English // marca
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Wednesday, May 30, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Neymar ‘not yet 100%’ but ready to play for Brazil
Neymar acknowledged on Sunday that he was “not yet at 100 percent” after surgery on his fractured right foot, but the Brazil forward said he was ready to play for his country at the World Cup. “I’m not yet at 100 percent. That will come with time. I’m still a bit scared of going all […]
The post Neymar ‘not yet 100%’ but ready to play for Brazil appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Tuesday, May 29, 2018
The Independent - Football
Fifa 18 World Cup FUT update down: Xbox, PS4, PC and Switch stores hit by problems as players try to download special mode
p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px 'Helvetica Neue'; color: #454545} The free update brings all the kits, teams and stadiums ahead of the real competition
Dream Team FC
Neymar drops Manchester City transfer hint as Premier League rivals tremble at thought of Paris Saint-Germain star playing under Pep Guardiola
This is just about the last thing Manchester City’s biggest rivals wanted to hear.
The dust has barely settled on the record-breaking 100-point, double-winning season at the Etihad.
Yet already they have one of the biggest superstars of the world game fluttering his eyelashes at them.
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Click here to pre-register for this summer’s brilliant game
Neymar has dropped an incredible Manchester City transfer hintAFP
Brazil hero Neymar is looking for a way out of Paris Saint-Germain — just a year after his jaw-dropping £198million move to the French capital.
He said he “really wants to work with Pep Guardiola”, having just missed out on the chance when he initially joined Barcelona.
Guardiola has committed his next three years to finishing the job he has started so impressively at City.
The Brazilian superstar only joined PSG from Barcelona last summerEPA
So this is as close to a “come and get me” plea as you can get from the 26-year-old.
And that shows how City have established themselves as a superpower of world football over their decade of Abu Dhabi ownership.
The chances of the World Cup star being paraded around the Etihad in a sky blue shirt any time soon remains slim.
That is not to say there will not be people at the club who have their heads turned by Neymar’s revelation though.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiver
Neymar would make Man City even more formidable in attackEPA
The former Barcelona man is a marketing man’s dream and would grow the profile of any club he plays for enormously.
For a club with such sky-high ambitions as City that must appeal.
And, of course, everyone knows this is an exceptional talent — any team would be lucky to have him.
The colony of Brazilian players already at the Etihad — Fernandinho, Danilo, Ederson and Gabriel Jesus — would be the first to tell you that.
Yet Guardiola’s priorities lie elsewhere this summer.
He said recently they will only sign “one, maybe two” new players between now and mid-August.
The Brazilian admits he’s keen to link up with Pep GuardiolaGetty Images
They are focusing their efforts on a defensive midfielder and a wide player and have already identified their top targets.
Napoli’s £50m ace Jorginho is one, while Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez is again firmly in his sights.
Guardiola is safe in the knowledge he has Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus to find the net for the next couple of seasons.
Despite missing large chunks of the season with injury, the deadly duo got 47 goals between them. Aguero has committed himself to City until 2020. And aged just 21, Jesus surely represents the long-term future for the club.
No doubt the young star would relish the chance to have his friend for company in the North West of England.
City are believed to be closing in on a deal for Napoli midfielder JorginhoGetty Images
But the reality is City do not really need a new centre-forward at this stage.
There are those at the Etihad who believe they could be tempted to change their plans for a marquee signing.
After all, they had a long look at Neymar’s team-mate Kylian Mbappe last summer before he eventually opted for PSG.
Yet this is one deal that would blow the budget right out of the water.
And having spent more than £440m in two years at the Etihad, Guardiola may want to rein things in a bit.
He will be spending again, of course. In fact, it is unlikely he could get Jorginho and Mahrez for less than £100m.
City are likely to return for Leicester winger Riyad Mahrez after missing out on him in JanuaryREUTERS
But Neymar alone would probably cost double that — and that is before his £32m-a-year wages are factored in.
City owner Sheikh Mansour has seriously deep pockets.
But the days when money was frittered away are long gone. Their record signing was a relatively low profile one, with Aymeric Laporte joining for £57m from Athletic Bilbao in January.
Before that, the most they had paid was the £54m shelled out on Kevin de Bruyne in summer 2015.
Part of the reason they have fostered such an incredible atmosphere in the dressing room is because there are no “big-time Charlies”.
At City they are proud of the fact their name does not feature in the top ten biggest transfer deals of all-time.
City’s decision to abandon their Alexis Sanchez deal shows they will not pay silly money if it means disrupting plans for the futureAP:Associated Press
In fact, you have to go much further down to 15th before you see the new English champs mentioned.
That could change this summer if they land Mahrez, with talk of the Foxes looking for a £75m deal.
But do not forget they walked away in January when the Algerian’s price went up to more than £90m.
Similarly, they felt the money being asked for by Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal was way too hot for them.
The sums involved for Neymar would be even more eye-watering, so the thinking is likely to be the same.
City’s planning for the transfer market is meticulous. At Christmas they already knew what they wanted for the next 18 months.
Things are going too well to rip up those carefully laid plans — even for Neymar.
Dream Team World Cup has landed!The greatest show on Earth just got that bit more exciting.
That’s because the Dream Team World Cup game is coming ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Dream Team World Cup
Getty Images - Getty Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?[/caption]
The game officially launches on June 1 – but you can pre-register for the game now.
If you’re an existing Dream Team customer the World Cup game now appears in the app or you can enter here, but if you’re not follow these simple steps:
Download the Dream Team app Create an account Click on the World Cup banner below in the app and follow the pre-registration instructionsFrom Russia with a whole lot of love.
Monday, May 28, 2018
Sport – The Standard
Jefferies revels in dream Monaco F1 drive
Motor racing star Axcil Jefferies is still hopeful of fulfilling his ambition to compete in the Formula One World Championship after being recently afforded a dream opportunity to race a […]
The post Jefferies revels in dream Monaco F1 drive appeared first on The Standard.
Sunday, May 27, 2018
The Independent - Football
Mohamed Salah injury update: How long to recover from a dislocated shoulder and will he miss World Cup 2018?
The Egypt international is now a major doubt for the 2018 World Cup after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Champions League final against Real Madrid
Saturday, May 26, 2018
The Independent - Football
Mohamed Salah injury update: Jurgen Klopp confirms that Egyptian's World Cup now in doubt
The player was taken immediately to hospital for an x-ray to confirm the extent of his injury
Thursday, May 24, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Poorly kept secret: Iniesta joins Japanese club Vissel Kobe
TOKYO — Andres Iniesta is, finally, a member of Japanese club Vissel Kobe. The former Barcelona great appeared at a packed news conference at a central Tokyo hotel on Thursday along with billionaire Kobe owner Hiroshi Mikitani. It was hardly a surprise. Iniesta tweeted a photo of himself and Mikitani on his new boss’ private […]
The post Poorly kept secret: Iniesta joins Japanese club Vissel Kobe appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
Sport – The Standard
Mutamangira hails de Villiers influence
SABLES captain Denford Mutamangira has hailed former Springboks coach Peter de Villiers for instilling a new sense of self-belief in the Zimbabwe senior rugby squad as they prepare for next […]
The post Mutamangira hails de Villiers influence appeared first on The Standard.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
English // marca
Dream Team FC
Andrea Pirlo’s testimonial was filled to the brim with your childhood heroes
We can’t think of many other footballers with same cool-factor and class as Andrea Pirlo.
The Italian midfielder is well remembered for his wonderful range of passing, his awesome ability from set-pieces and that ridiculous Panenka penalty against England at Euro 2012.
We’re sure Joe Hart will always remember that, too.
AP:Associated Press Where it all ended[/caption]
But having played out his final season at MLS side New York City, Pirlo announced his retirement back in November.
And with the major leagues in Europe finally done and dusted for the season, the 39-year-old finally got to bow out in style in his testimonial match at the San Siro – with virtually every single one of our favourite players on display.
AFP or licensors What became of the likely lads?[/caption]
On the pitch, the likes of Alessandro Del Piero, Dida, Rui Costa, Francesco Totti, Leonardo Bonucci and Christian Vieri lined-up in white shirts, up against a blue team of Cafu, Andriy Shevchenko, Carlos Tevez, Clarence Seedorf and Gianluigi Buffon, among others.
Getty Images - Getty
EPA
REUTERS
Former England and Chelsea favourite Frank Lampard was also on the field – having befriended Pirlo during their time together in New York – while Blues boss Antonio Conte was in the dug-out along with Roberto Doadoni and Carlo Ancelotti.
And the scoreline didn’t disappoint either, with the match finishing 7-7.
Shevchenko, Fabio Quagliarella, Alexandre Pato and Luca Toni all netted, while Gennaro Gattuso – Pirlo’s long-time midfield partner – stole the show with a trademark tackle on former Inter and Atalanta striker Nicola Ventola.
And in the final moments of the match, Pirlo left the pitch to a standing ovation as he was replaced by his son Nicolo.
What a guy.
Getty Images - Getty
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Click here to pre-register for this summer’s brilliant game
READ MORE:
Gianluigi Buffon’s final match for Juventus will hit you in the feels We’ve pinpointed the exact moment Joe Hart’s career started to go up in flames Andrea Pirlo would play hilarious pranks on Gennaro Gattuso when the pair were teammates Dream Team World Cup has landed!The greatest show on Earth just got that bit more exciting.
That’s because the Dream Team World Cup game is coming ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Dream Team World Cup
Getty Images - Getty Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?[/caption]
The game officially launches on June 1 – but you can pre-register for the game now.
If you’re an existing Dream Team customer the World Cup game now appears in the app or you can enter here, but if you’re not follow these simple steps:
Download the Dream Team app Create an account Click on the World Cup banner below in the app and follow the pre-registration instructionsFrom Russia with a whole lot of love.
Monday, May 21, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Ex-nat’l powers squad to Ceres Cup title
Former national team star Norman Fegidero summoned his vintage form to lead Bacolod United to the men’s 40-above division crown in the 5th Ceres Cup on Saturday in Bacolod City.
The post Ex-nat’l powers squad to Ceres Cup title appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, May 20, 2018
The Independent - Football
World Cup draw 2018: Group-by-group guide as England face Belgium, Tunisia and Panama
Spain will meet Portugal in a mouth-watering opener to Group B, France take on Australia and Denmark, Brazil and Germany have kind draws on paper while the hosts Russia face Uruguay
Saturday, May 19, 2018
Dream Team FC
Zinedine Zidane gives his son Luca first Real Madrid start before Champions League final
Talk about nepotism, eh?
Zinedine Zidane has picked his goalkeeping son Luca to start between the sticks for Real Madrid today in their La Liga match against Villarreal.
Look who's starting at the Estadio de la Ceramica! 
#VillarrealRealMadrid pic.twitter.com/ZRqKKzZhje
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) May 19, 2018
Madrid have an outside chance of finishing second in the Spanish league, with Los Blancos needing all three points as well as cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid to lose their season finale against Eibar.
But despite that, Zidane has given his second-oldest son his first-team debut in the side.
Keylor Navas has seemingly been rested for this one ahead of Madrid’s Champions League final clash against Liverpool next week.
But it seems a little fishy that second-choice Kiko Casilla has been overlooked.
AFP or licensors Luca’s been given the nod in goal[/caption]
20-year-old Luca has been a mainstay in Madrid’s Castilla B-team this season but has yet to play for the senior side.
The youngster has a bit of a reputation in Spain for a succession of high-profile blunders, with rumours around the club claiming Zidane is over-protective of his sons.
Last season, Luca’s older brother Enzo Zidane was seemingly given more opportunities than he deserved at the club, before he eventually being sold to Alaves last summer.
DREAM TEAM WORLD CUP Click here to pre-register for this summer’s brilliant game Dream Team World Cup has landedThe greatest show on Earth just got that bit more exciting.
That’s because the Dream Team World Cup game is coming ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Dream Team World Cup
Getty Images - Getty Can Messi finally achieve glory internationally?[/caption]
The game officially launches on June 1 – but you can pre-register for the game now.
If you’re an existing Dream Team customer the World Cup game now appears in the app or you can enter here, but if you’re not follow these simple steps:
Download the Dream Team app Create an account Click on the World Cup banner below in the app and follow the pre-registration instructionsFrom Russia with a whole lot of love.
Football – Inquirer Sports
No stone unturned
The Philippine Azkals will leave no stone unturned in preparing for two major tournaments in the next eight months.
The post No stone unturned appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Friday, May 18, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
PH Azkals eye top 100
After reaching new heights in the latest International Football Federation rankings, the Philippines hopes to finally crack the Top 100 before its historic campaign in the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates in January.
The post PH Azkals eye top 100 appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Dream Team FC
Do away goals count in the EFL play-offs, and are penalties and extra time used in Football League semi-final matches?
THE away goals rule has become the most common way of deciding a football match which is tied after two legs.
It was introduced by Uefa in 1965 and has been a feature of tournaments ever since. And below is everything you need to know about a rule that changed football.
Ryan Sessegnon’s Fulham are taking on DerbyGetty Images - Getty
What is the away goals rule?
The away goals rule is the most commonly used way of deciding football matches played over two legs.
If the scores are level after 90 minutes at home and 90 minutes away then, rather than go to penalties, the team that scored most goals in the away game goes through.
The idea is to reward away teams who choose to play attacking football.
Do away goals count in the Football League play-offs?Away goals do not count double in the EFL play-offs.
The Football League did use the rule but chose to abolish it in 1999.
This decision was made after an initiative by then-Ipswich Town chairman David Sheepshanks.
Sheepshanks’ Tractor Boys lost via the rule in 1997 and 1999 despite finishing higher than their opponents in the league on both occasions.
Do away goals really count double?That expression is supposed to be the law, but it’s really more of a figure of speech.
It simply means that away goals are the first decider for a tied two-leg match.
If anything, it is like an extra half a goal for the team that scored more away from home.
Which competitions use the away goals rule?The Champions League and the Europa League, as well as all South American competitions, use the away goals rule to decide ties that are level after two legs.
The League Cup uses a modification of the rule in its two-leg semi-finals.
Rather than imposing the rule after 180 minutes, the teams play extra time before away goals come into play.
An example would be the 2014 semi-final between Manchester United and Sunderland.
United lost 2-1 at the Stadium of Light but were 1-0 up at the full time whistle at Old Trafford.
Under UEFA rules that would have meant they won on away goals.
If United had held on throughout extra-time, away goals would have applied and they would have gone through, but instead both teams scored and Sunderland won a penalty shootout.
The Football League play-offs no longer use the away goals rule, as of 1999.
KEYSTONE Sir Alex Ferguson is a prominent critic of the rule[/caption]
The rule has survived for 51 years by generally being seen as the fairest way to decide a two-leg match.
But it has prominent critics such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Sepp Blatter, who say it was designed for a different age.
They believe the rule was only appropriate for the longer away trips of decades ago, where games would be played on dreadful pitches and playing at home was a key advantage.
The Uefa version of the rule is also believed, by some, to be unfair because the team that plays away second can get 30 minutes more to score an away goal than the home team if the tie goes to extra-time.
Occasionally, there is even the bizarre scenario of two matches at the same stadium being decided on away goals, for example when AC Milan knocked Inter out of the Champions League in 2003.
The first leg at the San Siro, when AC Milan were technically at home, finished 0-0.
And the second leg finished 1-1 at the same venue, which meant AC qualified.
Wednesday, May 16, 2018
The Independent - Football
Antoine Griezmann ignores Barcelona transfer talk after leading Atletico Madrid to Europa League triumph
Griezmann scored twice in the 3-0 over Marseille as Atletico overpowered their opponents to win their second Europa League and sixth major trophy under Diego Simeone
The Independent - Football
Everton confirm departure of Sam Allardyce as club continue talks over Marco Silva
The Toffees are already in talks over bringing Marco Silva to the club
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Sport – The Standard
Cricket pay row escalates
THE escalating tension between Zimbabwe Cricket [ZC] and national team players over unpaid salaries, match fees and bonuses has reached new heights after the under-fire cricket body refused to give […]
The post Cricket pay row escalates appeared first on The Standard.
Monday, May 14, 2018
English // marca
Sunday, May 13, 2018
The Independent - Football
Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson recommits to Pep Guardiola's project with two-year contract extension
The Brazilian goalkeeper has enjoyed an excellent debut season at the Etihad
The Independent - Football
Zinedine Zidane in selection dilemma after Gareth Bale and Isco score stunners in six-goal rout
Bale is flourishing in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence with seven goals in his last nine games
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