Race to Rio continues as stars face World Cup qualifiers

The race to qualify for World Cup 2014 continues in earnest this weekend with many top stars in action for their countries.

The world’s most expensive footballer, Gareth Bale, should feature for Wales although Real Madrid’s newest recruit is highly unlikely to make it to Rio.

Another big summer signing Mesut Ozil is in action for Germany, who are closing in on qualification, while Manchester United new-boy Marouane Fellaini will face Scotland with Belgium.

Elsewhere expect to see Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Suarez and Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action as club football takes a back seat this weekend.

Friday, 6 September 2013 11:50

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Deadline day dominoes ready to topple

Arsene Wenger puts it as only he can: "It’s a little bit a domino game and maybe something will happen in the last 24 hours." We think it's fair to say something WILL happen on transfer deadline day.

With Gareth Bale having completed his world-record move to Real Madrid from Tottenham, the starter's pistol has truly been fired. 

Can Arsenal pick off Mesut Ozil and Angel Di Maria as Madrid look to recoup some funds? Will Manchester United join the race, or will they focus on Maroaune Fellaini and Ander Herrera? Could Luis Suarez finally get his move to Madrid?

Whatever happens, you can keep up-to-date with the latest rumours and confirmed deals on our LIVE blog and Done Deals section.

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Bayern's sweet revenge in Super Cup

It will never completely erase the memory of that Champions League final in May 2012 where Didier Drogba's penalty crowned a history victory for Chelsea at the Allianz Arena, but Bayern Munich will have taken some pleasure in Friday's Super Cup triumph.

Javi Martinez's extra-time leveller forced the tie into a penalty shootout and it was Romelu Lukaku's soft spot kick which enabled Pep Guardiola's men to gain some revenge over Chelsea.

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Pot luck: Big guns out to avoid Champions League surprise

The draw for the Champions League group stages takes place on Thursday afternoon with Europe's heavyweights set to learn their fate.

All eyes will be on the draw pots come 16.30 BST, with Gianni Infantino and Michel Platini taking to the stage in an attempt to ensure everything runs smoothly.

And there could be a nasty surprise in store for the likes of Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are sitting pretty in Pot 1, with Manchester City and Napoli lurking in Pots 3 and 4 respectively.

AC Milan, PSG and Juventus are the stellar names occupying Pot 2, and the English contingent making up Pot 1 will undoubtedly be desperate to avoid reeling in last year's finalists Borussia Dortmund, who sit in Pot 3.
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Benzema the latest to escape Wenger's paws

It's fair to say Arsene Wenger has had a tough time of it in the transfer market this summer. After Gonzalo Higuain got away as Arsenal turned their attentions to Luis Suarez, the Uruguayan himself proved to be off limits!

There appeared to be some light at the end of the tunnel, though, when it emerged that Karim Benzema was next on Wenger's hitlist. But now the Frenchman will not be coming either, it remains to be seen if the Gunners boss has the energy to carry on transfer hunting.

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Champions League dream alive for Arsenal as Suarez deal dies

Arsenal took a giant stride towards the Champions League with a 3-0 victory over Fenerbahce in a qualifying round first leg in Istanbul.

But Luis Suarez will not be joining them at Europe's top table, after Arsene Wenger confirmed that a deal to sign the Liverpool striker was well and truly dead.

"[There is] absolutely no chance," Wenger told reporters in Turkey last night, with the Frenchman turning his attentions elsewhere.

Goal understands Arsenal are preparing bids for Real Madrid pair Karim Benzema and Angel Di Maria, with the Gunners willing to offer £35 million for the France international.

Meanwhile, former Liverpool and Real Madrid winger Steve McManaman told Goal Suarez is too good for Arsenal, but does deserve to play at the very highest level.

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Premier League ready for more fairytales in 2013-14

IT'S BACK!!! After a summer off, the Premier League returns with 10 fixtures over the weekend. 

Sir Alex ended his time at Old Trafford in fitting fashion, securing his 38th trophy as Manchester United manager, while past seasons have seen dramatic title races, narrow brushes with relegation and unlikely heroes. 

The footy is back and that means a fresh slate ready for a whole host of new fairytales in 2013-14!

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Sandwich man Suarez wants Liverpool exit

 

Along with Gareth Bale and Wayne Rooney, Luis Suarez has dominated the back pages all summer long as he attempts to force a move away from Liverpool.

The Reds have been firm in their stance that the Uruguay international is not for sale, with John W. Henry issuing a stern warning to Arsenal that they would not entertain the idea of selling to their Premier League rivals.

Suarez has made no secret of his desire to leave the Merseysiders but, with time running out, will he get his wish before the transfer window closes? 

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Wenger turns to Suarez as Napoli welcome Higuain

 

Gonzalo Higuain is on the move from Real Madrid this summer - but not to his previously expected destination.

Arsenal tracked the striker this summer and were in advanced negotiations to take the Argentina international to north London.

But Napoli have used funds raised by the sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain to sign the 25-year-old.

So, while Rafa Benitez welcomes Higuain to Naples, Arsene Wenger turns his attention to Liverpool striker Luis Suarez, who will cost a great deal more to prise away from Anfield.
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Goal 50: Class of 2012-13

 

The countdown to the Goal 50 has begun and the debate is raging over which star performers from the season should be included in this year's list of football's most talented

School is out for much of the football world but the class of 2012-13 can still look forward to the annual prize-giving ceremony that is the Goal 50.

Our brilliant artist Omar Momani has drawn up his vision of the high achievers in contention for the list - which will be announced on July 29.

Bayern Munich trio Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery and Thomas Muller are sitting in the front row accompanied by Brazilian superstar Neymar.

Behind are La Liga legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo next to Robert Lewandowski, scorer of four goals for Borussia Dortmund against Real Madrid in last season's Champions League semi-final.

The Premier League may be flagging behind Germany and Spain, but Gareth Bale has stood out. The Tottenham totem sits with enigmatic Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and Mario Balotelli, who has lit up Serie A since joining AC Milan in January.

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Football's biggest names land in Brazil ahead of Confederations Cup

 

With the World Cup under a year away, host nation Brazil stage the 2013 Confederations Cup with the rest of the world set to get a glimpse of what the country has to offer.

The hosts kick off proceedings on Saturday evening against Japan, with the likes of Oscar, David Luiz, Hulk and Neymar all expected to be in action.

And if that game alone does not boast enough big names, Spain have a star cast including Juan Mata, Fernando Torres and Andres Iniesta, Italy have Mario Balotelli and Andrea Pirlo, and Uruguay boast Edinson Cavani and, of course, Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. 

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Suarez tempted by Real Madrid

 

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez appears ready to take the bait set by Real Madrid in their pursuit of the Urugay international.

Goal revealed on Wednesday that the striker had given no assurances over his future at the club in recent meetings with Anfield officials.

And a radio interview later given by Suarez seemed to indicate the Uruguayan has had his fill of certain aspects of living in England.

"Saying no to Real Madrid is very difficult. I talked to Brendan Rodgers. He knows what I want and understands my situation.

"I worked too hard to having to continue listening to the criticism I get from English journalists," he continued.

"I love Liverpool, but I'm not prepared to keep taking all this criticism." 

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Tears and cheers as the curtain closes on Premier League

 

Sunday saw the final round of games as another Premier League season came to an end.

Manchester United claimed the title, inspired by Robin van Persie's goals, before Sir Alex Ferguson stunned the world by announcing his intention to retire from the game, closely followed by Paul Scholes.

Deposed champions Manchester City lost not just top spot but also their manager after firing Roberto Mancini while Rafael Benitez went from zero to hero at Chelsea.

Elsewhere Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was rarely out of the headlines and Wigan claimed a memorable FA Cup win but still slipped out of the top flight.

And of course there was still time for drama on the final day as Arsenal pipped Spurs to fourth spot, despite Gareth Bale’s heroics, as the curtain came down on yet another season. 

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King Bale hailed by fellow PFA nominees

 

Gareth Bale scooped the PFA Player and Young Player of the Year awards on Sunday evening, capping a breathtaking personal season for the Tottenham winger.

Luis Suarez, who was banned for 10 games for biting Branislav Ivanovic, finished in second place, but his name was booed both times it was read out at the ceremony on Sunday night.

And with the Uruguayan in Premier League quarantine, it was left to Bale's four other rivals to bow down to the newly-crowned King. 

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Rodgers gives Suarez a license for mischief

 

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers launched a staunch defence of Luis Suarez after the striker was banned for 10 games for biting Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic.

While Rodgers had no issue with a ban being issued, he was disappointed by the length of the suspension given to the Uruguayan.

But in doing so, has he given Suarez a free pass to get away with all other forms of mischief? 

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Suarez in the doghouse as Liverpool look to keep him on a leash

 

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez was both hero and villain as the Reds drew 2-2 with Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.
The Uruguay international set up Liverpool’s opener for Daniel Sturridge with a sublime pass before scoring an equaliser with virtually the last kick of the game to earn his side a point.
However, it was Suarez’s clash with Branislav Ivanovic that stole all the headlines, the striker biting the Chelsea man, and leaving the controversial star, once again, in the doghouse.

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Wannabes left out as Player of the Year nominations announced

 

The PFA Player of the Year award nominees were announced on Friday with Premier League stars finding out who is in the running for the honour.
Tottenham forward Gareth Bale heads the list which includes Michael Carrick, Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Luis Suarez and Robin van Persie.
The winner is due to be announced on April 28, but in the meantime there are reasons to celebrate for the nominated six, although do spare a thought for those who missed out this time.

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Liverpool set for summer holidays as top four scrap continues

 

After Arsenal and Everton both recorded wins on Saturday, the race to finish in the Premier League top four has taken another twist.

Tottenham - who do not play this weekend - have dropped to fifth as the Gunners moved up the table and closed in on Chelsea, who are in FA Cup action against Manchester City on Sunday.

Liverpool, meanwhile, look set for an early summer holiday after another goalless draw, this time against Reading, thanks to some heroic goalkeeping from Alex McCarthy. 

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Football is back!

 

The international break. It was good while it lasted, but we're all jumping for joy its over. Why? Because it means the real action is back and we're now at the business end of the season.

In the Premier Leaugue, Manchester United look to continue their march to the Premier League title against Sunderland, while Chelsea take on Southampton in the first of four games in a week for Rafa Benitez's men.

Across the continent, Bayern Munich can wrap up the Bundesliga title with seven games to go should results go their way, while Tito Vilanova returns to Barcelona, Real Madrid face Zaragoza and Inter take on Juventus in stellar clash in Serie A.

Football is back alright, and with a BANG! 

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Premier League casualties pile up during week of Cup giant-killings

 

It may well be a cliche but the 'magic of the FA Cup' returned with a vengeance at the weekend as Premier League clubs far and wide found themselves dumped out of the competition by lower league opposition.

Millwall got things started on Friday night, adding to Aston Villa's woes by sending Paul Lambert's men packing with a 2-1 win at The Den.
Saturday saw yet more surprises with MK Dons thrashing QPR and non-league Luton upsetting Norwich at Carrow Road.

And Sunday saw yet more shocks with Leeds humbling Tottenham, Brentford holding European champions Chelsea and Liverpool booted out of the competition by Oldham.
 

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