September 2021 – Page 10 – Football Flame    

Month: September 2021

LALIGA

Ronald Koeman wins renewed backing of Joan Laporta and Barcelona board

Head coach Ronald Koeman of FC Barcelona looks on during the LaLiga Santander match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona at San Mames Stadium on August 21, 2021 in Bilbao, Spain.Ronald Koeman now has the full backing of Joan Laporta and other Barcelona board members.It was a complicated summer for the Dutchman, who didn’t know whether he would get the chance to continue at Camp Nou.The perception was that Barca president Laporta searched for a replacement for Koeman before telling him he could stay, leading to an outburst from the former Everton boss’ representatives.In the end, though, Koeman was kept around, and his actions over the summer have won him renewed support.According to Sport, Koeman now has the backing of Laporta and other board members, who are convinced he is the ‘suitabl...
UCL

Mason Greenwood not included in Man Utd’s Champions League squad – but will still play

Mason Greenwood of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-3 during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 11, 2021 in London, United Kingdom.Mason Greenwood will be eligible to feature for Manchester United in the Champions League this season despite fears the teenager had been omitted from their squad.Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was required to submit a 25-man squad list for the upcoming group stages, which began after the conclusion of the international break.Some high-profiles names including Phil Jones were absent from the final list, despite the 29-year-old holding the status of a homegrown player.Summer signings Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho, Raphael Varane and Tom Heaton have all been include...
NEWS

Iheanacho shines as Nigeria beat Liberia in World Cup Qualifier

Nigeria on Friday beat Liberia 2-0 in the first round of World Cup qualifier matches played across the continent.The match, hosted in Lagos at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, was lit up by Leicester City striker, Kelechi Iheanacho who bagged both goals for the Super Eagles.Both goals were scored in the first half. The result puts Nigeria at the top of Group C after one round of matches.The other two teams in the group – Cape Verde and the Central African Republic – had earlier played out a stalemate in Douala, Cameroon.
NEWS

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifiers: Hungarian Football Federation defends fans in racism row

Harry Kane of England takes a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter anti-racism movement during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Hungary and England at Stadium Puskas Ferenc on September 02, 2021 in Budapest, Hungary.The Hungarian Football Federation on Friday defended "the vast majority" of the country's supporters after England players suffered racist abuse at a World Cup qualifier in Budapest.The body vowed to take action against fans who "entered the field, threw flares and cups" but insisted any "disruptors" were in the minority and, in a statement, did not refer to the racist abuse."The vast majority of the sixty thousand fans visiting the Puskas Arena supported the Hungarian national team in a sporting manner, even when the team was already losing," it said in a s...
TRANSFERS

Inter Milan eye swoop for Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno

Bernd Leno of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on January 14, 2021 in London, England.Inter Milan have placed Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno on their list of transfer targets, according to a report.The Serie A champions are looking at potential replacements for 37-year-old Samir Handanovic, who has made a series of errors in recent games.Former Slovenian international Handanovic has been in Milan since 2012, but his contract expires next summer.Tuttosport reports that Leno is one of a number of shot-stoppers Inter are looking at, with Andre Onana, Alessio Cragno and Alex Meret also said to be on the club's radar.The arrival of Aaron Ramsdale at Arsenal means that Leno will face increased competition for the number one sh...
NEWS

FIFA to investigate incidents of racial abuse in England’s World Cup qualifier against Hungary

FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar logotype is seen during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between Sweden and Georgia on March 25, 2021 in Stockholm, Sweden.Zurich: After England players faced racial abuse in Hungary, FIFA said Friday it will take “adequate actions” once it has investigated the incidents.The statement from FIFA stopped short of directly condemning Hungary fans for the abuse, which included monkey chanting, in Thursday night's World Cup qualifier at Puskas Arena in Budapest. England won 4-0.“FIFA strongly rejects any form of racism and violence and has a very clear zero-tolerance stance for such behaviour in football,” world football's governing body said. ”FIFA will take adequate actions as soon as it receives match reports concerning yesterday’s Hungary-England game...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Rafael Benitez Changed My Football Vision – Everton Star

MOSCOW, RUSSIA APRIL 12, 2021: CSKA Moscows Salomon Rondon celebrates a goal in a 2020/2021 Russian Premier League Round 25 football match between CSKA Moscow and Rotor Volgograd at CSKA Arena (VEB Arena).Deadline day Everton signing Salomon Rondon has revealed that Toffees manager Rafael Benitez changed his whole outlook on football.Rondon played under Benitez at both Newcastle United, in the 2018/19 season, as well as for Chinese side Dalian Professional, for one-and-a-half years.The signing of Rondon by Everton on deadline day means it will be the third time the striker plays under Benitez and he will be going into the season knowing that his manager has an affinity for him, having signed him three times.Rondon stated that according to Benitez a striker’s primary concerns should be fini...
TRANSFERS

Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic joins Besiktas

Miralem PJANIC of Bosnia and Thomas LEMAR of France during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar qualifying match between France and Bosnia Herzegovina on September 1, 2021 in Strasbourg, France.Besiktas signed Bosnian midfielder Miralem Pjanic on loan from Barcelona early Friday, the Turkish football club said. In a statement, Besiktas said the Black Eagles agreed with Pjanic and the Spanish giants to finalize the 31-year-old star's temporary transfer.Besiktas added that the Istanbul club will pay a €2.75 million (over $3.2 million) net salary for the player in the 2021-2022 season.The Black Eagles welcomed Pjanic and wished him success.Before Barcelona, Pjanic played for French club Olympique Lyon, Italy's Roma and Juventus.He spent four trophy-laden seasons at Juventus.He helped Juventus w...
NEWS

US draws 0-0 at El Salvador in World Cup qualifying opener

El Salvador's Marvin Monterrosa (L) and US' Weston Mckennie vie for the ball during their Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Concacaf qualifier match at Cuscatlan Stadium, in San Salvador, on September 2, 2021.The United States showed promise but no ability to finish in its pandemic-delayed World Cup qualifying opener, drawing 0-0 at El Salvador on Thursday night in the type of Central American stadium that repeatedly has stymied the Americans.Both teams created few chances before a boisterious yet polite sellout crowd of about 30,000 that started filling Monumental Estadio Cuscatlán, Central America’s largest, about 8 1/2 hours before kickoff.The U.S., trying to rebound from its failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, failed to win its sixth straight road qualifier dating to 2016 (two losses, f...
NEWS

Italy held to draw, Spain loses in World Cup qualifying

Federico Chiesa, of Italy, (L), of Italy, in action against Peter Vitanov (R), of Bulgaria, during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers Group C football match between Italy and Bulgaria at the Artemio Franchi stadium in Florence, Italy, on September 2, 2021.MILAN (AP) — Italy finally came back down to earth a bit in its first game as European champion.Less than two months after winning the European Championship at Wembley, Italy was held to a 1-1 draw by Bulgaria in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.That ended Italy’s perfect start to the qualifying campaign but nevertheless matched Spain’s record run of 35 matches unbeaten, set between 2007 and 2009.It was Italy’s first match since beating England on penalties in the Euro 2020 final on July 11.“We’re disappointed because after July 11 ...
NEWS

Ronaldo released from international duty early by Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo of Manchester United and Portugal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estadio Algarve on September 1, 2021 in Faro, Faro.Cristiano Ronaldo will wear the number seven shirt for Manchester United, the club has confirmed.The 36-year-old takes the number, which he wore in his first stint at Old Trafford, from Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani - who moves to number 21.Ronaldo will begin training with the Reds when he has completed five days isolation.On Thursday, he was released early from international duty by Portugal because of suspension."The Portuguese superstar famously wore the legendary shirt number during his first spell at United and we can now confirm that Ronaldo will have it on his back once again," United said o...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Saul Niguez tells Chelsea fans what to expect from his playing style

Saul Niguez poses for a photograph as he signs for Chelsea FC at Chelsea Training Ground on September 01, 2021 in Cobham, England.Saul Niguez has billed himself as the ultimate team player following the completion of his move from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea.The midfielder’s move looked to be off on deadline day after Atletico failed to find a replacement for the Spanish international. But with Chelsea pushing hard for the deal, it is understood that the player himself forced through the transfer, which gives the Blues an option to buy at the end of the season.The 26-year-old, who has played 19 games for La Roja, arrives at Stamford Bridge after winning a La Liga title, two Europa Leagues and a UEFA Super Cup in Madrid.Speaking after arriving in London, Niguez has told his new supporters wh...
PREMIER LEAGUE

Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has turned down his Covid vaccine, the Swiss FA confirm

Granit Xhaka celebrates scoring for Arsenal by holding the badge on his shirt during the Pre Season Friendly between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 1, 2021 in London, England.Granit Xhaka has rejected the chance to take a vaccination against Covid-19, the Swiss Football Association confirmed after the midfielder tested positive. The Arsenal midfielder, who signed a new three-year, £100,000-a-week deal to stay at the Premier League club just last month, is captain of his national side and was left out of the contest against Greece on Wednesday while he isolates. Xhaka initially tested negative before a follow-up PCR came back positive and it raised questions as to whether the 28-year-old had yet elected to be vaccinated. Swiss FA's head of communications Ad...
NEWS

‘We’ve got our own problems’ – Southgate says England must get own house in order

Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England talks to the media during a press conference at St Georges Park on September 01, 2021 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.Gareth Southgate says England should "get its own house in order" before criticising others for their behaviour.England face Hungary in a World Cup qualifier in Budapest on Thursday and home fans can attend despite a Uefa ban for racist and homophobic abuse as the match is under Fifa jurisdiction.Southgate says England must learn from the Euro 2020 final, when ticketless fans broke in to Wembley."We've got our own problems. I think we sort ourselves out first," he said.Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were all racially abused on social media after missing penalties in the shootout defeat to Italy on 11 July."We're prepared ...
NEWS

Pulisic, Steffen out of US squad for El Salvador test

Christian Pulisic of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's second goal during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge on August 14, 2021 in London, England.Premier League duo Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen have been ruled out of the United States' 2022 World Cup CONCACAF qualifier against El Salvador on Thursday, coach Gregg Berhalter confirmed.Chelsea star Pulisic is recovering from Covid-19 and did not travel to San Salvador with the US squad, which has been based in Nashville this week.Manchester City goalkeeper Steffen was also ruled out of Thursday's opener after suffering back spasms in training.Berhalter said Wednesday that in-form New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Turner would start Thursday's game in San Salvador, which kicks...
NEWS

Netherlands draw with Norway in first game of Van Gaal’s third spell as boss

Frenkie de Jong of Holland, Erling Braut Haaland of Norway during the World Cup Qualifier match between Norway v Holland at the Ullevaal Stadium on September 1, 2021 in Oslo Norway.The Netherlands had to come from behind to draw with Norway in the first game of Louis van Gaal's third spell in charge.Erling Braut Haaland put Norway ahead when he controlled the ball in the box, turned and fired home his eighth international goal.Davy Klaassen equalised when he steered home Georginio Wijnaldum's cross.Borussia Dortmund's Haaland almost won the game but hit the post in the second half.Van Gaal - who was in charge from 2000 to 2002 and 2012 to 2014 - replaced Frank de Boer, who quit after their Euro 2020 last-16 exit.Group G is the closest in 2022 World Cup qualifying.Turkey lead the group on e...
NEWS

Denmark earn comfortable win over Scotland in World Cup qualifier

Joachim Andersen and Daniel Wass of Denmark celebrate after scoring their first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier match between Denmark and Scotland at Parken on September 1, 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark.Scotland's World Cup hopes were dealt a serious blow as they were outclassed by a vibrant Denmark in Copenhagen to slip six points behind the group leaders.Daniel Wass jumped above Kieran Tierney to head in an early opener, and Scotland's composure deserted them as let in another 93 seconds later to go 2-0 down after just 15 minutes.Joakim Maehle played a flick before running off Billy Gilmour to receive Mikkel Damsgaard's pass and finish through the legs of Craig Gordon as Steve Clarke's side folded.Mercifully, the vastly-superior Danes did not add to their advantage but the re...
NEWS

Cristiano Ronaldo breaks men’s international scoring record with 110th and 111th goals

Faro , Portugal - 1 September 2021; Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal in action against Jeff Hendrick of Republic of Ireland during the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland at Estádio Algarve in Faro, Portugal.Cristiano Ronaldo broke the world record for goals scored in men's international football as he hit his 110th and 111th goals for Portugal in their dramatic 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over the Republic of Ireland.The 36-year-old scored two late headers - to break and extend the record - after he had a penalty saved by Gavin Bazunu.Ali Daei, who scored 109 goals for Iran between 1993 and 2006, held the record which Ronaldo equalled with a double against France at Euro 2020.The 36-year-old Manchester United forward has also equalled Sergio...
UCL

Juventus announce Champions League squad list

A view shows the logo of the Juventus Italian Serie A football club on April 21, 2021 at the Juventus stadium in Turin.After the official Champions League draw and with the closure of the transfer market, the official Juventus squad list for the 2021/22 Champions League has been finalised.Massimiliano Allegri has released the list of 23 Bianconeri who will take part in Juve's Group H with Chelsea, Zenit and Malmö, which will begin on Wednesday 14th September in Sweden.Here is the list in full:1. BENTANCUR2. BERNARDESCHI3. BONUCCI4. CHIELLINI5. CHIESA6. CUADRADO7. DANILO8. DE LIGT9. DE SCIGLIO10. DYBALA11. KEAN12. KULUSEVSKI13. ALEX SANDRO14. LOCATELLI15. MCKENNIE16. MORATA17. PERIN18. PINSOGLIO19. RABIOT20. ARTHUR21. RAMSEY22. RUGANI23. SZCZESNY
LALIGA

Barcelona gives Lionel Messi’s No. 10 to Ansu Fati

Ansu Fati of FC Barcelona waves the fans prior to the Joan Gamper Trophy match between FC Barcelona and Juventus at Estadi Johan Cruyff on August 08, 2021 in Barcelona, Spain.Ansu Fati will be the next Barcelona player to wear the iconic No. 10 jersey, following the departure of star striker Lionel Messi, Barcelona announced Wednesday."After wearing the No. 22 then 17, the young Barca striker will proudly wear the No. 10 shirt -- a famous jersey previously worn by legends such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Rivaldo," Barcelona said in a news release.Messi signed a two-year contract with French Ligue 1 team Paris Saint-Germain last month. He scored 672 goals over his previous 17 seasons at Barcelona in Spain's La Liga. He inhereted the No. 10 from fellow Barcelona legend Ronaldinho in 2008...
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