Paraguay's Roque Santa Cruz: Winning Copa America is all that matters

The Paraguayan striker affirmed he does not care if the Copa America final goes to penalty kicks, as long as victory goes his side's way

 

 

 Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz says he would not mind beating Uruguay in the Copa America final in a penalty shoot-out.

The Paraguay national team head into the final without having won a single match in the competition in regular or extra time.

As they lock horns with Uruguay, an attack-minded side, it is believed Paraguay could continue with their defensive approach in a bid to take the match to another shoot-out.

Santa Cruz is not concerned about what method his team employ to win the match, as long as they do win it. He told reporters: "It would not hurt me if we draw against Uruguay and Paraguay win it on penalities. Winning the Copa America is the goal, the rest does not matter."

The Manchester City attacker was unfazed when asked about the opinion of the critics of Paraguay's campaign so far.

"They are right, but in this Copa America this peculiarity has happened and that is football," he replied. "If we draw again in the final and beat Uruguay on penalties we will be very happy."

The experienced player will miss the match himself through injury, but praised Uruguay and offered his advice on how his team can win the decisive clash on Sunday.

"We know Uruguay, we have played against them on several occasions, we followed them in their very good campaign at the World Cup and we have seen them in this Copa America. They have good players and have been playing good football," Santa Cruz noted.

"I believe it will be crucial that Uruguay do not have much ball possession and do not find spaces, otherwise they will make it very hard for us." 

 NIni/Goal 

Arsene Wenger: Gervinho can have an immediate impact for Arsenal in the Premier League

Gunners' boss believes the Ivorian international forward will prove to be an instant hit in the English top-flight after putting in some impressive performances during training

 

 


















Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is firm in his belief that new signing Gervinho can hit the ground running in his first season in the Premier League.

The Ivorian forward joined the Gunners last month for a £10.5 million transfer fee and, amid speculation surrounding the futures of both Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, Wenger has lifted morale by praising the African international’s displays in training.
“He looks to me like he has adjusted very quickly,” the manager told the club’s official website.
“Let’s hope it goes quickly for him.
“You never know, some players take six months and some players take two weeks.”
Wenger has clearly been impressed with Gervinho’s adaptation and has pointed to his versatility as crucial to his ability to slot into the team in time for the new season, perhaps filling the void that could left by Nasri.
“He is a positive threat to everybody up front,” he said. “He can play on the right, he can play on the left and he can play through the middle.

“He is a help for us to be more dangerous, more of a threat. He is an addition to the Arsenal squad of top quality.

“Players like [Theo] Walcott or [Andrey] Arshavin can see that more as a help because they know in some games you need variety. Up front is the most demanding position where you need to be fresh.”


Nini/Goal

AC Milan sign FC Porto defender Ricardo Ferreira - report

The Portugal Under-19's international has reportedly agreed a deal to move to the Serie A champions as he looks to further his career away from the Portuguese giants

 

 

 

AC Milan have completed the signing of FC Porto defender Ricardo Ferreira on a free transfer, according to Sky Italia.

The 18-year-old was being followed by several clubs across Europe after establishing himself as a core member of Porto's youth ranks.

AC Milan would not have to pay a fee for the youngster following the expiry of his contract with Porto, who have also been deprived of FC Brasov-bound defender Hugo Sousa.

The Portugal Under-19 international will reportedly be part of AC Milan's pre-season training camp, after which coach Massimiliano Allegri will decide whether to include him in the squad for the next season.

Napoli's Marek Hamsik would be perfect for AC Milan - Thiago Silva

The Brazilian centre-back would love to see the Slovakian international at San Siro and has stated that he could help the club go further in the Champions League

AC Milan defender Thiago Silva has voiced his belief that Napoli star Marek Hamsik would fit in well at the Serie A champions and has urged the club to make a move for the Slovakian international.

Hamsik recently stated that a move to San Siro would benefit his career, and Silva feels it would be in AC Milan's interest if the midfielder moves to the Scudetto winners.

"Hamsik would fit in perfect in [head coach Massimiliano] Allegri's plans. He could be crucial in our attempt to go further in next year's Champions League," the Brazilian was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"If Milan manage to lure Hamsik to the club, the club's transfer campaign is worth a 10. He has a lot of class and personality. He is a No.10 and [CEO Adriano] Galliani has made it clear that that's his primary objective."

Silva, who is currently in Argentina competing in the Copa America, went on to say that Hamsik has shown courage by expressing his desire to join AC Milan, and has asked his club to do the same.

He added: "Hamsik has publicly spoken up about his desire to move and that takes a lot of courage. In football, it's usually all right to think these kind of things, but you can't speak up. Milan must show the same courage toward him."

The 23-year-old has a contract until the summer of 2015 with Napoli, and club president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently stated that an offer in the region of €40 million (£36m) is needed to lure the player from the Stadio San Paolo.