Many international managers are already thinking about their route to the 2014 FIFA World Cup after the qualifying draw was announced.On Saturday in Rio de Janiero, Brazil, national teams learnt the path they will have to conquer if they are to qualify.
Reigning world and European champions Spain were drawn in Group I alongside France, Belarus, Georgia and Finland and coach Vicente del Bosque knows progressing will not be easy.
“France are our main rivals in this group but we must also have respect for every opponent,” Del Bosque told Spanish newspaper Marca, before labelling his opponents as ‘dangerous’.
“We do not know the weather we may face on such trips and there are a lot of variables in each game, which we will need to deal with. Today, you cannot take anyone for granted.”
World Cup runners-up Netherlands will face Turkey, Hungary, Romania, Estonia and Andorra in Group D as they attempt to repeat their run to the final in South Africa.
Netherlands coach, Bert van Marwijk, feels his side have been handed a tough draw but is looking forward to Brazil.
“It’s a difficult draw. You can’t change the draw, you have to beat all your opponents, that’s it,” van Marwijk said.
“Brazil are the best football nation ever, they have won the World Cup five times, everybody here supports them, they have 190 million people, they have so many good players.”
“I think they will organise the World Cup very well, it’s a country that breathes football and I like it.”
If they are to qualify, Germany will head to Brazil as one of the favourites after their young players impressed with a third-place finish last year.
They are in Group C with Sweden, the Republic of Ireland, Austria, Kazakhstan and the Faroe Islands.
“It’s very interesting for our players to play against Ireland. They must be motivated and focused, Ireland is a team that are in such good shape, they have some interesting players that can make things difficult, but I prefer to play in this atmosphere,” German general manager Oliver Bierhoff said.
“Playing against the smaller teams isn’t easy either, even the smaller teams in Europe are tough to beat these days.”
England will attempt to qualify from Group H, against Montenegro, Ukraine, Poland, Moldova and San Marino, but manager Fabio Capello insists his players must be cautious.
“I think England need to be careful,” Capello said.
“Moldova will be easy again, but Ukraine, Poland and Montenegro will be not so easy to beat.”
Trusted sources of the Tavern are convinced that the transfer of the highly respected winger, Juan Mata is expected to be announced in days if not hours.
Despite Valencia’s perilous financial state they were keen to hold onto Mata but a suggested fee of some £28million sees them selling him on their terms.
Mata has been linked with a number of top clubs across Europe, in the Premiership it was Tottenham and Arsenal who were most notably suggested destinations. Spurs appear incapable of landing anyone in this window with their targets dropping daily.
Arsenal are faring no better themselves selling their best players and seeming to find excuses galore as to why suggested replacements are ‘unsuitable.’
There was a convoluted tale about a buy out clause in the player’s contract which expired last Sunday, but all indicators are that Villas Boas has got his man.
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Fulham manager Martin Jol and striker Andy Johnson have spoken of their frustration at not capitalising on chances against Twente in the Europa League, and having to make do with a point in a 1-1 draw.
Johnson fired the Cottagers into a 19th minute lead after a defensive mistake by the Eredivisie outfit, but Luuk de Jong equalised just before half time.
Jol was particularly annoyed by the English side’s lack of ruthlessness in front of goal, as they had chances to extend their lead before the Dutch team’s goal.
“In the first half we should have been two or three up. Of course they’re a good team but when you put them under that sort of pressure you should be winning,” he told Sky Sports.
“We still wanted to play with four forward players but if you don’t put the goals away you get frustrated and put pressure on yourself. The only thing now is that we have to put the chances away.”
Former England striker Johnson is happy to be fit and scoring goals again, but admits that his side should have probably won all three points.
“We started well and played well enough to come away with the points so I think we’re disappointed, but it’s a long slog and to get a point early on (in the group) is pleasing.
“I missed out on being in the final (in 2010) and I played in the early games last season, so I’m delighted to be fit now and scoring goals, and I’m looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he concluded.
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Fulham now must pick themselves up for the visit of Manchester City at the weekend and look to pick up points, as they have yet to win a game in the league this term.
Carlos Tevez will return to England on Wednesday to learn his fate, as Manchester City are close to concluding their enquiry into his refusal to come off the bench for the club.
The temperamental striker has been suspended for two weeks from the Etihad Stadium team, and returned to his native Argentina whilst club officials, lawyers and HR staff looked into his indiscretion further.
City boss Roberto Mancini claims that Tevez refused to enter the field of play against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, compounding a 2-0 defeat at the Allianz Arena in the Premier League side’s first foray into Europe’s top tournament.
Tevez has claimed that it was a misunderstanding and that he did not refuse to play, but The Daily Mail indicate that the attacker will fly back to Manchester on Wednesday, and meet with the club to find out their judgement.
There have been reports that City may terminate the South American’s contract, but a cut-price sale in January looks more likely, with reports in Mirror Football that Real Madrid are ready to end Tevez’s time in England.
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The universal language of football has been tested to the limit in recent weeks, as the camps of Man City and Arsenal alongside others try to piece together the important information surrounding their players. With the Carlos Tevez saga remaining a talking point, it appears further news has broken out, suggesting how his reaction was taken out of proportion based on an inaccurate and inadequate translation.
Tevez, conspiring with his agent, has suggested how there was no refusal to play on his behalf, but a misunderstanding. This, alongside a multicultural, multilingual Arsenal squad appearing to have issues based on a lack of understanding in their ranks, it seems football does in fact fall into language categories, and these can cause catastrophic problems to both teams and individual’s as they search for the success that they so desire.
Most football fans, City or not, have voiced their desire for Carlos Tevez to be sacked from the club, calling for his head based on this apparent show of arrogance and disrespect. This reaction is expected, as in Football, like any other job, the failure to turn up at work without injury or illness, would result in disciplinary action. This, like other scenarios, has followed that path yet with far more publicity. Criticism surrounding his choice not to bounce to his feet, put his best foot forward onto the pitch and in turn put his problems behind him is perhaps fair. However some sympathy is perhaps deserved.
A player of Tevez’s quality and illustrated attitude, it seems the scenario must have dire for a reaction of this magnitude. The desire to go back to his homeland in Argentina, alongside the ever changing starting line up of Manchester City , a player like Tevez would be offended not to play each week, leaving him desperate for first team football and a fresh start.
Resignation can only be found in the form of retirement, or an expired contract, and with neither of them an immediate option, he appears stuck in Manchester City quicksand. With City stubbornness preventing a move on a cheap, it seems Carlos has one option, to act professionally and continue with his career day by day – something he is usually so good at. Kia Joorabchian – an advisor of Tevez – suggests:
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“You can criticise Carlos for anything but one thing you can’t criticise him for is his commitment when he’s on the pitch and you can never criticise him for wanting to play”
Tevez had supposedly said something along the lines of ‘How am I going to be in a mental state to play…’ not directly refusing playing time, however offering the manager a choice, something that effectively goes against the previous statement, as in this instance he showed few signs of commitment and passion.
Tevez is without doubt a talent, and has been exceptional in both the blue and red of Manchester. However his future is unclear. In a few years he will be in a hot country, away from the media pressure and leaving his football to do the talking, however until then, it seems that Manchester is a cold and lonely place.
The language barrier has become increasingly more apparent in other ways, with voices becoming louder within certain camps, suggesting that the translation between different languages and cultures can cause issues when playing. It has been suggested that Per Mertesacker has found it difficult merging with the likes of Brazillian Andre Santos and Frenchman Laurent Koscielny, as he attempts to acclimatise himself to English top flight football.
Mertesacker has looked far from confident so far, however the lack of unity within the defence could account for a large amount of initial problems that this makeshift Arsenal team has faced. An excuse? Yes, however arguably a valid one, something that should improve in time. Yet Arsenal should not have faced this problem, as last minute signings should have been secured weeks before, allowing extra time for the likes of Mertesacker to bond with his fellow defenders. However that did not occur, and this is the expected result.
Ultimately, the language barrier is always a problem that needs handling. However you would hope that clubs of Arsenal and Manchester City can handle these issues, like they have done so in the past. Whether problematic in manager-player scenarios, or problematic within a team, there is always the possibility that some may suffer. At Arsenal, and in all the top clubs, different languages and cultures are common, requiring adequate translators or leaders that can ingratiate new players into the squad.
The fact Arsenal football club was pieced together at late notice will without doubt make things harder, as a relatively new Arsenal team was formed, rather than adding to what was already available. Teams take time to form, and an Arsenal squad that has been remade with players from all over the world, a settling period is bound to have been expected. However with the gunners lying 15th in the Premier League, settling in must happen sooner rather than later.
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Article courtesy of Patrick Archard from This is Futbol
Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Amauri has confirmed that he is leaving Juventus in January and that a club has already agreed to take on the Italian international on a permanent deal according to talkSPORT.
Fulham have also shown an interest in the tall striker; who had his number 11 squad number taken away from him in the summer and will confirm his destination in the next few days.
The agent of the former Palermo and Parma forward has refused to rule out that his player could be heading to the Premier League and a deal is nearly complete.
The Brazil-born striker has played for ten clubs in 11 years and has a reputation of being unsettled easily, but his goal scoring record in impressive and his style of play and size could suit the Premier League.
The 31-year-old’s agent Ernesto Bronzetti told Sky Italia: “We have found another team to take the player in January.
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“There is no deal confirmed but we hope that in the next few days we can speak more clearly. Juventus have no problems with him leaving it is just a matter of how much money. I can not give names and prefer not to say whether it is an English club. All will be revealed in time.”
West Brom will be hoping to solidify their mid-table position going into the festive period with a win over rock bottom Wigan at The Hawthorns.
Albion’s recent form has seen them slide towards the relegation zone although their point away at QPR gave themselves a five-point buffer ahead of their Christmas fixtures. Roy Hodgson’s side have been unable to replicate their form from last season that saw them finish just outside the top half in an impressive first season back in the Premier League. Their home form has been the biggest negative of their campaign thus far with the Hawthorns faithful seeing their players conjure up just two victories on home soil. Scoring goals on their own patch has also been a problem with just six hitting the net with that contributing to the four defeats suffered at home. The Baggies festive schedule isn’t the most demanding with games against Blackburn and Everton providing opportunities to take maximum points and move further up the table ahead of the New Year. Hodgson needs to get his side scoring more regularly though with Shane Long the only consistent goal scorer in the team. Peter Odemwingie’s goals have dried up whilst Chris Brunt and James Morison aren’t scoring enough from midfield. They’ll see a huge chance to rectify that against lowly Wigan on Saturday.
The Latics were thumped at the DW Stadium last week by Arsenal sending them hurtling back to the foot of the table. Roberto Martinez thought his side had turned a corner following their late win against Sunderland the previous Saturday but fell back into a familiar cycle against the Gunners. The ease in which they let the North London side cut them apart was painful to watch and Martinez will be expecting his defence to tighten up when they make the trip to the Midlands to face the Baggies. Scoring goals away from home has been a major problem with Wigan hitting the net only four times in seven games away from the DW. Despite possessing players like Victor Moses, Hugo Rodallega, Franco Di Santo and Jordi Gomez in attack they continue to struggle in front of goal. The Latics know they need to start picking up points on the road during Christmas if they are to build some confidence and drag themselves off the bottom of the table.
West Brom – 14th
Last Five: Drew 1-1 v QPR (A), Lost 3-1 v Tottenham (H), Won 2-0 v Bolton (H), Lost 3-0 v Arsenal (A), Lost 2-0 v Liverpool (H)
Potential Starting X11: 1. B. Foster 12. S. Reid 3. J. Olsson 33. P. Scharner 20. N. Shorey 14. J. Thomas 21. Y. Mulumbu 7. J. Morrison 11. C. Brunt[C] 14. P. Odemwingie 9. S. Long*
Injury News: Zoltan Gera is the only player in the Hawthorns treatment room with the Hungarian playmaker out for the season.
Key Player: Shane Long
Once again Long repaid a large chunk of his £7.5 million price tag by popping up to rescue a vital point in the 1-1 draw with QPR last week. The Republic of Ireland striker has taken over the scoring mantle from Odemwingie with aplomb and gives the Baggies an extra touch of pace and purpose up front. His intelligent use of the last man to spin away and chase through balls has given the midfield something to hit over the top and his intelligent movement will surely unsettle a fragile Wigan back four on Saturday.
Match Fact: West Brom have won four of the seven meetings between the two sides at the Hawthorns losing just once against Wigan in the Premier League
Wigan – 20th
Last Five: Lost 4-0 v Arsenal, Won 2-1 v Sunderland (A), Drew 3-3 v Blackburn (H), Lost 3-1 v Wolves (A), Lost 2-0 v Fulham (H)
Potential Starting X11: 26. A. Al Habsi 23. R. Stam 4. G. Caldwell [C] 17. E. Boyce 3. M. Figueroa 8. B. Watson 21. M. Diame 4. J. McCarthy 16. J. McArthur* 11.V. Moses 18. C. Sammon
Injury News: Martinez has no fresh concerns going into the West Brom game with Chris Kirkland the only player currently out injured.
Key Player: James McArthur
Since coming back into the side McArthur has displayed just how pivotal he is to the way Wigan operate. His ability on the ball, driving runs and wide range of passing give the Latic’s some creativity in midfield. His hard work off the ball is also vital with his tracking back to aid the defence in regaining possession exhibiting that he is willing to dig in and do the work others would normally shy away from. That sort of determination will be key against West Brom on Saturday as Martinez’s side look to haul themselves away from trouble.
Match Fact: Wigan have won just once at the Hawthorns in seven Premier League visits with that victory coming in their debut season back in 2005/06
Last Time at The Hawthorns
Premier League 1 February 2011
West Brom 2-2 Wigan
Odemwingie (5) Fortune (79)
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N’Zogbia (20) Watson (43)
Attendance: 25,385
Referee: Phil Dowd
PREDICTION
West Brom have stopped and started this season but will be buoyed following their 1-1 draw with QPR last week. They know a win will lift them further away from danger and come up against a Wigan side who are rock bottom once again. The Latics were brought back down to earth following their win at Sunderland with Arsenal thumping four past them at the DW. Winning at the Hawthorns will be another tough test as they start a hectic festive campaign.
Chelsea boss Andre Villas Boas has admitted that he ideally would like to sign two new players in the January transfer window.
The Blues have made it publicly known that they are eager to recruit a central defender, with an offer for Bolton’s Gary Cahill accepted and negotiations with the England international ongoing.
Despite this, the Portuguese coach has indicated that a second new face at Stamford Bridge would also be welcome.
“Apart from the central defender we might get one more player in, but we’re not sure yet,” he told Sky Sports.
“It’s always difficult (in January). First of all, the top talent is normally cup-tied in the Champions League, or in the different domestic competitions.
“It’s difficult for the selling club to make players available. So it’s normal to struggle in the transfer market.
“Normally it’s a market where you overpay a lot and that’s not what we want to do now. I think that’s why we’ve set out not to do a lot in the transfer window,” he stated.
Porto attacker Hulk and Juventus winger Milos Krasic are two players that Chelsea have been linked with, whilst The Daily Mail have reported that The Blues have bid £8 million for Genk starlet Kevin de Bruyne.
Meanwhile, injured midfielder Michael Essien played 75 minutes for Chelsea reserves, as he looks to get back to full fitness.
The Ghana international has well-documented knee problems, and has been on the sidelines since July, but featured in The Blues’ 3-2 defeat against West Brom’s second team.
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Tottenham missed the chance to move level on points with leaders Manchester City after being held by Wolves on a frustrating afternoon at White Hart Lane
Harry Redknapp’s men fell behind midway through the first half after Steven Fletcher poked home from close range in what was the visitors’ first attack of the game. The home faithful had to wait until after the break for their side to draw level with Luka Modric firing home from 20-yards but that was as good as it got for Spurs as they blew the opportunity to go joint top of the Premier League. It was a lacklustre 90 minutes from the North Londoner’s who were thwarted time and time again by Mick McCarthy’s struggling side who turned in a disciplined display to give their survival hopes a much needed boost. They also struck a huge blow to Tottenham’s title challenge as their hard work in the first half of the season was undone at the Lane.
A confident start from the hosts saw Modric try his luck from distance three times without success before Wolves took the lead against the run of play as Fletcher stabbed home after Brad Friedel had done well to keep out Roger Johnson’s header. Spurs were furious that the corner leading to the goal was given with replays later showing the last touch came off David Edwards. The home side required a swift response and Gareth Bale almost provided some instant relief but only fire straight at Wayne Hennessey and Emmanuel Adebayor had a goal ruled out for offside. It was a case of not being able to turn possession into goals for Redknapp’s men and they were almost punished for second time only for Edwards to fire wide from 12-yards after being played in by Matt Jarvis.
On-loan Emmanuel Frimpong then forced Friedel into smart save just after the break before Spurs regained control and Modric finally made the breakthrough fizzing the ball under Hennessey from Bales layoff with the Croatian seeing a similar effort clawed away by the Wolves keeper. Jermaine Defoe then came off the bench as the hosts searched for a winner and the striker almost had an instant impact seeing his low strike saved by the legs of Hennessey. However that was all Tottenham could muster as the visitors held on to keep their heads above water for another week.
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Tottenham have had a busy end to the transfer window, selling Roman Pavlyuchenko and loaning Steven Pienaar to Everton, with Louis Saha going the other way.
Russia international Pavlyuchenko has found first team opportunities limited at White Hart Lane this season, and has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow for a reported £8million.
The news was revealed on the club’s official website, as the eastern European forward ends a three-and-a-half year stint at the club.
“We have reached agreement for the transfer of Roman Pavlyuchenko to Lokomotiv Moscow,” the statement reads.
“The striker joined us from Spartak Moscow in August 2008 and went on to score 42 goals in 113 appearances.
“We thank Roman for his contribution and wish him every success for the future,” it concluded.
Toffees striker Saha has been brought in as his replacement, with the France international joining on a short-term loan basis.
The speedy attacker’s contract at Goodison Park is due to expire in the summer, and David Moyes has sent him out on loan for the rest of his current deal.
Steven Pienaar will move the other way in a swap deal with the Merseyside club, with the South African looking for more regular football.
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Other departures from North London are Sebastian Bassong, who joins Wolves on loan, and Vedran Corluka, who has moved to Bayer Leverkusen on a temporary basis also.