NEWS – Page 39 – Football Flame

19Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Karim Benzema, LALIGA, NEWS

Benzema retires from French national team

Karim Benzema of France attends a training session at Al Sadd SC Stadium on November 17, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has announced his retirement from the French national team on his Social Media. “I’ve made my best efforts and my mistakes to be where I am today and I am proud! I’ve written my own story and our story ends today,” wrote Benzema. Benzema was hoping to play in the 2022 FIFA World Cup but a muscle injury and some strange decisions from the French coaching staff behind the scenes forced him to return to Madrid. The French striker will now focus on his Real Madrid career, where he will be hoping to keep playing at a high level for a few more seasons so that he can still make an impact and retire in the club of his life. Benzema has recovered from his in...

19Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, World Cup 2022

Qatar had more than 1.4m visitors during FIFA World Cup

Fox Sports presenter Jenny Taft is seen with Hassan Al Thawadi during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Qatar welcomed more than 1.4 million visitors from around the world during the FIFA World Cup tournament which ended yesterday with Argentina beating France to lift the trophy, the Qatar News Agency has reported. The total attendance figure for all matches combined was 3.4m people. The average attendance was above 53,000 per match, more than 96 per cent of the total capacity. “We organised an exceptional, impressive tournament,” said Hassan Al-Thawadi, Secretary General of Qatar’s Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. “It will represent a milestone in hosting major international events....

18Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Argentina win FIFA World Cup 2022

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates at full time after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Argentina claim the FIFA World Cup 2022’s trophy defeating two-time champion France in nerve-racking game at the Lusail Stadium in Doha on Sunday. The nail-biting game was decided on penalties. Earlier, the game went into extra-time after the French roared back from two goals down to bring the score to 2-2. Lionel Messi stroked home a 23rd minute penalty and Angel Di Maria swept home a superb second for Argentina but defending champions France hit back in the second half as Kylian Mbappe converted an 80th-minute penalty and equalised with an acrobatic volley a ...

18Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, NEWS

PSG president issues update on the future of Messi: “No decision before New Year”

Lionel Messi answers journalists with President Nasser Al Khelaifi during a conference of Paris Saint-Germain at Parc des Princes on August 11, 2021 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has claimed that a decision on the future of Lionel Messi will not be made before the New Year, amid links to Barcelona and Inter Miami. Messi joined PSG last year and has become a talismanic figure for the Ligue 1 champions despite a slow start to life in France. The 35-year-old has been in scintillating form this season, bagging 12 goals and 14 assists from 19 matches in all competitions. The veteran superstar is currently tearing it up at the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar, bagging five goals and three assists to help Argentina progress to the finals, where they will face champ...

18Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gareth Southgate, NEWS

Gareth Southgate is to stay on as England manager, confirms FA

England's coach Gareth Southgate (L) and England's defender Kieran Trippier leave the team hotel in Doha on December 11, 2022, the day after losing their Qatar 2022 World Cup quarter-final football match aginst France.Gareth Southgate is to stay on as England manager, the Football Association has announced. The 52-year-old was considering his future in the wake of last weekend’s 2-0 quarter-final defeat to reigning champions France at the World Cup. Southgate has a contract until the 2024 European Championship but admitted to feeling “conflicted” about staying on given what has often been a difficult 18 months. But the former defender will now remain in charge for a fourth major tournament. “We are delighted to confirm that Gareth Southgate is continuing as England manager and will lead ou...

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Josko Gvardiol, Luka Modric, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Croatia beat Morocco to finish third at World Cup

(L-R) Martin Erlic of Croatia, Josko Gvardiol of Croatia, Josip Sutalo of Croatia, Marko Livaja of Croatia, Luka Modric of Croatia, Mario Pasalic of Croatia celebrating the world cup third place during the World Cup match between Croatia v Morocco at the Khalifa International Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Doha Qatar.Croatia showed their class once more by clinching their third top-three finish at the World Cup with a play-off victory over history-makers Morocco. Zlatko Dalic’s side were runners-up tlo France four years ago and confirmed their status as one of the elite footballing nations with another third-place finish to go alongside that secured in their competition debut in 1998. In a frantic opening, Josko Gvardiol gave Croatia the lead on seven minutes with a superb diving header b...

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Adrien Rabiot, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Rabiot and Theo Hernandez expected to start World Cup Final for France

Adrien Rabiot of France stretches during the France Training Session ahead of their World Cup Final match against Argentina at Al Saad SC on December 17, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot and Milan left-back Theo Hernandez are back in training and should start for France in tomorrow’s World Cup Final against Argentina, as the illness is starting to abate. It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 GMT. Les Bleus have seen their build-up to the Final dominated by the mystery flu virus that spread throughout the squad. Dayot Upamecano and Rabiot were the first to get ill and the Juve man was not even in the stadium for the semi-final against Morocco, as he was left in isolation in his hotel room, forced to watch his team celebrating from the balcony. It then spread to others includi...

17Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ibrahima Konate, NEWS, Raphael Varane, World Cup 2022

Illness strikes France before World Cup final

24 Ibrahima KONATE (fra) - 04 Raphael VARANE (fra) during the FIFA World Cup 2022, Semi Final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.Several France players have caught colds, the French Football Federation said, as they prepare for the World Cup final against Argentina, with Raphael Varane and Ibrahima Konate the latest to fall ill on Saturday. Centre back Dayot Upamecano and midfielder Adrien Rabiot missed Wednesday’s 2-0 semi-final win over Morocco with the illness. Coach Didier Deschamps refused to panic after Wednesday’s game and said they were being careful to ensure the illness did not spread. Striker Randal Kolo Muani, who came off the bench to score France’s second goal in their win over Morocco, said on Friday: “There’s a little ...

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Beth Mead, NEWS, Women Football

Beth Mead signs new contract with Arsenal Women

England's Beth Mead during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 Semi Final match between England and Sweden/Belgium at Bramall Lane on July 26, 2022 in Sheffield, United Kingdom.Beth Mead signs a new contract with Arsenal for whom she has scored 61 goals in 166 appearances since joining in 2017. Her new deal follows a stellar 2021/22 season for club and country, as she racked up 33 goal involvements (14 goals, 19 assists) in 40 appearances for Arsenal, before playing a key role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph. Beth was named Player of the Tournament and won the Golden Boot with six goals in six games, in addition to providing a tournament-high of five assists. Further recognition followed, as Mead was named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year for 2022 and England Player of the Year for 2021/22...

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

EURO 2024, Luka Modric, NEWS

Luka Modric ‘will be there’ at Euro 2024 if Croatia qualify – Zlatko Dalic

Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during the Croatia Training Session at Al Erssal Training Site on December 14, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Croatia head coach Zlatko Dalic strongly believes Luka Modric will take part in Euro 2024, should the national team qualify for the tournament. Modric, 37, has been the lynchpin of the Croatian team in recent years. He helped them to the 2018 World Cup final, where they lost 4-2 to France. At the 2022 World Cup, he led his side to a memorable quarter-final victory against tournament favourites Brazil before falling short against Argentina in the semi-final. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Dalic said he is “quite certain” that the Real Madrid midfielder will continue to be present in the national team in the coming years despite his age. “I hope that h...

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Croatia, Morocco, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Morocco, Croatia to battle for 3rd spot in FIFA World Cup

Boats with sails showing the flags of the nations Morocco and Croatia who will play in the third place play off match sail in-front of the Doha skyline on The Corniche during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on December 15, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Croatia will take on Morocco Saturday in the 2022 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff. The game will kick off at 1500GMT at Khalifa International Stadium and will be officiated by Abdulrahman Al Jassim. The group stage game between Morocco and Croatia ended in a goalless draw. Then Morocco defeated Belgium 2-0 and Canada 2-1 to top Group F. Morocco met Spain to eliminate the 2010 winners in the last 16 and qualified for the quarterfinals after defeating the Spaniards on penalties. The North African team beat Portugal with a narrow win in the quarterfinal...

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FIFA, Gianni Infantino, NEWS

FIFA announce 32-team Club World Cup from 2025

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks to media during the Press Conference ahead of the Third Place and Final matches of FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 at the Main Media Center on December 16, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Speaking in a press conference ahead of the World Cup final on Sunday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that from 2025 the Men’s Club World Cup will switch to a 32-team tournament format. Following a FIFA council session which made Infantino late for his appearance in front of the press, the president announced a number of changes to FIFA competitions going forward, as well as the naming of Morocco as hosts for the current 2022 Club World Cup which will take place in February. Infantino said the following, as transcribed by RMC Sport: “The new Men’s Club World Cup will t...

16Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Paul Pogba, World Cup 2022

Juventus unwilling to let Paul Pogba travel for World Cup final

Paul Pogba of Juventus during a training session at JTC on December 13, 2022 in Turin, Italy. L’Équipe report today that despite Emmanuel Macron’s apparent intention to bring along France’s injury absentees for Sunday’s World Cup final, Juventus are reticent on letting Paul Pogba make the journey to Qatar. With the 2018 winner having first undergone a knee operation in September and then sustained a thigh injury, he has instead been keeping contact with his international teammates in Doha – notably Antoine Griezmann and Kingsley Coman – and has posted several messages of support on social media. Pogba has told those within the squad that he would like to attend the final, but despite his efforts to convince them otherwise, the Bianconeri are not enthusiastic about letting him go whil...

15Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Ranieri: ‘Mbappe the most similar player to Ronaldo’

Kylian Mbappe (10) of France sprays water on his face at the end of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between France and Morocco at Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. France beat Morocco 2-0, to face Argentina in 2022 FIFA World Cup final. Italian coach Claudio Ranieri believes Kylian Mbappe is ‘the most similar player to Ronaldo’ but warns France that Leo Messi ‘has never been this decisive’ with Argentina. Les Blues have reached their second World Cup Final in a row, the fourth since 1998, more than any other country in the last 24 years. They’ll meet Messi’s Argentina on Sunday. “These are two strong teams, they don’t only depend on their best players. France have coped without the likes of Pogba, Kante and Benzema,” Ranieri told Gazzetta. The Ital...

14Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

FRANCE, Kolo Muani, NEWS, World Cup 2022

France edge past Morocco to set up Argentina final

Randal Kolo Muani of France scores the team's second goal during the Semi Final - FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 match between France and Morocco at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 14, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.France were pushed all the way by World Cup wild cards Morocco before the holders sealed a place in Sunday's final against Argentina. The first African side to reach a World Cup semi-final refused to buckle despite suffering the early blows of losing key defender Nayef Aguerd to injury after he was named in the starting line-up, and then going behind to Theo Hernandez's scrambled fifth minute goal. France, for all Morocco's endeavour and spirit, were more clinical and substitute Kolo Muani ensured they will defend their crown against Argentina and Lionel Messi at Lusail Stadium on Sunday wh...

14Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, Real Madrid

Cristiano Ronaldo spotted at Real Madrid training ground amid search for new club

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks dejected during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Morocco and Portugal at Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Cristiano Ronaldo is reportedly back training with former club Real Madrid as he aims to reach a decision over his future. The Portuguese currently finds himself without a club following the cancellation of his Man Utd contract in the aftermath of his explosive interview with Piers Morgan. He is now free to focus on finding a new club following Portugal’s World Cup elimination at the hands of Morocco on Saturday. Whilst he is currently not playing football, the veteran forward is attempting to keep up his fitness having returned to train with the Spanish giants Real. As per Spanish outlet Revelo, the str...

14Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gianluca Vialli, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Vialli leaves Italy role to focus on cancer treatment

Gianluca Vialli during Italy against England, Nations League, at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on September 23, 2022.Gianluca Vialli has stepped away from his role as Italy’s head of delegation as he receives treatment for pancreatic cancer. The 58-year-old revealed in December last year that he was dealing with the illness for a second time. Now, after consulting with doctors, Vialli will “suspend professional commitments”. Vialli said on the Italian Football Federation’s (FIGC) website: “At the end of a long and difficult ‘negotiation’ with my wonderful team of oncologists, I have decided to suspend, hopefully temporarily, my present and future professional commitments. “The goal is to use all my psycho-physical energies to help my body overcome this phase of the disease, in order to be able t...

13Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Messi & Alvarez fire Argentina to World Cup final

Argentina players celebrate after the team's victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 semi final match between Argentina and Croatia at Lusail Stadium on December 13, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Argentina’s master and pupil Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez combined to deadly effect as they reached their sixth World Cup final with victory over Croatia at Lusail Stadium. Messi now gets one last chance to win the piece of silverware that has eluded him in his trophy-laden career but Manchester City’s 22-year-old striker Alvarez claimed at least an equal share of top billing as Argentina ensured they will return here on Sunday to face either France or Morocco. Argentina’s little genius looked to be struggling with a hamstring problem early on but recovered enough to break the deadlock from t...

13Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

AC Milan, ARSENAL FC, NEWS

Friendly: Tomori on target as Milan lose to Arsenal

Alexis Saelemaekers of AC Milan in action during the Dubai Super Cup match between Arsenal and AC Milan at Al Maktoum Stadium on December 13, 2022 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.Milan lost their opening Dubai Super Cup friendly 2-1 to Arsenal, with Fikayo Tomori grabbing a consolation goal and Divock Origi thumping the woodwork. The Rossoneri were still missing numerous key players, including Theo Hernandez and Olivier Giroud at the World Cup, plus injured Mike Maignan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, so Tommaso Pobega was turned into a makeshift left-back. Alexis Saelemaekers made his comeback after several months out, while Origi hit the crossbar just 11 minutes in with a scorcher from the edge of the area. However, it was Martin Odegaard who put Arsenal in front with a fantastic free kick that l...

13Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Luka Modric, NEWS, Real Madrid

Luka Modric reveals ‘dream’ retirement plan

Luka Modric of Croatia looks on during the Croatia Training Session at Al Erssal Training Site on December 12, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Real Madrid star Luka Modric has said that it is his ‘dream’ to retire at the club, but will not make a decision about his future until after the World Cup. Modric has captained Croatia back to the semi-finals for a second successive World Cup, aiming to steer his country to another final after also getting there in 2018. The 37-year-old is out of contract with Real at the end of the season after signing a new 12-month deal last summer. But he remains a vitally important player for Los Blancos, having won his fifth Champions League title in May and starting all but one game in the last season’s competition. “What happens next, let’s see, there’s enough time to ...