Supersubs break records, hearts with late goals galore

SANTO ANDRE Brazil (Reuters) - Substitutes have been lighting up the scoreboards at the World Cup with dazzling performances that have sparked their teams back to life and secured wins or draws that have made their coaches look like geniuses.

When Germany fell 2-1 behind to Ghana late in the second half of their Group G match, Miroslav Klose came off the bench to equalise with his first touch less than two minutes later.

Klose's goal not only saved his team from humiliating defeat but it was also the striker's 15th World Cup goal, putting him level with Brazil’s Ronaldo atop the all-time scorers list.
An unusual accomplishment for a bench warmer? Not at this World Cup.

There are several theories as to why there have been so many goals scored by substitutes at the finals in Brazil.

The record-breaking 24th goal was scored on Tuesday and 18 percent of the total 133 goals scored after the last group stage match on Thursday were by substitues.
The previous World Cup record for goals scored by players off the bench was 23 in 2006 - or 16 percent of 147 goals.

By comparison, in 2010 in South Africa 15 of the 145 goals (10 percent) were scored by substitutes.
Some coaches have talked openly about the need to have 14 top players – not just the starting XI – primed and ready for action in this tournament in part due to the tropical heat.

BEST PLAYERS
Germany have used some of their best players off the bench in Klose, Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger.

"With temperatures over 30 degrees and the high humidity, substitutes have special importance here and we need to use all three to bring new energy and impulses for the team - and not just replace someone," said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

"It's simply impossible to go all out for 90 minutes in these conditions, and using all three substitutes is a good way to really hurt your opponent," said Loew. "I'm glad I've got so many good players. It can be a big advantage here."

Brazil's heat and humidity has taken a toll in particular on the defence and the heavy legs open up space for late chances.

On top of that, using all three substitutes strategically is becoming a part of smart modern soccer.
"I tend to focus just as much on those that aren't playing," said Belgium coach Marc Wilmots, whose team came from a goal down to beat Algeria 2-1 – with both goals scored in the final half hour by substitutes Marouane Fellaini and Dries Mertens.

"We have a very good backroom with very good substitutes."
Wilmots pulled another rabbit out of the hat when he sent Divock Origi into a scoreless match against Russia and the teenager's goal sent Belgium through to the second round.
"The substitutions paid off," Wilmots said. "I took risks to win the match and it worked. Once again we snatched a win.”

DUTCH SUPERSUBS
Both goals in Russia's 1-1 draw with South Korea were scored by substitutes. After Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev inexplicably fumbled a shot from Lee Keun-ho, Russia's Aleksandr Kerzhakov saved the day with a late equaliser.

Netherlands got both their late goals in the 2-0 victory over Chile from substitutes - Leroy Fer and Memphis Depay, who now has two goals off the bench after scoring the winner in the 3-2 victory over Australia.
Humble Depay has an ideal attitude for coach Louis van Gaal.
“With incredible players like (Arjen) Robben and (Robin) van Persie, it is logical that I sit on the bench,” he said.

Van Gaal first tried to downplay his role in sending in the right player at the right time: “That's luck,” he said.
But he added it was also his strategy.

“We analysed that Chile gives away more space in the last 15 minutes so if you field a creative football player you have a chance to cash in,” he said.

Substitutes gave the United States heart flutters and then heartbreak. John Brooks scored in the 86th minute to give the Americans a 2-1 win over Ghana but Portugal substitute Silvestre Varela scored a late equaliser in a 2-2 draw.

However, sometimes substitutions backfire.
Greece won a dramatic match against Ivory Coast by 2-1 when Giorgos Samaras scored a penalty in stoppage time after he was tripped by Ivory Coast substitute Giovanni Sio – a defeat that sent the Ivorians home and Greece into the second round.

source: yahoo sport

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Fifa hands Suarez four-month global ban

The Liverpool striker will not be available until October 26 and will miss the remainder of the World Cup, as well as Uruguay's 2015 Copa America campaign

Fifa has issued Luis Suarez with a nine-match international ban and a four-month global suspension for biting Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini.

The Uruguay striker will miss his side's World Cup second round fixture against Colombia on Saturday June 28, as well as any further matches should they progress in the tournament, and is now a huge doubt to play any part in the 2015 Copa America.

The global suspension will also have huge implications for Suarez's club career, should he remain with Liverpool or leave Anfield, as he will not be available for any fixtures until October 26.

Should he remain with Brendan Rodgers' side, he will miss nine Premier League matches, including the visit to the Etihad Stadium to take on champions Manchester City as well as the first Merseyside derby of the campaign.

He would also be unavailable for selection for the opening three rounds of the Champions League group stages, and cannot enter a football stadium during his ban.

Claudio Sulser, the chairman of the Fifa Disciplinary Committee, explained the decision and cited the fact that the incident had taken place at the World Cup as a contributing factor behind the severity of the punishment.

"Such behaviour cannot be tolerated on any football pitch, and in particular not at a Fifa World Cup when the eyes of millions of people are on the stars on the field," he said in a statement.

"The Disciplinary Committee took into account all the factors of the case and the degree of Mr Suárez’s guilt in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Code. The decision comes into force as soon it is communicated."

Both the Uruguayan FA and Suarez can appeal the ban, though Liverpool cannot, with any appeal not affecting the suspension as it stands.

Nine matches also represents the longest suspension for an incident at a World Cup, surpassing the eight matches Italy's Mauro Tassotti missed following an altercation with Spain's Luis Enrique in 1994.

This incident follows two previous biting controversies for the 27-year-old following a seven-match ban for biting Otman Bakkal while playing for Ajax in 2010 and a ten-match suspension for a similar altercation involving Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic in 2013.

source: goal.com

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The final straw: Disgraceful Suarez must face record ban

The incident had only happened a few minutes earlier when the first jokes emerged. Now he had enjoyed three meals. He liked an Italian for dinner. And so on. There is humour to be found in everything.

More than anything, though, Luis Suarez retains the capacity to shock. Even when he has bitten two other players, it is astonishing that a repeat offender should assault – and it was an assault – an opponent in the World Cup.

Suarez being Suarez, he got away with it at first. He wasn’t sent off for biting Otman Bakkal or Branislav Ivanovic either. And he wasn’t dismissed for taking a mouthful of Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini (by the by, there is something sad when a referee does not believe a player showing teeth marks in his shoulder – how else did he think Chiellini sustained them?).

But in a world of umpteen camera angles, he cannot escape justice for long. He has already incurred seven- and 10-match suspensions for biting. His latest ban should be longer, because it is evident he has not been rehabilitated. He does not seem to have felt any remorse.

At the very least, his World Cup will be over. It would be justice for Suarez, too, if Uruguay were in the next round, minus their best player. Actions ought to have repercussions and, all too often, his have been disgraceful.

A Suarez storm occurs on an annual basis. In the 2010-11 season, he bit Bakkal. In 2011-12, he racially abused Patrice Evra. In 2012-13, he tasted Ivanovic. When he was voted PFA Player of the Year and Footballer of the Year for the 2013-14 season, it prompted suggestions that he had achieved redemption.

They were nonsensical. Suarez is a very fine footballer who had an outstanding year, but football excellence cannot compensate for everything else. We were told, too, that he was a changed man. As his 2013-14 campaign surely concludes in a further scandal, it is with proof that he is not.

Suarez certainly hasn’t been helped by the apologists who blame anyone else for his every misdemeanour. Excuses have been made for his misconduct. They cannot be anymore, even by those whose love of his talent and desire for his prolific goalscoring to continue have caused them to mislay their moral compass.

If Fifa are to have any credibility, they have to issue a severe suspension. It could carry on far into next year of international football. It might even entail a ban from all football, impacting upon his club career. His latest misdemeanour did not occur in Liverpool’s colours, but they have indulged him too often. So, judging from manager Oscar Tabarez’s post-match comments, have Uruguay,

Suarez's actions are made all the worse as, on each occasion, there is scant evidence of any provocation and because his cannibalistic response cannot be compared to a head-butt, a punch or a reckless tackle. It is far worse.

He needs to come to terms with what he has done. There was a slight acknowledgement at the end, as he looked almost mournful despite Uruguay’s qualification for the last 16. He was pictured holding his teeth in the final few minutes, a sign of the pain he had caused himself.

In other circumstances, it would have been vaguely comical. Here it was the sign of the most shameful moment of this World Cup.

source: goal.com

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Cameroon 1-4 Brazil: Neymar double sets up Chile clash

The Barcelona star scored his third and fourth goals of the tournament as the host nation condemned the Africans to their seventh straight World Cup defeat

Two goals from Neymar helped Brazil to a 4-1 win over Cameroon and set up a last-16 clash with Chile.
The forward exposed a vulnerable defence with glee in Brasilia on Monday, his first-half double sandwiching Joel Matip's unlikely leveller.

Brazil ultimately progressed with a degree of comfort, as the much-maligned Fred and substitute Fernandinho added further goals after the interval to secure a last-16 tie against fellow South Americans Chile.

Mexico were victorious against Croatia in Group A's other closing fixture, but failed to make up a goal-difference deficit as the hosts retained top spot.

While a routine triumph in which Brazil's star man took his tournament tally to four goals will provide comfort, Luiz Felipe Scolari is unlikely to partake in too much backslapping.

Indeed, after coming through a group featuring no other major footballing powerhouse, Scolari is likely to demand more of his side as they prepare to face a Chile outfit that have impressed in the tournament to date.

The game immediately took on a frenetic nature as Paulinho and Vincent Aboubakar had goal-bound efforts blocked at either end.

It was Cameroon's susceptible backline that was first to be breached when Neymar, inexplicably unmarked, cleverly turned home Luiz Gustavo's low cross from the left.

source: goal.com

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If the World Cup Were a Movie: Christian Bale as Lionel Messi, and 11 Other Casting Ideas (Photos)

Thomas Muller and Andrew Garfield

Andrea Pirlo and Javier Bardem

Arjen Robben and Jason Statham

Cesc Fabregas and Zachary Quinto

Christiano Ronaldo and Dave Franco

David Luiz and Redfoo

Javier Hernandez and Jay Hernandez

Jurgen Klinsmann and Kevin Costner

Kolo Toure and Idris Elba

Lionel Messi and Christian Bale

Oliver Giroud and Adam Levine

Wayne Rooney and Flea

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You Won't Believe These Football Stars Have Never Played In The World Cup

It is every footballer's dream to play in the World Cup. However, despite their brilliant talent and skill for their clubs, some never got the chance to participate in the World Cup. Here are 13 football stars who never played in the World Cup

1. Dimitar Berbatov (Bulgaria)

Over the last decade, Dimitar Berbatov has shown football fans in Germany and England just how good he can be. At times, the Bulgarian is unplayable. His close control and touch are frighteningly good, and he can score some spectacular goals.

Berbatov was a key player for Bulgaria during his international career. He is his country's all-time leading goalscorer with 48 goals in 77 appearances.

He may have retired from international football now, but a player of Berbatov's quality should have had the opportunity to play at a World Cup.

2. Eric Cantona (France)

Considering the success that Manchester United and France both enjoyed during the 1990s, it seems incredible that Cantona's talent was never seen on the greatest stage.

France failed to qualify for the World Cup in 1990 and 1994 and, with Zinedine Zidane having taken his role in the team during his suspension in 1995, he never played for his country again on his return to the game and missed their 1998 triumph on home soil.

At club level, Cantona won seven domestic titles with Marseille, Leeds and more famously Manchester United and his success in the English game was recognised in 1994 when he was named as the PFA's Players' Player of the Year.

3. David Ginola (France)

One of the members of the French squad during the early 1990s, David Ginola was a member of the team that only needed a draw against Bulgaria in order to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

With the score tied 1-1 late, Ginola overhit a cross, and the Bulgarians started a counterattack that Emil Kostadinov was able to score for Bulgaria as they qualified for the World Cup.

Afterwards, Ginola was blamed for the loss, and he then moved to England to play for Newcastle and never again played for the French again after 1995. France went on to win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 without Ginola.

4. George Best (Northern Ireland)

George Best would refer to international soccer as "recreational football", a reference to the fact he was never likely to make as much of a mark with Northern Ireland as he did with the altogether less wee Manchester United.

The incomparable Best played only 37 times for Northern Ireland and scored an unimpressive 10 international goals, but won two league titles and the European Cup with his beloved Manchester United while lighting up British football like no other before or since.

Voted European player of the year in 1968 after helping United lift the European Cup, Best was the complete footballer. Pele once named Best the greatest and who could argue?

5. Ryan Giggs (Wales)

Eleven League titles, two Champions League crowns and four FA Cup medals make Giggs the most decorated player in the history of the English game.

Despite all the success he's had at Manchester United, Giggs would probably give some of it up to have appeared at a World Cup for Wales.

He was named the PFA's Players' Player of the Year award in 2009 yet Wales' failure to qualify for a World Cup, or even a European Championship, has deprived him of the chance to really shine on the international stage.

6. Ian Rush (Wales)

Rushie is famous for three things; that moustache, scoring goals and never appearing at a finals. The Welsh legend won the European Cup and five League titles with Liverpool but, like many of his countrymen, was deprived of appearing on the biggest stage.

He was a European Cup winner in both 1981 and 1984 to add to his five league titles, and his incredible tally of 346 goals for the Reds is a club record which will take some beating.

7. Bernd Schuster (Germany)

Bernd Schuster was part of the West Germany side who won the 1980 European Championships but he retired from international football four years later at the age of 24 after a series of disagreements with the German FA.


Nicknamed the Blond Angel, the midfielder won the Spanish league title with both Barcelona and Real Madrid and helped the former reach the 1986 European Cup final where they were beaten on penalties by Steaua Bucharest.

8. Jari Litmanen (Finland)

Litmanen has an array of medals to show from an illustrious playing career but only at club level. The graceful forward made his name at Ajax, where he scored goals consistently and pulled the strings after replacing Dennis Bergkamp when he joined Inter Milan.

Litmanen won the Champions League as well as the Eredivisie four times and then won three trophies in one season at Liverpool after a short spell at Barcelona.

Finland's failure to qualify meant an appearance at the World Cup eluded the technically-gifted Litmanen, who is the country's most capped player and leading scorer.

9. George Weah (Liberia)

One of the greatest African players of all time, George Weah was, like his namesake Best before him, hamstrung in World Cup terms by hailing from a global minnow.

The explosive Liberian caused a sensation when bursting onto the scene in France with Monaco and Paris St Germain before truly setting the world alight in Italy with AC Milan.

Weah was the first African footballer to be voted World player of the year in 1995, was three times African player of the year - in 1989, 1994 and 1995 - and filled the chasm left by Marco van Basten at Milan with aplomb.

10. Liam Brady (Ireland)

Not a lot this lad couldn’t do with a ball, but sadly injuries and suspensions let him down when it came to him participating in major tournaments with Ireland. Some say he had the touch of a Brazilian, the stamina of a Korean and the silkiness of an Italian.

One of Arsenal's all-time greats, 'Chippy' won the FA Cup, two league titles with Italian giants Juventus and made 72 appearances for his country - but none of them on the biggest stage as he retired from the international game during qualification for 1990 finals in Italy.

11. Alfredo Di Stefano (Argentina, Colombia & Spain)

Having represented three different national teams, Alfredo Di Stefano had more chances than most players to reach a World Cup finals. Yet amazingly, the man who won five consecutive European Cups at club level with Real Madrid never played one minute of World Cup football.

In 1950, while still playing in Argentina, his country refused to enter the World Cup and by 1954 Di Stefano had arrived in Spain, via Colombia, where he was first considered ineligible.

The closest the attacking midfielder from Buenos Aires came to the world’s biggest stage was in 1962 when he pulled out injured just before the tournament in Chile began, after having helped Spain qualify. That injury pretty much meant the end of di Stefano’s international career, and so the history of the FIFA World Cup was written minus one true legend of the game.

source: football.says.com/

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Spain 0-2 Chile: Aranguiz sends holders crashing out of World Cup

The reigning world and European champions have exited the competition at the group stage after being stunned by their South American opponents

World Cup holders Spain crashed out of the tournament after they were stunned 2-0 by a brilliant Chile side on Wednesday night.
After a 5-1 hammering against the Netherlands in their opening Group B clash, Vicente del Bosque's side needed an immediate response, but fell short in another lacklustre showing.

Having fallen behind to Eduardo Vargas' well-taken 20th-minute finish and been pushed to the brink by a second from Charles Aranguiz - helped by another Iker Casillas error - a comeback was never likely.

Del Bosque dropped Barcelona duo Gerard Pique and Xavi following the humiliation against the Dutch, but the change in personnel made little difference as they capitulated once again.

Busquets should probably have put Spain back into the contest early in the second half, but he inexplicably missed the target from close range, and from then on Spain lacked any real invention.

Victory for Chile means that their final group game against the Netherlands will determine who finishes top with both now through to the last 16, while Spain face Australia with nothing left to play for before heading home in despair.

The South Americans looked far brighter in the early exchanges and went close twice inside the first three minutes, as Vargas saw a poked effort deflected agonisingly wide, before Gonzalo Jara headed just off target.

Despite that, Spain gradually appeared to grow into the contest, only to find themselves behind in the 20th minute.

After latching on to Alexis Sanchez's throughball, Aranguiz squared to Vargas, who cleverly side-stepped Casillas before prodding the ball into an empty net.

The world champions almost restored parity eight minutes later, only for Diego Costa to find the side netting after pouncing on David Silva's headed pass.

And Chile soon made the most of their opponents' incompetence again to forge a two-goal lead after 43 minutes.

Aranguiz was at the centre of things once more, but it was Casillas who was the villain yet again. The Real Madrid keeper bizarrely opted to punch a Sanchez free-kick back out into a crowded area when the ball could easily have been caught.

With the defensive wall slow to react, Aranguiz controlled with a deft touch before prodding home past the stranded goalkeeper to put Spain on the brink.

The reigning world and European champions started the second period with renewed determination and they almost pulled a goal back in the 52nd minute, only for Busquets to skew a shot wide from close range after reaching Costa's overhead kick.

Del Bosque's men exerted more control over possession than in the first half, but they still struggled to get Costa into dangerous positions, with the Atletico Madrid forward soon substituted to a chorus of jeers.

Chile should have put the match beyond all doubt in the 68th minute when Mauricio Isla met Eugenio Mena's low cross at the back post, but the Juventus man sliced over, handing Spain a lifeline.

With Fernando Torres on in place of Costa and Santi Cazorla also thrown into the fray, the Spaniards desperately poured men forward in the closing stages and a long-range Andres Iniesta effort forced Claudio Bravo into an acrobatic save.

But it was not enough, as the South Americans held on to their clean sheet and booked their place in the second round.

Spain, meanwhile, were left to reflect on a world title defence that has ended before it even begun - with Del Bosque and his men now assessing just where they go from here.

source: goal.com

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Germany 4-0 Portugal: Muller hat-trick downs 10-man Seleccao

The forward was ruthless in front of goal as Paulo Bento's side capitulated following the dismissal of Pepe in the first half

Thomas Muller scored a hat-trick as Germany thrashed 10-man Portugal 4-0 in their opening World Cup game.
Paulo Bento's side's chances of getting out of a tough Group G were placed in serious jeopardy as a Thomas Muller-inspired Germany put them to the sword in Salvador on Monday.

Muller - golden boot winner at the 2010 World Cup - continued his superb run at football's showpiece with a hat-trick, taking him to eight goals in seven appearances at the event.

On his 50th Germany appearance, the Bayern Munich man fired his side in front from the penalty spot before Mats Hummels doubled their advantage with a towering 32nd-minute header.

Pepe then tangled with the forward and headbutted him as he sat on the floor, before their woes were compounded by Muller's second on the stroke of half-time.

If Bento thought things could not get worse for his side, he was wrong, as defender Fabio Coentrao was taken off on a stretcher with a suspected groin injury in the second half.

And Muller sealed Germany's big win, capitalising on a Rui Patricio error to tap in with 12 minutes left.

And while the result was a serious statement of intent from Germany - who saw defender Hummels limp off with a late knee injury - Portugal were inexplicably bad, leaving them with an uphill battle to reach the last 16 with games against the USA and Ghana still to come.

Portugal's preparation was largely focused on Ronaldo, who has been plagued by thigh and knee problems in recent months, but he quickly proved his fitness with a sprint and strike at Germany goalkeeper Neuer after Miguel Veloso stripped Philipp Lahm of the ball.

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Spain 1-5 Netherlands: Robben and Van Persie obliterate world champions

Two goals apiece for the attacking duo and a tap-in from Stefan de Vrij left Vicente del Bosque's men totally torn apart in the first game of their title defence

Netherlands left World Cup holders Spain shaken to the core after they recorded a 5-1 thrashing in their opening game on Friday.

Andres Iniesta scored in extra-time to give Spain a 1-0 win and the trophy in South Africa four years ago, and it appeared the same result was on the cards in Salvador when Xabi Alonso powered home a first-half penalty.

But the Netherlands hit back in stunning fashion, with Robin van Persie and Arjen Robben in scintillating form.

Van Persie levelled matters with a fabulous header on the stroke of half-time, before Robben - who fatefully missed a one-on-one with Iker Casillas in the 2010 final - gave Louis van Gaal's side the lead eight minutes after the interval.

Things went from bad to worse for the world champions when Stefan de Vrij nodded home a third on 64 minutes, before Van Persie and Robben netted again to complete a remarkable rout in Group B's opening fixture and cast further doubt over Spain's chances of winning their fourth straight major tournament.

Spain boss Vicente del Bosque forewent the temptation to start with Cesc Fabregas in the false-nine role that was so successful during Euro 2012, instead choosing Diego Costa as an out-and-out striker.

Costa's impact on their system was evident, too, as Spain opted for a more direct approach than in previous tournaments.

It was the Netherlands who created the first opening, Robben's inch-perfect throughball finding Wesley Sneijder, only for the playmaker - making his 100th international appearance - to shoot straight at Casillas.

source: goal.com

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Transfer ZOne in Summary

Mascherano agrees new dea - The Argentina international has agreed to an improved four-year deal at Camp Nou which includes a buyout clause of €100 million

Barca close to £28m Marquinhos deal - The defender only signed for Paris Saint-Germain less than 11 months ago but looks set to leave for Camp Nou, while Dani Alves could move in the opposite direction

Al-Sadd: No deal for Xavi - The Middle East club have refuted claims they have made a lucrative offer to prize the Barcelona midfielder away from Camp Nou, and has claimed a move to be 'unrealistic'

Monaco sign France U20 keeper Nardi - The Ligue 1 club have acquired one of the most highly-rated youngsters in France for a reported £2.4million but will allow him to remain at Nancy for another year

Benayoun returns to Maccabi Haifa - The 34-year-old midfielder, who played for a number of Premier League clubs during his nine-year stay in England, returns to Israel after an unsuccessful spell at QPR

Fenerbahce agree deal with Diego - The former Brazil international has yet to put pen to paper on a contract with the Turkish outfit, but he will make the move to the Surku Saracoglu Stadium in July

Agent: Insigne honoured by Arsenal link - The Italy international's representative admits Napoli would not be willing to sell the forward as they view him as a key player for the future

Hazard rules out PSG move - Last season's PFA Young Player of the Year has stated that his chances of joining the Ligue 1 champions are over, and that he is happy to remain at Stamford Bridge

Lukaku: I want to leave Chelsea - The striker is disheartened by the club's policy to continually sign new strikers and says he is now a player who wants to impress at the World Cup in order to secure a move away

Barcelona 2.0 Cesc out, Rakitic in - The Asturian coach met with sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta on Thursday to discuss transfer plans as the Catalan club prepare a fresh project for the 2014-15 campaign

Hazard dismisses Chelsea exit talk - The Belgium international has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, with PSG keen to sign the star, but he has reaffirmed his commitment to the Blues

Van Gaal: I've tried to sign Vidal - The Netherlands boss discussed the Chile midfielder, one of his side's Group B opponents, and admitted he had tried to acquire the player when he was at Bayer Leverkusen

Atletico agree deal for Siqueira - The Spanish champions are reportedly set to pay €10 million for the Brazil international full-back, who will sign a four-year contract at the Estadio Vicente Calderon

Benzema: Suarez doesn't scare me - The Real Madrid star says he would welcome the Liverpool striker to the Bernabeu, despite the competition the move would bring, with the Frenchman "not under any special pressure"

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Falcao to miss World Cup

Coach Jose Peckerman has confirmed that the Monaco striker is not yet fit enough to play competitively, which Amaranto Perea also drops out because of a physical complaint

Colombia striker Radamel Falcao has failed to recover from a serious knee injury in time to make Jose Peckerman’s squad for the World Cup.

The Monaco striker sustained ligament damage in his knee while playing in a Coupe de France encounter against Monts d'Or Azergues in January, and though he was able to train with the squad, he will not be risked for the summer’s tournament.

“I don't want to say good evening because it has been such a sad day. I have to announce that Amaranto Perea, Luis Fernando Muriel and Falcao will miss the World Cup. “Perea and Falcao because of their injuries and Muriel as a technical decision,” Pekerman told the press on Sunday.

"The doctors have been very clear: now is not the time for Falcao to return to competition."

Clearly emotional, the striker added: "I do not want to take the place of a team-mate who is at 100 per cent."

The ex-Atletico Madrid attacker had been fighting a race against time from the moment he was struck down, though when he returned to training with his club in the final week of the Ligue 1 campaign there had been tentative optimism he would be fit.

However, that has not been the case, and after failing to feature in any of Colombia’s warm-up friendlies to date, he will not be amongst the playing party to travel to Brazil, where matches against Greece, Ivory Coast and Japan await.

Colombia squad in full:

Goalkeepers: David Ospina; Faryd Mondragon; Camilo Vargas.

Defenders: Juan Camilo Zuniga; Pablo Armero; Santiago Arias; Eder Alvarez Balanta; Mario Alberto Yepes; Carlos Valdes; Cristian Zapata.

Midfielders: Carlos Sanchez; Abel Aguilar; Alexander Mejia; Freddy Guarin; Juan Guillermo Cuadrado; James Rodriguez; Juan Fernando Quintero; Aldo Leao Ramirez; Victor Ibarbo.

Strikers: Jackson Martinez; Adrian Ramos; Teofilo Gutierrez; Carlos Bacca.

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