Croatia lose Olic for Euro 2012 World Soccer Shop

Croatia have been dealt a major blow with Ivica Olic ruled out of Euro 2012 due to a thigh injury, the striker replaced by Nikola Kalinic.

Olic: WIll not take part in Poland and Ukraine

Scans have revealed the full extent of departing Bayern Munich frontman Olic's thigh injury and he is expected to be out of action for between four and six weeks.

His place in the Croatia squad, who provide the Republic of Ireland's first opponents in Group C, will be taken by Dnipro's Kalinic, the former Blackburn Rovers striker.

A statement on the Croatian Football Federation's official website, www.hns-cff.hr, said: "Unfortunately, Ivica Olic will not participate at the European Championships in Ukraine and Poland, and as his replacement, coach Slaven Bilic has called Nikola Kalinic."

Olic, who is to join Wolfsburg later this summer, suffered the injury in a friendly draw with Norway at the weekend.

The Croatians open their campaign against the Republic in Poznan on Sunday evening.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17743/croatia_lose_olic_for_euro_2012

Torres hoping for trophy hat-trick

Striker Fernando Torres wants to follow up Chelsea’s Champions League and FA Cup success by winning Euro 2012 with Spain.

Vicente del Bosque’s side are the holders of the UEFA European Championships, and among the favourites again to win the tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

Torres, 28, netted the only goal in Spain’s 1-0 triumph over Germany in the Euro 2008 final.

And with his country’s all-time leading goal-scorer David Villa ruled out through injury, the pressure is on Torres to lead the line during the competition.

“I had a great end of season in which I collected two titles and I hope to win the Euro and put the cherry on the cake,” he said.

“Currently we are considered favourites for the Euro 2012 and we have a different kind of pressure. I have new hopes after a tough year for me.

“It’s not easy to be here, but what we want now is to maintain Del Bosque’s trust in us, play as much as possible and make a big contribution to the team.

“That’s what I’m here for. We have a collective target, not an individual one.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/torres-hoping-for-trophy-hat-trick/95838/

Croatia´s Olic in doubt for Euro 2012

Experienced Wolfsburg striker Ivica Olic is in doubt for Croatia’s Euro 2012 campaign due to a thigh injury.

Olic, 32, picked up the problem during his team’s 1-1 friendly draw against Norway on Sunday, and may not regain fitness in time for the tournament.

Croatia coach Slaven Bilic may now be forced to reconsider his attacking options ahead of their Euro 2012 opener against Republic of Ireland on June 10.

“I cannot guarantee that Olic will play at the Euros,” Croatia squad doctor Zoran Bahtijarevic told Sportske Novosti.

“We did the first medical exam at the stadium in Oslo to check the flexibility of the muscle. It seemed fine, but he will undergo a complete scan on Monday in Munich.

“I’m an optimist. So far the medical evidence suggests he could (play at the Euros), but let’s wait until the scan.”

Following the Group C match against Republic of Ireland, Croatia take on Italy and then tournament holders Spain.

Olic has agreed a switch to Wolfsburg on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, bringing an end to his three-year stay at the Allianz Arena.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/croatia%c2%b4s-olic-in-doubt-for-euro-2012/95827/

Villa shows faith in Spain depth

Barcelona striker David Villa has played down his absence from the Spain national team at Euro 2012.

The 30-year-old striker ruled himself out of selection for the finals in Poland and Ukraine as he is still nursing a fractured tibia sustained at the Club World Cup in December.

His unavailability has been described by Spain coach Vicente del Bosque as a heavy blow, but Villa thinks that Spain have other quality attacking options available.

“One is always happy that people regret their absence, but Spain will not miss me,” he told reporters.

“There are great goal-poachers on the team and any player can score. I have a great affection for Fernando Torres and I think he is in great form after what he undeservedly went through.”

Villa, who visited Spain’s training base on Thursday, explained how he told Del Bosque that he would not be able to make the squad for Euro 2012.

“I worked until the end and they waited until the last moment to see how my recovery was going,” he said.

“But when there were a few days left for the announcement of the squad, I told him [Del Bosque] that I was not at a level good enough to compete, that I was not in the shape for the national team, and that I would not be at my best.

“I was true to myself, Barcelona and Spain.”

Questioned about Spain’s chances in Poland and Ukraine, Villa said: “We have won the right to be called favourites after four years filled with success.

“But when the tournament starts, every team will have the same chances.”

Spain begin the defence of their European crown against Italy in Group C on June 10.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/villa-shows-faith-in-spain-depth/95619/

Pandev nearing permanent Napoli switch

Italian TV station Mediaset reports that Napoli have agreed to sign forward Goran Pandev on permanent basis.

The Macedonian striker arrived to San Paolo on loan from Inter last summer and he enjoyed a promising campaign with the Azzurri.

He seems to have done enough to persuade the Napoli chiefs to try and make his loan deal permanent and Mediaset reports the transfer is close to being completed.

According to the source, Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis and Inter owner Massimo Moratti have agreed an €8 million fee for the 28-year-old.

The Azzurri are already preparing for life without Ezequiel Lavezzi, who is set to leave San Paolo this summer, with youngster Lorenzo Insigne and Goran Pandev set to vie for a starting berth.

Goran Pandev has scored 6 goals and produced 5 assists in 30 Serie A games last term, but he could face a tough challenge from Insigne, who bagged 18 goals in 37 Serie B games while on loan at Pescara.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/pandev-nearing-permanent-napoli-switch/95566/

Bayern launch assault on Dzeko

Bayern Munich are weighing up a move for Manchester City striker Edin Dzeko, according to Bild.

The Bavarians were linked with Olivier Giroud, Luuk de Jong and Matias Suarez soon after they started the search for a new forward, but they eventually opted to sign Claudio Pizarro on a free transfer from Werder.

However, the German giants are looking to add another quality striker to the squad and Bild claims they have set their sights on Manchester City forward Edin Dzeko.

Bayern already have a world-class striker in Mario Gomez and the Bosnian is not the sort of player who is interested in playing second fiddle to anyone, but the German newspaper reveals that coach Jupp Heynckes plans to play the two forwards together.

The Bosnian is not entirely satisfied with his status at Manchester City, after falling behind Carlos Tevez, Mario Balotelli and Kun Aguero in the pecking order and he could jump at the opportunity to return to Bundesliga.

Dzeko currently earns around €7 million per campaign at Etihad and Bayern are prepared to offer him the same amount in order to lure him to Alianz Arena.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/bayern-launch-assault-on-dzeko/95564/

Reina rues absent Villa

Spain goalkeeper Pepe Reina said David Villa’s unavailability for Euro 2012 is a major blow, claiming the striker is also a big off-field presence.

The country’s all-time record goalscorer Villa was forced to admit defeat last week in his battle to recover in time from the fractured tibia he suffered during the Club World Cup in December when representing Barcelona.

“I have wanted to give him a hug because I have not seen him recently,” Reina told Marca.

“But we talk every day and soon I will be able to give him a hug.

“The group will miss him, both as a player and a person. But we have no other option but to encourage him and hope that he returns as soon as possible.”

While Reina was unable to comfort Villa in person, he was on hand to support Roberto Soldado, who was excluded from Vicente del Bosque’s 23-man squad for Poland and Ukraine.

“We went to have a coke and I told him that in the future he will definitely have many opportunities with the national team,” he said.

“I know that for him and the other guys it was not easy to continue with us for these past four days (after the squad announcement), but they have to maintain their enthusiasm and keep fighting.”

Spain will open their campaign against Italy, whose preparations have been overshadowed by the enforced withdrawal of left-back Domencio Criscito due to his alleged involvement in a match-fixing scandal in Serie A.

Reina admitted he does know the full ins and outs of the story, but the controversy has taken him by surprise.

“We do not have much knowledge of what is happening but it is obviously not normal,” the Liverpool goalkeeper confessed.

“Photos have come out and it’s a surprise. We’ll see what happens but, of course, we are surprised.”

Defending champions Spain also have Republic of Ireland and Croatia for company in Euro 2012 Group C.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/reina-rues-absent-villa/95533/

Cuenca to have knee surgery

Barcelona striker Isaac Cuenca will spend most of the summer break from La Liga recovering from knee surgery.

The 21-year-old missed the Catalans’ 3-0 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao due to the ailment, and will now face a spell on the sidelines as a result of the operation.

“The latest examinations of Isaac Cuenca have confirmed an injury to the external meniscus of his right knee, and therapeutic arthroscopy shall therefore be required,” a statement on the Barcelona website reads.

“The operation will be performed on Thursday by doctors Ramon Cugat and Ricard Pruna.”

Cuenca came through the ranks of the Barcelona youth academy, and made his official first-team debut in October 2011.

The attacker has been capped at Under-21 level for Spain, and was widely expected to make La Rojita’s squad for the Olympics in London, but could now miss the tournament.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/cuenca-to-have-knee-surgery/95507/

Bento: Portugal must not rely on Ronaldo

Portugal coach Paulo Bento has warned his side that they cannot afford to rely solely on Cristiano Ronaldo at Euro 2012.

Striker Ronaldo scored 60 goals for Real Madrid last season but Bento is aware that the 27-year-old will not be able to drag Portugal into the quarter-finals all on his own.

Portugal have been drawn in Euro 2012′s most difficult group with Germany, Netherlands and Denmark.

“Cristiano has always played at a high level for us,” Bento said.

“In the qualifying round he helped us a lot but we still think the same.

“We will not rely on any player to resolve all problems.”

Bento argued that his side’s best chance of success will be if they work together.

“We try to do things as a team and there will be some players who will help us solve certain problems, as in the case of Cristiano thanks to his talent and dynamism,” Bento said.

“But if anyone should take on the burden of pressure, it will be me.

“Moreover, Cristiano should not have the added pressure of thinking that winning a European Championship may be decisive in terms of the Ballon d’Or, because it will not be.”

On Saturday, Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Macedonia.

That disappointing result has forced Bento to admit his side will be up against it at the championships in Poland and Ukraine.

Turning his attention back to Portugal’s group, Bento admitted that his troops will be up against it this summer.

“Not since 2000 have we been in as balanced a group as this, with such strong teams,” Bento said.

“The three teams we must play have been champions of Europe.

“Denmark was the first in our qualification group and for many they are the weakest team, but I do not think so.

“The Netherlands were finalists at the last World Cup and they only lost one game in qualifying, their last (against Sweden), when they were already guaranteed a place in the Euros.

“And Germany claimed 30 of a possible 30 points.

“The only team that beat them at the Euros (in 2008) and the (2010) World Cup was Spain.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/bento-portugal-must-not-rely-on-ronaldo/95470/

Report: Clarets accept Jay bid World Soccer Shop

Burnley have accepted a bid in the region of £7million from Southampton for striker Jay Rodriguez, according to various reports.

Rodriguez: Could be on his way to Saints

Nigel Adkins' Premier League newcomers had an offer rejected for the 22-year-old 12 months ago but are understood to have come closest to matching the Clarets' £8million valuation.

Rodriguez enjoyed a blistering campaign last term, netting 21 goals despite having his contribution limited from early March by hip and groin problems.

The former England Under-21 international is currently out of the country and is yet to meet with Saints officials to discuss personal terms.

Should the deal go through, it is set to surpass the £6.5million recouped by Burnley for the sale of Scotland striker Steve Fletcher to Wolves two years ago.

Burnley declined to comment on the story when contacted.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17362/report__clarets_accept_jay_bid

Raul: Real & Barca best in world World Soccer Shop

Veteran striker Raul is convinced Spanish heavyweights Real Madrid and Barcelona would dominate the Premier League if they played in England.

Raul: Hands up if you think Real and Barca are quite good

The Primera Division has become something of a two-horse race in recent years, with Valencia the last side to lift La Liga title outside the two Spanish heavyweights in 2004.

Since then, Barcelona have triumphed on five occasions and reigning champions Real have won three times.

And such is the quality amongst their ranks, Real's all-time leading goalscorer Raul believes they would be a match for anyone.

"The problem lies not in the league," Raul told Doha Stadium Plus. "Manchester United are a great team in England, but right now Barcelona and Real Madrid are the two best teams in the world.

"It is normal then the other teams are struggling to keep up with them .

"If Real Madrid and Barcelona played in England, it would be a race of two.

"At the moment Real Madrid and Barcelona are the best. The gap could be reduced in coming years."

The 34-year-old, who left Real for Schalke in 2010 after scoring 228 goals with the Bernabeu outfit, is now with Qatar club Al Sadd.

He last played for Spain in 2006 but thinks they are on course to make history this year.

No country has retained the European Championship trophy either side of winning the World Cup, although both France and Germany have held the two trophies at the same time.

World and European champions Spain now have the chance to break that record at Euro 2012.

Raul, who scored 44 goals in 102 appearances for the national side between 1996 and 2006, acknowledges they must overcome some tough challenges in Poland and Ukraine, however.

"It will be difficult for Spain," he added. "In history, no country has won the European Championship, World Cup and Euros again.

"I want to see Spain make history, but they know they will face a major challenge, mainly from Germany, Holland and France."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17359/raul__real___barca_best_in_world

Aguero to stay at City

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has dismissed reports of a move to Real Madrid, insisting he will see out his contract in England.

The Argentine, 23, he remains committed to the club he joined from Atletico Madrid last summer and is looking to win more silverware at City.

“My future is at Manchester City,” Aguero told The Times.

“I want to stay here. My contract has four years left to run and I see myself being here at least as long as that.

“There are always rumours, but there is no truth in them. I am not thinking about moving to Real Madrid or anywhere else.

“City have treated me very well from the very first day I arrived, I’m settled at the club and my family are happy in Manchester, and I want to stay.

“I can win everything that I want to win here. We have won one title now and we can go on to win more. Once you have one, you are desperate for the second, the third, the fourth, and it will be the same with us.

“We won the Premier League this season. Why shouldn’t we believe we can win it in years to come, too?

“We will be even better next season, I am certain of that. We had a lot of new players getting to know each other this year. We want to keep going.”

His first trophy was last season’s Premier League title, with Aguero’s 23 league goals helping City secure their first top flight crown in 44 years.

He made his name in his homeland with Independiente, before moving to Spain in 2006 to start a four-year spell at the Estadio Vicente Calderon.

Aguero then linked up with compatriot Carlos Tevez at City in July 2011 and netted 30 goals in all, including the title-winner against QPR.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/aguero-to-stay-at-city/95413/

Benzema: Jose's like my dad World Soccer Shop

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has credited his "father-son" relationship with Jose Mourinho as the reason behind his fine form last season.

Benzema: Father-son relationship with Mourinho

The 24-year-old moved to the Spanish giants from Lyon three years ago after a successful start to his career in France led to him making his debut for the national team aged just 19.

However, he failed to shine in his first season at the Bernabeu under Manuel Pellegrini and was not selected by then France coach Raymond Domenech for the 2010 World Cup.

Pellegrini was sacked after just one season to be replaced by former Chelsea and Inter Milan boss Mourinho in May 2010 and it proved to be a turning point for Benzema.

It was not always smooth with Mourinho calling on the player to show a stronger work ethic but such words have had an undoubted effect.

The Frenchman told L'Equipe: "Mourinho talks to me like a father speaks to his son.

"In one of the first training sessions, he approached me and said in French: 'How are you?' and then said: 'I hope to leave behind the Benzema of last year'.

"I noticed that he had affection for me. When he came to Madrid, I had a bad back, I had put on some weight and was disappointed at not going to the World Cup.

"He told me I must try harder in training. That work has finally paid off."

Benzema admitted he had found the move from Lyon difficult at first and struggled with the expectation.

"When I left Lyon three years ago, I was a very young boy and very shy," he said.

"I arrived alone, it was the first time I left my home and Lyon. I had to adapt to a new city and a new team.

"I also had a lot of pressure because I was considered a star and had to prove it now.

"Today I am a player and a more mature person. I am calmer, more serene and physically stronger. I have learned to better control the pressure in big games, I mean 'El Clasico', and Champions League games ".

He has also learned to handle the constant pressure that comes with playing for Real Madrid while describing the fans as "another dimension".

While winning the Ballon d'Or is a personal ambition, Benzema confesses his admiration for Barcelona's Lionel Messi.

He said: "First, he plays every minute of every game. I do not play ninety minutes ever. And then, he has a team around him... But I love Messi as a great player and I like his game."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/17321/benzema__jose_s_like_my_dad

Eto´o denies PSG link

Anzhi Makhachkala striker Samuel Eto’o has refuted rumours of a possible move to Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Persistent rumours suggested the Cameroon striker could complete his PSG move during the upcoming transfer window.

But Eto’o has made it clear he intends to stay with the Russian club.

A statement on his website read: “The qualification for the Europa League, far from being an end in itself is, I hope, the beginning of a great adventure that will take us on top of European football.

“This has been my ambition and my goal as I arrived in Dagestan and I count on everyone that we will devote the beginning of next season even better by completing our league and showing us worthy of our place in the Europa League. Thank you all.”

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/eto%c2%b4o-denies-psg-link/95099/

Defoe keen to stay at Spurs World Soccer Shop

Jermain Defoe does not want to leave Tottenham, but the England striker admits he has to start playing regular football again.

Defoe: Just wants to play football

The 29-year-old netted 11 goals for Spurs in 23 appearances last season, which was enough to earn himself a call up into Roy Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad.

Nevertheless, Defoe has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, with on-loan Emmanuel Adebayor deployed as a lone frontman supported by Rafael van der Vaart.

Defoe believes he is in a dilemma.

"It is a difficult one. I have never said I want to leave the club, all I have just said is I want to play," Defoe told talkSPORT:

"As a forward you just want to get some sort of rhythm and a run in the team. That wasn't the case towards the end of the season.

"I am going to concentrate on England and go to the Euros, then see what happens.

"The most important thing for me is scoring goals and that is when I am at my happiest."

Spurs finished fourth in the Premier League, having eventually been overhauled by rivals Arsenal.

However, after Chelsea won the Champions League in dramatic fashion in Munich on Saturday night, it meant Harry Redknapp's men will now head into the Europa League instead.

It is scant reward for a campaign which for so long had promised so much.

"The main aim of the season was to finish in the top four, and we have done that. What happened with Chelsea was out of our hands and was just unfortunate," said Defoe, who is in his second spell at Spurs having been signed by Redknapp at Portsmouth in January 2008.

"There have been lots of ups and downs, but we all stuck together and still performed."

The loss of Champions League football for another campaign has again cast doubt over the future of some of Spurs' key men.

Wales winger Gareth Bale is said to be on the wanted list of a string of top European clubs, while Croatia playmaker Luka Modric has previously been strongly linked with a move to Chelsea, with Manchester United also potential suitors for the 26-year-old.

Spurs are also understood to be in talks with Adebayor over making his loan move from Manchester City permanent, although the transfer fee and wages of the former Arsenal frontman could well prove a stumbling block.

Defoe believes the White Hart Lane hierarchy must look to take the squad forwards with the current group.

He added: "In football you never know what is going to happen, but it is always important to keep hold of your top players.

"Some players like Luka Modric and Gareth Bale are players you cannot replace, so it is important to keep them."

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16920/defoe_keen_to_stay_at_spurs

Saha hoping for Spurs stay

Everton striker Louis Saha has expressed a desire to stay at Tottenham after his contract ends in the off-season.

The Frenchman spent six months at White Hart Lane after joining on a short-term deal from Everton in the January transfer window.

The 33-year old faces an uncertain future with his parent club, thanks to the blistering form of Nikica Jelavic in his absence.

However, the former Manchester United man, who scored four goals in 11 appearances at Spurs, described working with Harry Redknapp as a particular highlight.

“I cannot say I want to leave,” the striker told The Sun.

“Harry has been good for me personally. What makes him so good is his personality, tactics and the way that he can work and relate to the players.”

The north London outfit were cruelly denied Champions League qualification despite finishing fourth this season, by virtue of Chelsea’s win in the competition’s final against Bayern Munich.

This could curtail their off-season plans and any attempts to keep Emmanuel Adebayor, who spent the season on loan from Manchester City, beyond the summer.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/saha-hoping-for-spurs-stay/95090/

Ji ready to make international impact

Striker Ji Dong-Won will try to fill the void left by Park Chu-Young when South Korea play Spain, Qatar and Lebanon.

The Arsenal striker was left out of coach Choi Kang-Hee’s squad for the matches due to his ongoing military service saga with many fans criticising Park for his decision to defer his compulsory duty after obtaining a 10-year Monaco residency permit.

Sunderland striker Ji, 20, admitted the absence of Park, who scored eight goals in consecutive five internationals last year, will create a ‘void’ but is hopeful he can fill it.

“Of course I feel the pressure and responsibility. But the players will discuss with each other how to minimise the damage,” Ji told reporters.

Ji said the former national team captain’s absence was something he had never envisaged.

“Actually, I’ve never imagined national team without him,” he said.

“A definite starting member is omitted. But the rest of us should fill the void.”

The former Chunnam Dragons striker, who made 21 first-team appearances and scored two goals in his first season in English football, said he was concerned by his lack of match fitness.

“I’m glad to be called to the national team by coach Choi Kang-Hee for the first time,” he said.

“I have not played many games this season so I’m little bit worried about my form.

“But I’ve kept worked hard and I’m going to keep doing it here with familar faces I know.

“I think I’ve gained something from the year. I’ve seen much, heard much and learned much.

“I can’t say exactly what it is but I’m definitely better in every way. I just want to show it to fans.”

South Korea tackle Spain in a friendly in Switzerland on May 30 before World Cup qualifiers against Qatar (June and Lebanon (June 13).

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/ji-ready-to-make-international-impact/95072/