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8Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Kane to the rescue as England labour to Andorra win

England's Harry Kane applauds the fans after the World Cup Qualifier at the RCDE Stadium in Barcelona, Spain. Picture date: Saturday June 7, 2025. England struggled to a 1-0 win away to Andorra to maintain a 100pc start to their World Cup qualifying campaign with captain Harry Kane’s second-half goal sparing their blushes. Manager Thomas Tuchel’s team host Senegal in a friendly in Nottingham on Tuesday. On a sultry afternoon in Barcelona, Kane’s scrambled effort shortly after the interval was all that separated Thomas Tuchel’s team of Premier League household names with the side sitting 173rd in the world rankings. As expected, England dominated possession but were short of the quality expected with only Chelsea winger Noni Madueke managing to impress in a forgettable match. England se...

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7Jun By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Cristiano Ronaldo dismisses Lamine Yamal as 2025 Ballon d’Or favourite

STUTTGART, GERMANY - JUNE 05: Lamine Yamal (19) of Spain is seen during the warm up prior to the UEFA Nations League 2025 semi-final match between Spain and France at the MHP Arena Stadium on June 5, 2025, Stuttgart, Germany. Cristiano Ronaldo spoke to the media on Saturday, and during his press conference, he discussed Lamine Yamal, whom he will face for the first time during Sunday’s UEFA Nations League final between Spain and Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo gives assessment of Lamine Yamal As per Diario AS, Ronaldo gave his thoughts on Lamine Yamal, while also issuing a warning to those that have high expectations for the 17-year-old Barcelona winger. “Lamine Yamal is doing very well, he is taking full advantage of his talent. Now let the kid grow and don’t put too much pressure on him....

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7Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Saka left out of England squad to face Andorra

Bukayo Saka right winger of Arsenal and England during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Quarter Final Second Leg match between Real Madrid C.F. and Arsenal FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka has been left out of the England squad that will face Andorra in Saturday's (17:00 BST) World Cup qualifier. Atletico Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins have also been left out of the matchday squad, with Watkins returning home with a minor injury, Speaking on Friday, head coach Thomas Tuchel revealed Saka had only completed one full training session during the week, with his omission from the squad to face Andorra likely to be linked to his fitness. Saka, 23, is yet to play under Tuchel after missin...

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7Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Haaland scores again as Norway crush Italy in FIFA World Cup qualifier

OSLO, NORWAY - JUNE 6: Erling Haaland of Norway (L) fights for a header with Samuele Ricci of Italy (R) during the FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match between Norway and Italy at Ullevaal Stadium on June 6, 2025 in Oslo, Norway. Erling Haaland scored and Norway humbled Italy 3-0 for the first time in 25 years in qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Friday. Haaland collected a through ball from playmaker Martin Odegaard and rounded goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in the box for the third goal three minutes before halftime. It was his 41st goal in his 42nd game for Norway to the delight of the spectators at Ullevaal Stadium in Oslo, including King Harald V of Norway. Haaland also scored when Moldova were beaten 5-0 and Israel 4-2. Norway remained perfect in qualifying after three ga...

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6Jun By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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WC qualifier: Prabowo cheers Indonesia’s 1-0 win over China

JAKARTA, INDONESIA - JUNE 05: Wei Shihao #10 of China and Ole Romeny #10 of Indonesia vie for the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Round Three Group C match between Indonesia and China at Gelora Bung Karno Stadium on June 5, 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia. President Prabowo Subianto expressed his gratitude after Indonesia's national football team secured a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over China in a 2026 World Cup qualifier at Jakarta’s Gelora Bung Karno (GBK) Stadium on Thursday evening. "Yes, we are grateful that we won," Prabowo told reporters after the match. He acknowledged the team’s efforts but emphasized that the journey was far from over. Looking ahead, he underscored the importance of the upcoming match against Japan and expressed hope that Indonesia could make hi...

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6Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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10-man Iran lose to Qatar in 2026 World Cup qualifier

Qatar's defender #2 Pedro Miguel celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier football match between Qatar and Iran at Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on June 5, 2025. In the match held in Doha’s Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium, Iran were reduced to 10 men in the 35th minute after Milad Mohammadi was shown his second yellow card. Six minutes later, Pedro Miguel found the back of the net from a tight angle, according to Tehran Times. Amir Ghalenoei’s Iran failed to equalize the match. Julien Lopetegui’s first game in charge takes the Qataris onto 13 points from nine games and leaves the 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts a point behind the United Arab Emirates with Tuesday’s clash with Uzbekistan remaining. Iran (Group A) and Japan (Group C) have alre...

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6Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Brazil held by Ecuador in Ancelotti coaching debut

Brazil's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti gives instructions to his players during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Ecuador and Brazil at the Monumental Banco Pichincha stadium in Guayaquil, province of Guayas, Ecuador on June 5, 2025. Carlo Ancelotti's debut as coach of Brazil ended in a goalless draw in Ecuador in South American World Cup qualifying. The 65-year-old Italian, who left Real Madrid at the end of the European season, has been charged with taking Brazil through the latter stages of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager replaced Dorival Junior, who was sacked at the end of March after the 4-1 thrashing at the hands of reigning champions and bitter rivals Argentina. Thursday's result leaves the S...

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3Jun By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Reigning champions Argentina assemble ahead of World Cup qualifiers

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 19: Lionel Messi of Argentina looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 South American Qualifier match between Argentina and Peru at Estadio Alberto J. Armando on November 19, 2024 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Carlos Sipán/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images) Lionel Messi rejoined Argentina's national team the first time on Sunday, following a seven-month international absence, to prepare for this month's FIFA World Cup South American Qualifiers against Chile and Colombia. The last time Messi played for his country was in November 2024. The World Cup winning captain missed the Albiceleste's matches in March due to a muscle problem, but is now back in good form. The 37-year-old striker was named Major League Soccer (MLS) Player of the Week ...

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2Jun By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Jonathan Burkardt withdraws from Germany squad

BOCHUM, GERMANY - MAY 10: Jonathan Burkardt of 1.FSV Mainz 05 celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between VfL Bochum 1848 and 1. FSV Mainz 05 at Vonovia Ruhrstadion on May 10, 2025 in Bochum, Germany. (Photo by Pau Barrena/Getty Images) After Nadiem Amiri and Yann Aurel Bisseck, Jonathan Burkardt is the latest player to withdraw from the Germany squad ahead of their UEFA Nations League Final Four games. According to Kicker, Burkardt suffered a laceration to his heel during training on Sunday which required stitches. The Mainz forward was already a doubt for Wednesday’s game against Portugal after sustaining a toe injury, but it didn’t turn out serious enough to withdraw. Alcaraz Forced to Withdraw from Rome Open 2024 Tennis News The German national team ...

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2Jun By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Montemurro named new Australia women’s football coach

Headcoach of Lyon Joe MONTEMURRO during the Arkema Premiere Ligue Feminine, Final match between Lyon and Paris on May 16, 2025 at Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France. (Photo by Daniel Derajinski/Icon Sport via Getty Images) Joe Montemurro has been appointed as head coach of the Australia women's team, returning home after a successful decade in Europe with Arsenal, Juventus and Lyon. The 55-year-old, who steered French powerhouses Lyon to their fourth consecutive women's league title last month, said it was "the honour of a lifetime". "This team means so much to so many Australians, and I'm humbled by the opportunity to help shape its next chapter," he said. "I've followed their incredible journey closely and am energised by the passion, resilience, and identity they've built." ...

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29May By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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‘United’ Miami adapt after Alba, Lujan injuries

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29May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Cyriel Dessers on target as Nigeria defeat Ghana in international friendly match

BRENTFORD, ENGLAND - MAY 28: Cyriel Kolawole Paul Dessers of Nigeria scoring the 1st goal at Gtech Community Stadium on May 28, 2025 in Brentford, England. Nigeria’s Super Eagles defeated Ghana 2-1 in an international friendly at the Gtech Community Stadium on Wednesday, with first-half goals proving enough to secure the win. The result sees Nigeria advance to face Jamaica in the final of the Unity Cup after the Reggae Boyz defeated Trinidad and Tobago 3-2 on Tuesday. There was no debut for Felix Agu, with the Werder Bremen fullback left on the bench for the entirety of the game. Cyriel Dessers opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 14th minute with a composed finish inside the box, chesting down a cross and drilling a right-footed shot past Ghanaian goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim. He nett...

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29May By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Chelsea beat Real Betis to win UEFA Conference League final

WROCLAW, POLAND - MAY 28: Enzo Fernandez of Chelsea FC celebrates with team mates as he lifts the trophy following the 4-1 victory in the UEFA Conference League Final 2025 between Real Betis Balompie and Chelsea FC at Stadio Wroclaw on May 28, 2025 in Wroclaw, Poland. Chelsea won the Conference League trophy on Wednesday with a 4-1 victory over Real Betis at the Wroclaw Stadium in Poland. Goals from Enzo Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson - both set up by Palmer -plus late strikes from Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo secured the silverware after Betis went in 1-0 up at halftime thanks to an early Abde Ezzalzouli strike. Chelsea roared back to beat Real Betis 4-1 in the UEFA Conference League final in Wroclaw on Wednesday, becoming the first club to claim all four major European trophies. Ma...

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28May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Richarlison returns to Brazil squad

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND - APRIL 13: Tottenham Hotspur's Richarlison looks on at the end of the match during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC at Molineux on April 13, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by Andrew Kearns - CameraSport via Getty Images) Richarlison has been named in Carlo Ancelotti's first Brazil squad for next month's FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. With 20 goals in 48 caps in his international career, Richy's latest call-up marks a long-awaited return to the national team having not been selected since March, 2024, and not played since October, 2023, after enduring a challenging time with injuries in recent seasons. Ancelotti, 65, started his tenure as new Seleção coach on Monday (26 May) h...

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27May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Mykhaylo Mudryk spotted in Poland ahead of Chelsea’s Europa Conference League final

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM - 2024/11/07: Mykhaylo Mudryk of Chelsea seen in action during the UEFA Conference League 2024/2025 match between Chelsea - Noah at Stamford Bridge. Final score; Chelsea 8:0 FC Noah. (Photo by Grzegorz Wajda/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images) Mykhaylo Mudryk will watch Chelsea in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday, football Flame understands.The winger has been spotted in Poland ahead of tomorrow night's clash with Real Betis in Wroclaw. Mudryk was pictured wearing his Chelsea tracksuit on the eve of the showpiece match.The Blues are aware of the contribution Mudryk has made to their run to the final. He appeared five times in the Conference League across the qualifying play-off round and league phase.In those appearances, Mudryk scored t...

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25May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Zlatko Dalić: “I would never give up on Luka Modrić”

SPLIT, CROATIA - NOVEMBER 18: Croatia Head Coach Zlatko Dalic and Luka Modric of Croatia during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Croatia and Portugal at Poljud Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Split, Croatia. Croatia National Team manager Zlatko Dalić said he would never give up on Real Madrid legend Luka Modric despite his age. He was asked about it, and he said: ““I would never give up on Luka Modrić, regardless of how old he is. But that’s the [Real Madrid] policy. Remember that Casillas, Raúl or Sergio Ramos left this club, in a much uglier way than Luka. “He is truly a top value and character, he helps young players and I would never give him up.” Dalić was asked about Modric’s next steps, to which he gave a very clear answer. He said: “Knowing Luka, ...

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24May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ronaldo in ‘discussions’ to play at FIFA Club World Cup

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - MAY 07: Cristiano Ronaldo of Al Nassr reacts during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Nassr and Al Ittihad at Al-Awwal Park on May 07, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Cristiano Ronaldo is in “discussions” to play at FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup this summer, according to the president of the sport’s global governing body. Gianni Infantino says the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward might play in the tournament, which is being staged in the United States in June, because of a unique transfer window. Ronaldo’s Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr did not qualify for the tournament, but Infantino suggested that the Portugal star could switch to one of the 32 teams participating in the tournament. “Cristiano Ronaldo might play in the Club World Cup,” Infan...

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21May By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Foden hopes for England rest amid ankle injury and off-field issues

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: England's Phil Foden during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifier between England and Albania at Wembley Stadium on March 21, 2025 in London, England. Phil Foden is seeking talks with England and Manchester City to devise a period of rest this summer after the toughest season of his career. The midfielder, who turns 25 next week, admitted to ‘mental fatigue’ earlier in the campaign and has revealed off-field issues have hampered his performances. Foden is also carrying ligament damage in his ankle, sustained during the dour Manchester derby in early April, and has only featured for 105 minutes since. The summer schedule is packed, with England internationals coming in the days before City travel to the United States for the newly expanded Club World Cup...

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21May By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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UEFA confirm qualification system for EURO 2028 competition

A television camera set up in front of a UEFA logo ahead of the Euro 2028 and Euro 2032 hosts announcement ceremony at the UEFA Headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. Picture date: Tuesday October 10, 2023. UEFA have announced the qualifying system to enter the EURO 2028 tournament, with news host nations England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland will not be given automatic participation. As is often to case now, the competition will be hosted not by a single nation, but with a combination of different countries sharing the venues. Number of EURO 2028 co-hosts poses problem for UEFA In the case of EURO 2028, it will be England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland. As having all four of those given an automatic berth would reduce the options for others, UEFA has confirmed...

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19May By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Lionel Messi urges Inter Miami to be ‘united’ amid struggles

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - MAY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami FC controls the ball away from Joran Gerbet #35 of Orlando City SC during the game at Chase Stadium on May 18, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Michael Pimentel/ISI Photos/Getty Images) Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi urged the team to stay strong and remain united after losing 3-0 to in-state rivals Orlando City at Chase Stadium on Sunday night. The result makes it five losses in the past seven games for Miami, which has conceded 20 goals since the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series against the Vancouver Whitecaps on April 24. "[We need to] keep going. It's a complicated time," Messi told Apple TV after the game. "But we'll all stay united. We're a team in difficult times, because when e...

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