NEWS

12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Jamaica make hard work of Nations League

Romario Williams’ 69th-minute tap-in sealed a 2-0 success for Jamaica in Nicaragua last night, for the Reggae Boyz to return to top spot in CONCACAF Nations League A Group B. Despite being outplayed overall inside the Estadio Nacional de Futbol in Managua, the Boyz picked up precious points thanks to a first-half own goal and Williams’ close-range strike. Honduras, Jamaica’s next opponents, had temporarily taken over as table-toppers following their 3-2 triumph in French Guiana. That result would have surely helped inspire the Boyz to try and record a win. Jamaica coach Steve McClaren swapped things around in a bid to halt Nicaragua’s 14-game unbeaten, leaving in-form veteran striker Michail Antonio to warm the bench with his 4-2-3-1 formation that was spearheaded by Indy Eleven forward Wi...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Arsenal star Bukayo Saka ruled out of England’s match against Finland

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka has been ruled out of England’s Nations League game against Finland on Sunday after sustaining an injury against Greece. The winger limped off during the second half of Thursday’s humiliating defeat to Greece at Wembley and is not fit for the match in Helsinki. He will now return to Arsenal for further assessment ahead of their Premier League clash with Bournemouth next weekend. Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones is also out of the trip as he has a personal matter to deal with. Jones was a late addition to the England squad ahead of the Greece game but was an unused substitute. Harry Kane was one of 22 players who trained on Saturday, increasing hopes that the captain will be fit after missing Thursday’s game. Kane could not overcome a knock picked up playing for ...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Why USA coach Mauricio Pochettino is ‘worried’ about Christian Pulisic

Christian Pulisic has been in fantastic form so far this season at AC Milan, but his new US men's national team boss Mauricio Pochettino has revealed he's 'worried' about the attacker. The American has established himself as one of the first names on the Milan team sheet, and has six goals and two assists thus far while starting each of his team's nine games in all competitions. But it's that sort of workload that is giving Pochettino some concerns, as he shared Wednesday ahead of the USMNT's matchup with Panama on Saturday. 'He's playing every single game, every single minute. That is also a thing that we are a little bit worried [about],' he told reporters. 'Sometimes we need to protect [Pulisic]. We'll see, because he arrived a little bit tired.' 'He continued, '[We need] to build a ver...

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12Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Undav double as Germany stay unbeaten in Nations League

Germany's rebuilding is on the right track. Deniz Undav scored a brace and the four-time World Cup winners extended their unbeaten record in the Nations League to three matches with a convincing 2-1 win at Bosnia-Herzegovina on Friday. Following the retirements of Manuel Neuer and Toni Kroos, coach Julian Nagelsmann's team started a new cycle and their clean and fluid display against a spirited Bosnia side bodes well for the future. The Germans top their group after also thrashing Hungary 5-0 and drawing in the Netherlands 2-2. In the absence of several stalwarts, the Germans played with confidence, developed complex attacking moves and gave the impression of enjoying themselves. They had plenty of chances to score more and had a couple of goals disallowed for offside. Germany's only downs...

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11Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Lionel Messi points the blame in furious interview after Argentina draw

Lionel Messi blamed the wet pitch at the Estadio Monumental de Maturin for Argentina's "ugly" 1-1 draw with Venezuela in a 2026 World Cup qualifier. Nicolas Otamendi's first-half goal was cancelled out by a header from former West Brom, Newcastle and Everton striker Salomon Rondon and Messi was not happy with the state of the pitch which had been soaked by the heavy rainfall in Venezuela. The game was initially delayed as a result of the rain, but play eventually went ahead with both teams sharing the points. Argentina are currently top of the CONMEBOL standings with 19 points, while Venezuela sit seventh. The top six teams will qualify for the 2026 World Cup, while the side that finishes seventh will enter the play-offs. Reflecting on the draw with Venezuela, Messi told Argentine broadcas...

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11Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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China fall to Australia 3-1 in 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier

China lost to Australia 3-1, despite scoring first in a 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifier in Adelaide, Australia, on Thursday. The Chinese visitors enjoyed a strong start and found the net in the 20th minute. Zhang Yuning headed the ball to Xie Wenneng, who then drove into the box and tallied his first goal for the national team. Australia tied the game near the end of the first half. Craig Goodwin's free kick from the left wing in stoppage time set up Lewis Miller for a header that evened the score at 1-1. The Socceroos took the lead seven minutes into the second half. Goodwin blew the ball into the left corner of the visiting side's net with a shot that was too strong and too fast to leave goalkeeper Wang Dalei with any chance. Australia rubbed salt in Chin...

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11Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Nations League wrap: Belgium battle back in Italy

Italy were held to a 2-2 draw by Belgium after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off and they squandered a 2-0 lead but remained top of Nations League A Group 2. Italy scored in the first minute when winger Federico Di Marco fired a low cross into the box and Belgium keeper Koen Casteels saved the first shot from Andrea Cambiaso who bundled in the rebound. The hosts doubled the lead in the 24th minute when Di Marco volleyed the ball across the field to Cambiaso who was denied a second by Casteels before striker Mateo Retegui knocked in the loose ball. Coach Luciano Spalletti's team were cruising until midfielder Pellegrini was sent off for hitting Belgium defender Arthur Theate at the end of the first half, following a VAR review. The red card galvanised the Belgians and they immediately hit bac...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Portugal lineup vs. Poland: Predicted XI for UEFA Nations League contest

After claiming maximum points in September, League A Group 1 pace-setters Portugal will be aiming to maintain their 100% record in this season's UEFA Nations League when meeting Poland on Saturday. OEIRAS, PORTUGAL - OCTOBER 9: Head Coach Roberto Martinez of Portugal in action during the Portugal Training Session at Cidade do Futebol FPF on October 9, 2024 in Oeiras, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) It remains to be seen whether head coach Roberto Martinez restores his star player to the Selecao's starting lineup, as Cristiano Ronaldo was benched against Scotland last time out, before coming off the bench to spectacular effect. His impact - most notably scoring a late winner at Hampden - bolstered the 39-year-old's claims for selection ahead of Liverpool forward ...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Alvaro Morata says depression and panic attacks made him fear he would miss Euro 2024

Alvaro Morata says he has experienced depression and panic attacks as a result of being a professional footballer, to the point that he feared he would not be able to play in the European Championship last summer. Alvaro Morata of AC Milan looks on during the Serie A Enilive match between ACF Fiorentina and AC Milan at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 06, 2024 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Spain won the tournament in style, beating England in the final, with Morata the captain and focal point of Luis de la Fuente’s attack. But the 31-year-old says he has suffered as a result of the consistent criticism he has received during his career and became “embarrassed” to be seen in the street with his children. “When you have really tough time...

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10Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Injured Harry Kane Won’t Start England’s Nations League Clash With Greece

England interim boss Lee Carsley has revealed Harry Kane will not be in the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League clash with Greece as his captain recovers from injury. BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 09: Harry Kane of England talks to Ashley Cole, Interim Assistant Head Coach, and Lee Carsley, Interim Head Coach of England, during a training session at St Georges Park on October 09, 2024 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images) Kane suffered the knock in a collision while playing for Bayern Munich in their 3-3 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt last weekend. The 31-year-old striker -- England's record goal-scorer -- has been unable to train with the rest of the squad since linking up on Monday. Kane was limited to...

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9Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Official: Jürgen Klopp becomes Global Head of Soccer for Red Bull group

For Jürgen Klopp, inevitably, there was always going to be a next job after managing Liverpool, with few ever expecting the 57-year-old German to give up the game for good even if it was clear he needed a break and might never re-embrace the stressful life of a manager of a high level football club. LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - MAY 19: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool FC shows appreciation to the fans after his final match in charge following the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images) Today, we know what that next job will be: Klopp will become Head of Soccer for Red Bull group, a role tailor made for him by Oliver Mintzlaff, with the Red Bull Cor...

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9Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni provides injury update on Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister

Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister is an injury doubt for Argentina’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, coach Lionel Scaloni has admitted. Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool FC during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD1 match between AC Milan and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on September 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Giuseppe Maffia/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Reds boss Arne Slot was unsure if Mac Allister would even join up with the Argentina squad after being forced to replace the midfielder at half-time of their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. The 25-year-old picked up a groin injury and has linked up with his international team-mates, but may not feature in their World Cup qualifier against Venezuela on Thursday."He is training separately,” Scaloni...

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8Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Mbappe under fire for skipping France matches while fit to play for Real Madrid

LILLE, FRANCE - OCTOBER 2: Kylian Mbappe #9 of Real Madrid controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD2 match between LOSC Lille and Real Madrid C.F. at Stade Pierre Mauroy on October 2, 2024 in Lille, France. (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images) France captain Kylian Mbappe is facing criticism in his home country for skipping Les Bleus’ Nations League games against Israel and Belgium while being available to play for Real Madrid. The forward picked up a muscle injury last month but made his return to the pitch in the Champions League last Wednesday. France coach Didier Deschamps left Mbappe out of the squad he announced on Thursday, saying the 25-year-old lacked preparation, having played too few matches.Mbappe started Real’s La Liga game a...

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7Oct By Silver Emmanuel5 Comments

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Harry Kane given green light for England duty but injured trio pull out of squad

Harry Kane has been given the green light to play for England following an injury scare but Ezri Konsa, Kobbie Mainoo and Morgan Gibbs-White have been ruled out of Nations League action. FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - OCTOBER 06: Harry Kane of Bayern Munich receives medical treatment during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Bayern München at Deutsche Bank Park on October 06, 2024 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by M. Donato/FC Bayern via Getty Images) The England captain limped off and was substituted in the 72nd minute of Bayern Munich’s 3-3 draw at Eintracht Frankfurt, moments after requiring treatment following a clash with Brazilian defender Tuta. Kane travelled directly to St George’s Park and, after being examined by Football Association doctors, ...

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7Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Torres out of Spain squad with suspected hamstring tear

Barcelona forward Ferran Torres has been ruled out of the Spain squad for Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Serbia. Torres was forced off in the early stages of Barcelona’s win over Alaves on Sunday and now looks set for a spell on the sidelines. The early prognosis seems to be that Torres has suffered a hamstring tear and will be out for several weeks. He will undergo tests on Monday to determine the severity of the problem. Hansi Flick admitted after the game that it’s a worrying injury for the Shark. “Ferran’s injury is worrying. We don’t have many options in attack, but we’ll see what happens.” La Liga is due to pause now for a couple of weeks for the international break with Barcelona expected to be boosted by the return of several players when domestic competition resumes. ...

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4Oct By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spurs creep past Ferencvaros in Europa League

A much-changed Tottenham side ground out a 2-1 win away to Hungary’s Ferencvaros in the Europa League on Thursday. Goals either side of half-time from Pape Sarr and Brennan Johnson were enough to get Spurs their second win in two games in the competition this season despite a late Barnabas Varga consolation for the home side. Tottenham Hotspur's Senegalese striker #29 Pape Matar Sarr (C) celebrates with teammates after scoring the 0-1 opening goal during the UEFA Europa League football match between Ferencvarosi TC and Tottenham Hotspur in Budapest on October 3, 2024. (Photo by Attila KISBENEDEK / AFP) (Photo by ATTILA KISBENEDEK/AFP via Getty Images) An inexperienced Spurs side made a slow start and Ferencvaros thought they had taken the lead in the 18th minute when Varga nodde...

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1Oct By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Cameroon FA chief Samuel Eto’o faces 6-month ban by Fifa for misconduct

Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot) chief Samuel Eto'o has been banned from attending the national team's matches for six months after violating Fifa's disciplinary regulations, football's governing body said on Monday (Sept 30). Former Cameroonian football player Samuel Eto'o arrives for the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok on May 17, 2024. The 74th FIFA Congress is taking place in Bangkok with member associations voting on a range of issues including confirmation of the host nation or nations for the 2027 women's football World Cup. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP) (Photo by LILLIAN SUWANRUMPHA/AFP via Getty Images) The former Barcelona striker has been president of Fecafoot since 2021 and will now be barred from all men's and women's games across various age groups. "The...

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27Sep By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

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Official: Four Real Madrid stars called up to Brazil squad for World Cup qualifiers

Just a couple of weeks after the first international break of the 2024/25 season window came to an end, the second one is just around the corner. ASUNCION, PARAGUAY - SEPTEMBER 10: Vinicius Junior of Brazil reacts during the South American FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Paraguay and Brazil at Estadio Defensores del Chaco on September 10, 2024 in Asuncion, Paraguay. (Photo by Christian Alvarenga/Getty Images) And national teams are already announcing the squad list for the upcoming matches, with a plethora of Real Madrid stars expected to fly away to play international football. Kicking things off, Brazil manager Dorival Junior announced the squad list of players for their upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers in October.And, as many as four Real Madrid players hav...

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26Sep By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Spurs expected team vs Qarabag – Mikey Moore decision amid Postecoglou changes

Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou must decide how many changes he makes to his team to face Qarabag in the Europa League Ange Postecoglou has to balance his changes for Tottenham's Europa League clash against Qarabag on Thursday evening. The Spurs boss made eight changes to his starting XI for the Carabao Cup tie against Coventry and the disjointed performance almost cost the north London side their place in the fourth round. With that in mind, Postecoglou will be wary of making as many alterations for the visit of the Azerbaijani side to N17 even though it is only the first of eight matches at this stage in the large new league format. Postecoglou could hand minutes to Radu Dragusin, Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Pape Matar Sarr and he might also decide to hand 17-year-old Mikey Moore hi...

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26Sep By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Liverpool thrash West Ham United 5-1 in Carabao Cup

Liverpool’s journey in the Carabao Cup continues as they secured a resounding 5-1 victory over West Ham United, advancing to the fourth round with a display that underscored their offensive prowess. The match at Anfield started with an unexpected twist as Liverpool fell behind due to a Jarell Quansah own goal, giving the visitors an early lead. However, the Reds quickly shook off this setback, showcasing the resilience and strategic acumen that characterises their play under pressure. Diogo Jota, Liverpool’s attacking dynamo, turned the game around with two crucial goals, demonstrating once again why he is considered among the elite forwards in the game. Mohamed Salah, ever the difference-maker, further tilted the game in Liverpool’s favour with a decisive strike. The turning point, howev...

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