Italy’s midfielder Daniele De Rossi (L) heads the ball to score past Japan’s goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima during their FIFA Confederations Cup Brazil 2013 Group A football match, at the Pernambuco Arena in Recife, on June 19, 2013. Italy booked their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup with a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win. –AFP

Italy booked their place in the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup here Wednesday with a thrilling come-from-behind 4-3 win over Japan that also sent Brazil into the last four.

The Italians looked to be heading for a shock defeat after going 2-0 down to Japan midway through the first half, with Keisuke Honda rolling in a 21st-minute penalty before Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa doubled the lead for the Asian champions.

However Italy fought back with a three-goal blast either side of half-time, courtesy of goals from Daniele De Rossi, an own-goal from Atsuto Uchida and a Mario Balotelli spot-kick to make it 3-2.

Japan levelled at 3-3 courtesy of a thumping header from Shinji Okazaki on 69 minutes before Italy substitute Sebastian Giovinco slotted the winner four minutes from time.

The result saw Japan eliminated from Group A along with Mexico. –AFP

RELIABLE GUARDIANS: Sarawak’s defensive quartet of Ramesh Lai Ban Huat (far right), Mafry Balang, Hairol Mokhtar (far left) and Ronny Harun (second from right) in action against Sime Darby FC recently. Putting up impressive performances so far, they are expected to resume their usual duties tomorrow.

KUCHING: A tricky encounter awaits Sarawak at Larkin Stadium, Johor Bharu as Sarawak take on Johor in the Premier League tomorrow.

After a long break, league leaders Sarawak will look to maintain their unbeaten streak in the league although head coach Robert Alberts admits that the task will not be easy.

“Through my assessment, Johor is a team who scores a lot in the league but concedes a lot as well.

“I believe the players know very well what is needed to be done,” he said to The Borneo Post yesterday.

With the players all fired up, Alberts commented that the team have no problems finding the motivation to win the coming matches, especially the one against Johor.

“Minus the ones still nursing long term injuries, all players are fit and ready to go. There will be no lack of motivation from our camp here,” he added.

Alberts is expected to start with the usual line up against Johor with Bobby Gonzales and Muamer Salibasic resuming their hitmen roles and Guy Bwele in the midfield. Midfielder Junior Eldstal will likely start for the next match after he was exempted from national duties with the Malaysia U23 team in Europe. Joseph Kallang Tie and Zamri Morshidi should resume their duties on the flanks.

Sani Anuar Kamsani is expected to start between the posts together with the on-form defensive quartet of Ramesh Lai Ban Huat, Mafry Balang, Hairol Mokhtar and Ronny Harun. The 4.45pm match will also be televised live on Astro.

Rashid Aya, who played for the Crocs last season, is expected to face his former team but him in Johor colours this time.

With 47 goals scored and 20 goals conceded so far, Johor are certainly looking for a revival to their Super League promotion ambition provided Sime Darby FC lose all their remaining matches and Johor winning all theirs.

With three more matches left to be played, Sime Darby FC are second place in the league with 45 points while Johor are third place with 39 points.

Sarawak will only need to win the next two matches to be crowned Premier League champions.

After the clash against Johor, Sarawak will play Kuala Lumpur at home next Monday in what will be their last home league match of the season.

Irate South Korean fans hurled water bottles and other debris after Iran booked their ticket with a 1-0 smash-and-grab win in Ulsan, following a tetchy build-up between the two teams.

South Korea also accused Iran coach Carlos Queiroz of making an obscene hand gesture at his rival Choi Kang-Hee, and said they expected a FIFA investigation. No comment was immediately available from Queiroz.

A South Korean newspaper condemned Iran’s players and officials, but made little mention of their own fans’ poor behaviour.

“When their victory was confirmed, all the Iranian players ran towards the South Korean bench, pumping their fists and making insulting gestures,” the Sport Chosun daily wrote in an editorial.

“There was no respect for the opposing team. They were not merely celebrating their victory. They stuck their tongues out at the crowd and jeered at them. They insulted and mocked South Korean soccer. The spirit of fair play and sportsmanship were completely forgotten,” the paper added.

“Those who are only good at playing games but have no respect for sportsmanship do not deserve to go to the World Cup.”

But some South Korean fans took to microblogging site Twitter with a different view of events.

“The water bottles thrown out to Iranian player showed to the whole world how ugly we are as a nation,” tweeted one, úulgongja.

Another, úkcs9618, said: “I felt awful when seeing the Iranian players running around the stadium with their flag. But it felt even more awful seeing South Koreans throwing bottles towards them.”

It emerged after that South Korea had also qualified as Uzbekistan, despite beating Qatar 5-1, just missed out on goal difference. The Uzbeks will now face Jordan, 1-0 victors over Oman thanks to Ahmad Ibrahim’s 57th-minute goal, in a play-off.

Australia left it late before substitute striker Josh Kennedy earned a 1-0 win over Iraq in Sydney, enough to take the Socceroos through to their third successive World Cup.

“I’m sorry it wasn’t pretty, but we beat them… Let’s look at the positives tonight – we’re going to Brazil!” said captain Lucas Neill.

Iran, South Korea and Australia now join Japan, the Asian Cup-holders who booked their ticket a fortnight ago, at next year’s World Cup as the only countries to have qualified alongside hosts Brazil.

Although all four Asian qualifiers are familiar names at the World Cup, the year-long elimination process has been hard-fought and came down to the last week of the final group stage.

Tensions were high on Tuesday and especially in Ulsan, where South Korea had promised to “make life painful” for Iran and to draw “tears of blood” from their captain, Javad Nekounam.

Ex-Middlesbrough striker Lee Dong-Gook tested Rahman Ahmadi with a stinging attempt from distance but despite dominating the first half, South Korea struggled to create clear chances.

Iran started the second period with more ambition and on 59 minutes, they were suddenly in front thanks to a defensive howler from Kim Young-Gwon and the alert thinking of Reza Ghoochannejhad.

Defender Kim failed to make a simple clearance on the touchline and had his pocket picked by Ghoochannejhad, who scampered goalwards and bent a left-footed shot around Jung Sung-Ryong.

South Korea pressed desperately for the equaliser and Kim Young-Gwon nearly made amends for his mistake but put a free header wide near the end. Lee Keun-Ho also came close to scoring in injury time.

“It was a very difficult match. We knew that we played a great team,” Queiroz said. “My team played with a realistic approach, to try and wait for a weak point in the Korean team and with a counter-attacking attitude.”

South Korea’s Choi, who is now stepping down from the job, preferred not to talk about his row with Queiroz.

“I am not going to comment on that. After this loss, whatever I say may sound like an excuse,” said Choi.

In Tashkent, Uzbekistan needed a hatful of goals but they went behind when a botched pass out of defence gave Abdulqadir Ilyas an easy chance on 36 minutes.

Uzbekistan took up residence in Qatari territory and they finally got their reward through substitute striker Bahodir Nasimov’s toe-poke on 60 minutes. Oleg Zoteev’s dribble and shot put Uzbekistan in front on 72 minutes, and the massed fans at Bunyodkor Stadium dared to dream when Nasimov scored their third from close range two minutes later.

Late strikes from Odil Ahmedov and Ulugbek Bakaev raised excitement to fever pitch but the clock quickly ticked through injury time and the former Soviet republic were kept waiting for a first foray to football’s biggest stage.

Earlier in Sydney, Australia wasted countless chances in wet conditions before coach Holger Osieck replaced a visibly angry Tim Cahill with Kennedy in the 77th minute.

The towering Nagoya Grampus striker justified the substitution when he saved the day with a clinical, 83rd-minute header that not only sent the 80,000 crowd wild, but also dispatched his team to next year’s World Cup. — AFP

Some 250,000 people took to the streets of major cities on Monday to protest against public transport price hikes and the billions of dollars invested in major sporting events at the alleged expense of health and education.

The demonstrations are the biggest Brazil has witnessed in 20 years and come at a time when the country is desperate to prove it is prepared to host events such as the Confederations Cup and next year’s World Cup.

Although the protest marches have been largely peaceful, there have been several clashes between protesters and police.

“I’m in favour of demonstrations without violence,” Luiz said during a press conference prior to Brazil’s match against Mexico in Fortaleza.

“Citizens have a right to express their opinions and the fact they’re not happy. It’s a way of achieving their demands and improving the situation in the country.”

Luiz left Brazil to join Portuguese giants Benfica in 2007, before signing for Chelsea four years later, but he says that matters in his homeland remain close to his heart.

“I’m Brazilian, even though I live abroad, and I always hope that Brazil will progress,” he said.

“The demonstrators are fighting for health and education. We need unity. We hope that we can reach a consensus and that the future will be better. Of course, we’re not happy when we see the violence.”

Luiz’s national teammate Dani Alves, the Barcelona full-back, also gave his backing to the protesters, who are mostly young people.

On his Instagram online photo-sharing account, he posted a picture of a human eye made to resemble the yellow and green national flag, with the motto “Order and Progress” written across the pupil.

“Order and Progress without violence for a better Brazil, a peaceful Brazil, an educated, healthy, honest and happy Brazil,” he wrote.

Hulk echoed his colleagues’ comments but rejected the notion that the demonstrations represented a protest against the World Cup.

“Today, I have a privileged social position, but I don’t forget that I come from a poor background,” said the Zenit Saint Petersburg forward, who grew up in the impoverished Nordeste region, where Fortaleza is located.

“They are right to protest. What they say and what they hope for is in the right direction. We have to listen to what they say.

“Brazil needs to progress in lots of areas and that’s why we support them. We know they’re telling the truth.”

He added: “It’s a triumph for Brazil to have the World Cup. There are millions of people who love football in this country.”

Later, striker Fred joined the chorus of support for the protesters, writing on Twitter: “I’m totally in support of the demonstration, as long as it’s democratic and peaceful.

“I’m very proud to watch the people fighting to change the standards of public transport, health, education and so many other problems.”

He added: “My big concern is that the protest is legitimate, without violence, always focused on the fight for rights without losing perspective. Almost anything is justified for a better Brazil – except vandalism.”

Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said the demonstrations “do not interfere” with the squad’s work and supported the players’ right to express their feelings.

“The players have complete freedom to give their opinion on whatever subject, each of them assuming their own responsibilities, of course,” he said.

“We don’t forbid anything, although you also have to take into account the interests of the national team.

“But it’s important that athletes express themselves, because this separation (with the wider world) has ceased to exist.” — AFP

Jupp Heynckes stood down as Bayern coach at the start of June having steered the Bavarian giants to an historic treble, becoming the first German club to win the league, cup and European titles in the same season.

Not even the great Bayern team of the 1970s matched the feat when they won three European Cup titles in consecutive seasons from 1974-76.

Munich have reached the Champions League final three times in the last four seasons and Heynckes is backing Guardiola to build on Bayern’s success, insisting the Spaniard’s appointment is the “right decision for a new generation”.

“I wish Guardiola the very best and lots of success, because his team was mine,” said the 68-year-old Heynckes, 26 years Guardiola’s senior.

“I would be happy if Bayern win the Bundesliga and the Champions League again.”

Having won 14 titles, out of a possible 19, in four seasons at Barcelona, this will be Guardiola’s first appointment after a year’s break with his family in New York, where, according to his brother, he has been learning German diligently.

Bayern have stressed Monday’s opening press conference at Munich’s Allianz Arena will be in German with Guardiola set to show off his hard-earned language skills from the start.

“Pep’s done it like he always does things, obsessively. Four hours, every day, like a madman,” his brother Pere Guardiola told magazine Spiegel, revealing how a German tutor was at the Spaniard’s side on a recent trip to Europe.

Guardiola inherits a Bayern team in the rudest of health, ahead of his first training session on June 26, after the team broke or equalled 25 Bundesliga records, dropping just 11 points in the league last season.

Having signed from arch-rivals Borussia Dortmund, Germany midfielder Mario Goetze will only serve to strengthen a squad stacked with talent, once his hamstring injury has healed.

Both new additions centre-back Dante and defensive midfielder Javi Martinez were outstanding in their first season at Bayern, while Franck Ribery dazzled on the left wing and Thomas Mueller made the right flank his own.

Only injury to Toni Kroos forced Mueller to move into central midfield, allowing Arjen Robben to come off the bench to return to the right wing and the Dutchman went on to score the winning goal in the Champions League final.

Guardiola is unlikely to make too many initial changes, according to his friend and former Barcelona team-mate Abelardo Fernandez.

“I think he will come in, make a personal assessment of the team and will analyse each player,” the 43-year-old former defender told the Bundesliga website.

“He knows, of course, that it will be incredibly hard to top this incredible season by Jupp Heynckes.

“But he also knows that he has, just as he had at Barcelona, a huge squad and great conditions to attack the targets he has been set.

“If he had any doubts, you can be sure he wouldn’t have accepted the new challenge.

“There are parallels between Barcelona and Bayern.

“They are both historic clubs with a huge history and he knows they develop players.

“Players like Philipp Lahm, Holger Badstuber, Thomas Mueller or Bastian Schweinsteiger came up through the system. That’s something he would like.”

Having removed Samuel Eto’o, Deco and Ronaldinho from the squad in his first season at Barcelona in 2008, Guardiola has shown he is not afraid to axe players not guaranteed first-team football.

The likes of striker Mario Gomez, who has already been linked to Italy, and to some extent even Robben, may soon be looking for employment elsewhere.

“He will look at the squad and then make decisions,” said Fernandez.

“Additions and disposals are part of the business.

“That will not be much difference at Bayern than at any other club.

“Still, it is a big squad and they aren’t Champions League winners for nothing.” — AFP

The Spaniards dominated throughout but after Pedro Rodriguez’s deflected opener had cause to be grateful to Roberto Soldado’s 32nd-minute clincher as Luis Suarez netted a late freekick for the Uruguayans.

Although the Uruguayans came closer to pinching a point than they deserved, Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque was exultant afterwards as his side laid the foundation for reaching the last four from a group also containing Uruguay and minnows Tahiti.

“These are three magnificent points which stand us in great stead when it comes to reaching the semi-finals,” said Del Bosque.

“It was a great match played out in conditions which sapped the players’ strength,” he added, referring to the warm, humid weather.

“We dominated almost the whole match but the margin was a slim one in the event. At 2-0 we thought we had it won already and we stepped off the gas a little.”

Uruguay counterpart Oscar Tabarez said: “Spain were superior and they deserved to win – we lacked a bit of discipline. In the second half it was a little more balanced as we dug deep to play for our pride.”

Cesc Fabregas came within the width of a post from giving Spain the lead in the 10th minute with a low strike before the favourites made the breakthrough after just 20 minutes – Lady Luck smiling on them as Diego Lugano deflected home Pedro’s shot to bamboozle keeper Fernando Muslera.

As is their habit, Spain were giving the Uruguayans almost no chance to touch the ball in the opening quarter and Xavi almost made it two when he sent a freekick whizzing just off target after 26 minutes. Without the ball, Uruguay grew frustrated and resorted to some strong-arm tactics as first Edinson Cavani earned a booking for clattering into Sergio Ramos as they challenged for a header.

Ramos responded by shoving Gaston Ramirez before Uruguayan Cristian Rodriguez caught Jordi Alba with his elbow.

Suarez, in the news for intimating he would be partial to a move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, tried to rally the Celeste, who qualified for this event by winning the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, finding Cavani with a freekick, but the latter’s header was too close to Iker Casillas.

Del Bosque elected to keep faith with his veteran keeper despite Casillas missing a chunk of the second half of the season with a hand injury – once he had recovered the then Real coach Jose Mourinho left him on the bench.

After 32 minutes it was 2-0 courtesy of beautiful vision from Fabregas, who shimmied away from two defenders, then played in Soldado, who took one touch before drilling the ball into the roof of the net.

Uruguay made a change at the break with Ramirez giving way to Alvaro Gonzalez but Spain were still on fire as Xavi and Iniesta interlinked brilliantly before Xavi’s flick fed Pedro and his cross just eluded the diving Soldado.

Pedro then mishit an effort wide after a neat Fabregas through ball sent Alba into space.

With 20 minutes left Uruguay sent on veteran striker Diego Forlan for Diego Perez. That sparked a revival of sorts for the South Americans and Suarez drove home a curling freekick with two minutes remaining to give the scoreline a more respectable look and also join Forlan as his country’s joint all-time scorer on 33 goals. Spain came to the event having already become the only team in history to win three major events on the bounce – the 2010 World Cup sandwiched by Euro 2008 and 2012.

A win in this dress rehearsal for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil would see the Spanish join Argentina and France as the only countries to win the trio of World Cup, the Olympics and the Confederations Cup. — AFP

GOOD NEWS: Ravington at a press conference to name players selected for the next phase of the National Training Squad at the National Hockey Stadium, Bukit Jalil in this file photo. — Bernama photo

National coach to stay put until World Hockey League Semifinals in Johor Baharu

PUTRAJAYA: Paul Revington has decided to withhold his decision to resign as the National hockey team’s head coach, at least until the World Hockey League Semifinals in Johor Baharu.

The World League, qualifier for the World Cup next year, will be played in Johor Baharu from June 29 to July 7.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin who made the announcement after emerging from a closed door meeting with Revington at his ministry, yesterday, said he was happy that the South African coach had decided to stay put for now.

“He has managed the National team very well and I am happy that he has decided to stay. The team is progressing well and the players have high regards and respect for Revington. We do not want the team to lose the momentum now and preparations for the World League affected,” he said.

Khairy said during the meeting which lasted for about 20 odd minutes yesterday, Revington had also agreed to reconsider his decision to quit, even after the World League Semifinals.

“He may continue to coach the National team even after the World League Semifinals, just that I will have to meet the others involved before a final decision is made,” he said. Khairy said he had told Revington that he (Khairy) would personally look into the issue and try to resolve the matter with the help of the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) President Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah.

He also urged National Sports Council (NSC) director-general Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong to continue his meeting with the MHC, scheduled for today.

“I do not want to view the issue with a micro manage approach. I can understand his (Revington) views and concern. As for his future, we need to deal the matter with other individuals in the confederation,” he said.

Revington, the former Ireland head coach who was voted the World’s Best Hockey Coach in 2011 by the Federation International Hockey (FIH), had on Saturday tendered his resignation, alleging interference from National Junior coach Muhamad Dharmaraj Abdullah and 1MAS development programme director Lim Chiow Chuan, after about six months in the hot seat. — Bernama

Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas fails to prevent Uruguay forward Luis Suarez scoring from a free-kick on June 16, 2013. World champions Spain got their Confederations Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 win. -AFP photo

World champions Spain got their Confederations Cup campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 win over South American champions Uruguay in the northern Brazilian city of Recife.

The Spaniards dominated throughout but after Pedro Rodriguez’s opener deflected had cause to be grateful to Pedro Soldado’s 32nd-minute clincher as Luis Suarez netted a late freekick for the Uruguayans.

Cesc Fabregas came within the width of a post from giving Spain the lead in the 10th minute with a low strike before the favourites made the breakthrough after just 20 minutes — Lady Luck smiling on them as Diego Lugano deflected home Pedro’s shot to bamboozle keeper Fernando Muslera.

As is their habit, Spain were giving the Uruguayans almost no chance to touch the ball in the opening quarter and Xavi almost made it two when he sent a freekick whizzing just off target after 26 minutes.

Without the ball, Uruguay grew frustrated and resorted to some strong-arm tactics as first Edinson Cavani earned a booking for clattering into Sergio Ramos as they challenged for a header.

Ramos responded by shoving Gaston Ramirez before Uruguayan Cristian Rodriguez caught Jordi Alba with his elbow.

Suarez, in the news for intimating he would be partial to a move from Liverpool to Real Madrid, tried to rally the Celeste, who qualified for this event by winning the 2011 Copa America in Argentina, finding Cavani with a freekick, but the latter’s header was too close to Iker Casillas.

Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque elected to keep faith with his veteran keeper despite Casillas missing a chunk of the second half of the season through injury — once he had recovered the then Real coach Jose Mourinho left him on the bench.

After 32 minutes it was 2-0 courtesy of beautiful vision from Fabregas, who shimmied away from two defenders, then played in Soldado, who took one touch before drilling the ball into the roof of the net.

Uruguay made a change at the break with Ramirez giving way to Alvaro Gonzalez but Spain were still on fire as Xavi and Iniesta interlinked brilliantly before Xavi’s flick fed Pedro and his cross just eluded the diving Soldado.

Pedro then mishit an effort wide after a neat Fabregas through ball sent Alba into space.

With 20 minutes left Uruguay sent on veteran striker Diego Forlan for Diego Perez.

That sparked a revival of sorts for the South Americans and Suarez drove home a curling freekick with two minutes remaining to give the scoreline a more respectable look.

Spain came to the event having already become the only team in history to win three major events on the bounce – the 2010 World Cup sandwiched by Euro 2008 and 2012.

A win in this dress rehearsal for next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil would see the Spanish join Argentina and France as the only countries to win the trio of World Cup, the Olympics and the Confederations Cup. -AFP

DREaM START: Brazil’s Neymar scores a goal during their Confederations Cup Group A soccer match against Japan at Estadio Nacional in Brasilia. — Reuters photo

BRAS LIA: Neymar inspired Brazil to a 3-0 win over Japan on Saturday as the five-time world champions made a perfect start to their bid to clinch a third successive Confederations Cup title.

Brazil won the competition in 1997, as well as the 2005 and 2009 editions, although their ensuing World Cup performances left much to be desired.

With next year’s World Cup on home soil for the first time since 1950, this year’s vintage are bent on winning both tournaments, if only to send a message out to Pele, who said before Saturday’s game the current squad are not good enough.

Neymar, who has just in the past month switched to Pele’s famous but historically onerous number 10 shirt, lived entirely up to the hype as he scored a brilliant opening goal after just three minutes.

He went on to lead the Japanese defence a merry dance before Paulinho and Jo made the points safe after the break.

“Neymar is a great player, a real star who is going to make the difference,” said Brazil coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Neymar added: “Fred collected the ball and laid it off, I connected full on and happily the ball found the target.”

Japan skipper Makoto Hasebe earned a booking from Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca for fouling his rival in first-half injury-time.

A 67,400 crowd, who roundly booed FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff beforehand following protests at the amount of money being spent on sports events, were entranced by Neymar’s stunning opener.

The new Barcelona star hit a thunderbolt past Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima after Real Madrid defender Marcelo had crossed languidly from the left.

Bustling centre forward Fred chested down for Neymar to drill in from 20 metres into the top corner and leave the Asian champions stunned.

Buoyed by that, Brazil started to boss the show against a Japanese side they had thrashed 4-0 in their last meeting, an October friendly in Poland.

Hulk, marauding in a three-pronged attack with Neymar and Fred, almost made it 2-0 four minutes before the break but his shot found only the side netting.

If Alberto Zaccheroni’s Japanese, who included in their ranks a raft of Europe-based talent including Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa and CSKA Moscow’s Keisuke Honda, hoped they had weathered the storm in limiting the damage to one goal at the break they were to be soon disabused.

There were three minutes on the second-half clock when attacking full-back Dani Alves slung over a perfectly weighted pass for Paulinho to hit a low drive that Kawashima could only help into the roof of his net.

Japan desperately sought to respond, Shinji Okazaki of Stuttgart firing wide before Zaccheroni made his first change on 50 minutes, sending on Ryoichi Maeda in place of Hiroshi Kiyotake, moving Okazaki out to the right with Maeda in a more central role.

Maeda brought a smart stop from Julio Cesar in the Brazil goal on entering the fray.

He then tried a left-footer which the Queens Park Rangers shot-stopper smothered well after Honda, who scored the penalty against Australia which saw Japan become the first country to seal World Cup qualification just prior to coming to Brazil, had a free-kick charged down.

Kagawa was despondent as Japan struggled to find their feet having only been in the country barely three days after completing their successful World Cup qualifying programme in Doha last Tuesday with a win over Iraq. — AFP

“They have suffered a complete defeat by the football kingdom Brazil,” the Nippon TV network said in a noontime news programme hours after the Confederations Cup opener in Brasilia ended in the early morning Japan time.

The phrase was echoed by other media outlets as they reacted to the heavy loss to the five-time world champions.

Kyodo News recalled that Japan’s key players had vowed to use the tournament, which comprises the best teams of each continent, as a springboard for next year’s World Cup, also in Brazil.

“But after Brazil brought Japan crashing back down to earth on Saturday, the Asian champions might be thinking twice,” it said.

CSKA Moscow and Japan midfield dynamo Keisuke Honda agreed.

“It was a complete defeat today. We must realise where we are in terms of capability,” he told Japanese television. “But we still have two games left so we need to refocus ourselves.”

The Blue Samurai had wished to do better than a 4-0 loss to Brazil in a friendly in neutral Poland last October, but instead now have eight defeats with two draws in 10 games against the South Americans.

“There’s just too big of a gap in individual quality,” said Inter-Milan defender Yuto Nagatomo. “Look at it this way: is anyone on Japan good enough to play for Brazil? The answer is no, not one.”

“If each and every one of us doesn’t try to become the best player he can possibly be, we won’t be able to bridge the gap in the year ahead.”

Japan became the first nation to qualify for the 2014 World Cup along with hosts Brazil when they finished at the top of an Asian group this month.

Coached by former AC Milan boss Alberto Zaccheroni, they hope to reach the quarter-final stage in Brazil for their best ever World Cup finish.

At the Confederations Cup group stage, the Blue Samurai will face Italy on Wednesday and London Olympic champions Mexico on June 22.

Japan have played Italy once in the past, in a 2001 home friendly that ended in a 1-1 draw.

“Our only option is to win the next two games. A draw won’t be good enough,” Nagatomo said. “But if we play the way we did today, there’s no way we’re going to win our next game.” — AFP

Mourinho had long been linked with a potential move to Old Trafford and many pundits felt he would be United’s number one choice when it was revealed that Ferguson was going to step down at the end of the season.

Although Mourinho claimed Ferguson told him several months ago he was planning to quit, even that bombshell apparently didn’t persuade the Portuguese coach to make a play for the United job.

It has been widely suggested that United’s decision to hire Everton’s David Moyes instead of attempting to lure Mourinho from Real Madrid was prompted by concern over the former Inter Milan manager’s volatile temperament.

But Mourinho is adamant he was always determined to rejoin Chelsea if he ever came back to the Premier League and that dream has now come to fruition after he was officially unveiled for his second spell as Blues boss last week.

“I knew that Ferguson was retiring many months ago. And I’m so happy with this trust because it’s big news for the world,” Mourinho said.

“I can imagine just a very close circle around him knew that and it was a big responsibility for me to know.

“Why do I know that? I know because we are friends. So if I am Sir Alex’s friend to know he is going to retire, he is also my friend to know that the club I want to coach in England is Chelsea.

“Of course, I told him that. I told him I want to come to Chelsea. I would turn down everyone in the world for Chelsea.

“Come to England and not to come to Chelsea? Only if Chelsea doesn’t want me. If Chelsea doesn’t want me, I am a professional, I have to follow my life, I have to be happy in another place.

“But when at the same time, I want to leave Real, I want to come to England, and Chelsea is waiting for me, so of course it is emotional because it is the only decision I can make.”

Now Mourinho is back at Stamford Bridge six years after his sacking by Blues owner Roman Abramovich.

He sometimes had a fractious relationship with Abramovich, but he is keen to talk positively of his dealings with the demanding Russian billionaire.

Even the decision to sign Andriy Shevchenko for  30 million, which proved to be a disastrous move and was regarded as a sign of Abramovich meddling in team affairs, is now seen in a positive light by Mourinho.

“Do you want to know the truth? I hope the board is not upset with me,” he said.

“We wanted to buy Samuel Eto’o and the boss (Abramovich) did everything to bring him. In the end, Barcelona said we don’t sell, forget it. So then we looked at Shevchenko.

“I was happy with Shevchenko. Even with the top dogs that you buy for millions, sometimes it doesn’t work. It doesn’t mean you or the club made a mistake. It just doesn’t work.”

Mourinho had many supporters amongst the playing staff during his first spell at Chelsea, but that won’t stop him laying down the law to his squad when they meet for pre-season training.

“If you are a top professional, if you are not a selfish person, if you put the club in front of yourself and if you are here to work 100 per-cent for me, for your fellow players and for the club, we will have a wonderful relationship,” he said.

“If you are selfish, if you don’t care about the club, don’t care about the fans, don’t care about the image, we are in big trouble.

“Sometimes you a couple of guys who are not so keen to accept these kind of rules and this is where you have some problematic relationships.” — AFP

Datuk Hamidin Mohamad Amin, vice president of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said the money will be given to spectators who spot individuals throwing firecrackers or other projectiles.

“All that they need to do is alert the nearest policemen if they see anyone attempting to disrupt the match,” he told AFP.

FAM decided to take the approach after fans stormed a stadium hosting a Malaysian football championship semi-final and forced the game to be called off amid chaotic scenes last month.

Fans threw water bottles and stones and stormed the pitch in Pahang during the FA Cup’s second-leg semi-final between Pahang and Johor Darul Takzim forcing the game to be abandoned.

The new measure to offer cash will be for the finals between Kelantan and Johor Darul Takzim on June 29 and some 80,000 fans are expected to throng the Bukit Jalil stadium.

“We want football to be played in a peaceful environment. Fans and supporters come to watch the game to have fun. We don’t want to see fights on the pitch,” Hamidin said.

Malaysians are football-mad but their patience has been repeatedly tested by problems besetting the sport, particularly allegations of match-fixing.

In one of the most recent cases, football authorities had promised to investigate claims of match-rigging during a second-tier Premier League match and urged police to protect players amid reports of death threats by bookies. — AFP

PLAYER TO WATCH: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari (left) helps Neymar to reach a ball during a training session at the National Stadium in Brasilia. — AFP photo

BRAS LIA: Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari on Friday threw his support behind Neymar, the under-pressure star widely-regarded as Pele’s heir apparent.

Neymar, who has just signed for Barcelona from Santos, Pele’s former club, has come in for repeated criticism from the media, who feel that he has not produced the goods for the Selecao.

He hasn’t scored for nine games for club and country and will be in the spotlight again on Saturday when Brazil kick-off the Confederations Cup against Asian champions, Japan.

“He does not wear 11 jerseys but one – he is part of a team,” Scolari told a press conference on Friday.

“He has done what is requested of him with a lot of dedication.

“We want him to be a useful, team player – that is what makes a good player,” added Scolari, who expressed some frustration with what he feels is an overly-critical press.

“Everyone from abroad respects us a lot yet here in Brazil people are always saying what a bad team we have.

“Yet it is crucial to have the crowd supporting us,” said Scolari, as he insisted that the team did not have to feel extra pressure simply because the three-time Confederations Cup winners are hosts.

Scolari said on returning to the job last November in place of sacked Mano Menezes that he was clear the fans would demand success and expect to win both the Condeferations Cup and next summer’s World Cup – also on home soil.

But he said achieving those aims were advancing step by step.

“We must dedicate ourselves to helping Brazil evolve in all areas, not just in terms of football. We must be patient.”

Scolari said he wanted to produce attacking, flowing football but said ability to adapt was what counted for him.

“I have to adapt players – obviously they won’t all play the same way they play for their clubs, so we must adapt. We need to give the players freedom to play based on their characteristics.”

Saying he expected Japan, beaten 4-0 the last time the countries met in an October friendly, to attack, Scolari added he wanted to pursue a variety of options when it came to Brazil’s own offensive prowess.

That meant giving Neymar licence to roam on occasion for the benefit of his teammates, if not his own goalscoring opportunities.

“Many times we use Neymar in the middle as a second main striker and sometimes out wide as he also has that skill and has done very well,” said the coach.

“If he hasn’t scored he is trying to support others and he does not have to score a goal. He doesn’t have to dribble past 20 players but be a team player. Then everyone will feel great.

“We have not removed his skills, but he has to be part of a team.

“He is an idol for Brazilians and we must therefore protect him. He is 21 years old and cannot win on his own.”

Not withstanding their recent friendly thumping, Japan are Asian champions and have already become the first side to book their World Cup berth through the qualifying process.

As a result, Scolari says he expects a tough encounter at the Estadio Nacional, an arena also named after Mane Garrincha, a star of Brazil’s 1958 world champions.

“I would not be embarrassed to lose to Japan. We will play our football and play to win but if Japan did not have qualities they would not be here.” — AFP

Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) president Datu Sudarsono Osman said Abdul Rahim Abdul Razak (18), Nur Shamie Iszuan Amin (18) and Lyerron Lensem (18) got the call ups .

“FAS is proud with their call-ups and hope that they will succeed in the trial selection,” he said in a press conference yesterday.

According to him, the three young players had performed well during the National Under 19 Football Championship held in Pahang recently.

He added “This is indeed a good development and heartening news for the association and all those who are involved in the state football development programme.”

“FAS also wish to congratulate and thank Sarawak State Sports Council and all the coaches involved in the state’s junior football development programme,” said Sudarsono on the players who were selected because they possess the skills and have great potential.

Last year, Hafiz Saperi, Shreen Tambi and Ibrahim Jobeli from the state President’s Cup squad were also called up to join Harimau Muda B.

“However, talent and skills alone does not guarantee the success of a footballer. What’s more important is that they must have confidence and the strong determination to be successful,” he said while urging players to always strive to improve their skills, knowledge and try to become the best in the country.

Scolari led the Selecao to their fifth World Cup, a coronation sealed in Tokyo 11 years ago.

But the fact he is back for a second spell at the helm is evidence of the degree to which impatience and concern rule hearts and minds across this giant footballing nation given a clutch of disappointing showings at major events ever since.

Scolari has insisted since returning to the fold last November, ironically a matter of days after predecessor Mano Manezes’ Brazil side spanked the Japanese 4-0 in a friendly in Poland, that the Confederations Cup is a sideshow and that he cannot deliver a second dose of alchemy overnight.

Yet the pressure is on as the four-time Asian Cup champions should provide a stiff test before further showdowns with Olympic conquerors Mexico and three-time world champions Italy.

Brazil’s star man Neymar says the hosts will not take the Japanese, coached by hugely-experienced Italian Alberto Zaccheroni, lightly, given the hosts are now safe in the knowledge they have booked their World Cup berth and can also draw on the likes of Manchester United favourite Shinji Kagawa.

“Japan are a tricky proposition and not to be underestimated. Keisuke Honda and Kagawa are superb players and the team as a whole mark you very tightly,” said Barcelona-bound Neymar.

Japan say they won’t be caught napping as they were in Poland, but will need to keep an eye on in-form striker Fred, who has five goals in his last six internationals – including two against England in friendly tussles in Wembley – where England won 2-1 and Rio, which ended 2-2.

“Brazil have a very strong team and we need to make sure they don’t dole out a repeat of what they did in Poland,” said midfielder Yasuhito Endo. “We will be out to make a much better impression this time with more at stake.”

The tournament is the first major event hosted by Brazil since the 1989 Confederations Cup and the logistical challenge has been a tough one, raising concerns about whether the country can produce 12 top notch venues for the World Cup.

The opening match at the Estadio Nacional affords residents of the capital a rare chance to watch top-drawer football as the city currently lacks a top-flight team.

The hosts will move on first to Fortaleza then Salvador for their remaining group encounters with Mexico and Italy.

If the Selecao win Group A, they will then travel to Belo Horizonte – scene of England’s 1950 World Cup upset at the hands of the United States – for a June 26 semi-final against either reigning South American champions Uruguay or African champions Nigeria, assuming world champions Spain win Group B.

Should Scolari’s men only take second place in the pool phase they would face a likely Spanish test in Fortaleza on June 27.

If Brasilia is off the beaten track in terms of Brazilian footballing tradition, nonetheless striking parallels can be seen between the city and the national team.

The city is a paean to modern architecture, a realised dream for former President Juscelino Kubitschek, who determined in the mid-1950s that the capital should be based in the very heart of the country rather than remain in Rio.

Kubitschek came up with the slogan “50 years of progress in five,” his era coinciding with the first great Brazil side which, with a teenage Pele on board, lifted their first World Cup in Sweden in 1958. — AFP

“All the news about my renewal with Real Madrid are false,” Ronaldo tweeted, without elaborating.

The Portuguese’s current deal is due to expire in 2015.

Ronaldo has been linked with a move to big-spending French clubs Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco.

Even former club Manchester United have been mentioned as potential buyers, four years after he left Old Trafford.

Two weeks ago, Real president Florentino Perez denied reports that Ronaldo had rejected a new contract.

“This information is misguided,” Perez told Spanish media.

“I am not going to enter into more details but I will only say that Cristiano’s renewal is not deadlocked, this doesn’t correspond to the reality as we stand today.” — AFP

Hong Kong supporters hurled trash and insults at the rival players and fans during the June 4 friendly won by the visitors 1-0, according to the Philippine Sports Commission.

Sections of the home crowd also called the Philippines a “slave nation” during the game, Hong Kong and Philippine media reported.

“I hope that the international federation, FIFA, will do something about it because this cannot just be ignored or forgotten or pushed under the rug as if it did not happen,” Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richard Garcia said on government radio.

“It could have escalated into something worse than just booing and throwing of bottles or whatever to the field. People could have gotten hurt or killed.”

The Philippine Football Federation said it filed a formal protest to FIFA on Tuesday.

“PFF filed a report and complaint with FIFA concerning reports of physical and racist abuse against Philippine players and supporters,” a statement said.

Tensions between the Philippines and Hong Kong, which employs tens of thousands of Filipina maids, have simmered since a bungled rescue attempt by Filipino police of Hong Kong tourists taken hostage by a rogue police officer in 2010.

The fiasco left eight Hong Kong tourists and the hostage-taker dead.

Hong Kong’s South China Morning Post in an editorial last week condemned the fans who shouted abuse.

“Racial abuse is nothing to be proud of, not amusing, nor clever; it is shameful,” the editorial said. — AFP

Victories will secure the ‘Elephants’ and the ‘Pharaohs’ unassailable leads in four-team mini-leagues, and the ‘Walyas Antelopes’ of Ethiopia and the ‘Carthage Eagles’ of Tunisia are in a similar situation.

Amid countless permutations, even drawing might suffice for the Ivorians, Egyptians and Tunisians depending on the results of closest challengers, but sharing the points would not take the Ethiopians through.

A draw at home to shock 2013 Africa Cup of Nations runners-up Burkina Faso will certainly be enough for the ‘Red Devils’ of Congo Brazzaville during the penultimate series of second-round fixtures.

The ‘Chipolopolo’ (Copper Bullets) of Zambia and the ‘Desert Foxes’ of Algeria are other countries who could advance, but they must win and have a favourable result from the other group game.

Among the top seeds in the 10 groups, Burkina Faso are not the only team under pressure as a loss in Addis Ababa will spell the end for 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa.

Should Ghana suffer a stunning defeat away to lowly Lesotho, the 2010 quarter-finalists would also be out of the running for Brazil if Zambia beat struggling Sudan.

Congo, whose best known current footballer is giant centre-back Christopher Samba from relegated English Premier League club Queens Park Rangers, are in unfamiliar territory having come close to qualifying only once before.

The ‘Devils’ have scored just twice in four matches, although the Group E standings show five goals because they were awarded a 3-0 win after the Burkinabe were punished for fielding an ineligible player in a goalless draw.

But the defence of a Congo team coached by Frenchman Kamel Djabour has not been breached in 360 minutes of mini-league action and veteran goalkeeper and captain Barel Mouko acknowledges the changing role of his team-mates.

“We started as outsiders and have since become the team to beat. Our squad is solid mentally and physically and it is nice to be in control of our destiny,” said the Congolese.

Jonathan Pitroipa, a France-based wide midfielder voted the best player at the Cup of Nations in South Africa this year, scored the winner in Niger last weekend while Congo forced a 0-0 draw in Gabon.

Egypt, seven-times African champions but only twice World Cup qualifiers, beat Zimbabwe 4-2 in Group G thanks to a Mohamed Salah hat-trick and visit Mozambique to face a team reeling from a six-goal hiding by Guinea.

Playing at the World Cup for the first time in 24 years has become an obsession for American coach Bob Bradley and his mix of ageing stars like midfielder Mohamed Abou Trika and young ones like Salah.

Group C leaders Ivory Coast face second-place Tanzania in Dar es Salaam and welcome back Arsenal offensive midfielder Gervinho, who missed a 3-0 victory in Gambia because of suspension.

Ethiopia, a country where Olympic gold medal-winning athletes have dominated domestic sporting headlines for decades, were the fourth seeds in Group A behind South Africa, Botswana and the Central African Republic.

However, there has been nothing fourth rate about their displays and regular goals from Getaneh Kebede and Salahdin Ahmed have produced three wins, a draw and a two-point advantage over Bafana Bafana (The Boys).

After twice pegging back Sierra Leone for a 2-2 draw in Freetown, Tunisia go to the part-island state of Equatorial Guinea, whose 11th place on the June FIFA Africa rankings was puzzling given one win in four qualifiers.

Algeria appear to have shaken off a disastrous 2013 Cup of Nations and won 3-1 in Benin with Islam Slimani bagging a brace to be the five-goal leading scorer in the qualifying competition.

Should the ‘Desert Foxes’ triumph in Rwanda and Mali fail to collect maximum Group H points at home against Benin, the North Africans will seal first place with a fixture to spare.

Zambia should defeat Sudan, whose fortunes have slumped dramatically since reaching the 2012 Africa Cup quarter-finals, but to qualify from Group D they need a massive favour from the Lesotho side they whipped 4-0 last weekend.

Nothing less than a Lesotho win over Ghana in Maseru will put Zambia beyond reach and with ‘Black Stars’ skipper and striker Asamoah Gyan back in form, it is hard to imagine any result other than a win for the visitors.

Libya (Group I) and Senegal (Group J) are the two table toppers who cannot secure final-round places this weekend even if they defeat Togo and Liberia respectively and other results suit them. — AFP

The device, made by Hublot, the official timekeeper for the 2014 finals, displayed the time remaining until Brazil gets to stage its first World Cup since 1950 when it lost in the final to Uruguay.

“We are going to stage an excellent World Cup, we are confident,” said Pele, the country’s ambassador for the World Cup.

Joining Pele, a three-time winner of the World Cup, at the ceremony were Brazilian Sports Minister Also Rebelo, Jerome Valcke, the secretary general of world football’s governing body FIFA, Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes and Hublot President Jean-Claude Biver.

Jose Maria Marin, chairman of the Cup’s Local Organising Committee, hailed the unveiling as “another memorable milestone in our preparations for Brazil 2014.”

Current FIFA president Sepp Blatter could not attend but sent a message saying he was “extremely pleased”.

Brazil “is not only a footballing powerhouse, but an economic one too. I’m sure that one of the legacies of this FIFA World Cup will be that of helping Brazil become a leader in terms of social and cultural values,” he added.

The clock unveiling came three days before the start of the Confederations Cup, a two-week tournament to be contested by eight countries — Brazil, Spain, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Nigeria, Tahiti and Uruguay — asa dress rehearsal for next year’s World Cup.

Brazil will face Japan in the opening game in Brasilia on Saturday.

“I hope not to have the same experience I had when I was nine in 1950 and saw my father crying in front of the radio,” Pele said, referring to Brazil’s humiliating defeat to Uruguay in the Cup final that year.

The clock’s features were designed by Niemeyer, a Brazilian icon who passed away last year at the age of 104. — AFP

Mourinho took an entirely different approach when he picked up the reins at Stamford Bridge for the first time in 2004, splashing out a fortune on ready-made talent such as Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Ricardo Carvalho and Paulo Ferreira.

Chelsea, though, have made a big investment in youth in the last year or two, bringing in players like Eden Hazard, Oscar, Romelu Lukaku and Kevin De Bruyne and the new manager is relishing the prospect of working with the younger players.

“It’s a different situation but it’s something I want to live,” Mourinho told his first news conference since signing a four-year contract.

“I haven’t changed my nature and I won’t accept development without trying to win – ever. It’s more difficult to keep trying to win and trying to be successful while at the same time developing young players and giving an identity to the team – but it’s something I want at this stage of my career.

“Titles I have, money I have, I need challenges. Nothing motivates me more than challenges. It’s about changing the club, I think, and the club thinks so too.”

Hazard and Oscar were regular starters last season as Chelsea won the Europa League and qualified for the Champions League by finishing third in the Premier League.

Striker Lukaku, winger De Bruyne and defender Tomas Kalas spent the season on loan, at West Bromwich Albion, Werder Bremen and Vitesse Arnhem respectively, but Mourinho hinted the trio would be brought straight back into the fold.

“Imagine if you bring back Lukaku, De Bruyne and perhaps Kalas,” said the 50-year-old manager.

“Bring three guys back, that’s zero (spent) because the investment was made before.

“We want to go in this direction. The one or two we may buy are complements because the structure and philosophy is this.

“I’m more than happy to do that and to help these young guys grow up. Not build the team, because the team has a structure to it, but I want to help the team improve.”

Mourinho made a typically brash forecast when he joined Chelsea the first time, predicting the London club would win their first top-flight title in 50 years the very next season.

He was true to his promise, and also added a second successive Premier League championship in 2006, but this time he is being more circumspect.

“I don’t need anybody to push me to have that ambition,” said the former Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Porto boss. “I’ve enough motivation and self-esteem myself. If we don’t do it but show an evolution in the first season, show we’re moving in the right direction, I think we’ll be champions in the second season.

“When you have this profile you can’t think the best will come next year. It has to come in two, three, four, five or six years’ time.”

Mourinho also said Fernando Torres could still have a future at the club despite often flattering to deceive since the Spain striker left Liverpool two-and-a-half years ago for a British record transfer fee of £50 million (US$77.63 million).

“He is a Chelsea player with a contract and is more than happy to stay and work hard,” the manager said. “I think he deserves respect from me, especially, and the club. That respect starts by speaking with him face to face after the Confederations Cup (in Brazil this month) and deciding what is best for all of us.” — Reuters

The 50-year-old Portuguese has achieved success wherever he has coached, but he has never remained with a club longer than the three years and three months he spent at Chelsea in his first spell between 2004 and 2007.

He returns to Stamford Bridge, on a four-year contract, having won a further eight trophies with Inter Milan and Real Madrid, but says he now wants to sow the seeds of long-term success.

“You need stability for identity, and I think identity becomes more important in football,” he told reporters after being officially presented to the media on Monday.

“You need stability if you want to go in this profile direction. If Chelsea bought lots of young players, those players need to be developed.

“With Financial Fair Play, and Chelsea wants to go in that direction, you also need stability. You cannot change manager and philosophy every few years.

“It’s more difficult to keep trying to win and trying to be successful, while at the same time developing young players while giving an identity to the team.

“But it’s something I want at this stage of my career. Titles I have. Money I have. I need challenges.”

While Mourinho was at Madrid, Chelsea ended owner Roman Abramovich’s nine-year quest for Champions League glory by prevailing over Bayern Munich in the 2012 final.

They followed that up with success in the Europa League under interim coach Rafael Benitez, but Mourinho says the club must aim higher.

“I think Europa League winners can be analysed in two ways: one way, you won it; the other way, why did you win it? Because you didn’t get through the group phase of the Champions League,” he said.

“The point is we have to prepare ourselves to win, or not to win, but our target level is not Europa League. It’s the Champions League and the Premier League.”

Mourinho inherits a squad rich with talented young players such as Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses, but he also faces awkward decisions about how to handle the old guard.

John Terry, in particular, is no longer the first-choice selection he once was, and Mourinho says that, although the 32-year-old centre-back will remain club captain, he cannot guarantee him a role in the team.

“John is the club captain. I’m more than happy with that, so are the fans, so I think he has to be the club captain,” Mourinho said.

“With the armband? Only if he plays. If he isn’t in the starting XI, he won’t have the armband.”

Striker Fernando Torres belatedly found his feet at Chelsea under Benitez, scoring 22 times in 64 games, but Mourinho hinted that he may be allowed to leave the club in the close season.

“He’s more than happy to stay and work hard, and I think he deserves that respect from me, especially, and also the club,” Mourinho said.

“That respect starts by speaking with him face to face and deciding what is the best for all of us. If the best for all of us is for Fernando to stay, let’s help him and try and get the best out of him.”

Mourinho said he was relishing his return to England and claimed his love of all things English even extends to the much maligned festive period, when Premier League teams must squeeze in match after match while their continental counterparts enjoy a winter break.

“Would I prefer to have a week’s holiday in Christmas, like I did in Spain? Where did I go? New York two years ago. Last year, Brazil,” he said.

“That’s fantastic. But I prefer to play. I was envious watching the Premier League at home. Envy. Total envy. Is it right playing four consecutive matches? Probably not. But I love it.” — AFP

Junior Eldstal

KUCHING: Fans of Malaysia’s Under 23 national team might have to wait to see Junior Eldstal in action.

According to Sarawak coach Robert Alberts who spoke to The Borneo Post yesterday, Eldstal would like to help Sarawak in the remaining three matches before the Premier League draws its curtain on July 5.

“Although he is very excited with the call-up, he has told me that he wants to stay to fight with his team. His services are indeed crucial for the team as we seek to be crowned 2013 Premier League champion,” Alberts said.

The Crocs are also aiming to end the season on a high note by completing the 2013 league unbeaten.

For the next U23 national team assignment, all players who have been called up must report for duty on June 21, the very same day that the Crocs face Johor away for a Premier League match.

The Malaysia U23 team are scheduled to play two friendly matches on June 22 and 26 before competing at the World University Games (UNIVERSIADE) in Kazan, Russia in July.

It is known that two other players – Nik Shahrul Azim and Nazri Ahmad – who play for Kelantan and Johor DT respectively will report for national duty after June 29 which is the FA Cup final between their two teams.

Alberts is hoping for the kind consideration of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to allow Eldstal to play in his team’s remaining three matches.

“I believe that the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) have contacted FAM to discuss this. There is however not much that I could reveal regarding the matter for the time being,” he added.

Sabah-born Eldstal had signed to play for Sarawak in April after playing most of his career in England. Since joining the Crocs he has been an integral part of his team and a fan favourite due to his English football-style of play.

He usually plays a defensive role and his fine performance so far has contributed to Sarawak’s good defensive record.

Eldstal’s performance for Sarawak this season had impressed Malaysia U23 head coach and former Sarawak player, Ong Kim Swee, which led to his call-up.

“I’m the happy one,” the 50-year-old Portuguese told a packed news conference at Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge ground in west London.

“Time flies. It looks like it was a couple of days ago but it was nine years ago and since then lots of things have happened in my professional life.

“But I have the same nature. I’m the same person, I have the same heart. I have the same kind of emotions related to my passion for football and my job, but of course I am a different person…

“If I have to describe myself, I would describe myself as a very happy person because it’s the first time I arrive at a club where I already love the club.”

Mourinho led Chelsea to back-to-back titles during his first spell between 2004 and 2007 but left after a reported falling out with club owner Roman Abramovich.

But he maintained that those reports were false, instead saying that he left “by mutual agreement”, albeit with a heavy heart.

Mourinho went on to manage at Inter Milan, where he won the 2010 Champions League, and latterly at Real Madrid before signing a four-year deal at Chelsea earlier this month. — AFP

The question is: can the 55-year-old former Juventus midfielder get the most out of an Italy squad which is still in relative transition and searching for a definitive identity a year out from the 2014 World Cup?

Known to defend his players in public, Prandelli takes no prisoners when authority and discipline are called for. He reacted furiously when striker Pablo Osvaldo hit out at his coach at Roma, Aurelio Andreazzoli, for leaving him on the bench during the recent Italian Cup final, after which the Argentine-born marksman refused his loser’s medal.

“Pablo Osvaldo won’t take any part in the Confederations Cup … due to his behaviour,” said Prandelli.

Prandelli is not afraid to lay down the law, but that is not at the expense of results; the Azzurri are poised to qualify for their 19th World Cup finals.

Although the name of one of the big three Serie A clubs is missing from his CV, Prandelli is one of the most respected coaches in Italy.

After spells with Verona, whom he led back to Serie A in 1999, and Parma, he took over at Roma for the 2004-2005 season only to leave the club when his wife Manuela fell seriously ill.

When he joined Fiorentina, Prandelli made light of the troubles in his private life to transform a team that had just escaped relegation into one that earned a UEFA Cup spot thanks to their fourth place finish in the league.

Fiorentina were eventually denied that honour due to their role in the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal, which also earned them a 15-point penalty for the start of the 2006/7 campaign.

Only two months into the following season, Prandelli was left mourning the wife he had met as a teenager in his hometown of Orzinuovi after she succumbed to breast cancer.

Prandelli went on to steer La Viola to a sixth placed finish, sealing a UEFA Cup place thanks largely to the 31 goals scored by Luca Toni in 38 games. Fiorentina lost out to Rangers on penalties in the semi-finals but Prandelli was awarded the Serie A coach of the year award.

He then steered Fiorentina to the Champions League the two following seasons. In 2010 La Viola notably lost in the round of 16 to beaten finalists Bayern Munich.

Shortly afterwards, Prandelli was appointed to replace Marcello Lippi after Italy’s group stage exit at the 2010 World Cup.

Despite a defeat to Ivory Coast on his debut, Prandelli led a bedraggled Italy side to the finals of Euro 2012 only weeks after the eruption of another Italian match-fixing scandal had threatened to uproot their campaign.

Italy were humbled 4-0 by Spain but Prandelli was given a huge pat on the back on his return. His challenge since has been the smooth transition of younger players into a team brimming with experienced campaigners from champions Juventus, and Milan. — AFP

Lahm told the daily newspaper Suddeutsche Zeitung that despite becoming the first German side to do the treble of the domestic double and the Champions League under Jupp Heynckes, it was merely the beginning of an era.

“The best years are yet to come. The team will be strengthened and now we have the arrival of Pep Guardiola, another world class coach,” said the 29-year-old fullback, who apart from a two year stint with VfB Stuttgart from 2003-05 has spent his whole career with Bayern.

“He will add something extra, though, of course that is not to underplay the role played by Jupp Heynckes.

“Under Guardiola we can become the Spain of club football, a team that can win titles over several years,” added Lahm, referring to Spain winning two Euro titles and a World Cup from 2008-2012.

Lahm, who has won nearly a 100 caps and is a veteran of two World Cups and three Euros, said that the basis for dominating club football was already there at the club with the core group of players.

“We have really good senior players, with great temperament, an excellent mentality and almost all the contracts are of a long duration,” said Lahm, whose own contract runs till 2016.

Bayern ran away with the title, having lost out to Borussia Dortmund in the two preceding seasons, beat Dortmund 2-1 in the Champions League final and rounded off their treble by beating VfB Stuttgart 3-2 in the German Cup final.  — AFP

The Spanish international has been a fierce critic of sides who set-up negatively to combat Barca’s frequent domination of possession and says Mourinho hasn’t left a positive lasting legacy in Madrid.

“I don’t want people to say that I always attack Mourinho because that is not my intention, but it is evident that I don’t like the football he plans on the pitch,” he told Barcelona sports daily Sport.

“It can’t be that a rich and powerful club plays a final of the Champions League like Chelsea did or like Manchester City have played this season or, why not say it, the way Mourinho’s Real Madrid played.

“I was captivated by the Real Madrid of the galacticos. I was crazy about watching them play like this because they had an idea and a concept… but Mourinho’s Real Madrid didn’t have any of this, they have not left a legacy for the future.”

The Spanish international also reflected on Barca’s hammering at the hands of Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the Champions League and believes the wear and tear that the Catalans and Madrid suffer from facing each other numerous times a season has been the significant factor in both going out at the semi-final stage in each of the last two seasons.

“It is evident that they have arrived much better, but there are many reasons to explain why neither Madrid nor ourselves got to the final.

“The Barca-Madrid war during the season wears out both a lot. In Germany it is not the same, they don’t have duels of this intensity, this historic rivalry.

“We have both fallen two consecutive years in the semi-finals and that is not normal. This year the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey wore us down. They were very hard. If we continue like this it is inevitable we will arrive worse than them in April or May.”

And the 33-year-old believes one way of ensuring Spanish sides arrive at the end of the season in better shape is to reduce Copa del Rey ties from two-legged matches until the final to just one off games.

“Matches in the Copa del Rey should be one game. If the Federation want to see Spanish teams in the Champions League final more often they have to do their bit.

“It would help to wear out people less as we would save between four and five games and moreover it would be more beneficial for the spectacle if the big team always played away from home.”  — AFP

YES, WE CAN: Some of the state futsal players in confident mood after a training session at the MSNS gym on Friday.

KUCHING: The Sarawak men’s futsal team is confident of improving their performance at Sukma XVI in Kuala Lumpur from June 28 to July 7.

Head coach Mohammad Mantali said his players are now undergoing intensive training at the State Indoor Stadium in Petra Jaya.

The squad also does gym training at the Sarawak State Sports Council (MSNS) gymnasium at Civic Centre Kuching to improve their physical strength and fitness.

“We have been regarded as one of the favourite teams together with Johor, Negeri Sembilan and Selangor, so we are expecting a very stiff challenge in the competition,” said Mohammad on Friday.

Sarawak are drawn in Group C with Pahang, Terengganu and Kedah.

“It is going to be a tough challenge but I believe the current set of players is capable of doing better this time around,” said Mohammad.

At the last Kuala Lumpur Sukma in 2011, Sarawak won a bronze medal in men’s futsal.

“We will be having a few friendly games with selected local teams to improve our players’ skills and standard,” he added.

The state squad comprises Mohd Zakaria Sunaini, Mohd Nizam Jubir, Muhd Nur Hanafi Murzuki, Wan Muhammad
Nur Azhar, Azlan, Shah Tahir, Fidelis Molby Rajak, Ahmad Adziemy Bohan, Mohd Shahrizam Ahmad, Mohd Affizan Umar Juki, Mohd Nadzrin Mohd Hazmen Peter, Nur Syafiq Abdillah, Hamie Amiero Ahed, Nur Amirul Hossin and Mohd Suhaidi Sabarudin.

They will depart for Kuala Lumpur on June 29 as the futsal competition will run from July 1 to 7.

NO WORRY: Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo reacts on the pitch during their World Cup qualifying match against Russia at Luz stadium in Lisbon. — Reuters photo

LISBON: Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he will reach a deal to renew his contract with the La Liga club.

The Portugal captain arrived at Real Madrid from Manchester United in 2009 for a world record fee of more than 90 million euros (US$118.98 million) and continued his goalscoring spree in Spain.

However, Real’s failure to win major silverware last season and reports of division in the dressing room have prompted speculation Ronaldo, whose contract runs until June 2015, may be seeking a move away from the Spanish capital.

“I am well, calm and not worried about it. I know we will reach a deal,” Ronaldo told reporters on Friday.

Club president Florentino Perez has described Ronaldo as “priceless” and said he would stay and help Real win the 10th European crown they have been chasing since their last continental success in 2002.

The 28-year-old helped Portugal beat Russia 1-0 on Friday to revive their 2014 World Cup qualification campaign. Ronaldo declined to comment when questioned about coach Jose Mourinho’s remarks that he did not cope well with criticism. — Reuters

MOVING?: England’s Wayne Rooney takes part in a training sesssion in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in this May 31 file photo. — AFP photo

LONDON: Chief executive Ivan Gazidis has raised the prospect of some high-profile arrivals at Arsenal by declaring that manager Arsene Wenger will not be encumbered by financial constraints in the transfer market.

The north London club are reported to be actively seeking new recruits as they bid to end an eight-year trophy drought, and Gazidis says they will be targeting the world’s leading players.

“It is going to be the players that Arsene believes in,” Gazidis said, in comments reported by several British media outlets on Friday. “He is pretty blind to price tags. He looks at what he sees with his eyes and makes judgements based on that, and not on reputations and prices.”

Arsenal have been linked with Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, who has asked to leave the Premier League champions.

Asked if Arsenal could afford a player who commanded a £20 million (US$31.2 million) transfer fee and a £200,000-per-week salary, Gazidis replied: “Of course we could do that. We could do more than that. We have a certain amount which we have held in reserve. We also have new revenue streams coming on board and all of these things mean we can do some things which would excite you, (but) what excites Arsene isn’t necessarily what excites you (the press).”

A report by financial analysts Deloitte published earlier this week showed that Arsenal generated 235 million of revenue in the 2011-12 season, trailing only United and Chelsea.

Arsenal’s 60,000-capacity Emirates Stadium generates around £3.3 million per game, while recently agreed commercial deals are reported to be worth in the region of £70 million.

Wenger has traditionally been reluctant to authorise big-money player acquisitions, but Gazidis believes the club’s financial footing means they should eventually be able to operate on a par with teams like European champions Bayern Munich.

“We should be able to compete at a level like a club such as Bayern Munich,” he added.

“I am not saying we are there by any means. We have a way to go before we can put ourselves on that level, but this whole journey over the past 10 years really has been with that goal in mind.” — AFP

MELBOURNE: Australia need to score early in their World Cup qualifier against Jordan next week, to both prise the Middle Eastern team away from their defensive game and prevent them from engaging in timewasting tactics, according to midfielder Mark Bresciano.

Australia take on Jordan at Melbourne’s Docklands stadium on Tuesday with both teams locked on seven points in Asian qualifying Group B and needing wins in their final two matches to be assured of securing the second automatic berth to next year’s finals.

Japan have already booked their ticket to Brazil by sealing the first automatic spot with a 1-1 home draw against Australia on Tuesday.

Jordan upset Japan 2-1 at home in March to boost their hopes of a maiden World Cup appearance but drew yellow cards for time-wasting as they closed out the match with players griping at the referee and rolling on the turf to feign serious injuries.

Bresciano said he expected little respite from the gamesmanship if Jordan took the upper hand in their match.

“I’m not expecting any better on Tuesday night because I’m thinking if they have the result they want, they’re going to do the same thing, that’s part of their tactics,” the former Serie A playmaker told reporters in Melbourne yesterday.

“We’ve just got to hope that it’s never going to get in that situation. We’re hoping from the whistle that we can hurt them.”

Australia suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Jordan last September in their previous fixture and have been riled by Middle Eastern sides in the final phase of qualifying.

Socceroos coach Holger Osieck fumed from the sideline as his team were held to a 2-2 draw at home to Oman in March, and midfielder Tim Cahill complained that the visitors called for the stretcher seven times through the match.

Bresciano said he hoped Jordan’s need for a win would encourage a more enterprising approach, because that would play into the Socceroos’ hands.

“I hope they do come out and play open and not try, like we said, park the bus in front of the goal,” he said.

“As a team, we play better when it’s an open game, where we have teams that come to us and try and play their football and obviously try to attack.” — Reuters

Wenger, 63, will embark upon the last season of his current contract in August and with Arsenal’s trophy drought now stretching to eight years, there has been speculation he could be tempted to leave north London for pastures new.

However, with Arsenal having booked a Champions League berth for a 16th consecutive season, Gazidis believes Wenger remains the right man to take the club forward.

“We think we have got a fantastic manager. We hope that he wants to do what he is doing for the long term. I believe he does,” Gazidis said.

“I think he is still ambitious, still driven and sees the potential of the club as he looks forward and I think he is very excited by that. We have a great relationship and he has a great relationship with the board as well. So, quietly and at the right time, I think we will make an announcement on that (Wenger’s future) when things are all put in place.”

Despite the prospect of another Champions League campaign to look forward to next season, providing Arsenal successfully navigate the play-off round, Gazidis accepts that the club must aim their sights higher.

“We want to be competing at the top of the game and in order to do that you have to be in the Champions League, so we are pleased to be qualified, or at least, for the qualification games,” Gazidis said.

“But it is not ultimately where we want to be with moving the club forward. We want to be a club that is competing at the very top end of the game and that means competing to win the Premier League and competing to win the Champions League.”

Gazidis also expressed hope that Arsenal’s prudent financial management and reluctance to build up debts in pursuit of success would pay dividends in the years to come, as UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules come into force.

He said: “The critical thing now as we look ahead over the next season and the season after is our developing financial capability, which will give us a lot more options than in recent years.” — AFP

City, who have yet to appoint a successor to sacked manager Roberto Mancini, did not give any financial details of the deal but British media have widely reported the transfer fee to be about £30 million (US$46.17 million).

The pacy 28-year-old Fernandinho had been on City’s radar for much of the season and is known in England for scoring in the Ukrainian club’s 2-1 victory at home to Chelsea in the Champions League group stages last season.

“This is a change, a challenge and a chance that I have been waiting a long time for. Playing in the Premier League for City is like a dream,” he told the club’s website (www.mcfc.co.uk)

“My ambition here is to win all the titles, the team here is strong, and so is the greatness of the club and the supporters.”

Fernandinho, who has five Brazil caps, had previously said he hoped a move to City would improve his chances of making the national squad for the 2014 World Cup on home soil.

He started his career with Atletico Paranaense in his homeland before becoming one of a host of talented Brazilians to head for Shakhtar with whom he has spent the last eight seasons and won the 2009 UEFA Cup.

Before his departure, Mancini had spoken of the need for the club to act faster than last season in the transfer market if they wanted to prise the Premier League crown back from arch-rivals Manchester United.

The Italian may have left but City, widely expected to name departing Malaga coach Manuel Pellegrini as the new boss, seem to have heeded Mancini’s words as the signing comes days after Sevilla said their winger Jesus Navas was joining the club.

City gave up the Premier League title without much of a fight as United secured a 20th league trophy with four games to spare.

City also lost the FA Cup final to Wigan Athletic, who were relegated from the top flight days later.

Mancini had laid some of the blame for their disappointing season on the failure to capture Netherlands striker Robin van Persie, who joined United in the close season and whose league-leading 26 goals drove their title charge. — Reuters

MADRID: Spain coach Vicente Del Bosque is concerned about his striking options as the world champions build up to the defence of their crown in Brazil next year with a work-out at this summer’s Confederations Cup, he said on Wednesday.

“It seems to me that the team needs something new.

“But these past months, possibly because of errors on our part, we haven’t found the centre-forward that fits in with our team,” he admitted in an interview with the official website “Diario de la roja”.

“(Alvaro) Negredo, (Fernando) Torres and (Roberto) Soldado have had their opportunities while (David) Villa hasn’t really been impressed us, either,” said Del Bosque who masterminded the 2010 World Cup triumph.

Spain are grouped with South American champions Uruguay as well as African champions Nigeria and rank outsiders Tahiti for the traditional World Cup build-up tournament which begins on June 15 in Brazil.

Del Bosque, who was also successful at the 2012 European Championships by deploying attacking midfielder Cesc Fabregas in a striking role, admitted he may again rely on the Barcelona ace.

“We can play with a genuine number nine or a different kind of player but we need players who can contribute to the team play and be effective throughout the match and not only to score a goal,” continued Del Bosque.

After winning consecutive Euro titles, sandwiched around their maiden World Cup victory, Spain are now looking to add the Confederations Cup and complete their set after a drought of titles that dated back to 1964 before success under Luis Aragones at Euro 2008.

Brazil, Italy, Japan and Mexico are in the second qualifying group with the championship match on June 30 at Rio de Janeiro. — AFP

LONDON: Roberto Martinez said he was determined to lead Everton into the Champions League after being appointed as the Premier League club’s new manager on a four-year contract on Wednesday.

The 39-year-old takes over from David Moyes, who is due to succeed Alex Ferguson as manager of Manchester United, after being granted permission to leave Wigan Athletic by chairman Dave Whelan.

Despite failing to win a trophy in his 11-year tenure at Goodison Park, Moyes honed Everton into a side who regularly punched above their weight.

They finished sixth in the Premier League this season, which was their seventh consecutive top-eight finish, but Martinez said he was not daunted by the prospect of following in the Scot’s footsteps.

“There is huge pressure, but I am extremely proud of that pressure because it means what David Moyes did in 11 years is set high standards and lay an incredible platform,” he said.

“I feel lucky to be able to carry on that work. He has given Everton an identity and an incredible standard and all I want to do is be humble and hard-working enough to take this magnificent club to the next level.”

He added: “Finishing in the top six was magnificent for Everton, but we need to achieve more. The aim for Everton should be to get into the Champions League. That doesn’t mean next season, but that has to be the aim for the future.

“It is not going to happen overnight. In football you need to be creative. We want to be involved in Europe and the Champions League, and we have to have the dream to fight for.”

Martinez admitted it had been a wrench to leave Wigan, where he previously spent six years as a player, but said the club were well placed to bounce back from relegation to the Championship at the first attempt.

“I believe in human relationships. It is never easy to break them,” he said. “Hopefully, I can build them at Everton and be a really strong unit.

“I believe Wigan have got a great future. It is the right time for a fresh energy around the place.”

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright, who reportedly also held talks with Porto coach Vitor Pereira and former Schalke coach Ralf Rangnick, said he was convinced he had found the right man.

“When David (Moyes) first came to see me, he sat down 11 years ago and we were in a bad state, and he said ‘We’re not going down,’” said Kenwright.

“Almost Roberto’s first words to me were: ‘I’ll get you in the Champions League.’

“To the Evertonians: if you’d been at the meetings with our new manager, you would be as thrilled, as excited, as buoyed and as in awe as I have been.”

Kenwright added that Martinez would be given “a few quid (pounds)” to sign new players and said he was “confident” the current squad would remain intact.

British media reports said Everton had agreed to pay Wigan £1.5 million (US$2.3 million) to release Martinez from the final year of his contract.

The amiable and erudite Spaniard led Wigan to a shock victory over Manchester City in this season’s FA Cup final – the club’s first major honour – but they were subsequently relegated from the Premier League.

He has earned a reputation for producing teams that play attractive, passing football during his spells with Wigan and previous side Swansea City, and Whelan tipped him to be a success at Everton.

“He’s a wonderful guy, very honest and he gives you 150 per cent, totally,” Whelan told Sky Sports News. “We’re sorry to lose him, but I’m delighted he has gone to Everton. I wish him the very best of luck.” — AFP

Ronaldo joined Real from Manchester United for around 90 million euros ( 118 million) in 2009 and took his goalscoring exploits to new heights under Mourinho, who left Real Madrid to rejoin Chelsea as manager earlier this week.

Asked in an interview with Spanish television show Punto Pelota why his relationship with Ronaldo had broken down towards the end of last season, Mourinho said the player had not taken criticism well.

“I had only one problem with him, very simple, very basic, which was when a coach criticises a player from a tactical viewpoint trying to improve what in my view could have been improved,” he added.

“And at that moment he didn’t take it very well because maybe he thinks he knows everything and the coach cannot help him to develop more.

“Cristiano has had three fantastic seasons with me, I don’t know if they were the best of his career because he had some fantastic moments with Manchester United.

“I think we created a fantastic situation for him tactically in which he could express all his potential and turn that into records and goals.” — Reuters

Tommy Oar’s fortuitous late strike had looked set to condemn the hosts to an undeserved defeat. But after Matthew McKay handled in the box, Honda drove his spot-kick straight down the middle to earn the necessary point.

The result left the Asian champions seven points clear and uncatchable in Group B, putting them through to their fifth straight World Cup. It is the first time they have sealed qualification on home soil.

“I was nervous. I tried to hit the shot to the centre,” said Honda. “If it was saved, there was nothing I could do about it.”

Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni, who joined the team after the 2010 World Cup, said his attractive Blue Samurai side would “surprise the world” at next year’s tournament in Brazil. “I came to Japan to bring them to the World Cup — that was my bottom line,” said the Italian. “I feel relieved that I achieved it. We are going to improve further and surprise the world.”

Holger Osieck’s Australia will be glad of the point away from home as they scrap for the second automatic qualifying spot. The third-placed team will go into a play-off.

However, Australia’s task was complicated when Oman beat Iraq 1-0 to rise to second in the group.

Socceroos have two home games left, against Jordan and Iraq, while Oman have only one to play away against Jordan on June 18.

In front of a packed and noisy crowd at Saitama, Japan had the better of a highly entertaining first half which saw chances fly thick and fast and heroic saves at both ends of the pitch.

Yasuhito Endo’s dipping free-kick curled past the upright early on, and the Gamba Osaka midfielder then fired over the bar after a slick move orchestrated by Honda and Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa.

The same trio combined for another neat exchange which drew a one-handed reaction stop from Australia’s Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer to deny Kagawa from close range.

At the other end Brett Holman dragged a shot wide, New York Red Bulls forward Tim Cahill volleyed over and Japan’s Eiji Kawashima had to come sharply off his line after Robbie Kruse was put through one-on-one.

Kagawa and Honda continued to torment the Socceroos after the break and they nearly broke the deadlock on 55 minutes when the Manchester United man’s stabbed, defence-flummoxing cross was poked wide by his bleach-blond team-mate.

Kagawa, operating on the left, was denied by hard-working Australian defender Sasa Ognenovski and then bounced a shot off the angle between the right post and the crossbar.

Zaccheroni brought on defender Yuzo Kurihara as a stalemate beckoned. But shortly afterwards, Oar silenced the massed Japanese fans when his cross from the left spun over Kawashima and crept in on 82 minutes.

Japan were staring at a cruel defeat but as the clock ticked to full time, Honda’s cross was parried by McKay’s arm. The blond CSKA Moscow talisman stepped up to ram his penalty past Schwarzer, who dived to his left.

“I think we performed better. We deserved a win. But as usual, something unexpected happened. But my players had a strong feeling to fight back,” said Zaccheroni. — AFP

Awang Jobli Awang Bidin

KUCHING: A solitary goal by Hisyam Afifi Mohamad in the 29th minute was enough to seal three points for the Sarawak President’s Cup squad in their away game against Perlis at Stadium Utama Negeri, Kangar.

The team now sits at the 15th spot in the league table with 20 points from 26 games.

“We were hoping for a win to improve our standings on the table,” said assistant coach Awang Jobli Awang Bidin after the match yesterday.

He was happy with his team’s spirit and dedication which was reflected in their relentless attacking play.

“I hope that their winning spirit will not falter during the next match against Kedah on June 10 and Kuala Lumpur on June 13 at the state stadium.”

The team can take advantage of the home ground to gain the full six points.

Barzagli was called into the squad following injury to Luca Antonelli, who limped out of a 4-0 friendly win against San Marino in Bologna on Friday.

Despite nursing an Achilles tendon injury, Barzagli came through a training session unscathed on Monday, prompting Prandelli to include the experienced Juve campaigner in his 23-man travelling party.

Antonelli is the only player from Prandelli’s initial 30-man squad, named last week, to miss Friday’s trip to Prague, as well as the Confederations Cup in Brazil during the second half of the month, due to injury.

Also cut from the initial squad is Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi, defenders Angelo Ogbonna (Torino) and Andrea Ranocchia (Inter), midfielders Giacomo Bonaventura (Atalanta), Andrea Poli (Sampdoria) and Cagliari striker Marco Sau.

Prandelli sent a message to those he dropped from the squad, which after defeat to Spain in the Euro 2012 final will be keen to come out on top in Brazil as a prelude to a successful World Cup campaign.

“Whoever did not make the squad shouldn’t feel rejected or marked. We will continue to follow these players and offer them the chance of a recall.

“It’s been a valuable experience, and it won’t be their last. I was satisfied with the efforts of the entire squad these past days.”

At the halfway stage of their 10-match World Cup qualifying campaign, Italy sit top of Group B on 13 points, three ahead of Bulgaria, who have played one game more, with Czech Republic on eight points.

It leaves the Azzurri boss with a solid backline including Juve stalwarts Gianluigi Buffon, Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini as well as Christian Maggio, Mattia De Sciglio and Ignazio Abate. In midfield, Juve’s Andrea Pirlo is a virtual shoe-in, and depending to what extent Prandelli continues to tweak his tactical formation – a 4-3-3 was employed against San Marino – he still has plenty of options.

Notable additions to the squad’s midfield are Fiorentina’s Alberto Aquilani and playmaker Alessandro Diamanti of Bologna.

Meanwhile, Alessio Cerci and veteran Alberto Gilardino – players whose individual skill has shone this season amid placid campaigns for their respective clubs – add some impetus to a likely three-man front line in which Mario Balotelli will play the central role. — AFP

Captain Terry was relegated to fourth-choice centre half under interim boss Rafa Benitez last season and, although Torres had his best season in Chelsea blue, the Spain striker has only bagged one goal in the Premier League in 2013.

Terry’s season was blighted by a knee injury he sustained in November and he was also forced to miss the 2-1 Europa League Cup final win over Benfica in Amsterdam last month because of an ankle problem.

The 32-year-old former England skipper’s creaking joints seem to be catching up with him although vice-captain Frank Lampard has no doubts about the defender’s value to the 2012 European champions.

“JT has said he’d love to stay at Chelsea,” Lampard told The Sun newspaper last month.

“He feels the same as me, why play anywhere else when you love the club you’re at? JT is the captain and does a brilliant job.”    Mourinho, however, may feel the time is right to move Terry on and give extra defensive responsibility to the likes of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic.

It also remains to be seen if Torres can win over the new coach who makes an emotional return to the club he left in 2007.

The Spaniard finally emerged from the shadows of Mourinho’s old favourite Didier Drogba last season, grabbing 22 goals in all competitions for the club he joined for a British record fee of 50 million pounds ( 75.80 million) from Liverpool in January 2011.

Benitez seemed to coax the best out of the misfiring Torres during his seven months in charge, the highlight coming against Benfica when the Chelsea number nine ran half the length of the field to put his side 1-0 up.

Question marks remain over Torres’s ability to score consistently in the Premier League although the player himself is certain where he believes his future lies.

“It was a very good end of the season for me,” he said. “I am feeling much better, I am playing more than before so I am happy.

“Sometimes the confidence just changes when you are feeling you are part of the team, when you are playing more often and playing the important games and the goals come. It makes everything easier and I am really looking forward to next season.”

Torres was the first-choice striker last season, playing just in front of the ‘Three Amigos’ Juan Mata, Eden Hazard and Oscar.

The slightly-built playmaking trio are the hub of the Chelsea team, opening up tight opposition defences with their intricate passing moves, vision and creativity.

Under Benitez and his Champions League-winning predecessor Roberto Di Matteo, the Londoners employed a 4-2-3-1 system that would seem at odds with the 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 approach that Mourinho employed to such good effect in his first spell at the club.

The Portuguese, who led Chelsea to successive Premier League title triumphs in 2005 and 2006, used to like going into battle with tough, uncompromising midfielders such as Lampard, Claude Makelele, Michael Ballack and Michael Essien.

The Stamford Bridge faithful are now wondering how Mourinho plans to merge the two differing styles and are also intrigued to discover how the ‘Special One’ will work with billionaire Russian owner Roman Abramovich.

The two men fell out spectacularly in 2007 although media reports suggested they patched up their differences soon after Mourinho’s Chelsea departure.

In recent years Abramovich has relied on sporting director Michael Emenalo for most of the decisions on transfer incomings and outgoings.

Mourinho, in a similar manner to his close friend Alex Ferguson at Manchester United, seemed to want to be master of all he surveyed in his first spell at Chelsea.

But having gone through turbulent spells behind the scenes at Inter Milan and, more recently, at Real Madrid – he may now prefer to focus his attention on coaching and leave the buying and selling to Abramovich and Emenalo.

According to former Inter player Wesley Sneijder, Mourinho will be realising a dream by going back to Chelsea.

“Jose only loves his wife and kids more than Chelsea, he has a special place in his heart for the club,” the Galatasaray midfielder told the Turkish website SporX.

“Mourinho had the excited look of a kid telling his parents what he wanted for Christmas when he talked about the Premier League and Chelsea.” — Reuters

The 50-year-old Portuguese, who led the club to unprecedented success between 2004 and 2007, succeeds interim coach Rafael Benitez and has signed a four-year contract.

His Stamford Bridge comeback was one of the worst-kept secrets in European football, with weeks of media speculation culminating in his admission on Spanish television late on Sunday that he had agreed to move back to west London.

In an interview with Chelsea TV, the club’s in-house television channel, Mourinho said his time at the club had left a deep impression that had endured throughout his subsequent tenures at Inter Milan and Real Madrid.

“It is exactly the same message, but now I can say I am one of you (supporters) and that makes a little bit of a difference,” he said.

“I never hide that in my career in football I had two great passions – Inter and Chelsea, and Chelsea is more than important for me.

“It was very hard to play against Chelsea. I did it twice, which was not so bad. Now I promise exactly the same things I promised in 2004, but with the difference we have (now), which is I am one of you.”

He added: “It was an easy decision. I met the boss, I met the owner (Roman Abramovich), and in five minutes, after a couple of very short but pragmatic questions, we decided straight away.”

Announcing the news of Mourinho’s reappointment, Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay heralded his “success, drive and ambition”, and said he was the “outstanding candidate”.

It is almost six years since Mourinho left Chelsea, under something of a cloud, in September 2007, but he said he had no qualms about coming back.

“It was a difficult moment because I love it here and have a big connection with the club. Also for the club, my departure, it was not easy,” he said.

“But if you analyse it in a cool way and you leave emotions a bit apart, I think it was fantastic.

“Because after that I had in my career what I was aiming for and Chelsea as a football club got important trophies after that, with important moments in the history of the club.

“Now we are back together and it is a great moment for both, so I think we are ready to marry again and to be happy and successful again.”

Mourinho arrives from Madrid, where an initially fruitful three-year spell ended in acrimony following an unsuccessful league title defence, a semi-final exit in the Champions League, and the alienation of senior players including goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

He has enjoyed success everywhere else though, lifting the European Cup with both Porto and Inter, and leading the Italian club to an unprecedented sweep of Serie A, Italian Cup and Champions League trophies in 2010.

With Chelsea, he won back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, as well as two League Cups and the 2007 FA Cup, before leaving after his relationship with Abramovich broke down.

“He’s a great manager,” midfielder Frank Lampard, a survivor of Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge, told BBC Sport.

“He took my game on a million miles, and my personality in terms of football on a million miles.”

Popularly referred to as ‘the Special One’, in reference to a brash remark from his very first Chelsea press conference, Mourinho is an outspoken figure who has became renowned for his clashes with officials and opposition coaches.

Former Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino said Mourinho’s return would help fill the void created by the shock retirement of long-serving Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson.

“We’ve lost one great manager in Fergie, but we’ve got another one coming back into the Premiership,” he told Sky Sports News.

Ron Harris, Chelsea’s record appearance-maker, said: “I feel the supporters will be more than happy, so it’s a pat on the back for Roman Abramovich for bringing him back to Chelsea Football Club.”

Mourinho has brought coaches Rui Faria, Silvino Louro and Jose Morais with him from Madrid and will be officially presented to the media next Monday.

After a pre-season tour of Asia in July, Mourinho’s first chance
of major silverware will arrive when Chelsea tackle Bayern Munich, coached by his former Barcelona sparring partner Pep Guardiola, in the European Super Cup final in Prague on August 30. — AFP