Manchester United sign Henrikh Mkhitaryan

Manchester United has announced the signing of Borussia Dortmund attacker Henrikh Mkhitaryan.


The 27 year old Armenian international becomes Jose Mourinho's third signing of the summer.
The versatile attacker can play as either a winger or an attacking midfielder. He scored 23 goals for Dortmund last season to help them to second position on the league.

Mario Balotelli keeps Ballon d'Or dream alive

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has stated that he still believes he can win the ultimate individual accolade.


Balotelli spent last season on loan with AC Milan where he scored just once all season. The once precocious kid has failed to develop to a world class player despite playing for top teams like Inter and Manchester City. The now 25 year old striker stated that he has been working harder and he still believes that with the right mindset, he can achieve anything.


Way to go, Super Mario!!

EURO 2016 Quarter Final 3

Germany vs Italy 20:00 (GMT + 02:00): A true match up of complete teams.

Today is a great day for soccer. Tonight two footballing superpowers will do battle for a spot in the EURO 2016 semi final at the Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.

Germany can boast a team of attacking stars like Julian Draxler, Mesut Ozil, Thomas Muller, Mario Gomez, a midfield boasting stars like Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, Mario Gotze, Phillip Lahm etc and a defence of Jerome Boateng, Matt Hummels etc and behind them one of the world's best goalkeepers in Manuel Neuer.

Italy on the other hand can boast of attackers like Graziano Pelle, Stephen El Shaarawy, Lorenzo Insigne, world class midfielders like Alessandro Florenzi, Thiago Motta, Danielle De Rossi and their trademark compact defense of Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci and their ever present world class goalkeeper, Gianluigi Buffon.

Germany will be looking to take apart a defense that has not conceded more than 1 goal in the competition so far without being caught on the counter as the Italians are the master of counter attacking soccer.

As if that is not enough, history favors the Italians as the Germany has never beaten Italy in a major competition in 8 attempts.

Could the Germans be 9th time lucky?

See you in Bordeaux!!

Giggs leaves Manchester United

Ryan Giggs, the most decorated player in Manchester United history has ended his 29 year association with the club. The Old Trafford legend leaves after winning 23 major medals and making a total of 963 appearances for Manchester United.



Giggs has always been touted to one day be the head coach of the club but with Manchester United's appointment of Jose Mourinho and with Mourinho subsequent appointment of Rui Faria as assistant manager, it became clear that the Welsh wizard had to move on.

Ryan Giggs made his debut in 1991, winning 14 league titles, 2 European Cups, 4 FA Cups and 4 League Cups. One of his most unforgettable moments was his solo run to score the winner against Arsenal in the 1999 FA Cup which set the pace for an historic treble triumph for the club.

Giggs has acquired his coaching badges and is sure to get a chance to prove himself elsewhere soon.

An official statement is expected from the club today

Goodbye Ryan! Thanks for the moments!!

Belgium totally outclassed by Wales

Belgium 1:3 Wales. Marc Wilmots men crash out.


Radja Nainggolan screamer from 30 yards was cancelled by Ashley Williams header from a corner.
Hal Robson Kanu has put Wales ahead with a superb individual effort.
And Sam Vokes has sealed it with a precise header.


Congratulations Wales as this is their best performance in an major competition.

OFFICIAL: PSG signs Hatem Ben Arfa

Paris Saint Germain has completed the signing of Nice star Hatem Ben Arfa. The player was out of contract at Nice and PSG beat competition from clubs all across Europe to land the left footed attacker who scored 18 goals across all competitions last season. The 29 year old was offered a 2 year deal by the French giants.

Latest Transfers

Martin Demichelis has left Manchester City at the end of his contract. The Argentine defender spent 3 seasons at Manchester City after his transfer from Atletico Madrid. He made 78 appearances scoring 3 goals.








Crystal Palace has signed Olympique Marseile goalkeeper Steve Mandanda on a three year contract. Palace has been very active in the transfer market having already signed Andros Townsend earlier today.

EURO 2016 Quarter Final 2

Belgium vs Wales 20:00 (GMT + 02:00): Clash of true attacking talent on show today.

Belgium will take on Wales tonight at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Lille for a spot in the EURO 2016 semi final.

Belgium qualified for the knockout stages after taking two wins from three in the group stage while only now-knocked-out England could defeat Wales in their group stage campaign.

Belgium with their star studded line up will no doubt be the bookmakers' favorite for this clash after their 4:0 drubbing of Hungary in their round of 16 clash where their attacking trident finally performed to expectations. But with their recent defensive crisis, where defender Jan Vertonghen was ruled out of the tournament after an ankle ligament injury in training and Thomas Vermaelen still banned, it still remains a puzzle as to how this could turn out. Jordan Lukaku and Jason Denayer are expected to replace them in the starting lineup ahead of tonight's match.

Wales, on the other hand will need their star attacker Gareth Bale to be in peak form ahead of this clash as they hope to shut out the attack of the Belgians and try to hit them on the counter. Belgium coach Marc Wilmots has reiterated that his team has no special plans for the Real Madrid man. Belgium will also look to close down Aaron Ramsey as soon as possible to close down his creative genius.

See you at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy!!

Neymar signs new contract with Barcelona

Brazilian superstar Neymar da Silva Santos Junior has signed a new five year contract with Barcelona. 

The 24 year old who has recently been linked with lots of clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, Manchester City and even Paris Saint Germain has finally put an end to speculation about his future by committing himself to the Liga Champions.

The new deal will see his release clause increase from about 200 million to 250 million Euros at the end of his deal.

Latest Transfer News

• Newcastle FC has completed the signing of Crystal Palace poacher Dwight Gayle on a 5 year deal for a cost of 10 million pounds. The 25 year old has never been a starter at Palace and now has a big chance to prove his credentials as Newcastle will try to fight their way back to the Premier League next season.

• Crystal Palace has announced the signing of Andros Townsend from Newcastle FC, the 24 year old is also on a 5 year deal and he cost 13 million pounds. The player stated his delight and said he cant wait to get started with the new season. Well, dont we all?

• Chelsea FC has confirmed that on loan strikers Alexandre Pato and Radamel Falcao will leave the club as well as goalkeeper Amelia.

• Manchester City has announced the signing of Nolito from Celta Vigo. The 29 year old Spanish striker will wear the number 9 shirt and he is Pep Guardiola's third signing for the club. He arrived for 14 million pounds and he has signed a 4 year contract at the club.

• 20 year old Granada striker Isaac Success has penned an open letter to Granada fans as he egdes closer to completing a club record 12.5 million pound move to English Premier league side Watford. He thanked his team mates, coach, team mates and fans for their support in his two years with the club.

Portugal goes through

Poland 1:1 Portugal (3:5 on penalties). Portugal qualifies for the semifinals as a new star is born.

The much awaited first quarter final game between Poland and Portugal came up yesterday at 20:00 (GMT + 2.00) at the Stade Velodrome in Marseille, France. A match touted to be a personal battle between two footballing superstars Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski took off on that note as with just 2 minutes gone, Robert Lewandowski coolly side footed a low cross from Kamil Grosicki past Rui Patricio.

The Polish defence sat deep and help Portugal at bay for long moments despite flashes of brilliance from the Portuguese attack. However their resistance was broken in the 33rd minute when a neat one two at the edge of the box released 18-year old sensation, Renato Sanches who shifted the ball to his left foot and then unleashed an unstoppable effort which found its way past Lukasz Fabianski albeit with the help of a slight deflection. He became the Euros youngest scorer in a knockout round and Portugal's youngest scorer with his strike. (Watch This Space)



Portugal had the most chances as the game progressed with Cristiano Ronaldo the culprit on most occasions especially when his foot failed to connect with a well timed Nani pass.

The game progressed to extra time where tired legs failed to muster anything of note and the game went to penalties. Captains Lewandowski and Ronaldo got the ball rolling with well taken spotkicks before Jakub Blaszczykowski eight effort was saved by Patricio.

Ricardo Quaresma stepped up and buried his kick past Fabianski to send the Portuguese to the semifinals.

ARE YOU READY?

Who stays, who leaves?

Latest Transfers

Transfer News on the Hour

Manchester City has announced the signing of Australian midfielder Aaron Mooy from Melbourne City where he won back to back Player of the Year awards. He might be loaned out immediately.

Southampton has announced former Nice and Lyon manager Claude Puel as their new manager on a 3 year deal. He replaced Ronald Koeman who joined Everton recently. This is Puel's first job outside France.

Chelsea FC are close to announcing the signing of Belgium and Olympique Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi after he underwent a medical recently. The 22 year old move cost London biggest club about 33 million Euros.

Reports persist the Crystal Palace are in the running for unwanted Liverpool striker, Christian Benteke.

News' reports state that Olympique Lyon defender Samuel Umtiti has agreed to join Barcelona subject to a medical. The 22 year old will join the Liga champions for a fee around 25 million Euros.

Watford has announced the signing of Scott Sinclair. The 19 year old contract ran out with Liverpool and he has joined the Hornets.

Zenit St Petersburg has announced that well known Brazil international, Hulk has joined Russian club Shanghai SIPG for a Russian transfer record 55.8 million Euros. He put pen to paper today after undergoing a medical at the club.

Experienced right back Dani Alves has signed a 2 year contract with Juventus. He won 23 trophies with Barcelona after his move from Sevilla in 2008

News of the hour: 

Zlatan Ibrahimovich has announced Manchester United as his next destination. He will be Jose Mourinho second signing for the club. He will arrive on a free transfer as he saw out his contract with Paris Saint Germain.

EURO 2016 Quarter Final 1

Portugal vs Poland 20:00 (GMT+1). Ronaldo and Co. seek semifinal spot against Lewandowski and Co.

Portugal will battle Poland today in the first EURO 2016 quarter final match at the Stade Velodrome, France.

Both teams have not had it all good since the competition began, Portugal qualified as the best loser and needed a 117th minute goal from substitute Ricardo Quaresma to get past Croatia in the round of 16. Their star attacker, Cristiano Ronaldo also has so far not really performed to the high standards expected of him in the tournament, despite his two-goal salvo to get them into the knockout rounds.

Poland despite having a decent group qualification have not really performed to their abilities especially with star man Robert Lewandowski still not having picked off where he left off last season where he scored 48 goals across all competitions. They also needed extra time and penalties to get past Switzerland.

Today at the Stade Velodrome, both players will have a lot to prove to their countries as we can expect an exciting counter attacking goal laden match. 

Poland will be looking to contain the likes of Luis Nani, Quaresma and Renato Sanchez who have put up some convincing displays for Portugal. Portugal on the other hand will be wary of the threat posed by Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jakub Blaszczykowski who could punish them if left with space and time to shoot.

See you at the Velodrome!!

Latest Transfer News

Nathan Ake has agreed to join Bournemouth on a season long loan from Chelsea. He spent the season on loan at Watford last season.


Reports suggest that Celta Vigo striker Nolito could join Manchester City very soon.


Chelsea FC are keen on the signing of Marseille striker Michy Batshuayi.


Well known poacher Dwight Gayle is reportedly undergoing a medical at Newcastle United.


Reports state that Martin Skrtel is very close to joining Fernerbache.


News of the day: Gonzalo Higuain will not be renewing his contract with Napoli according to his brother and agent. This should be great news for heavyweights like Chelsea who are reportedly keen on signing the Serie A record goal scorer.

Latest Transfer News

Paris Saint Germain has appointed former Sevilla head coach Unai Emery on a contract running till June 2018. Emery won three successive European crowns from 2014 to 2016 and the French giants will be hoping he'll deliver their long awaited Champions league crown.
Good luck Unai!!


In other news, Liverpool has made a real statement of intent to their challengers next season as they today completed the signing of €30 million man Sadio Mane.


Brazilian star Lucas Lima has revealed his desire to move to an European club. The Santos star is a transfer target for lots of European heavyweights as a result of some eye catching displays for the Brazilian club over the years.

EURO 2016 quarterfinals

EURO 2016:- After a great round of 16 for the neutrals; at least if you are not Croatian or English,
the quarter final games are confirmed,
Portugal vs Poland
Germany vs Italy
Belgium vs Wales
Iceland vs France




My predictions.
Portugal have not had a great tournament, qualifying from the group as the best loser, and needing a very late goal to steal an undeserved victory against Croatia, but we all know what they are capable of when they play to their strengths. And I believe they have all they need to get past Poland especially with their main man finally getting off the mark.
My prediction: Portugal


Germany are formidable, strong but after Italy booked Spain's return flight home, it's quite difficult for anyone to see how Germany are going to succeed against this highly disciplined team called Italy
My prediction: Italy


Despite all Gareth Bale heroics in this competition so far, its a no-brainer that Belgium have more team depth than Wales and this could be one match when team play trumps individual brilliance.
My Prediction : Belgium


Yes they defeated England but truth be told, it would take something extremely special for this Icelandic fairytale to continue against tournament hosts France.
My prediction: France.

England get dumped out of Euros

England 1:2 Iceland: Fairy tale continues as woeful England get knocked out.

In what is proving to be the biggest upset of EURO 2016 so far, England has been knocked out in dramatic fashion by Iceland. 

Wayne Rooney put England in the lead from the penalty spot after 4 minutes when winger Raheem Sterling was clumsily tackled by the Icelandic goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson. Pundits who believed that this was going to be a routine win and even a rout for England were shell shocked a minute and a half later when Gylfi Sigurdsson smashed in from close range after a long throw. 

Iceland completed the turnaround in the 18th minute when Sigthorsson's effort found its way into the net after poor goalkeeping from Joe Hart. 

England threw all their players forward in an effort to regain control but could only create few chances which they couldn't convert as Iceland held on to claim an historic victory.



To add insult to injury, head coach Roy Hodgson has announced his resignation as England boss. Times are really hard for the English

Italy get revenge

Italy 2:0 Spain: Holders get knocked out 

EURO 2016:- Defending champions Spain got knocked out in a pulsating match today at the Stade de France. The famed MSN vs BBC match got off to a flyer with Italy playing their trademark counter attacking football with a unbreakable defensive wall at its base. Both sides had lots of chances and only magnificent saves from both keepers, Gianluigi Buffon and David de Gea kept the scoreline decent. Italy got in front when Giorgio Chiellini tapped from a loose ball after a well taken Eder free kick which was parrried by de Gea,

Both goalkeepers, Gianluigi Buffon and David De Gea had to make numerous saves to keep their sides in the game as both teams pushed for the all crucial next goal.

Emotions boiled over when Thiago Motta slapped midfielder Sergio Busquets in the face which he was booked for, ruling him out of the Germany game.

In the dying stages of the game, Graziano Pelle sealed the win by finishing off another slick counter attacking move, a volleyed goal from a Matteo Darmain cross. This win confirmed Italy's progression past Spain in amajor competition for the first time in 12 years.

OFFICIAL: Laurent Blanc leaves PSG.

Paris Saint Germain today announced the departure of head coach Laurent Blanc and is set to be replaced by Sevilla head coach Unai Emery. Blanc who won back to back domestic trebles is set to be replaced by the man who has won three successive European crowns.
Blanc suffered consecutive quarter final exits in the champions league which the club has made no reservations about their overwhelming desire to win.

Monday EURO games

Italy vs Spain 5pm
England vs Iceland 8pm


Predictions
Italy to progress
England to progress.

Chile wins Copa America

COPA AMERICA
Argentina 0:0 Chile (2:4 on pens)


Chile has won the 2016 Copa America. Over 82000 fans gathered for the final showdown of the tournament hoping for some open attacking soccer but got a rather dull game with few chances created.
Marcos Rojo and Marcelo Diaz saw red both for two bookable offences as the match proceeded to extra time and a penalty shootout.
Arturo Vidal and Lionel Messi missed the opening penalties. Lucas Biglia had his penalty saved by Claudio Bravo and Francesco Silva scored the winning penalty.
This is the third final Argentina have failed to win consecutively. Report persist that Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement.

Today's Soccer scores

EURO 2016


France 2:1 Republic of Ireland
Germany 3:0 Slovakia
Hungary 0:4 Belgium