ESPN FC News
Project Russia: Mbappe shines for France
France's Kylian Mbappe outshone Lionel Messi in the round of 16 as France beat Argentina 4-3 in episode 18 of Project Russia.
Saturday, June 30, 2018
Friday, June 29, 2018
Jorge Sampaoli: I was instructing Lionel Messi vs. Nigeria, not consulting him
ESPN FC News
Jorge Sampaoli: I was instructing Lionel Messi vs. Nigeria, not consulting him
Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli says he was informing rather than consulting Lionel Messi in an exchange during the team's last World Cup match that someThursday, June 28, 2018
Two Premier League Giants Contact Robert Lewandowski’s Agent
BlameFootball
Two Premier League Giants Contact Robert Lewandowski’s Agent
REUTERS/Michaela Rehle
Manchester United and Chelsea are two teams that will be desperate to make a point next season. The Red Devils will be eager to dominate their noisy neighbors and give Jose Mourinho the Premier League title he badly craves.
Chelsea, for their part, will be looking to wipe their slate clean off the utter joke of a title defense that was last campaign and go into the new one afresh with hope.
However, in order for both these sides to make a strong running at their respective goals, a flurry of talents must arrive first. Now, a common reinforcement may have been contacted and a saga could commence.
According to France Football (via The Sun), both the English clubs have contacted Pini Zahavi, the agent of Robert Lewandowski, and are looking to sign him for their attacking ploys next season.
WATCH: Crazy Reactions To South Korea vs Germany 2-0 | World Cup 2018
While both the clubs had invested in strikers last season, with Morata and Lukaku being key arrivals to England, this deal has been on the talks for a while.
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Why United Is The Only Club Lewandowski Could Join If He Leaves Bayern
In the case of Chelsea, Morata may not have proven to be the striker they badly needed, and the Reds have found themselves overly reliant on the Belgian striker, who has also been a tad bit overwhelmed.
As a result, the world-class Pole is an apt signing to look into, and Chelsea appear to be the leading bidders as per the report.
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Manchester United And PSG To Swap Their Superstars?
However, the lack of solid confirmation comes through the uncertainty over their next manager, and this could certainly prove to be the chance that United needs to capitalize upon.
Suggestions have also been made that Mourinho could look to accommodate the 29-year-old by selling Anthony Martial and changing the formation up a bit. However, how this will work with their midfield talent remains to be seen.
Chelsea, on their part, seems intent on partnering Morata with an apt talent.
The post Two Premier League Giants Contact Robert Lewandowski’s Agent appeared first on BlameFootball.
Wednesday, June 27, 2018
Referee decides not to award Sweden penalty after VAR review
ESPN FC News
Referee decides not to award Sweden penalty after VAR review
Referee Nestor Pitana decides against awarding Sweden a penalty kick after it appeared Mexico's Javier Hernandez handled the ball.
Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Transfer Talk: PSG offering Man United Marco Verratti, cash for Paul Pogba
ESPN FC News
Transfer Talk: PSG offering Man United Marco Verratti, cash for Paul Pogba
Julien Laurens explains Paul Pogba's state of mind following a season which occasionally saw strained relationships with manager Jose Mouinho.
The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow along with our daily blog throughout the summer.
TOP STORY: PSG offer Verratti and cash for Pogba
Paul Pogba has been criticised for some of his performances for both Manchester United and France, but it seems Paris Saint-Germain have no doubts about him.
The Sun reports that United "have been offered Marco Verratti plus cash for Pogba," but stresses that it is unclear whether they would let...England World Cup 2018 fair play table: Why yellow and red cards could decide which team tops Group G
The Independent - Football
England World Cup 2018 fair play table: Why yellow and red cards could decide which team tops Group G
After the first two rounds of group games England and Belgium are level on points, goal difference and goals scored, meaning Fifa's fair play rules could come into play
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Sir Alex Perfectly Predicted Jesse Lingard’s Brilliance Back In 2012
BlameFootball
Sir Alex Perfectly Predicted Jesse Lingard’s Brilliance Back In 2012
Reuters/Lee Smith
England spent this Sunday sending their critics into a dark and lonely cave before pouncing on their words and demolishing the doubts that were placed upon them prior to the World Cup.
A creative and attractive English side defeated Panama 6-1, courtesy of a hattrick from Harry Kane, a brace from John Stones and a beauty from Jesse Lingard.
Panama’s first ever goal in the World Cup finals came via Felipe Baloy, but it was an afternoon dominated by the Lions.
One standout performer, in particular, was Jesse Lingard, whose goal today arrives after a string of brilliant performances for club and country, and it already looks like England have a true legend brewing amidst them.
WATCH: Players Reaction To England vs Panama 6-1
But of course, one man, in particular, knew long, long ago. Sir Alex Ferguson was a football genius not only due to his sizable tally of titles but also as a result of how accurately he used to track and predict the success of individuals.
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In 2012, the legendary gaffer had this to say about Jesse Lingard, then an attractive graduate of their youth-academy set-up: “Jesse’s going to be some player.
“He’s 19 and built like Jean Tigana was for France but he never got into the limelight there until he was 24. I think that’ll be the same with Lingard. As an attacking midfielder, he’s got a really good talent.”
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Sir Alex will certainly be grinning right now over how accurate his prediction has turned out to be, especially after today’s game, and if we know anything about the manner of those words, Lingard may just be getting started.
At 25 years of age, he is certainly a tad bit too old to be called a blossoming starlet, but it may just be that this lad will be the next big thing for England. The World Cup is still young, what else does the Mancunian forward have in store?
The post Sir Alex Perfectly Predicted Jesse Lingard’s Brilliance Back In 2012 appeared first on BlameFootball.
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Zifa elections biased
Sport – The Standard
Zifa elections biased
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) have increased the association’s presidential election fees from $5 000 to $5 500 with the candidates also forking out an additional $200 for the nomination […]
The post Zifa elections biased appeared first on The Standard.
Friday, June 22, 2018
Argentina authorities identify brawling fans, call for deportation
ESPN FC News
Argentina authorities identify brawling fans, call for deportation
MOSCOW/BUENOS AIRES -- Argentina said on Friday it had asked Russia to detain and deport four of its football fans filmed fighting with supporters fromThe Best Moment Of 2018 FIFA World Cup
BlameFootball
The Best Moment Of 2018 FIFA World Cup
REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
There have been some incredible moments in the long history of the FIFA World Cup, and the tournament has often given us memories that will last a lifetime.
When you think of glorious World Cup moments, you think of Diego Maradona’s stunning goal against England at the 1986 tournament, or his ‘hand of god’ in the same game, or even Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt and subsequent red card in the 2006 final.
But here’s one that probably tops the lot. This moment comes to us from the Group B encounter between Spain and Iran, with the Spaniards already a goal up and looking on course to win the game.
In the dying embers of the battle, Iran received a throw-in near the opposition area, and one Milad Mohammadi stepped up to take it.
WATCH: Fred Deal Confirmed, Alderweireld & Bale Next?
The Iranian kissed the ball, proceeded to take a run-up and then hilariously attempted a somersault, aimed at using his momentum to throw the ball with more force. However, before he released the ball, he pulled out of the maneuver, leading many to wonder what might have been.
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It was a sensational course of events, and one that should stick in the memory of all those who watched the game, because it’s a feat never attempted at a stage so big.
Milad Mohammadi provides the best moment of the #WorldCup so far pic.twitter.com/sUqO0O1fza
— Alfred Joyner (@alfredjoyner) June 20, 2018
Neymar was actually trying to do a Mohammadi throw in. pic.twitter.com/anI5AWU4Tx
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) June 20, 2018
And while he didn’t go through with it, Mohammadi gave a unique taste to football fans on how a throw-in can actually be taken.
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WATCH: What Lukaku Did After Scoring His First World Cup Goal
While this moment may be considered a ‘fail’ by many, there was nothing failure-like about Iran’s performance against Spain, with the Asian side defending astutely for much of the match, only going down to an unlucky goal and having one of their own disallowed by VAR.
Whether Iran go through to the next stage or not, one thing is for sure: They’ve given us a World Cup moment to remember for the ages.
The post The Best Moment Of 2018 FIFA World Cup appeared first on BlameFootball.
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Manchester United To Announce Huge Signing Tomorrow – Sky Sports
BlameFootball
Manchester United To Announce Huge Signing Tomorrow – Sky Sports
REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
Transfer business seemed quite prominent for Manchester United in the past weeks.
However, with the start of the World Cup, the club seems to have slacked significantly in that region, and that may as well be the case for most European powerhouses as well, with the best in the world currently battling it out in Russia.
That doesn’t entirely mean that the Red Devils’ prior business was wrapped up all nice and dandy either.
While Fred and Diogo Dalot were the big names that United supporters had already christened to be their very own signings, only Dalot was officially unveiled and confirmed as a player for the club.
WATCH: Players Reaction To Portugal vs Morocco 1-0
In the case of Fred, a statement revealing that an agreement was reached between the two clubs was the only piece of information given, and transfers have been conspicuous in the past for having broken down after bigger things were confirmed. As of such, the next update in this saga is huge news.
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According to Sky Sports, Manchester United will confirm Fred to be part of their roster on Thursday, officially a Red Devil.
The source adds that the 25-year-old currently having to function with Brazil for the World Cup had caused a few minor details to be left pending till after the tournament, and that Thursday’s confirmation will arrive as a result of his work permit in England being ready.
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Further, the final deal will reportedly cost the Mancunian giants upwards of £50 million.
The Brazilian will likely function as the much-needed replacement for Michael Carrick in the club’s midfield, although his versatility may also leave plenty of room open for other parts of play to be explored by Jose Mourinho involving him.
As far his national contributions go, during Brazil’s 1-1 opener against Switzerland, Fred was an unused substitute on the bench, and it goes without saying that he will be hoping to aid his team in going ahead.
The post Manchester United To Announce Huge Signing Tomorrow – Sky Sports appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
Jack Wilshere to end 17-year stay at Arsenal after 'honest' conversations with new manager Unai Emery
The Independent - Football
Jack Wilshere to end 17-year stay at Arsenal after 'honest' conversations with new manager Unai Emery
In a long message posted on Instagram, Wilshere thanked the Arsenal supporters, as well as Arsene Wenger and all his former team-mates, and insisted he had wanted to stay
Monday, June 18, 2018
Sunday, June 17, 2018
How Mexico’s Goal Caused An Earthquake
BlameFootball
How Mexico’s Goal Caused An Earthquake
REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Defending champions Germany got their World Cup off to a rocky start, to say the least. An unexpected 1-0 loss had to be endured against Mexico, courtesy of a first-half goal from Hirving Lozano.
The blow to the Europeans will be viewed in an interesting fashion by supporters from across the globe, as Germans alone aren’t supporters of their national side.
And while this kind of mass support is a brilliant parcel of the great game, it may have quite drastic physical implications too.
It has been reported that Lozano’s incredible goal may have set off a minor earthquake in Mexico City.
WATCH: Players Reaction To Germany vs Mexico 0-1
The nation’s government released the following: “The Seismometer detected in Mexico City originated artificially. Possibly by massive jumps during Mexico’s goal at the World Cup. At least two sensors inside the city detected it at 11:32.”
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While the Luzhniki Stadium did display a massive amount of support from the Mexicans, who reciprocated quite well after the winner was scored, a result of such a magnitude is quite impressive, to say the least.
Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa was certainly a vital cog in the nation’s leap to the top of Group F. However, the Germans didn’t exactly make life hard for him either.
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A glimmer of the side that had thrashed Brazil and Argentina to win the title back in 2014 was on display on Sunday, and some early worries were already setting in at full-time regarding how they’d fare for the rest of the tournament.
South Korea and Sweden are their remaining matches in the group stage, and manager Joachim Löw will have to get his bearings straight and put up a tactically sound squad for the remaining games.
Despite having some incredible talents at their disposal, the likes of Khedira and Draxler didn’t seem to fit well against Mexico, and such chinks will have to be amended swiftly.
The post How Mexico’s Goal Caused An Earthquake appeared first on BlameFootball.
Saturday, June 16, 2018
Uruguay strike late to beat Egypt as Salah sits out
Sport – The Standard
Uruguay strike late to beat Egypt as Salah sits out
Jose Gimenez was the unlikely 89th-minute match winner as Uruguay defeated an Egypt side shorn of star man Mohamed Salah 1-0 in their 2018 Soccer World Cup opener on Friday.
The post Uruguay strike late to beat Egypt as Salah sits out appeared first on The Standard.
Friday, June 15, 2018
David de Gea bemoans lack of support in Spain after costly World Cup mistake against Portugal
The Independent - Football
David de Gea bemoans lack of support in Spain after costly World Cup mistake against Portugal
The Spain goalkeeper's error at the end of the first half proved costly in a thrilling draw
Zhuwao driven by unfinished business
Sport – The Standard
Zhuwao driven by unfinished business
EXPLOSIVE Zimbabwe batsman Cephas Zhuwao needed just one platform — the ICC World Cup Qualifier the country hosted in February and March — to charm West Indies superstar Chris Gayle, […]
The post Zhuwao driven by unfinished business appeared first on The Standard.
Thursday, June 14, 2018
Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Why Lopetegui’s Appointment Could Spell The End Of Ronaldo’s Real Madrid Career
BlameFootball
Why Lopetegui’s Appointment Could Spell The End Of Ronaldo’s Real Madrid Career
REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
Real Madrid have their new manager following the resignation of Zinedine Zidane – Julen Lopetegui. In typical fashion, where everything they do has a domino effect of its own, this was no exception.
Hours after the announcement which stated that the gaffer would take charge of the Galacticos after the World Cup ended, Spain decided to sack him, with less than 48 hours left for their opener against Portugal.
On the bright side for Madrid, they now have a gaffer who isn’t distracted by national duties during the remainder of the summer window, although even this could prove problematic, particularly in the case of Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese superstar may not begin life under Lopetegui, for reasons that are in addition to him already having put a looming question mark over his Real Madrid future.
WATCH: 7 Things That Will Happen After Lopetegui Becomes Real Madrid Manager
Simply put, the Spaniard has a long history of preferring Lionel Messi over Ronaldo, and this may not sit well with the latter at all. In November, Lopetegui had stated the following: “Messi is the best player in history. He has extraordinary players and a coach who has given him a plus.”
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Even before that, Madrid’s new boss had voted for Messi over Ronaldo for the coveted Ballon d’Or in 2016. Despite how their supporters behave over general discourse, it has been seen in the past that Ronaldo does care about the comparisons and the rivalry.
In fact, the whole ordeal goes even beyond their antics on the pitch, as the 33-year-old’s current spat with the Madrid leadership is over the wages he makes, with a package similar to that of Messi and Neymar being demanded by him.
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REVEALED: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Next Destination If He Leaves Real Madrid
As of such, this appointment may only serve to make things much worse, and Florentino Perez could have a major headache at hand.
It has been reported that the club has allowed Ronaldo to leave following his unhappiness with the new deal on offer, but a release clause that is over a billion strong may make things a bit messy.
The post Why Lopetegui’s Appointment Could Spell The End Of Ronaldo’s Real Madrid Career appeared first on BlameFootball.
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Mesut Ozil, Ilkay Gundogan row could affect Germany team selection - Bierhoff
ESPN FC News
Mesut Ozil, Ilkay Gundogan row could affect Germany team selection - Bierhoff
Mesut Ozil and Ilkay Gundogan's involvement in the ongoing row about a photo they had taken with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan5 Reasons Why England Can Surprisingly Win The 2018 World Cup
BlameFootball
5 Reasons Why England Can Surprisingly Win The 2018 World Cup
REUTERS/Phil Noble
It has almost become the butt-end of numerous World Cup jokes that England won’t at all have a chance at making it big in Russia.
However, most of this analysis seems to ignore the kind of lads that are a part of this team and justice hasn’t been done to the potential they can execute over the course of the tournament.
The post 5 Reasons Why England Can Surprisingly Win The 2018 World Cup appeared first on BlameFootball.
Monday, June 11, 2018
REVEALED: Manchester United’s 8-Man Centre-Back Shortlist
BlameFootball
REVEALED: Manchester United’s 8-Man Centre-Back Shortlist
REUTERS/Benoit Tessier
Manchester United’s transfer plans have seen a seeming drop after a flurry of activity from last week. It now seems increasingly likely that the anticipated finishing off of all pieces of business prior to the World Cup commencing will not occur.
Keeping this in mind, it is very important to observe those individuals that were thought to be on the cusp of a move from weeks now. Leading that list is the name of Alex Sandro, and now a big update may have been provided.
As per MEN, Manchester United will not pursue Alex Sandro this summer, despite being in the market for a left-back if the right option opens up.
WATCH: 5 Reasons Why England Can Surprisingly Win The 2018 World Cup
A top-level club source has apparently revealed that Sandro is no longer a target, with the Brazilian reported to be mulling over a new contract at Juventus.
Further, the report adds that in addition to a left-back, Jose Mourinho has also prioritized the purchase of a centre-back and a second striker.
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The shortlist for the CB position is reported to be the following: Raphael Varane, Jerome Boateng, Kalidou Koulibaly, Toby Alderweireld, Milan Skriniar, Alessio Romagnoli, Jose Gimenez, and Caglar Soyuncu.
Moreover, a failure to land a left-back won’t worry the Portuguese gaffer, as multiple sources have reported that he considers Ashley Young and Luke Shaw to be decent options for the vital position.
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If they do invest, rather than going big, United are expected to pursue a cheap and developing option, not unlike Diogo Dalot, who they have brought in for the opposite flank. Incidentally, the youngster is also known to be versatile enough to function from the left-back spot.
It will be interesting to see where United go from here. Although Mourinho may consider it a possibility that is workable, their left-back woes have been quite strong, despite Young’s resilience in the spot.
The post REVEALED: Manchester United’s 8-Man Centre-Back Shortlist appeared first on BlameFootball.
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Will Arzani start against France?
ESPN FC News
Will Arzani start against France?
Australia's 2-1 win over Hungary will be a big confidence-boost ahead of the World Cup. The Socceroos' performance also raised a number of fascinating questions in the lead-up to the clash with France on June 16. Rob Brooks »Saturday, June 9, 2018
LIVE Transfer Talk: Real Madrid to smash world transfer record for Neymar
ESPN FC News
LIVE Transfer Talk: Real Madrid to smash world transfer record for Neymar
The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow live with our daily blogFriday, June 8, 2018
Serbia World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more
The Independent - Football
Serbia World Cup squad guide: Full fixtures, group, ones to watch, odds and more
PROFILE: With the tournament only days away we take an in-depth look at all 32 teams in Russia
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Transfer Talk: Barcelona favour Thomas Lemar move over Christian Eriksen
ESPN FC News
Transfer Talk: Barcelona favour Thomas Lemar move over Christian Eriksen
The transfer window is open, and Transfer Talk has the latest rumours making the rounds. Follow live with our daily blog throughout theWednesday, June 6, 2018
Mudimu’s Warriors homecoming
Sport – The Standard
Mudimu’s Warriors homecoming
WALES-BASED Zimbabwe Warriors new boy Alec Mudimu left the country when he was a mere five-year-old.
The post Mudimu’s Warriors homecoming appeared first on The Standard.
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Monday, June 4, 2018
Sunday, June 3, 2018
Nicklas Bendtner left out of Denmark's 23-man World Cup squad due to injury
ESPN FC News
Nicklas Bendtner left out of Denmark's 23-man World Cup squad due to injury
Striker Nicklas Bendtner has been left out of Denmark's 23-man World Cup squad due to a groin injury that he sustained playing for his club side
Saturday, June 2, 2018
“It Will Be Done Before World Cup” – Griezmann Gives Huge Update On Transfer
BlameFootball
“It Will Be Done Before World Cup” – Griezmann Gives Huge Update On Transfer
REUTERS/Sergio Perez
Antoine Griezmann has teased his fans by revealing that he will decide on his future before the World Cup.
The Atletico Madrid ace has been in sizzling form for club and country for over a couple of years now, and is one of the most important players for Les Blues in Russia.
He was crucial in the Spanish giants lifting the Europa League title last season, but has been extensively linked with an exit.
The French international has been a long-term transfer target for the newly crowned La Liga champions Barcelona, who are desperate for his signature.
The likes of Manchester United have also been previously linked with a move for the 27-year old, but there has been no real news about any of these interests turning into official offers.
WATCH: Manchester United To Complete 3 Transfers Before World Cup
However, when asked about his future and if he has taken a decision about where he wants to play next season, Griezmann was quick to say that it will be resolved before the 15th of June.
“Yes, it will be done before the competition,” Griezmann responded.
With 29 goals to his name last season, he is right up there with the best strikers in Europe at the moment. So it does not come as a surprise that Ernesto Valverde is desperate for his services.
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But the forward still has four years left on his current deal with the Madrid giants, and Barcelona will certainly have to pay big to sign him this summer.
Fellow Atletico striker Diego Costa, who wants his teammate to continue his legacy at Atleti, also believes that there might be a doubt in Griezmann’s mind, and that he is happy if it is resolved.
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“He is taking a little time to say what is next for him and I think there is perhaps some doubt on his part,” Costa stated in a recent news conference. “He knows that we love him very much and that he is the figurehead here, a very important player.
“If he stays with us, that would be brilliant. If he leaves, we also must be happy because he’s given us a title this season but, in the end, I think he’ll stay.”
The post “It Will Be Done Before World Cup” – Griezmann Gives Huge Update On Transfer appeared first on BlameFootball.
Friday, June 1, 2018
Gareth Southgate supports Raheem Sterling over gun tattoo controversy
The Independent - Football
Gareth Southgate supports Raheem Sterling over gun tattoo controversy
The 23-year-old has been under intense scrutiny during the past week after it emerged he had a tattoo of a gun on his right leg
