Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes his team are firmly on the road towards winning the World Cup at home next year after lifting the Confederations Cup.
Two goals from Neymar and one from Fred saw off the world and European champions at the Maracana Stadium in Rio and gave Brazil their third successive win in the competition.
"I don't think I could feel any better than how I am right now," said Scolari.
"I thought that any positive result would be great and to beat them 3-0, that is much better than I imagined.
"But I also believe that overall, not only because of the score but the way we played, we had a very good match.
"Now I am able to dream that we have an idea, that we have a path ahead of us, and that we have a good team to play in the World Cup next year as equals with other strong contenders." Luiz Felipe Scolari
"Now I am able to dream that we have an idea, that we have a path ahead of us, and that we have a good team to play in the World Cup next year as equals with other strong contenders."
The tournament has been marred by anti-Government protests in Brazil and there were further demonstrations near the ground ahead of the game, but Scolari hopes Brazil's victory will help bring the country together.
"It was important not just for the football team but the whole country for obvious reasons," added the 64-year-old.
"But as far as the team is concerned, one thing that is important is that in the last 30 days we have beaten four former or current world champions: France, Uruguay, Italy and Spain.
"We are a team still being formed, facing a lot of difficulties and I think this win upgrades the team, giving us more confidence. It's something that will make us play in a different way."
Brazil cruised to victory over Spain in the final of the Confederations Cup thanks to goals from Fred (2) and Neymar
The newest Barça player was named MVP of the tournament
Eight FC Barcelona players lined up for their respective countries at the Maracaná Stadium for the final of the Confederations Cup this evening; two Brazilians - Neymar and Alves - and six for Spain - Piqué, Alba, Sergio, Xavi, Iniesta and Pedro. David Villa also got some playing time when he was subbed in for Fernando Torres in the second half.
Neymar, thanks to his four goals and a handful of assists, was named MVP of the tournament after the match . The new FC Barcelona player led Brazil to its third consecutive Confederations Cup title (2005, 2009 and 2013).
Neymar completes a stellar first half
A spectacular goal from Neymar capped off the forward’s notable performance in the first half. The player fired the ball to the ceiling of the net after a good assist from Oscar to make it 2-0 just before the break. The first goal was scored after only two minutes, when Fred took advantage of a loose ball inside of Spain’s area.
Spain, on the other hand, were not comfortable on the pitch. Sergio shined as holding midfielder while Xavi and Iniesta were unable to move the ball with the necessary pace due to Brazil’s frenetic pressure. Pedro enjoyed the best chance for Spain in the first half by David Luiz did well to clear the ball off the line.
Fred scores the third at the start of the second half
Fred, just like in the first half, scored minutes after the starting whistle. The forward one-timed the ball to the far post of Casillas’ goal. Sergio Ramos could have pulled one back for Spain from the penalty spot but his shot went wide of Julio César’s goal.
Del Bosque decided to bring in Navas and Villa for Mata and Torres with roughly 30 minutes left on the clock before full time. The Barça forward tested Julio César but it was Neymar who commanded the attention of the fans at Maracaná. The Brazilian, with lots of space ahead of him, was brought down by Piqué near the edge of Spain’s area. The Barça defender was shown a red card for his efforts, and as Piqué walked off the pitch Spain’s hopes of winning the only international title yet to grace its trophy cabinet quickly faded.
The referee blew the final whistle and Brazil claimed their fourth Confederations Cup title.
Italy take third place ahead of Uruguay on penalties
Gianluigi Buffon was Italy's hero as his three penalty saves in the shoot-out saw the Azzurri to victory and a third-place finish in the Confederations Cup, at the expense of Uruguay.
The two sides drew 2-2 after 120 minutes with Italy creating the majority of the chances and they went on to win the shoot-out 3-2 in Salvador. Davide Astori put the Italians ahead after 25 minutes before Edinson Cavani levelled the scores after the interval.
Alessandro Diamanti restored the Italians' lead after 73 minutes, before Cavani netted again to make the score 2-2 and take the game into extra-time, where Riccardo Montolivo saw red after picking up two bookings. Then Buffon came into his own, saving from Diego Forlan, Martin Caceres and Walter Gargano to win the game for Italy.
Uruguay started the game strongly and Forlan was the first to test either stopper, with his dipping free kick forcing Buffon to dive low.
A free-flowing move from Italy culminated with a scuffed shot from Antonio Candreva after 15 minutes before the Italians went ahead eight minutes later. A Diamanti free-kick ricocheted off the post and onto Uruguay stopper Fernando Muslera, with the ball falling to Astori, who from a yard out, tapped home.
But Uruguay responded well to going behind and their pressure told 12 minutes after the restart when a well-weighted pass from Alvaro Gonzalez found an unmarked Cavani who slotted into the far corner past Buffon's outstretched left hand.
Diamanti restored Italy's lead with 17 minutes left with a wonderful 25 yard free-kick which gave Muslera no chance. It was feat replicated by Cavani three minutes later as his powerful effort was too much for Buffon, who could not get his feet moving to get across in time to keep the Napoli striker's effort out.
Italy had to play the final 10 minutes of extra-time with 10 men following Montolivo's second yellow for a late challenge on Luis Suarez, but Uruguay could not get past Buffon.
And Forlan could not do so with his spot-kick, while Alberto Aquilani, Cavani, Stephan El Shaarawy, Suarez all scored before Mattia De Sciglio's miss brought the South Americans back into the shoot-out.
However Caceres missed and Emanuele Giaccherini scored before Buffon saved Gargano's effort.
In a very exciting match, the Women’s Eagles Sevens defeated Ireland 14-5 to set up a Rugby World Cup Semifinal against New Zealand at 7:56 AM E.T. inside Luzhniki Stadium.
“We did a much better job in the second half to move the ball around, and that opens up gaps for players like Vix (Victoria Folayan) who are hard to stop,” explained second half impact player Nathalie Marchino.
The Eagles attacked right from the restart, and Jillion Potter’s pass almost sent Kimber Rozier over for the opening points. However, the ball bounced awkwardly, with Ireland managing to use an overlap and race away for a try on the other side of the field.
Amy Davis touched down as Ireland took an early 5-0 lead.
The Eagles followed with several phases of possession but were penalized twice for holding onto the ball on the ground.
Head Coach Ric Suggitt, as we have seen all weekend, used early replacements Deven Owsiany and Kelly Griffin for Ryan Carlyle and Irene Gardner.
After a strong scrum, the Eagles looked to build an attacking platform but a knock-on gave Ireland possession. Both teams seemed slightly frantic in the opening seven minutes, as the halftime siren sounded with Ireland up by one try, 5-0.
The second half began with Ireland surging towards the USA tryline, but Rozier and Potter put in some massive tackles, and Ireland had a knock-on. Following the scrum, Folayan received the ball with some room to move. The speedster put through an excellent chip and chase, almost gathering inside Ireland’s half, but an Irish player recovered the ball and was carried into touch.
The USA lineout was firing, and the forwards attacked the short-side, desperately close to scoring. Unfortunately, another penalty went the way of Ireland, and they kicked for touch to relieve pressure.
Before the next play, Kathryn "KJ" Johnson and Marchino entered the field for the Eagles.
Marchino, using her speed and strength, got involved in the very next play and linked beautifully with Folayan who broke a tackle but was stopped a meter from the line. Marchino gathered it however, and dove over to score for the Eagles.
Rozier kicked the conversion and the USA led 7-5 to the cheers from the crowd at Gorodok Stadium.
With only one minute left, the Eagles gathered the restart and Folayan used her fancy footwork to beat two defenders and burst through under the poles to score. The Eagles second try was converted by Rozier as the siren sounded in the background for a fantastic 14-5 win.
“The energy was a little bit flat, and I wanted to do whatever it took to get the team going, to create some momentum,” said Marchino. “It’s nice to be able to come in with fresh legs, especially with all the starters doing the hard work before we enter the game.”
The Eagles 14-5 Cup Quarterfinal win over Ireland sees them advance to the Cup Semifinal where they will face New Zealand at 7.56 AM E.T. inside Luzhniki Stadium.
This Cup Semifinal clash is a rematch for the Eagles, who lost 14-12 against New Zealand at the 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens in Dubai.
Meanwhile all games at the Luzhniki Stadium (including the Women’s Cup Semifinals and Finals) will be shown on www.rwcsevens.com as well as broadcast on Universal Sports. Coverage on Universal Sports will begin on June 30 at 1:30 AM E.T.
Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps onwww.usarugby.org/rwc2013 andwww.rwcsevens.com. Join the conversation using #RWC7s.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Ireland 1. Jillion Potter 2. Kelly Griffin (s) 3. Vanesha McGee 4. Deven Owsiany (s) 5. Kimber Rozier 6. Christy Ringgenberg 7. Victoria Folayan 8. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson (s) 9. Irene Gardner 10. Emilie Bydwell (s) 11. Nathalie Marchino (s) 12. Ryan Carlyle
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Ireland Tries: Marchino, Folayan Conversion: Rozier (2)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Schedule USA vs. New Zealand - Cup Semifinals - 7.56AM E.T. (Luzkniki Stadium)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Results USA 14 Ireland 5 (Cup Quarterfinals - June 30) USA 12 Brazil 7 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA 31 Fiji 5 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA 19 Spain 7 (Pool Stages - June 29)
Blackpool have accepted a bid from Cardiff for Thomas Ince, according to manager Paul Ince.
The 21-year-old is one of the most sought-after players in the Championship after making his name as a goalscoring midfielder at Bloomfield Road.
Cardiff are looking to strengthen their squad after promotion to the Barclays Premier League, but Paul Ince reckons it is only "50-50" his son will move on.
"Cardiff have come in massively for Thomas, the chairman's accepted the offer," he said in an interview with Blackpool's official Youtube channel.
"I'm not sure what the offer is because I've been away, but that's been accepted, so it's a case of when he comes back next week, Thomas, we'll sit down and see what he wants to do."
Blackpool have been on warm weather training in Portugal, but Thomas Ince was given extra time off because of his involvement with England Under-21s and is not due back at the club until a week on Monday.
Paul Ince added: "He loves it here. He said to me, 'I'm in no rush to get to the Premiership, I'm in no rush to leave Blackpool.
"I think it's 50-50 at the moment. It's a tricky one for me because obviously you want your son to be playing in the Premiership, but you obviously want your son to be playing with you.
"I feel as far as improvement there's still a long way for Thomas to go and will he get that if he went to the Premiership? I'm not too sure. I know what he needs because he's grown up with me. Another year wouldn't hurt him at Blackpool."
The centre half was positive about his season when he spoke at his Campus, which was attended by more than 90 children.
With his holidays about to start, Bartra insisted: “winning the European Under 21s has given me what I needed to relax now – now it’s time to refocus and start to prepare for the pre-season”
“I am very happy. It’s a great day for football, the town and the area”, explained Marc Bartra at the end of his football campus, which has been held in Sant Jaume dels Domenys since 25th June. Talking in front of the more than 90 children who attended the campus, Bartra claimed: “I didn’t expect this to be such a success – it’s fantastic to share your vision of the game with so many kids”.
It’s a dream to play at Barça
As the campus came to a close, Bartra explained “being a Barça player really attracts people and it’s been wonderful for the kids to share all this. I’m very happy with last season – it’s been a dream come true for me to be in the first team. There have been great moments and the hard ones will help me learn and continue to grow”.
European success
After winning the European Under 21s with Spain, Bartra will be taking a short break over the next few weeks, explaining: “winning the European Under 21s has given me what I needed to relax now – now it’s time to refocus and start to prepare for the pre-season”.
Danny Wilson will stay at Hearts at the end of his loan deal from Liverpool after the Scottish Premier Football League confirmed his registration will continue.
The Gorgie side, who entered administration earlier this month, had announced the 21-year-old would join them permanently on a three-year deal starting in July when his six-month loan expired.
However, the deal appeared to be off when administrators BDO came in to sort out the club's financial problems, with striker John Sutton made redundant on Thursday. Wilson agreed to take a pay cut to stay at Tynecastle.and the SPFL confirmed the deal would not count as a new registration, and would be allowed under their current embargo.
A statement on the official Hearts website said: "Heart of Midlothian FC is pleased to confirm that Danny Wilson is to remain at Tynecastle following his period on loan from Liverpool.
"The Scotland international's contract with the Anfield outfit expires today (Sunday, June 30) but he will keep featuring in maroon after the SPFL confirmed that his registration will continue.
"Although the current administration which the club is subject to has meant an embargo on new player registrations, as the 21-year-old is already registered with the club there is no restriction on his move from Liverpool to Hearts."
The SPFL confirmed Wilson would be allowed to remain with the Jambos. It said in a statement: "The SPFL Player Registration of Heart of Midlothian FC player Danny Wilson would, had he not agreed a contract extension, have terminated on 30 June.
"The SPFL has now received documents extending the contract of the player. As a result, the player's existing SPFL Registration is automatically extended and is not affected by the embargo on new SPFL Player Registrations currently in place on Heart of Midlothian FC as a result of Heart of Midlothian plc (in administration) being in administration."
Hearts manager Gary Locke was happy the situation had reached a positive outcome. He said: "I am really pleased. Danny was already due to be part of the team and the administration has made no difference to his status. I appreciate that there have been some difficult decisions made regarding player redundancies.
"But given that Danny has agreed to a wage cut and is happy to be playing for Hearts, this gives us an opportunity to improve the team for the forthcoming season so why wouldn't we jump at the chance to have him on our side?"
Lions 2013: Lions hopeful on Alex Corbisiero and Jamie Roberts By Bryn Palmer BBC Sport
The British and Irish Lions hope to have centre Jamie Roberts and prop Alex Corbisiero available for Saturday's final-Test decider against Australia.
Roberts has missed the first two Tests after tweaking a hamstring against New South Wales Waratahs on 15 June.
Corbisiero impressed in the opening win over Australia but a calf strain saw him miss Saturday's loss in Melbourne.
Analysis
Will Carling Former England captain
"The slight concern for the Lions is I am not sure where we are generating any momentum or breaking any of the Australian defence, who looked pretty comfortable for most of the game.
"We don't have the power players in the backs and we are still trying to play the power game. That seems to be where we have come unstuck. It will be fascinating to see who is fit for the final game and what the tactics are.
"I think we are going to have to be a little bit more creative and play with a bit more variety to win this series."
"Alex and Jamie will hopefully be right for full training on Wednesday," said defence coach Andy Farrell.
He added both players will first "train hard" on Monday, when the Lions are also expecting the results of a scan on Sam Warburton's injured hamstring.
If they confirm the worst fears around the captain's participation in Sydney, the tourists are likely to make at least three changes, possibly more, for the final Test.
Corbisiero is likely to reclaim the loose-head starting berth from Mako Vunipola, while Roberts - as well as Manu Tuilagi - will come into the midfield equation.
Either Sean O'Brien or Justin Tipuric would replace Warburton, with scrum-half Mike Phillips also fit to resume after an injection in his troublesome knee last week.
Wing George North was also reported to be "fine" after receiving treatment for a blow to the neck, while hooker Tom Youngs said a back spasm he suffered had settled down after "a lot of drugs" from the Lions doctor.
Roberts and Corbisiero will attempt to prove their fitness while the rest of the squad enjoy two days off at their Sunshine Coast base in Noosa, Queensland, having travelled north from Melbourne on Sunday.
Farrell conceded that Australia deserved to win Saturday's nailbiting second Test at the Etihad Stadium, but denied the Wallabies now enjoy the psychological advantage approaching the decider.
Lions down under 2013
Sat 1 June: Won 59-8 v Barbarians, Hong Kong
Wed 5 June: Won 69-17 v Western Force, Perth
Sat 8 June: Won 22-12 v Queensland Reds, Brisbane
Tue 11 June: Won 64-0 v Combined New South Wales-Queensland Country, Newcastle
Sat 15 June: Won 47-17 v New South Wales Waratahs, Sydney
Tue 18 June: Lost 14-12 v ACT Brumbies, Canberra
Sat 22 June: Won 23-21 v Australia, First Test, Brisbane
Tue 25 June: Won 35-0 v Melbourne Rebels, Melbourne
Sat 29 June: Lost 16-15 v Australia, Second Test, Melbourne
Sat 6 July: Australia, Third Test, Sydney
"We were lucky in the first game to get away with the win, and we could have won the second game, so I suppose you could say 1-1 is a fair way to look at it," he said.
"It is all on for the last one now. We have a couple of days off and lick our wounds before getting back into it.
"Everyone is aware of the size of the task and what is at stake. We all realise it is the biggest game of our lives.
"It was a do-or-die situation for Australia and they rose to the challenge. I thought they were deserved winners. But it was a one-point game, it could have gone either way and I think both teams will be confident going into next week.
"Big-game players normally produce when it counts, and it counts no more so than this weekend."
Farrell said he expected Leigh Halfpenny, who missed a long-range penalty from nearly 55m that would have won the series for the Lions with the last kick of the game, to suffer no ill effects from the missed opportunity.
"Leigh is a perfectionist," he added. "He is a little bit hurt but it would have been a miracle really if that kick had gone over. It was a hell of a long way out.
"He asks a lot of himself and the way he has been kicking, he would expect it to go over. But he had an excellent kicking game again."
Here's an overview of the top five stories of the year on FC Barcelona's official website
The 2012/13 season saw FC Barcelona run away with the league title in record fashion, and it also saw Barça fans flock to FC Barcelona’s official website to get the latest news on the Club. Here’s a quick look at the most read stories on fcbarcelona.com from the 2012/13 season:
1) Neymar da Silva to join FC Barcelona for the next five seasons
2) Neymar's first day as a Barça player
3) Live! All Details about FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 Awards
4) Messi’s son Thiago is born
5) Schedule for Neymar’s first day at FC Barcelona
Wayne Rooney has been encouraged to join Barcelona by Camp Nou new-boy Neymar as speculation continues to surround the future of the Manchester United striker.
England international Rooney, who has two years left on his contract, requested a transfer at the end of last season and has been linked with a £25million move to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea as a result.
Reports on Sunday claimed the former Everton youngster has held a secret meeting with David Moyes and has told the incoming United boss he will stay at Old Trafford if he gets a new deal to replicate his current big-money terms.
But ahead of the Confederations Cup final, Brazil star Neymar wants Rooney to follow in his footsteps and move to Spanish heavyweights Barcelona this summer.
Neymar said: "The style of football we [Barcelona] play and the level of the players we have - we are the perfect club for the top players to join.
"I have met Wayne on a few occasions and he seems a good guy but importantly, he is one of the players I admire most in the world.
"Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world.
"Of course he would improve Barcelona. He would improve any club in Europe. And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him."
As many as eleven Barça players could play a part in the Confederations Cup final between Brazil and Spain (12 am, Telecinco)
For Spain it’s a chance to win the competition for the first time while Brazil will looking to add to their three previous successes
Two of the best national sides in the world will be locked in a duel which many see as a pre-taste of the World Cup final in 2014. It promises to be a superb game of football with both teams boasting an embarrassment of talent. And fittingly on such an auspicious occasion, there are no fewer than eleven Barça players – nine for Spain and two for Brazil – who will be hoping to make the starting line-up tonight in the Maracaná (12 am, Telecinco).
A shaky road to the final
Both teams have made unexpectedly hard work of reaching the final, Spain needing a penalty shootout to get past Italy in the semi-finals – albeit a penalty shootout that will be long remembered for the quality of the spot kicks. The match itself failed to produce a goal in 120 minutes but four Barça players (Xavi, Iniesta, Piqué and Busquets) were among the seven players to send Spain through 7-6 on penalties.
In the other semi-final, Brazil conceded an early penalty to Uruguay and Neymar and Alves could only look on as Fórlan took the spot kick – it was saved by Julio Cesar. Fred put Brazil ahead just before halftime after Uruguay keeper Muslera could only block Neymar’s goal-bound effort. Cavani got a second half equaliser but a late Neymar corner headed in by Paulinho gave Brazil a place in the final.
Eight previous meetings
Spain and Brazil have met in five competitive matches and three friendlies. The last time was in an exhibition match in Vigo. On that occasion Barça was represented by Guardiola, Abelardo, Sergi and Luis Enrique for Spain and club team-mate Rivaldo for Brazil. The match ended goalless.
Brazil has had the better of the encounters with four wins, two defeats and two draws. The stage is set for a mouth-watering final in the new Maracaná – and whatever the result, the Barça contingent of Neymar, Alves, Andrés Iniesta, Piqué, Xavi and Busquets etc is a guarantee of spectacle on a grand scale.
Ben Davies believes Swansea's £10million valuation of Ashley Williams is more than justified.
Williams has been heavily linked with summer moves to Liverpool or Arsenal, although Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins has stated the club have not received any offers for their defensive lynchpin.
Williams is under contract until 2015 and Swansea are understandably keen to hold on to the 28-year-old, who has regularly captained the side since their promotion to the Premier League. Arsenal were considered favourites to secure the signature of the Wales captain, but reports have suggested the Gunners have baulked at the asking price for Williams.
But left-back Davies, who flourished playing alongside his international skipper last season, believes the required fee should come as little surprise.
He said: "Last season I would say Ash was one of the best centre-halves in the Premier League, I cannot think of many who were better than him. The job he did was incredible. A price of £10million or more to sign him is completely justified.
"You see some of the money that gets spent in this league on players who are unproven in the Premier League. I think £10million is more than a fair price."
Swansea have strengthened their defensive ranks with the acquisition of Jordi Amat from Espanyol in a £2.5million deal, but Davies believes it is vital they manage to hang on to Williams.
He said: "You could see last season how good he was for us and he would be a massive loss. At the moment he is still a Swansea player and hopefully that will stay the same, but if he does leave for another club we will have to adapt quickly, We have Jordi Amat coming in as a new signing and hopefully he can be as good as, if not better than him, if it comes down to it."
He added: "Ash gave me a lot of confidence on the pitch and the transition from Swansea to playing for Wales was made a lot easier as I played with him every week.
"He is a great player and a great captain, he is always there to talk to, and if you have to say something he is happy to take it."
England made another miserable tournament exit as Peter Taylor's side crashed out of the the Under-20 World Cup in Turkey following a 2-0 loss to Egypt.
Needing a victory to advance from the group stage after starting their campaign with successive draws, England failed to make their superiority count and were doomed once Trezeguet curled Egypt in front 11 minutes from time.
Ross Barkley had been denied before the break and Eric Dier did curl a free-kick against the bar midway through the second half before Harry Kane fluffed a golden chance to level, but Hassan Ahmed's stoppage-time effort piled further humiliation onto an England outfit that slumped to the bottom of Group E as Iraq and Chile advanced.
England have now gone 16 matches without a win at this level and a summer that promised so much will instead trigger another bout of navel-gazing.
There are many what-if moments in football. What if the Munich air disaster never happened, would Manchester United have more European Cups? What if Brazil 1970 faced Spain 2008-13? What if Barcelona had appointed Jose Mourinho instead of Pep Guardiola? What if Cuneyt Cakir didn’t send Nani off earlier this year against Real Madrid? Thankfully, one massive what-if moment has been avoided. Spain, the World and double European champions possessing the greatest side in history, against Brazil, the most prestigious national team in the world. So far, World football has missed out, but on July 1, 2013 at the Maracana in Rio, in the Confederations Cup final, we will finally get what we all have been fantasizing about for years. It promises to be brilliant, but it will be 2 very, very different national teams and ideologies.
Brazil are the traditional major entertainers on the world stage. With 5 times as many World Cups as La Furia Roja, and with a history of having Pele, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Kaka in their teams, they are very much the game’s poster team. However they rely on individuality, with Neymar the overwhelming hope for the competition and a side that relies heavily on brilliant moments from its players, rather than a cohesive style, like Spain. People in the country have been stunned watching Spain’s immense fluidity and tiki-taka has been like a new Beautiful Game to the Brazilians, unlike any they’ve ever seen. Spain possess many world-class talents, some of the greatest ever like Xavi, Iniesta and Casillas, but there is no Messi, no Ronaldo, no Ibrahimovic. It’s a team that lacks that overwhelming attacking talent, but they still remain near-invincible in major tournaments. Their cohesiveness will never be equaled in today’s world of players playing abroad and international teams meeting 2 days before a match and leaving the following day. This is a game in which Spain will hold the ball, spread it around, while Brazil will hope for magic from Neymar, Oscar or Fred.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has done one hell of a job at this tournament. He has brought out the best in Neymar, organized the team and got them peaking at the right time, traits similar to the ones that won the 2002 World Cup. He has kept expectations relatively low (barely possible at a home World Cup
for the Selecao) and has ensure no one’s getting carried away. In Thiago Silva he has the world’s best defender alongside the much-improved David Luiz and by including Paulinho and Luiz Gustavo he has allowed Marcelo and Dani Alves to bomb forward from full-back. What I want is to see him drop Hulk in favour of Lucas Moura, with the PSG player quicker and a more exciting prospect in my opinion This is an in-form and highly motivated Brazil team, but one still filled with errors. Vicente Del Bosque, on the other hand, has just carried on the good work from the past, with his abandonment of the double pivot the major change in the team. Spain should bring Javi Martinez in for the game in Rio- he provides physical strength and can help on set-pieces. Against Italy, they struggled for possession, something so un-Spanish it sounds weird to say (only 54%!). Del Bosque must also start Jesus Navas to pin Marcelo and Alves back, with the 2 full-backs key to the game. Del Bosque can consider playing without a striker, as Brazil’s intense pressing likely to mean more Spanish representation in midfield. With a plethora of talent in reserve (Mata, Cazorla, Villa, Torres, Fabregas) he knows he can always make a change.
While this is a good Brazil side, this is one hell of a Spanish side. I expect Spain to give Brazil a lesson in football, and win comfortably, in my opinion 3-1.
The Women’s Eagles Sevens scored five tries to secure their second Pool C win at the Rugby World Cup, thanks to a 31-5 victory over Fiji inside Gorodok Stadium.
“We knew Fiji would be very physical, and we were ready for them,” commented Head Coach Ric Suggitt. “Credit to all twelve of our players for performing their roles--they really got the team going”.
The Eagles kicked off deep via Kimberly Rozier, and a great tackle in the corner by Victoria Folayan, gave the USA a 5-meter lineout. The set piece was excellent, and the ball went wide to winger Folayan who got past her defender to score for the Eagles after only 36 seconds played.
Rozier kicked the conversion and the USA led 7-0.
Following the restart, Fiji were awarded a scrum in the center of the field, near their 22-meter. Solid hussle from the Eagles disrupted the Fijian possession, and it was livewire Christy Ringgenberg who dove over to score the Eagles second try. The conversion missed, with the USA holding an early 12-0 lead.
Fiji eventually got their hands on the ball and winger Suliana Batirau Gusuivalu raced away to score for the Pacific Islanders. The conversion was unsuccessful, with the Eagles leading 12-5 with three minutes to play in the half.
Coach Suggitt inserted a few of his substitutes, bringing in Kelly Griffin and Deven Owsiany.
Fiji managed to retain the restart, and it took another superb Folayan tackle at sweeper to hault the forward momentum. Jillion Potter then stretched her legs and made a fantastic 60-meter run for the Eagles. Support arrived in numbers, and the ball eventually found Griffin into space. She touched down to score and together with Rozier’s conversion, they gave the Eagles breathing room at 19-5.
After halftime substitute Vanesha McGee used her speed down the touchline, and was very close to scoring but barely had a foot out and was called out-of-bounds.
Fiji tried to spark some magic, working their way to the Eagles 22-meter. Excellent defense led to a turnover for the USA, and McGee found open space on the outside. She earned the corner around the last defender and scored for the Eagles. Rozier added the extras and the Eagles took a 26-5 lead.
Moments later the Fijians were on attack again, and looked certain to score, but superb team defense saw another steal for the Eagles, as McGee sent Johnson down the touchline. The youngster used her speed and stamina to score a classic in the corner.
The Eagles were full value for their excellent 31-5 victory, and will play their final Pool C match against Spain at 12.00 PM E.T Saturday, June 29 inside Luzhniki Stadium. Earlier today they defeated Brazil 12-5, while Spain tied Fiji 14-14.
“Now we are going to have a good break and get ready for Spain” said Suggitt.
Watch the USA vs. Spain live on thewww.rwcsevens.com as well as broadcast onUniversal Sports. Coverage on Universal Sports will begin on June 29 at 1:00 AM E.T. and June 30 at 1:30 AM E.T.
Follow live updates on Twitter from the official USA Rugby account (@USARugby) and read game recaps onwww.usarugby.org/rwc2013 andwww.rwcsevens.com. Join the conversation using #RWC7s.
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Fiji 1. Jillion Potter 2. Kelly Griffin (s) 3. Vanesha McGee (s) 4. Deven Owsiany (s) 5. Kimberly Rozier 6. Christine Ringgenberg 7. Victoria Folayan 8. Kathryn "KJ" Johnson (s) 9. Irene Gardner 10. Emilie Bydwell 11. Nathalie Marchino (s) 12. Ryan Carlyle
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Rugby World Cup 2013 | vs. Fiji Tries: Folayan, Ringgenberg, Griffin, McGee, Johnson Conversion: Rozier (3)
Women’s Eagles Sevens | Schedule USA 12 Brazil 7 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA 31 Fiji 5 (Pool Stages - June 29) USA vs. Spain 12.00 PM E.T Saturday June 29 [Luzhniki Stadium]
Carlos Tevez risks being handed a suspended prison sentence if he does not fulfil his community service order for motoring offences, celebrity lawyer Nick Freeman has warned.
Tevez was this week sold by Manchester City to Juventus but the Argentinian striker, who has signed a three-year deal with the Italian giants, still has to complete the court order he was handed in April for driving while disqualified and without insurance.
Although he has started to fulfil the 250 hours of unpaid work he was ordered to do by Macclesfield Magistrates Court, the vast majority is still outstanding. Tevez's legal team confirmed it will ensure he "bides by the rules" but it remains to be seen when he will serve the rest of his punishment with pre-season training at Juventus set to begin on July 12.
Freeman, a lawyer known as 'Mr Loophole' who has represented numerous sporting figures accused of motoring offences, outlined the process and options now facing Tevez and warned that the former City player could yet face a custodial sentence if the matter is not resolved.
Freeman told BBC Radio 5 Live: "He's officially allowed to complete 35 hours a week (of community service). I think the best thing his lawyers could do would be to contact the probation service and implore them to allow him to complete 60 or 70 hours a week.
"Because if he goes back to the judge whenever the date is fixed, which is obviously before July 12, and says 'I haven't done very many' the judge will not be impressed.
"The order would need to be revoked and the judge would re-sentence him and unless he seriously impresses the judge, the judge is not going to look upon him benevolently and the sort of sentence he is likely to receive is one of custody."
On what would happen if Tevez did not complete his community service, Freeman said: "What would happen is there would be breach proceedings, they would obviously succeed and eventually there would be a warrant out for his arrest unless he came back to the court and face the music."
On the possibility of Tevez facing jail in England in the worst-case scenario, Freeman added: "I think if he does as I'm suggesting he will end up with a suspended prison sentence.
"If he manages to complete the vast majority of hours, the judge may be persuaded to revoke the order and impose a financial penalty in its alternative, but only if there is a very small number of remaining hours."
