2022 – Page 67 – Football Flame

Year: 2022

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Nigeria: Super Eagles rise in FIFA ranking as Brazil back On top

(Top L-R) Nigeria's goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, defender Kenneth Omeruo, forward Taiwo Awoniyi, midfielder Joe Aribo, defender William Troost-Ekong, (bottom L-R) forward Kelechi Iheanacho, defender Ola Aina, defender Zaidu Sanusi, forward Moses Simon and forward Samuel Chukwueze pose prior to the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 round of 16 football match between Nigeria and Tunisia at Stade Roumde Adjia in Garoua on January 23, 2022.Super Eagles made appreciable lift in the March rankings released by FIFA yesterday despite failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Nigeria climbed six steps up from the previous ranking and are now in the 30th position. Eagles are also number three in Africa, while Algeria that similarly failed to qualify for Qatar 2022...
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Erling Haaland pens new deal amid transfer links with Barcelona and Real Madrid

Erling Haaland of Borussia Dortmund looks on during the Bundesliga match between 1. FC Köln and Borussia Dortmund at RheinEnergieStadion on March 20, 2022 in Cologne, Germany.Erling Haaland has made a significant career decision amid links over his future.The Norwegian striker has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona ahead of this summer, with an exit from Borussia Dortmund seemingly inevitable.Haaland has a €75million release clause that comes into play this summer, and that’s too good a fee for some of the best clubs in the world to miss out on.That includes Barca, who have been heavily linked with the striker ahead of this summer, with their La Liga salary allowance expected to increase.But there has been an interesting development, with Haaland deciding to pen a deal with Germa...
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Lionel Messi receives transfer lifeline from former Barcelona teammate

Lionel Messi of Argentina kicks the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match between Ecuador and Argentina at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha on March 29, 2022 in Guayaquil, Ecuador.Lionel Messi has not enjoyed an entirely happy time at Paris Saint-Germain since his high-profile summer transfer from Barcelona last year.The Argentine has netted just two domestic goals across 19 appearances since his move to the French capital this summer. Recent reports have indicated that Messi is unhappy in Paris as he has failed to settle in the city and at the club for multiple reasons, with the potential of cutting short his two-year contract at the club.Talk of Messi returning to Barcelona has subsequently been talked up by the club’s president Joan Laporta. However, the Blaugr...
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World Cup: Sadio Mane insists he was just ‘luckier’ to beat Mo Salah again

Egypt's forward Mohamed Salah (L) vies for the ball against Senegal's forward Sadio Mane (R) during the 2022 Qatar World Cup African Qualifiers football match between Egypt and Senegal at Cairo International Stadium in the Egyptian capital on March 25, 2022.Sadio Mane has admitted he was just 'luckier' to come out on top against Mohamed Salah in both the Africa Cup of Nations final and Senegal's win over Egypt that sealed their place at the World Cup on Tuesday night.Just weeks after the Liverpool team-mates collided for African football's top prize in Cameroon, they squared off again in a decisive World Cup play-off in Dakar.After the tie finished 1-1 on aggregate across the two legs, Salah blazed his penalty over the bar in the shootout before Mane scored the decisive spot kick, just as ...
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John Stones withdraws from England squad ahead of friendly with the Ivory Coast

John Stones of England trains in the gym at St Georges Park on March 23, 2022 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. John Stones will miss England's friendly against Ivory Coast having left the camp as an injury precaution.The 27-year-old was due to start Saturday's 2-1 friendly win against Switzerland, only to be replaced by Ben White after pulling up in the warm-up.Boss Gareth Southgate said Stones 'felt a bit of tightness' before that match and the Football Association has confirmed he will play no part against the Ivorians on Tuesday.A statement read: John Stones has left the England camp and returned to Manchester City.Having withdrawn from the starting line-up ahead of Saturday's 2-1 victory against Switzerland at Wembley, the defender has continued to be assessed.After today's session at To...
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Denmark’s Eriksen looking forward to ‘special’ Parken Stadium return

Christian Eriksen of Denmark applauds fans after their sides defeat during the International Friendly match between Netherlands and Denmark at Johan Cruijff Arena on March 26, 2022 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Denmark's Christian Eriksen said he is looking forward to a "special" return to Copenhagen's Parken Stadium on Tuesday and wants to give fans a new memory from the venue where he had a near-fatal heart attack at last year's Euros.The 30-year-old playmaker, who collapsed on the pitch and received life-saving treatment during Denmark's meeting with Finland in June 2021, is set to play in the Danes' friendly against Serbia.I think it's something you can't prepare for, Eriksen told reporters on Monday when asked about the reception he expects.Eriksen returned to the Denmark team on Saturda...
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Nigeria is focused on victory against Ghana to qualify for World Cup

Ademola Lookman of Leicester City as the Leicester City squad depart for Rennes, France at East Midlands Airport on March 16, 2022 in Nottingham, United Kingdom. Nigeria is focusing on winning its match against Ghana on Tuesday to guarantee a place in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.The Super Eagles are scheduled to host the Black Stars at the Abuja National Stadium for the second leg of their FIFA World Cup African qualifier match, having settled for a barren draw in the first leg.Super Eagles player Ademola Lookman, who made his maiden debut for Nigeria in the first leg played in Kumasi, said his side are ready for the challenge.I am very excited to be part of Nigeria’s National team and I’m feeling blessed and looking forward to helping the team, Lookman told CAFOnline.com.This is a special eve...
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Roberto Mancini to stay on as Italy coach despite team’s failure to qualify for 2022 World Cup

Head coach Italy Roberto Mancini speaks with the media during press conference at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on March 28, 2022 in Florence, Italy. Roberto Mancini will stay on as Italy coach despite the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup again.Italy, which won the European Championship only eight months ago, lost to North Macedonia 1-0 in the playoffs on Thursday and will now miss a second straight World Cup. The previous failure led to the dismissal of coach Gian Piero Ventura and the appointment of Mancini.However, the Italian soccer federation this time has decided to stick with the coach who revitalized the national team and led it to the Euro 2020 title. The 57-year-old Mancini was given a contract extension through 2026 in May.We need to start again, Mancini said ...
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USA 5-1 Panama: Christian Pulisic’s hat-trick propels side to the brink of World Cup qualification

Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States shoots a penalty kick in the first half against Panama at Exploria Stadium on March 27, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. Chelsea attacker Christian Pulisic fired his first international hat-trick in USA's 5-1 win over Panama on Sunday night, leading his side to the brink of World Cup qualification for the first time since 2014.Two of USA captain's goals came from the penalty spot before completing his treble with a stunning finish, spinning Panama defender Andres Andrade before converting from close range.Only a loss of six or more goals in Wednesday night's finale at Costa Rica would cause the Americans not to get one of three automatic World Cup places in qualifying. They can finish no worse than fourth, which earns a June play-off, likely against New ...
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Leeds striker Patrick Bamford’s season may be over due to another foot injury

Patrick Bamford of Leeds United going off injured during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United at Molineux on March 18, 2022 in Wolverhampton, United Kingdom. Leeds striker Patrick Bamford is set to miss the rest of the season after aggravating a foot injury.The relegation-threatened club confirmed last night that the 28-year-old has ruptured his plantar fascia - the sole of his foot - and will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks.Bamford was forced off after just 23 minutes in Leeds' last match, their vital 3-2 comeback win at Wolves, and was in tears as he sat back on the bench.The England international had only just returned to action after injuring his hamstring celebrating his last-minute equaliser against Brentford at the start of December, and ...
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Alphonso Davies breaks down in tears after Canada’s win

Alphonso Davies of FC Bayern Muenchen does tricks with the ball during a training session at Saebener Strasse training ground on March 15, 2022 in Munich, Germany. Sunday was a historic day for Canada when the men’s national soccer team beat Jamaica 4–0 to qualify for its first World Cup since 1986. Die-hard fans and Canadian citizens couldn’t help but let their emotions run wild when their national team finally reached the world’s biggest stage.Canadian national team and Bayern Munich left back Alphonso Davies was no different. Davies, widely regarded as the squad’s best player, hasn’t played in a qualifier since November while he recovers from myocarditis as a result of having COVID-19. Instead, he has resorted to live-streaming his instant reactions during matches on Twitch, a...
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Real Madrid reportedly planning £50m Kieran Tierney move

Kieran Tierney of Scotland during the international friendly match between Scotland and Poland at Hampden Park on March 24, 2022 in Glasgow, Scotland. Real Madrid are reportedly plotting a £50m swoop for Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney.The Scottish defender has enjoyed another strong season in defence for the Champions League-chasing Gunners - scoring once and providing three assists in 22 Premier League games so far.Tierney extended his contract with Arsenal until the summer of 2026 last year, and he has been tipped to take over as captain should current skipper Alexandre Lacazette depart as a free agent this summer.However, the Sunday Post claims that Real Madrid are hoping to lure the Scotland international away from North London with a £50m offer, but they will face competition from B...
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Leicester boss has already made James Tarkowski transfer point ahead of impending Burnley exit

James Tarkowski of Burnley looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf Moor on March 01, 2022 in Burnley, England. James Tarkowski of Burnley looks on during the Premier League match between Burnley and Leicester City at Turf Moor on March 01, 2022 in Burnley, England. Burnley face an uncertain summer in the transfer market with their Premier League future hanging in the balance.The Clarets are four points from safety with 11 games remaining ahead of their return to action against Man City on Saturday. Sean Dyche's side are fully focussed on the task at hand but a summer overhaul seems certain regardless of which division Burnley find themselves in.Relegation could see interest in first team players - such as Nick Pope - while survival might mean a n...
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Argentine star Di Maria hints at retirement after 2022 World Cup

Angel Di Maria of Argentina controls the ball during the World Cup Qualification match between Argentina and Venezuela at La Bombonera on March 25, 2022 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Argentine Angel Di Maria has hinted that he will hang up his international boots after the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.I just wanted to say thank you for the enormous love I have received. I always dreamed of everything I've experienced on this beautiful night, Di Maria said after Saturday’s win over Venezuela.It was probably my last match with this shirt in Argentina and being able to say that it was a wonderful night is an understatement, he added on Instagram.The 34-year-old star scored a goal in the 3-0 win over Venezuela in the World Cup qualifying match.Di Maria, who has netted 24 goals in 121 matches, al...
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Barca make Raphinha breakthrough, Leeds ‘interested’ in defender

Raphinha of Leeds United comes over for a corner during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on March 5, 2022 in Leicester, United Kingdom. Barcelona have reportedly agreed personal terms with Leeds winger Raphinha, with the two clubs yet to agree on a transfer fee.Raphinha joined the West Yorkshire club in 2020 after they were promoted back to the Premier League.He has been terrific since moving to England. Last season the 25-year-old scored six goals and provided nine assists as Leeds finished ninth in the league.Raphinha has carried last term’s form into 2021/22 having scored nine goals in 27 top-flight appearances.His fine form, while Leeds struggle, has sparked interest from numerous sides, with Liverpool and Barcelona both keen on...
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Timo Werner explains why he plays better for Germany than Chelsea after scoring vs Israel

Timo Werner of Germany controls the Ball during the international friendly match between Germany and Israel at PreZero-Arena on March 26, 2022 in Sinsheim, Germany. Chelsea striker Timo Werner says the football played by Germany boss Hansi Flick is a better fit for his skillset than the role asked of him by Thomas Tuchel.The 26-year-old, who has struggled to live up to his £47.5million price tag since moving to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in 2020, has only managed to net one Premier League goal so far this season for the west London club.That goal came all the way back in October, with a combination of injuries, coronavirus and poor form meaning his only strikes since then have been against Chesterfield and Luton in the FA Cup.In Werner’s defence, he has only started five of Chelsea’s ...
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Spain beats Albania in return to Barcelona after 18 years

(L-R) Daniel Olmo of Spain, Jordi Alba of Spain during the International Friendly match between Spain v Albania at the RCDE Stadium on March 26, 2022 in Barcelona Spain. Spain have received a warm welcome in their return to Catalonia and responded by beating Albania 2-1 in their first match in Barcelona in 18 years.Dani Olmo scored a 90th-minute winner to give La Roja the victory in front of more than 35,000 packing Espanyol's RCDE Stadium.The first of Spain's two friendlies in the international break prompted coach Luis Enrique to experiment with his squad ahead of the World Cup in Qatar this year. Spain next hosts Iceland in A Coruna on Tuesday.A huge banner with "Barcelona" written on Spain's red and yellow flag was unveiled on the grandstands before the friendly on Saturday, and the cr...
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Republic of Ireland 2-2 Belgium: Ogbene’s brilliant goal and assist earns draw for hosts

Chiedozie Ogbene of Republic Of Ireland scores their team's first goal during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and Belgium at Aviva Stadium on March 26, 2022 in Dublin, Ireland. Roberto Martinez’s Belgium are in danger of losing their long-held status as the world’s No1-ranked team because of a player from Rotherham United.Though Martinez rested big-hitters Kevin De Bruyne, Eden Hazard and Romelu Lukaku in Dublin, they should have had enough class headed by Youri Tielemans and Thorgen Hazard to see off Ireland.But that didn’t take into account 24-year-old Chiedozie Ogbene, who stepped up from League One to single-handedly extend his country’s unbeaten run to seven games.Ogbene, the first African-born player to represent Ireland, scored with a brilliant overhead ...
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Kane sinks Swiss & edges closer to Rooney’s record

Harry Kane of England battles with Remo Freuler (left) and Fabian Fre during the international friendly match between England and Switzerland at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2022 in London, United Kingdom. Harry Kane edged closer to England's all-time scoring record as Gareth Southgate's side began World Cup preparations with a comeback win against Switzerland.Just a matter of days before finding out their opponents in Qatar, England kicked off an international year unlike any other in front of a sell-out crowd at Wembley on Saturday evening.Switzerland, ranked 14th in the world, made life difficult for England and took the lead through Breel Embolo, only for the stuttering hosts to level against the run of play as Luke Shaw struck just before half-time.An unremarkable friendly came to a t...
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Italy boss on World Cup miss: ‘I don’t know what to say’

Roberto Mancini Head coach of Italy reacts during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Italy and North Macedonia at Stadio Renzo Barbera on March 24, 2022 in Palermo, Italy. Italy manager Roberto Mancini was left with a loss for words following his side's shocking 1-0 defeat to North Macedonia that will leave the Azzurri out of the World Cup for the second straight time.With Italy frustrated for 90 minutes by a heroic North Macedonia defensive performance, Aleksandar Trajkovski struck the only goal of the game in the second minute of added time, inflicting Italy's first defeat in 60 home World Cup qualifiers.The victory in Palermo means North Macedonia, ranked 60 places below four-time World Cup champions Italy in the FIFA rankings, will now take on Portu...
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