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

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

When John Cena stood in the ring one night after losing the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, his torn triceps injury was expected to keep him away from the ring for at least four months and, perhaps, as many as six. But when the record 11-time WWE Champion steps back into the squared circle, he will do so far ahead of schedule, returning at the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view on Oct. 27, after only two and a half months on the shelf.
The polarizing veteran hardly ever takes time away from the spotlight, but when he does, Cena seems to return sooner and sooner than expected. In an exclusive conversation, WWE.com asked the Massachusetts native why he pushes himself, what he’s feeling when he watches Raw from the couch and how he takes his mind off performing in front of millions of people in each week.
Watch Cena announce his injury | Hell in a Cell match preview
WWE.COM: This is much sooner than many WWE fans were expecting to see you back. The timetable indicated you’d be away from the ring for four to six months. It’s been two. Is it hard for you to stay away?
JOHN CENA: Of course, I think if any active Superstar tells you differently, they should rethink their profession. For most people, being injured and having surgery is a very difficult experience. They may spend a little bit of time loafing around or feeling sorry for themselves. I get to work right away. I just, literally, follow the rules. I go to physical therapy like I should. It becomes my job. When my job isn’t performing in a WWE ring, my job is to get back performing in that ring. When I’m hurt, all I have to do all day is get strong and get better. I’m a very dedicated physical therapy patient and that helps a lot.
WWE.COM: Is there something special about your body that you’re able to recover from your injuries so quickly? You always seem to return much sooner than expected.
CENA: Please don’t spread the rumor that I’m some kind of real-life X-Man or something like that. The reason that surgeons give those timetables is because they obviously want to err on the side of caution. They don’t want the operation going badly. They basically take all the operations they’ve done and come up with a medium timeframe to recover. That’s why it was four to six months.
Source: wwe.com

Real deny Bale has slipped disc Real deny Bale has slipped disc

Gareth Bale © Action Images

Real deny Bale has slipped disc


Real Madrid strongly denied a report in Spain on Saturday that world record signing Gareth Bale has a slipped disc.
Madrid sports daily Marca published the story claiming that the problem had been identified when the 24-year-old Welshman underwent his medical with the club and that the player may need to undergo surgery. The club flatly denied those claims and although they admitted that Bale does have a slight disc protrusion, the condition will not affect him from playing.
"The information published, claiming that the player has a slipped disc on the L5-S1 vertebrae and a bulge on two others, is completely false," said a statement on the club's website.
"The player Gareth Bale has a small chronic disc bulge, which is extremely common among football players and by no means prevents him from carrying out his professional activity normally."
Bale has only been involved in three games for Madrid since sealing his move from Tottenham Hotspur at the start of September due to a series of niggling muscular injuries.
Those problems have been put down to his lack of a proper pre-season as he trained very little with Spurs as his protracted move dragged on.
Bale has stayed in the Spanish capital over the past week rather than representing Wales in their final two World Cup qualifiers to undergo a specific training programme to get him up to speed.
And it is hoped he will make his return against Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu next Saturday ahead of crucial matches for Carlo Ancelotti's men against Juventus and Barcelona later this month.
Source: supersport.com

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Real secure victory at Granada

Karim Benzema © Action Images



Real Madrid made it two wins in two La Liga outings this season when Karim Benzema's scuffed 10th-minute strike secured an uninspiring 1-0 win at Granada on Monday.
Real still seem to be finding their feet under new coach Carlo Ancelotti and, although they dominated the first half, they lost control in a poor-quality second period at Granada's Los Carmenes stadium.
France forward Benzema, who also scored in the 2-1 opening day success at home to Real Betis last weekend, skewed the ball into the net to give Real the lead after an unmarked Cristiano Ronaldo lost control of an Angel Di Maria cross.
Roberto palmed an Isco effort on to a post in the 62nd minute and Ronaldo sent a low strike narrowly wide late on but Granada finished strongly and had several chances in the final minutes.
Italian Ancelotti, who told reporters it was crucial in the early part of the season not to drop points, has much to ponder before Athletic Bilbao visit the Bernabeu on Sunday on matchday three.
The victory puts Real on six points, the same as champions Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Bilbao and Villarreal. Barca, 1-0 winners at Malaga on Sunday, top the standings on goal difference, with Real in fifth.

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"This sometimes happens in the early part of the league campaign and we are just happy with the three points," Real's Spain defender Alvaro Arbeloa said in an interview with television broadcaster Canal Plus.
"We played a very good 45 minutes, we had control, we created chances," the former Liverpool player added.
"This is only the second matchday and obviously you have to be patient, we have just begun, with a new coach and new players.
"It takes time to get to your top level but I don't think we suffered all that much tonight."
FAN HERO
The buildup to the match was dominated by speculation about whether Ancelotti would restore Spain goalkeeper and captain Iker Casillas to the starting line-up.
Casillas, a hero to Real fans, fell out with former Real coach Jose Mourinho last season and was replaced by Diego Lopez and Ancelotti has surprised many by sticking with the former Sevilla keeper for Real's opening two La Liga matches.
Supporters at the Bernabeu chanted Casillas's name during a friendly last week and even the Granada fans were shouting "Iker, Iker" at one point during Monday's match.
"It's a matter for the coach and we will back whatever he decides," Arbeloa said.
"I have absolute respect for both keepers and whoever plays I will support and I think my teammates feel the same.
"It would be better if the fans did the same and supported the keeper the coach selects"

Source; Supersport.com

Gareth Bale © Gallo Images

Moyes coy on Bale interest


Manchester United manager David Moyes says his club have not made an offer for Tottenham Hotspur forward Gareth Bale, but he refused to deny an interest in the player.
Bale is poised to join Real Madrid for a world-record fee after several months of courtship by the Spanish giants, but reports emerged in the British media on Monday that a rival club had also shown an interest.
When asked if United had submitted a bid for Bale on Monday, Moyes told reporters: "No".
However, he added: "Manchester United are always interested in the best players and the board and myself would always be looking to sign who we think are the best players, wherever they are."
Moyes was speaking after a goalless draw with Chelsea in the Premier League in his first home game as United manager.
The contest was a drab affair, but Moyes was encouraged by a committed display from striker Wayne Rooney, who belied reports that he is unsettled at the club with a performance of effort and determination.
Rooney has been the subject of two failed bids from Chelsea during the close season and their coach Jose Mourinho was pessimistic about the prospects of signing him after the game, saying he would only wait "24 hours, 48 hours" for Rooney to make a decision on his future.
"I was very pleased with his performance and I was very pleased with the reaction from the crowd," said Moyes.
"I've got to say, I didn't think it was unexpected. I expected it. I don't know how many times I have to say it – he's been great in training.
"I think anybody who looked at him might have seen a slightly leaner-looking Wayne. I said to him, 'I might only play you for 60-70 minutes tonight, I'll see how you go.'
"But no, he worked back, he tackled, he chased when we needed it."
Moyes said Rooney had "a positive mind" and rejected the notion that the 27-year-old needs to make a public declaration of allegiance to United.
"I think his performance tonight said enough," he said. "I think his actions tonight showed what he thought."
Despite his failure to make progress in his attempts to sign the player, Mourinho also praised Rooney's display, branding him "fantastic" and describing his attitude as "very English".
Although he selected a team with no recognisable strikers, Mourinho could find no place in his starting XI for Juan Mata, but he said it was purely because the Spanish midfielder was short of fitness.
"He's very important for me, very important for Chelsea," said Mourinho, who added that any reports to the contrary were "nonsense stories" and that Mata was "going nowhere".
Mourinho also left Fernando Torres on the bench, but he dismissed suggestions that the Spain striker is still to repay the club following his £50 million ($78 million, 58 million euros) switch from Liverpool in January 2011.
"He scored a goal that won the Uefa Cup (Europa League), so that means some millions," Mourinho said.
"He scored the goal against Everton that put Chelsea in the Champions League (last season), that means also some millions.
"So he's not already (repaid) 50 – maybe he's 20 now. He's doing his job."
Chelsea this week agreed to sign attacking midfielder Willian for a reported fee of £30 million, but Mourinho refused to confirm reports he is interested in the Brazilian's Anzhi Makhachkala teammate Samuel Eto'o.
"We don't like to speak about players," he said with an ironic smile. "It's dangerous."
Moyes said he had been overwhelmed by the reception he received in his first home game as Alex Ferguson's successor.
"I'm extremely proud to be manager of Manchester United and my family would be as well," he said.
"But I want to earn the reception in the future. I want the claps to be because I've won things and I've got a good team here."

Source: Supersport.com