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Nike Soccer: The Last Game ft. Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar Jr., Rooney, Zlatan, Iniesta & more

yousoccer — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 10:15:03 GMT

The Last Game is a story about risky soccer versus safe soccer.
The scientist and the clones want to prove that riskless soccer is more effective.
Ronaldo Fenomeno and the original players disagree, and they are willing to risk everything to prove the scientist wrong.
There is only one way to know who is right: the Last Game.

Register for the new Nike Soccer App and get the gear to Risk Everything at: http://www.nike.com/soccer

Featuring: Animated Cristiano Ronaldo, animated Wayne Rooney, animated Neymar Jr., animated Zlatan Ibrahimović, animated Andrés Iniesta, animated David Luiz, animated Franck Ribéry, animated Tim Howard and animated Ronaldo Fenomeno.

Bayer Leverkusen - Atletico Madrid Preview: Rojiblancos refusing to underestimate Schmidt's side

yousoccer — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:14:19 GMT

Miguel Angel Moya is confident Atletico Madrid can secure a "positive result" in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Bayer Leverkusen but insists that Diego Simeone's men are taking nothing for granted ahead of the game in Germany.

The Liga titleholders head to the BayArena on Wednesday, having come through the group stage losing just one match - a 3-2 defeat at Olympiakos in September.

Moya says that Atleti are thus chomping at the bit ahead of the trip to Leverkusen, determined to go one better than last year, when they lost the final to rivals Real Madrid.

"The Champions League is always special," he told AS . "Now we are getting to the business end, it is a great thing. It's the game we've been waiting for for weeks.

"They're a German club and it will be a difficult match. They have not had a great time of things in the Bundesliga this season, but I think they are starting to turn things around.

"We will go there with the utmost respect, but also with the maximum desire to pick up the positive result that will give us an advantage."

Leverkusen, who drew 2-2 with Augsburg on Saturday, have found it difficult to put matches to bed in the top flight this term, drawing nine and losing five of their 22 matches so far.

However, Moya feels Atleti would be foolish to head to Germany expecting victory.

"They have some very good players in attack," he added. "[Hakan] Calhanoglu is a great free-kick taker, but the best thing about Leverkusen is that they are a unit, like us, a team.

"It's always good if your opponents come into a match without good morale, but that is forgotten when you go into a different competition.

"They will be highly motivated, like us."

Leverkusen have never won a last-16 tie in the Champions League, but reached the final in 2002 when the competition featured a second group stage.

Omer Toprak is suspended following his dismissal in the group clash with Benfica.

Arsenal v Monaco, Bayer Leverkusen v Atletico Madrid - Champions League LIVE

yousoccer — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:12:47 GMT

ARSENAL v MONACO

As our super-duper rhyme suggested, isn’t it about time Arsenal delivered on the European stage? They’ve reached one final and just two semi-finals in the Champions League era, and despite a tremendous group-stage record, have been knocked out before the quarter-finals in each of the last four seasons.

Uefa: No action over Suarez 'bite' on Demichelis

yousoccer — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 18:09:27 GMT

Uefa has announced no action will be taken against Luis Suarez after the Uruguayan was embroiled in another bite storm on Tuesday.

The Barcelona striker was the centre of controversy after he was pictured appearing to attempt to bite the hand of Manchester City’s Martin Demichelis during a Champions League round of 16 clash.

Grainy footage of a coming-together in the second half of Barca’s 2-1 win at the Etihad Stadium showed Demichelis extending his arm in the direction of Suarez, with the striker responding by thrusting his face towards the Argentine’s hand.

Pennant signs for Wigan Athletic

yousoccer — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:58:00 GMT

Former Liverpool and Stoke winger Jermaine Pennant has joined Sky Bet Championship side Wigan Athletic F.C. until the end of the season.

Pennant, 32, left FC Pune City at the end of the Indian Super League’s inaugural campaign last year.

With his side having suffered count-less injuries in recent weeks, Wigan boss Malky Mackay has turned to Pennant to boost the Latics’ chances of staving off relegation.

“Jermaine needs no introduction in terms of what he has achieved in the game,” Mackay said. “He’s got terrific experience and is hungry for a way back into the English scene. There were a number of clubs interested, so we are delighted we can now call upon him to help us.

“He has been with us throughout the week and has trained excellently, he’s brought a breath of fresh air to the place and we’ve been bowled over by his hunger and enthusiasm.

“Jermaine has integrated straight away into the group and I’m sure he’s going to be a great addition for us.”

Allardyce laments missing out on Adebayor

West Ham United F.C. Sam Allardyce believes Emmanuel Adebayor would have been a great addition to the club had he joined during the January transfer window.

The Togo international, 30, and Roberto Soldado have been kept out of Spurs’ starting XI by England international forward Harry Kane in recent times.

Kane, 21, has tallied 23 goals and four assists in 36 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham in 2014/15, while

When asked about what Adebayor would have brought to the Hammers, Big Sam said: “Goals.

“If you see where he has gone and his initial impact at where he has been would be that he comes into a football club and scores goals on a regular basis.

“There is obviously one of those players that you have to look at him and as a manager and say ‘how do I react with him and interact with him and on the basis of how well I interact is on the basis of how well he plays for us’.

“So you use your management skills in terms of looking at his personality, like you do with most players and talking about wanting the best out of him while you are here, and wanting him to enjoy your football and do what you do best – play and score goals.

“If you are in the transfer window and a quality player comes your way and you think he is a quality player, some people say ‘do you need a player in that position?’ – but the bottom line is that he is a quality player.

“If you can get him, for me you get him if you can afford him. That is what we tried to do. There was such a short time frame at that time it was not possible to be pulled off.”

Could Louis van Gaal be in trouble at Manchester United?

yousoccer — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:56:43 GMT

Manchester United’s 2-1 defeat at Swansea City on Saturday saw the Red Devils drop to fourth in the Premier League table, which surely has to be the minimum requirement for Louis van Gaal and his team this season.

Unconvincing

Manchester United have been rather unconvincing under the veteran Dutch boss.

He seems to believe that he has got a football philosophy, but that philosophy is often hard to decipher watching his team on the pitch.

Even when United have claimed victories this season they have not looked overly convincing. For some teams it is acceptable to grind out wins, United did under Sir Alex Ferguson, but it seems that most of United’s wins have been ground out this season.

Dominated

United dominated the Swansea game, with 18 shots on goal, but only three of them were on target. It was a case of the Red Devils not making possession and their chances count. When United have not won games this has been a common problem for the Red Devils this season.

Defeats

Manchester United have lost just twice in their last 20 competitive games, which is not a terrible record when the team is in such major transition.

United boss Louis van Gaal is still receiving criticism because of the nature of their style and play. Being hard to beat is not enough for United, especially considering they spent over £150million in the summer.

Improvement

Manchester United have improved slightly this season under Van Gaal, but that may have something to do with the fact that the high-profile boss was allowed to spend big, unlikely his predecessor David Moyes.

The Red Devils did not look likely to challenge for the top four last season under Moyes. This season they have at least looked to be a top-four challenger, even if they are not in top form.

Pressure

United boss Louis van Gaal was always going to be under major pressure at Old Trafford. The Dutchman is one of the most high-profile bosses in world football and comes with a reputation to match his profile.

The Manchester United hot seat is one of the most pressurised in European football. Van Gaal is accustomed to pressure though having previously managed the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

Van Gaal’s ego will mean that the pressure is unlikely to affect him as it would many other less strong characters. The veteran boss should be the ideal boss to manage the Red Devils and take on the mantle from former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson, whether he will be remains to be seen.

Injury

Van Gaal’s compatriot Robin van Persie is currently carrying an injury and United are waiting on news of the former-Arsenal stars injury. Van Persie left the Liberty Stadium yesterday on crutches and could face a spell on the sidelines.

In truth Van Persie has not been at his best in front of goal for a long time and may force a change in formation for Van Gaal, which could actually help the team and give his team more balance.

The strike-partnership of Radamel Falcao and Robin van Persie simply has not been working for the Red Devils this season. The failure of the partnership to click has led to fans asking whether one of the pair should be rested, or dropped.

The injury to Van Persie may have given Van Gaal an easy way to give his team the balance that he has talked about previously. It may just prove a blessing in disguise.

Defence

Against Swansea the Red Devils defensive frailties cost the team. Most regular observers of United in the last couple of seasons will tell you that they need to improve defensively if they are return to where they want to be. If United continue to defend how they did in Wales then they will suffer more disappointment this season.

Vital

It seems like Louis van Gaal has to bring Champions League football back to Old Trafford in the near future. United could be out of the top four by the end of the day, with Southampton hosting Liverpool at St Marys today.

Manchester United are by no means in crisis and are currently odds of 5/6 to claim a top four in the Premier League this season. They are still in a strong position and a finish in the top four is very achievable this season.

Something tells me that a top four is a must for Louis van Gaal and his team this season, or he could be facing trouble ahead.

Barca eyeing Team USA star: Villarreal ponder loan bid for Odegaard

yousoccer — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:55:16 GMT

Barca eyeing Team USA star

Barcelona are keeping close tabs on Borussia M’gladbach full-back Fabian Johnson, according to El Mundo Deportivo.

It is no secret the Catalans are in the market for a long-term successor to Daniel Alves, and the technical department plans to compile a list of four or five possible reinforcements before making their decision.

And while FC Porto’s Danilo remains the number one name on the hit-list, recent reports suggest Barcelona are also looking at USA hotshot Fabian Johnson.

El Mundo Deportivo has learned that the Catalans scout Juan Carlos Rojo watched the player in action in midweek as Sevilla hosted Borussia M’gladbach in Europa League.

Johnson, who can play on either side of defence and even in midfield, has been on Barcelona’s radar for some two years now.

The 27-year-old joined die Fohlen from Hoffenheim in the summer, but he has yet to nail down a regular starting berth.

Villarreal ponder loan bid for Odegaard

Spanish daily newspaper ABC is reporting that Villarreal is hoping to recruit Real Madrid wonderkid Martin Odegaard on a season-long loan.

The 16-year-old joined los Blancos in the January window and was immediately added to the Castilla side that compete in Spain’s third tier.

Odegaard has scored the first goal in his third appearance for the side and is now being linked with a summer move to El Madrigal.

Villarreal reportedly hope to agree a one-year loan for the talented midfielder as they believe he is ready for top flight football.

Real Madrid winger Denis Cheryshev has largely impressed during the loan stint at El Madrigal and he is widely expected to challenge for starting places at Santiago Bernabeu next season.

Meanwhile, Martin Odegaard could take his place at Villarreal and try to leave his mark on next year’s La Liga campaign.

Gundogan nears Dortmund stay

German media outlet Bild claims that Borussia Dortmund midfielder Ilkay Gundogan will soon be signing a new deal at Signal-Iduna Park.

The highly rated footballer has experienced some tough times of late, having spent 14 months on the sidelines, but he has since rediscovered his form.

With his current contract due to expire in just over a year, Gundogan was linked with a summer exit, but it appears he has decided to remain at Signal-Iduna Park after all.

After Marco Reus committed his future to the Millionaires, the 24-year-old is widely tipped to do the same in the coming weeks.

Ilkay Gundogan has had an important role to play in helping Borussia return to the right track, scoring his second league goal of the campaign in the 3-2 victory over Stuttgart.

The Millionaires face Juventus in the Champions League first knockout stage and are priced at 1/1 to qualify for the quarter-finals.

For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2014/15 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.

Allen: Liverpool better without Luis Suarez

yousoccer — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:52:43 GMT

Liverpool F.C. midfielder Joe Allen claims the club have improved following the summer exit of star man Luis Suarez.

Suarez, 28, left Anfield for the Camp Nou in a deal reportedly worth €94 million last summer, but has failed to live up to his 2013/14 form during a disappointing debut campaign in Spain.

Meanwhile, Liverpool, despite a sub-par start to the 2014/15 campaign, are within two points of bitter rivals Manchester United, who are currently sitting in fourth-place in the English Premier League table.

Thanks in large part to Suarez’s 31 league goals, the Reds finished as runners-up in the Premier League last term; nonetheless, Allen believes the club have improved without the Uruguayan hit-man.

“At the start of the season we talked about how losing Suarez was going to have an affect but now we have overcome that,” Allen said.

“It took us a little bit of time because the injury problems we had were not ideal. We are certainly back up to that level now and, if anything with the different system we play this season, we might even have taken a step forward.

“We have a more clinical edge now than we did at the start of the season. That’s grown with our momentum and picking up points – it tends to happen that way. We would have wished it was earlier than it has been, but we’ve still got plenty of time left this season to really go on and achieve things.”

Koeman: LVG instills fear in team

Southampton F.C. boss Ronald Koeman has hinted compatriot Louis van Gaal’s managing style may be hurting Manchester United.

After losing 2-1 at Swansea, United are now just one point clear of Southampton and two points clear of Liverpool in the race for a top-four place, and Koeman believes the problem may be Van Gaal’s coaching style.

“When you bring Van Gaal in the house, you bring in quality,” Koeman said.

“But you also bring in someone who thinks he knows everything. And that will cause clashes. There is a big difference between him and me as managers. I was his assistant at Barcelona after the World Cup in 1998. I learned a lot of things from him.

“But the way he handles his players is totally different from the way I work. I don’t put as much pressure on the shoulder of players. When you have Van Gaal in charge, it is a fact that there is fear in his team. The players have a fear for mister Van Gaal. That is not always good.”

Leicester will be unlucky to be relegated

yousoccer — Tue, 24 Feb 2015 12:51:28 GMT

Bottom of the Premier League table Leicester City were just a few minutes away from claiming a priceless 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday.

However, a Matthew Upson own goal gave the Toffees a share of the points and left the Foxes to rue their rotten luck once again.

Chances

In truth, Everton probably could have won the game. They certainly had enough decent chances to win the game.

Unfortunately for Roberto Martinez, star striker Romelu Lukaku was back to not being able to hit a cow’s backside with a banjo, after Thursday night’s hat-trick in the Europa League.

The fact that the Belgian international had eight attempts on goal and only the one was on target simply summed-up the youngster’s afternoon. He did manage to collect two assists though, but he will be judged on his terribly finishing, rather than his set-up play.

Deserved

Leicester deserved the point that they gained though, if not all three for the way that they performed. They looked defensive with five at the back from the start. One cannot blame Foxes boss Nigel Pearson setting-up this way considering the way games have been going for the Foxes in recent weeks.

The team from the Midlands made it difficult for the home side in the first half and did a sterling defensive job closing down the Toffees. Leicester even came close to snatching the lead in the first half, but Jeffrey Schlupp was denied brilliantly by a John Stones block in the penalty area.

The Toffees wasted their two first half chances which fell to the aforementioned Lukaku and young midfielder Ross Barkley.

Everton seemed to come out with more purpose in the second half and took the lead early in the second half through a scuffed Steven Naismith effort, which lead to a far more open game. Leicester hit back through substitute and my namesake David Nugent, after Tim Howard had made a hash of a Jamie Vardy cross.

The USA international again floundered on 70 minutes, as he palmed away a cross which fell for Vardy, who showed great composure to find Esteban Cambiasso and the veteran made no mistake from close-range.

Everton continued to press for a goal and an equaliser eventually arrived on 88 minutes, when Christian Atsu’s superb centre was headed past his own keeper by Upson after Lukaku had dived in to score.

Inspired

The changes that Foxes boss Nigel Pearson made to get his team back into the game were inspired. On came lifelong Evertonian Nugent, who scored the equaliser within a few minutes of coming off the bench and also Jamie Vardy.

Vardy had a good shout to be man of match after having a hand in both Foxes goals. The positive nature of Pearson substitutions was so very nearly rewarded with a valuable victory.

Well

Leicester could quite right say that they have deserved more from trips to Goodison Park and from their defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates. Unfortunately for Pearson and his men their good performances have not resulted in many victories.

Leicester fans must be so frustrated that their team are playing well and not picking-up victories. They may currently be rock bottom of the league, but they are certainly not playing like a team doomed to Championship football.

Under Pearson they have played some superb football in the top-flight and they try and play the game the right way, which is good to see.

Relegation

From the very start of the campaign Leicester were seen as the favourites for the drop after their promotion to the top-flight last season. Their early season form was encouraging though and they looked like a team that could surprise people this season.

However, they went on a downward spiral results wise and it now looks like a desperate situation for Pearson and his side.

If they continue playing like they did at Everton and Arsenal the Foxes may just give themselves a chance to survive, but that means picking-up victories and it seems those are hard to come by for the side from the Midlands.