English // marca
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
PSG’s Neymar has broken right foot and sprained ankle
Football – Inquirer Sports
PSG’s Neymar has broken right foot and sprained ankle
PARIS — Neymar is doubtful for Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League game against Real Madrid next week after tests showed he has a cracked fifth metatarsal in his right foot along with a sprained ankle. PSG revealed the extent of Neymar’s injured foot late Monday without saying how long he will be sidelined. But PSG faces […]
The post PSG’s Neymar has broken right foot and sprained ankle appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, February 25, 2018
Doping cases of two Russian athletes 'cast a serious shadow'
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Doping cases of two Russian athletes 'cast a serious shadow'
International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach has admitted the doping cases of two Russian athletes at the Winter Olympics "have cast a serious shadow".
Friday, February 23, 2018
Strasbourg and Montpellier draw in French league
Sportsnet.ca
Strasbourg and Montpellier draw in French league
STRASBOURG, France — Montpellier’s defence held out again in a 0-0 draw at Strasbourg in the French league on Friday.
Montpellier has the second best defence in the league, with only 21 goals conceded in 27 games, and was rarely threatened by a subdued home side.
Instead, Montpellier could have won the game but striker Giovanni Sio’s coolly taken lob in the 84th minute was ruled out for offside. Replays showed he was onside when he made his initial run.
Montpellier moved into fifth place while Strasbourg was 14th.
League leader Paris Saint-Germain hosts third-place Marseille on Sunday.
Officer dies of cardiac arrest after fan violence in Spain
Football – Inquirer Sports
Officer dies of cardiac arrest after fan violence in Spain
BILBAO, Spain — A Spanish riot police officer died of cardiac arrest after clashes involving Russian soccer fans before a Europa League match on Thursday between hosts Athletic Bilbao and Spartak Moscow, raising concerns less than four months before the World Cup in Russia. Basque Country authorities in northern Spain said the officer died in […]
The post Officer dies of cardiac arrest after fan violence in Spain appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, February 22, 2018
Jose Mourinho appears to take swipe at his Manchester United medical team after Ander Herrera suffers 'bad injury'
The Independent - Football
Jose Mourinho appears to take swipe at his Manchester United medical team after Ander Herrera suffers 'bad injury'
The Spanish midfielder had only just returned from injury when he was forced off in the 17th minute of the 0-0 draw with Sevilla, leaving Mourinho angry with his medical team
Wednesday, February 21, 2018
Toronto FC heats up in second half to win in Champions League return
Sportsnet.ca
Toronto FC heats up in second half to win in Champions League return
• CONCACAF Champions League – Colorado Rapids 0, Toronto FC 2 (Osorio 55’, Giovinco 73′)
GAME RECAP IN A SENTENCE
After a slow start on a frigid night in Colorado, TFC quickly heated up and scored a pair of well-worked goals in the second half to take firm control of this Round of 16, aggregate series ahead of next week’s second leg at BMO Field.
THE STORYAfter a six-year absence, Toronto made a triumphant return to the CONCACAF Champions League, overcoming some pre-season rust to earn a valuable win on the road in Colorado. Setting up in a diamond-shaped, 4-4-2 formation that brought success in last year’s MLS Cup final, TFC used nine of the same 11 players that featured in that championship game against Seattle. Nick Hagglund deputized for an injured Chris Mavinga in the middle of defence, while Brazilian youngster Auro made his TFC debut at right fullback.
Off-season signing Gregory van der Wiel was back home with his pregnant wife, and coach Greg Vanney could have played it safe by starting Nicolas Hasler on the right side of defence, a position he played several times last season. Instead, Vanney had no qualms about giving a start to Auro, who only joined Toronto a few weeks ago. The Brazilian repaid his coach’s faith by putting in a fantastic effort, as his attacking runs down the right unnerved Colorado for most of the match.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Park is a difficult place to play for visiting teams on an average night due to the altitude. This was not an average night, though. It was -13 C at kickoff. But the conditions didn’t slow down Reds, nor did it quell their ambitions. Vanney fielded his strongest team possible, and the Reds set out to dictate the pace of the match right from the opening kickoff.
Things didn’t come easily at first for the visitors. Colorado managed the game well in the opening 45 minutes, and TFC looked far too deliberate in trying to build out from the back. But Vanney’s side stuck with it and remained patient, before finally breaking the deadlock via a dangerous attacking sequence that ended with Jonathan Osorio scoring on a header off a perfectly-weighted cross to the back post from Sebastian Giovinco. If that stunned the Rapids, then Giovinco’s masterful finish from in close put them down for good. Another lively passing play ended with the Italian scoring with a swivel kick that goalkeeper Tim Howard had no chance of stopping.
With two road goals in their pocket, TFC effectively killed off this two-leg series – it’s hard to see the Rapids winning by three goals next Tuesday at BMO Field. Not only that, but you had the sense from watching the Reds on this night that they had much more to give, and are capable of hitting another gear in the return match.
https://twitter.com/CONCACAF/status/966178526142566403
KEY MOMENT55’ GOAL! Colorado Rapids 0, Toronto FC 1: The Reds carried the balance of play in the first half, but it was the Rapids who carved out the best scoring chances. Toronto reasserted itself after halftime, and took the lead thanks to Osorio. The Canadian floated a looping header past Colorado goalkeeper Tim Howard, who overcommitted himself on the cross from Giovinco. The Italian did very well to get to the end line and deliver the pass to the back post following some smart buildup play by TFC around the penalty area.
TALKING POINTWhat kind of debut did Auro make for TFC? An impressive one. It couldn’t have been easy for Auro to play in such conditions, and the cold weather probably served as a bit of a culture shock for him. But the young Brazilian defender showed no ill effects, as he immediately settled into the game by linking up with Giovinco to create an early scoring chance. His runs down the right flank provided width to Toronto’s play, and gave Giovinco another option to look for as the Italian orchestrated the attack. Auro has some Dani Alves in him. He can get up the field fairly quickly, but can run back just as fast to retake his defensive position. It’ll be interesting to see how Vanney plans to deploy him with van der Wiel expected to hold down the starting spot at the right fullback position, whether it’ll be as a backup to the Dutchman or higher up the field on the right side.
QUICK TAKEGiovinco scored one goal and set up another, and Auro was fantastic in his TFC debut. But the performance of Osorio on this night should not be overlooked. The Canadian is coming off a solid second half of the 2017 season which culminated with his stellar effort in the MLS Cup final, one of best games in a TFC uniform. Osorio’s game has matured and grown in the last year. He’s a more poised and balanced player, and we saw that on Tuesday night. He was firmly committed to his defensive responsibilities, while constantly looking to get involved in the attack and making himself available for teammates.
STANDOUT STAThttps://twitter.com/martyn_bailey/status/966166444294668288
MAN OF THE MATCHSebastian Giovinco, Toronto FC: The Italian was involved right from the start and all the way through the game, giving Colorado’s back line plenty to deal with for 90 minutes. He set up the opener by playing a perfect cross for Osorio to nod home, and then sealed the result for the Reds with an expertly-taken swivel finish after being left unmarked inside the box. He dropped deep to receive the ball and start attacking plays, and linked well with his attacking teammates, especially Auro. Honourable mentions for the award go to Osorio and Auro.
Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Toronto FC coach Vanney: We belong in CONCACAF Champions League
Sportsnet.ca
Toronto FC coach Vanney: We belong in CONCACAF Champions League
TORONTO – Although Greg Vanney didn’t take offence to the question, it did seem to startle him a little bit.
Toronto FC makes its return to the CONCACAF Champions League this week after a lengthy absence when it takes on the Colorado Rapids in the opening leg of the round of 16.
Tuesday night’s tilt at Dick’s Sporting Good Park marks TFC’s first CONCACAF Champions League appearance since 2012 when it bowed out in the group stage. Toronto reached the tournament semifinals the year before under Dutch coach Aron Winter. TFC was a train wreck under Winter, starting the 2012 MLS campaign with nine consecutive losses, and went on to finish last in the league as it failed to qualify for the playoffs for a sixth consecutive year.
Fast forward to the present day when TFC is the envy of MLS after a spectacular 2017 in which it won the MLS Cup, the Canadian Championship and the Supporters’ Shield, and set the record for most points in a single regular season. Now the Reds are set to compete in the Champions League. Not only will Toronto be representing MLS and fighting for the league’s pride, it will also see how it measures up against some of the best teams in CONCACAF.
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This backstory led one local reporter to recently ask Vanney if this is where the club belongs, with the elite clubs from across North and Central America, and the Caribbean?
TFC’s coach left no doubt with his answer.
“After last year and winning the Canadian Championship, and based on where we’ve been the last 18 months to two years, we belong in this event. Now it’s a chance to experience this and measure ourselves, but we’re very keen and aware that our goal is to try to win this championship,” Vanney said.
That’s easier said than done, though.
Only two MLS sides have ever reached the CONCACAF final (Real Salt Lake in 2011, Montreal Impact in 2015). Mexican teams have won the Champions League every year since the inaugural tournament in 2008-09, with seven of the nine finals being all-Mexico affairs.
Still, Toronto FC GM Tim Bezbatchenko believes the MLS champs can be competitive.
“From a talent perspective, I think 100 per cent we can compete [in the Champions League]. … We’re as equipped as any team ever in MLS [has been] to compete in CONCACAF and possibly win it, and that’s our goal,” Bezbatchenko said.
Club president Bill Manning acknowledges the difficult path ahead for TFC in the Champions League, but he’s also confident they can go on a run in the tournament.
“You had two [MLS] teams go to the final in the last six, seven years. Last year, Dallas and Vancouver both made it to the semifinals. I think we’re stronger than either one of those franchises a year ago. I think it’s there for us,” Manning said.
TFC will have to make do without a pair of defenders for Tuesday’s game. Chris Mavinga (minor injury) and Gregory van der Wiel (his wife is pregnant) did not travel with the team to Colorado. Van der Wiel signed with the club earlier this month and has yet to make his competitive debut for Toronto.
Van der Wiel is expected to be the Reds’ starting right fullback this season after free agent Steven Beitashour signed with LAFC in the off-season. With the Dutch international unavailable for Tuesday’s game, Brazilian Auro, another defender who recently joined the Reds via a loan deal from Brazilian club Sao Paulo, could start versus the Rapids.
If TFC is to go far in the Champions League and defend its MLS Cup title, it will have to rely on its depth like it did last year.
“With the addition of Gregory and Auro, we have two very good options in that [right fullback] spot. In a season where we’re going to play a lot of games and hopefully compete on a lot of different fronts our ability to have options and depth all over the field is going to be so important. Both Gregory and Auro have come in [here] in a very short period of time and established themselves in a good way,” Toronto captain Michael Bradley offered.
The return match in this aggregate series is slated for Feb. 27 at BMO Field.
NOTES: Toronto FC begins the 2018 MLS regular season on March 3 versus the Columbus Crew at BMO Field. It’s the first time in franchise history that the Reds will start a new MLS campaign at home… After enjoying a bye week, Toronto will then travel to Montreal to take on the Impact on March 17 in Week 3, before playing back-to-back home games against Real Salt Lake and D.C. United.
Sunday, February 18, 2018
James leaving Madrid was the best thing, says father
Soccerway.com
James leaving Madrid was the best thing, says father
Bayern Munich attacker James Rodriguez was right to leave Real Madrid, his dad said.
5 priorities for Giants in free agency and NFL draft
Football Rss
5 priorities for Giants in free agency and NFL draft
Here are the top five needs the Giants GM must address in these next few months, then, to get the franchise back on track.
Saturday, February 17, 2018
Thursday, February 15, 2018
UAAP football: Ateneo ekes out 2-1 win vs La Salle
Football – Inquirer Sports
UAAP football: Ateneo ekes out 2-1 win vs La Salle
Jarvey Gayoso scored a brace as defending champion Ateneo downed La Salle, 2-1, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The reigning MVP picked up the scoring in the second half, first putting the Blue Eagles ahead at the 50th minute before doubling the lead at the 66th minute […]
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Mane scores hat trick as Liverpool routs Porto, 5-0
Football – Inquirer Sports
Mane scores hat trick as Liverpool routs Porto, 5-0
PORTO, Portugal — Liverpool put one foot in the Champions League quarterfinals with a 5-0 away rout of Porto in the first leg of their last-16 match on Wednesday. Sadio Mane scored a hat trick and Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino provided the other two goals to give the Premier League side a huge advantage […]
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Tuesday, February 13, 2018
Zimbabwe heading in the right direction, says Taibu
Sport – The Standard
Zimbabwe heading in the right direction, says Taibu
As Zimbabwe warm-up for the upcoming World Cup Qualifiers at home with a bilateral series against Afghanistan in the UAE, former national team captain Tatenda Taibu, who retired in 2012 […]
The post Zimbabwe heading in the right direction, says Taibu appeared first on The Standard.
Monday, February 12, 2018
How did a hashtag get people talking about Chewbacca during Chelsea’s game against West Brom?
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
How did a hashtag get people talking about Chewbacca during Chelsea’s game against West Brom?
*Insert Chewbacca noise here*
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles: 'Manchester United's centre-halves didn't know what to do with the ball'
The Independent - Football
Newcastle captain Jamaal Lascelles: 'Manchester United's centre-halves didn't know what to do with the ball'
Manchester United seem to be mislaying their sense of purpose at just the moment it is most urgently required, and Newcastle took full advantage at St James' Park
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Friday, February 9, 2018
Let us be realistic
Sport – The Standard
Let us be realistic
Word that the Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have sent invitation letters for the Warriors to play the Teranga Lions of Senegal and the Pharaohs of Egypt on the Fifa dates […]
The post Let us be realistic appeared first on The Standard.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Alexis Sanchez smashes shirt sales record as United release financial figures
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Alexis Sanchez smashes shirt sales record as United release financial figures
Alexis Sanchez has made a quick impact off the field as well as on it, with the January signing breaking Manchester United's shirt sales and social media records.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Son of Villanova hoop announcer busted for Super Bowl celebration
Football Rss
Son of Villanova hoop announcer busted for Super Bowl celebration
The son of a Villanova basketball icon was arrested after apparently being caught on video flipping over a car.
Speculation around Antonio Conte's Chelsea future cools as players handed three-day break
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Speculation around Antonio Conte's Chelsea future cools as players handed three-day break
Chelsea feel a three-day break will help allow the players to return to training refreshed and ready tackle the challenges ahead under manager Antonio Conte.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Frigid Super Bowl raises questions about northern venues
Football – Inquirer Sports
Frigid Super Bowl raises questions about northern venues
MINNEAPOLIS — After years of planning and many millions in spending, there was one thing organizers of Super Bowl 52 couldn’t control — a Minnesota winter. The Philadelphia Eagles and New England Patriots played inside. But as fans were heading to U.S. Bank Stadium at noon Sunday, the temperature in Minneapolis was minus-2 degrees, with […]
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Sunday, February 4, 2018
Blatter hints at new evidence to challenge 6-year FIFA ban
Football – Inquirer Sports
Blatter hints at new evidence to challenge 6-year FIFA ban
GENEVA — Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter claims to have “new facts” and wants to re-open the financial misconduct case that led to his six-year ban. “As new facts have appeared it’s time to question the decision of the Fifa Ethics-Committee — my suspension of 6 years!” Blatter said Friday on his reactivated Twitter account. […]
The post Blatter hints at new evidence to challenge 6-year FIFA ban appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
French women demolish Ireland in stunning 24 point Six Nations victory
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
French women demolish Ireland in stunning 24 point Six Nations victory
The Ireland Women’s wait for a first Six Nations win on French soil goes on after les Bleues blitzed them for four tries in front of a 9,632-strong Toulouse crowd.
Friday, February 2, 2018
Second-half fightback from Ireland under-20s falls short as France take win
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Second-half fightback from Ireland under-20s falls short as France take win
A stirring second-half fightback from the Ireland Under-20s fell short as fortune favoured France in a 34-24 Six Nations win for the hosts in Bordeaux.
Thursday, February 1, 2018
Gabriel: Luis Suarez called me a cagon so I told him that he's the best in the world
English // marca
Gabriel: Luis Suarez called me a cagon so I told him that he's the best in the world
US pro wrestler Anthony Bowens: I had body dysmorphia
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
US pro wrestler Anthony Bowens: I had body dysmorphia
The US athlete came out as bisexual last year.