Football Blog (Page 162)

[ad_1] Portugal manager Fernando Santos has revealed that his decision to drop Cristiano Ronaldo for their World Cup last 16 tie with Switzerland was not a personal one. News broke earlier on Tuesday that the ex-Man Utd forward would start from the bench after his petulant response to being substituted in the Selecao’s final group stage match against South Korea. Santos explained earlier this week that he was not a fan of Ronaldo’s behaviour during that loss, and he was asked about his decision to replace the 37-year-old with the inexperienced Goncalo Ramos after advancing to the quarter-finals. “Cristiano and Ramos are different players. ThereRead More →

[ad_1] Club America head coach Fernando Ortiz hinted at a potential new signing, revealing: “the priority Today he is a right-back, there are names.” The Liga MX giants will be looking to replace right-back Jorge Sanchez, who departed amid the 2022 Apertura for Eredivisie’s Ajax.  Following the move, Ortiz opted for Emilio Lara to replace Sanchez. And though the young player did well in the position, the head coach now wants to pair Lara with new signing Israel Reyes at center-back and sign a new figure.  Additionally, defender Burno Valdez will no longer form part of the team’s future plans, giving way for the Lara-ReyesRead More →

[ad_1] Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has admitted that his club, like every other club, is keen to sign England youngster Jude Bellingham. The 19-year-old has hit the headlines for his stunning performances at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar this winter, becoming one of the Three Lions’ key men. As expected, his form has prompted many clubs to sit up and take notice, and 90min understands that Real Madrid, Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Juventus are keen – though the latter may find their interest hampered by alleged financial irregularities and the resignation of their entire board. Dortmund remain confidentRead More →

[ad_1] Manchester United and Everton meet for the second time this season in midweek when they go head to head in the Continental Cup group stage. These sides met in the WSL at the end of October, with United securing a 3-0 win at Walton Hall Park, which at the time was a fifth consecutive league win for Marc Skinner’s team. Since then, United have been beaten by Chelsea but bounced back with wins over Arsenal and Aston Villa. Everton, meanwhile, have had a tough run but will take some positive from suffering what were only narrow defeats to Manchester City and Arsenal in recentRead More →

[ad_1] Netherlands midfielder Frenkie de Jong has admitted he has no idea how to stop his former Barcelona teammate Lionel Messi when they take on Argentina in the World Cup quarter-final on Friday. De Jong was asked by reporters if he had any plan to help his manager Louis van Gaal contain the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has been one of the standout performers in Qatar so far. “Well, no. I know him, but I don’t know how to stop him,” de Jong explained. “He’s been making the difference for 15 years and there is not one way to stop him. Usually he wouldRead More →

[ad_1] Louis van Gaal has said claims from the press that Brazil play ‘sparkling’ football are incorrect. Brazil are now seen as the team to beat at the World Cup following their 4-1 victory over South Korea in the last 16. The Selecao were on fire in the first half of that match, grabbing all of their goals in the first 45 minutes and producing some excellent football. They’ve been widely praised for that football all over the world, including in the Netherlands by the same press that have heavily criticised the style Van Gaal has his team playing in. The Netherlands manager isn’t bestRead More →

[ad_1] Denzel Dumfries’ agent has admitted that it will be ‘difficult’ to secure a transfer for the Inter wing-back in January if his value rises as a result of a stellar World Cup campaign with Netherlands. Dumfries joined Inter from PSV Eindhoven just under 18 months ago for an initial €12.5m off the back of an impressive Euro 2020. The 26-year-old has since continued to impress in Serie A and the Champions League and has now helped his national team get to the World Cup quarter-finals. Dumfries has played every minute for the Oranje in Qatar so far, having a direct hand in all threeRead More →

[ad_1] Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, the current president of the country’s football federation, was filmed attacking a man outside Stadium 974 at the World Cup on Monday night. The former Barcelona and Inter striker had been in attendance as Brazil faced South Korea in a last 16 tie and was seen posing for pictures with fans as he left the stadium. But in footage captured by newspaper La Opinion, Eto’o appeared to take exception to one man who appeared on scene holding a camera. The 41-year-old angrily confronted the man, having to be restrained by several others around him. As the situation continued, Eto’o eventuallyRead More →

[ad_1] Bukayo Saka has revealed that Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has been in regular contact with him since his heartbreaking penalty miss for England in the Euro 2020 final. Saka missed the decisive kick against Italy to shatter the Three Lions’ dreams of claiming major silverware for the first time in 55 years, but quickly received a wave of support after showing great courage to take a penalty aged just 19. The Arsenal winger immediately put the disappointment behind him, enjoying a superb 2021/22 campaign, and he’s been in terrific form for England during the World Cup – Saka has three goals to his nameRead More →

[ad_1] Neymar was in a generous mood after picking up the Player of the Match award for Brazil’s 4-1 World Cup last 16 win against South Korea on Monday night. The PSG forward had only recently returned to training after being sidelined with an ankle injury just one game into this winter’s tournament. There had been reports that Neymar may have even struggled to return in time to complete the tournament, but he made his comeback on Monday evening in style, scoring from the penalty spot in an emphatic win for Brazil. Speaking to the media post-match, Neymar said many thanks to those who haveRead More →