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21Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Hossam Hassan: Salah Deserves AFCON Glory

Mohamed Salah right winger of Liverpool and Egypt during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid C.F. at Anfield on November 27, 2024 in Liverpool, England. Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan discussed his vision for the national team, including winning AFCON and securing World Cup qualification. Speaking before the upcoming matches in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Hossam Hassan discussed a host of topics. The national team manager said he believes that it’s time for Mohamed Salah to win the Africa Cup of Nations and praised Omar Marmoush for earning his place at one of the world’s biggest clubs. Hossam Hassan also discussed the ambitions of the squad and the coaching staff, including winning AFCON 2025 and securing qualification for t...

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21Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Croatia beat France 2-0 in Nations League quarter-final first leg

SPLIT, CROATIA - MARCH 20: Ante Budimir of Croatia celebrates a goal during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal leg one match between Croatia and France at Stadion Poljud on March 20, 2025 in Split, Croatia. Croatia's Ante Budimir and Ivan Perisic struck to secure a deserved 2-0 win over France in their Nations League quarter-final, first leg on Thursday, as the return of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele failed to get the visitors to fire. Croatia also missed an early penalty when Andrej Kramaric’s spot-kick was saved by France goalkeeper Mike Maignan, and the 2023 runners-up were full value for a win that might easily have been achieved by a greater margin. France created chances and tested Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic several times, but it was a below-par performance on a n...

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20Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Qatar thrash North Korea, cling to WC playoff hopes

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 20: Ahmed Al-Rawi and Akram Afif of Qatar celebrate scoring during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier between Qatar and North Korea at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Doha, Qatar. Qatar kept their FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a 5-1 win over North Korea in Group A of the AFC Asian Qualifiers at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha on Thursday. Akram Afif played a captain’s role as the victory took Qatar level on 10 points with the United Arab Emirates, nine behind leaders Iran and six adrift of Uzbekistan, with only the top two teams to qualify automatically for next year’s global showpiece. Defeat for North Korea left them rooted at the bottom with two points. Hoping to qualify for the FIFA World Cup on merit after hosting the 2022 edition, Qat...

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20Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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FIFA world cup: Japan the first to qualify for 2026 finals

SAITAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 20: Wataru Endo of Japan celebrates after scoring the team's first goal later disallowed through the VAR review during the FIFA World Cup Asian qualifier Group C match between Japan and Bahrain at Saitama Stadium on March 20, 2025 in Saitama, Japan. Japan have become the first nation to book their place at next year’s World Cup, having sealed their spot with a 2-0 victory over Bahrain. In doing so, the Samurai Blue have reaffirmed their status as one of Asian football’s powerhouses. FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “Omedetou [congratulations], Japan, for being the first country to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 26 in addition to the host countries: Canada, Mexico and the United States of America. “You deserve this qualification. We all remember the emotions...

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20Mar By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Kane ‘surprised’ England appointed Tuchel

Harry Kane of Bayern Munich controls the ball during the Champions League round of 16 match between Bayer 04 Leverkusen and Bayern Munich at BayArena, Leverkusen, Germany on March 11, 2025. Harry Kane has admitted he was "suprised" when he heard that Thomas Tuchel had been appointed as Gareth Southgate's permanent successor as England manager in October, adding he "didn't expect it" as he did not think of the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss as a national team coach. Tuchel is England's third foreign manager and the job marks his first at international level. He has signed an 18-month contract that will see him lead the country until the other side of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The German coach was available after leaving Bayern at the end of last...

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19Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spalletti: Italy coach notes German football changed ‘after Guardiola’

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 15: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola looks on during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Etihad Stadium on March 15, 2025 in Manchester, England. Italy coach Luciano Spalletti praises his German counterpart Julian Nagelsmann and notes German football ‘changed’ after Pep Guardiola: ‘They used to focus more on physicality.’ The Azzurri coach held a press conference on Wednesday to preview the first leg of the Nations League quarter-final between Italy and Germany. Spalletti provided the latest injury updates on the Azzurri front, revealing that he may only call up a replacement for Mateo Retegui for the second-leg game. A German reporter asked Spalletti about his thoughts on Germany coach Nagelsmann, and th...

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18Mar By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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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 Emmanuel3 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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