Looking for Soccer News?

Blog Posts and Articles that give you up to the minute news and information about the world Leagues, Teams, Players and Updates.

Eden Hazard apologises to Real Madrid fans for joking with Chelsea players

The Brazilian is fully fit and on good form as the French champions target two more domestic trophies and the Champions League

Neymar is in good shape and ready to help Paris Saint-Germain fight for three more trophies this season, according to manager Thomas Tuchel.

PSG get their campaign back underway on Friday with the Coupe de France final against Saint-Etienne, after the Ligue 1 season was cut short.

The Coupe de la Ligue final against Lyon follows a week later, before attention switches to a Champions League quarter-final clash with free-scoring Atalanta on August 12.

By way of preparation, PSG have played a series of friendly matches in recent days, scoring 20 goals and conceding zero in three successful games.

They beat Le Havre 9-0 and Waasland-Beveren 7-0, before rounding things off with a 4-0 win over Celtic on Tuesday.

Neymar has led the charge in attack, and Tuchel is glad to have him on top form.

“I'm not surprised. He came back in a good state of mind, in good shape,” Tuchel told a press conference.

“He adapts super quickly to all training sessions, he got up to speed very quickly.

“It's important for him to play as much as possible. He was given as many minutes of playing time as possible.

“He will be on the field tomorrow. He's in good shape, decisive, and that's the best thing for us.”

After the 7-0 thrashing of Belgian side Waasland-Beveren, Neymar admitted to being worried about potentially being injured after some surprisingly physical play for a friendly game.

"Yes, we were a little scared,” he told BeIN Sports. “We are here for a friendly match so those types of things should not have been happening.

"We are here to prepare ourselves, but also to be careful. But us too, we gave them a little bit back, so there are no problems."

Nevertheless, he didn’t seem to be lacking in confidence when he took on Celtic four days later.

After the game, Hoops boss Neil Lennon accused the Brazilian of ‘trying to wind people up’, saying he knows just how infuriating his show-boating antics can be.

Midfielder Callum McGregor also spoke of Neymar 'taking the mickey' in previous clashes, though he admitted the Brazilian has the quality to punish any lapses of concentration that come as a result.

LIVE: West Brom vs Chelsea

The Cameroon centre-forward is hoping to add to his collection of titles with the Les Parisiens
Original author: Kunle Fayiga

Kariakoo Derby: Pawasa and Morris compare Simba SC and Yanga SC firepower

The latest teaser trailer for the much-anticipated FIFA 21 involves the likes of cover star Kylian Mbappe alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold

EA Sports has given fans another exclusive look of FIFA 21 in a brand-new reveal trailer that features stars such as Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joao Felix.

The latest iteration of the video game promises smoother than ever graphics and gameplay, along with an overhaul of career mode and an enhanced user experience to provide the most realistic mode yet.

FUT Co-op - which Felix can be seeing playing in the game - is one of the biggest new features to be added to the game, where players can team up with friends through online gameplay and compete to earn rewards.

Volta Teamplay has also been introduced to allow a more realistic football experience with Volta Squads, with players able to play in the backstreets of urban Paris like Mbappe.

Player celebrations have also been enhanced, with Halaand's famous meditation celebration looking more realistic than ever.

Check out the trailer in the video above and read more about the new game in our links below.

Original author: Goal

Milan keep on winning without Ibrahimovic

The league is set to announce whether the season will resume in August 2020 as proposed by Safa

The National Soccer League (NSL) Board of Governors (BoG) meeting has reportedly been postponed until Monday.

The NSL which is the umbrella body consisting of the PSL and the National First Division (NFD) was expected to hold a meeting on Friday to map the way forward regarding the resumption of football.

The 2019/20 season has been suspended since mid-March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic and the NSL has been keen to resume the campaign.

Daily Sun has reported the NSL members are said to have received the following message:

"Postponement of extraordinary Board of Governors Meeting from 24 to 27 July 2020."

"Dear Members, Kindly take note that the meeting of the Board of Governors has been postponed from Friday to take place on Monday."

"We apologize for any inconvenience caused."

The PSL is expected to make an announcement on whether the season will resume in August 2020 as proposed by the South African Football Association (Safa).

The league was looking to resume the suspended campaign on 18 July 2020, but Safa insisted football can only resume next month because match officials were not ready.

All 16 top-flight league clubs and 16 NFD teams are expected to camp in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng in order to complete the suspended season.

It remains to be seen whether the NSL will agree to resume the season next month and complete the season before planning for the 2020/21 campaign.

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Ayub Timbe: Vissel Kobe part ways with Kenya winger after five months

Second-half goals from Ilija Nestorovski and Seko Fofana brought Udinese from behind to defeat Serie A leaders Juventus.

Juventus missed a chance to clinch their ninth successive Serie A title as they succumbed to a shock 2-1 loss to Udinese on Thursday.

Inter's goalless draw with Fiorentina on Wednesday opened the door for Juve to secure the Scudetto with a win at the Dacia Arena but they were unable to oblige.

Matthijs de Ligt put the Bianconeri on the path to glory towards the end of a tepid first half before Ilija Nestorovski's excellent diving header restored parity in the 52nd minute.

Juve pushed for a winner but Seko Fofana's brilliant stoppage-time finish at the end of a lung-busting run ensured the champagne was kept on ice for Maurizio Sarri's men.

Udinese went close to getting the opener in the eighth minute but the post stopped Danilo heading Ken Sema's cross into his own net.

Juan Musso stopped Bram Nuytinck scoring a bizarre own goal with a misjudged back pass and from the resulting corner the Udinese goalkeeper produced a good save to keep out Paulo Dybala's volley.

Rodrigo de Paul had a penalty appeal ignored and De Ligt put Juve in front when he controlled William Troost-Ekong's headed clearance and arrowed it into the bottom-left corner in the 42nd minute.

Udinese improved in the second half and restored parity seven minutes after the restart, Sema picking out an unmarked Nestorovski for a fine finish at the back post.

A curling effort from Dybala – Juve's first shot on target in the second half – was held well by Musso in the 62nd minute, while the hosts remained game in their bid to snatch the three points that would boost their survival hopes.

They got them when Fofana outmuscled De Ligt and slotted home in the 92nd minute, with Juve left to reflect on a surprise defeat.


What does it mean? Title race still alive… just

A Juve victory would have secured the title due to their superior head-to-head record against Atalanta, but their advantage over Gian Piero Gasperini's side with three games left remains six points.

Udinese's triumph means Atalanta, Inter and Lazio all still have a shot at overthrowing the Old Lady, who have won just one of their past five matches as they stagger towards the finish line.

At the other end of the table, Udinese shot up to 15th and are seven points clear of the relegation zone.

Three points from Fofana

His late winner could prove pivotal in keeping Udinese in the top flight, but Fofana provided far more than that against Juve. He had a 94 per cent passing accuracy and won 83 per cent of his duels in an impressive, dynamic midfield showing.

Slack Alex Sandro

It cannot be doubted that Nestorovski's header was of the highest quality, but Alex Sandro's failure to track his run gave him all the time and space he needed to pick out his spot, igniting Udinese's comeback.

Key Opta Facts:

- Juventus have dropped 18 points from winning positions, their worst record in the last nine campaigns.

- The Bianconeri have lost five away games in Serie A this season, their worst record since 2009-10 (nine lossed at the end of the campaign).

- De Ligt is the youngest defender with at least four goals scored in the top-five European Leagues this season.

- Juve were celebrating 3,000 days as Italian champions (from 6 May 2012).

What's next?

Juve will look to wrap things up when they entertain Sampdoria on Sunday, while Udinese will be out to secure their survival at Cagliari.

Original author: Tom Webber

The Modern Day Stars Inspired by Lionel Messi

The England international scored on Wednesday to cap his side's 5-3 win over Chelsea at Anfield, and now he wants more

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain wants to use his time at Liverpool to inspire the next generation of potential stars.

The former Arsenal midfielder added a fourth Liverpool trophy to his collection on Thursday, finally able to lift the Premier League title after winning the Champions League, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.

The chance to make history and leave a legacy has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s message to his players, and Oxlade-Chamberlain is keen to seize the opportunity he and his team-mates now have by winning even more silverware.

“You can’t take moments and nights like this for granted,” Oxlade-Chamberlain told Liverpool’s official website. “You can’t take playing for an amazing football club like this with fans that care so much, you can’t take that for granted.

“So, as a player you need to seize those sorts of moments. We are here for a short time. We have our little spells, hopefully making history at this football club, we’ve got to do our bit to inspire the next generation like Steven Gerrard inspired me.

“At the minute we are going that way to doing that, but we need to go on now and have a strong streak for a few years and once said and done, that will be our story told and this football club will go on and hopefully people can follow us too, but we’ve got more work to do here and it’s an amazing start to a journey.

“We’ve done really well in the last three years since I’ve been here and we need to just keep building on it, but it’s a good time to be a Liverpool player and to be involved in this amazing football club so I’m really looking forward to what comes next, but we need to stay hungry and stay focused.”

Oxlade-Chamberlain put the icing on the cake of Liverpool’s trophy lift on Wednesday, scoring his side’s fifth goal in the 5-3 victory over Chelsea. Some had suggested Liverpool might struggle for motivation against a side chasing Champions League qualification, but Oxlade-Chamberlain wasn’t worried.

“I don’t think it was hard [to find motivation at all,” he said. “It’s a football match against Chelsea, a top team, and when you go out there as a professional you want to beat them.

“We knew what we needed to do, we knew what was coming afterwards but the job in hand was to make sure we got three points today, did our job first and we could worry about this after. I’m glad that we did it."

Azam FC 1-0 Mbeya City: Domayo strikes to reach second spot

The Chamazi-based side need a win in the final round to finish runner-up, behind Simba SC

Azam FC reclaimed second position in the Tanzania Mainland League after a hard-fought 1-0 win against relegation-threatened Mbeya City.

A Frank Domayo strike was all the FA Cup holders needed to go second.

While the visitors came into the match desperate for maximum points to get off the relegation zone, the hosts were keen on getting a win to return to second position thanks to Yanga SC's inconsistencies. 

The first half was characterised with resolute defending by both sides in their bid to avoid conceding a goal which could have dented their ambitions. It explains why neither of the two teams could get an opener in the first 45 minutes.

It seemed like the second half will be more or less the same as Mbeya sat deep in their half, trying to hit their hosts through counter-attacks. For Azam, they resorted to possession hoping to break down their opponents.

In the 55th minute, the match took a break owing to a blackout. However, a few moments later, normalcy resumed.

The break was a blessing in disguise for the FA Cup holders and with 20 minutes to go, they broke the deadlock courtesy of Frank Domayo.

It happened to be the only goal of the match and enough to send the team to the second position with 69 points, same as third-placed Yanga who have an inferior goal difference.

Azam have managed to get 20 wins from the 37 games played, having drawn nine and lost eight. The 27-time league champions have managed to get 18 wins from as many matches, drawing 15 and losing four.

The defeat ensured Mbeya dropped by a position, and they are now placed in the 17th position with 42 points. They have managed to get 11 wins, nine draws and 17 losses. 

Only one round is remaining before the completion of the 2019/20 season and so far, only Singida United have been demoted from the top-tier.

Champions Simba SC failed to pick a win during their season’s penultimate tie against Coastal Union.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi were made to pick a 0-0 draw at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga by Coastal Union even though coach Sven Vandenbroeck fielded a rather strong starting XI.

A second draw was registered between Alliance FC and Ndanda SC after the two sides fought to a 2-2 draw.

Israel Patrick opened the scoring for Alliance in the ninth minute but Ndanda cancelled the lead in the 16th minute from Abdul Hamis’ strike.

Omary Mponda gave Ndanda the lead, that did not last though, because in the 51st minute the hosts cancelled it with Martin Kigi’s goal.

Lipuli FC recorded a first win in one of the four matches that were held on Thursday evening. Daruesh Saliboko scored a 79th-minute penalty to condemn Ruvu Shooting to a 1-0 loss.

 

Original author: Seth Willis

Ngoobi willing to sign for SC Villa, Kyetume FC deny Muwanga acquisition

The defender has made it clear he would like to join the Jogoos especially if he would not reach an extension agreement with Bright Stars

Derrick Ngoobi has said he is ready to join record Ugandan Premier League (UPL) champions SC Villa.

The 22-year-old star has been linked with a move to SC Villa and has now made his interest to join them public.

Ngoobi might join the Jogoos given Yayo Lutimba, Bashir Mutanda, Emmanuel Kalyowa, Ambrose Kirya and David Owori have been linked with moves out of the club while Charles Lwanga has already joined rivals KCCA FC.

“I am willing and ready to sign for SC Villa if at all we reach the end of talks,” Ngoob told Sports Nation.

“Though my former club [Bright Stars] is still negotiating with me about staying at the club, I want a new challenge now, so I am prioritising a move to SC Villa.”

The defender was one of the stand out performers for Bright Stars who were entangled in a relegation fight before they successfully dodged the drop.

Paul Kiwanuka, who has so far joined Vipers SC as Fred Kajoba’s assistant, was appointed to save Bright Stars from imminent relegation after coach Muhammad Kisekka was sacked.

They ended up finishing 12th on the log with 29 points when UPL was cancelled.

“In the first round we struggled because of some factors, but we tried to improve in the second half of the season after getting a new manager,” concluded the defender.

Meanwhile, Kyetume FC president Ruben Mubiru Kaggwa has denied they have signed Bernard Muwanga.

Although the club posted on their Facebook page that they had signed the 26-year-old defender, Kaggwa has dismissed the club’s own post regarding the development.

“Every player who wants to hype himself begins with Kyetume FC as a prospective new signing. This is very wrong and bad,” Kaggwa is quoted by Sports Nation as saying.

“For us, we have not unveiled any player for the 2020/21 season yet. It is true we have been in talks with some players but we haven’t concluded as alleged by hypers.

“Kyetume FC management informs our fans and media that the unveiling ceremony shall be done and everyone will be informed on the date and time. Please be patient until that day.”

 

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

World Cup Qualifiers 2022: How many points do India need to finish in third place?

Here's everything you need to know about when the coming campaign's major competitions are set to begin

The Covid-19 outbreak severely disrupted the 2019-20 football calendar, with a handful of the major European leagues forced to delay their campaigns for three months.

The severity of the outbreak meant that leagues had to push finishing into the summer months of July and August, which in turn means that the start of the 2020-21 is to be postponed to allow players to have a break.

With the Premier League already set to begin on September 12, Goal has all the dates for when the other major European leagues are set to start and finish their latest seasons.

When will La Liga 2020-21 start and end?

Spanish top-flight champions Real Madrid are set to defend their La Liga title, with the next season beginning on September 12 and the campaign ending on May 23, 2021.

When will Serie A 2020-21 start and end?

No official date has been given for when the next Serie A season will begin.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have suggested, however, that they will target finishing the current campaign in August with the next season to begin on September 1.

They stated: "The Italian Football Federation has expressed its willingness to restart and complete its national professional competitions, marking August 20 as the deadline for Serie A, B and C to close their competitions. Finally, as a result of what has been sanctioned, the 2020-21 sporting season will start on September 1."

When will Bundesliga 2020-21 start and end?

The 2020-21 Bundesliga season is slated to begin on September 18, ending on May 22, 2021.

Bayern were crowned champions of the German league with two games to spare, winning their eighth consecutive title in a row and 30th title overall.

When will Ligue 1 2020-21 start and end?

The Ligue de Football Professionnel (LFP) cancelled the 2019-20 season on April 28 after all sporting events were banned until after July due to the Covid-19 pandemic, awarding Paris Saint-Germain the title early in matchweek 28.

The 2020-21 Ligue 1 season is set to begin on August 22 and will end on May 23, 2021.

Original author: Goal

Barca's year of crisis: Wantaway Messi; Bartomeu arrest

The erstwhile U23 boss is eyeing a share in the coronavirus relief fund from Caf and Fifa 

Former Ghana U23 coach Abdul Malik Jabir believes the Football Association (GFA) should allocate part of its Caf and Fifa Covid-19 relief funds for coaches of national teams.

The national football governing body, last week announced a disbursement plan for a combined sum of $1.8 million [€1.6m] for various industry stakeholders including the men and women's Premier League clubs, men's Division Two clubs, Regional Football Associations (RFAs), and more, as a support package in the wake of the coronavirus disruptions.

Part of the funds was also reserved for the West Africans' various national teams.

“Why is it that they shared the money all through but they never thought about the liabilities they came to meet like the monies owed the U23 national team under me?" Jabir said, as reported by Joy Sports.

“They owe us; they know they owe us. Our match bonuses and salaries should be paid. Now, money has come, they are sharing because that is their interest and they don’t think about us.

“When I call, they see my number but won’t pick up…he’s never answered my call. I just want to remind them that they shouldn’t only think about the current.

“If you owe us and you think we should forgo it, I don’t think that is right. That’s why I have come out to tell them that as long as they now have money and they don’t pay us, we are here still waiting, and we are not going to forgive them."

While Jabir wants coaches to benefit from the national teams' package, the allocation has generated controversy, with many questioning its necessity as the national teams are believed to be funded by the Government of Ghana.

“On record, the government doesn’t bear all the costs of the national teams, the GFA also has a portion [of expenditure] it takes, especially with the junior national teams," GFA Executive Council member George Amoakoh told Happy FM.

“Apart from the Black Stars which is dominantly financed by the government, the other national teams do camp for a while which the GFA has to finance because we cannot always rely on the government.

“For the national teams, the government mostly takes care of the feeding and the FA does the rest."

Jabir, a former coach of Asante Kotoko, applied for the vacant Ghana technical director job but recently revealed he was unsuccessful in his bid for the role.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye

The longest running football shirt sponsorship deals

The veteran Brazilian defender is departing the French capital after eight years and more than 300 appearances for the Ligue 1 champions

Thiago Silva says he doesn’t want to leave Paris Saint-Germain, but he has now accepted the inevitable.

The Brazilian centre-back made more than 300 appearances in eight years at the Ligue 1 champions but will leave once the season is completed.

PSG still have the Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue finals still to play, as well as the remainder of the Champions League, and club captain Silva is keen to ensure talk about his future doesn’t overshadow the team.

“It's a special moment for me,” Silva told a press conference. “With the supporters, we have always had a lot of respect. They asked if I could stay, but it's not my decision. Now is not the time to talk about this topic.

“We will have time to talk about it later. I didn't want to leave, but the decision has already been made. I respect [the decision] and will respect it until the end.

“There are no further discussions [about my future]. Leonardo (the PSG sporting director) has already spoken to the press. I don't want you to talk about this just yet. I understand the topic, your urge to know what's going on, but now is not the time to talk about it.”

PSG manager Thomas Tuchel was also asked about the future of the veteran defender in his press conference and had a similar response.

“I can understand that you want to talk about this, but now is not the time,” Tuchel said. “He's my captain, he's super reliable. I have said this many times.

“It is important that he is here for the finals, and for Lisbon in the Champions League. Then we talk about all this.”

PSG’s hunt for a quadruple starts on Friday, with the Coupe de France final against Saint-Etienne.

"The best way to arrive in Portugal would be to do it with two extra trophies,” Tuchel added. “That starts on Friday. All the preparation has been done so as to be ready mentally and physically for this game.

“I don't want to talk about Atalanta, that's not on the agenda. For a club like Paris Saint-Germain, playing finals and winning trophies is important. That would be the best way to prepare for the Champions League.”

Monaco's post-Mbappe path: Kovac has next generation soaring

The academy owner speaks about the former Lidoda Duvha midfielder’s failed trial attempts at Chloorkop

The owner of Benny’s Sports Academy David Mufamadi says former Black Leopards midfielder Lesedi Kapinga was once scouted by Mamelodi Sundowns and the nippy player cried after failing to impress at Chloorkop between 2011 and 2012.

After parting ways with Lidoda Duvha on Monday, the 25-year-old has been unveiled by the reigning Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions on a five-year deal, with Mufamadi saying Kapinga doesn’t belong in the PSL.

On the other hand, former Leopards coach Joel Masutha says the creative midfielder might look lazy when walking but he’s a dazzling player on the field of play.

“Trott Moloto [Sundowns’ chief scout] came through to the academy and they wanted him so much after a tournament we played in,” Mufamadi told FARPost.

“He went to the Mamelodi Sundowns camp with three other boys for two weeks but things didn’t work out.

“He was crying at night after that failed trial saying, ‘I don’t know what to do’. He desperately wanted the opportunity.”

Speaking about the former Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM) attacker, Mufamadi added Kapinga is destined for big things in his career.

“He’s not supposed to be playing in the PSL, he belongs in Europe. He has every attribute to create a goal. He is gifted with a football brain,” he added.

“When he stops the ball and there are two opposition players around him, you just know he’s about to eliminate them.” 

Echoing the academy owner’s sentiments, Masutha explains the Musina-born player is regarded as someone that is not willing to work hard, but has left many shocked with his skills.

“From the way he walks, he looks lazy, you can think he’s a luxury player. Most coaches who want grafters in midfield tend to misjudge him, but they will enjoy him when they give him a chance,” Masutha added.

“People look at his body structure, and based on that on its own, he has failed the trials. But what they don’t know is that he is small, but has the heart of a lion."

In addition, a former Leopards and Masandawana hitman Cuthbert Malajila warns the nippy midfielder of challenges under coach Pitso Mosimane.

“He has to go and work hard when he gets his chance, he must grab it with both hands,” warns Malajila.

“At Sundowns if you miss one game it’s not easy to come back into the team because there are many quality players. So, he must maximize his chances.”

Original author: Phumzile Ngcatshe

Kabugi: Why Yanga SC will beat Simba SC to league title

Having helped the Spanish side to a top-flight promotion, the forward has been rewarded with a fresh contract to stay at the club

Nigeria striker Charity Adule has signed a new two-year contract with Spanish Liga Iberdrola side Eibar.

Adule arrived in Spain in September 2019 from Kazakstan side BIIK Kazygurt, where she spent four-years, winning four Kazakstani titles and also featured in the Champions League, scoring twice.

She made an impactful debut season, helping Iker Dorronsoro's ladies team gain promotion to the top-flight for the first time since 2011 following the league cancellation due to Covid-19 in May. 

The striker scored 10 goals in 14 outings as her side secured 13 victories, seven draws, and just two defeats to earn promotion after a second spot finish with 46 points from 22 games.

Her impressive showing in Eibar's promotion achievement saw the club move to hand her a contract extension for two more years.

The Liga Iberdrola club took to its website to announce the news, saying Adule will remain at the club until at least June 2022.

"Eibar have renewed the deal of Charity Adule until 2022," the statement on the club's website read

"The 26-year-old Nigerian player arrived at the armoury club last season from Bllk Kazygurt, the champion team of the Kazakh league, and 20/21 will be her second season in the team.

"Adule has been an absolute international with his country since 2013."

Having extended her stay, Adule will become the fifth Nigerian to compete in the Spanish elite division next season, after Asisat Oshoala, Rita Chikwelu, Chidinma Okeke and Toni Payne.

And the former Nigeria youth international has taken to social media to express her excitement about her contract extension. 

"I am happy to extend my bond with SD Eibar for more two years...muchas gracias. You're all that matters lord," she wrote on her Instagram page.

 

Adule, who also welcomes South Africa striker Thembi Kgatlana earlier this week will be hoping to surpass her fine form last term when Eibar open their top-flight campaign in September.

 

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu

Milan stick with Pioli: Why the Italian giants said no to Rangnick

The 30-year-old midfielder has been accused of playing in the FA Cup quarter-finals when not fully fit

Yanga SC captain Tshishimbi has explained his inclusion in the first 11 against Simba SC in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The two teams met on July 12 with Wekundu wa Msimbazi claiming the Kariakoo Derby bragging rights after emerging 4-1 victors. However, many felt the poor show by the Jangwani based team was partly contributed by the inclusion of the midfielder.

"I want to shed light in the circumstances that surrounded my involvement in our game against Simba," Tshishimbi told Mwanaspoti.

"It is something I never wanted to talk about but circumstances have forced me to. I have seen some misleading information online, among the fans and some officials as well, and now I want to put the record straight."

The 30-year-old started by revealing his discussion with the doctor regarding his injury.

"There was a rehabilitation program I was following during my time out as prescribed by the doctor," the Congolese continued.

"The process was meant to help me get rid of my pain and to heal fast. Yes, I could have played even in that situation but the doctor advised me to return to action when fully fit in order to be effective for my team.

"This is because my playing position needs a lot of energy and aggressiveness. You might also get injured in the process because of the physicality involved and for that reason, I agreed with the doctor to wait until I fully recover."

Then the player explained why he was involved in the first team against Simba despite these challenges.

"I fully recovered when the Simba game was close and after training, the technical bench expressed their delight regarding my return.

"They asked whether I could play and I told them maybe in the last 40 minutes since my body is re-adjusting after being out for some time. I knew much was needed from me and I was trying to avoid being sluggish.

"The technical bench felt it was important for me to start the match owing to the condition of the entire playing unit. I decided to fight for the team and give my best, owing to my love for the club.

"So those saying I forced my way into the starting 11 do not know what transpired." 

Original author: Seth Willis

Real Madrid Fall to Shock Defeat Against Newly Promoted Cádiz

90' + 1' Three minutes of stoppage time are added as both teams continue to push forward in numbers to find a winner!

90' This time it's Udinese's turn to make a weak claim for a penalty as Sema throws himself to the floor under pressure from Rabiot, but the referee opts to simply award a corner. 

88' Dybala wriggles deep inside the box, but he overruns it before despairingly going down under a tackle from Troost-Ekong and the referee - unsurprisingly - waves away his claims for a penalty.

86' Juventus push forward in a more patient manner this time, as they work it out wide to Cuadrado who clips in an inviting cross that Dybala flicks agonisingly beyond the onrushing attackers at the back post. 

84' Sema swings the resulting set-piece into the box and it's met by Fofana who nods a tame header a few yards over.

82' The hosts are still carrying a threat on the break and they underline their danger as Fofana almost latches onto a hopeful lob forward before Cuadrado races across to nod it away for a throw-in.

80' Dybala goes down under a heavy challenge from Fofana on the edge of the area, but the referee plays advantage and Ronaldo responds by smashing another powerful effort over from 20 yards.

78' Now it's Rabiot's turn to fire a shot from distance as the midfielder blasts a wild effort well over a serene Musso and into the stands from 30 yards.

77' Ronaldo shows a little frustration as he lashes a wild effort with his weaker foot, well over the bar from 25 yards.

73' The game is paused for a drinks break.

71' Douglas Costa shimmies craftily past Larsen before getting to the byline and dinking a cross to the back post where it drifts away for a throw-in. It was crossed into the perfect area, but Juventus lacked any attackers making the required run there.

66' Okaka attempts to start another counter-attack but Bentancur cynically trips him on the halfway line.  

64' Juventus are pushing forward in numbers and it's offering Udinese plenty of opportunities to break away. The latest chance culminates with Sema and Nestorovski finding themselves with a two-on-two going forward, but Sema's key pass is overhit and Rugani clears.

62' Strong save from Musso! Udinese offer Dybala space to shoot from distance again and he obliges with a curling effort from 25 yards that arcs towards the top corner, but Musso acrobatically gets across to tip it away from harm!

60' Nestorovski attempts an audacious volley from 25 yards that screws comfortably wide of Szczesny's goal.

58' Sema finds himself in plenty of space down the left flank again and he puts in another searching cross that Alex Sandro skillfully flicks away for a corner. The resulting set-piece comes to nothing but Udinese will be thrilled with Sema's influence on this game!

56' Even this early in the second half, Juventus have already managed 10 shots from outside the box. Udinese will need to be wary of this threat to avoid a repeat of De Ligt's opening goal from distance.

54' Well, after a strong first half Udinese will be delighted that they've found a deserved equaliser! Now, the question will be whether they can maintain this performance and continue to defy Juventus.

51' Ronaldo sizes up Troost-Ekong in the box before laying it off to Dybala who curls a shot a few yards wide from the edge of the area.

49' Nestorovski wastes a chance to equalise! Okaka holds it up well before feeding Ter Avest who threads a delightful throughball to Nestorovski who finds himself clean through at an angle, but his shot from 12 yards is tame and Szczesny gets across to gather it!

48' The away side immediately show intent to add to their lead as Danilo surges down the right-wing before cutting back a cross that just evades Dybala.

46' Juventus get the second half underway.

Despite the scoreline, Udinese will still be hopeful of getting a positive result. However, this will most likely require a more adventurous approach that will leave them open to counter-attacks from Juventus.

Juventus take a 1-0 lead into the break after a hard-fought opening 45 minutes against Udinese. The hosts offered a strong account of themselves and could have opened the scoring when Danilo inadvertently almost headed a Sema cross into his own net. However, despite largely fending Juventus off and restricting them to speculative efforts, the away side took the lead late in the half when De Ligt thumped a brilliant effort low into the bottom corner from 25 yards to bring his side within 45 minutes of the title.

45' + 3' HALF TIME: Udinese 0-1 Juventus

45' + 2' Bentancur makes a superb interception near the centre-circle before releasing Dybala who flies all the way into the Udinese box where a heavy touch at the final moment halts his progress.

45' + 1' Two minutes of stoppage time are added.

44' The away side had just started to lose momentum, but De Ligt has taken full responsibility for his team and lashed in a wonderful goal at the perfect moment just before half time!

40' Udinese have reacted well after a nervy opening ten minutes. Initially, they were just content to hold Juventus off without pushing forward too much, but they've become more and more adventurous since the drinks break.

38' Okaka makes a clever run in behind Rugani and Becao picks it out with an accurately clipped pass, before Okaka charges into the box and lashes a wild shot high and wide from 20 yards.

36' Strong appeals for an Udinese penalty! Rugani trips De Paul on the edge of the box and while the Udinese players cry out for a penalty, the referee waves play on enabling Sema to fire in a shot from a tight angle that Szczesny blocks away from harm!

34' Dybala nearly scores a brilliant goal! Ramsey scoops an inventive pass over Troost-Ekong, allowing Dybala to run into the box and flick it over his own head, before attempting an overhead-kick that flashes just wide of the near post.

32' The hosts enjoy a long period of possession after a neat interchange between Fofana and De Paul, but it fails to materialise in an opportunity before Ronaldo tracks back to poke the ball away.

30' Despite enjoying 63% possession so far, Juventus have only been able to produce one shot from inside the box. Udinese's back five have looked disciplined and they've done an excellent job of restricting the league-leaders. 

28' The game is paused for a drinks break.

27' Ronaldo almost opens the scoring! Juventus push forward methodically again with a patient move that ends with Ronaldo cutting inside and curling a deft effort inches wide of the far post from 25 yards!

26' Zeegelaar makes good progress down the left flank before drilling in a cross towards Nestorovski who hits a curling, first-time effort well over the bar from 18 yards.

24' De Paul neatly squares it to Sema, who cracks off a powerful effort from 25 yards that swerves comfortably wide of Szczesny's near post.

22' Dybala swings in a free-kick from deep for the away side, but it wastefully sails over all the attackers and into the grateful arms of Musso.

19' The hosts find a rare opportunity to counter-attack, but Rabiot recovers brilliantly to track Okaka down and dispossess the attacker.

17' Bernardeschi darts inside from the right and attempts a fizzing effort from 20 yards that Troost-Ekong does well to charge down and clear.

15' Despite Danilo almost handing the hosts the lead, Juventus have started well so far. They've spent the majority of the game inside the Udinese half and the intensity and urgency of their passing has created plenty of shooting opportunities.

13' Juventus almost take the lead! Under heavy pressure from Dybala, Nuytinck hits a strong backpass to Musso and it rolls under his foot and a few yards wide of goal! Then, from the resulting set-piece, Ter Avest can only clear it as far as Ramsey who lashes a fierce half-volley from 20 yards that Musso does well to palm to safety!

11' Dybala clips in the first corner of the match for Juventus, but the Udinese backline holds firm and Becao hacks it away at the near post.

10' Udinese hit the post! Sema dances past de Ligt on the left flank, before cutting inside and swirling in a brilliant cross that Danilo fearfully glances onto his own post! Szczesny would have had no chance if that had just drifted on target!

8' Bernardeschi carefully shuffles past a few challenges and into the box before laying it off to Ronaldo, who's fended away by Troost-Ekong at the vital moment.

6' Ronaldo swivels explosively on the edge of the box, before firing a firm shot straight at Musso - the goalkeeper will be relieved that the attacker couldn't find a corner there!

5' Udinese have been favourable opponents for Juventus in recent times, just adding to their confidence in securing a win tonight: Juventus are unbeaten in their last eight games against Udinese in Serie A and have scored an average of three goals per game in the process.

3' Juventus quickly settle down any nerves with a long period of possession inside their own half.

1' Udinese get the first half underway.

The players are emerging from the tunnel and kick off is just seconds away!

Despite their differing league positions, today is all set to be a difficult task for Juventus: they’ve lost three of their last seven away fixtures, as many as they’d lost in their previous 13 games on their travels.

Juventus, meanwhile, make three changes following their victory over Lazio. The main headline is that Douglas Costa is replaced by Bernardeschi in attack, while Danilo comes in for Cuadrado and Rugani replaces Bonucci.

Udinese make four changes to the side that lost 2-1 against Napoli last time out: De Maio drops out of the defence with Troost-Ekong returning, while Larsen also moves to the bench. Walace and Lasagna aren’t deemed fit enough for the bench with Okaka and Sema taking their place.

SUBS: Giacomo Vrioni, Carlo Pinsoglio, Blaise Matuidi, Simone Muratore, Luca Coccolo, Merih Demiral, Juan Cuadrado, Marco Olivieri, Gianluigi Buffon, Luca Zanimacchia, Miralem Pjanic, Douglas Costa.

JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Wojciech Szczesny; Danilo, Daniele Rugani, Matthijs de Ligt, Alex Sandro; Aaron Ramsey, Rodrigo Bentancur, Adrien Rabiot; Federico Bernardeschi, Paulo Dybala, Cristiano Ronaldo.

SUBS: Marco Ballarini, Eric Lirussi, Enrico Oviszach, Samir, Sebastien De Maio, Mattia Compagnon, Martin Palumbo, Nicolas, Francesco Mazzolo, Samuele Perisan, Jens Stryger Larsen.

UDINESE (3-5-2): Juan Musso; William Troost-Ekong, Rodrigo Becao, Bram Nuytinck; Hidde ter Avest, Rodrigo de Paul, Seko Fofana, Ken Sema, Marvin Zeegelaar; Illija Nestorovski, Stefano Okaka.

At the opposite end of the table, this is a crucial game for Udinese too: they find themselves four points above the relegation zone and avoiding defeat would go a long way to securing their survival.

Hello and welcome to live commentary of this Serie A fixture between Udinese and Juventus. Today could be an enormous day for Juventus, who know that a win will clinch their ninth straight title – and the first league title of manager Maurizio Sarri’s career.

Blow for Liverpool as Thiago to miss Manchester City clash

Former Premier Soccer League (PSL) champions SuperSport United have confirmed four coronavirus cases within their camp.

The Tshwane giants revealed that the four positive cases include three players and a staff member.

However, the club indicated that three people have recovered from the deadly virus which has killed hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

SuperSport released the following statement on Thursday as the team continues its preparations for the resumption of the 2019/20 season.

A club statement read: "SuperSport United would like to confirm four Covid-19 positive cases, which include three players and a staff member."

"Two players and the staff member were put into quarantine for 14 days after testing positive while the necessary contract tracing had taken place. The trio went for retesting and tested negative."

"The duo have returned to full training and have joined the rest of the Matsatsantsa squad in preparation for the completion of the season."

"The third player is currently in isolation for 14 days and is in high spirits and feeling well."

"We are continuing with all protocols and awaiting news from the Premier Soccer League for the resumption of the season 2019/20."

The current season has been suspended since mid-March 2020 due to the coronavirus which has affected the staging of sporting events around the world.

SuperSport are the seventh PSL club to make the Covid-19 results public after Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Bloemfontein Celtic, Cape Town City as well as Stellenbosch FC.

However, the PSL is working with the South African Football Association (Safa) to ensure that the suspended season resumes.

The campaign is expected to be completed in a Biologically Safe Environment (BSE) in Gauteng, but SuperSport will be without three experienced players when football starts.

Defensive midfielder Dean Furman and attackers Thabo Qalinge and Thabo Mnyamane have all parted ways with Matsatsantsa.

SuperSport are placed third on the league standings - four points behind second-placed Sundowns, who have three games in hand.

 

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo

Bayern set for Club World Cup

The Borussia Dortmund winger continues to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as the Red Devils aim to strengthen their squad for the 2020-21 season

Jesse Lingard believes Jadon Sancho would be a "great addition" to Manchester United's squad, but does not know if his England team-mate will make the move to Old Trafford this summer.

Borussia Dortmund winger Sancho is on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s transfer wish list, with the Norwegian keen to strengthen his side as they bid to mount a Premier League title charge next season.

With transfer budgets and asking prices up in their air due to Covid-19, it is not yet known where or if the 20-year-old will move when the window open, but he would be welcomed at Old Trafford by Lingard should he make the transfer.

“Jadon is a brilliant player. It's obviously up to him,” Lingard told reporters. “I’ve seen him with England, I’ve seen his qualities and I feel like he’d be a great addition to any team.”

If Sancho does move to Old Trafford, it remains to be seen whether or not he will be linking up with Lingard.

There are doubts over the versatile midfielder's long-term future with the Red Devils with him having fallen down the pecking order under Solskjaer.

The 27-year-old has started just once since the resumption of football in June, and has failed to make the matchday squad on a number of occasions.

“I don't want to look too much into the future at the moment,” he said. “I'm happy playing football and I go into work with a smile on my face every day. For me that's the best thing.

I feel like I've been training and getting that confidence and playing with confidence as well, it's just about taking what I do in training into games. I've been patient and I'll wait for my opportunity.”

Lingard, who has started just nine times in the league this season, did admit that things have not worked out for him the way he hoped they would in the current campaign.

“It’s been a lot different (this season). I know personally I’ve not been at it and I know what I needed to do to get that confidence back.

"I’ve been working hard and I’m just waiting for the opportunity now.

"I think I’ve got to be ready in all circumstances, whether you are starting or not. I feel like you can always make an impact in the game whether you get 25 minutes or five minutes. It’s about you being ready to make an impact and help the team.

“Next season is a new season and a new start. We can’t predict the future but we’re on a great run at the moment and it’s on the up.”

Jesse Lingard is an ambassador for American Pistachio Growers, using American pistachios as a go-to snack for training and physical recovery. Visit https://americanpistachios.co.uk/ for more information.

Original author: Charlotte Duncker

Copyright

© UEFA

Jose Mourinho's worst ever signings - ranked

The former Scotland international believes his old side will make the English top flight a better division, and it is one in which they can thrive

Leeds United can emulate the likes of Chelsea in joining the Premier League’s top clubs now they have returned from the Championship, according to Gordon Strachan.

After a 16-year absence, Leeds are back in the big time after winning the second-tier title under Marcelo Bielsa.

Strachan, who played for Leeds in the early years of the Premier League, believes the division will be better for having his former club in it.

“When Leeds come into this Premier League, I think football fans around the world will go, ‘Leeds are back’,” Strachan told the Gary Newbon Sports Show. “Leeds vs Chelsea, Leeds vs Manchester United, Leeds vs Liverpool, these are going to be games that will get watched around the world. When Leeds come up, there's a ring to it.”

As a former giant of English football, Strachan thinks Leeds have the potential to rekindle their past glories.

They last won the title in 1992, lifting the old First Division in the final season before the formation of the Premier League. With their solitary FA Cup and League Cup titles coming in 1972 and 1968 respectively, the idea of Leeds as a force in English football is an alien one to younger fans - but under Bielsa, there is optimism coursing through the club.

“Some clubs say, ‘We are a big club’,” Strachan continued. “Yeah, you might have been 80 years ago and you won a couple [of trophies] way back, but that doesn't make you a big club.

“What makes you a big club is your support, your history, what you can possibly do again in the future.

“Now, Leeds are in that bracket. They're up there, they can be a Chelsea, but what they've got to do is add to the Premier League and make it grow even bigger.”

As a mark of their ambition, Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani recently admitted he is interested in signing free agent Edinson Cavani following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

That comes after they had tried to sign Zlatan Ibrahimovic in January, with the Swede eventually returning to Milan instead.

Leeds were relegated from the Premier League in 2004, and dropped to the third tier of English football before finally returning to the top flight for 2020-21.

Lionel Messi keeping promise on decision about Barcelona future

Wekundu wa Msimbazi, who have already been declared the 2019/20 winners, did not manage to break the home side’s backline in Tanga

Mainland Premier League champions Simba SC failed to pick up a win during their season’s penultimate tie against Coastal Union.

Wekundu wa Msimbazi were made to register a 0-0 draw at Mkwakwani Stadium in Tanga by Coastal Union even though coach Sven Vandenbroeck fielded a strong starting XI.

A second draw was registered between Alliance FC and Ndanda SC after the two sides fought to a 2-2 draw.

Israel Patrick opened the score for Alliance in the ninth minute but Ndanda cancelled the lead in the 16th minute from Abdul Hamis’ strike.

Omary Mponda gave Ndanda the lead, but that did not last, in the 51st minute before the hosts cancelled it by a Martin Kigi goal at the hour mark.

Lipuli FC recorded a first win in one of four matches that were held on Thursday evening. Daruesh Saliboko scored a 79th-minute penalty to condemn Ruvu Shooting to a 1-0 loss.

Another draw, this time a 1-1 scoreline, was recorded from the match that pitted Polisi Tanzania against JKT Tanzania.

Mathew Anthony scored for Polisi Tanzania in the 32nd minute before the visitors responded with a 60th-minute goal courtesy of Edward Songo’s strike.

Azam FC will be at home against Mbeya City in a late kick-off.

Meanwhile, football stakeholders in Tanzania have been called on to give their suggestions concerning the upcoming season’s regulations.

“Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB) has kick-started the process of collecting views from stakeholders on the improvement or the amendments of the leagues’ regulations for the 2020/21 season,” a statement obtained by Goal read.

“On July 11, the board had welcomed top officials of all the Premier League and the Division Two clubs and gave them an update of how the board was planning to carry out the whole exercise.

“The board would like to request the stakeholders, journalists, soccer organisations from regional and district levels and all the concerned parties to take part in the exercise that we believe is very important in as far as soccer development in the country is concerned.

“Given the change in the calendar of the season, TPLB would like to request that all the opinions on the improvement of league regulations for the 2020/21 season, be submitted before July 31.”

Original author: Kiplagat Sang

Coronavirus: PSL chairman Khoza gets tough with clubs ahead of football return

Supporters had been asked to celebrate the victory safely at home but around 3,000 gathered at the stadium as the trophy was lifted

Liverpool have condemned fans who ignored calls from the club to celebrate their Premier League title win at home.

According to Merseyside Police, around 3,000 fans gathered around Anfield as Jurgen Klopp’s side finally got their hands on the Premier League trophy following their 5-3 win over Chelsea.

Nine people were arrested, though a police statement added that there wasn’t a repeat of the disorder and damage which followed the club’s title win last month.

Both the football club and local authorities had made clear they did not want to see large groups of fans gathering to celebrate, with the United Kingdom’s coronavirus death toll still rising towards the 50,000 mark.

A statement from Liverpool on Thursday read: “Liverpool Football Club would like to thank those supporters who stayed at home to celebrate the team lifting the trophy last night, protecting their loved ones and our city from the ever-present threat of this pandemic.

“We are, however, disappointed with the scenes outside Anfield last night and that more supporters did not heed the celebrate at home advice.

“The club and our city partners Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council and Spirit of Shankly, have worked in-step for the past eight weeks to consistently encourage fans to support the team from home and we would like to thank them for their continued support and collaboration in the lead-up and throughout football returning behind closed doors.

“Thanks should also go to those from CleanEvent and Liverpool Streetscene Services, who did incredible work this morning cleaning up Anfield and surrounding areas.

“As we have said before, when it is safe to do so we will celebrate, until then protecting our city is the priority.”

Speaking after Thursday’s game, Klopp affirmed he has every intention of marking the title win properly once it is less dangerous to public health.

“We should all celebrate,” Klopp told Sky Sports. "Drink what you want but you have to prepare for a party when this bullsh*t virus is gone. Then we will have a party all together. Make sure you are ready then."

Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy following their final home game of the season, having won the English top flight for the first time in 30 years.


FutPost.com