NEWS

8Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Neymar claim Saudi League could top Ligue 1 already

Brazilian football star Neymar (L) and Al-Hilal's president Fahad bin Nafel (R) pose for a photo with an Al Hilal jersey as Neymar joins Al-Hilal with a two-year contract in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 15, 2023. Saudi Arabia's football league could already be stronger than France's Ligue 1, says Brazil captain Neymar.The 31-year-old forward moved to the Saudi Pro League from Paris St-Germain in August for about £77.5m and add-ons.Neymar joined Al-Hilal in a transfer window that saw Saudi clubs spend more than £700m on overseas players."For the names that went to Saudi Arabia, I wouldn't be surprised if the Saudi league is better than the French," he said.Saudi clubs' spending this summer on international transfers was second only to the Premier League, whose teams spent just ...

8Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Liverpool’s Gakpo Scores as Netherlands beat Greece

(L-R) Konstantinos Tsimikas of Greece, Cody Gakpo of Holland during the EURO Qualifier match between Holland v Greece at the Philips Stadium on September 7, 2023 in Eindhoven Netherlands.Liverpool's Cody Gakpo was on the scoresheet as the Netherlands beat Greece in Euro 2024 qualifying.Marten de Roon opened the scoring from eight yards out with his first international goal before Gakpo chested down a Denzel Dumfries cross and smashed home.Wout Weghorst, on loan at Hoffenheim from Burnley, headed in a third from another Dumfries cross.The Netherlands move above Greece into second place in Group B.France, who beat the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Paris, are nine points clear at the top - albeit having played two games more.

8Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Tchouameni & Thuram score as France beat Ireland

Marcus Thuram of France, left, scores his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 Championship qualifying group B match between France and Republic of Ireland at Parc des Princes in Paris, France. The Republic of Ireland's slim hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024 were further dented as France ran out comfortable winners at Parc des Princes.Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni's stunning 19th-minute goal put the hosts ahead at the break.Substitute Marcus Thuram ensured a home victory early in the second half as the French made it five wins from five.For the Republic, however, it is a third defeat in four games, leaving them fourth in the group.Stephen Kenny's side's chances of qualifying for next summer's finals in Germany are remote, but they must regroup quickly and lo...

7Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Owen Hargreaves backs Chelsea to make huge move for Brighton forward Evan Ferguson

Evan Ferguson of Brighton & Hove Albion celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United at American Express Community Stadium on September 02, 2023 in Brighton, England.Owen Hargreaves believes Chelsea are the most likely destination for Brighton’s in-form striker Evan Ferguson.The 18-year-old scored his first Premier League hat-trick before the international break, in Brighton’s comfortable win over Newcastle, and the forward has unsurprisingly been linked with a big-money move away from the Seagulls.Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has claimed it will be “at least five years” before the club consider selling Ferguson, though it has recently been reported that Manchester City are lining u...

6Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi nominated for Ballon d’Or 2023

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF waves to the fans after a draw during a match between Nashville SC and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on August 30, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.Inter Miami CF superstar Lionel Messi is one step closer to an eighth Ballon d'Or award.The Argentine forward was part of the 30-player shortlist announced Wednesday in advance of the award being granted Oct. 30 in Paris. The annual award will recognize the world's best male soccer player in the 2022–23 season – potentially making Messi the first active MLS winner.Messi, whose seven Ballon d'Or awards are two more than his closest competitor (Cristiano Ronaldo; five), won a much-coveted World Cup title last December with La Albiceleste. He then formally signed with Inter Miami in mid-July after two y...

6Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Hermoso files legal complaint over Rubiales kiss

President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation Luis Rubiales (R) kisses Jennifer Hermoso of Spain (L) during the medal ceremony of FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia.Jenni Hermoso has filed a legal complaint over the kiss by Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales.Rubiales kissed Hermoso on the lips after Spain's World Cup final win, which she says was not consensual.Rubiales claims the kiss was "mutual and "consensual", but has been provisionally suspended by football's world governing body Fifa.The complaint means the 46-year-old could face criminal charges.On 29 August, Spanish prosecutors opened a preliminary investigation into whether the incide...

6Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Saka wins England Men’s Player of the Year again

England's Bukayo Saka during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and North Macedonia at Old Trafford on June 19, 2023 in Manchester, England. Bukayo Saka, the talented forward from Arsenal, has once again clinched the title of England Men's Player of the Year, according to the English Football Association's announcement on Tuesday.Saka, aged 22, received overwhelming support from fans who voted him as the standout player of the 2022-23 season, marking his second consecutive win. In a nod to his exceptional performance, he left competitors Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane in second and third place, respectively.Over the past year, Saka has made a significant impact on the national team, with seven goals in ten appearances for England. Among his notable...

1Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi to lead Argentina in opening World Cup qualifiers

Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the Major League Soccer 2023 match between Inter Miami and New York Red Bulls at the Red Bull arena in Harrison, New Jersey, August 26, 2023.Lionel Messi will lead world champions Argentina in their opening World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia, the captain's first internationals since joining Major League Football's Inter Miami.Coach Lionel Scaloni's 32-man squad also features stalwarts including Angel Di Maria, who returned to Benfica this year, and defender Nicolas Otamendi.They will be joined by youngsters Alan Velasco of FC Dallas, Bruno Zapelli and Lucas Esquivel of Brazilian side Athletico Paranaense, and Lucas Beltran who has joined Italy's Fiorentina.AS Roma striker P...

1Sep

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Villa beat Hibs to reach Conference League group stage

Hibernian's Martin Boyle battles with Aston Villa's Matty Cash (right) during the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off second leg match at Villa Park, Birmingham. Aston Villa cruised past Hibernian at Villa Park to book their place in the Europa Conference League group stage.Sealing their spot was little more than a formality for Villa, who led 5-0 on aggregate after thrashing Hibs in the first leg.Jhon Duran set the tone for an easy night for the hosts with a 12th-minute opener.Leon Bailey and Matty Cash extended the advantage for Unai Emery's men as Hibs crumbled under Villa's pressure.Hibs, still searching for a manager after last weekend's sacking of Lee Johnson, rarely found a path through the hosts' back line.Villa found themselves in near-total control of the ball and b...

31Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Newcastle to host Manchester City in EFL Cup

Manchester City's Phil Foden (left), Rodri and manager Pep Guardiola hold the Carabao Cup trophy after winning the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London. Aston Villa v Manchester City - Carabao Cup - Final - Wembley Stadium 01-03-2020 . Treble winners Manchester City will travel to Newcastle United in the third round of the Carabao Cup.Holders Manchester United will face Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.Aston Villa host Everton, Brentford play Arsenal and Brighton travel to Chelsea in the other all-Premier League ties.League One side Lincoln's reward for beating Sheffield United on penalties is a home tie with West Ham, while Salford City host Burnley.Fulham, who beat Tottenham on penalties in the second round, host Championship side Norwich, while nine-time winners Liverpool are...

31Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Danjuma hits late Everton winner at Doncaster

Arnaut Danjuma of Everton shoots past Joseph Olowu of Doncaster Rovers to score winning goal during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Doncaster Rovers and Everton FC at The Eco-Power Stadium on August 30, 2023 in Doncaster, United Kingdom. Arnaut Danjuma struck an 88th-minute winner as Premier League Everton came from behind to beat League Two's bottom side Doncaster Rovers and reach the third round of the Carabao Cup.An upset looked on the cards when Joe Ironside put the hosts ahead a minute before half-time, glancing in a header from Tommy Rowe's whipped ball.But new Everton signing Beto levelled with a goal on his debut, reaching an Abdoulaye Doucoure ball to calmly poke past Rovers goalkeeper Ian Lawlor.And Danjuma netted 15 minutes later to give his side a much-nee...

31Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Chelsea survive scare to beat AFC Wimbledon

Noni Madueke of Chelsea runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Ryan Johnson of AFC Wimbledon during the Carabao Cup Second Round match between Chelsea and AFC Wimbledon at Stamford Bridge on August 30, 2023 in London, England. Chelsea had to come from behind to beat League Two AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup at Stamford Bridge.The visitors started brightly and took the lead through a penalty in the 18th minute.Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez jumped into Harry Pell while trying to punch away a free-kick, and James Tilley made no mistake as he struck the ball powerfully down the centre of Sanchez's goal.It was also a penalty which brought Chelsea level on the stroke of half-time.Noni Madueke was brought down by Alex Pearce and the winger dusted himself down to confidentl...

29Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spanish FA exploring options to sack Vilda

Jorge Vilda attends a reception with Pedro Sanchez, First Minister of Spain (not pictured), for the players and staff of the Spain women's national football team after they won the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 at Palacio de la Moncloa on August 22, 2023, in Madrid, Spain. The Spanish Football Federation is exploring its options over whether it can sack Women’s World Cup-winning head coach Jorge Vilda. Vilda remains in post despite most of his coaching staff resigning in protest against federation president Luis Rubiales’ refusal to quit for kissing squad member Jenni Hermoso after their World Cup win on 20 August. Eighty-one Spain players, including all 23 World Cup winners, have also said they would not play for the team again while Rubiales remained ...

22Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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England ‘wanted more’ as Lionesses return home

Rachel Daly, Lauren Hemp, Mary Earps and Alex Greenwood of England look dejected after being presented with their runners up medals during the award ceremony after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. England forward Lauren Hemp said the Lionesses “created history” but “wanted more” as the team arrived home from the Women’s World Cup final in Australia. The players landed at Heathrow airport on Tuesday morning following their 1-0 defeat by Spain on Sunday. Fans waited in the terminal to greet the team but they left without going through the arrivals area. Football Flame understands this is the normal process for the men’s and women’s team to exit an airport....

20Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Messi scores again as Inter Miami win first trophy

Teammates hold up Inter Miami's Argentine forward #10 Lionel Messi as they celebrate after winning the Leagues Cup final football match against Nashville SC at Geodis Park in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 19, 2023.Lionel Messi was hailed as the "best in the world" as he scored a 10th goal in seven games to help his Inter Miami side to their first trophy.The 36-year-old Argentinian fired into the top corner from outside the box to give Miami the lead against Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.Fafa Picault levelled in the second half to send the game to penalties.Miami sealed a 10-9 shootout win when Drake Callender saved Nashville goalkeeper Elliot Panicco's spot-kick.Miami had the worst record in Major League Soccer this season before World Cup-winning forward Messi arrived last...

20Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain are Women’s World Cup champions after final win over England

Olga Carmona of Spain kisses the FIFA Women's World Cup Trophy as Spain players celebrate the team's victory in the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Final match between Spain and England at Stadium Australia on August 20, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Spain are Women’s World Cup champions for the first time after securing a 1-0 win over England in Sunday’s final at Stadium Australia in Sydney. England beat Spain in the quarterfinals of the Euros last year on their way to winning the title, but the Spanish gained revenge on the biggest stage of all against the European champions. Both teams were making their first appearance at a Women’s World Cup final, with England not prevailing in a men’s tournament since 1966. This was also the first meeting between the t...

19Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Sweden beat Australia to finish third at World Cup

Kosovare Asllani and Caroline Seger of Sweden celebrate with their medals at the award ceremony following the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Third Place Match match between Sweden and Australia at Brisbane Stadium on August 19, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. Kosovare Asllani's stunning second-half strike sealed victory for Sweden as they beat Australia to finish third at the Women's World Cup.She rifled in a shot from the edge of the area to add to Fridolina Rolfo's first-half penalty as Sweden won the bronze medal match for the second World Cup in succession.Despite the defeat, this represents co-hosts Australia's best ever World Cup finish but the Matildas were unable to end on a high.Rolfo's penalty gave Peter Gerhardsson's side the lead after a video a...

18Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Infantino says ‘women have the power’ to achieve equality in football

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Nouhaila Benzina of Morocco (L) during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group H match between Morocco and Colombia at Perth Rectangular Stadium on August 03, 2023 in Perth / Boorloo, Australia.Fifa president Gianni Infantino said it is women who “have the power to change” football and achieve equality in the game. It has already been a record-breaking Women’s World Cup, with the tournament in Australia and New Zealand setting its highest-ever attendance figures of over two million people as well as drawing booming TV audiences around the globe. The Fifa president also said the World Cup has generated over $570m (£447m) in revenues and has “broke even” financially ahead of Sunday’s final between England and Spain. There remain...

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Gutsy Hibs set up Villa tie with draw in Luzern

Luzern's Pius Dorn (L) and Hibernian's Elie Youan in action during a UEFA Conference League Qualifier between FC Luzern and Hibernian at the Swissporarena, on August 17, 2023, in Lucerne, Switzerland.Hibernian put in a gutsy display to claim a draw away in Luzern and set up a mouth-watering Europa Conference League play-off meeting with Aston Villa. Leading 3-1 from the first leg at Easter Road, Lee Johnson’s side increased their lead early when Elie Youan drove forward and looped a shot into the net. But, backed on by a raucous home crowd which aggressively roared them on, Luzern levelled six minutes later after Lars Villiger tucked away a cutback amid some confusion in the Hibs defence. The Swiss side took firm control from that moment on, finally reducing the aggregate deficit to ...

17Aug

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Man City beat Sevilla on penalties to win Super Cup

Erling Haaland of Manchester City receives a kiss from manager Josep Guardiola following the UEFA Super Cup 2023 match between Manchester City FC and Sevilla FC at Karaiskakis Stadium on August 16, 2023 in Piraeus, Greece.Manchester City added the Uefa Super Cup to the Treble they claimed last season with victory over Sevilla on penalties in Athens.Pep Guardiola's Champions League winners lost the Community Shield to Arsenal in a shootout, but saw their fortunes transformed when Sevilla's Nemanja Gudelj hit the bar after nine successful penalties.City had to come from behind in an entertaining encounter to force penalties after a towering header from Youssef En-Nesyri put the Europa League holders ahead on 25 minutes.Sevilla goalkeeper Bono and his Manchester City counterpart Ederson...