Bayern to better 30-year-old league record

Bayern Munich can claim their second milestone of the week on Saturday at home to Augsburg with the Bundesliga's 30-year-old record for the longest unbeaten run set to fall.

The European champions can claim a new record of 37 matches if they win or draw at home to Bavarian neighbours Augsburg, who are 13th in the league, at Munich's Allianz Arena.

"You don't start playing football to break records but once the opportunity is there, you're obviously going to try and take it," said Bayern captain Philipp Lahm.

"We've put in a lot of hard work to get to this point and if you look at the history of the Bundesliga, going so many games without losing is something that just doesn't really happen."

Bayern matched Hamburg's record of 36 matches without defeat, set in January 1983, when they won 2-1 at Hoffenheim last Saturday.

But while Hamburg won 20 of their 36 games, Bayern have claimed 30 victories in the same number of matches scoring 95 goals to Hamburg's 88 and leaking just 21, compared to Hamburg's 38.

Augsburg won just one of their last five league games when they beat Mainz last weekend and it would take a shock result to spoil Bayern's party.

Should a new record be set, it will be as much down to ex-Bayern coach Jupp Heynckes, who handed over a 25-match unbeaten run to his successor Pep Guardiola.

Bayern were last beaten in October 2012 at Bayer Leverkusen and Augsburg are not expected to put up much resistance.

Bayern's first landmark this week was when they equalled Barcelona's record from the 2002/03 season of nine consecutive Champions League wins when they beat Viktoria Pilsen 1-0 on Tuesday to confirm their place in the knock-out phase.

"It seems that it's a season when every record can be challenged or beaten," beamed Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, who was an active player when Hamburg set the 30-year-old record.

"At the time, I congratulated (Hamburg full-back) Manni Kaltz and (centre forward) Horst Hrubesch on a record I thought would stand for eternity.

"Now we're level with it."

Guardiola can also set a new personal record of 12 games unbeaten, the best Bundesliga start by a coach at a new club.

Breaking records is nothing remarkable for Bayern these days, though, as they set or equalled 25 league records under Heynckes last season.

If Augsburg were looking for a fillip to encourage them, it wasn't coming in the news that Arjen Robben could feature for the champions on the right wing following a groin strain.

Guardiola's main decision will be over who to start up front.

He picked attacking midfielder Mario Goetze as a lone forward at Pilsen but substitute Mario Mandzukic, the Croatia striker, came on to score the winning goal.

Second-placed Borussia Dortmund wil hope to bounce back from their Champions League mid-week home defeat to Arsenal with a trip to resurgent Wolfsburg.

Having won their last three games, Wolves are up to fifth in the table, but are without Brazilian play-maker Diego, who is suffering from a rib injury.

Dortmund keeper gets first Germany call

Borussia Dortmund keeper Roman Weidenfeller earned his first Germany call up at the age of 33 when coach Joachim Loew included him in the 24-man squad for their friendly games in Italy and England later this month.

Weidenfeller has been outstanding for his club in the past few seasons as they clinched the 2011 and 2012 Bundesliga titles, the 2012 German Cup and reached the Champions League final last season.

"Manuel Neuer is currently our No 1 and we know what we have with Rene Adler or the younger Ron-Robert Zieler or Marc-Andre ter Stegen," Loew, who will reach 100 matches as Germany coach against Italy, said on Friday.

"We have watched Roman Weidenfeller closely and noted his strong performances in the league and the Champions League. We are delighted to have him and get to know him more," Loew said.

Striker Miroslav Klose also returned to the squad after missing last month's World Cup qualifiers through injury.

"For us it is very good that Miro is back because he is a valuable addition for any team," Loew said.

Loew, however, will be without midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who will undergo ankle surgery.

Injured Lukas Podolski, Mario Gomez and Ilkay Guendogan have also been ruled out.

Germany will play Italy in Milan on November 15 before taking on England in London four days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Rene Adler (Hamburg SV), Roman Weidenfeller (Borussia Dortmund);

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Benedikt Hoewedes (Schalke 04), Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund), Marcell Jansen (Hamburg SV), Philipp Lahm (Bayern Munich) Per Mertesacker (Arsenal), Marcel Schmelzer (Borussia Dortmund), Heiko Westermann (Hamburg SV);

Midfielders: Lars Bender (Bayer Leverkusen), Sven Bender (Borussia Dortmund), Julian Draxler (Schalke 04), Mario Goetze (Bayern Munich), Sami Khedira (Real Madrid), Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Sidney Sam (Bayer Leverkusen), Andre Schuerrle (Chelsea);

Forwards: Miroslav Klose (Lazio), Max Kruse (Borussia Moenchengladbach)

Schweini to undergo more ankle surgery

Bayern Munich's Bastian Schweinsteiger will undergo further ankle surgery and will miss Germany's friendlies against England and Italy this month after problems arose following the first operation in June, the Bundesliga club said on Friday.

It was not clear how long the 29-year-old would be out of action for, but Bayern said the key midfielder would be operated on "soon" after attempts to treat the problem without surgery failed.

"The last few weeks have been very painful," Schweinsteiger said in a club statement. "I tried but I have reached a point when renewed surgery is unavoidable. I hope to be able to play without any pain after the surgery."

The Germany international, who will now miss the games in Milan and London on November 15 and 19 respectively, was ruled out for much of pre-season training after needing surgery following their treble-winning campaign last season.

He had only recently returned to top form and the setback is another blow for Pep Guardiola's injury-hit team, which had just welcomed back fellow holding midfielder Javi Martinez after two months out.

Winger Arjen Robben has been out of action for two weeks, while Xherdan Shaqiri and Thiago Alcantara are not expected to return to action before the end of the month.

Record-breaking Bayern have already qualified for the Champions League knockout stage with four straight group wins as they aim to become the first team to successfully defend the trophy.

They are also leading the Bundesliga, a point ahead of Borussia Dortmund, and can set a record with their 37th game without defeat against Augsburg on Saturday.

Nigeria goes for record fourth title

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets will seek to win a record fourth Fifa Under-17 World Cup title when they face defending champions, Mexico in Abu Dhabi this Friday.

The Mexicans and Nigerians got into final on the back of impressive and flattery three-nil wins in the semis against Argentina and Sweden respectively on Tuesday.

Both teams had earlier met in the group stage when Nigeria ran out 6-1 victors against Mexico's El Tri in Al Ain City on October 19.

But the Mexicans regrouped remarkably from that setback in pretty fashion to reach the showpiece match after dispatching Italy, Brazil and Argentina in the second stage of the tournament.
Nigeria playmaker, Kelechi Iheanacho, is wary of the threat the North Americans can pose when both teams clash at the Khalifa Bin Zayed Stadium in the final match.
Iheanacho, now in the running for the tournament's most valuable player and golden boot, also made a bold declaration that the Golden Eaglets can be unstoppable when they get into their strides.
"I'm sure they won't feel great about that first result. They'll want to put pressure on us and we'll have to be careful. We'll respect them but it's hard to go against us when we're playing our good football," Iheanacho, who scored four times in Mexico's 6-1 demolition in the first meeting, told Fifa.com.
Nigeria's superb run at the Fifa Under-17 Cup in the UAE is underscored by their flowing style of football and remarkable scoring rate which has seen them net 23 goals in six games averaging 3.8 goals per game.
Now that should be a source of concern for the Mexicans but their leading scorer, Ivan Ochoa, who has scored four times, holds a different view.
"We've got some unfinished business with them (the Nigerians)," Ochoa told Fifa.com.
Mexico might be the titleholders but Nigeria are favourites to land a record fourth title having won the Under-17 World Cup in 1985, 1993 and 2007. Brazil are the other only nation to have won the tournament on three occasions in 1997, 1999 and 2003.
The Nigerians have however finished as runners-up in three editions in 1987, 2001 and 2009.
On the other hand, the Mexicans have won the Under-17 World Cup twice in 2005 and 2011 and those were the only two times they reached the showpiece game.
The Mexicans are also aiming to become the second nation to win back-to-back tournaments at this level in men's football after Brazil.
Definitely Raul Gutierrez's boys will want to keep that tradition of not losing in the final going but the impressive Nigerians will once again provide them another stern test once they get their engines raving at full strength.
The showpiece match of the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup between Nigeria and Mexico will be live on SuperSport 3 and in High Definition from 5.45pm CAT (4.45pm Nigerian time) this Friday.

Iheanacho wants Mexican scalp again

Kelechi Iheanacho has been one of the most impressive performers of the Nigeria team at the ongoing Fifa U17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

He has been hugely instrumental in the Golden Eaglets’ smooth passage to the final of the competition. His skills, vision, maturity, authority, assists and goals have been highly invaluable to Manu Garba’s side.

Iheanacho knows however that his contributions could come to naught if he fails to inspire the teammates scale the final hurdle in the shape of defending champions, Mexico on Friday.

Nigeria has met Mexico once already in the tournament and the Africans won 6-1 with Iheanacho helping himself to four goals.

The 17-year-old however knows things could be very different at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi on Friday when the teams meet for a second time.

“I’m sure they (Mexicans) won’t feel great about that first result. They’ll want to put pressure on us and we’ll have to be careful. We’ll respect them, but it’s hard to go against us when we’re playing our good football,” Iheanacho told fifa.com.

In 2001, a Nigerian team boasting of talents like Joseph Eyimofe, Femi Opabunmi, Bassey Akpan, Temile Omonigho and Sambo Soga beat France 2-1 in their opening game of the competition.

The Golden Eaglets came up against the French in the final and got outclassed 3-0. Iheanacho and his mates are cautious of a backlash and will not take the Mexicans for granted having won so comprehensively a few weeks ago.

“We’ve got better since that opener. We’ve become closer and we’re going to chase them all over the field; we’re going to press them with our attackers and we won’t rest. We’ll go at them for 90 minutes until we’re sure the trophy is ours,” he said.

Nigerian fans in the UAE have made their presence felt in all games played by the Nigerians as they travel in hordes and cheer every kick of Golden Eaglets.

“They give us courage. “But you can’t play for the gallery, you have to play for your team-mates. But they do give us confidence and they cheer us up so that we can play in the right way,” Iheanacho said.

After his barn storming performance in the opening game against Mexico, it was widely believed that Iheanacho would be the man to provide the goals for Nigeria.

Such feelings were highlighted even more after Nigeria’s top scorer at the African U17 championships, Success Issac got injured in the first game.

Four games later, Iheanacho has scored just once but has been at the hub of most of the team’s best moves.

He provided the assist, an intelligently weighted through ball, for the crucial opening goal dispatched by Taiwo Awoniyi in the semi final against a well-drilled Sweden side.

Iheanacho however believes he possesses traits of a goal scorer and an assists provider.

“I’m both but it’s not important to call yourself one or the other. If I’m in a good position to score then I’m happy to put the ball in the back of the net, but if I’m not, and I see someone in a better position, I’ll give it to him. It doesn’t matter in our team who scores the goals, who finishes top scorer or top player. It’s a collective effort.

“We have to work as a team, play as a team. This is how you win matches,” he said.

Madam Nwakali tips Eaglets

The mother of Golden Eaglets defender, Chidiebere Nwakali, is confident that her son and his teammates will win the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the UAE.

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets will go head-to-head against their Mexican counterparts, El Tri, in the final of the tournament in Abu Dhabi this Friday.

Madam Francisca Nwakali, who hails from Eziokele and Eziobodo Autonomous Communities in Owerri West, has now backed her son and his Nigerian teammates to go ahead and win a fourth title.

"There is nothing that is impossible before the Almighty God. They have come this far and they will conquer by His grace. I am confident that my son will do well (against Mexico) and Nigeria will win the trophy by the grace of God," said Francisca Nwakali, who is a trader.

She was also full of joy that her son has finally lived up to his dream of becoming a footballer.

"I am joyful and happy that Chidiebere's dream has come true. I have watched all of his matches for Nigeria and I am happy with my son. Now I'm praying that they will win this (next) match (against Mexico)," she said.

"He has been playing football all the time. Now I'm watching him play on TV (at the big stage). I'm so happy this is happening."

Nwakali started out as a football apprentice with unknown Jah-Rule Football Academy in Owerri but is now with Shuttle Spots Academy.

The 16-year-old defender, who has played mostly in midfield for Nigeria's under-17s at the tournament, has scored two goals so far in the UAE.

Liverpool should maintain momentum

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that his team will be close to delivering Champions League football if they can continue their form from the opening weeks of the season.

The Anfield club, who host Fulham in the Premier League on Saturday, were beaten for the second time in the league this season when they lost 2-0 at leaders Arsenal last weekend.

But with no European football or League Cup action to contend with, they currently reside in third place with 20 points from their first 10 games of the season.

And Rodgers feels that maintaining that pace will be enough to avoid extending their exile from the Champions League into a fifth season.

Ahead of the visit of the Cottagers, Rodgers has been boosted by the availability of Brazilian playmaker Philippe Coutinho, who came off the bench at the Emirates Stadium following a shoulder injury, as well as Glen Johnson, who missed that game through illness.

The four teams below them are all within a point, but Rodgers feels his side are on the right track.

"If you look at where we're at, if you're averaging two points a game, you would like to think you would get into the Champions League," Rodgers said.

"Come Saturday, if we can get another three points, which we'll be fighting hard for, that would take us above that.

"We're just treating every game as an important game for us in our quest this year. We just need to keep focusing and keep our concentration.

"We've got some players coming back now, like young Philippe Coutinho, who adds a genuine quality to our game. My history as a coach shows that I love players with personality and technique. This is a player that has got a high level of technical ability and a strong personality.

"We've built a platform this year, but we have to keep pushing and moving forward or else it counts for nothing."

As well as Coutinho and Johnson, Spanish left-back Jose Enrique may return from a knee problem, but forward Iago Aspas and defender Sebastian Coates are long-term absentees.

Fulham manager Martin Jol has faced speculation about his future in light of his side's difficult start to the season, but Rodgers feels the Dutchman has done a good job.

He added: "He's done an excellent job there. He's got great experience, been around a long time, at Tottenham, Hamburg and Ajax, and he's a top manager.

"They got to a final of a European competition a few years ago, but he will be limited in terms of the budget that he has, but he's brought in some very good players and they'll be looking to come to us and put on a strong performance away from home, which they can do."

The signs looked bleak for Jol last weekend when he found himself the target of boos after his side conceded three first-half goals against Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

However, an improved second half-display diluted the complaints and the Dutchman says that he has no cause for concern ahead of the trip to Anfield.

"I don't think you are under pressure against Liverpool or Manchester United," he said.

"You are under pressure in your home games against the teams who should lose points against us. Before (the 4-1 win at) Crystal Palace, we really felt some pressure; not because of me, but because of the result. We needed points.

"We managed to win that game and played well and then had Southampton away (a 2-0 defeat); they are playing well; Man United, now Liverpool. It is not easy."

Brede Hangeland could return for Fulham after struggling with a sciatica problem, but forward Hugo Rodallega will be out for up to six weeks with a groin injury.

Sascha Riether will also be missing after the FA imposed a retrospective three-match ban on the full-back after video evidence revealed he had stamped on United's Adnan Januzaj.

Arsenal need fresh vigour for United trip

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is concerned his flying team may lose some of their intensity as their "big month" continues with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Premier League leaders face champions Manchester United hot on the heels of beating Liverpool 2-0 at the Emirates and overcoming Borussia Dortmund 1-0 away in the Champions League, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey especially on fire.

Arsenal's victory over Liverpool last weekend put them five points clear at the top for their biggest lead since February 2008. The Gunners have lost only once in the league this season, a 3-1 opening day home defeat by Aston Villa.

"We passed (the test against Liverpool) in a convincing way," Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"The focus of the team and the togetherness you could feel from the outside, they refused to lose this game and you could feel that from the start.

"You could not have predicted that after the first game (Villa) so let's enjoy it, take a lot of encouragement from it and continue to develop as a team," Wenger added.

"And as well be cautious and be on our toes, because we changed it in an emphatic way so let's make sure we continue to grow and not think 'OK let's have a little breather'."

The tables have turned since a beleaguered Arsenal were humiliated 8-2 by United, which included a Wayne Rooney hat-trick, in August 2011 in a low point for Wenger.

Arsenal, who have not won silverware since 2005, are now eight points ahead of a United side still adapting to manager David Moyes' methods following Alex Ferguson's retirement after winning his 13th Premier League title last season.

"At the moment, with 10 games played, you can say 25 percent of the season (has gone). You see the first tendencies and trends but it's still not settled," Wenger said.

"By the end of November you will have a clearer idea."

Robin van Persie was on the scoresheet for Arsenal that day in 2011 but will lead the line in the red of United on Sunday having come on as a substitute and missed a penalty in the midweek 0-0 Champions League draw at Real Sociedad.

HIGH-FLYING SOUTHAMPTON

Strike partner Rooney feels Arsenal are peaking too early.

"We've seen before that they've been in the top two until February or March and then faded away," the England man said.

Moyes's side are beginning to find their feet, even if winger Ashley Young is often hitting the deck.

His latest fall to win the spot-kick in Spain has been slammed by pundits, although his manager said he was fouled having criticised him for a dive earlier this season.

Second-placed Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool, in third, play struggling Fulham at Anfield on Saturday.

On Sunday, fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur welcome a Newcastle United side buoyed by a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho lambasted his players for last weekend's Newcastle defeat but a 3-0 Champions League win over Schalke 04 cheered his mood, with Samuel Eto'o scoring twice as he looks to replace the injured Fernando Torres domestically.

Everton and Manchester City have trips to lowly Crystal Palace and Sunderland on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Swansea City host Stoke City on Sunday.

High-flying Southampton entertain Hull City on Saturday having conceded two rare goals in Wednesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat and Aston Villa host Cardiff City.

Under pressure Norwich City boss Chris Hughton seeks a quick recovery against West Ham United in Saturday's late game having shipped seven goals at Manchester City last weekend.

Michu out for 'up to four weeks

Swansea City forward Michu could be out of action for four weeks after injuring his ankle during the 1-0 defeat by Cardiff City, manager Michael Laudrup revealed on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, Swansea's top scorer last season in his first campaign at the club, had to be substituted in the 65th minute of Sunday's oss at Cardiff in the Premier League.

He had already been ruled out of Swansea's Europa League tie with Kuban Krasnodar on Thursday but, speaking ahead of the game in Russia, Laudrup said that the injury was more serious than he had feared.

"Michu, our top scorer last season, has been struggling for a few weeks and is not 100 percent and unfortunately he is out again for maybe three to four weeks," Michu told a press conference, in comments reported in the British media.

Laudrup said that Michu, who made his international debut for Spain last month, would use the enforced break to get treatment on some longstanding knee problems.

"When I say he has not been at his best, it is because he has been struggling with both his knees for many weeks, but he wanted to play anyway and he is one of our most important players," said the Dane.

"So with this ankle injury, hopefully he can get both his knees sorted as well. He will be away in Spain for a few days for some injections.

Bale, Ronaldo pairing begins to click

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is looking to build on by far his best week since arriving in the Spanish capital when Carlo Ancelotti's side host Real Sociedad this weekend.

The Welshman opened his Champions League account for the club he joined for a reported €91 million in September with a wonderful strike in Madrid's 2-2 draw with Juventus on Wednesday that all but secured the Spanish side's place in the last 16.

Bale also scored twice and provided four assists in Real's previous two games against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano as he, Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema begin to forge a deadly combination up front.

Ronaldo was also on target in Turin to take his tally for Madrid to an incredible 222 goals in just 215 games and he believes Bale is beginning to find his feet.

"He is very important for us and I think he is going to help us a lot. Things are going well for him at the minute," Ronaldo said.

Ronaldo has already found the net 21 times in 16 games this season but insists his personal statistics will mean nothing if Madrid end up empty-handed again come the end of the campaign.

And with Los Blancos already trailing Barcelona by six points at the top of La Liga, he knows there is little room for error against their Basque visitors on Saturday.

"Personally, I am very happy, I am in a very good moment in my career. All my teammates and the fans are supporting me.

"I try to do my best every year and I need to demonstrate that I am a great player and give my best.

"Records don't excite me. What excites me is that I want to win things, I want a future that is better than the present."

Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema are expected to start once more up front, and Sergio Ramos is Ancelotti's only major absentee as he is suspended so Dani Carvajal or Alvaro Arbeloa will return at right-back.

Real can provisionally close to within three points of Barca and two of Atletico Madrid with a win as neither of the top two are in action until Sunday.

The Catalans travel to struggling Real Betis boosted by the return to scoring form of Lionel Messi, who found the net twice in Wednesday's 3-1 win over AC Milan to book their place in the knockout stages of the Champions League.

Messi has gone four games in La Liga without scoring for the first time in over two years, but he believes it has just taken him some time to recover from two muscular injuries he suffered earlier in the campaign.

"I'm calm about my recuperation from injury. I'm getting my rhythm back bit by bit and I think it really helps to have 90 minutes, then another 90, back to back so I can gradually re-establish the tempo and the form I had before the injury," he told Uefa.com.

"It just helps physically. This time there have been two injuries really close together and that kind of impact you do notice. But I'm definitely getting past it and I'm happy with my form."

Gerard Pique is the only major doubt for Gerardo Martino's side as he continues to struggle with a groin problem so Carles Puyol could partner Javier Mascherano in defence.

The game of the weekend, though, sees in-form Atletico travel to fourth-placed Villarreal.

Atletico also booked their place in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday with a 4-0 win over Austria Vienna with Diego Costa netting his 16th goal in as many games this season.

And Costa's fantastic campaign continued on Thursday when he was called into the Spain squad for the first time by coach Vicente del Bosque.

Atletico takes Europe by storm

With a 100 percent record in the Champions League and 11 wins from 12 games in La Liga, Atletico Madrid have been one of the revelations of European football this season.

A 4-0 hammering of Austria Vienna on Wednesday meant Atletico joined holders Bayern Munich as the only sides to have won all four of their group games and ensured simple passage into the last-16 on their return to the Champions League for the first time in four years.

Diego Simeone's men also split traditional powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga, a point behind the Catalans and five ahead of their city rivals.

However, the high they are currently riding is no flash in the pan. Since Simeone's arrival at the club in December 2011, the man who was a star player the last time Atletico won the league back in 1995/96, has completely turned around what was an underachieving sleeping giant.

Whilst world class talents like Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan came and went from the Vicente Calderon, the overall organisation of the club and lack of balance on the field prevented them from ever truly punching their weight over the past decade.

Simeone's arrival brought about an instant change in fortunes. In his first six months in charge the team shot up the table to just miss out on Champions League football on the final day of the season and stormed to the Europa League by winning every single game in the knockout stage.

That was followed by more silverware as they hammered Chelsea 4-1 in the European Super Cup thanks to a Radamel Falcao hat-trick and, powered by the Colombian, they started last season in similar fashion winning 11 of their opening 13 games before being defeated, as the always did, to Real in the Madrid derby.

Simeone's powers of motivation and tactical nous even managed to end that curse though, as Atletico eventually beat Real for the first time in 14 years at the best possible time, in the best possible scenario. A Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabeu, 40,000 Atleti fans there to witness them break down the biggest psychological barrier on enemy territory.

"Before his arrival we were all a little floored because things weren't going well, we had been fairly eliminated from the Copa del Rey by (second division) Albacete," admitted midfielder Koke, the man christened the "new Xavi" by certain sections of the Spanish press.

"The manager arrived and he totally changed this mentality. He showed us how to have a positive mentality and since then everything has gone well."

The continued rise of Atletico's stock this season is arguably Simeone's greatest achievement as they have taken on the extra rigours of Champions League football and coped with Falcao's departure to Monaco without any sort of stumble.

Young players that he has blooded like Koke and Mario Suarez have become regulars in the Spanish squad, whilst Diego Costa's transformation under his tutelage saw Spain and Brazil squabble for the services of the striker who has now scored 16 goals in as many games this season.

Simeone has continued to play down his side's chances of winning La Liga, repeatedly dismissing the competition as a "boring league" which only the big two can win due to the financial disparity between them and the rest.

Therefore, it could on the biggest stage of all where Atletico truly make their mark; the Champions League.

"We trust in our coach because he knows how to draw the maximum from every one of us," full-back Juanfran told the media ahead of the Vienna return.

"It is clear that Atletico has always been a cup team, the elimination format suits us. I am one of those that believe that the Spanish league continues to be the best, the strongest and most competitive, and perhaps it will be harder to win the league than the Champions League."

Unbeaten in their last four meetings with Barca and Madrid, they have already shown they can compete with the continent's best when the distance is reduced to two games rather than 38.

Barca shift focus to Betis

Having sealed their place in the Champions League last 16 with two games to spare and Lionel Messi returning to something near his best, Barcelona are eagerly awaiting Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Betis (2000 GMT).

Messi ended a mini goal drought with a double in Wednesday's 3-1 Group H win at home to AC Milan and the Argentine World Player of the Year will be looking to put a run of four domestic outings for the unbeaten leaders without scoring behind him when struggling Betis visit the Nou Camp.

The 26-year-old, whose season has been disrupted by a couple of minor muscle injuries, delighted his adoring fans when he smashed in a penalty after 30 minutes and sent them into ecstasy when he dashed through the middle and scored with a trademark dinked effort seven minutes from time.

Talk of a Messi crisis dominated the buildup to the game, but his record this term is one most players could only dream of - six goals in three Champions League appearances and eight in 10 La Liga outings.

"I'm calm about the recuperation," Messi said on the UEFA website (www.uefa.com) on Thursday.

"I'm getting my rhythm back bit by bit and I think it really helps to have 90 minutes, then another 90 minutes, back to back so that I can gradually re-establish the tempo and the form I had before," he added.

"This time there have been two injuries really close together and that kind of impact you do notice. But I'm definitely getting past it and I'm happy with my form."

Seville-based Betis, who play at Portuguese side Guimaraes in the Europa League later on Thursday, are mired down in 18th place in the table with just over a quarter of the season played and pressure has been mounting on coach Pepe Mel.

Barca, by contrast, have dropped only two points - in a 0-0 draw at Osasuna last month - and are a point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who play at Villarreal on Sunday (1800).

Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid are a further five points back in third and host fellow Champions League participants Real Sociedad on Saturday (1500).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Real and Atletico are also through to the Champions League knockout round, although Real's 2-2 draw at Group B rivals Juventus on Tuesday again exposed the defensive frailties that have marked many of the performances this season.

Resurgent under Argentine coach Diego Simeone, Atletico swept Austria Vienna aside 4-0 at the Calderon on Wednesday to record their fourth victory in as many games and seal top spot in Group G.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has a fearsome attack at his disposal, led by prolific Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, but his defence has been ragged and San Sebastian-based Sociedad have players with pace and skill capable of taking advantage.

The Basque club's European campaign is all-but over after they lost their first three games in Group A and drew at home to Manchester United on Tuesday, but they will be keen to put on a good show at the Bernabeu.

History is against them, however. Sociedad have played 66 league games at Real's giant stadium and have only managed three wins, the last coming in the 2003-04 season, with 47 defeats.

Midfielder David Zurutuza said one of the lessons learned from the meeting with the English champions was that Sociedad need to exert more control and prevent the swift breakaways that yield many of Real's goals.

"Against teams like Manchester (United) or (Real) Madrid you have to help out your team mates more, you have to close down more space and the physical demands are greater," he said at a news conference on Wednesday.

"Both of them like a back and forth style of play and that's what we have to avoid with a more measured and deliberate approach," he added.

Villarreal tighten grip on fourth spot

Villarreal tightened their grip on fourth place in La Liga when Nigerian forward Ikechukwu Uche's last-gasp strike snatched a 1-0 win at fellow promoted side Elche on Monday.

A hard-fought and entertaining match at Elche's Martinez Valero Stadium in Alicante looked headed for a goalless draw until Uche clipped the ball home from close range in the 90th minute.

The victory lifted the team with the distinctive canary-yellow strip to 23 points from 12 matches, three ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who lost 2-0 at second-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

"We knew how to hang in there and at the end we got that piece of luck we needed," Uche said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Cuatro.

"At the moment, we are in a Champions League qualification place but we have to take things step by step," added the pacy 29-year-old.

"The team is having a good season so far and we have to continue down the same path.

"Defensively we were solid and in football I think you have to wait for your chance and finally it came."

Villarreal spent a year in the second division last season and under coach Marcelino have been impressive on their return to the top flight with some attractive attacking football.

They held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw at their Madrigal stadium in September and recorded a thumping 4-1 home win against Valencia at the end of last month.

Champions Barcelona, who have won 11 and drawn one of their 12 matches, are top on 34 points, with Atletico on 33 in second and Real Madrid third on 28.

Atletico takes Europe by storm

With a 100 percent record in the Champions League and 11 wins from 12 games in La Liga, Atletico Madrid have been one of the revelations of European football this season.

A 4-0 hammering of Austria Vienna on Wednesday meant Atletico joined holders Bayern Munich as the only sides to have won all four of their group games and ensured simple passage into the last-16 on their return to the Champions League for the first time in four years.

Diego Simeone's men also split traditional powerhouses Barcelona and Real Madrid in La Liga, a point behind the Catalans and five ahead of their city rivals.

However, the high they are currently riding is no flash in the pan. Since Simeone's arrival at the club in December 2011, the man who was a star player the last time Atletico won the league back in 1995/96, has completely turned around what was an underachieving sleeping giant.

Whilst world class talents like Fernando Torres, Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan came and went from the Vicente Calderon, the overall organisation of the club and lack of balance on the field prevented them from ever truly punching their weight over the past decade.

Simeone's arrival brought about an instant change in fortunes. In his first six months in charge the team shot up the table to just miss out on Champions League football on the final day of the season and stormed to the Europa League by winning every single game in the knockout stage.

That was followed by more silverware as they hammered Chelsea 4-1 in the European Super Cup thanks to a Radamel Falcao hat-trick and, powered by the Colombian, they started last season in similar fashion winning 11 of their opening 13 games before being defeated, as the always did, to Real in the Madrid derby.

Simeone's powers of motivation and tactical nous even managed to end that curse though, as Atletico eventually beat Real for the first time in 14 years at the best possible time, in the best possible scenario. A Copa del Rey final at the Santiago Bernabeu, 40,000 Atleti fans there to witness them break down the biggest psychological barrier on enemy territory.

"Before his arrival we were all a little floored because things weren't going well, we had been fairly eliminated from the Copa del Rey by (second division) Albacete," admitted midfielder Koke, the man christened the "new Xavi" by certain sections of the Spanish press.

"The manager arrived and he totally changed this mentality. He showed us how to have a positive mentality and since then everything has gone well."

The continued rise of Atletico's stock this season is arguably Simeone's greatest achievement as they have taken on the extra rigours of Champions League football and coped with Falcao's departure to Monaco without any sort of stumble.

Young players that he has blooded like Koke and Mario Suarez have become regulars in the Spanish squad, whilst Diego Costa's transformation under his tutelage saw Spain and Brazil squabble for the services of the striker who has now scored 16 goals in as many games this season.

Simeone has continued to play down his side's chances of winning La Liga, repeatedly dismissing the competition as a "boring league" which only the big two can win due to the financial disparity between them and the rest.

Therefore, it could on the biggest stage of all where Atletico truly make their mark; the Champions League.

"We trust in our coach because he knows how to draw the maximum from every one of us," full-back Juanfran told the media ahead of the Vienna return.

"It is clear that Atletico has always been a cup team, the elimination format suits us. I am one of those that believe that the Spanish league continues to be the best, the strongest and most competitive, and perhaps it will be harder to win the league than the Champions League."

Unbeaten in their last four meetings with Barca and Madrid, they have already shown they can compete with the continent's best when the distance is reduced to two games rather than 38.

Barca shift focus to Betis

Having sealed their place in the Champions League last 16 with two games to spare and Lionel Messi returning to something near his best, Barcelona are eagerly awaiting Sunday's La Liga clash with Real Betis (2000 GMT).

Messi ended a mini goal drought with a double in Wednesday's 3-1 Group H win at home to AC Milan and the Argentine World Player of the Year will be looking to put a run of four domestic outings for the unbeaten leaders without scoring behind him when struggling Betis visit the Nou Camp.

The 26-year-old, whose season has been disrupted by a couple of minor muscle injuries, delighted his adoring fans when he smashed in a penalty after 30 minutes and sent them into ecstasy when he dashed through the middle and scored with a trademark dinked effort seven minutes from time.

Talk of a Messi crisis dominated the buildup to the game, but his record this term is one most players could only dream of - six goals in three Champions League appearances and eight in 10 La Liga outings.

"I'm calm about the recuperation," Messi said on the UEFA website (www.uefa.com) on Thursday.

"I'm getting my rhythm back bit by bit and I think it really helps to have 90 minutes, then another 90 minutes, back to back so that I can gradually re-establish the tempo and the form I had before," he added.

"This time there have been two injuries really close together and that kind of impact you do notice. But I'm definitely getting past it and I'm happy with my form."

Seville-based Betis, who play at Portuguese side Guimaraes in the Europa League later on Thursday, are mired down in 18th place in the table with just over a quarter of the season played and pressure has been mounting on coach Pepe Mel.

Barca, by contrast, have dropped only two points - in a 0-0 draw at Osasuna last month - and are a point clear of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who play at Villarreal on Sunday (1800).

Barca's arch rivals Real Madrid are a further five points back in third and host fellow Champions League participants Real Sociedad on Saturday (1500).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Real and Atletico are also through to the Champions League knockout round, although Real's 2-2 draw at Group B rivals Juventus on Tuesday again exposed the defensive frailties that have marked many of the performances this season.

Resurgent under Argentine coach Diego Simeone, Atletico swept Austria Vienna aside 4-0 at the Calderon on Wednesday to record their fourth victory in as many games and seal top spot in Group G.

Real coach Carlo Ancelotti has a fearsome attack at his disposal, led by prolific Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo, but his defence has been ragged and San Sebastian-based Sociedad have players with pace and skill capable of taking advantage.

The Basque club's European campaign is all-but over after they lost their first three games in Group A and drew at home to Manchester United on Tuesday, but they will be keen to put on a good show at the Bernabeu.

History is against them, however. Sociedad have played 66 league games at Real's giant stadium and have only managed three wins, the last coming in the 2003-04 season, with 47 defeats.

Midfielder David Zurutuza said one of the lessons learned from the meeting with the English champions was that Sociedad need to exert more control and prevent the swift breakaways that yield many of Real's goals.

"Against teams like Manchester (United) or (Real) Madrid you have to help out your team mates more, you have to close down more space and the physical demands are greater," he said at a news conference on Wednesday.

"Both of them like a back and forth style of play and that's what we have to avoid with a more measured and deliberate approach," he added.

Villarreal tighten grip on fourth spot

Villarreal tightened their grip on fourth place in La Liga when Nigerian forward Ikechukwu Uche's last-gasp strike snatched a 1-0 win at fellow promoted side Elche on Monday.

A hard-fought and entertaining match at Elche's Martinez Valero Stadium in Alicante looked headed for a goalless draw until Uche clipped the ball home from close range in the 90th minute.

The victory lifted the team with the distinctive canary-yellow strip to 23 points from 12 matches, three ahead of fifth-placed Athletic Bilbao, who lost 2-0 at second-placed Atletico Madrid on Sunday.

"We knew how to hang in there and at the end we got that piece of luck we needed," Uche said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Cuatro.

"At the moment, we are in a Champions League qualification place but we have to take things step by step," added the pacy 29-year-old.

"The team is having a good season so far and we have to continue down the same path.

"Defensively we were solid and in football I think you have to wait for your chance and finally it came."

Villarreal spent a year in the second division last season and under coach Marcelino have been impressive on their return to the top flight with some attractive attacking football.

They held Real Madrid to a 2-2 draw at their Madrigal stadium in September and recorded a thumping 4-1 home win against Valencia at the end of last month.

Champions Barcelona, who have won 11 and drawn one of their 12 matches, are top on 34 points, with Atletico on 33 in second and Real Madrid third on 28.

Atletico underline title credentials

Atletico Madrid's challenge to heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid showed no sign of flagging when goals from David Villa and Diego Costa secured a 2-0 home win over Athletic Bilbao in La Liga on Sunday.

The victory at a festive Calderon, Atletico's 11th in 12 matches this season, trimmed the gap to unbeaten leaders Barca back to one point and restored their five-point advantage over city rivals Real in third.

Champions Barca, 1-0 winners at home to Espanyol in Friday's Catalan derby, have 34 points, with Atletico on 33 and Real, who beat Rayo Vallecano 3-2 on Saturday, on 28.

Villa, who joined Atletico from Barca in the close season, opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a well-taken volley and Costa raced on to a Koke through ball seven minutes later and finished clinically past Bilbao goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz.

It was the Brazil-born forward's 13th La Liga goal of the campaign, putting him level at the top of the scoring chart with Real's Portugal international Cristiano Ronaldo.

Bilbao, who did not manage a single shot on target, played the final 10 minutes with 10 men after substitute Erik Moran picked up two bookings and they stayed fifth on 20 points.
Valencia were the last team apart from Barca or Real to win La Liga back in 2004. Only Villarreal have broken the stranglehold of the world's richest clubs by income on the top two places since, coming second behind Real and ahead of third-placed Barca in 2008.
Atletico have less than a quarter of the annual budget of Real and Barca and a limited squad but have been transformed into genuine title contenders by Argentine coach Diego Simeone.
Only three teams have recorded 11 wins in their opening 12 games of a La Liga season, Real in 1961 and 1991, Barca in 2012 and 2013 and Atletico in 2013.
The club nicknamed 'the mattress makers' are also flying in Europe and have won all three Champions League Group G matches ahead of Wednesday's game at home to Austria Vienna.
"We had a good rhythm to our play and we managed to dominate the match," Simeone, who was an Atletico player when they last won the title in 1996, told a news conference.
"It fills us with pride to be able to compete, above all for the fans," added the 43-year-old.
Valencia, who are a shadow of the 2004 champions after years of financial struggles, ended a run of three successive defeats and eased the pressure on Serbian coach Miroslav Djukic when they won 1-0 at Getafe in an ugly encounter earlier on Sunday.
Dorlan Pabon struck the only goal in the 41st minute at the Coliseum and the game ended with brawling Valencia goalkeeper Vicente Guaita and Getafe defender Alexis Ruano having to be separated by officials and teammates.
The victory lifted the visitors to ninth with 16 points from 12 matches while Getafe stayed sixth on 19.
"We were in a tough situation but the team knew how to respond at a difficult stadium against a team that is playing very well," Valencia midfielder Dani Parejo told Canal Plus television.
"I think we are coming away from here in much better shape. The coach told us to stay calm, ignore the pressure and just enjoy the game.

Arsenal need fresh vigour for United trip

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is concerned his flying team may lose some of their intensity as their "big month" continues with a trip to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Premier League leaders face champions Manchester United hot on the heels of beating Liverpool 2-0 at the Emirates and overcoming Borussia Dortmund 1-0 away in the Champions League, with midfielder Aaron Ramsey especially on fire.

Arsenal's victory over Liverpool last weekend put them five points clear at the top for their biggest lead since February 2008. The Gunners have lost only once in the league this season, a 3-1 opening day home defeat by Aston Villa.

"We passed (the test against Liverpool) in a convincing way," Wenger told Arsenal Player.

"The focus of the team and the togetherness you could feel from the outside, they refused to lose this game and you could feel that from the start.

"You could not have predicted that after the first game (Villa) so let's enjoy it, take a lot of encouragement from it and continue to develop as a team," Wenger added.

"And as well be cautious and be on our toes, because we changed it in an emphatic way so let's make sure we continue to grow and not think 'OK let's have a little breather'."

The tables have turned since a beleaguered Arsenal were humiliated 8-2 by United, which included a Wayne Rooney hat-trick, in August 2011 in a low point for Wenger.

Arsenal, who have not won silverware since 2005, are now eight points ahead of a United side still adapting to manager David Moyes' methods following Alex Ferguson's retirement after winning his 13th Premier League title last season.

"At the moment, with 10 games played, you can say 25 percent of the season (has gone). You see the first tendencies and trends but it's still not settled," Wenger said.

"By the end of November you will have a clearer idea."

Robin van Persie was on the scoresheet for Arsenal that day in 2011 but will lead the line in the red of United on Sunday having come on as a substitute and missed a penalty in the midweek 0-0 Champions League draw at Real Sociedad.

HIGH-FLYING SOUTHAMPTON

Strike partner Rooney feels Arsenal are peaking too early.

"We've seen before that they've been in the top two until February or March and then faded away," the England man said.

Moyes's side are beginning to find their feet, even if winger Ashley Young is often hitting the deck.

His latest fall to win the spot-kick in Spain has been slammed by pundits, although his manager said he was fouled having criticised him for a dive earlier this season.

Second-placed Chelsea host West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool, in third, play struggling Fulham at Anfield on Saturday.

On Sunday, fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur welcome a Newcastle United side buoyed by a 2-0 win over Chelsea.

Jose Mourinho lambasted his players for last weekend's Newcastle defeat but a 3-0 Champions League win over Schalke 04 cheered his mood, with Samuel Eto'o scoring twice as he looks to replace the injured Fernando Torres domestically.

Everton and Manchester City have trips to lowly Crystal Palace and Sunderland on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Swansea City host Stoke City on Sunday.

High-flying Southampton entertain Hull City on Saturday having conceded two rare goals in Wednesday's 2-1 Capital One Cup defeat and Aston Villa host Cardiff City.

Under pressure Norwich City boss Chris Hughton seeks a quick recovery against West Ham United in Saturday's late game having shipped seven goals at Manchester City last weekend.

Michu out for 'up to four weeks'

Swansea City forward Michu could be out of action for four weeks after injuring his ankle during the 1-0 defeat by Cardiff City, manager Michael Laudrup revealed on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, Swansea's top scorer last season in his first campaign at the club, had to be substituted in the 65th minute of Sunday's oss at Cardiff in the Premier League.

He had already been ruled out of Swansea's Europa League tie with Kuban Krasnodar on Thursday but, speaking ahead of the game in Russia, Laudrup said that the injury was more serious than he had feared.

"Michu, our top scorer last season, has been struggling for a few weeks and is not 100 percent and unfortunately he is out again for maybe three to four weeks," Michu told a press conference, in comments reported in the British media.

Laudrup said that Michu, who made his international debut for Spain last month, would use the enforced break to get treatment on some longstanding knee problems.

"When I say he has not been at his best, it is because he has been struggling with both his knees for many weeks, but he wanted to play anyway and he is one of our most important players," said the Dane.

"So with this ankle injury, hopefully he can get both his knees sorted as well. He will be away in Spain for a few days for some injections.

AVB defends Tottenham medics

Andre Villas-Boas has defended Tottenham Hotspur's medical staff after goalkeeper Hugo Lloris was given the all-clear to resume playing despite losing consciousness against Everton on Sunday.

Lloris, who returned to training on Wednesday, collided with Everton's Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku in the latter stages of the Premier League stalemate and played on after pitchside medical checks.

The former Olympique Lyon keeper is expected to play for Tottenham against Sheriff Tiraspol in the Europa League on Thursday.

"I stand absolutely by the decision I took and I stand by the decision that the medical department took following the checks they made on the player, all according to the book," Villas-Boas told a news conference on Wednesday.

"I stand by the decision that gave us the green light for the player to continue."

The former Chelsea boss added that club doctor Shabaaz Mughal and physio Geoff Scott had helped to save the life of Bolton Wanderers player Fabrice Muamba when he suffered a cardiac arrest at White Hart Lane in March 2012.

"Two people in the medical department that two years ago saved the life of a footballer on the pitch have been completely forgotten, poorly treated, badly respected by lots of opinion makers," he said.

Villas-Boas, who managed Lukaku when he was in charge at Stamford Bridge, questioned whether the striker could have done more to avoid hurting Lloris.

"I want to believe that Lukaku's leg was not left to clash into Hugo's head," he said.

"I find it remarkable that nobody has dedicated themselves to find out if the player could have avoided the goalkeeper and I'm disappointed that Lukaku hasn't contacted Hugo.

"I don't want to question Lukaku. He's a young player and is wonderfully gifted but I think he could have jumped over Lloris.

AVB sticks to his guns on Lloris

Tottenham Hotspur manager Andre Villas-Boas on Wednesday said that he had no regrets about allowing goalkeeper Hugo Lloris to continue playing after he was briefly knocked unconscious during a game.

The France international, 26, momentarily lost consciousness following a collision with Everton striker Romelu Lukaku towards the end of Sunday's 0-0 Premier League draw at Goodison Park, but he insisted on playing on.

Spurs' decision not to substitute him was criticised by Britain's Professional Footballers' Association and the chief medical officer of world governing body FIFA, both of whom voiced fears about the risk of concussion.

However, Villas-Boas said he felt that Lloris's safety was not at risk and expressed anger that his medical staff, who had helped to save the life of former Bolton Wanderers midfielder Fabrice Muamba after he collapsed at White Hart Lane two years ago, had been called into question.

"I stand absolutely by the decision I took and I stand by the decision that the medical department took following the checks that they made on the player," Villas-Boas said during an occasionally ill-tempered press conference.

"All the checks were according to the book. I have registered the fact that a couple of people have taken this opportunity to find the chance to get themselves publicised who have no experience in the pitch whatever in these type of situations.

"And I find it extremely disappointing that two people -- a great doctor and a great physio, who saved the life of Muamba -- were heavily put into question by lots of incompetent people, with absolutely no experience on the pitch, no experience in the action, no experience in the moment.

"That is extremely serious and disappointing."

The incident occurred after Lloris slid out to claim a ball in front of Lukaku, whose left knee caught the Frenchman on the head.

Lukaku was subsequently booked and Villas-Boas said on Wednesday that the Belgian striker could have done more to avoid a collision.

"I don't want to question Lukaku because he is a good young player," said the Spurs coach. "But I think he could have jumped over Hugo."

Lloris was given the all-clear after a precautionary CT scan on Sunday and trained normally with his team-mates on Wednesday morning.

However, Villas-Boas says he has not yet decided whether to start with Lloris or his deputy, Brad Friedel, in Spurs' Europa League game at home to Moldovan club Sheriff Tiraspol on Thursday

Madam Nwakali tips Eaglets

The mother of Golden Eaglets defender, Chidiebere Nwakali, is confident that her son and his teammates will win the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the UAE.

Nigeria's Golden Eaglets will go head-to-head against their Mexican counterparts, El Tri, in the final of the tournament in Abu Dhabi this Friday.

Madam Francisca Nwakali, who hails from Eziokele and Eziobodo Autonomous Communities in Owerri West, has now backed her son and his Nigerian teammates to go ahead and win a fourth title.

"There is nothing that is impossible before the Almighty God. They have come this far and they will conquer by His grace. I am confident that my son will do well (against Mexico) and Nigeria will win the trophy by the grace of God," said Francisca Nwakali, who is a trader.

She was also full of joy that her son has finally lived up to his dream of becoming a footballer.

"I am joyful and happy that Chidiebere's dream has come true. I have watched all of his matches for Nigeria and I am happy with my son. Now I'm praying that they will win this (next) match (against Mexico)," she said.

"He has been playing football all the time. Now I'm watching him play on TV (at the big stage). I'm so happy this is happening."

Nwakali started out as a football apprentice with unknown Jah-Rule Football Academy in Owerri but is now with Shuttle Spots Academy.

The 16-year-old defender, who has played mostly in midfield for Nigeria's under-17s at the tournament, has scored two goals so far in the UAE.

Big guns set for monster rematch

The Golden Eaglets as Nigeria’s U17 national team are affectionately known, look set to soar back to the continent with their fourth and Africa’s sixth U17 World Cup title.

The 2013 edition of the U17 World Cup concludes on Friday and the Eaglets are in the showpiece match against defending champions Mexico, a side they ruthlessly picked off, 6-1 in the group stages.

The World Cup finale, including the 3rd/4th playoff match is live on SuperSport 3 and 3HD from (2.45pm CAT).

SuperSport analyst, Victor Ikpeba who played for the Eaglets in the 1989 edition of the tournament, is brimming with pride in the boys’ achievements and believes that the future is bright for Nigeria in international football.

“We’re proud of the Golden Eaglets. Their performance shows the coaches have done a great job. I’m confident of victory.”

“This tournament has unearthed future international stars in Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Ihenacho, Dele Alampasu, Musa Mohammed, Chidiebere Nwakali and Chidera Ezeh,” he added.

Ikpeba is in the UAE as a member of the Eaglets technical committee.

Broadcast Details:

Friday, November 8

Sweden vs. Argentina

SS3HD, SS3, Select 2 (2.45pm CAT)

Mexico v Nigeria

SS3HD, SS3, Select 2 (5.40pm CAT)

Yusuf pleased with Eaglets progress

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) board member, Ahmed Yusuf, has expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Golden Eaglets at the Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Yusuf, who is head of the NFF’s Youth Development Committee and member of Caf’s Technical and Development Committee, expressed confidence that the youngsters will excel in Friday’s final against Mexico.

“The coaches have worked hard to showcase young talents and it’s good to see how the team has progressed to the final,” Yusuf told supersport.com.

Yusuf reiterated NFF’s commitment to the development of youth football in the country.

“NFF’s decision to focus on the Under-13 and Under-15 teams is another way to ensure the development of players for the Golden Eaglets.

“We have a large pool of players who can graduate to the Under-17 team again,” Yusuf said to supersport.com.