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Owen Coyle after disallowed goal against Hyderabad FC - Jamshedpur FC were robbed!

Jamshedpur have now played out a second consecutive draw...

Jamshedpur FC manager Owen Coyle has slammed the linesman's decision to disallow a goal for his side in their 1-1 draw against Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL) on Wednesday. 

Jamshedpur were chasing the game, down 1-0, in the second half when the controversy unfolded. In the 76th minute, Hyderabad custodian Laxmikant Kattimani fisted away a free-kick from Aitor Monroy, only for his punch to hit his own player and bounce back into the goal. What should have been a legitimate equaliser for Jamshedpur was cancelled out by the officials. 

The linesman had his flag up, unclear whether it was for a handball or an offside on Jamshedpur's Peter Hartley who was also challenging for the ball. 

Coyle was not impressed at all with the decision and slammed the linesman for inventing 'a handball'. He also mentioned that his team was robbed. Jamshedpur would go on to score an equaliser finally in the 85th minute.  

"Yeah, listen. I don't need any trouble for anyone. The referee has given a goal, the linesman has invented a handball because we never had anybody's hand involved. So my question is how he can make something like that because it doesn't look like that. I feel we have been robbed. I think it was totally wrong," he said in the post-match interview.  

Hyderabad, who were playing with eight Indian players in their starting XI, looked the better for large parts of the game. Coyle was gracious enough to appreciate the young Indian players in the Hyderabad set up for their quick runs which served as a threat for his side in the first half.

He, however, mentioned that the attack from his opponents in the first 45 minutes did not result in many goal-scoring chances. 

"No, Hyderabad have some good players. Some young Indian players were doing well, They deserve their credit. But the pace didn't catch us off. We did not play well. Hyderabad were a little bit better but did not have goal scoring chances."   

He did mention that his side needs to defend better as they have now played out two draws and a loss in three games. 

"Well, (we need) better defending. Very simple. Very simple. We can't allow the shot to come in on the goal. I think Pawan (Kumar) pushed it to save. He pushed it straight to Aridane who has punished us. That's the simple answer. Better defending. 

Original author: Goal
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Messi should vacate Barcelona No.10 shirt to honour Maradona, says World Cup winner's son

Diego Sinagra said that he was "moved" by the Argentine star's tribute to his late father at the weekend during the win over Osasuna

Diego Maradona's son has called for Barcelona to retire the No.10 shirt which his late father wore at the club. 

Lionel Messi is the current owner of that shirt number and the Barca superstar honoured Maradona at the weekend after scoring against Osasuna, taking off his jersey to reveal a Newell's Old Boys shirt with the No.10.

Messi's goal came just days after Maradona passed away at age 60 following a heart attack.

Tributes have poured in from across the footballing world, with Marseille coach Andre Villas-Boas suggesting the No.10 jersey should be retired from all teams in tribute to the Argentine legend.

Maradona's son Diego Sinagra has not gone that far but has called for all of his father's former sides to retire the No.10, which could result in Messi being forced to find a new number.

Sinagra also expressed how pleased he was with Messi's gesture, as well as other tributes from Maradona's former clubs including Boca Juniors' salute to Maradona's daughter Dalma.

"I was very moved," Sinagra told Marca. "These have been very emotional days. Leo's gesture was special, very nice. It got to me a lot, it made me cry. Also that of Napoli, Gimnasia's win, what happened in Boca Juniors, where Dalma was. Many were emotional."

Asked if the No.10 should be retired, Sinagra said: "In the teams where he played, I think so, including Barcelona. I have no doubt. But all that is secondary. I am focused only on getting through this difficult battle. I hope it happens quickly, or not. I don't even know what I want to happen."

Sinagra admitted that it has been difficult to deal with his father's death, saying that losing him at a relatively young age has been especially tough to take.

"That is something that I do not accept. I cannot accept it," he said. "He had many years to enjoy with his family. That's something that I don't know if I'll ever accept. Losing him so young, life is like that.

"I am very proud of what my father left behind, for his legacy."

Original author: Goal
  308 Hits

Dortmund star Haaland suffers torn hamstring in major injury blow to Bundesliga outfit

Lucien Favre's men will be without their star striker for the remainder of December

Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland has suffered a torn hamstring and will be out until January, the club have confirmed. 

Dortmund announced the injury news when revealing their line-up for Wednesday's Champions League clash against Lazio

Speaking to Sky Germany prior to the match, head coach Lucien Favre admitted that he may have made a mistake by not giving Haaland more rest.

“Haaland will not be able to play until January," Favre said. "He may have played too much.

"At first we thought it wouldn't be that bad," Favre added on the injury Haaland suffered in training. "But he can't play now."  

The injury is a major blow to Dortmund, with the 20-year-old having established himself as one of Europe's best strikers since joining from Red Bull Salzburg in January. 

Haaland scored 15 goals in just 18 appearances for Dortmund last season and has started the current season even better, with 17 strikes in 14 games across all competitions.

Dortmund have a busy fixture list for December, with seven games remaining in the month. Haaland is now set to miss all of those matches, which will take place across the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal. 

With Haaland out, Dortmund could rely more heavily on 16-year-old sensation Youssoufa Moukoko, who recently became the youngest player in Bundesliga history.

Haaland himself endorsed Moukoko's talents after he was brought on for his senior debut against Hertha Berlin last month.

"I think he’s the biggest talent in the world right now. 16 years and one day, that’s quite amazing. He has a big career ahead of him," Haaland told ESPN. Asked about his own talent in comparison, he added: “I’m over 20 years, so I’m getting old now, so that’s how it is."

Haaland is closing in on current Man Utd head coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's record for goals by a Norwegian in the Champions League.

Solskjaer, who coached Haaland earlier in his career at Molde, has 20 career Champions League goals and spoke earlier in the week about the forward, who has already scored 16 in the competition.

"He’ll beat it and very quickly, that’s for sure," Solskjaer said. "The boy has had a great start to his career.

"It was really good to work with him, to see the potential in him, and some part of me feels proud of having a little bit of an input in such a rise. I’m sure Erling will score loads in the Champions League."

Original author: Goal
  274 Hits

LIVE: Juventus vs Dynamo Kiev

79' Dynamo are starting to put a bit more pressure on Juve now and Tsygankov makes another good run down the right. He swings a cross into the far post, but he can only pick out De Ligt, who clears his lines.

77' CHANCE! Bernardeschi takes the ball to the byline on the left and drills a dangerous cross back into the six-yard box. Arthur is running onto it and Bushchan does really well to touch it away from him.

74' McKennie squares the ball to Ronaldo on the left of the box and he takes too long to decide what he wants to do. Kedziora goes over to close him down and blocks his cross to put it out for a corner.

71' Ronaldo scored his 750th goal for club and country today, with 75 of those being scored for Juventus.

68' McKennie plays a good throughball into Ronaldo's feet and he turns away from Zabarnyi to run on goal. He was standing in an offside position when he got it though and the flag goes up against him.

64' Mykolenko is finding a lot of space to run into down the left as he tries to create something for Dynamo, but he can't get away from Danilo. He tries to cut inside to get away from the substitute but is blocked off.

61' Ramsey drifts out wide on the left and he swings a good cross into the box, looking for Chiesa at the near post. Zabarnyi reads it well though and gets in front of him to block it.

59' Juventus are keeping the ball well again following the restart and are happy to just keep possession in the middle of the pitch at the moment. They're in no hurry to go forward and McKennie ends up winning a foul when Kedziora brings him down.

55' SAVE! Ronaldo sees some space open up ahead of him and has a shot from just outside the box. It's curling just under the crossbar and Bushchan does well to track back in time to tip it over.

54' GOOD SAVE! Again, Dynamo take the corner short and Tsygankov curls a great cross into the box. Popov misses it completely so the ball curls towards the far-bottom corner, but Szczesny gets down quickly to push it away.

52' It's a quick break by Juventus when Morata wins the ball back and Ronaldo switches play out to Chiesa on the left. He cuts into the box and has space to shoot, but chooses to square it to Ramsey, who can't get a shot away.

50' Dynamo are struggling to get into the final third at the moment and their frustration is starting to show. Shepelev loses the ball to McKennie and ends up fouling the midfielder in his attempt to win it back.

48' Dynamo play a corner short so that Rodrigues can swing a cross into the box. He can't pick out a team-mate but Morata's touch takes it looping towards goal and luckily, it's straight at Szczesny.

46' Juventus get us back underway for the second half! 

Dynamo grew into the game as it went on and Lucescu will be pleased with how his side played towards the end of the half. As for Juventus, they created some good chances for themselves, but Pirlo will expect to see a much more clinical performance from them after the break.

Juventus lead Dynamo Kiev 1-0 at the break. Chiesa broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when he headed Alex Sandro's cross past Bushchan to score his first Champions League goal. Ronaldo also saw an effort bounce back off the crossbar, while Dynamo's best chance came through Tsygankov, but his shot was smothered by Szczesny.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: JUVENTUS 1-0 DYNAMO KIEV.

45' Tsygankov pulls away from Alex Sandro on the right again and he has a lot of support up with him in the box. It's a poor cross from him in the end though and Szczesny comes off his line to collect it.

43' Dynamo are putting Juventus under a lot more pressure now as they continue to look for an equaliser. It's a good run from Rodrigues as he cuts inside from the left, but his cross to Verbic is cut out by Bonucci.

41' GOOD SAVE! It's a great cross into the box by Kedziora and Verbic chests it down in the middle, laying it off for Tsygankov who is running onto it. Szczesny reads it well though and comes rushing off his line to smother the shot.

39' Chiesa has scored his first goal in the Champions League, 20 years and 256 days since his father Enrico Chiesa scored his final goal in the competition, for Fiorentina against Bordeaux in March 2000.

37' It's another good run from Alex Sandro down the left and he whips another cross into the box. Morata is running onto it at the far post, but it's over his head and Mykolenko is there to clear the danger.

35' There are loud shouts from Dynamo for a penalty now as Verbic goes down under pressure from Bonucci. The referee has a good view of it though and she waves the claims away.

33' Dynamo just can't keep hold of the ball in Juventus' half at the moment as Rodrigues tries to set up another attack for the visitors. He touches it into Shaparenko, but he's quickly dispossessed by Demiral.

31' OFF THE BAR! It's a great piece of play by Alex Sandro to get on the end of Bentancur's throughball and he dribbles past two Dynamo defenders. He touches it into Ronaldo and he hits the shot first time, only to see it bounce back off the crossbar.

29' Morata goes to ground in the box and he's asking for a penalty as he claims he was tugged back by Popov. There was nothing in it though and the referee tells him to get back to his feet.

25' Dynamo are keeping the ball well at the moment and are patiently trying to find a way in behind Juventus. They're looking to Rodrigues down the left to get them forward, but he can't pick out a team-mate in the box.

23' Juventus are pushing for another goal now with Ramsey making a driving run through the middle. He's cut off by Shepelev before he can pick out Ronaldo and Juventus are frustrated that they weren't awarded a free-kick.

20' Juventus don't clear their lines properly after a corner and Dynamo get it to Rodrigues just outside the box. He curls a shot towards the top-right corner, but his effort sails high over the bar.

18' Juventus are starting to up the pressure on Dynamo now as another cross gets whipped into the box. Morata touches it on at the far post and Bushchan can't hold onto it, but Ronaldo can't get his effort on target in the middle.

17' SAVE! The corner is whipped into the box for Juventus and McKennie makes a run to the far post from the edge of the box. He heads it on target, but Bushchan pushes it away.

16' It's another good cross into the middle of the box from Chiesa and he's looking for Morata at the far post. It's flicked away from him by Kedziora though and Ronaldo lets it roll out of play for a corner.

14' Tsygankov has a lot of space to run into down the right and he curls a good cross into the middle of the box to Verbic. He can't sort his feet out in time though and ends up hitting it against his standing leg before Juventus clear their lines.

12' Morata does really well to weave his way through three Dynamo defenders on the edge of the box before playing it out to Chiesa on the right. He floats a good cross into the middle, but it's intercepted by Zabarnyi.

8' GOOD CHANCE! Nobody closes Chiesa down as he makes the run to the edge of the box and he drills a low shot across goal. It takes a deflection off Popov which has Buhchan scrambling across his line, but it finishes wide of the far post.

6' Alex Sandro has space to run into down the left and Kedziora can't get close to him. He takes the ball to the byline where he hits his cross, but it's a wild one from him that flies straight out of play.

4' Morata nicks the ball off Shaparenko and squares the ball to Ronaldo just outside the box. He hits the shot first time, but he ends up dragging his effort well wide of the near post.

2' Juventus are seeing a lot of the ball in the opening minutes, but they're in no hurry to push upfield as they keep possession in their own half and try to draw Dynamo out of their shape.

1' Verbic gets the game underway for Dynamo!

The teams are out on the pitch now, with kick-off just moments away.

Juventus have lost just two of their last 26 group stage home games in the Champions League (W16 D8), though one of these defeats came this season (vs Barcelona).

Mircea Lucescu makes just two changes to his side after their win at the weekend. Sydorchuk and Rodrigues both come into the starting line-up, with Andriyevskyi and De Pena dropping to the bench.

Andrea Pirlo makes six changes to his team after their draw with Benevento. Ronaldo is brought in, along with Alex Sandro, McKennie, Bentancur, Demiral and Bonucci. Cuadrado, Dybala, Rabiot, Danilo, Frabotta and Arthur are on the bench.

DYNAMO KIEV SUBS: Denys Boyko, Artem Shabanov, Ruslan Neshcheret, Oleksandr Syrota, Bogdan Lednev, Vladyslav Supriaha, Clayton, Oleksandr Karavaev, Carlos de Pena, Oleksandr Andrievsky, Denys Harmash, Tudor Baluta.

DYNAMO KIEV STARTING XI (4-3-3): Georgi Bushchan; Tomasz Kedziora, Illia Zabarnyi, Denys Popov, Vitalii Mykolenko; Volodymyr Shepelev, Serhiy Sydorchuk, Mykola Shaparenko; Viktor Tsygankov, Benjamin Verbic, Gerson Rodrigues.

JUVENTUS SUBS: Federico Bernardeschi, Juan Cuadrado, Carlo Pinsoglio, Cosimo Marco Da Graca, Paulo Dybala, Danilo, Dejan Kulusevski, Adrien Rabiot, Gianluca Frabotta, Radu Dragusin, Manolo Portanova, Arthur.

JUVENTUS STARTING XI (3-4-1-2): Wojciech Szczesny; Matthijs de Ligt, Leonardo Bonucci, Marih Demiral; Federico Chiesa, Rodrigo Bentancur, Weston McKennie, Alex Sandro; Aaron Ramsey; Alvaro Morata, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Juventus have already confirmed their place in the last 16 after their win over Ferencvaros last week. Top spot is still up for grabs, but that all depends on Barcelona's result in the other game. Dynamo can't reach the knockout stages after earning just one point this season (D1 L3) but are still in with a chance of finishing third. A place in the Europa League can't be confirmed today, but a win would be a big step towards it.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Champions League Group G meeting between Juventus and Dynamo Kiev at the Allianz Stadium!

  328 Hits

Twitter explodes as Arsenal suffer pre-season nightmare against Hibernian

83' Dvali plays a forward pass into the feet of Laidouni, who turns into space, and fires a long-range effort straight at Neto. 

79' WIDE! Koeman’s side have upped the tempo since the arrivals of Alena and Puig. Following some clever link-up play, Alena tees the ball up for Pjanic, who fires a well-struck shot just wide to the left of Dibusz’s goal.  

77' Ferencvaros are once again unable to get out of their own defensive third. After a good spell of possession, Dembele cuts inside and onto his right foot, before lashing a low strike towards goal, which Dibusz is able to keep out at his near post.  

75' Following his goal tonight, Braithwaite became only the second Barcelona player to score in their first two Champions League starts for the club. David Villa was the first back in 2010.  

73' SAVE! Lovrencsics picks the ball up in acres of space down the left flank and whips an inviting cross into the visitors’ box. Baturina gets between Lenglet and Mingueza, but steers his header straight at Neto. He should have done better there.  

69' In the other Group G match, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata have extended Juventus’ lead over Dynamo Kiev. It is now 3-0. 

67' OPENING! Puig lays the ball off to Dembele down the left side of the Ferencvaros penalty area, and the Frenchman steers a right-footed shot inches wide of the near post.

62' Ferencvaros launch a quick counter, which results in Nguen laying the ball to Isael down the right side of the Barca penalty area. The winger’s first-time shot deflects behind for a corner off Lenglet, before the set-piece is dealt with by Braithwaite. 

60' Trincao is unable to latch onto Pjanic’s pass, and pulls Hiester to the floor midway inside the hosts’ half. Free-kick to Ferencvaros. 

58' Barca are looking to win each of their first five Champions League group games for the first time since the 2002-03 campaign. 

56' Dembele sweeps an early cross into the Ferencvaros box towards Braithwaite. The delivery, however, evades the Danish striker, who was totally unmarked in the centre.

55' WIDE! Dembele goes on a surging run from his own half, skipping beyond several Ferencvaros players. Upon getting to the left side of the hosts’ penalty area, the attacker cuts onto his right foot and pulls his shot into the side netting.  

51' Pjanic intercepts Dvani’s pass on the edge of the hosts’ penalty area before firing a right-footed shot well over the top of Dibusz’s goal.  

49' CHANCE! Siger slides Heister in down the left-hand side of the field, and his low cross is fired straight at Lenglet by Nguen. The rebound falls to Siger, who curls his effort from range wide to the right of Neto’s goal. 

48' BLOCK! The visitors have started the second half on the front foot. Griezmann combines well with Trincao to send the Portuguese winger into the hosts’ penalty area. He cuts onto his left foot, but his shot is well blocked by Dvali.  

46' We are back underway! Kulbakov, the referee, blows his whistle and Barca get the second half kicked off. 

Rebrov will be hoping for more from his side after the break, but it may be difficult to stop Barca given their current form. Ferencvaros have been penned in their own half for much of the game, although they have enjoyed several decent openings through Uzuni, who will need to get on the ball more frequently in the second half. Koeman, meanwhile, will want his team to continue in much the same fashion. Barca have dominated proceedings thus far, with much of their offensive threat coming from the left flank.  

After a one-sided opening half, Barcelona go in at the break with a three-goal lead. Koeman’s team opened the scoring after 14 minutes as Griezmann steered Alba’s near-post cross beyond Dibusz, before Braithwaite then turned home Dembele’s low delivery from the left six minutes later. The visitors continued to press and won a penalty just before the half-hour mark after Frimpong brought down Braithwaite, and Dembele coolly found the bottom-left corner to further the Spanish side’s lead.

45' + 1' HALF TIME: FERENCVAROS 0-3 BARCELONA

45' Blazic finds Uzuni with a throughball over the top, but the winger made his run too early and is flagged for offside.  

44' Nguen presses the ball as Mingueza sends it all the way back to Neto, but he is the only one who is chasing for the hosts.

42' Botka handles the ball in the centre of the park and Barca are given a free-kick. Koeman’s side are in total control as we approach half-time. 

40' Dest once again breaks into space down the right flank, but this time his cross is too close to Dibusz, who easily gathers the ball. 

38' In the other match in Group G, Federico Chiesa has given Juventus the lead against Dynamo Kiev. 

36' Busquets clips Botka and Ferencvaros win a free-kick just on the edge of the visitors’ box. Uzuni’s cross is headed to the edge of the box and Heister's follow-up effort from range ricochets around in the penalty area, before Siger fouls Lenglet from behind.

34' WHAT A CHANCE! Griezmann finds space between the hosts’ defence and midfield before sliding a pass into the penalty area for Braithwaite. The Danish striker sets himself, but Frimpong gets across to make a much-needed tackle and the ball sails wide of the far post.

32' Shortly after going into the book, Busquets lofts an inch-perfect throughball beyond the Ferencvaros defence for Trincao. The winger takes the ball down well and looks to tee up Braithwaite, although his pass deflects off Blazic and into the gloves of Dibusz.

26' PENALTY! Braithwaite runs off the shoulder of Frimpong, and the defender lunges into the challenge and gets none of the ball down the right side of the hosts’ penalty area. Dembele steps up to take the penalty... 

24' Koeman’s team are allowing Ferencvaros to knock the ball around in their half in an effort to draw their opponents out. Braithwaite, Dembele and Trincao are pressing at every opportunity. 

22' Trincao is a little too eager to win the ball from Heister and concedes a free-kick inside the home side’s half. 

18' OPPORTUNITY! Dembele once again finds Alba in space down the left wing, and the Spaniard pulls a low cross towards the penalty spot. Trincao arrives to meet it in the centre of the box, but steers his shot wide of the far post.

16' Following their opening goal, the away side continue to dictate the tempo of the game. Ferencvaros are struggling to get out of their own half. 

12' Some clever link-up play on the edge of the hosts’ box sees Braithwaite steer a well-weighted throughball beyond Ferencvaros’ defence for Alba. The full-back takes a touch before firing straight at Dibusz and the flag goes up for offside.

10' Somalia looks to drive the home side up the field. Dest shows good pace to stick with the midfielder, and eventually nips in to win possession back for the visitors. 

9' Alba looks to get in down the left wing following a quick one-two with Dembele, but the Frenchman’s return pass is overhit and runs out for a goal-kick. 

8' Isael is penalised for a handball midway inside his own half. Barca are awarded the free-kick.

6' Ferencvaros come forward for the first time in this match through Botka, who lays the ball off to his right for Isael. The winger cuts inside before firing a pass at Nguen, and he is unable to retain possession following a heavy first touch. 

4' CHANCE! Koeman’s side have quickly settled into their rhythm here. Dest skips past Heister down the right-hand side of the field before sending a low cross into the box. Braithwaite gets across his man, although his near-post flick goes wide of Dibusz’s goal.

3' The hosts lose the ball deep inside their own half down the left flank. Dembele turns into space and plays a throughball towards Braithwaite. The attacker goes for goal from an acute angle, but Frimpong gets across to block the effort. 

1' Kick off! The referee, Aleksey Kulbakov, blows his whistle and Ferencvaros get the game underway. 

The teams are out, and kick-off will soon be upon us here at Puskas Arena. 

Ferencvaros are winless in their last six meetings with Spanish clubs in all competitions (D4 L2). However, in seven matches, the Hungarian side have never lost at home to a Spanish team in any European competition. 

The home side come into this fixture bottom of Group G with just one point and are no longer able to qualify for the knockout phase, but can still finish third ahead of Dynamo Kiev. In their opening four Champions League matches, Sergiy Rebrov’s team have conceded 13 goals, five of which came at Camp Nou on matchday one. Barcelona, meanwhile, will be looking to win their fifth consecutive European game of the season at Puskas Arena and retain their three-point lead over Juventus. In all competitions, Koeman’s team have won seven of their previous ten matches, and have scored 24 goals during that time.

There are three changes from the Ferencvaros side that beat MTK Budapest in their most recent league match. Dvali, Somalia and Siger come in to start in place of Laidouni, Kharatin and Boli. Ronald Koeman, meanwhile, makes five alterations to his team following their 4-0 La Liga victory over Osasuna. Neto, Pjanic, Busquets, Trincao, and Dembele replace Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Pedri, De Jong, Philippe Coutinho and Lionel Messi. 

BARCELONA SUBS: Inaki Pena, Arnau Tenas, Junior Firpo, Frenkie de Jong, Matheus Fernandes, Pedri, Carles Alena, Riqui Puig, Konrad De la Fuent.  

FERENCVAROS SUBS: Levente Ori, Gergo Szecsi, Dominik Csontos, Gergo Lovrencsics, Adnan Kovacevic, Robert Mak, Aissa Laidouni, Ihor Kharatin, Franck Boli, Roko Baturina. 

BARCELONA (4-2-3-1): Neto; Sergino Dest, Oscar Mingueza, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba; Miralem Pjanic, Sergio Busquets; Trincao, Antoine Griezmann, Ousmane Dembele; Martin Braithwaite.  

FERENCVAROS (3-5-1): Denes Dibusz; Endre Botka, Miha Blazic, Abraham Frimpong, Lasha Dvali, Marcel Heister; Isael, David Siger, Somalia, Myrto Uzuni; Tokmac Nguen.  

Ferencvaros come into this game looking to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat to Juventus last time out in the Champions League. Barcelona, on the other hand, will be seeking to continue their impressive form following their 4-0 away victory against Dynamo Kiev in their previous European fixture. 

Hello and welcome to live match coverage of the Champions League fixture between Ferencvaros and Barcelona at Puskas Arena. 

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LIVE: Sevilla vs Chelsea

82' PENALTY CHELSEA!

82' Sevilla continue to probe but there's still no cutting edge to their play. 

81' A throughball almost finds Munir but Rudiger is on hand to nip in first. 

79' With the game all but over, it would be great to see Gilmour get a 10-minute runout here.

78' Kounde makes a good run beyond Ocampos and is found in space. But, as has been the case all game, the Chelsea players are quick to surround their opponent and win the ball back.

77' Olivier Giroud is the oldest player to score a Champions League hat-trick (34 years 63 days). A perfect hat-trick at that!

73' Munir is over it and opts to cross, I think. It's massively overhit and out for a Chelsea goal-kick.

72' Munir and Jordan link up well before Emerson concedes a free-kick. 

71' Sevilla attack and the ball almost falls kindly for En-Nesyri to strike, but Mendy is out quickly.

69' CHANCE! Mount has a golden opportunity to make it three moments after coming on. Carlos' ball out is pounced upon by Jorginho who puts it on a plate for Mount. The Englishman just has the keeper to beat but can't make the desired contact and Pastor saves well. 

65' BLOCK! Emerson gets down the left and cuts it back for Pulisic. The American lets it come across his body before firing a shot on goal that is deflected out for another corner.

64' Sevilla are committing plenty of men forward as they go in search of a route back into this game, but their play is a little predictable. 

63' Havertz fancies getting in on the action and unleashes a shot from outside the area, but Carlos does well to get his body in the way.

61' A lovely one-two between Pulisic and Giroud earns the visitors a corner. Their tails are up. Can they get a third?

57' SHOT! Hudson-Odoi cuts in from the right flank and shifts the ball onto his left foot before firing a shot just over the bar.

56' The goal didn't necessarily come against the run of play, but the hosts had looked the better side coming out from the break. 

52' Certainly not the fireworks we had earlier to begin the second half. Although, as I say that, Navas takes on Emerson and delivers a teasing cross into the Chelsea area, but Mendy is able to catch.

51' Hudson-Odoi attempts to pick out Giroud in the middle but it's well defenced by the home side. The Blues come again before Sevilla snatch possession and win a free-kick in the middle of the park. 

49' SHOT! Oscar and Navas link up on the right before the latter plays a lovely ball into Gudelj. The ball drops nicely for the midfielder to volley and his thunderous effort flashes just over Mendy's bar.

47' Giroud feels he was clipped by Gudelj right at the beginning of the half and continues to speak to the referee about it.

47' Olivier Giroud has scored 13 goals for Chelsea in major European competition since the start of the 2018-19 campaign, the most of any player for an English side in this period. Clinical.

46' We're back underway for the second half.

As it stands, Chelsea will finish top of Group E, but this game is far from over. Despite going in at the break behind, Lopetegui will have seen enough from his side to know they're more than capable of turning the game in their favour. Plus, when is a game ever safe at 1-0? All to play for in the second period.

The teams are separated at the break by Giroud's early goal. The away side made a rapid start and were rewarded for their early dominance in the eighth minute. Havertz broke forward at pace before teeing up the Frenchman who cut inside and fired into the far corner. There were half-chances for both sides as the game wore on but neither keeper was really troubled.

45' + 2' HALF-TIME: SEVILLA 0-1 CHELSEA

45' + 1' There will be one minute of added time.

45' Idrissi does very well to keep possession and passes out to Navas. His big switch of play is gathered by Rekik who feeds it into the path of Rakitic for another wayward strike on goal.

40' Navas advances from the full-back position before finding Oscar in space near the Chelsea byline. His cut-back falls for Rakitic who has another effort on goal blocked.

39' A quick VAR check is complete and determines there was no foul play. 

38' The resultant free-kick is lined up by Rakitic. The Croatian strikes well but the wall does its job before Sevilla claim the ball has struck Emerson's hand on the follow-up.

35' Sevilla attempt to breach the Chelsea defence on the right-hand side to no avail. They work the ball back into defence before it's back in the keeper's hands. 

33' Kovacic has the ball at his feet and approaches the last line of the Sevilla defence at speed. He has Giroud on his left but going for goal is the better option. His shot is struck well but is deflected out for a goal-kick.

31' Giroud has the ball in an advanced position and feeds Emerson who has surged forward from his full-back position. He attempts to play a low cross into the front post, but nobody anticipates and Pastor can gather comfortably.

30' Oscar and Kovacic come together awkwardly. The home side appeal for a free-kick but the referee sensibly gives nothing.

29' Pulisic has another two chances. He wastes the first one before having a shot deflected out for another corner.

27' SAVE! Pulisic breaks forward from a scrappy spell of play. The American is looking for an attractive option but in the end chooses to go himself and draws a solid save from Pastor. 

27' From the resultant corner, Rudiger rises highest and his header looks destined for the goal before Vazquez makes a brilliant clearance.

25' Havertz is momentarily down after an aerial clash with Carlos. It was aggressive, but shouldn't warrant any further action.

24' Rakitic is floating in space and is found by Navas. The Croatian's first touch is brilliant and he can turn his attention to goal. He feeds Idrissi who has space and time to shoot, but drags his effort wide.

23' The Blues made a quick start to the game but the last five minutes or so have been dominated by the home side. 

22' Oscar whips the ball in and Vazquez gets on the end of it this time, but his header is tame and easily gathered by Mendy.

21' Azpilicueta stumbles over the ball and Oscar steals in to earn another free-kick for Sevilla.

19' The ball in is brilliant and Oscar gets on the end of it before the Sevilla players are screaming for a handball. Rekik reacts quickest to the loose ball and pokes an effort towards goal but Mendy saves well. 

18' Adrissi leaves the ball for Gudelj on the left. He finds En-Nesyri who goes down very easily under contact but the referee buys it and blows for a free-kick. 

17' Sevilla are being allowed possession in their own half but are being pressed as soon as they cross the halfway line. The Spanish side are finding it difficult to make inroads into an organised Chelsea side.

13' The home side enjoy their first meaningful spell of possession. Idrissi feeds the ball into Rekik who is on the overlap before the Dutchman fires a dangerous cross into the Chelsea area.

12' Chelsea's strength in depth is really on show here. Havertz, Pulisic and Hudson-Odoi have all made bright starts to this game for the Blues.

10' Olivier Giroud has scored seven goals in his last seven away starts in the Champions League.

6' Oscar tries to find Idrissi but Havertz intercepts. Chelsea break forward and Azpilicueta finds Hudson-Odoi in space on the right. He cuts it back to Giroud before the Frenchman tees up Pulisic who fires just wide.

4' The corner comes to nothing and Sevilla get on the ball briefly as Oscar tries to counter-attack down the left wing.

3' Chelsea have started the brighter here. In particular, they are passing it around nicely on the right-hand side. They've won the first corner of the game. 

1' The new goalkeeper is tested early as Havertz whips a ball in from the right flank.

1' Referee Artur Manuel Soares Dias blows his whistle and we’re underway at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

There is a last-minute change in goal for Sevilla with Tomas Vaclik dropping to the bench and Alfonso Pastor starting in his place.

The players are emerging from the tunnel with kick-off mere moments away.

As mentioned, Sevilla and Chelsea have both already qualified for the UEFA Champions League round of 16 this season, with the winner of this match qualifying as group winners. Sevilla haven’t topped their Champions League group since 2009-10, while Chelsea last did so in 2015-16.

And not to be outdone, Lampard has made nine changes from the draw with Tottenham. Only Edouard Mendy and Mateo Kovacic keep their places while Kai Havertz and Christian Pulisic – both of whom could do with some minutes – start in midfield. Olivier Giroud is preferred up front after his late winner against Rennes last week.

Both managers have rung the changes for this one. First up, it’s seven for Sevilla from the team sent out to face Huesca. At the back Sergi Gomez comes in for Jules Kounde while the front six have all been rotated. Ivan Rakitic returns to the starting XI beside Nemanja Gudelj and Oscar Rodriguez, and up front, Luuk de Jong drops to the bench. Instead, Lopetegui has put his trust in Franco Vazquez, Youssef En-Nesyri and Oussama Idrissi to cause Chelsea problems going forward.

CHELSEA SUBS: Timo Werner, Reece James, Billy Gilmour, Fikayo Tomori, Tammy Abraham, N'Golo Kante, Marcos Alonso, Hakim Ziyech, Willy Caballero, Mason Mount, Ben Chilwell, Kepa Arrizabalaga.

CHELSEA (4-2-3-1): Edouard Mendy; Cesar Azpilicueta, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Emerson; Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho; Callum Hudson-Odoi, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic; Olivier Giroud.

SEVILLA SUBS: Luuk de Jong, Munir El Haddadi, Joan Jordan, Lucas Ocampos, Tomas Vaclik, Antonio Zarzana, Adrian Gonzalez, Oliver Torres, Fernando, Jules Kounde.

SEVILLA (4-3-3): Alfonso Pastor; Jesus Navas, Sergi Gomez, Diego Carlos, Karim Rekik; Ivan Rakitic, Nemanja Gudelj, Oscar Rodriguez; Franco Vazquez, Youssef En-Nesyri, Oussama Idrissi.

Their opponents are on their own rich vein of form. Unbeaten in 11, the Blues required Olivier Giroud’s late effort to secure the three points against Rennes, before a goalless draw with Jose Mourinho’s Tottenham snapped their run of six straight victories. Still, Frank Lampard will be delighted to see his team sitting third in the Premier League with progression from the Champions League group stages secured. 

Both sides come into this one tied on 10 points and with a place in the knockout stages secured, so attention now turns to topping the group. And there can be no complaints from either about a lack of form. Although the hosts needed a 95th-minute winner to defeat Krasnodar in their last Champions League outing, they extended their winning streak to five games with a 1-0 La Liga triumph away to Huesca at the weekend.

Hello and welcome to live coverage of the Champions League Group E meeting between Sevilla and Chelsea.

  269 Hits

LIVE: Manchester United vs PSG

LIVE: Manchester United vs PSG | Goal.com

UEFA Champions League

19:35 GMT 02/12/2020

Marquinhos PSG Manchester United 2020

The hosts have won their last seven European matches at Old Trafford and will look to continue that run against the French champions - it's LIVE!

  366 Hits

Zambia forced into quarantine after cancelled second Chile friendly

The African team recorded some positive coronavirus cases after playing the South Americans in a test match last Thursday

Zambia's women's team have entered into isolation after some of its members tested positive for Covid-19 following last week Thursday's international friendly against Chile, Goal can exclusively report.

On Monday, Goal reported the abrupt cancellation of the Africans' second test match against La Roja hours before kick-off on Tuesday, after some result of tests on the visitors returned positive.

Before the cancellation, the South Americans suffered a 2-1 defeat against the Copper Queens thanks to strikes from Barbara Banda and Racheal Nachula in the first of two scheduled friendlies last week.

Sources in Chile on Wednesday informed to Goal that four players tested positive for Covid-19 in the earlier tests before another round of tests returned three new coronavirus cases.

This corroborated ANFP Medical Commission general coordinator Casar Kalazich's statement on Tuesday: "As dictated by the sanitary protocols of the ANFP Medical Commission, we have carried out the test for Covid-19 for the Zambian women's team.

"In antigen testing, a test validated by Chilean soccer, they have yielded four positive results. Therefore, and due to the high risk it represents for this match, we have decided to cancel it."

The development immediately forced the cancellation of Tuesday's match and the Zambian delegation have begun periods of isolation in Santiago.

Following the positive cases of more than two players, Goal has learnt that the Chilean health department had forced the teams to be quarantined for the mandatory 14 days.

In Spain, Zaragoza are sweating over the travel restrictions of Rachel Nachula and Hellen Mubanga, and Hapoel Beer Sheva's Mary Mwakapila, who were expected back in Israel on Thursday.

Despite the health issues, Bruce Nwape's side will take solace from their famous triumph over Chile as they continue their preparations for a maiden Olympic Games appearance in Tokyo next year.

Original author: Samuel Ahmadu
  417 Hits

Premier League insists 'no plans' to pause season despite rising COVID levels

The Porcupine Warriors shot-stopper looks ahead to Saturday's meeting with the Mauritanians in the Caf Champions League 
Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  186 Hits

Kahveci matches Ronaldo and Bale feat with hat-trick in Istanbul Basaksehir defeat to RB Leipzig

The midfielder scored three goals but it wasn't enough on the night, as his side fell 4-3 to the Bundesliga outfit and are out of the competition

Irfan Can Kahveci matched a Champions League feat only previously accomplished by Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in Istanbul Basaksehir's dramatic 4-3 defeat to RB Leipzig on Wednesday.

Kahveci scored a hat-trick in his side's losing effort, becoming only the third player in Champions League history to score three goals in a game but still have his side suffer defeat, after Ronaldo and Bale did the same.

Brazilian striker Ronaldo scored a treble for Real Madrid in a losing effort against Manchester United in April 2003, while Bale scored three times for Tottenham against Inter in a defeat in October 2010. 

After Yussuf Poulsen and Nordi Mukiele gave Leipzig a two-goal advantage to start the game, Kahveci scored just before the half to give the Turkish side life. 

Dani Olmo appeared to put the game away for the Germans in the second half, but Kahveci hit back with two more goals – the latter of which was a stunning 85th-minute free-kick – to level the game at 3-3.

All of Kahveci's goals came from outside the box, making the 25-year-old the first player to score a Champions League hat-trick with each goal coming from outside the area since Wayne Rooney's debut in the competition for Manchester United, against Fenerbahce, back in September 2004.

Basaksehir thought they had secured a share of the points but substitute Alexander Sorloth scored a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Leipzig a 4-3 win and put the pressure on PSG and Manchester United, against who the Germans are competing for a spot in the last 16.

Meanwhile, with the loss, Basaksehir became only the seventh team in Champions League history to score at least three goals in a home match and end up losing.

Leipzig will not have much time to celebrate the victory, as they are back in action on Saturday with a massive Bundesliga clash against champions Bayern Munich. Julian Nagelsmann's men enter the match in second place in the table, two points behind leaders Bayern. 

For Basaksehir, they will also return to league action on Saturday when they face Yeni Malatyaspor. Following their league title last season, Basaksehir have begun the current season slowly and are in ninth place.

Original author: Goal
  482 Hits

Chelsea defender Tomori subject of loan interest from Newcastle and several European clubs

The Blues academy graduate looks set for a temporary move to earn first-team football having struggled for minutes this season

Chelsea are fielding interest regarding a possible loan move for Fikayo Tomori in January, with Newcastle United among a group of clubs across Europe having made contact.

Frank Lampard signified Tomori's reduced status in the squad by leaving him on the bench despite nine other changes to his team from Tottenham, in the away clash at Sevilla in the Champions League.

Tomori has found himself fifth in the centre-back pecking order. It has led to just two starts in the League Cup and one substitute appearance in the Premier League this season.

West Ham had agreed on a loan deal for the 22-year-old on deadline day in the summer, but he rejected it in the final minutes of the transfer window.

Tomori didn't want to be rushed into making a move that would not see him develop, but now he is preparing to revisit his options in January.

Chelsea are willing to let one centre-half go in January having also explored offloading Antonio Rudiger, who has since worked his way back into his manager's thoughts.

Lampard spoke about his lack of minutes for one-time England international Tomori in recent months.

“I think there are arguments on both sides,” Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said. “Fikayo is our contracted player. We know that West Ham were interested. Fikayo took the decision not to go and that’s well within his rights. That had no bearing on my thoughts at all. He’s still a developing player.”

Andreas Christensen has only 18 months left to run on his current contract but both parties have been reluctant about opening talks until later in the season.

Chelsea will also try to sell a left-back in January with Emerson Palmieri and Marcos Alonso to both explore possible exits.

Juventus had agreed on a loan move with an option to buy for Emerson late on deadline day, but it fell through as time ran out to complete the medical.

The Turin giants could come back in for the Italy international. At the same time, Internazionale manager Antonio Conte has long held an interest in working with Alonso again having brought him to west London.

Meanwhile, Lampard has said that he wants to keep Olivier Giroud at all costs but it is understood that he wants increased game time to ensure he gets into France's Euro 2020 squad.

Chelsea's priority is to sell or loan players in January, but they maintain long-term interest in several transfer targets including West Ham's Declan Rice and Brighton defender Ben White.

Original author: Nizaar Kinsella
  481 Hits

Fred avoids red card for headbutt in Champions League clash between Manchester United and PSG

The Red Devils were fortunate not to be reduced to ten men after their Brazilian midfielder lashed out, but he was reprieved by the referee

Manchester United found themselves very lucky not to be both a goal and player down after 20 minutes against Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League clash on Wednesday. 

Neymar had opened the scoring after just seven minutes at Old Trafford, before the Red Devils were left to sweat following a scuffle between Fred and Leandro Paredes which was reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee in the 22nd minute. 

Subsequent replays showed both players squaring off, with Fred seemingly guilty of initiating a headbutt as he leant into the face of his opponent.

Replays showed Paredes was quick to fall to the ground as he sought to get his opponent sent off. 

Yet despite on-field referee Daniele Orsato – who officiated PSG in their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich last season - reviewing the incident, he opted to just hand the Brazilian midfielder a yellow card.

The controversial call by the Italian official came much to the dismay of PSG manager Thomas Tuchel, and the surprise of both pundits and of fans watching from home. 

With Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side lucky to avoid being reduced to 10 men, they went on to equalise just 10 minutes later as Marcus Rashford fired past Keylor Navas with a deflected strike. 

Fred risked getting a second yellow card as the first half continued, with he and Paredes involved in a 50-50 clash in the 39th minute that saw the PSG man this time handed a caution by the referee. 

PSG goal scorer Neymar also picked up a yellow card following his protests towards referee Orsato, with the Ligue 1 side unhappy that the Brazilian remained on the pitch following these incidents.

The two sides went into half-time locked at 1-1 with the Red Devils only needing a point to secure their spot in the knockout stages. PSG meanwhile are in need of a win at Old Trafford, with qualification from Group H for the Champions League knock-out stages among the tightest in this year’s tournament.

Despite many expecting Fred to be withdrawn at half-time, Solskjaer opted to keep the Brazilian on the pitch - a decision that would ultimately backfire. 

After Marquinhos restored PSG's lead from close range in the 69th minute, Fred got the timing of a slide tackle wrong from the restart with the referee quick to show him a second yellow card as the midfielder got his marching orders on a night to forget for him. 

Original author: Josh Thomas
  444 Hits

Sources: Barca hope to raise €200m for transfers

The Portuguese star reached a milestone as he fired his team's second goal of the game on Wednesday

Cristiano Ronaldo fired his 750th career goal on Wednesday while netting his 75th Juventus finish in the process.

The milestone goal came in Juve's Champions League group stage clash with Dynamo Kiev, with Ronaldo giving the Italian giants a 2-0 lead.

Ronaldo's finish came in the 57th minute, with the Portuguese star tapping into a wide-open net after an Alvaro Morata shot was pushed out in his direction.

More to come...

  226 Hits

Osasuna 2-2 Barcelona: Player ratings as injury-ravaged Barça concede late equaliser

Which teams are the most fun to manage on the new game? Goal has a list of the best options for the aspiring coach

Football Manager 2021 is here and the show goes on with the world's best football management simulation game, despite the difficulties of the Covid-19 pandemic.

So, you've loaded up your leagues, got your list of wonderkids to hand and now you're trying to figure out which team you should lead to the promised land of silverware and success.

Choosing a team to take over on Football Manager is exciting and who you choose depends on what sort of challenge you are after.

To help you, Goal brings you 10 of the best teams to manage on Football Manager 2021...

A veritable institution of European football, Ajax have earned their place among the continent's elite, but it has become increasingly difficult for the Dutch masters in the Champions League.

Ajax have won the European Cup/Champions League on four occasions, but their last time lifting the trophy was in 1995, when Louis van Gaal's side overcame AC Milan in an exciting final.

The expectations are, naturally, to continue dominating the domestic scene, but a Champions League triumph would exceed even the wildest dreams of the club in the current climate.

It is attainable, however, with the club boasting a considerable transfer budget of £45 million, along with players such as David Neres and Edson Alvarez, as well as wonderkids like Ryan Gravenberch.

With Euro 2020 coming up (albeit in 2021 thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic), taking the reins of England provides a different sort of challenge.

While they won the World Cup back in 1966, the Three Lions have never won the European Championship and when better to change that than the tournament where the final is being hosted at Wembley?

With stars such as Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in attack, as well as rising stars like Jack Grealish in the ranks, England are well placed to mount a challenge.

Indeed, the work that has been put in by the Football Association over the past 10 years or so means that England's ranks are positively swelling with talent that should help the team challenge for glory.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the best full-backs in the world (if not the best), Marcus Rashford is maturing into a key player at Manchester United and Phil Foden is tipped to replace David Silva at Man City.

Gareth Southgate managed to guide the country to a fourth-place finish at the 2018 World Cup in Russia - can you do any better?

AC Milan

Zlatan Ibrahimovic has returned to repair AC Milan's reputation and restore its status as one of the powerhouses of world football, but the Rossoneri need a manager to take them over the line in that challenge.

"It was a big challenge to come back here to try to change the mentality, to try to change the situation and to make the players understand what Milan was about," Ibrahimovic said recently. 

"The Milan I know, the Milan that the whole world knows."

It is a long time since the San Siro club have scaled the heights of domestic football, never mind European football and they have been forced to live in the shadow of Juventus (known as Zebre in FM21).

Indeed, a decade has passed since Milan's last Scudetto and they have toiled in the Europa League, failing to truly resurrect their former glory.

However, a formidable squad has finally been assembled, with the likes of Sandro Tonali, Theo Hernandez and Brahim Diaz offering youthful enthusiasm to complement Ibrahimovic's vast experience.

Should you need to bolster the panel, a decent transfer budget is available, though it is likely that you will need to dip into the loan market first.

The enduring appeal of managing Bilbao outfit Athletic Club lies in the challenge of cultivating a team of only Basque players and attempting to upset the Clasico cartel of La Liga.

While Barcelona and Real Madrid will mine South America and the rest of Europe for gems, you have to rely mainly on your youth system when managing Los Leones and, though difficult, it can be highly rewarding.

Athletic have not won La Liga since 1984 - also the last time they won the Copa del Rey - and they have never been crowned European champions (Marcelo Bielsa's team lost the Europa League final in 2012).

Though the targets are limited, a not insignificant transfer budget of £22 million is available if you can identify worthy Basque players to sign.

However, the squad is already in pretty healthy shape with the likes of Inigo Martinez, Inaki Williams and Iker Muniain in the ranks.

Manchester United

Things have not been the same at Manchester United since the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

The question is: can you do what Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal, David Moyes and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer couldn't?

The Red Devils have had five different managers (including Ryan Giggs) since Ferguson passed the torch and none of them have been able to deliver Premier League glory.

Van Gaal won the FA Cup and Mourinho won the Europa League, but those pieces of silverware alone won't cut it at Old Trafford; you have to win the league and Champions League.

The good news is, in addition to having a very decent squad, United have a massive transfer budget of £52 million to play with - the biggest in the Premier League and one of the biggest in the game.

Sunderland

Believe it or not, Sunderland are not just reality TV fodder for Netflix, though recent seasons have been very difficult for everyone associated with the club as they tumbled down the divisions into League One.

The Black Cats are six-time English champions and two-time FA Cup winners, who have historically been one of the best-supported teams in England, so the challenge here is to return them to the top table.

With players such as Aiden McGeady, Lynden Gooch and Conor McLaughlin in the ranks, there are plenty of senior internationals in the squad and enough quality to mount a promotion charge in the first season.

However, be under no illusions: a major rebuilding job is on the cards at the Stadium of Light.

With a team captain called Max Power, though, anything is possible, surely?

The time has come to end Bayern Munich's hegemony over German football and finally give the people of Germany's capital a team to be proud of.

Taking over Hertha Berlin represents quite a challenge, not only because of Bayern's strength, but because you must first catch up with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Borussia Monchengladbach.

Hertha have only been German league champions twice and both of those occasions came back in the 1930s. It has been a fallow field at the Olympiastadion since then, with very little to cheer about.

A transfer budget of £22 million (which is second only to Bayern's) will help you on your way, but you will have to be shrewd and bring in the right players.

A solid core of talent exists there too, including players such as Krzysztof Piatek, Matheus Cunha and Dedryk Boyata providing a good platform from which to work.

Wrexham

It's always sunny in Wrexham? Maybe not yet, but it could be if you usher in a new era of unbridled success at the Racecourse Ground, with a place in the Premier League being the ultimate goal.

There is the added intrigue of Hollywood sparkle at the Welsh club nowadays after they were taken over by Deadpool actor Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

While Reynolds and McElhenney are expected to inject cash into the club, it will be a while before you will have a transfer budget worth shouting about, but you'll be able to call upon the likes of Fiacre Kelleher (brother of Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher) and Guyana international Anthony Jeffrey.

The pair explained that their aim is to "grow the team, return it to the English Football League in front of increased attendances at an improved stadium while making a positive difference to the wider community in Wrexham.”

Are you up to the task?

David Beckham could never have imagined Inter Miami's first season in Major League Soccer panning out as it did, disrupted by a global pandemic, but he will be aiming to gather momentum from here on in.

Some major stars have joined the roster in Florida, including former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain (who is reunited with his brother Federico) and World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi.

The star power of Higuain and Matuidi is complemented with the talent of players such as Wil Trapp and Rodolfo Pizarro, as well as Generation Adidas youth prospects like Robbie Robinson.

Obviously, the dynamics of managing in MLS are entirely different to those you can expect in Europe, with things such as the MLS Draft and the Conference play-offs to look forward to.

Once you have figured out the domestic scene, the next challenge is to win the CONCACAF Champions League - a competition that has only ever been won twice by clubs from the United States.

Rangers have been forced to watch on through gritted teeth as their eternal rivals Celtic lay waste to all before them in Scotland and the Bhoys are chasing 10 league titles in a row.

Your job at Ibrox Stadium is to halt Celtic's procession and re-establish Rangers as the dominant force in Scottish football - something that has not been the case since the 1990s.

Rangers actually boast quite a strong squad by Scottish Premiership standards, cobbled together over the past few seasons by Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard.

Experience comes in the form of Jermain Defoe, Steven Davis and Scott Arfield, with the likes of Alfredo Morelos, Ryan Kent, Glen Kamara and Ianis Hagi providing flair and technique in abundance.

Should you not be content with your squad, Rangers' wage budget this season is comparable to Celtic's and, with Europa League football on the cards, you should be able to attract talent.

If you are still playing Football Manager 2020, take a look at our recommendations for which teams to manage on the game.

Original author: Ryan Kelly
  305 Hits

USMNT turn eye to next generation as Brandon Vazquez, Cade Cowell shine in Serbia loss

The Nigeria international has reacted after playing his first game of the season for the Fatih Terim Stadium outfit

Istanbul Bakasehir midfielder Okechukwu Azubuike has expressed his delight after returning from a long injury lay-off.

The 23-year-old teamed up with the Fatih Terim Stadium outfit in the summer permanently after impressing on loan with the side.

The midfielder was part of Okan Buruk’s squad that won the 2019-20 Turkish Super Lig title for the first time in their history.

Azubuike suffered a knock against Alanyaspor in June last season which ruled him out of action for the remainder of the campaign.

The Nigeria international has also missed his side’s opening nine league games due to the injury problems.

Azubuike, however, returned in Istanbul Bakasehir’s draw against Denizlispor on Saturday and featured for 22 minutes in the game.

The midfielder has revealed his joy after bouncing back from the setback and hopes to remain fit in order to contribute to the progress of his side.

“It felt terrible to be out and for that long and not have a chance to play the game you love,” Azubuike told AOI.

“I feel good that I am back now and I can’t wait to play as many games for my club, while I also pray that this injury doesn’t return again.”

Azubuike has now featured in 18 league games for Buruk’s men since teaming up with the club from Egyptian Premier League side Pyramids FC in 2018.

The 23-year-old will hope to get more minutes under his belt when the Fatih Terim Stadium outfit take on German club RB Leipzig in Wednesday’s Champions League game.

The midfielder has featured for Nigeria’s U23 side and made his Super Eagles debut appearance in 2016.

 

 

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  273 Hits

Caf Champions League: Simba SC will play tiki-taka vs Plateau United to honour Mkapa – Manara

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi have vowed to entertain and win by many goals against the visiting side in the return leg

Simba SC have promised to entertain and score beautiful goals when they take on Plateau United in a Caf Champions League match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on Saturday.

The Wekundu wa Msimbazi are carrying a 1-0 advantage from the first leg battle after Zambia midfielder Clatous Chama scored the all-important away goal in the match played in Abuja.

Simba media officer Haji Manara has now said Simba will play to entertain millions of Tanzanians, at a venue he described as not friendly to any visiting team.

He further said they will also use the occasion to honour the late Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa with a resounding win.

“On December 5, 2020, at 17:00, all of us will be singing tiki-taka, it is because we want Simba to win and not only win but also to entertain, we want to entertain all our Tanzanians who love football,” Manara told reporters in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday.

“If you love Simba, then it means you want to be entertained, so apart from winning [which we always do], you love Simba because you want to be entertained, so we will do exactly that, we will entertain millions of Tanzanians at a venue where we as Simba, have ‘killed’ many visiting teams, a venue we have not lost at.

“We are also looking to win the match because it will be our first match since President Mkapa [who was behind the building of the stadium] passed away, so we are going to honour him, by scoring many goals and entertaining, plus passing the ball quickly, we are not going to play only, but we want to entertain too.

“If I say it, know that Simba have said it, even the players [where they are eating now], their eyes are looking at me, and I have not lied anything, we will entertain to win.”

Manara’s sentiments come a few days after Simba coach Sven Vandenbroeck insisted they have not finished their job yet after managing to secure a vital 1-0 away win.

“It was a tough game, against a very strong opponent who tried all tricks technically to find a goal but I congratulate my players because all 90 minutes were running to prevent them from scoring,” Vandenbroeck was quoted by the club’s social media after the match.

“I think we need to be very happy with the victory, it is a very great result [considering we won away from home] but we still haven't finished the job yet, because next week we have 90 minutes.”

Simba will now need a draw of any kind in the return leg to advance to the next stage of the competition.

Original author: Dennis Mabuka
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'Fernandes lacked tactical nous & intensity' - Viviano say he was 'one of the few' that supported Man Utd star in Italy

The former Sampdoria goalkeeper says he always believed that the Portuguese midfielder had the talent to reach the very top of the game

Emiliano Viviano claims he was "one of the few" who supported Bruno Fernandes during his time in Italy, with it his belief that the Manchester United star '"lacked tactical nous and intensity" in the earlier stages of his career.

Fernandes' professional journey began at Novara in 2012, where he spent one season before being snapped up by Udinese

The Portuguese playmaker went on to appear in 95 games for the Serie A outfit, but never quite managed to live up to his full potential.

Udinese eventually sold Fernandes to Sampdoria in 2016, however, he opted to return to his homeland after just one year at Luigi Ferraris Stadium when Sporting CP came calling.

José Alvalade Stadium proved to be the perfect place for the midfielder's talents to grow as he scored 63 goals and laid on 52 assists in 137 outings across all competitions, earning a regular place in Portugal's national squad in the process.

United were impressed enough to fork out €55 million (£50m/$66m) for Fernandes in January, and he has since taken his game to new heights under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.

Viviano says he quickly realised that the 26-year-old possessed the quality to reach the very highest level of the game while playing alongside him at Sampdoria, and that he just needed to develop a confident streak to take that next step.

The former Sampdoria goalkeeper told Tuttomercatoweb: “I was one of the few who supported him… Bruno has always had everything, it's just that when he arrived in Italy, he lacked tactical nous and intensity.

"He learned it and now he has exploded, also because he has everything: right foot, left foot, technique but also an incredible dribbling ability. 

"He is a technical leader, what Manchester United perhaps lacked.”

Fernandes inspired United to a third-place Premier League finish and three semi-finals in 2019-20, and has picked up from where he left off at the start of the new season.

The ex-Sporting star already has 10 goals to his name, with his latest strike helping Solskjaer's men earn a crucial 3-2 win away at Southampton on Saturday.

Fernandes will be back in action with the rest of the Red Devils squad when Paris Saint-Germain arrive at Old Trafford for a Champions League group-stage encounter on Wednesday.

  361 Hits

‘Cavani should’ve been a two-month loan signing’ – Scholes questions ‘very strange’ Man Utd deal

The Iceland international is not content with just warming the bench at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal goalkeeper Runar Alex Runarsson says he is “100 per cent” ready to challenge Bernd Leno for the No.1 shirt at Emirates Stadium.

The 25-year-old joined the Gunners from Dijon ahead of the 2019-20 season as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, who left for Aston Villa in search of more regular first-team football.

The Iceland international has made just two competitive appearances for the club so far, both in the Europa League, with Leno the undisputed first choice of head coach Mikel Arteta.

Runarsson, though, insists he is not just in north London to make up the numbers and is ready to push Leno for a regular starting spot.

“That should be the mindset for everyone, that you want to play,” he told reporters.

“It doesn't matter what position you play. Maybe as a goalkeeper it's a little bit different but definitely you have to have the mentality to push to become No.1.

“If it happens in one week or one year that always has to be your mentality otherwise you're in the wrong profession I think.”

Asked whether he was capable of challenging Leno for a starting spot, Runarsson added: “Yes, 100 per cent. Otherwise I wouldn't be playing for this club.

“I have to have this mentality that I can play and I have to believe it.”

One thing Runarsson is yet to experience is playing in front of the Arsenal fans, with matches in England so far this season played behind closed doors because of ongoing coronavirus restrictions.

That will change on Thursday, with the Gunners set to welcome 2,000 supporters through the turnstiles for their Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna thanks to a relaxing of government regulations.

Though it is a long way from the 60,000 who usually attend the Emirates, Runarsson feels it is an important first step after nine months of empty stadiums.

"I believe it's going to be a big change. It's always better to have some fans than no fans,” he said.

“I believe they can help us a lot in getting results and getting the extra five per cent we need to win the games. As I said we'll see tomorrow how big the impact will be but I believe they will be a huge help.

“It's not the same environment with or without fans. You can see that in the results as well. There's never been more away wins in Premier League history. That shows how important the fans are and I hope it's going to help us tomorrow night.”

Original author: Goal
  206 Hits

Is Lookman finally realising his potential at Fulham?

The Fulham starlet has answered the critics in style this week
Original author: Ed Dove
  421 Hits

Cecafa U20: Uganda emerge champions, South Sudan see off Kenya in playoffs

The tournament was held in order to produce the region’s representatives in the upcoming U20 Afcon competition in Mauritania

The Uganda U20 national team have emerged as the winners for the 2020 Cecafa Championship after beating Tanzania 4-1 at the Black Rhino Academy in Arusha on Wednesday.

The Hippos got the goals from Richard Basangwa, Steven Sserwada, Ivan Bogere and Kenneth Semakule while the immediate former champions scored their only goal via Abdul Suleiman.

Uganda looked a dominant side all through the game and got the opener in the 12th minute from Basangwa’s strike. The Ngorongoro Heroes fought back and equalised at the half-hour mark from Suleiman’s effort before Sserwada scored the second for Uganda in the 44th minute.

The Hippos came from the half-time break more determined to bag the title and deservedly added the third goal in the 61st minute through Bogere. Semakule scored the final goal in the 72nd minute to seal Uganda’s victory against the hosts.

Both Uganda and Tanzania sailed to the final lap without losing a match, setting the stage for what was expected to be an epic final game in Arusha.

Meanwhile, Kenya were defeated in the third-place playoffs by South Sudan when they went down 2-1 at the same venue.

It was the second loss the Rising Stars registered in the tournament after Uganda had beaten them 3-1 in the first semi-final.

South Sudan went ahead in the second minute courtesy of Phillip Biajo’s goal but Stanley Okumbi’s side fought and equalised in the 10th minute when Nicholas Ochieng found the back of the net.

Nelson Elia scored five minutes prior to the half-time break to give South Sudan the lead yet again and Rising Stars’ concerted efforts in the second half were not able to help them level matters.

The result posted by Kenya was not well-received by the former Gor Mahia national treasurer Sally Bollo.

“Football has always lacked manners!” Bolo said on a Twitter post.

“Our national team that I had hoped will bring the trophy home has been beaten by South Sudan in the playoffs.”

She, however, was quick to commend the junior Rising Stars and stated their future looks good.

 “There is something good happening in the virgin land of South Sudan,” she added. “The only secret that remains is football structures at grassroots levels.”

Uganda and Tanzania will represent the Cecafa region in the upcoming U20 African Cup of Nations tournament set to be held in Mauritania.

Original author: Kiplagat Sang
  463 Hits

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