NEWS

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

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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

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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

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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

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

10Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Euro 2024 qualifiers: Italy held by North Macedonia on Luciano Spalletti’s debut

Italy's head coach Luciano Spalletti reacts during the UEFA Euro 2024 group C qualification football match between North Macedonia and Italy, in Skopje, on September 9, 2023. Italy's chances of defending their European Championship crown suffered a blow on Saturday after a 1-1 away draw at North Macedonia in Euro 2024 qualifying. Enis Bardhi smashed in a free-kick for the hosts with nine minutes remaining in the Group C clash in Skopje on Luciano Spalletti's debut as Azzurri coach. Spalletti took charge of the national team last month following Roberto Mancini's shock resignation and his team flopped against the side which dumped Italy out of the last World Cup in the play-offs.Italy, who scored through Ciro Immobile, sit third in the group on four points following the third matc...

10Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Pressure mounts on Flick as Germany lose to Japan

(l-r) Pascal Gross of Germany, Germany coach Hansi Flick during the friendly Interland match between Germany and Japan at the Volkswagen Arena on September 9, 2023 in Wolfsburg, Germany.Germany manager Hansi Flick is under serious pressure after a dismal 4-1 defeat against Japan in a friendly.Junya Ito opened the scoring for Japan after 11 minutes, but Bayern Munich forward Leroy Sane struck back for the hosts.Ayase Ueda tucked in from close range to restore Japan's advantage midway through the first half at Volkswagen Arena in Wolfsburg.Takuma Asano and Ao Tanaka then put the game to bed in the closing moments.Germany's fourth defeat in their last five outings was also their heaviest setback since a 6-0 loss in the Nations League against Spain in 2020.Former Bayern Munich boss Flick...

9Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Southgate wants England focus in pro-Ukraine crowd

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 boss Gareth Southgate is expecting his side to come up against a passionate pro-Ukraine atmosphere when the two sides meet for a Euro 2024 qualifier at Poland's Tarczynski Arena.Ukraine have not been able to play at home since Russia launched an invasion of the country in February 2022.They are expected to be backed by 40,000 fans in Wroclaw for Saturday's game, which kicks off at 17:00 BST."We know there are thousands of Ukrainians here," Southgate said.England are top of Group C with 12 points from four matches and know another win will all but secure a place at next year's European Championship in ...

9Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Fernandes scores as Portugal beat Slovakia

Bruno Fernandes of Portugal celebrates after scoring opening goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Slovakia and Portugal at Tehelne pole on September 8, 2023 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes marked his birthday with a goal as Portugal beat Slovakia to make it five wins from five in Euro 2024 qualifying.Fernandes, who turned 29 on Friday, struck just before half-time with a superb low finish into the far corner.He almost got an assist when he set up Cristiano Ronaldo, but the veteran forward fired off target.The win means Portugal are top of Group J with 15 points from a possible 15.Slovakia are second in the standings on 10 points as they suffered defeat for the first time in qualifying.Lukas Haraslin went closest for the hos...

9Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Brazil’s Neymar overtakes Pele goals record

Brazil's forward Neymar celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualifiers football match between Brazil and Bolivia at the Jornalista Edgar Proença 'Mangueirao' stadium, in Belem, state of Para, Brazil, on September 8, 2023. Neymar has surpassed Pele as Brazil's male all-time top scorer with two goals in a 5-1 win over Bolivia.The forward, 31, who went into the World Cup qualifying match tied with legend Pele on 77 goals, missed a penalty before scoring twice in the second half on his 125th appearance."I never imagined reaching this record. I'm no better than Pele or any other player for the national team," he said.Marta has scored a record 122 goals in 189 matches for Brazil's women's team.Pele, who died in December aged 82, scored 77 goal...

9Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Yamal becomes Spain’s youngest player and scorer

Spain's Lamine Yamal (L) and Georgia's Georgia's midfielder Luka Gagnidze fight for the ball during the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying first round group A football match between Georgia and Spain in Tbilisi on September 8, 2023. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal became the youngest player and goalscorer for the Spanish national team in a thumping Euro 2024 qualifying win against Georgia.Yamal, aged 16 years and 57 days, came on for Dani Olmo just before half-time.He got Spain's seventh in the 74th minute when fired in a cross.Alvaro Morata scored a hat-trick while a Solomon Kvirkvelia own goal and strikes from Olmo and Nico Williams completed the win.Winger Yamal took the youngest-player record from Gavi, who was 17 years and 62 days old when he made his Spain debut in 2021.It continues a st...