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Mourinho's Roma jump into Serie A's top 4

La Roja have scored just once in three games this month, with Rodrigo Moreno and Mikel Oyarzabal failing to deliver in Kiev on Tuesday

Spain midfielder Rodri admits his side must find ways to mitigate their worrying lack of strikers after a shock defeat to Ukraine on Tuesday.

La Roja's 15-match unbeaten run came to an end in Kiev thanks to a 76th-minute strike from substitute Viktor Tsygankov.

Spain had 72 per cent of the possession, 21 shots overall and forced goalkeeper Georgi Bushchan into eight saves, yet they struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities against their deep-lying opponents.

Adama Traore, Ansu Fati and later Ferran Torres were lively on the wings, but Rodrigo Moreno was scarcely involved as the centre-forward, while Mikel Oyarzabal, who replaced him just before the hour mark, had only one shot.

A solitary effort on target proved enough for Andriy Shevchenko's men, though, as Andriy Yarmolenko played in Tsygankov as Spain's defence switched off and the Dynamo Kiev midfielder fired beyond David de Gea, who had strayed out of position.

Luis Enrique has spoken of the need for Spain to get goals from different areas of the pitch given the lack of a world-class striker and, after watching his country score just once in three games this month, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has echoed those thoughts.

"We weren't planning on losing here, but we knew it would be very difficult. They made things difficult for Germany," he told Teledeporte.

"We dominated the game but we lacked the finesse of other days in front of goal. They got forward once and they scored a goal.

"We have to learn from these errors. The coach said we don't have a great goalscorer and we need everyone to work. It's always more difficult. No national team wins all the time."

Sergio Reguilon believes Spain can still be pleased with their overall performance and is confident they are on the right track ahead of next year's European Championship.

"We have to correct the mistakes and improve things but try to look at the good things," said the Tottenham full-back.

"Playing like this, with a bit more success up front, we can win. Going forward, we have to be more direct and incisive."

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Ghana star Wakaso opens up on leaving Jiangsu Suning for Shenzhen

90' + 3' Neymar presses Advincula a little too hard as he takes down the full-back in an attempt to win the ball - giving Peru a free-kick to push the ball upfield.

81' PENALTY TO BRAZIL! Late drama as a Brazil counter-attack is incited by Everton, who enters the penalty area and centres for Everton Ribeiro. Abram comes across and throws the striker to the ground in desperation, giving the referee very little option! Can the visitors take a late lead?

79' A turnover in midfield allows Peru an easy chance to counter. It’s filtered from left to right for Carrillo, whose shot is blocked emphatically out for a corner.

77' Everton charges down the right and centres it for Everton Ribeiro. The striker swivels and strikes, sending his poor shot nowhere near Gallese’s target in a disappointing effort.

75' Both sides look deserving of something from the match as we enter the final 15 minutes. There’s been very little to separate the two, though you feel the match is still there to be won.

72' Richarlison stoops low to head a cross delivered from the left, but his improvised effort is caught easily by Gallese.

67' Brazil have not lost any of their last eight away qualification matches, their longest run since their first 15 away matches in this competition - between 1954 and 1993.

63' Lodi continues his run past Neymar and receives a layoff, immediately using possession to centre a pass into the penalty area for Firmino. Zambrano is on the spot to clear though, as Brazil are forced to come again.

61' Peru have not lost any of their last nine qualifying matches for the World Cup (including their play-off victory over New Zealand before the 2018 World Cup). It is their longest stretch in history.

56' Neymar steps up and curls the free-kick towards goal, forcing Gallese to jump up in anticipation - but ultimately the shot goes just above the crossbar.

52' Neymar goes down under the weight of pressure from Zambrano inside the penalty area, but the referee is happy to let play continue as he deems that the forward went over slightly easily.

50' Brazil are unable to settle on the ball as Peru press every pass in midfield. They’re constantly winning possession high up the pitch, but have been unable to find the final touch to punish the visitors’ carelessness.

48' Zambrano is down holding his side after an aerial duel with Firmino. He gets up after regathering his breath, much to Gareca’s relief.

46' Brazil get the match restarted from the kick-off! 

The early substitution of Marquinhos will leave Tite at somewhat of a disadvantage in terms of changes in the second half, though what he lacks in quantity he certainly makes up for in quality. With the likes of Everton, Matheus Cunha and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo to call upon, there’s no shortage of options for Brazil. Peru’s Polo could provide the pace necessary to punish tired legs late on, should Peru want to to push for all three points.

A thoroughly entertaining first half comes to a close in Lima with Peru and Brazil level at 1-1. Carrillo’s thumping volley gave the hosts a somewhat unexpected lead after just six minutes, but sloppy defending inside the penalty area from Yotun gave Neymar a chance to equalise from the penalty spot; an opportunity he met with aplomb. Tite’s side have been made to look uncomfortable in possession, with their best opportunities in the first 45 minutes coming from build-ups that bypass the centre of the park entirely. Gareca’s side are fighting fire with fire, using their attacking left flank of Advincula and Carrillo to cause havoc in the Selecao defence.

45' + 4' HALF-TIME: PERU 1-1 BRAZIL. 

45' + 2' With the first half coming to a close, it doesn't seem like either side will break the deadlock. These two have been going at each other for the entirety of the match, and a draw does seem fitting at this stage given their performances. It's been an impressive display from the hosts, who look desperate for a result. 

45' The fourth official indicates that four minutes will be added to the end of the first half for stoppages. 

43' With his penalty earlier, Neymar passes Ronaldo on the list of Brazil's all-time goalscorers, with Neymar's total of 63 behind only Pele's 77 in the history of the Selecao. 

41' HOW HAS HE MISSED?! Lodi puts an accurate cross into the penalty area from deep on the left wing, finding the head of Firmino in an unmarked position. The Liverpool forward somehow conspires to put it wide at the near post, despite having most of the goal to aim at!

39' Neymar lines up and strikes the free-kick anyways but his low, bouncing effort is dealt with effectively by Gallese.

37' Neymar dribbles through midfield and gets Tapia to lunge in, with the holding midfielder missing the ball and catching the leg of the forward. It’s a free-kick to Brazil in a central area, 35 or so yards from goal.

35' Carrillo curls the free-kick into the penalty area from the right, looking to put it to the near post, but it’s cleared by a well organised Brazil defence.

33' Luiz is called for a foul on Aquino, which infuriates Brazil who feel that the Peru midfielder was laying over the ball in an attempt to obstruct play. The referee is unimpressed and sticks by his initial call, but does not book the Aston Villa midfielder.

31' NEYMAR SCORES AGAIN BUT IT’S OFFSIDE! The Brazil forward closes Advincula down as the left-back attempts a clearance and manages to turn the ball past Gallese into the goal, but it’s brought back for offside after a long VAR check, as Richarlison was offside in the build-up.

26' PENALTY TO BRAZIL! A cross is hung up to Neymar on the left side of the penalty area, but he’s unable to win the ball cleanly as Yotun clearly grabs and pulls the jersey of the PSG forward. The referee points to the spot immediately, giving the visitors a chance to equalise!

24' Advincula is brought down by Luiz for the second time in quick succession as the Brazil midfield struggles to contain Peru’s build-up in wide areas. The referee seems adamant that it’s the Brazil midfielder’s last warning before a booking.

22' Peru get the ball from back to front in tremendous fashion, passing it out from Gallese and to create a chance at goal after Farfan’s layoff meets the run of Gonzalez. It’s well-struck from a narrow-angle, but Weverton smothers it well.

20' Carrillo flashes a dangerous cross into the penalty area giving Weverton some concern, but a lack of teammates attacking the delivery allows Brazil to escape unscathed.

18' It’s back and forth action as both sides throw themselves forward with every opportunity. Brazil seem short of answers breaking down the Peru defence when they are allowed to organise, forcing the Selecao to open themselves up further to hit on the counter.

16' Play is stopped temporarily as Trauco is down receiving treatment for what appears to be a very serious gash to his eye. The full-back is bleeding quite heavily, and will be walked off the pitch to receive further treatment as the referee looks to restart the match.

14' GALLESE WITH AN ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE SAVE! Firmino is sent through on goal from Richarlison's header with the goalkeeper well off his line, but the Peru number one still manages to throw up an instinctive hand to block the chipped effort - keeping the hosts in the lead!

10' Silva is forced into a rushed, volleyed clearance which puts the ball out of play for a Peru throw-in deep in Brazil’s half. The early crosses to Farfan seem to be giving the Selecao all kinds of headaches.

8' Brazil have been sloppy in midfield in the opening 10 minutes, with their lax passing putting them into a number of uncomfortable positions early. Coutinho isn’t providing the necessary cover as Marquinhos is forced to step into midfield to cover his tracks.

5' A high ball is hung up to Farfan, but he gets too physical in an attempt to shield the ball from Marquinhos, giving Brazil a free-kick on the edge of their 18.

3' Danilo fires an early cross into the penalty from deep on the right flank, but Neymar strays just offside.

1' Peru get the match underway from the kick-off! 

Peru emerged victorious the last time these two sides played - a 1-0 victory in a friendly played in the United States in September 2019. The last match played between the two with something on the line was July 2019, when the Selecao beat La Blanquirroja 3-1 in the Copa America final.

Brazil make a single change to the XI that beat Bolivia 5-0 on Friday as Everton is replaced in attack by Richarlison.

Peru make two changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Paraguay last time out. Cueva makes way for Gonzalez on the left wing, and Farfan is in for Ruidiaz in attack. 

BRAZIL SUBS: Ederson, Aderbar Santos, Alex Telles, Rodrigo Caio, Felipe, Fabinho, Bruno Guimaraes, Matheus Cunha, Everton Ribeiro, Everton, Rodrygo, Gabriel Menino.

BRAZIL XI (4-3-3): Weverton; Renan Lodi, Thiago Silva, Marquinhos, Danilo; Philippe Coutinho, Casemiro, Douglas Luiz; Neymar, Roberto Firmino, Richarlison.

PERU SUBS: Carlos Caceda, Jose Carvallo, Aldo Corzo, Anderson Santamaria, Miguel Araujo, Marcos Lopez, Andy Polo, Wilder Cartagena, Sergio Pena, Marco Rodriguez, Matias Succar, Christian Cueva. 

PERU XI (4-1-4-1): Pedro Gallese; Luis Advincula, Carlos Zambrano, Luis Abram, Miguel Trauco; Renato Tapia; Andre Carrillo, Pedro Aquino, Yoshimar Yotun, Christopher Gonzalez; Jefferson Farfan. 

With 15 minutes to go before kick-off, let's look at how the two sides will line up, starting with the hosts. 

The Selecao return to action after a sublime 5-0 dismantling of Bolivia, looking to make it two wins on the bounce. Neymar and company were in tremendous form four days ago, though Peru should provide a much sterner test for Tite.

Peru opened their campaign with a draw against Paraguay, after Andre Carrillo’s second goal of the match - at the 85th minute - left things all square in Asuncion. Now Ricardo Gareca’s side travel back to Lima to welcome Brazil, who lead the qualifiers after matchday one.

Hello and welcome to our LIVE commentary of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier between Peru and Brazil!

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Ladapo at the double as Rotherham United defeat Queens Park Rangers

The German coach set a target his team must achieve at the upcoming tournament, but acknowledged they would need significant improvement

Germany boss Joachim Low has demanded his team reach the semi-finals of next year's European Championships despite struggling to a 3-3 Nations League draw at home against Switzerland.

The Germans showed strong resilience to fight back from 2-0 and 3-2 deficits versus the Swiss in Cologne, but have now only won one of their five matches since football resumed from the coronavirus-forced hiatus.

Chelsea duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz pulled Germany back into the game after they conceded twice early in the match. but after falling behind once again, Serge Gnabry was needed to secure the home side a point.

Low was disappointed with how his team began the game but was buoyed by their resilience in earning a point from a dire situation.

The long-term boss also talked up his team's potential going forward and insisted that only a semi-final appearance or more at Euro 2020 will be deemed a success.

"It was a very high-intensity game," Low said post-match. "Both sides took a lot of risks, but there were also several mistakes.

"We started the game poorly, but we showed real character to come back, which was good to see. We made a number of mistakes in defence though. Our plan was to play with a certain element of risk, but we need to fix those errors.

"We battled hard to get back into the game. You can learn a lot from setbacks. We need to improve our communication and instructions.

"When we go to the EURO's, our aim is to get as far as possible, but reaching the semi-finals is the minimum goal.

"This team has a lot of potential. We need to correct a few things, but then I think there’s plenty to be excited about."

An early strike to Mario Gavranovic gave Switzerland a shock lead in Tuesday's match, before Remo Freuler doubled their advantage mid-way through the half and an upset looked on the cards.

But Werner steadied the ship soon after and when Havertz equalised shortly after half-time, it seemed like Germany would cruise to victory.

Gavranovic popped up once again to force the Swiss back in front only seconds after Havertz tied the match, but Gnabry made the score 3-3 with 30 minutes to play, and neither team could get a winner as Switzerland's Fabian Schar was sent off in injury time.

Since international football resumed in September, Germany's only victory has been a 2-1 win in Saturday's Nations League match against Ukraine.

All four of their other matches have ended in draws - 1-1 results against Spain (home) and Switzerland (away) and 3-3 scorelines versus Turkey (home) and the Swiss (home).

With Spain losing to Ukraine in Nations League Group A4, an unbeaten Germany sit in second place on six points - one behind La Roja.

Original author: Goal
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Roma CEO Claims Manchester United Wanted to Keep Chris Smalling

The Barcelona attacker will not be selected for Les Bleus based on past performances, says his national team coach

Didier Deschamps has said he cannot promise Antoine Griezmann a place in the France team - even though his statistics for Les Bleus look great on paper.

Griezmann has struggled to find his best form since joining Barcelona from Atletico Madrid in July 2019, both with club and country.

He was player of the tournament and top scorer at Euro 2016, and then a World Cup winner with France two years later, but at the age of 29 appears to have lost some of his spark.

Deschamps believes that can return, and on the eve of a Nations League clash with Croatia he said there is no doubting Griezmann's class, even if his most recent form has left much to be desired.

Griezmann was unimpressive in the goalless draw with Portugal on Sunday in Paris , albeit one of a host of star names who failed to live up to their billing, including Cristiano Ronaldo.

France head coach Deschamps said of Griezmann: "I know you're looking at the last game, but look at his stats: 81 caps, 32 goals, 21 assists. It speaks for itself."

He added, however: "It doesn't guarantee him anything, like some other players who could have done better against Portugal. I know his talent and what he can give to the team."

Former France midfielder Alain Giresse questioned the role Griezmann occupied against Portugal, which to his eyes was a more deep-lying position than normal.

Deschamps is aware there is plenty of talk surrounding the man who scored twice and had two assists in France's run to World Cup glory two years ago.

Griezmann's numbers were down at Barcelona last season, with his conversion rate of what Opta defines as 'big chances' a disappointing 38.46 per cent, having been 47.37 in his final year at Atletico and around 60% in each of the previous two campaigns.

"Antoine's position, I can talk about it with him, we've done it for a while," Deschamps said.

"I know very well where he's the most effective, the most influential. It's in a central position obviously. He lacks rhythm, you know why. So, he needs a bit of time, he was much better in the second half compared to the first one [against Portugal]. He's an attacking player but, as he runs a lot, sometimes he's an offensive midfielder."

Deschamps expressed his admiration of Croatia playmaker Luka Modric, who was the driving force behind his country's run to the World Cup final against France in Moscow.

"Luka Modric is a great player and Croatia are much stronger with him, he's very influential n the team, he's a leader on and off the pitch," Deschamps said.

"He didn't get the Ballon d'Or by chance. If Croatia reached the World Cup final in Russia, it's a lot because of Luka Modric. On top of that, he's someone I really like, I have met him a few times, he's a good person, very humble and honest.

"We'll watch for him, like every time we're playing against a key player. His position is not very set, but every time he has the ball, he can improve Croatia's game."

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Who Cristiano Ronaldo is likely to play for during 2021/22 - ranked

Only Pele has scored more goals for the Selecao than the PSG star, who netted a penalty in the latest World Cup qualifier

Neymar surpassed Ronaldo for the second most goals for Brazil with a brace against Peru on Tuesday.

The Paris Saint-Germain star put away a penalty in either half of their World Cup qualifier in Lima.

Neymar, 28, moved onto 63 goals in 103 games for Brazil, pulling past the great Ronaldo in second place on the nation's all-time goalscoring list.

Ronaldo scored 62 goals in 98 games for Brazil in a 17-year career for his nation that included winning two World Cups, two Copa Americas and a Confederations Cup.

Only Pele, who netted 77 times, has scored more goals for Brazil than Neymar. 

Legendary Brazilian goalkeeper Taffarel believes Neymar is a 'superstar, who could lead the nation back to the promised land of winning their sixth World Cup title.

And the 54-year-old feels Neymar would have won FIFA's The Best award if PSG saluted in the recent Champions League final against Bayern.

"[Neymar is] a great player," Taffarel told the official FIFA website.  "He plays the game in a beautiful way. He’s an incredible dribbler, sets up goals, scores fantastic goals.

"He’s very important for us. We really hope he can be at his best and help Brazil win another World Cup. He’s a superstar.

"I cheered a lot for Paris [in the Champions League final] because of the Brazilians who play there. I really wanted Neymar to win this Champions League and, consequently, The Best FIFA [Men’s Player] award.

"But it’s just one day. I really hope in the future he can win this award and be considered the best player in the world."

Neymar has had an action-packed start to this current season, which was initially interrupted with a coronavirus diagnosis in the lead-up.

Once he recovered from Covid-19, the PSG star was shown a straight red card in the defeat to Marseille, in which he accused opponent Alvaro Gonzalez of racial abuse.

Following a two-match ban, Neymar returned to play 90 minutes in the 2-0 victory against Reims, before scoring twice in the Parisian's most recent game - a 6-1 belting of Angers at the start of the month.

He played his first match for Brazil in nearly 11 months in the 5-0 thrashing of Bolivia - contributing two assists as the Selecao got their World Cup qualification campaign off to the perfect start.

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Mashaba confused how Mamelodi Sundowns' coaches will work together

The Orlando Pirates legend indicated the trio deserve a chance to show what they can do in the new campaign

Legendary South African coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba says the appointment of Steve Komphela as Mamelodi Sundowns senior coach is confusing. 

Komphela is holding a senior coaching position alongside Manqoba Mngqithi and Rhulani Mokwena after his shock resignation as Lamontville Golden Arrows head coach. 

The Masandawana management has had to make changes to their technical team following Pitso Mosimane's departure and Mashaba, is not quite sure how the experiment is going to work out.

“I am still trying to think how this will work," Mashaba told The Citizen

"My question is how are they going to make decisions and will they listen to each other?" he asked.

Komphela is expected to report to co-coaches Mngqithi and Mokwena, who served as Mosimane's assistants at the Chloorkop-based giants.

However, Sundowns have explained that the opinion of Mngqithi prevails when there isn’t consensus between him and Mokwena.

"For me, it sounds a bit confusing because the two coaches were doing well at the club and now you bring in another coach who has been doing well at his former club," Mashaba said. 

“Rhulani once left Sundowns. Did we know what chased him out? What if it was a question of power? But let us give it a chance and see how it will work."

Mngqithi and Komphela are both experienced coaches, while Mokwena is a young up-and-coming coach having had short stints with Orlando Pirates and Chippa United.

Mashaba went on to advise the trio to stick together as a unit and work well together with Sundowns under pressure to defend the PSL title and Nedbank Cup in the new season.

"Rhulani is still coming up and he is maturing and if you look at the combinations, there is space for good progress,” the former Bafana Bafana coach added.

“What will help them is dropping the ‘I’ and start using ‘we’. But it is not easy to hear people talking about ‘we’. 

"If it does happen that in front of people they say they are working well together, the danger of that is that they can go behind each other’s back, saying things like ‘I am the one who is making the team tick’."

The trio's first competitive match in charge of Sundowns will be against Bloemfontein Celtic in the 2020 MTN8 quarter-final match on Sunday.

 “What they need to deal with is egos because in this situation everyone wants accolades in a team like Sundowns.”

Original author: Austin Ditlhobolo
  376 Hits

Fufa clarifies why KCCA FC will play in Caf Confederation Cup instead of Proline FC

The Kasasiro Boys finished second in the Ugandan Premier League behind winners Vipers SC in the abandoned 2019/20 season

Federation of Uganda Football Association (Fufa) has clarified why KCCA FC were given the right to represent Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup.

According to the Uganda Cup rule especially on continental representation, Proline FC, who won the 2018/19 season, could have been given the mandate after the 2019/20 season was annulled owing to Covid-19, but the Kasasiro Boys, who were second in the Ugandan Premier League (UPL), were given the chance.

"There will be no change on who represents Uganda in the Caf Confederation Cup, it is still going to be KCCA FC," Fufa deputy CEO Decolas Kizza confirmed to reporters.

"International representation is the preserve of the Fufa Executive Committee. It is very easy for you to lift the trophy of the UPL and still not be named a representative in the Caf competitions." 

The official has reiterated it is up to the Federation to decide on teams to represent the country in the Caf Confederation Cup as well.

"Equally so, the winner of the Uganda Cup represents the country in the Caf Confederation Cup," Kizza continued.

"The Executive Committee reserves the mandate to name any club given the parameters, for example, there is club licensing, if you take the Uganda Cup and you fail club licensing parameters both here and Caf, you will not be named as a representative.  

"So, given that mandate, and given the situation that was existing in March, and the duration of Caf competitions, it was decided that a representative be named and KCCA being the runners up of the Uganda Premier League, were named the representatives of the Caf Confederation Cup."

After the nullification of the 2019/20 season, Vipers SC were crowned after managing to get 54 points from the 25 matches played. 

The games played reflected 80% of the matches every top-tier team was supposed to play and as per the rules, the Venoms were declared the champions of the abandoned season.

The Garbage Collectors, who had won the league the previous season, finished second with 50 points. 

As a result, Vipers were given a mandate to represent the East African nation in the Caf Champions League.

Original author: Seth Willis
  330 Hits

Inter Willing to Offer Star Duo in Deal to Lure Chelsea Midfielder N'Golo Kante to San Siro

The Manchester City striker says that he and the Barcelona star have conflicting habits that leads to a bit of bickering

Sergio Aguero joked that he and Lionel Messi are like "an old married couple" whenever they room together while on international duty with Argentina.

The Manchester City star has been a member of Argentina's senior setup since 2006, having earned 97 total caps while scoring 41 goals.

Aguero is Argentina's third-leading goalscorer, trailing only Gabriel Batistuta and, of course, Messi, who sits atop the country's scoring list with 71 goals.

With Messi having made his Argentina debut in 2005, the Barcelona star and Aguero have become close throughout their careers as they've featured together at three World Cups, four Copas America and during the gold medal-winning run at the 2008 Olympics.

And Aguero says that sharing a room with Messi isn't always easy as the two have developed a unique relationship during their time as team-mates with Argentina.

“He always complains, we are like an old married couple,” Aguero joked on the "Santo Sabado" program.

“I always fall asleep with the TV on and when I wake up the next morning he is always complaining to me.

“He arrives at the hotel and is instantly taking a shower while I’m just sitting talking on my mobile phone. Then he will remind me that we need to go down to dinner and we do not have time.”

Messi scored the lone goal from the penalty spot in Argentina's recent 1-0 win over Ecuador to kickstart CONMEBOL's World Cup qualifying campaign.

With that goal Messi has now scored 21 times in World Cup qualifiers, with his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suarez's 22 goals the most ever in the competition. 

Messi and Argentina are set to face Bolivia on Tuesday before returning next month for qualifiers against Paraguay and Peru.

Aguero is currently battling injury, with Manchester City set to face Arsenal on Saturday ahead of an October 21 Champions League opener against Porto.

Messi, meanwhile, will rejoin Barcelona ahead of this weekend's clash with Getafe before the club turn their focus towards their Champions League clash with Hungarian side Ferencvaros. 

 

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The Reasons Why Manuel Neuer Deserves to Win UEFA Player of the Year Award

The second set of fixtures in the race to Qatar 2022 take place on Tuesday as Brazil looks to continue its perfect start to qualifying

The South American section of the qualifying campaign for the 2022 World Cup has kicked off as CONMEBOL teams begin their road to Qatar that climaxes in March 2022.

Matchday two sees table-toppers Brazil take on Peru in Lima, while Argentina travel to the heights of La Paz for a clash with bottom-of-the-table Bolivia.

The mouth-watering Chile vs Colombia clash has been given the late kick-off slot following Ecuador vs Uruguay and Venezuela vs Paraguay matches earlier on Tuesday.

All five CONMEBOL qualifiers can be watched on pay-per view through Fanatiz. The streaming platform offers the option to watch each game on pay-per-view in the US, with Venezuela vs Paraguay free via Fanatiz.

Tuesday October 13 - World Cup 2022 qualifiers on US TV

Time (US PT / ET) Match Channel
1pm / 4pm Bolivia vs Argentina Fanatiz
2pm / 5pm Venezuela vs Paraguay Fanatiz
3pm / 6pm Ecuador vs Uruguay Fanatiz
5pm / 8pm Peru vs Brazil Fanatiz
5:30pm / 8:30pm Chile vs Colombia Fanatiz

What has happened so far in CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification?

Roberto Firmino scored his first-ever brace for Brazil to help the Selecao take an early lead in the confederation table, beating Bolivia 5-0.

A double from Luis Muriel helped Colombia to a 3-0 win over Venezuela, who finished rock bottom of the qualifiers for the 2018 finals in Russia.

Argentina was forced to turn to Lionel Messi again to beat Ecuador, with the six-time Ballon d’Or winner scoring the only goal of the game from the penalty spot.

Chile, who missed out on World Cup 2018, also lost by a goal against Uruguay in a 2-1 result that was secured by a 93rd-minute strike.

Peru and Paraguay shared a point after a thrilling second half that saw four goals scored in a 2-2 draw.

CONMEBOL's World Cup 2022 qualification table

# Country P W D L GD Pts
1 Brazil 1 1 0 0 5 3
2 Colombia 1 1 0 0 3 3
3 Uruguay 1 1 0 0 1 3
4 Argentina 1 1 0 0 1 3
5 Peru 1 0 1 0 0 1
6 Paraguay 1 0 1 0 0 1
7 Chile 1 0 0 1 -1 0
8 Ecuador 1 0 0 1 -1 0
9 Venezuela 1 0 0 1 -3 0
10 Bolivia 1 0 0 1 -5 0

Watch the South American Qualifiers live on Fanatiz. Get your National Team’s bundle and get 3 months free

Original author: Ronan Murphy
  167 Hits

Federico Higuain to retire after the 2021 MLS season

Despite playing at 3,650 metres above sea level, Argentina had enough in the tank to come from behind and beat Bolivia 2-1.

Joaquin Correa came off the bench to score the winner as Argentina came from behind to defeat Bolivia 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Argentina fell behind in the altitude of La Paz, which is situated at 3,650 metres above sea level, when Marcelo Moreno Martins found the back of the net after 24 minutes.

Parity was restored before half-time as Jose Carrasco's clearance cannoned in off Lautaro Martinez, who became the first Albiceleste player not called Lionel Messi to score in a World Cup qualifier since November 2016.

Correa replaced Lucas Ocampos just before the hour mark and fired home the winner with 11 minutes remaining, with Argentina claiming their first victory in Bolivia for 15 years.

Martins had a chance to put Bolivia ahead in the sixth minute but headed Saul Torres' looping delivery wide with Franco Armani scrambling.

Bolivia threatened regularly and got their reward when Martins was left in space by Lucas Martinez Quarta and nodded Alejandro Chumacero's cross beyond Armani.

Leandro Paredes saw a curling 20-yard strike crash back off the post before Argentina drew level in bizarre circumstances when Carrasco's laboured attempt to clear Martinez's cutback ricocheted in off the Inter attacker.

Argentina sat back after the restart and looked to counter-attack as Bolivia went in search of a second goal.

Chances were at a premium until Messi's delightful throughball fashioned one for Martinez in the 75th minute. However, his cross-goal effort from the right side of the area was turned behind by Carlos Lampe.

There was nothing Lampe could do to keep out Correa, though, with the goal allowed to stand after a VAR check confirmed Martinez was onside from Messi's pass, meaning Argentina left with maximum points from their two qualifiers.

  53 Hits

Tottenham 0-3 Man Utd: Player ratings as Solskjaer reprieved & pressure piles on Nuno

The Leicester City man’s goal against the Carthage Eagles was his first for the Super Eagles since 2017 against Argentina

Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho has ended his three-year wait for a first Nigeria goal in Tuesday’s international friendly against Tunisia.

The forward who was handed a starter’s role against the Carthage Eagles put Gernot Rohr’s men ahead with just 21 minutes in to play.

Iheanacho profited from a pass from Ahmed Musa thanks to a throw-in from Zaidu Sanusi, and he made a nice turn before firing past goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha.

That strike was the striker’s first goal for the three-time African champions since November 14, 2017. That effort came in the 4-2 defeat of Argentina in an international friendly in preparation for the 2018 Fifa World Cup in Russia at the Krasnodar Stadium.

Few minutes later, he missed a chance to double his lead for the West Africans after Mustapha saved his penalty kick. The 31-year-old shot-stopper had fouled a goal-bound Musa who was played in by Everton star Alex Iwobi.

Despite dominating ball possession, a momentary loss of concentration saw the North Africans level matters a minute before the half-time break through Mohamed Drager. The Olympiacos defender fired past goalkeeper Maduka Okoye from close range.

Iheanacho’s goal was his ninth for the senior national team since making his bow as a substitute in a 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifying match against Swaziland.

Owing to a string of unimpressive performances, the former Manchester City man was axed from Rohr’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Egypt.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  56 Hits

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still has it all to prove despite win over a very poor Spurs

The 20-year-old has made a comeback to the pitch after some time in the treatment room 

Ajax Amsterdam attacker Mohammed Kudus has resumed training with the Eredivisie club, just a day after Ghana ended a double-header of international assignment without him due to injury.

He could feature for Erik ten Hag's outfit in Sunday's Dutch league meeting with Heerenveen.

Following a positive introduction to national team football last year and a promising start to life in the Netherlands following a summer transfer from Danish outfit Nordsjaelland, Kudus was unsurprisingly called up by Ghana for friendlies against Mali and Qatar on October 9 and 12 respectively.

The 20-year-old was, however, denied from travelling by his club on fitness grounds, much to the dismay of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) who insisted on having the player in camp for an independent assessment.

Ghana ultimately lost 3-0 to Mali on Friday, and then thrashed Asian champions and 2022 World Cup hosts Qatar 5-1 on Monday in friendly games played in Antalya, Turkey.

The matches, the first for new Ghana head coach CK Akonnor since his reign began in January, were part of the Black Stars' preparations ahead of the resumption of the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers in November where the West Africans take on Sudan in a double-header.

"The Ajax Amsterdam midfielder is a doubt for the games, but the GFA is insisting that he travels to Turkey on Tuesday for assessment. The former Right to Dream Academy man was left out of the Ajax squad for Sunday’s Dutch League game against FC Groningen after sustaining an injury in training on Thursday," the GFA wrote in a team news publication on its official website ahead of the matches.

“The GFA is in talks with the officials at Ajax to release the player to join the team in camp, even if he wouldn’t take part in any of the matches,” GFA communications director Henry Asante Twum explained further as reported by Citi Sports.

“The coach wants to meet him and have some technical discussions with him because this is the only opportunity he will have with the players before the Afcon qualifiers against Sudan.”

After time with Ghana's junior teams, Kudus made his senior international debut in an Afcon 2022 qualifier against South Africa last November, scoring shortly after coming on as a second-half substitute.

Four days later, he was handed a second outing as Ghana beat Sao Paulo Tome and Principe in a matchweek two fixture.

In July, the Accra-born player signed for Ajax on a five-year deal.

Original author: Prince Narkortu Teye
  51 Hits

Kai Havertz lauds 2 key players following Chelsea's Champions League win

Coming up with a club name for your Ultimate Team is a tricky decision for FIFA players, but we've picked our top 50 to give you some inspiration

It’s an agonising decision, isn’t it? The newest edition of FIFA is out and you’re setting up your Ultimate Team, but you need a club name.

You might not know your online opponents, but your FUT team name is how you show them you mean business early doors. You know your football and your clever wordplay shows you’ve got a quick mind and aren’t to be trifled with on the virtual pitch.

Some players prefer to go down the overconfident trolling route, but let’s be honest – when you’re being outplayed, 5-0 down at half-time and your own team name pops up as ‘U Mad?’ every time the scoreboard flashes up, the joke is firmly on you.

But coming up with the right pun on your favourite team or player can be a lot of pressure. Sometimes your mind just goes blank.

Luckily, Goal is here to give you some inspiration with our pick of the best 50 names for your FIFA Ultimate Team club.

50. Turkish De Ligt

49. Lahmageddon

48. Sons of Pitches

47. Pjanic At The Isco

45. Bacuna Matata

44. Not Got A Kalou

43. Boca Seniors

42. Baines on Toast

41. Run The Kewells

40. Real Sosobad

39. Ctrl Alt De Laet

38. Boom Xhakalaca

37. Ansu FUTi

36. Lord of the Ings

35. Krul and the Gang

34. FC Copenbadly

33. Lads On Toure

32. For Fuchs Sake

31. Tea & Busquets

30. Salt and Pepe

29. Ninja Skrtels

28. Sheffield Thursday

27. Robben You Blind

26. Game of Stones

25. Delph & Safety

24. CamavingaBoys

23. Show Me Da Mane

22. Dukes of Hazard

21. Enter Shaqiri

20. Schneiderlin DMs

19. Haaland Security

18. It Is Howedes

17. My Little Bony

16. Nice to Michu

15. Men Behaving Chadli

14. Mean Goals

13. Leave My Arcelona

12. Ibracadabra

11. Pepe Pig

10. Borussia Teeth

9. Blink 1 Eto'o

8. Bayer Neverlosen

7. Part Vole

6. Giroud Sandstorm

5. Tekkerslovakia

4. Reus Krispies

3. Cesc Pistols

2. Pique Blinders

1. Balotellitubbies

  182 Hits

'God saved me' - PSG star Neymar credits divine intervention for positive injury prognosis

The 33-year-old Parma forward played his first game for the Elephants since 2017, against the Asian giants on Tuesday evening

Cote d’Ivoire legend Gervinho staged an international comeback in the Elephants’ 1-0 defeat to Japan in Tuesday’s international friendly.

The 33-year-old played for 81 minutes as Patrice Beaumelle’s team lost to the Samurai Blue inside Utrecht’s Galgenwaard Stadium.

Following the Elephants’ 2-0 home defeat to Morocco in a 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifier on November 11, 2017, the Parma star drew the curtain on his international career – a consequence of the West Africans’ failure to qualify for Russia.

However, he was recalled to the team by coach Beaumelle after a three-year hiatus alongside Serey Die and Manchester United’s Eric Bailly for October friendlies.

After sitting out of their 1-1 draw against Roberto Martinez’s Belgium inside Brussels' King Baudouin Stadium, he was handed a starter’s role against the Japanese senior national team before he was replaced by Real Mallorca’s Lago Junior in the 81st minute.

Cercle Brugge defender Naomichi Ueda sealed the win for Hajime Moriyasu’s side in the first minute of added time – two minutes after replacing Sei Muroya.

Following this defeat, Cote d’Ivoire are expected to regroup in November for their double-header Africa Cup of Nations qualification with Madagascar.

They are currently third in Group K having garnered three points in two games played so far enroute Cameroon 2022.

Gervinho, who boasts of 84 international caps for his country with 22 goals to his credit, played a crucial role in their Afcon 2015 triumph as they silenced Ghana 9-8 on penalties after the scores stood at 0-0 after extra time inside Estadio de Bata, Equatorial Guinea.

In the 2019-20 season, he scored seven times in 31 Serie A games as Roberto D'Aversa's Parma finished 11th in the Italian elite division. He is yet to find a goal in the 2020-21 campaign.

Original author: Shina Oludare
  156 Hits

Barcelona win as Dest scores historic U.S. goal

Germany 3-3 Switzerland: Gnabry rescues Die Mannschaft in Nations League thriller

Serge Gnabry scored a sensational goal to ensure Germany earned a 3-3 draw in an enthralling Nations League clash with Switzerland.

Germany produced a superb fightback as Serge Gnabry's excellent finish secured a 3-3 draw against Switzerland in Nations League Group A4.

Momentum swung between the sides in a frantic encounter at RheinEnergieSTADION on Wednesday, with Germany coming back from a two-goal deficit.

Chelsea duo Timo Werner and Kai Havertz got those goals, cancelling out efforts from Mario Gavranovic and Remo Freuler. 

Gavranovic's second – a thumping strike from close range – restored Switzerland's lead, though Gnabry's wonderful flick on the hour ultimately claimed a share of the spoils in Cologne, where Fabian Schar was sent off late on.

Manuel Neuer made a fine save to deny Xherdan Shaqiri in the fourth minute, but Germany's goalkeeper was picking the ball out of the net a moment later – Gavranovic looping in a wonderful header after the hosts failed to clear the resulting corner.

Germany succumbed again in the 26th minute. Toni Kroos, on his 100th cap, gifted possession to Switzerland, with Freuler lifting an exquisite finish over the onrushing Neuer.

A response was required and it came inside two minutes, as Werner caught Switzerland's defence cold with a crisp finish across Yann Sommer, and Switzerland's hard work was undone after the interval.

Having already struck the woodwork, Havertz pounced on Schar's slack pass and finished calmly beyond Sommer.

But parity was short-lived, and Switzerland retook the lead just under two minutes later when Gavranovic hammered home on the rebound following Neuer's save from Haris Seferovic.

Germany were not to be beaten, though, and Gnabry's brilliant back-heel from Werner's cut-back made it 3-3.

Kroos went close to capping his landmark with a winner when a free-kick sailed just wide, before Sommer denied substitute Julian Draxler, with Switzerland reduced to 10 in stoppage time when Schar received his second booking.

  117 Hits

Kylian Mbappe - The Future of Football

Spain were beaten 1-0 by Ukraine on Tuesday at the stadium where they won their second consecutive European Championship eight years ago.

Spain suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Ukraine in Tuesday's Nations League clash as Luis Enrique's side endured an unhappy return to the scene of one of their greatest triumphs.

There were around 20,000 fans inside Kiev's Olympic Stadium, the venue where La Roja won Euro 2012 to cap an unprecedented four-year spell of dominance.

Spain had less to celebrate this time, though, as goalkeeper Georgi Bushchan made eight saves to keep Luis Enrique's side at bay before Viktor Tsygankov capitalised on some slack concentration at the back to score the winner 14 minutes from time.

Spain remain top of their group but there will be plenty to play for when the competition resumes next month.

Bushchan tipped over a header from Rodrigo Moreno as Spain started positively, and Ansu Fati should have done more than shoot straight at the keeper after Sergio Canales nudged the ball into his path.

Bushchan got fingertips to a Sergio Ramos free-kick, denying the defender a goal to mark his 175th international appearance, the same number as veteran Italy keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

Ukraine had just 21 per cent of the ball in the first half and scarcely got near David de Gea's goal, but they should have taken the lead early in the second, Oleksandr Zubkov dragging a shot well wide after Serhiy Sydorchuk put him clean through.

Ferran Torres and Mikel Oyarzabal came on to freshen the Spain attack, but it was Rodri who next came closest, whistling a low shot just wide of the left-hand post from the edge of the area.

Bushchan stayed big to deny Oyarzabal from close range and Ferran following a dazzling run, before his kick led to the breakthrough.

With Spain's midfield and defence out of position, Andriy Yarmolenko played in Tsygankov and he drove through the gap between the centre-backs to finish expertly past De Gea, who had strayed curiously far from his line.

 

What does it mean? Spain stay top but stern tests are coming

Spain are one point above Germany in Group A4, but with games against Joachim Low's side and Switzerland to come in November, they are in need of some renewed attacking vigour.

They have scored just once in three matches in this international break and the concerns about their lack of in-form number nines is not likely to have diminished.

Ukraine are level with Germany on six points and could yet spring a shock by progressing to the finals.

Traore passes his test

Making his first Spain start here, Adama Traore showed he deserves a regular spot down the right-hand side.

He was an obvious threat with his direct runs all game, but there was, crucially, an end product. He misplaced just two passes and provided more than double the number of crosses than any other player.

Luis Enrique needs more from midfield

Spain's middle three have become adept at keeping games under control - they had kept five clean sheets in six games before this defeat – but they offer little by way of an attacking threat.

Luis Enrique ideally needs players more willing to break the lines and support the central striker, with Rodrigo too often isolated as crosses kept coming in.

What's next?

Next month, Spain face the Netherlands in a friendly before Nations League matches with Switzerland and Germany. Ukraine must also play the other two sides in the group after a friendly with Poland.

  65 Hits

'There's no excuse for him now' - Mbappe has to stay at PSG after Messi signing, insists Al-Khelaifi

The Gunners striker surpassed the mark he had shared with Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers prior to Tuesday's match against Turkey

Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah has become the all-time top goalscorer for England's Under-21 side with his strike against Turkey on Tuesday.

Nketiah scored in the 88th minute of the U21 European Championship qualifier at Molineux Stadium, giving England a two-goal advantage in a game they would eventually win 2-1 after a late Turkey consolation.

The goal was Nketiah's 14th for the Young Lions, as he surpassed the record he held alongside Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers.

"It's amazing," Nketiah said of his achievement post-match.

"To beat the record and be alongside those kind of names and players is a dream come true and a proud moment for me and my family."

With the win, England booked a group-stage spot at next year's U-21 European Championship, which will be co-hosted by Hungary and Slovenia. 

Prior to the match, England U21 head coach Aidy Boothroyd tipped Gunners striker Nketiah for big things in the future, saying that the forward has "an aura of responsibility and leadership".

"There's no doubt about it. He’s destined for big things," Boothroyd said. "His personality and his persona around the lads, he has an aura of responsibility and leadership about him.

"He’s a natural, all the players like and respect him. We know what he gives on the pitch but he’s good off the pitch. This is what we want our young England players to look like.

"How far can he go? He’ll have to play regular games for his club."

The 21-year-old has been working his way up the Gunners depth chart up front, making seven total appearances so far in 2020-21 and scoring two goals. He has, however, has only started one of Arsenal's four Premier League games.

After a strong first half of 2019-20 on loan at Leeds United, Nketiah returned to the Gunners in the second half of last season and quickly established himself as a first-team regular. 

The forward scored twice in the Premier League last term, starting seven of his 13 appearances.

Boothroyd added that he believes Nketiah can go far in his career, comparing him to two England greats past and present.

"He’s got work to do and he'll be the first person who will tell you that. But he can do really well. There’s always comparisons with top players over generations. You look at the career that Alan [Shearer] had and Harry Kane, who is our England captain now," Boothroyd said.

"If Eddie can get to that point where like those two players, he’s in on goal, and you know he’s going to score consistently, that’s when you make that step from young player to a senior player.

"He is nearly there, not far off, but he is in the company of those players I have mentioned which shows you how much I think about him and how much we think about him in the system."

Original author: Goal
  61 Hits

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How did each player selected by Gernot Rohr fare against the Carthage Eagles on Tuesday?
Original author: Seye Omidiora
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Ronaldo's Al Nassr part ways with head coach

Who would make an all-time best XI of Black Stars in the top flight?
Original author: Ed Dove
  62 Hits

Man Utd fixtures: Next six games after Sevilla draw

Nigeria 1-1 Tunisia: Iheanacho’s strike not enough as Super Eagles hold Carthage Eagles

The West African side shared the spoils with Mondher Kebaier’s men as they avoided a second consecutive defeat in Austria

Nigeria played out a 1-1 draw against Tunisia in their second international friendly game in October on Tuesday night.

Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho’s opener was cancelled out by Mohamed Drager's effort at the Jacques Lemans Arena.

Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr made five changes to the team that lost against African champions Algeria on Friday.

Leganes centre-back Kenneth Omeruo replaced Watford summer signing William Troost Ekong, who was permitted to return to his club ahead of their Championship game against Derby County on Friday.

Moses Simon was included in the starting XI after Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu was allowed to depart the Super Eagles camp following the knock he suffered against the Desert Foxes.

Hoffenheim centre-back Kevin Akpoguma was preferred ahead of Twente’s Tyronne Ebuehi while Ahmed Musa captained the side.

Sparta Rotterdam shot-stopper Maduka Okoye retained his place in goal while Iheanacho spearheaded the Super Eagles attack as Paul Onuachu was dropped to the bench.  

Al Shabab FC goalkeeper Farouk Mustapha started in goal for Tunisia and Saint-Etienne forward Wahbi Khazri led the attack.

The Super Eagles took the game to their opponents and dominated the opening proceedings, forcing Hamza Rafia to receive the first caution of the game in the 10th minute as he struggled to stop Simon.

Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze came close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute when he aimed a shot at goal from outside the box but his effort missed the target.

The moment eventually came for the Super Eagles when Musa set up Iheanacho in the 21st minute for the opening goal of the encounter. The Leicester City attacker made a nice turn before firing home his effort past goalkeeper Mustapha.

Rohr’s men were handed a glorious opportunity to double their lead when Musa was brought down in the box by Tunisia goalkeeper Mustapha but Iheanacho failed to convert his strike from the penalty spot.

Moments before the half time break, Drager levelled for the Carthage Eagles after Rafia capitalized on Omeruo’s mistake to set up the Olympiakos defender, who struck past Okoye.

Nigeria made a number of changes after the restart as they aimed for victory, with Rangers centre-back Leon Balogun making way for Boavista’s Chidozie Awaziem.

Paderborn’s Jamilu Collins was also introduced for Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi while Genk forward Cyriel Dessers was handed his debut after replacing Musa.

It was, however, Tunisia who came close to securing victory in the encounter when Drager attempted to lob the ball over Okoye but the 21-year-old was at his best to deny him and keep the scoreline at 1-1.

The Super Eagles will hope to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying game in November.

Original author: Gbenga Adewoye
  62 Hits

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