NEWS – Page 27 – Football Flame

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...

16Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Jude Bellingham can make difference for England, says Kieran Trippier

Jude Bellingham central midfield of Real Madrid and England during the warm-up before the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and CA Osasuna at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on October 7, 2023 in Madrid, Spain.Jude Bellingham could provide England the spark they need, defender Kieran Trippier said ahead of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy.Bellingham has been in superb form since joining Real Madrid in the close season transfer window, scoring 10 goals in his first 10 starts for his new team in all competitions."He can be the difference," Trippier told reporters. "At such a young age, with the maturity, the quality and the aggression he's got, he's frightening. It's not a surprise at all, the standards that he's set in Madrid."You can see he's playing with freedom and the pla...

16Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Spain, Scotland And Turkey Lock Up Euro 2024 Spots

Gavi of Spain celebrates 0-1 during the EURO Qualifier match between Norway v Spain at the Ullevaal Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Oslo Norway.Spain clinched their place at Euro 2024 on Sunday after a 1-0 win away to Norway, also sending Scotland through from Group A as Turkey joined the growing ranks of qualifiers. Barcelona midfielder Gavi scored the only goal early in the second half in Oslo, bouncing a shot into the corner to help Spain qualify for next year's finals in Germany with two games to spare. "We are very happy because the team has grown a lot and has a great future," said Spain coach Luis de la Fuente. "We have worked to get to this moment."They moved top of Group A on goal difference, but the result ensured Scotland punched their ticket to the tournament as well, with ...

14Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Euro 2024 qualifiers | Belgium, France, Portugal become first teams to qualify

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the EURO Qualifier match between Portugal v Slovakia at the Estadio Do Dragao on October 13, 2023 in Porto Portugal.Kylian Mbappé and Cristiano Ronaldo both scored twice to help France and Portugal secure a spot at next year's European Championship with a perfect record in qualifying, with Belgium also clinching a berth in Germany on Friday.The three European powerhouses all needed a win to qualify for the tournament and their star strikers made sure they got them.Mbappé's two goals — including a long-range strike for the second — helped secure a 2-1 win over the Netherlands in Amsterdam for a perfect sixth win in Group B.Mbappé opened the scoring in just the seventh minute when he beat Lutsharel Geertruida to a cross from the right by Jonathan Cl...

13Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Messi plays one half in Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win vs Paraguay

Lionel Messi of Argentina kicsk the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Argentina and Paraguay at Estadio Más Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti on October 12, 2023 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Lionel Messi hit a post twice after he came off the bench but struggled to deliver a strong performance following his return from injury. Still, Argentina beat Paraguay 1-0 in a South American World Cup qualifying match.But Argentina's biggest South American rival left the pitch to some jeers at Cuiabá, Brazil after the home side and Venezuela drew 1-1. The result put pressure on new Brazil coach Fernando Diniz and kept Argentina as the sole leaders of the round-robin competition with their third victory in three matches.The next World Cup in the United States, Mex...

12Oct

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NEWS

Lionel Messi might not play FIFA World Cup qualifier vs Paraguay due to muscle injury: Coach Scaloni

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF looks on against the FC Cincinnati during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium on October 07, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.The Argentina captain scored in the opening 1-0 win over Ecuador but skipped the 3-0 win at Bolivia last month because of muscular pains that have also sidelined him from several matches for Inter Miami in the MLS.Lionel Messi is again a doubtful starter for Argentina in the next World Cup qualifying match against Paraguay.The World Cup champions are due to host Paraguay on Thursday in Buenos Aires.Vinicius Jr missed Brazil’s first two games in South American qualifying but is back in the starting lineup after recover...

10Oct

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Ex-Chelsea, Real Madrid winger, Eden Hazard announces retirement from football

Eden Hazard of Real Madrid looks on during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Cadiz CF and Real Madrid at Nuevo Mirandilla stadium April 15, 2023, in Cadiz, Spain. Eden Hazard, who won the Premier League twice during his time at Chelsea, revealed his retirement from football on social media on Tuesday; “You must listen to yourself and stay stop at the right time,” he wroteFormer Chelsea and Real Madrid forward Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football at the age of 32.“After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer.“I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world.“During my career, I was lucky to meet great managers, coaches and...

28Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Injured misses Inter miami Cup final defeat

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF reacts after a play in the first half during a match between Inter Miami CF and Los Angeles Football Club at BMO Stadium on September 03, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.The injured Lionel Messi watched from the stands as Inter Miami lost 2-1 to Houston Dynamo in the final of US Open Cup.Forward Messi, 36, was substituted against Toronto FC last week because of an "old injury" and sat out Miami's draw at Orlando City on Monday.Griffin Dorsey and an Amine Bassi penalty put Houston 2-0 up in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Josef Martinez scored a consolation for Miami in stoppage time.Houston goalkeeper Andrew Tarbell made three saves as Dynamo clinched their second US Open Cup in five years.Miami's Spain defender Jordi Alba also missed the game because of i...

23Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lionesses make winning start to Nations League

Lauren Hemp of England scores the team's second goal during the UEFA Womens Nations League match between England and Scotland at Stadium of Light on September 22, 2023 in Sunderland, England.England have got their Nations League campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 win against Scotland at the Stadium of Light.Just over a month after their World Cup final defeat to Spain, the Lionesses earned an inaugural win in the competition after going ahead through former Black Cat Lucy Bronze.Lauren Hemp doubled the lead before Scotland pulled one back just before the break through Kirsty Hanson.The visitors had plenty of good opportunities to level in the second half but were unable to capitalise on their chances and were kept out by keeper Mary Earps.Former Sunderland defender Bronze ope...

22Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Julian Nagelsmann at helm for Germany ahead of Euros

New German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann speaks to the media during a press conference at the DFB Campus on 22 September 2023 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.Julian Nagelsmann will lead hosts Germany into Euro 2024 next summer.The German football federation (DFB) confirmed that the 36-year-old had been appointed to succeed Hansi Flick in charge of the men's team, with the contract running through to the end of the tournament next July.Nagelsmann was most recently at German champions Bayern Munich, who sacked him in March and replaced him with former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.Nagelsmann's playing career was cut short at the age of 20 by injury and he moved into coaching, with his big break coming at Hoffenheim in 2015.He moved on to RB Leipzig before joining Bayern in 2021.The ...

22Sep

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NEWS

Liverpool, West Ham score comeback wins in Europa League, Brighton loses in European debut

Kostas Tsimikas of Liverpool celebrates with teammates after Luis Diaz (obscured) scores the team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between LASK and Liverpool FC on September 21, 2023 in Linz, Austria.Liverpool marked its return to the Europa League on Thursday with another come-from-behind 3-1 victory, this time over Austrian club LASK in Linz. Luis Díaz had a clinical finish into the roof of the net in the 63rd minute to put the visitors ahead after receiving a low cross from midfielder Ryan Gravenberch, who was given his first start for the Reds since his summer transfer from Bayern Munich. Mohamed Salah came off the bench and completed the second-half comeback with a goal in the 88th minute. Florian Flecker beat backup goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelle...

14Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Stephen Kenny to remain as Republic of Ireland manager

Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny before the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Republic of Ireland manager Stephen Kenny will remain at the helm of the Boys in Green until at least the end of the current Euro 2024 qualification campaign.Kenny's performance as manager has come under intense scrutiny after the recent losses to France (in Paris) and Holland (in Dublin) meant that the Republic sank to second-from-bottom in the group with one win (against Gibraltar) and four losses. The Republic host Greece on October 13 and then complete their campaign with trips to Gibraltar and Holland. After the qualifiers FAI CEO Jonathan Hill said a review will be held of the team's ...

13Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Fernandez scores as Argentina win without Messi

Lionel Messi (R) of Argentina sings the national anthem with teammates prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Bolivia and Argentina at Hernando Siles Stadium on September 12, 2023 in La Paz, Bolivia. Argentina rested Lionel Messi but still beat Bolivia 3-0 to make it two wins from two in World Cup qualifying.Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez opened the scoring, with further strikes from Nicolas Tagliafico and Nicolas Gonzalez sealing victory in La Paz.Brazil also secured their second win after beating Peru 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute goal from Marquinhos.Marcelo Bielsa suffered his first defeat in charge of Uruguay after Ecuador came from behind to win 2-1.Bielsa's side, who beat Chile on Saturday, took the lead through Agustin Canobbio, but a goal in each half from Felix...

13Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Spain routs Cyprus 6-0 in Euro 2024 qualifying after judge issues Luis Rubiales order

Ferran Torres attacking midfield of Spain and FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Spain and Cyprus at Estadio Nuevo Los Carmenes on September 12, 2023 in Granada, Spain.Spain's men restored normal service on the field Tuesday, beating Cyprus 6-0 in a European Championship qualifying game two days after disgraced soccer federation president Luis Rubiales resigned.Rubiales still managed to cast a further shadow over Spanish soccer that has been in turmoil because of his conduct at the Women's World Cup final on Aug. 20 and in the fallout since.At almost exactly the time Gavi gave Spain an 18th-minute lead Tuesday, a television interview given by Rubiales began broadcasting on a British cable news channel....

13Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Managerless Germany beat France in friendly

Antoine Griezmann of France looks dejected following the team's defeat during the International Friendly match between Germany and France at Signal Iduna Park on September 12, 2023 in Dortmund, Germany.Germany gained a home friendly victory over France in their first match since the sacking of German boss Hansi Flick.Ex-striker Rudi Voller was in interim charge, with Flick dismissed following the 4-1 loss to Japan on Saturday.Bayern Munich forwards Thomas Muller and Leroy Sane scored the goals for the hosts in a match played at Borussia Dortmund's Signal Iduna Park stadium.Antoine Griezmann netted a late penalty for France after Sane fouled Eduardo Camavinga, but it was not enough.It was France's first defeat since they were beaten on penalties by Argentina in the 2022 World Cup fina...

13Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Scotland wait for Euro 2024 place after Norway win

Norway's forward #09 Erling Braut Haaland (C) scores the 1-0 during the EURO 2024 first round group A qualifying football match between Norway and Georgia in Oslo on September 12, 2023. Scotland must wait until next month at the earliest to earn the two points that would seal a Euro 2024 place after Norway beat Georgia 2-1 in Oslo.Steve Clarke's side won their first five qualifiers, but Spain and Norway could both still breach their tally of 15 points, with the top two qualifying.The 12 October meeting with the Spanish in Seville is the Scots' next chance to secure a spot in Germany in 2024.They would qualify even with defeat if Norway drop points in Cyprus.The Norwegians did not do that on Tuesday, Erling Haaland heading in the opener midway through the first half, before Marti...

11Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Spanish FA president Rubiales resigns over Hermoso kiss

Luis Rubiales, President of RFEF, is seen during the press conference of Jorge Vilda to announce the squad for the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Ciudad del Futbol on June 12, 2023, in Las Rozas, Madrid, Spain.Luis Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation following criticism for kissing Spain forward Jenni Hermoso at the Women's World Cup final presentation ceremony.Hermoso, 33, said the kiss after Spain beat England was not consensual and she filed a legal complaint last Tuesday.Rubiales said he had submitted his resignation to federation acting president Pedro Rocha in a statement."I cannot continue my work," he told Piers Morgan on his television show.The 46-year-old has also resigned from his position as vice-president of Uefa's executive committee.The fal...

11Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Nigeria vs São Tomé and Príncipe: Osimhen Hat-Trick Powers Nigeria to Thumping Win in AFCON Qualifier

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria on action against Sao Tome and Principe in AFCON qualifier.Victor Osimhen grabbed a hat-trick as Nigeria signed off their TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a thumping 6-0 win over Sao Tome on Sunday.The Super Eagles were dominant from the outset and Osimhen headed them in front after just 13 minutes.Ademola Lookman added a second with a neat finish before Osimhen netted a penalty after the break to put the result beyond doubt.Taiwo Awoniyi and Samuel Chukwueze also got in on the act as Nigeria ran riot.Osimhen completed his treble late on to cap a sensational individual display.The Napoli striker ends qualifying as Nigeria's top scorer with ten goals from just five appearances.Following the win the Super Eagles sealed their place a...

11Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Republic’s Euro hopes all but over after Dutch loss

Wout Weghorst of Netherlands scores his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Republic of Ireland and Netherlands at Dublin Arena on September 10, 2023 in Dublin, Ireland.The Republic of Ireland's Euro 2024 qualification hopes are all but over after the Netherlands came from a goal down to edge an entertaining qualifier in Dublin.Adam Idah gave the Republic a dream start with a fourth-minute penalty after Virgil van Dijk's handball.But the Dutch hit back with a spot-kick of their own through Cody Gakpo.Substitute Wout Weghorst's winner then condemned the Republic to a fourth defeat in five qualifiers.It leaves manager Stephen Kenny's side six points adrift of the second-placed Dutch having played a game more, with a home match against Greece an...

10Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Hansi Flick sacked as Germany boss following poor run

10 September 2023, Lower Saxony, Wolfsburg: Soccer: National team, after the international match against Japan, public regeneration training of the DFB team. National coach Hansi Flick (M) gives instructions.Hansi Flick has been sacked as head coach of Germany following a meeting with shareholders, just nine months before Euro 2024.The former Bayern Munich manager had a hugely unsuccessful stint in charge of the national team, with a 4-1 loss to Japan appearing to be the final straw.The former Bayern Munich manager had a hugely unsuccessful stint in charge of the national team, with a 4-1 loss to Japan appearing to be the final straw.In a statement released by the national side, it was confirmed that following a 'shareholders meeting', Flick was dismissePresident of the German Footba...