Sunday, June 23, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Messi: World Cup absence makes me sad
Barcelona star Lionel Messi has expressed his anguish at being without a World Cup winners' medal in his trophy cabinet.
The Argentina forward, who turns 26 on Monday, has won four Ballons d'Or in a row but he stressed that what he really craves is the greatest prize in international football to add to his silverware collection.
"Between a fifth Ballon d'Or and a World Cup with Argentina, I'd want the latter, without a doubt," he told Corriere della Sera. "I'm missing a World Cup; it makes me sad."
Despite widely being considered as the best footballer on the planet right now, Messi's record-breaking antics fall on deaf ears at home with his wife Antonella, and the Blaugrana star admitted that he does not watch much of the sport he excels at.
He added: "I never watch football on television. Antonella gets bored with it. I come home and tell her I scored two or three goals, and she doesn't even hear me!"
Messi is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that saw him only appear intermittently in the final two months of Barcelona's Liga-winning 2012-13 campaign.
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Ghanaian footballer Michael Essien secretly weds his publicist
There have been speculations for months now that Ghanaian footballer and Chelsea star Michael Essien is married to his publicist, Akosua Puni, a report they both never denied or confirmed. The report was regarded as mere speculation until last week Friday when Akosua introduced herself as Mrs Akosua Puni Essien at a cocktail charity event - Game Of Hope - organized by Michael Essien.
Akosua was in charge of the event and everyone who worked with her referred to her as Mrs Essien. The Ghanaian showbiz personality and socialite is also the head of the Michael Essien Foundation.
Michael and Akosua had a child together shortly after his relationship with Nadia Buari ended a few years back, though the football star has never acknowledged being married and does not wear a ring.
He has three kids from two different women.
New Video: Adetoun - Cindarella
Friday, June 21, 2013
Messi gets court date over tax fraud allegations
Barcelona star Lionel Messi and his father Jorge have been summoned to appear in court on September 17 in order to provide evidence against recent tax fraud allegations.
A complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado, was filed with the courthouse in the Gava district of Barcelona last week and it has now been decided that there is enough evidence to summon the Argentine.
The Spanish tax authorities claim that the prolific attacker and his father have avoided paying the charges due from sales of the 25-year-old's image rights by operating through companies based outside of the country, totalling over €4 million between 2006 and 2009.
Messi stressed last week that he is innocent and unaware of committing any infringements.
"We have learned through the media about the claim filed by the Spanish tax authorities. We are surprised about this news, because we have not committed any infringement," a statement from the 25-year-old read.
"We have always fulfilled all of our tax obligations, following the advice of our tax consultants, who will take care of clarifying this situation."
The attacker's fiscal and legal advisor Angel Juarez, meanwhile, insisted that they had not heard anything yet when the news broke last week, while adding that they were ready for any legal battle.
"Neither we nor our client have received any notification from the prosecutor in relation to what has been reported," a statement signed by Juarez read.
"As his legal and fiscal council, we will take all the appropriate legal action against the complaint of the prosecutor and we are confident that justice will prevail."
Messi's camp is yet to react to the latest developments.
Under Spanish law, Messi could face a maximum penalty of six years in prison if found guilty.
Nigeria and Ureguay has finally ended 2 is to 1 in favour of Ureguary
The Match between Nigeria and Ureguay has finally ended 2 is to 1 in favour of Ureguary and here is the match analysis.
At the opening momen Vincent Enyeama Fired a goal kick straight at Suarez to put his team on the back foot in the opening moments, but was blameless for the two goals which put Uruguay in the ascendancy.
Godfrey Oboabona Tough and strong at the back, but his mobility was sometimes lacking up against Uruguay’s quick-thinking forwards. Also kept Cavani onside for a chance that should have seen the South American champs go 3-1 up.
Uwa Elderson Echiejile Made good territory down the left flank and also showed decent strength to hold off Pereira as he attacked at the other end. Could have had a greater say in the second half, but remained wary of Suarez’s threat down the right.
E. Ambrose Did superbly to chase down a lost cause of a ball which won Nigeria a throw-in, but within minutes was being tortured by Suarez at the other end. Failed to press close enough at times as the wide men made hay.
Kenneth Omeruo Enjoyed quite a tussle at times with Cavani, and showed no ill effects from the knock just before half-time which saw him complete the game with his head strapped. Found it difficult to unite the Nigeria defence as a unit as they looked to deal with Suarez and Forlan, but did well to deny Cavani in injury time.
John Ogochukwu Ogu Almost got on the end of a cross-field pass early in the second half but his desperate slide came just too late. Sometimes lost out due to the inability to think quickly in tight situations and was replaced on 65 minutes by Mba.
John Obi Mikel Played a wonderful angled pass for Oduamadi which may have led to a goal on another night, then fired home superbly after foxing Lugano with great skill to shift the ball onto his left foot. Continued in his attempts to dictate the game thereafter, but found it difficult to penetrate Uruguay’s organised midfield.
Fegor Ogude Showed his naive side with an early foul on Suarez which put Nigeria in a good position to attack, but also regenerated possession well when breaking up Uruguay attacks and rarely lost the ball.
Nnamdi Oduamadi Could have done better when teed up by Mikel early on, and failed to deliver the same level of threat he managed against Tahiti before being replaced before half-time by Babatunde after suffering a knock
Ahmed Musa Hit a strong effort towards goal from a first-half free kick which had Muslera scrambling to block, but his overall impact was nowhere near as key as in the clash with Tahiti and he was often wasteful in possession.
B. Ideye Disappointed the majority of the crowd with a poor shot from a free kick 20 yards from goal, then saw an acrobatic over-head effort fail to trouble Muslera. Turned superbly in the box only to be foiled by Maxi Pereira as he looked for a leveller. Replaced by Akpala with 17 minutes to go.
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