Van Gaal Confirmed Netherlands Final 23 for World Cup 2014

Netherlands’ head coach, Louis Van Gaal has made his final decision over the 23 players that he will be taking into 2014 World Cup in Brazil and there were no major surprise as all established players are there.

Basically, from the top names that were summoned into Dutch’s temporary squad, only Rafael Van der Vaart who won’t be flying to Brazil, but he was ruled out due to injury few days before Van Gaal confirmed his selection.

Some of the names that Van Gaal decided to left out from his final 23 are young talents such as Tonny Vilhena, Karim Rekik, Quincy Promes, Jean-Paul Boetius, Jeroen Zoet along with Patrick van Aanholt.

That decision is somewhat predictable by many Netherlands fans as they acknowledge that in order to compete with Spain, Chile and Australia, Van Gaal can’t afford to make any surprise decision by leaving out any of the top names.

Already losing out Kevin Strootman due to his long term injury which was followed by Van der Vaart, Van Gaal will be hoping that none of his current 23 got any injury issues especially those important names such as Robin van Persie, Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder.

Final 23-man Netherlands squad:

Goalkeepers: Jasper Cillessen (Ajax), Michel Vorm (Swansea City), Tim Krul (Newcastle United)

Defenders: Paul Verhaegh (Augsburg), Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord), Joel Veltman (Ajax), Stefan de Vrij (Feyenoord), Ron Vlaar (Aston Villa), Bruno Martins Indi (Feyenoord), Terence Kongolo (Feyenoord), Daley Blind (Ajax)

Midfielders: Leroy Fer (Norwich City), Nigel de Jong (AC Milan), Jordy Clasie (Feyenoord), Jonathan de Guzman (Swansea City), Georginio Wijnaldum (PSV), Wesley Sneijder (Galatasaray)

Forwards: Arjen Robben (Bayern Munich), Robin van Persie (Manchester United), Klaas-Jan Huntelaar (Schalke), Dirk Kuyt (Fenerbahce), Jeremain Lens (Dynamo Kiev), Memphis Depay (PSV) 

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Spain vs Bolivia 2-0 Highlights 30-05-2014 International Friendly

Spain vs Bolivia
Competition: International Friendly
Match date: 30 May 2014
Venue: Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán

Spain registered a win against Bolivia in the match of International Friendly. Spain vs Bolivia match ended with 2-0 scoreline in International Friendly 2014.

Spain 2-0 Bolivia (Friendly):

Spain – Fernando Torres (pen) 51 Andres Iniesta 84

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Belgium vs Luxembourg 5-1 Highlights 26-05-2014 Friendly

Cristal Arena, Genk - 26 May, 2014

Belgium continue to showcase positive signs ahead of their upcoming World Cup 2014 journey as they grabbed a convincing win in their friendly fixture against Luxembourg.

Everton striker, Romelu Lukaku proving his prowess once again as he bagged a hat-trick on that home encounter. Lukaku started his goal scoring parade after only three minutes of play, capitalizing on an assist from Marouane Fellaini.
However, Luxembourg picked up a surprise equalizer when Aurelien Joachim scored on 13 minutes, before Lukaku regained his team's lead 10 minutes later.
Early in the second half, Lukaku completed his hat-trick as he scored on 54 minutes to make it 3-1 for Belgium. The home team continuing their dominance on that second period with two more goals from Nacer Chadli on 71 minutes and Kevin de Bryune's spot kick in stoppage time.

Belgium Luxembourg 1-0 (Lukaku goal vs Luxembourg 3′)
Belgium Luxembourg 1-1 (Joachim goal v Belgium 13′)
Belgium Luxembourg 2-1 (Lukaku goal vs Luxembourg 23′)
Belgium Luxembourg 3-1 (Lukaku goal vs Luxembourg 54′)
Belgium Luxembourg 4-1 (Chadli goal vs Luxembourg 70′)
Belgium Luxembourg 5-1 (De Bruyne goal vs Luxembourg 90′)

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Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Champions League final 24-05-2014

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid
Competition: Champions League − 2013/2014 − Final
Match date: 24 May 2014 - Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Estádio da Luz (Lisboa, Portugal), Benfica

Real Madrid team return to the Champions League title game after taking a 12-year hiatus (2001-2002 winners) from the pinnacle match of European football. Los Blancos had a point to prove this time around after bowing out to underdogs Dortmund in last season’s Champions League semifinal. They enter this match having won 10 of their 12 Champions League matches this season, including earning revenge on Dortmund in the quarterfinal stage. Furthermore, they’ve won 7 of their last 8 with that lone loss coming in a 2nd leg tie that saw Los Blancos carry a 3 goal lead to Germany (Dortmund). Now, after having smashed the title holders Bayern 5-0 on aggregate, manager Carlo Ancelotti has a chance to restore Real Madrid back to their familiar place atop Europe. Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano returns to his mother country here with the match being played in the Portuguese capital, and the mesmerizing forward will be eager to add his second Champions League trophy (2007-2008 winner with Man Utd) to a cabinet full of personal accolades and club successes. The most expensive man in football has certainly earned his paycheck in this season’s Champions League, tallying 16 goals in 12 games, which easily leads the competition. However, key midfield installment Xabi Alonso will be forced out here due to an accumulation of yellow cards, and his experience could be missed with Illarramendi set to replace him. In 4 matches with their in-town rivals this season, Los Blancos have lost once (1-0, La Liga), drawn once (2-2, La Liga), and won twice (2-0 and 3-0, both legs of the Copa del Ray).

Atletico Madrid have surprised the masses this season with their excellent run. Having won the Spanish Primera Division last weekend with a 1-1 draw against Barcelona, they now have a chance to grab the improbable title double with a win in Saturday’s final. Manager Diego Simeone has played the role of 5-star general this season, guiding his troops through pressure and against complacency in a way that has only garnered respect from players and fans alike. In their first season in the Champions League since the 2008-2009 season, Los Rojiblancos have gone unbeaten in all 12 matches, including impressive knockouts of Italian giants AC Milan, fellow Spanish club Barcelona, and English money-machine Chelsea. The La Liga champions will receive a boon in the form of captain Gabi, who will return after missing the club’s semifinal victory over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge (3-1). However, the much sought-after striker Diego Costa, who currently sits 3rd in the goalscoring chart for this season’s Champions League (8 goals in only 8 appearances), is highly doubtful to be fit for this match. While David Villa and Raul Garcia are worthy replacements up top, it is a major worry for the underdogs headed into the weekend. In their one victory over their rivals this season, Diego Costa netted the winning goal.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Probable Line-Ups:
Real Madrid: Diego López, Dani Carvajal, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Luka Modrić, Illarramendi, Angel di María, Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Atlético Madrid: Thibault Courtois, Juanfran, João Miranda, Diego Godín, Filipe Luís, Gabi, Koke, Adrián López, Diego, Diego Costa, David Villa.

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid 1-1 Highlights 17-05-2014 La Liga

Barcelona vs Atletico Madrid
Competition: Spanish Primera Division
Match date: 17 May 2014
Venue: Estadio Camp Nou, Spain

FC Barcelona 1-1 Atletico Madrid:

33' Alexis Sanchez 1-0 // 49' 1-1 Diego Godin

FC Barcelona side put on a dominating display as only a win can give them that La Liga title, whereas even a draw would be more than enough for Atletico.
Things were looking bright for El Barca when they found themselves getting in front on 34 minutes through Alexis Sanchez's strike.
That lead lasted until half time break, giving Barca fans a joyful atmosphere thinking that they've turned the title race around.
However, early in the second half, Atletico got back on level terms when Diego Godin scored on 49 minutes.
Drawing 1-1, Barcelona were pushing hard to regain their lead, but their opponent continue to put on a solid display in that tie. Despite both teams' effort, no more goals were scored in that game as Atletico got their hands on the La Liga title because of that result.

Barcelona starting lineup v Atleti 2014:- Pinto, Alves, Adriano, Pique, Mascherano, Fabregas, Iniesta, Busquets, Messi,Alexis, Pedro

Atletico Madrid starting XI vs Barca 2014:- Courtois, Miranda, Juanfran, Filipe Luis, Godin, Tiago, Gabi, Turan, Koke, Villa, Costa

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Sevilla vs Benfica 14-05-2014 Europa League Final Highlights 4-2 Penalties

Sevilla vs Benfica - Competition: UEFA Europa League Final
Match date: 14 May 2014 - Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Juventus Stadium

Sevilla vs Benfica 4 – 2 Penalty 

Sevilla Benfica 0-1 Lima scores
Sevilla Benfica 1-1 Bacca scores
Sevilla Benfica 1-1 Cardozo misses
Sevilla Benfica 2-1 Mbia scores
Sevilla Benfica 2-1 Rodrigo misses
Sevilla Benfica 3-1 Coke scores
Sevilla Benfica 3-2 Luisao scores
Sevilla Benfica 4-2 Gameiro scores

Spain regain their domination in Europe top flight football this season as after having two La Liga teams in Champions League final, Sevilla won the Europa League on midweek after defeating Benfica.

Both teams were looking really determined in getting that title as both sides haven won any major trophies in a while. Being slightly favored, Benfica looked threatening early on, but their opponent were not letting themselves being outplayed. Despite both teams efforts in searching for goals, their tight battle forced them to have more concern on keeping each others out instead of scoring.

This situation eventually forced that final match to end in a goalless draw as both teams failed to score during the full 90 minutes plus. The was was decided on penalty shoot out which Sevilla had more luck on as they converted all four of their shots, while Benfica missed two of them.

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Manchester City vs West Ham 2-0 Highlights 11-05-2014 EPL

Manchester City vs West Ham
Competition: Premier League
Match date: 11 May 2014
Venue: Etihad Stadium

Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United:

39' 1-0 Nasri S. // 49' 2-0 Kompany V.

There wasn't any drama happening on the final day of English Premier League fixture this weekend as Man City sealed their title after comfortably defeating West Ham United at Etihad Stadium.

Only needing a point to secure their glory, Manchester City refused to play it safe as they immediately push for all three points since kick off.
City's relentless pressure was finally rewarded when they got themselves ahead on 39 minutes from Samir Nasri's finish. Already taking a slender lead during the first 45 minutes didn't safisty City players as they kept on pushing forward and eventually doubling their lead through Vincent Kompany on 49 minutes.

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Manchester United vs Hull City 3-1 Highlights 06-05-2014 EPL

Manchester United vs Hull City  - Competition: Premier League

Match date: 6 May 2014 - Kick Off Time: 19:45 GMT
Venue: Old Trafford, England 

Manchester United 3-1 Hull City:

31' 1-0 Wilson J //61' 2-0 Wilson J. // 63' 2-1 Fryatt M. // 86' 3-1 van Persie R.

Man Utd regained a bit of their pride as this midweek they picked up a precious home victory over Hull City.

Playing in front of their home crowd at Old Trafford, United immediately put a strong pressure on their opponent as they seek for all three points on that tie.

Manchester United aggressive approach was rewarded when they got themselves in front through youngster, James Wilson who scored on 31 minutes. Wilson continue his impressive debut moment as he bagged a brace on 61 minute, finishing off a rebound inside the penalty area.

Hull City didn't want to give things up easily though as they put on an aggressive display and did manage to pull one goal back through Matty Fryatt on 63 minutes.

However, United eventually sealed all three points on that tie when Robin Van Persise scored his team's third four minutes from time.

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Fiorentina vs Napoli 1-3 Highlights Coppa Italia 2014 Final

Stadio Olimpico, Roma - 3 May, 2014- Italian Cup Final - 03/05/2014

SSC Napoli earned a positive reward for their hard word this season as they won the Coppa Italia after defeating Fiorentina on Saturday.

Playing at a neutral ground at Olympico, Roma, none of those two teams can be considered having a home court advantage, making things much more interesting.

Both sides immediately put on an aggressive approach, but it was Napoli that got things going when Lorenzo Insigne opened the scoring on 11 minutes. Six minutes later, things continue to go into Napoli's favor as they double their advantage with another effort from Insigne.

La Viola refused to give up easily though as they managed to pull one goal back through Juan Vargas' fine finish on 28 minutes.

In the second half, things continue to get interesting with Fiorentina putting on a much more attacking display as they search for an equalizing goal. Despite having to end the game with only 10-men, it was Napoli that snatched the all important third goal and eventually securing their win over La Viola.

Fiorentina 1-3 SSC Napoli (Coppa Italia)

11' 0-1 Insigne L // 17' 0-2 Insigne L // 28' 1-2 Vargas // 92' 1-3 Mertens 

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Valencia vs Sevilla Europa League May 1, 2014

Valencia vs Sevilla - Competition: UEFA Europa League
Match date: 1 May 2014 - Kick Off Time: 20:05 GMT
Venue: Mestalla, Spain 

Valencia again has to deal with a difficult situation in the Europa League. Just as the first leg of the quarter-finals, when they lost 0:3 to Basel FC , they again need to comeback. This time they lost 0:2 in the first leg, one week ago in Sevilla. At least it seems slightly better than the 0:3 against FC Basel. They need 2 goals to equalize the score and get in overtime. Against Basel they managed to win 3:0 after the regular time and scored another two times in the overtime. It is not going to be easy again. Sevilla is quite strong and performs quite well in this Euro League season. Valencia also performed well so far, but had some difficulties in the last games. Two out of the last three games in the Euro League were lost. Before that, they had a series of nine games without a loss. In their home stadium they only lost once, on the first match day in the Euro League against Swansea City. Maybe a late Easter miracle is possible. Wouldn’t be the first comeback after almost nobody counted on them.

Sevilla stands with one foot in the Euro League Finals of the season 2013/14. The final will be in Turin, Italy, and the possible opponent could be Benfica Lissabon. At least if you look at the first leg of the other semi-final. Benfica won against Juventus Turin with 2:1. Juventus will definitely try to get to the final at home however.
Sevilla was able to win without receiving a goal, 2:0. Sounds like the perfect result in a  first leg. But nothing is sure at this moment. Not for Benfica and not for Sevilla. A lot can happen in the second leg. Especially against a team that turned around a 0:3 against the FC Basel. Playing the second league away is not an advantage and more difficult than performing at home. Sevilla lost their last away game in the quarter final against Porto with 0:1. At home they could beat Porto 4:1 then and went to the semi-finals.  It was their first loss in this Euro League season playing on the road. Before that, they won three times and drew twice. They know Valencia quite well and will find a way to reach the final.

Valencia last 5 matches:
10/04/14 Valencia 5 – 0 Basel
13/04/14 Valencia 2 – 1 Elche
19/04/14 Osasuna 1 – 1 Valencia
24/04/14 Sevilla 2 – 0 Valencia
27/04/14 Valencia 0 – 1 Atlético Madrid

Sevilla last 5 matches:
10/04/14 Sevilla 4 – 1 Porto
13/04/14 Real Betis 0 – 2 Sevilla
20/04/14 Sevilla 4 – 0 Granada
24/04/14 Sevilla 2 – 0 Valencia
27/04/14 Athletic Club 3 – 1 Sevilla 

You can watch the match here: Link 1 , Link 2 [Live Scores]

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