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18Jul

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PSG arrives in Japan for three-game tour

(L-R) Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier and Sergio Ramos and Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe and Neymar Jr and Marquinhos attend and Japanese fun the Paris Saint-Germain Japan Tour Kids Clinic at Prince Chichibu Memorial Rugby Ground on July 18, 2022 in Tokyo, Japan. Paris Saint-Germain’s star-studded squad landed in Japan on Sunday for a three-game tour against local teams, with new manager Christophe Galtier hoping to make a strong start. PSG, featuring attacking trio Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Lionel Messi, will take on the J. League’s Kawasaki Frontale, Urawa Reds and Gamba Osaka during a 10-day stay in Japan. The French champions will then head to Israel to face Nantes in the French Super Cup in Tel Aviv on August 31. Galthier will lead PSG for the first time ...

18Jul

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Gareth Bale makes instant impression on Los Angeles FC debut

Welsh soccer player Gareth Bale is welcomed to Major League Soccer's Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) during a press conference at the Banc of California Stadium, in Los Angeles, California, on July 11, 2022. Gareth Bale has made his debut for his new Major League team, Los Angeles Football Club, as the side triumphed over Nashville Soccer Club 2-1. Bale was unveiled by Los Angeles FC earlier in the month, having agreed to a one-year deal, which will help his preparations for Wales’ World Cup finals appearance in Qatar. The former Real Madrid ace was brought on for the final 20 minutes and impressed with his first touch for his new club after only five minutes, pulling off a stunning backheel pass. Also making his debut for Steve Cherundolo’s side was Italian legend Giorgio Ch...

17Jul

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Belgium game ‘not the most important’ – Italy boss

Milena Bertolini, Head Coach of Italy speaks to the media during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 Italy Press Conference And Training Session at Manchester City Academy Stadium on July 13, 2022 in Manchester, England.Italy's crucial European Championship clash against Belgium is "not the most important night of our career", says Azzurre coach Milena Bertolini. Italy are bottom of Group D and must beat Belgium and hope Iceland fail to beat France to reach the last eight. At the World Cup in 2019 they reached the quarter-finals, where they were beaten by the Netherlands. "We had some big nights at the World Cup. But it's an important night, a decisive game," said Bertolini.She added: "It's not the most important night of our careers. It's much harder to confirm oneself at a certai...

15Jul

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England boss Sarina Wiegman tests positive for Covid

Sarina Wiegman, Manager of England looks on during an England training session at The Lensbury on July 13, 2022 in Teddington, England.England Women’s coach Sarina Wiegman has tested positive for Covid just hours before her side’s Euro 2022 game against Northern Ireland. Having led the Lionesses to a 1-0 win against Austria and an 8-0 demolition of Norway over the past 10 days, the Dutchwoman is now set to miss the tournament hosts’ final group-stage match. A statement released by the FA on Friday morning read: “England Head Coach Sarina Wiegman has tested positive for Covid and will undertake a period of recovery at the squad’s base camp.“Assistant coach Arjan Veurink will lead the team for tonight’s fixture against Northern Ireland.“Wiegman...

14Jul

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Italy salvages draw with Iceland at Women’s Euros

Barbara Bonansea of Italy goes down in the penalty area as she passes between Dagny Brynjarsdottir and Elisa Vidarsdottir of Iceland during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 group D match between Italy and Iceland at Manchester City Academy Stadium on July 14, 2022 in Manchester, England. Valentina Bergamaschi's second-half goal recovered a point for Italy against Iceland at the Women's European Championship, clinching a 1-1 draw on Thursday that left both teams still able from advance to the quarterfinals. Italy remains last in Group C with only one point with Belgium, which was playing France in the late game. Iceland, which has two points, took the lead through Karólína Lea Vilhjálmsdóttir inside three minutes with the first chance of the game at Manchester City's Ac...

12Jul

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Rooney named head coach of DC United

Derby County manager Wayne Rooney before the Sky Bet Championship match between Middlesbrough and Derby County at Riverside Stadium on February 12, 2022 in Middlesbrough, England.Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was named on Tuesday as the new head coach of DC United and tasked with reviving the moribund Major League Soccer team. It was a reunion for the 36-year-old British icon, who played for DC United from July 2018 to October 2019, scoring 25 goals in 52 appearances before leaving to serve as a player and coach at England's Derby County. Rooney resigned as coach of Derby County last month after the team's relegation to League One, England's third-tier, opening the door to his MLS return. "Wayne is a soccer legend and one of the most exciting and dy...

12Jul

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Gareth Bale targets Euros 2024 and beyond with long-term Los Angeles FC plan

Forward Gareth Bale (R) holds the Los Angeles Football Club jersey as he poses with LAFC Co-President and General Manager John Thorrington (R) and Larry Berg, LAFC lead managing owner, during a news conference after he was introduced at Banc of California Stadium on July 11, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.Gareth Bale believes his move into Major League Soccer will help extend his international career to the 2024 European Championships and beyond. Bale was unveiled by Los Angeles FC on Monday having agreed a one-year deal which will help his preparations for Wales’ World Cup finals appearance in Qatar. But Bale, who turns 33 at the end of this week, revealed he has longer-term ambitions with LA and sees no reason why he will not remain Stateside well beyon...

12Jul

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England hammer Norway 8-0 to reach Euro 2022 quarter-finals

England's striker Alessia Russo (C) celebrates scoring the team's seventh goal with England's striker Beth Mead (L) during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Group A football match between England and Norway at Brighton and Hove Community Stadium in Brighton, Southern England on July 11, 2022. England secured their place in the quarter-finals of Euro 2022 in stunning fashion as they hammered Norway 8-0 at the Amex Stadium to record the biggest win in the competition’s history. The tournament hosts scored six times in a rampant first-half display, with Georgia Stanway’s 12th-minute penalty and a finish from Lauren Hemp three minutes later being followed by a brace apiece from Ellen White and Beth Mead. That equalled the most amount of goals scored by one team in a Euros match, and Engla...

11Jul

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David Beckham reacts to son Romeo scoring 25-yard free-kick for Inter Miami

David Beckham is seen in the Royal Box before Rafael Nadal of Spain plays against Taylor Frirtz of The United States during their Men's Singles Quarter Final match on day ten of The Championships Wimbledon 2022 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 06, 2022 in London, England.David Beckham was left bursting with pride after seeing his son, Romeo, net a 25-yard free-kick for his MLS franchise, Inter Miami II. Beckham senior was one of the most clinical set-piece takers around during his iconic playing career; so much so that free-kicks became the Manchester United hero's trademark. And it appears that Romeo has learnt a thing or two from his old man down the years judging by his stunning strike for Miami's second-string. Romeo looked eerily like his...

10Jul

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UEFA Women’s Euro 2022: Dutch draw with Sweden

Danielle van de Donk of Netherlands and Jonna Andersson of Sweden during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 group C match between Netherlands and Sweden at Bramall Lane on July 9, 2022 in Sheffield, United Kingdom. Netherlands equalised in the second half to draw 1-1 with Sweden in the UEFA Women’s Euros Group C game at Bramall Lane. The clash of two of the tournament favourites was watched by 21,342, a Women’s Euros record for a group stage game that did not involve a host nation. There had been few chances at either end when the Dutch lost goalkeeper Sari van Veenendaal to a shoulder injury, as well as Aniek Nouwen. Fridolina Rolfo was close to beating substitute keeper Daphne van Domselaar from distance, with the opener arriving 10 minutes before the break as Kosovare Asll...

10Jul

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Steven Gerrard sent transfer demand after Aston Villa breeze past Walsall

Steven Gerrard the manager / head coach of Aston Villa during the pre season friendly between Walsall and Aston Villa at Poundland Bescot Stadium on July 9, 2022 in Walsall, England. Aston Villa once again breezed past near-neighbours Walsall as Leon Bailey, Cameron Archer and Ollie Watkins bagged on a sweltering afternoon at the Bescot Stadium. Steven Gerrard fielded two different outfield line-ups with only Viljami Sinisalo retaining his place in goal for the 90 minutes. With the likes of Philippe Coutinho, Boubacar Kamara, Emi Martinez and Villa’s international stars arriving in Australia early, it was a chance for a few youngsters and those on the periphery to impress. New recruit Diego Carlos made his Villa bow as the £26 million defender partnered skipper Tyrone Mi...

9Jul

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Gareth Bale unveiled at LAFC in derby win

Gareth Bale of Los Angeles FC waves to fans before a game against the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first half at Banc of California Stadium on July 08, 2022 in Los Angeles, California.Gareth Bale was unveiled at LAFC’s derby against LA Galaxy on Friday night, with head coach Steve Cherundolo ready for the Welshman to feature “ASAP”. Watching LAFC’s 3-2 victory from the stands — in a game dubbed ‘El Trafico’ — Bale was joined by fellow new signing Giorgio Chiellini. He led the on-pitch celebrations with a megaphone after the game, and was also soaked with water by his new teammates. The Athletic revealed Bale was set to join the California side last month, moving to the MLS after his contract at Real Madrid expired. Bale has joined on an initial year-long contract, and has an o...

8Jul

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Manchester United make Cristiano Ronaldo decision ahead of Aston Villa fixture

(L-R) Ales Mateju of Czech Republic, Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal during the UEFA Nations league match between Portugal v Czech Republic at the Estadio Jose Alvalade on June 9, 2022.Cristiano Ronaldo will not travel with the Manchester United squad for the pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia. A United spokesperson told our sister title the MEN : "Cristiano Ronaldo will not be part of the Manchester United party scheduled to depart for our pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia on Friday. He has been granted additional time off to deal with a family issue.”United face Liverpool in Bangkok on July 12 before facing Melbourne Victory in Australia three days later and Crystal Palace in Melbourne on July 19. They will then face Aston Villa on July 23 before returning home via Oslo...

8Jul

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Qatar World Cup stadium stands could be alcohol-free

02 April 2022, Qatar, Al Rayyan: A building complex with offices, stores and cafes in the shape of the number 2022 stands on the access road to the Khalifa International Stadium in Al Rayyan near Doha.Qatar's World Cup stadium stands are set to be alcohol-free, with beer sales outside arenas only allowed before and after some matches. This year's World Cup is the first to be held in a Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, presenting unique challenges for organisers of an event often associated with beer-drinking fans and sponsored by global brewing brands. "At stadiums, the plans are still being finalised, but the current discussion is to allow fans to have beer upon arrival and when leaving [a] stadium, but beer won't be served during the match or inside the stadiu...

8Jul

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Norway routs Northern Ireland at women’s Euros

Abbie Magee of Northern Ireland (R) battles for the ball with Ada Hegerberg of Norway (L) during the UEFA Women's Euro England 2022 group A match between Norway and Northern Ireland at St Mary's Stadium on July 7, 2022 in Southampton, United Kingdom. Norway didn’t need Ada Hegerberg to score to cruise to an opening victory at the Women’s European Championship on Thursday, beating tournament newcomer Northern Ireland 4-1. Hegerberg, the all-time leading scorer in the Women’s Champions League, set up Norway’s second from Frida Maanum in the 13th minute at Southampton’s St. Mary’s Stadium. Julie Blakstad had opened the scoring three minutes earlier by beating goalkeeper Jackie Burns at her near post with a low, left-footed drive after right-back Abbie Magee was caught well out of...

5Jul

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PSG sack Mauricio Pochettino, appoint Christophe Galtier as new coach

Newly appointed Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier and PSG President Nasser Al Khelaifi pose with the jersey during the press conference of Paris at Parc des Princes on July 05, 2022 in Paris, France.Paris Saint-Germain have parted company with coach Mauricio Pochettino, the French champions confirmed on Tuesday, and replaced him with Christophe Galtier who pipped the Argentine and PSG to the 2021 Ligue 1 title when in charge of Lille. Galtier is PSG's seventh coach since the Qataris bought the club 11 years ago and will be expected to finally lift the Champions League trophy. "Yes, I am emotional, yes I am proud," said Galtier at a press conference on Tuesday."I am fully aware of the responsibility placed on me, that PSG had a huge season."I have prepared myself for...

5Jul

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Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad take to Twitter to announce the appointment of Nuno Espirito Santo

Spurs manager Nuno Espirito Santo greets 4th official Mike Dean before the Carabao Cup Round of 16 match between Burnley and Tottenham Hotspur at Turf Moor on October 27, 2021 in Burnley, England. Former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been unveiled as the new coach of Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad. The 48-year-old Portuguese's appointment was confirmed in a statement on the club's official Twitter account on Monday evening. It said: 'Nuno Santo is here. Welcome Coach.' نادي الاتحاد السعودي يعلن تعيين البرتغالي نونو #سانتو مدرباً لـ "العميد" حتى عام 2024 pic.twitter.com/avoSuU127t— الاتحاد الرياضي (@alittihadSport) July 4, 2022 In a brief video message to the club's fans on the same platform, Nuno said: 'It's an ...

3Jul

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Fulham closing in on first summer signing after agreeing deal

Breel Embolo of Switzerland (R) plays against João Palhinha of Portugal (L) during the UEFA Nations League League A Group 2 match between Portugal and Switzerland at Estadio Jose Alvalade on June 5, 2022 in Lisbon, Portugal.Fulham have agreed a deal with Sporting Lisbon for midfielder Joao Palhinha as the newly-promoted Premier League side close in on their first summer signing. The London club will pay the Portuguese side £20m for the 26-year-old and the Portuguese man is having his medical after agreeing personal terms with the Cottagers reports Sky Sports. Palhinha has been at Sporting CP since 2012, the year in which he joined the club’s youth set-up and went on to make his senior debut in 2016. The midfielder has made 72 appearances for the Portuguese outfit since an...

3Jul

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Africa Cup of Nations: 2023 finals moved to 2024 over weather concerns

Ivory Coast national football team sing their national anthem during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group H qualifying match against Lesotho played in Soweto, South Africa on June 9, 2022.The next Africa Cup of Nations will be played in Ivory Coast in 2024, and not 2023, Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe said on Sunday. The tournament was to be hosted in June-July 2023, which is the height of the rainy season in Ivory Coast. "We cannot take the risk," the South African said in the Moroccan capital Rabat. With the World Cup in Qatar taking place in November and December this year, the decision has been taken to postpone the finals rather than bring them forward. It means the Nations Cup will be held in January and February for the second time in a r...

2Jul

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Semi-automated offside in place for World Cup

Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA looks on from the stands prior to the 2022 FIFA World Cup Playoff match between Australia Socceroos and Peru at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on June 13, 2022 in Doha, Qatar.FIFA confirmed on Friday that a semi-automated offside system will be used at this year’s World Cup in Qatar. The optical tracking system was trialled at the FIFA Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi earlier this year and had also been tested at the Arab Cup in Qatar last December. “Semi-automated offside technology is an evolution of the VAR systems that have been implemented across the world,” the global body’s president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.“This technology is the culmination of three years of dedicated research and testing to provide the very best for the teams, play...