‘Jesus can be the next Ronaldo’
Brazil forward Gabriel Jesus has the technical ability and mental toughness to emulate former World Cup winning striker Ronaldo, Dani Alves has said ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against England.
Jesus has enjoyed a terrific start to his club career in England with Manchester City and the 20-year-old has also formed a potent combination with Neymar that helped Brazil book their spot in next year’s World Cup finals in Russia.
“I wasn’t joking when I called him the new Ronaldo,” Alves told British media of similarities to the three-times FIFA World Player of the Year. “He’s already great and will get better. For all that he’s done, all that he’s achieved, there’s no pressure. “He’s doing what he loves.” Brazil come into the game at Wembley on the back of a 3-1 win over Japan in a friendly.
HONDURAS ACCUSE OZ OF DRONE ‘ESPIONAGE’
Honduras accused Australia of using a drone for “espionage” on Tuesday, giving an extra edge to their winner-takesall playoff to reach next year’s World Cup.
Coach Jorge Luis Pinto called it “embarrassing” after a drone was spotted hovering near an official training session -- even though Australian reports said it was being flown by children.
Pinto has also reportedly claimed that Honduran media leaked information to Australia, and suggested the Socceroos swept for hidden cameras ahead of Friday’s 0-0 first-leg draw in San Pedro Sula.
“I think the incident is embarrassing for such an advanced country. I think it’s a pity,” Pinto said, when asked about the drone. “(When Australia came to Honduras) they checked every bathroom of the stadium to see if we had cameras. What a shame, in a country with this culture and level, asking to do that.”
BRASILIA:
‘UNITED’S DIP IN FORM MADE IT TOUGH’
Striker Romelu Lukaku believes his recent goal drought at Manchester United is a result of the club not playing at the level they did at the start of the Premier League season.
Lukaku has scored seven goals from 11 league games but has failed to find the net in the last four as United, who have lost two of their last three matches, dropped to second in the table, eight points below runaway leaders Manchester City. The 24-year-old struck a brace for Belgium in Friday’s 3-3 draw.
SYDNEY: MANCHESTER: