Goal Zone

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Italy 0-0 Republic of Ireland : Montolivo suffers injury blow in Azzuri stalemate

The AC Milan midfielder was stretchered off after just eight minutes to leave his World Cup hopes in doubt and the Azzurri never fully recovered their form

Italy were left reeling by an injury which could rule Riccardo Montolivo out of the World Cup following their 0-0 draw with Republic of Ireland on Saturday.

The AC Milan midfielder needed extended treatment to his left leg after an eighth-minute challenge from Alex Pearce, and was taken off the pitch on a stretcher leaving his fitness for the showpiece in the balance.

Italy were far from their most fluent at Craven Cottage and were lucky not to be behind as Shane Long and Anthony Pilkington both missed good chances for Ireland.

Cesare Prandelli's side raised their game in the second half, but Montolivo's injury could be the major talking point ahead of the finals.

Italy started the game well with plenty of energy and created their first chance within five minutes.

Claudio Marchisio was given too much room in midfield and it took a fine save from David Forde to keep the Juventus man's 25-yard strike out.

The impressive start was halted almost immediately, though, with Montolivo's departure - and Ireland seized the initiative.

Long, Pilkington and David Meyler all had excellent sights of goal before the break for Martin O'Neill's men, but Salvatore Sirigu was equal to all of them and pulled off a series of excellent saves.

Ireland started the second half as they finished the first, and Long should have done better after escaping his marker early on, but again Sirigu was there to deny him.

Ciro Immobile had the ball in the net five minutes before the hour but after the Torino striker had converted Giuseppe Rossi's cross he was flagged offside.

Marchisio brought the only save out of Forde in the second half with a low shot after good work from substitute Antonio Cassano, however he was unable to convert on a frustrating night for the 2006 World Cup winners that nearly got worse as substitute Stephen Quinn struck the crossbar in 80th minute.

Italy now face one more warm-up game, against Luxembourg in Verona, before they travel to Brazil for their first match against England on June 14.

Netherlands 1-0 Ghana ; Robin van Persie's early strike downs black stars

The Manchester United star turned home Wesley Sneijder's pass for the only goal of the game in a competitive World Cup warm-up with the Black Stars

Robin van Persie scored the only goal of the game as Netherlands beat Ghana 1-0 in their latest World Cup warm-up.

Having missed the 1-1 draw with Ecuador a fortnight ago, big-hitters Arjen Robben, Wesley Sneijder and Nigel de Jong were among five added to the starting XI.

But it was captain Van Persie – scorer of the equaliser against Ecuador – who made the early breakthrough, tapping home from six yards after being teed up by Sneijder.

Robben squandered numerous opportunities to extend the lead, most notably scooping over the crossbar from close range, but the home side's lead never looked in any danger as Ghana battled well but failed to find a shot on target until the dying minutes.

The Netherlands face one more friendly against Wales on Wednesday before departing for the World Cup in Brazil, while Ghana, who saw Jerry Akaminko taken off on a stretcher in stoppage time, are scheduled to meet South Korea next weekend.

After Van Persie had put the Netherlands in front amid some questionable defending from the visitors, it should have been 2-0 seven minutes later, but Robben chipped over from the edge of the six-yard box after good work by Daley Blind down the left.

The frustration of that miss may have been a factor as Robben lost his temper with Rashid Sumaila after a particularly reckless challenge by the defender, before Blind was caught by Michael Essien's elbow - the term 'friendly' apparently lost on the Ghanaians.

Robben had another chance to open his account midway through the half, but goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey made himself big to deny the attacker, and the Norway-based stopper got down well to deny the Bayern Munich man once again on the stroke of half-time.

The 30-year-old looked like a man on a mission, and his free kick whistled just over the crossbar four minutes into the second period, while opponents Ghana offered little going forward.

Ron Vlaar could not direct his headed effort goalwards from a corner 15 minutes from time, before Robben again drew a save from Kwarasey with a drilled strike from a tight angle.

While the Netherlands will be disappointed not to have built on their early lead, they will no doubt be relieved to emerge from the fixture with a clean bill of health.

Ghana's Akaminko was the only major injury concern of the match after appearing to fall awkwardly on his ankle late on, and the visitors will need to work on their attacking threat if they have designs on qualifying from a tough group in Brazil, as they line up alongside Germany, Portugal and the United States.

Liverpool lead race to sign Cesc Fabregas

Liverpool are favourites to sign Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona this summer in a £30m deal, according to a report.

The 27-year-old is said to have been offered to several Premier League clubs as he has been deemed surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou by the Catalan club.

Brendan Rodgers's side are ready to swoop in to land the Spanish midfielder ahead of their top-flight rivals to bolster their squad for their Champions League campaign and title push next season, reports the Daily Mail.

Fabregas joined Barcelona in 2011 from Arsenal.

Sunderland preparing Fabio Borini bid

Sunderland are reportedly ready to make an offer for Liverpool frontman Fabio Borini.

The Italian spent last season on loan at the Stadium of Light, where his 10 goals helped the club to retain their Premier League status, as well as reach the final of the League Cup.

He has since returned to Liverpool, but with the Merseysiders reportedly close to securing the services of Southampton striker Rickie Lambert, Borini's starting opportunities at Anfield appear to be limited.

With that in mind, Sunderland manager Gus Poyet is keen to re-sign Borini, although his parent club are in no hurry to part with the Italian, according to The Times.

The report added that should Liverpool opt to sell the 23-year-old, they would look to recoup the majority of the £12m that they paid to secure his services from Parma in 2012.

Barcelona offer Cesc Fabregas to English clubs

Barcelona have reportedly informed Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea that they can sign Cesc Fabregas this summer for £30m.

The Spanish club's president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, yesterday claimed that the 27-year-old would remain at the Camp Nou for next season.

However, the midfielder's services have since been circulated to the Premier League quartet, all of whom would consider launching a bid for his signature, according to The Telegraph.

Fabregas returned to Barca from Arsenal in 2011 and during those negotiations the Gunners secured a buy-back option, but a move back to the Emirates Stadium would be dependent upon the Spanish international's wishes.

Man United are thought to have made at least two bids for Fabregas last summer, but 12 months on, their interest is said to have cooled.

Rickie Lambert: Liverpool medical "went well"

Rickie Lambert has revealed that there were no complications during his medical ahead of his proposed switch from Southampton to Liverpool.

The England international has spent most of today on Merseyside, where it is believed that he underwent a series of examinations and discussed personal terms.

He appeared reluctant to discuss the transfer in great detail, but when asked by Sky Sports News about the medical side of the deal, he replied: "It went well."

Then, when pressed about how much of a wrench it was to leave Southampton, the 32-year-old boyhood Liverpool fan replied: "There are a lot of emotions, as you can imagine. It's something that I need to address and obviously I will when I get the chance."

It has been reported that the Saints will receive an initial £4m for the centre-forward.

Javi Gracia named new Malaga boss

Former Osasuna boss Javi Gracia has been appointed as the new head coach of Malaga.

The Spaniard stepped down from his position with Osasuna at the end of the 2013-14 season after the Pamplona outfit were relegated from La Liga.

Malaga, meanwhile, had been without a manager after Bernd Schuster departed earlier this month despite signing a five-year deal last summer.

"Malaga football club and coach Javier Gracia Carlos (Pamplona, 05.01.1970) have reached an agreement for the later to oversee the club's technical responsibilities for the next two seasons," read an official statement from Malaga.

"Javier Gracia was a player in the Primera Division with Real Valladolid, Villarreal and Real Sociedad and, as a coach, he led Cadiz CF in 2008-09 and Almeria in 20012-13 to promotion, and has European competition experience, having coached in Greece with Olympiakos Volou in 2011.

"The new Malaga manager will be presented on Tuesday, June 3 at 12.30 local time in the press room at the Estadio La Rosaleda."

Malaga finished 11th in La Liga last season.

Liverpool want Seydou Keita

Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Mali international Seydou Keita on a free transfer this summer.

The experienced midfielder is currently with Valencia after signing a six-month contract with the Spanish outfit at the start of 2014.

However, the 34-year-old's deal expires at the end of next month and it is understood that talks with Los Che have stalled over the player's wage demands.

According to Super Deporte, Liverpool are monitoring proceedings with a view to making contact over the next week.

Keita departed Barcelona for Chinese side Dalian Aerbin last summer before returning to Spain.

Enzo Perez close to Valencia move

Enzo Perez is reportedly in talks with Valencia over a £20m move away from Benfica.

The 28-year-old is widely regarded as one of the best talents in the Portuguese league, with his performances last season helping Benfica to a domestic treble.

However, according to O Jogo, Valencia have submitted a bid in the region of £20m for the Argentine midfielder, a figure that Benfica would find difficult to turn down.

Valencia, who last won La Liga in 2004, are expected to make a number of signings this summer after transfer funds were made available by new owner Peter Lim.

Atletico Madrid to move for Guilherme Siqueira

Atletico Madrid will reportedly move for Benfica left-back Guilherme Siqueira if Filipe Luis joins Chelsea this summer.

It is understood that Chelsea are preparing a double raid on Spanish champions Atletico for Luis and forward Diego Costa, with both players reportedly keen on a move to the Premier League.

According to Sport, Atletico believe that Siqueira, who spent the 2013-14 season on loan at Benfica, would be the perfect replacement for Luis, should the Brazilian be allowed to depart.

However, Atletico will face strong interest from capital rivals Real Madrid, who reportedly came close to signing Siqueira in the January transfer window, only for the move to break down at the final moment.

Barcelona make Arda Turan enquiry

Barcelona have reportedly contacted Atletico Madrid over the possible transfer of Arda Turan.

The Turkish international is contracted to Atletico until 2017, but the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool have been strongly linked with the attacking midfielder in recent weeks.

According to AS, Barcelona have now joined the race, with director of sport Andoni Zubizarreta a keen admirer of the 27-year-old, who can operate in a number of forward positions.

Atletico won their first La Liga title since 1996 last term, but a number of their key players, including Filipe Luis, Miranda, Koke and Diego Costa, have all been linked with moves away this summer.

Barcelona want Gonzalo Higuain

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain this summer.

The Argentine international only moved to Italy from Real Madrid last July and still has four years remaining on his current contract.

However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have made tentative enquiries about the availability of the 26-year-old, who scored 24 times for Napoli last season.

Higuain enjoys a strong relationship with international teammate Lionel Messi, and Barca are reportedly confident of turning the striker's head.

The attacker scored 122 times in 264 games for Real Madrid before leaving the Spanish capital last summer.

David Villa undergoes New York City medical

Spain's all-time leading scorer David Villa has been spotted in Manchester as speculation continues to grow that the striker has agreed to join New York City.

The Atletico Madrid forward, who will travel to the World Cup with his country this summer, has been pictured by Manchester Evening News this afternoon at the Bridgewater Hospital in Manchester.

It is understood that the 32-year-old has agreed terms with New York City, who are the US franchise of current Premier League champions Manchester City, with a medical already completed.

No official comment has been made by either party, but it appears that the Spaniard will line up for the MLS side when the new season starts in March 2015.

Cristian Rodriguez: 'Luis Suarez is world's best player'

Cristian Rodriguez has described Uruguay teammate Luis Suarez as the "best player in the world" ahead of this summer's World Cup.

The Liverpool striker faces a race for fitness ahead of the start of the tournament, having undergone knee surgery to repair his meniscus earlier this month.

The Atletico Madrid winger told the Daily Mail: "Suarez is the best player in the world. And I'm not saying that because I'm Uruguayan and so is he.

"As far as I'm concerned [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are a notch or so below Suarez. He has demonstrated it for club and country. Messi and Ronaldo are not as good for their countries as for their clubs.

"Everyone loves him in the squad. He is a rebel on the pitch who fights for every ball but that is what we love about him in Uruguay. We hate to lose at anything, we want to win, so his will to win makes him a good Uruguayan."

Suarez was named the PFA Player of the Year after scoring 31 goals during the 2013-14 Premier League season.

Arsenal want David Ospina as Lukasz Fabianski replacement

Arsenal have reportedly identified David Ospina as a potential replacement for goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.

The Polish stopper ended a seven-year spell with the Gunners earlier this week when he completed a move to Swansea City.

According to The Express, the French media is reporting that the London club are planning a move for the Nice keeper to challenge Wojciech Szczesny for a place in the first team.

Ospina has been named in Colombia's squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Sunday, June 01, 2014

Saturday, May 31, 2014