De Sa rues missed chances

Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa vowed that his team would be back in the African Champions League after being beaten 2-0 in the final of the competition by Egyptian club Al Ahly.

The home side won the trophy an unprecedented eighth time 3-1 on aggregate after holding Pirates to a 1-1 draw in Johannesburg in the first leg of the final.

"I think we lost in Johannesburg with the 1-1. From there it was always going to be difficult, we knew that," De Sa said.

"But I think we tried to play good football and create chances and I think we achieved that. But we failed to score and if you don't score you will never win."

De Sa said the difference between the two sides on the night was Al Ahly's clinical finishing.

"Al Ahly have one chance and they score. They are very clinical.

The coach said the result would be difficult to get over.

"They did a fantastic job and are deserved champions. They have a lot of experience and pedigree and it showed.
"But still, I am very disappointed, especially as we believed that it could be done. If you see the chances we created and if we had taken them, it could be a different story."
In the meetings between two the sides, De Sa believed Pirates were the better team.
"I think we showed superior skills in the four matches we played against Al Ahly and I am happy with the way we carried ourselves.
"If you had said to me at the beginning of the season that we would be the second-best team in Africa, I would have taken that."
He was confident Pirates would be back in the competition in the near future.
"We have a lot of talented youngsters in the side and they have a great future.
"I am sure if they manage to qualify for the Champions League they will approach it with the same tenacity and effort."
The capacity 35 000 crowd in the Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo, had been intimidating for the players, he said.
Egyptian rulers had banned Al Ahly from playing in their home stadium, fearing violence, but unlike their other Champions League matches, they allowed the match to be played in Cairo in front of their fans.
"Al Ahly did a great job to have that support.
"The only irritating thing were the lasers that were flashed throughout the match. A team like Al Ahly do not need that extra help.
"Apart from that, the crowd was fantastic. That is something we need to do more in South Africa – getting the crowd behind us like that.

Ronaldo nets hat-trick in Real rout of Sociedad

Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid rattled in four goals before halftime in a 5-1 La Liga rout of Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu on Saturday.

The prolific Portugal forward took his season's tally to 16 goals from 13 games in La Liga, adding to his top scorer status in the Champions League where he has eight from four matches.

One of the favourites for the Fifa World Player of the Year award, to be announced in January, Ronaldo has now scored 28 goals in 20 games for club and country this term.

"Ronaldo has a level from another world," Real coach Carlo Ancelotti told a news conference. "He makes scoring look so incredibly easy. It's difficult to find words to describe him."

Karim Benzema and Sami Khedira also scored as Real climbed to 31 points in third place, two behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, who visit promoted Villarreal on Sunday.

Unbeaten La Liga leaders Barcelona have 34 points and visit struggling Real Betis in Sunday's late game.

Ancelotti appears to have settled on a striking trio of Gareth Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, a frontline dubbed 'The BBC' in the local media, and their devastating pace tore apart the Basque visitors in the first half.

"We played a great game, especially in the first half," Ronaldo told broadcaster Canal Plus.

"I am very pleased because everything is going well. The team is starting to find a style of play and we are achieving our objectives."

Asked about his chances of winning a second Ballon d'Or to add to the one he lifted in 2008, Ronaldo said: "I do my talking on the pitch.

RONALDO OPENER

Ronaldo had already struck the crossbar when he notched the opener in the 12th minute.
A floated cross from Benzema found him unmarked at the back post, and the Portuguese forward netted from a tight angle.
Ronaldo returned the favour soon after, crossing low for the Frenchman to sidefoot home the second in the 18th. He then won a penalty for the third goal when Sociedad's Markel Bergara inadvertently handled as he slid in for a tackle in the area.
The spot kick was converted as, for the fourth game in a row against Sociedad at the Bernabeu, Ronaldo netted a double.
Bale, who missed two good chances, then laid on the fourth for Khedira in the 36th minute with a first-time pass.
French winger Antoine Griezmann pulled one back for the visitors with a neat lob in the 61st but, as Real's backline creaked, Ronaldo added a fifth to end any thoughts of the sort of defensive meltdown that has marred their recent league games.
The Portuguese curled a freekick over the wall past a stationary Claudio Bravo in the 76th and then missed a sitter in the closing stages as he sidefooted wide with only the keeper to beat.
Sociedad, who had taken 10 points from their previous four La Liga games and held Manchester United to a 0-0 draw in the Champions League during the week, are seventh with 17 points.
Getafe are in fifth spot with 20 points after being held 1-1 at home by promoted Elche, Richmond Boakye cancelling out Pedro Leon's first-half strike for the hosts.

Ronaldo out of this world - Ancelotti

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti described Cristiano Ronaldo as an out of this world talent after the Portuguese scored his third hat-trick of the season in Saturday's 5-1 win over Real Sociedad.

Ronaldo's treble took his tally to 24 goals in just 17 games this season as Real moved to within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona with the Catalans not in action until Sunday.

"He has a level from another world. He scores with an incredible ease and it is difficult to find words for him," said Ancelotti.

Ronaldo fired the hosts into the lead from Karim Benzema's pass before roles were reversed as the Portuguese squared for the Frenchman to slot home.

The former Manchester United man then dispatched a penalty past Claudio Bravo for his second of the afternoon before Gareth Bale provided his fifth assist in four games for Sami Khedira to smash home a fourth before halftime.

Antoine Griezmann then reduced the deficit for Sociedad after the break, but Ronaldo had the final word as he curled home a wicked free-kick 14 minutes from time to seal his hat-trick.

Ancelotti was delighted with what he saw as arguably the best 45 minutes his side have produced since he took over in July.
"I think that the first-half was perfect. We played very well, with pace, efficiency in front of goal, sometimes we played long, sometimes short, but it all worked well," said the Italian.
"In the second-half the tempo was slower, but that is normal when you are 4-0 up. We had a few more defensive problems, but overall the defence was also very good."
Victory was Madrid's third in four games since Xabi Alonso returned from injury and Ancelotti was also keen to laud the contribution of the Spanish international to the overall balance of the side alongside Luka Modric and Khedira in midfield.
"All three central midfielders played very well today. They complement each other and helped the team.
"I have said many times that Alonso has the experience and the quality to make us play how we want. It is obvious that he is a very, very important player.

Messi to have tests on his injury

Argentina's Lionel Messi picked up a hamstring injury and Spain's Cesc Fabregas a knee complaint in Barcelona's 4-1 La Liga win at Real Betis on Sunday.

World Player of the Year Messi called for a substitution in the first half after tumbling in a challenge, and was replaced by Andres Iniesta in the 21st minute.

Messi has damaged the hamstring in his left leg and will undergo further tests on Monday, the champions said in a statement on their official Twitter feed.

"Messi's injury isn't in the same leg as in the previous cases," Barca coach Gerardo Martino told a news conference.

"We need to let the medics look at it for a proper analysis.

The Argentina international has suffered a string of muscle problems at the start of this campaign and has struggled to reach his best form to date.

He has been called up by Argentina for international friendlies against Ecuador and Bosnia in the United States over the next two weeks.
Fabregas, who set up the opener for Neymar and scored twice in the second half, was substituted late on and is to have tests on a sore ligament in his right knee, the club said.
"I had a problem with it during the week and it felt sore as the game went on," Fabregas told Spanish broadcaster Canal Plus.
"I preferred to be cautious because I suffered a serious knee injury a few years ago."
The former Arsenal captain has also been called up for international duty with world and European champions Spain for friendlies away to Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

Barcelona get over Messi injury

A Cesc Fabregas double helped Barcelona maintain their unbeaten start to the season with a 4-1 win at bottom side Real Betis to move three points clear in La Liga on Sunday although they lost Lionel Messi to injury.

Barca now have 37 points from 13 games ahead of second-placed Atletico Madrid, who were denied a couple of hours on the summit when Juanfran put the ball into his own net late on in a 1-1 draw at Villarreal, who also scored an own goal.

Barcelona midfielder Fabregas struck twice in the second half after quickfire goals from Neymar and Pedro in the 35th and 37th minutes had settled the champions, who required three top class saves from Victor Valdes before they took control.

Messi had been replaced by Andres Iniesta after 21 minutes as the World Player of the Year called for a change with a hamstring injury before Fabregas squared for Brazil forward Neymar to sidefoot the opener into an empty net.

Pedro's goal two minutes later was outstanding as the Spain forward burst forward from his own half, raced into the area and curled a shot inside the far post.

SUBLIME PASS

Betis struck the post early in the second half, but a sublime pass from Iniesta saw Marc Montoya set up Fabregas to score a third after 63 minutes and the former Arsenal captain then headed a fourth goal in off the post in the 79th.
A Betis penalty at the end from Jorge Molina was little more than a consolation.
"These games are important for me to be able to prove myself," Fabregas, who is to have tests on a sore knee ligament, told Spanish broadcaster Canal Plus.
"I had a good game against Celta Vigo and then was out of the team for the best part of two games and this upsets you. I want to make sure it doesn't happen again."
Diego Simeone's Atletico side were on course for a victory after a Villarreal own-goal in the second minute.
Juanfran's cross forced Mario to head into his own net under pressure from Koke, and the visitors then put in a typically abrasive performance in an intense tussle.
Villarreal were finally rewarded for their endeavour when Jeremy Perbet got to the line and crossed to the near post where striker Ike Uche slid in with Juanfran, and the Atletico defender poked the ball over the line in the 79th.
"It's an important point against a direct rival," Simeone told a news conference.
"The players are playing a lot of games in succession and perhaps it showed at times. I congratulate them. They are putting in a huge effort."
Real Madrid sit third with 31 points after Cristiano Ronaldo scored a hat-trick in their 5-1 home rout of Real Sociedad on Saturday. Promoted Villarreal are fourth with 24.


MESTALLA WHISTLES

There were whistles at the Mestalla where Miroslav Djukic's Valencia had to come from behind to draw 2-2 against his former club Real Valladolid with a 75th-minute strike from substitute Sofiane Feghouli.
The hosts got off to a woeful start, Ever Banega hoofing a penalty over the bar after only five minutes, and they then conceded a ninth-minute Javi Guerra header.
Colombia striker Dorlan Pabon's long-range effort put Valencia level in the 29th, and after Valladolid notched a second through Gilberto Garcia just after the restart, Feghouli rescued a point for Djukic's inconsistent side.
Sevilla ended a run of 22 consecutive away games without a win in La Liga when they triumphed 3-1 at Espanyol.
The Andalusians last won on the road in the league in September 2012, beating Deportivo La Coruna 2-0, and coach Unai Emery was feeling the heat after five games without a win in all competitions.
Quick goals from Federico Fazio and Vitolo gave Sevilla the advantage and Carlos Bacca made sure of the points with an impressive third in the 58th minute, running from the halfway line to fire home.

Berisha seals Swedish bronze

Sweden beat Argentina 4-1 at the Mohammad Bin Zayed Stadium in Friday’s match for third place at the Fifa U-17 World Cup in UAE.

The Scandinavians were the better side from the opening whistle, Valmir Berisha again proving one of the top strikers at these finals with a three-goal day. It brings his total haul to seven goals in seven games - enough for the top-scorer award - as Sweden finish their first junior world finals with bronze.

Sweden were out in front early in the consolation under-card. Almost inevitably, it was Berisha – the Scandinavians’ goal machine here in UAE – who opened the scoring. Mirza Halvadzic kept the ball alive at the edge of the area before Carlos Strandberg, making his first start in UAE, chipped a clever ball over the top for the lurking Berisha to score his fifth of the tournament.

The South Americans had little to offer as the half wore on, and the Swedes were in the mood to grab a place on the podium. Gustav Engvall did well to win the ball at the edge of the Argentina box and cross low from the right, where Strandberg turned from provider to scorer with a perfect side-volley finish.

They kept up the tempo too, and four minutes later it was 3-0. Berisha was on the spot again after Engvall dribbled 40 yards and hit the ball off the top of the upright. Like a true predator, the prolific No 9 finished off from near the penalty spot.

A handful of half-chances here and there were prelude to Argentina’s first goal, which came in the last minute of the opening period. Rodrigo Moreira flicked a header on from Johan Ramhorn’s poor clearance and Lucio Compagnucci was on hand to hit home from close range to make it 3-1.

Unable to keep the momentum going, the Argentines - missing several key starters to suspension - faded again in the second half. A pinpoint cross from the right by Elias Andersson in the 57th minute was met by an unmarked Berisha, who headed home his hat-trick with total precision.

His seventh goal of the finals was the last contribution he would make as he injured himself while scoring and had to limp off the pitch.

The game lost its pace after the fourth goal, with Argentina out of ideas and Sweden happy enough to keep the ball and absorb pressure.

When the final whistle sounded, the Scandinavians – who’ve lit up the tournament with their football – celebrated what can only be called a wildly successful debut on the U-17 world scene.

Garba praises his birds

Head coach of the Nigeria team, Manu Garba believes his charges are deserved champions of the 2013 Fifa Under-17 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates following Friday’s 3-0 win over Mexico.

The Golden Eaglets dethroned the Mexicans in the most emphatic fashion at the Mohammed Bin Zayed Stadium thanks to goals from Kelechi Iheanacho, Musa Mohammed and an own goal by Erick Aguirre.

Garba has now taken the time to assess his side’s display at the tournament and stressed that no team deserved the title more than the Nigeria Under-17 side.

“We deserved to win (the title). We were the most consistent team and we scored the highest number of goals in the tournament,” he said.

It’s unclear what will happen to the victorious Golden Eaglets squad with fans suggesting that the core be kept together and promoted to the Under-20s along with the coach and his backroom staff but Garba will leave that decision in the hands of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

“It’s not for me to say if the team should be kept together. That’s for the NFF to decide,” he added philosophically.

Friday’s victory against the Mexicans confirms Nigeria’s position as the most successful team in the history of the Under-17 World Cup.