English // marca
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Sport – The Standard
Maketa destined for greatness
ST GEORGE’S College is renowned for producing a host of sports personalities who have gone on to make an indelible mark on the Zimbabwean sporting landscape. Names of famous local […]
The post Maketa destined for greatness appeared first on The Standard.
Football – Inquirer Sports
No ‘exotic tea’ or shisha – Russian football’s guide on doping
MOSCOW — The Russian Football Union is warning players against drinking “exotic tea” or smoking shisha pipes as it tries to avoid any doping cases ahead of its home World Cup. In a guide to help players avoid failing drug tests by accident, the RFU says players should be wary of accidentally consuming banned substances. […]
The post No ‘exotic tea’ or shisha – Russian football’s guide on doping appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
English // marca
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
‘Outstanding’ crowd gives Azkals major boost vs Tajiks
It’s not everyday that history unfolds before our eyes. But for the 4,600 fans, who trooped inside the Rizal Memorial Stadium on Tuesday, they bore witness to Philippine football reaching new heights after the Azkals beat Tajikistan, 2-1, to advance to the 2019 AFC Asian Cup for the first time ever. “I think we made […]
The post ‘Outstanding’ crowd gives Azkals major boost vs Tajiks appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Weah debuts, Wood scores and US beats Paraguay
CARY, N.C. — Tim Weah ran onto the field wearing bright orange boots, the first player born in the 2000s to play for the United States. “This is what I’ve been waiting for my whole life,” said the 18-year-old, the son of Liberian President George Weah, the 1995 FIFA Player of the Year. “I’m really […]
The post Weah debuts, Wood scores and US beats Paraguay appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
English // marca
Monday, March 26, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Greatwich assumes new role with Azkals
Former national team great Chris Greatwich gets a shot at redemption, albeit in a different role.
The post Greatwich assumes new role with Azkals appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
‘Welcome to Zlatan’: Ibrahimovic makes play for LA’s heart
LOS ANGELES — Zlatan Ibrahimovic has really always belonged in Hollywood. The powerful 6-foot-5 Swedish forward has loomed above soccer for nearly two decades, captivating the world with his sublime physical talent and uniquely outrageous personality. He has scored hundreds of majestic goals, won dozens of trophies and scuffled with a few teammates on his […]
The post ‘Welcome to Zlatan’: Ibrahimovic makes play for LA’s heart appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Saturday, March 24, 2018
The Independent - Football
England vs Italy: Jack Wilshere ruled out after being sent back to Arsenal with knee injury
Midfielder suffered a knee injury in training ahead of the victory over the Netherlands and has been sent back to his club for further treatment
The Independent - Football
International friendly round-up: Cristiano Ronaldo sends Portugal past Egypt as Germany and Spain draw
Miranda, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho were on target as Brazil beat World Cup hosts Russia 3-0 in Moscow, an Ola Kamara hat-trick helped Norway thrash Australia 4-1
Friday, March 23, 2018
Dream Team FC
Laughing at England’s forward options compared to Argentina’s embarrassment of riches
Jorge Sampaoli has admitted that both Paulo Dybala and Mauro Icardi may not make Argentina’s World Cup.
Let that sink in for a moment.
The Serie A pair have 39 league goals between them so far this season — if they were born in any other country, their seats on the plane to Russia would already be reserved.
Comparing Argentina’s embarrassment of riches in the forward department to England’s options makes for hilarious (and depressing) reading…
Lionel Messi v Harry Kane
They call him the Argentine Kane…EPA
Both players will shoulder the weight of expectation of their respective nations once the tournament is underway.
Messi and Kane are currently level on 35 club goals this season and both scored the goal(s) that secured World Cup qualification for their countries.
England’s talismanic forward is a world-class goalscorer but Messi is, well… Messi.
1-0 Argentina
Sergio Aguero v Jamie Vardy
Give him a knighthood alreadyTimes Newspapers Ltd
The Three Lions’ chief party boy has scored as many league goals as Romelu Lukaku and Roberto Firmino this season.
Two of which deserve to be nominated for Goal of the Season (vs Spurs and West Brom).
But alas, with Man City coasting to the title, Aguero has bagged 21 Premier League goals — the fourth season in a row he’s scored 20+ in the league.
2-0 Argentina
Gonzalo Higuain v Marcus Rashford
He gets a hard time…USA Today Sports
Higuain isn’t particularly popular with Argentina fans.
Many of them hold the Juventus No9 forward responsible for their recent failures in major international finals.
However, his goal record is impressive by any measure — in the last decade he’s scored 255 goals in 447 club games.
Rashford is a sparkling young talent and he may well reach or surpass Higuain’s level, but as it stands, you have to side with the proven goalscorer.
3-0 Argentina
Paulo Dybala v Danny Welbeck
HahahahahaPA:Press Association
Here’s where it starts to get embarrassing.
Dat Guy Welbz has scored 24 goals for Arsenal. In total.
Four seasons, 100 games, 24 goals.
In contrast, Dybala has 21 goals for Juventus just this season.
4-0 Argentina
Mauro Icardi v Glenn Murray
The Argies really are taking the p*ssEPA
You’ve got to laugh, otherwise you’ll cry.
Five strikers deep and Argentina boast a man with 100 goals in 172 games for Inter Milan.
Having joined Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah in bagging four goals last weekend, Icardi is now set to challenge Ciro Immobile for the Capocannoniere (Serie A’s equivalent of the Golden Boot).
And England? They’re considering a 34-year-old back-post bully.
Murray’s efforts for Brighton this campaign have been admirable but come on, there’s no contest.
5-0 Argentina
You can see the pain deep behind his eyesReuters
And that’s why we should all be praying three times a day for Harry Kane’s fitness.
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Only seven of the current England crop would have made the 2006 World Cup squad How well do you remember Darius Vassell’s madness on England debut against Holland? How do the 2018 World Cup kits compare to last tournament’s?Thursday, March 22, 2018
Dream Team FC
Portugal have all the attributes to win the World Cup this year and then there’s the Cristiano Ronaldo factor
All the excitement is almost too much.
The Panini World Cup sticker album was released yesterday and that means we are exactly 83 days until the first ball is kicked in Moscow’s Luzhniki Stadium.
The only downside is it’s going to be Russia v Saudi Arabia.
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Samuel Eto’o taking a selfie with a fanGetty - Contributor
But fear not, the following day we are treated to one of the tastiest clashes of the group stage containing a side with a real chance of winning the tournament.
Yes it’s Portugal v Spain and as good as the Spaniards are, we’re talking about their Iberian rivals Portugal.
Coming off the back of their first ever victory in an international tournament at Euro 2016 the Portuguese have got everything it takes to walk away winners in Russia.
It’s not ALL about you CristianoGetty - Contributor
But they are nothing without Cristiano Ronaldo, aren’t they?
We’re going in pretty big from the beginning here so strap in.
Trust us, there will be plenty on Ronaldo’s influence to come but it’s important to remember Portugal are more than just CR7.
Portugal’s captain had to go off during the final against the home side France at the Euros and his side were without him for over 95 minutes with the game going into extra time.
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Are they tears Ronny?AFP or licensors
But they are resilient if nothing else.
With Ronaldo moving into a player-manager role on the sidelines, Portugal contained the fancied France team and nicked in it thanks to an Eder goal in the 109th minute.
There is talent across the rest of the squad and the most important thing? They know how to play tournament football.
Is there no end to this man’s skills?AFP or licensors
Nobody fancied Portugal before the Euros and they didn’t impress throughout the tournament.
They finished third in a group containing Hungary, Iceland and Austria with three draw and progressed as one of the best losers.
An extra-time winner got them through against everyone’s second favourite team Croatia before they overcame Poland on penalties.
Portugal’s most convincing performance came in a 2-0 win over high-flying Wales before we were back to the defensive but opportunistic final win over France.
No frills and no spills – like I said, tournament football at it’s best.
Portugal’s most unlikely Euro heroPA:Press Association
Then of course, there’s the Ronaldo factor.
After a sluggish start to the season there were whispers that Ronaldo was finished.
Until mid-January Ronaldo had scored just four league goals and people were wondering if he would ever rediscover his form.
But he continued to provide the goods for the national side and since Real’s 7-1 crushing of Deportivo on January 21 Ronny has been on fire.
Is he levitating?AFP OR LICENSORS
Team mates have reported third degree burns he’s been so hot.
Becoming highest scorer in all competitions in Europe’s top five leagues in 2018, Ronaldo has scored 21 goals in 11 games.
If he can carry this form into the World Cup there could be no stopping Portugal.
The Portuguese have adapted to Ronaldo’s late-career position to make sure everything is geared towards serving him and when you have one of the best goalscorers in the history of the game, why not?
Hes way too good for the ChampionshipGetty - Contributor
Let’s not forget what could be one of the most remarkable stories of the whole tournament is with Portugal.
Championship side Wolves could supply a potential World Cup winner in the shape of 21-year-old Ruben Neves.
The youngster, signed from from Porto for a league record, has been a revelation in England’s second division and his creativity in midfield is exactly what Portugal were missing at the Euros.
Other unlikely stars include former West Ham centre back Jose Fonte who left for China’s riches after finding life at the London stadium unbearable and West Ham’s new signing Joao Mario.
Remember when one fan turned up to the airport to meet Fonte in China?Getty - Contributor
If Portugal do go all the way I can tell you now it won’t be pretty, but the combination of tournament nous, hard as nails defenders, Ronaldo’s blistering goalscoring ability and a wee bit of luck could be a lethal concoction.
Remember this article when Ronaldo coaches Portugal to beat Germany in the final come July.
READ MORE WORLD CUP GOODNESS:
Only seven of the current England crop would have made the 2006 World Cup squad Why Pep Guardiola could be the reason Argentina win the World Cup Egypt are the World Cup dark horse everyone should be talking aboutWednesday, March 21, 2018
The Independent - Football
World Cup 2018 kits: Each home and away strip rated — now vote on your favourite
From Belgium (brilliant) to Brazil (bright), from Egypt (basic) to England (boring), vote on your favourite international kit
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Sport – The Standard
Ngezi battle past new boys Herentals
Ngezi Platinum began yet another title onslaught with a victory over promoted Herentals in their opening match of the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season at Baobab Stadium in Mhondoro/ […]
The post Ngezi battle past new boys Herentals appeared first on The Standard.
Monday, March 19, 2018
The Independent - Football
How Tottenham turned playing at Wembley from a weakness to a strength ahead of Manchester United semi final
After initially struggling at Wembley, Spurs are now excellent there, having improved their passing game. 'Our possession has gone from good to even better', as Christian Eriksen explains
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Dream Team FC
Man United handed nightmare FA Cup semi-final draw
Now it is really heating up.
After the FA Cup quarter-final weekend where all the favourites won, we now have two delicious ties for the semi finals.
Pedro’s extra-time winner secured Chelsea’s spot in the last four and they were rewarded with a tie against Southampton, but Man United will play Spurs.
Take that Olivier GiroudReuters
Spurs were the first team to make it into the last four as they swept past Swansea on Saturday afternoon quieting all fears that they are useless without Harry Kane.
The England striker is out for the next month at least but in the shape of Christian Eriksen, Heung-Min Son and Erik Lamela this could be the year Spurs finally don’t bottle it.
They’ve beat United this season already and even though Mauricio Pochettino assures everyone he doesn’t need to win a trophy to be proved right, he would love an FA Cup triumph.
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“We’re fine without him boss”Getty - Contributor
Jose Mourinho was still somehow furious with his team after they beat Brighton at Old Trafford in the snow.
Romelu Lukaku scored his sixth goal in seven games as he appears to be picking up form at exactly the right time, although I guess it would’ve been good against Sevilla in mid-week instead.
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Ironically Lingard has been carrying Lukaku for most of the seasonGetty Images - Getty
Southampton beat giant-killers Wigan, who dumped out Man City in the last round, earlier today in Mark Hughes first game in charge.
Despite missing a penalty and not playing well, the Saints beat the League One outfit 2-0 and now Hughes can look forward to the distraction of an FA Cup semi final while dealing with all the struggles of a relegation battle.
It will be the Saints first appearance at this stage of the tournament for 15 years.
would it still be a good appointment if he wins the cup but gets relegated?Reuters
The ties will be played on the weekend of April 21/22 and if you hadn’t already heard, all of Spurs’ game from now on will be at home.
If this isn’t Spurs’ year, I don’t know when is.
FA Cup semi-final draw in full Man United v Spurs Southampton v ChelseaREAD MORE:
Nobody can tell if Leicester’s pitch design is completely mesmerising or absolutely awful Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg kicked his own team mates in the balls while celebrating Salah apologised to the Watford keeper after scoring four past him
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Morocco bid: $16B for 2026 World Cup venues, infrastructure
Morocco would need to spend almost $16 billion to prepare to host the 2026 World Cup, with every proposed stadium and training ground built from scratch or renovated, the bid said Saturday. With less than three months to go until the FIFA vote, the north African nation presented the first significant details of its proposal […]
The post Morocco bid: $16B for 2026 World Cup venues, infrastructure appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
The Independent - Football
Swansea vs Tottenham, FA Cup LIVE: Latest score and updates
Follow all the live action as it unfolds from the Liberty Stadium
Friday, March 16, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
UP stays unbeaten after rout of UE; Gayoso nets four goals for Ateneo
University of the Philippine kept its undefeated streak after blasting University of the East, 3-0, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Maroons (7-0-2) remained atop the table with 23 points and are one win away from securing a Final Four spot, but head coach Anto Gonzales […]
The post UP stays unbeaten after rout of UE; Gayoso nets four goals for Ateneo appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Dream Team FC
Fabio Borini is playing at RIGHT-BACK in Milan’s game against Arsenal this evening
We were fairly intrigued when Jose Mourinho described Jesse Lingard as a “fake right-back” in Man United’s win over Crystal Palace last week.
But Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso has gone one better in their Europa League clash against Arsenal this evening, playing former Liverpool and Sunderland flop Fabio Borini as a RIGHT-BACK.
Reuters Mkhi can’t believe his luck[/caption]
The striker hit just 16 goals during his time in England but somehow still managed to earn a move to the San Siro this summer – joining the mega-rich Serie A side on loan from the Black Cats.
Unsurprisingly, he’s not been exactly prolific for the Rossoneri either, although he’s found himself being used as a bit of a utility player lately, filling any role that’s required of him up front or in midfield.
ALBERTO LINGRIA Shocker[/caption]
However, with the likes of Davide Calabria, Ignazio Abate and Andrea Conti all out at the moment, Gattuso has seemingly challenged the Italian’s versatility further by picking him at right-back.
Honestly, we’ve seen everything now.
Considering Milan have boasted such greats as Franco Baresi, Cafu, Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Costacurta at full-back over the years, we can’t really handle the idea of Borini playing there in the famous red and black.
Luckily, Twitter is equally dumbfounded.
Fabio Borini at RB for AC Milan???? WTF 
#AFCvACM
— 
442oons (@442oons) March 15, 2018
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
The Independent - Football
Antonio Conte says 'super, super, super top player' Lionel Messi was difference between Barcelona and Chelsea
Messi scored twice as Barca progressed to the quarter-finals of the Champions League
Sport – The Standard
Premier Soccer League ready to explode
Last season it was a bit predictable. Even Standardsport boldly tipped FC Platinum to win the Castle Lager Premier Soccer League and they did just that. The 2018 league season […]
The post Premier Soccer League ready to explode appeared first on The Standard.
Tuesday, March 13, 2018
English // marca
Monday, March 12, 2018
Football – Inquirer Sports
Nationals deliver for Ceres-Negros
Ceres-Negros’ fine form augurs well not only for the Busmen’s bid to retain the Asean zone championship in the AFC Cup, but also for the national team, which is facing a tough final match in Asian Cup qualifying against Tajikistan late this month.
The post Nationals deliver for Ceres-Negros appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, March 11, 2018
Dream Team FC
Bournemouth ball boy becomes internet sensation with excellent touchline skullduggery
You don’t seen enough of this in my opinion.
Not since Eden Hazard ‘kicked’ a ball boy for withholding the ball have any youngsters had the bottle to try it again.
During the Bournemouth v Spurs in the Premier League today one of the ball boys took his chance to shine when the ball came his way.
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Vertonghen is calm at this stage
The cheeky chap firstly refused to give the ball back to Jan Vertonghen to take a throw in and then upped the stakes by throwing the ball at the Spurs centre back.
The assistant referee had to step in and give the young man a good telling off for his behaviour.
And things got even more heated when one of the senior stewards came and added his two cents to the situation.
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Good trolling
Time wasting with 20 minutes gone
All of this was captured on Sky’s cameras and it made for brilliant TV as Vertonghen and the yet unnamed hero were left two swap daggers at each other from just a few yards away.
It was a fine piece of dastardly behaviour from the ball boy as his team had taken the lead against Spurs after an electric start to the game.
To be fair there was only 20 minutes on the clock when it happened and it was clear than Bournemouth were already thinking about protecting their lead so any time wasting helped a lot.
Tense.
A job well done
Junior Stanislas wasted a beautiful chance after the Cherries found themselves with two players bearing down on Hugo Lloris.
Eddie Howe winced as Stanislas lifted the ball over Lloris only to see it cannon back off the crossbar and out of reach of the onrushing Bournemouth players.
However, he made up for it by slamming one home after he was left unmarked at the back post.
“Don’t do it so obviously next time!”
But back to the best action of the first half, the ball boy v Vertonghen and it’s fair to say social media had found their hero for the day.
However in the second half our minds were blown by the revelation that the ball boy has a (possibly evil) identical twin… who is also a ball boy at the game.
The ballboy has an identical twin wtf
what a world
— karim (@KarimAlkhoja) March 11, 2018
This is probably the strangest ball boy related incident we have seen in the Premier League for some time.
But we can’t disagree with some of the comments on Twitter…
Someone give that ballboy a pay rise good lad #BOUTOT
— Kabir (@kabir_d) March 11, 2018
Vertonghen is calm at this stage
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