Tottenham 2-2 Everton: Late Sigurdsson strike thwarts Everton's top-four bid

The former Reading attacker's late well-taken goal secured his side a draw against David Moyes' side in a thoroughly entertaining contest in North London.
An 87th-minute equalizer from Gylfi Sigurdsson salvaged a point for Tottenham at White Hart Lane Sunday, as Spurs drew 2-2 in their Premier League clash with Everton.
The visitors looked to have fought back brilliantly to secure a surprise win after going a goal down early on, before Tottenham's Icelandic midfielder struck in the dying stages.

A fabulous individual goal in the second half from Kevin Mirallas had made it 2-1 to the Toffees, after a frantic opening to the match. Emmanuel Adebayor had put Tottenham ahead in the first minute following brilliant play by reigning Premier League Player of the Month Jan Vertonghen, before Phil Jagielka drew the visitors level after a quarter of an hour.

Latecomers to the ground will have cursed their poor time management as the home side took just 33 seconds to take the lead. Villas-Boas' men made a blistering start to the game to go 1-0 up through Adebayor, as the Togo international diverted Vertonghen's enticing cross past American goalkeeper Tim
Howard after evading the attention of Sylvain Distain. 

Everton reacted well to going behind though, and in the 15th minute the Toffees made their pressure pay when Jagielka equalized from a corner. The center back rose highest at the back post to head Leighton Baines' lofted cross past the despairing dive of Hugo Lloris. 

After Mousa Dembele and Vertonghen had impressed in the first half, it was Everton's own Belgium international, Mirallas, that lit up the game soon after the interval.

Fresh from his wonderful solo effort against Stoke City last weekend, Mirallas repeated the trick with a magnificent goal in the 53rd minute to put Everton ahead. He left a cluster of Spurs defenders trailing as he twisted and turned his way into the box on the right, before firing a crisp low shot into the bottom left corner and past Lloris.

Minutes later Spurs thought they had equalized through Dembele, only for his deflected effort from distance to be tipped on to the crossbar brilliantly by Howard.

Villas-Boas' side continued to threaten, and both Kyle Walker and Dempsey came close to leveling midway through the half, before Sigurdsson smashed a shot past Howard to make it 2-2 after an effort from Adebayor had crashed back off the post and into his path.

Spurs remain in third, two points ahead of Arsenal, but they have played a game more than their North London rivals. Everton remains in sixth place, six points behind Tottenham after missing a chance to close the gap on the race for a Champions League berth.  

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Manchester United not focused on records, says Ferdinand

The veteran defender has given little thought to the prospect of setting a new Premier League points record, and insists the Red Devils’ only concern is securing the title

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand is adamant that setting a points record this season comes second on the agenda to winning the Premier League.

The league leaders have a comfortable 15-point cushion over nearest rivals Manchester City, with the two sides set to clash on Monday night, but Ferdinand is refusing to get ahead of himself and will only look toward the points record once the club has secured its 20th top-flight title.

"It is just about winning. Anything that comes after that is great, but winning it is the most important part," Ferdinand told PA Sport. "If you win the league before the end of the season then you can set other targets. For me, personally, we need to get the trophy first, then you can think of all the other stuff that goes on around it."

Ferdinand dismissed the notion that United was being spurred on by a desire to avenge year’s dramatic finale, with City claiming the title with the final kick of the season, and believes that it is the club’s natural mindset to want to win.

"We are not any more hungry because of what happened last season," Ferdinand said. "That is just the way we are. The mentality of this club, driven by the manager, is that you have to win and you have to be challenging for every single competition you go in for. That has been the case since I have been here. That will never change.

"This club, the manager, the management team he has behind him, and the players and the fans demand that."

Ferdinand also praised United’s new-found defensive strength, and believes its recent record – which has heralded a run of six consecutive clean sheets – has enabled the club to tighten its stranglehold on the title.

"We feel more solid as a team," Ferdinand said. "At the beginning of the season we were playing open, expansive football, which I am sure was good for the fans to watch but, being a defender, my first instinct is to defend and keep clean sheets. We weren't able to do that.

"We addressed it. That is the most pleasing point. Now we are benefitting from it."

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Ignacio Ambríz: "Lucharemos hasta el final"

Pese a la derrota ante Cruz Azul, el técnico de los Gallos sigue en pie de guerra y no van a dejar de luchar hasta el final.

El resultado obtenido este día por los Gallos Blancos ante Cruz Azul deja un muy corto margen de error para buscar la salvación, sin embargo se tiene claro cómo se tiene que pelear en los próximos partidos para ganar, así lo hace saber el técnico Ignacio Ambríz quien encabeza el gran esfuerzo que están haciendo los jugadores. "Ahorita acabo de hablar con ellos que no quisiera que comenzara a haber dudas, que se no quisiera que se comenzara a dividir que no tenemos porqué, así como tenemos la fortuna de sumar, que hoy no se nos da, tampoco podemos empezar a decir que estamos descendidos", menciona el estratega en la conferencia de prensa al final del duelo celebrado en el Estadio Corregidora.
Y lanza el mensaje que se ha estructurado desde que el técnico arribó a la institución queretana, "es cierto que si hoy termina el torneo, estaríamos descendidos. Nos quedan 4 partidos para poder luchar hasta el final".
El análisis es claro, se dejaron de hacer algunas cosas durante el encuentro, "creo que jugamos un buen primer tiempo pero enfrente teníamos un gran rival como Cruz Azul, hace dos cambios importantes en ofensiva como Chaco y (Pablo) Barrera,  los que tienen que ver en el buen resultados para ellos y sí creo que para la segunda parte, entramos dormidos, no entramos con la concentración que habíamos tenido durante los primeros 45 minutos".
Ignacio Ambríz como siempre es muy claro, hay que esperar resultados para saber que tanto pesa la derrota, "espero que no, así como me he sentado aquí y les he dicho muchas ocasiones que las cosas las hemos hecho bien y nos toca esperar hasta el final de la jornada que tanto habíamos sumado puntos para alcanzar a los demás, hoy nos toca esperar y si los demás equipos hacen su tarea y a ver qué distancia seguimos quedando".
De acuerdo a lo que ha trabajado el conjunto de los Gallos Blancos, el equipo debe ser parejo en esfuerzo, todo el partido. "En el primer tiempo tuvimos dos o tres contraataques buenos que no pudimos terminar pero al final Cruz Azul nos gana bien en la segunda parte".
La lectura de la derrota, la explica el propio Ambríz, " (el equipo) entró dormido el equipo creo al recibir el gol tan temprano pareciera que fue un mazazo para el equipo y pareciera que nos supimos recuperar de ese gol que nos metió Cruz Azul".
"Yo creo que el primer gol fue una gran jugada de ellos, Pablo Barrera es un tipo que desborda muy bien y ahí nos hacen el primero, el segundo me preocupa porque es pelota parada creo ahí es donde. Nos remataron muchas en pelota parada porque estábamos desconcentrados en la táctica fija", afirma.
También concluye que "en el segundo tiempo perdimos mucho, cuando cambio a línea de 5 el equipo queda muy abierto los dos carrileros se abrieron mucho para atacar pero tampoco estábamos atacando bien y si fue muy diferente el primer tiempo que el segundo tiempo".
Entrando al terreno de lo anímico el cuadro queretano queda en un estado comprometido, Ambríz espera que no se sumerjan mucho en ese sentido.
"No creo que tanto, fueron un poco más de ganas que de buen futbol no te voy a negar, mentalmente es normal que el equipo esté dolido, pero tampoco nos podemos caer porque al final todavía quedan cuatro partido y esperar rendir bien para intentar salvar al equipo".
Ahora quedará esperar lo que pase con rivales como San Luis o Atlante,"sí creo que el margen de error es mínimo necesitamos esperar hasta mañana para ver con San Luis que tanta diferencia hay, necesitamos ir a Morelia a ganar".
El director técnico finaliza ofreciendo una disculpa porque este día la afición nuevamente estuvo con sus Gallos y llenó el Estadio Corregidora.
"Hay veces que toca ganar y había partidos ganábamos y la gente no venía, hoy me toca que la gente venga y no ganemos, lo único que queda es ofrecer una disculpa porque el equipo en el segundo tiempo no estuvo bien como para darles una satisfacción", concluye.

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Fiorentina 2-2 AC Milan: Rossoneri pay penalty for complacency against 10-man Viola

Riccardo Montolivo was enjoying a wonderful return to Florence, scoring one goal and creating another, but then the visitors gifted Vincenzo Montella's men two spot kicks.

AC Milan blew its chance to rise to second in Serie A after being held to a 2-2 draw by Fiorentina on Sunday.

Former Viola captain Riccardo Montolivo was enjoying the perfect return to Florence, scoring the opener before setting Mathieu Flamini up for a second, as the Rossoneri looked set to ease to victory over their fourth-placed hosts, who had been reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Nenad Tomic for a professional foul.

Massimiliano Allegri's men went to pieces in the final quarter, though, gifting their Champions League qualification rivals a point courtesy of two penalties, which were converted by Adem Ljacic and David Pizarro.

The Rossoneri went into to the game as the form side in Serie A and although they started sluggishly, they had the ball in the net less than seven minutes in, with Kevin-Prince Boateng finding the bottom right corner with a wonderfully controlled volley from the edge of the area. Unfortunately for the Ghanaian, Mario Balotelli had just come back from an offside position before he chested the ball back into the path of Boateng.
The Fiorentina goal was breached again just moments later, and this time there was to be no reprieve for the hosts, who were left sickened by both the manner in which they had conceded and the identity of the scorer. Pizarro was in no danger whatsoever when he picked up possession just outside his own box, but he dallied on the ball for far too long, allowing Montolivo to pounce. The former Fiorentina captain picked Pizarro's pocket before advancing into the area and calmly slotting past Emiliano Viviano.

Just as Fiorentina appeared to be coming back to life, the revival was stopped dead in its tracks by the extremely harsh dismissal of Tomovic, who was shown a straight red card for barging Stephan El Shaarawy off the ball after miscontrolling a simple pass. The Viola’s players were furious, though, as Tomovic had not been the last man, and nor had he used his elbow, as El Shaarawy’s reaction to the foul had initially suggested.

To the home side's credit, though, it channelled its frustration in the right way and actually finished the half the stronger, even if it was dealt a further blow by the injury-enforced withdrawal of Stevan Jovetic just before the break.

Milan seemingly put the game to bed with a second goal on 61 minutes. Again Montolivo was involved, the midfielder driving over a low cross from the right wing that Flamini got the faintest of touches on to direct the ball into the net. It was a fitting reward for Flamini, who had failed to make the most of a sublime pass from Ignazio Ibate moments earlier.

Again, though, Fiorentina reacted positively to such a bitter setback, but this time, crucially, it managed a goal, with Ljacic slotting home from the penalty spot after his own mazy dribble into the area had been clumsily halted by Antonio Nocerino.

Milan suddenly looked rattled and then sensationally conceded a second spot kick seven minutes later, with Mattia De Sciglio the culprit this time, allowing Pizarro to level matters by clumsily tripping Juan Cuadrado in the box.

Fiorentina looked the more likely winners at that stage but neither side could find a late winner, meaning the gap between the two sides in the race for third remains at six points.
 

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Vela sets new career-high with 13th goal for Real Sociedad

The Mexican forward continued his standout campaign with another tally in his side's crucial victory over Champions League quarterfinalist Malaga.

Carlos Vela continues to raise the bar for himself this season.

The Mexican and Real Sociedad forward broke his personal scoring mark and tallied his 13th goal of the season Saturday in his side's vital 4-2 triumph over UEFA Champions League quarterfinalist Malaga.

Vela had scored his previous high of 12 goals during the 2011-12 season while on loan with Sociedad from Arsenal. He reached his new landmark in the 21st minute of the victory that created a four-point separation between Sociedad and Malaga in the all-important race for fourth place and La Liga's final place in next season's Champions League competition.

Vela opened the scoring by being in the right place to fire home a rebound off a saved header from a corner kick, striking from close range and finishing into an empty net. He leads Sociedad with his 13 goals, which are tied for seventh-most in La Liga this season.

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Liga MX: Resumen sabatino de la fecha 13

Tres empates sin tantos, uno a un gol y dos visitantes que sumaron de a tres. Resumen completo del sábado en la jornada 13 de la Liga MX

América vs Puebla (1-1)

En duelo de equipos que a media semana perdieron el pase a la Final de la Copa MX, América y Puebla igualaron a un tanto este sábado en el Estadio Azteca en partido correspondiente por la jornada 13 del Torneo Clausura 2013.

En un primer tiempo en el que los dos conjuntos carecieron de opciones, las "Águilas" desde un comienzo buscaron desquitarse de la caída en el "Clásico Joven" frente a Cruz Azul, mientras que los provincianos optaron por defender en las cercanías del área de Víctor Hugo Hernández.

Prueba de ello fue la acción en la que Jonathan Lacerca casi la mandó al fondo de su propio arco al evitar la llegada de Raúl Jiménez. Por su parte y como no se había visto en ocasiones anteriores, Miguel Layún asumió el liderazgo a la ofensiva de los suyos por la parcela derecha. El ex Veracruz y Atalante avisó con un misil que casi se coló en el ángulo de no haber sido por el arquero.

Para el segundo tiempo, apenas en su primera aproximación clara, la visita se adelantó. En un desborde del entonces recién ingreso Alberto Medina, éste centró y Félix Borja cabeceó a las redes con la colaboración de Moisés Muñoz y el pasto mojado provocado por la lluvia que cayó durante el cotejo.

Los de Coapa respondieron vía un remate de Christián Bermúdez que nuevamente Hérnández desarmó. La gente en el "Coloso de Santa Úrsula" se comenzó a desesperar y mostrar su descontento de varias maneras. Una de ellas, el abucheo generalizado al capitán Aquivaldo Mosquera al ser sustuido. Así le reclamaron su fallo contra la "Máquina" en la serie por penales de a media semana por la Copa.

Sin embargo, Layún, otro criticado, silenció las críticas a través de un derechazo que venció la estirada de Hernández. Cabe mencionar que el ex Veracruz y Atalanta celebró con Mosquera.

La escuadra de Miguel Herrera intentó conseguir el segundo, pero el muro defensivo de los poblanos contuvo cualquier intento; aunado al tanto anulado a Christian Benítez, quien empujó una peinada de su compatriota Narciso Mina, evidenciando la falta de creatividad de la que adolecen cuando Rubens Sambueza se ausenta.

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Forlan has no regrets over European exit

The Uruguay striker expressed his happiness with his decision to move to Internacional and stressed that he made his choice based on footballing reasons not just personal ones.

Internacional forward Diego Forlan has expressed his delight with life in the south of Brazil and is confident that he made the right decision to leave European football behind.

The 33-year-old had his contract terminated by Inter Milan last July, allowing him to sign a three-year deal with the Brasileirao outfit, a choice he believes was the correct one.

"It was not a difficult decision," the former Manchester United and Atletico Madrid striker told BBC Sport. "I try not to have any regrets. Brazil is a very nice country, they play very good football and pay good money - it's not so different from Europe.

"It's a really happy time for me. Not only because of the football but I'm in a relationship with my girlfriend. I'm close to Uruguay so it's easy for her and for me. Of course, I'm also close to my family - it's only an hour flight."

Forlan endured a torrid 2011-12 season with the Nerazzurri before leaving the club after scoring only twice in 20 appearances during a campaign blighted by injury; however, the winner of Golden Ball at the 2010 FIFA World Cup was quick to stress that he did not abandon Europe to play a lower level of football.

"Italy was a bad time for me," Forlan conceded. "When I came in [at Inter] the team was struggling. I scored in my first game and then got injured and was out for two and a half months. In the end I was playing out of position.

"I have played in so many leagues in different countries. Every league is different - I don't think one is better than another or if you play well in Europe, you will play well here [in Brazil]. That's not how it works.

"Everywhere you go you have big clubs, so it's not an easy league."

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Balotelli caught smoking on train to Fiorentina match

The striker is set to receive a fine from AC Milan after his involvement in another bizarre incident, having initially let his football do the talking since returning to Italy.

AC Milan is set to fine Mario Balotelli after the striker was caught smoking in a train toilet on Saturday en route to Florence for the club's clash with Fiorentina on Sunday morning.

The striker has been hitting the headlines for all the right reasons since moving from Manchester City at the end of January and has scored seven goals in as many Serie A games; however, several reports in Italy said the club was ready to crack down on the 22-year-old after a conductor caught him red-handed smoking on the train this weekend, which is prohibited by Italian law.

Milan vice president Adriano Galliani was also on the train and had initially been having fun during the journey, trying on a hat belonging to one of the guards and joking with members of the squad. That was until he was told of Balotelli's indiscretion by the train's most senior guard, who, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, said, "Maybe you have to pull Balotelli's ears, because he was smoking in the toilet."

As a result, Galliani informed the teenage winger M'Baye Niang, who was in the group of players he was with, to tell to his teammate that he would be fined. He then rang the player's agent Mino Raiola to report his client.

The Rossoneri squad was taking the Frecciarossa service ahead of its clash with the fourth-placed Viola with the chance to extend the gap between the top three to nine points with a win or see it crumble to three points with a loss.

Despite the incident, Balotelli was selected to lead the line from the start for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

Balotelli was regularly snapped by photographers with a cigarette in hand during his two-and-a-half year spell with Roberto Mancini's men - a pastime that is frowned upon by many coaches for obvious health reasons.

Balotelli was in the headlines more often for his mischief and disobedience than his goalscoring during his time in England, which played a part in the Premier League champions selling the striker on deadline day in January.

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Beckham unsure of lineup status against Barcelona

The English midfielder has revealed his desire to play a significant role in his side's Champions League quarterfinal second leg against the Catalan club this week.

David Beckham has expressed his desire to be involved from the start in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League return leg against Barcelona on Wednesday night.

The England midfielder was in the starting lineup for the 2-2 quarterfinal first leg against the Blaugrana at Parc des Princes though he was criticized by French media after the match for his performance. The former LA Galaxy, Manchester United and Real Madrid star stressed that he is eager for another starting berth, though he is unsure of Carlo Ancelotti's plans.

"I do not know [if I'll start] - I'm not the coach," Beckham told Le 10 Sport. "Of course I want to start, but that's the same for all players in these big games. We'll see."

Les Parisiens warmed up for the fixture at Camp Nou with a 2-0 win over Rennes on Saturday, a game which saw Beckham set up a Zlatan Ibrahimovic goal deep into injury time after Jeremy Menez's opener.

Beckham could also benefit from the suspension of Blaise Matuidi in his ambitions for a starting berth against the Liga leaders, with that opening up another place in the midfield.

After Saturday's victory, PSG remains at the top of Ligue 1, with 64 points from 31 games, seven ahead of second-place Olympique de Marseille.

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Zubizarreta: I thought Abidal's return was impossible

The Barcelona sporting director reveals that he feared the fullback would not succeed in returning to the first team after liver transplant and is delighted to see him back.

Andoni Zubizarreta has described Eric Abidal's return for Barcelona against Mallorca as "good for life in general," admitting that he worried the day would never come.

The Frenchman received a rapturous ovation from the Camp Nou crowd after coming on as a 70th-minute substitute during the 5-0 win on Saturday -- his first appearance in 14 months after receiving a liver transplant.

"Six months ago I would have thought it impossible to see his return," Zubizarreta told AS. "This is good for football and for life in general. It shows that you can beat these diseases.

"These battles are very complicated, and we must give everyone in these situations our full support. He [Abidal] remembered his cousin, who was the one who donated part of his liver, and the medical profession, but the credit is his for his great pleasure."

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Bayern Munich will get even better under Guardiola, says Netzer

The former Borussia Monchengladbach star has urged the newly crowned Bundesliga champions to continue their development once their new coach arrives at the end of the season

Gunter Netzer has congratulated Bayern Munich on securing the German title and says he expects further improvement under Pep Guardiola.

Die Roten secured a 1-0 victory at Eintracht Frankfurt - an 11th consecutive win - to reach an unassailable 20-point lead over Borussia Dortmund and win a 23rd Bundesliga crown with plenty of time to spare. Writing in his column for Bild, Netzer praised the quality of the Bavarians whilst stressing that he anticipates that they will continue to develop under their new boss.

"The Bavarians have responded to last season superbly and with great success," Netzer stated. "But the development of this team is not complete. To help achieve this, they have for the coming season rightly removed a good coach [Jupp Heynckes] and in Pep Guardiola taken on probably the best coach in the world.

"He helped [Barca] to play the best football in the world. And if you combine this with the possibilities at Bayern then, sooner or later, there will be an improvement."

Netzer, casting his eye over the champions' squad, was particularly keen to highlight the impact of Javi Martinez, who arrived from Athletic Bilbao last summer for a domestic record fee of 40 million euros.

"Bayern have, over the past decades, been reputable and very successful," the 68-year-old former playmaker continued. "And that puts them in a position to do business, with Javi Martinez the most expensive transfer in Bundesliga history.

"It was a successful undertaking. Martinez has helped the team gel and to stabilize its structure."

Netzer was also quick to stress that he sees even more success for the impressive Bavarians this season with the DFB Pokal and the Champions League still attainable trophies.

"The Bayern players were able to get used to the idea of winning the championship for a long time," Netzer said. "That could have led to inefficiency but at Bayern it sharpened the senses and that title was not enough for them. They feel that more is possible. Therefore, they have also placed a lot of focus on other competitions too. They legitimately aspire to more." Follow GOAL.COM on

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Allegri: Only Messi scores 50 goals a season

The coach has advised Stephan El Shaarawy not to become obsessed with scoring goals as the Rossoneri prepare to play Fiorentina in a showdown for Champions League qualification

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri backed striker Stephen El Shaarawy despite his lack of goals in 2013 ahead of Sunday's encounter with Fiorentina, and believes that only Lionel Messi has the ability to score 50-plus goals per season.

The 20-year-old led the Serie A scoring charts at one point earlier in the season but has seen the goals dry up after only netting twice in his last 13 appearances.

His barren run has coincided with the purple patch enjoyed by winter signing Mario Balotelli, prompting claims that he is being overshadowed by the imperious form of the ex-Manchester City man, a theory Allegri has utterly rejected.

"There’s only one player who scores 40 to 50 goals a season and he plays for Barcelona [in reference to Lionel Messi]," he told assembled reporters before the match. "El Shaarawy has scored 16 goals in the first half of the season and it’s normal now that other players will start scoring.

"Mario Balotelli is a 22-year-old and he has potential that even he doesn’t know about yet. His objective should be to become one of the top five players in the world.

"The forwards are all scoring well and we hope the defenders can add to that tally as well."

Despite claiming the result of the upcoming match would not be ultimately decisive in the race for Champions League qualification next season, Allegri urged his men to keep up their guard against Vincenzo Montella's Viola.

"Montella did well in Catania and now he’s doing well for Fiorentina. He’s a good coach who plays good football and tomorrow will be a tough game.

"We need a good performance but the league does not end tomorrow. There are still eight games. If we get a positive result tomorrow the chances of finishing second or third will be higher.

"This will have been a good season as the team has been rebuilt well by the club and has a great future of it. We should be able to fight for the title next season."

The San Siro outfit presently sits six points clear of fourth-placed Fiorentina.

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San Jose Earthquakes 1-1 Vancouver Whitecaps: Wondo strikes in draw

The Whitecaps and Earthquakes played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night.

Vancouver and San Jose played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday night at Buck Shaw Stadium.

Chris Wondolowsk opened the scoring in the 18th minute. Sloppy passing out of the back from Vancouver led to a turnover deep in Whitecaps territory. Alan Gordon, after having a ball played into his feet from the wing, did well to lay it off to the charging Wondolowski, who fired home from close range.

In the 62nd minute Corey Hertzog leveled the match under strange circumstances. The Whitecaps had only nine men on the field at the time, with two players off changing their cleats.

Even down two men Vancouver held the ball well and a deflected shot from Daigo Kobayashi fell kindly for Hertzog to turn and slot home.

The draw leaves the two sides within one point of each other in the West. 

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Portland Timbers 2-0 Houston Dynamo: Johnson leads Timbers to impressive win

Ryan Johnson scored twice to lead Portland to an impressive victory over the Houston Dynamo.

Ryan Johnson had two goals as the Portland Timbers took an impressive 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.

Johnson opened the scoring in the 55th minute when he connected with a lovely cross from Diego Chara to give the home side a 1-0 lead.

The big forward then rounded out his night with a second goal in the 73rd minute. After being played in by Darlington Nagbe, Johnson raced a full 40 yards and placed his shot into the upper corner to seal all three points for the home side.

The win is Portland's first of the season.

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Lambert confident Aston Villa can escape relegation battle

The Scottish boss believes no club in the bottom half of the Premier League is safe as his side battles to beat the drop to the Championship

Aston Villa coach Paul Lambert remains confident that his young side can stave off relegation and remain in the Premier League.

The Villans currently sit in 18th place, level on points with Wigan, but are in the drop zone due to their inferior goal difference which is the worst in the league. But the Birmingham-based club’s chances of survival have been boosted by the poor form of the clubs around them, leaving Villa a mere four points off 12th place.

Having battled for most of the season, Lambert now believes his side are well equipped for the scrap, while those teams who have recently been sucked into the battle are less prepared.

“Every team in the bottom half of the table is in a battle now,” Lambert told reporters. “We are four points off twelfth and for much of the season we have been accustomed to this situation. We've been living through it and we've dealt with the pressures it brings."

He added, “Suddenly, there are other teams that have been pulled into it, teams who haven't had to get their heads around it and we'll see now what happens. The important thing for us is that we don't get caught up in it all, that we continue to focus on our games, on our jobs and that's what we'll do.”


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Ibrahimovic 'very confident' of Champions League progress

The Sweden international believes the Ligue 1 leaders have a good chance of reaching the semifinals

Zlatan Ibrahimovic says Paris Saint-Germain is still capable of reaching the semifinals of the Champions League at the expense of Barcelona after its 2-2 draw at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday.

The Ligue 1 giants recorded a hard-fought draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie following Blaise Matuidi's stoppage-time equalizer, and Ibrahimovic is determined to seal the deal at Camp Nou next week.

"I am very confident of progressing. We have a great opportunity. It will not be easy but we will go there and play the game and we will see," Ibrahimovic told reporters.

He added, "It was a good game. We demonstrated we could play and I think 2-2 is a fair result if you look at the game. We played against a fantastic team. We were 1-0 down and 2-1 down, so it is good for us. We showed character and this gives us more confidence.

Though Ibrahimovic is confident of success at Camp Nou, he is cautious of raising any expectations. The Swedish striker points out that the team has a lot of new players and it is its first appearance in the Champions League in a decade.

"We are only here to learn. This is the first year for the club, everything is new and we have a lot of new players.   It is not easy to play against Barcelona. The game went well for me. We have to play like a team and when the team plays well it is easier for me."

The return at Camp Nou takes place on April 10.

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Robben: Kroos injury benefits me

The 29-year-old is hoping to feature more prominently in the first team after the frustration of starting on the bench for his side's 2-0 win over Juventus on Tuesday.

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben hopes that the injury suffered by teammate Tony Kroos in his side's 2-0 win over Juventus will allow him more first team football.

Robben replaced Kroos in the first half of the clash at the Allianz Arena after the Germany international suffered a hip injury, and the Netherlands winger admits he now hopes to feature more prominently in the starting lineup after the frustration of being left on the bench.

"It does not look so good for Kroos, but then that is better for me. It happens in football," Robben told NOS. "I was sick that I had to start on the bench. On Saturday I played a great game (in the 9-2 victory over Hamburg) and I wanted to continue that form, but the coach decided otherwise. I ended up playing tonight so I have to be happy."

Despite Bayern's dominant victory over the Old Lady, Robben insists the tie remains far from over, and pointed to a number of missed chances that could possibly come back to haunt the Bavarians.

"Of course it is far from over, but we have made a great step towards the semifinals," he stated. "We have had opportunities to expand the score, but the important thing is that we have given our all and kept a clean sheet."

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Felipe Melo: Drogba will win us trophies

The Galatasaray midfielder believes the signings of the Ivorian forward and Wesley Sneijder could help transform the stature of the club.

Galatasaray midfielder Felipe Melo believes Didier Drogba will help the club to swell its trophy cabinet.

Drogba followed former Inter star Wesley Sneijder to Istanbul in the January transfer window, and his Brazilian teammate believes the signing of the stellar duo will help to propel the club to new heights as it prepares for a Champions League quarterfinal with Real Madrid.

"Their arrival has helped a lot. They are big names who have achieved so much, but there’s nothing big-headed about them. They’re prepared to dig in like anyone else, and that’s been essential," Melo told FIFA.com. "They had a big hand in us reaching the quarters and they’ve been crucial in the Turkish championship.

"Drogba is a role model. He won the Champions League for Chelsea, attracted big crowds wherever he went in China and he’s got a lot of charisma in the dressing room. He’s going to bring us trophies, and we’re full of hope."

Melo also paid tribute to Sneijder, although he admits that memories of the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal clash between Brazil and Netherlands - in which Melo was sent off - are too hard to discuss with the Dutchman.

"We have a good relationship but we don’t joke about that game. Obviously, I was happy when he arrived because I knew him from his time at Real Madrid, when I was in Spain," he went on.

"I was happy because he’s a player who can make all the difference, and you’re always happy to have someone like that beside you."

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Messi doubtful for second leg against PSG

Barcelona has confirmed the attacker's rate of recovery will determine whether or not he is fit for next week's clash.

Lionel Messi is a doubt for next week's Champions League quarterfinal second leg with Paris Saint-Germain after tests confirmed he has suffered a thigh injury.

The Argentine was withdrawn at halftime in the 2-2 draw at Parc des Princes on Tuesday after suffering a hamstring injury shortly after putting Barcelona in front on the night.

He has since undergone tests on the injury, and the club has confirmed he has a problem with his right femoral bicep, ruling him out of Saturday's Liga match with Mallorca, leaving his participation against PSG in doubt.

"Tests have confirmed that Leo Messi has a muscle injury in the femoral bicep of his right leg," a club statement read.

"He is out for the Liga match on Saturday, and his rate of recovery will determine his availability for subsequent commitments."

The player himself moved to assure fans that the injury was not serious, and wished teammate Javier Mascherano a speedy recovery from his own knee problem.

"I will return soon, thankfully it was not so serious," he said on his Facebook page.

"We feel very sorry for Masche [Mascherano], and wish him strength so that he can return quickly."

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Rodgers: Reina is staying at Liverpool

Arsenal and Barcelona have been touted as possible destinations for the Spanish goalkeeper in the summer, but the Reds boss is confident the 30-year-old will remain at Anfield

Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has rubbished speculation linking Pepe Reina with a move away from Anfield and insists the goalkeeper is part of his long-term vision for the club.

The Spanish goalkeeper's form this term has fallen well below the high standards set in previous seasons although it has done little to deter talk of a summer switch away from the Merseyside club with Arsenal and Barcelona both reportedly interested.

However, Rodgers has moved to quell rumors of Reina's exit and maintains that the 30-year-old will remain an integral part of his squad for some time yet.

"He's never been unsettled and our relationship is very strong," Rodgers told the Guardian. "I have given him and a few of the senior boys real responsibility and I think they have enjoyed that. I see him as someone who is going to be here [next season].

He added, "He is 30 years of age and is someone who looks after his body. The sports science team this year have worked really well with him. I think he's been outstanding and had great focus and hopefully that will continue for us."

Reina’s father, Miguel, revealed that the Reds’ shot-stopper could return to former club Barcelona to replace Victor Valdes, but Rodgers has dismissed the links as pure speculation and is adamant that Reina is committed to Liverpool.

"Pepe and I speak a lot. He's a good man and I've got real respect for him as a player and as a human being," the Northern Irishman added. "He understands everything we are trying to do here and is a great voice in the little debriefing meetings we have with the group and with the defenders and other goalkeepers. He's brilliant.

Rodgers continued to explain,"And on a personal level we'll sit and have a cup of tea in the office and we'll chat about where he's at with his game and how he can improve. I think a lot of the stuff this year has been based on speculation with [Victor] Valdés going, or possibly going, there have been links they [Barcelona] will be in for another keeper. His dad has said some things and whatever."

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McCarthy Musings: Seattle still no match for Santos Laguna despite modest improvements

Sounders FC boss Sigi Schmid demanded more from his sputtering team in the wake of a 2-1 defeat at Real Salt Lake on Saturday night.

Schmid received the desired response from his revamped side in Tuesday night's 1-0 home defeat to Santos Laguna in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League semifinal.
His players chased, closed and harried the opposition for much of this affair at CenturyLink Field. They engaged in the match for its entire duration instead of flitting in and out of the game like they had in the first four matches of the MLS campaign. They pressed earnestly to fulfill the directives set forth.
The revised tactical approach – a 4-2-3-1 formation including Osvaldo Alonso and Shalrie Joseph partnered in front of the back four and Sammy Ochoa alone up front – demanded that sort of application. And, by and large, Sounders FC met those base requirements.
Despite those fundamental strides, Seattle eventually succumbed to two crippling problems: it lacked the quality to carve open the Santos defense and it left enough room when it pushed forward to invite counterattacking forays.
Most of the problems in the final third appeared at the moment Schmid handed in his team sheet. In a match that demanded an extra bit of class, the veteran boss named a lineup deprived of the players usually charged with providing it. David Estrada, Eddie Johnson and Obafemi Martins missed out through injury. Mauro Rosales and Steve Zakuani settled for places on the bench after their indifferent starts to the season.
Their replacements supplied plenty of industry without mustering the guile required to unlock a defense. Alonso threatened from distance on a couple of occasions and Mario Martínez served in a couple of dangerous set pieces, but the work from the run of play lacked the sharpness to really pose concerns to the Santos rearguard.
As Seattle searched for goals, it eventually pushed its line higher – especially fullbacks Leo González and DeAndre Yedlin (impressive yet again on the right) – to maintain possession and support the blunt work in the final third. The resulting balance invited Santos – already poised to counter with Hérculez Gómez, Carlos Darwin Quintero and Oribe Peralta – to exploit the space conceded on the break.
Santos showed the potential danger created by the rhythm of the match in the first half without taking advantage of the situation. The front three could not quite find the proper range in front of goal or string together the sequence of passes to punish Seattle for its inability to adjust to the problems presented. Gómez dragged wide from a difficult angle, while Rodolfo Salinas thumped an effort straight at Marcus Hahnemann to underscore the concerns ahead in the second half.
Gómez finally delivered on the promise of the first half to hand his side a potentially decisive away goal ahead of the return leg at Estadio Corona next Tuesday. Seattle failed to deal with a long lump up field and Quintero took advantage of the uncertainty. The Colombian international collected the ball, drove his effort toward goal and forced Hahnemann to parry invitingly toward the far post. Gómez lashed the rebound back across the face of goal and into the upper corner to ensure Santos met its primary objective for this match.
Seattle did well to avoid conceding a killer second goal after Gómez pounced, but Sounders FC's Champions League run will likely conclude in Mexico next week. Santos has dispatched three MLS teams – including the Rave Green last year at the quarterfinal stage – with relative ease in knockout ties in Torreón. The first leg offers little to suggest Seattle boasts the incisiveness and the solidity to alter the established trend even if Johnson and Martins recover in time to feature.
Although Sounders FC lost the match and watched its Champions League dreams essentially dissipate on its home turf, it can take some solace in the effort submitted. This dogged display offered a response to the dire performances to start the season. It did not possess the quality required to win a match at this stage of the Champions League, but it at least provides a foundation for this group to build upon as it prepares for the second leg and turns its attentions to domestic matters next week.

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Dani Alves: Draw still a good result for Barcelona

The Brazilian was positive over the outcome of Tuesday's encounter at the Parc des Princes, but has rued the loss of Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano through injury

Dani Alves has voiced his satisfaction with Barcelona's 2-2 Champions League draw against Paris Saint-Germain, even though he has admitted the club was hoping for a victory after going 2-1 up late in the second half.

The Blaugrana had to settle for a draw in the first leg of the quarterfinal tie following Blaise Matuidi's stoppage time equalizer, but the Brazilian full back remained upbeat after the game.

"The way the game unfolded, we could have hoped for a better result. This is still a good result for us, though, especially as we were playing away from home," Alves told UEFA.com. "At this stage of the competition, all the teams are very strong, so we were expecting a tough game. PSG have top quality players and they showed that."

The Brazil international then went on to discuss the injuries Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano picked up against PSG, and stated the Argentine duo will be sorely missed.

"That's the one negative," he said. Both Leo and Javier are playing very good football at the moment and they're very important to us. I hope that Messi's injury isn't too serious and he can play in the second leg at Camp Nou. But if that's not possible we have to count on other players and try to get through to the next stage."

Mascherano will be out of action for up to six weeks with a knee problem, while Messi's length of absence with a hamstring problem is yet to be determined.

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Roma president Pallotta seeking 75 million euros investment

The Giallorossi could be back winning titles inside five seasons, according to the Italian-American, who arrived at the Stadio Olimpico in August of last year

Roma president James Pallotta has admitted that he is seeking 75 million euros in investment as he attempts to turn the club into a major sporting brand.

The American entrepreneur, who is a member of the executive board of the NBA’s Boston Celtics, only took charge of the Giallorossi last August, but his tenure has already been the subject of some controversy and concern. Consequently, Pallotta has moved to reassure fans who were left bemused by the way in which their new president was duped by 'fake sheikh' Adnan Adel Aref Al Qaddumi Al Shtewi earlier this year, insisting that he knows exactly what he is doing and is committed in the long term.

"Two of our consultants recommended him, so we went ahead [with the planned investment deal],” Pallotta explained to Gazzetta dello Sport. “But when we presented the contract, the money never arrived. We did all the relevant research; we are certainly not stupid. So, we lost only time, not money."

He added, "But in just a few months I have stuck to everything that I have said. We have agreements with giants such as Disney, Volkswagen and now Nike. Few clubs in the world have done better than us in terms of sponsors. Ours is a 20-year investment, because such projects take time. As they say, 'Rome wasn't built in a day.' But don't worry: with the Celtics, I won after just five seasons."

Indeed, Pallotta has the utmost confidence in those currently responsible for running the sporting side of his Roma operation.

"I am satisfied with the results of [sporting director Walter] Sabatini and [director general Franco] Baldini," he insisted. "We are capable of beating anyone, and we have shown that. We just lack consistency."

Pallotta added that he is also hoping veteran club captain Francesco Totti will still be plying his trade at the Stadio Olimpico when Roma start winning titles again.

"Personally, I cannot even imagine going to see Roma and not finding Totti on the field,” he enthused.

Pallotta, who is the founder of the Raptor group, succeeded Thomas DiBenedetto as Giallorossi president on August 27 of last year.

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Neuer: Early goal shocked Juventus

The Germany international has hailed his side's superb start to Tuesday's encounter, and has stressed any mistake in the Champions League can prove to be fatal.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer believes David Alaba's early opening goal in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Juventus left the Bianconeri shocked.

Alaba beat Gianluigi Buffon early on with a deflected long-range strike, before Thomas Muller made it two after the break to help Bayern to a crucial win in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal tie.

"I wasn't expecting us to score such an early goal and I doubt Juve did either. It was a bit of a shock for them but obviously good for us," Neuer was quoted as saying on the official UEFA website. "Buffon is a superb goalkeeper and if you look at the flight of the ball, it was a really difficult one for him. I know how David shoots – they're dangerous balls to deal with.

"You can't afford to make any mistakes in the Champions League. You could see from the start that we were trying to keep hold of the ball in our build-up play, making sure every pass arrived at its destination. We didn't want to risk opening ourselves up to any counterattacks, or to allow them any chances, and I think we managed to do that very well."

The return leg in Turin takes place on April 10.

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Tevez sentenced to 250 hours' community service

The Manchester City admitted to driving while disqualified and driving without insurance, and has also had his ban extended by six months and been fined 1000 pounds

Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez has been sentenced to 250 hours of community service after pleading guilty to both driving while disqualified and driving without insurance at Macclesfield Magistrates' Court. The Argentine has also been handed another six month disqualification from driving and a fine of £1000.

Magistrate for the case Elizabeth Depares ruled that the 29-year-old "had served a significant proportion of his disqualification" when he was stopped by police, and as such a community penalty was preferable to a custodial sentence.

Lawyer Gwyn Lewis stated for the defense that "the whole episode... has been completely alien to [Tevez] and very frightening. He has full understanding of the seriousness of this."

Lewis added that it would be "highly unlikely" that Tevez would reoffend, and recommended that the magistrate impose a sentence of "unpaid work".

Tevez entered the guilty plea in Spanish via an interpreter after being stopped by police outside of Mottram Hall Hotel and Golf Club in Cheshire on March 7 following an anonymous tip-off.

When stopped, Tevez told the officer, "I only live down the road. Two minutes."

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Preview: Chelsea - Rubin Kazan

Rafa Benitez's side face the Russian outfit at Stamford Bridge in the first leg of its Europa League quarterfinal in a heavily congested fixture schedule
Rafa Benitez is set to make a number of changes to the side which knocked Manchester United out of the FA Cup on Monday.

Defender Ashley Cole (hamstring) was forced off in the first half of that match and will be out for at least two weeks, so Ryan Bertrand is set to replace him again. Gary Cahill (knee) is a doubt so John Terry is likely to return in defense alongside Luiz.

Fernando Torres should return in attack with Demba Ba cup-tied in the Europa League. The attacking trio of Oscar, Juan Mata and Eden Hazard could be rotated.
Rubin Kazan boss Kurban Berdyev has a full squad to choose from. The Russian is likely to recall Bribas Natkho back to the starting line-up after the Israel international impressed for his nation last week.

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Tom Marshall: Jurgen Damm itching for Manchester United return

Two months on from his trial with the Premier League leaders, the Estudiantes Tecos forward is doing everything possible to earn a permanent recall to Manchester.

Jurgen Damm may not currently be a household name in Mexico, but he very well could be soon.

The speedy Estudiantes Tecos right winger, 20, was called for a two-week trial at Manchester United this past January and knows the Premier League club is still keeping tabs on his development at his Guadalajara team.

“They told me they liked my skills a lot and everything, but that I need to have more muscle and more intelligence to play faster,” Damm told Goal.com in Guadalajara recently.

The Old Trafford club sent Damm back to Mexico with a special diet and work-out regime, which he is adhering to “perfectly” in order have every chance of returning to Manchester.

“I’ve always said my natural physique is skinny, but they told me I need to build some more muscle,” said Damm. “Manchester did some tests and sent me a program for the gym and for eating.”

Unlike other Mexican youngsters, Damm wouldn’t have to meet work permit regulations if he moved to England thanks to the EU passport he currently holds through his German-born grandfather, who immigrated to Mexico in the 1930s. He is fluent in Spanish, English and German.

According to the player’s representative, there are two or three Spanish clubs also interested in his services and even if a move to the Red Devils doesn’t materialize, he is likely to try his luck the other side of the Atlantic come the summer.

In Manchester, Damm, who lived in Toronto, Canada for two years as a child, was naturally nervous about training with the likes of Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs and Robin Van Persie, but it was his fellow countryman Javier Hernandez who gave him the words of wisdom to boost his confidence.

“I talked with everyone, but the one who gave me advice was Chicharito because I was with him in the afternoons and before training I went to his house,” remembered Damm. “He told me to always give 100 percent in all trainings and to always be positive that I have the skills to do well so I can stay.”

Damm admits that he was with the Hernandez family more than at his hotel during his stint in the north of England.

“He invited me to his box in Old Trafford when they were playing against Fulham,” enthused the winger, who started his professional career across town at Atlas. “For two weeks they asked if I wanted to go eat with them, if I wanted to go to the mall...”

Enthusiastic, educated, well-spoken and with the same wide-eyed facial expression, it’s hard not to see similarities between Damm and Hernandez. One difference is that Hernandez had already made a name for himself in Mexico’s top league when he started garnering attention from the likes of Manchester United, whereas Damm has only played once in the country’s first division and is already turning heads overseas.

On the other hand, late-developer Chicharito had only played a handful of games and scored just once for Chivas in Mexico’s top flight when he was Damm’s age.

Damm acknowledges he was hoping to remain in Manchester to gain experience playing for the reserve side, but is upbeat and hopeful that someday he can accomplish his dream of playing for the Red Devils.

“They told me they were going to call me again, but they didn’t say an exact date,” stated Damm. “If there is some possibility of going back, it would be wonderful.”

For now though, Damm is concerned with helping Estudiantes Tecos secure a playoff place and get back into Mexico’s first division, something he says is his short-term priority.

After that, a summer move is a strong possibility, with just the destination still to be decided.

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PSG president cools Wenger talk

The club's Qatari owner Nasser Al-Khelaifi has described the Arsenal boss as a "great manager" but says he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work so far this season

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has spoken of his admiration for Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger but dismissed the idea of moving for the Frenchman.

The 63-year-old has been linked with a return to his homeland at the end of the season, with the cash-rich Parc des Princes club touted as a potential destination.

However, with the Parisien outfit currently seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1 and preparing for a Champions League quarterfinal clash with Barcelona, Al-Khelaifi insists he is happy with Carlo Ancelotti's work.

"Arsene Wenger is a great manager," Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports News. "He is doing a great job with Arsenal and he has got a contract for another year I believe, which is what I hear from the media."

He added, "I cannot talk on his behalf and I do not know what he will decide, but for us we have Carlo and we are very satisfied with Carlo Ancelotti."

The president also acknowledged the considerable sums of money ploughed into the club since the Qatar Investment Authority's 2011 takeover.

"We have spent some money on the club, but we had to if we wanted to get into the top five clubs in Europe," Al-Khelafi said.

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FIFA appoints goal-line technology provider

Football's governing body has announced the company that will supply GLT for the Confederations Cup this summer and beyond, after a nine-month bidding process.

FIFA has appointed GoalControl GmbH as the official goal-line technology provider for this summer’s Confederations Cup.
The German company has signed a deal which will see it also provide the technology for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, having secured FIFA's backing ahead of three rival companies bidding to provide GLT in a process that started back in February.
This version of the technology uses 14 high-speed cameras placed at various points around the stadium, known as GoalControl 4-D, and its use will be verified once a final installation test has taken place at each of the venues where it will be used.
This summer's Confederations Cup, held in Brazil, will be just the second time that goal-line technology will be used in FIFA competition since its use was approved nine months ago.
FIFA and GoalControl will now work out a time line for the installation of the system in time for the Confederations Cup, with a media presentation soon to be scheduled.

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Bale: Tottenham's spirit will carry it to Champions League qualification

The Welshman believes the togetherness in the Spurs squad can help them to a top-four finish in the Premier League as well as possible glory in the Europa League

Tottenham midfielder Gareth Bale believes the togetherness in the Spurs squad will help them on their way to Champions League qualification.

The Welshman also says Spurs remain intent on going all the way in the Europa League this season, in addition to their domestic efforts.

The 23-year-old is counting on the team's spirit to help to glory on both fronts, starting with their Europa League quarterfinal against Basel on Thursday.

"We are a very close group as a team. At some places there's little groups here and little groups there but we have got a great team spirit and we want to take that into the rest of the season," Bale told Eurosport.

"The main thing for us is that we don’t get carried away. We're comfortably able to finish fourth in the league and competing for third - we've got to take it game by game.

"We can push on in the Europa League as well against Basel. Our away form has been very good - we showed that against Lyon. We want to do as well as we can in both competitions."

Bale has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this season, prompting many to make comparisons between himself, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

The former Southampton man rates the La Liga pair as the world's best and vows to continue his rapid improvement in an effort to reach their level.

"Ronaldo and Messi have set the standard as the best players in the world, and everyone wants to play like them", he added.

"Year by year I'm improving and I can still improve."

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Lahm: Bayern can unlock any defense

The Germany international realizes a difficult task awaits the Bundesliga leader, but he is confident Bayern will find a way to beat the Juve back line.

Philipp Lahm believes Bayern Munich has what it takes to breakdown any defense as the club prepares for the first leg of its Champions League quarterfinal tie against Juventus on Tuesday.

The Turin giant has impressed defensively this season, conceding only 19 goals in 30 Serie A appearances so far, yet Lahm has little doubt that Bayern, which put nine past Hamburg on Saturday, will find a way through against the Old Lady.

"Juventus have impressed us. They have dominated Serie A and it will not be an easy task to beat them. They're a typical Italian team, very well organized and with some incredibly talented individuals," Lahm was quoted as saying by TZ.

"But we all know what we're capable of, too. We know that we can unlock any defense. We have some great players and the win over Hamburg showed what we can do. Juventus are a good team and they are very strong at the back. They are not an easy team to face, but we want to beat them."

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Pellegrini: Nobody gave Malaga a chance

The Chilean coach feels the Liga outfit has already surprised everybody with its success, and is keen to keep up the good form against BVB.

Manuel Pellegrini has voiced his delight with Malaga's unexpectedly good performances in the Champions League so far this term, and is eagerly anticipating the quarterfinal tie against Borussia Dortmund.

The Boquerones finished ahead of AC Milan, Zenit St Petersburg and Anderlecht to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition in the club's maiden campaign, before seeing off Porto to book a ticket for the quarterfinals.

"Nobody gave us a chance at the start and yet the players have responded so well. We eliminated Porto and that represented a huge achievement for the side. The merits this season have been won out on the pitch," Pellegrini stated at the pre-match press conference. "I am delighted to be playing Dortmund as creative as they are. The fans will see a great game. Both teams like to have the ball and are very powerful.

"We will try to minimize their strengths while trying to play to ours. Dortmund have a great team, they have five players who start for the German national side. They have huge potential, are very creative in midfield but I think their main strength is in attack. You never know what the result in football will be, we can't know exactly what will happen. What I do know is that it is so important to get a good result to take into the away leg."

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Ramsey: A change of approach has benefitted Arsenal

The Welshman believes that the Gunners' recent upturn in results is down to a conscious decision to work on particular aspects of their game on the training field

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has cited a new approach as the main reason behind the Gunners' recent upturn in form.

The Welshman was a part of an Arsenal side that ran out 4-1 winners over Reading on Saturday, their third win on the bounce, moving the club up to two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea. The 22-year-old says that the north London outfit have been working on certain facets of their game, such as their ability to start matches at their best.

"In the past, we've been accused of starting slowly and I think that's something we've changed, especially in the last month," Ramsey told the club's official website. "We've started off on the front foot, defended high up the pitch and won the ball back in dangerous areas. We did that plenty of times [against Reading]."

He added, "I think you could see that we played without any hesitation and with the handbrake off. We created a lot of opportunities and we defended well apart from the goal we conceded. On the whole, we're delighted with the win."

The versatile midfielder made a cameo appearance at left back on Saturday and, while he is prepared to fill in where necessary, the Welshman insists that central midfield remains his preferred position.

"That's another position to tick off! It was only a quick two minutes there, but there’s not many left that I haven't played in," Ramsey said. "I've been played in a lot of positions this season. It's difficult when the roles are different. You like to stay in your position and get that consistency."

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Cech delighted with wonder save against Chicharito

The Blues goalkeeper made a superb stop to deny the Mexico striker an equalizer at Stamford Bridge on Monday, earning him praise from fellow players and shot stoppers.

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is delighted to have impacted on his side's FA Cup quarterfinal replay win over Manchester United on Monday after making a match-winning save from Chicharito.

The Blues were a goal up when the Mexican connected with Danny Welbeck's cross with a firm header but the Czech Republic international somehow got a hand to the goal-bound effort.

It proved to be a vital save as Chelsea held on to book a semifinal against Manchester City at Wembley later in April.

"It was a great ball from the wing and Javier did well to direct the ball into the goal," Cech told reporters. "I went as fast as I could and left my left arm to do the job. I tried to cover as much space as I could and luckily I was able to reach it.

"I knew before the cross came that Hernandez was there, so I knew I'd have to be really quick to get there, that's what allowed me to make the save. You need to have awareness of the people around you as it helps you make the right decision. It was an important moment in the game, I'm sure a lot of people could already see the ball in the goal, so I was glad I got enough on it to push it over."

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Champions League Preview: Bayern Munich - Juventus

The Old Lady have won all five last-eight games against German opposition, but will be up against last year's Champions League finalists, who are in stunning form of their own

Bayern Munich could welcome back Jerome Boateng and Bastian Schweinsteiger, who both missed the 2-0 second-leg defeat to Arsenal, for irs quarterfinal showdown with Serie A champions Juventus.

However, Javi Martinez is suspended for the clash, which means Luiz Gustavo should replace the Spaniard. Long-term absentee Holger Badstuber remains sidelined with ruptured knee ligaments.

Meanwhile, Brazilian center back Dante and Philipp Lahm are in danger of missing the return leg in Turin on April 10 should they pick up a booking in this encounter.

Juventus, meanwhile, has concerns over the fitness of attacker Sebastian Giovinco, who was scythed down by Esteban Cambiasso in  the 2-1 Derby d'Italia victory over Inter, although he has been included in the 22-man squad.

Mirko Vucinic's is recovering from flu, which means Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Matri are likely to be Conte's preferred striking partnership, although Vucinic could be fit to feature.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio are walking a disciplinary tightrope as a booking incurred here would mean they miss the next match.

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