Sunday soccer prediction

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12:30	ENP		ARSENAL - WEST HAM	72	20	8	1	1.20	5.35	10.4	43	57	-
12:30	ENP		NEWCASTLE - SOUTHAMPTON	31	30	39		2.65	3.05	2.50	50	50	-
15:00	ENP		STOKE - LIVERPOOL	29	26	45	21	3.20	3.20	2.10	46	54	-
11:00	ENC		PRESTON - MIDDLESBROUGH	21	28	51	2	2.90	3.10	2.30	46	54	-
16:00	AZ1		KHAZAR - INTER BAKU	35	29	36		3.70	3.35	1.90	50	50	-
16:00	AZ1		NEFTCI - GANCA	87	11	2	1	1.55	3.65	5.35	45	55	-
14:00	AM1		MIKA - ARARAT	68	21	11	1	2.05	3.55	3.00	41	59	-
14:30	AT1		ALTACH - STURM GRAZ	34	29	37		2.65	3.25	2.40	46	54	-
17:00	AT1		RAPID WIEN - WOLFSBERGER	76	19	5	1	1.20	5.50	11.8	35	65	-
17:00	BG1		PIRIN - BOTEV PLOVDIV	40	28	32		3.05	3.20	2.15	50	50	-
14:30	BG1		SLAVIA SOFIA - BEROE	37	30	33		2.35	3.20	2.75	50	50	-
12:30	BE1		ANDERLECHT - AA GENT	77	19	4	1	1.85	3.35	3.70	29	71	-
16:00	BE1		CHARLEROI - CLUB BRUGGE	30	27	43	21	2.85	3.25	2.25	45	55	-
18:00	BE1		STANDARD LIEGE - BEVEREN	77	19	4	1	1.20	5.40	10.3	27	73	-
14:00	BR1		ATLETICO PR - SPORT RECIFE	73	20	7	1	1.80	3.30	4.25	40	60	-
21:30	BR1		CHAPECOENSE - FIGUEIRENSE	34	30	36		1.75	3.15	4.60	55	45	-
19:00	BR1		CRUZEIRO - PALMEIRAS	70	20	10	1	2.10	3.05	3.40	41	59	-
19:00	BR1		GOIAS - ATLETICO MG	25	30	45	2X	3.30	3.15	2.10	49	51	-
21:30	BR1		GREMIO - INTERNACIONAL	37	29	34		1.90	3.15	3.95	53	47	-
19:00	BR1		PONTE PRETA - FLAMENGO	27	26	47	21	2.50	3.00	2.75	49	51	-
00:00	BR1		SANTOS - CORITIBA	77	19	4	1	1.45	3.85	6.30	31	69	-
19:00	BR1		SAO PAULO - CORINTHIANS	32	36	32		2.20	3.05	3.15	54	46	-
14:00	BR1		VASCO DA GAMA - JOINVILLE	31	35	34		1.80	3.15	4.45	52	48	-
00:00	BR2		MOGI MIRIM - ABC NATAL	16	27	57	2	2.35	3.10	2.85	46	54	-
15:30	BA1		RUDAR PRIJEDOR - OLIMPIK SAR.	31	28	41	21	3.00	3.30	2.15	51	49	-
15:00	BA1		SARAJEVO - SIROKI	69	20	11	1	2.00	3.25	3.35	45	55	-
15:30	BA1		SLAVIJA SAR. - SLOBODA	78	14	8	1	1.90	3.25	3.70	51	49	-
16:30	BA1		SLAVIJA SAR. - SLOBODA TUZLA	32	30	38					54	46	-
15:00	BA1		VITEZ - ZELJEZNICAR	31	29	40		4.10	3.30	1.80	49	51	-
15:00	FR1		BORDEAUX - REIMS	61	24	15	1	1.60	3.55	5.20	47	53	-
19:00	FR1		LYON - LORIENT	76	19	5	1	1.50	3.85	5.95	43	57	-
15:00	FR1		TOULOUSE - SAINT ETIENNE	38	29	33		2.85	2.95	2.40	50	50	-
18:30	DEC		COTTBUS - MAINZ	13	27	60	2	4.55	3.50	1.70	41	59	-
16:30	DEC		HANSA ROSTOCK - KAISERSLAUTERN	11	28	61	2	4.05	3.45	1.80	45	55	-
11:30	DK1		ESBJERG - SONDERJYSKE	57	24	19	1	2.15	3.20	3.10	45	55	-
14:00	DK1		FC KOPENHAGEN - NORDSJAELLAND	77	19	4	1	1.35	4.20	7.75	29	71	-
16:00	DK1		RANDERS - BRONDBY	39	31	30		2.10	3.15	3.30	52	48	-
11:45	CH1		ST GALLEN - ZURICH	31	28	41	21	2.05	3.30	3.25	45	55	-
11:45	CH1		VADUZ - SION	31	29	40		3.85	3.35	1.85	48	52	-
14:00	CH1		YOUNG BOYS - THUN	75	20	5	1	1.70	3.60	4.30	36	64	-
13:00	CH2		WOHLEN - XAMAX	75	20	5	1	1.90	3.45	3.55	40	60	-
01:00	US1		HOUSTON 1836 - SAN JOSE	37	28	35		1.85	3.30	3.85	48	52	-
20:00	US1		LOS ANGELES - SEATTLE	39	29	32		1.50	3.85	5.60	47	53	-
00:00	US1		MONTREAL IMPACT - D.C. UNITED	30	34	36		2.00	3.35	3.30	48	52	-
02:00	US1		VANCOUVER - SALT LAKE	45	29	26	1X	1.65	3.60	4.70	48	52	-
17:30	ILT		HAPOEL KIRYAT - HAPOEL HAIFA	42	28	30	12	1.60	3.80	4.75	52	48	-
17:50	ILT		HAPOEL RAANANA - HAPOEL BEAR SHEVA	31	28	41	21	4.20	3.45	1.75	49	51	-
20:15	IS1		AKRANES - HAFNARFJORDUR	71	15	14	1	6.15	4.30	1.40	40	60	-
20:15	IS1		KEFLAVIK - FJOLNIR	38	30	32		3.50	3.45	1.90	42	58	-
20:15	IS1		KR REYKJAVIK - FYLKIR	34	33	33		1.45	4.35	5.85	45	55	-
17:00	IS1		LEIKNIR REYK. - VESTMANNAEYJAR	84	11	5	1	2.20	3.30	2.90	46	54	-
19:15	IS1		STJARNAN - VIKINGUR REYK.	51	26	23	1	2.05	3.45	3.10	46	54	-
20:15	IS1		VALUR - BREIDABLIK	29	30	41		2.35	3.35	2.70	45	55	-
19:00	ITC		CAGLIARI - VIRTUS ENTELLA	75	20	5	1	1.45	4.00	6.50	45	55	-
18:30	ITC		VIRTUS - JUVE STABIA	87	11	2	1	1.85	3.15	4.10	29	71	-
21:00	CA1		BRAMPTON LIONS - SC SCARBOROUGH	40	27	33	12	1.90	3.40	3.50	43	57	-
20:00	CA1		LONDON CITY - BURLINGTON	39	28	33		2.65	3.30	2.40	39	61	-
22:30	CA1		YR SHOOTERS - NIAGARA	54	24	22	1	1.25	5.60	8.40	39	61	-
12:10	WNF		CHINA - JAPAN	15	26	59	2	2.80	2.95	2.45	39	61	-
09:10	WNF		SOUTH KOREA - NORTH KOREA	72	20	8	1	1.55	3.50	5.75	39	61	-
21:00	CO1		ALIANZA PETROLERA - DEPORTIVO CALI	17	26	57	2	2.60	3.05	2.55	49	51	-
20:15	CO1		AUTONOMA CARIBE - ENVIGADO FC	34	32	34		2.20	3.00	3.20	54	46	-
21:00	CO1		CHICO FC - CUCUTA DEPORTIVO	46	28	26	1X	1.75	3.15	4.65	51	49	-
22:00	CO1		DEPORTIVO TULUA - LOS MILLONARIOS	31	28	41	21	2.85	3.10	2.35	50	50	-
00:45	CO1		INDEP. SANTA FE - AGUILAS DORADAS	75	20	5	1	1.50	3.75	6.15	40	60	-
21:00	CO1		JAGUARES CORDOBA - JUNIOR BARRANQUILL	24	30	46	2X	3.30	3.10	2.10	52	48	-
22:30	CO1		ONCE CALDAS - PATRIOTAS FC	67	22	11	1	1.90	3.20	3.75	46	54	-
19:00	HR1		SLAVEN - OSIJEK	72	20	8	1	1.90	3.20	3.80	39	61	-
12:30	BY1		MINSK - DINAMO BREST	41	36	23	1X	1.65	3.45	4.90	50	50	-
14:30	BY1		NEMAN - GOMEL	48	30	22	1X	1.60	3.50	5.05	49	51	-
16:30	BY1		TORPEDO ZHODINO - SLUTSKSAKHAR SLUTS	50	27	23	1	1.60	3.55	5.35	51	49	-
14:30	LT1		STUMBRAS KAUNAS - TRAKAI	16	25	59	2	5.55	4.45	1.45	42	58	-
15:00	LV1		JELGAVA - METALURGS LIE.	63	23	14	1	2.60	3.15	2.50	42	58	-
16:00	LV1		SPARTAKS JURMALA - VENTSPLIS	17	39	45	2X	5.30	3.65	1.55	48	52	-
15:30	ME1		SUTJESKA NIK - MLADOST	39	29	32		1.75	3.40	4.25	49	51	-
01:30	MX1		ATLAS - MONTERREY	33	43	24	X1	2.30	3.10	2.90	80	20	-
17:00	MX1		CD TOLUCA - MONARCAS MORELIA	73	20	7	1	2.05	3.15	3.45	38	62	-
02:00	MX1		DORADOS - QUERETARO FC	45	30	25	1X	2.35	3.15	2.80	56	44	-
01:06	MX1		PACHUCA CF - CLUB AMERICA	42	27	31	12	2.35	3.20	2.80	48	52	-
22:00	MX1		PUEBLA - PUMAS UNAM	67	21	12	1	2.20	3.10	3.05	42	58	-
01:00	MX1		TIGRES UANL - CD GUADALAJARA	74	20	6	1	1.85	3.10	4.15	40	60	-
15:00	MD1		DACIA CHISINAU - DINAMO AUTO	76	19	5	1	1.35	4.85	6.55	39	61	-
15:00	MD1		SAXAN - ZIMBRU	33	31	36		4.75	3.80	1.60	55	45	-
13:00	ZA1		CHIPPA UTD. - KAIZER CHIEFS	35	29	36		5.20	3.50	1.60	54	46	-
13:00	ZA1		GOLDEN ARROWS - PRETORIA UNIV.	19	28	53	2	2.40	3.10	2.75	49	51	-
14:00	ZA1		MARITZBURG - JOMO COSMOS	87	11	2	1	1.85	3.20	4.15	49	51	-
16:00	NG1		BAYELSA - KANO PILLARS	48	29	23	1X				51	49	-
16:00	NG1		DOLPHINS - ABIA WARRIORS	49	28	23	1				52	48	-
16:00	NG1		EL KANEMI WARRIORS - KWARA	72	20	8	1				42	58	-
16:00	NG1		ENYIMBA INTERNATIO - LOBI STARS	73	20	7	1				41	59	-
15:00	NG1		GIWA - WARRI WOLVES	72	20	8	1	1.20	6.10	10.9	42	58	-
16:00	NG1		HEARTLAND - SHOOTING STARS	50	28	22	1				54	46	-
15:00	NG1		SHARKS - ENUGU RANGERS INTE	48	29	23	1X	1.35	4.35	7.70	53	47	-
16:00	NG1		TARABA - AKWA	71	20	9	1				44	56	-
16:00	NG1		WIKKI TOURIST - NASARAWA	51	27	22	1				52	48	-
16:00	NO1		BODO - START	52	25	23	1	1.80	3.60	3.65	42	58	-
16:00	NO1		HAUGESUND - AALESUND	49	28	23	1	1.85	3.55	3.60	45	55	-
16:00	NO1		LILLESTROM - ROSENBORG	30	26	44	21	5.05	4.05	1.50	43	57	-
18:00	NO1		ODD GRENLAND - MOLDE	31	30	39		2.60	3.35	2.40	47	53	-
16:00	NO1		STROMSGODSET - STABAEK	77	19	4	1	1.75	3.65	4.05	27	73	-
16:00	NO2		ASANE - HODD	36	28	36		2.85	3.35	2.20	46	54	-
16:00	NO2		BAERUM SK - STROMMEN	68	21	11	1	3.00	3.40	2.10	39	61	-
16:00	NO2		FOLLO - RANHEIM	38	26	36		2.35	3.30	2.70	45	55	-
16:00	NO2		HONEFOSS - NEST-SOTRA	77	19	4	1	2.00	3.40	3.25	33	67	-
16:00	NO2		KRISTIANSUND - FREDRIKSTAD	40	28	32		1.75	3.50	4.25	50	50	-
16:00	NO2		LEVANGER FK - JERV GRIMSTAD	40	31	29		3.25	3.35	2.05	45	55	-
16:59	NO2		SOGNDAL - BRYNE	65	21	14	1	1.60	3.75	4.75	43	57	-
18:15	HU1		DEBRECENI - HALADAS	66	21	13	1	1.40	4.25	7.00	44	56	-
13:00	UA1		DNIPRO - DYNAMO KIEV	22	28	50	2	3.10	3.35	2.10	40	60	-
13:00	UA1		KARPATY - CIERNOMOREC	44	39	17	1X	1.85	3.25	3.85	52	48	4-0
13:00	UA1		VORSKLA - SACHTOR DONETSK	15	26	59	2	6.20	4.25	1.40	43	57	-
13:00	UA1		ZORYA LUHANSK - OLIMPIK DONETSK	50	36	14	1X	1.50	3.90	5.85	45	55	-
10:30	NL1		AZ ALKMAAR - AJAX AMSTERDAM	29	25	46	21	2.80	3.35	2.25	44	56	-
18:45	NL1		DEN HAAG - PSV EINDHOVEN	21	28	51	2	5.25	4.15	1.50	42	58	-
13:30	NL1		GRONINGEN - TWENTE	32	27	41	21	2.45	3.35	2.55	44	56	-
13:30	NL1		NEC NIJMEGEN - EXCELSIOR	42	29	29	1X	1.70	3.65	4.20	45	55	-
15:45	NL1		WILLEM II - VITESSE	25	28	47	2X	2.90	3.35	2.20	44	56	-
16:00	PL1		LEGIA WARSAWA - WISLA KRAKOW	77	19	4	1	1.40	4.05	7.10	29	71	-
15:00	PL1		RUCH - PODBESKIDZIE	48	29	23	1X	2.05	3.10	3.50	47	53	-
13:30	PL1		SLASK - LECHIA GDANSK	39	29	32		2.25	3.10	3.05	50	50	-
16:00	PT2		PORTO B - PORTIMONENSE	75	20	5	1	1.90	3.25	3.80	42	58	-
19:45	PTS		BENFICA - SPORTING LISBON	33	29	38		2.75	3.10	2.45	47	53	-
19:00	RO1		STEAUA BUC. - DYNAMO BUC.	43	38	19	1X				48	52	-
14:30	RO1		VITORUL - TARGU MORES	36	33	31					51	49	-
10:30	RU1		CSKA MOSCOW - AMKAR	76	19	5	1	1.25	4.70	10.4	43	57	-
16:00	RU1		KRYLA - SPARTAK MOS	10	27	63	2	4.35	3.35	1.75	32	68	-
13:00	RU1		UFA - ZENIT	13	27	60	2	8.00	4.35	1.35	46	54	-
14:30	SK1		SENICA - SPARTAK TRNAVA	34	29	37		2.55	3.10	2.55	50	50	2-1
17:00	SK1		SLOVAN BRAT. - RUZOMBEROK	55	25	20	1	1.45	4.00	6.05	45	55	-
17:00	SK1		ZILINA - DUNAJSKA	71	20	9	1	1.60	3.70	5.00	39	61	-
14:00	SCP		ABERDEEN - KILMARNOCK	67	21	12	1	1.30	4.55	8.60	46	54	-
11:30	SCP		PARTICK THISTLE - CELTIC GLASGOW	12	27	61	2	8.85	4.80	1.30	42	58	-
15:30	SE1		HALMSTAD - ATVIDABERG	43	29	28	1X	1.80	3.35	4.00	49	51	-
15:30	SE1		HAMMARBY - ELFSBORG	39	28	33		2.95	3.30	2.20	47	53	-
13:00	SE1		MALMO FF - GOTEBORG	75	20	5	1	1.90	3.40	3.60	37	63	-
13:00	SE1		OREBRO - NORRKOPING	33	29	38		3.20	3.40	2.00	47	53	-
15:00	SE2		GAIS GOTEBO - VARNAMO	48	29	23	1X	1.95	3.25	3.55	48	52	-
16:30	SE2		IK FREJ TABY - MJALLBY	23	27	50	2	2.55	3.20	2.50	48	52	-
15:00	SE2		JONKOPINGS SODRA - ASSYRISKA	74	20	6	1	1.55	3.95	4.80	36	64	-
17:00	SE2		SYRIANSKA - VARBERGS	35	28	37		2.30	3.15	2.90	45	55	-
15:00	RS1		MLADOST LUCANI - VOJVODINA	31	30	39		1.90	3.15	3.80	49	51	-
15:00	RS1		VOZDOVAC - RED STAR	18	28	54	2	5.60	3.75	1.55	47	53	-
13:00	TH1		BANGKOK UNITED - ROYAL ARMY	37	29	34		2.20	3.15	3.00	47	53	-
13:00	TH1		MUANG THONG UNITED - BANGKOK GLASS	36	28	36					47	53	-
11:00	TH1		PORT AUTHORITY - BEC TERO SASANA	28	29	43	2X	2.50	3.10	2.65	49	51	-
12:00	TH1		SISAKET - BURIRAM UNITED	27	29	44	2X	7.25	4.70	1.35	49	51	-
17:15	CZ1		SPARTA PRAG - ZLIN	77	19	4	1	1.15	6.60	15.9	27	73	-
16:00	CZ1		VICTORIA PIL. - SLOVACKO	77	19	4	1	1.25	4.90	9.10	27	73	-
13:00	FI1		ILVES TAMPERE - KOOTEEPEE	39	29	32		1.90	3.25	3.65	54	46	-
13:00	FI1		JARO - SEINAJOEN	34	29	37		3.95	3.30	1.85	51	49	-
13:00	FI1		KUOPIO - HELSINKI ΙFK	50	27	23	1	1.95	3.25	3.60	49	51	-
13:00	FI1		ROVANIEMI ROPS - LAHTI	33	30	37		2.45	3.00	2.80	52	48	-
13:00	FI1		VAASA - MARIEHAMN	35	29	36		2.90	3.20	2.25	48	52	-
17:00	FGC		ESPANYOL - BETIS	53	30	17	1X	2.15	3.30	3.05	44	56	-
19:00	FGC		OLYMPIAKOS - BESIKTAS	32	27	41	21				46	54	-
16:45	FGC		PAS GIANNINA - PANAITOLIKOS	29	29	42	2X				52	48	-
18:30	FGC		SASSUOLO - VILLARREAL	23	27	50	2	2.55	3.20	2.55	46	54	-
16:59	FGC		VERIA - KASSIOPI	32	37	31					51	49	-
15:30	FY1		METALURG SK. - SILEKS	70	21	9	1	2.00	3.10	3.60	42	58	-
15:30	FY1		TURNOVO - RENOVA	68	21	11	1	2.25	3.05	3.10	42	58	-
01:00	CL1		ARICA - COBRESAL	41	32	27	1X	2.20	3.20	3.05	48	52	-
23:00	CL1		PALESTINO - UNION ESPANOLA	27	25	48	21	2.45	3.25	2.60	45	55	-
18:00	CL1		REAL SAN LUIS - SANTIAGO WANDER.	25	29	46	2X	2.75	3.15	2.40	46	54	-
19:00	CL1		SAN LUIS - SANTIAGO WANDER.	31	29	40					49	51	-

Di Maria will regret United failure - Ferdinand

Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand believes Paris Saint-Germain-bound winger Angel di Maria will regret his failure at Old Trafford.

Di Maria is on the brink of joining PSG after he was pictured in Doha ahead of his reported medical in the Qatari capital on Monday.

The Argentina international's imminent switch to the French champions comes just 12 months on from his record £59.7million move to Manchester, where he failed to settle despite enjoying a bright start to life at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand, who won six Premier League titles with United, said Di Maria's reputation has been tarnished forever.

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"He will now always have on his CV that he was a failure at Man United," Ferdinand told ESPN FC at a BT Sport media event.

"As a professional, I wouldn't want something like that on my record. If I could rectify it by staying and trying to prove myself, I would have done that.

"As a fan, I would have liked for him to stay there and prove he can perform for Man United. That is what we all wanted to see when the club paid so much for him last summer, but that isn't happening, it seems.

"I can understand why some fans are disappointed that he is leaving so soon, but this is a business. United may have looked at it this summer and [manager Louis] van Gaal has probably come to the conclusion that he doesn't fit into his system for whatever reason. At that point, you have to cash in."

Manchester United set for Gareth Bale transfer

Manchester United has rekindled their interest in Real Madrid's Gareth Bale, according to reports in Spain.

United are willing to offer close to $125 million euros (£87.5m) to secure the services of the winger; however Real Madrid coach Rafael Benitez remains confident the Welshman is going nowhere.

Bale has often been seen as the scapegoat among the Bernabeu faithful, enduring a disappointing second season with the club.

But his manager has come to his aid, backing Bale to go on and have a big season with Madrid.

"Gareth is a huge player for us and I know that he's happy," Benitez told a press conference when asked about Bale's future.

"I'm not going to talk about offers. Everything is well and he's going to have a good season with us I'm sure."

Adding to reports from Spain, the Sun believes that the Red Devils have already seen two offers for Bale turned away this off-season.

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David de Gea has been strongly linked to Real Madrid (AAP)

Benitez shut down suggestions Real Madrid would package an offer of Bale for United's goalkeeper David de Gea, who has been heavily in the spotlight this transfer window.

"I've said in five previous press conferences that I don't want to talk about players who are in other teams."

"We have three very good keepers. I can talk about them, not other goalkeepers."

De Gea has one season left on his contract with United, and it's rumoured that Madrid would be happy to land him on a free once his deal expires.

Man United open the new Premier League season at home to Tottenham Hotspur.

Confident Oxlade-Chamberlain hits back at Keane

Arsenal attacker Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain insisted his side can challenge for the Premier League as he hit back at Roy Keane.

Former Manchester United captain Keane had suggested Arsene Wenger's team were "more interested in selfies and six-packs", before Oxlade-Chamberlain fired them to a 1-0 win over Chelsea in the Community Shield on Sunday.

Oxlade-Chamberlain, 21, dismissed the criticism and said Arsenal were ready to push for their first league title since 2003-04.

"It's a new era, isn’t it? Some people do it, some don’t," the England international said when asked about Keane's comments.

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"We’re serious about winning trophies. Personally, and I can speak for the rest of the squad, we’ve been serious every single year I’ve been at the club about winning trophies.

"You can see that on the pitch. A lot of people don’t see when we lose and go through tough times how upset and disappointed we are. We’ve always wanted to win trophies and in the last years we’ve won a few. This season we want to go that one better."

Oxlade-Chamberlain feels he has never been part of an Arsenal squad with so much confidence and believes his team proved a point against Chelsea.

The 20-time England international, who has been at the club since 2011, said his side's approach to big games had been a worry.

"Ever since I’ve been at Arsenal, we’ve had numerous quality players and the whole squad had been very strong," Oxlade-Chamberlain said.

"It just seemed that in the big games we came up short sometimes and you wonder why.

"The mentality going into those games was definitely a big thing. Since I’ve been here we’ve steadily got better at that, especially last year.

"A game like that against Chelsea is always important because they are a good side and it’s great to come away with some silverware."

Higuain rejects Napoli extension

Gonzalo Higuain's agent has revealed the striker has rejected the offer of a new contract from Napoli.

The Argentina international - who signed for the Serie A club from Real Madrid in 2013 - still has three years left to run on his current deal.

Nicolas Higuain, the player's brother and agent, confirmed that a one-year extension on similar terms had been turned down, with the player "happy to continue with the current conditions".

"We had a meeting with the president [Aurelio De Laurentiis] in Venice 10 days ago," he told Radio CRC.

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"We talked about everything. He offered a one-year contract extension, however, in my opinion - and in our opinion - we'll continue with the original contract, expiring in 2018.

"I don't think we'll accept the president's offer, because the contract isn't that different to the one we signed before, so for us it's not a real offer. We're calm and happy to continue with the current conditions."

The striker has been linked with a move away from Napoli this off-season, though his sibling insisted no "big clubs" had contacted him to discuss any potential transfer.

"It seems strange, but the big clubs have not contacted me, nor have I spoken with anyone," Nicolas Higuain added.

"At the moment we have faith Gonzalo will stay at Napoli, in a team which is 100 per cent focused and can win something."

Congo fans hold Le Roy hostage

Nigeria’s U- 23 national team popularly known as Dream Team VI qualified for the Africa U-23 Championship that would produce Africa’s three automatic representatives in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil after playing a goalless draw with the host team Congo yesterday.

But as the Congo fans celebrated the Nigerian team and hailed them for their wonderful display in Pointe Noire, their coach Claude Le Roy was almost manhandled but was rescued by the security personnel at the Stadium.

The host fans, SportingLife gathered, were angered that despite giving their team over 100 percent support the team still failed to secure a 1-0 victory that could have fetched them victory and qualification ticket of the African U- 23 Championship.

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Congo fans shortly after the end of the game held Le Roy hostage and it took the intervention of the security agents to save him back to the dressing room. The fans then hailed the Nigerian team until they left the pitch.

Veteran sports journalist and member of the NFF Technical Committee  Mr. Paul Bassey led the NFF and theteam officials in praise and worship in the team’s bus until they got to their hostel. Deputy General Secretary Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, the Chairman NFF Technical Committee Chief Felix Anyansi Agu and team’s Chief Coach Samson Siasia and the rest of the technical crew also joined in singing praises to Almighty God that made victory possible for the team.

Siasia told SportingLife shortly aftet the match that his boys played to instruction and was proud of them.

“I am very proud of these boys because they took the fight to the Congolese and played to instruction. They were determined which showed in their game and could have scored. But we must savour this victory for now and we thank God for this victory,” he said.

I' m not among world's best - Luiz Suarez

Barcelona star Luis Suarez insists he does not consider himself among the world's best players despite his performances in recent seasons.

The controversial Uruguayan scored 25 goals in all competitions for Barca last season, following on from prolific campaigns at Liverpool.

But he is unfazed by where he stands among the world's best players.

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"One always tries to accept praise and the things fans say, but I don't consider myself the most humble nor one of the best," Suarez told ESPN FC.

"I just try and do my work the best I can. I'm in the best team in the world and doing things I never imagined doing, but that job I leave to the rest so they can give their opinion."

With Lionel Messi and Neymar, Suarez helped form a devastating Barca attack that won the treble in 2014-15.

The 28-year-old said he had to maintain a good level to keep up with his fellow stars.

"You're in Barcelona and you have Leo and Neymar by your side so you have to be one of the best," Suarez said.

"I have the privilege to play with those quality players, just as much them as the whole team, including [Andres] Iniesta, which was a dream for me to play by his side, with players that I enjoy playing alongside.

"Being on the best team in the world fills you with pride, leaves you calm, shows you how hard it is to get here. And that's why you have to enjoy the moment once you're here."

Wolsburg crowned DFL-Super cup champions

Wolfsburg were crowned DFL-Supercup champions on Saturday as Nicklas Bendtner levelled late on before scoring the winning penalty at the Volkswagen Arena.

Bendtner - who has struggled to establish himself with the DFB-Pokal holders - made his case for a starting berth with a well-taken equaliser followed by the crucial spot-kick amid a dramatic finale as Wolfsburg were 5-4 victors in the shootout.

Arjen Robben - featuring for the German champions for the first time since April after a muscular injury - had given Bayern the lead early in the second half following an action-packed opening period in which both sides spurned opportunities.

For much of the second it seemed a lack of cutting edge would haunt Wolfsburg - who named Kevin De Bruyne in their XI following injury concerns.

However, substitute Bendtner was on hand to convert the Belgian's pinpoint cross following a sweeping counter-attack down the right to take Bayern to penalties.

Debutant Arturo Vidal got Bayern off to a good start in the shootout, but team-mate Xabi Alonso was the only one not to score - Wolfsburg's reserve goalkeeper Koen Casteels saving well with his left foot in Diego Benaglio's injury-enforced absence.

It allowed Bendtner to convert the winning penalty and give Dieter Hecking's men a confidence boost as they seek to run Bayern closer in the Bundesliga this term.

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Bayern handed a competitive debut to Douglas Costa and the Brazilian showed electric pace early on to set up a sight on goal for Alonso.

The Spaniard sent a scruffy shot wide, but Bayern continued to threaten, Jerome Boateng rattling the crossbar after Thiago Alcantara's header fell to him inside the penalty area.

Vieirinha - given a torrid time by Costa early on - asked questions of his own at the other end when he blasted Wolfsburg's first effort narrowly off target from distance.

Costa wasted a great opportunity when he passed to Robert Lewandowski instead of shooting when through on goal and, as the chances flowed, Manuel Neuer was required to keep out a wicked deflection off Medhi Benatia.

The final chance of a gripping half fell to De Bruyne - the in-demand Belgian shooting wide with an open goal at his mercy after Neuer and Benatia made a mess of clearing a bouncing ball.

Somehow, the sides were level at the break, but Bayern needed just four minutes of the second half to take the lead, Robben snaffling up his chance after Lewandowski's close-range effort was spilled by Casteels.

The energetic Costa was again pivotal down the left and, while Wolfsburg continued to threaten, Bas Dost latched onto De Bruyne's incisive pass only to shoot straight at Neuer.

Eventually, Wolfsburg were rewarded one minute from time when Bendtner converted De Bruyne's cross and his evening got better when he sealed the win.

Alonso's saved penalty proved costly as Bendtner followed Ricardo Rodriguez, De Bruyne, Andre Schurrle and Max Kruse in beating Neuer to ensure Wolfsburg's first Supercup success.

Walcott claims victory for Arsenal

Theo Walcott scored the only goal of the game for Arsenal as they rounded off the Emirates Cup with a 1-0 win over Bundesliga runners-up Wolfsburg on Sunday.

Arsenal ensured they topped the table in the pre-season competition as Walcott - reportedly close to agreeing a new deal at the club - proved the match-winner at the Emirates Stadium.

On his first Arsenal start, youngster Jeff Reine-Adelaide marked an impressive display with an expert assist for Walcott's opener shortly after the interval.

Arsene Wenger's side hammered Ligue 1 opponents Lyon 6-0 on Saturday but there was to be no such rout against Dieter Hecking's well-drilled DFB-Pokal champions.

Making his home debut, Petr Cech was made to work for a clean sheet as Arsenal made it two wins from two ahead of Sunday's Community Shield clash with Chelsea at Wembley.

Kevin De Bruyne - named German player of the year on Sunday - threatened down the left early on but Cech was on hand to collect the Belgian's delivery.

Close-season signing Cech will have been concerned as former Arsenal man Nicklas Bendtner just failed to make contact with a dangerous De Bruyne delivery from the right.

The Czech's opposite number Diego Benaglio was called on to deny Walcott soon after but it was the Bundesliga side who continued to threaten more frequently - De Bruyne showing why he is a reported target for Manchester City.

With chances largely at a premium in a goalless first half, Timm Klose shanked an effort over the crossbar for the visitors while Mesut Ozil's side-footed effort rolled wide of the far post following a slick passing move.

Arsenal had their breakthrough five minutes into the second half when Reine-Adelaide offered a glimpse of his potential - threading a ball for Walcott to calmly finish past Benaglio.

The largely impressive De Bruyne then ballooned an effort over, having skipped inside Mikel Arteta, before Ricardo Rodriguez saw a long-range strike easily saved by Cech.

The former Chelsea man was tested again by a fierce drive from midfielder Josuha Guilavogui as Wolfsburg piled on the pressure.

It was to no avail, however, Wenger's men topping the standings by three points from Villarreal ahead of the all-London curtain-raiser at Wembley in a week's time.

Mourinho tells Ronaldo: Team honours come first

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has questioned Cristiano Ronaldo's standing as the world's best player, while praising Stamford Bridge star Eden Hazard.

Ronaldo won the Ballon d'Or in January but ended the season trophyless from a team perspective as Real Madrid fell short on all fronts.

And Mourinho, who coached Ronaldo during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu, believes individual honours should come after success with club or country.

Asked if he believed Ronaldo should not be considered alongside Barcelona's Lionel Messi as one of the world's best two players, Mourinho said: "I think so. I don't like players or managers to win individual trophies without the team. Obviously depending on the season they have.

"They have to win some titles, no? Football without titles is nothing.

"Messi won the treble. He won three competitions last year, he reached the Copa America final [with Argentina]. He had a fantastic season for him and for his team.

"I am not saying he [Ronaldo] is not fantastic. I am just saying that, in my personal view, every football player in the world should understand that a team has to be in front."

Hazard's qualities have seen him become the most fouled player in the Premier League and Mourinho is worried the attacker could pick up a serious injury.

"Eden was very lucky not to break a leg last season," he added. "He's getting stronger and stronger, not just in his body but in his attitude. He's mentally tough. He's not the kind of boy who overreacts.

"After a bad tackle he never rolls and rolls like other players do.

"But the reality is that last season he was lucky - let's see what happens next season. He could have been injured many times. He suffered more than a couple of nasty tackles and could have been in trouble. I saw lots of players breaking legs and ankles with less than that.

"I would like more protection for him but it's beyond my control. I don't want to change his mentality or personality. I don't want him to start crying or overreacting. I want Eden to be what he is - absolutely fantastic."

Mourinho: Rivals trying to buy the title

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich was accused of 'buying' the Premier League title during Jose Mourinho's first spell at Stamford Bridge, but the Portuguese believes the boot is now on the other foot.

Reigning champions Chelsea have had a relatively quiet transfer window so far - bringing in Asmir Begovic from Stoke City and Radamel Falcao on loan from Monaco as their only major signings so far.

Meanwhile, a number of their rivals have indulged in eye-catching close-season activity, with Manchester City recruiting England internationals Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph, and both Manchester United and Liverpool moving to strengthen their squads with a raft of new signings.

Mourinho said of Chelsea: "Basically you cannot say we have a lot of new players. We just made some adaptations in our squad to replace [Didier] Drogba and Petr Cech - we have Falcao and Begovic. The squad is the same, other squads are not the same.

"They are buying some of the best players in the country. They are buying some of the best players in Europe. So other squads will be very strong.

"So as people told me many many times in the beginning of Mr Abramovich coming to Chelsea, Chelsea was buying the title.

"Now, all of them, they are buying the title, and it's up to us to be strong and to fight them and obviously try to win the title again, even without the big investments.

Benitez refutes Ronaldo rift rumours

Rafael Benitez has reiterated there is no problem between himself and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in recent weeks have suggested the pair have traded heated exchanges during pre-season, and tension erupted between them after Benitez disallowed a Ronaldo goal during training.

Despite talk of a rift within the Madrid camp, Ronaldo has started both friendlies at the International Champions Cup in Melbourne against Roma and Manchester City.

With Benitez set to lead his new charges against former club Inter in Guangzhou on Monday, he again insisted he had no issues with the Portugal international.

"My relationship with him is good," said Benitez. "When someone gets angry during a training session, but then does their job, there's no problem, it's fine."

Sunday soccer banker

Time	Match	Tip	odd	Result
18.00	dundalk VScork	2	5.50

Striker shortage forcing Tuchel to experiment

Borussia Dortmund coach Thomas Tuchel says he is being forced to play some of his team in an unfamiliar striking role due to his lack of options up front.

Dortmund cruised to a 4-1 friendly win over Luzern on Tuesday in a game that saw Jonas Hofmann and Marco Reus both take up the position as a central striker.

The Bundesliga side face Juventus on Saturday before playing their first competitive game under Tuchel's stewardship against Shakhtyor or Wolfsberger in the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League four days later.

"There's a little shortage in our centre forwards, and because during our friendlies we don't want to give the players too many minutes and Adrian [Ramos] is not ready yet, so we're trying different things," Tuchel said.

"We tried Kevin Kampl in the centre but now we would like to give him a chance on his regular position on the wings, so that he could prove himself to us.

"Jonas had really good training sessions in different positions and showed us his versatility, and that's why we want to see this yesterday in a game situation.

"And then it's always weighing up how to do that. We want to get new ideas but on the other hand we need situations where we are comfortable.

"So that everyone knows where to go and to create chances. After half an hour we changed and put Marco through the middle up front. We knew already that he could play this position and that this would work.

"At the moment it's kind of an experiment and Jonas showed us that he could play all positions offensively even though it was unusual to him.

"He is more effective for us at the moment if he comes from the wings. But in the middle it's a really tough situation for us at the moment."

Oscar rejects Chelsea exit talk

Chelsea midfielder Oscar has rejected talk of a move away from the Premier League champions, amid interest from Juventus.

The Brazil international was picked out by Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri as a potential signing last month.

However, the player's agent has already distanced him from a move, and Oscar has now reiterated his desire to stay at Stamford Bridge and build on his three trophies since arriving in 2012.

"I will be staying at Chelsea," he said. "The aim for this season -- to win as many titles as possible."

Oscar lifted his first Premier League title last season, making 26 starts as Jose Mourinho's side finished eight points clear of Manchester City.

Gerard handed Barcelona B role

Gerard Lopez has become the latest ex-Barcelona midfielder to assume the role of head coach for the club's B team after agreeing a two-year contract.

The 36-year-old will follow in the footsteps of Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique in taking charge of the Camp Nou outfit's second string, with Barca hopeful he can ultimately emulate their successes.

Both Guardiola and Luis Enrique went on to win trebles with the first team after learning their trade with Barca B, but the new boss in solely focused on lifting the club back into the second division.

"It is an honour to return to the club," he told the club's official website. "My family has been linked to Barcelona, I spent many years at the club and me back is better than I could spend.

"As a coach of Barca B have two major challenges – to return Barca B to the Second Division A and help youth players can climb into the first team.

"My experience in the squad and the club branch will be useful to me, because I put myself in the skin of the players. I want to start work and I am convinced that next Pep Segura will a great job. "

During his playing career Gerard made 140 appearances for Barca, scoring 10 goals in his five years there.

Liverpool seals Benteke deal

Liverpool have finally sealed the signing of forward Christian Benteke from Aston Villa after a lengthy pursuit of the Belgium international.

The 24-year-old has agreed a "long-term contract" at Anfield after impressing with Villa, where he scored 49 goals in 101 appearances.

It is thought Benteke's release clause was £32.5 million, which would make him the second most expensive player in Liverpool's history after Andy Carroll.

"I came here to win trophies," Benteke told the club's official website. "I came here to reach some great goals with the team.

"I'm very happy to be part of the Liverpool family now and I will do everything to make them happy and work hard for them and my team-mates."

It is the latest transfer in a busy window for manager Brendan Rodgers, who has already brought in the likes of James Milner, Danny Ings, Roberto Firmino and Nathaniel Clyne.

The movement has not all been one way, though, and want-away England star Raheem Sterling completed a switch to Manchester City last week, while Liverpool will be without stalwart and club legend Steven Gerrard next season following his move to LA Galaxy.

Rodgers will be hoping to improve on a disappointing 2014-15 campaign that saw his side finish sixth in the Premier League, having been challenging for the title the season before.

Replacing Luis Suarez - now at Barcelona - has been the Northern Irishman's biggest problem, with Daniel Sturridge's injury problems adding to Liverpool's goalscoring difficulties last season.

In the 2013-14 season they scored 101 top-flight goals, but saw that figure plummet to just 52 last term. 

For Tim Sherwood's Villa it is another blow, albeit one that had been a long time coming, with midfielder Fabian Delph having already departed for Manchester City.

Drogba confirms MLS talks, open to Inter move

Former Chelsea striker Didier Drogba confirmed he is in talks with an unnamed team from MLS, but the Ivorian did not rule out a move to Inter.

Drogba has made no secret of his desire to play in the United States and the free agent is reportedly set to join Chicago Fire, whose coach Frank Yallop was tight-lipped amid growing speculation on Saturday.

Fellow MLS outfit and CONCACAF Champions League finalists Montreal Impact have also been linked with the 37-year-old striker, while reports suggest Serie A giants Inter are interested.

"I'm not aware of that situation [with Inter]," Drogba told FCInter1908.

"Inter are a great club, and certainly if they were to contact me I'd gladly listen to their offer, but I'm currently in talks with an MLS club.

"Inter could be an option if they really are interested in me."

Ex-Ivory Coast captain Drogba was further quizzed about Inter's interest and his willingness to provide back up for Argentina international forward Mauro Icardi should he make the move to Italy.

The two-time African Player of the Year said: "It would be absolutely no problem.

"In every team there are players you have to compete with for a place in the team."

Drogba scored over 150 goals in two different spells for Chelsea, winning four Premier League titles and the UEFA Champions League in the process.

Rooney to make Everton return

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney will once again pull on an Everton shirt after agreeing to play in Duncan Ferguson's testimonial next month.

Everton fan Rooney came through the youth ranks at Goodison Park and played alongside fellow striker Ferguson after breaking into the first-team as a 16-year-old.

The England skipper departed for United in August 2004, but he will feature for Everton against Villarreal on August 2 to honour a player he described as a "hero".

"As a young lad growing up in Croxteth, Duncan Ferguson was a hero of mine, as a young player at the club he was an inspiration and when I broke into the first team he helped and looked after me," Rooney told Everton's official website.

"I cannot think of a better way to thank Dunc for all he did for me than turning out in his fully deserved testimonial match. Had he not asked me to play I would have gone and supported him on the day as I am sure most other Evertonians will."

Ferguson is a cult figure at Everton having scored 72 goals in 191 appearances across two spells at the club.

And the Scot spoke of his appreciation that Rooney has agreed to feature in the match.

"I'm absolutely delighted that the wee man has agreed to play in the game," Ferguson said. "Everybody knows that we go way back. I knew him as a kid, he's a top man and I'm proud as his friend that he's fulfilled the potential we always knew was there.

"Wayne's a world-class player and I'm genuinely thrilled that he will play on the day."

Pellegrini hints at further City signings

Manuel Pellegrini has revealed that Manchester City could make further signings ahead of the new season, but stopped short of naming any targets.

City have been busy in the transfer window, signing Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling in a reported £49million move while also bringing in midfielder Fabian Delph from Aston Villa, as well as teenagers Patrick Roberts and Enes Unal from Fulham and Bursaspor respectively.

The Premier League club have been linked with Wolfsburg's Kevin De Bruyne and Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as they seek to regain the Premier League title, having finished eight points behind champions Chelsea last season.

Pellegrini said ahead of Tuesday's International Champions Cup clash with Roma: "I don't talk about rumour and names.

"When we have the player that we want you will know in that moment but at the moment we just have Delph, Sterling and Patrick Roberts.

"We will see in the future maybe more players will arrive but we cannot talk about names because we are not sure who will come.

"Our target is to try and have the strongest squad. I am not talking about names or positions but in the next days probably you will see who will arrive here. We are trying to have only the strongest squad and we will see which is the position we need."

Comedian throws money at Blatter in stunt

Sepp Blatter's media conference was delayed on Monday as a British comedian threw bank notes at the outgoing FIFA president as he took to the stage.

Blatter was facing the media in Zurich, following Monday's confirmation that an election to appoint his successor will take place on February 26, 2016.

But the news conference was held up in bizarre fashion as British comedian Simon Brodkin - who often uses the stage name Lee Nelson - approached the stage and threw money at Blatter.

Brodkin - whose previous stunts have seen him gatecrash an England photoshoot and Manchester City's pre-match warm-up during a Premier League game - was later photographed in a police van, having been escorted from the stage by security.

Blatter announced his intention to resign in June four days after winning a fifth term as president and six days after 14 people, including nine FIFA officials, were indicted on charges of racketeering conspiracy and corruption.

The Swiss has not been charged with any wrongdoing.

Responding to the incident when the conference eventually started, Blatter said: "I'm sorry what just happened. I just called my late mother and she said 'don't worry it's just a lack of education'."

Raheem Sterling denies Liverpool sickie

Raheem Sterling has denied calling in sick for Liverpool training before his move to Manchester City.

Sterling, 20, last week completed a switch to the Etihad Stadium for a fee which could reportedly rise to £49million after an acrimonious departure from the Merseyside club.

The England international missed two days of training in his final week at the club, with suggestions he was trying to influence transfer talks.

But Sterling said it was a genuine illness – and the Liverpool doctor – that prevented him from training.

"Everyone thought I threw a sick note in. I was in training on the Tuesday - in the changing room my stomach started hurting. I still went out and trained though," he told the Manchester Evening News.

"That day I went home, and I told the doc I was ill. My stomach was rumbling and I had diarrhoea.

"The doctor just said to me you can't be around the other players. For the next 48 hours, I stayed at home.

"That's what the club doctor told me to do. When that 48 hours was done I came back to training as normal."

I inquired from Terry and Cahill advice on Falcao says Mourinho

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho consulted with central defensive duo John Terry and Gary Cahill before bringing Radamel Falcao in on loan.

Eyebrows were raised in some quarters when Mourinho opted to sign Falcao on loan, after the Colombian endured a difficult temporary spell at Manchester United last term.

But Mourinho has revealed that he spoke with Terry and Cahill about the former Atletico Madrid man, who they believe still has the qualities that made him one of Europe's most-feared strikers.

"We think the bright movement is there, the movement to get freedom in the box to score goals is there," said the Portuguese.

"Our players had difficulty to control him all the time and we feel the potential is there.

"Let's see if he can improve his confidence, his happiness.

"If the fact we have a good community of Portuguese people, plus the guys who were with him in Atletico [Diego Costa and Filipe Luis], let's see if this situation can help him.

"I watch Portuguese football regularly and in Porto he was very good.

"When he was at Atletico, I was in Real Madrid, so there were a few years where I was with him all the time. 

"Last season I watched our game against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge a few times because of him."

Espanyol turn down Real bid for Casilla

Espanyol president Joan Collet has revealed the club turned down a bid from Real Madrid for goalkeeper Kiko Casilla.

Having previously turned out for Real's reserve team earlier in his career, Casilla joined Espanyol for the 2007-08 campaign.

In recent days, reports have emerged suggesting Real legend Iker Casillas could be set to depart the Santiago Bernabeu, with speculation mounting that Casilla could make the switch to the capital to replace him.

Speaking on Saturday, Collet confirmed Espanyol had rejected Real's offer, while striker Christian Stuani could be in line to leave the club for pastures new.

"There is no negotiation with Real Madrid right now, we have rejected the offer," he said.

"We are negotiating the possible departure of Stuani."

Derby hit £250,000 jackpot prize

Derby County have become the latest club to benefit from Sky Bet's Transfer Fund after being selected to receive £250,000 on Friday.

The scheme sees fans entering the draw on behalf of their clubs before a winner is selected at random, and the prize money will allow Derby to invest in new players and wages.

Derby fan Richard Jones won the prize for his club and Paul Clement's side could now dip into the transfer market for a seventh time during the close season.

Tom Ince was the latest to arrive at the Championship club for a club-record fee from Hull City, joining Scott Carson, Alex Pearce, Andreas Weimann, Chris Baird and former loanee Darren Bent.

Clement is also a new arrival at the club - the former Real Madrid assistant replacing the sacked Steve McLaren, who is now manager at Newcastle United.

Messi lost his third major international career

Lionel Messi will end his career with an international trophy, Argentina team-mate Ezequiel Lavezzi insisted after Saturday's Copa America loss.

Messi, who has only won titles with Argentina at under-age levels, lost the third major final of his international career in Santiago, with Chile triumphing 4-1 on penalties after the visitors had dominated the goalscoring opportunities through 120 goalless minutes.

Argentina's failure at the Estadio Nacional will only serve to strengthen arguments by critics that Messi will not be truly great until he earns silverware for his country, but Lavezzi reckons it is only a matter of time before he dismisses those doubters.

Messi was also on the losing side in the 2007 Copa America final and last year's World Cup decider in Brazil.

"At some point Leo [Messi] is going to win something with Argentina," said Lavezzi, who came off the bench in the first half to replace Angel di Maria.

"We thought this was an opportunity to make our mark, but unfortunately we could not. It hurts a lot. Once again we are left with a bitter taste. It hurts because we believed that this was the chance to win something.

"I think that we should continue on this path. We are all very good in terms of the group. We are just missing that little step to achieve something."

Lavezzi was one of 10 players to have played a role in both this year's Copa decider and the 2014 World Cup final, while only Messi and Javier Mascherano have three final losses to their name after succumbing 3-0 to Brazil in Colombia eight years ago.

Mascherano could not believe he had missed out on an international winner's medal again.

"I cannot find a way to describe it. Hopefully, in the future Argentina can win," the Barcelona defensive midfielder said.

"I wanted enjoyment with this shirt like anyone, but I have to suffer.

"…Three finals of the Copa America and I lost all three. I cannot find an explanation.

"I thank the fans for the support, like a year ago at the World Cup. We could not provide the joy that we wanted. It is a torture.

"It's a great sadness, especially for us who were doing very good things."

Messi, who was the only Argentine to convert a penalty against Chile, won an Olympic gold medal with Argentina's under-23 team in 2008 and the FIFA Under-20 World Cup three years prior.

Stephen Keshi sacked as Super Eagles coach

Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi have been relieved of his duty after been sacked by the Nigerian Football Federation(NFF).

The NFF made the announcement on Saturday amid reports Keshi applied for the vacant Ivory Coast coaching job.

A statement on the NFF's official website read: "Having thoroughly reviewed the reports/findings of the NFF Disciplinary Committee and NFF Technical and Development Committee, as well as having reviewed the actions and inactions of Mr. Stephen Keshi, in the performance of his duties as Super Eagles' head coach, which we found to lack the required commitment to achieve the Federation's objectives as set out in the coach's employment contract.

"To this end and pursuant to the provisions of Clause 4.3 of the Employment Contract between Mr. Stephen Keshi and the NFF [the contract] and the various clauses therein, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to exercise its option to summarily terminate the employment contract of Mr. Stephen Keshi with the Federation with immediate effect."

It is not the first time the NFF and Keshi, who signed a two-year deal in April, have parted ways.

After being appointed in 2011, Keshi resigned two years later but quickly reversed that decision, before his contract expired after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Keshi continued in his role on a match-by-match basis for the 2015 AFCON qualifying campaign, though he was replaced by Shaibu Amodu in October - only to be reinstated two weeks later.

The 53-year-old was unable to lead Nigeria to the finals in Equatorial Guinea, however, with Daniel Amokachi taking over on an interim basis after that failure, before Keshi returned to the hot seat in April.

"In the interim, the Super Eagles' team affairs will be jointly managed by assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf and the Technical Directorate of the NFF headed by coach Shaibu Amodu, until the Federation names in due course a new head coach, who, along with the NFF will chart a new direction for the Super Eagles to ensure credible participation in international competitions and assist in building a sustainable football culture for the country," said vice-president Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi.

Tevez: Those who dont love Messi knows nothing

Carlos Tevez says Lionel Messi has the support of the Argentinean people going into the Copa America and suggested any detractors should be ignored.

In the past, four-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi has been the subject of apathy from some in his home country thanks in part to leaving Argentina for Barcelona at a young age while also having struggled to replicate his form consistently with the national team.

In contrast, Tevez - who ended a three-year Argentina exile in November - is considered a 'player of the people'.

However, the Juventus striker defended Messi ahead of Argentina's Copa America's opener against Paraguay, telling the competition's official website: "I believe the people do love [Messi] because he’s Argentine and because he's the best in the world.

"He who doesn't love Messi knows nothing about football or about life. More than that, I don't know what’s going on in their heads.

"Messi is still the same. What has changed is that he has three or four kilos less than before. That means he has more desire, it changes your state of mind, it changes everything.

"I believe he is in his best moment."

Tevez was frozen out of the national set-up by Gerardo Martino's predecessor Alejandro Sabella, with some reports suggesting it was because of a fractious relationship between the Juve man and Messi.

Those suggestions were previously denied by the Barca star, with Tevez explaining:  "I missed the dressing room. I missed the guys. I missed this atmosphere.

"I'm 31 now, not 20 any more like I was before. Before I speak, I think about things. Before I spoke without knowing. That has made me more mature.

"You have to be intelligent when you get something wrong and try to always learn when you make a mistake. It's not good to make the same mistake twice and not learn."

Lewandowski nets four-minute hat-trick in Poland win

Robert Lewandowski scored a last-gasp four-minute hat-trick to give Poland a 4-0 win over Georgia in Euro 2016 qualifying on Saturday.

The hosts were leading 1-0 in Warsaw heading in to the 89th minute, thanks to Arkadiusz's Milik's 62nd-minute strike, before Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski added gloss to the scoreline with his late flurry. 

Lewandowski made it 2-0 as he smashed a shot beyond Georgia goalkeeper Giorgi Loria after being played in by Milik.

The former Borussia Dortmund man scored his 25th goal in a Poland shirt with a header from Jakub Błaszczykowski's looping right-wing cross and then netted his 26th as he slid home a fourth from another Milik pass.

That was enough to take him to the top of the Euro 2016 qualifying goalscoring charts, with seven in total so far in the campaign.

Poland sit top of Group D, ahead of Germany and Scotland.

Ayew joins Swansea

Swansea City have announced a deal to sign Andre Ayew on a free transfer.

The Ghana winger has been on the lookout for a new club ahead of the expiry of his Marseille contract and has opted to move to the Premier League, penning a four-year deal at the Liberty Stadium.

Ayew had been linked with West Ham prior to joining Swansea and the 25-year-old becomes manager Garry Monk's first new arrival of the close-season.

Capped 63 times for his country, Ayew made 207 appearances in his eight years at Ligue 1 side Marseille.

Ayew will wear the number 10 shirt vacated by Wilfried Bony when he left Swansea for Manchester City in January.

Fiorentina seeks great comeback against Sevilla

Vincenzo Montella will look to mastermind one of the great European comebacks when Fiorentina host Sevilla in Thursday's UEFA Europa League semi-final second leg.

Reigning champions Sevilla took a huge step towards returning to the final with a 3-0 victory in last week's first encounter at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

Unai Emery's side will now attempt to complete the job in Florence, as Sevilla continue their quest to become the first team to win Europe's secondary competition on four occasions.

However, history suggests the Andalusian outfit must err on the side of caution. Indeed, in last season's competition Valencia overturned a 3-0 deficit to progress 5-3 on aggregate in their quarter-final encounter against Basel.

Head coach Montella, whose side recorded back-to-back Serie A victories by beating Empoli 3-2 on Sunday, has not given up the ghost yet.

"On Thursday, we will above all need great self-belief," he said. "It is my duty to transmit my belief to the team.

"It will be a huge task, but I believe we can do it against Sevilla."Part of Sevilla's success has been the goalscoring potential in their team, with Carlos Bacca and Kevin Gameiro each scoring four times in this year's Europa League - the latter netting the third goal in last week's win over Fiorentina.

The form of those two players has meant that on-loan Liverpool man Iago Aspas has been largely restricted to a substitute's role, but he is revelling in Sevilla's success this term.

"The team's season has been very good," he told EPSN.

 "We are almost into the final of the Europa League in Warsaw and fighting for fourth place in La Liga.

"I think it is a good season. On an individual level, when things were going best for me, I was starting games, I had an injury and was out for a month.

"It is difficult, as the coach has played almost the whole season with just one forward. Bacca and Gameiro have scored a lot of goals. 

I have too in the small bit of time I have got to play. But it is difficult. I have done well, but my team-mates have too."Sevilla, who are three points adrift of Valencia in the race for fourth in La Liga, travel to Italy with Beto despite the goalkeeper nursing a shoulder injury, but Dani Parejo (knee) is absent.

Fiorentina, the 1990 runners-up, have injury problems of their own to contend with. Micah Richard (hamstring), Manuel Vargas (adductor) and Nenad Tomovic (hip) are all unavailable for Montella.

Pique wants El Clasico final

While his team-mates are unfazed by who they face in the UEFA Champions League final, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique would welcome an El Clasico against Real Madrid.

Luis Enrique's men booked their spot in Berlin with a 5-3 aggregate win over Bayern Munich, despite losing 3-2 at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Newmarket and Andres Iniesta are happy to play either Juventus or Real Madrid, who complete their semi-final on Wednesday, but Pique said a clash with their La Liga rivals would be ideal.

"A final against [Real] Madrid would be very exciting and historic," Pique said."We've marked an era. 

I'm very happy to be part of this team. We'll remember for a long time, now is the time to enjoy it.

"Neymar netted a brace in Germany after Mehdi Benatia had opened the scoring for the hosts, with the Brazilian's double crucial.

The 23-year-old said his team had celebrated, but understood there was a huge game ahead of them.

"Now we have only one step left. The dressing room hosted a small party, but we still have one more step," Neymar said.

"It's very important to be in the final. It doesn’t matter who we play."Iniesta echoed Neymar's thoughts, and he would like to see Barca win the treble of La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey.

"Our goal was to be the final and once there it doesn’t matter who our rival is. But we mustn't stop and we have to try and win everything," the midfielder said."Being in the final is huge and it would be incredible to get the titles for the team and for the fans."

Drogba convinced me to join Chelsea - Hazard

Didier Drogba was behind Eden Hazard's big-money transfer to Chelsea almost three years ago, according to the Belgium international midfielder.

Hazard left Lille for Chelsea in a deal reportedly worth £32 million in 2012 and Rudi Garcia, who was coach of the Ligue 1 outfit at the time, claimed a phone call from owner Roman Abramovich persuaded the player to relocate to England .

However, the PFA Players' Player of the Year recipient insisted that was not the case, instead telling The Mirror that Chelsea icon Drogba convinced him to join the London club.

"I didn't want to go to Chelsea because I wanted to play the Champions League and they were sixth in the league," said 24-year-old, who has won the Premier League, League Cup and UEFA Europa League since arriving at Stamford Bridge.

"I was convinced when they won the Champions League in 2012."At the time, Roberto Di Matteo really wanted me, they had Juan Mata, and Oscar had been bought.

I was told: 'You'll see, Chelsea will play football'."Gervinho called me and said: 'Someone's on the phone'.

I didn't know who it was but it was Drogba, he wanted me to sign."I was flattered, he was maybe the best striker in the world. In my head, I wasn't going to sign, but in the end I was very pleased with my choice.

 I didn't speak to Abramovich."I don't know why coach Garcia wrote that in his book."