..::Football IV::..

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Low concedes Germany in must-win territory after 'very bad' Mexico humbling


Germany manager Joachim Low admits his side “played very badly” in a humbling 1-0 defeat to Mexico which leaves them playing catch-up in the defence of their World Cup crown.The 2014 champions entered their opening Group F encounter in Moscow fancied by many to go all the way and secure back-to-back titles.

Mexico, however, contained and frustrated a star-studded side for long periods, with Hirving Lozano snatching what proved to be the decisive goal 10 minutes from half-time.

Low now has plenty of issues to address heading into a meeting with Sweden next weekend, with Germany requiring a marked improvement if they are to avoid suffering an early departure.

A man who also guided his team to Confederations Cup success in Russia in 2017 told reporters: “Indeed it is disappointing to have lost the first match, it’s a situation we are not used to at all, in the many tournaments before we always won the first match but we have to accept this situation.“There will always be obstacles to overcome and in the next match we have to be much better.

“In the first half we played very badly, we were not able to impose our usual way of playing, attacking and our passing were not effective in the spaces, there were lots of counter-attacks and we had to get back.“We were very vulnerable because we lost balls going forward and that left gaps.“In the second half we pressed more but Mexico dropped back and played on the break. We had a couple of shots but it seemed jinxed, sometimes they were too quick in finishing, didn’t keep their cool.

“Everyone is very unhappy but tomorrow we have to look forward. Our team has experience of dealing with losses, the next match will be decisive and we have to win it.”Low went on to admit that his players looked “nervous” at times, but he maintains that he will not be scrapping his pre-tournament plans on the back of one result.

He added: “We will not change our match plan because if we are able to play out our ideas then we have players who can deliver.“We have to concentrate on our strong suits that we simply haven’t been able to produce in the last few matches.”

With Mexico now in the driving seat to secure top spot in Group F, Germany’s potential path to another final may have become considerably more difficult.It could be that Brazil lie in store at the round of 16, but Low is refusing to get caught up in what might be.

“I won't think of that, I certainly don’t care who the opponent will be,” he said.“We have to win against Sweden, now we are under pressure.“The first knockout round? I don’t think about that now. We need to focus on the next game.”

 

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Pogba: I'm the most criticised player in the world


Paul Pogba claims to be the “the most criticised player in the world”, with the Manchester United and France midfielder having once being the most expensive.

An £89 million ($118m) deal returned the 25-year-old to Old Trafford in the summer of 2016 following a productive four-year stint at Juventus.With that transfer having taken spending to a new high, prior to Neymar making his record-breaking switch to Paris Saint-Germain, Pogba has seen his every move since scrutinised in minute detail.

His performances have been questioned by United boss Jose Mourinho at times, along with players past and present and supporters of various clubs and international sides across the globe.

Pogba feels he is being unfairly singled out, with is game generating more headlines and comment than any other player on the planet.He told Telefoot: “I am less entitled to make mistakes than others. “I went from the biggest transfer in the world to the most criticised player in the world.”

Pogba has received support from a fellow flamboyant performer and former Red Devils team-mate in the wake of recent criticism, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic having been quick to leap to the Frenchman’s defence.The enigmatic Swede told beIN Sports: “Pogba is controversial, the media always talks about him and I think this is out of jealousy.“He has a big salary and always plays at the big matches and tournaments. He is the best midfielder in the world and because of that he has a lot of haters.”

Pogba was able to quieten some of his detractors in his most recent outing, as he helped France to make a winning start to their World Cup 2018 campaign.

He has been robbed of what proved to be the winning goal, with FIFA deciding on review that Australia defender Aziz Behich put through his own net, but his display has been hailed by Mourinho, Didier Deschamps and N’Golo Kante.

There is, however, an acceptance from all of those representing Les Bleus in Russia that they will need to raise their game as a collective over the coming weeks if they are to challenge for the ultimate prize.Pogba added: “As the coach said, we have to do better.”Deschamps conceded after a narrow victory over Australia that he will be looking for more from a star-studded attacking unit when France face Peru on Thursday.

 

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Chicharito: Germany win not historic, just a step toward World Cup title


Mexico is enjoying its 1-0 victory over Germany in the first Group F match of the 2018 World Cup, but forward Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez was among the players cautioning against reading too much into the first game.

While El Tri now are on the path to winning the group - and potentially avoiding a clash with Brazil which is in Group E - they still have to face South Korea and Sweden to close out the group.The win over Germany is a result Mexicans won't forget for some time, but the 29-year-old forward downplayed its importance in Mexican soccer history.

"I don’t think it’s historic because how’s it going to help us if we lose against Korea, against Sweden and we go home to Mexico? We’re taking it calmly," he said.

"The objective is to get to the World Cup final. So, it’s a step, a very important step, very good, a big step, an energy boost and a boost in confidence. We’ve worked for three years against everything, so we’re staying calm. It’s World Cup. Nobody comes here to just win the first game."

While Chicharito already was ready to shift the focus to the June 23 game against South Korea, other players were more open to enjoying a victory - the first time in history Mexico has toppled Germany.

"I think so," defender Jesus Gallardo said when asked if it was the most historic victory for Mexico in its World Cup history. "Today was a great game. We were able to dream and believe in ourselves and beat the champion of the world."

The jury remained out, with goal-scoring hero Hirving Lozano saying: "I don't know if it is the biggest victory in [Mexican] history but one of the biggest for sure. It is great to start on the right foot when you are playing against the world champions."

After the match against South Korea in Rostov-on-Don, Mexico closes out group play against Sweden on June 27 in Yekaterinburg.

 

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'I missed five penalties and was still Maradona' - Diego comes to Messi's defence after spot-kick fiasco


Argentine football legend Diego Maradona has leapt to Lionel Messi's defence after seeing the star err from the penalty spot against Iceland.With Saturday's World Cup Group D opener poised at 1-1, Messi had the chance to restore Argentina's advantage when Maxi Meza was shoved in the area. Iceland's goalkeeper and part-time film director Hannes Halldorsson, however, had other ideas, keeping out the penalty with a strong save to ensure a share of the points.

But Maradona pointed out that even the best players can make mistakes from 12 yards out - including himself. "I missed five penalties in a row and I was still Diego Armando Maradona," the 1986 World Cup winner explained to Telesur. "The game and the two points lost by the team are not down to his penalty."He showed his face and gave everything he had to give. The 'kid' did his duty.

"Seeing him on the field, he was pretty pissed off. Just like I would have been. It was all him, he always had to shrug two players off and when he did, there was no pass open." Maradona has focused criticism on coach Jorge Sampaoli, whom he believes should not return to Argentina if the team continues to struggle.

But the colourful former Albiceleste boss nevertheless believes that his nation can turn things around - with a bit of help from up above. "Whether you win, lose or draw, it is always 11 players on the pitch. But you have to see how you win, lose and draw," he added.

"We are closer to losing the coming games. We are in big trouble, but we still believe in God and that we can improve. I hope the lads get better."

 

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FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.18

FIFA World Cup 2018 Group Stage Fixtures 2018.06.18

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Group F
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Sweden Vs Korea Republic

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Group G
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Belgium Vs Panama

Tunisia Vs England

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Half Time

Tunisia 1 Vs 1 England

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Jorginho has five-year deal waiting to be signed at Man City


Manchester City have a five-year contract waiting for Jorginho, claims the Napoli midfielder’s agent, but the Premier League champions are yet to agree a transfer fee.

After Goal first revealed Pep Guardiola’s interest in the Italy international back in April , a long-running saga has proved frustrating for all concerned.Jorginho is desperate to take advantage of “the opportunity of a lifetime” , but he has seen a €50 million (£44m/$58m) approach knocked back by Serie A employers reluctant to lower their asking price.

City are still to meet Napoli’s demands but a deal is edging ever closer, with Aurelio De Laurentiis having promised that the issue will be “settled soon”.It is reported that a €53m offer will be enough to get an agreement over the line, with Jorginho’s representative revealing that terms have already been drawn up at the Etihad Stadium.

Joao Santos told Radio Kiss Kiss : “Jorginho is obviously willing to go to City, we’re waiting for the agreement between the clubs. “There’s a five-year contract ready for the lad.“If the agreement doesn’t arrive then obviously he’ll make himself available for Napoli.

“With the World Cup negotiations slow down a bit, but we hope the deal can be defined soon.”Jorginho has spent four-and-a-half seasons with Napoli, taking in 160 appearances.He is considered to be a solid addition to a City squad which already boasts plenty of midfield talent within record-breaking ranks.

 

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De Gea to retain Spain spot after Ronaldo blunder


Spain coach Fernando Hierro has insisted he has full confidence in David de Gea, despite his mistake in the draw with Portugal.The long-time Real Madrid star also confirmed that De Gea will keep his place in goal as Spain's quest to regain the World Cup, which they won in 2010, continues.

De Gea fumbled an effort from Cristiano Ronaldo from distance in Friday's 3-3 draw with their Iberian rivals and made a similar mistake in a warm-up match against Switzerland earlier this month.

Criticism for the goalkeeper has been widespread following his latest blunder but Hierro, set for just his second match in charge of La Roja, has confirmed that De Gea will start against Iran on Wednesday."I see David as being very calm and he has all our confidence in full," Hierro told a media conference."Players need confidence and support at all times and my decision [that he will play] is very clear. I will be fair with every player.

"The squad has had a day off and that helped David relax and step away, because we are more interested with natural methods in our preparations, making sure we get our heads right."

Spain midfielder Isco also backed De Gea to bounce back from his disappointment, adding: "David is fine. No one likes to fail. He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he knows how to react. We're giving him a lot of affection."

Isco, featuring at his first World Cup, spoke of the squad's desire to perform after Spain's failure four years ago - where they tumbled out in the group stages.He continued: "This team is very proud and [full of] heart, we are really looking forward to doing things right. We will grow up against adversities and we will not crumble at any time."

 

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Belgium 3 Panama 0: Mertens magic sets up Group G win

Dries Mertens scored a stunning volley and Romelu Lukaku was twice on target as Belgium started their Group G campaign with a 3-0 defeat of World Cup debutants Panama in Sochi.

Belgium impressed in an unbeaten qualifying campaign, becoming the first European nation to book their place at Russia 2018.But Roberto Martinez's side struggled to break Panama down in a flat first half at the Fisht Stadium on Monday, requiring a moment of magic from Mertens to break the deadlock in the 47th minute.


Panama almost mustered a rapid leveller but Thibaut Courtois made a smart stop to keep out a low strike from Michael Murillo, before Lukaku struck twice in six minutes to settle the contest.Lukaku nodded in a sensational Kevin De Bruyne pass and the Manchester United striker then scored a cute chip, though Panama can take heart from a promising display ahead of games against England and Tunisia.

Martinez's golden generation have been tipped as potential champions, but Belgium - beaten by Wales in the Euro 2016 quarter-finals - will likely need to improve on an often-underwhelming performance when they face stronger opposition.

Panama made a nervy start to their World Cup bow with Yannick Carrasco and Mertens forcing early saves from goalkeeper Jaime Penedo.Eden Hazard hit the side-netting after pouncing on a loose backpass from Roman Torres, Panama's captain making amends with a terrific touch on a low De Bruyne right-wing cross that ensured Lukaku could not tap in at the back post.

Hazard fired wide in the 26th minute and the Chelsea forward, who hinted pre-match he could be interested in joining Real Madrid, was left hobbling by heavy challenges from Murillo and Torres.The Belgium captain, deputising for the injured Vincent Kompany, shook off the blows and forced Penedo into a save with his legs, as Panama remained relatively comfortable.

Belgium struggled to create clear openings in the first period but within two minutes of the restart they led thanks to an early contender for the goal of the tournament.Panama failed to clear their lines properly and when the ball fell to Mertens on the right side of the penalty area, the Napoli forward thumped a dipping volley that flew past Penedo.

De Bruyne almost swiftly doubled the lead but narrowly missed the target with a 25-yard free-kick that curled away from Penedo's right-hand post.When wing-back Carrasco switched off at the back, allowing Edgar Barcenas' pass to drift over his head, Courtois had to be alert to smother an effort from Murillo.

That proved to be Panama's best chance of claiming a draw and Belgium doubled their lead in the 69th minute after VAR ruled Lukaku was marginally onside.Hazard and De Bruyne combined brilliantly on the edge of the box, the latter's sublime floated cross to the back post providing Lukaku - who hit 11 goals in qualifying - a simple headed finish.

And when Panama lost possession in their own half, Belgium sprung a clinical counter-attack with Hazard's pass perfectly timed for Lukaku to run clear and lift a fine finish over the onrushing Penedo, showing Belgium will be a World Cup threat if they hit top gear.

 

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Sweden 1 South Korea 0: Granqvist's VAR-assisted penalty settles tight game

Andreas Granqvist's VAR-assisted penalty handed Sweden a deserved 1-0 World Cup win over South Korea at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on Monday.The win takes Janne Andersson's side joint top in Group F with Mexico after their shock win over reigning champions Germany.

The European side were dominant throughout and were twice denied by goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo before another dramatic intervention by VAR shortly after the hour.Substitute Kim Min-woo appeared to have hacked down Viktor Claesson, and, after initially waving away furious appeals from Swedish players, referee Joel Aguilar consulted VAR and eventually pointed to the spot.

South Korea were disappointing throughout, with star man Son Heung-min unable to demonstrate any of the threat that has made him a firm favourite with Tottenham fans in recent seasons.Sweden now have the chance to all but knock Germany out of the tournament on Saturday, while South Korea face Mexico desperately needing a win to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the knock-out stages.


Sweden started without Victor Lindelof after the Manchester United defender fell ill overnight, with his replacement Pontus Jansson and the rest of the defence scarcely tested by a tepid South Korean attack in the early stages.

Granqvist was denied a shot at goal by a superb last-ditch interception by Kim Young-gwon in the game's first notable moment before Marcus Berg squandered a golden opportunity to hand his side the lead midway through the half.The Al Ain striker ghosted in at the back post to meet Ola Toivonen's low ball, but his effort was too close to Cho Hyun-woo, who kept it out with his leg and then punched away the loose ball.

The all-action Kim was in the thick of the action again soon after, throwing himself in front of Berg's scuffed effort from a corner, while Claesson saw a header deflected narrowly over on the stroke of half-time.

In a bright start to the second half, both sides exchanged chances within the first six minutes.First, Emil Forsberg flashed a shot over after a flowing counter-attack before Koo Ja-cheol sent a header into Robin Olsen's side netting as South Korea belatedly woke from their slumber.A teasing free-kick from Sebastian Larsson was met by the head of Toivonen soon after, but once again it was too close to Cho, who was able to parry away.

Sweden then got the breakthrough their positive approach deserved after Kim's clumsy challenge on Claesson. A surprising choice to take the spot-kick, Granqvist coolly slotted into the bottom corner for his seventh international goal.Hwang Hee-chan spurned a glorious opportunity late on, heading wide from 10 yards out, as Sweden ultimately held on for a precious three points.

 

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Full Time

Tunisia 1 Vs 2 England

Tunisia Goal(s)

F.Sassi 35(PEN)'

&

England Goal(s)

H.Kane 11',90+1'
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Sweden 1 Vs 0 Korea Republic

Group F Match in Pictures

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Belgium 3 Vs 0 Panama

Group G Match in Pictures

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Tunisia 1 Vs 2 England

Group G Match in Pictures

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Sweden v Korea Republic - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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Belgium v Panama - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

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Tunisia v England - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

 

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Penalty decisions will make for 'interesting' World Cup - Southgate


Gareth Southgate believes it will be an "interesting" World Cup if penalties akin to the one England conceded against Tunisia continue to be awarded.

England claimed a 2-1 win over Tunisia in their opening Group G encounter in Volgograd on Monday, but looked set to have to settle for a draw after Harry Kane's opener was cancelled out by a contentious spot-kick from Ferjani Sassi.

Sassi converted from 12 yards after Kyle Walker was penalised for catching Fakhreddine Ben Youssef with his arm, which the defender disagreed with after the match.

England then saw two penalty appeals waved away despite Kane appearing to be impeded in the box on each occasion and the presence of VAR, which could have allowed for review.The Three Lions seemed to be running out of ideas as they struggled to create chances in the second half, having wasted a plethora of opportunities in the first.

However, Kane headed home the winner at the far post in the 91st minute to spare England's blushes, though Southgate still expressed his bemusement at referee Wilmar Roldan's decisions. "We recovered from a really harsh decision and kept our composure," Southgate told a media conference. "Our set-plays were a threat all night, we worked on them and got just reward for that.

"I think if it's a penalty at one end it has to be a penalty at the other. Once the first one is given, it wasn't going to be overturned [by VAR] because it wasn't going to be a clear and obvious error. "If penalties are going to be given for that, it's going to be an interesting tournament, I think there were similar offences at the other end of the pitch."Meanwhile, Kane admitted the official's decisions were not easy to deal with on the field, but was pleased the team pushed on despite their frustrations.

"It's part of the game," Kane told reporters post-match. "We've seen in some of the other games that there have been a lot of penalties and a lot of what I would say are soft decisions.

"We have to be aware of that and obviously we've had one go against us and probably another couple that didn't go our way. But as players it's difficult - all we can do is get on with the game and it's down to the officials."Hopefully when they watch it back they can get it right for the next game. I'm more proud of us that we kept going and fighting and sent a lot of fans home happy."

England are next in action against Panama on June 24.

 

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'The story isn't over' - Fekir's agent gives Liverpool hope after failed transfer


The agent of Lyon star Nabil Fekir has suggested there may be hope yet for Liverpool after the playmaker's transfer to Anfield collapsed.

Fekir had appeared set to join Jurgen Klopp's Champions League finalists after agreeing a £60 million (€68m/$80m) move.Lyon, however, later stated that the move was off, with reports that a failed medical was behind the shock move.

Speaking on Monday, however, agent Jean-Pierre Bernes revealed that he could still complete a deal this summer."Well he didn’t sign because well… it is not over!" he told LCI."This is not the end of the story." Fekir was one of the stars of the season in Ligue 1, notching an impressive 18 goals and eight assists in 30 league games.

And upon revealing that talks with Liverpool had broken down, Lyon underlined their intentions to keep the France international."Although Liverpool made the possible transfer of Nabil a priority, and [we have been] subject to other proposals consistent with the interests of Nabil and OL from ambitious clubs, Olympique Lyonnais is delighted soon to be able to count on the presence of our captain, who is a leading player for this 2018-19 season, during which the club will play the Champions League as a third seed," the club added in their statement.

Fellow Reds target Thomas Lemar, meanwhile, has since landed a move to Atletico Madrid, while Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler has also been mentioned as a possibility should they fail to land Fekir.

 

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Where is the love? Lethal Lukaku deserves more respect from Belgium


Romelu Lukaku claimed on the eve of Belgium's World Cup opener in Panama that some people in his homeland want to see him fail.One cannot help but wonder why, because if the nation's 'Golden Generation' are to fulfil their potential in Russia this summer, the Manchester United striker will be the key to their chances.

On a warm summer's evening in Sochi on Monday, Lukaku struck twice as Belgium kicked off their campaign with an ultimately facile 3-0 win over a group of game but limited tournament debutants.It had by no means been a straightforward game, either for Belgium or Lukaku. The first half had been a worrying struggle for both.

Just 1,000 Belgians had bothered to make the trip to Sochi, with the majority of their fans having decided to save their cash for the big group game against England, and their anticipated assault on the knockout stage.

Victory over a Panama side routed 6-0 by Switzerland in a friendly in March was considered a formality. It was anything but.With the aid of the underdog-loving locals, Panama's massive travelling contingent turned this Group G fixture into a home match. They had not just come to Sochi to take part; they had come to take over.

It made for a truly special atmosphere; even before a ball had been kicked. It was all too much for one Panama fan. She had been welling up during the Belgian anthem. The tears began to flow as soon as the Panamanian one began. She wasn't alone.

That stirring passion was replicated on the field. Led by the barrel-chested Roman Torres, Gomez's men played with great aggression, upsetting the Belgians, and Eden Hazard in particular, with the Chelsea ace coming in for some particularly rough treatment.The Red Devils did create some openings in the first half but even when they did find a way through, Jaime Penedo dealt comfortably with everything fired at him in the Panama goal.

Besides, Belgian's lack of fluidity was best illustrated by their inability to bring Lukaku into the game. He had just four touches in the opening 25 minutes.Not that he was blameless, of course. When he did get the ball, he invariably gave it away, with less successful passes (2) than any other outfield player.

Luckily for him, though, the entire complexion of the game - and atmosphere within the stadium - changed just two minutes after the restart, with one deadly swing of Dries Mertens' right boot.

Panama responded well to the setback, with Edgar Barcenas' clever ball in behind Yannick Carrasco - a liability at wing-back in Roberto Martinez's questionable 3-4-3 formation that could well be exposed by better opposition - putting Michael Murillo through on goal.Unfortunately for the Central Americans, and their hopes of pulling off a massive upset, the right-back fired straight at Thibaut Courtois.

Such profligacy was punished in predictably ruthless fashion, with Kevin De Bruyne teeing up Lukaku for his opening goal with a delicious outside-of-the-foot pass, before Hazard slipped the No.9 in for his second.

It was a quick-fire salvo that underlined the individual quality at Martinez's disposal. Indeed, Panama coach Hernan Dario Gomez had even claimed before the game that his Belgium counterpart has - Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi aside - the best players at this summer's World Cup.Doubts persists over Martinez but there is no denying the quality of this Red Devils squad, or Lukaku's importance, with the forward now having been directly involved in 12 of Belgium's last 18 goals (10 goals, two assists).

For that reason alone, he deserves more love and support, because, as he showed here in Sochi, he has the ability to fire his nation to a first major trophy.