..::Football III::..

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Ibrahimovic: I sent Denmark to retirement!

Zlatan Ibrahimovic landed a parting shot on Denmark after his three goals in two playoff matches crushed their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2016, claiming he has sent them to retirement.

It was Sweden who emerged victorious, largely thanks to the talismanic PSG frontman and his second leg brace in Copenhagen - having previously netted from the penalty spot at the Friends Arena in Solna.

The battle between the Scandinavian rivals eventually ended 4-3 on aggregate in favour on the Swedes, with the 34-year-old Ibrahimovic provided with what will probably be his last appearance at a major finals.

"It was nice to win here in Denmark. They said they were going to send me to retirement. I sent their whole nation into retirement," quipped the controversial forward after the match.

"It is fate that I get to finish at the European Championships. Many people said I was too old and too weak, but it does not look like it now!"

The Swede, talking to Kanal5 on the pitch at full-time, was then mobbed by his team-mates as Sweden celebrated their qualification.

Ibrahimovic first silenced the home crowd in the 19th minute, latching onto Kim Kallstrom's corner before directing the ball past Kasper Schmeichel.

The Leicester City shot-stopper was picking the ball out of his net for a second time in the 76th minute, after Ibrahimovic has curled a stunning 30-yard free-kick into the top corner to send Sweden towards Euro 2016 despite a late scare.

 

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Martial suffers ankle injury during France's defeat to England

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial was forced off with an ankle injury during France's defeat to England on Tuesday evening.

The 19-year-old was replaced by Antoine Griezmann in the 67th minute as goals from Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney sealed a 2-0 win at Wembley.

Martial was seen leaving Wembley on crutches after the match, although France boss Didier Deschamps has played down the severity of the injury.

"He was in quite a bit of pain after the match," said Deschamps.

"He got a kick in the penalty area. I think it’s just a knock rather than anything else to the top of his foot."

Martial, who made his senior debut for France in September, has scored five goals in 14 appearances for United this season.

 

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Form 1ke inna Striker th injured

Get well soon Martial​

 

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'No explosives found' at stadium of cancelled Germany-Netherlands friendly

Hannover police have confirmed that there were no explosives found at the HDI Arena or surrounding areas after Germany's international friendly match with the Netherlands was cancelled.

Tuesday evening's game between the world champions and Oranje was called off less than two hours before the scheduled start over security fears, with German chancellor Angela Merkel due to attend the match.

“Since the cancellation of the match, there were several checks of suspicious items," read a statement from Hannover police late on Tuesday night.

"No explosives were found. In the central station, a suspicious item was demolished for security reasons. As matters stand, there were no explosives in this item as well."

Hannover chief of police Volker Kluwe had earlier told NDR: "There is a concrete situation of danger for all of Hannover. There were serious plans to bring about an explosion."

The German Football Association (DFB) announced on Sunday that the match would go ahead, despite the national team spending Friday night inside the Stade de France in the aftermath of the Paris terror attacks.

Ahead of kick-off on Tuesday, reports of a suspicious package inside the stadium prompted fresh security fears and police issued a statement instructing fans already in attendance to leave the stadium.

"The friendly match tonight has been cancelled," police said in an announcement shared across social media and over the public address system inside the ground. "Please leave quietly but quickly to the nearest exit and go home."

The German Interior Minister, Thomas de Maiziere, later gave a press conference clarifying the situation, in conjunction with the Interior Minister for Lower Saxony, Boris Pistorius.
"It was an extremely tough decision to cancel the match which was made after many pieces of information indicated a concrete threat," De Maziere told reporters, also confirming that the parts of the central train station had been closed, as well as other types of public transport.

Pistorius, supporting De Maziere's statements, indicated that no arrests had been made and suggested he could not confirm reports that explosives had been found.

German Football Association (DFB) interim president Reinhard Rauball further admitted it had been a "sad day for German football and a sad day for Germany".

He added: "The Germany players are on their way back to their club teams and the Dutch are flying home."

Rauball also confirmed the DFB would be "thinking about" whether games in the Bundesliga would go ahead this weekend.
Jens Grittner, a spokesman for Die Mannschaft, tweeted: "We have been diverted on the way to the stadium and are in a safe place. We cannot say anymore at the moment."

Hannover's mayor Stefan Schostok told SID: "Security is always first. It is a fear you always have. I trust the police that they made the right decision. If there is a dangerous situation, those steps must be taken."

Earlier on Tuesday, Robert-Enke Strasse said that outside the stadium was closed but later re-opened after police confirmed a "suspicious object turned out to be harmless" – allowing fans to approach the venue.

Terrorist attacks across six locations in Paris killed 129 people on Friday night.

Three suicide bombers detonated explosive belts in the vicinity of the Stade de France, killing a further victim, during Germany's 2-0 loss to France.

French Secretary of State for Sport Thierry Braillard confirmed that bombers targeting the Saint-Denis venue tried to get inside the arena.

Following the Paris attacks, Joachim Low's team did not fly home to Frankfurt until the next morning having spent the night in the ground amid safety fears.

At his pre-match news conference, Low backed the original decision to proceed with the match against Netherlands.

"Upon our arrival in Frankfurt, I didn't think the game against the Netherlands could, or would, go ahead," he said.

"After sleeping on it, it was clear that the game must go ahead - also in solidarity with our French friends.

"We will think of the victims, the relatives and all of France tomorrow night in Hannover."

Belgium's game against Spain in Brussels, also scheduled for Tuesday night, was cancelled due to security fears but France's match against England will go ahead, with tributes to the victims of the Paris attacks set to take place before kick-off.

 

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Lloris thanks Wembley crowd after emotional England-France game

France captain Hugo Lloris acknowledged it was not easy for his team-mates to perform at Wembley as they went down to a 2-0 friendly defeat against England four days on from the Paris terror attacks.

Both teams and sets of fans were united in a stirring rendition of La Marseillaise before kick-off, after the Duke of Cambridge and Prime Minister David Cameron joined coaches Roy Hodgson and Didier Deschamps on the field.

Tottenham teenager Dele Alli marked his full England debut by scoring a wonderful long-range opener six minutes before half-time and captain Wayne Rooney completed the scoring early in the second period.

Lloris paid tribute to the crowd of 71,223, which afforded a touching ovation when Lassana Diarra - whose cousin was one of 129 killed during Friday's atrocities - appeared as a second-half substitute.

"First of all I think we want to thank all the England people in the stadium for their respect," Spurs goalkeeper Lloris told ITV.

"In terms of performance it was not easy for us. We had a lack of aggression and concentration but that is normal.

"It was more about solidarity and character because sport and football is important. Life is still going on so we must carry on."

Uefa issued a statement on Monday confirming that France would remain as host of Euro 2016 and Lloris agreed that this should be the case.

"Yes, but this decision doesn't belong to us," he added. "We will see with Uefa but I think there will be a good organisation and I'm sure it will be safe."

 

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Rooney proud of players after Wembley's Paris tribute


Wayne Rooney praised both sets of players on an emotional evening at Wembley as England beat France 2-0 four days on from the Paris terror attacks.

Pre-match tributes were paid to the 129 victims of Friday's co-ordinated terrorist assaults, including a rousing rendition of the French national anthem - La Marseillaise.

When the match got under way England were perhaps understandably sharper than their opponents, who spend much of Friday night inside the Stade de France with the Germany team after their previous friendly was targeted by three suicide bombers.

Rooney added a 51st goal to his record England haul early in the second half after Tottenham teenager Dele Alli marked his full international debut with a splendid opener.

"It was difficult night for everyone, I think – especially the French players and staff," Rooney told ITV.

"To be involved in this occasion, especially for young players who were making their England debuts, was tough. They were excited but it was a difficult game for them.

"I thought both teams handled it extremely well. The fans were brilliant and I'm sure this will get shown around the world – the unity between ourselves and France and football, which can help a lot of people.

"Football is a global game and, as [France coach] Didier Deschamps said yesterday - it's not about religion, it's not about race.

"Anyone can play the game of football. We need to stand tall together in these tough times."
The action on the field took a back seat to stirring displays of solidarity throughout - such as the standing ovation afforded to substitute Lassana Diarra after the France midfielder's cousin died in the Paris attacks.

As such, it was hard to gauge the full significance of a powerful, confident display from Alli, who caught the eye of his captain.

"He had an excellent game," Rooney added.

"We said before the game to the young players to go and express themselves and I though Dele was fantastic.

"We played well. We stuck to our game plan and deserved to win."

 

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Uruguay 3-0 Chile: Godin and Co. exact revenge

Uruguay returned to winning ways with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over South American champions Chile in a fiercely contested World Cup qualifier in Montevideo on Tuesday.

Tempers were running high in the first meeting between the two nations since the infamous coming together of Edinson Cavani and Gonzalo Jara in Chile's quarter-final win at the Copa America in June.

Cavani was controversially sent off for a raised hand to Jara's face after the Chile defender appeared to poke the Uruguay forward in the backside with a finger, which went unnoticed by match officials.

However, Uruguay, who felt aggrieved after the clash, had the last laugh thanks to Diego Godin and a quick-fire second-half double, ending Chile's unbeaten start to World Cup qualifying.

Godin set the Uruguayans on their way with a 23rd-minute opener - his third goal in qualifying - before substitute Alvaro Pereira and Martin Caceres helped the team bounce back from their 2-1 loss in Ecuador last week.

Making matters worse for the visitors, midfielder Jorge Valdivia was shown a straight red card after the final whistle for apparently verbally abusing the referee.

Uruguay made two changes to the team that went down to Ecuador, with Matias Corujo and Diego Rolan coming in for Alvaro Gonzalez and Abel Hernandez.

Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli also opted to mix it up, drafting in Marcelo Diaz, Mark Gonzalez and Eugenio Mena at the expense of Matias Fernandez, Jean Beausejour and Francisco Silva.

The Chileans started the brighter of the two teams, Arturo Vidal coming close to breaking the deadlock 10 minutes in after almost stabbing in the opener at the near post following Mauricio Isla's sliding ball across the six-yard box.

Emotions threatened to boil over as the half wore on, with Cavani and Jara at it again as both teams came together after Uruguay were awarded a free-kick.

Godin was clearly aggrieved by Chile's treatment of team-mate Cavani and it sparked the skipper into action, the Atletico Madrid star on hand to poke home the close-range opener from the resulting set-piece in the 23rd minute.

Tempers did eventually simmer down in the second half, after Uruguay and Chile squared off again when the referee whistled for half-time.

Chile pushed forward in search of an equaliser but they were continuously met by a wall of Uruguay defenders, Sebastian Coates on hand to cut out Isla's low cross to deny the visitors a goalscoring opportunity 10 minutes into the second half.

At the other end, Pereira had barely been on the pitch for a minute when he headed Uruguay into a 2-0 lead in the 61st minute.

Pereira, who replaced Nicolas Lodeiro, rose highest to loop the ball over Claudio Bravo after Cavani's header had picked out the second-half substitute.

And defender Caceres made sure of the points with a header of his own from a corner kick four minutes later.

 

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Brazil 3-0 Peru: Costa shines as Dunga's men seal vital win

Brazil moved up to third in World Cup qualifying after a 3-0 victory over Peru on Tuesday.

Douglas Costa tapped in Willian's cross from close range and Renato Augusto netted with a calm strike before Filipe Luis sealed all three points in Salvador.

Brazil are now unbeaten in three matches, with Peru falling to ninth place after recording three defeats in their opening four games.

The five-time World Cup winners had lost just three times in 41 appearances against Peru and were eager to improve upon a mixed start to their qualifying campaign.

Brazil took control early, with Dunga's men dominating possession with Willian, Costa and the trickery of Neymar testing Peru's defence.

With 22 minutes played, Costa scored the opening goal of the game following some fine individual skill from Willian.

Collecting the ball on the right of the box, the Chelsea winger played a return pass with Neymar before skipping past two defenders and drilling a powerful cross into the six-yard box for Costa to bundle over the line.

Willian continued to cause danger down the right flank and provided the perfectly weighted pass to Neymar, but the former Santos man struck his vicious volley over the crossbar.

Costa almost doubled the hosts' advantage with a set-piece from an acute angle.

The Bayern Munich star swung a curling effort from near the corner flag over the head of the dumbfounded Diego Penny, but it struck the far post.

Following the interval, Brazil's accurate short passing and possession superiority continued as they made it 2-0 after 57 minutes.

Costa darted into the area from the right flank before supplying Augusto with the opportunity to side-foot past Penny from the edge of the area for his first international goal.

Neymar saw a goal ruled out for offside after poking past Penny as Brazil pushed for a third.

It came with 13 minutes still to play as Costa's drilled strike was parried out by the Peru stopper to the feet of left-back Filipe Luis to tap into an empty net.

Brazil are now 45 World Cup qualifying matches unbeaten at home and have risen three positions with their second win of the campaign, as Ricardo Gareca's men drop below Bolivia on goal difference.

 

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Bebe: I play like Cristiano Ronaldo

Former Manchester United attacker Bebe has likened his style to that of Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo, while also voicing his admiration for Didier Drogba.

Bebe has impressed this campaign at Rayo Vallecano after previous disappointing spells with United and Benfica and he believes his style of play is similar to that of his illustrious compatriot.

"My idols? Drogba and Cristiano Ronaldo. I have the same way of running and the same shooting style as Cristiano," Bebe told AS.

"He's definitely one of my favourites."

The 25-year-old failed to make the grade at United after joining from Vitoria Guimaraes in 2010, but he still has fond memories of his time at Old Trafford.

"It all happened very quickly, a total surprise. One day I'm training and the next they’re telling me that I'm going to sign a five-year contract with Manchester United. I thought it was a joke. I wasn't there long, but I enjoyed it," Bebe added.

"It was every kid's dream, it was insane. I was playing with the best in the world. It wasn't easy, the first week I had to take a deep breath, but I got used to it. I adapted and tried to fit in.

"Rio Ferdinand, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney really impressed me. A few months earlier I was watching them on TV and suddenly here I was running, jumping and talking to them. Giggs really caught my attention, I saw how they loved him, always asking for autographs, pictures, jerseys."

 

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Bebe: I play like Cristiano Ronaldo

Kiyala wadak naha...play karanne hariyata Ronaldo ge mallie kenek wage neh​

 

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Ibrahimovic: It is too late for Premier League move

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has all but ruled out a move to the Premier League at the end of the season.

The 34-year-old's contract with PSG expires at the end of the season and he has yet to make a decision about his long-term future.

Ibrahimovic has been linked with a move to Manchester United, but a transfer to England now appears unlikely.

"I think it is too late to come to England," the striker told Sportsmail. "I am very happy at PSG. I have six months to go on my contract and we will see what happens afterwards.

"I am looking forward to the Euros," he added. "It is probably going to be my last tournament with the national team and I am very excited because before these two play-off games there was all this kind of talk that we were not able to beat Denmark.


"Now we are very happy and I am satisfied. It will be magic for everyone."

 

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'No chance of Clasico being suspended'

Spain's interior minister, Jorge Fernández Diaz, says there is no chance of Saturday's clash between Real Madrid and Barcelona being called off.

Security will be heightened for the first Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu in the wake of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris.

The Stade de France - where France were playing Germany on Friday - was one of several targets across Paris during the atrocities which left over 130 dead and many more injured.

Germany's friendly against Netherlands on Tuesday was cancelled just an hour before kick-off after security were made aware of a serious bomb threat at Hannover's stadium.

Diaz admits that security will be a top priority in the Spanish capital, but maintains the game wil certainly go ahead.

"At this time, we are not planning any suspension," he told Marca. "Absolutely not.

"We have raised an intense security status for obvious reasons, but now the circumstances do not exist to suspend the match.

"There will be many security reinforcements to control not only access, but also around the stadium. It will be very intense.

"Right now, I want to convey a message of serenity and tranquility, although I understand the worries. People trust the security services and the services of the fight against terrorism.

"The Anti-Violence Commission will meet on Wednesday afternoon and declared the game high-risk, for obvious reasons, but with the desire that it will be played with absolute normality."

 

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'No chance of Clasico being suspended'

Threat 1kak thiyanawanam hodama de match 1ka suspend karana 1ka thamai.mokada okkotama wada playerslage safety 1ka watinawaanith 1ka later day 1kaka unath match 1ka thiyanna puluwan neh​

 

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Balotelli out for a month, AC Milan confirm

AC Milan have confirmed that Mario Balotelli will be out of action for at least a month after undergoing surgery.

The Italy international, who is currently on loan from Liverpool, needed to go under the knife due to groin problems but is expected back before Christmas, the San Siro side have said.

The striker has not featured for Milan since late September due to injury, having made just four league appearances for Sinisa Mihajlovic's men this term - scoring one goal.

"Mario Balotelli underwent surgery in Munich," a statement from the club read. "The operation was successful and recovery time will be about 4 weeks, unless there are complications."

The Rossoneri currently sit sixth in Serie A after 12 games and are unbeaten in their last five games as they sit seven points behind leaders Fiorentina.

 

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'Benitez may pay the price for playing it safe'

Former Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Luis Milla believes Rafael Benitez may pay the price for his conservative style of football.

Real have not won a game by more than two goals since October 11, when they defeated Levante 3-0.

And with this weekend’s Clasico clash against Barca looming, Milla says that the former Liverpool manager must let his side off the leash soon or risk the sack.

"At Real Madrid you always have to look for a good performance, but supporters want something more than a victory," Milla, who currently manages Lugo in the Spanish Segunda Division, told Goal in an exclusive interview.

"Ancelotti was able to win the Champions League and was playing good football but he was fired as soon he didn't reached Barcelona’s level, one year after.

"Ancelotti wanted supporters to enjoy it with Real Madrid, now the coach is more conservative.”

Lionel Messi’s participation in the Clasico remains in doubt, though Goal understands that the Argentina international has begun ball work in a bid to be fit for the clash.

Milla, though, believes that Barca have improved without their star man, despite tipping Real to emerge victorious.

"Real Madrid are still favourites because they are the local team but Barcelona are now better without Messi.

"It is very important for Real Madrid to be cautious about Messi's possible absence.”

 

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Suarez plays down Ballon d'Or chances

Barcelona star Luis Suarez is pleased to be among the candidates to win the 2015 Ballon d'Or following his fine performances this calendar year, but is adamant he is not thinking about becoming one of the three finalists.

The Uruguay international was named on a 23-man shortlist last month and could yet be among the final three contenders due to be revealed on November 30, although he faces stiff competition from the likes of holder Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as club team-mates Lionel Messi and Neymar.

Despite enjoying a stellar first campaign at Camp Nou which saw his side win a European and domestic treble, as well as a strong start to this season, Suarez is not getting carried away and is focused on his performances on the pitch.

"I never imagined being among the 23 finalists, but I am not thinking about being one of the three finalists. It has never been my objective," the attacker said at a news conference.

"I was very surprised when I was named one of three nominees for the Uefa Best Player in Europe Award, which Messi won.

"But winning the Ballon d'Or is not something that is occupying me."

Suarez feels Argentina star Messi remains the best player in the world and hailed his relationship with his fellow Barca attackers.
"Messi is on another level because of everything he has achieved and is still doing," the 28-year-old said.

"Neymar is right behind him at the moment. I really enjoy playing alongside him.

"Time will tell whether we are one of the best attacks in the history of the game, but it is clear that we are getting along well.

"I am very happy when Neymar scores a hat-trick and he is happy when I score. But we could not do it without the support of the midfield and the rest of the team."

Barca are away to fierce rivals Real Madrid in La Liga on Saturday.

 

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Tebas confident in security measures ahead of Clasico

La Liga president Javier Tebas is confident the Spanish police will ensure this weekend's Clasico will pass without any security problems.

Following the terror attacks in Paris on Friday – which included an attack outside the Stade de France while France faced Germany – two international friendlies were cancelled on Tuesday.

Belgium's clash with Spain was postponed 24 hours before kick-off in Brussels and Germany's encounter with Netherlands in Hannover was called off due to a security incident.

This weekend sees one of the biggest matches in club football take place in Madrid as Barcelona visit fierce rivals Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Tebas has full confidence the fixture will go ahead without any concerns.

"The Spanish police are always there to ensure safety in all the matches; moreover, they are well aware as to which games carry greater or lesser risk," he told Marca.
"Nobody can doubt the police's ability to know what's what; they know the times we are living in only too well.

"Just as they have in the past, they know how things stand now and will take all the necessary precautions.

"Unfortunately, in this country we have great experience of terrorism. We have suffered it for years and therefore we know, as do the police, what measures must be taken for each situation and in each game.

"I am not in the slightest concerned about what might happen on Saturday, as we are sure that the police know what to do."

He added: "What happened on Friday wasn't any normal event and so it caused a lot of commotion.

"All the measures being taken are logical and correct. Faced with the slightest possibility, any given game must be called off. I trust that here on Saturday there won't be any problems."

 

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'Silva 'irreplaceable' at Manchester City'

Manchester City legend Colin Bell has labelled David Silva "irreplaceable" and says the Spaniard could walk into any team in the club's history.

Silva has shone since arriving in the Premier League from Valencia in 2010, scoring 34 goals in 167 appearances for City and winning two league titles.

His creative flair, eye for a pass and composure in possession set Silva out in City's squad, and Bell says those qualities make him an integral part of Manuel Pellegrini's side.

"David Silva would walk into any City team," he told the club's official website. "He is in my personal greatest all-time XI and is just fantastic to watch.

"When he's on the ball, he makes the whole team tick and we don't look the same side without him. He has an incredible awareness and is the perfect player for the modern game.
"Silva glides around the pitch and is an integral part of our recent successes and he is a genuine pleasure to watch.

"His movement, vision and intelligence are as good as I've seen and I hope he continues to grace the City team for many more years to come."
Injuries have meant the Spaniard has been more of a peripheral figure this season, the 29-year-old only making five league starts since the opening weekend of the campaign.

He added: "We've invested a lot of money into the team in recent years but for me, Silva and Sergio Aguero are irreplaceable in my opinion.


"We have a terrific squad of players, but if you take those two out of the equation, we lose some of our cutting edge so I hope they are both back in the team as quickly as possible."

 

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Douglas Costa: I’m finding Bayern form for Brazil

Bayern Munich forward Douglas Costa says he is getting closer to reproducing his club form for Brazil.

The 25-yer-old was the star of the show in Salvador on Tuesday as the Selecao scored a comprehensive 3-0 victory over Peru at the Fonte Nova.

And Costa, who has been one of the revelations of the European season so far following his switch from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer, says he is growing in confidence with every game for Dunga’s side.

“Little by little I'm gaining the confidence to be more relaxed in the game, to play the same way as I do for Bayern: with freedom,” he said.

“But at Bayern is a little different because I'm the only Brazilian. Here we have Ney (Neymar), Willian... so we start to have more quality in the attack. This also helps a lot.”

The Bayern man bundled home Willian’s low cross for the opener before laying on Renato Augusto’s first international goal to double Brazil’s lead.


He also provided the third for Filipe Luis, as his shot was parried into the Atletico Madrid man’s path for a tap-in.

Douglas Costa was a surprise omission from the side that earned a 1-1 draw in Argentina on Friday, emerging from the bench to make an immediate impact as his header cannoned back off the bar before Lucas Lima volleyed home the rebound to equalise.

Tuesday’s victory leave Brazil third in Conmebol’s World Cup qualifying table with seven points from four matches.

 

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Bellerin will only get better, claims Dixon

Former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon believes Hector Bellerin will continue to improve following his impressive start to life as a first-team player.

The 20-year-old has displaced Mathieu Debuchy as Arsenal's first-choice right-back and Dixon is confident the youngster will only get better as he gains more experience.

Debuchy was brought in to replace Bacary Sagna, who joined Manchester City in 2014, but has played only 12 Premier League games due to injury and Bellerin's fine form.

"[Bellerin]’s taken his chance better than anyone thought," Dixon told Arsenal's official website.

"I was talking to [assistant manager] Steve Bould last season, when there were a few issues at right-back and who was going to play, and Hector hadn’t had his chance yet. But he got his chance through injury and he’s never looked back.

"He’s done way better than some people may have thought.

"Although he catches the eye because of his pace, which is astonishing when you see him in full flow, he’s learning the game and that’s the important thing. He’s still a young lad who has got a long way to go, but when you sit down and analyse his game on a weekly basis you see that he’s doing very well indeed.

"There are still areas of game that he does have to improve on but that’s only natural because he’s so young, but as long as he keeps learning - and being in the first team every week will help - he will continue to improve."