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Croatia beat France 2-0 in Nations League quarter-final first leg
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Croatia beat France 2-0 in Nations League quarter-final first leg

SPLIT, CROATIA - MARCH 20: Ante Budimir of Croatia celebrates a goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Croatia and France at Stadion Poljud on March 20, 2025 in Split, Croatia. Croatia's Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic struck to secure a deserved 2-0 win over France in their Nations League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, as the return of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele failed to get the visitors to fire. Croatia also missed an early penalty when Andrej Kramaric’s spot-kick was saved by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and the 2023 runners-up were full value for a win that might easily have been achieved by a greater margin. France created chances and tested Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic several times, but it was a below-par performance on a n...
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Qatar thrash North Korea, cling to WC playoff hopes
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Qatar thrash North Korea, cling to WC playoff hopes

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 20: Ahmed Al-Rawi and Akram Afif of Qatar celebrate scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Qatar and North Korea at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. Qatar kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 5-1 win over North Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Thursday. Akram Afif played a captain’s role as the victory took Qatar level on 10 points with the United Arab Emirates, nine behind leaders Iran and six adrift of Uzbekistan, with only the top two teams to qualify automatically for next year’s global showpiece. Defeat for North Korea left them rooted at the bottom with two points. Hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after hosting the 2022 edition, Qat...
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FIFA world cup: Japan the first to qualify for 2026 finals
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FIFA world cup: Japan the first to qualify for 2026 finals

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 20: Wataru Endo of Japan celebrates after scoring the team's first goal later disallowed through the VAR review during the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier Group C match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Saitama, Japan. Japan have become the first nation to book their place at next year’s World Cup, having sealed their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. In doing so, the Samurai Blue have reaffirmed their status as one of Asian football’s powerhouses. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26 in addition to the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. “You deserve this qualification. We all remember the emotions...
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Kane ‘surprised’ England appointed Tuchel
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Kane ‘surprised’ England appointed Tuchel

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the Champions League round of 16 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 11, 2025. Harry Kane has admitted he was "suprised" when he heard that Thomas Tuchel had been appointed as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor as England manager in October, adding he "didn't expect it" as he did not think of the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss as a national team coach. Tuchel is England's third foreign manager and the job marks his first at international level. He has signed an 18-month contract that will see him lead the country until the other side of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The German coach was available after leaving Bayern at the end of last...
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Former Juventus coach tells Motta straight – “Turin is not Bologna”
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SERIE A

Former Juventus coach tells Motta straight – “Turin is not Bologna”

Thiago Motta head coach of Juventus FC leaves the pitch dejected at the end of the Serie A Enilive match between ACF Fiorentina and Juventus FC at Stadio Artemio Franchi on March 16, 2025 in Florence, Italy. Thiago Motta is under intense pressure as the manager of Juventus, with the former midfielder now facing the real possibility of being sacked. The Bianconeri appointed him at the start of this season, backing him with several new signings, knowing that he would need quality players to succeed. Despite this support, the team’s performances have been disappointing, and they are now embarrassingly losing matches. In January, Juventus bolstered its squad even further, but the results have not improved, and the club is seriously considering a managerial change. Several other managers...
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Spalletti: Italy coach notes German football changed ‘after Guardiola’
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Spalletti: Italy coach notes German football changed ‘after Guardiola’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti praises his German counterpart Julian Nagelsmann and notes German football ‘changed’ after Pep Guardiola: ‘They used to focus more on physicality.’ The Azzurri coach held a press conference on Wednesday to preview the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final between Italy and Germany. Spalletti provided the latest injury updates on the Azzurri front, revealing that he may only call up a replacement for Mateo Retegui for the second-leg game. A German reporter asked Spalletti about his thoughts on Germany coach Nagelsmann, and th...
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Chelsea unsure over permanent move for Man Utd loanee
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Chelsea unsure over permanent move for Man Utd loanee

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 16: Jadon Sancho of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on March 16, 2025 in London, England. Jadon Sancho’s future at Chelsea is increasingly uncertain, with the club now considering whether to pay a penalty fee to avoid completing his £25 million permanent transfer from Manchester United. Initially, the terms of his loan suggested a straightforward obligation to buy if Chelsea finished above 14th in the Premier League, but as reported by The i Paper, the Blues do have an option to back out—at a cost. The move to Stamford Bridge was meant to offer Sancho a fresh start after his struggles at Old Trafford, but erratic form has left Chelsea questioning whether he is the right long-term investment. Chelsea’...
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Dean Huijsen on Real Madrid’s Radar
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Dean Huijsen on Real Madrid’s Radar

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Dean Huijsen of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Brentford FC at Vitality Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Bournemouth, England. Real Madrid’s long-term squad planning is always evolving, and one name that has emerged on their radar is Dean Donny Huijsen Wijsmuller, according to a reports from both MARCA and Diario AS. The 19-year-old center-back is not just making an impact at the Premier Leagie level but has now earned recognition on the international stage, called up by Luis de la Fuente for Spain’s senior squad. The teenager alings with Madrid’s transfer policy: young, high-upside players who have with potential to grow into world-class talents. Huijsen checks all the boxes. At 1.98 meters or 6 foot 5 inches tal...
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Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca
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LALIGA

Yamal reveals the secrets to Flick’s success at Barca

Lamine Yamal right winger of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Barcelona at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Lamine Yamal has been chatting on international duty with Spain and has been asked about the secrets to Hansi Flick’s success at Barcelona. The German has his team top of the table in La Liga, into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey and still in contention in the Champions League. Here’s what Yamal thinks the German is doing right at Barca. “He has put in our minds that the most important thing is intensity, that we fight for each other, that we give everything for the shirt, for the players, for the fans, for the family... We must always have the desire to win,” he told Diario Sport. “He is very close, he...
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Courtois hopes Belgium exile drama now over
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Courtois hopes Belgium exile drama now over

Thibaut Courtois goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Belgium during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said on Tuesday he had thrashed out the circumstances of his lengthy exile from the national side with teammates on his return and hoped the controversy over his almost two-year absence was now settled. Courtois, 32, has not played for Belgium since June 2023 when he walked out ahead of a European Championship qualifier in Estonia, but after a change of coach he is back in the squad for this week's Nations League play...
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Mauricio Pochettino: ‘Donald Trump asked if US can win the World Cup’
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Mauricio Pochettino: ‘Donald Trump asked if US can win the World Cup’

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States waves to fans prior to a game against the Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Mauricio Pochettino may now be the most important figure in American soccer, as the country gets ready to stage the biggest World Cup in history, but that hasn’t yet granted him any special status. He still hasn’t got a green card, having taken the job in September 2024. “We are waiting,” he laughs. “The last time, in Los Angeles, we were waiting one hour and a half in the queue!” He then offers a quick caveat. “I am not complaining because if I complain, they are going to kill me!” The statement was in response to whether he feels like a celebrity in a country where that wattage is greater t...
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Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery
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LALIGA

Barcelona confirm partial ligament tear for midfielder, no surgery

Marc Casado defensive midfield of Barcelona and Spain during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. After the game against Atletico Madrid on Sunday, FC Barcelona confirmed that key midfielder Marc Casado had suffered a knee ligament injury. Having carried out additional tests today, the Blaugrana have announced that the 21-year-old has suffered a partial tear of the external ligament in his right knee. The club’s statement also revealed that the Spanish international will undergo conservative treatment, meaning he will not be undergoing surgery to address the issue. As previously reported, the problem is expected to keep Casado out of action for about two months. "This morning further tests...
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Dougie Freedman leaves role as Crystal Palace sporting director
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Dougie Freedman leaves role as Crystal Palace sporting director

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 28: Dougie Freedman Sporting Director of Crystal Palace watches from the stands during the Barclays Women's Championship match between Crystal Palace Women FC and Sunderland Women FC at Selhurst Park on April 28, 2024 in London, United Kingdom. Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has left his role at the club after eight years. The 50-year-old is see as a Palace legend by the fans and others at the club for spells as both a player and manager. Freedman had two stints as a player for Palace the first coming between 1995-1997 before he returned in 2000 and stayed till 2008. Three years on from that the Scotsman was announced as the new Palace manager in 2011, before he left just a year later in a decision he has since said he always regretted as Palac...
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Pulisic doesn’t know why AC Milan snubbed fans after Como win
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SERIE A

Pulisic doesn’t know why AC Milan snubbed fans after Como win

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan celebrates a goal during the Serie A match between US Lecce and AC Milan in Lecce, Italy, on March 8, 2025. AC Milan may have won two straight games heading into the international break, but all is far from well at the Italian club. Despite coming from behind to defeat Como 2-1 on Saturday, Milan fans at San Siro still jeered the team off the pitch. It was a stark reminder that Milan has hugely underachieved this season. Even after winning two in a row, the Rossoneri entered the international break in ninth place, six points and five places outside of a top-four position. Curva Sud, Milan's supporters' section, was again empty for the first 15 minutes of the game against Como as fans continued to protest club management. After the game, Milan players faile...
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Rasmus Hojlund admits poor run of form following Leicester City goal
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PREMIER LEAGUE

Rasmus Hojlund admits poor run of form following Leicester City goal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 13: Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Manchester United and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Old Trafford on March 13, 2025 in Manchester, England. Rasmus Hojlund is determined to build on his long-awaited goal after finally ending a frustrating three-month dry spell in Manchester United’s dominant win over Leicester City. The 22-year-old striker has endured ups and downs since arriving from Atalanta in August 2023, with questions swirling over the £64 million transfer fee. While Man United always saw him as a raw talent with immense potential, his struggles in front of goal, which was made worse by inconsistent service, only fuelled scepticism. Hojlund’s goal at the King Power ...
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Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’
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LALIGA

Ferran Torres: ‘I can be Barcelona’s starting striker’

Ferran Torres left winger of Barcelona and Spain reacts during the La Liga EA Sports match between Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys on March 1, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Ferran Torres says he can be Barcelona’s future center forward and take over from 36-year-old Robert Lewandowski. The Poland international is expected to stay at Barcelona for another season, but it’s thought the Catalans are already looking at potential successors. Ferran usually plays out wide but has deputised for Lewandowski in a more central role this season and thinks he could do the job on a full-time basis.“I can be Barça’s starting center forward,” he told TV3. “I have confidence in myself and I can be FC Barcelona...
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Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion
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Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion

VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain Team, attends a press conference to announce the list of called up players ahead the UEFA Nations League football matches of Spain against the Netherlands at Mestalla stadium on March 14, 2025, in Valencia, Spain. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list of players for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounters against the Netherlands. La Roja will face off against Ronald Koeman’s men in a double-header later this month in the first international break of 2025, hoping to make it to the final four. And, De la Fuente has called up as many as seven players from FC Barcelona for the two matches against the Oranje. Indeed, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Pau Cubars...
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Thomas Tuchel hands England recall to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson
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Thomas Tuchel hands England recall to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, attends a press conference at Wembley Stadium on March 14, 2025 in London, England. New boss Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson and named uncapped defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn in his first England squad. Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor has selected 26 players for this month’s World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania and Latvia. Tuchel has been using a 55-man long list and the England boss has rewarded Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, for his impressive performances since making his senior bow in September.
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Rangers edge Fenerbahce on penalties to reach Europa League quarterfinals
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EUROPA LEAGUE

Rangers edge Fenerbahce on penalties to reach Europa League quarterfinals

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - MARCH 13: Fenerbahce's Filip Kostic celebrates as Edin Dzeko scores in the penalty shoot-out during a UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Second Leg match between Rangers and Fenerbahce at Ibrox Stadium, on March 13, 2025, in Glasgow, Scotland. Rangers booked their spot in the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals after a penalty win over Fenerbahce on Thursday, despite losing 2-0 in the second leg at Ibrox Stadium in Glasgow. Fenerbahce, trailing 3-1 from the first leg in Istanbul, fought back with a determined display. Filip Kostic set up the opener in the 45th minute, delivering a precise cross that Sebastian Szymanski volleyed past the goalkeeper. Jose Mourinho’s side leveled the aggregate score in the 73rd minute when Mert Muldur found Szymanski again with a cross from t...
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Inter Keen on Real Madrid Starlet as a Fallback Plan
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Inter Keen on Real Madrid Starlet as a Fallback Plan

SEVILLA, SPAIN - MARCH 01: Arda Guler of Real Madrid in action during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Betis and Real Madrid at Benito Villamarin stadium on March 1, 2025, in Sevilla, Spain. Inter will do their best to add Nico Paz, but such a chase is quite complicated, and, if they can’t land him, they wouldn’t look far for a fallback, as they are interested in Arda Guler. The Turkish attacker could depart to play more, TuttoSport informs. Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen are after him too. The presence of Hakan Calhanoglu would fast-track his integration within the Nerazzurri. He’s more offensive-minded than Nico Paz, but the brass is on the lookout for a forward since Marko Arnautovic and Joaquin Correa will be out of contract soon....
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