November 2023 – Page 2 – Football Flame

25Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ligue 1

Mbappé scores a penalty as PSG beats Monaco to move four points clear at top

Vitinha of PSG celebrates his goal with Kylian Mbappe during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and AS Monaco (ASM) at Parc des Princes stadium on November 24, 2023 in Paris, France. Star striker Kylian Mbappé scored his 14th league goal of the season as French leader Paris Saint-Germain beat third-place Monaco 5-2 to move four points clear at the top on Friday.Second-place Nice can keep the gap at one point if it beats Toulouse at home on Sunday.After striker Gonçalo Ramos put PSG ahead in the 18th minute, Monaco equalized four minutes later following a mistake from goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.He was under pressure from Monaco forward Folarin Balogun, hesitated, and shot the ball straight at Japan forward Takumi Minamino, who finished confidently ...

25Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Ex-Man City and Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli involved in serious car crash

Balotelli (99) of Yukatel Adanademirspor gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 10 soccer match between Yukatel Adana Demirspor and TUMOSAN Konyaspor at New Adana Stadium in Adana, Turkiye on October 28, 2023. Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been involved in a serious car crash in his native Italy. The 33-year-old totalled his car in a heavy collision in the Italian town of Brescia but managed to walk away from the wreckage without suffering any significant injuries.Local Italian newspaper Fatto Quotidiano reports the crash occurred at 8.30pm on Thursday night in Balotelli's hometown Orzinuovi. The striker was in Italy after being granted leave from Turkish Super Lig club Adana Demispor while he recovers from an injury.He was fortunate to wal...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Ajax midfielder admits he wants to join Real Madrid

Silvano Vos of AFC Ajax runs with the ball during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Group B match between AFC Ajax and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on November 9, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.Real Madrid are arguably the biggest team in world football. They are certainly the most successful when it comes to the Champions League and by some distance, and have had superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale, Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and several others represent them over the years.So, it is only natural that youngsters grow up dreaming of playing for Real Madrid. And it looks like one Ajax player has his eyes on a move to the Spanish capital down the line.Silvano Vos is just 18 years of age and has played a bit of football fo...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

PREMIER LEAGUE

Everton chief calls out Premier League over ‘wholly disproportionate’ points deduction

New Everton Director of Football Kevin Thelwell poses for a photo at Finch Farm on March 04, 2022 in Halewood, England. Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, says the club is united by a sense of injustice following the 10-point deduction for breaking Premier League spending rules.Everton have dropped to second bottom in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s visit of Manchester United, and have indicated they will appeal the penalty handed down by an independent commission.Thelwell echoed the views of the club’s acting chief executive, Colin Chong, in arguing the decision was too harsh.“Colin’s video message last Friday echoed my views and the sentiment of everybody here at Finch Farm. We are shocked by what we believe is a wholly disproportionate and unjust rulin...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Stephen Kenny sacked as Ireland manager after failure to qualify for Euro 2024

Dublin , Ireland - 21 November 2023; Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny before the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have announced that they will not renew the contract of current Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.It followed a meeting on Wednesday evening and a presentation to the Board by chief executive Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham.His departure comes following Ireland’s disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, where the team missed out on a spot in next year’s finals in Germany.Their qualification run came to a close on Saturday after being beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands in Amsterdam and as a result finished fourth in the Group B sta...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Germany lose in Austria as Nagelsmann woe continues

Julian Nagelsmann, Manager of Germany, looks on prior to the international friendly match between Austria and Germany at Ernst Happel Stadion on November 21, 2023 in Vienna, Austria. Germany were beaten by Austria to suffer a second straight defeat as Julian Nagelsmann's reign continues to get off to a difficult start.The ex-Bayern Munich manager won his opening game against the USA before a draw with Mexico and defeat by Turkey.The 36-year-old replaced Hansi Flick in September on a contract until July 2024, after Germany host Euro 2024.Marcel Sabitzer put Ralf Rangnick's Austria ahead, before Christoph Baumgartner sealed the win.Germany were also reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane was sent off for pushing Phillipp Mwene over after...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

France’s perfect qualifying ended by Greece draw

France's forward #12 Randal Kolo Muani (L) fights for the ball with Greece's defender #15 Lazaros Rota (R) during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B second leg qualifying football match between Greece and France at the Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens on November 21, 2023. France finished Euro 2024 qualifying with seven wins from eight after drawing 2-2 with Greece.Paris St-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani fired into the roof of the net to give France the lead in Athens.But Anastasios Bakasetas equalised for Greece with a 20-yard volley, before Fotis Ioannidis guided home a cross.That forced boss Didier Deschamps to turn to his bench, with Kylian Mbappe coming on to set Youssouf Fofana up for their equaliser with 16 minutes left.The visitors, who had already qualified, thought they had fo...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Croatia secure final automatic Euro 2024 spot

Borna Sosa and Ante Budimir of Croatia celebrate after scoring first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Croatia and Armenia at Stadion Maksimir on November 21, 2023 in Zagreb, Croatia. Croatia became the final team to automatically secure their place at Euro 2024 with victory over Armenia.The result means they finish second, behind Turkey, in Group D, and send Wales into the play-offs.It was threatening to be a frustrating night for Croatia but Ante Budimir met Borna Sosa's cross to secure the win.It means they continue their record of qualifying for every European Championship since 2004 and every major tournament since 2010.They went into the game knowing they needed to at least match Wales' result against Turkey to qualify but quickly found themse...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Republic held by New Zealand as McClean retires

Adam Idah of Republic of Ireland scores the team's first goal during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.The Republic of Ireland failed to end a disappointing year on a high as they were held by New Zealand on a night when James McClean brought down the curtain on his international career.Adam Idah's 28th-minute strike put the Republic in the driving seat at the break in the Dublin friendly.But New Zealand hit back through Matthew Garbett just before the hour.McClean then bid farewell to the Irish fans in what may also prove to be Stephen Kenny's final match in charge.Kenny's contract is up, with the Dubliner's fate expected to be decided at next week's Football Association of Ireland bo...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

World Cup qualifiers: Nothing to lose, Igor Stimac’s India ready ‘to go for it’ against Qatar

India's football coach Igor Stimac (L) gestures during the men's round of 16 football match between India and Saudi Arabia in the 2022 Asian Games at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 28, 2023.Igor Stimac, head coach of India’s national football team, was in a relaxed mood on the eve of the Group A match of the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier against Qatar scheduled to be held at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.“This is a match where we have nothing to lose and a hell of a lot to gain. Obviously, we will go for it,” he said at the pre-match news conference on Monday.This was after rival coach and journeyman Carlos Queiroz, during his interaction with the media, heaped praise on India’s improvement in the ...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to host final for 2024 Copa América

View of Conmebol's new logo for the Copa America 2024 during the press conference to present it in Luque, Paraguay on July 17, 2023. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was awarded the 2024 Copa América opener and South Florida's Hard Rock Stadium will host the final of the tournament, held outside of its home continent for only the second timeA joint announcement was made Monday by soccer's governing bodies of South America and of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Other sites and the schedule for the 16-team tournament were not revealed.The tournament is set to begin on June 20 at 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Major League Soccer's Atlanta United has set numerous attendance records. Defending Copa América champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will presumab...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Northern Ireland end poor Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with Denmark win

Northern Ireland's midfielder #14 Isaac Price (2L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group H qualifying football match between Northern Ireland and Denmark at Windsor Park stadium, in Belfast, on November 20, 2023.Northern Ireland saved their best until last as they ended a miserable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high note with a 2-0 win over Group H winners Denmark.Second-half goals from Isaac Price and Dion Charles got Windsor Park roaring again as Northern Ireland recorded only their third win of the year, and the first against anyone other than San Marino.The match was effectively a dead rubber - Northern Ireland's hopes of progressing to Euro 2024 were over by the summer while Denmark booked their ticket with a 2-1 win over Slovenia on Friday nig...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Gareth Southgate hails Rico Lewis after strong England debut in North Macedonia

England's Rico Lewis shakes hands with manager Gareth Southgate after the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Group C match at Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje, North Macedonia. Picture date: Monday November 20, 2023. Gareth Southgate praised Rico Lewis after the teenage debutant bounced back from a contentious penalty call made against him during an impressive first England appearance away to North Macedonia.An unbeaten year that started with victory in Italy ended with a 1-1 draw away in chilly Skopje as the Euro 2020 runners-up rubberstamped their place among the top seeds for next year’s finals.Monday’s trip to Skopje represented England’s final match on foreign soil before Euro 2024 gets under way in June, and Southgate’s side had to dig deep after falling behind to a team they...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Wales set for night of nerves against Turkey

Head coach Robert John Page (C) of Wales attends a training session ahead of the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) Qualifier Group D match between Wales and Turkiye in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom on November 20, 2023. Wales host Turkey in their final Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday night knowing their dreams of a direct route to next summer's finals will be decided both in Cardiff and Croatia.Wales' 1-1 draw in Armenia on Saturday saw them lose control of their own destiny in Group D.It means Rob Page's side must beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff and hope Croatia drop points at home to Armenia in Zagreb.Should a sellout Cardiff City Stadium crowd not get the two results they desire to reach the finals in Germany, Wales do have the relative luxury of being assured o...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Defending champions Italy qualify for Euro 2024 after goalless Ukraine draw

20 November 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Leverkusen: Soccer: European Championship qualifier, Ukraine - Italy, group stage, Group C, match day 10, in the BayArena. Ruslan Malinovskyi (l) from Ukraine and Italy's Bryan Cristante (M) and Gianluca Scamacca (r) fight for the ball. Defending European champions Italy qualified for Euro 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine in Germany.The point ensured Italy finished second in Group C, level on 14 points with third-placed Ukraine but with a better head-to-head record after a tense affair that could have gone either way.Ukraine, who have never beaten Italy, had strong claims for a stoppage-time penalty after Bryan Cristante's clumsy challenge on Mykhailo Mudryk but nothing was given.Ukraine can still book a spot at a fourth consec...

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Portugal beat Iceland to secure 100% record

Portugal players celebrate after the second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Iceland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 19, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.Portugal ended their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with 10 wins out of 10 as Bruno Fernandes set them on the way to victory over Iceland.The Manchester United captain fired a shot into the bottom corner from Bernardo Silva's flick in a game which the 2016 European champions controlled.Ricardo Horta added a second after Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was saved.Portugal have won every match they have played in 2023 after appointing Roberto Martinez in January.France are the only other team who could finish qualifying with a 100% record, provided they win in Greece on Tuesday.

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Euro 2024 qualifiers: Lukaku scores four in Belgium win

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates after scoring his teams second goal, Leandro Trossard of Belgium, Aster Vranckx of Belgium, Timothy Castagne of Belgium, Arthur Theate of Belgium during the Group F - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers match between Belgium and Azerbaijan at King Baudouin Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.Romelu Lukaku scored four first-half goals as Belgium thrashed 10-man Azerbaijan in Euro 2024 qualifying.The 30-year-old now has 83 goals in 113 Belgium games, making him the seventh-highest scorer in men's international football history.He headed in Jeremy Doku's cross before Eddy Israfilov was sent off, then smashed in a second from Timothy Castagne's knock down, nodded in Wout Faes' cross, and scored from Orel Mangala's ball, all before being re...

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona reportedly determined to make Joao Cancelo deal permanent

Joao Cancelo of Fc Barcelona celebrates a goal during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Real Betis at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Company on September 16, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain.Barcelona are reportedly determined to sign Manchester City's Joao Cancelo on a permanent deal following the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.The right-back is spending this season with Xavi's side after securing a loan switch from Pep Guardiola's Citizens on the final day of the summer transfer window.Cancelo has been a regular figure for Barca so far as they challenge Real Madrid and surprise package Girona for the La Liga title, starting nine league matches.The 29-year-old is also a key cog for his national side, playing 87 minutes in each of Portugal's Euro...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

LALIGA

Barcelona sensation Gavi breaks down in tears as he hobbles out of Spain Euros qualifier

Pablo Gavi of Spain reacts after injury during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Spain and Georgia at Jose Zorrilla on November 19, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. Barcelona wonderkid Gavi was left in floods of tears after suffering a serious injury while on Spain duty.The talented playmaker appeared to jar his knee badly as he brought the ball down during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia without another player anywhere near him. Gavi seemed to know it was serious straight away, wincing in pain and then tearing up as he was treated and hobblied off the field.A spokesperson for the Spanish Football Federation told ESPN that the 19-year-old had suffered a “significant knee injury”. He will reportedly undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury on Monday.Lat...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

SERIE A

Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirms talks over Milan return

Zlatan Ibrahimovic of AC Milan looks dejected during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 04, 2023 in Florence, Italy.Former Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that he has held talks with Milan over a role at the club.The Swede had retired from the game at the end of the previous season, bidding a tearful farewell to the sport. But he has been linked with a return to the club in a management capacity, with the Swede expected to be the Rossoneri’s external consultant.Talks have been held regarding his return to the club and the former striker confirmed it. Zlatan spoke to Sky Italia (via TMW) when he was attending the Grand Prix in Las Vegas and he was asked about the return to his former club and talks with Geoffrey Monc...