Jose Mourinho thinks it is unfair to single out David Luiz after the former Chelsea defender made a number of mistakes during Brazil's humiliating 7-1 defeat by Germany. In the absence of suspended captain Thiago Silva, Brazil's back four was ripped apart by Germany in the World Cup semi-final in Belo Horizonte. And Luiz, who started alongside Dante in the centre of defence and skippered his side, endured a torrid evening as Joachim Low's side tore through the hosts at will. Scroll down for videos... Heartbreak: David Luiz has been singled out for criticism after Brazil's World Cup defeat by Germany Heartbreak: David Luiz has been singled out for criticism after Brazil's World Cup defeat by Germany Trailing: The PSG defender watches former Chelsea team-mate Andre Schurrle score Germany's seventh Trailing: The PSG defender watches former Chelsea team-mate Andre Schurrle score Germany's seventh Mourinho is Yahoo's Global Football Ambassador Mourinho is Yahoo's Global Football Ambassador But Mourinho, speaking in his capacity as Yahoo’s Global Football Ambassador, thinks the whole Brazil team are to blame, not just Luiz. The Chelsea manager said: 'I don't think it's fair to separate a player from the team, because the team was really bad. 'David made mistakes? Yes he did. But, Dante made mistake, Marcelo made mistakes, Fernandinho made mistakes. The team as a team made mistakes. So I don't think it’s fair. 'I think everyone in my situation, everyone that is a player, everyone that is a coach, everyone that is not involved in the World Cup, but could be in that position.' Luiz was sold to Paris Saint-Germain for £50million this summer, but he was part of the most devastating defeat in Brazil's World Cup history in Belo Horizonte on Tuesday. VIDEO Disbelief in Belo Horizonte after devastating Germany win
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sports. Show all posts
Monday 14 July 2014
Arsenal told they can have Balotelli for £14m
Quotidiano Sportivo claims the San Siro giants are ready to cut their losses on the 23-year-old, who cost around £10m more than his latest valuation when he arrived from Manchester City 18 months ago.
According to the report, the Serie A outfit will not drop the asking price any lower and are awaiting a response from two suitors – the Gunners and cash-rich French side Monaco.
Flashes of brilliance have been tempered by a number of unsavoury incidents since the switch back to his homeland, in typically enigmatic fashion.
The latest flashpoint came last week when the forward took a picture of himself brandishing a gun and made it his homepage image on Instagram.
He hastily deleted the photograph – which was accompanied by the chilling message “a kiss to those who hate me” – but not before it had gone viral online.
It sparked outrage in Italy and embarrassment to one of the most iconic clubs in European football.
Milan now face an anxious wait to see if they can offload him in order to fund a handful of incoming transfers.
Arsenal have already splashed out in excess of £30m on attacker Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona, although it is unclear in which position boss Arsene Wenger intends to deploy the Chile international, who is capable of playing out wide or through the centre.
I've modelled my game on Cristiano Ronaldo, reveals Newcastle's £12m arrival Cabella
emy Cabella resumed his holiday already planning to establish himself among Newcastle's great French imports.
The
24-year-old France international completed his move from Montpellier
for an undisclosed fee on Sunday evening when he signed a six-year deal
to become the latest recruit from his country to ply his trade at St
James' Park.
He
could make his competitive debut for the club in the Barclays Premier
League opener against Manchester City next month, and he will do so
hoping to follow in the footsteps of the likes of David Ginola and
Laurent Robert.
New boy: Remy Cabella poses with his Newcastle shirt inside St James' Park after sealing his £12million move
Excited: Cabella says he is hoping to become 'one of the best' at Newcastle after leaving Montpellier
Fresh start: Cabella (left), pictured in action against Bastia last season, is Newcastle's fourth summer signing
Big stage: Cabella (right) was part of France's World Cup squad but failed to make an appearance for Les Bleus
Cabella
told nufcTV: 'Yes, that's something I am here for. I am looking to
improve all the time and hopefully become one of the best. I just love
improving.
'I
love to play. Big matches or little matches, I am always there. It
makes me want to play more, the fact that this match is such a big one
at the start, and I am looking forward to just getting involved in the
season.
'My first match at Newcastle is something I have been really looking forward to.'
Cabella
freely admits he modelled himself on Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo
as a youngster, but insists he has become his own man as he has matured
in the game.
He said: 'I loved to learn how to dribble like him and do the tricks, but now I am on the professional stage, I have my own way.
'I
am looking to improve all the time and Newcastle is a well-known, very
good club. I just love to improve and that's what I'm here to do.'
Magpies
boss Alan Pardew was delighted to have finally landed a man the club
had been chasing since January, when they tried to sign him as a
replacement for Yohan Cabaye.
Indeed,
the 52-year-old included himself in a vote of thanks he extended to
owner Mike Ashley, managing director Lee Charnley and chief scout Graham
Carr for eventually getting the deal done.
Pardew
said: 'I'd like to pay tribute to my staff, in particular Graham,
myself, Lee and Mike and everyone on the board who worked really hard
for this one because he's a player we think is important.
Four-star rating: Germany show off first strip with extra triumph
Germany
were only crowned world champions on Sunday night but Adidas have wasted
no time in commemorating the achievement - by revealing a kit with four
stars above the badge.
Joachim
Low guided Die Mannschaft to their fourth World Cup triumph with a 1-0
extra-time victory over Argentina at the Maracana Stadium.
And
to rub salt further into La Albiceleste's wounds, the first time that
Low's side will wear the new kit will be against Argentina in a friendly
on September 3 at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf.
Champions of the world: Manufacturers Adidas revealed Germany's new kit with four stars above the badge
Quadruple: The four stars above Germany's badge commemorates their four World Cup triumphs
Revealed: Katja Schreiber of the Adidas Group tweeted a picture of the new kit with the four stars
We are the champions! Germany captain Philipp Lahm (front, second right) holds the World Cup aloft
#SuperMario Gotze progresses from Germany's wunderkind to national hero after World Cup final winning goal
Mario Gotze
may look like he is not long out of babygrow lederhosen but his status
as Germany’s wunderkind has been established for some considerable time.
His
Bundesliga debut came in November 2009 aged 17 and now, five years
later, he has accumulated more than 150 first-team appearances for
Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich. Gotze’s winning goal against
Argentina was his 11th in 35 internationals.
His
story is one replicated throughout the German squad that lifted the
World Cup at the Maracana; natural talent harnessed early, a chance
offered young, improvements made through experience.
King of the world: Mario Gotze of Germany
celebrates after scoring the winning goal the 2014 World Cup final match
between Germany and Argentina
The world in his grasp: The Bayern Munich midfielder kisses the trophy
Victorious: Mario Gotze of Germany celebrates by kissing the FIFA World Cup trophy
Born
in Memmingen, Bavaria, Gotze joined the Dortmund academy aged eight
when his father Jurgen secured a job as professor at the city’s
University of Technology.
As
a child he played the game with his older brother Fabian and younger
brother Felix. ‘As much as we could, anywhere we could,’ Gotze says.
‘I’d always work on my first touch, moving the ball and looking for that
next pass. I practised using both feet.’
The
elder siblings now live together in a Munich apartment – Fabian plays
for local team SpVgg Unterhaching – while Felix is in Dortmund’s youth
set-up.
Mario
advanced through those same age groups and on Noverber 21, 2009 manager
Jurgen Klopp handed him his debut as a substitute against Mainz.
His vision,
technique, and cutting edge won huge praise quickly. In 2010, former
Dortmund and Germany star Matthias Sammer hailed him ‘one of the best
talents we’ve ever had.’
His
international debut followed on November 17 that year when Joachim Low
sent him on as a substitute in a friendly against Sweden, making him the
youngest international for the Nationalmannschaft since Uwe Seeler in
1954. He also became the first player in a senior Germany shirt born
after the Berlin Wall was torn down, alongside Andre Schurrle who came
off the bench at the same time.
During
the 2010-11 season, Gotze operated on either flank or through the
middle in a Dortmund side producing football full of pace, flair and
fluid movement. Still just 18 he scored six goals and made 11 assists in
33 appearances as Dortmund won the Bundesliga for the first time in
nine years.
Such
statistics are important in illustrating his neat touches and gliding
runs were never simply for their own sake – this is a player who always
wanted to find the net.
He
describes his game thus: ‘Possession is key to winning the game, but at
some point you have to take risks to create opportunities and score.
Someone has to dare to play a killer pass.’
In
August 2011 he became Germany’s joint-youngest goal scorer in the
post-war era, at 19 years and 68 days, in a game against Brazil.
Such
philosophy and impact alerted Arsene Wenger and at one stage a transfer
to Arsenal seemed inevitable. According to contemporaneous reports in
Germany, Wenger failed with a bid for Gotze in 2011, while Sportsmail
revealed how the Frenchman was also plotting a £30million swoop in April
2013.
However,
Gotze shocked his boyhood club by switching to rivals Bayern Munich
when they triggered his release clause. The timing was unpalatable, with
an announcement made barely 36 hours before Dortmund’s Champions League
semi-final with Real Madrid.
Klopp
was publicly critical and claimed the attraction of working under
incoming Pep Guardiola was too irresistible for Gotze. Dortmund fans
labelled him a traitor and burned his shirt.
The
episode culminated in Gotze sitting out the 2013 Champions League final
between his new and old clubs at Wembley. Injury was cited above
conflict of interests.
All
of England’s best clubs would be eager to secure his services but he
seems likely to remain in Bavaria for a good while. Before Bayern acted,
Manchester City reportedly failed with a £330,000-per-week contract
offer.
Gotze
scored 10 Bundesliga goals last season and won another title even with
the Guardiola project stuttering somewhat, then arrived in Brazil to
play in the ‘false 9’ role.
A
header against Ghana followed but he lost his place to orthodox striker
Miroslav Klose. The 36-year-old tired in the final though and the
player 14 years his junior was reintroduced to clinch the trophy. It was
an apt exchange of the baton.Markovic arrives in Liverpool for medical ahead of £20m
Lazar Markovic is on the brink of becoming Liverpool's fourth summer signing after he arrived on Merseyside for his medical.
The
Serbia international flew in to Liverpool on Sunday evening and is
currently undergoing tests, which will be taken at Spire Liverpool
Hospital and the club's Melwood training ground, before his £20million
move from Benfica is ratified.
Liverpool
have been pursuing Markovic all summer - he was a target long before
Luis Suarez moved into Barcelona's sights - and they acted quickly to
trigger the release clause in his contract to take him from Lisbon.
Wanted: Liverpool have met the £20million release clause in Lazar Markovic's Benfica contract
Imminent: Markovic has flown into Merseyside to complete his medical and could sign within 24 hours
Poitning the way: Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has already been very busy in the market this summer
Assuming
everything goes smoothly in his medical - and there is no reason to
suggest it won't - Markovic, who will sign a long-term contract, is
likely to be officially announced at some point within the next 24
hours.
Markovic,
a highly-rated left-sided attacker, will follow Rickie Lambert, Adam
Lallana and Emre Can as new additions to Brendan Rodgers squad. Belgium
striker Divock Origi is also close to joining Liverpool, who remain
interested in Sevilla let-back Alberto Moreno.
Rodgers
has wasted little time in bolstering a squad that pushed Manchester
City to the limit in the race for the Barclays Premier League last
season and he is expected to busy all the way through the summer.
Liverpool
are considering moves for, among others, Swansea pair Wilfried Bony and
Ben Davies, QPR striker Loic Remy and they have not lost interest in
Croatia defender Dejan Lovren, even though Southampton are standing
firm.
Arsenal want Chambers despite signing Newcastle defender Debuchy
Arsenal are stepping up interest in Southampton right-back Calum Chambers.
Manager Arsene Wenger has admired the 19-year-old for some time and has had favourable scouting reports throughout the season.
Although
he has bought Mathieu Debuchy from Newcastle, he is allowing Carl
Jenkinson to leave and that will vacate room for Chambers.
Wanted man: Arsenal are stepping up interest in Southampton right-back Calum Chambers
Opposite direction? Serge Gnabry is wanted by the Saints as they begin rebuilding for this season
Southampton
have an interest in Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry while Liverpool's
Martin Kelly is understood to be on their radar also.
Manager
Ronald Koeman believes he can find better players than some of the ones
he has sold but will be sorry to lose Chambers who he has had good
reports on.
Koeman
wants a goalkeeper also. He is reluctant to pay the £12-15m Cardiff
have quoted for David Marshall while Celtic want at least £8m for Fraser
Forster. That has pushed Norwich and England keeper John Ruddy into the
frame who is also on Arsenal's list if they fail to sign David Ospina
from Nice.Rihanna breaks FIFA etiquette as pop singer touches and kisses World Cup Trophy during Germany celebrations
Pop singer Rihanna broke World Cup etiquette when she got her hands on the trophy during Germany’s post-match party.
FIFA
guidelines have previously said that only winners of the tournament and
heads of state are allowed to handle the official World Cup Trophy.
Rules: Rihanna holds the World Cup with Miroslav Klose but guidelines state she should not have touched it
Revealing: Rihanna lifts her top after Germany beat Argentina to win the World Cup
Stuck in the middle with you: Rihanna holds the World Cup while Lucas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger kiss her
Cheerleader: Pop star Rihanna poses with Podolski, Schweinsteiger and match winner Mario Gotze
Indeed,
England’s Wayne Rooney and Daniel Sturridge have previously been forced
to observe this practice during promotional events in the UK.
But
Rihanna – who had earlier lifted her top inside the Maracana during
Germany’s 1-0 win over Argentina – was pictured holding the solid-gold
prize and later revealed she had kissed and posed for a ‘selfie’ with
the famous trophy.
Wives,
girlfriends and children of the Germany players were also pictured with
the trophy during the celebrations in Rio and it appears FIFA have
relaxed their rules regarding the 18-carat gold prize.Van Gaal hits the big screen as Manchester United debut kicks off new Premier League season - read the full TV schedule including Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham right here
Louis van Gaal’s Manchester United
will open the Premier League season after their home fixture with
Swansea City was chosen for live, lunchtime coverage on BT Sport.
Sky Sports’ decision to select matches involving the top four from last season has allowed BT to land Van Gaal’s first match in charge of United, which will kick off at 12.45pm on Saturday August 16.
Sky, meanwhile, will broadcast champions Manchester City’s trip to Newcastle United (Sunday August 17, 4pm), Arsenal versus Crystal Palace (Saturday, 5.30pm), Liverpool’s visit of Southampton (Sunday, 1.30pm) and Chelsea at Burnley (Monday August 18, 8pm).
But many will feel BT have scooped the
prize match with Van Gaal’s debut in the dugout the most-anticipated
fixture of the weekend.
United’s curtain-raiser against the Swans should also mark the debut of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in a red shirt, and there could well be more by time the action gets underway, including Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal who is thought to be nearing a move to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports, though, have no shortage of intrigue in their picks and Liverpool versus Southampton has added spice given the likelihood of former Saints Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert making their bow against their old club.
Chelsea could include Cesc Fabregas for their trip to newly-promoted Burnley during the season’s first Monday Night Football, while the debut of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez against Crystal Palace on Saturday tea-time is sure to attract interest following his £30m move from Barcelona.
Television fixtures for both broadcasters have been confirmed until the end of November.
Sky Sports will screen seven of Van Gaal’s early matches, including the visit of Chelsea, the trip to Arsenal and the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The first big ‘derby day’ of the campaign on Saturday, September 27 will see Liverpool host Everton at 12.45pm on BT Sport and Arsenal welcome Spurs at 5.30pm on Sky Sports.
And Sky pundit Gary Neville said: ‘I can’t wait for the new season and I can’t wait for Sky’s live matches.
‘There’s so many stand out fixtures
here to look forward to, including must-see head to heads, big tests for
the top four and all the promoted sides.
‘We’ll see all the teams at least three times, visit all the grounds and tell the complete Premier League story throughout the opening three months and beyond. I can’t wait to get back into the studio.’
See below for the full list of matches to be televised live on Sky Sports and BT Sport…
Liverpool vs Southampton - Sunday 17, 1:30pm (Sky)
Newcastle United vs Manchester City - Sunday 17, 4pm (Sky)
Burnley vs Chelsea - Monday 18, 8pm (Sky)
Hull City vs Stoke City - Sunday 24, 1:30pm (Sky)
Sunderland vs Manchester United - Sunday 24, 4pm (Sky)
Manchester City vs Liverpool - Monday 25, 8pm (Sky)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool - Sunday 31, 1:30pm (Sky)
Leicester City vs Arsenal - Sunday 31, 4pm (Sky)
Manchester United vs Queens Park Rangers - Sunday 14, 4pm (Sky)
Hull City vs West Ham United - Monday 15, 8pm (Sky)
Leicester City vs Manchester United - Sunday 21, 1:30pm (Sky)
Manchester City vs Chelsea - Sunday 21, 4pm (Sky)
West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley - Sunday 28, 4pm (Sky)
Stoke City vs Newcastle United - Monday 29, 8pm (Sky)
West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers - Sunday 5, 4:15pm (Sky)
Stoke City vs Swansea City - Sunday 19, 4pm (Sky)
West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United - Monday 20, 8pm (Sky)
Burnley vs Everton - Sunday 26, 1:30pm (Sky)
Manchester United vs Chelsea Sunday 26, 4pm (Sky)
Queens Park Rangers v Aston Villa - Monday 27, 8pm (Sky)
Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 2, 4pm (Sky)
Crystal Palace v Sunderland - Monday 3, 8pm (Sky)
West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United - Sunday 9, 1:30pm (Sky)
Swansea City vs Arsenal - Sunday 9, 4pm (Sky)
Arsenal vs Manchester United - Saturday 22, 5:30pm (Sky)
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - Sunday 23, 1:30pm (Sky)
Hull City vs Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 23, 4pm (Sky)
Aston Villa vs Southampton - Monday 24, 8pm (Sky)
Southampton vs Manchester City - Sunday 30, 1:30pm (Sky)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton - Sunday 30, 4pm (Sky)
Sky Sports’ decision to select matches involving the top four from last season has allowed BT to land Van Gaal’s first match in charge of United, which will kick off at 12.45pm on Saturday August 16.
Sky, meanwhile, will broadcast champions Manchester City’s trip to Newcastle United (Sunday August 17, 4pm), Arsenal versus Crystal Palace (Saturday, 5.30pm), Liverpool’s visit of Southampton (Sunday, 1.30pm) and Chelsea at Burnley (Monday August 18, 8pm).
Opening up: BT Sport will show Louis van Gaal's first match in charge of Manchester United
Midfield mestro: Ander Herrera signed for Manchester United from Athletic Bilbao
Upset: Swansea beat United in the FA Cup last season, although the Red Devils won both league clashes
United’s curtain-raiser against the Swans should also mark the debut of Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera in a red shirt, and there could well be more by time the action gets underway, including Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal who is thought to be nearing a move to Old Trafford.
Sky Sports, though, have no shortage of intrigue in their picks and Liverpool versus Southampton has added spice given the likelihood of former Saints Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert making their bow against their old club.
Chelsea could include Cesc Fabregas for their trip to newly-promoted Burnley during the season’s first Monday Night Football, while the debut of Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez against Crystal Palace on Saturday tea-time is sure to attract interest following his £30m move from Barcelona.
Red hot Chilean: Arsenal fans will be keen to catch a glimpse of Alexis Sanchez on his debut
New in blue: Cesc Fabregas is in line to make his Chelsea debut following his transfer from Barcelona
Old pals' act: Adam Lallana could make his Liverpool debut against former club Southampton live on Sky
Television fixtures for both broadcasters have been confirmed until the end of November.
Sky Sports will screen seven of Van Gaal’s early matches, including the visit of Chelsea, the trip to Arsenal and the Manchester derby at the Etihad Stadium.
The first big ‘derby day’ of the campaign on Saturday, September 27 will see Liverpool host Everton at 12.45pm on BT Sport and Arsenal welcome Spurs at 5.30pm on Sky Sports.
And Sky pundit Gary Neville said: ‘I can’t wait for the new season and I can’t wait for Sky’s live matches.
Top team: Sky experts (from left) Gary Neville, Jamie Redknapp, Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness
‘We’ll see all the teams at least three times, visit all the grounds and tell the complete Premier League story throughout the opening three months and beyond. I can’t wait to get back into the studio.’
See below for the full list of matches to be televised live on Sky Sports and BT Sport…
THE EARLY-SEASON TV FIXTURES
AUGUST
Manchester United vs Swansea - Saturday 16, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace - Saturday 16, 5:30pm (Sky)Liverpool vs Southampton - Sunday 17, 1:30pm (Sky)
Newcastle United vs Manchester City - Sunday 17, 4pm (Sky)
Burnley vs Chelsea - Monday 18, 8pm (Sky)
Aston Villa vs Newcastle - Saturday 23, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Everton vs Arsenal - Saturday 23, 5:30pm (Sky)Hull City vs Stoke City - Sunday 24, 1:30pm (Sky)
Sunderland vs Manchester United - Sunday 24, 4pm (Sky)
Manchester City vs Liverpool - Monday 25, 8pm (Sky)
Burnley vs Manchester United - Saturday 30, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Everton vs Chelsea - Saturday 30, 5:30pm (Sky)Tottenham Hotspur vs Liverpool - Sunday 31, 1:30pm (Sky)
Leicester City vs Arsenal - Sunday 31, 4pm (Sky)
SEPTEMBER
Arsenal vs Manchester City - Saturday 13, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Liverpool vs Aston Villa - Saturday 13, 5:30pm (Sky)Manchester United vs Queens Park Rangers - Sunday 14, 4pm (Sky)
Hull City vs West Ham United - Monday 15, 8pm (Sky)
Queens Park Rangers vs Stoke - Saturday 20, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
West Ham United vs Liverpool - Saturday 20, 5:30pm (Sky)Leicester City vs Manchester United - Sunday 21, 1:30pm (Sky)
Manchester City vs Chelsea - Sunday 21, 4pm (Sky)
Liverpool vs Everton - Saturday 27, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Arsenal vs Tottenham Hotspur - Saturday 27, 5:30pm (Sky)West Bromwich Albion vs Burnley - Sunday 28, 4pm (Sky)
Stoke City vs Newcastle United - Monday 29, 8pm (Sky)
OCTOBER
Aston Villa vs Manchester City - Saturday 4, 5:30pm (Sky)
Manchester United vs Everton - Sunday 5, noon (BT Sport)
Chelsea vs Arsenal - Sunday 5, 2:05pm (Sky)West Ham United vs Queens Park Rangers - Sunday 5, 4:15pm (Sky)
Manchester City vs Tottenham - Saturday 18, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Queens Park Rangers vs Liverpool - Sunday 19, 1:30pm (Sky)Stoke City vs Swansea City - Sunday 19, 4pm (Sky)
West Bromwich Albion vs Manchester United - Monday 20, 8pm (Sky)
West Ham vs Manchester City - Saturday 25, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Swansea City vs Leicester City - Saturday 25 5:30pm (Sky)Burnley vs Everton - Sunday 26, 1:30pm (Sky)
Manchester United vs Chelsea Sunday 26, 4pm (Sky)
Queens Park Rangers v Aston Villa - Monday 27, 8pm (Sky)
NOVEMBER
Newcastle vs Liverpool - Saturday 1, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Manchester City v Manchester United - Sunday 2, 1:30pm (Sky)Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 2, 4pm (Sky)
Crystal Palace v Sunderland - Monday 3, 8pm (Sky)
Liverpool vs Chelsea - Saturday 8, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Queens Park Rangers vs Manchester City - Saturday 8, 5:30pm (Sky)West Bromwich Albion vs Newcastle United - Sunday 9, 1:30pm (Sky)
Swansea City vs Arsenal - Sunday 9, 4pm (Sky)
Arsenal vs Manchester United - Saturday 22, 5:30pm (Sky)
Crystal Palace vs Liverpool - Sunday 23, 1:30pm (Sky)
Hull City vs Tottenham Hotspur - Sunday 23, 4pm (Sky)
Aston Villa vs Southampton - Monday 24, 8pm (Sky)
West Brom vs Arsenal - Saturday 29, 12.45pm (BT Sport)
Sunderland vs Chelsea - Saturday 29, 5:30pm (Sky)Southampton vs Manchester City - Sunday 30, 1:30pm (Sky)
Tottenham Hotspur vs Everton - Sunday 30, 4pm (Sky)
Wimbledon champ Novak Djokovic ties the knot with pregnant childhood sweetheart Jelena Ristic
Tennis champ Novak Djokovic says he
'couldn't ask for more' after tying the knot with his pregnant childhood
sweetheart just days after winning the men's title at Wimbledon.
The 27-year-old Serbian-born sportsman exchanged vows with Jelena Ristic in the grounds of Montenegro's Aman Sveti Stefan resort on Thursday.
The bride - who is expecting their first child - wore a gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the designer of the Duchess Of Cambridge's wedding dress.
Djokovic told Hello!: 'Seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress, smiling and walking towards me - she looked like an angel.'
The 27-year-old Serbian-born sportsman exchanged vows with Jelena Ristic in the grounds of Montenegro's Aman Sveti Stefan resort on Thursday.
The bride - who is expecting their first child - wore a gown by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the designer of the Duchess Of Cambridge's wedding dress.
Love match: Novak Djokovic marries pregnant
childhood sweetheart Jelena Ristic as they look forward to the birth of
their first baby
World Cup stats: The best 20 statistics from Brazil 2014, from the 52 miles covered by Thomas Muller to the record 32 goals scored by substitutes
And then
there was one, Germany crowned winners of Brazil 2014 following their
victory over Argentina in the final at the Maracana.
But what about the other numbers to emerge from the finals?
Here, Sportsmail runs you through the 20 best stats from the past month in South America…
Record makers: Thomas Muller ran further than any other player at the World Cup
Number one: Germany were crowned World Cup champions following victory over Argentina
0: Premier League players shortlisted for the best player, best goalkeeper and best young player of the tournament
3: Shots on target from Golden Ball winner Lionel Messi during four knockout-stage matches, three of which went to extra-time
Poor: Lionel Messi managed only three shots on target during the knockout rounds
6: Germany players who were part of Under-21 side to win Euro 2009 – Neuer, Howedes, Boateng, Khedira, Ozil, Hummels
7: Minutes Argentina were behind during the entire tournament
8: Games which went to extra-time – a joint record with Italia 90
10: Reds cards
12: Penalties scored
12: Managers who have now left their position
16: Teams that had only played one game by the time England had been knocked out
Despair: Roy Hodgson's England were eliminated following two games
Official: Steven Gerrard and England finished 26th of the 32 teams
23: Players used by Holland boss Louis van Gaal - his entire squad
26: England's official finishing position out of the 32 teams
30: Seconds taken by Clint Dempsey to open the scoring against Ghana – the fifth fastest goal in World Cup history
32: Goals scored by substitutes – a record
43: Age of Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondrago when he became the oldest player in World Cup history
52: Miles covered by Germany’s Thomas Muller – the most at the finals
Running man: Muller scored five goals as well as covering the ground for his side
Thirsty work: Muller's distance covered was the equivalent of two marathons
66:
Seconds between Olivier Giroud and Blaise Matuidi scoring for France
against Switzerland – least time difference between two goals at finals
100: Six-goal top scorer James Rodriguez was 100/1 to win the Golden Boot before the finals
171: Goals scored, matching record set at France 98
562: Passes completed by Germany’s Philipp Lahm – the most at the finals
618,725: Tweets per minute about the match at the final whistle, the highest-ever peak during an event
World Cup closing ceremony 2014 sees Shakira, Rihanna, David Beckham, Pele, Tom Brady, Vladimir Putin and more in the crowd as celebrities spotted at Maracana in Rio de Janeiro for final
or plenty, the World Cup coming to an end is unwelcome after more than a month of explosive football on the biggest of stages.
It started
with plenty of colour - as expected of Brazil - as Samba music and
dancers took over the Maracana pitch, before the Brazuca ball was
brought out as a centre-piece.
Two
freestylers, one dressed in a Germany kit and the other in an Argentina
strip, took to the stage to show off their skills for the crowd.
Shakira's 'La La La (Brazil 2014)' song was performed alongside Brazilian percussionist and singer Carlinhos Brown.
But Brazil, just as they did for the opening ceremony, were looking to make sure they see off the 2014 World Cup with a bang.
The
location? The Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The reason?
Celebrating the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany arriving.
Among
those spotted for the showdown was American football star Tom Brady,
who was getting cosy with his Brazilian supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen,
and FIFA President Sepp Blatter, who was chatting to former Barcelona
star Carles Puyol and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Excited: Shakira (centre) and her partner
Barcelona's Gerard Pique (right) smile during the closing ceremony of
the 2014 World Cup on Sunday at the Maracana
High spirits: Shakira was the headline act of
the closing ceremony before the World Cup final 2014 between Argentina
and Germany in Rio de Janeiro
Excited: Rihanna takes her seat for the 2014
World Cup final with her fellow celebrities during the closing ceremony
ahead of Germany vs Argentina
Spotted: American football star Tom Brady and
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen were at the Maracana in Rio de
Janeiro for the World Cup final 2014
Familiar faces... Former Brazil international
Kaka, Brazil legend Pele and ex-England midfielder David Beckham pose
ahead of the 2014 World Cup final
Pals: Pele and Beckham looked in high spirits ahead of the 2014 World Cup final between Argentina and Germany in Rio de Janeiro
Hopeful: Lena Gercke, the girlfriend of Germany's Sami Khedira, waits for the start of the 2014 World Cup final in Rio
Star: Ashton Kutcher takes a selfie before the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil
Friends: A Germany fan poses with a pair of Argentina supporters ahead of the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil
Stage: Shakira took to the centre of the
Maracana pitch in Rio to perform his 'La La La (Brazil 2014)' song for
the crowd before the big match
On stage: Shakira performs with musician
Carlinhos Brown (left) during the closing ceremony of the 2014 World Cup
at the Maracana in Rio
Show: The Maracana crowd will only hope
Argentina and Germany continue the trend and put on a good performance
in the World Cup final 2014
Guess who they support? A group of Argentina
fans look confident ahead of the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil as they
hope to make history with Lionel Messi
Music: Carlos Santana (left), Wyclef Jean
(centre) and Alexandre Pires perform during the closing ceremony before
the 2014 World Cup final
Joking: FIFA President Sepp Blatter (right)
chats with ex-Barcelona player Carles Puyol and model Vanessa Lorenzo at
the Maracana before the World Cup 2014 final
Stars: Former Italy star Fabio Cannavaro and
ex-Germany international Lothar Matthaus arrive for the 2014 World Cup
final in Brazil
Now that's a good selfie: Matthaus, Cannavaro and Daniel Passarella take a shot in the Maracana before the World Cup final
Excited: A Germany supporter gets ready for the
World Cup 2014 final on Sunday as the Brazilian performers show off
their colourful constructions on the Rio pitch
Group photo: The VIP guests pose ahead of the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil between Argentina and Germany
That's kind of them! German supporters reassure the Brazilians in the Maracana that they won't let Argentina beat them
Support: Two Germany fans were in the crowd nice
and easy before kick off as Argentina and Lionel Messi stop in their
way of making history
Chat: FIFA President Blatter talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) ahead of the World Cup final 2014 in Brazil
Blue: An Argentine supporter waits for the start of the World Cup final as Germany stand in their way of making history
Colour: Performers take part in the closing
ceremony at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro before Argentina and Germany
battle it out
Vibrant: The performers took to the same pitch
that will be graced by Argentina's Lionel Messi and Germany's Thomas
Muller in the final on Sunday
Dancers: The closing ceremony sees off the World
Cup 2014 before the highly-anticipated final gets underway between
Germany and Argentina in Brazil
Giant: A large inflatable Brazuca official ball
is unleashed on the crowd inside the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro
before the World Cup final 2014
The scene: Germany and Argentina will take to the pitch to battle it out to make history in the 2014 World Cup final at 8pm
Shakira's 'La La La (Brazil 2014)' song was performed alongside Brazilian percussionist and singer Carlinhos Brown.
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