Shane's Soccer Updates

Tuesday, 18 June 2013

Confederations Cup

Here is the results of the Confederations Cup games in groupB:
Spain 2-1 Uruguay.

Spain opened their Confederations Cup campaign in style as the world and European champions outclassed Uruguay in Recife.

Former Arsenal player Cesc Fabregas had already hit a post when Pedro's 22-yard attempt was deflected off Uruguay defender Diego Lugano into the net.
Roberto Soldado doubled the lead from just inside the area after a clever pass by Fabregas before the interval.
Uruguay scored a consolation through Luis Suarez's fine 30-yard free-kick.

But had Uruguay snatched a dramatic equaliser it would have been unfair on Spain, who produced a typically dominant performance in Brazil.

For large periods of the match the South Americans were reduced to chasing shadows but when they did have the ball they were swiftly closed down by their ruthless opponents.
Three years after suffering their last tournament defeat - a 1-0 loss to Switzerland in the group stage at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa - Vicente del Bosque's side showed why they are the team to beat 12 months before they are due to defend their world title.

Tahiti 1-6 Nigeria.

South Pacific islanders Tahiti scored a historic goal in their Confederations Cup debut, which ended in a respectable defeat by African champions Nigeria.

Tahiti's team of amateurs, ranked 138th in the world and competing in their first major tournament, scored when Jonathan Tehau headed in from a corner.

The Tehau clan

Tahiti defender Jonathan Tehau is the first man to score at both ends in a Confederations Cup match. His younger brother Alvin played up front v Nigeria, while two other members of the family were on the bench.

At that stage they were 3-0 down after an own goal from captain Nicolas Vallar and two efforts from Nnamdi Oduamadi.

Tehau scored an own goal before strikes from Oduamadi and Uwa Echiejile.
Nigeria, ranked 31st in the Fifa world rankings, wasted a series of chances to make the scoreline more damaging for Tahiti and a string of defensive errors ultimately proved costly for the outsiders.
But coach Eddy Etaeta, who had feared his side "would not give a very good image of Tahitian football", would have been delighted that his adventurous side registered a goal in their opening match in Brazil.

And after the match he said: "I was deeply moved, almost crying. We watch World Cups on TV. Today we were actors. Tahiti was watching. Our President sent us a message and suspended a cabinet meeting for it."

The 25-year-old Tehau, oldest of three brothers and one cousin in the squad, seized his moment in the 54th minute when he beat Celtic defender Efe Ambrose in the air to nod home a corner at the back post.

Team Pld W D L GF GA GD Pts Nigeria 1 1 0 0 6 1 5 3 Spain 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 Uruguay 1 0 0 1 1 2 -1 0 Tahiti 1 0 0 1 1 6 -5 0 - See more at: http://www.totalsportsinfo.com/football/FIFA-confederations-cup-2013.php?gclid=CKmsk6Pv7bcCFdE94QodxnIAUQ#sthash.d0vZfNmi.dpuf

Monday, 17 June 2013

Breaking News

Dutch teenagers jailed.

Members of SC Buitenboys lay roses on the hearse carrying Richard Nieuwenhuizen

Six teenage boys and a father have been jailed for up to six years in Holland for beating an amateur football linesman to death last year.

The death of Richard Nieuwenhuizen, 41, shocked Holland and the football world.
"The seven suspects are guilty of hitting the linesman's head and upper body," said judge Anja van Holten, finding an eighth suspect innocent of the killing.
Judges in Lelystad sentenced the 50-year-old father to six years in prison. Five teenage players were given two-year sentences in youth detention for their roles in the attack and another was sentenced to a year.
A seventh player, age 15, was sentenced to 30 days detention for assault.
The fatal attack took place on December 2 last year in the city of Almere, after the home team Buitenboys drew 2-2 with Nieuw Sloten from Amsterdam.
Nieuwenhuizen collapsed after the attack and was taken to hospital where he fell into a coma. He died the following day.
After the attack FIFA president Sepp Blatter said: "Football is a mirror of society and sadly, the same ills that afflict society - in this case violence - also manifest themselves in our game.
"Nevertheless, I remain convinced that football - through the example set by the tireless efforts of people like Mr. Nieuwenhuizen - is a force for good, and we must continue to use its positive example to educate people against these wrongs."

Transfer News

City and Real make Isco bids.

The Spain Under-21 international had already confirmed that he had a decision to make over his future, and has now moved to confirm the identity of the suitors.
Isco has had an impressive season at Malaga, scoring nine league goals and helping his side qualify for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League.

"It is true that I already know Pellegrini. I know how he works and he has been fundamental in my career."
Isco

His club form has also recently been reflected on the international stage, with the attacking midfielder one of the stand-out players at the European Under-21 Championship in Israel, with Spain through to Tuesday's final.
"There are two propositions on the table," Isco said: "I hope to decide soon because I still have a contract with Malaga.
"I know that both Manchester City and Real Madrid are great clubs. I want that whatever happens will be the best for me and Malaga."

Hull complete Figueroa signing.

Figueroa was first brought to England by Hull manager Steve Bruce when he was in charge of Wigan back in January 2008 from Deportivo Olimpia for £500,000.
The 30-year-old, who has 95 international caps, made 200 appearances for the Latics, scoring six goals, but missed out on the FA Cup final victory over Manchester City due to a groin injury.
He is Hull's second signing of the summer following George Boyd, whose loan
move from Peterborough was made permanent last month.
Figueroa will join up with his new Tigers team-mates when they return for pre-season training in early July ahead of their Premier League return and he said: "I'm happy to be here and to be a part of the club.
"It is a big challenge for me, but it's certainly one I'm looking forward to. When the team were playing the final few games in the Championship, I paid close attention to the results because I wanted Steve Bruce to achieve promotion.
"I was happy for him to earn the success. He is a great manager, and I'm looking forward to working with him again."

Confederations Cup

Here is the result of the Confederations Cup game in groupA:
Mexico 1-2 Italy.

Mario Balotelli stole the show in Rio, as he crashed in a second-half winner to ensure Italy marked Andrea Pirlo's 100th cap with victory at the Maracana.

The AC Milan striker fought his way into the penalty area and produced a fierce low shot to give the Azzurri their first win over Mexico since 1993 and, with it, the perfect start to their Confederations Cup campaign.
Pirlo himself had given Italy the lead midway through the first half with a trademark free-kick, only for Manchester United striker Javier Hernandez to bring Mexico level from the penalty spot.
Victory leaves Italy level on points with hosts Brazil at the top of Group A, with Japan next up on Wednesday. Mexico play Brazil on the same day.

Play media

Confederations Cup: Andrea Pirlo scores a 'perfect' free-kick for Italy

Pirlo's free-kick was a magical moment and Italy remain unbeaten in the 12 matches in which the Juventus midfielder has scored. But as far as the Brazilian public was concerned the night belonged to Balotelli.
The former Manchester City striker had cut a frustrated figure for long periods of the match, having missed a series of early chances and been dumped on his backside by a series of heavy second-half challenges. There were even glimpses of that famous temper but, ultimately, he was not to be denied.
A balmy night at the Maracana witnessed a game packed full of attacking football - and the locals loved it. On both sides, the passing was fluid and the sense of adventure obvious.
From the outset Italy's attacking play looked elegant and effortless with three chances falling to Balotelli in the opening eight minutes.Gerardo Torrado and Francisco Rodriguez continually looked stretched at the heart of the Mexican defence, as Balotelli chipped one chance over and fired two more into the arms of goalkeeper Jose Corona. But there was defensive uncertainty from the Italians too.

In the end Italy came out on top with a dazzling performance from both Pirlo and Balotelli, and Mexico were just "unlucky". They never gave up hope and fought till the end.

After that match this is how groupA is shaping up:

Pos	Team	P	Pts
1	Brazil	1	3
2	Italy	1	3
3	Mexico	1	0
4	Japan	1	0

Sunday, 16 June 2013

Transfer News

Liverpool hold Mignolet talks.

It is believed the Belgium international will not sign a new contract at the Stadium of Light and wants to leave in order to boost his 2014 World Cup ambitions.
Liverpool could be in need of a goalkeeper given that speculation continues to link their current No.1, Jose Reina, with Barcelona.
Sunderland, though, will not be keen to sell Mignolet, who was their Player of the Year in the 2012/13 season.
But the 25-year-old, who has also been linked with Arsenal, has only two years remaining on his contract and Sunderland will know his value will decrease as time drags on.
However, the North East club would still want at least £9m from Liverpool, who have also been linked with Stoke City's Asmir Begovic.

Zidane urges Bale departure.

The Welshman has been linked with a big-money switch this summer after a sparkling Premier League campaign when he was crowned Player of the Year.

Real Madrid are interested in signing Bale and Zidane, sporting director at the Santiago Bernabeu, has reiterated that they would not be afraid to spend heavily to secure his services.
But the Frenchman also thinks that Bale could speed up the process by speaking to his club bosses and requesting a departure.

"I think Real Madrid have made their admiration of Gareth Bale very clear - and it has been made clear that we would not be put off by the cost of the player," Zidane told the Sunday People.

"But if Gareth feels now is the time to move then he has to have a private discussion with his club and express that he wants to leave."
Tottenham's failure to qualify for the UEFA Champions League increased the speculation about Bale's future and his agent recently refused to rule out a move to Spain.

Confederations Cup result

The Confederations Cup is under way in Brazil, and the hosts were off to a winning start:
Brazil 3-0 Japan.

Neymar's spectacular third-minute goal set hosts Brazil on their way to a comfortable victory over Japan in the opening game of the Confederations Cup.

The Barcelona striker met Fred's knockdown on the edge of the area with a blistering shot into the top corner.

Play media

Neymar scores superb opening goal

Paulinho made it 2-0 from a Dani Alves cross and Oscar sent Jo running clear to add a third goal in injury time.
The game was the first international match to use goal-line technology, but it was not needed for any decisions.
With less than a year to go until Brazil hosts the World Cup finals, this is a tournament that will act as a dress rehearsal for the South Americans - on and off the pitch.
The nation's infrastructure will be under scrutiny over the next two weeks but at the revamped Estadio Nacional in Brasilia, one of the stadia for 2014, the only work in progress of interest was Brazil's team.
Going into their first competitive fixture in 23 months, Luis Felipe Scolari's side had won just two of their previous nine games, and desperately needed a positive performance in front of a demanding home crowd.
So Neymar's superbly-taken goal, after only two minutes and 53 seconds, did much to lift the pressure on him and his team-mates.

Saturday, 15 June 2013

Transfer News

Pellegrini appointed as Man City manager.

The 59-year-old Chilean will replace Roberto Mancini in the Etihad Stadium hotseat from June 24 after leaving Spanish club Malaga.

"Everything is in place for Manchester City to continue to be successful and I am excited to be able to work with such a talented squad."
Manuel Pellegrini

Pellegrini, who has also coached at Real Madrid and Villarreal, told City's official website: "I am delighted to accept this hugely exciting opportunity.
"The club has a clear vision for success both on and off the pitch and I am committed to making a significant contribution.
"Everything is in place for Manchester City to continue to be successful and I am excited to be able to work with such a talented squad, the executive team and the board to deliver for fans who are renowned for their steadfast support."
City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said: "Manuel is a hugely experienced and successful manager with a proven track record.
"We have been greatly impressed throughout the selection process by his philosophy, his attitude and his commitment to the long-term development of Manchester City. I am delighted that he has joined us."

Marseille eye Gervinho swoop.

The 26-year-old has failed to make much of an impact since his move from Lille back in 2011, and has bore the brunt of the fans' frustrations this season.
However, that has not deterred Marseille, who will compete in the UEFA Champions League next season, and assistant boss Franck Passi believes Gervinho will improve their squad.
"This is a profile that interests us, yes," Passi told the London Evening Standard.
"We want flank players, with dribbling, passing and scoring and Gervinho has this profile."