Sunday, September 30, 2018

Bale's injury, the best alternative Lopetegui has found

English // marca
Bale's injury, the best alternative Lopetegui has found
Bale's injury, the best alternative Lopetegui has found

Saturday, September 29, 2018

‘Not about football anymore’: Indonesia hit by hooligan violence

Football – Inquirer Sports
‘Not about football anymore’: Indonesia hit by hooligan violence
'Not about football anymore': Indonesia hit by hooligan violence

From deadly fan beatings to teams being transported to matches in armored personnel carriers, Indonesia is fast gaining a reputation as Asia’s most violent football nation. Last weekend 23-year-old Persija Jakarta fan Haringga Sirla was clubbed to death by supporters of arch-rival Persib Bandung. His murder once again highlighted the Southeast Asian country’s decades-long struggle […]

The post ‘Not about football anymore’: Indonesia hit by hooligan violence appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban

Sport – The Standard
Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban

Kirsty Coventry, chairperson of the International Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, yesterday said she supported the lifting of the ban on Russia’s anti-doping agency, Rusada, despite widespread dismay over this week’s […]

The post Coventry supports lifting of Russia dopping ban appeared first on The Standard.

Thursday, September 27, 2018

Justin Thomas expects nerves to hit when Ryder Cup gets underway

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Justin Thomas expects nerves to hit when Ryder Cup gets underway
The 25-year-old is one of three newcomers to the American side.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Derby County dump Manchester United out of Carabao Cup

English // marca
Derby County dump Manchester United out of Carabao Cup
Derby County dump Manchester United out of Carabao Cup

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Messi will miss Argentina friendly vs Brazil in October

Sportsnet.ca
Messi will miss Argentina friendly vs Brazil in October
Messi will miss Argentina friendly vs Brazil in October

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi will miss Argentina’s friendly against Brazil on Oct. 16 in Saudi Arabia.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said on Monday that Messi will not be called for the brief tour. He will also miss the other friendly in Saudi against Iraq on Oct. 11.

Scaloni, the interim national coach until January, said Argentina was focusing on blooding younger players.

Messi has made no public comments about his decision to be left out of the Argentina squad, which he hasn’t played for since the World Cup.

Messi was also absent from Argentina’s two-match tour of the United States this month.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Cristiano Ronaldo's 'stronger mentality' praised by Massimiliano Allegri after hard-fought Juventus win over Frosinone

The Independent - Football
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'stronger mentality' praised by Massimiliano Allegri after hard-fought Juventus win over Frosinone
Cristiano Ronaldo's 'stronger mentality' praised by Massimiliano Allegri after hard-fought Juventus win over Frosinone
The Portuguese superstar scored the decisive opening goal for his side in the 81st minute

Sunday, September 23, 2018

Micheal Azira helps Impact to draw with New York City FC

Sportsnet.ca
Micheal Azira helps Impact to draw with New York City FC
Micheal Azira helps Impact to draw with New York City FC

MONTREAL — Saturday’s draw between the Montreal Impact and New York City FC didn’t sit well with either team considering what was on the line.

Midfielder Micheal Azira scored a game-tying goal in the 27th minute as the Impact held on for a 1-1 draw against New York City FC on Saturday.

Montreal (12-14-4) defender Rudy Camacho gave the visitors an early lead when he scored an own goal. But the Impact tied the game 10 minutes later, thanks to a strike from Azira.

Impact goalkeeper Evan Bush couldn’t keep a clean sheet, but was crucial for the home side with four saves.

Despite earning a point against a top Eastern Conference team, Impact manager Remi Garde says his players were "disappointed" with the result after the match.

"I think it’s a fair result," Garde said. "We had chances in the second half but I don’t think we played well enough to say that we should have won that game."

"Everyone wanted to win and we didn’t win," Impact defender Daniel Lovitz said. "I think we generally weren’t happy with not winning against a team like that. (NYCFC’s) been a team that’s been at the top of the East since as long as we can remember."

Even Azira, who "felt good" after scoring against NYCFC, couldn’t help but lament the lost points against a potential Eastern Conference playoff opponent.

"We will take a point," Azira said. "But when you’re playing at home it’s always good to get three points. Tonight, we wanted to get a clean sheet. That didn’t happen but at least we got a point. We stay in the race for the playoffs so we have to keep on pushing,"

In the visitors’ locker room, NYCFC felt they left points on the table.

"It was an important point, but what we’ve been missing in the last games is a win," NYCFC’s Jo Inge Berget said. "It was a good game and we got a good point, but still we didn’t get the win that we came here for."

The Impact remain in sixth place in Major League Soccer’s Eastern Conference. Montreal is five points ahead of seventh-place D.C United, who have two games in hand. The Impact have picked up points in four of their last five matches, but still need all the points they can get to maintain their hold on the final playoff spot in the East.

Meanwhile, New York City FC (14-8-8) is third in the conference and needed a win to clinch a playoff berth for a third straight season. NYCFC is winless in their last six matches, with their last win coming Aug. 12 against Toronto FC.

The visitors struck first in the 17th minute. Camacho challenged NYCFC’s Jo Inge Berget for a ball that was crossed into the box by Ben Sweat. The Frenchman was first to the ball, but he directed it into his own goal.

Impact leading goal scorer Ignacio Piatti was a catalyst of sorts for his team’s attack for most of the contest. In the 22nd minute, he dribbled the ball outside the penalty area before firing and looping a ball just over the bar.

Piatti, once again, drove the offence on another missed chance moments later. He sent a long ball to winger Alejandro Silva, who then lobbed the ball to striker Quincy Amarikwa. However, the former San Jose Earthquake forward headed it wide of the goal.

Montreal’s equalizer would come in the 27th minute as the result of a give-and-go play between Piatti and Azira. Azira passed the ball to Piatti, who then backheeled the ball back to the midfielder. Azira then fired the ball off NYCFC’s Alexander Callens before it entered the back of the net.

Both teams had their chances in the second half to emerge victorious, but the Impact were slightly more dangerous.

Silva had a chance to give Montreal the lead in the 83rd minute when he raced past the NYCFC defence and fired a shot into the chest of NYCFC ‘keeper Sean Johnson. Moments later, Piatti ran down the left side wing and fired a chance over the bar. The Argentinian had five shots in the game. Matteo Mancosu also had a chance in the 87th, before his goal was called back offside.

Montreal will next play a road match against D.C. United on Saturday, Sept. 29. NYCFC will host the Chicago Fire on Sept. 26.

NOTES: A sell-out crowd of 20,801 fans were in attendance Saturday…Micheal Azira’s goal was his first in an Impact uniform since joining the team Aug. 8.

Saturday, September 22, 2018

Impact coach warns against complacency as team makes playoff push

Sportsnet.ca
Impact coach warns against complacency as team makes playoff push
Impact coach warns against complacency as team makes playoff push

MONTREAL — As the Montreal Impact drive toward the Major Soccer League playoffs, coach Remi Garde has sent a clear message to his players — don’t let confidence turn into complacency.

Winners of two in a row, the Montreal Impact are feeling positive heading into the final five games of the season, starting Saturday against New York City FC.

Montreal (12-14-3) is holding on to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, four points clear of seventh-place D.C. United, who have a game in hand.

"We have to be careful about all the good stuff that’s being said about us," said Garde after training on Thursday. "We know we can be a good team, but we can also be an average team if we are not focused on what we have to do.

"Right now we’re getting a lot of praise. Probably too much. Yes, the team has improved a lot this year. But in this league, praise is useless when a couple of bad results can change everything.

"We’re comfortable but we have to keep looking forward."

The Impact are coming off a pair of convincing wins. Three weeks ago, Garde’s men defeated the then league-leading New York Red Bulls 3-0. They followed that up with a rare away victory — 4-1 in Philadelphia last week.

Montreal has won three of its last four games, and has only lost once in its last six (3-1-2).

Recent signing Bacary Sagna echoed his coach’s reserved enthusiasm.

"It’s important to be humble," said the French right back. "That’s what allowed us to win in Philadelphia. Even with all the accolades after the match against the New York Red Bulls, we managed to stay concentrated and kept working hard. That was the difference.

"We know we have to keep winning if we hope to make the playoffs. Winning has given us confidence."

The Impact’s attention turns to New York City FC (14-8-7) as they descend on Saputo Stadium for the first time this season. City is third in the East with 49 points but they’ve been struggling these last two months.

They’re winless in their last five matches (0-3-2), scoring just three goals over that stretch. It’s their longest winless run in MLS since the start of the 2016 season, when they went 0-3-4.

New York City has also only won once in its last eight games.

That should be welcome news for the Impact, but forward Quincy Amarikwa doesn’t see it that way. The former San Jose Earthquakes player, who joined Montreal last month, says paying attention to the opponent is simply a distraction.

"At this point of the year, the focus has to be on us," said Amarikwa, who scored his first goal with his new club last week. "Everything else is noise. The teams who understand that at this moment are the ones who come together and do things that others may think aren’t possible.

"I don’t care what anyone else is doing. I just care if we’re setting ourselves up for success, which I think we are."

Montreal will be looking to exact some revenge on a New York City squad that won 3-0 the last time these two teams met on July 11 at Yankee Stadium. The home side scored three second-half goals to stump the Impact.

"We’ve improved offensively," said Garde, looking back on that game. "We weren’t able to get close to their goal. We’re a bit more confident now and we’re riding momentum that could help us to give our best against a very good team."

——

NEW YORK CITY FC (14-8-7) AT MONTREAL IMPACT (12-14-3)

Saturday, Saputo Stadium

Familiar face: Current New York City FC coach Domenec Torrent knows Montreal’s Bacary Sagna’s well. Torrent was Sagna’s assistant coach at Manchester City from 2016 to 2018.

Success at Saputo: New York is 3-0-0 all-time on the road in Montreal.

Well rested: New York will have some fresh legs as the team is coming off a two-week hiatus. Their last game was on Sept. 8 — a 1-1 draw against D.C. United.

Clinching scenario: A victory would clinch a playoff spot for New York City FC.

Troubles on the road: NYCFC is 1-3-0 away from home in their last four games. They’ve only won four games away from Yankee Stadium this season.

Friday, September 21, 2018

Unai Emery's toughest Europa League test is convincing Arsenal fans to take it as seriously as he does

The Independent - Football
Unai Emery's toughest Europa League test is convincing Arsenal fans to take it as seriously as he does
Unai Emery's toughest Europa League test is convincing Arsenal fans to take it as seriously as he does
Tickets for the visit of the mighty Vorskla Poltava were available for a smidge over £15, about the cost of a flat white and single bus ride in the capital, but that still wasn't cheap enough for some

Thursday, September 20, 2018

UEFA waiting to receive referee’s report before deciding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fate

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
UEFA waiting to receive referee’s report before deciding Cristiano Ronaldo’s fate
Ronaldo will definitely miss Juve’s Champions League match against Young Boys next month.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Help, in time: Saving distressed New Yorkers from themselves can't just fall on the NYPD

Football - New York Daily News
Help, in time: Saving distressed New Yorkers from themselves can't just fall on the NYPD

Again, a New Yorker in emotional distress lies dead with NYPD bullets in her body.

Again, questions burn about how responding officers handled a threatening situation, concerning the 50 seconds it took for Susan Muller to pull out a knife, lunge at police and then fall to a fusillade in her Maspeth,...

Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Ever controversial, Maradona makes winning debut in Mexico

Football – Inquirer Sports
Ever controversial, Maradona makes winning debut in Mexico
Ever controversial, Maradona makes winning debut in Mexico

Controversial and combative as ever, Diego Maradona made his Mexican coaching debut Monday with a 4-1 win for his new club, the second-division side Dorados. It could hardly have been otherwise in the country that saw the Argentine legend score his infamous “hand of God” goal as he led his country to the 1986 World […]

The post Ever controversial, Maradona makes winning debut in Mexico appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, September 17, 2018

Ngezi catch them young

Sport – The Standard
Ngezi catch them young

One of Zimbabwe’s leading platinum miners, Zimplats, and the sponsors of Premiership football side Ngezi Platinum Stars continue to give back to the Mhondoro community after hosting yet another successful […]

The post Ngezi catch them young appeared first on The Standard.

Sunday, September 16, 2018

Dublin star McEvoy: 'I definitely would never swap a Dublin jersey'

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Dublin star McEvoy: 'I definitely would never swap a Dublin jersey'
Dublin star McEvoy: 'I definitely would never swap a Dublin jersey'
Forget tradition: Dublin’s forward Niamh McEvoy will not be exchanging shirts with her opposite number after today’s TG4 All-Ireland senior final.

Saturday, September 15, 2018

Aaron Judge returns (but only in the outfield), injecting some energy and optimism into this sluggish Yankee club

Football - New York Daily News
Aaron Judge returns (but only in the outfield), injecting some energy and optimism into this sluggish Yankee club

Aaron Judge had a case of nerves. As the Yankee slugger ran out to right field in the top of the eighth inning Friday night, the crowd at Yankee Stadium erupted, rejoicing that their star player was back in a game for the first time since fracturing his right wrist in a game here on July 26.

“It...

Friday, September 14, 2018

Manchester City announces record revenues of $655M

Sportsnet.ca
Manchester City announces record revenues of $655M
Manchester City announces record revenues of $655M

MANCHESTER, England — Manchester City generated a club-record 500.5 million pounds ($655 million) as it won the Premier League by amassing an unprecedented 100 points.

The annual report for the 2017-18 financial year was released Thursday showing the Abu Dhabi-owned club made a profit of 10.4 million pounds.

Live stream weekly matchups from around the Premier League with Sportsnet NOW. Get access to the Premier League, FA Cup, Bundesliga, Scottish Premiership and more.

City’s revenue has increased 44 per cent in five years, fueled by the rise in value of television rights, progress in the Champions League and more lucrative sponsorship deals.

Commercial deals are the biggest source of revenue, generating 232.3 million pounds in the year to June 30.

Four of City’s nine global sponsors are Abu Dhabi companies. Sheikh Mansour, a member of Abu Dhabi’s royal family and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, bought City 10 years ago.

Thursday, September 13, 2018

England manager Gareth Southgate warns fringe players over lack of playing time for clubs

The Independent - Football
England manager Gareth Southgate warns fringe players over lack of playing time for clubs
England manager Gareth Southgate warns fringe players over lack of playing time for clubs
Speaking after England's 1-0 win over Switzerland on Tuesday night, Southgate admitted that picking players out of favour at club level was not ideal and ultimately not sustainable

Wednesday, September 12, 2018

Neymar gets goal, yellow card for diving as Brazil romps 5-0

Football – Inquirer Sports
Neymar gets goal, yellow card for diving as Brazil romps 5-0
Neymar gets goal, yellow card for diving as Brazil romps 5-0

LANDOVER, Md. — Neymar earned a yellow card for yet another dive. He had already converted a penalty kick and assisted on two goals when he took on defender Bryan Tamacas in the 44th minute of Brazil’s 5-0 rout of El Salvador on Tuesday night. With a slight touch with his right foot, Neymar pushed […]

The post Neymar gets goal, yellow card for diving as Brazil romps 5-0 appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

Football rumours from the media

Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Football rumours from the media
Tottenham could have eyes on Ben Chilwell during his first call-up for Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Monday, September 10, 2018

Makelele backs Sarri to make history at Chelsea

Soccerway.com
Makelele backs Sarri to make history at Chelsea
Claude Makelele – a two-time Premier League winner with Chelsea – is expecting big things from head coach Maurizio Sarri.

Sunday, September 9, 2018

Luke Shaw in 'fairly comfortable' condition after horror collision, says Gareth Southgate

The Independent - Football
Luke Shaw in 'fairly comfortable' condition after horror collision, says Gareth Southgate
Luke Shaw in 'fairly comfortable' condition after horror collision, says Gareth Southgate
The Manchester United star's injury overshadowed what had been a somewhat chastening night for Southgate's side

Saturday, September 8, 2018

Michy Batshuayi scores twice as Belgium hammer Scotland

The Independent - Football
Michy Batshuayi scores twice as Belgium hammer Scotland
Michy Batshuayi scores twice as Belgium hammer Scotland
Scotland 0-4 Belgium: The Scots were condemned to their heaviest home defeat since 1973

Friday, September 7, 2018

Real Madrid revenue reaches 750 million euros, up 11 percent

Football – Inquirer Sports
Real Madrid revenue reaches 750 million euros, up 11 percent
Real Madrid revenue reaches 750 million euros, up 11 percent

MADRID — Real Madrid says its operating revenue for 2017-2018 reached 750.9 million ($871 million), 11 percent more than the previous year. The figure, which doesn’t include gains from the transfers of players, represents an increase of more than 76 million euros ($88 million), the largest rise for the club in a financial year since […]

The post Real Madrid revenue reaches 750 million euros, up 11 percent appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Thursday, September 6, 2018

Draxler denies contact with Bayern and sees no reason to leave PSG

Soccerway.com
Draxler denies contact with Bayern and sees no reason to leave PSG
Julian Draxler has been tipped to join Bayern Munich next year, but the winger insists he has no plans to leave Paris Saint-Germain.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up

Sport – The Standard
Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up

TAPUWA Kapini will go down in history as one of Zimbabwe’s most eccentric and colourful goalkeepers of his generation, but the former Highlanders shot-stopper wants to be remembered for something […]

The post Kapini still dreams of Warriors call-up appeared first on The Standard.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Ronaldo, Salah, Modric make FIFA shortlist, Messi doesn’t

Football – Inquirer Sports
Ronaldo, Salah, Modric make FIFA shortlist, Messi doesn’t
Ronaldo, Salah, Modric make FIFA shortlist, Messi doesn't

LONDON — Lionel Messi failed to make the world player of the year shortlist Monday for the first time since 2006, with Luka Modric and Mohamed Salah making their first appearance in the final three alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Messi and Ronaldo have been the only winners of world soccer’s main individual award from FIFA since […]

The post Ronaldo, Salah, Modric make FIFA shortlist, Messi doesn’t appeared first on Inquirer Sports.

Monday, September 3, 2018

Fabinho progress satisfies Liverpool boss Klopp

Soccerway.com
Fabinho progress satisfies Liverpool boss Klopp
Fabinho is yet to make his first competitive appearance for Liverpool, but Jurgen Klopp has no doubt he will be involved soon.

Sunday, September 2, 2018

Past suffering, a new mentality and team togetherness: Eric Dier explains why there is more to Spurs' winning start

The Independent - Football
Past suffering, a new mentality and team togetherness: Eric Dier explains why there is more to Spurs' winning start
Past suffering, a new mentality and team togetherness: Eric Dier explains why there is more to Spurs' winning start
Tottenham usually start slowly but have won their first three Premier League games despite making no new additions to the squad over the summer

Saturday, September 1, 2018

Bolt taking inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo after debut

Soccerway.com
Bolt taking inspiration from Cristiano Ronaldo after debut
Usain Bolt, 32, is using Cristiano Ronaldo as inspiration as he attempts to fulfil his dream of becoming a professional footballer.