© LOCPay a visit to the Memorial to Ceara Football at the Arena Castelao in Fortaleza, Ceara state – one of the star attractions at the first 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil™ stadium to be opened – and among the trophies, photos and videos featuring the messages and stories of local ex-players, you will come across the shirt of an English football club. The jersey is a gift from one of the employees at the Castelao, who works from an office on the same floor and who broke off from preparations for this Sunday’s Clássico-rei derby meeting between local giants Ceara and Fortaleza to chat to FIFA.com. The man in question is none other than Mirandinha, who starred for
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Northern Ireland v Russia fails pitch inspection
Northern Ireland's World Cup qualifier against Russia has fallen foul of the weather for the second time in 24 hours, with hostile conditions rendering Windsor Park unplayable. PA PhotosGround staff help clear snow away from Windsor Park The Group F clash was initially due to take placeon Friday night but heavy snow and plummeting temperatures in Belfast saw the fixture postponed after three inspections by Norwegian referee Tom Hagen and the FIFA delegation. A revised kick-off time of 3pm on Saturday was set but with no let-up from the elements the referee decided to cancel the fixture, which will now need to be fitted in elsewhere in the limited international calendar. Conditions in the Northern Irish capital were arguably even worse on Friday, with
UCL: Milan impress in Barca scalp, Gala held
Goals from Kevin-Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari secured AC Milan a deserved 2-0 win in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Barcelona to leave the Liga giants with a mountain to climb. GettyImagesKevin Prince Boateng put AC Milan in front via a smart finish on the turn • Delighted Allegri hails Milan Boateng broke the deadlock on 56 minutes at San Siro with a smart finish on the turn, as Barca appealed in vain for a handball in the build-up. And Milan claimed a second with nine minutes left on the clock when Stephan El Shaarawy helped a ball onto Muntari, who fired past goalkeeper Victor Valdes. The home side continued to keep Barca at bay to clinch what could prove to
Gazza agent: He needs to get immediate help
Paul Gascoigne's agent Terry Baker admits he is fearful for the former England midfielder's life after he started drinking again. GettyImages / Billy Stickland Paul Gascoigne's tears attracted substantial media coverage back in 1990 and he is still in the spotlight now Gascoigne, 45, has been dealing with alcoholism since retiring from the game and was sectioned five years ago under the Mental Health Act. After many high-profile incidents, Gascoigne's most recent breakdown appeared at a charity appearance in Northampton on Thursday where he appeared to be unwell and trembling, while he broke down in tears and slurred his words during the £100-a-head event. Baker told BBC Radio Five: "He won't thank me for saying but he needs to immediately get help. Whatever's happened
Mitroglou and Mirallas acclaimed in Greece
Olympiacos FC forward Kostas Mitroglou and his former club-mate Kevin Mirallas received the most prestigious prizes in Athens at the celebration of the 2011/12 season staged by the Panhellenic Association of Professional Footballers (PSAP) – the most established award ceremony in Greek football.Mitroglou earned the prize for the Greek Player of the Season thanks to a 17-goal haul while on loan at Atromitos FC, which helped the Peristeri-based side reach the Greek Cup final and earn a place in the league play-offs. "I have been striving to improve myself and become a better player," the 24-year-old said. "I believe that I am on the right track."Belgian forward Mirallas, meanwhile, was honoured as the best foreign player of the campaign, additionally
Wenger: Hurts to see RVP ahead of Arsenal
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has admitted he appreciated the significance of Robin van Persie's move to Manchester United long before the £24 million transfer was sealed last summer. PA PhotosRobin van Persie has carried on his fine form from last season • Blog: Suarez v Van Persie Van Persie has been hailed as the player who can decide the title this season after a sparkling start to his United career, yet Wenger is not surprised by his former captain's impact. "I don't need anyone to tell me how good he is," stated Wenger when asked about Van Persie's impact at United. "We knew when we sold him to United that that would be the case. He is one of the best strikers in the world,
Wambach: Pia coaches with her heart
© Getty Images2012 was a big year for women's football, with a worthy climax at the FIFA Ballon d'Or 2012 Gala and the presentation of the awards for the best player and coach in the women's game. Abby Wambach and Pia Sundhage, two undisputed greats of the sport and the pair who spearheaded USA's successful assault on Olympic gold in the summer of 2012, were worthy winners of the prestigious awards.However, accolades and honours are not the only reason why Sundhage strikes such a chord with her players. The audience gained an inkling of the coach’s personal charisma when the former USA and current Sweden boss celebrated her success by directing a rendition of the Bob Dylan number If