NEWS – Page 41 – Football Flame

5Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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...

4Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Olivier Giroud

Giroud and Mbappe fire France into quarter-finals

Kylian Mbappé #10 celebrates with Olivier Giroud #9 of France after a Giroud goal during a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 game between Poland and France at Al Thumama Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Olivier Giroud became France’s all-time leading men’s goalscorer as the World Cup holders coasted past Poland to reach the quarter-finals. The AC Milan striker scored his 52nd goal for France to claim the country’s outright record, surpassing the great Thierry Henry. The historic goal came on the stroke of half-time after Giroud controlled Kylian Mbappe’s pass before converting low into the net beyond the reach of Wojciech Szczesny. But having provided the assist for the first goal, the brilliant Mbappe turned on the style by scoring two fabulous strikes in the second half. He...

4Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS, Neymar, World Cup 2022

Fifa World Cup: Brazil’s Neymar fit to face South Korea, says coach Tite

Neymar left winger of Brazil and Paris Saint-Germain after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Cameroon and Brazil at Lusail Stadium on December 2, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Brazil forward Neymar will train later on Sunday and is set to play for the five-times champions in their World Cup last-16 match against South Korea after recovering from an ankle injury, coach Tite said. Neymar suffered the injury in Brazil’s opening 2-0 win over Serbia, which ruled him out of their 1-0 win over Switzerland and the shock defeat by Cameroon, one of a series of injury problems within the squad. “Neymar will train today in the afternoon and if he trains well he will play,” Tite told a news conference. Neymar has suffered many issues with his right foot and underwent surgery four years a...

4Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Messi scores in 1,000th game as Argentina progress

Argentina's forward #10 Lionel Messi (R) and Argentina's midfielder #07 Rodrigo De Paul celebrate with supporters after they won the Qatar 2022 World Cup round of 16 football match between Argentina and Australia at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan, west of Doha on December 3, 2022. Lionel Messi produced a moment of magic on his 1,000th career appearance as two-time champions Argentina beat Australia to reach the World Cup quarter-finals.Messi, 35, was winning his 169th cap for his country and they needed his brilliance to take them through to the next round and a tantalising tie against the Netherlands on Friday. Argentina had barely threatened in the first half but Paris St-Germain’s Messi stroked in a delightful low finish to spark wild celebrations from their fans. It was hi...

3Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Memphis Depay, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Netherlands beat US to book quarter-final place

Memphis Depay of Netherlands and Walker Zimmerman of United States of America during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Round of 16 match between Netherlands and USA at Khalifa International Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.The Netherlands survived a late scare against the United States to move into the World Cup quarter-finals with a ruthless display of finishing. The US had the game’s biggest early chance when Christian Pulisic was denied by the legs of Dutch goalkeeper Andries Noppert and the failure to take that opportunity proved highly expensive. Louis van Gaal’s side responded in the finest Dutch traditions in the 10th minute when Memphis Depay crowned a magnificent 21-pass move by turning in Denzel Dumfries’ cross. The US battled hard but lacked a cutting edge and were punishe...

3Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BRAZIL, NEWS, Pele

Pele ‘moved to end-of-life care’ as football legend stops responding to chemotherapy

Brazilian football great Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known as Pele, arrives at Guarulhos International Airport, in Guarulhos some 25km from Sao Paulo, Brazil, on April 9, 2019.Football icon Pele has been moved to palliative care after becoming unresponsive to the chemotherapy he was given to combat his cancer, according to reports in Brazil. The 82-year-old was taken to hospital last week and is now receiving pain relief on an end-of-life ward after his treatment for bowel cancer stopped working. Pele has been staying at the Albert Einstein Hospital in Sao Paulo after being admitted on Tuesday with symptoms of ‘general swelling’ and ‘heart failure’. Last week, a post on Pele’s Instagram was sent to reassure fans of any serious health problems as the Brazil legend wrote: “Friends, I am at ...

3Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Gabriel Jesus, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Brazil suffer double blow as Gabriel Jesus and Alex Telles ruled out of World Cup with knee injuries

Gabriel Jesus of Brazil applauds the crowd with his team mates after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at Stadium 974 on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Brazil’s forward Gabriel Jesus and defender Alex Telles have both been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after picking up knee injuries in their final Group G game against Cameroon, the country’s football association said on Saturday. Telles was substituted in the 54th minute of Brazil’s 1-0 defeat by the African side, with Arsenal striker Jesus leaving the pitch 10 minutes later. “Players Alex Telles and Gabriel Jesus underwent tests on Saturday morning accompanied by Brazil team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar and a MRI on their right knees confirmed the extent of the injuries and the impossibility of...

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Giorgio de Arrascaeta, NEWS, Uruguay, World Cup 2022

Uruguay beat Ghana but both teams knocked out

Giorgian De Arrascaeta, Jose Gimenez and Matías Vina of Uruguay after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Ghana and Uruguay at Al Janoub Stadium on December 02, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Uruguay beat Ghana but went out of the World Cup on goals scored as they finished third behind South Korea in Group H, despite Luiz Suarez’s heroics. The Uruguay striker played a major role in both of Uruguay’s goals and the 35-year-old was in tears after the final whistle, following what may have been his last international. Both goals were scored by Giorgio de Arrascaeta, the first a close-range header, the second a sublime volley. In Group H’s other game, South Korea’s 2-1 victory over group winners Portugal was enough to take them through in second place. Uruguay and South Korea both ended wi...

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

John Stones, NEWS, Phil Foden

England lucky to have Foden, says Stones

Phil Foden of England celebrtates goal during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B match between Wales and England at Al Janoub Stadium on November 29, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.England defender John Stones does not envy head coach Gareth Southgate trying to pick his starting line-up for Sunday’s World Cup last-16 clash with Senegal but insists he is lucky to have Manchester City team mate Phil Foden at his disposal. Stones started all three games alongside Harry Maguire as England topped Group B, but Southgate has made full use of his substitutes and shuffled his starting line-up against Wales. Marcus Rashford and Foden both got their first starts in the third group game against Wales with Rashford bagging two goals and Foden one, and there have been public calls for both to retain their place...

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Edinson Cavani, Luis Suarez, NEWS, World Cup 2022

World Cup revenge on Ghanaian minds as Uruguay sweat

Edinson Cavani (L) and Luis Suarez (R) of Uruguay gesture after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group H match between Portugal and Uruguay at Lusail Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar.Uruguay stalwarts Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are fighting for their World Cup survival while Ghana will have revenge on their minds on Friday.With Portugal already qualified from Group H, Uruguay, Ghana and South Korea are battling for the other last 16 place in Qatar. The key match will be a repeat of the infamous 2010 quarter-final in South Africa where Suarez broke Ghanaian hearts in one of the World Cup’s most notorious moments. Suarez prevented a certain goal with a deliberate handball on the goalline to deny Ghana an extra-time winner. He was sent off but Asamoah Gyan missed the result...

2Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Ao Tanaka, Japan, NEWS, Spain, World Cup 2022

Japan stuns world in thrilling upset over Spain as Germany crashes out of the World Cup

Ao Tanaka of Japan passes the ball under the pressure of Pedri of Spain during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group E match between Japan and Spain at Khalifa International Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Japan produced a stunning win at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, beating Spain 2-1 and securing a spot in the Group of 16 with four-time champions Germany crashing out of the tournament. Germany claimed a 4-2 victory over Costa Rica in their last Group E match, but it wasn't enough as they tumbled out at the first hurdle for the second consecutive time. Germany finished third in the standings on Thursday, behind Spain on goal difference, with Japan topping the group. If Japan had either drawn 1-1 or lost, Germany would have scraped through on goal difference. It was the first time in t...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Belgium, NEWS, Romelu Lukaku, World Cup 2022

Belgium out of World Cup after draw with Croatia

Romelu Lukaku of Belgium heads the ball during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group F match between Poland and Argentina at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on December 1, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Belgium were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage as Croatia progressed at their expense with a goalless draw in Qatar. Roberto Martinez’s side, who finished third in Russia four years ago and are ranked second in the world, have had a disappointing tournament with just one win in three matches. They produced another lacklustre display against Croatia despite knowing a win was necessary to progress to the last 16. Substitute Romelu Lukaku had numerous chances in the second half but failed to convert any of them. Lukaku, still searching for sharpness following injury, poked an effort wide and then react...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

BRAZIL, NEWS, Vinicius Junior, World Cup 2022

Brazil set to rest key players against Cameroon ahead of World Cup knockouts

(LR) Richarlison of Brazil, Rodrygo of Brazil, Marquinhos of Brazil, Raphinha of Brazil, Vinicius Junior of Brazil, Brazil goalkeeper Weverton, Casemiro of Brazil celebrate the 1-0 during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 group G match between Brazil and Switzerland at the 974 Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Brazil coach Tite is set to follow the lead of France and rest key players for their final World Cup group game against Cameroon on Friday with their place in the last 16 in Qatar already secure. The World Cup favourites meet Cameroon at the Lusail Stadium needing just a draw to secure top spot in Group G after starting their campaign with wins over Serbia and Switzerland. Even a defeat would not stop them topping the section so long as the Swiss fail to win at the same time ag...

1Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Argentina, Lionel Messi, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Argentina top group as Poland through on goal difference

Jakub Kiwior of Poland Krystian Bielik of Poland and Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kamil Glik of Poland during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group C match between Poland and Argentina at Stadium 974 on November 30, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.Argentina completed the turnaround from the shock opening World Cup loss to Saudi Arabia by qualifying for the last 16 in impressive style against Poland – who went through on goal difference having finished level on points with Mexico. Lionel Messi was the catalyst for the crucial win against Mexico that got Argentina’s campaign back on track, and he was instrumental again as they illustrated why they were regarded as one of the tournament favourites to set up a second-round match against Australia. Poland were set to progress by virtue of the Fifa Fair Play...

30Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Antoine Griezmann, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Tunisia upset France but fail to qualify

Antoine Griezmann of France helps up Wajdi Kechrida of Tunisia during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group D match between Tunisia and France at Education City Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Rayyan, Qatar. France had a goal ruled out by VAR for offside in the final minute of stoppage-time as Tunisia held on to register a shock victory. However, despite victory they failed to qualify for the last 16 of the World Cup. Substitute Antoine Griezmann volleyed in a dramatic equaliser at the Education City Stadium, but the VAR decision meant Tunisia captain Wahbi Khazi’s brilliant first-half goal proved to be the winner. However, with Australia recording a 1-0 victory over Denmark in the other match in Group D, Tunisia’s hopes of progressing had been dashed before Griezmann’s goal was rul...

30Nov

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

Mathew Leckie, NEWS, World Cup 2022

Australia stun Denmark to reach World Cup last 16

Mathew Leckie of Australia scores the first goal to make it 1-0 during the World Cup match between Australia v Denmark at the Al Janoub Stadium on November 30, 2022 in Al Wakrah Qatar.Australia reached the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in 16 years after shocking Denmark. The Danes, needing victory to progress, dominated possession but were caught out on the break when Australia scored the winner on the hour mark. Denmark lost the ball in the Australian box and Mathew Leckie finished a brilliant counter attack with a low shot past Kasper Schmeichel. Australia finish in second place in Group D on six points, only behind world champions France on goal difference. Denmark meanwhile exit Qatar 2022 in disappointing fashion, with just one point from three games, sitting bott...