Showing posts with label Pique. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pique. Show all posts

Brazil mauls Spain in confederations cup final

The samba boys of Brazil have become the first team to win the FIFA confederations cup on three successive occasions. The five time World champions demolished Spain by 3-0 at the Maracana on Sunday.

The reigning World and European champions were a goal behind as early as the second minute of action. Neymar's cross led to a goal mouth scramble in the Spanish penalty box before Fred poked the ball into the net after losing his footing.

The Fluminese striker showed a lot of desire to ensure that the vociferous Brazilian fans were given an early lift.

Brazil closed up every available space to deny the Spaniards any chance of spreading the ball around in their normal 'tiki-taka' style.

Oscar missed a chance to double the lead of the Brazilians when his tame effort went agonisingly wide off a flick by Fred.

Tottenham Hotspur-bound player, Paulinho had his looping effort carefully saved by Iker Casillas some minutes later.

The Spaniards' first real sight of goal came from Andres Iniesta. The Barcelona midfielder fired a shot that was palmed to safety by Julio Cesar.

Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Arbeloa were yellow-carded after the duo committed fouls that could have led to their dismissal.

The Brazilians dominated the first half with great tenacity. Hulk's power play on the right and Neymar's flair on the left flank unsettled the Spanish team.

Pedro was denied a lovely goal after the Barcelona player dribbled Cesar,but David Luiz cleared the ball off the line with an amazing slide.

With about two minutes to half time, the new 'Pele' of Brazil-Neymar buttressed his arrival on the big stage when he stood onside to rifle the ball into the net with his left foot.

Second Half
The samba boys continued the annihiliation of Spain in the 47th minute. A lovely assist from Hulk was guided into the net by Fred's left foot to make it 3-0.

Vincent Del Bosque responded by introducing Jesus Navas. The Manchester City signing made an instant impact by winning a penalty that was missed by Sergio Ramos.

Gerard Pique was sent off for a rough tackle on Neymar in the 68th minute. The Brazilians missed more chances through Marcelo and Neymar.

Pedro's effort was saved by Julio Cesar towards the end of the match.

Brazil will be expected to return to the top 10 when the new FIFA rankings are released in July.

FC Barcelona escapes Gijon scare!



FC Barcelona played without FIFA World Player of the year Lionel Messi in their La Liga match at the Camp Nou on Saturday night. The Argentine star was suspended from a match for the first time in his career. Former Arsenal captain, Cesc Fabregas was named as his replacement, Andreas Iniesta gave the Catalan giants a first half lead before David  Barral equalised for Sporting Gijon in the 49th minute moments after Gerard Pique was sent off for Barcelona. Malian striker, Seydou Keita curled in a shot from 20 yards to give the Catalans a 2-1 lead. The goal assist came from Chilean attacker, Alexis Sanchez who couldn't finish the match due to injury.
A late third goal was scored by Xavi  after Iniesta chipped a pass to him. Gijon keeper, Juan Pablo was beaten by the lob. Barcelona reduced the deficit at the top of the table to seven points before Real Madrid's match against Espanyol.
This win came about 24 hours before Pep Guardiola was linked to the Chelsea job that would be vacant this Summer following the sack of Andre Villas Boas. The Barca manager has not signed a contract extension unlike last season.