..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Colombia 0-2 Chile: Early goals sees defending champion into Copa final

Chile has the chance to claim back-to-back Copa America titles after sealing passage to the decider of the Centenario tournament with a 2-0 win over a 10-man Colombia.

The defending champion raced out into a 2-0 lead after 11 minutes in Chicago courtesy of early goals from Charles Aranguiz and Jose Fuenzalida.
Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado headed a cross down to Aranguiz, who had the simple task of slotting it past David Ospina, before Fuenzalida tapped home from close range after an Alexis Sanchez shot came off the post.

However, as a severe storm made its way to Soldier Field, the second half of the contest was delayed for over two hours due to the threat of lightning.The skies finally cleared and action resumed, but wet patches all over the pitch made things difficult for the players.

Colombia worked hard to reduce the deficit but was dealt a huge blow when Carlos Sanchez received a second yellow card in the 57th minute.Chile held on to the win to seal a spot in the final against Argentina - a rematch of the 2015 decider in which the former came out a winner after a penalty shootout.

Juan Antonio Pizzi was forced into two changes from Chile's big win over Mexico in the quarterfinals, with the suspended Arturo Vidal and injured Marcelo Diaz replaced by Pablo Hernandez and Francisco Silva in the midfield.

Former Spain international Pizzi also decided to bring in Mauricio Isla, with Fuenzalida pushed forward in place of Edson Puch, who missed out on a starting berth despite scoring twice against Mexico.Colombia coach Jose Pekerman made two changes to his lineup, with the injured Carlos Bacca and Farid Diaz replaced by Roger Martinez and Frank Fabra.

Chile started the brighter of the two sides and, like against Mexico, took an early lead when Cuadrado headed a Fuenzalida cross towards goal and right into the path of Aranguiz, who slotted the ball past a helpless Ospina.
The defending champion was rampant in the opening stages with the side's trademark forward pressure and the team doubled its advantage just four minutes later.

Chile goalkeeper Claudio Bravo's long ball forward to Sanchez gave the Arsenal attacker - making his 100th appearance for Chile - the chance to turn his man and shoot, with Fuenzalida tapping home the rebound after the blistering strike came off the post.

Sanchez had another chance on goal in the 15th minute following some neat footwork in the box, but his shot from a tight angle came off Ospina and the upright.Colombia needed to respond quickly and almost did so nine minutes later when James Rodriguez played in Roger Martinez, but the 21-year-old had his shot expertly saved by Bravo.

Bravo came up big again to deny Santiago Arias shortly after, before producing another stunning save to keep Chile ahead going into the half-time break.Play resumed two hours later due to inclement weather, but both sides appeared sluggish due to the break and the far from ideal pitch conditions.

Bravo carried his first-half form into the second period and continued to make some crucial saves, including one from distance from Rodriguez.Colombia's task was made even harder when Sanchez was sent off for a second bookable offence 12 minutes into the second half after a foul on Aranguiz.

Pekerman's side showed little late in the game, with Chile holding on to book a meeting with Argentina in the final of the special-edition tournament.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Its Argentina Vs Chile Copa America final
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[akilar25]

Its Argentina Vs Chile Copa America final
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ආජන්ටිනා ගහයි නේ.
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

ආජන්ටිනා ගහයි නේ.

Ow bro matath hithenne Argentina gahai kiyalapattama form 1kaka inne habai hithapu nathi widiyata Chile th form wela thiyennehoda fight 1kak yai
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[akilar25]

Ow bro matath hithenne Argentina gahai kiyalapattama form 1kaka inne habai hithapu nathi widiyata Chile th form wela thiyennehoda fight 1kak yai
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[sri D]

Spain face Italy, Wales play Northern Ireland - the Euro 2016 last-16 fixtures in full


Euro 2016 has completed its group stage and we now know who will face whom when the last 16 gets started on Saturday.

Hosts France topped Group A and, as a reward, will take on Republic of Ireland, who finished as one of the best third-placed teams thanks to their late rally to beat Italy in the final game of Group E. Didier Deschamps's men will play their round-of-16 tie in Lyon on Sunday.

The winner of that game will take on either England or Iceland after the latter's late, late winner against Austria lifted them into second place in Group F to set up a showdown with Roy Hodgson's men in Nice on Monday.

Switzerland, who finished as runners-up to France in Group A, must now prepare for a game against Poland, who came in second in Group C, to take place in Saint-Etienne on Saturday. Also playing on that day will be Croatia and Portugal, who scraped through Group F in third, and the winner of that meeting in Lens will take on Switzerland or Poland in a Marseille quarter-final.

Wales roared to the top of Group B, inspired by the prolific Gareth Bale, and are rewarded with an all-British match against Northern Ireland, the third-placed finishers from Group C, in Paris on Saturday. For whichever of the two progresses, it would mean a quarter-final against Hungary (who won Group F) or Belgium (second in Group E) following their last-16 encounter in Toulouse on Sunday.

Germany were one of the few favourites to do as expected and win their group and will consequently take on Slovakia, third-placed finishers from Group B, in a knockout game in Lille on Sunday.Meanwhile, Italy will take on Spain in the highest-profile game of the round thanks to the holders' failure to top Group D - Saint-Denis will play host to that one on Monday. The winner will be expecting to face Germany in Bordeaux on July 2.

It was bad news for Turkey and Albania, however, whose poor goal differences saw them miss out on taking slots for the best third-placed teams. They join Romania, Russia, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Sweden and Austria in exiting the tournament.

Spain vs Italy match eka knockout stage eke supirima match eka wei..

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain vs Italy match eka knockout stage eke supirima match eka wei..

Aniwa brohabai Spain godak hodata play karanna wenawa win karanna nam.Spain kalin thathweta thamath awith naha(David Villa & Torres combination 1ka thibba kale).Specially attacking nam madi​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

De Gea thanks his critics for motivating him


Spain goalkeeper David de Gea has thanked his critics for motivating him on the back of his performance against Croatia in their final Euro 2016 group game in Bordeaux. Defending champions Spain went down 2-1 to Croatia, who sealed top spot in Group D in the process, on Tuesday.

De Gea was criticised after Ivan Perisic's 87th-minute winner, which saw the Manchester United goalkeeper beaten at his near post after a slight deflection.

The loss meant Spain finished runners-up in the group and will face Italy in the round of 16 in a rematch of the 2012 final. But following a wave of negative comments directed at the 25-year-old, De Gea says the criticism only motivates him to become better.

"The only ones who are defeated are those who lose hope," he wrote on Twitter.
"Thanks to the critics, you motivate me. To keep fighting!"Spain will play Group E winners Italy in the round of 16 in Paris on 27 June.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We're with you De Gea​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Vardy rejects Arsenal & agrees new Leicester contract

Leicester City have agreed a new four-year contract with striker Jamie Vardy, with the England international having turned down a move to Arsenal.

The Gunners activated the forward's £20 million release clause on the eve of Euro 2016 as Arsene Wenger looked to provide competition for Olivier Giroud at the Emirates Stadium.

But the 29-year-old has rejected the chance to join the north London outfit and has instead committed his future to the club with whom he won the Premier League last season.

"Leicester City have today agreed with the representatives of Jamie Vardy to extend the England international’s contract with the Premier League champions for a further four years," a Leicester statement read.

"Both parties hope that this announcement will end recent speculation regarding Jamie’s future and confirm his long term commitment to Leicester City Football Club.

"Jamie will continue to focus all of his efforts on trying to achieve success with the England team at the European Championships in France."

Vardy scored 24 goals as the Foxes won their first ever league title, with his form earning him and call-up to this summer's Euros.

And he continued his own personal fairytale by netting in England's Group B win over Wales before starting the draw against Slovakia.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Vardy's wife hits back at Leicester City fans after striker snubs Arsenal move

Jamie Vardy’s wife has hit back at Leicester City fans who criticised the striker during his transfer saga with Arsenal.

The Gunners had activated the England international’s £20 million release clause before the 29-year-old stalled on his decision.

But Leicester have since confirmed that Vardy has decided to snub Arsenal’s offer and instead agree a new four-year contract with the Premier League champions.

And Vardy’s wife, Rebekah, has confronted supporters on Twitter who were annoyed at the striker for not immediately turning down Arsenal's advances.

“I wonder how many of you that slagged me/us off unnecessarily will now have the balls to apologise? Embarrassing,” she posted on Twitter.

“And thank you to all the Arsenal and ‘genuine’ Leicester fans (which I know is the majority) who have been completely supportive!”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Griezmann signs new Atletico Madrid contract

Antoine Griezmann has ended speculation surrounding his future by signing a new five-year contract with Atletico Madrid, the club confirmed on Thursday.

The France international had been linked with a move away from the Spanish capital this summer after scoring 32 goals in all competitions for the Colchoneros this season.

But Griezmann has now opted to put talk regarding his future to one side by inking a new deal which will keep him at the Vicente Calderon until 2021.

A delighted Griezmann told Atletico's official website: "I'm very satisfied, very happy to keep belonging to this family and this project.

“I want to improve every year, and the club, the coaches and my teammates can help me to reach this goal.”

Griezmann, 25, stressed the importance of Atletico keeping their structure in place, including coach Diego Simeone - who had been contemplating his future after the club's Champions League final defeat against Real Madrid.

"It's essential to continue keeping the important players, with the coach,” he added. “We're lucky to be in this club that wants to improve and reach the top and help us keep growing.”

Atletico's sporting director Jose Luis Perez Caminero lauded Griezmann's decision to stay put in the Spanish capital and reiterated the club are determined to keep hold of their biggest stars.

He said: "I think it's a fantastic news for all the atléticos because it's about an excellent player, one of the best footballers in that position, who has already proved his magnificent quality during his two first seasons with us, and he also has a huge margin for growth.

“He's very beloved and appreciated by our coach and his teammates, and admired by the fans, who will surely feeling very happy today with this announcement. The club has a solid intention of keeping all the key players and Antoine is one of them, so we must congratulate ourselves for this renewal.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Morata still wanted by 'top Premier League clubs' - agent

Alvaro Morata is still attracting interest from high-profile Premier League clubs, his agent has revealed.The Spain international had been linked with a move to England this summer before Real Madrid activated their buy-back clause to re-sign him from Juventus.

However, widespread reports understand Madrid's reasoning for bringing back Morata could be to make an instant profit on him, sparking fresh rumours of a switch to the Premier League.

And Morata's agent has fuelled talk by confirming English clubs are still monitoring the marksman's situation, while adding you will “have to ask Real Madrid” if he will still be there for the 2016/17 season.

"He still has offers from top clubs in the Premier League," Morata's agent Juanma Lopez told AS."As things stand he is a Madrid player from July 1. Whether he will stay or not, you have to ask Real Madrid."We will see. We still have to talk to Zinedine Zidane, but for the moment Morata is happy."

Morata scored 12 goals for Juventus last season, while he is currently the joint-top goalscorer alongside Wales and Madrid team-mate Gareth Bale at Euro 2016 with three strikes to his name so far.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Iniesta: Italy tie will benefit Spain


Andres Iniesta believes that facing a high-calibre opponent in Italy in the last 16 can only be a boost to Spain's chances of winning Euro 2016.

A shock 2-1 defeat to Croatia in their last Group D left the holders in second place and set up a second-round rematch of the 2012 European Championship final, which Spain won 4-0 in Kiev.

But far from be intimated by the prospect of coming up against Antonio Conte's men, midfielder Iniesta is relishing the challenge that awaits in Paris on Monday and believes it will bring the best out in a squad bidding to win the tournament for an unprecedented third time in a row. "They're a powerful rival, a difficult rival, and [it will be] a good game," Iniesta said. "It's a game that will be useful to us if we are to keep developing and taking steps in these Euros.

"Aside from the final four years ago, all of our games have been very closely fought out. Italy have excellent players and a great defensive block we've known about for a long time.

"Contrary to what I hear people saying, they also improved a great deal in terms of possession and ball-handling. They really stepped up, which makes the game on Monday even more complex and our aspirations even more difficult.

"This is how things went, we lost and now we've got to deal with Italy. We must face this situation with the appropriate confidence, because I believe that if we play at our level then we have some good chances of passing [into the next round]."

Iniesta conceded that Spain would have preferred to win their group, as they have landed in the stronger bottom half of the draw as a result, with Germany potentially awaiting in the quarter-finals."It hasn't gone well, but we must continue, nothing has happened," the Barcelona star added.

"We're on the more complicated side [of the draw] in theory but we are Spain and we have to remain confident."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Nolito set for Manchester City move after Guardiola call

Celta Vigo ace Nolito is close to joining Manchester City after speaking with Pep Guardiola, according to the forward’s uncle.

The 29-year-old was targeted by Barcelona in the January transfer window but the Spanish champions have since cooled their interest.

Nolito is currently part of Spain’s squad at Euro 2016 but has been contacted by Guardiola over a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

"He [Nolito] is leaving, for sure, he is just waiting to finish the Euros but the [deal] with City is almost done," Manolo Rodriguez told El Chiringuito TV.

"It's one of the best teams in the world right now and they have money.

“Guardiola called him a week ago. He is going to City because of him. If City had another manager I think he wouldn't have gone."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rooney: I wanted to face Slovakia but I accept Hodgson's decision


Wayne Rooney respects Roy Hodgson's decision to rest him for the goalless draw with Slovakia and has challenged England to make their fresh legs count during the knockout stages of Euro 2016.

Rooney was one of six alterations to the side that started the last-gasp win over Wales in Group B, with Hodgson resting the likes of his captain and Dele Alli while also handing starts to Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge.

England's dominance in Saint-Etienne went unrewarded, with Rooney introduced as a second-half substitute, allowing Wales to top the group courtesy of a 3-0 win over Russia.The Three Lions were paired with Group F runners-up Iceland in the round of 16 as a result, with Wales set to lock horns with Northern Ireland.

Rooney, who has been in fine form at the tournament so far, says he wanted to start the game but took Hodgson's decision on the chin and hopes those rested against Slovakia can use their extra energy to shine against Iceland.

"It wasn't just me it was five other players," he told a news conference at England's Chantilly base. "It's a decision that we have to make in terms of keeping players fresh for the knockout stages and believing in the players we've got.

"I agree that the 23 players we've got are good enough and we should have won the game. You've got to give credit to our opponents, they defended really well
"We're through to the knockout stages and that's what matters. I respect Roy's decision. Whether he plays or rests me you, respect that.

"As a player, you want to play. In terms of me, going into Monday I'll be a lot fresher."It's a great chance now for the players who've had the rest to use the energy that they've gained from not playing 90 minutes."

It has been suggested in some quarters that Hodgson may not know his best team having not only made six changes against Slovakia, but juggled between a number of formations in France so far.

When asked for his thoughts on the situation, Rooney insists it is not a question he can answer."In terms of knowing the best team, that's a question you have to ask Roy," he said. "We do need to be a bit more ruthless in terms of the chances that we have.

"As we've seen in the last game if you don't take them they can cost you a result
"Going into the knockout stages, when we get those chances we need to take full advantage of them."

Should England prevail over Iceland, a potential quarter-final against hosts France in Saint-Denis lies in wait.Far from being intimidated, Rooney abides by the adage that in order to be the best, you must beat the best.

"We're confident, we believe we can go to the end in this competition," he added. "Whether that's playing the Frances, Spains, Germanys, whoever it is. "We feel if we play our best we can give anyone a game and we can win. We're looking at our side of the draw with excitement and confidence."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger hints at Kante interest after missing out on Vardy

Arsene Wenger has hinted that Arsenal remain interested in signing N'Golo Kante after missing out on his Leicester City team-mate Jamie Vardy.Kante has impressed for France at Euro 2016 on the back of a superb debut season in the Premier League with the Foxes.

Wenger believes Leicester have lined up a replacement for the 25-year-old in Nice star Nampalys Mendy and though the Gunners have already landed Granit Xhaka, the Frenchman did not rule his side out of the race.

"It is very difficult to talk about that at the moment," Wenger told beIN Sports."Kante is on the list of many clubs. It is an area where we have many players.

"We will see what happens in the next two or three weeks. It looks like Leicester have bought a player from Nice [Nampalys Mendy] with similar qualities to Kante, so whether they envisage to lose him or not I don't know.

"If you ask 100 people in the street if they want Kante to play [for France] you will get 100 saying yes. He has done the job in one or two games and I am not surprised.

"I said two months ago this boy will play the whole European Championship. We know him well from Leicester now and I am not surprised that he is starting. He has been one of the revelations of the French team."

After weeks of speculation linking Vardy with a move to Arsenal, Leicester announced the England international had agreed a four-year contract extension.
Despite missing out on the 29-year-old striker, Wenger said he respected Vardy's decision.

"I think Leicester have made a statement and Vardy will stay. We were on the case and interested, but not more than that," Wenger said. "He has decided to stay at Leicester and good luck to him.

"He came late to the game and in fairness Leicester bought him from Fleetwood and he has been successful. He is 29 and he has chosen to stay at Leicester. You have to respect that."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Juanfran: Spain can use Atletico's philosophy


Spain defender Juanfran is looking to use the philosophy of his club side Atletico Madrid in the knockout stages of Euro 2016.Having been beaten by Croatia in their final group game, the reigning champions have been paired with Italy in a tough last-16 clash.

And should Vicente del Bosque's men negotiate their way through that fixture, Germany and France or England are potential opponents before even reaching the final of the tournament.However, Juanfran insists the focus is solely on the Italians for now – a pragmatic approach that has served Atletico well in the past few seasons.

"Whether our game is the most difficult, we will see," he said. "We can apply the philosophy of Atletico, take it game by game."The 31-year-old is also adamant that Spain have plenty to be positive about after finishing second in Group D.

"In the majority of the three games, we have been the better team," he added. "I believe that too much has been made about the defeat."We are convinced that we are going to qualify for the next round. Any opponent that we get in the last 16 will be tough to play."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Manchester City beat Barcelona to Velez wonderkid

Manchester City have seen off competition from Barcelona to sign Benjamin Garre from Velez Sarsfield, Goal understands.

Pep Guardiola's new club have secured the 15-year-old's signature despite interest from the Spanish champions, with Garre considered one of the best players of his generation in Argentina.

The attacking midfielder is the grandson of Oscar Garre, a former defender who was part of Argentina's 1986 World Cup-winning squad, and it is understood that City will pay only minimal compensation as he was not under contract.

The youth international has previously spent time in England with Manchester United. "I was taken to see the club and train," Garre said at the time."Velez, as always, respected me and gave me the opportunity to travel. But I could not say if I will one day join [United] because this is something that my family is in charge of."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

OFFICIAL: Tottenham complete Wanyama signing

Tottenham have completed the signing of midfielder Victor Wanyama from Southampton on a five-year contract.

The 24-year-old only had 12 months left on his deal at St Mary's Stadium and has joined Spurs in a move worth just over £13.5 million.Wanyama is the club's first new signing ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

The move sees Wanyama link up with former Saints manager Mauricio Pochettino, who brought him to England him from Celtic in a £12.5m deal in July 2013.The Kenya international, who was sent off three times in the Premier League last season, made 97 appearances in his three years at Southampton and will now have the opportunity to play Champions League football at Spurs.
Tottenham finished third in the top flight last season to ensure they will automatically qualify for the group stages of Europe's elite club competition.Southampton finished sixth to seal a Europa League berth, but are still without a manager after Ronald Koeman elected to join Everton.