March 2021 – Football Flame

Month: March 2021

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NEWS

England’s Mount doubt to face Poland

Mason Mount of England reacts during a training session ahead of an upcoming FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Qualifier against Poland at Pennyhill Park on March 29, 2021 in Bagshot, England.Mason Mount is a doubt for England's World Cup qualifier against Poland after sitting out training on Tuesday.Midfielder Mount, 22, has started seven straight matches for his country and scored in Sunday's 2-0 win in Albania.Poland's Grzegorz Krychowiak and Kamil Piatkowski tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest round of testing before Wednesday's match at Wembley.Robert Lewandowski is injured, while Mateusz Klich and Lukasz Skorupski previously tested positive for Covid. The #ThreeLions are out at training this morning with 23 players involved, while @masonmount_10 is working indoors with the medical and...
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LALIGA

Eden Hazard says he can be ‘as good as Ronaldo but not Messi’

Eden Hazard of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander match between Real Madrid v Elche at the Estadio Alfredo Di Stefano on March 13, 2021 in Madrid Spain.In an interview with The Athletic, former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has revealed how Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard confided in him about his ceiling during their time together as teammates at Chelsea.Mikel, a legendary figure at Chelsea, spoke in detail about his time as a player and shared many interesting anecdotes in the interview. He revealed a fair bit about Eden Hazard’s mentality as well as his immense footballing ability.The Belgian reportedly told Mikel that he could eclipse Cristiano Ronaldo if he wanted to, however he could not touch Lionel Messi’s level since he was far too good. Ever since signing for Real Madrid, Haz...
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UCL

UEFA to make Champions League reforms decision on Wednesday: European Leagues

UEFA Ambassador Ian Rush with the Champions League Trophy in Cardiff ahead of the Men's final on Saturday.UEFA will decide next week on a revised format for the Champions League which will likely overhaul Europe's top football competition from 2024, European Leagues revealed on Friday.Lars-Christer Olsson, the president of a body which brings together professional leagues and club associations from 30 European nations, told reporters that UEFA would make its decision "during its executive committee on (Wednesday) 31 March".Olsson said the meeting will be preceded the previous day by a "club competitions commission" charged with defining the details of the reforms.Among the potential changes are an increase of participating clubs from 32 to 36 and the end of the current group stage, in whic...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jordan Henderson injury update as Liverpool dealt blow

Jordan Henderson of Liverpool warms up during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on February 20, 2021 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. England manager Gareth Southgate says he will have to make a last-minute decision over whether Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson can make the Three Lions squad for the European Championships.Southgate has explained that Henderson's injury means the midfielder will face a fitness race that would go "close to the end of the season" - casting doubt on how many times he will be able to play for Liverpool again this campaign."In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis that the specialist has given him as to what is possible," Southgate said."We are c...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Government approves Everton’s plan for stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock

Everton’s planning application for their new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock has received Government approval.Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, had been reviewing the club’s plans since last month and has now given the green light.Liverpool City Council unanimously approved the plans on 23 February and the Toffees can now press ahead with turning the project into a reality.An Everton statement read: “The decision to approve a new 52,888-capacity waterfront arena allows the club to complete its agreed acquisition of the site from Peel L&P and the funding solution for the project, ensuring the club can begin to make the plans a reality. BREAKING NEWS⁰Our plans to develop a new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock in the north of Liverpool can pr...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich midfielder hails Xavi Hernandez as his idol

Joshua Kimmich of FC Bayern München looks on during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Bayern München and SS Lazio at Allianz Arena on March 17, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Joshua Kimmich, the Bayern midfielder who is considered one of the bests midfielders in the world at the moment, spoke in an interview with Sportbild. The German international explained the admiration he has for Barca’s legend Xavi Hernandez. “My role model was always Xavi Hernandez from Barcelona,”said Kimmich.Kimmich told that he learns a lot from the way the Spanish maestro played and spoke at length about different abilities on the field.“He was never the biggest [in terms of size and popularity] but had an eye for the game, passing, technique. He was always trying to put others in the limelight,” said ...
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NEWS

Fans to be allowed into matches in Copenhagen at Euro 2020

In this photo illustration the UEFA Euro 2020 logo seen displayed on a smartphone.COPENHAGEN -- At least 11,000 fans will be allowed into soccer matches staged in Copenhagen during this year's European Championship, the Danish government said Thursday.The country's culture ministry said more fans will be allowed inside Parke Stadium "if health conditions allow'' amid the coronavirus pandemic.Copenhagen is scheduled to host four matches in June, three in the group stage and another in the round of 16."The European Football Championship is a unique and historic event in Denmark,'' Culture Minister Joy Mogensen said in a statement. "The government has therefore decided to allow at least 11,000-12,000 spectators for the four matches held in the Park.''Mogensen said an "expert group'' has been ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich’s football star Davies appointed UN refugee ambassador

Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern walks off the pitch after the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Bayern München at Wohninvest Weserstadion on March 13, 2021 in Bremen, Germany.Alphonso Davies has come a long way from a refugee camp in Ghana to playing for Bayern Munich. Now, the 20-year-old football pro has been named "goodwill ambassador" by UN refugee agency UNHCR.Alphonso Davies, one of the rising stars on the squad of FC Bayern Munich football club, joins the likes of Ben Stiller, Cate Blanchett and Yusra Mardini: On Wednesday (March 24), the 20-year-old became the latest special envoy of the UN refugee agency UNHCR.The defender of Germany's most successful soccer club is the first professional soccer player worldwide to take on this role. "I'm honoured to become a Goodwill ...
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TRANSFERS

Man City’s Eric Garcia: “It would be special to play with Messi”

Eric Garcia of Manchester City in action during a training session at Manchester City Football Academy on March 15, 2021 in Manchester, England.With just over three months until the summer transfer window, it is unsurprising that Barcelona transfer news is being ramped up.It could potentially be another busy summer of comings and goings at the Camp Nou as the club look to balance their books and continue rejuvenating their squad.The most prominent player to be linked to the Blaugrana is Manchester City defender Eric Garcia, who left the Catalan giants four years ago to move to England.However, Garcia is out of contract this summer and Barca have been strongly linked with a move for the central defender.Now, the Spain international has spoken out of the possibility of playing alongside Lion...
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NEWS

Chelsea made to battle against Sheff Utd but move into FA Cup semis

(L-R) Christian Pulisic, Ben Chilwell and Emerson of Chelsea celebrate their sides first goal, an own goal by Oliver Norwood of Sheffield United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Chelsea FC and Sheffield Untied at Stamford Bridge on March 21, 2021 in London, England.Eight-time winners Chelsea moved into the FA Cup semi-finals with a hard-fought home win against Sheffield United.The Blues, beaten finalists last season, went ahead in fortunate circumstances as Ben Chilwell's low cross was steered into his own net by Blades midfielder Oliver Norwood. And that's full-time, we're off to the semi-final!#CHESHU @EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/RPqQyqOzfC— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) March 21, 2021 Christian Pulisic was twice denied by away goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Callum Huds...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bundesliga: Robert Lewandowski scores hat-trick as Bayern Munich thrash Stuttgart 4-0; Borussia Dortmund draw at Cologne

Robert Lewandowski of FC Bayern Muenchen celebrates with team mate David Alaba after scoring their team's first goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern Muenchen and VfB Stuttgart at Allianz Arena on March 20, 2021 in Munich, Germany.Berlin: Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick on Saturday as Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich romped to a 4-0 home win over Stuttgart despite losing Alphonso Davies to a red card in the 12th minute.Stuttgart chief executive Thomas Hitzlsperger described Lewandowski's performance as "something above world class".The result keeps Bayern four points clear at the top after second-placed RB Leipzig won 1-0 at Arminia Bielefeld on Friday.Lewandowski has scored 35 league goals this season to leave him just five short of Gerd Mueller's all-time Bundesliga re...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Premier League: Patrick Bamford, Raphinha score as Leeds United seal victory over Fulham

Patrick Bamford of Leeds United celebrates with teammates after scoring their team's first goal during the Premier League match between Fulham and Leeds United at Craven Cottage on March 19, 2021 in London, England.London: Fulham's bid for Premier League survival suffered a major blow as Raphinha sealed Leeds a 2-1 win at Craven Cottage on Friday.Scott Parker's side would have climbed out of the relegation zone for the first time since 20 December if they had managed a rare home victory.But Patrick Bamford put Leeds in front in the first half and, although Joachim Andersen equalised before the break, Raphinha punished sloppy Fulham defending to win it in the second half.Third-bottom Fulham remain two points behind fourth-bottom Newcastle, who have two games in hand including a crucial clas...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Edinson Cavani withdraws from Man Utd squad for Milan clash

Edinson Cavani and Amad of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Aon Training Complex on March 16, 2021 in Manchester, England.Manchester United will take on Milan in the second leg of their Europa League last 16 tie without Edinson Cavani, after he was ruled out of the game through injury.The 34-year-old has missed four of the Red Devils' last five matches in the Premier League, but he seemed to have recovered from his latest setback in time for their midweek trip to Italy.However, during his press conference ahead of the Europa League Round of 16 second leg, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Cavani will not be travelling with the team as the forward 'didn't feel ready' after the final training session."Unfortunately, it looks like Edinson has got a bit of ...
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NEWS

PSG shuts down youth academy amid coronavirus outbreak

Paris Saint-Germain closed its youth academy training facility on Wednesday following a COVID-19 outbreak.The French club said several new coronavirus cases were recently detected following a testing campaign at the training centre. The club said the academy will be closed until Monday "as a precautionary measure'' and that a new round of testing will take place Friday.Meanwhile, PSG's women's team did not travel to the Czech Republic for its Champions League match against Sparta Prague because of several positive tests within the squad. PSG won the first leg 5-0 and would qualify even if UEFA hands Sparta a 3-0 forfeit victory.UEFA said the issue will be discussed by its disciplinary body.
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SERIE A

Ibrahimovic comes out of international retirement, will play for Sweden in World Cup qualifier

Ibrahimovic of AC Milan attends the Serie A match between AC Milan and SSC Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on March 14, 2021 in Milan, Italy.Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out of international retirement at the age of 39 and is set to play for Sweden for the first time since the 2016 European Championship.“The return of the God,” the charismatic AC Milan striker tweeted after being included on Tuesday in Sweden’s squad for World Cup qualifiers against Georgia on March 25 and Kosovo three days later, as well as a friendly against Estonia on March 31.Ibrahimovic scored a national-record 62 goals in 112 games for Sweden from 2001-16.Without the country’s most high-profile player, Sweden reached the quarterfinals of the 2018 World Cup in Russia – its best performance in the competition since 199...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Southampton striker Che Adams named in Scotland squad for World Cup qualifiers

Che Adams of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Brighton & Hove Albion at St Mary's Stadium on March 14, 2021 in Southampton, England.Southampton striker Che Adams was Tuesday named in the Scotland squad for this month's World Cup qualifiers.The former England Under-20 international previously rejected an approach by the Scottish Football Association to switch allegiances.Hibernian striker Kevin Nisbet has also received a first call-up, while Celtic defender Jack Hendry is in the squad after impressing on loan for Belgian side Oostende.Manager Steve Clarke has otherwise largely kept faith with the players who qualified for Euro 2020 for the upcoming games against Austria, Israel and the Faroe Islands.Adams, 24, has scored seven Premier League goals...
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LALIGA

Barcelona close La Liga title gap with key Huesca win

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrates with team mates (L - R) Jordi Alba (L) and Pedri after scoring their side's first goal during the La Liga Santander match between FC Barcelona and SD Huesca at Camp Nou on March 15, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona have closed the La Liga title gap to four points behind Atletico Madrid with a 4-1 win at home to Huesca.Ronald Koeman‘s side were forced to survive a few scares against La Liga’s bottom club at the Camp Nou but they continue to put pressure on Los Rojiblancos with 11 games to go in 2020/21.Lionel Messi got the ball rolling for Barcelona with a brilliant opening goal after 13 minutes before French international Antoine Griezmann smashed home another eye-catching strike.However, Barcelona’s dominance was checked in first half added time a...
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NEWS

Platini gives evidence to Swiss prosecutor in corruption case

Former head of European football's governing body UEFA, Michel Platini arrives to the building of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland for a hearing over the corruption case that shattered his dream of taking over the FIFA on March 15, 2021 in Bern. - Michel Platini will face Swiss prosecutors on three consecutive days next week as he answers questions in two of the raft of cases that still beset global football and its leaders, past and present.Former UEFA president Michel Platini spent six hours in front of a Swiss prosecutor as a suspect in a corruption case on Monday, before he testifies as a witness on Wednesday in a separate case against FIFA president Gianni Infantino.The 65-year-old was questioned in Bern by prosecutor Thomas Hildbrand, who is suing him over the corrup...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Jose Mourinho: ‘I have faith in my entire squad’

Manager of Arsenal, Mikel Arteta (L) and Jose Mourinho, Manager of Tottenham Hotspur . Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur meet in a Premier League fixture at the Emirates Stadium on March 14,2021 in London, United Kingdom.Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho  said he now has full trust in his entire squad ahead of Sunday's north London derby.Mourinho made seven changes to his side for Thursday's Europa League clash with Dinamo Zagreb in order to give the likes of Gareth Bale, Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Toby Alderweireld a rest.Being able to make so many changes for an important knockout game is progress for Mourinho, who vowed not to do it again after a Europa League group game with Royal Antwerp.He changed almost his entire XI and was stung by a poor performance in a 1-0 defeat in...
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UCL

Haaland fires Dortmund into Champions League quarter-finals

Diego Carlos of FC Sevilla and Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 match between Borussia Dortmund and Sevilla FC at Signal Iduna Park on March 9, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany.Erling Braut Haaland scored his 19th and 20th goals in 14 Champions League appearances as Borussia Dortmund drew 2-2 with Sevilla to progress to the quarter-finals 5-4 on aggregate.The 20-year-old striker opened the scoring on 35 minutes with what was his only touch in the opposition's box in the first half, Marco Reus' pull-back finding the Norwegian for an easy tap-in past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. YEEESSSSSSSSSS!!! pic.twitter.com/1V1MaAnEgz— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) March 9, 2021 If Haaland's 19th Champions League goal was simple, his 2...
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