..::Football IV::..

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Ancelotti: Ronaldo's right, I'm a big bear who doesn't get angry


Carlo Ancelotti believes his serenity is integral to his character as a coach and agreed with Cristiano Ronaldo's comparison of him to a "big bear".

The coach was an extremely popular figure among the players at Real Madrid, guiding them to Decima glory during his tenure.

Last year Ronaldo said Ancelotti "is like a big bear, he's a cute guy, such a sensitive person" and the Bayern Munich boss says he would be living a lie if he tried to be any different.

"This is my character," Ancelotti told Goal when it was put to him how Ronaldo described him. "I think the thing you want to show in a relationship is your own character."I am quiet and calm, I think because I never had angry people around me. My father was calm, quiet, my first teacher was calm, my first manager was calm.Everyone has to show his character."I don't know if this character is good to be a manager, but I have to show this. I want to be honest with the players, I want to be honest with the club."

There are times when even Ancelotti can't control his emotions, but the Italian says he tries to bottle up his rage in front of his team so that he can speak to them rationally once the red mist has subsided.

"Sometimes I kick the couch when I'm really angry," he added, "but now I prefer to stay quiet."I prefer not to speak to the players if I’m angry. I prefer to speak the day after when we are all calmer."

Ancelotti also insisted there's no hidden reason why he raises his eyebrow in such an iconic manner during interviews - and says his facial expressions surprise even him sometimes!"I cannot control my eyebrow," he said. "Sometimes when I see an interview with me I am really surprised about my eyebrow going up without control.

"But there is no reason for this, no accident behind it."Ancelotti's Bayern, who are top of the Bundesliga table after six games, are back in action on Saturday with a visit to Entracht Frankfurt.

 

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Man City handed Aguero injury scare

Manchester City will once again be sweating over the fitness of striker Sergio Aguero, who was forced out of Argentina training on Sunday.

Aguero appeared to suffer a calf problem during a training session ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Paraguay on Tuesday.He is expected to undergo a scan to determine the extent of the problem on Monday.

The 28-year-old pulled out of the Argentina squad for the previous round of qualifiers in September due to a calf problem.City’s two other Argentina internationals, Pablo Zabaleta and Nicolas Otamendi, are suspended for the match in Cordoba and flew back to Manchester on Sunday.

City right-back Bacary Sagna, who returned to Manchester over the weekend after injuring his hamstring during France’s victory over Bulgaria on Friday night, is expected to be out of action for a month.

 

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Rashford hails Ibrahimovic's winning mentality

Manchester United youngster Marcus Rashford has hailed Zlatan Ibrahimovic's desire to win and is keen to learn from the experienced attacker.

Ibrahimovic joined United from Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the 2016-17 campaign and Rashford is delighted to have the chance to learn from the 35-year-old.

"It has been amazing. We have got a lot of world-class players in the team, especially with attackers like Zlatan and Wayne [Rooney]," Rashford told the official United website.

"For the young lads, we cannot ask for anything better. The likes of me, Anthony [Martial] and Jesse [Lingard], watching these forwards play and how they train, their mentality, is so important. You cannot ask for more.

"Zlatan is very easy to speak to and he is easy to get along with. The way he approaches every game is about winning. He wants to win, regardless of the opponent, whether we are home or away, whatever the odds, he always wants to find a way to win.

"That mentality is what you need to be at the top level. That is where he is and where he has been for years."

 

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Gibraltar 0-6 Belgium: Benteke makes history in easy win for Martinez's men

Christian Benteke scored the fastest goal in World Cup qualifying history by netting the first strike of his hat-trick after seven seconds as Belgium won 6-0 against Gibraltar in Group H.

Belgium remain top of the section after their emphatic victory in Faro, with Crystal Palace striker Benteke scoring his first international goals since March 2015.

Despite Gibraltar kicking off, they lost possession rapidly and Benteke ran through on goal to score the record-breaking opener, adding his team's third before half-time after Axel Witsel's deflected drive made it 2-0.Dries Mertens scored Belgium's fourth after 51 minutes, beating helpless goalkeeper Deren Ibrahim with a lofted finish, before Benteke completed his treble with a neat backheel from Eden Hazard's pass.

And captain Hazard himself wrapped up the scoring after 79 minutes, slotting home following a mistake by the Gibraltar captain Roy Chipolina created a clear chance in the box.

Belgium are joined at the top of Group G by Greece, with both sides having taken a maximum nine points from their three games, while Gibraltar remain pointless.The visitors took the lead within seconds and the speed of the goal was even more extraordinary as Gibraltar took the kick-off.

Ryan Casciaro was caught on the ball and Benteke skipped past Chipolina before smashing in.Thomas Meunier hit the post after 11 minutes as Gibraltar struggled to cope with Belgium, and the second goal arrived soon afterwards.

Witsel found space outside the box and unleashed a firm drive that took a deflection off Ryan Casciaro on its way in, handing the midfielder his eighth Belgium goal.

Thibaut Courtois was called into action for the first time after 30 minutes when Kyle Casciaro let fly from distance, the Chelsea goalkeeper diving high to his left to tip the strike over the crossbar.But Belgium's third goal arrived shortly before half-time, with Benteke again on target.

Hazard picked out Meunier at the back post with a deep left-wing cross and the right-back knocked the ball back into the middle for Benteke to slot in from close range.

The goals continued to come after the break as Steven Defour picked out Mertens with a throughball, before the winger cut in off the left flank to lift a cute finish over goalkeeper Ibrahim.Benteke then secured the match ball by flicking home Hazard's low cross with his trailing leg as Roberto Martinez's men began to enjoy themselves in the final third.

Defour went close to marking his first international start in two years with a goal after 68 minutes, but his shot was cleared off the line before Ibrahim then saved with his legs from substitute Kevin Mirallas.But Ibrahim was soon beaten again with Hazard's thumping finish adding his name to the scoresheet to make it two goals in two games for Belgium.

Mirallas clipped the post with three minutes to go and was denied by Ibrahim in stoppage-time as Belgium had to settle for six in a very comfortable victory.

 

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Netherlands 0-1 France: Pogba strike sees off Dutch

A stunning long-range strike from Paul Pogba proved enough for France to secure a 1-0 victory over Netherlands in a crucial World Cup qualifier in Amsterdam.
Criticised by national manager Didier Deschamps following his performance in Friday's 4-1 triumph over Bulgaria, Pogba responded in style with a right-footed rocket on the half-hour mark.

Pogba's well-hit drive, which proved too hot for goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to handle, was the telling blow in a clash between the two heavyweight nations in Group A, handing the hosts a first World Cup qualifying defeat since 2001.

France now sit level with Sweden, who recorded a 3-0 win over Bulgaria, at the top of the table after three games, while they have now recorded three straight wins over the Dutch for the first time in their history.

Danny Blind's home side huffed and puffed yet rarely threatened an equaliser, meaning they have still not beaten France on their own turf since March 1981.
Deschamps had declared "Paul can and must do better" after Pogba's last international outing - and he duly delivered for his boss with a right-footed rocket.

Laurent Koscielny's anticipation of a pass seized possession and, after accepting a square ball from Dimitri Payet, Pogba took aim at the target under little pressure.While his effort carried plenty of power, Stekelenburg let the ball slip beyond him as he dived to his right.

The Everton goalkeeper had been stronger when keeping out Kevin Gameiro's stinging drive in the early exchanges, as France consistently caused Netherlands problems on the counter.

Already without the sidelined Wesley Sneijder, their attacking options were reduced further when the injured Quincy Promes had to be substituted after just 15 minutes.

A loose pass from Payet did present Vincent Janssen with an opportunity just before the break, only for his effort to be stopped by Koscielny's arm. However, referee Damir Skomina judged the contact accidental as the defender dived desperately to make a block.

With Janssen guilty of a wild finish from a tight angle straight after the break, Blind summoned the sizeable presence of Bas Dost from the bench to replace the injured Georginio Wijnaldum on the hour.Despite the positive change, France continued to look the most likely to score the crucial second goal.

Pogba's floated pass set free Gameiro, who controlled the ball superbly as it dropped over his shoulder, only to then poke a weak attempt at the advancing Stekelenburg.Stekelenburg was also called on to deny Pogba from doubling his tally, the Manchester United midfielder having found space to head Payet's right-wing corner on target.

Hugo Lloris was finally called into action at the other end in the 90th minute, producing a reactionary save to stop Memphis Depay from grabbing Netherlands an unwarranted point at the death.

 

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Faroe Islands 0-6 Portugal: Andre Silva hat-trick seals victory for European champions

Portugal's long search for a goal-scoring centre-forward to aid Cristiano Ronaldo could be over after 20-year-old striker Andre Silva netted a first-half hat-trick in Monday's 6-0 World Cup qualifying hammering of the Faroe Islands.

Ronaldo has been relied upon as the country's main scoring threat since Pauleta retired in 2006, but Silva's encouraging emergence continued as he netted three times in just his fourth senior international appearance in Torshavn.

Free-scoring Portugal also hit Andorra for six on Friday, with Ronaldo scoring four and Silva claiming his first international goal, and the Faroe Islands were no better, keeping the visitors at bay for only 12 minutes.The first half belonged to Silva, as he scored two more by the 37th minute, before Ronaldo produced a fine strike of his own just after the hour.

The Faroe Islands failed to offer much resistance and Portugal made the scoreline rather more embarrassing in stoppage time, as Joao Moutinho and Joao Cancelo compounded the hosts' misery, with Fernando Santos' men moving on to six points in Group B.

It did not take Portugal and Silva long to pick up where they left off against Andorra, as in-form Porto attacker Silva latched on to the ball after Sonni Nattestad sliced a clearance right into his path and coolly slotted past Gunnar Nielsen.Silva was in the right place at the right time again in the 22nd minute.

This time it was an Atli Gregersen clearance that went wrong, as he knocked Ricardo Quaresma's low cross on to Nielsen and Silva was there to nod in.And the forward completed his hat-trick eight minutes before the break – slotting in a rebound after Nielsen failed to hold on to Cancelo's 25-yard drive.

Portugal were quick out of the blocks in the second half and Ronaldo was keen to get in on the act, but his drilled straight at Nielsen from a tight angle in the 48th minute.The Faroe Islands did begin to look a little more solid, though, as Portugal were afforded less time in possession in midfield.

Any hope of a miraculous fightback from the hosts was vanquished 25 minutes from time – Ronaldo playing a one-two with Joao Mario and then sending a brilliant left-footed effort into the top-right corner.Portugal somehow failed to add to that shortly after, though, as Silva saw his close-range effort turned around the post by Nielsen and then Pepe struck the post from the resulting corner.

Santos' men continued their search for late goals and Moutinho stylishly added a fifth in stoppage time, finding the top-right corner from 20 yards.And Cancelo completed the rout shortly after - slamming past Nielsen from 16 yards after racing on to Gelson Martins' throughball.

 

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He's BACK! Pogba shuts up critics with masterclass for France

Heading into a crucial World Cup qualifying match against key rivals Netherlands, Paul Pogba would have felt a tonne of pressure as he took centre stage for France in the Amsterdam ArenA on Monday.

The midfielder has been heavily criticised for his poor form at Manchester United after his record-breaking transfer from Juventus. With one goal in seven games for the Premier League side – United's last in a 4-1 win over Leicester – Pogba has heavily underwhelmed for a side already five points behind rivals Manchester City.And so as he swept France to a narrow 1-0 victory to gain a lead over Netherlands in Group A, the 23-year-old will have felt some vindication.

With a thunderous strike from 25 metres, Pogba fired Les Bleus to victory. He may have been lucky to meet with an apathetic defence and a goalkeeper in Maarten Stekelenburg unable to get strength behind his attempted save, but the ex-Juventus star’s stamp was all over the game.

From the early stages of the game, France asserted their dominance through Matuidi and Pogba, who were running the game from the centre of midfield and combining well with Dimitri Payet and full-backs Layvin Kurzawa and Djibril Sidibe.The Dutch struggled to get out of their half in the opening 45 minutes, with Pogba and Matuidi imposing behind Antoine Griezmann.

Lined up against Kevin Strootman, a midfielder once coveted by United for the role the France No.6 now plays, Pogba had little resistance and he was able to roam free against the Dutch.

The Frenchman was dominant in a way he has not been for Jose Mourinho's men so far this campaign. His passing was excellent and neat, he was strong and composed on the ball and no opponents could really get near him. He owned everything around the centre of the park.

While France were pushing forward and combining well, their hosts were passive and lacking any threat whatsoever. The four players in the team with the most touches in the whole game were the defence.

It was a shame, then, that France were so wasteful in attack. Most of their shots were from distance, with Pogba and Kurzawa being the main culprits, and they lacked incisiveness when they tried to push into the final third. They also fell flat late in the game, with Janssen and Memphis Depay seeing big chances go missing.

Pogba was dragged back in the second half due to Netherlands’ resurgence and helped out ahead of Laurent Koscielny and Raphael Varane. His aerial presence was crucial as he made a six clearances in the game.

France are now joint top of Group A alongside Sweden and have gained an important three points against an important adversary and it’s heavily thanks to Pogba. The starlet showed he can offer decisiveness and leadership for his nation, now he needs to do it at Old Trafford.

 

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Pogba ge Netherlands match performance nam godak hodai​

 

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'I won't quit' - Rooney defiant after England axe

England captain Wayne Rooney insists he has no intention of retiring following his international axing.

Rooney, 30, will not start in England's World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday after interim manager Gareth Southgate dropped the country's all-time leading goalscorer.The decision came on the back of England's 2-0 win over Malta on Saturday, which saw maligned skipper Rooney the subject of boos at Wembley.

But despite finding himself on the outer for both club and country, having been axed by Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho prior to the international break, Rooney believes he can still contribute at the highest level, pointing to Welsh icon Ryan Giggs as inspiration.

"It is something which I have to go through," said Rooney, who has only scored one goal in 12 appearances for United and England this season. "I am big enough to deal with it.

"I believe I can come back from this. I am 30 years of age. I am not 35 or 36 where you are thinking: 'Can you get back from it?' I will keep working and I have said before that I will not stop playing for England and start going to Dubai for a few days in the international break.

"After the summer it would have been easy for me to walk away and say: 'That's it, I've had enough,' but that's not me. I feel I have a lot to offer and I've made that clear [to Southgate], certainly until the World Cup in Russia. That's what I want.I'm not suddenly going to turn round and say: 'I'm not playing, I'm not going to turn up.' I will turn up when called upon and be ready.

"Ryan Giggs at 30 wasn't the same player he was at 18 and he played until he was 40. There's lots of examples out there you can use – players re-evaluate and work out the best way to move forwards. I'm sure that will happen with me. I am not naive in terms of thinking that I am still a 20-year-old. I understand that. My game is different to that of a 20-year-old, but I also think I have qualities that can help move this team forward.

"I'm not denying it's a difficult moment but I have to show the right attitude, try to be positive and make sure I am supportive of my team-mates."

 

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Griezmann lauds Pogba for match-winner

France forward Antoine Griezmann was happy for Paul Pogba after the midfielder's match-winning goal against Netherlands.

He's BACK! Pogba shuts up critics with masterclass for France
Pogba, criticised for his recent displays, struck from 30 yards on the half-hour mark to see his side to a 1-0 victory in World Cup qualifying on Monday.Griezmann lauded the Manchester United man for his performance and believes the 23-year-old will only grow from his heroics.

"I'm happy for him," he told TF1. "He played the same as against Bulgaria [a 4-1 win on Friday], except here it had a purpose. Tomorrow he will make all the newspapers. This will do him good.

"I hope he will have the support of journalists."The win moved Didier Deschamps' men onto seven points in Group A, level with Sweden and three clear of the Dutch.

Griezmann was pleased with the way France saw out the result in Amsterdam, saying: "We wanted to take the three points."It was a good first half, then we tried to defend well."

 

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Portugal 'have to win' remaining qualifiers - Santos

Portugal coach Fernando Santos believes his side must win all of their remaining World Cup qualifiers if they are to secure an automatic place at the 2018 finals.

Santos' side made light work of the Faroe Islands on Monday, crushing them 6-0 thanks to an Andre Silva hat-trick and one goal each from Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Moutinho and Joao Cancelo.

The victory came three days after also putting six past Andorra, but Santos is convinced that, as a result of the 2-0 defeat to Switzerland on matchday one, his team must win all of their matches to finish top of Group B.

"We've not won more than three points [against the Faroe Islands]," he told reporters. "We have to depend only on ourselves. "The margin for error is not big. We have to win our remaining games. "Other teams will not lose many points. If we do not [lose] then I believe that we will finish first."

On Monday's win, Santos was delighted with the attitude on display from Portugal, insisting that his side made the Faroe Islands, who took a commendable four points from their first two qualifiers, look worse than they are.

"They fulfilled the plan that we set out with a very correct attitude which was key to the game," he said."I saw their last two games and today it seemed that it was easy for us.

"Against Hungary and Latvia this team showed quality, but today our attitude was right. 'I don't speak about traitors' - Maradona slams Icardi "We were favourites and with the right attitude we lived up to expectations. They took it [the expectations and pressure] in a fantastic way."

 

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Dembele: I want to play for Barcelona

Ousmane Dembele is reported to have told Barcelona's technical secretary, Robert Fernandez, that he wants to play for Barcelona in the future.

The 19-year-old attacker joined Borussia Dortmund in summer from Rennes, although Barca were one of many top clubs credited with an interest.

Dembele has got off to a bright start in Germany, having played in every game for Thomas Tuchel's men so far this season in all competitions.The France international says he hopes to take a step beyond the Bundesliga club, though, with Barca his main destination.

"Not now, because I want to grow and be a protagonist every Sunday," Mundo Deportivo claim he said to Fernandez when approached earlier in 2016. "But one day I will play for Barcelona."

Dembele has scored one and set up four in 10 appearances in all competitions this term. He is contracted to Dortmund until 2021.

 

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I hope Buffon stays at Juve until he's 50 - Nedved

Pavel Nedved wants to see Gianluigi Buffon represent Juventus until he is 50.Buffon is a legend at the Turin club, having racked up 465 league appearances since joining in 2001.

During that time the Italy goalkeeper has won Serie A seven times, the Coppa Italia twice and has also finished runner-up in the Champions League on two occasions, while he has lifted the World Cup crown with the national team.

At 38, Buffon is in the twilight of his career, but Nedved - a team-mate of Buffon's for eight years at Juve - sees no reason for him to start winding down just yet.

"When I see the passion with which Gigi is training I would like him to play with Juve until [he is] 50 years [old]," Nedved told iDNES.cz.

"When he came back from European Championship, he told me that he wants to go on at least until Russia 2018."He has always been the first in training, honest, perfect."

 

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Griezmann: Maybe someday... but PSG not in my current plans

Antoine Griezmann has reiterated that a move to Paris Saint-Germain is not in his plans and confirmed his commitment to Atletico Madrid.The France forward's sporting advisor Eric Olhts claimed in July that talks were held with the Ligue 1 champions before Griezmann extended his stay at the Vicente Calderon until June 2021.

Griezmann has become one of Europe's top talents since moving to the Spanish capital in 2014 and he has started this season in terrific form with six goals in as many LaLiga matches.

The 25-year-old was again questioned about the possibility of moving to Paris following Les Bleus' 1-0 World Cup qualifying win in the Netherlands on Monday.

Nevertheless, he insists he is focused on winning major honours with Atleti, telling France 3: "It is not know what will happen in the future, but for now PSG is not in my plans.

"Maybe someday, but now Atletico Madrid is my team. I'm focused on doing well there and my desire is to win something important with the club."

On PSG's summer interest, Griezmann added: "I know they were interested. It's a great club that aspires to be getting bigger."But I told my agent I did not want to know anything. My mind was only on the Euro[pean Championship]."

 

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Rashford: I've had to toughen up at United

Marcus Rashford admits he has had to toughen up during his meteoric rise at Manchester United, but believes he is a better player for the added physical attention he receives.The teenage striker rose to prominence after scoring on his European, Premier League and Manchester derby debuts last season.

Rashford is now a prominent member of United's first team and his form at club level has brought international recognition with England.

The 18-year-old concedes he has to contend with more robust challenges in the Premier League than he did with United's Under-18s, but Rashford has no complaints.

Asked by Inside United if he gets kicked more than he used to, Rashford said: "A little bit, but you don't go through a game of football without having a knock."I don't think I have done that for years. It does toughen you up."When you get the first knock it kind of wakes you up, you know they are men and it is not like Under-18s when you can take loads of knocks and know you will be fine, that you won't feel anything after the game.

"You definitely get harder knocks but it helps. You just get up and get on with the game, and then you can give it to them back."It's important and when you're young I think you need those types of game."

 

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Xavi blasts 'embarrassing' Gerard Pique criticism

Xavi has backed Gerard Pique's decision to quit Spain duty after the 2018 World Cup, labelling criticism aimed at the defender as "embarrassing".

The centre-back announced that the World Cup in Russia will be his last major international tournament in the aftermath of Spain's 2-0 qualifying win over Albania.

Pique was accused by some of cutting the regulation short-sleeved jersey in order to remove the trim on the shirts that bears the design of the Spanish flag, although the 29-year-old produced proof after the match that he had in fact cut the sleeves of a shirt that did not have the same flag design.

The Barcelona centre-back has regularly courted criticism due to his public backing of Catalan independence, as well as often stoking the fires with Clasico rivals Real Madrid.

Pique stated that the latest furore was one too many, and his former Barca and Spain team-mate Xavi believes that a lack of respect pushed him over the edge.
Speaking to RAC1, the 2010 World Cup winner said: "I find this whole debate completely absurd. It's embarrassing."Anyone who hasn't been following this would think he'd ripped the badge from his shirt.

"Nobody forces anyone to do anything and if you don't want to play, like Oleguer back in the day, then you don't."Now, if they call you up and you accept, like Pique did, you do it to be part of the team. The objective is the same for everyone: to win.

"So much importance is given to the few idiots who speak out and say stupid things. These accusations that he lacks commitment, or that if you cover the colours of the flag on your socks… I suffered from that myself, although I took it light-heartedly.

"I don't know [how he is taking it], but he's probably sick of everything. They've been disrespectful with Pique and they've accused him of everything."His reaction is understandable. He's grown tired and lost enthusiasm and it makes sense to me. Nobody forces you to play for the national team."Carles Puyol and I have suffered it too for years. Pique took it seriously. He has the right to say he's fed up of it and doesn't want to go any more. That's totally fine."

 

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Bernabeu set to get retractable roof after €400m revamp approved

Real Madrid have been given the green light to move forward with a revamp of the Santiago Bernabeu that will see a retractable roof added to the stadium.

Madrid's home since 1947, the Bernabeu was heavily redeveloped before the 1982 World Cup, with the latest plans to freshen up the venue including a retractable roof to cover the entire arena and a light display to cover the outside of the structure.

Plans for the refurbishment were originally revealed in 2014, although Madrid have since been held up by red tape.

Work is now set to begin next year on the new construction and will cost in the region of €400million.Madrid president Florentino Perez hopes to recoup much of that sum by selling the stadium's naming rights.

"The stadium will still be the Bernabeu, but it could have a surname, as all stadiums now have, to help to pay for the structure," he said.

 

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Slovenia 0-0 England: Hart heroics save shambolic Three Lions

Gareth Southgate's decision to drop much-maligned captain Wayne Rooney did little to improve England as an attacking force as they relied on Joe Hart to secure a 0-0 World Cup qualifying draw in Slovenia.

Rooney's ineffective display in Saturday's 2-0 win over Malta was the latest in a long string of underwhelming showings and ultimately brought about his omission from the starting XI, but England were not much better in his absence, with Hart rescuing them on several occasions.

Eric Dier, Rooney's replacement on the day, almost single-handedly inspired an opening goal for Slovenia early on, as his poor back pass resulted in Jasmin Kurtic striking the post after a good save by Hart.England gradually took control of possession without looking particularly threatening and had a lucky escape again in the 48th minute – a combination of the excellent Hart and the crossbar denying Kurtic.

Hart also had to spare the blushes of Jordan Henderson - captain in Rooney's absence - deep into the second half as he ensured the Three Lions held on for a point, taking their Group F tally to seven from three matches.

Southgate justified his decision to drop Rooney by highlighting the need to add extra bite into the England midfield and that increased intensity brought about their first chance.

Dele Alli robbed the hosts of the ball and charged forward before playing Daniel Sturridge into the area, only for the forward's first touch to give Jan Oblak the chance to palm the ball behind.

England were lucky to escape unscathed in the 10th minute, though.

Hart bailed Dier out by rushing out to deny Roman Bezjak after the striker pounced on a weak back pass, but the goalkeeper could only watch a few seconds later as Kurtic struck the post from 20 yards.The visitors did slowly adapt to Slovenia's forceful pressing and controlled possession for the remainder of the first half.

But the closest they went to finding the net was a tame 25-yard Gary Cahill effort that was deflected past the left-hand post.Slovenia began the second half with renewed focus and had England panicking again within a couple of minutes.

A brilliant Josip Ilicic run produced a corner from which Bostjan Cesar forced another set-piece as a result of a fine Hart save.

And the Torino goalkeeper was called into action again from the second corner, acrobatically tipping Kurtic's header on to the crossbar.

Slovenia looked far more purposeful in attack and should have scored 21 minutes from time, but Hart again saved England, as he thwarted Ilicic with a one-on-one stop after Henderson played a poor back pass.

Rooney was introduced from the bench shortly after and saw a controlled 25-yard effort go just wide in the 79th minute, before his Manchester United team-mate Jsse Lingard drew a strong save from Oblak.

But ultimately both goalkeepers were too good to be beaten in a game that Slovenia will likely see as a missed opportunity to claim a surprise victory.

 

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Reus back in training after five-month absence

Marco Reus has returned to training with Borussia Dortmund nearly five months after playing his last game for the club.The 27-year-old was left out of Germany's squad for Euro 2016 due to a groin problem after appearing in the DFB-Pokal final against Bayern Munich on May 21.

Dortmund were initially hopeful Reus would be back in action in September but a minor setback delayed his comeback and he participated in full training for the first time on Tuesday.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach winger took part in a number of exercises with the rest of the squad before completing an individual session.

 

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Germany 2-0 Northern Ireland: Draxler & Khedira on target as hosts ease to win

Germany maintained their 100 per cent record in Group C after strolling to a 2-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Northern Ireland in Hannover on Tuesday.

Joachim Low's men were high on confidence following their impressive 3-0 win over Czech Republic on Saturday and their superior quality proved too much for Northern Ireland as well.

The world champions beat their opponents 1-0 at Euro 2016 courtesy of a single Mario Gomez strike, but the Wolfsburg striker was absent due to injury this time around.

Gomez's place in the starting XI was taken by Julian Draxler - the Germans' only change from the encounter in June - and the 23-year-old led the way when he fired them into the lead in the 13th minute.

Germany immediately pushed for a second and they got it just four minutes later when Sami Khedira headed home from close range to effectively put the match to bed with Northern Ireland never seriously threatening a comeback.The hosts have now collected nine points from three games, with minnows San Marino awaiting in November.

Germany were in charge right from the off and could have gone a goal up after just four minutes had it not been for some great goalkeeping from Michael McGovern. Thomas Muller found the unmarked Mario Gotze with a superb cross from the right, but his former Bayern Munich team-mate failed to beat the Northern Ireland stopper from close range.

Northern Ireland’s resistance did not hold out for long, though, as Draxler fired Germany in front. Mesut Ozil played in Muller, who managed to pick out Draxler and the former Schalke man did well to fire a low shot past the helpless McGovern from the edge of the area.

There was no let-up from Low’s men after the goal and Khedira made it 2-0 shortly afterwards. Mats Hummels rose highest to meet Ozil’s corner from the left and his header towards Khedira at the near post presented the Juventus midfielder with the simplest of tasks to nod into the net.

Northern Ireland threatened occasionally on the counterattack, lone striker Josh Magennis calling Manuel Neuer into action in the 39th minute, before Oliver Norwood fired a free-kick from the edge of the area over the top.

Substitute Ilkay Gundogan - who replaced Ozil at half-time - got a chance to make it three early in the second half, only to see his volley hit a Northern Ireland defender in the crowded area.

Khedira, meanwhile, threatened on more than one occasion, but failed to double his personal tally as it remained 2-0 for the hosts after an underwhelming second half.