The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Brazil

  • Breaking! Brazil are through to the World Cup quarter-finals

    • Brazil 2-0 Mexico
    • Sub Firmino add second (88)
    • Neymar breaks deadlock (51)
    • Filipe replaces Marcelo
    • Marquez start for Mexico
    • Ayala replaces suspended Moreno
    • World Cup round of 16
    • Brazil reached every QF since ’90
    • Mexico lost in last-16 last 6 WCs

    It’s all over! Brazil reach their seventh consecutive World Cup quarter-final thanks to second-half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino. Meanwhile, MeIt’s all over! Brazil reach their seventh consecutive World Cup quarter-final thanks to second-half goals from Neymar and Roberto Firmino. Meanwhile, Mexico exit at the last 16 stage for the seventh straight World Cup.xico exit at the last 16 stage for the seventh straight World Cup.

    GOAL! BRAZIL 2-0 MEXICO (Firmino, 88)

    Game, set and match to Brazil. Neymar beats the offside trap and bears down on goal. He takes the shot on early but Ochoa gets a boot to the ball. The rebound falls kindly for Firmino, who taps home from close range to spark wild Brazilian celebrations.

    GOAL! BRAZIL 1-0 MEXICO (Neymar, 51)

    Neymar starts the move off with a beautiful back heel to Willian, who bursts around the outside before playing a low cross towards the back post. There are yellow shirts queuing up to tap the ball into the back of the net and it’s Neymar who gets the final touch for his 57th international goal.

     

    HT: There’s no stoppage time at the end of the first-half. The referee brings a close to an opening 45 minutes which saw Mexcio star brightly. The pace they have in attack was causing problems but Brazil eventually grew into the game. They had chances through Neymar and Jesus but neither could beat Ochoa as head into the break goalless.

    Preview

    Will Neymar follow both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo out of the World Cup?

    Two of the world’s three most celebrated footballers – Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo – exited the World Cup on Saturday just hours apart, as Argentina suffered a 4-3 defeat against France and European champions Portugal lost 2-1 to Uruguay.

    The third member of football’s most acclaimed triumvirate – Brazil striker Neymar – will hope to avoid the same fate when his team tackle Mexico. Neymar and Brazil should march on, but Russia 2018 has been crammed with tales of the unexpected.

    After finishing top of Group E following a slow start, five-time winners Brazil are now looking to reach the last eight for the seventh straight World Cup. Meanwhile, Mexico, who impressed in the group stage with a famous victory over Germany, are looking to reach the last eight for the first time since hosting in 1986.

    We’ll be bringing you all build-up from the Samara Arena , including the all-important team news shortly.

    The action then gets underway at 3pm and you can follow match updates here!

    MEXICO TEAM NEWS

    Team to face Brazil: Ochoa, Alvarez, Salcedo, Ayala, Gallardo, Herrera, Marquez, Lozano, Vela, Guardado, Hernandez.

    Subs: Corona, Gutierrez, J. dos Santos, Layun, Fabian, Jimenez, G. dos Santos, Talavera, Corona, Peralta, Aquino.

    BRAZIL TEAM NEWS

    Team to face Mexico: Alisson, Fagner, Silva, Miranda, Luis, Casemiro, Paulinho, Willian, Coutinho, Neymar, Jesus.

    Subs: Geromel, Augusto, Marcelo, Marquinhos, Danilo, Cassio, Fernandinho, Fred, Firmino, Taison, Moraes.

    OPTA STAT

    Brazil last failed to reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup back in 1990. Since then, they’ve always made it to the last eight of the tournament.

  • Tite tempers Brazil’s World Cup hopes ahead of Mexico clash

    Brazil’s relatively straightforward passage to the last 16 has created optimism among fans betting on a sixth World Cup title, but coach Tite is using his characteristic restraint to prevent over-confidence among his players.

    With champions Germany out, Argentina only scraping through and Spain in turmoil, many see Brazil as the clear favorites to lift the World Cup in Moscow on July 15.

    But moments after they beat Serbia 2-0 to secure a quarter-final date with Mexico, the wily coach was once again playing down expectations.

    Brazil coach Tite during the match REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

    “Expectations? We don’t live by expectations, we live by reality,” Tite said.

    “We live by a team that mentally deals with the pressure, is balanced, that has replacement parts for important moments.

    Read Also: Neymar will reach his ‘best level’ — Tite

    “You have to have a strong team. If the players didn’t have all this preparation then we’d surely not see this kind of performance.”

    “Your situation,” he told reporters, “like gamblers, is not our situation. Ours is looking to grow.”

    Brazil’s performance against Serbia was their best so far and guaranteed them a date with Mexico in Samara on Monday.

    Tite revealed Brazil’s first division clubs had helped the national side by having their performance analysts research all 32 nations in the tournament and write detailed reports for his backroom staff.

    That assistance will be crucial against a talented, but inconsistent Mexican side that have gone from beating Germany 1-0 in their opener to losing 3-0 to Sweden in their final group game.

    “We are going to begin studying on the plane (back to our base camp”,” Tite’s assistant Cleber Xavier told reporters.

    “They are a strong rival that beat Germany and Korea and qualified at the expense of Germany.

    “For us, the thing is to know Mexico inside out so we can outline our expectations.”

  • World Cup: Brazil secure first win with late goals

    • Brazil 2-0 Costa Rica
    • Coutinho nets late winner (90+1)
    • Neymar doubles lead (90+6)
    • Fagner, Neymar start
    • Group E encounter
    • Brazil drew opening game
    • Costa Rica lost to Serbia

    FT: Brazil made their fans sweat, but they got the job done with a late show sparked by Coutinho’s 91st minute strike. Neymar added gloss with a further goal in added time. The PSG man was at the heart of the game throughout, including winning a penalty which was sensationally overturned by VAR. Brazil have their win. The only way is up from here.

    TEAM NEWS – HEADLINES

    Brazil have been forced into one change to their line-up because of an injury to right-back Danilo – he has a thigh problem. Corinthians’ Fagner replaces him. Neymar – as coach Tite confirmed – is fit to start after his injury scare.

    COSTA RICA TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Brazil: Navas, Gamboa, Acosta, González, Duarte, Oviedo, Venegas, Guzmán, Borges, Bryan Ruiz, Ureña

    BRAZIL TEAM NEWS

    Team to play Costa Rica: Alisson, Fágner, Thiago Silva, Miranda, Marcelo, Coutinho, Casemiro, Paulinho, Willian, Gabriel Jesús, Neymar

    HOW’S IT SHAPING UP?

    Group E is still anyone’s so far – although for Costa Rica, it’s more of an uphill struggle than anyone else. Serbia lead the group by two points but face Switzerland later this afternoon, while Brazil can get their start back on track with three points which would take them top, at least temporarily.

     

  • Russia 2018: Fans want Super Eagles to rise above defeat

    Football fans in Lagos have urged the Super Eagles to rise above the 0-2 defeat to Croatia in their opening match of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    They told our reporters on Monday in Lagos that though the loss was a tough one to bear but that they should not allow it to weigh them down.

    They said that ever since the World Cup started, thousands of fans had been trooping in to support their teams at the Eagles Club, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere Lagos.

    Kunle Arowolo said that the Eagles needed to be sharper in the attack, adding that all other departments were okay, but that the attack led by Odion Ighalo was not effective enough.

    “The team played well but did not do well at the attack, but it is not time to apportion blames to anybody but for the attack led by Ighalo to raise their game.

    Read Also: Russia 2018: Nigerians react to Super Eagles lost against Croatia

    “We must approach our next game against Iceland with all manner of consciousness and get all three points or the alternative could be devastating,’’ Arowolo said.

    Another fan, Stanley Okwonkwo said that that Super Eagles needed to be business minded up front as the last game showed their weakness in the midfield and attack.

    “It was a great game but the better team won at the end, we have to support our team regardless of the loss because it is important for them to believe in themselves.

    “I am hopeful that their performance in the next game against Iceland would be better, so let us support them to do well,’’ Okwonkwo said.
    Steve Bamijoko, on his part, said that the team needed to work harder in their two remaining matches which were crucial to their progress to round of 16.

    “It is obvious that there are no pushovers in the World Cup; everybody is good enough if you strive hard and play as a team.

    “A clear example is Mexico handing a 1-0 defeat to Germany, the defending champions, in their opening match and Switzerland holding five times champions Brazil to a 1-1 draw.

    “No team should see themselves as small, so the Super Eagles in their coming matches should have the clear chance to progress to the next round,’’ Bamijoko said.

    Abayomi Abidakun, Senior Brand Manager, Star Lager Beer, Nigerian Breweries Plc., said that supporting Super Eagles to excel was very crucial at this point as he was confident they would bounce back.

    He urged football fans not to feel bad about the result and that no matter what, we must get behind the team and hopefully the right results would come their way.

    “Getting things right sometimes doesn’t come easy, Super Eagles went into the match with the hope of getting the right result for them but it did not come that way.

    “We have to move on as Eagles face Iceland on June 22 which is very crucial to their success at the World Cup.

    “The Super Eagles Dome by Nigerian Breweries is our way of supporting the Super Eagles of Nigeria as they represent our nation in Russia and also creating an atmosphere of fun.

    “With one voice, we can cheer on with `One United’ voice.

    “As a brand, we are proud of this opportunity, given to Star Lager beer, to create an atmosphere where passionate fans can come and support the Super Eagles,’’ Abidakun said.

    The venue showcased High-tech, multi-media technology, giving a 360 degree experience where fans rallied support for the Eagles as they faced Croatia in their first match in Russia.

    Football supporters also experienced a `beer village’, where fans were treated to refreshing premium lager beer all through the night.

    One of the main attractions of the Super Eagles Dome was the exquisite Star Lager tunnel, which featured a LED screen that takes fans down memory lane of historic Super Eagles moments.

    Nigeria face Iceland on June 22 who had forced a 1-1 draw against two times world champions, Argentina in their opening match.

     

    NAN

  • Brazil held to 1-1 by Switzerland in Group E opener

    A second half header from Steven Zuber cancelled out a sensational early goal from Philippe Coutinho as Switzerland and Brazil drew 1-1 in a tight Group E World Cup opener on Sunday.

    With 20 minutes gone, Coutinho gathered a 25-yard clearance from goal and curled a shot into the far corner off the post to give the five-time world champions the lead.

    However, Switzerland, who had looked toothless throughout the first half, got back on level terms five minutes into the second half.

    Zuber rose unmarked to head home a corner kick.

    Coutinho had Brazil’s best chance after the break but shot wide.

    The result means that Serbia lead Group E after beating Costa Rica 1-0 earlier in the day. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Biggest football stadium will be mobile, social this June – Facebook

    The biggest football stadium in the world will be mobile and social this June, Facebook Inc. said on Friday.

    Ms Elizma Nolte, Facebook’s Head of Business Marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa, made the prediction in a statement.

    According to her, the benefit of the mobile and social stadium to marketers is not only about scale but delivery to a massive audience.

    “It will give an opportunity to get under the skin of football fans and engage with them directly,’’ the official said.

    “It is an unprecedented opportunity for marketers to engage with people about a subject they are truly passionate about.

    “Looking back at what happened in 2014 in Brazil, more than 350 million people on Facebook shared an astonishing three billion posts, comments and likes related to the tournament.

    “The final between Germany and Argentina remains the most talked about event on Facebook ever.

    “This year’s event in Russia will no doubt be even bigger,’’ she said.

    Nolte said that since 2014, global Facebook daily average users had grown by 60 per cent, with an impressive growth in Africa as more people connected to the Internet via smartphones.

    “We know that users love interacting with sports, of which football is by far the most followed,” she said.

    Nolte said more than 500 million people worldwide across Facebook and Instagram showed love for the beautiful game by following their heroes, football clubs and discussing the game.

    “When it comes to sport, the television in the lounge or local pub is not the only screen that matters these days, sports fans are watching their favourite teams and tournaments on multiple devices, especially their smartphones.

    “Because mobile has no off switch, users are engaging with sports not just during the big matches or opening and closing ceremonies.’’ she said.
    Nolte said that mobile was breaking down the barriers between people and their heroes.

    She noted that mobile had also evolved into the largest video platform.

    “This is especially true for sports, where fans are uploading and watching a huge amount of videos during major football tournaments.

    “Videos uploaded to Facebook during Euro 2016 generated nearly 1 billion views.

    “Video is how people today communicate with each other and how they expect brands to communicate with them, too.

    “Short videos or even a moving image is the best way to capture attention at this point.

  • Fabinho throws midair bash over Liverpool move

     

    Brazil international Fabinho threw a midair bash to celebrate his £44million successful move to Liverpool from Monaco.

    Fabinho completed his transfer to Liverpool on Monday, signing a five-year deal with Jurgen Klopp’s side just two days after the Reds’ Champions League final loss.

    And Fabinho’s wife Rebecas Tavares has posted footage of the pair heading to Liverpool on a private jet before sealing his transfer.

    Clips from her Instagram account show the couple sporting Liverpool shirts and clinking champagne glasses to celebrate the deal’s completion. They are joined by Tavares’ brother Julhao Bass and his partner.

    The group look delighted as they toast Fabinho’s move in a glamorous fashion – on a private jet en route to Liverpool’s Melwood training complex.

    Earlier Tavares re-posted an image of Monaco’s Instagram message to Fabinho, which thanked the Brazilian for his five-year spell at the club.

    An image of the pair celebrating together on Monaco’s Stade Louis II pitch was captioned: ‘Forever Go Monaco! Thanks for everything’.

    Fabinho’s transfer was announced on Monday evening, less than 48 hours after Liverpool’s heartbreaking defeat in the Champions League final to Real Madrid.

    The 24-year-old will replace Emre Can, who looks set to join Italian champions Juventus when his contract at Liverpool expires at the end of next month.

    Fabinho’s arrival is a statement of intent from Klopp who are determined that the momentum gained from Liverpool’s run to the final in Kiev will not be lost.

    His move will be officially confirmed on July 1 but effectively completed the move on Monday when he arrived at Melwood  alongside his agent Jorge Mendes, committing his future to the club until June 2023.

    ‘I am really excited about this move,’ Fabinho said. ‘This is something that I always wanted – this is a giant of a team.

    ‘The infrastructures of the club look exceptional. A football club of this size coming after my services? I didn’t have to think that much about coming over.

    ‘I will try to create my own history at this football club. Hopefully, on a personal level, I’m able to win titles with this club. I will try to grow and learn and improve myself, and to be part of the club’s history.’

    Liverpool made an initial payment of £39.4million, with add-ons worth £4.3million being triggered around objectives such as qualifying for the Champions League.

  • Ronaldinho perfects plan to wed two in August

     

    Brazil international and former Barcelona forward Ronaldo de Assis Moreira simply called Ronaldinho has concluded arrangements to officially wed two of his heartthrobs in August.

    The former PSG ace will tie the knots with Priscilla Coelho and Beatriz Souza, having ‘harmoniously’ lived with both since December in his Rio de Janeiro home.

    Ronaldinho began dating Beatriz in 2016 while continuing his long-term relationship with existing partner Priscilla.

    The 38-year-old will unofficially marry the two in a ceremony at his Santa Monica mansion, as it is illegal to commit bigamy in Brazil.

    According to columnist Leo Dias in Brazilian newspaper O Dia, Beatriz and Priscilla are given an allowance of £1,500 (about N800, 000) every month  to spend how they wish.

    Ronaldinho also gives both of them the same gifts, too and never forgets their birthdays and other special dates. Dias confirmed that music supply for the occasion is already in place as Brazilian singer and Ronaldinho’s neighbour Jorge Vercillo is set to dish out the tunes

    The two fiancees travelled with the 2005 Ballon d’Or winner to Brazil’s capital of Brasilia in March, when he joined the centre-right Brazilian Republican Party (PRB).

    The 38 year old known for his generous smiles and thrilling dribbles it will be recalled was in the Brazilian squad that took on Super Eagles at the opening of the Abuja National Stadium on June 11 2003.

    Ronldinho on that occasion was the toast of many female football fans that had turned out in their numbers to watch the match.

    Although former Super Eagles Captain Jay Jay Okocha was voted man of the match on the Nigerian side and thrilled fans with his impressive dribbles, it however did not stop Eagles from losing the match 3-0.

    In what could be a reminder to the popular adage that one man’s meat is another’s poison, Ronaldinho’s sister has however hinted that she will not be attending the wedding insisting ‘it is not normal’ The ceremony, will take place at the player’s  £5m home in Rio Janeiro.

     

     

     

     

     

  • World Cup: Romario canvases sex therapy for players

     

    Coaches who ban their players from having sex believing  that it saps their energy and make them venerable to defeat may need to take a second look at that theory .

    In what looks like direct opposite of the ‘old school approach’, Brazil legend Romario has urged players heading to Russia for the World cup to enjoy more sex and focus on the job at hand for impressive result.

    Romario who netted five goals at the 1994 edition of the world cup where Brazil emerged champions revealed that that the sex therapy was the major hit for him and is sure to work for players who desire to deliver.

    “Have enough sex is one piece of advice, like making the most  of your days off and, of course, concentrate on match days and during the games, “he told Lance magazine on Wednesday.

    The 52 year Senator since 2015 currently seeking votes to become Governor of Rio de Janeiro State is banking on the likes of Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus to deliver for Brazil in Russia. The 21 year old who has scored 19 goals for EPL Champions Manchester City in 37 appearances must hit Russia in a killer mood accord to Romario.

    “I believe he’s quite aware of his football and what it represents for the Brazilian team. He has to arrive at the World Cup and score a goal. That’s the most important thing!” he said.

    Brazil will face Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in the Group stage in Russia. The Seleção gunning for their sixth title will equally be hoping  that Neymar who is  fast recurring from injury will hit the  100% mark  for  the showdown  which kicks off in on June 14

    Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr only recently hinted that he will not lock the gates against the Wives and girl friends of his players in Russia, but the ban on sex hawkers from Eagles hotel will however remain.

  • Injured Neymar progressing well ahead of World Cup, doctor says

    Injured Brazil forward Neymar will return “well prepared” at the World Cup, team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar says. Lasmar operated on the Paris Saint-Germain striker’s broken foot in March.

    “Neymar is training very well. He is recovering in the best possible way, within the framework of the defined programme we have set out for him,” the doctor told Brazil’s GloboEsporte.com late on Friday, adding he will “return well prepared” for the World Cup.

    Read Also: Neymar vows to work harder to be ready for World Cup

    Brazil is among the favourites for June and July’s tournament in Russia.

    The newsmen reports that Neymar on March 4, left hospital after undergoing a “successful” operation on his injured right foot.

    The Paris Saint-Germain forward fractured his fifth metatarsal during his side’s 3-0 defeat of Marseille in Ligue 1 on Feb. 25.

    NAN