NEWS

18Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Courtois hopes Belgium exile drama now over

Thibaut Courtois goalkeeper of Real Madrid and Belgium during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois said on Tuesday he had thrashed out the circumstances of his lengthy exile from the national side with teammates on his return and hoped the controversy over his almost two-year absence was now settled. Courtois, 32, has not played for Belgium since June 2023 when he walked out ahead of a European Championship qualifier in Estonia, but after a change of coach he is back in the squad for this week's Nations League play...

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18Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Mauricio Pochettino: ‘Donald Trump asked if US can win the World Cup’

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 22: Head coach Mauricio Pochettino of the United States waves to fans prior to a game against the Costa Rica at Inter&Co Stadium on January 22, 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Mauricio Pochettino may now be the most important figure in American soccer, as the country gets ready to stage the biggest World Cup in history, but that hasn’t yet granted him any special status. He still hasn’t got a green card, having taken the job in September 2024. “We are waiting,” he laughs. “The last time, in Los Angeles, we were waiting one hour and a half in the queue!” He then offers a quick caveat. “I am not complaining because if I complain, they are going to kill me!” The statement was in response to whether he feels like a celebrity in a country where that wattage is greater t...

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14Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Spain manager talks Pedri, Olmo, Lamine, Casado, Inigo call-up, Gavi exclusion

VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 14: Luis de la Fuente, head coach of Spain Team, attends a press conference to announce the list of called up players ahead the UEFA Nations League football matches of Spain against the Netherlands at Mestalla stadium on March 14, 2025, in Valencia, Spain. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente announced the squad list of players for their upcoming UEFA Nations League quarter-final encounters against the Netherlands. La Roja will face off against Ronald Koeman’s men in a double-header later this month in the first international break of 2025, hoping to make it to the final four. And, De la Fuente has called up as many as seven players from FC Barcelona for the two matches against the Oranje. Indeed, Pedri, Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Marc Casado, Pau Cubars...

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14Mar By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Thomas Tuchel hands England recall to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 14: Thomas Tuchel, England's head coach, attends a press conference at Wembley Stadium on March 14, 2025 in London, England. New boss Thomas Tuchel has handed recalls to Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson and named uncapped defenders Myles Lewis-Skelly and Dan Burn in his first England squad. Gareth Southgate’s permanent successor has selected 26 players for this month’s World Cup qualifiers at Wembley against Albania and Latvia. Tuchel has been using a 55-man long list and the England boss has rewarded Arsenal left-back Lewis-Skelly, 18, for his impressive performances since making his senior bow in September.

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13Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Mbappe returns to France squad as PSG’s Doue earns first call-up

Kylian Mbappe centre-forward of Real Madrid and France during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Round of 16 second leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid C.F. at Estadio Riyadh Air Metropolitano on March 12, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. Captain Kylian Mbappe returned to the France squad named Thursday for this month's UEFA Nations League quarter-final against Croatia, as Paris Saint-Germain teenager Desire Doue earned a first call-up. Mbappe, 26, was left out of the last two France squads by coach Didier Deschamps for the Nations League group stage in October and November. The Real Madrid superstar was initially dropped because of fitness concerns, before later being left out amidst headlines about his private life. Deschamps said at the time that ...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Ajax confirms: Pasveer out of action for several weeks

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 06: Remko Pasveer of Ajax (on the ground) gets treated for an injury during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 Round of 16 First Leg match between AFC Ajax and Eintracht Frankfurt at Johan Cruyff Arena on March 06, 2025 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Daniela Porcelli/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images) Ajax will have to do without Remko Pasveer, the club announced this week, as the veteran goalkeeper suffered a muscle strain during European midweek action. Pasveer (41) was injured in the Europa League match against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday and afterwards coach Francesco Farioli confirmed things were not looking good. Talking on Ajax’s official channels, Pasveer himself described his pain, “When I played the ball in, I unfortunately immediately ...

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7Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Europa league: Man Utd force draw with Sociedad but Spurs fall to Az

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - MARCH 6: (L-R) Pablo Marin of Real Sociedad, Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United during the UEFA Europa League match between Real Sociedad v Manchester United at the Estadio Reale Arena on March 6, 2025 in San Sebastian Spain. Manchester United took the lead through Joshua Zirkzee but were held to a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie but Tottenham suffered a 1-0 defeat at AZ Alkmaar. Rangers won 3-1 at Fenerbahce with Vaclav Cerny scoring twice, and Olympique Lyonnais secured a 3-1 victory at Romanian side Steaua Bucharest thanks to two late goals from Malick Fofana. Manchester United had the only real chance of the first half against Sociedad when Bruno Fernandes had a goalbound shot blocked and Zirkzee’s follow-up effor...

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6Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Neymar back in Brazil squad after dazzling for Santos

SANTOS, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 05: Neymar of Santos reacts during a Campeonato Paulista 2025 match between Santos and Botafogo at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on February 05, 2025 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Alexandre Schneider/Getty Images) Brazil have recalled Santos forward Neymar for their latest World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina after more than a year out. The 33-year-old sustained a knee injury in Brazil's World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023 and has struggled to get back to his best and secure a spot in the squad. But after a disappointing spell at Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal, Neymar returned to his boyhood club Santos in January, and has scored three goals and provided three assists in seven matches to catch the eye of Brazil coach...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Palmer set for Europe return as Chelsea face Copenhagen

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 25: Chelsea's Cole Palmer during the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Southampton FC at Stamford Bridge on February 25, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images) Cole Palmer could make his first appearance for Chelsea in Europe since August when they face Copenhagen in the first leg of their Uefa Conference League last-16 tie on Thursday. The England forward played in the qualifying round but was left out of the group stage to manage his workload.Palmer, 22, scored 14 goals in the first half of the season but has not scored in Chelsea's last seven games in all competitions. Blues boss Enzo Maresca confirmed he could feature in Denmark on Thursday, and is not concerned by his recent goal drought."If he is in ...

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5Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte ruled out of first leg against Real Sociedad

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 07: Harry Maguire of Manchester United celebrates scoring their second goal during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on February 07, 2025 in Manchester, England. Harry Maguire and Manuel Ugarte will miss the first leg of Manchester United’s Europa League last-16 tie away to Real Sociedad after sitting out training on Wednesday morning. Both players have been left out of the 18-man travelling party after picking up minor injuries in Sunday’s FA Cup penalty shoot-out exit at home to Fulham, adding to United’s lengthy list of absentees. Ruben Amorim is already without several players for Thursday’s match against La Real, with Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Lisandro Martinez among those on the si...

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4Mar By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Benni McCarthy appointed coach of Kenya

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 12: Manchester United Coach Benni McCarthy in action during a Manchester United first team training session at Carrington Training Ground on February 12, 2024 in Manchester, England. Kenya named former Bafana Bafana international Benni McCarthy as coach on Monday, some three weeks before they resume their World Cup qualification campaign. He will make his debut later this month with an away match against Gambia followed by a home clash with Gabon. Kenya trail leaders Ivory Coast by five points in 2026 World Cup qualifying group F but have six matches to play. The group winners qualify for the finals with the four best runners-up having the chance to progress via a second round. Kenya will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals with Tanzania and Uga...

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3Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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FIFA lifts suspension on Pakistan football, clearing path for international return

13 December 2024, Switzerland, Zürich: Soccer: World Cup qualifying Europe, the FIFA logo on the façade of FIFA headquarters before the draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. FIFA, the world governing body of football, has lifted the suspension on the Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) after the necessary constitutional changes were made to ensure smooth governance of the sport in the country. FIFA had imposed the suspension on the PFF on February 5 due to the failure of Congress members to amend the constitution as required by the global body. However, last Thursday, PFF Congress members reached a consensus to implement the necessary amendments. A PFF official confirmed that FIFA informed them on Sunday that the suspension had been lifted. Since June 2019, Pakistan footb...

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28Feb By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Neymar Reveals Why He Rejected Real Madrid ‘Blank Cheque’ To Join FC Barcelona

LIMEIRA, BRAZIL - FEBRUARY 23: Neymar of Santos kicks a corner kick during a Campeonato Paulista match between Inter de Limeira and Santos at Major Levy Sobrinho Stadium on February 23, 2025 in Limeira, Brazil. Brazilian soccer star Neymar revealed why he rejected a "blank check" from Real Madrid to join its bitter rival FC Barcelona while appearing on the Podpah podcast. The Santos-produced prodigy is now back with the Sao Paulo state coastal club that also gave the world Pele and Rodrygo. In the early 2010s, however, upon his rise to global prominence, he was wanted by a number of European heavyweights falling over themselves to land Brazil’s most talked up talent of the time. On the Podpah podcast, Neymar recalled that time in history. “Real Madrid’s offer was a blank cheque, they t...

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28Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Jose Mourinho banned for four matches, fined after Turkish referees comment

José Mourinho of Fenerbahce looks on during the Super Lig match between Galatasaray and Fenerbahce at Rams Park, Istanbul, Turkey on February 24, 2025. Fenerbahce manager Jose Mourinho was given a four-match ban and fined by the Turkish Football Federation following his comments about Turkish referees after a match at Galatasaray. The Turkish federation on Thursday (February 27, 2025) fined the 62-year-old Portuguese coach 1.6 million Turkish lira ($44,000) after he criticized the match officials in a media conference following a 0-0 Super Lig draw on Monday. Mourinho served one of his suspended four games on Thursday when he was absent from the bench for Fenerbahce's 4-1 Turkish Cup win at Gaziantep. Britain's Sky Sports News said Fenerbahce had appealed the four-game ban. It means tha...

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26Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Lionel Messi fined for grabbing New York City coach by the neck

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 25: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF smiles during a 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup second leg match between Sporting Kansas City and Inter Miami at Chase Stadium on February 25, 2025 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has been fined an undisclosed amount for grabbing one of New York City FC's coaching staff on the neck after Saturday's MLS opener, the league said. Video footage showed Messi approach the coach and grab the back of his neck, causing him to pull away from the eight-times Ballon d'Or winner after the 2-2 draw in Miami. The fine was imposed by the MLS' Disciplinary Committee on Tuesday. The top-flight North American league also fined Messi's teammate Luis Suarez on Tuesday for violating the same "face/head/neck of...

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14Feb By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Mbappe’s future with France national team confirmed

Paris, France - September 6: Kylian Mbappé of France during the national anthem before the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League A - Group 2 match between France and Italy at Parc des Princes on September 6, 2024 in Paris, France. Kylian Mbappe will return to the fold for France after being omitted from their Nations League squads in October and November in the aftermath of his Real Madrid transfer. Mbappe moved to Madrid in the summer from Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, bringing the curtain down on a lengthy, protracted pursuit that dominated headlines all around the world. The 26-year-old got off to a slow start for Real Madrid, as he acclimatised to his new surroundings, but has recently hit top form domestically and in the Champions League. His goal in Tuesday's 3-2 knockout pl...

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8Feb By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Kevin De Bruyne strike late as City advance in FA Cup

Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne (left) celebrates scoring their side's second goal of the game during the Emirates FA Cup fourth round match at the Gaughan Group Stadium, London. Picture date: Saturday February 8, 2025. Manchester City survived a scare against third-division Leyton Orient on Saturday to advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup. Orient threatened to pull off a famous upset when it led 1-0 at halftime against Pep Guardiola's four-time defending Premier League champion. But City fought back after the break with goals from substitutes Abdukodir Khusanov and Kevin De Bruyne. Orient went ahead in spectacular fashion when Jamie Donley's shot from just past the halfway line hit the bar and rebounded off the back of City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega into the back of the net in th...

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31Jan By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Son Heung-min plays strong 1st half, Tottenham reach Europa League knockouts with win

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 30: Son Heung-min of Tottenham Hotspur FC and Gottfrid Rapp of IF Elfsborg in action during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD8 match between Tottenham Hotspur and IF Elfsborg at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on January 30, 2025 in London, England. Captain Son Heung-min looked dangerous in his 45 minutes as his Tottenham Hotspur clinched a knockout berth at a continental tournament with a victory at home. Spurs defeated the Swedish side IF Elfsborg 3-0 in their final league-phase match of the UEFA Europa League at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Thursday (local time). By improving to 17 points on five wins, two draws and one loss, Spurs finished the league phase in fourth place and grabbed a ticket to the round of 16 as a seeded team. The Europa Le...

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24Jan By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Man Utd edge Rangers 2-1 with Fernandes’ last-minute goal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United (centre) celebrates scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Manchester United came closer to securing their place in the UEFA Europa League round of 16 with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Glasgow Rangers at Old Trafford on Thursday, in a match often dubbed the “Battle of Britain.” The first half ended goalless, with notable chances from both sides. United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir made a crucial save against Rangers’ Ridvan Yilmaz in the 10th minute, while Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo both missed close-range opportunities fo...

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20Jan By Silver Emmanuel2 Comments

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Messi wants to take part in 2026 World Cup

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 18: Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF waves to fans during warmups before a preseason friendly match against America at Allegiant Stadium on January 18, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Inter Miami FC defeated America 3-2 in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Inter Miami and Argentina striker Lionel Messi recently responded to a question about his potential participation in the 2026 World Cup, Azernews reports. "The year is just beginning, and I'm starting it with great desire and enthusiasm. I hope that I will feel good and be able to have a strong pre-season, so I can be in the best shape for the official matches," Messi stated. This season, Messi has played 22 matches for his club across all competitions, scoring 21 goals and providing 18 a...

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