Posts of juin 2015

Rampant Argentina thrash Paraguay

♠ Posted by channel-top-news in breàking news,criçket live,cricket s,crıcket lıve score,india cricket live,live,live cricket,lïve cricket score,news sport,Soccer Soccer Extended RSS,sportnews,sports

Argentina produced their best performance of the Copa America so far to crush Paraguay and set up a classic final against hosts Chile. ||| CONCEPCION, Chile - Argentina produced their best performance of the Copa America so far to crush Paraguay 6-1 and set up a classic final against hosts Chile. Angel di Maria scored twice and Marcos Rojo, Javier Pastore, Sergio Aguero and Gonzalo Higuain also found the net in a brilliant display orchestrated by an inspired Lionel Messi. Argentina had scored only four goals in their four previous matches but Messi said it was not because the team had not been playing well. “We talked about that just before the match and we said it was just chance that we hadn't scored more because we've been playing well,” Messi said. “Today all the goals came at once.” Gerardo Martino's side took the lead after 15 minutes when Messi swung a free kick in from the left, Rojo failed to connect cleanly with his first touch but swept the ball home from close range...

Pearson, Leicester part ways

Leicester City have sacked manager Nigel Pearson because of a breakdown in his relationship with the club's owners, the club said. ||| London - Leicester City have sacked manager Nigel Pearson because of a breakdown in his relationship with the club's owners, the Premier League side said on Tuesday. Pearson guided Leicester to top-flight safety in the final matches of last season after they appeared to be doomed to relegation and they finished 14th in the Premier League. The club said their directors recognised the success Pearson had brought Leicester in his two spells in charge. “However, it has become clear to the Club that fundamental differences in perspective exist between us. Regrettably, the Club believes that the working relationship between Nigel and the Board is no longer viable,” the statement said. “Leicester City's owners, Vichai and Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha, and the board of directors would like to place on record their thanks to Nigel for the considerable contribution...

Blatter will skip women’s final

Embattled Fifa boss Sepp Blatter has decided not to attend the final of the women’s World Cup in Canada. ||| New York - Fifa President Sepp Blatter will not travel to Canada for the final of the women's World Cup on July 5 for personal reasons, a US-based lawyer for Blatter said on Tuesday. Senior executives of Zurich-based Fifa were charged with corruption on May 27 by prosecutors in the United States over bids for major soccer tournaments dating back 24 years and involving up to $150-million in purported bribes. Blatter came under pressure to step down, and he announced on June 2 that he would do so. US prosecutors have not accused Blatter of wrongdoing but his stewardship of world soccer's governing body is under scrutiny, sources familiar with investigations in the United States and Switzerland have said. “He's not going to go to the finals in Canada,” said the lawyer, Richard Cullen. “He has informed the organisers of that and cited personal reasons.” Cullen said that Fifa...

Chile coach banking on Sanchez

Chile need Alexis Sanchez shine as they try to end their wait for a first Copa America, coach Jorge Sampaoli said. ||| Santiago - Chile need Alexis Sanchez to recover his best form as they try to end an almost century-long wait for a first Copa America, according to coach Jorge Sampaoli. Sampaoli's team reached the final with a 2-1 win over Peru on Monday and will meet the winners of Tuesday's semi-final between favourites Argentina and Paraguay at the national stadium on Saturday. “When Alexis is not in the fullness (of form) that he has us used to, Chile feel it,” Sampaoli said. “If he is feeling good, he's the most decisive player in this team. We must recover him well because he's vital to us,” added the Argentine. Sanchez has shown flashes of his class in the tournament but contributed only one of Chile's 13 goals in five matches. Sampaoli suggested the pressure from home fans to reach the final as hosts and win the 99-year-old tournament for the first time affected the...

Cardiff to host 2017 Champions League final

The Millennium Stadium will host the 2017 Champions League final, Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino said. ||| Nyon, Switzerland - The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff will host the 2017 Champions League final, Uefa general secretary Gianni Infantino said on Tuesday. The Friends Arena in Stockholm will be the venue for the 2017 Europa League final. It will be the first final of Uefa's flagship competition to be held in Wales, but the 12th time it will be staged in the British Isles, with seven previous finals at Wembley, three in Glasgow and one in Manchester. The Millennium Stadium, which is owned by the Welsh Rugby Union, opened in 1999 and staged the English FA Cup finals from 2001 until 2006 while Wembley was being rebuilt. It has a capacity of 74,500 and staged soccer matches during the Olympic Games in 2012. It will be the second major Uefa showpiece staged in the Welsh capital after the Cardiff City Stadium provided the venue for the European Supercup match between...

Bafana should only play at FNB stadium

Newly appointed Safa Technical Director Neil Tovey believes that Bafana Bafana’s matches should be played at FNB Stadium only. ||| Newly appointed Safa Technical Director (TD) Neil Tovey believes that Bafana Bafana’s matches should be played at FNB Stadium and nowhere else in the country. Tovey was over the weekend appointed Safa’s TD in Nasrec, Johannesburg on a five-year deal. Among his many responsibilities, the former Bafana skipper is expected to oversee a roll out of training of coaches, as well as developing young football talent within the country. At the SAB Under-21 National Championships in Soshanguve, Pretoria yesterday, Tovey stated that he won’t be interfering with Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba’s coaching methods. However, he will offer advice whenever he feels it necessary. “I made it quite clear that I won’t have time to run around behind the senior national team, given the amount of work I’ll have to do as a Technical Director,” Tovey said. “Yes I’ll be there to...

Gervinho’s ‘obscene’ transfer demands

Gervinho’s requests for a helicopter and a private beach as part of the deal that would take him to Al-Jazira were described as 'obscene' by the Emirati club. ||| Requests by Gervinho for a helicopter and a private beach as part of the deal that would take him from Roma to Al-Jazira were described as 'obscene' by the Emirati club, according to reports on Tuesday. Gervinho was set to end his mitigated two-year spell with the Serie A club and join Al-Jazira in the United Arab Emirates this week on a reported four-year deal worth 13m euros. But the move collapsed because of Gervinho's string of demands, which also included accommodation for his family and regular airplane tickets to travel to his native Ivory Coast, said La Gazzetta dello Sport. Reports from the Emirates suggest Gervinho's demands alerted the club to possible future problems with the player, and they are not expected to pursue the deal any further. Gervinho remains on the market but will now be expected to turn...

Wolfsburg’s De Bruyne ‘not for sale’

Wolfsburg has sent a “hands off” signal to the clubs chasing Kevin de Bruyne by insisting their Belgium midfielder is not for sale. ||| Wolfsburg has sent a “hands off” signal to the clubs chasing Kevin de Bruyne by insisting their Belgium midfielder is not for sale as they look to improve his contract. Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked to the 24-year-old attacking midfielder who helped steer Wolfsburg to a Champions League place next season and scored in last month's German Cup final win over Borussia Dortmund. De Bruyne has a contract with Wolfsburg until 2019 and Wolfsburg's director of sport Klaus Allofs says they want to sit down and offer him an improved deal to keep him at the Bundesliga's runners-up. “Kevin has a contract until 2019, so the signal has already been sent out. He will stay with us,” Allofs told German broadcaster Sport1. “We've said we will look at his contract. “The aim is to take into account financially Kevin's...

Uefa ease FFP restrictions

Uefa has presented new financial fair play rules easing restrictions on clubs in a bid to tempt investors. ||| Uefa has presented new financial fair play rules easing restrictions on clubs in a bid to tempt investors after a tough three-year campaign to cut sky-high debt in the European game. With Gulf state-owned Manchester City and Paris Saint Germain still feeling the pain of sanctions ordered last year, Uefa's executive eased the rules at a meeting in Prague on Monday. They will force clubs to give extra information on ownership but will also start new voluntary financial revival plans to allow clubs to avoid sanctions and to spend on players if they have a “plausible and conservative” business plan. The new Uefa rules are clearly intended to attract investors. Since the introduction of Financial Fair Play in 2011 clubs have basically been ordered to live within their means. Uefa says that European clubs' overall debt has been cut from 1.7 billion euros ($1.89 billion) in...

Ramos wants United move

Sergio Ramos has told Real Madrid he wants to join Manchester United this summer. ||| Sergio Ramos has told Real Madrid he wants to join Manchester United this summer. United made an opening bid of £28.5million last week which was rejected by Madrid. However, after being informed of the offer, Ramos has made it clear to Madrid that he wants them to negotiate with United and reach an agreement. The development has shocked Madrid, who expected the Ramos affair to end with a revised contract offer. Ramos has a buy-out clause of £142m but believes United’s offer represents good value for a player of his age — considering he has two years left on his contract. Real will attempt to appease Ramos over his contract but his brother and agent Rene is understood to have intimated to the club hierarchy that the opportunity for that has passed. Madrid’s next likely step is to demand United goalkeeper David de Gea as part of negotiations. United remain confident of signing Morgan Schneiderlin...

Spurs cut their losses with Paulinho

Tottenham Hotspur have managed to offload misfit midfielder Paulinho to Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande for £9.8million. ||| Tottenham Hotspur have managed to offload misfit Brazilian midfielder Paulinho to Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande for £9.8million. The 26-year-old failed to live up to expectations at White Hart Lane after signing for £17m from Brazilian club Corinthians in 2013. His four-year deal at Guangzhou reunites him with former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, who included the midfielder in his squad at last year's World Cup. Paulinho arrived in England with a reputation as an all-action midfielder for Brazil. But he struggled to adapt to the Premier League and failed to stay in the Tottenham side under Mauricio Pochettino. He made 30 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring just twice. Southampton defender Nathaniel Clyne underwent a medical yesterday ahead of his £12.5m move to Liverpool. The 24-year-old England right-back was in the city after...

Netherlands coach Hiddink quits

Guus Hiddink has quit as coach of the Netherlands after spending less than one year in his second spell in the job. ||| Amsterdam - Guus Hiddink has quit as coach of the Netherlands after spending less than one year in his second spell in the job, the Football Association (KNVB) announced on Monday. The 68-year-old hands over to assistant Danny Blind with the Dutch third in their Euro 2016 qualifying group, facing the possibility of a playoff tie to win a spot at next year's championship in France. The much-travelled Hiddink has delivered some mediocre results and been heavily criticised since taking over from Manchester United-bound Louis van Gaal in August. It was previously planned that Blind would take over as the number one following Euro 2016. “I think it's a real pity things worked out like this,” Hiddink said in a statement. “It was an honour to be the national coach again and I wish my successor and all the staff every success on the road to Euro 2016.” The Dutch finished...

Cech thanks Abramovich for move

Petr Cech thanked Roman Abramovich after the Chelsea owner allowed the goalkeeper to join arch-rivals Arsenal. ||| London - Petr Cech thanked Roman Abramovich from “the bottom of my heart” after the Chelsea owner allowed the club's long-serving goalkeeper to move across London and join arch-rivals Arsenal. Cech, the most successful keeper in Chelsea's history having won four Premier League titles and one Champions League, said he never envisaged leaving Stamford Bridge but had no choice after becoming second-choice to Belgian Thibaut Courtois last season. “I thought this would never happen ... it is time for me to say goodbye to Chelsea,” the 33-year-old said in a personal message to the fans. “The club I have lived every single minute for since joining in July 2004, the club in which I thought I'd hang my gloves and boots one day and finish my career, but life doesn't always turn out the way you think it will. “Last summer things changed and I understood I was no longer the...

Chile into Copa America final

Chile took another step towards their dream of winning a first Copa America on home soil with victory over Peru. ||| Santiago - Chile took another step towards their dream of winning a first Copa America on home soil with a 2-1 win over Peru on Monday but Eduardo Vargas' match-winning double was overshadowed by an early refereeing decision that turned the game the hosts' way. Carlos Zambrano's harsh sending off for a high tackle after 20 minutes was the second game in a row that Chile's rivals have been hit with controversial red cards. The decision was a hard one to swallow for Peru, who in spite of being underdogs had started well in front of a capacity crowd at Santiago's National Stadium. “I think Zambrano's expulsion was a bit tough,” Peru striker Paolo Guerrero told television cameras. “I don't want to complain about the refereeing but there were a lot of unexpected decisions. If it had been 11 against 11 it would have been a different story.” Chile's opponents in last...

Cech joins Arsenal

Petr Cech ended a highly successful 11-year spell at Chelsea when he moved to Premier League rivals Arsenal. ||| London - Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech ended a highly successful 11-year spell at English champions Chelsea when he moved to Premier League rivals Arsenal on Monday. Cech, who made over 400 appearances at Stamford Bridge and won the Champions League and four Premier League titles, joins Arsenal on a long-term contract for a fee British media reported to be worth around 11 million pounds ($17.31 million). "I'm really excited about joining Arsenal and can't wait to join up for pre-season," Cech, 33, told the club's website (www.arsenal.com) "I have the same commitment to football, the same motivation and the same hunger for success as I had at the beginning of my career. "When (Arsenal manager) Arsene Wenger spoke to me about his ambitions for this club, and how he saw me as part of this team, the decision was clear." One of Cech's first games for Arsenal will...

More withdrawals for Bafana

Three players have withdrawn from the Bafana squad to play Mauritius in their second-leg Chan qualifier. ||| Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana have once again been hit by withdrawals ahead of a key encounter as three players have been removed from the squad to play Mauritius in their second-leg Chan qualifier in Mapou, Mauritius, on Sunday. Two of the players - Thabo Matlaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza - had only been added to the 18-man travelling squad on Thursday. Marc van Heerden was the third player to have withdrawn. “Both Matlaba and Van Heerden are suffering from Achilles tendon injuries while Nyauza had to pull out following his club’s hectic schedule in the Caf [Confederations Cup] competition,” said the SA Football Association in a statement on Monday. It is yet another instance of player withdrawals from the national team, after 12 players from a 23-man squad were removed ahead of the first-leg Chan qualifier against Mauritius which Bafana won 3-0 at Dobsonville Stadium on...

Delph could join City for only £8m

Manchester City have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Fabian Delph. ||| London - Manchester City have been given encouragement in their pursuit of Fabian Delph as it emerged the Aston Villa midfielder has a modest £8million release clause. Delph pleasantly surprised Villa fans by agreeing fresh terms in January, six months before his deal ran out. City are keen to add more homegrown talent to their squad after the loss of James Milner. Losing Delph would be a huge blow to Tim Sherwood, who made the 25-year-old his captain after taking over. The Villa manager is already on the lookout for central midfield recruits after Tom Cleverley opted to join Everton. Charlton’s Jordan Cousins and Hull’s Robbie Brady are both targets for Sherwood. Daily Mail from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1eeo6...

What does José see in Falcao?

Radamel Falcao was deemed not worthy of Man United and sent back to Monaco, yet Chelsea remain interested. ||| London - Radamel Falcao was deemed not worthy of Manchester United, sent back to Monaco with four Barclays Premier League goals and his £43-million invoice untouched. At 29, is he worth that? Not a chance, thought Louis van Gaal, who had already wasted £6m and £280000 per week on a gamble that did not work out. No longer mesmerising. No longer deadly. Any suggestion that it was down to the tactics used in Manchester was rejected at Copa America, where the Colombia striker was hauled off against Peru and Brazil, before being dropped for Argentina. Falcao circa 2012 has sadly disappeared. Yet Chelsea remain interested. Why? What does José Mourinho see that no-one else can? Sign for Chelsea, bang in 20-odd goals, then we may be eating our words, yet nothing could seem more unlikely after his last season in England and the recent tournament in Chile. The forward made four...

Phil Neville joins Valencia

Former Man United, Everton and England midfielder Phil Neville is the new assistant coach at Valencia, the club said. ||| Madrid - Former Manchester United, Everton and England midfielder Phil Neville has agreed to become Valencia coach Nuno's assistant, the La Liga club said on Sunday. Neville played for boyhood club United from 1995 to 2005 before switching to Everton and retired at the end of the 2012-13 season. He made 59 appearances for England between 1996 and 2007. The 38-year-old was an assistant coach at United under both David Moyes, currently in charge at Valencia's La Liga rivals Real Sociedad, and interim replacement Ryan Giggs. “Valencia CF are pleased to announce the appointment of Phil Neville as assistant manager of the first team, joining the coaching staff headed by Nuno Espirito Santo,” the club said on their website (www.valenciacf.com). Following last year's takeover by Singapore billionaire Peter Lim, Valencia are ambitious to return to the top in Spain...

A ‘win-win’ for Argentina

One thing is certain, the winning coach in the Copa America will be an Argentine. ||| Santiago – Only four teams are left in the Copa America and whichever lifts the trophy next weekend, one thing is guaranteed – the winning coach will be an Argentine. With Brazil’s shock exit in the quarter-finals on Saturday, the semi-final lineup is complete. Hosts Chile will face Peru in Santiago on Monday before favourites Argentina take on Paraguay in the southern Chilean city of Concepcion on Tuesday. All four teams have Argentine coaches. Chile are led by Jorge Sampaoli, Peru by Ricardo Gareca, Argentina by Gerardo Martino and Paraguay by Ramon Diaz. “It’s a source of great happiness for the whole country that we not only have top-class players but also top-class coaches,” Diaz said after his side disposed of Brazil in a penalty shootout on Saturday. Buoyed by a home crowd, Chile will be favourites to beat Peru but are still waiting to hear if their centre back Gonzalo Jara will be cleared...

Injury blow for Bafana

Vuyisile Wana has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad due to a knee injury. ||| Cape Town – Vuyisile Wana has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana squad due to a knee injury. South Africa are to take on Mauritius in the second leg of the 2016 CHAN qualifiers scheduled for Mauritius on Sunday (kick-off, SA time 1pm). Wana was in the Bafana squad that defeated the Islanders 3-0 in the first leg played at the Dobsonville Stadium last weekend. Thabo Mnyamane of AmaTuks has been called up as a replacement. Mnyamane made his Bafana Bafana debut against Swaziland in March this year, and scored in the 3-1 victory at the Somhlolo Stadium. Bafana Bafana assemble for camp on Sunday, in Johannesburg. The Bafana Bafana squad: GOALKEEPERS: Jackson ABOKGWANE (Mpumalanga Aces FC), Itumeleng KHUNE (Kaizer Chiefs FC) DEFENDERS: Wandisile LETLABIKA (Bloemfontein Celtic FC), Thabo MATLABA (Orlando Pirates FC), Ntsikelelo NYAUZA (Orlando Pirates FC), Tshepo GUMEDE (Orlando Pirates FC),...

Key Safa job for Tovey

The South African Football Association has appointed Neil Tovey as its technical director. ||| Johannesburg – The South African Football Association (Safa) has announced the appointment of Neil Tovey as its technical director. The 52-year-old Africa Cup of Nations-winning captain, who has been working as a TV pundit and part-time coach, is expected to develop young talent and create a uniform playing style for national teams. National football association official Natasha Tsichlas said: “Neil understands the South African football culture and has a successful track record.” Tovey skippered Bafana Bafana to a 2-0 triumph over Tunisia in the 1996 Cup of Nations final in Soweto, watched by a capacity 80 000 crowd. His 52-cap international career ended a year later after a poor performance in a World Cup qualifying defeat away to Congo in Brazzaville. Pretoria-born Tovey spent 10 years playing for Kaizer Chiefs, and the highlight of his coaching career was guiding Mamelodi Sundowns...

Jele keeps the Bucs party happy

Happy Jele brought delight to Bucs fan when he netted the winning goal on Saturday. ||| Harrismith – After scoring the winning goal in Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 victory over AC Leopards in the Caf Confederations Cup match in Dolisie, Congo, on Saturday, Bucs defender Happy Jele was relieved to secure the win. The Buccaneers had little in the way of genuine goal-scoring opportunities during the 90 minutes, but demonstrated clinical finishing upfront as they converted their only real chance in the clash as Jele buried a shot inside the area just inside the hour mark in front of a capacity crowd. “It’s always great scoring but as a defender I am equally delighted to have been able to help the team record a clean sheet in a tough game like that one,” said Jele after the match. “I am very happy to have contributed to the team’s win today. This victory was very important to us because like in the 2013 Champions League, we understand how important it is to win the opening game.” It was...

Paraguay down Brazil on penalties

Derlis Gonzalez slotted two penalties to help Paraguay beat Brazil 4-3 on Saturday. ||| aConcepcion, Chile – Derlis Gonzalez slotted two penalties, one in regular time and again in the shootout, to help Paraguay beat Brazil 4-3 after a 1-1 draw on Saturday that advanced them to a Copa America semi-final against Argentina. It was the second tournament in succession that Paraguay have beaten Brazil on penalties at the quarter-final stage after 2011 when they went on the reach the final. The face Argentina on Tuesday for the second time in the tournament, having fought back from two goals down for a 2-2 draw in the teams' opening group match. Gonzalez netted the decisive Paraguayan penalty with the fifth spot kick having scored his team's equaliser during normal time. Robinho started and finished a fine move in the 15th minute to put Brazil ahead before Gonzalez equalised with 20 minutes to go when he converted a penalty after a hand ball by Thiago Silva. “Unfortunately, our game...

Turkish delight not sweet enough

LIfe is too cushy for footballers in SA to give up for R5m-a-year deals overseas. ||| There’s a story doing the rounds about a Kaizer Chiefs player who has just turned down a R5 million-a-year deal in Turkey because he is quite happy to remain big in Jozi, earning about half that amount, without the added pressure. He’s not the first local player to scoff at the lure of the euro or the British pound and, sadly, he won’t be the last. Life is good in Mzansi. Remember how many of the class of 2010 were touted to be on the verge of signing deals to go overseas? Most are still here, because the life of an average to decent footballer in South Africa has become cushy, especially at one of the big three clubs. Let us be clear; if our football clubs were dominating Africa and regularly reaching the latter stages of the Champions League, then you could understand why players would want to stay local and lekker. And, if South African clubs were dominating the continent, the domino effect...

United raised bid for Ramos

Man United have made a second bid for Sergio Ramos, as Madrid accept for the first time that they may lose him. ||| London - Manchester United have made a second bid for Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos, upping their offer to £35.4m as the Spanish club accept for the first time that they may lose him. United's opening bid of £32m was quickly rejected by Madrid on Tuesday but with no sign of a breakthrough in relations between the defender and Real club president Florentino Perez, they seem to be attempting to maintain the bidding pace. That marginal increase on the first offer seems unlikely to trigger a breakthrough for United - but it may form the basis for talks in which the Old Trafford goalkeeper David de Gea's likely move to Madrid is part of the picture. The new offer brings United nowhere near the €100m (£71m) Real say they want for Ramos. Sources close to the player were meanwhile suggesting that United were playing their own game of hardball by insisting they want...

Tevez to join Boca Juniors from Juventus

Argentina forward Carlos Tevez is to rejoin Boca Juniors, where he began his career, from Juventus. ||| Buenos Aires - Argentina forward Carlos Tevez is to re-join Boca Juniors, where he began his career, from Juventus, the Buenos Aires club said. “It's a happy and very satisfying day,” said club president Daniel Angelici in a statement. “The return of Carlos Tevez, at an extraordinary moment in his career, is fantastic news for all the members and fans of Boca, and also for Argentine football.” Tevez, 31, spent three years at Boca from 2001 and 2004, and went on to play for Corinthians, West Ham United, Manchester United, Manchester City and Juventus, where he has spent the last two seasons. He scored 20 league goals last season as he helped Juventus win their fourth successive Serie A title. Angelici said Juventus and Boca had agreed terms and would finalise the transfer “in the next few hours.” Reuters from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1GA51...

United insist on £35m fee for De Gea

Manchester United will demand a world record fee for a goalkeeper if Real Madrid are to lure away David de Gea. ||| London - Manchester United will demand a world record fee for a goalkeeper if Real Madrid are to lure away David de Gea. Old Trafford officials are unconcerned by the fact the 24-year-old Spaniard has only a year left on his deal and could leave for nothing next summer. United believe the value of keeping De Gea for another 12 months far outweighs any bid below the world record £32.6million Juventus paid Parma for Gianluigi Buffon in 2001. They are looking for about £35m before they would even entertain the idea of allowing the former Atletico Madrid man to leave the club. De Gea was signed by United for £17.8m in 2011, but Real will go in with a first offer as low as £13m. A United source said: ‘The fees mentioned are a long way short. David is a world-class keeper who played a huge role in ensuring we qualified for the Champions League last season. That in itself...

Abramovich smooths the way for Cech

Cech's remarkable time at Chelsea explains why the club has generously allowed him his preferred, if unlikely, move. ||| London - Petr Cech was on Friday night on the brink of ending his 11-year association with Chelsea, where he won 13 major trophies. The goalkeeper underwent a medical at Arsenal on Friday ahead of an £11million move which, when confirmed, will be one of the most significant of the summer. Big players do not often move between big English clubs and yet that is what Cech will do this weekend. Even as Chelsea's second-choice goalkeeper, he played 16 games last season, and his departure will surely diminish the champions. His arrival at Arsenal can only improve their chances of challenging for their first league title since Cech signed for Chelsea 11 years ago. Cech's remarkably successful time at Chelsea explains why the club has generously allowed him his preferred, if unlikely, move. Chelsea do not willingly sell their best players to clubs who can hurt them...

Uruguay complain over Jara-Cavani incident

Uruguay's FA will raise a formal complaint against Chile’s Gonzalo Jara for sticking his finger up Edinson Cavani bum. ||| Santiago - Uruguay's FA will raise a formal complaint against Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara for provoking striker Edinson Cavani by sticking his finger up his backside during the hosts' 1-0 Copa America quarter-final win. The complaint to the South American Football Confederation means CONMEBOL's disciplinary committee will now deal with the incident. Uruguay's FA (AUF) said in a statement on Friday: “The AUF's executive committee decided to open the defence of the player Edinson Cavani. It denounced to CONMEBOL's disciplinary body the actions of the player Gonzalo Jara.” With Wednesday's match in Santiago balanced at 0-0 after an hour, Jara gave striker Cavani a friendly tap and when he did not respond the 29-year-old Mainz 05 defender poked his finger up the Uruguayan's backside. Cavani reacted by pushing Jara away gently but the Chilean fell to the ground...

Cech to undergo medical with Arsenal

Chelsea's Petr Cech will undergo a medical with Arsenal, after the clubs agreed a fee for the keeper, a UK paper reported. ||| London - Chelsea's Petr Cech will undergo a medical with Arsenal on Friday, according to British media reports, after the clubs agreed a fee for the 33-year-old goalkeeper. The BBC said Cech, who was displaced as Chelsea's first-choice keeper by Belgium's Thibaut Courtois last season, had agreed personal terms with Arsenal and would become their first close-season signing. Cech, who joined Chelsea in 2004 from French club Stade Rennais, played 16 times for Jose Mourinho's side last season. The goalkeeper position has been an issue for Arsenal over recent years with Wojciech Szczesny and David Ospina sharing the role last season. Reuters from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1Hjzs...

City snap up £2m Turkey wonderkid

Turkey’s teenage sensation Enes Unal will fly into England this weekend to seal a £2m move to Manchester City. ||| London - Turkey’s teenage sensation Enes Unal will fly into England this weekend to seal a £2million move to Manchester City. City have beaten off interest from Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal to sign the 18-year-old Bursaspor striker. The Turkish club’s president, Recep Bolukbasi, confirmed the deal on Thursday. Unal scored a staggering 182 goals in 110 games for Bursaspor’s youth team before becoming the youngest player to strike in the Turkish league and be capped by his country. He will have a medical before completing a transfer that is worth an initial £500 000 to Bursaspor, building to £2m, and includes a 10 per cent sell-on clause. Providing he receives a work permit, Unal will start with City’s Under 21 squad and is likely to be the club’s only new striker this summer. City are focused on strengthening in midfield and the wide areas, with Raheem...

Gerrard reveals moment he knew Liverpool career was over

LONDON: Steven Gerrard knew it was time to leave Liverpool when he was omitted from the starting lineup for their Champions League group match at Real Madrid last November. ||| LONDON: Steven Gerrard knew it was time to leave Liverpool when he was omitted from the starting lineup for their Champions League group match at Real Madrid last November. The 35-year-old former England captain left Anfield in May after more than 17 years and 700 matches with the Premier League club and has signed for Major League Soccer club LA Galaxy. He said in an interview to be broadcast on Wednesday that he was “devastated” when manager Brendan Rodgers put him on the bench in Madrid and realised his days at the club were numbered. “When I was told I wasn't playing, for the sake of the team and the squad and my relationship with Brendan, I took it and accepted it,” Gerrard tells his former England team mate Rio Ferdinand in the interview, to be televised by BT Sport. But the ex-Liverpool skipper...

United upbeat on Ramos despite failure

Man United have been encouraged by Sergio Ramos agreeing to their request to make his desire to leave Madrid public. ||| London - Manchester United have been encouraged by Sergio Ramos agreeing to their request to make his desire to leave Real Madrid public, despite an opening £32m bid for the defender being rejected out of hand on Thurday. It is thought that United wanted Ramos to be open about his request for rival clubs' bids for him, in order to protect the Premier League club against accusations that they have been used by the 29-year-old as a device to get a new contract at Real. The defender has not gone public himself - despite suggestions he might issue a statement - but his interest in United has been made known, at his own request. Privately, United will know that such developments offer no guarantees. The boot was on the other foot when Wayne Rooney issued a statement saying he would not sign a new United contract in 2010 - and let it be known that he was unhappy...

Liverpool close in on Clyne

Liverpool expect to add Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne to their list of new signings, after agreeing a £12.5m deal. ||| London - Liverpool expect to add Southampton's Nathaniel Clyne to their list of new signings next week, after agreeing a £12.5m deal for the Southampton right-back. The 24-year-old is on holiday in the United States and not expected immediately in Liverpool, but he is set to become the club's sixth signing of the summer, with a medical to undergo at Anfield and personal terms to finalise. It is thought that £2m of the fee agreed with Brendan Rodgers' club - which is less than the anticipated £15m - will be contingent on appearances. The Liverpool chief executive, Ian Ayre, was on his way back from Chile on Thursday, after a successful three-day trip in which he signed Brazil forward Roberto Firmino. With a third, potentially decisive, bid from Manchester City for Raheem Sterling expected next week, the pursuit of further goalscoring reinforcements will continue. Despite...

Guerrero eases Peru into Copa semis

Peru striker Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick to give his side a comfortable victory over Bolivia at the Copa America. ||| Chile - Peru striker Paolo Guerrero scored a hat-trick to give his side a comfortable 3-1 victory over Bolivia at the Copa America on Thursday, setting up a last-four showdown with hosts Chile. Guerrero scored twice in three minutes midway through the first half to put the Peruvians in the driving seat in their quarter-final clash in the southern Chilean city of Temuco. His first was a header from a Juan Vargas cross, his second came on the counter-attack after a corner, and his third arrived in the 74th minute when Bolivian midfielder Danny Bejarano gifted him the ball with a misplaced pass and left him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Marcelo Moreno scored a late consolation from the penalty spot after Damian Lizio had been tripped in the box but Peru were never in danger of losing and will face Chile in Santiago on Monday in the first of the Copa semi-finals. “We're...

Dempsey gets two-year ban in US

Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey was banned from the US Open Cup after he ripped up a referee's notebook. ||| Los Angeles - Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey has been banned from the U.S Open Cup for at least two years after an incident in which he was sent off for ripping up a referee's notebook. United States international Dempsey has already been suspended for three games by Major League Soccer (MLS) after the incident in which he was given a red card. The United States Soccer Federation said in a statement that Dempsey had been banned for “a total of six US Open Cup matches or the next two years of US Open Cup competition, whichever is greater. In addition, Dempsey has been fined an undisclosed amount.” The former Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur forward has waived his right to appeal the decision which related to the US Open Cup match between Seattle and the Portland Timbers on June 16. Dempsey lost his cool after the Sounders' Michael Azira was sent off, leaving...

Mashaba retains bulk of Bafana squad

Shakes Mashaba retained the bulk of the Bafana squad that defeated Mauritius in the first leg of the Chand qualifiers. ||| Johannesburg - Bafana Bafana coach Shakes Mashaba has retained the bulk of the squad that defeated Mauritius 3-0 in the first leg of the 2016 Chand qualifiers at Dobsonville last Saturday. South Africa will face Mauritius in the second leg on Sunday, July 5 at 5pm (SA time) at the 18 000-seater Stade Anjalay, in Mapou, Mauritius. Mashaba named 16 players in his 18-man travelling squad that did duty against Mauritius in the first leg - bringing in only two players who were not available for the home leg - defenders Thabo Matlaba and Ntsikelelo Nyauza. “We did not have much to do in selecting this squad because we looked at the players who played the first leg and needed to add just two more,” said Mashaba. “What we are looking for are players who will show big match temperament because Mauritius is going to throw everything at us, they won’t sit back like...

Messi and Pekerman to face off

The pupil faces up to the master when Lionel Messi leads Argentina against Jose Pekerman's Colombia. ||| Chile - The pupil faces up to the master when Lionel Messi leads Argentina against Jose Pekerman's Colombia in their Copa America quarter-final on Friday. Former Argentina coach Pekerman gave Messi his international debut 10 years ago and took him to his first World Cup finals in Germany in 2006. The final image of the pair at the tournament had Messi sitting head bowed on the bench as Pekerman overlooked him when making substitutions and the team lost to hosts Germany in a shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra time in the quarter-finals. Messi will be looking to ensure it is Pekerman left staring at the ground at the end of Friday's match at Vina del Mar with 2014 World Cup runners-up Argentina progressing to the semi-finals. But, with 100 caps under his belt, Messi has nothing but praise and gratitude towards Pekerman and has often said: “He gave me a lot of advice...

Liverpool targeting another striker

Liverpool's readiness to add another attacking option to the squad suggests the club believe they will lose Raheem Sterling. ||| London - Liverpool are prepared to add further attacking reinforcements for next season, despite the rapid deal which has made Roberto Firmino the second most expensive acquisition in the club's history at a fee of £22m rising to £29m. The club also have Seville's £20m Colombian Carlos Bacca and Zenit Saint Petersburg's Venezuelan Salomon Rondon under consideration and though not close to signing either, they will move for another forward if - as seems highly likely - the pursuit of Aston Villa's Christian Benteke falls through. The Liverpool managing director, Ian Ayre, is staying at the Copa America in Chile for an additional day, having flown out to tie up the Firmino deal, and is in position to progress moves for additional attacking options. Villa have been implacably unwilling to soften on Benteke's £32.5m release clause. Liverpool will simply...

Chiefs to take on Mbabane Swallows

Kaizer Chiefs were drawn to face Mbabane Swallows in the semi-final of the King’s Super Cup on July 18. ||| Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs were drawn to face Mbabane Swallows in the semi-final of the King’s Super Cup on July 18. Orlando Pirates, meanwhile, will face Royal Leopards. The King’s Super Cup is an initiative of Swaziland’s King Mswati III. The semis will be held in the morning, with the final taking place in the afternoon at the Somhlolo National Stadium in Lobamba, between Mbabane and Manzini. Mbabane Swallows finished second in the Swazi league last season, with Royal Leopards taking the title. Chiefs’ opponent won the league title five times since the club’s foundation. “This tournament is about love & peace and unity,” Amakhosi’s Football Manager Bobby Motaung said on Wednesday. “It also reconfirms our relationship with Swaziland through soccer. It’s about bringing people together.” ANA from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1IAQ2...

Pirates sign new trio

Orlando Pirates have quietly added three new names to their books for next season. ||| Johannesburg - While Kaizer Chiefs have grabbed much attention for their offseason signings, arch-rivals Orlando Pirates have quietly added three new names to their books for next season. Pirates have acquired the services of Felipe Ovono of Equatorial Guinea, Zimbabwean forward Tendai Ndoro and Bafana midfielder Gift Motupa. Motupa was pleased to be joining the Buccaneers on a five-year contract. “I am happy for the opportunity to play for Pirates and I hope I can grab it with both hands and excel,” said Motupa. “I am aware that not every player that gets this opportunity so I plan on making the best of it. I am a central midfielder and for me it’s important that I measure myself against the best and playing for a Club like Pirates gives me that opportunity.” Ovono, meanwhile, said he had signed with Pirates last season but work permit issues prevented him from turning out for the club. “I...

Everton sign Barcelona winger Deulofeu

Everton have signed winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona on a three-year contract for six million euros. ||| London - Everton have signed winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona on a three-year contract for six million euros ($6.7 million), the Premier League club said on Thursday. The 21-year-old Spaniard spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Goodison Park and made 29 appearances, scoring three Premier League goals. “Gerard needs no introduction to anyone here at Everton, for we are all well aware of his incredible footballing talent,” Everton manager Roberto Martinez told the club's website. “We got to know him really well from his loan period, not only as such a talented player but also his great character. He will be a fantastic asset to our club.” The contract includes a release clause if Barcelona make an offer meeting certain requirements within the first two years, and the European champions also have a right of first refusal if the Premier League club decide to sell Deulofeu,...

Wilkins named Villa assistant manager

Ray Wilkins has been appointed as assistant manager to Tim Sherwood at Aston Villa, the former England captain said. ||| London - Ray Wilkins has been appointed as assistant manager to Tim Sherwood at Premier League club Aston Villa, the former England captain said on Thursday. The 58-year-old, who won international 84 caps, has managed London sides Queens Park Rangers and Fulham and most recently had a spell as coach of the Jordan national team. Wilkins played as a midfielder for clubs including Chelsea, Manchester United, AC Milan, QPR and Rangers. He was appointed player manager of QPR in 1994 and has had coaching roles at Fulham, Chelsea, Watford and Millwall. “Tim is similar to me in that he wants to win and is pretty bubbly. As soon as I spoke to him it seemed to click,” Wilkins told Sky Sports. “I've been very fortunate over my coaching career to be involved with lots of managers of a very high level. Hopefully, I can give the lads at Villa that experience.” FA Cup runners-up...

Arsenal won't sell Wilshere

Arsenal will not entertain any offers for Jack Wilshere and will underline his importance by awarding him a new contract. ||| London - Arsenal will not entertain any offers from Manchester City for Jack Wilshere and will underline his importance to the club by awarding him a new contract. The England midfielder - who scored his first international goals in the 3-2 win in Slovenia earlier this month - is a serious target for City this summer. But, after years of financial constraints, the Gunners no longer have to consider offers for their best players. Sportsmail understands City are undeterred by Arsenal’s stance, believing that a massive bid will convince them to sell. The 23-year-old’s existing deal, worth £60 000 a week, expires in 2018 but talks over an improved contract will start in the opening months of next season. Daily Mail from Soccer Soccer Extended RSS http://ift.tt/1CvKL...

£29m star who 'smells of goals'

Like many Brazilian players, football has provided an escape from hardship for new Liverpool signing Roberto Firmino. ||| London - Like many Brazilian players, football has provided an escape from hardship for Liverpool’s colourful £29million signing Roberto Firmino. His home city of Maceio has beautiful beaches, but for the Firmino family survival was always the name of the game and Roberto grew up aware that his father was forced to sell bottles of water on the streets to make a living. It is why he agreed to move on his own far from home at 16 years old to pursue a career as a footballer. When his big chance to play in Europe arrived three years later, his first reaction was to proclaim: ‘My family will never have to work again.’ Instead, they followed him to Germany and, one assumes, will now relocate to Merseyside, along with the player’s girlfriend Larissa and their seven-month-old baby daughter Valentina. Firmino’s career has always been about providing and anyone in...

United table £35m offer for Ramos

Man United have made an opening bid of £35m for Real Madrid's Sergio Ramos, and he has asked his club to consider it. ||| London - Manchester United have made an opening bid of around £35million for Sergio Ramos and the Real Madrid defender has asked his club to consider it. The offer came as Ramos met Real officials and requested that they open negotiations with United. The bid is independent of David de Gea’s move in the opposite direction but it is clear United will use their interest in Ramos to come to an agreement over the sale of their goalkeeper. Ramos yesterday askedReal to climb down from their stance of only allowing him to leave if a club pays his £180m buy-out clause. Earlier Pedro Riesco, who works alongside the player’s brother and agent Rene, suggested Ramos’ departure was almost inevitable. Riesco toldRadio Marca: ‘With everything that has happened it will be very difficult for Sergio Ramos to stay at Madrid.’ Since the player admitted privately that...

Label Cloud

Blog Archive

StatCounter

Hot Topics