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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Denmark edge out Slovenia to book Euro 2024 spot; Albania also qualify

 Denmark's defender #05 Joakim Maehle (L) celebrates scoring the opening goal with his teammate Denmark's forward #19 Jonas Wind during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group H qualification football match between Denmark and Slovenia in Copenhagen on November 17, 2023. Denmark booked their spot in the Euro 2024 finals with a 2-1 win in their crunch match against Slovenia. Albania also qualified on Friday, drawing 1-1 in Moldova to ensure they would finish in the top two in Group E. The Czech Republic drew 1-1 in Poland to leave the second qualifying place from Group E undecided. Italy moved to second in Group C with a 5-2 home win over North Macedonia. England, who have won the group, eased to a 2-0 home win over Malta.In Group H, both teams were able to qualify with a win in Copenhagen ...

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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England ‘not where we need to be ‘ – Gareth Southgate

Cole Palmer of England shakes hands with Gareth Southgate, Head Coach of England, as he prepares to enter the pitch as a substitute during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Malta at Wembley Stadium on November 17, 2023 in London, England. Manager Gareth Southgate said his England side are "not where we need to be" after Friday's 2-0 win over Malta - but refused to criticise the players because of the gruelling schedule.Enrico Pepe's own goal and Harry Kane's 62nd strike gave the Three Lions victory in the Euro 2024 qualifier.But Southgate's team, who had already qualified for next summer's tournament, produced an underwhelming performance."We didn't hit the heights we have done this calendar year," said Southgate.England have won six of their seven games ...

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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Italy beats North Macedonia, needs just a point against Ukraine to qualify for Euro 2024

 Matteo Darmian of Italy celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during with his teammate Federico Dimarco and Federico Chiesa of Italy the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Italy and North Macedonia at Stadio Olimpico on November 17, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Federico Chiesa scored two first-half goals and defending champion Italy beat North Macedonia 5-2 Friday to gain a measure of revenge and move closer to qualifying for the European Championship.Italy now needs only a draw against Ukraine on Monday to secure a spot at next year’s tournament in Germany.North Macedonia kept Italy from qualifying for last year’s World Cup with a 1-0 playoff win over the Azzurri in Palermo.“The important thing is that we won the game. Unfortunately, we conceded two goals that ove...

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18Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Poland drop chance to qualify to EURO 2024 directly from group

 Tomas Soucek of Czechia is challenged by Damian Szymanski of Poland during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Poland and Czechia at PGE Narodowy on November 17, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland. Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek cancelled out a first-ha1lf opener by Poland's Jakub Piotrowski to earn an 1-1 away draw in their Euro 2024 Group E qualifier on Friday, with both the Czechs and Moldova still able to seal qualification.Poland took the lead in the 38th minute through Piotrowski, who netted from close range for his debut goal in his second appearance for the national team.Midfielder Soucek equalized for Czech Republic after the break with a low shot towards the far post, prompting Poland to search for a winner but despite some good chances, the hosts were unab...

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17Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Luis Diaz scores twice in front of released father as Colombia stun Brazil

 Luis Diaz of Colombia celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Colombia and Brazil at Estadio Metropolitano Roberto Meléndez on November 16, 2023 in Barranquilla, Colombia.Luis Diaz scored twice as Colombia stunned Brazil 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier, days after his father was released by kidnappers.The Liverpool striker netted twice in four minutes late in the second half, watched by his father Luiz Manuel Diaz who was held for 12 days before his release last week.Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli had put Brazil in front after just four minutes.Colombia’s first win over Brazil for eight years lifts them into third in the South American qualifying table with Brazil, who suffered a second successive defeat in the competition, do...

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17Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Portugal secure 2-0 victory against Liechtenstein

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal (C) attempts an overhead kick during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Liechtenstein and Portugal at Rheinpark Stadion on November 16, 2023 in Vaduz, Liechtenstein.Cristiano Ronaldo scored, helping Portugal secure a 2-0 victory against Liechtenstein in the Group J clash on Thursday. The 38-year-old now shares the top scorer position with Belgium’s Romelu Lukaku in the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.Having already secured their spot in the finals, Portugal leads Group J with 27 points, eight ahead of second-placed Slovakia. Liechtenstein remains at the bottom with zero points after nine games.Despite Portugal manager Roberto Martinez choosing not to rest regular starters, his team struggled against the lower-ranked opponents, and the deadlock p...

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17Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain teenager Lamine Yamal scores in win over Cyprus in Euro 2024 qualifying

 Spain's forward #17 Lamine Yamal shoots to score his team's first goal during the UEFA Euro 2024 Group A qualifying football match between Cyprus and Spain at the Alphamega Stadium in Limassol on November 16, 2023. Teenager Lamine Yamal scored to help Spain defeat Cyprus 3-1 and remain in first place in its European Championship qualifying group on Thursday.Mikel Oyarzabal and Joselu also scored first-half goals to give already qualified Spain a two-point lead in Group A over second-place Scotland, which drew 2-2 at Georgia.The 16-year-old Yamal scored five minutes into the match.“I'm very happy to be wearing this jersey,” he said. “I'm feeling very comfortable thanks to my teammates.”Spain's final match will be against Georgia on Sunday in Valladolid, while Scotland will host N...

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16Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Egypt’s Salah scores four as Nigeria held by Lesotho

 Mohamed Salah of Egypt drinks water ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers football match between Egypt and Djibouti at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt on November 16, 2023.West Brom centre-back Semi Ajayi powerfully headed in Kelechi Iheanacho's corner to level 11 minutes later but the Super Eagles could not find a winner in their Group C opener in a rainy Uyo.Jose Peseiro's side had dominated the first half but paid for their profligacy as Iheanacho saw a free-kick saved, Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi failed to capitalise on a promising cut-back and Ademola Lookman had a low shot across goal turned away.Liverpool forward Salah starred as Egypt thrashed Djibouti 6-0 in Cairo while elsewhere there were wins for Algeria, Mozambique, Burundi and Ga...

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16Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Israel and Switzerland draw 1-1 in Euro 2024 qualifying game in Hungary

 Dor Turgeman of Israel is tackled by Edimilson Fernandes of Switzerland which results in a red card for Edimilson Fernandes of Switzerland during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Israel and Switzerland at Puskas Akademia Pancho Arena on November 15, 2023 in Felcsut near Budapest, Hungary.European Championship qualifying game between Switzerland and Israel ended with a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, a match that brought the Israeli team to Hungary after all scheduled games in Tel Aviv were postponed due to the Israel-Hamas war.The match was one of two “home games” Israel is hosting in Felcsut, a Hungarian village of around 1,900 people, as it chases a qualifying place in the Euro 2024 continental championship. If the team qualifies, it will be its first time since joining t...

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15Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Son called in for South Korea as Asia’s leading teams enter qualifying for the 2026 World Cup

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-Min warming up before the match during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur at Molineux on November 11, 2023 in Wolverhampton, England. Son Heung-min will join South Korea for its opening game in World Cup qualifying, with head coach Jurgen Klinsmann aiming to start the second stage of Asian competition with a statement win.The Koreans and Asia’s five other 2022 World Cup participants start their qualification campaigns to appear at the 2026 tournament on Thursday.None of the continental heavyweights are taking this stage lightly, with European-based stars such as Son, Kaoru Mitoma and Mehdi Taremi picked for their national teams to take on some of the continent’s lower-ranked rivals.South Korea kicks off against ...

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14Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Egypt captain Salah leads African stars into World Cup qualifying

 Mohamed Salah of Liverpool celebrates scoring during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on November 12, 2023 in Liverpool, England. Prolific Liverpool scorer and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah will be among the stars in action this week when 2026 World Cup qualifying in Africa kicks off with two matchdays. His two Premier League goals against Brentford at the weekend raised his total to 200 in English football, and he is now set to shine against Group A rivals Djibouti and Sierra Leone. Salah was the second highest ranked African in the Ballon d’Or last month behind Napoli and Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen, who misses the first matchdays due to an injury. Omar Marmoush of Eintracht Frankfurt and Mostafa Mohamed of Nantes are ot...

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14Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ederson misses Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers with foot injury

  Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson during the UEFA Champions League Group G match between Manchester City and BSC Young Boys at Etihad Stadium on November 7, 2023 in Manchester, England. Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has been ruled out of upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina with a foot injury, the Brazilian football federation announced yesterday.Ederson, 30, picked up the injury with club side City in last Sunday’s 4-4 Premier League draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.Brazil coach Fernando Diniz has called up Athletico Paranaense goalkeeper Bento for Thursday’s games against Colombia at Barranquilla and World Cup winners Argentina on November 21 in Rio de Janeiro.Unbeaten Argentina top the table with 12 points after four games, five...

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14Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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John Obi Mikel keen to tempt Victor Osimhen into Chelsea transfer

 Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli watches the match from the stands during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Empoli FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona Naples Italy on 12 November 2023.Club legend John Obi Mikel has suggested that he will try to tempt Napoli forward Victor Osimhen into a move to Chelsea.For a number of transfer windows, Osimhen has been linked with an exit from the Serie A giants, a consequence of the impact that he has made in Naples.In 2022-23, the frontman contributed 26 goals from 32 appearances in Italy's top flight as Napoli won their first league crown in over three decades.However, with a contract until 2025, speculation persists that the 24-year-old will soon be taking on a new challenge, most likely in the Premier League.With Napoli president Aurelio ...

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13Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Rudi Garcia leaves Napoli to return to France

 Rudi Garcia SSC Napoli head coach during the Serie A TIM match between SSC Napoli and Empoli FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on November 12, 2023 in Naples, Italy. Rudi Garcia boarded a plane to leave Napoli and return to France this morning after the club’s decision to sack him.The 59-year-old coach’s fate was sealed after the Partenopei’s painful 1-0 loss to Empoli on Sunday, but it only seemed like a matter of time after the team’s disappointing start to the season.Garcia took over as Napoli coach in the summer after Luciano Spalletti’s decision to step away, signing a two-year contract worth €2.8m net per season. A clause was included which allows the club to terminate his contract next June should he be dismissed in his first campaign.As reported by Gianluca Di Marzio, ...

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11Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi vows to win more trophies with Inter Miami

 Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts against the New York City FC during the first half in the Noche d'Or friendly match at DRV PNK Stadium on November 10, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Lionel Messi with Inter Miami's managing owner Jorge Mas and co-owner Jose Mas, plus MLS commissioner Don GarberInter Miami held a cereony to honour Lionel Messi before Friday's friendly, dubbed 'Noche d'Or'Lionel Messi has "no doubt" Inter Miami will secure more silverware after he extended his record for Ballon d'Or wins.The 36-year-old Argentina forward was named the world's best player for an eighth time last month, after helping his country win the 2022 World Cup.He left Paris St-Germain to join Miami in July and the MLS club won its first trophy in August - the Leagues Cup."We are going ...

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10Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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‘I didn’t like anything’ – Mourinho slams Roma players after Slavia defeat

AS Roma coach Josè Mourinho during a press conference at Eden Arena on November 08, 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic.Jose Mourinho has slammed his players following Roma's 2-0 defeat by Slavia Prague in the UEFA Europa League, claiming he "did not like anything" about his team's performance.Having beaten the Czech side in their previous Europa League outing, the Serie A outfit suffered their first defeat in the tournament this season.The result means that the Czech side top Group G, ahead of Roma on goal difference.After a goalless first half, Vaclav Jurecka fired in the first from inside the penalty area, before Lukas Masopust struck a low shot from distance into the bottom-left corner.Mourinho issued a scathing assessment of how his side played, with the 2022 Europa League finalists failin...

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10Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Roberto De Zerbi provides injury update on Brighton & Hove Albion trio after Ajax win

 Head Coach Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton & Hove Albion attends a press conference after the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Group B match between AFC Ajax and Brighton & Hove Albion at the Johan Cruyff ArenA on November 9, 2023 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Roberto De Zerbi has admitted that he is "worried" about the club's growing injury problems after Lewis Dunk, James Milner and Pervis Estupinan were all forced off in Thursday's 2-0 win at Ajax in the Europa League.Ansu Fati and Simon Adingra contributed with a goal and an assist each to help a clinical Seagulls side claim all three points and boost their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.However, the victory in Amsterdam was somewhat marred by the loss of three senior figures, w...

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9Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gareth Southgate resists change to England squad and insists door remains open for Raheem Sterling

 England trainer Gareth Southgate during the European Championship qualification 2024 match Italy-England at the Diego Armando Maradona stadium. Naples (Italy), March 23rd, 2023.England manager Gareth Southgate resisted the temptation to make changes to his latest squad ahead of the final Euro 2024 qualification double-header.Southgate’s side are already assured of a spot in next summer’s finals in Germany but it was a 25-man squad of familiar names picked for the home game against Malta and a trip to North Macedonia later this month.From the previous squad, Manchester City defender John Stones missed out through injury but was not replaced while Eddie Nketiah has an ankle issue and Newcastle’s Callum Wilson came in to replace the Arsenal striker.Southgate started his press conference...

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5Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Brazil in running to host 2027 Women’s World Cup

 (L-R) DFB president Bernd Neuendorf, captain of the Germany Women's national team Alexandra Popp, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and DFB general secretary Heike Ullrich pose for a picture to support the bid of Germany, the Netherlands and Belgum to host the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 during a visit at DFB-Campus on October 24, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.Brazil has submitted a letter of intent to FIFA to host the 2027 Women's World Cup.The South American country's Minister of Sports Andre Fufuca presented the documents to FIFA President Gianni Infantino while he was in Rio de Janeiro for the Copa Libertadores final, which was won by Brazilian club Fluminense for the first time."I delivered it to FIFA and Brazilian Football Confederation on behalf of President Lula," Fufuca...

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4Nov By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Leicester winning run ended by impressive Leeds

 Leeds United's Georginio Rutter is tackled by Leicester City's Harry Winks during the Sky Bet Championship match between Leicester City and Leeds United at The King Power Stadium on November 3, 2023 in Leicester, England.Leeds United ended Leicester City's nine-game winning run in the Championship with an impressive victory at the King Power Stadium.Joel Piroe went close in the opening moments for Leeds while Leicester's Abdul Fatawu hit the bar 11 minutes before half-time in a tight first half.But Leeds were the better side after the break and took a deserved lead when Georginio Rutter converted from close range after Sam Byram's header from a corner was palmed away by Mads Hermansen.Substitute Kelechi Iheanacho had a late effort blocked for the Foxes before Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's ...

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