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South Korea 0-1 Belgium: Vertonghen strike seals top spot
Jun 26, 2014 11:05:00 PM
Marc Wilmots' men were far from their best once again, but it was still enough to see off the Asian nation on Thursday night
Jan Vertonghen fired home late on to seal a 1-0 win for Belgium over South Korea and clinch top spot in Group H.
Coming into the final Group H clash, South Korea needed to beat their European counterparts comfortably in Sao Paulo and hope that Algeria dropped points against Russia in the other fixture.
Russia held Algeria to a 1-1 draw, but Hong Myung-Bo's side were ultimately unable to fulfil their end of the bargain, as Belgium prepare to face United States in the next round on Tuesday.
Both sides struggled to maintain control in the first period, but Thibaut Courtois was forced into action on a couple of occasions.
The Koreans were given a notable advantage towards the end of the first half though, when Steven Defour earned a red card, but they were unable to make the most of the dismissal despite controlling much of the second period.
Ki Sung-Yeung tested Courtois from range and Son Heung-Min rattled the crossbar with a fluke effort, but Belgium grabbed a late winner through Jan Vertonghen and go through with a maximum of nine points, while South Korea head home early.
Marc Wilmots insisted in the build-up that his side would not go easy on their opponents despite only needing a draw.
But the 45-year-old made seven changes from the Russia win, with Adnan Januzaj making his first international start.
The Manchester United youngster and Belgium's other attackers were exceptionally quiet in the opening stages, though, as South Korea were routinely invited forward.
Hong's men lacked any creative spark, however, allowing Belgium to gain a foothold and Dries Mertens inexplicably failed to give them the lead in the 25th minute as he blazed over from close range after pouncing on a loose ball.
Korea eventually came to life in the final third after half-an-hour and Courtois was forced into action twice in quick succession.
The 22-year-old first denied Ki from distance and, from the resulting corner, he scrambled the ball off the line following a goalmouth melee.
Hong and his team received a significant boost to their chances just before the break as Defour received a straight red card for a callous stamp on Kim Shin-Wook.
With a place in the next round slipping from their grasp, Korea began the second half with renewed determination.
Courtois once again saved a long-range Ki attempt in the 51st minute, but the Chelsea goalkeeper had to rely on his crossbar a few moments later, as Son Heung-Min's cross struck the goal frame.
South Korea took the game to Belgium as much as they could, but Wilmots' men finally punished them on the counter-attack with 13 minutes to go.
Second-half substitute Divock Origi blasted a ferocious effort at Jung Sung-Ryong and, having failed to push the ball to safety, the goalkeeper was helpless on the rebound as Vertonghen smashed Belgium into the lead.
The Koreans almost levelled in stoppage time, but Courtois did well to stop Lee Keun-Ho's flick at the front post and Belgium subsequently earned a third consecutive World Cup victory - sending them into the last-16 in high spirits.
Germany thrashing 'left a scar' on Portugal - Bento
By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 26, 2014 9:12:00 PM
The coach believes his side were simply unable to recover from their 4-0 mauling at the hands of Joachim Low's team and deserved their World Cup exit
Paulo Bento has bemoaned Portugal's World Cup exit and pointed to the impact of their opening defeat against Germany as a key reason for their failure.
The Iberians won their final Group G game, with Cristiano Ronaldo scoring a late winner after Asamoah Gyan had cancelled out a John Boye own goal, but a 2-1 victory was not enough to secure passage to the last 16.
Bento expressed his disappointment at his side's inability to progress and put the blame on his players being too heavily affected by losing 4-0 to the Germans.
"The only thing that can be said is that, in the end, it was a bad result," the 45-year-old told journalists after game.
"We couldn't reach our goal. I think that, after those three games, we got what we deserved.
"The two teams that qualified [for the round of 16] deserved it. I believe we were too affected by the result of the first match, it left a scar on the team."
Portugal ended their campaign level on points with the United States in Group G but went out courtesy of an inferior goal difference, despite overcoming the Black Stars.
"The second part of the game today, we weren't so good but I don't think Ghana caused us too much trouble in the first half," he continued.
"We could've had a bigger advantage. But even after the draw, we had chances of having a bigger score. In the end, all we can do now is evaluate what we did wrong and congratulate Germany and the United States."
We should have scored more against the United States - Low
By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 26, 2014 8:50:00 PM
The head coach concedes that his team lacked a clinical edge in front of goal in their final Group G game, but also paid tribute to compatriot Jurgen Klinsmann's side
Joachim Low felt Germany should have enjoyed a more comfortable victory over the United States, after they progressed to the last-16 of the World Cup as group winners.
Thomas Muller's second-half strike was the difference between the sides as die Nationalelf secured a spot in the second round, finishing ahead of the second-placed USA in Group G.
Low insisted that he was satisfied with the cohesion his side showed over the course of the game but felt they needed to be more ruthless in attack game uring the gin Recife.
"We played with good organisation," the 54-year-old told ZDF.
"Until the closing minutes we did not allow the USA any chances. We missed some chances to play the killer pass in the final third. If we would have done that we could have scored two, three more goals.
"I wanted to give Sami Khedira a break. Lukas Podolski was willing, but couldn't really adapt to the game.
"Thomas Muller has a feeling to know where he must run to [to score a goal]. His wound is closed, he is tough," he added, referring to the head injury the goalscorer sustained against Ghana.
The Germany boss was also quick to praise the work of Jurgen Klinsmann in guiding the unfancied USA out of arguably the toughest group of the tournament.
"In the middle, the Americans were very strong in terms of heading," Low added, reflecting on the Stars and Stripes.
"It is nice for us that Jurgen Klinsmann also made it into the last 16."
Gyan becomes leading African goalscorer in World Cup history
Jun 26, 2014 8:08:00 PM
The Ghana striker overtook Roger Milla by scoring his sixth World Cup goal against Portugal - but it was not enough to prevent the Black Stars' elimination from the tournament
Asamoah Gyan has become the leading scorer from an African country in World Cup history after he netted in Ghana’s 2-1 defeat to Portugal in Brasilia.
The striker scored with a header in the 57th minute on Thursday to take his total record to six World Cup goals, overtaking the record of five set by Cameroon’s Roger Milla.
Gyan, 28, had already become the first African to score in three World Cup finals after his strike against Germany in Ghana’s previous Group G fixture.
But the Al Ain forward’s goals were not enough to prevent the Black Stars elimination from the tournament in Brazil.
Ghana, who earlier sent home midfielders Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng for disciplinary reasons, needed to beat Portugal but lost following a late winner from Cristiano Ronaldo.
Asamoah Gyan threatens journalist after Ghana World Cup exit
Jun 26, 2014 9:05:00 PM
The striker lost his temper in the wake of his side's defeat against Portugal and challenged a reporter to a fight in the mixed zone area
From Stefan Coerts in Brasilia
Ghana attacker Asamoah Gyan threatened to attack a journalist in the wake of his side's 2-1 World Cup defeat against Portugal at the Estadio Mane Garrincha on Thursday.
The Black Stars would have qualified for the round of 16 with a win over Paulo Bento's side, but Gyan's equaliser after John Boye's own goal was not enough as Cristiano Ronaldo eventually helped Portugal to the points, thus ending the Africans' World Cup dreams.
The entire Ghana squad refused to speak to the written press in the mixed zone after their early World Cup exit, leading to one journalist booing the players.
Gyan didn't take the jeers lightly and spoke out in anger, threatening to attack the aforementioned reporter. The Al Ain star had to be restrained by his team-mates before he was eventually ushered away to the waiting team-bus by his fellow Ghana internationals.
"It's part of the footballers' jobs to speak to reporters after the game," the journalist in question explained.
"It doesn't matter whether you win or lose. They all refused to speak and I booed them for that. I didn't say anything special, but the players - and Gyan in particular - reacted aggressively."
Preparations for Ghana's decisive match against Portugal were marred by a row over appearance fees, while Sulley Muntari and Kevin-Prince Boateng were sent home after attacking a team official and insulting head coach Kwesi Appiah respectively.
We're playing winning football, not sexy football - Dembele
Jun 27, 2014 1:01:00 AM
The Belgium midfielder admits his side are not playing at their best but believes there is more to come as they head into the last 16 of the World Cup
By Kris Voakes at Arena Corinthians, Sao Paulo
Moussa Dembele insists that Belgium are content with their World Cup performances so far after their 10 men saw off South Korea to record a perfect nine points in Group H.
The Red Devils overcame the loss of Steven Defour to a straight red card just before half-time to win 1-0 - their third successive one-goal victory.
But the Tottenham midfielder says he is unconcerned about their style of play thus far, saying that performances will come as the players’ confidence grows.
“We’re happy with the start. It’s maybe not the sexiest football we’ve shown but we’re very happy with nine points out of nine,” Dembele told Goal.
“You see that with every game we win we have more confidence. Today was a bit difficult as well; in the second half we did a lot of defending, but at the end of the day it was positive.”
Defour was dismissed for a two-footed challenge on Kim Shin-Woo just before the break, but Jan Vertonghen netted a second-half winner for Marc Wilmots’ side.
And Dembele added that it took a lot of effort to come out on top after Defour’s departure.
“It wasn’t as easy as it looked maybe because with 10 men it was quite difficult, we did a lot of running,” he said. “But we created some chances and it was not bad in the end.”
Belgium’s qualification as Group H winners secures them a round of 16 clash with USA in Salvador on Tuesday, and the 26-year-old says the Red Devils will be fully focused when they come up against Jurgen Klinsmann’s men.
“Team USA are a great team and I hope we won’t underestimate them because we know they have great quality. Plus I know Clint Dempsey and he’s an unbelievable player of course.”
‘Our bench is very strong’ – Wilmots hails game-changing substitutes
By Robin Bairner
Jun 27, 2014 1:11:00 AM
The coach felt his team dealt well with the dismissal of Steven Defour to maintain their perfect record in Brazil to date
Belgium boss Marc Wilmots has praised the contribution his substitutes made as his side finished off the World Cup group stage with a perfect record.
After the bench had a telling impact against Algeria and Russia in the opening two fixtures, Nacer Chadli and Divock Origi made telling contributions as Jan Vertonghen's second-half strike sealed a third straight win.
“You saw again today that the bench is very strong,” the coach reflected after the game. “Everyone who comes in gives 100% for Belgium and that’s the nicest thing about today. There’s also the victory of course but the manner in which we fought, the winning mentality. I think it’s deserved.”
Even a red card for Steven Defour after 45 minutes did not halt the Belgians’ winning streak, with the coach happy with how he was able to influence the game by introducing additional pace.
“We made the right changes at the right time with the pace of [Nacer] Chadli and [Divock] Origi,” he said.
“We played with two lines of four and one up front. Of course, they had to come at us and then they left spaces, which we took full advantage of.”
Belgium are unbeaten in their last nine group stage matches at the World Cup finals, winning six and drawing three.
'Now I can say how I feel about referees,' fumes Capello
By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 27, 2014 12:34:00 AM
The Italian is furious with decisions that have gone against his side in the World Cup, and was left enraged by lasers distracting goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev against Algeria
Fabio Capello accused referees of being against his Russia side as they crashed out of the World Cup following a 1-1 draw with Algeria.
Aleksandr Kokorin's header gave his side a first-half lead before the Desert Foxes struck back through Sofiane Feghouli to ensure that they progressed at the expense of their opponents.
Capello was extremely unhappy with some of the officiating that took place during the game, citing the Algerian equaliser where Akinfeev had a laser pointer shone in his eyes as the ball came into the box as an example of how decisions have not gone his side's way.
"We could have won," the 68-year-old was quoted by Sovsport.
"But, unfortunately, we let in the goal. There was no whistle there. I kept silent when asked about the referees before. But now we can say what we want.
"For 10 minutes our goalkeeper was dazzled by a laser pointer! There is photo and video evidence. This is a fact, there is no other opinion. There was a goalkeeper with this beam in his eyes. And then he missed the ball.
"I can complain about the refereeing in the match with Belgium," he added referring to a penalty claim in the 1-0 defeat.
"I'm not looking for excuses in life. If played poorly, then I'll say so. But then Akinfeev was dazzled by a pointer. You've seen it all!"
Russia were looking to build on a disastrous Euro 2012 campaign, where they also exited as the group stages, but Capello insisted that they should look ahead to hosting the World Cup in 2018 with him still at the helm.
"Today we made no errors," he continued.
"But we failed. Their goalkeeper twice reflected heavy shots. We're packing our bags because we made some minor mistakes.
"Of course I want to continue my work with Russia if they want me. I've done good work. I took England to the World Cup after they missed Euro 2008 and I've taken Russia to their first World Cup in 12 years."
Hong Myung-Bo: I was South Korea's most disappointing man
By Andrew Wychrij
Jun 27, 2014 1:18:00 AM
The Taegeuk Warriors' boss accepted the blame for his side's World Cup exit, insisting that his young side both played attractive football and have a bright future ahead
Hong Myung-Bo refused to blame his South Korea players for going out of the World Cup following a 1-0 defeat to Belgium on Thursday evening and said he was in fact their Achilles heel.
Jan Verthongen struck with 12 minutes remaining to give the Red Devils their third victory in Group F and extinguish the Koreans' hopes of making the second round.
However, Myung-Bo was quick to ensure any criticism for the defeat was placed solely on his shoulders, defending the performances of his players and emphasising their potential.
"We played attacking football but conceded a goal via counter attack," the 45-year-old told KBS.
"We could not help it. The players did their best. The most disappointing man was myself."
South Korea have taken their youngest ever World Cup squad to Brazil with an average age of just over 26, and only five of the 23 players having played in the tournament - and Myung-Bo claims that means the national team will only improve.
"Korean players are young and they have bright future," he added.
"I hope that they develop. They had good experience this World Cup."
The Argentina striker picked up a muscle problem in his side's 3-2 win over Nigeria on Wednesday and his recovery will be assessed after Tuesday's last-16 clash
By Ben Hayward in Belo Horizonte
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero has been ruled out of his side's second-round clash against Switzerland next week and could miss the rest of the competition, Goal understands.
Aguero recovered from a muscle problem in time to start the World Cup, but has looked short of full fitness in Brazil and picked up a similar injury in the first half of his side's 3-2 win over Nigeria on Wednesday.
The Manchester City striker underwent treatment to begin his recovery that very night after it was confirmed he suffered a grade-one muscle tear in his left thigh, Argentina team doctor Daniel Martinez revealed on Thursday, but the 26-year-old already been ruled out of the game against Switzerland.
"We have some alternatives [in terms of treatment] and we'll evaluate them depending on how his recovering is going," Martinez told reporters after Argentina's training session in Belo Horizonte.
"We have all the necessary resources to get Sergio back as soon as possible, but we will assess him on a day-to-day basis after the Switzerland game."
If Argentina get past Switzerland, Alejandro Sabella's side will face either Belgium or USA in the quarter-finals on July 5, with a possible semi-final against Netherlands, Mexico, Costa Rica or Greece four days later, before the final in Rio de Janeiro on July 13.
Recovery time for Aguero's injury is usually between two to three weeks, making the 26-year-old a big doubt for the remainder of the competition.
Brazilian helicopter caught spying on Chile training
By Ben Hayward in Toca da Raposa
Jun 26, 2014 9:21:00 PM
Thursday's session was halted by coach Jorge Sampaoli to stop the hosts' national broadcaster from transmitting live images of their preparations for Saturday's last-16 clash
Chile’s training session on Thursday was brought to a temporary standstill after a helicopter belonging to a Brazilian television station was caught spying on the team’s practice just outside Belo Horizonte.
The South Americans are preparing to face Brazil in the last 16 of the World Cup at the Estadio Mineirao on Saturday and the helicopter was transmitting live images from above to the nation’s largest broadcaster, TV Globo.
Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli quickly called a halt to the session until the helicopter was ushered away from local side Cruzeiro’s training centre at Toca da Raposa.
Training then resumed after a short break, but the session ultimately overran by around 50 minutes, with journalists forced to wait outside on the street.
"It didn’t bother us," midfielder Mauricio Isla told reporters at the press conference after training, which started late partly due to the unexpected intruder. "But our coach was worried they might see our moves and how we are preparing for the match."
And he joked: "We tried to hit it [the helicopter] with the balls but we weren’t able to!"
Nigeria refuse to train over appearance fees dispute
Jun 27, 2014 8:51:00 AM
The Super Eagles did not come out for their scheduled work out on Thursday with players preferring to negotiate for their qualification bonus
By Lolade Adewuyi in Campinas
Nigeria refused to train on Thursday following a disagreement over appearance fees for reaching the second round of the World Cup.
Goal learnt that the players asked for a meeting with the team's management where they requested that their part of the money expected from Fifa for progressing beyond the group stage be paid them by the Nigerian Football Federation.
Even though Fifa is yet to release bonus funds, the players said the their nation's federation should provide it before they play against France on Monday.
Their argument is that if they leave the tournament on Monday, it would be difficult for them to retrieve the money from the NFF to prevent a repeat of what happened following the conclusion of the 2010 World Cup when the federation delayed payment of their appearance fees.
The team had been scheduled to train at the Estadio Guarani at 18.00 and coach Stephen Keshi had already come down to the holding area while officials placed medical equipment and water inside the team bus.
Soldiers and police officers were on guard to accompany the team to the stadium as fans waited outside to catch a glimpse of the players. However, after an hour, media became worried as the team refused to come out.
The team's media officer, Ben Alaiya, came out to tell the press that the players were in a meeting and that training might still take place.
About 30 minutes later, the security details began to disperse and the team bus was offloaded and parked.
Goal understands the players were instead going to dinner, meaning there wasn't going to be training for the night.
Earlier in the day, NFF general secretary Musa Amadu left Sao Paulo to return to Abuja in order to facilitate the release of funds from government coffers.
But the players are afraid that they might not be paid in time before Monday's second round game against France.
The team is scheduled to depart for Brasilia on Friday afternoon. With their failure to train on Thursday, it is not yet known if they will board the flight.
In 2013, the Super Eagles threatened to boycott the Confederations Cup over the slash of their win bonus.
'Who did Suarez kill?' - Maradona slams ban on Uruguay star
By Peter McVitie
Jun 27, 2014 8:42:00 AM
The Argentina icon criticised the decision to suspend the Liverpool striker from all footballing activities for four months for his bite on Giorgio Chiellini
Diego Maradona has slammed Fifa for its decision to ban Luis Suarez for four months after he was found guilty of biting Giorgio Chiellini.
The Uruguay and Liverpool striker was given a nine-game suspension and banned from all football-related activity for four months for his third biting offence in almost four years.
And Maradona, who wore a t-shirt with a message of support for Suarez which read 'Luis we are with you', has criticised world football's governing body, claiming they are treating him as though he committed a far more heinous crime.
"This decision is a disgrace," he said on TV show De Zurda. "I can't understand this. Who did Suarez kill to get this kind of ban. Why don't [Fifa] handcuff him and send him to Guantanamo [Bay]?
"A player works hard the whole year to be able to play at the World Cup, and Luis scored 29 goals [sic] and they kick him out of the World Cup like this. It's unbelievable.
"Remember [Zinedine] Zidane and what he did in that [2006] World Cup final? Fifa then gave him the Golden Ball," he added, before laughing.
The show then broadcast a discussion between Maradona and Uruguay defender Diego Lugano, who insisted the ban was harsh.
"They treat him like a criminal," the captain said. "Escorted by the police [out of the Uruguay camp]. He did nothing. How wouldn't I defend him at that press conference?
"He's such a great guy. This ban is very harsh. It hits him at the very top of his level. At the best moment in his career."
Make no mistake, Suarez is still a prized asset at Liverpool... as he would be at Barcelona & Real Madrid
Jun 27, 2014 12:15:00 PM
These are crucial days in the Uruguay international's career after another biting ban, as the Spanish giants ponder their next move for the controversial striker
COMMENT
By Wayne Veysey | UK Correspondent
In the upper echelons of three of the world's great clubs, conversation over the last 48 hours will inevitably have centred on one man.
Luis Suarez would have been the name on the lips of senior executives at Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona for much of this transfer window, even had he not overshadowed the final group games of the World Cup with his chow-down on Giorgio Chiellini.
But Suarez's latest act of jaw-dropping lunacy will have prompted a round of hurried email threads, conference calls and meetings. 'We need to talk about Luis' is likely to have been the gist of it.
Stances in all three boardrooms could have altered slightly after Fifa's swift and, in these eyes, draconian, punishment ensured Suarez will not be available for selection by his club side until the end of October.
Yet football is a forgiving and moral-free environment. Especially if the player involved averages virtually a goal a game, as Suarez has over the last 18 months.
Diego Maradona, Eric Cantona and other players who have committed outrageous acts on the pitch have showed that clubs are always willing to replenish the bank accounts of those most able to help them win matches.
Before he was caught biting a fellow professional for the third time, Liverpool, Madrid and Barcelona all wanted Suarez to spearhead their attack next season.
Once the outrage has dissipated and the news agenda has moved on, the question is to what degree, if any, have their positions changed.
Suarez's transfer market value, variously estimated at between €80 million and €100m, is unlikely to have altered by a single penny. He remains a 27-year-old, fully fit forward who allies consistency with a rare brilliance. Flawed of temperament the Uruguayan may be, but he is a football genius.
Assuming Suarez's desire and ambition have not been diluted by the latest dark episode of his career, then employers can also count on total dedication and commitment from him.
So, what outcome can be expected when the dust settles?
As revealed by Goal when Suarez signed his new Liverpool contract last December, there is a release clause in the agreement which can only be triggered by a non-English club.
Should the specific buy-out figure, which remains unknown, be considered prohibitive, Liverpool have been given a get-out card if they decide that their prize asset has become too toxic for a club who have been embarrassed so often by his behaviour.
Chief executive Ian Ayre has said that Liverpool will wait until they have read the report of Fifa's disciplinary committee before deciding what action to take.
There are whispers emanating from Anfield that the Merseysiders could make a legal challenge to Fifa's decision to effectively ban Suarez from club football for two-and-a-half months for an indiscretion committed on international duty.
Who can blame them? Liverpool will be without their best player for nine Premier League matches - a quarter of the season - as well as the opening three games of their first Champions League campaign in five years. Not to mention the £2m in wages he will be paid for sitting around twiddling his thumbs for 10 weeks.
Liverpool have been aware for some time there is strong interest in Suarez from Spanish giants Madrid and Barcelona, two of only a small elite of clubs who could afford the exhorbitant package required to entice the Uruguayan from Anfield.
Both clubs can offer the prestige, glamour, financial incentives and football prospects that even vastly-improved Liverpool are unable to match.
The likelihood is that if Suarez was a priority signing for the Spanish pair four days ago, then he will remain so now.
He certainly has the pedigree to fit the bill as the annual Real Galactico signing. Meanwhile, Barcelona are undergoing the most radical overhaul of their squad in half a dozen years. The signing of Suarez would undoubtedly enhance both teams.
Despite the apparent strides made in his behaviour during the season in which he was the Premier League's double Player of the Year, the Uruguayan has always played at the extremities of his emotions. He might argue this is what helps give him his edge.
How Suarez's future unravels will depend upon the player himself and the extent of the support he receives from manager Brendan Rodgers and Liverpool's American-based owners Fenway Sports Group.
It will not have been lost on FSG that Suarez's ban strengthens the club's position. If they shower their controversial striker with love and legal firepower, he might conclude that he would rather stay and repay them, at least for one more year. History has proved that a season starting on the sidelines need not be a barrier to a golden campaign.
As for Barcelona and Madrid, the later start to the Spanish league season means Suarez's enforced absence would be less detrimental to either team's playing prospects.
These are crucial days and weeks in the dramatic career of Suarez. If Liverpool are totally fixed on holding on to their star man, they should be besieging his phone with support and offering him all the backing he needs in these difficult times.
If the conclusion from FSG and Rodgers is that Suarez is now a saleable asset, the word should be relayed to Spain's super clubs that he can go. But only if the release clause is met.
The Italy defender insists he holds no grudge over the biting incident this week and feels the player and his family will suffer from his four-month "alienation"
Giorgio Chiellini has surprisingly voiced his support for Luis Suarez, claiming his four-month ban from football is "excessive."
The Azzurri defender criticised Suarez heavily for biting him during the 1-0 defeat to Uruguay which sent Cesare Prandelli's side crashing out at the group stages of the World Cup.
The Liverpool forward has been handed a nine-game suspension and has been banned from all football activity for four months by Fifa.
However, Chiellini revealed he is not angry at the striker and instead feels that the punishment world football's governing body has handed down could ultimately leave the player feeling alienated.
"Now inside me there's no feelings of joy, revenge or anger against Suarez for an incident that happened on the pitch and that's done," he said in a statement on his official website.
"There only remain the anger and the disappointment about the match.
"At the moment my only thought is for Luis and his family, because they will face a very difficult period.
"I always thought that official judgements are unquestionable, but on the other hand I believe that Suarez has been excessively punished.
"I sincerely hope that he will be allowed, at least, to stay close to his team mates during the games because such a ban is really alienating for a player."
Former Liverpool forward Neil Mellor believes the Anfield club would only consider bids in excess of €100 million if they are to sell the now banned Uruguay star
EXCLUSIVE
By Russell Stoddart
Former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor has called for Luis Suarez to seek professional help after Fifa announced he would receive a four-month global ban from football for biting Giorgio Chiellini.
The 27-year-old has arrived back in Montevideo after leaving Uruguay's team hotel although the South American nation's Football Association chairman Wilmar Valdez has already confirmed they will appeal the sanction, that included a nine-match international ban.
And Mellor has urged Suarez to consider psychological help after his latest indiscretion and feels that Liverpool have been treated harshly as they face up to the prospect of not having Suarez available until November.
He told Goal: "This is unprecedented from Fifa and Liverpool are unfortunate victims of this. We all expected a ban, but I hoped it would remain just for international duty.
"If this had been in the Confederations Cup last summer then it might have done, but it was the biggest stage and Fifa knew they had to make a big statement.
"Liverpool have to accept the verdict because it could have been a lot worse. Suarez now has to get proper help. Psychologists are playing an increasingly important role in the modern game and they need to help him to get to the bottom of his problem. This has happened three times now and there seems no end to it."
The likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Suarez this summer but Mellor believes that the Merseysiders would only consider bids in excess of €100 million.
He added: "The only reason why a club would keep him after this is because he is a world class player. He was the best player in the Premier League last season.
"If it had been any other player, he probably would be shown the door. The big question for Brendan Rodgers now is does he cut his losses and say 'enough is enough'. The club is being dragged down because of the antics of one high-profile player and that cannot be allowed to continue.
"Liverpool would only consider bids of £80m (€100m) plus for Suarez and while they would have been reluctant to let him go before this latest incident, perhaps they might think it would be a good bit of business.
"They have to weigh up the brilliance of the player who won every individual accolade last season versus the madness of the player who bites his opponents."
