Ecuador coach Reinaldo Rueda has blamed a questionable red card for weakening his team who drew 0-0 with France to become the only South American team not to advance beyond the group stage of the World Cup.
Antonio Valencia, Ecuador’s captain, was dismissed by Ivorian referee Noumandiez Doue shortly after the start of the second half of the Group E game after a clumsy but not malicious studs-up tackle on French defender Lucas Digne.
“We lost a very important man for our structure,” said Rueda, whose contract as coach is now up for renewal.
“It was difficult against France with all the virtues and abilities that team has,” Rueda added.
Argentine shot in Brazil bar fight
An Argentine fan in Brazil for the World Cup was shot in the leg during a bar fight, security officials said, stoking concerns about possible violence if Argentina meets Brazil in the tournament’s final.
Six other Argentine fans were arrested for trying to steal tickets to their national team’s match against Nigeria on Wednesday in Porto Alegre, the southernmost World Cup host city.
Tens of thousands of Argentines have flooded across Brazil’s southern border this month, prompting increased security measures focused on Argentina’s notorious hooligans.
Honduras coach steps down
Honduras coach Luis Fernando Suarez stepped down after a 3-0 defeat to Switzerland saw his team bow out at the group stage of the World Cup on Wednesday night.
Honduras finished bottom of Group E after three defeats that also included a 3-0 loss to France and a 2-1 defeat to Ecuador.
“Unfortunately we didn’t get the result we were hoping for (against Honduras),” Suarez told FIFA’s website.
“The whole country is disappointed and I’m sad because we didn’t manage to reach the next round. That was our dream.
“I made the decision to step down five minutes ago. It’s time for a change.”
Man. City complete Fernando signing
Manchester City have completed the signing of Porto defensive midfielder Fernando.
No transfer fee was announced by City, but Porto issued a statement to the Portuguese Securities Market Commission (CMVM) saying a deal worth £12 million had been struck between the two clubs.
“I am so happy to finally be joining Manchester City,” Fernando told City’s website.
“I know there was talk of me possibly signing last January so I am delighted that the deal has now been done and that I am a City player.”
Man. United snap up Bilbao’s Herrera
Manchester United have signed Spanish midfielder Ander Herrera after meeting the buy-out clause in his Athletic Bilbao contract.
United had a bid of £28.85 million for the 24-year-old rejected earlier yesterday but an improved, though undisclosed, offer was enough to secure his signature.
Herrera said: “Signing for Manchester United is a dream come true. I have played at Old Trafford for Athletic Club in the Europa League and it was one of the highlights of my career so far.
“I have joined United to do all I can to help the team reach the club’s objectives. I’m excited to now be living in Manchester and I can’t wait for my first game in United’s famous red shirt.”
Reds look set to miss out on Moreno
Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi claims Liverpool’s pursuit of left-back Alberto Moreno is all but over after the two clubs failed to agree a fee.
The 21-year-old Europa League winner has been tracked by Brendan Rodgers for some time and although negotiations were lengthy the two have been “miles apart” on their valuations of the player with the Spaniards looking for £20 million.
“The matter of Alberto is settled. We couldn’t reach an agreement and I don’t think it can be revived,” Monchi said.
“It was a great offer but the player is only 21 years old and it’s possible that the catharsis of being with the national team had a positive effect.”
Valbuena has options – agent
Mathieu Valbuena’s agent claims the Marseille midfielder has options around Europe as the France international considers a move away from the club following the World Cup.
The 29-year-old has spent eight seasons with OM, scoring 38 goals in 332 appearances.
Valbuena’s agent Jean-Pierre Bernes told French radio station Europe 1: “He has a contract with Marseille and they are not a small club, they are a big club in France.
“But it is true that given his performances, and if there is the opportunity with a club, it is something we will examine.
“Nothing is set, there is no destination fixed, there is contact with certain clubs in different European leagues.”