Chelsea midfielder Oscar delighted on World Cup opening day, winning the Football Express News Man of the Match award for his performance and goal against Croatia. The 22-year-old was a constant threat for Brazil as the host nation had to come from behind to beat Croatia 3-1 in Sao Paulo, with the goals coming from the midfielder and Neymar, who scored an impressive double. Oscar, who began his career at Sao Paulo, scored one, created one and created three more chances as he caused Croatian left back Sime Vrsaljko all sorts of problems throughout the game. At Chelsea, the talented play…
Author: Staff Writer
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is ready to make a move for free agent Samuel Eto’o as he looks to bolster his attacking options for next season. The Cameroon international is currently preparing for a World Cup campaign with his country but will no doubt be thinking about his club future too after leaving Chelsea at the end of last season on a free transfer. Eto’o, who has had a glorious career in European football is said to be keen to remain in England, and that has led Arsenal boss Wenger to show interest in the three-time Champions League winner. The…
Football Express News understands that Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has made Real Madrid’s Sami Khedira a top target after missing out on Toni Kroos. The Dutch coach is yet to arrive at Old Trafford as he looks to guide the Dutch national side to a possible World Cup success in Brazil. However, his planning for next season is well under way as he looks to rebuild a squad that suffered last season and finished outside of the Champions League places. One player who has been strongly linked with a move to United is Toni Kroos of Bayern Munich…
Football Express News understands that Manchester United and Liverpool have made contact with Southampton for defender Dejan Lovren. The Croatian centre-back was in action for his national team on Thursday night against Brazil, losing 3-1 to the host nation, but whilst he attempts to help his country at the World Cup; his future continues to be discussed. The 24-year-old joined the Saints in 2013 from French side Lyon but like Rickie Lambert, Luke Shaw and Adam Lallana; has been linked with a move away following the exit of Mauricio Pochettino to Tottenham Hotspur. Whilst talk of the defender handing in…
SAO PAULO – The opening game of the 2014 World Cup began with Brazil facing Croatia with the host nation fully expected to produce a performance. But a mistake by Real Madrid’s Marcelo saw the hosts go behind after some good play from Ivan Rakitic and Ivica Olic, whose cross was turned in the full-back. Brazil then began to get in to their stride and produced some good chances, with Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Paulinho coming close, stinging the palms of Stipe Pletikosa in the Croatian goal. Neymar then took charge of the game and his mazy run saw Oscar played…
Spain star Cesc Fabregas has revealed he is ready to embark on “unfinished business in the Premier League” after completing his £25million move from Barcelona to Chelsea. The 27-year-old admitted former club Arsenal were not interested in re-signing him despite having first option, and he has now set his sights on making an impact in west London. In a statement on his Facebook page Fabregas thanked Barca fans for the support they gave him during a three-year stint which started when he quit the Gunners in 2011. He said: “Firstly I would like to thank everyone at FC Barcelona where…
The departure of Manchester United’s centre-back duo Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic has left a huge void and the club was premature in letting them go, according to former Red Devil Clayton Blackmore. Man United favourite Rio Ferdinand is now a free agent after leaving Old Trafford following twelve years of service to the club. The 35-year-old, along with defensive partner and ex-captain Nemanja Vidic, 32, faced criticism last season when they were branded as part of an ageing back four whose time at United was up. But, age is irrelevant and their maturity and experience will be sorely missed,…
The 2013 Confederations Cup was perhaps the best moment in Fred’s career with the Brazilian national side, scoring five goals and finishing joint top scorer to seal the Golden Shoe. 17 goals in 31 international caps so far have seen the former Lyon striker become big part in the plans of Luis Filipe Scolari of late and that is unlikely to change as the opening match of the 2014 World Cup begins against Croatia on Thursday evening. Not a typical Brazilian striker, Fred’s goalscoring record for club sides is one to behold, scoring 250 goals in 451 appearances so far,…
Serie A champions Juventus are reportedly set to abandon plans to pursue Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. Italian source Tutto Mercato Web claims the Turin giants have been running the rule over the Belgium international as they are impressed by the physical presence he can offer in the final third of the pitch. However, Juve are believed to be keen to land the 21-year-old on a permanent basis, while Chelsea are, according to the report, only willing to let him leave on loan. The towering targetman has been farmed out to clubs twice since 2012, spending a term at West Bromwich…
England left back legend Kenny Sansom backs Three Lions youngster Luke Shaw for a glittering career in the national team, but still thinks Ashley Cole could be the number one English left back had he have been given the chance to prove it. Southampton’s highly-prized youngster Shaw, who is reported to be on the verge of a big money summer move to Manchester United, stunned England supporters last month when he was picked for Roy Hodgson’s World Cup squad over Three Lions veteran Ashley Cole. It has been reported that Hodgson selected the 18-year-old Saints player as a result of the…