Category Archives: news-t

Van Marwijk hails final berth

Posted on by
Reply

Bert van Marwijk has described securing a place in the World Cup final as “unbelievable” after the Netherlands (5/4 to win the World Cup) ousted Uruguay in Tuesday’s semi-final.

The two-time finalists laboured to a 3-2 victory over the South American nation to set up a final date with either Germany or Spain on Sunday.

Despite having not been at their best Holland find themselves one game away from winning their first ever World Cup having lost to Argentina and West Germany in their two previous finals.

Uruguay were missing four key players but pushed Holland all the way in Cape Town after recovering from a slow start and could have gone through themselves.

Giovanni van Bronckhorst gave Holland the lead with one of the goals of the tournament before Diego Forlan equalised.

The Dutch toiled for much of the second half until Wesley Sneijder (3/1 top goalscorer) got the breakthrough on 70 minutes.

Arjen Robben quickly followed that up with a third before Maxi Pereira set up a nervy end with his goal in injury time.

However, Uruguay couldn’t find a third goal to force extra time and their brave World Cup campaign was brought to an end after another defensive minded performance from the Dutch.

Van Marwijk has come in for some criticism for his style of play which goes against the free-flowing football fans have come to expect from the Oranje.

The Feyenoord manager has admitted his brand of football isn’t the most attractive but claims Dutch fans won’t care if they win the World Cup on Sunday night.

“It’s amazing that we have managed to do this. It’s been 32 years,” he said.

“It is unbelievable. We can be very proud for such a small country.

“After the second and third (goals) we should have scored a fourth. That would have prevented that final phase.

“But this is a World Cup. It doesn’t matter how you do it, it’s all about the result.”

No doubt Van Marwijk will be watching Wednesday’s second semi-final with avid interest to discover who they will face in Soccer City.

Germany (evens to reach the final) have looked good throughout the tournament while Spain have stumbled their way through the proceeding rounds at times.

However, La Furia will no doubt give the Germans a tough match and it should be a close game to decide who will contest the final.

Holland should be full of confidence whoever they face having won every match they have played in the tournament thus far.

The Dutch are now the 5/4 favourites with totesport to win the World Cup while Spain have gone to 2/1 and Germany 11/5.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Given demands title challenge

Posted on by
Reply

Shay Given has warned the rest of the Premier League that Manchester City (5/1 outright league winners) will be contenders for the title this season.

The big-spending outfit are entering their third season under the ownership of the mega-rich Abu Dhabi United Group and have so far managed to win nothing.

Last season the club missed out on qualifying for the Champions League by a nose as Tottenham pipped them to fourth place after a long battle between City, Spurs, Liverpool and Aston Villa.

Despite failing to make it into the Champions League, City have still managed to attract some top talent as they look to bolster their squad for another charge at the top four.

Already in Roberto Mancini’s squad for next season is Germany (11/5 outright World Cup winners) international defender Jerome Boateng, Ivory Coast midfielder Yaya Toure and Spanish star David Silva.

Those three have already cost the club £60m but that hasn’t stopped City looking at bringing in further players with the likes of Fernando Torres, Mario Balotelli and Lukas Podolski all linked with moves to Eastlands.

The club are determined to turn City into a dominant force in the Premier League and are likely to keep investing over the summer even if they have to turn their attentions away from the three previous mentioned players.

While getting into a Champions League spot will be a minimum requirement for City this season, Given is already talking up potentially challenging for the title as he now believes the club has the squad to cope with the task.

“We’re at the point where the club has invested so much and the manager understands and knows that the pressure is on to get results and trophies,” Given told The Sun.

“City have the backing to challenge the top teams in England and even in Europe in years to come.

“I don’t want to say we are going into the league to finish fourth.

“We are going in to win it and if we don’t, the next thing will be the top four.”

Last season City finished 19 points off eventual champions Chelsea but could close the gap if they can get their top stars functioning as a team.

Given went on to say that he felt despite all the big names now at Eastlands the squad morale wouldn’t suffer and felt City’s nucleus of players would keep things happy.

Manchester City will be looking to make a good start to the season but begin their Premier League campaign with a tough run of fixtures, starting away at Tottenham (5/4 to beat City) before facing Liverpool at home and Sunderland away.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Fabergas wants semi-final start

Posted on by
Reply

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabergas has called on coach Vicente de Bosque to give him more game time at the World Cup ahead of Spain’s semi-final with Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners).

The 23-year-old has yet to start a game for the current European Champions, playing a bit part in their progression to the last four.

Fabregas’ omission from the Spain starting eleven is a clear indication of the talent Del Bosque has at his disposal.

Despite enjoying another good season with Arsenal, Fabregas has found himself behind the likes of Xavi, Andreas Iniesta, David Silva and Xabi Alonso in being given a start.

However, Fabregas did impress when coming off the bench to help Spain (8/5 to beat Germany) beat Paraguay in the quarter-finals and there had been suggestions that he may start ahead of Fernando Torres.

Torres has been struggling in South Africa after another season blighted by injuries and del Bosque is thought to be considering whether to start him against Germany or give Fabregas a chance.

The Barcelona target impressed when asked to play behind the striker in Euro 2008, filling in for the injured David Villa in the final as Spain overcame Germany.

It could be that he is asked to play that role again against Germany should del Bosque decide to keep Torres on the bench.

Fabregas admits he is struggling to enjoy the World Cup from the dugout and says it won’t matter where he starts as he long as he gets to play more.

“All I want is to play football. It’s the semi-final of the biggest tournament in the world and I just want to play. I want to enjoy things and do well for the team and show everyone how I can play,” said Fabregas.

Coming into the tournament Fabregas was struggling to overcome a cracked fibula he suffered in March and his lack of fitness probably cost him the chance to start in the early stages.

However, the Arsenal midfielder says he is now fully fit and is desperate to get out on the pitch and show what he can do.

“When I come on I don’t think about that. I feel good. I feel motivated,” he added.

“Of course when you are not playing you have to give even more to get yourself in the team. I needed games. I needed minutes on the pitch. You can train as much as you like, but if you don’t play, then you never get your fitness back.

“Hopefully in the next two games I will feel better. Everyone is really proud of what we have achieved so far, but our aim is obviously to win it.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Casillas looking forward to Germany match

Posted on by
Reply

Spain captain Iker Casillas says his sides World Cup semi-final against Germany on Wednesday night is the most important match in the country’s footballing history. (Spain 8/5 to beat Germany)

The Spanish were seen as perennial underachievers until they won the European Championships in 2008 to alleviate some of the pressure on the national side.

But the Euro 2008 victory has been quickly forgotten and the Spanish population now expect their side to go and lift the ultimate goal in football at the World Cup.

Victory in the match against Germany would book Spain a place in their first World Cup final and make the likelihood of a second major trophy in two years even more of a possibility.

Howver, Casillas is not taking anything for granted and admits his side are aware of the pressure on them.

“People are not telling us how good we were at Euro 2008,” said the keeper.

“People are saying we have to win the World Cup. The people want the World Cup.

“We know that the Germany match is the most important in our history, even more than the Euro 2008 final in Austria.

“We did not come here to finish fourth. The European Championships is in the past and was a complete success, it was fantastic.

“Everyone was flying the (Spanish) flag from the rooftops but now, from what we are seeing, this is the most important match for Spain for a very long time.”

Spent went into the tournament as outright favourites for the title and despite an early hiccup against Switzerland, look right on course to fulfil their billing despite not yet hitting the heights they reached in qualification (Spain 15/8 to win the World Cup).

However Germany are the in-form side in the championship and have impressed with their free flowing football. The Germans destroyed Diego Maradona’s Argentina 4-0 in the quarters and look a danger every time they go forward.

Spain striker Fernando Torres has so far disappointed in the tournament after coming back from knee surgery.

However, Casillas believes this has further demonstrated the strength of the Spanish squad and the importance of the team rather than the individuals.

“This shows that a national team is not at all about only one player.

“A player can win you a tournament, like Argentina and (Diego) Maradona (in Mexico in 1986).

“But today, more and more, the team is what counts. A player can perform very well but at the end of the day everything is based around teamwork.”

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Fergie gives Rooney excuse

Posted on by
Reply

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes England (9/1 Euro 2012 winners) fans placed too much expectation on Wayne Rooney during the Three Lions failed World Cup campaign.

The former Everton forward was a shadow of the player who terrorised defences for United in the Premier League last season, failing to hit the net once.

While there are many reasons for England’s failure in South Africa, some are pointing to Rooney’s poor performances as a key aspect as to why their quest to regain the World Cup ended in disappointment.

England were dumped out of the tournament by Germany (2/1 outright World Cup winners) in the second round as they failed to show the kind of form which had earned them so many plaudits during qualification.

Ferguson says he was not too surprised by England’s failure to bring the World Cup home but admits he thought they might perform a little better.

However, he is refusing to criticise Rooney’s performances, claiming that too many people expected too much from the 24-year-old.

Ferguson explained: “I think there was such expectation on him. There was talk he was going to be the player of the tournament.

“Don’t forget, that was the prelude to the whole thing – he was going to be the star, he was going to outshine them all – (Lionel) Messi, (Cristiano) Ronaldo. So that level of expectation comes into it.

“And he’s not got great experience of [playing in] the World Cup really. You wait, in four years’ time you’ll see a different player.”

Ferguson went on to back Rooney to shine in the next World Cup in 2014 and believes England fans will see the best of the striker in a white shirt soon enough.

The United boss also went on to give his backing to the German football structure, claiming the mid-winter break in the Bundesliga looked as though it had benefitted the Germany (7/4 to beat Spain in the semi-final) side.

He believes the England set-up could learn a lot from their European counterparts and claims the mental state of the Germany squad plays a huge part in why they always seem to do so well at major tournaments.

“The history they’ve got (in Germany) is quite incredible.” he added.

“That organised mentality they have, the belief in themselves, it carries them a long way.

“Plus the fact they get a month’s rest in January – it must help. All the England team are playing in (the Premier League) so they’re all affected [by the lack of a winter break].”

Despite praising the Germans Ferguson went on to tip their arch-rivals Holland to win the World Cup overall.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Tabarez keeping the faith

Posted on by
Reply

Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez believes his men could pull off a shock victory against the Netherlands in Tuesday’s first World Cup semi-final (Uruguay 5/1, draw 13/5, Holland 8/13 – 90 Mins Betting) in Cape Town.

The South Americans have been the surprise side in the tournament to date and, with a favourable draw, have reached the last four of the world’s greatest sporting event.

They eased into the knock-out phase with victories over South Africa and Mexico, before moving past South Korea and Ghana to set up the clash with the Dutch.

The Uruguayans possess some talented individuals, but have been mainly praised for their team ethic and the way they work for each other.

Former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan has been in excellent form for the South Americans at the tournament with three goals to date, while striker partner Luis Suarez, who is banned for the semi-final, has also bagged three.

Tabarez feels that his players must be right at the top of their game to compete with a Dutch side who have swept all before them in South Africa so far, but believes it is unwise to write his charges off just yet.

“We’re here for a reason,” he said. “People started sending us their condolences when the draw was made. We rebelled against that.

“We began to dream and now we have an opportunity to make our dream come true. World Cups are full of results that no-one really expects. I don’t see why it should be so surprising that one of our dreams comes true.”

Tabarez added: “We’ll go out there with enormous faith and do everything it takes to win. We don’t throw the towel in before playing. We’ll have to play a perfect match, but that’s also possible.”

The coach has adopted a siege mentality going into Tuesday’s match, after Suarez was accused of cheating following his hand ball against Ghana.

He refused to answer some questions at Monday’s press conference and would not reveal the make-up of his side as he has earlier promised to do.

But he did take time to point out that fit-again midfielder Arjen Robben will be the danger man for the Dutch, who are hot favourites to move into the final to play the winner of the Germany v Spain semi-final.

Robben is a player who can unlock defences with his skill and the former Chelsea man is the 11/2 second favourite to be first goalscorer against Uruguay with Arsenal’s Robin van Persie the 4/1 favourite.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Forlan reacts to Spurs talk

Posted on by
Reply

Uruguay (10/1 to win the World Cup) striker Diego Forlan claims he is not interested in joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The former Manchester United frontman insists that he is happy at Atletico Madrid and he does not want to return to the Premier League.

Spurs boss Harry Redknapp has made no secret of his desire to sign a forward with Champions League experience as the London side compete in the prestigious tournament this season.

Forlan has been one of the stars of the World Cup, scoring three goals in Uruguay’s progression to the semi-finals of the competition. They now face the Netherlands in Cape Town in Tuesday’s first semi-final.

La Celeste’s last semi-final was 40 years ago and the side are hoping to emulate the World Cup winning sides of 1930 and 1950 (Uruguay 5/1, draw 13/5, Netherlands 8/13 – Match Prices).

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, the 31-year-old forward stated; “I am very happy in Madrid and I have three years left on my contract with Atletico.

“I will not go. Now I want to have another season as good or better than the one just completed.”

Meanwhile, Redknapp has once again expressed his desire to bring former Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole to White Hart Lane.

Cole was released by the Blues after his contract at Stamford Bridge expired and the Spurs boss has been a long-time admirer of the England international.

The duo worked together at West Ham but Redknapp has admitted that the club is not close to doing a deal with him. He has hailed his professionalism, however, describing him as an “outstanding player”.

Cole?s England colleague, Jermain Defoe, has also expressed a desire to work with him, hailing his passion, desire and commitment to the cause.

Defoe told Sky Sports News: “When we were in South Africa (you could see) every day his passion and his drive to want to improve.

“In training he was sharp and he was strong, he just loves football – that’s Joe. So if we could get someone like that at the club it would be good for everyone.”

Spurs have been linked with several players during the close season and Redknapp has admitted he is hoping to sign one or two to bolster his squad for the challenges which lie ahead. However, he admits that his squad is already very talented and it’s tough to find players who are better than the ones they already have.

Spurs are 33/1 to win next season’s Premier League and face Manchester City in the first game of the 2010/2011 season (Spurs 5/4, draw 23/10, City 7/4 – Match Betting).

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Del Bosque welcomes back duo

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Agent hints at Torres exit

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.

Gunners losing battle to keep Cesc

Posted on by
Reply

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.

Bet on the World Cup and get £200. Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.