February 2024 – Page 4 – Football Flame

Month: February 2024

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BUNDESLIGA

Bayern Munich captain Manuel Neuer in doubt for crunch Bayer Leverkusen clash

 Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer of FC Bayern München warms up ahead of the Bundesliga match between FC Bayern München and Borussia Mönchengladbach at Allianz Arena on February 3, 2024 in Munich, Germany.Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel on Friday confirmed captain Manuel Neuer was in doubt for Saturday's trip to league leaders Bayer Leverkusen as he battles to recover from a knee injury. Neuer has not trained with the team this week and was only able to complete an individual session on Thursday. "Manu will try and take part in the goalkeeper training today. It's Manu so we'll give him until Saturday at 5pm to tell us if he's OK," Tuchel told reporters.Bayern face Xabi Alonso's unbeaten Leverkusen, who sit two points ahead of the German champions atop the Bundesliga table, at 1730GMT on...
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NEWS

Haller bids to cap remarkable return in Afcon final

 Sebastien Haller of Ivory Coast during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match between Ivory Coast and DR Congo at Olympic Stadium of Ebimpe on February 7, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.When Sebastien Haller scored the goal which sent Ivory Coast through to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, the striker kept alive the Elephants' chances of what had seemed an unlikely triumph and wrote another chapter in his own remarkable story.Having been on the brink of a group-stage exit and then making dramatic progress to the last four, the West Africans are now one game away from their third continental title."We knew we had the potential to succeed and go far in the competition," Haller said after netting the winner against DR Congo on Wednesday."The quality on th...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool have easy transfer decision to make after latest Jurgen Klopp setback

 Jurgen Klopp during a training session at AXA Training Centre on February 08, 2024 in Kirkby, England.Liverpool will have a simple decision to make when it comes to trimming their squad in the summer as they prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp. The German manager will leave Anfield at the end of the season, meaning a new face will be in the dugout later this year with Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi among the early favourites.Whoever is appointed to replace Klopp at Liverpool will need to get things right in the summer window, with the Reds still very much in a rebuilding phase following a number of high-profile exits last year. One of the first tasks facing their new manager will be to trim the deadwood from their squad, which could see Thiago Alcantara given the boot after four ...
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NEWS

Italy and France drawn together in UEFA Nations League

 A detailed view of the results of the draw of Groups 1,2,3 and 4 of League A after the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League Phase Draw at Maison De La Mutualite on February 08, 2024 in Paris, France. Euro 2020 winners Italy and 2022 World Cup finalists France have been drawn together in the UEFA Nations League group stage.The draw on Thursday, held in Paris, brought the two powerhouses together in group 2 in league A, which also includes Belgium and Israel.Germany and Hungary, who will face each other in the group stage of Euro 2024, were drawn together again, and they will also face Netherlands and Bosnia in Group 3.Spain, winners of the last edition, will take on Denmark, Switzerland and Serbia in group 4.For the first time, there will be a quarter-final stage of the Nations Lea...
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TRANSFERS

Lingard signs for South Korean side FC Seoul

 Jesse Lingard of Nottingham Forest arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Arsenal FC at City Ground on May 20, 2023 in Nottingham, England. Former Manchester United and England midfielder Jesse Lingard has completed a move to South Korean side FC Seoul.Lingard has been without a club since his contract expired at Nottingham Forest at the end of last season.It is understood the 31-year-old has signed a two-year deal with the K-League club, with the option for a further year.Lingard said he had received "many offers" but had decided he wanted a new football experience in South Korea.Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast"I've always wanted a different challenge and to create new memories in my career," Lingard said in a YouTube ...
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NEWS

Ivory Coast’s Haller sets up final against Nigeria

 Ivory Coast's forward #22 Sebastien Haller (CR) celebrates with Ivory Coast's midfielder #4 Jean Michael Seri (CL) after scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Ivory Coast and Democratic Repuplic of Congo at Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan on February 7, 2024.Sebastien Haller scored the winner as 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast beat DR Congo to set up a final meeting with Nigeria.The only goal of a cagey contest in Abidjan came in the 65th minute when Haller's volley bounced down into the ground and up over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.The Borussia Dortmund striker should have opened the scoring just before the break with an unmarked header, while he also missed a chance to doub...
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NEWS

Nigeria defeat South Africa, qualify for AFCON final

 Nigeria's forward #9 Victor Osimhen (C) and teammates celebrate the victory at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 semi-final football match between Nigeria and South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on February 7, 2024.Nigeria’s Super Eagles have qualified for the final of the African Cup of Nations after defeating South Africa in Wednesday’s semi-final clash.The match was decided on penalties after 120 minutes of football ended 1-1.The Super Eagles scored four of their penalties while Bafana Bafana missed two of theirs.This is the first AfCON final for the Super Eagles in 11 years.Want to know more about football flame check our article 
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Son Heung-min could return for Spurs against Brighton after Asian Cup exit

 Son Heung-Min of South Korea reacts during the AFC Asian Cup semi final match between Jordan and South Korea at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on February 06, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.Son Heung-min will report to Tottenham’s training ground on Thursday after South Korea’s shock Asian Cup semi-final loss to Jordan and will be assessed before his club’s Premier League game at home to Brighton on Saturday.Son was devastated by his nation’s 2-0 defeat on Tuesday, not least because they had been so heavily fancied to progress to Saturday’s final; South Korea are ranked 23rd in the world, 64 places above Jordan.It was a wild tournament for South Korea, marked by dramatic late goals that earned them a reputation for “zombie football”. After a 3-1 win over Bahrain in the opening group game, they scored cr...
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NEWS

Aubameyang: Klopp would be “incredible”, Barça fans should “trust Xavi”

 Pierre-Emerick AUBAMEYANG of Olympique de Marseille during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between Olympique Lyonnais and Olympique de Marseille at Groupama Stadium on February 4, 2024 in Lyon, France.Even though his time in Catalonia only lasted over six months, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will always be a Barcelona fan favorite. The Gabon international had a very productive time as the Blaugrana’s top striker before his departure in the summer of 2022, and he’s still very much in tune with what’s going on at the club.He recently spoke to Gerard Romero and was asked about the search for a managerial replacement for Xavi, who’s leaving at the end of the season. Barça’s dream is Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who’s also departing his current club in the summer. Klopp coached Aubameyang at Bor...
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NEWS

Mallorca, Sociedad can’t be separated in Copa del Rey

 Javier Galan (L) of Real Sociedad competes for the ball with Abdon Prats of RCD Mallorca during the Copa Del Rey Semi Final Leg One match between RCD Mallorca and Real Sociedad at Estadi de Son Moix on February 06, 2024 in Mallorca, Spain. Real Mallorca and Real Sociedad have cancelled each other out in a cagey 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final at a packed Son Moix stadium.Visiting Sociedad had the better of the few clear-cut chances, with Umar Sadiq somehow failing to score from point-blank range in a second half with marginally more incident than the first.Mallorca talisman Abdon Prats went closest for the islanders with a volley midway through the opening period and another low shot just off target early in the second half.Socieded will be favourites ...
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NEWS

Jordan stun South Korea to reach Asian Cup final

 Mousa Tamari of Jordan celebrate after scoring his team's second goal during the AFC Asian Cup semi final match between Jordan and South Korea at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on February 6, 2024 in Doha, Qatar.Mousa Tamari scored a brilliant curling strike to stun two-time winners South Korea and send Jordan to their first Asian Cup final.Yazan Al-Naimat put Jordan ahead at the start of the second half with a clever dink, before Tamari doubled their lead with a superb solo effort.Jordan had never gone beyond the quarter-finals before this year's tournament.They will face hosts Qatar or Iran in Saturday's final.With Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae absent through suspension, South Korea's defence struggled to cope with a high-pressing Jordan side in the opening half.Son Heung-min found the back o...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

I’ve had ‘good texts’ from Chelsea owners – Pochettino

 Mauricio Pochettino, Manager of Chelsea FC looks on ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge on February 04, 2024 in London, England. Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino said he has received "good texts" from the club's owners amid pressure on him following back-to-back defeats.The Blues dropped to 11th in the Premier League on Sunday after a 4-2 home loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers.Chelsea have spent more than £1bn on transfers since Todd Boehly's takeover in May 2022 and have won just nine Premier League games this season."I think we are all together in this and that's important," Pochettino said."I received very good texts from [the owners]," he added. "Of course I am in contact with them and the sporting director eve...
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SERIE A

Paulo Dybala fires Roma to third straight win under Daniele De Rossi

Paulo Dybala of AS Roma celebrates after scoring his team's second goal with his teammate Romelu Lukaku and Lorenzo Pellegrini during the Serie A TIM match between AS Roma and Cagliari at Stadio Olimpico on February 05, 2024 in Rome, Italy. Paulo Dybala scored twice as Roma eased to a 4-0 thumping of Cagliari at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday to notch a third straight Serie A win under Daniele De Rossi. The capital club, who sacked former coach Jose Mourinho last month, moved back within one point of fourth-placed Atalanta in the Italian top flight table to boost their Champions League hopes. De Rossi's only previous role as a head coach came at SPAL in Serie B. Previous 2-1 wins over struggling Verona and bottom club Salernitana had steadied the ship, but this was an even better ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Foden hat-trick at Brentford lifts Man City second

 Phil Foden of Manchester City celebrates after scoring his side's second goal during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Manchester City at Brentford Community Stadium on February 05, 2024 in Brentford, England. Manchester City moved menacingly into second place in the Premier League, two points behind leaders Liverpool, as Phil Foden's hat-trick was the catalyst for a convincing win at Brentford.The hosts actually took the lead through Neal Maupay's breakaway goal in the 21st minute, but it took a heroic performance from Bees keeper Mark Flekken to keep the reigning champions at bay with a string of stunning saves until Foden struck in first-half stoppage time.Foden's goal gave City the added momentum they needed and he grabbed his second eight minutes after the b...
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LALIGA

Barcelona respond to Jurgen Klopp link as Xavi’s replacement

 Jurgen Klopp Manager of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Liverpool FC at Emirates Stadium on February 04, 2024 in London, England.Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has described Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp as a ‘great coach’ as the Spanish champions begin their search to replace Xavi.Last month, Xavi announced that he will step down as Barcelona’s head coach at the end of the season, giving the club several months to find his successor.Klopp, meanwhile, has also confirmed he will be leaving Liverpool this summer after nine years at Anfield.Despite insisting that he will take a year out of football, Klopp has already been linked with a move to Camp Nou this summer.When asked about a potential move for the Liverpool manager, Deco told La Vanguardia...
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TRANSFERS

Report: Kylian Mbappe move to Real Madrid hits snag over wage demands

 Kylian Mbappe #7 of Paris Saint-Germain controls the ball during the Ligue 1 Uber Eats match between RC Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade de la Meinau on February 2, 2024 in Strasbourg, France.Kylian Mbappe's proposed move from Paris Saint-Germain to Real Madrid has reportedly stalled due to the Frenchman's extortionate wage demands.Last week, the prolonged saga surrounding the 25-year-old's future saw its biggest development yet, as it was reported that he had finally agreed a switch to the Bernabeu for the 2024-25 season.Mbappe is in the final six months of his PSG deal - meaning that the French champions stand to lose him for nothing at the end of the season - and is therefore allowed to talk to foreign clubs to negotiate a pre-contract agreement.PSG have supposedly not ...
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LALIGA

Barca ease past Alaves despite ‘unfair’ Roque red

 Robert Lewandowski of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves and FC Barcelona at Estadio de Mendizorroza on February 03, 2024 in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain. The champions, third, took the lead through Robert Lewandowski in the first half and doubled their advantage when Ilkay Gundogan volleyed home soon after the break.Samu Omorodion pulled a goal back for the hosts before 18-year-old striker Roque pounced and a few minutes later was harshly dismissed.Barcelona´s victory helps them cut the gap on league leaders Real Madrid to seven points before Los Blancos face Atletico Madrid in a derby clash Sunday.They have won both of their matches since Xavi announced last weekend he would leave the club at the end of th...
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SERIE A

Inter Milan secure narrow win over Juventus in Serie A

 Federico Gatti of Juventus during the Serie A TIM match between FC Internazionale and Juventus at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on February 4, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Inter Milan claimed a narrow win over Juventus on matchday 23 of the Italian Serie A on Sunday.Juventus defender Federico Gatti's 37th-minute own goal brought victory to the Nerazzurri, while neither team was able to produce a goal in the second half at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.Inter Milan, who have a game in hand, are atop the Serie A table, four points ahead of second-place Juventus, who have collected 53 points.Want to know more about football flame check out our article 
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Hudson-Odoi earns Forest draw at Bournemouth

 Neto of AFC Bournemouth fails to save a shot from Callum Hudson-Odoi of Nottingham Forest (not pictured), resulting in Nottingham Forest's first goal during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest at Vitality Stadium on February 04, 2024 in Bournemouth, England. Callum Hudson-Odoi's sublime strike earned Nottingham Forest a much-needed Premier League point at Bournemouth.The hosts took the lead after five minutes when Justin Kluivert prodded in at the near post from a corner.But Hudson-Odoi equalised just before the break, beating Ryan Christie and Illia Zabarnyi before bending a right-footed effort into the bottom corner.Bournemouth ended with 10 men as Philip Billing was shown a straight red in the 83rd minute for fouling Hudson-Odoi.The draw mea...
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NEWS

Ivan Rakitic: I want to give back to the people here

 Ivan Rakitic of Sevilla FC al during the La Liga Santander match between Sevilla FC and Granada CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on April 08, 2022 in Seville, Spain.Ivan Rakitic says he cannot wait to get on the pitch for Al Shabab after joining the Roshn Saudi League side earlier this week.The former Barcelona midfielder moves to the Kingdom having spent 13 hugely successful years in Spain’s La Liga.Rakitic, a FIFA World Cup finalist with Croatia in 2018, moves to Al Shabab from Sevilla – highlighting his second stint with the Andalusian club by guiding them to last season’s UEFA Europa League title.Rakitic, 35, was an integral component at Barcelona from 2014-2020, helping the Nou Camp side to the treble – the UEFA Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey – in the 2014-15 ...
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