Miner’s son Villa working a rich seam of goals

July 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

South Africa (Reuters) – David Villa, a miner’s son from the northern Spanish region of Asturias, has struck a rich seam of goals in South Africa that may help lift the Iberian nation to a first World Cup triumph.

The 28-year-old striker has rattled in 43 in 64 games since making his debut in 2005, one short of the national scoring record of 44 in 102 held by Raul, and is the 2010 World Cup’s joint-leading marksman with five goals in six matches.

His scoring prowess in La Liga earned him a 40 million-euro ($50.7 million) move to Barcelona following five campaigns with Valencia, and after being overshadowed by new Barca team mate Lionel Messi in La Liga last season has burst spectacularly into the spotlight at his second World Cup.

In a sign of his ambition, he said in an interview this week that although he was perhaps already enjoying the best moment of his career, he always wanted more.

“I am very pleased right now with what is a marvellous situation in my professional life, maybe the greatest of my life,” he said. “But I hope the best is yet to come.”

Villa, whose favourite film is “Braveheart” about Scottish patriot William Wallace and who always makes sure he takes to the pitch on his right foot, had spells with local club Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza before joining Valencia.

He is quick, makes intelligent runs across the frontline and is dangerous from deadball situations.

Comfortable on either foot, he can drop deep or pull into wide positions when playing with Fernando Torres while the stronger Liverpool forward takes on the centre backs.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has often used him in the lone striker role and Torres’s poor form after returning from knee surgery shortly before the finals means almost all the goalscoring onus has fallen on Villa.

Although Torres will be remembered for scoring the only goal in the 1-0 defeat of Germany in the final at Euro 2008, Villa was top scorer for the tournament with four goals, despite missing most of the semi-final and the final through injury.

While not quite packing the same media profile as his strike partner, Villa is hugely popular with fans and team mates and demonstrates the modesty and generosity typical among the current generation of Spanish players.

His advice for aspiring footballers?

“Never stop loving this job, always try to improve, never admit defeat and always be yourself.”

(Editing by Jon Bramley)

Filed Under: International News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Miner’s son Villa working a rich seam of goals

July 11, 2010 By Leave a Comment

South Africa (Reuters) – David Villa, a miner’s son from the northern Spanish region of Asturias, has struck a rich seam of goals in South Africa that may help lift the Iberian nation to a first World Cup triumph.

The 28-year-old striker has rattled in 43 in 64 games since making his debut in 2005, one short of the national scoring record of 44 in 102 held by Raul, and is the 2010 World Cup’s joint-leading marksman with five goals in six matches.

His scoring prowess in La Liga earned him a 40 million-euro ($50.7 million) move to Barcelona following five campaigns with Valencia, and after being overshadowed by new Barca team mate Lionel Messi in La Liga last season has burst spectacularly into the spotlight at his second World Cup.

In a sign of his ambition, he said in an interview this week that although he was perhaps already enjoying the best moment of his career, he always wanted more.

“I am very pleased right now with what is a marvelous situation in my professional life, maybe the greatest of my life,” he said. “But I hope the best is yet to come.”

Villa, whose favorite film is “Braveheart” about Scottish patriot William Wallace and who always makes sure he takes to the pitch on his right foot, had spells with local club Sporting Gijon and Real Zaragoza before joining Valencia.

He is quick, makes intelligent runs across the frontline and is dangerous from deadball situations.

Comfortable on either foot, he can drop deep or pull into wide positions when playing with Fernando Torres while the stronger Liverpool forward takes on the center backs.

Coach Vicente del Bosque has often used him in the lone striker role and Torres’s poor form after returning from knee surgery shortly before the finals means almost all the goalscoring onus has fallen on Villa.

Although Torres will be remembered for scoring the only goal in the 1-0 defeat of Germany in the final at Euro 2008, Villa was top scorer for the tournament with four goals, despite missing most of the semi-final and the final through injury.

While not quite packing the same media profile as his strike partner, Villa is hugely popular with fans and team mates and demonstrates the modesty and generosity typical among the current generation of Spanish players.

His advice for aspiring footballers?

“Never stop loving this job, always try to improve, never admit defeat and always be yourself.”

(Editing by Jon Bramley)

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In South African township, the passion lives on

June 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

South Africa (Reuters) – Barcelona soccer club have been training this week on a grassless, hard-dirt pitch in South Africa’s Mangaung township. Not Lionel Messi and his team of champions from Spain, but a group of local youths.

Sports

They have no sponsorship from Coca Cola, McDonald’s, or anyone else. They cannot afford tickets to see Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard and other household names from England when they come to Bloemfontein to play Germany in the World Cup on Sunday.

Yet if the future of African soccer lies anywhere, it may well be with impoverished but impassioned kids like these.

“I wake up thinking about football. Football means so much to me. I think I will make it,” said Matthews Leeuw, an 18-year-old schoolboy, during a break in afternoon training.

The playing field is on a garbage-strewn waste ground in Manguang on the edge of Bloemfontein, a vast expanse of tin shacks, squat breeze-block homes, taverns and car repair shops.

The black residential districts known as townships are a legacy of South Africa’s apartheid regime and although they no longer suffer the political oppression of that era, many are still bleak, deprived areas where life is tough.

The goals have no nets, the pitch is strewn with broken glass, and the young players’ leave their clothes in plastic shopping bags after changing into ragged shorts and split boots. Cows sometimes wander over.

“Only the city people get chances. No scouts come down here,” Leeuw said.

Barcelona are run by Quentin Sewele, 26, a township resident who once played for local side the Mighty Lions. He started the team a year ago and they will make their debut in the city’s Metropolitan League in August.

He chose the name because he liked Barcelona, he said.

“I want the team to play like Barcelona. They are all schoolkids. When I was their age, I had a team, so I thought why not start one? It motivates them.”

He funds them himself, even though he has no permanent job. For their league debut, they will wear white T-shirts he bought at a local store.

NO TICKETS FOR THE BIG MATCH

The World Cup has thrilled the boys even though South Africa have gone out and only Ghana of the other African teams taking part look likely to progress to the second round of the tournament, the first to be held in the continent.

“It’s good for Africa. I tell everyone the time will come for Africa. This was not the time,” Sewele said.

He said he had three players he thought had future prospects and introduced a reporter to 17-year-old Kaptein Msiwonakele.

“Football means everything to me. I play for the passion. It is my first priority. I want to become professional, especially to play for Manchester United,” Msiwonakele said.

He said his parents had left him and he lived with his grandmother. He watched the World Cup on television with friends.

He was disappointed South Africa were eliminated but proud of their performance, which saw them beat 2006 runners-up France 2-1 in their final game.

“I’m still interested. It is the first time in Africa. Only Ghana are through but I think they are going to make us proud. They are going places,” he said.

They were excited about the prospect of the England v Germany match taking place in Bloemfontein and dreamed of meeting the likes of Frank Lampard and Steve Gerrard.

“I just wish we had some money to take these players to the stadium,” Sewele said.

Still, Leeuw said, the Barcelona boys had learnt a lot from watching the games on TV.

“We are the future. We want to represent South Africa.”

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The Latest Odds for Brazil to Win the World Cup With Victor Chandler

June 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, Jun 24 (MARKET WIRE) —
The 2010 World Cup is starting to warm up and World Cup betting
specialists Victor Chandler make Brazil the latest favourites to win this
competition for a sixth time. You can bet on Brazil to win the World Cup
at odds of 4/1 after their impressive 3-1 win over Ivory Coast, a result
which means they are likely to top Group G.

Spain would have been knocked out of the World Cup if they had lost to
Honduras on Monday, although that never seemed likely after David Villa’s
brilliant strike had given them the lead. Victor Chandler now have
Vicente Del Bosque’s team available at 9/2 on their outright market,
although they could still face the Brazilians at the last sixteen stage.

Sandwiched in between these two teams are Argentina, a team that started
the World Cup as 7/1 chances and are now into 9/2 after three impressive
performances. Lionel Messi has yet to start scoring in South Africa,
although he could prove to be highly dangerous and it appears as though
Diego Maradona is getting the best from his players.

The Netherlands are the fourth favourites to win the 2010 World Cup after
a solid start to their campaign in South Africa. Victor Chandler offer
World Cup odds of 8/1 about Bert Van Marwijk’s team, who have yet to
concede a goal during the tournament so far.

England could be out of the World Cup on Wednesday night, although they
could also go through to the last sixteen as group winners. Ironically,
if they do beat Slovenia, they have a fairly reasonable path through to
the semi-finals (in theory) and Victor Chandler offer odds of 9/1 that
England win the World Cup, something which could still turn out to be a
great bet.

About Victor Chandler

Formed in 1946, Victor Chandler is one of the world’s leading independent
betting and gaming organisations. The company is licensed and regulated
by the Government of Gibraltar and also has its Head Office in the
self-governing British Overseas Territory. With further offices in the
UK, Ireland and the Far East the group offers a wide range of gaming
products tailored to each individual market. The company employs over 300
people worldwide and has customers in over 160 countries making it a
truly global operation.

The Victor Chandler brand is synonymous with the values of honesty,
integrity and a pioneering spirit. These values have been built up over
seven decades from a small family business to one of the most successful
independent gaming groups in the world offering live betting for a range
of betting markets – including football betting and world cup betting,
online casino, poker and virtual games.

Sports betting is the core product and where the company’s foundations
were set in 1946. Customers can place bets via the phone, online or
mobile phone on a wide range of sports across the globe. Football is the
largest growth market and now accounts for 47% of total sports turnover,
with an ever-increasing share of this market coming from in-running
betting.

Online Casino is the company’s fastest growing and successful gaming
product. Victor Chandler launched one of the first online casinos in 2000
and the product has developed into one of the best casino offerings
available on the internet. The casino is supported by a fantastic range
of virtual games and online poker. Further information on all products
can be found at www.victorchandler.com

Contacts:
Victor Chandler
Neal Wilkins
07860 443 101
www.victorchandler.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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Messi savours Argentina’s victory but not the ball

June 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

(Reuters) – Lionel Messi got up feeling good on Sunday after Argentina’s 1-0 win in their opening World Cup match had buried their qualifying nightmare but added his voice to the chorus of complaints over the Jabulani ball.

Sports

“I’m happy because things went well for me and the national team won. I had very bad moments in the team during the qualifiers, when things didn’t work out for me. Getting up today was very nice and I enjoyed a relaxed day,” Messi said.

“The ball is very complicated for the goalkeepers and for us (players). I hope we gradually get used to it because we have no choice,” he added in a news conference at Argentina’s University of Pretoria camp.

Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 in their Group B opener in Johannesburg on Saturday with a scintillating performance from Messi that buried doubts about his ability to play as well for them as for Barcelona.

“I played a bit deeper than I usually do to be closer to the midfielders…who gave me play and made me feel comfortable,” Messi said.

The South American qualifiers were a nightmare at times for the little ace as Argentina struggled last year to reach the South Africa finals, but the mood is better in Pretoria, Messi said.

“(In South Africa) everything changed, the mentality of the squad and my mentality. The time we’ve spent here has been good, it helped us a lot and we took advantage of it,” he said.

Messi created at least half a dozen goal chances for himself and team mates but a fine performance from goalkeeper Victor Enyeama denied Argentina all but defender Gabriel Heinze’s sixth-minute headed winner.

Argentina face South Korea next at Soccer City outside Johannesburg on Thursday. The Koreans, who beat Greece 2-0 on Saturday, lead the group on goal difference from Argentina.

(Editing by Nigel Hunt)

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Wary of Argentina, South Koreans focus on Nigeria

June 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

(Reuters) – South Korea are focusing on their final World Cup group game against Nigeria after playing down their chances of upsetting next opponents Argentina despite shining in their opening victory over Greece.

Sports

Playing a slick and fast passing game, the South Koreans comfortably beat Greece 2-0, a result that could prove decisive for the Asian team, unbeaten in qualifying and semi-finalists in 2002, as they seek a spot in the second round.

Group favorites Argentina beat Nigeria 1-0 in their opening game, and the Koreans said the South Americans would be hard to overcome in Thursday’s match at the Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg.

“Argentina is a very strong team, but we have to be confident, watch this game and see which tactics they are going to use. It doesn’t matter if there is a favorite, because in soccer the unexpected can happen,” said coach Huh Jung-moo, the national team’s first local coach since the 1998 finals.

South Korea beat Greece with quick breaks and neat passing play that left their opponents outnumbered at the back, but will be hard pressed if Argentina’s Lionel Messi’s stellar performance on Saturday is anything to go by.

Although he did not score, Messi, the world player of the year, peppered the Nigerian goal with shots and tormented the Africans with his jinking runs.

Only some excellent saves by Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama avoided a much bigger defeat.

Korean Cha Du-ri said such was the threat posed by Argentina, the team were targeting the match against Nigeria in Durban on June 22 as being crucial to their hopes of advancing.

“Argentina have world class players … anything can happen, but realistically, we are focusing on Nigeria. The last game will decide who can advance,” said Germany-based Cha, who in an energetic duo with Park Chu-young proved a handful for the Greek defense.

South Korea have dominated the Asian game and arrived in South Africa determined to reverse their mediocre World Cup form with a team built around their more experienced players based in Germany, England, Russia, France and Scotland.

What they lack in size, the Koreans make up for in the fitness and industriousness exemplified by captain Park Ji-sung, nicknamed “Three-lunged Park” for his astounding stamina, who scored in the opener along with Lee Jung-soo.

The Koreans defended solidly against the aerial threat of the Greek players and their speed, discipline and slick performance won them the first game.

(Additional reporting by Steve Keating; Editing by Michael Holden)

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Greeks out to prove scoring goals and wins no myth

June 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

(Reuters) – Talk of wins and goals remains the stuff of myths for Greece and they now face a Herculean task to make further progress in the World Cup.

Sports

Greece’s goal in South Africa remains reaching the second round but first they will have to find a way to score one – something they have not done in two World Cups following a confidence sapping 2-0 loss to South Korea on Saturday.

Blanked in all three matches they played at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, the Greeks have finally returned to soccer’s biggest stage in South Africa.

African giants Nigeria are their next opponents in Bloemfontein on Thursday while their final Group B challenge is provided by Argentina and world player of the year Lionel Messi in Polokwane on June 22.

Greek supporters already calling for the head of German coach Otto Rehhagel, the man who led the team to an unlikely victory at the 2004 European championships.

While Greece could not handle the pace of the speedy South Koreans they will face a much different challenge when they face the big, powerful Nigerians on Thursday.

“In our next match we have to improve, be brave and courageous when we get out there on the field again,” Rehhagel told reporters.

“We’ve got to analyze the match carefully and then we’ll try to improve in a very sober manner and a very factual manner and learn our lessons.

“But we’re heading up against the strongest teams here and if we are not concentrated in the set pieces as we were today it may already be a goal against.”

Rehhagel is likely to make several changes ahead of the Nigeria clash adding some muscle to his lineup with center back Socratis Papastathopoulos and Sotiris Kyrgiakos, a rugged defender who can come forward providing a bigger obstacle for the Nigerians, who will also be desperate for a win following their opening loss to Argentina.

“We still have two games left,” said Papastathopoulos. “We absolutely need to win the next one.

“The whole team made mistakes (against Korea).

“We had many opportunities to score, but we let them score twice against us. But that’s football for you.”

(Editing by Nigel Hunt)

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World Cup Set To Be Betting Bonanza

June 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

MILTON KEYNES, UNITED KINGDOM, Jun 11 (MARKET WIRE) –

The 2010 World Cup will be the biggest gambling event in the history of
the world. A report this week by the London based Global Betting and
Gaming Consultants projected that a staggering GBP 3.35 billion would be
waged on the tournament, of which an estimated GBP 1 billion will be in
the UK.

So, as the tournament gets under way, who have the punters been backing
and avoiding?

Two of the most popular nations with backers have been Argentina and the
Netherlands. Under Diego Maradona, no-one previously gave the
Argentineans much of a hope and their qualification for South Africa was
only secured in the final match. However, the club form of the likes of
Diego Milito and Lionel Messi has seen Argentina backed in to just 13/2
from as long as 9/1 some months ago.

Another nation to have received plenty of support from punters over
recent weeks has been Holland. Indeed, striker Robin van Persie has been
the subject of a huge gamble by backers and his odds of winning the World
Cup Golden Shoe have been slashed from 25/1 to just 11/1.

Paddy Power, the leading Irish bookmaker who offer a range of World Cup
odds, said, “Just a few weeks ago you could have backed the Dutch at
14/1 to finally win the World Cup. After the classy performances of Arjen
Robben and Wesley Sneijder in the Champions League, and the return to
fitness of key man Robin van Persie, it’s now just 9/1 that the
Netherlands will lift the trophy in Johannesburg on 11th July.”

Whilst the 1978 finalists might have plenty of support in the markets,
there has been little confidence in the two teams who contested a
thrilling 2006 quarter final in Gelsenkirchen. Portugal reached the
semi-finals in Germany but after a poor qualifying campaign have seen
their odds drift from 18/1 to 25/1 to win the World Cup. Star man
Cristiano Ronaldo hasn’t scored a competitive goal for his country since
2008 and is out to 18/1 to be the leading scorer in South Africa.

England have also seen their odds drift after problems with form and
injuries. The one-time 11/2 third favourites have been gradually drifting
in the betting and are now 8/1 to reclaim the trophy they last won in
1966.

Paddy Power, a leader in World Cup betting, added, “Whilst there has
been some patriotic money on the Three Lions, as the tournament draws
nearer more and more people are looking elsewhere for the eventual
winners. Spain, Brazil, Argentina and Holland are now looking like the
favourites – although that could all change if England get off to a
flying start in South Africa.”

About Paddy Power

Paddy Power is Ireland’s biggest and most successful bookmaker.

Founded in 1988 by the merger of three existing Irish high street
bookmakers, Paddy Power takes an unconventional approach to betting and
gaming believing them to be firmly rooted in the leisure and
entertainment space.

As such its mission is to make ‘risk-based entertainment’ more accessible
and fun. It offers customers an unparalleled betting experience that is
great value; great fun and has the best service.

Through this strategy the company has developed a strong reputation as
“The Punter Friendly Bookmaker” and has become renowned for its
unique “Money Back Specials”.

Contacts:
Paddy Power
Carole Paul
0751-6490734
partners@paddypower.com

Copyright 2010, Market Wire, All rights reserved.

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Optimism grows in Argentina as World Cup nears

May 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Thousands of Argentines cheered on the national team as it departed for South Africa on Friday on their quest to win the country’s third World Cup.

The send-off marked the latest sign of growing confidence in coach Diego Maradona, who has had a turbulent tenure since taking over the team more than 18 months ago.

Chanting fans crowded a highway leading to the Buenos Aires international airport as a bus carrying the team moved slowly towards their flight.

“We’re all with Diego,” said Martin Bertaina, a 39-year-old horse trainer who rode his horse 20 kilometers to see the team.

“Maybe a few months ago we weren’t, but Argentines are like that. One day we love you, the next we don’t. But Maradona is special.”

Argentina, World Cup champions in 1978 and 1986, are widely seen as one of the tournament’s most talented teams led by striker Lionel Messi, who was voted Europe’s player of the year.

Maradona, one of the game’s greatest players, had a wobbly start as coach. His side advanced to the World Cup finals after winning their last qualifying match, narrowly avoiding a playoff.

However, two wins in friendlies against Germany and Canada, and strong showings by many of the team’s top players with their club teams in Europe, have raised expectations for the team in South Africa.

“We possibly have some of the best players in the world,” said 68-year-old clothing store owner Carlos Paradela, who cheered the team while carrying his five-year-old grandson Joel on his shoulders. “Diego is going to lead us to the championship.”

Argentina have been drawn in Group B for the World Cup finals along with Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.

(Writing by Kevin Gray; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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‘Will run naked if Argentina win Cup’

May 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Diego Maradona has promised to run naked through the centre of Buenos Aires if Argentina win the World Cup. The Argentina coach made the promise during a radio show. The unpredictable Maradona was speaking a day after Argentina defeated Canada 5-0 on Monday in their final warm-up match before the World Cup.

“If we win the World Cup, I’ll get naked and run around the Obelisk,” he said, referring to the tall monument that marks the centre of the city and serves as its most famous landmark.

Maradona’s response came after a reporter asked him in the interview what he would do if his team returned to Argentina with their third World Cup title.

In the same interview, Maradona said he had to explain to Lionel Messi why he did not play against Canada. Messi is the reigning FIFA player of the year, but sat out the match to protect him against any possible injury. “If something would have happened to you in that match, I’d have been shot – you know where,” Maradona said he told Messi.

Argentina play in Group B, opening against Nigeria on June 12. The team also face Greece and South Korea.

No pressure, says Messi

Meanwhile, Messi has said he doesn’t feel any pressure to deliver at the World Cup.

Messi heads to the tournament in South Africa having won a string of personal honours and titles with Barcelona, largely due to his extraordinary playmaking and scoring prowess. “I don’t feel the pressure,” Messi said. “The truth is I’m arriving in good shape. I have a strong desire to do as well as I can, as do my teammates. We want to give our best for Argentina and we hope things turn out well.”

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England win warm-up, coach blows hot and cold

May 26, 2010 By Leave a Comment

England enjoyed a triumphant home send-off to the World Cup when an unfamiliar team packed with reserves outmuscled a skilful Mexico side 3-1 in their last home friendly at Wembley on Monday.

Manager Fabio Capello may have learned little that he didn’t know before a contest in which England recovered from a ragged first half showing to ensure win.

But for the Italian, it was a night to ink over a few pencilled ticks against certain names and etch a line across others as he finalises the decisions that will cut his 30-man squad to 23 for the finals in South Africa. “I wasn’t too concerned. It was very important to know where we are now – physically and mentally – and I think when we play on the counter, we look really dangerous. But we can’t just play on the counterattack.”

Goals from defender Ledley King, with a well-placed header, and striker Peter Crouch, with what appeared to be his right arm, put England 2-0 ahead before striker Guillermo Franco pulled one back from close range three minutes into first half added time. England goalkeeper Robert Green made two outstanding saves and saw another Mexican shot hit a post before the interval as England struggled to survive against spells of good possession and sharp attacks from the visitors. “The manager told us what he thought at halftime – we had to be a lot more aggressive and get in their faces,” said Steven Gerrard.

Argentina thrash Canada

In Buenos Aires, Maxi Rodriguez scored two goals and Argentina defeated Canada 5-0 on Monday in the Gauchos’ final tuneup before their World Cup opener on June 12. Argentina’s farewell match was played with FIFA player of the year Lionel Messi on the bench as coach Diego Maradona decided to rest the Barcelona playmaker.

Midfielder Javier Pastore started up front with Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain. Rodriguez scored in the 16th and 32nd minutes and Angel Di Maria added another in the 37th. Tevez scored in the 63rd and Sergio Aguero added his in 71st, seconds after coming on as a substitute.

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Messi under no pressure to to take Argentina to World Cup glory

May 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 19 (ANI): Ace striker Lionel Messi has said that he feels under no pressure to take Argentina to World Cup glory.

The Barcelona striker is tipped to be World Player of the Year and is Diego Maradona’s best hope of winning in South Africa.

“I don’t feel pressure playing in the Argentina shirt. In Spain, I’m also in a team that has to win everything,” The Mirror quoted him, as saying.

“The World Cup is a nice ­opportunity to show I can do the same things in the national team as for Barcelona,” Messi added. (ANI)

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Henry all set to play soccer in US league

May 14, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 14 (ANI): Barcelona striker Thierry Henry is all set to join David Beckham to play in Major League season in the United States.

The ex-Arsenal striker has signed a pre-contract agreement to join New York Red Bulls for the summer’s Major League season.

He has been unable to hold down a regular playing slot at Barcelona this term behind the likes of Lionel Messi and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, The Sun reports.

Henry was a hero at the Gunners with 174 goals in 254 appearances before switching to the Barcelona three years ago, where he has scored 35 in only 78 games. (ANI)

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Lionel Messi wants Cheryl Cole to support Argentina in World Cup

May 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 12 (ANI): Soccer superstar Lionel Messi has suggested that Cheryl Cole should support Argentina in the World Cup – as they “know how to treat their women”.

Taking a jibe at Cheryl”s love rat hubby, England defender Ashley, Messi said his country had the “prettiest” players.

“I don”t know if Cheryl is going to want to support England. She might be a bit anti England players at the moment,” the Sun quoted the Barcelona forward as saying.

“If she is looking for a new nation to follow at the World Cup, she should look no further than Argentina.

“We play the prettiest football, have the prettiest players, and Argentinian men also know how to treat their women,” he added.

Messi also said he would want ‘X Factor’ judge Cheryl, 26, to join the party if the Argies win in South Africa.

“She would of course have to do the Tango. I don”t think there would be a shortage of Argentinian players willing to help teach her,” he added. (ANI)

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Real hoping Valladolid take a bus or two to Barcelona

May 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Real Madrid are refusing to admit defeat in their battle for the La Liga title with Barcelona and are hoping relegation-threatened Real Valladolid can help them out on next weekend’s final matchday.

Real have stayed hot on the heels of reigning champions Barca right down to the wire and trail by a point after both won on Saturday, a late goal flurry gave Real a 5-1 home win over Athletic Bilbao with Barca earning a nervy 3-2 win at Sevilla.

The arch rivals have beaten the points record of 92, set with 22 teams in the league rather than the current 20, with Pep Guardiola’s Barca side on 96 and Manuel Pellegrini’s Real on 95. Third-placed Valencia trail by a massive 27 points.

Real’s final match is at relegation candidates Malaga and Barca are at home to Valladolid, who hired former Spain coach Javier Clemente at the beginning of April and are making a late bid to avoid the drop.

“Let’s see if Clemente gives us a hand and parks a bus or two in front of the goal,” Real defender Alvaro Arbeloa told reporters after the Bilbao game.

“We’ll go to Malaga with the idea of getting to 98 points and if Barca get to 99 they’ll have to be congratulated,” said goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

The difference between Barca and Real this season has been the Catalans’ victory in both head-to-head “Clasicos” and the performance of a core group of players.

La Liga top scorer Lionel Messi, midfield orchestrator Xavi, central defender Gerard Pique and goalkeeper Victor Valdes, who all came through the club’s youth programme, have been at the centre of Barca’s magnificent run.

Clemente said last month in his column in Marca sports daily that Barca played as a team of exceptional individuals, while Real, with expensive signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka, had some excellent individuals but did not play as a team.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola was cautious after the win at Sevilla, warning his players there was still work to be done to clinch a second consecutive La Liga triumph in the 39-year-old’s second season in charge.

“This is not over, the league is not won,” Guardiola told a news conference.

“We can’t go to the stadium (next week) thinking the job’s already done,” he added.

“Our big stroke of luck is that we have our fate in our own hands but we have to win against a team that is fighting to avoid relegation.”

(Editing by Patrick Johnston; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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Barca beat Sevilla to close in on La Liga title

May 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Barcelona moved to within a whisker of a second straight La Liga crown when Lionel Messi, Bojan Krkic and Pedro earned a nervy 3-2 win at 10-man Sevilla on Saturday.

Real Madrid kept the gap to one point with one match left when a late flurry of goals gave them a 5-1 victory at home to Athletic Bilbao, who also had a player sent off, but Barca now only need a win at home to lowly Real Valladolid next weekend to make sure of the title.

Barca beat arch rivals Real in both this season’s “Clasicos” and have lost only once all season, scoring 94 goals and conceding 24.

They extended their record points tally to 96 from 37 matches with Real in second on 95 and Valencia, who lost 2-0 at Villarreal but are already assured of a Champions League spot in third, trailing on 68.

Sevilla are fourth on 60 and Real Mallorca fifth on 59 after their 1-0 defeat at Deportivo Coruna.

Real’s final match is at Malaga, who are one place below Valladolid after a 2-1 reverse at sixth-placed Getafe and also fighting to avoid the drop.

“We are not going to lose hope,” Real defender Sergio Ramos, who netted his side’s third goal, told reporters.

“We have to carry on doing our jobs and if Barca win the league with 99 points they’ll have to be congratulated.”

SUBLIME XAVI

Barca had already surpassed the previous La Liga record of 92 accumulated by Real under Fabio Capello in the 1996-97 season when there were 22 teams rather than 20.

La Liga top scorer Messi put them in front in the fifth minute at the Sanchez Pizjuan when he controlled Maxwell’s pass on his chest and drilled a low shot past goalkeeper Andres Palop for his 32nd of the season.

A sublime first-time pass from midfielder Xavi sent teenager Bojan clear to score a second for the visitors in the 28th and Barca looked to be cruising when Pedro added a third with a snap shot from the edge of the area in the 62nd.

Two Sevilla goals inside three second-half minutes from Frederic Kanoute and Luis Fabiano set Barca’s nerves jangling, coach Pep Guardiola at one point smashing the side of the dugout three times with his elbow in frustration.

The final whistle prompted wild celebrations from the Barca players and their knot of travelling fans high in the stands.

“You can never write off Sevilla and we suffered at times,” goalkeeper Victor Valdes told reporters. “We have to keep in mind now that Valladolid will be a tough opponent.”

At the Bernabeu, a Gonzalo Higuain shot struck the hand of Fernando Amorebieta in the penalty area in the 20th minute and the referee showed the Bilbao defender a straight red card.

Ronaldo sent goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz the wrong way with the spot kick but Real were stunned four minutes before the break when midfielder Fran Yeste burst clear and finished with aplomb past Iker Casillas.

SLIPPING AWAY

With the score at 1-1 and Barca winning in Sevilla, Real’s title hopes were slipping away but Higuain, Sergio Ramos substitute Karim Benzema and Marcelo struck four goals in the last 20 minutes to keep Real hot on Barca’s heels.

“It’s a difficult situation but Valladolid are battling for survival and in football anything is possible,” Real coach Manuel Pellegrini told a news conference.

“Our duty is to make sure that if Barca are champions they will have to do it with 99 points.”

Three points separate five teams battling to avoid the drop ahead of the final matchday.

Valladolid, Malaga, Tenerife and Racing Santander all have 36 and Xerez are hanging on by a thread on 33 after their 3-2 win at home to Real Zaragoza.

(Editing by Alison Wildey; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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`Messy’ Messi says his home looks like a pigsty

May 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, May 6 (ANI): Argentine football star Lionel Messi lives on takeaways and never cleans up.

Messi, 22, who earns more than 500,000 pounds a week, says he does not like to “flash” and drives an Audi given to him by the Spanish club rather than splash out on a super car.

According to The Sun, Messi told Football Punk magazine he was also messy in the kitchen and could only rustle up sausages or burgers.

“He”s an amazing footballer, but when it comes to his car and domestic chores, he”s a nightmare. He leaves stuff lying around everywhere and never really thinks to clear it up. I guess he is thinking about football all the time, ” a pal said. (ANI)

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Messi double puts Barcelona back on track

May 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Lionel Messi scored twice to help Barcelona shake off the disappointment of their midweek Champions League semi-final exit with a 4-1 victory at Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday.

Any thoughts that tired limbs or damaged morale might affect the defence of their league title were misplaced as Messi, Xavi and Bojan Krkic netted in the first half at the Madrigal.

World Player of the Year Messi then bagged his second goal near the end to take his league tally for the season to 29 after Joseba Llorente had pulled one back for the hosts.

Barca have 90 points with three matches left, four ahead of Real Madrid who play Osasuna at the Bernabeu on Sunday. Villarreal stay sixth on 52 points.

“It was a tough game and we needed to turn the page so I must congratulate the coach and players,” Barca president Joan Laporta told Spanish television.

Villarreal striker Nilmar fluffed two early chances before the visitors took control.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola left Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the bench, preferring Bojan alongside Pedro and Messi up front, and it was the Argentine who showed excellent skill to score the opener.

Controlling Xavi’s pass on the turn after 19 minutes he advanced and his shot deflected in off a defender.

Xavi doubled the lead with a curling free kick after 34 minutes and Bojan scored a wonderful third, spinning away from his marker and beating a second defender for pace before firing the ball into the far corner.

Llorente’s goal on the counter threatened to ignite a Villarreal comeback in the 67th minute but Messi clipped the ball over the diving Diego Lopez to secure the points.

ZIGIC GOALS

Earlier, Nikola Zigic scored twice to lead Valencia to a 2-0 victory at Espanyol that strengthened their hold on third place and Spain’s last automatic Champions League qualification slot.

The towering Serbia striker, who will play at the World Cup in June, replaced David Villa early in the second half and changed the course of the game by netting twice from Vicente crosses in the 61st and 74th minutes.

Valencia have 65 points, nine ahead of fourth-placed Real Mallorca who visit Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.

Mario Bermejo headed a last-gasp winner for Xerez to earn the basement club a dramatic 2-1 victory at home to Almeria that kept alive their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Television replays showed the Xerez striker was offside when he scored in the 93rd minute to set off wild celebrations around the stadium, and scuffles between the rival players as the final whistle blew straight after.

The top-flight debutants played the whole of the second-half with 10 men and in an increasingly desperate atmosphere Almeria also had a player sent off in the closing stages.

Xerez stay bottom on 30 points but closed to within five of 17th-placed Malaga and safety.

Felipe Caicedo grabbed a late equaliser to keep Malaga out of the bottom three with a 1-1 draw at home to Sporting Gijon but they are now level on 35 points with 18th-placed Tenerife.

The islanders, who have an inferior head-to-head record, were 2-1 winners over Racing Santander and moved above Real Valladolid (33 points) who drew 0-0 at home to Getafe.

(Editing by Tony Jimenez. To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)

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Ten-man Inter manage to make Champions League final

April 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Barcelona, April 29 (DPA) Defensively strong Inter Milan battled their way into the final of the Champions League Wednesday by losing only 1-0 away to defending champions Barcelona.

Inter go into the final – in which they will face Bayern Munich in Madrid May 22 – on a 3-2 aggregate after beating the Catalans 3-1 in San Siro last Tuesday.

It will be Inter’s first final since 1972, they have not won the European crown since 1965.

Defender Gerard Pique scored the only goal just six minutes minutes from time, but Inter managed to avoid a second goal in a frenetic finale.

Inter captain Javier Zanetti said that ‘we really deserve to be in the final. We have worked very hard indeed in both matches. This is the proof that we are a good team. The important thing is that we are in the final.’

Inter striker Samuel Eto’o, who was the idol of the Barca fans from 2004 to 2009, said that ‘I thought the game was never going to end, it was interminable.’

He added, rather surprisingly, that ‘Barca are still the best team in the world and we have needed all of our qualities, in two matches, to eliminate them.’

For his part, Barca president Joan Laporta said that ”we just could not score the second goal that would have taken us to the final.’

Laporta added that ‘we now concentrate on winning the league, that is what our people deserve.’

Barca are just one point ahead of Real Madrid with four matches left.

Jose Mourinho’s team had a surprisingly comfortable time in the Camp Nou, especially given that midfielder Thiago Motta was sent off after just 28 minutes.

This meant that Inter had to play out more than an hour with ten men, but they did so with calm efficiency and with surprisingly few scares. They were faultless in defence and managed to break up Barca’s rhythm with countless fouls and interruptions.

Barca were even slower, ponderous and predictable than in the first leg. Playmaker Xavi was well controlled, Lionel Messi turned in another dull display – and Zlatan Ibrahimovic looked unfit and out of sorts.

Mourinho had planned to employ the same 4-3-3 formation as in the first leg but striker Goran Pandev pulled a muscle in the pre-match warm-up and Christian Chivu was brought in to make a 5-3-2 lineup.

Inter moved even further back into their defensive shell when Motta was shown a straight red card, for a hand in the face of Sergio Busquets.

Mourinho pulled forwards Diego Milito and Samuel Eto’o back to play as effective full-backs, meaning that Barca enjoyed 75 per cent possession – but without taking advantage of it.

All that the hosts had to show for their possession in the second half was two wide shots from winger Pedro and a low drive from Messi which Inter keeper Julio Cesar did well to get down to.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola brought on Maxwell, Bojan and Jeffren but still lacked the craft, speed and imagination to open up a packed defence.

Inter were content to soak up the pressure and shamelessly waste time, waiting for the clock to run down on Barca’s reign as European champions.

Barca’s frustration led to a series of hopeful long shots, none of which troubled Julio Cesar.

There was nothing that the Brazilian could do, however, when Pique scored in the 84th minute. Xavi played the tall defender through, in a marginally offside position. Pique skipped past Ivan Cordoba and calmly made it 1-0.

Bojan then had a second goal correctly disallowed for handball by Yaya Toure.

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I won’t quit Barcelona for any English Premier League side: Messi

April 30, 2010 By Leave a Comment

London, Apr 30(ANI): Barcelona striker Lionel Messi has disappointed his fans in England by revealing that he will not play in the Premier League because his heart belongs to Barcelona.

When asked if he could ever envisage playing in England, Messi said: “I don”t even think about that. Barcelona is my life, they have brought me to where I am today and I could not leave,” The Mirror quoted Messi, as saying.

“I could not leave, I don”t want to leave. I know the Premier League is very good and I watch the matches on TV when I get the chance. I admire the strength of the players, it is very English – they play to the end, with a lot of spirit and determination, and the fans are very good and fair.”

“But for me, I cannot see myself playing in England because my heart is with Barcelona, always. They are a great club – I love the club, the people, everything,” he added.

The remark is also likely to call off potentially the biggest transfer stampede in history.

Earlier, several Premier League clubs, including Manchester City, were willing to sign Messi.

Considered as one of the best football players of his generation and frequently cited as the world”s best contemporary player, Messi has received several Ballon d”Or and FIFA World Player of the Year nominations by the age of 21 and won both by the age of 22.

His playing style and ability have drawn comparisons to football legend Diego Maradona, who himself declared Messi his “successor”. (ANI)

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