NEWS

11Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Harry Kane, NEWS, Olivier Giroud, World Cup 2022

Kane misses penalty as England exit World Cup

Olivier Giroud of France celebrates scoring with team mate Adrien Rabiot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between England and France at Al Bayt Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. England’s World Cup campaign ended in disappointment as they went out despite a fine performance in the quarter-finals against France at Al Bayt Stadium.Harry Kane’s late penalty miss proved decisive after he had earlier equalled Wayne Rooney’s England record of 53 goals from the spot.France took a 17th-minute lead when Aurelien Tchouameni’s 25-yard drive beat Jordan Pickford low to his right.England were the better team for long spells and created chances, deservedly pulling level nine minutes after the break when Kane beat Tottenham team-mate Hugo Lloris in convincing fa...

10Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Morocco, NEWS, World Cup 2022, Youssef En-Nesyri

Morocco beat Portugal to make World Cup history

(L-R) Youssef En Nesyri of Morocco, Pepe of Portugal during the World Cup match between Morocco v Portugal at the Al Thumama Stadium on December 10, 2022 in Doha Qatar.Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final and ended the hopes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal.Striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the winning goal in the first half, leaping highest to beat goalkeeper Diogo Costa to the ball and heading in to spark pandemonium at Al Thumama Stadium. The north African side’s supporters populated most of the venue and joyously celebrated their breakthrough moment on the global stage. Ronaldo came off the bench in the 50th minute to equal the men’s all-time appearance record of 196 in international matches, but he could not drag his side back into the contest. Morocco...

10Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Neymar, World Cup 2022

Neymar refuses to rule out Brazil retirement after World Cup exit

Neymar of Brazil runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium on December 09, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.Neymar hinted that he could retire from international football after Brazil were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup on penalties. Tipped by many as favourites for the tournament in Qatar, Brazil thought they had secured passage to the semi-finals when the Paris Saint-Germain striker scored the opening goal in stoppage time of the first half of extra time on Friday. But Croatia hit back to take the game to a penalty shootout, which they won 4-2 before Neymar could even take a kick. Brazil’s talisman will be 34 by the time of the next World Cup and refused to commit his future to the national team after the d...

10Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Argentina, Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni – Lionel Messi has proven he is the best of all time

Lionel Scaloni head coach of Argentina and Lionel Messi right winger of Argentina and Paris Saint-Germain celebrate victory after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Netherlands and Argentina at Lusail Stadium on December 9, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has labelled Lionel Messi “the best of all time” following his performance in their World Cup 2022 victory over the Netherlands in the quarter-finals on Friday. The 35-year-old contributed to both of La Albiceleste’s two goals in normal time, firstly producing an exquisite assist for Nahuel Molina before scoring from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. The Netherlands rarely threated Argentina’s backline, but they fought back late on to restore parity and send the fiery contest into e...

9Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Croatia, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Brazil out of World Cup as Croatia win on penalties

(From l-r) Luka Modric, Lovro Majer, Bruno Petkovic, Dejan Lovren, Josko Gvardiol, Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic of Croatia celebrate after the final penalty during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 quarter final match between Croatia and Brazil at Education City Stadium on December 9, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.Tournament favourites Brazil were knocked out of the World Cup on penalties as Croatia kept their nerve to edge through to the semi-finals. Croatia, beaten finalists four years ago, scored with all four of their spot-kicks as Rodrygo – taking his team’s first kick – was denied by the brilliant Dominik Livakovic and Marquinhos’ crucial fourth effort struck the post. As the ball hit the foot of the woodwork and bounced away, Croatia’s team sprinted to celebrate with their goalkeeper, while...

8Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, Portugal, World Cup 2022

Portuguese FA release Cristiano Ronaldo statement on ‘World Cup exit’

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal after the match at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.The Portuguese FA have released a statement after reports suggested Cristiano Ronaldo threatened to leave the Portugal World Cup squad. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was dropped by manager Fernando Santos for their last 16 clash against Switzerland earlier this week. Ronaldo was surprisingly left out of his nation’s starting lineup for their stunning 6-1 win over the Swiss. His replacement Goncalo Ramos justified Santos’ decision by scoring a brilliant hat-trick. Ronaldo came on as a late substitute as he tried to end his World Cup knockout stage goal drought, but had a goal disallowed as Portugal pr...

8Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Belgium, Eden Hazard, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Belgium’s Hazard quits internationals after World Cup exit

Eden Hazard of Belgium gestures after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Croatia and Belgium at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Belgium captain Eden Hazard announced his retirement from international soccer aged 31 on Wednesday (Dec 7) after his second-ranked team’s World Cup campaign ended in a disappointing group stage exit. Hazard, the anchor of Belgium’s “golden generation”, played in all three games but did not score as Belgium beat Canada, lost to Morocco and had to settle for a goalless draw with Croatia to finish third in Group F. The forward made his senior debut in 2008 and scored 33 times in 126 appearances. He guided Belgium to their best World Cup finish at the 2018 tournament in Russia, when they came third. “I have decided to p...

7Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, Virgil van Dijk, World Cup 2022

Virgil van Dijk speaks out on facing Lionel Messi in World Cup quarter-final

Virgil van Dijk of Holland during a training session of the Dutch national team at the Qatar University training complex on December 4, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Virgil van Dijk has insisted that the 2022 World Cup quarter-final between the Netherlands and Argentina won’t be decided by the personal battle between himself and Lionel Messi. The two nations meet on Friday in Qatar, both aiming to reach the semi-final stage for the first time since 2014. In what will be one of the most intriguing battles of the tournament so far, Holland captain Van Dijk, arguably the best centre-back in the game right now, will come up against Argentina skipper Messi, perhaps the greatest forward of all-time. For many, that will be where the game is won or lost, but Van Dijk disagrees, repeatedly telling repo...

7Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Declan Rice, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Declan Rice misses England training as Gareth Southgate given World Cup 2022 worry

Declan Rice of England after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between England and Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar.Midfield star Declan Rice missed training through illness as England prepare for Saturday’s World Cup quarter-final against reigning champions France. The 23-year-old has started all four games for Gareth Southgate’s side in Qatar but was absent from the session at Al Wakrah Sports Complex on Wednesday morning. Back-up striker Callum Wilson also sat out as he recovers from a minor muscle strain. There were 22 players involved in the session. Ben White left the squad last week due to a personal issue and Raheem Sterling headed back to England ahead of the last-16 win against Senegal due to a family matter. Rice has been instrumenta...

7Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Goncalo Ramos, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Portugal hammer Switzerland in FIFA World Cup without Ronaldo

Rafael Leao and Goncalo Ramos of Portugal celebrates after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Lusail Stadium on December 6, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Portugal did not miss Cristiano Ronaldo as his replacement Goncalo Ramos scored a hattrick to help his side beat Switzerland 6-1 at Lusail Stadium in the pre-quarterfinal of the FIFA World Cup. Pepe, Raphaël Guerreiro and Rafael Leao joined the hattrick hero on the scoresheet with Manuel Akanji the solitary name for Switzerland. Fernando Santos made a huge statement by dropping Ronaldo to the bench, but it paid off immediately as his 21-year-old replacement took just 17 minutes to put his side ahead, blasting a shot past Yann Sommer from a Joao Felix pass. Pepe doubled his side’s lead in the 3...

6Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Achraf Hakimi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Hakimi hits winning penalty as Morocco beat Spain

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco celebrates after winning the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Morocco and Spain at Education City Stadium on December 6, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar.Achraf Hakimi made himself a hero with a chipped winning penalty as Morocco stunned Spain in a shootout after a goalless draw to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. The two teams couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes and Spain failed to convert any of their three penalties, with goalkeeper Yaccine Bounou brilliantly saving two. That left Paris St-Germain’s Hakimi – born and raised in Madrid no less – to win it with his nerveless spot-kick and spark jubilant scenes. The north African side’s fans had been making themselves heard all game but the atmosphere in the stands did not match the attritional bat...

6Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Kylian Mbappe, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Luke Shaw fires Kylian Mbappe warning to England ahead of World Cup quarter-final

Kylian Mbappe of France during the World Cup match between France v Poland at the Al Thumama Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Doha Qatar.Luke Shaw has warned England that it would be ‘naïve’ of them to focus on stopping Kylian Mbappe ahead of their World Cup quarter-final against France. Mbappe has been the standout player at the tournament and leads the Golden Boot race with five strikes across four games, to go along with two assists for good measure. He’s the obvious danger man but Shaw has warned his England teammates that France are reigning world champions for a reason – they’re more than just a one-man show. “Obviously after his performance (against Poland) there’s going to be even more chat about him but we know he’s a world-class player,” Shaw said. “I think it would be very naïve o...

6Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, World Cup 2022

FIFA World Cup: Portugal coach Fernando Santos slams Cristiano Ronaldo’s gesture

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal looks on during the Portugal Training Sesion on match day -1 at Al Shahaniya SC training site on December 05, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Portugal coach Fernando Santos said he was unimpressed with Cristiano Ronaldo’s behaviour after the forward reacted angrily when substituted during the team’s final group game at the World Cup in Qatar. Santos, who said the matter was now closed, is preparing his team to face Switzerland in the last 16 on Tuesday.Ronaldo initially said he was “insulted” by a South Korean player as he was substituted in the second half of his side’s 2-1 defeat to the Asian side on Friday. But Portugese media have shown images that suggest he used vulgar language in response to Santos’s decision. Asked how he had reacted to those images, Santos told a...

6Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Vinicius Jr, World Cup 2022

Brazil stars pay touching Pele tribute after thrashing South Korea in World Cup

Neymar Jr, Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paqueta and Raphinha of Brazil celebrate a Vinicius Junior's goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Brazil and South Korea at Stadium 974 on December 5, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Brazil sent a heart-warming message to legendary forward Pele after they booked their place in the World Cup quarter-finals against South Korea. Tite’s side eased past their Asian opponents at Stadium 974 on Tuesday evening to progress to the next round. Vinicius Jr opened the scoring in the seventh minute of the game, with Neymar, Richarlison and Lucas Paqueta all getting on the scoresheet before half-time. Paik Seung-ho did manage to get on the scoresheet for South Korea in what was an otherwise miserable evening. Brazil on the other hand toasted the...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Dominik Livakovic, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Croatia beat Japan 3-1 on penalties to reach quarters

Dominik Livakovic of Croatia celebrates victory during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Japan and Croatia at Al Janoub Stadium on December 5, 2022 in Al Wakrah, Qatar.Goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic was the hero, saving three penalties in the shootout, as Croatia edged past Japan with a 3-1 victory to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. After a 1-1 draw at extra time, Livakovic kept out the first two efforts before stopping Maya Yoshida’s kick, then Mario Pasalic tucked his penalty into the corner to take his side through. Zlatko Dalic’s side, beaten in the final by France four years ago, will face tournament favourites Brazil or South Korea in the next round on Friday (15:00 GMT). Japan were the livelier side and took a deserved lead two minutes before half-time when C...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Giovanni Di Lorenzo, NEWS, SERIE A

Di Lorenzo wants lifetime contract at Napoli

The Napoli player Giovanni Di Lorenzo during the match Roma v Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico. Rome (Italy), October 23rd, 2022.Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s agent confirms the captain is eager to commit his future to Napoli with a lifetime contract. ‘We hope this season can bring the Scudetto too.’ The 29-year-old only joined Napoli in 2019 from Empoli, but was named captain after the departure of Lorenzo Insigne over the summer. His current contract runs to June 2026 and was signed in July 2021, yet he is already itching for a new deal. “We have been talking since the summer about a new contract, because the player wants to tie himself to Napoli, so we’ll continue discussions with the club,” agent Mario Giuffredi told Radio Kiss Kiss. Ag. Di Lorenzo: "Vuole legarsi al Napoli. È dall'estate che par...

5Dec

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

Cristiano Ronaldo, NEWS, TRANSFERS

Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr make offer for Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal celebrates winning the game at full time during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Uruguay at Lusail Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have made a huge offer to sign Portugal forward Cristiano Ronaldo after the World Cup. A number of clubs have expressed interest in him, with Al-Nassr’s offer the biggest at around 200m euros a year, according to reports. Ronaldo, 37, is a free agent after his Manchester United contract was terminated last month following a controversial interview. He criticised the club and said he had “no respect” for manager Erik ten Hag. In the interview with TalkTV, he also said he turned down a £305m deal to join a Saudi Arabian club in the summer – a move t...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Declan Rice, England, NEWS

Declan Rice believes England deserve more credit as ultimate French test looms

Declan Rice of England celebrates after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Al Janoub Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar. Declan Rice believes England’s World Cup performances have not been given the credit they deserve and believes they have “silenced the critics” ahead of a quarter-final against holders France. A comfortable 3-0 victory over Senegal in the last-16 has set Gareth Southgate’s side up for a clash against the reigning champions at Al Bayt Stadium on Saturday. Having boasted the best record in the group stages – including a 6-2 victory over Iran and a 3-0 win against Wales – England have caught the eye in Qatar. But Rice feels other nations have earned more plaudits than the Euro 2020 runners-up and insists England have earne...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Luka Modric, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Modric leading by example as Croatia face Japan

Luka Modric of Croatia during the Croatia Training Session at Al Ersal 3 camp on November 30, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Croatia’s squad features only a few of the players which led them to the World Cup final in 2018, runners-up to France, but Luka Modric is defying time to be one of those few constants. The 37-year-old Real Madrid midfielder worked tirelessly across the full 90 minutes of the 0-0 draw with Belgium on Thursday to book Croatia’s place in the last 16, where they face Japan on Monday. The captain leads by example, showing the younger players what is possible and how much effort achieving it takes. If the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, with five Champions League titles to his name, still toils selflessly in midfield, there can be no excuses for anyone else not to follow suit. Croatia defe...

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Harry Kane, NEWS, World Cup 2022

England beat Senegal to set up France quarter-final

Harry Kane of England during the World Cup match between England v Senegal at the Al Bayt Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Al Khor Qatar.England will meet France in the World Cup quarter-finals on Saturday after an impressive demolition of Senegal at Al Bayt Stadium.Gareth Southgate’s side survived a nervy opening in which goalkeeper Jordan Pickford made an outstanding save from Boulaye Dia to run out convincing winners with a powerful display of attacking strength.Jude Bellingham was England’s star man, setting up the first goal for Jordan Henderson with a perfect cross after 38 minutes then having a hand in the second on the stroke of half-time, combining with Phil Foden as captain Harry Kane powered home his first of the tournament.It left Kane just one behind Wayne Rooney’s all-time reco...