Argentina have named six Primera Division-based stars in their squad to play Italy next month in Rome.
The Albiceleste face the Azzurri at the Stadio Olimpico in August in a friendly arranged to honour Pope Francis, who is due to attend.
In the squad picked are six names from La Liga, including Barcelona duo Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano, Real Madrid’s Angel di Maria, Valencia’s Ever Banega, Celta Vigo’s Augusto Fernandez, Almeria’s new signing Oscar Ustari.
Argentina squad to play Italy
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Mariano Andujar (Catania), Oscar Ustari (Almeria).
Defenders: Hugo Campagnaro (Inter), Federico Fernandez (Napoli), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Fabricio Coloccini (Newcastle), Cristian Ansaldi (Rubin Kazan), Jose Maria Basanta (Monterrey).
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid), Augusto Fernandez (Celta), Ricardo Alvarez (Inter), Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Erik Lamela (Roma), Ever Banega (Valencia).
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter), Gonzalo Higuain (Napoli), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris Saint-Germain).
Wednesday 31 July 2013
NFF Men's Fed Cup (Full Reports)
~~At the Kwara State Stadium, Warri Wolves thumped League Champions, Kano Pillars, 3-0. Musa Najare grabbed a brace within 20 minutes, while Nigerian international Oghenekaro Etebor scored just before half time to send the Warri club into the semi-finals.
~~Akwa United accounted for the elimination of Federations Cup holders, Heartland, 5-4 on penalties, after normal time finished 1-1, with Ini Akpan cancelling David Tyavkase's 30th minute opener.
Centre Back Hamza Onwuemenyi converted the decisive penalty.
~~Akwa Starlets - were eliminated by last year's runners-up, Lobi Stars.
Chimaobi Nwaogu gave Lobi the lead only for in-form Utibe Archibong to get on the end of a Ntiedo Uyoata cross to level scores.
But with 5 minutes of regular time left, Victor Obinna scored to break the hearts of the Starlets' faithful.
~~At the MKO Abiola Stadium, Bobby Sokari continued his good goal-scoring form with a second half goal, which gave Enyimba a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United.
Here Are The Semi Finals Fixtures
Warri Wolves vs Akwa United
Enyimba International vs Lobi Stars
~~Akwa United accounted for the elimination of Federations Cup holders, Heartland, 5-4 on penalties, after normal time finished 1-1, with Ini Akpan cancelling David Tyavkase's 30th minute opener.
Centre Back Hamza Onwuemenyi converted the decisive penalty.
~~Akwa Starlets - were eliminated by last year's runners-up, Lobi Stars.
Chimaobi Nwaogu gave Lobi the lead only for in-form Utibe Archibong to get on the end of a Ntiedo Uyoata cross to level scores.
But with 5 minutes of regular time left, Victor Obinna scored to break the hearts of the Starlets' faithful.
~~At the MKO Abiola Stadium, Bobby Sokari continued his good goal-scoring form with a second half goal, which gave Enyimba a 1-0 win over Nasarawa United.
Here Are The Semi Finals Fixtures
Warri Wolves vs Akwa United
Enyimba International vs Lobi Stars
United sign two-year sponsorship deal with PepsiCo
English Premier League soccer champions Manchester United (MANU.N) added PepsiCo Inc (PEP.N) to their expanding roster of global sponsors on Wednesday, signing a two-year deal with the US firm as its soft drinks partner in the Asia Pacific region.
Manchester United said PepsiCo would be their soft drinks partner in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, holding exclusive rights to use the club's branding on PepsiCo products within these markets.
Manchester United, which did not give a value for the deal, said it has a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in the seven countries, and claims to have over 650 million followers worldwide.
The club has lucrative sponsorship deals with companies ranging from US car maker General Motors (GM.N) to Japanese marine engineering company Yanmar. This month it also signed a five-year deal with Russian firm Aeroflot (AFLT.MM) to become its official airline.
Manchester United said PepsiCo would be their soft drinks partner in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, holding exclusive rights to use the club's branding on PepsiCo products within these markets.
Manchester United, which did not give a value for the deal, said it has a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in the seven countries, and claims to have over 650 million followers worldwide.
The club has lucrative sponsorship deals with companies ranging from US car maker General Motors (GM.N) to Japanese marine engineering company Yanmar. This month it also signed a five-year deal with Russian firm Aeroflot (AFLT.MM) to become its official airline.
United sign two-year sponsorship deal with PepsiCo
English Premier League soccer champions Manchester United (MANU.N) added PepsiCo Inc (PEP.N) to their expanding roster of global sponsors on Wednesday, signing a two-year deal with the US firm as its soft drinks partner in the Asia Pacific region.
Manchester United said PepsiCo would be their soft drinks partner in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, holding exclusive rights to use the club's branding on PepsiCo products within these markets.
Manchester United, which did not give a value for the deal, said it has a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in the seven countries, and claims to have over 650 million followers worldwide.
The club has lucrative sponsorship deals with companies ranging from US car maker General Motors (GM.N) to Japanese marine engineering company Yanmar. This month it also signed a five-year deal with Russian firm Aeroflot (AFLT.MM) to become its official airline.
Manchester United said PepsiCo would be their soft drinks partner in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos and Brunei, holding exclusive rights to use the club's branding on PepsiCo products within these markets.
Manchester United, which did not give a value for the deal, said it has a combined fan base of more than 38 million consumers in the seven countries, and claims to have over 650 million followers worldwide.
The club has lucrative sponsorship deals with companies ranging from US car maker General Motors (GM.N) to Japanese marine engineering company Yanmar. This month it also signed a five-year deal with Russian firm Aeroflot (AFLT.MM) to become its official airline.
Jesse outlines his plans in the colours of Real Madrid
Jese Rodriguez has reflected on signing a contract renewal with Real Madrid and outlined his ambitions for the forthcoming season.
The Under-20 talent impressed last season for Madrid’s Castilla unit in the Segunda Division and earlier this summer was rewarded with a three-year contract extension to commit him to the club through to June 2017.
“I am very happy to continue at the biggest club in the world,” enthused Jese to Real Madrid’s in house television channel.
“I have got here with a deal of effort and I hope to get much further.”
The Under-20 talent impressed last season for Madrid’s Castilla unit in the Segunda Division and earlier this summer was rewarded with a three-year contract extension to commit him to the club through to June 2017.
“I am very happy to continue at the biggest club in the world,” enthused Jese to Real Madrid’s in house television channel.
“I have got here with a deal of effort and I hope to get much further.”
Old Trafford giants ready to make third bid for Fabregas
Reports in England today are that Manchester United are preparing to make a third bid to sign Barcelona’s Cesc Fabregas this summer.
The Red Devils have so far seen bids of around €30m and €40m reportedly turned down by the Catalans, who are seen as intent on keeping hold of the 26-year-old.
Following on from reports that the player and his agent have both recently informed Barca of his intention to stay, it was suggested that United had moved their attention to Real Madrid’s Luka Modric.
David Moyes’ side are going to launch a third bid for Fabregas.
The English publication suggest that the Premier League side’s initial bids were closer to £26m and £30m respectively and that this next offer will meet the £35m, €40m mark.
The Red Devils have so far seen bids of around €30m and €40m reportedly turned down by the Catalans, who are seen as intent on keeping hold of the 26-year-old.
Following on from reports that the player and his agent have both recently informed Barca of his intention to stay, it was suggested that United had moved their attention to Real Madrid’s Luka Modric.
David Moyes’ side are going to launch a third bid for Fabregas.
The English publication suggest that the Premier League side’s initial bids were closer to £26m and £30m respectively and that this next offer will meet the £35m, €40m mark.
NFF Men's Fed Cup
Semi Finals Pairings
•Enyimba International vs Lobi Stars
•Warri Wolves vs Akwa United
•Enyimba International vs Lobi Stars
•Warri Wolves vs Akwa United
NFF Men's Fed Cup (Quarter Finals)
Results
•Nasarawa United 0-1 Enyimba International
•Akwa Starlets 1-2 Lobi Stars
•Kano Pillars 0-3 Warri Wolves
•Heartland 1-1 Akwa United (AP 4-5)
•Nasarawa United 0-1 Enyimba International
•Akwa Starlets 1-2 Lobi Stars
•Kano Pillars 0-3 Warri Wolves
•Heartland 1-1 Akwa United (AP 4-5)
Gists Galore
~~Daily Mirror
Tottenham want Luka Modric from Real Madrid as part of the world record deal for Gareth Bale.
Meanwhile, Spurs are in talks with Cardiff City who want to sign 21-year-old central defender Steven Caulker.
Arsenal will have to pay £55m if they still want Liverpool's Luis Suarez after the striker dropped his pursuit of arbitration as a means of leaving for less.
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton wants to play for boyhood heroes Everton and is willing to take a 50 per cent pay cut to make the move happen.
Liverpool have made a fresh approach for Schalke's 21-year-old Greek central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Sunderland are closing in on the £1.25m signing of winger Charis Mavrias, 19, from Panithinaikos, paving the way for James McClean to join Celtic.
Former manager Fabio Capello has warned that England will never win the World Cup - because the players are always "running on empty" after a long season with no winter break.
~~The Sun
Daniel Levy will reject any Real Madrid players being used in the deal for Spurs star Gareth Bale who he now values at £125m.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane last night pleaded with Spurs: Let Gareth Bale talk to us or he may not get another chance.
Chelsea have told German champions Bayern Munich that it will cost them £60m to sign Brazil star David Luiz.
West Ham are set to make a move for Sporting Lisbon's former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz, 31, but will have a £5m bid for Norwich's Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass rejected.
Reading boss Nigel Adkins wants to sign Cardiff striker Etien Velikonja, 24, on loan, while frontman Simon Church is in talks with Charlton after being released by the Royals.
Wigan have made a £500,000 bid for unwanted 27-year-old Norwich City defender Leon Barnett.
~~Daily Star
Zinedine Zidane has told Tottenham: Don't deny Gareth Bale the chance to fulfil his Real Madrid dream.
Manchester United have been accused of fleecing their fans by becoming the first British club to make it pay-per-view to watch a game.
Everton are preparing a £15m offer for Wigan's James McCarthy despite being told the 22-year-old midfielder will cost £20m.
West Ham want to sign striker Loic Remy from QPR and will revive their interest in Chelsea's Demba Ba if Remy is unwilling to move.
Hull City boss Steve Bruce is leading a six-way race to sign former Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim.
Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 27, claims he has agreed terms on a move to Newcastle - but the French side will refuse to lower their £9m asking price.
~~Daily Mail
Gareth Bale will report back to training today as Real Madrid keep up their seduction, with Zinedine Zidane claiming the player should be allowed to leave Tottenham and follow his dreams.
If Bale does move then Spurs could join north London neighbours Arsenal in the pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Valencia are planning an audacious move for Chelsea striker Fernando Torres with Roberto Soldado set to join Spurs.
Cardiff City have made an £8m bid for Spurs defender Steven Caulker.
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is a target for European sides Malaga, Hamburg and FC Twente.
QPR are in talks with Dinamo Moscow over the £1.5m sale of left-back Armand Traore, with French side Bordeaux also interested.
~~The Express
Real Madrid have indicated they will break the bank if necessary to get Gareth Bale as Zinedine Zidane cranked up the pressure on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to sell.
Liverpool face fierce competition from Borussia Dortmund for the signature of 23-year-old Rubin Kazan forward Salomon Rondon.
The Reds have agreed a loan deal for Benfica left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo with a view to a permanent £8.5m transfer.
~~The Telegraph
Gareth Bale will report to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground in turmoil today as the prospect of a world-record £85million transfer to Real Madrid threatens to boil over into acrimony.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has ruled out a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Stoke will send England international keeper Jack Butland out on loan this season as they become increasingly confident Asmir Begovic will stay.
Liverpool have taken the unusual step of issuing employees with a list of explicitly unacceptable language to be eradicated on a matchday.
~~The Times
Tottenham Hotspur will reluctantly agree to sell Gareth Bale to Real Madrid as long as Luka Modric is included in what would be a world-record transfer deal.
Meanwhile, Spurs looked to have edged ahead of Roma in the race to sign Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches who is valued at £6.8m.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is set for talks with Napoli, now managed by former Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
~~The Guardian
Striker Luis Suarez has not requested Premier League intervention in his contract dispute with Liverpool, one week on from Arsenal's club record bid of £40,000,001 for the Uruguay international.
English football has been warned it has allowed one of its major clubs to be exploited as a "branding vehicle" by an international regime accused of human rights abuses after a trial in Abu Dhabi, a country ruled by Manchester City's owner and his brothers, was widely denounced as repressive, involving torture, and "fundamentally unfair".
Tottenham want Luka Modric from Real Madrid as part of the world record deal for Gareth Bale.
Meanwhile, Spurs are in talks with Cardiff City who want to sign 21-year-old central defender Steven Caulker.
Arsenal will have to pay £55m if they still want Liverpool's Luis Suarez after the striker dropped his pursuit of arbitration as a means of leaving for less.
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton wants to play for boyhood heroes Everton and is willing to take a 50 per cent pay cut to make the move happen.
Liverpool have made a fresh approach for Schalke's 21-year-old Greek central defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos.
Sunderland are closing in on the £1.25m signing of winger Charis Mavrias, 19, from Panithinaikos, paving the way for James McClean to join Celtic.
Former manager Fabio Capello has warned that England will never win the World Cup - because the players are always "running on empty" after a long season with no winter break.
~~The Sun
Daniel Levy will reject any Real Madrid players being used in the deal for Spurs star Gareth Bale who he now values at £125m.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane last night pleaded with Spurs: Let Gareth Bale talk to us or he may not get another chance.
Chelsea have told German champions Bayern Munich that it will cost them £60m to sign Brazil star David Luiz.
West Ham are set to make a move for Sporting Lisbon's former Chelsea defender Khalid Boulahrouz, 31, but will have a £5m bid for Norwich's Scotland winger Robert Snodgrass rejected.
Reading boss Nigel Adkins wants to sign Cardiff striker Etien Velikonja, 24, on loan, while frontman Simon Church is in talks with Charlton after being released by the Royals.
Wigan have made a £500,000 bid for unwanted 27-year-old Norwich City defender Leon Barnett.
~~Daily Star
Zinedine Zidane has told Tottenham: Don't deny Gareth Bale the chance to fulfil his Real Madrid dream.
Manchester United have been accused of fleecing their fans by becoming the first British club to make it pay-per-view to watch a game.
Everton are preparing a £15m offer for Wigan's James McCarthy despite being told the 22-year-old midfielder will cost £20m.
West Ham want to sign striker Loic Remy from QPR and will revive their interest in Chelsea's Demba Ba if Remy is unwilling to move.
Hull City boss Steve Bruce is leading a six-way race to sign former Manchester City midfielder Abdisalam Ibrahim.
Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 27, claims he has agreed terms on a move to Newcastle - but the French side will refuse to lower their £9m asking price.
~~Daily Mail
Gareth Bale will report back to training today as Real Madrid keep up their seduction, with Zinedine Zidane claiming the player should be allowed to leave Tottenham and follow his dreams.
If Bale does move then Spurs could join north London neighbours Arsenal in the pursuit of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez.
Valencia are planning an audacious move for Chelsea striker Fernando Torres with Roberto Soldado set to join Spurs.
Cardiff City have made an £8m bid for Spurs defender Steven Caulker.
Arsenal striker Nicklas Bendtner is a target for European sides Malaga, Hamburg and FC Twente.
QPR are in talks with Dinamo Moscow over the £1.5m sale of left-back Armand Traore, with French side Bordeaux also interested.
~~The Express
Real Madrid have indicated they will break the bank if necessary to get Gareth Bale as Zinedine Zidane cranked up the pressure on Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy to sell.
Liverpool face fierce competition from Borussia Dortmund for the signature of 23-year-old Rubin Kazan forward Salomon Rondon.
The Reds have agreed a loan deal for Benfica left-back Lorenzo Melgarejo with a view to a permanent £8.5m transfer.
~~The Telegraph
Gareth Bale will report to Tottenham Hotspur's training ground in turmoil today as the prospect of a world-record £85million transfer to Real Madrid threatens to boil over into acrimony.
Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has ruled out a move for Chelsea defender David Luiz.
Stoke will send England international keeper Jack Butland out on loan this season as they become increasingly confident Asmir Begovic will stay.
Liverpool have taken the unusual step of issuing employees with a list of explicitly unacceptable language to be eradicated on a matchday.
~~The Times
Tottenham Hotspur will reluctantly agree to sell Gareth Bale to Real Madrid as long as Luka Modric is included in what would be a world-record transfer deal.
Meanwhile, Spurs looked to have edged ahead of Roma in the race to sign Steaua Bucharest defender Vlad Chiriches who is valued at £6.8m.
Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel is set for talks with Napoli, now managed by former Reds boss Rafael Benitez.
~~The Guardian
Striker Luis Suarez has not requested Premier League intervention in his contract dispute with Liverpool, one week on from Arsenal's club record bid of £40,000,001 for the Uruguay international.
English football has been warned it has allowed one of its major clubs to be exploited as a "branding vehicle" by an international regime accused of human rights abuses after a trial in Abu Dhabi, a country ruled by Manchester City's owner and his brothers, was widely denounced as repressive, involving torture, and "fundamentally unfair".
Inter Milan prepares to swoop for Taider
After pondering over the search for a midfielder, Inter Milan have finally decided on signing Saphir Taider from Bologna.
The Nerazzurri are up with an offer that would interest the 21-year-old Algerian.
However, Bologna manager Giuseppe Meazza is not too keen on selling off Taider at anything less than 18 million but it is believed that Inter have pulled off an ace up their sleeves.
Coach Walter Mazzarri has decided to offer the rival club between 8m and 10 in cash, co-ownership of Rene Krhin and full ownership of midfielder Alfred Duncan that is sure to lure the Bologna chiefs.
Taider made a move to Bologna in 2011 and has three goals in from 48 Serie A appearances.
The Nerazzurri are up with an offer that would interest the 21-year-old Algerian.
However, Bologna manager Giuseppe Meazza is not too keen on selling off Taider at anything less than 18 million but it is believed that Inter have pulled off an ace up their sleeves.
Coach Walter Mazzarri has decided to offer the rival club between 8m and 10 in cash, co-ownership of Rene Krhin and full ownership of midfielder Alfred Duncan that is sure to lure the Bologna chiefs.
Taider made a move to Bologna in 2011 and has three goals in from 48 Serie A appearances.
Neymar makes his Barca debut
Barcelona's new signing Neymar was denied a win on his debut when the Brazilian forward came on as a second-half substitute in a 2-2 draw in a friendly at Polish side Lechia Gdansk on Tuesday.
The standout performer in his nation's triumph at last month's Confederations Cup,
Neymar joined with his new team mates on Monday and made the trip to Poland to feature in a Barcelona squad for the first time since joining from Santos.
He replaced Chile forward Alexis Sanchez in the 78th minute, just after World Player of the Year Lionel Messi had been substituted, and was welcomed with a series of robust challenges from the home players.
New coach Gerardo Martino did not make the trip to Poland and will make his debut on the bench when Barca host Neymar's former club in a friendly at the Nou Camp on Friday.
A minute's silence was held before the match in Gdansk after Barca announced earlier on Tuesday that their former goalkeeper Antoni Ramallets had died at the age of 89.
Ramallets made 473 appearances for the Catalan club between 1946 and 1961 and won six La Liga titles and five Spanish Cups.
He was awarded the Zamora trophy for the top goalkeeper in La Liga five times and was part of the Spain squad that finished fourth at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
The standout performer in his nation's triumph at last month's Confederations Cup,
Neymar joined with his new team mates on Monday and made the trip to Poland to feature in a Barcelona squad for the first time since joining from Santos.
He replaced Chile forward Alexis Sanchez in the 78th minute, just after World Player of the Year Lionel Messi had been substituted, and was welcomed with a series of robust challenges from the home players.
New coach Gerardo Martino did not make the trip to Poland and will make his debut on the bench when Barca host Neymar's former club in a friendly at the Nou Camp on Friday.
A minute's silence was held before the match in Gdansk after Barca announced earlier on Tuesday that their former goalkeeper Antoni Ramallets had died at the age of 89.
Ramallets made 473 appearances for the Catalan club between 1946 and 1961 and won six La Liga titles and five Spanish Cups.
He was awarded the Zamora trophy for the top goalkeeper in La Liga five times and was part of the Spain squad that finished fourth at the 1950 World Cup in Brazil.
UEFA wield the stick on Dinamo Zagreb
Dinamo Zagreb have been punished for fans' racist chants and must close one section of their stadium for a Champions League match on Tuesday.
UEFA says its disciplinary panel also ordered the Croatian champions to pay a fine of 25,000 euros.
The panel judged that Dinamo fans chanted racist abuse last week during a Champions League qualifying match against Fola Esch of Luxembourg. Dinamo won 1-0 to advance 6-0 on aggregate.
UEFA says the east section of the club's Maksimir Stadium must be closed on Tuesday when Moldovan champions Sheriff visit for the first leg of their third-round qualifier.
UEFA says Dinamo were sanctioned using tougher new regulations designed to curb racism and discrimination at matches.
UEFA says its disciplinary panel also ordered the Croatian champions to pay a fine of 25,000 euros.
The panel judged that Dinamo fans chanted racist abuse last week during a Champions League qualifying match against Fola Esch of Luxembourg. Dinamo won 1-0 to advance 6-0 on aggregate.
UEFA says the east section of the club's Maksimir Stadium must be closed on Tuesday when Moldovan champions Sheriff visit for the first leg of their third-round qualifier.
UEFA says Dinamo were sanctioned using tougher new regulations designed to curb racism and discrimination at matches.
Scolari sticks with the core of his Confederations Cup squad, gives Maxwell a call-up
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has picked almost the same squad that won the Confederations Cup for the team's friendly against Switzerland in August.
Scolari selected 20 players for the match in Basel on August 14, with 19 of them drawn from the Cup squad. Paris Saint-Germain left-back Maxwell is the only newcomer.
The starting 11 from the victory against Spain in the final of the World Cup warm-up tournament in June were summoned, including strikers Neymar and Fred, midfielder Oscar and defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz.
The missing players from the 23-player Confederations Cup squad are goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, defenders Rever and Filipe Luis, and midfielder Jadson.
The Squad;
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers), Jefferson (Botafogo)
Defenders: Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Jean (Fluminense), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders: Fernando (Shakhtar Donetsk), Hernanes (Lazio), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Paulinho (Tottenham), Oscar (Chelsea),Bernard (Atletico Mineiro), Lucas (Paris Saint Germain)
Strikers: Hulk (Zenit), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Barcelona)
Scolari selected 20 players for the match in Basel on August 14, with 19 of them drawn from the Cup squad. Paris Saint-Germain left-back Maxwell is the only newcomer.
The starting 11 from the victory against Spain in the final of the World Cup warm-up tournament in June were summoned, including strikers Neymar and Fred, midfielder Oscar and defenders Thiago Silva and David Luiz.
The missing players from the 23-player Confederations Cup squad are goalkeeper Diego Cavalieri, defenders Rever and Filipe Luis, and midfielder Jadson.
The Squad;
Goalkeepers: Julio Cesar (Queens Park Rangers), Jefferson (Botafogo)
Defenders: Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain), David Luiz (Chelsea), Dante (Bayern Munich), Daniel Alves (Barcelona), Jean (Fluminense), Marcelo (Real Madrid), Maxwell (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders: Fernando (Shakhtar Donetsk), Hernanes (Lazio), Luiz Gustavo (Bayern Munich), Paulinho (Tottenham), Oscar (Chelsea),Bernard (Atletico Mineiro), Lucas (Paris Saint Germain)
Strikers: Hulk (Zenit), Jo (Atletico Mineiro), Fred (Fluminense), Neymar (Barcelona)
Tuesday 30 July 2013
We will help Neymar to thrive- Alexis
Alexis Sanchez has reflected on Neymar’s arrival at Barcelona and on being in direct competition for a starting spot with the Brazilian.
The €57m summer signing is today preparing with his new teammates for this evening’s friendly in Poland against Lechia Gdansk in what could be his first appearance for the Catalans.
“We had hoped for him and I wish him well for his further education in European football,” Alexis reflected to reporters today.
“How is he? In the morning I saw him and he looked a little tired…no, we all hope that he does well, he has the support of all of his teammates.
“He is one more in a team that is intent on fighting for all the titles this season.”
The Chilean is expected to be in direct competition for a place in the team with the 21-year-old.
“The first thing is to have a good preseason, then to fight for a spot in the team every day.
“I trust my capacity as a player, the club have said that they count on me and I will stay to continue to help the team.
“I do not mind playing on the wing or down the middle, there is no difference.”
The €57m summer signing is today preparing with his new teammates for this evening’s friendly in Poland against Lechia Gdansk in what could be his first appearance for the Catalans.
“We had hoped for him and I wish him well for his further education in European football,” Alexis reflected to reporters today.
“How is he? In the morning I saw him and he looked a little tired…no, we all hope that he does well, he has the support of all of his teammates.
“He is one more in a team that is intent on fighting for all the titles this season.”
The Chilean is expected to be in direct competition for a place in the team with the 21-year-old.
“The first thing is to have a good preseason, then to fight for a spot in the team every day.
“I trust my capacity as a player, the club have said that they count on me and I will stay to continue to help the team.
“I do not mind playing on the wing or down the middle, there is no difference.”
No comments for now- Soldado
The striker is back in training with Los Che this week but is expected to complete a move to Tottenham shortly, with reports indicating that a €30m deal has been agreed.
Gago delighted at move to Boca
The midfielder, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Velez Sarsfield, last week completed a move back to his first career club Boca, after they agreed a €1.7m deal to sign 50 per cent of his rights from Los Che.
Barca will make progess- Alex Song
Barca are preparing today for this evening’s third preseason friendly of the summer, at Lechia Gdansk.
It is a game that was rearranged to today, having been cancelled 10 days prior in the wake of Vilanova’s resignation as Coach due to ill health.
Meeting between Real Madrid and Spurs fixed as regards Bale
Real Madrid and Tottenham are reportedly set to meet and negotiate terms for Gareth Bale’s transfer next week.
Reports in Spain overnight have suggested that Los Merengues’ President Florentino Perez will soon meet with Spurs counterpart Daniel Levy to open formal negotiations for the prized 24-year-old winger.
Reports in Spain overnight have suggested that Los Merengues’ President Florentino Perez will soon meet with Spurs counterpart Daniel Levy to open formal negotiations for the prized 24-year-old winger.
Maradona accused of attacking photographer
A celebrity magazine photographer has accused Diego Maradona of kicking him in the groin, filing a police complaint against the Argentine great.
Gente magazine photographer Enrique Medina said the attack happened outside Maradona's father's house on Sunday night as he waited to take a picture of the 1986 World Cup winner.
Michael Owen Tells Gareth Bale To Snub Real Madrid's advances
Former Real Madrid striker Michael Owen has warned Tottenham’s Gareth Bale that a move out to the Spain may provide more obstacles than expected.
The now retired ex-England international spent the 2004-05 season at the Santiago Bernabeu and, despite a role predominantly on the bench, managed 36 appearances and 13 goals in the Primera Division.
The now retired ex-England international spent the 2004-05 season at the Santiago Bernabeu and, despite a role predominantly on the bench, managed 36 appearances and 13 goals in the Primera Division.
Los Blancos Eyes Chiellini
Real Madrid will offer Juventus between €20-€22m for central defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to reports.
Los Blancos are keen to add the Italy international to their backline with Pepe strongly linked with a move to Manchester City.
Los Blancos are keen to add the Italy international to their backline with Pepe strongly linked with a move to Manchester City.
Valdes Targets More Success In The Colours Of Barca, Plans To Quit The Club At The End Of The 2013/2014 Season
Victor Valdes has commented once more that his decision to leave Barcelona next summer is ‘irreversible’, as he also describes an ideal finale.
The goalkeeper is staying on with the Blaugrana for 2013-14 for what will be the final year of his contract.
It is a choice that 31-year-old has reiterated today and has him already considering how he’d like to end his time at the Camp Nou.
The goalkeeper is staying on with the Blaugrana for 2013-14 for what will be the final year of his contract.
It is a choice that 31-year-old has reiterated today and has him already considering how he’d like to end his time at the Camp Nou.
Manchester United win in Hong Kong
Jesse Lingard set the seal on an impressive pre-season tour of the Far East and Australia with a superb curling finish as Manchester United eased to a 5-2 victory against Hong Kong outfit Kitchee FC.
2013 Women Federation Cup – Last Eight Draws, Venues
Confluence Queens five-nil clinical victory over Lagos based FC Real Dynamos have been rewarded with a quarter-final show-down with defending champions, Rivers Angels.
NFF Men's Fed Cup Quarter Finals (Preview)
The quarter-finals of Nigeria’s Challenge Cup tournament will take place this Wednesday as the last eight teams aim to get closer to win the coveted trophy. Four out of the eight teams contesting for semi-final spots have won the cup before.
The Serie A Expo, Fixtures Revealed At Last
Serie A champions Juventus will kick off their bid for a third straight title at Sampdoria, the only team they lost twice to in the league last season.
Christian Benitez is dead, question marks over Qatar 2022
Ecuador striker Christian Benitez died on Monday, a day after playing in a match for Qatari club El Jaish, the team said.
The club said the 27-year-old Benitez, who moved from Mexican club America to play in Qatar this year, died on Monday but provided no further details.
The club said the 27-year-old Benitez, who moved from Mexican club America to play in Qatar this year, died on Monday but provided no further details.
Monday 29 July 2013
Luiz is Barca's primary target
Barcelona have reportedly determined that Chelsea’s David Luiz is their primary transfer objective this summer.
The Catalans have been linked on and off with the Brazilian international this summer, but were seen to have prioritised a move for his international colleague Thiago Silva.
The Catalans have been linked on and off with the Brazilian international this summer, but were seen to have prioritised a move for his international colleague Thiago Silva.
Barca having a re-think about Neymar's involvement
Barcelona are reportedly considering leaving Neymar out of the travelling party for the midweek friendly in Poland.
Despite only reporting in for training with his new teammates today, the 21-year-old has been seen as likely to travel out with the squad for tomorrow’s rearranged friendly with Lechia Gdansk.
The Brazilian star’s inclusion in plans was seen as the Catalans’ way of compensating the Polish outfit for cancelling this preseason friendly’s original date of July 20.
Nani offered to Monaco
Monaco sporting director Vadim Vasilyev says the newly-promoted club has been offered the chance to sign Manchester United winger Nani.
Gists Galore
Tottenham Hotspur are ready to restart contract talks with Gareth Bale this week but are facing the prospect of another bid from Real Madrid as the race to secure the future of the Wales international intensifies.
Bayern Munich are understood to be considering a 40million euros (£34.5million) move for Chelsea's David Luiz.
Bayern Munich are understood to be considering a 40million euros (£34.5million) move for Chelsea's David Luiz.
Deserved Gold Cup Win For US
Brek Shea sure knows how to make an entrance. Just 42 seconds after coming into the game as a substitute on Sunday, Shea pounced after Landon Donovan whiffed a shot and poked the ball into the net.
His goal in the 69th minute gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Panama and the CONCACAF Gold Cup title. It is the fifth Gold Cup title for the Americans, but their first since 2007. It also is the first international title as a coach for Jurgen Klinsmann, who won the 1990 World Cup and 1996 European Championship with Germany.
His goal in the 69th minute gave the United States a 1-0 victory over Panama and the CONCACAF Gold Cup title. It is the fifth Gold Cup title for the Americans, but their first since 2007. It also is the first international title as a coach for Jurgen Klinsmann, who won the 1990 World Cup and 1996 European Championship with Germany.
Naija Team Of The Week......Compiled By Ayodele Fasusi and Ademetan Abayomi
•Chigozie Agbim (Eagles B)
If Eagles B have an excellent show in the CHAN, which is possible, then most fans may well look back at the fixture against CIV, where Agbim had to be at his best to make two great saves in the last 10 minutes of the 2nd leg. He gets the nod ahead of Enyimba's Femi Thomas.
If Eagles B have an excellent show in the CHAN, which is possible, then most fans may well look back at the fixture against CIV, where Agbim had to be at his best to make two great saves in the last 10 minutes of the 2nd leg. He gets the nod ahead of Enyimba's Femi Thomas.
Naija Players Xploits Abroad
Sammy Ameobi's early strike helped Newcastle United to a one-nil friendly victory over Blackpool FC at the Bloomfield Road.
Cercle Bruges earned a deserved one-all draw at Mons. Former Enugu Rangers star Michael Uchebo was given 20 minutes of action by the coaching crew of Bruges.
Cercle Bruges earned a deserved one-all draw at Mons. Former Enugu Rangers star Michael Uchebo was given 20 minutes of action by the coaching crew of Bruges.
Sunday 28 July 2013
Coentrao and Di Maria to serve as makeweights in the swoop for Bale
Real Madrid are set to offer Tottenham €60m for Gareth Bale, plus Angel Di Maria and Fabio Coentrao.
Reports in the Spanish Press on Saturday claimed that the Wales international was ‘only interested’ in playing for Los Blancos, only for the White Hart Lane side to then reject a €93.8m offer.
Reports in the Spanish Press on Saturday claimed that the Wales international was ‘only interested’ in playing for Los Blancos, only for the White Hart Lane side to then reject a €93.8m offer.
Valencia fails to sparkle in front of their fans
Valencia lost 2-1 to Milan at Mestalla on Saturday evening in the opening game of the Guinness International Champions Cup.
First half goals from Robinho and Nigel De Jong gave the Rossoneri a two-goal cushion going into the break.
And Miroslav Djukic’s men were unable to claw back a result despite Dani Parejo’s strike midway through the second period.
Valencia will now travel to New York to face the loser of the match between Inter and Chelsea.
First half goals from Robinho and Nigel De Jong gave the Rossoneri a two-goal cushion going into the break.
And Miroslav Djukic’s men were unable to claw back a result despite Dani Parejo’s strike midway through the second period.
Valencia will now travel to New York to face the loser of the match between Inter and Chelsea.
The Argentine magician inspires Barcelona to a ruthless show
Barcelona ran riot in front of new Coach Gerardo Martino as they defeated Norwegian side Valerenga 7-0 on Saturday evening.
The Argentine tactician was in the stands to watch his new side in action yesterday night, and would have been impressed with his team’s easy victory over Kjetil Rekdal’s men.
Alexis Sanchez got the scoring underway after just five minutes, with Cristian Tello and Lionel Messi both hitting the back of the net inside the 15-minute mark.
Jonathan Dos Santos got another on 42 minutes to make it 4-0, before Jean Marie Dongou bagged a brace in the second half.
Juan Angel Roman completed the scoring with five minutes remaining to complete the 7-0 rout.
The Argentine tactician was in the stands to watch his new side in action yesterday night, and would have been impressed with his team’s easy victory over Kjetil Rekdal’s men.
Alexis Sanchez got the scoring underway after just five minutes, with Cristian Tello and Lionel Messi both hitting the back of the net inside the 15-minute mark.
Jonathan Dos Santos got another on 42 minutes to make it 4-0, before Jean Marie Dongou bagged a brace in the second half.
Juan Angel Roman completed the scoring with five minutes remaining to complete the 7-0 rout.
No move for me - Di Maria
Angel Di Maria is desperate to stay at Real Madrid, despite rumours that he could be used as part of the Gareth Bale deal.
Spurs could ask for the wide-man as a direct replacement for their Wales international, as he moves closer to a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine winger does not want to leave Los Blancos, and is happy to fight for his place in the starting XI.
Di Maria has been wildly inconsistent since joining from Benfica back in 2010, and was used sparingly by Jose Mourinho last term, starting 22 League games.
Spurs could ask for the wide-man as a direct replacement for their Wales international, as he moves closer to a move to Santiago Bernabeu.
The Argentine winger does not want to leave Los Blancos, and is happy to fight for his place in the starting XI.
Di Maria has been wildly inconsistent since joining from Benfica back in 2010, and was used sparingly by Jose Mourinho last term, starting 22 League games.
Current FIFA Women's Rankings, Falcons In 32nd Position
1- USA 2215
2- Germany 2163
3- Japan 2096
4- Brazil 2038
5- France 2027
6- Sweden 2025
7- Canada 1992
7- England 1992
9- Australia 1943
9- Korea DPR 1943
11- Norway 1932
12- Italy 1913
13- Denmark 1910
14- Netherlands 1881
15- Iceland 1845
16- Korea Republic 1835
17- China PR 1829
18- Spain 1824
19- Finland 1805
20- New Zealand 1802
21- Scotland 1794
22- Russia 1783
23- Ukraine1780
24- Mexico 1761
25- Switzerland 1714
26- Czech Republic 1708
27- Belgium 1660
28- Colombia 1650
29- Thailand 1641
30- Vietnam 1640
31- Poland 1638
32- Republic of Ireland 1622
32- Nigeria 1622
34- Austria 1618
35- Romania1611
36- Argentina 1609
37- Hungary 1593
38- Wales 1580
39- Belarus 1576
40- Costa Rica 1561
41- Chinese Taipei 1555
42- Portugal 1551
43- Serbia 1546
44- Slovakia 1545
45- Chile 1544
46- Myanmar 1536
47- Trinidad and Tobago 1509
48- Papua New Guinea 1476
49- Cameroon 1467
50- Ghana 1459
2- Germany 2163
3- Japan 2096
4- Brazil 2038
5- France 2027
6- Sweden 2025
7- Canada 1992
7- England 1992
9- Australia 1943
9- Korea DPR 1943
11- Norway 1932
12- Italy 1913
13- Denmark 1910
14- Netherlands 1881
15- Iceland 1845
16- Korea Republic 1835
17- China PR 1829
18- Spain 1824
19- Finland 1805
20- New Zealand 1802
21- Scotland 1794
22- Russia 1783
23- Ukraine1780
24- Mexico 1761
25- Switzerland 1714
26- Czech Republic 1708
27- Belgium 1660
28- Colombia 1650
29- Thailand 1641
30- Vietnam 1640
31- Poland 1638
32- Republic of Ireland 1622
32- Nigeria 1622
34- Austria 1618
35- Romania1611
36- Argentina 1609
37- Hungary 1593
38- Wales 1580
39- Belarus 1576
40- Costa Rica 1561
41- Chinese Taipei 1555
42- Portugal 1551
43- Serbia 1546
44- Slovakia 1545
45- Chile 1544
46- Myanmar 1536
47- Trinidad and Tobago 1509
48- Papua New Guinea 1476
49- Cameroon 1467
50- Ghana 1459
Baptism of fire for Pep, Dortmund dismiss Bayern in emphatic fashion
Borussia Dortmund defeated Bayern Munich 4-2 to win the German Sup Cup on Saturday, handing Pep Guardiola his first defeat in charge of the European Champions.
Marco Reus scored twice in what was a rematch of the Champions League final between the sides, opening the scoring in the sixth minute and wrapping up the victory four minutes from time.
"We're delighted," said Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller. "We won the Super Cup, especially against such a good team."
Arjen Robben had equalized in the 54th, but Daniel van Buyten's attempted headed clearance from Ilkay Gundogan's cross flew spectacularly past his own goalkeeper a minute later. Guendogan then followed up the minute after that by running at the Bayern defense and curling his shot inside the far post.
Robben scored again at the other end in the 64th, but offseason signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set up Reus to decide the first title of the season in the 86th, though replays showed the winger was marginally offside.
"The game was simply brilliant," said Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp. "To have won it is just awesome."
The loss ended Guardiola's perfect start at Bayern after taking over from Jupp Heynckes, who led the Bavarian side to an unprecedented treble last season.
Bayern had scored 61 goals and conceded just three in Guardiola's nine friendly games in charge.
"I don't have the feeling that they played much better than us," said Guardiola, who will have to wait a bit longer for his first title with Bayern. As Barcelona coach, he had taken 14 of the 19 titles on offer during four years in charge.
Bayern's defense was to blame for the home side's opening goal when they failed to deal with Sven Bender's header and reserve goalkeeper Tom Starke could only parry the ball away, allowing Reus to score with a header.
Robert Lewandowski, a transfer target for Bayern, had a goal ruled offside shortly afterward, and later shot straight at Starke from close range. Xherdan Shaqiri, playing in place of the injured Franck Ribery, was twice denied by good saves from Roman Weidenfeller, while Mario Mandzukic came agonizingly close to converting a dangerous cross whipped in by David Alaba as Bayern sought a response.
But Dortmund finished the half strongly, with Gundogan drawing a save from Starke and having another effort deflected wide by Jerome Boateng, who berated team-mate Van Buyten after another mix-up almost allowed Lewandowski through.
Robben was booed with every touch of the ball, as the home fans remembered his late winner against their side in the Champions League final, and he answered by meeting Lahm's cross to equalize.
Dortmund bounced right back through the unfortunate Van Buyten's interception and though Robben claimed his second to keep the tie in doubt after Gundogan's exquisite strike, the visitors' luck ran out when Thomas Mueller's late effort struck the crossbar.
"We wanted to win and it didn't work out," said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm. "It can happen. They scored four goals and we two."
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's new coach Pep Guardiola is already a frustrated man, which showed in the way he slapped Thiago Alcantara during Bayern's 4-2 defeat in the German Super Cup final to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Dortmund led 3-2 in the 76th minute despite Arjen Robben scoring in the 54th and 64th minutes, and Guardiola vent his anger with a slap to Thiago's face.
Guardiola and Thiago both come from Barcelona and share a rapport, but Guardiola got carried away in the heat of the moment, which could explain the unwarranted incident.
Marco Reus scored twice in what was a rematch of the Champions League final between the sides, opening the scoring in the sixth minute and wrapping up the victory four minutes from time.
"We're delighted," said Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller. "We won the Super Cup, especially against such a good team."
Arjen Robben had equalized in the 54th, but Daniel van Buyten's attempted headed clearance from Ilkay Gundogan's cross flew spectacularly past his own goalkeeper a minute later. Guendogan then followed up the minute after that by running at the Bayern defense and curling his shot inside the far post.
Robben scored again at the other end in the 64th, but offseason signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang set up Reus to decide the first title of the season in the 86th, though replays showed the winger was marginally offside.
"The game was simply brilliant," said Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp. "To have won it is just awesome."
The loss ended Guardiola's perfect start at Bayern after taking over from Jupp Heynckes, who led the Bavarian side to an unprecedented treble last season.
Bayern had scored 61 goals and conceded just three in Guardiola's nine friendly games in charge.
"I don't have the feeling that they played much better than us," said Guardiola, who will have to wait a bit longer for his first title with Bayern. As Barcelona coach, he had taken 14 of the 19 titles on offer during four years in charge.
Bayern's defense was to blame for the home side's opening goal when they failed to deal with Sven Bender's header and reserve goalkeeper Tom Starke could only parry the ball away, allowing Reus to score with a header.
Robert Lewandowski, a transfer target for Bayern, had a goal ruled offside shortly afterward, and later shot straight at Starke from close range. Xherdan Shaqiri, playing in place of the injured Franck Ribery, was twice denied by good saves from Roman Weidenfeller, while Mario Mandzukic came agonizingly close to converting a dangerous cross whipped in by David Alaba as Bayern sought a response.
But Dortmund finished the half strongly, with Gundogan drawing a save from Starke and having another effort deflected wide by Jerome Boateng, who berated team-mate Van Buyten after another mix-up almost allowed Lewandowski through.
Robben was booed with every touch of the ball, as the home fans remembered his late winner against their side in the Champions League final, and he answered by meeting Lahm's cross to equalize.
Dortmund bounced right back through the unfortunate Van Buyten's interception and though Robben claimed his second to keep the tie in doubt after Gundogan's exquisite strike, the visitors' luck ran out when Thomas Mueller's late effort struck the crossbar.
"We wanted to win and it didn't work out," said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm. "It can happen. They scored four goals and we two."
Meanwhile, Bayern Munich's new coach Pep Guardiola is already a frustrated man, which showed in the way he slapped Thiago Alcantara during Bayern's 4-2 defeat in the German Super Cup final to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.
Dortmund led 3-2 in the 76th minute despite Arjen Robben scoring in the 54th and 64th minutes, and Guardiola vent his anger with a slap to Thiago's face.
Guardiola and Thiago both come from Barcelona and share a rapport, but Guardiola got carried away in the heat of the moment, which could explain the unwarranted incident.
United call off Sunday training in Hong Kong
Manchester United have cancelled an open training session planned for the Hong Kong stadium on Sunday.
United, who are due to play Kitchee FC in the stadium on Monday, have taken the decision after the torrential rain in the region over the last few days.
"Manchester United, Kitchee and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session, planned for today [Sunday] at the Hong Kong stadium," said a statement on behalf of the club.
Manager David Moyes expressed his concerns about the state of the pitch on Friday and there must now be a real danger the match will not take place. Moyes was at the stadium along with his coaching staff and they have taken the only action open to them.
"The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week, as well as staging a number of games in a very short space of time," continued the statement.
United, who are due to play Kitchee FC in the stadium on Monday, have taken the decision after the torrential rain in the region over the last few days.
"Manchester United, Kitchee and the Hong Kong Football Association have reluctantly made the decision to cancel the open training session, planned for today [Sunday] at the Hong Kong stadium," said a statement on behalf of the club.
Manager David Moyes expressed his concerns about the state of the pitch on Friday and there must now be a real danger the match will not take place. Moyes was at the stadium along with his coaching staff and they have taken the only action open to them.
"The pitch has suffered from torrential rainfall in the last week, as well as staging a number of games in a very short space of time," continued the statement.
Eagles survives early scare to qualify for their first ever CHAN
Nigeria survived a poor first 26 minutes to qualify for their first-ever CHAN tourney after loosing 2-0 to Cote d’Ivoire on Saturday in Abidjan.
The Ivoriens took the lead after five minutes. Warri Wolves defender Azubuike Egwueke's howler freed young forward Kévin Zougoula, who had no hesitation beating Chigozie Agbim in goal for the Super Eagles.
It was a jittery beginning for the away side and they soon let-in the second goal 5 minutes to the half-hour mark. The menacing Zougoula was brought down by Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali in the 18-yard box. He stepped forward to score the second of the match.
Wing dazzler Cheick Moukoro who was busy tormenting the Eagles defence went close to making it three-nil but the upright saved the visitors on the hour mark.
Rabiu Ali who earned a 46th minute yellow card released a shot at the Ivorian goal in the 69th minute, but it was deflected for a corner by Sangare.
In the dying moments, captain Chigozie Agbim then denied ASEC Mimosas midfielder Hugues Zagbayou as he saved his powerful strike.
The Eagles then came close to pulling a goal back with a 25-metre free-kick but somehow it failed to hit target.
It was a relief to the visitors when the final whistle was sounded, as they played a poor game.
The Eagles won the first leg match 4-1 and qualified 4-3 on aggregate to the tournament proper to be hosted by South Africa next year.
Eagles Line Up
Chigozie Agbim (c), Solomon Kwambe, Francis Benjamin, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Oladapo Olufemi (Chibuzor Okonkwo 68'), Rabiu Ali, Sunday Mba, Gomo Onduku (Alhaji Gero 53'), Ede Ifeanyi, Etebo Oghenekaro
The Ivoriens took the lead after five minutes. Warri Wolves defender Azubuike Egwueke's howler freed young forward Kévin Zougoula, who had no hesitation beating Chigozie Agbim in goal for the Super Eagles.
It was a jittery beginning for the away side and they soon let-in the second goal 5 minutes to the half-hour mark. The menacing Zougoula was brought down by Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali in the 18-yard box. He stepped forward to score the second of the match.
Wing dazzler Cheick Moukoro who was busy tormenting the Eagles defence went close to making it three-nil but the upright saved the visitors on the hour mark.
Rabiu Ali who earned a 46th minute yellow card released a shot at the Ivorian goal in the 69th minute, but it was deflected for a corner by Sangare.
In the dying moments, captain Chigozie Agbim then denied ASEC Mimosas midfielder Hugues Zagbayou as he saved his powerful strike.
The Eagles then came close to pulling a goal back with a 25-metre free-kick but somehow it failed to hit target.
It was a relief to the visitors when the final whistle was sounded, as they played a poor game.
The Eagles won the first leg match 4-1 and qualified 4-3 on aggregate to the tournament proper to be hosted by South Africa next year.
Eagles Line Up
Chigozie Agbim (c), Solomon Kwambe, Francis Benjamin, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Oladapo Olufemi (Chibuzor Okonkwo 68'), Rabiu Ali, Sunday Mba, Gomo Onduku (Alhaji Gero 53'), Ede Ifeanyi, Etebo Oghenekaro
Saturday 27 July 2013
Gists Galore
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has again told Gareth Bale he will not be sold to Real Madrid after the Spanish club's dirty tricks campaign hit a new low.
Luis Suarez has been told he has no chance of moving to Arsenal for £40million.
Arsene Wenger is prepared to play a waiting game for Luis Suarez.
Jose Mourinho is trying to hijack Tottenham's move for Brazil defender Doria.
Bafetimbi Gomis is close to joining Newcastle in Joe Kinnear's first transfer breakthrough.
Hull landed Yannick Sagbo - by giving him a £5million release clause in his deal.
Liverpool could go back in for Greece star Kyriakos Papadopolous, with Napoli interested in Martin Skrtel.
Chelsea face an anxious wait to see if they can hold on to wonderkid Bertrand Traore.
Tottenham have wrapped up the signing of Belgian winger Nacer Chadli from Dutch side Twente.
Arsenal have been told they must pay almost £22million to capture Brazilian ace Bernard.
Mauricio Pochettino is ready to battle West Brom for the signature of Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair.
Demba Ba insists he will not try to quit Chelsea if they sign Wayne Rooney.
Manuel Pellegrini has hinted his summer spending spree could smash through the £100million barrier.
Brendan Rodgers revealed Pepe Reina's botched attempt to land a move back to Barcelona got him shown the exit at Anfield.
West Ham have opened talks with former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.
Southampton striker Billy Sharp is wanted on loan by old club Doncaster.
Sheffield Wednesday have pipped Crystal Palace to Austrian striker Atdhe Nuhiu on a free transfer.
Lee Cattermole is set to be shown the Sunderland exit door by Paolo Di Canio.
New Norwich City signing Gary Hooper has targeted an England call-up after joining the Canaries from Celtic for £5.5m.
Premier League officials were last night under pressure to abandon their prestigious Barclays Asia Trophy on what Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio labelled a 'killer pitch'
David Moyes was dealt a fresh blow last night in his unsteady start as Manchester United boss when Barcelona told him to give up on signing Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal are preparing to raise their offer once again for the Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as they seek to capitalise on perceived tensions between the player and his employer.
Luis Suarez has been told he has no chance of moving to Arsenal for £40million.
Arsene Wenger is prepared to play a waiting game for Luis Suarez.
Jose Mourinho is trying to hijack Tottenham's move for Brazil defender Doria.
Bafetimbi Gomis is close to joining Newcastle in Joe Kinnear's first transfer breakthrough.
Hull landed Yannick Sagbo - by giving him a £5million release clause in his deal.
Liverpool could go back in for Greece star Kyriakos Papadopolous, with Napoli interested in Martin Skrtel.
Chelsea face an anxious wait to see if they can hold on to wonderkid Bertrand Traore.
Tottenham have wrapped up the signing of Belgian winger Nacer Chadli from Dutch side Twente.
Arsenal have been told they must pay almost £22million to capture Brazilian ace Bernard.
Mauricio Pochettino is ready to battle West Brom for the signature of Manchester City flop Scott Sinclair.
Demba Ba insists he will not try to quit Chelsea if they sign Wayne Rooney.
Manuel Pellegrini has hinted his summer spending spree could smash through the £100million barrier.
Brendan Rodgers revealed Pepe Reina's botched attempt to land a move back to Barcelona got him shown the exit at Anfield.
West Ham have opened talks with former Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou.
Southampton striker Billy Sharp is wanted on loan by old club Doncaster.
Sheffield Wednesday have pipped Crystal Palace to Austrian striker Atdhe Nuhiu on a free transfer.
Lee Cattermole is set to be shown the Sunderland exit door by Paolo Di Canio.
New Norwich City signing Gary Hooper has targeted an England call-up after joining the Canaries from Celtic for £5.5m.
Premier League officials were last night under pressure to abandon their prestigious Barclays Asia Trophy on what Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio labelled a 'killer pitch'
David Moyes was dealt a fresh blow last night in his unsteady start as Manchester United boss when Barcelona told him to give up on signing Cesc Fabregas
Arsenal are preparing to raise their offer once again for the Liverpool striker Luis Suarez as they seek to capitalise on perceived tensions between the player and his employer.
It's Real or nothing- Bale
Tottenham Hotspur striker Gareth Bale is only interested to join Real Madrid if he decides to leave White Hart Lane this summer. Bale will sit out the latest Tottenham pre-season match due to injury as he continues to be linked with Spanish giant Real Madrid.
According to Marca, Bale told Levy he wanted Spurs to negotiate a deal and said: "I'm not interested in Manchester United or any other team. I just want to play for Madrid." Reports in Spain earlier this week also suggested the player has already agreed terms on a six-year deal.
However, Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is confident he can keep Real Madrid and Manchester United's interest in his player Gareth Bale at bay by signing a new deal.
Villas-Boas has confirmed that a new contract is being mulled over in talks between the player and the club, but nothing is certain yet. "Talks are ongoing, but that doesn't mean there is an agreement. At the moment we are confident [Bale will re-sign].
The player is under contract, a good contract at Tottenham, which was done last year. It's something we are speaking about but we don't have any further developments," the Spurs boss said.
Bale was voted player of the year and the young player of the year by his fellow professionals in English football.
According to Marca, Bale told Levy he wanted Spurs to negotiate a deal and said: "I'm not interested in Manchester United or any other team. I just want to play for Madrid." Reports in Spain earlier this week also suggested the player has already agreed terms on a six-year deal.
However, Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is confident he can keep Real Madrid and Manchester United's interest in his player Gareth Bale at bay by signing a new deal.
Villas-Boas has confirmed that a new contract is being mulled over in talks between the player and the club, but nothing is certain yet. "Talks are ongoing, but that doesn't mean there is an agreement. At the moment we are confident [Bale will re-sign].
The player is under contract, a good contract at Tottenham, which was done last year. It's something we are speaking about but we don't have any further developments," the Spurs boss said.
Bale was voted player of the year and the young player of the year by his fellow professionals in English football.
We have not played to our full potentials- Parreira
Brazil's resounding Confederations Cup victory must not lull Brazilians into thinking their team is better than Spain or Germany, according to technical coordinator Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Brazil, who will host the World Cup next year, are only at the team-building stage despite crushing world champions Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on July 30, he said.
"There's still a long way to go to get to 100 percent. Brazil are not the best team in the world. The best are still Spain and Germany, but we're getting closer," Parreira told Reuters in an interview after meeting Pope Francis.
Spain are world and European champions while second-ranked Germany can pick the bulk of their side from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who met in the Champions League final in May with the Bavarians victorious.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil did not look convincing after poor results in friendlies going into the tournament in June but impressed with steadily improving performances.
"We regained the trust of the fans and our own confidence. We have a platform for the World Cup," said Parreira, who steered Brazil to their fourth world crown in 1994 with Scolari adding a record fifth in 2002.
Parreira and a number of other sports personalities met the Pope, who is in Brazil, the country with the largest number of Catholics in the world, on his first tour abroad since his election in March.
He said he told the Argentine-born Pope, who will preside over World Youth Day in Brazil, that he prayed the Brazil team would meet arch rivals Argentina in an all-South American final at the Maracana next year.
"We're going to pray and I think seriously about that. A South American final would be very good. They also have a very good team and the world's best player. It's always nice to play against them," Parreira said, referring to Lionel Messi.
Brazil, who will host the World Cup next year, are only at the team-building stage despite crushing world champions Spain 3-0 in the Confederations Cup final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on July 30, he said.
"There's still a long way to go to get to 100 percent. Brazil are not the best team in the world. The best are still Spain and Germany, but we're getting closer," Parreira told Reuters in an interview after meeting Pope Francis.
Spain are world and European champions while second-ranked Germany can pick the bulk of their side from Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, who met in the Champions League final in May with the Bavarians victorious.
Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari's Brazil did not look convincing after poor results in friendlies going into the tournament in June but impressed with steadily improving performances.
"We regained the trust of the fans and our own confidence. We have a platform for the World Cup," said Parreira, who steered Brazil to their fourth world crown in 1994 with Scolari adding a record fifth in 2002.
Parreira and a number of other sports personalities met the Pope, who is in Brazil, the country with the largest number of Catholics in the world, on his first tour abroad since his election in March.
He said he told the Argentine-born Pope, who will preside over World Youth Day in Brazil, that he prayed the Brazil team would meet arch rivals Argentina in an all-South American final at the Maracana next year.
"We're going to pray and I think seriously about that. A South American final would be very good. They also have a very good team and the world's best player. It's always nice to play against them," Parreira said, referring to Lionel Messi.
I am happy with the general level of the current squad- Jose Mourinho
Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has said that he is not too concerned about the transfer saga involving Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney and is happy with the squad at his disposal.
Mourinho had earlier said that Rooney was the only transfer target of the summer for the London football club.
Chelsea have already launched a 22 million pounds bid for the England international but their offer was immediately rejected with United manager David Moyes saying that Rooney was not for sale.
However, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan has said that he is "calm" about the situation. "At this moment we have made what you know; that bid which was public and official and after that nothing else," Mourinho told reporters after the his team's 8-1 thumping of Indonesia All-Stars.
"But we are calm as we told you that we are calm because we are happy with what we have."
The talk of bringing in another striker to the club would definitely put some pressure on Spanish striker Fernando Torres.
Chelsea have also recalled Romelu Lukaku from his loan spell at West Brom, where he impressed last season. The Portuguese had said that Lukaku would definitely be involved with the first team squad this year and with Demba Ba also vying for a place it could mean that Torres is the one that bites the bullet if Rooney is signed.
Mourinho, though, thinks that the news of signing another striker should make the Spaniard "happy" as they would be more competition in the squad.
"I think Fernando should be happy because we have competition in the team and I think that is good for everybody in every position. Fernando I think will be pleased because during his time at Chelsea he was basically the only striker and then after that there was the arrival of Ba in January," he said.
Mourinho had earlier said that Rooney was the only transfer target of the summer for the London football club.
Chelsea have already launched a 22 million pounds bid for the England international but their offer was immediately rejected with United manager David Moyes saying that Rooney was not for sale.
However, the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan has said that he is "calm" about the situation. "At this moment we have made what you know; that bid which was public and official and after that nothing else," Mourinho told reporters after the his team's 8-1 thumping of Indonesia All-Stars.
"But we are calm as we told you that we are calm because we are happy with what we have."
The talk of bringing in another striker to the club would definitely put some pressure on Spanish striker Fernando Torres.
Chelsea have also recalled Romelu Lukaku from his loan spell at West Brom, where he impressed last season. The Portuguese had said that Lukaku would definitely be involved with the first team squad this year and with Demba Ba also vying for a place it could mean that Torres is the one that bites the bullet if Rooney is signed.
Mourinho, though, thinks that the news of signing another striker should make the Spaniard "happy" as they would be more competition in the squad.
"I think Fernando should be happy because we have competition in the team and I think that is good for everybody in every position. Fernando I think will be pleased because during his time at Chelsea he was basically the only striker and then after that there was the arrival of Ba in January," he said.
Question marks on Moyes' reign, Zaha saves United
Wilfried Zaha scored in the first minute of stoppage time on Friday to give Manchester United a 2-2 draw with Japanese club Cerezo Osaka in a pre-season friendly.
Zaha tapped into an open net to ensure the English champions didn't lose their second pre-season match in Japan under David Moyes. Yokohama F Marinos beat United 3-2 on Tuesday.
Cerezo forward Kenyu Sugimoto took advantage of a defensive mistake by United defender Chris Smalling to give his team the lead in the 33rd minute.
Shinji Kagawa was denied on a penalty kick in the 53rd by Cerezo goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon, but equalized one minute later, taking a pass from Ryan Giggs and beating Kim from close range.
Cerezo briefly regained the lead on a goal by Takumi Minamino in the 63rd.
Zaha tapped into an open net to ensure the English champions didn't lose their second pre-season match in Japan under David Moyes. Yokohama F Marinos beat United 3-2 on Tuesday.
Cerezo forward Kenyu Sugimoto took advantage of a defensive mistake by United defender Chris Smalling to give his team the lead in the 33rd minute.
Shinji Kagawa was denied on a penalty kick in the 53rd by Cerezo goalkeeper Kim Jin-hyeon, but equalized one minute later, taking a pass from Ryan Giggs and beating Kim from close range.
Cerezo briefly regained the lead on a goal by Takumi Minamino in the 63rd.
Akpom's late goal gives Arsenal the victory
Chuba Akpom scored with eight minutes left on Friday to give Arsenal a 2-1 win over Japanese club Urawa Reds in a pre-season friendly.
Second-half substitute Lukas Podolski gave Arsenal the lead in the 49th minute, converting a pass from Theo Walcott, before Yuki Abe leveled 10 minutes later for the hosts.
Akpom sealed the win in the 82nd when he slotted into an empty net after Urawa goalkeeper Norihiro Yamagishi couldn't control a ball lofted from Aaron Ramsey.
It was Akpom's fourth goal of Arsenal's Asian tour.
Arsene Wenger's side beat Nagoya Grampus 3-1 on Monday.
Second-half substitute Lukas Podolski gave Arsenal the lead in the 49th minute, converting a pass from Theo Walcott, before Yuki Abe leveled 10 minutes later for the hosts.
Akpom sealed the win in the 82nd when he slotted into an empty net after Urawa goalkeeper Norihiro Yamagishi couldn't control a ball lofted from Aaron Ramsey.
It was Akpom's fourth goal of Arsenal's Asian tour.
Arsene Wenger's side beat Nagoya Grampus 3-1 on Monday.
Friday 26 July 2013
2014 CHAN Qualifier---The Battle of Abidjan
The Super Eagles B side would be slugging it out with Ivory Coast on Saturday in Abidjan. The first leg tie ended 4-1 in favour of the Eagles. The match will kickoff by 4:30pm Nig Time.
Eagles Likely XI
Chigozie Agbim(c), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Olufemi Oladapo, Rabiu Ali, Sunday Mba, Gomo Onduku, Ezekiel Mbah, Alhaji Gero.
Eagles Likely XI
Chigozie Agbim(c), Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Olufemi Oladapo, Rabiu Ali, Sunday Mba, Gomo Onduku, Ezekiel Mbah, Alhaji Gero.
NFF Women's Fed Cup
Quarter Finals Fixtures
Nasarawa Amazons vs Taraba Queens
Delta Queens vs Pelican Stars
Rivers Angels vs Confluence Queens
Bayelsa Queens vs Martins White Dove
Nasarawa Amazons vs Taraba Queens
Delta Queens vs Pelican Stars
Rivers Angels vs Confluence Queens
Bayelsa Queens vs Martins White Dove
NWFL Re-Schedules Last Ties To August 4th
The Nigeria Women Football League on Friday rescheduled the last 2012/2013 season matches with less than 24 hours to the final matches kick-off time to August, 4th, 2013.
The development was confirmed by the Secretary of the NWFL Board, Ajisafe on Friday afternoon.
According the Mr Ajisafe, the sudden postponement was owned to issued complains from teams which have compelled the NWFL Board to call-off the final-matches billed for Saturday, July 28.
He added that the board is poised to settle all internal wrangling before the final matches will be played.
"The board has agreed to move the final league matches to August 4th -we had to take the decision despite late to avert crisis - we still have some couple of complains and pending complains and unresolved appeals pressed us to reschedule the matches."
"We are also received some complains from teams playing in the Federation Cup over jam-packed fixtures and travelling headaches," explained the Women Football League scribe.
The decision by the Board was agreed on Friday morning, with news gathering much dust of complains from various centres where visiting clubs have arrived their match venues.
The league's final match earlier billed for Saturday 28th July has now been moved to August 4th after initially expected to have been played on July 21st, 2013.
NFF Fed Cup (Women's Version)
Round Of 16 (Results)
•Delta Queens 6-0 C.I. Angels
•Confluence Queens 5-0 Real Dynamos
•Taraba Queens 2-0 Osun Babes
•Pelican Stars 3-0 FCT Queens (W/0)
•Bayelsa Queens- Bye
•Martins White Dove 0-0 Inneh Queens (AP 5-4)
•Rivers Angels 0-0 Ibom Angels (AP 10-9)
•Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Sunshine Queens (AP 4-2)
•Delta Queens 6-0 C.I. Angels
•Confluence Queens 5-0 Real Dynamos
•Taraba Queens 2-0 Osun Babes
•Pelican Stars 3-0 FCT Queens (W/0)
•Bayelsa Queens- Bye
•Martins White Dove 0-0 Inneh Queens (AP 5-4)
•Rivers Angels 0-0 Ibom Angels (AP 10-9)
•Nasarawa Amazons 0-0 Sunshine Queens (AP 4-2)
Thursday 25 July 2013
Racism must go, Constant racially abused in Italy
Italy's football federation (FIGC) has opened an investigation into alleged racist chanting after AC Milan midfielder Kevin Constant fired a ball into the stands and walked off the pitch in protest during a match on Tuesday.
The walkout by the French-born Guinean player, during a pre-season tournament match against Sassuolo in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, comes just months after a similar incident involving AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Boateng led the team off the pitch during a friendly in January in protest at racist chanting by the lower division side Pro Patria's home fans.
"The federation's prosecutor has opened an investigation to ascertain the extent of the racist episode which took place yesterday evening...which saw AC Milan player Kevin Constant subjected to chants from some supporters in the stands," FIGC said in a statement on their website (www.figc.it).
Constant was replaced during Tuesday's game that AC Milan went on to lose 2-1.
Milan's CEO Adriano Galliani condemned the abusive fans, but said Constant should not have walked off the pitch.
"The chants are despicable and must be fought," Galliani said according to the state news wire Ansa. "Total solidarity to Constant because it was unspeakable, but I have said it before, he should not have walked off the field."
The club later issued a statement calling for zero tolerance against racism, but also repeated Galliani's call to leave the management of matches, including public safety, to the referees.
"Racism has no alibis, not if those of a distorted mind believe that men should be divided because of the colour of their skin or because of their nationality," the club said in a statement published on its website.
"Despite (Constant's) more than understandable reasons and the anger he must have felt ... the only people responsible for intervening against any manifestations that offend the human dignity, which includes racial discrimination, are the referee in charge of the match," it said.
The Sassuolo side also condemned any type of racism, hoping that the investigation would pinpoint those responsible. It stressed that the incident was not a reflection of the club's fans, who it says usually behave in a supportive and hospitable manner.
Italy has a serious problem with discrimination in soccer, which shows no sign of being eradicated despite renewed efforts from the authorities.
Both FIFA and European soccer's governing body UEFA have vowed to take a tougher stand on discrimination and have recently approved new measures to combat racism.
Sassuolo are about to begin their first season in Serie A after winning the second tier title.
The walkout by the French-born Guinean player, during a pre-season tournament match against Sassuolo in the northern city of Reggio Emilia, comes just months after a similar incident involving AC Milan midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng.
Boateng led the team off the pitch during a friendly in January in protest at racist chanting by the lower division side Pro Patria's home fans.
"The federation's prosecutor has opened an investigation to ascertain the extent of the racist episode which took place yesterday evening...which saw AC Milan player Kevin Constant subjected to chants from some supporters in the stands," FIGC said in a statement on their website (www.figc.it).
Constant was replaced during Tuesday's game that AC Milan went on to lose 2-1.
Milan's CEO Adriano Galliani condemned the abusive fans, but said Constant should not have walked off the pitch.
"The chants are despicable and must be fought," Galliani said according to the state news wire Ansa. "Total solidarity to Constant because it was unspeakable, but I have said it before, he should not have walked off the field."
The club later issued a statement calling for zero tolerance against racism, but also repeated Galliani's call to leave the management of matches, including public safety, to the referees.
"Racism has no alibis, not if those of a distorted mind believe that men should be divided because of the colour of their skin or because of their nationality," the club said in a statement published on its website.
"Despite (Constant's) more than understandable reasons and the anger he must have felt ... the only people responsible for intervening against any manifestations that offend the human dignity, which includes racial discrimination, are the referee in charge of the match," it said.
The Sassuolo side also condemned any type of racism, hoping that the investigation would pinpoint those responsible. It stressed that the incident was not a reflection of the club's fans, who it says usually behave in a supportive and hospitable manner.
Italy has a serious problem with discrimination in soccer, which shows no sign of being eradicated despite renewed efforts from the authorities.
Both FIFA and European soccer's governing body UEFA have vowed to take a tougher stand on discrimination and have recently approved new measures to combat racism.
Sassuolo are about to begin their first season in Serie A after winning the second tier title.
The Bavarians comfortably smash Barca
Bayern Munich defeated Barcelona 2-0 on Wednesday in a preseason friendly that pitted Pep Guardiola's new side against his former team.
Philipp Lahm scored with a header in the 14th minute and halftime substitute Mario Mandzukic added another goal three minutes from time, giving Guardiola a victory in his first game at Bayern's stadium.
"It was a special game for me. I spent my whole life as a player and coach at Barcelona," Guardiola said. "I'm happy, I don't have anything to complain about at the moment."
In typical fashion, Guardiola had started without a striker, preferring the attacking trident of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller up front.
His former protege, Lionel Messi, almost put the visitors ahead seconds after kickoff, only to fire just wide after running through the Bayern defense. Toni Kroos then stung Barca keeper Jose Pinto's hands with a driving shot at the other end.
Ribery set up Lahm to score with a cushioned back-header over the goalkeeper. Lahm, normally a defender, was deployed in midfield along with Thiago Alcantara, an offseason signing from Barcelona at Guardiola's request.
Adriano twice made vital goal-line interceptions to deny Robben, first from Ribery's cross and later when Mueller pulled the ball back. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did enough to put off Sergi Roberto and Cristian Tello also went close, but the visitors were clearly missing the caliber of players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and new signing Neymar.
"Barcelona weren't complete, but the win is important for confidence and (to get into) rhythm," said Ribery, who was impressive throughout.
Barcelona changed all 11 players at the break, leaving what was effectively a third string side to frustrate the home team in search of more goals until Diego Contento crossed to give Mandzukic an easy finish.
Guardiola, who steered Barcelona to 14 titles over four seasons, has taken over Bayern from Jupp Heynckes, who led the side to Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup triumphs last season. Barcelona's new coach Gerardo Martino is due to be presented on Friday, and the team was led in the Argentine's absence by Jordi Roura.
Martino was appointed after Tito Vilanova, Guardiola's successor, stepped down to concentrate on his fight against throat cancer. Bayern plays Borussia Dortmund for the German Supercup on Saturday in a rematch of last season's Champions League final.
Philipp Lahm scored with a header in the 14th minute and halftime substitute Mario Mandzukic added another goal three minutes from time, giving Guardiola a victory in his first game at Bayern's stadium.
"It was a special game for me. I spent my whole life as a player and coach at Barcelona," Guardiola said. "I'm happy, I don't have anything to complain about at the moment."
In typical fashion, Guardiola had started without a striker, preferring the attacking trident of Franck Ribery, Arjen Robben and Thomas Mueller up front.
His former protege, Lionel Messi, almost put the visitors ahead seconds after kickoff, only to fire just wide after running through the Bayern defense. Toni Kroos then stung Barca keeper Jose Pinto's hands with a driving shot at the other end.
Ribery set up Lahm to score with a cushioned back-header over the goalkeeper. Lahm, normally a defender, was deployed in midfield along with Thiago Alcantara, an offseason signing from Barcelona at Guardiola's request.
Adriano twice made vital goal-line interceptions to deny Robben, first from Ribery's cross and later when Mueller pulled the ball back. Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer did enough to put off Sergi Roberto and Cristian Tello also went close, but the visitors were clearly missing the caliber of players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets and new signing Neymar.
"Barcelona weren't complete, but the win is important for confidence and (to get into) rhythm," said Ribery, who was impressive throughout.
Barcelona changed all 11 players at the break, leaving what was effectively a third string side to frustrate the home team in search of more goals until Diego Contento crossed to give Mandzukic an easy finish.
Guardiola, who steered Barcelona to 14 titles over four seasons, has taken over Bayern from Jupp Heynckes, who led the side to Champions League, Bundesliga and German Cup triumphs last season. Barcelona's new coach Gerardo Martino is due to be presented on Friday, and the team was led in the Argentine's absence by Jordi Roura.
Martino was appointed after Tito Vilanova, Guardiola's successor, stepped down to concentrate on his fight against throat cancer. Bayern plays Borussia Dortmund for the German Supercup on Saturday in a rematch of last season's Champions League final.
Pepe Reina and Gonzalo Higuain completes switch to Napoli
Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain and Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina both passed medicals with Napoli on Wednesday, clearing the way for the duo to join the Serie A runner-up.
Higuain was greeted by about 100 jubilant Napoli fans waving club scarves and Argentina flags when he arrived for the medical exam, and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Twitter later that both players had passed. He said there will be a "big party" in the city on Monday to celebrate the new arrivals.
Arsenal was also interested in Higuain, but the 25-year-old Argentine is expected to complete a 40 million euro ($53 million) transfer to Napoli and link up with his new team-mates at their training camp in Verona.
Reina underwent a medical at the club earlier in the day.
"I'm happy to link up again with coach (Rafa) Benitez, who I knew for five years between Spain and England, and with who I have always worked very well," Reina said as he left the clinic following his medical.
Benitez joined Napoli at the end of May, succeeding Walter Mazzarri, who resigned and signed to coach Inter.
The Spanish coach has already signed defender Raul Albiol and forward Jose Callejon from Real Madrid, as well as PSV Eindhoven winger Dries Mertens and Santos goalkeeper Rafael.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently claimed his club had 124.5 million euros ($164.5 million) to invest in the team following the 60 million euro ($79 million) sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain.
Higuain was greeted by about 100 jubilant Napoli fans waving club scarves and Argentina flags when he arrived for the medical exam, and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis said on Twitter later that both players had passed. He said there will be a "big party" in the city on Monday to celebrate the new arrivals.
Arsenal was also interested in Higuain, but the 25-year-old Argentine is expected to complete a 40 million euro ($53 million) transfer to Napoli and link up with his new team-mates at their training camp in Verona.
Reina underwent a medical at the club earlier in the day.
"I'm happy to link up again with coach (Rafa) Benitez, who I knew for five years between Spain and England, and with who I have always worked very well," Reina said as he left the clinic following his medical.
Benitez joined Napoli at the end of May, succeeding Walter Mazzarri, who resigned and signed to coach Inter.
The Spanish coach has already signed defender Raul Albiol and forward Jose Callejon from Real Madrid, as well as PSV Eindhoven winger Dries Mertens and Santos goalkeeper Rafael.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently claimed his club had 124.5 million euros ($164.5 million) to invest in the team following the 60 million euro ($79 million) sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain.
Glo Nigeria Premier League
Week 23 Fixtures
Date: 4th August, 2013.
Wikki Tourists vs Bayelsa United
Kano Pillars vs Akwa United
Dolphins FC vs ABS FC
Kwara United vs Sharks FC
El Kanemi Warriors vs Enyimba FC
Lobi Stars vs Shooting Stars
Gombe United vs Sunshine Stars
Kaduna United vs Heartland FC
Warri Wolves vs Enugu Rangers
Nembe City vs Nasarawa United
Date: 4th August, 2013.
Wikki Tourists vs Bayelsa United
Kano Pillars vs Akwa United
Dolphins FC vs ABS FC
Kwara United vs Sharks FC
El Kanemi Warriors vs Enyimba FC
Lobi Stars vs Shooting Stars
Gombe United vs Sunshine Stars
Kaduna United vs Heartland FC
Warri Wolves vs Enugu Rangers
Nembe City vs Nasarawa United
Wednesday 24 July 2013
Boca Juniors return, almost a reality for Gago
Fernando Gago’s return to Valencia has once more been put off as completion of a move to Boca Juniors is anticipated.
The Argentine had his summer break from Los Che originally extended in anticipation of him finding a new club, having spent the last six months of last term on loan at Velez Sarsfield.
Whilst last week reports indicated that a failure to reach a deal with either Velez or Boca had Valencia anticipating his return to preseason this week, the player, whilst in Valencia, has reportedly not shown up today.
This is believed to be because talks with Boca for his transfer have advanced in recent days and could see an agreement reached soon.
It is understood that Valencia have surrendered their position in negotiations and are set to agree to sell 50 per cent of his rights for a fee of €1.7m.
The Argentine had his summer break from Los Che originally extended in anticipation of him finding a new club, having spent the last six months of last term on loan at Velez Sarsfield.
Whilst last week reports indicated that a failure to reach a deal with either Velez or Boca had Valencia anticipating his return to preseason this week, the player, whilst in Valencia, has reportedly not shown up today.
This is believed to be because talks with Boca for his transfer have advanced in recent days and could see an agreement reached soon.
It is understood that Valencia have surrendered their position in negotiations and are set to agree to sell 50 per cent of his rights for a fee of €1.7m.
Higuain completes move to Napoli
Gonzalo Higuain has been confirmed as a Napoli player by President Aurelio De Laurentiis, completing a transfer from Real Madrid.
After the two clubs agreed a deal believed to be for an initial fee of €37m, the 25-year-old flew in to Rome on Wednesday to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on personal terms.
Posting on his official Twitter account, Napoli’s President De Laurentiis confirmed that the Argentine striker, along with Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, have virtually completed their respective transfers.
“Higuain and Reina have passed their medical and will soon join the group,” wrote De Laurentiis today.
“On Monday evening we will have a big party at the San Paolo. You will meet not only the new players but also see the new shirts.”
The move ends six-and-a-half years at the Santiago Bernabeu for Higuain, during which time he has netted over 100 goals.
The striker also becomes the third player to move between Madrid and Napoli this summer, on from Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol.
After the two clubs agreed a deal believed to be for an initial fee of €37m, the 25-year-old flew in to Rome on Wednesday to undergo a medical and put pen to paper on personal terms.
Posting on his official Twitter account, Napoli’s President De Laurentiis confirmed that the Argentine striker, along with Liverpool’s Pepe Reina, have virtually completed their respective transfers.
“Higuain and Reina have passed their medical and will soon join the group,” wrote De Laurentiis today.
“On Monday evening we will have a big party at the San Paolo. You will meet not only the new players but also see the new shirts.”
The move ends six-and-a-half years at the Santiago Bernabeu for Higuain, during which time he has netted over 100 goals.
The striker also becomes the third player to move between Madrid and Napoli this summer, on from Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol.
NFF Fed Cup (The goalscorers in the round of 16)
•Akwa United 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Stephen Adah 27' (Akwa United)
Pierre Coly 42' (Enugu Rangers)
Ousmane Pape 68' (og)
•Nasarawa United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Malachy Iloe 40'
•Kano Pillars 1-0 Gombe United
Bello Musa Kofarmata 61' (Kano Pillars)
•Heartland 1-1 Sharks (AP 4-3)
Friday Dike 36' (Sharks FC)
Emmanuel Fabiyi 41' (Heartland FC)
•Enyimba Int'l 3-1 Shooting Stars
Sokari Kingsley 23' (Enyimba)
Andrew Abalogu 45' (Enyimba)
Amanfor Chimezie 55' (Enyimba)
Gbolahan Salami 64' (Shooting Stars)
•ABS 0-0 Lobi Stars (AP 4-5)
•Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Warri Wolves
•Akwa Starlets 2-0 Abia Warriors
Stephen Adah 27' (Akwa United)
Pierre Coly 42' (Enugu Rangers)
Ousmane Pape 68' (og)
•Nasarawa United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
Malachy Iloe 40'
•Kano Pillars 1-0 Gombe United
Bello Musa Kofarmata 61' (Kano Pillars)
•Heartland 1-1 Sharks (AP 4-3)
Friday Dike 36' (Sharks FC)
Emmanuel Fabiyi 41' (Heartland FC)
•Enyimba Int'l 3-1 Shooting Stars
Sokari Kingsley 23' (Enyimba)
Andrew Abalogu 45' (Enyimba)
Amanfor Chimezie 55' (Enyimba)
Gbolahan Salami 64' (Shooting Stars)
•ABS 0-0 Lobi Stars (AP 4-5)
•Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Warri Wolves
•Akwa Starlets 2-0 Abia Warriors
2013 NFF Fed Cup
Quarter Finals Fixtures
Lobi Stars vs Akwa Starlets
Akwa United vs Heartland FC
Nasarawa United vs Enyimba Int'l
Warri Wolves vs Kano Pillars
Fed Cup Galore
The Quarter Finalists
Kano Pillars
Lobi Stars
Enyimba International
Akwa United
Akwa Starlets
Nasarawa United
Heartland FC
Warri Wolves
NFF Fed Cup
Round Of 16 Results
ABS 0-0 Lobi Stars (AP 4-5)
Heartland 1-1 Sharks (AP 4-3)
Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Warri Wolves
Enyimba FC 3-1 Shooting Stars
Akwa United 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Akwa Starlets 2-0 Abia Warriors
Kano Pillars 1-0 Gombe United
Nasarawa United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
ABS 0-0 Lobi Stars (AP 4-5)
Heartland 1-1 Sharks (AP 4-3)
Niger Tornadoes 0-1 Warri Wolves
Enyimba FC 3-1 Shooting Stars
Akwa United 2-1 Enugu Rangers
Akwa Starlets 2-0 Abia Warriors
Kano Pillars 1-0 Gombe United
Nasarawa United 1-0 Sunshine Stars
CHAN Qualifier- CIV vs Nigeria
Super Eagles manager Stephen Keshi has released his team list for the battle of Abidjan. Eagles B defeated CIV 4-1 in Kaduna. They are set to leave the shores of Nigeria for the all-important second leg clash in Abidjan.
The squad for the battle of Abidjan:
Goalkeepers:
Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers)
Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)
Defenders:
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)
Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars)
Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars)
Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)
Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers)
Benjamin Francis (Heartland)
Midfielders:
Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers)
Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
Oladapo Olufemi (Shooting Stars)
Ayo Saka (Enyimba)
Strikers:
Gomo Onduku (Bayelsa United)
Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba)
Ezekiel Mbah (Akwa United)
Abdullahi Gero (Enugu Rangers)
Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves)
Osadinye Joseph (Warri Wolves)
The squad for the battle of Abidjan:
Goalkeepers:
Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers)
Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)
Defenders:
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves)
Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars)
Kwambe Solomon (Sunshine Stars)
Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars)
Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers)
Benjamin Francis (Heartland)
Midfielders:
Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers)
Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
Oladapo Olufemi (Shooting Stars)
Ayo Saka (Enyimba)
Strikers:
Gomo Onduku (Bayelsa United)
Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba)
Ezekiel Mbah (Akwa United)
Abdullahi Gero (Enugu Rangers)
Etebo Oghene (Warri Wolves)
Osadinye Joseph (Warri Wolves)
UEFA PRIZE MONEY
Prize money from last season’s Champions League and Europa League competitions have been published this week by UEFA.
As expected, Spain’s top earners for 2012-13 were their Champions League participants, with competition semi-finalists Real Madrid picking up just over €48m for their work last term.
Barcelona, who were also eliminated in the final four of the competition were awarded €45.5m, whilst Malaga, who were narrowly knocked out in the quarter-finals, picked up €32m cash.
Spain’s fourth team in the competition, Valencia, were awarded €30m for their run to the Round of 16.
Meanwhile, Los Che’s city rivals Levante were Spain’s top earners in the Europa League, cashing in over €5.5m for their run to the Round of 16.
Atletico Madrid’s elimination in the Round of 32 paid out just under €5.5m, whilst Athletic Bilbao’s group stage exit earned €3.2m.
Notably, the Champions League’s top earners last season were Juventus with over €65m earned, more than €10m more than winners Bayern Munich, as they and Milan benefited in the market pool share for Italy’s representatives being just between the two clubs last term.
Europa League winners Chelsea were awarded €10.7m for their success, whilst competition semi-finalists Fenerbahce were the high earners on just under €11.2m, an amount that only three teams in the Champions League eliminated at the group stage earned less than.
EAGLES B 2-0 TEAP FC
The Enugu Rangers striker was barely three minutes on the pitch when he scored the opener in the 48th minute after coming in as a second-half substitute for Ezekiel Mba.
Ifeanyi Edeh made it 2-0 for the Eagles in the 58th minute after he received a pass from Chibuzor Okonkwo.
The starters for the Eagles were: Chigozie Agbim - Solomon Kwambe, Benjamin Francis, Godfrey Oboabona, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Sunday Mba, Oladapo Olufemi, Rabiu Ali, Ezekiel Mba and Ifeanyi Edeh.
After a goalless first half, Ayo Saka came in for Rabiu Ali, Gero replaced Ezekiel Mba, while Chibuzor Okonkwo took over from Kwambe.
The Eagles have been training in Abuja and are bound for Abidjan on Thursday for this weekend’s 2014 CHAN second leg clash against hosts Cote d’Ivoire.
Nigeria won the first game 4-1 in Kaduna.
Gonzalo is a better option compared to Cavani- Diego Tavano
Agent Diego Tavano is backing Napoli's move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain. Napoli have had a 37 million euro offer accepted by Real for the Argentina international and are now thrashing out personal terms.
"He would be a big hit if he was signed up as it seems. I think the guy can do really well for Napoli. He's a striker, even a football player, more complete than Cavani. They will not regret losing him.
"I think he can turn Napoli into a different team." Cavani earlier left Napoli for French Champions PSG in big money move. Earlier Arsenal were believed to be close on signing Higuain only to be ditched by the striker at the last moment.
Make a quick decision on Rooney- Mourinho to United
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho wants Manchester United to make a decision over the sale of Wayne Rooney. Chelsea know United would sell their star striker for around 30 million pounds and are considering to improve their bid.
Gunners step up Suarez hunt
Arsenal stepped up their attempts to sign Liverpool star striker Luis Suarez on Tuesday night by - lodging an audacious bid of 40m pounds plus one pound for the Liverpool forward. By adding one pound above the 40 million pounds have triggered the clause in his Anfield contract.
Spanish international set for medical in Naples
The shot-stopper has agreed to join on loan for one season and it’s reported the two clubs have already exchanged contracts.
Personal terms have also been finalised, so Reina will undergo a medical on Wednesday or Thursday.
He reunites with Rafa Benitez, who first signed him at Liverpool and is the new Coach of Napoli.
Meanwhile, this opens the door for Morgan De Sanctis to join Roma for €0.5m.
Napoli are active on the transfer market, as they are also reportedly on the verge of completing a €37m move for Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain.
Messi played a key role in my employment- Martino
The Camp Nou outfit yesterday confirmed the Argentine as their new Coach to replace Tito Vilanova, who last week had to step down due to ill health.
At a Press conference in Argentina, the former Newell’s Old Boys tactician reflected on his new role and on how he believes the club’s No 10 and his father Jorge Messi played his part.
“I do not know the details nor the depth, but Jorge and Lionel have spoken with the club’s and have been asked their opinion,” commented Martino to reporters this week.
Tuesday 23 July 2013
Topical issue with Raji Kazeem
I hope all the paries involved should benefit from it BUSINESS WISE but few are enjoying and many are suffering.
It's all started from the incompetency of the administrators that don't know how to run the business that fetches some countries cool money and their players are enjoying a lucrative contract.
The question now is, why are we lacking behind in this game? We have a lot of talents in this country but things seems not going well for our football.
I hope they knew that it's another avenue to create employment when it's being run successfully! But corruption won't allow them to the right thing. It must not be going on like this. (85%) of 150 million of this country derived pleasure in this game of soccer.
I've not lately heard of a team pulling out of a league in a country except New Road Team (NRT) in NEPAL lolz! But it's first to Bridge Boys formerly known as Julius Berger of Lagos, Zamfara United, Apa United and now Fountain of Ekiti to mention but a few.
It's in this country, I heard about a team parading an ineligible players (Rangers of Enugu) that later resulted into sanction from CAF.
It's this country I heard of over #300 million were owed to players and officials of clubsides. This nation of ours would have been disgraced and suffered from national and international embarrassment when they refused to travel to Brazil for Confederations Cup over unpaid allowances.
How can a country bigger, richer, endowed, comprise of sound, technical, knowledgeable like this and can't run a league successfully in a season without chaos, mayhem and trouble. This is also setting us back to have a formidable and preferable sponsors all because of corruption.
I'm using this medium to plead and urge all the parties running the helms of affairs of our football to sit up, tighten their belts, be of good ambassadors and turn things around in everybody's favour so that we can all enjoy the benefits.
By Raji Kazeem Adekunle
It's all started from the incompetency of the administrators that don't know how to run the business that fetches some countries cool money and their players are enjoying a lucrative contract.
The question now is, why are we lacking behind in this game? We have a lot of talents in this country but things seems not going well for our football.
I hope they knew that it's another avenue to create employment when it's being run successfully! But corruption won't allow them to the right thing. It must not be going on like this. (85%) of 150 million of this country derived pleasure in this game of soccer.
I've not lately heard of a team pulling out of a league in a country except New Road Team (NRT) in NEPAL lolz! But it's first to Bridge Boys formerly known as Julius Berger of Lagos, Zamfara United, Apa United and now Fountain of Ekiti to mention but a few.
It's in this country, I heard about a team parading an ineligible players (Rangers of Enugu) that later resulted into sanction from CAF.
It's this country I heard of over #300 million were owed to players and officials of clubsides. This nation of ours would have been disgraced and suffered from national and international embarrassment when they refused to travel to Brazil for Confederations Cup over unpaid allowances.
How can a country bigger, richer, endowed, comprise of sound, technical, knowledgeable like this and can't run a league successfully in a season without chaos, mayhem and trouble. This is also setting us back to have a formidable and preferable sponsors all because of corruption.
I'm using this medium to plead and urge all the parties running the helms of affairs of our football to sit up, tighten their belts, be of good ambassadors and turn things around in everybody's favour so that we can all enjoy the benefits.
By Raji Kazeem Adekunle
NFF Fed Cup (Round 16 Preview)......written by Abayomi Ademetan and Ayodele Fasusi
The excitement of players and fans of the Nigeria National League teams still left in the competition is almost still intact as we approach NFF Fed Cup round of 16.
Of the 16 clubs still involved, 3 are from outside the top flight and of the eight matches scheduled to determine this season’s quarter finalists, 6 are all-Premier League affair. There are three NNL clubs still in the cup, thirteen are still flying the flag for Glo Nigeria Premier League.
There are eight ties taking place across the centres on Wednesday.
•Akwa Starlets vs Abia Warriors
UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Abia Warriors defeated Kaduna United to be in this round. They will be banking on their splendid form in the NNL to un-mask their enemies.
Akwa Starlets have not been consistent in the NNL, but they put that aside to eliminate Dolphins FC. With the Uyo boys still not entirely assured of survival in the always competitive second tier, they won’t want to face the confidence-damaging consequences, defeat to a familiar side.
•Akwa United vs Enugu Rangers
Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Justine Tenger may decide to rest a few of his attacking options with the relegation battle in his sights. But the cup is a competition Akwa United must take seriously being as it represents their best chance of winning a silverware. Rangers’ good form has seen them re-emerge as contenders, but they’ll be happy to put all thoughts of league football aside in an effort to inflict more cup misery on the Akwa United.
•Niger Tornadoes vs Warri Wolves
Akure Township Stadium, Akure.
Tornadoes were in dreamland after knocking out Plateau United in the round of 32, a game which they were not given the chance to progress. Bala Nikiyu’s men were fantastic and arguably deserved more headlines than they received. They will be happy to play one of the big boys, in drawing Warri Wolves- from a division above them- they would have felt they had a very fair chance of going on to the quarter finals.
On the other hand, for Wolves the need to pick a continental slot is far more pressing than a cup run, but a good progression should be on the radar of experienced tactician Solomon Ogbeide.
•Heartland FC vs Sharks FC
Ogbe Stadium, Benin.
The Fed Cup looks like the only opportunity to rescue what has been a desperately tupsy-turvy season for Sharks FC. Even a win in the competition in two seasons would probably not be enough to convince Shark's faithfuls, but it would at least provide consolation.
Heartland were terrific in defeating Ingas FC in the last round and have their title on the line.
•Enyimba International vs Shooting Stars
Area 3, Abuja.
GNPL strugglers Shooting Stars SC are attempting to complete the task of knocking out Enyimba in the Fed Cup. Such a feat would be all the more astonishing when you consider the turbulent season the Oluyole Warriors have endured. Coach Hakeem Busari, who masterminded the 1-0 fourth round victory over JUTH FC is under pressure to perform.
With Enyimba’s CAF Champions League ambitions starting to look increasingly optimistic, Sani Salisu may view a strong cup run as a means of a successful end to the season. The Peoples Elephants will have no excuses for underestimating old foes 3SC.
•ABS FC vs Lobi Stars
Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.
Two strugglers clash at the bumpy Bako Kontagora Stadium, with ticket to the next round their priority. ABS FC will fancy their chances against Lobi Stars, having pushed both Bayelsa United aside in the previous round.
Coach Ogenyi of Lobi Stars has his arsenal set on the ultra-attacking style which he utilised to great effect against MFM FC.
•Kano Pillars vs Gombe United
Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.
Kano Pillars have a rich history of doing well in the Premier League in the last five years, but they need a Fed Cup winners medal to complete their dominance, Coach Baba Ganaru might feel his men can afford the luxury of a run to the final. They finished 4th in the last edition. Pillars are in good form with two wins from their last three, but Gombe United can match that statistic and are certain to approach this game with a carefree attitude.
Maurice Cooreman is a regular customer in the history of the competition and United followers should rely on his tactical methods for victory.
•Nasarawa United vs Sunshine Stars
Confluence Stadium, Lokoja
Nasarawa United walloped C.O.D United 4-0, while Sunshine Stars defeated Nembe City 2-1 to get to this round.
Stars gaffer Fatai Folorunsho Amoo aka "Arsenal" knows the tricks of the Fed Cup. He leads his team to face United at the Confluence Stadium. Omeruo netted a brace against Kwara United, and he should be called to action by the soft-spoken coach.
The Lafia boys showed RCCG boys, C.O.D United no mercy, with a four-nil thumping. The Sunshine defence marshalled by Alaba Osawe and Ebenezer Odunlami must watch the dangerous moves of Victor Namo.
Of the 16 clubs still involved, 3 are from outside the top flight and of the eight matches scheduled to determine this season’s quarter finalists, 6 are all-Premier League affair. There are three NNL clubs still in the cup, thirteen are still flying the flag for Glo Nigeria Premier League.
There are eight ties taking place across the centres on Wednesday.
•Akwa Starlets vs Abia Warriors
UJ Esuene Stadium, Calabar.
Abia Warriors defeated Kaduna United to be in this round. They will be banking on their splendid form in the NNL to un-mask their enemies.
Akwa Starlets have not been consistent in the NNL, but they put that aside to eliminate Dolphins FC. With the Uyo boys still not entirely assured of survival in the always competitive second tier, they won’t want to face the confidence-damaging consequences, defeat to a familiar side.
•Akwa United vs Enugu Rangers
Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri.
Justine Tenger may decide to rest a few of his attacking options with the relegation battle in his sights. But the cup is a competition Akwa United must take seriously being as it represents their best chance of winning a silverware. Rangers’ good form has seen them re-emerge as contenders, but they’ll be happy to put all thoughts of league football aside in an effort to inflict more cup misery on the Akwa United.
•Niger Tornadoes vs Warri Wolves
Akure Township Stadium, Akure.
Tornadoes were in dreamland after knocking out Plateau United in the round of 32, a game which they were not given the chance to progress. Bala Nikiyu’s men were fantastic and arguably deserved more headlines than they received. They will be happy to play one of the big boys, in drawing Warri Wolves- from a division above them- they would have felt they had a very fair chance of going on to the quarter finals.
On the other hand, for Wolves the need to pick a continental slot is far more pressing than a cup run, but a good progression should be on the radar of experienced tactician Solomon Ogbeide.
•Heartland FC vs Sharks FC
Ogbe Stadium, Benin.
The Fed Cup looks like the only opportunity to rescue what has been a desperately tupsy-turvy season for Sharks FC. Even a win in the competition in two seasons would probably not be enough to convince Shark's faithfuls, but it would at least provide consolation.
Heartland were terrific in defeating Ingas FC in the last round and have their title on the line.
•Enyimba International vs Shooting Stars
Area 3, Abuja.
GNPL strugglers Shooting Stars SC are attempting to complete the task of knocking out Enyimba in the Fed Cup. Such a feat would be all the more astonishing when you consider the turbulent season the Oluyole Warriors have endured. Coach Hakeem Busari, who masterminded the 1-0 fourth round victory over JUTH FC is under pressure to perform.
With Enyimba’s CAF Champions League ambitions starting to look increasingly optimistic, Sani Salisu may view a strong cup run as a means of a successful end to the season. The Peoples Elephants will have no excuses for underestimating old foes 3SC.
•ABS FC vs Lobi Stars
Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.
Two strugglers clash at the bumpy Bako Kontagora Stadium, with ticket to the next round their priority. ABS FC will fancy their chances against Lobi Stars, having pushed both Bayelsa United aside in the previous round.
Coach Ogenyi of Lobi Stars has his arsenal set on the ultra-attacking style which he utilised to great effect against MFM FC.
•Kano Pillars vs Gombe United
Rwang Pam Stadium, Jos.
Kano Pillars have a rich history of doing well in the Premier League in the last five years, but they need a Fed Cup winners medal to complete their dominance, Coach Baba Ganaru might feel his men can afford the luxury of a run to the final. They finished 4th in the last edition. Pillars are in good form with two wins from their last three, but Gombe United can match that statistic and are certain to approach this game with a carefree attitude.
Maurice Cooreman is a regular customer in the history of the competition and United followers should rely on his tactical methods for victory.
•Nasarawa United vs Sunshine Stars
Confluence Stadium, Lokoja
Nasarawa United walloped C.O.D United 4-0, while Sunshine Stars defeated Nembe City 2-1 to get to this round.
Stars gaffer Fatai Folorunsho Amoo aka "Arsenal" knows the tricks of the Fed Cup. He leads his team to face United at the Confluence Stadium. Omeruo netted a brace against Kwara United, and he should be called to action by the soft-spoken coach.
The Lafia boys showed RCCG boys, C.O.D United no mercy, with a four-nil thumping. The Sunshine defence marshalled by Alaba Osawe and Ebenezer Odunlami must watch the dangerous moves of Victor Namo.
Bad news to Gunners faithfuls, Real and Napoli agrees Higuain's deal
Napoli and Real Madrid have reportedly now reached a ‘tentative agreement’ for the transfer of striker Gonzalo Higuain, but Arsenal remain in the frame.
Napoli and Madrid were reported over the weekend as having agreed a deal for the Argentine forward, only for the player to play the second half of Los Merengues’ opening preseason friendly at Bournemouth on the Sunday night and for Carlo Ancelotti to affirm that ‘he remains a Madrid player’.
However, reports overnight are once more suggesting that a ‘tentative agreement’ between the Italians and Spanish has been reached, for an initial €37m fee, plus a further three in variables.
It is believed that now all that remains is for the player to sign off on the deal and, whilst representatives from the Partenopei met with him yesterday, the 25-year-old is apparently still keen on Arsenal.
Honda is 80% sure of joining AC Milan- Bronzetti
Italian super agent Enzo Bronzetti is brokering the deal between AC Milan and CSKA Moscow for Keisuke Honda. Bronzetti admits the Japan international is on the brink of signing for Milan.
"I think the problem is no longer between Milan and CSKA Moscow, the gap has been bridged, and now it's all up to the player. CSKA would like to keep him, they do not need the money, anyway," said Bronzetti.
"There were also other clubs that have come forward, but he is a fan of Milan and just wants Milan."
"I think the problem is no longer between Milan and CSKA Moscow, the gap has been bridged, and now it's all up to the player. CSKA would like to keep him, they do not need the money, anyway," said Bronzetti.
"There were also other clubs that have come forward, but he is a fan of Milan and just wants Milan."
Bernerd almost a Gunner
Brazil international midfielder Bernard is close to signing a deal with English Premier League club Arsenal.
The Gunners and Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro have agreed to terms over the 20-year-old, who will fly to London for a medical Thursday.
It is understood that Arsenal will pay 20 million pounds for the transfer while accepting Bernard's four million pound-a-year wage demand, O Globo reported.
Bernard has won five international caps for Brazil and was a member of the Selecao's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign last month.
He has also reportedly attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Chelsea.
The Gunners and Brazilian outfit Atletico Mineiro have agreed to terms over the 20-year-old, who will fly to London for a medical Thursday.
It is understood that Arsenal will pay 20 million pounds for the transfer while accepting Bernard's four million pound-a-year wage demand, O Globo reported.
Bernard has won five international caps for Brazil and was a member of the Selecao's triumphant Confederations Cup campaign last month.
He has also reportedly attracted interest from Borussia Dortmund, Juventus and Chelsea.
Tito's successor emerge
Former Newell's Old Boys and Paraguay national team manager Gerardo 'Tata' Martino has been appointed as Barcelona's new manager, the club announced on its official website on Tuesday.
"FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign Gerardo Martino as the new first team manager for the next two seasons. The agreement is still pending the drafting and signing of his contract," the club said.
It will be decided in the coming hours when Tata Martino will travel to Barcelona to sign his contract. The Catalans have moved quickly to replace Tito Vilanova after he was forced to resign on Friday due to on-going ill health.
Martino, who hails from Rosario, the same city where Barca star Lionel Messi grew up, recently left Newell's despite leading them to the Argentine Clausura title and to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals.
Previous to taking over at the Argentine club, the bulk of Martino's managerial experience had been in Paraguay, where he won four domestic championships with Libertad and Cerro Porteno before going on to lead the national side to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and the Copa America final a year later.
"FC Barcelona has reached an agreement to sign Gerardo Martino as the new first team manager for the next two seasons. The agreement is still pending the drafting and signing of his contract," the club said.
It will be decided in the coming hours when Tata Martino will travel to Barcelona to sign his contract. The Catalans have moved quickly to replace Tito Vilanova after he was forced to resign on Friday due to on-going ill health.
Martino, who hails from Rosario, the same city where Barca star Lionel Messi grew up, recently left Newell's despite leading them to the Argentine Clausura title and to the Copa Libertadores semi-finals.
Previous to taking over at the Argentine club, the bulk of Martino's managerial experience had been in Paraguay, where he won four domestic championships with Libertad and Cerro Porteno before going on to lead the national side to the quarter-finals of the World Cup in 2010 and the Copa America final a year later.
Liverpool prepares to add Danish wonder to their ranks
English Premier League club Liverpool have reportedly made an 18 million pound bid for Ajax youngster Christian Eriksen and are closing in on a deal to sign the Danish international. An Italian website, TuttoMercatoWeb, is claiming that Eriksen has agreed personal terms with the Anfield side.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of hottest prospects in European football, and with just a year left on his Ajax contract, Eriksen has made it clear he's open to a move away from the Netherlands side.
Christian Eriksen has made 157 appearances in all competitions for Ajax, scoring 30 goals and providing 40 assists. He has also helped his Amsterdam based side to three successive domestic titles.
Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has already welcomed in four new additions to his Liverpool squad but had been strongly linked with interest in Shakhtar Donestk attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined German club Borussia Dortmund, indicating that the Northern Irishman was keen to bring in a creative midfield talent this summer.
Rodgers is looking keen to add creative talents to freshen up his midfield and could see Eriksen as a possible long term successor to Steven Gerrard and a player he can build his young side around.
Earlier, Rodgers had made it clear that he will have the final say on who will be joining the club this year. "There is absolutely no way a player will come in here if I don't want him,' Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
The 21-year-old is regarded as one of hottest prospects in European football, and with just a year left on his Ajax contract, Eriksen has made it clear he's open to a move away from the Netherlands side.
Christian Eriksen has made 157 appearances in all competitions for Ajax, scoring 30 goals and providing 40 assists. He has also helped his Amsterdam based side to three successive domestic titles.
Liverpool coach Brendan Rodgers has already welcomed in four new additions to his Liverpool squad but had been strongly linked with interest in Shakhtar Donestk attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who joined German club Borussia Dortmund, indicating that the Northern Irishman was keen to bring in a creative midfield talent this summer.
Rodgers is looking keen to add creative talents to freshen up his midfield and could see Eriksen as a possible long term successor to Steven Gerrard and a player he can build his young side around.
Earlier, Rodgers had made it clear that he will have the final say on who will be joining the club this year. "There is absolutely no way a player will come in here if I don't want him,' Rodgers told the Liverpool Echo.
Real ready to test Spurs' resolve- report
Spanish giants Real Madrid are readying a record breaking bid for Tottenham Hotspur attacker Gareth Bale according to reports in England.
Real are ready to stump up a mammoth 85 million pounds for the 24 year old Welsh international.
Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas would be loathed to lose his key performer but the 85m pounds bid could be hard to ignore for any club.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in Bale but are not ready to pay over the odds for the Spurs winger.
Real Madrid are willing to invest such a huge sum in your services could perhaps turn the former Southampton man's head.
Real president Florentino Perez saw his side surrender the La Liga title last season and also watched as Barcelona won the race to sign highly rated Brazilian Neymar and though the Bernabeu side have also spent heavily, bringing in impressive youngsters like Isco and Asier Illarramendi, capturing Bale would be a massive statement of intent.
Real are ready to stump up a mammoth 85 million pounds for the 24 year old Welsh international.
Tottenham coach Andre Villas-Boas would be loathed to lose his key performer but the 85m pounds bid could be hard to ignore for any club.
Manchester United are also said to be interested in Bale but are not ready to pay over the odds for the Spurs winger.
Real Madrid are willing to invest such a huge sum in your services could perhaps turn the former Southampton man's head.
Real president Florentino Perez saw his side surrender the La Liga title last season and also watched as Barcelona won the race to sign highly rated Brazilian Neymar and though the Bernabeu side have also spent heavily, bringing in impressive youngsters like Isco and Asier Illarramendi, capturing Bale would be a massive statement of intent.
Emenike, Nsofor and Ameobi returns for the battle of Durban
Super Eagles gaffer Stephen Keshi has released his team list for the battle of Durban, otherwise known as the "Mandela Challenge". The national side will take-on their counterparts from South Africa
Meet the certified candidates;
Goalkeepers:
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders:
Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England)
Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland)
Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Elderson Uwa Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
Midfielders:
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea FC, England)
Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway)
Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England)
John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal)
Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy)
Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy)
Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Strikers:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England)
Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia)
Victor Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)
Standby:
Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria) Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)Samuel Aaron Olanere (Sarpsborg, Norway)
The game is expected to take place on 14th August in Durban.
Meet the certified candidates;
Goalkeepers:
Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Defenders:
Kenneth Omeruo (Chelsea FC, England)
Efe Ambrose (Celtic FC, Scotland)
Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves, Nigeria)
Elderson Uwa Echiejile (Sporting Braga, Portugal)
Midfielders:
John Obi Mikel (Chelsea FC, England)
Fegor Ogude (Valerenga FC, Norway)
Victor Moses (Chelsea FC, England)
John Ogu (Academica de Coimbra, Portugal)
Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy)
Nnamdi Oduamadi (AC Milan, Italy)
Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers, Nigeria)
Strikers:
Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine)
Shola Ameobi (Newcastle United, England)
Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow, Russia)
Victor Obinna Nsofor (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia)
Uche Nwofor (VVV Venlo, Netherlands)
Standby:
Solomon Kwambe (Sunshine Stars, Nigeria)
Benjamin Francis (Heartland FC, Nigeria) Gambo Mohammed (Kano Pillars, Nigeria)Samuel Aaron Olanere (Sarpsborg, Norway)
The game is expected to take place on 14th August in Durban.
Glo Nigeria Premier League (Log As At Week 22)
Rnk Team MP W D L GF GA +/- Pts
1 Kano Pillars 22 12 3 7 29 24 5 39
2 Bayelsa United 22 11 3 8 26 28 -2 36
3 Enyimba 22 10 5 7 17 11 6 35
4 Warri Wolves 21 9 7 5 27 18 9 34
5 Kwara United 22 9 7 6 23 15 8 34
6 El-Kanemi Warriors 22 10 4 8 26 21 5 34
7 Enugu Rangers 21 10 3 8 29 19 10 33
8 Dolphin 22 9 6 7 22 18 4 33
9 Heartland 22 10 1 11 28 20 8 31
10 Sunshine Stars 22 9 4 9 25 19 6 31
11 Gombe United 22 10 1 11 25 30 -5 31
12 ABS 22 8 5 9 18 21 -3 29
13 Kaduna United 22 9 2 11 21 26 -5 29
14 Nembe City FC 22 9 2 11 21 27 -6 29
15 Nasarawa United 22 8 5 9 18 26 -8 29
16 Shooting Stars 22 8 3 11 25 27 -2 27
17 Akwa United 21 8 3 10 24 30 -6 27
18 Sharks 22 7 5 10 12 20 -8 26
19 Lobi Stars 22 7 5 10 20 29 -9 26
20 Wikki Tourists 21 7 2 12 19 26 -7 23
1 Kano Pillars 22 12 3 7 29 24 5 39
2 Bayelsa United 22 11 3 8 26 28 -2 36
3 Enyimba 22 10 5 7 17 11 6 35
4 Warri Wolves 21 9 7 5 27 18 9 34
5 Kwara United 22 9 7 6 23 15 8 34
6 El-Kanemi Warriors 22 10 4 8 26 21 5 34
7 Enugu Rangers 21 10 3 8 29 19 10 33
8 Dolphin 22 9 6 7 22 18 4 33
9 Heartland 22 10 1 11 28 20 8 31
10 Sunshine Stars 22 9 4 9 25 19 6 31
11 Gombe United 22 10 1 11 25 30 -5 31
12 ABS 22 8 5 9 18 21 -3 29
13 Kaduna United 22 9 2 11 21 26 -5 29
14 Nembe City FC 22 9 2 11 21 27 -6 29
15 Nasarawa United 22 8 5 9 18 26 -8 29
16 Shooting Stars 22 8 3 11 25 27 -2 27
17 Akwa United 21 8 3 10 24 30 -6 27
18 Sharks 22 7 5 10 12 20 -8 26
19 Lobi Stars 22 7 5 10 20 29 -9 26
20 Wikki Tourists 21 7 2 12 19 26 -7 23
Monday 22 July 2013
United step-up Vucinic chase
Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Mirko Vucinic, reportedly offering £13m to Juventus.
This is not the first time they have been linked with the Montenegro international hitman, who could well leave Turin this summer.
He is increasingly pushed to the sidelines by the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, while the Bianconeri have also been unable to sell Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri.
Manchester United are prepared to meet the €15m – approximately £13m – price-tag set by Juventus for Vucinic.
The 29-year-old scored 14 goals in 43 games in all competition for Juve last season, including 10 in Serie A.
To sell for €15m would be a sound financial move too, as Juve paid only a combined €9m plus performance-related bonuses for both Tevez and Llorente.
This is not the first time they have been linked with the Montenegro international hitman, who could well leave Turin this summer.
He is increasingly pushed to the sidelines by the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, while the Bianconeri have also been unable to sell Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri.
Manchester United are prepared to meet the €15m – approximately £13m – price-tag set by Juventus for Vucinic.
The 29-year-old scored 14 goals in 43 games in all competition for Juve last season, including 10 in Serie A.
To sell for €15m would be a sound financial move too, as Juve paid only a combined €9m plus performance-related bonuses for both Tevez and Llorente.
Italy should go far at the 2014 World Cup- Buffon
Gianluigi Buffon is confident Italy will have a good chance of winning the World Cup in Brazil next summer.
The Azzurri crashed out at the group stages in 2010, but the goalkeeper is upbeat about the strength of the national side after their showings at Euro 2012 and the recent Confederations Cup.
“A beautiful national side is being born,” the Juventus captain told ANSA. “The side can still grow and take on anybody at the World Cup.
“We demonstrated at the Confederations Cup that we are as good as the best teams in the world. We’ve also made progress in the way we play.
“Now we need to keep following the instructions of boss Cesare Prandelli in order to continue growing.”
Italy finished as runners-up to Spain in the European Championship a year ago. They achieved third at the Confederations Cup in Brazil last month.
Buffon has won 133 caps for his nation. He is just three short of drawing level with record holder Fabio Cannavaro.
The Azzurri crashed out at the group stages in 2010, but the goalkeeper is upbeat about the strength of the national side after their showings at Euro 2012 and the recent Confederations Cup.
“A beautiful national side is being born,” the Juventus captain told ANSA. “The side can still grow and take on anybody at the World Cup.
“We demonstrated at the Confederations Cup that we are as good as the best teams in the world. We’ve also made progress in the way we play.
“Now we need to keep following the instructions of boss Cesare Prandelli in order to continue growing.”
Italy finished as runners-up to Spain in the European Championship a year ago. They achieved third at the Confederations Cup in Brazil last month.
Buffon has won 133 caps for his nation. He is just three short of drawing level with record holder Fabio Cannavaro.
We are devastated with Tito's exit- Puyol
Carles Puyol has revealed that the news of Tito Vilanova’s cancer relapse hit him ‘very hard’.
The Coach stepped down from his duties at Camp Nou on Friday because of the re-emergence of the disease.
And the captain has conceded that it has been a difficult few days.
“It was a big blow,” he told a Press conference. “We’ve had a few knocks recently, but this was really hard to take.
“Nobody expected it – the team is very upset.
“It was very hard news to take, but the person is almost the most important thing.
“All names out there have the skills to coach this team.
“We'll help the new Coach as much as possible.
“Tito asked us to give everything on the pitch - that would be the best way to help him.
“We'll try to give him some joy.”
The Coach stepped down from his duties at Camp Nou on Friday because of the re-emergence of the disease.
And the captain has conceded that it has been a difficult few days.
“It was a big blow,” he told a Press conference. “We’ve had a few knocks recently, but this was really hard to take.
“Nobody expected it – the team is very upset.
“It was very hard news to take, but the person is almost the most important thing.
“All names out there have the skills to coach this team.
“We'll help the new Coach as much as possible.
“Tito asked us to give everything on the pitch - that would be the best way to help him.
“We'll try to give him some joy.”
CR7 will stay- Mourinho
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is confident that Cristiano Ronaldo will stay at Real Madrid.
The Portuguese forward has been linked with a move back to Manchester United this summer, as with two years remaining on his contract, negotiations with Los Blancos seem to be non-existant.
However, the tactician has insisted that the record-breaking goalscorer will more than likely remain at Santiago Bernabeu.
"What I know is that Real Madrid is such a rich club they don't need to sell him, and it is such a rich club I think they can swallow any offer a club can have on Ronaldo," Mourinho told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
"I know Ronaldo loves Manchester United and I know he loves the Premier League, but I think he is going to stay.
“It's just a feeling, no contact [with the player], nothing, just a feeling."
The Portuguese forward has been linked with a move back to Manchester United this summer, as with two years remaining on his contract, negotiations with Los Blancos seem to be non-existant.
However, the tactician has insisted that the record-breaking goalscorer will more than likely remain at Santiago Bernabeu.
"What I know is that Real Madrid is such a rich club they don't need to sell him, and it is such a rich club I think they can swallow any offer a club can have on Ronaldo," Mourinho told reporters in Kuala Lumpur.
"I know Ronaldo loves Manchester United and I know he loves the Premier League, but I think he is going to stay.
“It's just a feeling, no contact [with the player], nothing, just a feeling."
Spurs confirms Chadli's signing subject to medical
English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of FC Twente winger Nacer Chadli for a reported 7 million pounds subject to a medical according to reports in England.
The 23-year-old has flown to London to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the White Hart Lane staff before jetting out to join his new team-mates in Hong Kong for pre-season training.
A Tottenham statement on their official website read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with FC Twente for the transfer of Nacer Chadli."
Chadli is seen as replacement for Garaeth Bale who might leave the London club for Real Madrid or Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has flown to London to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical with the White Hart Lane staff before jetting out to join his new team-mates in Hong Kong for pre-season training.
A Tottenham statement on their official website read: "We are delighted to announce that we have reached agreement with FC Twente for the transfer of Nacer Chadli."
Chadli is seen as replacement for Garaeth Bale who might leave the London club for Real Madrid or Manchester United.
Naija Players Xploits Abroad.......Compiled by Ayodele Fasusi and Abayomi Ademetan
Chelsea defeated a Malaysia All Stars team 4-1 on Sunday for their second straight preseason win under new manager Jose Mourinho. Super Eagles winger Victor Moses scored the Blues' fourth goal in the 88th minute.
Rio Ave did Newcastle no favours with a convincing 3-1 win. Super Eagles forward Shola Ameobi scored the consolation strike for the EPL outfit.
FIFA Confederations Cup flop Anthony Ujah started the 2013/2014 season on a fine note. He was on target for Cologne, as they were forced to a one-all draw by Dynamo Dresden. The former Mainz and Lillestrom man was on for 90 minutes.
Midtjylland won two-nil at AGF Aarhus. Izunna Uzochukwu and Slyvester Igboun played active parts in the impressive win. They both spotted jersey number 43 and 44 respectively.
At the Stadion Centralnyj, 18-shirted Ahmed Musa drew the first blood for CSKA Moskva in a Russian Premier League match against Ural. The game ended two-all.
Super Eagles utility man Ogenyi Onazi made a comeback, with an hour appearance in Lazio's pre-season friendly 4-1 win on Saturday.
Former Chievo Verona and West Ham attacker Victor Obinna was not listed for action when Lokomotiv Moskva won 2-1 at Volga.
At the Stadion Avanhard, DR Congo star Deumarci Mbokani's brace was the tonic Dynamo Kiev needed to beat Hoverla 2-1 on Saturday. Lukman Haruna was a magician with his industry and he provided the assist for the striker's second goal. Brown Ideye was benched for the entire duration.
Kien Giang and Ha Noi T $ T shared the spoils in a nervy 1-1 draw. Felix Gbenga Ajala equalised for the away side in the 71st minute.
An Evaldo's injury time strike denied home side Hoang Anh Gia Lai the victory over Da Nang on Saturday. Former U-17 stars Bassey Anietie Akpan and Ganiyu Bolaji Oseni gave a good account of their dossier for the home side. But Oseni notched a brilliant solo effort in the 15th minute. The game ended 2-2.
Also on the scoresheet in Vietnam was former Lobi Stars forward Timothy Anjembe. He saved his best for the last 20 minutes, with a brace for Ninh Binh, and a 3-2 victory against homers Xuan Thanh Sai Gon.
Rio Ave did Newcastle no favours with a convincing 3-1 win. Super Eagles forward Shola Ameobi scored the consolation strike for the EPL outfit.
FIFA Confederations Cup flop Anthony Ujah started the 2013/2014 season on a fine note. He was on target for Cologne, as they were forced to a one-all draw by Dynamo Dresden. The former Mainz and Lillestrom man was on for 90 minutes.
Midtjylland won two-nil at AGF Aarhus. Izunna Uzochukwu and Slyvester Igboun played active parts in the impressive win. They both spotted jersey number 43 and 44 respectively.
At the Stadion Centralnyj, 18-shirted Ahmed Musa drew the first blood for CSKA Moskva in a Russian Premier League match against Ural. The game ended two-all.
Super Eagles utility man Ogenyi Onazi made a comeback, with an hour appearance in Lazio's pre-season friendly 4-1 win on Saturday.
Former Chievo Verona and West Ham attacker Victor Obinna was not listed for action when Lokomotiv Moskva won 2-1 at Volga.
At the Stadion Avanhard, DR Congo star Deumarci Mbokani's brace was the tonic Dynamo Kiev needed to beat Hoverla 2-1 on Saturday. Lukman Haruna was a magician with his industry and he provided the assist for the striker's second goal. Brown Ideye was benched for the entire duration.
Kien Giang and Ha Noi T $ T shared the spoils in a nervy 1-1 draw. Felix Gbenga Ajala equalised for the away side in the 71st minute.
An Evaldo's injury time strike denied home side Hoang Anh Gia Lai the victory over Da Nang on Saturday. Former U-17 stars Bassey Anietie Akpan and Ganiyu Bolaji Oseni gave a good account of their dossier for the home side. But Oseni notched a brilliant solo effort in the 15th minute. The game ended 2-2.
Also on the scoresheet in Vietnam was former Lobi Stars forward Timothy Anjembe. He saved his best for the last 20 minutes, with a brace for Ninh Binh, and a 3-2 victory against homers Xuan Thanh Sai Gon.
Deco to hang-up his boots
Former Portugal international midfielder Deco has revealed plans to retire from football at the end of 2013. Deco, 36 next month, admitted he could no longer guarantee the quality of performances that made him one of the world's most influential midfielders during spells at Porto, Barcelona and Chelsea.
"In football time is short. It makes me nostalgic thinking about it," Deco said.
"But there comes a time when you are no longer able to compete with the same strength and intensity.
"I am competitive and I always want to win. I have a contract until the end of the year and I have set myself on having a good Campeonato Brasileiro."
Deco is one of only nine players to have won the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs, Porto and Barcelona.
He admitted the lure of winning the Copa Libertadores - South America's elite club competition - could prompt an addendum to his decorated career.
"This is my last Campeonato Brasileiro. But maybe I can be convinced to play in another Copa Libertadores and try to win the title that I don't have," he added.
"In football time is short. It makes me nostalgic thinking about it," Deco said.
"But there comes a time when you are no longer able to compete with the same strength and intensity.
"I am competitive and I always want to win. I have a contract until the end of the year and I have set myself on having a good Campeonato Brasileiro."
Deco is one of only nine players to have won the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs, Porto and Barcelona.
He admitted the lure of winning the Copa Libertadores - South America's elite club competition - could prompt an addendum to his decorated career.
"This is my last Campeonato Brasileiro. But maybe I can be convinced to play in another Copa Libertadores and try to win the title that I don't have," he added.
Sweet beginning for Carlo
Nine-times European champions Real Madrid fielded their big guns on Sunday for a friendly against Bournemouth that was all about a once-in-a-lifetime occasion for the English second tier club rather than the Spanish giants' 6-0 victory.
Fans had queued overnight for tickets to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo take to the pitch at their modest club's 12,000-capacity Goldsands Stadium and they were not disappointed as new Real manager Carlo Ancelotti named a strong lineup.
Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player after his 80 million pound move to Real from Manchester United in 2009, opened the scoring on 21 minutes with a free kick, adding another goal on 40 before Sami Khedira made it three on 43.
Substitute Gonzalo Higuain got his name on the scoresheet in the 47th, while winger Angel Di Maria netted the fifth on 68 minutes and Brazilian midfielder Casemiro scored from close range eight minutes from time to finish the rout.
The hammering did not matter to Bournemouth fans, who having shelled out 60 pounds a ticket - well over double the price of a seat for a league game - were keen to savour the spectacle.
They applauded the skills of their big-name visitors in a match, arranged through mutual contacts, that was part of the south coast club's celebration for winning promotion to the Championship last season.
While the memories of the day Real Madrid came to town will be treasured for many years, it will be back to reality for Bournemouth on August 3 when they kick off their league campaign at home to Charlton Athletic.
Fans had queued overnight for tickets to see the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo take to the pitch at their modest club's 12,000-capacity Goldsands Stadium and they were not disappointed as new Real manager Carlo Ancelotti named a strong lineup.
Ronaldo, the world's most expensive player after his 80 million pound move to Real from Manchester United in 2009, opened the scoring on 21 minutes with a free kick, adding another goal on 40 before Sami Khedira made it three on 43.
Substitute Gonzalo Higuain got his name on the scoresheet in the 47th, while winger Angel Di Maria netted the fifth on 68 minutes and Brazilian midfielder Casemiro scored from close range eight minutes from time to finish the rout.
The hammering did not matter to Bournemouth fans, who having shelled out 60 pounds a ticket - well over double the price of a seat for a league game - were keen to savour the spectacle.
They applauded the skills of their big-name visitors in a match, arranged through mutual contacts, that was part of the south coast club's celebration for winning promotion to the Championship last season.
While the memories of the day Real Madrid came to town will be treasured for many years, it will be back to reality for Bournemouth on August 3 when they kick off their league campaign at home to Charlton Athletic.
Blues roll-over Malaysia XI
Chelsea defeated a Malaysia All Stars team 4-1 on Sunday for their second straight pre-season win under new manager Jose Mourinho.
Teenage midfielder Bertrand Traore scored in the 5th minute after converting a cross by Kevin De Bruyne, who later scored with a volley in the 28th minute at Malaysia's Shah Alam Stadium.
Romelu Lukaku slipped in a low shot before halftime for his second goal on the tour after converting a penalty kick in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Thailand Singha All-Stars on Wednesday.
Victor Moses scored the Blues' fourth goal in the 88th minute before Malaysian substitute Mohammad Fadhli Shas grabbed a consolation for the hosts.
Teenage midfielder Bertrand Traore scored in the 5th minute after converting a cross by Kevin De Bruyne, who later scored with a volley in the 28th minute at Malaysia's Shah Alam Stadium.
Romelu Lukaku slipped in a low shot before halftime for his second goal on the tour after converting a penalty kick in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Thailand Singha All-Stars on Wednesday.
Victor Moses scored the Blues' fourth goal in the 88th minute before Malaysian substitute Mohammad Fadhli Shas grabbed a consolation for the hosts.
Moyes confirms second bid for Francesc
Manchester United boss David Moyes has confirmed that the club has made a second bid for Cesc Fabregas and the executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is dealing with the matter behind the scenes.
United confirmed last Monday that they had made a first offer for the former Arsenal star, and manager David Moyes said at a press conference in Yokohama that a second offer had been lodged after Barca rejected their first approach.
Ed returned to England from United's pre season tour ahead of schedule last Wednesday to carry out some urgent transfer business, and Moyes confirmed, "As I understand it, Ed had a response (to the first offer). We have made a second offer but Ed is dealing with it rather than me."
With Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova forced to step down from his post at the Nou Camp on Friday due to the return of a cancerous tumour, the Spanish champions are now likely to focus solely on resolving the management position and offering their full support to Vilanova and his family before addressing outstanding transfer business.
According to sources in England, Barcelona will only look into the matter after the hiring of the new coach.
United confirmed last Monday that they had made a first offer for the former Arsenal star, and manager David Moyes said at a press conference in Yokohama that a second offer had been lodged after Barca rejected their first approach.
Ed returned to England from United's pre season tour ahead of schedule last Wednesday to carry out some urgent transfer business, and Moyes confirmed, "As I understand it, Ed had a response (to the first offer). We have made a second offer but Ed is dealing with it rather than me."
With Barcelona manager Tito Vilanova forced to step down from his post at the Nou Camp on Friday due to the return of a cancerous tumour, the Spanish champions are now likely to focus solely on resolving the management position and offering their full support to Vilanova and his family before addressing outstanding transfer business.
According to sources in England, Barcelona will only look into the matter after the hiring of the new coach.
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