Tuesday, October 31, 2017

PSG, Bayern advance in Champions League; Man United must wait

Sportsnet.ca
PSG, Bayern advance in Champions League; Man United must wait
PSG, Bayern advance in Champions League; Man United must wait

GENEVA — Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are the first teams in the Champions League knockout rounds after the group rivals both won Tuesday to advance with two games left.

PSG routed Anderlecht 5-0 — with defender Layvin Kurzawa scoring three to outshine Neymar — and Bayern won 2-1 at Celtic.

Manchester United, like PSG, won a fourth straight game but beating Benfica 2-0 was not yet enough to ensure advancing from Group A.

Roma started early, scoring after 40 seconds in a 3-0 win against Chelsea that seized leadership of Group C from coach Antonia Conte’s team. Atletico Madrid is still winless after being held 1-1 by visiting Qarabag.

Barcelona and Juventus both drew away from home to maintain their steady progress in Group D.

Here is a look at what happened in Tuesday’s games.

——

GROUP A

Another Man United win at Old Trafford seemed routine, and it was 18-year-old Benfica goalkeeper Mile Svilar who again had the most eye-catching night.

Svilar saved a penalty kick from Anthony Martial before conceding an own goal for the second straight game against United — his only two Champions League appearances.

Two weeks after carrying a cross over his own goal-line, Svilar was unlucky this time when Nemanja Matic’s 45th-minute shot struck the post and rebounded into the net off the goalkeeper’s shoulder.

United’s second goal came from another penalty, which coach Jose Mourinho seemed to insist should be taken by defender Daley Blind and not by Romelu Lukaku, the forward who now has not scored in six games.

Basel would have joined United in the Round of 16 by beating CSKA Moscow and led at halftime through Luca Zuffi’s lobbed shot into an empty goal.

CSKA perked up when substitute Alan Dzagoev came on, and the fit-again playmaker scored in the 65th minute before Pontus Wernbloom forced the winner in the 79th.

CSKA and Basel both have six points, and United will advance by avoiding defeat in Switzerland in three weeks’ time.

——

GROUP B

In a mismatched group, Paris Saint-Germain has won all four games, scoring 17 goals without conceding. Anderlecht has lost four, conceding 15 without scoring.

Marco Verratti and Neymar scored in the first half, and left back Kurzawa lit up Parc des Princes by getting three in the second half.

Bayern also moved into the Round of 16 draw with nine points after emerging from a typically raucous night in Glasgow to beat a spirited Celtic 2-1.

Since replacing Carlo Ancelotti as coach, Jupp Heynckes has led Bayern to six straight wins. Kingsley Coman gave Bayern a first-half lead, Celtic’s Callum McGregor levelled in the 74th, three minutes before Javi Martinez secured the win.

——

GROUP C

For the second time in two weeks, Roma put three goals past Chelsea’s experienced defence. After a rousing 3-3 draw in London, it was a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 win in Rome that began with Stephan El Shaarawy’s powerful shot inside 40 seconds.

El Shaarawy scored again before halftime to punish hesitation by former Roma defender Antonio Rudiger. Diego Perotti struck with a long-range shot midway through the second half.

Roma edged one point ahead of Chelsea in the standings, and there is four-point gap to Atletico Madrid in third place.

Atletico has gone to at least the quarterfinals in each of the past four seasons but now risks missing out after another draw against newcomer Qarabag of Azerbaijan, 1-1 in Madrid.

Qarabag led in the 40th minute with a header by midfielder Michel, and Atletico equalized with a stunning side-foot shot from Thomas Partey in the 56th. Both teams finished with 10 men.

Atletico hosts Roma on Nov. 22.

——

GROUP D

Barcelona and Juventus are still heavily favoured to advance despite both sides missing their chance on Tuesday.

Barcelona drew 0-0 at Olympiakos and Juventus needed a late leveler from Gonzalo Higuain to earn a 1-1 draw at Sporting Lisbon.

The two powerhouses meet in Turin in three weeks’ time, when Barcelona will need only a draw to progress.

Barcelona has 10 points, three points clear of last year’s runner-up Juventus, with Sporting a further three points back.

Jadeveon Clowney takes shot at Bob McNair with Halloween costume

Football Rss
Jadeveon Clowney takes shot at Bob McNair with Halloween costume
Jadeveon Clowney appears to be sending a message to Texans owner Bob McNair with his Halloween costume.

On Halloween, what do Premier League fans fear most for their team?

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
On Halloween, what do Premier League fans fear most for their team?
You might not be afraid of ghosts, but what about an injury to your team’s best player?

Timbers play Dynamo to 0-0 draw in MLS Western Conference semi

Sportsnet.ca
Timbers play Dynamo to 0-0 draw in MLS Western Conference semi
Timbers play Dynamo to 0-0 draw in MLS Western Conference semi

HOUSTON — Jeff Attinella had two saves to help the Portland Timbers to a 0-0 draw with the Houston Dynamo on Monday night in the opener of their Western Conference semifinal.

The second leg of the two-game aggregate series is Sunday in Portland. The fourth-seeded Dynamo had just one road win in the regular season.

Attinella posted his 10th career shutout in his first playoff action — including a sliding 1-on-1 save against Alberth Elis in the 51st minute and a leaping stop of a header by Philippe Senderos in the 56th.

Houston is unbeaten in its last eight matches, including a 1-0 win over Sporting Kansas City in Thursday’s single-elimination knockout round.

The Dynamo were awarded a penalty kick in the 30th minute after Larryss Mabiala’s sliding tackle of Alberth Elis at the corner of the 6-yard box, but the call was overturned after a replay review.

Mabiala, a defender, as well as midfielders Darlington Nagbe and Diego Chara — who was taken off on a stretcher — did not return for Portland after injuries midway through the game.

The top-seeded Timbers were already without Fanendo Adi, Sebastian Blanco and David Guzman. Adi was second on the team with 10 goals despite missing the final 10 regular-season games after he injured a hamstring during a 3-1 win over Los Angeles on Aug. 6.

Monday, October 30, 2017

Too soon to say if Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will feature for Leinster - coach

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Too soon to say if Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will feature for Leinster - coach
Too soon to say if Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will feature for Leinster - coach
Leinster backs coach Girvan Dempsey says it’s too soon to say whether Sean O’Brien and Rob Kearney will feature for the province in their Guinness PRO14 clash with Glasgow on Friday night.

Nyamutsita defends Vumba Mountain title

Sport – The Standard
Nyamutsita defends Vumba Mountain title

SEASONED long-distance runner Canisious “Navara” Nyamutsita successfully defended his Old Mutual Vumba Mountain Run Half Marathon title after romping to victory in this year’s edition of the prestigious 21km race […]

The post Nyamutsita defends Vumba Mountain title appeared first on The Standard.

Bears' Zach Miller has emergency surgery in effort to save leg

Football Rss
Bears' Zach Miller has emergency surgery in effort to save leg
Chicago Bears tight end Zach Miller underwent emergency surgery Sunday night to repair his dislocated left knee in New Orleans.

Ex-Jets K Ross Martin says he wasn't trolling Chandler Catanzaro

Football Rss
Ex-Jets K Ross Martin says he wasn't trolling Chandler Catanzaro
Ross Martin wasn't trying to kick Chandler Catanzaro while he was down.

Sunday, October 29, 2017

Napoli need more than 90 points to win Serie A – Sarri

Soccerway.com
Napoli need more than 90 points to win Serie A – Sarri
Maurizio Sarri insists Napoli have a long way to go in their pursuit of a first Serie A title since 1989-90, despite topping the table.

Puel tweaks paid off - Vardy

Soccerway.com
Puel tweaks paid off - Vardy
Claude Puel's tweaks to Leicester's tactics paid off in their 2-0 win over Everton, according to striker Jamie Vardy.

Big Read: Why Victor Vazquez is like no player in Toronto FC history

Sportsnet.ca
Big Read: Why Victor Vazquez is like no player in Toronto FC history
Big Read: Why Victor Vazquez is like no player in Toronto FC history

As the club begins its quest for the MLS Cup, it will count on the vision, playmaking and experience of the Spanish midfielder to put it over the top.

Falcons at Jets - The Playbook: 3 keys for Gang Green

Football Rss
Falcons at Jets - The Playbook: 3 keys for Gang Green
After a three-game winning streak that shocked the league, the Jets have dropped down to Earth with back-to-back crushing losses.

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Unlikely stars emerge for Whitecaps ahead of Seattle playoff series

Sportsnet.ca
Unlikely stars emerge for Whitecaps ahead of Seattle playoff series
Unlikely stars emerge for Whitecaps ahead of Seattle playoff series

VANCOUVER – You might call this group of Vancouver Whitecaps players Carl Robinson’s unlikely bunch.

Unlikely because the Welsh tactician’s team wasn’t necessarily projected to make the playoffs at the start of the MLS season. Unlikely because even winning one playoff game seemed beyond this squad in recent years until Wednesday’s 5-0 thrashing of the San Jose Earthquakes. And unlikely because even the starting lineup is full of players that very few would have picked to lead this club into the post-season had you asked at the start of the campaign.

But as the Whitecaps prepare for a two-leg Western Conference semifinal showdown with the Seattle Sounders – a first ever playoff series between these two local rivals in the Major League Soccer era – it is the unlikely, the unfancied, and the unexpected that have risen to roles of prominence ahead of Sunday’s first leg at BC Place.

One of the biggest stories surrounding this Whitecaps side has been the usurpation of David Ousted. The Danish goalkeeper has been, perhaps, the most reliable servant for Vancouver during Robinson’s time as boss. But Stefan Marinovic has made the most of a handful of appearances in the lead up to the playoffs, making a series of superhuman stops, and ultimately emerging the starter for this post-season run.

The bold decision by Robinson paid off in a big way Wednesday, with the New Zealand international making a vital save four minutes in to stop a powerful free kick from San Jose’s Anibal Godoy.

The fullbacks on this team also fit into this unfancied category – who would have honestly expected that Marcel de Jong and Jake Nerwinski would bump veterans Jordan Harvey and Sheanon Williams from their starting roles on the flanks?

De Jong’s journey in particular this season has been fascinating. It was very clear early on that the Canadian international was seen as Harvey’s understudy at left fullback.

He only started nine matches during the campaign, and never started consecutive league matches until this month. Yet, de Jong has now started six of the last nine contests, including Wednesday’s playoff win over the Earthquakes.

“What I know with Jordan and Marcel is they both bring different characteristics to the table, and depending on who we play and the lineup, [that] will dictate that,” Robinson told Sportsnet at the club’s training facility at the University of British Columbia on Saturday. “Marcel was really strong – it’s probably his best game he’s had since he’s been at the club on Wednesday night.

“When players are in a rhythm and they’re in a good run of form, it’s important a coach sticks by him, and allows him another opportunity, and he’ll get another opportunity [on Sunday].”

There are other surprises, too. Defensive midfielder Aly Ghazal arrived mid-season just as Matias Laba succumbed to a season-ending injury. Even Fredy Montero scoring his first ever playoff goal on Wednesday will count as a minor change in fortune for the player after early career post-season struggles while playing for Seattle.

[radioclip id=3690033]

Robinson said following Wednesday’s victory that he welcomes the underdog status against the Seattle Sounders, the defending MLS Cup champions. Whether it’s even fair to use that underdog label is a separate issue. The teams split the points from three matches against each other this year, and talisman Clint Dempsey will miss the first leg for the Sounders through suspension.

When asked about Dempsey’s absence for the first game, multiple players including de Jong, Nerwinski and Kendall Waston were quick to play up the danger posed by his teammates – downplaying any suggestion that the American international’s non-involvement would be an advantage.

“Everybody knows he’s a great player,” Nerwinski said. “He’s a dangerous player. He has been for countless years now. But…there’s guys that are taking his place that are scoring goals. Will Bruin can easily step in there – he’s scored [11] goals this season and [Jordan] Morris, too. We can’t really look forward to [Dempsey’s absence], because they have good enough guys to hurt us.”

As the Whitecaps look to carry the moment from the midweek hammering of the Earthquakes into Sunday’s match, set pieces were once again a big focus in training. The club scored three goals from dead ball situations against the Earthquakes, continuing the effectiveness the side has shown throughout 2017 in that aspect of play.

There could be some concern for the Whitecaps attack – Yordy Reyna and Cristian Techera spent part of Saturday’s practice doing individual work on the sidelines away from the main group. That could be precautionary or a sign of something more serious.

At this point of the year don’t expect to know anything for certain until the lineups are announced Sunday afternoon.

“I’ve got one or two little question marks on a couple of guys,” Robinson said. “We went through a few things today. I’ll see how they are tomorrow, but the likelihood is it might not be the same team. There might be the odd change or two.”

What is certain is that this Whitecaps bunch is unpredictable and well capable of giving the defending champions a scare or something worse.

Unlikelier things have happened.

[radioclip id=3691165]

Antonio Conte's frustrating week ends in relief as Eden Hazard secures hard-fought victory over Bournemouth

The Independent - Football
Antonio Conte's frustrating week ends in relief as Eden Hazard secures hard-fought victory over Bournemouth
Antonio Conte's frustrating week ends in relief as Eden Hazard secures hard-fought victory over Bournemouth
Bournemouth 0 Chelsea 1: Belgian forward takes full advantage of Asmir Begovic error to secure narrow victory as Blues overtake Arsenal and return to top four

Valencia moves within a point of Barcelona in Spanish league

Sportsnet.ca
Valencia moves within a point of Barcelona in Spanish league
Valencia moves within a point of Barcelona in Spanish league

MADRID — Italian striker Simone Zaza scored again as second-place Valencia defeated Alaves 2-1 Saturday to extend its winning streak and move closer to Barcelona in the Spanish league.

Zaza scored his eighth goal in six matches with a shot into the top corner from inside the area in the 34th minute at Mendizorroza Stadium, leading Valencia to its seventh straight win in all competitions.

Rodrigo got the winner in the second half by converting a penalty kick after Alexis Ruano had equalized for the hosts.

The penalty was prompted by a hand ball by Alaves defender Rodrigo Ely.

Valencia has 24 points and Barcelona, which plays at Athletic Bilbao later Saturday, has 25.

Valencia has won six straight in the league, outscoring opponents 23-8. It was coming off a 2-0 win over second-division club Zaragoza in the Copa del Rey on Tuesday.

The team’s last setback was a 1-1 draw at city rival Levante in September.

Zaza has scored in six consecutive matches.

Alaves remains second-to-last in the 20-team standings with three points from 10 matches.

Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice

Football – Inquirer Sports
Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice
Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice

PARIS — Edinson Cavani continued his remarkable scoring form with two goals as unbeaten league leader Paris Saint-Germain beat lackluster Nice 3-0 on Friday. Brazil star Neymar was suspended after being sent off in last Sunday’s 2-2 draw away to Marseille. It made little difference, especially with Cavani further underlining his importance. Having netted a […]

The post Cavani scores 2 as leader PSG coasts to 3-0 win against Nice appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Friday, October 27, 2017

This Chicago Bulls player has a picture of Britney Spears in his locker, but will it bring him luck?

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
This Chicago Bulls player has a picture of Britney Spears in his locker, but will it bring him luck?
Can Britney get the Bulls back to winning ways?

Injured Iniesta out of Barcelona match at Athletic Bilbao

Sportsnet.ca
Injured Iniesta out of Barcelona match at Athletic Bilbao
Injured Iniesta out of Barcelona match at Athletic Bilbao

BARCELONA, Spain — Barcelona says Andres Iniesta will not play Saturday’s Spanish league match against Athletic Bilbao because of an injury.

The club says the team captain will not make the trip to Bilbao after pulling a muscle in his right thigh.

Thomas Vermaelen is also not be available, as he is nursing a hip injury.

Ousmane Dembele, Rafinha, Arda Turan and Aleix Vidal had already been ruled out because of long-term injuries.

Jordi Alba had been listed as doubtful because of his fitness but he has been cleared to play.

The club says Javier Mascherano, who missed practice Friday because of a fever, is also expected to play.

Barcelona has a four-point lead over Valencia, which earlier Saturday plays at second-to-last-place Alaves.

Time is coming for Jets to move on from Josh McCown

Football Rss
Time is coming for Jets to move on from Josh McCown
The final moments of most breakups often sound like this: It's not you. It's me.

John Morton doesn’t regret call that led to Jets’ latest loss

Football Rss
John Morton doesn’t regret call that led to Jets’ latest loss
The Jets' chances at victory Sunday in Miami vanished suddenly when Josh McCown threw an interception with 39 seconds left.

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Tensions creeping in at PSG as questions asked of two stars

Football – Inquirer Sports
Tensions creeping in at PSG as questions asked of two stars
Tensions creeping in at PSG as questions asked of two stars

PARIS (AP) — Tensions are creeping in at Paris Saint-Germain with questions raised as to whether Neymar and Kylian Mbappe—the world’s two most expensive players—are so far justifying their price tags. PSG is unbeaten and has scored 43 goals in 13 games overall, yet the mood seems surprisingly quizzical ahead of Friday’s home match against […]

The post Tensions creeping in at PSG as questions asked of two stars appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

TFC notebook: Red Bulls’ press a challenge for Toronto FC

Sportsnet.ca
TFC notebook: Red Bulls’ press a challenge for Toronto FC
TFC notebook: Red Bulls’ press a challenge for Toronto FC

Toronto FC was back in training on Thursday ahead of its opening game of the MLS playoffs next week.

Here are some news and notes from today’s practice.

SHOWDOWN WITH RED BULLS AWAIT

We now know who TFC will face in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The New York Red Bulls earned a 4-0 road win over the Chicago Fire in the knockout round on Wednesday night, which means they will face TFC next week.

MLS will confirm Thursday night the date of the first leg that will be played at Red Bull Arena, whether it’ll be held on Oct. 30 or 31. The return leg is scheduled for Nov. 5 at BMO Field.

Toronto coach Greg Vanney believes New York and its pressing style of play poses a stiff challenge for his cub.

“It’s two good teams. Both teams are going to go after it. It’s not in [New York’s] nature to sit back and wait, so they will look to press, look to create problems for us, and create turnovers that they can use. For us, sometimes it’s good to have teams come out and press because spaces open up,” Vanney said.

Table-topping Toronto finished 19 points above sixth-place New York in the Eastern Conference standings, and also took the regular-season series. The teams battled to a 1-1 draw on May 19 in New Jersey, and Toronto earned a 4-2 home win on Sept. 30. The victory at BMO Field allowed TFC to officially clinch the Supporters’ Shield, the trophy given to the side that finishes the regular season in first place.

“Anything we’ve accomplished against them in the past is meaningless at this point. This is a whole new season we start from scratch,” Vanney warned.

Left fullback Justin Morrow scored a hat trick in last month’s 4-2 win

“That game ended well for me. But I expect it’ll be much different this time around,” Morrow said.

BEAT THE PRESS

New York likes to play with a high press, attempting to apply pressure and force teams to turn over the ball in their end of the field, and then score in transition.

What’s the key to beating a pressing side like the Red Bulls?

“You can’t make mistakes and give things away, or give them opportunities because they are quick to capitalize. They’re a team that in transition where two or three passes can be in on your goal. It’s important that we are diligent and smart with our choices, good with our passes, take care of the ball,” Vanney explained.

He later added that it’ll be up to TFC to play through the pressure, and try to take advantage of the space that New York leaves behind itself, and make the most of its scoring chances.

“If people are moving forward than the [open] space is going to be behind them. They move very well as a group, so they don’t leave a lot of gaps or spaces that are easy to exploit,” Vanney offered.

TFC defender Drew Moor feels TFC will have their hands full with New York’s pressing game.

“They’re a team that will look to force the ball into the middle, and to intercept or steal, and to come right back at us in transition. We have to be very good with the ball,” Moor said.

BEZ GETS HIS WISH: TFC AVOID ATLANTA

Toronto FC general manager Tim Bezbatchenko was a guest on Prime Time Sports with Bob McCown earlier this week, and admitted he preferred TFC not to meet Atlanta United in the Eastern Conference semifinals because they play on turf at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

“I guess I’d like to avoid Atlanta in the [next] round just so we can play on grass,” Bezbatchenko said.

“Atlanta’s turf was a little bit better than Vancouver’s or, certainly, Montreal’s – the old turf. We would prefer to play on grass. The ball moves faster. It’s more of a natural bounce. I think our guys feel like they can loosen up on the grass.”

What does Vanney think?

“It’s a fast turf. … They’re a team that likes the game to be fast, especially in a vertical way. They have a lot of speed, so the turf can play pretty quick there,” Vanney said.

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INJURY REPORT

Vanney said that there are no injury concerns ahead of next week’s first leg of the Eastern Conference semifinals, and that every player will be available for selection.

“We’re good. Everybody’s available, everybody’s training, everyone’s good. That’s always positive. I’ll take that,” Vanney said with a broad smile.

[radioclip id=3689105]

VANCOUVER ADVANCES OUT WEST

The Vancouver Whitecaps’ 5-0 trashing of the San Jose Earthquakes on Wednesday night in the knockout round of the playoffs did not escape the attention of Vanney.

TFC’s coach was especially impressed with the Whitecaps’ set-piece prowess against San Jose, led by towering defender Kendall Waston.

“I thought it was professional performance [by Vancouver]. In the run of play there wasn’t a whole lot in the first half for either team. But they’re extremely dangerous on set pieces. Kendall Waston is probably the most dangerous guy in the league in terms of getting on the end of [set pieces],” Vanney said.

[radioclip id=3685299]

BIELLO GETS THE AXE IN MONTREAL

One of Vanney’s managerial cohorts lost his job this week when the Montreal Impact fired coach Mauro Biello on Monday. The decision came after the Impact closed out the season by finishing ninth in the Eastern Conference following a 3-2 home loss to the New England Revolution on Sunday.

Biello has been with the club either as a player or coach since its inception in 1993. He took over coaching duties from Frank Klopas as on Aug. 30, 2015, and helped the Impact reach the Eastern Conference semifinals that year. The following season, Montreal made it to the Eastern Conference finals, losing to TFC in an epic playoff series.

This year, though, Montreal struggled, posting a 12-17-6 record and a meagre 39 points.

Vanney didn’t know Biello very well, but he has a great deal of respect for the Canadian coach.

“I feel for him as a fellow coach. I know he’s put his heart and soul into that club. He’s been there for a long time, so I feel for him and his family, and I wish him well,” Vanney said.

Biello was the team’s fourth coach in six MLS seasons.

Toronto FC supporters get an inside look into their favourite club every Monday night at 11 p.m. ET on Sportsnet 590 The FAN. It’s an all-access pass with co-hosts Brendan Dunlop and Thomas Michalakos as they interview the biggest names around the team and preview and review of every TFC match.

English FA ‘cultural review’ after team racism controversy

Sportsnet.ca
English FA ‘cultural review’ after team racism controversy
English FA ‘cultural review’ after team racism controversy

LONDON — The English Football Association says it will conduct a “full cultural review” to improve inclusivity after a racism scandal.

The governing body apologized last week after England women’s team players Eni Aluko and Drew Spence were found to be the target of racially offensive jokes by since-fired coach Mark Sampson.

FA chairman Greg Clarke says “this issue arose because we did not have the right whistleblowing or grievance procedures.”

Addressing an FA Council meeting, Clarke added “that is why we will conduct a full cultural review” at the base for England teams “with a focus on improving its inclusivity and our collective care for players.”

Clarke says “we have lost the trust of the public” and adds there is a need “to win back the trust of our country.”

Dan Quinn, former Jets HC candidate: 'Things worked out'

Football Rss
Dan Quinn, former Jets HC candidate: 'Things worked out'
Falcons coach Dan Quinn, former Jets HC candidate: ‘Things worked out as they should have.’

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Watch: Lewis Hamilton takes Usain Bolt for a high-octane lap of the US Grand Prix track

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Watch: Lewis Hamilton takes Usain Bolt for a high-octane lap of the US Grand Prix track
It’s fortunate swearing has been censored in this footage…

Cologne beats Hertha Berlin away in German Cup

Sportsnet.ca
Cologne beats Hertha Berlin away in German Cup
Cologne beats Hertha Berlin away in German Cup

BERLIN — Cologne briefly forgot about its league troubles with a 3-1 win at Hertha Berlin in the second round of the German Cup on Wednesday.

The visiting side scored as many goals through Simon Zoller, Dominic Maroh and Christian Clemens at Berlin’s Olympiastadion as it had in its entire league campaign to date.

Cologne, which parted company with Joerg Schmadtke as managing director on Monday, is bottom of the Bundesliga with seven defeats and two draws in nine games. It is also yet to win in the Europa League, yet finds itself in the third round of the German Cup after victories over Hertha and fifth-tier side Leher TS.

Wolfsburg defeated Hannover 1-0 at home to give Martin Schmidt his first win as coach after five draws in the league.

Stuttgart won 3-1 at second-division Kaiserslautern, and second-division Nuremberg won 3-2 at third-tier side Osnabrueck.

Bayern Munich was playing at Leipzig later Wednesday, when Werder Bremen faced Hoffenheim, and Freiburg was also in action.

Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes’ Rich List

Sport – The Standard
Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes’ Rich List

Cristiano Ronaldo is the richest sports personality in the world, according to the latest Forbes’ Rich List.

The post Cristiano Ronaldo tops the Forbes’ Rich List appeared first on The Standard.

Bravo left with mixed emotions after City cup heroics



Bravo was City's hero even before the shoot-out, making three vital stops to keep his side level.

The 34-year-old said: "When you have that type of game you attack so much you leave the spaces in behind.

"They had two fast players in attack and they created a lot of chances and a lot of danger to us and obviously they couldn't score luckily.

"But it's what we're used to doing and usually it works out but today was more difficult."

Bologna vs Lazio: Prediction

Lazio are coming on the back of some excellent form. Since dropping points against SPAL on opening day, the team won 10 of their 11 games in all competitions. Immobile’s scoring form is particularly impressive.

Meantime, Bologna are a fairly inconsistent team. Despite their respectable league position, the team failed to fare against teams that finished inside the top six last season. Another major problem is the lack of a regular goal scorer.

Chelsea vs Everton: Prediction

Both teams have plenty of flaws, but Chelsea are the better side on the back of quality players available in their ranks. So, there is no reason to look otherwise than going for a direct home win.

Everton managed to score just once in their last five visits to the Bridge. They are seen struggling to create enough chances this term. Therefore, I wouldn’t wonder if the Blues win this with a clean sheet.

Chelsea - Everton


Bologna - Lazio


Jones ready for Spurs showdown, says Mourinho



Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes defender Phil Jones will be ready to face Tottenham in Saturday's blockbuster Premier League clash.

Jones limped off with an apparent thigh injury in United's shock 2-1 defeat at newly-promoted Huddersfield Town last week but the Englishman was on the bench for Tuesday's 2-0 EFL Cup victory over Swansea City.

And Mourinho said Jones – who has not missed a Premier League match this season – is in line to take on visiting Spurs, who are level on points with second-placed United.

"It was quite comfortable and no injuries," said Mourinho. "So a good day for us.

"I think Jones will be [back] because, today [Tuesday], he was on the bench and he told me he will be ready in case I need him. So I believe he'll be even better for Saturday.

"Apart from that, I have no news and no hopes [for any other players]."

Zidane: I do not feel like the best coach in the world



Zinedine Zidane is getting the most out of his squad with his rotations but the extent of the changes for the Eibar game last weekend was still a surprise.

He started Nacho and Theo Hernandez on the wings with Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio also coming into the side following the Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotspur as Achraf, Marcelo, Toni Kroos and Benzema made way.

Five changes in total, including goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, as Zidane continued the policy of rotations that was so successful last year where 20 different players started matches. He has made 52 changes in the 15 matches this season since the European Super Cup against Manchester United, which is almost a rate of four changes from one game to the next.

Some of these changes, admittedly, have been forced by sanctions (Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos and Lucas Modric have suffered from them), and others by injuries (up to 11 footballers have missed more than one match). Despite this, Zidane has taken advantage of using his entire squad, creating a very competitive Real Madrid side.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

I missed you my friend - Ribery back on the ball in injury rehab



Franck Ribery was delighted to get a ball back at his feet on Tuesday as he continued his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

The Bayern Munich winger tore the lateral collateral ligament in his left knee during his side's 2-2 draw away to Hertha Berlin earlier this month and was expected to be out of action until 2018.

Ribery has since claimed he would be back before the mid-season break, and he appeared to be progressing positively on Tuesday.

The former France international posted a short clip on Twitter of him doing kick-ups, still wearing a knee brace, along with the message: "I missed you my friend #progress #comeback #work #MiaSanMia #fr7 @FCBayern."