NEWS

12Mar

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Gareth Bale named in Wales squad for opening Euro 2020 qualifier

Ryan Giggs has included Gareth Bale in a 31-man squad for Wales’ opening Euro 2020 qualifier despite missing Real Madrid’s last game.The Real Madrid winger turned his ankle in the closing moments of Real’s Champions League defeat by Ajax and sat out the 4-1 LaLiga win at Real Valladolid on Sunday.Rotherham midfielder Will Vaulks is called up for the first time as James Chester and Andy King miss out through injury.Aston Villa defender Chester has not played since the end of January because of a knee problem, while Leicester midfielder King will not play again this season after damaging an ankle during a loan spell at Derby.Ryan Giggs’ squad meet Trinidad and Tobago in a Wrexham friendly on March 20 before starting their Euro 2020 campaign against Slovakia in Cardiff four days later....

7Mar

By Silver Emmanuel1 Comment

NEWS

Former Manchester united midfielder Fellaini retires from international football

Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini has announced his retirement for international football.The Former Manchester United midfielder, who is presently playing in the Chinese Super League for Shandong Luneng Taishan has featured for Belgium for 12 years including as part of the team that finished third at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.In a statement released on his official Twitter account, Fellaini said: "After 12 years of representing Belgium at the highest level, I have decided to retire from senior international football."It has been an honour to represent my country 87 times and to be part of two World Cups and a European Championship campaign for Belgium."I have many amazing memories with the Red Devils from my debut in 2007 to last year's World Cup in Russia and I am very proud B...

22Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Napoli and Inter advance in Europa League

Napoli and Inter Milan faced no issues as they both sealed their places in the last 16 of the Europa League.Salzburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, Villarreal, Dinamo Zagreb, Zenit, Benfica, Kiev, Rennes, Krasnodar and Slavia Prague also all made it through on an action-packed Thursday night across Europe. After a 3-1 away win in Switzerland last week, Napoli easily advanced 5-1 on aggregate. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti made it two wins from his first two games in the Europa League with a 2-0 home victory over Zurich. Forwards Simone Verdi and Adam Ounas scored in each half at the Stadio San Paolo. Meanwhile, Inter advanced after eliminating Austrian club Rapid Vienna 5-0 on aggregate after winning the second leg 4-0 in Rome.Former champion Sevilla advanced after knocking...

18Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Paraguay appoint former Athletic Bilbao boss Eduardo Berizzo as new coach

Eduardo Berizzo former boss of Athletic club gives instruction during La Liga match between Club Atletico De Madrid and Athletic ClubParaguay has named former Sevilla and Athletic Bilbao coach Eduardo Berizzo as their new manager.The 49-year- old replaces Juan Carlos Osorio, who resigned last week following five months and one game in charge.The Paraguayan Football Association (APF) announced the arrival of Argentinian Berizzo on Monday.“The Paraguayan Football Association…have successfully concluded the negotiations with Eduardo Berizzo, who becomes the new coach,” read a statement on the APF website.Berizzo, who was sacked by Bilbao in December, has previous experience on the international stage having been Chile’s assistant manager from 2007 to 2010.Berizzo will...

16Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Brighton beat Derby county 2-1 to progress to FA cup quarter-Final

Ashley Cole of Derby County battles for Possession with Anthony Knockaert of BrightonBrighton & Hove Albion has progressed to the FA Cup quarter-finals but had to survive a late scare to see off Championship side Derby County at the Amex Stadium. Anthony Knockaert of Brighton and Hove Albion scores his team's first goal past Kelle Roos of Derby CountyBrighton took the lead through Anthony Knockaert strike just after the half-hour, before Jurgen Locadia reacted quickest to Yves Bissouma's effort coming back off the post to tap home just before the break. Chris Hughton's side failed to add to their lead and substitute Ashley Cole pulled one back for Frank Lampard's side with ten minutes remaining, but the Seagulls held on to pr...

16Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Emiliano Sala funeral take place in his home town in Argentina

Romina Sala sister of Emiliano SalaThe funeral of Cardiff City striker Emiliano Sala took place in his home town in Argentina on Saturday three weeks after he was killed in a plane crash.A public vigil was held in a gymnasium in Progreso, the modest village in the province of Santa Fe which Sala left as a teenager to forge a career in Europe.The 28-year-old died last month just two days after completing a Cardiff club-record £15 million ($19.3 million, 17.1 million euros) move from French club Nantes.The single-engine private plane carrying Sala and pilot David Ibbotson crashed in the English Channel near Alderney on January 21. Sala had returned to Nantes to say goodbye to his former teammates before flying back to Wales.The player's body was recovered from the ...

13Feb

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Man Utd's Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial are major doubt for Chelsea FA cup clash

Manchester United could be without both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial for the clash with Chelsea in the FA Cup next Monday.Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s United were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday.Though, not only did Man United lose the game against Paris Saint-Germain, they lost two big players in the process. Both Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial limped out of the game due to injury.Alexis Sanchez replaced Lingard in the first half before Martial was substituted at half time for Juan Mata.With Manchester United set to face off against Chelsea next Monday, that is certainly worrying.Now, a report on Wednesday has claimed that both players are ‘major doubts’ for the FA Cup clash.

31Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Atalanta stun Juventus in Coppa Italia

Holders Juventus were bundled out of the Coppa Italia after suffering a 3-0 quarter-final defeat to Atalanta.The home team scored twice in the first half with goals from Timothy Castagne and Duvan Zapata.Colombian striker Zapata claimed his second in the 86th minute his 17th goal in his last 10 games to set up a semi-final against Fiorentina.Juve have won four Coppa Italia titles under manager Massimiliano Allegri.Atalanta took the lead through Castagne goal as he coolly slotted a shot into the bottom corner.Just two minutes later, Zapata punished Juve for failing to clear the ball as it pinged around the box, rifling a shot past goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny.The Serie A leaders, who are unbeaten in the league, had chances in the second half and came close with a Sami Khedira vo...

28Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Crystal Palace knocks Tottenham out in FA cup as Chelsea cruise

Tottenham crash out in the fourth round of the FA Cup after losing 2-0 at Crystal Palace on Sunday, and defending champion Chelsea beat Sheffield Wednesday 3-0.Crystal Palace took a ninth-minute lead when Jeff Schlupp’s shot was saved by Paulo Gazzaniga but the Spurs goalkeeper could only push the ball into the path of Connor Wickham and he scored off his thigh.The hosts extended their advantage after Kyle Walker-Peters handled in the penalty area with Wickham lurking. Former Tottenham winger Andros Townsend slammed the resulting spot kick straight down the middle in the 34th.Tottenham got a penalty of its own 10 minutes later when Patrick Van Aanholt brought down Juan Foyth, but Kieran Trippier fired well wide to ensure the Eagles took a 2-0 lead into the break, and then s...

25Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Thierry Henry suspended as Monaco coach

Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry has been suspended by Monaco and appears to lose his job as coach after only three months in charge at the Ligue 1 club.Predecessor Leonardo Jardim is expected to replace Henry, just over three months after being fired himself.The 2017 French champions are in the relegation zone after only five wins under Henry in all competitions. Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer is in his first managerial role, having previously been Belgium assistant boss.“Monaco have decided to suspend Thierry Henry, until a final decision (on his future) is made,” the principality club said in a statement.Jardim is expected to be unveiled for a second spell after agreeing terms on a two-and-half-year contract, according to report.The Portuguese coach led Monaco to the L...

23Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Monaco boss Thierry Henry concerned about his club future than his own

Monaco manager Thierry Henry has admitted he was more worried about the club's future than his own.Struggling in the relegation zone in Ligue 1, Monaco was reduced in the Coupe de France with a 3-1 loss to Metz on Tuesday.Henry only took over at his former club in October, but he has been unable to turn around their struggles this season.However, the Frenchman said any decision over his future was in the owners' hands, with his focus on Monaco."My future? Owners would decide when they need to decide. I am more worried for Monaco's future. I already said that," Henry told a news conference."I will repeat. No need to always ask the same question, I would answer the same thing , Atletico Madrid have been relegated in the 90s with stronger players than us. [Real] Zaragoza as well more recently...

16Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Cristiano Ronaldo wins Italian Super Cup for Juventus

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the only goal to hand Juventus their first trophy of the season with a 1-0 win over ten-man AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia.Ronaldo joined the Italian giants last year from Real Madrid as they target a first Champions League title since 1996 headed in a 61st-minute winner.

9Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Stoke City appoint Nathan Jones as new manager

Stoke City have appointed Nathan Jones as their new manager following the dismissal of Gary Rowett less than 24 hours ago.The 45-year-old Welshman joins from Luton Town after a compensation package was agreed between the Potters and the League One club.Jones takes over from Rowett, who lasted just eight months at the bet365 Stadium following a poor run of form that has seen Stoke drop into the bottom half of the Championship table. After enjoying considerable success at Luton having overseen the side’s promotion to League One last season – Jones is now tasked with returning Stoke to the Premier League.Stoke owners John Coates and Peter Coates said in a statement which read: “Nathan is an incredibly driven and passionate individual and we are delighted to hav...

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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Newport County stuns Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup

Padraig Amond was the hero for Newport County on Sunday afternoon, as the League Two club shocked Leicester City in the third round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win.Jamille Matt gave the hosts the lead, before Rachid Ghezzal levelled with eight minute left on the clock.A handball inside the box by Marc Albrighton gave Newport the chance to win it in the 85th minute, with 30-year-old Amond holding his nerve to score and record a massive upset against Leicester City.

6Jan

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

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FA Cup: Gillingham stun Cardiff City with 1-0 win at Priestfield

London League one strugglers Gillingham produced the biggest shock of the FA Cup third round by beating Premier League Cardiff City 1-0 at Priestfield.Midfielder Elliott List scored the vital goal on 81 minutes and Gillingham held on in eight minutes of injury time to send Neil Warnock’s side out at the first time of asking.While, Manchester United beat second-tier struggler Reading 2-0 for a fifth straight win since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replaced the fired Jose Mourinho last month. It ties the record of Sir Matt Busby, who also won his first five games in charge in the 1946-47 season.Juan Mata, from the penalty spot, and Romelu Lukaku scored the first-half goals to see off Reading at Old Trafford, while Alexis Sanchez played a part in both strikes amid a busy display in the Chilean’s first...

20Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Neymar reacts to PSG Champions League draw and Jose Mourinho sacking

United finished second in UCL Group H under Mourinho and also expect a difficult match-up in the round of 16.On Monday, French giants PSG were selected to face United in February. A day later, Mourinho lost his job and has since been replaced by club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis.United’s caretaker manager will guide the team against PSG when they visit Old Trafford for the first leg on February 12.Solskjear’s men then go to the Parc des Princes on March 6 for the return fixture.Neymar and his team-mates have big ambitions in the competition this season and are many people’s tip to win the trophy.PSG topped a tough Group C ahead of runners-up Liverpool and Europa League-bound Napoli.Manchester United ultimately decided they could not move forward with Mourinho in cha...

14Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Sevilla and Villarreal progress in Europa

Sevilla and Villarreal qualified for the knockout rounds of the Europa League yesterday, the final night of group-stage matches.Rapid Vienna, Malmo, Krasnodar, Rennes.Genk and BATE also advanced.Sevilla advanced from Group J after a 3-0 win over Krasnodar, which also advanced. Villarreal defeated Spartak Moscow 2-0 to progress from Group G with Rapid, which scored in the 84th minute to win 1-0 and knock out Rangers.Genk cruised to the next phase with a 4-0 rout of Sarpsborg in Group I, and Malmo also made it with a 1-0 away victory over Besiktas.Rennes' new coach, Julien Stephan, celebrated a 2-0 victory in Group K and a spot in the next round by knocking out Astana.Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Chelsea, Dinamo Zagreb, Dynamo Kiev, Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahce, Lazio, Real Betis, Salzburg,...

14Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Rangers out of Europa League after Dejan Ljubicic fires late winner for Rapid Vienna

Rangers crashed out of the Europa League on Thursday after falling 1-0 at Rapid Vienna. Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, who had to win in Vienna in their final group game in order to qualify for the last 32, finish third in Group G, two points behind Rapid thanks to Dejan Ljubicic’s 84th-minute winner, which sees the Austrians through to the knockout stages, level on 10 points with group winners Villarreal.The Spaniards ensured top spot by beating bottom club Spartak Moscow 2-0 thanks to goals from Samuel Chukwueze and Karl Toko Ekambi.Rangers came close to breaking the deadlock in the 21st minute of a match with few shots and little incident when Connor Goldson headed the ball against the bar, but Ljubicic rolled home the winner late on to seal Rangers’ fate.

4Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Newcastle owner plans to sell club before January transfer window

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley plans to sell the Premier League club before the January transfer window and told Sky News on Monday that talks on a deal had made promising progressAshley, who is also majority shareholder at sportswear retailer Sports Direct, said in October he had not received any acceptable offers for Newcastle a year after he officially put the club up for sale.Asked on Monday if it was realistic for Newcastle to be sold before the transfer window opened on Jan. 1, Ashley said:“Realistic? It’s possible. Realistic is maybe too strong a word. Hopefully we can carry on our recent good form and get the deal done.” Newcastle had a difficult start to the season under Rafa Benitez but three wins in a row moved them up the table before a 3-0 home defeat by West Ham United at...

4Dec

By Silver EmmanuelNo Comments

NEWS

Luka Modric: the new winner of Ballon d'Or

Luka Modric saw off competition from a host of French World Cup stars as the Real Madrid and Croatia midfielder won the 2018 Ballon d'Or on Monday, ending the 10-year stranglehold on the award by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.Modric, 33, was announced as the winner of the prestigious prize in a glitzy ceremony held in Paris. Ronaldo was second, with France and Atletico Madrid striker Antoine Griezmann completing the podium.Paris Saint-Germain's teenage forward Kylian Mbappe came fourth, leaving Messi to settle for fifth position. Another Frenchman, Modric's Madrid teammate Raphael Varane, was seventh, just behind Liverpool's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah.Modric said:"As a kid we all have dreams. My dream was to play for a big club and win important trophies."The Ballon d'Or was more ...