2023 – Page 25 – Football Flame
Latest Football News

Year: 2023

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NEWS

Messi scores again as Miami reach Leagues Cup final

 Josef Martínez #17 of Inter Miami CF celebrates his goal with Lionel Messi #10 and Jordi Alba #18 in the first half during the Leagues Cup 2023 semifinals match between Inter Miami CF and Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on August 15, 2023 in Chester, Pennsylvania. Lionel Messi shrugged off an injury scare to score his ninth goal in six games as Inter Miami beat Philadelphia Union to reach the Leagues Cup final. The Argentine World Cup winner scored Miami’s second goal in a 4-1 victory, a day after rolling his ankle in training. Josef Martinez, Jordi Alba and David Ruiz scored for Miami, with Alejandro Bedoya on target for the hosts. Miami will now play Nashville SC in Saturday’s final (Sunday, 02:00 BST). The result also means Miami qualify for the Concacaf Champions Cup regional t...
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TRANSFERS

Neymar Complete to Al-Hilal move from PSG

 Paris Saint-Germain's Neymar controls the ball during a friendly football match against Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, at the Asiad Main Stadium in Busan on August 3, 2023.Brazil forward Neymar has joined Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal from French champions Paris St-Germain. The deal for the former Barcelona player is understood to be worth about 90m euros (£77.6m) plus add-ons. Neymar, who joined PSG for a world-record fee of £200m in 2017, was left out of their squad for Saturday’s Ligue 1 draw against Lorient. The 31-year-old was not part of coach Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season. His exit also fits PSG’s strategy of moving away from the ‘Galacticos’ era of signing high-profile players for big fees and significant wages, with Lionel Messi also leaving the club earlier this summer....
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NEWS

England & Australia prepare for epic semi-final

 Head Coach Tony Gustavsson (L) and Mackenzie Arnold (R) of Australia speak to the media in an Australia Matildas press conference during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Stadium Australia on August 15, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England and Australia are both hoping to make history by reaching the Women’s World Cup final for the first time when they meet in Sydney on Wednesday. Australia boss Tony Gustavsson, whose side progressed to the last four with an epic penalty shootout win over France, says the co-hosts “are on a mission – they are not done yet”. The Matildas had never advanced beyond the quarter-finals before this tournament, while European champions England are playing in their third successive World Cup semi-final. “You can never take anything...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

De Bruyne to miss up to four months of season

 Kevin De Bruyne of Manchester City leaves the pitch with an injury during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Manchester City at Turf Moor on August 11, 2023 in Burnley, England.Kevin de Bruyne could miss the next four months of the season as Manchester City decide whether he needs surgery on a hamstring injury, manager Pep Guardiola says.The 32-year-old limped off after 23 minutes in City's opening win against Burnley at Turf Moor on Friday.De Bruyne also went off injured during the Champions League final win over Inter Milan in June."It's a serious injury," said Guardiola.The Belgium international missed all of City's pre-season matches and returned as a second-half substitute in the Community Shield defeat by Arsenal."We have to decide if he needs surgery or no surgery...
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NEWS

Spain beat Sweden in dramatic finish to reach final

 Johanna Kaneryd of Sweden and Olga Carmona of Spain compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Semi Final match between Spain and Sweden at Eden Park on August 15, 2023 in Auckland, New Zealand.Spain beat Sweden in a thrilling finish to reach their first Women's World Cup final.Captain Olga Carmona scored an 89th-minute winner to spark wild scenes of jubilation among their supporters at Eden Park, Auckland.Sweden - who have now lost back-to-back World Cup semi-finals - had equalised through Rebecka Blomqvist just 93 seconds earlier and it looked like the match would be going to extra time.A game of few chances had sparked into life when substitute Salma Paralluelo, 19, gave Spain the lead with just 10 minutes remaining.They will face Engla...
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Neymar Still Wants FC Barcelona Return — Now Or After Al-Hilal Contract: Reports

 Neymar is seen in attendance during Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar still isn’t giving up hope of returning to FC Barcelona on the cusp of his expected transfer to Al-Hilal, according to L’Equipe. The Brazilian should complete his move sometime this week, after his current employers accepted an offer from the Saudis with whom he agreed personal terms at the weekend. Neymar has remained the subject of the world transfer record since 2017 when PSG triggered his €222 million ($243 million) release clause that summer. Six years on, the Qatari-owned Ligue 1 giants will receive €90 million ($100 million) for the forward who had a contract to run until mid...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Varane heads winner as Man Utd edge out Wolves

Manchester United player Raphael Varane in action during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Old Trafford on August 14, 2023 in Manchester, England. Raphael Varane scored the winner 14 minutes from time as Manchester United gained a fortunate win against Wolves in their opening game of the new Premier League season.Erik ten Hag's side hardly created a chance of note until Bruno Fernandes found Aaron Wan-Bissaka with a superb pass inside the area.The right-back calmly lifted the bouncing ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where Varane used his height to get above Nelson Semedo and head home.It was extremely harsh on Wolves, who made light of last week's change of manager to produce a superb performance in Gary O'Neil's first game in char...
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Chelsea sign Brighton’s Caicedo for initial £100m

 Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Manchester City at American Express Community Stadium on May 24, 2023 in Brighton, England. Chelsea have completed the signing of Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for £100m which could rise to a British record fee of £115m. Liverpool agreed a £111m move for the 21-year-old Ecuador player on Friday. But Caicedo’s preference was Chelsea and they finally succeeded with a bid on Sunday evening after having a succession of offers rejected. “I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club,” Caicedo said. “It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team.” It is understood the initial...
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TRANSFERS

Al-Hilal agree deal with PSG for Neymar

 Neymar looks on during Game Three of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat on June 7, 2023 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.Paris St-Germain have agreed a deal to sell Brazil forward Neymar to Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal for about 90m euros (£77.6m) plus add-ons. The transfer is subject to the 31-year-old completing a medical and all necessary paperwork. Neymar, who joined PSG for a world-record fee of £200m in 2017, was left out of their squad for the Ligue 1 draw against Lorient on Saturday. He was not part of coach Luis Enrique’s plans for the new season. His exit also fits PSG’s strategy of moving away from the ‘Galacticos’ era of signing high-profile players for big fees and significant wages, with Lionel Messi also leaving the club earlier this ...
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Chelsea agree British record £115m deal for Caicedo

 Moises Caicedo of Brighton & Hove Albion looks on during the Premier League Summer Series match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at Red Bull Arena on July 28, 2023 in Harrison, New Jersey.Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo for a British record fee of £115m.Liverpool agreed a £111m deal for the 21-year-old Ecuador player on Friday.But Caicedo's preference is Chelsea and they have finally succeeded with a bid after having a succession of proposals rejected by Brighton this summer.The fee means Chelsea will break the British record twice in 2023, following the £107m purchase of Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez in January.Caicedo, who was left out of Brighton's squad for their season-opening win at home to Luton Town, is st...
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BUNDESLIGA

Harry Kane says he joined Bayern Munich to win titles

 Harry Kane of FC Bayern München adjusts an earpiece as he listens to live translations of questions from the local media as he speaks during an official press conference announcing his signing with the club at Presse Club of Allianz Arena on August 13, 2023 in Munich, Germany. The English National forward signed a contract with the club until 2027. The 30-year-old Kane, who joined on a four-year deal on Saturday (Aug 12) for a reported 100 million euros (S$148.10 million) plus add-ons, made his debut only hours later as a second-half substitute in Bayern’s 3-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup. Despite a stellar scoring record he has failed to win any domestic or international titles with Spurs. “In my career I wanted to keep improving, pushing myself and see how far th...
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LALIGA

Barcelona held by Getafe in feisty clash with three red cards

 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 endured a frustrating evening in their LaLiga season opener with a 0-0 draw in a feisty affair at Getafe marked by several bookings and three red cards on Sunday, including the dismissal of visiting manager Xavi Hernandez. Champions Barca were dominating the match early on under the scorching heat of south Madrid, with Brazil winger Raphinha the main threat to the home side’s defence by running the right channel and creating several opportunities. He almost helped the visitors open the scoring in the 36th minute when goalkeeper David Soria blocked his close-range strike back onto a team mate and the ba...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Disasi earns point for Chelsea against Liverpool

 Axel Disasi of Chelsea and Darwin Nunez of Liverpool battle for possession during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Liverpool FC at Stamford Bridge on August 13, 2023 in London, England.Chelsea and Liverpool played out a thrilling draw at Stamford Bridge as both sides delivered a prime example of why they are doing battle over £110m Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.Liverpool agreed a British record deal for Caicedo but the player's preference means he is likely to complete a move to Chelsea.A highly entertaining encounter showcased the attacking quality of both sides while the defensive deficiencies illustrated why Caicedo has become a prized target.Liverpool dominated the early stages, Mohamed Salah striking the bar before the Egypt forward delivered a stunning pass ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Royal earns Tottenham point at Brentford

 Rico Henry of Brentford battles for possession with Emerson Royal and Oliver Skipp of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Tottenham Hotspur at Gtech Community Stadium on August 13, 2023 in Brentford, England.Tottenham began life after Harry Kane with an entertaining draw against Brentford on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.Kane's move from his boyhood club to Bayern Munich was confirmed on Saturday, and goals from Christian Romero and Emerson Royal earned new Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou a point on Sunday.Brentford, who began the league campaign without talisman Ivan Toney, had taken the lead through Yoane Wissa after Bryan Mbeumo's penalty cancelled out Romero's opener.Spurs have now failed to win on their three visits to the...
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LALIGA

Real’s Militao joins Courtois in injuring ACL

 Eder Militao of Real Madrid CF leaves injured on the pitch during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Real Madrid CF at Estadio de San Mames on August 12, 2023 in Bilbao, Spain.Real Madrid defender Eder Militao injured an anterior cruciate ligament in the 2-0 win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.The Brazilian, 25, is the second Real player to sustain the same injury this week, following goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Thursday.Militao was forced off early in the game after hyperextending his left knee.The club said he will "undergo surgery in the coming days".England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored his first goal for Real against Bilbao following his summer move from Borussia Dortmund.The injury to Militao has left manager Carlo Ancelotti with just three fit centre-...
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NEWS

Mancini resigns as Italy boss after five-year reign

 Coach Roberto Mancini of Italy gestures during the Netherlands v Italy - UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at the FC Twente Stadion on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Roberto Mancini has resigned as manager of Italy after five years in charge.The Italian, 58, took charge of the team after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and led them to victory at Euro 2020, beating England on penalties in the final at Wembley.The team went on a world record 37-game unbeaten run but then failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.Mancini's successor will be named "in the next few days"."The Italian Football Federation announces that it has taken note of the resignation of Roberto Mancini from the position of coach of the Italian national tea...
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Ligue 1

Mbappe back in training and likely to stay at PSG

 Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain FC looks on from the stand during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Lorient at Parc des Princes on August 12, 2023 in Paris, France.Paris St-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has returned to first-team training and is likely to stay at the French champions this summer.The France forward, 24, had not been training with the first-team squad and was left out of PSG's 0-0 season opener with Lorient on Saturday.He has been in a contract stand-off amid a desire to join Real Madrid but could now extend his contract at PSG.PSG said Mbappe was reinstated after "very constructive and positive" talks.The France captain watched the game on Saturday from the stands with France team-mate Ousmane Dembele, who joined PSG from Barcelona fo...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Superb Saka strike helps Arsenal to win over Forest

 Bukayo Saka of Arsenal celebrates with teammate Eddie Nketiah after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Nottingham Forest at Emirates Stadium on August 12, 2023 in London, England.Bukayo Saka's superb first-half strike helped Arsenal begin their Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on the opening weekend.The 21-year-old England forward added to Eddie Nketiah's 26th minute opener with a curling effort from outside the area that nestled itself into the top left corner of the Forest net, well past the reach of former Gunners keeper Matt Turner.But last season's Premier League runners-up had to survive a late charge by Forest after substitute Taiwo Awoniyi clawed a goal back in the 83rd minute.The game had been de...
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NEWS

England book semi-final with co-hosts Australia

 Lauren Hemp of England and Lorena Bedoya Durango of Colombia compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Quarter Final match between England and Colombia at Stadium Australia on August 12, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England set up a Women's World Cup semi-final with co-hosts Australia as they came from behind against a dangerous Colombia side.The European champions, favourites to go all the way in Australia, have not played their best football in the tournament but this was a much more rounded display in front of a hostile crowd in Sydney.Largely composed in defence and hard-working in attack, the Lionesses were rewarded with two slices of luck which they capitalised on, after goalkeeper Mary Earps had been beaten by a quick-thinking l...
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PSG sign Dembele from Barcelona for £43.5m

 Ousmane Dembele looks on during a Paris Saint-Germain training session after signing his 5 year contract at Campus PSG on August 12, 2023 in Paris, France.Paris St-Germain have signed France forward Ousmane Dembele from Barcelona for £43.5m (50.4m euros).Dembele, 26, joined Barcelona from Borussia Dortmund for £135m in 2017 and scored 40 goals in 185 games, winning three La Liga titles.The 2018 World Cup winner has signed a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 champions."I am very happy to join Paris St-Germain and can't wait to play in my new colours," said Dembele."I hope I can continue to grow here and make all the club's fans proud."Dembele, who also won the Copa del Rey twice, signed a new two-year contract at Barcelona last year.Barca coach Xavi confirmed earlier this month that...
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