You can watch the Brazil v USA match live here.

USA v Brazil (Group B)
Date: Thursday 18th June
Venue: Pretoria
Kickoff: 16:00 GMT

After an unconvincing win over Egypt, defending champions Brazil will be hoping for a better performance when they take on the USA in Pretoria in their second Group B match.

USA

The USA lead world champions Italy 1-0 at the break, but the pressure of playing with only ten men against the reigning world champions took its toll as the Italians emerged 3-1 winners. Midfielder Ricardo Clark was given the marching orders by Chilean referee Pablo Pozo midway through the first half for a foul on Gennaro Gattuso.

Landon Donovan put the USA ahead from the spot after Chiellini had hacked down Altidore, but that was the only bright spot of the game for Bob Bradley’s men as Italy showed their class in the second half. Substitute Giuseppe Rossi grabbed a brace, and Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi banished the ghosts of his 2006 red card with a wonderful strike.

USA 1-3 Italy – Goals

Brazil

Brazil lead Egypt 3-1 at half time, but lost their way in the second half as the Egyptians produced an amazing comeback to make it 3-3. However playmaker Kaka, who scored Brazil’s first, saved the defending champions the blushes with a stoppage time penalty after Egyptian substitute Ahmed Al-Muhamadi had handled Lucio’s shot on the goal line.

Striker Luis Fabiano and defender Juan were the other scorers for Brazil against Egypt. Coach Dunga will be hoping that Brazil’s back four can enforce a shut out against the United States. The Brazilians also seemed to be suffering from fatigue against Egypt, and it very nearly cost them the game.

Brazil 4-3 Egypt – Goals

The USA need at least a point to stay alive in the tournament. Can they get a result against Brazil?

Watch USA vs Brazil live here.

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“USA v Brazil – 2009 Confederations Cup” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

We’re already in the middle of June, and though the signings haven’t been coming hard and fast just yet, that doesn’t mean that there’s a shortage of action thus far in the summer transfer window.

In this morning’s transfer news and rumors roundup, we’ve got tidbits from England, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and Greece, with many big names and big clubs looking to spend, spend, spend. Some of the rumors are pretty concrete, while there is at least one in the bunch that, like Manchester United being linked with a move for Fernando Torres, are a little head-scratching, to say the least.

There are also a couple of signings to report, and remember, to keep up with all of the latest confirmed signings, check out our summer 2009 transfer lists.

England

Manchester United After Valencia Stars

There has been a great deal of speculation over the last few days about what Manchester United are going to do with the money they get from selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid, and it could be that a sizable chunk of those funds go towards signing Valencia stars David Villa and David Silva.

United are reportedly set to make a £45m bid for Villa (The Mirror). The competition could wide open between United, Barcelona (Sky Sports), and Chelsea for Villa, as his potential move to Real Madrid appears to have broken down (Daily Mail).

Meanwhile. Rafa Benitez might not like hearing about United making a concerted effort to land Silva, as the winger has been a target for Benitez for a while now but could be the subject of a £25m bid from United. (The Mirror)

Analysis: £25m looks to certainly be enough to land Silva, but even though they could outbid Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Chelsea for Villa, they could be out of luck if Villa prefers the chance to stay in Spain. Of course, if Barcelona land Villa, that’d all but free up the opportunity for a United move for Samuel Eto’o.

United and Boro In Downing Swap Deal?

Middlesbrough are heavily interested in Manchester United duo Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, and there are reports that they could offer Stewart Downing to United to try to make a deal happen. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Both Scholes and Neville could be reluctant for such a move, but even so, it’d seem like United would come out a lot better in this deal, especially if they didn’t have to spend much of that sizable transfer kitty on purchasing Downing.

Costa On Shortlist To Replace Ronaldo?

Along with the moves mentioned above, United could be set to swoop for Gremio starlet Douglas Costa. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Brazil’s becoming more and more of a hotspot for United, and signing a prospect of Costa’s ability and potential would be worth the fee United may have to stump up. He’s only 18, so he’s more one for the future and wouldn’t be expected to step in and star right away. But as Ronaldo did when he arrived at United, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him earn first-team opportunities immediately.

Bolton Lead Race For Veloso?

Bolton are back in for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Miguel Veloso, and after refusing to overbid for Veloso in January, could be in with a £10.2m offer for the 23-year-old, who’s also been linked with Arsenal. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: £10.2m is still a little lower than Sporting might like to get for Veloso, but it could be a sign that Bolton are willing to fork out a little more in order to land him.

Bentley And Huddlestone To Sign For Villa?

It could only be a matter of time before Aston Villa seal the deal on a couple of new signings, as there are reports that they are close on Tottenham pair David Bentley (Goal.com) and Tom Huddlestone (Birmingham Mail).

Analysis: Considering their interest in Bentley, Huddlestone, and Jermaine Jenas, I’m surprised they haven’t been strongly linked with Darren Bent or Roman Pavlyuchenko, considering a forward should also be on their summer wishlist.

Several Sides Interested In Newcastle’s Martins

Arsenal, Aston Villa, and Everton are all interested in Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins (Tribal Football), but they could face competition from a mystery Bundesliga club (Tribal Football).

Analysis: Everton would be a great fit, considering the familiar faces that would await, but wages would likely be a stumbling block, and that could also be the case with Aston Villa. No telling what the situation could be with the Bundesliga club, but Arsenal may well be the best match financially – but that could all hinge on whether or not they sell Emmanuel Adebayor.

Fulham And West Ham Interested In Acquafresca

It’s a London battle for young Italian striker Robert Acquafresca, as Fulham and West Ham are both interested in the 21-year-old. Acquafresca was supposed to go to Genoa as part of the deal that brought Diego Milito and Thiago Motta to Inter, but he could yet move elsewhere, with even Juventus being linked with a move. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: I don’t have any doubts that Acquafresca could succeed in the Premier League, but if Juventus come in for him, that might be an opportunity that’s too hard to pass up.

Sunderland Bid For Cattermole

Sunderland have made a £7m bid for Wigan midfielder Lee Cattermole. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Well they sure aren’t sitting on their money, are they? That’s certainly a tempting offer for Wigan, considering it’s double what they paid for Cattermole just last summer. I don’t know if Wigan will offload him right now though, unless he’s just that eager to be reunited with Steve Bruce. If someone’s willing to pay 7m for him right now, they could be in line to get a lot more if he continues to develop well over the next season or two. Besides, the sale of Antonio Valencia will net a nice amount of transfer funds for Roberto Martinez.

Wolves Sign Milijas

Wolves have completed the signing of Red Star Belgrade midfielder Nenad Milijas. (The Guardian)

Analysis: For a little while, the deal looked to be in some doubt, but in the end, Wolves fought off some pretty good competition to land the free-scoring midfielder.

Birmingham Bid For Gomez

Birmingham have made a £1.5m offer to Espanyol for midfielder Jordi Gomez, who starred on loan for Swansea last season. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: With Roberto Martinez set to complete his move from Swansea to Wigan anytime now, Birmingham could face some competition from Wigan for Gomez, so it might be in Birmingham’s best interests to try to get him signed, sealed, and delivered as soon as possible.

Spain

Real Madrid Offer Sneijder For Inter’s Maicon

Real Madrid could be set to offer Inter Milan €20m plus attacker Wesley Sneijder in a bid for right back Maicon. (Goal.com)

Analysis: Sounds like a reasonable deal. Sneijder’s someone that has been linked with Inter, and €20m + Sneijder would meet the €40m asking price that Inter have for Maicon.

Italy

AC Milan Sign Cissokho

AC Milan have completed the signing of Porto defender Aly Cissokho for €15m. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: This time last summer, Cissokho had just made the jump from France’s Ligue 2 to Portugal, joining Vitoria du Setubal, and now, he’s signed for AC Milan. Talk about a quick rise!

Inter Closing In On Double Swoop

Jose Mourinho could be close to being reunited with Deco and Ricardo Carvalho, as Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti spoke hopefully about being able to agree a deal with Chelsea for the duo. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Seems to be only a formality, really.

Juventus To Swap Trezeguet For Rossi?

Juventus are prepared to offer striker David Trezeguet as part of a swap deal for Villarreal star Giuseppe Rossi. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: £15m + Trezeguet would fall a little short of Rossi’s buyout clause of £40m, but it could get Villarreal to bite, or at least think seriously about the offer. Trezeguet might turn down the chance though, considering the interest that he’s had from the likes of Inter, Real Madrid, and others.

Lazio In Talks For Barnetta

Lazio are in talks with Bayer Leverkusen over a move for Swiss midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Barnetta’s valuation is reportedly €10m, but even though Lazio don’t exactly have the room to break the bank on summer purchases, it shouldn’t be a problem to spend the right amount on a player who’s certainly worth it.

Germany

Wolfsburg Want Berbatov?

In one of the more interesting transfer rumors of the day, Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov is being linked with a loan move to VfL Wolfsburg. (Sofia Echo)

Analysis: Though things didn’t exactly go completely swimmingly at United last season, Berbatov’s not going anywhere.

Stuttgart Interested In Tottenham Striker

VfB Stuttgart could be targeting Tottenham striker Roman Pavlyuchenko. According to Stuttgart general manager Horst Heldt, the Russian striker has come up in discussions within the club. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: After selling Mario Gomez to Bayern Munich for €30m, Stuttgart have money to spend and a big void to fill up front. Replicating Gomez’s 33-goal output from this past season might be a little much to ask, but Pavlyuchenko does have the quality to succeed in the Bundesliga, even though his struggles at Tottenham last season might convince some otherwise.

France

Shevchenko Offered To French Trio

Chelsea have offered striker Andriy Shevchenko to Lyon, Marseille, and Monaco. Lyon have turned down the opportunity to sign the Ukrainian, but Marseille and Monaco are still considering the chance to snap him up. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: Safe to say then that Sheva doesn’t have a future at Chelsea, eh?

Coupet To Sign For PSG

Former Lyon goalkeeper Gregory Coupet could be set for a quick return to Ligue 1, as he has agreed personal terms over a move to Paris Saint-Germain. Coupet moved from Lyon to Atletico Madrid last summer, but after seeing little time last season, will be back on familiar soil if a fee can be agreed. (Goal.com)

Analysis: With current #1 Mickael Landreau looking to leave, PSG needed to swoop for a quality replacement, and Coupet, with his long history of success with Lyon, certainly fits the bill.

Greece

Panathinaikos Close On Drenthe?

Panathinaikos are going all out in their efforts to sign Real Madrid’s Royston Drenthe, as they could offer £11m in order to land the versatile Dutchman. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: That’s about the same amount Real spent to sign Drenthe from Feyenoord in the summer of 2007, so I don’t see them turning down an offer of that amount. Drenthe hasn’t exactly blossomed at Real, and he wouldn’t appear to have much of a future there, so the only holdup might be whether or not he wants to move to Greece or to a more elite league.

“Transfer Rumors (15 June 09): Man United after Valencia stars Villa and Silva, Aston Villa close on Tottenham duo, Berbatov and Pavlyuchenko linked with Bundesliga moves, and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

They echo throughout fields all over the UK during the football season, and on many occasions have been known to give players a lift. I’m talking about football chants.  From Fernando Torres’ “Liverpool’s Number Nine” to “Glory Glory Man United,” songs and chants are a massive part of what makes football such a unique sport.

Some of the best chants out there rarely get the credit they deserve. And for those rare few who can come up with a proper chant, it’s time you stepped into the spotlight. In other words: it’s time to give credit where credit is due for those who come up with unique chants about their favourite club or player.

Directgov’s ‘Get On’ program decided to take matters into their own hands this year with the introduction of a ‘Chant Challenge’ that allowed supporters from all over the country to try their luck at coming up with the most unique chant possible.

Football legend, John Barnes, along with Barnsley FC’s resident poet, Ian McMillan, took on the task of going through over 300 entries to find nine finalists. The finalists, who represented such clubs as Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland AFC, will be going to London in August prior to the beginning on the season to face-off for the chance to be crowned the chant-off champion.

“Chants are a great way of getting behind your team and can make a real difference to players on the pitch. I was really impressed by the level of skill and imagination that came through in the entries,” Barnes said.

The competition has been a huge success in its inaugural year, and has even garnered support from Liverpool’s Fernando Torres (Liverpool supporters sent in the highest number of entries), and Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs.

Here are just a couple of the chants that were entered into the competition this year:

Don’t wave at us David Jamo
Just try to catch this corner
All through your mishaps
And crazy haircuts
We still support you
Just hoof your clearance

[to the tune of ‘Don’t cry for me Argentina’]
Entered by Richie Turrell, Portsmouth supporter

I believe in a man of steel
His name is Lucas Neill
If you think he can score a goal
He’ll put you in hospital
I believe in a man of steeeee-eee-eeel
Our boy, Lucas Neill!

[to the tune of ‘I believe in a thing called love’ by The Darkness]
Entered by Jordi Greig, West Ham supporter

FA Cup Opposition Taunt

Oh when we get to Wembley in May
We’ll think of teams we thrashed along the way
And you’ll be watching when we win the cup
You’ll be so gutted when we lift it up
We’re going through to the next round baby
You know whose winning and it isn’t you
We’ll think of you in the next round baby
All of your hopes and dreams are blown away
What a magic day.

[to the tune of ‘Warwick Avenue’ by Duffy]
Entered by Lee Dooley, Manchester United supporter

So there you go! If you think you’ve got a chant better than some of the above, then I’d suggest you throw your hat into the ring next season to see if you’re good enough to be one of the nine finalists.  Make sure you take a look at Get On’s chant competition page in August to see who wins the right to record their chant in the studio with John Barnes.

“Football chant challenge gives fans something to sing about” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

The biggest news in the football world is still the impending sale of Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid for a world-record £80m.

However, in this morning’s transfer roundup, you won’t find any Ronaldo-related news, though there is a mention of someone that Manchester United could go after with the money they’re set to soon receive from Real.

Who is else in the transfer pages? The tidbits are light this morning, but there’s more than enough to keep you tided over until the next time around. Let’s hop on the transfer train, shall we?

England

Liverpool Step Up Johnson Hunt

Liverpool will step up their efforts to pip Chelsea to the signing of Portsmouth right back Glen Johnson. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: I think Chelsea are still the team to beat for Johnson, but if Liverpool don’t land him, it won’t be for a lack of trying.

Manchester City Chase Forlan And Lescott

Manchester City are stepping up their efforts to land Diego Forlan and Joleon Lescott. They are set to send a delegation to Spain to push through a 20m deal, while they’re also hoping to persuade Everton to part with Lescott. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Forlan’s well within their reach, though they might have to trump up a little more than £20m to land him. On the other hand, I don’t see Everton taking the money and letting Lescott go, but I could be wrong.

Sunderland To Bid For Keane

Sunderland are plotting an audacious £15m bid for Tottenham striker Robbie Keane. (The Mirror)

Analysis: That’s a nice sum of money, but of the many names that will be leaving Tottenham this summer, I don’t foresee him being one of them.

Tottenham Want Aston Villa’s Carew

Tottenham are interested in Aston Villa striker John Carew, and the Norway international could be (Daily Mail)

Analysis: As much as Carew’s been linked with a move away from Villa, I think he’s one of the last players they should consider selling. There have been reported issues in regards to attitude, but he was their most consistent producer last season, and if not for a few key goals from him, their slump through the last few months of the season could’ve been all the more unsightly.

Dann’s The Man For Birmingham

Birmingham have completed the signing of Coventry defender Scott Dann. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: The word was that Dann preferred Wolves to Birmingham, and it’s pretty unfortunate for Wolves to lose out on him, because as I’ve stated before, the back line should be their priority this summer ahead of next season.

Spain

Atletico Open Door To Aguero Sale

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo says that the club will open talks over forward Sergio Aguero if an ‘interesting offer’ comes in for the Argentine star, who has been linked with Chelsea and could potentially be a target for Manchester United. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: With the money that Sir Alex Ferguson will have at his disposal, Aguero should be one of the names at the top of his list. Whether or not he’d move for him, given an asking price that could be upwards of £50m, is another story.

Barcelona Offer Eto’o For Mascherano

Barcelona have offered striker Samuel Eto’o to tempt Liverpool to part with midfielder Javier Mascherano. (The Mirror)

Analysis: Tempting offer, especially because Liverpool could use a striker like Eto’o, but it’s not a deal that needs to come at the price of selling someone as influential as Mascherano.

Atletico Madrid Plan Sneijder Swoop

Atletico Madrid are planning to raid city rivals Real for midfielder Wesley Sneijder. The Dutchman could be set to leave the club this summer, and he’s also been linked with Bayern Munich, Tottenham, and Inter Milan. (Tribal Football)

Analysis: With Maxi Rodriguez being linked with a move to Tottenham, Atletico could be in need of someone to replace his production in attack, and Sneijder, while likely costing more than what they’d receive in any sale of Rodriguez, would be a more than capable replacement, provided fitness doesn’t become an issue.

“Transfer Rumors (13 Jun 09): Barcelona offer Eto’o as bait for Liverpool’s Mascherano, Atletico Madrid open to selling Chelsea target Aguero, Sunderland plan audacious bid for Tottenham’s Keane, and more” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Two goals in the last 9 games. That is the total tally for Samuel Eto’o. Here is an overview over the games:

1. FC Barcelona vs. Recreativo Huelva 2-0 (Eto’o didn’t participate)
2. Bayern Munich vs. FC Barcelona 1-1
3. Getafe vs. FC Barcelona 0-1
4. FC Barcelona vs. Sevilla 4-0 (Eto’o scored a tap-in)
5. Valencia vs. FC Barcelona 2-2
6. FC Barcelona vs. Chelsea 0-0
7. Real Madrid vs. FC Barcelona 2-6
8. Chelsea vs. FC Barcelona 1-1
9. FC Barcelona vs. Villarreal 3-3 (Eto’o scored another tap-in)
10. Athletic Bilbao vs. FC Barcelona 1-4

The games tell the very true story that Eto’o simply can’t seem to find the net at the moment. The two goals he has scored in this 10 period games where easy can’t miss chances.

In this period, Guardiola has played Eto’o more on the flanks than previously which carries some of the blame. However, he only chose to do so after he stopped scoring and it intensified after Henry’s injury. Against Madrid he played a right wing for most of the game with Messi in center, and yesterday against Bilbao he was in the left wing spot.

Unfortunately this isn’t the whole story. As the commentators said under the game yesterday, Eto’o should have scored a hattrick. He still gets to the chances but he just can’t seem to convert them anymore.

His drop in form is a big worry for the Blaugrana. In order to beat Manchester United in the Champions League final, every player has to play up to his best. This includes Eto’o.

We can’t afford to seem him miss chances like the ones yesterday. His miss in the first game against Chelsea was also very close to costing the Champions League finals pot. It has to be said that he created the chance by himself. The problem is, that he would have converted it when he was scoring at will in the autumn – he doesn’t do that anymore.

So Guardiola faces a tough decision. Rest Eto’o in the coming matches or play him and hope that he regains his form? The answer to that question is a very hard one and it will be exciting to see what Guardiola chooses to do.

This article was originally published at www.elbarca.net

“Samuel Eto’o’s form leaves Guardiola with some big decisions” was originally published at footballlens.com – football news.

Sir Alex Ferguson is leading the race to sign the £20million-rated Ecuadorian, who is also attracting interest from Bayern Munich and Real Madrid. Sources close to United told The Sun that the player wants to move to Old Trafford and Wigan boss Steve Bruce said: “It’s inevitable Antonio will leave – but where he goes I’m not quite sure.”

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez, who was yesterday linked with a revived bid for Valencia’s David Silva, is consoling himself by preparing to splash out £15million to bring former Manchester United striker Diego Forlan to Anfield in the summer, according to the Daily Star.

The Atletico Madrid striker has scored 27 goals in La Liga this season and is closing in on his second pichichi, the top scorer award in Spain, only one goal behind Barcelona’s Samuel Eto’o, who has netted 28 times.

Liverpool’s ranks will not be depleted by the departure of midfielder Xabi Alonso, who has been linked with a host of top European clubs for the successive summers, as his agent has revealed the Spaniard is eager to stay at Anfield.

Ignacio Ibañez denied there had been any approaches for his client and told The Guardian: “I know nothing about these reports. As Xabi has always said, he is happy at Liverpool and focused on them.”

Frustratingly frugal Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger could also dip into the transfer market this season after billionaire shareholder Alisher Usmanov initiated proceedings to clear the club’s debt – a result of building the Emirates Stadium – that has hamstrung the Gunners.

The Daily Telegraph report that the Russian is ready to suggest that Stan Kroenke and other stakeholders join him in making a commitment to tackle the £318m burden.

But that will not prevent the Gunners from flogging infuriating striker Emmanuel Adebayor to Chelsea for £10m in the transfer window, according to the Daily Mirror.

The Blues are set to part company with Didier Drogba should Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti take charge at Stamford Bridge as expected and Adebayor, who was linked with the Rossoneri last summer, is top of the Italian’s wanted list.

Tottenham Hotspur striker Roman Pavlyuchenko expects to remain at the club next season and claims he has been given assurances about his future at White Hart Lane.

The Independent claim that the Russian striker met with manager Harry Redknapp and then declared: “I am a Tottenham player and want to remain one.”

The Daily Mail ‘exclusively reveal’ that Manchester City star Stephen Ireland is on the verge of signing a new £4million-a-year deal at Eastlands after he verbally agreed a double-your-money new contract worth £80,000-a-week.

And finally… The Times report that Adrian Boothroyd, Phil Parkinson and Gus Poyet are the favourites to replace Steve Coppell as reading manager.

But the Basques couldn’t keep up, Barcelona kept attacking and attacking. Wonderboys Leo Messi and Bojan Krkic senior made it 3-1 before one hour had been played. Xavis free kick in the cross (4-1) signed off the class difference between the teams tonight.

Athletics fans continued to sing for their team even when the battle was lost, in a red and white rocking sea of fans.

For Barcelona’s part this was the first pit stop of potential three trophy’s this season. Already this weekend Barcelona can secure the La Liga trophy, and May 27 awaiting final of the Champions League against Manchester United.