NEWS

9Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Ronaldo scores on 1,200th career appearance

Otavio of Al Nassr celebrates with his teammate Cristiano Ronaldo after scoring 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Riyadh at King Saud University Stadium on December 8, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Cristiano Ronaldo marked the 1,200th professional match of his career by scoring one goal and assisting another for Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.The 38-year-old tapped in Sadio Mane's cross and later set up team-mate Otavio in a 4-1 win over Al-Riyadh.Ronaldo thanked all those who have helped him reach the landmark - but added that he was "not done yet".The Portugal forward is the Saudi Pro League's top scorer with 16 goals in 15 games this season.Former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton is acknowledged as holding the record for the most competitive profession...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Venues revealed for 2024 Copa America in USA

Conmebol's President Paraguayan Alejandro Dominguez speaks during a press conference to present Conmebol's new logo for the Copa America 2024 in Luque, Paraguay on July 17, 2023. Next year's 48th edition of the Copa America, featuring 10 South American nations and six North American teams, will be held in 14 venues across 10 US states, organizers said on Monday. South American governing body CONMEBOL had already announced that the June 20 opener would be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta with the final on July 14 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. On Monday CONMEBOL revealed that AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, NRG Stadium in Houston, State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, will host quarter-final ma...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Liverpool pass Europa League group stage by beating Austrian club Lask 4-0

Ivan Ljubic of LASK and Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League Group E fixture between Liverpool and LASK at Anfield on November 30, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Liverpool beat Austrian club LASK 4-0 in a UEFA Europa League Group E match on Thursday.Colombian forward Luis Diaz's header brought an early lead to the hosts in the 12th minute. Then just three minutes later, Dutch forward Cody Gakpo’s tap in of Mohamed Salah's assist made it 2-0 at Anfield.Egyptian star Salah then took the stage in the second half as the skipper netted his 119th goal for the Reds with an accurate low shot in the 51st minute.Gakpo scored another one with a good shot to the top corner in the 92nd minute and the match ended 4-0.Liverpool top Group E with 12 points and passed the group stage...

25Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ex-Man City and Liverpool forward Mario Balotelli involved in serious car crash

Balotelli (99) of Yukatel Adanademirspor gestures during the Turkish Super Lig week 10 soccer match between Yukatel Adana Demirspor and TUMOSAN Konyaspor at New Adana Stadium in Adana, Turkiye on October 28, 2023. Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been involved in a serious car crash in his native Italy. The 33-year-old totalled his car in a heavy collision in the Italian town of Brescia but managed to walk away from the wreckage without suffering any significant injuries.Local Italian newspaper Fatto Quotidiano reports the crash occurred at 8.30pm on Thursday night in Balotelli's hometown Orzinuovi. The striker was in Italy after being granted leave from Turkish Super Lig club Adana Demispor while he recovers from an injury.He was fortunate to wal...

23Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Stephen Kenny sacked as Ireland manager after failure to qualify for Euro 2024

Dublin , Ireland - 21 November 2023; Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny before the international friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) have announced that they will not renew the contract of current Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny.It followed a meeting on Wednesday evening and a presentation to the Board by chief executive Jonathan Hill and Director of Football Marc Canham.His departure comes following Ireland’s disappointing Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, where the team missed out on a spot in next year’s finals in Germany.Their qualification run came to a close on Saturday after being beaten 1-0 by the Netherlands in Amsterdam and as a result finished fourth in the Group B sta...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Germany lose in Austria as Nagelsmann woe continues

Julian Nagelsmann, Manager of Germany, looks on prior to the international friendly match between Austria and Germany at Ernst Happel Stadion on November 21, 2023 in Vienna, Austria. Germany were beaten by Austria to suffer a second straight defeat as Julian Nagelsmann's reign continues to get off to a difficult start.The ex-Bayern Munich manager won his opening game against the USA before a draw with Mexico and defeat by Turkey.The 36-year-old replaced Hansi Flick in September on a contract until July 2024, after Germany host Euro 2024.Marcel Sabitzer put Ralf Rangnick's Austria ahead, before Christoph Baumgartner sealed the win.Germany were also reduced to 10 men in the 49th minute when former Manchester City winger Leroy Sane was sent off for pushing Phillipp Mwene over after...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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France’s perfect qualifying ended by Greece draw

France's forward #12 Randal Kolo Muani (L) fights for the ball with Greece's defender #15 Lazaros Rota (R) during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group B second leg qualifying football match between Greece and France at the Agia Sophia Stadium in Athens on November 21, 2023. France finished Euro 2024 qualifying with seven wins from eight after drawing 2-2 with Greece.Paris St-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani fired into the roof of the net to give France the lead in Athens.But Anastasios Bakasetas equalised for Greece with a 20-yard volley, before Fotis Ioannidis guided home a cross.That forced boss Didier Deschamps to turn to his bench, with Kylian Mbappe coming on to set Youssouf Fofana up for their equaliser with 16 minutes left.The visitors, who had already qualified, thought they had fo...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Croatia secure final automatic Euro 2024 spot

Borna Sosa and Ante Budimir of Croatia celebrate after scoring first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Croatia and Armenia at Stadion Maksimir on November 21, 2023 in Zagreb, Croatia. Croatia became the final team to automatically secure their place at Euro 2024 with victory over Armenia.The result means they finish second, behind Turkey, in Group D, and send Wales into the play-offs.It was threatening to be a frustrating night for Croatia but Ante Budimir met Borna Sosa's cross to secure the win.It means they continue their record of qualifying for every European Championship since 2004 and every major tournament since 2010.They went into the game knowing they needed to at least match Wales' result against Turkey to qualify but quickly found themse...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Republic held by New Zealand as McClean retires

Adam Idah of Republic of Ireland scores the team's first goal during the International Friendly match between Republic of Ireland and New Zealand at Aviva Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.The Republic of Ireland failed to end a disappointing year on a high as they were held by New Zealand on a night when James McClean brought down the curtain on his international career.Adam Idah's 28th-minute strike put the Republic in the driving seat at the break in the Dublin friendly.But New Zealand hit back through Matthew Garbett just before the hour.McClean then bid farewell to the Irish fans in what may also prove to be Stephen Kenny's final match in charge.Kenny's contract is up, with the Dubliner's fate expected to be decided at next week's Football Association of Ireland bo...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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World Cup qualifiers: Nothing to lose, Igor Stimac’s India ready ‘to go for it’ against Qatar

India's football coach Igor Stimac (L) gestures during the men's round of 16 football match between India and Saudi Arabia in the 2022 Asian Games at the Huanglong Sports Centre Stadium in Hangzhou in China's eastern Zhejiang province on September 28, 2023.Igor Stimac, head coach of India’s national football team, was in a relaxed mood on the eve of the Group A match of the 2026 World Cup and 2027 Asian Cup Qualifier against Qatar scheduled to be held at the Kalinga Stadium here on Tuesday.“This is a match where we have nothing to lose and a hell of a lot to gain. Obviously, we will go for it,” he said at the pre-match news conference on Monday.This was after rival coach and journeyman Carlos Queiroz, during his interaction with the media, heaped praise on India’s improvement in the ...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to host final for 2024 Copa América

View of Conmebol's new logo for the Copa America 2024 during the press conference to present it in Luque, Paraguay on July 17, 2023. Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta was awarded the 2024 Copa América opener and South Florida's Hard Rock Stadium will host the final of the tournament, held outside of its home continent for only the second timeA joint announcement was made Monday by soccer's governing bodies of South America and of North and Central America and the Caribbean. Other sites and the schedule for the 16-team tournament were not revealed.The tournament is set to begin on June 20 at 71,000-seat Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Major League Soccer's Atlanta United has set numerous attendance records. Defending Copa América champion Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, will presumab...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Northern Ireland end poor Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with Denmark win

Northern Ireland's midfielder #14 Isaac Price (2L) celebrates scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group H qualifying football match between Northern Ireland and Denmark at Windsor Park stadium, in Belfast, on November 20, 2023.Northern Ireland saved their best until last as they ended a miserable Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high note with a 2-0 win over Group H winners Denmark.Second-half goals from Isaac Price and Dion Charles got Windsor Park roaring again as Northern Ireland recorded only their third win of the year, and the first against anyone other than San Marino.The match was effectively a dead rubber - Northern Ireland's hopes of progressing to Euro 2024 were over by the summer while Denmark booked their ticket with a 2-1 win over Slovenia on Friday nig...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gareth Southgate hails Rico Lewis after strong England debut in North Macedonia

England's Rico Lewis shakes hands with manager Gareth Southgate after the UEFA Euro 2024 Qualifying Group C match at Todor Proeski National Arena in Skopje, North Macedonia. Picture date: Monday November 20, 2023. Gareth Southgate praised Rico Lewis after the teenage debutant bounced back from a contentious penalty call made against him during an impressive first England appearance away to North Macedonia.An unbeaten year that started with victory in Italy ended with a 1-1 draw away in chilly Skopje as the Euro 2020 runners-up rubberstamped their place among the top seeds for next year’s finals.Monday’s trip to Skopje represented England’s final match on foreign soil before Euro 2024 gets under way in June, and Southgate’s side had to dig deep after falling behind to a team they...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Wales set for night of nerves against Turkey

Head coach Robert John Page (C) of Wales attends a training session ahead of the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) Qualifier Group D match between Wales and Turkiye in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom on November 20, 2023. Wales host Turkey in their final Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday night knowing their dreams of a direct route to next summer's finals will be decided both in Cardiff and Croatia.Wales' 1-1 draw in Armenia on Saturday saw them lose control of their own destiny in Group D.It means Rob Page's side must beat already-qualified Turkey in Cardiff and hope Croatia drop points at home to Armenia in Zagreb.Should a sellout Cardiff City Stadium crowd not get the two results they desire to reach the finals in Germany, Wales do have the relative luxury of being assured o...

21Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Defending champions Italy qualify for Euro 2024 after goalless Ukraine draw

20 November 2023, North Rhine-Westphalia, Leverkusen: Soccer: European Championship qualifier, Ukraine - Italy, group stage, Group C, match day 10, in the BayArena. Ruslan Malinovskyi (l) from Ukraine and Italy's Bryan Cristante (M) and Gianluca Scamacca (r) fight for the ball. Defending European champions Italy qualified for Euro 2024 after a goalless draw against Ukraine in Germany.The point ensured Italy finished second in Group C, level on 14 points with third-placed Ukraine but with a better head-to-head record after a tense affair that could have gone either way.Ukraine, who have never beaten Italy, had strong claims for a stoppage-time penalty after Bryan Cristante's clumsy challenge on Mykhailo Mudryk but nothing was given.Ukraine can still book a spot at a fourth consec...

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Portugal beat Iceland to secure 100% record

Portugal players celebrate after the second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Portugal and Iceland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 19, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.Portugal ended their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with 10 wins out of 10 as Bruno Fernandes set them on the way to victory over Iceland.The Manchester United captain fired a shot into the bottom corner from Bernardo Silva's flick in a game which the 2016 European champions controlled.Ricardo Horta added a second after Cristiano Ronaldo's shot was saved.Portugal have won every match they have played in 2023 after appointing Roberto Martinez in January.France are the only other team who could finish qualifying with a 100% record, provided they win in Greece on Tuesday.

20Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Euro 2024 qualifiers: Lukaku scores four in Belgium win

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates after scoring his teams second goal, Leandro Trossard of Belgium, Aster Vranckx of Belgium, Timothy Castagne of Belgium, Arthur Theate of Belgium during the Group F - UEFA EURO 2024 European Qualifiers match between Belgium and Azerbaijan at King Baudouin Stadium on November 19, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.Romelu Lukaku scored four first-half goals as Belgium thrashed 10-man Azerbaijan in Euro 2024 qualifying.The 30-year-old now has 83 goals in 113 Belgium games, making him the seventh-highest scorer in men's international football history.He headed in Jeremy Doku's cross before Eddy Israfilov was sent off, then smashed in a second from Timothy Castagne's knock down, nodded in Wout Faes' cross, and scored from Orel Mangala's ball, all before being re...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Sadio Mane celebrates 100th Senegal appearance with two goals

Sadio Mane of Al Nassr FC during the Saudi Pro League match between Al-Nassr and Al-Khaleej at King Saud University Stadium on November 04, 2023 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sadio Mane celebrated his 100th Senegal appearance by scoring twice in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over South Sudan in an empty stadium near Dakar on Saturday.The Saudi Arabia-based forward, who has been voted African Footballer of the Year twice, also created a goal in the Group B first round match before being substituted. Success took reigning African champions Senegal to the top of the group, ahead of the Democratic Republic of Congo on goal difference, as they seek a third straight World Cup appearance in 2026.The only disappointment for Mane and his teammates was that the match had to be staged behind clo...

19Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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France smash record in 14-0 win as Dutch, Swiss and Romania qualify for Euro 2024

Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates his second goal between Theo Hernandez and Antoine Griezmann during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between France and Gibraltar at Allianz Riviera stadium on November 18, 2023 in Nice, France.Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in France's record-breaking 14-0 thrashing of 10-man Gibraltar as the Netherlands, Switzerland and Romania all booked their places at Euro 2024 on Saturday.Les Bleus set a new record margin of victory in European qualifying and a national record in Nice.Ethan Santos' own goal and Marcus Thuram had already opened the floodgates before 17-year-old Warren Zaire-Emery scored.That was Zaire-Emery's last contribution as the PSG midfielder was forced off with an ankle injury but a red card for Santos after just 18 minutes ...

18Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Vinicius to miss Argentina World Cup qualifier due to injury

Vinicius Junior of Brazil reacts the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Brazil at Barranquilla on November 16, 2023 in Barranquilla, Colombia.Brazilian attacker Vinicius Junior will miss Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Argentina with an injury to his left thigh, national team officials said after he limped off against Colombia.The 23-year-old Real Madrid star "underwent imaging exams that confirmed an injury to his posterior left thigh muscle," the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Friday in a statement.It said Vinicius, a key piece of Brazil's attacking arsenal, had been ruled out of next week's match against arch-rivals and 2022 World Cup champions Argentina in Rio de Janeiro.Vinicius had earlier said the outlook was not good for him to be fit ...