<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/12/20/sergio-ramos-believes-real-madrid-are-gods-team/ramos1/" rel="attachment wp-att-125048"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/12/20/sergio-ramos-believes-real-madrid-are-gods-team/ramos1/" rel="attachment wp-att-125048"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-large wp-image-125048" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20141220_WST_125044_Ramos1-600x337.webp&amp;width=600&amp;height=337" alt="" width="600" height="337" srcset="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/12/Ramos1-600x337.jpg 600w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/12/Ramos1-150x84.jpg 150w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/12/Ramos1-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/12/Ramos1.jpg 1600w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a></figure></div>
Speaking ahead of his side’s&nbsp;FIFA Club World Cup final in Marrakesh, defender Sergio Ramos&nbsp;told the assembled media that he believes Real Madrid is “God’s team” and the&nbsp;reigning champions of Europe are ready to take home their second piece of silverware during this early campaign (Los Blancos beat Sevilla earlier this year to win the UEFA Super Cup).
Most experts agree&nbsp;that today’s match-up between the European and South American champions is&nbsp;tilted in the favor of the La Liga giants. Real Madrid are ten-time champions of Europe and have won countless domestic titles. The club is a global brand and their squad is worth roughly £420 million.
San Lorenzo&nbsp;is considered one of Los 5 Grandes (Five Great Teams) in Argentinian football, with River Plate, Boca Juniors, Independiente and Racing Club. The club&nbsp;has been champions of Argentina’s Primera Division fifteen times and&nbsp;earned a trip to the FIFA Club World Cup after winning its&nbsp;first-ever Copa Libertadores title. The net value of their squad is approximately £8 million.
But the Argentinian club has one thing in its favor, their number one fan is&nbsp;reigning head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.
When reminded that Pope Francis was a major supporter of his Club World Cup final opponent, Sergio Ramos replied:
“I believe in God and I respect the Pope. But this is football, after all. Real Madrid is God and the world’s team.”
Although the defender won’t be participating in the final due to an ongoing thigh injury, the Spain international is confident his teammates have enough to overcome&nbsp;Pope Francis’ favorite club.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed that James Rodriguez will take part in the contest after a brief spell in the training room, and also gave his thoughts on the encounter with the South American champions.
“The team is ready, we have confidence and we are looking forward to finishing this year the right way,”&nbsp;Ancelotti&nbsp;added. “And with that attitude something positive will happen.”
“I’ve watched a lot of San Lorenzo games lately, I’m not worried about the magnitude of this match. We will need to display all our good qualities, these matches are not based on skills, but also on attitude, tactics and all.”
Programming note: Real Madrid vs. San Lorenzo will be shown LIVE on FOX Sports 2 today at 2:30pm EST.

Sergio Ramos Believes Real Madrid Are God's Team - World Soccer Talk

Sergio Ramos Believes Real Madrid Are God's Team

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FIFA has confirmed today that preparations for the Club World Cup in Morocco are continuing “as planned” despite concerns over the Ebola epidemic.
The governing body has stated that it remains in contact with Moroccan authorities and are taking advice from the World Health Organization to “constantly update its position”.
Morocco is due to host the 10-day tournament, which features Champions League winners Real Madrid, starting on December 10th with the final scheduled for December 20th. The Club World Cup brings together the champions of each of FIFA’s six confederations and the national league champion from the host country. Matches will be played in Rabat and Marrakesh.
The remaining participants are: San Lorenzo (South America), Auckland City (Oceania), Cruz Azul (Central America), Moghreb Tetouan (Africa – hosts), Sydney Wanderers or Al Hilal (Asia) and either Vita Club or Entente Setif (Africa).
“The health of the players, officials and football fans remains the highest priority, just as it would for any FIFA competition,” the world governing body said in an official statement.
“According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are currently no cases of Ebola reported from Morocco and therefore all preparations continue as planned.”
“FIFA is monitoring the situation and is in close contact with the Moroccan authorities and constantly updating its position in accordance with WHO technical guidance. Should the situation change we will be in touch with the participating FAs accordingly.”
The world’s governing body also outlined another set of recommendations in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus.
In addition to requesting that clubs perform “medical checks” on players returning from matches involving high-risk nations, FIFA supported Confederation of African Football’s decisions to move fixtures featuring Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea to a neutral venue.
FIFA also urged the “immediate isolation” of any player displaying Ebola symptoms ahead of an international fixture, while instructing those from the worst-hit countries to perform self check-ups.
Fans will also be provided with information regarding Ebola prevention ahead of fixtures where they face a potential risk of contracting the virus.
FIFA says it will continue to work with the WHO to assess the evolution of the illness and “take the appropriate measures for the communities and athletes.”
The current Ebola outbreak has infected more than 10,000 people and killed almost 5,000.

FIFA Club World Cup To Continue As Planned Despite Ebola Concerns - World Soccer Talk

FIFA Club World Cup To Continue As Planned Despite Ebola Concerns

<figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-114777" title="2017 Africa Cup of Nations" src="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/2017-Africa-Cup-of-Nations.png" alt="" width="600" height="449" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/08/17051059/2017-Africa-Cup-of-Nations.png 600w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/08/17051059/2017-Africa-Cup-of-Nations-150x112.png 150w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2014/08/17051059/2017-Africa-Cup-of-Nations-300x224.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></figure>
Libya lost the rights to host the 2017 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals today, citing the country’s “unstable security situation” due to ongoing conflicts and political volatility in the nation.
Libya has been plagued with turmoil since 2011 following the downfall of former leader Muammar Gaddafi’s regime. The country has failed to recover from the political instability that engulfed the nation ever since.
The African nation was originally scheduled to hold the AFCON in 2013, but swapped with the 2017 host country South Africa as the former grappled with civil war.
Just last year, the Libyan government expressed its hope of hosting the continental tournament as it would allow the country to demonstrate to Africa and in extension, the world, that normalcy had prevailed in the country, so as to attract foreign investments. Such was their dedication to the cause that the North African country had been planning to build 11 stadiums amassing a total cost of $314 million – including a new 60,000-seat Austrian-built stadium in Tripoli, on the site of a former military camp.
Moreover, former World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer had earlier accepted a role as an ‘ambassador’ to aid in championing the tournament as well as the country itself, while former Spain coach Javier Clemente was hired by the nation to prepare their team for the tournament.
The decision was made after a delegation from the Libyan FA had traveled to Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) headquarters in Cairo earlier this week to justify their case in vain, as it turns out. CAF further invited new bidders for the tournament, as was declared on the <a href="https://twitter.com/CAF_Online">body’s Twitter account</a>. The deadline for submission for new applications to host the tournament is September 30, 2014.
Just days prior, the African continent was rocked by another potential continental soccer scare after rumors emerged that FIFA would snatch away Morocco’s chance of hosting the Club World Cup scheduled in December. As the continent struggles to contain the Ebola epidemic that has pervaded West Africa, there were fears FIFA would change the venue of the event citing health concerns.
“The health of players, officials and fans is a top priority in any FIFA competition,” said the world soccer body in a statement.
“According to the World Health Organization, there are currently no reported cases of Ebola in Morocco. Therefore, there is no need to discuss a possible change in the host country. If the situation were to change, we will be in contact with the participating clubs,” it concluded.

Libya Withdraws As Hosts Of 2017 African Cup of Nations

Libya Withdraws As Hosts Of 2017 African Cup of Nations - World Soccer Talk

Season’s have their turning points, and I have a feeling that today was a crucial one. We saw<a href="http:\/\/soccerwrapup.blogspot.com/2010/12/inter-milan-win-fifa-world-club-cup.html"> Inter Milan rise back to form with a 3-0 win over TP Mazembe in the FIFA World Club Cup final</a>, and we saw AC Milan fall to Roma at the San Siro, 1-0 for the giallorossi thanks to former AC Milan player, Marco Borriello. Today we also saw Cesena edge a 1-0 victory over Cagliari, and tomorrow we have some big games like Lazio – Udinese, Chievo – Juventus, and the Genoa derby between Sampdoria and Genoa. But here’s what happened today at the San Siro, where Borriello punished his former side in AC Milan’s and Roma’s last match of 2010.
AC Milan hosted Roma at the San Siro, and I thought that Milan would’ve played through a pretty simple win at home, but it was not to be. The match started well for Allegri’s side though, they were very dynamic, trying to get underneath Roma’s backline of defenders and create problems for Doni between the sticks. Roma on the other hand were slightly sluggish, especially with Adriano on the field. Although the Brazilian had some good touches, he was unable to do much due to his girth which was a little too much for him to carry around, instead Roma relied on the energetic Frenchman Jeremy Menez to create opportunities.
But the first half didn’t produce much action, Ibrahimovic seemed to have woken up on the wrong side of the bed, Robinho played Pippo Inzaghi-style and was constantly in an offside position, and Roma were too dependent on Menez. AC Milan were forced to make a substitution in the first half after Pirlo was clattered, and Allegri altered the shape of his formation by putting on Seedorf. With Pirlo in the midfield, Boateng could almost play as a “trequartista”, but with Seedorf on the field the Ghanaian had to be a little more conservative regarding his attacking runs. So the first half ended with some good chances for AC Milan, but little else to be noticed as the players prepared for the second half.
The second half was slightly different with both teams slowly getting out of their shells. Roma were trying too often to lump the ball up to Borriello, who was being silenced expertly by Bonera and Nesta, and AC Milan’s one-man team, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, was having an off day. The Swede got a fantastic chance in front of Doni who had scrambled early off his line, and while all of the San Siro and I thought that he was going to chip Doni for an easy goal, Ibrahimovic ended up toe-punting the ball into Doni’s hands. An opportunity which usually doesn’t go wasted by Ibrahimovic is what ultimately could’ve decided the match.
It was in the 69th minute that Roma struck. Another speedy run from Menez down the wing lead to a pass across the six-yard box, the Borriello missed the tap-in but scored anyways when Abate tried to punt the ball out of his box, but instead punted it into Borriello and into the back of the net. A strange goal to say the least, with little to no skill from Borriello, but he celebrated it like any other. His ridiculous hairstyle along with his goal celebration against his former side made him a permanent target for the whistles and boos of the 50,000 at the San Siro.
Things didn’t get much better for AC Milan, especially when Ibrahimovic was caught in an offside position, and instead of obeying the referees whistle, the Swede went on a kicked the ball into the back of the net. While he protested vehemently at referee Damato he got himself a yellow card, and added to last game’s yellow card he&nbsp;received it means that he won’t be playing next match against Cagliari the return day after the winter break. Roma held on well to the win, anxiously waiting for the final whistle. Once it went, the San Siro was filled with unhappy fans, and a group of ecstatic Roma players due to the win that they had just pulled off.
Is this a turning point in the season with AC Milan losing and Inter Milan regaining some form? Or is it Roma’s turn to push for the scudetto? Share your comments below!

Borriello Punishes AC Milan At The San Siro - World Soccer Talk

Borriello Punishes AC Milan At The San Siro

While in the Champions League all Italian sides made it through to the knockout stages, there was a fear that in the Europa League there would be no Serie A teams. Luckily, Napoli managed to qualify with a 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest, thanks to a very late goal by Cavani. And there was more good news for Italian sides around the world, Inter Milan were victorious in their semi-final of the World Club Cup, and they’ll be playing African champions TP Mazembe in the final of the tournament.
Napoli desperately needed a win at the Stadio San Paolo, or else they would not qualify for the knockout stages of the Europa League. But Steaua Bucharest came to defend with grit, staying turtled up in their own half, soaking up Napoli’s pressure, and then striking on the counter-attack. Napoli did their best, pushing well on the flanks and through the middle, eventually creating a great opportunity which Cavani put over the bar. Steaua had opportunities to score as well, and going into halftime, the two teams were fairly even.
The second half continued like the first, with Napoli slowly chipping away at the resolute Romanian side. Walter Mazzari’s team created more and more chances, with Cavani even hitting the post. The ending became more and more tense, with insults being thrown to and fro from players on the field to the ones on the benches. Both Steaua and Napoli were getting frustrated, creating goalscoring chances which weren’t finished properly or were saved by a pair of outstanding goalkeepers. Yet Napoli believed until the very end, and in the 92nd minute of the match Edinson Cavani scored what he calls, “a miracle goal”. The young Uruguayan managed to flick a corner from the near post with his head, sending Napoli through to the knockout rounds of the Europa League. Yet the tension was still high, and Paolo Cannavaro got sent off before the final whistle after receiving a second yellow card.
The other Italian sides did surprisingly well considering their previous poor form in the Europa League. Palermo defeated Lusanne Sports 1-0 away from home thanks to a late goal from Munoz, and Juventus got a good 1-1 draw against Manchester City, with some youngsters on display for the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico. Sampdoria though weren’t able to win or draw away against Debrecen, and lost 2-0. It’s nice that Napoli have managed to qualify for the round of 16, and hopefully they’ll receive a good draw and go deep in the tournament. 
Inter Milan were in Abu Dhabi, where they defeated Asian champions Seongnam Ilhwa 3-0. This victory was an important one for Rafa Benitez, because the team is slowly recovering from injuries positively, especially Diego Milito who scored and assisted the other two goals. However there was a slight setback for Inter in this match; in the first minutes Wesley Sneijder received a tough tackle and had to be replaced. He won’t be able to make the final, which will be played against TP Mazembe, the first African side ever to reach the FIFA World Club Cup final.
The final is being played this Saturday, and while some don’t really consider this tournament as very important, if Rafa Benitez could manage to win it, it could be a turning point for his team. There have been many doubts over whether Benitez would stay much longer at Inter, and it seems like Massimo Moratti has calmed the voices by prasing the Spaniard regarding the team’s performance. But no matter how much praise Moratti heaps on Benitez, the president wants the coach to win this tournament, and transfer the momentum to the Serie A and Champions League campaigns.
What are your thoughts regarding Napoli’s qualification and Inter Milan’s solid win? Share your thoughts below!

Napoli Qualify For Europa League Knockout Stages - World Soccer Talk

Napoli Qualify For Europa League Knockout Stages

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Sergio Ramos Believes Real Madrid Are God's Team

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FIFA Club World Cup To Continue As Planned Despite Ebola Concerns

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Libya Withdraws As Hosts Of 2017 African Cup of Nations

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Borriello Punishes AC Milan At The San Siro

Diego Milito

Napoli Qualify For Europa League Knockout Stages