NEWS – Page 26 – Football Flame

10Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

‘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...

10Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

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...

9Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

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...

5Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

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...

4Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

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 ...

3Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

How Napoli’s Osimhen can still reach greater heights

Victor Osimhen of SSC Napoli greets his supporters during the Champions League Group C match between SSC Napoli and Real Madrid CF at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on October 03, 2023 in Naples, Italy.Nigeria legend Emmanuel Amuneke says more should be expected from Victor Osimhen after the Super Eagles striker finished eighth in the 2023 men's Ballon d'Or.The 24-year-old was the top African player in this year's rankings, and became the highest-placed Nigerian in the award's selection since its inception in 1956, thanks a remarkable 2022-23 season in which he scored 26 Serie A goals to help Napoli win their first Italian title in 33 years.Osimhen also became the highest-scoring African in a Serie A season, breaking the previous record held by 1995 Ballon d'Or winner George Weah, who...

2Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Zinedine Zidane has already explained why he wouldn’t accept Man Utd job

Zinedine Zidane in action during a legends match against the legends of RC Lens at Stade Bollaert-Delelis, Lens, France on October 31, 2023. Zinedine Zidane has already ruled himself out of taking the Manchester United job, though well before the pressure began ramping up on Erik ten Hag.United have endured an awful campaign under Ten Hag, losing five of their first 10 Premier League games, being defeated in both of their opening Champions League games and being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Newcastle on Wednesday night.That has led to club chiefs drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements for the Dutchman, with Zidane one of the leading names in contention.. The Frenchman is still out of a job despite enjoying a hugely successful spell at La Liga giants Real Madrid.He ...

2Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

League Cup | Newcastle defeats Man United to advance; West Ham knocks out Arsenal

Newcastle United's Joe Willock battles with Manchester United's Marcel Sabitzer during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on April 2, 2023 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.Manchester United were humbled 3-0 at home by Newcastle United in the League Cup fourth round as their dismal start to the season took a serious turn for the worse on Wednesday.Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag looked shell-shocked as his team were booed off the pitch and the Dutchman is under intense pressure following their 3-0 home defeat by Manchester City on Sunday.In a repeat of this year's final at Wembley which Manchester United won 2-0, Newcastle led 2-0 at halftime thanks to goals by Miguel Almiron and Lewis Hall before extending their lead...

1Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lionel Messi set for lengthy lay off as Inter Miami cancel tour with blunt statement

Argentina's Lionel Messi gestures during a qualifying soccer match for the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Paraguay at the Monumental stadium, in Buenos Aires, Argentina October 12, 2023.Lionel Messi is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines and out of action, after Inter Miami's November tour of China was cancelled on Wednesday.After missing out on a Major League Soccer playoff spot, Messi and his Miami teammates had turned their attentions to Asia, and were set for a trip across China to take on Qingdao Hainiu F.C. and Chengdu Rongcheng. The franchise announced the tour last month in a bid to expand its 'global reach' and prepare for 2024.Football fans in Asia have been left disappointed though as the MLS team confirmed on Wednesday that they had been forced to cancel the tour due to 'unfo...

1Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Northern Ireland Women draw with Hungary

Northern Ireland's Danielle Maxwell (centre) scores their side's first goal of the game during the UEFA Women's Nations League Group B1 match at Seaview Stadium, Belfast. Picture date: Tuesday October 31, 2023.Northern Ireland’s senior women’s team secured a 1-1 draw with Hungary Women in Belfast on tuesday evening.A superb second half strike from Danielle Maxwell earned a point for Tanya Oxtoby’s side after Hungary had taken the lead in the UEFA Women’s Nations League encounter just before the hour mark.Following their last-gasp 3-2 defeat to the Hungarians on Friday evening, Northern Ireland were determined to bounce back, but Hungary again proved to be tricky and strong opponents.Tanya Oxtoby made five changes to her team for the League B Group 1 contest at Seaview, while the Hung...

1Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

England beaten by Belgium in Women’s Nations League

Alessia Russo of England shoots during the UEFA Womens Nations League match between Belgium and England at Den Dreef Stadium on October 31, 2023 in Leuven, Belgium. England's hopes of progressing in the Women's Nations League were dealt a huge blow after a late defeat in Belgium.Belgium forward Tessa Wullaert scored two goals either side of half-time, including one from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, to inflict a second defeat in the competition for the Lionesses.There was concern too for England defender Alex Greenwood who received lengthy treatment for a head injury before being taken off on a stretcher in the first half.England were 1-0 down when Greenwood went off after Belgium centre-back Laura de Neve curled in a brilliant free-kick in Leuven.Sarina Wiegman's side, c...

31Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lionel Messi wins Ballon d’Or for a record 8th time

Lionel Messi and sons Thiago Messi, Mateo Messi Roccuzzo and Ciro Messi Roccuzz attend the 67th Ballon D'Or Ceremony at Theatre Du Chatelet on October 30, 2023 in Paris, France. Major League Soccer star Lionel Messi has become the first player based in the league to grab the coveted Ballon d'Or trophy. The Inter Miami CF star beat out Manchester City striker Erling Haaland to win the prize for a record eighth time. The 36-year-old MLS-based player led the way for Argentina in the World Cup in 2022, which played a large part in his win this time. Barcelona player Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d'Or Féminin award for a record-setting year, leading Barca to win Liga F and the Champions League.Even before his latest win, no player had garnered the Ballon d'Or prize in more ...

27Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Hammers see historic European run end in Greece

Ola Solbakken and Kostas Fortounis of Olympiakos embrace after the team's victory during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 match between Olympiacos FC and West Ham United FC at Karaiskakis Stadium on October 26, 2023 in Piraeus, Greece. There was to be no Greek triumph for West Ham United in the deafening atmosphere of the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium.Instead, it turned out to be more of a Greek tragedy for the Hammers and their 1600 travelling fans, who saw their team’s record-breaking, 17-match unbeaten European run finally come to an end in this UEFA Europa League tie.First-half goals by skipper Sotiris Fortounis and Rodinei – with the help of an Angelo Ogbonna deflection - put the hosts firmly in control before substitute Lucas Paquetá fired home a late, late consolation for Da...

27Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Villa cruise to Conference League win at AZ Alkmaar

John McGinn of Aston Villa FC celebrates after scoring his teams fourth goal, Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa FC, Youri Tielemans of Aston Villa FC during the Group E - UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 match between AZ Alkmaar and Aston Villa FC at AFAS Stadion on October 26, 2023 in Alkmaar, Netherlands. Aston Villa climbed to the top of Group E in the Europa Conference League after a classy victory against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at AFAS Stadion.Leon Bailey and Youri Tielemans got Villa off to the perfect start with a goal apiece in the space of 10 first-half minutes.Alkmaar spurned several good opportunities before the break, included a guilt-edged chance for top scorer Vangelis Pavlidis when he was clear through on goal.Ollie Watkins then further strengthened the visitors' g...

25Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Gakpo fit to be in Liverpool squad against Toulouse

Cody Gakpo of Liverpool during a training session at AXA Training Centre on October 19, 2023 in Kirkby, England.Liverpool forward Cody Gakpo will be available for his side's Europa League group match with Toulouse on Thursday, says manager Jurgen Klopp.The 24-year-old has been sidelined since picking up a knee injury in the Reds' defeat at Tottenham last month.Liverpool sit top of Group E following wins over LASK and Union Saint-Gilloise.But Andy Robertson, Thiago Alcantara and Stefan Bajcetic are all unavailable to face Toulouse at Anfield.Klopp said Robertson has had an operation on a shoulder injury, while Thiago and Bajcetic are "not in team training"."Cody is in full training now since Sunday, which means he is available for the squad," Klopp added."Whatever we do with that we w...

19Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Gareth Ainsworth speaks out on his QPR future

Queens Park Rangers manager Gareth Ainsworth during the Carabao Cup First Round match between Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City at Loftus Road on August 16, 2023 in London, England. It seems that Gareth Ainsworth is confident he will not be leaving his job with QPR any time soon.That's after the R's boss insisted he is confident he still has the backing of the club's board, despite their recent run of poor form.How has Ainsworth done since taking over at QPR?Ainsworth was appointed as QPR manager back in February, leaving his role at Wycombe Wanderers to take over the role.He was able to narrowly prevent the Hoops from suffering relegation from the Championship at the end of last season, but has continued to struggle in the current campaign.In total, the 50-year-old has won j...

19Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Neymar to require surgery after ACL injury

Brazil's forward Neymar leaves the field after an injury during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Uruguay and Brazil at the Centenario Stadium in Montevideo on October 17, 2023.Neymar will undergo surgery after sustaining an ACL injury during Brazil's 2-0 World Cup qualifying defeat in Uruguay.The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward was in tears after being carried off the field on a stretcher in Montevideo and current club Al-Hilal have revealed the extent of the damage.Al-Hilal posted on X: "The medical tests Neymar underwent, confirmed the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Meniscus tear injury in his knee, he will be going through surgery and then a treatment program that will be determined later."Brazil were trailing to a Darwin Nu...

18Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Pakistan create history with 1-0 win against Cambodia in FIFA World Cup Qualifier

Pakistan's players celebrate their win at the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers football match between Pakistan and Cambodia, at the Jinnah Sports stadium in Islamabad on October 17, 2023.Pakistan’s national football team notched their first-ever victory in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, registering a 1-0 win against Cambodia at the Jinnah Stadium, Islamabad on Tuesday. The defining moment came when Harun Hamid unleashed a precise strike in the 67th minute, marking the sole goal of the match, and propelling Pakistan into the second round of the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers for the very first time. This momentous achievement follows a goalless draw in the first leg of the initial qualifiers, held in Cambodia. In the wake of this exceptional triumph, Pakistan’s football te...

17Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Barcelona legend Lionel Messi favorite for this year’s Ballon d’Or – report

Lionel Messi winner of the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year 2023 award signs the wall at the Montblanc Signing Wall during the 2023 Laureus World Sport Awards Paris at Cour Vendome on May 08, 2023 in Paris, France.FC Barcelona have been one of the most represented clubs in the history of the biggest individual award in football, the Ballon d’Or.The upcoming 67th ceremony for this award is scheduled to take place on 30th October at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and once again, Barcelona fans will find familiar faces aspiring to win this title.Messi the favourite for the Ballon d’OrAs SPORT has reported, Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati are two of the favorites to win the Ballon d’Or. Both the players had spectacular seasons last year and thus are well-placed to win the most pres...

16Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Austria beat Azerbaijan to qualify for Euro 2024

Austria's midfielder #09 Marcel Sabitzer celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Euro 2024 football tournament Group F qualifying match between Azerbaijan and Austria in Baku on October 16, 2023.Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer scored a penalty three minutes after coming on as a half-time substitute to book an appearance at a third straight European Championship for Austria.Ralf Rangnick's side shrugged off a 3-2 home defeat by Belgium last week to join them among the eight countries now guaranteed a place at next year's 24-team tournament in Germany.Austria were awarded a penalty early in the second half when Sabitzer's free-kick was handled by a player in the Azerbaijan wall.His team-leading fourth goal in qualifyin...