Capello: Only Falcao has impressed me like Messi

Russia coach Fabio Capello has taken the time to praise Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao, saying that the Colombia international has impressed him as much as Lionel Messi when he saw him for the first time.

The 26-year-old has been in sublime form in the opening weeks of the 2012-13 campaign, netting hat-tricks against Athletic Bilbao and Chelsea, and his good performances have earned him positive words from the former England boss.

"Throughout my entire career, there has been only one player who impressed me as much as Messi when I first saw him against my Juventus at the Joan Gamper trophy, and that is Radamel Falcao," Capello was quoted as saying by La Gazzetta dello Sport.

"He is a fantastic striker, without a doubt the best around at the moment."

Falcao has been linked with clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester City in recent weeks, but is under contract with Atletico until June 2016.

Celtics Efe Ambrose: I'll stop Lionel Messi in the Champions League

EXCLUSIVE
By Sam Ade Oguns, Abuja

New Celtic defender Efe Ambrose is relishing his teams forthcoming Uefa Champions League match against Barcelona and has vowed to do his best to stop Lionel Messi.

As well as hoping to halt the worlds best player, he has also promised Spartak Moscow striker and compatriot Emmanuel Emenike a tough game when their clubs meet in the group stages of this years competition.

The Nigerian moved to Celtic from Israeli side Ashdod in the summer transfer window and is looking forward to playing in Europe's elite club competition.

Lionel Messi is not a stranger to me because I was in Nigerias Under-23 team that played in the final against Argentina in the 2008 Olympics, Ambrose told Goal.com.

I also played against him in our friendly match in Bangladesh last year. So he wont pose many problems to me because I will do my best in marking him out when Celtic and Barce lona slug it out in the Champions League.

I have also told [Spartaks] Emenike that he should watch out for me because I will give him a serious challenge when our teams meet.

Ambrose expressed happiness at joining the Scottish giants and has promised to make the best use of his stay at the club.

I want to prove to Celtic that they can rely on me and the only way I can do so is to play well for the team and help them achieve both league and European competition success. At least that would send signals to Celtic fans that I have come there to help the team achieve success.

So I had to rush back to the club immediately after the Liberia match. Now I am in Israel to pack my luggage and travel with my wife and my new-born baby as we hope to be in Scotland this weekend and start a new life in Celtic.

My mission is to first adapt to the environment and the teams philosophy on time. I need to adapt to the style of play, the weather, food and everything that is associated with the club.

I just have a couple of days before the Champions League but the league is on already. It is a pity time is not on my side but I am a very resolute and determined person so I believe I will cope.

I just have to go there and prove myself and justify my inclusion in the team as well as make the coachs first-team list for all matches, a determined Ambrose said.

He also told Nigerian fans to believe in the Super Eagles, ahead of their next match against Liberia on October 12.

We are condemned to beat Liberia in Nigeria and by the special grace of God we will be among the teams in the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Nigerians should believe in us, pray for us and support us. We wont disappoint them, he concluded.

Criscito disappointed to miss Euro 2012 chance

Domenico Criscito has revealed that the Italian court's decision to drop the match-fixing chances against him due to a "lack of evidence" has brought him a mixture of emotions.

The Zenit St Petersburg left-back was excluded from Cesare Prandelli's Euro 2012 squad after he was alleged to have taken part in theScommessopoli scandal during his time at Genoa.

And, after hearing that he will not face further sanctions, Criscito expressed his disappointment at not being involved in his country's run to the competition's final.

"I am very happy as this is a good day for me. At the same time, I remain very angry at losing the chance to go to the Euros, especially as I always maintained my innocence," he told Sky Italia.

"Will I request compensation? No, that's not even an option. I am trying to take this situation in a calm manner, even if I have been scarred by the experience.

"It's only natural to be tense in these situations, especially straight after the dawn raid but as a professional I would've left those thoughts outside the pitch."

Criscito failed to make the squad for Italy's 2014 World Cup qualifying matches against Bulgaria and Malta, but insisted that he is only focused on matters at club level.

"Why am I not called up to the Nazionale now?" he said. "I don't know, but I am very concentrated on Zenit. If I continue to do well in Russia and Europe then I think the Italy call will come."

Italy's next qualifier is away at Armenia on Friday October 12.

Capello: Russia still have a long way to go to make the World Cup

Fabio Capello has conceded that there is still a long way to go for Russia to qualify for the 2014 World Cup, despite winning both of their opening qualifying games.

The experienced Italian trainer guided his team to an emphatic 4-0 win over Israel on Tuesday to ensure his side took maximum points from their first two fixtures. However, he refused to get carried away over his hopes for the campaign despite being elated by the display of his team.

"There's still a long road ahead of us if we want to fulfill our task of making the World Cup," Capello said to Sport-Express.

"We've started very well, scored two fast goals, but at the end of the half we've loosened the pressure and allowed the Israelis to create chances. But after our third goal it was all clear.

"The only thing that bothers me and is upsetting is that three players got injured [Vladimir Bystrov, Aleksandr Kokorin and Aleksandr Anyukov].

"At t imes weve shown truly spectacular football, with some beautiful passing, leaving all our effort on the field. Such a performance in Israel is great."

Israel coach Eli Guttman confessed that the Russians were too good for his side on the night, though the manner of the loss still hurt.

"I can only say that I'm sorry about the result. We've played against an amazing opponent, but losing by four goals is still too much.

"The Russian national team is great at combining skill and speed, and we have no reply to that."

International Treble: Wins for Russia and Scotland, and fireworks when Germany face Austria

Fabio Capello took the reigns of the Russian national side after an ultimately disappointing Euro 2012 campaign and the Italian's first task is to guide them to the next major tournament in Brazil.

A 2-0 win over Northern Ireland was a good start to World Cup qualifying ahead of Tuesday's trip to Israel and the former England boss will expect his side to build upon that result and take charge of the group.

The hosts continued their winless streak in their last game, a 1-1 draw against Azerbaijan, and are now without a victory in five matches, a worrying development for boss Eli Guttmann and it appears that run could well continue in this game given the quality of their opposition.

Israel have tasted defeat against Germany, Czech Republic and Ukraine this year and with Russia available at a best priced Even money (2.0) with William Hill, the visitors look a well priced selection to start the treble.

Germany are sure to be on the "bankers" list for many multiple bets on Tuesday night, but the short trip to Austria looks as if it could be a high scoring match and over 2.5 goals at 1/2 (1.50) looks a worthy selection.

The last time these two sides met the match ended 6-2 to Germany, and while another eight goal thriller may not be forthcoming, this is a game that promises plenty of action.

Austria's home form has seen three of their last five matches go over this line, with Marcel Koller's side winning three of those, so they will harbour hopes of springing a shock against Low's men and look capable in front of goal.

Germany's last six ma tches have contained three goals or more and Low has spoken of his expectation of improvementfollowing the 3-0 win over the Faroe Islands last week. That clean sheet was Germany's first in six, so there could be goals at both ends.

Craig Levein's side were handed a tough qualification group for the World Cup and a 0-0 draw at home against Serbia, although not a disaster, does increase the pressure on this game.

The Scots must face Belgium, Croatia and Wales over the coming months so three points is imperative against Macedonia and the 47-year-old boss will be desperate for a performance to silence his critics.

The hosts are best priced with William Hill at4/5 (1.80)which looks to offer decent value. Although not brilliant on their travels, Scotland's form at Hampden is good.

The last six matches have seen four wins and two draws and considering Macedonia's away form, there's every chance Levein's side could secure another victory.

The visitors did claim a 0-0 draw against Portugal in May but their last six games on the road have yeilded just two draws and four losses, including defeats against Luxembourg and Armenia. Backing the Scots to secure a win that is vital if they are to have a good chance of qualification, looks a solid addition to the treble at 4/5 (1.80) with William Hill.

Two of these prices are industry bests with William Hill so why not take advantage of their free bet offer and get the best possible return.

Sign up with William Hill for a 25 free bet, using it f or this treble returns 135

Jim Knight is Betting Editor at Goal.com and has been tipping football games since he was old enough to place a bet. He is a Leicester City fan, writer and member of the We Are Going Up Podcast
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Paris Saint-Germain and Zenit watch on as Uefa gets tough over new Financial Fair Play ruling

COMMENT
Julian Bennetts

Every uprising starts with a show of defiance, and this morning UEFA gave notice to Europes top clubs that there is more to their demands for financial sustainability than words alone.

The announcement that 23 clubs have had their prize-money from last seasons European competitions withheld due to their financial issues will have drawn a mixed response from all four corners of the continent.

The likes of Atletico Madrid, Malaga, Fenerbahce and Sporting Lisbon have until September 30 to either settle their debts or explain to European footballs governing body exactly why they have not paid players, other clubs or the taxman.

If not, the punishment is simple; clubs that fall foul of the rules will be banned from the Champions League and Europa League.

And when Platinis ideas come to fruition, this will be seen as an important moment in this well-advertised sea-change.

Similarly, Zenit St Petersburg whose average attendance was 3,000 less than Reading last season have just spent between 64 and 80m (depending on who you believe) on Hulk and Axel Witsel.

These are not the actions of clubs who feel financial Armageddon is coming.

Yet Platini has never deviated, never changed from his insistence that the day of reckoning was near.

"These rules were unanimously approved by all clubs, politicians, judges and the European Union. There's no going back from here on, he told Gazzetta dello Sport at the end of August.

FFP is a hard rule for any team, regardless of whether we're talking about PSG, Juventus, or any other team.

"I have spoken with directors from all clubs. They have all stressed that they would follow the new rules. It seems that some worry a bit more about FFP than others, though.

"Financial Fair Play does not stop clubs from buying players. Clubs can still spend as much as th ey want as long as their budget accounts for it."

The question now is how PSG, Zenit and the rest can justify it. Over-inflated sponsorship deals have been discussed, as have an increase of equity for their owners in exchange for greater finance.

But the example of Malaga is one that Platini is sure to refer to time and again.

The list announced today gives the clubs named until September 30 to settle their debts or explain why they had not paid either players, other clubs or the tax authorities money that was owed.

In the case of Malaga, the answer is simple; because the billionaire owner, Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser al-Thani of the Qatari royal family, seemingly lost interest and the funds dried up.

Santi Cazorla was then sold at a knock-down price to Wenger and Arsenal, solely so that the players could be paid. Withholding prize money will only exacerbate the situation, but Platini had to make a stand.

Clubs such as Chelsea, Manchester City, Paris Saint Germain and Malaga are all indebted to owners that they could not cope without.

The Frenchman, a football politician who is surely destined for Sepp Blatters chair at FIFA, will not countenance that.

And, under the leadership of former Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc Dehaene, CFCB have been told to crack down.

No-one has been banned from European competitions not yet, at least.

But Atletico Madrid could lose out on up to 7.9m in prize money, an eye-watering figure for any accountant.

And the message that is coming from UEFAs HQ this morning is loud and clear; Platini is watching, and the day of judgement is coming.

Diarra: I joined Anzhi because of Eto'o, not the money

Lassana Diarra says his move to Anzhi Makhachkala was driven by a desire to play alongside Samuel Eto'o rather than the prospect of earning a lucrative salary.

The 27-year-old left Real Madrid on transfer deadline day to sign a four-year contract with the Dagestan-based side, after falling out of favour at Santiago Bernabeu.

The deal came as a surprise to many, with the likes of AC Milan and Fenerbahce touted as potential suitors for the midfielder, but the allure of acquainting himself with the Cameroon striker swayed his decision.

"Spartak showed an interest in me this summer, but at that time I was only focused on Real Madrid," said Diarra at his official presentation on Monday.

"Overall, I would not talk about the clubs that were interested in me. Anzhi were interested more than the others, but the most important thing for me is that Samuel Eto'o is here.

"He's like a big brother to me. Why can't we succeed to gether?"

It had also been suggested that Diarra's transfer to Anzhi was motivated by the promise of a larger pay packet, but he poured scorn on such claims.

"It's a new challenge for me. So far I've only been here a few days, but I've had time to train," the ex-Chelsea and Arsenal man continued.

"I've been very well received and I thank you all. I believe Anzhi can push themselves to become champions, so why can't I be?

"During my career I have played for some very prestigious European teams and, trust me, I've won enough titles and been paid enough. I did not come here for the money.

"Those who believe that should come to the games, analyse my performances and then tell me why they think I came to Anzhi."

Russian football has been noted for a series of racist incidents over the past few years, but the Frenchman does not believe that he will be the target of such discrimination.

"Of course, there is no place for racism in football. Fifa and Uefa should take action to fight this disease, but in my career, I have not had any specific problems with this," he added.