Spain Outlast Italy, Win Penalty Shootout in Confederations Cup Semifinal

To beat Spain, Cesare Prandelli joked before what turned out to be an epic FIFA Confederations Cup semifinal that Italy might have needed a second ball on the pitch. More accurately, the Azzurri were short a penalty taker or two.

Spain survived a scare against Italyon Thursday after outlasting the Azzurri 7-6 in a penalty shootout at the Estadio Castelao in Fortaleza, Brazil. With the victory, Spain moved within one win of yet another international title, which will be at stake Sunday against hosts Brazil in Rio de Janeiro.

It was the sort of match that neither team deserved to lose, and for more than 120 minutes, it appeared neither team could be defeated. Both created chances, both had spells of superiority and both relied on the brilliance of their world-class keepers at key times.

Those goalkeepers, Spain's Iker Casillas and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon, were heroes before the shootout began. Both rank among the world's best, and both showed why with key saves in regular and extra time as the match finished scoreless.

But in the shootout, neither put a hand on any of the 14 shots. The only miss, from defender Leonardo Bonucci after six of his teammates had converted, flew harmlessly high above Casillas' net. Moments later Jesus Navas converted coolly to crush Italy's valiant resistance.

And it was a memorable performance indeed.

Gone was the Azzurri defense that had conceded eight goals in three group-stage matches. In its place was an organized, disciplined unit any Italian could love. Prandelli's team rendered Spain’s famous passing game ineffective, pressuring the ball and closing down the space Spaincustomarily exploit for their endless passes.

It was, in short, the best Italian performance since the Euro 2012 semifinals, when the Azzurri stunned Germany to set up a date with Spainin the final. Spain won that one easily, dominating Italy4-0 for their third straight major international title, but it became clear quickly Thursday night that no repeat was possible.

Spain dominated possession, as usual, in the first 45 minutes, but Italy produced more—and better—chances. Midfielder Antonio Candreva consistently carved out space on the right against Jordi Alba, and Italy enjoyed the advantages of attacking with width. Italy's Alberto Gilardino shot wide with Spain caught in transition, and Iker Casillas saved from Emanuele Giaccherini and Daniele De Rossi.

sBut for all their chances, Italy failed to find the net. And with the mercurial Mario Balotelli injured, their game-changer from the Germany game last summer was unavailable for an encore performance.

The pace slowed in the second half, but Italy remained formidable. By full time, with the score still 0-0, the Azzurri had more possession and passing after the break, but Spainhad more shots. 

Both teams hit the post in extra time, Italythrough Giaccherini in the first half and Spain via Xavi's swerving, dipping blast in the second. But still the score remained 0-0 as the match went to penalties.

There the luck was with Spain, but on another night fortune just as easily could have favored Italy.

Comment:

Bad Luck Italy :r

source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1686919-spain-outlast-italy-win-penalty-shootout-in-confederations-cup-semifinal

Signing Rooney would help Arsenal get top top players

Why Arsenal should sign Rooney by SS

Everybody reading this will probably know that Arsenal have been linked with just about every player in Europe in the last month including players like Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas, Robert Lewandowski, Gonzalo Higuain, Stevan Jovetic and many more. However, so far there hasn’t actually been any big signings at the club but that is normal considering the transfer window isn’t even open yet.

Arsenal for once, need to take the initiative in the transfer window and show their rivals that they aren’t messing around and that next season Arsenal are going to attack every title with all guns blazing.

The way Arsene Wenger can do this is by signing Wayne Rooney as soon as possible. Rooney has apparently wanted to leave Manchester United for a while now and Arsene Wenger admitted that he couldn’t turn Rooney down if he had the chance to sign him. That statement made people pay attention to Arsenal and believe that they are actually going to make some exciting signings this summer. Players who may have doubted the club’s ambitions would surely be convinced.

Rooney may also want to go to Arsenal because of his intentions to stay in Englandand with Arsenal chief Ivan Gazidis claiming that the club could afford his wages, the deal looks to be a simple one.

So we have a situation where a top player wants to leave his club but play in England. There are only a few clubs in the country who could pay his wages with Arsenal now one of them. The manager has spoken about him in the media. The chief executive has spoken about him in the media. If this wasn’t Arsenal, the media would be presenting this as a done deal.

And we know that Wenger is in the market for a striker, Rooney is a striker isn’t he? Gonzalo Higuain may be on his way to the Emirates though but imagine a partnership of Rooney and Higuain.

Arsenal should make a bid for Rooney and get him at the club to inspire some belief around the club, attract the top top players and make the top teams look over their shoulder because Arsenal are coming back.

Comment:

Want to watch him wear Arsenal kit and walk in front Man. United fans. Gahahahaha 

source: http://justarsenal.com

'Koscielny reminds me of Martin Keown'

Adams and Keown formed a fearsome centre-back partnership at the turn of the century, helping Arsène Wenger's side win the Double in 1998 and 2002.

"Koscielny was brilliant [at the end of last season]," Adamstold Arsenal.com.

"He reminds me a lot of Martin Keown. He's very tenacious. I hate labelling people because Martin Keown was one of the best we've ever had. But there are similarities there, the way Koscielny marks and his last-ditch tackles.

"He's tenacious in the tackle. [When it came to] that tight, one-to-one defending, there wasn't a better player that I've played with, [than Keown]. To put Koscielny in the same category [to Keown] is an enormous compliment I think."

Adams also praised Mertesacker, whose relationship with Koscielny was vital to Arsenal's strong end-of-season form.

"I think he's a really nice boy and, in a few games at the end of the season, he started to push people around and say 'come on!'" said Adams. "I think he came out of himself a bit more. He's a fantastic player.

"I thought Arsenal were first class defensively. But you defend as a team. That's what the philosophy of Arsenal always has been - attack as a team and defend as a team. The [attacking players] need to put a shift in as well.

"We looked better when we've had two in front of the centre halves. Later on in the season, with Ramsey and Arteta, I think it looked much better."

Comment:

I’m agree with Tony Adams, He was brilliant!!

Source: http://www.arsenal.com

Big Interview with VINCENT ROMPIES

With less than a month until Arsenal arrive in Jakarta, we speak to popular Indonesian TV presenter Vincent Rompies about supporting Arsenal, his favourite players and this summer's tour.

Vincent, first of all how excited are you that Arsenal are coming to Indonesia?
Very excited! I dream of going to Emirates Stadium one day, but Arsenal coming to Indonesiathis year is quite enough to fulfil my dream for now.

Are you going to try to get to the game in Jakarta?
Yes, I cant wait to see them live at GBK [Gelora Bung Karno Stadium]!

Which players in particular are you looking forward to seeing?
Jack Wilshere and Theo Walcott. I love the way Wilshere plays, in every match he performs like it's the final game. I also love to see Walcott's speed. Both of them have shown their loyalty to Arsenal.

What do you think the reception will be like from the Indonesian fans?
I've seen it on Twitter and also from my fans, who ask me whether I'm going to watch the game or not since they know I'm a Gooner. The GBK crowd is going to be awesome.

Why are Arsenal so popular in Indonesia?
That's what I get completly confused about. Arsenal have not won any trophies for the past eight years, but the number of fans here has become huge. There are also no stars player that may have caused it. So I think people are aware that football is not always about trophies or handsome players. The 'Arsenal way' is what makes the Club so popular.

When did you first become an Arsenal fan?
I forget the exact year. But not long after Dennis Bergkamp and Marc Overmars started playing for Arsenal.

What is your first memory of supporting Arsenal?
Bergkamp, Bergkamp, Bergkamp. I fell in love with the way he plays.

What is it about the Club that you love most?
Bergkamp and how we play the 'Arsenal way'.

Have you ever had the opportunity to go to Highbury or Emirates Stadium?
No, but it's on the list of my five dreams to visit Emirates Stadium one day.

Do many of your family and friends support Arsenal?
My kids were indoctrinated to support Arsenal... ha ha.

What are you like when you watch Arsenal games - are you quite vocal or do you stay quiet and absorb the action?Where do you tend to watch Arsenal games?
Mostly at my house. But a couple of times I joined Arsenal Indonesiasupporters to watch games.

I used to be very vocal and emotional when watching the games. There was a time when I watched a match with Arsenal Indonesia supporters and became very talkative and was bullying the other club... ha ha. A couple of times I also expressed it on my Twitter timeline. But it's not good for me to be too emotional. So I choose to watch games at home and I think people already know me as a Gooner. I still express it in my timeline in positive way and people respect it.

Have you tried to get your fans to support Arsenal as well? If so, how?
I have no need to do that. But it is important for my kids to support Arsenal! There are a couple of my fans that said they became a Gooners because I am.

Which players really impressed you this season?
Wilshere, Cazorla, and Arteta. Wilshere because of what I said before. Cazorla reminds me of Petit, while Arteta reminds me of Vieira.

How confident are you that we can challenge for the title next season?
Very confident! But I'm not a glory hunter. Trophies are not the aim of the game for me. With last season's squad I think we can finish in the top three. Let's see who we buy in this transfer window.

What would it mean to you to see Arsenal win the title again?
I just expect Arsenal to play like they did in the unbeaten season, or when Fabregas was still in the team. I can smile when we lose as long as they play the 'Arsenal way'!

Comment:

Wew, just a lil bit shocked when I open Arsenal page and see this article. Vincent Rompies are comedian from Indonesia, but I don’t know he gained the confidence to interview Arsenal. He likes Arsenal too! auuuu

source: http://www.arsenal.com/home

Cazorla - Confidence high for new season

Arsène Wenger’s side clinched fourth place last term after a superb end-of-season run saw them take 26 points from a possible 30.

Cazorla says that has had a profound effect on the Gunners’ self-belief and could make the difference when they return to action in August.

 “Every team in the league has a complicated period at some point and their level drops,” he told the official Arsenal Magazine. “When the team doesn’t win and doesn’t get the results we want, the collective confidence drops a little. That is natural.

“Now, we’ve put in a spectacular run-in and you can see the difference in mentality. We have great players. I’m sure next season we’ll be a better team - it’s clear this squad has plenty of potential to improve.

“[We want] to fight for trophies. Next season, we hope we can be even better, win trophies and the supporters can enjoy it.. I hope I can keep developing, too.”

Comment:

Yeaaah, I hope so Santi! If Higuain, Rooney, and Fellaini come, become champion not just a dream anymore. auuuu

Source: http://www.arsenal.com

Málaga's Isco to decide between Real Madrid and Manchester City

Isco has confirmed that Real Madrid and Manchester City have made offers to buy him and said he will decide his future after Spain's European Under 21 Championship final against Italy on Tuesday. The 21-year-old midfielder helped Málaga reach the last eight of the Champions League last season and has caught the eye at the summer tournament in Israel.

"Yes, there are offers on the table from both clubs," Isco told Spain's As sports daily. "Those are the two clubs that have shown the most interest. I hope to decide soon because I still have a contract with Málaga. I know that Manchester City and Real Madrid are both huge clubs. I hope that whatever I choose will be the best for me and for Málaga."

Isco said he had not spoken to City's new manager Manuel Pellegrinisince the Chilean decided to leave Málaga and move to the Premier League at the end of last term. However, Pellegrini's presence at City might help swing his decision the way of the Manchesterclub.

"He is a great coach who has done some impressive work at Málaga, as he did at other clubs, and I am sure things will go well for him [in England]," he said. "It's true that I know Pellegrini already, I know how he works and he has been fundamental in my career during the two years I have been at Málaga with him.

"It's a point in favour that we worked together and that I know how he works but it's not definitive. I am going to take a holiday [after the Euro Under-21 championships], which I need, and then decide my future."

Comment:

I think Isco has no future with Manchester City. After he helped Malaga reach the last eight of the Champions League last season and Spainin summer tournament in Israel, make his price so expensive now. Maybe Real Madrid can helped him become a superstar.

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk

Arsène Wenger would break Arsenal transfer record for Gonzalo Higuaín

Arsène Wenger hopes that the imminent appointment of Carlo Ancelottiat Real Madrid will allow him to step up his pursuit of the club's striker Gonzalo Higuaín, for whom he is ready to break the Arsenal transfer record.

Madrid have been without a manager since they parted company with José Mourinho two weeks ago and Higuaín, who has come to appear surplus to requirements at the Bernabéu, nonetheless wants confirmation of where he might stand in the new setup before he makes a decision over his future.

Ancelotti has made it clear that he wants to leave Paris Saint-Germain, his current employer, for Madridand he is expected to take his English No2, Paul Clement, with him. One snag has been PSG's desire to first tie up Ancelotti's replacement, with Guus Hiddink of Anzhi Makhachkala the favourite for the post. Tottenham Hotspur's André Villas-Boas is also on the shortlist.

Wenger has watched the situation closely, as he prepares to enter the transfer market with as sizeable a kitty as he has ever had. The Arsenal chief executive, Ivan Gazidis, said last week that the club could now compete for the very top players, having struck lucrative new commercial deals and Higuaín fits the profile.

Wenger wants fresh impetus up front and talks have already taken place with Higuaín's representatives. Juventus also covet the Argentina international, who Florentino Pérez, the Madridpresident, values at £25m. Arsenal's record outlay is the £15m that they spent on Andrey Arshavin in 2009; he will leave the club as a free agent when his contract expires on 30 June.

Arsenal would love to make a high-profile addition before they depart for their pre-season tour of Asia on 11 July, which will take in Indonesia, Vietnamand Japan.

They are unconcerned about the row that has broken out between the national stadium owners in Vietnamand promoters which, according to reports, has jeopardised the match between a Vietnam XI and Arsenal on 17 July.

The owners have increased their normal rental fee of about £6,000 to £45,000 for the much anticipated showpiece, to the anguish of the promoters and the Vietnam Football Federation. But Arsenal do not envisage it derailing the game, nor will they allow it to, as they prepare to become the first Premier League team to visit Vietnam.

Comment:

I think Higuain really match with Arsenal. Even if his transfer so expensive, but he is so worth it striker. With his skill, power, and teamwork make him really an explosive striker. Hope you come to Arsenal Pipita! \m/

source: http://www.guardian.co.uk