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Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Football. Show all posts

#AFCON: Nigeria's Super Eagles defeat Guinea Bissau 2:0

#AFCON: Nigeria's Super Eagles defeat Guinea Bissau 2:0


Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the national team of the Guinea Bissau by two goals to zero as the Nigeria team proceeds to the round of sixteen of the ongoing African Nations Cup in Cameron.


The two goals came in the second half from Sadiq and Eking.


Eagles in their opening match defeated Pharos of Egypt by 1:0 . Their second match against Sudan ended 3:1 as they secured the 9 full points of the group D.


Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated the national team of the Guinea Bissau by two goals to zero as the Nigeria team proceeds to the round of sixteen of the ongoing African Nations Cup in Cameron.


The two goals came in the second half from Sadiq and Eking.


Eagles in their opening match defeated Pharos of Egypt by 1:0 . Their second match against Sudan ended 3:1 as they secured the 9 full points of the group D.

#AFCON: Nigeria's Super Eagles beat Sudan 3:1, through to next stage

#AFCON: Nigeria's Super Eagles beat Sudan 3:1, through to next stage


The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the next stage in the ongoing African Nations Cup in Cameron having secured six maximum points.


The Eagles defeated the Sudanese National team 3:1 to secure another three point after defeating the Pharos of Egypt 1:0 in their opening match.


So, the three Goals scored by Samuel Chukwueze in the third minute, Taiwo Awoniyi (45th), and Moses Simon (46th) were all the three-time AFCON winners needed to progress to the second round of the tournament.



The Super Eagles of Nigeria are through to the next stage in the ongoing African Nations Cup in Cameron having secured six maximum points.


The Eagles defeated the Sudanese National team 3:1 to secure another three point after defeating the Pharos of Egypt 1:0 in their opening match.


So, the three Goals scored by Samuel Chukwueze in the third minute, Taiwo Awoniyi (45th), and Moses Simon (46th) were all the three-time AFCON winners needed to progress to the second round of the tournament.


#AFCON: Almighty Sallah was no where To Be Find as Nigeria's Super Eagles Defeat Pharos of Egypt

#AFCON: Almighty Sallah was no where To Be Find as Nigeria's Super Eagles Defeat Pharos of Egypt

 

Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated the Pharos of Egypt 1:0 courtesy of Kelechi Iheanacho first half goal.

The Liverpool and Egyptian international star M. Shalla was no where to be found on the pitch to save the Pharos as the Eagles sealed the opening three points.


This is a deserved victory for Eagles of Nigeria.

Aside Mo Sallah (Liverpool), Trezeguet (Aston Villa) the star player was also  pocketed throughout the entire match


The super Eagles' head coach Austin Eguavoen showed his strength as top class defender during his playing days. 


Congratulations to the Eagles and all Nigerians.



 

Nigeria's Super Eagles defeated the Pharos of Egypt 1:0 courtesy of Kelechi Iheanacho first half goal.

The Liverpool and Egyptian international star M. Shalla was no where to be found on the pitch to save the Pharos as the Eagles sealed the opening three points.


This is a deserved victory for Eagles of Nigeria.

Aside Mo Sallah (Liverpool), Trezeguet (Aston Villa) the star player was also  pocketed throughout the entire match


The super Eagles' head coach Austin Eguavoen showed his strength as top class defender during his playing days. 


Congratulations to the Eagles and all Nigerians.



Manchenster United lost at home against Visiting Aston Villa

Manchenster United lost at home against Visiting Aston Villa

 So the FULL TIME ended in favour of the visitors as the final whistle goes on a game in which pretty much everything has gone wrong for United. Villa are 1-0 winners at Old Trafford.


Villa send the ball in and were able to defended it thereby went away with three points in the end. 


Man United were duly punished
as a great header from Hause gave Villa the needed points. 

Missed!
Bruno Fernandes takes it... and it's an awful penalty. Skied over the bar. It was Hause who handballed, ironically. 

Fernandes missed a 93rd-minute penalty as Aston Villa won at Old Trafford for the first time in 12 years in a pulsating match.

He blazed high over the bar in front of the Stretford End as United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an end.

Having suffered an early Carabao Cup exit at home to West Ham, United have lost their past two games without scoring.

 So the FULL TIME ended in favour of the visitors as the final whistle goes on a game in which pretty much everything has gone wrong for United. Villa are 1-0 winners at Old Trafford.


Villa send the ball in and were able to defended it thereby went away with three points in the end. 


Man United were duly punished
as a great header from Hause gave Villa the needed points. 

Missed!
Bruno Fernandes takes it... and it's an awful penalty. Skied over the bar. It was Hause who handballed, ironically. 

Fernandes missed a 93rd-minute penalty as Aston Villa won at Old Trafford for the first time in 12 years in a pulsating match.

He blazed high over the bar in front of the Stretford End as United’s unbeaten start to the Premier League season came to an end.

Having suffered an early Carabao Cup exit at home to West Ham, United have lost their past two games without scoring.

AFCON DRAWS: Nigeria in group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau

AFCON DRAWS: Nigeria in group D with Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau


NIGERIA'S Supper Eagles have been drawn in group D of the competition along Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

As no team can be underrated any longer in football competitions, Egypt, the seven times champions and Nigeria, the three times winners are still the favorites in the group.

The AFCON 2022 draw takes place Tuesday evening in Yaoundé.

Cameroon will host the COVID-19 pandemic-postponed tournament from January 9 to February 6, 2022. The 33rd edition of the Cup of Nations will be played in Cameroon (five cities, six venues)

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are in group A with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde.
Cameroon were selected to stage the 2019 tournament, but fell behind with their preparation and Egypt had to take over at short notice.

Below is the full draw of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Group A

Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde

Group B

Senegal, Guinea Zimbabwe, Malawi

Group C

Morocco, Ghana, Comoros, Gabon

Group D

Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Guinea Bissau

Group E

Algeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea

Group F

Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia

NIGERIA'S Supper Eagles have been drawn in group D of the competition along Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau.

As no team can be underrated any longer in football competitions, Egypt, the seven times champions and Nigeria, the three times winners are still the favorites in the group.

The AFCON 2022 draw takes place Tuesday evening in Yaoundé.

Cameroon will host the COVID-19 pandemic-postponed tournament from January 9 to February 6, 2022. The 33rd edition of the Cup of Nations will be played in Cameroon (five cities, six venues)

Cameroon's Indomitable Lions are in group A with Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde.
Cameroon were selected to stage the 2019 tournament, but fell behind with their preparation and Egypt had to take over at short notice.

Below is the full draw of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations

Group A

Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Cape Verde

Group B

Senegal, Guinea Zimbabwe, Malawi

Group C

Morocco, Ghana, Comoros, Gabon

Group D

Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Guinea Bissau

Group E

Algeria, Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea

Group F

Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia

#Tokyo2020: THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IS A LIVING IDEAS THAT CANNOT BE KILLED

#Tokyo2020: THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IS A LIVING IDEAS THAT CANNOT BE KILLED

THE WORTH OF A SOVEREIGN NATION WHO KNOWS THE TRUE MEANING OF INDEPENDENCE!

DESPITE THE US CRIMINAL BLOCKADE AGAINST THIS ISLAND OF 11.3 MILLION IN POPULATION, CUBA WENT WITH A DELEGATION OF 70 AND COMPETED IN 16-SPORTS & SHE IS 14TH AT THE #Tokyo2020 OLYMPICS (HELD JULY 23RD - AUG 8, 2021) WITH 15-MEDALS :
7-GOLD
3-SILVER
5-BRONZE
*THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IS A LIVING IDEAS THAT CANNOT BE KILLED!

By: Comrade Abiodun Aremu


Cuba tops Caribbean medal tally as Olympiad winds up




Seven Caribbean nations appear on the final medal table from the Summer Olympic Games which ended here yesterday, with Cuba topping the list.

The Spanish-speaking Caribbean country won 15 medals as Caribbean nations finished with 15 gold, seven silver and nine bronze.


For the Cubans, their gold came in boxing through Andy Cruz, Julio la Cruz, Arlen Lopez and Roniel Iglesias, along with three-gold medal performance in rowing, allowing them to end in 14th place on the overall medal table.

The other Caribbean nations on the medal table were Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Grenada. All but one of the medals won by this group of countries came in athletics.

Gold medal winners Elaine Thompson-Herah and Hansle Parchment of Jamaica, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas, along with Puerto Rican Jasmin Camacho-Quinn all made history.


Thompson-Herah became the first to complete a 100-200 metres ‘double-double’ and Parchment made Jamaica the first country other than the United States to win the 110 metres hurdles in successive Olympic Games.

That feat was last accomplished by the USA in 1988, when Roger Kingdom retained the title he won in 1984.

Miller-Uibo and Gardiner gave the Bahamas the honour of being the first Caribbean country to win both 400 metres gold medals in the same Games since 1984.


Camacho-Quinn is Puerto Rico’s first Olympic champion in athletics.

Jamaica’s medal haul of four gold, one silver and four bronze earned Thompson-Herah and her compatriots fifth place on the athletics medal table, behind the United States, Italy, Kenya and Poland.

The USA won seven gold, 12 silver and seven bronze medals.

The much-maligned games, postponed from last year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, wrapped up yesterday with the closing ceremony in the country’s capital.

With rising COVID cases, the Games proceeded behind closed doors, with athletes forced to undergo extensive testing throughout the showpiece.

“There are no words to describe what you have achieved,” said Tokyo 2020 president, Seiko Hashimoto.

“You have accepted what seemed unimaginable, understood what had to be done, and through hard work and perseverance overcome unbelievable challenges.”

The closing ceremony showcased parts of Japan culture, amidst fireworks at the Olympic stadium, as the curtain came down on the Games, with France’s capital Paris set to take the baton in 2024.

“For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together,” said International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach.



Nobody has ever organised a postponed Games before.”

Final medal table

TOKYO, Japan, CMC – Assorted medal table from the Tokyo Olympics which ended here yesterday:

(GOLD – SILVER – BRONZE)

1 United States 39 – 41 – 33 = 113

2 China 28 – 32 – 18 = 88

3 Japan 27 – 14 – 17 = 58

14 Cuba 7 – 3 – 5 = 15

21 Jamaica 4 – 1 – 4 = 9

42 The Bahamas 2 – 0 – 0 = 2

63 Bermuda 1 – 0 – 0 = 1

63 Puerto Rico 1 – 0 – 0 = 1

68 Dominican Republic 0 – 3 – 2 = 5

86 Grenada 0 – 0 – 1 = 1


Source

THE WORTH OF A SOVEREIGN NATION WHO KNOWS THE TRUE MEANING OF INDEPENDENCE!

DESPITE THE US CRIMINAL BLOCKADE AGAINST THIS ISLAND OF 11.3 MILLION IN POPULATION, CUBA WENT WITH A DELEGATION OF 70 AND COMPETED IN 16-SPORTS & SHE IS 14TH AT THE #Tokyo2020 OLYMPICS (HELD JULY 23RD - AUG 8, 2021) WITH 15-MEDALS :
7-GOLD
3-SILVER
5-BRONZE
*THE CUBAN REVOLUTION IS A LIVING IDEAS THAT CANNOT BE KILLED!

By: Comrade Abiodun Aremu


Cuba tops Caribbean medal tally as Olympiad winds up




Seven Caribbean nations appear on the final medal table from the Summer Olympic Games which ended here yesterday, with Cuba topping the list.

The Spanish-speaking Caribbean country won 15 medals as Caribbean nations finished with 15 gold, seven silver and nine bronze.


For the Cubans, their gold came in boxing through Andy Cruz, Julio la Cruz, Arlen Lopez and Roniel Iglesias, along with three-gold medal performance in rowing, allowing them to end in 14th place on the overall medal table.

The other Caribbean nations on the medal table were Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and Grenada. All but one of the medals won by this group of countries came in athletics.

Gold medal winners Elaine Thompson-Herah and Hansle Parchment of Jamaica, Shaunae Miller-Uibo and Steven Gardiner of the Bahamas, along with Puerto Rican Jasmin Camacho-Quinn all made history.


Thompson-Herah became the first to complete a 100-200 metres ‘double-double’ and Parchment made Jamaica the first country other than the United States to win the 110 metres hurdles in successive Olympic Games.

That feat was last accomplished by the USA in 1988, when Roger Kingdom retained the title he won in 1984.

Miller-Uibo and Gardiner gave the Bahamas the honour of being the first Caribbean country to win both 400 metres gold medals in the same Games since 1984.


Camacho-Quinn is Puerto Rico’s first Olympic champion in athletics.

Jamaica’s medal haul of four gold, one silver and four bronze earned Thompson-Herah and her compatriots fifth place on the athletics medal table, behind the United States, Italy, Kenya and Poland.

The USA won seven gold, 12 silver and seven bronze medals.

The much-maligned games, postponed from last year due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, wrapped up yesterday with the closing ceremony in the country’s capital.

With rising COVID cases, the Games proceeded behind closed doors, with athletes forced to undergo extensive testing throughout the showpiece.

“There are no words to describe what you have achieved,” said Tokyo 2020 president, Seiko Hashimoto.

“You have accepted what seemed unimaginable, understood what had to be done, and through hard work and perseverance overcome unbelievable challenges.”

The closing ceremony showcased parts of Japan culture, amidst fireworks at the Olympic stadium, as the curtain came down on the Games, with France’s capital Paris set to take the baton in 2024.

“For the first time since the pandemic began, the entire world came together,” said International Olympic Committee president, Thomas Bach.



Nobody has ever organised a postponed Games before.”

Final medal table

TOKYO, Japan, CMC – Assorted medal table from the Tokyo Olympics which ended here yesterday:

(GOLD – SILVER – BRONZE)

1 United States 39 – 41 – 33 = 113

2 China 28 – 32 – 18 = 88

3 Japan 27 – 14 – 17 = 58

14 Cuba 7 – 3 – 5 = 15

21 Jamaica 4 – 1 – 4 = 9

42 The Bahamas 2 – 0 – 0 = 2

63 Bermuda 1 – 0 – 0 = 1

63 Puerto Rico 1 – 0 – 0 = 1

68 Dominican Republic 0 – 3 – 2 = 5

86 Grenada 0 – 0 – 1 = 1


Source

PUMA TERMINATES 4-YEAR CONTRACT WITH ATHLETICS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA (AFN)

PUMA TERMINATES 4-YEAR CONTRACT WITH ATHLETICS FEDERATION OF NIGERIA (AFN)


German sports wear manufacturing giants PUMA has terminated its four -year contract with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.


In a letter dated Wednesday 4th August 2021 and signed by the company’s director Manuel Edlheimb, PUMA said it was officially notifying the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of its termination of Sponsoring and Licensing Agreement.


“We are referring to the licensing and sponsoring agreement signed between our company and your federation.

“As a direct consequence of the recent developments, particularly at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and pursuant to clauses 9.2 and 7.3 of the Agreement, we hereby terminate the Agreement with immediate effect.

“PUMA especially declares to be discharged from any or all obligations towards all stakeholders involved and reserves all rights against these entities and individuals”.


The Athletics Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Engr Ibrahim Gusau signed a 4 year contract with PUMA in 2019 and was due to expire in 2022.

Part of the contract is that PUMA will supply apparels to all age categories to Nigeria’s Athletics team for four years at no cost. 

In addition, gold medalists at the Olympic Games will earn $15,000, silver medalists will get 5,000 while a bronze medal will fetch athletes wearing   the PUMA apparel at the games $3000.


The minister of Youth and sports Sunday Dare had vowed in a statement that Nigerian Athletics athletes to the Games will not wear PUMA because of a leadership tussle between the Ibrahim Gusau led AFN board and the one being championed by the minister.


Several efforts were made to give the athletes the PUMA kits including shipping bags of kits to Tokyo through the Nigerian Embassy in Japan but Mr Dare wrote to the Ambassador stopping him from sending the kits to the athletes.


It will be recalled that on September 3, 2020 the Department of State Services DSS cleared the Ibrahim Gusau led board and its marketing firm Dynamic Sporting Solutions Nigeria Limited of receiving money meant for the AFN.


German sports wear manufacturing giants PUMA has terminated its four -year contract with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria.


In a letter dated Wednesday 4th August 2021 and signed by the company’s director Manuel Edlheimb, PUMA said it was officially notifying the Athletics Federation of Nigeria of its termination of Sponsoring and Licensing Agreement.


“We are referring to the licensing and sponsoring agreement signed between our company and your federation.

“As a direct consequence of the recent developments, particularly at the Tokyo Olympic Games 2020 and pursuant to clauses 9.2 and 7.3 of the Agreement, we hereby terminate the Agreement with immediate effect.

“PUMA especially declares to be discharged from any or all obligations towards all stakeholders involved and reserves all rights against these entities and individuals”.


The Athletics Federation of Nigeria under the leadership of Engr Ibrahim Gusau signed a 4 year contract with PUMA in 2019 and was due to expire in 2022.

Part of the contract is that PUMA will supply apparels to all age categories to Nigeria’s Athletics team for four years at no cost. 

In addition, gold medalists at the Olympic Games will earn $15,000, silver medalists will get 5,000 while a bronze medal will fetch athletes wearing   the PUMA apparel at the games $3000.


The minister of Youth and sports Sunday Dare had vowed in a statement that Nigerian Athletics athletes to the Games will not wear PUMA because of a leadership tussle between the Ibrahim Gusau led AFN board and the one being championed by the minister.


Several efforts were made to give the athletes the PUMA kits including shipping bags of kits to Tokyo through the Nigerian Embassy in Japan but Mr Dare wrote to the Ambassador stopping him from sending the kits to the athletes.


It will be recalled that on September 3, 2020 the Department of State Services DSS cleared the Ibrahim Gusau led board and its marketing firm Dynamic Sporting Solutions Nigeria Limited of receiving money meant for the AFN.

(PHOTOS) Meet Ashanti Akpan, Chelsea Football Club Female Central midfielder, partly Nigerian and partly Polish

(PHOTOS) Meet Ashanti Akpan, Chelsea Football Club Female Central midfielder, partly Nigerian and partly Polish


Meet Ashanti Akpan, Chelsea Football Club Female Central midfielder, partly Nigerian and partly Polish.

Born to an Akwa Ibom Father, and a Polish mother, Ashanti plays for Chelsea Women’s Youth Team and is eligible to play Internationally for Poland, England & the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Ashanti trained with the #CFCwomen senior team yesterday and is poised to be promoted when she turns 18.







Credit: Justice Nnaemeka McPherson



Meet Ashanti Akpan, Chelsea Football Club Female Central midfielder, partly Nigerian and partly Polish.

Born to an Akwa Ibom Father, and a Polish mother, Ashanti plays for Chelsea Women’s Youth Team and is eligible to play Internationally for Poland, England & the Super Falcons of Nigeria.

Ashanti trained with the #CFCwomen senior team yesterday and is poised to be promoted when she turns 18.







Credit: Justice Nnaemeka McPherson


Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus crash out of the Champions League after agonizing extra-time away-goals defeat to Porto

Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus crash out of the Champions League after agonizing extra-time away-goals defeat to Porto


(RT) Juventus have been ousted from the Champions League at the first knockout stage for the second straight season – suffering even more despair than they did last year by losing on aggregate to 10-man Porto via a 115th-minute goal.


In one of the most dramatic, unpredictable games of the season so far, Juventus repeated the rigmarole of their second leg of the round of 16 against Lyon last season, when they started as favorites despite being a goal down, only to swiftly concede a penalty.

This time, the inspirational Sérgio Oliveira, who was Player of the Match in both legs, sent goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way from the spot after 19 minutes in Turin to put Porto within sight of the quarterfinals.

With Porto 2-1 up from the first leg, the first goal was always likely to be crucial in the return. Having only conceded to Manchester City and Juve in the tournament so far this season, Porto looked comfortable and occasionally threatening for the rest of the first half.



10-man Porto eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus on away goal rules.Juventus won 3-2 but crashed out of #UCL on 4-4 aggregate. pic.twitter.com/BgzKQVINva— @Molatsportgist suspended (@chubbyMO_) March 9, 2021



Juventus knocked out of the Champions League in successive seasons by Ajax, Lyon and Porto. Three clubs not deemed "glamorous" enough for the European Super League by Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli. You absolutely love to see it.— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) March 9, 2021

All that would change in fewer than 20 second-half minutes. Federico Chiesa curled a stylish finish into the far corner of the net following a delicate Ronaldo set-up inside the penalty area four minutes after the break, and Mehdi Taremi was then bizarrely sent off for a second yellow card for kicking the ball away before Chiesa struck again.

Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado seemed to spend the entire night providing his teammates with a succession of crosses that were easier to score from than miss, so there could have been no complaints had his vicious diagonal strike from inside the penalty area gone in rather than smashed against the crossbar.

Chiesa beat keeper Agustin Marchesin with his pace but was somehow denied by heroic Pepe with the goal gaping, summing up a night when the Porto captain rose from a spell of medical treatment on more than one occasion to produce the most tackles and headed clearances of anyone on the pitch, putting himself in the way of almost every dangerous opportunity Juve would create.


August 7, 2020:Lyon knock Juventus out in the Ro16March 9, 2021:Porto knock Juventus out in the Ro16Twice in seven months 🙃 pic.twitter.com/fhbjRNhANT— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 9, 2021



Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Juventus to "win the champions league"2018: Lost To Ajax (Quarter-Final) 2019: Lost To Lyon (Round of 16) 2020: Lost To Porto (Round of 16) With 9 Consecutive Serie A titles & the historic 10th in a row in doubt, was this transfer a failure? pic.twitter.com/Tc45xx9BuB— DKM 🏀⚽️ (@DKM_Sports) March 9, 2021


Ronaldo gave a hallmark look of despair after heading a Cuadrado cross wide from close range, and the momentum clearly appeared to be in his side's favor the longer the match went on against worn and depleted opponents.

Juventus are still yet to convincingly prove their collective spirit. Porto have an abundance of that, seeing them through to the 115th minute, when Oliveira tried his luck from distance, having survived Alvaro Morata suffering a goal ruled out for offside and Ronaldo being denied at close range by Marchesin.

It is hard to imagine Pepe and Porto's defensive wall turning their backs and jumping as aimlessly as Ronaldo and the rest of the Juventus line, supposedly set up to defend the free kick from a considerable distance, did when Oliveira thumped a low shot towards the near post, creeping beyond Szczesny.


Pepe was immense tonight 💪🏽 Had this man in his pocket 🤭#PortoJuventuspic.twitter.com/doSKbVgAUR— Lincoln Burrows (@KBurrows0) March 9, 2021



PEPE Emptying his Pocket after the match Juventus V FC Porto #ChampionsLeague morata Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/jCOVtIlZ8y— 🌟 GAINwithMID ⭕ (@CFCMid) March 9, 2021


With two away goals against them, Juventus now needed to score as many goals in five minutes or so as they had in a little under two hours. To their credit, they managed half the bargain as Adrien Rabiot powered in a header almost immediately.

There was even time for three or four half-chances around the Porto penalty area after that, Ronaldo seeing sight of goal and Pepe providing an acrobatic clearance at one point, despite having gone to ground clutching his hamstring not long beforehand.

Porto's aggregate win was deserved. Juventus only really showed the necessary urgency in the final 75 minutes of a 180-minute tie and, as was the case last season, that apparent lack of consistency and focus cost them dearly, albeit via some misfortune and an exit by the narrowest of margins.



Juventus were throwing everything at Porto 💥After 123 minutes, the ball was thumped into the penalty area 😬And 38-year-old Pepe pulled out the bicycle kick clearance 👏 pic.twitter.com/OooL7jDFPE— Goal (@goal) March 9, 2021



Sarri won the scudeto (Seria A) with Juventus in his first season, using Penaldo. Pirlo in his first season doesn’t seem like it😣 Rt for Sarri Like for PirloRonaldo Porto #ChampionsLeaguepic.twitter.com/BovIGg2Gaf— @D’SOYE🤩🩸 (@Opeyemi15293568) March 9, 2021

A two-time Champions League winner as a player with Milan, Pirlo's future at Juventus is now surely in doubt. The rookie manager was hired last year after Maurizio Sarri's failure to guide the club beyond the Champions League round of 16, and Pirlo faces a tough task to at least continue Juve's long run of domestic league titles, as Sarri did reasonably comfortably.

Pirlo argued that he has a long-term project and has faith in his players, who have taken the club to third in Serie A, ten points behind leaders Inter ahead of the closing stages of the season.

At 36 and with his contract expiring in 2022, Ronaldo must be questioning whether he wants to remain part of a squad led by an unproven manager whose achievements to date would be considered a failure had they been provided by an established coach without Pirlo's status in the game.

Remaining at Juve amid the uncertainty of another managerial change would also be a risky way to target major late-career silverware. Ronaldo is running out of chances to win the Champions League almost as quickly as Juventus seemed to run out of ideas against a functional, determined, deeply spirited but ultimately unspectacular Porto side who look like gatekeepers to winning this season's competition.

If PSG eliminates Barcelona tomorrow, we will watch the UCL quarter-finals without Messi and Ronaldo for the first time since the 2004-05 season


(RT) Juventus have been ousted from the Champions League at the first knockout stage for the second straight season – suffering even more despair than they did last year by losing on aggregate to 10-man Porto via a 115th-minute goal.


In one of the most dramatic, unpredictable games of the season so far, Juventus repeated the rigmarole of their second leg of the round of 16 against Lyon last season, when they started as favorites despite being a goal down, only to swiftly concede a penalty.

This time, the inspirational Sérgio Oliveira, who was Player of the Match in both legs, sent goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny the wrong way from the spot after 19 minutes in Turin to put Porto within sight of the quarterfinals.

With Porto 2-1 up from the first leg, the first goal was always likely to be crucial in the return. Having only conceded to Manchester City and Juve in the tournament so far this season, Porto looked comfortable and occasionally threatening for the rest of the first half.



10-man Porto eliminate Cristiano Ronaldo's Juventus on away goal rules.Juventus won 3-2 but crashed out of #UCL on 4-4 aggregate. pic.twitter.com/BgzKQVINva— @Molatsportgist suspended (@chubbyMO_) March 9, 2021



Juventus knocked out of the Champions League in successive seasons by Ajax, Lyon and Porto. Three clubs not deemed "glamorous" enough for the European Super League by Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli. You absolutely love to see it.— Colin Millar (@Millar_Colin) March 9, 2021

All that would change in fewer than 20 second-half minutes. Federico Chiesa curled a stylish finish into the far corner of the net following a delicate Ronaldo set-up inside the penalty area four minutes after the break, and Mehdi Taremi was then bizarrely sent off for a second yellow card for kicking the ball away before Chiesa struck again.

Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado seemed to spend the entire night providing his teammates with a succession of crosses that were easier to score from than miss, so there could have been no complaints had his vicious diagonal strike from inside the penalty area gone in rather than smashed against the crossbar.

Chiesa beat keeper Agustin Marchesin with his pace but was somehow denied by heroic Pepe with the goal gaping, summing up a night when the Porto captain rose from a spell of medical treatment on more than one occasion to produce the most tackles and headed clearances of anyone on the pitch, putting himself in the way of almost every dangerous opportunity Juve would create.


August 7, 2020:Lyon knock Juventus out in the Ro16March 9, 2021:Porto knock Juventus out in the Ro16Twice in seven months 🙃 pic.twitter.com/fhbjRNhANT— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 9, 2021



Cristiano Ronaldo since joining Juventus to "win the champions league"2018: Lost To Ajax (Quarter-Final) 2019: Lost To Lyon (Round of 16) 2020: Lost To Porto (Round of 16) With 9 Consecutive Serie A titles & the historic 10th in a row in doubt, was this transfer a failure? pic.twitter.com/Tc45xx9BuB— DKM 🏀⚽️ (@DKM_Sports) March 9, 2021


Ronaldo gave a hallmark look of despair after heading a Cuadrado cross wide from close range, and the momentum clearly appeared to be in his side's favor the longer the match went on against worn and depleted opponents.

Juventus are still yet to convincingly prove their collective spirit. Porto have an abundance of that, seeing them through to the 115th minute, when Oliveira tried his luck from distance, having survived Alvaro Morata suffering a goal ruled out for offside and Ronaldo being denied at close range by Marchesin.

It is hard to imagine Pepe and Porto's defensive wall turning their backs and jumping as aimlessly as Ronaldo and the rest of the Juventus line, supposedly set up to defend the free kick from a considerable distance, did when Oliveira thumped a low shot towards the near post, creeping beyond Szczesny.


Pepe was immense tonight 💪🏽 Had this man in his pocket 🤭#PortoJuventuspic.twitter.com/doSKbVgAUR— Lincoln Burrows (@KBurrows0) March 9, 2021



PEPE Emptying his Pocket after the match Juventus V FC Porto #ChampionsLeague morata Ronaldo pic.twitter.com/jCOVtIlZ8y— 🌟 GAINwithMID ⭕ (@CFCMid) March 9, 2021


With two away goals against them, Juventus now needed to score as many goals in five minutes or so as they had in a little under two hours. To their credit, they managed half the bargain as Adrien Rabiot powered in a header almost immediately.

There was even time for three or four half-chances around the Porto penalty area after that, Ronaldo seeing sight of goal and Pepe providing an acrobatic clearance at one point, despite having gone to ground clutching his hamstring not long beforehand.

Porto's aggregate win was deserved. Juventus only really showed the necessary urgency in the final 75 minutes of a 180-minute tie and, as was the case last season, that apparent lack of consistency and focus cost them dearly, albeit via some misfortune and an exit by the narrowest of margins.



Juventus were throwing everything at Porto 💥After 123 minutes, the ball was thumped into the penalty area 😬And 38-year-old Pepe pulled out the bicycle kick clearance 👏 pic.twitter.com/OooL7jDFPE— Goal (@goal) March 9, 2021



Sarri won the scudeto (Seria A) with Juventus in his first season, using Penaldo. Pirlo in his first season doesn’t seem like it😣 Rt for Sarri Like for PirloRonaldo Porto #ChampionsLeaguepic.twitter.com/BovIGg2Gaf— @D’SOYE🤩🩸 (@Opeyemi15293568) March 9, 2021

A two-time Champions League winner as a player with Milan, Pirlo's future at Juventus is now surely in doubt. The rookie manager was hired last year after Maurizio Sarri's failure to guide the club beyond the Champions League round of 16, and Pirlo faces a tough task to at least continue Juve's long run of domestic league titles, as Sarri did reasonably comfortably.

Pirlo argued that he has a long-term project and has faith in his players, who have taken the club to third in Serie A, ten points behind leaders Inter ahead of the closing stages of the season.

At 36 and with his contract expiring in 2022, Ronaldo must be questioning whether he wants to remain part of a squad led by an unproven manager whose achievements to date would be considered a failure had they been provided by an established coach without Pirlo's status in the game.

Remaining at Juve amid the uncertainty of another managerial change would also be a risky way to target major late-career silverware. Ronaldo is running out of chances to win the Champions League almost as quickly as Juventus seemed to run out of ideas against a functional, determined, deeply spirited but ultimately unspectacular Porto side who look like gatekeepers to winning this season's competition.

If PSG eliminates Barcelona tomorrow, we will watch the UCL quarter-finals without Messi and Ronaldo for the first time since the 2004-05 season

Bayern Munich’s Sarr reveals ultimate France dream

Bayern Munich’s Sarr reveals ultimate France dream


Bayern Munich winger Bouna Sarr is focused on representing France at the 2021 European Championship. The 28-year-old winger of Senegalese and Guinean origin has set his sights on representing Les Bleus in the 2021 European Championship



Born to a Senegalese father and a Guinean mother in Lyon, France, the 28-year-old had been invited by coach Didier Deschamps in November ahead of the Uefa Nations League games versus Portugal and Sweden – however, an injury then ruled him out.

Nevertheless, Sarr revealed that his immediate ambition is to play for the reigning world champions when Euro 2021 gets underway, while disclosing that his move to the Allianz Arena giants would draw him closer to that ‘big target’.

“There’s a word in French that’s even stronger than fighting… Perhaps you could translate as: I’m sweating blood for this big target,” Sarr told Bayern Munich magazine.

Bayern Munich winger Bouna Sarr is focused on representing France at the 2021 European Championship. The 28-year-old winger of Senegalese and Guinean origin has set his sights on representing Les Bleus in the 2021 European Championship



Born to a Senegalese father and a Guinean mother in Lyon, France, the 28-year-old had been invited by coach Didier Deschamps in November ahead of the Uefa Nations League games versus Portugal and Sweden – however, an injury then ruled him out.

Nevertheless, Sarr revealed that his immediate ambition is to play for the reigning world champions when Euro 2021 gets underway, while disclosing that his move to the Allianz Arena giants would draw him closer to that ‘big target’.

“There’s a word in French that’s even stronger than fighting… Perhaps you could translate as: I’m sweating blood for this big target,” Sarr told Bayern Munich magazine.

PSG sack Tuchel, Pochettino favourite to take over

PSG sack Tuchel, Pochettino favourite to take over

Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday confirmed the sacking of coach Thomas Tuchel, who had been at the club since July 2018, but did not name his successor.



"After an in-depth analysis of its sporting situation, Paris Saint-Germain decided to terminate Thomas Tuchel's contract," the French giants announced in a statement.

Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham coach and a former PSG player, is widely reported to be the favourite to take over.

Tuchel, whose axing was widely reported but unconfirmed last week, managed PSG 127 times in all competitions, with 95 wins, 12 draws and 20 defeats.

His trophy haul featured two Ligue 1 titles (2019, 2020) as well as the French Cup and French League Cup in 2020.

The 47-year-old German also led the Parisian club to their first ever Champions League final last August, which they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Despite appearing to be adept at man-managing PSG's squad of superstar players such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Tuchel reportedly upset the Qatari-backed club after complaining about an apparent lack of recognition at leading PSG to the Champions League final.

"I would like to thank Thomas Tuchel and his staff for all they have contributed to the club," said PSG chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi.

"Thomas has put a lot of energy and passion into the job, and we will of course remember the good moments we shared together. I wish him all the best for the future."

Less than three months on from the final defeat to Bayern Munich in Lisbon, Tuchel has become the first PSG coach to leave mid-season since Antoine Kombouare was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti in December 2011.

- Barca date looms -

Tuchel departs the Parc des Princes having secured a last 16 Champions League clash with Barcelona and PSG sitting third in Ligue 1 -- a point shy of leaders Lyon -- despite being plagued by injuries, suspensions and coronavirus infections.

Should Pochettino take over, his opening match in charge will be January 6's trip to Saint-Etienne on Ligue 1's resumption after the winter break.

Then, on February 16, the Argentinian could face his first massive test against his compatriot Lionel Messi's Barcelona, with the return leg on March 6.

Pochettino was let go after five and a half years at Tottenham in the aftermath of leading the north London side to their first ever appearance in a Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019.

Although he has yet to win any silverware the former PSG defender's stock is high in managerial circles.

The Parisians will be keen to complete his signing and avoid missing their man who has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barca in recent months.

Importantly, Pochettino, like Tuchel, is at ease in man-managing a dressing room crammed with a galaxy of stars.

Neymar has been at the centre of new controversy this week after Brazilian media reported that he is organising a huge New Year's Eve party despite the coronavirus pandemic -- claims his lawyers have denied.

Pochettino is the son of a farmer from Murphy, in the north of Argentina.

He is known as a stickler for detail, which coupled with his tactical acumen, devotion to an attractive style of play and his popularity amongst Parisian fans, makes him a potentially ideal fit as the new occupant of the PSG dugout.

He would have under his wing several compatriots such as Mauro Icardi, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes.

His anticipated arrival before the winter transfer window will allow him to bring in new faces, potentially one former Spurs charge, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen.

And looking further ahead, given their Argentine ties, Pochettino may be the catalyst for six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to start regarding PSG as potential new employers when he is free to move from the Camp Nou at the end of the season.


Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday confirmed the sacking of coach Thomas Tuchel, who had been at the club since July 2018, but did not name his successor.



"After an in-depth analysis of its sporting situation, Paris Saint-Germain decided to terminate Thomas Tuchel's contract," the French giants announced in a statement.

Argentinian Mauricio Pochettino, the ex-Tottenham coach and a former PSG player, is widely reported to be the favourite to take over.

Tuchel, whose axing was widely reported but unconfirmed last week, managed PSG 127 times in all competitions, with 95 wins, 12 draws and 20 defeats.

His trophy haul featured two Ligue 1 titles (2019, 2020) as well as the French Cup and French League Cup in 2020.

The 47-year-old German also led the Parisian club to their first ever Champions League final last August, which they lost 1-0 to Bayern Munich.

Despite appearing to be adept at man-managing PSG's squad of superstar players such as Neymar and Kylian Mbappe, Tuchel reportedly upset the Qatari-backed club after complaining about an apparent lack of recognition at leading PSG to the Champions League final.

"I would like to thank Thomas Tuchel and his staff for all they have contributed to the club," said PSG chairman Nasser al-Khelaifi.

"Thomas has put a lot of energy and passion into the job, and we will of course remember the good moments we shared together. I wish him all the best for the future."

Less than three months on from the final defeat to Bayern Munich in Lisbon, Tuchel has become the first PSG coach to leave mid-season since Antoine Kombouare was replaced by Carlo Ancelotti in December 2011.

- Barca date looms -

Tuchel departs the Parc des Princes having secured a last 16 Champions League clash with Barcelona and PSG sitting third in Ligue 1 -- a point shy of leaders Lyon -- despite being plagued by injuries, suspensions and coronavirus infections.

Should Pochettino take over, his opening match in charge will be January 6's trip to Saint-Etienne on Ligue 1's resumption after the winter break.

Then, on February 16, the Argentinian could face his first massive test against his compatriot Lionel Messi's Barcelona, with the return leg on March 6.

Pochettino was let go after five and a half years at Tottenham in the aftermath of leading the north London side to their first ever appearance in a Champions League final against Liverpool in 2019.

Although he has yet to win any silverware the former PSG defender's stock is high in managerial circles.

The Parisians will be keen to complete his signing and avoid missing their man who has been linked to the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester United and Barca in recent months.

Importantly, Pochettino, like Tuchel, is at ease in man-managing a dressing room crammed with a galaxy of stars.

Neymar has been at the centre of new controversy this week after Brazilian media reported that he is organising a huge New Year's Eve party despite the coronavirus pandemic -- claims his lawyers have denied.

Pochettino is the son of a farmer from Murphy, in the north of Argentina.

He is known as a stickler for detail, which coupled with his tactical acumen, devotion to an attractive style of play and his popularity amongst Parisian fans, makes him a potentially ideal fit as the new occupant of the PSG dugout.

He would have under his wing several compatriots such as Mauro Icardi, Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes.

His anticipated arrival before the winter transfer window will allow him to bring in new faces, potentially one former Spurs charge, Inter Milan's attacking midfielder Christian Eriksen.

And looking further ahead, given their Argentine ties, Pochettino may be the catalyst for six-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi to start regarding PSG as potential new employers when he is free to move from the Camp Nou at the end of the season.


Chelsea ends spell to beat West Ham 3-0 as Abraham scores twice

Chelsea ends spell to beat West Ham 3-0 as Abraham scores twice


Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday, overcoming a nervy spell to beat West Ham 3-0 and reignite their challenge for a Premier League top-four place after consecutive defeats.

West Ham proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to respond to Thiago Silva’s early goal before two late strikes in the space of two minutes from Tammy Abraham killed the contest.

Frank Lampard’s team enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth position.

Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves.

West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after a cute finish from a tight angle.

Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a bullet header from Mason Mount’s corner.

The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, giving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski no chance.

Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham established more of a foothold as the half wore on.

Timo Werner had a golden chance to double Chelsea’s lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably.

West Ham made life uncomfortable for Chelsea after the break but did not have enough of a cutting edge to hurt their opponents.

Abraham made it 2-0 with 12 minutes to go to settle Chelsea’s nerves.

Werner cut inside and saw his weak shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.

Two minutes later Chelsea made it 3-0 when Abraham fired home after Fabianski had kept out Christian Pulisic’s header.

Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

AFP


Chelsea returned to winning ways on Monday, overcoming a nervy spell to beat West Ham 3-0 and reignite their challenge for a Premier League top-four place after consecutive defeats.

West Ham proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to respond to Thiago Silva’s early goal before two late strikes in the space of two minutes from Tammy Abraham killed the contest.

Frank Lampard’s team enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth position.

Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate second-placed Leicester from 11th-placed Wolves.

West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after a cute finish from a tight angle.

Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a bullet header from Mason Mount’s corner.

The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, giving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski no chance.

Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of the possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham established more of a foothold as the half wore on.

Timo Werner had a golden chance to double Chelsea’s lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably.

West Ham made life uncomfortable for Chelsea after the break but did not have enough of a cutting edge to hurt their opponents.

Abraham made it 2-0 with 12 minutes to go to settle Chelsea’s nerves.

Werner cut inside and saw his weak shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.

Two minutes later Chelsea made it 3-0 when Abraham fired home after Fabianski had kept out Christian Pulisic’s header.

Earlier, Burnley beat Wolves 2-1 to climb out of the Premier League’s relegation zone, thanks to goals from Ashley Barnes and Chris Wood.

AFP

How Chelsea handed David Alaba transfer boost, Bayern Munich chief offers confirmation

How Chelsea handed David Alaba transfer boost, Bayern Munich chief offers confirmation


The Bayern Munich chief executive - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge - has revealed that David Alaba's time at the Allianz Arena is all but over after the club failed to strike an agreement with him over a new contract, Football.London reported.

According to the report, the Austrian defender, who has been on the books of the Bundesliga heavyweights since 2009, is out-of-contract at the reigning Champions League title holders at the end of the season. Despite having being an integral part of Bayern's plans in recent years, he looks set to leave the club at the end of the season, with him having refused to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Alaba, who has been transformed into a centre-back in recent months following the rise of talented left-back Alphonso Davies, has made demands that Bayern are not willing to meet, despite the best efforts of the German giants to reach an agreement.

Now, chief executive Rummenigge has confirmed that his time at Bayern is all but over, confirming that he will be free to speak to any potential suitors in less than two weeks time. "Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement," Rummenigge said, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October.


"This didn't happen and I don't know if we'll return to the negotiations. What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him, but he didn't accept it."

This news will have put a plethora of big-name clubs across Europe on red alert, including Chelsea, who have been closely linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks.

Though the Blues are currently well-stocked at centre-back, Chelsea may see an opportunity to sign Alaba on a free-transfer as too good an opportunity to turn down. At this moment in time, the Blues have five senior centre-backs on their books in the shape of Thiago Silva, who is poised to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori.

But with Silva now at the age of 36, Rudiger's future in west London in doubt and Tomori poised to leave on loan in January, Chelsea may feel as though they could use the signing of Alaba to their advantage, though a deal would not be formally concluded until next summer, once the Austrian's deal at Bayern comes to an end.

Chelsea are not the only club to have been tracking Alaba's development, with Spanish giants Real Madrid also reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. Despite that, Rummenigge claims he does not know anything about Madrid's reported interest.

Rummenigge added: "I don't know anything about the Real Madrid rumours.

"He's free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1."

The Bayern Munich chief executive - Karl-Heinz Rummenigge - has revealed that David Alaba's time at the Allianz Arena is all but over after the club failed to strike an agreement with him over a new contract, Football.London reported.

According to the report, the Austrian defender, who has been on the books of the Bundesliga heavyweights since 2009, is out-of-contract at the reigning Champions League title holders at the end of the season. Despite having being an integral part of Bayern's plans in recent years, he looks set to leave the club at the end of the season, with him having refused to put pen to paper on a new deal.

Alaba, who has been transformed into a centre-back in recent months following the rise of talented left-back Alphonso Davies, has made demands that Bayern are not willing to meet, despite the best efforts of the German giants to reach an agreement.

Now, chief executive Rummenigge has confirmed that his time at Bayern is all but over, confirming that he will be free to speak to any potential suitors in less than two weeks time. "Bayern did everything we could to try and reach an agreement," Rummenigge said, as quoted by the Daily Mail. "We had a lot of conversations, but we wanted answers from him by the end of October.


"This didn't happen and I don't know if we'll return to the negotiations. What I want to be clear about is that our offer showed exactly how much we value him, but he didn't accept it."

This news will have put a plethora of big-name clubs across Europe on red alert, including Chelsea, who have been closely linked with a move for the 28-year-old in recent weeks.

Though the Blues are currently well-stocked at centre-back, Chelsea may see an opportunity to sign Alaba on a free-transfer as too good an opportunity to turn down. At this moment in time, the Blues have five senior centre-backs on their books in the shape of Thiago Silva, who is poised to extend his contract at Stamford Bridge, Kurt Zouma, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and Fikayo Tomori.

But with Silva now at the age of 36, Rudiger's future in west London in doubt and Tomori poised to leave on loan in January, Chelsea may feel as though they could use the signing of Alaba to their advantage, though a deal would not be formally concluded until next summer, once the Austrian's deal at Bayern comes to an end.

Chelsea are not the only club to have been tracking Alaba's development, with Spanish giants Real Madrid also reportedly keeping tabs on the situation. Despite that, Rummenigge claims he does not know anything about Madrid's reported interest.

Rummenigge added: "I don't know anything about the Real Madrid rumours.

"He's free to speak to whoever he wants from January 1."

Bayern’s Neuer emerges FIFA’s best men’s goalkeeper

Bayern’s Neuer emerges FIFA’s best men’s goalkeeper


The GOATkeeper is now officially The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2020 - Congratulations, Manuel Neuer! 

The FC Bayern captain received the FIFA award on Thursday evening as part of the virtual Best FIFA Football Awards, beating Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak.

"It was definitely one of the best years of my career, it was amazing what we did. Especially in the summer in Lisbon it was terrific," said the German national goalkeeper.

 "It's a tough time for us all without the fans in the stadium. We have a great mentality in our team, we play for the fans and give our best in every game," continued Neuer, who joined the virtual show from Munich.

Countless brilliant saves, dispairing top strikers and many other highlights - Neuer played sensationally in 2020: it couldn't have gone much better. His contribution to the treble win is undisputed and in the new season the FCB keeper has shone regularly, including most recently against Wolfsburg when he celebrated his 200th Bundesliga victory in the Bayern jersey. 

fcbayern.com congratulates the GOATkeeper on his well-deserved award as The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2020.

Source: FC Bayern


The GOATkeeper is now officially The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2020 - Congratulations, Manuel Neuer! 

The FC Bayern captain received the FIFA award on Thursday evening as part of the virtual Best FIFA Football Awards, beating Alisson Becker and Jan Oblak.

"It was definitely one of the best years of my career, it was amazing what we did. Especially in the summer in Lisbon it was terrific," said the German national goalkeeper.

 "It's a tough time for us all without the fans in the stadium. We have a great mentality in our team, we play for the fans and give our best in every game," continued Neuer, who joined the virtual show from Munich.

Countless brilliant saves, dispairing top strikers and many other highlights - Neuer played sensationally in 2020: it couldn't have gone much better. His contribution to the treble win is undisputed and in the new season the FCB keeper has shone regularly, including most recently against Wolfsburg when he celebrated his 200th Bundesliga victory in the Bayern jersey. 

fcbayern.com congratulates the GOATkeeper on his well-deserved award as The Best FIFA Men's Goalkeeper 2020.

Source: FC Bayern

Bayern Munich crush Lyon, to face PSG in Champions League final

Bayern Munich crush Lyon, to face PSG in Champions League final


German football club Bayern Munich are through to the final of this year’s Champions League as the Bundesliga side brushed Lyon aside 3-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final clash.

It was Lyon who started the game better, but they failed to convert a host of chances in the first half. Memphis Depay shot wide after running clear, before Karl Toko Ekambi struck the woodwork from close range.

Moments later, Bayern took the lead through Serge Gnabry’s rising drive. The winger then doubled their advantage before the break and Robert Lewandowski added gloss on the victory with a bullet header, his 15th goal in the competition this season.

They now play Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.

German football club Bayern Munich are through to the final of this year’s Champions League as the Bundesliga side brushed Lyon aside 3-0 in Wednesday’s semi-final clash.

It was Lyon who started the game better, but they failed to convert a host of chances in the first half. Memphis Depay shot wide after running clear, before Karl Toko Ekambi struck the woodwork from close range.

Moments later, Bayern took the lead through Serge Gnabry’s rising drive. The winger then doubled their advantage before the break and Robert Lewandowski added gloss on the victory with a bullet header, his 15th goal in the competition this season.

They now play Paris Saint-Germain in Sunday’s final.

Australia & New Zealand chosen to host 2023 women's World Cup

Australia & New Zealand chosen to host 2023 women's World Cup



(AFP) - Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 women's World Cup after the countries' joint bid was chosen by FIFA on Thursday.

The overwhelming favourites won ahead of their only rival Colombia, with Japan having withdrawn its own bid earlier in the week and Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and a joint Korean proposal already having fallen by the wayside.

The 2023 tournament is set to be the first 32-team women's World Cup, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's finals in France, won by the United States.

It will be the ninth women's World Cup.

"WE DID IT! LETS GO AUSTRALIA & NZ! WORLD CUPS COMING HOME", said Chelsea's Sam Kerr, the leading star of Australian women's football, in a celebratory Instagram post.

The joint proposal by Australia and New Zealand will see games played in 13 venues across 12 cities in July and August 2023, with the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland and the final in Sydney.

Seven cities in Australia will host games, and five in New Zealand. There will be two stadiums in Sydney. Four groups will be based in each country during the first phase.

Thursday's vote came at a video-conference meeting of the 37 members of the FIFA Council as football, and global sport in general, struggles to get back on its feet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month.

It was followed by Japan, on 3.9, but the Japanese bid was withdrawn on Monday, with the head of the country's football association, Kozo Tajima, noting that key support was moving towards Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, he admitted that Japan's focus was on hosting next year's Olympics in Tokyo.

FIFA's evaluation report gave Colombia a score of just 2.8 out of five as it raised doubts about the ability to provide investment required to carry out "necessary improvements" and also highlighted security worries in the South American country.

Australia and New Zealand both have considerable experience when it comes to hosting major international sporting events.

Australia hosted the men's Asian Cup in 2015, with New Zealand hosting the men's under-20 World Cup in the same year.

In addition, Australia has hosted the Summer Olympics twice, in Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.

Both countries have recently hosted the men's Rugby World Cup having also jointly organised the first edition of that competition in 1987.

They also jointly staged the 1992 and 2015 Cricket World Cups.

Australia are seventh in the current FIFA women's world rankings, but the Matildas have never been beyond the quarter-finals at the World Cup and lost on penalties to Norway in the last 16 last year.

New Zealand's "Football Ferns" have never been beyond the group stage and in 2023 will be hoping to win a game at the finals for the first time.

AFP


(AFP) - Australia and New Zealand will host the 2023 women's World Cup after the countries' joint bid was chosen by FIFA on Thursday.

The overwhelming favourites won ahead of their only rival Colombia, with Japan having withdrawn its own bid earlier in the week and Brazil, Argentina, South Africa and a joint Korean proposal already having fallen by the wayside.

The 2023 tournament is set to be the first 32-team women's World Cup, up from the 24 nations who competed at last year's finals in France, won by the United States.

It will be the ninth women's World Cup.

"WE DID IT! LETS GO AUSTRALIA & NZ! WORLD CUPS COMING HOME", said Chelsea's Sam Kerr, the leading star of Australian women's football, in a celebratory Instagram post.

The joint proposal by Australia and New Zealand will see games played in 13 venues across 12 cities in July and August 2023, with the opening match at Eden Park in Auckland and the final in Sydney.

Seven cities in Australia will host games, and five in New Zealand. There will be two stadiums in Sydney. Four groups will be based in each country during the first phase.

Thursday's vote came at a video-conference meeting of the 37 members of the FIFA Council as football, and global sport in general, struggles to get back on its feet in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Australia and New Zealand bid was given the highest score, of 4.1 out of five, in an evaluation by world football's governing body published earlier this month.

It was followed by Japan, on 3.9, but the Japanese bid was withdrawn on Monday, with the head of the country's football association, Kozo Tajima, noting that key support was moving towards Australia and New Zealand.

In addition, he admitted that Japan's focus was on hosting next year's Olympics in Tokyo.

FIFA's evaluation report gave Colombia a score of just 2.8 out of five as it raised doubts about the ability to provide investment required to carry out "necessary improvements" and also highlighted security worries in the South American country.

Australia and New Zealand both have considerable experience when it comes to hosting major international sporting events.

Australia hosted the men's Asian Cup in 2015, with New Zealand hosting the men's under-20 World Cup in the same year.

In addition, Australia has hosted the Summer Olympics twice, in Melbourne in 1956 and Sydney in 2000.

Both countries have recently hosted the men's Rugby World Cup having also jointly organised the first edition of that competition in 1987.

They also jointly staged the 1992 and 2015 Cricket World Cups.

Australia are seventh in the current FIFA women's world rankings, but the Matildas have never been beyond the quarter-finals at the World Cup and lost on penalties to Norway in the last 16 last year.

New Zealand's "Football Ferns" have never been beyond the group stage and in 2023 will be hoping to win a game at the finals for the first time.

AFP

Juventus agrees a £72.5m fee with Barcelona to sign Arthur

Juventus agrees a £72.5m fee with Barcelona to sign Arthur


Juventus have agreed a £72.5m (€80m) fee with Barcelona to sign Arthur - but must still convince the player to join them.

Despite the Brazil midfielder last month telling both clubs he did not want to leave, the Italians are still hoping to persuade him to become part of Maurizio Sarri's team.

According to Sky Sports News reports Sarri wants to build his midfield around him in a similar way to that of Jorginho at Napoli and Chelsea.

They have also offered the 23-year-old more wages than his current deal at Barca. According to Sky Italy, that offer is £4.5m (€5m) a year.

Arthur is expected to play for Barca on Tuesday against Athletic Bilbao has his preference is still to stay at the Nou Camp and fight for his place.

The two clubs are also said to want to conclude the transfer before June 30 - but Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has denied this. He has admitted publicly, however, that the player still needs to be convinced.

Barcelona also want to sign Miralem Pjanic from Juventus and talks are continuing over his valuation. According to Sky Italy, Juve value the 30-year-old at £63.4m (€70m) but Barcelona do not feel he is worth just £9m (€10m) less than Arthur.

Barcelona need to sell players to raise funds for new recruits of their own this summer. A string of their first-team players are on the market including Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti and Nelson Semedo. 


Juventus have agreed a £72.5m (€80m) fee with Barcelona to sign Arthur - but must still convince the player to join them.

Despite the Brazil midfielder last month telling both clubs he did not want to leave, the Italians are still hoping to persuade him to become part of Maurizio Sarri's team.

According to Sky Sports News reports Sarri wants to build his midfield around him in a similar way to that of Jorginho at Napoli and Chelsea.

They have also offered the 23-year-old more wages than his current deal at Barca. According to Sky Italy, that offer is £4.5m (€5m) a year.

Arthur is expected to play for Barca on Tuesday against Athletic Bilbao has his preference is still to stay at the Nou Camp and fight for his place.

The two clubs are also said to want to conclude the transfer before June 30 - but Juve sporting director Fabio Paratici has denied this. He has admitted publicly, however, that the player still needs to be convinced.

Barcelona also want to sign Miralem Pjanic from Juventus and talks are continuing over his valuation. According to Sky Italy, Juve value the 30-year-old at £63.4m (€70m) but Barcelona do not feel he is worth just £9m (€10m) less than Arthur.

Barcelona need to sell players to raise funds for new recruits of their own this summer. A string of their first-team players are on the market including Ousmane Dembele, Philippe Coutinho, Ivan Rakitic, Samuel Umtiti and Nelson Semedo. 

FC Bayern secure eighth straight #Bundesliga title

FC Bayern secure eighth straight #Bundesliga title


Bayern Munich secured an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday as Robert Lewandowski's first-half strike proved enough for a nervy 1-0 win at Werder Bremen. Hansi Flick's Bavarian giants went into the game seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who have three matches remaining, and extended that gap to an unassailable 10-point advantage.

It is Bayern's 30th German top-flight title in total and they remain on course to win the treble. They face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in the German Cup final and also hold a 3-0 first-leg lead over Chelsea in the Champions League last 16.

The win at the Weserstadion was Bayern's eighth consecutive victory in all competitions since the German season restarted last month following the coronavirus lockdown.

Lewandowski scored his 31st league goal of the campaign shortly before half-time, but Bayern had to withstand a period of sustained late pressure after left-back Alphonso Davies was sent off with 11 minutes left.

Relegation-threatened Bremen threw on 41-year-old striker Claudio Pizarro, but the former Bayern man was denied a dramatic 90th-minute tap-in by a stretching Manuel Neuer. Bremen, who have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, remain in the relegation zone.



(AFP) 

Bayern Munich secured an eighth straight Bundesliga title on Tuesday as Robert Lewandowski's first-half strike proved enough for a nervy 1-0 win at Werder Bremen. Hansi Flick's Bavarian giants went into the game seven points clear of second-placed Borussia Dortmund, who have three matches remaining, and extended that gap to an unassailable 10-point advantage.

It is Bayern's 30th German top-flight title in total and they remain on course to win the treble. They face Bayer Leverkusen on July 4 in the German Cup final and also hold a 3-0 first-leg lead over Chelsea in the Champions League last 16.

The win at the Weserstadion was Bayern's eighth consecutive victory in all competitions since the German season restarted last month following the coronavirus lockdown.

Lewandowski scored his 31st league goal of the campaign shortly before half-time, but Bayern had to withstand a period of sustained late pressure after left-back Alphonso Davies was sent off with 11 minutes left.

Relegation-threatened Bremen threw on 41-year-old striker Claudio Pizarro, but the former Bayern man was denied a dramatic 90th-minute tap-in by a stretching Manuel Neuer. Bremen, who have spent more seasons in the Bundesliga than any other club, remain in the relegation zone.



(AFP) 

Germany's football league will resume games next week

Germany's football league will resume games next week

Germany's Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league to resume play during the coronavirus pandemic.

Matches will restart from on May 16, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL) Christian Seifert announced today. He said Borussia Dortmund versus Schalke 04 are among the first to kick off.

Chancellor Angela Merkel set out plans yesterday for the gradual reopening of the country after weeks-long restrictions, including resuming play for the country's top football league. She did not specify if this would be with spectators or behind closed doors.

It would be the first major European league to resume playing. Last week, France canceled its season and declared Paris Saint-Germain the winner of Ligue 1.

Merkel said authorities would watch local regions to ensure any outbreak was stopped.

Germany is widely considered to have responded effectively to the pandemic, thanks in part to its large-scale coronavirus testing capacity.

B/R Football
✔@brfootball

The Bundesliga confirms it will start on May 16

cnn

Germany's Bundesliga is set to become the first major football league to resume play during the coronavirus pandemic.

Matches will restart from on May 16, the CEO of the German Football League (DFL) Christian Seifert announced today. He said Borussia Dortmund versus Schalke 04 are among the first to kick off.

Chancellor Angela Merkel set out plans yesterday for the gradual reopening of the country after weeks-long restrictions, including resuming play for the country's top football league. She did not specify if this would be with spectators or behind closed doors.

It would be the first major European league to resume playing. Last week, France canceled its season and declared Paris Saint-Germain the winner of Ligue 1.

Merkel said authorities would watch local regions to ensure any outbreak was stopped.

Germany is widely considered to have responded effectively to the pandemic, thanks in part to its large-scale coronavirus testing capacity.

B/R Football
✔@brfootball

The Bundesliga confirms it will start on May 16

cnn

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