Schlupp extends Leicester stay

Leicester City's Jeffrey Schlupp has agreed a new contract with the club,
which will keep him at the King Power Stadium until 2019.
The Ghana international's previous deal was due to expire in 2017, but he
has been handed fresh terms following an impressive debut season in the
top flight under Nigel Pearson.
Despite coming through the club's academy as a striker, Schlupp was asked
to feature on the wing and at left-back as Leicester beat the drop by six
points.
Schlupp, who missed out on featuring at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations
due to a knee injury, scored four goals in 35 appearances last term.
His contract renewal will serve as a further boost for Pearson, who has
been able to bolster his squad with the acquisitions of defender Robert
Huth, full-back Christian Fuchs and striker Shinji Okazaki.
Poland international Marcin Wasilewski also agreed an initial one-year
extension in June.

Schweinsteiger hinted his long term future remains at Bayern

Bastian Schweinsteiger has hinted that his long-term future remains at
Bayern Munich as he continues to be linked with a move to Manchester
United.
The Germany midfielder and World Cup winner is one of the most
successful players in Bayern's history, winning eight Bundesliga titles,
seven DFB-Pokal medals and the UEFA Champions League in 2013.
Schweinsteiger made just 15 league starts last season, though, and was
reported to be interested in a move to Old Trafford, where he would be
reunited with former Bayern boss Louis van Gaal.
However, the 30-year-old appears to have poured cold water on the idea
he could leave the Allianz Arena - stating there is still plenty for him to
achieve at Bayern.
"I really would like to win the Champions League again, but also play as
successful as the last couple of years," he told Sport 1 during the shooting
of an advert for Funny Frisch.
"We have won the league title three times in a row. I think no team ever
made it four times. That is a motivation.
"If you have won big titles like the Champions League or the World Cup a
lot of people think 'now he has enough', but I see it completely different.
"I feel fine and I am ready to play on the top-level for three more years.
That is my goal."
Schweinsteiger is also targeting more success with Germany at next year's
European Championship in France.
"We have the European Championship in 2016," he added. "That is a big
goal, not only for me but for the whole football nation of Germany. That's
what you work for."

Youngsters to get chance at US tour - Van Gaal

Louis van Gaal will give Manchester United's youngsters a chance to stake
their claim for a first-team spot on the club's upcoming tour of the United
States.
United will return to America next month to play in the International
Champions Cup, a tournament that they won in 2014.
Mexican side America and San Jose Earthquakes of MLS will provide the
opposition for United, as will UEFA Champions League winners Barcelona
and French champions Paris Saint-Germain.
The calibre of opposition may be high but Van Gaal, who steered United
back into the Champions League in his first season in charge, is planning to
utilise the depth in his squad.
"You always get chances, especially in pre-season, and if you grab that
chance then maybe you get the possibility to join our first-team squad next
season," Van Gaal told United's official website.
"I shall take a lot of youngsters with us to the USA and they have the
chance to show themselves and then we shall wait and observe how they
can develop."

Mayweather is the richest sportsman according to Forbes

Boxing champ and undefeated man, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather according
to Forbes is the richest and highest paid sports man for the last 12months.
The boxer earned $300million and as to how he celebrated it? ‘Money’ took himself to the Mob Museum in Vegas and stood in front of a display of
how much he earns. He shared a photo on instagram and wrote “Forbes, I’m just getting started this year.”

Marseille has no project -

Didier Drogba has ruled out a return to Marseille because he does not
expect the Ligue 1 side to be competing for trophies next season.
The Ivory Coast striker was released by Chelsea at the end of his contract
after helping them claim a fourth Premier League title and win the League
Cup.
Reports had suggested the 37-year-old could return to the Stade
Velodrome to finish his career, but Drogba said he will not be joining
Marcelo Bielsa's side.
"It's not a question of money. I like to have a project. And Marseille,
which I know well, does not have a project," Drogba is quoted as telling
Ivorian media by ESPN.
"They have sold their best players, whom they let go till the end of their
contracts. I'm talking about Andre Ayew, Andre-Pierre Gignac ... and
they'll lose more.
"I don't want to go to Marseille to just play. If I go somewhere, it's to win,
and I want to win. The question has been coming up for 10 years.
"There have been times when I could have returned, but the timing wasn't
right. And each time my name comes up when it's time to renew season
tickets. I don't want people to use me for financial purposes."
Drogba left Marseille for his first spell at Chelsea in July 2004.

I regret playing for Inter - Podolski

Lukas Podolski is looking forward to forcing his way back into Arsenal's
first team next season after a disappointing loan spell in Italy with Inter.
The World Cup winner only scored one goal during his six-month loan
stint at San Siro – the winner in a 2-1 victory over Udinese in April.
It was a rare high point in a miserable move to Serie A, something
Podolski is keen to put behind him as he tries to rebuild his career in the
Premier League.
And he remains confident he still has plenty to offer to Arsene Wenger's
side, a point he hopes to underlined in pre-season.
"English football is the one which best suits my style, but I know how
suddenly everything can change," he told Bild.
"I have characteristics to help different teams, but it was a mistake to go to
Inter with no redemption clauses.
"In football there are times when everything doesn't work out for the best.
You're not always playing as a starter and you just have to accept the
decisions and work on your own game.
"That's what I did, but now I'm looking forward. I've always felt
comfortable [at Arsenal].
"With the fans, with the team and also with the manager. I'm going back to
play, I have to say my qualities suit Arsenal."

Messi pay-off rumours denied by Irish FA

The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) has issued a strong rebuttal to
claims in an Argentinian newspaper that Republic of Ireland players were
paid $10,000 each to not injure Lionel Messi during a 2010 friendly
against Argentina.
A story in La Nacion claimed that former head of the Argentina Football
Association Julio Grondona - who died in July 2014 - suggested making
payments to the Irish players as they could not afford to stump up the
Barcelona superstar's insurance should he have picked up an injury.
It is also alleged that Argentina suggested playing the match to FIFA as a
way of alleviating Ireland's grievances over losing a World Cup play-off
to France, in which Thierry Henry famously handballed in the build-up to
William Gallas' winner.
Messi played 58 minutes of the contest in August 2010 that marked
Ireland's first international game at the Aviva Stadium, with Angel di
Maria scoring the only goal in Dublin.
The FAI deny the accusations and are considering the possibility of legal
action.
"The Football Association of Ireland completely refutes the allegations
made about the Republic of Ireland v Argentina friendly match in La
Nacion as baseless," read an FAI statement.
"The match in question was organised by Kentaro and announced by press
release prior to the World Cup play-offs in 2009.
"We are consulting our legal advisers in relation to the article, and will be
taking further steps."
Earlier this month it was revealed that the FAI was paid a €5m interest-
free loan by FIFA as compensation after they missed out on the 2010
World Cup, with the payment used to help cover the cost of the
redevelopment of the Aviva Stadium.

Unhappy Di Maria wants United stay

Manchester United winger Angel di Maria has no plans to leave Old
Trafford, despite admitting to his unhappiness over his bench role towards
the back end of the 2014-15 Premier League season.
Di Maria's future is far from certain, with Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern
Munich and now Barcelona reportedly interested after the Argentina
international's disappointing campaign.
After making a bright start to life in England, Di Maria was consigned to
the bench from March up until the final match of the season following his
red card in an FA Cup clash against Arsenal.
However, the 27-year-old - on international duty with Argentina at the
Copa America in Chile - wants to prove his worth in Manchester, even if
he remains unsure as to why he was dropped by Louis van Gaal.
"No, because I'm not thinking like that," Di Maria replied when asked by
Argentine newspaper Ole if he will leave United.
"In Madrid there were times when I was whistled around the stadium but
faced it and then it turned around. I like to deal with things."
Di Maria, whose family were unsettled by an attempted burglary in
January, added: "Yes [it has been frustrating]. For me, and my family.
Because not everything goes as I want, because I don't play.
"Because I came with an intention and end up on the bench. It's hard to tell
how I feel there. I started well, with goals and assists. I was having a good
time, until I was out. It's a little hard to explain why I do not play."
Di Maria registered 10 assists and scored three goals in 27 Premier League
appearances last term as United finished fourth and qualified for the UEFA
Champions League play-offs.

Tévez to return to Boca Juniors

Carlos Tevez is set for a return to boyhood club Boca Juniors, after
general secretary Cesar Martucci claimed to have secured the Argentine's
services.
Juventus striker Tevez, on international duty with Argentina at the Copa
America, has plied his trade in Europe since 2006, enjoying stints with
West Ham, Manchester United and Manchester City before heading to Italy.
The 70-cap international started out in Boca's senior side in 2001, having
spent many years there in the youth team - and Martucci said the 31-
year-old would be coming home to Buenos Aires.
"We are very happy," Martucci told Argentine radio station AM 1050.
"After much work we can secure the return of Carlos Tevez.
"We hope that with Carlos' return, we can achieve the results that Boca fans
are expecting.
"Unlike many players who returned to the club, he comes at full capacity."

De La Hoya poised for Mayweather revenge

A rematch between Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr is not
beyond the realms of possibility, with the former claiming he is a "50-50"
chance of returning to the ring.
De La Hoya has been retired since 2009 but a proposed comeback was
flagged by unbeaten welterweight champion Mayweather last week.
Mayweather, who defeated Manny Pacquiao in a unanimous points
decision in May, claimed a split-decision victory over De La Hoya in
2007.
But 42-year-old De La Hoya - a former 10-time world champion
boasting a 39-6 win-loss record - may have the chance to exact revenge
after telling ESPN.com on Monday: "It's got to be worth my while but this
is very serious.
"I have to make sure I am fighting the very best. I don't have to come back
for financial reasons or the lights or the glamour. The only reason I would
come back is because I miss the competition of fighting the very best.
"I'm not preparing for an actual fight, but I run eight miles, I can hit the bag
for 12 rounds, I can jump rope and do the speed bag. I do all that on a
regular basis to stay in shape.
"I look great too. I've never seen myself look like this. Sometimes that little
itch gets me in that certain spot, and when so many people tell me I can do
it, it's trying to convince me that you can."
De La Hoya, who has battled alcohol addiction, added: "Right now I feel
the best I have felt in my life physically, emotionally, mentally because I
haven't touched alcohol for I don't know how long. I'm training. I feel
great. But it has to be worth my while.
"I've gotten everything taken care of, my rotator cuffs, my left hand,
everything. I'm pain free. I just feel good and when I walk the streets,
everyone tells me, 'You have to fight Floyd again'.
"Would I do it? I don't know but I wake up every morning thinking that I
can. I think about Sugar Ray Leonard and Marvin Hagler.
"If [Leonard] could do it, why can't I? We both come from similar
situations. We are both hungry for the competition, we're both ambitious.
So you never know. At the same time, I wish time flies by so I don't have
to come back."

Ramos calm over United rumours

Sergio Ramos is calm over his future, as speculation mounts that the
experienced Spain international defender could swap Real Madrid for
Manchester United.
Ramos has emerged as a transfer target for Premier League giants United,
who are preparing to play hard ball over in-demand goalkeeper David de
Gea.
Real are desperate to sign Madrid native De Gea but Louis van Gaal and
Co. want one of the club's prized assets in return, preferably Ramos.
Ramos, who is believed to be frustrated over an impasse on contract
negotiations with the 29-year-old entering the final two years of his
current deal, responded to questions over his future in Madrid on Monday,
telling reporters: "I never worry."
The former Sevilla centre-back has been an ever-present for Real since
arriving from Seville in 2005, amassing over 400 appearances in all
competitions.
During his 10 years in the Spanish capital, Ramos has helped the club to
three La Liga titles, as well as UEFA Champions League glory in
2013-14.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has accepted Mourinho's criticism

Chelsea teenager Ruben Loftus-Cheek has accepted the public criticism he
received from manager Jose Mourinho earlier this month, acknowledging
he must improve to gain a first-team place at the club.
Loftus-Cheek, 19, is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects at
Stamford Bridge and was handed maiden appearances in the Premier
League and UEFA Champions League last term.
However, his performance in a post-season friendly against Sydney
prompted an angry reaction from Mourinho, who questioned the
midfielder's effort.
"Ruben said he had a pain in his back, but what I was feeling was that he
only had the pain when Sydney had the ball," said Mourinho at the time.
"So, with Ruben, it's one step back in terms of my relationship with him. If
he doesn't know what it is to play for me and Chelsea it's one step back."
Three weeks on, Loftus-Cheek says he has taken Mourinho's comments on
board.
"I listened to what the manager said and I wasn't at the level," Loftus-
Cheek, who is currently on international duty with England Under-21s,
told reporters.
"I need to do better. I need to do better if I want to play for Chelsea. For
me that is a reminder that I have to work hard to get in the team. I just need
to do my best.
"I will listen to him and learn from him every way I can. I really want to
work hard now."
Loftus-Cheek hopes to gain regular action in Chelsea's first team in the
2015-16 campaign.
"Hopefully I just need to have a good pre-season," he added.
"Chelsea is always hard to break into but I believe in myself and if I work
hard then hopefully things will go well."

Mandzukic confident of adapting to the Italian game

Mario Mandzukic is confident he will have no problems adapting to Italian
football after sealing a move to Serie A champions Juventus.
Croatia striker Mandzukic completed a €19million move from Atletico
Madrid on Monday.
The fee for the former Bayern Munich man will be paid in three instalments,
with an initial payment of €7million in August to be followed by two
subsequent €6m payments in 2016 and 2017.
Mandzukic scored 20 goals in all competitions for Atletico in his sole
season with the Spanish club and sees no reason why he will not be able to
excel with Massimiliano Allegri's beaten UEFA Champions League
finalists.
"I'm happy to be at a big club like Juventus," Mandzukic told the club's
official website. "I hope and I believe that the coach knows me well and can
get the best out of me.
"I'm ready to do everything necessary for my team-mates. I've played
against Juventus and Italy several times. I know them all very well, they're
a very tough team with great quality.
"That's why I'm even more delighted that I too am part of this group now. I
have nothing but the best to say about the team and the coach.
"I will try to slot in as quickly as possible, because as I've already said I
know the players quite well. I've played against the team on several
occasions, so I don't think it will be a big problem.
"This is my new team and I'll fight with everything I've got. I hope to score
as many goals as possible.
"I know and I can see that it's a massive club with a huge fan base. So I'm
very happy with this new challenge, I'm ready."

Player dies after suffering from injuries on field

James Ackerman played 54 Intrust Super Cup matches during his career
A rugby league player seriously injured during a Queensland Cup match in
Australia has died in hospital.
James Ackerman, 25, was playing for the Sunshine Coast Falcons when he
suffered a head injury in a tackle five minutes into a game against Norths
Devils.
The father-of-two was treated on the field at Bishop Park, before being
taken to hospital in Brisbane, and Saturday's game was then abandoned.
Queensland Rugby League (QRL) said on Monday that Ackerman had
passed away.
Australian newspaper the Courier-Mail said Francis Molo, 20, who made
the tackle on Ackerman, is "struggling to cope".
A minute's silence was held for Ackerman prior to Monday's NRL game
between St George-Illawarra Dragons and Sydney Roosters.
Both sets of players also wore black armbands.
Sunshine Coast Falcons chief executive officer Chris Flannery described
Ackerman as a "champion guy" and "one of our leaders".
He added: "He lived for rugby league. He was a tough competitor and a
fine player who in many ways was the heart and soul of our team."
QRL managing director Robert Moore said it was a "very difficult and
traumatic time".
He added: "We send our deepest condolences to James's family and
friends, and the Sunshine Coast club.
"One of the strengths of rugby league is the game's ability to rally behind
its own - and I have no doubt this will happen throughout this challenging
period."
Moore also said it was not an appropriate time to comment further on the
incident.
Ackerman's family - including wife Saraa, children Olliver and Milly,
brothers Andrew and Thomas and parents Michael and Sonya - thanked
the medical staff at both clubs, paramedics, the hospital and his current and
former team-mates for their "overwhelming" support.
Their statement read: "James loved the game of rugby league, he always
played the game with his heart on his sleeve. We will miss you."
The Falcons are a feeder team for NRL side Melbourne Storm, as are
Norths Devils for Brisbane Broncos.
NRL chief executive Dave Smith said: "This is such a tragedy and we send
our sympathies to everyone who knew and loved James."

Brazil won't appeal for Neymar's red card

Neymar has been ruled out of the Copa America tournament in Chile after
Brazil opted not to appeal the Barcelona forward's four-game ban.
The 23-year-old was shown a red card after the final whistle of Brazil's
1-0 defeat to Colombia last week.
Brazil coach Dunga had said that the Brazilian Football Confederation
(CBF) would likely appeal the card.
But Neymar was due to leave the Brazil camp on Monday after the
confederation released a statement not to appeal.
"The technical commission and the player hopes that Conmebol [the South
American Football Confederation] adopt the same rigour they used in
punishing Neymar in all their competitions," said the statement.
Neymar, who won La Liga, the Champions League and the Copa del Rey
with Barcelona in 2014-15, was banned for four matches after getting a
yellow card, a straight red and then showering the referee with abuse
during and after last Wednesday's game with Colombia.
Brazil lost the match 1-0, their first defeat in 12 games.
Neymar was in the ground on Sunday to see Brazil beat Venezuela 2-1, a
result that took them to the top of Group C and into a quarter-final tie with
Paraguay on Saturday.
The final of Copa America is on 4 July.

Manchester United set to make bids for Sergio Ramos and Schweinsteiger

Manchester United are interested in signing Bayern Munich midfielder
Bastian Schweinsteiger and Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos.
United boss Louis van Gaal is trying to strengthen his squad after they
finished fourth in the Premier League.
Germany international Schweinsteiger, 30, and 29-year-old Spain player
Ramos are among those who interest him.
Ramos' contract with Real expires in 2017, while Schweinsteiger's Bayern
deal runs until 2016.
Why do Man Utd want them?
Scorer of Real's injury-time equaliser in their Champions League final
victory over Atletico Madrid in 2014, Ramos has made 445 appearances
for the club since joining from Sevilla in 2005.
He has 128 Spain caps and was in the starting line-up as they won Euro
2008, Euro 2012 and the 2010 World Cup.
Schweinsteiger also has a World Cup winners' medal - starting for
Germany in their victory over Argentina last year.
He has been with Bayern all his career and won his eighth league title in
May. He also won the Champions League in 2013.
How could the moves happen?
Real's interest in goalkeeper David De Gea will be used by United in their
attempt to sign Ramos.
Van Gaal said at the end of last season it would not be easy to keep De
Gea - United's player of the year for the second successive year.
The 24-year-old Spain international has refused to extend his contract
beyond 2016.
The Red Devils have been linked with several potential replacements during
what Van Gaal said could be a "rough" summer for some of his players
given the changes he anticipated.
"A club like Manchester United has to be like that," said Van Gaal in May.
"When you purchase other players you get a stimulus."
Who else do Man Utd want?
Van Gaal is particularly keen to recruit a right-back, central defender,
central midfielder and striker.
United, who have already bought PSV Eindhoven winger Memphis Depay
for £31m, are also interested in Tottenham forward Harry Kane.
Barcelona full-back Dani Alves also interested them, but he has signed a
new deal at the Nou Camp.

Ings eager to fight for first team place at Liverpool

Danny Ings says he is relishing the challenge of fighting for a place in the
Liverpool team following his move from Burnley.
Ings agreed to join Liverpool earlier this month when his contract with
Burnley, relegated from the Premier League last season, expires at the end
of June.
The Bournemouth academy graduate - who spent time on loan at non-
league Dorchester Town in the 2010-11 season before leaving Dean Court
for Turf Moor - scored 11 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last
term.
But he will have plenty of competition for places in a Liverpool side that
boast the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Mario Balotelli, Rickie
Lambert and Divock Origi among their attacking options.
Speaking after England's 1-0 win over Sweden at the UEFA Under-21
Championship on Sunday, Ings said: "Words can't describe it, the move
that I've got for myself.
"At the same time, I've worked my way from the bottom, so it is even more
special for me.
"It is a challenge I am looking forward to. I never sort of get complacent
with anything like that and now I've got that move I will work even harder
to try and get into that team and be the best professional I can be."

Alba sympathises with Neymar over Copa America treatment

Barcelona full-back Jordi Alba says he too would be wound up were he
subjected to the same treatment as team-mate Neymar at the Copa
America.
The Brazil captain was banned for four games, ruling him out of the
remainder of the tournament, following a post-match melee in which he
clashed with Colombian opponents Pablo Armero and Jeison Murillo.
Neymar had been well shackled by the Colombia back line during Brazil's
1-0 defeat, with Alba among those to suggest that Neymar is often an easy
target.
"I think it's unfair but I don't make the rules," Alba said of the ban.
"It's very clear that he's one of those players people look to wind up. I'd
lose my rag quicker than him, that's for sure. Neymar is really patient. He
already puts up with a lot.
"I don't think he's being persecuted, but he's an important player for Brazil
and Barca and that's why people try and wind him up.
"He plays the type of football that everyone wishes they could, but can't,
starting with me."
Neymar will likely watch the remainder of the Copa from the stands,
having played such a crucial role in helping Barcelona to the treble last
season.
Alba was also quizzed on the new contract signed by coach Luis Enrique,
which keeps the Barca boss at Camp Nou until 2017.
"Luis Enrique's new deal is the best possible news we could have
received," Alba added.
"He's completely changed the dressing room. The atmosphere couldn't have
been better. The gaffer is our best signing."

Cech will save Arsenal 12 or 15 points a season - John Terry

The signing of Petr Cech will save Arsenal 12 or 15 points a season,
according to Chelsea captain John Terry.
Cech lost his position as Chelsea's first-choice goalkeeper to Thibaut
Courtois last season and has since been given permission to seek a move
elsewhere.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for the Czech Republic
international as Arsene Wenger seeks to find a solution at what has long
been a troublesome position for Chelsea's London rivals.
And Terry told talkSPORT: "There's talk of Arsenal signing Petr Cech and,
if they do get him, he will strengthen them for sure. He will save them 12 or
15 points a season.
"Petr was an unbelievable professional last year. When you get left out of
the team it can be hard to accept but, when he came in [to the side], he was
exceptional.
"He deserves a lot of credit for that. We understand he wants to play first-
team football but nobody wants to see him leave the club.
"He's going to be sorely missed and will improve any side he goes to."

Italian club Parma set for further demotion

Parma are set to enter bankruptcy after it was confirmed that no buyers
had been found for the beleaguered Italian club.
The price tag for the financially-stricken outfit, who were docked points on
three separate occasions last season for failing to pay staff, was set at
€22.6million last week.
But, after former MLB All-Star catcher Mike Piazza withdrew his interest
in Parma, the Serie B outfit - relegated from Serie A in the previous
campaign - appear set for further demotion.
It is expected that Parma will likely drop into Serie D - the highest tier of
amateur football in Italy - following the announcement.
A Parma statement read: "The administrators of Parma FC, Dr. Angelo
Anedda and Dr. Alberto Guion, communicated that as of 14.00 today, June
22 2015, no offers have been received for the sporting rights of the club.
"In the coming hours the administrators will meet with the creditor's
committee and the bankruptcy judge Dr Pietro Rogato to make the
necessary arrangements for the bankruptcy proceedings."

Galliani laments on the failure to land Kondogbia

Inter appear set to announce the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia, despite
rivals Milan believing a deal for the Monaco midfielder was "all done".
France international Kondogbia has been heavily linked with both Milan
clubs, but will reportedly undergo a medical with Inter on Monday having
chosen to sign for Roberto Mancini's side.
Milan CEO Adriano Galliani felt his club were set to land the 22-year-
old after positive negotiations, only to end up disappointed.
In quotes attributed to Gazzetta dello Sport, Galliani said: "At 1.30 [on
Saturday] it was all done. Monaco had given the go-ahead for the sale of
at €40m, with payment spread over two years - €20m and €20m.
"And the agreement with Geoffrey, already settled the night before, had
been confirmed in late morning by himself and by his father.
"After we exchanged the documentation, at 1.30pm everyone disappeared.
Evidently they changed their minds or the others offered more.
"A 'no' is more difficult to accept than a 'yes', but we cannot accept these
figures [reportedly offered by Inter].
"At times it requires more courage to get up and walk away from the table
than to stay, so let's go."

Pekerman expects more from Colombia

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman hopes his team can repeat the performance they produced against Brazil when they meet Peru on Sunday.
Pekerman's side are bottom of a tight Group C, which has all four teams locked on three points.
Colombia claimed a 1-0 win over Brazil and Pekerman is keen to see his team repeat that display when they face Peru in Temuco.
And Pekerman identified forwards Paolo Guerrero, Jefferson Farfan and Claudio Pizarro as players to watch out for.
"I respect a lot of the players in their hierarchy, as the players on my team
do to the rival," Pekerman told a news conference.
"They're a good team with important players and have good control of the
ball. We hope to repeat a lot of the things we did against Brazil to be able
to leave with the victory."
With all four teams in Group C on three points after the opening two
matches, qualification could go right to the wire.
Pekerman has some injury concerns heading into the game - including star
midfielder James Rodriguez - but remains hopeful his squad has sufficient
quality to secure the result they need.
"There are some players with physical problems, tomorrow we'll have a
meeting with the medical team to determine their progress," Pekerman said.
"We hope we can count on everybody because we're going to face a great
team."

Today's Fixtures
South America - Copa America
Colombia
21 : 00
Peru
Brazil
23 : 30
Venezuela

Jamaica player takes on field selfie with Leo Messi

Jamaica will head home from the Copa America having failed to score a
goal, yet Deshorn Brown made sure he hit the headlines by grabbing an
opportunistic on-pitch selfie with Lionel Messi following Saturday's 1-0
defeat to Argentina.
Winfried Schafer's men put in a spirited display in their final Group B
fixture, restricting tournament favourites Argentina to a solitary goal -
courtesy of Gonzalo Higuain - in Vina del Mar.
The contest saw Messi win his 100th cap and the Barcelona superstar was
the centre of attention at full-time as Brown seized his chance to claim a
cheeky post-match memento.
After using his phone to capture a selfie with Messi, Brown shared the
image on his Instagram account.
The accompanying message read: "Not the result we were looking for, but I
get to meet the best player in the world and it was a great feeling to play
against him!! Best of luck to Messi and Argentina in the rest [of the]
tournament!!"

Hazard can win the ballon d'Or

Eden Hazard has all the attributes required to win the Ballon d'Or, his
Chelsea and Belgium team-mate Thibaut Courtois believes.
Hazard was the star turn in a Chelsea side that achieved a Premier League
and League Cup double last season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions.
The diminutive forward was rewarded for his individual performances by
being named the PFA and Football Writers' Player of the Year.
Barcelona star Lionel Messi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo have
dominated the prestigious Ballon d'Or accolade in recent times, with one
of the duo having won the award in each of the past seven years.
However, goalkeeper Courtois feels Hazard could muscle his way into the
reckoning in the coming years.
"He's a potential Golden Ball winner. We have to see what Messi and
Ronaldo do, two players who are so good that sometimes I don't think they
give a chance to other players," Courtois told Goal.
"They score so many goals that in this moment it is always one of them
who will win the Ballon d’Or.
"But Eden has the capacity of winning it. This season he was decisive for
us. Maybe he can be sometimes a little bit more, but we followed his lead
to the title."
Courtois finally forced his way into the first team at Stamford Bridge last
term having spent three years on loan at Atletico Madrid, with whom he
won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League.
And the 23-year-old says he has had to learn to quickly adapt to the
physicality of the Premier League.
"The main difference [between the Premier League and La Liga] is the
intensity of the game. The corners, the free-kicks, the crosses into the box,"
he added.
"There's more pressure on you as a goalkeeper but I think I handle it well
with the technique I have coming for crosses - it's what I learned when I
was young in Belgium.
"I claimed a lot of crosses this season but there's more aerial contact with
strikers and they don't whistle that often for a foul. I had to learn that in the
beginning but I was aware of it and if you are aware of it in the beginning,
you change the chip in your head and you know it will be like that."

Alves reactions after Neymar's red card

Dani Alves has defended Brazil and Barcelona team-mate Neymar
following his red card on Wednesday, stating referees are unable to handle
the forward's on-field personality.
Brazil captain Neymar was shown a second yellow card during the 1-0
Copa America defeat to Colombia following an injury-time melee after
appearing to kick the ball into full-back Pablo Armero before seemingly
seeking to headbutt Jeison Murillo.
Neymar later claimed he was being unfairly treated by officials - a view
shared by Alves, who suggested referees are too often keen to be the stars
of the show.
"The blame is on the referees. They know he has personality. The [second]
yellow card he received was wrong," the full-back told Globo TV.
"They have to stop thinking that they are the protagonists. They are there to
referee the game.
"This happens in every game against Brazil. You have to be strong and
calm to overcome difficult moments."
The defeat leaves Brazil with work to do to progress out of Group C -
level on points with Colombia and Venezuela, the latter facing Peru on
Thursday.
"Now they are all against Brazil but we need to be calm. Despite their
young age, this group is experienced," added Alves.

Be the first to see the new Madrid kit (home and away)

Real Madrid are well known for their well designed kit season by season.
Their new kit for the 2015/2016 season will shock you.

See below for more on the new Real Madrid kit for 2015/2016 season.

Genk awarded € 300,000 compensation for Lille's Origi

Lille have been ordered to pay €300,000 compensation to Belgian club
Genk over the signing of forward Divock Origi.
Belgium international Origi joined Lille in 2010 after playing for Genk's
youth academy. He joined Premier League Liverpool in July last year
before being loaned back to the Ligue 1 club for the 2014-15 season.
FIFA ruled in Februrary 2014 that Genk were not entitled to compensation
for training Origi as they did not offer him a contract.
However, they appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration of Sport
(CAS), who have accepted Genk's justification for not trying to sign Origi
to a deal.
Genk argued the club would have been punishable under Belgian law by
offering a contract to Origi, who was 15 when he left for Lille.

Rodrigo completes permanent Valencia switch

Rodrigo Moreno completes permanent Valencia move

Rodrigo Moreno completed a permanent move from Benfica to Valencia on
Monday, signing a four-year deal.
The Spain forward joined the Liga side on a season-long loan last July
with the option of extending his stay at the Mestalla.
Valencia have now exercised their option of retaining Rodrigo just a few
days after Andre Gomes joined Nuno Espirito Santo's side on a permanent
basis from Benfica.
Rodrigo spoke of his determination to fire Valencia into the group stage of
the UEFA Champions League after playing his part in ensuring they
finished fourth in La Liga to set up a qualifier in Europe's premier club
competition.
"After a year in Valencia I feel very happy and eager to be better every
day. Now we have to think about the Champions League and get into the
group stage," Rodrigo said.
"I've been fortunate to play in this competition with Benfica and now I want
to do so with Valencia."

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I wasn't ready for Madrid managerial post

Real Madrid Castilla coach and Santiago Bernabeu legend Zinedine
Zidane has dismissed any notion of him having been in the frame to
replace Carlo Ancelotti as the senior side's boss.
Ancelotti departed after a season which returned just the UEFA Super Cup
and Club World Cup, while fierce rivals Barcelona secured a memorable
treble of La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
Rafael Benitez has since been drafted in to fill the Italian's role, although
Zidane had been mentioned as a potential replacement in some quarters
after a year in charge of Real's top youth side, Castilla.
Although the former France captain has the desire to become Bernabeu
chief, he does not believe the time was right for him this time around.
He told RTL: "Zidane, Real Madrid coach. It sounds nice.
"Taking over Ancelotti, that’s never been a question. I wanted to continue
with the Castilla because I am not quite ready.
"A coach is never truly ready. If we wait until all the lights are green, we
will never get there.
"But I am calm, I will do things my own way, and it will take the time it
takes."

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Dortmund goalkeeping spot for grabs

Thomas Tuchel has made no decision on who his number one will be at
Borussia Dortmund following the signing of Roman Burki from Freiburg.
Burki, 24, arrived at Signal Iduna Park from Freiburg on Sunday and will
compete with Roman Weidenfeller and Mitch Langerak for the goalkeeper's
jersey during Tuchel's debut season in charge.
Long-serving number one Weidenfeller has a year left on his contract and
there have been suggestions he could move on.
However, Tuchel maintains no decisions have been made as yet, telling Sky
Sports News in Germany: "Roman Burki was always likely to have the
possibility of being number one.
"That's his wish, his ambition and it is also our desire and our ambition
that he accepts this competition. We have since promised him nothing,
because things are not decided.
"Mitch has played in goal recently and performed well. He will not give that
up easily, and with Roman Weidenfeller we have to see how he accepts this
new situation."

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Pogba and Tévez must be fully committed

Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez should only stay at Juventus if they are
prepared to move the club forward, according to coach Massimiliano
Allegri.
The pair have been heavily linked with moves away. Pogba is a reported
target for Barcelona and Real Madrid, while Atletico Madrid has emerged
as a potential destination for Tevez.
Having guided Juve to the UEFA Champions League final last season,
Allegri is keen for players not to dwell on their achievements and warned
Pogba and Tevez of the need to regain focus if they stay at Juventus
Stadium.
On Pogba, Allegri told La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Obviously this is a club
decision but certainly it's hard to say no to some figures.
"If Paul remains in Turin, he must do so with the right attitude and without
regret, because what we've achieved this season is only a starting point.
"To build the future of Juve, we need young motivated players who show
the right spirit."
Moving on to Tevez, Allegri continued: "It is his choice. But I repeat that
whoever stays must know that the work for next season will be even more
intense.
"I do not want people staying to contemplate their achievements."
With the futures of Pogba and Tevez unclear, Allegri was also quizzed on
potential replacements - as well as the value of Spanish striker Alvaro
Morata.
"[Morata] is a wonderful guy and a player who can only get better. You just
have to hope that at least the club gets between €70 million and €80
million [if he is sold]. This is the present value of Morata," he added.
"I think we should focus on him and on [Kingsley] Coman, another young
man of exceptional quality."
Asked whether Chelsea midfielder Oscar was a target, Allegri said: "I like
Oscar very much, he is one of those who can make a difference even in
Europe.
"I like Oscar, but I also like Isco, [Javier] Pastore, [Angel] Di Maria, [Toni]
Kroos."

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Walters frustrated by Stoke City contract talks

Jonathan Walters says negotiations over a new Stoke City contract are not
progressing as he would like, revealing frustration at the terms currently on
offer.
The Republic of Ireland international sees his contract expire at the
Britannia Stadium next year, having been a regular under both Tony Pulis
and Mark Hughes since arriving from Ipswich Town in 2010.
Walters weighed in with 11 goals last term - having featured primarily on
the right wing - and the 31-year-old is keen to have his future sorted
sooner rather than later.
"Talks are ongoing over a contract, but we are not where I want to be. I
want to get this sorted," Walters is quoted as saying by The Stoke Sentinel.
"I am not the type who wants this sort of thing hanging over me. I have
done well enough to earn that over the last few years.
"From the right wing I have scored the most Premier League goals for
Stoke.
"Stats-wise, I'm also the fittest. I probably have the lowest body fat, so I
have a good few years left in me yet.
"I have been good enough to be in the team, but I am not near the top
earner."

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New FIFA Ranking

NEW FIFA WORLD RANKINGS
World FIFA Rankings
1 Germany 0 1687
2 Argentina 0 1494
3 Belgium 0 1457
4 Colombia 0 1412
5 Brazil 0 1372
6 Netherlands 0 1301
7 Portugal 0 1221
8 Uruguay 0 1176
9 Switzerland 0 1135
10 Spain 0 1132
11 France 0 1127
12 Romania 0 1086
13 Italy 0 1085
14 England 0 1030
15 Costa Rica 0 1016
16 Chile 0 1002
17 Croatia 0 977
18 Czech Republic 1 923
19 Slovakia 1 920
20 Algeria 1 917
21 Wales 1 916
22 Mexico -4 908
23 Côte d’Ivoire 0 907
24 Greece 0 900
25 Austria 0 891
26 Ghana 0 833
27 Russia 5 828
28 USA -1 825
29 Denmark -1 808
30 Scotland -1 796
31 Tunisia -1 793
32 Bosnia and Herzegovina -1 783
33 Ukraine 0 772
34 Ecuador 0 762
35 Poland 0 753
36 Senegal 0 752
37 Cape Verde Islands 0 737
38 Iceland 0 728
39 Sweden 0 704
40 Iran 0 689
41 Guinea 0 678
42 Northern Ireland 0 672
43 Hungary 0 665
44 Serbia 0 664
45 Nigeria 0 659
46 Israel 0 649
47 Slovenia 0 648
48 Cameroon 0 627
49 Congo 0 624
50 Japan 0 614
51 Egypt 0 612
52 Turkey 0 603
53 Panama 0 587
54 Congo DR 0 584
55 Gabon 0 583
56 Mali 0 578
57 Albania 0 575
57 Korea Republic 0 575
59 South Africa 1 553
60 Zambia -1 552
61 Equatorial Guinea 0 549
62 Republic of Ireland 0 546
63 Peru 1 532
64 Australia -1 531
65 Trinidad and Tobago 0 519
66 Burkina Faso 0 517
67 Bulgaria 0 505
68 United Arab Emirates 0 501
69 Venezuela 0 495
70 Norway 0 491
71 Uganda 1 485
72 Uzbekistan 1 476
73 Rwanda 1 474
74 Jamaica 1 466
75 Montenegro -5 457
76 Honduras 0 453
77 Armenia 0 449
78 Finland 0 446
79 Haiti 0 442
80 Togo 0 435
81 Paraguay 0 415
82 China PR 0 408
83 Belarus 0 397
84 El Salvador 0 388
85 Latvia 0 387
86 Mozambique 0 383
86 Iraq 0 383
88 Sierra Leone 0 382
89 Angola 0 381
90 Morocco 1 371
90 Guatemala 0 371
92 Bolivia 0 360
93 Estonia 0 358
94 Benin 0 357
95 Saudi Arabia 0 349
96 Cyprus 0 342
97 Oman 0 341
97 Malawi 0 341
99 Qatar 0 337
100 Lithuania 0 333
101 Ethiopia 0 321
102 Faroe Islands 0 318
103 Jordan 0 316
104 Botswana 0 314
105 FYR Macedonia 0 312
106 Antigua and Barbuda 0 311
107 Tanzania 0 304
108 Bahrain 0 299
109 Cuba 0 298
110 St Vincent and the Grenadines 6
291
111 Sudan -1 288
112 Libya -1 281
112 St Kitts and Nevis -1 281
114 Namibia -1 279
115 Canada -1 277
116 Azerbaijan -1 264
117 Kenya 0 258
118 Dominican Republic 0 257
119 Niger 0 252
120 Moldova 1 245
121 Lesotho 1 242
122 Burundi 1 237
123 ZIMBABWE 0 235
124 Vietnam 1 229
125 Syria 1 225
126 Kuwait 1 224
127 Liechtenstein 1 219
128 Bermuda 1 217
129 Mauritania -9 216
130 Barbados 0 215
131 St Lucia 5 214
132 Guinea-Bissau -1 212
132 Liberia -1 212
134 Kazakhstan -1 210
135 Afghanistan 0 208
136 Aruba -2 204
137 Philippines 2 200
137 Luxembourg 0 200
139 Georgia -1 197
140 Maldives 1 191
141 Palestine -1 190
142 Thailand 0 183
143 Tajikistan 0 173
144 Central African Republic 0 163
144 Lebanon 0 163
144 New Zealand 0 163
147 India 0 161
148 Curaçao 0 159
149 Malta 0 158
150 Madagascar 0 156
151 Timor-Leste 1 151
152 Chad -1 150
153 Kyrgyzstan 0 148
154 Nicaragua 0 142
155 Suriname 14 141
156 Korea DPR 1 139
157 Gambia -1 138
158 Myanmar 0 133
159 Turkmenistan 0 131
159 Indonesia 0 131
159 Belize 0 131
162 Singapore 0 130
163 Guyana -8 128
163 Bhutan 0 128
165 Dominica 12 121
166 Malaysia -2 120
167 Puerto Rico -1 119
168 Yemen 2 117
169 Hong Kong -2 116
169 Bangladesh -2 116
171 Grenada -6 113
172 Montserrat -1 107
173 Pakistan -1 106
174 US Virgin Islands -1 104
175 New Caledonia -1 101
176 Guam -1 97
176 Swaziland -1 97
178 Laos 0 88
179 Cambodia 0 86
179 Chinese Taipei 0 86
181 Nepal 0 70
182 Brunei Darussalam 1 69
183 Turks and Caicos Islands 1 66
183 Macau 1 66
185 Tahiti 1 65
185 Mauritius -4 65
185 Comoros 1 65
188 Sri Lanka -2 64
189 Seychelles 0 60
190 São Tomé e Príncipe 0 58
191 Cayman Islands 0 48
192 Solomon Islands 0 46
193 South Sudan 0 43
194 San Marino 0 40
195 Vanuatu 0 34
196 Fiji 0 30
196 Samoa 0 30
198 Bahamas 0 26
198 British Virgin Islands 0 26
200 Mongolia 0 19
201 Tonga 0 17
202 Papua New Guinea 0 13
203 American Samoa 0 12
204 Andorra 0 8
204 Eritrea 0 8
206 Somalia 0 6
207 Djibouti 0 4
207 Cook Islands 0 4
209 Anguilla 0 2

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