Weekly Football News, July 1 2013
Brazil outclass Spain
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari believes that his side will start among the favourites for next year's World Cup finals after outclassing Spain 3-0 in the final of the Confederations Cup on Sunday.
Striker Fred and man-of-the-tournament Neymar scored the goals that ended Spain's world record unbeaten run in dramatic fashion.
"I don't think I could feel any better than how I am right now," Scolari said after the one-sided final in which Spain also missed a penalty and had central defender Gerard Pique sent off midway through the second half.
"I thought that any positive result would be great and to beat them 3-0, that is much better than I imagined.
"But I also believe that overall, not only because of the score but the way we played, we had a very good match.
"Now I am able to dream that we have an idea, that we have a path ahead of us, and that we have a good team to play in the World Cup next year as equals with other strong contenders."
'No need for change': Del Bosque
Spain's three-year record run of 29 unbeaten competitive matches might have come to crashing end on Sunday, but coach Vincente del Bosque maintained afterwards that he would not tinker too much with the style and personnel that had claimed the European and world titles in recent times.
Del Bosque conceded that the Spaniards lacked energy after a long domestic season and were beaten by the better side.
But he stopped short of claiming that Spain's recent dominance was coming to a close.
"Neymar and the rest had much more energy, and that was reflected in every play. We have no complaints," Del Bosque said.
"But when we look at our track record, we can be proud. Today we have been defeated, be we won't just sit back and accept it.
"We will fight back, we have good players and I don't see the need to change just because we were well beaten once."
'It would be a dream to play with Rooney'
Wayne Rooney, the England striker, has been urged to quit Old Trafford and join Barcelona by the Spanish club's latest recruit, Neymar.
Speaking after leading Brazil to the Confederations Cup triumph on Sunday, the former Santos forward claimed that Rooney was one of the "most gifted and technical players in the world" and could improve the La Liga champions.
Rooney is expected to meet with new Manchester United manager David Moyes this week to discuss his future with the Premier League title holders.
"The style of football we [Barcelona] play and the level of the players we have - we are the perfect club for the top players to join," said Neymar.
"I have met Wayne on a few occasions and he seems a good guy but importantly, he is one of the players I admire most in the world.
"Wayne is one of the most gifted and technical players in the world. Of course he would improve Barcelona. He would improve any club in Europe. And on a personal level, it would be a dream to play with him."
Ince bound for Premier League
Tom Ince, the son of former England skipper Paul, looks destined to join Premier League newcomers Cardiff City, with the South Wales club reportedly having an £8 million bid accepted by Blackpool chairman Karl Oyston.
Ince, the England under-21 international, looked to be returning to Anfield in the January transfer window but Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers refused to sanction a high-money offer for their former academy player.
Speaking of the news, Paul said: "Cardiff have come in massively for Thomas and the chairman has accepted their offer.
"It's a case of when he comes back, we'll sit down and see what we want to do."
Compiled by Marc Fox
2013 World Soccer News
Pirlo Masterclass - 17 June Football News - Pirlo is in regal form as Italy defeat Mexico at the Confederations Cup.
Champions League - 27 May Football News - Bayern beat Bundesliga rivals Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.
Sir Alex To Leave - 13 May Football News - Alex Ferguson and Roberto Mancini both leaving as managers of the Manchester clubs.
Luis Suarez - 22 April Football News - Luis Suarez in the news for all the wrong reasons.
Rafa's Return - 11 April Football News - Rafa wants to return to Liverpool one day.
Manchester City Plan B - 8 April Football News - Manchester City lack a plan B according to Gary Neville.
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