..::Football III::..

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Romania 0-0 Spain: Hosts frustrate toothless Roja

Spain once again struggled to impress in the build-up to Euro 2016 as they played out a goalless friendly draw with Romania on Sunday.Three days on from an underwhelming performance in a 1-1 draw against Italy, Spain again lacked consistency and fluency in Cluj.

Vicente del Bosque's men showed glimpses of their trademark free-flowing passing style, but the head coach will expect more with their European Championship defence starting in a little over two months.

Gerard Pique wasted Spain's best chance shortly after half-time, while Pedro also went close in the first half, but the visitors failed to do enough to break down a resilient Romania defence.

There were plenty of positives to take from a Romanian point of view, with Nicolae Stanciu - who was twice denied by Iker Casillas - at the heart of their effective counter-attacking style.

Anghel Iordanescu's men subsequently stretch their unbeaten run to 17 matches and Romania are in high spirits with the Euros on the horizon.

Romania pressed well in the opening exchanges, with a misplaced pass from Spain debutant Sergi Roberto leading to a swift break and Bogdan Stancu just failing to make clean contact with Stanciu's cross.

Spain started to enjoy a spell of pressure and Pique's header from David Silva's free-kick hit team-mate Marc Bartra and looped towards goal, forcing a smart stop from Ciprian Tatarusanu.Pedro was next to be foiled by the Romania goalkeeper, the Chelsea forward seeing his shot saved after a wonderful exchange between Silva and Bartra.

Romania caused problems of their own and Casillas got down well to keep out Stanciu's drive on the half volley.

Casillas was Stanciu's nemesis again on the half hour, the experienced goalkeeper making a splendid save low to his right to stop the forward's well-executed volley.
Early in the second half Pique wasted a great chance when he volleyed straight at Tatarusanu when the ball fell kindly to him at a corner.

Spain remained vulnerable in defence, though, and Florin Andone perhaps should have done better when slicing wide after being set free by Stanciu.Another break led by the impressive Stanciu ended with Stancu curling over the top from the left of the area.

Spain introduced the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Aritz Aduriz and Alvaro Morata, and Fabregas saw claims for a penalty waved away by referee Ruddy Buquet in the closing stages when seemingly caught by Cristian Sapunaru, but there was to be no late drama as the match finished all square.

 

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Ohomanam baha Spain!

Romania wage team 1kak ekka ohomanam Euro's wala mona karaganida manda​

 

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Gotze return would be huge boost to Dortmund - Hummels

Mats Hummels would welcome Mario Gotze with open arms if the struggling Bayern Munich midfielder decided to return to Borussia Dortmund.

The 23-year-old left BVB for Bayern in July 2013 for a transfer fee of €37 million, but he has been unable to live up to the high expectations at the Allianz Arena.

Gotze has only started in five Bundesliga matches this season and was recently linked with a return to Dortmund as well as Liverpool, where he would reunite with his old mentor Jurgen Klopp.However, Hummels feels his former BVB team-mate would be a shrewd addition for Thomas Tuchel's side and has urged him to return to Signal Iduna Park.

"I don't know how realistic a return to Dortmund is for Mario," Hummels told ZDF."But he is a player with the potential to become a world-class player. We had some great times together, both at Dortmund and with the national team.

"We are all suffering with him when we see things are not going his way due to bad luck. I would really like to see him back to his best."It would be great if he makes the decision that Dortmund is the place to achieve that. It would be a huge boost of quality."

Hummels also revealed he is yet to decide on his own future at BVB, with his current contract due to expire in 2017.He added: "I am still undecided on my future. There are a lot of things I would like to do.

"One of those things is to stay at Dortmund a bit longer and build on what we are doing right now."But I also realise that it would be a long-term decision if I sign a new deal. It could be my last contract. I am not in my early 20s."

 

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Messi: I don't compare myself to Ronaldo

Barcelona star Lionel Messi has reiterated that he does not care about comparisons with Real Madrid counterpart Cristiano Ronaldo as he is only focused on his own performances.

The Argentina international's achievements are often contrasted to those of the Portuguese star, with the duo dominating individual awards such as the Ballon d'Or over the course of their careers.But Messi remains unperturbed by such talk on who has enjoyed more personal success and says he is only thinking about helping his team to silverware.

"The press is always looking for comparisons and those kinds of things," the 28-year-old told MBC."The only thing I care about is helping my team and to keep on improving each season.

"I am not comparing myself to Cristiano Ronaldo or to anyone else. I am only thinking about myself and my team-mates and winning games."Barcelona take on Real Madrid in their first game after the international break and Messi expects a tight Clasico at Camp Nou, despite his side's 10-point advantage over their rivals.

"Real Madrid have some great players. They have always had some impressive stars and are one of the best teams in the world," he added."They are always a complicated rival for Barcelona. They always make life difficult for us in the race for the Liga title. There is a lot of competition and we always try to do better than them."

 

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Messi: I like the Premier League & watch all the big games

Lionel Messi has revealed he is a big fan of the Premier League, but downplayed a possible move despite admitting that he may not remain at Barcelona for the entirety of his career.

The Argentina skipper has long been linked with a switch to England, with Manchester City known admirers of a player who enjoyed tremendous success under incoming boss Pep Guardiola.

Messi has always maintained that he wishes to remain at Camp Nou, though he has now conceded that circumstances could alter and he may be forced to “change his mind”.

Reports emerged recently that Messi had told City bosses they were the only European club he would join should he leave Barca, and now he has revealed that he is keeping a close eye on both the Premier League and Serie A.

“I like English football and I like Italian football. I follow the big games,” he explained in an interview with Egyptian TV station MBC.

“But as I've already said, my intention is to stay for many years at Barça and retire here.

“I hope things work out like that and I don't have to change my mind. In football you never know, and things can change from one day to the next.”
Messi is not likely to fall out of love with Barcelona any time soon, however, saying that the European champions are benefiting from an excellent team ethos and unity.

“This is a team sport and every year we set ourselves common targets. If something is good for one individual but not for the team, then it is of no use,” he continued.

“The whole group must always come first, and not one person. I think that and so does the whole of the dressing room. It makes no difference who scores the goals.

“The fact is that I get on very well with all my team-mates. Many of us have known one another for years and we hardly need even to look at someone to know what he is going to do.”

 

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Ronaldo: I want my son to be a top footballer... like his Dad!

Cristiano Ronaldo has big plans for his son, whom he believes could become as good a footballer as him when he grows up.

Cristiano Jr. is probably not thinking about his career for the time being, as he is just five years old.

But his father would love to see him follow in his illustrious footsteps, and believes he is already showing positive signs.

"I want my son to be a player. I am a footballer and I want him to be one too," the Real Madrid star told the Chinese channel Zhejiang Satellite TV, which has been filming Ronaldo as part of a reality show based around the player.

"I think he has something of an athlete about him, he has athletic characteristics. Obviously he is very young, a baby, he's only five but he loves football, that is a big plus."

Ronaldo added that his progeny is always practicing football, but that he will be free to choose his destiny.

"I have 30 balls at home, he is always with the ball and he loves it. But I will not force him to be a player because it comes naturally, it has to be his choice," he said.

"He will be whatever he wants to be, I am not going to push him at all.

"But obviously I want Cristiano to be a player. A top one, like his dad."

 

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Gundogan agent denies Manchester City deal

The agent of Borussia Dortmund star Ilkay Gundogan has denied that the midfielder has already agreed to join Manchester City this summer.

As reported by Goal, the Premier League giants lead the chase for the Germany international ahead of European superpowers Juventus and Barcelona.

City sporting director Txiki Begiristain was pictured with Ilhan Gundogan, Ilkay’s uncle and agent, at an Amsterdam hotel earlier this month as the club begin planning for the Pep Guardiola era.

Although discussions are at an advanced stage over a £90,000-a-week deal, the player’s camp insist that talks have yet to be concluded.

“It is not true [that it is a done deal],” the agent is quoted as saying by Bild. “There is no decision and everything is still open. Ilkay is focusing further on his recovery.”
Gundogan, who is contracted at Signal Iduna Park until 2017 after signing a short-term extension last summer, is likely to cost around £23 million.

Italian champions Juventus are thought to have been priced out of a move for Gundogan, while Barcelona will struggle to match City’s offer while still trying to negotiate new deals with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Sergio Busquets.

As well as pursuing Gundogan City have identified a number of top-level summer transfer targets, including Juve superstar Paul Pogba, Everton defender John Stones and Schalke winger Leroy Sane.

 

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Ibrahimovic claims Premier League interest

Paris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has claimed Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.Ibrahimovic's contract is set to expire at the end of the campaign, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea all thought to be keen on a deal.

"There is interest, yes. There is. I can confirm," he said. "I think it's the most high-profile league in the world. The league makes the most headlines."But when all the cards are on the table, that's when I'll decide what I want."It's like a marriage. Both sides need to be happy."

Whatever his destination, remaining at PSG appears out of the question. "I have a contract until the end of June," he said. "As it looks today, I cannot remain in the club [after that]."We are not in discussions and that is the current state of affairs.

"We'll see what the possibilities are and I think there will be many. The future looks very good."Many things will happen this summer, so it's just to have a little patience. You will certainly have something to write about."Ibrahimovic has scored 35 goals in 40 appearances in all competitions for PSG this season, helping the club to a fourth consecutive Ligue 1 title

 

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Arsenal's Ozil urges Wenger to spend big

Mesut Ozil has called on Arsene Wenger to spend heavily on improving the Arsenal squad, as the playmaker foresees a difficult Premier League campaign in 2016/17.

The Gunners barely strengthened their side over the last 12 months, with Petr Cech and Mohamed Elneny the only new faces over the space of the last two transfer windows.

But Ozil believes more depth is needed should Arsenal hope to battle for the Premier League crown.

"We know that it will not be easy and that we need reinforcements if we want next season to be on top here again," he told Welt am Sonntag.

"It is again interesting to see who invests in who and how much the clubs do during the summer break."

The Germany international pointed to one man who would soon be entering English football as proof the title would be harder to achieve than ever.

"Great coaches are coming into the league. I am thinking primarily of Pep Guardiola. Wherever he has been, he had success. He is a coach, keen on playing and his teams are feared," he pointed out.

"I wonder what he will do with Man City. He will be imprinting his football in England and people will be surprised."

 

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Spain draws frustrate Del Bosque

Vicente del Bosque couldn't hide his frustration after seeing his Spain side fail to find a way past Romania on Sunday, claiming they “lacked everything” on the night.

Spain were off colour as the friendly affair finished goalless in Cluj, a result that followed an similarly underwhelming performance in a 1-1 draw against Italy on Thursday.

The likes of Cesc Fabregas, Juan Mata, Aritz Aduriz and Alvaro Morata all came on in the second half but the pattern of the game never changed, leaving head coach Del Bosque with much to ponder ahead their defence of their European Championships crown this summer.

"I'm not happy at all following two draws from my team," he said."We lacked everything, in all areas. I tried to win the game by making changes, but it did not change anything.

"Romania have played a very good match. They did not let us play our football, they are a good side."Koke admitted Spain were well below their usual standard, but the Atletico Madrid midfielder is confident they will improve by the time the Euros come around in a little over two months.

"The feeling we have is one of annoyance because we did not win," he said. "But we will improve in the tournament."We are a good group and we'll be fine."

 

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Spain draws frustrate Del Bosque

Euro's walath ohoma play kaloth sorryma thamai​

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.28

International Friendly Fixtures 2016.03.28

Andorra Vs Moldpva

Liechtenstein Vs Faroe Islands

Ukraine Vs Wales

Nothern Ireland Vs Slovenia​

 

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Casillas: My retirement is getting closer

Iker Casillas equalled the European appearances record by claiming a 166th cap for Spain on Sunday, but the veteran goalkeeper acknowledged the time of his retirement is getting closer.

Casillas kept a clean sheet as Spain played out a scoreless draw against Romania in their international friendly at the Cluj Arena.The 34-year-old Porto keeper was happy to reach the milestone and level the record held by Latvia's Vitalijs Astafjevs, but conceded his time is running out at the top level of football.

"I am happy to reach 166 games and be the player with the most games for the national team," he said via Periscope.

"In these years I have lived good times and bad times, but I will stick with the good ones."Casillas added: "The time of my retirement is getting closer and closer. It's clear that time passes everyone and I am no exception of that.

"But I have hope and I would like to be with this team full of youngsters. I don't know if it's my last year with Spain, I only think about enjoying each day."

 

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Isco happy at Madrid despite Juventus rumours

Real Madrid attacker Isco insisted he is happy in the Spanish capital amid rumours linking him with a move to Juventus.

Spain international Isco is reportedly a target for the Serie A champions, along with Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani. However, with two seasons remaining on his contract, Isco said he has no intention of leaving the Santiago Bernabeu anytime soon.

"Will I go to Juve? I am very happy at Madrid," the 23-year-old told Cadena Cope."I want to see out the two years left on my contract."Madrid face La Liga leaders Barcelona at Camp Nou on Saturday as they look to win their first away Clasico in the league since April 2012.

"We have to reclaim ourselves on Saturday against Barcelona after the bad image we gave ourselves at the Bernabeu [a 4-0 loss in November]," he said.

"I am ready for the Clasico. I haven't played much and I am not tired. To win at the Camp Nou would be a very large morale injection."Isco added: "People should not forget about us. We are alive, and we have the team to win the Champions League."

 

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Pellegrini open to Premier League stay after Man City exit

Soon-to-depart Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini has hinted that he could remain in the Premier League next season if he finds a club with “a good project”.

The Chilean coach will be replaced by Pep Guardiola this summer, and has been heavily linked with the likes of Valencia, Zenit St. Petersburg and even Arsenal.

And Pellegrini says he would be keen to remain in England, due to the huge amount of money in the division that allows smaller sides like Leicester City to compete for the title, with European football not essential in his decision.

“There are a lot of interesting things here in England because all the clubs have the money to have a good project, so a lot of managers will be interested in a lot of clubs,” he told the Sunday Telegraph.

“With the new rights from the TV deal, you have more money and all the teams here in England can pick good players.”

On why European participation is not a huge factor for him, he explained: “It's very important not to play in the midweek because then you can work with your teams.

“It's impossible to do that work when you are just playing, playing, playing.
“Those teams who are not involved in Europe can work during the whole week, so I'm sure this season with Leicester, and next season, we will see a couple more teams involved with the title.”

Pellegrini has turned down big clubs in the past in favour of projects he believes in, taking charge of relative minnows Malaga after leaving Real Madrid, and says this summer’s managerial merry-go-round will “depend on the mentality of the manager”.

“I always remember when I finished with Real Madrid I had a lot of different options and I chose Malaga because the project was interesting,” he continued.

“It doesn't matter which club you are going to, whether it's a big or a small team. It depends on the project and what they want to develop at the club and the players you can bring to the club.”

 

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Martial reveals why he was scared ahead of his Manchester United move

Anthony Martial admits he was frightened by the intensity of the Premier League ahead of his move to Manchester United.

The 20-year-old made the surprise switch from Monaco to Old Trafford last summer in a deal that could end up costing United £61.5 million.

“At the start I was scared because I had heard a lot about the intensity of the English game,” Martial told RTL.

“But I realised during the matches that I was able to keep up, and I was really very happy about that because as a youngster I struggled to finish games, at the age of 17 they said I needed to work on my endurance.”

Asked if he was more afraid of the intensity of the tackles made in English football, Martial replied: “No the intensity, the tackles you need to know how to avoid them and not injure yourself.

“But I love the English game, it was really everything I wanted.”

 

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Lukaku open to Mourinho reunion

Romelu Lukaku says he would be open to a reunion with Jose Mourinho amid rumours linking him with a summer move to Manchester United.

The Belgium striker, 22, enjoyed little success during his spell at Stamford Bridge working under Mourinho, with the Portuguese coach sanctioning the £28 million move to Everton in July 2014.Mourinho has been strongly tipped to take over from Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford in the close season and Lukaku stated he would be willing to reconcile with his former boss.

"Of course," Lukaku told Derniere Heure. "Some people will say that I need to convince him but it's not a question of that. Three years ago I was 20 and I wasn't ready to be immediately effective in a top team.

"Several good seasons, including the current one, have changed the situation. I'll be 23 [in May] and I could leave this summer."The former Anderlecht striker has enjoyed a prolific campaign, scoring 25 goals in all competitions for the Toffees.

 

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'Fellaini is not being used in his best position by Manchester United'

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots believes Marouane Fellaini is not being played to his strengths at Manchester United.

Fellaini has struggled to secure a regular role under Louis van Gaal and has been used in a variety of midfield roles at Old Trafford since his £27.5 million arrival from Everton in 2013.

But Wilmots claims the 28-year-old is the best scorer he has available in the national team and says Van Gaal should use him as a box-to-box midfielder.

“I know him by heart,” Belgium’s coach told The Times.

“In my eyes, he is a box-to-box [midfielder]. He could also play as No. 6 [a holding role] by himself, but not with a partner.

“He has the ability to play on the offensive too, as Everton used him. He is the best goalscorer I have. He is a very good player with a unique profile, but he is a player who must be used taking his qualities into account.”

 

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Lukaku rules out return to Chelsea but open to Man Utd & Bayern Munich

Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has ruled out the possibility of returning to Chelsea, following his permanent move away from the club in 2014.

The Belgium striker moved to Stamford Bridge in 2011 from boyhood club Anderlecht but failed to ever establish himself in the first team, with loan spells at West Brom and Everton before completing a permanent deal with the Toffees.

Since then, the 22-year-old has formed an integral part of Roberto Martinez's side, knocking his former side out of the FA Cup quarter-final earlier this month with both goals in a 2-0 win.

But asked by Derniere Heure about the possibiity of a return to Chelsea, Lukaku said: "No, absolutely not. The page is turned on both sides."

While Chelsea may have been ruled out, the Belgian striker was more open to the possibility of a transfer to either Bayern Munich or Manchester United

"When I was little, two teams that impressed me by their offensive force," he said of Bayern and United.

"We'll see what will happen. Anyway, it is always nice to be linked with such clubs. this is proof that they watch me. The rest is the business of my manager."

 

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Come to Manchester United Lukaku!​