Roger Federer admits he was disappointed by Rafael Nadal's withdrawal from Wimbledon because he would have relished the chance to take on his great rival in another epic final.
Nadal's decision not to defend his title leaves Federer as firm favourite to win Wimbledon for the sixth time and beat Pete Sampras's record of 14 Grand Slam titles.
But, although he could have been forgiven for letting out a yelp of joy when he heard the news, Federer insists he felt a slight sense of anti-climax as it meant a temporary end to the rivalry.
"It's disappointing for me, of course, because I'd love to play him. He's my main rival," Federer said at a pre-tournament press conference on Saturday.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Lippi targets win
FIFA Confederations Cup
Italy v Brazil
Italy coach Marcello Lippi has told his side they must show more initiative as the world champions prepare for a crucial clash with Brazil in the Confederations Cup on Sunday.
The Italians deviated from the script in their upset 1-0 loss to Egypt in Johannesburg on Thursday to leave them needing a victory against the South American champions to keep their tournament hopes alive.
They have three points in Group B, the same as Egypt who have a much easier task against the United States on the same day.
Brazil have six points after winning their opening two games with who goes through to the semis potentially being decided by goal difference.
"We are in a very difficult group, very different from the other group," said Lippi. Group A features Spain, Iraq, South Africa and New Zealand.
"We weren't very aggressive against Egypt," he added. "We didn't play like we had planned. When Egypt started to play and scored, it all unravelled and we stopped playing. We didn't go for the ball."
He knows they have a huge task ahead of them against Dunga's team of superstars, aware that only a victory will do if they want to stay in the competition.
"We've simply got to win," he said. "We'll try to play positively from the first minute and try and take the initiative but we must also be prudent because the opponent is Brazil."
Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon said their problem was that they only picked up their game after conceding a goal, something he admitted must change against Brazil.
"I think our problem at the moment is our approach to matches, in that we often react only after moments of significance, like conceding a goal," he told reporters.
"Against Brazil, we have to play without making any calculations, in regards to what is happening elsewhere. We have to play to win.
"We must show that we can compete with one of the favourites for next year's World Cup."
After a lacklustre second half against Egypt in their opening 4-3 victory, which coach Dunga blamed on tiredness, Brazil were back to their best in beating the United States 3-0 on Thursday, a display that oozed class.
"What changed (between Egypt and the US) was a lack of tiredness," said Dunga, who used several new faces such as Maicon and Miranda to good effect.
Four of Brazil's seven goals at the tournament have come from set pieces, something Lippi will have noticed and be working on at their training ground in Pretoria.
Dunga said his team worked hard on that aspect of their game, to good effect.
"Yes that's something we go over, we try and place the players in the best positions," he said.
"We move the ball around quickly as well which of course is a characteristic of South American football."
In an ominous warning to Italy, Manchester City's Robinho declared that Brazil were just getting started.
"We played well (against the United States) but we want to play even better in the games ahead."
Nadal pulls out
The Championships Wimbledon
World number one Rafael Nadal insists his decision to withdraw from Wimbledon is not a sign that his powers are on the wane.
Nadal opted not to defend his All England Club title after accepting that he would be performing at less than 100 per cent because he has yet to fully recover from knee tendinitis.
The Spaniard has been dogged by the problem for several years as a result of his all-action style and love of playing on clay courts.
He admitted pulling out was the toughest moment of his career but said that he is convinced he can return better than ever.
"I had physical problems in two of the most important tournaments for me, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, so it is tough to accept for me," Nadal said.
"I am going to work very hard to come back as soon as possible and when I do, I want to come back with 100 per cent right both mentality and physically.
"One of the big problems now is that when I am playing, I am thinking more about the knees than the game. It is difficult to play like this. I want to come back feeling 100 per cent.
"It is not a chronic problem. I can recover for sure."
Just 12 months after savouring his first Wimbledon title after a thrilling five-set victory over Roger Federer, it was a far more sombre Nadal who drove away from the south-west London venue this time.
Ending Federer's five-year reign as Wimbledon champion had been a crowning achievement for Nadal, who already had four French Open titles on his CV.
But Federer has already taken over as French Open champion and now he is the firm favourite to regain the Wimbledon title as well.
Australian Open champion Nadal, the fourth man not to defend the Wimbledon crown in the modern era, was desperate to fight for the trophy but he acknowledged there was no way his knees would have stood up to two weeks of gruelling action.
"When I enter a tournament like Wimbledon I want to try to win but my feeling right now is that I am not ready to win," he said.
"Not playing Wimbledon was one of the toughest decisions of my career. But the situation makes the decision a little bit easier.
"I don't feel I am ready to approach a tournament as important as Wimbledon.
"I have decided that I just cannot play this tournament this year. I tried everything, I worked very hard in the last weeks to arrive here in the best condition.
"Friday's match was the last test and although I didn't feel terrible I was not close to my best.
"It is tough but at the same time, I have no option. I don't feel ready to compete at 100 per cent for two weeks.
"I have played with some problems on the knees for the last few months.
"Now I am going to be out for some time but I don't know how long. I arrived at one of the most important moments in the year in my worst condition."
World number one Rafael Nadal insists his decision to withdraw from Wimbledon is not a sign that his powers are on the wane.
Nadal opted not to defend his All England Club title after accepting that he would be performing at less than 100 per cent because he has yet to fully recover from knee tendinitis.
The Spaniard has been dogged by the problem for several years as a result of his all-action style and love of playing on clay courts.
He admitted pulling out was the toughest moment of his career but said that he is convinced he can return better than ever.
"I had physical problems in two of the most important tournaments for me, Roland Garros and Wimbledon, so it is tough to accept for me," Nadal said.
"I am going to work very hard to come back as soon as possible and when I do, I want to come back with 100 per cent right both mentality and physically.
"One of the big problems now is that when I am playing, I am thinking more about the knees than the game. It is difficult to play like this. I want to come back feeling 100 per cent.
"It is not a chronic problem. I can recover for sure."
Just 12 months after savouring his first Wimbledon title after a thrilling five-set victory over Roger Federer, it was a far more sombre Nadal who drove away from the south-west London venue this time.
Ending Federer's five-year reign as Wimbledon champion had been a crowning achievement for Nadal, who already had four French Open titles on his CV.
But Federer has already taken over as French Open champion and now he is the firm favourite to regain the Wimbledon title as well.
Australian Open champion Nadal, the fourth man not to defend the Wimbledon crown in the modern era, was desperate to fight for the trophy but he acknowledged there was no way his knees would have stood up to two weeks of gruelling action.
"When I enter a tournament like Wimbledon I want to try to win but my feeling right now is that I am not ready to win," he said.
"Not playing Wimbledon was one of the toughest decisions of my career. But the situation makes the decision a little bit easier.
"I don't feel I am ready to approach a tournament as important as Wimbledon.
"I have decided that I just cannot play this tournament this year. I tried everything, I worked very hard in the last weeks to arrive here in the best condition.
"Friday's match was the last test and although I didn't feel terrible I was not close to my best.
"It is tough but at the same time, I have no option. I don't feel ready to compete at 100 per cent for two weeks.
"I have played with some problems on the knees for the last few months.
"Now I am going to be out for some time but I don't know how long. I arrived at one of the most important moments in the year in my worst condition."
Rising from tragedy
ICC World Twenty20
The Final: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Pakistan and Sri Lanka, two teams linked by tragedy, will contest the ICC World Twenty20 final at Lord's on Sunday.
Six policemen and two civilians were killed, and seven Sri Lankan squad members injured, when militants launched a gun and grenade assault on their team bus as they travelled to a Test match in Lahore on March 3.
The incident led to the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan and dire fears for the national side's future.
But Pakistan, who beat favourites South Africa by seven runs in Thursday's semifinal, have bounced back in style at this tournament.
They will face unbeaten Sri Lanka in the final after their Asian rivals thrashed the West Indies by 57 runs at The Oval on Friday.
Despite the events in Lahore, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said relations between the two sides had remained friendly.
"What Lahore really brought home to us was we are just the same as anyone else," he said.
"It happens to everyone and it happened to us. I always said it's nice to be reminded of your mortality when the press and everyone else around you builds you up to be a bit more than that in this sporting culture.
"It's great the way the guys have prepared mentally, the way they've shown no fear and just played cricket. It's a fitting reward for that attitude."
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 19 runs in a Super Eights match earlier at this tournament but Sangakkara said: "We've played Pakistan many times before but in T20 you must take every game in isolation. Different players come into form at different times.
"Hopefully, we can put in a good performance and walk away with a trophy."
The dangerous Shahid Afridi produced a brilliant all-round display in Pakistan's semifinal triumph, scoring 51 and then taking two wickets for 16 runs with his leg-spinners.
"He is a guy who can take the game away in few overs, but we can't just concentrate on him," said Sangakkara.
In Muttiah Muralidaran and Ajantha Mendis, Sangakkara has two star spinners of his own although Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal should not be disregarded.
"Mendis, the way he's bowled in the middle overs had been a charm," Sangakkara said.
"Even Pakistan watch him closely, they know he can get their wickets."
Sri Lanka's semifinal victory was built on a brilliant innings from Tillekaratne Dilshan, the leading scorer at the tournament with 317 runs, who carried his bat for 96 not out in a total of 158 for five.
Then came a sensational first over in the West Indies' reply, which saw seam bowler Angelo Mathews take three wickets as Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo all played on for ducks.
Chris Gayle made 63 not out but none of the West Indies captain's colleagues could stay with the left-handed opener long enough to mount a serious chase as Sri Lanka won with 14 balls to spare.
Dilshan decided not to employ the 'Dilscoop' shot where he flicks the ball over the wicketkeeper's head and settled for more orthodox strokes.
"Now we've one more match, hopefully I can stay strong. I think I'll keep the paddle for the final," Dilshan explained.
Sangakkara, who said he expected something special from veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya in the final, added: "I have run out of superlatives for Dilshan. He is a pioneer stroke-maker in Twenty20.
"The best thing is that he understands his role and has become very responsible and mature. He has finally understood how good he is."
And as for Mathews, the captain said: "It's Mathews's first major international tour and you can't ask for much more than three wickets in the first over.
"Now we will take this confidence into the final against Pakistan."
Pakistan, who lost by just five runs to arch-rivals India in the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg, are desperate to go one better this time.
The dark horses of this tournament, they have justified veteran coach Intikhab Alam's belief that they would be at their best when it mattered most.
"We want to make people back home happy," Pakistan captain Younus Khan said. "Winning the title will mean a lot to them and that will inspire us in the final. One more game and the World Cup will be ours."
West Indies captain Chris Gayle said: "You couldn't ask for a better final, they are two quality teams."
TEAMS
PAKISTAN (probable): Kamran Akmal, Shahzaib Hasan, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younus Khan (captain), Abdul Razzaq, Misbahul Haq, Saeed Ajmal, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Aamir, Umar Gul.
SRI LANKA (probable): Tillekaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Jehan Mubarak, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralidaran, Isuru Udana, Ajantha Mendis.
Umpires: Simon Taufel and Daryl Harper.
The Final: Pakistan v Sri Lanka
Pakistan and Sri Lanka, two teams linked by tragedy, will contest the ICC World Twenty20 final at Lord's on Sunday.
Six policemen and two civilians were killed, and seven Sri Lankan squad members injured, when militants launched a gun and grenade assault on their team bus as they travelled to a Test match in Lahore on March 3.
The incident led to the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan and dire fears for the national side's future.
But Pakistan, who beat favourites South Africa by seven runs in Thursday's semifinal, have bounced back in style at this tournament.
They will face unbeaten Sri Lanka in the final after their Asian rivals thrashed the West Indies by 57 runs at The Oval on Friday.
Despite the events in Lahore, Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara said relations between the two sides had remained friendly.
"What Lahore really brought home to us was we are just the same as anyone else," he said.
"It happens to everyone and it happened to us. I always said it's nice to be reminded of your mortality when the press and everyone else around you builds you up to be a bit more than that in this sporting culture.
"It's great the way the guys have prepared mentally, the way they've shown no fear and just played cricket. It's a fitting reward for that attitude."
Sri Lanka beat Pakistan by 19 runs in a Super Eights match earlier at this tournament but Sangakkara said: "We've played Pakistan many times before but in T20 you must take every game in isolation. Different players come into form at different times.
"Hopefully, we can put in a good performance and walk away with a trophy."
The dangerous Shahid Afridi produced a brilliant all-round display in Pakistan's semifinal triumph, scoring 51 and then taking two wickets for 16 runs with his leg-spinners.
"He is a guy who can take the game away in few overs, but we can't just concentrate on him," said Sangakkara.
In Muttiah Muralidaran and Ajantha Mendis, Sangakkara has two star spinners of his own although Pakistan's Saeed Ajmal should not be disregarded.
"Mendis, the way he's bowled in the middle overs had been a charm," Sangakkara said.
"Even Pakistan watch him closely, they know he can get their wickets."
Sri Lanka's semifinal victory was built on a brilliant innings from Tillekaratne Dilshan, the leading scorer at the tournament with 317 runs, who carried his bat for 96 not out in a total of 158 for five.
Then came a sensational first over in the West Indies' reply, which saw seam bowler Angelo Mathews take three wickets as Xavier Marshall, Lendl Simmons and Dwayne Bravo all played on for ducks.
Chris Gayle made 63 not out but none of the West Indies captain's colleagues could stay with the left-handed opener long enough to mount a serious chase as Sri Lanka won with 14 balls to spare.
Dilshan decided not to employ the 'Dilscoop' shot where he flicks the ball over the wicketkeeper's head and settled for more orthodox strokes.
"Now we've one more match, hopefully I can stay strong. I think I'll keep the paddle for the final," Dilshan explained.
Sangakkara, who said he expected something special from veteran batsman Sanath Jayasuriya in the final, added: "I have run out of superlatives for Dilshan. He is a pioneer stroke-maker in Twenty20.
"The best thing is that he understands his role and has become very responsible and mature. He has finally understood how good he is."
And as for Mathews, the captain said: "It's Mathews's first major international tour and you can't ask for much more than three wickets in the first over.
"Now we will take this confidence into the final against Pakistan."
Pakistan, who lost by just five runs to arch-rivals India in the inaugural 2007 World Twenty20 final in Johannesburg, are desperate to go one better this time.
The dark horses of this tournament, they have justified veteran coach Intikhab Alam's belief that they would be at their best when it mattered most.
"We want to make people back home happy," Pakistan captain Younus Khan said. "Winning the title will mean a lot to them and that will inspire us in the final. One more game and the World Cup will be ours."
West Indies captain Chris Gayle said: "You couldn't ask for a better final, they are two quality teams."
TEAMS
PAKISTAN (probable): Kamran Akmal, Shahzaib Hasan, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Younus Khan (captain), Abdul Razzaq, Misbahul Haq, Saeed Ajmal, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Aamir, Umar Gul.
SRI LANKA (probable): Tillekaratne Dilshan, Sanath Jayasuriya, Kumar Sangakkara (captain), Mahela Jayawardene, Chamara Silva, Jehan Mubarak, Angelo Mathews, Lasith Malinga, Muttiah Muralidaran, Isuru Udana, Ajantha Mendis.
Umpires: Simon Taufel and Daryl Harper.
Afridi wants to be third time lucky
ICC World Twenty20
Shahid Afridi is desperate not to end up on the losing side for the third time in a row when he turns out for Pakistan in the World Twenty20 final at Lord's on Sunday.
Afridi still remembers the hurt he felt as a teenager 10 years ago when his team was mauled by Steve Waugh's all-conquering Australia in the World Cup final at the same venue in 1999.
The pain returned two years ago when India won the inaugural World Twenty20 title with a five-run win over Pakistan the final in Johannesburg, even though Afridi was named the most valuable player-of-the-tournament.
The powerful all-rounder, 29, says he will not tolerate another failure.
"We have to win this one," said Afridi after leading Pakistan into the final with an attacking half-century and two top-order wickets in one over in the semifinal against South Africa at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
"I want to do it on my own if I could. This is our best chance to make up for the disappointment of the past," he said.
Afridi's 34-ball 51 against South Africa was his first half-century in 29 innings for Pakistan in any form of cricket. The one prior to that was 17 innings ago against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in 2007.
It's to the credit of Pakistani selectors and the team management that they chose to persist with the mercurial cricketer, and Afridi repaid that faith on Thursday.
"I am grateful to the captain [Younus Khan] for backing me all the way," he said.
"He told me before the game against South Africa that I should play my own game and not worry about anything.
"He also told me that I was a senior player and needed to take responsibility. I had not done well as a batsman for a long time, but I knew the team was relying on me to deliver.
"I could not let them down. I don't want to let them down again."
Afridi is the prodigal cricketer who does the unexpected and is never to be underestimated.
He made his international debut as a leg-spinner in a one-day match against Kenya at Nairobi in 1996 and ended up scoring the fastest ever century off 37 balls in that game.
Afridi has a strike-rate of 110.91 from 276 one-dayers and is a good enough Test batsman to average 37.40 in 26 matches with a best of 156 against India.
Bowling leg-spin, Afridi has claimed 47 Test and 252 one-day wickets, making him one of the most seasoned all-rounders in the game.
Afridi's value, however, lies in turning the game around -- and winning it -- on his own and Pakistan will be hoping he does it again on Sunday.
Neither Pakistan or he can afford to be unlucky a third time.
Shahid Afridi is desperate not to end up on the losing side for the third time in a row when he turns out for Pakistan in the World Twenty20 final at Lord's on Sunday.
Afridi still remembers the hurt he felt as a teenager 10 years ago when his team was mauled by Steve Waugh's all-conquering Australia in the World Cup final at the same venue in 1999.
The pain returned two years ago when India won the inaugural World Twenty20 title with a five-run win over Pakistan the final in Johannesburg, even though Afridi was named the most valuable player-of-the-tournament.
The powerful all-rounder, 29, says he will not tolerate another failure.
"We have to win this one," said Afridi after leading Pakistan into the final with an attacking half-century and two top-order wickets in one over in the semifinal against South Africa at Trent Bridge on Thursday.
"I want to do it on my own if I could. This is our best chance to make up for the disappointment of the past," he said.
Afridi's 34-ball 51 against South Africa was his first half-century in 29 innings for Pakistan in any form of cricket. The one prior to that was 17 innings ago against Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi in 2007.
It's to the credit of Pakistani selectors and the team management that they chose to persist with the mercurial cricketer, and Afridi repaid that faith on Thursday.
"I am grateful to the captain [Younus Khan] for backing me all the way," he said.
"He told me before the game against South Africa that I should play my own game and not worry about anything.
"He also told me that I was a senior player and needed to take responsibility. I had not done well as a batsman for a long time, but I knew the team was relying on me to deliver.
"I could not let them down. I don't want to let them down again."
Afridi is the prodigal cricketer who does the unexpected and is never to be underestimated.
He made his international debut as a leg-spinner in a one-day match against Kenya at Nairobi in 1996 and ended up scoring the fastest ever century off 37 balls in that game.
Afridi has a strike-rate of 110.91 from 276 one-dayers and is a good enough Test batsman to average 37.40 in 26 matches with a best of 156 against India.
Bowling leg-spin, Afridi has claimed 47 Test and 252 one-day wickets, making him one of the most seasoned all-rounders in the game.
Afridi's value, however, lies in turning the game around -- and winning it -- on his own and Pakistan will be hoping he does it again on Sunday.
Neither Pakistan or he can afford to be unlucky a third time.
Shilpa Shetty searches for the next Bollywood Star
Monday 6th July will see Lord’s, The Home of Cricket, host a spectacular Twenty20 cricket match between the Rajasthan Royals, winners of the inaugural Indian Premier League, and the reigning English Twenty20 Champions, the Middlesex Panthers. The match, taking place in aid of The British Asian Trust, one of The Prince’s Charities, is set to include some of the most exciting international and home-grown cricketing talent, with Bollywood festivities during the interval between innings.
Rajasthan Royals co-owner, model and Bollywood darling, Shilpa Shetty will be at the heart of the Bollywood fun and is inviting willing participants to join her. She will be on the hunt for Mr and Miss Bollywood. The lucky pair will have the opportunity to win a walk-on role in Shetty’s forthcoming film, and will be picked from amongst the crowd. The competition is open to all and Bollywood fans will have to dress to impress to ensure that they are in with a chance to win the opportunity of a lifetime.
The successful pair will be flown to India and given a chance to taste the film star lifestyle. The winners will be picked only from the crowd at Lord’s, so for all budding Bollywood actors and actresses it’s essential to attend this exciting contest. Tickets are now on sale through the M.C.C. ticket office
Hrithik steps into Amitabh’s shoes
Filmmaker Karan Johar is all set to remake his father Yash Johar classic, ‘Agneepath’ and guess who is going to get into Amitabh’s character. It is none other than stylish actor Hrithik Roshan who has made audience crazy with his performance in ‘Dhoom 2’ and ‘Jodhaa Akbar’. Karan finds Hrithik Roshan the perfect man to play Vijay Dinanath Chauhan, the character that earned Amitabh the first national award.
Karan is busy with ‘My Name Is Khan’ but he will soon start shooting ‘Agneepath’ remake as it is a readymade script with some changes here and there. As far as possible, Karan will keep the script original and he will not change the dialogues as it is perfectly alright. The film will be directed by Karan Malhotra.
Karan Johar has not yet decided who will play the Mithun Chakraborty and Denny Denzongapa’s role. These two characters are also very crucial.
Let’s see how much Hrithik Roshan will be able to do justice to the role of Vijay Dinanath Chauhan played by Amitabh Bachchan.
Aamir Khan worried about wife Kiran
Perfectionist Aamir Khan is going to be father again and he is extremely worried about his wife Kiran Rao who is not keeping in good health for few weeks. Kiran has been hospitalized twice, first due to fever and second time for lung infection. Aamir like an ideal husband makes sure that he remains by Kiran’s side as much as he can but hectic shooting schedule makes things impossible for him. Currently he is shooting in Ladakh for Rajkumar Hirani’s ‘3 Idiots’ where there is no mobile network. Climbing all the barriers, he travels miles to the nearest satellite booth to check out Kiran’s heath.
During breaks, Aamir covers extra miles to check out Kiran’s health. The nearest phone booth is at least an hour drive away from the location.
Aamir remained tightlipped on Kiran’s pregnancy issue as he is more concern about Kiran’s health than anything els
Villa not for sale
Spanish Primera Liga side Valencia on Friday insisted that star striker David Villa is "not for sale", despite earlier reports that he was on the brink of a transfer to Real Madrid.
The decision, if confirmed, could force Real to look for other forwards, with Spanish media pinpointing France international Karim Benzema of Lyon or Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan star Diego Forlan as possible alternatives.
Real were hoping to capture Villa for a fee in the region of 40 million euros, having already this month paid 65 million to take Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan and a world record 94 million to prise Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had said on Thursday that the completion of a deal between the clubs was "a matter of time".
But Valencia's new president, Manuel Llorente, said on Friday that Villa "is not for sale, he is the best striker in Europe and we want him to continue with us".
The decision, if confirmed, could force Real to look for other forwards, with Spanish media pinpointing France international Karim Benzema of Lyon or Atletico Madrid's Uruguayan star Diego Forlan as possible alternatives.
Real were hoping to capture Villa for a fee in the region of 40 million euros, having already this month paid 65 million to take Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan and a world record 94 million to prise Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had said on Thursday that the completion of a deal between the clubs was "a matter of time".
But Valencia's new president, Manuel Llorente, said on Friday that Villa "is not for sale, he is the best striker in Europe and we want him to continue with us".
Real Madrid confident on Villa
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez on Thursday declared that the transfer of Valencia's Spanish international striker David Villa to the nine-time European champions was "a matter of time".
Real are hoping to secure Villa's capture for a fee in the region of 40 million euros, having already this month paid 65million to take Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan and a world record 93million to prise Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Speaking to Valencia-based local television station Canal 9, Perez expressed optimism over the transfer of Villa, who was the top scorer at last year's European Championship and who has expressed a desire to move to Madrid.
The transfer would happen "in a context of friendship and co-operation" between Real and Valencia, according to Perez, who stated that the completion of the deal was "a matter of time".
Valencia for their part recently announced that they had received "no satisfactory offers" for their star player, reportedly sparking interest from a host of European heavyweights including Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to Spanish media, Valencia are holding out for 50million euros for the 27-year-old Villa, Real having previously offered closer to 40million.
Perez also said that Real would not be able to propose a fee similar in size to those which are set to bring Kaka and Ronaldo, the last two winners of the European Footballer of the Year award, to the Bernabeu.
Villa is currently in South Africa for the Confe-derations Cup with Spain but has previously declared that the only team he wishes to join is Real.
Real are hoping to secure Villa's capture for a fee in the region of 40 million euros, having already this month paid 65million to take Brazil playmaker Kaka from AC Milan and a world record 93million to prise Portuguese winger Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United.
Speaking to Valencia-based local television station Canal 9, Perez expressed optimism over the transfer of Villa, who was the top scorer at last year's European Championship and who has expressed a desire to move to Madrid.
The transfer would happen "in a context of friendship and co-operation" between Real and Valencia, according to Perez, who stated that the completion of the deal was "a matter of time".
Valencia for their part recently announced that they had received "no satisfactory offers" for their star player, reportedly sparking interest from a host of European heavyweights including Barcelona, Chelsea and Manchester United.
According to Spanish media, Valencia are holding out for 50million euros for the 27-year-old Villa, Real having previously offered closer to 40million.
Perez also said that Real would not be able to propose a fee similar in size to those which are set to bring Kaka and Ronaldo, the last two winners of the European Footballer of the Year award, to the Bernabeu.
Villa is currently in South Africa for the Confe-derations Cup with Spain but has previously declared that the only team he wishes to join is Real.
Good night's rest do the trick: Dunga
FIFA Confederations Cup
Brazil star Robinho arrives at a gym in Centurion on Friday.Photo: AFP
Spain may be the best team in the world but with the World Cup less than a year away Brazil, with Thursday's majestic 3-0 win over the United States, reminded the world that they can play a bit too.
And Robinho, author of one of the goals, delivered an ominous warning to Brazil's rivals at the Confederations Cup, the Manchester City striker declaring: "We played well but we want to play even better in the games ahead."
Coach Dunga must have felt like the cat who'd got the cream as he purred over a performance that oozed class in every department, from man of the match Maicon's darts up the right, to Kaka's midfield mastery and finishing that was smoother than Dulux.
Brazil, by their high standards, had something to prove after putting in a less than convincing second half performance against Egypt, who in toppling world champions Italy 1-0 are now favourites to take second place in Group B behind the defending champions.
"We didn't play well in the second half in our last match," conceded Kaka, "but today we showed our real form."
Dunga put his side's refound vigour down to nothing more than a good night's kip.
"What changed (between Egypt and the US) was a lack of tiredness.
"Against Egypt we were exhausted having had no rest and having just arrived in South Africa. Today they had time to rest and their bodies had adapted to the different time zone.
"I used some players like Maicon and Miranda who hadn't been playing for some time that made life easier for everyone else. The new players in the side did brilliantly...I have no complaints."
Four of Brazil's seven goals at the Confed Cup have come from set pieces, with Dunga acknowledging: "Yes that's something we go over, we try and place the players in the best positions.
"We moved the ball around quickly as well which of course is a characteristic of South American football."
Maicon proved the backbone of Brazil's attacks up the right flank, but Dunga denied the left side was any weaker.
"The left side is also strong, but Robinho is more of an individual type of player so sometimes it's better for the left side to protect rather than move forward like the right."
Aside from Maicon other players to shine in the Pretoria winter sunshine were Ramires, Real Madrid's million dollar baby Kaka, and Felipe Melo who headed in Maicon's freekick for the opener.
Robinho said it had been important for Brazil to play well against the US after starting the defence of their Confed Cup crown "with a bit of a bump".
Italy's loss to the Pharoahs has taken some of the edge off Saturday's encounter between two countries who between them boast nine World Cups.
Nevertheless it will still be a match to savour with Dunga suggesting: "They are two great teams. When Brazil face Italy you never know what's going to happen.
"It's the kind of game where the side that scores first has a big advantage."
Asked about any tinkering he might consider for Saturday's final group game the Brazil boss replied: "We'll see after medical check-ups which players have recovered and change the team accordingly. If we have to make changes we will."
'No plans to coach KKR'
Steve Waugh, the former Australia captain, has said he has no plans at the moment to coach Kolkata Knight Riders, the IPL team that on Thursday sacked John Buchanan as its director of cricket. Waugh's name has been doing the rounds along with those of two fellow former Australian cricketers, Dav Whatmore and Michael Bevan.
"Twenty20 is an exciting format," Waugh said. "It's surely captured people's imagination [and] I like watching it. But coaching-wise I'm not so sure. It's not my priority yet.
"I don't know about the future but at the moment I am certainly not doing it as I have no time," he said on the sidelines of an event in New Delhi to launch the India chapter of the Steve Waugh Foundation Global.
Waugh has no coaching experience but has close links with Kolkata - he has set up homes for children in the city and is a regular, and hugely popular, visitor there. His profile in Kolkata is very different to that of Buchanan, who antagonised local fans by overseeing the team's disastrous season - one in which the local hero, Sourav Ganguly, was stripped of the team captaincy.
Opinion over Buchanan's coaching style has been split but on Thursday Chris Gayle, the West Indies captain who also plays for Kolkata, said he had learned a "lot of good points" from working under Buchanan. "Whenever you are around someone different, you tend to learn different things," Gayle told reporters at The Oval ahead of his team's World Twenty20 semi-final.
"Sometimes you can take it back to your country. It was something different for me and it was good," Gayle said. "A lot of good points were made there. The experience was really good."
Buchanan was released from his contract by the Kolkata franchise on Thursday after weeks of speculation following a disastrous season when the team ended bottom of the table and was plagued by a series of off-field controversies. No replacement has been announced as yet
We're not chokers: Smith
ICC World Twenty20
South African captain Graeme Smith will not let his team be branded chokers anymore despite failing to make the final of the ICC World Twenty20 here.
South Africa, overwhelming favourites after five straight wins in the tournament, were knocked out by Pakistan in a seven-run defeat in Thursday's semifinal.
Shahid Afridi smashed 51 from 34 balls and then grabbed 2-16 with his leg-spin as Pakistan successfully defended 149-4 to restrict the Proteas to 142-5 before a sell-out crowd at Trent Bridge.
"Every time we lose an important game, that word, chokers, is thrown around," a disappointed Smith said after the match.
"But we have played great cricket and I am proud of the way the guys have performed.
"During the last couple of years we have been on an upward curve and the team will improve and get stronger and stronger."
South Africa have faltered in most major multi-nation tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy despite being one of the leading sides in the modern game.
Smith said the semi-final loss hurt, but conceded Pakistan were the better team and deserved to win.
"It is obviously disappointing and sad to be leaving the tournament now," he said.
"We have played some great cricket in this tournament and played some great cricket in the semi-final.
"But Pakistan brought their 'A' game to this match and every cog worked well for them.
"Afridi was the difference. His four overs brought Pakistan back into the game. We lost our way and never got back into it.
"I think we deserved to be in the final with the way we performed during this tournament, but that is not how it works. Pakistan played better than us."
Pakistan, runners-up to India in the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, will play either Sri Lanka or the West Indies in Sunday's final at Lord's.
Afridi plundered eight boundaries, including four in succession off Johan Botha, after Pakistan elected to bat on a wicket that slowed down as the evening progressed.
Veteran Jacques Kallis made a brave attempt to take the South Africans home, striking seven fours and a six in 64 from 54 balls, but the other batsmen faltered against the spot-on attack.
Smith failed to make use of an early chance when he was dropped by Umar Gul as he skied a return catch to seamer Mohammad Aamir after making 10.
Afridi, coming on to bowl in the seventh over, struck twice in four deliveries when he bowled Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers to make South Africa 50-3 in 8.3 overs.
Afridi and fellow-spinner Saeed Ajmal made runs hard to come by, and when the dangerous Gul came on to bowl in the 14th over, South Africa needed a further 77 from 42 balls.
Kallis and JP Duminy raised South Africa's hopes by adding 61 from 53 balls for the fourth wicket, but Ajmal broke the threatening stand by having Kallis caught in the deep in the 18th over.
Duminy remained unbeaten on 44 from 39 balls but the task of needing 23 runs in the last over bowled by Aamir proved too much for him and Mark Boucher.
It did not matter at the end that Pakistan, who were 120-3 after 15 overs, failed to build on the early advantage and managed just 29 runs in the final five overs.
South African captain Graeme Smith will not let his team be branded chokers anymore despite failing to make the final of the ICC World Twenty20 here.
South Africa, overwhelming favourites after five straight wins in the tournament, were knocked out by Pakistan in a seven-run defeat in Thursday's semifinal.
Shahid Afridi smashed 51 from 34 balls and then grabbed 2-16 with his leg-spin as Pakistan successfully defended 149-4 to restrict the Proteas to 142-5 before a sell-out crowd at Trent Bridge.
"Every time we lose an important game, that word, chokers, is thrown around," a disappointed Smith said after the match.
"But we have played great cricket and I am proud of the way the guys have performed.
"During the last couple of years we have been on an upward curve and the team will improve and get stronger and stronger."
South Africa have faltered in most major multi-nation tournaments like the World Cup and Champions Trophy despite being one of the leading sides in the modern game.
Smith said the semi-final loss hurt, but conceded Pakistan were the better team and deserved to win.
"It is obviously disappointing and sad to be leaving the tournament now," he said.
"We have played some great cricket in this tournament and played some great cricket in the semi-final.
"But Pakistan brought their 'A' game to this match and every cog worked well for them.
"Afridi was the difference. His four overs brought Pakistan back into the game. We lost our way and never got back into it.
"I think we deserved to be in the final with the way we performed during this tournament, but that is not how it works. Pakistan played better than us."
Pakistan, runners-up to India in the inaugural World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, will play either Sri Lanka or the West Indies in Sunday's final at Lord's.
Afridi plundered eight boundaries, including four in succession off Johan Botha, after Pakistan elected to bat on a wicket that slowed down as the evening progressed.
Veteran Jacques Kallis made a brave attempt to take the South Africans home, striking seven fours and a six in 64 from 54 balls, but the other batsmen faltered against the spot-on attack.
Smith failed to make use of an early chance when he was dropped by Umar Gul as he skied a return catch to seamer Mohammad Aamir after making 10.
Afridi, coming on to bowl in the seventh over, struck twice in four deliveries when he bowled Herschelle Gibbs and AB de Villiers to make South Africa 50-3 in 8.3 overs.
Afridi and fellow-spinner Saeed Ajmal made runs hard to come by, and when the dangerous Gul came on to bowl in the 14th over, South Africa needed a further 77 from 42 balls.
Kallis and JP Duminy raised South Africa's hopes by adding 61 from 53 balls for the fourth wicket, but Ajmal broke the threatening stand by having Kallis caught in the deep in the 18th over.
Duminy remained unbeaten on 44 from 39 balls but the task of needing 23 runs in the last over bowled by Aamir proved too much for him and Mark Boucher.
It did not matter at the end that Pakistan, who were 120-3 after 15 overs, failed to build on the early advantage and managed just 29 runs in the final five overs.
It's our turn now: Younus
ICC World Twenty20
Pakistan captain Younus Khan wants his team to win the ICC World Twenty20 title to bring joy to the millions in his volatile country starved of big-time cricket.
"We are one match away and we will do our best to win," said Younus after his team knocked out favourites South Africa in Thursday's semi-final at Trent Bridge here.
"We want to make people back home happy. Winning the title will mean a lot to them and that will inspire us in the final. One more game and the World Cup will be ours."
Pakistan has become the pariah of world cricket after being shunned by foreign teams due to security concerns which forced the Champions Trophy and World Cup matches to be shifted out of the country.
Pakistan, runners-up to India in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, will play either Sri Lanka or the West Indies in the final at Lord's on Sunday.
Younus said it did not matter who Pakistan play in the final, but admitted he will keenly watch the second semi-final at the Oval on Friday.
"We will keep track of both Sri Lanka and the West Indies. They are tough sides but we are not worried who we play.
"We will just go out and put our best effort, like we did against South Africa."
Pakistan rode on a brilliant all-round performance by Shahid Afridi to pip South Africa by seven runs and end the Proteas' five-match winning streak in the tournament.
Afridi smashed 51 from 34 balls and then grabbed 2-16 with his leg-spin as Pakistan successfully defended 149-4 to restrict the favoured Proteas to 142-5 before a sell-out crowd at Trent Bridge.
"Afridi is the sort of player who wins games on his own," said Younus. "He has done it here and I know he wants to repeat this in the final as well."
Younus said the five-run defeat by India in the 2007 final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg still hurt, and he hoped the team will not make the same mistake again.
"We felt terrible after losing that one. You come so close and then it all goes away. Hopefully, we will do better this time."
Pakistan bounced back twice over the last two weeks to keep their hopes alive.
Younus' men lost their opening preliminary match against England, but then thrashed the Netherlands to advance to the Super Eights.
There was another defeat in the second round against Sri Lanka, but Pakistan came back strongly to defeat New Zealand in a key game before overpowering Ireland to make the semi-finals.
"We are slow starters, but we have shown through this tournament that we can match any other side on our day and will take a lot to beat us," said Younus.
Against South Africa, Afridi plundered eight boundaries, including four in succession off Johan Botha, after Pakistan elected to bat on a wicket that slowed down as the evening progressed.
Veteran Jacques Kallis made a brave attempt to take the South Africans home, striking seven fours and a six in 64 from 54 balls, but the other batsmen faltered against the spot-on attack.
It did not matter at the end that Pakistan, who were 120-3 after 15 overs, failed to build on the early advantage and managed just 29 runs in the final five overs.
Pakistan captain Younus Khan wants his team to win the ICC World Twenty20 title to bring joy to the millions in his volatile country starved of big-time cricket.
"We are one match away and we will do our best to win," said Younus after his team knocked out favourites South Africa in Thursday's semi-final at Trent Bridge here.
"We want to make people back home happy. Winning the title will mean a lot to them and that will inspire us in the final. One more game and the World Cup will be ours."
Pakistan has become the pariah of world cricket after being shunned by foreign teams due to security concerns which forced the Champions Trophy and World Cup matches to be shifted out of the country.
Pakistan, runners-up to India in the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa two years ago, will play either Sri Lanka or the West Indies in the final at Lord's on Sunday.
Younus said it did not matter who Pakistan play in the final, but admitted he will keenly watch the second semi-final at the Oval on Friday.
"We will keep track of both Sri Lanka and the West Indies. They are tough sides but we are not worried who we play.
"We will just go out and put our best effort, like we did against South Africa."
Pakistan rode on a brilliant all-round performance by Shahid Afridi to pip South Africa by seven runs and end the Proteas' five-match winning streak in the tournament.
Afridi smashed 51 from 34 balls and then grabbed 2-16 with his leg-spin as Pakistan successfully defended 149-4 to restrict the favoured Proteas to 142-5 before a sell-out crowd at Trent Bridge.
"Afridi is the sort of player who wins games on his own," said Younus. "He has done it here and I know he wants to repeat this in the final as well."
Younus said the five-run defeat by India in the 2007 final at the Wanderers in Johannesburg still hurt, and he hoped the team will not make the same mistake again.
"We felt terrible after losing that one. You come so close and then it all goes away. Hopefully, we will do better this time."
Pakistan bounced back twice over the last two weeks to keep their hopes alive.
Younus' men lost their opening preliminary match against England, but then thrashed the Netherlands to advance to the Super Eights.
There was another defeat in the second round against Sri Lanka, but Pakistan came back strongly to defeat New Zealand in a key game before overpowering Ireland to make the semi-finals.
"We are slow starters, but we have shown through this tournament that we can match any other side on our day and will take a lot to beat us," said Younus.
Against South Africa, Afridi plundered eight boundaries, including four in succession off Johan Botha, after Pakistan elected to bat on a wicket that slowed down as the evening progressed.
Veteran Jacques Kallis made a brave attempt to take the South Africans home, striking seven fours and a six in 64 from 54 balls, but the other batsmen faltered against the spot-on attack.
It did not matter at the end that Pakistan, who were 120-3 after 15 overs, failed to build on the early advantage and managed just 29 runs in the final five overs.
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