Van Gaal desperately seeking Manchester United balance

Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal admits he is still trying to strike the right balance between his horde of creative talents and a more solid back-line.

The Red Devils claimed a last-gasp draw away to West Brom on Monday night, and while the Dutch coach was happy with his side’s performance he was dismayed that they failed to win the game.

But while he is ready to add more physicality and strength to his line-up, he is not going to sacrifice his team’s flair – even with a clash with Chelsea on the horizon.

“We have to look for physical balance and maybe that is our problem,” Van Gaal told reporters. “I am always looking for creative players and in England you need physical players as well, maybe [Marouane] Fellaini brings that.”

Tuesday, October 21, 2014 14:00

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Cow backsides declared safe in Liverpool after Balotelli horror show

Another week, another struggle for Mario Balotelli. The Italian has only managed one goal for the Reds since his summer move from Milan and even that was against lowly Ludogorets.

And things got no better at Loftus Road as the 24-year-old skied a shot over an unguarded net from just 10 yards out. Things can only get better...

Monday, October 20, 2014 12:19

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Ebola attacks African Cup of Nations

Morocco asked to postpone the African Cup of Nations event because of the Ebola crisis.

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'Joke' to compare Chelsea to Invincibles - Fabregas

Cesc Fabregas laughed off suggestions that Chelsea could replicate Arsenal's legendary 2003-04 Invincible side.

The former Gunner, now a key part of Jose Mourinho's Chelsea team and a goalscorer in their 2-1 win at Crystal Palace described the comparison as a 'joke'.

With the same round Kun Aguero became Manchester City's record Premier League after scoring 4 goals on Tottenham.

Sunday, October 19, 2014 17:17

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Mourinho happy to persist with 'disgraceful' handshakes

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reacted sarcastically to accusations from Aston Villa assistant manager Roy Keane that his early handshakes were a 'disgrace'.

Mourinho insists he won't change his ways despite the angry response from Keane, saying: "First of all I want to say I appreciate the comments," Mourinho told reporters.

"I think they are both great examples of polite and well educated people, and because I’m a humble guy who tries to learn every day and with every experience, I appreciate the comments."

Sunday, October 19, 2014 17:27

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‘Why always me?’ – Thiago injured again

Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after picking up a knee ligament injury in training, with the Spaniard to undergo surgery to repair the tear.

The former Barcelona man has barely featured for the Bundesliga champions since swapping Camp Nou for the Allianz Arena, with his latest setback making a return to action this season unlikely.

Thiago was understandably distraught at the news: “What can I say?” he told the club's official website. “Of course, I am profoundly disappointed and desperate at the moment.

“Why always me? But I will not give up. I will fight again. I'm going to get close again. And I will celebrate my comeback at Bayern.”

Thursday, October 16, 2014 11:20

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Hero O'Shea the toast of world's elite

In a week of international football which boasted drama, goals and even a brawl, John O’Shea’s stoppage-time leveller against Germany in his 100th appearance for the Republic of Ireland was a fitting finale.

The Sunderland centre-back, having defended resolutely for much of the encounter in Gelsenkirchen, expertly guided the ball beyond Manuel Neuer to salvage a 1-1 draw and heap more misery on the World Cup winners.

O’Shea was not the only player to enjoy a stellar Tuesday, with Cristiano Ronaldo bagging a last-minute winner against Denmark, Lionel Messi striking twice in Hong Kong and Neymar claiming four (yes, four) goals against Japan.

Ronaldo also celebrated reaching a 100 million fans on facebook.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014 12:30

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Ronaldo & Messi have Raul in their sights

The conclusion of the international break means Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can get back to domestic duty, and both will have Raul’s Champions League record at the top of their agenda.

The Real Madrid and Barcelona stars have 70 and 69 goals respectively in Europe’s premier club competition, just short of Los Blancos and Spain legend Raul who notched an incredible 71 times in his storied career.

Ronaldo, who has already claimed a La Liga record for hat-tricks recently, faces a tough double header against last season’s Premier League runners-up Liverpool, while Messi has a more favourable tie against Ajax. Who will break the record first?

Friday, October 17, 2014 12:00

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Dutch blown away by Icelandic volcano

Iceland pulled off one of the shocks of this week’s round of Euro 2016 qualifiers as a Gylfi Sigurdsson double inspired the Norse side to a 2-0 victory over the Netherlands.

The Swansea City playmaker opened the scoring from the spot on Monday night before doubling his tally midway through the first half with a brilliant, instinctive volley that the dour Dutch were unable to recover from.

The result leaves the Oranje in third place in Group A, behind both leaders Iceland and second-place Czech Republic, while the pressure is ramping up on Guus Hiddink, who has suffered defeat in three of his four matches since taking over from Louis van Gaal.

Tuesday, October 14, 2014 12:00

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Big bad wolf Costa FINALLY blows the house down

While his form for Chelsea has been exceptional, Diego Costa's start to life on the international stage has been somewhat ponderous.

Yet finally, after 515 minutes of football and five shots on target in his six games for Spain, Costa notched his first international goal in the 4-0 win over Luxembourg.

Monday, October 13, 2014 13:16

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Neymar’s Brazil see off Messi and Di Maria

Brazil and Argentina met in Beijing on Saturday for an international friendly with Dunga’s men beating the World Cup finalists 2-0.

Diego Tardelli was the surprise hero for the Selecao scoring twice, his first international goals, to seal victory at the Bird’s Nest Stadium.

Lionel Messi had a rare day to forget, at 1-0 down in the first half the Barcelona star had the chance to pull his side level but saw his penalty saved by Jefferson.

Sunday, October 12, 2014 11:47

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Challandes' soup

Here is my first cartoon to Armenian sport website Totalfootball.am which provide news on Armenian football.

This cartoon talks about Bernard Challandes Armenia football manager which he said before Armenia match against Serbia in the Euro 2016 qualifications that he is preparing a good soup as depicting how Armenia will have a strong performance.

Armenia scored first till the end of the game when Serbian Zoran Tosic equalized to Serbia.

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Chiellini scores an awkward Hat-trick

Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini  helped his national side to win the game against Azerbijan in the Euro 2016 qualifications. Italy have won 2-1 with Chiellini who had scored two goals for Italy and one own goal on his team.

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Blackbeard Roy Keane takes no prisoners

Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane continued to plug his latest autobiography, The Second Half, this week and sustained his onslaught on the countless footballers and managers he has crossed during his time in the game.

The current Aston Villa and Ireland assistant claimed he cancelled a deal to sign Robbie Savage based on the player-turned-pundit's voicemail message, though he left no prisoners when it came to Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho.

Keane said he may never be able to forgive Sir Alex for the "lies" that were concocted about him as he was forced out of Old Trafford, while 'The Special One' was labelled a "disgrace" for his handshake snub, with the Irishman suggesting he would have been knocked out in a Sunday League match.  

Saturday, October 11, 2014 14:00

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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

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Morrissey tribute

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

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Dani Alves thinking about his future

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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

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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

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Fabregas set for Arsenal clash under Mou the Hutt

Cesc Fabregas is set to renew acquaintances with former club Arsenal on Sunday as Chelsea host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge.

The Spaniard was adored at the Emirates, earning the captaincy during his spell at the club, but will hope to strike a hammer blow to Wenger's team by scoring in the London derby.

Wenger, meanwhile, is likely to field summer signings Alexis Sanchez and Danny Welbeck, as Arsenal look to build on their 4-1 win over Galatasaray in midweek.

Sunday, October 5, 2014 11:31

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Valencia dragon burns Atletico and scare Liga giants

I redrew the cartoon in 2019 

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Mourinho and Wenger set to clash again

Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger will renew their rivalry once again on Sunday when Arsenal travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

Mourinho’s men thrashed the Gunners 6-0 in the same fixture last season in a game Wenger has subsequently described as “horrendous”.

Indeed the Gunners boss says is desperate to put things right on Sunday but will be aware that in 11 meetings he is yet to get the better of Mourinho.

Saturday, October 4, 2014 11:26

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Golden Oldie: Totti shines again on the big stage for Roma

Francesco Totti showed he can still cut it at the highest level after his sublime chipped finish earned Roma a 1-1 draw against Manchester City in the Champions League on Tuesday evening.

The 38-year-old’s well-taken effort has kept Rudi Garcia’s side in the driving seat to progress to the knockout stages as they sit two points behind Bayern Munich but three ahead of City.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014 12:00

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Wenger unveils new Arsenal signing

Mesut Ozil became the latest Arsenal star to pick up an injury this season as the Gunners’ woes – and casualty list – continue to grow.

The Germany international is unlikely to play again until 2015 after being ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks with a partial knee ligament tear suffered against Chelsea.

Ozil’s setback means he joins, among others, Olivier Giroud, Mathieu Debuchy, Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey on a treatment table that might need reinforcing.

Arsene Wenger has previously admitted being concerned by his side’s bad injury luck, and had appointed a new fitness guru, Shad Forsythe, in the summer, and will surely be keeping his fit players wrapped in cotton wool from now on.

Arsenal have also been given a scare by the news that Laurent Koscielny has withdrawn from the France squad, with the centre-back continuing to nurse a long-standing Achilles problem.

Thursday, October 9, 2014 14:00

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Congraziano Pelle: Balotelli given the boot by Italy

Mario Balotelli has endured a miserable start to the 2014-15 season since joining Liverpool and has now been snubbed by Italy, in favour of Southampton's in-form striker Graziano Pelle.

Pelle has scored four Premier League goals for the Saints this season, while Balotelli is yet to hit his first domestic goal for the Reds.

As a result, he has lost his place in the Italy squad. "Mario has started a new path," Antonio Conte said when asked about his decision. "It's not an easy one and I believe he must be given the necessary time to adapt at Liverpool," said the former Juve boss.

"We are following him just as we monitor all Italians that play abroad. I make selections not exclusions, which is something completely different. Graziano represents what I've always said. Meritocracy leads to a place in the national team for a player who in two years has scored 50 goals.

"Today he is becoming a star in the Premier League after an adventure in Holland.I am curious to see him from close quarters in order to understand if he can help us. He deserved this call-up from all points of view."

Tuesday, October 7, 2014 11:51

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'Soft' Liverpool fall to Basel defeat

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard labelled his side 'soft' after the Reds fell to a 1-0 loss to Basel in Switzerland.

Paulo Sousa's side are building something of a reputation for defeating English sides, having beaten Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham in the last few years.

This win leaves Brendan Rodgers' side struggling to qualify with two games against Real Madrid around the corner and plenty of work still to be done.

In another game Arsenal's Danny Welbeck scored a hat-trick on Galatasaray to secure a win to his team.

Thursday, October 2, 2014 13:30

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PSG out to stop Messi and Neymar in Champions League clash

PSG coach Laurent Blanc has called on his side to be “aggressive” if they are to beat Barcelona when the two sides clash in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The French champions have started the season slowly and will also be without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the Parc des Princes.

Barcelona, who knocked PSG out of the competition in the quarter-finals two seasons ago,  thrashed Granada 6-0 last time out and will again look to Lionel Messi and Neymar for the goals in Paris.

Tuesday, September 30, 2014 12:31

Julia Roberts Caricature

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Elvis Presley Caricature

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Frank Zappa caricature

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Adel Ferdosipour cartoon tribute

According to Wikipedia Adel Ferdosipour is an Iranian journalist, translator, football commentator and television show host and producer. He is the host and producer of the popular TV show:Navad.

Ferdosipour also has a sport web site called 90tv.ir which he foucs on the Iranian football and discuss the hot topics about it.

I've been asked from the web site to draw Ferdosipour who is famous in fighting corruption in the Irani football.

Here is the cartoon link from 90tv.ir web site:

اختصاصی/ طرح ویژه عمرممانی برای سایت نود و عادل فردوسی پور

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Messi the ‘Wilt Chamberlain’ of football

After Lionel Messi surpassed 400 career goals on Saturday evening, Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has likened the Argentine to NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain.

"If Cristiano Ronaldo is like Michael Jordan, then Messi is like Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in one game," the Barca coach said at a press conference.

"I considered taking Messi off to rest him, but watching him in action is such a big joy that I preferred to have him on the pitch for 90 minutes.

"He is very generous with his assists and it really is a joy to watch him. He has been touched by the magic wand.

"Messi scoring 400 goals? Most of us didn't even score that many goals if we counted all those at school, on the streets, wherever..."

Monday, 29 September 2014 12:00

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Messi, Suarez & Neymar keen on post-match pizza

Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar are all keen on tucking into a pizza after their games for Barcelona.

In a list leaked to the media, the Barcelona players’ post-game meals were revealed, including Gerard Pique’s preference for a Nutella sandwich and fruit.

Saturday, 27 September 2014 12:00

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