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Rodriguez, Colombia Beat USA 2-0 In Copa America Opener

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sporting Alert – Colombia defeated the United States 2-0 in the opening game of the 2016 Copa America at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday (3).

Goals from Cristian Zapata and James Rodriguez in the first half was enough for the third-ranked team in the world to secure the win and moved to the top of Group A with three points.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjsuOGCLo7U

Zapata opened the scoring for Colombia in the 8th minute when he volleyed past U.S. goalkeeper Brad Guzan from a corner kick to score his first international goal.

The AC Milan defender, who skipped away from his marker Geoff Cameron to free himself up for the open shot, was well celebrated by his fellow teammates after the strike.

Captain and leading playmaker Rodriguez added a second goal for the South Americans from the penalty spot, after sending Guzan the wrong way in the 42nd-minute.

Colombia was awarded the penalty kick, after full-back DeAndre Yedlin handled the ball inside the area.

 

Meanwhile, Real Madrid playmaker Rodriguez left the game in the second half with a shoulder injury after falling awkwardly on his left side.

The United States is playing host to the 100th anniversary of the Copa American tournament.

Jurgen Klinsmann’s side will next face CONCACAF rival Costa Rica in Chicago on Tuesday before playing against Paraguay in Philadelphia four days later.

“For our players it’s really important that they can see we can beat them,” Klinsmann said. “The end result is 2-0. But the players will take a lot out of this game.”

The German coach added: “Obviously we have even more hunger in our second game now.

“We have our backs against the wall and we need three points against Costa Rica. But there’s a lot of positives.”

United States (4-3-3): Brad Guzan; DeAndre Yedlin, Geoff Cameron, John Brooks, Fabian Johnson; Jermaine Jones, Michael Bradley, Alejandro Bedoya; Gyasi Zardes, Clint Dempsey, Bobby Wood.

Colombia (4-2-3-1): David Ospina; Farid Diaz, Jeison Murillo, Cristian Zapata, Santiago Arias; Sebastian Perez, Daniel Torres; Edwin Cardona, James Rodriguez, Juan Cuadrado; Carlos Bacca.

USA v Colombia: Copa America Live TV Channels, Preview

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., Sporting Alert – Host nation USA and Colombia will kick-start the 2016 Copa America Centenario when they battle at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Friday night.

Starting time for this game is at 9:30 p.m. ET, with live television broadcast coverage available on Fox Sports 1 USA. You can also watch live online streaming coverage of the tournament opener on Fox Soccer 2GO USA, as well as Fox Sports GO. Here is a full list of all the available TV channels and legal online streaming networks broadcasting the game.

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YOUTH GETTING THEIR CHANCES

The United States have named a mixture of veterans and youths in the squad for the tournament, and head coach Jurgen Klinsmann is expecting the team to do well this summer.

Klinsmann has decided to blend some of the country’s most gifted young players with some of the old guards such as Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey, Brad Guzan, Chris Wondolowski and Jermaine Jones, so as to give the youngsters a chance to showcase their talents.

“This is a process, and the process is never ending,” the German coach said after USA beat Bolivia 4-0 in the last warmup.

Players such as Bobby Wood, Gyasi Zardes and Fabian Johnson are among the Americans hoping that they can continue to impress the national coach ahead of the World Cup campaign.

“You see some youngsters now coming through, getting stronger, physically more developed,” Klinsmann told reporters earlier this week.

“I think there’s a lot more confidence in these younger players. I think the older guys, they know that.

“There are not many opportunities anymore like this Copa America, so they are fighting, and that’s what you want.

“You want the established players to understand, ‘listen, if I’m not attentive now, somebody steals my spot.’ It gives it a good drive right now in the camp, but a very respectful drive.”

RODRIGUEZ TO STAR FOR COLOMBIA

The home side will come up against a very talented Colombia side that includes Real Madrid midfield playmaker James Rodriguez, AC Milan forward Carlos Bacca, Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado, as well as defenders Jeison Murillo of Inter Milan and AC Milan’s Cristián Zapata.

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It could be an important tournament for Rodriguez, who has been frustrated with his lack of game time since Zinedine Zidane took over at the Santiago Bernabeu in January, but his national boss Jose Pekerman remains confident about his talent.

“He is good, he is fundamental for us, he is a leading player who fills us with his football, he is committed, trying to do everything for the team,” Pekerman told reporters at a news conference after a friendly with Haiti.

“The moment of Madrid is temporary. In his first season he was brilliant, then he hit a difficult year in the second, he had an injury and found a change in coaching staff.

“We know he is dedicated, he is a professional and I know his true behaviour. We are confident he will have a great Copa America.”

Rodriguez said he would like to stay and fight for his place at Real Madrid, but there are also reports linking the World Cup star away from the Champions League holders.

The 24-year-old will captain the team at the 2016 Copa America Centenario.

Costa Rica and Paraguay will also play in Group A alongside USA and Colombia.

QUICK NOTE:
The U.S. men’s soccer team has faced Colombia 17 times since first playing in 1961 and is 3-10-4 against the South Americans, with the last win being a 3-0 result in 2005. The last time they battled, Colombia won 2-1 at Craven Cottage in London in November 2014.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid To Meet In Audi Cup Final

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MUNICH, Sporting Alert – Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will meet in the final of the 2015 Audi Cup on Wednesday after winning their respective semi-finals at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

In the opening game of the tournament, James Rodríguez and Gareth Bale scored on the other side of 45 minutes to earn Real Madrid a 2-0 victory over Tottenham.

Rodríguez skillfully guided home a header off a cross from playmaker Isco in the 36th minute before Bale sealed the win with an impressive long-range strike late in the second half.

The second game of the day saw defending champions Bayern Munich cruising to a 3-0 win over Italian side AC Milan.

After making a bright start to the contest, the German champions took the lead through Juan Bernat in the 23rd minute and they went into the break holding a slight advantage.

After the interval, Mario Gotze added a second when he beat the Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez in the 74th minute, before substitute Robert Lewandowski volleyed home a setup from Thomas Muller in the 85th minute of play.

The win was comfortable for the Bundesliga side which dominated the contest from the opening play.

Bayern Munich will now face Real Madrid in the final at 2:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, hoping to retain the crown they won in 2013.

Madrid, which played without Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, who were both left out of the traveling squad, are expected to make a few changes for the final, but Gareth Bale is set to continue operating in a central role.

Bayern manager Pep Guardiola started the game with the likes of Xabi Alonso, Lewandowski, Muller, Manuel Neuer, Mehdi Benatia and David Alaba all on the bench could recall his stars for the final as he seeks to win one over Real Madrid.

Premier League side Tottenham and Serie A outfits AC Milan will battle in the third place game.

Bale, Rodríguez Scored In Madrid Audi Cup Win Over Milan

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MUNICH, Sporting Alert – Goals from Gareth Bale and James Rodríguez piloted Real Madrid to a 2-0 victory over Tottenham in the 2015 Audi Cup semi-final at Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Real Madrid will now face the winner of the later clash between defending champions Bayern Munich and AC Milan.

Colombian playmaker Rodríguez opened the scoring for the Spanish giants in the 36th minute when he neatly guided home a cross from Isco.

Picking up a pass down the left side, Isco delivered a smart cross inside the 18-yard area for Rodríguez to beat his marker to the ball and placed his header away from Michel Vorn, who was well off his line.

The goal gave Real Madrid a 1-0 lead going into the halftime break and that stood until Bale scored a stunning strike from outside the box to double the lead against his former club.

Bale, slipping inside and playing a more central role in the attack, picked up a ball in the middle of the Tottenham half where he drove past a defender before unleashing a super strike that dipped just in front of Vorm and found its way in the back of the net.

Prior to scoring his goal though, it had been a very quiet outing for the former Tottenham forward, who was playing without Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema by his side after the pair were left out for fitness reasons.

Bale was eventually substituted after the 82nd minute.

With today’s 2-0 victory, Real Madrid have continued its impressive defensive record in preseason – allowing just one goal so far this summer.

Teams

Real Madrid: 13 Kiko Casilla 4 Sergio Ramos 12 Marcelo 23 Danilo 2 R. Varane 19 L. Modrić 11 G. Bale 8 T. Kroos 10 J. Rodríguez 22 Isco 20 Jesé. Subs: 15 Daniel Carvajal41 M. Ødegaard14 Casemiro30 Rubén Yáñez24 Illarramendi27 Marco Asensio29 Borja Mayoral1 K. Navas3 Pepe17 Arbeloa6 Nacho18 Lucas Vázquez21 D. Cheryshev.

Tottenham: 13 M. Vorm 3 D. Rose 2 K. Walker 4 T. Alderweireld 27 K. Wimmer 15 E. Dier 19 M. Dembélé 11 E. Lamela 23 C. Eriksen 20 D. Alli 18 H. Kane. Subs: 21 F. Fazio44 H. Winks22 N. Chadli47 J. Onomah38 R. Mason16 K.Trippier28 T. Carroll33 B. Davies5 J. Vertonghen42 N. Bentaleb48 L. McGee.

Bale Starts: Real Madrid v Tottenham Lineups TV Channel

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MUNICH, Sporting Alert – There is no central role for Gareth Bale today, as Jese is the man selected by Rafa Benitez to lead the attack for Real Madrid in the Audi Cup against Tottenham at Allianz Arena.

Watch Live on ESPN 2, Live Streaming on Watch ESPN

With Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema both missing the tournament for different fitness reasons, there were suggestions that Benitez would have given Bale a more central role in the attack against his former club.

However, the Wales international will start on the left hand side of the Real Madrid attack, with Jese, who has been linked with a summer exit, taking the place of Benzema at the centre forward position.

Joining the attack will be James Rodríguez and Isco, with Toni Kross and Luka Modric, who is also facing his former club, operating in the midfield.

In other Real Madrid news, Kiko Casilla starts in goal, with Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Danilo and Raphael Varane playing in the backline.

Harry Kane leads the forward line for Tottenham, while Michel Vorm, as expected starts in goal with first-choice keeper Hugo Lloris still out because of a wrist injury.

Jan Vertonghen is only on the bench to start this game, but Alderweireld Toby and Kevin Wimmer both start in the defensive line.

Also starting for the English Premier League club are Moussa Dembélé, Erik Lamela, Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier.

Real Madrid and Tottenham Lineup News

Real Madrid: 13 Kiko Casilla 4 Sergio Ramos 12 Marcelo 23 Danilo 2 R. Varane 19 L. Modrić 11 G. Bale 8 T. Kroos 10 J. Rodríguez 22 Isco 20 Jesé.
Subs: 15 Daniel Carvajal41 M. Ødegaard14 Casemiro30 Rubén Yáñez24 Illarramendi27 Marco Asensio29 Borja Mayoral1 K. Navas3 Pepe17 Arbeloa6 Nacho18 Lucas Vázquez21 D. Cheryshev.

Tottenham: 13 M. Vorm 3 D. Rose 2 K. Walker 4 T. Alderweireld 27 K. Wimmer 15 E. Dier 19 M. Dembélé 11 E. Lamela 23 C. Eriksen 20 D. Alli 18 H. Kane.
Subs: 21 F. Fazio44 H. Winks22 N. Chadli47 J. Onomah38 R. Mason16 K.Trippier28 T. Carroll33 B. Davies5 J. Vertonghen42 N. Bentaleb48 L. McGee.

ESPN3: Watch Real Madrid v Fiorentina Live Stream

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(Sporting Alert) — Cristiano Ronaldo and James Rodríguez both start for Real Madrid in today’s friendly clash with Fiorentina at Stadion Narodowy.

Watch Real Madrid v Fiorentina Live Stream on ESPN3

Ronaldo was very impressive for Real Madrid in their 2-0 victory over Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup earlier this week and the Portugal international will be hoping for another similar display as the final preparation for the domestic season wraps up.

World Cup Rodríguez also enjoyed a productive debut outing against Sevilla on Tuesday and together with Ronaldo, is expected to carry the attacking threat.

Despite being linked with a move away from the club, Argentine winger Angel Di Maria also starts, and so does Sami Khedira.

Xabi Alonso, Asier Illarramendi and Marcelo start, with Costa Rica international Keilor Navas getting the start in goal.

Amongst those on the bench for Real Madrid today are Luka Modric, Pepe, Fábio Coentrão, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos and Karim Benzema.

Meanwhile, Juan Vargas, Alberto Aquilani, Mario Gomez and Marcos Alonso are amongst the starters for Serie A side Fiorentina.

Real Madrid: Keylor Navas, Arbeloa, Varane, Nacho, Marcelo, Xabi Alonso, Khedira, Illarra, James, Di María and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Real Madrid v Sevilla Live TV Channels Info

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CARDIFF, Wales (SportingAlert) — Real Madrid completed their final session at Cardiff City Stadium and manager Carlo Ancelotti will field a strong team for the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on Tuesday.

TV Channels: Fox Deportes, Fox Sports GO, FoxSoccer2Go, Fox Sports 1 USA, beIN Sports 1 HD, beIN Sports 11 HD, beIN Sports 13 HD, SuperSport 3 Africa, ESPN Pacific Rim, C+ Liga de Campeones / HD, Canal+ Liga / HD, Canal+ 1 / HD / 30, TV3, TVE La 1, Sportsnet Ontario, Sportsnet West, Sportsnet World, Sportsnet East, Sportsnet Pacific, ESPN2 Australia, SBS One Australia.

This means that new summer signing Toni Kroos and James Rodríguez, alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will all start the game, as Ancelotti seeks to win his first trophy of the new season.

“The team is ready to play the match at full throttle,” Ancelotti said at his press conference. “But it won’t be easy because we’re playing against a team that really hurt us last year and they have spent time preparing for this match.”

He added: “Cristiano Ronaldo is fine. He has no issues and has done everything he needed to in order to be fit to play tomorrow.

“The problem he had is more than behind him and I think he will start the season really well.”

World Cup starts Kroos and Rodríguez, who got extended time off, following their impressive World Cup showing, will make their debuts for the Champions League title holders.

“They will play from the start,” the Real Madrid boss said. “Kroos is going to help us because he is very good tactically.

“James is an excellent player. He is very strong and runs a lot. He can play up front or as an attacking midfielder.

“I’m happy with the signings because the quality of the team has improved. Without a doubt.”

Sevilla are just as excited to play for the first title of the 2014-15 season and are not being phased by the number of superstars in the Real Madrid squad.

However, the UEFA Europa League champions know that they must be close to “perfect” if they are to upset Real Madrid.

“We have to produce a complete game, we have to win every action, every tackle, we have to be strong defensively and in attack too,” Sevilla captain Federico Fazio said. “We have to produce a near-perfect game.”

Goalkeeper Beto added: “Madrid will always be favourites and the odds are with them but as we’ve already beaten them before [2-1 in Seville last season], we believe that we can do it again.”

Transfer News: Real signs Colombian James Rodriguez

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James Rodríguez signs for Real Madrid

MADRID (SportingAlert) — Real Madrid have signed Colombian playmaking forward James Rodriguez from Monaco for a fee of £63 million deal.

The club confirmed the capture of the 2014 World Cup star on its website at www.realmadrid.com.

Rodriguez had been linked with a move to several big clubs in Europe, but decided to join Real Madrid to play alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in what is expected to be a very powerful attack.

The 23-year-old World Cup 2014 Golden Boot winner agreed to a six-year deal after successfully passing a medical in Madrid on Tuesday morning.

Rodríguez played a massive role in Colombia’s exciting World Cup campaign, which was ended in defeat to Brazil in the quarter-finals. He scored six goals at the just concluded tournament.

He is scheduled to be unveiled in the Spanish capital later on Tuesday afternoon.

“The player will be presented today, Tuesday 22 July, at 20:00 CET (7pm), in the Santiago Bernabéu’s presidential box,” Real Madrid said.

“Following that, James Rodríguez will take his first steps on the Santiago Bernabéu’s pitch wearing the Real Madrid jersey and will then answer questions from the media outlets in attendance in the press room.”

Rodriguez will join fellow World Cup star Toni Kroos, who would the World Cup title with Germany.

Trophies
2014 World Cup Golden Boot
1 Europa League (2011)
3 Portuguese Primiera Ligas (2011, 2012 and 2013)
1 Portuguese Cup (2011)
3 Portuguese Super Cups (2010, 2011 and 2012)
1 Argentina First Division: Apertura (2009)

Career
Monaco (2013/2014)
Porto (2010/2013)
Banfield (2008/2010)
Envigado (2006/2008)

Brazil v Colombia: Kaka, Oscar, Neymar all start

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(Sporting Alert) — Kaka, Oscar and Neymar are all amongst the starters for Brazil in tonight’s friendly international against Colombia at Maracana.

Live Score Updates

Oscar and Neymar are seen as the future of Brazil football ahead of the 2014 World Cup, while Kaka, who has been showing signs of his old self for Real Madrid, is one of those there helping to guide the youngster.

Oscar’s teammate Ramires is also in the starting team, alongside David Luiz.

Dani Alves and Thiago Silva help to make up a very strong back line that will be difficult to break down.

The dangerous Falcao heads the attacking line for Colombia alongside James Rodriguez.

Brazil v Colombia

Brazil: Diego Alves, Dani Alves, Luiz, Thiago Silva, Leandro Castan, Ramires, Paulinho, Oscar, Kaka, Thiago Neves, Neymar

Subs: Jefferson, Rever, Fabio Santos, Arouca, Sandro, Lucas Moura, Giuliano, Leandro Damiao

Colombia: Ospina, Cuadrado, Mosquera, Yepes, Armero, Sanchez Moreno, Valencia, Torres, Rodriguez, Falcao, Martinez

Subs: Zuniga, Ramirez, Quintero, Garcia, Bacca, Valdes, Perea, Guarin, Soto, Zapata, Gutierrez.