When it comes to the best soccer clubs in Ohio you can bet there is a lot of talent.  I remember flying into Cleveland years ago to visit a friend of mine who at the time ran one of the top 3 biggest futsal leagues in the country…  Two things stuck out to me… Good soccer and cold weather:)  Cincinnati is another city I’ve been to.  It’s one of the top youth soccer cities in America in terms of the amount of kids enrolled in soccer.  Then you have Columbus who has an MLS pro team…  Ohio is a big soccer state. 

Research on soccer clubs in Ohio

Based on the research I did on the following websites…  Soccer Wire, Soccer America, Top Drawer and ECNL you’ll get a recent and accurate rating. 

Besides seeing which clubs are ranked in America and the Midwest and which teams help produce national and college players, I also asked a friend [Chris] who’s coached in the Cleveland area for over 12+ years.  

This article took several hours to put together because besides researching from the league sites, I also went to the club sites. 

Of the club sites, some are easier to gather info than others.  I want you to be able to see their location, as well as success and history.  Hope it helps you! 

Leagues by age and gender

There are MANY leagues in US youth soccer…  

Age 10-11 is when things become more competitive.  Age 12-13 is when you want to have already been prepared technically.

On the girls side, ECNL is the highest level for U-13 – U19 teams. 

On the boys side the highest level is MLS Academy, ECNL is 2nd tier.  There are great players and teams who don’t compete in either of these leagues, so don’t think this is the “best” option for you.  Players who play in “lower tier leagues” still get college soccer opportunities.  

GIRLS

1) Internationals 

Established in 1983

2007 & 2008: The girls program was recognized as one of the top 25 programs in the nation.

2012 excepted into the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The girls teams have won more State, Regional and National Titles than any other NE Ohio club.  

The International Girls Soccer Club has developed National Team players, professional players, and has sent hundreds of players on to the collegiate ranks.  

Main location: Medina, OH  [32 miles south from downtown Cleveland] 

2) Cincinnati United

Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program.  

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive. 

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams, plus GA teams. 

Main location:  Greater Cincinnati 

3) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Premier co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

Ohio Premier has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more.  They have 20-30 signees each year. 

Main location:  Dublin, OH  [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]

4) Cleveland Force

U-5 to U-19 for youth teams.  The Cleveland Force also has teams all the way up to USL League 2 and W League, which is a pre-professional pathway. 

U-13 – U-19 Elite Clubs National League [ECNL]

6 grads with national team playing experience

40+ grads with professional playing experience 

450+ grads with collegiate playing experience 

Main location: East, West and South Cleveland  

5) Ohio Elite

Established in 2002

The Ohio Elite Soccer Academy will offer teams U9-U18 age groups for both boys and girls. The Academy will offer a U8 program for boys and girls that will be structured as a non-result based, fun, learning environment. 

Ohio Elite is a member of the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL].  

They graduate 20-40 girls and boys each year to college soccer programs [200+ total] 

2 professional players, 5 high school players of the year, 14 youth all-americans

Main location:  West Chester, OH [20 miles north of Cincinnati]

BOYS

1) Cincinnati United 

Cincinnati United brings together four of the area’s top, most recognized Clubs, Cincinnati United Premier (CUP), Lakota United Soccer Club, Sycamore Soccer Club (Arsenal), SCSA and combines them into one exceptional program.  

Their Juniors program is for ages 3 – U-8 and is a bridge between rec and competitive. 

Cincinnati United has premier and competitive programs for U8 – U19 teams.  MLS Next U-11 to U-14.

Main location:  Greater Cincinnati 

2) Team Challenger FC

Established in 2007

They are a top developmental club in all of Ohio and our teams compete in State, Regional and National level competitions on a regular basis.

Based in the Cleveland/Akron, Ohio area. Team Challenger provides a unique opportunity for serious, skilled and dedicated soccer players. The club consists of both boys and girls ranging from the ages of 6–18 years old.

20+ college signees 

Main location: Cleveland & Akron, OH

3) Club Ohio

Club Ohio offers soccer for ages 5 – 19. 

Their juniors program is for ages 5-6 and is an excellent supplement to your player’s recreation team training.

Main location:  Dayton and Dublin, OH

4) Ohio Premier

Established in 1993

Ohio Premier is a co-ed soccer club offering programming for youths 5-19 years of age, located in the greater Columbus, Ohio area.

OP has teams participating in the Elite Clubs National League [ECNL] 

The club has girls who recently committed to Stanford University, University of Tennessee, Bowling Green, University of Cincinnati and more.  They have 20-30 signees each year. 

Main location:  Dublin, OH  [17 miles northwest from downtown Columbus]

5) Spire FC

Spire FC  is a youth soccer organization dedicated to challenging and assisting young soccer players on a quest to reach their highest potential. 

Teams competing from ages 9 – 19. 

Elite Club National League:  Regional – (ECNLR- Club v Club centric) 

US Youth Soccer Sanctioned 

US YOUTH National League – National 

Great Lakes Conference – REGIONAL 

Main location:  Geneva and Downtown Cleveland, OH

More top clubs in Ohio

It’s hard to pick only 5 clubs, so here are more… 

• Sporting Columbus  
• FC Dayton 
• TFA Cincinnati 
• GTFC Impact 
• Pacesetter Soccer Club 
• Ohio Galaxies 

Top 5 clubs by state / region 

• North Texas [Dallas/Fort Worth]
• Southern California [L.A. & San Diego]

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It’s suggested that not only will Haller do strength and conditioning training, but he could also do some light ball work as he looks to return to full fitness.

Haller (28) joined Borussia Dortmund for €31m from Ajax but it yet to kick a ball in a competitive fixture for Die Schwarzgelben. The French-Ivorian complained of feeling unwell during BVB’s pre-season training camp and upon examinations, it became known that he had a testicular tumour.

Although Haller is reportedly returning to training in the new year, there is no expectation on when the former Eintracht Frankfurt and West Ham forward will return in a match environment – those at the club don’t want to put any pressure on the attacker.

Haller, upon invitation from FIFA, attended the World Cup in Qatar.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder

This interest comes after VfB lost 3-0 to FC Luzern in a friendly, this saw Bruno Labbadia point out the problem areas of the team, who said: “There is a lack of structure.” 

Guilavogui is a player that interests Labbadia, this is due to the 32-year-old being a model professional, experienced in the Bundesliga, disciplined, and German-speaking. His contract at Wolfsburg expires in the summer of 2023 and an extension is unlikely at Wolfsburg, however, the price for the Frenchman may exceed what VfB can afford. 

Guilavogui first moved to Wolfsburg in 2014 on loan from Atletico Madrid then two years later made his move permanent. He would go on to spend six years at Wolfsburg even captaining them before being moved on loan to Bordeaux in January of 2022. Since his return, he has played 12 games for the wolves but he is no longer the starter he used to be for them. 

GGFN | Jack Meenan

On the topic, Glasner said: “I wasn’t asked. But I had contact. One minute. Then it was clear to both sides that there is a better team boss for Austria than Oliver Glasner – and that it is a better option for Oliver Glasner to stay in Frankfurt.” 

However the 48-year-old did not rule out potentially coaching his homeland in the future: “National coach in his own country is the most honorable task.” He also reiterated the fact that he has no career plan: “I don’t have a career plan. So far, I have taken so many branches in my life and in my coaching career. I will make a decision that I consider right for myself and my family. If I feel like I’m in the right place and in the right place, then that fits.”

The 48-year-old began his career in the Red Bull system with his first foray into managing at Liefering. He would go on to have stints at SV Ried and LASK before moving to Wolfsburg in 2019. 

Glasner has a contract at Frankfurt until 2024 having joined them from Wolfsburg in 2021. The Austrian led Frankfurt to their second Europa League trophy 42 years after their first in 1980.

They finish 2022 fourth in the Bundesliga and Glasner has gotten the best out of players such as Daichi Kamada, Jesper Lindstrøm, and summer signing Randal Kolo Muani, which has resulted in them having the second-best attack in the league only bettered by Bayern Munich.

GGFN | Jack Meenan 

The post Atletico Madrid considering move for Leicester City defender Caglar Soyuncu? appeared first on Football Shoot.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Piero Hincapie to north London in the January transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Dharmesh Sheth, with the Sky Sports journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that Chelsea have now joined the race for the Bayer Leverkusen centre-back this winter, with Graham Potter said to view the 20-year-old as a potential alternative to RB Leipzig defender Josko Gvardiol.

Sheth went on to state that the Ecuador international, who has also been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks, will likely be available for a figure in the region of €30m (£26m) in January.

Regarding the future of the centre-back, the reporter said: “Chelsea looking at Bayer Leverkusen central defender Piero Hincapie as a potential alternative to RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol. Hincapie played all of Ecuador’s group games at the World Cup. Contract runs until 2026. Told deal for 20-year-old could be done at €30m.”

“Big talent”

Considering just how exciting a young prospect Hincapie has very much proven himself to be over the past year, the argument that Antonio Conte simply must do everything in his power to beat Chelsea in the race for the 20-year-old’s signature this winter is an extremely easy one to make.

Indeed, according to FBref, the £52.5m-rated talent currently ranks in the top 13% of centre-backs in Europe’s big five leagues for tackles per 90, in addition to the top 8% for blocks and the top 39% for interceptions – proving just how strong the 20-year-old already is in a defensive capacity.

The £19.5k-per-week Ecuadorian is also extremely impressive with the ball at his feet, with FBref also ranking Hincapie in the top 20% of his positional peers for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 4% for dribbles completed, the top 34% for progressive passes, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for xAG – xG which follows a pass that assists a shot.

These metrics see FBref compare the youngster who David Cartlidge dubbed a “big talent” to some of the most impressive centre-backs currently playing the game, such as Tottenham’s own Cristian Romero, Chelsea stopper Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.

As such, considering his strength at the back, his ability to both play and carry the ball out of defence and the fact he is reported to be available for a fee that is roughly £26.5m less than his current market valuation, should Conte manage to get a deal over the line for the “tenacious” – in the words of Jacek Kulig – Hincapie this winter, it would very much represent a major coup for Spurs.

Source

West Bromwich Albion have been reaping the rewards of their new leadership of late, with Carlos Corberan having masterminded their five-match winning streak despite having not made any signings of his own.

It therefore makes the January transfer window all the more promising, as he can add to a group of players who are currently on a roll.

Of the rumours swirling around, the most plausible and prominent is linking the Baggies with a move for Huddersfield Town midfielder Jon Russell, with the Jamaican having broken into the first team under Corberan during their mutual time at the John Smith’s Stadium.

He became a mainstay for the Terrier’s promotion push last season which only ended in a Championship play-off final defeat, anchoring the engine room with composure and class beyond his years.

Adding him to Albion’s squad and pairing him with Tom Rogic could form one of the best midfields in the Championship, offering the perfect balance between defensive steel and attacking impetus.

The 22-year-old could be particularly impressive playing alongside the Australian, who has recorded a goal and an assist in his last two matches. This has seen his average Sofascore rating for the campaign increase to 6.85, despite only averaging 33 minutes per game.

Rogic has now established himself as a cemented starter at The Hawthorns, and if Russell could come in and perform similarly to last season, he could inspire another club to potential play-off glory.

During the 2021/22 campaign, he averaged a 7.03 Sofascore rating as he maintained an 87% pass accuracy. He paired that with a hulking physique, as the 6 foot 4 titan recorded 1.3 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and one clearance per game (via Sofascore).

He would offer West Brom a metronome-like quality in midfield, along with a work rate and solidity which could see them dominate their battles in the middle of the park.

Such is Russell’s ability that Danny Schofield claimed that the Terriers always knew he would be a “special talent”, with the former Huddersfield boss adding: “He’s got real ability with the ball, very composed in central areas…”.

To acquire a player of his talent and to pair him with someone of Rogic’s experience has the makings of a powerful midfield partnership. Should Corberan make it happen, West Brom will surely not be in the Championship for much longer. 

Source

Michael Beale got off to the best possible start as Glasgow Rangers manager with a 3-2 victory in the Premiership last week, and he will be hoping the momentum carries forward into subsequent matches.

The 42-year-old still has a lot of work to do at Ibrox and he will be hoping to add a few new faces to the playing squad when the January transfer window opens in the next couple of weeks.

With Beale looking at getting rid of some deadwood and aiming to sign some young talent, being linked with Birmingham City midfielder Jobe Bellingham (brother of Jude) might not come as much of a surprise.

However, considering that the likes of Nice, Bayer Leverkusen and Newcastle United are all keen on the 17-year-old, it could be a tough fight for his signature.

Imagine him and Alex Lowry

Beale has pledged to give youngsters at Ibrox plenty of chances to impress during his tenure at Ibrox, and with a plethora of talent at his disposal – including Lowry, Zak Lovelace, Adam Devine, and Charlie McCann, among others – he could almost certainly save a fortune in the transfer market by doing so.

Indeed, Bellingham – who was described as “fantastic” by Birmingham manager John Eustace – could go on to eventually form an excellent duo in the future with Lowry in the middle of the pitch.

The 19-year-old is arguably one of the finest youth talents to come from the Rangers academy in recent years and has been likened to Barry Ferguson for his playing style, which sees the youngster play slightly further forward in the midfield as he is able to utilise his excellent attacking capabilities.

He scored on his senior debut for the club in January and appears to have everything it takes to succeed at Ibrox.

Bellingham might be a tad too young to have a significant influence at Rangers over the next season or two. However, with Steven Davis, Scott Arfield and Ryan Jack all out of contract at the end of the season, and the loan deal of James Sands expiring, there could soon be plenty of berths available to claim in the Light Blues’ midfield.

If Beale manages to lure 17-year-old Bellingham – who has already played 12 English Championship matches this term – the next few years will see Ibrox awash with young talent who could become the next generation of players for the club and save Rangers millions in transfer fees in the process.

Source

In some ways, Argentina's Lionel Messi 'completed' football when he and his South American teammates lifted the World Cup trophy for the first time on December 18.

For many in the sport he was already considered the greatest of all-time but his overall 2022 World Cup performance to help secure Argentina's third title was immense even by his sky-high standards.

Here, The Sporting News keet track of all the data that mattered the most during Messi's time at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Lionel Messi 2022 World Cup stats

After performing at an incredibly high level for club side PSG so far this season, Messi entered the 2022 World Cup in fine form, and he carried that into the tournament, in some style.

The post Players on the Move – 12/19/22 appeared first on Dynasty Nerds.

An exciting youthful spark in Atlanta’s offense

When the 2022 MLS summer transfer window hit, not many folks were banking on Atlanta United targeting a young, Colombian winger named Edwin Mosquera. A U-22 initiative signing, Edwin was officially announced as an Atlanta United player on July 12th, 2022, arrived in Atlanta on August 2nd, and first hit the pitch for the Five Stripes against the Seattle Sounders on August 6th. He hit the ground running, quite literally, and racked up some impressive attacking sequences with a bit of wonderfully welcome attitude, to boot.

Most often utilized as a second-half sub to wield his speed against tired legs, Mosquera would finish off the season with two assists to his name in 312 minutes played. Arguably his best match came on September 10th against Toronto FC where he contributed the assist by winning a header directly into the path of Thiago Almada, who found the back of the net in style.

The young man wasn’t without some spicy shots of his own, though. Edwin quickly revealed himself as a vertical runner unafraid to take on defenders 1v1, and his efforts were almost rewarded against the Columbus Crew on August 21st when he scored a beauty that was ruled offside after some shoddy officiating (thanks Joe Dickerson). It was this same match that he tallied his other assist on a corner that found an airborne Juanjo Purata, and if you remember that match...ball don’t lie (you’re welcome, Joe Dickerson).

Mosquera brings plenty to be excited about, especially from a growth standpoint, but let’s take an overall look at how his short time with the Five Stripes has played out.

Stats

Minutes: 312 (12 matches played, 1 start)

Goals: 1 0 (Thanks a ton, Joe Dickerson)

Assists: 2

What Went Right?

Edwin Mosquera wasn’t brought to Atlanta to slot directly in as a starter on the wings; he’s still very young and has plenty of development. But his ceiling seems very high, and he’s genuinely an exciting player to watch. Perhaps his most notable skill right now is his speed up and down the wings, but that’s followed closely by his fearlessness. He’s not perfect on the ball, but he isn’t afraid to try going direct either, and it almost paid off more than once for the young man in 2022.

Having Edwin on the U-22 initiative is great for the Five Stripes, as well. It gave the club the potential of very high reward with relatively low risk, and who knows, if Mosquera does evolve into a full starter or even an effective super-sub, Atlanta could be sitting on a gem. Ultimately, though, he provided a spark in the attack that was simply refreshing to see at a point when Atlanta United was floundering. That type of observation isn’t measured by stats or backed up via video reviews, it’s simply an intangible based on the style of play he brought to the pitch.

Also, the guy who styles himself after Robinho gets extra bonus points for being quick to stand up to anyone on the field and defend his team, yet another trait of which this Atlanta United team needs a tad more. The three yellow cards he accrued proves he’s on the right track.

What To Improve On?

The easy answer here is Mosquera simply needs to fine-tune his touches. There were a few times throughout his limited minutes where Edwin turned the ball over too easily, and twice where he mis-touched a pass out to the wing that led to a throw-in for the opposition. He isn’t afraid to track back and fight for the ball in those situations, though, and his defensive actions are decent for such an attack-oriented player. That’s part of the play style Gonzalo Pineda wants to implement; the team has to fall back and defend quickly when they turn the ball over, and if Mosquera can polish up a bit on both sides of the ball, he’ll be an wonderful talent. The main challenge for him will be staying focused with that “first to arrive, last to leave” mentality in training.

What Role Will He Play in 2023?

Expect Edwin Mosquera to continue his role as a speedy sub who can catch a defense off guard. With the offseason addition of Derrick Etienne, Jr, Five Stripe fans can only hope the newcomer will take Edwin under his wing, elevate his game, and build his status as Mosquera works through his four year contract. Additionally, Etienne provides a distinct play style to the left wing, so Edwin’s standing as a game-changing sub may be more impactful in 2023 because he’ll be running at incredibly tired defenders after Derrick is through with them. He also has the added benefit of being comfortable on both wings so there will likely be plenty of moments when fans see a combination of Edwin/Etienne or Edwin/Luiz Araujo as the season progresses. Get to know him and hope for his success, as he’s here to stay!

Overall Player Grade: B- (thanks Joe Dickerson)

Make sure to leave your thoughts and comments below!

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Portugal might have suffered a shock exit from the 2022 World Cup at the hands of Morocco, but Joao Felix still managed to shine for his national team. The 23-year-old’s talent has always been apparent. This, however, was the first time many fans have seen Felix produce a consistent run of form for club or country.

Most agree Atletico Madrid has been a bad fit for Felix. The Portuguese attacker is restricted by Diego Simeone’s conservative approach and needs a fresh start at a new club to get his career back on track. But which Premier League club would be best for Felix? Here are four potential options.

Chelsea

The World Cup break came at a good time for Chelsea as Graham Potter continues to remould the squad he inherited in his own image. The former Brighton boss has experimented with different shapes and formations and the signing of Felix would help him toggle between different approaches such is his flexibility.

Recent reports claimed Chelsea are interested in Christopher Nkunku, hinting at Potter’s intention to rebuild his attack in the January transfer window. Felix could perform a similar role to Nkunku in that both attackers are versatility and bring energy and drive to their teams’ play in the final third. The Portuguese international would strengthen the Blues.

Manchester City

Manchester City’s interest in Felix is a long-standing one. Before Atletico Madrid paid a club-record fee of €126m for the teenager, the Premier League champions were widely seen as the frontrunners to sign the Portuguese youngster. Recent reports suggest they’d still like to add Felix to their squad.

Felix certainly has the technical ability to succeed in a Pep Guardiola team. Some have questioned his commitment to helping out defensively, but the 23-year-old’s performances at the 2022 World Cup suggest he is willing to perform such duties for the right manager in the right team. City would revitalise Felix.

Manchester United

Erik Ten Hag’s Manchester United are a work-in-progress, but there’s no denying the Old Trafford side have taken a step or two forward under the Dutchman. United look defensively strong with Casemiro making an impact in central midfield. However, Ten Hag still needs attacking difference makers and that’s where Felix could be useful.

Felix is capable of playing in every position across the frontline. He is also comfortable in a central role in behind a number nine. There are questions over how Felix would handle the physicality of the Premier League, but Ten Hag would have a talented player to mould in his own image should a deal be agreed.

Newcastle United

Newcastle United are flying high under Eddie Howe with the Magpies in contention for Champions League qualification. The St James’ Park club have spent wisely in the transfer market since last year’s Saudi Arabia-backed takeover, but Felix would be a statement signing and could propel them towards a top four finish.

Howe already has Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin to provide creative spark in the attacking third, but Felix would give Newcastle a different dimension. He could play as a central attacking focal point behind Callum Wilson or even as part of the midfield unit to provide more dynamism through the middle.

The post Chelsea, Man Utd, Newcastle – which Premier League would be the best fit for Joao Felix? appeared first on Colossus Blog.

Azzedine Ounahi, a Moroccan World Cup standout who is also a long-time target of AS Roma under Jose Mourinho, is reportedly being pursued by Leeds United.

The information supports recent claims made by Victor Orta that Andrea Radrizzani texted him asking about excellent midfielder for Angers.

“We are referring to Azzedine Ounahi, born in 2000 from Angers on whom Leeds is allegedly moving with some vehemence,” as quoted by asromalive.

Ounahi has dropped impressive performances for Morocco this World Cup and his value has sky-rocketed the past few weeks as he helped his national team reach semi-finals.

The post Radrizzani has messaged Victor Orta about enquiring about Morocco star appeared first on CaughtOffside.

With the return of club football kicking off this week, speculation continues to grow regarding Liverpool’s January transfer plans. 

Enzo Fernandez has been linked with the club for several weeks, though his price may have increased given his performances on the biggest stage in football – at the World Cup. He was awarded Young Player of the Tournament shortly after being crowned a world champion last night and played a key role in the Argentines’ journey to lifting the prestigious trophy.

Reports circulated last week suggesting that a deal was already in place between Benfica and the Merseyside team. Diario La Capital stated that the English side “already has an agreement in principle with the Portuguese club to incorporate the young Argentina midfielder from June 2023.”

Sources from both sides have since dismissed the claims, however, there is evident interest coming from Liverpool given the links.

More Stories / Latest News

Enzo Fernandez transfer latest as Liverpool and FSG make January plan

Dec 19 2022, 18:33

Leeds United warned 21-year-old could leave for Tottenham

Dec 19 2022, 18:31

Radrizzani has messaged Victor Orta about enquiring about Morocco star

Dec 19 2022, 18:03

Fernandez would bolster Liverpool’s midfield

The 21-year-old would be an exciting addition to Liverpool’s current lacklustre midfield, which is in dire need of reinforcements. The club have a strong relationship with Benfica and secured the signing of Darwin Nunez last summer despite other competition for the forward.

The post Enzo Fernandez transfer latest as Liverpool and FSG make January plan appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Leeds United have been warned keeper Illan Meslier could soon leave the club.

Leeds presenter Conor McGilligan made this suggestion when speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel account on YouTube before restart of the Premier League.

According to the rumours, the French goalkeeper is being considered by teams like Manchester United and Tottenham as they look for their next long-term option between sticks.

“That is going to happen. That is naturally going to happen. Unfortunately, he’s 21/22 years of age he’s going to leave Leeds. There’s a lot of talk about him being the succession plan to Hugo Lloris that would make sense as well.” – said McGilligan.

Illan Meslier has now made 103 appearances for the Whites and is one of the most important players of Jesse Marsch squad.

The post Leeds United warned 21-year-old could leave for Tottenham appeared first on CaughtOffside.

No player or team in the NFL gives much thought to moral victories.

Some Cleveland Browns fans might feel satisfied to put a damper on the Ravens’ division title pursuit.

But that race is far from over and will likely come down to the Week 18 battle between Baltimore and Cincinnati.

Cleveland’s own division hopes are officially dead after the Bengals’ come-from-behind win against the Patriots.

There is, however, still an ever-so-slight chance the Browns could sneak into the postseason as a wild card.

ESPN’s Jake Trotter shared the Browns’ official assessment after Sunday’s slate of games.

Cleveland’s playoff chances up to 0.7%, according to ESPN FPI #Browns

— Jake Trotter (@Jake_Trotter) December 19, 2022

As Myles Garrett pointed out last week, even a 0.4% chance is better than the Jets’ odds of beating Cleveland in Week 2.

Myles Garrett with the stat of the year: Browns have a better chance of making playoffs (0.4%) than the Jets did of beating them, down by 13 with 1:55 to go in Game 2 (0.1%). So, yes, he's telling us there's a chance.

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 15, 2022

And the Browns will play the games with a playoff berth in mind until they are officially eliminated.

Browns Have to Win Out

In any playoff scenario, Cleveland has to win out against the Saints, Commanders, and Steelers.

All three teams will have something to play for as much as the Browns.

As amazing as it sounds, the 5-9 Saints are just one game back from the NFC South division lead.

Tom Brady and the Buccaneers remain in first place at 6-8, with the rest of the division at 5-9.

Myles Garrett with the stat of the year: Browns have a better chance of making playoffs (0.4%) than the Jets did of beating them, down by 13 with 1:55 to go in Game 2 (0.1%). So, yes, he's telling us there's a chance.

— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) December 15, 2022

Washington has a tough game next week at Buffalo, which could put them in a must-win situation in Week 17.

And believe it or not, if the Browns are still in the hunt come Week 18, so could be the Steelers.

At the very least, Pittsburgh (6-8) could be motivated to save head coach Mike Tomlins’ perfect streak of winning seasons.

Cleveland can expect a trio of scrappy opponents, regardless of their won-loss records.

Browns Also Need Help 

Winning out secures a winning (9-8) record for the Browns and gives fans reason to look forward to 2023.

But it isn’t enough to put them in the postseason unless some other teams cooperate.

The teams directly ahead of them, the Dolphins (8-6), Jets (7-7), and Patriots (7-7) all lost in Week 15.

And they each have to lose some more, and since they each play each other, the losses have to fall just right for the Browns.

“There is still a path for the Cleveland Browns to make the playoffs”

The path: pic.twitter.com/IvCaLFuA6M

— McNeil (@Reflog_18) December 18, 2022

Meanwhile, the 3 teams sitting at 6-8 with the Browns all come off momentum-building victories.

Jacksonville has legitimate division title hopes, aided by the Titans’ (7-7) 4-game losing streak and a favorable schedule.

But the Raiders end the season with games against the 49ers and the Chiefs after meeting Pittsburgh next week.

And Cleveland can take care of Pittsburgh themselves in Week 18.

So… There’s A Chance? 

There is a simple scenario that allows the Browns to capture the 7th AFC playoff slot.

First, Cleveland has to win out their remaining schedule to finish 9-8.

Then, Miami has to lose all 3 of their remaining games to offset the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Jets must lose to the Jaguars and Seahawks but beat the Dolphins to finish 8-9.

#Browns Myles Garrett said the season will be a failure if they don’t make the playoffs but he’s not giving up yet pic.twitter.com/SLZA6U270u

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) December 15, 2022

Cincinnati can help the Browns by beating the Patriots, who then beat the Dolphins but lose to the Bills in Week 18.

Then the Browns need just one loss each from the Raiders and the Jaguars (or the Titans if the Jags win the division).

With those simple steps achieved, Cleveland’s Week 18 victory over the Steelers locks up the 7th seed in the AFC.

Or else the team can file paperwork to move to either the AFC or NFC southern division, where 9-8 is sure to capture a title.

The post Browns Insider Gives Latest Update On Browns’ Playoff Chances appeared first on Browns Nation.

Në pjesën e parë të takimit Argjentina ishte qartësisht ekipi më i mirë, ndërkohë që Franca nuk doli asnjëherë në lojën e vet. Kjo bëri që përpjekjet e vazhdueshme të Messit me shokë të shpërbleheshin eventualisht në minutën e 23’, kur arbitri akordi një penallti në favor të tyre. Messi nuk kishte si të gabonte nga pika e bardhë duke kaluar në avantazh të tijët. Vetëm pak minuta më vonë, amerikano-latinët shënuan një tjetër gol me autor Angel Di Maria, pas një kundërsulmi model. Pjesa e parë e përballjes u mbyll me rezultatin 2-0, dhe sfida u konsiderua tashmë e mbyllur.

Por emocionet do të vazhdonin për shumë më gjatë. Franca hyri përsëri e vakët në lojë gjatë pjesës së dytë, por gjeti ritmin e saj në 20 minutat e fundit të takimit. “Gjelat” përfituan nga një penallti e akorduar në favor të tyre për të ngushtuar diferencën në vetëm 1 gol, teksa Mbappe u tregua i saktë nga pika e penalltisë. Vetëm 1 minutë më vonë, ishte përsëri Mbappe që me një goditje fantastike në hyrje të zones barazoi rezultatin, duke dërguar në qiellin e shtatë tifozët francezë. Sfida iu drejtua kështu kohës shtesë.

Në 30 minutat ekstra Messi kaloi përsëri në avantazh të tijët, por Mbappe gjithashtu shënoi për Francën, përsëri nga pika e bardhë, duke kompletuar tripletën e tij, një moment i jashtëzakonshëm në një finale botërori.

Ekipet iu drejtuan kështu penalltive, ku heroi rezultoi të ishte portieri i Argjentinës, Emiliano Martinez. Ky i fundit ndali penalltinë e Kingsley Coman, ndërkohë që Aurelian Tchouameni goditi jashtë porte. Argjentinasit nga ana tjetër nuk humbën asnjë prej penalltive të tyre, dhe Montiel shënoi 11-metërshin e fundit, duke i hapur rrugë festës dhe ekzaltimit të jashtëzakonshëm të Messi me shokë.

The post Kupa e Botës – Argjentina e Messit triumfon në finale appeared first on Baste Sportive.

Fiton Sheffield United / koeficient 2.05

Ekipi i Wigan ka rekordin me negativ në Championship, përsa i takon ndeshjeve në shtëpi këtë sezon. Sheffield United nga ana tjetër ka mbajtur të paprekur portën e vet në 9 nga 10 fitoret e fundit në kampionat. Për më shumë, miqtë kanë fituar 3 takimet e fundit në transfertë. Wigan ndërkohë duket se po i rikthehet rezultateve pozitive, por Sheffield United mbetet një kundërshtar i fortë dhe shanset për të marrë një rezultat pozitiv janë të vogla.

Leganes vs Real Zaragoza

Barazim / koeficient 2.78

Leganes ka provuar se është një ekip mjaft i vështirë për t’u mundur në fushën e vet. Të zotët e shtëpisë janë mposhtur vetëm 2 herë në 10 përballjet e fundit në Estadio Municipal de Butarque. Real Zaragoza ndërkohë ka shfaqur shenja progresi në javët e fundit, teksa nuk ka pësuar asnjë humbje në 5 ndeshje. 3 prej këtyre sfidave janë mbyllur në barazim, ndërkohë që Leganes gjithashtu ka barazuar në 5 nga 6 takimet e fundit. Për këtë arsye pritet një ndeshje e luftuar.

Perugia vs Venezia

Fiton Venezia / koeficient 3.05

Pas emërtimit të trajnerit të ri, Paolo Vanoli, Venezia ia ka dalë të fitojë 3 nga 4 ndeshjet e fundit. Perugia ndërkohë, që mban vendin e fundit në renditjen e përgjithshme, ka rekordin më negativ në fushën e vet, krahasuar me ekipet e tjera në kampionat. Të zotët e shtëpisë kanë grumbulluar vetëm 8 pikë në 8 takime në Stadio Renato Curi. Venezia nga ana tjetër ka performuar mjaft mirë në transfertë këtë sezon, dhe ka shanse reale për të marrë një tjetër rezultat pozitiv në këtë ndeshje.

Parashikime te tjera, baste te sigurta

Zgjidh faqen e preferuar të basteve me koeficientët më të lartë!

The post Parashikime ndeshjesh, Championship, La Liga Smartbank, Serie B – 19.12.2022 appeared first on Baste Sportive.

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Friday, December 23

Perth Glory v Wellington Phoenix 10:30pm AEDT, Macedonia Park View the Perth v Wellington form guide

Macedonia Park has become somewhat of a fortress for the ever expanding Glory this season, as they’ve won their past two games on the trot playing in their home state. Most recently they collected an illusive 2-1 win over reigning champions Western United, while prior to that they ousted Melbourne City 2-0 in a result that no one saw coming. However as good as they’ve been in those pair of clashes, their most recent one in Campbelltown left a lot to be desired, falling 1-0 to the ‘Bulls’. Perth were only able to land 1/7 shots on target, as they appeared to lack any real fire power or urgency. In stark comparison to the Phoenix however, they were commanding at home, smashing the ‘Reds’ 3-1. Goals in the 2nd minute – Oskar Zawada, 37th minute – Bozhidar Kraev and 61st minute – Yan Sasse, combined with them landing 8/17 goal attempts on target, saw them surge all the way to within just three-points off of 3rd-place. Will the right Perth Glory turn up to play, or does this match have Wellington written all over it?

With the Phoenix having prevailed in five of their last seven matches against Perth, it may be time for the Glory to finally switch the script up and give Ufuk Talay’s Men a taste of their own medicine. And with new arrival Adam Taggart recently being acquired by the club and with the Glory on the up and up, now may be the perfect time to do so. All in all for Perth the target shooter Taggart has collectively scored 21 A-League goals across 44-matches. Ultimately though the key for Perth will be putting in a consistent 90-minute + performance, because they’ve been incredible in bits and pieces this season, but have rarely displayed the full package. If they can do that, then they’ll rightfully give themselves every chance possible of collecting all three-points from this matchup.

Betting tips: Pick both teams to find the back of the net at $1.60 (BoomBet)

Brisbane Roar v Western Sydney Wanderers 7:45pm AEDT, Moreton Daily Stadium View the Brisbane v Western Sydney form guide

The Roar’s latest efforts up in the Hunter Valley were far from pretty, but ultimately it didn’t matter one single bit as they cosigned the Jets to their fourth defeat of the season, via Nikola Mileusnic’s 80th-minute winner. That being his 26th total A-League strike of his career. His victorious strike somehow being forged, despite the visitors only owning 36% possession of the ball throughout the encounter. And to their credit Brisbane remain undefeated on the road this campaign, having collected a win and a draw from two games. Meanwhile Western Sydney’s recent away form has been patchy to say the least! As from their last eighteen away games in total, they’ve picked up just three victories to their name. The latest of those coming at AAMI Park, as they suffered a tight and tense 1-0 defeat to Western United at AAMI Park. Despite taking nine shots to the oppositions four, collecting four corners to their one and owning 60% off the ball, it was not enough to help see Mark Rudan’s Men over the line in the end. Does Brisbane’s dominance continue on here, or do Western Sydney have something to say about it?

What do Brisbane and Western Sydney have in common? They are both fallen Footballing powerhouses aiming to seek redemption this campaign and to be fair to both sides, they’re doing a fair job of it. The Roar sit just four-points off of the Wanderers, whilst the Wanderers themselves are etched comfortably into second-place on the table. There is also Warren Moon (aged 40) leading the lines at Brisbane and Mark Rudan (aged 47), doing the same thing over at the Wanderers. Both Men just like their respective clubs over the past few years have had mixed managerial results. So this game presents the perfect opportunity for each of the two to asses how they go tactics-wise and gameplay-wise against somebody who is relatively their equal. This match is anybody’s for the taking and should present itself as a great must watch.

Betting tips: Look for both teams to score one plus goal a piece at $1.70 (BlueBet)

Also look for there to be over 2.5 goals scored collectively at $1.90 (Bet365)

Saturday, December 24

Sydney FC v Macarthur FC 5:00PM AEDT, Allianz Stadium View the Sydney v Macarthur FC form guide

When these two intense rivals last locked ‘horns’ it was a battle for the ages. Robert Mak missed the spot kick opportunity only 14-minutes in, however bull tamer Patrick Wood was there for the second-chance which made the score 1-0 in the ‘Sky Blues’ favour. Then fast-forward towards the end of the first half and it was rival Defender Johnathan Aspropotamitis who was given his marching orders via Alex King. Proceed to the 83rd-minute and Sydney have scored their third of the game, courtesy of young gun Adrian Segecic. Yet just four-minutes on Anthony Carter’s banger meant that it was an incredibly thrilling finish to a game, witnessed by just over 7000 people at Campbelltown Stadium. And with Sydney currently placed just two-points off third-place and with Dwight Yorke’s troops only three-points off second-spot on the ladder, there is plenty to play for at Allianz Stadium. Can Sydney collect another victory in this short, but intensity filled rivalry, or will Macarthur claim the bragging rights from this affair?

From four home matches this season Sydney have been a real basket base, winning one, drawing one and losing two from four attempts. Whilst they’ve also scored six, yet leaked seven at Allianz Stadium. After four-years of essentially being homeless, the much-anticipated return to Moore Park was supposed to be the clubs rejuvenation period. Instead they’ve really stunk up the joint! And with Macarthur coming to town right on Christmas Eve, Sydney might just be getting coal in their stockings. 23-Year-old Daniel Arzani has been very effective for Macarthur this season, scoring one goal and fashioning two goal assists + nine shot assists. Over the off-season the ‘Sky Blues’ were heavily linked to the former Socceroos playmaker, but eventually as seen he signed with the ‘Bulls’. There is the very real potential for Macarthur to run away with this clash and for Arzani to make Sydney regret missing out on his signature in the process.

Betting tips: Look for Joe Lolley to find refuge in the back of the net anytime at $2.75 (Bet365)

Also look for Macarthur to produce under 1.5 strikes at $1.30 (Bet365)

Monday, December 26

Western United v Melbourne Victory 7:45pm AEDT, AAMI Park View the Western United v Melbourne Victory form guide

There is still so much that is unknown about this Derby following the events of last Saturday night. At its worst, this match may be completely devoid of Victory supporters. Or depending on how things go over the next couple of days this may be a game in which the Victory are simply playing for pride, due to a possible points deduction. One thing that is for certain though is that both teams will go out there and give it their absolute all. Despite the ‘Green & Black’ currently being in 11th-place and the Victory just two spots above them, try telling a James Troisi that this affair doesn’t matter! He a man who has played for the Victory previously, left and then has come back to them years later, only to leave again and become a member of John Aloisi’s never say never Men. Or maybe you’d rather pick your fancy with superb Uruguayan-born striker Bruno Fornaroli, a Man who has previously represented Melbourne City and now represents the colours of Melbourne Victory. This clash does matter and it is a rivalry! Will we see the reigning champions rise to stardom once again, or will Melbourne rise from the ashes of their week from hell?

During his first season playing for the Victory, James Troisi scored 12 goals in 29 A-League matches. Then from 2016 through to 2019 he played 76 club games for Melbourne, locking down 15 goals + 17 assists. The former Juventus Man has certainly torn opposition teams to shreds whilst representing the most successful Footballing franchise in Melbourne. And now plying his trade for Western United it would most definitely appear that he’s primed for a simply MASSIVE performance against his ex-employers. This season under the guidance of John Aloisi he has aged like fine win producing one goal assist, as well as eight shot assists in seven matches. While he’s also completed 250 accurate passes at a 79% completion rate. Plus out of the 11 tackles he’s attempted. he’s successfully won eight of them. This is his time! And don’t expect him to pass it up!

Betting tips: Look for both teams to score at $1.65 (BoomBet)

Tuesday, December 27

Melbourne City v Central Coast Mariners 5:00pm AEDT, AAMI Park View the Melbourne City v Central Coast form guide

For City their latest clash was the infamous Melbourne Derby, one of the darkest days Football in this country has ever seen. In the lead-up to Tom Glover being brutally assaulted by some Melbourne Victory thugs, Aiden O’Neil had scored early on in the proceedings. As for the Mariners they led a commanding fightback at Bluetongue Stadium to beat Sydney 2-1. 11-Minutes in they went down 1 and 0 courtesy of a well-worked opposition Paulo Retre strike. However on the 36th-minute they evened the proceedings thanks to Marco Tulio’s goal, then just three-minutes later the comeback was complete, via Daniel Hall’s thunderous header, as he smashed it into the centre of the net leaving Andrew Redmayne utterly helpless. And only adding to the intrigue surrounding this high octane affair is the fact that Melbourne City are yet to be beaten at home this season, while Garang Kuol’s Mariners are yet to lose on the road. To City’s credit they’ve won three and drawn one, while the Mariners have won one and drawn one, fashioning an impressive five goals in the process. This affair could belong to anybody, so will it be Melbourne or the Central Coast who eventually take it out?

Since Patrick Kisnorbo departed City mid-World Cup they have gone down 2-1 to Sydney away from home and played roughly about 20-minutes versus the Victory before the game was abandoned due to hooligan behaviour. So it’s not all that fair to judge them so far, but they ain’t exactly looked like the Melbourne of old, that’s all I’m saying. However what’s incredibly tantalisingly tasty about this clash is that City’s Socceroo trio of Jamie Maclaren, Matthew Leckie and Marco Tilio will go head-to-head against the Mariners own Socceroo’s trio of Jason Cummings ala ‘the Cum Dog’, Garang Kuol and Danny Vuckovic. After all that’s happened to try and bring down the A-Leagues as of late, this is an incredible/much needed boost for the game in Australia in general. Either watch it live or on tv if you can! This has the very strong potential to be one of the GAMES of the SEASON.

Betting tips: Look for City to edge this encounter out, just, at $1.66 (BlueBet)

Adelaide United v Newcastle Jets 7:45pm AEDT, Coopers Stadium View the Adelaide v Newcastle form guide

Despite Adelaide’s disappointing away 3-1 defeat to Wellington last round, they’ve still been extremely impressive at home as of late, triumphing in seven and drawing one of their last nine home matches. That stacks up very well against Newcastle, who despite beating the Central Coast 2-1 during their latest away outing in the F3 Derby, have won only one of their last four encounters away from the confines of McDonald Jones Stadium. But back to the stark reality is the fact that over in New Zealand the ‘Reds’ could only muster up a grand total of five shots throughout 90+ minutes of playing time. And if it weren’t for Craig Goodwin’s brilliant free-kick on the 12-minute mark, they would’ve been completely embarrassed. Meanwhile Newcastle couldn’t do too well at home as they were edged out 1-0 by Brisbane. And despite owning 64% possession of the ball throughout the match, they stuttered their way to shooting just 2/7 shots on target throughout the affair, although they did very unluckily have two of their shots bounce off the woodwork. Can Adelaide collect their rebound victory in this match, or will that title belong to Newcastle?

Craig Goodwin playing in the sanctity of his own home could absolutely torch the Jets in this encounter! However Beka Mikeltadze has still registered two goals this season for Newcastle, as has the ever-pacy and somewhat of an x-factor Trent Buhagiar. As evidenced of late neither team has all that strong of a back-wall, so the attack is where the game will be won. Because in their last 10 games, Adelaide have only kept a clean sheet once. While for Newcastle in every single one of their nine A-League/Australia Cup matches this campaign, not once have they kept the opposition team at bay for a full 90-minutes. Will Goodwin be the difference here? Probably. But before conceding defeat, at least expect Arthur Papas’s Men to give it a red hot crack!

Betting tips: Back Adelaide to win at $1.97 (BlueBet)

Best Bet of the Round – Adelaide United vs Newcastle Jets

Back Adelaide to win at $1.97 (BlueBet)

The post A-League Mens Round 9 – Previews & Betting Tips appeared first on Australia Sports Betting.

A video of Gus Johnson appearing to do something is going viral on social media this morning.

Johnson was on the call of a college basketball game, when a fan sitting behind him appeared to catch him in the act.

"Gus Johnson vaping while announcing ????," the fan tweeted on Sunday night.

The video has since gone viral.

Sports fans have since taken to social media to debate the video that's going viral.

"I mean he’s not on TV and if the arenas allows it then he’s good," one fan wrote.

"Snitching on one of the Goats smh," one fan added.

"hitting the desert breeze while commentating is CRAZY," another fan wrote.

It's unclear what Gus Johnson was doing, exactly. But the video is clearly going viral on Monday morning.

What do you think of the viral Gus Johnson video on Monday morning?

Former five-star recruit Travis Hunter has officially entered the transfer portal. 

Hunter entered the portal on Sunday following Jackson State's first loss of the season to NC Central on Saturday. 

As expected, a few top Power Five schools are already showing interest in the talented freshman. According to Chad Simmons of On3Sports, Georgia, Miami, and USC are the top three schools to watch for him alongside Colorado.

Colorado could be the favorite in Hunter's recruitment since Deion Sanders is now the head coach of the [rogram. Remember, Hunter flipped from Florida State to Jackson State earlier this year because Sanders was the latter's head coach. 

Still, the Buffaloes face tough competition from these three programs. All three fare pretty well in recruiting each year.

Hunter was the top-rated recruit in the class of 2022, per 247Sports composite rankings. Whoever gets him is getting one heck of a player. 

With the Ken Niumatalolo era officially over at Navy, the program has reportedly decided on the man they want to carry them into the future.

According to ESPN's Pete Thamel, Navy is expected to promote defensive coordinator Brian Newberry as the new head coach. Noting, "Newberry has been the defensive coordinator since 2019, and Navy finished Top 25 in rush defense, sacks and fumbles recovered this year."

Newberry was a Broyles Award finalist back in 2019 after helping coach Navy to a school record-tying 11 wins and dramatically improving the defensive side of the ball for the Midshipmen.

Prior to his time with the academy, Newberry spent time at Kennesaw State, Northern Michigan, The University of the South (Sewanee, TN), Elon, Washington & Lee, Rice and Southern Arkansas.

Since '19 the Mids have posted three straight losing records, going a combined 11-23. Newberry will look to turn that around immediately like he did with the defense when he first stepped in Annapolis.

Brighton are determined to keep hold of Alexis Mac Allister despite anticipated interest following his role in Argentina’s World Cup triumph.

Mac Allister impressed as Argentina beat France to be crowned world champions on Sunday, with the midfielder setting up Angel Di Maria’s goal in a thrilling final.

Tottenham have been linked with a move for Mac Allister, who could follow the likes of Ben White, Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella in leaving Brighton for a significant fee.

The 23-year-old is contracted to the Seagulls until 2025 and Brighton have the option to extend his deal for a further season. The club’s chief executive, Paul Barber, is hopeful the club can retain the services of the World Cup winner.

“He will be sought after, we’re very aware of that, but we hope to keep him here as long as we can,” Barber said, as per the BBC.

“Of course, when staff and players do well, as we’ve seen in the last few months, they do attract the interest of other big clubs.

“These are clubs that are wealthier and have the chance to give players a new level, we understand that and we’re not naive to that.

“All we can do is protect ourselves the best we can through the contracts and hope we can hold on to the player for as long as possible, but this is a young man who has just won the World Cup at 23 and set up arguably one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.”

Read – World Cup Awards: Messi makes history in Qatar

Read Also – Twitter Reacts: Argentina win the World Cup

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Before a ball had been kicked in Qatar, Lionel Messi’s tale was already special. As the dust settles on football’s biggest event, Messi’s missing chapter has been completed.

The one omission from his glittering career of greatness is no more and the image of Messi clutching that famous gold trophy will be eternal. What had been the most thrilling final in World Cup memory had its perfect ending.

Each of Argentina’s three triumphs on the world stage have been inspired by individual brilliance. Mario Kempes was the hero on home soil in 1978. Diego Maradona enjoyed God-like status for his role in their 1986 success.

Kempes had called Messi ‘the king without the crown’ this week. On Sunday, he was coronated and took his place among Argentina’s holy trinity.

This was his tournament. It had been a rollercoaster ride, one which began with Argentina arriving in Qatar on a wave of optimism, as Copa America champions and on a 36-game unbeaten run. A shock setback against Saudi Arabia changed confidence to nerves, but successive wins against Mexico, Poland, Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and France saw Argentina crowned champions.

Messi was there, front and centre of it all. He failed to score in just one game and became the first man to score in each knockout round game of a World Cup. He was there as Argentina navigated the choppy waters of a tempestuous tie with the Dutch. He was there again as Croatia were crushed in the last four. He was there, once more, as the South Americans edged France in a pulsating six-goal final that had the watching world on the edge of their seats.

When writing on the 1970 World Cup final, Hugh McIlvanney perfectly contextualised football’s biggest occasion.

“The other matches, whatever their own vivid excitements, can only nourish the expectations of the last collision,” he penned. “Earlier days offer sudden death but this is the only one that offers instant immortality.”

Those words are true, but Messi is no mortal and hasn’t been for quite some time. His immortality was achieved long ago, through the countless records and goals. More so in the things less tangible. The moments and feelings he has conjured.

There’s a sense of anticipation whenever the ball arrives in his possession. Many players evoke this, but none quite like Messi. It’s been evident in Qatar, the bated breath of excitement, but has been in stadia across the world for almost two decades. That’s what Messi does and why he should continue to be cherished until he’s no longer around. Sadly, that might not be too far away.

In Qatar, there were glimpses of Messi at his absolute level. The reverse pass to set up Nahuel Molina against the Netherlands was magical, while his bamboozling of Croatia’s Josko Gvardiol was not the first time Messi has made a fool of a talented centre-back.

When he does eventually call time on his career, when the old magic has dimmed just a little, he will hang up the boots that have written legend with no regret. It has been fifteen years since Messi lost his first final with the national side, in what was the start of a turbulent road to this ultimate glory.

Three final defeats – one World Cup and two Copa America – followed in consecutive years between 2014 and 2016, a hat-trick of disappointments that led to a brief, thankfully u-turned, international retirement. Among it has been accusations that Messi is inherently European, such was his early departure across the Atlantic for Barcelona. It was a slight that rankled with Messi, Rosario born and bred, who grew up dreaming of wearing the colours of La Albiceleste.

Those near misses are no longer central in the tale of Messi and Argentina. It might have come later than once expected, but Messi has led his nation to success. Copa America, Finalissima, World Cup. Messi has won them all.

Lionel Messi really took the 'no international trophies' comments personally pic.twitter.com/uD0bcYocCg

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 18, 2022

In the coming days tributes just like this will be aimed in Messi’s direction. The most talented footballer of his generation and for some, perhaps even most, the greatest of all time. Writing about Messi during his career has proven both difficult and easy. His game makes it effortless to throw superlatives in his direction, but often even those feel exhausted and inadequate.

This was a World Cup that began with controversy and its issues should not be forgotten. Politics and human rights have been prominent in the narrative, while even the trophy lift – in which Messi was presented with a bisht – ensured the imagery of the 2022 final will always be tied to the first Arab World Cup.

It has proven divisive that FIFA chose this moment, the culmination of Messi’s international career, to cover the colours of his beloved Argentina.

Fortunately for FIFA, and fans across the world, on the pitch this tournament has been a success and concluded in perfect fashion. Messi scored twice in the final and once more in the shootout, earned the Golden Ball, and hoisted the World Cup trophy aloft.

And that was that. The tale of the greatest footballer of all time is not over, but anything added from here will merely represent an addendum to a special sporting story. It is one that will continue to be told for decades to come.

Fairytales don’t often occur in football, but Messi’s long road to this triumph is befitting of such status.

The hours since have seen an outpouring of emotion, a collective sigh of relief from football that the games greatest has achieved it all. There were well wishes from the English, even the Brazilians, as rivalries were cast aside to celebrate Messi. It is the breaking down of tribalistic barriers that perhaps only true genius can achieve.

Read – World Cup Awards: Messi makes history in Qatar

Read Also – Twitter Reacts: Argentina win the World Cup

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The final whistle has been blown on the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a tournament full of drama, sub-plots and unforgettable moments.

It’s Argentina who are the new world champions, with Lionel Messi winning football’s greatest prize after a final with France that will be remembered as arguably the best ever.

Following three weeks of thrilling action in Qatar, we’ve picked out our star performers from the finals. Here is The Football Faithful’s World Cup Team of the Tournament.

Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou – Morocco

Exceptional from start to finish for the underdog story of the tournament, the Moroccan goalkeeper failed to concede a single goal from an opposition player until the semi-final defeat to France.

No African side has ever previously reached the semi-final stage and Morocco’s success was built on the often unbreakable organisation of their defensive unit. Behind a brickwall backline it was Bounou, whose shot-stopping has attracted the interest of Europe’s top clubs.

Yassine Bounou's son thinking the to be is supremely adorable! #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/YTorvQwDvM

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022

The 31-year-old was named as La Liga’s Best Goalkeeper last season, but his World Cup heroics have shone an additional spotlight on his talent.

Right-back: Achraf Hakimi

Morocco’s star name did not disappoint during a fairytale run to the semi-finals, as the Atlas Lions became the first African team to reach the last four.

Hakimi rampaged forward and defended astutely, as part of a resolute Moroccan backline which provided the foundation for their success.

We gave it all. The dream of a team, of a whole country, is over. But we have to be proud of what we have done. We fought until the last second and we leave with our heads held high.We will continue to try and give our all for this nation. Thanks to all Moroccans for your support pic.twitter.com/By6ev5uwEC

— Achraf Hakimi (@AchrafHakimi) December 15, 2022

His Panenka penalty winner against Spain was a demonstration of his quality and confidence, while his post-match celebrations with his mother became one of the defining images of Morocco’s tournament.

Centre-back: Nicolas Otamendi – Argentina

Nicolas Otamendi featured in every second of Argentina’s triumph, with the veteran defender an outstanding contributor to the champion’s success in Qatar.

Otamendi’s best days appeared to be behind him after he departed Manchester City in 2020, but the 34-year-old produced a series of excellent showings at the World Cup.

A leader of La Albiceleste’s side, he won more aerial duels than any other defender (20) and was crucial to Argentina’s build-up, leading his teammates for successful passes (462) and long balls (11) among outfield players.

Después de esto no hay más nada
CAMPEONES DEL MUNDO pic.twitter.com/MQmdDEddUZ

— Nicolas Otamendi (@Notamendi30) December 18, 2022

Viewed as arguably a weak-link by those outside Argentina pre-tournament, he has instead proven to be a pillar of strength in the nation’s third World Cup triumph.

Centre-back: Josko Gvardiol – Croatia

Josko Gvardiol enhanced his reputation as one of European football’s best up-and-coming defenders as Croatia reached the semi-finals.

The 20-year-old was the masked assassin who robbed forwards of possession in Qatar, proving a dominant force in his defensive duels. He struggled against Lionel Messi in the semi-final, but the Argentina icon has made no shortage of elite defenders look foolish during a career of greatness.

Joško Gvardiol's 2022 World Cup by numbers:

90% pass accuracy
48x possession won
37 clearances (most)
19 duels won
11 interceptions
9 tackles
4 blocks
2 shots
1 goal

Croatia's youngest ever scorer at the World Cup. #Vatreni pic.twitter.com/YPtr3iploc

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 17, 2022

That will prove an invaluable lesson to Gvardiol, who has the potential to be one of the best defenders of his generation.

Left-back: Theo Hernandez – France

Hernandez grasped his opportunity in the side following an unfortunate injury to his brother, Lucas, in France’s opening game.

From there the left-back was a fixture in the team and impressed with his enterprising football, where he created two assists and opened the scoring in the semi-final win over Morocco.

He had a difficult evening in the quarter-final win over England, but recovered to help France into a second successive World Cup final.

Midfield: Sofyan Amrabat

Europe’s top clubs have put Amrabat firmly on their radar after a string of superb performances in Qatar.

The industrious ball-winning machine snapped into challenges and hunted down possession, recovering the ball and using it intelligently in the Moroccan engine room.

His lung-busting run and crunching challenge on Kylian Mbappe in the semi-final epitomised his contribution to the cause, with Amrabat leaving everything out on the Qatari pitches.

Sofyan Amrabat won possession 57 times at the 2022 World Cup, the most by any African player at a single tournament since 1966.

A phenomenal effort at a record breaking tournament for his country. #MAR #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/ohCnYV5XvO

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 17, 2022

Fiorentina will face a fight to keep hold of his services, with the World Cup having elevated his reputation to a new level.

Midfield: Enzo Fernandez – Argentina

It’s been a rapid rise for Enzo Fernandez in recent months, with the midfielder now a World Cup winner.

Fernandez only made his debut for Argentina in September, but forced his way into the starting side in Qatar after coming off the bench to score a stunning goal in the group stage win over Mexico. From there the 21-year-old went from strength to strength, with a number of classy displays in the Argentine engine room recognised with the Best Young Player of the Tournament award.

Enzo Fernández is the first South American to win the official FIFA Young Player of the Tournament award. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/lwyo9x8rGy

— Squawka (@Squawka) December 18, 2022

He was excellent in the final, leading the decider for touches (118), successful passes (77) and tackles (10). No player has made more tackles in a World Cup final since 2006. Europe’s wealthiest sides are on red-alert, with Benfica set for a huge windfall on a talent only signed from River Plate last summer.

Midfield: Antoine Griezmann – France

Antoine Griezmann’s move to a midfield role proved a revelation for France, with the 31-year-old the creative conduit between Les Bleus’ engine room and front three.

His ability to fashion chances from both open play and set-pieces was crucial to the French in Qatar, where he led the tournament for assists alongside Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Bruno Fernandes.

France might have fallen short at the final hurdle, but Griezmann delivered once again in a major tournament. Industrious and inventive in his new deeper role, it was a position he looked right at home in from the first minute. He was exceptional in the knockout round wins over England and Morocco, orchestrating both games as France progressed to the final.

Right-wing: Lionel Messi – Argentina

Each of Argentina’s three World Cup triumphs have been built on the individual greatness, with Qatar 2022 set to be remembered as Lionel Messi’s tournament.

Messi’s status as an all-time great was assured long ago, but his role in his country’s World Cup success has elevated arguably football’s finest ever talent to new levels. He scored seven goals, including two in the final, and provided a further three assists for Argentina, who will celebrate this success for a long time to come.

Lionel Messi's Major Honours;

La Liga
UEFA Champions League
Ballon D'Or
Ligue 1
U-20 World Cup
Olympics Gold
Copa America
Finalissima
FIFA World Cup

The Greatest of all Time-GOAT #FIFAWorldCup|#Messi???? pic.twitter.com/X9mEA1kEht

— FIFA World Cup Stats (@alimo_philip) December 18, 2022

Football fans across the world will revel in their triumph, a fitting conclusion to Messi’s career on this stage. After the hard-luck stories of past finals, it was a warming moment to see the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner host aloft football’s most prestigious trophy. No player had a bigger role in that success than Messi.

Left-wing: Kylian Mbappe – France

After starring in Russia four years ago, Kylian Mbappe produced another sensational tournament for France.

He scored eight goals to win the World Cup’s Golden Boot, with only Ronaldo (2002) having matched that total in a single tournament since 1970. Mbappe’s goals included a hat-trick in the final, as he became just the second man to score a treble in a World Cup final and the first to do so in a losing side.

12 World Cup goals in 14 games
6th-highest men’s World Cup scorer
First hat trick in men’s final since 1966
Almost led France to b2b titles

Kylian Mbappé is 23. Kylian Mbappé is unreal ​​ pic.twitter.com/4v7F0MW2Xh

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 18, 2022

It was harsh on the 23-year-old, who demonstrated his ability to change the biggest games in an instant in Qatar. Incredibly, it’s now 12 World Cup goals for Mbappe, a figure that is level with Pelé and one just five players can better.

It is not inconceivable that Mbappe could feature in another three tournaments. No record appears safe from the Frenchman.

Forward: Julian Alvarez – Argentina

Julian Alvarez began the tournament on the bench for Argentina, but ended it with a World Cup winners’ medal after a key role in their success.

The opening defeat to Saudi Arabia prompted change and chances, with Alavarez one of those to take his opportunity. He led the line superbly in Qatar, chasing lost causes as a focal point and taking the chances that came his way.

Full circle moment for Julian Alvarez pic.twitter.com/hd7aj8gAKd

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 13, 2022

After opening his account against Poland with a fine finish, he scored in the last-16 win over Australia and twice in the semi-final victory against Croatia. It was a tournament to remember for Alvarez, who emerged from the shadows to thrive in the spotlight of a World Cup triumph.

Read – Midfield Magicians: Juan Sebastian Veron, a f*cking great player

Read Also – 90s Hitmen: Romario, a Brazilian goalscoring genius

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The Bison have captured nine national titles in an 11-season span since 2011 – a first on the NCAA, NAIA and JUCO levels – and will seek to make it (a perfect) 10 against rival South Dakota State in a highly anticipated showdown.

“Never in millions of years when the Bison were going through the Division I transition and were not eligible for the playoffs did anybody think this was even remotely possible. How did they do it? A perfect combination of recruiting the right guys, coaching, some top programs leaving for the FBS and a physical style of play that nobody else could match,” said Jeff Kolpack, a long-time NDSU media member who wrote the definitive book, “Horns Up: Inside the Greatest College Football Dynasty.”

The dynasty was set up in 2010 with two victories and a run to the national quarterfinals in the Bison’s first-ever FCS playoff appearance.

Following is how North Dakota State’s 13 playoff teams stack up with other schools in the 45-year history of the FCS playoffs:

Most FCS Championships

9 – North Dakota State
6 – Georgia Southern
4 – Youngstown State
3 – Appalachian State
2 – Eastern Kentucky, James Madison, Marshall and Montana

Most FCS Championship Game Appearances

10 – North Dakota State (9-0 to date)
8 – Georgia Southern (6-2)
7 – Youngstown State (4-3) and Montana (2-5)
6 – Marshall (2-4)
4 – Eastern Kentucky (2-2), James Madison (2-2) and Delaware (1-3)

Most FCS Playoff Wins

45 – Georgia Southern
44 – North Dakota State
35 – Montana
28 – Youngstown State
26 – Northern Iowa
25 – Delaware

Highest FCS Playoff Winning Percentages

.936 – North Dakota State (44-3)
.793 – Marshall (23-6)
.777 – Youngstown State (28-8)
.776 – Georgia Southern (45-13)
.667 – Sam Houston (24-12) and Boise State (8-4)

Most Consecutive FCS Playoff Appearances

17 – Montana (1993-2009)
14 – New Hampshire (2004-2017)
13 – North Dakota State (2010-Present)
11 – South Dakota State (2012-Present)
10 – Eastern Kentucky (1986-1995)
8 – Appalachian State (2005-12) and James Madison (2014-Present)

The post How North Dakota State Stacks up in FCS Playoff History appeared first on The Analyst.

In his first season, Pukki went on to tally 30 goals in all competitions and was a key part in the Canaries promotion to the top-flight of English football.

At the end of that season he signed a new three-year contract, keeping him at the club until 2022 with the option of an extra year, which was inevitably triggered.

That is where we end up today; with less than seven months remaining on the Finn’s contract…

In need of a new deal…

Since the start of the 2018/19 Championship season, Pukki has led the line for the Canaries, scoring 85 goals in 189 appearances. His goals have placed him fourth in the club’s all-time top scorers list and has earned him a place in Norwich City folklore.

In the Championship this season, the Finn has notched up seven goals so far and it’d be a surprise if that’s where he stops.

Pukki is undoubtedly one of the best centre forwards Norwich City have had in recent years.

1 of 10

Who took over as Norwich City's caretaker manager after Alex Neil's departure?

Mike Phelan Alan Irvine Craig Shakespeare Ian Butterworth

His attacking prowess combined with his composure means he is an incredibly tough player to defend against. He’s a true fox in the box and his wily presence in the box makes him a constant nuisance for defenders. If the Canaries fail to re-sign his contract, then they will be losing out on all of this.

Even at 32, he is still a crucial part of the team, and his top-flight experience is crucial to a club who want to establish themselves in the Premier League in the next few years.

Norwich City must act soon to secure Pukki’s services as there will almost certainly be interest from elsewhere if his deal remains unsigned coming into January.

The post Opinion: Norwich City have to prioritise a new contract for 32-year-old appeared first on The72.

Muniz is currently plying his trade on loan at Middlesbrough in the Championship this season, and has scored two goals in 18 appearances so far. Although he started the campaign as the first choice number nine under Chris Wilder he has found playing time hard to come by in recent weeks.

With the arrival of new boss Michael Carrick, strikers Chuba Akpom and Marcus Forss have been the go-to duo to lead the line, with Muniz resigned to a spot on the substitutes bench alongside fellow summer signing Matthew Hoppe.

Muniz’s parent club Fulham and the player himself may be looking at other options considering his lack of playing time, and this has put other clubs on high alert.

According to South American journalist Rossi, Brazilian side Gremio enquired about the possibility of loaning the 21-year-old, an approach which was knocked back by the Cottagers.

He states that Marco Silva’s side would prefer to loan him to a Championship side, and they may even require his services in the first-team should they sell star man Aleksander Mitrovic next month.

Should he stay or should he go?

Muniz’s move to Middlesbrough hasn’t really worked out how all parties would have liked this season. He hasn’t had the run in the side he would have wanted, nor scored the amount of goals he is capable of scoring and so he would be forgiven in wanted to weigh up his options.

With Carrick now in charge at Boro he may want to use the loan slot for a player who is going to improve the first-team as opposed to sitting on the bench week-in week-out. Whether the Teessiders cut his deal short, or Fulham recall him is another matter.

He enjoyed a successful spell at Flamengo before making the move to Craven Cottage and so a move back to his homeland could be a tantalising proposition for Muniz. But all parties will weigh up what’s best for the player in the weeks and months to come.

The post Middlesbrough loanee attracting interest from abroad but parent club turn down approach appeared first on The72.

It was revealed earlier this month that one of the areas Michael Carrick wants to strengthen next month is his attacking department.

Boro have relied on the unlikely hero that is Chuba Akpom so far this season, with names like Rodrigo Muniz and Marcus Forss yet to really have an impact on the side.

Stewart has been linked with a surprise move to the Riverside. But reports this morning have revealed that the Black Cats want £10million for the Scot.

A pricey move then, but Boro could find equal quality for less than half the price in Blackpool striker Jerry Yates.

1 of 10

Who currently wears the number 14 for Middlesbrough?

Darragh Lenihan Anfernee Djiksteel Alex Mowatt Tommy Smith

Yates a wanted man…

Yates has nine goals in 23 Championship outings this season. He’s been linked with a number of clubs so far this campaign with West Brom and Watford having been mentioned previously.

Soon after, it was revealed by Football Insider that the Seasiders want £4million for the Englishman, who netted 21 League One goals on their way to promotion in 2021.

Like Stewart, Yates is a striker capable of playing multiple roles and capable of scoring an array of goals too, but most of all he’s a poacher – he’s always in and around the penalty area, at the right place at the right time, and scoring as many goals as he has for a struggling Blackpool side is impressive.

Playing in a more positive, attacking side, Yates could really flourish, and at 26 years old he could hit his peak any season now.

For Boro, a £10million move for Stewart seems unlikely; and let’s not forget that Stewart has been injured for most of the season so far. Yates seems like a more viable options and a more reliable option too, given the fact that he’s only missed seven league games in the past three seasons.

Carrick’s need for a striker could be well and truly fulfilled with a January swoop for Yates.

The post Opinion: Middlesbrough should drop interest in £10m striker and pursue this £4m Championship man instead appeared first on The72.

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) Navy promoted defensive coordinator Brian Newberry to head coach on Monday, replacing Ken Niumatalolo, the winningest coach in school history who was fired a week ago. Newberry, 51, has been leading the Midshipmen defense since 2019. ''It is a great honor and privilege to lead this program,'' Newberry said in a statement.

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) TCU quarterback and Heisman Trophy runner-up Max Duggan will skip his available extra season with the third-ranked Horned Frogs and make himself eligible for the NFL draft after the College Football Playoff. Duggan has started 41 games during his four seasons at TCU, though the senior could have returned for another season because all players were granted an extra year of eligibility after the 2020 season was altered by the pandemic.

Hayden Moore, previously a Nebraska commit, is ranked No. 103 LB in the nation and is the 21st commit in Michigan football's 2022 recruiting class.

Plus, we look back on what has been a strange month of football for so many reasons.

Tweet us @FootballRamble and email us here: [email protected].

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Pele is an ‘inspiration’ who edges Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi as the greatest player of all time, according to Sunday Oliseh.

Oliseh, a Nigerian Olympic Gold medalist and AFCON winner, backed Pele in the GOAT debate during an interview with Arise TV on Monday, a day after Messi’s maiden World Cup title.

The 48-year-old argues no player can rival the three World Cup titles won by Pele, who he believes has inspired the current generation of footballers.

“This is what everybody is getting inspiration from to excel in their football careers,” said Oliseh as quoted in Vanguard.

“His name is Pele. He is the greatest player of All Time, G.O.A.T. You cannot win three World Cups, and anybody will want to compete with you. I know people, especially the young ones, will not be happy with my choice, but those of us who are elderly can identify with him.”

Oliseh, a member of the FIFA Technical Study Group, also extended his greeting to World Cup final hat-trick hero Kylian Mbappe, calling the French striker ‘my friend’.

The post Not Ronaldo or Messi? Nigerian legend names the real GOAT appeared first on ronaldo.com.

Wayne Rooney has said his praise for Lionel Messi is not a way of putting down former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.

On Twitter, Rooney quote tweeted a message he posted in 2012 about Messi being ‘the best ever’ after seeing Argentina make the World Cup final, adding: “Nothing has changed”.

That said, while Rooney’s relationship with Ronaldo has turned sour recently after the former’s public criticism over the latter, he insists his praise for Messi is not a dig toward CR7.

“Some took that as a put-down to Cristiano Ronaldo but nothing could be further from the truth. I have the greatest respect for Cristiano and when people argue he is the greatest, I know where they are coming from and respect that opinion. But, for me, Messi is just different,” Rooney wrote in The Times.

“I played against him several times and it’s his ability to take and hold the ball, to control games, run at players, pass and score and be the difference. Close up, you just can’t get near him. He is always in control. If he has the ball at his feet, he determines everything, your decision-making included. Being his opponent is a difficult place to be.”

Nothing has changed. https://t.co/j5GjcKto13

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) December 14, 2022

Rooney doubles down on his Messi praise

The DC United manager played three times against Messi as a Manchester United player, twice in the Champions League final and once in the semi-finals.

On what makes Messi a tricky opponent, Rooney said: “You want to go and press him but know that if you do, you’re not going to win the ball. There are times you can tackle him, like when he is dribbling directly at you, but usually, you’re just not going to dispossess him. You’re bigger than him but can’t use your power against him.

“A difference between Messi and nearly every other player who dribbles is that he’s always moving. There is almost never a point when he stops on the ball. He takes off with it and if his path is blocked, he’ll pass the ball to get it back. You go and press and he pops it off and then you might switch off and at that moment he comes alive. 

“You see it happening a lot: he passes, the defender gets lazy for a split second, and Messi takes the return pass and is away. And it takes so much to deal with him that it’s tiring. He wears you down until he becomes almost impossible to stop.”

Rooney again took to Twitter on Sunday to congratulate Messi and Argentina for winning the World Cup final against France.

What a game. For me the the best ever #WorldCupFinal. Great effort from France but congratulations goes to Argentina, a proper team effort. @FIFAWorldCup #Qatar22

— Wayne Rooney (@WayneRooney) December 18, 2022

The post Rooney explains how calling Messi the GOAT is not disrespectful to Ronaldo appeared first on ronaldo.com.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has criticised football’s decision-makers for scheduling the Carabao Cup last 16 tie against Liverpool just days after the World Cup final.

Many of the first-team squad have not yet returned to training after participating in the tournament and Guardiola has lamented the fact that he doesn’t have any players to play in the game:

“At the moment, we have four or five players, and we will have to wait and see how the others come back. We just don’t have players because the big brains of football decided this schedule and we are going to play this game [against Liverpool]. Some players are coming back now and in the next few days and step by step, they will re-join their team-mates here.”

Supporters on Twitter believe Guardiola is right to stick the boot in, with many pointing out the humourous sarcasm he used to criticise the fixture schedule:

Tell us what you really think Pep ????????????

— ℝ???????????????????? (@icklepickle) December 17, 2022

“…the big brains of football, with their thoughts…” ????????????

— Hedginmybets (@hedginmybets) December 17, 2022

Cook them

— Terminator (@CastilloErling9) December 17, 2022

Lmaooooooo????????????????

— ???? (@TheSkyIsBlue03) December 17, 2022

Pep owns them????

— Jonathan???????????????? (@mcfc_jonathan) December 17, 2022

Tbf most of our players were knocked out 2/3 weeks before that game, but a dumb schedule either way

— ???????????????? ???????? (@MCFC_Erik) December 17, 2022

While Guardiola is certainly not wrong about the date for the Carabao Cup, the fact is, there is simply no room for it to be played at any other time.

The World Cup has already led to the fixture list being compacted, and combined with other competitions such as the Champions League and FA Cup, there won’t be any free midweeks over the next few months.

Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas praised Manchester City’s Julian Alvarez for his role in helping Argentina win the World Cup.

The 22-year-old is pretty much the understudy for Erling Haaland at club level but, based on his exploits out in Qatar, it looks as though the Citizens have two of the best strikers in the world. Fabregas has jokingly questioned the fairness of one club having both players:

Manchester City with Julian Alvarez and Haaland is not very fair is it? ????

— Cesc Fàbregas Soler (@cesc4official) December 18, 2022

Alvarez really excelled at the World Cup. After replacing Lautaro Martinez in the starting lineup for the final group game against Poland, the forward hasn’t looked back.

Four goals and one assist in five starts is a truly excellent return, and his confidence will be sky-high when he returns to Manchester in the coming days.

It will be pretty interesting to see whether manager Pep Guardiola starts Alvarez on a more regular basis in the second half of the season. He certainly warrants more game time going by his international form.

The post Arsenal could sign 25-year-old star in bargain £10m January deal first appeared on Football Talk | Premier League News.

Former Ghana defender Dan Quaye believes the indiscipline and arrogance on the part of players is affecting the Black Stars.

The Black Stars were eliminated after the first round of the tournament following a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay.

After defeating South Korea in their second group game, the Black Stars needed a draw or win against Uruguay to advance to the last 16 stage.

But the team failed to negotiate for points against their ‘enemies’ Uruguay.

“Current players of the national team are indiscipline and arrogant and I think that is affecting the Black Stars. It has become even difficult to correct them from their mistakes. Ghana football has been destroyed” he told Koforidua-based Bryt FM in an interview.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars have been ranked the 24th best team at the just ended 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar which was won by Lionel Messi inspired Argentina on Sunday.

The four-time African champions failed to progress past the group stage after recording two defeats and a win.

Otto Addo's men lost 3-2 to Portugal, bounced back to beat South Korea 3-2 and lost 2-0 to Uruguay in an entertaining World Cup exit.

Despite failing to go past the group stage, the African giants placed 24 in the index rankings after the tournament saw Argentina beating France in a nerve-racking final to clinch their third World Cup title.

The Black Stars is currently without a coach following the exit of Otto Addo, who stepped down after early exit at the biggest soccer mundial in the Asian country.

Black Galaxies coach Annor Walker makes a passionate appeal to supporters ahead of the 2022 Championship of African Nations tournament (CHAN) in Algeria.

Ghana will be making a record fourth appearance at the tournament in January following previous appearances in 2009, 2011 and 2014.

The Galaxies will be seeking to restore Ghana’s glory in the competition having played in two finals in 2009 and 2014.

"I give thanks to the Almighty and to all Ghanaian and ask all Ghanaian s to pray for the Black Galaxies," the former Great Olympics coach told ghanafa.org.

"Though our senior team went to the World Cup and things didn’t work well.

"But that doesn’t mean that is what the Lord has for us so we should give thanks and look at the second team - the Black Galaxies and I believe with their prayers and support behind the Black Galaxies, we will also put some smiles on their faces."

He added, "My target is to get to the finals and if it’s the will of God that I should win the tournament, I will be more grateful to the Almighty."

"But my target for now is to get to at least the final of the competition."

A solitary strike from experienced midfielder Noah Martey has handed Bibiani Gold Stars a narrow 1-0 win over Real Tamale United today.

The 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season has resumed today, December 19, 2022.

The league went on a break on November 20 when the 2022 FIFA World Cup commenced in Qatar.

After the end of the world cup on Sunday, the Ghana Premier League has made a return today.

In a clash between Bibiani Gold Stars and Real Tamale United today, both teams gave a good account of themselves.

However, it was that solitary strike from Noah Martey in the 29th minute of the first half that settled the contest.

Gold Stars after amassing the maximum three points today are now temporarily top of the Ghana Premier League standings.

Meanwhile, RTU have moved down to 12th on the league log after the defeat today.

There will be matches tomorrow and on Thursday to conclude matchday 9 of the ongoing Ghana Premier League season.

All that over-exaggerated drama brings us here: The fantasy football final four. The margin of error has now decreased from slim to none. Please, blog, may I have some more?

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) informs all football fans and stakeholders that the kick-off for the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup 2022 group A match between the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam on Friday 23 December 2022 at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium has been moved from 7:00 PM to the updated time of 6:00 PM.

The change in kick-off time was brought on due to broadcast considerations.

PFF advises all supporters, who have already bought their match tickets that tickets already purchased from SM Tickets are still valid and will still be subjected to ticket exchange for the actual match ticket upon their arrival at the stadium.

PFF also encourages everyone who will watch the Philippines vs. Brunei Darussalam match to arrive at the venue at an earlier time in order to have their tickets exchanged for the actual match tickets.

Spectators (at least 18 years old and above) must present a copy of their PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION along with a valid ID upon entry at the stadium. Those who fail to present proof of vaccination and valid ID will not be allowed entry to the stadium.

For spectators below 18 years old, their accompanying parents and/or guardian must present a copy of their PROOF OF FULL VACCINATION along with a valid ID.

https://pff.org.ph/2022/12/19/pff-advisory-aff-mitsubishi-electric-cup-2022-philippines-vs-brunei-darussalam-change-in-kickoff-time/

Taking place at 5pm GMT, those clubs who progressed from the weekend’s Third Round ties will learn where the next stage of their campaign will take them as they aim for a place in the last 16.

Only five ties took place on Saturday after the majority of games across the country were postponed. Those games will be replayed across the rest of the week, so the draw will start to look a lot clearer by Wednesday evening when it’s hoped all will have been played by then.

The fourth round proper will take place on Saturday the 14th of January 2023, with winning clubs at that stage collected £5,250 from the competition’s prize fund and losing clubs collecting £1,500.

BALL NUMBERS

1 Spennymoor Town or Darlington
2 York City or Blyth Spartans
3 Altrincham or Curzon Ashton
4 Marske United or Marine
5 Chesterfield or Coalville Town
6 Wrexham or Scunthorpe United
7 AFC Fylde or Kidderminster Harriers
8 Tamworth
9 Gateshead or Gloucester City
10 Farsley Celtic or Chester
11 Solihull Moors or AFC Telford United
12 Notts County or Chorley
13 Oldham Athletic or Peterborough Sports
14 Guiseley or FC Halifax Town
15 Southend United or Boreham Wood
16 Woking or Eastleigh
17 Dorking Wanderers
18 Maidstone United or Worthing
19 Hungerford Town
20 Farnborough or Braintree Town
21 Banbury United or Bognor Regis Town
22 Dagenham & Redbridge or Uxbridge
23 Slough Town or Taunton Town
24 Torquay United or Chippenham Town
25 Aldershot Town or Welling United
26 Chelmsford City or Wealdstone
27 Swindon Supermarine or Harrow Borough
28 Leiston
29 Hemel Hempstead Town or Maidenhead United
30 Barnet or Plymouth Parkway
31 Bath City or Bromley
32 Bracknell Town

FA TROPHY FOURTH ROUND DRAW

FA TROPHY THIRD ROUND RESULTS

8 (7) Tamworth 2–1 Leamington (6)
17 (5) Yeovil Town 0–0 (1–4 p) Dorking Wanderers (5)
19 (8) Heybridge Swifts 1–1 (3–5 p) Hungerford Town (6)
28 (7) Folkestone Invicta 1–1 (1–4 p) Leiston (7)
32 (6) Eastbourne Borough 1–2 Bracknell Town (7)

Tuesday 20 December 2022
1 (6) Spennymoor Town – Darlington (6)
2 (5) York City – Blyth Spartans (6)
3 (5) Altrincham – Curzon Ashton (6)
4 (7) Marske United – Marine (7)
5 (5) Chesterfield – Coalville Town (7)
7 (6) AFC Fylde – Kidderminster Harriers (6)
9 (5) Gateshead – Gloucester City (6)
10 (6) Farsley Celtic – Chester (6)
11 (5) Solihull Moors – AFC Telford United (6)
12 (5) Notts County – Chorley (6)
13 (5) Oldham Athletic – Peterborough Sports (6)
Tie [10](Tier) Home team Score Away team (Tier)[10] Att.
14 (7) Guiseley – FC Halifax Town (5)
15 (5) Southend United – Boreham Wood (5)
16 (5) Woking – Eastleigh (5)
18 (5) Maidstone United – Worthing (6)
20 (6) Farnborough – Braintree Town (6)
21 (6) Banbury United – Bognor Regis Town (7)
22 (5) Dagenham & Redbridge – Uxbridge (8)
23 (6) Slough Town – Taunton Town (6)
24 (5) Torquay United – Chippenham Town (6)
25 (5) Aldershot Town – Welling United (6)
29 (6) Hemel Hempstead Town – Maidenhead United (5)
30 (5) Barnet – Plymouth Parkway (7)
31 (6) Bath City – Bromley (5)

Wednesday 21 December 2022
6 (5) Wrexham – Scunthorpe United (5)
26 (6) Chelmsford City – Wealdstone (5)
27 (7) Swindon Supermarine – Harrow Borough (7)

FA TROPHY SECOND ROUND RESULTS

1 (6) Bradford (Park Avenue) 1–2 Farsley Celtic (6)
2 (6) Chorley 1–0 Leek Town (8)
3 (6) Chester 2–1 Lancaster City (7)
4 (6) Spennymoor Town 3–2 Runcorn Linnets (8)
5 (6) Southport 1–3 Curzon Ashton (6)
6 (7) Warrington Town 0–1 Guiseley (7)
7 (7) Marine 1–0 Scarborough Athletic (6)
8 (6) Blyth Spartans 4–2 Buxton (6)
9 (6) Darlington 4–1 Alfreton Town (6)
10 (6) AFC Fylde 2–1 Colne (8)
11 (7) Matlock Town 1–2 Marske United (7)
12 (7) Kings Langley 1–2 AFC Telford United (6)
13 (7) Tamworth 1–1 (3–2 p) Boston United (6)
14 (6) Banbury United 6–0 Stowmarket Town (8)
15 (8) Heybridge Swifts 3–0 Hereford (6)
16 (6) Leamington 1–0 Bishop’s Stortford (7)
17 (7) Coalville Town 2–0 Hednesford Town (7)
18 (6) Chelmsford City 2–1 Redditch United (7)
19 (6) Braintree Town 1–0 Brackley Town (6)
20 (7) Leiston 4–3 Alvechurch (7)
21 (6) King’s Lynn Town 1–1 (4–5 p) Hemel Hempstead Town (6)
22 (6) Kettering Town 1–0 Gloucester City (6)
23 (6) St Albans City 1–2 Kidderminster Harriers (6)
24 (6) Peterborough Sports 3–2 Cheshunt (6)
25 (6) Taunton Town 2–1 Dulwich Hamlet (6)
26 (6) Hampton & Richmond Borough 0–1 Farnborough (6)
27 (8) Tavistock 1–2 Hungerford Town (6)
28 (8) Beaconsfield Town 1–1 (4–5 p) Folkestone Invicta (7)
29 (8) Uxbridge 1–1 (4–2 p) Dover Athletic (6)
30 (7) Hastings United 1–2 Chippenham Town (6)
31 (6) Ebbsfleet United 0–1 Eastbourne Borough (6)
32 (6) Worthing 4–2 Weymouth (6)
33 (6) Oxford City 1–1 (2–4 p) Plymouth Parkway (7)
34 (6) Welling United 3–2 Havant & Waterlooville (6)
35 (6) Concord Rangers 2–4 Harrow Borough (7)
36 (7) Lewes 2–2 (2–4 p) Bognor Regis Town (7)
37 (7) Hanwell Town 0–3 Slough Town (6) 512
38 (7) Swindon Supermarine 4–0 Dartford (6) 331
39 (7) Billericay Town 1–3 Bath City (6)
40 (6) Tonbridge Angels 2–4 Bracknell Town (7)

FA TROPHY FIRST ROUND RESULTS

1 (8) Macclesfield 0-2 Guiseley (7)
2 (8) Runcorn Linnets 3-2 Belper Town (7)
3 (7) Matlock Town 1-0 Stafford Rangers (7)
4 (8) Leek Town 2-1 Worksop Town (8)
5 (7) Lancaster City 3-2 Gainsborough Trinity (7)
6 (7) Warrington Town 3-1 South Shields (7)
7 (7) Liversedge 0-2 Tamworth (7)
8 (7) Basford United 1-2 Marine (7)
9 (7) Hednesford Town 4-2 Stourbridge (7)
10 (8) Colne 5-0 Warrington Rylands (7)
11 (8) Dunston UTS 1-3 Coalville Town (7)
12 (8) Chasetown 0-2 Marske United (7)
13 (7) Nuneaton Borough 1-2 Alvechurch (7)
14 (7) Royston Town 0-2 Heybridge Swifts (8)
15 (8) AFC Dunstable 0-1 Hanwell Town (7)
16 (8) Uxbridge 4-2 Wingate & Finchley (7)
17 (7) Chesham United 2-2 (1-3p) Lewes (7)
18 (8) Harlow Town 0-4 Bishop’s Stortford (7)
19 (8) Grays Athletic 0-0 (2-4p) Stowmarket Town (8)
20 (7) Haringey Borough 1-3 Billericay Town (7)
21 (7) Leiston 2-1 Wroxham (8)
22 (7) Carshalton Athletic 0-1 Kings Langley (7)
23 (7) Harrow Borough 2-0 Hayes & Yeading United (7)
24 (7) Hastings United 4-2 Burgess Hill Town (8)
25 (7) Folkestone Invicta 2-0 Horsham (7)
26 (7) Plymouth Parkway 3-1 Bristol Manor Farm (8)
27 (7) Bracknell Town 3-2 North Leigh (7)
28 (8) Tavistock 2-1 Binfield (8)
29 (7) Redditch United 3-1 AFC Totton (8)
30 (7) Weston-super-Mare 1-2 Bognor Regis Town (7)
31 (8) Winchester City 0-5 Swindon Supermarine (7)
32 (7) Beaconsfield Town 2-0 Truro City (7)

THIRD QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS

AFC Rushden & Diamonds 0-4 Tamworth – 401
Ashford United (1) 1-2 (1) Kings Langley – 275
Ashton United (0) 0-0 (1-3p) (0) Dunston – 184
Atherton Collieries (0) 0-3 (1) Leek Town – 201
Basford United (1) 1-1 (5-3p) (0) Harborough Town – 209
Beaconsfield Town 2-2 (3-1p) Hartley Wintney – 101
Bedford Town (0) 0-3 (1) Alvechurch – 315
Belper Town (0) 1-1 (4-2p) (0) St Ives Town – 402
Billericay Town (1) 2-0 (0) Margate – 491
Bognor Regis Town (1) 1-0 (0) Bowers & Pitsea – 432
Bristol Manor Farm 2-0 Gosport Borough – 161
Bromsgrove Sporting (0) 0-3 (2) Chasetown – 605
Burgess Hill Town (1) 2-1 (0) Hanworth Villa – 242
Canvey Island (0) 1-4 (2) Bracknell Town – 359
Carshalton Athletic (1) 2-2 (4-3p) (1) Cray Valley PM – 314
Clitheroe (0) 2-2 (1-4p) (0) Marske United – 606
Coalville Town 4-1 Ilkeston Town – 485
Corinthian-Casuals (1) 2-2 (1-3p) (1) Harrow Borough – 59
Enfield Town (0) 0-4 (2) Chesham United – 414
FC United of Manchester (0) 0-1 (1) Liversedge – 1,073
Folkestone Invicta (0) 1-1 (4-3p) (0) Whitehawk – 482
Gainsborough Trinity (2) 3-1 (1) Barwell – 308
Grays Athletic (0) 0-0 (4-2p) (0) Faversham Town – 212
Guiseley (2) 3-1 (0) Whitby Town – 412
Hanwell Town (1) 3-1 (0) Cray Wanderers – 221
Haringey Borough (0) 1-0 (0) Brightlingsea Regent – 203
Harlow Town (1) 2-2 (3-1p) (1) Hornchurch – 305
Hayes & Yeading United (1) 1-0 (0) New Salamis – 205
Hebburn Town (0) 1-2 (0) Warrington Town – 248
Hendon (0) 0-0 (4-5p) (0) Binfield – 188
Herne Bay (1) 1-2 (1) Bishop’s Stortford – 429
Hitchin Town 0-3 Redditch United – 357
Horsham (1) 4-3 (2) Aveley – 530
Hyde United (1) 2-3 (2) Colne – 475
Kingstonian (1) 2-2 (2-4p) (1) Wingate & Finchley – 151
Leiston 1-0 Evesham United – 159
Lewes (0) 1-0 (0) Sevenoaks Town – 550
Lincoln United (0) 1-3 (2) Wroxham – 177
Loughborough Dynamo (1) 1-2 (2) Worksop Town – 242
Macclesfield (3) 6-1 (0) Bamber Bridge – 933
Marine (1) 1-1 (4-3p) (1) Radcliffe – 879
Matlock Town (1) 3-0 (0) Sutton Coldfield Town – 489
Merthyr Town 0-1 AFC Totton – 307
Metropolitan Police (0) 0-0 (4-5p) (0) Hastings United – TBC
Morpeth Town (1) 2-3 (0) Lancaster City – 237
Nantwich Town (0) 0-2 (2) Warrington Rylands – 303
Needham Market 0-1 Stourbridge – 222
North Leigh 3-3 (5-3p) Tiverton Town – 117
Nuneaton Borough (2) 2-0 (0) Hinckley LRFC – 337
Plymouth Parkway (0) 2-0 (0) Dorchester Town – 285
Potters Bar Town (0) 0-2 (1) Heybridge Swifts – 161
Runcorn Linnets (1) 2-1 (1) Ossett United – 616
Rushall Olympic 3-4 Hednesford Town – 421
Spalding United (1) 1-2 (2) Stafford Rangers – 285
Stalybridge Celtic (0) 1-2 (1) South Shields – 311
Stowmarket Town (0) 1-1 (3-0p) (0) Mickleover – 303
Stratford Town 1-2 Royston Town – 231
Swindon Supermarine 3-0 Cirencester Town – 279
Tavistock 3-1 Melksham Town – 140
Uxbridge (1) 1-0 (0) Walton & Hersham – 156
Winchester City 2-0 Poole Town – 276
Witham Town (0) 0-1 (0) AFC Dunstable – 138
Yate Town 0-2 Weston-super-Mare – 282
Truro City 1-0 Salisbury – 133

FA TROPHY SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS

Tie. – (8 = Level of English football)

1 (8) Hebburn Town 3–1 Stockton Town (8) – 340
2 (8) Prescot Cables 1–3 Worksop Town (8) – 457
3 (8) Bootle 0–3 Dunston (8) – 360
4 (8) Colne 1–0 Consett AFC (8) – 269
5 (8) Ramsbottom United 1–4 Clitheroe (8) – 420
6 (8) Macclesfield 3–1 Widnes (8) – 655
7 (8) North Shields 1–2 Runcorn Linnets (8) – 355
8 (8) Sheffield 1–1 (2–4 p) Ossett United (8) – 351
9 (8) Hinckley LR 0–0 (3–0 p) Cambridge City (8) – 73
10 (8) Coleshill Town 4–4 (2–4 p) Leek Town (8) – 118
11 (8) Long Eaton United 0–0 (2–4 p) Loughborough Dynamo (8) 428
12 (8) Dereham Town 0–1 Spalding United (8) 162
13 (8) Harborough Town 2–1 Shepshed Dynamo (8) 248
14 (8) Lincoln United 1–1 (4–3 p) Carlton Town (8) – 196
15 (8) Sutton Coldfield Town 2–0 Halesowen Town (8) – 531
16 (8) Boldmere St Michaels 1–1 (4–5 p) Chasetown (8) – 241
17 (8) Cray Valley (PM) 5–3 East Thurrock United (8) – 105
18 (8) Chatham Town 0–1 Stowmarket Town (8) – 518
19 (8) Hanworth Villa 3–2 Littlehampton Town (8) – 196
21 (8) Uxbridge 2–0 Bedfont Sports (8) – 122
23 (8) Sittingbourne 1–1 (3–4 p) Burgess Hill Town (8) – 174
24 (8) Wroxham 5–1 Lowestoft Town (8) – 271
25 (8) Corinthian 2–4 Whitehawk (8) – 82
26 (8) Sevenoaks Town 2–2 (5–3 p) Hertford Town (8) – 146
27 (8) Ashford United 2–0 Three Bridges (8) – 247
28 (8) Heybridge Swifts 2–1 Chipstead (8) – 251
29 (8) Harlow Town 4–1 Ashford Town (Middx) (8) – 214
30 (8) Walton & Hersham 4–0 Southall (8) – 342
31 (8) New Salamis 3–0 Coggeshall Town (8) – 92
32 (8) Witham Town 2–1 Ware (8) – 131
33 (8) Tavistock 1–0 Didcot Town (8) – 162
34 (8) Cirencester Town 3–2 Paulton Rovers (8) – 139
35 (8) AFC Totton 2–1 Berkhamsted (8) – 231
36 (8) Bristol Manor Farm 2–2 (5–4 p) Bideford (8) – 158
37 (8) Thatcham Town 0–3 AFC Dunstable (8) – 154
38 (8) Evesham United 1–0 Lymington Town (8) – 197
39 (8) Thame United 1–2 Binfield (8) – 156
40 (8) Bashley 2–2 (4–5 p) Melksham Town (8) – 256
(8) FC Romania 1–3 Faversham Town (8) – 47
22 (8) Grays Athletic 4–1 Merstham (8) – 178

FA TROPHY FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND RESULTS

Willand Rovers FC 0 – 3 Bideford AFC
Ramsbottom United FC 2 – 1 Glossop North End FC
Shildon FC 1 – 2 Consett FC
Macclesfield FC 7 – 0 Tadcaster Albion FC
Stocksbridge Park Steels FC 2 – 2 (0-3p) Ossett United FC
Witton Albion FC 3 – 4 Stockton Town FC
Bootle FC W – O Grimsby Borough FC (walkover for Bootle – Grimsby Borough withdrawn)
Clitheroe FC 2 – 1 1874 Northwich FC
Prescot Cables FC 1 – 1 (4-2p) Cleethorpes Town FC
Mossley AFC 1 – 2 Dunston FC
Workington AFC 1 – 2 Runcorn Linnets FC
North Shields FC 3 – 1 Pontefract Collieries FC
Bridlington Town FC 1 – 2 Colne FC
Bedworth United FC 0 – 1 Harborough Town FC
Newcastle Town FC 0 – 2 Spalding United FC
Daventry Town FC 2 – 3 Lincoln United FC
Stamford AFC 1 – 2 Chasetown FC
Carlton Town FC 2 – 0 Hanley Town FC
Long Eaton United FC 2 – 0 Gresley Rovers FC
Shepshed Dynamo FC 1 – 0 Biggleswade Town FC
Coleshill Town FC 3 – 2 St Neots Town FC
Loughborough Dynamo FC 3 – 1 Corby Town FC
Boldmere St Michaels FC 4 – 3 Sporting Khalsa FC
Halesowen Town FC 5 – 2 Biggleswade FC
Kidsgrove Athletic FC 3 – 4 Hinckley LR FC
Kempston Rovers FC 0 – 1 Dereham Town FC
Basildon United FC 0 – 2 Lowestoft Town FC
Northwood FC 0 – 3 Hanworth Villa FC
Chipstead FC 4 – 2 Waltham Abbey FC
Chertsey Town FC 1 – 3 Uxbridge FC
Beckenham Town FC 1 – 1 (1-4p) Heybridge Swifts FC
East Thurrock United FC 3 – 1 Sutton Common Rovers FC
Bury Town FC 1 – 2 Stowmarket Town FC
Sheppey United FC 3 – 3 (2-3p) Hertford Town FC
Walthamstow FC 1 – 3 Ashford Town (Middx) FC
Barton Rovers FC 0 – 1 Chatham Town FC
Bedfont Sports Club FC 2 – 2 (5-4p) Hashtag United FC
Welwyn Garden City FC 1 – 2 New Salamis FC
Wroxham FC 4 – 1 East Grinstead Town FC
Gorleston FC A – A Coggeshall Town FC
Lancing FC 1 – 4 Cray Valley (PM) FC
Tilbury FC 1 – 2 Whitehawk FC
Felixstowe & Walton United FC 2 – 2 (2-3p) Burgess Hill Town FC
Ashford United FC 3 – 3 (5-4p) AFC Sudbury
Tooting & Mitcham United FC 0 – 0 (6-7p) Corinthian FC
VCD Athletic FC 0 – 3 Grays Athletic FC
Great Wakering Rovers FC 1 – 2 Harlow Town FC
Walton & Hersham FC 3 – 1 Leatherhead FC
Three Bridges FC 3 – 2 Hullbridge Sports FC
FC Romania 1 – 1 (4-2p) Westfield FC
Maldon & Tiptree FC 0 – 3 Ware FC
Witham Town FC 1 – 0 Brentwood Town FC
Chichester City FC 0 – 1 Faversham Town FC
Haywards Heath Town FC 0 – 0 (7-8p) Southall FC
Littlehampton Town FC 1 – 0 Ramsgate FC
Cinderford Town FC 0 – 1 Thatcham Town FC
Didcot Town FC 1 – 1 (5-4p) Hamworthy United FC
Sholing FC 0 – 1 Lymington Town FC
AFC Totton 1 – 1 (7-6p) Slimbridge AFC
Bishop’s Cleeve FC 2 – 3 AFC Dunstable
Basingstoke Town FC 3 – 5 Cirencester Town FC
Berkhamsted FC 5 – 0 Exmouth Town FC
Bashley FC 4 – 1 Frome Town FC
Marlow FC 0 – 4 Binfield FC
Kidlington FC 0 – 0 (2-4p) Tavistock AFC
Thame United FC 2 – 0 Westbury United FC
Wimborne Town FC 2 – 3 Bristol Manor Farm FC
Highworth Town FC 1 – 2 Paulton Rovers FC
Trafford FC 1 – 2 Hebburn Town FC
Brighouse Town FC 0 – 2 Worksop Town FC
Grantham Town FC 1 – 2 Sutton Coldfield Town FC
Merstham FC 3 – 0 Hythe Town FC
Widnes 1–1 (4–2 p) Skelmersdale United
City of Liverpool 0–0 (2–4 p) Sheffield
Cambridge City 4–1 Yaxley
South Park (Reigate) 1–2 Sittingbourne
Hadley 1–2 Sevenoaks Town
Aylesbury United 0–3 Evesham United
Larkhall Athletic 0–2 Melksham Town
Gorleston 1–1 (6–7 p) Coggeshall Town

The post FA Trophy Fourth Round draw live and in full appeared first on Fan Banter.

It was a busy few days with English Football League and non league sides in action, lots of away supporters attending fixtures up and down the country.

Fans of Championship, League One, League Two and National League member clubs are being welcomed back to grounds without restrictions; allowed to stand or sit in their regular spot, put on their lucky shirts or scarves and meet again as friends in cafes and pubs.

You can find out the numbers and which was biggest away following by clicking on the buttons below: –

CHAMPIONSHIP
LEAGUE ONE AND LEAGUE TWO

Stronger punishments have been revealed for fan behaviour and crowd trouble at English football matches from the new season onwards.

Pitch invaders at Premier League and EFL matches will receive an automatic club ban under new measures to tackle fan behaviour.

Concerns have been raised about safety at grounds after a number of pitch invasions at the end of last season.

Individuals who have or use pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will also be banned and identified offenders will be reported to the police.

The Football Association will also implement tougher sanctions for clubs.

It is an offence for fans to enter the pitch “without lawful authority or lawful excuse” under the Football Offences Act 1991 – but offenders haven’t always been prosecuted.

However, prosecuting offenders will now be the “default response” under the new measures.

STATEMENT:

The FA, Premier League and EFL are together introducing new measures and stronger sanctions across the game to tackle the increased anti-social and criminal behaviours recently seen within football grounds and underline the importance of a safe matchday environment.

The new set of actions, which will be implemented across all English football leagues from the start of Season 2022/23 and backed by the Football Supporters’ Association, will target activity such as entering the pitch without permission, carrying or using smoke bombs or pyrotechnics and throwing objects – as well as drug use and discriminatory behaviour.

These acts are dangerous, illegal and have severe consequences. They have no place in football, or anywhere.

From the start of Season 2022/23, all identified offenders will be reported by clubs to the police and prosecution could result in a permanent criminal record, which may affect their employment and education, and could result in a prison sentence. The FA will also be enforcing a tougher charging and sanctioning policy for clubs, which will reinforce these measures.

Furthermore, anyone who enters the pitch and those identified carrying or using pyrotechnics or smoke bombs will now receive an automatic club ban. These bans could also be extended to accompanying parents or guardians of children who take part in these activities.

The safety of everyone attending a matchday is the game’s collective priority. We know the behaviours carried out by some fans last season do not represent the majority of supporters and they risk ruining the fantastic experience of a football match for everyone. Therefore, we are working with clubs to highlight the important role that fans, clubs, players and coaches all have to play in helping to create a safe environment.

Our strong and collective approach reflects how seriously we all view this issue and the severity of the risks. Nobody should be intimidated or assaulted in their workplace. The pitch must remain safe for players, managers and match officials, just as the stands should be for supporters.

To further support this action, the FA, Premier League and EFL are working with police forces, the UK Football Policing Unit (UKFPU), and the Crown Prosecution Service to establish a new principle for cases relating to pyrotechnics and smoke bombs, as well as entering the pitch without permission. This will mean cooperating to achieve a prosecution in these cases will become the default response of the football authorities and criminal justice system, sending a clear and unambiguous message to all who break the law.

Other measures to be implemented include working with clubs to enhance search regimes and increased use of sniffer dogs at grounds. We will also be working in partnership with our clubs, players and managers, the Government, broadcasters, the police and social media platforms in seeking to discourage the further growth or acceptance of these behaviours across English football. This includes working with social media platforms to establish new ways of quicker removal of fan-generated videos of illegal behaviour at football matches, including violent offences and pitch invasions. It also includes asking the Government to reform regulations to restrict the supply of pyrotechnics and smoke bombs.

FA Chief Executive Mark Bullingham said: “We all know about the fantastic and unique role that football can play in bringing communities together. However, the rise in anti-social behaviour that we saw in stadiums at the end of last season was entirely unacceptable and put people’s safety at risk. Together, English football has introduced new measures and stronger sanctions, for the start of the coming season, to send out a clear message that we will not tolerate this type of illegal and dangerous behaviour. Football stadiums must be a safe, inclusive and enjoyable environment for all, and it is the responsibility of everyone in the game, including governing bodies, clubs, players, coaches, and fans, to ensure that we all play our part in protecting our game and each other.”

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Everyone should feel safe and able to enjoy a football match. Together, with clubs and partners across football, we are making clear the type of incidents we saw last season must stop. If we don’t take collective and sustained action, it may only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured, or worse. These new measures are a strong response to a significant increase in fan behaviour issues, but we know it is the minority who have behaved unacceptably and unlawfully. Premier League football should be a fantastic experience for everyone and we don’t want matches to be marred by these sorts of events in the future.”

EFL Chief Executive Trevor Birch said: “This season sees new measures introduced and sanctions implemented that will serve to remind everyone attending games – but particularly the minority of people behaving in an offensive manner – that there are real life consequences for the criminal, dangerous and irresponsible conduct at football. It is wholly appropriate that these unacceptable behaviours will now be dealt with through a combination of police action and automatic club bans. There is nothing like going to watch your team live and that is why the English professional game has taken strong collective action, to ensure the match day experience remains a safe and welcoming environment for all including fans, players, club staff and match officials.”

Football Supporters’ Association Chief Executive Kevin Miles said: “We are contacted by supporters on a fairly regular basis who have been caught jumping on the pitch, or with pyro in the stands, and without exception they regret doing it. Whether they had positive intentions or not is irrelevant in the eyes of the law – pyro and pitch incursions are illegal, you will be prosecuted and you will be banned by your club.”

To support this new package of policies and actions, today marks the launch of an all-football campaign. ‘Love football. Protect the game’ will make clear the consequences of, and sanctions for, illegal and dangerous behaviour as we seek to urge fans to help us protect the game and keep everyone safe.

The post Away Attendances at the Weekend – 19th December 2022 appeared first on Fan Banter.

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Putting the cart before the horse never works — especially for a coach that has a history of coming up short.

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On Saturday, of all days, Jeff Saturday suffered the most embarrassing and pitiful loss in NFL history. His Indianapolis Colts blew a 33-point lead, the largest lead ever given up in an NFL game.

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Inter were among the first teams to set sights on Alan Matturro and Azzedine Ounahi, but they won’t sign either. Genoa overtook them in the first case and completed their pursuit. They were after the midfielder before the World Cup, but his valuation ballooned as he thrived in Qatar.

The post Inter Primed to Miss Out on a Pair of Rumored Targets appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Serie A icon Sinisa Mihajlovic’s death shook the footballing fraternity, as the 53-year-old Serbian succumbed to Leukemia following a three-year-long battle against the deadly disease.

The post Immobile Shares Special Mihajlovic Bond: “His Death Touches Us” appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Juventus outcast Arthur hasn’t bounced back at Liverpool, as a major muscular injury knocked him out for multiple months. His agent Federico Pastorello commented: “It was a big blow, there’s no denying that. He was starting to be tested in their schemes and had closed the physical gap with the others."

The post Juventus Loanee Could Stay at Liverpool Past This Year appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

L’article Pelé’s open letter for Brazil est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

L’article what to remember from the course of the France team? est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

Jules Kutos-Bertin

–

Journalist

When I was little, I promised myself that I would have a job in line with football. Very quickly, I realized that my feet would not be enough to take me where I wanted so journalism became obvious.

Sparkling on this World Cup, Kylian Mbappé concluded his tournament with a resounding hat-trick in the final. Despite his XXL performance, the PSG striker could not avoid the defeat of the Blues. After the meeting, Arturo Vidal, the Chilean international, attacked Mbappé in response to his comments on South American football.

Despite his new XXL performance and his hat-trick, Kylian Mbappe could not prevent the defeat of theFrench team in the World Cup final against Argentina. Top scorer of the tournament, the striker of PSG saw his name reappear from the Argentina locker room on several occasions.

Mbappé has alienated South America

Since his declaration on the South American countries, Kylian Mbappé has been the favorite target of the Argentines. ” The advantage that we Europeans have is that we play among ourselves with high-level matches all the time, such as the League of Nations for example. When we arrive at the World Cup, we are ready. Where Brazil and Argentina do not have this level in South America. Football is not as advanced as in Europe “, had launched the star of Blues.

France team: Le Graët makes a big announcement, the FFF reconsiders its decision https://t.co/dKx5MXKXve pic.twitter.com/uKPqanfc3b

— 24hfootnews (@24hfootnews) December 19, 2022

“Learn from us South Americans who invented football”

After Argentina’s victory overFrench teamit was Arturo Vidal, the Chilean international, who spoke to Kylian Mbappe. ” Learn from us South Americans who invented football “, published the former Barça player in his story instagram.

L’article France team: After the triumph of Messi, Mbappé is still clashed est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

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The post ´Phenomenon´ Messi emerged from Maradona´s shadow with World Cup triumph, says Sacchi appeared first on Soccer News.

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The Boca Raton Bowl features Liberty and Toledo clashing at FAU Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla., on Dec. 20.

Liberty is staggering into this game. Coach Hugh Freeze bolted for Auburn and left a sour taste on the way out with three straight losses, capped by a complete flop against major underdog New Mexico State. The Flames’ third-leading tackler, linebacker Ahmad Walker, has exited via the portal. The Flames will have to prove that they haven’t checked out on the season.

The Rockets showed up big in Detroit to beat Ohio for the MAC championship, and should have some pep in their Midwest step when they get to South Florida. Quarterback Dequan Finn, who has passed for more than 2,100 yards and run for more than 600 this season despite being slowed by injuries at varying points, looked healthy in the MAC title game and could have a big night.

Liberty vs. Toledo Boca Raton Bowl Odds

• Spread: Liberty +4.5 (-110) | Toledo -4.5 (-118)
• Moneyline: LIB (+155) | TOL (-200)
• Total: 54 – Over (-110) | Under (-118)
• Game Info: Dec. 20, 2022 | 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN
• Location: FAU Stadium | Boca Raton, Fla.

Liberty Straight-Up Record: 8-4
Liberty Against the Spread Record: 5-7

Toledo Straight-Up Record: 8-5
Toledo Against the Spread Record: 5-8

Odds and Betting Insights

Both teams struggled against the spread (ATS) this year with below .500 records. Liberty failed to cover in each of its last three games – all losses. Even with its win and cover last time out, Toledo is just 1-4-1 ATS in its last six games.

The over cashed in half of Liberty’s games, while the under cashed in seven of Toledo’s 13 games including four of the last five.

BET: Toledo -4.5 (-118)

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In probably the wildest final ever in the 92-year history of the World Cup, Argentina urged over France to clinch their first World Cup in 36 years.

The post Argentina crowned World Champions after defeating France on penalties first appeared on Sahara Football.

France lost the final against Argentina on penalties after a heavily contested natch which lasted 120 minutes.

Mbappe scored three goals in the final which brought his goal tally to 8 goals in the tournament.

READ MORE: Argentina crowned World Champions after defeating France on penalties

He beat fellow PSG teammate Lionel Messi to the award. Messi scored a brace on the final to finsh with 7 goals.

Mbappe is the first French man to win the award after it was introduced .

He is the fifth ever player to score in multiple World Cup finals and also the second ever to score in back-to back finals.

The post Kylian Mbappe wins World Cup Golden Boot award, beating Messi first appeared on Sahara Football.

The 21 year old Benfica player lit up the tournament with his fantastic performances in midfield through out  the competition.

READ MORE : Kylian Mbappe wins World Cup Golden Boot award, beating Messi

Enzo was on target against Mexico in the group stages and was a constant name in the argentine team that went head to lift the trophy.

He replaced Leandro Parades in the starting line up after his fantastic performances.

Enzo is rumoured to be on the radar if many top European clubs including Liverpool.

The best young player award was introduced in 2006 and has seen players like Pogba, Mbappe and Thomas Muller winning it.

The post Enzo Fernanadez wins Young Player Award at the Qatar 2022 World Cup first appeared on Sahara Football.

This winter, Juventus could add a new right-back to the fold in order to ease some of the pressure off Juan Cuadrado’s shoulders.

Following the breakdown of his rapport with Jose Mourinho, Roma wingback Rick Karsdorp has been on the transfer market, sounding the alarm bells in Turin.

The 27-year-old joined the Italian capital club in 2017 and has a contract until 2025, but his time at the Stadio Olimpico is set to end in an unceremonious manner.

According to la Gazzetta dello Sport via ilBianconero, Juventus and Roma could ponder an exchange deal involving Karsdorp and Mattia De Sciglio.

For his part, the Italian fullback saw little playing time this season due to an injury, and hasn’t always been a regular starter at Juventus.

The 30-year-old signed for the Old Lady in 2017 following a long spell at Milan. He renewed his contract until 2025 earlier this year.

This wouldn’t be the first time that the two clubs conduct a swap deal involving fullbacks. In 2019, Luca Pellegrini joined the Bianconeri while Leonardo Spinazzola went in the opposite direction.

Juve FC say

Although we have some reservations regarding Karsdorp’s conduct record, he’s three years younger than De Sciglio and arguably a more explosive option at this stage of his career.

On the other hand, the Italian is more versatile since he can cover both flanks and knows the club inside out.

The post GdS: Juventus and Roma pondering an exchange between fullbacks appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Following a calamitous start of the season, Sampdoria desperately need to bolster their ranks in January to avoid what currently seems to be an inevitable relegation.

However, the Ligurians won’t be splashing the cash, but are rather looking for temporary quick-fixes.

According to Calciomercato, Sampdoria will attempt to secure loan deals for two Juventus youngsters.

The first is Matias Soulè who’s widely considered amongst the best young talents at Turin.

The 19-year-old winger signed for the Bianconeri in 2020 and has now become a full-time member in Max Allegri’s first squad.

However, the Argentine’s lack of playing time could prompt the club to entertain the prospect.

The source adds that Sampdoria have already opened negotiations in order to anticipate the competition, since the likes of Empoli, Spezia, Salernitana and Cremonese are all reportedly interested in the player’s services.

The second Juventus youngster who could make the trip towards the Luigi Ferraris Stadium is Marco Da Graca.

The Palermo native is a 20-year-old striker who has been in Turin since 2018. This season, he has made 12 Serie C appearances with the Next Gen squad thus far (mostly coming from the bench), but is yet to contribute in a league goal.

The report adds that the Blucerchiati could also face some competition for Da Graca’s signature, particularly from Serie B sides Parma and Pisa.

The post Sampdoria hoping to secure loan deals for two Juventus youngsters appeared first on Juvefc.com.

Following the major administrative earthquake which shook the ground at Juventus, observers are expecting further changes to take place at the club.

While Andrea Agnelli and the rest of the board resigned from their posts, the sporting department remained intact… but for just how long?

Many believe that sporting director Federico Cherubini will eventually vacate his office, most likely at the end of the season.

According to Calciomercato, Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli remains the favorite to replace Cherubini, as Juventus have been keen admirers of his work for quite some time.

The 50-year-old has been operating at the head of the sporting department at the southern club since 2015.

Last summer, he enjoyed a spectacular transfer session, replacing the club’s departing legends (Koulibaly, Mertens and Insigne) with the likes of Kim Min-jae, Giacomo Raspadori, Giovanni Simeone and the astonishing Kvicha Kvaratskhelia.

As the source explains, the Juventus hierarchy will discuss the matter in the upcoming general assembly on January 18 where a new board will be elected.

The Bianconeri would then attempt to lure Giuntoli towards Turin and are reportedly feeling optimistic in their ability to secure his services by the end of the season which would allow him to be in charge of the upcoming summer transfer session.

The report adds that Juventus had already tried to sign Giuntoli in 2021 following Fabio Paratici’s departure, but eventually opted for an internal solution in the form of Cherubini.

The post Report: Juventus lay out a plan to secure Napoli sporting director appeared first on Juvefc.com.

The former Hoffenheim player will start his new post in January having worked for Bayern since 2020. Ahead of the news, Schwegler was seen at Hoffenehim’s test match against 1960 Munich last weekend. 

As TSG’s new sporting director, Schwegler will report to the director of football, Alexander Rosen. It’s the 35-year-old’s first role in operative business and will have to learn the ropes as soon as possible. At first, he will have to reply on his experience during his playing days.

Schwegler spent most of his career playing in the Bundesliga for Hoffenheim, Hannover 96, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Bayer Leverkusen. In the top division, the former Swiss international played 262 games, scoring 11 goals. 

It’s still unclear who will replace Schwegler as chief scout at Bayern. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen

The goalkeeper has been heavily linked with his parent club since Neuer broke his leg in a skiing accident a few weeks ago. The 26-year-old has always made it clear that he will not return if he is only going to be a temporary solution until Neuer is back. 

Other issues include the loanee ruling out a return to Bayern if goalkeeper coach Toni Tapalović is still at the club. 

Despite links to other keepers including Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Yann Sommer, Kicker reports that the champions have not made contact with any other candidate. Speaking to Sky Germany, Nübel’s advisor Stefan Backs confirmed: “Yes, Bayern want to bring Alexander back and have informed me about it. 

Bayern want a final answer by the end of this week in order to put the matter behind them. Should Nübel rule out a return, they will have to look into the transfer market in January. 

GGFN | Jamie Allen

Liverpool have been linked with a move for Sander Berge for quite some time, and a new update has emerged from a reliable source regarding the club’s pursuit of the Norwegian.

What’s the latest?

According to journalist Dean Jones, the Reds are “definitely interested” in signing the Sheffield United midfielder in 2023, amid recent links from French publication Jeunes Footeux.

The transfer expert told GIVEMESPORT: “There’s definitely interest here and there’s been an interest for a long, long time. Liverpool have looked at this in the past but he got a pretty serious injury and that was around the time when they probably had the most interest in him.”

Imagine him & Enzo

There is no doubt that Liverpool are in desperate need of reinforcements in midfield, especially after their worst start to a Premier League season in a decade.

The Reds are currently sixth in the table after a run of inconsistent form which has left them 15 points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

Furthermore, Liverpool have several midfielders who will be out of contract at the end of the season, with Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner all entering the final six months of their deals at Anfield.

As a result, the upcoming transfer window could be the perfect opportunity for Jurgen Klopp to refresh the heart of the Liverpool team, and the prospective signing of Berge could be a major coup.

The £25m-valued Norwegian has been a consistent and reliable performer for Sheffield United since he joined them in 2020, and this season has offered glimpses of how he could be a valuable asset to Klopp.

In 13 Championship appearances, Berge – who was dubbed a “fine talent” by The Athletic’s Richard Sutcliffe – has scored three goals, registered three assists and created four big chances, along with averaging 1.4 key passes, 1.5 shots, 1.3 tackles, 1.5 dribbles completed and 4.1 duels won per game.

Berge isn’t the only midfield talent with whom Liverpool have been linked, with Argentine World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez reportedly close to agreeing a move to Anfield.

The Benfica youngster started five of his country’s seven matches in their route to glory in Qatar, scoring once, creating one big chance, completing 88% of his passes and averaging 0.9 key passes, 3.1 tackles and 5.7 successful duels per game in the tournament.

If FSG can secure the signatures of Berge and Fernandez, it could give Klopp the chance to form a fantastic partnership between the pair, who are both complete midfielders with sound defensive and attacking attributes, as seen from their aforementioned performance metrics.

Signing Berge could be a fantastic move for Liverpool in their pursuit to improve performances on the pitch and build an imposing future midfield partnership at Anfield alongside Fernandez.

Source

Everton are in desperate need of reinforcements in their forward line and now a reliable source has revealed the club’s plan ahead of the January transfer window.

What’s the latest?

Italian journalist and transfer insider Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the powers at Goodison Park are set to hold “talks” ahead of the transfer market re-opening next month.

Romano tweeted: “Everton are now exploring the strikers market after terminating S. Rondon’s contract. Talks will take place in the next days and weeks, they were among 4 clubs interested in Cunha.“

A boost for Lampard

It is certainly a big boost for Frank Lampard that he will be given the opportunity to add a new forward in the new year, especially after the struggle the manager has faced since taking over as the manager at Goodison Park in January.

Alongside a difficult relegation scrap over the second half of last season, Everton are currently teetering on the edge of the relegation zone once again after a string of poor performances that has left the side in 17th and just one point clear of the bottom three.

After losing Richarlison in a move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer and Dominic Calvert-Lewin struggling to maintain his fitness, the pair’s absence in the starting line-up has reflected in the performances on the pitch.

Only Wolverhampton Wanderers have scored fewer goals than the Toffees in the Premier League this season so far, which is why it will be extremely important for the club to acquire the services of a forward who can make a huge impact in offensive areas over the remainder of the campaign.

Everton have been linked with several forwards already over the last six months with Armando Broja, Matheus Cunha, Che Adams, Viktor Gyokeres and Ben Brereton Diaz named as potential transfer targets.

There will be a lot of pressure to sign up the right striker to help the Toffees improve their performances, so Lampard will need to work with Kevin Thelwell to make sure the opportunity is not missed in January.

With that being said, the signing of a new attacker could be the difference between Everton developing more consistency and picking up crucial points or suffering their first-ever ever Premier League relegation at the end of the season, so it will be important to identify the right player in the new year.

Source

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be one of the clubs who are interested in signing Borussia Dortmund sensation Youssoufa Moukoko in 2023, with the teenager attracting notable interest due to his current contract situation.

What’s the word?

According to CBS reporter Ben Jacobs, via Twitter, the Lilywhites – as well as Premier League rivals Liverpool – are said to be “big admirers” of the 18-year-old, with Manchester United also believed to be in the mix for the Germany international.

The transfer insider stated: “Manchester United are also considering moving earlier and could be promoted by what other suitors do. They have tracked Moukoko for quite some time but are not advanced in talks. Liverpool and Spurs big admirers of Moukoko as well.”

Jacobs does state, however, that it is believed to be Chelsea who are “leading the race” for the striker’s signature at present, with the youngster having just six months remaining on his existing deal.

Finally ditch Moura

The two-cap speedster is attracting such rampant interest following what’s been a real breakout campaign so far this term, with the 5 foot 10 marksman having scored six goals and laid on six assists in 22 games in all competitions this season.

The £4k-per-week starlet – who recently became the youngest player ever to reach ten Bundesliga goals – has earned notable praise from former teammate Erling Haaland in the recent past, with the Norwegian hotshot stating:

“Moukoko’s much better than I was at his age. I’ve never seen such a good 15-year-old in my life. The advantage for him is that he’s already playing for Dortmund at the age of 15. At his age, I was still playing for my home town of Bryne.”

That hardly compares to further acclaim from the Norway sensation who once proclaimed that Moukoko is “the biggest talent in the world.”

While the emerging gem is still only in the infancy of his senior career, the Cameroon-born dynamo has previously showcased his talent at youth level, scoring 90 goals in just 56 games for Dortmund’s U17 side, as well as 47 goals in just 25 games at U19 level.

That “outrageous” form – as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig – is a marker of just what Moukoko can go on to achieve in the game, with Spurs boss Antonio Conte likely to relish the chance to work with such a ferocious talent.

The start of one Tottenham career could well trigger the end of another, with the German’s addition potentially set to hasten the exit of peripheral figure, Lucas Moura, from N17 in the New Year.

The Brazilian forward – who has scored 38 goals and registered 27 assists in 213 games for the north Londoners to date – is facing an uncertain future under Conte, with just 18 months remaining on his existing deal.

The 30-year-old has been tipped to “possibly” depart next month – according to journalist Pete O’Rourke – having slipped way down the pecking order under the former Inter Milan boss, starting just twice in all competitions so far this term.

While that lack of game time – which has seen the former Paris Saint-Germain man fail to start in the Premier League this season – has come amid injury woes, even when he has been fit to feature the £90k-per-week man has rarely been handed a chance to impress.

As such, with the potential arrival of another forward in the shape of Moukoko, Moura – who has failed to register a single goal involvement this season – should seemingly be shown the door when the market re-opens.

Source

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With World Cup 2022 in the middle of the season rather than the middle of the year, every Premier League club feared their players getting injured in Qatar. Earlier this month, Arsenal received the dreaded news: Gabriel Jesus had damaged his knee and would need surgery, after which he would be sidelined for up to three months.

That is a huge blow to Mikel Arteta’s side. Ahead of the season’s resumption on Boxing Day, Arsenal have a five-point lead over Manchester City at the top of the table. They massively exceeded expectations in the first part of the season, winning 12 and drawing one of their first 14 top-flight encounters.

Yet we are still just over a third of the way through the campaign and plenty can change between now and the end of May. One thing that could derail Arsenal’s title tilt is a relative lack of squad depth: Arteta has fewer options available to him in virtually every position than Pep Guardiola.

The issue is particularly pronounced in certain areas of the pitch, including up front. Jesus is one of Arsenal’s most important players. His goal return is nothing to write home about – the former Manchester City man has found the net five times in 14 Premier League outings for his new club – but he is an integral part of the Arsenal attack.

Jesus has excelled at linking the play and bringing others into the game. He regularly drops deep and takes opponents out of the game with his quick feet and acceleration across the ground.

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, who have scored four and five goals respectively, are made better players by the presence of Jesus, whose combination of technical ability and tactical intelligence means he is a certain starter when fit.

The problem is, he will not be until late February at the earliest. Before then, Arsenal face crunch clashes with Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and Manchester City. Arteta’s side will need to find a way to cope without their focal point at the top of the pitch.

The manager would no doubt like to add another centre-forward to the ranks in January, but we cannot rely on that happening. For one, it might take a few weeks to line up a deal and a few more for the player to settle in. And signing the right player will not necessarily be straightforward: Joao Felix, who has been strongly linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium, is also wanted by the likes of Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

In the short-term, Eddie Nketiah will step into Jesus’ shoes. The 23-year-old could have left Arsenal in the summer in search of more regular first-team football, but he decided to stay put knowing he would not be first choice. Jesus’ absence gives him the chance to prove why he was right to turn down moves elsewhere.

However, it is hard to avoid the feeling that Jesus to Nketiah is a significant step down. The former England Under-21 international impressed at the end of last season but he does not offer as much as the Brazilian outside the penalty area. One thing is for sure, though: Nketiah will relish the opportunity to prove the doubters wrong.

The post Gabriel Jesus’ injury problem for Arsenal appeared first on Colossus Blog.

West Ham United reportedly look to be in an increasingly strong position to clinch the transfer of Blackburn Rovers forward Ben Brereton Diaz.

The Chile international has been superb at Championship level but is yet to test himself in the Premier League, though there certainly hasn’t been a shortage of interest in him in recent times.

It now seems West Ham are moving into the strongest position to bring Brereton Diaz to the top flight, according to Dean Jones.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jones said: “I think West Ham are still in a pretty good position on this one for whenever the time comes to move, but he’s been prepped by a lot of teams this season, like a ridiculous number of teams.”

More Stories / Latest News

West Ham have been given green light to sign 49-goal striker

Dec 19 2022, 11:38

“Diego is smiling” – Pele delivers touching message to Argentina and Messi from hospital in Brazil

Dec 19 2022, 11:36

Alan Shearer wants €100m World Cup finalist to join Newcastle United

Dec 19 2022, 11:24

West Ham could do with strengthening up front this January after a slow start from summer signing Gianluca Scamacca, and it’s fair to say Brereton Diaz looks ideal for that role.

The post West Ham have been given green light to sign 49-goal striker appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Argentina and Lionel Messi’s wait for the World Cup ended in Qatar on Sunday igniting joyous celebrations around the world and that was no different for some in Brazil as Pele congratulated the newly crowned champions. 

The South American country waited 36 years for yesterday to arrive but the moment was more than just that, as the game’s greatest player Lionel Messi got his hands on the biggest prize of all and delivered the same joy to his country as Diego Maradona did in 1986.

The World Cup was the final jewel in Messi’s crown and that was acknowledged by the only man to win the gold trophy three times, Brazilian legend Pele.

According to the Evening Standard, the 82-year-old has been unwell throughout the tournament with a respiratory infection and wrote a touching letter to Argentina after the final from his hospital bed.

More Stories / Latest News

West Ham have been given green light to sign 49-goal striker

Dec 19 2022, 11:38

“Diego is smiling” – Pele delivers touching message to Argentina and Messi from hospital in Brazil

Dec 19 2022, 11:36

Alan Shearer wants €100m World Cup finalist to join Newcastle United

Dec 19 2022, 11:24

Pele’s message to Lionel Messi and Argentina

Following the thrilling final, Pele took to his Instagram account to write a lovely post to Messi, Argentina and the rest of the world.

The Brazil legend said via the Evening Standard: “Today, football continues to tell its story, as always, in an exciting way.

“Messi winning his first World Cup, as his career deserved. My dear friend Mbappe, scoring four goals in the final. What a gift it was to watch this show for the future of our sport and I could not fail to congratulate Morocco for the incredible campaign. It’s great to see Africa shine.”

Pele signed the message off with a nod to the sky as every football fan was thinking about the great Diego Maradona on Sunday, the former footballer stated: “Congratulations to Argentina! Certainly, Diego is smiling now.”

The post “Diego is smiling” – Pele delivers touching message to Argentina and Messi from hospital in Brazil appeared first on CaughtOffside.

Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has made it clear he’d welcome the potential signing of Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez just had a brilliant World Cup, winning the young player of the tournament award after helping Argentina to victory over France in yesterday’s final.

This follows Fernandez also making a real impression at Benfica, with a host of top clubs such as Liverpool and Manchester United recently linked with the 21-year-old.

Shearer also wants Newcastle to be in the race.

When asked on Match of the Day if he’d welcome the young South American to St James’ Park, the pundit was hugely enthusiastic.

More Stories / Latest News

West Ham have been given green light to sign 49-goal striker

Dec 19 2022, 11:38

“Diego is smiling” – Pele delivers touching message to Argentina and Messi from hospital in Brazil

Dec 19 2022, 11:36

Alan Shearer wants €100m World Cup finalist to join Newcastle United

Dec 19 2022, 11:24

“Absolutely, yes,” said Shearer. “See if he wants to play against Bournemouth on Tuesday night!”

Fernandez could cost €100million due to a release clause in his contract, but that shouldn’t be too much for the Saudi-backed Magpies.

The post Alan Shearer wants €100m World Cup finalist to join Newcastle United appeared first on CaughtOffside.

It is a fact that punters are rarely talked about unless they make a mistake.

The Cleveland Browns finally have a good punter in 2022.

Twitter user Matt Mroczynski has a hot take on Bojorquez in comparison to the Browns’ former punter Jamie Gillan, also known as the Scottish Hammer.

Mroczynski said:

“Corey Bojorquez is who we thought the Scottish Hammer was going to be, an absolute power leg.”

Corey Bojorquez is who we thought the Scottish Hammer was going to be, an absolute power leg

— Matt Mroczynski (@matt_ski05) December 4, 2022

They definitely fixed the punting situation this year. That's been a major bright spot.

Corey Bojorquez has been a Monday topic of conversation this year exactly zero times.

— Mike (@emtb123) November 21, 2022

Though he has not been perfect, here are some examples of pivotal punts by Bojorquez.

1. Baltimore Ravens, Week 15

The most recent example of Bojorquez getting his team out of a jam is with his 70-yard punt on Saturday against the Ravens.

Bojorquez was deep in his own territory so the Ravens were probably anticipating good field position, but that didn’t happen.

#Browns go 3-and-out on the first drive, but an absolute boomer of a punt from Corey Bojorquez puts the Ravens at their own 22.

That was a 70-yard

— Anthony Poisal (@AnthonyPoisal) December 17, 2022

2. Los Angeles Chargers, Week 5

Bojorquez booted a 61-yard punt that Martin Emerson downed at the Chargers’ 1-yard line in Week 5.

Nice job by Corey Bojorquez – 61 yard punt downed at the 1 by Martin Emerson Jr. #Browns

— Daryl Ruiter (@RuiterWrongFAN) October 9, 2022

3. Pittsburgh Steelers, Week 3

It does not have to be the longest punt, but if it is placed correctly, it can be debilitating to the opposition.

A classic example is in the Pittsburgh Steelers game when Bojorquez landed a punt on the Steelers’ 4-yard line with 9 seconds left in the game.

Perfectly placed punt by Corey Bojorquez. Out at #Steelers 4. 9 seconds left.

— Chris Easterling (@ceasterlingABJ) September 23, 2022

Bojorquez called this punt one of the best of his career.

He said:

“With the situation and everything, for me, that’s as good as it gets. Putting the team inside the 5, no timeouts, less than a minute, prime time, I’d have to say situational-wise, it’s definitely up there as one of the better ones [of my career] for sure.”

The post Bojorquez’s Foot Has Been An Asset To Browns appeared first on Browns Nation.

It is Monday, December 19, 2022, and the Cleveland Browns are still enjoying the Saturday victory over AFC North rival Baltimore.

If you need a little extra motivation to start your Monday or Christmas week, here it is, courtesy of JR Smith.

Mark this as my favorite moment of the #Browns 2022 season. JR Smith is forever a Cleveland legend. pic.twitter.com/pHqmV6eNki

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 18, 2022

1. Your Monday Reminder: Jacoby Brissett Is A Class Act

Jacoby Brissett received a lot of cheers both inside the locker room during the postgame and from the fans during the game when he successfully completed his trademark quarterback sneak on 4th and 1 to move the chains.

But according to him, it’s all in a day’s work.

He remains ready to do whatever is necessary to help the team.

As he puts it:

“It’s not like I can go anywhere, I gotta stay here and do my job.”

#Browns Jacoby Brissett on being able to come in and make plays still: "It's not like I can go anywhere, I gotta stay here and do my job." pic.twitter.com/vwIRXaVJiw

— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) December 18, 2022

2. Putting Browns Week 16 Matchup In Perspective

The Browns are hanging on by a fingernail in the 2022 postseason hunt.

Ironically, they play an NFC team in a similarly precarious position in Week 16.

That’s why Chris Easterling calls the Week 16 game between the Browns and the New Orleans Saints the “I’m not dead yet” bowl game.

The "I'm not dead yet" bowl on Christmas Eve between the #Browns and #Saints. https://t.co/pZriep3rob

— Chris Easterling (@ceasterlingABJ) December 18, 2022

It’s also hard not to reflect on those winnable games against the Jets, Falcons, and Chargers that did not go the Browns’ way.

It’s difficult to not think about the #Browns losses to the Jets, Falcons, and Chargers. 3 very winnable games that would have made ALL the difference. Especially that damn Jets debacle.

— Brandon Michael (@BrandonMichael4) December 18, 2022

Things would be so much different if one or more of those games had a different outcome.

3. Big World Cup Crowd Would Be Small In Comparison To…

Twitter user Big Mike reflected on the scene in Buenos Aires, Argentina after the Argentinian team won the World Cup on Sunday.

He called the large crowd “microscopic compared to what the #Browns Super Bowl parade will look like in 2024.”

Microscopic compared to what the #Browns Super Bowl parade will look like in 2024 https://t.co/xTDLTnxJUJ

— Big Mike (@big_mike9169) December 18, 2022

Those are high aspirations.

Happy Monday Browns fans!

The post Browns Nation News And Notes (12/19/22) appeared first on Browns Nation.

On Saturday, five-star quarterback Dylan Raiola, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2024 recruiting class, announced his de-commitment from Ohio State.

Raiola, who had been committed to Ryan Day and the Buckeyes since the spring, is likely going to take his time before committing elsewhere.

However, one recruiting expert has already made his prediction for where Raiola will end up.

247Sports expert Parker Thune made a "Crystal Ball" prediction for Raiola to commit to the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Raiola's dad played collegiately at Nebraska. His uncle is an assistant coach on Matt Rhule's staff in Lincoln.

Nebraska is seen by many as a potential frontrunner to land the five-star quarterback.

Huskers head coach Matt Rhule has been hinting at some big 2024 news, as well.

Time will tell if the current recruiting commitment prediction is correct.

We're a couple of days into college football's 2022-23 bowl season. 

Several notable games took place this weekend, with ESPN's Football Power Index updating its Top 25 rankings.

ESPN's Football Power Index has ranked its top 25 teams in the country following the first bowl games of the season.

Here's the new Top 25:

1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Ohio State
4. Michigan
5. Tennessee
6. Texas
7. Utah
8. Penn State
9. Clemson
10. TCU
11. Kansas State
12. Florida State
13. LSU
14. Oregon
15. USC 
16. Ole Miss
17. Notre Dame
18. Mississippi State
19. Oregon
20. Minnesota
21. Illinois
22. Louisville
23. Baylor
24. Washington
25. Oklahoma

College football's bowl season will continue this week, with several notable games leading up to Christmas.

The College Football Playoff is less than two weeks away, too.

Nebraska football has added a major quarterback from the transfer portal.

Former Georgia Tech signal caller Jeff Sims announced his commitment to the Cornhuskers tonight. 

Sims appeared in 24 games for the Yellow Jackets over the last three seasons.

With Georgia Tech, Sims completed 364-of-633 passes for 4,464 yards, 30 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. A dual-threat at QB, he also rushed for 1,152 yards and 11 scores. 

The 6-foot-4, 219-pound Jacksonville, Fla. native was a four-star recruit in the 2020 class. He started immediately as a true freshman, serving as the Yellow Jackets' top quarterback in all 10 games in 2020. 

With Nebraska, Sims joins what all of a sudden looks like a potentially crowded QB room. This year's starter Casey Thompson still has a year of eligibility remaining, if he wants to use it, and the Huskers still have former four-star recruits Chubba Purdy and Logan Smothers on the roster.

Arkansas transfer Malik Hornsby also visited Nebraska over the weekend, giving new head coach Matt Rhule another possible option at quarterback should the onetime four-star prospect commit. 

There are 0 value tips in the Members Section today but feel free to sign up here ahead of the return of some club football!

No freebies today so good luck if you’re betting!

Monday’s Thoughts

As ever, if there are any explanations required then please feel free to post a comment! For the remainder of my thoughts on today’s games, see below, although I feel compelled to write that the below are not necessarily my tips but merely my thoughts. For confidence ratings, you’ll need to go to the members section here.

Israeli Ligat Ha’al:

Ironi Kiryat Shmona vs Sektzia Nes Tziona (4) 1-1
Maccabi Bnei Raina vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv (7) 1-2
Maccabi Haifa vs Bnei Sakhnin (7) 2-1

Italian Serie B:

Perugia vs Vicenza (5) 1-1

Enjoy your free betting tips!

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The post Arsenal to move for Nicolo Zaniolo? appeared first on The Football Saga.

Lionel Messi has vowed to continue his career with Argentina after the nation’s World Cup triumph in Qatar.

Messi scored twice as Argentina were crowned world champions for a third time on Sunday, with the South Americans winning a penalty shootout after an exhilarating 3-3 draw with France.

The 35-year-old won the Golden Ball as the Player of the Tournament at the World Cup, as he added football’s biggest prize to his collection of honours and fulfilled a lifelong dream.

It had been suggested that the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner could retire from international football after the tournament, but Messi has insisted he will continue and soak in the celebration of Argentina’s first World Cup triumph since 1986.

“It’s the most beautiful thing there is,” Messi told TyC Sports. “Look what it is, it’s beautiful, I wanted it a lot. God was going to give it to me, I had a feeling that it was this, we suffered a lot, but we got it.

“Obviously I wanted to close my career with this, I can’t ask for anything anymore. Thank God he gave me everything. Closing almost my career like this, it’s impressive.

“After this, what will there be? I was able to get the Copa América, World Cup… It came to me almost at the end. I love football, what I do. I enjoy being in the national team, the group, I want to continue living a few more games being world champion.

“I can’t wait to be in Argentina to see how crazy that is going to be.”

Read – Five players who made a name for themselves at the 2022 World Cup

Read Also – Midfield Magicians: Juninho Pernambucano, the ultimate free-kick master

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Major tournaments often produce breakthrough talents and the 2022 FIFA World Cup has been no different. A number of less heralded names have placed themselves in the consciousness of football fans with impressive performances in Qatar this winter.

Here are five players who have seen their reputations soar at the 2022 World Cup.

Azzedine Ounahi

Just 18 months ago, Azzedine Ounahi was playing his football in France’s third tier. He travelled to the World Cup after a difficult start to the season at Angers, who sit bottom of Ligue 1, and with just a handful of previous caps for Morocco having made only his debut in January.

His role in Morocco’s history-making run to the semi-finals has increased the attention around the midfielder, who is a name on the radar of clubs across Europe’s top five leagues. Such was his impact, Luis Enrique took time to praise the 22-year-old after his role in Morocco’s upset of Spain in the Round of 16.

Azzedine Ounahi played in France’s third tier less than two years ago. He’s now at Angers, who are bottom of Ligue 1. He made his senior Morocco debut in January.

He lit up the midfield in wins vs. Belgium, Spain and Portugal.

Now the 22-year-old is in a World Cup semifinal pic.twitter.com/PaDr63UbxH

— B/R Football (@brfootball) December 14, 2022

“Madre mía, Where did this kid come from? I’m sorry, I can’t remember his name. He can really play. He surprised me.”

Ounahi kept on surprising at the finals, going toe-to-toe with illustrious opposition and often coming out on top. His football was played with the confidence and swagger of a young player who felt he belonged on this stage. After starring against Spain, he was excellent in the quarter-final win over Portugal where he covered more distance, completed more dribbles, and won more duels than any other teammate.

Caution should often be taken when signing players based on tournament performances, but Ounahi has the raw ingredients to be moulded into a top talent. Several Premier League sides are already said to be interested in the midfielder and it would come as little surprise to see Angers cash in this winter, while his stock is at its highest.

Harry Souttar

Australia’s squad lacked the top-league talent of past tournaments, but the Socceroos upset the odds to reach the knockout rounds for just the second time in their history.

Harry Souttar was the stand-out performer for Australia, with the Aberdeen-born man-mountain having a tournament to remember in Qatar. A little more than two years ago, Souttar was on loan at third tier Fleetwood Town, but saw his reputation enhance rapidly with some dominant displays at the World Cup.

Having switched his international allegiance from Scotland to Australia in 2019, he has since won 13 caps for the national side and saved his best performances for his country for Qatar. Against Tunisia in the group stage he was monstrous, finding himself in the way of threatening Tunisian attacks time and time ago with body-on-the-line defending.

Harry Souttar's game by numbers vs. Tunisia:

50 touches
7 x possession won
6 clearances
4/5 duels won
3 blocks
2 aerial duels won
1 last-man tackle
1 clean sheet
0 x dribbled past
0 fouls

Brick wall. #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/Y2IljxbffV

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 26, 2022

Another commanding performance saw Australia upset Denmark to reach the knockout rounds, with Souttar central to another clean sheet as his 6ft 6in frame dominated in the air. That his performances came after just one game at club level this season was even more remarkable, with Souttar recently back from an ACL injury that had sidelined him for a year.

Australia manager Graham Arnold has backed the Stoke City centre-back for a move to the Premier League.

Goncalo Ramos

Goncalo Ramos is a name that has been on the radar of European clubs, but he announced his arrival on the world stage in stunning fashion in Qatar.

Having broken into the Benfica side last season, Ramos has taken on a leading role for Roger Schmidt’s side this season following the summer sale of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool. The top scorer in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, he earned a first call-up for Portugal ahead of the World Cup.

He scored on his debut in a pre-tournament friendly with Nigeria, but had played just 35 minutes of international football before the last-16 tie with Switzerland. Thrust into the side with Cristiano Ronaldo dropped, he replaced the nation’s record goalscorer – and then some.

Ramos hit a hat-trick and created another as Portugal thrashed Switzerland 6-1, becoming the first man in two decades to net a treble on their first World Cup start. It was the first hat-trick in a knockout round game since 1990 and made Ramos the youngest player to claim a World Cup match ball since 1962.

WHAT A STRIKE!!

Who saw that coming from Goncalo Ramos!!

The 21-year-old only had 35 minutes of international experience before tonight… #ITVFootball | #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/gll8GEBi2d

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 6, 2022

The manner of his finishing was excellent, with his first a thunderous strike inside Yann Sommer’s near post. He got across his man to turn in Diogo Dalot’s cross for a second, before completing his hat-trick with a delicate finish over the onrushing Sommer.

Benfica have brought in some sizeable fees for their top talent in recent windows and Ramos could be the next name to earn the club a windfall.

Sofyan Amrabat 

The heartbeat of Morocco’s success story in Qatar, Sofyan Amrabat is on the radar of top clubs across Europe following his performances at the World Cup.

Amrabat was linked with a move to Tottenham last winter and there will be some in north London cursing their failure to land the midfielder, following his outstanding performances in Morocco’s run to the last four.

Sofyan Amrabat, midfield maestro #FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/sIPK6ABzWq

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2022

Amrabat has appeared everywhere on occasion in the Morocco midfield, having recovered possession 51 times during the Atlas Lions’ campaign – a record for an African player at a single World Cup.

Such has been his impact, France president Emmanuel Macron is understood to have visited Morocco’s dressing room after their semi-final defeat to the world champions, hailing Amrabat as “the best midfielder of the tournament” in front of the squad.

Tireless and tenacious in the engine room, his relentless work-ethic has turned the heads of top clubs as the January window approaches. Fiorentina will be reluctant to lose the Moroccan mid-season, but with 18 months remaining on his deal could deem a winter window sale sensible.

Perhaps no moment embodied his tournament more than his challenge on Kylian Mbappe in the last four. Hurtling back to chase one of the quickest players in the game, Amrabat produced a crunching challenge on the Frenchman to stop a threatening break and came out with the ball.

"It's absolutely brilliant!" – @GNev2

Sofyan Amrabat put in a stellar performance last night despite Morocco's defeat to France pic.twitter.com/k5Xz7g1C9R

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) December 15, 2022

It was the sort of desire and determination that has placed him on the radar of recruitment teams.

Josip Juranović

Dominik Livakovic earned plenty of praise during Croatia’s run to the semi-finals, with the goalkeeper’s penalty shootout heroics grabbing headlines.

A less discussed, but equally important, part of Croatia’s campaign was the performances of Josip Juranović. The right-back was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year after an impressive debut season at Celtic last term, in which he won the Scottish Premiership.

Signed for a fee of just £2.5m from Legia Warsaw, his value has rocketed following a series of strong performances in Qatar. Barcelona and Manchester United have been linked with the defender, who was a marauding presence down the flanks for Croatia.

Embed from Getty Images

His performance against Brazil in the quarter-final was one of the tournament’s best individual displays from a defender, as Juranović galloped forward on the attack and locked down the threat of Vinicius Junior.

Up against one of the most dangerous wide-men in the competition, Juranović dominated their duel and Celtic are set for a significant profit should Europe’s wealthier clubs firm up their interest.

Read – Appreciating the 10 Premier League players involved in the World Cup final

Read Also – Five top-class managers currently out of work 

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QPR headed to Deepdale to face an in-form Preston North End side. The R’s went into the game on the back of four-straight defeats in the league, but that run was halted with an impressive 1-0 win.

Jimmy Dunne scored QPR’s only goal that day, lifting his side up into 6th place of the table ahead of a Boxing Day clash v Cardiff City.

And with January just around the corner, we look at all the players who’ve been linked with moves away from QPR this season, and how likely each player is to leave in the New Year…

Conor Masterson

Conor Masterson looked to be a real prospect for QPR when he broke into the side under Mark Warburton. But after some uninspiring loan spells he’s now well out of favour in west London.

Is a deal likely to happen?

If an offer comes in for Masterson, QPR may quickly accept – reports earlier in the campaign revealed that the R’s will look to move on some deadwood in January and that Masterson could leave on loan.

At 24 years old though, Masterson may be feeling that he needs to be playing more regularly, and not for a temporary club.

Seny Dieng

Goalkeeper Seny Dieng was linked with both Bournemouth and Everton earlier in the season. The Senegalese shot-stopper has recently returned from the World Cup and he’s been in goal for both of QPR’s Championship games this month.

Is a deal likely to happen?

Virtually nothing has been said about Dieng, Everton and Bournemouth since the initial rumour broke.

But Dieng has spoken out on his future, and he revealed his Premier League ambitions whilst also hinting that he could leave QPR at some point in the future, in a bid to play Premier League.

Bournemouth are under new owners and look set to spend in January too, but Everton seem to have other transfer targets right now.

Ilias Chair

Back in October, Football Insider claimed that Ilias Chair was being monitored by Aston Villa. The 25-year-old is soon set to return from Qatar where his Morocco side have impressed – he’s been a key player for the R’s this season with three goals and six assists to his name in the Championship.

Is a deal likely to happen?

Like the Dieng rumour, this rumour hasn’t really lasted in headlines, with nothing having been said about it since.

It’s certainly a transfer that could seem realistic given Chair’s impressive season so far and Villa’s deep pockets, but Villa seem to have other players on their radar, so this move seems quite unlikely as things stand.

George Thomas

George Thomas was previously labelled surplus to requirements ahead of January. The Welshman has never managed to hold a starting spot down in this side and has featured only three times in the Championship this season.

Is a deal likely to happen?

Thomas doesn’t seem to have a future at QPR. His contract is out next summer but the R’s have the option to extend his stay by a further year.

Critchley may want to make up his own opinion on Thomas but given the fact that Thomas wasn’t really favoured by Warburton or Michael Beale, it seems like his time in west London is quickly coming to an end, and January could see him seal either a temporary or permanent exit.

Lyndon Dykes

Soon after Beale’s move to Rangers, there were suggestions that previous Rangers target and Scottish international Lyndon Dykes could follow.

Since, reports have seemingly confirmed Rangers’ interest but also revealed that Critchley is determined to keep hold of the 27-year-old.

Is a deal likely to happen?

It seems like it would take a big money offer for Rangers to poach Dykes next month. Despite his struggles in front of goal this season and last season, he remains an important player for QPR; Dykes will always give 100% and his contribution to the team extends further than goals.

Also, Critchley doesn’t have too many other options to call upon, so Dykes leaving next month doesn’t seem all that likely.

Macauley Bonne

Like Thomas, Macauley Bonne has been deemed surplus to requirements. Despite his decent loan spell with Ipswich Town last season, he’s barely featured this season and he’s failed to impress when he has been called upon.

Is a deal likely to happen?

It doesn’t seem like QPR will stand in Bonne’s way should an offer come in. But that remains to question here; whether or not a team will make an acceptable offer.

There might be a lot of clubs looking into a potential loan deal but both QPR and Bonne could favour a permanent exit, given Bonne’s likely frustration at his current situation.

Also, given Dykes’ links to Rangers, Critchley might want to keep Bonne around just as addition cover, so this is a tricky one to predict.

1 of 10

QPR netted 60 Championship goals last season. But who was the campaign’s top scorer?

Lyndon Dykes Charlie Austin Andre Gray Chris Willock

The post The 6 QPR players linked with moves away this season and the likelihood of each player leaving in January appeared first on The72.

Stewart, 26, has been out injured since September but to nobody’s surprise, he made an instant impact upon his return on Saturday.

The Scottish striker has six goals in eight Championship games so far this season – only four off the top scorer despite having played 13 less games.

Stewart has been linked with a move away from Sunderland for sometime now and his future still appears up in the air, with Middlesbrough seemingly the most keen as things stand.

Stewart’s stock is only rising, but should he look to leave Sunderland in the near future? Our writers have their say…

Thomas Kelly-Hansford

“Stewart has been paramount to Sunderland’s success for 18-months now. He is an exceptional talent and will undoubtedly get the chance to play Premier League football at some point in his career.

“The Scot is a bit of a late-developer. He’s not old by any means, but at 26 he definitely has less time left in his career than a lot of other youngsters coming through the ranks now and that may be playing on his mind.

“But the grass isn’t always greener and for the time being I don’t think he should be rushing to move away from Sunderland, unless a chance of top flight football comes up.

“It will be worrying that Sunderland haven’t activated their extension clause and as the January window nears, the rumours are only going to get louder, but he does seem settled at Sunderland and his head doesn’t appear to have been turned. 

“Sunderland are an exciting club to be involved with at the moment, and he will see the impact he could have on the Wearsiders, which could be enough to tempt him into penning a new deal.”

1 of 10

Which of these former Sunderland players cost the club a reported £10million?

Asamoah Gyan Darren Bent Lorik Cana Dean Whitehead

Luke Phelps

“In my opinion, the only thing that will be on Stewart’s mind right now will be returning to action, and returning to the score-sheet.

“He reminded fans of his quality on Saturday and that returning goal should fill him and Sunderland with confidence for the remainder of the season.

“But his contract situation is a bit of a cause for concern and there could be a number of clubs looking to take advantage – Sunderland though will almost certainly activate Stewart’s one-year extension.

“Still, that only gives Sunderland a couple more transfer windows to cash in, and unless Stewart signs a new deal, cashing in will what Sunderland may be forced into doing at some point soon.

“A Premier League move right now looks like it could be a bit too soon for Stewart and a Championship move may be a bit of a sideways step, so I think he should, and will, stay at the Stadium of Light until next season at least.”

The post ‘The grass isn’t always greener’ – Should Ross Stewart look to leave Sunderland in the near future? appeared first on The72.

Plymouth Argyle loan recruit Lonwijk has been a big hit since arriving at Home Park in the summer.

He’s been a mainstay at the back for Schumacher’s Pilgrims and after sitting out of the 0-0 draw with Cambridge United, he made his return to action against Morecambe at the weekend. The home side emerged 2-1 victors but some concerns were raised when Lonwijk withdrew from the action seemingly injured with around 15 minutes left.

Now though, a reassuring update has emerged on the Dutchman.

As quoted by Plymouth Live, Schumacher removed all concerns regarding a possible injury to the Wolves loanee. He confirmed Lonwijk was just struggling with cramp before his withdrawal, stating it was probably as a result of the cold and flu he has had recently. He said:

“It was just cramp.

“Nigel has been like me, he hasn’t been well. He has had this cold and flu so maybe he was just a little bit run down.

“He’s not too bad. He hasn’t started either for a couple of weeks so maybe it’s just that, a little bit of tiredness. Thankfully he’s okay.”

1 of 12

Who managed Plymouth Argyle after Tony Pulis but before Paul Sturrock?

Kevin Hodges Mick Jones Ian Holloway Carl Fletcher

Time to kick on again…

With Lonwijk fit and back in the action, it will be hoped the win over Morecambe is the start of Plymouth Argyle’s return to the right track.

A slight blip saw them claim only three points from the four games prior to the weekend’s clash, winning none of them. Schumacher’s side remain in a strong position in the fight for automatic promotion though and Ipswich Town’s defeat combined with Sheffield Wednesday’s three consecutive draws means the Pilgrims are still top of the table.

A win over Morecambe will hopefully mark the beginning of another impressive run as they look to bring Championship football back to Home Park.

The post Steven Schumacher issues update on Plymouth Argyle man after Morecambe withdrawal appeared first on The72.

One could say that Baylor coach Dave Aranda has returned to his roots for Thursday night's Armed Forces Bowl against Air Force in Fort Worth, Texas. Aranda will serve as his own defensive coordinator after canning Ron Roberts following the Bears' 6-6 season. Aranda ascended to the Baylor job after running the LSU defense for Ed Orgeron during a 15-0 national championship season in 2019.

The College Football Playoff recently announced it would be expanding from four to 12 teams for the 2024 season. The additional game inventory is expected to generate $450 million in gross revenue over the final two years of the current television contract and billions more in the years ahead. The playoff expansion is expected to […]

Almada became the first active MLS player to win the FIFA World Cup following Argentina’s 4-2 penalty shootout victory over defending winners France. La Albiceleste played out a 3-3 draw with Les Bleus through 120 minutes, but captured a third World Cup trophy in their history by defeating France in penalties. 

The 21-year-old attacker only played six minutes in Qatar, but has enjoyed a meteoric rise with the national team in just three months. Almada made his senior debut for Argentina in September and was called into Scaloni’s final World Cup roster following two midfield injuries.

A Velez Sarsfield product, Almada made an instant impact in MLS in 2022, winning the league’s Newcomer of the Year award. Almada was one of the few bright spots for Atlanta United, scoring six goals and adding 12 assists as the Five Stripes missed the playoffs.

Almada joins former MLS and international stars Bastian Schweinsteiger, Kaka, Thierry Henry, and Andrea Pirlo among the list of MLS players to win the World Cup.

He now enters a winter break before beginning

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The Aztecs were defeated by the Air Force Falcons 13-3 in their most recent game. The Blue Raiders are coming off of a victory over the Florida International Panthers by the score of 33-28. In that matchup with the Falcons, Jalen Mayden had 188 yards on 16-of-31 passing (51.6%) for the Aztecs, with no touchdowns and two interceptions. Jordan Byrd took six carries for 13 yards (2.2 yards per carry), while adding two receptions for two yards in the passing game. Brionne Penny recorded three receptions for 63 yards (averaging 21.0 per catch) against the Falcons. Chase Cunningham threw for 279 yards for the Blue Raiders against the Panthers, going 29-for-42 (69.0%) with no touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 10 carries for 32 yards and two touchdowns. In that matchup, Darius Bracy had a 20-carry, 91-yard game (4.6 yards per attempt) with one touchdown. He tacked on two receptions for 13 yards . Izaiah Gathings caught seven passes for 77 yards (11.0 yards per catch).

In the story below, we lay out all the details you need to know about how to watch this matchup on TV.

College football odds courtesy of Tipico Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 3:53 AM ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee Game Info

• Game Day: Saturday, December 24, 2022
• Game Time: 8:00 PM ET
• Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Stadium: Clarence T.C. Ching Athletics Complex
• TV Channel: ESPN
• Live Stream: fuboTV (Watch for free)

San Diego State vs. Middle Tennessee Betting Info

• Spread Favorite: San Diego State (-7)
• Moneyline: San Diego State (-268), Middle Tennessee (+215)
• Total: 49.5 points

OFFER: Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

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I have Rhamondre on two teams in the semifinals (and Meyers in one of those, actually). What are the chances that Rhamondre gets benched after that debacle?

I will start since mine is going to be one of the worst. I am in a virtual tie and it is Christian Watson vs Packers D, ours is a bit more generous DST scoring, so the projection is 12.5 or so and for Watson 10.75 

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The post Report: Chelsea want to sign fantastic £45m Real Madrid target in January first appeared on Football Talk | Premier League News.

The Qatar World Cup has delivered a rich feast of soccer for the past month, with shocks, great goals, incredible celebrations and record-breaking feats served up by the assembled cast.

Here are 10 of the highlights as chosen by the Reuters team of reporters covering the tournament.

SAUDI ARABIA STUN ARGENTINA

Argentina were cruising in their opening Group C game after Lionel Messi scored a first-half penalty. But the Green Falcons swooped after halftime with Saleh Al-Shehri squeezing in a low shot to equalise and five minutes later Salem Al-Dawsari curled in a scorching second to leave Argentina in disbelief and Saudi fans joyously singing 'where is Messi?'.

SOUTH KOREA'S NERVOUS WAIT

When Hwang Hee-chan scored a stoppage-time winner for South Korea in their final Group H game the hard part was just starting. The Korean players then had to spend almost 10 agonising minutes in a tight huddle in the centre circle peering at phones, hoping Uruguay would not score another goal against Ghana. Finally, with a last-16 place assured, they sprinted en masse towards their delirious fans.

MAGICAL MESSI BAMBOOZLES CROATIAN GVARDIOL

Such has been the Argentine number 10s impact in Qatar that the seven-time Ballon D'or winner could have multiple entries on the memorable list. But the way he held off Croatia's masked defender Josko Gvardiol, then bamboozled him with an electrifying twist to set up the third goal in a 3-0 semifinal win encapsulated the 35-year-old's genius.

RONALDO EXITS FINAL WORLD CUP IN TEARS

Portugal's talisman became the first male player to score in five World Cups with a penalty against Ghana. But the 37-year-old was subsequently left out of the starting line-up and after he was unable to save his side after coming off the bench in the quarterfinal against Morocco he was filmed walking down the tunnel in floods of tears.

FIRST FEMALE REFEREE AT A MEN'S WORLD CUP

Frenchwoman Stephanie Frappart was handed control of Germany's final Group E clash against Costa Rica, becoming the first female referee to officiate at a men's World Cup.

Costa Rica coach Luis Fernando Suarez described it as a big step forward in 'sexist sport' and the 39-year-old Frappart produced a calm and assured display in Germany's victory.

JAPAN HIT BACK TO SHOCK GERMANY

Before kickoff, in their Group E opener Germany's players covered their mouths in protest at Fifa's threat of sanctions against the wearing of the 'OneLove' armband.

At the final whistle, they were left gobsmacked after Japan's substitutes Ritsu Doan and Takuma Asano secured an unlikely 2-1 comeback win for the Samurai Blue whose fans celebrated hard before bagging the litter in the stadium.

MOROCCO'S FANS

Thousands of them descended on the Arabian Gulf to roar the Atlas Lions and were richly rewarded as Morocco became the first African and first Arab country to reach the semifinals.

The noise the red-clad hordes created in the stadiums was deafening and reached fever pitch in the penalty shootout defeat of Spain in the last 16 and against Portugal in the quarterfinals when a cacophony of whistles greeted every touch by the opposition as Morocco protected their 1-0 lead.

GROUP E FINALE MAYHEM

A group that began with Germany losing to Japan and Spain putting seven goals past Costa Rica concluded on a tumultuous night that almost turned the football world upside-down.

Germany needed a win over Costa Rica and for Spain to beat Japan to go through as runners-up, and at halftime that was exactly what was happening. Then everything went mad.

Japan scored twice in three minutes early in the second half and Costa Rica flipped their game against Germany to lead and for four minutes the live table showed Japan and Costa Rica in first and second place with Spain and Germany going home.

Germany ended up winning 4-2 to save Spain's bacon, although they were on the flight home the next day.

CAMEROON'S ABOUBAKAR SINKS BRAZIL, THEN SENT OFF

A manic group phase concluded in almost comical fashion as Cameroon's Vincent Aboubakar scored a stoppage-time winner against an already-qualified Brazil, took his shirt off, and was immediately given a second yellow card by an apologetic referee who shook the player's hand.

MBAPPE-MESSI SHOW FINAL

Lionel Messi rubber-stamped his greatness and Kylian Mbappe enhanced his reputation as one of the best players in the world in Qatar and the Frenchman was simply unplayable in the final against France.

First, he converted from the penalty spot to cut Argentina’s 2-0 lead into half then 97 seconds later glided onto dinking ball behind the Argentina defence to fire past Martinez to send the match into extra time.

Argentina again, thought they had won it in extra time when Hugo Lloris failed to handle the ball and it fell in the path of Lionel Messi who fired home but Mbappe was at it again coming up with an equalizer from the penalty spot sending one of the greatest football matches to the dreaded penalty shootout.

Source: AFP

Bechem United will face Tamale City on match week nine of the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League after breaking for a month due to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

The Hunters will host the new Premier League entrants at the Fosu Gyeabour Park as they look to continue their fine form this campaign.

Bechem United thrashed Nsoatreman FC 3-0 on match week eight before the league was halted. They lie 8th with 12 points.

Tamale City, on the other hand, lie 17th on the league table with six points after a slow start to the season.

Prior to the break, the Tamale based side defeated leaders Aduana Stars 2-1 at home and will hope to cause another upset when they face last season's MTN FA Cup runners up.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 3pm on Wednesday.

Bechem United possible starting XI: Cephas Kofi Mantey, Emmanuel Ababio, Seth Kwadwo, Iddrisu Abdulai, Agbesimah Kofi, Emmanuel Avornyo, Aaron Essel, Foster Appiah, Francis Twene, Gabriel Yapy Tenlep, Abdul Latif Anabila

Tamale City possible starting XI: Pongo Agbeko (G), Collins Amoah Boateng ©, Liventius Attur, Kotei Emmanuel, Mubark Abdul Kadiri, Isaac Mensah, Raphael Essien, Mohammed Yahaya, Issah Nyaabila, Bismark Asare, Abega Ofosu.

Player to watch: Isaac Mensah

Predicted scoreline: Bechem United 2-1 Tamale City

Following a month-long break, the 2022/23 Ghana Premier League season will resume on Monday, December 19.

The campaign resumes next week and the league will enter matchday 9 for clubs to continue fighting for points to push to reach their targets for the season.

For the matchday, there will be matches played on Monday through to Wednesday, December 21.

On Monday, Bibiani Gold Stars will host Real Tamale United (RTU) with the hopes of bagging maximum points.

Form:

Before the Ghana Premier League went on break for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Gold Stars were enjoying good form.

In the previous matches the team had played, they had won three times, drawn one, and lost one as well.

Courtesy of the many points picked, the team is 7th on the league table and could break into the top four with a few more wins.

The opponent, Real Tamale United have not been bad this season as well. With 11 points from 8 matches, the team sits 11th on the league table.

The club must build on the three wins before the league went on break and hope to beat Gold Stars to the three points on Monday.

Predicted scoreline:

Despite the home advantage for Bibiani Gold Stars, RTU looks to be slightly ahead. A little push from the visitors could see the side picking the victory to bag the three points at stake.

Gold Stars 1-2 RTU

Probable starting eleven – Bibiani Gold Stars

Hammand Kalala (G), Yakubu Haqq ©, Empem Dacosta, Evans Owusu, Atta Kusi, Emmanuel Appau, Steven Owusu, Frank Amankwah, Michael Enu, Charles Kamara Gyamfi, Prince Owusu Kwabena.

Probable starting eleven – RTU

Yaw Osei (G), T.M Nurudeen, David Abagna ©, Abdul Manaf, Hedir Mohammed, S.D Badu, Baba Kushibo, R. Frimpong, I. Gadafi, Adams Hafiz, K. Boakye.

Match Details:

The game between Bibiani Gold Stars and Real Tamale United will kick off at 3pm on Monday at the Duns Park.

5 breakout fantasy football stars to pick up for Week 16 - FanSided - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 300+ Sites

On Sunday, the pundit caused anger on social media by comparing striking workers in the UK with migrant labourers in Qatar.

He claimed that British ministers were ‘demonizing’ public sector employees and said that the working conditions of striking nurses and railway workers were similar to those experienced by Qatar’s large foreign workforce, criticising for allegedly exploitative employment practices, and the high number of construction-related deaths, the Gulf state has been criticised.

Simon Clarke, a former levelling-up secretary, said that the comparison was ‘grotesque’.

ITV say that it didn’t endorse Neville, whose comments were in response to Roy Keane, a fellow pundit, who claimed that the World Cup was contaminated by corruption.

Another party political broadcast by a millionaire. Looks like ITV is on my banned list now. Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about. pic.twitter.com/LA0PXdp1hl

— Lee Anderson MP (@LeeAndersonMP_) December 18, 2022

Neville explained: “The working system of Kafala which obviously through football the conversation has started and it’s been removed here now in Qatar but it is abhorrent and we should detest low pay, we should detest poor accommodation and working conditions.

“We can never accept that in this region or any other region and it is just worth mentioning we’ve got a current government in our country that are demonising rail workers, ambulance workers and terrifying nurses.

“In our country we’ve got to look at workers rights but when football goes, we have to pick up on workers rights wherever it goes because people have got to be equal and treated equal.”

Neville, often an outspoken critic of Britain’s Conservative government in the last few years, went on: “We can’t have people being paid an absolute pittance to work, we can’t have people in accommodation that is unsavoury and disgusting. It shouldn’t happen here.

“That shouldn’t happen here with the wealth that exists. But it shouldn’t happen with the nurses in our country either where our nurses are having to fight for an extra pound or two pounds.”

Neville’s comments got quite a response on social media.

Tory MP Mr Clarke tweeted on it: ‘It is beyond ridiculous that he is given free rein by ITV Sport to overtly politicise a major sporting event.

‘Quite apart from the fact every nurse is receiving a pay rise of £1,400, to compare workers’ rights in Qatar with the UK is grotesque.’

Ex-Tory party leader Sir Iain Duncan Smith said ITV should ave cut off Neville, who is a member of the Labour Party.

He added: ‘People have been killed on building sites and things all over Qatar and paid a pittance, and he compares that to the UK? It’s unbelievable.

‘To compare a country that demonises gay rights, executes and brings in migrant workers by the truckload and pays them a pittance to a democratic country that has the concept of human rights, rule of law and all that goes with it – he’s abused his position.’

Lee Anderson, Conservative MP for Ashfield, said: ‘It’s a classic case of another champagne socialist who’s got more money than sense. ITV should sack him.

‘Another party political broadcast by a millionaire. Looks like ITV is on my banned list now. Talk about football Gary and keep your nose out of politics. You don’t know what you’re talking about.’

Neville replied back at the MP online, writing: ‘I’m glad you’re pissed off! The biggest set of charlatans to ever be in power!’

Nick Timothy, Theresa May’s former chief of staff, said: ‘Gary Neville – paid apologist for Qatar – used his ITV punditry berth to make a party political speech unchallenged and make offensive comparisons between Qatar and Britain on workers’ rights.

‘The hypocrisy is no surprise but the failure of ITV to pre-empt this is unacceptable.’

Neville responded by saying: ‘Triggering all the right people.’

Many will recall how he was left speechless in November’s appearance on Have I Got News For You, where he was grilled over his decision to attend the World Cup.

A very awkward moment for Gary Neville on #HIGNFY as Ian Hislop points out he could criticise Qatar’s human rights from home without taking their money.

[Via BBC] pic.twitter.com/t81zrpUhOy

— Connor Andrews (@ConnorAndrewsTS) November 4, 2022

Nev was backed into a corner to defend his ‘reputation’ as the topic of him accepting money from a Qatari broadcaster was brought up.

‘You know David Beckham, don’t you? He’s going, isn’t he? How much is he being paid?’ panellist Paul Merton asked Neville.

‘I don’t know,’ Neville replied. ‘More than me!’

He tried to deflect the situation, Neville asking panellist Ian Hislop if ‘it’s coming home?’

‘What, your reputation?’ came a reply.

Hislop felt other panellists had been ‘very gentle’ with first time show host Neville, but he ruthlessly went for him to get answers as to why exactly he has accepted Qatari money.

‘The elephant in the room is you’re commentating there. What’s the defence?’ Hislop asked.

‘Yeah, I’m commentating,’ Neville said.

‘Well, you’ve got a choice, haven’t you? My view always has been that you either highlight the issues and challenges in these countries and speak about them, or you basically don’t say anything and stay back home and don’t go. And I think we should challenge them.’

Hislop added: ‘The other option is you stay at home and highlight the abuses. You don’t have to take the Qataris’ money. It’s just not a very good defence.’

Neville was rather speechless as the live audience applauded.

‘That’s…’ he said, before tailing off.

This is how viewers reacted as Gary Neville produces a rant criticising the government during the World Cup Final on ITV…

@AnthonyAinsdale: Gary Neville has lost the plot. The government aren’t demonising public sector workers. They just simply can’t afford to pay them above inflation pay rises. It’s that simple.

@JaneFeathersto1: I support what Gary Neville says. I support thé strikes. I do not support you

@AnthonyAinsdale: Gary Neville has lost the plot. The government aren’t demonising public sector workers. They just simply can’t afford to pay them above inflation pay rises. It’s that simple.

@CorbynistaEdith: So proud of Socialist Hero @GNev2 calling out the injustice in Qatar. THIS is why he is worth every penny of his six figure contract to be there

The post Gary Neville produces rant criticising the government during World Cup Final on ITV appeared first on Fan Banter.

France failed to defend the World Cup title as they fell short to Argentina on penalties in one of the most breathtaking finals in the competition's history. After a 3-3 draw, the defending champions failed to keep their cool in the shootout, surrendering the crown to the South American champions. 

The post France vs Argentina Player Ratings: Mbappe Heroics Insufficient appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Edin Dzeko dropped a hint about his future and commented on the title race and Inter in general: "We have to give Napoli the credit for accumulating this gap. Eleven points are too many. The only thing we can do is accelerate because there is time to come back."

The post Dzeko Talks Inter Contract and Partnership with Lukaku appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

Juventus already held the record for most World Cup champions before the recent edition. They added to it in Qatar as Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes lifted the trophy. Twenty-seven Bianconeri have done it over the years. Roma also made history thanks to Paulo Dybala.

The post Juventus Build on World Cup Record Thanks to Argentina appeared first on The Cult of Calcio.

* next to the pick means the team will win, but not cover.
Click on each game for the game preview and CFN Prediction

Bowl Game College Football Expert Picks 
Military UCF vs Duke | Liberty Kansas vs Arkansas
Holiday UNC vs Oregon | Texas Texas Tech vs Ole Miss
Pinstripe Syracuse vs Minnesota | Cheez-It OU vs FSU
Alamo Washington vs Texas | Mayo NC St vs Maryland
Sun Pitt vs UCLA | Gator South Carolina vs Notre Dame
Arizona Ohio vs Wyoming | Orange Tennessee vs Clemson
Sugar Kansas St vs Alabama | Music City Kentucky vs Iowa
CFP Fiesta TCU vs Michigan | CFP Peach Ohio St vs Georgia
ReliaQuest Miss State vs Illinois | Cotton Tulane vs USC
Citrus Purdue vs LSU | Rose Penn State vs Utah
Results So Far | Bowls December 20-27

Bowl Schedule, Predictions | NFL Week 15 Expert Picks 

UCF vs Duke

Military Bowl

Line: Duke -3, o/u: 62.5

Eric Bolin, RazorbacksWire.com: UCF
Evan Bredeson, CornhuskersWire.com: UCF
Tony Cosolo, ColoradoBuffaloesWire.com: UCF
Jeff Feyerer, CFN: Duke
Pete Fiutak, CFN: Duke
Cami Griffin, LonghornsWire.com: Duke
Dan Harralson, VolsWire.com: UCF
Phil Harrison, BuckeyesWire.com: Duke
Jeremy Mauss, MWwire.com Duke
Kevin McGuire, NittanyLionsWire.com: UCF
Big Game Ben Niewoehner, CFN UCF
E, CFN Duke
Tyler Nettuno, LSUTigerswire.com UCF
Zack Pearson, TarHeelswire.com Duke
Johnny Rosenstein, SportsBookWire.com: Duke
Nick Shepkowski, FightingIrishWire.com: Duke
Scott Steehn, WinnersandWhiners.com: UCF
Joe Vitale, UGAWire.com: Duke
Clucko the Chicken (a coin flip), CFN: UCF
CONSENSUS PICK: Duke

NEXT: Kansas vs Arkansas Expert Picks Predictions

The playoff field is narrowing in fantasy leagues, but consolation brackets could be in play for non-playoff teams.

Here are nine early must-adds from your Week 16 fantasy football waiver wire.

Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons

Allgeier had 17 carries for 139 yards and a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday, along with one catch. He topped 50 rushing yards in four straight games and in five of his last six. He has double-digit carries and/or at least 45 total yards in every game but one starting in Week 4.

The Falcons will clearly remain a run-heavy offense with rookie Desmond Ridder under center. Caleb Huntley was injured early on Sunday, opening up more work for Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson.

A fairly tough matchup is coming for Allgeier in Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens, before a much nicer matchup against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 17.

Allgeier has remained low-rostered as part of Atlanta’s backfield committee. But his performance on Sunday should line him up for more run as the season winds down. The rookie back out of BYU is at least a flex option in 12-team leagues in Week 16 and Week 17.

ESPN Ownership: 33.5%
Yahoo! Ownership: 37%

The post Nine Must-Adds From Your Week 16 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire appeared first on Daily Fantasy Sports, Sports Betting, Football, Basketball & Baseball.

What a FIFA World Cup that was! Did we just witness the greatest World Cup final of all time?

Perhaps the greatest player of all time, the little boy from Rosario, Argentina Lionel Messi finally got his hands on the trophy that had eluded him for so long.

And how about young Kylian Mbappe? A hat trick in a World Cup final at 23 years of age is one of the most incredible things we will ever see on a football pitch.

Now we look to the future and the next World Cup in 3-and-a-half years time hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Who will lift the famed Jules Rimet trophy at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Check out all the World Cup 2026 outright odds below!

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Brazil

The Brazilians are one of the two joint favourites to win the World Cup in 2026. Our odds makers have installed Brazil at 6/1 to be the champions of the world at the next World Cup tournament.

Brazil have plenty of young talent with the likes of Vinicus Jr of Real Madrid and Antony of Man United both only 22 years old. This team were the favourites coming into this World Cup in Qatar but the age profile of their squad suggests that they will have a great chance to win their first World Cup since 2002 in 2026.

France

This year’s beaten finalists and 2018 World Cup champions France join Brazil for co-favouritism at 6/1 in the betting.

The French suffered many major injuries both in the lead up and during this World Cup but yet they still came within a penalty shootout of repeating as World Cup champions. Mbappe is their star man and he will still be in his prime come 2026 which will make France one of the teams to beat.

England

The Three Lions are 7/1 in the early outright betting for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This looks to be a golden generation of English footballers with the likes of a budding young superstar in Jude Bellingham, midfield maestro Declan Rice and Man City playmaker Phil Foden entering their primes ahead of 2026.

If England’s young players continue to develop then this squad could be hard to beat in North America’s 2026 World Cup.

Argentina

The 2022 World Cup champions Argentina are co-fourth favourites to defend their title in 2026 at 10/1. They will have to do so without the services of Lionel Messi who has declared that this was his last World Cup for his country.

Julian Alvarez of Man City and Enzo Fernandez of Benfica are supremely talented young players who will likely be the star men for Argentina in a little under four years time.

Germany

The Germans join Argentina at odds of 10/1 as joint-fourth favourites to win the 2026 World Cup.

Germany are the country with the second most World Cup trophies with four tournament wins. This is a country that consistently produces great footballing talent and Jamal Musiala already looks like he is on his way to be an international superstar at only 19 years old after impressive performances for his country in this competition.

Spain

The Spaniards have also been installed at odds of 10/1 by our odds makers.

Spain really impressed early in this World Cup with a 7-0 win over Costa Rica but they failed to take off from there and ultimately fell to Morocco in the round of 16. The Barcelona duo of Pedri and Gavi are being dubbed as the next Iniesta and Gavi and if they live up to their potential then Spain will be one of the contenders in 2026.

Portugal

The Portuguese are next in the 2026 World Cup outright betting odds at 12/1.

In 2026 they will surely be without the services of Cristiano Ronaldo who will be 41 by the time the next World Cup comes around. Still, there are plenty of young Portugal footballers to be excited about like Rafael Leao and Joao Felix who should be in their prime by the time the next World Cup takes place.

The Best Of The Rest

The Netherlands are 16/1 to win the World Cup for the first time ever in 2026 despite having previously played in three finals.

Joining the Dutch at 16/1 is one of the tournament hosts, the USA. The Americans have made huge strides in recent years in developing young talent but it would be a massive step up to reach the level required to win their home World Cup in 2026.

Italy are 20/1 to reach the heights of 2006 when they were last crowned champions of the world after a victory over France in that year’s final. The Italians could be an interesting team to keep an eye on as 2026 approaches as they have had recent success at major tournaments (when they qualify) with a win in last summer’s Euros.

Click the image below for all our 2026 FIFA World Cup outright odds

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The post World Cup 2026 Outright Betting Odds appeared first on BoyleSports News & Betting Tips.

The World Cup is over. Argentina won it. And it was, all in all, a remarkable final.

Sometimes I think there’s an idea that a game has to be brilliant for 90 minutes, from first whistle to last, to be worthy of the title of a ‘great game’, but that’s really not how football works. The way it works is that a lot of the time it is ordinary, mundane, perhaps even verging on tedious – but then something happens which elevates our experience.

Yesterday’s game was exactly that. Argentina were deservedly 2-0 ahead. A first half penalty from Lionel Messi and then a superb team move which saw Angel di Maria double the lead. France had been terrible, so much so a double substitution before half-time saw Dembele and Giroud withdrawn – the ignominy of that as a player must be tough, but in truth Didier Deschamps could justifiably have taken off 9 or 10 if he’d had the ability to so. They were a bit better in the second half, but as the clock reached the 80th minute, they never looked like threatening the Argentina goal or Messi’s World Cup dream.

What’s so amazing and so thrilling about football is the way a game can just take a sharp turn in an unexpected way. A long ball over the top of the defence should have caused no danger, but instead of just clearing it first time, Nicolas Otamendi – the Argentine Mustafi – dillied and dallied, and France had a penalty. Kylian Mbappe stepped up and although Emi Martinez went the right way, it was 2-1. Mbappe’s sensational volley a minute later flew beyond the keeper and it was 2-2, and the game hadn’t taken a sharp turn as a complete flip upside down and back to front.

Messi’s rocket of a shot might have won it in injury time but Lloris made a good save, and we went into extra-time. I thought France would do it. Losing a 2-0 lead in the last 10 minutes of a final can suck the energy out of the most willing legs, but it looked as if the fairytale had been written when Messi made it 3-2, thanks to a defender’s arse playing a man onside.

Surely this was it. This was the story that so many would have written. The greatest player of them all, seeing his final chance to win the World Cup almost go up in smoke, but for him to win it close to the death. The fairytale. Except fairytales are actually awful. Full of horrible people and horrible monsters and children who get eaten by witches and wolves in all kinds of unpleasant scenarios. France being awarded their second penalty after a handball in the box must have been Grimm for Messi, and I’m sure he knew that his PSG teammate Mbappe wasn’t going to miss.

3-3, Mbappe with a hat-trick, and then right at the death an incredible sequence when France had a chance to win it but Martinez made an incredible save – after which the ball went up the other end and Lautaro Martinez had an incredible chance to win it but duffed his header wide. Breathless stuff.

So, to penalties. Mbappe first, his third spot-kick of the game. Emphatic, like his talent. 1-0. Messi responds, none of this waiting around for the 5th penalty to take the glory nonsense. A captain who leads by example. And what a penalty. To do what he did in these circumstances, with that much pressure on him, just incredible. The weight of a nation on top everything that must have been churning around inside him, and he rolls it down the middle as Lloris dived out of the way.

We know what happened next. Heartbreak for the men who missed, glory for the ones who kept their nerve on the biggest stage, and victory for Argentina: Campeon del Mundo.

A look at Andres Cantor as he makes the call that crowns World Cup champions. Such an emotional and moving moment for Cantor, who was born in Argentina and moved to the US as a teenager. A voice, and a human, for the ages pic.twitter.com/eYeoBdeNRZ

— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) December 18, 2022

Just an astonishing game of football. The perfect example of why everyone wants the World Cup because regardless of how much scrutiny is applied, regardless of any criticism ongoing or otherwise, you are sucked in by the beautiful game until that’s all that matters. I remember my own formative World Cup experiences, 1978 and 1982 in particular, and I think of all the boys and girls that watched their first final yesterday and how much those memories will be indelibly etched on the football slate in their minds.

I know any talk of the romance of Messi lifting the World Cup can be countered with all kinds of rebuttals, but he is the best player I have ever seen, and I’m happy for him. He is no ordinary footballer, and while domestically he has won it all, the international stage hasn’t always been easy for him. Not least because his entire career in an Argentina shirt has been in parallel to the man who came before him, who inspired their last World Cup win.

As a fan of the game, to have lived through separate eras where two diminutive left-footed geniuses have emerged from the same nation, each with their own claim to the title of best ever, is really something special. Messi, like Maradona before him, elevates every team he plays in, but similarly, the supporting cast were vital too. What a tournament Alexis Mac Allister has had, for example. The Brighton man is a World Cup winner. So too former Gunner Emi Martinez, who I know divides opinion for reasons I fully understand, but imagine if Neal Maupay hadn’t injured Bernd Leno that fateful day. I don’t think he’d be where he is now. Football writes scripts that would be rejected by Hollywood for being too unrealistic.

I don’t think today is the day for a reflection the tournament as a whole, so all I can do is congratulate both teams for the best final I can remember. Commiserations to France, who came so close to doing something remarkable themselves – retaining the World Cup. In the end, the tears were theirs, the joy was Argentina’s, and the spotlight was well and truly on Lionel Messi (once Gianni Infantino, the limelight hogging sociopath, got the hell out of the way).

—

For more on the final and the World Cup in general, James and I recorded the Arsecast Extra yesterday evening, it’s ready for you below, or in your favourite podcasting app right now.

We’ll have a final World Cup show on Patreon later today. For now, have a good one.

Download – iTunes – Spotify – Acast – RSS

The post Argentina – Campeon del Mundo appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

Welcome to another Arsecast Extra, the Arsenal podcast, with myself and James from @gunnerblog.

The first half of this episode is dedicated to the World Cup final which saw Argentina beat France on penalties after an astonishing 3-3 draw over the course of regulation time. We chat about the fact Lionel Messi has won this trophy at last with no small thanks to a good supporting cast, Kylian Mbappe’s incredible hat-trick, Emi Martinez, and reflect on the tournament as a whole now that it’s over. In the second half of the show we answer listener questions about Alexis Mac Allister, Bukayo Saka’s contract, young players being courted by other clubs, Reiss Nelson and lots more – including an update on the Goodly Mug fundraiser and what we’re going to donate.

Get extra bonus content and help support Arseblog by becoming an Arseblog Member on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/arseblog

Remember, you can send us questions via which we’ll try and get to each week. Send them to either @arseblog or @Gunnerblog (or both) using the hashtag #arsecastextra. Best to send them Monday morning so they get noticed more easily.

You can subscribe to the Arsecast Extra on iTunes by clicking here. Or if you want to subscribe directly to the feed URL you can do so too (this is a much better way to do it as you don’t experience the delays from iTunes).

You can listen without leaving this page by using the player below, download the Acast app for iOS or Android, or download the MP3 directly using the link below.

Also, if you’re a fan of the show, please leave us a rating/review on iTunes, it’d be greatly appreciated.

Download – iTunes – Spotify – Acast – RSS

The post Arsecast Extra Episode 503 – 18.12.2022 appeared first on Arseblog ... an Arsenal blog.

L’article Aguero loosens up and insults Camavinga est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

While Nasser Al-Khelaïfi has recently openly commented on PSG’s interest in Marcus Rashford, Manchester United should not sit idly by. For the child of the club, the Red Devils would prepare an anthology contract.

Marcus Rashford to support Kylian Mbappe at the heart of the offensive armada of PSG next season? This eventuality would not displease the main interested party to believe Football Media which revealed in recent weeks that Mbappe would appreciate the arrival of Rashford to PSG.

PSG in the grip of Marcus Rashford

For Sky Sports a little over a week ago, Nasser Al–Khelaifi let it be known that he did appreciate the child of the Manchester United club where his contract will expire at the end of the season. However, an option for an additional year could be activated at any time by the leaders of the Red Devils.

24hfootnews – PSG: A return of Messi to Barça? Pochettino responds https://t.co/bTpeMCXxtg pic.twitter.com/0fjLNufu0C

— 24hfootnews (@24hfootnews) December 18, 2022

Manchester United will draw a colossal offer to keep Rashford

And according to information from The Daily Star, Manchester United would simply be ready to make the England international the highest paid player at the club. The way ? Offer him weekly income of €460,000. PSG is warned.

L’article Mercato Mercato – PSG: Qatar is watching him, he can hit the jackpot est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

L’article CdM 2022, Argentina-France: best audience ever est apparu en premier sur 24hfootnews.

I started writing this just after kick-off in Sunday's World Cup Final and am just finishing it nearly eight hours later.

There was one terrible moment shortly before publication when I thought I'd lost the lot but it was all being obscured by a dodgy bit of code which I removed and managed to get it all back - thank goodness!

If you've never read one of these festive specials, I've covered everything until the 8 January - which is the next three weeks.

The schedule is packed with great games in several top competitions and there are loads of derbies.

I could easily fill this section with a review of the year and probably should do but I'm too tired and need to get up at 5am for work.

My personal highlights were:

1) winning a National Game Award for my work on Non-League Day (NLD)

2) seeing BBC's Football Focus dedicated to NLD when it took place in March

3) getting to see my daughter be a mascot for Germany for their match against Spain at Brentford in the Women's Euros 

4) taking her to the final for that historic Lionesses' win at Wembley

5) being approached by the directors of a La Liga club to go and speak to them about NLD - more on that in the coming weeks

That's my five - what were yours?

On other matters, thanks again for all the messages of concern about my lack of heating and hot water after my boiler failed.

I'm afraid to say that a week later, nothing has changed.

After lots of toing and froing, we discovered we need a new one and it's supposed to be coming on Tuesday - thankfully things are set to be warming up considerably tomorrow.

Lastly from me, have a great holiday period, enjoy your football, thanks a lot for reading and I hope to catch up with you all again in 2023.

THE WEEKS AHEAD

The highlights of the next three of weeks include the return of the Premier League, the FA Cup Third Round, games in the EFL, National League, FA Trophy, Women's Champions League and Women's FA Cup and many other games in our local non-league and women's competitions.

Source

The post The liveliest wires appeared first on FootTheBall.

The post Timeless memories appeared first on FootTheBall.

The post The next one – 2026 appeared first on FootTheBall.

Well done to Argentina. And to Lionel Messi.

Qatar 2022 served up a stunning finale in which Argentina and France produced an absolute classic. The South Americans prevailed on penalties and Lionel Messi crowned a wonderful career as champion of the world. And well done to everyone who was on Argentina from the outset at around 5/1 or 6/1.

Argentina weren't the only winners on Sunday – Congrats to Antoine Rozner who won the Mauritius Open and with that became the Caddy's 15th outright winner of a sensational 2022. That means he's now topped last year's tally of 14 winners in a calendar year which is simply incredible.

The 29-year-old Frenchman was the Caddy's top pick at 16/1 and his win caps a fantatsic year by our top golf tipster who just keeps picking winner after winner. Well done The Caddy, more on him later in the week.

There's not a lot on offer on the betting front today but now that the World Cup is over attention will return to the domestic game and the return of the Premier League and top flight competitions across Europe this week.

Racing Tips

With some warmer temperatures expected for Monday, it looks like we have a strong possibility of the jumps racing starting again. Rizzel has his only fancy of the day running at Punchestown.

• Racing tips: Improve your betting bank with Beating The Odds

As always, let us know your best betting tips and predictions for today in the comments section below and good luck with all your bets!

The post Monday’s Top Tips: The Caddy & Messi Deliver Winning Finale appeared first on MrFixitsTips.

“Be thankful for problems. If they were less difficult, someone with less ability might have your job.”

And

“Houston, we’ve had a problem here.”

And

“The moon is essentially gray, no color. It looks like plaster of Paris, like dirty beach sand with lots of footprints in it.”

And

“There are people who make things happen, there are people who watch things happen, and there are people who wonder what happened. To be successful, you need to be a person who makes things happen.”

And

“From now on, we live in a world where man has walked on the moon. It wasn’t a miracle, we just decided to go.”

Wikipedia:  Jim Lovell

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The leadership of Nigeria Football Federation and that of the Iraqi Football Association will interface and cross-fertilize sometime next month with a view to exploring avenues for greater cooperation and collaboration in the football sphere.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of Iraq to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Anwer Saeed, President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed the keen desire of the NFF to collaborate with countries with pedigree in the game to ensure real growth for the Nigeria game from the grassroots.

“Our country has a solid pedigree in the game of football as well as over 200 million passionate football followers and stakeholders. We are aware of the fact that the people of Iraq are also very passionate about the game of football. It is important to seize the opportunity to explore areas of cooperation and collaboration that will benefit our two nations.

“Football is that big unifying factor that keeps getting bigger and stronger in holding the world together and assuming a greater role in international relations. It is also a soft power with a booming economy, and collaboration is needed to accomplish great things and attain higher levels.”

Iraq’s senior men team, nicknamed the Lions of Mesopotamia, won the Asian Cup in 2007 and have won the Arab Cup four times, and the country of 44 million people is known for its passion and high-decibel support for its football teams and clubs.

Responding, His Excellency Saeed congratulated the NFF President on his victory in the elections and assured him that the Iraqi Football Association would be delighted by the offer to explore ways of greater collaboration, given Nigeria’s accomplishments in the game globally. He also mentioned the fact that a number of Nigerian footballers are presently plying their trade in the Iraqi league.

Also on the courtesy visit were the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi; Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire; Director of Competitions, Ruth David; Chief Protocol Officer, Emmanuel Ayanbunmi and; special assistant to NFF President, Abubakar Barde. Mr. Ibrahim Al-Badri (Consul/Administrative Manager) and Mrs Sakina Al-Khalifa (Secretary to Head of Mission) were with HE Saeed.

The post NFF, Iraqi Football Association to explore avenues for greater collaboration appeared first on Nigeria Football Federation (thenff) Official Website.

Eastern Michigan and San Jose State will do battle in this year’s Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Make your Tuesday afternoon more interesting by betting on this Eastern Michigan vs. San Jose State matchup.

Eastern Michigan (8-4) has won three straight games, most recently beating up on Central Michigan by a score of 38-19.

Meanwhile, San Jose State (7-4) took down Hawaii 27-14 on November 26th.

The Famous Idaho Potato Bowl gets underway at 3:30pm on Tuesday, December 20th. You can catch Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State over on ESPN. Until then check out all the odds and our best bets below.

Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Odds

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San Jose State enters the Idaho Potato Bowl as 4.5-point favorites. While the total for Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State sits at 54.5. Currently, 71% of ATS bettors like Eastern Michigan to cover the spread.

Eastern Michigan Betting Trends

The Eastern Michigan Eagles head to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in fine form. The Eagles have won and covered in three straight games. Good teams win, great teams cover.

Quarterback Taylor Powell has thrown for over 1,800 yards and 14 touchdowns on the year. While Samson Evans leads the Eagles with 1,084 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns.

Samson Evans with a biblical performance for Eastern Michigan so far today ????

Touchdown #2 for the Eagles running back ????

CFB Live Blog: https://t.co/1hUX6gmFpFpic.twitter.com/GsdfGKYtbj

— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 8, 2022

The Eagles’ hard-nosed rushing attack has powered them to 29th in third-down offense and a top-ten red zone touchdown percentage.

Eastern Michigan has been on a heater lately, covering in 4 of their past 5 games played. Moreover, Eastern Michigan head coach Chris Creighton is 3-1 against the spread in bowl games, while the Eagles are 5-1 ATS as underdogs this season.

San Jose State Betting Trends

San Jose State quarterback Chevan Cordeiro leads the Spartans offense. The junior from Honululu has thrown for 2,884 yards and 20 touchdowns with just 4 interceptions on the year.

Chevan Cordeiro for the lead!!!!

pic.twitter.com/mlbyjrTShN

— Alex ???? (@Dubs408) September 2, 2022

However, this San Jose State team is built around its defense. The Spartans have surrendered just over 20 points per game this season, good for 15th in the nation. Additionally, the Spartans have allowed just 4.7 yards per play and only 3.3 yards per rush. On top of that, San Jose State has the number one sack percentage in the nation at 11.53%.

Furthermore, the Spartans have covered the spread in 6 of their last 7 games played in December.

Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Prediction

Eastern Michigan has been on an absolute tear against the spread. That being said, the best unit on the field on Tuesday will be the San Jose State defense. Look for the Spartans defensive line to dictate the play and bring the heat against an overmatched Eagles offensive line.

While the Spartans aren’t the popular play in this one, take San Jose State to cover the spread.

Idaho Potato Bowl Pick: San Jose State -4.5 (-110)

The post Eastern Michigan vs San Jose State Odds, Preview and Prediction for Idaho Potato Bowl appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

The Boca Raton Bowl sees Liberty and Toledo get it on this Tuesday night, December 20. Kickoff is set for just after 7:30 PM ET at FAU Stadium, and the game will be live on ESPN as part of their “Bowl Week”. Now, both teams are trying to end their season on a good note while getting to nine wins.

Toledo is currently a 4.5-point betting favorite and the total is set at 54.5 for this contest. The Rockets are decent favorites.

Let’s look at the Liberty vs Toledo odds and offer you our best bets and predictions.

Liberty vs Toledo Odds

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Toledo is -200 on the moneyline in the college football odds, giving them 66.7% implied probability to win.

Toledo Not Done Yet

So, Head Coach Jason Candle saw his Toledo team get off to a great start and then get pummeled by Ohio State. He strapped in knowing this would be one wild ride. Still, the Rockets showed a ton of resiliency. Despite sneaking into the MAC Championship Game, the Toledo defense stepped up in a big way. They stunned Ohio 17-7 and look to finish their season off with a win against Liberty.

Yes, toss out the Buckeyes game and the Rockets have allowed a mere 20.4 points per contest. That would easily rank well inside the top 40 among defenses in college football.

Aldridge on Toledo: "They could easily be a 10-win football team. Really impressed with how they run their offense. Defensively they're sound and play extremely hard."

— Nick Pierce ???????? (@npierce84) December 14, 2022

Now, Toledo does not lose any significant players to the transfer portal or to the NFL Draft. That is the good news. Desjuan Johnson and Quinyon Mitchell key the Rockets’ defense. Johnson caused 16.5 tackles for a loss along with 5.5 sacks and an interception. Mitchell picked off five passes and leads their secondary against what is a prolific Liberty attack.

The key for the Rockets involves DeQuan Finn. His ability to stretch the field with his legs and his arm could cause Liberty some matchup problems. Finn ran for 86 yards on 18 carries against Ohio along with 154 yards and a passing touchdown. The signal-caller combined for 30 touchdowns on the season (22 passing, eight rushing).

This boils down to balance for Toledo. Keeping Liberty off the field is vital to their chances of winning on Tuesday night. The Rockets possess some sneaky wide receivers like Jerjuan Newton. His nine touchdowns and nearly 800 yards led the team. He displays game-breaking speed much like Finn does with his legs.

Liberty Has A New “Interim” Boss

Head coach Hugh Freeze left for the SEC and Auburn after the regular season ended. Interim head coach Josh Aldridge knows his team makes a few too many mistakes for his liking. Liberty’s crowning achievement was shocking Arkansas 21-19 in Arkansas. Unfortunately, the Flames followed that up with three consecutive defeats.

Yes, two of those defeats were close but losing to Virginia Tech never should have happened. Then, New Mexico State pummeling Liberty added salt to the wound.

"Liberty Flames Football looks to claim its fourth-straight bowl victory when it faces the University of Toledo Rockets in the 2022 https://t.co/wSjQ9Bl0aP Boca Raton Bowl on Tuesday, Dec. 20, with plenty of bowl events for fans leading up to the game." https://t.co/QmOksRSTHc

— Liberty Alumni (@LibertyUAlum) December 15, 2022

This game asks the following question. Which Liberty team will we see? Do the Flames come out like the squad that won six straight contests and looks like a top-25 team? Or do we get the Liberty that lost three straight and looked lost against New Mexico State? As crazy as this sounds, this is the first full-night game the Flames have played all season. Does that have an effect?

The key for Liberty remains do not turn the ball over so much.

Liberty’s preseason NCAAF win total of 6.5 victories was reached in late October. Their last win was that Arkansas game.

Toledo vs Liberty Prediction

Most pundits have Liberty as providing solid competition against Liberty, but is Josh Aldridge a little too respectful? We will find out Tuesday night.

Given that Liberty comes in on a cold streak and Toledo is riding that high of upending Ohio, the advantage looks to be on the side of the Rockets.

Toledo laying 4.5 points seems reasonable given how balanced of an offense they are when Finn makes less mistakes. The defense of the Rockets becomes the great equalizer Tuesday night.

Pick:  Toledo -4.5 (-110)

The post Liberty vs Toledo Odds and Picks – Prediction for Boca Raton Bowl appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

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