Frank Augstein/AP/Press Association Images
World Cup hosts Brazil will be without Neymar for the rest of the competition after the striker fractured vertebrae in the quarter-final clash against Colombia.
Captain Thiago Silva is banned meaning Dante is likely to start, while Luis Gustavo returns from suspension.
Germany manager Joachim Low may recall Per Mertesacker after the centre-back was dropped in the last round against France.
Low has reported no new injury concerns ahead of the meeting with Brazil.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Brazil and Germany have played more World Cup matches than any other side (102 and 104 respectively), but have only met once before at the tournament. That was the 2002 final, won 2-0 by the Brazilians.
Injured Brazilian striker Neymar has played a part in 50% of Brazil’s 10 goals at this World Cup (four goals, one assist).
The Germans are the first country to reach four successive World Cup semi-finals.
World Cup hosts Brazil will be without Neymar for the rest of the competition after the striker fractured vertebrae in the quarter-final clash against Colombia.
Captain Thiago Silva is banned meaning Dante is likely to start, while Luis Gustavo returns from suspension.
Germany manager Joachim Low may recall Per Mertesacker after the centre-back was dropped in the last round against France.
Low has reported no new injury concerns ahead of the meeting with Brazil.
(BBC)
Key Stats
Brazil and Germany have played more World Cup matches than any other side (102 and 104 respectively), but have only met once before at the tournament. That was the 2002 final, won 2-0 by the Brazilians.
Injured Brazilian striker Neymar has played a part in 50% of Brazil’s 10 goals at this World Cup (four goals, one assist).
The Germans are the first country to reach four successive World Cup semi-finals.
- 7/8/2014
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
The action continued in the Bundesliga this weekend with Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen and Mainz 05 continuing their 100% record this season.
Dortmund kicked off the weekend’s action on Friday night with a 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen. The home side should’ve won by a larger scoreline but were wasteful in front of goal and relied on Robert Lewandowski’s 56th minute goal to win. Bremen almost shocked the home side late on but a superb save from Weidenfeller ensured the points stayed at the Signal Iduna Park.
Bayer Leverkusen defeated Borussia Monchengladbach by a 4-2 margin to maintain their perfect start to the season. Kiebling’s early penalty gave the home side a lead to defend and they shortly doubled their advantage when Kiebling turned provider and set up Sidney Sam.
Gladbach fought back in the second-half with their first goal coming from Martin Stranzl. Soon after they got the equaliser,...
Dortmund kicked off the weekend’s action on Friday night with a 1-0 victory over Werder Bremen. The home side should’ve won by a larger scoreline but were wasteful in front of goal and relied on Robert Lewandowski’s 56th minute goal to win. Bremen almost shocked the home side late on but a superb save from Weidenfeller ensured the points stayed at the Signal Iduna Park.
Bayer Leverkusen defeated Borussia Monchengladbach by a 4-2 margin to maintain their perfect start to the season. Kiebling’s early penalty gave the home side a lead to defend and they shortly doubled their advantage when Kiebling turned provider and set up Sidney Sam.
Gladbach fought back in the second-half with their first goal coming from Martin Stranzl. Soon after they got the equaliser,...
- 8/29/2013
- by Josh Challies
- Obsessed with Film
The naysayers and doom-mongers can put away their pitchforks and torches for at least another week because Arsenal have qualified for the Champions League group stages.
After a difficult last few weeks for the Gunners and, indeed, a difficult summer, the club have at least earned a temporary reprieve from criticism by flying into Europe’s elite club competition with a 5-0 aggregate win over a dismal Fenerbahce.
Though Arsenal are into the Champions League for a 16th successive year – a feat matched by no other active manager in Europe – the signs were still out in full-force at Emirates Stadium Tuesday night – “spend, spend spend!“.
The irony won’t have been lost on those who held aloft this message as the Londoner’s only signing of the summer to date, Yaya Sanogo, came off the bench for something of a cameo appearance in the dying embers of the tie.
He...
After a difficult last few weeks for the Gunners and, indeed, a difficult summer, the club have at least earned a temporary reprieve from criticism by flying into Europe’s elite club competition with a 5-0 aggregate win over a dismal Fenerbahce.
Though Arsenal are into the Champions League for a 16th successive year – a feat matched by no other active manager in Europe – the signs were still out in full-force at Emirates Stadium Tuesday night – “spend, spend spend!“.
The irony won’t have been lost on those who held aloft this message as the Londoner’s only signing of the summer to date, Yaya Sanogo, came off the bench for something of a cameo appearance in the dying embers of the tie.
He...
- 8/28/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
Tonight, Arsenal travel to Turkey for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Fenerbahce.
Following a difficult week and, indeed, a troublesome summer for the Gunners, a win here is practically imperative if manager Arsene Wenger is to keep his critics at bay.
The Frenchman’s detractors were in full voice this week following Arsenal’s dismal performance against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season, which saw the Londoners lose 3-1 at Emirates Stadium.
And that demoralising set-back has coincided with another summer of inactivity on the transfer front as Wenger has missed out on the likes of David Villa, Stevan Jovetic, Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo.
So far, his only purchase has been youngster Yaya Sanogo on a free from Auxerre, which has done very little, if anything, to appease fan’s growing concerns about the direction the club are headed in.
Tonight, Arsenal travel to Turkey for the first leg of their Champions League play-off against Fenerbahce.
Following a difficult week and, indeed, a troublesome summer for the Gunners, a win here is practically imperative if manager Arsene Wenger is to keep his critics at bay.
The Frenchman’s detractors were in full voice this week following Arsenal’s dismal performance against Aston Villa on the opening day of the Premier League season, which saw the Londoners lose 3-1 at Emirates Stadium.
And that demoralising set-back has coincided with another summer of inactivity on the transfer front as Wenger has missed out on the likes of David Villa, Stevan Jovetic, Gonzalo Higuain, Luis Suarez and Luiz Gustavo.
So far, his only purchase has been youngster Yaya Sanogo on a free from Auxerre, which has done very little, if anything, to appease fan’s growing concerns about the direction the club are headed in.
- 8/21/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Media Image Ltd
The eagerly awaited 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season is upon us and one must hope it will not be as mundane as last season. Only Manchester United fans will beg to differ on that one!
At the very least the opening round of matches provided us with some rest bite from the media frenzy surrounding the futures of Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney respectively, which in all honesty is becoming more and more tedious every time they’re mentioned.
Thankfully the football on the pitch gave us a reminder of what we have spent the last couple of months longing for.
Champions Manchester United and new boss David Moyes began their season at Swansea City, while his successor at Everton, Roberto Martinez and Stoke City manager Mark Hughes also began life at their new clubs.
Same Old Arsenal?
Media Image Ltd
No major signings, frustrated fans...
The eagerly awaited 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season is upon us and one must hope it will not be as mundane as last season. Only Manchester United fans will beg to differ on that one!
At the very least the opening round of matches provided us with some rest bite from the media frenzy surrounding the futures of Gareth Bale, Luis Suarez and Wayne Rooney respectively, which in all honesty is becoming more and more tedious every time they’re mentioned.
Thankfully the football on the pitch gave us a reminder of what we have spent the last couple of months longing for.
Champions Manchester United and new boss David Moyes began their season at Swansea City, while his successor at Everton, Roberto Martinez and Stoke City manager Mark Hughes also began life at their new clubs.
Same Old Arsenal?
Media Image Ltd
No major signings, frustrated fans...
- 8/19/2013
- by Matthew Ford
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal have been linked with a series of midfielders this summer, as manager Arsene Wenger seeks to improve upon arguably one of the weakest areas of his side at present – defensive-midfield.
It has been a long time since the Gunners had a take-no-nonsense midfield enforcer in the mould of Patrick Vieira – club captain and, more importantly, leader – both on and off the pitch.
There is an argument that Alexander Song quite ably filled the role of defensive midfield quite ably, and in truth, the Cameroonian’s departure for Barcelona last summer has left something of a hole in Arsenal’s engine room that has still yet to be filled.
The likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere are all well and good, but the Gunners have too many quick and nimble midfielders and not enough steel.
Wenger has been looking into buying Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo this summer,...
It has been a long time since the Gunners had a take-no-nonsense midfield enforcer in the mould of Patrick Vieira – club captain and, more importantly, leader – both on and off the pitch.
There is an argument that Alexander Song quite ably filled the role of defensive midfield quite ably, and in truth, the Cameroonian’s departure for Barcelona last summer has left something of a hole in Arsenal’s engine room that has still yet to be filled.
The likes of Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jack Wilshere are all well and good, but the Gunners have too many quick and nimble midfielders and not enough steel.
Wenger has been looking into buying Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo this summer,...
- 8/15/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal have missed out on Luiz Gustavo after Wolfsburg agreed a £17 million deal with Bayern Munich for the defensive midfielder, according to the Guardian.
Gunner’s manager Arsene Wenger said last weekend that he was interested in the Brazil international and has been looking for an able, defence-minded midfielder ever since last summer’s departure of Alexander Song to Barcelona.
Arsenal valued the 26-year-old at £14 million but appear to have been unwilling to budge on that figure, allowing Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg to usurp them for the player.
The German club have been long-term admirers of Gustavo.
And this latest set-back in the summer transfer market is one that only serves to pile the pressure on Wenger to make an eye-catching signing before the window closes on September 2.
The French boss tried to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender earlier this summer but had an £18.5 million inquiry rejected.
He was also...
Gunner’s manager Arsene Wenger said last weekend that he was interested in the Brazil international and has been looking for an able, defence-minded midfielder ever since last summer’s departure of Alexander Song to Barcelona.
Arsenal valued the 26-year-old at £14 million but appear to have been unwilling to budge on that figure, allowing Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg to usurp them for the player.
The German club have been long-term admirers of Gustavo.
And this latest set-back in the summer transfer market is one that only serves to pile the pressure on Wenger to make an eye-catching signing before the window closes on September 2.
The French boss tried to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Lars Bender earlier this summer but had an £18.5 million inquiry rejected.
He was also...
- 8/15/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Bayern Munich’s Luiz Gustavo could be wrecked this summer with Napoli showing a late interest in the defensive midfielder, according to the Daily Mail.
The Brazilian is set to make an announcement regarding his future later today with the Gunners favourites to sign him.
Gustavo admitted recently that he would welcome a move to Arsenal in order to gain more first team football in the run up to a World Cup year, having played second fiddle to Javi Martinez at the Allianz Arena last season.
And the 26-year-old believes first-team opportunities will be even more scarce under new manager Pep Guardiola this season, too, following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona.
Gustavo said recently:
“My contract with Bayern runs until 2015 but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for Brazil.
“I am in a very delicate...
The Brazilian is set to make an announcement regarding his future later today with the Gunners favourites to sign him.
Gustavo admitted recently that he would welcome a move to Arsenal in order to gain more first team football in the run up to a World Cup year, having played second fiddle to Javi Martinez at the Allianz Arena last season.
And the 26-year-old believes first-team opportunities will be even more scarce under new manager Pep Guardiola this season, too, following the arrival of Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona.
Gustavo said recently:
“My contract with Bayern runs until 2015 but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for Brazil.
“I am in a very delicate...
- 8/14/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Liverpool may end up missing out on Bayern Munich left-back Diego Contento if Luiz Gustavo also leaves the Bundesliga champions, according to the Express.
Defensive midfielder Gustavo is wanted by Arsenal this summer while Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also eyeing up Contento to provide competition for Jose Enrique – but Bayern will only allow one of the players to leave.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is prepared to sanction the departure of either Gustavo or Contento – but not both.
Rummenigge said: “We will only let one player leave.”
Earlier today it emerged that Arsenal have tabled a £17.2 million offer for Gustavo, which, if accepted, would mean the Gunner’s clashing with Liverpool once more this summer.
The two Premier League clubs are already at loggerheads over the Luis Suarez affair with Arsenal failing with two bids for the Uruguayan.
And they could be set to lock horns once again with at...
Defensive midfielder Gustavo is wanted by Arsenal this summer while Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers is also eyeing up Contento to provide competition for Jose Enrique – but Bayern will only allow one of the players to leave.
Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge is prepared to sanction the departure of either Gustavo or Contento – but not both.
Rummenigge said: “We will only let one player leave.”
Earlier today it emerged that Arsenal have tabled a £17.2 million offer for Gustavo, which, if accepted, would mean the Gunner’s clashing with Liverpool once more this summer.
The two Premier League clubs are already at loggerheads over the Luis Suarez affair with Arsenal failing with two bids for the Uruguayan.
And they could be set to lock horns once again with at...
- 8/13/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Luiz Gustavo has admitted he wants to play for Arsenal this summer, with the club hopeful on completing a £14 million deal for the Bayern Munich defensive midfielder this week, according to the Guardian.
Gustavo has been deemed surplus to requirements at Bayern having played second fiddle to Javi Martinez for much of last season, making just 22 Bundesliga appearances.
But having impressed at the recent Confederations Cup, he has emerged on the Gunner’s radar.
And the 26-year-old feels as though first-team opportunities will be even more scarce this season given that Bayern have just signed Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona, and has welcomed a potential move to the Emirates.
Upon arrival in Basel for Brazil’s friendly against Switzerland, Gustavo said:
“My contract with Bayern runs until 2015 but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for Brazil. I am in a very delicate situation...
Gustavo has been deemed surplus to requirements at Bayern having played second fiddle to Javi Martinez for much of last season, making just 22 Bundesliga appearances.
But having impressed at the recent Confederations Cup, he has emerged on the Gunner’s radar.
And the 26-year-old feels as though first-team opportunities will be even more scarce this season given that Bayern have just signed Thiago Alcantara from Barcelona, and has welcomed a potential move to the Emirates.
Upon arrival in Basel for Brazil’s friendly against Switzerland, Gustavo said:
“My contract with Bayern runs until 2015 but it is very important that I play first-team football to keep getting called up for Brazil. I am in a very delicate situation...
- 8/13/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Arsenal’s summer frustrations look set to be at an end as Luis Gustavo is on the verge of joining from Bayern Munich according to The Telegraph.
The Gunners have found it tough going in this transfer window after they missed out on the signing of Gonzalo Higuain and lead a drawn out pursuit of Luis Suarez. However, it is now believed that the London club are very close to a £14 million deal for the Brazilian international Gustavo.
Arsenal currently possess only one top-class defensive midfielder in Mikkel Arteta and Gustavo would add real depth to that area. Arsenal now want to push the deal along and get it completed before the start of the season on Saturday.
Gustavo has fallen down the pecking order at the European Champions and Guardiola is prepared to let him go. Gustavo has made 100 appearances for Bayern Munich over the last three seasons since...
The Gunners have found it tough going in this transfer window after they missed out on the signing of Gonzalo Higuain and lead a drawn out pursuit of Luis Suarez. However, it is now believed that the London club are very close to a £14 million deal for the Brazilian international Gustavo.
Arsenal currently possess only one top-class defensive midfielder in Mikkel Arteta and Gustavo would add real depth to that area. Arsenal now want to push the deal along and get it completed before the start of the season on Saturday.
Gustavo has fallen down the pecking order at the European Champions and Guardiola is prepared to let him go. Gustavo has made 100 appearances for Bayern Munich over the last three seasons since...
- 8/12/2013
- by Alex Peace
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Stade de Geneve Date: Thursday 21st March K/o: 19:30 GMT Team News
Italy manager Cesare Prandelli is expected to heavily rely on a Juventus and AC Milan contingent ahead of this prestige international friendly with Brazil.
Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini misses out with an ankle injury, so Andrea Barzagli could partner Leonardo Bonucci and Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia in front of Gianluigi Buffon in a 3-5-2 line-up.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is expected to anchor a five-man midfield consisting of Abate, Marchisio, Montolivo and Giaccherini, with Stephan El Shaarawy set to partner Milan teammate Mario Balotelli up front.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has already named his starting XI in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation.
Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar retains his place in goal with Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Filipe Luis forming the back-line.
Youth player Fernando is the surprise inclusion in midfield alongside the...
Italy manager Cesare Prandelli is expected to heavily rely on a Juventus and AC Milan contingent ahead of this prestige international friendly with Brazil.
Centre-back Giorgio Chiellini misses out with an ankle injury, so Andrea Barzagli could partner Leonardo Bonucci and Inter’s Andrea Ranocchia in front of Gianluigi Buffon in a 3-5-2 line-up.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is expected to anchor a five-man midfield consisting of Abate, Marchisio, Montolivo and Giaccherini, with Stephan El Shaarawy set to partner Milan teammate Mario Balotelli up front.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has already named his starting XI in an adventurous 4-3-3 formation.
Queens Park Rangers goalkeeper Julio Cesar retains his place in goal with Dani Alves, Thiago Silva, David Luiz and Filipe Luis forming the back-line.
Youth player Fernando is the surprise inclusion in midfield alongside the...
- 3/21/2013
- by Joseph Dempsey
- Obsessed with Film
Venue: Allianz Arena Date: Wednesday 14th March Kick-Off: 7.45pm TV: Live on Sky Sports 2 at 7.45pm and highlights on Sky Sports 2 at 12.00am Match Preview
Read our full-match preview here.
Team New
Bayern’s Franck Ribery (ankle) limped out of his side’s`s 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf at the weekend and is confirmed to miss the game tonight, and both Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng will sit it out due to suspensions.
Boss Jupp Heynckes is however set to start with Luiz Gustavo and Xherdan Shaqiri against the Gunners, but former Chelsea player Arjen Robben (calf) is a doubt after missing the game at the weekend.
Arsenal’s difficult task in Germany has been complicated further by the recently announced injury to Jack Wilshere, who could be out for longer than tonight’s game with an ankle problem, as well as the unavailability of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
The...
Read our full-match preview here.
Team New
Bayern’s Franck Ribery (ankle) limped out of his side’s`s 3-2 win over Fortuna Dusseldorf at the weekend and is confirmed to miss the game tonight, and both Bastian Schweinsteiger and Jerome Boateng will sit it out due to suspensions.
Boss Jupp Heynckes is however set to start with Luiz Gustavo and Xherdan Shaqiri against the Gunners, but former Chelsea player Arjen Robben (calf) is a doubt after missing the game at the weekend.
Arsenal’s difficult task in Germany has been complicated further by the recently announced injury to Jack Wilshere, who could be out for longer than tonight’s game with an ankle problem, as well as the unavailability of goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
The...
- 3/13/2013
- by Simon Gallagher
- Obsessed with Film
Chelsea take on Bayern Munich in tonight’s Champions League final at Bayern’s Allianz Arena. Kick-off time is at 7.45pm and the match will be screened live in the UK on Sky Sports and ITV 1.
Here’s the team news ahead of the game.
Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo has told the press that he is “very hopeful” of centre-back pairing David Luiz and Gary Cahill being fit enough to start tonight’s game. Their presence in the side could be important with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic suspended.
Midfielders Ramires and Raul Meireles also miss out through picking up too many yellow cards and are banned.
There is a doubt over Florent Malouda but he trained yesterday and is hopeful of a place in the squad after overcoming his hamstring injury.
For Bayern, Franck Ribery has been signalled out by captain Phillip Laham as their most important...
Here’s the team news ahead of the game.
Chelsea caretaker boss Roberto Di Matteo has told the press that he is “very hopeful” of centre-back pairing David Luiz and Gary Cahill being fit enough to start tonight’s game. Their presence in the side could be important with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic suspended.
Midfielders Ramires and Raul Meireles also miss out through picking up too many yellow cards and are banned.
There is a doubt over Florent Malouda but he trained yesterday and is hopeful of a place in the squad after overcoming his hamstring injury.
For Bayern, Franck Ribery has been signalled out by captain Phillip Laham as their most important...
- 5/19/2012
- by Matt Holmes
- Obsessed with Film
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