Premier League weekend
Sportsnet.ca
Saturday, November 24, 2018
Azkals shoot for semifinal slot in Jakarta
Football – Inquirer Sports
Azkals shoot for semifinal slot in Jakarta
Their confidence boosted by a huge result over reigning champion Thailand, the Philippine Azkals look to exorcise the ghosts of past failures
The post Azkals shoot for semifinal slot in Jakarta appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Friday, November 23, 2018
N’Golo Kante commits long-term future to Chelsea
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
N’Golo Kante commits long-term future to Chelsea
The France midfielder has been ever-present for the Blues this season.
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Mick McCarthy to be offered Ireland job - reports
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Mick McCarthy to be offered Ireland job - reports
It is being reported that Mick McCarthy will take over as Republic of Ireland manager for the second time.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
'Compared to the set-up I have at Wolves, you could class it as old school'
The42
'Compared to the set-up I have at Wolves, you could class it as old school'
Matt Doherty was speaking about Martin O’Neill’s reign tonight.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Deschamps praises Griezmann for Giroud gesture
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Deschamps praises Griezmann for Giroud gesture
France coach Didier Deschamps praised Antoine Griezmann after the forward let Olivier Giroud take his team's penalty against Uruguay on Tuesday.
Giroud converted a 52nd-minute penalty to give the World Cup champions a 1-0 friendly win at the Stade de France.
That the Chelsea striker took the spot-kick was a surprise and Deschamps lauded Griezmann for the gesture.
"Antoine is, I was about to say too kind, but not here. He has such amazing team spirit, it's exceptional," Deschamps told a news conference.
"He is always working for the team, and even in a difficult game like on Friday against Netherlands, he tried so hard, he gave all he could.
A solid showing from Les Bleus to overcome a tough opponent. Well played, boys! #FRAURU #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/NLpFtwmopp
— French Team (@FrenchTeam) November 20, 2018
"We had a situation where he wanted to help Olivier. This gesture shows the wonderful spirit and the sense of teamwork we have at the moment within the group."
While it was Giroud's fourth international goal of the year, he has struggled for Chelsea this season.
The 32-year-old has scored just once in 12 games, including not yet netting in nine Premier League matches.
Football rumours from the media
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Football rumours from the media
Jovic, Soares and Sala all make the headlines on Tuesday.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Hutchinson seals win for Canada in Concacaf Nations League qualifying
Sportsnet.ca
Hutchinson seals win for Canada in Concacaf Nations League qualifying
BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts And Nevis — Captain Atiba Hutchinson’s goal late in the first half lifted Canada to a 1-0 victory over St. Kitts & Nevis on Sunday in CONCACAF Nations League qualifying play.
The win was the fourth straight for coach John Herdman since he took over the Canadian men in January. His team has outscored the opposition 15-0 in the process.
As expected, the well-organized Sugar Boys proved to be a tougher test than the U.S. Virgin Island and Dominica, whom the Canadians dispatched by a combined score of 13-0 in their two previous matches.
Canada, ranked 76th in the world compared to No. 133 for St. Kitts, had more chances as the game wore on at Warner Park but could not breach the St. Kitts defence. Substitute Jonathan David hit the woodwork in stoppage time.
Canada, which came into the third round in third spot in the standings, joined Haiti, Cuba and Jamaica with three wins and nine points in the qualifying table. Haiti leads with a plus-16 goals difference with Canada and Cuba tied at plus-14.
The four-game qualifying round sets the stage for a three-tier competition, complete with promotion and relegation, that kicks off in the fall of 2019 in the confederation covering North and Central America and the Caribbean.
Canada is on track to finish in the top six, which would qualify it for the top tier of CONCACAF Nations League play next year as well as the Gold Cup (the top 10 nations in qualifying play make the CONCACAF Gold Cup field).
Hutchinson scored in the 44th minute, heading in a fine Russell Teibert cross from the left flank. The Canadian captain rose above defender Raheem Somersall for his seventh goal in his 80th appearance for Canada.
The 35-year-old Hutchinson pointed to Teibert after the goal to give credit to the Vancouver Whitecap midfielder for his accurate delivery.
It was his first goal for Canada since September 2015 when he scored in a 3-0 World Cup qualifying win over Belize.
Canadian goalkeeper Milan Borjan had a quiet night. But at the other end St. Kitts proved to be a well-organized side tough to break down.
Herdman started Mexico-based striker Lucas Cavallini up front in a starting 11 that included teenagers Alphonso Davies (18) and Ballou Tabla and Zachary Brault-Guillard (both 19).
David, an 18-year-old forward, came on in the 66th minute for Tabla while Liam Millar, a 19-year-old midfielder, replaced Junior Hoilett the 71st minute.
Forward Cyle Larin, who plays for Beskitas in Turkey alongside Hutchinson, was Herdman’s final substitution as he threw more offence on the field.
St. Kitts started well and Omari Sterling put a weak shot on goalkeeper Milan Borjan but Canada began to take control as the first half wore on with Davies and Hoilett beginning to make inroads from the wings.
Davies shot high from a free kick 25 yards out in front of the goal.
Cavallini, who plays for Puebla FC, had a good chance in the 54th minute but his shot hit a defender. Hutchinson came close to getting his second off the ensuing corner but goalkeeper Julani Archibald somehow got a piece of his body in front of the ball before it crossed the goal-line.
Teibert looked to play provider again in the 73nd minute but Cavallini could not keep his header down from the cross.
Archibald was called into action again in the 85th minute, going down low to coral a powerful shot from Davies. Seconds later, Borjan comfortably saved a shot from substitute Kennedy Isles.
Archibald had to be acrobatic in stoppage time to deny Davies again, this time from a wicked curling shot.
Canada had 59 per cent possession and outshot St. Kitts 11-5 (3-2 on target).
The Canadians played to a 0-0 draw with St. Kitts in their only previous visit to the Caribbean country, in November 2011 in a World Cup qualifying series. The Canadians won 4-0 at home four days late in Toronto.
Jacques Passy, the Mexican who took over as St. Kitts coach in 2015, has recruited from around the globe, bringing in players with the right bloodlines. Several ply their trade in England’s lower leagues including midfielder Romain Sawyers who plays for Brentford FC in the second-tier Championship.
Three Canadians started on the bench for St. Kitts: Justin Springer of Guelph, Ont., Alain Sargeant of Toronto and Nile Walwyn of Mississauga, Ont.
The Canadian men opened their CONCACAF Nations League qualifying play by drubbing the U.S. Virgin Islands 8-0 and Dominica 5-0. St. Kitts downed Puerto Rico 1-0 and Saint Martin 10-0.
Canada finishes the round in March at home to French Guiana, which is unranked because it is not a member of FIFA.
The Sugar Boys are hoping to finish in the top 10 of the qualifying round, which would qualify them for the CONCACAF Gold Cup for the first time.
Anthony Johnson, president of the St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association, called Sunday’s game "the most important match in the history of St. Kitts Nevis football."
The six teams that made it to the final round of the most recent World Cup qualifying in the region — Mexico (No. 16), the U.S. (23), Costa Rica (37), Honduras (62), Panama (70), and Trinidad & Tobago (93) — are bypassing the qualifying portion and will go straight into the top tier of the Nations League.
Sunday, November 18, 2018
Saturday, November 17, 2018
Loew says Germany must accept 'painful' Nations League relegation
The42
Loew says Germany must accept 'painful' Nations League relegation
The Netherlands’ 2-0 win over world champions France in Rotterdam ensured that the 2014 World Cup winners will slip into League B.
Friday, November 16, 2018
Thursday, November 15, 2018
English Premier League to introduce video review next season
Sportsnet.ca
English Premier League to introduce video review next season
LONDON — Video review is set to debut in the English Premier League next season.
The competition has held off introducing video assistant referees, even as it has been used in other top leagues, including Spain, and by FIFA at the World Cup.
The Premier League’s 20 clubs decided to introduce VAR at a meeting on Thursday, pending approval from soccer’s lawmakers.
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Earlier Thursday, Asian Cup organizers said VAR would be used at the Jan. 5-Feb. 1 tournament starting in the quarterfinals. Referees will be able to assess replays in seven games in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Huitema lifts Canada over Colombia at U-17 Women’s World Cup
Sportsnet.ca
Huitema lifts Canada over Colombia at U-17 Women’s World Cup
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Captain Jordyn Huitema opened scoring in the 77th minute as Canada surged to a 3-0 win over Colombia on Wednesday to open up the women’s under-17 World Cup.
Andersen Williams and Jessica De Filippoboth scored from close range in the few minutes of play as Canada overcame a slow start.
“Any FIFA World Cup match, a first one specifically, you’re going to see some nerves and some anxiety just to get the tournament going,” said head coach Rhian Wilkinson “We definitely started slower than we’d like but they built into the game and the confidence kept going. I was really proud of the girls.”
Both sides struggled to find any attacking rhythm in the first half, but the match came to life in the second half.
Midfielder Caitlin Shaw’s strike off the crossbar early in the second half was indication that the Canadians were starting to find their groove.
She then set up Huitema off a set piece, whipping in a corner kick to find the head of Canada’s captain in the penalty area. The towering forward rose above her markers to finish from close range past Lugo.
“The build-up was incredible, and the corner was drawn from an amazing play and opportunity,” said Huitema of the opening goal. “Shaw put in a great ball and I just had to get on the end of it.”
The Canadians next play on Saturday when they take on South Korea.
Marko Arnautovic says he's ready to leave West Ham to challenge himself against 'the best players'
The Independent - Football
Marko Arnautovic says he's ready to leave West Ham to challenge himself against 'the best players'
The Austrian believes 29 is 'the best age' for him to move on and his brother and agent says a January transfer is 'possible'
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
5 talking points ahead of Ireland v Northern Ireland
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
5 talking points ahead of Ireland v Northern Ireland
The clash with Michael O’Neill’s side will serve in part as preparation for Monday night’s concluding Nations League B, Group 4 trip to Denmark.
Monday, November 12, 2018
Casemiro and Fernandez added to Real Madrid’s injury list
Sportsnet.ca
Casemiro and Fernandez added to Real Madrid’s injury list
MADRID — Midfielder Casemiro and defender Nacho Fernandez are the latest injury setbacks for Real Madrid.
Both players were injured on Sunday in the 4-2 win at Celta Vigo in the Spanish league.
Casemiro left the match in the first half with a sprained right ankle, and Fernandez was substituted in the second with a dislocated ligament in his right knee.
The club did not say how long they will be out.
Coach Santiago Solari was already without left back Marcelo, right back Dani Carvajal, and defenders Raphael Varane and Jesus Vallejo.
Madrid’s next match after the international break is on Nov. 24 at Eibar in the Spanish league.
Sunday, November 11, 2018
Inspired Etheridge leaves cardiff on winning note; Patiño out
Football – Inquirer Sports
Inspired Etheridge leaves cardiff on winning note; Patiño out
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge left for international duty on a winning note for Cardiff City FC.
The post Inspired Etheridge leaves cardiff on winning note; Patiño out appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Saturday, November 10, 2018
Ronaldo puts positive spin on Juventus’ 1st loss of season
Football – Inquirer Sports
Ronaldo puts positive spin on Juventus’ 1st loss of season
MILAN — Cristiano Ronaldo put a positive spin on his team’s first loss of the season. The Juventus forward, who has been playing and scoring regularly despite facing a rape allegation in the United States, gave his team the lead but they still lost to Manchester United 2-1 in the Champions League. Juventus had won […]
The post Ronaldo puts positive spin on Juventus’ 1st loss of season appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
'Manchester derby winner was the biggest moment of my career' - Rashford eager to star again against Man City
The42
'Manchester derby winner was the biggest moment of my career' - Rashford eager to star again against Man City
Numerous team honours do not compare to the delight of scoring the winner in the Manchester derby, according to Marcus Rashford.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Roscommon set to name new senior football manager tonight
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Roscommon set to name new senior football manager tonight
Roscommon have been without a manager since Kevin McStay stepped down in September, while preferred candidate Aidan O'Rourke turned the job down last month.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Arsenal held by Sporting in Europe but progress as Welbeck suffers serious-looking injury
The42
Arsenal held by Sporting in Europe but progress as Welbeck suffers serious-looking injury
The Gunners were held to a 0-0 draw by Sporting Lisbon at the Emirates.
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Man Utd's inability to perform for 90 minutes baffles Giggs
The42
Man Utd's inability to perform for 90 minutes baffles Giggs
The Old Trafford legend claims to have seen signs of encouragement from Jose Mourinho’s side, but admits that there is still room for improvement.
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Leicester City helicopter crash victims had 'minimal opportunity' to escape, inquest hears
The42
Leicester City helicopter crash victims had 'minimal opportunity' to escape, inquest hears
Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha was one of the five people who died in the helicopter crash at King Power Stadium.
Monday, November 5, 2018
Xherdan Shaqiri: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists winger's safety was not at risk
The Independent - Football
Xherdan Shaqiri: Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insists winger's safety was not at risk
Shaqiri has not travelled to Belgrade following his controversial celebration against Serbia at the World Cup
Sunday, November 4, 2018
Lucas Torreira’s importance to Arsenal summed up in incredible 16-second cameo
Dream Team FC
Lucas Torreira’s importance to Arsenal summed up in incredible 16-second cameo
It’s quite difficult for a defensive midfielder to make £25m look like a steal.
But that’s what Lucas Torreira is doing at Arsenal.
After slowly being introduced to the English game by Unai Emery, the diminutive Uruguayan is now a mainstay of the Gunners midfield.
Reuters Crunch[/caption]
And in the pulsating, breathless draw against Liverpool Torreira showed his importance to his new side in a brilliant 16-second cameo.
He barely put a foot wrong during the 90 minutes anyway but this was his personal highlight, taking on Mo Salah and Sadio Mane and bossing them both.
Wins the ball back from Salah. We lose possession, wins the ball back again from Mane. Lucas Torreira 
#AFC pic.twitter.com/JnNpY46est
— Gunners.com (@Gunnersc0m) November 4, 2018
The Egyptian was his first victim, producing a perfectly timed sliding tackle to dispossess him.
But when Arsenal squandered possession again straight away, Torreira was on hand again to save them.
Mane collected the loose ball but found the Arsenal midfielder in his way, who shrugged him off the ball to diffuse yet another Liverpool attack.
Getty - Contributor Bossing his opposite number[/caption]
Torreira and Granit Xhaka were exemplary throughout the contest, constantly winning the ball back and limiting the influence of Roberto Firmino.
Considering how much Fabinho struggled, Torreira really stood up to the challenge.
READ MORE:
Wayne Rooney’s England recall is the perfect send off for a legend It’s four years since Liverpool named this atrocious team to play Real Madrid The death of the number 10: is football’s most iconic position in danger of dying out? WATCH: LOVE OF THE GAME – EPISODE 2
Man City’s threats to UEFA revealed in leaked documents
Football – Inquirer Sports
Man City’s threats to UEFA revealed in leaked documents
LONDON — Manchester City threatened to destroy UEFA with legal action when European soccer’s governing body pursued punishment against the Abu Dhabi-owned club for overspending on players and hiding costs, according to documents cited by a group of media outlets on Friday. City did not dispute the authenticity of the European Investigative Collaborations documents, primarily […]
The post Man City’s threats to UEFA revealed in leaked documents appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Rangers leave it late to take points at St Mirren
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Rangers leave it late to take points at St Mirren
Daniel Candeias and Alfredo Morelos struck as two late goals got Rangers back to winning ways with a 2-0 triumph at St Mirren.
Friday, November 2, 2018
Mourinho hopes rejuvenated Martial signs Manchester United contract extension
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Mourinho hopes rejuvenated Martial signs Manchester United contract extension
Reports have bubbled along about the forward’s future with his contract expiring next summer.
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Bolt's time at Mariners comes to an end
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Bolt's time at Mariners comes to an end
Usain Bolt's time with the Central Coast Mariners is over after the Olympic great was unable to agree to a deal with the A-League club.
Bolt, 32, arrived in Gosford in August in a bid to earn a first professional football contract.
The eight-time Olympic gold medallist has not been training with the Mariners since late October as the parties tried to reach a deal involving an external partner.
However, the Mariners confirmed on Friday that "despite several promising potential partners", Bolt's time at the club was over.
"I would like to thank the Central Coast Mariners owners, management, staff, players and fans for making me feel so welcome during my time there," Bolt said in a statement.
"I wish the club success for the season ahead."
BOLT HAS HIS BRACE!
That's two goals tonight for @usainbolt!! What a moment in sport, don't think limits! #CCMFC @FOXFOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/0NeIH9i49V
— Central Coast Mariners (@CCMariners) October 12, 2018
Mariners owner Mike Charlesworth thanked Bolt, who scored twice on his first start for Central Coast in a friendly last month.
"Despite the fact that we could not come to an agreement that would continue Usain Bolt's football journey with the Central Coast Mariners, we've been thrilled to have the Olympic champion sprinter and world record holder as part of our club for these past eight weeks," he said.
"For the Mariners, it's been a pleasure to work with Usain as he pursued his desire to become a professional football player.
"This has been a mutually beneficial partnership that brought an increased level of excitement and attention to both the Mariners and the A-League. From day one, Usain dedicated himself to being part of the Mariners. He integrated very well into the team and made great strides as a footballer.
"Most notable was his performance in Campbelltown, where he scored two goals, helping the Mariners secure a 4-0 win against Macarthur South West United.
"Whilst we understand that Usain will not be part of the club going forward, the Central Coast Mariners wish him all the best in his future endeavours and we hope that opportunities arise to collaborate in other capacities in the future."
The Mariners have started the A-League season with draws against Brisbane Roar and Melbourne City.
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson backs Wilfried Zaha after forward receives death threats and racist abuse after Arsenal penalty
The Independent - Football
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson backs Wilfried Zaha after forward receives death threats and racist abuse after Arsenal penalty
The Ivorian has been subjected to abuse for winning a penalty despite Granit Xhaka, who committed the foul, admitting it was 'a clear penalty'
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Palace offer Zaha support after death threats but will not pursue matter further
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Palace offer Zaha support after death threats but will not pursue matter further
The Ivory Coast international won a late penalty in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Under the shadow of Asian Cup stint, Azkals taking Suzuki Cup seriously
Football – Inquirer Sports
Under the shadow of Asian Cup stint, Azkals taking Suzuki Cup seriously
The AFC Asian Cup is the bigger, more prestigious tournament, but that doesn’t mean the Philippines won’t be taking the AFF Suzuki Cup just as seriously.
The post Under the shadow of Asian Cup stint, Azkals taking Suzuki Cup seriously appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Joao Cancelo: Ronaldo 'different to all the others'
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Joao Cancelo: Ronaldo 'different to all the others'
Joao Cancelo glowingly praised his Juventus and Portugal teammate Cristiano Ronaldo, calling him a "born winner" who gives his teams a special aura.
Joining Juventus this season after a loan spell at Inter Milan, the 24-year-old has adjusted seamlessly at right-back. However, Cancelo credits that to his compatriot.
"I am talking about a player who makes the difference everywhere he goes because he is different to all the others," he told Sky Sport Italia. "When he arrived at Juventus, not only did he raise the level of the squad, but also the individual level of his teammates.
"Juventus have always been a great club but now with Cristiano, they have been transformed in the eyes of the opposition to favourites for the Champions League.
"Cristiano was born to win and help his teammates to win."
With respect to the Ballon d'Or, Cancelo doesn't believe there is even a discussion, despite the claims of Lionel Messi, Luka Modric and Antoine Griezmann.
"Every day I train with Cristiano Ronaldo and so far he has won five editions of the Ballon d'Or," he said.
"If Cristiano doesn't win it this year, it's just incredible. He is the best of them all and last season he was more decisive than any other player.
"Cristiano won the Champions League as an absolute protagonist, scoring 15 goals. When he plays for a team, that team becomes the best there is. The proof is in the latest Clasico result. Barcelona without Lionel Messi win 5-1, Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo lose 5-1. That is the difference."
Currently holding a six-point lead atop the Serie A, Juventus host Genoa this Saturday.
Sunday, October 28, 2018
S. Korean footballer admits submitting fake records for military exemption
Football – Inquirer Sports
S. Korean footballer admits submitting fake records for military exemption
A South Korean footballer has withdrawn from playing on the national team next month after admitting he gave false community service records required for his military service exemption, the Korea Football Association said Sunday.
The post S. Korean footballer admits submitting fake records for military exemption appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Saturday, October 27, 2018
Helicopter crashes outside stadium following Leicester-West Ham Premier League game
The42
Helicopter crashes outside stadium following Leicester-West Ham Premier League game
There is no news yet on the condition or the identity of the individuals in the helicopter.
Friday, October 26, 2018
Dream Team’s Star Men of 2018/19 so far: Michael Keane
Dream Team FC
Dream Team’s Star Men of 2018/19 so far: Michael Keane
We need to talk about Michael Keane.
After all, the Everton defender was a pretty big deal a couple of years ago.
Plying his trade as part of Burnley’s solid back-line, the former Man United academy graduate was a Dream Team favourite during the 2016/17 season, but lost his way last season following his big-money move to Goodison Park.
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AFP or licensors The last couple of seasons have been a roller-coaster ride for the centre-back[/caption]
If you remember, the Toffees paid out an eye-watering £30 million to bring him to Merseyside in the summer of 2017.
Good business, some said, with Keane considered a future star for both club and country.
But along with many of his Everton teammates, Keane endured a torrid 2017/18 campaign under Ronald Koeman and later Sam Allardyce.
What’s worse is that his excellent form for Burnley and his hefty price-tag meant he was tipped for big things at the beginning of last season from a Dream Team perspective, but he finished the term with an abysmal haul of just 75 points.
Rex Features Keane was a Dream Team must-have during his time with Burnley[/caption]
Reuters Plenty of Everton’s new signings under-performed last season[/caption]
But this season, things are already looking brighter for him and Everton.
Ever-present under new boss Marco Silva – albeit the three games he missed in August and September following his nasty head injury against Bournemouth – Keane has formed a useful partnership at the back alongside Kurt Zouma.
In fact, we reckon summer signing Yerry Mina will struggle to get into this team at the moment ahead of the duo.
Getty Images - Getty Keane has been solid at the back for the Toffees this term[/caption]
What’s more, Keane has steadily been one of the best bargain defenders on Dream Team this season.
Priced at just £3.7m, his current haul of 44 points makes him the second-best Everton player on the game this season – behind only Gylfi Sigurdsson (57 points) and ahead of the likes of Richarlison (36 points) and Lucas Digne (26 points) – and up there among the likes of Antonio Rudiger (44 points) and Willy Boly (42 points).
That’s some turnaround, don’t you think?
Getty - Contributor We think Keane-o deserves some praise[/caption]
Keane will be heading to a very familiar ground this weekend, as Everton travel to Old Trafford to take on Man United.
The 25-year-old made just five appearances for his boyhood club prior to his move to Burnley in January 2015, and will be keen to see off his former employers as Everton look to break into the top six.
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