Ballon d'Or is only For Messi and Ronaldo

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Xavi calls time on Spain career

Xavi has retired from international football after winning the World Cup and two European Championships with Spain.

The 34-year-old was capped 133 times, more than any other Spanish outfield player, while Vicente del Bosque admits the national side will struggle to find a replacement for the Barcelona midfielder.

"We have lost a unique player in the national team and it will be difficult to find another one like him,” said the 63-year-old.

"Xavi has been key in Spain's style and in all the success achieved. We'll miss him so much on and off the pitch."

Wednesday, August 6, 2014 12:00

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The World Cup is over, let the transfer window rush begin!

With the World Cup now well and truly over, our attention returns to the Premier League and the summer transfer window. There have been a number colossal deals so far - Cesc Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez and Luis Suarez to name but three - and there seems no sign of the elite clubs holding back in the market.

With the likes of Diego Costa, Filipe Luis, Arturo Vidal, Toni Kroos, Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira all supposedly available, it really is a race to see who can snap up which superstar the fastest.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014 12:41

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Messi in tears as Gotze wins World Cup for Germany

Germany is the new world champions after beating Argentina 1-0, after extra-time, in the World Cup final at the Maracana on Sunday.

Substitute Mario Gotze was the hero for Joachim Low’s side, scoring the winner after taking down a cross from Andre Schurrle and volleying it past Sergio Romero.

The win was a bitter blow for Argentina, and Lionel Messi, who failed to emulate Diego Maradona although the Barcelona star was awarded the Golden Ball for being the World Cup’s best player

Monday, July 14, 2014 11:48

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Netherlands 2014 Tribute

Netherlands GoalToons episode:

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Italy 2014 Tribute

They left early but here is a tribute to their fans.

Watch Italy GoolToons episode: 

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Klose equals Ronaldo's World Cup record

Germany striker Miroslav Klose hit the headlines yet again on Saturday as he bagged his 15th World Cup goal and a place in the history books.

The 36-year-old came off the bench to level the scores against Ghana, in an entertaining 2-2 draw, with a goal that sees him equal Ronaldo’s record that has stood since 2006.

Next up for Germany is their final group game against USA, with Klose able to move clear at the top of the standings should he find the target again.

Sunday, June 22, 2014 11:47

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Stark reality bites in Spain's Roja wedding

It's over, it's finally over. Spain, reigning world and European champions have been dumped out of the World Cup thanks to a colossal performance from Chile.

Jorge Sampaoli's side, also nicknamed La Roja, scored twice in the first half in a frantic end-to-end game of football in Rio de Janeiro.

And for Vicente del Bosque's team it was very much a case of one tournament too far for a group of players who have defined an era. There will be casualties from this exit, not least if they fail to even take home the wooden spoon in their final game against Australia.

Thursday, 19 June 2014 12:46

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France 2014 Tribute

Don't forget to watch GoalToons episode about France world cup history: 

 

Messi follows in Maradona's foosteps

Lionel Messi began his World Cup campaign in fine style with a thrilling goal to secure a 2-1 win over Bosnia & Herzegovina in Argentina’s opening game in Brazil.

The South American side have not won the World Cup since 1986 when Diego Maradona inspired his country to victory in Mexico with Messi out to emulate the Argentina legend.

Of course the 1986 tournament is famously remembered for Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England which was followed by a superb, individual second goal as Argentina won 2-1 on their way to being crowned world champions.

Monday, June 16, 2014 12:01

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A tribute to Spain 2014

Don't forget to watch the animation of Spain's history in the World Cup:

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A tribute to Brazil 2014

Don't forget to watch the animation of Brazil's history in the World Cup:

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GoalToons: World Cup moments

Get animated by watching the heroes, villains and highlights of previous tournaments as you have never seen them before. Eight episodes on World Cup greatest nations. The videos are available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Portuguese and Arabic.

GoalToons: Brazil

GoalToons: Italy

GoalToons: Germany

GoalToons: Argentina

GoalToons: England

GoalToons: France

GoalToons: Spain

GoalToons: Netherlands

GoalToons credits:

Animation Director: Omar Momani

Animation: Sameer Aburezeq

Animation Assitant: Bassem Nabil

Narration on Germany, England and Netherlands: Mike V. Derderian

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Rooney & Roy lead England's school trip to Brazil

Roy Hodgson's England squad may read a bit like a school trip after six players under the age of 23 were named for this summer's World Cup in Brazil.

Luke Shaw, Raheem Sterling, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ross Barkley, Phil Jones and Jack Wilshere will all be heading to South America, so the experience of the squad's senior players will be more vital than ever. That means Wayne Rooney riding up front with Roy!

Tuesday, 13 May 2014 12:00

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Crocked Falcao sucked into World Cup abyss

Radamel Falcao is set to be another high-profile star missing from the World Cup after being ruled out for six months through injury.

The Colombia international tore his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Monaco against Chasselay in the Coupe de France meaning he will play no part in this summer’s tournament in Brazil.

The striker insists he still retains a small hope he will be fit in time, but it is expected that like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who missed out on qualification with Sweden, he will have to make do with simply watching the action.

Friday, January 24, 2014 12:10

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Missing superstars make World Cup plans

So that's it. Uruguay became the 32nd team to qualify for next summer's World Cup, completing the line-up ready to compete for football's biggest prize in Brazil.

But spare a thought for the stars of the game that will miss out on a trip to South America after their qualification campaigns ended in failure.

Ice cream and tissues will undoubtedly be at the ready for the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Gareth Bale and Robert Lewandowski, who will all be forced to watch the action unfold from the comfort of their sofas.

Thursday, 21 November 2013 12:00

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Platini and Blatter cram the World Cup full

With the European Championships soon to expand from 16 teams to 24, the World Cup could be set to receive similar treatment.

Fifa president Sepp Blatter is on record as wanting more Asian and African teams to be represented at the planet's biggest tournament and Uefa head honcho Michel Platini suggested on Monday that the finals could be stretched to 40 teams to make room.

There are more international teams around than there used to be but it could still be a tight fit if football's administrators get their way and push Russia 2018 to another level.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013 12:48

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Netherlands & Italy settle in for World Cup party

Victories for Netherlands and Italy in their World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday ensured they both booked their spot at the 2014 showpiece in Brazil.

Louis van Gaal's side progressed from Group D following a 2-0 win over minnows Andorra, while the Italians came from behind to defeat Czech Republic 2-1 in Turin.

Argentina, Costa Rica and the USA also sealed their passage to Brazil for next summer's international tournament as the beaches of Rio await!

Wednesday, September 11, 2013 12:00

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Ronaldinho adds another title to prove Scolari wrong

 

He may not be the player of yesteryear, and that's undoubtedly a view shared by Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, but Ronaldinho continues to tot up the titles to prove his doubters wrong.

Atletico Mineiro claimed Copa Libertadores glory on Thursday as they turned around a 2-0 first-leg deficit against Olimpia to secure a 4-3 penalty triumph.

But will Ronaldinho's Libertadores heroics nudge him into contention for World Cup 2014?

The former Barcelona playmaker hasn't played for his country since April, and was left out of the Confederations Cup-winning squad, but will hope that Scolari will take another look before he finalises his squad for the showpiece next summer. 
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Forlorn Anderson dreaming of Brazil return

 

The Manchester United midfielder wants to leave Old Trafford this summer to improve his chances of making the Brazil squad for next summer's World Cup.

The 24-year-old has struggled for form and fitness over the past few seasons, and is finally ready to pull the plug on his United career.

With the planet's best footballers set to congregate on Brazil, Anderson has big hopes that he can play a part in the Selecao's success. 
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