NEWS

28Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Late own goal lets Guadeloupe tie Canada

Thierry Ambrose #9 of Guadeloupe heads the ball during the first half of a 2023 Concacaf Gold Cup match against Canada at BMO Field on June 27, 2023 in Toronto, Canada.Thanks to a stoppage-time own goal, Guadeloupe – a French overseas territory without FIFA membership – stunned Canada 2-2 in their opening match of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Tuesday night in Toronto.Guadeloupe’s Thierry Ambrose scored in the 23rd minute of the Group D match before the highly favored Canadians moved ahead 2-1 in the 70th.In the third minute of second-half stoppage time, Ambrose tried a low pass in the box and Canada’s Jacen Russel-Rowe, a forward with the Columbus Crew, accidentally kicked the ball into his own net while trying to block it. The Canadians faced a 1-0 deficit at halftime before Lucas Caval...

26Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Inter Miami set date to unveil Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets as new arrivals

Farewell ceremony for Sergio Busquets after having played 722 games during the 15 seasons he has played for FC Barcelona, in Barcelona, on 31th May 2023.For the first time in almost 20 years, neither Lionel Messi nor Sergio Busquets will be playing for Barcelona next season, with both having agreed to sign for MLS side Inter Miami. Messi recently turned down the chance to return to the club he left two years ago in favour of the move stateside, while Busquets departed Barcelona at the end of the 2022-23 season in favour of a new challenge. ❗️El Inter Miami presentará a Messi y Busquets juntos➡️ El club americano planea que sea el 16 de julio y trabaja para que tenga un gran impacto mundial✒️ @gbsans pic.twitter.com/x6lcXgQtjq— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) June 25, 2023 Busquets...

25Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Neymar to be handed second fine over unlicensed construction project in Brazil

Neymar is seen in attendance during Game Four of the 2023 NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on June 09, 2023 in Miami, Florida. Environmental authorities in Brazil fined footballer Neymar a second time on Saturday after their orders to halt an unlicensed construction project at his mansion outside Rio de Janeiro were ignored, officials said. The Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain star was already facing a fine of at least 5 million reais ($1 million) after authorities said they had found “various environmental infractions” on Thursday at his luxury property in the resort town of Mangaratiba, where workers were building an artificial lake and beach. The authorities cordoned off the site and ordered a halt to all activity, but Brazilian media re...

19Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Nigeria, Cape Verde and Mali qualify for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire

A brace by in-form striker Victor Osimhen helped the Super Eagles to the important awa victory that helped the Super Eagles to win the match and secure their qualification for the tournament to be played in Cote d’Ivoire Nigeria dominated the early exchanges and in the 19th minute, Osimhen lobbed the ball past Sierra Leone goalkeeper Ibrahim Sessay, igniting jubilation among the Super Eagles contingent. Just three minutes later, Samuel Chukwueze came close to extending the lead, but his shot veered off target. With a well-executed assist from Ahmed Musa, Osimhen capitalized on the defense’s neglect and unleashed a magnificent left-footed strike, further cementing the Super Eagles’ advantage. Osimhen’s brace also propelled him to the top of the scorer rankings with seven goals, surpas...

19Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spain win Nations League final on penalties

Coach Luis de la Fuente of Spain, Kepa Arrizabalaga of Spain, Dani Carvajal of Spain, Robin Le Normand of Spain, Nacho of Spain, Martin Zubimendi of Spain, Mikel Merino of Spain, Alvaro Morata of Spain, Fabian Ruiz of Spain, Gavi of Spain, Marco Asensio of Spain, Sergio Canales of Spain, Ansu Fati of Spain, David Raya of Spain, Aymeric Laporte of Spain, Yeremy Pino of Spain, Rodri of Spain, Fran Garcia of Spain, Jordi Alba of Spain, Rodrigo of Spain, Joselu of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Jesus Navas of Spain and Unai Simon of Spain celebrate their victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 Final match between Croatia and Spain at the De Kuip on June 18, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Croatia missed out on their first international trophy after losing on penalties to Spain in the ...

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Italy third in Nations League after 3-2 win over Dutch

Federico Dimarco of Italy celebrates with team-mates after scoring the goal during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 third-place match between Netherlands and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 18, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Italy have claimed the consolation bronze medals at the Nations League finals, and added to a disappointing week for their Dutch hosts , as they edged the Dutch 3-2 in the third place play-off at the Twente Stadium. Federico Dimarco thrashed the ball home at the far post in the sixth minute and Davide Frattesi doubled the score from in front of goal in the 20th minute to give Italy a comfortable halftime lead in Sunday’s clash. But the Dutch launched a concerted second half comeback, making three attacking changes at the break and laying siege to Italy’s goal be...

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Wales defender Davies to miss Turkey qualifier

Ben Davies of Wales during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group D match between Wales and Armenia at Cardiff City Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales.Wales defender Ben Davies has withdrawn from the squad for their Euro 2024 qualification match against Turkey due to the birth of his first child. Striker Kieffer Moore is unavailable after his red card against Armenia on Friday, while goalkeeper Tom King has also not travelled to Samsun. Rob Page’s side are looking to bounce back after a humiliating 4-2 home defeat by Armenia on Tuesday. Turkey are top of Group D with Wales two points behind in third. Losing two key players was not part of Page’s script as he attempts to get Wales back on track against Turkey on Monday. Defeat by Armenia on Friday ranks as one of the worst ...

17Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Euro 2024 qualifiers roundup: France maintains perfect record by beating Gibraltar

Kylian Mbappé of France celebrates after scoring his sides second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group B match between Gibraltar and France at Estadio Algarve on June 16, 2023 in Faro near Faro, Portugal.France maintained their perfect record in Group B of the European Championship qualifying with a resounding 3-0 triumph over Gibraltar, courtesy of goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe. Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe scored for France in their 3-0 victory over Gibraltar in European Championship qualifying. Giroud netted after only three minutes but a penalty from Mbappe just before half-time was the only other chance that the World Cup finalists converted before a late own goal from Aymen Mouelhi as France maintained their 100 per cent record in Group B. In ...

16Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Smalling signs new contract with Roma

Chris Smalling of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Spezia Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on June 04, 2023 in Rome, Italy. Former England defender Chris Smalling has signed a new two-year contract with Italian side Roma. The 33-year-old joined the Serie A club on a season-long loan from Manchester United in 2019 before he made the switch permanent in 2020. Smalling’s previous deal at the Stadio Olimpico was set to expire next month. “I’m playing the best football of my career here and my family and I have felt so welcome in this wonderful city from day one,” he told Roma’s website. “What’s more, this club is clearly taking great strides forward in all areas. Choosing to remain at Roma was an easy decision to make.” Smalling, who has been capped 31 times by Eng...

16Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Joselu’s late winner against Italy sends Spain into Nations League final

Spain players celebrate at full-time after the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Spain and Italy at FC Twente Stadium on June 15, 2023 in Enschede, Netherlands.Substitute Joselu scored a fortunate winner three minutes from the end as Spain booked their place in a second successive Nations League final with a deserved 2-1 victory over Italy on Thursday. Coach Luis de la Fuente’s side will meet Croatia in Sunday’s decider in Rotterdam having lost to France in the final two years ago. Italy take on hosts Netherlands for the bronze medal. Spain capitalised on a defensive lapse to take the lead inside three minutes as Yeremy Pino produced a cool finish, but when debutant Robin Le Normand handled the ball in the box, Italy’s Ciro Immobile scored his first international go...

15Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Croatia stun hosts Netherlands to reach Nations League final

Captain Luka Modric and rest of the Croatia players celebrate victory during the UEFA Nations League 2022/23 semifinal match between Netherlands and Croatia at De Kuip on June 14, 2023 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.Bruno Petkovic and Luka Modric struck in extra time to beat the Netherlands 4-2 in their Nations League semi-final in Rotterdam on Wednesday and advance to Sunday’s decider. Zlatko Dalic’s side, who ranked third at last year’s World Cup, moved a step closer to earning their first ever trophy and demonstrated once again they are extra-time specialists. Real Madrid’s 37-year-old Modric won a penalty for Croatia’s opening goal, Andrej Kramaric and Mario Pasalic netted in the second half after Donyell Malen sent the Dutch ahead, but Noa Lang snatched a 96th-minute equalizer to fo...

14Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni speaks on Lionel Messi’s World Cup decision

Lionel Messi of Argentina attends a training session ahead of 2023 International Football Invitation match between Argentina and Australia at Workers Stadium on June 14, 2023 in Beijing, China. Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni spoke at a press conference on Wednesday about Lionel Messi. Lionel Scaloni held a press conference on Wednesday where he spoke about the Argentina national team, their future and the match against Australia on Wednesday. In the same press conference, he also spoke about Lionel Messi and Messi’s comments about possibly not playing at the 2026 World Cup. Here is what Scaloni had to say: “I think it’s very prudent coming from someone who doesn’t sell smoke and does not lie. The reality is that he is going to see and based on how he finds himself,...

13Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Palace’s Eze says injury problems have shaped him

Eberechi Eze of England looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on June 13, 2023 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. Eze, 24, was forced to withdraw from England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad in May 2021 with an Achilles injury. “I know without setbacks and difficult moments it’s hard to grow and be the person I am today,” he said. “I look back at those memories fondly because I know it has helped shape who I am. “It’s hard to put into words. I look at things a bit differently. I saw it [potential making Euro 2020] as I was on the right trajectory, even though I was injured, this was the level I could get to. It gave me the motivation to keep going. “I got a message which gave me an inkling I was going to be called up but being injured that was the end of it for a littl...

13Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Brazil to play Spain in support of Vinicius Jr

Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid laments during the spanish league, La Liga Santander, football match played between Real Madrid and Athletic Club de Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu stadium on June 04, 2023, in Madrid, Spain.Brazil will play Spain in a friendly in March next year as part of an anti-racism campaign in support of Vinicius Jr. The game will be played at the Bernabeu – home of Brazil winger Vinicius’ club side Real Madrid. Vinicius was the target of racist abuse multiple times in Spain while playing for Real in the past campaign. “There is no place for racist insults in our football,” said Spanish Football Association president Luis Rubiales. Rubiales and Brazilian FA (CBF) counterpart Ednaldo Rodrigues launched their anti-racism campaign under the slogan “One skin”. “It is im...

13Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Hakimi’s Morocco draw with Cape Verde

Achraf Hakimi of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates the championship trophy after the Ligue 1 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Clermont Foot at Parc Princes on June 03, 2023 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain defender Achraf Hakimi’s Morocco side drew 0-0 with Cape Verde in a friendly at the Prince Moulay-Abdellah Sports Complex in Rabat on Monday 12 June.MOROCCO – CAPE VERDE: 0-0 (0-0) Friendly Prince Moulay-Abdellah Sporting Complex (Rabat) MOROCCO: Munir – Hakimi, Kandouss (Yamiq, 46’), Aguerd, Mazraoui – Louza (Chair, 76’), Amrabat, Sabiri (Idrissi, 46’) – Ziyech (Tissoudali, 83’), Boufal (Aboukhlal, 59’) – Hamed Allah (En-Nesyri, 46’). Coach: Walid Regragui. CAPE VERDE: Vozinha – W. Semedo (Costa, 79’), Stopira, Diney (Lopes, 57’), Dy. Tavares – Teixeira Jr (Bebé, 57’), Da. T...

12Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Chelsea star joins England first-team training ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers

Bukayo Saka of England controls the ball under pressure from Levi Colwill of England during a training session at St George's Park on June 12, 2023 in Burton upon Trent, England.Young Chelsea star Levi Colwill is training with the England first-team ahead of the latest round of Euro 2024 qualifiers. Colwill had been training with the Three Lions’ U21 side in preparation for this summer’s Under-21 European Championships and is set to return to them when his stint with the first-team is done. But he could yet feature for Gareth Southgate’s side this weekend as they travel to Malta on Friday and host North Macedonia on Monday. The 20-year-old has not formally been called up to the senior team but is rather taking the place of Brighton captain Lewis Dunk who has been forced to withdraw f...

12Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Uruguay beat Italy to win U20 World Cup

Uruguay's midfielder Fabricio Diaz (C) holds the trophy along with his teammates after defeating Italy and winning the Argentina 2023 U-20 World Cup at the Estadio Unico Diego Armando Maradona stadium in La Plata, Argentina, on June 11, 2023. Luciano Rodriguez scored four minutes from time as Uruguay beat Italy 1-0 to win the Under-20 World Cup. Rodriguez, who plays for Liverpool Montevideo in his homeland, headed in from close range to reward Uruguay’s dominance and end a streak of four consecutive wins from European teams at the tournament. More than 40,000 people — including FIFA president Gianni Infantino — attended the match at the Diego Maradona Stadium in La Plata, Argentina, while Uruguay’s Football Association suspended Sunday’s national championship fixtures so fans co...

10Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Man Utd takeover: Al-Khelaifi denies involvement in Sheikh Jassim bid

Nasser Al-Khelaifi, President of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the 47th UEFA Ordinary Congress meeting on April 05, 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal. Paris St-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi says he has had nothing to do with the takeover of Manchester United. Al-Khelaifi was contacted by the Glazer family a month ago as United’s owners tried to get Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani to raise his offer. The conversation with Al-Khelaifi has led to suggestions of a wider Qatari involvement in Sheikh Jassim’s bid. Sheikh Jassim has repeatedly said his offer was made in a personal capacity. Man Utd owners spoke to PSG chairman about Sheikh Jassim bid Speaking in Istanbul before the Champions League final after a meeting of the influential European Clubs’ Association ...

9Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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S. Korea falls to Italy in FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinals

Simone Pafundi of Italy (L) celebrating his goal with his teammates during FIFA U-20 World Cup Argentina 2023 Semi Finals match between Italy and Korea Republic at Estadio La Plata on June 8, 2023 in La Plata, Argentina.South Korea lost to Italy 2-1 in the semifinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup on Thursday, as they fell one win shy of a second straight trip to the championship match. Simone Pafundi scored a free kick goal to break the deadlock in the 86th minute at La Plata Stadium in La Plata, eastern Argentina. South Korean captain Lee Seung-won had the team’s lone goal on a first-half penalty. Coached by Kim Eun-jung, South Korea will take on Israel in the third-place match, back in La Plata, at 2:30 p.m. Sunday local time, or 2:30 a.m. Monday in Seoul. This was South Korea’s secon...

8Jun

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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West Ham win dramatic Europa Conference League final

Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United celebrates with the trophy at the end of the UEFA Europa Conference League 2022/23 final match between ACF Fiorentina and West Ham United FC at Eden Arena on June 7, 2023 in Prague, Czech Republic.West Ham ended their 43-year wait for a major trophy as Jarrod Bowen scored a last-minute goal to beat Fiorentina and win the Europa Conference League in Prague. The final seemed to be heading for extra time after Said Benrahma’s second-half penalty was cancelled out just seven minutes later by a well-taken effort from Giacomo Bonaventura. It was a testy and sometimes bad tempered game – and at one point it got downright ugly as Fiorentina captain Cristiano Biraghi was struck by a plastic bottle thrown from the West Ham section. The match was settled in the m...