Friday, October 10, 2014

Casillas hurting Spain's Euro 2016 hopes

Slovakia shocked Spain on Thursday night as they picked up an incredible 2-1 victory against La Roja, a match in which Iker Casillas's place in the side was once again called into question.

Vicente del Bosque stuck with the veteran shot-stopper at the World Cup despite losing his undisputed No.1 status at Real Madrid, but his poor form in Brazil continued in Zilina as the 33-year-old allowed a routine free kick to fly past him down the centre of the goal.

Casillas's performance against Slovakia could be the final straw for a player who has captained his country to World and European glory, with David de Gea - who was so magnificent against Everton at the weekend - waiting in the wings.
Friday, October 10, 2014 14:00

Morrissey tribute


"If I die, I die ... Right now I feel good "


Dani Alves thinking about his future

Are you Messi in disguise? Hazard is Chelsea's idol

Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas, himself deeply impressive since making the move to Stamford Bridge this summer, declared team-mate Eden Hazard on Tuedsay to be the Blues' version of Lionel Messi.

"He is the link between midfield and attack for us; he is our Messi because he makes the difference," Fabregas told Cope of the Belgian forward, who won and converted the penalty that sent Jose Mourinho's men on their way to a 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday.

Hazard continues to shine at Chelsea as he matures following his 2012 switch from Lille - is he already on the level of a player like Messi?
Wednesday, October 8, 2014 12:38

Royal rumble in Roma-Juve title clash

A dramatic Serie A title clash between reigning champions Juventus and challengers Roma almost descended into farce on Sunday evening, with a host of controversial decisions dominating post-match conjecture.

Referee Gianluca Rocchi awarded three penalties in the contest, as well as sending off Alvaro Morata and Konstantinos Manolas, though the decisions were very controversial, with both of the offences which resulted in penalties for Juve appearing to have happened outside the box.

Roma coach Rudi Garcia even found himself sent to the stands by Rocchi, before centre-back Leonardo Bonucci became the unlikeliest of heroes for the Old Lady by blasting an audacious volley into the bottom corner to seal a 3-2 win.

Giallorossi skipper Francesco Totti was furious with the refereeing afterwards: "We came here to play and the performance was good, but what happened [with the referee] conditioned the game.

"It's terrible to have to say it but these things that affect the game have been happening for years. Juventus certainly didn't beat us. There were three incidents that changed a game that we wanted to win. There's a lot of anger but we must lift our heads after a game like this.

"I've always said it: they should play in their own league. They always win by hook or by crook. We train to win but then these things happen. There's not even a need to look at the replays. We already saw everything on the field."

Monday, October 6, 2014 14:00