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Tag "Messi"

Barcelona defeated an enterprising but error-strewn Chelsea 3-0 at the Camp Nou to advance into the Quarter final of the UEFA Champions League thanks to a brace and an assist from Lionel Messi.Both sides made one change apiece to their starting XI from the first leg, Oliver Giroud replacing Pedro for Chelsea. Barcelona replaced Paulinho with fit-again summer signing Ousmane [...]

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar will contest the 2015 FIFA Ballon d'Or competition after the shortlist was whittled down from 23 names to just three.Having led Barcelona to a famous treble last season, Messi is the favourite to win the award while Ronaldo is looking to defend his crown and draw level with the Argentine for overall wins.Should he [...]

For a Manchester United fan, the memory of the retiring-from-the-Barclays Premier League-Steven Gerrard can be summarised in a popular idiom: what goes around comes around.Or better still: God has a wicked sense of humour!A great midfielder no doubt but when I think of Steven G (shhh…this is between us: I’m a Man U fan), I don’t remember the caps he [...]

A pillow and mat would have come in handy as it was snooze time at the Arena de Baixada during Monday night's listless draw between Nigeria and Iran.It was the first drawn match of the 2014 World Cup; it was also the first drab match.The Super Eagles were expected to cruise past Carlos Quieroz’s side, and win their first World [...]

Super Eagles of Nigeria defender, Kenneth Omeruo, is setting his sight on a regular first-team spot with Chelsea next season, once the World Cup is over.The 20-year-old Nigeria international recently signed a new deal to remain at Stamford Bridge after impressing during a loan spell at Middlesbrough.Omeruo has gained significant experience at international level, winning 16 caps with the Super [...]

Arsene Wenger has tipped Nigeria to reach the second round of the World Cup, alongside Argentina in Group F.The Arsenal manager, one of the most respected voices in world football, expects the Super Eagles to join La Albiceleste into the knockout stage because of the team's spirit.Wenger expects Argentina to win the group, which also has Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.“I think that [...]

The biggest stage is where he loves to be; and with the World Cup up in a month’s time and fresh from lifting the English Premiership title with Manchester City, Vincent Kompany is ready for the challenge to lead arguably the tournament’s most star-studded side.At 28 years, the Manchester City captain is at his peak; and as often seen at [...]