Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Van Gaal scouts Shaw ahead of record-breaking deal

With his duties at Manchester United not set to start until after the World Cup, Louis van Gaal is wasting no time assessing his desired transfer targets while in charge of Netherlands.

Goal exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Luke Shaw has agreed a deal with £160,000 a week to leave Southampton, making him the highest-paid teenager in the world.

Despite reports of a training group bust-up between Arjen Robben and Bruno Martins Indi at the Netherlands' training camp, Van Gaal's focus appears to be elsewhere.
Wednesday, 11 June 2014 12:00

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Inzaghi edges out Seedorf at Milan

The change that had been expected for some time finally arrived on Monday as AC Milan confirmed that Clarence Seedorf had been removed as coach after only half a season in Serie A.

Taking his place in the dugout for the Rossoneri is Pippo Inzaghi, who has had a great deal of success in charge of the club's youth side since retiring from playing in 2012.

The perennially offside former striker found himself on the right side of Adriano Galliani this time as he edged out his old team-mate.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014 12:26

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


Napoli scoff at Arsenal's Insigne interest

Clubs are always looking to drive a hard bargain, but it seems Arsenal have pushed their luck already this summer.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has scoffed at the Gunners’ supposed interest in Italy winger Lorenzo Insigne and suggested there is no chance of signing the 23-year-old for a cut-price fee.

“Arsenal offer 20 million for Insigne? This makes me laugh. I want to make Insigne rise to a value of 60-70 million,” De Laurentiis told Repubblica.
Monday, 9 June 2014 12:00

France suffer Ribery blow

France have been dealt a major blow to their World Cup hopes after Franck Ribery was ruled out with a back injury.

"He is not capable of training for a few weeks, let alone playing a game," said Didier Deschamps.

But despite the absence of the Bayern Munich attack, the France boss is still not inclined to call up Manchester City’s Samir Nasri.
Saturday, 7 June 2014 12:00

Sunday, June 8, 2014

World Cup party about to get started

With the dust having settled on most nation's World Cup warm-up friendlies, attentions can now be turned to the main event with the World Cup just four days away.

England concluded their preparations in a feisty encounter against Honduras and can next be seen taking on Italy in Manaus on Saturday, while hosts Brazil kick off the tournament on Thusday.

The Three Lions flew from Miami to Rio de Janeiro straight after their 0-0 draw, while plenty of other sides, including the likes of Germany, have finally touched down in Brazil.
Sunday, 8 June 2014 12:45

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Scholes orders Welbeck to shackle Pirlo

Much like Euro 2012, Andrea Pirlo could prove to be the thorn in England’s side when Roy Hodgson’s charges face Italy in their World Cup opener.

But Paul Scholes has a plan to keep the midfield maestro quiet.

"For Manaus, we need an English Park Ji-Sung - one England player designated to man-mark him. Looking at the squad,” the former Manchester United star told Paddy Power.

Danny Welbeck (a good defender who can nick the ball well) could be an option and would be a bold decision, one which gives England a creative outlet and saddles Pirlo with defensive work."

All the best, Danny.
Friday, 6 June 2014 12:00

Friday, June 6, 2014

Injuries pile up ahead of World Cup

Injuries have already made their mark on the World Cup with the likes of Victor Valdes, Kevin Strootman and Theo Walcott all failing to make the tournament long before its even begun.

And the injuries continue to pile up.

Italy have been dealt a blow as midfielder Riccardo Montolivo will miss out with a broken leg, while there were scares during Wednesday’s friendlies for Robin van Persie and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
Thursday, 5 June 2014 12:00

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Scolari fumes at sub-par show in Brazil training

It's back to the drawing board for Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari after Sunday’s training session did not turn out as well as he had hoped.

"I did not like the training, I did not like anything, all wrong," the 65-year-old told Globo TV.

"When I do not like something I have to find a solution, put it on the field, until I'm satisfied."

You’ve only got eight days left to get it right, Luiz.
Tuesday, 3 June 2014 12:00

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Lampard calls time on Chelsea career

After 13 years at Chelsea which included winning three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League, Frank Lampard will be looking for a new club this summer.

Reports suggest that no less than 16 sides are keen on a move for the 35-year-old, who has admitted that a switch to MLS is an option.

"I'm looking at different options but I want to carry on playing,” said the midfielder.

"I'd like to get it sorted soon, not in World Cup time, but after that. I'm not sure it's possible to do now.

"I can go into the World Cup with a clear head. I can handle it. It's a weight off my shoulders to a certain extent.

"I'm a big enough boy to get on and concentrate fully on this World Cup with England."
Wednesday, 4 June 2014 12:00