August 2023 – Page 2 – Football Flame

Month: August 2023

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PREMIER LEAGUE

Stones out injured until after International break

 5 JOHN STONES of Manchester City during the team training session ahead of the UEFA Super Cup Final 2023 at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on August 15, 2023, in Piraeus, Greece. Manchester City defender John Stones has been ruled out of action until after the international break, manager Pep Guardiola has confirmed.Stones, 29, suffered a muscle injury in pre-season and missed City's opening two Premier League matches and remained on the bench for their Super Cup win.The next international break is between 4 and 12 September.Stones could miss England's Euro qualifier against Ukraine and a friendly against Scotland next month.He is set to miss City's next two Premier League games against Sheffield United on 27 August and Fulham on 2 September.The club are also without key midfielde...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Bailey stars as Aston Villa trash woeful Everton

 Aston Villa's Scottish midfielder #07 John McGinn (R) scores the opening goal during the English Premier League football match between Aston Villa and Everton at Villa Park in Birmingham, central England, on August 20, 2023. Aston Villa recovered from their opening Premier League thrashing at Newcastle by thumping woeful Everton 4-0 at Villa Park.Unai Emery's Villa were heavily beaten 5-1 last weekend but got their campaign up and running at home with the impressive Leon Bailey having a hand in two goals.Fine work from the fleet-footed winger allowed him to create the opener for skipper John McGinn, who clipped home a first-time finish from close range.The hosts doubled their lead on 24 minutes courtesy of Douglas Luiz's penalty after the referee adjudged Jordan Pickford to have...
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NEWS

Messi scores again as Inter Miami win first trophy

 Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023.Lionel Messi was hailed as the "best in the world" as he scored a 10th goal in seven games to help his Inter Miami side to their first trophy.The 36-year-old Argentinian fired into the top corner from outside the box to give Miami the lead against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.Fafa Picault levelled in the second half to send the game to penalties.Miami sealed a 10-9 shootout win when Drake Callender saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's spot-kick.Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before World Cup-winning forward Messi arrived last...
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LALIGA

Three alternatives for Xavi to replace Raphinha as Barcelona face Cadiz

Coach Xavi Hernandez of FC Barcelona during the La Liga EA Sports match between Getafe v FC Barcelona at the Coliseum Alfonso Perez Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Getafe Spain Barcelona did not have an ideal start to the defense of their La Liga title, as they could only draw their opening match against Getafe. Now the team is looking forward to their second match of the 2023-24 La Liga campaign, as they face Cadiz at the Montjuic. Xavi will have to work without some of his players for this match, as Marcos Alonso and Inaki Pena are unlikely to be registered before this match kicks off. Furthermore, Ronald Araujo also suffered a hamstring injury in training, and is out for around one month. Raphinha to miss the Cadiz match with suspension Xavi will also be missing another player in att...
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NEWS

Spain are Women’s World Cup champions after final win over England

 Olga Carmona of Spain kisses the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy as Spain players celebrate the team's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Spain are Women’s World Cup champions for the first time after securing a 1-0 win over England in Sunday’s final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. England beat Spain in the quarterfinals of the Euros last year on their way to winning the title, but the Spanish gained revenge on the biggest stage of all against the European champions. Both teams were making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup final, with England not prevailing in a men’s tournament since 1966. This was also the first meeting between the t...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Spurs beat Man Utd to earn Postecoglou first win

 Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou on the touchline during the Premier League match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday August 19, 2023. Tottenham secured their first win under the management of Ange Postecoglou and in the post-Harry Kane era with a thrilling and deserved victory over Manchester United.There were pre-match demonstrations against chairman Daniel Levy and owners ENIC, but Postecoglou was given a thunderous reception and once the action got under way Spurs responded with a vivid demonstration of the attacking style that is the Australian's trademark.Spurs and United created chances throughout a sometimes chaotic encounter before the deadlock was broken by Pape Matar Sarr's goal, drilled high into the net from close range four mi...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

March scores two as Brighton win at Wolves

 Solly March of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates with teammate Julio Enciso after scoring the team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brighton & Hove Albion at Molineux on August 19, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. A stunning solo goal from Kaoru Mitoma and a second-half double from Solly March helped Brighton cruise to victory at Wolves and make it two wins from two at the start of the Premier League season.Mitoma collected Pervis Estupinan's pass near the halfway line, slalomed his way through a number of half-hearted challenges and beat the onrushing Jose Sa with a calm finish into the far corner.Wolves had opportunities to restore parity but Fabio Silva was denied by Seagulls goalkeeper Jason Steele before Rayan Ait-Nour...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool Fight back to beat Bournemouth with 10 men

 Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool is shown the red card during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and AFC Bournemouth at Anfield on August 19, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Summer signing Alexis Mac Allister was sent off in his first home match for Liverpool but the Reds still overpowered Bournemouth in a thrilling Premier League match at Anfield.The Cherries, who had already had a goal disallowed because Jaidon Anthony was offside, scored inside three minutes when the Reds gave away possession and Antoine Semenyo fired into the bottom corner.Jurgen Klopp's side eventually got into their stride in a frantic first half and scored twice in an eight-minute period.Luis Diaz got the equaliser when he collected Diogo Jota's low cross, flicked the ball up, spun and volleyed hom...
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BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane scores on Bundesliga debut as Bayern Munich starts with win over Werder Bremen

 Harry Kane of FC Bayern Muenchen  during the Bundesliga match between SV Werder Bremen and FC Bayern München at Wohninvest Weserstadion on August 18, 2023 in Bremen, Germany. England striker Harry Kane admitted he was “nervous” on his Bayern Munich debut, after scoring one and assisting another as his side won 4-0 at Werder Bremen in the season opener on Friday. Kane, who arrived in Germany on Saturday after a 100-million euro (USD 109 million) move from Premier League side Tottenham, assisted on Leroy Sane’s opener just three minutes in, before scoring midway through the second half. Billed as the missing link one year after the German champions lost forward Robert Lewandowski, Kane connected play superbly on his Bundesliga debut, going close several times before his 75th-...
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NEWS

Sweden beat Australia to finish third at World Cup

 Kosovare Asllani and Caroline Seger of Sweden celebrate with their medals at the award ceremony following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Third Place Match match between Sweden and Australia at Brisbane Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Kosovare Asllani's stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women's World Cup.She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo's first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia's best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.Rolfo's penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson's side the lead after a video a...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Ten Hag ‘happy’ Maguire is staying at Man Utd

Harry Maguire, Manager Erik ten Hag, Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United carry the trophy off the plane after the Carabao Cup Final match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium on February 26, 2023 in London, England.Erik ten Hag says he is happy Harry Maguire is staying at Manchester United - and that the defender must now fight for his position in the squad.Maguire, who made eight Premier League starts last season, was set to join West Ham but a £30m move fell through.The England defender, 30, wants to play regularly again, and Dutch manager Ten Hag says he should grab his chance when it arrives."[Maguire] knows what I expect from a centre half. He can do it," he said."He has the abilities to do it, so he has to show it. It's about character, to be convinced t...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Chelsea’s James to miss ‘a few weeks’ with injury

 Reece James of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on August 13, 2023 in London, England.Chelsea captain Reece James is set to miss “a few weeks” after injuring his hamstring in training this week, says manager Mauricio Pochettino. The 23-year-old has started rehabilitation after doctors assessed the injury. James started in Chelsea’s season-opening 1-1 draw with Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday before being substituted in the 77th minute. “It’s a sad moment because he’s our captain,” said Pochettino. “He was so excited and full of energy to be our captain. We are going to assess him day by day. “For sure he’s going to [come back] stronger than he was. It’s a few weeks.” It is the latest blow for the England internation...
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TRANSFERS

Chelsea sign Lavia from Southampton in £58m deal

 Chelsea unveil new signing Romeo Lavia at Chelsea training Ground on August 18, 2023 in Cobham, England.Chelsea have completed the signing of Belgium midfielder Romeo Lavia from Southampton for an initial £53m. The 19-year-old has signed a seven-year contract in a deal which could rise by a further £5m with add-ons. Lavia made 34 appearances in all competitions last season but could not help prevent Saints’ relegation from the Premier League. “I’m really happy join Chelsea and be a part of this exciting project,” said Lavia. “It’s an amazing football club with a great history and I’m really excited to get started. “I can’t wait to meet all my new team-mates and build a chemistry to achieve great things together.” Liverpool were also keen on Lavia, but the Reds had a third bid – belie...
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NEWS

Infantino says ‘women have the power’ to achieve equality in football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco (L) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth / Boorloo, Australia.Fifa president Gianni Infantino said it is women who “have the power to change” football and achieve equality in the game. It has already been a record-breaking Women’s World Cup, with the tournament in Australia and New Zealand setting its highest-ever attendance figures of over two million people as well as drawing booming TV audiences around the globe. The Fifa president also said the World Cup has generated over $570m (£447m) in revenues and has “broke even” financially ahead of Sunday’s final between England and Spain. There remain...
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NEWS

Gutsy Hibs set up Villa tie with draw in Luzern

 Luzern's Pius Dorn (L) and Hibernian's Elie Youan in action during a UEFA Conference League Qualifier between FC Luzern and Hibernian at the Swissporarena, on August 17, 2023, in Lucerne, Switzerland.Hibernian put in a gutsy display to claim a draw away in Luzern and set up a mouth-watering Europa Conference League play-off meeting with Aston Villa. Leading 3-1 from the first leg at Easter Road, Lee Johnson’s side increased their lead early when Elie Youan drove forward and looped a shot into the net. But, backed on by a raucous home crowd which aggressively roared them on, Luzern levelled six minutes later after Lars Villiger tucked away a cutback amid some confusion in the Hibs defence. The Swiss side took firm control from that moment on, finally reducing the aggregate deficit to ...
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BUNDESLIGA

‘Kane will make Bayern team-mates better’ – Tuchel

 Harry Kane of Bayern Muenchen with Coach Thomas Tuchel of Bayern Muenchen during the DFL Supercup 2023 match between FC Bayern München and RB Leipzig at Allianz Arena on August 12, 2023 in Munich, Germany.Thomas Tuchel insists Harry Kane will improve the performances of his Bayern Munich team-mates as the England captain settles into life in Germany.The 30-year-old striker left Tottenham Hotspur after 19 years to move to the Bundesliga champions for an initial 100m euros (£86.4m) plus add-ons.He made his debut in the German Super Cup defeat by RB Leipzig last week."The Harry Kane effect will not evaporate," said Tuchel."[His influence] works on so many levels that you cannot realise because you do not witness it daily.""[He is important] in the changing room, on the pitch, [because o...
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LALIGA

Real Madrid confirm Thibaut Courtois, Eder Militao have both undergone surgery

Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao are playing during the match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid CF, corresponding to the second leg of the Copa del Rey Semi-Finals, being played at the Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, on April 5th, 2023.Real Madrid have revealed that both Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao underwent knee surgeries on Thursday, with Dr. Manuel Leyes performing both operations. Courtois damaged his anterior cruciate ligament during a training session last week, with the Belgium international facing being out for the entire 2023-24 campaign. Militao then tore his ACL during Saturday’s La Liga contest against Athletic Bilbao, with Real Madrid suffering a double blow to two key players. “Our player Eder Militao underwent successful surgery today for a torn anterior cru...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Olise signs new Palace deal amid Chelsea interest

 Michael Olise celebrating during UEFA European Under-21 Championship Group D: Norway U21 vs France U21, disputed on Dr Constanin Radulescu Stadium, 25 June 2023.Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise has signed a new four-year deal with the club amid interest from Chelsea.On Tuesday, it was reported that the Stamford Bridge club had activated a release clause in the region of £35m for the French Under-21 international.But Palace chairman Steve Parish confirmed on Thursday that the London-born 21-year-old would be staying put.Olise joined from Reading on a five-year-deal in 2021 but was in Chelsea's youth system before leaving aged 14.He is currently recovering from a hamstring injury that he picked up playing for France in the European Under-21 Championship, but enjoyed an impressive 20...
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TRANSFERS

Sassuolo wants only cash for Berardi as Juventus faces competition

Domenico Berardi (#10 US Sassuolo) goal celebrate during US Sassuolo Calcio against AC Monza, Serie A, at Mapei Stadium - Citta del Tricolore in Reggio Emilia on May, 19th 2023. Juventus is displaying a strong interest in acquiring Domenico Berardi during this transfer window. Certain reports suggest that he may have already reached an agreement regarding personal terms with Juventus. Berardi, recognised as one of the premier performers in his position within Serie A, has been in the sights of prominent clubs within the league for an extended period. The Bianconeri are enthusiastic about expediting his addition to their roster and there have been indications that they are contemplating incorporating promising young talents into their proposal. Nevertheless, as per a Tuttojuve report, ...
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LALIGA

Barcelona name Deco as sporting director

 Deco of Barcelona in action during the UEFA Super Cup match between Barcelona and Sevilla at the Stade Louis II on August 25, 2006 in Monaco.Former Barcelona midfielder Deco is returning to the club as their new sporting director.The Brazil-born Portugal international, 45, has signed a three-year contract at the Nou Camp.Deco first joined Barcelona from Porto in 2004 and won La Liga twice in four seasons, as well as the 2006 Champions League.Mateu Alemany, Barca's current director of football, will leave when the transfer window closes on 1 September.Barca said Deco will be in charge of their "sporting philosophy" and work closely with manager Xavi and the rest of the coaching staff.The club said they are planning a restructure behind the scenes, with details to be announced in the c...
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