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Chile drawn in World Cup ‘Group of Death’

Brazil’s 2014 World Cup draw unkind to Chile — ‘La Roja’ pitted against reigning world champion Spain and European heavyweights the Netherlands.

Chile has a mountain to climb in the group stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup after drawing Friday both Spain and the Netherlands — the respective winner and runner up of the 2010 tournament — in what many have already dubbed the “Group of Death.”

There is some respite though, as “La Roja’s” first game will be against an unfancied Australian team at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiabá.

Chile’s brand of fluid, attacking football surprised many during qualification for Brazil’s 2014 World Cup and after finishing third in the South American group following a 2-1 win over Ecuador — the team’s stock has risen.

Spain, winner of the 2010 World Cup and two previous European Championships, is seeded second behind Brazil while the Netherlands occupies eighth place in the FIFA world rankings after topping Group D in qualifying, winning nine and drawing one.

Chile’s recent record against Spain shows marginal improvement — after losing 2-1 in the 2010 World Cup’s group stages, Chile came agonizingly close to defeating “La Furia” in a friendly earlier this year, eventually drawing 2-2 after a late Jesús Navas equalizer.

With only one defeat in 12 games, including last month’s impressive win against England at Wembley, “La Roja” is building serious momentum going into the final two friendlies before the tournament kicks off in Brazil next June. Chile is expected to beat Costa Rica in Santiago on Jan. 22 and while the Germans are favorites to triumph on March 5 in Stuttgart, a positive result against the “Die Mannschaft” is by no means unachievable.

Jorge Sampaoli, announced as Chile’s manager late in 2012, is widely praised for the manner in which he has steered the team to automatic qualification. The energetic and high-pressing style of football implemented by the Argentine, reminiscent of that witnessed under Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as coach, prompted an instant turnaround in performances and results — as a result Chileans love him.

And with players such as attacker Alexis Sánchez and midfielder Arturo Vidal performing exceptionally well for both club and country, not to mention striker Eduardo Vargas, opposition will surely not underestimate “La Roja.”

Sampaoli was upbeat after hearing the draw but acknowledged Chile faces an uphill task to make it past the group stage.

“It is a difficult group. I like challenges but it will be difficult,” Sampaoli told media after the draw. “To play against the best will motivate the team.”

Before the draw, Louis van Gaal, head coach of the Netherlands, spoke of his admiration for Chile to La Tercera.

“Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sánchez are good, but the most important thing is the team,” he said, before speaking with Dutch media after the results were announced. “Chile is not a minor team, this is not the best draw.”

The Santiago Times previews the teams in Group B:

Spain

The Spanish national soccer team’s record speaks for itself. After rewriting the history books in recent years, “La Furia” is now looking to become only the third team in World Cup history to successfully defend the title. As well as winning the 2010 tournament in South Africa, Spain came out on top during the last two European Championships.

One player who has caused controversy in recent months is Atlético Madrid’s Diego Costa. The Brazil-born striker, who is scoring for fun at the moment, chose to make himself available for his adopted country in a move which infuriated Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Goalkeeper Iker Casillas remains as captain despite falling out of favor at Real Madrid. The defending champions will want to avoid a repeat of their Confederations Cup campaign earlier this year when they were comprehensively outplayed by host Brazil in the final — losing 3-0.

The Netherlands

After defeat to Spain in 2010, the Netherlands have now lost three World Cup finals, and the team will hope to exorcise those demons in Brazil.

The side is in fine form, only dropping points to Estonia on the way to comfortable qualification. Manager Louis van Gaal is in his second spell in charge of the team, which he has led to a 13 game unbeaten run. The core of the team that lost in the final three-and-a-half years ago remains, with Rafael van der Vaart, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder all adding vital experience to the squad.

The Dutch will hope talisman Robin van Persie can deliver after scoring 11 of the team’s 34 qualifying goals.

Australia

Australian soccer has witnessed upheaval in recent months with former coach Holger Osieck given his marching orders after consecutive 6-0 defeats to Brazil and France.

The country’s most celebrated domestic manager Angelos “Ange” Postecoglou was appointed full time head coach this October, which will make him the first Australian to lead the squad to a world cup since 1974. The “Socceroos” had a relatively simple qualifying campaign under Osieck after receiving byes in the first two rounds. The team won the third round qualifying group before finishing second in the fourth round group behind Japan.

Australia’s slim prospects in Brazil will no doubt be affected by the squad’s transitional status. Ever dependable goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer has announced his retirement from international football while captain Lucas Neill will be 36 by the time of the finals. Tim Cahill remains the team’s best player and the former Everton man in perhaps the greatest threat to Chile, Spain and the Netherlands.

On Friday, Players from all three teams took to twitter to express their excitement at the draw:

“Nobody said it would be easy…Holland, Chile and Australia in the group!” Gerard Piqué, Spain and Barcelona midfielder (?!).

Tim Cahill, Australia and New York Red Bulls attacking midfielder.

Nigel de Jong, Netherlands and AC Milan midfielder.

“We must begin by making history in the group stages!” Mauricio Pinilla, Chile and Cagliari striker.

Poyet: Uruguay will beat England

Gus Poyet has backed Uruguay to overcome England when the two meet in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

The Sunderland manager, who made 26 appearances for Uruguay, feels the South Americans will be too strong for Roy Hodgson´s men in June´s Group D meeting.

Friday´s draw pitched the two nations alongside Italy and Costa Rica, with Uruguay the seeded team, despite having required a play-off to qualify.

And Poyet believes his countrymen, who boast the likes of Luis Suarez, Edinson Cavani and Diego Forlan, will prevail against the nation where he has long plied his trade as a player and coach.

"If I had to choose between the two, I´d put my money on Uruguay - and that´s not because I´m biased," he said in quotes reported by The Daily Star.

"The group of players have been together for quite a while now and they´re strong.

"They say in England, you´re only as good as your two strikers and when you´ve got Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, you´ve always got a chance.

"Uruguay have a good system and are very difficult to play against. They have a way they play, good commitment and two great strikers."

Scolari: "Forget the other tie´s, we have the clasico with Mexico"

Seleção coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, feels that any other group isn’t worth watching, with Brazil having the ‘clasico’ with Mexico.

Yesterday all 32 teams learnt their fate for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil with the draw being help in Bahia.

Brazil, the host nation, have been drawn into Group A alongside Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon, and Scolari was happy to avoid the ‘group of death.’

Scolari feels that Group D will be the toughest, which see’s Italy, Uruguay, Costa Rica and England.

"It [our group] is good," Scolari said to the media after the draw.

"England, Italy, Uruguay, that is the toughest group and we are not in this one!

"We have the ´clasico´ [against Mexico] which will be very tough in the middle. Then Cameroon, which I think is good for us."

Brazil will open the tournament in Sao Paulo against Croatia on the 12th of June 2014.

Racing and Belgrano end season with wins

A tournament to forget came to a close for Racing in Avellaneda with a 2-0 win over troubled, Godoy Cruz. Despite setting a club record for the worst start to a season their is reason for optimism as returning hero, Mostaza Merlo has overseen a rejuvenation of sorts, gaining 14 points from a possible 24. Godoy Cruz are left in the midst of the relegation fight and Martin Palermo left as manager after the match as a new contract could not be agreed upon. First half goals from Bruno Zuculini and Diego Villar ensured Racing ended the torneo on a high.

Earlier, Belgrano ended their season with a 1-0 win over All Boys thanks to Carlos Bueno’s thunderous volley. The result is the first defeat for All Boys Manager, Ricardo Rodriguez and leaves them precariously above the drop zone, while Belgrano end the season on 29 points, just outside the title chasing pack.


BELGRANO 1 – 0 ALL BOYS

http://www.youtube.com/w…VgyWKJ8Q08s

RACING CLUB 2 – 0 GODOY CRUZ

http://www.youtube.com/w…7sSzs_MZUPA

Nåh drenge - kan i huske vi har talt om om ham her før fra Boca´s Cantera, Riquelmes arvetager - El heredero...Leandro Paredes...

Roma lead Arsenal and Milan in chase for Boca’s Paredes

Italian title chasers, Roma are understood to be in pole position to capture Boca Juniors’ highly sought after midfielder, Leandro Paredes as discussions between the two clubs have taken place. Roma are said to be keen to finalise a deal before a host of other teams move for the 19-year-old playmaker.

Roma Chief, Walter Sabatini has reportedly begun talks and a fee in the region of €6 million is thought to be enough to prize Paredes out of La Bombonera.

Paredes is a highly-talented creative midfielder who was seen as a potential heir to the ageing, Juan Roman Riquelme. However, as always in Argentine football, money talks and so if the mega-rich Europeans offer enough, Paredes will be the next product off the Argentine football conveyor belt.

For around €6 million it could be a very astute piece of business, as Roma seek to find a replacement for Erik Lamela. Lamela’s progress was handled very well by Roma and although he has struggled since his big-money move to Tottenham, his growth and level of performance in Serie A was outstanding.

Undoubtedly, Roma would point to this fact in trying to persuade the player but they reportedly face stiff competition. Juventus and AC Milan have both been linked and elsewhere in Europe, Arsenal and Real Madrid are said to have scouted him.

Here is a little glimpse of what they could be getting….

http://www.youtube.com/w…D7RFi6mBgcU

Du ved godt hvem der skal spille i stedet for Suarez Andib ;-)

Selvfølgelig - Ham sætter jeg straks på.

Hvor spiller du det? Er det en browserbaseret version?

MLS Cup: Sporting Kansas City 1 Real Salt Lake 1 (7-6 on pens)

Sporting Kansas City are the MLS champions, after surviving an extraordinary penalty shootout with Real Salt Lake to win 7-6.

After normal and extra time finished 1-1, the two sides went to spot kicks and Sporting KC survived giving up a 2-0 lead and Graham Zusi´s miss for the title, as Lovel Palmer´s penalty for Salt Lake - the 20th of the shootout - came back off the crossbar to give the hosts the title at Sporting Park in Kansas.

Sebastian Velazquez also had a spot-kick to win it for Real but Sporting goalkeeper Jimmy Nielsen proved himself a hero with a diving save to prolong the shootout.

Earlier, Alvaro Saborio gave Salt Lake a 52nd-minute lead as Jason Kreis´ men closed on what would have been a second title in five seasons.

But Sporting KC, the Eastern Conference champions, responded when Aurelien Collin nodded home an equaliser in the 76th minute from a Zusi corner.

The equaliser came just three minutes after Javier Morales´ chipped effort on goal was denied by the crossbar, with Salt Lake an inch away from a two-goal lead.

Saborio thought he had fired the visitors 2-1 up in the 105th minute, as he headed home at the far post but the linesman correctly called the Costa Rican front man offside.

That would be the best chance for either side to score in the additional half-hour, as the final - for the third time in MLS history - went to a shootout.

Real´s title in 2009 came via a shootout win over the Los Angeles Galaxy but if the first four penalties were anything to go by, they would not end this one well.

Claudio Bieler and Paulo Nagamura both slotted their attempts for Sporting KC, while Saborio scooped his attempt over the bar and Ned Grabavoy had his shot saved by Danish goalkeeper Nielsen and the hosts had one hand on the title.

However, it would not be so easy for Peter Vermes´ men, as Salt Lake´s comeback started immediately - with goalkeeper Nick Rimando, man of the match in RSL´s 2009 final victory, saving Matt Besler´s penalty.

Kyle Beckerman, who teed up Saborio for Real´s goal in regulation, cut the deficit to one as he converted Salt Lake´s first goal in the shootout.

Benny Feilhaber made it 3-1 to Sporting, but only just as Rimando got a hand on his straight, high attempt.

Jimmy Plata kept Salt Lake alive by converting his attempt before Zusi stepped up and put his spot kick over - clipping the crossbar on its way into the stands.

Javier Morales then made it 3-3, sending the shootout to sudden death - where Real would blow a chance to win the title themselves.

Velazquez could have made Sporting´s Lawrence Olum pay for his miss wide, however the former had his effort saved by Nielsen.

The two sides traded goals again, and regulation-time goal-scorer Collin made it 7-6 with a fine finish - before Palmer failed to convert to send the home fans into raptures.

The result sealed Sporting Kansas City´s second MLS title, after their maiden win in 2000, when they were known as the Kansas City Wizards.

Paraguay Division Profesional Wrap: Cerro Porteno finish Clausura unbeaten

Cerro Porteno completed their Clausura-winning campaign with a 4-1 triumph at home to Nacional Asuncion in Paraguay´s Division Profesional.

The victory saw Francisco Arce´s men finish the second phase of the season unbeaten - with 14 wins and eight draws from 22 matches.

Daniel Guiza scored a brace for Cerro Porteno, while Angel Romero and Jose Ortigoza were also on target as they saw the club to 50 points in the Clausura phase.

Libertad pipped Deportivo Capiata for second spot, as the former won 1-0 away at Sol de America, while Capiata fell to a 3-2 loss at Rubio Nu.

Hugo Santacruz struck late for Libertad, with his 81st-minute goal taking the club to 39 points - one ahead of Capiata.

Rubio Nu held off Capiata, with goals to Matias Perez, Gustavo Viera and Gumersindo Mendieta helping them to their sixth win of the season and eighth spot.

Guarani could not move out of fourth position but finished the year with a flurry - thrashing cellar-dwellers Cerro Porteno PF 6-0.

Derlis Gonzalez struck a 14-minute hat-trick for Guarani, to take his season tally to nine goals.

Golden boot winner Rodrigo Lopez scored his 17th goal on the final day of the season, to help Sportivo Luqueno to a 1-1 draw away at Olimpia.

Lopez struck in the fifth minute, scoring the first goal in a game for the 10th time in the Clausura phase.

General Diaz finished in fifth spot, capitalising on Asuncion´s loss to the champions with a 1-0 home win over Deportivo Carapegua.

Di Maria set for Madrid exit but could Falcao go the other way?

According to Spanish newspaper, Marca, Argentina winger, Angel Di Maria is close to agreeing a move to Monaco after falling down the pecking order in the Bernabeu. Free-spending Monaco have no qualms with meeting the expected hefty transfer fee but rumour has it, Madrid are keen to negotiate a knock-down price for Colombian, Radamel Falcao.

It is understood that Di Maria has agreed to the move and potentially a transfer fee of around 35 million Euros has been set. Without doubt this is a huge amount of money which would limit Monaco’s competition for Di Maria but the French side are unlikely to put off.

The Rosario born, Di Maria is still only 25 years of age and a key member of Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina side. However, with the World Cup only months away, Di Maria is said to be concerned by the lack of opportunities in Madrid since the arrival of Gareth Bale.

Jose Mourinho viewed Di Maria as an integral part of Madrid but Carlo Ancelotti does not seem to share this view. His first choice attacking trident of Bale, Karem Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo is formidable and with all three fit, Di Maria may spend more time on the bench.

One area where Real Madrid are keen to recruit is in attack and at present, behind Benzema they are short of options. Academy products, Jese and Alvaro Morata can step up but since the sale of Gonzalo Higuain, an established centre-forward has been lacking.

With this in mind, Ancelotti wants to add another star to the Galacticos. Liverpool’s, Uruguayan striker, Luis Suarez is seriously under consideration but with his form this season in England and the fact that Arsenal had a £40 million approach rebuffed in the summer, the fee could be too much.

If Madrid off-load Di Maria to Monaco they may be able to open negotiations to swap Radamel Falcao for a substantially lower fee. The Colombian only moved to France in the summer following a €40 million plus transfer from Atletico Madrid but has apparently not settled too well.

A potential front three of Ronaldo, Bale and Falcao is frightening but such an astronomical transfer will take a lot of negotiating. This could rumble on for a very long time as the football rumour mill prepares to go into overtime ahead of the January transfer window.