By the dawn of spring, Mario would either be long gone or be breaking his back foraging for ball out around wing-forward

DENILSON has assured Cesc Fabregas that he has no doubts regarding the Spaniard’s ability as Arsenal captain after the Brazilian earlier told a TV station that Fabregas “is not the leader to me”.

NETHERLANDS coach Bert van Marwijk has demanded unity among his World Cup players after Robin van Persie’s angry outburst at being substituted in the 2-1 defeat of Slovakia threatened to derail preparations for its quarter-final against Brazil.

BRAZIL’S relentless march to the latter stages of this World Cup continued with an effortless victory over Chile last night.

Brazil 3 Chile 0

KAKA was controversially sent off as a double from Luis Fabiano and an Elano strike helped Brazil ease to victory in their battle with the Ivory Coast at Soccer City.

Brazil 3 Ivory Coast 1

BRAZIL midfielder Gilberto Silva has admitted he is wary of the threat the Ivory Coast possess ahead of tomorrow’s Group G clash.

BRAZIL coach Dunga urged journalists to stop “hitting and attacking” him as he prepares for his first World Cup finals match in the dugout against North Korea at Ellis Park tonight.

Ronaldinho has failed to make it into Brazil’s 23-man squad for the 2010 World Cup.

Former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva believes the Republic of Ireland provided the perfect test as Brazil continued their preparations for the World Cup with a 2-0 friendly win at the Emirates Stadium.

BRAZIL intend to go at full throttle when they take on Ireland side tonight in their final friendly before the start of this summer’s World Cup.

FORMER Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva is confident one trophy will spark a bigger haul for the Gunners. The Brazilian won the Premier League as a member of the 2003/04 side and played his part in the 2005 FA Cup victory – Arsenal’s last trophy.

ROBINHO is set for a quick return to England, after the recently departed Manchester City striker was named in the Brazil squad for next month’s friendly against Ireland in London.

AC Milan playmaker Ronaldinho has not been included in the Brazil squad for next month’s friendly international against Republic of Ireland at Emirates Stadium.

THE LAST minute equaliser, Arsene Wenger claimed, spoke volumes about Arsenal’s spirit and commitment.

Former Arsenal captain Gilberto Silva has urged Brazil team-mate Felipe Melo to join the Gunners.

A LATE header from Lucio added to Luis Fabiano’s brace helped Brazil fight back from two goals down to win the Confederations Cup final against United States in Johannesburg last night.

FORMER Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva says Brazil’s Confederation Cup semi-final win over South Africa proves that there is more to the side than flowing moves, goals and flamboyance.

BETTER concentration was the key to a vastly improved performance by Brazil yesterday as they beat the United States 3-0 for their second win at the Confederations Cup.

ARSENAL’S forward Robin van Persie has called on the club to keep their top players this summer and avoid a repeat of the major departures of a year ago.

Arsene Wenger admits his major failing this campaign has been underestimating the effect of missing out on last season’s Premier League title was going to have on his players.

Steve Sidwell might be commanding a place in Arsenal’s midfield at the moment if he had not left five years ago – but Arsene Wenger insists he had no option but to allow him to leave.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas has been ruled out for four months with his knee injury – and boss Arsene Wenger admits it might prompt him to spend in the January transfer window.

Manchester City trio Robinho, Jo and Elano have both been named in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela and Colombia next month but there is no place for Ronaldinho.

ARSENE WENGER is more motivated than ever to make sure Arsenal return stronger from the “unluckiest” campaign under his guidance.

Arsene Wenger must decide whether to step up his interest in Aston Villa’s unsettled England international Gareth Barry following the departure of long-serving midfielder Gilberto Silva.

ARSENE WENGER has been left with another gap to fill in his depleted midfield following confirmation yesterday that veteran Brazilian Gilberto Silva has joined Greek side Panathinaikos.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger yesterday described himself as “comfortable” with the decision to sell Alexander Hleb to Barcelona.

David Moyes is expected to sign a new long-term contract before the new season starts next month.

SAMIR NASRI feels he has all the qualities to fit right in with Arsenal’s culture of “amazing football”.

ALEXANDER HLEB looks set to get his move away from Arsenal as Barcelona close in on a £12million (€15m) deal for the Belarussian.

Alexander Hleb looks set to get his move away from Arsenal as Barcelona close in on a £12m deal for the Belarussian winger.

Brazil midfielders Anderson and Gilberto Silva have been withdrawn from the squad for the friendly international against Canada.

EVEN with precious little other than pride at stake, it would have been out of character for Roy Keane or Arsene Wenger to lose any focus. That said, they could have been excused yesterday if their thoughts occasionally drifted to events elsewhere.

THEY were selling ice creams at the Emirates stadium. There were few takers on a day cold enough to make your teeth ache but Arsenal could be forgiven for wanting to fast-forward to the balmy days of summer.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists contract negotiations with midfielder Mathieu Flamini are “on course” and hopes his compatriot will sign a new deal next month.

Manchester United winger Nani has revealed that a stern word from manager Alex Ferguson was enough to persuade him not to repeat his on-field juggling antics.

NO Ronaldinho. No Kaka. No Pato. If it was any other country arriving without three of their franchise names you’d feel cheated but this is Brazil and the ‘Seneçao’ never lose their allure.

STEVEN REID has emerged as Ireland’s biggest injury worry ahead of tomorrow’s friendly with Brazil at Croke Park and, if his suspect knee fails to show significant improvement this morning, Don Givens will call up a replacement for the Blackburn Rovers midfielder.

Werder Bremen defender Naldo ended a miserable day on a high note after being called into the Brazil squad for the international friendly against Ireland on Wednesday night.

PATIENCE is not usually a virtue in a man described as “hyperactive” by team-mates, but Mathieu Flamini’s willingness to bide his time at Arsenal is now reaping spectacular rewards.

Youngsters Lucas Leiva and Anderson have been named in a youthful Brazil squad to face the Republic of Ireland in Dublin next month.

Eduardo Da Silva struck twice to help Arsenal book their place in the Carling Cup quarter-finals with a routine victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.