..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

Faria: Manchester United not thinking about title

Stuttering Manchester United are not worried about their faltering Premier League title hopes, says assistant manager Rui Faria, who insisted the focus is on improving and winning matches.

United's fading chances of winning the Premier League were dealt another blow on Sunday as they fell further behind the leading pack following their 1-1 stalemate at home to struggling West Ham.

It was an afternoon of frustration for the hosts at Old Trafford, where Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelled out Diafra Sakho's opener, with manager Jose Mourinho sent to the stands as United drew their fourth consecutive home league match to slip eight points behind fourth-placed Arsenal and 11 adrift of leaders Chelsea.

"[Title gone?] In this moment we are more worried about looking to the team and getting the best results," Faria told reporters."We knew that the job was not an easy job, we fight to change things, and this is what we are going to keep doing because we believe in the players."We believe in the team and we believe that things will change and what we are chasing will arrive for sure."

United and West Ham will lock horns again in the EFL Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, before Mourinho's men travel to Everton in Sunday's Premier League fixture.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We won't win LaLiga like that, fumes Pique

Gerard Pique says Barcelona cannot hope to defend their title if they repeat the performance against Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The champions were held to a 1-1 draw that extends their nine-year winless run at Anoeta and leaves them six points behind LaLiga leaders Real Madrid ahead of next week's Clasico.

Lionel Messi snatched an equaliser shortly after Willian Jose had put the home side ahead, but Barca were second best throughout the contest and were fortunate not to lose, with Juanmi seeing a goal unjustly ruled out for offside while Carlos Vela twice hit the woodwork.

And Pique questioned the quality and mentality of his side after the match, telling Movistar Plus: "We were beaten in performance and attitude.

"In the first half, we vanished. It will be very difficult to win LaLiga like this."They pressed us well and prevented us from playing our game. You can hardly say that was Barca, but a draw from today isn't too bad."

Pique, who picked up a knock to his ankle during the first half, hopes to be fit for the visit of the league leaders to Camp Nou next Saturday - a team he acknowledges as the best in the top flight at present."I think I'm okay. My ankle hurt in the first half but I hope to be there on Saturday," said the centre-back.

"It's a very important match and I know that the fans will respond. We play against a great team, the best in the league right now - that's why they are where they are."Vela admitted that Sociedad were frustrated not to earn a win that would have taken them above Atletico Madrid and into the top four.

"I'm a little disappointed," said the former Arsenal man. "With the chances we had, we deserved more than a point. But that's football. We can come out with our heads held high.

"With the ball, they're the best team in the world, so we had to make sure they worked a little less. I think we had a great game, it's just a pity we didn't get the win.

"These games are always really nice games and we don't usually lose. We haven't set ourselves a goal, we just wanted to give a good account of ourselves today."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Liverpool ready for 'parked buses' - Klopp

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp believes his team are ready to play against "parked buses" after extending their unbeaten run.

A Divock Origi goal and James Milner penalty saw Klopp's men to a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday, although they were made to wait until the final 15 minutes at Anfield.Unbeaten in 14 games in all competitions, Liverpool's free-scoring start to the season has eased.

But Klopp feels his side can cope should teams decide to sit deep – as their two most recent opponents in Southampton and Sunderland have done."I think there is no doubt this team is ready to play against parked buses. We have all the skills, but you need to be patient," the German said.

"If you score the first goal early, then we get the second, the third, the fourth. It opens the game but it is all about the timing of when you get the first and the longer you don't, the most important thing is you don't get frustrated because we need to get used to situations like this."Last year the games were different with a few teams played defensively against us. This time, because we are better, we have forced them into situations like this."

Beaten just once in the league this season, Liverpool are a point behind leaders Chelsea.Klopp is prepared for defensive teams, and he warned the other clubs near the top to expect similar.

"Do you think against Arsenal, for example, teams will think: 'It's only Arsenal?' Do you think they will defend high against [Manchester] City, against Tottenham, against all the top teams?" he said.

"It depends on two things – what is their plan and how do you combat that? We use the skills of our players and that leads to a defensive formation of the other team."Then it's up to you to create the moments."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Moutinho opens door to Premier League move

Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho has said that he is open to a move to the Premier League.

The 30-year-old has been the subject of transfer rumours linking him with a move away from Stade Louis II for several months, with Porto particularly associated with him over the summer. However, the Euro 2016 winner has revealed that, rather than go back home, he would prefer a switch to England before he retires.Moutinho said previously he was “minutes” away from joining Tottenham in 2012 and he still harbours a desire to play Premier League football.

“I have always said that one day I would like to play in the Premier League. But for the moment, I’m happy here at Monaco. I’m going to continue to give my best until the day we decide to part company, but today that’s not an issue,” he told Le Parisien.

In the summer, talk of him leaving the club was particularly widespread, but he has played it down, despite struggling for a place in the starting XI in Leonardo Jardim's side since.

“There were only rumours, I didn’t speak to anyone,” he added. “And, on my part, I had no desire to go.”

With Monaco flying high in Ligue 1 – sitting only a point behind surprise leaders Nice and ahead of defending champions Paris Saint-Germain – the Portuguese seems to have his thoughts set on more glory.

“Ligue 1 remains our principal objective, but we’re also capable of being competitive on the European scene. We want to win the league and go far in the Champions League,” he confirmed.
\
Monaco have already secured their passage through to the last 16 of Europe’s top competition, at the expense of CSKA Moscow and Spurs.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coutinho sends message to Liverpool fans as he prepares for long injury lay-off

Philippe Coutinho has thanked Liverpool fans for their support as he prepares to learn the full extent of his ankle injury on Monday.

The Brazil international had to be substituted after 34 minutes of the Reds' 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday after clashing with Didier Ndong.

Coutinho will undergo a scan on Monday to discover just how serious the injury is, with Liverpool fearing their star man has suffered ankle ligament damage.

That could see him miss months of first-team action as Jurgen Klopp's side aim to mount a Premier League title challenge in 2016-17.But Coutinho is trying to remain positive, sending an Instagram message to his followers to appreciate their support.

He wrote: "I'd like to thank my family, fans and friends for all the positive messages, that's very important to me."Coutinho joined Liverpool from Inter back in 2013 and has developed into one of the Premier League's best-performing midfield players.

The Brazilian already has five league goals this season and has also contributed six assists to help the Merseysiders up to second in the table.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Kroos says he'd never join Barcelona and could retire at Real Madrid

Toni Kroos insists he would not consider switching Real Madrid for Barcelona and has revealed he could retire at the end of his current contract.

The likes of Michael Laudrup, Luis Enrique, Luis Figo and Ronaldo have all played for the two Clasico rivals during their career, but Kroos has no interest in joining that list.

The midfielder signed a new contract last month to keep him at Santiago Bernabeu until 2022, which would see him remain in the Spanish capital until the age of 32.And following the expiration of that deal the Germany international has suggested he will retire rather than look for another club."I do not envisage going to Barcelona," he said to Kicker.

"There are certain transfers you simply don't do. This has a lot to do with respect. Respect for tradition and the fans."I will have reached 32 at the end of the contract. I do not forecast playing until 38 or 39.

"At 32 one has already given his best years in football and as for physically it seems a good age to quit, but I do not want to commit to what might happen between now and six years' time.

"Real Madrid is my club. In the last two-and-a-half years I have grown in a sporting sense and personally. "From the first day I found a positive response from team-mates, fans and coaches."

Madrid play Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, before Saturday's crucial Clasico away to Barca, who they lead by six points at the top of LaLiga.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Man Utd hierarchy will not be happy with Mourinho'

Former Arsenal man Martin Keown has said that Jose Mourinho must "keep a lid on it" in the wake of the manager's dismissal following his reaction to Paul Pogba's yellow card against West Ham.

Pogba was booked for diving in the crunch clash at Old Trafford - a decision that sent Mourinho into a rage and subsequently kick a water bottle along the technical area.

Keown feels the Portuguese's behaviour is unbecoming of a club like Manchester United and says the manager's reaction to the booking will not sit well with the board.

"They were unlucky today and the hierarchy at Manchester United Football Club will not be happy with the image he’s creating,” the former defender told the BBC's 'Match of the Day 2'.

“We can only imagine that Mourinho feels that Pogba has been fouled. This is a massive overreaction; it is not like it is a penalty decision. It’s the second time it’s happened [this month] and he needs to keep a lid on it.“I don’t get it. He knows he’s going to get sent off.

“He’s in a massive job and he needs to keep that lid on things. People say: ‘You’re a former Arsenal player and you don’t want to see Manchester United do well,’ but we do want to see good football."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Inter 4-2 Fiorentina: Nerazzurri hold on for victory after blistering start

Inter moved above Fiorentina in the Serie A table after captain Mauro Icardi inspired their thrilling 4-2 victory at San Siro on Monday.

The striker scored two and set up another as the home side ended a run of four consecutive defeats against the Viola and sealed a first win for new head coach Stefano Pioli.

Inter took control of the match in a devastating opening 20 minutes, in which Marcelo Brozovic, Antonio Candreva and Icardi all got on the scoresheet to punish a torrid display from the visiting defence.

Nikola Kalinic gave Fiorentina a chance of a comeback with a well-taken goal before half-time, but a contentious red card for Gonzalo Rodriguez promptly put paid to Paulo Sousa's lingering hopes of a much-needed result.

Icardi came close to a second soon after the break but Inter's control on the match began to slip away, especially after Josip Ilicic's shot took an awkward bounce and flew past Samir Handanovic to make it 3-2.

There was to be no repeat of Thursday's Europa League collapse against Hapoel Be'er Sheva, however, as Icardi's late tap-in ensured that Inter climb above Fiorentina - having played a game more - and into the top eight.

Inter's flying start saw them take the lead inside three minutes. Icardi's low cross was diverted into the path of Brozovic, and the Croatia midfielder placed the ball into the roof of the net from just inside the area.

Candreva was denied a quick-fire second by a good block from Rodriguez, but the Italy winger had better luck with only nine minutes on the clock as Fiorentina's implosion continued.Ciprian Tatarusanu palmed Ivan Perisic's cross-cum-shot straight to the feet of Candreva, who could not miss from six yards out.

With San Siro in full voice and the visitors reeling, Inter sensed the chance of an early killing blow and it duly arrived before the 20-minute mark.

Icardi beat the offside trap to collect Candreva's fine throughball and, after turning past the sliding Rodriguez, he skipped beyond a meek challenge from Davide Astori before confidently slotting beneath Tatarusanu.

The visitors did find a lifeline eight minutes before half-time, however, as Kalinic raced onto a fine lofted pass from Milan Badelj and half-volleyed the ball into the ground and past Handanovic for his 10th goal of the season.

But any hope of a comeback was ended in first-half stoppage time. Rodriguez raised an arm to bring down Icardi 20 yards from goal and he was surprisingly given a straight red card by referee Antonio Damato, who seemed to judge it to be a professional foul.

Inter went in search of a fourth and twice came close before the hour mark, Ever Banega being denied by a low stop from Tatarusanu before Icardi's shot was tipped onto the post after a fine run and pass from Joao Mario.

Miranda was fortunate to receive only a booking after raising an arm to the face of Ilicic, but Fiorentina got a stroke of luck when Ilicic's low effort from the left of the penalty area bobbled off the turf and beyond the wrong-footed Handanovic with a little over an hour played.

Inter missed a clear chance for a fourth when Joao Mario cleared the crossbar from only six yards out, but their third victory in nine league games was at last made safe in stoppage time, with Icardi tapping in a rebound after Tatarusanu had denied Perisic's stylish run and shot.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Van Gaal's Manchester United were better than Mourinho's version'

Jamie Carragher says Jose Mourinho is failing to match the achievements of his predecessor Louis van Gaal as the Dutchman ‘always got results in the big games’.
United, for all of the complaints about an apparent lack of style, also mustered more goals last season, with failings in the final third costing them dear at present.

The Red Devils were frustrated once again in their most recent Premier League outing, with a failure to convert chances leaving them with a share of the points in a 1-1 draw with West Ham.That result came on the back of previous outings against Burnley and Arsenal which also saw Mourinho’s men held despite dominating on the day.

Carragher says no such struggles were endured under Van Gaal, with United not always pleasing on the eye but capable of delivering when it mattered most.

He feels Mourinho has lost his touch in the biggest fixtures, with the Portuguese needing to oversee a reversal in fortune ‘quickly’ or face further uncomfortable questions regarding his reign.Carragher told Sky Sports: “The squad should be getting better results than they are.

“They've missed a lot of chances this season, which is nothing like the football of last year.“Man United fans were disappointed last year with the style of play but the results were better.

“And no matter what you say about Louis van Gaal, he always got results in the big games.“We always say the same about Jose Mourinho but over the last couple of years that's been lacking.

“They need to get back on track quickly.”United will get another opportunity to rediscover their spark on Wednesday when they face West Ham once again, this time in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup.

Progress in knockout competition could help to build confidence and raise morale, but getting back on track in the league has to be the priority – as they sixth at present – and there are testing fixtures coming up away at Everton and at home to fellow top-four hopefuls Tottenham.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho facing ANOTHER ban after improper conduct charge

Jose Mourinho has been charged by the Football Association over the conduct that led to him being sent to the stands during Manchester United's 1-1 draw with West Ham on Sunday.

Mourinho was banished from the touchline for the second time in three home Premier League matches after kicking out at a water bottle midway through the first half.

The incident occurred after Paul Pogba was booked for diving by referee Jon Moss.Mourinho subsequently failed to complete his media duties, sending assistant Rui Faria to the post-match news conference.

Faria said at the time: "The referee explained it to Jose and there is nothing more to say. I think [it was] frustration from Jose after the yellow card for Pogba. It should be a foul for us but the referee understood it in another way.

"I don't take over. I follow the normal procedure. The boss is Jose all the time and he passes on what is the best for the team and we just try to make it happen without having him there."

The Portuguese was given a one-match touchline ban and fined £8,000 following an incident against Burnley in late October, and the FA is likely to take a dim view of his second offence in such a short space of time, making a more severe punishment likely.Mourinho was also given a £50,000 sanction over comments made about the appointment of Anthony Taylor to referee United’s clash with Liverpool this season.

Pogba will miss United's League Cup quarter-final clash with West Ham on Wednesday as a result of his booking.

United have drawn their last four top-flight matches at Old Trafford, contributing to the club's worst start to a Premier League season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mata felt 'helpless' after Manchester United's draw with West Ham

It was a case of the same old story for Manchester United on Sunday, with Juan Mata admitting to feeling ‘helpless’ on the back of another frustrating 1-1 draw.
The Red Devils have been bossing games in recent weeks, but turning possession and chances into goals and points is proving to be a little tricky.

Prior to the international break, Jose Mourinho’s side were repelled by a spectacular goalkeeping display from Tom Heaton in a 0-0 draw with Burnley.

They were able to sweep aside a lacklustre Swansea outfit 3-1 in south Wales, but returned to domestic duty with a 1-1 stalemate at home to Arsenal that really should have delivered greater reward.

A 4-0 mauling of Feyenoord in the Europa League last week bode well, and suggested that the shackles may have been broken, but United were back to their inconsistent best over the weekend as they were held 1-1 by West Ham at Old Trafford.

Mourinho’s men fired in 17 efforts on goal against the Hammers, but a lack of cutting edge is holding them back at present and Mata concedes that an unfortunate run in front of goal needs to be ended if their 2016-17 Premier League campaign is to be salvaged.He wrote in a blog on his personal website: “This 1-1 would be easier to take if it came after a winning streak, but this is not the case.

“A few days ago we beat Feyenoord in a good game. We were playing to stay in the Europa League and the team delivered; we enjoyed ourselves on the pitch and scored several goals.

“So far in the Premiership, though, we haven’t found that consistency, that winning streak that is so much needed and that we’re working so much to achieve. When we seem to be close to a victory, it just slips away…

“I’m talking mainly about the Premier League games at Old Trafford, which is even more upsetting because playing in front of our fans is an extra, and that’s how we feel. “But we must convert that desire to win and that frustration into more victories, more points. That will give us more confidence and will eventually lead to a good run of results.

“You feel helpless after these games when you think that you’ve played better than the opponent, that you’ve had chances to score and the goalkeeper has had a fantastic performance.

“But we can’t complain, we can’t just blame the bad luck. We know we must find the target more often to score more goals. We are doing what is more difficult: being able to create those chances, and now we have to take them. Otherwise, at this level you get penalised as we have seen lately.”

Sunday’s draw with West Ham has left United sixth in the Premier League standings, eight points adrift of the top four and 11 behind table-topping Chelsea.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chelsea's European absence a huge help, says Hazard

Eden Hazard feels Chelsea's failure to qualify for European football is proving a huge advantage in the Premier League title race.After finishing 10th in a miserable 2015-16 season, Chelsea are not in the Champions League or Europa League this time around – unlike the majority of their rivals for domestic glory.

Manager Antonio Conte has consistently stated he would prefer to be playing in the Champions League, although recently acknowledged the extra time he can spend with his players has been a boost.

And Hazard is certainly seeing the positives over having the chance to prepare for domestic matches, with second-placed Liverpool another team seemingly benefiting."It's good," Hazard, who played as Chelsea made it seven straight top-flight wins by beating Tottenham, told reporters.

"We have one week to prepare for the game and at the end of the week we know what to do when we play."Last year, we were just doing recovery so we weren't always ready for the game, but that's not the case now. We are concentrating on the opposition during the week and give everything.

"We do lots of tactical work and video work, it depends who we are playing. We do everything to be prepared."Chelsea have a crunch away game against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City in their next game on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coutinho set for up to six weeks out with ankle injury

Philippe Coutinho is set to miss up to six weeks of action with ankle ligament damage, ruling him out of much of Liverpool's busy Christmas schedule.

The Brazilian was substituted in the first half of the Reds' 2-0 victory over Sunderland on Saturday and underwent a scan at Spire Hospital in Liverpool on Monday afternoon.

Liverpool are hopeful Coutinho may not need the full six-week recovery period usually required for this type of injury but he will almost certainly miss the Merseyside derby at Everton on December 19, with the clash against Manchester City on December 31 targeted for a potential early return.After closing out November with a League Cup fixture against Leeds United on Tuesday night, Liverpool will face a run of six matches before the New Year.

The Reds will be without several attacking options for the visit of Leeds, with Daniel Sturridge and Adam Lallana also currently sidelined and Roberto Firmino likely to sit the game out after being substituted with a knock against Sunderland.

Divock Origi scored the winner after replacing Coutinho against the Black Cats and could be rewarded with increased first-team football in the coming weeks, while highly rated youngster Ben Woodburn also appeared from the bench.

Coutinho has been in sensational form for Liverpool this season. The 24-year-old has recorded five goals and five assists in 13 Premier League appearances and was nominated for the division's player of the month award for October.

He has played a key part of Jurgen Klopp side's ascent to second in the table, with their 32 goals scored currently the highest total in the English top flight.

 

[Alucard_SxE]

Colombia plane crash: 76 killed, 5 survivors from plane carrying Chapecoense footballers


https://www.theguardian.com/world/l...board-plane-that-crashed-over-colombia-latest

Raimundo Colombo, the governor of Santa Catarina, where the Chapecoense team is based, has issued a statement about the disaster expressing his profound regret.

Colombo noted that Chapecoense had not only been representing the city of Chapecó and the state of Santa Catarina to the rest of Brazil and Latin America, but was also making history as the first Santa Catarina club to contest the final of an international competition.”

He said he was in “state of shock” and expressed his solidarity with the families of the players, club officials and journalists who formed the delegation “at what is a time of great pain for the sporting community in Santa Catarina and in Brazil.”

Nivaldo, a Brazilian goalkeeper who has been at the club since 2006 but did not travel to Colombia, told the UOL Esporte website that he was woken at 5am this morning by a phone call from a worried friend who wanted to know if he was on the flight.

Nivaldo said he had tried to call his teammates and other club staff who were on the plane but that nobody picked up the phone.

The wife of one Brazilian survivor has used Instagram to express her relief.

Amanda Ruschel, who is married to Alan Ruschel, the first player to be taken to hospital, posted an image of the player alongside the message:

“Thank God Alan is in the hospital, stable. We are praying for all of those who were not yet rescued and offer our support to all their relatives. This is a complicated, difficult situation. Only God himself can give us strength. Thank you God.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/live-update/5302/live-chapecoense-plane-crash?ICID=HP_HN_1​

 

[Alucard_SxE]

 

[Wolverine GTR]

75 dead as plane carrying Chapecoense crashes in Colombia

A plane carrying Brazilian club Chapecoense to the Copa Sudamericana final crashed in Colombia on Monday night, leaving 75 dead and only six survivors.

"A Lamia aircraft coming from Bolivia with registration CP2933 RJ 80 had an accident in Cerro El Gordo, nearby La Union, Antioquia, with 72 passengers and nine crew members on board, who were with the Brazilian team Chapecoense," read a statement from Colombian aviation governing body Aerocivil as news first broke. "Organisations are currently attending to the situation and are taking injured to different medical facilities in the region."

According to South American media reports, emergency crews transported some of the injured to La Ceja Hospital shortly after the crash, while Telemedellin reported that the San Vicente Hospital was preparing to treat some of those wounded.

A press release sent out by the Jose Maria Cordova airport said that authorities were working to rescue at least six survivors. General Jose Acevedo Ossa, chief of police in Antioquia, later announced that 75 of the 81 passengers had been killed, before one of the six rescued passed away while doctors attempted to save them. Following that, local media have reported that one further survivor was found - defender Helio Neto.

Players Alan Ruschel and Danilo were the first survivors to arrive at the airport, according to reports from RCN and Telemedellin, with the latter reporting that Ruschel was conscious but in shock when he got to the hospital. Backup goalkeeper Jackson Follman, a journalist and a stewardess had also been identified as survivors.

Chapecoense released a brief note on their Facebook account, saying: "May God be with our athletes, officials, journalists and other guests travelling with our delegation." The club added that no comment would be made until further information came to light.

The plane was inbound from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, where the team stopped over after playing a league game against Palmeiras, who clinched the Brazilian championship with a victory. Chapecoense made the Copa Sudamericana final after advancing past Argentine side San Lorenzo on away goals. The first leg was set to take place in Medellin against Atletico Nacional on Wednesday.

CONMEBOL confirmed that the match - and all others in South America - will be postponed until further notice.

"The South American Football Confederation confirms that it has been notified by Colombian authorities that the plane on which the Atletico Chapecoense of Brazil delegation suffered an accident on its arrival to Colombia. We're in contact with the authorities and we are awaiting for official updates," it told the press. "The CONMEBOL family enormously laments what has happened.

"All activities of the confederation will remain suspended until further notice.
"President Alejandro Dominguez is currently in transit to Medellin."

The cause of the crash is currently unverified but the airport confirmed that the plane reported an electrical fault to the control tower. According to the airport, the crash site is currently accessible only by ground transportation, with weather conditions prohibiting aerial access. A Colombian aviation community used its Facebook page to ask those in the area who could provide help in Jeep 4x4-type vehicles to assist in rescue efforts.

Tributes started to come in after the first reports, with Chapecoense's opponent, Atletico Nacional, tweeting: "Nacional deeply regrets and sympathizes with Chapecoense because of the accident that happens and awaits information from the authorities." Mexico FA president Decio de Maria wrote, "My prayers for the Chapecoense team and everybody who was aboard their aircraft. My support to their family and friends."

Lukas Podolski and the Paraguay national team were among others to pass along support and prayers.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

R.I.P for all​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chapecoense share dressing-room celebrations to honour plane crash victims

Chapecoense have shared video footage of the team's dressing-room celebrations after their Copa Sudamericana semi-final win, in honour of the players who were killed in a plane crash on Monday.

At least 75 people died after a plane carrying members of the first team and coaching staff, as well as a number of journalists, came down in Cerro Gordo in Colombia.

The team were travelling for the first leg of their Copa Sudamericana final clash against Atletico Nacional, which was due to take place on Wednesday in Medellin, just a week after they sealed a semi-final victory over Argentina's San Lorenzo.

The club have since posted footage via their official Twitter account of the scenes of celebration in the dressing-room after their 0-0 second-leg draw, along with the caption: "Let this be the last image of our warriors".

The plane - a British Aerospace 146 short-haul aircraft - was carrying a total of 72 passengers and nine crew members, including a total of 22 Chapecoense players, according to reports in Colombia.

First-team players Alan Ruschel, Jackson Follman and Neto are among a list of six survivors named by Aeronautica Civil - the Colombian Civil Aviation Authority.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Chapecoense fans pay emotional tribute to fallen heroes


Supporters have gathered outside the stadium of Brazilian side Chapecoense to pay their respects to those who tragically lost their lives in a plane crash on Monday evening.

Fans flocked to the Arena Conda on Tuesday to honour their fallen heroes, with prayers offered for those taken too soon.Emotional scenes saw those in attendance observe a moment of quiet reflection, before spontaneous applause broke out.

Tears were shed by many, with 76 members of the travelling Chapecoense party and media team losing their lives in the accident.

The Serie A side were scheduled to play a Copa Sudamericana final first leg against Atletico Nacional at Medellin's Estadio Atanasio Girardot on Wednesday but the plane, carrying 72 passengers and nine crew, crashed en route from Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, leaving only five survivors.

Authorities reported that the plane declared an emergency at 22.00 local time (03.00GMT) with an electrical failure, before coming down in Cerro Gordo in the municipality of La Union.

CONMEBOL have confirmed that the match - and all others in South America - will be postponed until further notice.

"The South American Football Confederation confirms that it has been notified by Colombian authorities that the plane on which the Atletico Chapecoense of Brazil delegation suffered an accident on its arrival to Colombia. We're in contact with the authorities and we are awaiting for official updates," it told the press. "The CONMEBOL family enormously laments what has happened.

"All activities of the confederation will remain suspended until further notice.
"President Alejandro Dominguez is currently in transit to Medellin."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'They were a family' - Chapecoense president expresses heartfelt grief

Chapecoense president Plinio David de Nes Filho delivered a heartfelt tribute to the players who died in Monday's devastating plane crash in Colombia.

A chartered flight carrying 81 people, including players and staff of the Brazilian team, who were travelling for a match against Atletico Nacional in Medellin, crashed in Cerro Gordo in the municipality of La Union.

Police have confirmed 76 people died, though that number may increase, with three players among five individuals being treated in hospital. There are unconfirmed reports a fourth player - Zampier Neto - also survived.

A photograph of desolate team-mates, who did not travel, later emerged from the Chapecoense dressing room at the Arena Conda and quickly circulated on social media.

De Nes Filho, who had been due to take the same flight but made other arrangements late on, described a desperate feeling of grief given that his last contact with the travelling party had been one of huge positivity."There were lifelong friends on this flight and we think it will have been very hard for them to have survived this accident," he said on programme Bom Dia Brasil.

"This wasn't just a group of people who respected each other professionally. It was a family, a group of friends. Everybody laughed so much, even in defeat. There was a great atmosphere, great joy.

"Yesterday morning, when I said goodbye to them, they said that they were going off to make our dreams come true. We shared this dream with all our emotion. And in the early hours of this morning, that dream came to an end."

South American governing body CONMEBOL has suspended all activities until further notice, while Brazil has declared three days of national mourning following the tragedy, as clubs and players from around the world issued messages of condolence and support.

The club's vice-president Ivan Tozzo, speaking to SporTV, said: "I'm very sad to receive the news that came through this morning. It was completely unexpected.
"We're gathered at the stadium, welcoming people who are affected, people who love Chapecoense.

"It's an unbelievable situation. The penny has yet to drop. We're just waiting, everyone putting our faith in God that things will go our way. The pain is hard to take.

"I've been at Chapecoense a long time and I know what we've gone through to get here. Now we're arrived here - I won't say at our peak but known around the country - a tragedy like this happens. It's really tough, a great tragedy."

Alan Ruschel was the first player to be taken to hospital, while team-mates Marcos Danilo Padilha and Jackson Ragnar Follmann were later named by Colombian authorities, although emergency services at the crash site say they have not given up hope of further rescues.

Ruschel's wife, Amanda, posted a message in which she confirmed the 27-year-old defender was in a stable condition.

"Thank God Alan is in the hospital, stable," she said. "We are praying for all of those who were not yet rescued and offer our support to all their relatives."This is a complicated, difficult situation. Only God himself can give us strength. Thank you God."