..::Football IV::..

[Wolverine GTR]

England 1 Spain 2: Luis Enrique off the mark after comeback victory

Luis Enrique won his first game in charge of Spain as La Roja came from behind to beat England 2-1 at Wembley in the Nations League.

It was a disappointing night for World Cup semi-finalists England, who took an early lead through Marcus Rashford but were behind within 22 minutes after goals from Saul Niguez and Rodrigo Moreno.Luke Shaw, making his first international start in three years, was taken off on a stretcher wearing a neck brace and oxygen mask early in the second half after a clash with Dani Carvajal, and the hosts failed to mount a comeback in his absence.


Spain were fluid and fluent throughout their first match under Luis Enrique and, after their shock World Cup last-16 exit to hosts Russia ended a tumultuous campaign, will go confidently into their next game against Croatia, though a late foul by substitute Danny Welbeck meant they will not do so on the back of a draw.

Harry Kane released Shaw down the left and the full-back picked out his Manchester United team-mate Rashford with a precision pass that was slotted past David de Gea in the 11th minute.Two minutes later Carvajal rounded Shaw and squared to Rodrigo, who cut the ball back to Saul for a first-time finish inside Jordan Pickford's near post.

Having played the better football, Spain deservedly took the lead in the 32nd minute, Rodrigo losing his marker and side-footing Thiago Alcantara's curling free-kick home.The loss of Shaw early in the second half deprived England of a valuable attacking outlet and they struggled to create chances thereafter.

Welbeck had the ball in the net deep into the allotted nine additional minutes only for him to be judged to have fouled De Gea in the process and the goal was ruled out, ensuring Spain left with all three points.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Sergio Ramos hits out at England boos: No one remembers the death threats


Spain centre-back Sergio Ramos has shrugged off jeers from England fans and pointed out the death threats he received in the aftermath of the Champions League final against Liverpool.

Early in that game, which Real Madrid won 3-1, he clashed with Mohammed Salah in an incident that saw the Egypt international sustain a shoulder injury that forced him off prematurely and saw his participation in the World Cup limited.

The experienced centre-back was vilified after the incident and continues to be a divisive figure in England, though he continues to protest that his "conscience is clear" over the incident.

On Saturday, the Real Madrid defender was booed as Spain beat the Three Lions 2-1 at Wembley but he has pointed out that he was victim to unpleasant behaviour from fans following Los Blancos’ third successive Champions League success.

“I would’ve liked another reception,” he admitted in the aftermath of the Nations League clash. “Everyone remembers the final but nobody remembers the death threats that my family and my children received.”Meanwhile, the Spaniard was pleased that Luis Enrique’s era got off to a successful start.

“We started a new era with a coach who has a lot of experience and what better way to win at Wembley,” the captain said.On Tuesday, Spain will tackle World Cup finalists, and Ramos is looking forward to a reunion with one particular club-mate.

“There are few players that I am as proud of as Luka Modric,” he said. “He merited being named FIFA’s The Best – I was as happy for him as if they had given it to me.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Enrique hails De Gea after victory over England


Luis Enrique lauded David de Gea as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after the Manchester United man's performance in Spain's 2-1 victory over England at Wembley.

De Gea ensured Luis Enrique's first game in charge of La Roja yielded three points when he made a superb save to deny Marcus Rashford a possible equaliser in the first half and was involved in a controversial moment when England were denied a share of the points in injury time.

Danny Welbeck thought he had made it 2-2 when he put the ball in Spain's net, only to have the goal ruled out for a foul on De Gea as the keeper attempted to bring the ball to ground.

After he was criticised for his part in Spain's disappointing World Cup campaign, which ended in elimination at the hands of Russia in the round of 16, De Gea's performance against England saw him singled out for praise from Luis Enrique."I'm especially happy about David's performance," the head coach told a post-match news conference.

"He is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has proven it in the Premier League week in, week out."I never had any doubts. Errors sometimes help you to improve and grow up."Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, who equalised for Spain in the first half after Rashford had given England the lead, also won plaudits.

"As for Saul, I like him very much," Luis Enrique said of the 23-year-old.
"He's greatly skilled, very intelligent. A complete player."

Despite his satisfaction with the result, which came courtesy of Rodrigo's decisive goal before half-time, Luis Enrique told his players to look ahead to their next Nations League match against World Cup finalists Croatia rather than dwell on the victory. "I think this does good for everyone," he added. "It is the best way to start, winning against England at Wembley.

"Football is about the present and this is now the past. We are thinking about Croatia on Tuesday.

"Overall, it is a great victory."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Northern Ireland 1 Bosnia-Herzegovina 2: Dzeko provides assist on record-equalling appearance

Edin Dzeko marked his record-equalling 94th Bosnia-Herzegovina cap with an assist in his country's 2-1 victory over Northern Ireland in their Nations League opener.

The 32-year-old Roma striker, who has now made as many international appearances as Emir Spahic, provided the cross that Haris Duljevic turned home nine minutes before the break.

Northern Ireland goalkeeper Bailey Peacock-Farrell was then involved in a second-half mix up with Watford defender Craig Cathcart on his first international start, which Elvis Saric capitalised on to add a second in the 64th minute.


Will Grigg grabbed a stoppage-time consolation for the hosts but it was not enough to deny ex-Real Madrid and Barcelona midfielder Robert Prosinecki a victory in his first competitive game as Bosnia-Herzegovina's coach.


Ten months after a controversial penalty in a play-off against Switzerland at Windsor Park ultimately cost them a World Cup place, Northern Ireland were denied a spot-kick of their own inside 40 seconds when Ervin Zukanovic appeared to trip George Saville.That came during a bright Northern Irish start which ended with Duljevic ghosting past two defenders to convert Dzeko's left-wing cross.

Northern Ireland continued to push after the break, with Ibrahim Sehic denying Stuart Dallas and then making a point-blank save from Kyle Lafferty.Despite the hosts' pressure it was Prosinecki's side who grabbed the next goal when Cathcart's header back to Peacock-Farrell failed to reach its intended target before Saric nipped in and made it 2-0.

Grigg's neat finish halved the deficit in the 93rd minute but when presented with a chance to snatch a draw the substitute fluffed his lines, leaving Michael O'Neill's side to rue their wasted opportunities.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Mourinho needs a Lampard or Drogba at Man Utd - Terry


John Terry has questioned whether former boss Jose Mourinho has the strong leaders he needs to succeed at Manchester United.

Two defeats in four matches have left United drifting in 10th and prompted discussion over whether Mourinho can add to his three Premier League titles.Terry captained Chelsea to each of those triumphs and is confident the 55-year-old is capable of further glory.




However, the ex-England defender believes Mourinho must first find "personalities" like Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba to set the standard."At every club he has had big characters and I'm not sure he has that at Manchester United at the moment. At Chelsea, he did," Terry told the Daily Mail.

"You have to stand up and turn up at training every day and show him that you want to win at all costs. If you've got that, he's 100 per cent on your side.

"I do think he'll bring success to United, but it needs patience."My top three for this season will be decided between City, Liverpool and Chelsea. That leaves United and Spurs fighting for fourth."

United, who are six points off the top three, visit unbeaten Watford when the domestic season resumes next weekend.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.09.09

UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.09.09

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Ukraine Vs Slovakia
Bulgaria Vs Norway
Denmark Vs Wales
Georgia Vs Latvia
Macedonia Vs Armenia
Cyprus Vs Slovenia
France Vs Netherlands
Liechtenstein Vs Gibraltar
​

 

[RottenCOLT]

He he ow bro.Ramos dan public enemy number 1 wela thiyenne
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Simeone's return to Inter 'a matter of time', says sister


Diego Simeone is keen to return to Inter as head coach one day, according to his sister, who believes a move is "a matter of time".

The Argentinian left Atletico Madrid for Serie A and Inter as a player in 1997 and rumours persist that a similar coaching switch could soon follow, with Simeone persistently linked with the Italian giants.

And Natalia Simeone, the Atleti man's sister and agent, has confirmed that the 48-year-old wants to take charge at San Siro one day, although Lazio, another of his former clubs, are also of interest.

"Sooner or later [he will move] - Diego has said it, too," Natalia told Gazzetta dello Sport. "I think it will be a matter of time."He likes the place, the environment, living in Milan. Inter are a team that he would love to coach. But he has also remained very close to Lazio."On Simeone's decision to stay at Atleti so far, she added: "In the end, passion always wins. Diego has been at Atletico Madrid for seven years.

"He is one of the best coaches in the world, but he stays where he believes there is still work to be done."Atleti are currently 10th in La Liga, having won one, drawn one and lost one of their opening three games.

Inter, in Serie A, are seventh, while Lazio lie in 16th.

 

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Man Utd target Maguire signs new five-year Leicester contract


England defender Harry Maguire has signed a new five-year contract with Leicester City amid interest from Manchester United.

The centre-back starred for his country at the World Cup, scoring in the quarter-final win over Sweden, and was linked with a big-money move to Old Trafford as United sought defensive reinforcements in the close season.

But Maguire remained with Leicester, saying he respected the club's decision not to sell him, and he has now committed his future to the 2015-16 Premier League champions."Ever since I came to this club, I've always reiterated how good they've been to me," Maguire told the club's website after extending his contract through to 2023.

"They gave me an opportunity to play in the Premier League and built a great platform for me to go and perform at the World Cup, so I thank them a lot. I owe them a lot and I'm looking forward to the future."

Maguire was named Leicester's Player of the Year after appearing in all 38 league matches last term, having signed from relegated Hull City in June 2017. The 25-year-old made his England debut in a World Cup qualifier in Lithuania last October and established himself as a regular ahead of the finals in Russia.

He has been tipped to shine "for any top club" by team-mate and former United player Jonny Evans, who added: “Physically he’s got it and he’s good with the ball.His technique is fantastic and I think he proved that throughout the World Cup."

Meanwhile, Foxes goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is confident Maguire will develop into "one of the best defenders in the world" over the next 10 years.
“He’s got absolutely every attribute you could possibly want in a defender," he said. "He’s an exceptional football player, very intelligent, he can see a pass and pick it out, positionally he’s very astute and very clever."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'As long as you don't see me in a Barcelona jersey...' - Pogba dismisses rumours of Man Utd exit


Paul Pogba has dismissed suggestions that he will be sporting the Barcelona jersey in the near future as he remains committed to Manchester United.

The World Cup winner was linked with a move to Camp Nou towards the end of the summer transfer window as reports emerged he wanted to escape Jose Mourinho, who has come under pressure in the early stages of the season.

Pogba suggested this week that his future at United remains uncertain, but he has since shrugged off the persistent rumours about a future in La Liga.

"Talking about a transfer, I'm under contract," he told Telefoot. "There have been some little things with the coach, the relationship is always the same - coach and player. We have common goals, which are to win."As long as you don't see me in the Barcelona jersey, it's because I'm at Manchester, there will always be rumours."

Although he continues to face criticism in England, Pogba's journey to world glory in the summer has made him a hero in France, and the 25-year-old says it has changed him in many ways.

"It's wonderful, the world champion's life, our life is changing, people's perceptions are changing too, I'm always the same" he added. "The change in me was made during the World Cup, I needed to become more mature, growing up, it was everything. I have a very good relationship with coach Didier Deschamps, he told me about his experience and I took it into account."

Pogba was credited with playing a big role in motivating Les Bleus to their 4-2 win over Croatia in the final. The former Juventus star told his team-mates they had 90 minutes to "write the story" and "change everything". But he says he was just saying what everyone else was thinking."I did not feel like doing it before. There with the World Cup, I freed myself, it's me who speaks but it's in everyone's mind," he said.

Pogba is set to line up for France on Sunday as they take on Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League before returning to United for their Premier League clash against Watford on September 15.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

'Mourinho the wrong man for Man Utd, they should have appointed Pep!' - Cantona


Jose Mourinho is not the right manager for Manchester United, according to former Red Devils forward Eric Cantona, who believes the club should have appointed Pep Guardiola instead.

United have endured a stuttering start to the season, and have already lost to Brighton and Tottenham, conceding three times in each game.

Cantona, who won four Premier League titles during his time at Old Trafford, believes that United will continue to win trophies despite their early-season struggles, but he has not warmed to the style of play employed by Mourinho.

"It's not so good," he told the Daily Mail. "But it is early in the season... too early to tell. Manchester United is a great club and will always be great. They will win things, I know they will."But the way they play? Not good. The manager has them playing the wrong way for the fans. No fun, no creativity.

"I like Mourinho. He has a good personality but not for United - they should have Guardiola as coach. He should be there, but he is doing magic with that other club. The club I cannot name."Guardiola, of course, led City on a record-breaking season last term, as they racked up 100 points in the Premier League en route to the title.

They sit fourth after four games this season, with three wins and one draw to their name, and Cantona has waxed lyrical about the methods of the Catalan.

"Listen. I joke about Manchester City but they are playing great football," he added. "It's just that I think Guardiola should be at United. He is the spiritual child of Johan Cruyff - he played under Cruyff at Barcelona and learned everything from him. He's the only person who should be at United."Of course, the former United striker does not believe that the ex-Barcelona coach is the only candidate, and has even thrown his own hat into the ring.

"Well, except for me," adds Cantona. "I would like to coach. If they called me, I would go; I would enjoy it. They know where I am. Then we would play creative football once again.

"It would be great for the fans, like it was with Alex Ferguson - he allowed players to be creative, treated them as individuals. We all felt special with him. All felt loved. He was always praising. A good man. A good leader."

United are back in action after the international break on September 15 as they travel to early pacesetters Watford.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Germany 2 Peru 1: Debutant Schulz scores late to secure win

Debutant Nico Schulz scored a scruffy 85th-minute winner as Germany claimed their first victory since their World Cup debacle by beating Peru 2-1 at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena.Schulz's unconvincing attempt appeared to be heading wide of the target before Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese diverted the Hoffenheim man's drive into the net.

Schulz was one of those culpable for the Peruvians' goal, failing to stop Luis Advincula breezing past him down Germany's left before beating Marc-Andre ter Stegen from a tight angle.

Yet Joachim Low's men replied three minutes later through Julian Brandt's chipped finish, and Schulz's late winner ensured the Germans could start to look forward following their poor performances in Russia.

Germany started brightly as Marco Reus was denied inside two minutes by Gallese, who then stood up to keep out Matthias Ginter's free header from a corner, before Peru took a 22nd-minute lead.

Advincula was afforded too much space and neither Schulz, Niklas Sule or Germany goalkeeper Ter Stegen could prevent his near-post effort sneaking in.
Yet the hosts hit back quickly, Brandt cleverly lifting the ball over the advancing keeper after the Bayer Leverkusen winger was picked out by Toni Kroos' pass.

Both teams created chances in the second half - Timo Werner wasting Brandt's good work by firing over before Jefferson Farfan fired wide of the target when picked out by Advincula.

It appeared the game would finish level until Gallese's error, Schulz's weak side-footed shot squirming under him.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

France 2 Netherlands 1: Giroud ends drought to sink Dutch

Kylian Mbappe illuminated France's World Cup homecoming and Olivier Giroud ended his international goal drought to seal a 2-1 Nations league win over Netherlands

PSG teenager Mbappe was one of the stars of Les Bleus' march to glory in Russia and he dazzled during the opening stages of a first game back at the Stade de France for Didier Deschamps' side.There was a sense of inevitability to his 14th-minute opener but Ronald Koeman's men were rewarded for their persistence with Ryan Babel's equaliser after the hour mark.

Chelsea striker Giroud failed to score at Russia 2018 but was on hand to volley home substitute Benjamin Mendy's cross for his first France goal in 11 matches.Mbappe drew two early saves from Jasper Cillessen before becoming the beneficiary of some dreadful Netherlands defending.

A couple of botched clearances from Babel and Daley Blind were compounded when Quincy Promes headed into Blaise Matuidi's path, leaving Mbappe to tap in the Juventus midfielder's low cross.


By the time the hour passed, France had allowed a position of strength to drift and did not heed the warning of Georginio Wijnaldum bustling into the box to drag wastefully wide.

Kenny Tete charged into space down the right, beyond the recently introduced Mendy, and the on-rushing Babel dispatched his fine delivery at the near post.Memphis Depay then lashed into the side netting, with the Lyon star wasting another promising position in the 71st minute.

France's response was decisive, although the previously impressive Cillessen will be disappointed to have palmed Giroud's left-footed effort into the net.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Denmark 2 Wales 0: Eriksen double punishes visitors

Christian Eriksen brought Wales crashing back down to earth as the midfielder settled a scrappy Nations League encounter 2-0 in Denmark's favour.

Ryan Giggs' side had dismantled Republic of Ireland in the group opener days earlier, but against Denmark - at full strength after resolving their sponsorship row - they lacked a cutting edge.Gareth Bale, wearing the captain's armband, struggled to influence play and Eriksen instead proved the difference with a fine first-half strike and a penalty after the break.

This functional Denmark side profited on the occasional Welsh mistake to take two big chances, handing out a lesson in competitive internationals to opponents depending again on young talents like Ethan Ampadu.


Thomas Delaney and Bale sent left-footed drives fizzing wide at either end in a low-key opening half-hour, but Eriksen was clinical when his first opening arrived.

The Tottenham man controlled in the area to drill against the foot of the post and in, with only an instinctive one-handed Wayne Hennessey stop then keeping Pione Sisto from lashing in a quick second.Wales started the second half on the front foot but made little of their bright spell, unable to create a chance akin to that which Martin Braithwaite passed up after wriggling past Chris Mepham in the visitors' box.

Once more, though, Eriksen would take his opportunity. Ampadu was penalised for handling Viktor Fischer's cross and the spot-kick, taken by Eriksen, was smashed home to clinch victory.

Delaney and Eriksen threatened to extend Denmark's advantage late on but Hennessey was on hand to keep the score respectable.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Low: Germany still a work in progress after World Cup flop


Joachim Low has acknowledged that Germany are still a work in progress, but praised his side for never giving up as they secured a 2-1 friendly win over Peru.Germany secured their first victory since they crashed out of the 2018 World Cup at the group stage when debutant Nico Schulz's scruffy shot squirmed under Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese's body.

Peru had led at the Rhein-Neckar-Arena on Sunday when Luis Advincula stormed past Schulz and squeezed a near-post effort beyond Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and the South Americans had opportunities in the second half too after Julian Brandt had levelled with a cool chipped finish over Gallese.

"I'm glad that we won the game," Germany head coach Low told RTL."We felt that the team wanted to win the match, they fought until the end."We missed a lot of chances in the first half. That was the problem. The substitutions made the rhythm a bit broken. The balance is not yet 100 per cent."Low admitted that Schulz could have done better for Peru's goal but was pleased he turned out to be the match-winner.

"I'm happy for him, because he also made a good impression in training and made a very committed game," Low added. "He is physically very good and fast."Brandt was in Russia for the World Cup, though he featured for just 19 minutes in three substitute appearances.

He started against Peru and showed the kind of creativity and drive that the German attacks were missing in June."Beyond the World Cup, I've gained a lot of self-confidence, I feel very comfortable in the national team," Brandt added."I try to use every minute and bring in my strengths and I'm happy about my goal."

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Rashford will never be a striker for as long as he stays at Man Utd - Shearer


Marcus Rashford will never be a striker at Manchester United and may need to leave if he is to prove himself in that position, says Alan Shearer.The 20-year-old forward has made no secret of the fact that he sees himself as a central frontman.

He has, however, been denied the opportunity to prove his worth in that position under Jose Mourinho.

With the United boss preferring to use the fleet-footed youngster in a wider role, his finishing ability has been affected.Shearer believes those issues cost England in a UEFA Nations League opener against Spain, with Rashford spurning some glorious opportunities after opening the scoring in a 2-1 defeat at Wembley.

The Premier League’s all-time leading scorer and a man who earned 63 caps for the Three Lions told The Sun: “I am a big fan of ­Marcus Rashford.“He gets into good positions, runs in behind defenders and is a ­constant threat.“His goal at Wembley on ­Saturday night showcased what he is all about.

“Unfortunately his two missed chances that could have earned England a point in their Nations League match with Spain also told you where he is at right now.“A centre-forward who is playing regularly in that position for his club probably would not have fluffed those.”

A move away from Old Trafford has been mooted for Rashford, with the general consensus being that he needs more regular game time in order to fulfil his potential.

Shearer would understand if a United academy graduate takes such a decision, with there no chance of him being the leading man for the Red Devils with so many other options available.“The problem he faces is what can he do about it? Yes he is still very young at 20, but when will his situation change?” added the striker who scored 260 Premier League goals.

“As long as Romelu Lukaku stays fit he is not going to get a starting spot as the lone striker at Old Trafford. As long as Jose Mourinho is the ­manager, there is not going to be two up top.“Even if Lukaku did not play, my money would be on Alexis Sanchez being moved into the middle and further forward.

“And would Mourinho really turn to Rashford if he needed another striker? Or would he go to the transfer market for a tried and trusted ready-made goalscorer?
“Rashford has been played so long in a wide position in a three, that it does take time to readjust to his natural position.

“Time is not a great commodity in football nowadays. I am not advocating Rashford moves away from Old Trafford. It is a great club to be at.“But if he wants to achieve an ambition to be recognised as a great goalscorer it is just not going to happen there.

“He would need to move with the assurance that his next club will make him the main man, the striker, the one up top or one of two. Then I truly believe he would develop into a goalscorer.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Zidane fuels Man Utd talk with coaching return revelation


Zinedine Zidane has fuelled speculation that he could be being lined up to replace Jose Mourinho at Manchester United by revealing that he plans to return to management “soon”.

The Frenchman has been out of work since leaving Real Madrid at the end of the 2017-18 campaign.He walked away from that post on the back of an historic third successive Champions League triumph, with La Liga title glory also savoured at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Zidane left Madrid claiming that the Blancos needed “something different” to keep them competitive at the highest level.He has enjoyed a break from the stresses of coaching, but the 46-year-old is now eager to get back into the dugout.

Zidane told TVE: “Certainly I’ll be coaching again soon because it’s what I like doing and what I’ve done all my life.”It has been suggested that the former France international’s next job could be in England.He is being heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford amid Manchester United’s early struggles in 2018-19.

Jose Mourinho has claimed that it will cost the Red Devils too much to sack him, with the Portuguese having committed to a new contract in January.He is, however, under pressure to deliver results after overseeing an inconsistent start to the new season.

If he is unable to turn the tide, then United will be left with little choice but to make a change.Zidane would likely be among those taken into consideration if he remains without a job.

A spell with Real is the only top-level experience taken in by the World Cup winner, but he proved himself capable at the Santiago Bernabeu and is well respected throughout the game.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.09.10

UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.09.10

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--------------

Andorra Vs Kazakhstan
Kosovo Vs Faroe Islands
Malta Vs Azerbaijan
Montenegro Vs Lithuania
Portugal Vs Italy
Scotland Vs Albania
Serbia Vs Romania
Sweden Vs Turkey
​

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Portugal 1 Italy 0: Andre Silva nets winner as Ronaldo's absence is hardly felt

Andre Silva stepped up and scored the decisive goal in Cristiano Ronaldo's absence, as Portugal began their Nations League campaign with a 1-0 win over Italy to take control of League A's Group 3.

Fernando Santos accepted Ronaldo's request to be rested and, while there may have been some pre-match trepidation about their chances without the Juventus star, Portugal went on to dominate Italy in Lisbon.

Roberto Mancini's men rode their luck in the first half, relying on a goal-line clearance from Andrea Romagnoli and the frame of the goal to keep them on level terms.But Portugal found a way through just after the break – lively Sevilla striker Andre Silva producing a neat finish after a devastating Bruma-inspired counter - and that proved to be winning goal.

Italy looked every inch a team which featured nine alterations from their last outing, as Portugal looked the more coherent and carved them open in the 14th minute, only for Bernardo Silva to play a poor pass into the danger zone instead of shooting.


Romagnoli then had to be alert just before the half-hour mark, clearing Bernardo Silva's effort off the line after Andre Silva made a nuisance of himself.

Italy were fortunate again a few moments later – Mario Rui's low cross deflecting off Bryan Cristante and coming back off the crossbar.Portugal's persistence finally paid off three minutes into the second half, with Andre Silva curling into the bottom corner after Bruma's low cross was deflected into his path.

Bernardo Silva tested Gianluigi Donnarumma with a stinging drive soon after, one of few second-half opportunities, despite Portugal's dominance.Yet, Italy rarely threatened to restore parity and Portugal secured a deserved victory.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

We need Messi so Argentine football can keep growing – Martinez


Argentina and Inter striker Lautaro Martinez wants Lionel Messi to return to international football because he 'makes Argentine football keep growing'.Messi was helpless as the Albiceleste made little impact at the World Cup, going out in the last 16 to eventual champions France, who won 4-3.

Prior to that encounter, Argentina suffered a woeful 3-0 defeat to Croatia and were held to a 1-1 draw by Iceland, only just making it through the group thanks to a 2-1 win over Nigeria.

After elimination, rumours swirled suggesting Messi's international retirement was inevitable and, although he has not actually called time on his Argentina career just yet, he did not make himself available for the current selection of interim coach Lionel Scaloni.Nevertheless, Martinez is adamant Messi still has a vital role to play for the national team.

When asked by Clarin whether Messi is still needed, Martinez said: "Yes, without a doubt, because he is the best player in the world.

"He is Argentine and every time he wears the shirt of the national team we enjoy him to the fullest. He makes Argentine football keep growing."There were many things that I learned from him that were very useful and positive within the group, not only his relationship with the best [players], but also with the youngest."You learn a lot because here are the best and I try to make the most of all that to keep learning."

Martinez was handed his Argentina debut by Jorge Sampaoli in March, but the coach – who lost his job following the World Cup debacle – did not pick the young talent in the squad which went to Russia.Yet, Martinez does not hold a grudge against Sampaoli for that disappointment.

"No, he did not cheat me," said Martinez, who missed the 3-0 friendly win over Guatemala due to a haematoma in his left calf."I always said that he was the coach and he was going to decide. I am convinced that the 23 [players] he chose for the World Cup were the best for him at that time.

"He asked me to make changes to my game, in what I had been doing, and I felt that from that side it hurt me because afterwards I was off the list."It was a very hard blow. I had a very big dream of being able to go to my first World Cup, to be there in the squad, but the responsibility is mine because I'm the one who enters the pitch.

"Now there is a technical staff [Scaloni and Juan Pablo Aimar] that comes to give a hand, who know what the national team is all about because they have played in it."This is important because they have transmitted what they experienced. There are also many young players who come doing things right in their clubs and now we, the players, have to take advantage of the opportunities they give us."