Free Betting Tips

Leicester City - What are the odds on that?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 10:43:00 -0800

Leicester City's amazing season is surely the story of the Premier League so far.

When Leicester parted company with manager Nigel Pearson in June, the club management appointed Claudio Ranieri as his successor to general bafflement all round. Ranieri, of course, was a man who had been sacked from his last 3 positions - managing the Greek national side, Monaco and Inter Milan - and hadn't managed in the Premier League since losing his job at Chelsea in 2004.

In truth, Leicester City were many pundits favourites for relegation this season, and Ranieri was tipped to be the first Premier League manager likely to get the sack. You could have actually got 5,000-1 for Leicester to win the Premiership before the season started. And, as the Daily Mirror has now reported, one Leicester fan punted £5 at 1,000-1 that the club would be top at Christmas. He is now £5000 better off!

Ex-Liverpool forward Stan Collymore claims Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, want

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 21 Dec 2015 10:28:00 -0800

Ex-Liverpool forward Stan Collymore claims Manchester United’s owners, the Glazer family, want to sack Louis van Gaal and hire Jose Mourinho in his place.
Van Gaal is coming under increasing pressure after United’s 2-1 defeat to Norwich on Saturday.
The defeat means the Red Devils are without a win in six matches and they’re currently nine points behind league leaders Leicester City.
Mourinho was dismissed as Chelsea boss last week and his availability has increased the pressure on Van Gaal’s position.
And Collymore believes there’s now been a shift in the thinking of the Glazer family, who he believes will sack the Dutchman.

Torino edge Lazio to Supercoppa Primavera

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 14 Nov 2015 13:48:00 -0800

Less than 30 seconds after the restart, Cardoselli found himself all alone in front of Granata goalkeeper Andrea Zaccagno to fire the Aquile ahead.

The goal seemed to startle Toro as Zaccagno was forced into three great saves to keep them in the match, as Inzaghi’s side were left wondering how they weren’t ahead by more than just the one goal.

Lazio were made to pay for their lack of finishing as the Granata equalised in the 77th minute. Berardi collected a low cross and tapped in from close range to level the scoreline.

Toro surged forward, earning a penalty minutes later, only for Massimo Martino’s effort to be denied by Kristjan Matosevic in the Lazio goal.

As a result the match went to extra time, but it was the Granata who would get the last laugh as Bortoluz took advantage of a Biancocelesti mistake in defence, firing home with the outside of his boot to earn the Turin side their first Supercoppa Primavera.

Atletico Madrid line up £16m move for Chelsea target

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 07:06:00 -0700

Spanish champions Atletico Madrid are lining up a £16m move for Chelsea target Jose Callejon.

Jose Mourinho is a big fan of the talented forward, who he signed during his time at Real Madrid back in 2011.

As reported by SPORT in May, The Special One has been keeping tabs on Callejon since his move to Napoli last summer and was impressed by his 15 goals during his first Serie A season.

But Mourinho and Chelsea could be in danger of missing out on the 27-year-old with Atletico ready to make their move for the striker.

The Spanish club are desperate to reinforce their attack after selling Diego Costa - ironically to Chelsea - and it is understood that they have stuck Callejon at the top of their wish list.

Hammers agree Valencia transfer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 07:03:00 -0700

West Ham have completed the signing of Enner Valencia, subject to a successful work permit hearing.

Valencia caught the eye of several European clubs with his performance for Ecuador during the World Cup, but the Hammers managed to lure him to Upton Park for an undisclosed fee.

Following the successful completion of his medical, the 25-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the club, but the transfer will only be confirmed once he has obtained a work permit.

“West Ham United are delighted to announce that exciting Ecuador international forward Enner Valencia will become the Club’s fifth summer signing, subject to a successful work permit hearing,” a statement on their official website read.

“Valencia, who impressed hugely in scoring three goals for his country at the FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil, will join West Ham on a five-year contract for an undisclosed fee.”

West Ham have already signed Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Mauro Zarate and Diego Poyet as Sam Allardyce looks to build a squad capable of finishing in the top ten.

The Uruguayan striker arrived in the Catalan city on Tuesday to complete the formalities of his reported £75m transfer from Liverpool.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 07:00:00 -0700

The Uruguayan striker arrived in the Catalan city on Tuesday to complete the formalities of his reported £75m transfer from Liverpool.

But, due to the fact he is serving a four-month FIFA ban from all football-related activity after biting Italy's Giorgio Chiellini's shoulder at the World Cup, he could not be formally unveiled at the Nou Camp yesterday.

It therefore fell to new Barca coach Luis Enrique and director of football Andoni Zubizarreta to answer questions about the club's latest big-money signing, while expanding further on their wider plans in the summer transfer window.

Schedule

Suarez will be ineligible to play for Barca - or even to train with his team-mates - unless any appeal lodged with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is successful.

When asked if Barca were making moves to reduce the length of the ban, Zubizarreta told reporters: "Luis Suarez is a Barcelona player for all purposes but the recommendation from our lawyers has been to remain discreet.

"Our lawyers tell us that we should be very prudent with what we say and your question is asking about something that's could only happen after certain verdicts have been reached.

"Then we'll be able to explain things better. But it's fact, it's true. He's 100 per cent a member of the club.

"We're speaking to our lawyers to find out the best way of defending his rights but at the moment there's nothing I can say about that."

Whether or not Suarez is allowed to make his debut ahead of schedule, the fact he is now securely under contract at the Nou Camp gives Enrique one less headache.

The former Spain midfielder, who has coached Barca's B team and more recently Roma and Celta Vigo, has already started shaking up his squad as a result of both planned and unexpected changes to personnel.

Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez have been sold, goalkeepers Victor Valdes and Jose Manuel Pinto have been released, while Carles Puyol's decision to retire from football leaves Enrique light on options in defence

He has signed Croatian playmaker Ivan Rakitic, Suarez and keepers Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Claudio Bravo but Barca remain frustrated in their search for a "high-profile" centre-back.

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux, Goal understands.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 06:25:00 -0700

The French pair have both been told that they are not in manager Alan Pardew's plans ahead of the 2014-15 season, with the Magpies looking to reshape their squad

By William Joyce

Newcastle United are willing to listen to offers for Hatem Ben Arfa and Sylvain Marveaux, Goal understands.

NEWCASTLE LATEST

12/1 Newcastle United are 12/1 with Bet365 to finish in the Premier League top six in 2014-15 Ben Arfa, who became something of a cult figure after joining the club from Marseille in 2010, has cut a frustrated figure in the last six months having fallen out of favour with manager Alan Pardew.

The 27-year-old's last start came in March and Pardew has now decided that the attacking midfielder can leave the club, having completed the signing of Remy Cabella – who plays in a similar position to Ben Arfa – from Montpellier for £12m.

Marveaux, signed on a free transfer from Rennes in 2011, has also been told that he is not in Pardew's thoughts and is free to leave the club along with his compatriot.

Since joining the club, Marveaux has struggled to nail down a starting spot in Pardew's XI and is now set to depart this summer, with Montpellier strongly linked with a loan move for the 28-year-old.

Ben Arfa, meanwhile, has been strongly linked with a move to the Middle East.

Despite the expected exits, Newcastle have strengthened heavily this summer, with Siem De Jong, Cabella, Ayoze Perez, Emmanuel Riviere and Jack Colback already joining the club and Daryl Janmaat set to sign once Mathieu Debuchy has completed his expected £8m move to Arsenal.

With the World Cup now over, transfer rumours have started to fly around more frequently. For Manchester

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 Jul 2014 05:22:00 -0700

With the World Cup now over, transfer rumours have started to fly around more frequently. For Manchester United fans, it also means their new manager, Louis Van Gaal, has now arrived in Manchester to take care of any business Edward Woodward failed to complete during the World Cup.

Reports from the British media suggest the Dutch manager is far from happy with some of the members of the current squad and would be prepared to get rid of up to 10 players currently at the club to make room for other players coming in.

If Le10 Sport in France are to be believed, one of those players could very well be France international and Real Madrid defender Raphaël Varane.

According to the French magazine, the player has been trying to renew his contract with the Champions League winners. During their first meeting on the subject, the two parties had agreed to meet later on to discuss a contract prolongation, which would also include a considerable wage increase for the France international.

The problem is, Real Madrid have been delaying these contract talks and rumour has it that Varane and his entourage have already shown signs of impatience. This is where Manchester United come in.

Le10 Sport state that the club previously contacted Real Madrid to check on Varane's availability and, in the process, will have heard that contract talks between the two parties were at a standstill, leaving Manchester United with the perfect opportunity to pounce.

After a dismal season under David Moyes last year, the Red Devils are adamant not to repeat last summer's failings in the transfer market and have shown their willingness to spend money when necessary. Were Manchester United to offer Varane a large contract offer, Real Madrid would be put in a rather uncomfortable position, especially if they carry on their reluctance to meet Varane's demands.

Varane isn't the only centre-back linked with Manchester United, but if their reported pursuit of Hummels hits an unexpected obstacle, Varane isn't the worst back-up option, is he?

Brazil pay price for buying into Neymar hype

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 9 Jul 2014 05:25:00 -0700

And so it proved, the mourning came before the funeral. By the end of 90 historic minutes Brazil, as a nation and a football team, were left to watch the lifeless body of their World Cup campaign be lowered into the ground, tears streaking down the faces of players and fans, whose ashen expressions betrayed a sense of disbelief at Germany's earth-shaking 7-1 win at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte.

In that moment, Brazilian football was dead. It's easy to get carried away when it comes to the beautiful game such is the emotion involved but do not understate the significance of last night's result. The stats tell only half the story; Brazil lost a competitive home fixture for the first time since 1975 while suffering the worst ever defeat for a host nation in the history of the competition. It was the largest World Cup knockout defeat since 1938.

Record defeat

But more than the endless stream of numbers and tumbling records, it is the tangible sense of disbelief and soul-shaking shock that grew each time the back of Brazil's net bulged that will ensure this game lives on and lingers in the memory. If the Maracanazo in 1950 scarred a footballing nation and condemned Moacir Barbosa to 50 years of abuse, then last night's result may well have similar repercussions.

Strange then, that it could have all been avoided.

In truth the build-up to Brazil's World Cup campaign had started months before the tournament got underway thanks to an endless stream of hyperbole and marketing campaigns, gathering pace and swarming in like wave of before it hit the shore, starting with the curtain-raiser against Croatia. Inevitably, the wave eventually tumbled, undone by it's own momentum.

At the peak of that wave was Neymar, the poster-boy and emotional conduit for this Brazil team. They bought into the marketing, into the myth that he was their saviour. That he could make the impossible happen. And when he failed to take to the pitch last night, the wheels were set in motion for a defeat of previously unthinkable proportions.

Approach

Whether Luis Felipe Scolari wanted to or simply chose to buy into that belief that Neymar could deliver them to glory we may never know, but what is almost certain is that his willingness to perpetuate it contributed towards his team's untimely demise. And for that he will suffer.

Brazil vs Germany World Cup 2014: Was the 7-1 semi-final defeat the worst of all-time?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 9 Jul 2014 05:00:00 -0700

Brazil vs Germany World Cup 2014: Was the 7-1 semi-final defeat the worst of all-time?

Embarrassed, humbled, crushed, thumped, battered, destroyed... however you want to put it, Brazil were thoroughly humiliated by Germany in Belo Horizonte.

The magnitude of the defeat in a World Cup semi-final will forever be remembered. The manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari, described it as the "worst day of my life" and the "worst loss" in Brazil's history.

A strong assessment of Brazil's capitulation, but he might not have gone far enough.

There have been plenty of massive defeats - Tottenham beating Wigan 9-1 in the Premier League a couple of years ago, for example - but rarely do games on the biggest stages produce such embarrassment.

Brazil were so desperate to win this World Cup because they have been haunted by the defeat in the 1950 World Cup final in the Maracana.

Argentina interrupted preparations for their World Cup semifinal to watch Germany's 7-1 win over Brazil, a result

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 9 Jul 2014 04:51:00 -0700

Argentina interrupted preparations for their World Cup semifinal to watch Germany's 7-1 win over Brazil, a result coach Alejandro Sabella said illustrated the unpredictability and beauty of football.

Argentina are looking to return to the biggest game in world soccer for the first time since 1990 while last-four opponents the Netherlands are aiming for a spot in their second straight final after losing to Spain four years ago in Johannesburg.

While Germany's stunning win over hosts Brazil in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday left players, pundits and fans scratching their heads all over the world, Sabella said people should always expect the unexpected in football.

"I saw the first half and just a small part of the second half... 7-1 is not a normal result between two powers in world football," Sabella told reporters at the Corinthians arena.

"It happens rarely so it is not a normal result, undoubtedly. It's football. I would explain it by saying it is the most illogical of all sports ... but on the other hand that's what makes it so beautiful."

Sabella said that with 24 hours to go before they play the Netherlands, Argentina were just fine-tuning their preparations and that the players were given time to watch Brazil suffer their worst ever World Cup defeat.

"The players had the idea of watching the match, to continue watching the match, because the first half we saw at the hotel and we saw the end of it here," he said, explaining why the squad was late for their training session on Wednesday.

"Since we were going to have light training, we thought that coming out at that time gave us sufficient time to do what we needed to do," he added.

Thiago Silva of Brazil (R) consoles teammate David Luiz after Germany's 7-1 victory during the 2014 FIFA

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 9 Jul 2014 04:39:00 -0700

Brazil thrashing most-discussed sports game ever on Twitter

Thiago Silva of Brazil (R) consoles teammate David Luiz after Germany's 7-1 victory during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Semi Final match on July 8, 2014© Getty Images

By Danielle Joynson, Staff Reporter

Filed: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 12:21 UK

Last Updated: Wednesday, July 9, 2014 at 12:23 UK

Brazil's heavy defeat to Germany in the World Cup semi-final was the most-discussed sports game ever on Twitter with 35.6 million tweets.

The hosts crashed out of the tournament on home soil in Belo Horizonte last night in a damaging 7-1 loss, which is their worst defeat in 94 years.

Around the 30th minute of the first half, shortly after Sami Khedira netted Germany's fifth goal, 580,166 tweets were sent on the social networking website per minute.

Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, Andre Schurrle and Miroslav Klose, who became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer last night, all managed to get on the scoresheet.

Photo - Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari instructs his players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:58:00 -0700

TERESOPOLIS, Brazil (AP) — Luiz Felipe Scolari is contemplating adding another central defender to Brazil's lineup against Colombia in the World Cup quarterfinals on Friday, going back to the formation that gave his team the 2002 title.

Photo - Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari instructs his players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari instructs his players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
The Brazil coach has to make at least one change because midfielder Luiz Gustavo is suspended, and he says he has a couple of options to replace him.

Scolari says he could either maintain the same formation from the first four matches, with four players at the back, or switch to a team with three central defenders, removing the responsibility of the full backs to defend.

It would be the same tactical scheme he used when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Photo - Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari instructs his players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Brazil's coach Luiz Felipe Scolari instructs his players during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Brazil and Chile at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Saturday, June 28, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

The Brazil coach has to make at least one change because midfielder Luiz Gustavo is suspended, and he says he has a couple of options to replace him.

Scolari says he could either maintain the same formation from the first four matches, with four players at the back, or switch to a team with three central defenders, removing the responsibility of the full backs to defend.

It would be the same tactical scheme he used when Brazil won the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.

Hamburg midfielder Milan Badelj has been approached by Chelsea and Tottenham, who are both keen to

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:54:00 -0700

Hamburg midfielder Milan Badelj has been approached by Chelsea and Tottenham, who are both keen to add the Croatia international to their ranks this summer. The 25-year-old impressed at the World Cup finals in Brazil, even though his national team were eliminated in the group stages.

This information comes courtesy of talkSPORT, who claim that sources close to Badelj have revealed that he is keen on a move to England. However, Hamburg regard the defensive midfielder as a key player and will only sell if they receive a big-money offer.

Brazil to Play Colombia World Cup Quarterfinals Tickets: Ticket Down Has Slashed Ticket Prices on

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:52:00 -0700

Brazil to Play Colombia World Cup Quarterfinals Tickets: Ticket Down Has Slashed Ticket Prices on Colombia vs. Brazil Quarterfinals Tickets

Ticket Down has rolled back ticket prices for Brazil vs. Colombia World Cup Quarterfinals on July 4th. Diehard soccer fans can add promo/coupon code SOCCER-2014 for added savings.

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Cheap Brazil vs. Colombia World Cup Quarterfinals Tickets

New York, NY (PRWEB) July 01, 2014

Ticket Down is a reputable source for Brazil vs. Colombia World Cup Quarterfinals tickets. One of the favorites to win the World Cup this year is from the host nation, Brazil. Brazil finished atop their group with a 2-1-0 record and advanced past the Round of 32 after knocking off fellow South American country, Chile on penalty kicks. The victory over Chile allowed the Brazilians to continue their goal of winning their sixth World Cup and will now take on Colombia. Colombia went 3-0 in the group stage, winning Group C and advanced past a Luis Suarez-less Uruguayan team. These two teams will meet at Estádio Castelão in Fortaleza on Saturday, July 4.

The Brazilian national team will be led into this matchup by the face of their team and the nation, Neymar. Neymar is just 22 and has scored four goals in this tournament. Against Chile, he was held without a goal, but the Barcelona player is still one of the most dangerous strikers in the world. He can make a defender miss at any time and if he has the chance to score on a penalty, all goalkeepers need to worry. Brazil will also be led in this match by Hulk, who put on one of the best performances of any player in their match against Chile; David Luiz who was credited with their lone goal in that match, and Marcelo. One player that won’t lace up their cleats in this match will be Dani Alves, who was suspended after earning his second yellow card of the tournament.

The Colombian team is one of the biggest surprises in the tournament this year. Their talent-filled roster is led by the leading scorer in the tournament, James Rodriguez. The 22-year-old played his first season with Monaco last season after playing with Porto in Portugal since 2010. He has quickly turned into one of the most impressive players in the World Cup and could be the difference between a win against one of the tournament favorites or a loss.

Estádio Castelão was originally built in 1973 and was renovated several years ago in preparation for the World Cup this year. The venue has hosted five games already this World Cup including the Brazil vs. Mexico draw in the group stage. The venue can seat more than 60,000 fans each night and has averaged more than 59,000 fans this tournament. With the original field of 32 teams down to less than a dozen, neither team can afford a slip up.

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After Holland defeated Mexico in the round of 16 do the Dutch have what it takes to win the World Cup in Brazil?

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:39:00 -0700

After Holland defeated Mexico in the round of 16 do the Dutch have what it takes to win the World Cup in Brazil?

I've watched Holland in most of their games during the tournament and I believe they can lift the trophy after coming so close in 2010.

The players will not want to feel the same pain of losing another World Cup final and this will spur them on to do better this time around.

I was very impressed with how Holland dealt with the heat in their clash with Mexico as the temperature rose to 38.8 degrees at one point during the match. It was obvious the Dutch were suffering at some points in the game but after going a goal behind they responded very well.

The fact that they have the ability to not let their heads go down will really help them if they are to win the World Cup. They kept battling until the final whistle and were rewarded with two late goals from Wesley Sneijder and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

A lot of other teams wouldn't have shown as much desire as the Dutch did.

Holland are still unbeaten at this tournament and I don't think they will be properly challenged until at least the semi finals where they could face Argentina.

If there is any position that the Dutch are weak in it's the defence though, and I always fear they will make a mistake. Ron Vlaar is the leader at the back but after having a fairly poor season with Aston Villa I find it hard to believe the stronger teams in the competition won't target him as a weak link.

He does get the job done but he lacks pace which could cause him a lot of problems in the latter stages of the World Cup.

However Holland have a great midfield and attacking options to make up for their defensive frailties. Sneijder, Robin Van Persie and Arjen Robben are just three of the players that any opposition would fear, and with substitutes like Huntelaar coming off the bench they have a lot of goals in their side.

I believe Holland will make it to the final this time around and I think they will win it. They could be up against Brazil, Colombia, France or Germany which would be a great test for them but they have what it takes to beat any side.

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written by a member of the GiveMeSport Writing Academy and does not represent the views of GiveMeSport.com or SportsNewMedia. The views and opinions expressed are solely that of the author credited at the top of this article. GiveMeSport.com and SportsNewMedia do not take any responsibility for the content of its contributors.

The 29-year-old Montenegro international is on the verge of reuniting with his former boss Rudi Garcia and

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:36:00 -0700

The 29-year-old Montenegro international is on the verge of reuniting with his former boss Rudi Garcia and is now just waiting for Lille to green-light the move

EXCLUSIVE

by Vittorio Campanile

Roma are ready to make their first major move of the summer transfer window with a swoop for Lille defender Marko Basa.

Coach Rudi Garcia is keen to bolster his defensive options ahead of the new season and has identified the Montenegro defender as his top priority.

Garcia led the Giallorossi to a second-place finish in Serie A last term, securing the return of Champions League football to the capital.

He has now told club officials he wants suitable alternatives in every position in order to deal with the demands of an increased fixture calendar, with 29-year-old Basa, who played under Garcia at Lille and Le Mans, a top priority.

The 50-year-old coach has spoken to the defender a number of times in an attempt to convince the former Lokomotiv Moscow stopper to join him in Rome. However, it is believed he would not be brought in as a direct replacement for Mehdi Benatia, who has been linked with a move to a number of clubs including Manchester City and Manchester United.

Current Lille coach Rene Girard is keen to keep his man but Basa has decided he would rather continue his career in Italy.

Roma are ready to pay around €3 million [£2.4m] for his services, but he will only be allowed to leave the club should Girard give the move his blessing.

Basa would be Roma’s second signing of the summer after the arrival of Seydou Keita on a free transfer from Valencia.

The Roma full-back was the victim of an unfortunate incident during Brazil training but managed to walk it off

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:34:00 -0700

The Roma full-back was the victim of an unfortunate incident during Brazil training but managed to walk it off and is still a possibility to replace Dani Alves against Colombia

There was a painful accident during Brazil's training session when Maxwell accidentally hit Maicon's "family jewels".

The Brazil right-back, who has yet to make an appearance in this World Cup, had to briefly suspend his training as he shook off the pain.

Borussia Dortmund ace Robert Lewandowski will join the the Bavarian giants later this summer, forcing Mandzukic further down the pecking order.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 1 Jul 2014 10:30:00 -0700

Borussia Dortmund ace Robert Lewandowski will join the the Bavarian giants later this summer, forcing Mandzukic further down the pecking order.

His desire to leave has seen a host of top clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan all linked with a swoop.

The Evening Standard reports that the Gunners appear to be in pole position for the 28-year-old, however, they must stump up £20m, which is more than their valuation of the player, if they are to force through a deal.

Mandzukic's wage packed, which is in the region of £60k-per-week, which won't be an issue for the Gunners.

According to Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil showed Chile too much cordial towards Chile during the World Cup quarter-final clash

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 02:59:00 -0700

According to Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil showed Chile too much cordial towards Chile during the World Cup quarter-final clash

The population of the host nation of the 2014 World Cup were left happy as Brazil qualified for the quarter-finals after getting past fellow South American side, Chile.

However, elimination appeared to be on the horizon for the Selecao as a 1-1 draw led to penalty shootouts, one which the five-time champions nervously won 3-2.

Furthermore, La Roja outclassed Luiz Felipe Scaolari’s men for huge portions of the game but much to the relief of the home crowd, Brazil made it into the next round and will now face Caoalombia on July 4 for a semi-final spot.

After the end of the game, the Selecao’s 65-year-old manager argued “politness” was the reason his side failed to stroll to an easy win.

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar was the hero in the penalty shoot-out as Brazil reached the last eight of the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic victory over Chile in Belo Horizonte.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 02:56:00 -0700

Brazil 1-1 Chile (AET, Brazil win 3-2 on penalties)

Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar was the hero in the penalty shoot-out as Brazil reached the last eight of the FIFA World Cup with a dramatic victory over Chile in Belo Horizonte.

Brazil, who also named Chelsea's Oscar and Manchester City's Fernandinho in the starting line-up, took the lead on 18 minutes when defender David Luiz, with the help of Chile's Gonzalo Jara, turned the ball into the net.

Chile came back into the contest and equalised 14 minutes later through Alexis Sanchez.

That is how the scoreline remained and, despite the introduction of Ramires in the second-half and Chelsea team-mate Willian in extra-time, the match went to a thrilling penalty shoot-out.

Cesar crucially saved from Mauricio Pinilla and Sanchez and after Neymar had fired home, Jara hit the post to spark wild celebrations for the hosts.

BPL players to feature

Brazil: Julio Cesar (On loan at Toronto FC from Queens Park Rangers), Oscar (Chelsea, sub: 106 mins) Fernandinho (Manchester City, sub: 72 mins). Subs: Ramires (Chelsea, 72 mins), Willian (Chelsea, 106 mins). Subs not used: Paulinho (Tottenham Hotspur).

FIFA Man of the Match: Cesar

Colombia 2-0 Uruguay

Southampton's Gaston Ramirez and Liverpool’s Sebastian Coates are heading home from the World Cup after Uruguay lost to a James Rodriguez inspired Colombia in Rio De Janeiro.

Ramirez came on as a 53rd minute substitute but by then, Uruguay were behind after goals either side of half-time from Rodriguez, the first, a stunning turn on the volley that crashed off the underside of the bar before going in, while the second was the finish to a fine team move.

Colombia will now meet Brazil in the quarter-finals on 4 July.

BPL players to feature

Uruguay: Sub: Gaston Ramirez (Southampton, 53 mins). Sub not used: Sebastian Coates (Liverpool).

Goals scored by BPL teams at the FIFA 2014 World Cup (23)

8 Manchester United

3 Liverpool

2 Arsenal, Chelsea, Swansea City, Manchester City

1 Crystal Palace, Newcastle United, Stoke City, Tottenham Hotspur

BPL goalscorers at the FIFA 2014 World Cup

3 Robin Van Persie (Netherlands & Man Utd).

2 Luis Suarez (Uruguay & Liverpool), Wilfried Bony (Ivory Coast & Swansea City).

1 Oscar (Brazil & Chelsea), Daniel Sturridge (England & Liverpool), Joel Campbell (Costa Rica & Arsenal), Marouane Fellaini (Belgium & Man Utd), Mile Jedinak (Australia & Crystal Palace), Wayne Rooney (England & Man Utd), Olivier Giroud (France & Arsenal), Moussa Sissoko (France & Newcastle Utd), Peter Odemwingie (Nigeria & Stoke), Nani (Portugal & Man Utd), Javier Hernandez (Mexico & Man Utd), Fernandinho (Brazil & Man City), Juan Mata (Spain & Man Utd), Fernando Torres (Spain & Chelsea), Edin Dzeko (Bosnia-Herzegovina & Man City), Jan Vertonghen (Belgium & Tottenham Hotspur)

* players classified as BPL players are those registered to 2014/15 Premier League clubs until 30 June, 2014, even if they are to be released or are or have been on loan at another club this season.

2014 FIFA World Cup round of 16 fixtures

29 June

5pm Netherlands v Mexico

9pm Costa Rica v Greece

30 June

5pm France v Nigeria

9pm Germany v Algeria

1 July

5pm Argentina v Switzerland

9pm Belgium v United States

The 69-year-old man was watching the tense end to Saturday's match at a bar near the stadium when he became unwell

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 02:54:00 -0700

The 69-year-old man was watching the tense end to Saturday's match at a bar near the stadium when he became unwell

Brazil's forward Neymar scores during the penalty shootout

A Brazilian football fan has died of heart failure while watching the World Cup penalty shootout which saw his country win against Chile.

The 69-year-old man was watching the tense finale to Saturday's match, in a bar close to the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte.

The fan, who was diabetic, complained of feeling unwell and was taken to hospital but died a shortly after his arrival, according to the Brazillian newspaper, Estado de Minas.

The paper added that health officials had to treat at least 98 supporters during the match, including a 50-year-old woman with a heart problem and a young man whose nose was broken in a fight.

The match finished 1-1 after extra time, with the hosts Brazil winning 3-2 in the penalty shootout .

This year's tournament has had its fair share of casualties both off an on the pitch.

British fan, Robert Farquharson, had his earlobe bitten off when he was attacked following England's 2-1 defeat to Uruguay on June 19.

Five days later Uruguay striker Luis Suarez bit Giorgio Chiellini during the match against Italy.

Italian Paper Talk: Juventus Say No To Mario Balotelli, Pursue Alvaro Morata

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 02:51:00 -0700

Brazil panic, hail Cesar.

- Seleçao reach the quarters after 120 minutes of tension.

- Sanchez and Vidal’s Chile play on a par and Pinilla hits the woodwork at the last minute.

- Ex-Inter goalkeeper parries two penalties and becomes a national hero.

- Super Colombia with the Martian James.

- Uruguay go home, on Friday quarter-final with the Seleçao.

- Blatter: ‘Video evidence during games for fouls and penalties’.

- FIFA chief opens to technology, Coaches can call for two replays each, could be operative by 2015.

- Mourinho approves: ‘A great decision for fair football’.

- ‘I agree with anything that will help referees make the right decisions. The spray and goal-line technology also work well’.

- Mazzola wants Rivera as Federation President.

- ‘Gianni is the ideal man to change many things. As for the Coach, Mancini is too expensive, so I say Guidolin’.

- What a struggle for the Under-21s, from 2011 to today only four in the senior squad.

- Thohir confirms Mazzarri: ‘He’s staying with us until 2016’.

Reports in France have suggested that the Gunners are leading the race for the duo, despite competition from

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 02:49:00 -0700

Arsenal favourites to sign Sanchez and Schneiderlin

Morgan Schneiderlin

Reports in France have suggested that the Gunners are leading the race for the duo, despite competition from some of their Premier League rivals. Sanchez has been linked with Liverpool in recent days, but a bid of £32m could see the Barcelona man move to North London.

Sanchez scored 19 goals in La Liga this season, but his future has come under question since the appointment of Luis Enrique as Barcelona’s new manager. He is currently on his way back from the World Cup after his Chile side were beaten on penalties by Brazil on Saturday.

Schneiderlin, meanwhile, is still in Brazil representing France, for whom he earned his first cap on Wednesday in the goalless draw with Ecuador at the Maracana. There have been reports in recent weeks that he could be set to join former boss Mauricio Pochettino at Tottenham, but it appears that Arsenal have overtaken their North London rivals in their pursuit.

Schneiderlin, who has played in each of the top three tiers of English football since moving to the Saints in 2008, recently said that he was hoping to play in more important matches.

Portugal’s goalkeeper Beto dives during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Ghana on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil.

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 26 Jun 2014 13:08:00 -0700

Ghana’s John Boye (21) scores a goal on his own team as Ghana’s goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda (left) looks on and Boye tangles with Portugal’s Joao Moutinho (right) during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Ghana on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Portugal’s goalkeeper Beto dives during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Ghana on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

Ghana’s Majeed Waris (right) receives a yellow card from referee Nawaf Shukralla of Bahrain as Portugal’s Pepe lies on the pitch during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Portugal and Ghana on Thursday at the Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, Brazil. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)

BRASILIA, Brazil — Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal of the World Cup earned Portugal a 2-1 win against Ghana but couldn’t prevent his team being eliminated from the tournament along with the Africans on Thursday.

Portugal finished level on four points with second-place United States in Group G but with an inferior goal difference. Germany topped the group after beating the U.S. 1-0 in Recife.

Ronaldo slammed home the winner at Estadio Nacional with his left foot in the 80th minute to break his drought in Brazil and give Portugal its first win. He barely celebrated, though, with the goal coming too late to help Portugal qualify at the expense of the Americans.

“We created many opportunities but we could not finish them,” Ronaldo said. “We knew we had to score three goals and were depending on the result of the Germany game and we couldn’t do that.

“We deserved more, but that’s football. We are leaving with our heads held high.”

Ghana captain Asamaoh Gyan’s 57th-minute header canceled out an own goal scored by teammate John Boye in the 31st.

It was a bittersweet ending to the World Cup for Ronaldo, who has been nursing a left leg injury and seen the likes of Brazil star Neymar and Argentina captain Lionel Messi upstage him with four goals apiece.

The world player of the year earned the man-of-the-match award after a display that could easily have yielded three or four goals. Ronaldo struck the bar in the first half and had two great chances in injury time, but glanced a close-range finish over the bar and then shot straight at Fatawu Dauda when one on one with the goalkeeper.

It was too little, too late from Ronaldo, who was downbeat as he trudged off the pitch after the final whistle.

The result brought to an end a typically eventful few weeks in Brazil for the Ghanaians, who were part of thrilling games against the United States and Germany before their campaign ended in turmoil on and off the pitch.

Their players took to the field in the Brazilian capital amid a dispute with the country’s football federation over alleged unpaid World Cup bonuses. Adding to the chaos, two of the team’s star players — Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng — were booted out of the squad hours before Thursday’s kickoff for disciplinary reasons.

“I don’t think it had an impact on the game,” said Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah, who confirmed that his players received their appearance-fee payments before kickoff as requested.

“We had our chances but couldn’t take them.”

It was perhaps no surprise that Ghana delivered its most subdued display of the tournament, ensuring the team finished bottom of the group and resulting in Ronaldo getting time and space to enjoy his most lively performance in Brazil.

He could have had a hat trick by the time he finally found the net.

An over-hit cross in the fifth minute flew over Dauda and slammed against the bar before the Real Madrid superstar squandered a gilt-edged chance, heading straight at the keeper from six yards (meters) out.

After having two stinging shots saved, he was bailed out by Boye, who sliced Miguel Veloso’s cross into the top corner of his own net to give the Portuguese a halftime lead they just about deserved.

Gyan could hardly miss with a header after Kwadwo Asamaoh’s delicious cross with the outside of his left foot, making it 1-1. With Germany having just taken the lead in Recife, Ghana was only a goal away from progressing at that stage.

However, Ronaldo had the final say, making no mistake from eight yards (meters) out after Dauda had parried the ball high into the air.