Argentina superstar Lionel Messi hailed his team's feat of reaching the Copa America Centenario final as having plenty of merit.
Argentina defeated the United States 4-0 on Tuesday night at NRG Stadium, and now will play in a final for the third straight year, after contesting and losing both the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and the 2015 Copa
America final versus Chile.
The Barcelona striker believes the run is a great achievement for the team, but is hoping for a better outcome when they face the winner of the Colombia-Chile match in the other semifinal on Wednesday night.
"To be in three straight finals has a lot of merit," said Messi following the match. "Making the final was the objective, this team always wants more, again we're in the final and hopefully we will win it.
"This team deserves it because this team does things well both in attack and defence. We are eager and we have a lot of hope for this cup."
Messi's first-half goal from a free kick was his 55th international tally with La Albiceleste, making him Argentina's all-time leading scorer, breaking the previous record of 54 held by Gabriel Batistuta.
Messi said he was pleased to have gotten the record in such a decisive win.
"I'm happy to have gotten the record. We found the spaces so that we could have more of the ball and we played a very complete match," said Messi.
Unfortunately for Argentina, both Ezequiel Lavezzi and Augusto Fernandez left the match with injuries. The former walked out of the stadium in a cast, with head coach Gerardo Martino confirming that Lavezzi had suffered a
fracture in his left arm.
While disappointed that Lavezzi and Fernandez will be unavailable for the final, Messi is confident that their respective replacements will have no problems stepping in.
He said: "Sadly we had some injuries with Pocho [Lavezzi] and Augusto at the end of the match. It's a shame, but I have no doubt that whoever comes in for them will play the same way."
Cristiano Ronaldo produced a stunning
performance to keep Portugal in Euro 2016 with a 3-3 draw against Hungary in Lyon.
Ronaldo, who made a record 17th European Championship appearance in the match, set up Nani for Portugal's first and then scored twice in the second half to become the first player to score in four different European Championships.
Balazs Dzsudzsak, meanwhile, scored a brace of his own for Hungary, who led three times during the match and clinched top spot in Group F.
Portugal finish third and face Croatia in the round of 16 on Saturday, while Hungary take on the runners-up from Group E on Sunday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic's international career is over after Sweden exited the competition following a 1-0 defeat by Belgium in Nice.
The star striker's announcement that the tournament would be his last dominated the build-up to the game, with Ibrahimovic saying in typically understated fashion: "To finish with a
disappointment -- never.''
But that was exactly what transpired as Radja Nainggolan's superb late goal earned Belgium victory.
Marc Wilmots' team needed only a point to secure second place behind Italy in Group E and will face Hungary in the last 16 on June 26 in Toulouse.
Iceland advanced in their first-ever European Championship with a thrilling 2-1 defeat of Austria in Paris.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Arnor Traustason scored the goals as the result ensured the tiny island nation a runners-up finish in Group F at the Stade de France on Wednesday, continuingtheir improbable Euro 2016 journey.
The win, coupled with Portugal and Hungary's draw, sets a round of 16 date with England. Republic of Ireland scored in the 85th minute to
secure a 1-0 victory over Italy and book a round- of-16 meeting with hosts France.
Robbie Brady headed home the only goal of the game as Ireland sealed progress after finishing third in Group E with four points.
The result means Ireland will take on France in Lyon on Sunday -- their first meeting with Les Bleus since the controversial 2010 World Cup qualifier that saw them controversially defeated
as the result of a Thierry Henry handball.
You’ve made your team, joined your leagues, reworked your team... read the latest advice, reworked your team again, and now you’re thinking about changing your team…again.
That’s where I come in. To help make your life easier, I’ve assembled a list of my top player prospects at each position.
How did I decide on these players? I took a look at their revised 2015 point totals, considered their new potential Points Per 90 production, and finally, Price was a big factor .
Goalkeepers
With overall 'keeper scores always being very close to each other, there is no need to spend too much time with this position. My best advice is to just run with one keeper and use a free trade during a double game week to make
adjustments as needed.
Rank..Player.... Team....Price (in millions)
1
Gonzalez
DAL
$6.0
2
Kennedy
LA
$5.5
3
Ousted
VAN
$6.0
4
Bingham
SJ
$6.0
5
Frei
SEA
$6.0
6
Kwarasey
POR
$6.0
7
Melia
SKC
$5.5
8
Bush
MTL
$5.5
9
Irwin
TOR
$5.5
10
Saunders
NYC
$5.0
Defenders
The first thing you may notice about this list is no player over $8.0 million was included. I know a lot of people are big fans of some of the premium defenders, but I found it hard to justify them when so many more points are available from attacking players and many of the cheaper options have comparable point production potential.
Rank....Player....Team....Price (in millions)
1
Vincent
CHI
$5.0
2
Goodson
SJ
$7.5
3 Loyd
DAL
$7.5
4
Powell
POR
$7.5
5
Collin
ORL
$8.0
6
Evans
SEA
$7.5
7
Boswell
DC
$8.0
8
Fabinho
PHI
$6.5
9
Agus
HOU
$7.0
10
Sjoberg
COL
$5.5
11
Baah
NY
$8.0
12
Kappelhof
CHI
$7.5
13
Burling
COL
$6.0
14
Francis
SJ
$6.0
15
Toia
MTL
$7.0
16
Parker
VAN
$6.5
17
Wynne
SJ
$7.0
18
Hernandez
NYC
$6.5
19
Zizzo
NY
$6.5
20
Woodberry
NE
$5.0
Midfielders
When I started this list, I expected more defensive midfielders to make the cut. While I’m very happy with the attention they have received over the offseason, the raw point production power of the attacking players, and the higher prices of many d-mids, still puts this at a slight disadvantage.
Rank...Player...Team....Price (in millions)
1
Valeri
POR
$10.0
2
Kljestan
NY
$11.0
3
J. Morales
RSL
$10.5
4
Ivanschitz
SEA
$7.5
5
Diaz
DAL
$10.0
6
Kaká
ORL
$10.5
7
Feilhaber
SKC
$11.0
8
Accam
CHI
$9.0
9
Maidana
HOU
$9.0
10
Finlay
CLB
$10.5
11
Piatti
MTL
$10.0
12
Lletget
LA
$8.0
13
Bradley
TOR
$10.0
14
Higuain
CLB
$10.0
15
Higuita
ORL
$7.0
16
Trapp
CLB
$7.0
17
Nagbe
POR
$9.0
18
McCarty
NY
$9.0
19
Rolfe
DC
$9.0
20
Perez Garcia
SJ
$8.0
Forwards
The smaller team size and new shot stat should give many managers a reason to load up with at least two top forwards. However, if you want a cheaper third option, you may need to redefine how you think of value until some cheaper options prove their worth.
Rank...Player...Team...Price (in millions)
1
Giovinco
TOR
$11.5
2
Keane
LA
$11.5
3
Villa
NYC
$11.0
4
Dempsey
SEA
$11.0
5
Drogba
MTL
$11.5
6
Kamara
CLB
$11.0
7
B. Wright-Phillips
NY
$11.0
8
Adi
POR
$10.0
9
Larin
ORL
$9.0
10
Wondolowski
SJ
$10.5
11
Gilberto
CHI
$9.0
12
Bruin
HOU
$9.0
13
Espindola
DC
$10.0
14
Movsisyan
RSL
$9.0
15
Rivero
VAN
$8.5
16
Dwyer
SKC
$10.0
17
Sapong
PHI
$8.0
18
Amarikwa
SJ
$7.5
Major League Soccer (MLS) is the highest level of soccer currently played in North America. Since its inception in 1993, and its first season in 1996, the league has seen its share of ups and downs. Financial troubles, teams folding and empty stadiums marked the MLS’s first years in operation. Recently, however, the outlook has changed.
Greater television coverage, new expansion clubs, soccer-specific stadiums, growing public support and the arrival of big- name foreign (and domestic) players has boosted the league greatly. MLS may not yet have the draw of the EPL, La Liga or Serie A, but it is becoming more popular every year.
As in any league, a main draw to MLS soccer are the goal scorers. The strikers, forwards and attacking midfielders are usually the players who
garner the most attention because of their spectacular passes and amazing strikes on net.
Similar to Europe, goal scoring in the MLS is rewarded in a distinct manner; the Golden Boot. This award is handed out to the league’s top scorer each season.
It is also not a coincidence
that most fans get their jerseys emblazoned with names like Twellman, Donovan, De Rosario, Henry and Defoe . Sorry defenders, any fan will admit your job is just as vital to the team.
Defensive work, however, just doesn’t capture the imagination in the same way an offensive move does.
Since 1996, MLS players have steadily built up their records and statistics. From spectacular strikes to goal-line poaching, a core of players established themselves as the top scorers in the
league. A few of the players on the following list remain active and will likely increase their goal tally in the months ahead. Most are retired, their records standing as a reminder to how deadly they were in attack.
In any event, these are the top 10 greatest goal scorers in MLS history. T9. Roy Lassiter, 88 goals
Lassiter played for four different clubs between 1996 and 2002. Starting his career with the now- dissolved Tampa Bay Mutiny, the American-born forward set the current MLS single season scoring record by hitting the back of the net 27 times in 1996. Many attribute this success to the on-field chemistry between Lassiter and Columbian midfielder Carlos Valderrama.
In total, he made 179 appearances and scored 88 goals.
Although he never reproduced the goal tally of his first season, Lassiter managed to score 18 goals in both the 1998 and 1999 seasons with DC United. He lifted the MLS Cup in 1999 and won
the Golden Boot in 1996.
Internationally, he made 30 appearances for the United States and scored 4 goals. T9. Carlos Ruiz, 88 goals
Ruiz was well traveled during his time as a player. His MLS career was played out in three spells from 2002 to 2013. During this time he also played in leagues in Paraguay, Mexico and Greece. In the MLS, the Guatemalan forward had
his best time with the LA Galaxy.
From 2002 to 2004 he scored 50 goals and helped the Galaxy lift the MLS Cup in 2002. His personal awards during this period included being named MLS MVP, MLS Cup MVP and MLS All-Star Game MVP. Over the rest of his career, he never regained the form that made him so deadly with the Galaxy.
Internationally, Ruiz’ fifteen year
career saw him play for Guatemala in 104 games and score 55 goals.
8. Edson Buddle, 98 goals (and counting)
Edson Buddle began his MLS career in 2001 with the Columbus Crew. Since then, the 32 year-old forward has played for four other clubs, including two seasons in the second tier of the Bundesliga, and is currently with the Colorado Rapids. So far, in 274 appearances he has scored a total of 98 goals.
The American’s best season was with the LA Galaxy in 2010, when he scored 17 times. This contrasts sharply with his abysmal 2007 season with Toronto FC when he didn’t score a single goal. In 2012, he lifted the MLS Cup with the LA Galaxy. Buddle was also named to the MLS Best XI in 2010.
He has scored three times in 11 caps for the US national team.
7. Taylor Twellman, 101 goals
Currently a pundit for ESPN, Twellman played his entire MLS career with the New England Revolution. Before making the move to the MLS in 2002, he played three seasons with the reserves of Budesliga side TSV 1860 Munich.
One of the most lethal scorers in the MLS, the American forward struck the back of the net 101 times in just 174 appearances. His most productive season was his first in the MLS, scoring 23 times in 2002. Named to the MLS Best XI twice, Twellman also took home a Golden Boot and MVP award in 2005.
He has made 30 appearances for the US international team, scoring 6 goals.
6. Dwayne De Rosario, 103 goals (and ccounting)
De Rosario is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for his hometown club, Toronto FC. The 35 year-old Canadian began his MLS career in 2001 with the San Jose Earthquake. At the time of writing this article, De Rosario had scored 103 goals in 325 appearances.
His highest production came in the 2011 season when he scored 16 goals while playing for Toronto FC, New York Red Bulls and DC United.
His highest production with a single club is 15 goals with Toronto FC in 2010. He has won four MLS Cups, one Golden Boot and one MLS MVP award. De Rosario has also been named to the MLS Best XI a total of six times in his career. 5. Jason Kreis, 108 goals
The current manager of MLS expansion team New York City FC, Kreis’ career in the MLS spanned twelve seasons. From 1996 to 2007, the American midfielder made 305 appearances with Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) and Real Salt Lake.
During this time, he scored 118 goals. As well as scoring the first goal in Dallas and Salt Lake franchise history, Kreis was also the first American-born player to be named MLS MVP in 1999.
His records of ‘firsts’ did not end there, as he also became the first player to score 100 league goals. A five-time MLS All-Star, Kreis also won the Golden Boot in 1999.
4. Ante Razov, 114 goals
From 1996 to 2009
Razov played for five MLS clubs. Starting with the LA Galaxy and ending his career with Chivas USA, the American forward made 262 appearances and hit the back of the
net 114 times. His most successful period was with the Chicago Fire where he scored 76 goals from 1998 to 2004.
It was during this time that he had his most productive season, scoring 18 goals over the course of the 2000 season.
Razov also collected 25 caps for the US National team, scoring 6 goals during international play. He lifted the MLS Cup in 1998 with Chicago.
Personal awards include being named to two MLS All-Star teams and one MLS Bst XI.
3. Jaime Moreno, 133 goals
Moreno enjoyed a long and distinguished MLS career. From 1996 to 2010, the Bolivian forward made 340 appearances and scored 133 times.
Most of his goals came with DC United, except for 11 scored during one season with the New York MetroStars – currently known as the New York Red Bulls. Moreno also enjoyed a 1997 loan
spell at Middlesbrough in England, a club he played for before starting his MLS career.
Between 1996 and 2004, Moreno lifted the MLS Cup four times and was named the MLS Cup MVP once.
Personal awards also include being named to the MLS Best XI a total of five times over his career.
T1. Jeff Cunningham, 134 goals
From 1998 to 2011
Cunningham played for five different MLS clubs, beginning and ending his career with the Columbus Crew. The 37 year-old Jamaican-born forward made a total of 365 MLS appearances and scored 134 goals.
Following a poor spell at Toronto FC, Cunningham’s best season came in 2009, when he scored 17 times with FC Dallas. No longer playing in the MLS, Cunningham still left his mark. In addition to his impressive goal tally, he also claimed two Golden Boots and was
named to the MLS Best XI three times. He has scored once in 14 appearances for the US men’s team and, most recently, was having a trial in the V League 1 in Vietnam.
T1. Landon Donovan, 134 goals (and counting)
Donovan began his professional career in 1999 with the Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen. From 2001 to 2004, the American forward was loaned to the San Jose Earthquakes where he made 87 appearances and scored 32 goals.
In 2005, Donovan made his MLS stay permanent with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the club he continues to play for today. Over his entire MLS career, the
32 year-old has made 304 appearances and scored 134 goals. His popularity was further increased with a loan spell at Bayern Munich and two successful stints at EPL side Everton in 2010 and 2012.
In addition to being the current MLS all-time scoring leader, Donovan has also been an important part of the US men’s team since 2000. Perhaps not as famous as David Beckham or Thierry Henry , Donovan, nonetheless, remains one of the iconic players of the MLS.
USA CUP began in 1985 by the Sons of Norway, a fraternal benefit organization based in the Twin Cities and was originally modeled after Norway
Cup. The first year featured 69 teams, including eleven international teams and six from out of state. The opening ceremonies were held at Burnsville High School in the south metro area
but all games were played at the Blaine Soccer Complex. The National Sports Center did not open until 1990.
One of the early highlights of the tournament occurred in 1989 when the U19 boys St. Paul Blackhawks team, with future U.S. National Team and MLS stars Tony Sanneh and Manny Lagos beat Moscow Dynamo from the Soviet Union.
One of the unique parts of USA CUP was the celebrated homestay program where players from visiting international teams stayed in the homes of Minnesota soccer players during the week. As word of the genuine Midwest hospitality and
special features of the National Sports Center spread, the tournament grew quickly and by 1992, close to 500 teams were attending the event from 35 U.S. states and 20 countries.
USA CUP had become the largest soccer tournament in the Western Hemisphere in a few short years.
1992 also brought another memorable highlight when soccer legend Pelé visited the tournament during opening ceremonies in the Metrodome. No one in attendance will forget the electricity in the air when Pelé ran onto the turf in front of 25,000 screaming fans.
Over the years Schwan’s USA CUP would
welcome many celebrity visitors, including Pelé for a repeat visit in 1997; U.S. National Team stars Michelle Akers, Freddy Adu, Mia Hamm, Cobi Jones, Kristine Lilly, Landon Donovan, Julie Foudy, Abby Wambach and Leslie Osborne; Italian coach Roberto Donadoni; and even Survivor Africa winner and former pro soccer player Ethan Zohn.
The tournament annually hosts special prime-time games in the stadium that match top
international teams. Some of the teams that have played on the big stage in front of thousands of Schwan’s USA CUP players and families, include the U.S. and Canadian U17 Men’s National Teams; USA, Canada, Norway and Sweden Women’s National Teams, the LA Galaxy MLS team; Burnley F.C. from England; and the Minnesota Thunder and Stars pro teams. Schwan’s USA CUP has always been big – big numbers, big campus, and a big program. In 2007, the tournament attracted more than 1,000 teams for the first time. The 600-acre National
Sports Center campus boasts not only 52 fields, it’s certainly the only major international soccer tournament that comes with an eight-sheet ice arena, a world-class cycling Velodrome and an 18-hole championship golf course, all within kicking distance of a soccer field.
The tournament has always been innovative about its mission to provide a quality experience off the field. From a full transportation system to
an ambitious activity schedule, to a gigantic super soccer retail store, to live webcasts, a daily newspaper and even a daily video show, Schwan’s USA CUP is unabashed about being, well BIG!
Since 1985 Schwan's USA CUP has hosted a large variety of famous international soccer players, either as guests or players who participated in the tournament before achieving soccer stardom. Below is a sampling of some
famous USA CUP alumni.
FORMER USA CUP PLAYERS
Zlatan Ibrahimovic –Just relesaed by Paris Saint-Germain
Taylor Twellman – ESPN Analyst, Former MLS and US International
Tony Sanneh – Former MLS and US
International
Manny Lagos – Current Minnesota United FC Coach, Former MLS and US International
Leslie Osborne – US International, also made a guest appearance
Brianna Scurry – Former US International
Aya Sameshima – 2011 Women’s World Cup
Champion Japan
Saki Kumagai - 2011 Women’s World Cup
Champion Japan
Asuna Tanaka – 2011 Women’s World Cup
Champion Japan
Niklas Backman - AIK
Mario Aparicio - Toronto FC
Eric Miller - Montreal Impact
Teal Bunbury - New England Revolution
Arthur Biryarslanov - 2015 Gold Medalist Boxer, Pan American Games
GUEST APPEARANCES AT USA CUP
Pelé – International Soccer Star
Samuel Eto’o – Cameroon International
Landon Donovan – US International
Roberto Donadoni – Former Italy National Team Coach
Sergio Arturo Bernal Hernandez – Former Mexican International UNAM PUMAS
Hugo Perez – Former US International and NASL and MISL professional
Michelle Akers – Former US International
Natasha Kai – Former US International
Thori Staples – Former US International
INTERNATIONAL TEAM APPEARANCES
U.S. Women's National Team
U.S. Under 17 Boys National Team
Canada Women’s National Team
Canada Under 17 Boys National Team
Norway Women’s National Team
Australia Women’s National Team
Sweden Women’s National Team
Ecuador Under 17 Boys National Team
PROFESSIONAL TEAM APPEARANCES
Major League Soccer (Current and Former) Chicago Fire
Kansas City Wizards (now Sporting KC)
LA Galaxy
Montreal Impact
San Jose Earthquakes
Seattle Sounders
Tampa Bay Mutiny (defunct)
Portland Timbers
INTERNATIONAL SQUADS
Tottenham Hotspur (Barclay's Premier
League) – Academy Team
Burnley (England Championship)
Club León Fútbol Club (Liga MX)
Cruz Azul (Mexico Primera) – Academy Team
CSD Cumunicaciones (Guatamala Liga
Nacional)
Dorados de Sinaloa (Mexico Liga de Ascenso)
Guadalajara Chivas (Mexico Primera)
Swansea City AFC (Barclay's Premier League)
The France international has seen his name linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer, and though the player is keen for more opportunities, he is unlikely to be sold.
Manchester United are reported to have rekindled an interest in Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, but Goal understands Zinedine Zidane is unlikely to give him up without a fight.
United were among a number of clubs following Varane’s progress as a youngster with Lens before his €10 million move to the Spanish capital in 2011.
And, despite the Frenchman still having four years to run on his current deal at Santiago Bernabeu, United’s new boss Jose Mourinho is, according to a report in the Manchester Evening News , expected to make a push for his signature.
Varane missed much of the second half of the 2015-16 season due to injury, with a thigh problem seeing him ruled out of the Euro 2016 finals this summer. Yet even before his physical issues, his form was considered to have dropped away as Sergio Ramos and Pepe remained the chosen central-defensive partnership for Madrid by first Rafael Benitez and then Zidane.
However, Zidane still regards the 23-year-old as a key piece of his plan for his future Real Madrid despite the continued prominence of the first- choice duo in the Blancos’ ranks. Varane's age and significant length of contract are factors playing in his favour should he show a desire to remain in Madrid.
But many people close to Real Madrid now believe Varane could look to move on, having made only 91 league appearances in five years at the Bernabeu and never truly established himself in the first XI.
United have already moved to strengthen their defensive stocks since Mourinho took charge, with Eric Bailly being signed from Villarreal for €30m.
But the Portuguese manager is thought to be keen to continue the defensive overhaul at Old Trafford by making further additions to what was a shallow back line last season under Louis van Gaal.
The 34-year-old appears to have ended his long association with the American brand, training in a new pair of boots for the first time on Thursday.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic appears to have made a huge change in his career - and it’s not that long- rumoured move to Manchester United.
The striker has worn Nike boots for many years and began Euro 2016 with Sweden in his usual Mercurial Vapor models.
Normally, if players have not officially signed a contract with a manufacturer, they would train and play games in pairs of blackout boots. The move will come as a blow to Nike, who launched a #DareToZlatan campaign in April 2014 to heavily promote the striker.
Although Ibrahimovic’s switch to Adidas has not been made official, it has also fuelled talk that the 34-year-old is on his way to Manchester United, who are sponsored by the German sportswear giant.
