..::Football IV::..

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Vardy: Arsenal links will not distract me on England duty

Jamie Vardy will not worry about speculation linking him to Arsenal while on Euro 2016 duty with England and has not discussed the matter with national team boss Roy Hodgson.

Vardy's 24 Premier League goals last season sensationally fired Leicester City to a shock title triumph and prompted an offer from Arsenal, which has reportedly triggered a release clause in his contract at the King Power Stadium - understood to be in the region of £20million.The 29-year-old's stock continued to rise this week, as he came off the bench at half-time to equalise in England's 2-1 Group B win over Wales in Lens.

Asked if he had anything to offer with regards to the Arsenal links, Vardy told Saturday's news conference at England's Chantilly training base: "Nothing at all.
"I'm just here completely focusing on England and that's all I want to do at the moment."

Hodgson may have been prompted to take Vardy aside and focus his state of mind during England's time in France, but the player himself insists such steps have not been needed.

"There was nothing like that at all, no one-on-one chat or anything," he said."That's how I want to be and how I want to stay focused."We're here to represent England and that's all I want to think about."

 

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Belgium 3-0 Republic of Ireland: Lukaku double downs the Irish

Romelu Lukaku's brace either side of Axel Witsel's goal saw off Republic of Ireland as Belgium got their Euro 2016 challenge back on track with a 3-0 victory.

Belgium had been placed among the favourites heading into the finals, but put in a disappointing display in their Group E opener, going down 2-0 to Italy.Saturday's performance in Bordeaux was much more akin to what is expected of a side boasting such fine individual talent and a workmanlike Ireland side struggle to cope.

Marc Wilmots' men dominated throughout, but it took until the third minute of the second half to break the deadlock when Lukaku – heavily criticised for his lacklustre display against the Italians – finished with aplomb following an assist from the excellent Kevin De Bruyne.

The second goal arrived just after the hour as right-back Thomas Meunier – in as one of three changes – delivered a perfect cross for Witsel to plant a free header beyond Darren Randolph.


And Randolph was then left further exposed as Belgium broke upfield where Eden Hazard squared selflessly for Lukaku, who calmly picked his spot to double his tally.

Victory moves Belgium off the bottom of the group and up to second, leaving them needing only a point against Sweden to qualify, while Ireland will likely require a victory against group winners Italy to have a chance of reaching the last 16.

Belgium looked invigorated by the alterations to their starting XI and it was another of those, Yannick Ferreira Carrasco, whose low cross was gathered by Randolph with Lukaku waiting to tap home inside five minutes.

Two De Bruyne set-pieces caused problems inside the Ireland box – Toby Alderweireld glancing a corner wide before a dangerous free-kick flashed across the face of goal.And another De Bruyne delivery in the 21st minute was cleared only as far as Hazard, who blazed wastefully over from an inviting position inside the box.

Belgium continued to look the more likely to take the lead as the interval approached and Alderweireld saw a header cleared off the line by Wes Hoolahan.And following the restart, it did not take long for Wilmots' side to forge ahead.

The ever-dangerous De Bruyne led a rapid counter down the right and fed Lukaku, who took a touch before curling a superb finish into the bottom-left corner from the edge of the area.

Belgium doubled their advantage 13 minutes later as Meunier picked out Witsel, who was left all alone by James McCarthy to rise high and nod powerfully into the goal.

As Ireland poured forward searching for a goal to get themselves back in it, Belgium once again displayed their counter-attacking prowess in the 70th minute as Hazard skipped past Ciaran Clark and teed up Lukaku for a simple finish to cap off a resounding win.

 

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De Bruyne rejects claims of Belgium unrest


Kevin De Bruyne has dismissed suggestions of unrest in the Belgium camp following their 3-0 win over Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

Belgium were heavily criticised after losing their Euro 2016 opener 2-0 to Italy, with reports stating a number of players were unhappy with head coach Marc Wilmots' tactics.

De Bruyne, though, has made it clear there is no truth in such claims after they bounced back with a win over Ireland courtesy of Romelu Lukaku's double and a header from Axel Witsel."Unrest in the team? You know how it goes in football. If you lose a game against Italy there is going to be criticism," De Bruyne told RTE.

"But as a footballer if you don't show it on the pitch you don't get anywhere. We needed to [respond]. As a team we had to give a response to everybody who watched the game against Italy.

"The way we responded was good, everybody was up for the task and we really deserved this victory. "We know that we had two big games. We've only done half of that. We have to do the same against Sweden now."

Belgium moved to second place behind Group E winners Italy, with Ireland now sitting fourth in the section on just one point.Nevertheless, De Bruyne refused to write off Martin O'Neill's men just yet in the race to reach the last 16.

"I think every game is difficult in the Euros - Ireland have a chance and Italy are already through so you never know," he added.

 

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Iceland 1-1 Hungary: Late own goal pegs back underdogs


Iceland were denied a first win at a major tournament as a late own-goal from Birkir Saevarsson snatched a 1-1 draw for Hungary in Marseille.

Gylfi Sigurdsson's first-half penalty had given Lars Lagerback's men a lead that they held until the 87th minute when Saevarsson diverted a cross from substitute Nemanja Nikolic into his own net - continuing an astonishing run of late goals at Euro 2016.

Hungary were good value for their point having applied concerted pressure throughout the second half and they head into their fixture with Portugal knowing victory will clinch top spot in Group F.

Iceland were impressive in defence to hold Portugal 1-1 in their opener, but the same scoreline will bring much different emotions, having shown great defensive resolve to hang on grimly to the lead they earned just before the break.

Bernd Storck's men, meanwhile, looked less impressive going forward than they did in their surprise opening win over Austria, while off the field, sections of the Hungarian supporters were involved in scuffles with security staff ahead of kick-off at the Stade Velodrome and later lit a flare to celebrate their side's equaliser - incidents likely to draw punishment from UEFA.

Pre-match tensions gave way to an edgy start to proceedings, Jon Dadi Bodvarsson headed the first chance over the bar and, despite Hungary looking the more likely, it was Iceland who went close again on 32 minutes, with Gabor Kiraly forced to produce a fine save to thwart Johann Gudmundsson after the Charlton man had shown great strength to fashion a shooting opportunity.


Six minutes before the break, however, Kiraly was badly at fault as his side conceded a needless penalty.

The 40-year-old spilled a regulation cross into the box, Aron Gunnarsson went down under a challenge from Tamas Kadar as he tried to reach the loose ball and amidst furious protests from the Hungarians, Sigurdsson calmly slotted home from the spot.

Laszlo Kleinheisler fired wildly over the bar when well placed as Hungary began the second half brightly and as Iceland dropped deeper and deeper, an equaliser started to look inevitable.

The industrious Icelanders were holding firm, though, goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson reacting smartly to keep out two long-range free-kicks from Balazs Dzsudzsak and Ari Skulason producing several last-ditch challenges to keep his side's lead intact.

But Saeversson was helpless with just two minutes to play, turning into his own net after substitute Nikolic had burst to the byline and cut the ball back for Adam Szalai, waiting to pounce if Iceland's right-back had not intervened.

There was still time for Iceland to try and wrestle their destiny back into their own hands as Sigurdsson failed to slip a free-kick under Hungary's wall from 18 yards and Eidur Gudjohnsen's follow-up was deflected wide.

 

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Ronaldo breaks Figo record as Portugal's most capped player


Cristiano Ronaldo added another record to his collection by making a milestone 128th Portugal appearance against Austria on Saturday.

Ronaldo drew level with previous record-holder Luis Figo when he played in the 1-1 draw with Euro 2016 Group F opponents Iceland on Tuesday.But the Real Madrid star is now in sole possession of the benchmark, having started in Paris.

It has been almost 13 years since Ronaldo made his senior international debut as a second-half substitute in a 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan in August 2003.The 31-year-old has been Portugal's permanent captain since 2008 and is also his nation's record goalscorer with 58 strikes.

 

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Congratzzzzzz CR7!​

 

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Rosicky ruled out of Euro 2016

Czech Republic have confirmed that captain Tomas Rosicky will play no further part in Euro 2016 after suffering a thigh injury that rules him out for three to six weeks.The 35-year-old playmaker set up Milan Skoda for the Czechs' first goal in a 2-2 draw with Croatia on Saturday, but later pulled up clutching the back of his leg.

Team doctor Petr Zeman told reporters that a scan has revealed the extent of Rosicky's injury.

"Tomas underwent a detailed magnetic resonance imaging scan in the local hospital, which unfortunately confirmed our suspicion that there was an injury to the thigh," said Zeman.
"One hundred percent [he will] not intervene in any match in the coming days, certainly not with the Turks, and we believe that even in the coming weeks will not be able to play any match in Euro 2016."He's getting a variety of drugs. But it's always a matter of weeks. With this injury, it is very individual, but it will between three to six weeks."

Zeman confirmed that Czech Republic have no other injury concerns in their squad ahead of their final group match, against Turkey, in Lens on Tuesday.Borek Dockal could therefore return from an ankle injury after playing no part in the tournament so far.

 

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Deschamps gives backing to 'honest' Pogba


France boss Didier Deschamps says he believes in Paul Pogba's honesty after the midfielder apologised for causing controversy after the win over Albania.

The Juventus star was pictured appearing to make a 'bras d'honneur' motion in the direction of the media section at Stade Velodrome at the end of the 2-0 victory on Wednesday.Pogba, who has been criticised for his performances at Euro 2016 so far, issued an apology in which he insisted there was no malicious intent behind his gesture.

And Deschamps says he has every faith in the 23-year-old's integrity after a private discussion between the two.
The head coach told a news conference in Lille: "He has explained himself and I believe in his honesty. What's most important is what he told me."

France captain Hugo Lloris had earlier given his backing to Pogba and Antoine Griezmann - who were dropped from the starting line-up against Albania - and expects them to produce their best form at key moments.

"As I said before Albania, it's only natural that there are expectations, they have big statuses in the games and they had good seasons," the goalkeeper said."Griezmann went to the Champions League final with Atletico Madrid.

"I think the players wait for the big moments. Griezmann made the difference against Albania with his goal and Pogba was much better, he was aggressive and imposed himself."It's a long competition – we'll need them at one point or another."

France meet Switzerland at Stade Pierre-Mauroy on Sunday, knowing that a draw will be enough to guarantee top spot in Group A ahead of Vladimir Petkovic's side.

Deschamps expects a more open, attacking match after two frustrating games against Romania and Albania, but is wary of the quality Switzerland boast going forward.

"Playing an ultra-defensive side is very difficult," he said. "Switzerland try to play which might mean we have a more open game. But it's not easier to play them because they have a lot of ability, especially in their forward line.
"At least we'll have two teams who try to play the game."

 

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Fabregas: Del Bosque is key for Spain


Cesc Fabregas has lauded Spain coach Vicente del Bosque for getting the best out of his players.Spain struggled to break down Czech Republic but managed to open their Euro 2016 campaign with a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Gerard Pique header.

A vastly-improved display saw them put three goals past Turkey and book a place in the knockout stages, taking another step towards a third-straight European Championship triumph.



Fabregas started both matches and believes Del Bosque, who has hinted he may step down after the tournament in France, is pivotal to their success."The coach transmits security and calmness," the Chelsea midfielder told a news conference on Saturday.

"You always go out on the pitch knowing what you have to do. He gives us that freedom on the field and you feel free to play your game."That's very important at the moment, especially for skilled players. Del Bosque is key."

Spain have lost the likes of Xavi and David Villa from the side that won Euro 2012, but Fabregas believes a new generation of influential players are stepping up."My feelings are positive. Some leaders are gone but the younger ones are contributing a lot," he continued.

"There's a lot of unity and on the pitch that means we play with more confidence."
Iker Casillas was first-choice goalkeeper for Spain's two previous European Championship wins, but has been consigned to the bench so far in France.

Del Bosque has opted for David de Gea instead, and Fabregas praised Casillas' reaction to playing a secondary role."He is a person that is loved by everyone, not only for what he has done but for the way he is," he added.

"It is very important to see your captain, a legend in Spanish football, know how to accept his role."He's an example for De Gea to follow because he's helping him a lot and we're very happy with the way Iker is acting."

 

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Portugal 0-0 Austria: Ronaldo penalty miss dooms Seleccao to draw

Cristiano Ronaldo missed a late penalty on his record-breaking 128th Portugal appearance as Fernando Santos' team were held to a 0-0 draw by Group F rivals Austria at the Parc des Princes.

Ronaldo surpassed his country's cap milestone which was previously held by Luis Figo, who watching on from the stands, but failed to lead his side to a first victory at Euro 2016 as he hit the post with a spot-kick in the 79th minute before having a headed goal correctly disallowed for offside.

Nani also struck the woodwork with a header in the first half, but Ronaldo was the main culprit as Portugal somehow failed to score despite having 23 shots on goal throughout the 90 minutes.

The Real Madrid superstar won the penalty himself by being fouled by Martin Hinteregger, but missed the target despite sending Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer - who made a string of impressive saves earlier in the game - the wrong way.


Portugal captain Ronaldo was teased by the chants of "Messi" from Austria's supporters throughout, and there was more agony for him as he had glancing header ruled out with five minutes remaining.

Santos' side sit third behind Iceland in Group F having scored fewer goals than the team Ronaldo infamously mocked after their meeting in Saint-Etienne, while Austria remain bottom despite picking up their first point at the tournament.
Martin Harnik was deployed as Austria's lone striker with Marcel Sabitzer replacing Marc Janko.Within three minutes coach Marcel Koller may have been ruing the absence of Janko's aerial threat when Harnik peeled away from Pepe and headed a cross from Sabitzer wide from inside the six-yard box.

Portugal heeded the warning but Nani saw his attempt to guide the ball into the bottom-right corner diverted away by the leg of Almer, who remained alert to turn Vieirinha's dipping 25-yard strike around the post in the 13th minute.

Portugal remained in the ascendancy and Ronaldo missed a glorious chance to put them ahead following a neat one-two between Raphael Guerreiro and Nani, steering the new Borussia Dortmund left-back's delivery wide of the near post.

Austria's defence, and in particular Almer, looked nervy under pressure and the post saved them from going behind to a header from Nani with 29 minutes on the clock.

Santos' side almost paid for their profligacy four minutes before half-time but Vieirinha somehow managed to head a David Alaba free-kick off the line.Just as they did the first, Austria started the second half brightly with Stefan Ilsanker forcing Portugal goalkeeper Rui Patricio into action with a powerful drive from 25 yards.

The theme of the opening period continued as Portugal again asserted their dominance, Almer keeping Ronaldo's venomous, low drive out of the bottom-right corner with a strong hand.Ronaldo rose to connect with the subsequent corner from Ricardo Quaresma, but again he failed to find a route past the Austria goalkeeper.

Alaba had a largely ineffectual night and was replaced by Alessandro Schopf in 65th minute, though a tangle with Pepe in the first half may have left its mark on the midfielder.

Portugal were handed a lifeline when Hinteregger hauled down Ronaldo inside the box as he looked to latch onto a Guerreiro cross, but the captain failed to convert from the spot.

Ronaldo had a goal correctly ruled out in the closing stages as Austria held firm for a draw, with qualification from the group going down.

 

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Ronaldo takes full-time selfie with pitch invader

You have to give Cristiano Ronaldo credit - even when he would rather the ground opened up and swallowed him whole, his treatment of fans is impeccable.

The Portugal star endured a tough evening against Austria, missing a penalty, seeing a goal correctly ruled out for offside and misfiring on multiple occasions from free kicks.

He would have been forgiven, then, for giving short shrift to a pitch invader who attempted to get a photo even as stewards closed in.

Instead, though, Ronaldo ushered the security staff away to give the supporter time to take the snap, even if his expression betrayed disappointment at a 0-0 draw.
The striker will be hoping to take a happier photo after Portugal's last game of Group F when they play for a spot in the last 16 against Hungary.

 

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Nani: Portugal's time will come


Nani refused to make excuses after Portugal drew 0-0 with Austria, but he remains confident that they will improve on time to save their Euro 2016 campaign.

Portugal struggled to break down Iceland as they drew their opening fixture 1-1 and found life difficult against Austria at the Parc des Princes on Saturday, failing to find the net despite having 23 shots on goal.

Cristiano Ronaldo failed to convert from the penalty spot with 11 minutes remaining on his record-breaking 128th cap for the Selecao, while Nani struck the upright in the first half.

The Fenerbahce forward admitted Portugal's display was not good enough, but expects them to come good in their final Group F match against Hungary.

"We had to win, we gave it everything, we did everything right, but the ball did not go in, once again," said Nani.

"What can we say? We cannot excuse ourselves with 'the ball won't go in, the ball won't go in' – we had chances."The team played really well. Once again we showed that we can play good football. We were superior, we controlled the match against a strong team that also played excellent football.

"I think our moment will come, and it's right in the next match. There is no other way, it really has to happen."

 

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Argentina 4-1 Venezuela: Magical Messi leads charge

A Gonzalo Higuain brace and a masterful display from Lionel Messi - who created some more history with a goal of his own - helped Argentina into the Copa America Centenario semifinals after a 4-1 win over Venezuela.

Messi equaled Gabriel Batistuta's 54-goal record for Argentina, joining the Fiorentina great as their country's equal top goalscorers when he turned home the third goal to seal his side's triumph.

His goal followed a first-half brace from Higuain, who looked in inspired form, scoring his 27th and 28th goals for his nation, with Tottenham's Erik Lamela also getting in on the goalscoring with his first touch of the ball after coming on just four minutes earlier.

Messi - who finished with a goal and two assists - was making his first start of the tournament, lining up in a frightening front three alongside Higuain and Nicolas Gaitan, with Angel Di Maria sitting out through injury.

Venezuela coach Rafael Dudamel restored his first-choice team after giving some of the bigger names a break in their final group match, a draw against Mexico, with Salomon Rondon and Josef Martinez given the chance to continue their impressive partnership up top, with the former scoring his team's consolation.Luis Seijas missed a first-half penalty for Venezuela when they were trailing 2-0 and that proved to be costly.

Messi was always going to be the star of the show and if Higuain took the goalscoring glory, it was the Barcelona star that was playing the role of conductor.

With his magical left foot, Messi spent much of the game's opening seven minutes bamboozling the Venezuelan defenders, who could only do just enough to crowd out the magician from getting direct shots on goal.Having been denied twice, Messi took a more direct approach in the eighth minute.

The Barca marvel picked up the ball on the right wing, and having spent the previous seven minutes leaving defenders in his wake, he launched the ball into the Venezuela box, finding Higuain with a gorgeous pass, which the Napoli star could only oblige to put away with a sublime finish.Messi was then denied what looked a clear penalty after 21 minutes, before Higuain eventually made it 2-0.

It was his 28th goal for his country, and he may never score an easier one after he pounced on a terrible back pass, rounded Daniel Hernandez and calmly put the ball into the back of the net to double Argentina's lead.

It was the worst possible start for Venezuela, but it fought back admirably in a chaotic finish to the first half.Sergio Romero and the post denied Rondon before the goalkeeper almost went from hero to villain.

He gave away a penalty by taking out Martinez in the box leaving the referee with no choice, but they could not make the most of the golden opportunity presented to them, as Seijas attempted a panenka which Romero read to make an easy save.

Messi needed less than 15 minutes in the second half to score his record-equaling goal, combining beautifully with Gaitan before placing through Hernandez's legs.Rondon gave his side some hope of a remarkable comeback when he registered a deserved goal in the 70th minute, but Lamela ended it less than a minute later when he turned home a lovely Messi pass to seal the result.

 

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Mexico 0- 7 Chile: Vargas scores four as Copa champion eases into semis

Eduardo Vargas scored four goals as defending champion Chile embarrassed Mexico 7-0 in a remarkable quarterfinal to reach the final four of the Copa America Centenario.

Disjointed and inconsistent heading into Saturday's blockbuster clash at Levi's Stadium, Chile was the complete opposite as it dismantled Mexico, whose 22-game unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end in scenes similar to Brazil's 7-1 demolition at the hands of Germany at the 2014 World Cup.

All eyes were on Mexico amid its impeccable run of form but El Tri failed to perform in a dark day for Mexican football, seemingly giving up in second half, conceding three goals in the space of eight minutes after Vargas and Edson Puch put the Chileans in control at the interval.

Alexis Sanchez - who moved joint second on the nation's all-time goalscoring list alongside Ivan Zamorano with his 34th international strike - got in on the action four minutes into the second half before teammate Vargas completed his hat trick and then some, making it six goals in two matches.Puch added a second of his own late in the game as Chile earned a semifinal showdown with Colombia.

No less than six changes were made by Mexico coach Juan Carlos Osorio following a 1-1 draw with Venezuela in the final group game, with Guillermo Ochoa, Miguel Layun, Nestor Araujo, Jesus Duenas, Jesus Corona and Javier Hernandez coming in for Jose Corona, Diego Reyes, Jorge Torres, Jesus Molina, Javier Aquino and Oribe Peralta.Chile was far more settled after accounting for Panama 4-2 in their Group D finale, Puch replacing Mauricio Isla.

Playing an aggressive pressing game, the Chileans almost broke the deadlock in the 10th minute, when Arturo Vidal played a perfectly-weighed throughball to Puch, who was thwarted by a last-ditch challenge from Araujo as the ball deflected wide for a corner.But Puch was not to be denied his first international goal six minutes later, with the Mexico-based midfielder on hand to tuck away the rebound after Ochoa's clearance fell to his feet.

Mexico gradually improved as the half wore on but Chile proved to be a constant threat on the counterattack.Vargas scored in the 37th minute but his strike was correctly ruled out for offside, though the linesman could do nothing as the in-form forward doubled Chile's lead on the stroke of halftime.

Alexis Sanchez played an inviting ball into the six-yard box and Vargas nipped in front of his opponent before firing beyond Ochoa.Things went from bad to worse for Mexico in the second half as Chile made it 4-0 inside 10 minutes.

After winning the ball, Vidal laid it into the path of Sanchez for a simple finish in the 49th minute and Mexico was torn to shreds as Vargas netted his second of the match following a defensive error three minutes later.

Vargas was at it again approaching the hour mark and he then fired the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle with 16 minutes remaining as Mexico were put well and truly to the sword, with the Hoffenheim man taking his international tally to 31 goals, fourth all-time for Chile.And the man who started the onslaught, Puch, finished it with his brace three minutes from time.

 

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Mexico nathi karalama dala​

 

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Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.19

Euro 2016 Group Stage Fixtures 2016.06.19

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Switzerland Vs France

(SL Time 12.30AM(20th June)

Romania Vs Albania

(SL Time 12.30AM(20th June)​

 

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Buffon: Conte will be excellent at Chelsea


Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon believes that Antonio Conte will be "excellent" for Chelsea when the national team coach takes over after Euro 2016.

Buffon, who credits Conte's methods for Italy claiming back-to-back wins from their first two Euro 2016 games, worked with the Italian at Juventus until 2014, where the incoming Chelsea boss won three successive Serie A titles. And the Juventus and Italy legend believes that the Blues have managed to appoint a fantastic coach to lead them into the 2016-17 season.

"Conte is a big coach and I'm convinced he will be an excellent one at Chelsea. A Conte team is strong in defence and works constantly, day to day. Conte is a coach with a very simple idea," Buffon said.
"For the players he makes it very clear. He wants to play without risk in the defensive line and to exploit the opportunities to score goals when they come."This appears easy but he always wants more. So to go where we want we need to do whatever the coach asks of us.As well as a strong will to win, Buffon suggested that Conte is an effective man manager, remaining close to his players and helpful in the dressing room.

"He is a strong character but in his personal dealings with players he is close to them, that's important for any dressing room. He always has a lot of dialogue with his players and I don't think there'll be problems."

 

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Wenger confirms Vardy snubbed Arsenal move

Arsene Wenger has admitted Jamie Vardy is set to snub a move to Arsenal in favour of staying at Leicester City.

The Premier League-winning striker's future has been subject to much speculation after Arsenal met his £20 million release clause.

Vardy refused to make a decision on a move to the Emirates Stadium before Euro 2016, preferring to settle matters after the tournament to allow him to focus on his commitments with England.

And now Wenger has dampened any speculation by admitting that, to his knowledge, Vardy will remain a Leicester City player after opting against a summer exit.

"Jamie Vardy is, at the moment at Leicester," the Arsenal boss told Tencent Sports.

"And, on what I know, he will stay at Leicester."

 

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Carvalho: Portugal are 'worried' about Euro 2016 prospects


Ricardo Carvalho conceded Portugal are "a little bit more worried" about their Euro 2016 prospects after a second consecutive Group F draw against Austria.

Fernando Santos' men were dominant for long periods against Austria but were left to rue Cristiano Ronaldo missing a second-half penalty in the 0-0 draw at Parc des Princes.Portugal are now two points behind leaders Hungary after also sharing the spoils in a 1-1 stalemate with Iceland in their opening game.



And Carvalho admits doubts are starting to creep into the Portugal camp but has urged his team-mates to improve ahead of their must-win encounter against group-leaders Hungary."We have to get better," he said. "I believe we played better than in the first game. We are going to grow, we will grow and it's important to win.

"We are going to keep going as a team, as we did today - and we have to win."We wanted to win. We did more than enough to win the match and we didn't win, so that's why we are a little bit more worried - because looking at the match we played, we deserved to win it. Now we are going to think about that match [against Hungary]."Victory in Lyon on Tuesday would guarantee a place in the knockout stages for Santos' charges but Carvalho refused to look too far ahead.

"In order to win [Euro 2016], the team needs to grow," he said. "And to grow, it's necessary to win games. "That's what is missing. If we had done, morale would be higher and confidence would be greater. But after the match we played, I don't think we need to be so worried.

"We have to be prepared to win. We depend on ourselves and that’s important."
The former Chelsea and Madrid centre-back is out of contract at Monaco but will leave any decision on his future until Portugal's campaign runs its course.

"I don't know [if I will return to Portugal]," he added. "In my head is representing my country and I'm not concerned about that [at the moment]."I think the time to return to Portugal already passed because I'm 38! Even though I feel really good. But in football you never know.

"I still don't know. It depends on the offers I will have. After the Euros I will meet with the people at Monaco. They have been in touch, I don't know what they wanted to say. But in terms of playing, I will be available."

 

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Cabaye has no regrets over Crystal Palace move

Yohan Cabaye insists he does not regret signing for Crystal Palace despite a frustrating second half of the Premier League season.

The Eagles reached the FA Cup final but their form suffered in the league as a result, winning just two games in 2016 as the club flirted with relegation to the Championship.

But Cabaye, who is currently away with France at Euro 2016, says he would not choose a different club when leaving Paris Saint-Germain if he could wind the clock back.

"Despite the poor half of the season, we had an excellent first half and on December 19 we were fifth," the 30-year-old told L'Equipe. "I have never regretted my career choice."Cabaye's decision to leave PSG was prompted by him falling out-of-favour at the capital club, making just 24 Ligue 1 appearances in 2014/15.

And the ex-Newcastle United man has revealed that he sought advice about his future from France coach Didier Deschamps during his struggles at PSG."When the negotiations picked up pace I was at [France training camp] Clairefontaine," Cabaye said. "The coach brought up the subject and I told him who the interested clubs were and asked his opinion.

"He said: 'The most important thing is that you find your rhythm, especially in terms of playing time'."I then chose Crystal Palace and it was also because I know [Alan Pardew] very well and I love the league."

Cabaye is expected to come into the France side for Sunday's clash with Switzerland, with Deschamps set to rest N'Golo Kante, who would miss the next match if carded again.