WSOP and the World Cup Attracts Multi-Nations
When taking a look at world sports and competitions, poker never really seems to get the recognition it deserves for pulling in a crowd and participants from a collection of nations around the world.
It is a story of a game that has captured the minds and imaginations of those from countries that may not be able to celebrate their national team's success in football, but when they look at their countrymen on the poker felts, they have something to cheer about.
The World Cup is one of the world's biggest sporting competitions. It is on par, if not more popular than the Olympics, and it creates billions in revenue from sponsorship deals, TV rights and merchandise.
That's not to mention the fact that the World Cup stimulates the services industries in many countries around the world as those supporting their country flock to the local bars to watch their country in action, or get over to the off license in order to follow the matches with a beer while sat in the comfort of their own home.
It truly is an amazing sporting event that comes around only every four years. However, there is another event out there that is not so well televised or publicised that also grabs the attention of viewers round the world.
The World Series of Poker has been around since the 1970s, and as it began opening its tournament doors, the increase in the events popularity has been continuously growing.
Poker may not be a competition that is as widely recognised as football, as after all it is not in the school curriculum as football is, but it is an up and coming phenomenon that attracts as many if not more nationalities than the FIFA World Cup conjures up.
One thing is for sure, and that is the WSOP still has room to grow and improve.
Since 1930 the Football World Cup has been going strong with the exception of a few years break due to World War One and Two.
In spite of a few minor hic ups, it still has a forty year advantage on the WSOP. In 1930 the total attendance to the World Cup was 590,549. Since then the highest recorded attendance was 3,587,538, attracting seven times more people than the first event.
Let's take a look at poker. When the first WSOP main event tournament was played, it was with just six players mainly from the US.
Over 35 years on and in 2006 there were 8,773 players from all over the world.
The list of countries participating is too long to even share here, whereas the World Cup's Main Event is played with a total of 36 nations. What's more impressive is the WSOP's growth far outweighs the World Cup's growth, so in the future it wouldn't be too farfetched to say events could attract up to and over 3 million.
Currently the WSOP plays around 60 tournaments over two weeks, so with 3 million people attending the event, the WSOP could be playing over 200 tournaments over an extended period of time, potentially making it one of the largest global events we've seen.
Poker's free poker online sites and the fact anyone can play the game at any age has brought the game up into international recognition, and it could one day be more popular than football!
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It is a story of a game that has captured the minds and imaginations of those from countries that may not be able to celebrate their national team's success in football, but when they look at their countrymen on the poker felts, they have something to cheer about.
The World Cup is one of the world's biggest sporting competitions. It is on par, if not more popular than the Olympics, and it creates billions in revenue from sponsorship deals, TV rights and merchandise.
That's not to mention the fact that the World Cup stimulates the services industries in many countries around the world as those supporting their country flock to the local bars to watch their country in action, or get over to the off license in order to follow the matches with a beer while sat in the comfort of their own home.
It truly is an amazing sporting event that comes around only every four years. However, there is another event out there that is not so well televised or publicised that also grabs the attention of viewers round the world.
The World Series of Poker has been around since the 1970s, and as it began opening its tournament doors, the increase in the events popularity has been continuously growing.
Poker may not be a competition that is as widely recognised as football, as after all it is not in the school curriculum as football is, but it is an up and coming phenomenon that attracts as many if not more nationalities than the FIFA World Cup conjures up.
One thing is for sure, and that is the WSOP still has room to grow and improve.
Since 1930 the Football World Cup has been going strong with the exception of a few years break due to World War One and Two.
In spite of a few minor hic ups, it still has a forty year advantage on the WSOP. In 1930 the total attendance to the World Cup was 590,549. Since then the highest recorded attendance was 3,587,538, attracting seven times more people than the first event.
Let's take a look at poker. When the first WSOP main event tournament was played, it was with just six players mainly from the US.
Over 35 years on and in 2006 there were 8,773 players from all over the world.
The list of countries participating is too long to even share here, whereas the World Cup's Main Event is played with a total of 36 nations. What's more impressive is the WSOP's growth far outweighs the World Cup's growth, so in the future it wouldn't be too farfetched to say events could attract up to and over 3 million.
Currently the WSOP plays around 60 tournaments over two weeks, so with 3 million people attending the event, the WSOP could be playing over 200 tournaments over an extended period of time, potentially making it one of the largest global events we've seen.
Poker's free poker online sites and the fact anyone can play the game at any age has brought the game up into international recognition, and it could one day be more popular than football!
Top 10 Goals of Week #3 February 2014
Here are the best goals from week #3 February 2014, courtesy of TVGOLO.com
| Goal#1 | Mario Balotelli (AC Milan) | vs Bologna |
| Goal#2 | Marco Fabián (Cruz Azul) | vs Puebla |
| Goal#3 | Gabriel Graciani (Colón de Santa Fe) | vs Quilmes |
| Goal#4 | Neymar (Barcelona) | vs Rayo Vallecano |
| Goal#5 | Emerson (Livorno) | vs Cagliari |
| Goal#6 | Jonathan Soriano (Red Bull Salzburg) | vs Ajax Amsterdam |
| Goal#7 | Sascha Traut (VfR Aalen) | vs Energie Cottbus |
| Goal#8 | Míchel (Atlético Mineiro) | vs URT |
| Goal#9 | Stipe Vucur (Wacker Innsbruck) | vs Ried |
| Goal#10 | Ricardo Quaresma (FC Porto) | vs Eintracht Frankfurt |
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Ex-West Brom striker Rosenberg leaves ENTIRE contents of house to charity
Markus Rosenberg may not have scored during his time at West Bromwich Albion, but he has left a lasting impression by donating everything in his Midlands home to charity.
After having his West Brom contract cancelled by mutual consent, the Swede agreed a deal to move back to his native Sweden with Malmö earlier in the week.
But the 31-year-old ensured he would be remembered in the West Midlands after offering up all the furnishings from his luxury house in Solihull to the Sue Ryder care centre charity.
That included not only all of Rosenberg's furniture but also items such as kitchen plates, cutlery and utensils, taking six hours to clear.
The haul was so large, it had to be split up between Sue Ryder branches in Sheldon, Kings Heath, and Harborne.
"I wasn't a West Brom fan before, but I am now!" Tracey Evans, stock generator for Sue Ryder's local shops, told the Birmingham Mail.
"When we had finished there were just the beds left for them to sleep in.
"They even offered us a 20 foot trampoline in the back garden, but we had nowhere to put it."
The donation will raise thousands for the charity, which provides care for members of the public with life-changing illnesses.
Mrs Evans added: "It is all good stuff - a lot of the furniture is minimalistic.
"We really are so grateful because we are so desperate for furniture.
"As a charity, we have to sell items at a low price, but we expect the donation to fetch around £3,500.
"He and his wife were wonderful. I think it is really nice that he thought about our charity."
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| Markus Rosenberg didn't score a single goal for West Brom in his season and a half with the club Photo: Getty Images |
After having his West Brom contract cancelled by mutual consent, the Swede agreed a deal to move back to his native Sweden with Malmö earlier in the week.
But the 31-year-old ensured he would be remembered in the West Midlands after offering up all the furnishings from his luxury house in Solihull to the Sue Ryder care centre charity.
That included not only all of Rosenberg's furniture but also items such as kitchen plates, cutlery and utensils, taking six hours to clear.
The haul was so large, it had to be split up between Sue Ryder branches in Sheldon, Kings Heath, and Harborne.
"I wasn't a West Brom fan before, but I am now!" Tracey Evans, stock generator for Sue Ryder's local shops, told the Birmingham Mail.
"When we had finished there were just the beds left for them to sleep in.
"They even offered us a 20 foot trampoline in the back garden, but we had nowhere to put it."
The donation will raise thousands for the charity, which provides care for members of the public with life-changing illnesses.
Mrs Evans added: "It is all good stuff - a lot of the furniture is minimalistic.
"We really are so grateful because we are so desperate for furniture.
"As a charity, we have to sell items at a low price, but we expect the donation to fetch around £3,500.
"He and his wife were wonderful. I think it is really nice that he thought about our charity."
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Also see:
- Brede Hangeland raised £45k at his wedding to build school in Cambodia
- Bournemouth fans raise money for Burton Albion bus fund
- Steven Gerrard donates £500k from testimonial to children's hospital
- Real Sociedad to donate ticket sales of Celta game for Philippines typhoon victims
- Per Mertesacker sells 'Big F***ing German' T-Shirts for charity
Goal of the day: Neymar (Barcelona) vs Rayo Vallecano
Neymar marked his return after a monthlong injury absence with a stunning goal to complete a 6-0 win for Barcelona against Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou.
Barcelona never looked like slipping up against second-bottom Rayo and were unfortunate to head into half-time only up 2-0 from Adriano's second-minute opener and Lionel Messi's lob on 36 minutes.
Alexis Sánchez and Pedro put the Catalan giants 4-0 up before Messi got his brace just before being subbed off.
Just as the game seemed to be coming to a close, Neymar, who came on in the second-half having recovered from injury, completed the rout with an incredible goal.
The Brazil striker, who had been out since hurting his right ankle last month, ran from just inside his own half, shook off one challenge before sending a curling rocket of a shot straight towards the top corner.
"His comeback was very good and in the 30 minutes he played, he did well," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said afterwards.
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| Barcelona player Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal against Rayo Vallecano Photo: Getty Images |
Barcelona never looked like slipping up against second-bottom Rayo and were unfortunate to head into half-time only up 2-0 from Adriano's second-minute opener and Lionel Messi's lob on 36 minutes.
Alexis Sánchez and Pedro put the Catalan giants 4-0 up before Messi got his brace just before being subbed off.
Just as the game seemed to be coming to a close, Neymar, who came on in the second-half having recovered from injury, completed the rout with an incredible goal.
The Brazil striker, who had been out since hurting his right ankle last month, ran from just inside his own half, shook off one challenge before sending a curling rocket of a shot straight towards the top corner.
"His comeback was very good and in the 30 minutes he played, he did well," Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino said afterwards.
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Wonderstrike! Craig Gardner (Sunderland) vs Southampton
A thunderbolt from Craig Gardner handed Sunderland a 1-0 home victory over Southampton on Saturday and a place in the last eight of the FA Cup.
With both teams having met on three previous occasions in the season, there was plenty of cancelling out across a goalless opening 45 minutes where very few chances were created.
It was an uneventful opening period, but the match was lit up by a moment of brilliance four minutes after the interval.
Black Cats debutant Ignacio Scocco did well down the right only to be dispossessed by Jos Hooiveld.
The ball, though, ran to Gardner with the 27-year-old side-stepping Victor Wanyama before unleashing a fierce 25-yard strike into the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.
It was a stunning finish from the midfielder, with Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis left with no chance at full stretch.
"The ball came out and Wanyama tried to nick it, but I managed to get it past him and let rip," Gardner told SAFSee. "It was nice to see it go in off the bar.
"It was going a bit high - when the ball hits the bar you always think 'oh no', but when I saw it hit the net I was buzzing."
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| Sunderland player Craig Gardner celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Southampton Photo: AP |
With both teams having met on three previous occasions in the season, there was plenty of cancelling out across a goalless opening 45 minutes where very few chances were created.
It was an uneventful opening period, but the match was lit up by a moment of brilliance four minutes after the interval.
Black Cats debutant Ignacio Scocco did well down the right only to be dispossessed by Jos Hooiveld.
The ball, though, ran to Gardner with the 27-year-old side-stepping Victor Wanyama before unleashing a fierce 25-yard strike into the back of the net off the underside of the crossbar.
It was a stunning finish from the midfielder, with Southampton keeper Kelvin Davis left with no chance at full stretch.
"The ball came out and Wanyama tried to nick it, but I managed to get it past him and let rip," Gardner told SAFSee. "It was nice to see it go in off the bar.
"It was going a bit high - when the ball hits the bar you always think 'oh no', but when I saw it hit the net I was buzzing."
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WTF! Linesman calmly talks on phone during Bulgarian match
We've all seen some terrible referees and linesmen, but probably none that come close to being as bad as this guy.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Also see:
- Hardcore! Italian player breaks dugout with headbutt celebrating goal
- Caption This: Bolton fan brings sex toy to away game at Barnsley
- Caption This: Who's Marouane Fellaini texting during Newcastle game?
- Players involved in unexpected wrestling display
- Angry bird attacks linesman during Brazilian match
Debutant Miloš Jojić scores with first touch, 17 seconds into Dortmund debut
With his first touch of the ball, new signing Miloš Jojić scored Borussia Dortmund's fourth goal in their 4-0 home win over Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed a brace before a Robert Lewandowski penalty early in the second-half effectively sealed Dortmund's win.
Jojić replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan for his Bundesliga debut with twenty minutes remaining, and within 17 seconds of taking to the field, he had already opened his account.
The 21-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Partizan Belgrade in January, pounced after Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to hold a Kevin Großkreutz shot.
It was the fastest goal scored by a debutant in the Bundesliga.
"I'm very happy for him," Dortmund teammate Nuri Şahin said after the game. "This goal will help him settling in more easily."
Sebastian Kehl joked: "I've been working my butt off for 17 years to set a record, and Miloš only needs a few seconds for one!"
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| Miloš Jojić celebrates his first ever Dortmund goal with teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Photo: Reuters |
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang grabbed a brace before a Robert Lewandowski penalty early in the second-half effectively sealed Dortmund's win.
Jojić replaced Henrikh Mkhitaryan for his Bundesliga debut with twenty minutes remaining, and within 17 seconds of taking to the field, he had already opened his account.
The 21-year-old, who joined Dortmund from Partizan Belgrade in January, pounced after Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp to hold a Kevin Großkreutz shot.
It was the fastest goal scored by a debutant in the Bundesliga.
"I'm very happy for him," Dortmund teammate Nuri Şahin said after the game. "This goal will help him settling in more easily."
Sebastian Kehl joked: "I've been working my butt off for 17 years to set a record, and Miloš only needs a few seconds for one!"
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Team Also see:
- Sassuolo wonderkid Domenico Berardi scores four goals vs AC Milan
- Petr Čech sets new Chelsea record for clean sheets
- Luis Suárez scores four times vs Norwich to make Premier League history
- Tim Cahill scores in 7 seconds to break MLS' quickest-goal record
- Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang bags hat-trick on Bundesliga debut
Goal of the day: Mario Balotelli (AC Milan) vs Bologna
Mario Balotelli scored a goal of the season contender to secure a 1-0 victory for AC Milan against relegation-threatened Bologna at the San Siro on Friday.
The Rossoneri had the majority of the possession all game long, pushing Davide Ballardini's men back virtually on to the edge of their own area
However, the frustration both in the stands and in the Milan ranks was all too evident as the hosts laboured to break down their relegation-threatened visitors.
The game looked for certain to remain goalless, but a moment of magic worthy of winning any game from Balotelli four minutes from time snatched all three points.
Collecting the ball in the right channel, the Italy forward took a touch before sending a dipping thunderbolt from 43 yards that flew into the far top corner travelling at 91 km/h (56 mph).
"I looked at the goalkeeper and saw he was a little off his line, so I hit it with full force and fortunately it went in," Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia.
"It's a good goal. The coach (Clarence Seedorf) gives me confidence, as I am the one who has to pull the team forward and therefore it's my duty to score these goals."
Seedorf added: "It's the kind of goal Mario knows how to score, as he has these weapons in his armoury.
"The great thing is that the team continues to believe in the result, as you don't score goals like that unless you believe."
"I think this will be considered the goal of the year, as he did it without any run-up and put incredible power behind it," Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani told Milan Channel.
"Balo is a great player and I will re-watch the footage of that marvellous goal all night."
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| AC Milan player Mario Balotelli celebrates after scoring the winning goal against Bologna Photo: Getty Images |
The Rossoneri had the majority of the possession all game long, pushing Davide Ballardini's men back virtually on to the edge of their own area
However, the frustration both in the stands and in the Milan ranks was all too evident as the hosts laboured to break down their relegation-threatened visitors.
The game looked for certain to remain goalless, but a moment of magic worthy of winning any game from Balotelli four minutes from time snatched all three points.
Collecting the ball in the right channel, the Italy forward took a touch before sending a dipping thunderbolt from 43 yards that flew into the far top corner travelling at 91 km/h (56 mph).
"I looked at the goalkeeper and saw he was a little off his line, so I hit it with full force and fortunately it went in," Balotelli told Sky Sport Italia.
"It's a good goal. The coach (Clarence Seedorf) gives me confidence, as I am the one who has to pull the team forward and therefore it's my duty to score these goals."
Seedorf added: "It's the kind of goal Mario knows how to score, as he has these weapons in his armoury.
"The great thing is that the team continues to believe in the result, as you don't score goals like that unless you believe."
"I think this will be considered the goal of the year, as he did it without any run-up and put incredible power behind it," Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani told Milan Channel.
"Balo is a great player and I will re-watch the footage of that marvellous goal all night."
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Related links: Team Personal Also see:
Top 10 Goals of Week #2 February 2014
Here are the best goals from week #2 February 2014, courtesy of TVGOLO.com
| Goal#1 | Lukas Jutkiewicz (Bolton Wanderers) | vs Bournemouth |
| Goal#2 | Valentín Viola (Racing Club) | vs Colón de Santa Fe |
| Goal#3 | Søren Rieks (NEC Nijmegen) | vs Feyenoord Rotterdam |
| Goal#4 | Viorel Ferfelea (CSU Craiova) | vs Zugdidi |
| Goal#5 | Enzo Pérez (Benfica) | vs Sporting Lisbon |
| Goal#6 | Benjamin André (Ajaccio) | vs Rennes |
| Goal#7 | Lionel Messi (Barcelona) | vs Real Sociedad |
| Goal#8 | Danny Drinkwater (Leicester City) | vs Watford |
| Goal#9 | Braga (Rio Ave) | vs Sporting Braga |
| Goal#10 | Eden Hazard (Chelsea) | vs Newcastle United |
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Also see:
- Goal of the day: Enzo Pérez (Benfica) vs Sporting Lisbon
- Thunderbolt! Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina) vs Udinese
- Goal of the day: Rickie Lambert (Southampton) vs Stoke
- Stephen Warnock (Leeds) scores freak wind-assisted goal vs Yeovil
- Tottenham loanee Iago Falqué scores two Solo Golazos vs Málaga
Who will win the World Cup?
Believe it or not, in less than four months' time, the FIFA World Cup Finals will kick off in Brazil in front of the eyes of the globe's millions upon millions of football fans.
Speculation is already rife over which sides are likeliest to win the ultimate prize in football at the hotly anticipated tournament, and a large number of bookmakers including big players Coral have already released their odds on outright tournament winners.
Here are a few selected teams who'll be heading to Brazil this summer and their odds of coming home as champions:
The favourites
At 3/1 to take the title (odds courtesy of Coral), Brazil are the best fancied team in the tournament.
As host nation, they already have an edge over the opposition – one in three World Cup hosts goes on to win the tournament – whilst star names including Neymar and Oscar will represent extraordinary assets for the Brazilians going forward.
Throw into the equation the legendary managing prowess of Scolari and it's easy to see why this is the team to beat.
Other favourites include Argentina, Spain and Germany, but for now, let's take a look at a few of the sides who've received fewer column inches in the lead-up to the competition...
The new dark horses from European
Coral price Belgium 14/1 to win the tournament, Belgium might just represent the very best of the outside bets to go all the way in Brazil.
Whilst this side has stuttered in recent friendlies against Columbia and Japan, the immense quality and proficiency in their squad remains intact.
Belgium can count an enviable array of English Premier League stars amongst their ranks, including Chelsea's wunderkind Eden Hazard, the consummate Vincent Kompany, rock solid keeper Mignolet and the superb goal-scoring talent Romelu Lukaku.
The abundance of familiar faces from our native top flight will make this a particularly interesting side to watch for English fans.
The other South American super-power...
Neither Brazil nor Argentina can lay claim to the prestigious title of South American champions...
That accolade belongs to Uruguay, proud homeland of Luis Suarez and 2010 World Cup semi-finalists.
At 28/1, this side could be well worth a punt...
The Three Lions
Ever-optimistic betters will still be putting a little money on England to win in Brazil.
28/1 odds on Hodgson's winning out would mean a very handsome return for all those who back them if the Three Lions pull off the implausible this summer!
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Speculation is already rife over which sides are likeliest to win the ultimate prize in football at the hotly anticipated tournament, and a large number of bookmakers including big players Coral have already released their odds on outright tournament winners.
Here are a few selected teams who'll be heading to Brazil this summer and their odds of coming home as champions:
The favourites
At 3/1 to take the title (odds courtesy of Coral), Brazil are the best fancied team in the tournament.
As host nation, they already have an edge over the opposition – one in three World Cup hosts goes on to win the tournament – whilst star names including Neymar and Oscar will represent extraordinary assets for the Brazilians going forward.
Throw into the equation the legendary managing prowess of Scolari and it's easy to see why this is the team to beat.
Other favourites include Argentina, Spain and Germany, but for now, let's take a look at a few of the sides who've received fewer column inches in the lead-up to the competition...
The new dark horses from European
Coral price Belgium 14/1 to win the tournament, Belgium might just represent the very best of the outside bets to go all the way in Brazil.
Whilst this side has stuttered in recent friendlies against Columbia and Japan, the immense quality and proficiency in their squad remains intact.
Belgium can count an enviable array of English Premier League stars amongst their ranks, including Chelsea's wunderkind Eden Hazard, the consummate Vincent Kompany, rock solid keeper Mignolet and the superb goal-scoring talent Romelu Lukaku.
The abundance of familiar faces from our native top flight will make this a particularly interesting side to watch for English fans.
The other South American super-power...
Neither Brazil nor Argentina can lay claim to the prestigious title of South American champions...
That accolade belongs to Uruguay, proud homeland of Luis Suarez and 2010 World Cup semi-finalists.
At 28/1, this side could be well worth a punt...
The Three Lions
Ever-optimistic betters will still be putting a little money on England to win in Brazil.
28/1 odds on Hodgson's winning out would mean a very handsome return for all those who back them if the Three Lions pull off the implausible this summer!
Neymar & Bruna Marquezine split up
Brazilian actress Bruna Marquezine has ended her year-long relationship with Barcelona star Neymar.
The 18-year-old soap opera star has deleted all her photos taken with Neymar on Instagram and then announced the split to the blog of O Globo journalist Patrícia Kogut.
Rumours of the end of the relationship have been circulating in Brazil since the couple went their separate ways for the New Year celebrations.
While Bruna is living in Brazil to pursue her acting career, Neymar moved to Spain after signing for Barcelona last summer.
Bruna, who stars in Em Família, a prime-time soap opera broadcast by Globo television, had been dating Neymar since 2013.
The 18-year-old soap opera star has deleted all her photos taken with Neymar on Instagram and then announced the split to the blog of O Globo journalist Patrícia Kogut.
Rumours of the end of the relationship have been circulating in Brazil since the couple went their separate ways for the New Year celebrations.
While Bruna is living in Brazil to pursue her acting career, Neymar moved to Spain after signing for Barcelona last summer.
Bruna, who stars in Em Família, a prime-time soap opera broadcast by Globo television, had been dating Neymar since 2013.
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| Photos: Facebook/BrunaMarquezine |
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Personal Also see:
- Neymar & Fernanda Lima produce most awkward handshake you could imagine
- Neymar gets perfect hit playing shooting game on Japanese game show
- Neymar's image used to sell 'high quality' drugs in Brazil
- Neymar asks fans to stop calling him in early hours
- Neymar tops list of most marketable athletes in the world
Goal of the day: Enzo Pérez (Benfica) vs Sporting Lisbon
Enzo Pérez scored a brilliant goal as Benfica ran out deserved 2-0 winners against Sporting Lisbon in a surprisingly one-sided Lisbon derby at the Estádio da Luz on Tuesday.
The much anticipated derby had originally been due to take place on Sunday but was abandoned due to bad weather and high winds causing damage to the stadium.
After a strong start, Benfica broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Nicolás Gaitán headed home from Maxi Pereira's right-wing cross.
The game was put to bed thanks to a well-taken Pérez strike 13 minutes from time.
Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patrício raced off his line to prevent what seemed a certain goal from Rodrigo.
However, the visitors had yet to fully clear the danger as the ball fell to Pérez 20 yards from goal.
The Argentine cut across the box, shimmied past Eric Dier before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner beyond a helpless Patrício.
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| Benfica player Enzo Pérez celebrates after scoring a goal against Sporting Lisbon Photo: AP |
The much anticipated derby had originally been due to take place on Sunday but was abandoned due to bad weather and high winds causing damage to the stadium.
After a strong start, Benfica broke the deadlock in the 27th minute when Nicolás Gaitán headed home from Maxi Pereira's right-wing cross.
The game was put to bed thanks to a well-taken Pérez strike 13 minutes from time.
Sporting goalkeeper Rui Patrício raced off his line to prevent what seemed a certain goal from Rodrigo.
However, the visitors had yet to fully clear the danger as the ball fell to Pérez 20 yards from goal.
The Argentine cut across the box, shimmied past Eric Dier before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the far corner beyond a helpless Patrício.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Team Also see:
- Thunderbolt! Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina) vs Udinese
- Goal of the day: Rickie Lambert (Southampton) vs Stoke
- Stephen Warnock (Leeds) scores freak wind-assisted goal vs Yeovil
- Tottenham loanee Iago Falqué scores two Solo Golazos vs Málaga
- Sublime Free-Kick! Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal) vs Real Madrid
Here's Lionel Messi serving as personal chef
Atlético Madrid fan throws lighter at Cristiano Ronaldo's head
Cristiano Ronaldo was struck on the head by a lighter thrown from the Atlético Madrid supporters during Real Madrid's 2-0 Copa del Rey win at the Vicente Calderón.
The Portuguese converted two penalties in the first 16 minutes of Tuesday's semi-final match, and his reward was to be hit by an object thrown from the crowd.
Ronaldo and teammate Sergio Ramos were leaving the pitch at half-time when a lighter came flying from the stands and hit him right in the head.
Stunned by the impact, Ronaldo went down while Ramos was still laughing at whatever they were talking about before the attack.
Following treatment, he appeared to be unaffected and was able to take his place on the pitch at the start of the second-half.
"We were talking, I can't remember about what, but we were laughing and then I saw it hit him," Ramos told reporters after the match.
"These things tarnish the image of football and measures have to be taken.
"Don't punish everyone in the stadium, because they should not pay for the sins of one person.
"But with the cameras in today's football you either punish or be left without football coming here and stay at home."
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| Cristiano Ronaldo grabs his head after being hit with a lighter upon leaving the field Photo: Reuters |
The Portuguese converted two penalties in the first 16 minutes of Tuesday's semi-final match, and his reward was to be hit by an object thrown from the crowd.
Ronaldo and teammate Sergio Ramos were leaving the pitch at half-time when a lighter came flying from the stands and hit him right in the head.
Stunned by the impact, Ronaldo went down while Ramos was still laughing at whatever they were talking about before the attack.
Following treatment, he appeared to be unaffected and was able to take his place on the pitch at the start of the second-half.
"We were talking, I can't remember about what, but we were laughing and then I saw it hit him," Ramos told reporters after the match.
"These things tarnish the image of football and measures have to be taken.
"Don't punish everyone in the stadium, because they should not pay for the sins of one person.
"But with the cameras in today's football you either punish or be left without football coming here and stay at home."
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Related links: Team Personal Also see:
- Non-league footballer attacks fan after red card, gets the sack
- Getafe defender Alexis suffers broken veins in testicle
- Standard Liège player punches opponent in face after being fouled
- Pitch invader punches Leyton Orient goalkeeper in the face
- Linesman hit by flare thrown from Spurs crowd at Villa Park
Thunderbolt! Juan Guillermo Cuadrado (Fiorentina) vs Udinese
A Juan Guillermo Cuadrado stunner gave Fiorentina a 2-0 victory over Udinese on Tuesday and a place in the Coppa Italia final after a 3-2 win on aggregate.
The Florence outfit headed into the game trailing 2-1 from the first leg, but did have the benefit of a precious away goal.
Manuel Pasqual levelled the tie on aggregate with a superb close-range finish in the 14th minute.
And the deciding goal came just after the hour mark in spectacular fashion.
David Pizarro's long ball found Cuadrado down the right and he hit a ferocious shot from the edge of the area that clipped the underside of the crossbar.
Replays show the ball didn't even rotate in the air, as it simply arrowed off his boot.
"This is a joy we deserved over the last year and a half. The city deserves the Final too and I'm happy to have scored the goal," Cuadrado told Rai Sport.
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| Fiorentina player Juan Guillermo Cuadrado celebrates after scoring a goal against Udinese Photo: Getty Images |
The Florence outfit headed into the game trailing 2-1 from the first leg, but did have the benefit of a precious away goal.
Manuel Pasqual levelled the tie on aggregate with a superb close-range finish in the 14th minute.
And the deciding goal came just after the hour mark in spectacular fashion.
David Pizarro's long ball found Cuadrado down the right and he hit a ferocious shot from the edge of the area that clipped the underside of the crossbar.
Replays show the ball didn't even rotate in the air, as it simply arrowed off his boot.
"This is a joy we deserved over the last year and a half. The city deserves the Final too and I'm happy to have scored the goal," Cuadrado told Rai Sport.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Team Also see:
- Goal of the day: Rickie Lambert (Southampton) vs Stoke
- Stephen Warnock (Leeds) scores freak wind-assisted goal vs Yeovil
- Tottenham loanee Iago Falqué scores two Solo Golazos vs Málaga
- Sublime Free-Kick! Giovani dos Santos (Villarreal) vs Real Madrid
- Wonderful Hit! Dimitri Payet (Marseille) vs Bastia
Magician Troy replaces Arsenal crest with Spurs badge on fan's shirt
Meeting up with Arsenal fans ahead of the North London derby, a magician by the name of Troy conjured up a bit of dazzling trickery to emboss a Tottenham Hotspur badge on one unfortunate Gooner's shirt.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Team Also see:
- Chelsea fans claim to know about players that don't exist
- Arsenal's Santi Cazorla & Robert Pirès pose with anti-Spurs sign
- Arsenal start selling Theo Walcott's '2-0 gesture' T-Shirts
- Tottenham fans adorn Thierry Henry statue with Spurs jersey
- Pic of the day: Arsenal toilet rolls for sale outside White Hart Lane
Ezequiel Lavezzi's uncle killed by homicide in Argentina
The uncle of Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain star Ezequiel Lavezzi has been found dead in a case that authorities are treating as a homicide.
According to police sources, the victim identified as 60-year-old Jorge Lavezzi, the brother of Ezequiel's father, was discovered lifeless inside his Ford Truck on Wednesday morning.
Police sources cited by local media said the victim went to a fishermen zone located in a poor zone near Parana River in Rosario to buy supplies for his business and he was shot in the head after resisting an armed robbery.
The police said at least the cell phone of the victim was robbed.
The rate of crimes in Rosario, capital of Santa Fe province, has increased in the recent years. This year the average has reached one murder daily.
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| Ezequiel Lavezzi is mourning the loss of his uncle, who was murdered in Argentina Photo: Getty Images |
According to police sources, the victim identified as 60-year-old Jorge Lavezzi, the brother of Ezequiel's father, was discovered lifeless inside his Ford Truck on Wednesday morning.
Police sources cited by local media said the victim went to a fishermen zone located in a poor zone near Parana River in Rosario to buy supplies for his business and he was shot in the head after resisting an armed robbery.
The police said at least the cell phone of the victim was robbed.
The rate of crimes in Rosario, capital of Santa Fe province, has increased in the recent years. This year the average has reached one murder daily.
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Related links: Personal Also see:
Arsenal Ladies & England women's footballer Casey Stoney comes out as gay
Casey Stoney, a defender for the England women's football team and the Arsenal Ladies, has, for the first time, spoken openly about being gay.
The 31-year-old had taken the decision to come out after former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay and Olympic diver Tom Daley revealed he was in a relationship with a man.
"I was living a lie," Stoney, who has 116 caps for England, told BBC Sport.
"I've never hidden it within football circles because it is accepted. But to the outside world, I've never spoken about my sexuality
"I feel it's really important for me to speak out as a gay player because there are so many young people struggling with being gay.
"You hear about people taking their own lives because they're homosexual, now that should never happen. They should never feel those pressures.
"How can I expect other people to come out and speak about themselves if I'm not willing to do that myself?
"Now is the time because I'm in a loving relationship where I feel strong, I feel safe and I don't care what other people think any more."
Olympian Daley received a deluge of goodwill messages after announcing he was in a gay relationship last December.
Stoney added: "I looked at the response that Tom Daley got and the incredible positive response that he got and I thought 'wow, the world is changing' and it's time for me to stand up and tell my side of the story.
"If I can help other people in some way shape or form feel more comfortable or feel at ease with themselves then this is what this is all about, this is the bigger picture."
Stoney, who captained England at Euro 2013 and donned the armband for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, went on to explain how fear had prevented her from discussing her sexuality before now.
She continued: "For the last 10 years I've always cared too much what other people think.
"I was frightened of the stereotypes, frightened of being judged, frightened of what other people might say, especially the abuse you can get through social media.
"But I think I'm in a place where I feel so comfortable in my own skin, I feel so loved by the person I'm with, that I feel I can face anything.
"In the past, I made up lies about having a boyfriend or acted a certain way because I felt like that's how I had to act and be accepted by the modern world.
"But I wasn't happy doing that, because I was always lying, and lying to myself as well."
Russia will host the World Cup in 2018 and Stoney said she would not be going to the tournament unless there is a change in attitudes.
She said: "I won't be going to Russia or Qatar to watch a World Cup because I wouldn't be accepted there.
"I think it's incredible that these countries get World Cups and Olympics when they don't accept everybody to go there and be part of it.
"There will be (Olympic) athletes competing out (in Sochi) who are gay. I can't imagine how frightened they must feel going out there and competing.
"When Russian President Vladimir Putin says that gay people can come over but please don't go near the children, what sort of message is that sending if he is that uneducated and he's ruling that country? It seriously worries me.
"It's about educating the people at the top, all the way down."
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| With 116 caps to her name, Casey Stoney is the most high-profile active gay footballer in England Photo: Getty Images |
The 31-year-old had taken the decision to come out after former Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger came out as gay and Olympic diver Tom Daley revealed he was in a relationship with a man.
"I was living a lie," Stoney, who has 116 caps for England, told BBC Sport.
"I've never hidden it within football circles because it is accepted. But to the outside world, I've never spoken about my sexuality
"I feel it's really important for me to speak out as a gay player because there are so many young people struggling with being gay.
"You hear about people taking their own lives because they're homosexual, now that should never happen. They should never feel those pressures.
"How can I expect other people to come out and speak about themselves if I'm not willing to do that myself?
"Now is the time because I'm in a loving relationship where I feel strong, I feel safe and I don't care what other people think any more."
Olympian Daley received a deluge of goodwill messages after announcing he was in a gay relationship last December.
Stoney added: "I looked at the response that Tom Daley got and the incredible positive response that he got and I thought 'wow, the world is changing' and it's time for me to stand up and tell my side of the story.
"If I can help other people in some way shape or form feel more comfortable or feel at ease with themselves then this is what this is all about, this is the bigger picture."
 | |
| Casey Stoney poses with the 2013 Club England Team of the Year award Photo: Getty Images |
Stoney, who captained England at Euro 2013 and donned the armband for Team GB at the 2012 Olympics, went on to explain how fear had prevented her from discussing her sexuality before now.
She continued: "For the last 10 years I've always cared too much what other people think.
"I was frightened of the stereotypes, frightened of being judged, frightened of what other people might say, especially the abuse you can get through social media.
"But I think I'm in a place where I feel so comfortable in my own skin, I feel so loved by the person I'm with, that I feel I can face anything.
"In the past, I made up lies about having a boyfriend or acted a certain way because I felt like that's how I had to act and be accepted by the modern world.
"But I wasn't happy doing that, because I was always lying, and lying to myself as well."
Russia will host the World Cup in 2018 and Stoney said she would not be going to the tournament unless there is a change in attitudes.
She said: "I won't be going to Russia or Qatar to watch a World Cup because I wouldn't be accepted there.
"I think it's incredible that these countries get World Cups and Olympics when they don't accept everybody to go there and be part of it.
"There will be (Olympic) athletes competing out (in Sochi) who are gay. I can't imagine how frightened they must feel going out there and competing.
"When Russian President Vladimir Putin says that gay people can come over but please don't go near the children, what sort of message is that sending if he is that uneducated and he's ruling that country? It seriously worries me.
"It's about educating the people at the top, all the way down."
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Related links: Team Also see:
- Arsenal fans go Twitter crazy after Anouk Hoogendijk joins Gunners Ladies
- Joey Barton nominated for Britain's 'Gay Oscar'
- Leeds joins Stonewall's diversity programme to promote gay equality
- Ex-Chelsea player Mateja Kežman calls homosexuality a 'disease'
- Robbie Rogers makes historic debut as MLS' first openly gay player
Hardcore! Italian player breaks dugout with headbutt celebrating goal
In what is no doubt the most bizarre goal celebration this season, an amateur Italian player crashed his head through the dugout glass before getting sent off for his destructive celebration.
In an Italian amateur match between Pontilcelli and Riolo Terme, a striker from the latter team took advantage of a goalkeeping howler to tap in an easy goal.
What happened next was truly mindblowing as he embarked on extremely odd but vigorous little run towards his dugout not hug his team-mates but to smash his head through the dugout's plexiglass wall.
The referee, though, was less amused and showed him a straight red card.
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| This is how you celebrate a goal if you're a crazy person Photo: YouTube |
In an Italian amateur match between Pontilcelli and Riolo Terme, a striker from the latter team took advantage of a goalkeeping howler to tap in an easy goal.
What happened next was truly mindblowing as he embarked on extremely odd but vigorous little run towards his dugout not hug his team-mates but to smash his head through the dugout's plexiglass wall.
The referee, though, was less amused and showed him a straight red card.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Also see:
- Italian lower league club concede EIGHT own goals in TEN minutes
- Getafe defender Alexis suffers broken veins in testicle
- Caption This: Bolton fan brings sex toy to away game at Barnsley
- Players involved in unexpected wrestling display
- Argentine player loses three teeth after tackling opponent with head
Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf channels his inner Éric Cantona
Hollywood actor Shia LaBeouf has walked out of a news conference in Berlin, bizarrely quoting Manchester United legend Éric Cantona's seagulls statement.
The Tranformers star was attending a press conference for his new movie Nymphomaniac when he was asked a question about the sex scenes in the film.
LaBeouf responded to the question by storming out of the press conference in the exact style of Cantona after he quoted the Frenchman's famous line: "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."
Cantona came out with the quote at a press conference back in 1995 after he was arrested for his infamous "kung-fu" kick against an abusive Crystal Palace supporter.
Amazingly, LaBoeuf didn't just repeat the line, he even taking in a sip of water for dramatic effect at the same point Cantona did.
Here's the original Cantona quote in all its glory.
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| Actor Shia LaBeouf is seen leaving the Nymphomaniac Volume I press conference Photo: Getty Images |
The Tranformers star was attending a press conference for his new movie Nymphomaniac when he was asked a question about the sex scenes in the film.
LaBeouf responded to the question by storming out of the press conference in the exact style of Cantona after he quoted the Frenchman's famous line: "When the seagulls follow the trawler, it is because they think sardines will be thrown into the sea."
Cantona came out with the quote at a press conference back in 1995 after he was arrested for his infamous "kung-fu" kick against an abusive Crystal Palace supporter.
Amazingly, LaBoeuf didn't just repeat the line, he even taking in a sip of water for dramatic effect at the same point Cantona did.
Here's the original Cantona quote in all its glory.
Don't forget to join us on Twitter and Facebook for more updates!
Also see:
- Sylvester Stallone had broken finger from saving Pelé penalty during filming 'Escape to Victory'
- Andrea Pirlo does post-match interview donning Halloween mask
- Éric Cantona to star in erotic comedy movie
- Man United fan gets married into Man City family, gives brilliant wedding toast
- Jackie Chan now a Manchester City fan
