AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS FINAL LIVE: Nigeria v Burkina Faso

Posted on February 10, 2013 by adminsports

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS LIVE: Nigeria v Burkina Faso – as it happens from Soccer City

By
Peter Scott

PUBLISHED:

17:55 GMT, 10 February 2013

UPDATED:

18:17 GMT, 10 February 2013

Follow Sportsmail's coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Nigeria and Burkina Faso from Soccer City.

The showpiece pitches one of the rank outsiders against a side who are slowly clawing their way back to top of the tree on the continent.

Minnows Burkina Faso have never reached a final before, while Nigeria, driven on by Chelsea's Victor Moses, are twice winners of the competition.

NIGERIA v BURKINA FASO

Nigeria: Enyeama, Echiejile, Omeruo, Oboabona, Ambrose, Onanzi, Mikel, Mba, Moses, Ideye, Uche.

Burkina Faso: Diakite, Koffi, Kone, Koulibaly, Panandetiguiri, Kone, Kabore, Rouamba, Nakoulma, Pitroipa, Bance.

Referee: Djamel Haimoudi (Algeria)

18.17: Soccer City is noisy, the sounds of vuvuzelas droning across the ground. It's a dry, reasonably cool evening. Much will depend on how Nigeria cope with the loss of Emenike, while for Burkina Faso, Pitroipa will have a big role to play. Incidentally, his red card in the semi-final was for diving. The referee contacted the tournament organisers afterwards to say he'd made a mistake and asked for the card to be rescinded.

18.04: So it's the Super Eagles v the Stallions. These teams have already played each other once in the tournament. That game finished 1-1. Burkina Faso went on to win the group.

17.58: Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations final between Nigeria and Burkina Faso. Nigeria were impressive in their 4-1 defeat of Mali in the semi-finals, while surprise package Burkina Faso stunned Ghana with a penalty-shootout victory. Nigeria will start favourites, you'd think, but they are without striker Emmanuel Emenike, out through injury. Chelsea's Victor Moses plays despite an ankle knock. For Burkina Faso, Jonathan Pitroipa starts after his semi-final red card was rescinded. We kick off at 1830.

Party time: The pre-final show at Soccer City was spectacular as Nigeria and Burkina Faso prepared for action

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Harry Redknapp in talks with Liverpool over taking Joe Cole on loan to QPR

Posted on December 31, 2012 by adminsports

Redknapp in talks over taking Cole on loan with a view to buy… if QPR stay up

UPDATED:

22:45 GMT, 30 December 2012

Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp is closing in on a reunion with Joe Cole.

Sportsmail revealed the Loftus Road club’s interest in Cole on November 30 and Rangers have now opened talks with Liverpool — who beat them 3-0 — over a January switch for the midfielder, 31, who was given his professional debut by Redknapp at West Ham in 1998.

London-bound: Joe Cole has started talks with QPR about a loan move in January

Redknapp is hoping to seal a loan deal ahead of a permanent move if Rangers avoid relegation.

But if Cole and Liverpool agree a severance package for the 18 months left on his 90,000-per-week deal, he could join permanently next month.

Fresh faced: Harry Redknapp and Cole in 1999

Michael Laudrup would lead my Premier League special XI – Martin Keown

Posted on December 26, 2012 by adminsports

Premier League Bootroom: Laudrup's the leader of my surprise packages

UPDATED:

22:00 GMT, 25 December 2012

Christmas is a time for good things so I’ve picked an XI who have played exceptionally well this season. Some have received more plaudits than others but all have surprised in one way or another. And all have done something a bit special this season.

Christmas Crackers XI

Goalkeeper: Brad Guzan (Aston Villa)

It was a surprise that Guzan was selected ahead of the very experienced Shay Given at the start of the season but Paul Lambert should be commended for his choice. Guzan has dealt well with the pressure of Given lurking in the background and played with real self-belief. Five clean sheets for a team that has struggled is no mean feat.

Right back Pablo Zabaleta (Man City)

He has seen off Maicon and Micah Richards to become the champions’ No 1 right back. Zabaleta is Mr Dependable. Close behind him as a surprise package is Carl Jenkinson, whose improvement for Arsenal has been amazing. His performances are not apologetic anymore and he deserves to be in the Arsenal starting XI.

Left back: Leighton Baines (Everton)

Only one candidate in this position. Everything has come together for Baines, who gets better and better each year. The precision of his decision making when he goes forward has improved. The weight and timing of his passes are excellent. Add to that his crossing and free kicks and he has to be in my side.

Must have: Leighton Baines has been superb as usual, from his crossing to his decision making

Centre backs: Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham), Sebastien Bassong (Norwich)

Vertonghen
has become the leader in Spurs’ defence. He dictates the line and has
shown great leadership to help Andre Villas-Boas implement his
high-pressing system. He is good on the ball too and has proved to be a
very good signing.

Bassong
left Spurs in the summer for Norwich and has been the key to their
improved defensive performances. He was caught ball-watching too often
at Tottenham but has been dominating as Chris Hughton’s side have kept
five clean sheets. He has also chipped in with three goals.

Midfield: Santi Cazorla (Arsenal), Oscar (Chelsea), Marouane Fellaini (Everton)

Cazorla has arrived in English football and been a joy to watch. You have to admire his ambidexterity. It’s impossible to distinguish which foot is his strongest. Defences are fearful of his through passes and are now standing off him, which has seen him shoot more.

Oscar is another summer import and is a lovely footballer. He seems unperturbed by anyone around him — people try to dispossess him but they can’t. He has an effortless style, is always looking for the ball and is going to be a phenomenal player. He, more than anyone, has brought a change in Chelsea’s style of play.

Fellaini has benefited from Tim Cahill’s departure as the Belgian is now playing further forward. He brings the ball down on his chest like Niall Quinn used to — he plucks it out the air with such great control. He then uses his huge frame to protect the ball. He’s playing with extra inspiration this season and is scoring crucial goals.

Liquid: Santi Cazorla can play with either foot, is creative, clever and something special

Front three: Michu (Swansea), Christian Benteke (A Villa), Robin van Persie (Man Utd)

The transition Michu has made since arriving from Spain has been incredible. He keeps performing and is very cool in front of goal. Quality players find time on the pitch and he does that in the box. He has given a boost to Swansea’s attacking threat.

Benteke is so fast and powerful and has justifiably kept Darren Bent out the side. I haven’t yet seen a defender who knows how to handle him.

Van Persie was under pressure after a big-money move to United from Arsenal but he has been excellent and there seems to be a real hunger in him. He wants trophies and that motivation is helping drive the rest of the United squad.

Magic Michu: The attacker is cool as a cucumber in front of goal

Coach: Michael Laudrup (Swansea)

Following Brendan Rodgers was not going to be easy at the Liberty Stadium. Yes, it took the players some time to get used to his ways, but Laudrup has taken them on to another level, particularly going forward. That is no mean feat.

Another level: Michael Laudrup has driven the players forward at the Liberty Stadium

What's the score

Fixtures

James Rodriguez: Manchester United watch Porto winger for seventh time this season

Posted on November 13, 2012 by adminsports

So is he the new Nani, Fergie United scouts watch Porto's 36m Rodriguez for SEVENTH time this season

UPDATED:

08:52 GMT, 13 November 2012

Manchester United scouts watched Porto striker James Rodriguez on Sunday for a seventh time this season, proving Sir Alex Ferguson’s interest in the 'new Nani' is as keen as ever.

Rodgriguez starred in Porto’s 2-1 victory over Academica and representatives from Old Trafford flew out to watch him first-hand — despite a release clause of 36million.

Rodriguez is one of Colombia’s hottest prospects. The 21-year-old has already earned been hailed as the ‘new Carlos Valderrama’, the ‘South American Cristiano Ronaldo’ and the new Nani.

In demand: James Rodriguez celebrates after scoring Porto's opening goal against Academica on Sunday

In demand: James Rodriguez – mobbed by his team-mates (below) celebrates after scoring Porto's opening goal against Academica on Sunday in front of watching Manchester United scouts

Porto player mob Rodriguez after he scored on Sunday

United have stepped up their pursuit of Rodriguez but been stunned by a massive hike in his asking price.

Sportsmail can reveal that United have been shocked by news that Rodriguez has renegotiated his Porto deal and agreed a significant increase in his transfer market valuation.

When United last enquired about cost, they were told they would have to pay 24m to buy him out of his contract. In a readjustment that surely places the goalscoring winger beyond their reach, the release clause now stands at 36m.

United have a ready-made bargaining tool in unsettled Portugal winger Nani, who could be used in a part-exchange package.

Porto
would happily welcome him back to his homeland but cannot afford his
current wage, let alone the 130,000 a week he is thought to be seeking
to stay at Old Trafford.

On the ball: Porto rate the Colombia star at 36million

Porto
are unlikely to consider any bid for Rodriguez that falls below the
buy-out figure in his contract after seeing him further enhance his
reputation by laying on a fourth-minute opener for fellow-

Colombian Jackson Martinez and follow up with two goals of his own on Friday night.

It
leaves Ferguson exploring ways of raising funds to finance what would
be an expensive January transaction, with finding a buyer for Nani
appearing to be his main priority.

Rodriguez
was captain of the Colombian-U20 team, leading them to a victory at the
2011 Toulon Tournament where he was voted the best player.

He joined Porto for 4m from Argentine team Club Atletico Banfield in 2010.

Manchester United must now cough up 36m for James Rodriguez

Posted on November 6, 2012 by adminsports

EXCLUSIVE: Ferguson told he must cough up 36m to land Rodriguez in January

UPDATED:

11:25 GMT, 6 November 2012

Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of James Rodriguez but been stunned by a massive hike in his asking price.

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has
been on the trail of Rodriguez for months and despatched a scout to
watch him in Porto's latest Portuguese League game against Maritimo at
the Estadio do Dragao on Friday night.

Hot shot: Man United scouts watched another impressive display by Porto's James Rodriguez

So who is James Rodriguez

One of Colombia's hottest prospects, the 21-year-old has already earned been hailed as the 'new Carlos Valderrama' and the 'South American Cristiano Ronaldo'.

Rodriguez was captain of the Colombian-U20 team, leading them to a victory at the 2011 Toulon Tournament where he was voted the best player.

He joined Porto for 4m from Argentine team Club Atletico Banfield in 2010 and has scored 20 goals in 48 games.

Rodriguez has also made eight appearances for Colombia and scored two goals.

The form report could hardly have been more glowing, after the 21-year old Colombia winger underlined his rating as the South American Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring two goals and laying on another in a 5-0 win.

But Sportsmail can reveal that United have been shocked by news that Rodriguez has renegotiated his Porto deal and agreed a significant increase in his transfer market valuation.

When United last enquired about cost, they were told they would have to pay 24million to buy him out of his contract. In a readjustment that surely places the goalscoring winger beyond their reach, the release clause now stands at 36million.

United have a ready-made bargaining tool in unsettled Portugal winger Nani, who could be used in a part-exchange package.

High praise: Rodriguez has been branded the South American Cristiano Ronaldo

All change: Rodriguez could replace Nani at United

Porto would happily welcome him back to his homeland but cannot afford his current wage, let alone the 130,000 a week he is thought to be seeking to stay at Old Trafford.

Porto are unlikely to consider any bid for Rodriguez that falls below the buy-out figure in his contract after seeing him further enhance his reputation by laying on a fourth-minute opener for fellow-Colombian Jackson Martinez and follow up with two goals of his own on Friday night.

It leaves Ferguson exploring ways of raising funds to finance what would be an expensive January transaction, with finding a buyer for Nani appearing to be his main priority.

Sebastian Vettel fastest in final practice ahead of Indian Grand Prix

Posted on October 27, 2012 by adminsports

Vettel provides ominous signs as Red Bull reign supreme in final practice at Delhi

UPDATED:

07:53 GMT, 27 October 2012

Sebastian Vettel made it a clean sweep in practice ahead of the Indian Grand Prix to position himself perfectly for a fourth consecutive victory.

Wins in Singapore, Japan and Korea have helped Vettel reel in Ferrari's Fernando Alonso, with the German edging six points clear of the Spaniard as the two men chase a third Formula One world title.

Vettel managed to find a further four tenths of a second compared to his best lap of Friday, clocking one minute 25.842secs for the 5.125km Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi.

Food for thought: Sebastian Vettel's Red Bull was quickest in all three practice sessions in Delhi

As for Alonso, the 31-year-old is struggling to make any inroads on Vettel because after finishing six tenths of a second adrift on Friday, the gap had widened slightly to 0.679secs at the end of the hour-long final practice session.

That left Alonso down in seventh place, behind both McLarens and Vettel's Red Bull team-mate Mark Webber, as well as Kimi Raikkonen in his Lotus and the surprise package of Bruno Senna for Williams.

The team having made most gains overnight are McLaren as Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton found themselves just under a second down on Friday. But come the conclusion to FP3, Button had cut that gap to 0.192secs, whilst Hamilton was 0.309secs adrift, with Webber sandwiched between the duo at 0.266secs down.

Improving: The McLarens of Lewis Hamilton (above) and Jenson Button (below)

Behind the leading quartet were Raikkonen, still in with an outside chance of the title as the Finn trails Vettel by 52 points, although he remains without a win all year.

Raikkonen was a third of a second down, with Senna a further five thousandths of a second behind, followed by Alonso.

Force India's Nico Hulkenberg clearly has the edge on team-mate Paul di Resta this weekend, with the German eighth on the timesheet, six places and half a second up on the Scot.

Mercedes' Michael Schumacher and Romain Grosjean in his Lotus completed the top 10, with Ferrari's Felipe Massa 11th, and the last of those within a second of Vettel.

Keeping cool: Ferrari star Fernando Alonso looked relaxed despite his title worries

Not far behind: Mark Webber is hot on the heels of his Red Bull team-mate after final practice

As at Force India, there is a clear discrepancy at Williams as Pastor Maldonado finds himself comfortably trailing Senna, on this occasion by almost a second, with the Venezuelan 12th quickest.

Either side of Di Resta in 14th were Sauber's Sergio Perez and Nico Rosberg in his Mercedes, with the German 1.367secs off the pace.

At the rear, five seconds down, was Pedro de la Rosa in his HRT, a fraction behind the only Indian on the grid in team-mate Narain Karthikeyan.

Billy McKinlay and Chris Sutton poised for Blackburn return

Posted on October 23, 2012 by adminsports

Return of the Rovers! Blackburn bound McKinlay wants Sutton as his No 2

UPDATED:

21:50 GMT, 22 October 2012

Billy McKinlay is ready to bring in former Blackburn favourite Chris Sutton as his assistant if he lands the vacant manager's job at Ewood Park.

Blackburn have made an official approach for McKinlay but Fulham are refusing to let their first-team coach open talks until a compensation package has been agreed.

Moving on: McKinlay is wanted by Blackburn

The 43-year-old Northern Ireland assistant is understood to be keen to take over at the club where he spent five years in the 90s, making 104 appearances as a midfielder, and has lined up his old teammate Sutton as No 2.

Sutton's formidable strike partnership with Alan Shearer fired Rovers to the Premiership title in 1995, and bringing two former players back to Ewood would be a popular move among fans following the turbulence of Steve Kean's reign.

Popular move: McKinlay wants Sutton as his No 2 at Blackburn

Sutton, 39, has been out of professional football since quitting his first managerial job at Lincoln City two years ago.

Blackburn switched their sights to McKinlay, who is rated as one of the most promising young coaches in the country, after accepting defeat in the bid to prise another of their former players, Tim Sherwood, from Tottenham.

They now hope that McKinlay will force Fulham's hand by demanding an opportunity to speak to them.

Blackburn want Tim Sherwood by Saturday

Posted on October 16, 2012 by adminsports

Blackburn hopeful of securing Sherwood as new boss in time for next game

UPDATED:

22:06 GMT, 15 October 2012

Blackburn hope to appoint Tim Sherwood as their new manager before they travel to play Derby on Saturday.

The Championship club are in talks with Tottenham after having an initial approach rejected by their chairman Daniel Levy.

Rovers return: Tim Sherwood is close to taking over at old club Blackburn

Just champion: Sherwood won the Premier League title with Rovers during his playing days

Rovers chiefs have started putting
together a compensation package, such is their growing confidence of
luring Sherwood back to the club he captained to the Premier League
title in 1995.

When questioned last month about the vacancy, Sherwood said: 'That's all they are – just rumours. That's all I know about it.

'I've got a great job where I am. There is nothing to consider. It's just speculation. I love what I do. I'm happy at the football club, it's a great project.'

Alan Shearer, recommended for the job by former boss Kenny Dalglish, is another option.

Shearer, who scored 112 league goals for the Lancashire outfit during his playing days, previously turned down the opportunity to take over at Ewood Park before Paul Ince's ill-fated spell.

Eddie Howe named Bournemouth manager after 1.4m fee agreed

Posted on October 13, 2012 by adminsports

Bournemouth pay 1.4m to snap up former boss Howe from Burnley

UPDATED:

21:00 GMT, 12 October 2012

Back again: Manager Eddie Howe

Bournemouth have agreed a compensation package of around 1.4million with Burnley for manager Eddie Howe.

Howe, 34, who left Bournemouth for Burnley 21 months ago, has agreed a three-and-a-half-year deal worth 750,000 a year and will also take assistant Jason Tindall.

Howe, whose mother died in March, said: ‘It’s been tough. To leave is incredibly difficult but I feel it’s a decision I have to make for my family and for personal reasons.’

Burnley, 16th in the Championship with 11 points, said they were ‘surprised and disappointed’.

Although ex-manager Owen Coyle could return, he may take a break after leaving Bolton. Paul Cook (Accrington), Steve Davis (Crewe), Micky Mellon (Fleetwood), Karl Robinson (MK Dons) and Michael Appleton (Portsmouth) are other possibilities.

Off the pace: Burnley are languishing in the bottom half of the Championship

Carlos Tevez transfer saga still hurting West Ham

Posted on August 20, 2012 by adminsports

Payback time over Tevez saga still hurting Hammers in transfer market

UPDATED:

21:30 GMT, 19 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

West Ham's summer transfer business is being hampered by a 10million debt still owed to Sheffield United as part of the Carlos Tevez saga.

The Hammers settled an out-of-court compensation package — understood to be in the region of 24million — with the Yorkshire club over fielding Tevez ineligibly, something the Blades successfully argued cost them their Premier League status in 2007.

Trouble: West Ham are still paying for the Carlos Tevez saga

Tevez scored six goals during the 2006-07 season, including a decisive winner against Manchester United on the final day of the season which effectively condemned Sheffield United to relegation in place of the Hammers.

West Ham have been paying the fee to the Bramall Lane club in instalments and owe another 10m in two payments over the next 12 months.

Limited: Sam Allardyce cannot roam free in the transfer market

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said in his programme notes ahead of Saturday’s win over Aston Villa that the financial burden is having a massive impact on Sam Allardyce’s transfer kitty.

He wrote: ‘We’ve done some good business and brought in some real quality despite our still-limited resources.

‘We have an eight-figure sum still outstanding over the Tevez affair, even though we have been paying it down over the past two years.

‘That amount has to be paid off over the next 12 months, which does take its toll on our transfer activity.’

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Tag Archives: package

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS FINAL LIVE: Nigeria v Burkina Faso

Harry Redknapp in talks with Liverpool over taking Joe Cole on loan to QPR

Michael Laudrup would lead my Premier League special XI – Martin Keown

James Rodriguez: Manchester United watch Porto winger for seventh time this season

Manchester United must now cough up 36m for James Rodriguez

Sebastian Vettel fastest in final practice ahead of Indian Grand Prix

Billy McKinlay and Chris Sutton poised for Blackburn return

Blackburn want Tim Sherwood by Saturday

Eddie Howe named Bournemouth manager after 1.4m fee agreed

Carlos Tevez transfer saga still hurting West Ham