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Positive Florian Wirtz transfer rumors are actually a worrying sign for Real Madrid
TRANSFERS

Positive Florian Wirtz transfer rumors are actually a worrying sign for Real Madrid

Florian Wirtz of Bayer 04 Leverkusen looks on during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on November 9, 2024 in Bochum, Germany. Real Madrid have the worst defensive injury crisis in world football after Eder Militao joined Dani Carvajal with a torn ACL, leaving the Merengue club with only Antonio Rudiger as a healthy, full-time senior starter in the back four. Los Blancos have been without a top left back these last two seasons and continue to waffle on signing Alphonso Davies, in the hopes they can steal the Bayern Munich superstar for free. Their right back situation is now a certified disaster with even Lucas Vazquez, who is not actually a right back, injured. In central defense, it will be Rudiger holding down the fort on his o...
Newcastle United Superstar Lauds Italy Mentality Ahead of France Showdown
NEWS

Newcastle United Superstar Lauds Italy Mentality Ahead of France Showdown

Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates his goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Belgium and Italy at on November 14, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium. Sandro Tonali inspired Italy to an all-important 1-0 UEFA Nations League victory against Belgium last night at the King Baudouin Stadium. After the game, the Newcastle United midfielder addressed the media. “We suffered, and we played. Our big change is that we approach every game,” the Italy superstar said, as reported by Gianluca Di Marzio. “Every training session does us good. Each of us can’t wait for the next camp to start. We enjoy ourselves on the field, and we’re in a good place off it as well. “Every match is different, and today we were up against a very strong team. We looked for specific spaces. We k...
Uruguay clinches five-goal thriller: Valverde played the full 90 minutes
NEWS

Uruguay clinches five-goal thriller: Valverde played the full 90 minutes

Rodrigo Aguirre of Uruguay celebrates with teammate Darwin Núñez after scoring the team's second goal during the South American Qualifier match between Uruguay and Colombia at Centenario Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Montevideo, Uruguay. Uruguay emerged victorious in a thrilling 3-2 encounter against Colombia in the CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers at the Estadio Centenario. A match filled with drama, own goals, and late strikes saw the home side edge their visitors despite a resilient Colombian effort. Colombia took the lead in the 31st minute through Juan Quintero, giving the visitors an early boost. However, Uruguay responded in the second half with relentless pressure. A fortuitous own goal by Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez in the 57th minute levelled the scoreline, setting the stage fo...
Cristiano Ronaldo scores stunning bicycle kick in huge Portugal win
NEWS

Cristiano Ronaldo scores stunning bicycle kick in huge Portugal win

Cristiano Ronaldo rolled back the years by scoring a spectacular bicycle kick as Portugal thumped Poland 5-1 in Friday's UEFA Nations League contest to qualify for the competition's quarter-finals. The 39-year-old continues to captain his national team despite being in the twilight years of his career and remains deadly in front of goal as Poland's defence found out first-hand.Ronaldo started the encounter upfront and scored twice in the emphatic victory with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao and Chelsea's Pedro Neto also finding the back of the net in the win. The Real Madrid and Man United legend scored his first goal from the penalty spot to give Portugal a two-goal cushion, but it was his second strike that stunned those inside the Estadio do Dragao.Ronaldo p...
Argentina stunned by Paraguay, Brazil held
NEWS

Argentina stunned by Paraguay, Brazil held

World champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America’s big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday. Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni holds a ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Paraguay and Argentina at the Ueno Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion on November 14, 2024. (Photo by JOSE BOGADO / AFP) (Photo by JOSE BOGADO/AFP via Getty Images) It started well for Lionel Scaloni’s team, also reigning Copa America champions, as they grabbed an early lead through Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. Enzo Fernandez lofted a lovely ball over the Paraguay defence into the path of Martinez who drove in a low finish only for his celebratio...
Ben White ‘to make shock return to England setup under Thomas Tuchel’
NEWS

Ben White ‘to make shock return to England setup under Thomas Tuchel’

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta talks to Ben White during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC at Stamford Bridge on November 10, 2024 in London, England. Ben White is reportedly set for a dramatic England comeback after a two-year self-imposed exile following a feud with senior coaching staff. The Arsenal defender has gone from strength to strength in the right-back position for Mikel Arteta's impressive side but his versatility is increasingly being missed by the Three Lions after he ruled himself out of selection in 2022. The 27-year-old last played for his national team in March that year, coming off the bench in an international friendly against Ivory Coast for his fourth cap, and was selected for the winter World Cup in Qatar. But White left the camp midway throug...
Hansi Flick does not want young Barcelona forward to leave in January
LALIGA

Hansi Flick does not want young Barcelona forward to leave in January

There is always room for competition at FC Barcelona and only the most competitive players can overcome it. Unfortunately, such a task is not made for everyone and most players succumb to the pressure that is linked to it. SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 10: Head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Under Hansi Flick’s orders so far at Barcelona, there has definitely been a need for competition.Given the fact that the coach always has high demands and the intensity in both training and matches is at a whole new level, players need good alternative options available at all times. Just recently, the fact ...
Jude and Jobe Bellingham enjoy special England reunion at St George’s
NEWS

Jude and Jobe Bellingham enjoy special England reunion at St George’s

Jude Bellingham and his younger brother Jobe shared a heart-warming reunion as the pair enjoyed a brief moment together upon reporting for England duty. BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 11: Jude Bellingham of England and Jobe Bellingham of England Under-21s pose for a photo at St George's Park on November 11, 2024 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) The Bellingham brothers don't often get to spend time with each other during the season with Jobe starring at Championship leaders Sunderland and Jude becoming one of the world's best players with Real Madrid.However, the duo were able to spend some valuable time in each other's company after reporting for national team duty at England's St George's Park training base on Monday. ...
Revealed: Kylian Mbappé’s Popularity in France Has Significantly Dropped
LALIGA

Revealed: Kylian Mbappé’s Popularity in France Has Significantly Dropped

Kylian Mbappé’s early days at Real Madrid have been somewhat rocky. Despite scoring eight goals and recording two assists in 16 appearances, the former Paris Saint-Germain star is still struggling to find consistency. MADRID, SPAIN - NOVEMBER 09: Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on November 09, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images) As a result, France national team manager Didier Deschamps left his captain out of the squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches for the November FIFA international window. The Frenchman’s El Clásico debut was particularly tough, as Real Madrid were hammered 4-0 by Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu on October 26. The struggles ...
I’m gone if Bafana fail Afcon test, vows Broos
NEWS

I’m gone if Bafana fail Afcon test, vows Broos

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has made it clear that he'll vanish into thin air and never set his foot in Mzansi again should he fail to qualify for next year's Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). ABIDJAN, IVORY COAST - FEBRUARY 10: 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. (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images) Bafana need just three points from their last two Group K fixtures against Uganda and South Sudan to qualify. Bafana face Uganda at Kampala's National Mandela Stadium on Friday (3pm SA time). Four days later, SA host South Sudan at Cape Town Stadium (6pm). "You know, when...
Messi: Miami will ‘come back stronger next year’
NEWS

Messi: Miami will ‘come back stronger next year’

Lionel Messi vowed to "come back stronger" in 2025, following Inter Miami's elimination for the 2024 Major League Soccer playoffs on Saturday night at Chase Stadium. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 09: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami reacts against Atlanta United during the second half of the Audi 2024 MLS Cup playoffs at Chase Stadium on November 09, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) The Herons fell 3-2 to Atlanta United FC in the final match of the Round 1 best-of-three playoff series as goals from Jamal Thiaré and Bartosz Slisz forced an end to Miami's historic season. "A season ended in which we continued to grow as a club and, although we achieved some goals, we wanted more," Messi said on Instagram. "Thanks to all the people who joi...
Paul Pogba and Juventus set for contract termination
SERIE A

Paul Pogba and Juventus set for contract termination

In a significant development for both Paul Pogba and Juventus, advanced discussions are underway regarding the termination of the midfielder’s contract with the club. FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - OCTOBER 25: Paul Pogba of Juventus watches the game between Inter Miami and Atlanta United during round one of the 2024 MLS Playoffs at Chase Stadium on October 25, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) This decision comes in the wake of Pogba’s recent doping ban, which has overshadowed his time at Juventus since his return from Manchester United. Sky Sports report how Pogba, who was initially handed a four-year suspension following a positive drug test, successfully appealed to have his ban reduced to 18 months. This ruling allows him to resume train...
Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota – Liverpool injury news and return dates ahead of Southampton
PREMIER LEAGUE

Alexander-Arnold, Alisson, Jota – Liverpool injury news and return dates ahead of Southampton

Alisson Becker of Liverpool receives treatment before going off injured during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace FC and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on October 05, 2024 in London, England. Liverpool stormed five points clear at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Aston Villa at a boisterous Anfield on Saturday. But it was a victory that came at a cost. Trent Alexander-Arnold came off in the 25th minute with an unspecified injury and is now a serious doubt to join up with the England squad for their UEFA Nations League clashes with Republic of Ireland and Greece. The right-back's withdrawal was the only negative on a night when the Reds took full advantage of Manchester City's fourth defeat in a row in all competitions. Liverpool have now won 15 of their 1...
Di Lorenzo: ‘Nobody expected Napoli to do this well’
SERIE A

Di Lorenzo: ‘Nobody expected Napoli to do this well’

Giovanni Di Lorenzo of SSC Napoli and his teammates greet fans after the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Napoli at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on November 10, 2024 in Milan, Italy. Giovanni Di Lorenzo insists ‘nobody expected’ Napoli to be top of the Serie A table after 12 rounds, especially after they emerged unbeaten away to Juventus, Milan and now Inter. The Partenopei had taken the lead at San Siro through Scott McTominay on a corner kick routine, but it was cancelled out by the Hakan Calhanoglu scorcher that bent back Alex Meret’s glove. Both teams had the opportunities to win, Inter hitting the woodwork twice with Federico Dimarco and above all a Calhanoglu penalty, while Giovanni Simeone ballooned over from 12 yards with the last kick of the game. It proved enough for a 1-...
‘Hope the right thing will be done’ – Barca send message to Spain about Yamal
LALIGA

‘Hope the right thing will be done’ – Barca send message to Spain about Yamal

Head coach Hansi Flick of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and FC Barcelona at Reale Arena on November 10, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has sent out a strong message to the Spain national team about Lamine Yamal ahead of Nations League fixtures. Yamal missed Sunday’s defeat to Real Sociedad with an ankle problem but had been named in the Spain squad before the match. Flick says he’s hoping that commonsense will now prevail and Yamal will be allowed to remain at Barcelona and recover over the international break. “I think the doctors will ask Lamine not to play for the national team,” he told reporters. “We will speak to the RFEF. If he could have played, he would have, but there was no other option. I hope that the right thi...
Thiago Motta: ‘We deserved the victory over Torino’
SERIE A

Thiago Motta: ‘We deserved the victory over Torino’

Thiago Motta Head Coach of Juventus FC during the Serie A match between Juventus and Torino at Allianz Stadium on November 9, 2024 in Turin, Italy. Juventus emerged victorious in the Derby della Mole, defeating Torino 2-0. Following the match, Juventus manager Thiago Motta shared his thoughts on the team’s performance. Motta expressed satisfaction with the result and the team’s display, stating, “It’s always important to play with balance. We put in another excellent performance. I’m happy both with the performance and the result. It wasn’t easy to face the third match of the week. We played a solid and concrete game. We deserved the victory.” The coach went on to praise individual performances, particularly highlighting Kenan Yildiz’s goal. He also commended Timothy Weah and Dusan Vl...
Lee Kang-in gets double, assist as PSG thump Angers 4-2
Ligue 1

Lee Kang-in gets double, assist as PSG thump Angers 4-2

Farid El MELLALI of ANGERS and Lee KANG-IN of FC Paris Saint-Germain during the Ligue 1 MCDonald's match between Angers and Paris at Stade Jean Bouin on November 9, 2024 in Angers, France. Lee Kang-in led Paris Saint-Germain to a big 4-2 win over Angers on Saturday, scoring the opening two goals of the game and assisting the fourth at Stade Raymond Kopa in Angers, France. The fiery Korean midfielder was on fine form going into the international break, connecting with a Marco Asensio pass in the 17th minute to hammer in goal No. 1. Lee struck again three minutes later, again combining with Asensio as the Spaniard pulled the back for Lee to hammer past Yahia Fofana. PSG continued the rout, Bradley Barcola benefitting from yet another Asensio set up in the 31st minute. Lee stepped in to a...
Liverpool go five points clear as Man City lose again
PREMIER LEAGUE

Liverpool go five points clear as Man City lose again

Mohamed Salah of Liverpool reacts during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Aston Villa FC at Anfield on November 9, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool opened a five-point lead at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 home defeat of Aston Villa after Manchester City slumped to a fourth successive defeat as Brighton & Hove Albion hit back to beat champions 2-1 at home on Saturday. Arne Slot’s side made it nine wins from their opening 11 league games with a Darwin Nunez and Mohamed Salah scoring the goals in a deadly demonstration of counter-attacking. City took the lead with Erling Haaland scoring his 12th league goal of the campaign but late goals by Joao Pedro and Matt O’Riley stunned Pep Guardiola’s side who enter the international break with much to ponder. Liver...
Manchester United receive huge injury boost ahead of Leicester City clash
PREMIER LEAGUE

Manchester United receive huge injury boost ahead of Leicester City clash

Luke Shaw and Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United in action during a first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on August 05, 2024 in Manchester, England. Luke Shaw Injury Update: Manchester United Defender Resumes Training After Three-Month Absence After months on the sidelines, Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has rejoined training, marking a significant step in his recovery from an injury that had kept him out since August. The left-back’s return is a welcome boost for United, whose defensive ranks have been stretched thin due to a series of injuries across the squad. Luke Shaw’s Road to Recovery Luke Shaw initially sustained a calf injury in early August, which ruled him out of action just as the Premier League season was kicking off. The original prognosis suggested ...
Napoli Handed Decisive Injury Boost Ahead of Inter Showdown
SERIE A

Napoli Handed Decisive Injury Boost Ahead of Inter Showdown

SSC Napoli head coach Antonio Conte attending the afternoon training session at SSC Napoli Training Center in Castel Volturno, Caserta (Italy) on November 05, 2024. Serie A pacesetters Napoli have received a significant injury boost ahead of Sunday night’s mouth-watering league clash against Inter. According to Partenopei boss Antonio Conte via Calciomercato, Stanislav Lobotka is available for selection after missing out on the last two matches due to injury. “Lobotka has recovered and is available. We still need to evaluate whether he will start or come on during the match,” the Napoli manager said during his pre-match conference. “We all know his qualities; there’s no need to emphasize the value of the player.“ Lobotka’s absence cost Napoli dearly as they slumped to an embarrassing 3-...
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