October 2021 – Page 5 – Football Flame

Month: October 2021

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United star Luke Shaw reveals reason for recent injury problems

Luke Shaw of Manchester United leaves the match with an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Aston Villa at Old Trafford on September 25, 2021 in Manchester, England. Luke Shaw has revealed that he could barely train over the last few weeks due to illness and injury.Shaw enjoyed his best season last campaign, playing a key role for Manchester United as they finished second and reached the Europa League final as well as starting for England in their Euro 2020 final run.Both United and England lost their respective finals on penalties which took some of the shine off Shaw’s impressive season.The left back has yet to hit the heights of the previous 12 months and was taken off in the first half against Aston Villa last month, a game United lost 1-0. He returned ...
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BUNDESLIGA

Bebou brace sets up Hoffenheim thrashing

Ihlas Bebou of Hoffenheim celebrates scoring their second goal during the Bundesliga match between TSG Hoffenheim and 1. FC Köln at PreZero-Arena on October 15, 2021 in Sinsheim, Germany. Ihlas Bebou scored a brace as Hoffenheim beat Cologne for the seventh time in a row in the Bundesliga, this time a 5-0 clobbering.Togo forward Bebou opened the scoring in the 31st minute off a defence-splitting pass from Andrej Kramaric, rounding goalkeeper Timo Horn and slotting into the empty net.Cologne were beaten for good right after the restart when Bebou's backheeler off Kevin Akpoguma's low cross from the right in the 49th went in, which was followed by Christoph Baumgartner smashing home two minutes later.Dennis Geiger and Stefan Posch, with his first goal for the club, completed the rout late in...
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NEWS

Kylian Mbappe rescues PSG with Messi and Neymar in South America

Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint Germain and Angers SCO at Parc des Princes on October 15, 2021 in Paris, France. Paris Saint-Germain coach Mauricio Pochettino lauded Kylian Mbappe as "one of the best in the world" after the French strike came to his side's rescue in the absence of Lionel Messi and Neymar.Mbappe converted a late penalty to give PSG a 2-1 win over Angers in Ligue 1 on Friday, to go nine points clear of Lens.The victory, which PSG deserved on the balance of play, came without their South American stars, who were in World Cup qualifying action across the Atlantic.Messi, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes all played in Argentina's 1-0 win over Peru in Buenos Aires, while Neymar scored and Marquinhos was an un...
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LALIGA

Pedri: Times are tough but Barca’s still the world’s best club

FC Barcelona player (16) Pedri during his contract renewal in Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain, on October 15, 2021. Pedri put pen to paper on his shiny new Barcelona contract on Friday that is designed to keep the midfielder at the Camp Nou until 2026.The teenager spoke at a news conference after the renewal was made official and discussed about how he’s looking forward to the future with the Catalan giants.“These are difficult times” he said. “But we are the best club in the world and we’ll go on to achieve great things … All of this has happened very fast and without my mother, father and sister I would never be sitting here today. They help me to keep my feet on the ground and give me advice.”FC Barcelona player (16) Pedri during his contract renewal in Camp Nou, Barcelona, Spain, on October...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Benitez closes the door on Newcastle return

Rafael Benitez during the Everton Training Session at USM Finch Farm on October 13 2021 in Halewood, England. Rafael Benitez has reaffirmed his commitment to Everton amid links with a return to Newcastle United.The takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund at St James’ Park fuelled speculation that the Spaniard could be in line for a surprise return.Two of Benitez’s long-standing former Liverpool allies have been swiftly enlisted by the new Tyneside regime in Frank McParland and Owen Brown.Club director Amanda Staveley, who brokered the £300 million deal, also has links to the 61-year-old from attempts to set up a 2008 takeover at Liverpool.But Benitez insisted on Friday that his focus remains on Goodison Park, where he has produced four wins from Everton’s first seven Premier Leag...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Rashford back in Manchester United squad for trip to Leicester

Marcus Rashford of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on September 16, 2021 in Manchester, England. Marcus Rashford could make his first appearance of the season for Manchester United on Saturday in their Premier League game at Leicester.Rashford, who had surgery in August to repair his damaged shoulder, will be included in United’s squad, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.Solskjaer said: “He’s in the squad, yes. If he’s going to start or not, I can’t tell you now because it wouldn’t be right.“But he’s worked really hard throughout the whole lay-off and he’s been bright this week.“He had a 60-minute involvement behind closed doors last week, so he’s fit and raring to go.”Rashford last appeared for United in their Europa Leag...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ferran Torres could miss three months for Manchester City

Ferran Torres of Spain looks on during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2021 qualifier match between Israel U21 and Spain U21 at Ramat Gan Stadium on November 19, 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel. Manchester City forward Ferran Torres could be sidelined for up to three months, manager Pep Guardiola has revealed.Guardiola has also confirmed Brazil pair Ederson and Gabriel Jesus will not be back from South America in time to face Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday.Torres, 21, fractured a metatarsal while away with Spain during the international break.“He will be out for two-and-a half to three months,” said Guardiola at a press conference.It was initially reported that Torres was injured during Spain’s Nations League semi-final victory over Italy last Wednesday, a match in which he sco...
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NEWS

World Cup qualifiers: Brazil beats Uruguay, Argentina over Peru

Brazil's Raphinha (R) celebrates with Neymar after scoring against Uruguay during the South American qualification football match for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, in Arena Amazonia, Manaus, Brazil, on October 14, 2021. Leaders Brazil easily defeated Uruguay 4-1 in Thursday's South American World Cup qualifying match, putting the team in standby mode for its direct spot at Qatar next year. Neymar and Raphinha shone for the Seleção in its home match at Manaus.Second-place Argentina beat Peru 1-0 a few hours earlier and is also close to clinching a direct qualifying berth. Lionel Messi did not have one of his better days, but the hosts managed to have the best opportunities in the match.Brazil has 31 points, more than any team that advanced in four South American qualifiers since the curren...
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LALIGA

Pedri signs Barca deal with €1billion release clause

Pedri of FC Barcelona during Spanish La Liga match between FC Barcelona and Cadiz CF on February 21 of 2021, Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona's teenage midfielder Pedri has agreed a new contract until 2026 including a release clause of €1billion, the LaLiga club announced on Thursday.Pedri, 18, has quickly developed into one of Barca's best players little more than a year after joining the club in 2020 from second division side Las Palmas for €5million.He made 53 appearances in his debut season, more than any other Barca player, helping the team win the Copa del Rey and lighting up an otherwise poor campaign for the Catalans.Pedri and Ronald Koeman during the match between FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich, corresponding to the week 1 of the group A of the UEFA Champions League, played at the C...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Former Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers ‘not interested’ in Newcastle post

Leicester City Manager Brendan Rodgers during the Leicester City Press Conference on September 29, 2021 in Warsaw, Poland. Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers is not interested in a potential move to take over as manager at Newcastle, according to reports.The former Celtic gaffer won't even entertain the possibility and will not enter discussions with the club should Steve Bruce be relieved of his duties, Sky Sports claim.Rodgers, who joined Leicester in February 2019, is thought to be happy with life at the Foxes and believes there is more to achieve in the role.The Northern Irishman has led Leicester to two fifth place finishes in England's top flight since leaving Celtic.He made the move as the Hoops were closing in on a domestic treble Treble, with Neil Lennon drafted in to complete the fea...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Olivier Giroud says Thomas Tuchel brought ‘serenity and confidence’ back to Chelsea

Olivier Giroud of AC Milan looks on during the UEFA Champions League group B match between AC Milan and Atletico Madrid at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 28, 2021 in Milan, Italy. Former Chelsea star Olivier Giroud says Thomas Tuchel helped improve the team's confidence when he took over from Frank Lampard last season.The German arrived at Chelsea midway through the season at a stage where the club were sitting just ninth in the Premier League table.Lampard was sacked in January and Tuchel helped turn their fortunes around with a top-four finish and by winning the Champions League with a 1-0 victory over Manchester City.Giroud who left the club in the summer and now plays for AC Milan, has praised the impact Tuchel made.He told Tribal Football:  Tuchel brought serenity and confi...
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NEWS

Weah, Dest spark US World Cup hopes as Costa Rica beaten

Tim Weah #20 of the United States heads the ball against Ronald Matarrita #22 of Costa Rica during the second half of a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match at Lower.com Field on October 13, 2021 in Columbus, Ohio. Timothy Weah set up the winner as the United States came from behind to defeat Costa Rica 2-1 and reignite their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign on Wednesday.Weah, who plays for French champions Lille, was drafted into the US starting line-up shortly before kick-off after D.C. United's Chris Arriola suffered an injury in the warm-up.The 21-year-old son of Liberian football icon George Weah was instrumental in the winning US goal, picking up a pass from Barcelona wingback Sergino Dest and rifling a shot towards Costa Rica goalkeeper Leonel Moreira's near-post.Weah's effort cannoned...
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NEWS

Alphonso Davies leads way as Canada downs Panama in World Cup qualifier

Alphonso Davies #19 of Canada battles for the ball with Harold Cummings #3 and Luis Mejia #1 of Panama during a 2022 World Cup Qualifying match at BMO Field on October 13, 2021 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Alphonso Davies' highlight-reel goal helped open the floodgates as Canada roared to a 4-1 victory over Panama on Wednesday in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying play.The Canadian men had Panama under the cosh but didn't pull ahead until the 66th minute when the 20-year-old Bayern Munich star came out of nowhere down the right flank to pilfer the ball from under the feet of defender Harold Cummings, who thought the ball was about to go out.Davies got to the ball before it did, danced around defender Fidel Escobar and -- using Jonathan David as a decoy -- fired a low shot that left goalkeeper L...
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SERIE A

AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez contracts COVID-19

Theo Hernandez (Milan) during the Italian football Serie A match Spezia Calcio vs AC Milan on September 25, 2021 at the Alberto Picco stadium in La Spezia, Italy. French left back Theo Hernandez has tested positive for COVID-19, AC Milan announced on Wednesday.Theo Hernandez (Milan) during the Italian football Serie A match Spezia Calcio vs AC Milan on September 25, 2021 at the Alberto Picco stadium in La Spezia, Italy."Theo Hernández, who has returned from the national team, has tested positive for a swab carried out at home," an official statement read. The Serie A club added that relevant local health authorities have been informed and the player "is doing well."Hernandez returned from the national team recently as France won the UEFA Nations League, beating Spain 2-1 on Oct. 10.With 19...
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NEWS

Denmark join Germany for Qatar 2022 finals

Thomas Delaney, Joakim Maehle, Jannik Vestergaard and Andreas Christensen of Denmark celebrate after Denmark qualified for the World Cup in Qatar after the FIFA World Cup 2022 Qualifier match between Denmark and Austria at Parken on October 12, 2021 in Copenhagen, Denmark. After an economic 1-0 victory against Austria, Denmark is heading to the World Cup again, seven points clear at the summit of Group F. At a packed Parken Stadium, the Danish dominated the first half but failed to convert their chances. The brilliant Joakim Maehle changed that in the 53rd minute when Thomas Delaney collected the ball on the halfway line, dribbled along the edge of the Austrian box and teed up the wing-back whose crisp finish sent Kasper Hjulmand’s team to Qatar.It was Denmark’s eighth win out of eigh...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Romelu Lukaku a doubt against Brentford but Kante and Reece James return to training

Romelu Lukaku (Belgium) during the football UEFA Nations League match Semifinals - Belgium vs France on October 07, 2021 at the Allianz Stadium in Turin, Italy. Chelsea will return to Premier League action this weekend with several injury concerns after the international break.Thomas Tuchel’s side are currently top of the table after seven games but face in-form Brentford sweating on a number of fitness issues.“Romelu Lukaku is suffering from muscle fatigue, same as Eden Hazard,” he said.“They’re not in best conditions to play. They’re leaving the national team camp due to these problems – I don’t know how long it will take.”However, there is more positive news on both Kante and James after the pair returned to training at the Blues’ Cobham base.The former is in contention after he missed ...
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NEWS

Troy Parrott makes ninth Ireland appearance in Qatar win

Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland is closed down by Assim Madibo of Qatar during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Qatar at Aviva Stadium on October 12, 2021 in Dublin, Ireland. Troy Parrott made his ninth senior appearance for Republic of Ireland on Tuesday, helping his national side to a 4-0 victory over Qatar.The MK Dons striker, on loan at Stadium MK from Tottenham Hotspur, was a 76th-minute substitute in the friendly, which took place in front of a sold-out crowd at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.Troy Parrott of Republic of Ireland before the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying group A match between Azerbaijan and Republic of Ireland at the Olympic Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan.Republic of Ireland made it two wins from two this international break with a convinc...
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TRANSFERS

Mino Raiola set to hold Haaland talks with Premier League club in January

Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund with his Forward of the Season Award prior the Champions League Group C match between Borussia Dortmund and Sporting Lissabon at the Signal Iduna Park on September 28, 2021 in Dortmund, Germany. Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is widely expected to secure a bumper transfer at some point in the near future and in an attempt to steal a march on their rivals, according to recent reports, Manchester City is set to hold talks with the player’s super-agent, Mino Raiola.Agent Mino Raiola accompanies Matthijs De Ligt as he arrives in Turin ahead of his signing with Juventus FC on July 17, 2019 in Turin, Italy.That’s according to a recent report from The Times, who claims Raiola is already touting his star client out to some of Europe’s biggest clubs. H...
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NEWS

FIFA World Cup Qualifying: Hungary fans clash with police, one arrested for racist abuse

England's manager Gareth Southgate (R) leaves the pitch as Hungary's substitutes and coaches walk onto the pitch to huddle following the FIFA World Cup 2022 qualifying match between England and Hungary at Wembley Stadium in London on October 12, 2021. Hungary supporters clashed with police at Wembley as a fan was arrested for racist abuse of a steward during Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against England.England manager Gareth Southgate branded the ugly clashes "unacceptable", while England defender Tyrone Mings called for harsher punishments for racism in football.Just moments after kick-off, trouble flared among the pocket of around 1,000 Hungarians in one corner of Wembley.Dozens of Hungary supporters charged at stewards, who were forced to retreat before police wielding batons arrived.H...
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NEWS

Dykes gives Scotland goals and more

Scotland's Lyndon Dykes celebrates making it 1-0 during a FIFA World Cup Qualifier between Faroe Islands and Scotland at Torsvollur, on October 12, 2021, in Torshavn, Faroe Islands. Steve Clarke is delighted Lyndon Dykes opted to represent Scotland after the Australian-born striker scored a crucial late World Cup qualifying winner against the Faroe Islands.It had been a struggle for the Scots in Torshavn until the QPR forward, born on the Gold Coast to Scottish parents who pledged his allegiance to the dark blue, scored in the 86th minute from a Nathan Patterson cross to take the Scots to within three points of a World Cup play-off spot.Dykes became the first player to score in four successive international games for Scotland since Colin Stein in 1969 and the first Scotland player to score...
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