MAN CITY TO SIGN ALVARO NEGREDO AND STEFAN JOVETIC
Manchester city has made a duo signing of Alvaro Negredo ( from Sevilla, Spain international) and Stefan Jovetic (from Florentino, Montenegro international). The signing of the two stricker will help to fill the gap of Carlos Tevez and Mario balotelli and also to form a lethal partnership with Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko
VILLANOVA LEAVES BARCELONA
The Barcelona club Sandro Rosell has confirmed on friday that the 44 years old will not longer coach the team due to further cancer treatment that he has to undergo.
Rosell has also confirmed that his successor will be announced in the next coming days
NAPOLI WANTS PEPE REINA
Napoli to bid for Reina after ending Julio Cesar pursuit. The serie A club are planning a formal move for the Liverpool Goalkeeper who shares an agent with Rafael Benitez. Napoli beleives that they can snub Reina out from Liverpool due to the arrival Mingnolet from Sunderland
ROONEY TO CHELSEA??
Jose Mourinho is hoping to take advantage on Wayne Rooney's situation at Old Trafford by trying to sign him this summer. Most of Chelsea fan and legends want to see the prolific striker at Stamford bridge which they all hope that Wayne Rooney will form a good partner with Fernando Torres
LUIS SUAREZ SAGA
The spanish giant valuing Luis Suarez £25 million , had made Arsene Wenger to top up his bid on the talented Uruguayian stiker to £30 million. The Arsenal manger believes that by adding Suarex at his squad this will boost up his squad and will improve his attacking options at the bench. Arsene Wenger beleives that by having the liverpool striker upfront and linking up with Santi Carzola will bring up hope of winning the premier League this season
SPURS AND REAL MADRID IN COENTRAO TALKS
Tottenham Hotspurs has shown intrest on Real madrids left back Fabio Coentrao. Spurs has began negotiation with the Spanish giant on obtaining the service of Coentrao. Real Madrid hoping that talks will leading them in persuading Spurs in reaffirming their interest on Gareth Bale
AGGER BARCA BACK UP PLAN
Daniel Agger has drawn attention to Barcelona wish list, after failing to sign the PSG defender Thiago Silva they now drawn interest on the liverpool defender so as to cover the position of Carlos Puyol who has been suffering from injuries throughout the season.
Liverpool set to complete £20m signing of Sunderland's Jordan Henderson with David Ngog included as part of deal - report
LAMPARD AND YOUNG SAVE ENGLAND'S FACE
VILLANOVA LEAVES BARCELONA
Rosell has also confirmed that his successor will be announced in the next coming days
NAPOLI WANTS PEPE REINA
ROONEY TO CHELSEA??
LUIS SUAREZ SAGA
SPURS AND REAL MADRID IN COENTRAO TALKS
Tottenham Hotspurs has shown intrest on Real madrids left back Fabio Coentrao. Spurs has began negotiation with the Spanish giant on obtaining the service of Coentrao. Real Madrid hoping that talks will leading them in persuading Spurs in reaffirming their interest on Gareth Bale
AGGER BARCA BACK UP PLAN
WE WANT AQUILANI SAYS AC MILLAN GALLIANI
Alberto Aquilani could be offered an escape route from Liverpool by AC Milan.
The Italian spent last season on loan at Juventus and is seemingly surplus to requirements at Anfield following the signings of central midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that his club could be prepared to make a move for the 27-year-old.
"We could talk about Aquilani," he told Gazzetta Dello Sport."He’s a midfielder with the characteristics that we are looking for so, like with other players in his role, he could be of interest." The Italian champions have been linked with a big-money move for a midfielder this summer, but former hero Kaka will almost certainly not be arriving due to his salary expectations."His wage is impossible for an Italian club," said Galliani.
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the controversial striker.He said: "Balotelli? If someone comes he will be a left inside midfielder, not a striker."
JUAN MATA REJECTS SPURS OFFERS, AS ARSENAL LOOKING FAVOURITE TO SIGN THE SPANISH STRIKER
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp announced his interest in signing the 23-year-old after his side’s 3-2 friendly win at Brighton on Saturday, claiming chairman Daniel Levy was taking care of negotiations.
The north London club had been linked with a £19 million move for the former Real Madrid youngster in order to beat rivals Arsenal to his signature, but Valencia have yet to receive an official offer for their prized asset.
Redknapp will have a tough fight on his hands to persuade Mata to move to White Hart Lane and although Valencia remain in a delicate economic situation, the club have promised coach Unai Emery a competitive team for the coming campaign and Mata is a big part of those plans.
Emery, president Manuel Llorente and sporting director Braulio Vazquez have all claimed the forward is not for sale, although the latter revealed on Thursday that alternative plans were in place should Mata be sold.
Meanwhile, Mata himself has stated repeatedly that he is keen to stay at Mestalla and only signed a new contract last summer with the buy-out clause set at a massive £52.5m.
However, a gentleman’s agreement was reached for the player to leave for between £17.5m and £22m, although the player’s performances at the European Under-21 Championships mean Valencia are now asking for a sum closer to the latter.
Spurs, currently, are the only club prepared to meet Valencia’s asking price, although no bids have yet been made – despite considerable interest in Mata.
The player’s father and agent is in contact with several sides, though, and is said to have met representatives from Tottenham in London recently.
But Spurs’ tight wage structure and lack of Champions League football make any possible deal difficult, with Mata only likely to leave Valencia to sign for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
At the moment, he sees Valencia, one of Spain’s top teams and an established Champions League outfit, as a superior side to Spurs, who dropped out of the top four last season following their first-ever qualification for European football’s premier club competition the year before.
Given a chance to further his career in the Premier League, then, Mata would almost certainly choose Arsenal over Tottenham, a source close to the player revealed to Goal.com, while out of a straight selection between Spurs and Valencia, the player would opt to stick with the Spanish side for at least one more season.
SUPER MARIO TO JOIN AC MILAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
“All of my season was s***,” said Mario Balotelli in a TV interview on the Wembley pitch seconds before being handed the man of the match award for his performance in Manchester City’s FA Cup final win over Stoke City in May. But his haul of 10 goals in 28 games for the Citizens last term was a more than respectable return considering he spent large spells of the campaign recovering from injury.
Perhaps his frustration arose from the fact that he’d been playing his football 1,000 miles away from where he wanted to be. It is something he reiterated once more following one of his best displays for the English club in their Dublin Super Cup win over his former employers Inter yesterday. But while the Nerazzurri are in need of a forward with exactly his attributes, Balotelli’s hankering for a move to their city rivals AC Milan is likely to see him donning the Serie A champions’ red and black stripes before long.
Inter were taken apart by City at the Aviva Stadium, going down 3-0 despite having a fair portion of the possession. The world champions are a team in need of some extra flair and finishing quality in the final third. The early signs from Ricardo Alvarez are not altogether promising, while Wesley Sneijder’s redeployment in a deeper role has not suited his style so far and a move to Manchester United awaits him. Even the introduction of Carlos Tevez – if, as speculated, he arrives in Pinetina later this month – will not address the issues in the manner which Balotelli could.
His driving desire to be the focus of a side by delivering on pace, power, agility and skill is really starting to shine through in his performances in the light blue shirt, but after his latest admission that he’s still not happy in Manchester it seems his spell at Eastlands could turn out to be even shorter than many expected.It could well be that all parties end up agreeing that the inevitable move can be put off until next summer, but one should never write off Silvio Berlusconi when it comes to making a splash in the transfer market. Twelve months ago the Milan president made late moves for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho against the wishes of the club’s parent company. With 28 goals between them, the frontmen helped capture a first league title in seven years. A year on, Balotelli could yet be this year’s big-name purchase.
While the rumour is that the club are searching for an alternative to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and a move for the Palermo-born man would instead ask questions of Massimiliano Allegri’s desire to use a 4-3-1-2 system, Berlusconi has never been one for stopping to think tactics while money is burning a hole in his pocket. The option of Balotelli, though, could help Milan’s push to compete in the latter stages of the Champions League, and that is something the Italian prime minister is more than aware of.
Unhappy in Manchester, longing for home and developing into a real champion – not until this time next month would it be wise to rule out Balotelli’s brief sojourn in England coming to a premature end.
WESLEY SNEIJDER REJECTS MAN CITY AND UTD OFFER
Dutch star refuses to rule out summer switch to Old Trafford amid continuing speculation over £35 million move but insists he is happy at the San Siro
Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder has revealed there is “always a chance” he will leave Inter amid continuing speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.The 27-year-old playmaker is a £35 million target for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and he has left the door open for a sensational switch to Old Trafford.“What will happen? We'll see,” Sneijder said on Sunday. “There is always a chance that something will happen, but we will see.
“There is always speculation. I've said before, I've played for almost 10 years at the highest level and every year there is speculation.”
Speaking after Inter were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in the Dublin Super Cup, the Dutchman insisted he remains happy to stay at Inter.
“As you can see, I'm still here," he continued.
"I'm always happy. I'm a happy guy. I'm just happy to train every day with my colleagues and to train every day and to play my game for the fans.
“I've played in many competitions. I started in Holland, then played in Spain and now the Italian league, and I'm still here.
“We will see what happens but I'm happy here.”
Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (AET, 0-2 pens ): Selecao miss all four penalties to crash out of Copa America
The two teams couldn't be separated after 120 minutes as the Brazilians capitulated with their spot-kick. POOR BRAZIL
Paraguay dumped holders Brazil out of the Copa America and booked their own place semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win. After two hours of goalless action, penalties had to decide the contest. However the Samba stars collapsed under the pressure, missing every single shot as their opponents triumphed 2-0.
As early as the 8th minute, Brazil threatened to strike first. Neymar should have capitalised on some desperate Paraguayan defending but the Santos man volleyed narrowly over after a ball broke kindly to him on the edge of the box.
Brazil lacked their characteristic flair going forward initially and a steadfast opposition defence prevented any meaningful advances from Mano Menezes’ charges early on.
Neymar was once again at the centre of things but the in-demand forward inexplicably failed to convert a gilt-edged opportunity to the relief of Gerardo Martino’s men.
Minutes later, Brazil came even closer to breaking the deadlock. Lucio got on the end of Andre Santos’ excellent free-kick but Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Justo Villar, managed to block the shot from point-blank range with his feet.
Despite largely controlling the first-half, the 2007 winners didn’t play with their usual incisiveness and headed into the break level after failing to break down a well-organised Paraguayan side.
Brazil emerged from the interval in a more determined mood as they finally got into their groove. Neymar almost grabbed the lead as his shot had Villar beaten but Antolin Alcaraz was on the line to ensure their clean sheet remained intact.
This proved to be an ominous sign of things to come as Brazil laid siege on Paraguay’s goal. Neymar and Robinho went close as Ganso then drew a fine save from an inspired goalkeeper.
Villar maintained the goalless encounter exactly that way when Alexandre Pato looked destined to net the opener but the shot-stopper managed to get a thwart Pato’s effort with his foot.
The AC Milan striker had more glorious opportunities to clinch the winner but his initial effort was blocked well by Villar and Pato’s second shot was headed into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.
When the goalkeeper was beaten, Edgar Barreto was on hand to deny Fred’s goal-bound header on the line as Brazil relentlessly pushed for a late goal to finish off the resilient Paraguayans.
Mano Menezes’ side huffed and puffed right until the end of the 90 minutes but Paraguay withstood an incredible amount of pressure to close out normal time and ensure the match went on for another 30 minutes.
After entirely dominating the second half, Brazil’s command of play continued right from the beginning of extra-time. They still passed the ball around with swagger and confidence as Paraguay’s energy-sapped legs looked devoid of any creativity to conjure up an unlikely winner for themselves.
Frustration crept into both sides as a huge scuffle began instigated by Brazil’s Lucas Leiva and Paraguay’s Alcaraz received red cards for their petulance. Despite having a stranglehold on possession, Mano Menezes’ team couldn’t carve open any notable chance as the first half of extra-time slipped by.
Brazil looked to have run out of ideas for the second half of extra-time as they once more couldn’t break down a staunch Paraguayan defence. The underdogs nearly put the holders out with minutes remaining as a wonderfully flighted cross was met by Haedo Valdez’ right foot but the volley was swept just wide of Julio Cesar’s post. But the match went to penalties as two nations collectively held their breaths to see who would win this lottery.
However the Selecao missed every single of their spot-kicks, with Paraguay converting just two of their own to win a bizarre shoot-out. Estigarribia and Christian Riveros were the only players to find the net as they helped their team to a miraculous 2-0 win.
Paraguay will now play against Chile or Venezuela in the semi-final on July 20th in Mendoza for a place in the Copa America final. Meanwhile Brazil will return home dismayed at how they could not seal the match in normal time as they paid for their profligacy inevitably.
ARGENTINA ARE OUT OF THE COPA AMERICA....
Argentina are out of the 2011 Copa America in their own backyard when they lost 5-4 on penalties to Uruguay after both teams were deadlocked at 1-1 after 120 minutes.Diego Perez's early goal was cancelled out by Gonzalo Higuain in an action-packed first-half, but despite chances from both ends neither side could force break the deadlock, ensuring a nerve-wracking shoot-out to end proceedings.
Argentina once more tried to take the game to the opposition from the first whistle, and intelligent play between Higuain and Kun Aguero allowed the Real Madrid man to release a shot, although it was well-covered by Fernando Muslera. After just five minutes, however, Uruguay found the formula to silence the Santa Fe crowd.
A Diego Forlan free kick was not dealt with by the Albiceleste defence, and the ball was turned in just inside the far post by Diego Perez to send the away section wild in the 'Elephant's Graveyard'. The goal rocked the home side, who looked scrappy in the opening moments before Higuain was on hand to restore parity.
'Pipita' had Lionel Messi to thank for his strike, after the Barcelona star did wonderfully to open up the game. The Barcelona ace shrugged off his markers before releasing a perfectly-weighted cross into the box, and Higuain made no mistake in heading past Muslera and into the goal. Argentina looked comfortable after equalising, spraying the ball around with authority against their arch-rivals. Higuain thought he had scored again from another Messi centre, but was adjudged narrowly, yet correctly, offside by the officials.
Uruguay on the other hand relied on the counter-attack, using Luis Suarez as the sole target for long balls. From set-pieces, however, they looked forever dangerous against an unconvincing Albiceleste back-line. Martin Caceres smashed home the rebound from a free-kick only to be denied by the linesman's flag, while Diego Lugano came within an inch of netting the second when his header bounced back off the bar.
Things were made no easier for the visitors late in the half when goalscorer Perez clattered Fernando Gago and received a second booking, consigning the Celeste to play the remaining 55 minutes with 10 men.
After a madcap first 45 minutes, both teams took steps to slow the pace down after the break. Uruguay in particular retreated down the pitch, a logical step given the numerical disadvantage. Argentina meanwhile looked assured on the ball, but too often lacked the final product necessary to open the game up. The best chances early on came from distance. Angel Di Maria smashed over after a great cross-field ball from Javier Mascherano, while Zabaleta and Messi also threatened without a great deal of danger.
With 15 minutes left, Batista brought on Javier Pastore, and the Palermo man seemed to add creativity to the unit. A beautiful combination with Messi released Higuain, and the No. 9 was only denied by a fantastic save one-on-one. That was followed by a heart-stopping moment for home fans, when Sergio Romero had to stop Forlan clear through.
Lugano also went close in heading a Forlan corner over the bar, but neither side could break the deadlock and the match entered extra time. Argentina were forced to do it without their captain; Mascherano became the second player to be expelled, once more for a second booking. A Carlos Tevez free-kick almost avoided that outcome, but Muslera kicked away the substitute's effort with his toes before saving from Higuain at point-blank range.
Both teams had chances to wrap up the game in the additional half-hour. A poor clearance from Nicolas Burdisso gave Alvaro Pereira a half-chance, and his shot went barely over the cross-bar. Higuain also had a glorious chance, but smashed against the post with just Muslera to beat. Pastore and Higuain then went close in the second period, but neither could prevent the absorbing contest going into penalties.
Messi went first for the hosts and duly sent Muslera the wrong way. Forlan responded for Uruguay blasting his kick straight down the middle into the top. Burdisso and Suarez also netted convincingly, before Tevez saw his powerful effort kept out by Muslera.
Scotti, Pastore, Gargano and Higuain all converted their efforts to leave the shoot-out poised at 4-4, but Caceres tucked away the final kick to send Uruguay into the semi-final 5-4 on penalties.
WE WANT AQUILANI SAYS AC MILLAN GALLIANI
Alberto Aquilani could be offered an escape route from Liverpool by AC Milan.
The Italian spent last season on loan at Juventus and is seemingly surplus to requirements at Anfield following the signings of central midfielders Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam.AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani has admitted that his club could be prepared to make a move for the 27-year-old.
"We could talk about Aquilani," he told Gazzetta Dello Sport."He’s a midfielder with the characteristics that we are looking for so, like with other players in his role, he could be of interest." The Italian champions have been linked with a big-money move for a midfielder this summer, but former hero Kaka will almost certainly not be arriving due to his salary expectations."His wage is impossible for an Italian club," said Galliani.
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the controversial striker.He said: "Balotelli? If someone comes he will be a left inside midfielder, not a striker."
Manchester City's Mario Balotelli has also been linked with a move to AC Milan, but Galliani has ruled out a move for the controversial striker.He said: "Balotelli? If someone comes he will be a left inside midfielder, not a striker."
JUAN MATA REJECTS SPURS OFFERS, AS ARSENAL LOOKING FAVOURITE TO SIGN THE SPANISH STRIKER
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp announced his interest in signing the 23-year-old after his side’s 3-2 friendly win at Brighton on Saturday, claiming chairman Daniel Levy was taking care of negotiations.
The north London club had been linked with a £19 million move for the former Real Madrid youngster in order to beat rivals Arsenal to his signature, but Valencia have yet to receive an official offer for their prized asset.
Redknapp will have a tough fight on his hands to persuade Mata to move to White Hart Lane and although Valencia remain in a delicate economic situation, the club have promised coach Unai Emery a competitive team for the coming campaign and Mata is a big part of those plans.
Emery, president Manuel Llorente and sporting director Braulio Vazquez have all claimed the forward is not for sale, although the latter revealed on Thursday that alternative plans were in place should Mata be sold.
Meanwhile, Mata himself has stated repeatedly that he is keen to stay at Mestalla and only signed a new contract last summer with the buy-out clause set at a massive £52.5m.
However, a gentleman’s agreement was reached for the player to leave for between £17.5m and £22m, although the player’s performances at the European Under-21 Championships mean Valencia are now asking for a sum closer to the latter.
Spurs, currently, are the only club prepared to meet Valencia’s asking price, although no bids have yet been made – despite considerable interest in Mata.
The player’s father and agent is in contact with several sides, though, and is said to have met representatives from Tottenham in London recently.
But Spurs’ tight wage structure and lack of Champions League football make any possible deal difficult, with Mata only likely to leave Valencia to sign for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
At the moment, he sees Valencia, one of Spain’s top teams and an established Champions League outfit, as a superior side to Spurs, who dropped out of the top four last season following their first-ever qualification for European football’s premier club competition the year before.
Given a chance to further his career in the Premier League, then, Mata would almost certainly choose Arsenal over Tottenham, a source close to the player revealed to Goal.com, while out of a straight selection between Spurs and Valencia, the player would opt to stick with the Spanish side for at least one more season.
Redknapp will have a tough fight on his hands to persuade Mata to move to White Hart Lane and although Valencia remain in a delicate economic situation, the club have promised coach Unai Emery a competitive team for the coming campaign and Mata is a big part of those plans.
Emery, president Manuel Llorente and sporting director Braulio Vazquez have all claimed the forward is not for sale, although the latter revealed on Thursday that alternative plans were in place should Mata be sold.
Meanwhile, Mata himself has stated repeatedly that he is keen to stay at Mestalla and only signed a new contract last summer with the buy-out clause set at a massive £52.5m.
However, a gentleman’s agreement was reached for the player to leave for between £17.5m and £22m, although the player’s performances at the European Under-21 Championships mean Valencia are now asking for a sum closer to the latter.
Spurs, currently, are the only club prepared to meet Valencia’s asking price, although no bids have yet been made – despite considerable interest in Mata.
The player’s father and agent is in contact with several sides, though, and is said to have met representatives from Tottenham in London recently.
But Spurs’ tight wage structure and lack of Champions League football make any possible deal difficult, with Mata only likely to leave Valencia to sign for one of Europe’s elite clubs.
At the moment, he sees Valencia, one of Spain’s top teams and an established Champions League outfit, as a superior side to Spurs, who dropped out of the top four last season following their first-ever qualification for European football’s premier club competition the year before.
Given a chance to further his career in the Premier League, then, Mata would almost certainly choose Arsenal over Tottenham, a source close to the player revealed to Goal.com, while out of a straight selection between Spurs and Valencia, the player would opt to stick with the Spanish side for at least one more season.
SUPER MARIO TO JOIN AC MILAN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
“All of my season was s***,” said Mario Balotelli in a TV interview on the Wembley pitch seconds before being handed the man of the match award for his performance in Manchester City’s FA Cup final win over Stoke City in May. But his haul of 10 goals in 28 games for the Citizens last term was a more than respectable return considering he spent large spells of the campaign recovering from injury.
Perhaps his frustration arose from the fact that he’d been playing his football 1,000 miles away from where he wanted to be. It is something he reiterated once more following one of his best displays for the English club in their Dublin Super Cup win over his former employers Inter yesterday. But while the Nerazzurri are in need of a forward with exactly his attributes, Balotelli’s hankering for a move to their city rivals AC Milan is likely to see him donning the Serie A champions’ red and black stripes before long.
Inter were taken apart by City at the Aviva Stadium, going down 3-0 despite having a fair portion of the possession. The world champions are a team in need of some extra flair and finishing quality in the final third. The early signs from Ricardo Alvarez are not altogether promising, while Wesley Sneijder’s redeployment in a deeper role has not suited his style so far and a move to Manchester United awaits him. Even the introduction of Carlos Tevez – if, as speculated, he arrives in Pinetina later this month – will not address the issues in the manner which Balotelli could.
His driving desire to be the focus of a side by delivering on pace, power, agility and skill is really starting to shine through in his performances in the light blue shirt, but after his latest admission that he’s still not happy in Manchester it seems his spell at Eastlands could turn out to be even shorter than many expected.It could well be that all parties end up agreeing that the inevitable move can be put off until next summer, but one should never write off Silvio Berlusconi when it comes to making a splash in the transfer market. Twelve months ago the Milan president made late moves for Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho against the wishes of the club’s parent company. With 28 goals between them, the frontmen helped capture a first league title in seven years. A year on, Balotelli could yet be this year’s big-name purchase.
While the rumour is that the club are searching for an alternative to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, and a move for the Palermo-born man would instead ask questions of Massimiliano Allegri’s desire to use a 4-3-1-2 system, Berlusconi has never been one for stopping to think tactics while money is burning a hole in his pocket. The option of Balotelli, though, could help Milan’s push to compete in the latter stages of the Champions League, and that is something the Italian prime minister is more than aware of.
Unhappy in Manchester, longing for home and developing into a real champion – not until this time next month would it be wise to rule out Balotelli’s brief sojourn in England coming to a premature end.
WESLEY SNEIJDER REJECTS MAN CITY AND UTD OFFER
Dutch star refuses to rule out summer switch to Old Trafford amid continuing speculation over £35 million move but insists he is happy at the San Siro
Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder has revealed there is “always a chance” he will leave Inter amid continuing speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.The 27-year-old playmaker is a £35 million target for United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and he has left the door open for a sensational switch to Old Trafford.“What will happen? We'll see,” Sneijder said on Sunday. “There is always a chance that something will happen, but we will see.
“There is always speculation. I've said before, I've played for almost 10 years at the highest level and every year there is speculation.”
Speaking after Inter were beaten 3-0 by Manchester City in the Dublin Super Cup, the Dutchman insisted he remains happy to stay at Inter.
“As you can see, I'm still here," he continued.
"I'm always happy. I'm a happy guy. I'm just happy to train every day with my colleagues and to train every day and to play my game for the fans.
“I've played in many competitions. I started in Holland, then played in Spain and now the Italian league, and I'm still here.
“We will see what happens but I'm happy here.”
Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (AET, 0-2 pens ): Selecao miss all four penalties to crash out of Copa America
The two teams couldn't be separated after 120 minutes as the Brazilians capitulated with their spot-kick. POOR BRAZIL
Paraguay dumped holders Brazil out of the Copa America and booked their own place semi-finals after a dramatic penalty shoot-out win. After two hours of goalless action, penalties had to decide the contest. However the Samba stars collapsed under the pressure, missing every single shot as their opponents triumphed 2-0.
Brazil lacked their characteristic flair going forward initially and a steadfast opposition defence prevented any meaningful advances from Mano Menezes’ charges early on.
Neymar was once again at the centre of things but the in-demand forward inexplicably failed to convert a gilt-edged opportunity to the relief of Gerardo Martino’s men.
Minutes later, Brazil came even closer to breaking the deadlock. Lucio got on the end of Andre Santos’ excellent free-kick but Paraguay’s goalkeeper, Justo Villar, managed to block the shot from point-blank range with his feet.
Despite largely controlling the first-half, the 2007 winners didn’t play with their usual incisiveness and headed into the break level after failing to break down a well-organised Paraguayan side.
Brazil emerged from the interval in a more determined mood as they finally got into their groove. Neymar almost grabbed the lead as his shot had Villar beaten but Antolin Alcaraz was on the line to ensure their clean sheet remained intact.
This proved to be an ominous sign of things to come as Brazil laid siege on Paraguay’s goal. Neymar and Robinho went close as Ganso then drew a fine save from an inspired goalkeeper.
Villar maintained the goalless encounter exactly that way when Alexandre Pato looked destined to net the opener but the shot-stopper managed to get a thwart Pato’s effort with his foot.
The AC Milan striker had more glorious opportunities to clinch the winner but his initial effort was blocked well by Villar and Pato’s second shot was headed into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.
When the goalkeeper was beaten, Edgar Barreto was on hand to deny Fred’s goal-bound header on the line as Brazil relentlessly pushed for a late goal to finish off the resilient Paraguayans.
Mano Menezes’ side huffed and puffed right until the end of the 90 minutes but Paraguay withstood an incredible amount of pressure to close out normal time and ensure the match went on for another 30 minutes.
After entirely dominating the second half, Brazil’s command of play continued right from the beginning of extra-time. They still passed the ball around with swagger and confidence as Paraguay’s energy-sapped legs looked devoid of any creativity to conjure up an unlikely winner for themselves.
Frustration crept into both sides as a huge scuffle began instigated by Brazil’s Lucas Leiva and Paraguay’s Alcaraz received red cards for their petulance. Despite having a stranglehold on possession, Mano Menezes’ team couldn’t carve open any notable chance as the first half of extra-time slipped by.
Brazil looked to have run out of ideas for the second half of extra-time as they once more couldn’t break down a staunch Paraguayan defence. The underdogs nearly put the holders out with minutes remaining as a wonderfully flighted cross was met by Haedo Valdez’ right foot but the volley was swept just wide of Julio Cesar’s post. But the match went to penalties as two nations collectively held their breaths to see who would win this lottery.
However the Selecao missed every single of their spot-kicks, with Paraguay converting just two of their own to win a bizarre shoot-out. Estigarribia and Christian Riveros were the only players to find the net as they helped their team to a miraculous 2-0 win.
Paraguay will now play against Chile or Venezuela in the semi-final on July 20th in Mendoza for a place in the Copa America final. Meanwhile Brazil will return home dismayed at how they could not seal the match in normal time as they paid for their profligacy inevitably.
Japan 2-2 USA (AET, 3-1 pens.): Asians defeat Americans in shoot-out to create history in Women's World Cup
Japan's Homare Sawa scored the equalizer late in extra time and the United States failed to convert its first three penalty kicks as it finished second in the World Cup in Germany
By Mike Slane
The Americans had a golden opportunity to win the World Cup title, but they instead walked out of Germany with silver medals around their necks.
Despite dominating throughout and taking the lead twice, the U.S women's team could not overcome a persistent Japanese side as it missed its first three penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw after an action-packed 120 minutes at Commerzbank Arena.
Japan, which played with a heavy heart following the devastating earthquake and tsunami just four months ago, beat the United States for the first time in history dating back to 1986.
Japan's Homare Sawa was the hero of the final by scoring the equalizer off a corner kick in the 116th minute after Abby Wambach gave the U.S. the lead moments before the first half of extra time came to a close.
Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori stopped two U.S. penalty attempts and watched another sail over the crossbar. U.S. keeper Hope Solo was only able to stop one of Japan's attempts as the favorites were unable to win their third World Cup.
Alex Morgan gave the U.S. the initial lead in the 68th minute, while Aya Miyama scored Japan's first goal in the 80th minute.
The U.S. came out of halftime with a new frontline as Morgan replaced Lauren Cheney, who sat on the sideline for the remainder of the game with ice on an injured right foot. Morgan made in impact moments later as she hit the post, the third time the U.S. hit the woodwork in the game.Morgan finally put the Americans on the scoreboard when she blew past Saki Kumagai and hit a perfect shot to the lower right of the net. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe delivered a great cross to the speedy Morgan, who went to the far post for her second goal in as many games.
That's when Japan put on the pressure.
Following a cross into the box by Sawa, U.S. defenders Rachel Buehler and Alex Krieger missed two opportunities to clear the ball. Miyama, who was parked in front of the net, snuck one past Solo to the left.
Morgan dribbled to the end line and delivered a perfectly placed cross to Wambach, who headed it into the net for her fourth goal in the last four games as the first extra-time period was coming to a close.
Wambach, who ranks third all time in U.S history in goals, moved into first place in U.S. women's history with 13 World Cup goals, including a historic goal in extra time against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Sawa, however, ended the United States' magical run to the final.
The midfielder scored for the fifth time in six games when she hit a corner off Wambach and into the net, securing a chance to win the game game on penalty kicks.
Is Phil Jones the most expensive gamble Sir Alex Ferguson has ever taken at Manchester United?
The 19 year-old has cost an initial £16.5 million despite playing less than 40 professional games, leading to some trepidation over whether he can make the grade at Old Trafford
Sir Alex Ferguson has been fairly consistent with his method of squad-building during his time at Old Trafford. As Arsene Wenger's frustrating patience in youth provides a stark contrast to Chelsea's recent scattergun approach of splashing the cash and seeing who can be tempted, the Manchester United boss has expertly combined the two.
The signing of 19-year-old Phil Jones for £16.5 million - a figure that could eventually rise to above £20m should certain targets be reached - appears to be the perfect summation of the United method.
But despite the justifiably lauded successes of the Scot's era, you can't say that his strategy of recruitment isn't sometimes flawed. Indeed, some of Sir Alex's signings have been inspired, with Peter Schmeichel, Nemanja Vidic and most recently Chicharito proving that gambles can pay off in lucrative fashion.
That being said; Ralph Milne, Kleberson and Bebe are only a number of individual cautionary tales. Their only legacy being the seeds of doubt that will meet eyebrow-raising deals such as the one completed on Monday for Jones.
Whether it be the tightening of the owner's purse strings in recent years or a lack of value in the market as Sir Alex chooses to put it, the capture of the Blackburn youngster is going to be only the club's second transfer of over £15m since the summer of 2008 - immense pressure on a youngster who has yet to play the equivalent of a full Premier League season at first-team level.
The reported fee of £16.5m would make Jones the eighth most expensive player in the club's history and having only played 35 games of first-team football for the Ewood Park outfit, the defender enters the Red Devils' top 10 most-expensive list with less experience than any of those he follows.
Japan 2-2 USA (AET, 3-1 pens.): Asians defeat Americans in shoot-out to create history in Women's World Cup
Japan's Homare Sawa scored the equalizer late in extra time and the United States failed to convert its first three penalty kicks as it finished second in the World Cup in Germany
By Mike Slane
Despite dominating throughout and taking the lead twice, the U.S women's team could not overcome a persistent Japanese side as it missed its first three penalty kicks following a 2-2 draw after an action-packed 120 minutes at Commerzbank Arena.
Japan, which played with a heavy heart following the devastating earthquake and tsunami just four months ago, beat the United States for the first time in history dating back to 1986.
Japan's Homare Sawa was the hero of the final by scoring the equalizer off a corner kick in the 116th minute after Abby Wambach gave the U.S. the lead moments before the first half of extra time came to a close.
Japan goalkeeper Ayumi Kaihori stopped two U.S. penalty attempts and watched another sail over the crossbar. U.S. keeper Hope Solo was only able to stop one of Japan's attempts as the favorites were unable to win their third World Cup.
Alex Morgan gave the U.S. the initial lead in the 68th minute, while Aya Miyama scored Japan's first goal in the 80th minute.
The U.S. came out of halftime with a new frontline as Morgan replaced Lauren Cheney, who sat on the sideline for the remainder of the game with ice on an injured right foot. Morgan made in impact moments later as she hit the post, the third time the U.S. hit the woodwork in the game.Morgan finally put the Americans on the scoreboard when she blew past Saki Kumagai and hit a perfect shot to the lower right of the net. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe delivered a great cross to the speedy Morgan, who went to the far post for her second goal in as many games.
That's when Japan put on the pressure.
Following a cross into the box by Sawa, U.S. defenders Rachel Buehler and Alex Krieger missed two opportunities to clear the ball. Miyama, who was parked in front of the net, snuck one past Solo to the left.
Morgan dribbled to the end line and delivered a perfectly placed cross to Wambach, who headed it into the net for her fourth goal in the last four games as the first extra-time period was coming to a close.
Wambach, who ranks third all time in U.S history in goals, moved into first place in U.S. women's history with 13 World Cup goals, including a historic goal in extra time against Brazil in the quarterfinals.
Sawa, however, ended the United States' magical run to the final.
The midfielder scored for the fifth time in six games when she hit a corner off Wambach and into the net, securing a chance to win the game game on penalty kicks.
Young agrees United terms
The talented midfielder, who has also undergone a brief medical, is now expected to complete a switch to Old Trafford when he returns from holiday.
It emerged on Thursday that the Premier League champions had held discussions with Young's
representatives over a possible switch to Old Trafford.
The England international admitted earlier this summer that he was keen to play at the very highest level, sparking speculation that he would leave Villa Park this summer.
United have been credited with a long-term interest in the former Watford player, while Liverpoolwere also understood to be monitoring the situation.
And Sir Alex Ferguson now looks to have pipped the Reds to yet another transfer target, with Blackburn defender Phil Jones already on course to join the 19-times champions of England.
representatives over a possible switch to Old Trafford. this summer. player, while Liverpoolwere also understood to be monitoring the situation. now looks to have pipped the Reds to yet another transfer target, with Blackburn defender Phil Jones already on course to join the 19-times champions of England.
Liverpool set to complete £20m signing of Sunderland's Jordan Henderson with David Ngog included as part of deal - report
Merseysider's are set to complete the signing of the Sunderland midfielder before he travels with the Under-21s tomorrow, with David Ngog moving in the opposite direction
Sunderland midfielder Jordan Henderson is set to complete his switch to Liverpool, after the two clubs reportedly agreed on a deal worth £20 million.
According to reports in the British media, David Ngog, who is valued at £7m, will head to the Stadium of Light as part of the transfer, while Liverpool will pay £13m to complete the deal.The move is thought to be likely to be completed on Wednesday subject to a medical, before the youngster travels with the England Under-21 squad to Denmark for the European Championship tournament.
Henderson had been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside in recent weeks, with the Black Cats having previously been reported to have rejected bids from the Reds.
The 20-year-old put in strong performances for Steve Bruce’s side, and earned his first call up to the England senior team in their friendly with France in November.
The fee for the midfielder together with the sale of Darren Bent is likely to leave Bruce a large transfer kitty this summer with Manchester United pair Darron Gibson and Wes Brown said to be on their list.
Miroslav Klose signs contract ahead of Lazio medical – report
Veteran Germany international endured a poor final season with Bayern Munich, scoring just once in 20 Bundesliga appearances but looks set for new start in Serie A
Miroslav Klose has put pen to paper on a contract with Lazio, according to latest reports emanating from Italy.
Sky Sport24 reports that the Germany international striker officially signed the contract on Wednesday evening and will undergo the required medical tests on Thursday.
Reports earlier on Wednesday had suggested that the former Kaiserslautern and Werder Bremen forward, who turns 33 tomorrow, will pen a two-year contract worth €2 million per season. However, this is yet to be confirmed.
The news come just two days after Klose announced his decision to leave Bayern Munich after seeing out his contract with the German giants.
Klose, who started his professional career with FC Homburg, endured a disappointing 2010-11 campaign for Bayern, scoring just one goal in 20 Bundesliga appearances.
He netted on three occasions in the DFB Pokal and found the target once in two Champions League encounters for the Bavarians.
Manchester United and Manchester City target Alexis Sanchez has agreed personal terms with Barcelona - Udinese president
The Serie A club's chief Franco Soldati has insisted that a deal has yet to be agreed between the two clubs but it is thought that he will not stand in the Chilean's way
Alexis Sanchez has agreed personal terms with Barcelona, claims Udinese president Franco Soldati, just 24 hours after he said the Catalans were in pole position for the Chilean's signature.The deal will be based on a €3 million (£2.6m) per annum contract, but Soldati insists it does not mean a move is finalised as the two clubs have yet to agree a fee. Nonetheless, Udinese will not stand in Sanchez's way as he seeks a move to the European champions.
"From what we were told by the player's agent Fernando Felicevich, Alexis Sanchez has an agreement with Barcelona for a contract worth €3m a season. This does not necessarily mean he will go, but it is what the player wants," Soldati said, according to Chilean source La Tercera.
"We hope to fulfil the player's wish, but I don't think negotiations will be finalised until at least the end of June."
Udinese have set their price for Sanchez, in excess of £26m, and the attacker will not move unless Barca match the club's valuation.
"Sanchez's yes [to Barcelona] does not mean a yes from Udinese," he disclosed.
"These are two different things. We will begin talks with Barcelona and we will not stop them from speaking with the player. But we are just starting with the talks.
"If they pay us what we want then there will be no problems, but we are yet to speak about this. For the moment Barcelona are favourites to land Sanchez ahead of Juventus and Inter. These are the three clubs that are close to him, but nothing has been sealed yet in regards to a move.
"Again, this is just the start of things, but we want to finish negotiations by the end of the month. The player's opinion obviously counts, but there are other things we need to look at.
"In any case we are optimistic all will end well."
World Football - Iran and FIFA clash over hi jab kit
Iran's dream of competing in the London 2012 Olympic women's football tournament was crushed by an unexpected ruling that their Islamic dress broke FIFA rules, but football's governing body insisted the country were warned about dress code rules which led to the team being banned.
Iran had said it would complain to FIFA after the women's team were stopped from playing a second-round qualifier for next year's London Olympics because of their full-body strip, which includes a head scarf and conforms to the Islamic dress code.
Opponents Jordan were awarded a 3-0 win and Iranian officials said the decision could cost them a place in the 2012 Games.
FIFA said both teams had been reminded before Friday's match about its rules and that, as a result, Jordan had decided not to select several players.
"FIFA's decision in March 2010 which permitted that players be allowed to wear a cap that covers their head to the hairline, but does not extend below the ears to cover the neck, was still applicable," FIFA said.
"Despite initial assurances that the Iranian delegation understood this, the players came out wearing the hijab, and the head and neck totally covered, which was an infringement of the Laws of the Game.
"The match commissioner and match referee therefore decided to apply correctly the Laws of the Game, which ended in the match being abandoned."
In Tehran, the head of women's affairs at Iran's football federation said Iran had made changes to its women's kit after a previous FIFA ban last year and believed it had been given the approval of the world federation and its president, Sepp Blatter.
"We made the required corrections and played a match afterwards," Farideh Shojaei told Reuters in an interview.
"We played the next round and were not prevented from doing so, and they didn't find anything wrong. That meant that there are no obstacles in our path, and that we could participate in the Olympics."
FIFA's rules for the 2012 Olympics state: "Players and officials shall not display political, religious, commercial or personal messages or slogans in any language or form on their playing or team kits."
Shojaei added: "In reality, this kit is neither religious, nor political, nor will it lead to harm to a player."
She said the ruling meant the team were now unlikely to qualify for the Olympics.
"The countries that invested, and spent money and time and took part in the second round will clearly not be willing to repeat these games, especially if this week it becomes clear which team will enter the final round. So it is extremely unlikely."
Bale, Fabregas, Tevez & more - the Premier League stars who could be leaving their clubs this summer
The European transfer season is in full swing, and Goal.com works its way through the main Premier League stars who could be transferred between now and the end of August
With the European season for 2010-11 now over, the attention has inevitably shifted over to the summer transfer market. From now until the window closes on August 31, every club on the continent will be working around the clock in an attempt to strengthen their squads for 2011-12.
As always, Goal.com will provide the very best transfer news, exclusives and analysis that you can find on the web. In order to prepare you for the weeks ahead, we will be working our way through every major European league and presenting a list of the big-name players who could leave, with their respective probabilities of departing.
Our series will cover the Dutch Eredivisie, English Premier League, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga.
This particular feature focuses on the Premier League. The window may have started quietly with the free transfers of Brad Friedel to Tottenham and Johan Elmander to Galatasaray the most notable moves, but the top six are all expected to be busy.
Champions Manchester United will lead the spending as they look to replace Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes while it could be a pivotal transfer window for Arsenal, with CescFabregas possibly on the move and fans calling for Arsene Wenger to invest significantly after six years without a trophy.
Chelsea will look to rebuild this summer by hiring a new manager and signing talented young players like Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku, with mega-rich Manchester City also ready to buy a couple of top quality players to mount a challenge in the Premier League and Champions League.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will strengthen by spending up to £75 million on new players while Tottenham's priority will be to stave off interest in Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
Below we look at the Premier League's biggest names who could join the likes of Friedel and Elmander through the exit door.
GARETH BALE | Tottenham, Midfielder/Left-back, 21
Read more on Bale
SEASON STATS Appearances 41 Goals 11 Assists 3 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2015 Price tag £50m Interested clubs Man Utd, Man City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Chances of leaving 15%
The winger has shot to stardom in the last year and is a target for all of the top clubs across Europe following his sensational displays in the Champions League, particularly his hat-trick against Inter at San Siro. Bale's devastating pace and power would be welcome in any team and Tottenham are expecting big-money summer bids for the PFA Player of the Year.
Manchester United and Real Madrid both tried to sign the 21-year-old last summer but it would take an astonishing bid of £50m for Spurs to even consider selling a player who signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract in March. At that kind of price, Manchester City and Chelsea are the two clubs who can realistically afford to sign Bale this summer, but the player insists he is happy at Tottenham and feels he owes the club at least another year. He recently admitted he is tempted by the lure of playing in Spain or Italy in the future.
DIMITAR BERBATOV | Manchester Utd, Forward, 30
Read more on Berbatov
SEASON STATS Appearances 41 Goals 20 Assists 6 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2012 Price tag £12m Interested clubs Bayern Munich, PSG, Juventus, Tottenham Chances of leaving 70%
He may have been joint top-scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, but the Bulgarian looks to be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer after suffering the ignominy of being completely left out of the squad for the Champions League final. The 30-year-old striker has never settled at United following his £30.75m move from Tottenham in 2008 and has constantly found himself out of the side in the big games, particularly since the emergence of Javier Hernandez.
Berbatov has just a year left on his contract so Sir Alex Ferguson knows he will need to sell this summer to make some sort of return in terms of transfer fee. The former Bayer Leverkusen star is a leading target for German giants Bayern Munich but is threatening to run down the final year of his deal at Old Trafford.
CESC FABREGAS | Arsenal, Midfielder, 24
Read more on Fabregas
SEASON STATS Appearances 35 Goals 9 Assists 14 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2015 Price tag £45m Interested clubs Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City Chances of leaving 60%
The Arsenal captain's desire to return to Barcelona was the transfer saga of last summer – and it could be the case once again this year with Fabregas desperate to join the European champions. Twelve months ago he felt emotional about the prospect of leaving, but now it is all very business-like as he hopes to re-unite with a number of his Spain team-mates.
The problem for Fabregas and Barcelona is that Arsenal have plenty of money and will stick to their guns until they get the offer they want, which is £45m. Arsenal will not stand in his way but they are determined that they will not sell the midfielder on the cheap. While Fabregas only has a desire to leave for Barcelona, his agent and father may have other ideas so an interim move for two years to a club like Manchester City – who can offer a massive pay rise – is not impossible.
LUKA MODRIC | Tottenham, Midfielder, 25
Read more on Modric
SEASON STATS Appearances 43 Goals 4 Assists 3 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2016 Price tag £35m Interested clubs Man Utd, Chelsea Chances of leaving 25%
Sir Alex Ferguson named the Croatian playmaker as his player of the year last season so it is no surprise that Modric is the Scot's first choice to replace the retiring Paul Scholes at Manchester United. His exceptional command of the ball has also made Modric a target for Chelsea as last season's top two both look to add creativity to their midfields.
Modric left the door open for a move last week by refusing to rule out a transfer and declaring his desire to play in the Champions League, but it would take a huge bid for Tottenham to even consider selling. Harry Redknapp believes Modric is the most important player in his squad and has insisted the 25-year-old will not be sold as Spurs look to return to the top four next season.
CARLOS TEVEZ | Manchester City, Forward, 27
Read more on Tevez
SEASON STATS Appearances 44 Goals 24 Assists 9 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2014 Price tag £45m Interested clubs Inter, Real Madrid Chances of leaving 50%
Tevez is a summer target for Inter and Real Madrid but the Manchester City captain may not have quite as many options as he might have hoped. City have no need to sell their leading forward and few clubs are in the market for a forward who has been valued by his club at £45m after two stunning seasons at Eastlands.
The 27-year-old has developed rapidly as a player since signing for City but he has never settled and stunned the club by submitting, and then withdrawing, a written transfer request in December. Tevez claims that family issues are at the heart of his thoughts about leaving the club and has turned down an offer of a new contract worth £250,000-a-week. He wants to leave, but as yet there are no signs that the interested clubs are willing to pay the fee and the wages it will take to land the Argentine striker.
ASHLEY YOUNG | Aston Villa, Forward, 25
Read more on Young
SEASON STATS Appearances 37 Goals 8 Assists 13 TRANSFER FILE Contract expires 2012 Price tag £15m Interested clubs Man Utd, Liverpool,
Man City Chances of leaving 95%
The England forward is almost certain to leave Aston Villa this summer and is the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. Both sides believe his pace and delivery will be assets while he carries little risk having consistently impressed for Villa since his £9.75m switch from Watford.
Young has just a year left on his contract and will be available for a cut-price £15m as Villa know they will be forced to sell and avoid the winger running down his contract and leaving for nothing. Young is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford as he wants to test himself in the Champions League, but Liverpool are prepared to offer greater wages and a regular starting spot.
He hopes for his future to be resolved in the next seven days.
'Chelsea need to sign a playmaker like Kaka or Wesley Sneijder' - former Blues star Marcel Desailly
Ex-Stamford Bridge defender believes the Barclays Premier League giants are in desperate need of a world-class playmaker to bring out the best in their forward line
Former Chelsea and France star Marcel Desailly has called on Roman Abramovich to spend big on a high-profile play maker this summer - and named Kaka and Wesley Sneijder as the ideal targets.
Iran's dream of competing in the London 2012 Olympic women's football tournament was crushed by an unexpected ruling that their Islamic dress broke FIFA rules, but football's governing body insisted the country were warned about dress code rules which led to the team being banned.
Iran had said it would complain to FIFA after the women's team were stopped from playing a second-round qualifier for next year's London Olympics because of their full-body strip, which includes a head scarf and conforms to the Islamic dress code.
Opponents Jordan were awarded a 3-0 win and Iranian officials said the decision could cost them a place in the 2012 Games.
FIFA said both teams had been reminded before Friday's match about its rules and that, as a result, Jordan had decided not to select several players.
"FIFA's decision in March 2010 which permitted that players be allowed to wear a cap that covers their head to the hairline, but does not extend below the ears to cover the neck, was still applicable," FIFA said.
"Despite initial assurances that the Iranian delegation understood this, the players came out wearing the hijab, and the head and neck totally covered, which was an infringement of the Laws of the Game.
"The match commissioner and match referee therefore decided to apply correctly the Laws of the Game, which ended in the match being abandoned."
In Tehran, the head of women's affairs at Iran's football federation said Iran had made changes to its women's kit after a previous FIFA ban last year and believed it had been given the approval of the world federation and its president, Sepp Blatter.
"We made the required corrections and played a match afterwards," Farideh Shojaei told Reuters in an interview.
"We played the next round and were not prevented from doing so, and they didn't find anything wrong. That meant that there are no obstacles in our path, and that we could participate in the Olympics."
FIFA's rules for the 2012 Olympics state: "Players and officials shall not display political, religious, commercial or personal messages or slogans in any language or form on their playing or team kits."
Shojaei added: "In reality, this kit is neither religious, nor political, nor will it lead to harm to a player."
She said the ruling meant the team were now unlikely to qualify for the Olympics.
"The countries that invested, and spent money and time and took part in the second round will clearly not be willing to repeat these games, especially if this week it becomes clear which team will enter the final round. So it is extremely unlikely."
Bale, Fabregas, Tevez & more - the Premier League stars who could be leaving their clubs this summer
The European transfer season is in full swing, and Goal.com works its way through the main Premier League stars who could be transferred between now and the end of August
As always, Goal.com will provide the very best transfer news, exclusives and analysis that you can find on the web. In order to prepare you for the weeks ahead, we will be working our way through every major European league and presenting a list of the big-name players who could leave, with their respective probabilities of departing.
Our series will cover the Dutch Eredivisie, English Premier League, French Ligue 1, German Bundesliga, Italian Serie A and Spanish La Liga.
This particular feature focuses on the Premier League. The window may have started quietly with the free transfers of Brad Friedel to Tottenham and Johan Elmander to Galatasaray the most notable moves, but the top six are all expected to be busy.
Champions Manchester United will lead the spending as they look to replace Edwin van der Sar and Paul Scholes while it could be a pivotal transfer window for Arsenal, with CescFabregas possibly on the move and fans calling for Arsene Wenger to invest significantly after six years without a trophy.
Chelsea will look to rebuild this summer by hiring a new manager and signing talented young players like Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku, with mega-rich Manchester City also ready to buy a couple of top quality players to mount a challenge in the Premier League and Champions League.
Elsewhere, Liverpool will strengthen by spending up to £75 million on new players while Tottenham's priority will be to stave off interest in Luka Modric and Gareth Bale.
Below we look at the Premier League's biggest names who could join the likes of Friedel and Elmander through the exit door.
| GARETH BALE | Tottenham, Midfielder/Left-back, 21 |
Read more on Bale |
| ||||||||||||||||||
The winger has shot to stardom in the last year and is a target for all of the top clubs across Europe following his sensational displays in the Champions League, particularly his hat-trick against Inter at San Siro. Bale's devastating pace and power would be welcome in any team and Tottenham are expecting big-money summer bids for the PFA Player of the Year.
Manchester United and Real Madrid both tried to sign the 21-year-old last summer but it would take an astonishing bid of £50m for Spurs to even consider selling a player who signed a new four-and-a-half-year contract in March. At that kind of price, Manchester City and Chelsea are the two clubs who can realistically afford to sign Bale this summer, but the player insists he is happy at Tottenham and feels he owes the club at least another year. He recently admitted he is tempted by the lure of playing in Spain or Italy in the future.
| DIMITAR BERBATOV | Manchester Utd, Forward, 30 |
Read more on Berbatov |
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He may have been joint top-scorer in the Premier League with 20 goals, but the Bulgarian looks to be on his way out of Old Trafford this summer after suffering the ignominy of being completely left out of the squad for the Champions League final. The 30-year-old striker has never settled at United following his £30.75m move from Tottenham in 2008 and has constantly found himself out of the side in the big games, particularly since the emergence of Javier Hernandez.
Berbatov has just a year left on his contract so Sir Alex Ferguson knows he will need to sell this summer to make some sort of return in terms of transfer fee. The former Bayer Leverkusen star is a leading target for German giants Bayern Munich but is threatening to run down the final year of his deal at Old Trafford.
| CESC FABREGAS | Arsenal, Midfielder, 24 |
Read more on Fabregas |
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The Arsenal captain's desire to return to Barcelona was the transfer saga of last summer – and it could be the case once again this year with Fabregas desperate to join the European champions. Twelve months ago he felt emotional about the prospect of leaving, but now it is all very business-like as he hopes to re-unite with a number of his Spain team-mates.
The problem for Fabregas and Barcelona is that Arsenal have plenty of money and will stick to their guns until they get the offer they want, which is £45m. Arsenal will not stand in his way but they are determined that they will not sell the midfielder on the cheap. While Fabregas only has a desire to leave for Barcelona, his agent and father may have other ideas so an interim move for two years to a club like Manchester City – who can offer a massive pay rise – is not impossible.
| LUKA MODRIC | Tottenham, Midfielder, 25 |
Read more on Modric |
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Sir Alex Ferguson named the Croatian playmaker as his player of the year last season so it is no surprise that Modric is the Scot's first choice to replace the retiring Paul Scholes at Manchester United. His exceptional command of the ball has also made Modric a target for Chelsea as last season's top two both look to add creativity to their midfields.
Modric left the door open for a move last week by refusing to rule out a transfer and declaring his desire to play in the Champions League, but it would take a huge bid for Tottenham to even consider selling. Harry Redknapp believes Modric is the most important player in his squad and has insisted the 25-year-old will not be sold as Spurs look to return to the top four next season.
| CARLOS TEVEZ | Manchester City, Forward, 27 |
Read more on Tevez |
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Tevez is a summer target for Inter and Real Madrid but the Manchester City captain may not have quite as many options as he might have hoped. City have no need to sell their leading forward and few clubs are in the market for a forward who has been valued by his club at £45m after two stunning seasons at Eastlands.
The 27-year-old has developed rapidly as a player since signing for City but he has never settled and stunned the club by submitting, and then withdrawing, a written transfer request in December. Tevez claims that family issues are at the heart of his thoughts about leaving the club and has turned down an offer of a new contract worth £250,000-a-week. He wants to leave, but as yet there are no signs that the interested clubs are willing to pay the fee and the wages it will take to land the Argentine striker.
| ASHLEY YOUNG | Aston Villa, Forward, 25 |
Read more on Young |
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The England forward is almost certain to leave Aston Villa this summer and is the subject of a transfer tug-of-war between bitter rivals Manchester United and Liverpool. Both sides believe his pace and delivery will be assets while he carries little risk having consistently impressed for Villa since his £9.75m switch from Watford.
Young has just a year left on his contract and will be available for a cut-price £15m as Villa know they will be forced to sell and avoid the winger running down his contract and leaving for nothing. Young is believed to favour a move to Old Trafford as he wants to test himself in the Champions League, but Liverpool are prepared to offer greater wages and a regular starting spot. He hopes for his future to be resolved in the next seven days.
Ex-Stamford Bridge defender believes the Barclays Premier League giants are in desperate need of a world-class playmaker to bring out the best in their forward line
Former Chelsea and France star Marcel Desailly has called on Roman Abramovich to spend big on a high-profile play maker this summer - and named Kaka and Wesley Sneijder as the ideal targets.
Desailly, who made 156 appearances for the Stamford Bridge club between 1998 and 2004, saw his former side relinquish their Barclays Premier League title to Manchester United this season and he feels that a world-class creative midfield player would help the club become dominant once again.
Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, the former Champions League winner said: "Chelsea need a playmaker.
"We need somebody who can play in between the strikers and the midfield to relieve the pressure from Essien and Lampard to go forward. Somebody who can take the game into their own hands like Kaka or Wesley Sneijder."
The ex-AC Milan legend also feels the west London club need a stronger mentality when facing adversity, claiming that Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United are stronger under pressure.
Desailly said: "Chelsea need more consistency in their performances throughout the year.
"When you compare them with Manchester United in how they are able to handle the pressure, United don’t go flat, they don’t go crazy, they continue to work very hard and they deliver a performance every time. As soon as Chelsea lose two or three games, they have problems.
"I’m happy that they are working internally to restructure the club. They are a big club and they need make sure that whatever is happening, even if they are losing three games, that everybody is able to take the pressure.
"Ferguson is very strong on that and that’s why we are looking forward to having an experienced coach."
Chelsea are currently without a manager following the sacking of Carlo Ancelotti on the final day of the season and despite reports that Guus Hiddink is close to being reappointed, Desailly has admitted that he would like to see a former Blues player take over the reins at Stamford Bridge.
He said: "We’d love to see Zola, Deschamps – the players from the past taking over, but it will probably be an experienced coach who can capture the pressure more than what Carlo Ancelotti has done.
"I would prefer an ex-player at the club but can they coach top-class players that they have played with? I don’t know."
Premier League - Balotelli shown round Naples by mafia mobsters
Mario Balotelli is once again at the centre of a controversy after it emerged that he was given a tour of Naples by two mafia chiefs.
A secret memo leaked by the Italian police revealed the Manchester City star was shown around the city's notorious Scampia estate by mob bosses named as Salvatore Silvestri and Biagio Esposito.
It is yet another extraordinary chapter for the incident-prone 20-year-old, who has hit the headlines repeatedly this season for everything from being memorably unable to put on a training bib, taking on a young fan's school bullies, snubbing Manchester City's awards ceremony and enraging Roberto Mancini so much that the City boss reportedly threw luggage at him.
Balotelli claims that he was completely unaware of the shady dealings of his hosts as he was escorted around the drug and crime-riddled district, which took place last summer when the Italy forward was in Naples to give out an award (although he failed to actually make it to the ceremony).
"I had absolutely no idea who those people were," said Balotelli. "That day in Naples there were many people around me. I am astonished and disappointed, especially for the effect this news story could have on my family."
The news of Balotelli's shady tour guides came out as part of the police investigation into the match-fixing scandal which is currently shaking Italian football - though there is no suggestion that the player took part in match fixing, but was merely satisfying his curiosity about one of the most notoriously crime-ridden places in Europe.
The police memo reported that, "the information came from a trusted source who later revealed that Balotelli, after being shown around the area, went to a residence where pictures were taken of him with Silvestri and Esposito." Those pictures have not been released.
Samir Nasri gambling with his Arsenal future as he seeks pay parity with Cesc Fabregas
Arsene Wenger is reluctant to bow to the Frenchman's demand for £110-a-week deal and will sell the 23 year-old if he overplays his hand at the negotiating table
By casting public doubt over his readiness to sign a new Arsenal contract that was agreed in principle four months ago, Samir Nasri has lit the blue touchpaper for another transfer saga that will dominate the window.
Arsenal fans already fretting over the possibility of losing Cesc Fabregas are now facing up to the reality that their next most creative player is questioning whether the grass is greener elsewhere.
However Nasri’s comments while on international duty with France are interpreted, it is clear there are issues to be resolved between player and club.
Many will view the Frenchman’s desire to discover whether Manchester United’s interest in him is “concrete” as a clear 'come and get me' plea to the Premier League champions.
Yet Goal.com understands that Nasri has no desire to leave Emirates Stadium - for United, Manchester City, Serie A, La Liga or or anywhere else. He is content at the club that brought him to the Premier League from Marseille in 2008 but his reluctance at signing the improved contract offered to him by Arsenal earlier this year is down to hard cash.
It is believed that the club have offered him a five-year £90,000-a-week deal but the player’s camp have pressed for him to get pay parity with captain and top earner Fabregas, who is on £110,000-a-week after his own contract was renegotiated two years ago.
It is now a game of poker and, just as at the table with millions on the line, sometimes confrontations come down to who blinks first.
Many will view the Frenchman’s desire to discover whether Manchester United’s interest in him is “concrete” as a clear 'come and get me' plea to the Premier League champions.
Yet Goal.com understands that Nasri has no desire to leave Emirates Stadium - for United, Manchester City, Serie A, La Liga or or anywhere else. He is content at the club that brought him to the Premier League from Marseille in 2008 but his reluctance at signing the improved contract offered to him by Arsenal earlier this year is down to hard cash.
It is believed that the club have offered him a five-year £90,000-a-week deal but the player’s camp have pressed for him to get pay parity with captain and top earner Fabregas, who is on £110,000-a-week after his own contract was renegotiated two years ago.
It is now a game of poker and, just as at the table with millions on the line, sometimes confrontations come down to who blinks first.
NADAL WINS THE FRENCH OPEN AFTER BEATING FEDERER
World number one Rafael Nadal won a record-equalling sixth French Open title when he beat Roger Federer 7-5 7-6(3) 5-7 6-1 at Roland Garros
Nadal, who turned 25 on Friday, joins Bjorn Borg in getting his name on the Coupe des Mousquetaires for a sixth time, just one day older than the Swede when he achieved the feat in 1981.
The victory also means that the Spaniard will retain the number one spot when the new world rankings are released on Monday morning, holding off Novak Djokovic, who had threatened to overtake him.
Federer had been attempting to win his 17th Grand Slam title and beat Nadal on clay in Paris for the first time in five attempts.
But despite enjoying a 5-2 lead in the opening set and fighting back to take the third set, Nadal was too strong for the world number three as he stormed back on every occasion before securing his 10th major title when Federer netted a forehand after three hours and 40 minutes.
"It's fantastic to win this final against the player who's certainly the best in the world, the best in history," said Nadal, who has beaten Federer in six of their eight meetings in Grand Slam finals, four of them in Paris.
"It's a very special, outstanding tournament for me. It's one of my wildest dreams come true."
WAYNE ROONEY HAVING A HAIR TRANSPLANT
WAYNE Rooney says he is “delighted” with his new hair transplant after years of battling premature baldness. he 25-year-old striker underwent the specialist treatment earlier this week – then proudly shared the news with his 738,000 followers on Twitter.
The Manchester United star tweeted: “Just to confirm to all my followers I have had a hair transplant.
“I was going bald at 25 why not. I’m delighted with the result.”
Rooney became paranoid about his receding hairline after former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo nicknamed him Bobby Charlton – after the Man Utd legend with the famous combover.
But after undergoing a procedure called follicular unit extraction at the clinic in Harley Street, London – estimated to cost €13,500 – he cannot wait to show off the results. He tweeted: “It’s still a bit bruised and swollen when it dies down u will be first to see it.” He even quipped: “Anyone recommend any good hair gel. Haha.”
LAMPARD AND YOUNG SAVE ENGLAND'S FACE
England dropped two Group G points at home to unfancied Switzerland, though after starting the game with the wrong team and a much too cautious approach, rescuing a draw felt like a minor victory after going two goals down in the first half.
Had Darren Bent finished more reliably in the absence of the suspended Wayne Rooney England could easily have had all three points, such was the extent of their recovery once Ashley Young and Stewart Downing were added to the attack.
Barring any more nasty surprises like the manner of both Swiss goals and how close Admir Mehmedi came to snatching a winner right at the end, the key fixture in deciding who qualifies automatically from the group is still likely to be England's visit to Montenegro in October. This disappointing result, and performance, just puts that bit more pressure on England ahead of their next competitive match, in Bulgaria a month earlier.
Considering Switzerland are supposed to have problems in the goalscoring department they managed to give Joe Hart's goal a peppering in the first half-hour. They did not manage a goal from open play, so perhaps that is the problem, yet Hart was required to make stops from Eren Derdiyok, Gökhan Inler and Xherdan Shaqiri in the opening 20 minutes, the middle one a particularly important save as the Swiss captain's shot had taken a significant late deflection off Rio Ferdinand.
Diego Benaglio in the visitors' goal did have to make the first save of the game, when a Frank Lampard corner found Glen Johnson at the far post in the second minute, yet after that he was mostly a spectator as Hart did all the diving around.
The trouble from England's point of view seemed to be that Fabio Capello's surprise choice of James Milner and Theo Walcott ahead of Young and Downing was not really working from either an attacking or defensive point of view. The amount of time both spent tracking back into their own half suggested they had been told to help out the back four, yet Switzerland were still doing most of the pressing.
The England attack was ineffective because Bent was effectively playing up front on his own. Not only that, but a couple of poor touches and one wasted opportunity from a Scott Parker interception suggested he might not be having one of his better days.
Things looked up for England when Ferdinand headed narrowly over from Lampard's cross on the half-hour, yet withing a couple of minutes the Swiss took the lead. It was the sort of silly goal that should never be conceded at international level, yet all too often is by England. Tranquillo Barnetta swung in a free-kick, Ferdinand and Johan Djourou jumped for the ball and missed, and Hart realised too late that it was going to be up to him to cover the bottom corner.
Never let it be said that England are a team who do things by halves, however. Almost unbelievably, they let the same thing happen again three minutes later. The aghast expression had hardly left Capello's face from the first time when Parker brought down Reto Ziegler and Barnetta stepped up again to make Hart look even more foolish at his near post. The goalkeeper did not get much protection from a wall (Milner and Walcott) that obligingly parted to let the shot through, yet even so he was caught unprepared by the accuracy of Barnetta's shot.
Capello now looked as if he was going to explode in his seat, though at least England pulled back a goal before the interval, Lampard scoring confidently from the spot after Djourou had brought down Wilshere in the area.
The Italian sent on Young for the second half, not for Walcott or Milner, but for Lampard. Young stationed himself ahead of Parker and Wilshere in a more central and more advanced position than Lampard had occupied, and though Capello would probably deny it, England were now set up 4-4-2. The coach deserves credit for correcting his earlier mistake and making the switch, whatever the formational theory, because Young scored an excellent equaliser after five minutes on the pitch, sweeping a crisp, low shot past Benaglio after Leighton Baines had laid back Milner's cross in what looked suspiciously like England's first decent move of the afternoon.
A superb, threaded pass from Wilshere put Bent one on one with the Swiss goalkeeper midway through the second half, but though the striker made exactly the right run Benaglio was alert to the situation and came to the edge of his area to snuff out the chance.
At least England were doing most of the attacking now and when Walcott made a darting run into the area Young scooped a shot over the bar a little wastefully from the edge of the box. That was nothing, however, compared with the sitter Bent missed a few moments later, after Benaglio spilled Young's shot in his direction to leave the striker a clear sight of an open goal.
It was the moment for Bent to seize his fourth England goal, repay Capello's faith in him and finally establish a reputation for clinical rather than erratic finishing, and Wembley groaned as one when he lofted the ball over the bar with his left foot.
Young could not convert a more difficult chance off Milner before the end, but Bent's miss will be remembered for costing England two points, especially if things go wrong from here.
Let's hope Rooney's rug rethink is more convincing than his striking replacement, though if blame is ultimately to be apportioned, the unnecessary yellow card in Wales that allowed Rooney to book a hair appointment instead of helping ensure Euro 2012 qualification might be the best place to start.
Chelsea and Spain international striker Fernando Torres enjoyed playing and scoring for his country in front of 64,000 fans at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough as the world champions thrashed the United States 4-0 in a friendly, and later admitted that his future career could include playing in Major League Soccer.
“You never know. It’s a long time for that, I am only 27 so [in] five more years, who knows? I would like it, the chance," Torres told Goal.com.
"I like the country and I would like to be a part of the improvement of the soccer."
The 27-year-old initially hesitated to answer the question but then responded when he was asked if he'd like to emulate former Arsenal and Barcelona hit-man Thierry Henry.
After scoring Spain's final goal in the match against the USA, Torres was in jubilant mood and savoured being able to get some revenge for his country's 2-0 2009 defeat by the Stars and Stripes.
"For us, it’s a pleasure to come here to Boston and Providence and have a chance to play against USA," said a smiling Torres, clearly delighted by Spain's win.
"First of all, because they beat us two years ago, so for us it was an important game. We wanted to show that we could win against them."
While revenge might have been on his mind, Torres was happy with the support Spain received during the match and believes that football is improving in America.
More than half of the fans in attendance were rooting for the world champions and the former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid striker said that the Spanish team felt like they were playing in their home country. That might be a factor in favour of MLS when Torres is considering joining the league in the future.
"We know that soccer is getting much better over the past few years in the US," he said. "So it was a nice chance to come and see the pitches and the fans. Seeing how excited they were to see Spain against our opponents. We felt at home today."
MAN UTD EYE ON SAMIR NASSIR
There were reports yesterday that Man United are watching the contract negotiations at Arsenal with Samir Nasri and are preparing to offer the young Frenchman the chance to win some trophies if he moves to Old Trafford, and today Nasri’s France team-mate Patrice Evra has begun to turn the screw by telling Nasri he is going nowhere at Arsenal.
Evra was reported as saying last night: “If Nasri comes, he has to know there is no room for mistakes. Each year you are playing to win. That is Manchester’s culture.
“Each year it is a guarantee of a title. I have been at Manchester for five years now and I can’t remember how many trophies I have won. 13? 15?
“So, ‘Petit Prince’, if you want to become King you know where you have to go.”
Nasri cost Arsenal £11m when he arrived from Marseille three years ago, but Wenger would expect to get double that figure if he is forced to sell him this summer. But would Wenger let him go to Man United?
JERZY DUDEK RETIRES
Jerzy Dudek's career at Real Madrid came to an end at the Bernabeu on Saturday evening when he was substituted in the 77th minute in their 8-1 win against Almeria in the Primera Division.
As a tribute to the 38-year-old, Dudek's Madrid team-mates escorted him back to the bench forming a corridor as he received a standing ovation from the entire Bernabeu faithful.
"When my teammates and friends formed the corridor... I don't have words to describe it," said Dudek after the match, according to Madrid’s official website.
"Three weeks ago I already knew I was going to play, but I didn't expect it to be so moving."
Dudek was signed by Madrid at the start of the 2007-08 season, but only made two league appearances for the Spanish giants due to the presence of Iker Cassillas.
However, Dudek said he still had an enjoyable time in the Spanish capital and enthused: "I am very happy and the last four years have been incredible.
“I have always tried to help. Time has flown by because they have been four great years.”
The Polish goalkeeper made 367 appearances in league and cup games, playing in four different domestic European leagues.
After making his senior debut in 1995 for Polish side GKS Tychy, Dudek moved to Dutch club Feyernoord a year later and won the Eredivise with the Rotterdam outfit in his third season. He was noticed by English side Liverpool and he moved to Anfield in August 2001.
Dudek was a member of the Red's Champions League-winning side of 2005 when they defeated AC Milan in the final and again reached the final in 2007.
Dudek made 59 appearances for the Poland national team but never played in the World Cup finals
ABRAMOVIC BELIEVE THAT MARK HUGHES AND GUUS HIDDINK ARE THE MANAGERS THAT CAN DELIVER THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY TO CHELSEA
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is putting together a managerial dream team of Guus Hiddink and Mark Hughes as the men who he believes can guide Chelsea to the Champions League glory he craves.
Abramovich wants 64-year-old Dutchman Hiddink and former Chelsea striker Hughes to combine as director of football and first-team coach and break Barcelona’s European dominance.
Negotiations are well advanced and despite the fact that the two men have no previous working relationship, Chelsea’s billionaire owner is confident that they will prove an instant success.
Chelsea striker Fernando Torres: I would like to be part of the improvement of US soccer in the future
The 27-year-old enjoyed playing for Spain in front of 64,000 fans at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough and admits that he could play in MLS later in his career
Chelsea and Spain international striker Fernando Torres enjoyed playing and scoring for his country in front of 64,000 fans at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough as the world champions thrashed the United States 4-0 in a friendly, and later admitted that his future career could include playing in Major League Soccer. “You never know. It’s a long time for that, I am only 27 so [in] five more years, who knows? I would like it, the chance," Torres told Goal.com.
"I like the country and I would like to be a part of the improvement of the soccer."
The 27-year-old initially hesitated to answer the question but then responded when he was asked if he'd like to emulate former Arsenal and Barcelona hit-man Thierry Henry.
After scoring Spain's final goal in the match against the USA, Torres was in jubilant mood and savoured being able to get some revenge for his country's 2-0 2009 defeat by the Stars and Stripes.
"For us, it’s a pleasure to come here to Boston and Providence and have a chance to play against USA," said a smiling Torres, clearly delighted by Spain's win.
"First of all, because they beat us two years ago, so for us it was an important game. We wanted to show that we could win against them."
While revenge might have been on his mind, Torres was happy with the support Spain received during the match and believes that football is improving in America.
More than half of the fans in attendance were rooting for the world champions and the former Liverpool and Atletico Madrid striker said that the Spanish team felt like they were playing in their home country. That might be a factor in favour of MLS when Torres is considering joining the league in the future.
"We know that soccer is getting much better over the past few years in the US," he said. "So it was a nice chance to come and see the pitches and the fans. Seeing how excited they were to see Spain against our opponents. We felt at home today."
MAN UTD EYE ON SAMIR NASSIR
Evra was reported as saying last night: “If Nasri comes, he has to know there is no room for mistakes. Each year you are playing to win. That is Manchester’s culture.
“Each year it is a guarantee of a title. I have been at Manchester for five years now and I can’t remember how many trophies I have won. 13? 15?
“So, ‘Petit Prince’, if you want to become King you know where you have to go.”
Nasri cost Arsenal £11m when he arrived from Marseille three years ago, but Wenger would expect to get double that figure if he is forced to sell him this summer. But would Wenger let him go to Man United?
JERZY DUDEK RETIRES
As a tribute to the 38-year-old, Dudek's Madrid team-mates escorted him back to the bench forming a corridor as he received a standing ovation from the entire Bernabeu faithful.
"When my teammates and friends formed the corridor... I don't have words to describe it," said Dudek after the match, according to Madrid’s official website.
"Three weeks ago I already knew I was going to play, but I didn't expect it to be so moving."
Dudek was signed by Madrid at the start of the 2007-08 season, but only made two league appearances for the Spanish giants due to the presence of Iker Cassillas.
However, Dudek said he still had an enjoyable time in the Spanish capital and enthused: "I am very happy and the last four years have been incredible.
“I have always tried to help. Time has flown by because they have been four great years.”
The Polish goalkeeper made 367 appearances in league and cup games, playing in four different domestic European leagues.
After making his senior debut in 1995 for Polish side GKS Tychy, Dudek moved to Dutch club Feyernoord a year later and won the Eredivise with the Rotterdam outfit in his third season. He was noticed by English side Liverpool and he moved to Anfield in August 2001.
Dudek was a member of the Red's Champions League-winning side of 2005 when they defeated AC Milan in the final and again reached the final in 2007.
Dudek made 59 appearances for the Poland national team but never played in the World Cup finals
ABRAMOVIC BELIEVE THAT MARK HUGHES AND GUUS HIDDINK ARE THE MANAGERS THAT CAN DELIVER THE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE TROPHY TO CHELSEA
Abramovich wants 64-year-old Dutchman Hiddink and former Chelsea striker Hughes to combine as director of football and first-team coach and break Barcelona’s European dominance.
Negotiations are well advanced and despite the fact that the two men have no previous working relationship, Chelsea’s billionaire owner is confident that they will prove an instant success.
