Wayne Rooney celebrates the opening goal with his team-mates
England scored a dazzling 4-1 win over rivals Spain to claim their first major title for 44 years after winning the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Two outstanding goals from Wayne Rooney steered England to an unforgettable victory, the first a blistering right-foot shot in the 11th minute after he appeared to lose control of the ball. His second, a powerful header from a Glen Johnson cross after evading his marker in the 63rd minute, made him the tournament's top scorer with six goals. He was also named Player of the Tournament afterwards.
Steven Gerrard, firing home in the 16th minute after an audacious drag-back and sweetly-struck curler, and Joe Cole, with a simple tap-in again after a Johnson cross in the 47th minute, scored the other goals as Capello celebrated his teams victory in style. Theo Walcott nearly got on the scoresheet with a 20-metre shot that cannoned off the crossbar after 58 minutes and Wayne Rooney was only centimetres away from forcing home the ball for his hat-trick a minute from time.
England were irresistible, although Spain, who played extra time against Serbia in the semi-finals on Wednesday, were below their best and looked tired almost from the start. It was left to substitute Bojan Krkic to score a consolation goal for Spain with a brave diving header after 65 minutes, while England had keeper Ben Foster - who won the Golden Glove Award - to thank for some important saves.
The only sour note in an otherwise sporting game came when Frank Lampard and Carles Puyol were booked in the 28th minute after Lampard jabbed an elbow at the Spaniard after he kicked the Chelsea midfielder. Apart from that, it was a fitting finale to a superb tournament that saw 152 goals scored in 64 matches.
After four weeks of hot weather, the match was played on a chilly night as a thunderstorm raged around the Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, the pitch and spectators protected from the rain and lightning with the roof covers in place. However, one gaping rip in one of the canvas sections of the roof allowed rain water to cascade down on to photographers and fans by one of the corner flags.
The stadium announcer issued instructions at halftime for spectators to remain in their seats for safety's sake. But the main danger facing Spain was not the weather but the English attack. Almost from the start England looked lively, inventive and full of running, with Walcott unlocking Spain's defence with two jinking runs in the opening minutes that unsettled the defenders marking him.
Then Wayne Rooney struck with a goal even better than the ferocious shot he fired home from 30 metres against Chile in England's opening match on June 15. This time he made space for himself, appeared to lose control of the ball, but recovered his poise to elude a tackle from Gerard Pique before powering the ball past keeper Iker Casillas as other defenders closed in on him.
England were better in midfield and defence as well, while Spain playmaker Xavi Hernandez had a quiet match, though he went close to a goal soon after Rooney's opener. With Spain having to press men forward to save the game, they left huge gaps at the back and at times England had four men thundering down on two Spanish defenders. One move in the 52nd minute should have led to another goal but Casillas did well to save a powerful Gerrard shot.
Gianfranco Zola will make Edin Dzeko his first signing at Stamford Bridge, as Zola looks to replace Nicolas Anelka who misfired last season scoring just seven goals in the thirty-three games he played. (Various)
Gianfranco Zola also has his eyes on Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery, but the Frenchman is expected to snub offers from England to join the Spanish champions Real Madrid or Barcelona. (The Sun)
There will be a mass exodus at Stamford Bridge, with Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Deco, Juliano Belletti, Michael Ballack, Hilario, and Nicolas Anelka all leaving the club. (Guardian)
Slaven Bilic is the odds on favourite succeed Gianfranco Zola at Upton Park, and it's likely that Bilic will officially be announced as manager in the next 48 hours. (Various)
Manchester United are the favourites to sign Stoke defender Ryan Shawcross who had a remarkable season and also made the England squad for the World Cup for a fee in region of 10m. (Daily Mirror)
Wigan, Portsmouth, Stoke, West Brom all are interested in signing former Bayern Munich midfielder Halil Altintop who is current without a club. (Daily Mirror)
Chelsea will terminate the contracts of Deco and Juliano Belletti and will allow them to join any club for a free transfer. (The Sun)
Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan all are interested in signing Nemanja Vidic from Manchester United who had a brilliant World Cup, but Serbian will reject a move and sign a new two-year deal at Old Trafford. (Guardian)
Champions Liverpool lead the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester United to sign David Villa from Valencia but he could cost them around 40m. (The Sun)
Chelsea are looking towards Simon Kjaer who led Palermo to Serie A glory as an ideal replacement for Ricardo Carvalho who is set to leave the club to join either Real Madrid or Inter Milan. (Guardian)
Other Gossip
Chelsea will offer John Terry, Petr Cech, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba a new deal which will keep them at the club for the rest of their career. (Guardian)
The FA are keen to offer Fabio Capello an two-year extension on his contract which will see him stay as England manager till the 2014 World Cup. (The Sun)
Manchester United owners are thinking of expanding Old Trafford's capacity to around 80,000. (The Sun)
And Finally
Didier Drogba and Salamon Kalou is set to make their film debut in a short writtern by some African writers. The film is written to raise awarness about football in the less developed African countries. (The Independent)
Deco rejoins FC Porto after a poor two years at Chelsea
FC Porto have completed the signing of Portugal International and former Barcelona and FC Porto midfielder Deco from Chelsea. Deco, who becomes FC Porto's first signing, has signed a two-year deal at the Estadio do Dragao with an option for a further year.
The 32-year-old's deal at Chelsea was due to expire this summer and the former Barcelona and Corinthians playmaker was keen to secure first-team football to work his way into the Portugal squad ahead of the European Championship qualifications.
Ferreira was delighted to have captured Deco. He told the club's website: "Deco is a world class midfielder with a winner's mentality and will fit into this group very well. He knows the club well, and importantly he also knows what the Liga Sagres is all about. He will not need much time to settle in. Deco is one of the great players of his era with every almost every honour in the game against his name. I am sure porto fans will be delighted to welcome him again and appreciate the contribution he will make."
After a mixed spell at Corinthians, Deco joined FC Porto in 1998 and went on to become a pivotal figure as the Portuguese club landed three league titles, three Portuguese Cups, one UEFA Cup and one UEFA Champions League. He moved to Barcelona in 2004, spending four seasons at Nou Camp during which time the club claimed two La Liga titles and one Champions League. Deco joined Chelsea where he won just on FA Cup.
He has won 71 caps for Portugal and has scored just five goals. He played a vital role in the teams that reached the finals of the European Championships in 2004 and finished forth in the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
The Portugal international defender Ricardo Carvalho has joined Manchester City from Chelsea after snubbing the likes of Valencia, AC Milan and Inter Milan for an undisclosed fee which is stated to be around ?13.5 million.
The 32-year-old, who was signed by Jose Mourinho from FC Porto, has made around two-hundred-and-ten appearances for Chelsea scoring eleven goals during his six successful years at the club. During the six years at Chelsea he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and the Carling Cup twice. He started his career playing for FC Porto where he made more than hundred appearances and won the Portuguese League thrice, the UEFA Cup and UEFA Champions League once.
Carvalho has made sixty-six appearances for Portugal scoing four goals, now being a important part in his country's set-up since making his full international debut in October 2003.
"Ricardo is a great signing for Manchester City, and we are all delighted that he is joining us," the City manager Roberto Mancini said. "As we know, Ricardo is a solid performer with good experience of the Premier League and the Champions League and is also a regular with the Portgal national team.
"Ricardo is primarily a right-footed centre-back, but he can also play at right-back or in midfield. He is strong technically with a positive winner's attitude and I have no doubt his arrival will strengthen our team. Ricardo Carvalho will be a huge asset to Manchester City."
After completing his move, Carvalho said: "Firstly, I have to say that I'm sad to be leaving Chelsea and I would just like to thank everyone for their help and friendship towards me over the past six years. I'm just so happy to be joining Manchester City.
"This is a great club with a great manager, high-quality players and fantastic supporters. Everything is set up for Manchester City to be very successful for years to come and I joined this club because I know Manchester City will be challenging for trophies."
VfL WOLFSBURG chairman Hans-Dieter P?tsch has claimed Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and AC milan have made offers for Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko.
Dzeko is a known target for big-spending Manchester City but Potsch has revealed three of their European rivals have stolen a march in their pursuit of the 24-year-old. The Worlfsburg chairman, speaking in an interview with Bild newspaper, said: "We are relaxed and proud that we have one of the best strikers in the world under contract.
Asked if City made an offer, he replied: "No but other clubs have done. Chelsea have lodged a bid, as have Tottenham Hotspur and AC Milan. We are completely relaxed about it. The power lies with Wolfsburg." Wolfsburg have repeatedly insisted Dzeko is not for sale, and potsch is adamant the club will not relent and cash in on their prize asset.
He added: "I don't want to talk about sums of money because it is not in our interest. The amount is irrelevant. There is always going to be the perception that VfL Wolfsburg are trying to push the price up and that there is a certain value at which we'll have to accept, but I'll say it again: we want to keep Dzeko. A player has to respect his contract, in his case until 2011. He is happy at the club now and then we want to have a successful season with Edin next year."
Chelsea sell Paulo Ferreira to Bolton 22nd July, 2010
Ferreira has left Chelsea to sign a three-year deal with Bolton
Chelsea have agreed to sell Paulo Ferriera to Bolton Wanderers. The 31-year-old leaves Stamford Bridge after six years and has signed a three-deal with the Premier League rivals for an undisclosed fee.
The Portugal international joined Chelsea from FC Porto in July 2004. He made 165 appearances and was part of the Premier League-winning side of 2005 and 2006. A statement on the club website said: "We have reached agreement for the transfer of Paulo Ferriera to Bolton Wanderers. We thank Paulo for his contribution and wish him every success for the future."
Bolton say on their website that the deal includes a ?7m release clause, and he will be presented to media next week. The Lancashire club's manager, Owen Coyle, said Ferreira's desire to join them was crucial in sealing the deal.
"Every Bolton fan should be happy," he said . "We have to thank the owner and the board for the effort they made in this signing. Paulo was one of our main objective for this season. We managed to close the deal not without significant effort. We hope it will prove worth the pain. We think the player deserves it.
"As soon as he knew about Bolton's interest, he only gave signs of dedication and gratitude. This is important in these cases because it gives you leeway in the negotiation. We are all really happy today. He's a player who works a lot, who runs a lot, physically he's strong who covers a lot of the pitch, he's very versatile as he can play as a right back or a left back. He is what we needed to complete the strong defence that we already have."
Dzeko set for Chelsea after Wolfsburg accept offer 26th July, 2010
Edin Dzeko has agreed a deal at Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are set to sign the Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko after confirming this evening they have reached an agreement with the player and his club, VfL Wolfsburg.
The Blues have been linked with the striker for a number of weeks while the Wolfsburg chairman, Hans-Dieter P?tsch, claimed a few days ago that AC Milan were willing to play ?22m for the 24-year-old.
"Chelsea FC confirmed this evening that they had reached an agreement with VfL Wolfsburg and with Edin Dzeko for the transfer of the player to Stamford Bridge," said a statement on the Chelsea official website. Dzeko enjoyed arguably his best season in the Bundesliga last term as he netted 34 times for the German champions. P?tsch admitted that there was every chance Dzeko could leave Volkswagen Arena this summer, especially with the size of the fee being talked about.
Gianfranco Zola has not spoken of his interest in Dzeko – many Blues fans would prefer him to reinforce his squad in other areas – but Dzeko's impending arrival would seem to suggest Nicolas Anelka will be sold sooner rather than later.
"Edin has obviously had a fantastic season for us and has established himself as one of the best striker in the league if not the country at the moment," said P?tsch last week. "I've known Edin for a long time, since he joined us, so when I signed him we talked it over and he asked if one of the big European clubs, came in for him would we allow him to move? I said that I would do that provided the deal is good for Wolfsburg and for Edin."
Ballack completes move to Lazio from Chelsea 26th July, 2010
Ballack signs for Lazio for a fee around ?3.2m
Michael Ballack has completed a move from Chelsea to the Italian side Lazio. The Germany midfielder had been told he didn't feature in the first team plans by Zola, though he still scored four goals in 32 appearances last season.
"Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Michael Ballack for his services and wish him the very best of luck for the future with both his new club and with Germany," read a statement on Chelsea's official website. The statement made no mention of a fee but it is rumoured to be in region of ?3.2m.
Michael Ballack had joined Chelsea from Bayern Munich on a free transfer prior to the 2006-07 season, and quickly became a popular figure among fans after a string of impressive performances. His form tailed off, however, and after replacing Avram Grant as the club's manager, Scolari soon lost patience with the midfielder's inconsistency.
Ballack didnt feature much in Carlo Ancelotti's plans when the former AC Milan manager replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari and was told same in advance at the start of the season by the new Chelsea manager Gianfranco Zola, when he suceeded Ancelotti this summer.
In all Ballack scored 26 goals in 140 appearances for Chelsea and has also won the FA Cup twice during his four years in London. He remains the captain of the Germany national team.
Dzeko signs a four-year deal with the London club
Bosnia and Herzegovina striker Edin Dzeko has signed a four-year deal with Chelsea after completing a reported ?25.5m move from VfL Wolfsburg.
The 24-year-old becomes manager Gianfranco Zola's first Chelsea signing after the former West Ham boss beat off competition from AC Milan and Manchester City. Zola said: "Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more. You can't compete in the top four of the Premier League unless you spend some money."
Dzeko impressed everyone at Teplice in his spell there, and established himself in the Bosnia and Herzegovina team after his move to Wolfsburg in 2007. Wolfsburg paid ?4m for Dzeko, who emerged as Zola's prime target after having an outstanding season at Volkswagen Arena last season.
"It was down to the player whether he chose us or City or AC Milan and he chose us," Zola told the Chelsea website. "It was very clear from talking to him that he wanted to play for Chelsea. He was important at Teplice and in the last couple of years at Wolfsburg he has improved and is much better. He is a winner as he has won the Bundesliga twice. I was impressed with the conversations I had with him as he wants to improve as a player."
Dzeko had just one year left in his current contract at Wolfsburg, and the club officials accepted they could not stand in his way if he was offered the opportunity to move to a big European club.
"We were thinking about bringing in players with quality - that's the first thing," added Zola. "He has some Champions league experience and that will also help us. We were thinking about improving the team and Dzeko is a very good player who will do that."
Dzeko's arrival could now signal the departure of French striker Nicolas Anelka, with Everton and Bayern Munich being linked with an ?7m bid for the 31-year-old. "Anelka has been a good player for us since he has joined," said Zola.
"The thing is, he has one year left on his contract. We have offered him an extension and we're talking. He is our player but if there is a good offer we have to consider it. We have two or three clubs asking about him. He would like to stay but he knows the competition will be hard."
Brazilian right-back Juliano Belleti could also leave Stamford Bridge, while Blues veteran keeper Hilario is on the verge of a move to Premier League side Portsmouth. The Portuguese, who joined Chelsea from Nacional for free in 2006, was signed as a third chioce keeper behind Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini and since has made just 19 appearances for the London club.
"I think that the possibilities to play at Portsmouth next season right now are more than 80%," said the keeper. "I have been waiting for something from a Portuguese side all these weeks but they didn't make a move to buy me so far."
IT HAS been reported that Chelsea have agreed to pay Everton ?15m for the young defensive midfielder Jack Rodwell in a deal that will also send Nicolas Anelka and Rhys Taylor to Goodison Park.
According to reports in the English media, the deal was agreed during a dinner meeting between the Chelsea chairman, Roman Abramovich, and his Everton counterpart, Bill Kenwright, in Everton on Sunday night.
Rodwell is Chelsea's second big signing this summer. Earlier this summer, the club completed the ?25.5m signing of VfL Wolfsburg striker Edin Dzeko. Taylor, the under-21 Wales keeper, will head to the Goodison Park on loan for the new season.
Earlier, Kenwright had confirmed that he was in talks with Chelsea. "It was interesting for them [Chelsea] to know something about Rodwell and talk about Anelka," said Kenwright on his club's website. "This meeting was something that is born out of the friendship between two chairmans, who are trying to figure out if there is a possibility that we can work together."
Rodwell, who had a brilliant last season with Everton, has been at the centre of transfer speculation in recent months with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United all reportedly interested. The 19-year-old Englishman was under contract with Everton until June 2015 but earlier this year expressed his desire to play for a Champions League club.
Chelsea keeper Hilario signs for Portsmouth 4th August, 2010
Hilario made only 19 appearances for Chelsea
The Chelsea veteran keeper Hilario has joined Portsmouth. The 34-year-old Portuguese has made just 19 appearances for the London and was a third choice keeper behind Petr Cech and Ross Turnbull.
Chelsea accepted an offer from Portsmouth believed to be in the region of ?500,000 this week as new manager Gianfranco Zola trims the excess from his squad. Hilario signed for Chelsea in August 2006 from Nacional, making his debut in a Premier League match against Reading in the same year.
The Portuguese will be able to play in the Premier League again this season as Portsmouth successfully survived relegation. The club signed former Hull City defender Michael Turner this week, joining from relegated Sunderland for a reported fee of ?7.75m.
Chelsea set to sign Rodwell in a swap deal 4th August, 2010
Rodwell to join Chelsea and Anelka to join Everton
Chelsea have confirmed they have agreed a deal for the Everton youngster, Jack Rodwell, with their own forward, Nicolas Anelka, travelling in the opposite direction. The conclusion of the deal depends on both agreeing personal terms, according to Chelsea's official website.
The fee involved was not specified, although English media have reported it will be in the region of ?15m. Chelsea's reserve keeper Rhys Taylor could also be heading to Everton on loan as part of the deal.
Chelsea's manager, Gianfranco Zola, has made clear the deal had not yet been completed and the club were still considering other options, including the purchase of Palermo's defender Simon Kjaer.
"The Rodwell-Anelka deal is not done and dusted and it would be too early to say which of the two options is the most satisfactory," Zola said. "In the end we will choose the option that is best for the Chelsea Football Club."
Rodwell would be Chelsea's second buy of this season following the signing of Woflsburg's Bosnia and Herzegovinan striker, Edin Dzeko, in a ?25.5m deal which could eventually rise to €28m.
Chelsea face Wolfsburg in Champions league Playoff 5th August, 2010
Michel Platini holds a piece of paper reading FC Porto
Chelsea will face the Bundesliga Champions VfL Wolfsburg in the UEFA Champions League Best Placed Playoff Round with the first leg taking place at the Volkswagen-Arena in Germany before the return at Stamford Bridge.
The non-champions route is littered with big clubs looking to make the group stages. Portuguese runners up FC Porto must overcome AEK Athens, whilst Rangers will tackle Lazio over two legs. Atletico Madrid will be looking for a third straight year in the group stages and they will clash with AS Nancy Lorraine for the right. Russians Dinamo Moscow will come up against Ukranian side Dinamo Kiev.
The Champions Route sees Dinamo Zagreb handed a tie with Bulgaria's Chernomorets. Swiss champions Neuchatel Xamax are hoping to book a place in the group stages for the first time and they will need to overcome Israeli champions Maccabi Haifa. Danes FC Copenhagen face Legia Warszawa of Poland, whilst Czech Republic's Sparta Prague are up against Swedish champions Elfsborg. Finally, Belgium champions Anderlecht face Austria's Rapid Wein.
Champions League play-off round draw in full
Non-Champions Route
AEK v FC Porto
Dinamo Moscow v Dinamo Kiev
Rangers v Lazio
Wolfsburg v Chelsea
AS Nancy Lorraine v At. Madrid
Champions Route
Elfsborg v Sparta Prague
FC Kobenhavn v Legia
Anderlecht v Rapid Wien
Neuchatel Xamax v M.Haifa
Dinamo v Chernomorets
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
