NEWS – Page 31 – Football Flame

23Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Van der Gragt gives Netherlands win over Portugal

Stefanie van der Gragt of Holland Women celebrates 1-0 with Dominique Janssen of Holland Women, Esmee Brugts of Holland Women during the World Cup Women match between Holland Women v Portugal Women at the Dunedin Stadium on July 23, 2023 in Dunedin New Zealand.Stefanie van der Gragt’s first-half goal gave the Netherlands a 1-0 victory over Fifa Women’s World Cup debutants Portugal in Dunedin. Van der Gragt’s powerful header was ruled out by referee Kateryna Monzul before the video assistant referee encouraged her to review her decision. Portugal failed to trouble the Netherlands defence, registering their only shot on target in the 82nd minute. The win moved the Netherlands second in Group E, below reigning world champions USA on goal difference. Despite coming under pressure from a ...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Denmark score late winner to mark World Cup return

Amalie Vangsgaard #9 of Denmark celebrates with team mates after scoring her team's first goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group D match between Denmark and China at Perth Rectangular Stadium on July 22, 2023 in Perth, Australia. Amalie Vangsgaard scored a late winner as Denmark marked their their return from a 16-year Fifa Women’s World Cup absence with a 1-0 win over China. The substitute, who had only been on the pitch for five minutes, headed home Pernille Harder’s corner in the 90th minute in Perth, Australia. There were doubts over whether the goal would stand but VAR officials decided that Danish defender Rikke Sevecke had not interfered with China’s goalkeeper Xu Huan as the ball hit the back of the net. The result moves Denmark to ...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Messi scores late winner on Inter Miami debut

Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball during the second half of the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Argentina star Lionel Messi curled in a stunning stoppage-time free-kick on his Inter Miami debut to clinch a 2-1 victory against Mexican side Cruz Azul. Messi, 36, struck in the fourth minute of added time as his Major League Soccer side won the Leagues Cup tie. The 20,000-capacity crowd included celebrities such as basketball’s LeBron James, tennis legend Serena Williams and US TV star Kim Kardashian. “We wanted to start like this by giving these people a victory,” said Messi. “We knew that it was very important for us to start this championship in winning fashion. Luckily we w...

22Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

USA launch World Cup defence with victory over Vietnam

Sophia Smith of USA and Portland Thorns and Le Thi Diem My of Vietnam and Than Khoang San compete for the ball during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Spain and Costa Rica at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand.United States launched their bid for an unprecedented third consecutive world crown with a comfortable win against Women’s World Cup debutants Vietnam in Auckland. Sophia Smith struck twice before half-time for the the four-time world champions in front of thousands of travelling USA fans in a crowd of 41,107. Smith, one of 14 players in the squad appearing at their first World Cup, fired the number one ranked team in the world ahead with a low drilled finish from an ...

21Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Superb Spain earn comfortable win over Costa Rica

Alba Redondo of Spain and Valeria Del Campo of Costa Rica embrace after the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Spain and Costa Rica at Wellington Regional Stadium on July 21, 2023 in Wellington / Te Whanganui-a-Tara, New Zealand. Spain cruised to victory in their Women’s World Cup opener as they dominated Costa Rica in Wellington. Valeria del Campo scored an own goal to put Spain ahead, before Aitana Bonmati curled in a second two minutes later. Esther Gonzalez added a third after a header against the crossbar by Jennifer Hermoso, who then had a penalty saved by Daniela Solera. Olga Carmona hit the bar and Solera made a number of fine saves to restrict Spain to three goals. The Spanish team’s dominance was shown in the match stats, as t...

20Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Rice and Havertz make mark as Arsenal crush MLS All Stars

Gabriel Martinelli #11 of Arsenal FC is congratulated by Declan Rice #41 and Jurriën Timber #12 after scoring during the MLS All-Star Game between Arsenal FC and MLS All-Stars at Audi Field on July 19, 2023 in Washington, DC. Declan Rice made his Arsenal debut and Kai Havertz scored his first goal for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta’s side hammered the Major League Soccer All Star team 5-0 in a friendly at Audi Field on Wednesday. Rice became the most expensive British player in history when Arsenal signed the England midfielder from West Ham for a reported £105 million ($137.5 million, 122.4 million euros). The England international was introduced from the bench in the 65th minute to huge cheers from the overwhelmingly Arsenal supporting crowd. German Havertz, who joined Arsenal fr...

17Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Mexico beats Panama 1-0 in CONCACAF Gold Cup final as Giménez scores 88th-minute goal

Guillermo Ochoa of Mexico lifts the CONCACAF Gold Cup Trophy after defeating Panama 1-0 during the Concacaf Gold Cup final match between Mexico and Panama at SoFi Stadium on July 16, 2023 in Inglewood, California.Eight months and two coaches after Mexico crashed out of an embarrassing World Cup, most of the same players triumphantly raised the CONCACAF Gold Cup amid confetti and raucous cheers Sunday night. El Tri has reversed its fortunes with stunning speed, and its winning goal at SoFi Stadium came on an end-to-end play that was every bit as dramatic. Late substitute Santiago Giménez scored after an electrifying sprint in the 88th minute, and Mexico won the Gold Cup for the record ninth time with a 1-0 victory over Panama. After Edson Álvarez slid to block Iván Anderson’s cross in...

14Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Former Man City footballer Benjamin Mendy cleared of sex attacks on two women

Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy gestures as he leaves Chester Crown Court after being found not guilty on July 14, 2023 in Chester, England. Ex-Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of sexually attacking two women. The 28-year-old stood trial at Chester Crown Court where he claimed the two incidents were both consensual encounters. The French international, who was under contract to Manchester City until July 1, has been cleared of the attempted rape of woman A, aged 29 at the time, at his £4 million mansion in Mottram St Andrew, Cheshire, in October 2018. He has also been cleared of raping woman B, aged 24 at the time, at his home two years later. Mendy is alleged to have told the second woman “it’s fine, I’ve had sex with 10,000 w...

14Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Pulisic: I had limited playing time at Chelsea

Christian Pulisic of AC Milan during AC Milan training session at Milanello on July 13, 2023 in Cairate, Italy.Christian Pulisic was frustrated at Chelsea for lack of playing time, the USA forward told a news conference after he completed his £20m move from Chelsea to Italian club AC Milan. “It was a difficult last few season with Chelsea. For whatever reason I wasn’t getting the opportunities I wanted,” he told a news conference for his unveiling. The USA captain who scored 26 goals in 145 games for the blues, signed a four-year deal with AC Milan, with the option of a further year. “For me it’s a brilliant opportunity to step away, get a fresh start and play for a big team like this.” Pulisic’s move to Italy continues the mass exodus at the club that has already seen more than seve...

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Al Nassr handed signings ban over Leicester debt

Ahmed Musa of Fatih Karagumruk SK during the Turkish Super Lig match between Fatih Karagumruk SK and Alanyaspor at Ataturk Olimpiyat stadium on August 7, 2022 in Istanbul, Turkey. Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr have been banned from signing players until they pay money owed to Leicester City for Ahmed Musa, Fifa has ruled.Leicester, who sold the Nigeria winger in 2018, have lodged a claim for an outstanding £390,000 payment. Al Nassr made headlines by signing Cristiano Ronaldo last year. “The relevant bans will be lifted immediately upon the settlement of the debts being confirmed by the creditors concerned,” Fifa said. Al Nassr added Croatia star Marcelo Brozovic to their squad this summer, and have been linked with a big-money move for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.

13Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Joao Felix, unwanted by Atletico and Chelsea, faces anxious career limbo

Portugal international Joao Felix, brother of Hugo Félix, before the UEFA European Under-19 Championship Finals 2022/23 group A match between Poland and Portugal at the Tony Bezzina Stadium on July 3, 2023 in Paola, Malta.First they took away his favourite jersey. Then he angrily cast off his training bib. The rupture of the relationship between Joao Felix and Atletico Madrid – the club who not so long ago made him the costliest player in their history – is being vividly enacted through garments and gestures. Soon enough, there will be frosty words. The Portuguese playmaker arrived at pre-season training with Atletico this week making clear his intention to be somewhere else as soon as possible. It will not be West London, where he spent most of 2023 on loan at Chelsea, part of a fle...

12Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Lionel Messi excited for fresh challenge at Inter Miami

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China.Lionel Messi has expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge that awaits him at Inter Miami and has no regrets about his decision to join the club. The 36-year-old football superstar arrived in the United States on Tuesday, in preparation for his official presentation as an Inter Miami player, which is scheduled to take place at a special event on Sunday. In an interview with Argentinian TV, Messi shared his contentment, saying, “I’m happy with the decision we made. I’m ready and eager to face this new challenge.” He emphasized that his mindset and dedication to the game will remain unaltered, and he will cont...

8Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Inter Miami announce July 16 ‘The Unveil,’ as Lionel Messi’s arrival draws near

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina reacts during the international friendly match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Beijing, China.Lionel Messi’s next club, Inter Miami, announced Friday it will hold a presentation event, called ‘The Unveil’, on July 16 at its home stadium. Argentine seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi said last month that he was moving to the Major League Soccer club after allowing his contract at Paris Saint-Germain to run out. “The major unveiling event will include exciting entertainment, speeches on the pitch and more,” the club said in a press release, which did not mention Messi by name. Messi, who won the World Cup with Argentina in December, is expected to be joined at Miami by his former Barcelona teammate and ex-Spain intern...

7Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

USMNT striker Pepi completes transfer to PSV

Ricardo Pepi of FC Groningen looks on while suffering a blood nose during the Eredivisie match between FC Groningen and N.E.C. Nijmegen at the Euroborg on April 25, 2023 in Groningen, Netherlands The match is a continuation of the match abandoned on April 22nd when a fan threw a beer cup and hit an assistant referee.Ricardo Pepi is making his stay in the Netherlands permanent. After impressing on loan with Groningen last season, the U.S. national team striker has completed a transfer to PSV from German outfit Augsburg. Pepi will wear the No. 14 at PSV and has signed a five-year contract. ESPN reported last month that the Dutch club will pay $9.8 million for the striker. “I am incredibly happy and excited to be here,” Pepi told PSV’s website. “I believe this is the right step for my career....

4Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Reece Burke commits to long-term stay at Luton Town

Reece Burke of Luton Town is challenged by Viktor Gyokeres of Coventry City during the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Final between Coventry City and Luton Town at Wembley Stadium on May 27, 2023 in London, England. Luton Town defender Reece Burke has signed a contract extension, committing his long-term future to the club. The 26-year-old joined the Hatters in June 2021 from Hull City, where he played a role in securing promotion to League One. Before moving to Hull City in 2018, Burke spent a significant part of his career at West Ham, signing for the Hammers at just nine years old and making 15 appearances for the team. Since his arrival at Kenilworth Road, Burke has played in 57 matches for Luton Town, scoring four goals, including a memorable one in the Emirates FA Cup fifth...

2Jul

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Cesc Fabregas Hangs up His Boots, Leaving a Legacy for the Ages

Cesc Fabregas of Como 1907 celebrates during the Como 1907 v AC Pisa - Serie B match during the Serie B match between Como 1907 and AC Pisa at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia on January 21, 2023 in Como, Italy.on January 21, 2023 in Como, Italy. Cesc Fabregas, has chosen to draw the curtain on his illustrious footballing career at the age of 36. With countless trophies, mesmerizing assists, and unrivaled creativity in his repertoire, Fabregas leaves behind an indelible mark on the beautiful game. The 2010 World Cup winner made the announcement on Twitter, one year into a two-year contract he signed last summer with Italian second-division team Como. “It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots,” Fabregas said. A product of Barcelona’s famed La M...

30Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Martino : Messi and Busquets Joining Inter Miami to Create a Trophy-Seeking Legacy

Gerardo Martino former coach of Mexico looks on during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Saudi Arabia and Mexico at Lusail Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.In the sizzling world of football transfers, two giants of the game, Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets, have shocked the global football community by making their way to Inter Miami. While some skeptics argue that these legendary players may just be looking for a sunny holiday in South Florida. New Inter Miami manager Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino insisted Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets are joining the club to win trophies, and not for a holiday. “Sometimes in our world you associate United States and Miami with holidays. And it’s not that. They are coming to compete,” he told a press conference on T...

29Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Antonio starts as Jamaica defeat Trinidad and Tobago

Michail Antonio #18 of Jamaica controls the ball against Shannon Gomez #14 of Trinidad & Tobago in the first half during the 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup at Citypark on June 28, 2023 in St Louis, Missouri. Michail Antonio was in action for Jamaica on Wednesday night as the Reggae Boyz took a step towards qualification from the CONCACAF Gold Cup group stage. Having drawn with the United States of America in their tournament opener, Jamaica eased to a 4-1 victory over Trinidad and Tobago in St Louis. Antonio started up front and assisted Damarai Gray’s goal which made it 3-0 with just 29 minutes played, unselfishly squaring for the Everton forward to tap home. Gray had earlier opened the scoring, before Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey added a second. While Trinidad and Tobago’s Andre Ramp...

29Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Wolverhampton: South Korea Trip Nixed as Promoters ‘Fail to Deliver’

The official Wolverhampton Wanderers FC club badge on a home shirt on May 3, 2023 in Manchester, United Kingdom. In a surprising turn of events, the much-anticipated pre-season trip of the Wolves, a prominent football club, to South Korea has been canceled. Club officials expressed disappointment with the promoters, citing their failure to meet required deliverables. The unexpected cancellation has left players and fans alike questioning what lies ahead for their upcoming season. “With great regret, Wolves can confirm that it has been forced to withdraw from its pre-season fixtures and tour to South Korea next month,” Wolverhampton said in a statement Wednesday. “The withdrawal from the scheduled matches, which were set to take place at the end of July, comes after numerous...

29Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Inter Miami reunites Messi with former mentor Gerardo Martino

Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona listens his Head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino of FC Barcelona during the Copa del Rey round of 16 first leg match between FC Barcelona and Getafe CF at Camp Nou on January 8, 2014 in Barcelona, Spain.In the wake of Lionel Messi’s star-studded arrival, Inter Miami CF has announced the hiring of Gerardo “Tata” Martino as their new head coach. This comes as a reunion for Messi, who has been under Martino’s leadership previously at both Barcelona and the Argentina national team. Inter Miami confirmed Martino’s appointment on Wednesday, a decision welcomed enthusiastically by Jorge Mas, Inter Miami managing owner. “Tata has coached at the highest levels and we believe that experience will be hugely beneficial to us as we aim to compete for titles here,” Mas st...