Can D'Artagnan club upset royalty?

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(CNN) -- "We are like one grain of sand against a whole beach." Eibar fan Unai Eraso.

SD Eibar has already climbed one mountain this summer in being admitted to Spain's top football tier, but its next task is even more daunting -- trying to compete in the same division as European champion Real Madrid.

Not only can Real lavish a sum four times Eibar's annual budget on just one player, its Bernabeu stadium could hold the entire population of the tiny Basque town and still have 58,454 seats empty.

Read: The 'miracle of Eibar'

Eibar will be the smallest team ever to compete in La Liga and had to raise $2.3 million in capital just to take its place at the top table of Spanish football.

Its president Alex Aranzaba believes the greatest achievement in Eibar's history would be to survive on such an uneven playing field.

"There are several reasons why Real Madrid and Barcelona are so far ahead in terms of finance," Aranzabal told CNN.

"Both clubs have many connections around the world and don't earn money by just selling tickets -- they have big merchandising campaign.

"There's also the huge television deals which they both have. It's impossible to compete with them, not just for Eibar which is the smallest team, but even for bigger clubs like Sevilla, Valencia and Athletic Bilbao.

That Eibar will go head-to-head with the likes of Real Madird and Barca l is something of a sporting miracle.

After gaining promotion to Spain's second tier, the club promptly won the title for the first in its history.

But a debut season rubbing shoulders with the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid and champions Atletico was immediately under threat, due to a 1999 law passed down by the Spanish authorities.

It insists each team must have a capital equal to 25% of the average expenses of all sides in the second division, excluding the two clubs with the biggest outgoings and the two with the smallest.

The law is designed to ensure all clubs can attend to its debts, despite La Liga's leading lights -- Real Madrid and Barca -- being in the red to an estimated combined total close to 1 billion ($1.36 billion).

Eibar, on the other hand, are self-sustaining and completely debt free; even La Liga's president has referred to them as a "model club."

And yet, failure to raise the required 1.7 million ($2.3 million) would result in demotion back to the obscurity of Spain's third tier.

But football loves an underdog and when Eibar threw themselves at the mercy of fans by launching a share issue scheme, thousands stepped forward to help.

The cash was raised a full three weeks before Eibar's deadline, leaving Aranzabal and others at the club dumbfounded at the pledges of support.

"For a small city and a small club to receive such support from across the world is something that makes me very proud -- it feels like we're part of a family," said Aranzabal.

"At the beginning there were some doubts we'd raise the money, but later we realized we had a story to tell and that we could reach our target with hard work.

"Around 36% of our shareholders are from Eibar but because of the online marketing campaign we have shareholders from 50 different countries across the world.

"We had people buying shares from the United Kingdom, China, Japan, Germany, France, Mexico, Colombia. We had people coming to us from all over Asia and across the world.

"It really has been incredible."

With the financial hurdles overcome, Eibar's fans can now dream of the footballing treats that lie ahead.

Barcelona and Real Madrid will visit Eibar's titchy Ipurua stadium (capacity 5,900) in due course, but first up are neighbors Real Sociedad for a Basque derby on Sunday.

"This club was founded in 1940 after the troubles of the Civil War," added Aranzabal, referring to the conflict that tore Spain apart.

"This is the first time in 74 years and this is a dream. Now we have to maintain the dream in La Liga. We're sure that we're going to be competitive and fight until the last minute of the season to avoid relegation.

"This club is used to facing challenges."

Unai Eraso has been a supporters of Eibar all his life and is in no doubt the last year qualifies as a bona fide sporting miracle.

"You can't even compare Eibar with Barcelona or Real Madrid," said Eraso. "The population of Eibar is 27,000 people, against Real Madrid in a city of more than 3.5 million people.

"Everyone is bigger in terms of budget, population, stadium, players but our story is going to be a good one for football as a whole.

"It will be tough on the pitch but I'm really confident because we have no pressure on us. This year is a like a present to all the supporters of Eibar.

"Nobody's going to whistle or shout against the team or the players. We are Eibar -- we know who we are."

Like Aranzabal, Eraso believes Spanish football needs to redistribute its wealth better.

Though Eibar raised the cash it needed to lift its head above the financial bar imposed by the league, it's still dwarfed by almost all its fellow La Liga clubs.

Eibar's budget for the season is around the same as Barcelona star Lionel Messi will earn in wages over the same period.

That's partly because Spanish clubs are allowed to sell its television rights independently, meaning the likes of Real Madrid and Barcelona could command four times the amount that Eibar can muster.

"It is not fair at all," Eraso said. "Not only in how the TV money is shared among the teams but also the huge amount of money some clubs owe. Eibar has no debt at all.

"These guys are free to buy a lot of players with the money they get from TV and it makes for a paralyzed league where the top two or three teams have 80% of the resources and the rest have peanuts.

"In Spain it is a nonsense to say someone outside of Real Madrid, Atletico or Barcelona will win the league. There is no fourth candidate."

Eibar isn't concerned with the title race though -- its battle is to finish fourth from bottom and avoid relegation.

Eraso is convinced they can do it, if they harness the intimidating surrounds of Ipurua, and call on the famed togetherness in the town.

"The spirit is the most important thing that will help us overcome all the challenges we will have this year," he said.

"We have overcome a lot of crises in the town and reinvented ourselves. We now have to adapt to what is coming this year.

"We're going to have the lowest budget with no big names in our team but we will make it with the players and all of us pushing in the same direction -- this is in our spirit."

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Fairytale or unfair nightmare?

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(CNN) -- There is only one fairytale story in Spanish soccer this season, but will it have a happy ending?

Forget Atletico Madrid's first league title for 18 years, disregard its city neighbor Real concluding an exhaustive wait for "La Decima" -- a 10th European Champions League crown.

Because this season is all about the "Miracle of Eibar."

The Basque town has a population of just 27,000 and the club a budget dwarfed by almost all its rivals, yet back-to-back promotions have banked Eibar a place in the big time.

Having already guaranteed a top-tier place, Eibar also claimed the Spanish second division title after second-placed Deportivo La Coruna lost 3-1 at Girona on Saturday.

For the first time in its 74-year history Eibar will compete in La Liga next season, rubbing shoulders with Real Madrid and Barcelona as well as local rivals Real Sociedad and Athletic Bilbao.

"I don't know if miracles exist but this is something close to a miracle," Alex Aranzabal, club president since 2009, told CNN.

However, amid all the emotion and reverence there is a bitter tinge, because like every famous fairytale fable, the threat of tragedy lurks in the background.

Despite being self-sustaining and completely free of debt -- unlike a host of other Spanish clubs -- Eibar could actually be relegated to the third tier of Spanish football.

A 1999 decree requires every team to have a capital equal to 25% of the average expenses of all sides in the second division, excluding the two clubs with the biggest outgoings and the two with the smallest.

That has hoisted the financial bar way above the head of Eibar, which has responded by launching a share issue to raise the 1.7 million ($2.3 million) needed to take a place at Spain's top table.

Unsurprisingly, Aranzabal is unimpressed.

While he runs an admittedly small but undoubtedly tight ship, the estimated combined debts of Real Madrid and Barcelona amount to not far off 1 billion ($1.36 billion).

"Even though we have a small budget, we have a different economic model to other clubs in Spain," Aranzabal told CNN. "We have less expenses, fewer outgoings and we always have a small deficit.

"This is something really strange in Spain because almost every team has huge debt, but in our case we have no debt.

"We think it is really unfair because the law was established to assure that all those clubs with a lot of debt had a minimum capital value to attend to all their debts.

"In our case we don't have any debt."

'Special model'

The club's story has struck a chord with football-loving people the world over, and support has been flooding in for its "Defend Eibar" campaign.

Over 1.25 million ($1.7 million) has already been raised, the club's tentacles spreading far and wide thanks to pledges from China, Australia, Argentina, England, Ireland and many more countries.

Crucially, no investor can purchase more than 100,000 worth of shares, ensuring Eibar's principles are kept intact.

"We want the team to remain for the people -- this is one of the ideas of our special model," Aranzabal explains.

"We very much appreciate all the help we have had -- it has been surprising for us, a small club in a small town in the Basque mountains.

"We have discovered that we have a story to tell and that people want hear stories like this, that we are fighting against this rule and we have achieved something big.

"I hope we will get the money but we have to keep going -- if we relax it is the shortest way to failure. It will be difficult but we will get it."

Humility and hard work

The question of finance festering in the background has done little to dilute the delirium among Eibar supporters, which pretty much counts as every single inhabitant of the town.

Since being formed in 1940 in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, the club has never won a major trophy and only flirted with promotion to La Liga once, in the 2004-05 campaign.

A teenage David Silva, now a star for the world champion Spanish national side and English Premier League winner Manchester City, was among its ranks then, as was Gaizka Garitano, the club's current manager.

He has led the "Armeros" to successive promotions, sticking steadfastly to a culture and identity that has long pervaded the club -- one that embodies the spirit of the tiny town that is equidistant from Bilbao and San Sebastian.

Now, should it match or better the result of rival Deportivo La Coruna on the final day of this season, Eibar will be confirmed as Segunda champion.

"The secret to their success has been humility, hard work and above everything the spirit of the team," says Unai Eraso, an Eibar native who attended his first match at the age of four.

"No-one is above any other. This is indicative of Eibar's culture. The older players teach the younger players how to behave, how to work, how to be a team player.

"These young guys when they become older, they will do the same. It is a culture that is passed down from generation to generation.

"This year is a like a dream. Under no circumstances did we imagine of getting to La Liga. This is a real miracle."

'All for one, one for all'

Mikel Madinabeitia, a journalist with El Diario Vasco, is similarly gushing about the class of 2013-14 and their achievements.

"This is football and it is a dream machine. Football is the only sport that allows such things, it would be impossible in basketball or athletics," he told CNN.

"It's a typical rags to riches story. I wrote in my newspaper Eibar has been the D'Artagnan of the second division, with that famous catchphrase 'All for one and one for all.'

"There are no celebrities in this team, no millionaires. Jota Peleteiro is like the artist of the group, similar to David Silva, who played at Eibar. He's so creative."

Promotion may have brought unconfined joy to Eibar, but aside from the financial conundrum, it has also thrown up a different web of problems.

Such is Eibar's size and budget, that a summer overhaul is needed if it is to have a chance of holding its own against the best 19 teams in Spain.

"It will be so difficult next season because the competition is so different," Madinabeitia said.

"Eibar will be the smallest town in the history of La Liga, with the smallest budget. They will have to change 50% of the team. They have a difficult summer ahead.

"Real Madrid and Barcelona play in another dimension and there are another set of clubs who play for Europe. If they avoid relegation it will be the most important achievement of Eibar."

Welcoming the superstars

But that is for another day. Now it is all about raising the money and daring to dream about life in La Liga alongside the soccer elite.

"The first day of the season will be very emotional. A day to talk about for all the days of your life," Madinabeitia said.

"It will be the happiest day of the season when Barcelona come to Ipurua, a historic day.

"Real Madrid played here in the cup some years ago, but not Barcelona. You can imagine the emotion of watching Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at Ipurua."

Aranzabal has barely had time to revel in the club's achievements, being swamped with media requests from around the world as well as spearheading the "Defend Eibar" campaign.

But the president is determined this historic opportunity won't see a shift in his club's philosophy.

"We won't go crazy wasting a lot of money on getting very expensive players," Aranzabal said. "We want to maintain our team philosophy and do things as we have been doing all these years.

"We will try to adapt to the new situation but without getting crazy. We want to stick to our guns and be true to our history."

Thanks to the record-breaking achievements of their players, it is a history that is becoming far more widely known.

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The World Cup for outsiders

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(CNN) -- Ahead of the biggest game of his life, Mahamat "Iggy" Ignegui has mastered the diplomatic language, if not his nerves.

"I am completely focused on the first match. We have to do it, we cannot lose," the Sudanese midfielder tells CNN before boarding a plane from Chad's Ndjamena airport that will continue his remarkable journey to the World Cup.

This showpiece event will not feature Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, or any of the other household football names that will light up Brazil this summer.

Instead, teams such as South Ossetia, Iraqi Kurdistan and Tamil Sri Lanka will do battle for the Nelson Mandela trophy in Sweden. This is a tournament for the stateless, the marginalized and unrecognized by FIFA -- the ConIFA World Cup.

No team has traveled further or struggled harder to make it to Ostersund than Darfur United. The squad is entirely made up of refugees from the conflict that claimed over 200,000 lives, now living in the neglected camps of East Chad.

Eleven years on from the conflict, foreign aid and interest has dried up, with rations cut in half and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reporting over 50% prevalence of chronic malnutrition in the camps.

"Life in the camps is better than Sudan now," says Ignegui, recalling that in his village even the sheep were killed and every house was destroyed.

"But they destroy youth. We need to improve our skills and go to university. But there are no good schools or hospitals, nothing to do. We need to get out."

Football is providing that release.

In Istanbul. It has not been easy, but oh so worth it! pic.twitter.com/sQDFwzOpBu

The camps had always played the game, with cloth balls in the scorching heat, but with the support of U.S.-based humanitarian group i-ACT, a new team was formed in 2012.

Thousands of hopefuls from 12 camps participated in tryouts, many traveling for days at their own expense. This was whittled down to a squad of 16 players, who traveled to Iraq for the 2012 Viva World Cup just months after forming, and played their first match in a 15-0 defeat to Northern Cyprus, before Moubarak Haggar Dougom scored their first goal in a 5-1 loss to Western Sahara.

Ignegui admits that team-building was a challenge at first.

"We were from five different tribes, all with their own language, so nobody understood each other and everybody was fighting," the 25-year-old says.

"But after 10 days of training together we changed our behavior to respect each other, and became like brothers."

That spirit gave rise to their name. While the children of the camps wear the shirts of Real Madrid and Barcelona, Darfur United borrowed its badge from Manchester.

Two years on, the team has benefited from regular training under professional coach Mark Hodson. Participation has grown, with 900 girls and boys playing at the new Soccer Academy in Djabal Camp, and several more are planned, while a women's team will be launched next year.

But despite such development, the team's attendance in Ostersund was always in the balance.

"Everything came down to the wire," says Katie-Jay Scott Stauring, i-ACT's director of operations and community involvement.

"We had a 72-hour fundraising drive to raise $1,850 per player and coach. We made it in time with six minutes to the deadline to pay for the team's airline tickets."

The stress did not stop there, with delays for visas again threatening their participation, as well as diplomatic complications between embassies, before the team was finally allowed to travel.

That Darfur United's players will be lining up in Sweden is a reflection of the international goodwill and support behind them. From the volunteer coaches and assistants, to donations received from football fans around the world.

NBA basketball star Tracy McGrady contributed the team's kits, and a printing house supplied the logos free of charge, while Turkish Airlines bent its rules for travel requirements.

"We are now brothers." Ismail, new DU player from camp Touloum, about teammates coming from different camps/tribes. pic.twitter.com/AeFiCCWt6b

The team will have a difficult assignment in Sunday's opening match against tournament favorite Padania, of the Po' Valley region in northern Italy. While the area was associated with the far-right Lega Nord party, the team now promotes an inclusive message, represented by star player Enock Barwuah -- brother of Italy international Mario Balotelli, who will line up at Brazil 2014.

"It's the first time I play for Padania and I said yes straight away," says Barwuah.

"I was born here, and lived here, so I feel a connection. It's a great experience to play with teams from around the world."

Barwuah admits he knows little about his first opponents, but is keen to learn more.

There are two main purposes to the tournament, says ConIFA president and former referee Per Anders Blind.

"We work to support ethnicities and isolated regions, and also to educate the world about them, to know they exist and who they are. To show their culture, heritage and traditions."

This is the largest tournament to date for stateless peoples -- replacing the poorly organized Viva events -- with a record 12 teams, and Blind sees limitless potential.

"There are 5,500 ethnicities and regions that cannot play. FIFA have 209 members and we can easily double that," he says.

"ConIFA is only 10 months old and members say we have accomplished more than Viva did in 10 years. Sponsors realize we are opening up a whole new market. There are 40 million Kurdish people without a state, for example."

The knockout rounds are expected to sell out in the admittedly modest 6,000-capacity stadiums, and there is evidence of growing public interest in the outposts of football, away from the traditional powerhouses of the game.

We did it! We raised the funds needed to purchase airplane tkts to Sweden! Watch out world, here comes @DarfurUnited! GoDU! WEdidit

The story of American Samoa, the world's worst international team, has generated a hit book and film.

"There are so many teams who fall outside the FIFA framework and it's very valuable to give them recognition," says Paul Watson, an English football journalist who managed Pacific Island Pohnpei, and now Mongolia.

"The ConIFA competition will give a lot of people a chance to express their identity through football and that's a very valuable thing."

For Ignegui, it is priceless.

"Football has bought joy to a group that has not had good news in a long time. People in our camps are so proud and happy with this team when they see us representing them in the tournament," he says.

"It has made a lot of difference to our lives. After 11 years in our small tents, something like this seemed impossible, just a dream."

Although Darfur United's players are desperate to bring the trophy home, perhaps their most important battle has already been won.

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Via: The World Cup for outsiders

Has Barcelona lost its soul?

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Barcelona, Spain (CNN) -- In Madrid and Barcelona, they will be talking about this for many years to come.

Of all the ways to break Barca's monopoly on Spanish league titles, going to the home of the champions and robbing them of their crown in their own backyard takes some beating.

In the Catalan heartland Saturday, unfashionable Atletico Madrid produced a storybook ending to one of the most enthralling seasons Spanish football -- or indeed any European league -- has ever produced.

But as Atleti celebrated, the soul searching began in Barcelona.

Winner takes all

For the first time since 1951 (and only the third time ever), the destiny of the title lay in the hands of two teams facing each other on the final day. Barca entertained an Atletico team which hadn't won the domestic league since 1996 -- during which time Barca had added eight more La Ligas to the club's roll of honor.

The equation was simple: win, and Barca would be crowned champions for a fourth time in five seasons; draw or win, and Atletico would take the title for the first time in 18 years, when current manager Diego Simeone was captain.

In the end, it was deservingly, fittingly, gloriously Simeone's triumph -- and one that now propels the Argentine coach into the stratosphere, such is the epic scale of the revolution he has presided over since taking charge of "Los Rojiblancos" in December 2011.

Champions of Europe?

A team that rarely won anything, that only found new ways of losing, was at once transformed; Europa League triumph in 2012 was quickly followed by the UEFA Super Cup and then the Spanish Cup in 2013. Simeone had molded and inspired a group of disparate talents into a squad with a win-at-all-costs, never-say-die mentality.

With the league now in the bag too, Simeone and his team have the chance to add the ultimate prize to their ever-expanding trophy cabinet when they meet arch-rivals Real Madrid in Saturday's European Champions League final in Lisbon.

"I would say that this win means something for everyone," said Simeone, who saw his team gain the 1-1 draw they needed despite losing the services of 27-goal striker Diego Costa and midfield mischief-maker Arda Turan inside the first 20 minutes.

"It shows that there is more than one way to win. It is one of the most important days in the history of Atletico Madrid."

Yet how few Atleti were there to celebrate such a seismic feat. Officially, 447 of their fans were present at the 98,000-capacity Camp Nou, though a few others were easily seen dotted around the gigantic arena.

They managed to make themselves heard, however, especially when Diego Godin leveled just after halftime and again at fulltime. The Atleti stayed right where they were for at least an hour after the final whistle to sing and dance and acclaim their heroes.

Those men must have looked tiny, like Subbuteo figures, from their position right at the top of the third tier behind the goal where Godin created history, but it didn't seem to matter one bit.

And to their credit, Barcelona ensured Atleti would have even more treasured memories of their special day as they stayed true to their "Mes que un club" ("More than a club") motto.

'They showed Barca is a great club'

The home fans responded to the apparent ignominy of having their title taken away from them on their own turf by rising as one the very moment the game was over, proceeding to give Atletico's players the standing ovation their herculean effort deserved. Two minutes later and "Atleti, Atleti" reverberated around the amphitheater as Simeone and his gladiators, almost disbelievingly, looked up and soaked in the adulation.

"Barca players and coaches came to congratulate me immediately after the game," added Simeone. "They showed Barca is a great club."

So what of this great club? For one so used to winning and for fans usually so quick to wave their white handkerchiefs as a way of registering their disdain, they seemed awfully accepting of their fate.

The mood in the city all day was upbeat, yet strangely free from the tension that usually engulfs occasions of such enormity; don't forget, this was a title that coach Gerardo Martino had already conceded two weeks ago, before a succession of bizarre results handed his side one last unlikely shot at glory.

It never felt like their title to win, though. With the heartbreaking trauma of ex-coach Tito Vilanova's tragic passing in April still fresh in the mind, and with several players mooted to be leaving this summer, even before Saturday the focus had shifted to next season and the future.

An emotional month reached a crescendo as first long-serving goalkeeper Victor Valdes -- who has been injured since March -- said his farewells on Monday and then on Thursday club captain Carles Puyol, a mainstay of Barcelona since the mid-1990s, gave his final press conference before walking away from the Camp Nou.

It is not so much half a new team Barca are looking for over the next couple of months as almost a replacement soul.

What next for Barca?

Former captain Luis Enrique, who played for the Catalans with distinction between 1996 and 2004 and managed Barcelona B from 2008-11, was appointed Monday as the club's new coach after leaving his post at Celta Vigo.

Enrique led Celta Vigo to ninth place in La Liga in his only season in charge, after a difficult first senior appointment at Italian club Roma in 2011-12.

Now that Lionel Messi -- arguably the world's greatest footballer and certainly its best-paid exponent -- has signed a new contract, Barca must try to rediscover what made them one of the most breathtakingly successful teams the sport has ever seen.

"I feel so bad, I feel disappointment and disillusionment," said midfielder Andres Iniesta on social media. "Next year we will fight to give you the joys that you and this club deserve."

As for Atletico, whose fans celebrated long into the night at Neptuno Square in the Spanish capital and then took to the streets of Madrid Sunday as their champions paraded through the city on an open-top bus, the focus is rather more short-term.

At the Stadium of Light in Lisbon on Saturday, they will seek to put their name on the biggest trophy of them all for the very first time, and in the process deny city rivals Real "La Decima" -- the 10th European Cup/Champions League title that has so frustratingly eluded the club since 2002.

Simeone, a man who has the underdog spirit coursing through his veins, will already be licking his lips in anticipation.

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God in a city of football faith?

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(CNN) -- In a city where football is a religion, Daniel Sturridge is fast becoming a deity.

The Liverpool striker's skyward salute -- he is a committed Christian -- has become a familiar sight around English Premier League grounds, with the 24-year-old netting 18 league goals so far this season.

With nine goals in nine league matches this year, scoring has come easy. Explaining his hot streak, however, is a bit more difficult.

"I'm not too sure," Sturridge told CNN's World Sport. "I just think that I've had my faith in God, been praying a lot, been working hard on the training field, and expressing myself, playing my natural game and playing my natural position also."

A switch from the wing -- where his former club Chelsea often deployed him -- to a more central attacking role at Liverpool has transformed Sturridge's scoring fortunes.

The statistics speak for themselves: 13 goals in 63 league appearances during four years at Stamford Bridge compared to 28 from 35 games in the 14 months since completing his 12 million ($20 million) move to Anfield.

Goals and a blossoming partnership with Uruguay striker Luis Suarez have propelled Sturridge to new heights of stardom, but his nimble feet remain firmly planted on the ground.

"Maybe off the pitch it's changed in terms of people paying more attention, but in terms of myself and my family and my friends nothing has changed," he says.

"I live the same lifestyle, I'm the same old happy self that I've been in my whole life."

Sturridge and Suarez have netted 43 times in the league this season, but come June 19 they will likely be lining up against each other when England take on Uruguay at the World Cup in Brazil.

"It will be strange but I'm looking forward to it," Sturridge says of the Group D clash.

"We play against each other in training and we have a lot of battles, but come game time we will be enemies and he'll be somebody that I'll be looking to take out if necessary because we got to win the game."

Sturridge's renaissance at club level has also been mirrored on the international stage, where he's gone from fringe player to first-team regular.

His fifth England goal in this month's 1-0 friendly win against Denmark at Wembley merely confirmed his growing stature and confidence ahead of the trip to South America.

"It's gonna be great to be involved in the World Cup because it's something I've dreamed of ... It's gonna be a great occasion and as I've said, if I'm selected, I'm looking forward to it," he says.

The priority now, though, is on domestic matters as Liverpool continue their quest for a first league title in 24 years.

Daniel Sturridge: "The love I have for LFC just grows and grows, more and more, each day." http://t.co/93bMaQSyda pic.twitter.com/dbXRYPiabC

Sunday's 3-0 drubbing of Manchester United at Old Trafford was Liverpool's fifth straight league win and confirmed Brendan Rodgers' team as genuine title contenders, although Sturridge refuses to be drawn on the subject.

"I think it's important that we just go out there, work as hard as we can as a team in every game and perceive what the future holds," he told CNN before the victory over Liverpool's northwest rivals.

Sturridge can look forward to home clashes against two of his former clubs -- league-leading Chelsea and Manchester City, the bookmakers' favorite -- as the EPL title race heads down the final straight in April.

"We're gonna play them both at Anfield. It's going to be a great occasion for myself and for the fans and my teammates of course. But it's important that we go out there and play the Liverpool way and enjoy it," he says.

Win those two games and Liverpool fans will be on the verge of Premier League heaven.

Via: God in a city of football faith?

Portugal says goodbye to Eusebio

(CNN) -- It started with a haircut.

The year was 1960, and Bela Guttmann sat in his chair at the local barber's shop.

Guttman, one of the most iconic football coaches of his day, had just led Portuguese club Benfica to the European Cup and achieved legendary status.

But that was not enough for him -- he wanted more.

While pondering his plans, a gentleman in the next chair, who happened to be visiting the country as coach of touring Brazilian side Sao Paulo, let Guttmann in on a little secret.

He told the Hungarian about "A Pantera Negra" -- the man they were calling "The Black Panther."

A legend had begun to spread from Mozambique about a young player plying his trade with a youth team in the African country's capital, now known as Maputo, with links to Benfica's great rivals -- Sporting Lisbon.

The son of a white Angolan railway worker and a black mother from the Mozambique community, Eusbio da Silva Ferreira was the name on everybody's lips.

Read: Benfica and 'the curse of Bela Guttmann'

Guttmann took no chances -- Eusebio's mother had already turned down the advances of Italian club Juventus, so he made the family an offer they could not refuse.

The financial incentive worked and the player joined Benfica, much to the dismay of Sporting officials, who had dallied in their pursuit of the player.

The rest, as they say, is history -- and what a history: 733 goals in 745 matches confirmed Eusebio's status as one of the all-time greats.

As Portugal said goodbye to one of its most famous sons Monday, following his death at the age of 71, thousands took to the streets to farewell a man who had brought joy and inspiration to a generation as the government declared three days of mourning.

"As a man, he was quite humble, kind and very down to earth," said CNN's Duarte Mendonca, a Benfica supporter who was in Lisbon for the funeral.

"He had a tremendous amount of love for his club Benfica, for whom he served as an ambassador.

"I've seen fans from various clubs, including longtime rivals, paying homage to a man they've learned to respect for his talent and flair, but also for his personality.

Just had lunch where Eusebio used to come all the time. Adega da Tia Matilde. This places has so many stories... pic.twitter.com/8VY60Yb3W8

"Only a man such as Eusebio would be able to unify fans in such fashion. That says a lot."

During an illustrious career in which he won 11 Portuguese league titles, five domestic cups and a European crown, Eusebio became a legend of world football.

From the moment he entered national consciousness by helping Benfica retain the European Cup in 1962, where he scored twice in a thrilling 5-3 final win over Real Madrid in Amsterdam, the country began to fall in love with the man from Mozambique.

His incredible acceleration and lethal right foot helped him take Benfica to the very top of the European game, while he was honored as the continent's best player by winning the Ballon d'Or in 1965.

But it was at the 1966 World Cup that he became worldwide sensation as he produced a series of performances which brought adulation from from across the globe.

His nine goals, the most by any player at the tournament, helped Portugal reach the semifinal where it was beaten by the host nation England, which eventually went on to win the tournament.

Such was Eusebio's impact that Inter Milan reportedly offered the striker 40 times his salary to lure him away from Benfica and even approached his wife to sign the contract on his behalf.

The move was scuppered, however, in rather bizarre circumstances though, as Portuguese Prime Minister Antnio de Oliveira Salazar refused Eusebio permission to leave the country.

Instead, Eusebio remained at Benfica, scoring goals and helping his side reach the 1968 European Cup final, but this time losing to Manchester United at Wembley after extra-time.

It was in that contest that Eusebio's sportsmanlike qualities shone through.

With the game tied, Eusebio had the opportunity to win the contest but when his effort was brilliantly saved by United keeper Alex Stepney, the striker simply stood and applauded. It was a gesture which would not be forgotten.

That same year, he won the European golden boot as the continent's top goalscorer -- a feat he repeated five years later.

After leaving Benfica in 1975, Eusebio moved across the Atlantic to play in the U.S. before retiring in 1980 following ongoing problems with his right knee.

He continued to work in football as an ambassador for Benfica and Portugal's national side, meeting with high-profile players on European match nights and attending global tournaments on a regular basis until his death on January 5, 2014. He left behind his wife Flora and their two daughters.

Eusbio's coffin at da Luz where he wanted it to be. The SLB President promised him one last trip around the stadium. pic.twitter.com/2sdqA3z8ww

"I think he is immortal," Chelsea's Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho told state broadcaster RTP.

"We all know what he meant for football and especially for Portuguese football.

"He was not only a great inspiration but also an important figure in upholding the values, principles and feelings of football, even after finishing his career."

Eusebio's status as Portugal's greatest football player was confirmed by the thousands who flocked to watch his coffin paraded through the streets of Lisbon.

His statue, which stands proud outside Benfica's Stadium of Light, is adorned with scarves, flowers and banners from fans across the globe.

"I was the best player in the world, top scorer in the world," Eusebio once said. "I did everything, except win a World Cup."

Read: Portugal football legend Eusebio dies

That he did not win one does not detract from the impact he made on Portugal and on football around the world.

Always eternal Eusebio, rest in peace pic.twitter.com/n25X0q9rfF

Within moments of the news breaking that he had passed away following a heart attack, the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo were paying tribute to "O Rei" -- the King.

In Lisbon, despite the rain, fans continued to line the streets to say farewell as the black hearse moved slowly through the streets.

"Even though my generation didn't see him play, through archive we were able to witness some of his brilliant skill," added Mendonca, who grew up listening to tales of Eusebio.

"But even better than that, we were able learn about what he meant as a footballer and person through the stories of our parents and grandparents.

"The way that he exploded on the pitch, with his fast pace combined with the power of his right foot, was simply unreal. His attributes could easily make him a star even in today's game."

Though he may now have passed away, Eusebio's legacy remains.

A trailblazer who overcame poverty and early hardship in Africa to become one of the game's most talented and recognizable faces.

It would appear that in barber shops in Lisbon, they'll be talking about Eusebio for many years to come.

Via: Portugal says goodbye to Eusebio

The Cristiano Ronaldo museum opens

(CNN) -- Cristiano Ronaldo is at the peak of his powers on the pitch and off it: The Portuguese star has opened a museum dedicated to his glittering football career in his hometown of Funchal .

The Real Madrid striker is widely expected to be awarded the 2013 FIFA Ballon d'Or -- an accolade given to the year's best footballer -- in January and if Ronaldo is handed the golden ball it will take pride of place in the CR7 Museum.

"Of course it's a special day, it's the opening of my museum and I am proud," the Portugal captain told reporters.

"I have room for more trophies. I don't really want to mention specific ones. All I want is to win more awards and, if the Ballon d'Or comes, there is extra room here."

The 28-year-old is on a three-man shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or alongside Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who has picked up the award in each of the last four years, and Bayern Munich's Franck Ribery.

Ronaldo, who has scored 33 goals so far this season, made his debut for Sporting Lisbon in 2002 and has gone on to become a fearsome goalscorer.

He moved to Manchester United in 2003 where he won three English Premier League titles, the FA Cup and the European Champions League in 2008, the same year he won the Ballon d'Or for the first time.

Ronaldo swapped Manchester for Madrid for a then world record fee in 2009. Since joining Real, Ronaldo has been prolific in front of goal, averaging over a goal a game for the nine-time European champions.

He is also the captain of his national team and will lead out Portugal at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where it will face Germany, Ghana and the U.S in the group stages.

Read: Bayern to play Arsenal in Champions League

Read: Tevez treble fires Juventus

Via: The Cristiano Ronaldo museum opens

Reviving Italy's 'Old Lady'

(CNN) -- If the "Old Lady" of Italian football needs a sharp reminder of where she wants to be, Wednesday's European Champions League clash should provide it.

Any trip to the Bernabeu to face Real Madrid -- the nine-time champion of Europe -- is one to savor, even for a club of Juventus' stature.

It will also reinforce president Andrea Agnelli's resolution that his rejuvenated side still has a long road to travel before its regeneration is complete.

The Turin team's name in Latin means "age of youth" -- and this journey, for a club formed 115 years ago, is indeed still maturing.

When Agnelli took charge in 2010, becoming the fourth member of his family to take the role, the Italian giant was still piecing itself together from the "Calciopoli" match-fixing scandal which saw it stripped of two Serie A titles and demoted to the second division in 2006.

The 37-year-old has overseen a transformation of Juve's fortunes on and off the pitch, the club having moved to a new stadium at the start of a season in which it would claim its first title in nine years.

Yet despite increasing revenue by 32.8% in the past financial year, the "Bianconeri" still made a loss of 15.9 million ($21.9 million). Real Madrid, on the other hand, posted revenue of 520.9 million ($715.8 million) -- 36.9% of which was profit.

Read: Agnelli on passport-swapping internationals

"Stadium and sponsorship, those are the two elements that we have to grow, to reach a point to become independent from Champions League revenues," Agnelli told CNN in an exclusive interview.

"Then, once you get them, that is the extra fat you can work on.

"At the moment, and this is the thing that worries me the most, we are still dependent on that (Champions League income) to make the numbers meet."

Juventus made more money than any other club in last season's competition -- 65.3 million ($89.7 million) -- over 10 million more than eventual winner Bayern Munich.

That figure owed largely to a domestic television deal that improved once fellow Italian club Udinese failed to negotiate its way through the playoff stages.

The windfall underlines how vital a revenue stream it is for the club, and the precarious nature of an existence which relies on the luxurious flow of money from competing at Europe's top table. That fact is even more evident after last weekend's results.

Read: Juve reeling after 'strange' defeat

Despite leading 2-0 at Fiorentina on Sunday, Juve eventually fell to a 4-2 defeat, a result that leaves it five points behind leader AS Roma and vulnerable to attack from the likes of old rivals AC Milan and Inter -- both circling below.

If Juve doesn't manage to make it a hat-trick of a successive Serie A titles, it must at least cling onto third spot to qualify for the Champions League playoffs.

Should the club then make the lucrative group stages, that revenue will tide it over until the end of next season, when several key financial shackles will be lifted.

"This year and the following we are going to struggle, but in 2015-16, that is when a number of important contracts expire and others can kick in," Agnelli explained.

"That should put us in a position to become independent from European sports competition revenue. That will be very important for the club.

"It means the year you might fail on sports results, it doesn't compromise the work in (other) years.

"The only alternative you have if that is the case is to sell an asset you have grown internally, and we don't want to do that because we want to be competitive."

A vital component of Juve's future is its new stadium.

Its former Stadio delle Alpi home, built for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, was cavernous and crumbling. Stifling in terms of facilities and atmosphere, it had become a 69,000-capacity relic.

Read: Tevez gives Juve winning start on Serie A debut

The Juventus Stadium may be significantly smaller, with an all-seater capacity of 41,000, but it is regularly full and provides a far more intimate experience for spectators.

Whereas the stands at the Stadio delle Alpi were an average of 70 meters away from the pitch, fans at its replacement are just seven meters from the action.

And though the move has increased revenue, Agnelli claims Juve is being held back by a clutch of old stadiums that proliferate Serie A.

"Our stadium has been very important but I think we've filled the gap with the European competition," Agnelli added.

"At the moment it's very important from an environmental point of view because it really does give a different rush to the team. But we struggle in terms of pricing because all our competitors are in old stadiums.

"The perfect benchmark for our stadium is Stamford Bridge -- 41,000 people both of them -- but Chelsea generate more than double we do in terms of pricing."

According to Agnelli, Juventus Stadium is not only vital to renewing his club's future, but can also act as a lightning rod for Italian football.

Whereas once it was the most desired place to play domestic football in Europe, now it has fallen behind England, Germany and Spain, with Portugal and France gaining ground all the time.

"There are a lot of resources which can be gained from the stadium but we also suffer from the same show, which is being put up at our competitors' stadiums. They are obsolete and they price them completely differently," Agnelli explained.

"You can debate that Juventus vs. AC Milan is the same as AC Milan vs. Juventus in terms of the show on the pitch but the theater is completely different -- they price it one way, we price it another.

"That kind of becomes unacceptable for the spectator. Once all the others get new stadiums -- if and when -- that means you can raise the whole level of the show.

"That for us is paramount because us alone, we are just a white flag, as interesting as we might be."

Via: Reviving Italy's 'Old Lady'

Qatar 2022: As it happened

Via: Qatar 2022: As it happened

Liverpool denied as Roma roll on

(CNN) -- Liverpool climbed back to the top of the Premier League Monday -- but it was made to sweat during a pulsating 2-2 draw with Swansea City.

Liverpool, who had boasted a 100% record going into the contest after winning all three of its league games, sits one point clear of Arsenal and Tottenham following the draw in south Wales.

Jonjo Shelvey, the man who left Liverpool for Swansea in July following a $5 million move, was in the thick of the action from the very start.

Gift

It took Shelvey just two minutes to fire Swansea ahead from close range before his mistake gifted Daniel Sturridge an equalizer soon after.

Another poor pass from Shelvey allowed Liverpool's on-loan winger Victor Moses to fire the Merseysiders in front nine minutes before the break.

But the 21-year-old made amends in the second half, linking up with Michu, who fired home past Simon Mignolet for his first league goal of the season.

Sorry

Swansea might have even won it late on but Liverpool held out for a point, although Shelvey felt his side should have had more.

"I just want to say sorry to the Swansea fans for the two bad mistakes that gifted Liverpool a draw," Shelvey told Sky Sports.

"You just want to go into a hole where nobody can see you when you give the ball away for the other team to score, but it has happened to great players over time.

Read: United still the team to beat

"I showed a bit of character to keep getting on the ball. I still feel I have given Liverpool a draw but it was a great game to play in."

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who left Swansea to take up the reins at Anfield in June 2012, revealed his relief after a hard fought encounter.

"I thought for the first 65 minutes we were very, very good with and without the ball. We had to show character after going behind so early,"he told Sky Sports.

"This will be a really big point for us."

Totti

In Italy, Francesco Totti scored his first goal of the season as Roma claimed a third consecutive victory to maintain its perfect start to the season.

Totti, playing in his 22nd season with the club, helped Roma come from a goal down to defeat Parma 3-1 and join Napoli at the top of the table on nine points.

Parma had taken the lead six minute before the break when Jonathan Biabany headed home from close range.

But the visiting side hit back two minutes after the restart through Alessandro Florenzi before new signing Kevin Strootman set up Totti to score.

And Dutch international Strootman sealed the points from the penalty spot five minutes from time after summer signing Gervinho was sent sprawling.

Via: Liverpool denied as Roma roll on

Ronaldo agrees new deal at Real

(CNN) -- Cristiano Ronaldo pledged his future to Real Madrid as he signed a new five-year deal Sunday which ties him to the Spanish giants until 2018.

The Portuguese international will reportedly become the highest paid footballer in the world but the club did not give details in making the official announcement.

Ronaldo, who had been linked with a return to the English Premier League with his former club Manchester United, revealed a verbal agreement had been in place with Real Madrid since the end of last season.

"It's a very special day for me," he said.

Read: Ronaldo double sinks Barcelona

"For me it's as if today were my first day here. I'm always going to give my best for this shirt. I hope that I'm here until I retire. This is a great club."

With Ronaldo's current contract set to run out in 2015, the renewed deal is a considerable coup for Real president Florentino Perez.

"Today is a magnificent day for Real Madrid," he said.

"The best player in the world knows that this is his home forever. A home that demands the most of him, but also loves him the most."

Read: Bale scores on Real Madrid debut

The 28-year-old Ronaldo signed for Real from Manchester United in 2009 for a then world record fee of $130,000.

He has justified the fee with an incredible scoring rate of a goal per game for Los Blancos, helping them to the La Liga title in the 2011/12 campaign.

Last season saw Barcelona reclaim the Spanish title and Real Madrid were disappointingly knocked out in the semifinal of the Champions League by Borussia Dortmund.

It led to speculation that he may be on the move, but under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, Real have made an unbeaten start to the current season.

Read: Should Ronaldo return to Manchester United?

Ronaldo has been joined at Real by Gareth Bale, whose transfer from Tottenham Hotspur broke the record fee paid for his new teammate.

The pair played together for the first time Saturday, with Bale scoring Real's equalizer at Villarreal before Ronaldo put them 2-1 ahead.

The home side equalized in a 2-2 draw to take some of the gloss off Bale's much trumpeted debut, but Real fans will take comfort in Ronaldo's renewed commitment.

"For me it's as if today were my first day here. I'm always going to give my best for this shirt," he said.

Via: Ronaldo agrees new deal at Real

Moyes 'relief' at first home win

(CNN) -- Alex Ferguson achieved it on his Old Trafford debut but David Moyes has had to wait a little longer.

After a mixed start to the Premier League season (win/draw/loss) and a vaguely farcical conclusion to the transfer window, United's new boss can now quietly rejoice after his first home win.

A win was always on the cards. Their opponents -- Premier League new boys Crystal Palace -- last won a league fixture at the "Theatre of Dreams" way back in 1989. And United hadn't lost to a newly-promoted side on home soil for 12 years.

The first of United's two goals came courtesy of a controversial penalty awarded on the stroke of half time when Kagisho Dikgacoi was adjudged to have brought down Ashley Young.

The South African midfielder was giving his marching orders by the referee before Robin van Persie calmly converted the spot kick.

Read more: Bale scores on Real Madrid debut

Ten-men Palace did well to deny United more goals for most of the second half, but a decisive second eventually came courtesy of a Wayne Rooney free-kick nine minutes from the end.

The English striker, who returned to action after gashing his forehead in training late last month, fired home from 25 yards to ensure all three points for Moyes' team.

Read more: Eto'o: 'It's not about the money'

"Like any manager, to win a game, there's always an element of relief. I'm pleased to get the first win out of the way," Moyes said.

"I think if we had lost I don't think I'd have been talking to much about it, but we won today ..."

The victory comes ahead of a vital week for the new manager. Moyes takes charge of United in the Champions League for the first time on Tuesday against Bayer Leverkusen before traveling across town to play Manchester City the following Sunday.

Manuel Pellegrini's City side, who have also made a stuttering start to the season, dropped points against Stoke City on Saturday playing out a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium.

Mourinho blues

Jose Mourinho tasted league defeat for the first time since returning to Stamford Bridge in the summer as Everton recorded a famous 1-0 win over the Blues at Goodison Park.

Steven Naismith headed in from close range moments before halftime to give the Toffees the lead which they held despite a second-half onslaught from a Chelsea side that included new signing Samuel Eto'o.

Roberto Martinez's first league win as Everton manager lifts the Merseysiders up to ninth in the table while Chelsea drop to sixth.

Elsewhere, Mesut Ozil made his first appearance for Arsenal since moving from Real Madrid for 42.2 million ($67 million).

The German international helped the Gunners to a 3-1 win against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Olivier Giroud opened the scoring in the 11th minute before a Craig Gardner penalty put the home side level three minutes after the break.

But two goals in ten minutes from Aaron Ramsey saw Arsene Wenger's side seal their third league win on the trot.

Tottenham Hotspur were also comfortable winners on Saturday beating Norwich City 2-0 at White Hart Lane.

Gylfi Sigurdsson gave Spurs fans something to cheer about in the post-Bale era. The Icelandic international scored in each half to give Andre Villas Boas his third win in four league matches.

Newcastle United recorded a second consecutive win with a 2-1 away to Aston Villa while the games between Hull City and Cardiff City and Fulham and West Bromwich Albion both ended in 1-1 draws.

Southampton entertain West Ham United on Sunday. Liverpool will look to maintain their 100% record when they travel to Swansea on Monday evening.

Via: Moyes 'relief' at first home win

Bale scores on Real Madrid debut

(CNN) -- In his dreams it was probably a 30-yard screamer that ripped a hole in the roof of the net.

The reality, of course, was different as Gareth Bale, the world's most expensive footballer, bundled the ball home from six yards out.

It didn't matter. Bale may have made his name scoring spectacular individual goals for his previous club Tottenham Hotspur, but like all great players the 24-year-old has the knack of being in the right place at the right time.

Read more: Real Madrid fork out $132 million for Bale

His 38th minute goal against Villarreal -- stabbing in Daniel Carvajal's low cross -- came at just the right time for his new team. The Spanish giants were second best for much of the first half and were trailing after Cani's 19th minute strike gave the hosts a deserved lead.

Bale, who is still not fully fit after recovering from a groin injury, came out for the second half but only lasted 15 minutes -- his best effort a trademark long shot which flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Read more: Real Madrid unveil Gareth Bale at Bernabeu

Shortly after scampering down the right wing, ball at feet, Bale's debut was over as Carlo Ancelotti hauled off his most expensive asset. But he had already made his mark.

Cristiano Ronaldo gave Real the lead shortly after the Welshman departed -- his deflected shot finding the back of the net in the 64th minute before Giovani dos Santos equalized six minutes later. And that's how it stayed as both teams dropped their first points of the season.

Blog: Will Belgium win the World Cup?

The 2-2 draw leaves Real Madrid in fourth place, level on ten points with Villarreal who are third.

Earlier on Saturday, Barcelona maintained their 100% start to the new season, but only just, squeaking past Sevilla 3-2 at the Nou Camp.

Read more: Gareth Bale and the curse of the British abroad

Chilean striker Alexis Sanchez's dramatic injury time winner saw Barcelona claim three points after looking like they had thrown away two.

Dani Alves put the home side ahead with a 36th minute header and when Lionel Messi scored to make it 2-0 with 15 minutes to go all was going according to plan.

But when Ivan Rakitic scored for Sevilla in the 80th minute and Coke equalized in added time, Barcelona looked to have blown it.

Not for the first time, Messi showed his class when it mattered, engaging the brains and boots of several defenders before threading the ball back to Sanchez who stabbed the ball home.

Barca's fourth win of the season keeps them top of the table, level on points and goal difference with Atletico Madrid who completed a more comfortable 4-2 win over Almeria.

In Saturday's other La Liga fixture, Levante drew 0-0 with Real Sociedad.

Meanwhile in Serie A, Inter Milan and Juventus dropped their first points of the season after drawing 1-1.

The stalemate at the San Siro opened the door for Napoli to sit alone at the top of the table, at least for 24 hours, after they beat Atalanta 2-0 at the Stadio San Paolo. Fiorentina can join Rafa Benitez's side on nine points if they beat Cagliari on Sunday.

AC Milan have a 2-2 draw with Torino to add to the loss and win they opened the season with. Saturday's result leaves both teams with four points from three games.

Via: Bale scores on Real Madrid debut

Dortmund smash six past Hamburg

(CNN) -- Borussia Dortmund smashed six goals past Hamburg at the Signal Iduna Park on Saturday evening to record their best ever start to a Bundesliga season.

The 6-2 victory gives Jurgen Klopp's side a maximum 15 points from their opening five fixtures and keeps them two points clear of title rivals Bayern Munich.

Dortmund raced into a 2-0 lead midway through the first half with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang opening the scoring in the 19th minute and Henrikh Mkhitaryan adding a second three minutes later.

Zhi Gin Lam pulled one back for the visitors in the 26th minute and shortly after the break a Heiko Westermann header leveled the scores.

Dortmund restored their advantage in the 65th minute when Aubameyang scored his second of the night before the floodgates opened eight minutes later as Robert Lewandowski scored followed by Marco Reus a minute later.

Read more: Moyes 'relief' at first home win

Lewandowski bagged his second nine minutes before the end to cap a thrilling night for the home fans.

Bayern Munich kept up the pressure on Dortmund with a 2-0 win over Hannover at the Allianz Arena.

Second-half goals from Mario Mandzukic and Franck Ribery earned Pep Guardiola's team all three points to stay second in the table.

Both teams start their Champions League campaigns next week. Bayern entertain CSKA Moscow on Tuesday night while Dortmund travel to Italy to take on Rafa Benitez's Napoli on Wednesday.

Third-place Bayer Leverkusen warmed up for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Manchester United with a 3-1 over 10-man Wolfsburg -- Stefan Kiessling scoring a brace.

Schalke move up to eighth after a 1-0 win away to fifth-place Mainz while Augsburg move up to sixth after a 2-1 win against strugglers Freiburg.

Frankfurt move up to 12th after a 3-0 win at Werder Bremen.

Via: Dortmund smash six past Hamburg

Samuel Eto'o: "It's not about the money"

(CNN) -- Samuel Eto'o doesn't like the question -- instead, he points to a picture.

It is of a hospital in Cameroon -- "I want to give a chance to each child," he says.

When Eto'o, a four time African Player of the Year, signed for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala in August 2011, he became the highest paid player in the world.

Here was a man who had already won the Champions League on three occasions, starred for Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan and led Cameroon to Africa Cup of Nations glory -- twice.

Read: Will Belgium win the World Cup

It was a move which raised plenty of eyebrows considering Anzhi's standing on the European stage and gave credence to the argument that Eto'o was more interested in Russian rubles than ramming home goals in one of the continent's top divisions.

Such accusations rile the 32-year-old, who is adamant that he made the move to an unheralded team in Dagestan for the challenge rather than the financial rewards provided by the club's oil tycoon chairman Suleiman Kerimov.

Money

"It's not a question of money because when you look at my career, I've won everything except for the World Cup," Eto'o told CNN World Sport.

"It's also a problem of motivation too. I had the opportunity this window to go play again at Inter and other teams in Italy.

"At Inter, I was the best paid player in the world. But it's not a question of money because when I go out onto the pitch, I only have one thing in mind -- winning.

Read: English FA issues 'yid' warning

"And I don't think about having money in my bank account or not, I only think about winning, having fun and entertaining the fans -- these are the only things I have in my head.

"Of course, it's normal for people to say, 'yeah, this player changed teams because of the money.'

"That could be the case sometimes, but after a certain level of success? No."

That money has given him a life he may never have dreamed of while growing up as a young boy in Cameroon -- but it has also helped hundreds of disadvantaged children in his home country.

Charity

The "Fundacion Privada Samuel Eto'o," which was established in 2006, helps provide basic healthcare and works on improving social inclusion.

So while Eto'o is aware of the exorbitant wages he has received, he is equally aware of just how vital that money has been in helping those chasing the dream of becoming Africa's next superstar football player.

"We've done quite a few things with ambulances, operation centers...we've built hospitals in the interior of the country.," he points out.

"I have a lot of boys who play in Barcelona's youth academy -- I have another named Unlinga who plays also for Malaga -- all of these come from my foundation.

"I have a lad who's a good forward, he's doing quite well, named Odongu. I have a kid named Abanya who's a center back.

"All of them come from my foundation and it's the joy that I try to share -- the opportunity -- that I want to give to each child.

"They themselves have to fight for their place, but the first opportunity is what I try to give them."

Eto'o, now at Chelsea following his move to London last month, has reportedly taken a huge pay cut from the estimated $26.8 million a year he was earning at Anzhi.

Instead, he has signed a one-year deal at Stamford Bridge thought to be worth around $11 million with Anzhi keen to offload the forward and ease pressure on its wage bill.

Read: Cape Verde's World Cup dream dashed

The move to the west London club came as something of a surprise, not least because of the striker's former disdain for a club which he said, "I'd rather sell groundnuts in my village than to play for a pathetic team like Chelsea."

That comment came following Chelsea's Champions League victory over Barcelona in 2005 where Eto'o was left seething at the tactics of a certain Jose Mourinho - now in his second spell as manager of the London club.

After the tie, which Chelsea won, Eto'o told a Spanish media outlet: "Chelsea going through is a disaster for football.

"If this team wins the Champions League, it would make you want to retire."

Mourinho

Little did Eto'o know then that five years later he would be exchanging love letters and text messages with Mourinho as Inter Milan embarked on an astonishing run of success which culminated with victory in the 2010 Champions League final.

In July 2009, the Cameroon striker was sent packing by Barcelona as the Catalan club secured the services of the enigmatic Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Eto'o, was seen as surplus to requirements and moved to Serie A to team up with Mourinho -- a partnership which flourished even after the two parted ways.

While he is reticent when it comes to talking about former Barca boss Pep Guardiola, "I don't talk about him," he says, Eto'o is unyielding in his praise for Mourinho.

"There is only one Jose Mourinho,' Eto'o once said about the Portuguese coach. "I have played under a lot of great coaches but there is no other character in the game like Jose."

The two men helped Inter win the treble during their time together at the San Siro and Eto'o even revealed that he attempted to persuade Mourinho to move to Anzhi with him.

"Since we met at Inter, he has always been in my life," he said.

"We talk almost all the time -- he sent me a good luck message before a match and I'd send him something, he can ask me something or I can do the same.

"And I'm going to tell you a secret. You know that I spoke with the boss about coming with me to Anzhi? Because I thought he was the right man for the job and situation. Yes, I said this to him."

Champions

Mourinho, now back at Chelsea following his departure from Real Madrid, will hope the two can combine again with the club aiming to challenge for both the Premier League and Champions League titles.

Eto'o sees similarities between this Chelsea side and the Inter team which conquered Europe in 2010 -- and believes another Champions League title could be on the horizon.

"When I got to Inter, they didn't expect anything from us," he said.

"People would say, 'they're old, they're this, they're that' and we ended up winning everything.

"In football, it's not a question of saying, 'do we have a squad?'

"The first thing for victory is believing. Believing that you can achieve. When you believe that you can achieve something, I'm sure that you're 60% on the path to victory.

"Chelsea has won before and it can win again. We're going to work hard to be able to do it."

Via: Samuel Eto'o: "It's not about the money"

Cape Verde's World Cup dream dashed

(CNN) -- Cape Verde has seen its hopes of qualifying for a first football World Cup dashed after the sport's global governing body FIFA punished the African country for fielding a suspended player.

FIFA ruled on Thursday that Cape Verde's Fernando Varela had played in a qualifying match while serving a suspension for unsporting conduct.

Varela played in a match against Tunisia in September which Cape Verde won 2-0. The result has now been officially reclassified as a 3-0 win for Tunisia.

The decision means Tunisia have finished above Cape Verde in African qualifying Group B and will take its place in the forthcoming playoff matches to decide which five teams from the continent will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

"By means of a telephone conference, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has today taken a decision to sanction the Cape Verdean Football Association (FCF) for fielding an ineligible player," read a FIFA statement.

"The match has been declared to be forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favor of Tunisia, meaning that the Cape Verde Islands will not progress to round three of the FIFA World Cup African zone qualifiers having dropped to second place in Group B with nine points while Tunisia finish first with 14 points and will now advance."

The decision is a major blow for Cape Verde, which has only ever played in one major international tournament.

The Blue Sharks qualified for this year's Africa Cup of Nations, reaching the quarterfinals in South Africa before losing to Ghana.

Via: Cape Verde's World Cup dream dashed

Gareth Bale's Spanish lessons

(CNN) -- It might be better to travel than arrive, but in the case of British footballers succeeding abroad the journey has all too often been painful -- and all too frequently they have returned home after barely arriving.

Quite what Gareth Bale's $134 million journey to Real Madrid brings is open to conjecture, but with his painfully protracted transfer now concluded, the hard part really begins.

The spotlight on a British footballer on a global stage has never been greater, with the 24-year-old having eclipsed Cristiano Ronaldo as the world's most expensive player of all time.

But there are no guarantees that Bale will live up to the price tag nor shine in La Liga. After all, many of the great and good of British football have faltered away from home.

Read: Bale mania in Madrid

"Why are there over the last 40 years only about five English players who have done well abroad?" said Dutch great Johan Cruyff, who both played for and coached Real's rivals Barcelona. "There's something going on there, something strange."

Herbert Kilpin was the first British footballer to ply his trade overseas professionally in 1891 and he was a founding member of Italian club AC Milan eight years later.

There have been others to have made their mark since: John Charles at Juventus, Gary Lineker at Barcelona and, most recently, David Beckham at Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain.

But for the successes, there have been under-performances and failures, ranging from Ian Rush, who was famously but falsely quoted as saying his spell in Juventus was "like playing in a foreign country," to fellow striker Mark Hughes, who managed just four goals in 28 games at Barcelona.

The language barrier is often given as the main reason for the initial struggle for Brits who have failed to settle.

It is no surprise that among those to shine were the players who swotted up on the lingo early on. David Platt began Italian lessons while still at Aston Villa -- a move to Bari then just a possibility -- while Steve McManaman mastered Spanish quickly to become at ease almost instantly with Real Madrid teammates and fans alike.

Looking back on his foreign sojourn, Lineker recalled: "I looked at British players who went abroad and were successful. They were the ones who learned the language and adapted to the culture. The ones that didn't tended to be home pretty quickly."

One of the current crop of Britons on the continent is Kris Thackray, currently with German side Alemannia Aachen, who has also had spells with Italian sides in five seasons away from home so far.

"Leaving home and settling in was difficult," he said of the early days abroad. "The complete change of culture from food, people, climate and mainly the language was challenging.

"The language is the most important thing, not knowing it isolates you and stops you from expressing your personality and prevents you from understanding simple messages on and off the pitch."

Read more: Bale becomes latest 'Galactico'

Rush never really mastered the language and, as a result, felt a lonely figure in the Juve dressing room while Paul Gascoigne made no secret of being homesick while in Serie A with Lazio as he never managed more than a few token phrases of Italian.

Chris Waddle, who won three league titles in France with Marseille as well as reaching the 1991 European Cup final, said that it took three months to learn the language and, after that, he slotted right in.

But language is not the sole barrier, the cultural differences as a whole are a more deep-rooted issue for many, and, like with Gazza, plain old home sickness.

Rush used to get his family to bring over digestive biscuits while former England goalkeeper Scott Carson, who spent two seasons in Turkey with Bursaspor, repeatedly bemoaned a lack of baked beans.

Jamie Lawrence is a young English player who has been in Holland since the age of 16. He initially joined Ajax in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam and now, aged 21, plays for RKC Waalwijk's under-23 team.

His advice for Bale would be to immerse himself in the Spanish culture, which in turn will help him settle into the Madrid way of life.

"The great thing about moving to a new country is all the new experiences," London-born Lawrence told CNN. "If you don't put too much pressure on yourself, you can really enjoy it.

"I would say learn the most you can about the Spanish culture and become a part of it. I lived in an English culture for 16 years, moved here and it's completely different. It's so great the culture here, I'm involved in it."

Read: Award-winner Bale destined for greatness?

For others, the issue was of being the virtual alien in the midst of a new bunch of players.

Kevin Keegan was a huge success story abroad with a spell at Hamburg, which resulted in two Bundesliga titles and with him twice being named European Footballer of the Year.

But things started far from well, with reports that some players would not even pass to him in training, unhappy he had been brought to the German club.

So, playing abroad -- for a Brit or otherwise -- takes a certain strength of character. Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore admitted he wasn't up to such a culture shock, leaving Spanish side Real Oviedo after just three appearances for the club.

So how exactly does Bale avoid falling into the trap of some of his esteemed predecessors? After all, Real fans can be a heartless bunch, whatever the price tag. One former player, Jonathan Woodgate, another Brit, was voted the worst signing of the 21st Century in a poll by Spanish newspaper Marca.

"The world has been littered with English players who haven't adjusted to being a big player at a European club," journalist Michael Calvin, who has regularly crossed paths with Bale during his meteoric rise over the past three years, told CNN.

"He knows he is a disposal commodity. If he doesn't perform he is toast."

Making sure he does not fall by the wayside particularly with the size and variety of expectation -- from what he does on the field to off it -- is the big trick.

"Real Madrid and Perez are looking at him as helping them launch into a completely different commercial market," added Calvin, author of the recently published "Nowhere Men," which looks at football's unknown football talent spotters -- a club's scouts.

"They want him to do a Beckham and his world is going to change irrevocably. He is right up in the upper strata.

"Is this a top three player and can he drive that commercial momentum? Can he operate in the same side as Ronaldo? Is he Ronaldo lite? Will he have physical weaknesses? It is unique opportunity and unique challenge.

"He will need that foundation stone of his family and his friends. It is a huge leap from being the boy at home playing FIFA to being the hope of world football."

Calvin, though, also makes the point that Bale is no innocent bystander in all this.

"The whole scorpion dance of a big move comes in," added Calvin. "He understands his clout. He is not an innocent. People in his situation aren't innocent. They are products of an occasionally brutal world."

Read: Real Madrid doesn't do austerity

In Spain, there is the goldfish bowl aspect for Bale to encounter along with his partner Emma Rhys-Jones, bigger at Real than at most clubs in the world.

Already, Bale has made about a third of Spanish newspaper Marca's front pages in August alone.

On the issue of the media spotlight, Calvin said: "His parents are model parents and helped him get through an academy system, which is predisposed to producing bad Dads and mad Mums.

"That value structure will come under unprecedented scrutiny and he will have to quickly get used to the current absurdities of that world. That's where he is going to have to readjust and recalibrate his life."

It could go a number of ways.

He could become Charles, nicknamed the gentle giant and voted Juventus' greatest foreign import above Zinedine Zidane and Michel Platini, or else McMamanan, who is still talked favorably about by the Madridistas after winning the Champions League in his first season with Real.

Or else he could do down the Woodgate route, of being reviled rather than revered. The eyes of the world will be watching which way it goes.

Via: Gareth Bale's Spanish lessons

English FA issues 'yid' warning

(CNN) -- English football fans have been warned they face criminal prosecution if they continue to chant a word which has been deemed anti-Semitic.

The English Football Association (FA) have told fans to stop using the word "Yid", a term which at different times throughout history has been used by Jews and also to abuse them.

Tottenham Hotspur, a north London-based club, are known for having a large number of Jewish supporters. A section of Spurs fans have attempting to reclaim the "Y word" by referring to themselves as the "Yid Army" and chanting it at matches.

But the FA has warned that such practices are no longer acceptable as it continues its fight against discrimination in the English game.

Read: Football grapples with anti-Semitism storm

"We are committed to tackling discrimination in all its forms and that includes anti-Semitic behavior in football," FA general secretary Alex Horne said in a statement.

"The Y-word has no place in our game and its use in stadiums can result in a football banning order. We are determined that everyone can enjoy football in a fan friendly and safe environment."

The FA also stated that, while it understands the motives of fans attempting to reclaim an offensive term, it still deems the word a discriminatory slur.

"The FA appreciates that language is a complex issue: the use and meaning of words is constantly evolving," read a statement.

"This means that, over time, sometimes neutral words or phrases can come to be understood as offensive; and, similarly, words or phrases previously considered as offensive can become more acceptable.

"Although the term derives from the Yiddish word for a Jew, its use in the English language has been, both historically and in contemporary use, derogatory and offensive.

"It is noted that many minority communities have sought to reclaim historic terms of abuse such as this as a means of empowerment. The process of empowerment through reclaiming language is complex and can often divide opinion within the same community.

"In light of the historic and contemporary use of the term, The FA considers that the use of the term 'Yid' is likely to be considered offensive by the reasonable observer."

Read: Anti-Semitic chants mar Spurs match

Speaking on behalf of Maccabi GB, a British charity aimed at promoting Jewish participation in sports, Dave Rich declared the word does not have a place in modern language due to its associations with fascist views of Oswald Mosley, a politician during the early decades of the 20th century.

"The Y-word causes offense to many people, Jewish and non-Jewish, however it is intended," said Rich.

"Its historic association with Mosley's fascists and continued use by antisemites outside football mean that it has no place in football grounds or anywhere else."

Tottenham explained how the uses of the term by their fans was a "defense mechanism" rather than a deliberate attempt to insult the Jewish community.

"Last season saw a number of incidents where fans were targeted by allegedly far-right activists on the continent and subjected to anti-Semitic abuse by opposition fans," said a club spokesman. "Subsequently, the debate on this issue has two key considerations.

"Firstly, whether or not its use now plays a role in deflecting or attracting unjustified abuse, abuse that is inexcusable on any grounds; and secondly, whether it is liable to cause offense to others even if unintentionally. Our fans have themselves engaged in this debate following the events of last season.

"We recognize that this is a complex debate and that, in the interests of encouraging a positive and safe environment for all supporters, consideration should be given to the appropriateness and suitability of its continued use.

"We are already in the process of engaging with our fans and shall be consulting more widely in due course."

In recent years, the FA has shown its sensitivity to the concerns of the English football's Jewish community.

The England national team paid a visit to the World War II concentration camp Auschwitz I in Berkanau ahead of the Euro 2012 tournament in Poland and Ukraine last year.

In October, England manager Roy Hodgson will open the "Four Four Jew" exhibition at the Jewish Museum London.

The exhibition celebrates the Jewish community's contribution to British football.

Via: English FA issues 'yid' warning

Balotelli winner secures Italy's passage to finals

(CNN) -- Italy and the Netherlands sealed their places in the World Cup finals in Brazil next year while England survived an uncomfortable night in Kiev against Ukraine in key qualifying matches Tuesday.

Mario Balotelli scored the winner as Italy came from behind to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 to seal Group B, while the Dutch had a pair of Robin van Persie goals to thank for a 2-0 win in Andorra to wrap up Group D of European qualifying.

Roy Hodgson's England battled to a goalless draw to maintain their leadership of Group H, one point clear of Ukraine and Montenegro with two rounds of matches remaining.

It was an unconvincing performance and visiting goalkeeper Joe Hart was the busier goalkeeper in a match of few clear cut chances, but Frank Lampard, making his 100th appearance for England nearly grabbed the winner with a headed effort in injury time.

Italy fell behind to a 19th minute Libor Kozak volleyed strike in Turin, but the Azzurri struck back through Giorgio Chiellini in the 51st minute before Balotelli stepped up to hit the winner past Petr Cech from the spot three minutes later to set the four-time champions on the road to Brazil.

Milan's Balotelli had a mixed night, wasting several chances to put his side firmly in control, before winning the penalty as he was crudely fouled by Theodor Gebre Selassie.

Read: Balotelli does not regret leaving EPL

To complete an ultimately disappointing night for the Czechs, Daniel Kolar was given his marching orders near the end.

"We've qualified and we're really satisfied," said Italy coach Cesare Prandelli.

"Tonight there were spells in which we suffered physically but we also played some quality football. This squad has a lot of quality," he told AFP.

Fellow powerhouses Germany need just a single point from their final two matches to join them after a 3-0 win in the Faroe Islands, with Per Mertesacker, Arsenal new boy Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller scoring the goals.

Sweden still have a mathematical chance of overhauling the Group C leaders after Zlatan Ibrahimovic's first minute goal in the 1-0 win in Kazakhstan, but the Germans can seal qualification next month when they play the Republic of Ireland.

Switzerland are also all but assured of a finals place, five points clear of Iceland in Group E as a pair of Fabian Schar goals saw off Norway 2-0.

France revived their hopes by breaking a scoring drought which had lasted 526 minutes in a fighting 4-2 win in the Belarus.

Franck Ribery canceled out a Egor Filipenko opener for the hosts and then equalized for the second time after Timofei Kalachev's effort.

Samir Nasri and Paul Pogba grabbed vital late goals to clinch victory for the French, who draw level with world champions Spain on points in Group I.

Spain, who have played a game less, were salvaging a 2-2 draw with Chile in a friendly in Geneva, equalizing for the second time in added time through Jesus Navas.

Eduardo Vargas netted twice for the South Americans, with Tottenham striker Roberto Soldado canceling out his first effort.

Read: Real unveil Bale at Bernabeu

Wales' 3-0 home defeat to Serbia in Group A was notable for the appearance of Real Madrid's new world record signing Gareth Bale, who played for half an hour as a second half substitute and almost scored with a late free kick.

Bale has not played since a pre season friendly for his former side Tottenham, nursing a foot injury.

Earlier, Jordan won a marathon penalty shootout 9-8 with hosts Uzbekistan to qualify for an intercontinental playoff, with the winners reaching next year's finals.

They will play South America's fifth placed team after a topsy turvy contest in Tashkent.

The home side went ahead through Anzur Ismailov and dominated much of the first half, only for Saeed Murjan to level with a stunning half volley strike just before the interval.

Despite several chances for either side, the match went into extra time, which was delayed for 18 minutes by a floodlight failure.

The penalty drama was intense until the unfortunate Ismailov failed to convert his effort to leave the visitors celebrating.

Via: Balotelli winner secures Italy's passage to finals

Bale mania in Madrid

(CNN) -- Real Madrid Football Club has unveiled world-record transfer signing Gareth Bale to thousands of fans inside the Bernabeu Stadium.

The former Tottenham Hotspur winger, who cost the Spanish giants a reported $132 million (85 million), was officially welcomed by Real Madrid President Florentino Perez at a press conference on Monday.

The 24-year-old said it was "absolutely amazing" to have joined the Spanish giants adding he hoped to help the team to success and win a 10th European Cup this season.

A suited Bale then changed into his new kit before stepping out on to the pitch to greet hoards of adoring Madrid fans.

Earlier, Perez praised the Welsh Intenational who has been named Footballer of the Year in England twice and scored 26 goals in 44 appearances for Tottenham Hotspur last season.

Read more: Bale becomes latest 'Galactico'

"We are in this temple of Real Madrid to incorporate a new man who knows very clearly what are the values of this club," Perez said.

"A man who has been chosen as the best player in the Premier League last season. A young footballer but with great qualities, committed to the sport and whose dream has been to be a Real Madrid player.

Read more: Transfer deadline day latest

"Gareth you are going to help us to make the legend of this club even greater and stronger. This is your stadium, your shirt, your badge and your fans. From today this is your home."

The Welshman passed a medical on Monday morning with flying colors according to the head of Real Madrid's medical team, Carlos Diez.

Read more: Award-winner Bale destined for greatness?

"As always, we follow a protocol and we have done all the investigations and all the cardiorespiratory and biomechanical studies and the truth is that he is in excellent physical condition and available for the coaching staff when they see fit.," Diez said in a statement on the Real Madrid website.

"I highlight the physical condition he is in. He arrives at the club a physical marvel and we think he will serve the club well," he added.

Bale's unveiling at the Bernabeu concludes this summer's most high profile and protracted transfer saga.

The Welshman has made no secret of his desire to join Madrid admitting it was a "dream come true" on Tottenham Hotspur's website on Sunday.

Blog: Is Bale money distasteful?

"I am not sure there is ever a good time to leave a club where I felt settled and was playing the best football of my career to date," Bale's statement read. "I know many players talk of their desire to join the club of their boyhood dreams, but I can honestly say, this is my dream come true."

Spurs chairman, Daniel Levy said it was never his wish to sell Bale, but the club were forced to bow to the inevitable.

"Such has been the attention from Real Madrid and so great is Gareth's desire to join them, that we have taken the view that the player will not be sufficiently committed to our campaign in the current season," Levy told Tottenham's website.

Bale has agreed a six-year contract with Madrid which will see him reportedly earn around $13.2 million a year after tax.

The reported $132 million (85 millon) fee sees Madrid break their own world transfer record set when they signed Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United for $124.6 million (80 million) in 2009.

Via: Bale mania in Madrid