June 2023 – Page 3 – Football Flame

Month: June 2023

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NEWS

Joselu’s late winner against Italy sends Spain into Nations League final

 Spain players celebrate at full-time after the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Substitute Joselu scored a fortunate winner three minutes from the end as Spain booked their place in a second successive Nations League final with a deserved 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side will meet Croatia in Sunday’s decider in Rotterdam having lost to France in the final two years ago. Italy take on hosts Netherlands for the bronze medal. Spain capitalised on a defensive lapse to take the lead inside three minutes as Yeremy Pino produced a cool finish, but when debutant Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box, Italy’s Ciro Immobile scored his first international go...
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TRANSFERS

West Ham turn down first Arsenal bid for Rice

 West Ham United team captain Declan Rice (C), with team, lift the trophy after winning the Europa Conference Football League match between West Ham United and Fiorentina, at the Fortuna Arena in Prague, Czech Republic on June 7, 2023. West Ham have rejected Arsenal’s first bid for England midfielder Declan Rice. Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made Rice one of his main transfer targets, with suggestions that a deal was close. However, it is understood the initial offer for the 24-year-old has left the Hammers unimpressed as it contains a number of clauses. Sources at West Ham do expect further communication from Arsenal, although they are also anticipating an offer from Manchester City. City are refusing to comment on potential interest in Rice. There is uncertainty over the futur...
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Croatia stun hosts Netherlands to reach Nations League final

 Captain Luka Modric and rest of the Croatia players celebrate victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Netherlands and Croatia at De Kuip on June 14, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric struck in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday and advance to Sunday’s decider. Zlatko Dalic’s side, who ranked third at last year’s World Cup, moved a step closer to earning their first ever trophy and demonstrated once again they are extra-time specialists. Real Madrid’s 37-year-old Modric won a penalty for Croatia’s opening goal, Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic netted in the second half after Donyell Malen sent the Dutch ahead, but Noa Lang snatched a 96th-minute equalizer to fo...
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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid sign Bellingham on six-year deal

 Jude Bellingham of England trains in the gym at St Georges Park on June 13, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England.Real Madrid have completed the signing of England midfielder Jude Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund on a six-year deal. The Spanish giants will pay 103m euros (£88.5m) for the 19-year-old, in addition to various potential add-ons. If those add-ons are achieved, the deal could reach 133.9m euros (£115m). Bellingham, who started his career at Birmingham City, will be presented as a Real Madrid player at a ceremony on Thursday. “Thank you to everyone at BVB [Dortmund] and to the fans for everything over the past three years,” Bellingham said. “It’s been an honour to wear your jersey so many times, in big and small moments. “Even though I look forward to my next destination, I w...
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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks on Lionel Messi’s World Cup decision

 Lionel Messi of Argentina attends a training session ahead of 2023 International Football Invitation match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 14, 2023 in Beijing, China. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Wednesday about Lionel Messi. Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Wednesday where he spoke about the Argentina national team, their future and the match against Australia on Wednesday. In the same press conference, he also spoke about Lionel Messi and Messi’s comments about possibly not playing at the 2026 World Cup. Here is what Scaloni had to say: “I think it’s very prudent coming from someone who doesn’t sell smoke and does not lie. The reality is that he is going to see and based on how he finds himself,...
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TRANSFERS

Real Madrid agree personal terms with Spain International Joselu

 Jose Luis Mato 'Joselu' of RCD Espanyol looks on during the warm up prior to the LaLiga Santander match between RCD Espanyol and FC Barcelona at RCDE Stadium on May 14, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. Joselu is now a step closer to completing his move to Real Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano, who reports that personal terms for the player were agreed last week.With club captain Karim Benzema leaving to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad, Los Blancos have identified Joselu as one of two possible forwards to join Madrid this summer. Joselu scored 16 goals in 34 La Liga appearances for Espanyol last season, netting in both league games against Real Madrid, as per Opta. The striker was, however, once deemed a flop, during his spell in the Premier League with Newcastle United, having ...
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NEWS

Palace’s Eze says injury problems have shaped him

 Eberechi Eze of England looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on June 13, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. Eze, 24, was forced to withdraw from England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad in May 2021 with an Achilles injury. “I know without setbacks and difficult moments it’s hard to grow and be the person I am today,” he said. “I look back at those memories fondly because I know it has helped shape who I am. “It’s hard to put into words. I look at things a bit differently. I saw it [potential making Euro 2020] as I was on the right trajectory, even though I was injured, this was the level I could get to. It gave me the motivation to keep going. “I got a message which gave me an inkling I was going to be called up but being injured that was the end of it for a littl...
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Brazil to play Spain in support of Vinicius Jr

 Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid laments during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Real Madrid and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on June 04, 2023, in Madrid, Spain.Brazil will play Spain in a friendly in March next year as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius Jr. The game will be played at the Bernabeu – home of Brazil winger Vinicius’ club side Real Madrid. Vinicius was the target of racist abuse multiple times in Spain while playing for Real in the past campaign. “There is no place for racist insults in our football,” said Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales. Rubiales and Brazilian FA (CBF) counterpart Ednaldo Rodrigues launched their anti-racism campaign under the slogan “One skin”. “It is im...
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Hakimi’s Morocco draw with Cape Verde

 Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates the championship trophy after the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Clermont Foot at Parc Princes on June 03, 2023 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi’s Morocco side drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in a friendly at the Prince Moulay-Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Monday 12 June.MOROCCO – CAPE VERDE: 0-0 (0-0) Friendly Prince Moulay-Abdellah Sporting Complex (Rabat) MOROCCO: Munir – Hakimi, Kandouss (Yamiq, 46’), Aguerd, Mazraoui – Louza (Chair, 76’), Amrabat, Sabiri (Idrissi, 46’) – Ziyech (Tissoudali, 83’), Boufal (Aboukhlal, 59’) – Hamed Allah (En-Nesyri, 46’). Coach: Walid Regragui. CAPE VERDE: Vozinha – W. Semedo (Costa, 79’), Stopira, Diney (Lopes, 57’), Dy. Tavares – Teixeira Jr (Bebé, 57’), Da. T...
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Ligue 1

PSG prepared to sell Mbappe this summer

 Paris Saint-Germain's French forward Kylian Mbappe reacts after receiving the Best Ligue 1 Player award during the 31th edition of the UNFP (French National Professional Football players Union) trophy ceremony, in Paris May 28, 2023.Paris St-Germain are prepared to sell Kylian Mbappe this summer rather than risk losing him for free in a year’s time, after he told the French club he will not renew his contract. The France forward’s current deal expires at the end of next season, with the option of another year. There was a deadline of 31 July for Mbappe, 24, to tell PSG if he was going to renew until 2025. After months of talks, he has sent the club a letter saying he will not. PSG’s record goalscorer would be free to leave for nothing at the end of next season and the move could be a...
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NEWS

Chelsea star joins England first-team training ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers

 Bukayo Saka of England controls the ball under pressure from Levi Colwill of England during a training session at St George's Park on June 12, 2023 in Burton upon Trent, England.Young Chelsea star Levi Colwill is training with the England first-team ahead of the latest round of Euro 2024 qualifiers. Colwill had been training with the Three Lions’ U21 side in preparation for this summer’s Under-21 European Championships and is set to return to them when his stint with the first-team is done. But he could yet feature for Gareth Southgate’s side this weekend as they travel to Malta on Friday and host North Macedonia on Monday. The 20-year-old has not formally been called up to the senior team but is rather taking the place of Brighton captain Lewis Dunk who has been forced to withdraw f...
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Uruguay beat Italy to win U20 World Cup

 Uruguay's midfielder Fabricio Diaz (C) holds the trophy along with his teammates after defeating Italy and winning the Argentina 2023 U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Unico Diego Armando Maradona stadium in La Plata, Argentina, on June 11, 2023. Luciano Rodriguez scored four minutes from time as Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 to win the Under-20 World Cup. Rodriguez, who plays for Liverpool Montevideo in his homeland, headed in from close range to reward Uruguay’s dominance and end a streak of four consecutive wins from European teams at the tournament. More than 40,000 people — including FIFA president Gianni Infantino — attended the match at the Diego Maradona Stadium in La Plata, Argentina, while Uruguay’s Football Association suspended Sunday’s national championship fixtures so fans co...
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SERIE A

Claudio Ranieri guides Cagliari back into Serie A

 Claudio Ranieri Mister of Cagliari Calcio during the Italian soccer Serie B match Cagliari Calcio vs Benevento Calcio on February 11, 2023 at the Unipol Domus in Cagliari, Italy.Cagliari’s Leonardo Pavoletti scored in stoppage time to secure their return to Serie A with a 1-0 win at Bari on Sunday in their promotion playoff second leg, depriving their opponents of a place in the Italian top flight with a 2-1 aggregate victory. Cagliari were under pressure at a foggy Stadio San Nicola where only a victory would see them promoted. The first leg ended 1-1 on Thursday as an early goal from Gianluca Lapadula was cancelled out by a late penalty by Bari’s Mirco Antenucci and had the second leg also ended in a draw, Bari would have gone up after finishing higher in the table. Cagliari strugg...
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Uncategorized

Rodri the match-winner as Man City secure treble

 Players of Manchester City FC celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final match between FC Internazionale and Manchester City FC at Atatuerk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. Manchester City secured a historic treble as Rodri’s 68th minute strike against Inter Milan proved to be the only goal of the Champions League final in Istanbul. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side were strong favourites coming into the decider with the Premier League and FA Cup already in the bag, but were frustrated for large parts by a resoulte Italian side at the Ataturk Stadium. With a little over 20 minutes remaining, City finally broke the deadlock. Akanji played Bernardo Silva into the area and his cut-back was deflected into the path of Rodri, who passed the ball in...
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TRANSFERS

Villa agree deal to sign Leicester midfielder Tielemans

 Youri Tielemans of Leicester City reacts during the Premier League match between Leicester City and West Ham United at The King Power Stadium on May 28, 2023 in Leicester, England.Aston Villa have agreed a deal to sign Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans. The Belgium international, 26, will join the club on 1 July, after his Leicester contract expires. Following Leicester’s relegation from the Premier League, Arsenal, Manchester United and Roma were also rumoured to be interested in Tielemans. Tielemans – expected to be Villa’s first signing of the summer – joined Leicester in 2019 and helped the Foxes win the FA Cup in 2021. The Belgian, who had joined from Monaco two years earlier, scored the only goal in Leicester’s 1-0 victory against Chelsea in the final. Tielemans has also pla...
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LALIGA

Official: Real Madrid announce return of Brahim Díaz

 Brahim Diaz (AC Milan) during the UEFA Champions League, Semi-finals, 1st leg football match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale on May 10, 2023 at San Siro stadium in Milan, Italy.Real Madrid have officially announced the return of Spanish playmaker Brahim Díaz, who spent the last few seasons on a loan deal with AC Milan. Real Madrid C. F. would like to announce that on Tuesday 13 June, at 12pm (CET) at Real Madrid City, the presentation will take place of Brahim Díaz, who returns to play for our club until 30 June 2027, following his three-season loan spell at AC Milan. During this period he has become a central player for the legendary Italian club. Brahim helped AC Milan become Serie A champions once again in 2022 and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League this s...
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NEWS

Man Utd takeover: Al-Khelaifi denies involvement in Sheikh Jassim bid

 Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the 47th UEFA Ordinary Congress meeting on April 05, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says he has had nothing to do with the takeover of Manchester United. Al-Khelaifi was contacted by the Glazer family a month ago as United’s owners tried to get Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to raise his offer. The conversation with Al-Khelaifi has led to suggestions of a wider Qatari involvement in Sheikh Jassim’s bid. Sheikh Jassim has repeatedly said his offer was made in a personal capacity. Man Utd owners spoke to PSG chairman about Sheikh Jassim bid Speaking in Istanbul before the Champions League final after a meeting of the influential European Clubs’ Association ...
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Champions League

Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi hints at plan to stop Man City striker Erling Haaland

 Simone Inzaghi is training ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final in Istanbul, Turkey on June 9, 2023.Inter Milan have worked on a specific plan to try and limit Erling Haaland’s influence in the Champions League final, with the striker seeking to add to his 52 goals for Manchester City this season. The Norwegian is going to be a major threat to Inter, who are underdogs in Istanbul, but Simone Inzaghi has a good record in cup finals and he’s come up with a tactical plan to try and stop Haaland. Inzaghi is well aware that City have more threats than just Haaland, but his goalscoring record this term has been incredible and Inter will have to stay alert to try and keep him out. “We know how strong Manchester City is, we know what a player Haaland is. We’ll have a special eye ...
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Champions League

Winning Champions League a ‘dream’ and an ‘obsession’ for Manchester City

 Pep Guardiola the manager of Manchester City FC during a training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final on June 09, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey.Pep Guardiola said it is his “dream” and “obsession” to win Manchester City’s first Champions League title as the Premier League champions bid to achieve a ‘treble’ by defeating Inter Milan in Saturday’s final in Istanbul. City, who were beaten 1-0 by Chelsea in their only preview Champions League final appearance in 2021, face three-time European champions Inter having already won the league and FA Cup this season. Victory at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium would see City emulate Manchester United’s achievement in 1999 as the only English club to date to do the treble. Having been hired by City in 2016 to turn City into Champions...
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NEWS

S. Korea falls to Italy in FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinals

 Simone Pafundi of Italy (L) celebrating his goal with his teammates during FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Semi Finals match between Italy and Korea Republic at Estadio La Plata on June 8, 2023 in La Plata, Argentina.South Korea lost to Italy 2-1 in the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Thursday, as they fell one win shy of a second straight trip to the championship match. Simone Pafundi scored a free kick goal to break the deadlock in the 86th minute at La Plata Stadium in La Plata, eastern Argentina. South Korean captain Lee Seung-won had the team’s lone goal on a first-half penalty. Coached by Kim Eun-jung, South Korea will take on Israel in the third-place match, back in La Plata, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday local time, or 2:30 a.m. Monday in Seoul. This was South Korea’s secon...
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