Monthly Archives: July 2010

Del Bosque welcomes back duo

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Spain have been given a double fitness boost ahead of their semi-final clash with Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners) with the news Cesc Fabregas and Carlos Puyol will be fit to play.

Arsenal skipper Fabregas took a heavy fall on his shoulder during Saturday’s 1-0 quarter-final victory over Paraguay.

However, after undergoing an examination by Spain’s team doctor, the 23-year-old will be fit to take his place in the squad.

Fabregas has yet to start a match at the World Cup so far, despite the likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi having not sparkled in South Africa thus far.

However, having come on for Fernando Torres on Saturday and helped changed the game Spain (8/5 to beat Germany) coach Vicente del Bosque is thought to be considering giving him his first start.

Torres has yet to score at the World Cup and has looked along way short of his best as he struggles to overcome the injuries which ruined his domestic season.

Despite the 26-year-old stating he feels he can improve, Del Bosque has admitted he is considering whether to stick with the Liverpool striker.

“He remains a reference for us,” Del Bosque said. “To be on a (scoreless) streak or not, he offers hard work and personality and he’ll be our striker.

“Saying that doesn’t mean he’s an untouchable starter, but we have full confidence in him.”

Should Del Bosque decide to drop Torres it could be Fabregas who comes in to take his place and the Arsenal midfielder admits he is ready should he be called upon.

“It’s painful but when you are up for it it’s fine,” Fabregas told Sport. “I am ready to get an injection in order to play.

“If (coach Vicente) Del Bosque needs me I’ll be there.”

Fabregas could join Puyol in the starting line-up, after the Barcelona defender overcame a problem with his vision.

Centre-back Puyol was hit in the face against Paraguay and suffered blurred vision. However, he has now recovered and should join Gerard Pique at the heart of Spain’s defence for the last-four encounter on Wednesday.

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Agent hints at Torres exit

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Fernando Torres‘ agent has refused to confirm whether the Spanish striker will still be at Liverpool (8/1 Premier League outright winners) next season.

The 26-year-old has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer following Rafael Benitez’s exit.

Benitez’s move to Inter Milan has seemingly unsettled some of the Reds’ top stars, with the likes of Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano both being linked with moves abroad.

Liverpool have already lost one of their stalwarts this summer with Yossi Benayoun opting to join Chelsea.

Given the Reds’ current financial peril its seems almost certain that a number of other players will be leaving Merseyside, with the likes of Ryan Babel, Lucas Leiva and Martin Skrtel all possible transfer targets for other clubs.

New Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson looks as though he will have a tough task on his hands to persuade some players to stay.

The club will be desperate to keep their top stars, especially Torres who has been prolific since he completed his £26.5m move from Atletico Madrid in 2007.

The striker is currently with the Spanish national side preparing for their World Cup semi-final against Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners) and has put off talk over his club future until he returns from South Africa.

However, his agent David Martin has today hinted that Torres may ask to leave Anfield once he returns, suggesting his future lies with another Premier League side.

“Barcelona have signed David Villa and now they want to invest the money they have in other players,” he told the Daily Mail.

“It is very likely that Fernando Torres will stay in the Premier League, but I cannot say that it will be with Liverpool.

“We are working on his future but right now you cannot guarantee that he will stay with the English club.”

Martin’s comments have sparked rumours that Chelsea (1/7 to beat West Brom on the opening weekend of the new season) or Manchester City could make a bid for Torres.

However, any offer made would have to be huge with the striker still having three years left to run on his current deal.

City have already pushed the boat out in bringing in David Silva, Yaya Toure and Jerome Boateng and are looking to add further talent to their squad.

While Chelsea  could well be persuaded to break the bank to sign Torres should he become available.

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Gunners losing battle to keep Cesc

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Arsenal are 7/1 to win the Premier League next season but Barcelona defender Gerard Pique says Cesc Fabregas will not be there to help them as he is determined to return to the Nou Camp.

Speculation continues to rumble on over the future of Fabregas but it seems as though the midfielder has made up his mind over where his future lies, and it is not with Arsenal.

Before he jetted off to the World Cup with Spain, Fabregas made it clear to Gunners boss Arsene Wenger that he would like to return to the Nou Camp and nothing has happened since to change his mind.

If anything his desire to return to the club he left as a 15-year-old has grown even more after being surrounded by a host of Barcelona players for the last four weeks.

The World Cup could not have come at a worse time for Arsenal and it comes as no surprise to hear Pique say how the Barca players have been urging him to sign.

“I have known that Cesc wanted to join Barcelona for many years – but now it is more than about wanting to do it,”  Pique revealed.

“Now it is something he feels he must do. The World Cup has not been a good thing for Arsenal.
“It has meant that he has been spending every day with myself, Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Victor Valdes – and he has made his feelings very clear to us.

“He is keeping his mind focused on Spain but his heart is in Barcelona. I think already in his heart he is wearing a Barcelona shirt next season.”

However no matter what Pique or Fabregas think, the final decision will be made by the Gunners and if Barca do not stump up the cash then the player is going nowhere.

Reports now claim that further talks between the two parties will continue this week and Barcelona are confident of landing their man once the World Cup is over.

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Capello set to wield axe

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England boss Fabio CapelloEngland are 8/1 to win the European Championships in 2012 but boss Fabio Capello has hinted some of the so called big names will not be around for the tournament.

Despite failing miserably at the World Cup Capello has managed to keep his job and will be handed the chance to amends, however the same can not be said for some of the players.

Many have suggested something has to be done at grass roots level but Capello is looking for a quick fix and that means some of the ‘old guard’ will be axed in order to make way for young players.

The likes of Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney are sure to be safe unless they suffer a huge dip in form but some of the other players will be sweating on their international futures.

“For some this will be the end,” Capello revealed. “The chairman of Club England, Dave Richards, has asked me what I thought about the next tournament and the young players we might have to bring through, like Adam Johnson and Joe Hart.”

England kick off their qualifying campaign against Bulgaria at Wembley on September 3 but before then they have a friendly with Hungary on August 11 and it will be very interesting to see what squad Capello names.

Hart and Johnson are sure to be in it but if Capello stays true to his word then Gary Cahill of Bolton, Arsenal’s Kieran Gibbs, Bobby Zamora of Fulham and Everton’s Jack Rodwell will all be hoping to get the nod.

The writing will be on the wall for those players who are left out and there will be one or two who are bringing the curtain down on their international career.

England appear to be in an easy group and are 1/12 to qualify from it but Capello will be turning to youth and is not concerned over who he upsets in the process.

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Hodgson outlines Liverpool plans

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New Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has targeted signing English players and could make a bid for Aston Villa winger Ashley Young as he looks to revive the Reds’ fortunes next season (Liverpool 8/1 to win the Premier League next season).

Hodgson was officially unveiled as Rafa Benitez’s successor at Anfield on Thursday and the former Fulham boss has already drawn up a shortlist of players he wants to sign over the summer – with a focus on attracting home-born players in line with new UEFA rules that say Premier League clubs must have at least eight ‘homegrown’ players in their squads from August.

“We would be foolish not to be aware of the importance of homegrown players with the way UEFA and Premier League rules are going,” Hodgson said.

“Otherwise we’re going to struggle to get our squad numbers together.

“I think the club have been trying to do that already with younger players like Jonjo Shelvey and Raheem Sterling but it takes time for them to come through so we might have to go into the transfer market.”

Reports suggest Villa winger Young is among the Liverpool manager’s first targets and Hodgson believes he could land the England international for around £6million.

Meanwhile, Hodgson has admitted his style of football was inspired by the great Liverpool teams of the 1970’s and 80’s and he hopes to reproduce it at Anfield with a team of his own as soon as possible.

“All the things I’ve always liked are the things Liverpool were famous for in their heyday,” he added on the club’s website.

“Pass and move, always move it quickly and once you lose it get back in to position. That was the mantra which took Liverpool through their great years.

“I like a high-tempo passing game. I like players to work hard, I like players to get back in position. Those are my priniciples.

“I was influenced by the Liverpool team which dominated the 70s with all its great players and playing the football they played.”

Hodgson’s first competitive game in charge of the Reds will be a Europa League qualifier at the end of the month before they kick off their Premier League campaign with a tough opener at home to Arsenal (Liverpool 5/4 to win).

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Del Bosque calls for improvement

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Spain manager Vicente Del Bosque has admitted his side will need to improve if they are to beat Germany in their huge World Cup semi-final on Wednesday (Germany 7/4, draw 11/5, Spain 6/4).

David Villla’s fifth goal of the tournament secured a late 1-0 quarter-final win for Spain over Paraguay to book their place in the last four and set up a showdown with the Germans (Spain 15/8f to win the World Cup, Germany 2/1).

Del Bosque says his side will need to improve their level of performance if they are to win on Wednesday, as they again looked well short of their best against Paraguay.

“We didn’t play well mainly because we didn’t get enough of the ball,” he said afterwards.

“We weren’t as at ease in possession as in other games and it’s important to be comfortable.”

However, the coach is pleased his side are still in with a shout in a competition which has seen big guns France, Italy, England, Brazil and Argentina all crash out early.

“We’re in the last four in the world,” he added. “It’s a good moment for Spanish football.”

Spain rode their luck to make it into the last four as Oscar Cordoba missed a penalty for Paraguay in the second half only for Xabi Alonso to do the same for Del Bosque’s side – the Real Madrid midfielder’s spot-kick having to be retaken after the referee spotted encroachment into the penalty area the first time around.

Spain are hoping to emulate France’s achievement in 1998 and 2000 by becoming European and World champions at the same time but they will have to beat an impressive German side if they are to do it.

Key midfielder Andres Iniesta has been taken aback by Germany’s displays in South Africa and he is predicting a titanic clash in Durban.

“Quite apart from their results, the Germans are playing brilliantly, so they must be tremendously motivated,” the Barcelona star said.

“It will be a game between two rivals who enjoy having the ball and I think it will be a beautiful battle.”

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Blanc installed France coach

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Laurent Blanc has been officially installed as France’s new coach, and faces an immediate task of picking the nation up off the floor following their disastrous exit in the group stages of the World Cup (France 12/1 to win Euro 2012).

Blanc, the 44-year-old who helped France win the World Cup on home soil in 1998, replaced Raymond Domenech, whose contract ended after the team were sent packing.

His first task is to help France qualify for the 2012 European Championships in Poland and Ukraine (France 4/9 to win qualifying Group D).

The former Bordeaux coach was appointed during a meeting of the French Football Federation (FFF) in Paris.

FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes formally handed in his resignation at the meeting, having said he would quit after the federation was blamed for the way it handled a player revolt in South Africa.

“I have decided to resign because it is my duty,” Escalettes told a news conference on Friday. “I accept my share of responsibility.”

“Raymond Domenech has humbly admitted that he had made mistakes and so have I,” said Escalettes.

The 75-year-old Escalettes and Domenech’s lack of authority were exposed when they failed to convince the players they should train at their base in Knysna, Western Cape.

“It was my responsibility to make the players get out of the coach and train and I failed,” Escalettes said.

“I felt humiliated. I am ashamed and I present my apologies to all those who loved and believed in that France team and to the whole world.”

“All my life I tried to give another image than the one I am leaving and I feel sad,” Escalettes said.

“My successor will have to draw the conclusions from what happened to make sure it never happens again.”

Nicknamed “The President” for his calm authority in his playing days, Blanc will initially be more respected than the controversial Domenech, if only for his far more impressive resume.

“I believe in Laurent Blanc and in the team he will come up with,” Escalettes said.

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World Cup could start new sporting era

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South Africa president Jacob ZumaSouth Africa’s success in staging the World Cup could be just the start of a new sporting era in the country, said President Jacob Zuma.

Zuma said the tournament had sparked economic development and proved the developing continent was capable of managing a world event.

“I think we have proved that not only South Africa, but Africa is capable of hosting any major event,” Zuma told the FIFA website.

The government has spent about 40 billion rand ($5.17 billion) on infrastructure projects, and billions more on upgrading roads and airports.

It could now spur a bid for the first African Olympics, Zuma said.

“People are already talking about a possibility of bidding for major events and we are supporting this. The Olympics are an example, I don’t see why we can’t bid to host the Olympics in the future. It’s important for Africa,” he added.

International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge last week offered encouragement to Africa for an Olympic bid, strengthening the possibility of South Africa being a host.

Cape Town was the first African city to bid for the Olympics but was trounced in the vote for the 2004 Games that were awarded to Athens.

Durban, which markets itself as Africa’s sports capital, has expressed an interest in hosting a future Games and built its new World Cup stadium with enough space to add an athletics track.

When asked what legacy he wanted the World Cup to leave for South Africa’s children, Zuma told FIFA: “It has taken the economic development to a different level. One of the important things for Africa is education and programmes like 1Goal (FIFA’S education programme) are playing a vital role – that is legacy.

“This tournament has inspired Africans.”

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Nigeria and FIFA increase war of words

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Nigeria has said it will not go back on its decision to withdraw the national team from international competition.

The country’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, had taken the measure on Thursday in the wake of the team’s poor showing at the World Cup.

He issued a statement that Nigeria’s team would not be allowed to play in international competitions for the next two years, and would only be able to play in friendly matches.

FIFA’s reaction was swift, threatening to suspend the country from the organisation which would mean they could not play any matches, and financial sanctions could also be imposed.

FIFA had issued an ultimatum that Nigeria had until Monday night to reverse their decision.

“Mr President will not rescind the decision because it’s the best decision for football development in Nigeria,” a presidency source said.

“Mr President and his team had weighed the consequences of this decision and arrived at this decision as in the interest of the nation. We need to restructure and reorganise our football for effective and commendable results.”

“FIFA will today send a letter to the Nigerian football federation indicating that the government of Nigeria has until Monday 6pm (1600 GMT) to cancel its decision to withdraw Nigeria’s participation in all FIFA and CAF organised football competitions,” FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot told a news briefing on Friday.

After meeting the country’s World Cup organising committee, Jonathan also said the accounts of the committee should be audited, and named an 11-member caretaker committee to sort out the administration and management of the game.

Maingot said FIFA would not recognise the management committee, but would send an executive member of the world body to attempt last minute mediation on Monday.

If the Nigerian government fails to heed FIFA’s ultimatum, it risks getting cut-off from all FIFA activities, including junior and female competitions. FIFA funding to the football association could also be cut.

“A suspension goes beyond the suspension of the national team, it also involves the freezing of the financial help and no referees can participate in international competition,” Maingot said.

Nigeria were set to begin their bid to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup finals in September against Madagascar.

They also qualified for the upcoming women’s world championships at under-20 and under-17 level and their top club side Heartland is to play in the African Champions League group phase later this month.

A ban would also cut access to its development courses and stop the annual payment of $250,000 each member association receives, cash that is much needed by Nigerian football.

This latest episode is not the first time Nigerian political authorities have been at loggerheads with football governing bodies over political interference.

Nigeria were banned by the Confederation of African Football in 1996 when then President Sani Abacha withdrew the team from the African Nations Cup finals in South Africa because he had been criticised by Nelson Mandela over the judicial execution of political opponents.

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Capello stays in England role

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Fabio Capello is to keep his job as England coach, despite the team’s disappointing showing at the World Cup (England 8/1 to win Euro 2012).

The Football Association announced its decision on Friday, more than a week earlier than they had planned.

The FA said their board had unanimously agreed to keep Capello in his job, despite the 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Germany in the second round last weekend.

“I am more determined than ever to succeed with the England team,” Capello said. “(Board chairman) Dave Richards has called me to tell me everyone at the FA wants me to continue.

“I explained it is very important we use the disappointment as a motivation in the future.

“I can assure the fans I am now fully focused on our European qualifying fixtures, starting with the friendly against Hungary in August.

“We will look to introduce new players to give the team new energy and I will use all my experience to take England forward.

“I am extremely proud to be the England manager, it means so much to me and I am determined to succeed.”

Richards said the four-man Club England board gained the approval of the FA Board to keep Capello on.

“We are all still extremely disappointed at our performance in South Africa, and we believed it was important that we took some time to reflect on everything in a calm and considered manner back in England,” Richards said.

“After fully discussing our performance we remain convinced that Fabio is the best man for the job.”

Capello started work in January 2008, and has a contract through Euro 2012.

Meanwhile, Huh Jung-moo has confirmed he is to leave his post as coach of South Korea.

The 55-year-old does not want to renew his 30-month contract, which expired at the end of the World Cup.

Huh, whose side were eliminated at the last 16 stage of the competition by Uruguay on Saturday, had stated his intention to leave his role after the tournament but side-stepped talk of his future following their exit.

He said: “I have decided not to seek a second term. This is not a resignation as my contract finishes at the end of June. I want time to recharge myself and spend some time with my family.”

He added: “I have made my decision and told this to the KFA. I want to rest for a while.

“There are many good coaches in our football community. I think they should be given a chance.”

Korea Football Association chairman Cho Chung-yun said earlier this week they hope to have a new coach appointed “no later than July 10″.

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