Birkir Bjarnason nets second-half equaliser as Iceland frustrate Portugal

Birkir Bjarnason scored Iceland's first goal at a major tournament as Portugal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their Euro 2016 opener.
Bjarnason cancelled out Nani's first-half opener in Saint-Etienne as Iceland defied the odds - and almost relentless Portugal pressure - to claim an unlikely point from their Group F clash.
Portugal had 25 attempts on goal compared to Iceland's four but were either wasteful or frustrated by the impressive Hannes Halldorsson.
Nani and Cristiano Ronaldo may particularly rue aiming clear-cut headers straight at the Iceland goalkeeper.
Iceland's attacks were rare but incisive and they almost caught Portugal out inside three minutes. Gylfi Sigurdsson found space down the left and cut inside Danilo Pereira on a charge into the box but Rui Patricio beat away his initial shot and also proved equal to his follow-up effort.
Iceland's fans were energised but that proved as good as it got for some time as Portugal soon began to take control.
Vieirinha tried his luck from distance and Ronaldo headed over. Ronaldo, making a record-equalling 127th Portugal appearance, threatened again after being picked out by a long ball from Pepe but fluffed his shot.
The Real Madrid star then produced some magic on the left to pick out Nani with a superb cross but Halldorsson brilliantly saved a point-blank header with his feet.
It came as no surprise when Portugal took the lead after a slick counter-attack with just over half an hour gone. Andre Gomes was given too much room on the right and his low ball into the box was neatly tucked home by Nani with a first-time shot.
Joao Moutinho had a couple of long-range efforts before the break and Portugal's dominance looked set to continue in the second half as Ronaldo volleyed narrowly wide after the restart.
But Portugal paid for their profligacy as Bjarnason stole in to equalise after 50 minutes. Vieirinha lost the flight of a deep cross from Johann Gudmundsson and Bjarnason ran in behind him to hit a low volley past Patricio.
Portugal went back on the offensive and Gomes forced a save from Halldorsson, who snuffed out another attack by gathering at Nani's feet.
Nani went close again with a header that flew narrowly wide and Ronaldo blazed over before Halldorsson kept out a deflected Ricardo Quaresma attempt. Ronaldo then headed a gilt-edged chance at Halldorsson from a Nani cross.
Iceland substitute Alfred Finnbogason tested Patricio five minutes from time before Ronaldo had two late free-kicks to snatch victory. His first attempt was handled by Alfred Finnbogason in the wall, leading to the second, but it was blocked and the final whistle blew.

Dunga fired as Brazil coach

Brazil fired Dunga as coach on Tuesday, the national football confederation said, two days after his side failed to get past the group stages of the Centenary Copa America.
The Brazilians drew 0-0 with Ecuador and beat Haiti 7-1 but were beaten 1-0 by Peru to exit the competition at the group stages for the first time since 1987.

Ronald Koeman confirmed as Everton boss on a three-year deal

A new era at Goodison Park can begin after Ronald Koeman was finally confirmed as Everton's manager.

The Dutchman had enjoyed two excellent seasons with Southampton and would have had a European campaign on his agenda in the forthcoming campaign but he found it impossible to turn down the overtures of Everton's major investor Farhad Moshiri.

Koeman has signed a three-year contract, worth £6million per season, and he will be given the biggest transfer kitty in Everton's history to revamp a squad that failed to fulfil its potential under Roberto Martinez.

Everton tweeted this picture after confirming Ronald Koeman as their new manager on a three-year contract

The Dutchman will be given the biggest transfer kitty in Everton's history to revamp the squad this summer

Koeman could not turn down the overtures of Everton's majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri this summer

KOEMAN'S MANAGERIAL STATS

Valencia (2007-08): P35 W12 D9 L14

Feyenoord (2011-14): P108 W62 D21 L25

Southampton (2014-16): P91 W44 D17 L30

Martinez was sacked on May 12 after results had spiralled and Koeman quickly became the prime target for Moshiri, who acquired a 49.9 per cent controlling stake in Everton on February 27 and has been determined to make a statement.

Koeman, speaking to Everton's website, said: 'I am very excited to be Everton manager. I believe in the club, in the team, in the fans and in our ability to achieve things in the future.

'Everton is a club with a great history and real ambition and it is a proud feeling for me to be part of what we want to go and do, together with the chairman and Farhad Moshiri.

'I am looking forward to meeting everyone at the club and to preparing for a big season in the Premier League.'

Roberto Martinez was sacked by the Toffees days before the final game of the season after a dismal run

The Dutchman had enjoyed two excellent seasons with Southampton but has now moved on to pastures new


KOEMAN'S HONOURS

PLAYING HONOURS

European Cups: 2 (PSV and Barcelona)

European Championship: 1 (Holland)

Dutch Cups: 3  (Ajax and PSV)

La Liga titles: 4 (Barcelona)

Dutch Eredivisie titles: 4 (Ajax and PSV)

MANAGERIAL HONOURS

Dutch Eredivisie titles: 3 (Ajax and PSV)

Dutch Cup: 1 (Ajax)

Copa del Rey: 1 (Valencia)

Portuguese Super Cup: 1 (Benfica)

Johan Cruyff Shield: 2 (Ajax and AZ)

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright added: 'We are really pleased to have secured the man who was our No 1 target from the moment we set out to appoint a new manager.

'Ronald has such a strong track record in the game, instantly commanding respect for what he achieved as a player and for his qualities and accomplishments as a manager.

'The hopes and aspirations that we all have as Evertonians are with him, as is our total support at board, shareholder and fan level.'

Everton spoke to a number of other candidates – including former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini, David Moyes, who spent 11 years in the Goodison hot seat between 2002 and 2013, and ex-Ajax manager Frank De Boer – but it soon became a two-horse race.

The main rival to Koeman was Unai Emery and Everton held significant discussions with advisors of the three-time Europa League winner at the end of May to see whether he would consider a switch to the Barclays Premier League.

Unai Emery was another Everton target but got cold feet and is now instead expected to take charge at PSG

David Moyes, who spent 11 years in the Goodison hot seat between 2002 and 2013, was among the candidates

Manuel Pellegrini, who waved goodbye to Man City last season, also spoke to Everton about the vacancy
SEEN HIM IN AN EVERTON SHIRT BEFORE?

Indeed, the new Everton boss was pictured in a Toffees shirt in 1995. The Feyenoord player swapped shirts following his side's victory in the European Cup Winners' Cup second round tie against the English outfit.


Emery, however, had second thoughts about meeting Everton's hierarchy in person and, aware that an alternative offer from Paris Saint-Germain was floating in the pipeline, he dropped out of the race.

When Emery got cold feet, that merely stiffened Everton's resolve to get Koeman and he informed Southampton at the beginning of June that he wanted to talk to Moshiri.

That left Everton with the task of agreeing a £3.5million compensation package with Southampton. Koeman – who will be joined on Merseyside by his brother, Erwin – had 12 months remaining on his terms but that was not going to be a stumbling block for Moshiri.

Koeman has been away on holiday but it is expected he will be formally unveiled at Goodison in the coming days and he will be tasked with returning Everton to the top six, with the long-term aim of transforming them into a Champions League club.

Southampton confirmed Koeman's departure and released the following statement: 'The search has already begun for the right appointment who can take the club to the next level and build on our track record of recent success, which culminated in a sixth-place finish in last season's Premier League, as well as qualification for the group stages of the Europa League.

'Our focus now is to build on our long-term plan, and work with a new management team who share both the club's and our supporters' values and ambitions.'

Koeman enjoyed great success as a player with both club and country and will aim to do the same at Everton

Everton chairman Bill Kenwright  is delighted to land his 'No 1 target'
FIVE THINGS KOEMAN MUST TACKLE AT GOODISON PARK

TRANSFORM THE ATMOSPHERE

A change of manager always provides a lift but Koeman will be aware of how much work needs to be done to get the bounce back at Finch Farm. It is not wrong to say that, during the last two months of the campaign just gone, the mood around the club was appalling.

Even the most level-headed players had lost faith in Martinez's project and it made what has traditionally been a lively, vibrant place of work become a centre of disenchantment. For that reason alone, Everton's hierarchy had to take action.

One of Everton's strengths over the last decade has been the unity within. David Moyes assembled a squad that worked relentlessly for one another and never got carried away and Bill Kenwright, the chairman, has always endeavoured to ensure that everyone adheres to tradition.

Moshiri's wealth means times are changing but if Koeman is smart, he will realise where Everton's strengths have been and tap in to the wealth of experience around him. Everton are never better than when they are united and the fracturing of last season must be repaired.

RESOLVE THE TWO BIG TRANSFER PUZZLES

De Bruyne was perhaps tired in Belgium defeat - Wilmots.

Belgium coach Marc Wilmots blamed a "breakdown in communication" for one goal and said playmaker Kevin De Bruyne was "perhaps tired" in their 2-0 defeat by Italy in Euro 2016 Group E on Monday.
Centre half Leonardo Bonucci split the Belgium defence with a pass into the penalty area from just inside his own half and man-of-the-match Emanuele Giaccherini supplied a ruthless finish to put Italy in front after 32 minutes.
"If you're able to play an assist from 40 metres and you've got three centre backs there, there shouldn't be any danger so there's been a breakdown in communication which shouldn't happen at the top level," Wilmots told a news conference.
While praising the contributions of midfielder Marouane Fellaini and defender Thomas Vermaelen, he said striker Romelu Lukaku "didn't have a particularly happy night and ... De Bruyne could do better too".
Pressed about the form of the Manchester City midfielder, Wilmots added: "If I had an explanation I'd give you one. Is the kid tired after a busy season? Yes, perhaps. He's been training not quite at full pelt.
"(But) I think Kevin has given so much over the last four years for the national team, you shouldn't expect me to slate him."
After a spell at number one in the FIFA world rankings, Belgium went into Euro 2016 among the favourites. However, they find themselves bottom of the group after the other two teams, Ireland and Sweden, shared a 1-1 draw on Monday.
Wilmots' men, now ranked second in the world, managed just two attempts on target and, for much of the game, were reduced to long-range efforts that flew wide or were charged down by a packed Italian defence, before the Azzurri broke away late on score a second through Graziano Pelle.
"We need to really club together for the next two matches," added Wilmots, starting with Ireland on Saturday.
Defender Jan Vertonghen said: "We're in a very difficult position now, there's a lot of pressure on us. Most of all we need to make sure we take our chances.
"It hurts when you don't. I'm sure we have a squad that can cope. We will be ready."

FOOTBALL Italy looking to heal 'open wound' from 2014: Conte

* Italy coach says failure in Brazil still hurts
* Not getting carried away after win over Belgium
Italy's great start to Euro 2016 is tempered by memories of the last World Cup when they also opened with a win before crashing out of the tournament, coach Antonio Conte said after Monday's 2-0 victory over Belgium.
The Azzurri began Brazil 2014 with a 2-1 win over England but 1-0 defeats to Costa Rica and Uruguay saw them exit the World Cup at the group stage for the second consecutive tournament.
"We still have this open wound from two years ago at the World Cup," Conte told reporters after goals from Emanuele Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle fired Italy to victory over Belgium.
"Even after an excellent performance against England, we still went home after the first round of the competition."
In the build-up to this year's championships in France, Conte has been at pains to play down Italy's prospects, saying he was relying on strong team spirit to have even an outside chance.
"But now we're here. As I've said, the players have realised in order to make waves here and achieve something, they have to do something extraordinary," Conte said.
"I hope tonight's performance in no way satisfies the desire and thirst of my players and myself.
"It was a good performance but we're keeping our feet on the ground. We have to keep working with the same desire."
Conte's adventurous 3-5-2 formation, with Antonio Candreva and Matteo Damian out wide behind strikers Pelle and Eder, paid off handsomely as his team sealed the win with a goal in each half.
While Belgium are now bottom of Group E, after Sweden and Ireland drew 1-1, Conte said he was not writing them off.
"This result in no way diminishes Belgium's chances of winning the European Championship. I really believe they're a terrific side and they're going to go a long way in the competition."
Italy next play Sweden on Friday, with their remaining group game against Ireland.

Manchester United signs Bailley

By Olatosimi Fadahunsi.




Manchester utd have beaten off competition from other suitors to secure the signing of highly rated ivorian defender, Eric Bailly.

The former villareal defender, who was part of the ivorian side that won the AFCON 2015 was signed for a fee in the region of £30 million though subject to a work permit, the club have confirmed.

The 22-year-old has penned a four-year contract with the option for a further two years, and becomes Jose Mourinho first signing

Talking to Manchester utd's official website on joining d club, Bailly said: "it is a dream come true to be joining manchester utd. To play football at the highest level is all I have ever wanted to do."

He added: " I want to progress to be the best I can be and I believe working with Jose Mourinho will help me develop in the right way and at the right club. I am looking forward to meeting my team-mates and to starting this new chapter of my life."

Mourinho added: "Eric is a young central defender with great natural talent. He has progressed well to date and has the potential to become one of the best around.

"We look forward to working with him to help nurture that raw talent and fulfil his potential. Eric is at the right club to continue his development."

Juventus joins the list of Drake's club.

By Olatosimi Fadahunsi.



The rapper is a fan of Chelsea and anything involving Didier Drogba and Mario Balotelli but has now pledged his allegiances to a new club and we are losing count of them all

Drake, loyal fan of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, all things Didier Drogba and Mario Balotelli, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, has added another club to his supporter repertoire - Juventus!

The Canadian rapper has trained with Chelsea and Didier Drogba, hung about with Mario Balotelli, kicked a ball around with Rio Ferdinand, spoken of his admiration for Ruud van Nistelrooy and even enjoyed the company of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the past.

Drake has even been seen at the Etihad Stadium taking in a 3-3 draw between City and Sunderland in 2012 before jetting over to Germany to spend time with Bayern Munich's Jerome Boateng.

More recently, Drake has been seen with Australia's Tim Cahill, sported a Barcelona shirt and wore an AC Milan shirt with Balotelli's name on the back... but now he's got his sights on a new idol in Paul Pogba.

Source:goal.com

Keshi dies at 54

By Olatosimi Fadahunsi.



The end for all, maybe unfair on the glorious 1994 super eagles team who death has previously taken away four of their members.

The Nigerian football world was thrown into mourning in the early hours of wednesday morning following the death of former super eagles' coach and captain, Stephen Keshi.

Emmanuel Ado, a brother to the late coach told PREMIUM TIMES the 54-year old died of cardiac arrest in the early hours of wednesday, june 8.

"With thanksgiving to God, the Ogbuenyi Frederick Keshi family of Illah in Oshimili North local Government Delta state, announces the death of Mr. Stephen Okechukwu Chinedu Keshi," Mr Ado said in a statement.

He continued " our son, brother, father-in-law, brother-in-law, has gone to be with his wife of 35 years (Nkem), Mrs kate Keshi, who passed on the 9th December 2015.

"Since her death, Keshi has been in mourning. He came back to Nigeria to be with her. He had planned to fly back today wednesday, before he suffered a cardiac arrest. He has found rest."

Deeply mourning the shock exit, Mr Ado has nothing but give thanks to God for a life well spent by Stephen Keshi.

Keshi, who is being popularly called the 'big boss,' has 64 international caps for Nigeria with nine goals.

He's the only Nigerian coach to have won the Afrcan cup of Nations and the only second person in history to win the competition as a player and as a coach.

The big boss joined Uche Okafor, Thompson Oliha, Rashidi Yekini, and Wilfred Agbonavbare as members of the eagles' 1994 set who are dead.

He is survived by four children and his mother

Novak Djokovic crushes Andy Murray in four sets to claim French Open

Andy Murray provided a tease that he could win an unlikely French Open title but was ultimately blown away as Novak Djokovic made history at Roland Garros.

The world No 1 subdued a brilliant opening from the 29 year-old Scot to win the final 3-6 6-1 6-2 6-4 and confirm his claims to be among the greatest players ever.

In taking a twelfth Grand Slam the Serb became only the third man ever to hold all four of the Major titles at once, completing the full house with a magnificent display that Murray could not equal.

Novak Djokovic defeated Andy Murray at Roland Garros on Sunday to claim the French Open for the first time in his career

Murray started very promisingly, winning the first set 6-3 but World No 1 Djokovic hit back against the Scot in style

Serbian Djokovic, who had the backing of the crowd at Roland Garros, won the following two sets 6-1 and 6-2

Murray ran out of answers against Djokovic, who has now once again defeated the Scot in the final of a Major tournament

He has now done something that the likes of Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have been unable to do – carrying off the non-calendar Grand Slam as Rod Laver and Donald Budge did before him. The Novak Slam lives and could yet become a calendar quartet.

Murray threw everything he had at the first set to shock his opponent, but simply could not keep up that level of ultra-commitment in the face of a defiant Djokovic and a partisan crowd.

Every key indicator went the other way after that – the first serve, second serve, returns and winner count completely in the favour of the World No 1. Murray, forced back behind the baseline, tried to stay calm, tried to get angry – especially with the overhead camera – but found himself comprehensively outplayed.

He should curse the fact that he was born only a week apart from this remarkable athlete, who showed there is clear blue water between himself and the best of the rest, which is what Murray has again proved himself to be in this clay court season.

The Scot at least asked the question at the end with a gutsy late surge, breaking back to 4-5 from 2-5 in the fourth set. Djokovic egged the crowd on as he felt his way to the finish line, and finally clinched it, after a nervy double fault and backhand error on his first two match points.

Murray netted the third with a backhand, and climbed over the net to congratulate him before Djokovic drew a heart on the court and laid down in the middle of it.

Djokovic had walked out to the louder roar from the crowd, with Serbian flags being waved in all corners of Court Philippe Chatrier. Murray was trying to break his record of never having won on his first appearance at a particular Grand Slam final, and it was clear that he would be getting less encouragement on another grey and heavy day.

Murray buries his face in his towel as he tries to consider how force his way back into the final against Djokovic

But Murray struggled to assert himself as the encounter continued, while Djokovic's level carried on rising

Murray's wife, Kim, watches on as her husband toils in the final of the French Open at Roland Garros on Sunday

The Serb played as perfect a return game as could be imagined at the start, breaking to love. However, Murray's response was majestic, breaking him straight back with a deft backhand lob.

After an easy hold he broke for 3-1 when Djokovic sent a forehand long, although his problem had been whacking too many of them in the net. He actually seemed in shock at the quality coming at him from the other end.

Murray's only distraction was having French TV interviewer Nelson Monfort removed from his row of support crew but he kept his head to move to 5-3.

He had a spot of luck at 15-0 when umpire Damien Dumusois overruled a line call on second serve and, bravely but erroneously, gave Murray the point as the return went long. The whistling was deafening but again Murray kept his composure and took the set on a third set point when Djokovic netted a backhand.

Murray had never beaten Djokovic before after losing the first set so its importance could hardly be overstated.

But it was always going to be a struggle to maintain that level of intensity and Murray's aggression and first serve percentage dropped off while Djokovic cut his unforced error count to shift the momentum.

The Scot was looking at his notes at the changeovers but nothing could revive him and his first serve percentage lagged while Djokovic was landing three out of four from the other end.

Murray had never beaten Djokovic before after losing the first set, so the significance of it going his way could hardly be overstated

But Djokovic's response was superb and he raised the level of his game after falling behind in the opening stages

Djokovic was backed by the crowd at Roland Garros, which Murray struggled to quieten during the encounter in Paris

Now completely controlling the baseline, the world No 1 took it in 33 minutes with the Murray whirlwind having blown out.

Murray secured an important hold at the start of the third but he could not stem the tide, slotting an easy forehand volley into the net on break point to go 2-1 down. It was to be the decisive point of the match.

After that there was certainly only one player who looked like they had played five hours more tennis this fortnight, and who had battled past the defending champion in the semi-final.

Djokovic was becoming increasingly immaculate, and he effectively sealed the third with a second break through a brilliant dink at the net when Murray had lured him in with a perfectly well-executed dropshot.

The set was closer than the second but Djokovic's ability to turn defence into attack was running his opponent's legs off, not helped by Murray's irritation with the overhead camera and the constant calls from the pro-Serb element in the crowd.

The winners had almost dried up completely, with Murray unable to bludgeon his forehand like early on. Djokovic was serene, underpinned by his trusty serve and attacks on the Murray second serve, which became less and less effective.

His only hope was for the world No 1 to tighten up in sight of history but despite the late pressure, to his immense credit, it never happened.

Murray tried to cajole himself into responding to Djokovic's onslaught but the Serbian proved to be too good

Djokovic produced a formidable and tireless display to beat Murray in four sets and claimed the fourth 6-4

Djokovic's performance was composed and elegant and his ability to attack from defending positions tired Murray

'It's the greatest moment of my career and the sun is coming out,' said Djokovic as, incredibly, the skies cleared for the first time in eight days precisely after his win.

A magnaminous Murray afterwards praised the crowd, despite their occasional hostility and also his opponent: “It was a fantastic atmosphere to day, it’s apleaseure to play in front of a crowd like that.

“This is Novak’s day today, what he has achieved in the last twelve months is phenomenal, winning all four Grand Slams in one year is an amazing achievement. Everyone here is lucky to see it but it sucks to lose the match..

Top quotes from Mohammed Ali

The 30 most Ali things the legend has ever said:

'Float like a butterfly, Sting like a bee, your hands can't hit, what your eyes can't see.' - Prior to his fight against Foreman in 1974.

'If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it – then I can achieve it.'

'I'm not the greatest; I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round.' 

'It's hard to be humble, when you're as great as I am.' 

Muhammad Ali is pictured above standing over fallen challenger Sonny Liston on May 25, 1965 in Lewiston, Maine. This image of the Heavyweight Champion became iconic and is recognized around the world

'To make America the greatest is my goal, so I beat the Russian and I beat the Pole. And for the USA won the medal of gold. The Greeks said you're better than the Cassius of old.' - He said this quote after he won the Olympic light-heavyweight gold medal at the 1960 Games in Rome. 

'It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up.'

'Live every day like it's your last because someday you're going to be right.' 

'A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted thirty years of his life.'

'I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale, handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail,' Ali said this before fighting George Foreman (above) in 1974 during the historic Rumble in the Jungle match in Zaire

'I done wrestled with an alligator, I done tussled with a whale, handcuffed lightning, thrown thunder in jail; only last week I murdered a rock, injured a stone, hospitalized a brick. I'm so mean I make medicine sick.' - Ali said this before the historic Rumble in the Jungle match that took place in 1974 in Zaire against George Foreman.

'I am so fast that last night I turned off the light switch and was in bed before the room was dark.' 

'Boxing is a lot of white men watching two black men beating each other up.'  

'Cassius Clay is a slave name. I didn't choose it, and I didn't want it. I am Muhammad Ali, a free name, and I insist people using it when speaking to me and of me.' 

Ali hits a bag as he trains for his fight against Jimmy Young in Arlington, Virginia (above) in 1976. He once said: 'I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion'

Above Ali fights against Joe Frazier in 1974 inside New York's Madison Square Garden. This match was one year before the historic and famous 'Thrilla in Manila' the pair fought in 1975 when Ali said 'It will be a killer and a chiller and a thriller when I get the gorilla in Manila'

'It will be a killer and a chiller and a thriller when I get the gorilla in Manila.'- Ali said this before the historic and legendary 'Thrilla in Manila' match against Joe Frazier in 1975. 

'I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.' 

'Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.'  

'There are no pleasures in a fight, but some of my fights have been a pleasure to win.' 

Ali is pictured above blocking a potential hit from George Foreman during their fight in the Congo in 1974. He once said: 'There are no pleasures in a fight, but some of my fights have been a pleasure to win'

The fighter, who was known as Cassius Clay at the time, is pictured above in 1964 when he beat Sonny Liston. He said: 'I am the greatest, I'm the greatest that ever lived. I don't have a mark on my face'

'I am the greatest, I'm the greatest that ever lived. I don't have a mark on my face.'  - Ali said this after he beat competitor Sonny Liston in 1964.

'Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It's an opinion. Impossible is not a declaration. It's a dare. Impossible is potential. Impossible is temporary. Impossible is nothing.'  

'Don't count the days; make the days count.' 

'It's not bragging if you can back it up.' 

Muhammad Ali raises his arms in celebrations after putting down Sonny Liston in 1965. He once said: 'If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize'

'Champions aren't made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them: a desire, a dream, a vision. They have to have last-minute stamina, they have to be a little faster, they have to have the skill and the will. But the will must be stronger than the skill.' - Ali said this prior to a fight against George Foreman in 1974.

'At home I am a nice guy: but I don't want the world to know. Humble people, I've found, don't get very far.'    

'If you even dream of beating me, you better wake up and apologize.' 

'My way of joking is to tell the truth. That's the funniest joke in the world.' 

'I am America. I am the part you won't recognize. But get used to me. Black, confident, cocky, my name not yours. My religion, not yours; my goals, my own; get used to me.' - Ali said this in 1970 when he was convicted of draft evasion. 

'The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses—behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.'

'He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.'

'It's lack of faith that makes people afraid of meeting challenges, and I believed in myself.'

Above the legend is pictured attending the 4th Annual Life Changing Lives Gala honoring Muhammad Ali at City National Grove of Anaheim on September 11, 2011