..::Football IV::..

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Netherlands 1 Italy 2: In-form Azzurri compound Dutch misery on Grim debut

Italy compounded the gloom around Dutch football by coming from behind to claim a 2-1 friendly win over Netherlands at Amsterdam Arena.

With Danny Blind having been sacked as coach after Saturday's 2-0 loss to Bulgaria, which put a dent in Netherlands' World Cup qualification bid, Fred Grim took charge seeking to gain a morale-boosting victory, but they were second best against the Azzurri.

Tuesday's game was preceded by the presentation of an award to one of the greatest players in Netherlands' history, Clarence Seedorf, and the Amsterdam crowd had more to cheer when Italy's Alessio Romagnoli put through his own net after 10 minutes.

But the visitors drew level almost immediately through Eder and eased into the lead when Leonardo Bonucci scored his fifth international goal after just over half an hour.

Italy are now unbeaten in seven matches and Giampiero Ventura has them playing with the kind of confidence and enthusiasm that, aside from lively displays from Memphis Depay and Quincy Promes, remains sadly lacking among the Dutch.

Netherlands started like a team with everything to prove and their high-tempo attacks produced a chance after five minutes when Jeremain Lens headed narrowly over from close range.

Just five minutes later they were ahead. Davy Klaassen embarked on a mazy dribble and played a low pass to Promes, whose cross ricocheted off Romagnoli before trickling past the wrong-footed Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Italy were back on level terms within seconds of the restart when Wesley Hoedt's defensive header fell into the path of Eder and the Inter playmaker provided an accurate finish.

Grim's men stuck to their task and Bruno Martins Indi hit the crossbar with a powerful header from a Depay corner, but Italy went ahead after 32 minutes when Jeroen Zoet could only parry Marco Parolo's close-range header and the loose ball was rifled high into the net by Bonucci.

Italy suffered a blow, however, when Daniele De Rossi limped off clutching his lower back after a challenge from Promes and he was replaced by Roberto Gagliardini.

Depay's industrious performance continued in the second half and he started a move that almost saw Klaassen connect with a dangerous Lens cross, but Daniele Rugani cleared the danger.

When Bonucci played a sloppy pass after 57 minutes, it was Depay who pounced and swiftly squared to Promes, but the Spartak Moscow winger's shot drew a smart save from Donnarumma, diving to his left to make a one-handed stop.

Italy brought on Leonardo Spinazzola for his debut and he immediately created a chance for Marco Verratti to hit a shot that was well blocked by Tonny Vilhena, and Netherlands had Zoet to thank for denying Spinazzola what looked like a certain goal with a fine save in the closing stages to preserve some dignity in defeat.


Not to be outdone, the 18-year-old Donnarumma – on his full debut for Italy – made two brilliant saves to deny veteran Dutch midfielder Wesley Sneijder in the dying minutes and ensure Italy's run of form continued, while Netherlands' woes deepened.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Portugal 2 Sweden 3: Last-gasp Cancelo own-goal ruins Ronaldo's homecoming

Cristiano Ronaldo's goal in his first Portugal match in his hometown of Funchal will have been a scant consolation, as Sweden fought back to secure a remarkable 3-2 friendly win thanks to Joao Cancelo's last-gasp own-goal.

The Real Madrid talisman had the local airport named after him earlier in the month and he looked every inch a man eager to impress, after presenting the Euro 2016 trophy to the crowd pre-match, but Portugal's youthful and experimental side failed to meet the soaring expectations and collapsed after the break.

Initially they were excellent, though, and it did not take long for Portugal to take off, with Ronaldo fittingly the one to land the first blow in the 18th minute.Their second arrived just after the half-hour mark - Sweden captain Andreas Granqvist scoring an own goal as Portugal piled on the pressure.

But the visitors responded well after the break and deservedly secured themselves a lifeline through Viktor Claesson's well-taken effort in the 57th minute.

A multitude of substitutions had a sapping effect on the home side and Sweden took full advantage, as Claesson got his second 14 minutes from time before Cancelo haplessly turning past goalkeeper Jose Carlos Marafona with the last meaningful kick of the game to leave Ronaldo exasperated.

The hysteria caused by Ronaldo's return to his hometown gave way to an electric atmosphere and the home side looked spurred on by that during the early exchanges, attacking with great speed.

Renato Sanches was the first to try his luck, sending a speculative drive just wide but Portugal did not have to wait much longer for the breakthrough, though, and it was the goal the crowd were desperate to see.Gelson Martins produced an exquisite cross from the right with the outside of his foot and Ronaldo glided in front of Emil Krafth to turn in from eight yards.

Sweden should have levelled in the 23rd minute, but Christoffer Nyman inexplicably missed the target from just inside the area after Krafth's pinpoint pass in from the flank.

And Portugal capitalised on that let-off, doubling their lead in fortuitous fashion 11 minutes before the break as Granqvist directed Martins' pass into his own net.Portugal made four changes at the break and such disruption had an impact on them, with Sweden reigniting the contest just before the hour.

Isaac Kiese Thelin forced debutant goalkeeper Marafona into a smart save, but Nyman latched on to the rebound and fed Claesson with an inch-perfect through pass, which the midfielder swept home.Ronaldo was replaced by Ricardo Quaresma, but the mercurial winger's flair had little effect on Portugal's stuttering attacking play.

Sweden appeared much the livelier in attack and were well worth their eventual equaliser - Claesson meeting Jimmy Durmaz's corner at the near post and beating Marafona with a smart finish.

And then, with the final attack of the match, Sweden left-back Niklas Hult charged up the flank and fired a teasing ball across the face of goal which Cancelo knocked in to give Sweden an unlikely win.

 

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France 0 Spain 2: Silva and Deulofeu seal win as video technology enjoys another successful trial

David Silva and Gerard Deulofeu scored second-half goals to secure a 2-0 victory for Spain in a keenly contested friendly match with France on Tuesday.

The duo made the difference following their introduction from the bench after Antoine Griezmann had seen a goal correctly ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which was deployed in successful fashion in Saint-Denis.

Both teams named strong starting XIs for the encounter, with France handing a first start to rising Monaco star Kylian Mbappe and a debut for Corentin Tolisso, while the visitors made only four changes to the side that started the 4-1 World Cup qualifying win over Israel last Friday.

Mbappe and Spain captain Andres Iniesta came closest to opening the scoring before Griezmann saw a header ruled out early in the second half after the referee consulted with the VAR, which was first used in an international match in France's 3-1 friendly win over Italy last September.

A clumsy challenge from Laurent Koscielny on Deulofeu allowed Silva to score his 30th international goal from the spot, before Deulofeu doubled the lead with his maiden Spain strike at the end of a superb passing move, with the VAR again used to good effect after the linesman initially raised the offside flag.

The defeat is France's first at home – excluding Euro 2016 – since a 4-3 loss to Belgium in June 2015, while Spain have now won six of their eight matches under head coach Julen Lopetegui.

Mbappe needed just five minutes of his first start to test David de Gea in the Spain goal, his flicked effort from Layvin Kurzawa's cross kept out of the net by the foot of the Manchester United man.

Gerard Pique hooked a promising Koscielny header away, but Didier Deschamps' men were being forced increasingly deeper as Spain began to assume control of possession.

Lopetegui's side were looking the more likely to break the deadlock. Iniesta brought a good low save out of Hugo Lloris at his near post after a fine pass from Pedro, before Isco shot into the arms of the France skipper from 20 yards out.

Griezmann thought he had snatched the lead for the home side just after half-time, heading beyond De Gea after Kurzawa nodded down Christophe Jallet's delivery, but the goal was disallowed for offside after the referee consulted with the video assistant.

Felix Zwayer referred the decision – even as France players celebrated with Griezmann – before awarding Spain a free-kick and the footage confirmed that both the Atletico Madrid forward and Kurzawa had strayed beyond the last defender when Jallet crossed the ball.Mbappe sliced a half-chance wide after working space inside the area, but Spain were gifted the breakthrough in the 68th minute by a clumsy piece of play from the hosts.

Tiemoue Bakayoko's pass was cut out by substitute Deulofeu and when Koscielny clumsily bundled the AC Milan loanee to the ground, Silva stepped up to sweep the penalty kick confidently into the bottom-right corner.

France pushed for a leveller, but a stylish counter-attack from Spain put the result beyond them. Sublime skill from Sergio Busquets allowed Silva and Jordi Alba to combine down the left and the Barcelona full-back's low cross was tapped into the net by Deulofeu, who had escaped Samuel Umtiti.

The linesman ruled that Deulofeu had scored from an offside position, but the VAR once more ensured the correct call was made, as the video showed the winger had just managed to remain level before converting from eight yards out.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Bolivia 2 Argentina 0: More Messi-less misery for Bauza

Bolivia took advantage of Lionel Messi's four-match ban and compounded Argentina's misery with a 2-0 win in Tuesday's World Cup qualifying clash in La Paz.

Messi was initially named in head coach Edgardo Bauza's line-up on Monday, but a suspension imposed by FIFA on the day of the game - after the captain insulted a match official in last week's victory over Chile - ruled him out of contention.

It proved a huge blow for an already much-depleted Argentina, whose absences included the banned Nicolas Otamendi, Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano and Gonzalo Higuain.

The visitors never got going at an altitude of 3,600 metres and Bolivia deservedly took the lead in the 31st minute when Facundo Roncaglia's poor marking was capitalised upon by Juan Carlos Arce, who steered a header past Sergio Romero.

Marcelo Martins added a thunderous second for Mauricio Soria's side in the second half with Angel Correa - deputising ahead of Sergio Aguero for the suspended Messi - producing a disappointing display.

Argentina were unable to recover and remain without a win in Bolivia since 2005, while their woeful record without Messi during the campaign now stands at one win in eight matches without their talismanic captain.

Argentina announced their intention to appeal Messi's suspension prior to kick-off, but even if they are successful it is unlikely he will feature in a potentially pivotal qualifier away to Uruguay in October, by which time they could be fifth in the group, leaving Bauza with plenty of time to stew on another disappointing result.
Perhaps buoyed by Messi's absence, Bolivia had by far the better of the opening exchanges.

After Pablo Escobar's control let him down at the back post and Martins steered a header wide, Arce's goal-bound shot from Escobar's cutback was blocked by Mateo Musacchio in the 15th minute.

Raul Castro's skidding 25-yard drive was parried away from the bottom-left corner by Romero as Bolivia piled on the pressure and limited Argentina to ineffectual counter-attacks.

Bauza's side gradually improved and Ever Banega's dipping shot from just outside the box was tipped behind by Carlos Lampe, the goalkeeper then sprinting off his line to deny Angel Di Maria one-on-one moments later.

They proved important saves as Bolivia took the lead when Arce beat Roncaglia to Escobar's lovely delivery and headed past Romero.

Argentina lost Ramiro Funes Mori to a knee injury before half-time and 32-year-old Matias Caruzzo, making his first international appearance since 2010, entered an already ramshackle defence.

Bolivia doubled their lead seven minutes after the restart when Martins slammed home unmarked at the back post after Jorge Flores exploited further shoddy defending from Roncaglia.

Bauza responded by sending on Aguero, but Argentina lacked energy as the game continued and a block from Roncaglia was required to keep Martins at bay.

Substitute Marcos Acuna forced Lampe into a save as Bauza's side tried to salvage something from the game, but their grip on an automatic qualifying spot loosened after dropping down to fifth following Chile's win against Venezuela.

 

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Ecuador 0 Colombia 2: James the star as Pekerman's men leapfrog Argentina

James Rodriguez scored one and set up another as Colombia secured a valuable 2-0 World Cup qualifying win away to 10-man Ecuador on Tuesday.

The Real Madrid man broke the deadlock in Quito before teeing up Juan Cuadrado to double the lead before half-time and the visitors never looked likely to surrender their advantage as Ecuador offered rather meek resistance.

Estadio Olimpico Atahualpa is a notoriously difficult ground for away sides given its altitude of nearly 2,800 metres, with only Brazil and Paraguay able to take points off Ecuador in their last seven home World Cup qualifiers.

But it was Gustavo Quinteros' players who appeared dazed and confused in the first half, with James turning in a Miguel Borja cross before setting up Cuadrado 14 minutes later as the Ecuador defence collapsed.

Matters became more difficult for the hosts when Luis Caicedo was sent off for a second yellow card just past the hour mark and, although they missed chances for a third, Colombia's victory always looked assured.

Jose Pekerman's side climb to second in the South American section table – above Uruguay and Argentina, who lost 2-0 to Bolivia in the absence of the suspended Lionel Messi – while Ecuador drop out of the play-off place as a result of Chile's win over Venezuela.

In an open first 15 minutes, Enner Valencia crashed a free-kick just wide of the left-hand post before Edwin Cardona saw a cool finish ruled out for offside.David Ospina beat away a fierce set-piece from Walter Ayovi, but Ecuador undid their encouraging start with some slack defending to allow Colombia the opening goal.

Borja raced clear down the left and played a clever outside-of-the-foot cross towards the penalty spot, where James arrived between defenders to bundle the ball over the line after it bounced off his chest.

Ecuador fans seemed deflated by the goal against the run of play and they were soon looking dejected when some more abject defending led to the visitors doubling their lead.James ran onto Edwin Cardona's chip as Ecuador's offside trap fell to pieces and the Real Madrid man crossed for Cuadrado, who tapped home from six yards out.

The visitors had shouts for a second-half penalty waved away after Borja went over a challenge from goalkeeper Esteban Dreer, but Ecuador could not celebrate their reprieve for long as Caicedo collected his second booking on 61 minutes for a late challenge in the Colombia half.

Dreer made a fine one-handed save to deny Borja from close range after more good work from James, but although Ecuador committed men to the attack in the closing stages, they could not prevent what could prove to be a damaging blow to their World Cup hopes.

 

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Chile 3 Venezuela 1: Masterful Sanchez becomes country's joint-top goalscorer

Alexis Sanchez put on a masterclass as two-time reigning South American champions Chile eased past rock-bottom Venezuela 3-1 in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying.

Sanchez scored a stunning free-kick to move alongside Marcelo Salas as Chile joint-top goalscorer with his 37th strike in Santiago on Tuesday.

The energetic Arsenal forward - earning his 108th cap - also had a hand in veteran Esteban Paredes' brace, while he was denied from the penalty spot with 12 minutes remaining after Salomon Rondon's emphatic header gave the Venezuelans a glimmer of hope just past the hour-mark.

Chile's fourth consecutive qualifying win at home helped them climb up to fourth in the standings after 14 rounds, leapfrogging Argentina, as Venezuela remain at the foot of the table.

Chile were boosted by the return of key midfielder Arturo Vidal, who missed last week's 1-0 loss in Argentina through suspension. Veteran forward Paredes also came into Juan Antonio Pizzi's starting XI as Jose Fuenzalida and Francisco Silva made way.

Lowly Venezuela made two changes of their own after the 2-2 draw at home to Peru, with Darwin Machis and Renzo Zambrano replacing Josef Martinez and Alejandro Guerra.The writing was on the wall inside the opening five minutes as Sanchez tore Venezuela to shreds.

First, Sanchez left teenage Venezuela goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez helpless as he curled a stunning fifth-minute free-kick into the net off the crossbar.

Sanchez was in the thick of the action again two minutes later, helping Chile double their lead. The Arsenal forward ducked and weaved his way past opponents before composing himself and playing in Charles Aranguiz, who squared the ball to 36-year-old Paredes for the easiest of tap-ins.

Everything Sanchez touched turned to gold in Santiago and that proved to be the case when he set up Paredes for his second goal and Chile's third in the 22nd minute.

Pulling the strings out wide, through the middle and everywhere in the front third, Sanchez played the ball out wide before making a darting run to the back post, where he somehow managed to direct his header on target as Paredes bundled the ball over the line.

Venezuela enjoyed some forays forward but had nothing to show for it, despite an appeal for a penalty as Claudio Bravo looked strong between the posts.

Sanchez continued where he left off in the second half, gliding past defenders with ease and slicing open Venezuela's defence but Vidal was unable to cap off his fine work in the 53rd minute.Vidal wasted another chance moments later after Paredes - on a hat-trick - squared the ball to the Bayern Munich star, who blazed his effort over the bar.

Chile's wastefulness kept the door opened for Venezuela, albeit slightly, and the visitors managed to get on the scoresheet thanks to Rondon's powerful header just past the hour-mark.

That sparked end-to-end action as Jorge Valdivia had his effort saved on the line, while Bravo was forced into a fine save before Venezuela's Tomas Rincon rattled the crossbar.

Sanchez and Chile should have put the result beyond doubt in the 78th minute but the former Barcelona attacker saw his penalty saved by 19-year-old Farinez after Pablo Hernandez was fouled inside the area.

 

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Brazil 3 Paraguay 0: Tite's men poised for World Cup as Neymar stars

Neymar was in fine form as Brazil virtually booked their spot at next year's World Cup with a 3-0 win at home to Paraguay.

Wearing the captain's armband for the first time since March last year, Neymar dazzled after scoring his 52nd international goal in Sao Paulo on Tuesday.

Philippe Coutinho opened the scoring 10 minutes prior to the break at Arena Corinthians, combining with Paulinho, before Neymar added a second in the 64th minute after missing a second-half penalty.And Marcelo sealed a ninth successive victory for Tite's CONMEBOL leaders with four minutes remaining.

Unbeaten since Tite replaced Dunga after last year's Copa America Centenario - keeping seven clean sheets during that run - Brazil moved nine points clear in the South American standings as Uruguay faced Peru in Tuesday's late fixture.

Brazil were forced into one change for the visit of Paraguay, with full-back Dani Alves suspended following last week's 4-1 win in Uruguay. Fagner replaced the Juventus star.

Francisco Arce brought in Rodrigo Rojas, Hernan Perez and Derlis Gonzalez for Victor Caceres, Dario Lezcano and Juan Iturbe after Paraguay edged Ecuador 2-1 last time out.

Neymar was a clear target for Paraguay during the early exchanges, fouled on several occasions but the star man dusted himself off and got on with the job, almost setting up the opener in the sixth minute following a teasing delivery to Paulinho.

Paraguay impressed defensively and in attack, refusing to allow Brazil time on the ball and the visitors should have taken the lead seven minutes later when Gonzalez moved through on goal after some sloppy play from Miranda but the Dynamo Kiev forward scuffed his shot.

Brazil finally broke Paraguay's stubborn resistance 10 minutes before the break via Coutinho. After checking inside and playing a neat one-two with Paulinho, the Liverpool star guided the ball beyond Antony Silva from the top of the penalty area.

The hosts came out all guns blazing in the second half and almost doubled the lead in the 49th minute but Paulinho was unable to add to last week's hat-trick - firing his volley wide of the post.

A sliding Neymar then collided with the post, wasting a golden opportunity after being picked out by Coutinho.Neymar was in the thick of the action again moments later after winning a contentious penalty but his spot-kick was easily saved by Silva.

But Neymar eventually made up for his penalty miss just past the hour-mark. After dazzling his way through Paraguay's defence, his shot beat Silva, albeit with some help from a deflection as he moved within three goals of Romario for third place in Brazil's all-time goalscorers list.


Full-back Marcelo capped the result with a delicate lofted effort over Silva with the outside of his boot in the closing stages.

 

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Peru 2 Uruguay 1: Hosts heap more misery on Suarez and Co.

Peru kept their World Cup qualifying hopes alive with an impressive 2-1 victory against slumping Uruguay on Tuesday.Barcelona star Luis Suarez returned from suspension but not even his presence for Uruguay in Lima could prevent a third consecutive qualifying defeat.

Uruguay made a dream start through Carlos Sanchez in the 30th minute but it went downhill from there as Paolo Guerrero restored parity four minutes later before Edison Flores completed the comeback just past the hour-mark against the struggling visitors.

Substitute Jonathan Urretaviscaya saw red with a quarter of an hour remaining in a forgettable international debut to compound Uruguay's woes.Uruguay remain third in the CONMEBOL standings, 10 points adrift of Brazil, while Peru are seventh - four points behind Argentina, who occupy the play-off position.

Peru named almost an identical team to the one that drew 2-2 at Venezuela last week, with Miguel Araujo coming in for Christian Ramos the only change to Ricardo Gareca's team.

Uruguay welcomed back two star players to the fold. Suarez and Fernando Muslera returned after serving suspensions in the 4-1 loss at home to Brazil. Diego Rolan and Martin Silva dropped out. Jorge Fucile, Jose Gimenez and Alvaro Gonzalez were also named at the expense of Gaston Silva, Sebastian Coates and Egidio Arevalo.

Peru did not look like a side who had lost their past four matches against Uruguay - the country's last win against Oscar Tabarez's men coming back in September 2009.

Led by Guerrero, Peru pressed Uruguay and threatened in attack as the veteran forward controlled the ball inside the penalty area with Muslera closing in but he was unable to steer his volley into the net.While Peru pushed forward, it was Uruguay who took the lead on the half-hour mark.

After flashing a shot wide of the post earlier in the match, Sanchez found the back of the net. Suarez battled for possession and managed to get the ball to the 32-year-old, who fired his shot into the ground and over Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Uruguay's lead was short-lived, however, after Guerrero equalised in the 34th minute. The big forward outmuscled Diego Godin before tucking his shot under Muslera.

That shifted the momentum in favour of Peru, who emerged from the break on the front foot and Uruguay struggled to contain the lively hosts.

Alberto Rodriguez saw his effort tipped over the bar, while Flores stepped away from two challenges and rocketed a shot just wide of the post four minutes later.

Peru eventually got their second and it was deserved as the clock ticked over the hour. Guerrero brought the ball down inside the box and Flores was on hand to emphatically finish first time.

Uruguay thought they equalised with 13 minutes remaining when a blistering counter-attack from the visitors saw them in a two-on-one situation with Gallese but the ball was brought back after debutant Urretaviscaya controversially received a second yellow for using his hand in the lead up.


Uruguay made one last foray forward and they were forced to leave empty-handed after Godin's header cannoned off the crossbar.

 

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'Anything is possible' - Mbappe opens door for Real Madrid move

Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe has failed to shut down rumours linking him with a move to Real Madrid in the summer, insisting "anything is possible".

The 18-year-old is steadily establishing himself as one of the hottest prospects in European football and is widely being tipped to break the world-record fee should he eventually decide to leave the Ligue 1 side.

Mbappe has struck 12 goals in 11 starts and 11 substitute appearances this season in the French top flight, with a further seven goals coming in cup competitions.

As well as Real Madrid, Mbappe has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea, though the newly-capped France international believes the Liga giants are where the very top players go to play their football."Today, I am at Monaco. Real Madrid? We will see after," Mbappe told reporters after France's 2-0 defeat to Spain.

"You should go to Real Madrid when you are at the top of your game. I'm not at the top of my game. But anything is possible."

Mbappe, who became France's youngest player for over 60 years when he was introduced against Luxembourg last week, was handed a start in Paris before being replaced by Arsenal's Oliver Giroud in the second half.

Antoine Griezmann had seen a goal correctly ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), before it was used again to confirm the legality of La Roja's second of the game.


Speaking about the use of VAR, Mbappe said: "I am for video technology but to have to wait two minutes after a goal is too long."

 

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'We are talking' - Ibrahimovic hints at Man Utd extension

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed he is in negotiations to extend his Manchester United deal and is enjoying his time at the club, but has offered no assurances over his Old Trafford future.

The veteran striker has thrived during his debut season in the Premier League, scoring 26 goals in all competitions since joining on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain.

Having initially only agreed a one-year deal, the 35-year-old has been linked with the likes of Napoli and LA Galaxy, as United fans wait nervously to learn if they will retain the services of the former Eredivisie, Serie A, La Liga and Ligue 1 star."Let's see what happens, we are talking," he told the Manchester Evening News. "I have an option for another year, I want to do great as long as I'm here, so let us see, there is a lot of time.

"I'm enjoying being at a fantastic club, without doubt, one of the biggest clubs in the world, with a great coach," he added, referring to Jose Mourinho, who worked with the Swede at Inter."I know him before, he's a winner, he's the perfect coach for this club.

"Being a Manchester United player, I don't know how many people have that possibility, but I am a Man United player, people wanted me here, I chose the club, I chose the best English club, that's the way it works."Regardless of when his tenure at United ends, Ibrahimovic is confident he will depart leaving the club and supporters satisfied, having lifted the league title in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France.

"I'm a person [who], when I go into something, I put my head [in] 200 per cent, and I do what I'm good at," he said."I go in, I go for the kill and I go out. And when I go out there is no complaints, that's what I do. I never leave a job unfinished."I always go in, do my job, and in the way that is a fair play, a fair deal, that is what I do."

 

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Mbappe: Real Madrid? I still have a lot to learn

Sergio Ramos has reiterated his admiration for Kylian Mbappe, but the in-demand Monaco striker has suggested it may be too soon for him to seek a transfer to Real Madrid.

The 18-year-old has been heavily linked with the European champions amid a breakout second season at Stade Louis II.

Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane, Mbappe's countryman, is known to be an admirer of the teenager, having sought, without success, to sign him for the club's youth academy in 2013.

President Florentino Perez has also expressed his tentative interest in pairing Mbappe with fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema up front at the Santiago Bernabeu.And Ramos this week stated Madrid's doors are "always open for the best players" when asked about the exciting forward.

However, speaking after France's 2-0 friendly loss to Spain in Paris on Tuesday, the hottest prospect in European football sought to dampen the rampant speculation tipping him to move to Spain. "Real Madrid? For now, I am in Monaco," Mbappe said.

"Then we'll see what happens. Real Madrid is a very big club, yes. But I think I still have a lot to learn. "Real Madrid is a club where you have to go when you are mature and at the top of your game. "I do not think I'm at the top of my game right now."

Ramos also spoke to journalists following his team's victory at Stade de France, highlighting the potential value of the Ligue 1 newcomer's pace. "Mbappe is a young player who brings a lot of speed, especially on the counter, which is decisive," he said.

"I wish the best to this boy. Today, Real Madrid has very good players.Recruitment does not depend on me, as I have already said. But it is obvious that Real Madrid always has the doors open for good players."

 

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Man Utd target Ozil would consider Germany return

Mesut Ozil will not rule out seeking a return to the Bundesliga amid speculation over his Arsenal future.

The Germany international is out of contract in June 2018 and has been tipped to seek an exit from Emirates Stadium should the Gunners fail to finish in the Premier League's top four this season.Indeed, Goal reported on Tuesday that Manchester United are monitoring Ozil's situation, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also on their radar.

Michael Ballack this week stated that Ozil's options may be limited in terms of future employers, with only a handful of clubs able to meet the 28-year-old's wage demands and offer him guaranteed Champions League football.

Speaking to SportBild, Ozil confirmed a switch back to Germany might be of interest, although it remains to be seen which Bundesliga clubs would be in the market for his services. "I don't want to exclude that," he said.

"Many family members - my mother especially - would welcome it if I were closer to home."I still have a year on my contract and I love this club [Arsenal]. At the moment, everything is still open."

 

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Lamela ruled out for rest of the season

Tottenham winger Erik Lamela has been ruled out of the remainder of the Premier League season ahead of surgery on a long-standing hip injury.

The club confirmed on Wednesday that the Argentina international will go under the knife on Saturday, having been out of action for five months.Lamela, who last featured in a 2-1 EFL Cup loss to Liverpool on October 25, will miss the final 10 league games of the campaign.

A Spurs statement said the 25-year-old had undertaken a "comprehensive rehabilitation process" and "achieved a good level of function", but had fallen short of being able to return to full training.

The 25-year-old joined Spurs from Roma in 2013 and, after an underwhelming first season, had established himself as a regular starter under Mauricio Pochettino before this setback.

Spurs sit second, 10 points behind leaders Chelsea, with Champions League qualification in their sights.

 

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'I want to play for Real Madrid' - Dortmund teenager Mor reveals future plans

Borussia Dortmund forward Emre Mor says he dreams of one day playing for Real Madrid.

The Turkey international joined the Bundesliga club last June and has made 15 appearances for Dortmund in all competitions this season.

However, 19-year-old Mor is already aiming higher, believing he has the potential to one day be a star for either Madrid or rivals Barcelona in La Liga."Dortmund is one of the best teams in the world," he told Hurriyet. "I am learning a lot.

"I want to play for Real Madrid, to be a star. My biggest dream is to one day wear the Real Madrid jersey, even if it is a bit too early for it."I know myself and I think I could play for Barcelona, too. When? I do not know yet."

Mor has scored once for Dortmund this term, while he added his first international goal for Turkey against Moldova on Monday.

 

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Lahm: Blame Dortmund, not Bayern, for uncompetitive title race

Philipp Lahm told frustrated fans to blame Borussia Dortmund, not Bayern Munich, for an uncompetitive Bundesliga title race and feels Germany's top flight "lacks quality" outside the big two.

Bayern are 13 points clear of surprise packages RB Leipzig at the top of the table with only nine games to go, while third-placed Dortmund are a further two back.

The defending champions are therefore on the brink of sealing a fifth consecutive title, but Lahm, who is retiring at the end of the season, thinks criticism should be directed away from his side.

He told Stern: "Borussia Dortmund are an unbelievably talented team who could have made the Bundesliga title race a lot closer. Although you have to say the rest of the Bundesliga lacks quality.

"I don't think Bayern Munich alone is responsible for how good we are doing. If we are 13 points clear after 25 games, it means that other well-positioned clubs like Schalke or Wolfsburg have not been set up to win consistently."The financial situation in the league wasn't that different in the years we finished second and fourth."

Lahm also elaborated on why he opted not to take up the position of sporting director at Bayern after his retirement, pointing to president Uli Hoeness' huge continuing influence."Generally, you can only influence things in and around the team when you hold that responsibility," he said.

"I think [Bayern president] Uli Hoeness is too energetic – too young – to let go. He still wants to influence things himself. And he has every right to do that, he is chairman of Bayern's supervisory board and has achieved incredible things for the club."

Bayern need five more wins to be certain of the title and are at home to Augsburg on Saturday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Coentrao: I'm not good enough to play for Real Madrid right now

Fabio Coentrao acknowledges he has not been able to play at the required level to feature for Real Madrid as he considers leaving Santiago Bernabeu.

Since arriving as a promising prospect in 2011, Coentrao has fallen out of favour under a number of Madrid coaches, making just one substitute appearance in LaLiga this season amid fitness concerns.

The Portugal international is now willing to face up to the fact that he may have to look elsewhere to rediscover his form, with a move at the end of the campaign mooted.

"I'm in no condition to play for Real Madrid," Coentrao told Marca. "I want to return to my best next season."I have a contract with Real Madrid until 2019, so if they continue to count on me, perfect – if not I'll choose my own path.

"Maybe returning to Portugal would help me recover the level of play I once had. We should all admit our limitations at some point in our lives and I feel that, right now, this club demands a level of play I'm not at."
However, Coentrao is determined this will not be the end of his career among the elite, with the 29-year-old insisting he can return to the top."I hope to play three or four more years at the highest level," he added. "I know I can do it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scholes: Mourinho 'desperate' to bring title to Manchester United

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho will be desperate to win the Premier League after having to fight for a top-four spot in his first campaign at Old Trafford, according to Paul Scholes.

Scholes believes the former Chelsea manager will have found it difficult to be so far off the pace of Antonio Conte's league leaders, who are 17 points clear of United in fifth.

The club's former midfielder, though, thinks Mourinho has done an impressive job getting the team back on track after the turbulent reigns of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal followed Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

And Scholes thinks Mourinho will be afforded significant time to get the job done, with winning the league at the top of his agenda over the final two seasons of his United contract.

"He will be given loads of time," Scholes — an 11-time Premier League winner — said to Omnisport.

"He has had to consolidate after a difficult couple of years. He has managed to do that, and he will want to kick on now. "He won't be happy with finishing fourth or fifth in the league. He will want to be up there trying to win the league. I believe in the next couple of years he will be desperate to do that."

United have won the EFL Cup in Mourinho's first season and are also still in the Europa League, with a quarter-final tie against Anderlecht to be played next month.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Can Chicago win the World Cup?' - Schweinsteiger confused by ill-educated journos at Fire unveiling

How big a deal is Bastian Schweinsteiger in Chicago right now? Well, let's just say he's big enough to pull in the top media outlets to his introductory press conference, even if covering soccer isn't exactly what they do.

As the Fire introduced the German World Cup and Champions League winner as the newest member of their club, he was treated to a question he really wasn't sure how to deal with.

"I wonder, with your addition to this team, is it a fair expectation to see a clear pathway towards a World Cup competition to come out of Chicago?" a reporter asked.

First, the wording is a little curious and there's room for some ambiguity, there. The midfielder simply looked confused and turned to Fire boss Veljko Paunovic for some clarity. After discusions on stage lead them to believe he was being asked about the Club World Cup, the German seemed ready to answer.

However, wanting to make sure the question was clear, the reporter rephrased.
"Do you expect now that you're here, Bastian, that a World Cup goal for Chicago Fire is a realisitic expectation?"Schweinsteiger handled it all with class, aside from a hearty chuckle, letting club general manager Nelson Rodriguez explain that the Fire do not compete for the World Cup before going on to answer a question - posed by Rodriguez - about MLS Cup expectations.

"I think in football everything is realistic and I always believe in the team which I play for that you can win the game," the German said. "Even if it is against the best team in the world, you have a chance to win. I experienced it a lot in my career that everything is possible."Everything, that is, aside from winning the World Cup with a club team.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Signing Neymar is impossible – Mourinho

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes signing Barcelona star Neymar is "impossible".The Brazil international has regularly been linked with a move to Old Trafford, with reports the Premier League giants were planning a huge bid in the off-season.

Mourinho dismissed the speculation, however, and said bringing Neymar to United was far too difficult.

"I always try to be objective and pragmatic with the clubs and ask the clubs what can be given to me," he told ESPN Brasil."Neymar is absurd. A club like Barcelona cannot and will not lose Neymar.

"Although [Lionel] Messi is still a young player with years to go, he is already playing well at 30."Neymar will be the great player of Barcelona after Messi. I think it [signing Neymar] is like trying to break into a safe. Impossible."

Neymar, 25, has scored 14 goals in all competitions for Barca this season, his lowest tally since his first campaign at the club in 2013-14.Barca, who are second to rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga, return to action with a trip to Granada on Sunday.