Zidane says his world-beaters can keep winning
REAL Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane challenged his side to achieve even more this season after retaining their FIFA Club World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Brazilian side Gremio in Abu Dhabi.
A superb free kick from Cristiano Ronaldo broke the deadlock after 53 minutes, the fivetime Ballon d’Or winner clipping the ball over the wall and into the bottom corner.
The hard-earned victory over a stubborn Gremio team at the Zayed Sports City Stadium was Real’s third FIFA Club World Cup since 2014, equalling the record of LaLiga rivals Barcelona.
(right).
It also added a fifth trophy in the calendar year following success in LaLiga, the Champions League, Spanish Super Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
With ground to make up at home behind leaders Barcelona, Valencia and city rivals Atletico, Zidane maintains the hard work must continue - which will start with El Clasico at the Bernabeu on December 23.
“It is a great moment for all Madridistas and everyone who loves this club. There have been some great brilliant moments and we are witnessing them first hand,” Zidane told a press conference.
“We have to enjoy today, the balance is good and we must continue in this manner. We are were the better team today and deserved to win the game.
“I have said over many months, if the players weren’t human I would say they would never lose. It was always go- going home to relax, and then turn our attentions to El Clasico.”
The Real Madrid coach added: “We have won our fifth (trophy) this year and we will keep on. Now we must enjoy, rest up and think about the rest of the season.”
Ronaldo’s strike gave FIFA their picture moment of the tournament, and Zidane would like nothing other than for the 32-year-old former Manchester United forward to finish his career with Los Blancos.
“It’s crucial for us that he stays here right until the end of his career,” Zidane said.
“He’s here at his club, and his home. Nobody is going to repeat what he’s been able to achieve and what he is still achieving.
“I hope he stays here until he retires”.
≈ FORMER Brazil, AC Milan and Real Madrid playmaker Kaka has retired from football.
The 35-year-old was a free agent after leaving MLS outfit Orlando City in October and, despite reported interest from his former clubs Milan and Sao Paulo, he has decided to hang up his boots.
In a tweet the Champions League winner wrote: “It was much more than I could ever imagined. Thank you! I’m now ready for the next journey.”
Kaka won 92 caps for Brazil, scoring 29 goals and featured at three World Cups, forming part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2002. Top of the world: Real captain Sergio Ramos with the trophy DUNGANNON Swifts midfielder Dougie Wilson admits they have to improve in front of goal.
The Swifts were held by Ards and failed to score for the third game running.
They offered little attacking threat, and — a few half chances aside — didn’t trouble the goalkeeper all afternoon.
And Wilson accepts their attacking performance was below-par.
“I don’t think we did enough on the ball to cause them problems,” he said.
“They had a good few chances as well, but we’ll still see it as two points dropped for us rather than one gained.”
This was the first league 0-0 involving Dungannon for almost five years. The last was against Donegal Celtic in March 2013.
Indeed it was just the third scoreless draw the Danske Bank Premiership has seen all season.
Ards assistant manager Darren Nixon was happy with a point. “We set up with a game plan to at least end up with a clean sheet,” he said.
“Our defensive shape, from the front back to our goalkeeper, was excellent. We wanted to restrict the chances, and we did that.
“On another day, might have left with all three points.” DUNGANNON: Addis, Lowe, Hegarty, Armstrong, O’Rourke, Wilson (Hutchinson, 83 mins), Clucas (McElroy, 65 mins), Harpur, Burke (McMahon, 79 mins), Mayse, Lafferty. Unused subs: Coleman, Teggart.
ARDS: Johnstone, Glendinning, Elebert, Byers, Ruddy, Tommons, Cherry, Kelly, Hanley (McAllister, 66 mins), McClellan (Arthurs, 77 mins), Davidson (Mitchell, 80 mins). Unused subs: McAleenan, McComb. Referee: Raymond Crangle (Belfast)
Man of the match: Gareth Tommons Match rating: 2/10