NEWS – Page 14 – Football Flame

NEWS

No Comments
NEWS

It’s Boniface v Foster as Bafana collide with Super Eagles

Victor Boniface of Leverkusen reacts after their loss during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 final match between Atalanta BC and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Dublin Arena on May 22, 2024 in Dublin, Ireland.Tipping Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface to step up in the absence of reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen, retired Nigerian goalkeeper Greg Etafia has predicted that the Super Eagles will beat Bafana Bafana.Nigeria host Bafana at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo in a 2026 World Cup qualifier tonight (9pm SA time). The Super Eagles will be without their injured talismanic striker, Osimhen. Etafia, who earned four caps for Nigeria before retiring, believes Boniface will  hold his own and inspire Nigeria to a victory in Uyo. Etafia is confident the Supe...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Euro holders Italy name injury doubt Barella in squad

 Nicolo Barella of Italy in action during an Italy training session at Centro Tecnico Federale di Coverciano on June 01, 2024 in Florence, Italy.Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti has named his final 26-man squad for the 2024 European Championship with midfielder Nicolo Barella included despite missing their last game through injury.Barella, a key figure in Spalletti's plans, sat out the 0-0 draw with Turkey on Tuesday, but his minor muscle strain is not enough to keep the Inter Milan man out of the squad.Federico Gatti, who was added to the provisional squad after the withdrawal of defenders Francesco Acerbi and Giorgio Scalvini, keeps his place in the group for Germany, while Ivan Provedel is the keeper who misses out.Provodel has been told to continue training, as there are doubts ...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire miss out on England’s Euro 2024 squad

Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish of England look on during a training session at Tottenham Hotspur Training Centre on June 06, 2024 in Enfield, England. Gareth Southgate has made the ruthless decision to cut Jack Grealish from England’s Euro 2024 squad and will be without Harry Maguire for the tournament because of a calf injury.The manager, who had already dropped James Maddison and Curtis Jones from his provisional 33-man squad, has also left out the goalkeeper James Trafford and two more defenders in Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah to create a final 26.Grealish, who has had a disappointing season at Manchester City, has failed to dislodge rivals players in attacking midfield. The loss of Maguire is a huge blow to Southgate given the defender’s importance to England i...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Manager Ivankovic vows China will beat Thailand in World Cup qualifier

 Head coach of Team China Branko Ivankovic attends Press Conference at Shenyang Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on June 5, 2024 in Shenyang, China. China national team coach Branko Ivankovic has vowed that his charges will beat Thailand in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Shenyang, northeast China's Liaoning Province, on Thursday."We heard that all the tickets for tomorrow's match are sold out, and there will be over 50,000 fans coming to the stadium to support us," Ivankovic said at the pre-game press conference on Wednesday. "We want to win the match for them. That's the only goal."With two games remaining in the second round of FIFA World Cup qualification for Asian teams, China rank second in Group C with seven points, three points ahead of Thailand. Ivankovic's team woul...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Saudi Arabia team reaches Pakistan for Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifier

 Saudi Arabia head coach Roberto Mancini gives instruction to Mohamed Kanno during the penalty shoot out in the AFC Asian Cup Round of 16 match between Saudi Arabia and South Korea at Education City Stadium on January 30, 2024 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. The Saudi Arabia football team has reached Paki-stan for the Fifa World Cup 2026 Qualifier, slated to take place on June 6 at the Jinnah Stadium.On a chartered flight, the team travelled from Riyadh to Islamabad along with their well-known manager Roberto Mancini and assistant coach Yaya Toure.The squad was welcomed by Pakistani officials and KSA ambassador Nawaf Bin-Said Al-Malki at Islamabad International Airport.Saudi Arabia were forced to delay their trip to Pakistan. Due to the poor situation of Jinnah Sta-dium and absence of prope...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Hope Returns For Hosts Germany Ahead Of Euro 2024

Julian Nagelsmann (L-R), Assistance Coach Sandro Wagner and the entire staff and substitutes line up prior to the international friendly match between Germany and Ukraine at Max-Morlock-Stadion on June 03, 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany. Host nation Germany are riding a resurgent wave of hope with the Euro 2024 tournament opener against Scotland just days away. After two group stage World Cup exits in a row and a loss to England in the last 16 of the Euros in 2021, Germany suffered a dire 2023, with just three wins in 11 games. Many in Germany predicted an embarrassing early exit for the three-time Euros champions on home soil. That view has changed in the four months. While Germany may only have drawn 0-0 with Ukraine in Nuremberg on Monday, they spurned chances, particularly during...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Mourinho says his move to Fenerbahce will increase attention on Turkish league

Fenerbahce signed a contract with the world-renowned coach Jose Mourinho in front of thousands of fans at Ulker Stadium on June 2, 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey. After the signing ceremony, Coach Jose Mourinho waved to the fans. Newly announced Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho said Monday that his signing and reputation would bring more attention to the Turkish league, adding that his aim was to win the Super Lig and make it to the Champions League group stage next season.Mourinho, 61, was unveiled as Fenerbahce manager in front of thousands of enthusiastic fans. The Portuguese manager had been out of a job since being sacked by Italian Serie A side AS Roma in January.Speaking at a press conference at Fenerbahce's facilities in Istanbul, Mourinho said he was making "zero promises" apart fr...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Kylian Mbappe left out of France’s provisional squad for Paris Olympics

France's forward Kylian Mbappe controls the ball during a training session, as part of the team's preparation for upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 Football Championship, in Clairefontaine-en-Yvelines on May 30, 2024. The UEFA Euro 2024 championship will take place from June 14 to July 14, 2024 in Germany.Talismanic forward Kylian Mbappe was on Monday left out of France’s squad for the Paris Olympics that will take place in July and August later this year.The decision to leave Mbappe out of the French squad comes on the heels of the centre-forward’s decision to part ways with Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).Mbappe, who is expected to join European champions Real Madrid after his seven-year stint with PSG, had expressed his desire to represent France at the Olympics on home soil. Even Fra...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Olympiacos beat Fiorentina after extra time to win Europa Conference League

Rodinei of Olympiacos FC celebrates with the trophy and teammates following the victory in the UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 final match between Olympiacos FC and ACF Fiorentina at AEK Arena on May 29, 2024 in Athens, Greece. Olympiacos won their first major European trophy as Ayoub El Kaabi’s late extra-time winner inflicted a second straight Europa Conference League final defeat on Fiorentina.A forgettable final sparked into life with just four minutes of extra time remaining as El Kaabi turned home the only goal of a game taking place at the home of Olympiacos’ rivals AEK Athens.While the Greek side could celebrate becoming the first team from their country to win a European trophy, Fiorentina were once again left wondering what might have been a year after losing in the fi...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Atlanta hands Miami first MLS loss with Messi

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami competes for the ball against Tristan Muyumba #8 of Atlanta United during the first half at Chase Stadium on May 29, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Lionel Messi scored yet again, but it was the lone highlight for Inter Miami CF, as its 10-match Major League Soccer unbeaten run was ended by an Atlanta United side that got its first league win in nearly two months.Saba Lobjanidze scored once in each half, Jamal Thiare helped put the game away with a goal in the 73rd minute and Atlanta United snapped a nine-match MLS winless streak with a 3-1 victory on Wednesday night.Atlanta was 0-5-4 in MLS play since beating Chicago 3-0 on March 31. But it never trailed on Wednesday, with Lobjanidze scoring late in the first half to put his side on top and adding the seco...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Barcelona finally beats Lyon and retains Women’s Champions League crown

Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona celebrates with the UEFA Women's Champions League Trophy after her team's victory in the UEFA Women's Champions League 2023/24 Final match between FC Barcelona and Olympique Lyonnais at San Mames Stadium on May 25, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. With a triumph over the rival it could never beat, Barcelona made it clear who's in charge of women’s soccer.Barcelona ended its losing streak against the game's most successful club on Saturday, beating Lyon 2-0 to clinch its third Women’s Champions League title in four years.World player of the year Aitana Bonmatí scored in the second half and former world player Alexia Putellas added a second deep in stoppage time for defending champion Barcelona in front of a record crowd of 50,827 for a final.“This team has made his...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Inter Miami beats slumping Whitecaps without Messi

Robert Taylor #16 of Inter Miami CF is congratulated by teammate Leonardo Campana #8 after his goal during the first half of their MLS match at BC Place against the Vancouver Whitecaps on May 25, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. A lack of star power didn't stop Inter Miami on Saturday as the visiting side cruised to a 2-1 win over the slumping Whitecaps in Vancouver.Robert Taylor scored and contributed an assist, while Leo Campana also found the back of the net for Miami (10-4-2).Ryan Gauld replied for the 'Caps (5-5-4), converting a penalty kick in the 72nd minute.Miami's Drake Callender made one save and Yohei Takaoka stopped four on-target shots for Vancouver.Soccer fans were outraged earlier in the week to hear Miami wasn't bringing soccer legend Lionel Messi to play i...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Rodgers wants permanent Idah deal

 Celtic captain Callum McGregor and manager Brendan Rodgers with the trophy after the Scottish Gas Mens Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Rangers at Hampden Park on May 25, 2024 in Glasgow, Scotland. Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers wants to strike a deal with Norwich City to sign Adam Idah on a permanent basis this summer. The Norwich City striker was the hero at Hampden Park as he netted a late winner against Rangers to claim Celtic's 42nd Scottish Cup on Saturday. Idah pounced from six yards when Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland parried Paulo Bernardo's fierce drive to send the green and white half of Hampden into raptures. It ends Idah's successful spell with the Scottish champions, during which he netted eight times in 18 appearances.Rodgers has made little secr...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Leeds United and Southampton target £20m Man City agreement

 James McAtee of Sheffield United celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Sheffield United at Selhurst Park on January 30, 2024 in London, England. Leeds United and Southampton are eyeing a move for Manchester City midfielder James McAtee, according to Give Me Sport.The 21-year-old spent the previous two seasons at Sheffield United, making a real impact during the 2022/23 campaign to guide the Blades back to the Premier League at the first time of asking but failing to do enough last term to keep them in the top flight.With United now back in the Championship, it seems unlikely that they will be able to keep the Englishman for yet another season, and he could be set to join a new club during the summer transfer wi...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Vincent Kompany set for Bayern as Mauricio Pochettino on England radar

Vincent Kompany, Manager of Burnley, celebrates following the team's victory in the Premier League match between Sheffield United and Burnley FC at Bramall Lane on April 20, 2024 in Sheffield, England. Bayern Munich are on the verge of agreeing a deal for Vincent Kompany to become their next manager despite his relegation from the Premier League with Burnley.‌The Bundesliga club are poised to appoint Kompany, 38, to succeed Thomas Tuchel in the coming days having discussed a compensation package as the former Belgium international has a contract at Turf Moor until 2028.It is understood that Kompany will look to take his backroom staff with him to the Allianz Arena, including assistant Craig Bellamy and first-team coaches Piet Cremers, Mike Jackson and Floribert N’Galula.Bayern are con...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Marcus Rashford has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024

 Marcus Rashford of Manchester United looks on during the Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round match between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United at City Ground on February 28, 2024 in Nottingham, England. Marcus Rashford has been left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024, according to The Athletic.Rashford, 26, has experienced a difficult season for Manchester United and has scored just eight goals in 42 appearances for the Red Devils. He also lost his starting place to Alejandro Garnacho.The forward has won 60 caps for England since making his debut in 2026.England manager Gareth Southgate will name a preliminary squad for Euro 2024 at 2 pm UK time.Ahead of the squad announcement, it has been reported that Rashford will not be among the 26-man selection.Want to know more about livets...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Gareth Southgate to call up Liverpool star to replace Jordan Henderson in preliminary Euro 2024 squad

Jude Bellingham and Jordan Henderson of England inspect the pitch prior to the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley Stadium on March 23, 2024 in London, England.Jordan Henderson is reportedly set to miss out on selection in England's provisional Euro 2024 squad by Gareth Southgate - with a surprise name in line to replace him.The 34-year-old started the 2023/24 season with Liverpool, but left to join Saudi Pro League side Al Ettifaq before the Premier League campaign began.After six months in Saudi Arabia, he ended his contract by mutual consent before moving to Eredivisie giants Ajax.Southgate had assured Henderson that his place in the England squad was secure at the beginning of the season, and he continued to be selected in squads despite his move away fro...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi and Inter Miami troubled by key defender suffering brutal injury

 Inter Miami CF center back Nicolas Freire (21) looks up field during a match between the New England Revolution and Inter Miami CF on April 27, 2024, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Inter Miami, currently leading the MLS table, faces a setback as their star defender Nicolas Freire suffered a torn ACL, keeping him out for the rest of the season.Freire sustained the season-ending injury during a recent match against DC United, where Inter Miami secured a 1-0 victory with a goal from Leonardo Campana in extra time. The club's communications department confirmed that Freire would undergo surgery at Baptist Health and is projected to be sidelined for the rest of the season.Throughout the 2024 season, Freire, the Argentine defender on loan from Liga MX team Pumas UNA...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Lionel Messi draws a blank on his Inter Miami return as they win 1-0

Leonardo Campana #8 of Inter Miami celebrates his goal with Lionel Messi #10, and Jordi Alba #18 during the second half against the D.C. United at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2024 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Lionel Messi was kept off the scoresheet for the second consecutive game but Inter Miami extended their unbeaten run with a 1-0 win over DC United on Saturday night.Leo Campana scored four minutes into second half stoppage time as Miami avoided a second consecutive scoreless draw. Campana, who entered the match a minute earlier, received a pass from Sergio Busquets on the right wing and converted on a shot that landed inside the left post.The win improved Eastern Conference-leading Miami to 9-2-4 with 31 points. DC United dropped to 4-5-5 and 17 points.Miami have now won six an...
Read More
No Comments
NEWS

Brazil picked to host the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027

 Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA holds the winning ballet of Brazil as they are announced to be the host country of the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup during the 74th FIFA Congress 2024 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) on May 17, 2024 in Bangkok, Thailand.Brazil will host the 2027 Women's World Cup after a vote of FIFA's full membership chose the South American bid over a joint proposal from Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.The FIFA Congress on Friday voted 119-78 for Brazil in the reduced field of two candidates to host the 2027 tournament after a joint bid by the United States and Mexico was pulled late last month, and South Africa withdrew its candidacy in November.It will be the first time the global women's tournament, first played in 1991, is staged in So...
Read More
Blogarama - Blog Directory