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Lionel Messi is in top form ahead of World Cup: Argentina ‘keeper Franco Armani

Updated on May 26, 2018 07:15 IST

<p>River Plate goalkeeper Franco Armani revealed Lionel Messi has been impressing with his finishing in training while Argentina's preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup are going smoothly. Meanwhile, Boca Juniors striker Cristian Pavon, who is set to make major championship debut in Russia, expressed his willingness to play in whatever position head coach Jorge Sampaoli chooses for him. Argentina were drawn into Group D at the World Cup, along with Iceland, Croatia, and Nigeria (Video Credit: SNTV).</p>

Neymar, Coutinho train as Brazil continue FIFA World Cup preparations

<p>Neymar and Philippe Coutinho were the star attraction as Brazil football team trained in Teresopolis in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday (May 24), continuing their preparations for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia (Video credit: SNTV).</p>

Updated on May 25, 2018 06:51 IST

Mohamed Salah strives for consistency like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi

<p>Ahead of the Champions League final against Real Madrid, Liverpool's Egyptian star Mohamed Salah said he would have to be consistent like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi before he can be compared to the duo. “I said before that Ronaldo and Messi are top level players who are consistent. I aim to be consistent with my level too. As Ronaldo said, he plays with his right foot, I play with my left. We will both of us focus when we will meet in the (Champions League) final. We both want to win this title. I want to help my team and we will play to win,” Salah said.</p>

Updated on May 24, 2018 15:23 IST

‘Argentina’s 2018 FIFA World Cup bid made easier by Lionel Messi’

<p>Argentina national football team player Javier Mascherano has claimed that their 2018 FIFA World Cup bid is aided significantly by having an in-form Lionel Messi in the squad. He did, however, caution about having too many expectations from the side. “We can't be thinking about becoming World Cup champions, but about arriving as a group in the best way and generating trust that we lack today because of the situations that we have experienced,” Mascherano said. “It's fundamental to start the World Cup well, not go crazy thinking about a hypothetical final, and think about it stage by stage,” he said. “The World Cup shows you the path that you should take along the way.” Argentina won the World Cup in 1978 and 1986, but took its last major title in 1993 with the Copa America. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 24, 2018 12:15 IST

‘I am a serial winner’ – Antonio Conte after Chelsea’s FA Cup triumph

<p>Antonio Conte declared he is a “serial winner” after Chelsea won the FA Cup on Saturday. Eden Hazard's first-half penalty earned a battling 1-0 win against Jose Mourinho's Manchester United at Wembley. Speculation Conte could leave Chelsea has intensified this term. And after adding the FA Cup to last season's Premier League crown, Conte launched a passionate defence of his record. “I have worked to build a strong mentality with my players and I can't change. And I think my past speaks very clear as a player and a manager. “You can say what you want but I am a serial winner, I also showed this in a difficult moment for the club. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 20, 2018 05:44 IST

Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United: FA Cup final in numbers

<p>Eden Hazard inspired Chelsea to a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. The 27-year-old forward fuelled speculation over his future this week by stating he will wait and see how Chelsea's close-season transfer policy develops before committing to a new contract at Stamford Bridge. But he was all business at England's national stadium as he turned the first half into an ordeal for Phil Jones – the United defender whose clumsy foul meant Hazard won and converted a 22nd-minute penalty. Here we take a look at the key statistics and best reactions after Antonio Conte's men pipped arch-rival Jose Mourinho's team. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 20, 2018 05:45 IST

Virat Kohli says beard suits him, not shaving it off any time soon

<p>All you adoring Virat Kohli fans can breathe easy! The Indian cricket team captain is in no hurry to shave off his beard. He says he likes it and it suits him. Kohli said this when asked by a fan during a promotional event recently. Looks apart, do you know what is his favourite cuisine and food? Or his favourite movie? Watch this video to know all this and also what Virat Kohli thinks is his biggest flaw and his best advice.</p>

Updated on May 19, 2018 04:12 IST

Italy great Gianluigi Buffon to leave Juventus after 17 years

<p>Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon announced on Thursday that he will leave the Turin giants after 17 years but did not call time as expected on his playing career. Buffon, 40, captained Juventus to a seventh straight Serie A title and fourth consecutive Italian Cup triumph this season. “To end this adventure with two new victories was important,” the Italian told a press conference at the Allianz Stadium. (Video courtesy: Perform)</p>

Updated on May 17, 2018 11:30 IST

Antoine Griezmann aims to avoid runners-up blues ahead of Europa League final

<p>The Europa League decider against Marseille might be Antoine Griezmann's last final with the club as speculation mounts over his future . A third Europa League title is on the line for Atletico, who face Marseille in Lyon on Wednesday amid Griezmann's links with Spanish champions Barcelona. France international Griezmann – who opted to remain in Madrid for the 2017-18 season despite strong interest from Manchester United – is a rumoured target for Barcelona (Video credit: Perform).</p>

Updated on May 16, 2018 05:41 IST

Yaya Toure thanks Manchester City fans at title celebration parade

<p>Manchester City's Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure on Monday thanked the clubs fans as they celebrated winning the Premier League title with an open-top bus parade. “They (the fans) make me emotional, so crazy. But I think I want to say to them “thank you.” “Thank you” - why? Because for what they have done for my family and for me is so brilliant. I think to be honest I am going to miss them (the fans). And maybe soon I will be back. But I don't know,” he said.</p>

Updated on May 15, 2018 06:37 IST

FIFA World Cup 2018: Brazil squad composition raises questions

<p>Brazil have announced their squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. There is no room for either Juventus left-back and Manchester United target Alex Sandro, or injured Chelsea centre-half David Luiz, with Selecao boss Tite having instead opted for Filipe Luis and Pedro Geromel respectively. Dani Alves, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, is out due to injury while questions have been raised over the inclusion of Neymar, who has not played a game since undergoing ankle surgery in February (Video credit: Perform).</p>

Updated on May 15, 2018 05:46 IST

Manchester City complete record-breaking Premier League season

<p>Manchester City left it late to seal a 100-point Premier League season but Gabriel Jesus was the champions' final day hero as he snatched a 1-0 win deep into stoppage time at Southampton on Sunday. City have set competition records for wins, goals scored and points acquired during their march to glory in 2017-18. Pep Guardiola leapt on to the field jubilantly to join the celebrations in the knowledge his team had become the first in English top-flight history to reach 100 points in a single campaign. City have made a habit of breaking new statistical ground while turning the title race into a procession. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 14, 2018 06:17 IST

Juventus clinch seventh consecutive Serie A title - A timeline

<p>December 1 2017 Napoli-Juventus 0-1, Napoli's ex-player Gonzalo Higuain scored. Massimiliano Allegri, following the win, said, “He was calm because he knew he wasn't supposed to play. Then Mandzukic got injured and I told him, 'Gonzalo you have to play, sort it out'. There's nothing I can do about that.” Lazio-Juventus 0-1, Paolo Dybala scores in the last second as Napoli lose to Roma. “You have to challenge yourself. If you don't raise the bar every day and call yourself into question, then someone else is going to win” Following those crucial wins, Juventus notched up a 3-1 win over AC Milan while they defeated Sampdoria 3-0. In the clash at San Siro, Juventus beat Inter Milan 3-2 to close in on the seventh title (Video credit: Perform).</p>

Updated on May 14, 2018 05:21 IST

Pep Guardiola impressive, but I am pretty close: Jurgen Klopp

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp lauded his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola for his impressive season, but said that he himself is 'pretty close' to the Spaniard, as far as the 'manager of the year' award is concerned. “Pep Guardiola, obviously (should win 'manager of the year'). He was impressive. What a season, what a kind of football. But I am pretty close! That's always how it is....what you are doing with the things you have around you. I really think that Dave Wagner and Chris Hughton should be quite close.”</p>

Updated on May 12, 2018 05:30 IST

Good players are always compatible: Zinedine Zidane on Neymar speculation

<p>Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane refused to divulge much information about the possibility of Brazilian star Neymar moving to the club ahead of the next season, but when asked about the former Barcelona star's role in the side in case he signs, Zidane said that good players will always be compatible to any system. “We'll talk about it after the final because yes, probably there will be some changes. But not now, I can't tell you absolutely anything about it. But good players are always compatible,” Zidane said.</p>

Updated on May 12, 2018 05:30 IST

FIFA World Cup 2018: Volgograd prepares to host tournament

<p>Stadium construction continues at a pace in Volgograd as the city prepares to host four group stage games during 2018 World Cup in Russia. The new 45,000-capacity Volgograd Arena was scheduled to be completed in December 2017. The stadium, 49.5 metres tall and 303 metres in diameter, is being built on the crest of a hill that slopes down to the Volga river and close to the Mamaev Kurgan memorial which commemorates the World War II Battle of Stalingrad. Volgograd was originally known as Stalingrad until a name change in 1961. This stadium will replace the Rotor stadium and will continue to be the home of FC Rotor Volgograd who compete in the second tier of Russian football - the Russian National Football League.<b> (Video courtesy – SNTV) </b></p>

Updated on May 11, 2018 07:11 IST

Jose Mourinho, David Moyes hail Wayne Rooney’s Premier League career

<p>Jose Mourinho and David Moyes offered messages of support to Wayne Rooney as England and Manchester United's record goalscorer reportedly considers a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side DC United. Rooney was reportedly close to moving to MLS at the end of last season, but instead rejoined Everton at the end of a 13-year trophy-laden spell at Manchester United. “His career in England was perfect. What next (for Wayne Rooney)? He has decided the MLS. In the MLS you have iconic players who are going to end their careers there. You had (Steven) Gerrard, (Frank) Lampard, (Patrick) Viera, now you have Zlatan and Wayne,” said Mourinho. <b>(Video courtesy – SNTV)</b></p>

Updated on May 11, 2018 07:11 IST

Barcelona want to stay unbeaten in La Liga: Ernesto Valverde

<p>Barcelona forward Ousmane Dembele scored twice and produced a mesmerising overall display to fire his side to a 5-1 win over Villarreal on Wednesday which stretched the La Liga champions' unbeaten run this season to 36 games with two remaining. “There were a lot of positive aspects today. Our target is to keep our high level. Even though we are champions we played a very tough game against Real Madrid. But today we played well, we made some changes within the squad. We want to stay unbeaten and keep our high level, “ said manager Ernesto Valverde after the match. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 10, 2018 06:40 IST

Manchester City writing new page in history: Pep Guardiola

<p>Manchester City beat Brighton & Hove Albion 3-1 on Wednesday to move on to 97 points -- the most ever in a Premier League season -- and to the verge of a landmark 100-point campaign. Pep Guardiola's men, 20 points clear at the top, also set a new mark for most goals in a season in the Premier League era, with strikes from Danilo, Bernardo Silva and Fernandinho taking the tally to 105. “We spoke about having the history in front of us to try to write a new page. I know records will be broken, but the team that's going to break that record they have to do many good things,” said manager Pep Guardiola after the match. (Video courtesy – Perform) </p>

Updated on May 10, 2018 06:40 IST

Too early for Neymar to think about playing again: PSG’s Kevin Trapp

<p>Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Kevin Trapp said teammate Neymar must now focus on his recovery and that it is too early for the Brazilian star to think about playing again. Speaking after PSG's French Cup triumph on Tuesday, Trapp said, “He's been away for a while now, I haven't really seen him during his recovery. So it's great that he's here, he's a really important player for us so we are happy that he came tonight. Right now for him the goal is the World Cup, now it's too early for him to think about playing again. But it means a lot that he's back, it means a lot for the team, for the group. We haven't seen him that much yet, but it's great.”</p>

Updated on May 9, 2018 15:43 IST

Mark Hughes says Southampton’s Premier League survival not yet confirmed

<p>After a 1-0 away win over Swansea City that virtually ensured Southampton's Premier League survival for another season, manager Mark Hughes said the club's better goal difference shouldn't be cause for celebration yet as Manchester City lie waiting on the last day of the season. “I think those celebrations should not be misinterpreted. They were just emotion as a consequence of winning this key game. We had to win tonight and we understood that it wasn't that we were celebrating staying up because there's still an issue to be resolved in that regard. There's a little bit of a cushion but we're playing Manchester City and we have to be careful, because if there is one team in this league that has the capability of scoring a lot of goals, it's Manchester City. So we've done what we needed to do tonight, but clearly there's still work to be done,” he said after the game.</p>

Updated on May 9, 2018 15:43 IST

Zinedine Zidane congratulates Barcelona after Real Madrid are held to a draw

<p>Real Madrid head coach Zinedine Zidane congratulated bitter rivals Barcelona after the Catalan giants held out for a 2-2 draw despite going down to ten men in the final moments of the first half of their La Liga clash on Sunday. “I thought we played well in the first half against 11, playing well, creating chances and scoring a goal. In the second half it was 10 against 11 and it was worse for us. We had to be patient but we were not effective in the last metres but we didn't lose, and we need to congratulate Barcelona,” he told reporters on Sunday.</p>

Updated on May 7, 2018 13:50 IST

Ernesto Valverde hails Barcelona’s fighting spirit in 2-2 draw vs Real Madrid

<p>Barcelona head coach Ernesto Valverde lauded his side for taking the game to Real Madrid despite playing the second half with ten men and eventually holding out for a 2-2 draw in their La Liga clash on Sunday. “I want to talk about the effort the team made. We played with 10 men against Real Madrid and we all know what that means to play with 10 men against Real Madrid. We had to get over that but it is also true we wanted to win, and we had chances. Both teams had chances, we had the clearest ones,” he told reporters after the game.</p>

Updated on May 7, 2018 13:50 IST

Arsenal fans still respect me, says emotional Arsene Wenger

<p>An emotional Arsene Wenger reflected on managing Arsenal FC at home for the last time after a 5-0 win over Burnley in the English Premier League on Sunday (May 6), with the Frenchman expressing his appreciation for the ''respect'' shown in the farewell from Gunners fans and said he is ready for ''a new start” and is looking forward (Video Credit: SNTV).</p>

Updated on May 7, 2018 07:53 IST

Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo – from a referee’s standpoint

<p>Lionel Messi vs. Cristiano Ronaldo – the debate over which of the two players is better is one that will rage on even long after their playing days are over. However, how do the two compare to one another as far as their on-field behavior? Former La Liga referee Itturalde Gonzalez shared his thoughts on the two football mega-stars. “Messi is a delight to referee. A gentleman. 100 percent fair play,” said Gonzalez. He also defends Ronaldo from diving allegations. “Tell me an attacking player who isn't theatrical. It's not because it's Cristiano Ronaldo. Strikers know they will be touched and they try and induce challenges for penalties.” The two superstars will come face to face in the league again when FC Barcelona host Real Madrid in what is sure to be a feisty 'El Clasico. Video courtesy – Perform. </p>

Updated on May 6, 2018 07:06 IST

Football world rallies around Sir Alex Ferguson

<p>Manchester United players, both past and present, have sent their best wishes to Sir Alex Ferguson who is seriously ill in hospital. The former United coach has undergone surgery for a brain haemorrhage, which the club say has gone well. He remains in intensive care. Ferguson, a former Rangers striker, won three Scottish championships, four Scottish Cups and the 1983 European Cup Winners' Cup in charge of the Dons. It was a similar story at Old Trafford, where his United teams ended Liverpool's dominance of the domestic game, with the highlight of Ferguson's time in charge a 1999 treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup titles all in the one season. Video courtesy – Perform. </p>

Updated on May 6, 2018 07:06 IST

Pakistan bank on Mohammad Amir’s pace vs England: Mickey Arthur

<p>Pakistan cricket coach Mickey Arthur hopes that left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir will be key to his team's chances in the two-Test series in England. Two years ago Amir made his Test return at Lord's, following his spot-fixing ban, and since then has not earned the rewards his bowling has often deserved with 44 wickets at 37.25. Seam-bowling conditions are likely to prevail in both Ireland next week and when Pakistan return to England for a two-Test series at Lord's and Headingley. (Video: SNTV). </p>

Updated on May 5, 2018 14:25 IST

Laurent Koscielny needs a miracle to play World Cup: Arsene Wenger

<p>Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger says that club captain Laurent Koscielny needs a miracle to play the World Cup in Russia.“It doesn't look very good, with his achilles. You can always hope for a miracle in the scan but the first signs don't look very good. If he has a ruptured achilles, the chances [of him playing at the World Cup] are non-existent. You will know more after the scan,” he told reporters.</p>

Updated on May 4, 2018 11:34 IST

Australia to fight for ‘respect’, says new coach Justin Langer

<p>Newly-appointed Australia coach Justin Langer will charge his players with winning back the “respect” of the cricket world after a ball-tampering scandal left the team's reputation in ruins. Long touted as head coach-in-waiting, Langer was named as Darren Lehmann's replacement on Thursday, his predecessor having resigned in the wake of the Cape Town scandal even though he was cleared of wrongdoing. (Video: Perform). </p>

Updated on May 3, 2018 10:13 IST

Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp fires warning shot at Real Madrid

<p>Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp warned Real Madrid his team would be “on fire” in the Champions League final. The Premier League side booked their spot in the Kiev decider with a 7-6 aggregate win over Roma, despite suffering a 4-2 loss at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday. But they face a huge test in the final on May 26, with two-time reigning champions Madrid – who have reached the decider four times in five seasons – awaiting them. (Video Courtesy: Perform)</p>

Updated on May 3, 2018 09:39 IST

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