..::Football IV::..

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Arsenal and Liverpool offered hope in Fekir chase by Lyon star's agent


Nabil Fekir will ensure he maintains a positive relationship with Lyon if he goes on to fulfil his dream of playing for an elite European club, according to his agent.

Lyon captain Fekir has enjoyed an outstanding season in Ligue 1, scoring 16 goals and reportedly attracting interest from a number of sides, including Liverpool and Arsenal.His agent Jean-Pierre Bernes insists the France international is happy at Les Gones, but he has not ruled out a move come the end of the season.

"The career moves of a player are not necessarily related to sporting achievements at his club," Bernes told Le Dauphine Libere when asked if Lyon's bid for Champions League football could impact any move.

"If at the end of the season there was possibly a decision to be made, and this is not the case right now, we would sit down with the president [Jean-Michel Aulas] and we would find the right solution.

"First and foremost, we would respect Lyon. We do not want to leave after a big showdown. Nabil is at a big French club, if not the biggest. "We know very well that, at some point, we may be able to ask questions about a move. The decision will be taken with intelligence, as professionals, and especially in the interests of all parties.

"When you leave the club that trained you, to whom we owe everything, you leave in good conditions - if we have to leave."Nabil has the personal goal of being part of a top 10 European club. He has that potential. But a career is built little by little.

"If he has not played at a top 10 European club, that does not mean he has not done well in his career or that he will be unhappy. At Lyon, he is very happy, he loves the city, it's his club. He is not in a drastic situation."

 

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'Shaw can be one of the best in the world' - Struggling Man Utd star backed by Young


Luke Shaw is capable of becoming “one of the best in the world” despite his struggles at Manchester United, says Ashley Young.

Jose Mourinho has turned on the 22-year-old once again, asking further questions of his attitude and value to the Red Devils.Exit talk has resurfaced as a result, with plenty of suggestions that Shaw could be heading for the exits at Old Trafford this summer.

One of those to have nudged him out of favour is, however, convinced that the England international can turn things around and fulfill his undoubted potential with United.

Young, who has often filled in as left-back cover in recent times, told reporters while away on Three Lions duty: "I am not here to talk about other people and whatnot.

"Obviously he is a player that wants to do well, I want to see him doing well.
"It's like all players, you just have to get your head down and work."He is a fantastic player. I feel he can be one of the best in the world."As I say, you've just got to work hard."

Young has shown that patience and dedication can be rewarded, with the 32-year-old enjoying something of an Indian summer at United.

He has embraced a new defensive role after forging his reputation on the wing, and has been a reliable and consistent option for Mourinho when called upon.

His efforts have earned him a 12-month contract extension, taking him through to 2019, and Young is delighted to have committed his future to an eighth season at Old Trafford.He told Sky Sports: "They've taken up that option and I'm delighted to be there for another season.

"It is a fantastic place to be at and hopefully we can do more than we have this season."

 

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Dembele must pass Barcelona final exam - Xavi sees €105m star learning on the job


Ousmane Dembele must pass “a final exam” at Barcelona if he is to prove himself and justify a €105 million transfer fee, says Xavi.

The France international winger was acquired from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2017 with the funds generated by the record-breaking €222m sale of Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain.He arrived with a blossoming reputation, with the 20-year-old considered to have plenty of potential still to be unlocked.

An injury-ravaged start to his time at Camp Nou has, however, hindered Dembele’s cause and prevented him from making the desired impact, with Xavi conceding that he still has plenty of questions to be answered.

The Blaugrana legend told So Foot: “He will need some time. Barca is like a final exam for a footballer. It is like Dembele is passing a Master's degree right now because not everyone can play for this club.

“Why? Because you have to know things three times more than elsewhere. Barca play on barely 30 metres of the pitch.“Dembele has a lot of talent, he is very fast, but here, he is not going to have the space he had at Dortmund or Rennes. He had more space, so more time there.”

Pressed on what Dembele must do to fit the Barca mould, Xavi added: “He will have to learn to think faster, in a few thousandths of a second. This is where we will see if he has the mentality.“He must say to himself: ‘l am a Barca player’. You have to be mentally strong, to have conviction.

“There are average players who spent 15 years at Barca, because they had character. And there are some excellent players who did not do anything because they couldn't handle pressure.

“In training, when you saw them, you would say to yourself: ‘They will break everything. They're going to be legends’. But no. As soon as they entered the pitch, their legs started shaking, they did not want the ball anymore. And you would wonder: ‘Holy f***, what's happening to them?’”

Xavi considers mental strength to be the most important quality for any player at the top of the game, with Dembele only needing to look at those around him at Barcelona and those across the Clasico divide with Real Madrid for inspiration.
The World Cup winner added: “Mental strength is what stabilises the performance. That's what makes you stronger.“When there is fire, Marcelo, [Luka] Modric or Sergio Ramos do not hide. On the contrary, it's at this moment that they appear.

“What did Lucas Vazquez do against PSG? He entered the pitch with the desire to win. A missile. The guy even went to [Presnel] Kimpembe. And there you say to yourself: ‘What is he doing? He's crazy or what?’ No, he's just mentally strong.”

 

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Pogba: I'd love to play with Neymar


Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba would love to play with Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar.

The Brazil international hailed Pogba in an interview with La Liga's website in 2016, during his time at Barcelona and the Frenchman's spell at Juventus, claiming he would fit in well at Camp Nou.

Pogba, who has struggled to find his best form at United under Jose Mourinho this season, says he recalls Neymar's kind words, and has reciprocated, perhaps sowing the seeds for a future move.

"I remember [what he said]. I really like him, too," Pogba told Argentine TV channel TyC Sports . "He is truly the definition of joy on the pitch. He also has this.

"I know that in Brazil, football is everything. It's life. Everyone plays football in Brazil. When I see him play on the pitch and enjoying himself, with his technique, his agility ... I love to watch him play."It's a different style. He has his own style.

"When you say Neymar anywhere in the world, everyone knows who he is and what he does. For me, it would be a pleasure to play with him one day."Reports have suggested that Pogba could be used in a stunning summer swap deal, with United interested in PSG midfielder Marco Verratti.

The 25-year-old, who was the most expensive footballer in the world prior to Neymar's €222 million move to PSG, appears to have fallen out of favour at United, and was an unused substitute in the FA Cup against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

And France manager Didier Deschamps believes the midfielder is likely to be unhappy with his treatment at Old Trafford, telling reporters: "I'm sure I'll hear more about it."But, of course, it's a situation he won't be enjoying.

"I don't know why that is. As to why or how things came to this, there may be many reasons."I have a great deal of talks with players at our training camps, to gauge their feelings. It's not just Paul."Pogba is set to play for France in upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Russia.

 

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Lopetegui: Morata must earn World Cup spot


Spain coach Julen Lopetegui insisted Alvaro Morata can still make his World Cup squad despite the forward being left out for upcoming friendlies.The Chelsea striker was not included in the squad for matches against Germany on Friday and Argentina the subsequent Tuesday.

But with the World Cup three months away, Lopetegui said Morata could still work his way back into his plans by showing his best form for Chelsea.

"Of course Morata has a lot of possibilities to go to the World Cup and he knows it," he told El Partidazo de COPE on Monday.
"He has to show these months the player he is inside."Morata broke out of a slump on Sunday, scoring his first goal of 2018 in a 2-1 win over Leicester City that sent Chelsea to the FA Cup semi-finals. He has scored 13 goals in 39 games for Chelsea this season.

The 25-year-old has found the net 13 times in 23 caps for Spain since debuting in 2014, having represented his nation at the 2016 European Championship.

 

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Griezmann backs Pogba to prove doubters wrong for France


Antoine Griezmann says Paul Pogba is in high spirits and has backed the Manchester United midfielder to prove his doubters wrong during France's friendly matches.

A combination of poor form, injury and illness has meant Pogba has started only four of United's last 11 matches in all competitions, while speculation has persisted over a rumoured breakdown in his relationship with manager Jose Mourinho.France boss Didier Deschamps conceded this week that the 25-year-old "can't be happy" with the way life is going at Old Trafford.

Griezmann, however, insists his team-mate is in a positive mood and expects him to perform well when France face Colombia and Russia in this month's friendlies.

"He came back [to the squad] with a huge smile on his face," Griezmann told a news conference. "He was happy. It's not easy when you don't play at your club or you don't feel at your best. It happened to me and he knows that.

"He still enjoys having fun and working hard, which are what matter the most. It's up to him to prove and show that he's still the player that he can be. "The coach trusts him, like the entire squad. We need a smiling Paul and an efficient one on the pitch."

Griezmann's own future has again come under scrutiny this week, with the Atletico Madrid star telling L'Equipe he does not want to head into the World Cup without knowing where he will be playing his club football next season. Barcelona have been heavily linked with a move for the forward but he says it is not certain he will leave Atletico at the end of 2017-18.

"My future will be decided before the World Cup. A while before it," he said. "I said the same to my club and my sister. There are no worries about it. "I had a complicated start to the season but I am feeling well in Madrid and we are going forward with the club."I want to win a title. I think that I can with Atletico. I still have a lot to learn from the coach."

 

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Arsenal & Spurs target Malcom 'dreams' of Bayern Munich transfer


Bordeaux winger Malcom says he "dreams" of playing for Bayern Munich.The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a number of top European clubs, including the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham.

It seemed as though a transfer to Bayern was out of the question, however, with manager Jupp Heynckes appearing to rule out a potential summer switch.

"I have never seen him play, therefore, I am not able give an opinion on him," he said earlier this week."I don't think there is interest here. He always gets put into the shopping window but nobody really goes after him."However, Malcom, who has contributed eight goals and six assists to Bordeaux this season, is not giving up hope of a potential move to the German giants, having decided to seek pastures new.

"Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world and it would be a dream to play there one day," he told Sky."It makes me happy that they are thinking about me. I will keep working hard to improve and, who knows, a transfer to Munich might become reality soon."

When asked if he intended to leave the French club, he added: "I think that time has come. I worked well here and I am thankful to Bordeaux."But I need a new challenge and have new goals.“I’ll take care of football, it’s going to be about Bordeaux, so we’ll see in a few weeks.”

Arsenal are understood to still be interested in Malcom after pulling out of a January move, and the Premier League is also under consideration.He added: “The Premier League is also a very interesting option.“I learned the language quickly, had no major difficulties. French was much harder, so in England I would be fine. But, in the end, I can integrate anywhere."

 

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Alonso urges Real Madrid-linked Lewandowski to remain at Bayern Munich


Real Madrid-linked Robert Lewandowski should stay put at Bayern Munich this summer, according to Xabi Alonso.The Poland star, 29, has established himself as one of the best strikers in the world in recent years with Real believed to be big admirers of him.

Speculation regarding a possible move to Madrid has intensified since Lewandowski changed his agent, teaming up with Pini Zahavi in February.

However, Alonso - who played alongside Lewandowski at Bayern - believes his former team-mate should remain at the Allianz Arena.

In an interview with Sport Buzzer, Alonso said: “He is definitely one of the best number nines in the world. “But I am of the opinion that he is in the best hands with Bayern.” When pressed on why he believes Bayern are the best fit for Lewandowski, Alonso added: “He scores his goals every year, he knows the club, the league, he wins titles.

“Whether he wants to have another experience, he has to decide for himself.”
Lewandowski has been in remarkable form in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 23 goals in 25 appearances with Bayern on the brink of yet another league title success.

The ex-Lech Poznan and Borussia Dortmund hitman has also netted five goals in seven Champions League games for the German giants so far this term.

 

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Griezmann wants future resolved before World Cup amid Barcelona links


Atletico Madrid star Antoine Griezmann wants his future resolved before joining up with France for the World Cup in June, with Barcelona reportedly eager to make a move for him.Griezmann had been strongly linked with a transfer to Manchester United in pre-season, before ultimately opting to remain in Madrid .

Ever since it became clear a switch to the Premier League was not going to materialise, Barca emerged as a suitor and reports have even claimed Griezmann held talks with them at the end of last year, though the Catalan club strongly denied this .

Nevertheless, speculation continues to suggest Barca will make Griezmann their primary target before next season and the striker just wants his future sorted early so he can concentrate on France's World Cup campaign."I want to travel to Russia without this concern," he told L'Equipe. "It's not about knowing where I'll play, but about having the peace of mind if I'm still in one place or another.

"It may be boring, but I have told my sister that, whether I stay or not, this will have to be resolved beforehand [prior to the World Cup starting]. What bothers me the most is that everyone asks me about this issue." Griezmann came third in the 2016 Ballon d'Or and he likes the idea of ultimately winning it one day.

Though he insists it is not something he is obsessed with, highlighting the fact he is only likely to claim it if he is playing in a successful side either at club or international level.

"When I'm happy, everything's fine," he added. "I want to win a World Cup or the Champions League, then the Ballon d'Or will come, if it has to come.

"I am part of a group and I prefer to win a collective title than an individual one. For example, the trophy to the best scorer of the European Championships – I would have preferred to win the competition."

 

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China 0 Wales 6: Record-breaking Bale leads demolition job in perfect start for Giggs

Gareth Bale became Wales' all-time top scorer as his hat-trick inspired a 6-0 rout of China during Ryan Giggs' first game at the helm.The Football Association of Wales (FAW) reportedly faced a £100,000 dent in their China Cup appearances fee if the Real Madrid superstar did not feature, and Manchester United great Giggs decided he wanted Bale in place from the very start of his reign.

The 28-year-old has received a rapturous reception since the squad's arrival in Nanning and he thrilled those in attendance with a brilliant second-minute solo goal.Bale netted his second in the 21st minute, drawing level with Liverpool hero Ian Rush on 28 Wales goals.

The country's current number nine, Sam Vokes, and Hull City's on-loan Liverpool youngster Harry Wilson were also on target before half-time – both beneficiaries of a shambolic China defence that did a thorough disservice to the esteemed Marcello Lippi in their dugout.

For the rookie Giggs, who kept the 3-4-3 system that served predecessor Chris Coleman so well and saw Vokes add his second before the hour, it was a serene introduction to international management, crowned by the man who has replaced and arguably surpassed him as Wales' world-class inspiration on the field.


Noise levels inside the Guangxi Sports Center Stadium climbed considerably the first time Bale collected the ball in an attacking position and he did not disappoint.Wales' star forward collected Vokes' flick-on, held off He Guan and powered past Wang Shenchao to arrow an excellent side-footed finish high into the net.

Moments after Ashley Williams wasted a glorious chance from a 20th-minute corner, China inexplicably presented possession to Vokes, who selflessly played in Bale to slot home.The Burnley striker duly got in on the act, diverting Andy King's knockdown into the bottom corner following a wonderful raking pass from Bale, who almost had a hat-trick when Yan beat a sweetly struck 20-yarder to safety.

There was more misery for an abject China before the break, with Wilson cutting in from the right past He to float a sumptuous finish into the far corner and stylishly mark his 21st birthday.

Wang and He's withdrawals among a raft of half-time substitutions felt like an act of mercy from Lippi, whose side nearly got on the board through Wei Shihao's acrobatic volley from a 50th-minute corner.Wilson claimed an assist to go with a goal on his first international start as a cute reverse ball allowed Vokes to get the better of something vaguely resembling an offside trap and roll in a 57th minute finish.

Vokes volleyed off target with a hat-trick in his sights, leaving Bale to stroll through an area of the field where he might have expected to find defenders and slot a 62nd-minute effort beyond Yan for his piece of history.

The man of the hour made way to an adoring ovation before Wayne Hennessey tipped substitute Yu Hanchao's effort on to the post – a small reminder to Giggs that life in his new job will rarely, if ever, be quite this easy.

 

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Iniesta: I'm good enough to start for Barca for two more years


Andres Iniesta is confident of playing in Barcelona's starting XI for another two years and only plans to leave if his body prevents him from giving 100 per cent.

The 33-year-old signed a new "lifetime" contract with Barca in October, seemingly ending any discussion about the possibility of him finishing his career away from Camp Nou.

But speculation has picked up in the last couple of months, with a move to the Chinese Super League – and specifically Tianjin Quanjian – mooted as a potential next destination, as his new contract is reported to contain a clause enabling him to leave for a club of a lesser stature.

Iniesta has given himself a deadline of April 30 to make a decision on where his future lies, but he has perhaps now given the clearest indication of what he is likely to do.

"I would not go anywhere to compete against my club," Iniesta said on Cadena Ser's El Larguero radio show. "All scenarios that don't involve competing against Barcelona are possible.

"Many things are going round in my head, some with more strength than others.There are a few weeks left where the decision to continue or not is there to be made.

"It's one of the most important decisions of my career and I understand that I am at an age where things change and other doors open that are very exciting in many ways.

"It will not be a matter of love; it will be about me feeling what I think I am able to contribute. If injuries respect me, I can see myself in the Barcelona XI for the next two years.

"If I leave, it will be because I can't give 100 per cent as a player and as a person to my club. It will be a difficult decision regardless, but I'm very calm about it and I'm enjoying this year very much."

 

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Juventus confirmed as MLS All-Star Game opponent


Juventus has been confirmed as the opponent for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game in Atlanta.

The Serie A champions will face a squad of MLS stars in the league's annual summer showcase Aug. 1 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Juve and MLS announced Thursday.

"We welcome Juventus — one of the world’s iconic clubs — as our opponent for the 2018 MLS All-Star Game," MLS commissioner Don Garber said in a news release. "Our midseason showcase annually attracts the most prominent clubs in global soccer, and this year our All-Stars will face one of the sport’s most historically successful teams.

"And we can't think of a better city to host the game than in Atlanta, which due to the incredible success and popularity of Atlanta United, has rapidly captured the attention of the entire soccer world."

MLS confirmed Atlanta as the All-Star Game host in October following a debut campaign from Atlanta United that saw the club set a league record with 48,200 fans per game. Gerardo "Tata" Martino's side also broke its own MLS single-game attendance record earlier this month when 72,035 spectators saw Atlanta earn a 3-1 win over D.C. United.

An MLS side has faced a European club in the All-Star Game each of the past 13 years, with the MLS squad posting a 7-4-2 record. Real Madrid defeated the All-Stars on penalties after a 1-1 draw in last year's match at Soldier Field in Chicago.

"We are happy to represent European football in this year’s MLS All-Star Game," Juventus president Andrea Agnelli said. "It's an opportunity to get closer to the passionate American soccer fans. For many years, Juventus has considered the United States and Canada as a crucial market for growing our presence as shown by the opening of our new academies and our digital strategy that has greatly expanded the possibility to connect with fans on this continent.

"The first team and the game, however, will be the main show that Juventus offers and we are proud to be in Atlanta."Juve has a two-point lead over Napoli in the Serie A standings as the Bianconeri look to secure a seventh straight league title.Massimiliano Allegri's men will face Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals next month, marking a rematch of last year's final won by Los Blancos.

"It will be a pleasure for us to play in this game and feel the energy of MLS, an ever-growing league attracting more and more passionate fans," Allegri said. "It will also be a great chance for the many Juventus supporters in North America to see their team and favorite players."

 

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‘Mbappe is our Zidane’ – Dugarry on why PSG star must play centre forward for France


Kylian Mbappe is the Zinedine Zidane of the current generation of French footballers, World Cup winner Christophe Dugarry has argued.

Dugarry was in the squad that Zidane led to glory in 1998 by heading a double in a 3-0 win over Brazil in Paris and sees the young Paris Saint-Germain star as having the same talismanic effect as the current Real Madrid boss.For that reason, he believes that the 19-year-old Mbappe should be used in his strongest position by Didier Deschamps: as a centre forward.

“For a long time, I’ve thought that Mbappe must be the forward for France,” he told RMC. “It’s sure because it’s his best position. He can play well on te right or the left, but the boy is a centre forward and must be France’s spearhead for the next 10 or 15 years. He’s a No.9.“He’s our Michel Platini, our Zinedine Zidane. He’s the player for our future. So he must be allowed to learn and mature in this position.”

Dugarry has advocated a strike partnership with Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, comparing the two to one of the great Brazilian pairings of the 1990s.

“A duet with Griezmann would be wonderful,” he continued. “It’s the essence of football. They could go in behind, play off each other, they could play in small spaces. It would be like Romario and Bebeto and I think that would be perfect.”

Mbappe has only one goal in 10 appearances for the national side, netting the fourth in a 4-0 win over Netherlands last August but is expected to play a key role for France at World Cup 2018.

 

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Man United confirm Ibrahimovic exit ahead of Galaxy move

Manchester United have confirmed that they have terminated Zlatan Ibrahimovic's contract with immediate effect, leaving the veteran striker as a free agent ahead of an expected MLS switch.The former Paris Saint-Germain, Milan and Barcelona star had joined the Red Devils in 2016, and impressed in his debut season at Old Trafford with 28 goals in 46 games.

Ibrahimovic, however, suffered a serious knee injury in April 2017 that cut his campaign short, and despite making a return this season the forward was far from his best after an eight-month lay-off.

Now United have announced that a one-year deal signed back in August has been cut short, meaning Zlatan is free to seek another club. "Manchester United confirms that it has agreed to the termination of Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s contract with immediate effect," the club explained in a statement published on Thursday .

"Everyone at the club would like to thank Zlatan for his contribution to the team since his arrival and wishes him well for the future." Ibrahimovic also confirmed the move on Twitter and Instagram, thanking the club and the fans for the memories made during his stay at Old Trafford.

The striker wrote: "Great things also come to an end and it is time to move on after two fantastic seasons with Manchester United. Thank you to the club, the fans, the team, the coach, the staff and everybody who shared with me this part of my history."

The news comes at a time when the former Sweden international is expected to complete a move to MLS.Sources consulted by Goal affirmed that Ibrahimovic had been in talks with teams from the United States-based league for over a year, but that now a real breakthrough has been made.

The 36-year-old has agreed a switch to LA Galaxy, signing a two-year deal that will pay him $1.5 million per season.

 

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Good bye Zlatan!

Thanks for everything & Good luck for your next adventure

​

 

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International Friendly Fixtures 2018.03.23

International Friendly Fixtures 2018.03.23

Japan Vs Mali
Russia Vs Brazil
Finland Vs FYR Macedonia
Norway Vs Australia
Bulgaria Vs Bosnia-Herzegovina
Turkey Vs Republic of Ireland
Greece Vs Switzerland
Hungary Vs Kazakhstan
Senegal Vs Uzbekistan
Tunisia Vs Iran
Saudi Arabia Vs Ukraine
Serbia Vs Morocco
Germany Vs Spain
Netherlands Vs England
Poland Vs Nigeria
Portugal Vs Egypt
Austria Vs Slovenia
Scotland Vs Costa Rica
Argentina Vs Italy
France Vs Colombia ​

 

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Good Luck Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA
​

 

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France 2 Colombia 3: Quintero completes stunning comeback in Paris

Colombia fought from 2-0 down to beat France 3-2 in Friday's friendly match in Paris, with Juan Quintero netting the winner from a controversial late penalty.The midfielder fired in five minutes from time at the Stade de France following goals from Luis Muriel and Radamel Falcao, after the home side had led through Olivier Giroud and Thomas Lemar.

France started with Paul Pogba on the bench but named an otherwise attacking line-up, with Lemar, Kylian Mbappe, Antoine Griezmann and Giroud in attack, and the Chelsea striker broke the deadlock with his 30th goal for his country after an error from David Ospina.



Lemar blasted home a second at the end of a sublime counter-attack, but Colombia hit back two minutes later, with Muriel's cross curling into the far corner of the net.The goal seemed to shock the hosts, who suddenly looked uncertain on the ball and survived two close calls through Muriel before Falcao buried his side's second just past the hour mark.

Samuel Umtiti's lunge on Jose Izquierdo allowed Quintero to complete a famous comeback, leaving France with plenty to ponder before they visit World Cup hosts Russia in their next match on Tuesday.


The speed of France's wide players caused plenty of problems for Colombia early on, and it was no surprise to see the opening goal come from an overlapping run down the left from Lucas Digne.The Barcelona full-back latched onto Lemar's quite brilliant throughball, before sending in a low cross that Ospina fumbled into the path of ex-Arsenal team-mate Giroud, who gratefully fired high into the net.

Lemar doubled the lead 15 minutes later at the end of a delightful counter-attack. Griezmann backheeled Djibril Sidibe's path to Mbappe, who skipped into space and teed up his old Monaco team-mate to rifle into the right-hand corner from inside the penalty area.

Colombia hit back barely two minutes later, though, as Muriel's cross from the left of the France box curled into the corner, with Hugo Lloris wrong-footed by Davinson Sanchez's attempt to reach the ball.

Griezmann was denied by a good Ospina block but the goal seemed to have unsettled the home side, and Muriel missed a great chance three minutes into the second half after being picked out in space by Carlos Sanchez.The Sevilla striker then robbed Raphael Varane only for Lloris to make a good save, as Didier Deschamps became increasingly animated on the touchline, evidently perturbed by his side's second-half performance.



His shouts did not have the desired effect. With 62 minutes played, N'Golo Kante cheaply conceded possession 30 yards from the French goal, Carlos Sanchez fed James Rodriguez and his cut-back was swept home by Falcao, who was unmarked 12 yards out.

Pogba – winning his 50th cap, like Griezmann – and debutant Wissam Ben Yedder were promptly introduced, and the former took little time to make an impact, stinging Ospina's palms with a dipping effort from 25 yards out.

There was also a first appearance for Lucas Hernandez, on for the injured Digne, but it was Quintero who proved to be the hero, dispatching his spot-kick with aplomb after Umtiti was harshly penalised for a challenge on Izquierdo, despite having made contact with the ball.

 

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Portugal 2 Egypt 1: Late Ronaldo double stuns Salah-inspired Pharaohs

Cristiano Ronaldo's last-gasp double denied Mohamed Salah and Egypt victory as Portugal instead snatched a dramatic 2-1 friendly win in Zurich.The Real Madrid star had been frustrated for long periods in a largely drab contest as Egypt's own leading light Salah looked to have taken the scalp of the European champions.

But a pair of stoppage-time headers from Ronaldo – the second allowed only after conference with VAR – turned the game on its head and showed just why Portugal cannot be written off ahead of the World Cup.Fernando Santos' men looked to be down and out, running out of ideas after the in-form Salah – enjoying a stunning 36-goal season with Liverpool – struck early in the second half.

Chances just were not falling for Ronaldo, but what seemed to be one last rally resulted in a scrappy effort to level the scores and Portugal quickly sought the winner that arrived from the head of their 33-year-old talisman.While Santos should still have concerns after a directionless display for the most part, Ronaldo's stunning form in 2018 is enough to ease most worries, his brace making it 23 for the year for club and country.


Portugal started on the front foot, but it was their own goalkeeper Beto who made the first meaningful save, springing into action to block from Abdallah El Said after Trezeguet teed up a shot 10 yards from goal.

Santos' side continually failed to exploit a rudimentary Egypt back-line in the opening 20 minutes, with Ahmed Hegazi brilliantly reeling in Andre Silva just as a shoddy offside trap looked to have finally allowed the forward through.

Bizarre circumstances led to Ronaldo's first opening as Ahmed Fathy needlessly nudged the ball into the hands of goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy for a backpass, but the Ballon d'Or winner's indirect free-kick was blocked instinctively on the line by El Said.

And a very tight offside call denied Portugal shortly before half-time, Rolando seemingly straying beyond the last man before nodding home Silva's flick-on from a corner.

Salah had found little joy in the opening period, but he abandoned his right-wing posting after the restart and swiftly made an impact, sweeping a 20-yard finish inside Beto's near left-hand post to stun the European nation.Portugal redoubled their efforts and Ronaldo's left-footed drive drew a save from El-Shenawy, before Raphael Guerreiro sent a volley dipping narrowly over the top.



The improving El-Shenawy saved twice more as substitutes Ricardo Quaresma and Bruno Fernandes went for goal but, just as Portugal looked to be running out of ideas, Ronaldo came to the rescue.He nodded Quaresma's left-wing cross past the scrambling goalkeeper and then quickly added a second, powering in a centre from the same team-mate on the opposite flank.

A bizarre pause followed as the referee appeared to disallow the goal despite the absence of an obvious foul, Ronaldo finally able to celebrate after the video had been consulted to bring a close to a hectic second half.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands 0 England 1: Lingard strikes to ruin Koeman's debut

Jesse Lingard's maiden international goal ruined Ronald Koeman's debut in charge of Netherlands as England recorded a 1-0 victory in Amsterdam.Lingard's first-time strike from the edge of the box in the 59th minute secured England a morale-boosting result as they stepped up their World Cup preparations.

After back-to-back 0-0 draws with heavyweights Brazil and Germany last November, Gareth Southgate's side turned in a promising performance despite the absence of star striker Harry Kane through injury.A fourth successive clean sheet, secured with Kyle Walker playing in a back three, showed England have solid foundations to build on, while they looked bright and bubbly in possession.

In contrast, Koeman will now fully appreciate the size of the task he faces with the Oranje, who saw their five-match winning streak end with a whimper on home turf.Jordan Pickford enjoyed a comfortable outing in goal as England eased to their first triumph over their opponents since a famous 4-1 thrashing at Wembley during Euro 96.


Both Southgate and Koeman opted to start with three at the back, though the former was forced into an early change when Joe Gomez limped off in the 10th minute after rolling his left ankle.Harry Maguire was summoned ahead of schedule from the bench, yet a reshuffled England defence featuring Walker in an unfamiliar central role was rarely bothered in the first half.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tested Jeroen Zoet with a rising drive while Marcus Rashford came agonisingly close to converting Jordan Henderson's weak header from Kieran Trippier's free-kick that nearly teed up his team-mate at the back post.While England were energetic, a sluggish Netherlands hardly troubled Pickford, who was handed the chance to impress in the battle to start between the posts in Russia.

England had a strong appeal for a penalty turned down early in the second half, the marauding Rashford seemingly floored late by a sliding challenge from Matthijs de Ligt, before the visitors deservedly moved ahead.Having initially set Danny Rose free down the left, Lingard continued his forward progress and was rewarded when a deflected cross ran kindly into his path, allowing him to steer a low drive beyond Zoet.

Koeman rang the changes in the hope of finding an attacking spark, yet instead he witnessed a worryingly flat performance from a squad who finished an unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaign with a flourish.

Instead it was England who looked more likely to score again, Trippier's stinging drive forcing Zoet into a save as Southgate was able to celebrate his first friendly win since taking charge.