..::Football IV::..

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Argentina 2 Italy 0: Banega & Lanzini win it for Messi-less Albiceleste

Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini ensured Lionel Messi's absence was not keenly felt as they hit the target in Argentina's 2-0 friendly win over Italy.Messi, who has been struggling with a muscle problem, was not included and reduced to the role of spectator as Argentina dominated much of the encounter at the Etihad Stadium.

Italy's returning goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who reversed his decision to retire from international football following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup, was kept busy throughout as he won his 176th cap.




Yet Luigi Di Biagio's men, who paid tribute to late former Fiorentina captain and Italy international Davide Astori by emerging wearing number 13 shirts bearing his name, could have taken the lead themselves if not for a glaring miss by Lorenzo Insigne.And his profligacy was punished in the 75th minute as Banega played a neat one-two with Giovani Lo Celso and fired beyond a stranded Buffon.

Italy could not muster a response and Lanzini put the game beyond doubt five minutes from time. Di Biagio - part of a three-man shortlist to take over as permanent Italy boss - will hope for a better audition against England on Tuesday, when Argentina face Spain as they continue to build towards the World Cup.


Despite Messi's absence Argentina showed the greater attacking initiative of the two sides, with Angel Di Maria testing Buffon in the fifth minute.

A sterner examination of the 40-year-old's reflexes came when he was forced to get down to his right to keep out Nicolas Otamendi's header from a Di Maria corner.

Leandro Paredes whistled a swerving long-range effort just past Buffon's right-hand post and the veteran shot-stopper was required to preserve parity with two saves in as many minutes just before half-time.First Nicolas Tagliafico stung his palms and then Buffon thwarted Juventus team-mate Gonzalo Higuain after he was played through by Di Maria.

For all Argentina's chances they should have fallen behind three minutes into the second half when debutant Federico Chiesa pounced on a woeful backpass from Paredes, only for Insigne to somehow fire wide from his centre with only Willy Caballero to beat.

Higuain headed over from an excellent Di Maria cross from the left as Argentina responded to that scare, but they were grateful to Caballero for preventing Ciro Immobile from putting Italy ahead after latching onto a wonderful lofted pass from Marco Verratti, who later came off having appeared to suffer a knock.

Caballero, winning his first international cap at the age of 36, was required again to beat away an Insigne effort at the near post, the flag having stayed down despite the Napoli forward appearing to have strayed offside.Diego Perotti lashed over at the other end but his fellow substitute Banega ended Argentina's frustration by combining excellently with Lo Celso and finding the net with a low effort.



Perotti was then denied by Buffon at the near post but there was nothing the veteran could do to stop Lanzini doubling the lead, the West Ham forward curling in a magnificent effort from just inside the area after Higuain had broken free on the counter.

Despite Messi's absence Argentina showed the greater attacking initiative of the two sides, with Angel Di Maria testing Buffon in the fifth minute.A sterner examination of the 40-year-old's reflexes came when he was forced to get down to his right to keep out Nicolas Otamendi's header from a Di Maria corner.

Leandro Paredes whistled a swerving long-range effort just past Buffon's right-hand post and the veteran shot-stopper was required to preserve parity with two saves in as many minutes just before half-time.First Nicolas Tagliafico stung his palms and then Buffon thwarted Juventus team-mate Gonzalo Higuain after he was played through by Di Maria.

For all Argentina's chances they should have fallen behind three minutes into the second half when debutant Federico Chiesa pounced on a woeful backpass from Paredes, only for Insigne to somehow fire wide from his centre with only Willy Caballero to beat.

Higuain headed over from an excellent Di Maria cross from the left as Argentina responded to that scare, but they were grateful to Caballero for preventing Ciro Immobile from putting Italy ahead after latching onto a wonderful lofted pass from Marco Verratti, who later came off having appeared to suffer a knock.

Caballero, winning his first international cap at the age of 36, was required again to beat away an Insigne effort at the near post, the flag having stayed down despite the Napoli forward appearing to have strayed offside.

Diego Perotti lashed over at the other end but his fellow substitute Banega ended Argentina's frustration by combining excellently with Lo Celso and finding the net with a low effort.



Perotti was then denied by Buffon at the near post but there was nothing the veteran could do to stop Lanzini doubling the lead, the West Ham forward curling in a magnificent effort from just inside the area after Higuain had broken free on the counter.

 

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Germany 1 Spain 1: Muller wonderstrike cancels out Rodrigo opener

Germany and Spain played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf as the two European giants build up to the World Cup.

With the tournament in Russia less than three months away, a match between the two previous world champions at the Esprit Arena always looked a blue-chip affair and the game mostly lived up to the billing.

Andres Iniesta gave a first-half masterclass before departing at the interval, the Barcelona captain setting up Rodrigo Moreno for an early opening goal with a superb throughball.But Germany levelled before the break with a fine goal of their own, Thomas Muller picking out David de Gea's top-right corner from 25 yards.

De Gea made a pair of superb stops to keep Spain level, a flying save from Julian Draxler drawing applause from the Paris Saint-Germain man before the goalkeeper plunged low to his right to keep out Ilkay Gundogan's placed effort.

Mats Hummels headed on to the top of the crossbar as Germany edged a second half disrupted by many substitutions from coaches Joachim Low and Julen Lopetegui, but a draw was a fair result.


Spain dominated the early stages and opened the scoring in the sixth minute. Iniesta was given time and space to pick a pass and slid Rodrigo through on goal, the striker giving Hummels the slip and finishing well past Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Jonas Hector almost earned Germany an immediate reply but sent a rocket of a volley flying narrowly over the angle after a poor clearing header from Gerard Pique.

Iniesta, running the game in midfield, lashed off-target at the end of a rapid Spain break that flowed beautifully through Koke, Isco and David Silva.But as Germany gradually gained control the hosts levelled in stunning fashion in the 35th minute.

Toni Kroos and Sami Khedira shuffled the ball from the left to Muller, who marked his 90th cap in style with a lazy swing of his right boot that arrowed the ball out of De Gea's reach.

Draxler tried to replicate Muller's goal shortly after the restart but this time De Gea made a wonderful save, diving high to his left to tip the 25-yard drive away.Isco should have finished off another brilliant Spain move but prodded Jordi Alba's cross straight at Ter Stegen, De Gea then making another top-class save to deny substitute Gundogan when Germany countered at speed.

The Manchester United goalkeeper was helpless as Hummels rose to meet a 65th-minute Kroos free-kick, though, but the defender misjudged his leap and nodded against the woodwork.

Timo Werner and Silva both sent efforts into the side-netting and Jerome Boateng had to make a terrific block to deny another substitute, Diego Costa, to ensure both sides remain unbeaten since Euro 2016.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!​

VAMOS ESPANA​

 

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Russia 0 Brazil 3: Coutinho on target in routine win

Barcelona stars Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho were on the scoresheet as Brazil cruised past Russia 3-0 in an international friendly on Friday.Tite's side were without Neymar, the Paris Saint-Germain forward recovering from a fractured foot, but they eased to victory against the World Cup hosts in Moscow.

Igor Akinfeev made a string of fine saves to keep Russia level in the first half but the goalkeeper was at fault for Brazil's opener, failing to divert a Thiago Silva header out of the danger zone, with Miranda on hand to turn home the rebound.Within nine minutes Brazil had doubled their lead from the penalty spot, Aleksandr Golovin clumsily fouling Paulinho in the box, his club team-mate Coutinho stepping up to score.

Paulinho added his name to the scoresheet as Brazil moved through the gears, Willian hanging up the perfect cross for the midfielder to nod in at the back post.A burst of three goals in 13 minutes left the result in no doubt, but substitute Alan Dzagoev went close to grabbing a consolation for Russia, sending a drive narrowly wide.


Brazil created their first clear chance in the fifth minute, a lofted Dani Alves pass sending Gabriel Jesus into the box, but the striker slipped as he shot and Akinfeev saved.

Jesus - who survived an injury scare after taking a knock to his ankle - then headed a Coutinho cross straight at Akinfeev.Coutinho's speculative long-range strike was plucked out of the air by Akinfeev as Brazil continued to probe without incision, Willian also failing to test the Russia goalkeeper.

Russia's first chance arrived in the 32nd minute, Alisson tipping Aleksandr Samedov's drive over the crossbar after Alves lost possession on the halfway line, allowing the hosts to break.Neat build-up play then saw Aleksey Miranchuk fire over a first-time shot after a one-two with Fedor Smolov as Russia - now winless in four friendlies - gained confidence.

Paulinho should have given Brazil the lead shortly after the restart, but Akinfeev saved with his legs after Willian teed the Barca midfielder up in the box.Moments after making a stunning block with his face after Samedov deflected a shot directly at him, Akinfeev's mistake handed Brazil their opener in the 53rd minute.

The goalkeeper could only parry a Silva header directly to Miranda, who slammed the loose ball into the roof of the net.And when Paulinho was bundled over in the box by Golovin, Brazil made sure of their win.

Coutinho stepped up to send Akinfeev the wrong way from 12 yards and Paulinho was soon on target himself, dazzling wing play from Willian providing the midfielder with a simple header.

Dzagoev fired off-target and Russia were denied a 77th-minute consolation when the ball somehow did not go in during a lengthy goalmouth scramble, Anton Zabolotny denied by Silva on the line.

 

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Usain Bolt wants Borussia Dortmund return after positive trial


Usain Bolt believes his performance during two days' training with Borussia Dortmund was enough to earn him another chance to impress.

Forging a football career has long been sprinting superstar Bolt's ambition after hanging up his running spikes, with Dortmund the first club to offer him a chance to show his skills.The Jamaican completed two sessions with Dortmund over Thursday and Friday, the latter in front of the world's media and 1,400 supporters.

Bolt did not look out of place at BVB's Strobelallee Training Centre , completing all the exercises with the members of Peter Stoger's squad not away on international duty.

A nutmeg on Dario Scuderi brought the biggest cheer of the day, closely followed by a neat header from a lofted throughball.The 31-year-old also coolly slotted home a penalty in the shootout that brought the session to an end, leaving the Dortmund officials impressed.

"I've talked to the club and I told them that I'm really serious about this," Bolt told BVB Total."So they said I should come back for a longer period, do some more training and then they can assess me and tell me what level I can play at."So I'm looking forward to that and that's my focus right now."Bolt has not ruled out a permanent deal with the Bundesliga giants at some point in the future."I think overall I will give myself probably a seven out of 10," he told Bundesliga.com. "I think I was okay. I did well, it just takes practice now. To put in more work and get fit.

"I wanted to play my best. I wanted to move and give the guys options and I tried my best. I'm really trying to make it professionally, so I have to play at a high level."I'd like to continue training with them, getting more experience, getting better and hopefully signing. You never know."

Meanwhile, coach Peter Stoger was delighted to work with the legendary athlete and found him a good character to have around in trainng."Usain is an unbelievably easygoing guy," he told the club's website. "Totally down to earth. It was an honor for us to work with him and get to know each other as people!

"His dream was to train with a team at a very high level. It was a great story for everyone involved. He had fun and showed some good approaches. "I think he is talented. If he wants to prevail in at a high level, there is still a lot to do, because the physique is quite different in his sport compared to football."

 

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Ibrahimovic completes LA Galaxy move

LA Galaxy have completed the signing of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on a free transfer.
Ibrahimovic's contract was terminated by Manchester United on Thursday, with Galaxy moving quickly to confirm they have signed the legendary striker a day later.

The former Sweden international has suffered with knee ligament problems since 2017 and saw his opportunities at Old Trafford limited following the arrival of Romelu Lukaku.And, following his release from United, it has been confirmed he will join the Galaxy, with Ibrahimovic looking forward to getting started at his new club.

"I am ready to go now," he told the LA Times. "First of all, I'm there to play football. I'm not there for something else. My first objective is to play football and do what I'm good at."I'm excited to come over and to get the experience with the Galaxy and to explore how the football is there. "I want to be part of it and make it better.

"After being in Europe, winning 33 trophies, playing in the best teams in the world, playing with the best players in the world, I wanted to come to the US and play my game there.

"I wanted people to enjoy my game there and to win. And I chose the Galaxy to do that."Ibrahimovic's arrival was initially announced with an article in the LA Times on Friday, which was accompanied by a picture showing the striker in a Galaxy shirt.

The newspaper also carried a full-page advert purportedly written by the former Barcelona, AC Milan and Ajax man that simply contained the words: "Dear Los Angeles. You're welcome."And the Galaxy themselves later confirmed the deal, releasing a Twitter video of the player that also features a lion.

“The LA Galaxy are a club that have always attracted the biggest names and the most talented players in the world,” club owner AEG's President and CEO Dan Beckerman said in a team release. “Zlatan’s signing is evidence of AEG’s and LA Galaxy’s persistent, global pursuit of top athletes that lift the profile of our club, our league and our sport in this country. As the most successful club in Major League Soccer history, the LA Galaxy are the perfect fit for one of the most decorated soccer players in the sport’s history.” Ibrahimovic was equally pleased to be joining a Galaxy side that has won five MLS Cup titles, the most in league history.

“Coming to play in the United States, it is only fitting for me to join the most successful team in Major League Soccer, the LA Galaxy,” Ibrahimovic added. “I am excited to join a club with a winning legacy that has embodied soccer in Los Angeles for over 20 years. I would like to thank everyone at the club for making it possible to play for the LA Galaxy. I am looking forward to joining my teammates, playing at StubHub Center in front of our fans and helping our team compete this season.”

The pursuit of the 36-year-old goes back two years for the Galaxy, who used targeted allocation money to land the former Ajax, Juventus, Inter, Milan, Barcelona, PSG and Manchester United star.

“Adding one of the finest goal scorers in this sport’s history to our roster will tremendously help our club in the hunt for a sixth MLS Cup,” said Galaxy manager Sigi Schmid. “As one of the winningest players of all time, we believe he’ll have a very positive impact on our team. We are confident that Zlatan can be one of the most dangerous strikers in our league and we are excited to integrate him into our club.”

The Galaxy face the Vancouver Whitecaps on Saturday and then have a week to get their new signing ready ahead of their inaugural derby match with LAFC on March 31.

 

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Congratulations & Good Luck Zlatan!

​

 

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James Rodriguez: France win means nothing yet


James Rodriguez warned Colombia that they should not get carried away by their 3-2 friendly win over France in Paris on Friday.

Jose Pekerman's side fought back from two goals down inside 28 minutes to claim their maiden victory over France and seal their first back-to-back wins since last March.James claimed two assists to help his side to their memorable triumph but insisted that good performances mean nothing if they cannot continue their form at the World Cup.

"It was a good win. France are a tough opponent. They're among the options for the World Cup," the Bayern Munich man told Gol Caracol."We can't get carried away. We've still got a lot missing. It's important to be good in June. But it's a good victory.

"We were relaxed. We all knew clearly we were doing well in the game. We played a bad game in the first 20 minutes but we have players of a high level to play against these national teams. We shouldn't be afraid of anyone."

Falcao was delighted with the result but encouraged his team-mates to keep looking to improve before they begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on June 19."The result is what we were looking for," said the Monaco striker. "It's historic. It's the first time we've beaten France here.

"It's important for us because we are consolidating ourselves, but we have to think it's nothing. We have to keep going with a lot of balance, because the World Cup is the goal."Colombia return to the pitch Tuesday with a match against Australia at Craven Cottage in London.

 

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Sweden 1 Chile 2: Bolados strikes late winner on debut


Marcos Bolados came off the bench to score a late winner on his international debut as Chile earned a 2-1 friendly victory in Sweden on Saturday.The match appeared to be drifting towards a draw but 22-year-old Bolados tucked in the rebound after Kristoffer Nordfeldt saved from Alexis Sanchez.

Chile took the lead in the 22nd minute, Arturo Vidal smashing a powerful volley into the roof of the net from the edge of the box after Sweden failed to clear a corner.But within a minute Sweden drew level with a superbly crafted goal, Ola Toivonen lashing in an immediate response for the hosts after Viktor Claesson touched Emil Forsberg's pass into his path.

Manchester United forward Sanchez had a goal correctly ruled out for offside and Sebastian Larsson whipped a 30-yard free-kick over the angle, while Chile substitute Nicolas Castillo rifled a pair of late shots straight at Nordfeldt in the second half.

Up until the last minute, Sanchez had failed to record a shot on target in an ineffective display but the Chile captain was involved in his side's winner, Nordfeldt only able to parry a tame effort into the danger zone for Bolados to record a dream debut.

 

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Puyol 'doesn't see any problem' with Neymar joining Real Madrid


Barcelona great Carles Puyol claims he would not see a problem with Neymar joining Real Madrid from Paris Saint-Germain.

The Brazil international sensationally quit Barca for PSG in a world-record move worth €222 million in August, only to be swiftly linked with a transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu.It has even been suggested that Neymar only agreed to sign for the Ligue 1 powerhouse to ease his potential pathway to Madrid.

And while joining Los Blancos would doubtless still be considered an unforgivable betrayal among supporters of the Catalan giants, Puyol is realistic about the prospect."I think he could join Madrid, yes," he told Brazilian newspaper Estadao. "I don't see any problem with it. He's a professional and it's not that far-fetched.

"I think it'll be difficult for him to leave PSG, though, because they spent a lot of money on signing him."Puyol and Neymar spent the 2013-14 season playing together for Barca before the homegrown defender called a halt to his illustrious career.

Former Santos star Neymar is currently out injured after breaking his metatarsal against Marseille back in February but Brazil's team doctor has claimed he is still on course to be fit in time for the World Cup.

 

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Salah is one of the best in the world - Egypt coach Cuper


Mohamed Salah deserves to be considered among the world's best players, according to his Egypt coach Hector Cuper.Salah opened the scoring in a 2-1 friendly loss to Portugal in Zurich on Friday, the latest strike of what has been a prolific season for the 25-year-old.

Signed by Liverpool from Roma in June, the forward has plundered 28 Premier League goals in 30 appearances, leading some observers to compare him to the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who netted both of Portugal's goals in injury time in Switzerland.

Speaking after the match at Stadion Letzigrund, former Valencia and Inter coach Cuper discussed the importance of his prized asset."I think Salah is one of the best players in the world right now and I don't know if he can be the best player in the world but what he's doing now is really important," he said."I always say that behind a great player there has to be a great team."

Egypt will appear at the World Cup for the first time since 1990 after finishing top of Group E in CAF qualifying, and Cuper expects his team to make the most of Salah's presence at the finals in Russia, where they will face Saudi Arabia, Uruguay and the hosts.

"I don't know if we are a great team but we cover what Salah gives us, we try to give as much security as we can as a team and until now we have been able to achieve things," he said."We know that as we raise the bar we have to raise the level up."

 

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Harry Kane is the world's best player, says Son


Harry Kane has been described as the best player in the world by his Tottenham team-mate Son Heung-min.

Kane has scored 24 Premier League goals this season, but the incredible form of Liverpool's Mohamed Salah looks set to deny the England international a third consecutive Golden Boot.Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has regularly described Kane as one of the best strikers in world football.

But Son, who struck twice in Tottenham's last league game – a win at Bournemouth, after Kane was withdrawn due to an ankle injury – ranks his colleague even higher.

"Harry Kane is, of course, a very important player for England because he's the best player in the world," Son told Sky Sports . "This is football, so sometimes you get injuries, but as Tottenham we need to play without Harry. It's very sad but the other players have to be ready.

"I'm not like Harry, I'm just trying to practice every day, but it's a good opportunity to make something happen."I've proved a lot of things while at Tottenham in two and a half years, I've enjoyed it a lot and I'm really happy to be there because they work hard and this is what I want."

Of his future at the club, South Korea international Son added: "I've played nearly three years at Tottenham. I've proved a lot of things and I'm just enjoying taking it day by day."

 

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Neymar to Real Madrid stories a 'media game', says PSG's Pastore


Neymar's future lies at Paris Saint-Germain and stories linking the forward with a move to Real Madrid are a "media game", according to Javier Pastore.The Brazilian is reportedly unhappy in the French capital and ready to leave PSG a single season after becoming the world's most expensive player.

A return to Barcelona has also been touted for Neymar - who is recovering from a fractured foot - a year after he left Camp Nou in a €222million transfer.

Pastore, however, echoed comments made in January by PSG team-mate Marquinhos, who said the press has manipulated stories linking Neymar and Madrid."I do not think he will leave," Pastore told Spanish radio station Onda Cero. "I see it more as a media game than his real desire."When Neymar arrived he was very enthusiastic. This club is not Barcelona yet and it is not the same to play in Spain than in these [Ligue 1] stadiums."

While Pastore believes Neymar will be a PSG player next season, the Argentina international feels he will be on the move after playing a bit-part role under coach Unai Emery.

"My cycle in Paris is coming to an end, I realise," Pastore added. "We will see for my future. I still have a year on my contract."I do not have clear ideas yet. I do not know how it will end. I will be focused on the end of the season, to finish this year well. You have to try to win the championship and the cups."Of course Spain is an option because of language and style of play."

PSG team-mate Angel Di Maria has suggested there will be "big changes" at the club for next season, while full-back Thomas Meunier told reporters he expects Emery to depart.
And Pastore backed up his colleagues, with Emery under pressure after PSG lost to Madrid in the last 16 of the Champions League, although his side are on track for a domestic treble.

"I think it will be a season where there will be a lot of changes," Pastore said. "This season, [sporting director Antero] Henrique came and he could not do what he wanted, he needed the time to know the team."There will be change. Many players have contracts that end, the club must start deciding what to do with these players."

 

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We want Messi fit to face Spain – Vazquez


Spain attacker Lucas Vazquez wants to face Argentina’s Lionel Messi on international duty when the two World Cup hopefuls meet Tuesday.

A slight issue before Friday’s match against Italy kept the Barcelona star out of the South American side’s fixture in Manchester, which they won 2-0, and there is no guarantee he will be rushed back for the midweek match.Vazquez, however, believes that match would be slightly devalued if the superstar was to miss out.

“We always want to play against the best players; so if Messi players, then even better,” he told the media on Saturday. “It looks like Messi is going to be doubtful right up until the last minute. But Argentina have great players.”Vazquez won his fourth cap on Friday and believes the mood in the Spain camp is good currently.

“We're full of hope. We are playing well as a team, the philosophy is sensational… Now's the moment when we have to get down to hard work so that we are ready when our objectives come along. We're on the right path,” he said.

The 26-year-old would not be drawn on the prospects of his team winning the World Cup.

“We have to be realistic: we have a fantastic national team, with some of the top players around, but it's pointless discussing whether we are favourites or not; the only thing we can do is work hard, know where our virtues lie and make sure we arrive in the best possible conditions, after that we can try and win the World Cup,” he said.

Although Vazquez has turned out 41 times for Madrid this season, he has largely featured as a substitute, though he has been in fine form since the turn of the year, scoring three goals and assisting five more in his last seven performances.

 

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Lopetegui happy with Spain showing against 'physically stronger' Germany


Julen Lopetegui said Spain were pleased to claim a 1-1 draw against world champions Germany in an engrossing international friendly on Friday.Rodrigo Moreno's second international goal gave Spain an early lead in Dusseldorf, but Thomas Muller struck a superb finish to level before the interval.

Both sides – the last two winners of the World Cup – had chances to win the game, but David de Gea was the busier goalkeeper, making two brilliant saves to deny Julian Draxler and Ilkay Gundogan.

Lopetegui, though, highlighted the strengths of Germany as both European giants extended unbeaten runs that date back to Euro 2016."Germany are a physically stronger and faster team," said Lopetegui.

"They are more comfortable in the transitions than we are, we have played with breadth and speed in the first 30 minutes, and we have avoided those transitions."They were able to run, and when they can run they are more dangerous, but we had chances to score the second goal.

"It was a nice game for the spectator, open, each one with their own style and good players. It was a good show."Playing against the best in the world is a very nice challenge, we have taken it as such, we have had confidence in what we are in football. "I am sure that in a World Cup match it would be different, but neither of us has taken the game as a friendly, but with rigour and ambition."

Spain were without Sergio Busquets at the base of midfield due to injury, with captain Sergio Ramos reaching 150 international appearances.

"We had Busquets down," Lopetegui added. "It was Thiago [Alcantara, in the Busquets role] and he played a good game after some time without playing.
"Very positive things from the match and we left satisfied, the challenge was beautiful and the team has been able to compete."

 

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'Incredibly intelligent' Ibrahimovic will become a billionaire - Raiola


Zlatan Ibrahimovic's off-the-field investments and "incredible" intelligence will make him a billionaire, according to his agent Mino Raiola.The Sweden international has enjoyed a glittering career to date, winning league titles in the Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, while he also won the Europa League and the EFL Cup at Manchester United.

Ibrahimovic, 36, has now moved to the U.S. with LA Galaxy after his contract was cancelled by mutual consent by United.

Raiola boasts an array of stars in his client list, including Mario Balotelli, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku.

But the Italian super-agent, who earned a staggering €27 million from Pogba's £89m (€105m) transfer to Old Trafford from Juventus, insists that Ibrahimovic has the business nous to outstrip their wealth.

"Zlatan’s the cleverest of them all – and the richest," Raiola, who speaks with Ibrahimovic four times a day, told Dutch magazine Quote . "He has it within himself to be worth £1bn. He’s incredibly intelligent and active in the market. I only have to tell him something once.

"Ibra is invested in gaming, tech start-ups and diamonds. He’s already sold big shares to hedge funds which no-one knows about. He’s earning far more away from football then he does in it.

"When I do a deal for him, he jokes: ‘You’re going to steal a lot of money from me again, aren’t you?’"My answer to him is always the same. ‘First, I make you rich – I can’t steal from the poor, can I?’"Forbes estimates that Ibrahimovic is currently worth £22.6m.

Raiola insists he always strives to ensure his clients end their careers rich, and says he always advises players to invest in property."But it’s the same when all my players are finished. They will have a lot more money than when they started," he added.

"I try to protect them from financial blunders. For instance, I have an agreement with the banks that they let me know when the players spend big."I’ve told them that Amsterdam is the cheapest capital in the world. I’ve told them: ‘Buy every property there that you can lay your hands on.’ Winners have a plan, losers have an excuse.

"It’s a good job for those big property tycoons that I went into football – otherwise I’d have owned half of Amsterdam."

 

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Gundogan: Germany paying no mind to 7-1 ahead of Brazil match


Ilkay Gundogan does not expect Brazil's World Cup semi-final humiliation at the hands of Germany four years ago to have any bearing on the result when the sides meet in Berlin on Tuesday.Joachim Low's men sensationally thrashed the host nation 7-1 on their way to glory at Brazil 2014.

Manchester City midfielder Gundogan played for Borussia Dortmund at the time and was ruled out of the tournament through injury, leaving him to watch on in shock with the rest of Germany as events unfolded at the Estadio Mineirao.

"We were all sitting in disbelief in front of the TV," the 27-year-old recalled at a news conference on Sunday. "Such a result is not commonplace for a World Cup semi-final."The current Brazilian team is not comparable to that of 2014. The 7-1 is no longer an issue for us - just having the two sides play against each other is special.

"Brazil are definitely one of the favourites for the World Cup. The Brazilians are very emotional, and they hold football in such a high regard, it gives them such a zest for life and has an almost spiritual meaning for them."

Gundogan was named in Low's squad for Euro 2012 but did not make it off the bench during Die Mannschaft's run to the semi-finals and, since then, wretched injury luck has denied the playmaker his chance to make an impression at a major tournament.

Following the back injury that sidelined him for almost all of the 2013-14 campaign and subsequent World Cup, Gundogan dislocated his kneecap to miss Euro 2016.
A cruciate knee ligament injury curtailed his debut campaign for City but he has been injury-free this time around and established himself as an increasingly important member of Pep Guardiola's squad, who are on the verge of adding Premier League glory to last month's EFL Cup success.

"I'm happy to be at a pretty good level so close to the tournament," Gundogan added, having come off the bench during Friday's 1-1 draw against Spain."I am fit and feel fit. I want to maintain that. If that means I make it to the World Cup then so be it."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Wenger: I will accept 'consequences' of Arsenal crisis


Arsene Wenger accepts he will have to face the "consequences" if results at Arsenal continue to slide, amid speculation that Thomas Tuchel could replace the Frenchman at the Emirates Stadium.

Reports in Germany suggest that the Borussia Dortmund manager has rejected the advances of Bayern Munich to accept the position at the Emirates Stadium ahead of the summer.Arsenal are currently sixth in the Premier League, 13 points behind fourth-placed north London rivals Tottenham.

That leaves the Europa League as potentially their best route into qualifying for the Champions League, and a failure to win the competition - having defeated Milan in the last 16 - could lead Wenger towards the exit door, though the 68-year-old believes that some of his critics are ageist.

“Look, when you age… you focus on doing well for your club and ignore all the rest," Wenger told beIN Sports.“The older you get, the more it becomes age discrimination. I accept if the results are not good enough then you have to take the consequences.

“But overall that perpetual thing how long you been at a club, how old you are, I find that a bit difficult to take. But all the rest I have to accept because I am in a public job and have to make results and I accept I will be judged on results.”While Arsenal remain in the Europa League, they will face CSKA Moscow in the quarter-finals, Wenger has rubbished the idea of leaving on a high.

“I am maybe naive enough to believe that with the time going on, with perspective and context will stand out what I have done for my club and not so much the result of the last game or how much I will be applauded when I stop one day," he added.

“I’m a little bit fed up of all that modern thing about being completely taking care of image. I’ve always worked my whole life about with the idea of who you are rather than how you look so I’m not too concerned about that.”Arsenal have just eight games remaining in the Premier League season as they attempt to qualify for the Champions League.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Mourinho likes Pogba a lot - that's why they fight!' - Drogba


Didier Drogba does not believe Jose Mourinho has lost faith in Paul Pogba and insists the Manchester United boss is only critical of players he likes.

Pogba's future has come under scrutiny in the last few weeks, with the France international starting just four of United's last 11 matches due to a combination of illness, injury and poor form.

France boss Didier Deschamps has admitted the midfielder "cannot be happy" with his situation at Old Trafford, with youngster Scott McTominay having been preferred by Mourinho in recent matches.

But Drogba, who won three Premier League titles under the Portuguese manager during his glittering Chelsea career, does not think the relationship with Pogba is beyond repair."It was heated between us more than once, but Jose will never attack people he doesn't like," Drogba, described by Mourinho as "a great friend...who will be part of my life forever" in 2013, told Telefoot .

"He likes Paul a lot. It's why he's given him a lot of responsibility." Pogba was left out of the starting line-up for France's friendly defeat to Colombia on Friday, in which they surrendered a 2-0 lead at Stade de France to lose 3-2.

Deschamps says he has spoken at length with the former Juventus star and believes part of the problem stems from a lack of mental and physical sharpness."I had a long exchange with him to understand," he said. "He's having a difficult period in Manchester, which is also linked to physical problems, the head as well... It's a bit of both."

The uncertainty around Pogba underlines what has been a tricky time for the player since returning to United in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee of £89.3million, though his agent Mino Raiola believes United underpaid considerably for the former Juventus man.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Portugal 0 Netherlands 3: Kluivert makes debut in Koeman's first win

Netherlands kick-started their new era in international football as they cruised to a 3-0 friendly victory over European champions Portugal on Monday, with Ronald Koeman enjoying his first win since becoming the Oranje's coach in February.

The Dutch are still rebuilding after a disastrous World Cup qualification campaign, but they showed plenty of promise in Geneva, crushing Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal just three days after a disappointing defeat at home to England in Koeman's bow.

Memphis Depay, recently in the news for claiming he has the ability to be the world's best player, put in a particularly good display to upstage Ballon d'Or holder Ronaldo, putting the Dutch ahead with a smart finish early on.Ryan Babel doubled their lead, before captain Virgil van Dijk produced a fine strike late in the half to open up an unassailable three-goal deficit.

Portugal stunned Egypt on Friday by scoring twice late on to win 2-1, but any hope of a more miraculous turnaround evaporated with Joao Cancelo's sending off just past the hour for a second bookable offence.

And Netherlands ultimately eased to an impressive victory, highlighting the significant strides they have made since Danny Blind's dismissal exactly one year earlier.A glimpse of the potentially bright future was afforded late on, as highly rated Ajax youngster Justin Kluivert, the son of former Barcelona star Patrick, made his senior international debut off the bench.


Portugal enjoyed a promising start as they put the Dutch under pressure high up the pitch and dominated possession, with Ronaldo looking particularly sharp.But they were less alert at the back and found themselves trailing in the 11th minute.

Donny van de Beek's pass from the right side of the area should have been straightforward to cut out, yet it found its way through to Depay, who prodded past his Lyon team-mate Anthony Lopes in goal.

Portugal's frustration increased just after the half-hour mark when Ronaldo went down inside the area and was not given a penalty, sparking a furious reaction from him despite replays clearly showing his tumble came as a result of kicking the floor.

And Netherlands got a second shortly after – Babel heading in Matthijs de Ligt's drilled cross from close range.The game was essentially put beyond Portugal on the stroke of half-time, as Van Dijk volleyed into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the box.

After seemingly being on the receiving end of some choice words from coach Fernando Santos at the break, Portugal looked rather more purposeful upon the restart and dominated again.But still their final pass lacked quality and, although substitutes Gelson Martins, Goncalo Guedes and Andre Silva looked a threat, Portugal just could not make the most of their superiority.

A second yellow card then ended Cancelo's match in the 61st minute, as he caught Tonny Vilhena on the top of the foot, dealing a significant blow to Portugal's already slim chances of mounting a comeback.

Portugal debutant Mario Rui nearly pulled one back from distance 16 minutes from time, but Jasper Cillessen the first of two excellent late saves as Netherlands cruised to the finish.