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Japan on brink of last 16 after beating Costa Rica

 JULY 26: Naomoto Hikaru #8 of Japan celebrates her goal during the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 Group C match between Japan and Costa Rica at Dunedin Stadium on July 26, 2023 in Dunedin / Ōtepoti, New Zealand. Japan are on the verge of qualifying for the Fifa Women’s World Cup round of 16 after a routine win over Costa Rica. Hikaru Naomoto and Aoba Fujino both scored in the space of three first-half minutes to ease the 2011 champions to three points. Japan will be the first side to secure their place in knockout stages, if Spain earn at least a point against Zambia later. Costa Rica will be eliminated from the World Cup if Spain avoid defeat. Since stunning the football world by beating the United States in the 2011 final, Japan have underwhelmed on th...
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Al-Hilal make record £259m bid for PSG’s Mbappe

 Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Paris Saint-Germain and Le Havre at Campus PSG on July 21, 2023 in Poissy, France. Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal have permission to speak to Kylian Mbappe after making a world record £259m bid for the Paris St-Germain forward. The 24-year-old France captain, who has a year left on his contract, has refused to sign an extension at the French champions and was not selected for their pre-season tour to Japan. PSG want to sell Mbappe now rather than see him leave for free next summer. Neymar’s £200m move from Barcelona to PSG in 2017 is the current record. PSG activated Brazil forward Neymar’s release clause to make him the most expensive player in the world. Should he move, Mbappe will have com...
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Mendy signs for Lorient after being cleared of rape

 Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy arrives for the continuation of his trial at Chester Crown Court on July 14, 2023 in Chester, England. In January, Mendy was cleared of rape and sexual assault charges involving six women, the jury could not reach verdicts on sex offences involving two other women.  Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has signed for Ligue 1 side Lorient five days after being cleared of rape. The left-back, 29, whose City contract expired in the summer, has signed a two-year deal with the French club. He was cleared at Chester Crown Court on Friday of raping a woman and attempting to rape another. That followed a trial in January when Mendy was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault. Mendy became the world’s most expensi...
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Bonucci puts on brave face amidst Juventus exclusion

 Leonardo Bonucci of Juventus FC attends for the Juventus Medical Tests at Jmedical on July 17, 2023 in Turin, Italy.Leonardo Bonucci called his return to Continassa ‘a beautiful day’ despite the various reports that he’s been cut from the Juventus squad. It’s been widely reported in recent days that the Bianconeri have informed the veteran defender that he is no longer in their plans for the coming campaign, allegedly deciding not to bring him on their pre-season training tour to the United States. Bonucci only has a year left on his contract with Juventus and the club are working to cut their wage bill this summer, making the sale of the 36-year-old an obvious choice considering that he’s one of the highest earners in the squad. Writing on his Instagram page today, Bonucci put on a ...
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Lukaku rescues point for Belgium against Austria

 Romelu Lukaku of Belgium celebrates his goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group F match between Belgium and Austria at King Baudouin Stadium on June 17, 2023 in Brussels, Belgium.Romelu Lukaku scored a second-half equaliser as Belgium salvaged a draw against Austria in Euro 2024 qualifying in Brussels. The Chelsea forward received the ball with his back to goal before turning and evading the Austrian defence to fire past Alexander Schlager. Michael Gregoritsch had given Austria the lead as his first-time effort was deflected past Thibaut Courtois. The visitors remain top of Group F, while Belgium stay second. Lukaku’s goal was one of two attempts on targets by the hosts, who were without Kevin de Bruyne after he suffered a hamstring injury during Manchester City’s victo...
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Rodri the match-winner as Man City secure treble

 Players of Manchester City FC celebrate during the UEFA Champions League 2022/23 final match between FC Internazionale and Manchester City FC at Atatuerk Olympic Stadium on June 10, 2023 in Istanbul, Turkey. Manchester City secured a historic treble as Rodri’s 68th minute strike against Inter Milan proved to be the only goal of the Champions League final in Istanbul. Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering side were strong favourites coming into the decider with the Premier League and FA Cup already in the bag, but were frustrated for large parts by a resoulte Italian side at the Ataturk Stadium. With a little over 20 minutes remaining, City finally broke the deadlock. Akanji played Bernardo Silva into the area and his cut-back was deflected into the path of Rodri, who passed the ball in...
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Liverpool beat Fulham to keep top-four hopes alive

 Liverpool's Mohamed Salah kisses the ball before taking his penalty kick during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Fulham FC at Anfield on May 3, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. Liverpool’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League are not realistic despite a fifth straight win, says boss Jurgen Klopp. The in-form Reds, who only have four matches left, moved four points behind fourth-placed Manchester United after Mohamed Salah’s penalty sunk Fulham at Anfield. However, United have two games in hand on fifth-placed Liverpool – including one at eighth-placed Brighton on Thursday – kick-off 20:00 BST. Only leaders Manchester City have taken more points from the last six matches than Liverpool, but Klopp played down his side’s chances of sneaking in...
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Leeds United’s survival hopes hit as Luis Sinisterra ruled out for the season

Luis Sinisterra of Leeds United receives medical treatment during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Leicester City at Elland Road on April 25, 2023 in Leeds, England.Leeds United’s Premier League survival hopes have been dealt a blow as Luis Sinisterra has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Colombia winger Sinisterra, who has scored three goals in his last five appearances, was forced out of the midweek home draw against Leicester due to an ankle injury. Head coach Javi Gracia, whose side play at relegation rivals Bournemouth on Sunday, said: “Luis will be out for the rest of the season. I think it’s something in his ankle, a ligament. “It’s tough for us to lose key players. I prefer to not complain. I have enough players to compete better and try to work with them ...
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Schalke win pushes Hertha to bottom of Bundesliga table

 Marius Bulter of Schalke scores his teams fourth goal during the Bundesliga match between FC Schalke 04 and Hertha BSC at Veltins-Arena on April 14, 2023 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.Schalke have pushed Hertha Berlin to the bottom of the Bundesliga table after handing out a 5-2 beating to the capital club. The hosts made a perfect start as Tim Starke curled a beauty into the top corner in the third minute on Friday. He then acted as provider for Marius Bulter, who nodded home from close range to double Schalke’s lead in the 14th minute. Hertha pulled one back shortly before half-time with Stevan Jovetic firing a stunner into the net, but Schalke came back with a quick response early in the second half thanks to Simon Terodde. Bulter completed his brace in the 78th before Marco Richter s...
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Man Utd’s Martinez out for season with foot injury

 Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United looks dejected as he gets on the stretcher during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinal first leg match between Manchester United and Sevilla FC at Old Trafford on April 13, 2023 in Manchester, England.Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez will miss the rest of the season after fracturing a metatarsal bone in his foot. The 25-year-old sustained the injury in United’s 2-2 Europa League quarter-final against Sevilla on Thursday. Erik ten Hag’s side were reduced to 10 men when Martinez was helped off in the 86th minute with United leading 2-1. Martinez’s centre-back partner Raphael Varane also sustained an injury and is expected to be out for a few weeks. “Everyone at Manchester United sends Lisandro and Rapha our best wishes for a speedy r...
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Palace thrash Leeds to boost survival bid

Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 1-1 with Cheick Doucoure and Joachim Andersen during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Elland Road on April 9, 2023 in Leeds, United Kingdom.Crystal Palace boosted their bid for Premier League survival with a 5-1 demolition of relegation rivals Leeds on Sunday. Roy Hodgson’s side erased Patrick Bamford’s first half opener with a superb display of counter-attacking at Elland Road. Marc Guehi equalised just before the break and Palace turned on the style after half-time with emphatic finishes from Jordan Ayew, who netted twice, Eberechi Eze and Odsonne Edouard. Palace’s first win at Elland Road since 2006 lifted them six points clear of the relegation zone, while Leeds remain just two po...
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Super Eagles star suffers another injury setback, set to miss Sassuolo, Roma clashes

  Ola Aina of Torino FC reacts during the Serie A match between Torino FC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Olimpico di Torino on March 19, 2023 in Turin, Italy. Super defender Ola Aina could be out of action for some time after he sustained a lesion on his left soleus. Aina spent most of the World Cup break recuperating from a hamstring injury. And he just returned from his three-month layoff on the 6th of March. Upon his return, the Super Eagles star featured as a substitute in his first three games for Torino. However, he was not called up to Nigeria’s squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations double-header against Guinea-Bissau as he had a one-game suspension. It was expected that Aina would be fully fit and ready to find his way back into the starting eleven after the internation...
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Kane and Saka on target as England beat Ukraine

 Bukayo Saka of England celebrates with team mates Harry Kane and Declan Rice after scoring his side's second goal during the UEFA EURO 2024 qualifying round group C match between England and Ukraine at Wembley Arena on March 26, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. England maintained their winning start to Euro 2024 qualifying with a comfortable victory over Ukraine at Wembley.Gareth Southgate’s side built on the foundation of their first away win against Italy since 1961 with an efficient performance that was more than enough to see off the visitors. England struggled to build any momentum until record scorer Harry Kane made it 55 international goals when he bundled in Bukayo Saka’s cross at the far post eight minutes before half-time. The second arrived three minutes later and was ...
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Benzema ruled out of World Cup final by Deschamps

Head coach of France Didier Deschamps (L) leads a training session ahead of the 2022 FIFA World Cup Final Match against Argentina, at Al Sadd SC Academy Training Fields in Doha, Qatar on December 16, 2022.Didier Deschamps has ruled out the prospect of Karim Benzema making a dramatic comeback to the France squad to figure in Sunday’s World Cup final against Argentina. The Ballon d’Or winner had suffered a thigh injury in training that seemed to end his tournament before it began. But the striker has made a swift recovery and appeared in a behind-closed-doors friendly for Real Madrid against Leganes, prompting suggestions Deschamps, who had never replaced him in his squad, could bring him back to face Argentina. But the France manager denied that could happen, saying: “Some players have been...
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Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley completes dramatic takeover involving English club

Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley during the FA Cup Fourth Round Replay match between Oxford United and Newcastle United at Kassam Stadium on February 4, 2020 in Oxford, England.Former Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has completed his takeover of the Coventry Building Society Arena – the home of Coventry City Football Club and Wasps Rugby Club. New Sky Blues owner Doug King, who purchased an 85 per-cent majority share in the Championship club on Wednesday, had made a late attempt to gazump Ashley’s bid but a judge ruled in the 58-year-old’s favour this afternoon. It was reported last week Ashley had “agreed an eight figure sum for the stadium company and intends to immediately buy the company out of administration.” Coventry City announced this morning its intention to submit a £25mill...
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Modeste off the mark for Dortmund in 1-0 win at Hertha

  Anthony Modeste of Borussia Dortmund and Lucas Tousart of Hertha BSC battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Hertha BSC and Borussia Dortmund at Olympiastadion on August 27, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. Anthony Modeste’s first goal for Borussia Dortmund was enough to edge Hertha Berlin 1-0 in the Bundesliga, where Union Berlin was the big winner on Saturday. Hertha’s city rival enjoyed a 6-1 success at Schalke to go provisionally top of the table before Bayern Munich hosted Borussia Mönchengladbach later. Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel played a key role in his team’s third win from four games, though it won’t erase memories of last weekend’s 3-2 home loss to Werder Bremen, when Dortmund became the first in the league to concede three goals after the 88...
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Chelsea target Gordon tells Everton he wants to leave

Anthony Gordon of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Nottingham Forest at Goodison Park on August 20, 2022 in Liverpool, England. Chelsea have been given further hope of signing Anthony Gordon after the winger told Everton he wants to leave. The Merseyside club rejected a £45 million bid for the 21-year-old last week and have insisted he is not for sale while manager Frank Lampard is keen to keep him. But Chelsea are expected to return with a second offer for Gordon and the England Under-21 international has made it clear he hopes to go to Stamford Bridge. Gordon attracted interest from Tottenham and Newcastle earlier in the transfer window but Everton had hoped that selling Richarlison to Spurs meant they would be able to keep their other prized assets...
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Arsenal’s White withdraws from England squad

  Ben White of Arsenal before the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St. James Park on May 16, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.Arsenal defender Ben White has withdrawn from England's squad for their forthcoming Nations League games after failing to recover from injury in time. White, who has four England caps, has been dealing with a hamstring problem and missed Arsenal's last Premier League game of the season against Everton. The centre-back was still selected by England boss Gareth Southgate ahead of next month's Nations League games. But he will now stay at Arsenal for treatment as he looks to return in time for next season. Raheem Sterling, Kieran Trippier and James Ward-Prowse will arrive at England's St George's Park base on Tuesday, along...
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Arteta believes Norwich will beat Spurs to hand Arsenal fourth spot

 Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at the London Stadium, in London on May 1, 2022.Mikel Arteta says he is growing in belief that Norwich could yet do Arsenal a huge favour against Tottenham on the final day of the season, believing it is still “very possible” that his side will be playing Champions League football next season. Arteta cut a despondent figure at St. James’ Park on Monday night, following a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle that saw his side surrender the initiative in the top-four race. The Gunners need to win against Everton at the Emirates on Sunday and hope already relegated Norwich can beat Spurs at Carrow Road in order to usurp their north Lo...
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Former Man City defender Vincent Kompany could be set for Premier League return

Vincent Kompany, head coach of Anderlecht, during the Jupiler Pro League Champions play-off match between RSC Anderlecht and Royal Antwerp FC at Lotto Park on May 12, 2022 in Brussels, Belgium.Former Manchester City defender Vincent Kompany could be set for a first managerial job in the Premier League. Kompany is the leading candidate to be named as Burnley's new manager if the Clarets can secure their top-flight survival over the next few days.But a deal to bring the 36-year-old in from Anderlecht is thought to be dependent on Burnley avoiding relegation to the Championship. They face a trip to Aston Villa tonight and finish their campaign on Sunday against Newcastle at Turf Moor.Burnley are currently in the bottom three but tonight’s trip to Villa Park is a game in hand on Leeds, who are...
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