MANCHESTER UNITED HAVE HELD 4 SETS OF TALKS TO SIGN £48M MAN

The reports about Manchester United and Edinson Cavani just won’t go away regardless of how many times they take a beating from common sense. It all started in France, with Le10 magazine being one of the outlets pushing the story. Then the British press started to pick it up and report it seriously with several well connected journalists insisting that the rumours weren’t based on fantasy.

Le10 are continuing it this week. They explain how PSG need to sell a big player in order to be able to sign Angel Di Maria this summer. The French club’s boasts of still being able to sign anyone they want have taking something of a kicking as the harsh reality of the financial restrictions hits home.

The main candidate for a big money move is Edinson Cavani and the most likely destination according to the French is Manchester United. Le10 say there is still interest from the Premier League club and that efforts have been made to set up a deal since the last winter market.

It’s claimed that four meetings have been held to discuss the potential transfer. Those talks have been with Cavani’s entourage.

Liverpool transfer news and rumours for summer 2014

Budget: Liverpool have already spent £40 million, but that is bound to increase as money starts to come in from sales.

Strategy: The key word is 'value'. The capture of Ricky Lambert was a surprise, but it was a cut price deal for an England international. Liverpool are generally trying to buy the next big thing early rather than overpay for so-called finished products who sometimes disappoint.

Who calls the shots? Liverpool's transfer committee which comprises the manager, chief scouts, chief executive and statistical gurus. Brendan Rodgers insists he does not agree to the signings of any players he does not want.

Best case: Two arguments. Some might say losing Luis Suarez will undermine the squad. Others might think selling Suarez and signing Alexis Sanchez, while also taking around £30 million, would be the deal of the summer.

Worst case: The latest Suarez saga drags on because Barcelona won't meet his valuation causing another uncertain start to the season, leaving Liverpool with a feeling of déjà vu. As last season proved, however, even this 'worst case' is recoverable.

Likely to leave: Iago Aspas, Daniel Agger, Aly Cissokho, Victor Moses, Luis Suarez

On the wanted list: Alexis Sanchez, Ryan Bertrand, Steven Caulker.

Signed already: Emre Can, Adam Lallana, Ricky Lambert.

Manchester United, City, Liverpool, Real Madrid, Milan and Internazionale to play in summer US tournament

Manchester United, City and Liverpool to play in summer US tournament

Real Madrid, Milan and Internazionale also involved

Tournament scheduled to be played in 12 cities

Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have agreed to take part in a major pre-season tournament in the United States that will also feature Real Madrid, Milan and Internazionale.

The 2014 International Champions Cup will be played in 12 different cities but provides the possibility of the three English clubs meeting when the semi-finals and final are held at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami.

AS Roma and Olympiakos have also been confirmed to take part in the eight-team event, revealed by World Soccer Talk, with an official announcement expected on Tuesday to confirm the dates.

The provisional schedule initially pits United against Roma in Denver, Liverpool against Olympiakos in Chicago, both on 26 July, before City play Milan in Pittsburgh the following day.

United have been pencilled in to face Inter in Washington on 29 July, whereas Liverpool would play Milan in Philadelphia the following day and City would meet Olympiakos in New York.

Chelsea and Everton took part in last year's event and this summer's event will also see matches in Dallas, Phoenix, Charlotte, Ann Arbor and Hartford.

Liverpool Football Club have arrived in the United States to begin their 2014 tour.

The Reds touched down in Boston's Logan International Airport just after 3.30 local time.

Upon arrival, Brendan Rodgers told LFCTour.com: "We're delighted to have returned to the United States, and I am very proud to bring the Liverpool squad to see some of our most loyal and passionate fans in the world.

"Personally, I have fond memories of our last visit to America in 2012 as it was my first pre-season in charge of this great club.

"Two years on, we're really excited about meeting some of our incredible supporters face to face once again and demonstrating exactly why we are the greatest football family in the world.

"There's a lot of hard work in store over the next two weeks, and this trip will be very important in terms of preparing the players for the challenges ahead in 2014-15 but we are looking forward to connecting with our fans in Boston, Chicago, New York and Charlotte."

Manchester United set to sign Mats Hummels in $28 million deal

According to reports from Spanish newspaper Sport, German World Cup winner Mats Hummels is on his way to Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund. The 25-year-old is supposedly heading to Old Trafford in a $28 million deal.

The towering German defender is a man in demand, as United are said to have beaten Barcelona in securing Hummels’ signature with Louis van Gaal aiming to strengthen his central defensive options. With Luke Shaw and Ander Herrera signing on this summer so far, more new players are needed with less than a month to go before the new season. Especially in defense.

Hummels scored twice at the World Cup, including the lone goal in Germany’s 1-0 quarterfinal win over France. He is great in the air, tremendously strong in the tackle and leads by example in central defense. Hummels is far from quick, we saw that in the World Cup final on occasions, but he has a decent turn of pace and his positional prowess more than makes up for that.

Is he what United need? Absolutely. Van Gaal should break the bank to make this one happen.

With both Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand leaving Old Trafford this summer the Red Devils have just three recognized center backs on the books: Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans. Smalling and Jones are both young and have had up and down starts to their United careers, while Evans is steady enough but far from spectacular. Hummels would be a marvelous signing as his experience in the UEFA Champions League with BVB and now winning the World Cup proves his pedigree on the biggest stages in world soccer.

[RELATED: Juventus sign Patrice Evra from Manchester United]

If van Gaal pulls this signing off, Hummels would be a key cog in United’s rise back to the top. If they are serious about strengthening this summer and challenging for a title, this deal needs to happen.

Louis van Gaal backed as perfect fit for MU

Luis van Gaal has made an instant impression on everyone at Manchester United, according to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

The Dutchman is currently with his squad in the United States for their pre-season tour and Woodward told the club's website he believes van Gaal is already showing why he is the perfect fit at Old Trafford.

"He's got incredible energy and very importantly he likes attacking football. If you remember the Barcelona team [he managed] in the late '90s, who played incredible, attacking football, and those games we had against them in '98/99, that's the kind of football Manchester United fans love. It's part of our DNA," Woodward told manutd.com.

"The second part of what he likes is giving youth a chance. He's got a track record littered with giving young players a break in the first team, who have gone on to be stars. Clearly that's Manchester United's philosophy and we want him to continue with that.

"I've personally found him very warm. He's a very clear communicator and very direct. I like that in people; I'm a very direct person myself. He's a stickler for planning and that's something we as a club do very well. We plan everything in a lot of detail and that's going to be a good fit.

"We've got someone who has confidence in himself about making difficult decisions and, when you boil down what makes a great manager, one of the key characteristics is making difficult decisions and we've clearly got a manager who can do that.

"I'm hearing a lot of good feedback from a lot of people about him and there is a huge amount of goodwill towards him."

Arjen Robben said he had rejected an offer of Louis Van Gaal for wearing the shirt of MU

Bayern Munich winger Arjen Robben said he had rejected an offer of Louis Van Gaal for wearing the shirt of Manchester United next season.

Robben said, for now, he has an open heart to migrate to any team as a dream to stay with Bayern.

"After the match against Brazil, Van Gaal asked me to immigrate to the United. But, I'm happy with Bayern.

"Van Gaal is the best coach I've ever seen, our relationship special but I can not turn the club.

"Bayern is my home and a place that suits me," he said.

Van Gaal will begin work as the new operator for the Red Devils after the end of the 2014 World Cup campaign.

Award winners at the World Cup 2014

 World Cup 2014 Champion : Jerman

 

Adidas Golden Ball: Lionel Messi

 

Adidas Golden Boot: James Rodriguez

 

Adidas Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer

 

Hyundai Young Player: Paul Pogba

 

Fair Play Award: Colombia

[Picture] The German team celebrate winning World Cup 2014 in their dressing room at the Maracana.

The German team celebrate winning world cup 2014


Miroslav Klose poses with his two sons and German Chancellor Angela Merkel


Philipp Lahm celebrates with the Trophy


Selfie - Mesut Ozil and Kevin Grosskreutz pose with the Trophy

The Factor final at World Cup 2014 defeat and victory

GOL 113 minutes was a dramatic moment for both German and Argentine team jerseys. Let's see how this final victory and defeat.

Higuain miss Kroos error

Toni Kroos is a star tournament for Germany. The midfielder managed in a consistent performance throughout the campaign. But in the 17th minute Kroos nearly gave away prizes to fans Albiceleste post to head the ball but unfortunately achieved Neuer Gonzalo Higuain. Napoli striker commits a shot but misses.

Higuain caught in the offside

Higuain starting to feel the big picture is displayed in the newspaper after successfully completing passes Ezequiel Lavezzi goal but the assistant referee's frustrating when former Real Madrid striker signaled offside flag waving.

Howedes shot rattled the crossbar Albiceleste

Chance of Germany came in the first half when defender Benedikt Howedes-left unregulated Argentina. He did a kick out of sending Kroos but its on the crossbar.

Messi missed an opportunity to dispel criticism

Undoubtedly the best player of his generation, Lionel had received criticism after unsuccessfully performed at the club for his country. Four goals were scored before the final in Rio, but the 27-year chance to score when faced Neuer but shot just wide.

Schurrle admits Romero effort

Additional time is required when 90 minutes is not enough to separate them. Schurrle could steal a chance to blow up his team in front in the first minute of injury time but ditepis easily by Sergio Romero.

Substitute Schurrle and Götze is a combination of German victory

Schurrle which replaces Christoph Kramer after the Borussia Monchengladbach receive from Ezequiel Garay crammed while Götze replace veteran Miroslav Klose. Schurrle do hantara cross into the penalty area, was arrested by Götze then complete the network as well as give Germany win the World Cup for the fourth time.

The final World Cup stop about a minute because of a crowd broke into the field

The final World Cup stop about a minute because of a crowd broke into the field at Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro in the early morning.

During the scene in 82 minutes, the Germany and Argentina were goalless.

The man appears wearing a T-shirt, short trousers and also wearing orange soccer shoes infiltrate the area of ​​the pitch by supporters of the German side.



He ran to the German bench while throwing his hat into the grass and tried to approach the Germany defender Benedikt Howedes.

The man managed to get away as far as 20 meters down before four security staff struggled and managed to stop it.

This is the third time the audience invaded the pitch in the World Cup.

Two incidents previously occurred during a match between the United States and Belgium during the knockout stages and the group matches between Germany and Ghana.

Goetze strikes as Germany win World Cup 2014

Germany's Mario Goetze,left, celebrates near teammate Thomas Mueller after scoring a goal during extra time in their 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014.

RIO DE JANEIRO: Mario Goetze scored a superb extra-time winner as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to become the first European team to win a World Cup held in South America on Sunday.

Bayern Munich star Goetze struck in the 113th minute to finally break Argentina's resistance as Lionel Messi's dream of emulating Diego Maradona ended in defeat.

The decisive moment of a World Cup brimming with wonderful goals came with penalties looming in front of 74,738 fans at Rio de Janeiro's famous Maracana Stadium.

Andre Schuerrle burst clear down the left flank and crossed for Goetze.

The 22-year-old took the ball on his chest and then volleyed past Sergio Romero to spark delirium amongst the largely pro-German crowd.

Argentina and Messi were left squandering a handful of gilt-edged chances, including one that fell to Messi in the second half.

Messi was largely anonymous for most of the evening and his miserable evening was summed up when a late free-kick to equalise sailed over the bar.

The victory was celebrated raucously by Brazilians in the crowd, who had dreaded the prospect of sworn South American rivals Argentina lifting the title in their backyard.

An absorbing first half saw Germany forced into a reshuffle moments before kick-off with inexperienced Christoph Kramer replacing Sami Khedira after the Real Madrid star injured a calf in the warm up.

With Bastian Schweinsteiger running midfield the Germans laid siege to Argentinian territory, passing smoothly and denying Messi a route into the game.

Yet for all Germany's early dominance they created little in the way of clear chances.

And it was Argentina who were presented with a glorious chance to open the scoring.

Toni Kroos misdirected a header back to Manuel Neuer to send Gonzalo Higuain racing through on goal.

But with only Neuer to beat the Napoli striker dragged his shot wide to disbelief from fans and team-mates.

Germany continued to probe for openings, and a Philipp Lahm pass almost put Thomas Mueller clear.

The pace of Argentina on the counter-attack continued to unsettle Germany however.

Schweinsteiger picked up a yellow card for bringing down Ezequiel Lavezzi just after the half hour mark.

Moments later, Argentina had the ball in the net only to see the goal disallowed for offside.

Messi released Lavezzi down the right who swept in a low cross for Higuain who drilled his finish past Neuer before wheeling away in delight.

Higuain's roar of celebration was cut short however after Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli whistled, correctly, for offside.

Germany's personnel problems deepened when Khedira's replacement Kramer himself limped off, prompting the introduction of Andre Schuerrle.

The Germans remained unfazed by the setback however, and quickly set about reimposing their control of the game.

Schuerrle drew a fine near-post save from Romero on 37 minutes with a rasping shot after Mueller's cutback.

But the latent threat of Messi meant Germany could never entirely relax.

Messi burst away down the right and raced into the box, toe-poked past Neuer only for Jerome Boateng to clear.

On the stroke of half-time Benedikt Hoewedes came within inches of scoring, crashing a header from a Kroos corner against the post.

The second half followed a similar pattern, Germany controlling possession but Argentina often threatening on the break.

Messi squandered another golden Argentinian chance two minutes after the restart, latching onto a pass from Lucas Biglia but scuffing his shot wide of Neuer.

The hard-fought nature of the contest led to a flurry of cards from referee Rizzoli, who cautioned Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero in quick succession for fouls on Miroslav Klose and Schweinsteiger.

The remainder of the half saw neither stride able to get on top.

Germany controlled possession without really testing Romero, while Argentina were unable to pass a German defence superbly marshalled by Mats Hummels and Boateng.

Schuerrle came closest to breaking the deadlock in the first period of extra-time, forcing Romero into a desperate block.

Penalties looked to be the likeliest outcome, but Goetze had other ideas.

Read more at: http://english.astroawani.com/news/show/goetze-strikes-as-germany-win-world-cup-39780?cp

World Cup 2014 - Who will win $35 million tonight..??

Argentina vs. Germany

Kickoff: 3 p.m. ET.

TV: ABC, Univision.

Online: ESPN3.com

Radio: ESPN Radio Network outlets.

ABC’s coverage begins at 1 p.m.

Univision coverage begins at 11 a.m.

ABC announcers: Ian Darke and Steve McManaman.

ESPN Radio announcers: J.P. Dellacamera and Tommy Smyth.

Game-time weather: Mostly sunny, 77 degrees, light wind, low humidity. [Details]

Referee: Nicola Rizzoli of Italy.

Closing ceremonies, featuring Shakira, Wyclef Jean and Carlos Santana, begin at 1:20.

Capacity for the final: Between 74,000 and 75,000, according to FIFA. (About 100,000 fewer than the 1950 final at the original Maracana)

With two goals, this World Cup would set the record for most goals in a competition. The record of 170 was established in 1998, when the tournament field — and number of matches — was expanded. The current average is 2.69, highest since 1994. The record for goals per game will never be broken: 5.38 in 1954.

Prize money:

First place: $35 million.

Second place: $25 million.

Third place: $22 million.

Fourth place: $20 million.

Quarterfinal losers: $14 million.

Round of 16 losers: $9 million.

Failed to advance: $8 million.

Every team was also given $1.5 million before the tournament to assist in World Cup preparations.

The post-tournament prize money is awarded to the respective soccer federations, who choose how to distribute the funds. Germany has pledged a $400,000 bonus to each of the players for winning the championship. The U.S. players have a collective bargaining agreement with the USSF, which includes a formula for distributing World Cup winnings and other bonuses. Those numbers are not made public.

10 reasons why Germany can win the 2014 World Cup

After demolishing the host, Brazil recently, Germany is seen as the most capable team to win the 2014 World Cup compared to Argentina.

10 reasons why Germany can win the 2014 World Cup

1. Miroslav Klose

Klose’s goal in the 22nd minute during the team’s encounter with Brazil has made him the player with the most goals in World Cup history.

The Lazio striker had proven his worthiness ever since the 2002 World Cup where he scored five goals in that championship alone. Now at age 36, Klose still strikes fear among his opponents.

(Miroslav Klose and Sami Khedira during the Germany-Brazil semi final game at the Estadio Mineirao, Belo Horizonte. - EPA)

2. Solid game plan

The Germans are not just a football team, they’re a ‘machine’! Though there was a time where they used to rely on their hefty defence, but now they have a more aggressive style thanks to the influence of Bayern Munich coach, Pep Guardiola.

With the team’s forwards and midfielders capability of harrying opponents in their own half, Germany is certainly an unstoppable machine.

3. Deadly strikers

Besides Klose, Germany has few other forwards up its sleeves who are capable of finishing their attacks with goals.

Thomas Mueller, who happens to be this year’s World Cup top scorer always appears at the right attacking positions to finish off chances. While Andre Schurrle seems to have no fear to dodge the opponent’s defenders in order to score.

4. No ‘Messi’

Unlike Argentina, the Germans do not have any star players that they have to rely heavily on.

Not to say that having a star is a bad thing, but it does become a disadvantage when the player is injured. A good example is Brazil, which became crippled because of Neymar’s injury.

Without the need to rely on a certain player, Germany is able to function well as a team.

(The Germany team after the kicking out Brazil at the semi finals - AP/MARTIN MEISSNER

5. Excellent teamwork

They move, they defend and they attack as a whole team. From the goalkeeper all the way to the strikers, they can pass the ball well to each other.

The Germans defend and attack as a whole, which makes them a very united, balanced and formidable team.

6. Argentina is weaker than them

If Argentina has to strive hard up until the 120th minute and the penalty shootout in order to win against the Netherlands, imagine what they have to go through when they meet Germany later.

All the Germany has to do is to stop Lionel Messi and if this happens, it won’t be a surprise if Argentina too suffers the same fate as Brazil.

7. They beat Brazil at their home ground

Germany became the first team to score seven goals in a single semi-final World Cup match. And, they humiliated the host in front of their own crowd.

With the current momentum displayed by the team, they may be able to demolish another Latin team on Latin soil.

8. The spirit of 1990

During the 1990 World Cup final, Germany (then West Germany) succeeded in taking revenge against Argentina, where they had lost to the team in 1986.

But in 2006 and 2010, Germany managed to oust Argentina in the quarter finals. Argentina would surely want to avenge their defeat but Germany surely will not let them.

9. Solid midfielders

Germany is seen to display the best ball passes during this entire tournament. Their midfield plays at pace, picking clever passes to work its way around any defence.

With Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger assisting the defence, and Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos powering up the offence, Germany can certainly place its opponent in a checkmate position.

10. Warrior spirit

The Germans don’t just come all the way to play football, they come to Brazil for war. And this is the spirit needed in order for a team to win any tournament.

The unity and teamwork displayed by the team is what separates them from Argentina. This is why Germany can win this year’s World Cup.

10 reasons why Argentina can win the World Cup 2014

Argentina is seen to have more chances to win the 2014 World Cup than Germany due to several factors and reasons.

10 reasons why Argentina can win the World Cup 2014

1. Lionel Messi

He is a proven world class footballer. He won FIFA World Player of the Year or FIFA Ballon d'Or for three consecutive years beginning 2010. He is also the backbone of the Argentina football team and had since come out with four goals in the tournament.

But his ability to score sometimes is quite limited due to tight control from the opposition but had formed a lethal strike with his partners, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero.

2. Strong defence

Argentina’s 'backfour' come in the form of Martin Demechelis, Ezequiel Garay, Pablo Zabaleta and Marcos Rojo who are also dubbed as 'The Four Musketeers'.


3. Continent factors

Although Brazil was beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals, Argentina as the sole representative of South America is still seen as a 'favorite' team to win the final match against Germany.
 

Lionel Messi (AP Photo)

The South Americans are expected to throw their support behind Argentina as a sign of solidarity.

Moreover, in the World Cup History, no European team has won the World Cup playing in Latin America and this trend is expected to continue.

4. Sergio Romero

Besides the strong 'backfour', goalkeeper of AS Monaco club is also said to be among the factor that can lead Argentina to win the 2014 World Cup.

Until the final, Romero only conceded three goals against Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria.

5. Vengeance

In 1990, Germany successfully countered its defeat in the finals against Argentina in 1986.

This adds to two successful defeats by Argentina to Germany in the quarter-finals at the World Cup in 2006 and 2010, adding to the spirit of the Argentina team to restore the dignity of the team to beat Germany.

6. Germany’s overconfidence’

Germany may still be celebrating with their 7-1 thrashing success over Brazil and this adds to over confidence on their part to beat Argentina with the same goal margin.


7. Quality substitute players

Argentina has quality substitute players on the bench even more so when a player is injured.

This is evidenced by the presence of Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain who could fill midfield Argentina, Angel Di Maria, who missed the final because of a knee injury.
 

Argentina Team (AP Photo)

8. ‘Perfect’ wining record

Although Argentina did not score much in this World Cup, they never once lost or missed any important points.

9. Best coach

From 1986 after they last won the World Cup, Argentina had already changed seven coaches.
 

Alejandro Sabella (AP Photo)

Its latest coach Alejandro Sabella is regarded as the most successful coach since he has led Argentina to the finals after several years of experimentation with various coaches, including Argentina’s legend Diego Maradona.

10. Argentina Supporters

Supporters of Argentina are also one of the factors that brought Argentina to win the World Cup who created havoc in the stadium as compared to the German supporters, who were not many in the stadium.

Robin van Persie gives captain's armband to Dutch super fan

Oranje General Winifried Witjes is the biggest Dutch football supporter in the world. The 54-year-old is a clothing shop manager in Elst, a small city in the Netherlands. Without a partner or children, he's dedicated himself to following the Dutch national team. Witjes estimates that since 1988, he's attended 80% of the side's matches.

On Saturday, after winning the third place playoff vs. Brazil, Netherlands captain Robin van Persie rewarded Witjes for his devotion by handing the super fan his armband.

Overwhelmed by the striker's generosity, the Dutch supporter kissed his hero's hand and patted his head in thanks.

With the simple gesture, van Persie probably made the man's day, year, life and afterlife.

Luis Suarez: Barcelona get their man, Liverpool get their money

Luis Suarez made up his mind to leave Liverpool long before the World Cup, long before those goals against England, long before that bite on Giorgio Chiellini.

Even as the Uruguayan - who Barcelona have agreed to sign for about £75m - left his Merseyside home in May and boarded a plane to prepare for the tournament in Brazil, he suspected he, his wife Sofia and their two children might not return.

A few days earlier, he had played the final game of what was an astonishing season.

Suarez and Liverpool strike partner Daniel Sturridge scored 52 Premier League goals between them last season

Not only had he inspired Liverpool to heights of which few had thought them capable, he had been the clear choice for the player of the year awards given by both the Professional Footballers' Association and the Football Writers' Association.

It had been a season in which he had repaired some of the damage he had done to his reputation over three controversial years in England. His deep feeling for Liverpool and its fans was intact, even if the same could not be said of his view of the British media.

But what was on his mind - and had been for some time - was the chance of a career-defining move to Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Senior figures at Liverpool were aware that an offer from either of the two Spanish giants would give them a problem.

Last summer, Barcelona bought Neymar from Brazilian side Santos for about £49m and Real signed Gareth Bale from Spurs for a world-record £85m. There had long been a feeling that, this summer, Suarez was high on both their lists. The La Liga pair were top of his.

Since joining Liverpool from Ajax for £22.7m in 2011, Suarez had made no secret of his desire to play in Spain at some point. Reds director of football Damien Comolli had warned then-manager Kenny Dalglish shortly after Liverpool signed him; Suarez had told players and staff. It was an open secret.

Captain Steven Gerrard spent much of last summer attempting to persuade his team-mate not to join Arsenal. This time he knew there was no point. He knew a move to Barcelona was the fulfilment of a dream for Suarez.

Liverpool knew that too. Much was made of the disputed £40m and £1 clause in his previous contract last summer, but another clause was inserted into the new deal Suarez signed in December.

Suarez joins Argentine Lionel Messi and Brazil's Neymar at the Nou Camp

Chief executive Ian Ayre plus owners John Henry and Tom Werner realised their star striker would not commit to another contract without a clause allowing him to speak to big foreign clubs, such as Real Madrid or Barcelona, if they agreed to pay a figure of about £75m.

There was another clause in that deal, this time designed to protect Liverpool by preventing Suarez from joining a domestic rival, as he almost did last summer.


Messages were relayed to the Suarez camp that a public apology would, in their eyes, be enough to smooth the way. The statement released by Suarez did not mention Liverpool or express regret to the club's fans. It was purely for Barca's benefit.

Real Madrid had long been interested in the striker and held the upper hand in the early summer. But when Barca declared their interest, Suarez was immediately sold on the move.

Suarez's wife has family in the Catalan city and is known to miss the Latin culture and climate.

Barcelona is already home from home for the family - they have a house there and often visit the city when the striker has time off. His daughter was born there, his agent is based there.

Since Suarez was thrown out of the World Cup, the move to Spain has occupied his mind. Weeks ago he was telling friends of his excitement that the deal was done and that he had been promised the Barca number nine shirt, worn by Chile winger Alexis Sanchez last season.

True, Suarez will not find a team built around him at Barca, and nor are the fans likely to be as tolerant of his every move on and off the field, but it is hard to deny that the move makes sense for the player.


There was a delay in the deal as Liverpool attempted to persuade Sanchez - a target even before Suarez decided to leave - to join the Reds in part-exchange, but the 25-year-old joined Arsenal instead.

Liverpool have lost one of the most creative, yet controversial, players the club has ever had. He cannot be easily replaced - a 31-goal void will take time to fill. But they have lost him on their terms, to a club that always get their man.

Klose's World Cup goals record breaking

Germany striker Miroslav Klose managed to achieve its goal to become the top scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Equal the record scorer Klose's 15 goals Brazil striker Ronaldo when Germany Ghana tied 2-2, and its network over the home team in a 7-1 semifinal victory this morning to say that he now leads the scoring with 16 goals.

The 36-year-old player making his debut in 2002 in South Korea and Japan, to print five goals.

Klose then added five more goals in the 2006 World Cup edition, organized by country and won the national golden boot in the Games.

Lazio striker continues to prove the killer touch when collecting four goals in South Africa in 2010, where the German team stranded in the semi-finals after defeated by the Spanish.

Performance means players Klose Germany topped the charts back mesh World Cup after Gerd Muller held the record from 1974 to 2006 through the boom 14 goals.

World Cup: Brazil Loew understand suffering the shock and pain 'felt great Brazil after a 7-1

Belo Horizonte: Germany coach Joachim Loew understand the shock and pain 'felt great Brazil after a 7-1 defeat at home to reflect on moments of grief when Germany lost to Italy at the same stage in 2006.

"We were surprised and felt the same thing in 2006. They were surprised and did not expect too far behind. And after that, it was an easy game for us, "said Loew, whose title is assistant coach Juergen Klinsmann of Germany to that point.

Germany lost 2-0 when the match dragged into extra time in the match and Loew said high pressure is placed on the host can be a burden.

"We have high expectations also in 2006 and we can feel the pressure facing the host in a game like this. All 200 million people here want you to qualify for the final. It is able to give tension to your players.

"I feel sympathy for him (Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari). I think I know how he feels, "said Loew, who was happy with the presentation done by his team after a shaky play when the second round against Algeria.

"Five goals in 18 minutes. It is clear that we are shocked and do not know what to do. Everyone did a good job today and full attention. However, it should be continued. We have to stay humble. We need to stay focused until Sunday (Monday morning). "

Loew said he did not care either met Argentina or the Netherlands in the final. - Reuters

Brazil have experience nightmares in WORLD CUP SEMI FINAL 2014

There must have been a moment when even those watching in white shirts inside Estadio Mineirao wished it would end. Germans are only human, after all.

Admittedly, the 11 on the pitch seemed to be transcending that state at times, but those looking on, the mortals – they must have felt it like the rest of us.

It was simply too much. Too brutal, Too excruciating. Too painful to watch. The crowd did not go quiet, but they stopped singing. There was a rumble, of chatter, of conversation, people trying to make sense of what they had seen. Six minutes of football that would live in the memory as long as the famous Maracanazo. From Brazil 0 Germany 1, to Brazil 0 Germany 5. In six minutes. Six minutes. It needed repeating, digesting. There has never been a World Cup semi-final like this.

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Opener: Thomas Muller scores Germany's first to set Joachim Low's men on their way to a 7-1 victory

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Back of the net! Goalkeeper Julio Cesar is powerless to stop Thomas Muller's effort as David Luiz watches on

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Too easy! Eight Brazilians stand in the box as Muller finds space to guide the ball goalwards

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Record-breaker: Miroslav Klose celebrates after becoming the top scorer in World Cup history

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On his knees: Klose broke Brazil legend Ronaldo's goalscoring record as he doubled Germany's advantage

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Lethal finisher! Klose guides the ball into the net as Brazil midfielder Fernandinho watches on

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Deadly duo: Muller and Klose congratulate each other as Germany continued to score

The first goal, 11 minutes in, was uncomplicated enough, a Toni Kroos corner that found Thomas Muller inexplicably unmarked eight yards out, Dante and David Luiz both drawn away by decoy runs, like small children distracted by a shiny thing. The finish looked easy, but wasn’t, Muller needing to take the ball on the volley, but with enough calm to keep it on target. He did everything right. He often does.

In the meantime, at the other end, Philipp Lahm made the tackle of the night on a marauding Marcelo, just to show it wasn’t all about the forwards, and then it began – the wholesale destruction of a nation’s footballers and its football philosophy. Six minutes of shock, awe and heartbreak.

It began with a crossfield pass by Muller that Fernandinho should have cut out, but didn’t. There followed a superb interchange of passes between Kroos, Miroslav Klose and Muller again, that ended with Klose forcing a save from Julio Cesar. The ball rebounded to his feet and he made no mistake second time – to become, with 16 goals, the World Cup’s top scorer unopposed, moving one ahead of Brazil’s Ronaldo. It would have served as an omen, had Brazil been given time to consider one.

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Little and large: Germany defender Jerome Boateng towers over Brazil left back Marcelo

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Midfield battle: Germany's Sami Khedira races forward away from Brazil's Luis Gustavo

A minute later, Lahm surged down the right crossed and when Muller missed his kick – a rare aberration – Kroos struck his shot straight as an arrow leaving Cesar no chance. An uneasy quiet settled on the arena. The game was gone now, and dignity was clinging by its fingertips.

Not for long, almost from the restart Fernandinho lost possession, and Kroos and Khedira advanced on goal, unselfishly swopping passes almost as if they were reluctant to apply the final thrust of the sword. In the end, it fell to Kroos to administer the blow. He did what he had to do.

Those that play the FIFA computer game may have experienced the accidental setting of the controls to ‘amateur’ standard. Watching Brazil’s defence now felt like that. They were in disarray, disorganised, clueless, lost. Mesut Ozil cut the ball back to Khedira for the fifth on 29 minutes and the stadium audibly gasped.

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Quiet evening: Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer gets down low to deny Brazil frontman Oscar

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Devastated: David Luiz is comforted by fellow defender Thiago Silva who was suspended for the clash

Cameras that usually focus on happy, smiling - invariably white - Brazilian faces, now found only tears. Green and yellow paint was smeared, the default national characteristic - a broad beam - was absent. It wasn’t just the game that was lost, a piece of Brazil’s soul appeared to have disappeared with it too.

When Uruguay won in the Maracana in 1950, the commentator kept repeating the phrase ‘gol do Uruguay’ over and over again, as if unable to comprehend it. It was similar here. All around the ground. ‘Cinco...cinco...’ 

'The sixth is coming,' says the slogan on Brazil’s team bus. It refers to World Cup victories, but here took on a new meaning. Andre Schurrle delivered it, from a neat square pass by Lahm, in the 69th minute. The same player chipped the hopeless, hapless Cesar for the seventh ten minutes later. It officially became the worst night of football in Brazil’s history. Oscar scored in injury time, although by then everyone had seen quite enough.

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Nightmare: Two Brazil fans watch on in horror as their country completely capitulated against the Germans

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Amazed: Supporters in Berlin are all smiles following Germany's epic first half performance