Brazil, Germany march on at World Cup

FORTALEZA (AFP) � Brazil defeated Colombia 2-1 and Germany beat France 1-0 in the World Cup quarter-finals on Friday to set up a heavyweight semi-final showdown. An early goal from Brazil skipper Thiago Silva and a stunning free-kick from David Luiz was enough to give the World Cup hosts victory over Colombia in a niggly last eight meeting in Fortaleza. Colombia�s star James Rodriguez left the field in tears after his sixth goal of the tournament, an 80th-minute penalty, was not enough to prevent Brazil from advancing to Tuesday�s semi-final in Belo Horizonte. The victory came at a cost for Brazil, though, with captain Silva picking up a yellow card which will see him suspended for the clash with the Germans.
Star striker Neymar was also stretchered from the pitch late in the game, potentially creating a problem for Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari. Television station Globo reported that he had been taken to hospital to undergo tests. Silva had earlier settled Brazilian nerves, punishing slack Colombian marking at a corner to tap home after only seven minutes. Luiz struck an astonishing 69th-minute free-kick to put Brazil 2-0 up before Colombia fought back.
Rodriguez, the outstanding player of the tournament so far, scored a penalty to make it 2-1 after Brazilian goalkeeper Julio Cesar brought down Carlos Bacca. But Colombia were unable to find the equaliser to force extra-time as Brazil advanced to the last four. Brazil�s semi-final will see them play Germany in a repeat of the 2002 World Cup final won 2-0 by the South Americans. It will be only the second time Brazil has met Germany at a World Cup.
Germany reached the semi-finals for a record fourth straight time earlier Friday after a header from Mats Hummels helped beat France 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro. Borussia Dortmund defender Hummels rose to head home Toni Kroos�s free-kick on 13 minutes to settle a cagey encounter. �The next dream has come true,� said man-of-the-match Hummels. �It�s unbelievable that it�s all going so well for us here at the World Cup. �I hope that our journey won�t end soon and that we can make it back to compete here week next Sunday,� he added, referring to the July 13 final.
France coach Didier Deschamps bemoaned his team�s failure to capitalise on the handful of chances they created. �There was not much between the sides,� Deschamps said. �One team is more used to these occasions and has more experience. �We were not clinical in front of goal.� France had entered the match quietly confident of avenging semi-final defeats against Germany in 1982 and 1986.
But they were left to rue a lacklustre first half performance which saw Germany dominate in sweltering conditions. France rallied in the second half and Hummels saved Germany with a desperate late block of a Karim Benzema shot shortly before Manuel Neuer parried a firm strike from Blaise Matuidi.
Andre Schuerrle should have sealed victory in the closing minutes, but with the goal gaping, struck his shot from Mesut Ozil�s low cross directly at Hugo Lloris in the French goal. There was still time for Neuer to save Germany at the death, pulling off a brilliant block from Benzema just seconds from the final whistle.
The quarter-final drama continues Saturday when the Netherlands play Costa Rica and Belgium take on Argentina.

Dangote blesses D�Banj�s Koko Garri

It is no news that Dbanj has been frolicking with the high and mighty pushing his �Koko Garri� and establishing himself as an entrepreneur. He has taken his Midas touch beyond the music terrain to the agriculture sector .He recently posted a picture of himself with Aliko Dangote where the serial entrepreneur and Africa�s richest man endorses his �Koko Garri�. Dbanj puts it this way:� From the godfather of Agriculture, it�s an honour to have you as a mentor. Thanks for blessing my �Koko Garri�

What my fans don�t know about me � Tamara Eteimo

Bayelsa State-born sexy actress, Tamara Eteimo has joined the long list of Nollywoood movie producers as she recently premiered her first movie, Somewhere down the line.The actress who cannot understand why most actresses expose their body all in the name of interpreting roles, said there are certain things about her which are not known to the public.
�I can never act nude for anything. There are several ways of seducing a man in a movie without completely going nude. There are certain things people do not know about me. I am not sure that they know I used to be a very good dancer. I find solace in acting than singing, that was the reason I stopped singing. For me, once I get a script, I feel God has answered my prayers,� she said.

RED HOT! Barcelona confident Luis Suarez will be theirs by Monday

Liverpool striker Luis Suarez is expected to be a Barcelona player by Monday. The Daily Mail says Barcelona expect to finalise a deal for Suarez over the next 48 hours. Talks are ongoing and the Spanish club is concentrating on a straight cash deal for the 27-year-old who Liverpool value at �80million.
Suarez would be allowed to have a medical ahead of a transfer under the terms of his four-month ban for biting, FIFA's disciplinary chief has confirmed.
Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre met with Barcelona power brokers Ra�l Sanlleh�, Toni Rossich and Jordi Mestre in London on Wednesday and talks continued into yesterday with both parties pleased over developments.

Barcelona to train on England's patch

Barcelona will spend part of pre-season season at St George's Park, England's National Football Centre. They will train at the Staffordshire base from 28 July to 2 August. "I am absolutely delighted that FC Barcelona have decided to join us for their pre-season preparations later this month," said St George's Park managing director Julie Harrington.
"This is hugely exciting news for St George's Park and the Football Association, and it is a real pleasure to be able to have one of European football's most successful clubs train at our facility.
"We look forward to welcoming the players and staff, and helping ensure their visit with us is both an enjoyable and memorable experience."

Chelsea in talks to trump Man Utd for Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda

Chelsea are moving to beat Manchester United for Atletico Madrid defender Joao Miranda.The Daily Star says Chelsea could make a stunning �24m move for Miranda. The Blues have already raided Atletico for �32m star striker Diego Costa. United are interested in the Brazilian centre-half, who has a �24m release clause in his contract. Louis Van Gaal is desperate to strengthen his defence following the exit of experienced duo Nemanja Vidicand Rio Ferdinand.
But the 29-year-old would reportedly prefer to join Chelsea- not fallen giants United.

ASUP Strike is a Disgrace to Nigeria- House of Reps Member

Senior MemberRep. Simon Arabo, representing Kauru Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, as he was receiving an award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has described the one-year-old industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) as a disgrace to the country. According to Campus Portal, he pleaded with the lecturers and the government to know that the prolonged strike does not help anybody, lamenting that it is only in Nigeria that such kind of strikes take place. He added that the National Assembly has been doing its own bit to make sure the union and FG reach an agreement by calling for a meeting between all the warring parties for negotiations but it is yet to yield any fruit as some elements are frustrating the process.
He however assured the students that the legislators will not rest until the polytechnic students goes back to school.