March 2024 – Page 3 – Football Flame    
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Month: March 2024

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Gareth Southgate explains why Chelsea star Cole Palmer did not feature for England

Ivan Toney of England & Brentford, Cole Palmer of England & Chelsea, Rico Lewis of England & Manchester City during the England Men Training Session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on March 25, 2024 in Enfield, England. Gareth Southgate says Cole Palmer is still in with a good chance of making England’s Euro 2024 squad and only missed out on minutes this week due to a minor injury.The Chelsea star, who has been the west London club’s standout player this season, was not included in the matchday squad against Brazil on Saturday but Southgate had hoped he would be available against Belgium.Although Palmer was on the bench on Tuesday evening, he did not get onto the pitch with Southgate instead choosing to bring on Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins and James Maddison as the ...
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Chelsea hold off Ajax to reach Women’s Champions League semis

Mayra Ramirez of Chelsea celebrates scoring their teams first goal during the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 Quarter Final Leg Two match between Chelsea FC Women and AFC Ajax at Stamford Bridge on March 27, 2024 in London, England.Chelsea reached the Champions League semi-finals for the fifth time in their history after a 1-1 draw with Ajax at Stamford Bridge secured a comfortable 4-1 aggregate victory.The Blues entered the evening already 3-0 ahead from their first-leg victory in Amsterdam and further eased any tension when Mayra Ramirez netted her first Champions League goal to open the scoring after 33 minutes in west London.It came after a nervy start for the hosts, who narrowly avoided conceding from a first-half mishap before Chasity Grant drew Ajax level with one of few chanc...
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Euro 2024 | Ukraine, Georgia and Poland qualify after late drama in playoffs

Mykhailo Mudryk of Ukraine celebrates scoring a goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Play-Offs final match between Ukraine and Iceland at Tarczynski Arena on March 26, 2024 in Wroclaw, Poland.Ukraine found another late winning goal in another comeback win. Georgia and Poland held their nerve in penalty shootouts. All are going to the European Championship.The 24-nation Euro 2024 lineup was finalized Tuesday with three qualifying playoffs giving a stronger eastern European flavor to the tournament that opens June 14 in Germany.Mykhailo Mudryk's sweeping low shot in the 84th minute lifted Ukraine to a 2-1 victory over Iceland and a second late comeback win in the playoffs for a team representing the war-torn country.The “home” game for Ukraine was played in neutral Poland because international gam...
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SERIE A

Milan veteran Giroud agrees 18-month LAFC contract

Olivier Giroud of AC Milan celebrates after scoring their team's second goal during the Serie A TIM match between AC Milan and AS Roma - Serie A TIM at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on January 14, 2024 in Milan, Italy. According to reports in Italy, Milan striker Olivier Giroud has agreed an 18-month contract with LAFC in MLS from July 2024.It is no secret that the veteran centre-forward is not going to extend his current deal with the Rossoneri, which is due to expire on June 30.He is eager to see out his career with a new experience in the United States of America and in particular is leaning towards Los Angeles FC.La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that a basic agreement has now been reached for an 18-month contract that begins from July 1, when he will be a free agent.He first came to San Sir...
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Uncategorized

UAE thrash Yemen as 2026 World Cup qualification bid gathers pace

 Sultan Adil of United Arab Emirates celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the AFC Asian Cup Group C match between Palestine and United Arab Emirates at Al Janoub Stadium on January 18, 2024 in Al Wakrah, Qatar. The UAE emphatically sealed their spot in the third round of World Cup 2026 qualifying and in the process booked a place at the 2027 Asian Cup by thrashing Yemen 3-0 in Dammam on Tuesday night.With a perfect four wins from four, the UAE are certain of a top-two finish in Group H, with back-to-back wins over Yemen following earlier successes against Nepal and Bahrain. And with the process also deciding Asian Cup places, Paulo Bento's team are now assured of a berth at the Saudi-hosted tournament in three years time.The UAE started with purpose in Saudi Arabia – Y...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool given Andy Robertson injury update after Scotland friendly scare

 Scotland captain Andrew Robertson reacts after picking up an injury and subsequently being substituted during the international friendly match between Scotland and Northern Ireland at Hampden Park on March 26, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland.Liverpool could be without left-back Andy Robertson for the start of the Premier League title run-in after the Scotland captain was forced off against Northern Ireland on Tuesday night with an ankle injury.Scotland manager Steve Clarke confirmed Robertson will return to Liverpool for an assessment after he limped off during the first-half of the 1-0 defeat.Robertson tried to continue but was substituted shortly before Liverpool team-mate Conor Bradley scored the only goal of the game at Hampden.Robertson was sidelined for almost three months earlier th...
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NEWS

Bellingham scores late for England in Belgium draw

Bukayo Saka of England celebrates with Jude Bellingham after scoring the team's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Stadium on March 26, 2023 in London, England. Jude Bellingham's 22nd goal of a standout season has salvaged a 2-2 draw for England against Belgium and continued his outstanding form going into this year's European Championship.The Real Madrid midfielder underlined his importance to Gareth Southgate's team ahead of the Euros with a goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time at Wembley to ensure England avoided back-to-back defeats, following Saturday's 1-0 loss to Brazil.Two first-half goals from Youri Tielemans, either side of an Ivan Toney penalty, put Belgium on the verge of their first away win aga...
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Spain coach: Whistles for Morata ‘hurt my soul’

 Spain Head Coach Luis de la Fuente gestures during the friendly match between Spain and Brazil at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 26, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said it "hurt his soul" to hear a section of the crowd at the Bernabeu stadium whistle at Álvaro Morata during Tuesday's friendly draw against Brazil.The Atletico Madrid forward, who started against Brazil, had an off night and was whistled by some fans during the game. A former Real Madrid player, Morata was booed as he was substituted in the 81st minute."It hurts my soul that in my country, the captain of the national team is being whistled at," De la Fuente said. "I feel pain. The [crowd at the] Bernabeu has been incredible, but as a Spaniard I feel ashamed when a player from Spain is whistled."...
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TRANSFERS

Erling Haaland met with Xavi over potential Barcelona move – report

 Erling Haaland of Manchester City celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Everton FC at Etihad Stadium on February 10, 2024 in Manchester, England. Erling Haaland met with Xavi to discuss a move to Barcelona back in 2022, but a move fell through due to the club's financial issues, according to new reports in Spain.The striker was courted by Europe's top clubs during a successful two-and-a-half year stay at Borussia Dortmund, with Manchester City eventually winning the race for his signature in the summer of 2022.However, Mundo Deportivo report Haaland was keen on joining Barcelona, though ultimately they could not fund a deal due to their precarious financial position.Barcelona first opened talks with Haaland's now dec...
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NEWS

Lukaku fit to face England as Belgium seek improvement

 Romelu Lukaku of AS Roma celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Knockout Round Play-offs First Leg match between Feyenoord and AS Roma at Feyenoord Stadium on February 15, 2024 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Belgium's record scorer Romelu Lukaku will be fit to face England in a friendly at Wembley today and adds considerable firepower to an attack that looked devoid of ideas in the disappointing 0-0 draw with Ireland last weekend.Lukaku sat out the match in Dublin with a groin injury but is back in full training, according to manager Domenico Tedesco.“Lukaku is ready to start,” the coach told reporters yesterday, before confirming that goalkeeper Koen Casteels remains sidelined with a shoulder injury.Lukaku's 83 goals from 113 caps is 50 more ...
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Igor Stimac says he will resign if India don’t qualify for FIFA World Cup qualifiers third round

India's Croatian coach Igor Stimac looks on during the Qatar 2023 AFC Asian Cup Group B football match between Syria and India at Al-Bayt Stadium in al-Khor, north of Doha, on January 23, 2024. India men’s football team manager Igor Stimac said he will resign from the position if they fail to reach the third round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers.Even before the Asian Cup got underway in January , Stimac had prioritised qualification to the third round which booked a direct entry into the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.“If I don’t take India to the third round I will leave, with my pride, with my honour on everything that was done here in the five years of work. I will leave my position to someone else,” Stimac said on Monday, on the eve of India’s home leg fixture against Afghanistan in Guw...
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BUNDESLIGA

Lothar Matthäus feels a Julian Nagelsmann return to Bayern Munich would be “special”

 Julian Nagelsmann, head coach of Germany reacts during the international friendly match between France and Germany at Groupama Stadium on March 23, 2024 in Lyon, France. There is a possibility that the DFB could wind up extending Julian Nagelsmann’s contract as German national team manager beyond this summer’s European Championships, as his current contract expires after the tournament.Nagelsmann took over for Hansi Flick last fall as the DFB finally felt it was time to make a switch as the team need reinvigoration in the buildup to hosting the Euros this summer, having been drawn to a group that, on paper, they should very much be able to make it out of that’s comprised of Scotland, Hungary and Switzerland.Nagelsmann has really only had the chance to oversee Die Mannschaft for ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Report: Crystal Palace’s Sam Johnstone to miss rest of season

 Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has reportedly picked up a potentially season-ending injury while on duty with England.Johnstone has been sent home from the England camp, who are preparing to face Belgium in an international friendly on Tuesday, after picking up an elbow injury at the weekend.With Palace likely to remain in the Premier League next season after improved results under Oliver Glasner, Johnstone would have been looking to maintain his place as a backup with the Three Lions.The 31-year-old won back his place in the Eagles' side under Glasner after dropping to bench in the final few games of Roy Hodgson's reign at the club.In the four games after Johnstone regained his place, Palace took five points, and also kept a clean sheet ...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Erik ten Hag ‘set to earn a stay of execution at Man United’

  Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho celebrate victory with Erik ten Hag, Manager of Manchester United, after the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England.Erik ten Hag is set to earn a stay of execution at Manchester United with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS planning for him to remain in charge next season, according to reports. The under-pressure manager helped ease speculation over his future after steering United to a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final victory against Liverpool a week ago, a result that set up a showdown against Championship side Coventry at Wembley.That win, clinched by Amad Diallo's last-gasp goal, has almost certainly rescued Ten Hag and ensured he will be in post until...
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Nottingham Forest appeal against four-point penalty for breaking financial rules

Nicolas Dominguez of Nottingham Forest looks dejected after Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa (not pictured) scores his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Villa Park on February 24, 2024 in Birmingham, England. Nottingham Forest have lodged an appeal against the four-point penalty imposed last week for breaching Premier League financial rules.Forest issued a terse statement confirming the course of action, in contrast to their lengthy and indignant response when the sanction was initially handed out on March 18.The club’s statement on Monday read: “Nottingham Forest can confirm that it has today lodged an appeal against the four-point sanction imposed by the Commission in relation to the Club’s breach of the Premier League’s Profi...
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NEWS

Pellegrini, Barella give Italy 2-0 win over Ecuador

 Lorenzo Pellegrini of Italy celebrates with team-mates after scoring the goal during the International Friendly match between Ecuador and Italy at Red Bull Arena on March 24, 2024 in Harrison, New Jersey.An early goal from Lorenzo Pellegrini and a late strike from Nicolo Barella gave a revamped Italy side a 2-0 win over Ecuador in a friendly at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey on Sunday.Italy coach Luciano Spalletti made 11 changes to the lineup from Thursday’s 2-1 win over Venezuela, which was the first of the two matches on the U.S tour, giving more players a chance to prove themselves before the Euro 2024 finals in Germany. There was a minute’s silence in honour of Fiorentina director Joe Barone, who passed away on Tuesday.Pellegrini put Italy ahead after three minutes by smashing hom...
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Former head of Chinese Football Association sentenced to life in prison for bribery

 Chen Xuyuam, President of Chinese Football Association, and coach Gao Hongbo (L) attend a training session during the AFC U23 Championship on January 8, 2020 in Songkhla, Thailand. A court in central China's Hubei Province on Tuesday sentenced Chen Xuyuan, former head of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), to life in prison for bribery.The Huangshi Intermediate People's Court found that Chen took advantage of his various posts from 2010 to 2023, including those related to the CFA, to help others in matters regarding project contracting, investment operations, and sporting event arrangements. In return, he accepted money and valuables worth over 81 million yuan (US$11.42 million).Chen has severely harmed the order of fair competition in the football sector and brought tremend...
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NEWS

Japan to advance in World Cup qualifying after game cancelled

 Ritsu Doan of Japan celebrates scoring his side's first goal with head coach Hajime Moriyasu during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 01, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Japan look poised to reach the final stage of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup without kicking a ball after FIFA said their match at North Korea will not be rescheduled.North Korea were supposed to stage the qualifier on Tuesday in the capital Pyongyang but five days before the game officials abruptly said the isolated country could not play host without giving a reason.On Friday the Asian Football Confederation said the match was off and at the weekend FIFA said it “shall neither be played nor rescheduled”, citing lack of space in the international ...
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Bafana coach Broos wary of Algeria on the rebound from Afcon

 South Africa Coach Hugo Broos is thrown in the air by his players after winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 3rd place match between South Africa and DR Congo at Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny on February 10, 2024 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.Hugo Broos is wary of an Algeria on the rebound from their disappointing Africa Cup of Nations and eager to impress new coach Vladimir Petković when they host Bafana Bafana at what should be a packed Stade Nelson Mandela on Tuesday night.The Fennec Foxes bombed out in the first round at the Nations Cup in Ivory Coast, which prompted highly rated coach Djamel Belmadi, who steered Algeria to the 2019 title, to step down.The 60-year-old Bosnian-born Swiss coach Petković began his tenure with a 3-2 win against 86th-rankied Bolivia on Friday ...
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Ex-Brazil star Dani Alves leaves prison after paying bail

 Brazilian footballer Dani Alves looks on at the start of his trial at the High Court of Justice of Catalonia in Barcelona, on February 5, 2024. Former Brazil international footballer Dani Alves, convicted of rape in Spain, has paid bail of €1m and can leave jail pending his appeal, a court has said.One of the world's most decorated footballers, Alves, 40, was last month sentenced to four-and-a-half years in jail for raping a young woman in the VIP bathroom of a Barcelona nightclub in the early hours of 31 December 2022.But in a surprise move, a Barcelona court last week agreed to his request for provisional release while his appeal is heard on condition that he posted bail of €1m, hand over his Spanish and Brazilian passports, remain in the country and present himself to court "...
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