga's experimental side raced out of the blocks and took the lead after 10 minutes.

A loose ball inside the area was pounced upon by an onrushing Hulk, who shook off his man before applying a composed finish.

Despite Costa Rica failing to register a single effort on target, Brazil could not build on their lead, with Marcelo and Douglas Costa both spurning good opportunities after the break.Neymar came off the bench 10 minutes from time in a bid to find an elusive second, but Dunga's charges continued to be restricted in the final third.

The result leaves the Brazil coach with plenty of ponder ahead a trip to Foxborough, Massachusetts on Tuesday, where they take on the United States in their last game before World Cup qualifying kicks off against Chile in October.

Costa Rican goalkeeper Patrick Pemberton, in for Real Madrid's Keylor Navas, was quickly made to work by Brazil during the opening exchanges - first denying Hulk's stinging free-kick before getting down low to deny David Luiz from close range on seven minutes.

The five-time world champions continued to threaten and were rewarded for their bright start on 10 minutes when Hulk powered into the area to out-muscle Giancarlo Gonzales and slot home.

Fernandinho stung the palms of Pemberton with a vicious near-post strike six minutes later as Brazil sought to build on their advantage, but a five-man Cost Rican defence began to show resilience during an otherwise dominant performance from their opponents.Although doing well to limit Brazil to one goal, Oscar Ramirez's men offered little in the final third.

Bryan Ruiz did have a penalty appeal turned four minutes before the break when he was brought down after being sandwiched in the box by David Luiz and Fernandinho, but Brazil's debutant goalkeeper Marcelo Grohe remained untroubled.

The pressure on the Costa Rican rearguard was intensified after the break, with Marcelo flashing an effort across goal shortly before bursting through the middle to scuff a drive straight at the keeper.Bayern winger Costa blazed an effort over the bar after cutting in from the left as the prospect of a second goal seemed increasingly likely.

But just like the first half, Brazil faded, despite the introduction of Neymar 10 minutes from time, with one goal proving enough to condemn Ramirez to defeat in his first game as Costa Rica coach.

 

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Chile 3-2 Paraguay: Sanchez & Gutierrez win it for Sampaoli's men

Alexis Sanchez was again the hero for Chile, as Jorge Sampaoli's men celebrated their Copa America triumph with a 3-2 win over Paraguay.

In Chile's first match since they lifted the Copa America in July, the homecoming for Sanchez and Co. was meant to be a celebration of their first international trophy but Paraguay did not always follow the script.

Back at Santiago's Estadio Nacional - the scene of their victory over Argentina on penalties to win South America's continental championship - Chile started strongly with Felipe Gutierrez giving the hosts the lead in the eighth minute of Saturday's friendly.But Paraguay stunned the home crowd soon after half-time with Jonathan Fabbro and Jorge Benitez getting on the scoresheet to put the visitors in front.

Gutierrez dragged Chile level with 26 minutes remaining, however, and Sanchez - scorer of the decisive spot-kick two months ago - wrapped up victory in the 82nd minute.

Jorge Valdivia was the architect of the winning goal, releasing Eugenio Mena down the left with a defence-splitting pass and Paraguay's defence were unable to deal with the latter's cross, allowing Sanchez to score at the back post.The win was Chile's fifth in a row, while they have triumphed in four of their past five meetings with Paraguay.

Sanchez played a key role in Chile's opener, dribbling across the top of the box before feeding Mauricio Isla, whose cross deflected off two Paraguayans before Gutierrez lifted the ball over goalkeeper Antony Silva.

Chile started brighter, with Silva forced to smother Sanchez's shot in the 20th minute, while Chile gloveman Johnny Herrera produced a similar effort later in the half to deny Nestor Ortigoza in a one-on-one.

Just five minutes after the interval, however, and Paraguay were level with Miguel Samudio forcing Herrera to parry and Fabbro reacted quickest to score from the rebound.

Benitez put Ramon Diaz's men in front in the 53rd minute, rising highest on a corner variation to loop his header inside the back post, with Herrera seemingly pulling out of a potential save.That stung Chile, who hit the bar through Junior Fernandes soon after, before Sanchez cleverly teed up the hosts' equaliser.

The Arsenal forward showed impressive skill to bring down a cross on his instep at the back post, before releasing Isla on the overlap and the full-back's cutback found Gutierrez for the tap-in.

Sanchez would again prove the difference 18 minutes later to spark a party in Santiago.

 

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Juventus won't make another Hamsik bid - Marotta

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says the club will not return with a second offer for Napoli star Marek Hamsik in January.

Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed that the Partenopei snubbed a €25 million bid from the Serie A winners for their star midfielder in the summer.

Juve then turned to signing Hernanes from Inter on deadline day and Marotta insists the Bianconeri are no longer looking to invest in that part of the squad after missing out on Hamsik and Julian Draxler.

"I don't think negotiations can resume for Hamsik in January because we brought in Hernanes, who is a major player.

"On the market we always try to sign the best players. We could not get all of our targets, but we have a large group, which last year won everything except the Champions League.

"We are a strong club and we are used to winning but also used to suffering."

Juve lost their first two Serie A games of the season, tasting defeat at the hands of Udinese and title contenders Roma, but Marotta is not concerned by the slow start.

"We are at the beginning of the season and ranking does not count at the moment. Getting the win against Chievo next week is crucial to begin a good run.

"We still think we will win the championship and are not playing in it just to participate."

 

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Spain stars support Pique as Barcelona star subjected to more boos

Spain's star players and coach have leapt to the defence of Gerard Pique after the defender was jeered throughout the side's 2-0 win over Slovakia on Saturday.

The central defender has proven to be a divisive figure with the national team, having drawn the ire of Real Madrid fans for criticising Cristiano Ronaldo, while many Spain fans are irked by his stance on Catalan independence.

Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifier saw him booed by one part of the home side's support, though a large section cheered him on.

And Spain's leading figures all urged fans to put their opinions of him to one side and get behind the Barcelona player in future.

"The whistles at Pique are unfortunate," coach Vicente del Bosque said. "I do not understand it. I think it's lamentable.

"People come to watch football and he played very well today.

Meanwhile, Andres Iniesta insists the fans and the team need to show unity as they look to defend their European crown in France next year.

"I would like the whistles at Pique to stop," he told Teledeporte. "All of us have to go in the same direction."

Jordi Alba, another Barca team-mate, insists Pique does not deserve the jeers because he gives his all for La Roja.

"People are free to say whatever they want. Whenever Pique has been called up for the national team, he is the first one there, he told us it's a privilege to play for the team.

"The people are free to voice their opinions, and they have done so with whistles and applause, but Pique is very committed to the team."

And Santi Cazorla cannot understand why he receives such criticism from the nation's own fans.

"Pique is fundamental for us. He is living in a strange situation, because nobody understands it," he added. "Hopefully it will end soon."