Ronaldo eclipses Messi on Facebook

The debate over who will win this year's Ballon d'Or rages on, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, as ever, neck and neck.

But the Real Madrid star has scored a minor victory over the Barcelona forward on social networking site Facebook.

Ronaldo has accumulated a staggering 50 million 'Likes' - 10m more than Messi - and is the most popular athlete on the site, eclipsing the likes of David Beckham, Kaka, Andres Iniesta and basketball stars LeBron James and Dwayne Wade.

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Vidic set for Russia exile as Fergie eyes the money

 

With Rio Ferdinand's shelf-life waning at 33 years of age, the last player Manchester United fans expected to see leave the club may well have been Nemanja Vidic.

The Serbia international is 30-years-old himself, however, and Goal.com exclusively revealed that the Red Devils could consider cashing in on a considerable offer from interested Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala.

The money spent by Zenit St. Petersburg on Hulk and Axel Witsel perhaps caught the eye of Ferguson, who could yet send Vidic the same way.

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Rampant Germany hit Ireland for six

 

Even the most optimistic of Republic of Ireland fans may not have been expecting to defeat Germany, but the 6-1 hammering in Friday's World Cup qualifier certainly wasn't part of the plan for Giovanni Trapattoni's men.

Doubles from Marco Reus and Toni Kroos, alongside goals for Mesut Ozil and Miroslav Klose, ensured Joachim Low's men secured a rampant win at the Aviva Stadium.

And while Andy Keough may have grabbed a late consolation goal, there is no denying that the Irish were smashed out of the park by their German counterparts...
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Braveheart Wenger has freedom to spend

 

Arsenal's chief executive Ivan Gazidis has labelled Arsene Wenger as "extraordinarily brave" in his devotion to promoting youth players and unearthing hidden gems from across the globe.

The 62-year-old French manager made some surprisingly big signings in the summer in the form of Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla after the departure of captain Robin van Persie.

And with rumours of a substantial transfer budget awaiting him in January, will Wenger bite the golden bullet and dip his toes into the market once more?

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Rooney channels his inner King Cantona

 

With John Terry retired, Frank Lampard injured and Steven Gerrard suspended ahead of England's clash with San Marino on Friday, it could be time for Wayne Rooney to lead the way for the Three Lions.

And the Manchester United star is taking influence for his new senior role from former Red Devils legend Eric Cantona, with the 27-year-old keen to help nurture the national team's next generation of players.

But Rooney, who has a chequered behavioural record himself, must ensure there are certain habits he does not pick up from King Cantona...

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Suarez heads to Uruguay to escape diving debate

 

Luis Suarez has proven no stranger to controversy during his spell in England, and the Liverpool striker once again finds himself centre stage of the latest scandal sweeping the Premier League - diving.

The Uruguayan was vilified by Stoke City boss Tony Pulis after throwing himself to the floor in an attempt to win a penalty in the 0-0 draw at Anfield on Sunday.

And with Fifa vice-president Jim Boyce also calling for the 25-year-old to be punished, Suarez looks to have departed for international duty with Uruguay just in time to avoid the backlash...
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Out of options - Hodgson calls up every man and his dog

 

International squad selections are always blighted by withdrawals through injury, and England's latest crop are no different.

Following Kieran Gibbs' thigh strain while playing for Arsenal and Frank Lampard's own inclusion being thrown into doubt, the inexperienced duo of Ryan Bertrand and Jonjo Shelvey have been called upon to reinforce the ranks.

Surely this means anyone is in with a chance of a call-up, right? Emile Heskey will be licking his lips in Australia, while sightings of Tom, Dick and Harry circling Wembley are plentiful.
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Out-of-this-world Messi and Ronaldo touch down at El Clasico

 

Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho claimed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were "from another planet" after their Clasico exploits on Sunday evening - and few who watched the action at Camp Nou would disagree.

The showpiece Liga clash was billed as the Ballon d'Or decider, the match which could determine once and for all which of the world's two leading lights should be considered the greatest of the modern game. However, after two sublime goals apiece and a share of the spoils for either side, the debate has only been further fuelled.

The Argentina and Portugal stars shone the brightest on a field of stellar talent as each side fought back from a goal down to draw a thrilling contest 2-2 and leave the title race (just about) still open.

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Messi vs C Ronaldo

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OLE! Arsenal's matadors make a mockery of West Ham

 

Arsenal built their solid start to the season with a 3-1 victory over West Ham on Saturday at Upton Park as Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Santi Cazorla overturned Mohamed Diame's first-half opener.

The defeat was the Hammers' first of the season in the Premier League at home, while Arsene Wenger's side remain seven points behind Chelsea, who sit at the top of the table.

Instrumental in Arsenal's win were the Spanish midfield duo of Mikel Arteta and Cazorla, who were able to topple the industrious trio of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Diame.
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