Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Tuesday, November 29, 2016
76 PLAYERS WITH COACHES PERISH IN A TRAGIC PLANE CRASH.
Chapecoense could be crowned Copa Sudamericana champions after Atletico Nacional confirmed that they had asked CONMEBOL to award the final in favour of the Brazilian dark horses.
The Brasileirao side's fairytale run to the final of South America's second-biggest cup competition ended in tragedy late on Monday.
Virtually all of the playing squad and coaching staff died in the incident, which also took the life of air crew and club directors.
76 passengers are confirmed to have died so far.
And Atletico Nacional, the reigning Colombian and South American champions, have confirmed that they asked South American football's governing body, CONMEBOL, to award the title to Chapecoense.
Defender, Gilberto Garcia told reporters in an emotional address:
"We're waiting for the decision that CONMEBOL takes.
"The officials will talk but we want them to declare this team as champions.
Nine players were not in the ill-fated flight due to fitness issues.
The nine footballers that didn't travel have been named locally as Alejandro Martinuccio, Neném, Demerson, Marcelo Boeck, Andrei, Hyoran, Nivaldo, Moisés and Rafael Lima.
On Wednesday night, tiny Chapecoense were due to play the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana final against Atletico Nacional.
Virtually an entire squad of players, the coaching staff and a raft of directors have now perished in tragic circumstances and the inescapable, incomprehensible grief was visible on the faces of those players who didn't travel and the fans who gravitated to the club's headquarters to try and express their helplessness and distress.
Back-up goalkeeper Marcelo Boeck, who didn't travel, was given permission to miss the trip because it was his birthday, his agent has revealed.
The son of Chapecoense's coach, who died in the
plane crash late has revealed that he only didn't board the ill-fated flight after forgetting his passport.
Matheus Saroli, whose father Caio Junior was one of 76 to perish in the tragic crash of LaMia flight 146, also asked for privacy for his family at a difficult time.
"Friends, my brother and my mother are all well," he said in a Facebook post.
"We ask that we are given a little privacy, especially to my mother, and thank all of those sending messages.
"I was in Sao Paulo today and didn't board the flight because I had forgotten my passport.
"We are strong, we are going to get past this. Thank you everyone.
Sunday, November 27, 2016
FULL TIME AT OLD TRAFFORD... MANCHESTER UNITED vs WEST HAM
MANCHESTER UNITED -1-1- WEST HAM
Zlatan 21'
Sakho 2'
''I FEEL LIKE I HAVE FOUND A NEW HOME''... VICTOR MOSES
The Nigerian has been like a new signing for Antonio Conte this season and has excelled in the right-wing-back position.
On Saturday evening, he capped a fine run of performances by scoring the winning goal in
Chelsea's 2-1 win over Tottenham and was subsequently named MAN OF THE MATCH.
Since Conte's arrival, the former Wigan, Liverpool, Stoke, and West Ham winger has been positioned in the right-wing-back role and the 25-year old has taken the position in his strides.
Speaking after Tottenham's game on Saturday; Moses said: "I am very pleased with the goal but the most important thing is the three points.
"There's nothing we could do about the Spurs goal. Fortunately Pedro got us back in the game, he added.
"I feel like I have found a home here. It's my club. I'm pleased the manager has given me a chance to express myself, I just want to keep playing my football and we are very happy with win today.
Saturday, November 26, 2016
WATFORD vs STOKE... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.
STAT: Watford Captain Troy Deeney is aiming to score in 3 consecutive Premier League matches against one team for the first time.
ANALYSIS : Since that 1-1 draw at Old Trafford in October, Stoke have not looked back.
They will be hoping to continue their good run.
Watford's inconsistency in the league could make it a dicey game.
PREDICTION : It's all poised for a DRAW.
Over 1.5.
DATE : 27/11/2016
KICKOFF : 1:00PM
VENUE : VICARAGE ROAD.
Friday, November 25, 2016
CHELSEA vs TOTTENHAM... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION
STAT : Spurs have won more in topflight London derbies since August 2015 than any other side (20).
ANALYSIS : Here comes another London derby! Do you remember the last time a team celebrated a goal against the Blues? It seems like eternity.
Again, can you remember the last time a team celebrated a Premier League win over Tottenham? It dates back to last season.
Expect a cracker on Saturday tea-time.
PREDICTION: It's a tough one to call, DRAW looks likely and very possible, but I think the BLUES could end Spurs' unbeaten run this season.
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF : 6:30PM
VENUE: STAMFORD BRIDGE
SWANSEA vs CRYSTAL PALACE... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.
STAT: Swansea have not beaten Crystal Palace in their last five games against them, having won the Eagles in their first meeting in September 2013.
ANALYSIS : Both teams are yet to impress remarkably this season. Swansea are most people's pick for the drop, and they have done everything to justify that tag.
Expect an end to end stuff at the Liberty Stadium on Saturday.
PREDICTION : A DRAW looks like a good bet, but I'll go for SWANSEA WIN.
OVER 1.5
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF :4:00PM
VENUE : LIBERTY STADIUM.
LIVERPOOL vs SUNDERLAND... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION
STAT: Sunderland's Victor Anichebe has scored three goals in his last two outings. He has never scored in three successive premier League matches in 190 appearances.
ANALYSIS : It will take something special, if not spectacular fot the black cats to beat Liverpool at Anfield.
The Reds are yet to loose a home game this term as they continue to grow with the season.
PREDICTION : LIVERPOOL WIN
OVER 1.5
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF :4:00PM
VENUE : ANFIELD.
LEICESTER CITY vs MIDDLESBROUGH... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION.
STAT: Middlesbrough are unbeaten in their last three last away games.
Jamie Vardy has scored in all three of his previous league starts against Boro (3 goals).
ANALYSIS : Middlesbrough are showing loads of grit and unity and are so solid defensively.
Leicester seem to be more focused on Europe this time around; having endured a very poor start to their title defence.
PREDICTION : The game could end in a DRAW.
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF : 4:00PM
VENUE: KING POWER.
HULL CITY vs WEST BROM... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION
STAT: Hull have not lost a home game in the Premier League against the Baggies. They have one win and two draws; having kept a clean sheet in the last two meetings.
ANALYSIS : Mike Phelan's new deal with the Tigers coincided with their poor run of form. He'll be so eager for the transfer window to come, because as it stands, Hull are certainly heading for the drop.
West Brom had an excellent game on Monday, and will be too strong for Hull City this weekend.
PREDICTION : A DRAW looks very likely here.
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF : 4:00PM
VENUE : KCOM STADIUM.
BURNLEY vs MANCHESTER CITY... STAT/ANALYSIS/PREDICTION
Striker Aguero would have scored against all the teams he has faced in the league bar one team, if he scores against the Clarets on Saturday.
ANALYSIS : Yaya Toure's exploits in City's win at Selhurst Park last weekend was a timely reminder that the Citizens have enough armory to win crucial games.
Burnley should be prepared for a long afternoon because the majority of the game will be played in their own half.
PREDICTION : MANCHESTER CIT are the overwhelming favourites to WIN the game.
This match will produce TWO or MORE GOALS.
DATE: 26/11/2016
KICKOFF: 1:30PM
VENUE : TURF MO
Thursday, November 24, 2016
EUROPA LEAGUE FULL TIME RESULT... ALL GAMES.
GROUP A
FERNABACHE -2-0- ZORYA
MANCHESTER UNITED -4-0- FEYENOORD.
GROUP B
FC ASTANA -2-1- APOEL NICOSIA
OLYMPIACOS -1-1- BSC YOUNG BOYS
GROUP C
FK QABALA -1-3- RSC ANDERLECHT
SAINT ETIENNE -0-0- MAINZ 05
GROUP D
ZENITH ST PETERSBURG -2-0- MACCABI TEL-AVIV
GROUP E
AUSTRIA VIENNA -1-2- ASTRIA GIURGIU
ROMA -4-1- VIKTORIA PIZEN
GROUP F
ATHLETIC BILBAO -3-2- SASSULO
KRC GENK -1-0- RAPID VIENNA
GROUP G
AJAX -2-0- PANATHINAIKOS
CELTA VIGO -1-1- STANDARD LEIGE
GROUP H
KAA GENT -2-2- SPORTING BRAGA
SHAKTAR DONETSK -4-0- KONYASPOR
GROUP I
FC SCHALKE 04 -2-0- NICE
FK KRASNODAR -1-1- FC RED BULL
GROUP J
FIORENTINA -2-3- PAOK SALONIKA
SLOVAN LIBEREC -3-0- FK QARABAG
GROUP K
HAPOEL BE'RE SHEVA -3-2- INTER MILAN
SPARTA PRAGUE -1-0- SOUTHAMPTON
GROUP L
FC ZURICH -1-1- VILLARREAL
STEAU BUCHAREST -2-1-OSMINLAPOR
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FULL TIME RESULT... ALL WEDNESDAY GAMES.
GROUP A
ARSENAL -2-2- PSG
LUDOGRETS -0-0- BASEL
GROUP B
BESIKTAS -3-3- BENFICA
NAPOLI -0-0- DYNAMO KIEV
GROUP C
MOCHENGLADBACH -1-1- MAN CITY
CELTIC -0-2- BARCELONA
GROU D
ROSTOV -3-2- BAYERN MUNICH
ATLETICO MADRID -2-0- PSV
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
''I WANT TO REMAIN HERE AND GIVE THEM SOMETHING SPECIAL''...TOURE.
Yaya Toure has reiterated his desire to stay with Manchester City after his double helped Pep Guardiola's side to a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.
The Ivorian found himself frozen out this term by the Spaniard after a bitter war of words between his agent, Dimitri Seluk, and the former Barcelona manager.
But after capitalising on his first Premier League appearance of the season, Yaya is determined to stay and give back to the club hinting he wants to give them ''something special.
"I'm happy with the club, I'm happy with the city and I want to carry on," Toure told Al Jazeera.
"For what the chairman, for what the club, and for what the fans have been doing for me, singing my name.
"I don't want to retire before I have given them something back. I know what I want to give them back and I don't want to share it with you guys! I want to keep it to myself."
Yaya who is omitted from the European squad for the group stages will remain in Manchester this week as Pep's side travel to Germany to face Borussia Monchengladbach, knowing a win will clinch their passage to the Last 16.
''PSG IS BETTER THAN MANCHESTER UNITED''... IBRAHIMOVIC
The 35-year old signed a one-year deal with United in the summer to end his four trophy laden years in the French Capital.
The move saw him reunite with Mourinho, with whom he won the Italian title during their single season together at Inter Milan.
The Maverick striker spoke to Swedish newspaper, Aftobladet;
“The team I signed for this summer is not as strong as the one I left, but when Mourinho called the decision was easy.
"When he calls I have no problem coming, all we had to decide was when I was to be presented as Man United player. The rest, the financial deal, was not the difficult part; Zlatan said.
"With all the new signings this summer [Paul Pogba, Eric Bailly and Henrikh Mkhitaryan] people were getting all excited, but it has been four or five years that the club has not won the league or been in the top of the table.
That is something we work on."
“It was about the challenge really, and I will never say no to a challenge,” added Ibrahimovic.
“This is what I wanted; coming to one of the world’s biggest clubs, that has had troubles and not won much of late, and try the Premier League. That is the challenge.”
Zlatan collected Sweden's Golden Ball for the 11th time on Monday.
The Red Devils currently sit sixth, nine points off leaders Chelsea, but Ibrahimovic isn't giving up hope of winning the League at the end of the season. He added;
“I hope so, I believe in what we do. I know the capacity of this team, but it’s still a long way to go. With a bit of luck we should be able to do it.”
''MATA HAS SUPRISED ME''... NEVILLE.
Gary Neville has named Juan Mata as the Manchester United player who has surprised him most this season.
The Spanish star's Old Trafford career looked to be over after Jose Mourinho's appointment as manager in the summer.
Mata has been so influential to United this term, and he even scored their goal in the 1-1 draw against Arsenal on Saturday, his fourth of the season.
According to Sky Sports the former United defender told his podcast: "He does score goals, and he does create moments in games.
"I myself questioned whether he fits the profile of a Manchester United wide player, because that's where he is playing, even if I know he ends up drifting in.
"But with the size of the pitch here, the ability to counter attack and have wing play has always been Manchester United's way, so you wondered where he would fit in."
The former England and Valencia coach admits he was wrong about Mata.
Neville also highlighted the change in Mourinho's attitude towards the Spaniard.
He added: "I have to say that's been one of the surprises out of the first few months in Jose Mourinho's reign.
"When Mata came off there was a little hug with Mourinho, there seemed to be a level of respect that was not always there when he was at Chelsea, when Mata was ultimately sold.
"He's adapted well, he's played well, and he's always had a good attitude, he's a top player. At the moment he's doing very well. He was the better of the front three on Saturday."
MOURINHO ATTACKS WENGER AGAIN!!!!! SAYS ''HE HASN'T WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 14YEARS''.
Jose Mourinho has launched a fresh attack on Arsene Wenger, claiming he is under more Premier League pressure because he is a specialist in winning.
In another swipe at his nemesis, the Manchester United boss claimed he is very much respected than his Arsenal counterpart and the top flight’s other managers.
He said: “The Arsenal manager hasn’t won a championship in 14 years. I haven’t won a championship in 18 months. He, in 14 years, failed to build a team to be champion.
"I’ve been here for four months. And the demand is only for me and not for others.
The Portuguese added: “It must be because of the career I’ve made. Because I got to the clubs and always won right away.
Wenger last lifted the Premier League in 2004. While he has since won three FA Cups. Mourinho has in that time, won three titles at Chelsea, two at Inter Milan, along with the Champions League, and the Spanish league with Real Madrid.
Recall that the Portuguese once labelled Arsene Wenger - a Specialist in failure.
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FULL TIME RESULTS.
BORUSSIA DORTMUND -8-4- LEGIA WARSAW.
SPORTING LISBON -1-2- REAL MADRID.
LEICESTER CITY -2-1- CLUB BRUGGE.
CSKA MOSCOW -1-1- BAYERN LEVERKUSEN.
FC COPENHAGEN -0-0- PORTO.
DYNAMO ZAGREB -0-1- LYON.
SEVILLA -1-3- JUVENTUS.
Monday, November 21, 2016
FATHER AND SON ATTACKED ON THE PITCH AFTER TEAM'S RELEGATION.
Henrik Larsson and his son Jordan were attacked on the pitch after their team Helsingborgs is relegated.
The Mirror reports that the incident occurred immediately after the Swedish side, maonaged by the former
Barcelona and Manchester United's striker, lost 2-1 at home to Halmstads in a relegation playoff.
Fans were less than impressed with the result and the prospect of playing in the second division for the first time in 23 years next season.
A group wearing hoods and carrying flares took on to the pitch in their numbers following the fixture and confronted. Larsson and Jordan.
Objects were thrown and the ex-Celtic striker slowly backed away while his son, who plays up front for Helsingborgs, stood his ground.
The 19-year-old Jordan was then surrounded by the masked group who grabbed hold of his shirt.
At first it appeared that they were trying to remove it as a souvenir, and Jordan seems happy to comply, but then one man pushed him.
Reacting angrily as other people stepped in to defuse the situation, Jordan began shoving other people around him as he's walked off the pitch.
Henrik Larsson managed the Swedish side who will play in the second division next season.
Meanwhile flares and other objects continue to be thrown in the direction of Larsson as a handful of stewards did their best to disperse the crowd.
Helsingborgs were relegated with one of the last kicks of the game and had looked to have secured the tie when Jordan scored in the 83rd minute.
But Halmstads hit back with two quick-fire goals in the 87th and 90th minute to ensure they would be playing their football in the top flight next season.
Sunday, November 20, 2016
BEAUTY OF THE WEEK - CAROLINA PORTALLUPI.
Renato Gaucho is the Coach of Brazilian side Gremio.
Carolina Portaluppi, 22 joined her father on the bench during the semi final of a domestic Cup competition, between Gremio and Cruziero.
At the end of the game, which Gremio won 2-0, over two legs, Carolina couldn't hide her joy as she joined in with the on-field celebrations.
But does it matter?
Carolina is so much ''in love'' with the game, and she showed it.
She is our BEAUTY for the week.
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