A lifetime dream came true for Luiz Gustavo on Saturday evening when the Bayern defensive midfielder made the first start of his career in an official competitive or tournament match for the Brazil national team. The FCB stalwart played the full 90 minutes and earned a chorus of praise as the midfield anchor in a Seleção’s 3-0 victory against Japan in the opening match at the Confederations Cup. A 67,423 crowd in Brasilia saw Neymar (3), Paulinho (48) and Jo (90+3) score the goals for the five-time world champions. Gustavo tackled energetically and covered the creative players’ backs, imposing structure and discipline on his side’s play. Dante failed to get off the bench on this occasion.
Sagnol set for France U-21 coaching role
Willy Sagnol, a key figure in the Bayern side from 2000 until 2009, is poised to become France U-21 head coach. “Willy Sagnol will certainly be looking after the U-21, the executive committee will confirm it, it's looking very promising," commented French Football Association (FFF) president Noel Le Graet. The former FCB crowd hero, a regular at right-back throughout his time in Munich, faces a stiff challenge in his new job, as the French juniors failed to qualify for the current European championship finals in Israel. Sagnol previously worked for the association as sporting director.
Lotzen features in win for Germany women
Four weeks prior to the UEFA Women's Euro in Sweden, Germany showed promising form on Saturday afternoon, as the defending continental champions defeated Scotland 3-0 in Essen. Lena Goeßling opened the scoring on 34 minutes, before Celia Okoyino da Mbabi struck a quickfire brace on the stroke of half-time. Bayern star Lena Lotzen came on as a 64th minute sub, but keeper Kathrin Längert remained on the bench.
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