Herrera : I am happy at Manchester united

Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera has admitted he is very lucky to be at Old Trafford and says he never once questioned his future during a spell on the bench earlier this season.

The 25-year-old has emerged as one of United's standout performers in the second half of the season and has started the last eight games for Louis van Gaal's side, scoring four goals in the process.

After initially struggling to force his way into the first-team picture at the club, Herrera insists he was always settled in England and that he feels fortunate to be playing for the Red Devils.

The ex-Athletic Bilbao star told United Review: "I'm very happy. Even when I was not playing, I was also happy. I am at Manchester United. I feel really lucky to be here.

"The manager has to decide who is playing or not but we have to respect always the decision he makes. The manager wants the best for the team, the best for us and we have to follow him always.

"When I signed for Manchester United, I was thinking of players like Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney, Antonio Valencia, Rafael da Silva and, although he is not here now, Darren Fletcher. These are people who have been playing for a long time for United.

"It's my dream to be here for a long time because I am in the right team, in the right league and in the right country. I feel very happy and I want to stay at the club for many years to come.

"I feel I quickly adapted to this league and this country because I am so comfortable here. I think [we at] Manchester United are always helping each other to adapt and to feel like we're at home. I feel really good at United and I hope to stay here for a long time."

Luis Enrique : I am not Worried about Neymar

Barcelona coach Luis Enrique says he is not concerned about Neymar's disappointing run of form in recent weeks.

The Brazil international, 23, scored an impressive 17 goals in his first 20 La Liga games of 2014-15, but has been unable to add to his tally in his last five league matches.

Nevertheless, Luis Enrique has stressed the former Santos man still adds a lot to the team even if he doesn't score.

"I am not worried about Neymar's form," the Barcelona coach said at a press conference.

He added: "We are more than happy with Iniesta's performances. Andres gives the team a lot in all aspects of the game.

"He is a pleasure to watch. Of course, I always want all my players to improve and do even better."

The Barcelona coach also discussed his side's title chances, with the Catalans currently holding a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid.

"We are in a privileged position at the moment, but that does not mean we have already won the title.

"We will continue to look good in the table as long as we can keep improving. But there are still many games to be played."

Juventus Confirm Tevez Injury

Juventus have confirmed Carlos Tevez has suffered a thigh injury that will keep him out of Tuesday's Coppa Italia semi-final second leg clash against Fiorentina.

The 31-year-old inspired the Bianconeri to a 2-0 win over Empoli in Serie A on Saturday but his all-action display has come at a cost.

He will be unavailable as the Italian champions look to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss to the Florentine outfit and will undergo further tests to find out how long he will be out of action.

A statement on the club's official website said: "Carlos Tevez will miss out on tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final return leg clash with Fiorentina. .

His absence is a big blow to Juve's hopes of reaching the final of the Coppa Italia as they trail the Viola following the first leg in Turin and could see Alessandro Matri replace him in the starting XI.

Massimiliano Allegri will also hope Tevez's injury is not severe enough to rule him out of his side's Champions League quarter-final first leg clash against Monaco next week.

The Argentina star has enjoyed one of the most prolific seasons of his career having scored 25 goals in all competitions to help Juve continue their bid for the treble.

Emenike shocked by bus shooting

Nigeria international and Fenerbache forward Emmanuel Emenike has described as ‘unbelievable’ attack on his team after their win in the Turkish topflight on Saturday.
The Turkish outfit were returning from their 5-1 win over Rizespor on Saturday when their bus was shot at, leaving driver hospitalised with wounds he suffered from the attack and doctors have since confirmed that a metal object was found in the driver's head. The incident left several players in shock on a day we should be celebrating a big away win," Emenike told BBC Sport.

"I was on the phone with my brother when I heard the loud sound and I thought one of our tyres had busted because the bus was swerving on the road.

"But when I found our security officer in front of the bus I knew something must have gone awfully wrong."

"We quickly realised the security guy was the one who hit the brake, and he said the driver [who was already soaked in blood] had been shot,” he continued.

"The word 'shot' came as a big shock but when we saw blood and the shattered driver's side window, it quickly turned into a scary moment for everyone on the bus.

"It's unbelievable that some people actually fired shots at our bus and the driver was badly hit, a bus conveying footballers and officials.

Mata Praises Herrera for win over Aston Villa

Herrera opened the scoring at Old Trafford with a low shot past Brad Guzan before adding his second, and United's third, in stoppage time to seal the win that moved Louis van Gaal's side up to third in the Premier League table.

And Mata believes the former Athletic Bilbao star's "genius" is now shining through after a slow start to his Old Trafford career. 

He wrote on his blog: "It was a great day in Old Trafford.

"The team performed at a very high level, we fought from the very first minute to win the game and we were able to score in decisive moments to make things difficult for Aston Villa. We tried to use both wings and circulate the ball fast, and actually that’s how we scored.

"Three great goals I’d say. Wayne Rooney's goal was spectacular, really nice to watch; not many players can score a goal like that. And two more goals from Ander. I think this is the first time he scores twice in a game and I’m very happy for him! The truth is he deserves it. He is a genius on and off the pitch and I know how happy he was after the game."

Van Gaal : City are scared of United

Louis van Gaal believes the improvement in Manchester United's form has Manchester City worried ahead of the upcoming derby match between the two sides.

United welcome their rivals to Old Trafford on Sunday with both teams vying for second spot behind Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Van Gaal's United have won their past five league fixtures to climb into third, one point above City, who play Crystal Palace on Monday.

And the Dutchman said confidence is sky-high in the United dressing room as they look to build on wins against Liverpool and Tottenham.


"We have more confidence now and when they lose a point then it's also sitting in their minds. Maybe it plays a role but that is dependable on the individual player and I don't know the individual players of Manchester City so well.

"But we have a lot of confidence and we haven't lost so many times at home."

Ronaldo scores 5 as Madrid Cruise to victory

Cristiano Ronaldo scored five goals in one match for the first time in his career as Real Madrid hammered Granada 9-1 on Sunday. Ronaldo has scored four goals in a single game three times since joining the Blancos from Manchester United in 2009, most recently in September last year, but never before in the three-time Ballon d'Or winner's career has he bagged five efforts in 90 minutes.

His five-star performance against Granada, who are four points off the bottom of La Liga, leaves him level with Barcelona rival Lionel Messi in terms of hat-tricks in the Spanish top flight.
The 30-year-old will be delighted that he has scored four goals in a single game more than twice in a season for the first time in his professional career, while toppling his own record for his fastest hat-trick.

The tiltle is in Chelsea's hands

Belgium Striker Eden Hazard believes Chelsea have the title in their hands as victory over Stoke City on Saturday edged them closer to being crowned champions.
Jose Mourinho's side were being held at half-time by Mark Hughes's side before Loic Remy struck midway through the second period to move the Blues seven points ahead of second-placed Arsenal.

"We are confident. We are first in the league and we take it game after game," he told ChelseaTV. "We have the title in our hands. We want to bring the trophy to Stamford Bridge. Hazard also reserved high praise for Blues team-mate Remy, whose winning goal ensured Mourinho's men made it two wins on the spin.

The Belgian added: "Remy can score every time when he's on the pitch. This guy deserves to score a lot of goals."

Aishat Oshoala arrives in Super Falcons camp to play qualifiers

The Liverpool striker has arrived in the super eagles ahead of the final qualifying round to play Mali.Oshoala who scored her first english super league goal a few days ago arrived on friday after a six hour flight from Heathrow airport, London to the Muritala Muhammed International Airport. 

Top 5 goal scorers in the Premier League

1. HARRY KANE With 19 Goals and plays for Tottenham Hotspur
2. DIEGO COSTA With also 19 Goals and he plays for Chelsea
3. SERGIO AGUERO With 17 Goals and he plays for Manchester City
4. CHARLIE AUSTIN With 15 Goals and he plays for QPR
5.ALEXIS SANCHEZ With 13 Goals and he plays for Arsenal.

Pemier League Fixtures

1.Arsenal vs Liverpool
2.Everton vs Southampton
3.Leicester city vs Westham United
4.Manchester United vs Aston villa
5.Swansea City vs Hull City
6.West Bromwich Albion vs Queen Park Rangers
7.Chealsea vs Stoke City

May the best team Prevail.

Barcelona not disturbed by Messi Injury

Barcelona are not disturbed by messi's injury as they might decide to rest the striker for the sunday la liga clash with celta vigo. Messi was forced to sit out Argentina's international friendlies against El Salvador and Ecuador due to an ankle injury, leading to concerns over the prolific attacker's physical condition ahead of the business end of the season.
The 27-year-old picked up the knock in his side's Champions League win over Manchester City at Camp Nou last month, but was nonetheless given the green light to play in the Clasico win over Real Madrid.
Messi completed a light training session on Thursday following his return to Camp Nou and the Catalans are confident he will soon be back to full match fitness.

Van Gaal : Man United can still win the title

United are currently in fourth place in the table, eight points behind the Blues who lead the way but Van Gaal told reporters that his side "can win the title. Mathematically, we can do it".
He said: "It's four teams now in the title race. You see the points difference and you have to say four. The points difference between second, third and fourth makes me think they're there.
"Manchester United are there. The points are there. In the last matches they became consistent in results and also the quality of their performances. They are there."

NBA Fines Clippers' Davies

 Los Angeles Clippers forward Glen Davies has been fined $15,000 for kicking a seat cushion into the spectator stands, it was announced today by Rod Thorn, President, Basketball Operations.

The incident occurred with 4:16 remaining in the fourth quarter of the Clippers' 119-106 win over the Boston Celtics on March 29 at TD Garden.

Brazil and Spain have a Similar Style of Play- Dunga

Dunga drawn comparisons between his brazil side and Barcelona after claiming they both play the same style of football.

He has so far guided his side to eight consecutive victories and visited Barca's training ground on Tuesday to observe Luis Enrique's training sessions.

"The philosophy of Barcelona is very similar to that of Brazil," he said to reporters. "Neymar is doing fantastically well at the club and Adriano and Dani Alves have also enjoyed great times here.

"They've got great quality, great players and it's a great atmosphere to work in."

Brazil have been in good form themselves over the past week after beating France 3-1 in a friendly last Friday before defeating Chile 1-0 at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Sunday.

Match Report:Italy vs England

Egland maintained their unbeaten run since their early World Cup exit as Andros Townsend's stunning effort secure a draw against Italy.

Graziano Pelle broke the deadlock with a fine header from Giorgio Chiellini's cross as the hosts controlled long periods of the first half.

But Roy Hodgson's side were much better after the break, and got their reward when substitute Townsend rifled in a 20 yard drive

Match Report : Switzerland vs USA

Jozy Altidore received his first red card in international soccer as 10-man United States drew 1-1 with Switzerland

Brek Shea opened the scoring just before halftime, with the Orlando City man bending home an excellent free kick. But the game changed when Altidore recieved a red card on the 66th minute

Vladimir Petkovic's Switzerland pushed on to try to capitalize on its numerical superiority, and the pressure duly told as Valentin Stocker prodded home an 80th-minute equalizer from close range.

Both sides struggled to create chances in the early going but USA would have taken the lead had Michael Bradley been more accurate when presented with a simple chance in the 27th minute.

The midfielder shot over the crossbar from point-blank range with the goal gaping following good work from Alejandro Bedoya to get to the byline and pull the ball back.

Van Gaal is not a Dictator

The Dutchman has insisted that he is not a dictator."I am a very flexible man" He told MUTV. I am misunderstood, people are always thinking of me as a boss, maybe a dictaor but i am not like that even my wife knows that.

He has been criticized at different stages of this season but has recently wins against Tottenham and Liverpool which has lifted the spirit and morale of the team.

Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has also revealed what life is like working under Van Gaal at Old Trafford. He said "He is very approachable. He always says to his players you can go and talk to him, whether it is about football or other things "

Falcao scores for columbia

Radamel Falcao was on the scoresheet again as Colombia saw off a plucky Kuwait side 3-1 in Monday's friendly in Abu Dhabi.

The striker scored twice as Colombia hammered Bahrain 6-0 last Thursday and he continued a productive international break with an emphatic penalty in the 73rd minute.

There was more than an air of contention about the spot-kick, with the former Atletico Madrid man seemingly fouled by Musaed Al Enazi outside of the penalty area.

Falcao has endured a frustrating season on loan at Manchester United from Monaco, but his third goal in two games saw him equal Arnoldo Iguaran's official record of 24 goals for Colombia.

Hernandez : I am Frustrated!

The Mexico forward, who scored the only goal of the game in the national side’s recent 1-0 win over Ecuador, has been a peripheral figure since joining Madrid on loan from Manchester United last summer.

And the 26-year-old admits his lack of first-team action has affected his confidence.

He told Fox Sports: "My situation is frustrating. I participate, give my all in training, but as far as for playing in matches, the opportunities are minimal. I belong to a team, but am not part of the important bit, the actual games.

"Sometimes my confidence is right down on the ground, even though I am trying for it to be up there, with the help of the people who are always at my side and who support me."

Hernandez managed only six league starts at his parent club United last season and says his difficult term at Old Trafford was frustrating too.

He added: “The most important thing is to get chances, and to feel that they believe in you. Whenever they have entrusted me to do something it comes out positively, but I've been through two rather frustrating years. 

"There needs to be people who believe in me, at least so I can prove if I am any good or not."

Hummels: I might leave BVB

The defender has suggested that 2014-15 could be his final season as a BVB player and admits the allure of a move abroad is strong

Mats Hummels has confessed he is considering leaving Borussia Dortmund this summer and heavily hinted it will be for a club outside of the Bundesliga.

The centre-back, 26, has been considered one of the top defenders in world football for years but has so far resisted overtures from an array of clubs to stay at Signal Iduna Park.

However, with Dortmund looking likely to finish well short of the top four this season and interest from clubs such as Manchester United reported to be strong, Hummels suggested this summer could see him depart his native Germany.

However, with Dortmund looking likely to finish well short of the top four this season and interest from clubs such as Manchester United reported to be strong, Hummels suggested this summer could see him depart his native Germany.

"I have had many conversations with the leaders of Dortmund, where I know I am a big part of the team," he told Kicker. "But I am yet to make a decision about my future.

"I'm being open about this because I'm not a fan of those who claim they are staying but, behind the scenes, have actually secretly agreed a transfer away from their current club.

"I will do what is best for my career and what I would like to do. Everyone knows how much I love it at Dortmund, but I also want to make sure I'm part of a strong team with powerful players.

"Whether we are in the Champions League, the Europa League or have no European football at all, it will play no part in my decision-making.

"Some days I think I would definitely like to move abroad. But then other days I think I don't fancy it at all. Basically... I think moving abroad will be good for my professional and personal well-being. Eventually, I'd like to leave the Bundesliga.

WRESTLEMANIA XXXI : Seth Rollins becomes World Heavy Weight Champion

Seth Rollins stunned the planet at WrestleMania by becoming WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

The Architect cashed in his Money in the Bank contract midway through the title tussle between Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns on Sunday, ensuring the contest became a Triple Threat.

The Authority favourite, the first man to utilise his Money in the Bank agreement at WrestleMania, had earlier been beaten by Randy Orton in a grudge match, but bounced back in style to pocket the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the first time.And Rollins prevailed when he clocked former Shield stablemate Reigns with a Curb Stomp, moments after The Juggernaut had floored Lesnar with a spear inside Levi’s Stadium in California.

Rollins’ insertion into the main event in Santa Clara came after Lesnar had dominated a large portion of his singles encounter with Reigns, who had beaten Daniel Bryan at the Fastlane event in February to earn his ‘Mania match.

Lesnar pummelled the Floridian with ample German suplexes and F5s, as well as punches and a devastating clothesline, but found himself unable to pin Reigns in front of over 90,000 fans.

The Beast Incarnate, however, appeared on the verge of defeat before Rollins arrived when Reigns began to turn the tide and administered three Superman punches and Two spears.

But it was neither Reigns nor Lesnar who left WrestleMania’s showpiece encounter with the gold, as Rollins, who had clutched his Money in the Bank briefcase since winning it from under Dean Ambrose’s nose in June, struck the decisive blow.

The Aerialist’s victory, as well as Big Show’s triumph during the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal on WrestleMania Kick-Off, were bright spots on a mixed evening for The Authority’s head honchos, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

Triple H bested Sting in a contest most memorable for D-Generation X Superstars Road Dogg, Billy Gunn, and X-Pac helping The Game; nWo stalwarts Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall and Kevin Nash aiding The Vigilante; and both competitors shaking hands once the match had finished

Nani : Portugal deserved to win!

Portugal beat Serbia 2-1 on Sunday night to move top of Group I in Euro 2016 qualification and afterwardsLuis Nani admitted it was a game his side had to win.

The hosts led through Ricardo Carvalho's 10th minute goal but a superb strike from Nemanja Matic made it 1-1 on 61 minutes.

However, Portugal replied within two minutes as Fabio Coentrao scored the winner and sent his side above second-placed Denmark after four group games.

Luis Suarez:I may play for Liverpool

Luis Suarez: I may play for liverpool in the future

Luis Suarez has

refused to rule out one

day returning to

Liverpool - and says

there is no other

Premier League club he

would consider representing.

Suarez, who left Liverpool in July to

join Barcelona in a reported £75 million

deal, was back at Anfield on Sunday for

a charity match pitting a Steven Gerrard

XI against a side led by Jamie Carragher.

After the game, Suarez was asked by

Liverpool's official website if he may play

for the club again.

The Uruguay forward responded: "You

never know in football, but if in the future

I play in England again, I play with the

Liverpool shirt on and not another shirt."

Suarez, who scored 82 goals in 133

appearances for Liverpool, welcomed the

opportunity to partner Fernando Torres in

attack for the Gerrard XI.

"It was great for me," he added.

"Four years ago when I arrived here for

Liverpool, I crossed my fingers to play with

Fernando and he left three days after I

signed.

"Today was a great day for all the players,

but for me and Fernando it was a great

chance to play together."

Gerrard scored two penalties as his side

came from behind to draw 2-2 in Sunday's

match.

Euro Qualifiers Score Update

Euro Qualifiers Score Update

Portugal 2-1 Serbia

France 2-0 Denmark

Ireland 1-1 Poland

Georgia 0-2 Germany

N.Ireland 2-1 Finland

Romania 1-0 Faroe islands

Hungary 0-0 Greece

Scotland 6-1 Gibraltar

Albania 2-1 Armenia

Match analysis: Nigeria vs South Africa

Drama ensued at the Mbombela Stadium as Bongani Zungu's injury-time strike rescued a 1-1 draw for South Africa in Sunday's friendly against Nigeria.

It appeared as though South Africa would rue Andile Jali's missed penalty when Ahmed Musa's excellent strike put Nigeria into a 1-0 lead with five minutes left on the clock.

But Zungu pounced to earn a share of the spoils in the fourth minute of additional time in Nelspruit.

A draw was the least South Africa deserved, but their hoodoo against Nigeria continued with their last victory against the Super Eagles coming in 2004.

Shakes Mashaba's side started the brighter and Zungu forced Daniel Akpeyi into a fine fingertip save with an accurate drive from the edge of the penalty area after good work by Thulani Hlatshwayo.

The hosts continued to probe and Tokelo Rantie's excellent work rate was causing problems for the Nigeria defence, the striker providing one particularly menacing cross that Sibusiso Vilakazi glanced wide of the left-hand post.

Matthews Manyisa was the next to try his luck for South Africa with a free-kick that narrowly cleared the crossbar.

Nigeria's attacks had largely been repelled by the home team, although Aaron Samuel's left-footed bending effort beat Itumeleng Khune in the South Africa goal but went narrowly wide.

The visitors were dangerous on the counter-attack after the break, but it was South Africa who fluffed their lines with the game's best chance in the 61st minute.

Thulani Serero was chopped down in the penalty area by Godfrey Oboabona and from the resulting spot-kick Jali saw his effort saved by Akpeyi.

It appeared as though that would be a costly miss in the 85th minute when Musa cut in from the left-hand side before bending his strike into the far top corner.

Nigeria were unable to see out the win, though, as Zungucapitalised on uncertainty in the Nigeria area to hook home with his left foot on the rebound.

Benzema:I can win the Ballon d'Or

Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema remains confident he can win the Fifa Ballon d'Or in his career.

Benzema's team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo has scooped the last two awards for the world's best footballer, with the Portugal star and Lionel Messi the only players to lift the trophy since Kaka in 2007.

While he accepts he will never match the scoring statistics of Ronaldo or Messi, Benzema is confident he can stake a claim for the Ballon d'Or during his career as long as he wins trophies at club level.

"If I keep winning titles then I can win this award in future," he told Le Parisien.

Benzema went on to stress there is nothing concrete in rumours he could join French champions Paris Saint-Germain - but he did fire a warning to Barcelona ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash.

"PSG are a great team, that's all," he said of the transfer speculation, before adding: "It will be more difficult than usual for Barca because Paris Saint-Germain are known to have increased their standing in the Champions League.

Ahmed Musa to captain Eagles to Victory

For the first time in his Nigeria career, forward Ahmed Musa is expected to captain the Super Eagles when they face South Africa in a friendly match on Sunday afternoon.

The CSKA Moscow has been left with the big task after captain Vincent Enyeama left the team’s camp following a back injury he sustained in Wednesday’s friendly against Uganda in Uyo.

This leaves Musa, the player with the highest number of caps remaining in camp, to lead the team.

The official Twitter account of the Super Eagles confirmed on Sunday morning that coach Daniel Amokachi has handed the 22-year-old the armband for the game against Bafana.

“Ahmed Musa will lead the Eagles out against @BafanaBafana in today's international friendly at the Mbombela Stadium,” it announced.

Musa has won 42 caps and scored nine goals for Nigeria since making his debut in 2011. He scored a brace at the World Cup in a 3-2 loss to Argentina.

He also won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations title with the Super Eagles.

Dani Alves says his heart is at Barcelona

Dani Alves says his "heart is happy" at Barcelona, though he concedes his long-term future is ultimately not only down to him.

With his contract due to expire this summer, the Brazilian has been linked with a number of Europe's top clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 31-year-old feels settled with his family in Catalunya and would be keen to sign a new deal at Camp Nou, though a potential sticking point over the length of the contract remains.

Dani Alves himself has now admitted he is happy to stay at the club and has not agreed any potential move elsewhere - though he accepts the club will have the final say on his future.

He told Globoesporte : "My heart is happy where I am, with what I have and the colours I defend. It's not up to me how long I'll be here.

Transfer Talk

Manchester City plan Morata move

Manchester City are planning a move for Juventus striker Alvaro Morata. Manuel Pellegrini's side are keen to sell Edin Dzeko and Stevan Jovetic and bring in the Spain international as they fresh up their attack

Inter might give Hernanes to Psg to get Lavezzi in exchange

Inter comes back strong on Ezequiel Lavezzi: Hernanes might be the key to cut the price to pay to Paris Saint-Germain.   

Chelsea set for Varane bid

Chelsea have told Jose Mourinho that he is clear to submit a £40 million bid for Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.       

Pellegrini set for City stay

Manchester City will not sack Manuel Pellegrini unless he finishes lower than second in the Premier League this season.

Liverpool to sign Milner

Liverpool will sign James Milner from Manchester City this summer, while Manuel Pellegrini's men could move for Everton's Ross Barkley.                                     

More transfer news to come.....share your opinions by commenting

Enyama can reach 150 caps

Coach Daniel Amokachi has said that Vincent Enyeama has the capacity to play an additional 50 games for Nigeria ahead of the friendly against Uganda.

Enyeama earned his 99th cap in the 2-2 draw with South Africa in November as the team missed the chance to feature in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The goalkeeper will join the league of centurions when he mans the post on Wednesday against Uganda in Uyo, the place of his birth.

“Enyeama’s 100 caps won’t disturb our aim to get a win against Uganda. Enyeama is a very solid player and he knows that the 100 caps is not the end of it all,” Amokachi told Goal.

“He is still in shape to play additional 50 games for the national team. He should not allow that to distract him at all and the whole of Nigeria will be there to celebrate him because it is a mileage in any footballer’s career,” he said.

Born on August 29, 1982, Enyeama debuted for Nigeria in 2002 in a 3-0 home win over the Harambee Stars of Kenya.

spain 1-0 Match analysis

According to Goal.com Alvaro Morata marked his first competitive start for Spain with the only goal as they beat a stubborn Ukraine 1-0 in Euro 2016 qualifying on Friday.

Morata's effort, scored just before the half-hour mark, saw Spain move three points ahead of their opponents in Group C, but they remain three adrift of leaders Slovakia, who beat Luxembourg 3-0. 

Vicente del Bosque's side had to withstand a series of Ukraine attacks, though, particularly in the second half, with goalkeeper Iker Casillas to thank for a pair of crucial saves.

Juventus forward Morata was included from the beginning after Diego Costa withdrew from the squad with a hamstring injury.

And he did not let his country down, scoring for the third successive game in all competitions to settle a tense contest in Seville.

Ukraine had to be alert early on as Yevhen Khacheridi intercepted David Silva's dangerous cut-back when the Manchester City man got in behind their defence.

Andres Iniesta looked dangerous, and played in Morata, who could only shoot wide, while Ukraine goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov did well to tip a fierce Koke effort over.

Ukraine were not without their chances, as Artem Fedetskiy volleyed wide when free in the penalty area following a dangerous set-piece, and Ruslan Rotan narrowly missed the target after Fedetskiy found him with a clever header.

They were only half-chances but Ukraine were made to rue their failure to take them when Morata opened the scoring in the 28th minute.

The 22-year-old ran on to Koke's excellent first-time ball and held off the attention of Khacheridi before lifting over Pyatov despite going to ground.

Morata had the ball in the back of the net again - only for his effort to be ruled out for offside - and the woodwork was next to deny Spain, as Sergio Ramos' thumping header bounced off the crossbar from Silva's free-kick four minutes before the break.

England captain Wayne Rooney says teams around Europe will start to fear the Three Lions after their 4-0 win over Lithuania at Wembley to maintain their 100 per cent record in Euro 2016 qualifying. 

The Manchester United forward opened the scoring for Roy Hodgson's side after just six minutes before Danny Welbeck added a second and Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane both scored their first international goals.

Roy Hodgson's side have now won all seven of their matches since exiting the World Cup during the group stage, and Rooney believes their form will have other sides worrying about facing them.

"I think since the World Cup we've been fantastic," he told ITV Sport. "Some great victories, we're scoring goals, really energetic team, a lot of pace and I think a lot of teams around Europe will be looking at this team and they'll be frightened."

Bale will be better in man u

Paul Scholes has claimed that Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale would be "perfect" for Manchester United.

The Welshman moved to the Spanish capital last summer and won the Champions League and the Copa del Rey in his opening season, but has endured a difficult campaign this time around, with many Blancos fans appearing to take against him. 

He has been whistled by home supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu and even had his car attacked following last weekend's defeat to Barcelona, prompting speculation he could opt to return to English football.

Scholes believes that the 25-year-old would immediately improve Louis van Gaal's side should he move back to the Premier League, and even compared the potential impact he could have to the likes of Eric Cantona and Ruud van Nistelrooy.

My feeling is that he would be perfect for Manchester United," Scholes wrote in his column for the Evening Standard. 

"Of course, as a fan of my former club I would like to see him there but, looking at it objectively, I always felt that Bale was a natural fit for United as he developed at Tottenham from a left-back into one of the best attacking footballers in the country.

"He would be loved at Old Trafford. In return I believe he could turn Louis van Gaal's team into serious title contenders next season. In my years at United I witnessed some signings who, over their careers, transformed the fortunes of the team.

Mfon Udon not selected for the nigerian squad to play against South Afriica

Nigeria interim coach Daniel Amokachi has named his final 23-man squad for Sunday’s international friendly against South Africa in Nelspruit.

Four players were displaced after the team’s last training at the Akwa Ibom Stadium on Friday morning.

Enyimba forward, Mfon Udoh who came on as a late substitute was axed alongside Chidiebere Eze (Ifenayi Ubah FC), Onyekachi Okoye (Abia Warriors) and Ubong Moses (Kano Pillars).

The Super Eagles will be seeking for redemption when they battle South Africa on Sunday having lost 1-0 to Uganda on Wednesday night......

FULL SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Theophilus Afelokhai (Kano Pillars); Daniel Akpeyi (Warri Wolves)
Defenders: Chima Akas (Sharks FC); Godfrey Oboabona (Rizespor FC, Turkey); Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves); Nelson Ogbonnaya (Heartland FC); Kenneth Omeruo (Middlesbrough FC, England); Akeem Latifu (Aalesunds FC, Norway); Leon Balogun (Darmstadt 98, Germany)
Midfielders: Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio, Italy); Steven Ukoh (Biel-Bienne FC, Switzerland); Omatsone Aluko (Hull City, England); Hope Akpan (Reading FC, England); John Ogu (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel); Babatunde Michael (Volyn Lutsk, Ukraine); Joseph Nathaniel (Sharks FC); Kingsley Sokari (Enyimba FC)
Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow, Russia); Aaron Samuel (Guangzhou R&F, China); Odion Ighalo (Watford FC, England); Anthony Ujah (FC Cologne, Germany); Moses Simon (KAA Gent, Belgium); Stanley Dimgba (Warri Wolves)