Football Blog (Page 167)

[ad_1] The high prevalence of anterior cruciate ligament injuries in the women’s game is not a new phenomenon. Female footballers are four to six times more likely to suffer this injury compared to their male counterparts. Seven of the 12 teams in the WSL have had at least one player absent due to an ACL injury this season, while 20% of the 20 nominees for the 2022 Ballon d’Or – Alexia Putellas, B*th Mead, Catarina Macario and Marie-Antoinette Katoto – are currently rehabbing from this exact injury. The WSL casualty list extends beyond ACLs. Pernille Harder is a long term absentee for Chelsea after undergoingRead More →

[ad_1] Luis Enrique has revealed that he didn’t know Spain were on the brink of World Cup elimination during their final group match with Japan. Spain headed into the game in a strong position, knowing a draw would guarantee them progression to the last 16 and that a win would guarantee them top spot. They made the perfect start to the match with Alvara Morata giving La Roja the lead in the 11th minute, but things got far less comfortable in the second half. Japan scored two goals in three minutes to take the lead in the game and in the wider group. Meanwhile inRead More →

[ad_1] Robert Lewandowski has detailed what was said during a minor altercation with Lionel Messi during Poland’s World Cup loss to Argentina on Wednesday. La Albiceleste ran out 2-0 winners to ensure they finished top of Group C. The Eagles still scraped through to the next round on goal difference, but spent part of the match trying not to pick up bookings as it looked like a fair-play tiebreaker could come into play with Mexico. During the loss, Lewandowski notably hauled down Messi in the middle of the pitch, but when attempting to offer an apology, the current Barcelona forward was ignored by his predecessor.Read More →

[ad_1] 90min rounds up the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip circulating around the world… While Cristiano Ronaldo is currently contemplating a huge contract offer from Al Nassr, rivals Al Hilal are preparing a mammoth offer of their own. (Daily Express) PSG will offer Lionel Messi a fresh contract following the World Cup in a bid to fend off interest from Barcelona and Inter Miami. His current deal is up in 2024. (Goal) Rafael Leao is set to pen a new contract with Milan, spurning interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United in order to stay at San Siro. (Calciomercato) Atletico Madrid are prepared to sellRead More →

[ad_1] Hansi Flick has admitted a decision on his future as Germany manager must be made very quickly after the team’s shock elimination from the World Cup. Germany were beaten by Japan in their opening fixture and needed the Asian side to lose to Spain on the final day, only for the Samurai Blue to snatch a stunning 2-1 comeback victory which saw Germany crash out at the group stages for the second tournament in a row. With many fans calling for Flick to leave, the former Bayern Munich manager admitted a decision on his continuation will be made soon. Asked whether he will resignRead More →

[ad_1] Four-time winners Germany have been knocked out of the FIFA World Cup at the group stages for a second consecutive tournament. Hansi Flick’s men were expected to put in a much improved performance four years on from their disastrous campaign as champions in 2018, but things got off to a disastrous start with a shock loss to Japan. Germany had led the game, but were pegged back through two late goals thanks to some great substitutions and rather terrible defending from Niklas Sule. They would put in a much-improved performance in their second game against Spain, drawing 1-1 thanks to a goal from BundesligaRead More →

[ad_1] Liverpool and England right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has dismissed criticism of his defending, insisting he is judged unfairly compared to other players in his position. Gareth Southgate’s limited use of Alexander-Arnold in the build-up to the World Cup reignited the debate about his defensive abilities, and the Liverpool man didn’t help himself with a handful of suspect performances at club level heading into the tournament. Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has regularly come out in defence of Alexander-Arnold and the right-back has now offered his own response to his doubters. “I think it’s come to a point where it’s the lazy opinion, it’s the lazy thingRead More →

[ad_1] France’s bid to retain the World Cup continues against Poland in the round of 16 on Sunday afternoon. Didier Deschamps’ side are the first defending champions to advance beyond the group stage since Brazil in 2006. France’s previous stab at retaining their world title saw Les Bleus fail to record a single win or goal in 2002. Here’s the XI Deschamps may deploy safe in the knowledge that his side have already improved upon the vintage from two decades ago. Antoine Griezmann was denied a 12th major tournament goal by a controversial offside against Tunisia / Marc Atkins/GettyImages GK: Hugo Lloris – The TottenhamRead More →

[ad_1] Barcelona will be looking to extend their lead at the Liga F summit on Saturday when they face Real Sociedad. Barca have won 10 from 10 in the league this term, and have not failed to win a league match since the 2020/21 campaign. They face a Real Sociedad side who qualified for the Women’s Champions League for the first time in their history last season after finishing as runners up to Barcelona in the league, but currently sit fifth this term. When is kick off? Saturday 3 December, 11:00 (GMT)Where is the match being played? Johan Cruyff StadiumTV channel/live stream? DAZN Barcelona have three long-term injuryRead More →

[ad_1] Chelsea star Reece James has said he is ‘super proud’ of younger sister Lauren, who is becoming an increasingly important player for the Blues and now a regular England call-up. Lauren, like her brother, grew up supporting Chelsea and was initially part of the youth ranks there until being scouted by Arsenal aged 13. Shortly before turning 17, she joined the newly reformed Manchester United and made a name for herself as one of the brightest young talents in women’s football. Lauren returned to Chelsea in 2021 in a deal worth up to £200,000 in total and a transfer record for a player movingRead More →