September 2021 – Page 9 – Football Flame

8Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Netherlands 6-1 Turkey: Turkish delight for hat-trick hero Depay

Memphis Depay of Holland scores the second goal to make it 2-0 during the World Cup Qualifier match between Holland v Turkey at the Johan Cruijff Arena on September 7, 2021 in Amsterdam Netherlands.Memphis Depay scored a hat-trick as the Netherlands swept aside Turkey in Amsterdam to move to the top of their World Cup qualifying group. Oranje took an early lead when Davy Klaassen completed a neat one-two in the box with Depay with less than a minute on the clock, and Louis van Gaal’s side never looked back. Klaassen and Depay linked up again after 15 minutes as the Ajax midfielder hooked the ball over his shoulder to set up a simple finish. The Barcelona man added his second from the penalty spot eight minutes before half-time and completed his hat-trick after 54 minutes whe...

7Sep

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NEWS

Keita returning to Liverpool after Guinea coup

Naby Keita of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 15, 2021 in Kirkby, England.Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita has flown out of Guinea after a military coup in the country.The 26-year-old had been representing his country against Morocco in a World Cup qualifier on Monday, when the overthrowing of President Alpha Conde by the military led to the closure of Guinea's borders.The Guinea squad was left stranded.Keita has managed to safely board a flight on Tuesday ahead of returning to Merseyside.The Morocco squad, which included Wolves defender Romain Saiss, QPR striker Ilias Chair and Watford duo Adam Masina and Imran Louza, were given an escort to leave Guinea on Monday following embassy-level negotiations.Liverpool had been in "constant contact" with Keita...

7Sep

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NEWS

Bernardo Silva & Jota score as Portugal beat Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan's midfielder Gara Garayev and Portugal's forward Diogo Jota vie for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match between Azerbaijan and Portugal in Baku on September 7, 2021.A comfortable victory over Azerbaijan moved Portugal to the top of Group A - but automatic World Cup qualification remains in the balance.Manchester City's Bernardo Silva produced a stunning finish then, after Diogo Jota mis-controlled a Bruno Fernandes cross, Andre Silva tapped in.Liverpool's Jota headed in the third to secure the win and leave Azerbaijan on one point at the bottom of the group.Serbia, who were joint top, face Republic of Ireland later on Tuesday.The two sides started Tuesday level on 10 points at the top of Group A, with Serbia ahead on goal difference, before...

7Sep

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NEWS

Former players meet Wenger to discuss international calendar change

Arsene Wenger looks on during day four of the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros on June 02, 2021 in Paris, France.John Terry and Michael Owen are among a number of high-profile former players talking to Fifa's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, about major changes to the international match calendar.Ex-Arsenal boss Wenger is leading a consultation on holding men's and women's World Cups every two years.That follows May's proposal from the Saudi Arabian football federation.But Fifa and Uefa both say that too much football is being played.However, the two governing bodies have different views about how to address the situation.Wenger said in May that he wanted to see the World Cup and European Championship played every two years and have Fifa "kick all the rest out", includ...

7Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Neymar pockets eye-watering £430,000-a-month bonus due to unusual PSG contract clause

Paris Saint-Germain's Brazilian forward Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between FC Lorient and Paris Saint-Germain at the Stade Yves-Allainmat stadium, in Lorient, western France, on January 31, 2021.Neymar reportedly takes home an eye-watering £430,000-a-month bonus thanks to a very peculiar clause in his contract at Paris Saint-Germain.Brazil trickster Neymar penned a new five-year deal with PSG back in May, committing his long-term future to the Ligue 1 giants.However, on top of his astronomical wages that will see him pocket €50.6 million from next year, it appears that he also earns bucket loads of cash from a bizarre clause.Spanish outlet El Mundo have leaked some of the finer details of his new contract in a truly hair-raising report.In ord...

7Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

TRANSFERS

Winger Ribery signs for Salernitana at 38

Franck Ribery gestures during his presentation as the new signing for US Salernitana 1919 at Stadio Arechi, Salerno, Italy on 6 September 2021.Former France international Franck Ribery has signed for newly-promoted Serie A side Salernitana aged 38.Ribery joins the club after leaving Fiorentina at the end of last season.The veteran winger, who won nine Bundesliga titles and the Champions League during 12 years with Bayern Munich, posted videos of his unveiling on his Instagram account.Ribery had been linked with a return to Bayern before signing a one-year deal with the Italian outfit.He also won 81 caps for France and was part of their side that finished runners-up in the 2006 World Cup.

7Sep

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NEWS

Uefa rejects idea of World Cup every two years

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin speaks during the 45th Ordinary UEFA Congress at 2m2c Montreux Music & Convention Centre on April 20, 2021, in Montreux, Switzerland.Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has rejected the idea of holding the World Cup every two years, saying it would "dilute" the tournament.Fifa is holding a feasibility study into a biennial men's and women's World Cup following a proposal from the Saudi Arabian football federation in May.The consultation process is being led by former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger."The jewel of the World Cup had value precisely because of its rarity," said Ceferin.Speaking in person in front of 160 club representatives at the General Assembly of the European Clubs' Association in Geneva, he added: "Holding it every two years will lead to mor...

7Sep

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Man Utd to start Covid spot-checks on matchdays

Manchester United will introduce Covid-19 spot-checks on matchdays at Old Trafford, starting with Saturday's game against Newcastle.It is not yet a mandatory requirement to enter Old Trafford.However, the club say they expect proof of full vaccination to become mandatory in the Premier League from 1 October.Fans aged 18 and over are advised to prove that they are double-jabbed or have had a negative lateral flow or PCR test within 48 hours of the game.In July, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced there was a plan to mandate certification at venues where "large crowds gather", including sporting venues with capacities of 20,000 or more.United are the latest team to introduce spot-checks under the Premier League's matchday protocols for the 2021-22 season, which state fans "must be prepare...

6Sep

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NEWS

Former France defender Jean-Pierre Adams dies 39 years after falling into coma

Jean-Pierre Adams (L) from France and Baptista Tamagnini Nene during a friendly international match between France and Portugal.The former France defender Jean-Pierre Adams has died at the age of 73, almost 40 years after falling into a coma as a result of a medical error, his former clubs, Paris St-Germain and Nîmes, said on Monday.In 1982, Adams was administered a near fatal dose of anaesthetic before a routine knee operation, which caused brain damage.The Dakar-born Adams won 22 caps for Les Bleus in the 1970s, forming with Marius Tresor what was known as ‘the Black Guard’. He played for Nîmes from 1970-73 and for PSG from 1977-79 after joining from Nice.Since the accident, Adams has been cared for by his wife, Bernadette.As reported by the Blizzard, a knee problem suffered on a coachin...

6Sep

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Romelu Lukaku having scan on thigh injury in Chelsea scare before Aston Villa clash

Romelu Lukaku of Chelsea celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium on August 22, 2021 in London, England.Romelu Lukaku is set to undergo a scan on his knee before returning to Stamford Bridge early from international duty with Belgium.Lukaku was on target for Belgium when they squared off with Czechia over the weekend in Brussels, but he also picked up a booking.The yellow card rules Lukaku out of Belgiums next qualifying clash, away at Belarus, and instead, he will return to Cobham for Chelsea's fixture with Aston Villa.However, there are doubts that Lukaku may be available for the clash.The 28-year-old revealed that he has a slight injury concern ahead of his Premier League return.Lukaku said: "I’ll ha...

6Sep

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NEWS

Messi fury as Brazil vs Argentina is abandoned over quarantine row

Argentina's Lionel Messi (L) and Brazil's Neymar are seen after employees of the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) entered to the field during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 between Brazil and Argentina at the Neo Quimica Arena, also known as Corinthians Arena, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, on September 5, 2021.Lionel Messi voiced his anger as his side’s World Cup qualifier with Brazil was abandoned amid farcical scenes in Sao Paulo after health officials invaded the pitch in an attempt to deport Argentina players who were accused of breaking coronavirus restrictions.Tottenham’s Cristian Romero and Giovani Lo Celso, and Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez were part of the Argentina XI when officials from Brazil’s health regulator...

6Sep

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LALIGA

Barcelona right-back picks up ankle injury, confirms national team coach

Alphonso Davies #19 of Canada and Sergiño Dest #2 of United States fight for the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualifiers match between United States and Canada at Nissan Stadium on September 5, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee.Coach Gregg Berhalter of the USA men’s national team, confirmed in the post-match press conference, that right-back Sergino Dest has suffered from an ankle sprain in their latest World Cup qualifying match against Canada.The USA have gotten off to a shaky start, picking up just two points out of a possible six. They drew 1-1 against Canada, but the injury to Dest bore bad news for the player, his club and country too.Dest started the game for the USA, however, the Barcelona right-back was subbed off in the 45th minute after a hefty challenge to his ankle. Th...

6Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Hansi Flick reacts to Germany’s comprehensive 6-0 win over Armenia

05 September 2021, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Stuttgart: Football: World Cup Qualification Europe, Germany - Armenia, Group Stage, Group J, Matchday 5, Mercedes-Benz Arena. Germany coach Hansi Flick (l) discusses with Karim Adeyemi before his substitution.Former Bayern Munich coach Hansi Flick has made it two wins out of two for his tenure as Germany’s manager thus far. His team’s comprehensive 6-0 win over Armenia in Stuttgart, just three days after beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in Switzerland, was impressive.A brace from Serge Gnabry and goals from Marco Reus, Timo Werner, Jonas Hofmann and Karim Adeyemi secured the three points that takes Die Mannschaft to the top of UEFA World Cup qualifying Group J for the time being. Their last qualifier of this international break is against Iceland midweek in...

6Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lukaku marks 100th cap with 67th goal

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates 1-0 during the World Cup Qualifier match between Belgium v Czech Republic at the Koning Boudewijn Stadion on September 5, 2021 in Brussel Belgium.Romelu Lukaku celebrated his 100th Belgium cap with his 67th international goal in a comfortable win over the Czech Republic in World Cup qualifying.The Chelsea striker, 28, raced onto a Hans Vanaken through ball to score with a first-time finish from the edge of the box.Vanaken then set up Eden Hazard to score his first international goal since November 2019.Lukaku flicked the ball on for Alexis Saelemaekers to score Belgium's third.Lukaku is the sixth Belgian to win 100 caps, although he is still well behind current team-mate Jan Vertonghen's record of 132 (and counting).Hazard is Belgium's second top scorer ...

6Sep

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NEWS

Italy draw to equal unbeaten record – plus Germany and Spain cruise to wins

Italy's midfielder Jorginho (C) vies with Switzerland's midfielder Michel Aebischer during the World Cup 2022 qualifier football match between Switzerland and Italy, on September 5, 2021 at St Jakob-Park stadium in Basel.Italy equalled the international record of 36 unbeaten games but were held to a draw in Switzerland that keeps World Cup qualifying Group C in the balance.The European champions were the better side but also wasteful, with Jorginho seeing a second-half penalty saved.Roberto Mancini's side top the group with 10 points, four points ahead of the second-placed Swiss but having played two matches more.Elsewhere, Germany and Spain both recorded big wins to top their groups.And that is where Italy find themselves after securing a second successive draw, but one that gives them a ...

5Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Bale hat-trick gives Wales win over Belarus

Wales' forward Gareth Bale (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification football match between Belarus and Wales in Kazan on September 5, 2021.Gareth Bale completed a match-winning hat-trick deep in injury time to spare Wales from embarrassment against Belarus in Russia and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.Wales made the ideal start as the first of two Bale penalties gave them an early lead, but they unravelled in two calamitous first-half minutes as goals from Vitali Lisakovich and Pavel Sedko put Belarus in front.Lisakovich scored from the spot after Chris Gunter was penalised for a raised foot, before an unmarked Sedko punished shambolic defending from Wales, who were fortunate not to be f...

5Sep

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NEWS

England score four to see off Andorra

Harry Kane of England celebrates scoring from the penalty spot with Jesse Lingard and Mason Mount during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier between England and Andorra at Wembley Stadium on September 5, 2021 in London, England.England secured a predictably comfortable win over Andorra at Wembley as the smooth path to next year's World Cup in Qatar continued with a fifth successive victory in their qualifying group.Manager Gareth Southgate made 11 changes from the side that won 4-0 in Hungary in readiness for arguably the toughest test in European Group I, in Poland on Wednesday.Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford was given a debut but was unable to find the net in the usual one-sided contest against Andorra, although their damage limitation exercise was relatively successful until the last...

5Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: France draw again as Dutch roll

France's forward Anthony Martial (C) scores his team's first goal past Ukraine's goalkeeper Andrey Pyatov (R) during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D qualification football match between Ukraine and France at the Olympic Stadium in Kiev on September 4, 2021.World Cup holders France stuttered again in their bid to qualify for the 2022 finals in Qatar after a 1-1 draw in Ukraine, while Memphis Depay inspired the Netherlands to a rout of Montenegro on Saturday.France drew their fifth successive match as Anthony Martial scored his first international goal in five years to earn Didier Deschamps' side a point in Kiev.The Manchester United forward, who missed Euro 2020 with a knee injury, grabbed just his second goal in 29 caps to cancel out a magnificent first-half strike by Ukraine midfiel...

4Sep

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NEWS

Duffy rescues point for Republic against Azerbaijan

Shane Duffy of Republic of Ireland scores their side's first goal during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Azerbaijan at Aviva Stadium on September 04, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland .Shane Duffy spared the Republic of Ireland's blushes with a late header to earn a World Cup qualifying draw with Azerbaijan in Dublin.After losing their last home qualifier to Luxembourg, the Irish risked embarrassment once again thanks to Emin Mahmudov's first-half strike.But Duffy's 87th-minute header earned Stephen Kenny's side their first point of the campaign.The Republic created more than enough chances to win the game comfortably.However, a lack of composure in the final third resulted in a draw against a side ranked 112th in the world and now without a win in 27 games in...

4Sep

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NEWS

Bale prepared to walk off the pitch if teammates face racist abuse

Gareth Bale of Wales poses during the official UEFA Euro 2020 media access day on June 03, 2021 in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales.Wales captain Gareth Bale says he would support his players walking off the pitch in the face of racial abuse and called for repeat offenders to be kicked out of international football.Bale leads Wales into World Cup qualifying action against Belarus on Sunday just days after England players Jude Bellingham and Raheem Sterling were racially abused and targeted with monkey chants in Hungary.FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings in relation to England’s World Cup qualifier in Budapest on Thursday, with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham calling for “proper punishments”.It has been suggested that players could walk off the field in future if the authorities fail ...