Costa Rica deny they will replace Japan at Copa America

The Costa Rican football federation (Fedefutbol) has released an official statement denying reports that they will replace Japan at the 2011 Copa America.



Fox Sports reported that Japan could withdraw from this summer's Copa America as they are struggling to select a representative team for the tournament, and that Costa Rica could be set to take their place.



However, Fedefutbol denied that they had been contacted to take part, and a statement on their official website reads: "Fedefutbol wishes to announce that as of today, May 10, Costa Rica have not been officially approached regarding participation at the 2011 Copa America, to be held in Argentina in July."



The Asian champions initially opted to withdraw from the Copa America following the earthquake and tsunami that struck the nation in March, but eventually reconsidered their decision following a request from tournament organisers.



Nevertheless, Japan could now withdraw after several clubs, who are under no obligation to supply personnel, were reluctant to release their players for the tournament. The likes of Borussia Dortmund, Stuttgart, Koln and Inter reportedly would prefer to keep their Japanese players in Europe.



Earlier reports suggested that Dutch clubs such as Feyenoord, Vitesse and VVV were ready to allow participation, but it is unclear whether Japan will travel to South America following the recent developments.



An official statement regarding Japan's involvement in the tournament is expected on Friday.




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Douglas Costa, Willian Wants To Play For FC Barcelona

Interesting news are out and it has been revealed that Shakhtar Donetsk’s Brazilian pair Douglas Costa and Willian have both declared an ambition to play Barcelona.

It is said that the talented pair impressed Barca directors when the clubs met during their Champions League quarter finals clash.

“If someday I could go to another team, it would be a dream to play for Barca. It is the best club in the world,” said Willian.

Douglas Costa also remarked: “Of course I’d like to go to Barca. All the great players want to play there someday.”

Willian

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Lionel Messi Out Of Costa Rica Clash With Leg Injury

Lionel Messi has been withdrawn from the friendly match against Costa Rica on Tuesday after the Barcelona ace reportedly suffered a leg injury.

Coach Sergio Batista told Argentine media : “I had prepared the team with (Messi) in it. We’re not pressured by Barcelona or anyone…I think that with the scan done on him today, if he played he’d last five minutes,”.

“He suffered a pulled (right leg) muscle and we must look after the player, we can’t take a risk. I’m sorry because I want him in the eleven and also for the crowd.

“We have to respect the timing for the Copa America (in Argentina in July) and for Barcelona,” he added.

Palermo midfielder Javier Pastore stood in for Messi in a team with six changes from the side that drew 1-1 with the United States in New Jersey on Saturday

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Costa Rica vs Argentina Live Stream Online - 29 March 2011

It will be a very very interesting game to be played between two american based sides one from South America with all the reputation and while other from north America with un predictability on their ranks and this is a friendly match which will be very interesting in nature as Argentina are coming into this match on the back of a very poor result against USA when they were held by them to 1-1 on the day couple of days ago. Now they will be hoping to get back to winning ways in this match.

Argentina have been playing some really good football of late and they have probably the best player in their ranks when it comes to world football and he is also becoming household name in the world with his goal scoring power, he is non other than Leo Messi. Argentina are playing some good football of late and it will be intersting to see how they go about this match.

This match will be on air at around 3 AM European Time on 30 March 2011 and we will have all the updates and the goals video which will be placed here immediatly after the match is over.

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Manchester United Ready To Sign Shakhtar Donetsk Star Douglas Costa

It has been revealed that Manchester United are interested in Shakhtar Donetsk star Douglas Costa.

While rumours of Costa visiting Old Trafford last week were wide of the mark, the 20 year old Brazilian is under consideration at United.

The Telegraph has reported that Sir Alex Ferguson, who has struggled to settle on a central midfield partnership in recent years, is examining the prospect of bringing Costa to England in the summer.

The midfielder has been tracked by United since his time at Gremio.

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Man Utd To Launch £18 Million Bid For Douglas Costa

Interesting news are out and it has been revealed that Premier League giants Manchester United are in talks to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Douglas Costa.

According to The Sunday Mirror, the Red Devils are in talks with the 20 year old ­Brazilian attacking midfielder about an £18million summer move.

The former Gremio star, who has helped Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk reach the Champions League quarter-finals, was in the Old Trafford ­directors’ box yesterday as United beat Bolton 1-0.

Dubbed as the new Ronaldinho, Costa is seen as the ideal successor for Paul Scholes.

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[Pic] Douglas Costa at Old Trafford

Douglas Costa has been monitored by Sir Alex Ferguson for the past four years and it seems the 20 year-old Brazilian is a little closer to joining up with fellow Brazilians Rafael and Fabio at United after being spotted at the Manchester United - Bolton game on Saturday.

Costa is part of the Shakhtar Donetsk side that have reached the quarter finals of the Champions League and is seen as the perfect replacement to Paul Scholes in the United midfield. Costa is an attacking midfielder with pace and dribbling ability who can be utilised on either wing or up front as a second striker.


Manchester United would not comment on his appearance at Old Trafford, seen above, but Sir Alex had tried to sign him when he played at Brazilian side Gremio. A deal fell through and he signed for Shakhtar who will apparently ask for close to £20 million if United come calling. That is £15 million more than what Shakhtar bought him for in January 2010 and £13 million more than what United originally offered Gremio in 2009.


The player has scored 15 goals in 61 appearances for Shakhtar and a move to United could prove difficult with a work permit a possible stumbling block as well as the Ukranian clubs good financial position. As the richest club in Ukraine and this seasons good Champions League showing, they will be in no rush to sell their best players.


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