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Protest-inspired Neymar shines in Brazil win

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 01:24:32 +0300

By Tatiana Ramil FORTALEZA, Brazil (Reuters) - Neymar, inspired by the protest movement which has swept Brazil in the last few days, gave possibly his best performance for his country in a 2-0 win over Mexico in the Confederations Cup on Wednesday. The Barcelona-bound 21-year-old, who has often struggled at international level despite his billing as the next great Brazilian player, set the hosts on their way with a stunning volley in the ninth minute, the second game in a row that he has got them off to a flying start. ...

Sao Paulo, Rio roll back transport fare hikes

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:47:40 +0300

Bowing to mass protests, authorities of Brazil's two biggest cities -- Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro -- on Wednesday decided to roll back transport fare hikes that had triggered widespread unrest.

Neymar strikes again as Brazil beat Mexico

Thu, 20 Jun 2013 00:16:31 +0300

By Tatiana Ramil FORTALEZA, Brazil (Reuters) - Neymar struck with a stunning early volley for the second Confederations Cup game in a row and brilliantly set up the second goal to give Brazil a 2-0 win over Mexico on Wednesday. Neymar met the ball at a difficult height after Mexico defender Francisco Rodriguez failed to properly clear a header and showed great technique to volley the ball left-footed past Jose Corona in the ninth minute. He brought the crowd to its feet against in stoppage time when he slipped between two Mexican defenders and crossed for substitute Jo to score easily. ...

Spain B team unlikely to show amateurs Tahiti any mercy

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:18:53 +0300

By Mike Collett RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - World champions Spain will field a second-string side against Oceania champions Tahiti in the Confederations Cup on Thursday but are unlikely to show any mercy in what is expected to be a one-sided carnival of football at the Maracana stadium. One of the more unlikely competitive matches in any major FIFA competition pits the amateurs from the South Pacific against a team that has won two European titles and the World Cup in the last five years and earned comparisons with the great Brazil side of 1970 widely regarded as the best team in history. ...

Brazil protests proceed as smaller cities join the fray

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 23:18:42 +0300

By Asher Levine and Tatiana Ramil SAO PAULO/FORTALEZA (Reuters) - Protesters blocked roads in Sao Paulo and marched toward a stadium hosting a major international soccer game in Brazil's northeast on Wednesday in a growing wave of nationwide demonstrations against poor public services, inflation and other woes in Latin America's biggest country. After more than a week, the biggest series of protests to sweep Brazil in more than two decades continued in major capitals and moved into smaller cities. ...

Bani Yas to unveil boss Da Silva after long-term pursuit

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 21:04:31 +0300

Bani Yas will unveil Jorge da Silva as their new coach on Thursday, four months after they originally planned to sign the Uruguayan.

Forlan eyes 100th Uruguay cap in key game against Nigeria

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:31:38 +0300

SALVADOR, Brazil (Reuters) - Diego Forlan is poised to win his 100th cap as Uruguay, with their backs to the wall after losing their Confederations Cup opener to Spain, face Nigeria on Thursday. "We absolutely must win to have the chance of going further in the Cup," Forlan told reporters before the match against the African champions, who crushed tiny Tahiti 6-1 on Monday. "They won the match they had to win, scored lots of goals and even a draw will be better for them than us," said the 34-year-old striker, best player at the 2010 World Cup. ...

Sa Pinto quits as Red Star coach

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:30:01 +0300

BELGRADE (Reuters) - Ricardo Sa Pinto stepped down as Red Star Belgrade coach on Wednesday after just three months in charge as the debt-ridden 1991 European Cup winners failed to make any signings. "This is a sad day for me because I have decided to leave the club and this not what I wanted when I took over at Red Star," the former Portugal forward told reporters at Red Star's Marakana stadium. "I came here to win trophies but that it is an impossible task in the present circumstances. ...

UAE set for China camp ahead of Asian Cup qualifiers

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 20:12:36 +0300

The UAE will play Malaysia and the Philippines as they prepare for their Asian Cup qualifiers against Hong Kong and Vietnam this October and November.

Neymar a little on the light side, Barca doctor says

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:54:48 +0300

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Brazil forward Neymar is on the light side and might need to bulk up a bit for Spanish football, his new club Barcelona said on Wednesday. The gazelle-like 21-year-old, who is 1.74 metres tall and weighs 64.5 kilograms, has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish champions, who paid 57 million euros (48.7 million pounds) for his services. After competing for Brazil on home soil at the Confederations Cup, he is likely to make his Barca debut in a friendly in Gdansk, Poland, next month. ...

World Cup legacy for Brazil goes beyond soccer, says Blatter

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:44:59 +0300

By Andrew Downie RECIFE, Brazil (Reuters) - Brazil will benefit with more than just new soccer stadiums from hosting the 2014 World Cup, FIFA president Sepp Blatter said as unrest in the country continued to overshadow the Confederations Cup. "In football, the whole country gets the legacy," Blatter said in an interview with Rio's O Globo newspaper. "Football involves the whole country. The country improves airports, hotels, highways, telecommunications, sustainability programs. ...

Brazilians block stadium ahead of Mexico match

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:31:37 +0300

More than 500 people blocked access to a stadium where Brazil was to play Mexico on Wednesday to demand government spend more on health and education and less on the World Cup.

Juventus sign Ghana midfielder Asamoah from Udinese

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 17:56:40 +0300

By Terry Daley ROME (Reuters) - Juventus have bought Ghana international Kwadwo Asamoah outright on a four-year deal after ending their co-ownership deal with Udinese for the midfielder, the Serie A club said on Wednesday. Juve will pay Udinese a total of nine million euros (7.69 million pounds) over the next three financial years for the 24-year-old. "Juventus Football Club announces that it has terminated the current co-ownership agreement with Udinese Calcio concerning the registration rights of Kwadwo Asamoah," the club announced on their official website (www.juventus.com). ...

West Ham sign Carroll on six year deal in club record fee

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:59:26 +0300

(Reuters) - England international striker Andy Carroll has completed a permanent switch from Liverpool to West Ham on a six-year deal and for a club record fee, the Premier League side announced on Wednesday. No financial details were given but media reports have suggested the deal, which includes an option for a further two years in the club's favour, is worth a reported 15.5 million pounds ($24.19 million) plus extras. Carroll, the club's top scorer in 2012-13, underwent a stringent medical at the East London club after injuries limited him to 24 games last season. ...

Former Italy midfielder Gattuso named Palermo manager

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 16:50:00 +0300

ROME (Reuters) - Former Italy and AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed Palermo manager with the task of steering the relegated team straight back to Serie A, the club said on Wednesday. The 35-year-old, who won a host of honours including two Champions Leagues and the 2006 World Cup as a player, has signed a one-year contract with an option for a two-year extension. "Palermo... has entrusted Gennaro Gattuso with the charge of leading the Rosanero's first team," Palermo said on their official website (www.palermocalcio.it). ...

Manchester United to face Swansea in season-opener

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 15:22:30 +0300

LONDON (Reuters) - Champions Manchester United will travel to Swansea City for their first Premier League match under new manager David Moyes while Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City are at home to Newcastle United on August 17. Premier League fixtures published on Wednesday also threw up a home game against newly-promoted Hull City for Jose Mourinho on his second coming as Chelsea manager. Roberto Martinez, the other big appointment since the end of last season when England's three top teams all changed their managers, will lead Everton to Norwich City. ...

Barca tasked with convincing sought-after Thiago to stay

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 14:19:53 +0300

By Iain Rogers MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona face a delicate balancing act to convince sought-after Spain Under-21 playmaker Thiago Alcantara that his long-term future lies with the club and he can play a leading role with the La Liga champions next season. The 22-year-old Barca academy graduate, whose contract runs until June 2015, is being groomed as the successor to Xavi in central midfield but is said to be frustrated at a lack of playing time and has attracted the attention of some of Europe's wealthiest clubs. Valued at 22 million euros on website transfermarkt. ...

Colo-Colo star Munoz unsure over Bani Yas switch

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:34:33 +0300

Colo-Colo striker Carlos Munoz has hinted he may turn his back on a move to Bani Yas as it might harm his international chances.

Why Marchisio should no longer be a first-choice player for Italy or Juventus

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:10:02 +0300

The 27-year-old does not warrant inclusion in a midfield three for either club or country, and is clearly incapable of operating in a more advanced position

Brazil beefs up policing for Confederations Cup

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 12:03:28 +0300

Brazil will deploy a special police force to help provide security for the Confederations Cup tournament following mass protests against government spending, the state news agency said Wednesday.

Nigeria-Uruguay Preview: Super Eagles look to land knockout blow

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:01 +0300

Stephen Keshi's men were underwhelming in their 6-1 victory over part-time Tahiti and will face a sterner test against the South Americans, who are in desperate need of points

Unrest as Iran, S.Korea, Australia reach World Cup

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:38:33 +0300

Asian giants Iran, South Korea and Australia scrambled into next year's World Cup on Tuesday after scenes of crowd anger and high tension on the final night of group qualifying.

Tension, anger as Asian giants reach World Cup

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:47:19 +0300

Asian giants Iran, South Korea and Australia scrambled into next year's World Cup after scenes of crowd anger and high tension on the final night of group qualifying.

Korea coach Choi exits, Hong in the running

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:27:16 +0300

SEOUL (Reuters) - Hong Myung-bo, who coached South Korea's Olympic side to a bronze medal at the 2012 London Games, is one of the "strongest candidates" to replace Choi Kang-hee as national team coach, the Korean FA said on Wednesday. South Korea reached an eighth consecutive World Cup finals by finishing runners-up in Group A of Asian qualifying on Tuesday but only secured their place on goal difference after a disappointing 1-0 home defeat to Iran. ...

Al Ahli play down talk of move for Al Ain boss

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 10:14:57 +0300

Al Ahli have distanced themselves from a sensational move for Al Ain boss Cosmin Olaroiu.

Australia fans celebrate World Cup entry with Sydney party

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:50:35 +0300

By Michael Sin SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australia's soccer team celebrated with hundreds of fans at a victory party in Sydney on Wednesday after eking out a nervous win over Iraq that sealed their ticket to the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil. Their victory drew bleary-eyed fans young and old to Sydney's Customs House, all draped in green and gold, keen to meet the players, who were welcomed with wild cheers and applause and threw bright yellow soccer balls into the crowd. ...

Costa Rica beat Panama to solidify qualifying spot

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 09:20:25 +0300

(Reuters) - Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges scored second-half goals as Costa Rica earned a 2-0 win against Panama on Tuesday to maintain their hold on a place for an automatic qualifying place for next year's 2014 World Cup finals. The United States, who beat Honduras 1-0 earlier on Tuesday, lead the six-team group in the final round of qualifying from North, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) on 13 points from six games. Costa Rica have 11 points from six matches while Mexico are in the third and final automatic place with eight points from six games. ...

Altidore winner keeps U.S. on course for Brazil

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:34:15 +0300

(Reuters) - The United States maintained their push for a 2014 World Cup berth with a third straight victory in the final round of CONCACAF qualifying after Jozy Altidore's late strike saw off a stubborn Honduras 1-0 in Utah on Tuesday. Altidore's 73rd minute goal was the difference between the teams at Rio Tinto Stadium as the home side were rewarded for their domination to complete a trio of June fixtures with a 100 percent record after wins over Jamaica and Panama. The U.S. ...

Rousseff salutes Brazil protests, cities cut bus fares

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 07:19:54 +0300

By Todd Benson SAO PAULO (Reuters) - President Dilma Rousseff on Tuesday sought to defuse a massive protest movement sweeping Brazil, acknowledging the need for better public services and more responsive governance as demonstrations continued in some cities around the country. Speaking the morning after more than 200,000 Brazilians marched in more than a half-dozen cities, Rousseff said her government remains committed to social change and is listening attentively to the many grievances expressed at the demonstrations. ...

Platini praises Israel as Spain take spoils once again

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 04:09:40 +0300

By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel came in for warm praise from European football's supremo Michel Platini as the Euro Under-21 football championships ended with Spain thrashing Italy 4-2 to retain the title. "The stadiums were wonderful and well organised, the pitches excellent and the atmosphere in the stadiums was great with many families with young children attending. That is exactly the type of tournament that I like to see," Platini told a news conference. ...

Kagawa the dangerman for Japan, says Italy's De Rossi

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:43:31 +0300

RECIFE (Reuters) - Italy midfielder Daniele De Rossi picked out Japan's Shinji Kagawa as the dangerman for his side ahead of their Confederations Cup match on Wednesday. "I only know three or four Japanese players and the most talked about is the one that plays for Manchester United, Kagawa, he is the star," De Rossi told reporters on Tuesday. "I think they are well organised and I think that means they will be dangerous." The Italians made a winning start on Sunday when goals from Andrea Pirlo and Mario Balotelli secured a 2-1 win over Mexico in Rio de Janeiro. ...

World Cup success a lift for troubled Egypt

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:45:58 +0300

By Mark Gleeson MAPUTO (Reuters) - The impressive run of Egypt in World Cup qualifying over the last fortnight has much more significance for the country than just moving the tournament dream a step closer, coach Bob Bradley told Reuters. "At a time when the country is looking for things that are good, this is very important," he said of Egypt's seamless progress to the last phase of African qualifiers for next year's tournament in Brazil. ...

Brazil protests pose challenge for World Cup organisers

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 00:44:05 +0300

By Andrew Downie RECIFE, Brazil (Reuters) - A wave of protests across Brazil have alarmed soccer organisers concerned that the unrest could affect the current Confederations Cup and even jeopardise next year's World Cup. At least 200,000 people took to the streets of more than half a dozen Brazilian cities on Monday night in the biggest demonstrations in the country for 20 years. The protests were originally sparked by a hike in bus fares but they expanded to embrace broader issues. ...

Optimism fading, Brazil protests put leaders on alert

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:45:20 +0300

By Paulo Prada RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - When more than 200,000 protesters took to the streets across Brazil on Monday night, they demanded a dizzying array of improvements - from halting the fast rise of prices to cleaning up government corruption. If one message stood out, it was that Brazilians are no longer willing to accept the rosy outlook that politicians in Latin America's biggest country have been painting for years. Until recently, Brazil was one of the world's most envied economies. ...

Thiago hat-trick leads Spain to Euro Under-21 crown

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 23:17:40 +0300

By Ori Lewis JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Captain Thiago Alcantara scored a first-half hat-trick to inspire Spain to a 4-2 win over Italy in the European Under-21 championship final on Tuesday. The defending champions had little difficulty in breaking down Italy's unusually hesitant defence as Barcelona's Thiago scored with an easy header in the sixth minute, a close-range drive in the 31st and a penalty in the 38th. Spain added the under-21 title to their collection of international crowns, the World Cup and the European Championship at senior level and the European under-19 championship. ...

Australia, Iran and South Korea head for Brazil

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:06:12 +0300

By Patrick Johnston (Reuters) - Australia and Iran booked their fourth World Cup finals appearances with nervous 1-0 victories in a dramatic finale to Asian qualifying on Tuesday. South Korea joined them and Japan in qualifying for the finals after sneaking through on goal difference and Uzbekistan and Jordan retained hope of making it five Asian sides in Brazil after taking the third spots in the groups to set up a playoff. The teams will meet over two legs in September with the winners taking on the fifth-placed side in South America in a similar playoff in November for a place at the ...

Barca's Puyol to have further knee surgery

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:25:40 +0300

MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona defender Carles Puyol is to have surgery on his right knee to remove a cyst which will keep him sidelined for three to four weeks, the Spanish champions said in a statement on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Spain international, who will undergo the procedure on Wednesday, has suffered a string of injuries over the last year, including two operations on the same knee, a fractured cheekbone and a dislocated elbow. ...

Blatter should stay on as FIFA president - Valcke

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:15:40 +0300

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - FIFA president Sepp Blatter's chances of remaining in office after 2015 have increased dramatically after FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke urged him to stay in the job. Valcke was asked if he would be standing as FIFA president and after laughing off that suggestion by saying he had a World Cup to organise, he said Blatter should change his mind about stepping down. "Why change a winning team, a good team?," Valcke told a news conference. ...

Jovanovic asks for patience in long-term Al Nasr project

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:39:12 +0300

Newly-appointed Al Nasr boss Ivan Jovanovic is aiming to replicate the success he had with his former club APOEL as he hopes to re-establish the Blue Wave as a UAE football force.

French footballers' underage prostitute trial adjourned to 2014

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:21:25 +0300

PARIS (Reuters) - The trial of French football stars Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema over claims they paid for sex with an underage call girl was adjourned for procedural reasons on Tuesday until 2014. Benzema, a Real Madrid striker, and Ribery, a Bayern Munich winger, are to be tried on charges of paying Zahia Dehar, a prostitute-turned-fashion muse, for sex in 2008 and 2009, when she was only 16, then 17 years old. Neither footballer showed up in court on Tuesday. The pair, both players in France's national squad, have been under investigation since 2010 over the affair. ...