NEWS

18Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

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between Wales and Armenia at Cardiff City Stadium on June 16, 2023 in Cardiff, Wales.Wales defender Ben Davies has withdrawn from the squad for their Euro 2024 qualification match against Turkey due to the birth of his first child.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

NEWS

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...

3Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Barcelona claim second Champions League crown

Coach Jonatan Giraldez of FC Barcelona, Sandra Panos of FC Barcelona, Irene Paredes of FC Barcelona, Mapi Leon of FC Barcelona, Mariona Caldentey of FC Barcelona, Caroline Graham Hansen of FC Barcelona, Patri Guijarro of FC Barcelona, Aitana Bonmati of FC Barcelona, Lucy Bronze of FC Barcelona, Fridolina Rolfo of FC Barcelona, Salma Paralluelo of FC Barcelona, Keira Walsh of FC Barcelona, Catalina Coll of FC Barcelona, Laia Codina of FC Barcelona, Jana Fernandez of FC Barcelona, Claudia Pina of FC Barcelona, Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic of FC Barcelona, Marta Torrejon of FC Barcelona, Alexia Putellas of FC Barcelona, Geyse of FC Barcelona, Bruna Vilamala of FC Barcelona, Nuria Rabano of FC Barcelona, Ingrid Syrstad Engen of FC Barcelona, Vicky Lopez of FC Barcelona celebrate with the UEFA ...

3Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Man City beat Man Utd to win cup with Gundogan double

Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola congratulates Manchester City's Ilkay Gundogan after winning the Emirates FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium on June 3, 2023 in London, England. Manchester City remain on course for the Treble after Ilkay Gundogan scored twice to give them victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley. Having already won the Premier League title, City now go into next Saturday’s Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul with the opportunity to emulate United’s feat of 1999. And City captain Gundogan was the big game match-winner again, assuring his place in history with the quickest goal in FA Cup final history, a stunning volley after only 12 seconds eclipsing Louis Saha’s strike for...

2Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Ronaldo urges more big names to make Saudi move

Nassr's Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Saudi Pro League football match between Al-Nassr and Al-Raed at the al-Awwal Park Stadium in the Saudi capital Riyadh on April 28, 2023.The Saudi Pro League can become a “top-five league in the world” if they can attract more big-name players, says Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo. Lionel Messi, Karim Benzema and Luka Modric have been linked with moves to Saudi Arabia and Ronaldo, 38, says they are “very welcome” to join him. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has completed his first season with Al Nassr after joining in December. He has a contract to 2025 and added he “will continue here” next season. Paris St-Germain have confirmed Messi will leave the club this summer and the Argentina...

1Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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PSG Coach Confirms Lionel Messi’s Departure From Club

Lionel Messi #30 of Paris Saint-Germain warms-up prior to the Ligue 1 match between RC Strasbourg and Paris Saint-Germain at Stade de la Meinau on May 27, 2023 in Strasbourg, France. Lionel Messi will leave Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season after two years at the club, coach Christophe Galtier said Thursday. Galter said ahead of PSG’s game against Clermont on Saturday that it would be Messi’s last match at the Parc des Princes. Messi’s contract expires at the end of June. “I had the privilege of coaching the best player in the history of soccer,” Galtier said. “This will be his last match at the Parc des Princes, and I hope that he will receive the warmest of welcomes.” PSG recruited Messi in August 2021 with the ambition to finally win the Champions League. The team ...

1Jun

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Sevilla beat Roma on penalties to win Europa League

Marko Dmitrovic, Gonzalo Montiel, Alex Telles, Karim Rekik, Nemanja Gudelj, Ivan Rakitic, Rafa Mir, Yassine Bounou, Youssef En-Nesyri, Jesus Navas, Erik Lamela, Marcos Acuna, Fernando, Oliver Torres, Alejandro Gomez, Bryan Gil, Alberto Flores, Manuel Bueno, Loic Bade, Lucas Ocampos, Jose Luis Mendilibar, Suso, Marcao, Joan Jordan and Tanguy Nianzou of Sevilla FC celebrate withj the trophy following the penalty shoot out victory in the UEFA Europa League 2022/23 final match between Sevilla FC and AS Roma at Puskas Arena on May 31, 2023 in Budapest, Hungary. Sevilla claimed a record-extending seventh Europa League title as they beat Roma on penalties at a raucous Puskas Arena in Budapest. Gonzalo Montiel, who also scored the winning penalty for Argentina in the World Cup final aga...

30May

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Manchester United’s Anthony Martial ruled out of FA Cup final through injury

Anthony Martial of Manchester United smiles as he warms up prior to during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham FC at Old Trafford on May 28, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been ruled out of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City due to a hamstring injury. Martial picked up the problem in United’s final Premier League game of the season after stepping off the bench on Sunday against Fulham and scans have revealed the full extent of the damage. United said in a statement: “Anthony Martial is out of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City due to injury. “The France international strained his hamstring towards the end of Sunday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford. “Assessments have since r...