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Bafana hold off Costa Rica

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Bafana Bafana scored a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Costa Rica in an entertaining international friendly at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceno.

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Cape Town - Bafana Bafana scored a morale-boosting 1-0 win over Costa Rica in an entertaining international friendly at the Estadio Edgardo Baltodano Briceno in San Jose on Thursday night (Friday morning SA time).

The South Africans, ranked 73 on the latest Fifa world rankings, scored the game's lone goal in the ninth minute through Andile Jali, whose strike crowned a strong first-half display by the tourists.

The Costa Ricans, world-ranked at 42, were never able to the recover from the early setback as the Bafana’s defence remained intact for the rest of the match.

The teams only met once previously back in October 2003 when South African defeated 'Los Ticos' 2-1 at the Olen Park Stadium in Potchefstroom, when current head coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba was also then in charge of the national team.

Bafana Bafana scored all the goals, including an own goal, in the match.

Costa Rica threatened at the start as Arsenal-based striker Joe Campbell was handily placed to strike the target at close range but Bafana goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune thwarted the scoring attempt with a well-anticipated block just two minutes after the kick-off. Moments later Bafana's two Euro-based players Jali (KV Oostende, Belgium) and Thulani Serero (Ajax Amsterdam) combined splendidly on a sortie into the hosts' penalty area.

After they weaved the ball through the defence, Jali placed a deft chip over the head of Real Madrid goalkeeper Teylor Navas who manned the Costa Rica goal.

The Costa Rica defence nearly conceded a second goal some six minutes later when they left Serero unmarked but his strike from the fringe of the penalty area sailed over the crossbar.

Khune came to Bafana's rescue again with a fine reflex save in the 27th minute after Costa Rica striker Carlos Urenya worked his way past Rivaldo Coetzee in SA's central defence.

For most of the first half, Costa Rica held the initiative but they failed to make their territorial advantage count. Bafana, on the other hand, relied on occasional counter-attacks to keep them in the hunt for a second goal.

Serero spurned an early second-half chance for a second SA goal and Urenya had at least two gilt-edged scoring chances which went a begging from around the hour mark onward.

Costa Rica finished the match on a strong note in search of the equaliser but mostly inept marksmanship left them empty handed. Bafana Bafana will play their next match against Honduras on Tuesday.

The game are part of the teams' preparations for their campaigns in the qualification process for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Costa Rica will begin their bid for a place in the tournament in the fourth round of Concacaf qualification with Group B games against Haiti and neighbours Panama next month.

Mashaba's South Africa meet Angola in a two-legged tie, the first leg of which takes place on November 8, in the second round of Caf qualification. - ANA

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Ireland stun Germans in Euro qualifier

Shane Long stunned world champions Germany with a goal that guaranteed Ireland a Euro 2016 playoff spot on an historic night at Lansdowne Road.

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Shane Long stunned world champions Germany with a goal that guaranteed Ireland a Euro 2016 playoff spot on an historic night at Lansdowne Road as the hosts won 1-0.

The Southampton forward's 70th minute strike, just five minutes after his introduction as a second half substitute, gave Ireland an unlikely win and sets them up for a final day showdown in Poland, who drew 2-2 against Scotland, with automatic qualification up for grabs.

Germany controlled much of the game, but a hugely impressive, disciplined display by the hosts kept them scoreless, and in the end Long's howitzer sealed a memorable victory.

The visitors came to Dublin in confident mood, needing just a single point for qualification and coach Joachim Loew was fortunate to be able to call upon a full strength team, although Bastian Schweinsteiger was a late withdrawal following an abductor injury in the warm up.

Martin O'Neill faced a different challenge with regulars like Glenn Whelan, Marc Wilson, Ciaran Clark and James McClean absent through injury or suspension ahead of the toughest test of his reign.

The former Celtic boss included Burnley's Stephen Ward and Ipswich Town's Daryl Murphy in attack -- a brave decision that would be deemed genius by the full time whistle.

“The players put in a fantastic effort. To beat the world champions is sensational,” said O'Neill.

“We showed bravery and courage. We had to withstand a lot of pressure, which you'd expect, and we did that.

“We have reached the play-offs now and we can go for it on Sunday.”

An unimpressed Loew countered: “It's an unexpected and entirely unnecessary defeat.

“We had a lot of chances to score but we also lacked precision when it mattered most.”

A full house of 50,604 turned up daring to dream, and just moments into the game they were cheering the news that Poland had taken an early lead in Glasgow against Scotland.

It was to be a night where keeping focus was difficult, but Ireland's players mostly did so for the first half, reaching the break all square.

Toni Kroos, Marco Reus, Thomas Mueller and Mario Goetze enjoyed bouts of possession, as Germany's high pressing game gave them control.

Few clear chances followed, but Jerome Boateng should have opened the scoring when he was given the freedom of Dublin at a corner and headed over Shay Given's goal.

Germany also failed to make the most of a host of corners in the first half, but John O'Shea had to be on top form to block Ilkay Gundogan's effort from the edge of the box.

Defensive partner Richard Keogh timed a sliding tackle perfectly to deny Goetze a tap in, and when Mesut Ozil did have the ball in the net, it was ruled out for offside.

The German defence were relatively untroubled, with Jon Walters's half-hearted penalty appeal and a weak shot all the Irish had to show for some good phases of play, with Norwich's Wes Hoolahan the outstanding player in green.

Both sides were forced into changes before the break with Andre Schurrle replacing Goetze, while veteran Irish goalkeeper Shay Given gave way to Darren Randolph after twisting his knee.

Schurrle almost made a rapid impact, getting on the end of Reus's stunning pass ten minutes after the restart, but the Wolfsburg star failed to hit the target.

Ireland grew into the game as news filtered through that Scotland had taken the lead in Glasgow and Murphy flashed a strike wide just after the hour mark.

Reus continued to torment Ireland's right wing, but Ward, Christie and O'Shea were heroic in defence.

Then came the moment the home crowd didn't even dare dream of; Long outpaced Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng before thundering a shot past Manuel Neuer to stun the world champions.

Mueller squandered a golden opportunity to level things before Boateng stung Randolph's fingers with a long range effort but Ireland held on for a famous, and crucial, victory. – AFP

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Klopp named new Liverpool boss

Liverpool named former Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp as manager on Thursday with the club posting photos of him.

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Liverpool named former Borussia Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp as manager on Thursday with the club posting photos of him signing his contract on their official Twitter account.

It was widely reported earlier that he had agreed terms with the club's American owners Fenway Sports Group on a contract to take over at Anfield.

The length of the deal was not disclosed but British media said Klopp had signed a three-year contract to help breathe life into a team that has struggled for consistency.

After several days of speculation, the charismatic 48-year-old has finally been confirmed as the replacement for Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked on Sunday after 3-1/2 years in charge.

“Liverpool Football Club are delighted to announce Juergen Klopp has been appointed as the club's new manager, said a statement on their official website (www.liverpoolfc.com).

“The German coach has signed a deal to take the helm at the Reds and will be presented at a press conference at Anfield on Friday morning.”

Klopp has been out of work since May when he finished a seven-year reign at Dortmund to take a sabbatical. He is expected to bring with him Zeljko Buvac and Peter Krawietz, who were his former assistants at the Bundesliga club.

Klopp, who led Dortmund to two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League final, is credited with reviving 'Die Schwarzgelben' and moulding them into one of the most exciting brands in world football during his seven years in Westphalia.

In general, his widely expected arrival as the Liverpool boss has been welcomed, with Dortmund defender Mats Hummels remarking: “He eats, lives, breathes and thinks football day after day. He's a fantastic coach.”

Klopp has long praised the English game which he has compared to heavy metal music, saying: “I always want it loud!

“I want to have this 'booooom!' I like fighting football, not serenity football. What we call in German 'English'. Rainy day, heavy pitch, everybody dirty in the face and goes home and can't play football for the next four weeks.”

Liverpool's season started serenely enough with opening wins against Stoke City and Bournemouth but they have largely been hitting the wrong notes since then with only one win in 90 minutes in their last nine matches.

Rodgers was sacked after the 1-1 Merseyside draw at Everton, but his fate was sealed before Sunday after a shattering 3-0 home defeat by West Ham United, a 3-1 loss at Manchester United and an embarrassing League Cup penalty shootout win after failing to beat fourth-tier Carlisle United in extra time.

Liverpool had a great swagger about them in their heyday of the 1970s and 1980s when they started as favourites for the title in most seasons - and won it.

The closest they have come to emulating their last league crown in 1990 in recent times was a second-place finish two seasons ago playing some dynamic football which resulted in 31 goals for the now-departed Uruguay international Luis Suarez.

Klopp could help recapture the glory days with his preferred 'counter-pressing' style which means as soon as the team lose the ball, they hound the opposition into giving it back, thereby reducing the chances of being caught on the break themselves.

The first side to face Klopp's Liverpool will be Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane on October 17.

Liverpool have won 5-0 and 3-0 there in the last two seasons and, while it would be optimistic to think they could repeat those scorelines, any victory in London would certainly start the new era on the right note. – Reuters

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Messi faces trial on fraud charges

Soccer star Lionel Messi and his father will have to stand trial in a tax fraud case in Spain.

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Madrid - A Spanish court has ordered Lionel Messi and his father Jorge to stand trial in a tax fraud case and the state attorney said Barcelona's star player should serve a jail sentence of up to 22 months if found guilty.

The two men are accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 4.2 million euros in tax from 2007 to 2009.

Court documents published on Thursday said the hearings in the case would take place at a court in Vilanova i la Geltru near Barcelona, but gave no date.

The stance of the state attorney, which defends the interests of the Spanish state, contrasts with that of Spain's public prosecutor, who has said the soccer star should not have to answer the charges as his father oversaw his finances.

The company that controls Messi's image rights, Leo Messi Management SLU, issued a statement which said Messi's defence team would present evidence in court “in coming weeks” that would show the state prosecutor's stance was the correct one and not that of the state attorney.

“The jail sentence that the state attorney is asking for does not mean it would be served in full,” the statement added.

The public prosecutor this week recommended a jail sentence of 18 months and fines of more than 2 million euros for Jorge Messi.

Lionel Messi and his father have already paid 5 million euros to the tax authorities as a “corrective” measure after they were formally charged in June 2013.

A Spanish court has previously ruled that Lionel Messi, 28, could have known about and approved the creation of a web of shell companies allegedly used to evade taxes on income from image rights.

Revenue was hidden using companies in Uruguay, Belize, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, according to the prosecutor's office.

Argentina-born Messi has been resident in Barcelona since 2000 and has had Spanish citizenship since 2005.

He is 10th on Forbes Magazine's list of the world's highest-earning athletes over the past decade, with income of $350 million.

REUTERS

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Mourinho responds to Capello criticism

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at criticism levelled by Fabio Capello and said he is determined to lift the Blues out of their current slump.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has hit back at criticism levelled by Fabio Capello and said he is determined to lift the Blues out of the rut that has seen them slump to the lower reaches of the Premier League.

Chelsea are currently two places above the relegation zone after losing four and winning only two of their first eight league games.

Their worst start to a season in 37 years has prompted criticism of Mourinho's methods, with Capello notably claiming the Portuguese coach “burns out his players” after two seasons.

Mourinho, speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, admitted he “can't hide the reality” of Chelsea's dire straits but took exception to Capello's assessment of his leadership methods.

“I read what Capello said,” Mourinho told the Italian sports daily on Thursday.

“I think a coach with his kind of past should be talking about football and not commenting on the work of colleagues.”

Capello, who was sacked by the Russian football federation in the summer after a string of disappointing results, claimed Mourinho was guilty of the same pattern of behaviour at Chelsea as he was while in charge at Real Madrid.

“Mourinho burns out his players after a year and a half, at most two years,” Capello told Gazzetta recently.

“I had already heard it when he was in Madrid and now we have confirmation in London.”

Mourinho added: “I could have commented on his (Capello) job as coach for England or the Russian one, and I never did, because I prefer to respect the negative moments of my colleagues.

“I like hearing about Fabio Capello in the many beautiful moments of his career, which has been full of extraordinary success.”

Embattled Mourinho said he could not explain Chelsea's recent run of poor results, but, having earned the recent backing of club bosses, said he was determined to stop the rot.

Asked what had led to Chelsea's recent dip in form, he told the sports daily: “I don't know, the results with Chelsea are negative at the moment. I can't hide the reality. And I struggle to find an explanation.

“But I assure you: we're working harder than we've ever worked before and we'll get out of this. And we're not giving up on the Champions League either.”

Mourinho added that club owner Roman Abramovich's backing in Chelsea's current time of crisis has been crucial.

“That makes me proud. It demonstrates the faith of Abramovich for a coach who has won three Premier League titles with this club. I want to thank him.” – AFP

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Shaky Mashaba in need of a win

Shakes Mashaba will love nothing more than for history to repeat itself in the wee hours of tomorrow morning when Bafana Bafana face Costa Rica.

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Shakes Mashaba will love nothing more than for history to repeat itself in the wee hours of tomorrow morning.

Mashaba leads South Africa in only their second clash with Costa Rica, the previous match between the two nations having ended in victory for Bafana Bafana.

He was in charge back then, Bra Shakes guiding the South Africans to a 2-1 Nelson Mandela Challenge victory at Potchefstroom’s Olen Park in 2003.

A similar result tomorrow and some of the pressure that has been brought to bear on him following a pathetic start to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will be eased.

But, more importantly, getting the scalp of a team that reached the semi-final at last year’s World Cup in Brazil will be an immense confidence booster for Bafana.

Immediately after the friendlies with Costa Rica tomorrow and Honduras next week, Bafana will have a two-legged World Cup preliminary clash with Angola.

Such has been Bafana’s poor showing in the Afcon qualifiers – a draw with Gambia was followed by defeat to Mauritania – that there are already fears that they won’t get past the Palanca Negras on November 9 and 17.

Not even victory over Senegal has seemed to help, the view among Bafana fans being that the team always wins friendlies but fail where it matters most – in official matches.

Yet, beating a team that did so well at the previous World Cup should change that perception a bit, although the fact that the Central Americans are clearly also taking this friendly seriously, is sure to make things that much harder for Bafana.

“We are excited to be here and have heard that Costa Rica have named their most powerful squad. I am glad because my boys always relish playing against the world’s giants,” Mashaba is reported to have said during a press conference upon arrival in Costa Rica.

“I have brought a very exciting group of players who are eager to leave a lasting impression on this continent and (tomorrow morning), fans should be in for a real treat.”

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune supported the coach’s statement.

“Everyone is excited to be here and matches against countries like Costa Rica are what brings out the best in most professional players. I saw them play Brazil last month and the truth is they are a formidable side that will test our mental strength,” he said.

With Angola looming large as an obstacle to Bafana’s Russia 2018 ambitions, a good win will go a long way towards giving Mashaba’s team a psychological advantage.

To achieve that, however, Mashaba will have to summon his good old motivational abilities that saw him earn a reputation as one of the country’s best coaches.

He would have done well to take along the tape of that victory over Costa Rica to inspire this team in emulating their predecessors. - The Star

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Bale ready to fire Wales into Euro finals

Fit-again Gareth Bale will lead Wales into the cauldron of Bosnia's Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica on Saturday.

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Fit-again Gareth Bale will lead Wales into the cauldron of Bosnia's Bilino Polje stadium in Zenica on Saturday as they aim to end a 57-year long wait to qualify for a major tournament with a match to spare.

The Welsh, who lead Group B with 18 points from eight games, need one point from their remaining two fixtures to reach Euro 2016, with their final qualifier against Andorra in Cardiff on Tuesday.

The 1958 World Cup was their only previous appearance on the big stage and Bale, who was named the Welsh player of the year for a record fifth time on Monday, made it no secret how excited they were with the prospect.

“We have been working hard for many years to be in this position,” he was quoted as saying by the BBC.

“We have all been playing with each other for six to eight years. The manager has come in and been amazing.”

Manager Chris Coleman had been sweating on Bale's fitness in recent weeks but the 26-year old allayed fears he might be unavailable after coming on as a substitute in Real Madrid's 1-1 draw at city rivals Atletico on Sunday.

“I have prepared well for the last couple of weeks,” said Bale. “The calf is okay. It was a nice 20 minutes to open it up and get the legs going ready for the next two games.”

But even at full strength with Bale firing on all cylinders, the match against a Bosnia side desperately needing a win to keep alive their own hopes of qualifying will be a stern test for unbeaten Wales.

The Bosnians, who are fourth in the group with 11 points behind second-placed Belgium (17) and third-placed Israel (13), are holding their breath as top scorer Edin Dzeko faces a race against time to shake off a knee injury.

The 26-year-old AS Roma striker twisted his ligament in his team's 5-1 Serie A win over Carpi on Sept. 26 and although he was initially ruled out for up to six weeks, he has been included in Bosnia's 25-man squad.

“Dzeko will train separately for two sessions and we expect him on the pitch on (Thursday) afternoon,” the Balkan nation's coach Mehmed Bazdarevic said.

“We hope he will be ready for the match.”

The Bosnians will miss suspended central midfielder Muhamed Besic but unlike up front, where Vedad Ibisevic stands out as the only natural replacement for Dzeko, Bazdarevic has plenty to choose from in the engine room.

With Dzeko's Roma team mate Miralem Pjanic set to pull the strings, the Bosnians can also count on Haris Medunjanin, Tino Sven Susic, Sejad Salihovic and the speedy Senad Lulic.

Dropping forward Izet Hajrovic came as a little bit of a surprise, though, given Bosnia's limited options up front as Edin Visca and particularly 20-year-old Armin Hodzic lack experience at the highest level. – Reuters

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Hummels backs Klopp to succeed at Anfield

Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels has backed Jurgen Klopp to succeed at Liverpool, hailing his former manager as a “fantastic coach”.

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Borussia Dortmund captain Mats Hummels has backed Jurgen Klopp to succeed at Liverpool, hailing his former manager as a “fantastic coach” who “eats, lives, breathes and thinks football”.

Two-times Bundesliga title winner Klopp is reportedly close to replacing Brendan Rodgers as Liverpool's manager, with the 48-year-old expected to be unveiled by the Merseyside club by Friday.

Asked about Klopp's prospects at Anfield, Hummels said his former manager would be a perfect fit.

“There's no doubt he's a fantastic coach and when people put their mind to the question of 'what does he do post-Dortmund?' then clubs like Liverpool naturally come into the equation,” Hummels told reporters at a news conference in Dublin ahead of Germany's Euro 2016 qualifier against Ireland.

“He eats, lives, breathes and thinks football day after day and is a fantastic addition to any team. I'll keep my fingers crossed for him in his next venture,” the 26-year-old defender added.

Klopp also received the backing of German national coach Joachim Loew.

“I'm not really party to the negotiations but I do know talks are taking place,” Loew said.

“He's had a fantastic, extraordinary time in Dortmund and created lots of emotions among the supporters.

“Looking from afar, there are comparisons you can make between Dortmund and Liverpool in terms of the supporter culture of both clubs. If they can work it out, he can be a great addition to any team.” – Reuters

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Walcott targets England striker role

Arsenal's Theo Walcott is hoping to lead the line for England if Wayne Rooney does not recover from an ankle injury in time to face Estonia at Wembley.

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Arsenal's Theo Walcott is hoping to lead the line for England if Wayne Rooney does not recover from an ankle injury in time to face Estonia at Wembley on Friday.

The Manchester United and England captain is a major doubt for the Euro 2016 qualifier after missing two training sessions, with England manager Roy Hodgson reportedly set to name Gary Cahill skipper if Rooney misses the game.

Hodgson has used Walcott mostly on the right for England, but the 26-year-old has impressed in a central role for his club this season and has admitted that is where he wants to play for the national team as well.

“I know everyone would like to see me up front,” Walcott told reporters before the Estonia game.

“Playing there for England, that's what I want to do.”

England qualified for next year's finals in France with a 6-0 victory in San Marino on Sept. 5 and have won all eight of their qualifiers so far.

Walcott, who grabbed a brace in the San Marino game and has 12 goals in his last 14 Premier League starts, revealed that his improved form was down to advice from Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger and former team mate Thierry Henry, who is back at the club in a coaching role.

“He (Wenger) asked if I could be more aggressive on the pitch,” Walcott said.

“I actually said (to Wenger), 'Do you want me to start kicking people?' That was my first reaction. He said, 'No, I'm not saying that.'

“Again he wanted me to be more aggressive in terms of running at players, closing them down, tracking back, being there and in their faces,” Walcott added.

The striker also said Henry has been a key factor in his improvement.

“I have been chatting to him on a personal level behind the scenes as well to learn things from him,” Walcott said.

“It is a great tool to have in the locker ... I've had quite a few words with him about some of the games I've played.

“He has just given me his analysis and if I've needed to ask him some questions about it, he's always there,” he added. – Reuters

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Mourinho is the best - Fabregas

Chelsea’s Cesc Fabregas has joined captain John Terry in backing manager Jose Mourinho after their abysmal start to the season.

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Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has joined captain John Terry in backing manager Jose Mourinho after the Blues' abysmal start to their Premier League title defence.

Currently in his second stint with the club, Mourinho has come under intense scrutiny this campaign as Chelsea head into the international break with eight points from the same number of games that leave them fifth from bottom in the table.

The Blues lost just three games in the league last season as they went on to win the title with a comfortable eight-point gap.

They have already lost four times in the current campaign but the former Real Madrid manager, who described the start to the season as “worst period in my career”, continues to have the full backing of the club.

After Terry said “if anyone is going to get us out of this hole it is going to be Jose Mourinho” Fabregas also voiced his support for the 52-year-old Portuguese.

“He is the best coach in the history of the club and the best we can have,” Fabregas, who could win his 100th cap when Spain play Luxembourg on Friday and Ukraine on Monday, told Radio Marca.

“Personally, he (Mourinho) helped me in a very complicated moment of my career and he gives me confidence.

“I will do whatever he asks. In face-to-face situations he helps me a lot and I respect him for that. We (Chelsea) are not well, but we will do better.

“We have the best coach for the club. People have not forgotten that five months ago we won the Premier League and a cup, but we have to change the situation fast and soon,” the former Arsenal captain added. – Reuters

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Bafana ready for Costa Rica test

Bafana Bafana completed their only training session at San Jose's National Stadium and coach Shakes Mashaba said being professionals his players were ready for the challenges.

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Costa Rica - Bafana Bafana completed their only training session at San Jose's National Stadium and coach Shakes Mashaba said being professionals his players were ready for the challenges.

South Africa arrived in the Costa Rican capital of San Jose at around 10h00 on Tuesday morning ((16h00 SA time) and could not head straight for training as the players were both jet-lagged and mentally fatigued from the marathon journey.

But Mashaba was all smiles after the gruelling one-and-half hour session in blazing heat on Wednesday and immediately declared that he was spoilt for choice for Thursday's game.

“The only area of concern is upfront where I think we are a bit short of strikers but generally, fans should be in for a real treat. “The players looked sharp at training and despite the lack of sufficient time to gel, I am happy, very happy with what I have at my disposal. We should compete, and compete hard, come match day,” said an upbeat Mashaba.

The Bafana Bafana versus Costa Rica game will be beamed live on SABC 1 and commences at 04h00 South African time in the early hours of Friday.

Mashaba said what makes him confident that this group of players will be up to the task is the general spirit among the players which he said was sky high. “The mood in the team has been amazing. I suppose it has to do with the way we have been welcomed as well. The hospitality has been superb and we need to repay soccer fans with an exciting brand of football. We owe it to fans back home to put smiles on their faces as well,” added Mashaba.

His sentiments were echoed by defender Anele Ngcongca who said despite handicaps here and there, Bafana Bafana were headed in the right direction under the tutelage of coach Mashaba.

“I know South Africans want us to win everything but from now onwards, we will put our foot on the gas and try to deliver. We owe it to South Africans for the senior national team to make the country proud and happy.

“This is an ideal preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Angola. We can't afford to make mistakes again because South Africans love their Bafana Bafana and we have to reciprocate and deliver,” said Ngcongca.

After the match against Costa Rica, Bafana Bafana leave for Honduras on Friday to complete the Central American tour which both Ngcongca and goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune said should be used as a springboard to achieve greater things. - ANA

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Klopp is drawn by Liverpool’s history

Those who know Jurgen Klopp well say he is a romantic and this is why Liverpool enchants him.

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A hopeful crowd gathered at the gates of Melwood yesterday afternoon, waiting for smoke to rise from the training enclave like it does when the Vatican chooses a new pope.

Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp and his advisors were discussing the prospect of a future at Liverpool; a managerial responsibility that on Merseyside is papal in its standing.

Those who know Klopp well say he is a romantic and this is why Liverpool enchants him. He acts on instinct. He listens to the memories that rattle around his consciousness; ones that remain vivid no matter how long they have been there.

Like other Germans in his age group, Klopp, 48, remembers when England's teams dominated Europe. He was a month short of his 10th birthday when, in 1977, Liverpool collected their first European Cup by beating Borussia Mönchengladbach in Rome.

Soon after, Hamburg, Mönchengladbach again and Bayern Munich were dispatched in various European competitions by Liverpool, and Anfield's trophy room needed extending.

Klopp remembers an era when English football possessed an aura: when Germany and its football culture aspired to be English. How times have changed.

His mind is not cluttered. But Klopp remembers. He will have thought about what it was like when he took over at Dortmund in 2008. He will realise that there are some similarities with history and present circumstance at Liverpool. He will recognise the differences, too.

The message from Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners, will be to make the club successful again and, almost certainly, to qualify for the Champions League. It will be delivered as more of an ambition than a demand.

At Dortmund, he was not recruited to propel the club to the top of the Bundesliga. The mood in 2008 was corrosive: a fan base feeling short-changed and fed up with a team that did not give 100 per cent to the cause. Supporters merely wanted to see effort again, something they could identify with; players with the ability to harness the passion from the terraces on to the pitch.

In his first weeks at Dortmund he considered crucial the process of speaking with fan groups. When one eminent ultra, because of his job as an insurance salesman, was caught in traffic and therefore was an hour late for a meeting, Klopp insisted on the sit-down being delayed for as long as it took because he wanted everyone to be there.

Klopp was already popular in Germany before landing the job at the Westfalenstadion. Working as a TV pundit during the 2006 World Cup n Germany, while he was still in charge of Mainz, his popularity rocketed because of his natural and funny manner. He rarely said the same thing twice and did not use stock phrases.

This ability was crucial at Dortmund, where his pre-match team talks became legendary and presidential in their deliverance. His command of language when speaking in German is creative and, although he is competent in English, it may have concerned him that it is not strong enough to get an impassioned but clear message across in the really vital moments. It explains why he has rejected several offers to manage in Spain since beginning a sabbatical in May. He realises his limitations.

Klopp is certainly no careerist. He played only for Mainz before becoming coach for seven years, spending the same number of seasons at Dortmund. Though he has been offered a three-year contract by Liverpool, he feels this will be his only English club and he could end up staying longer if the relationship works.

Friends say that although he did not initially realise it, he had come to accept that a year out would be beneficial for his own well-being, such is the intensity with which he operates. When Lucien Favre resigned as Mönchengladbach's coach last month, Klopp was suggested as a replacement by those with power inside the club but he made it clear he wanted to remain at peace for a little while longer.

His decision to join Liverpool will not be based around what money is on offer, friends insist. Potentially, he will earn considerably more at Anfield than he did at Dortmund. Unusually, some even believe this might put him off, taking it as a sign of Liverpool's desperation or a reflection of the transience of a Premier League manager's role.

This thought will bring him to the issue of the people he is working for. When Brendan Rodgers was sacked on Sunday over the phone it was due to the fact that those making the decision were across the Atlantic. When Klopp left Dortmund, the club chairman Hans-Joachim Watzke was by his side with the expression of someone whose relative had just died. Klopp, in need of a break, appeared relieved. Watzke was shattered. But he was there.

Klopp realises managing Liverpool will pose different challenges to Dortmund. The club is fragile but it will be fortunate when he takes over, fortunate that at least one significant person inside it takes a sympathetic view of Liverpool's continuing claim to greatness, someone who ultimately is stirred by the nostalgic bonds of history. – The Independent

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Depay still adapting to Premier League

Manchester United's Dutch forward Memphis Depay had admitted he is still adjusting to the physical demands of the Premier League.

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Manchester United's Dutch forward Memphis Depay had admitted he is still adjusting to the physical demands of the Premier League after moving to England this year.

The former PSV Eindhoven winger has failed to light up English football after finding the back of the net just once in eight league appearance.

The Netherlands international has, however, been impressive in the Champions League, scoring three goals in four appearances in Europe's most prestigious club competition.

“There are a lot of games in Manchester. There are very few rest days and on training days you are mainly concerned with recovering,” the 21-year-old Dutchman told De Telegraaf ahead of the Netherlands' European Championship qualifier against Kazakhstan on Saturday.

“It's heavy, two games a week, always at a high level, and my body has to get used to that,” he added.

Depay is still confident making the switch to Manchester was the right move for him.

“I try to manage my career in steps, and I am still in the middle. I think this was the right step and I am happy in Manchester - I'm still developing,” Depay said.

United, who sit third in the table, will be hoping Depay will start firing on all cylinders when they travel to face Everton on October 17 at Goodison Park, a ground where they have lost on their last three visits. – Reuters

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Rooney doubtful for Estonia game

England captain and striker Wayne Rooney is doubtful for the Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia.

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England striker Wayne Rooney is doubtful for Friday's Euro 2016 qualifier against Estonia but will still be presented with a golden boot to commemorate him becoming the country's record scorer even if he does not play at Wembley.

The 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Charlton, whose scoring record of 49 goals has been eclipsed by Rooney, will present his fellow Manchester United great with the boot before kick-off.

A 20-metre square surfer flag with the striker's picture on it will be passed over the fans as part of the celebrations.

Rooney, who beat Charlton's 45-year-old scoring record by scoring his 50th goal with a penalty against Switzerland on Sept. 8, has missed the last two training sessions at St George's Park with an ankle injury, British media reported.

England have already qualified for next year's European Championship finals in France and are the only team to have won all their eight qualifying matches so far.

Defender John Stones has withdrawn from the squad with an injury and manager Roy Hodgson has called up Tottenham Hotspur duo Kyle Walker and Andros Townsend as replacements. – Reuters

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Arsenal can win title - Ozil

Arsenal have a chance of lifting the Premier League trophy this season if they can keep key players fit, midfielder Mesut Ozil has said.

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Arsenal have a chance of lifting the Premier League trophy this season if they can keep key players fit, midfielder Mesut Ozil has said.

The German international spoke to Bild before his country's European Championship qualifier against Ireland, saying the Gunners had proved they have what it takes to win the league by beating Manchester United on Sunday.

The result left Arsenal second in the table ahead of United on goal difference and two points behind leaders Manchester City.

“We have a great team with many world-class players,” Ozil said. “Our goal is to win the Premier League and I think that this season it's possible to do it, if we all stay healthy.

“But the season is long.”

Arsenal can beat Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich in the Champions League on October 20, the 26-year-old said, despite the Bavarian side's intimidating form that has seen them score three or more goals in their last six games in all competitions.

“I didn't expect them (Bayern) to beat (Borussia) Dortmund 5-1 (in the Bundesliga on Sunday).

“Their recent results show they are simply in great shape ... But our victory against Manchester United was a sign: when we play and want it 100 percent, then we can beat Bayern,” Ozil said.

“We are playing at home. Although we have respect for them, we don't have any fear. We know how to score goals against Bayern and we can be successful. It will be difficult - but we have the potential to beat any team,” he added. – Reuters

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