..::Football IV::..

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'So proud' - Lindelof thanks team-mates after being named Sweden Player of Year

Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof thanked his team-mates and family after being named Swedish Player of the Year for 2018 in Stockholm.The 24-year-old, who joined United from Benfica for £30 million in 2017, received the 'Guldbollen' trophy at a ceremony in Sweden's capital after establishing himself at Old Trafford and shining at the World Cup finals in Russia.

Lindelof has started 10 of the Reds' 12 Premier League games this season and, despite some nervous moments, moved ahead of the likes of Eric Bailly, Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo in the central defensive pecking order.

His Old Trafford colleagues were among those who were recognised in his acceptance speech.“It means very much for me to receive this prize,” he said at the event, also attended by ex-United striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who won the award for 10 consecutive years up to 2016.

“I am extremely proud and grateful," he added. "I want to thank all my team-mates in my club and national team, but also my family, who have always been there for me in wet and dry. You really mean everything to me."I would also like to thank my beautiful wife, who is always there, helping and supporting me."

Lindelof has started to find his feet at United - albeit at a difficult time for the club - after struggling in his first season at Old Trafford.

He recently told Inside United : "I’m always happy when I play. I always want to help the team and contribute in any way I can."It’s always good for me to play so I’m very happy at the moment. Not with the results, but I want to keep on going to try to help the team in the way that I can.

"A lot of players take time to adjust. I feel good. I think this season is hopefully going to be better than last season – for the team and also for myself."

Lindelof is part of the Sweden squad that will face Turkey and Russia in the Nations League on November 17 and 20 respectively.United sit eighth in the Premier League, 12 points behind pace-setters Manchester City.

 

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Congratuations Victor Lindelof!

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Rooney deserves England farewell - Neville


Gary Neville insists former Manchester United team-mate Wayne Rooney deserves his England send-off.

Rooney is set to win his 120th cap as a substitute when Gareth Southgate's team host the U.S. national team in a friendly on Thursday night.The match is being billed as 'The Wayne Rooney Foundation International' and will benefit his charity foundation.

Some have questioned why the D.C. United forward, 33, is being honoured in such a way, but Neville, who won 85 England caps, says the country's record goalscorer deserves his farewell at Wembley Stadium.

"I'm surprised it has happened as I thought it was the type of thing that Gareth would not allow," he told Sky Sports."But what I would say is that 18 months ago, I think it was March 2017 when Wayne was first left out, that was the time to pick him and do the farewell.

"I'm happy for him personally as I think he absolutely loves England and he has been a great player for England, and I am looking forward to the game because of the fact that the fans will welcome it in the last 10 minutes.

"But I am surprised a little bit. I'm quite neutral on it - I'm not like some who thinks it is an absolute disgrace, I do not, as I think Wayne Rooney deserved that send-off 18 months ago. It is just that the FA have got the timing wrong."Neville does not agree that Rooney's presence - which will likely come as a late second-half sub - will deny younger players an opportunity.

"Wayne Rooney was in the squad for so many years, he was an inspiration to young players," he added. "You look at some of those young players who will turn up and I bet he is the one player they are looking forward to being around."

Rooney, who has scored 53 goals in 119 England appearances, said: "It's a huge honour for the Football Association to grant me this game.

"It's an important game because there will be money raised for children's charities."To play and be involved in the squad, see some old team-mates and Gareth Southgate, and some of the coaching staff, will be a great moment.

"To pull on the England jersey again in front of the fans will be a way for me to say thank you for the support they've shown me over my time playing for England."

 

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'No excuse for Man Utd having only one world-class player' - Ince slams Red Devils' recruitment


Manchester United have “one world-class player”, claims Paul Ince, with there no excuse for the club’s lack of quality after sizeable investment under Jose Mourinho.Since taking the Red Devils’ reins in the summer of 2016, the man at the Old Trafford helm has splashed out around £387 million ($502m).

Mourinho has, however, claimed to still be in the process of rebuilding , with more funds required in order to close an ever-widening gap to the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea .

Ince has been left baffled by those claims, with a club of United’s stature unaccustomed to being in the position of having to chase down rivals.The former Red Devils midfielder believes many windows of poor recruitment are responsible for the regression, with questionable deals having left Mourinho with just one global superstar at his disposal.

Ince told Paddy Power in the wake of a humbling 3-1 derby defeat to City : “When I was watching the game, I realised there was not one world-class player on the pitch for United, David De Gea aside.“How has it come to that? When you look at City, nearly every player is at that level.“The bottom line is, United’s recruitment hasn’t been as good as City’s.

"Money can’t be used as an excuse either – it’s not as though Jose Mourinho hasn’t had millions to spend.”While questioning deals done in the past, Ince has also slammed United’s mentality in the present, with Mourinho’s men accused of running scared in a meeting with defending champions City.

He added: “In Jose Mourinho style, they were set up as though they were terrified of conceding any goals, and didn’t want to try and outscore them either.“Once City got the first goal, they didn’t make any attempt whatsoever to get back to the game. And, even when they tried, they just weren’t good enough.”

A demoralising derby defeat has left United eighth in the Premier League table and sweating on their ability to secure a top-four finish and a return to Champions League competition for 2019-20 .

 

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'Man Utd three signings short of competing' - Mourinho has to match City spending, says Robson


Manchester United “have to match the spending of City”, says Bryan Robson, with Jose Mourinho “three excellent additions” away from being competitive.The Red Devils have continued to invest heavily over recent years, with big money splashed out on the likes of Paul Pogba, Victor Lindelof, Eric Bailly, Nemanja Matic, Romelu Lukaku and Fred.

Mourinho has, however, claimed to have been handed a rebuilding project at Old Trafford, with more fresh faces required in order to bridge the gap in Premier League title races.

Robson agrees with that assessment, with the United legend conceding that more quality needs to be drafted in if arch-rivals City are to be chased down and more major silverware delivered.

He told the Daily Mail: “Manchester United have to really improve their recruitment.“Though the gap between them and Manchester City seems large, I still believe two or three excellent additions will make them competitive.

“During my time in management it was always proved that if you buy average players you end up with an average team.The club can still attract players but they will have to match the spending of City to give Jose Mourinho a better chance.

“They should allow him to identify who he wants and then go out and get them.Then it's up to Jose to deliver a title-chasing squad and I still believe he is the man who can take them forward.”

United’s struggles for consistency with their current squad have them sat eighth in the English top-flight, with 12 points separating them from the summit and seven from the top four.

Robson believes Champions League football can be secured, with a challenge for the crown “never realistic”.He added: “The World Cup took its toll on United's start to the campaign but there have been signs of recovery up until Sunday [against City]. Now it's a case of recharging and going again.

“United fans shouldn't be too despondent. It's a long, hard season and there's plenty of twists to come.“A league title was never realistic but, with a couple of additions, it is realistic to think they can make the top four and Champions League, then look to step up next season. City have set a high standard but it's not insurmountable.”

United suffered a 3-1 derby defeat to City in their latest outing, with Mourinho’s men struggling to counter the loss of Paul Pogba to injury and ultimately paying the price for a slow start to a crunch clash.

“There are mitigating circumstances for United's performance against City on Sunday,” said Robson.“The squad didn't get back from Turin until 3.30am on Thursday [following a Champions League clash with Juventus] and that saps your energy ahead of a derby game — plus they were without Paul Pogba.

“He has plenty of critics but I'm not one of them. He's a big-game player and the team sorely missed his dynamism across the park.”

 

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Chelsea and Everton among Arnautovic suitors, claims agent


Chelsea and Everton are among a number of Premier League clubs interested in signing Marko Arnautovic, according to his agent.

The West Ham forward has scored five goals in 10 league games this season, even though Manuel Pellegrini's side have won just one of their past five top-flight fixtures.Arnautovic's agent, his brother Daniel, says the Austria international is considering a January exit and claims a host of top sides in England are monitoring his situation.

"It's not that he really wants to leave, but we believe this is the moment in his career when he has to take a step forward and try to win a few trophies, maybe even the Champions League," he told gianlucadimarzio.com.

"There are a lot of Premier League clubs tracking him. Chelsea and Everton, for example, but not only them."Daniel Arnautovic also suggested his client could be tempted back to Serie A, where he spent a brief period on loan with Inter in 2009-10.

"Why not?" Daniel said, when asked about a return to Italy. "He could prove that Inter weren't wrong to take a gamble. He was only 19 when he joined Inter and left many good friends behind there, along with fond memories of Milan."Speaking earlier, the Austria international told Kurier newspaper: "I'm 29, so at my best age. It's clear that I want to compete with the very best. But I fully trust my brother in such matters."

His brother added that Arnautovic was ready for "the next step" in his career, even though he is happy with life at London Stadium."Marko feels extremely comfortable at West Ham. You can see that every week," he said. "But you also get the feeling this cannot be the end. He's ready for the next step.

"Someone like him should not be fighting against relegation but playing for the best seats and for the international places."

 

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'Modric deserved to be named world's best player' - Luis Figo


Luis Figo feels that Real Madrid and Croatia ace Luka Modric is a worthy winner of this year's Goal 50.

It was revealed on Tuesday that the midfielder had finished top of our annual list of the world's top performers from the preceding 12 months, just ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah.It caps a remarkable year for Modric, who helped Real Madrid win a third successive Champions League in May before then leading his country to the World Cup final.

"He is one of those who certainly deserved an individual prize," former Madrid winger Figo told Goal."These awards are always subjective but, without a doubt, Modric has had a wonderful season.

"He made the difference with his national team and with Real Madrid."For this reason, his prize is well deserved."I live in Madrid and although we did not play together, we attended the same places, knew the same people, also shared family moments together.

"He is a great person and it makes me happy that this year he has won so many individual trophies."
Lionel Messi has enjoyed another fine year with Barcelona, winning a domestic double last season before starting the current campaign in fantastic form.However, in between, the No.10 suffered more heartbreak at international level, with his native Argentina eliminated by France in the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia.Messi was, thus, criticised for perceived lack of leadership but Figo believes it is unfair to judge the 31-year-old too harshly for the contrasting quality of his performances for club and country.

"The team-mates are not the same, the tactical systems are not the same, the opponents are not of the same type," the former Portugal international argued."When the quality [of the team] is lower, it becomes more difficult for a player to win a tournament like a World Cup on his own.

"He can make a difference in one or two games, but it's hard to get to victory without having a high-level team.

"I think this is the big difference: between his club and the national team, there are different situations and limits that affect his performances."

 

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UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.11.15

UEFA Nations League Fixtures 2018.11.15

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Kazakhstan Vs Latvia

Andorra Vs Georgia

Austria Vs Bosnia

Belgium Vs Iceland

Croatia Vs Spain

Greece Vs Finland

Hungary Vs Estonia

Luxembourg Vs Belarus

San Marino Vs Moldova
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VAMOS ESPANA!
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Croatia 3 Spain 2: Jedvaj keeps World Cup finalists in contention

Tin Jedvaj's extraordinary double saw Croatia blow their Nations League pool wide open with a 3-2 win against Spain on Thursday, setting up a make-or-break clash with England.

The World Cup finalists endured a miserable start to their Group 4 campaign in League A - thrashed by Spain in the reverse fixture and drawing with England - but they now head to Wembley in contention for a Finals place after an incredible finish in Zagreb.

A tame first half was followed by a frantic second as Croatia were twice pegged back by a rampant Spain side, Dani Ceballos levelling after Andrej Kramaric's opener, before a Sergio Ramos penalty cancelled out Jedvaj's first international goal.

But the Croatia full-back ensured his side would not be denied, lashing in a rebound in the dying seconds to keep the hosts in the running.

Spain, meanwhile, face a nervous wait after completing their group campaign, now requiring a draw between the two teams in London to reach next year's knockout stage.David de Gea was drawn into a smart early stop, helping Ivan Perisic's deceptive low effort onto his right-hand post, but further first-half chances were sparse before Lovre Kalinic tipped away an Isco drive.

The first goal was a gift when it finally did arrive. Ramos and Sergi Roberto traded passes in the corner before Perisic intercepted an impudent flick from the latter to send Kramaric through on goal, the forward keeping his cool to finish.Yet Spain suddenly awoke from their slumber and a flowing attacking move down the left concluded with Isco squaring for Real Madrid team-mate Ceballos to slide into the net.

Kalinic lost the ball at Iago Aspas' feet for a seemingly simple Spanish second, but the forward prodded against the crossbar and Croatia were able to go up the other end and restore their lead, Jedvaj nodding Luka Modric's teasing cross in at close range.

De Gea denied Ante Rebic on the break at one end before a frantic scramble saw Sime Vrsaljko block Alvaro Morata's on-target header at the other, although the right-back's handball allowed Ramos to convert from 12 yards out.

However, there was still time for another twist as, with Croatia throwing everyone forward, De Gea could only parry a low shot as far as Jedvaj in a crowded penalty area, allowing the 22-year-old to settle a see-saw contest.

 

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England 3 United States 0: Experimental side impresses on Rooney farewell

Wayne Rooney bade a fond farewell to England as an experimental Three Lions side coasted to a 3-0 friendly win over the United States at Wembley on Thursday.Gareth Southgate's decision to give all-time leading goalscorer Rooney a cameo caused some pre-match controversy with record appearance holder Peter Shilton saying caps should not be "given out like gifts".

But, after being presented with a golden plaque prior to kick-off, he received a rousing reception and, as Rooney becomes a part of England's past, Southgate will be delighted by his glimpse into the future.


Jadon Sancho, making his first England start, was a constant menace and set up Trent Alexander-Arnold for his first international goal shortly after Jesse Lingard's sublime opener.

Debutant Callum Wilson then earned a deserved goal to round off the win in the second half on a decent night all round for England - one that would only have been made sweeter had Brad Guzan not denied Rooney in stoppage time.

England – noting eight changes from the team that beat Spain 3-2 in the Nations League – were nearly gifted the opener when Guzan's woeful clearance was quickly crossed to the near post by Sancho and skewed wide by Wilson.Christian Pulisic was denied by Jordan Pickford after chasing his own throughball at the other end, but two goals in the space of 104 seconds killed the visitors' hopes.

Lingard opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a stunning bending effort from the left of the box into the top-far corner, before USA were overrun in midfield and Sancho played in Alexander-Arnold, who hit a fierce first-time strike across Guzan.The tempo of the match dropped significantly after the break and it took the 58th-minute introduction of Rooney to bring Wembley back to its feet.

But the game was sewn up when Wilson was rewarded for a promising display by poking home Fabian Delph's teasing left-wing cross.

 

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Germany 3 Russia 0: Sane on target as Low's men stroll

Leroy Sane showed Germany what they were missing at the World Cup as he scored his first goal for his country in a comfortable 3-0 friendly win over Russia on Thursday.

The Manchester City winger, who was controversially left out of Germany's squad before their shambolic title defence at Russia 2018, slotted home Germany's early opener and tormented Stanislav Cherchesov's side with his pace as Die Mannschaft cantered to a morale-boosting victory.Joachim Low's men went into the game on the back of consecutive Nations League defeats to Netherlands and France but further first-half goals from Niklas Sule and Serge Gnabry put the game beyond the visitors.

The result was a welcome one for the beleaguered Low but he is unlikely to enjoy such a strong performance for long if his men fail to embark on a spell of form and avoid Nations League relegation.
Russia fielded an understrength side after Cherchesov's squad was hit by a spate of injuries including a muscle strain to World Cup star Denis Cheryshev, and they failed to threaten a first ever win over their hosts.

It took Germany just eight minutes to split the Russia defence, Joshua Kimmich playing the killer pass into the box where Gnabry squared it neatly to Sane, who stroked a low shot into the bottom-left corner.The second came from a Kimmich corner that was flicked on by Antonio Rudiger and the ball fell to the feet of Sule, who side-footed home as the Russia defence stood static.

Gnabry made it 3-0 five minutes before the interval, applying a clinical first-time finish from just inside the box after Kai Havertz fed him a simple throughball and Russia failed to track his run.

Russia improved in the second half and Aleksey Ionov should have pulled one back when he was put clean through on goal only to fire narrowly wide.Germany held firm but their outing was marred by an ankle injury to Jonas Hector, who was the victim of a dangerous challenge by Aleksandr Erokhin.

 

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Belgium 2 Iceland 0: Batshuayi rekindles Hazard flame with match-winning brace

Belgium will take winning form into their decisive final Nations League fixture after Michy Batshuayi scored twice to see off a stubborn Iceland 2-0 in Brussels.

While the result has little bearing on either country's finishing position, Roberto Martinez will be relieved to have avoided a second successive draw heading into the crunch clash with Switzerland, that will determine which team advances from Group 2 in League A.Belgium already needed only a draw from that match but will still boast the mental edge of being three points clear courtesy of Batshuayi's brace.

The 25-year-old had to wait until after the hour for Eden Hazard's genius pass to help him break the deadlock before he feasted on a kind rebound to put the match to bed in Axel Witsel's 100th international appearance.
Romelu Lukaku's hamstring injury created a starting opportunity for Batshuayi, who struggled to find his range in the opening 20 minutes.The Valencia striker, out of form at club level, first skied an intelligent low cross from Dries Mertens and guided his next chance against the outside of the near post after turning Kari Arnason.Mertens brought an initially uneventful second half to life by testing the upright with a clever free-kick, but it Hazard always appeared most likely to make the difference.

The star playmaker conjured the killer pass to prise open Iceland in the 65th minute, bisecting the back five with a superb ball that Thomas Meunier squared for Batshuayi to tap home. Thibaut Courtois was finally worked with 15 minutes remaining and passed the test, keeping out Albert Gudmundsson's meek finish.

That allowed Batshuayi to add the icing in the 81st minute, his second a simple follow-up following Hannes Halldorsson's fumble of substitute Hans Vanaken's shot.

 

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Ramsey closing on Bayern Munich deal as Arsenal contract runs down


Bayern Munich are close to reaching an agreement with Aaron Ramsey as his Arsenal contract runs down, according to information received by Goal and SPOX.

The Bundesliga giants are staying tight-lipped when it comes to a move for the Wales international, but he will not be signing fresh terms in north London and is set to hit free agency in 2019.

Bayern can officially open negotiations on January 1, when Ramsey is free to enter into pre-contract talks with clubs outside of England.

Goal and SPOX understand that Bayern are leading a group of six clubs pursuing the 27-year-old’s signature.Barcelona, Juventus, Inter, Manchester United and Chelsea are also keen on the Gunners star and have put offers forward.

Ramsey is readying himself for a new challenge after revealing that an extension discussed with Arsenal has been rescinded .He said in October of a long-running and slightly puzzling saga: “There is no contract on the table at the moment so there is nothing for me to consider.

“We all know that the contract was taken away off the table. I’m not sure exactly why because a few weeks before we sort of agreed and I was ready to sign.
“Something happened, I am not sure exactly what, but that contract is no longer there, or nothing’s on the table.”While planning to head for pastures new, Ramsey has already stated that he will see out the 2018-19 campaign at Emirates Stadium .
He said: “Would I stay for the rest of the season? Of course, yeah.

“I am contracted to Arsenal and I am going to do my best now this season to try and achieve something special.”It appears as though Ramsey will not be the only new arrival at the Allianz Arena next summer should he reach an agreement with Bayern.

A deal is also said to be in place for the reigning Bundesliga champions to acquire France international defender Benjamin Pavard from Stuttgart.The 22-year-old is said to have given his word to Bayern that he will be making the move while helping his country to global glory at the 2018 World Cup.

He has a €35 million (£31m/$40m) release clause in his contract that is set to be triggered.Bayern are making early moves to bolster their ranks after enduring a testing start to the 2018-19 campaign, with Niko Kovac’s side currently sat fifth in the Bundesliga, seven points off the pace being set by Borussia Dortmund.

They acknowledge that they need to freshen things up, with it also being suggested that certain players will be moved on.James Rodriguez may be among those, with the Colombian playmaker no longer guaranteed to see a two-year loan from Real Madrid turned into a permanent transfer.

If he were to depart, then the potential arrival of Ramsey would help to fill that midfield void in Bayern’s squad.

 

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Rooney: Kane will beat my England scoring record


Wayne Rooney has backed England captain Harry Kane to break his record tally of 53 international goals for the nation.

Former Everton and Manchester United forward Rooney came out of international retirement to feature for England against the United States on Thursday, as Gareth Southgate's side ran out 3-0 winners at Wembley.

Prior to the friendly, which was played in honour of the Wayne Rooney Foundation, Kane and FA chairman Greg Clarke made a presentation to the 33-year-old.

And Rooney hopes that one day, it will be him presenting an award to Kane – who has scored 19 times for his country – for breaking the record goals haul in an England shirt."I look forward to presenting him with the trophy," Rooney told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"I asked Harry to present me with the award because I believe he will beat my goalscoring record."It was great to be out there in front of the fans again and it was special for me and my family."

Rooney, who inspired D.C. United to the MLS play-offs, almost marked his 120th and final cap with a goal, but saw his low strike saved by Brad Guzan.

And while the goal didn't come Rooney, who has seen his return to the England team criticised from some corners, explained that him scoring a goal would have just opened up a chance at more controversy. "If I had scored it would have opened a whole other debate about whether that goal should have counted or not, so it was probably a good thing I didn't!" he said.

The outside critics may have made a fuss, but Rooney's return has been hailed by Southgate and his team-mates, with youngster Jadon Sancho calling the chance to play alongside one of his heroes a "dream come true." And Rooney himself ended the night happy with the reception he was given by the team and supporters.

"Being back at Wembley, in front of the home fans... they gave me a great reception," said Rooney. "It is a moment to savour. Everyone in the dressing room has enjoyed it."

 

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