Wednesday, 24 January 2018

'Sanchez the right fit for United'



Ryan Giggs says Alexis Sanchez is a ready-made "superstar" who can give Manchester United a lift as they bid to chase down Premier League rivals Manchester City.
Sanchez on Monday sealed a move to United from Arsenal in a swap deal with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, saying he was "thrilled to be joining the biggest club in the world".
The 29-year-old Chile striker, who came close to joining Manchester City last summer, has signed what is believed to be a four-and-a-half-year contract that will make him the highest-paid player in the Premier League.
It has been widely reported that Sanchez will earn a pre-tax salary of £500 000 ($697 000, 569 000 euros) a week at Old Trafford.
"Manchester United signing Alexis Sanchez is similar to Robin van Persie in the sense that they're getting a ready-made superstar and you're seeing the contribution already with Anthony Martial upping his performances," new Wales manager Giggs said on skysports.com.
"That can happen when top players come in, those around them lift their levels, and there will be some difficult selection decisions for Jose Mourinho.
"However, Sanchez can also play on the right, as he did at Barcelona, so if Martial is flying then he may have to play in a different position, but those sort of decisions are positive for a manager to have to make."
ATTACKING RICHES
United boss Mourinho said Sanchez would "complete our very young and talented group of attacking players" alongside the likes of Romelu Lukaku, Marcus Rashford, in-form Jesse Lingard and Martial, who has scored three goals in his past three Premier League games.
Giggs, United's most-decorated player, said it was an extra bonus that the former Arsenal man would be able to play in the Champions League – United play Sevilla in the first leg of their last-16 tie on February 21.
"To have somebody like that, who won't be fazed by playing in the big games, makes the squad look really strong," he wrote.
United, who have not won the Premier League title since 2013, are second in the table but trail Manchester City by 12 points – a gap that looks impossible to breach even with four months of the season to run.
Sanchez took a parting shot in an Instagram post at ex-Arsenal players who have criticised his attitude.
"There are people (former club players) who have spoken with no knowledge of what happens inside the club and cause damage," Sanchez wrote.
"I must say I always gave 100%, until the last day, when I asked to the Mister (Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger) to be in the team, because I wanted to be a contribution."
Armenia international winger Mkhitaryan, also 29, fell out of favour with United manager Mourinho after just 18 months at Old Trafford.
The Sanchez-Mkhitaryan deal is the latest move of a busy January transfer window during which Liverpool sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for 160 million euros and signed central defender Virgil Van Dijk from Southampton for £75 million.
Reports in Germany say striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be on his way to Arsenal from Borussia Dortmund.

Sanchez denies Henry told him to quit


 
  Alexis Sanchez has denied that Arsenal great Thierry Henry advised him to leave the club before his move this week to Premier League rivals Manchester United.
The Chile international clarified remarks he made referring to the Gunners' record goalscorer after completing his much-anticipated switch to Old Trafford on Monday.
After the signing was announced by United, Sanchez wrote on Instagram: "I remember today, a conversation I had with Henry, a historic Arsenal player, who changed club for the same reason and today is my turn."
Those comments have been construed to mean that Henry, who left Arsenal for Barcelona in 2007, advised Sanchez that it was time to move on.
Henry tweeted himself on Tuesday that this was not the case.
The Frenchman wrote: "I know I don't need to explain this to the majority of Arsenal fans but contrary to speculation at no time did I tell Alexis Sanchez to leave Arsenal. I had no idea he was going to sign for Man Utd until I saw it on the news like the rest of you."
Sanchez, 29, tweeted on Wednesday: "I want to clarify that Henry never told me to leave the club, it was a personal decision ... he LOVES the club and someday it would be nice to see him as the arsenal coach because he loves the club."
Sanchez, who scored 80 goals in 166 appearances for Arsenal, was in the final year of his contract at the Emirates Stadium after turning down a new deal.

Saturday, 6 December 2014

Illarramendi to come into Real midfield
















































 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will deploy Asier Illarramendi in midfield in place of the suspended Isco and the injured Sami Khedira for Saturday's La Liga game at home to Celta Vigo, the Italian said on Friday.
Isco was sent off in last weekend's 2-1 win at his former club Malaga, while Khedira suffered a concussion in Tuesday's King's Cup game against Cornella.
Fellow midfielder Luka Modric, Ancelotti's first choice alongside Toni Kroos in the middle, is also out injured and not due back until the New Year.
Illarramendi has not lived up to expectations since joining from Real Sociedad in July last year but has a chance to impress as Real seek to extend their club-record winning streak to 18 matches in all competitions, stretching back to a 2-1 reverse to champions Atletico Madrid in September.
Ancelotti told a news conference he was expecting a tough challenge from eighth-placed Celta, who surprised Barcelona 1-0 at the Nou Camp last month and secured a 2-2 draw at Atletico's Calderon stadium in September.
"They are a very aggressive side with players who work hard on the pitch," Ancelotti said.
"They will play a very intense match and it won't be an easy game," he added.
"Isco is on very good form but his absence will not affect us tomorrow because I have a lot of confidence in Illarra."
Real are two points clear of second-placed Barcelona, who host city rivals Espanyol on Sunday, after 13 matches, with Atletico in third, a further two points adrift, ahead of their game on Saturday at Elche.
"Things are going well at the moment and I have a very good relationship with the players," said Ancelotti, whose side are through to the last 16 of both the Champions League and the King's Cup.
"We fight together and we have the same goals. I want to keep it going for a long time.
"We don't need to set a limit and we have to take each match at a time. I am convinced that with this squad we will quickly get over any adversity."

Tuesday, 6 May 2014


Yohan Cabaye and Edinson Cavani © Action Images


Cavani double hands PSG Cup triumph

Paris St Germain collected their first trophy of the season when Edinson Cavani's double secured a 2-1 victory against Olympique Lyon in the French League Cup final on Saturday.
Uruguay striker Cavani netted twice in the first half, including a controversial penalty, to hand PSG their fourth League Cup title on a chilly night at the Stade de France.
Alexandre Lacazette reduced the arrears in the second half but Remi Garde's team could not find an equaliser.
Laurent Blanc's PSG team will now turn their attention towards claiming a second Ligue 1 title in succession as they hold a 10-point lead over AS Monaco with five games remaining. Blanc claimed his side had put their Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Chelsea behind them and the former France coach appeared to be right for a while.
Six days after losing 1-0 at Lyon in Ligue 1, PSG started the final by imposing their possession football on the game while their opponents sat back and waited to counter attack.
However, Lyon were forced to change their plans after four minutes when PSG scored their first goal in three games since striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was ruled out with a thigh injury.
CAVANI STRIKES
Cavani latched on to Maxwell's cross after the fullback was fed by Ezequiel Lavezzi's backheel on the edge of the box after a quick one-two between the Argentine and Brazilian on the left.
Cavani had another great chance in the 14th but his half volley from just outside the area was parried by Anthony Lopes.
Goalkeeper Lopes then fouled Lucas and referee Stephane Lannoy awarded PSG a penalty although TV replays showed the foul was committed outside the box.
Cavani converted the spot kick to double the tally in the 33rd minute and should have made it 3-0 minutes later from Lucas's perfect pass but he skied his attempt over the bar.
PSG played too casually after the break and were punished in the 56th minute when Lacazette beat Nicolas Douchez with low cross-shot from 18 metres after being let loose by Thiago Silva.
The goal put PSG on the back foot and Blanc made his first substitutions in the 74th minute when Yohan Cabaye and Javier Pastore came on for Marco Verratti and Lavezzi respectively.
The changes made little difference, however, with PSG seemingly happy to hold on to their slender advantage while Lyon lacked the creative inspiration to fashion an equaliser.


Mata: Sign off with a win

In his weekly blog, Juan Mata says the Reds are determined to repay the fans for their support with a win in the final home of the 2013/14 season...

This is another Monday that I have to talk about being unhappy with our result at the weekend. Last Saturday we didn't win, but also we didn't play the way we want to and have to. I was feeling good on the pitch, but Sunderland took their first chance to score and we weren't able to comeback in the second half.
The good thing is that on Tuesday we play again at Old Trafford against Hull City. It's our last game at home this season and we want to have a decent farewell in front of our fans, with a good game and a victory. They have given us a remarkable support throughout the last year and that shows the greatness of the club and the loyalty of our fans in the good and, in particular, the bad moments.
We will then have to play one more game to finish the Premier League, next weekend at Southampton. Then it will be time to analyse what has been a complicated season for the club, although I'm sure the future will bring again titles and happiness to our fans because that is what they deserve.
To be honest, as I said in the last entry in this blog, from a personal point of view I feel this season will be too short for me. I'm feeling good and I want to keep scoring and assisting as I was able to do in April. There are just two games remaining and I will try to make the most of them.

Ibra back as PSG look to clinch title

Zlatan Ibrahimovic will make his comeback from injury in Wednesday's Ligue 1 home game against Stade Rennes that is expected to see Paris St Germain clinch their second consecutive French title.
"Zlatan is in good form, physically and mentally. We'll see him tomorrow against Rennes although we do not know whether he will start," coach Laurent Blanc told a news conference on Tuesday.
Sweden forward Ibrahimovic, who has scored 25 goals from 30 league appearances, has been out of action since he picked up a thigh injury in PSG's 3-1 home win against Chelsea in their Champions League quarterfinal first leg on April 2.
Without him, PSG have lost two of their six matches in all competitions.
PSG will win the Ligue 1 title if they beat Rennes at the Parc des Princes, or if second-placed Monaco fail to beat En Avant Guingamp.

Source: Supersport.com

Saturday, 7 December 2013

D Moyes Not Good Enough



 It is believed that the said Manager of the #RedDevils #ManchesterUnited is not good enough for this great team. A lot of people believes that if it were Sir Alex Fergie that is still the manager #Manchesterunited would have been topping the #BPL table by now. But lets still pray for hope in the team.

Moyes Reaction

“The fans have been great. They understand there is a big transition going on here and, like me, I don't think they expected us to have lost five games at this stage of the season. We'll work hard to improve.” More: http://bit.ly/1hEA7QCPhoto: Moyes Reaction

“The fans have been great.  They understand there is a big transition going on here and, like me, I don't think they expected us to have lost five games at this stage of the season. We'll work hard to improve.” More: http://bit.ly/1hEA7QC

Match Report

United 0 Newcastle 1. A disappointing afternoon for United as David Moyes’ side slipped to a second home defeat in four days.

Match report: http://bit.ly/1d2dNe6
Photo: United 0 Newcastle 1. A disappointing afternoon for United as David Moyes’ side slipped to a second home defeat in four days. 

Match report: http://bit.ly/1d2dNe6

EPL table

It finished SUNDERLAND 1-2 SPURS in the late ‪#‎BPL‬ kick off; here is what Saturday's seven matches have done to the table.
It finished SUNDERLAND 1-2 SPURS in the late #BPL kick off; here is what Saturday's seven matches have done to the table.

Good weekend so far for your team?
Good weekend so far for your team?

The Two Most Respected and Forever Existing Legends.. RIP

Michael Jackson on a visit to Mandela's Town in one of his South African Tour.






 RIP NELSON MADIBA MANDELA....The rare gem of our time!! We will all miss You!!!!!!!

Friday, 6 December 2013

World Cup Group E: ‘France couldn't have picked it better'


World Cup Group E: ‘France couldn't have picked it better'

Goal’s experts offer their reactions to the World Cup draw in Group E where Switzerland, Ecuador, Honduras, and France were pooled together
'HITZFELD WAS RIGHT TO FEEL LUCKY'
By Joe Wright
Ottmar Hitzfeld spoke of the huge advantage of his side being among the top seeds prior to the draw, and Switzerland can indeed count themselves lucky with the result.
While France will be touted as favourites to win the group, Switzerland will no doubt fancy their chances of securing at least a draw against their inconsistent European neighbours. Ecuador's attacking prowess could cause some problems and Honduras will be an unknown entity for them, but the Nati will consider themselves more than capable of wins from both games.
'SUAREZ'S ECUADOR KNOWLEDGE COULD BE COSTLY'
By Jhonkarlos Guinan

Ecuador weren't too lucky in the draw as they will face two European teams in the group stage, even though Switzerland are a surprising seed and not the worst side to face from Pot 1.

France scraped their way to the finals but, with the likes of Franck Ribery in their ranks, nobody can underestimate their potential.

It's the second consecutive World Cup for Honduras and although on paper they look like the easiest rival in Group E, they have Luis Fernando Suarez as coach - someone who will no doubt put his knowledge of coaching Ecuador to good use.

'HONDURAS ARE IN LINE TO MAKE HISTORY'
By Roberto Navarro
Luck appears to have taken kindly to Honduras. Despite facing two European nations in the group stage, it is fair to think they are two of the least frightening nations to have qualified to Brazil 2014.

Traditionally, France are a team that compete for the top spots - but the 1998 champions are a shadow of their former selves. Switzerland, meanwhile, are arguably the easiest of the eight seeded teams in the draw.

It isn't by any means a stretch to think that Honduras can reach their first round of 16, but coach Luis Fernando Suarez must prepare this team for anything in order to achieve that historic goal.
'FRANCE COULDN'T HAVE PICKED IT BETTER'
By Robin Bairner
After muddling their way through the qualifier, France could barely have hand picked a better draw for Brazil. Switzerland as top seeds in their group is extremely generous and the other opponents are not nearly as dangerous as Didier Deschamps might have feared.

France must fancy their chances of winning this group and therefore getting an easier draw in the last 16. Already Deschamps must be secretly believing that a place in the quarter-finals is possible.
Nevertheless, France don't typically thrive under a weight of expectation, and that is exactly what there will be after this draw.

World Cup Group A: ‘Brazil given a gift and a curse’



World Cup Group A: ‘Brazil given a gift and a curse’ 










Goal’s experts offer their reactions to the World Cup draw in Group A where Brazil, Cameroon, Mexico and Croatia were pooled together
BRAZIL
By Matheus Harb
"We might say Brazil was given a gift and a curse with this draw, as they were drawn in a fairly easy group, but with the prospect of facing one of the two finalists from the 2010 World Cup.
"The biggest challenge for Felipao and his players will be maintaining focus on a group they are supposed to win before the likely clash against Netherlands or Spain.

"Individually speaking, it might be an interesting match against Mexico, a team historically known to cause trouble to the Selecao, despite coming off a dramatic qualification in the Concacaf zone."

CAMEROON
By Lawrence Nkede
“Cameroon's opening fixture against Mexico is the second of the tournament and comes against opponents largely unknown to fans in the African country. It will be an interesting test.
"Cameroon seem not to have a chance against Brazil who will be playing at home. It will be difficult to match up the technical skills and
pace of players like Neymar  and Oscar.
"Croatia seem like less of a threat and Cameroon can take advantage of their athletic qualities and seal a possible victory or draw. Much rides on the opening game, though."
MEXICO
By Eric Gomez
“For the second consecutive World Cup, Mexico will square off with the host nation in the group stage. And though Brazil are a top side, El Tri have held their own against them in recent years.

"Cameroon, by way of style and geography, do not favor Mexico, initially. African teams are usually difficult for Mexico, as history can attest. This will be Mexico's biggest test from here on in.

"With Brazil all but qualified for the Round of 16, hopes are high amongst Mexican pundits and fans, though the team's fate will likely be decided in the opener against Cameroon."
CROATIA
By Luke Matthews
“Croatia are very unlucky to come up against the host nation and favourites Brazil in the opening game of the World Cup. A win looks highly unlikely meaning victories will be required in the other games.

"Croatia faced Mexico back in the 2002 World Cup, losing 1-0 courtesy of a Cuauhtemoc Blanco goal but the Balkan nation have never previously met Cameroon.

"The condition of star players such as Luka Modric and Mario Mandzukic will be key for the Croats. If these players are fit and ready, they will have hopes of sneaking through."

Source: Goal.com

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Top Morning News

Potable Drinking Water: Okonjo-Iweala Wants Rivers People To Die – Amaechi.
Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State has called on the House of Representatives to probe the Minister of Finance,...

Read More Here >>> http://www.informationng.com/?p=153483



VIDEO: Gov Oshiomhole apologizes to the widow, gives her N2m

Governor Oshiomhole today donated N2million to the widow he treated harshly, Mrs Joy Ifije, who was invited to the Edo State Government House. She was also offered automatic employment.

WATCH VIDEO > www.naijaurban.com/video-gov-oshiomhole-apologizes-widow-gives-her-n2m/



Why Are People This Wicked. VIDEO: See How Bad Boys Strip and Molest This Yoruba Girls

WATCH THE VIDEO > http://shar.es/Dwd0M



Picture Of Babatunde Fashola As A Kid.

...Get to see Mr. Fash as a kid. See photo below:

SEE IT > www.naijaurban.com/picture-babatunde-fashola-kid/



BOMBSHELL: Asari Says Jonathan Is Becoming A Big Failure

He is one of President Goodluck Jonathan's most vocal supporter but it seems Asari Dokubo is now agreeing with Governor Rotimi Amaechi that President Goodlcuk Jonathan has failed South-South and Nigerians.

Asari, at a press conference in Abuja, declared that President Jonathan has lost the support of his political base due to the failure of his government to deliver on its promises. The ex-militant leader said:

...This is going to shock you. Read what he said below:

READ HERE > http://www.naijaurban.com/bombshell-asari-says-jonathan-becoming-big-failure/

Tuesday, 19 November 2013

Keshi hails Onazi's maturity





Stephen Keshi expressed his pride at the performance of his charges in the 2-2 draw with Italy at Fulham Football Club's compact Craven Cottage.
"We played on saturday, travelled rather quickly, arriving London yesterday(sunday) and playing tonight(monday), I am really proud of the players and the character they displayed"
Nigeria made wholesale changes from the team that brushed aside Ethiopia in Calabar to book a place in next year's football summit in Brazil. Mikel, Moses, Oboabona and Onazi the starters from Saturday.
The Italians started like a house on fire as Keshi thought they would "we told them that Italy will want to overwhelm us with intricate play and I must admit that initially the players were nervous" After Italy took the lead instead of the makeshift Nigerian side to cave in they grew in stature "I have always maintained that I have players with great belief in their qualities and they started to show it as that first half wore on".
Bright Dike and Shola Ameobi got the goals that Nigeria's play had merited but Stephen Keshi paid tribute to Ogenyi Onazi's form and general play .
"A lot of people asked me questions why I believed so much in him when I called him into the squad. He has come on greatly in the last one year I have to say, always improving, always demanding for the ball, showing for team mates in trouble and showing high tactical awareness in the heat of the battle. Like many of his team mates he is only going to get better" Keshi said
What was obvious at the start of the match was the difference in physique between both sides with the Italians clearly bigger. The team that Stephen Keshi played for in the world cup back in '94 were huge physical specimens. So was the coach worried that the team might suffer during the world cup coming up against bigger opponents.
"Not one bit" the AFCON winning coach smiled. "What is paramount is how intelligent a footballer is and I have many intelligent footballers playing for Nigeria currently. They will be fine"
It was a friendly but the match was played at such intensity and pace one will would have thought there was a trophy or points at stake. What has the coach learnt from this game going into the world cup?
"For me it is more about my players getting more confident and being able to express their obvious abilities against the so called big football nations. It is something I keep trying to pass across to them that when they are on the field, they are as good as the opponents sometimes even better. We will not be hiding in Brazil I promise Nigerians that"

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Roy Hodgson with Joe Hart © Gallo Images

No England start for Hart v Chile


Under-fire goalkeeper Joe Hart will not start England's international friendly against Chile at Wembley Stadium, manager Roy Hodgson said on Thursday.
Hart has found himself on the sidelines lately at Manchester City after some high-profile errors, but has continued to receive backing from Hodgson.
However, with the England manager determined to find out more about his squad ahead of next year's World Cup, Hodgson has decided to leave Hart out – although he did leave open the possibility he might feature at some point during the game.
Hodgson, speaking at the squad's hotel in Watford, north of London, refused to say whether Celtic's highly-rated Fraser Forster or Norwich City's John Ruddy would be in goal come kick-off against Chile on Friday.
"Joe Hart won't be starting the game tomorrow night, but I'll let you work out yourself who will," Hodgson told a news conference.
However, he did confirm that Frank Lampard would captain the side in the absence of the injured Steven Gerrard.
Hodgson also confirmed that Lampard would receive a commemorative golden cap from Geoff Hurst, the hat-trick hero of England's 1966 World Cup final win, and his father, Frank Lampard senior, for having made a hundred international appearances – a feat he achieved against Ukraine in September.
Both Hurst and Lampard senior, who won two England caps as a defender, played for West Ham United, the east London club where Lampard junior started his career.
"I don't intend to reveal the team, but it's a pleasure to say that Frank will be leading the team out. He'll be receiving his 100th cap from his father and Sir Geoff Hurst," Hodgson said.
Lampard said: "It will be a very special moment for me. To win 100 caps was a long time coming and I've seen gold caps given to Stevie (Gerrard) and Ashley (Cole) and the idea of Sir Geoff being involved came from the FA, but it's one I'm very happy with.
"I requested my dad was involved as well and he will be very proud."
Hodgson added: "We've lost Rickie Lambert to a muscle problem. It will keep him out of the game on Friday and possibly out of the Germany game (at Wembley on Tuesday)."
However, Hodgson said striker Lambert's uncapped Southampton teammates Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana would "play some part" against Chile.
Gerrard is expected to return against Germany along with Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kyle Walker, while Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge is also likely to sit out the Chile match.
"Gerrard and Kyle Walker won't be taking any part (against Chile) and that has always been on my agenda," Hodgson said.
"They will recover from minor injury problems that have plagued them and will concentrate on the second game and not the first one.
"Daniel has been doing some work and the chances are he will be spared for the second game."
England last met Chile at Wembley 15 years ago, when a brace of goals from striker Marcelo Salas gave the South Americans a 2-0 win.
With a nine-game unbeaten run to protect, Chile are likely to provide strong opposition, but Hodgson says he is more interested in assessing the depth of his squad than avoiding defeat.
"I've got to put the performances in front of protecting an unbeaten run," said the former Liverpool manager, whose team have not lost in 2013.
"There's only these two matches plus the one in March (against Denmark) to do that. I can't dismiss the need to give some playing time to people we need to know more about."

Source: #supersport.com



Job offers flood in for Keshi



In February of this year Stephen Keshi led the super eagles to reclaim the African cup of Nations after a 19 year gap. He achieved this by taking to the tournament one of the most inexperienced sides Nigeria has taken to an Afcon tournament since he was the skipper of the 1984 side.
In many countries this achievement will translate into financial rewards and great planning and structure for the team. Not Nigeria. Stephen Keshi and his technical crew have not been paid salaries for the last 7 months.
"It is the love that I have for my country that has kept me in this place ever since," Keshi said to supersport.com when asked why he is putting up with this.
"I go outside into the shops and markets and ordinary Nigerians in the streets are thanking me and asking God to continue to bless me. It humbles me. It makes me realise the responsibilities I have to these people and I keep at the job. I also have a fantastic group of young footballers, who I sincerely do not want to abandon at this moment," Keshi said.
As a successful coach he is not shy of suitors. "Oh I have four offers on the table for me that will triple my wages but because of the reasons I have given I have told those offers to please go elsewhere."
Stephen Keshi is patently unhappy with the furore that the bonus created. "Where else in this world do you hear or read of a successful team having their bonuses slashed? When one thinks about it like that it shows how incongruous the whole thing looks really. Ghana players were on $15 000 per man to beat Egypt while the Egyptians were on $25 000 per man, yet the African Champions are being offered $5 000. That is Nigerian football administration sense.
"My players are just determined to play in the World Cup. That is why they really don't care so much even though they know what happens in other countries"
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are 90 minutes away from World Cup qualification following a 2-1 first-leg lead over Ethiopia. The second leg takes place in Calabar on 16 November.

Source: >supersport.com<

Saturday, 12 October 2013

Neymar © Action Images

Neymar stunner helps Brazil beat S.Korea


Brazil star Neymar weathered some harsh attention before scoring a stunning free-kick as he led the World Cup hosts to a 2-0 friendly win over South Korea on Saturday.
The Barcelona forward curled his shot past Korean goalie Jung Sung-Ryong just before halftime, with Chelsea's Oscar getting the visitors' second shortly after the break.
Neymar, 21, had been in doubt for the game after a heavy fall in training, and he was hit with some tough challenges and constant close marking in front of a near-capacity crowd.
But the young idol had the last laugh at Seoul World Cup Stadium when he thumped his strike over the wall and to the right of Jung, who got a hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Neymar was targeted from start to finish as Hong Myung-Bo's team, already qualified for next year's World Cup, opted for tactics of harassment and frustration. The Brazilian threw up his hands in exasperation and had a few testy moments with other players, even getting into a shoving match near the team benches late in the first half.
"I think we simply played football, whereas South Korea tried too hard," said Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.
"In the first half, they had twice as many fouls as we had. I think they were fouling too much early on."
Hong Myung-Bo defended his players' physical play, saying they "played it fair and didn't lose their cool."
"Some of our players are still young and I think they will learn from this experience," said Hong, who has just one victory in seven matches since taking over in June.
"I am sure they gained confidence from this, and it's an important part of our team. That alone is a major plus for us."
After a tepid start to the game, Neymar took the ball in midfield and danced through defenders before threading a pass to Oscar, whose shot travelled over the bar.
But after being brought down for the umpteenth time, Neymar took matters into his own hands as he opened the scoring with his free kick.
Brazil doubled their lead just three minutes into the second half. Paulinho put Oscar through and the midfielder went past the helpless Jung before putting it into the gaping net.
South Korea brought on Son Heung-Min in the 65th minute, hoping the Bayer Leverkusen winger could add some spark to the lethargic attack.
And the home side were more lively in the last half-hour, with Lee Chung-Yong heading a corner wide in the 68th minute.
It was as close as South Korea came to scoring, as the five-time World Cup champions outclassed the hosts.
South Korea will next host Mali on Tuesday, while Brazil will take on Zambia on the same day in Beijing.
Source: supersport.com

John Cena's struggle: Why WWE's biggest star can't take time off



WWE.COM: Are you at all surprised that you’re coming back so quickly?
CENA: No, I’m happy with the way everything has gone. I didn’t feel too bad when the injury happened. It started to really be a pain in my neck about two weeks before SummerSlam. I had to tell the greatest surgeon in the world that I have a physical therapy team that I’m extremely familiar with. In doing therapy, it’s good to know that the therapist will push you. A lot of times, people are reserved or maybe scared of testing what your body is capable of. I’m not. I have complete faith in my surgeon. When it was time to test range of motion a little bit or test strength a little bit, a lot of people — if it’s their first surgery — they want to wait a few weeks before they do that. I kind of want to say, “Hey I got a new arm. Let’s see how it works.”
WWE.COM: Are you in the gym lifting weights already or you’re not quite up to that yet?
CENA: I started weight training 16 days after surgery, because I had to wait for the stitches. The biggest concern with this whole thing was the risk of infection. After I got the stitches out at about 14 days, it took two days for the wound to heal up, and that’s when I could actually start breaking a sweat. So, those first two weeks were tough.
WWE.COM: What are you doing in those two weeks? Give me a picture of John Cena at home on the mend.
CENA: A lot of ice, a lot of electronic stimulation, a lot of strengthening everything around the elbow, shoulder rehab, grip strength. Physical therapy twice a day, six days a week.
WWE.COM: When you have some free time, what kind of stuff do you do to keep your mind off of things?
CENA: I’m either studying Chinese or spending much-needed personal time with a beautiful woman.
WWE.COM: How’s your Chinese?
CENA: It’s getting better every day.
WWE.COM: Are we talking Mandarin or Cantonese?
CENA: Mandarin.
WWE.COM: When we last saw you, you lost the WWE Title to Daniel Bryan. How do you feel about coming back and going for the World Heavyweight Title instead? What do you feel the distinction is between those two titles?
CENA: I see them all as opportunities. For me, I’m hugely thankful for being able to get this opportunity. Daniel certainly did deserve to be called the WWE Champion and because of the circumstances and sorry state of affairs that’s happened to him, you can’t help but feel sympathy for the guy. But I just want to be back and I want to be back in any capacity that I can. For me to get any match is fine. For me to be thrown right into the mix and be named No. 1 Contender for the World Heavyweight Championship is a blessing.
 

WWE.COM: Do you anticipate having that rematch with Bryan down the road?
CENA: Eventually, yeah. I don’t think Daniel Bryan is gonna hang up those boots anytime soon, certainly not. So I don’t see why it wouldn’t.
WWE.COM: Do you think you’re missing out on a big moment by returning sooner than expected and not in your hometown of Boston at Survivor Series?
CENA: The big moments for me are moments when I can actually contribute. For me to want to hold off, especially if I’m ready to compete and be part of the active WWE roster, I think that’s just selfish. I don’t want to do that. I want to be back in the ring and in front of the WWE Universe, because I miss them and I hope they miss me.
WWE.COM: When you’re not on the road and not on television every week, are you sitting down and watching Raw every week?
CENA: Every week.
WWE.COM: When you do that, are you picturing how it would be if you were there or how the show might be different?
CENA: Not at all. Having done this a few times, it’s actually a nice little refresher to be able to watch. You gotta remember, I was a member of the WWE Universe before I was a WWE Superstar. It’s really nice to know, “Hey, I’m not going to be back until that date. There’s nothing I can do.” Right now, if I were to be frustrated or upset, it’s a waste of my own time, because I can’t physically contribute anything. So, I just watch and enjoy with an unbiased eye, be entertained, be not entertained, but just enjoy the show.
WWE.COM: What’s that like for a 10-year-plus veteran and enormous star to distance yourself and watch Raw as a fan?
CENA: It’s something I do anyway. It’s just in a greater capacity when you can no longer physically contribute. At all Live Events, I’m watching somewhere, whether peeking behind a curtain or peering at a TV backstage. I watch just as much WWE as almost anyone, but I love to. It’s something I enjoy doing. I don’t force myself to watch. I get excited for Mondays. I get excited to see the show.
WWE.COM: You haven’t had many injuries and when you are gone, you’re gone for very short periods. But do you feel, over time, these injuries force you to change how you perform in the ring?
CENA: If you broke down my technique, it wouldn’t really take a rocket scientist to do so. I don’t know how you could take something so basic and do less [laughs].
WWE.COM: What’s your frame of mind coming back to face Alberto Del Rio at Hell in a Cell in Miami?
CENA: I’m just so excited to be coming back. You have no idea. Being injured is tough. I know this is a business where you only have a certain window to perform in, and being here for 11 years now, that window closes every day, so I want to spend every day that I can in the ring. I’m driving back from the Performance Center right now, having gotten in one of the seven practice rings that are over there, just giving myself a last little test. Everything feels good. I know Alberto Del Rio is at the top of his game, but man, he’s gonna be hard-pressed to have a decent night in Miami. I want to make Miami special.
Source: wwe.com