Monday, June 30, 2014

Exclusive: Barcelona to bid for Suarez this week!


Barcelona are poised to formally open the bidding for Luis Suarez this week.
Club intermediaries believe they already have an accord in principle with the player and his representatives but Barca must now match Liverpool's £80m valuation.
Although Liverpool have an interest in Alexis Sanchez, the Chile star is keen to stay one more year at Barcelona which may also frustrate other suitors Arsenal, Manchester United and Juventus.

Real Madrid maintain an interest in Suarez but they have opened preliminary talks with Monaco over a deal for Radamel Falcao.
Liverpool are pressing ahead with deals for Southampton's Adam Lallana, Benfica's Lazar Markovic and Lille's Divock Origi. Although Tottenham have made a late move to sign the Belgian striker he is expected to sign for Liverpool for £9.8m.
Liverpool are unperturbed by Real Madrid's interest with Raheem Sterling. The England international signed a long-term contract 18 months ago which incorporates annual increments.

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Shakira was happy with dem columbia boys

Columbia's World cup adventure has brought joy to a lot of their countrymen. One of Columbia's greatest export Shakira, who is the partner of Spanish defender Gerard Pique, tweeted to her 25.7million followers straight after the game - paying particular tribute to goalscorer James Rodriguez. 'We’re in the quarters!,' it read. 'James, a huge thanks! So far the best in the world! Ospina, simply spectacular!! Shak' Columbia face Brazil in the last eight this week with all the ingredients required to force an upset against the hosts. Los Cafeteroscomfortably dispatched a hapless Uruguay at the Maracana in the last-16 to reaffirm their credentials as potential winners. Rodriguez, meanwhile, is set to attract a host of interest from clubs across Europe this summer after a string of assertive performances, including five goals in his four outings.

Lebron James thrilled by James Rodriguez

Colombian striker James Rodriguez is quickly becoming a superstar at the 2014 World Cup, and another superstar in a different sport is beginning to take notice. While Rodriguez was playing a dominant match against Uruguay, NBA superstar LeBron James tweeted that he might have found his new favorite football player in Rodriguez, and that his name might have helped: Man watching this Colombian game I think I have my fav player in the world cup! Obviously his name help that out #Biased#10 #James #WC2014— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 28, 2014 It looks like Rodriguez is a fan of LeBron as well. A while back, the Colombian star posted a picture of him in a LeBron jersey on his Instagram account:

World cup star James Rodriguez says he prefers Real to Barcelona

Clolumbia man James Rodriguez has scored in every single game he has played this World cup and is in top position to win golden boot award. He seems to be already looking forward. James RodrĂ­guez admitted after Colombia 2-0 win over Uruguay that he'd prefer a move to Real Madrid instead of Barcelona. "I would love to play in Spain", the AS Monaco midfielder said. "It would be a dream to play there, it is the best league in the world. I prefer Real Madrid to Barcelona", he added when asked by journalists from Spanish radio station Cope. Monaco paid 45 million euros for the 22-year-old Colombia starand are unlikely to allow him to leave for anything less. Few stars have shone brighter than the 22-year-old. With his brace against Uruguay, Rodriguez boosted his World Cup total to five, which puts him in top position for the Golden Boot.

Suarez: i did not mean to bite

Luis Suarez told FIFA's disciplinary panel that he did not deliberately bite Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup. The Uruguay striker's defense that he lost balance and fell on his opponent will now be presented to FIFA's appeal panel, after his national federation notified FIFA late Friday it would challenge the nine-match, four-month ban. "In no way it happened how you have described, as a bite or intent to bite," Suarez wrote in Spanish in a letter dated June 25. The player's defense is in paragraph 6 of FIFA's disciplinary committee ruling, which has been seen by The Associated Press. "After the impact ... I lost my balance, making my body unstable and falling on top of my opponent," Suarez wrote in his submission to the panel which met Wednesday, one day after Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 in a decisive group-stage match. "At that moment I hit my face against the player leaving a small bruise on my cheek and a strong pain in my teeth," Suarez said. However, the seven-man panel which met on Wednesday evening dismissed the argument. The bite was "deliberate, intentional and without provocation," the ruling stated in paragraph No. 26 of the panel's conclusions. Suarez was banned for nine Uruguay matches and four months from all football. He was also fined 100,000 Swiss francs ($112,000). The panel, chaired by former Switzerland international Claudio Sulser, included members from the Cook Islands, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Panama, South Africa and Singapore. On Saturday, FIFA confirmed that formal proceedings had begun to challenge the longest ban for a World Cup player in 20 years. "We have a declaration that they are planning to appeal," FIFA spokeswoman Delia Fischer said. The Uruguay federation now has seven days to submit written grounds for the appeal. Back in Montevideo, Suarez has been welcomed home as a hero by Uruguay fans. "I'm writing this message to express thanks for the outpouring of support and affection that I'm getting. Both me and my family really appreciate it," Suarez said Saturday on his Twitter account. "Thank you very much for being on my side and I want all of us to support our teammates today in the match against Colombia," he wrote, ahead of Uruguay's Round of 16 match at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. FIFA's disciplinary ruling confirmed that Suarez's bite was missed by referee Marco Rodriguez of Mexico, who acknowledged the oversight in his match report. So did his two assistants and the fourth official. "I haven't seen the incident because the ball was in another sector of the pitch," Rodriguez writes in paragraph No. 4 of witness submissions in the 11-page document. FIFA's verdict was welcomed by Brazilian great Pele. "FIFA's decision was good, it was correct, because they had to set an example," he was quoted as telling Folha de S. Paulo newspaper. "If this example hadn't been given quickly, it could spread (the bad behavior on the pitch). This example shouldn't be copied by anyone. I think it was fair because it serves as a parameter going forward."

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Wimbledon rules might be forcing women to play Bra-less

Officials at Wimbledonare apparently giving zero slack on the all-white dress code required by all players competing in the tournament. This is because some womenhave allegedly been told to play bra-less after their undergarments were deemed too colorful to adhere to the strict dress policy. “One of the players was called into the referees’ office because he had blue underwear that showed through when he got sweaty, so he was told not to wear dark underwear,” said former Wimbledon championPat Cash, via The Daily Mail. “Some of the girlshave been told to go back and change their brasand topsbecause they had slight colour on them. I believe some of the girls didn’t have suitable sports brasand had to go without them. It has absolutely gone ridiculous.” A spokesperson for Wimbledon claims the athleteswere notified of the rules before the tournament began and failed to deny that women have been forced to play without bras due to the all-white dress code. If Wimbledon is looking to suck in more male viewers, creating a bra-less publicity stunt is certainly a clever way to do so. Well played, Wimbledon.

Belgian PM offers Obama beer bet over World Cup clash

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgian Prime Minister Elio Di Rupo challenged U.S. President Barack Obama to a bet over Belgium's impending World Cup knock-out match against the United States, offering the prospect of some "great Belgian beers" should the U.S. team win. On Thursday, Belgium beat South Korea 1-0 to top Group H, setting up a clash with the United States after Juergen Klinsmann's team pipped Portugal to second place in Group G on goal difference despite losing to Germany. "Hey @BarackObama, I am betting some great Belgian beers that our @BelRedDevils will make it to the quarter final!" Di Rupo tweeted in the early hours of Friday. As of Friday morning, the U.S. President had not replied to the challenge. He may be well advised to abstain from such a bet, as Belgium are the bookies favorites going in to last 16 match on Tuesday. Obama should also be warned that a large number of Belgian beers have a very high alcohol content. It was not clear precisely what beers Di Rupo was offering in the bet. Source: Reuters

Russia Coach Blames World Cup Elimination On Blinding Laser Beam

Russia coach Fabio Copello has an interesting explanation for his team’s early exit from the 2014 World Cup. Russia was eliminated in Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Algeria, and Copello claims that a laser beam pointed at his goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev just before Algeria scored the equalizer is to blame. “He was blinded by the laser beam,” Capello said to the Guardian. “There are pictures. You can see that in the footage. This not an excuse, it is a fact.” It’s impossible to know for sure if the laser hindered Akinfeev’s ability to make the save. One thing we do know, though, is that there likely won’t be any lasers at the next World Cup in 2018 because Russia is the host.

Boy sneaked into Christiano Ronaldo's hotel room

Brazilian paper Globo claim a 15-year-old fan named Yago Leal dodged security at Portugal's hotel in Brasilia and sneak into the Real Madrid superstar's room. Leal reportedly scaled the outside of the building before entering Ronaldo's room via the balcony. The fan was even caught by Ronaldo himself, while he managed to take a snap of the star seemingly from a balcony. Despite the heavy security presence, the teenage fan seems to have gotten away with his stunt. With Leal quoted as saying he laid down on his idol's bed, Ronaldo did not have the starstruck fan evicted. Instead he let him go free without calling security and signed an autograph for his young admirer. Ronaldo's Portugal side have been eliminated from the world Cup at the group stage after their 2-1 win over Ghana on Thursday failed to see them better the records of Germany or USA. The star man netted the game's winner for his first-ever World Cup goal after a comedy own goal from Ghana's John Boye was equalised by Asamoah Gyan.

Who rocked this beach landing moment better?

Arsene Wenger took time out to go to the beach and after a swim he came out of the water in a James Bond esque moment. How does he compare with David craig's beach landing As James Bond in Casino Royale. Wenger also played beach volleyball and managed to reproduced a move that looked like Van-Persies flying dutch man's goal against Spain.

Steven Gerrard relaxes on beach with daughters after England's poor World Cup

Steven Gerrard put the stresses and strains of England's miserable World Cup campaign behind him as he relaxed on the beach with his daughters. Just 48 hours after Roy Hodgson's side touched down in Luton having crashed to an early World Cup exit, the England captain was on holiday with two of his girls. The 34-year-old is still to confirm whether he will continue playing international football or retire to focus on prolonging his club career. Gerrard will be 36 when the next major international tournament, Euro 2016, takes place in France. The midfielder will now focus on resting up and preparing for the new season with his Liverpool side. During pre-season, Brendan Rodgers' men will travel to the Danish side Brondby, tour the United States, and host Borussia Dortmund in a friendly at Anfield on August 10.

Thursday, June 26, 2014

The moment Michael Babatunde broke his arm from a shot from Onazi

For a split second, Nigeria's Ogenyi Onazi was annoyed when his shot on goal was blocked by a teammate. That was until he realised he just broke his mate's arm in the process. 
In Thursday morning's match between Nigeria and Argentina, Onazi dribbled the ball to within 10 yards of the box and wound up for a long-range shot on goal. 
He struck it perfectly and it might well have been the equaliser his team needed as they trailed 3-2, but the ball cannoned into the arm of striker Michael Babatunde, who just so happened to be right in the line of fire.

Incredibly, the pure speed and power behind the strike broke Babatunde's arm on impact. Slow motion replays show the sickening moment in the 64th minute when Babatunde's arm bends backwards - an unfortunate situation of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MKkV8H0hqfQ
It is understood the 21-year-old will have surgery on his arm and sidelined for his team's do or die match against France on Tuesday morning. 
"I think he's got a broken hand and he's going for surgery right now as we speak," Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi told Reuters Africa.
"So I'm not sure if he's still going to participate in this World Cup. But we'll see how he goes. But it's not good."
Babatunde, who plays for Ukrainian team Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, was a surprise pick for the national team. He was named in the side ahead of Chelsea striker Victor Moses.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Fabregas was asked to leave Spain's training

New Chelsea signing Cesc Fabregas has been involved in a training ground row with Spain coach Vicente del Bosque. Tensions were high in the camp after defeats by Holland and Chile dumped the reigning champions out of the World Cup early and things came to a head on Saturday. Del Bosque was unimpressed with Fabregas' attitude in training and the low intensity he was operating at. After a while, enough was enough, and Del Bosque ordered Fabregas to give his bib to Xabi Alonso and leave the session. The former Arsenal and Barcelona star reluctantly did so, with team-mates stopping him from arguing further with Del Bosque. The 27-year-old's sum total of minutes so far in the World Cup is 12.

Oh my God! Group F 2nd place winner could be decide via a coin toss!

**Nigeria and Iran could finish with identical group stage records **Argentina must beat Nigeria 1-0 and Iran must beat Bosnia 1-0 for it to occur **FIFA will flip a coin or draw one team out of a hat to decide who reaches the last 16 if the two teams finish level on points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head **Argentina have already qualified for the knockout stage World Cup Group F could be decided by picking names out of a hat or a coin toss – if Iran and Nigeria finish level behind Argentina. Ahead of the final round of group stage games, 1-0 wins for Argentina against Nigeria and for Iran against Bosnia would leave the two teams level in every variant that FIFA consider before ‘drawing lots’. No team has ever been eliminated from a World Cup by the drawing of lots but if results go the right way either Nigeria or Iran could consider themselves the tournament’s unluckiest side. FIFA judge the placing in each group firstly by points, then goal difference, number of goals scored and finally the teams’ head-to-head records. In this scenario, with four points each, zero goal difference and just one goal each – Nigeria and Iran’s bore 0-0 draw earlier in the tournament would leave their fate to be decided by who the organising committee pick out. Lots have only been drawn once in tournament history – at Italia ’90. There, they were used to separate second and third place in a group when three teams went through. Republic of Ireland beat Holland to second place but both advanced to the next stage. Argentina have already qualified from Group F, while Bosnia were eliminated after losing 1-0 to Nigeria on Saturday.

Ronaldo's new haircut. Hot or not?

Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, when healthy, is arguably the best player in the world. But he’s currently dealing with a knee injury, and he’ll likely be toughing it out and playing through the pain in tomorrow’s pivotal match against the United States. So he’s decided to change it up a bit. He recently received a haircut which has him now sporting some new tribal-mohawk type of look. And during one reporter’s interview, he showed it off to the world They’ll need all they can get from their star goal-scorer, as a loss eliminates Portugal from the World Cup, and a draw puts them in hot water. On the other hand, the United States can advance with a win, so something has to give. Is Ronaldo's haircut hot or not?

Friday, June 20, 2014

Roy Hogson to stay as england coach

Football association chairman Greg Dyke comfimed that england coach to this summer's world-cup tournament will infact stay on as England coach. Speaking before the team's elimination was confirmed, Dyke said: "We are supportive of Roy. I already see people asking the question, 'Will he stay?' The answer is yes. "He came to do a four-year cycle leading up to Euro 2016." Hodgson was appointed shortly before Euro 2012 following Fabio Capello's shock decision to quit.

Thomas Muller: He'll Never Inspire Poetry

In the paragraphs below, Nick miller wonders how an unassuming 'thing' called Thomas Muller has managed to become the most fearsome character in world football today. Muller won the golden boot in his first world cup and was joint top assist maker in the same competition! Enjoy! Thomas MĂĽller now has eight goals in seven World Cup games. He's 24. He has two, perhaps even three more of the big ones left in him, which for a team like Germany means at least ten games, in all likelihood quite a few more, and that's not including the ones remaining in this tournament. The short version is that if he keeps himself right, and nothing goes too badly wrong, MĂĽller will probably beat Ronaldo's World Cup goalscoring record, which of course presently stands at 15, unless Miroslav Klose manages to nick enough minutes in the next few weeks to claim it himself. Now, ask anyone with a passing interest in football about Ronaldo, especially people who saw him in his astounding pomp, and they could talk for ages about him, and what made him so brilliant. The pace, the dribbling, the unstoppable power, the super-human ability to do all three of those things at once while maintaining some sort of freakishly astonishing balance, and then remember to score at the end of that ridiculous trick. Ronaldo was electrifying to watch, and at his real peak (between about 1996 and 1999, before the first bad knee injury) he was arguably the most exciting footballer of all time. And with that glory he combined achieving astonishing statistical feats, just one of which was that World Cup scoring record. MĂĽller on the other hand...well, even seasoned football-watchers will struggle to tell you why he's good. We all know he is good because...well, he keeps scoring goals...and he's always in the Bayern Munich and Germany teams and...well...he just is good. Isn't he? The problem is despite obviously being good, it's not quite so obvious why. He isn't particularly quick, he doesn't have a thunderous shot, he's tall but not exactly Tim Cahill or Cristiano Ronaldo in the air, he doesn't have too many tricks. In this respect he's a little like Novak Djokovic, who doesn't have the grace of Roger Federer or the power of Rafa Nadal, but manages to beat the pair of them because he doesn't have any weaknesses. That might be MĂĽller - his greatest strength is he doesn't have any weaknesses, but his greatest weakness is he doesn't have any strengths. He does wear his socks at a pleasingly Steve Claridge-esque height though, giving him the air of the bloke who plays for your Sunday league team who shambles onto the pitch as the game is kicking off and always forgets his shinnies. But that just makes him endearing, rather than offering an explanation for why he might belong among the greatest players of all time. Should MĂĽller break the record (and the way this World Cup is going, it's not ludicrous to think he might do it this year - everything else has happened, so what the hell, why not this?), people won't be awfully happy about it. It'll be confusing for one thing, as nobody will be quite sure why he's any good, but it will also be quite unsatisfying. People still equate records with quality and standing - Ronaldo was probably the greatest centre-forward the World Cup had seen since Gerd MĂĽller, so it was fitting that the former took the latter's record, and took it with some flair. This sort of thing is ephemeral but important: it's sort of an extension about the old Danny Blanchflower line about winning with glory. MĂĽller wins things and scores goals, but Ronaldo did things with style and with a flourish, not waiting for the other lot to die of boredom. MĂĽller is, if you want to be dramatic about it, not a player one could write poetry about (if for some reason you wanted to throw together some rhyming couplets about a professional footballer), but Ronaldo is. If you prefer, MĂĽller isn't a footballer you can really get misty-eyed and nostalgically over-emotional about at 1am after too much red wine, but Ronaldo is. Indeed, your correspondent may or may not have done exactly that not too long ago. Maybe. Can neither confirm nor deny. So by this token, we will mourn the passing of Ronaldo's record to MĂĽller, if and when it happens, just as some may mourn if Klose takes it at some point. It isn't fair - of course it isn't fair. Should MĂĽller become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history while only having half the obvious natural gifts that Ronaldo did, he should be lauded more, not less. His will be a sublime triumph, but one that won't be celebrated. Because we football fans like to get misty-eyed at 1am, you see. Nick Miller - follow him on Twitter @NickMiller79.

World cup-Fans investigated for jumping out of wheelchairs to cheer

Police are reportedly investigating a group of fans who attended a World Cup game in wheelchairs for possible ticket fraud. According to The Telegraph, several photos shown on CCTV and seen on social media sites appear to show Brazilian fans that claimed to be wheelchair-boundjumping out of their seats in celebration. Police believe the fans may have purchased the tickets through the secondary market and wound up having to use wheelchairs to get into the stadium with the seats they bought. A Brazilian law requires 1% of the stadium’s capacity to be devoted to disabled fans. Here is one of the photos in question. By illegally purchasing seats that are reserved for disabled patrons, fans would have access to specific seats and concession stands that are only supposed to be available to fans who need wheelchairs. The tickets also cost roughly half the price of a regular seat.

This USA player will release a rap album after the world cup.

How is it gonna' sound? Is it gonna' sound like..Bang....bang.....bang or more like WACK WACK WACK? Clint Dempsey has revealed he is releasing a rap album after the World Cup. Dempsey, who scored after 31 seconds in USA's 2-1 win over Ghana on Monday, spent two weeks before the tournament recording a 13-track album in Los Angeles with the help of rappers and producers from his home town of Nacogdoches, Texas. The album will be called 'The Redux' and will be released under Dempsey's rap name 'Deuce'. 'We just were having fun with it and it ended up being an album,' Dempsey told the Wall Street Journal. On the album, Dempsey about his journey from rags to riches, being 'Captain America' and scoring goals – or, as he says, 'banging Gs'. This is not Dempsey's first foray into music having released a track before the 2006 World Cup called 'Dont Tread'. Fellow rapper and friend Mike ChehadĂ© told the paper that Dempsey's skills are not to be sniffed at: He said: 'He’ll just call you sometimes and start free-styling – he doesn’t even say hello … I’m not saying he’s Eminem, but he’s definitely qualified.' He also said it could make the US team a more intimidating prospect at the World Cup. He added: 'We’re not known as a soccer powerhouse – we’re almost known for being soft. But Clint has this edge.' Dempsey and his USA team-mates take on Portugal in their next World Cup game on Sunday.

Robin van Persie's grandad recreates his Holland World Cup header against Spain

Known as "#persieing" the action by which the Manchester United forward scored has been replicated by fans eager to reinact the 'Flying Dutchman' strike. The trend has become so popular that even the Holland captain's grand-dad Wim Ras has joined the craze - with the 93-year-old impersonating his grandson. 'A belly landing is not always fun, huh? I used to do gymnastics and I know what it is like but in gnymnastics those moves are planned and intended,' Ras said of Van Persie's equaliser in Salvador's Arena Fonte Nova. 'Robin only needed a fraction of a second to make the jump and to get such an exquisite delivery in such a situation and then to score, that is a hell of an achievement. 'The attack went well but getting up there was very difficult, obviously, because it is not a movement that you do every day.'

Here's what Suarez told Gerrad after helping to destroy England

Within moments of firing a dramatic and crucial winner for his country against England, Luis Suarez's thoughts immediately turned to offering words of consolation for club teammate Steven Gerrard. The prolific 27-year-old was the scourge of the Three Lions in Sao Paulo, expertly directing a header into the far corner and then driving into the roof of the net as the clock ticked to a conclusion. Victory resurrected Uruguay's hopes of qualifying for the last 16 of the World Cup in Brazil, but the result left Roy Hodgson's team requiring a remarkable turnaround if they are to progress. Amid his natural celebration following the final whistle, however, Suarez showed his deep respect for Gerrard by heading straight to the midfielder to provide his support at a difficult moment. "This is an unlucky moment for him," the talismanic forward, who notched 31 goals for Liverpool last season, explained. "I don't like it when he hurts like this." The Salto native, returning to theLaCelesteline-up after missing their opening match, added: "I said: 'Keep going, forget this game, you're one of the best.' He's the best player I've played with." As a long ball bounced in behind the England defence in the final minutes of the Sao Paulo encounter, Suarez was primed and ready to capitalise on the smallest of chances to come his way. The striker scooped possession, carried forward despite a lack of balance and his powerful finish soared over Joe Hart and allowed the Reds' No.7 to set off on a passionate celebration. He said: "I had to keep calm, keep my cool and when I got the ball I just kicked it with my whole heart, thinking of all those who have supported me. "It has been like a dream. It is something I have dreamt about very often. It was one of the best games I've played. It's an amazing moment for me. Maybe a few days ago I thought this wouldn't be possible." Author: @shawct

Sunday, June 8, 2014

England players will use customized tablet PC to study opponents

--->England players to use Apple's customized iPads loaded with information to swat up on their World Cup opponents --->The likes of Daniel Sturridge will be able to study Italy's defenders with the touch of a button --->Roy Hodgson is keen to use the latest technology to help his players prepare for Brazil England players have been handed World Cup iPads loaded with special apps which contain all the individually-tailored information they will need on opponents they are likely to face in Brazil. Daniel Sturridge, for example, will have info on his particular iPad showing how Italy usually operate at the back and the centre-halves he is expected to face in Manaus in the opening Group D game a week tomorrow. He simply has to press the image of defenders like Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci to see statistics and video clips of the Juventus pair in action, together with scouting tips on perceived strengths and weaknesses. Likewise, defenders Gary Cahilland Phil Jagielkawill have specific info on the Italian strikers and the goalkeepers will have the most data, including penalty takers, set-pieces and the strikers’ shooting techniques. It has been designed and compiled by Andy Scoulding, the FA’s head of performance analysis, together with his team of assistants. Scoulding created something similar for the qualifying campaign but has produced an updated version for the World Cup finals hoping players will digest the details in their own time at the hotel. Roy Hodgson has been keen to use all technology during the preparation stage to support the work done by his coaching team on the training pitch and the unit meetings for goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers

Victor Moses is the toughest opponent i've ever faced!

England wonder kid defender Luke Shaw surprised fans with his choice of his toughest opponent during a Twitter Q&A with fans. The Southampton left back, preparing to face the world's best in Brazil, picked out forward Victor Moses, playing for Liverpool on loan from Chelsea. When asked who was his toughest opponent, Shaw said: 'That's a tough one but I'm going for Victor Moses, purely for his pace and power found it a very difficult test.' Shaw also revealed that 'Arsenal away was the hardest game of the season' and if he had the choice to play another position he 'would want to be a forward, scoring goals must be a great feeling and that's something I haven't felt.' The 18-year-old was selected ahead of Chelsea's Ashley Cole in Roy Hodgson's 23-man World Cup squad and when he received the call the 'first person I told was my mum'.

Friday, June 6, 2014

Frank Ribery out of World cup! Who's next?

France's star man Franck Ribery is out of the World Cup after failing to recover from a back injury. Ribery and Lyon midfielder Clement Grenier have both been forced to pull out of the squad. Bayern Munich winger Ribery has been struggling to recover from a back injury and had only been able to follow an individual fitness programme until he joined the squad for training today. The 80-cap winger is an integral member of Deschamps' side and he will be sorely missed at the World Cup. Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin and Montpellier winger Remy Cabella have been called up to the reserve list as cover.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Abeg! No be by chest to win World cup o!

Abeg abeg abeg! Na chest them dey take win World cup? Was Neymar trying to scare off other teams by posting this picture on Instagram? Well, Nigeria isn't scared jhor! Na leg we go use play am. Someone should tell Neymar that he should pray Brazil never meets Nigeria at any stage of the World cup. Cause na Gobe situation for them o.

Dem samba boys are so in shape for the World cup

Brazil players are so pumped and are sending a clear message to every other team going to Brazil. The boys were looking fit during a gym session they partook in recently.

This is why Andre Schurrle hasn't bought a house in London

Schurrle is believed to be paid about £70,000-a-week by the Chelsea, more than £3million-a-year, and enjoyed a decent first season in English football, but is yet to buy a house having been on the lookout. He says prices of houses in London are a bit on the high side. 'I am still looking for a suitable property,' he told German dailyBild. 'In London, prices are constantly rising, but it really makes little sense to constantly pay the high rents.' The 23-year-old is with the national squad before they travel to Brazil and admitted he enjoys being home. 'My mother is cooking my favourite dishes such as schnitzel with mashed potatoes,' he added. 'I feel safe with my parents. When I am in Ludwigshafen, I dwell mostly in my old room. I know the area, my buddy, my friends. And "Hotel Mama" is just the best. 'My mother then takes me from everything - make food, laundry. 'In London I have even a cleaning lady, but that is not the same.'