Why I Choose Arsenal Above My Beloved Barcelona - Golden Eaglets Star, Kelechi Nwakali

World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets captain, Kelechi Nwakali, has revealed why he chose to sign to play for Arsenal even though he is a Barcelona fan.

Kelechi when he won the golden ball in world cup

 

Speaking on his trail after his sterling performance at the U-17 championships, World Cup-winning Golden Eaglets captain, Kelechi Nwakali, has revealed exclusively to TheCable why he chose Arsenal ahead of other big teams in Europe.

 

Responding if he supported Arsenal as a kid, Kelechi said: "Being a Barcelona fan does not mean I’ll want to play for them. I love Arsenal, I love the way they play. I just love everything about them. Reason I went there.

"Not that I supported Arsenal as a kid. I just love the way they play. But I was a Barcelona fan as a kid. But in the EPL, I support Arsenal," he said.

 

The younster highlighted the advantages of signing a five-year contract with Arsenal as well as the reasons for doing so.

 

"It is very good. At least, it will give me time to play for some time as I will be 18 in June. It will enable me to gain ground to be able to play in the first team.

"Arsenal believe in hard work and in giving what you have, and if the coach thinks that you can add to the team, he will always play you.

"Look at a player like (Alex) Iwobi, he is featured in every game because he adds something to the team’s performance. The coach believes in him.

"So, I don’t think my own will be different. If only I can work hard and be determined, yes I will. With that nothing can stop me from being in the first team," he said.

 

Kelechi also relishes the opportunity of teaming up with some of the biggest players in the world at Arsenal.

"It is a great honour and privilege to play alongside players I have always watched on TV. It has been my dream and heart desire to work hard so as to be able to play side by side with all these players.

"The facilities in Arsenal can’t be compared to what we have here in Nigeria. They have all it takes to groom their players. They have all it takes to make their players better off.

"You know playing in Arsenal as well as the national team will help someone to develop every day and improve his game," he said.

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NFF crisis: We’ll be guided by rule of law – FG

Barr. Solomon Dalung

The Federal Government, yesterday, said that it would be guided by the rule of law as enshrined in the constitution in resolving the current crisis rocking the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF).
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr. Solomon Dalung, insisted that the government is committed to resolve the crisis amicably, urging the Amaju Pinnick-led NNF Board to appeal the verdict if not satisfied.
Dalung in a statement signed by the Director of Press and Public Relation of the ministry, Tolu Makinde, in Abuja, maintained that Buhari’s administration would not condone breaking down of law and order.
The Minister categorically “stated for the avoidance of doubt that the Amaju Pinnick -led NFF has a statutory 30 days of grace to exercise its right of appeal; therefore the decision of the Court will only take effect if the time for the right of appeal expired without taking advantage of appeal.
“It will be out of place now for any group of persons who have enjoyed the benevolence and protection of the law in enforcing their right to seek to frustrate other party from enjoying same right.

“In the light of this, the purported announcement made by the Giwa-led faction, even after the Amaju Pinnick-led Executives have indicated their intention to appeal cannot promote growth and stability in our football.

“I am therefore calling on all parties to the dispute to maintain peace, decorum and respect the rule of law. By this token, they must allow the judicial process to run its course.
“The present Change administration of our dear country believes and subscribes to the rule of law and is determined that its actions will always be guided by the constitution and the rule of law.”
The Minister assured the public that the Government is committed to maintenance of law and order and would not allow anything that may likely threaten peace in the country, adding that “the interest of the nation supersedes any other interest.
“The government will therefore not support or condone anything that is contrary to this as this will not be in the interest of the nation.”
Dalung appealed to sport loving Nigerians not to be disturbed by the development that had created confusion and apprehension, promising to “do everything within his power to ensure that our nation is not rubbished by the wrangling in NFF.”

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Chelsea’s John Terry undergoing platelet rich plasma therapy

Chelsea captain John Terry says he is undergoing platelet rich plasma therapy (PRP) in a bid to recover from his Achilles injury.
The 35-year-old, who is out of contract this summer, has missed Chelsea’s last two matches, having only recently recovered from a hamstring problem which kept him out for six games.
Terry, who is expected to be out for another two to three weeks, posted a photo of himself in surgical scrubs on Instagram and used an emoticon of a syringe.
He wrote: “PRP Being injured is the most frustrating thing as a player. Working hard to get back fit.”
The former England captain earlier on Monday posted a short video of himself in the gym, demonstrating his desire to return to full fitness.
Laboratory studies have shown that PRP can potentially speed up the healing process. PRP involves reintroducing a concentrated platelet solution derived from the patient’s blood. Platelets, which along with red and white cells is part of blood, contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors.
PRP has been used by athletes in a range of sports, including golfer Tiger Woods. The practice is permitted by the World Anti-doping Agency, after it removed it from its prohibited list at the start of 2011.


WADA says on its website: “Despite the presence of some growth factors, platelet-derived preparations were removed from the [prohibited] list as current studies on PRP do not demonstrate any potential for performance enhancement beyond a potential therapeutic effect.”
Terry made his 700th Chelsea appearance at Everton last month and his 701st in the draw with West Ham before the international break, but did not play in the 4-0 win at Aston Villa or the 1-0 loss at Swansea.
The defender in January said he would be leaving Chelsea this summer as he had not been offered a contract extension. The club insisted an offer could be forthcoming.
Last week, Antonio Conte was appointed Chelsea head coach for next season and is likely to have a major say on Terry’s future.
Meanwhile, Terry has offered to pay the funeral costs of eight-year-old Chelsea fan Tommi Miller, who died following leukaemia on March 31.
Terry told the Cambridge News: “Having had the pleasure of meeting Tommi at a Chelsea game I was totally devastated to hear of him passing away.
“I’m sure his family and friends will give him the send-off he deserves.”
Tommi’s mum Ruth added: “I’m overwhelmed really, because Tommi was such a great fan of John Terry in particular. He was one of his favourite players.”

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FIFA bars Equatorial Guinea from 2020 Olympic qualifiers

The world’s football governing body, FIFA, has barred former Africa’s women champions Equatorial Guinea from competing in the qualifiers of the women’s Olympic football tournament in 2020.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee said that the country used a falsified document for one of her players, Camila Maria do Carmo Nobre de Oliveira during the qualifiers for the 2016 edition.
Soccer’s world governing body said it had found evidence of the use of two passports with different dates of birth for Camila Maria, who took part in several qualifying matches.

“Two birth certificates containing divergent information regarding the player’s parental affiliation were also provided,” FIFA said.

The player was banned for the next 10 international matches for which she would be eligible, fined 2,000 Swiss francs ($2,100), warned and reprimanded. The country’s FA, Feguifut was fined 40,000 Swiss francs.
“Further investigations related to the eligibility of several other players are currently ongoing,” said

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Ex-FIFA official Alfredo Hawit pleads guilty in bribery scandal

A former vice president of football’s international governing body pleaded guilty to four conspiracy counts on Monday in the sweeping FIFA bribery scandal.
Speaking through a translator, Alfredo Hawit, told Judge Raymond Dearie in U.S. district court in Brooklyn that he had accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in connection with a scheme to sell marketing rights to tournaments in Latin America.
Hawit, 64, is free on bail and next appears in court in October. Each count carries a maximum of 20 years in prison; he also will forfeit $950,000 upon sentencing.
Hawit told the judge he had conspired with others to get companies in Florida and Argentina marketing rights in exchange for bribes paid to bank accounts that he and his family controlled in Panama and Honduras.
“I knew that it was wrong of me to accept such payments,” he said.
He and his lawyer declined to comment outside court.

The plea deal is part of a case involving more than 40 people from around the world. Prosecutors said football officials have taken hundreds of millions of dollars in illegal payments in the last 25 years.

The Honduras native, a lawyer, also served as interim president of the North, Central American and Caribbean football governing body, CONCACAF, from June until his Dec. 3 arrest. He was extradited from Switzerland earlier this year.
Last month Rafael Callejas, a former president of Honduras and member of FIFA’s television and marketing committee, also pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy in a Brooklyn courtroom. Callejas similarly said he had accepted bribes by the Miami-based sports marketing company in exchange for awarding marketing rights to World Cup tournament matches in 2014, 2018 and 2022.
Hawit said that though he had accepted bribes from the Argentine marketing company, including some following a meeting in Uruguay to coordinate the conspiracy, CONCACAF ultimately didn’t award the rights to the Argentine company

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Francesco Totti returns, helps Roma secure draw against Bologna

Francesco Totti failed to inspire Roma to victory against Bologna, but the veteran forward did help secure a 1-1 draw which edges his side closer to Champions League qualification.
The Giallorossi, now six points above fourth-placed Inter Milan with six games remaining in Serie A, fell behind when Luca Rossettini headed home in the first half.
The introduction of 39-year-old Totti at half-time, though, brought an immediate response, courtesy of the otherwise luckless Mohamed Salah, but there was to be no winning goal at the Stadio Olimpico.
Roma flew out of the traps, but they — and Salah — were twice denied by the woodwork.
The former Chelsea winger headed against an upright from Lucas Digne’s cross early on and, on 23 minutes, saw an effort tipped on to a post by Antonio Mirante.

Two minutes later Bologna took a surprise lead courtesy of Rossettini, who pulled away at the far post to head home Juan Zuniga’s free-kick from the left.

Totti was introduced at the break for just his second Serie A appearance since January, and his seventh of the season, but it seemed to do little to change Salah’s luck as he rattled the woodwork for a third time on 47 minutes.
Eventually, on 50 minutes, the Egypt international found the target and Totti was the architect. The veteran forward’s through-ball left Salah the easy task of side-footing past Mirante from 15 yards.
Totti continued to probe for the hosts and stung the palms of Mirante on the hour mark with a 25-yard effort before feeding Salah once more, but he drilled a good chance wide with seven minutes remaining.

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Samuel Eto’o threatens Sampdoria with lawsuit in contract dispute

Four-time African player of the year Samuel Eto’o has threatened to sue his former club Sampdoria over a contract dispute.
Eto’o claims that when he joined Sampdoria in January 2015, there was a stipulation in his contract that the Serie A club would also sign fellow Cameroon international Fabrice Olinga, a product of Eto’o’s youth academy.
Eto’o says “I’m only asking that president Massimo Ferrero and his lawyer do the right thing.”

The 19-year-old Olinga plays for Belgian club Royal Mouscron-Peruwelz on loan from Spanish side Malaga.

After only half a season with Sampdoria, the 35-year-old Eto’o is now with Turkish side Antalyaspor.
Eto’o’s lawyer Luca Tolentinto says they are still hoping to reach a settlement with Sampdoria.

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Super Falcons promise to do Nigeria proud against Senegal on Tuesday

The Super Falcons have promised to do Nigeria proud on Tuesday when they take on Senegal in the return leg of the qualifier for the 2016 African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON).
Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, Remi Sulola, the Media Officer of the team, urged Nigerian have confidence in them.
“We were in training yesterday evening and the coaches worked with all the departments (- defence, midfield, and attack).
“And I believe defence-wise we are good because in Dakar the defence was a tight one and the goal our opponent scored was a normal one.
“But our defence was okay and midfield too; we were good going forward too, but after the girls saw that one of them was injured, they started playing cautiously.
“They realised that because the referee was not cautioning the Senegalese players for their rough tackles, they needed to be careful so that they can play tomorrow’s game.
“The team is not under pressure to perform, but the girls have promise Nigerians that they will do us proud playing at home and they will give Nigerians the victory they deserve.

She alleged that the Falcons’ 1- 1 draw with Senegal in Dakar on Friday was the outcome of poor officiating, but expressed optimism over the team’s readiness to win the game in Nigeria.

“The girls are prepared; they are looking forward to tomorrow’s match and they believe that it is going to be a different ball game from what happened in Dakar on Friday.
“They believe in officiating with fairness; I am speaking this way because I am a Nigeria or the media person of the Falcons, but the officiating (in Senegal) happened to have been one of the worst I have seen in this profession so far.
“No single card was issued; one of our players was injured and the referee did not show any sign that she was in control of the game.
“There were clear tackles that the referee should have cautioned the Senegalese player for, but she did not do that.
“It was a shame in Dakar. So we believe that it is going to be a different one tomorrow.’

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Super Falcons Player Laments on African Football After a Player Broke Her Head During Match (Photos)

Nigerian Super Falcon's forward, Desire Oparanozie has taken to her Instagram to lament on African football's injustice after a fellow player brutally broke her head and went unpunished by the referee.

 

Super Falcons striker, Ugochi Desire Oparanozie,  has slammed the Moroccan referee, Lamayaa Lourarhi for not cautioning the Senegalese player who left her with four cuts on her head in their 1-1 draw in Friday’s first leg African Women Nations Cup qualifier.

 

Oparanoize who had to give way for Chioma Wogu in the encounter following a head injury, took to her Instagram page to express her disappointment at the officiating of the game and show the horrific cuts and stitches on her forehead.

 

She also claimed the hosts sprinkled juju (harmful black magic substance) on the pitch while the game was on.

 

An apparently angry Oparanozie took wrote;

 

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Popular Wolfsburg Football Star Loses Tooth in a Clash During Game Against Real Madrid (Photos)

A popular footballer while engaged in a hot battle to win against opponents during a Champions League match has lost a tooth in the process.

 

Vieirinha reacts after losing one of his teeth

 

The Wolfsburg star Vieirinha lost a tooth during his side's memorable Champions League win over Real Madrid.

 

The winger was tussling for the ball with Toni Kroos when he was inadvertently struck by the German's stray elbow.

 

Footage shows Wolfsburg's No 8 dropping to the ground after being struck, before one of his teeth can visibly be seen dropping onto the field of play.

 

 

Vierinha gesticulated in the direction of the referee as he lay toothless on the floor, but Kroos escaped the incident unpunished.

 

Wolfsburg are in a strong position to qualify for the semi-finals of the Champions League after beating 10-time winners Real Madrid in the first-leg of their quarter-final tie.

 

Goals from Ricardo Rodriguez and Maximilian Arnold within the first 25 minutes of the match were enough to seal a 2-0 victory for the hosts.

 

 

Zinedine Zidane's position as Real Madrid manager will come under huge scrutiny if his side are knocked out of the competition at the quarter-final stage, but the Frenchman is confident his players can overturn the deficit in next Tuesday's second leg at the Bernabeu.

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Oliseh Used Us to Pursue Personal Interests - Onazi

Nigerian footballer, Ogenyi Onazi has accused Sunday Oliseh of being clouded with selfish interests during his short reign as the coach of the Super Eagles.

Ogenyi Onazi

  

Super Eagles midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi, says former coach of the national team, Sunday Oliseh, did not genuinely fight for the interest of players during his seven-month reign.

Oliseh was constantly in the news for his clashes with the Nigeria Football Federation over  his  players and his backroom staff’s entitlements.  But Onazi said the coach put his own interests  before  players’.

“It was a case of pretending to fight for others whereas you were actually fighting for yourself. Oliseh needed something but he used the players against the federation to get what he wanted,” Onazi said.

The Lazio man added that the former Ajax midfielder  did not consult the players before appointing CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa as captain of the national team. Oliseh had stripped Vincent Enyeama of the captain’s armband after a bust-up with the Lille goalkeeper in Belgium last year and handed it to Musa.

But Oliseh’s  decision to make the Russia-based player  the leader of the team came as a surprise to Onazi and the players.

“He (Oliseh) just told us (players), ‘I’m changing my captain.’ I didn’t even know,” Onazi stated.

He lamented the declining fortunes of the Eagles, saying the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations champions would bounce back  stronger.

Onazi added “We (players) are ashamed of ourselves with what has been happening to the national team. We want to keep winning and make Nigerians proud. The NFF president (Amaju Pinnick) has been very supportive to the team; he’s done so much for us, so it’s painful we are not doing well.”

Nigeria on Tuesday crashed out of the race to qualify for the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations following their 1-0 defeat by Egypt.

When a Punch correspondent sent Oliseh a text message for his reaction on the issue, he replied, “Have a nice day.”

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Revealed: How Mikel Obi Demanded for Captaincy and Siasia Forced Musa to Relinquish Armband

If the latest report is anything to go by, then the circumstances that led to John Obi Mikel's emergence as Super Eagles skipper isn't as transparent as many thought.

Musa, Coach Siasia and Mikel at a press conference during the announcement in Kaduna

According to an exclusive report on AfricanFootball.com, Super Eagles midfielder, John Mikel Obi, actually insisted he will only feature in the AFCON qualifiers against Egypt if he is made the team's captain, as coach Samson Siasia and top officials thereafter pressured Ahmed Musa to relinquish the armband.

It was gathered that the Chelsea midfielder demanded the Eagles captaincy when he spoke with caretaker coach, Siasia prior to the matches against Egypt.

A top source who disclosed to the publication said, "Mikel made it very clear to Siasia he be made captain if the coach wanted him to play the crucial matches against Egypt."

Pressure was thereafter mounted on Ahmed Musa to surrender the Eagles captaincy to Mikel who was assistant captain to Vincent Enyeama when former coach, Sunday Oliseh picked Musa as captain last October.

It was gathered that a top official of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) advised Ahmed Musa 'to give them their captaincy.' Afterwards, Siasia later held a private meeting with Musa in his hotel room in Kaduna on the same matter.

"The meeting was for 30, 40 minutes, just Siasia and Ahmed. And it was in that meeting that it was made clear to the player to give up the captaincy," a top source said.

Immediately after this closed-door meeting, the coach and the players headed to the press conference where Musa announced Mikel as new Eagles skipper while accepting that there was 'a mix-up'  when more senior players were overlooked for the leadership of the team. 

Musa had said in the press conference before relinquishing the armband: "Mikel is my senior and a big brother. So, Mikel is the captain, not me."

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UPDATE: Arsenal Star, Alex Iwobi Recovers and Trains with Super Eagles in Kaduna (Photos)... Arsenal star, Alex Iwobi, is back in his element after a food poisoning scare many feared would affect his chances of playing for the Super Eagles on Friday in the crucial games against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

 

We reported it here earlier today that Arsenal youth prodigy, Alex Iwobi, who is a nephew to former Super Eagles playmaker, Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha, was allegedly treated of food poisoning after he complained to senior officials at the national team camp in Abuja. 

 

According to a new statement by the nation's football's governing body, NFF, the youngster is back in his element after a food poisoning scare that many feared would affect his chances of playing for the Super Eagles on Friday in the crucial games against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation calmed frail nerves through its official twitter handle where they announced that Iwobi is well and now set for the crucial games in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series.

 

"SuperEagles striker Iwobi suffered from traveler's flu earlier today, but he's well & set to play against Egypt," the NFF tweeted this evening.

 

Iwobi was also pictured on arrival in Kaduna with his team-mates at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium at exactly 4p.m. training for the first time after missing the morning session.

 

 

The Eagles were pictured all white Nike training kits and held a brief team-talk in the middle of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium pitch shortly before training began.

 

The three-time African champions are lodged at the African Continental Hotel, off Isa Kaita Road, in Kaduna.

 

Twenty five players arrived Kaduna, with Elderson Echiejile being the only one being expected as at 5.30pm

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Guardiola to succeed Pellegrini at Man City

Outgoing Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will take over from Manuel Pellegrini at Manchester City on a three-year deal from the end of the season, the English club announced Monday.

“Manchester City can confirm that in recent weeks it has commenced and finalised contractual negotiations with Pep Guardiola to become MCFC head coach for the 2016/17 EPL season onwards,” the club said in a statement.

“The contract is for three years. These negotiations were a re-commencement of discussions that were curtailed in 2012.

“Out of respect for Manuel Pellegrini and the players, the club wishes to make its decision public to remove the unnecessary burden of speculation.

Guardiola

“Manuel, who is fully supportive of the decision to make this communication, is entirely focused on achieving his targets for the season ahead and retains the respect and commitment of all involved with the leadership of the club.”

Guardiola announced in December that he would leave current club Bayern Munich in May after three years at the helm, with an intention to coach in England next season.

The 45-year-old Guardiola notched up the treble of Champions League, German Cup and Bundesliga titles in 2013, but in the last two seasons, Bayern have exited the Champions League at the semi-final stage.

The ex-Spain international previously coached Barcelona from 2008-12, leading the Catalan giants to domestic and Champions League glory in a remarkable run of success.

The much-travelled Pellegrini, 62, signed for City in 2013, becoming the first Chilean to coach in the Premier League as he took over from Roberto Mancini.

During his tenure, City have won 64 of the 99 games played. The only coach to have won more in his opening 99 Premier League games is Jose Mourinho (73).

Manchester City, who currently sit second in the Premier League behind Leicester, remain in the running for four trophies this season. Pellegrini guided them to Premier League and Capital One Cup success in his first season, but the team failed to defend their title last season.

Pellegrini

Pellegrini announced his departure at the end of a standard press conference to preview Tuesday’s Premier League game at Sunderland. That was quickly followed by the club statement.

Pellegrini said: “Before we finish I will tell you that I talked with the club and I will finish my contract on the original date in June.

“We extended the contract one year more but with the clause that one of the club or me may not use that extended contract. So, I will finish here on the original date, June 30.

“There has been a lot of speculation about things, but they (the club) are not doing anything behind me. I knew this one month ago. I don’t think it is good to have speculation about different things. I prefer to finish (by announcing) today – that is why I have told the press and told the players.

“I told the club two weeks ago that I would do it.”

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Eagles may shun future call ups – Oliseh

Super Eagles head coach, Sunday Oliseh, has revealed his fear about Nigeria’s chances of having their strongest squad for the coming qualifiers.
The Nigerian trainer explained that he holds the fear that “some players who are being owed various sums of money might not come if they are not paid before the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
He added that a number of the Nigerian internationals had called him on telephone to ask for “what they’re being owed.
“I only have one fear: “It is that I just hope that the next time we send invitations out, that players won’t start refusing to play for Nigeria. That is something that is scary but it is real. We have to start thinking because we’re not going to work miracles anymore,” said Oliseh.
“I’m just afraid that if we don’t put our acts in order we might invite players for the next
qualifications and may be some players (might not come); I’m afraid. Already I’m getting phone calls from them, you they’re still asking what they’re being owed.”
Oliseh took charge of his first international tournament at the African Nations Championship (Chan) in Rwanda, where Nigeria failed to qualify from the group stage.

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Mourinho’s Man United scarves on sale

A merchandise seller is already planning for the exit of Louis Van Gaal by selling United scarves with Jose Mourinho on them, just outside Old Trafford.
Van Gaal is under pressure and desperately searching for his first win after a run of four straight defeats in all competitions.
Mourinho, meanwhile, has been heavily tipped to replace the Dutchman, although his agent claimed on Tuesday that no talks have taken place.
“Right now he’s in Brazil, we’ll see what happens when he gets back,” Jorge Mendes told Sky Sport.
“At the moment we haven’t been talking about England, Spain or Italy.

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Man U Vs Chelsea: Mikel starts

There is no Loic Remy involved in today’s game due to injury so Eden Hazard is expected to lead the attack in place of suspended Diego Costa.
Kurt Zouma replaces Gary Cahill who has a foot injury and in the other change from Boxing Day, John Mikel Obi will play alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield having come on at half-time for Cesc Fabregas against Watford. Fabregas is not involved due to illness.
Manchester United make changes from their defeat at Stoke with Matteo Darmian coming into a reshuffled defence and Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin both reintroduced to midfield. Wayne Rooney returns up front.
Chelsea are expected to line up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
Courtois; Ivanovic, Zouma, Terry (c), Azpilicueta; Mikel, Matic; Willian, Oscar, Pedro; Hazard.
Subs: Begovic, Baba, Djilobodji, Loftus-Cheek, Ramires, Kenedy, Traore,
Man United are expected to line-up in the following 4-2-3-1 formation:
De Gea; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Young; Schneiderlin, Schweinsteiger; Mata, Herrera, Martial; Rooney.
Subs: Romero, Borthwick-Jackson, Jones, Carrick, Fellaini, Pereira, Memphis.
The referee is Martin Atkinson.

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Messi, Suarez fire Barca to third Club World Cup

Lionel Messi marked his return from illness with a brilliant goal as Barcelona beat Argentina’s River Plate 3-0 to capture a record third Club World Cup on Sunday. The Spanish giants welcomed back Messi after a bout of kidney stones and the mercurial Argentine scored with a clinical finish on 36 minutes, before a lethal Luis Suarez double destroyed River’s hopes.
“We came here to win the title and it was important to get the job done,” said Suarez, who picked up the player of the tournament and golden boot award after finishing with five goals. “We stayed calm and played our game until Leo scored the first goal. More than my goals, it was just important to get our hands on the trophy.”
Neymar, himself returning to the side after a groin strain, was instrumental in Barcelona’s opener, climbing to knock down a Dani Alves cross for Messi to steer past River goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero with a deft flick of his left boot. Suarez, who scored a hat-trick in Barca’s 3-0 semi-final win over Guangzhou Evergrande, scored a second with a fierce low drive four minutes into the second half.
The former Liverpool striker grabbed his second of the night when he dispatched a thumping header past Barovero after a pinpoint cross from Neymar. River Plate’s starting eleven cost a total of some six million dollars, while Barcelona paid $85 million for Suarez alone, and the gulf in class showed.
The Catalans, who had already collected the Champions League, Spain’s La Liga, the Copa del Rey and European Super Cup this year, tore River to shreds in the second half. Neymar also came close to scoring with a curling effort that shaved the bar.
Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo was a spectator for much of the game on a cold night but made an acrobatic save from River substitute Gonzalo Martinez seven minutes from time to deny the South Americans a consolation goal.
Messi, who forced a smart save from Barovero in the early skirmishes and could himself have finished with a hat-trick, became the first player to score in three finals after leading Barca to victory in 2009 and 2011. “Messi and Neymar wanted to play in the final, no matter what,” said Suarez. “It shows the sacrifice that there is in the group that they did everything to play.”
The Uruguayan warned that Barca were still hungry for more success. “After a competition like this the majority of teams have a dip,” he said. “But we have to avoid that and we have the desire to keep winning titles and be the best team in the world.”

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