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..::Football IV::..
- Thread starter Wolverine GTR
- Start date
football
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Group A Match in Pictures
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Neymar is Ronaldo's heir at Real Madrid, claims Valdano
Neymar is the closest heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and is good enough to play for Real Madrid, says the club's former sporting director Jorge Valdano.The Brazil star has been linked with a controversial switch to Madrid since leaving rivals Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking €222million deal last August.
Ronaldo's own Madrid future is in doubt after the Portugal international suggested after the Champions League final that he could leave the club, although he later indicated on a trophy parade he would stay.
And Valdano, who played for Madrid and coached the team during the 1990s, feels Neymar could be the ideal replacement for 33-year-old Ronaldo."I must say that Neymar is at the level of Real Madrid," Valdano told L'Equipe."For me, he is the closest heir to Cristiano Ronaldo."It seems to me a legitimate aspiration to bet on a player of his talent that will reach its fullness in the next five years."
Although PSG could lose Neymar after one year, Valdano believes the move was still worthwhile for the club, who won a domestic treble despite the Brazilian missing the end of the season with a fractured foot.
"It has been a great success for PSG to manage to recruit Neymar," Valdano added."That gave the Parisian club another dimension in the world of football."Neymar is preparing for the World Cup, with Brazil opening their campaign in Russia against Switzerland on Sunday.
Neymar is the closest heir to Cristiano Ronaldo and is good enough to play for Real Madrid, says the club's former sporting director Jorge Valdano.The Brazil star has been linked with a controversial switch to Madrid since leaving rivals Barcelona for Paris Saint-Germain in a record-breaking €222million deal last August.
Ronaldo's own Madrid future is in doubt after the Portugal international suggested after the Champions League final that he could leave the club, although he later indicated on a trophy parade he would stay.
And Valdano, who played for Madrid and coached the team during the 1990s, feels Neymar could be the ideal replacement for 33-year-old Ronaldo."I must say that Neymar is at the level of Real Madrid," Valdano told L'Equipe."For me, he is the closest heir to Cristiano Ronaldo."It seems to me a legitimate aspiration to bet on a player of his talent that will reach its fullness in the next five years."
Although PSG could lose Neymar after one year, Valdano believes the move was still worthwhile for the club, who won a domestic treble despite the Brazilian missing the end of the season with a fractured foot.
"It has been a great success for PSG to manage to recruit Neymar," Valdano added."That gave the Parisian club another dimension in the world of football."Neymar is preparing for the World Cup, with Brazil opening their campaign in Russia against Switzerland on Sunday.
Balotelli given two-game ban for diving
Mario Balotelli will be banned for the first two matches of the new Ligue 1 season – if the Italy international remains in French football.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) confirmed on Thursday that Balotelli has been hit with a two-match suspension.Balotelli was given the ban after the LFP ruled he dived in a match against Caen, leading to Ismael Diomande being sent off.
Nice forward Balotelli is out of contract at the club, having spent two seasons rebuilding his reputation in Ligue 1.The Italy international has scored 33 goals for Nice over the past two Ligue 1 campaigns, while adding seven strikes in the Europa League for the club.His solid form in France's top flight earned him a recall for Italy, with the striker scoring in his return to the Azzurri.
Balotelli has previously stated that he is uncertain what his club future holds, admitting to Nice's official website he makes his decisions on a week-by-week basis.
New Nice coach Patrick Vieira has said he expects Balotelli to report for pre-season training despite speculation over his future.Ligue 1 rivals Marseille are reportedly keen on Balotelli, who has also been linked with a Serie A return to either Napoli or Roma.
Mario Balotelli will be banned for the first two matches of the new Ligue 1 season – if the Italy international remains in French football.
The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) confirmed on Thursday that Balotelli has been hit with a two-match suspension.Balotelli was given the ban after the LFP ruled he dived in a match against Caen, leading to Ismael Diomande being sent off.
Nice forward Balotelli is out of contract at the club, having spent two seasons rebuilding his reputation in Ligue 1.The Italy international has scored 33 goals for Nice over the past two Ligue 1 campaigns, while adding seven strikes in the Europa League for the club.His solid form in France's top flight earned him a recall for Italy, with the striker scoring in his return to the Azzurri.
Balotelli has previously stated that he is uncertain what his club future holds, admitting to Nice's official website he makes his decisions on a week-by-week basis.
New Nice coach Patrick Vieira has said he expects Balotelli to report for pre-season training despite speculation over his future.Ligue 1 rivals Marseille are reportedly keen on Balotelli, who has also been linked with a Serie A return to either Napoli or Roma.
England can win the World Cup - MourinhoJose Mourinho has backed England for World Cup glory, claiming Gareth Southgate's young squad has enough top-level experience to be a success on the biggest stage.
Southgate has taken a relatively inexperienced group of players to Russia compared to previous tournaments, with Joe Hart and Jack Wilshere among the big names left out.England face Tunisia in their opening game on Monday, with Panama and star-studded Belgium their other opponents in Group G.
But Mourinho, whose Manchester United players Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Phil Jones and Marcus Rashford are all in the squad, feels England have the talent to go all the way."I think they can [win the World Cup. I think they have a good group of young but experienced players," Mourinho said.
"They're at a good age but good level of experience, all of them. They play in the best domestic competition in the world, the Premier League."All of them playing in the best teams, all of them with experience of playing Champions League which is high level football obviously. So yes I think they can do it."
England are not among the favourites for this year's tournament, with the likes of Spain, Argentina, France, Brazil and World Cup holders Germany judged to be ahead in the pecking order.
However, Mourinho believes good strength in depth does not always result in success in tournament football."The [favourites] have good squads, but good squads don't always make good teams. And sometimes not so special squads in theory can make better teams," he added.
"But I don't expect a big surprise. I think the top teams in South America and the top teams in Europe will be the ones fighting for the title."
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.15
FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.15
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Group A
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Egypt Vs Uruguay
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Group B
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Morocco Vs Iran
Portugal Vs Spain
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Group A
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Group B
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Ronaldo agrees to pay €18.8m sum to end tax case against him, report claims
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed an €18.8 million (£16m/$22m) settlement with the Spanish Tax Agency which will bring legal proceedings against him to a close, reports El Mundo.The Portugal international stands accused of four fiscal crimes relating to the taxation of image rights.
It was reported in April that the Treasury were exploring the option of withdrawing one of the accused crimes if the 33-year-old pleaded guilty.
He would, however, have had to accept a minor prison sentence and pay a €10m (£9m/$12m) fine in order for that to happen.
Instead, Ronaldo has reportedly sought to bring the saga to a close by paying the relevant authorities.Reports from AS in May claimed that a formal proposal of €14m (£12m/$16m) had been knocked back, with no agreement in sight at that stage.El Mundo are now claiming that the Spanish Tax Agency are prepared to do a deal closer to the €19m mark.
Ronaldo is said to have agreed to an admission of wrongdoing in the settlement, which lands him a two-year prison charge, but he will avoid serving a sentence - much like Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano before him - and will be free of further sanction.
The Portugal international, who is readying himself for a World Cup 2018 opener against Spain on Friday, appeared in court last year to respond to the allegations, insisting "I always pay what I have to pay; I do things the right way and I will continue to do so".His representatives, Gestifute, meanwhile, have persistently denied that any crimes have been committed.
The former Manchester United star has remained quiet when it comes to discussing the matter in public, although he did appear to attack the "fake news" surrounding his case in an Instagram post back in March.
El Mundo now claims that Ronaldo has releaxed his stance during discussions with the Tax Agency, bringing a distracting episode to a close as his full attention is switched back to matters on the field.
The Madrid forward's future at the Bernabeu still remains unclear, though, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continuously being linked with an exit following his statements after the Champions League final.Goal understands that the Spanish club are, however, remaining calm over the reports that their star man could leave and are hopeful of retaining his services.
Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has agreed an €18.8 million (£16m/$22m) settlement with the Spanish Tax Agency which will bring legal proceedings against him to a close, reports El Mundo.The Portugal international stands accused of four fiscal crimes relating to the taxation of image rights.
It was reported in April that the Treasury were exploring the option of withdrawing one of the accused crimes if the 33-year-old pleaded guilty.
He would, however, have had to accept a minor prison sentence and pay a €10m (£9m/$12m) fine in order for that to happen.
Instead, Ronaldo has reportedly sought to bring the saga to a close by paying the relevant authorities.Reports from AS in May claimed that a formal proposal of €14m (£12m/$16m) had been knocked back, with no agreement in sight at that stage.El Mundo are now claiming that the Spanish Tax Agency are prepared to do a deal closer to the €19m mark.
Ronaldo is said to have agreed to an admission of wrongdoing in the settlement, which lands him a two-year prison charge, but he will avoid serving a sentence - much like Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano before him - and will be free of further sanction.
The Portugal international, who is readying himself for a World Cup 2018 opener against Spain on Friday, appeared in court last year to respond to the allegations, insisting "I always pay what I have to pay; I do things the right way and I will continue to do so".His representatives, Gestifute, meanwhile, have persistently denied that any crimes have been committed.
The former Manchester United star has remained quiet when it comes to discussing the matter in public, although he did appear to attack the "fake news" surrounding his case in an Instagram post back in March.
El Mundo now claims that Ronaldo has releaxed his stance during discussions with the Tax Agency, bringing a distracting episode to a close as his full attention is switched back to matters on the field.
The Madrid forward's future at the Bernabeu still remains unclear, though, with the five-time Ballon d'Or winner continuously being linked with an exit following his statements after the Champions League final.Goal understands that the Spanish club are, however, remaining calm over the reports that their star man could leave and are hopeful of retaining his services.
Real Madrid agree €45m deal for Santos wonderkid Rodrygo
Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Santos wonderkid Rodrygo, according to the Brazilian club.
The transfer, for a reported €45 million fee (£39.3m/$52.2m) is a record a Latin American club, with Santos confirming that they will retain the 17-year-old for another season.The deal will be completed in July 2019, with Rodrygo set to further his development in Brazil during the 2018-19 campaign.
Santos have praised the conduct of Real throughout negotiations, saying: "Santos FC is grateful for the attitude and professionalism of Real Madrid CF in every process, as well as the family and representatives of the player, who have sought a transparent, and very good, negotiation for all parties."
Rodrygo has become something of a wonderkid over the past season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances in 2017-18, while he has also scored three goals in four games for Brazil's Under-17 side. He has been called up to the Under-20 side, but has yet to win a cap.
In addition to the fee Real have paid for the teenager, it has also been reported that €5m (£4.3m/$5.7m) of that figure has been reserved as a bonus for the player.Rodrygo was the youngest player ever to score a goal in the Copa Libertadores, while he netted six times in one match while playing for the Under-17 side.
He will join another Brazilian prodigy at Santiago Bernabeu when he finally arrives, with the club having agreed a deal to secure Vinicius Junior from Flamengo.
Real have also paid €45m for the 17-year-old, as they look to build an elite team for the future.
He has scored four goals and provided three assists thus far in 2017-18, but his form for the Brazilian Under-17 team is more impressive; he has notched 12 goals in 15 caps.
It was announced that Vinicius would join Real in July, but the teenager revealed earlier this week that he is unsure where he will be playing his football next season.Santos' domestic season continues apace, with the club currently 15th in the table, 14 points behind leaders Flamengo.
Real Madrid have agreed a deal to sign Santos wonderkid Rodrygo, according to the Brazilian club.
The transfer, for a reported €45 million fee (£39.3m/$52.2m) is a record a Latin American club, with Santos confirming that they will retain the 17-year-old for another season.The deal will be completed in July 2019, with Rodrygo set to further his development in Brazil during the 2018-19 campaign.
Santos have praised the conduct of Real throughout negotiations, saying: "Santos FC is grateful for the attitude and professionalism of Real Madrid CF in every process, as well as the family and representatives of the player, who have sought a transparent, and very good, negotiation for all parties."
Rodrygo has become something of a wonderkid over the past season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in 15 appearances in 2017-18, while he has also scored three goals in four games for Brazil's Under-17 side. He has been called up to the Under-20 side, but has yet to win a cap.
In addition to the fee Real have paid for the teenager, it has also been reported that €5m (£4.3m/$5.7m) of that figure has been reserved as a bonus for the player.Rodrygo was the youngest player ever to score a goal in the Copa Libertadores, while he netted six times in one match while playing for the Under-17 side.
He will join another Brazilian prodigy at Santiago Bernabeu when he finally arrives, with the club having agreed a deal to secure Vinicius Junior from Flamengo.
Real have also paid €45m for the 17-year-old, as they look to build an elite team for the future.
He has scored four goals and provided three assists thus far in 2017-18, but his form for the Brazilian Under-17 team is more impressive; he has notched 12 goals in 15 caps.
It was announced that Vinicius would join Real in July, but the teenager revealed earlier this week that he is unsure where he will be playing his football next season.Santos' domestic season continues apace, with the club currently 15th in the table, 14 points behind leaders Flamengo.
Van der Sar tells De Gea what he needs to do to be the 'proper No.1 in the world'Edwin van der Sar has advised David de Gea where he needs improve to become “the proper number one in the world”.
Many Manchester United fans will argue the goalkeeper, who has won a record-breaking four Player of the Year awards with the Red Devils, already sits at the top of the global goalkeeper standings.
The 27-year-old has been a model of consistency in recent years, with his shot-stopping ability having helped United to many precious points during a testing period on and off the field.
He is considered to be a prized asset within Jose Mourinho’s ranks but Van der Sar suggests he needs to shout at his defenders more and come off of his line when the chance presents itself to get even better.The United legend told MUTV: “I couldn't imagine how well he has done.
“He was a very young goalkeeper when he came, replacing me, but he and also the coaches have put in a lot of work to make him the goalkeeper he is now. Eric Steele first and, after, Frans Hoek with Louis van Gaal. He is performing really well.
“The next step is to be more demanding from his defenders and also to play a little bit more out of his goal but [in terms of] his reaction saves – nobody makes better saves than David De Gea.
"Yes, these are areas he can work on but he’s 28 [later this year] and I was 34 when I came to United. So he still has a lot of time to improve and the level he has now is an immense high.“Maybe he can find another thing to add to his game and the goalkeeping coaches find another thing to work on to set himself as the proper number one in the world.”
The 2017-18 campaign saw De Gea move ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo on United’s roll of honour when it comes to Player of the Year prizes.He also collected the Premier League Golden Glove award for the first time in his career after keeping 18 clean sheets.
Spain will be hoping that he can transfer that fine form onto the international stage this summer, with a side fancied to go well at World Cup 2018 set to open their quest for global glory against Portugal on Friday.
Griezmann freed his mind with decision to stay at Atletico – Deschamps
Didier Deschamps is pleased Antoine Griezmann has "freed his mind" by deciding on his Atletico Madrid future ahead of France's World Cup opener against Australia on Saturday.
Griezmann had been linked with a €100 million move to Barcelona for several months and some reports even claimed he had an agreement with the Catalan giants.
Atletico fans did not take too kindly to such rumours and jeered him towards the end of the campaign, in which he helped the Rojiblancos finish second behind Barca.
Griezmann had regularly teased a decision before eventually announcing his intention to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano in a video which was released on Thursday.And Deschamps saluted his "loyalty" to Atletico, relieved Griezmann will be able to fully focus on the World Cup.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Kazan on Friday, Deschamps said: "Two things that come to mind are his loyalty and commitment to Atletico, and most importantly he has freed his mind for the World Cup, and it's certainly a very good thing for us."
The video in which Griezmann made his big reveal was stylised as a documentary which focused on numerous events and situations in both the forward's professional and personal life towards the end of the season.He received some criticism for the video and for creating a potential distraction for France so close to the tournament, but Deschamps insists he and the national team had nothing to do it. Though the coach did joke it was him behind the camera.
"I've already spoken on the matter," he added. "Some people think it's more important how he announced it rather than what the content was. I just think it's important he showed his loyalty and free himself.
"It was nothing to do with me. I have enough to look after… I was the one filming."
France captain Hugo Lloris echoed the thoughts of his coach, highlighting the importance of Griezmann feeling "free".
"When it comes to Antoine, as you [the media] felt it, it was the same for us," Lloris said. "You have to take it in the second degree. We laugh but it's most important for him to feel free from this choice and what he's had the last few weeks."
Didier Deschamps is pleased Antoine Griezmann has "freed his mind" by deciding on his Atletico Madrid future ahead of France's World Cup opener against Australia on Saturday.
Griezmann had been linked with a €100 million move to Barcelona for several months and some reports even claimed he had an agreement with the Catalan giants.
Atletico fans did not take too kindly to such rumours and jeered him towards the end of the campaign, in which he helped the Rojiblancos finish second behind Barca.
Griezmann had regularly teased a decision before eventually announcing his intention to remain at the Wanda Metropolitano in a video which was released on Thursday.And Deschamps saluted his "loyalty" to Atletico, relieved Griezmann will be able to fully focus on the World Cup.
Speaking to reporters at a news conference in Kazan on Friday, Deschamps said: "Two things that come to mind are his loyalty and commitment to Atletico, and most importantly he has freed his mind for the World Cup, and it's certainly a very good thing for us."
The video in which Griezmann made his big reveal was stylised as a documentary which focused on numerous events and situations in both the forward's professional and personal life towards the end of the season.He received some criticism for the video and for creating a potential distraction for France so close to the tournament, but Deschamps insists he and the national team had nothing to do it. Though the coach did joke it was him behind the camera.
"I've already spoken on the matter," he added. "Some people think it's more important how he announced it rather than what the content was. I just think it's important he showed his loyalty and free himself.
"It was nothing to do with me. I have enough to look after… I was the one filming."
France captain Hugo Lloris echoed the thoughts of his coach, highlighting the importance of Griezmann feeling "free".
"When it comes to Antoine, as you [the media] felt it, it was the same for us," Lloris said. "You have to take it in the second degree. We laugh but it's most important for him to feel free from this choice and what he's had the last few weeks."
'France can win the World Cup' - ex-Man Utd striker Saha backing Les Bleus
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes France have the required ability to win the World Cup, due mainly to their brilliant attacking players.Les Bleus face Australia, Peru and Denmark in Group C, and boast such attackers as Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona's brilliant youngster Ousmane Dembele.
Saha won 20 caps for France during his career, and believes that Didier Deschamps' men are one of the favourites to win the competition because of their embarrassment of riches in the final third of the pitch.
"France have very good players in every position. So why not? They could win the World Cup," Saha told Goal."I think the most important thing is that, when you look at all the 32 teams, they have players who can disrupt and it is very attacking minded. There is no team like Italy from back in the day."France also have a deep pool of defenders, including Real Madrid's Raphael Varane and Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti.
However, Saha insists that football has changed since he was playing, and believes that attack-based teams are more likely to succeed in Russia."You can’t defend like you used to before," he added. "Defending is not an option, you have to get possession and be technically gifted enough to get chances.
"It is not about crossing anymore, so it is going to be a very entertaining World Cup with a lot of goals, I think. A modern team with an exciting style of play will win it and France have all that."
France kick off their tournament on Saturday against Australia before facing Peru and Denmark in Group C.Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the competition on Thursday.
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha believes France have the required ability to win the World Cup, due mainly to their brilliant attacking players.Les Bleus face Australia, Peru and Denmark in Group C, and boast such attackers as Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Barcelona's brilliant youngster Ousmane Dembele.
Saha won 20 caps for France during his career, and believes that Didier Deschamps' men are one of the favourites to win the competition because of their embarrassment of riches in the final third of the pitch.
"France have very good players in every position. So why not? They could win the World Cup," Saha told Goal."I think the most important thing is that, when you look at all the 32 teams, they have players who can disrupt and it is very attacking minded. There is no team like Italy from back in the day."France also have a deep pool of defenders, including Real Madrid's Raphael Varane and Barcelona's Samuel Umtiti.
However, Saha insists that football has changed since he was playing, and believes that attack-based teams are more likely to succeed in Russia."You can’t defend like you used to before," he added. "Defending is not an option, you have to get possession and be technically gifted enough to get chances.
"It is not about crossing anymore, so it is going to be a very entertaining World Cup with a lot of goals, I think. A modern team with an exciting style of play will win it and France have all that."
France kick off their tournament on Saturday against Australia before facing Peru and Denmark in Group C.Russia defeated Saudi Arabia 5-0 in the opening game of the competition on Thursday.
'Southgate has given us freedom' - Lingard expects England to play without fear
England will "play without fear" at the World Cup thanks to the mentality of manager Gareth Southgate, according to Jesse Lingard.
Southgate and his 23-man squad are preparing to play their opening fixture in the tournament on Monday, when they take on Group G rivals Tunisia in Volgograd.
England will also come up against Belgium and Panama, with Lingard insisting the players are not feeling the weight of expectation as they aim to secure just a second major trophy.
The Manchester United forward has put that down to Southgate, who has given the green light for his team to express themselves on the biggest stage in Russia.
"Southgate has come in with the mentality to play with freedom, play without fear, and you will enjoy your time more," Lingard told the media."So, as a group of players, that is what we are going to do - enjoy our football, play with no fear and play exciting football at the same time.
"Of course, we want to go all the way to the final, but we are going to take each game as it comes and prepare for each game as we normally do."Lingard's role is not just restricted to being active on the pitch, however, as he has also quickly become the joker in the camp.
The 25-year-old - who was sparingly used in England's qualifying campaign but has become a more central figure in the last nine months - is always keen to lighten the mood, believing it will help aid performances on the pitch.
“It’s in my character [to be a joker]. It’s the way I've been brought up by my family," he added."It helps around the camp. It's always good to have a happy camp."I don't really play pranks as such. I'm there for the spirit of the camp to get everyone going, to get them all happy."
England will "play without fear" at the World Cup thanks to the mentality of manager Gareth Southgate, according to Jesse Lingard.
Southgate and his 23-man squad are preparing to play their opening fixture in the tournament on Monday, when they take on Group G rivals Tunisia in Volgograd.
England will also come up against Belgium and Panama, with Lingard insisting the players are not feeling the weight of expectation as they aim to secure just a second major trophy.
The Manchester United forward has put that down to Southgate, who has given the green light for his team to express themselves on the biggest stage in Russia.
"Southgate has come in with the mentality to play with freedom, play without fear, and you will enjoy your time more," Lingard told the media."So, as a group of players, that is what we are going to do - enjoy our football, play with no fear and play exciting football at the same time.
"Of course, we want to go all the way to the final, but we are going to take each game as it comes and prepare for each game as we normally do."Lingard's role is not just restricted to being active on the pitch, however, as he has also quickly become the joker in the camp.
The 25-year-old - who was sparingly used in England's qualifying campaign but has become a more central figure in the last nine months - is always keen to lighten the mood, believing it will help aid performances on the pitch.
“It’s in my character [to be a joker]. It’s the way I've been brought up by my family," he added."It helps around the camp. It's always good to have a happy camp."I don't really play pranks as such. I'm there for the spirit of the camp to get everyone going, to get them all happy."
Neymar: I'm the best in the world - but Messi & Ronaldo are from another planet!
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar considers himself to be the best player in the world as multiple Ballon d’Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not from this planet.
A man once again shouldering the expectations of a nation at World Cup 2018 is considered to be a Golden Ball winner in waiting , with the Brazil international having finished third in the voting on two previous occasions.He has been unable to knock eternal rivals from Barcelona and Real Madrid off the loftiest of perches, but Neymar considers that to be an impossible task.
With Messi and Ronaldo having raised the bar of individual excellence to a height that nobody else has been able to get close to, a 26-year-old South American is happy to settle for being the best of the rest.
Neymar told Brazilian YouTube channel Desimpedidos : "The two who are above all others right now are Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi."For all modesty, today I am the best player in the world — because they are from another planet."
While happy to joke that he tops the world standings at present, Neymar insists that individual recognition is not something that he strives for.Instead, a man who has tasted title triumphs in Spain with Barcelona and France with PSG is looking to savour more collective success with his country.
Brazil are among the favourites to claim a sixth World Cup crown in Russia , with Neymar determined to play a leading role in that quest.He added: "I don't want to be the best player in the world, I want to win the World Cup."Winning the trophy would make myself, my family and my country so happy."
Brazil are set to take on Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in the group stage , with it likely that Neymar will be targeted by all of those sides for special attention.
He claims to be ready for that, with a man accustomed to being on the receiving end of some rough treatment desperate to make amends for his injury-enforced departure from the 2014 World Cup on home soil."Kicking and tackling are not my job," said Neymar."If I get kicked, I will keep dribbling and the opposition will get frustrated.
"If I'm on edge, I will calm myself down. I won't give the referee any chances to send me off."He added on a challenge from Colombia’s Juan Camilo Zuniga which left him nursing a back complaint during a quarter-final clash four years ago: "This time I will try not to get myself into a similar position."Other than being older, I am more prepared than four years ago."
Paris Saint-Germain forward Neymar considers himself to be the best player in the world as multiple Ballon d’Or winners Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are not from this planet.
A man once again shouldering the expectations of a nation at World Cup 2018 is considered to be a Golden Ball winner in waiting , with the Brazil international having finished third in the voting on two previous occasions.He has been unable to knock eternal rivals from Barcelona and Real Madrid off the loftiest of perches, but Neymar considers that to be an impossible task.
With Messi and Ronaldo having raised the bar of individual excellence to a height that nobody else has been able to get close to, a 26-year-old South American is happy to settle for being the best of the rest.
Neymar told Brazilian YouTube channel Desimpedidos : "The two who are above all others right now are Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi."For all modesty, today I am the best player in the world — because they are from another planet."
While happy to joke that he tops the world standings at present, Neymar insists that individual recognition is not something that he strives for.Instead, a man who has tasted title triumphs in Spain with Barcelona and France with PSG is looking to savour more collective success with his country.
Brazil are among the favourites to claim a sixth World Cup crown in Russia , with Neymar determined to play a leading role in that quest.He added: "I don't want to be the best player in the world, I want to win the World Cup."Winning the trophy would make myself, my family and my country so happy."
Brazil are set to take on Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in the group stage , with it likely that Neymar will be targeted by all of those sides for special attention.
He claims to be ready for that, with a man accustomed to being on the receiving end of some rough treatment desperate to make amends for his injury-enforced departure from the 2014 World Cup on home soil."Kicking and tackling are not my job," said Neymar."If I get kicked, I will keep dribbling and the opposition will get frustrated.
"If I'm on edge, I will calm myself down. I won't give the referee any chances to send me off."He added on a challenge from Colombia’s Juan Camilo Zuniga which left him nursing a back complaint during a quarter-final clash four years ago: "This time I will try not to get myself into a similar position."Other than being older, I am more prepared than four years ago."
Griezmann is the new Zidane – Desailly
Marcel Desailly picked out Antoine Griezmann as "the key player" in France 's World Cup squad, drawing parallels with his former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.
Griezmann, who committed his future to Atletico Madrid two days before Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Australia on Saturday, scored from the penalty spot in his country's penultimate warm-up friendly against Italy and is expected to spearhead Didier Deschamps' attack on Saturday.
Desailly, who was speaking in Italy where he was helping Andrea Pirlo find a team to support at the World Cup as part of the #TeamForPirlo campaign, sung the 27-year-old's praises and said he expected him to bring the kind of match-winning qualities that Zidane displayed throughout the 1998 World Cup.
"I think that Didier clearly talked about it, Antoine Griezmann is the key player of this French national team," Desailly told Omnisport."He's the one who should change the dynamic. He's the one who should bring intensity to our offensive plays."Griezmann is the key player of this team like Zidane was in our time."
Desailly suggested Deschamps' decision to leave Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette and Kingsley Coman out of his World Cup squad may have been based on performances at Euro 2016, where he felt they lacked experience.France lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final of their home European Championship, but Desailly said they would be gunning for glory with a new-look side in Russia.
"Martial, Lacazette and Kingsley Coman - that's a lot of players, I agree. That's a choice, that's Didier's one. He tried them during the European Championships. He may have realised that they were one level lower than what he was looking for," he added."Due to his philosophy and the way he chooses to use players together, he may have decided not to use them this time.
"The level of experience can be one reason but they could have won the competition in 2016. We need to keep working."We thought that Didier had his group at the end of the Euros. For this World Cup he has no choice but to rebuild a group to get a chance to [win it]."
Marcel Desailly picked out Antoine Griezmann as "the key player" in France 's World Cup squad, drawing parallels with his former team-mate Zinedine Zidane.
Griezmann, who committed his future to Atletico Madrid two days before Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Australia on Saturday, scored from the penalty spot in his country's penultimate warm-up friendly against Italy and is expected to spearhead Didier Deschamps' attack on Saturday.
Desailly, who was speaking in Italy where he was helping Andrea Pirlo find a team to support at the World Cup as part of the #TeamForPirlo campaign, sung the 27-year-old's praises and said he expected him to bring the kind of match-winning qualities that Zidane displayed throughout the 1998 World Cup.
"I think that Didier clearly talked about it, Antoine Griezmann is the key player of this French national team," Desailly told Omnisport."He's the one who should change the dynamic. He's the one who should bring intensity to our offensive plays."Griezmann is the key player of this team like Zidane was in our time."
Desailly suggested Deschamps' decision to leave Anthony Martial, Alexandre Lacazette and Kingsley Coman out of his World Cup squad may have been based on performances at Euro 2016, where he felt they lacked experience.France lost 1-0 to Portugal in the final of their home European Championship, but Desailly said they would be gunning for glory with a new-look side in Russia.
"Martial, Lacazette and Kingsley Coman - that's a lot of players, I agree. That's a choice, that's Didier's one. He tried them during the European Championships. He may have realised that they were one level lower than what he was looking for," he added."Due to his philosophy and the way he chooses to use players together, he may have decided not to use them this time.
"The level of experience can be one reason but they could have won the competition in 2016. We need to keep working."We thought that Didier had his group at the end of the Euros. For this World Cup he has no choice but to rebuild a group to get a chance to [win it]."
Egypt 0 Uruguay 1: Gimenez winner spares Suarez's blushes
Jose Gimenez spared the blushes of Uruguay's all-star forwards with a 90th-minute winner to see off Egypt 1-0 in their World Cup opener.
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani each passed up opportunities to clinch the points against a Pharaohs side who kept Mohamed Salah on the bench, but it was centre-back Gimenez who proved the hero.After the excitement of Group A rivals Russia's goal frenzy a day earlier, there was a serious lack of invention on show in Ekaterinburg.
Suarez missed two golden chances as goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy excelled, before Cavani struck the post with a late free-kick, seemingly sealing a point for Egypt on their return to the finals.
But Gimenez rose highest to meet a set-piece and bury a header past El-Shenawy, celebrating a fine end to a week in which he signed a new contract at Atletico Madrid.Egypt offered little in Salah's absence and are now under pressure heading into a clash with Russia, while Uruguay - and particularly Suarez - can breathe a sigh of relief.
With Salah – who has been battling a shoulder injury – watching on from the sidelines, Egypt's approach was largely compact and somewhat rugged and the first chance came as Cavani worked El-Shenawy from 20 yards.Suarez should have fired Uruguay in front at the midway point of the first half, but, when the ball dropped his way from a corner, he screwed a close-range effort into the side-netting.
Uruguay continued to labour in the attacking third before the break, while a healthy Egyptian contingent had only Salah's appearance on the stadium's big screen to cheer.
Suarez and his team-mates were quickly back on the front foot following the restart, though, and Cavani fed his strike partner for a low drive that El-Shenawy blocked bravely.The Barcelona forward squandered another opportunity late on, forcing his way through the Egypt backline but failing in his attempt to round the goalkeeper.
And El-Shenawy again looked to have preserved a point with a sublime save from Cavani's thunderous volley, before the Uruguay attacker curled a free-kick against the post.But Gimenez came to the rescue as he planted a header into the bottom-right corner, earning a hard-fought victory.
Jose Gimenez spared the blushes of Uruguay's all-star forwards with a 90th-minute winner to see off Egypt 1-0 in their World Cup opener.
Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani each passed up opportunities to clinch the points against a Pharaohs side who kept Mohamed Salah on the bench, but it was centre-back Gimenez who proved the hero.After the excitement of Group A rivals Russia's goal frenzy a day earlier, there was a serious lack of invention on show in Ekaterinburg.
Suarez missed two golden chances as goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy excelled, before Cavani struck the post with a late free-kick, seemingly sealing a point for Egypt on their return to the finals.
But Gimenez rose highest to meet a set-piece and bury a header past El-Shenawy, celebrating a fine end to a week in which he signed a new contract at Atletico Madrid.Egypt offered little in Salah's absence and are now under pressure heading into a clash with Russia, while Uruguay - and particularly Suarez - can breathe a sigh of relief.
With Salah – who has been battling a shoulder injury – watching on from the sidelines, Egypt's approach was largely compact and somewhat rugged and the first chance came as Cavani worked El-Shenawy from 20 yards.Suarez should have fired Uruguay in front at the midway point of the first half, but, when the ball dropped his way from a corner, he screwed a close-range effort into the side-netting.
Uruguay continued to labour in the attacking third before the break, while a healthy Egyptian contingent had only Salah's appearance on the stadium's big screen to cheer.
Suarez and his team-mates were quickly back on the front foot following the restart, though, and Cavani fed his strike partner for a low drive that El-Shenawy blocked bravely.The Barcelona forward squandered another opportunity late on, forcing his way through the Egypt backline but failing in his attempt to round the goalkeeper.
And El-Shenawy again looked to have preserved a point with a sublime save from Cavani's thunderous volley, before the Uruguay attacker curled a free-kick against the post.But Gimenez came to the rescue as he planted a header into the bottom-right corner, earning a hard-fought victory.
Morocco 0 Iran 1: Bouhaddouz own-goal gifts game to Queiroz's men
Aziz Bouhaddouz scored a calamitous own goal deep into second-half stoppage time as Morocco slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Iran in their first World Cup match for 20 years.
The late drama sparked wild celebrations from the Iran bench in St Petersburg as Carlos Queiroz's side took three points from a game in which they were second best for long periods.
Herve Renard's team were well-organised but Morocco extended their record of never having won their opening game in the tournament despite dominating the match and carving out opportunities to score either side of half-time.
Iran's counter-attacking strategy had failed to bear fruit with Karim Ansarifard and Sardar Azmoun squandering great chances until their wastefulness was rendered irrelevant by Bouhaddouz's late error.The Morocco striker, on as a substitute in the 77th minute, put Ehsan Haji Safi's free-kick through his own net with a diving header in the 95th minute of the game, leaving no time for a comeback.
While Iran celebrated, Morocco faced up to the daunting reality of going into their remaining Group B games against Spain and Portugal with no points on the board.
Morocco, competing at the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years, started positively and Amine Harit fired wide with a volley from the edge of the penalty area after two minutes.
Younes Belhanda headed past the post from Nordin Amrabat's cross shortly after as Morocco found their way behind the Iran defence with ease, before Ayoub El Kaabi failed to test Alireza Beiranvand in the Iran goal when he swung wildly at a chance from 18 yards.
The pressure on Iran was almost relentless, with Belhanda and captain Medhi Benatia squandering close-range chances in a penalty box scramble before Iran finally countered after 20 minutes, only for Karim Ansarifard to scuff his shot when clean through on goal.Harit's neat footwork took him into the box and he drew a save from Beiranvand with a side-footed shot as Morocco continued to press.
The best chance of the first half fell to Iran's Sardar Azmoun, though, who bore down on goal after latching onto Omid Ebrahimi's throughabll, but his shot was too low and Munir Mohamedi saved low with his feet.
Amrabat continued to make inroads down the right flank for Morocco after the interval while their efficiency and organisation at the back cut out Iran's counter-attacks before they reached the final third.
With just under 20 minutes left on the clock, Amrabat fell awkwardly when challenging for the ball and the wing-back was left so dazed that he had to be replaced by his younger brother, Sofyan.Morocco pushed for a winner in the final 10 minutes and Hakim Ziyech lashed the ball towards the bottom-left corner of the net from 20 yards but Beiranvand pulled off a smart stop.
And it proved an even more important save when Iran forced a free-kick wide on the left in the closing seconds and Safi's delivery was met by a thunderbolt of a header from Bouhaddouz that flew into the left corner of the net, undoing Morocco's hard work and leaving them with a mountain to climb to stay in the World Cup.
Aziz Bouhaddouz scored a calamitous own goal deep into second-half stoppage time as Morocco slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Iran in their first World Cup match for 20 years.
The late drama sparked wild celebrations from the Iran bench in St Petersburg as Carlos Queiroz's side took three points from a game in which they were second best for long periods.
Herve Renard's team were well-organised but Morocco extended their record of never having won their opening game in the tournament despite dominating the match and carving out opportunities to score either side of half-time.
Iran's counter-attacking strategy had failed to bear fruit with Karim Ansarifard and Sardar Azmoun squandering great chances until their wastefulness was rendered irrelevant by Bouhaddouz's late error.The Morocco striker, on as a substitute in the 77th minute, put Ehsan Haji Safi's free-kick through his own net with a diving header in the 95th minute of the game, leaving no time for a comeback.
While Iran celebrated, Morocco faced up to the daunting reality of going into their remaining Group B games against Spain and Portugal with no points on the board.
Morocco, competing at the World Cup finals for the first time in 20 years, started positively and Amine Harit fired wide with a volley from the edge of the penalty area after two minutes.
Younes Belhanda headed past the post from Nordin Amrabat's cross shortly after as Morocco found their way behind the Iran defence with ease, before Ayoub El Kaabi failed to test Alireza Beiranvand in the Iran goal when he swung wildly at a chance from 18 yards.
The pressure on Iran was almost relentless, with Belhanda and captain Medhi Benatia squandering close-range chances in a penalty box scramble before Iran finally countered after 20 minutes, only for Karim Ansarifard to scuff his shot when clean through on goal.Harit's neat footwork took him into the box and he drew a save from Beiranvand with a side-footed shot as Morocco continued to press.
The best chance of the first half fell to Iran's Sardar Azmoun, though, who bore down on goal after latching onto Omid Ebrahimi's throughabll, but his shot was too low and Munir Mohamedi saved low with his feet.
Amrabat continued to make inroads down the right flank for Morocco after the interval while their efficiency and organisation at the back cut out Iran's counter-attacks before they reached the final third.
With just under 20 minutes left on the clock, Amrabat fell awkwardly when challenging for the ball and the wing-back was left so dazed that he had to be replaced by his younger brother, Sofyan.Morocco pushed for a winner in the final 10 minutes and Hakim Ziyech lashed the ball towards the bottom-left corner of the net from 20 yards but Beiranvand pulled off a smart stop.
And it proved an even more important save when Iran forced a free-kick wide on the left in the closing seconds and Safi's delivery was met by a thunderbolt of a header from Bouhaddouz that flew into the left corner of the net, undoing Morocco's hard work and leaving them with a mountain to climb to stay in the World Cup.
