..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

'I have a point to prove' - Moyes wants 'winning football' at West Ham


David Moyes says he has a point to prove at West Ham after failing in three consecutive jobs since leaving Everton in 2013.The Scot, appointed as the successor to Slaven Bilic at London Stadium, takes over with West Ham in the Premier League relegation zone.

Moyes has been out of work since leaving Sunderland in the wake of last season's relegation to the Championship, while he was sacked by Real Sociedad and Manchester United after lasting less than a year at each club.

The 54-year-old said it was a simple decision to take over at West Ham - despite only being given a contract to the end of the season - and accepted he will need to rebuild his reputation.

"I was in Qatar doing some TV work and was asked if there was interest, said yes very quickly," Moyes told a news conference on Wednesday. "Couple of quick meetings and I find myself here now."It's good for me. I am back in, it's what I love doing, it's what I do. I want to do well, I want the team to do well. I also think it's good for West Ham, I think I am a good manager."

Of the length of his initial deal, he said: "I am more than comfortable and so are they. Managers now aren't having long-term contracts and we'll see managers sign one-year contracts in the future. If I had taken over at the start of the season, I would have said let's take it a year at a time. It gives me a chance to look at the club and gives the supporters a chance to see David Moyes working.

"This was a really easy decision to make. West Ham is a top club, great stadium and we will grow into it," he said of the club's new home, which they have struggled to adapt to since leaving the Boleyn Ground in 2016.

"I hope that the future is great for West Ham. My ambition is only short term because I have to win the games. I want to win the games, get away from the wrong end of the table, the squad is good enough."I have a point to prove. Sometimes you have to repair things and maybe I have a little bit that I need to repair."

Moyes takes over a team that has conceded 11 goals in their last four games in all competitions, although they are in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup, where they will face Arsenal.

And the Scot will prioritise defensive stability within the team - who are 18th in the table, a point away from safety - ahead of his Hammers bow at Watford on November 19. "I love to see goals and attacking play, I want us to be entertaining," said Moyes. "But it's no good if you're shipping goals. All the best teams have the best defences so we have to start with that.

"We have to get ourselves clean sheets, get bedded down. Let's see if we can find a way of stopping conceding goals. I want to bring winning football first off before we talk about style. There's a really strong squad of players here. They certainly shouldn't be in the position they are in.

"First of all, let's get winning. I'll do everything I can to get West Ham as far up the table as I can. The players have to take responsibility too and show they are good enough to play for the club. They have to show that. "My biggest challenge is I know I have a game coming up and I have to get the team ready and the games come thick and fast. I am well aware we have a lot of tough games coming up. I want to get us ready to put on a good show in those games.

"I wanted a big challenge. West Ham is a top club and I want to be a success."

 

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Kane will be fit to face Arsenal, reveals Pochettino


Harry Kane will be fit for Tottenham's huge away derby clash against rivals Arsenal after the international break, Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino has revealed.The striker has made a magnificent start to 2017-18, scoring 17 goals for club and country, but his participation against the Gunners had been in doubt.

Kane was absent as Spurs went down 1-0 to Manchester United in just their second league defeat this season and returned for last week's win over Crystal Palace.

However, along with Spurs team-mates Dele Alli and Harry Winks, the 24-year-old pulled out of the England squad for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil due to a knee problem sustained in the 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.But Pochettino does not expect the problem to impact his star man's availability for club duty, as Spurs go into the Arsenal match on November 18 level on points with second-placed Manchester United.

"Harry is OK, very good," Pochettino said at the launch of a new book covering his career.

"I think you can see him in the next game. He received a kick on his knee, but don't worry, he will be available for the next game."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Lukaku will relish Man Utd challenge - Martinez


Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku needs to stand his ground in order to prove his critics wrong, according to Belgium coach Roberto Martinez.

Despite seven goals in his first 11 appearances for United, the £75m summer signing has attracted criticism for not making an impact in the big matches – most recently against Tottenham and Chelsea.

Martinez, who worked with Lukaku during the pair’s time at Everton as well as the national team, says the 24-year-old’s trust in his own abilities will not have been affected by the criticism he’s attracted.

"For me nothing has changed in Romelu's mind. He is confident, he has an incredible belief in what he can bring,” Martinez said."All I want is that he carries on seeing himself in that manner when he scores and when he doesn't, which is going to be highlighted in a club like Manchester United.

"I've got a big advantage with Romelu because I've worked with him for four years… I know Romelu inside out.“I think he just relishes the challenge. He's been enjoying a really good start to the season and now is a period he is ready to cope with.

"I have no worries whatsoever. All he needs to do in his career is to carry on being himself in a club with the expectations and the demand of Manchester United.”

Meanwhile, Lukaku’s United team-mate Marouane Fellaini has withdrawn from the Belgium squad for the friendlies against Japan and Mexico due to a calf injury.

Fellaini featured as a substitute in United’s 1-0 defeat at Chelsea on Sunday after nearly a month on the sidelines and Martinez believes it was not worth the risk in playing the midfielder.

"He needs a proper 10 days’ work with no game in order for him to be fully fit," he said."Medically it is the right choice to allow Marouane to get fit. If it had been a competitive game I think we would have called him up because maybe for the second game, he could have been on the pitch."This is a period where we can afford not to risk him until he is 100 per cent."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Ronaldo: I have a new perspective of what really matters in life


Things might not be great for Cristiano Ronaldo on the pitch at the moment, with the Real Madrid star struggling to find the net in something of an uncharacteristic goal drought, but the Portuguese says that away from football things have never been better.Already a father of three with Cristiano Jr, twins Eva and Mateo, and another little girl, Alana Martina, with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez on the way, Ronaldo is enjoying expanding his businesses alongside his family.

One such business is his clothing line, with the most recent release being the CR7 Junior Collection, which the 32-year-old has been promoting alongside his first born.

Speaking with Spanish magazine ¡Hola! to promote the release, Ronaldo took time to speak about his family life and admits that he doesn't think he will have another child once baby number four is born.

“I don't see me having the time to have another child,” he said, “But seeing my family grow is honestly the greatest privilege I've ever had. I enjoy every second.“Fatherhood has taught me things of love that I never knew existed – it has softened me up and given me a new perspective on what really matters in life.”

Ronaldo often posts videos of himself and his son having fun, and the attacker said putting together the new clothing line gave the pair another opportunity to enjoy each other's company.“Cristiano Jr. and me really enjoy dressing the same way and we like to go out with the same clothes - the new collection will allow many more parents and sons to do the same thing.

“My son was enthusiastic in the photo shoot. He posed very naturally and I was impressed to see him show off his collection and what he liked.”

 

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Portugal 3 Saudi Arabia 0: Guedes stars in Ronaldo's absence

Goncalo Guedes was the star turn with a goal and an assist as Portugal beat Saudi Arabia 3-0 without their big names in a friendly at the Estadio do Fontelo on Friday.In a game arranged as a fundraiser for victims of the Portugal wildfires, the hosts were without star forwards Cristiano Ronaldo, Ricardo Quaresma and Nani in Viseu.

Manuel Fernandes ensured Portugal's first-half dominance was reflected on the scoresheet by finishing off a fine move involving Guedes, who had earlier missed two chances.



Guedes got the goal he deserved for a lively performance early in the second half, Ricardo Pereira setting the 20-year-old up to score his first international goal.And Joao Mario capped off a handsome win by scoring the best goal of the night, also his first for the national team, with a drive from outside the area in the 90th minute.

The Euro 2016 champions were rarely tested against another side heading to Russia next year, with Fernando Santos and counterpart Edgardo Bauza eagerly awaiting the December 1 draw.Portugal have now won eight of their last nine matches, having pipped Switzerland to top spot in qualifying, while they have kept four clean sheets in a row.


Joao Mario struck the crossbar with a deflected effort after eight minutes as Portugal made a bright start at the home of second-tier side Academico Viseu.

Guedes headed a great chance wide after a Bernardo Silva corner from the right found its way through a crowded box to the back post, the forward then compounding a poor miss by falling over his own feet when through on goal.But Saudi Arabia could not hold out much longer, the opening goal arriving after 31 minutes.

Guedes made amends with a fine run and cross that Manuel Fernandes tucked past Mohammed Al Owais with a sweet first-time finish into the bottom-left corner.Valencia loan star Guedes almost capped a busy first period with a goal but drilled a 20-yard strike into the side netting on the stroke of half-time.

Guedes went close again shortly after the restart but slotted a shot just wide after swapping passes with Joao Mario but a deserved goal for the forward soon arrived.

Half-time substitute Pereira perfectly timed his run into the box to meet a Bernardo Silva pass and he pulled the ball back for Guedes to sweep a finish across Al Owais to guarantee Portugal would win the match. Saudi Arabia tried to keep the scoreline respectable, Al Owais beating away a dipping Bruno Fernandes effort on the hour before Andre Silva fluffed his lines when picked out in the box by the impressive Guedes.



The Saudi goalkeeper saved further efforts from debutant Bruma and Joao Mario but was left helpless as Portugal wrapped up the scoring in the last minute of normal time.

Gelson Martins fed Joao Mario 25 yards from goal and the Inter midfielder let fly with a fine strike into Al Owais' bottom-right corner.Portugal will next be in action in a friendly against United States on Tuesday, while Saudi Arabia face Bulgaria on Monday.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

England 0 Germany 0: Pickford and Sane impress in Wembley draw

England held world champions Germany at Wembley as two experimental sides played out a 0-0 draw in their first friendly since sealing World Cup qualification.

The Three Lions had been expected to feel the absence of key men Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane, among others, while Joachim Low's visitors were similarly missing stars Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka and Thomas Muller.

But there was no lack of quality on display in a match that was more entertaining than the scoreline suggested, as the in-form Leroy Sane starred for Germany and struck the woodwork with the best effort of the first half.Jordan Pickford, making his senior debut for Gareth Southgate's men, deserved that slice of luck as he turned in a determined performance, keeping out Timo Werner on multiple occasions.

Chances at the other end were considerably more scarce, but Ruben Loftus-Cheek also impressed in his England bow, with the hosts looking increasingly relaxed in a new-look 3-5-2 formation as the game wore on before substitute Jesse Lingard wasted a super chance to win it at the death.

Considering the talk of farce at the hosts' numerous withdrawals from the squad, this ended up being a handy workout for Southgate and his side against top-class opposition, with Brazil the next opponents in London on Tuesday, when Germany are also at home in another glamour friendly against France.England have now gone five matches without defeat, while Germany have not lost in 20 games since Euro 2016.


Two England debutants were instantly in the thick of the action as Pickford was forced to rush from his line to challenge Timo Werner inside the opening minute, before a low left-wing centre just evaded the advancing Tammy Abraham at the other end.

Sane thrashed wide of Pickford's goal following a pass from Germany's own new boy Marcel Halstenberg, but the Manchester City winger continued to trouble the England defence.

He curled a wonderful effort against the underside of the crossbar when given time and space 20 yards out, before Sane threatened again in Germany's next attack of note when, with the goalkeeper beaten, he saw Phil Jones brilliantly block his strike in front of the line after a rebound from Werner's saved shot had fallen into his path.

That proved to be the end for Jones as further injury misfortune for Southgate required the introduction of another newcomer in Joe Gomez, who then lost the lively Werner and watched on with some relief as Pickford saved superbly.

Abraham's first real sight of goal so nearly led to the opener as England ended the first half on the front foot, but a deflected effort looped just wide.The interval did not disrupt the momentum England had started to build and only Marc-Andre ter Stegen's strong right arm kept a Jamie Vardy header out shortly after the restart.

That preceded the game's quietest spell as Germany monopolised possession, with Loftus-Cheek only occasionally prompting a counter-attack, as a series of substitutions slowed play further heading into the closing stages.England could well have stolen victory with the last kick of the game as Lingard lashed a close-range finish over the crossbar after Harry Maguire had headed substitute Marcus Rashford's free-kick into his path.

That meant both sides had to make do with a draw that should offer each of the coaches some encouragement as next year's tournament in Russia begins to move into view.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France 2 Wales 0: Griezmann, Giroud on target for Les Bleus

Antoine Griezmann proved his worth to France with a scintillating individual display as his volley, combined with Olivier Giroud's second-half strike, helped Didier Deschamps' side claim a 2-0 friendly win over Wales on Friday.

Having cruised through their World Cup qualification campaign, the hosts were in fine form at Stade de France, with Griezmann at the heart of a vibrant first-half performance in Les Bleus' first meeting with Wales since 1982.

Following a lively opening, in which Kylian Mbappe struck the woodwork, Griezmann took matters into his own hands 18 minutes in - volleying home from Corentin Tolisso's pinpoint pass - though Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey should have done better.



Shorn of the injured Gareth Bale, Wales - in their first match since missing out on a place in the World Cup qualification play-offs - improved after the interval, with Steve Mandanda at his best to deny Aaron Ramsey from point-blank range.Any hopes of a comeback for Chris Coleman's side were ended with 19 minutes remaining, however, as Giroud tucked home in typically composed fashion.

Samuel Umtiti and Benjamin Pavard almost added gloss to the triumph late on, but their misses mattered little, as Wales' five-match unbeaten run on the road was brought to a halt.


France should have been ahead inside eight minutes - Blaise Matuidi and midfield partner Tolisso both wasteful from the edge of Wales' area. Wales had Hennessey to thank moments later as he somehow turned Mbappe's strike onto the crossbar, though he was then beaten far too easily for France's opener.

Griezmann did well to connect with Tolisso's delicately-weighted throughball, the Atletico Madrid man executing an acrobatic over-the-shoulder volley which, despite lacking any real power, slipped through Hennessey's grasp.

France continued to cause havoc - Ashley Williams ensuring Ben Davies' error did not prove costly when Kinglsey Coman easily shrugged off the Tottenham defender.

For all France's domination, though, Wales could have been level on 36 minutes had Gunter made a better connection with Neil Taylor's cross.Hennessey atoned for his earlier error with a superb stop minutes after the restart, lunging to his left to keep out Giroud's venomous shot.

Griezmann's game came to an end just after the hour, France's goalscorer receiving a standing ovation as he made way for the inform Nabil Fekir.Fekir's impact was instantaneous when his brilliant corner found fellow substitute Steven N'Zonzi, who failed to direct his header on target.

N'Zonzi's miss almost proved costly, Mandanda pulling off an instinctive save to prevent Ramsey restoring parity following fine play from Wales debutant David Brooks.Wales' resurgence was short-lived though - Giroud on hand to squeeze in a cute finish after great work from Mbappe.

France could have made it three in the closing stages, with both Umtiti and Pavard both striking the upright as Les Bleus eased to a comfortable win.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sweden 1 Italy 0: Johansson leaves Azzurri and Ventura on the brink

Italy face failing to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1958 after substitute Jakob Johansson gave Sweden a 1-0 first-leg lead in their play-off encounter.

Questions over Gian Piero Ventura's abilities as head coach of the Azzurri must now be met with a decisive answer in Monday's return at San Siro after a disjointed display in Solna.

Watched on by the iconic Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the stands, Sweden's robust forward duo Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen proved a handful for the unusually discomforted Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in Italy's defence.


AEK Athens midfielder Johansson had not been on the field for four minutes as Albin Ekdal's replacement when Italy failed to deal with a long throw just after the hour and he beat Gianluigi Buffon via a deflection.

Matteo Darmian came closest to finding an equaliser when he was denied by the post but a tough task awaits in Milan, especially after influential midfielder Marco Verratti collected a booking to rule himself out of Ventura's date with destiny.


The tone was set for a bustling, frenetic opening inside the first minute when Toivonen caught Bonucci with an elbow. The AC Milan defender writhed on the floor and Berg received a booking for dissent as he did so.

RB Leipzig playmaker Emil Forsberg skied a fourth-minute free-kick – Bonucci tugging Berg to the floor to continue his inauspicious start - before Andrea Belotti headed Darmian's searching left-wing cross narrowly wide on Italy's first attack.
Toivonen than pulled a drive just past Buffon's right-hand post following cute work by Forsberg, who lifted wastefully off target again when the ball broke to him on the edge of the Italy box in the 25th minute.

Italy were struggling to gain a foothold in the contest and Verratti encapsulated their simmering frustration with an ill-judged challenge on Berg that brought a yellow card to rule him out of the second leg.Buffon was forced to fling himself expertly at the feet of Toivonen after Chiellini became the latest of his old defensive lieutenants to err under pressure from Berg.

The visitors began the second half with greater conviction – Antonio Candreva's devilish cross from the right sewing confusion between Sweden goalkeeper Robin Olsen and captain Andreas Granqvist, almost forcing the latter into an own-goal.

As the hour approached, the teams were involved in an increasingly fractious contest, with Berg orchestrating much of the disquiet.The Al Ain striker barged Chiellini to instigate a collision with Buffon before catching Daniele De Rossi with another of his wandering elbows.

Italy were increasingly irked as a collective and it was in this state that they fell behind.Toivonen outmuscled Chiellini to get his head to Emil Krafth's long throw and Johansson, with his first meaningful contribution, smashed goalwards to see a telling deflection off Marco Parolo do the rest.



Ventura sent on Eder for the ineffective Belotti in a bid to force a reply, which almost arrived from an unlikely source – Manchester United wing-back Darmian clattering a thunderous drive against the post with Olsen rooted to the spot.
A convincing final rally failed to materialise, even with Lorenzo Insigne on in Verratti's place.

Ventura could do worse than trusting in-form Napoli attacker Insigne to salvage matters when the teams reconvene. If Italy do not escape, Antonio Conte's successor will surely see his reign end in ignominy.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Belgium 3 Mexico 3: Lukaku and Lozano hit doubles in pulsating draw

Romelu Lukaku and Hirving Lozano both scored braces as Belgium and Mexico played out an entertaining 3-3 draw at the King Baudouin Stadium in Brussels.

Captain Eden Hazard opened the scoring for Roberto Martinez's side in the 17th minute after Lukaku's shot had been blocked, before Mexico levelled through Andres Guardado's penalty after 38 minutes.Lukaku grabbed his first shortly after half-time, only for PSV Eindhoven midfielder Lozano to take centre stage with an impressive double.



His first was a cool finish from outside the area and his second was a superb first-time volley after Thibaut Courtois had saved his initial shot.Lukaku was to have the final say, though, as he grabbed his second 20 minutes from time to ensure the game finished level.


Mexico started in purposeful fashion and came close to taking the lead inside the opening five minutes as Miguel Layun's swerving drive from distance was palmed away by Courtois.

Belgium started to exert their authority soon after, though, and were rewarded with the game's opening goal.Hazard picked up the ball just inside the Mexico half and set off on a surging run that ended with a smart pass into the feet of Lukaku.

The Manchester United forward's thumping effort was parried away by Guillermo Ochoa, but only as far as the onrushing Hazard, who had the simple task of stroking home from six yards out.Mexico levelled seven minutes before the break and it came from a miserable piece of defending by Laurent Ciman.

The Montreal Impact defender brazenly tugged back Javier Hernandez as the West Ham striker tried to latch onto a cross and Guardado coolly slotted past Courtois from the resulting spot-kick.Hazard's effort from an acute angle was kept out by Ochoa soon after, while the influential Kevin De Bruyne saw a shot crash off the outside of the post as the Red Devils tried in vain to retain the lead before the break.

The second half started at a frenetic pace, with Lukaku scoring his first in the 55th minute. Substitute Dries Mertens did well to create space down the right and clip in a cross that the 24-year-old managed to get his thigh to from close range.

Their lead lasted less than a minute, though, as Lozano scored the first goal of his quick-fire brace. The 22-year-old expertly pulled a long ball out of the sky before firing a half-volley inside the right-hand post.



His second, just four minutes later, was even better. His initial shot from the edge of the area was pushed back towards him by Courtois and he responded by unleashing a thumping first-time volley past the Chelsea goalkeeper.A familiar combination teamed up for Belgium's equaliser in the 70th minute as the lively Mertens crossed from the right for Lukaku to clip a delicate finish over Ochoa to level the scores again.

Lozano squandered a glorious opportunity in the closing stages to grab a memorable hat-trick and win the game for Mexico, but his effort skewed agonisingly wide of the far post.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Phil Jones limps off with groin injury in England friendly


Manchester United may be left to rue injury trouble from the international break after defender Phil Jones limped off during England's clash with Germany.

The centre-back was visibly struggling to get around the Wembley pitch from the first moments of Friday's friendly, and almost allowed Leroy Sane to open the scoring. And with just 24 minutes played Jones went down, and was unable to play any further part in the encounter.

Jones' left groin was heavily strapped by the England medical team, but there was no need for a stretcher as he limped slowly off the turf. Liverpool's Joe Gomez was the man chosen to replace the defender, making his international debut for the Three Lions in the process.

United will be now crossing their fingers and hoping Jones' groin trouble is minor, as manager Jose Mourinho faces the prospect of another name on his injury list.

Paul Pogba, Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo have also been ruled out for the Special One, who said last week he would not moan about injury troubles.

"I think it's my fault because I should cry every week about our injuries and remind everybody day after day or press conference after press conference," he pointed out.

"It's my decision, it's my way of dealing with problems, it's my way of trying to motivate and give confidence to the players that are going to replace people but again maybe I have to reconsider my profile."I know that I moan with a lot of things but I don't do with injuries and probably I should."

 

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Phil Jones limps off with groin injury in England friendly

Paduwa wenne apita thamaiGel well soon Jones!​

 

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Gabriel Jesus: I have not made Brazil's World Cup squad yet


Gabriel Jesus believes he still has work to do to earn a place in Brazil's World Cup squad despite scoring for his country yet again in a friendly win over Japan on Friday.The Manchester City striker wrapped up a 3-1 win in Lille with his eighth senior international goal, adding to the nine strikes he has scored for his club this season.

But although Jesus looks set to partner Neymar in attack for Brazil at the World Cup, the 20-year-old is taking nothing for granted ahead of the tournament in Russia.

Jesus told reporters: "When they say that I already have a guaranteed place to be called to the World Cup, I think it is a bit too hasty because this is the Brazilian team. I don't see it this way.

"No one has a guaranteed seat. Today you can play, tomorrow there is another one in your place. You have to get there because you deserve it and do a good job both in the national team and in the club."So you can put together a sequence. I try to do as much here as when I am with Manchester City. I can always improve."

Neymar has dominated the headlines again for Brazil, scoring one penalty and missing another against Japan after a testing start to life at Paris Saint-Germain that has included a red card against Marseille and reported rows with head coach Unai Emery and team-mate Edinson Cavani.

But Jesus says the world's most expensive player has not been affected by negative stories in the media, although Neymar - who has denied the reports - broke down in tears when he appeared alongside Brazil boss Tite at Friday's post-match news conference.

"I did not notice anything different," Jesus added. "In training he was normal."I found him well, as always. He's a great guy, cheerful, loves what he does, like me and all of us.

"On the field or off it he is always in a good mood, affecting everyone. I did not notice anything different about his behaviour in the last days."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Real Madrid star Bale suffers groin strain


Gareth Bale is facing up to a month on the sidelines after Real Madrid confirmed another injury setback for the Wales international.

Bale has been restricted to nine appearances in all competitions for Madrid this season and last featured at Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League at the end of September – limping out of the action during the closing stages after opening the scoring in a 3-1 win.

On that occasion, the 28-year-old suffered a calf injury that ruled him out of Wales' decisive World Cup qualification defeat to the Republic of Ireland last month.

Bale, who had his 2016-17 campaign disrupted by calf and ankle problems, was back in training with Zinedine Zidane's squad ahead of next weekend's derby at Atletico Madrid but a club statement confirmed he has strained an adductor muscle in his left leg.

A statement released by Madrid read: "Our player Gareth Bale, who felt some discomfort in his left leg at the end of Thursday's training session, today underwent various tests carried out by the Real Madrid Sanitas medical team."He has been diagnosed with a strain to the middle third of the adductor longus muscle in his left leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Madrid did not put a date on Bale's return, simply stating his progress would be monitored, but reports in Spain suggest the former Tottenham star is facing between three and four weeks on the sidelines.

Along with the trip to Atleti's Wanda Metropolitano on November 18, Bale will sit out Madrid's next Champions League match against APOEL and may also miss the conclusion of their Group H campaign when Dortmund visit the Santiago Bernabeu on December 6.A trip to Athletic Bilbao and a home match against Sevilla in LaLiga come either side of the latter contest before Madrid begin their Club World Cup campaign in Abu Dhabi on December 13.

Zidane's men host Barcelona, who are eight points better off at the summit of Spain's top flight, in the first Clasico of the season on December 23.

 

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Evra sacked by Marseille after UEFA ban him for entire season for fan attack


Patrice Evra has been sacked by Marseille and handed a season-long ban by UEFA from the federation's club competitions after kicking a club fan during a touchline fracas.

The former Manchester United and Juventus full-back was initially internally suspended by his club for the incident, which took place prior to kick-off in a Europa League clash against Vitoria.

And just minutes after UEFA made public a season-long suspension for the player, Marseille in turn revealed his contract had been terminated "by mutual consent".

Citing his "impeccable behaviour" since joining the Ligue 1 side from Juve in January 2017, L'OM nevertheless recognised the "irreparable" damage that had been caused by Evra's attack on a fan. Supporters' indignation at the exuberant Evra came to a head at the weekend, when banners calling on him to "get out of the club" were shown at the Stade Velodrome ahead of a home clash with Caen.

While his Marseille career may have come to an abrupt end, Evra's UEFA ban will be in force at any European club that wishes to hire his services until June 30 2018.The player has also received a fine of €10,000 for his actions.

Marseille and Vitoria were likewise sanctioned by the UEFA disciplinary committee, which released the findings of its investigation on Friday. The Ligue 1 club was hit with a €25,000 fine and ordered to settle with Vitoria over the damages caused by supporters, while the latter was fined €5,000 for a pitch invasion carried out by home fans.

Evra, meanwhile, has so far remained defiant in the wake of scandal, thanking "real" Marseille supporters at the weekend for their support.

 

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Lampard: Player quality, not Mourinho, to blame if Man Utd don't win

Jose Mourinho will not be to blame if Manchester United fail to win the Premier League, according to Chelsea great Frank Lampard.

Mourinho has faced criticism for his style this season, with United falling eight points behind runaway leaders and rivals Manchester City.

Man United (23 points) are back in the chasing pack, along with Tottenham (23), Chelsea (22), Liverpool (19) and Arsenal (19).

But Lampard – who won three Premier League titles at Chelsea, including two under Mourinho – said it would come down to the quality of players at his former manager's disposal if the club were unable to claim the crown.

"Mourinho is a manager that likes to win and he has a way of winning. It's different to Pep Guardiola, different to Antonio Conte and that's his way," he toldOmnisport , speaking thanks to Chelsea FC club partners Yokohama Tyres."If Manchester United don't win the Premier League, for me it's the quality of the players.

"Manchester City have a very strong squad this year, Chelsea still have a very strong squad and I think particularly the first XI, if everybody's fit, Chelsea are very strong.

"When I look at Manchester United, they're there around that area, but maybe the other teams can be stronger."I certainly don't think it'll be the manager, and I actually do think that Manchester United will be competitive towards the end of the season, so we'll see."

Mourinho's side have won just one of their past four league matches, having drawn with Liverpool (0-0) and lost to Chelsea (1-0) and Huddersfield Town (2-1).

 

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Morata: Neymar to Madrid is difficult but not impossible


Paris Saint-Germain star Neymar could join Real Madrid but it will be difficult, according to Chelsea forward Alvaro Morata.The Brazil international has again been linked to the La Liga champions, with Madrid captain Sergio Ramos saying the door was open for the 25-year-old.

Neymar made a world-record move from Madrid's fierce rivals Barcelona to PSG in August and has scored 11 goals in 12 games in all competitions for the Ligue 1 giants.

Morata, who left Madrid for Chelsea in July, said Neymar joining his former club would be hard – but not impossible.
"I think it is difficult because of his past," the Spain international told El Larguero .
"But we have already seen that in Madrid there is no impossible."Zinedine Zidane's men are eight points behind rivals and La Liga leaders Barcelona through 11 matches this season.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Scotland 0 Netherlands 1: Memphis the difference in Aberdeen

Scotland lost for the first time in nine home internationals as their World Cup qualifying disappointment extended to 1-0 friendly defeat against Netherlands on Thursday.Memphis Depay's first-half goal decided a subdued contest between two sides waiting for new eras to begin after missing out on Russia 2018.

Dick Advocaat had already announced his intention to step down following Netherlands' friendlies this month, while Scotland's interim manager Malky Mackay is not in contention to fill the permanent position vacated by Gordon Strachan last month.



And the uncertainty resulted in an uninspiring first 45 minutes, with any Scotland excitement around debutants Ryan Jack, Callum McGregor and Ryan Christie, who were later joined by another newcomer in substitute Jason Cummings, subdued by Depay's close-range opener in the 40th minute.

Celtic star Kieran Tierney, captaining his country for the first time, earlier went close with a fine long-range attempt and substitute Ryan Fraser stabbed wide after half-time.

Those half-chances proved to be the best a toothless Scotland had to offer, though, as Mackay's likely one-match stint in charge ended in a fourth consecutive defeat to the Oranje.


Scotland threatened first and could have opened the scoring inside eight minutes, but Daley Blind and Nathan Ake produced important blocks to deny Matt Phillips and James Forrest respectively. Phillips came even closer when he got on the end of a long ball and held off Virgil van Dijk in the penalty area, only to hit his shot on the turn straight at Craig Gordon.

The hosts remained the more positive in possession for much of the first half, although their lack of a recognised centre-forward meant Netherlands largely went untroubled.

Tierney's swerving attempt from range did force Jasper Cillessen to move quickly to his right in the 36th minute, but it was the breakdown of another Scotland attack which exposed them for the opener.

Georginio Wijnaldum led a counter-attack and fed a pass to Ryan Babel, whose classy cross from the right was volleyed in at point-blank range by Memphis.Advocaat's side almost brought about their own downfall 10 minutes after the restart as Cillessen invited pressure in dallying over a Van Dijk back-pass.



Scotland again lacked the killer edge to turn the opening into a goal and soon resorted again to shooting from well outside the area, John McGinn stinging the palms of the Barcelona goalkeeper.Bournemouth winger Fraser provided some life off the bench with an enterprising dribble into the area which ended in a poked finish around the post.

And that proved to be the final moment of excitement at either end as Netherlands, who meet Romania in Bucharest on Tuesday, cruised to a ninth clean sheet in 11 meetings with Scotland.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Spain 5 Costa Rica 0: David Silva inspires demolition job

David Silva scored two and set up another as he inspired Spain's 5-0 hammering of a defensively woeful Costa Rica side in Saturday's friendly clash at La Rosaleda.

Julen Lopetegui's men played with immense freedom throughout, as they stroked the ball around in style and took full advantage of Costa Rica's poor defensive organisation, as the away side made errors for each of Spain's first four goals.

Costa Rica actually showed flashes of promise early on, but that quickly vanished as Spain took control, with Jordi Alba's Silva-influenced opening goal after just six minutes ushering in a period of real dominance.The lively Alvaro Morata added a second in the 23rd minute and probably should have scored at least hat-trick before his half-time withdrawal.

But Spain's attacking unit hardly suffered for Morata's substitution, as Silva added two goals in four minutes shortly after the restart, making the most of hapless goalkeeping and calamitous defending.


Andres Iniesta added a fifth towards the end to wrap things up, with Costa Rica left realising that they have much to improve upon if they are to emulate their 2014 World Cup showing next year, while Spain already look ready to prove a point in Russia.Both sides looked purposeful in attack during the early exchanges, but defensively Costa Rica left a lot to be desired and Spain took the lead just six minutes in.

Silva's low cross into the penalty area was not dealt with by Costa Rica and Alba was there to meet it, sending a fierce first-time effort into the right side of the net.
Morata then went close twice in as many minutes shortly after, testing goalkeeper Danny Carvajal from a tight angle on both occasions.Carvajal gifted Morata a goal a little later, though.

Silva and Iniesta combined down the left with a clever one-two and the Manchester City man eventually played the ball into the area along the ground, with Carvajal inexplicably palming it right into the path of Morata, who had an easy finish.

Morata should have had another just before the break, but he shot straight at Carvajal when played through by Isco's exquisite defence-splitting pass.Spain were arguably even more relentless in attack upon the start of the second half and they extended their lead early on, with Silva sweeping home from close range after Francisco Calvo's attempted clearance smashed against Oscar Duarte and dropped kindly for the midfielder.Silva doubled his tally a few minutes later, robbing Bryan Oviedo with a brilliant tackle and then finding the bottom-left corner from 18 yards, despite Carvajal getting a hand to it.



A flurry of substitutions for both sides soon impacted on the play, but Spain scored again once they re-discovered their rhythm.Costa Rica freely invited Iniesta to charge towards their penalty area and the Barcelona star sent a 25-yard drive into the bottom-left corner, with Carvajal again looking as though he could have done better.

The visitors were afforded a little more possession in Spain's half towards the end, but the match had been won and lost long before.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Congratulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA!​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Russia 0 Argentina 1: Aguero ends drought in first start under Sampaoli

Sergio Aguero ended his long wait for an Argentina goal in his first start under Jorge Sampaoli as the South American giants left it late to beat Russia 1-0 at the Luzhniki Stadium.

Aguero found the net for his country for the first time since June 2016 in the 86th minute on Saturday, continuing the form that saw him become Manchester City's all-time leading goalscorer this month.

The 29-year-old, benefitting from Mauro Icardi's withdrawal from the squad due to injury, proved Argentina's most dangerous player and was twice denied by impressive saves from Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev.



Aguero fed star Lionel Messi for an opening that was thwarted by a goal-line clearance early in the second half, while Denis Glushakov went close with a pair of rare opportunities for the hosts of next year's World Cup.

The breakthrough finally came when Aguero headed home with four minutes remaining, though there will remain concerns about Argentina's difficulties in breaking down a resilient Russia side, who were playing at the Luzhniki for the first time since its redevelopment.


Stanislav Cherchesov's side made it difficult for Argentina, who handed debuts to Giovani Lo Celso and German Pezzella from the start, by pressing high in the opening stages, with Messi unable to get on the end of a bright exchange with Eduardo Salvio following a surge down the right.

The first real opening came when Angel Di Maria's cross-goal shot from Messi's lay-off was kept out by Akinfeev, and Aguero was unable to turn home the loose ball from an acute angle.

Akinfeev produced an impressive one-handed stop to keep Aguero's low effort from 20 yards out of the bottom-right corner midway through the half.Sampaoli's side dominated possession but were unable to break through, another excellent stop from Akinfeev low to his right denying Aguero on the stroke of half-time.

Messi almost opened the scoring within three minutes of the restart but his chip over Akinfeev after a lovely throughball from Aguero was cleared by Konstantin Rausch with Salvio lurking behind.Glushakov arrowed an effort wide and saw a thumping strike after a scramble in the box blocked by Sergio Romero, the goalkeeper making his first save just before the hour mark.

Nicolas Otamendi's overhead kick was pushed over the top by Akinfeev and Di Maria shot wide in the 68th minute, with the visitors unable to make their dominance in possession count.Diego Perotti made his first Argentina appearance in over six years and Cristian Pavon was handed a first cap as Sampaoli sought a winner.



And, after Romero backpedalled to stop Rausch scoring directly from, Boca Juniors forward Pavon played a role in the winner.He latched onto Messi's pass and found Aguero with a cut-back from the right side of the box. Giorgi Jikia blocked the City striker's initial effort but his follow-up header denied Russia a creditable draw in front of their own fans.

Cherchesov's men will continue their World Cup preparations against Spain in St Petersburg on Tuesday, while Argentina travel to Krasnodar to take on Nigeria on the same day.