Thursday, June 20, 2013

It's raining goals for Buffon and Kawashima

Italy's epic 4-3 victory over Japan will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest ever Confederations Cup matches.

Supporters were treated to a feast of football as goals from Daniele De Rossi, Mario Balotelli and Sebastian Giovinco, as well as an own goal from Atsuto Uchida, sealed Italy's place in the semi-finals of the competition.

Do spare a thought for the two goalkeepers involved, though, with Gianluigi Buffon and Eiji Kawashima facing a downpour of goals over the 90 minutes in the Itaipava Arena Pernambuco. 

Spanish production line creates latest batch of winners

Spain continued their domination of world football on Tuesday when their Under-21 side defeated Italy in the final of the European Championship in Israel.

Thiago Alcantara netted a first-half hat-trick, with Malaga playmaker Isco also on the scoresheet to cap a sensational tournament on a personal level, in the 4-2 victory.

With the likes of Xavi, Carles Puyol, Iker Casillas and Fernando Torres approaching the end of their time with the full national side, Spain fans need not fear as their production line continues to churn out the next generation of superstars. 

Running scared: Tahiti & Nigeria get ready for Spain test

Nigeria thumped Tahiti 6-1 in Monday's Confederations Cup clash but a far tougher test awaits both nations before Group B reaches its conclusion.

Far from being bullish about their chances, both sides could be forgiven for packing up and heading home early ahead of their respective fixtures against the might of Spain - world and European champions no less.

Vicente del Bosque's powerhouse kicked off their campaign in Brazil with a 2-1 win over Uruguay and will expect to take maximum points from their final two group games. 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Kicking & screening: Balo bares all after Confederations Cup winner

Despite scoring the winner against Mexico in Italy’s Confederations Cup opener, Mario Balotelli still managed to end up in coach Cesare Prandelli’s bad books.

The former Manchester City man sealed a 2-1 victory for the Azzurri at the Maracana and promptly took off his shirt to celebrate.

Balotelli was promptly booked for his actions leaving a frustrated Prandelli to warn the striker against picking up cheap yellow cards. 

Neymar carries Brazil to Confederations Cup opening win

Not only is the pressure on Neymar and Brazil to deliver at next summer's World Cup, but Luiz Felipe Scolari's side are also expected to impress at the Confederations Cup this month.

Barcelona's latest recruit got Brazil off to a flying start on Saturday as his stunning strike in the third minute helped Brazil secure a 3-0 victory over Japan. 

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Football's biggest names land in Brazil ahead of Confederations Cup

With the World Cup under a year away, host nation Brazil stage the 2013 Confederations Cup with the rest of the world set to get a glimpse of what the country has to offer.

The hosts kick off proceedings on Saturday evening against Japan, with the likes of Oscar, David Luiz, Hulk and Neymar all expected to be in action.

And if that game alone does not boast enough big names, Spain have a star cast including Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta, Italy have Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo, and Uruguay boast Edinson Cavani and, of course, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez

Friday, June 14, 2013

Paper talk: Ronaldo rubbishes contract renewal rumours

Cristiano Ronaldo has set tongues wagging all over the world by announcing via Twitter that "all the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false".

President Florentino Perez has previously insisted the forward wanted to stay with Los Blancos for many more years despite reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

Reports in Spain also suggested Ronaldo was close to signing a new deal that would keep him at the club, until 2018, but in the wake of the forward’s comments that seems to be just paper talk. 

Lewandowski trapped as Dortmund refuse to budge

Borussia Dortmund striker Robert Lewandowski’s future remains the topic of fierce speculation as BVB attempt to hold onto the Poland international.

The 24-year-old enjoyed a stellar season last time out scoring 36 times in all competitions for Dortmund to become one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Dortmund have recently insisted they will not allow the striker to move to Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich this summer, although they have stopped short of ruling out at summer exit entirely.

Real Madrid, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been linked with Lewandowski but for the moment at least, the striker seems to be going nowhere.

Neymar & Messi under the microscope at Barcelona

Neymar’s big-money move from Santos to Barcelona will place the Brazilian under huge scrutiny according to Michael Laudrup.

The Swansea boss has explained that while Neymar has been a "great player" back home in South America, he faces an entirely different challenge in La Liga

The Brazilian has been branded as too small and thin to succeed by many, and while Laudrup says he does not want to compare Neymar with Messi, the Argentine superstar has proved that size simply does not matter. 

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Mourinho brings the Happy Days back to Chelsea

Jose Mourinho has given his first press conference since his return to Chelsea with the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ now declaring himself “the happy one”.

Of course much has changed since the Portuguese first arrived at Stamford Bridge, a mere nine years ago.

Mourinho has gone on to taste success in Italy with Inter, leading the Serie A side to two league titles as well as Champions League glory.

The 50-year-old then moved on to a controversial tenure at Real Madrid, winning the Liga title in 2012 but calling his last season in Spain the “worst in his career”.

And so back to the Blues, where Mourinho and the club will be hoping he can bring the happy days back to Chelsea.