..::Football IV::..

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Arsenal fan Alaba says he could be interested in move to one of Premier League's 'big clubs'


Bayern Munich star David Alaba has opened the door to a potential move to the Premier League, insisting that he can "imagine" himself playing in England or Spain.

The versatile Austria international has played 335 games in all competitions for the Bavarians during his career, carving out a reputation as one of Europe's top left-backs over the years.

And despite reaffirming his commitment to the Bayern cause, Alaba says that he could well consider a change in the future, with England's top clubs, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid, potential options.

"I can imagine trying something else but I really feel very comfortable at Bayern," he told Bild."Every year there a new challenges and new objectives and the pressure will always be there. I'm happy in Munich but of course I can imagine seeing something else [in the future]."

When asked which leagues would interest the full-back, he replied: "Spain, England. In Spain it would be the two big clubs, I guess? Real or Barcelona. Also the big clubs [in England]."

Alaba also revealed that he was an Arsenal fan growing up and that he remains a supporter even today.He added: "Yes I was [and Arsenal fan as a child]. When you've been Arsenal fan as a kid you will be one your whole life in some way."Bayern are currently locked in a battle for the Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund as they approach the final eight games of the season in Germany.

It had seemed as though Niko Kovac's side were destined to fall short in 2018-19 having entered the winter break six points behind Dortmund - the first time in eight years that they had not been leading the standings at that stage of the season.

They have since wiped out the deficit, however, and are now level on points with Dortmund and with a healthier goal difference having won their last six Bundesliga games in a row.There will be no more Champions League this season, though, with Bayern having been defeated by Liverpool at the last-16 stage as the Reds secured a 3-1 aggregate win.

Next up for the Bavarians after the international break is a trip to Freiburg on March 30 before a DFB Pokal quarter-final clash with Heidenheim four days later.

 

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Mauro Icardi still not available, Inter confirm


Inter have confirmed Mauro Icardi is not ready to return to action as he needs to build up his fitness levels.

Icardi was stripped of the captaincy by head coach Luciano Spalletti last month and has not played since.The striker claimed to have been injured but Inter initially said tests could not uncover a specific issue.

A contract row between Icardi, his agent Wanda Nara and Inter is reportedly behind the stand-off between club and player.But director of Inter's medical department Piero Volpi has signalled Icardi could be back in action soon.

"He underwent the first stage of physiotherapy before an individual spell of rehabilitation," he told the club's website."He's joining up with the group again, catching up with his team-mates. We'll evaluate his condition next week and only then can we say how long will be required before he's fully available.

"We'll continue with the normal process, like with all of our players. You start with individual work, then you train in part with the rest of the squad before returning fully."Inter's form has been good despite Icardi's absence, with Spalletti's side beating AC Milan 3-2 in their last game to leapfrog their rivals into third place in Serie A.

Volpi also gave an update on a calf strain suffered by Radja Nainggolan earlier this month, the latest in a number of injuries suffered by the Belgian this season.

"Nainggolan is recovering from the problem that he had around 15 days ago. He's improving and we're finalising his individual plan," he added. "Like with Icardi, we'll evaluate him at the start of next week and see when he can return to training with the group."There was also good news regarding the fitness of Stefan de Vrij, who was forced to miss the Netherlands’ 4-0 European Championship qualifying win over Belarus on Thursday with a minor injury.

"With regard to De Vrij, the Dutch doctor who we have an excellent relationship with like with all national team staff, informed us of the issue. It should only be a case of fatigue because the ultrasound tests came back negative."

 

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Messi and Dybala can play together for Argentina - Scaloni


Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni insists Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala can play alongside each other to good effect for Argentina.

Messi has not played for Argentina since their last-16 elimination at the 2018 World Cup, however, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner will end his nine-month absence against Venezuela on Friday.The 31-year-old superstar has enjoyed another stellar season for Barcelona, so much so that his 33rd La Liga hat-trick against Celta Vigo last week earned a standing ovation from the opposition supporters.

He now looks set to bring his club form onto the international stage with the 31-year-old set to start at Atletico Madrid's Wanda Metropolitano.Juventus star Dybala is also in the squad but he will not start, though Scaloni insisted the pair can play together, despite their previous struggles.

Dybala has 18 caps to his name while Messi has played for Argentina 128 times during his career, and they will looking to add to those tallies at this summer's Copa America.

"I've already said yes, they [Dybala and Messi] are both compatibles but we have to work it out, I'm sure we can make it within some time," Scaloni said."I think now is not the moment yet, it's logical, we didn't have much time to prepare so it's logical that they can be compatibles but with time I think we can make it."

Scaloni also lauded Messi as Argentina look to step up their preparations ahead of the Copa America, which gets underway in June.The 40-year-old said believes there are no more words to describe Messi following on from his latest form for Barcelona.

"I said this before. Even he must be tired of this. There are no more adjectives to describe him," Scaloni added."We only want all of his team-mates to know that they are great players too and it's also for them to make a step forward, not just Messi.

"The rest must make that step forward. They are great players too and we are a great team if we all play our part."Argentina open their Copa America campaign against Colombia on June 15 in Salvador.

They then face group matches against Paraguay and Qatar before thinking about potential quarter-final opponents.

 

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Pulisic will settle in well in Premier League after £58m Chelsea move - McBride


Christian Pulisic has the necessary attributes to make a major impact in the Premier League with Chelsea, according to former Fulham striker Brian McBride.U.S. national team star Pulisic has already agreed a £58 million deal to link up with Chelsea in the summer and he is currently finishing off the season on loan at Borussia Dortmund.

Pulisic’s exploits during his time with Dortmund have seen him heralded as one of the best young talents in world football, and McBride feels the 20-year-old winger can continue to prosper when he pitches up at Stamford Bridge.

“With the speed of the Premier League, I think Christian Pulisic will fit in and settle in well. He adapted very well as a young player in Germany and in the Champions League. He hasn’t shown any weaknesses so far," McBride told us-bookies.com.“Right now, he’s probably not in the best form of his career as he isn’t playing each week, but the talent is there and his thought process is very quick.

“He’s a very mature young player and has a desire to continually improve. When you have that kind of mentality, you can deal with the physicality in the Premier League and at a team like Chelsea this will help him settle in.”Pulisic is one of several USMNT youngsters making an impact in European football and McBride has also been impressed by Werder Bremen forward Josh Sargent.

He added: “I’m a big fan of Josh Sargent, young centre-forward, extremely good with his understanding of runs and puts himself in great positions. He’s a player who understands movement and has the ability to finish.

“He has all the attributes you want in a forward, the ability to hold the ball up. But people forget how good a passer of the ball he is. His movement is exceptional, and along with the composure to score goals. You can fine-tune these skills, but he has it from the get-go.”

McBride has also been following the progress of Tyler Adams since the midfielder left the New York Red Bulls to join Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in the January transfer window.“Tyler Adams is a very similar player to Chris Armas in his day,” said McBride.“Tyler is a little better with the ball than Chris was but when you think about a player that can move box to box, his work-rate and energy is contagious.

“With the speed of the Premier League, I think Christian Pulisic will fit in and settle in well. He adapted very well as a young player in Germany and in the Champions League. He hasn’t shown any weaknesses so far," McBride told us-bookies.com.

“Right now, he’s probably not in the best form of his career as he isn’t playing each week, but the talent is there and his thought process is very quick.“He’s a very mature young player and has a desire to continually improve. When you have that kind of mentality, you can deal with the physicality in the Premier League and at a team like Chelsea this will help him settle in.”

Pulisic is one of several USMNT youngsters making an impact in European football and McBride has also been impressed by Werder Bremen forward Josh Sargent.He added: “I’m a big fan of Josh Sargent, young centre-forward, extremely good with his understanding of runs and puts himself in great positions. He’s a player who understands movement and has the ability to finish.

“He has all the attributes you want in a forward, the ability to hold the ball up. But people forget how good a passer of the ball he is. His movement is exceptional, and along with the composure to score goals. You can fine-tune these skills, but he has it from the get-go.”McBride has also been following the progress of Tyler Adams since the midfielder left the New York Red Bulls to join Bundesliga club RB Leipzig in the January transfer window.

“Tyler Adams is a very similar player to Chris Armas in his day,” said McBride.“Tyler is a little better with the ball than Chris was but when you think about a player that can move box to box, his work-rate and energy is contagious.

 

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Solskjaer the only candidate for Manchester United job, says Rooney


Wayne Rooney believes Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is the only candidate to take the full-time manager's job at Manchester United, while also stating he hopes Manchester City win the Premier League over Liverpool this season.Solskjaer has revitalised United's form and morale since taking over on a caretaker basis following Jose Mourinho's departure in December.

Although consecutive defeats to Arsenal in the Premier League and Wolves in the FA Cup have dented their campaign, United have got themselves back into the top-four race and the quarter-finals of the Champions League under their former striker.

No decision on a permanent appointment has yet been announced, with Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino still linked with the job, but Rooney thinks Solskjaer is the obvious favourite."He has gone in with simplicity and has brought belief back to the fans," United's record goalscorer told talkSPORT.

"He has made the place enjoyable again to go into work every day. The staff around Carrington are enjoying working there again and that does rub off. When you see the staff happy around the players, it makes it a happy environment to work in."He is doing a fantastic job and I'm sure he is the only candidate for Manchester United to take that job and it will be great to see him get it and bring some of the players he wants to bring in and keep moving the club forward."

It has been another disappointing Premier League campaign for United overall, with leaders Liverpool 18 points ahead of them and locked in a title fight with champions Manchester City.Given his United and Everton links, Rooney admits it would be tough to see Jurgen Klopp's side win the trophy.

"It's a great reason to be out of the country when those two are going head to head for the title!" said the DC United man."I hope Man City get over the line before Liverpool. I couldn't bear to see them win it, it would be a nightmare for any Evertonian.

"I remember in 2005 they won the Champions League and they're still talking about it now, so it would be another 10 or 15 years of that if they win the title!"

 

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Netherlands 4 Belarus 0: Depay inspires winning start to Euro 2020 qualifiers

Netherlands began their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a resounding 4-0 win over Belarus in Rotterdam on Thursday, with Memphis Depay playing a crucial role.

The hosts were always firm favourites and they had little difficulty living up to the expectations, as Depay led the way with two goals and a pair of assists to give Netherlands a fine start to life in Group C.

Belarus looked doomed inside the first minute when Depay punished a defensive error to become the youngest player to reach 14 Netherlands goals since Patrick Kluivert, and he went on to set up Georginio Wijnaldum for their second in the 21st minute.


Netherlands showed no sign of letting their control slip after the break and Depay extended the lead from the penalty spot following the interval, before Virgil van Dijk wrapped things up as Ronald Koeman's side cruised over the finish line.

Belarus' backline held firm for just 50 seconds, as Depay latched on to a wayward back-pass and slotted home from a tight angle.The Lyon star was key to their second 20 minutes later, controlling a right-wing cross in the middle of the box and skilfully flicking on for Wijnaldum, who fired in from close range.

Depay should have doubled his tally just before the break, but his effort from Ryan Babel's delivery was scuffed wide of the left-hand post.He was on the mark early in the second half, however, as he emphatically converted a spot-kick after Wijnaldum had been clumsily tripped by Mikhail Sivakov.

The away side did at least go close to pulling one back 13 minutes from time, but Jasper Cillessen expertly tipped Anton Saroka's fierce strike over.And a few moments later, Van Dijk got in on the act, nodding in at the back post after Depay blasted the ball across the face of goal.

 

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Belgium 3 Russia 1: Hazard spares Courtois' blushes

Belgium opened their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 3-1 win over Russia despite a huge mistake from Thibaut Courtois.

Quarter-finalists in France four years ago and semi-finalists at the 2018 World Cup, Belgium took the lead after 14 minutes through Youri Tielemans' powerful, low finish.However, Courtois gifted Denis Cheryshev an equaliser soon after, with his blushes spared as former Chelsea team-mate Eden Hazard's penalty on the stroke of half-time restored their advantage.

Hazard doubled his tally in the 88th minute to settle the Group I contest in Belgium's favour before Aleksandr Golovin was sent off for a second yellow card.
However, just under two minutes later Russia levelled in bizarre fashion as Courtois' disappointing season continued. The Real Madrid goalkeeper received Jan Vertonghen's backpass under no pressure but took too many touches and, being closed down by Artem Dzyuba, played the ball straight to Cheryshev, the Valencia winger making no mistake in skipping over Courtois and converting from a tight angle.Batshuayi saw an effort cleared off the line as Belgium sought to restore their advantage, which Hazard did with a confident finish from the penalty spot after he was clumsily brought down by Yuri Zhirkov.

The left-hand post denied Batshuayi a deserved goal 12 minutes from time but he was involved as Hazard made it 3-1, teeing up his team-mate to fire in following Dries Mertens' right-wing cross.

Golovin's dismissal came two minutes later, as he ended a poor night with a second yellow after kicking out at Mertens.

 

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Man City looking to add 'exciting new players' in summer transfer window


Manchester City will be looking to add “some exciting new players” to their squad during the summer transfer window, says chief executive Ferran Soriano.The Blues have invested heavily in recent years.Since Pep Guardiola took charge at the Etihad Stadium, some £500 million ($661m) has been spent on fresh faces.

City were, however, relatively quiet during the summer of 2018 and again during the winter window of 2019.That situation may be about to change, with several leading talents from across Europe being linked with big-money moves to the reigning Premier League champions.

City have faced Financial Fair Play questions of late, but more market moves are being planned.The likes of Saul Niguez, Declan Rice and Tanguy Ndombele are among those to be generating plenty of transfer talk.

Leicester left-back Ben Chilwell is another one that Goal have confirmed to be in the picture, with City seeking an alternative to Benjamin Mendy amid the Frenchman’s injury struggles.

Soriano has suggested that approaches will be made for a number of targets, telling the Manchester Evening News: “You know our squad, it’s very good.“It’ll need adjustments but not a revolution. I’m sure there will be some exciting new players coming.”City are set to see their coffers boosted this summer by a lucrative kit deal.

An agreement is in place with Puma, with arch-rivals Manchester United the only side in England who can claim to be generating more from their supplier.A new 10-year partnership for City is worth £650 million (€863m).Soriano said at the time the deal was announced: “This announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for City Football Group.

“Our relationship with PUMA, covering five City Football Group clubs across four continents, will reset the model for sports partnerships on a truly global scale whilst being locally relevant and authentic for fans around the world.“PUMA share our vision for challenging expectations, and we are looking forward to what we believe will be a ground-breaking partnership.”

City could embrace a new era working with Puma as winners of an historic quadruple.Guardiola’s side have already defended their Carabao Cup crown and are looking to do the same with the Premier League title.

They are also through to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, where they will face Brighton, and the quarter-finals of the Champions League, with a two-legged tie with Tottenham up next in Europe.

 

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Bale back at Tottenham has the support of Davies after unfair Real Madrid 'flak'


Gareth Bale would be welcomed back to Tottenham should he choose to call time on his spell at Real Madrid, according to Spurs defender Ben Davies.Speculation over Bale's future at Santiago Bernabeu has been rife during a season in which Madrid have struggled to cope following the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus.

Bale dazzled at Tottenham before moving to Spain, and his Wales team-mate Davies said he would relish the chance to play alongside his country's leading scorer on a more regular basis."He's come under a bit of flak at Madrid recently, but for Wales he's always been brilliant," Davies told reporters ahead of the Euro 2020 qualifier against Slovakia.

"I'm always going to say it's unfair, he is one of the best players in the world, we see it every day in training."I'd definitely have him at Tottenham. But I don't know how likely that is."Wales beat Trinidad and Tobago 1-0 in a friendly ahead of their clash with Slovakia, with Bale sitting that game out.

He is, however, his country’s all-time leading goalscorer – with 31 efforts recorded in 74 appearances – and has been hailed for always giving his all for the good of the collective cause.

Davies added: “He’s always the player that wants to be there and put his heart on the line for the team and I’m sure he’ll do it again.

“We’ll see how he does on Sunday, but I’m sure he’ll put a top performance in.”
While quick to talk up the obvious qualities of Bale, the Madrid superstar is not the only player to have impressed Davies during the international break. Ryan Giggs named David Brooks, Harry Wilson, Ben Woodburn and Daniel James in his squad, with their potential leaving Davies optimistic about Wales' long-term future.

"If you look at the options we've got now, we definitely have a lot more up there," said the defender. "In the past, we only had Gareth with that pace, but we're lucky to be blessed with it now.

"It's a good position to be in as a squad, the younger players will want to show what they can do when they get the chance of a regular place – that's the competition you want."

 

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Italy 2 Finland 0: Young stars Kean and Barella inspire victory

Italy started their Euro 2020 qualification campaign in style as Nicolo Barella and Moise Kean scored their first international goals in a 2-0 victory over Finland.

Having failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and put in a lacklustre showing in the Nations League, Italy were in need of a win to kick off their Group J campaign on a positive note.And they were ahead early on in Udine when Cagliari youngster Barella – one of several fresh faces introduced under Roberto Mancini – hammered home from the edge of the box.

Teemu Pukki squandered a gilt-edged chance to restore parity midway through the second half, and Finland were made to pay for that miss when Juventus teenager Kean slotted in to make sure of the points.

Mancini's calls for his side to be more clinical were answered inside seven minutes – Barella's thunderous strike finding the bottom-right corner with the aid of a wicked deflection.Italy almost threw away their lead eight minutes later, presenting Robin Lod with acres of space to run into, though he failed to trouble Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Sauli Vaisanen's clumsy challenge on Federico Bernardeschi should have resulted in an Italy penalty before the break, but referee Orel Grinfeld dismissed the hosts' claims.Pukki should have hauled Finland level after the hour, but the in-form Norwich City striker drilled wide from Lod's pinpoint cross.

Italy soon made their good fortune count, Kean rushing through before sending a low finish past the onrushing Lukas Hradecky to wrap up the win in style, with substitute Fabio Quagliarella hitting the crossbar late on.

 

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Spain 2 Norway 1: Ramos penalty gets La Roja up and running

Sergio Ramos scored the winner from the penalty spot as Spain opened their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 victory at home to Norway.

In their first match in Group F at Mestalla on Saturday, Luis Enrique's side were dominant but saw Josh King cancel out Rodrigo Moreno's opener.Inigo Martinez needlessly gave away a penalty that Bournemouth striker King confidently stroked home to level the scores in the 76th minute.

But another error at the other end handed Spain the points, the otherwise impressive goalkeeper Rune Jarstein bringing down Alvaro Morata and Ramos converting with a Panenka.

Norway were on the back foot from the off but it took until the 16th minute for Spain to find a way through.Jordi Alba played a one-two with Marco Asensio and the former Valencia left-back put a cross on a plate for Rodrigo to tuck home in front of his home fans.

Spain had a lucky escape when Tarik Elyounoussi somehow failed to convert a low cross from Markus Henriksen, the centre having cut out David de Gea in the hosts' goal, before the offside flag denied Alba.

Ramos sent a volley over the crossbar as Spain continued to create chances after the interval but Norway were awarded a penalty as referee Andris Treimanis adjudged Martinez to have dragged Bjorn Johnsen to the ground.De Gea guessed correctly in diving low to his left but did not get close to King's precise spot-kick.

Morata had wasted a series of openings and missed his best chance yet when heading a Dani Ceballos cross off target, but when he raced through on goal Jarstein made a critical error.

Captain Ramos was never going to pass up the opportunity, floating his penalty into the space vacated by Jarstein to score for his fifth consecutive international appearance.

 

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Congrtaulations Spain!

VAMOS ESPANA!​

 

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Brazil 1 Panama 1: Paqueta's first goal cannot prevent embarrassing draw

Lucas Paqueta opened his Brazil account but it was not enough to prevent the Selecao from slumping to an alarming 1-1 draw with Panama in the absence of the injured Neymar.Brazil were on top for much of the game and created the better chances, but without Neymar they lacked a leader in attack and failed to beat a Panama side who have lost to the likes of Ecuador and Honduras since exiting the 2018 World Cup pointless.

Wearing Brazil's number 10 jersey – usually reserved for Neymar – for the first time, Paqueta scored just past the half-hour mark, though Panama equalised in contentious fashion through captain Adolfo Machado, who appeared to be offside.

An entertaining second half saw both sides hit the crossbar, with Brazil doing so twice, but neither side found a winner as the team ranked 76 in the world held on for a memorable result in Porto.
Unsurprisingly, Brazil – who by contrast sit third in the FIFA rankings – took control early on and crafted a good number of chances, first going close in the 18th minute when Roberto Firmino headed Alex Telles' cross just wide.Arthur was the next to threaten, twice shooting agonisingly wide of the left-hand post with long-range efforts about a minute apart.

Paqueta found the mark, however, latching on to Casemiro's brilliant cross from deep and guiding a volley in off the hand of goalkeeper Luis Mejia.But Panama hit back, Machado – who was slightly offside – controversially heading Eric Davis' free-kick delivery beyond the stranded Ederson.

Richarlison almost restored Brazil's lead just after the break, only for his excellent volley from Fagner's cross to hit the bar.Panama followed suit in the 62nd minute, as Harold Cummings' header came back off the frame of the goal.

Casemiro was the next to be denied by the woodwork 19 minutes from time, and Richarlison put the awkward rebound over, consigning Brazil to a woeful result, which could have been even worse had substitute Jose Fajardo's last-gasp volley not only hit the side-netting.

 

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Mexico 3 Chile 1: Martino makes winning start


Mexico handed Gerardo Martino a winning start as coach, beating Chile 3-1 in a friendly in San Diego on Friday.A tight clash came to life after the break at SDCCU Stadium in California in Martino's first game in charge of Mexico.

A Raul Jimenez penalty and goals from Hector Moreno and Hirving Lozano in the space of 13 minutes put Martino's side in control after Chile had enjoyed the better of the first half.

Nicolas Castillo pulled a goal back for Chile, but Mexico made sure Martino's start at the helm was a winning one.

The early chances for both teams came from set-pieces, and it was Chile who almost opened the scoring in the 14th minute.Charles Aranguiz's delivery from the right was met by Arturo Vidal, whose good header was saved by Guillermo Ochoa.

Mexico enjoyed some decent moments going forward, but they lacked a final pass throughout the first half.Chile looked the more likely to open the scoring and only a last-ditch clearance from Moreno denied Castillo midway through the first half.

It was a far livelier start to the second half as Vidal blazed over from inside the area for Chile.Jimenez almost opened the scoring for Mexico in the 50th minute, the forward managing a shot that hit the post after perfectly timing a tackle on Gary Medel.

However, Carlos Salcedo was fouled inside the area from a set-piece just moments later and Jimenez stepped up to send Gabriel Arias the wrong way from the penalty spot.

 

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Portugal 0 Ukraine 0: Ronaldo's comeback falls flat

Cristiano Ronaldo was frustrated on his return to international duty as Portugal were held to a 0-0 draw by Ukraine in their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

Having not featured for Portugal since their defeat to Uruguay at World Cup 2018, Ronaldo was back for Friday's encounter in Lisbon, but failed to inspire a victory as the Euro 2016 champions began their Group B campaign on a flat note.Andriy Pyatov played a key part in frustrating the hosts, twice denying Ronaldo in the first half before pulling off an exceptional save from Andre Silva.

And Pyatov's heroics paid dividends as Ukraine held firm to secure a hard-fought point, with the onus now on Portugal to respond when they face Group B's other big hitters Serbia on Monday.

Pyatov did well to tip over Pepe's blistering effort, though Ukraine's goalkeeper was fortunate that the offside flag sparred his blushes moments later after his failure to deal with a cross allowed William Carvalho to head in.Pyatov atoned soon after, twice reacting sharply to keep out successive close-range strikes from Ronaldo and maintain parity heading into the interval.

Ronaldo turned provider with a neat knockdown following the restart, but Andre Silva's resulting effort did not test Pyatov.The Sevilla forward did better when his next chance came, only for Pyatov to make a superb save at full stretch.

Portugal were almost made to pay for their profligacy with four minutes remaining, but Ruben Dias made a vital block to prevent Junior Moraes clinching the points for Ukraine against the run of play.

Vitaliy Mykolenko risked undoing Ukraine's work in stoppage time when he clumsily bundled into Dyego Sousa, though Portugal's appeals for a penalty fell on deaf ears.

 

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England 5 Czech Republic 0: Sterling hat-trick gives Three Lions roaring start to Euro 2020 qualifiers

Raheem Sterling scored a hat-trick as England made an impressive start to their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign with a 5-0 win over the Czech Republic at Wembley on Friday.

Gareth Southgate's Three Lions qualified for the Nations League Finals in their most recent game late last year, and the four-month break since does not appear to have done them any harm, as Sterling inspired an easy victory.

With Marcus Rashford injured, Southgate handed a first senior start to Borussia Dortmund's Jadon Sancho and he made a strong impact, setting up Sterling's opener, before the Manchester City star won a penalty that Harry Kane converted.


The Czech Republic started the second half better, but two goals in six minutes from Sterling ended any slim hopes of a fightback, while Tomas Kalas' own goal rounded off an abysmal outing for the visitors.
England were dealt the blow of losing Eric Dier to injury in the 17th minute, with Ross Barkley replacing him.But the hosts took the lead soon after at the end of a sequence of 25 passes, with Kane's incisive ball finding the run of Sancho to square across the face of goal for Sterling to knock home.

Sterling – who went into the match with only four international goals to his name – threatened again just before the break, winning a penalty after a combination of Kalas and Pavel Kaderabek blocked him off, and Kane made no mistake with the spot-kick.

The away side showed some positive intent after the interval, but goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka was helpless to prevent England increasing their lead just past the hour as a pass ricocheted to Sterling in the area and he curled home a left-footed effort after a clever turn.

Sterling completed his treble 22 minutes from time when his long-range strike deflected in off Ondrej Celustka, and Callum Hudson-Odoi replaced him soon after to become England's youngest competitive debutant.

The Chelsea winger played a role in the final goal as his shot was parried by Pavlenka and Kalas put the ball into his own net with a woeful first touch, completing a humiliating match for the Czech Republic.

 

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Thailand 0 Uruguay 4: Vecino helps seal China Cup title



Uruguay cruised to a 4-0 defeat of Thailand in the China Cup final on Monday.Thailand had surprisingly knocked out Fabio Cannavaro's hosts in the semi-finals but found Uruguay a much stronger proposition at Guangxi Sports Center Stadium.Matias Vecino and Gaston Pereiro scored before the interval to put Oscar Tabarez's side on track for a comfortable victory in Nanning.

Striker Cristhian Stuani added a third after the break to finish as the mini-tournament's top goalscorer, with Maxi Gomez also on target late on to secure the China Cup crown.Uruguay took an early lead in their 3-0 semi-final success against Uzbekistan and did likewise in the final's sixth minute.

Nicolas Lodeiro set up the opener for Pereiro in that game and he was again the creator of the opening goal, delivering a left-wing corner that Vecino met with a downward header.

Chanathip Songkrasin fired wide at the end of a dangerous run but Uruguay scored a second before half-time, Stuani dribbling around defenders to find space in the left channel before delivering a low cross that Pereiro tapped in from close range.

Siwarak Tedsungnoen saved from Stuani early in the second half but Uruguay extended their lead from the resulting corner, the Girona striker nodding in Giorgian De Arrascaeta's cross.Uruguay kept pushing for further goals and substitute goalkeeper Chatchai Budprom had to be alert to keep out a powerful low drive from midfielder Lucas Torreira.

Peeradon Chamratsamee forced a save from Fernando Muslera as Thailand produced a late rally, but Gomez's deflected strike added a fourth for Uruguay.Tabarez's men, who were without injured forwards Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani, will face sterner tests in this year's Copa America.

 

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Mata in 'top shape' as he plays for Man Utd future


Juan Mata has declared himself to be in “top shape” as he prepares to play for his Manchester United future.

The World Cup winner was among those to suffer an untimely knock during an eventful Premier League clash with Liverpool on February 24.A hamstring problem kept him out of crunch clashes with Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in European and domestic competition.

He did, however, return to the fold off the bench in an FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Wolves prior to the international break.

The Spaniard has used the rest period to work on his fitness and claims he is now ready for top-flight and Champions League tests to come.The 30-year-old midfielder will be hoping to play a prominent role for United over the coming weeks as his current contract is due to expire at the end of the season.

Mata wrote in his personal blog: “We have less than two months to finish the campaign in the best possible shape, and we are looking forward to getting back in action against Watford this upcoming Saturday at Old Trafford.“In terms of training sessions, this week has been a very positive one for me.

“I have made the most of the chance to get in top shape after making my return in the FA Cup not long ago.“I am feeling good and I am looking forward to doing whatever I can to help the team as much as possible.”

Mata has taken in 28 appearances across all competitions for United this season, recording five goals, and remains a useful asset to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.It does, however, remain to be seen where he will be playing his football in 2019-20.The Red Devils are yet to tie the experienced performer to fresh terms and he continues to head towards free agency as a result.

Mata has refused to be drawn on his future over recent months, telling AS of his plans in January: “I’ve been in England for a good while, in a league that I’m well accustomed to and where I’ve adapted well, but it’s true that at times you miss home, your family, your friends.

“But I don’t know if I’ll return to Spain in the near future.“I’m calm [about the situation]. I’m at the fantastic club that is Manchester United, one of the biggest in the world.“I have to think about the short term and do well from now on.”

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Netherlands 2 Germany 3: Late Schulz strike settles Group C classic

Nico Schulz scored a superb last-minute winner as Germany survived a Netherlands fightback in Amsterdam to earn a gripping 3-2 victory in Group C of Euro 2020 qualifying.

Germany coach Joachim Low named a side without a striker but goals from wingers Serge Gnabry and Leroy Sane, symbols of their new generation, established a 2-0 half-time lead.Memphis Depay recorded a goal and an assist as Netherlands came from behind after the interval to seemingly claim a point at the Johan Cruijff ArenA on Sunday.

Germany, though, earned revenge for last year's 3-0 Nations League defeat against Ronald Koeman's side, when wide man Schulz got forward to finish brilliantly with his weaker right foot.
A Gnabry effort called Jasper Cillessen into early action before a perfectly timed Frenkie de Jong challenge halted the run of Joshua Kimmich, but Germany's high-tempo start produced the opening goal in the 15th minute.

Toni Kroos sent Schulz scampering down the left and, after neatly controlling the cross, Sane capitalised on De Ligt's costly slip to slam home an excellent finish on the volley.Manuel Neuer made two key saves in quick succession from Ryan Babel and Germany then extended their lead in stunning fashion in the 34th minute.

Antonio Rudiger's long ball sent Gnabry one on one with Virgil van Dijk, the Bayern Munich winger cutting in off the left, feinting to create space and crashing home his fifth Germany goal.Netherlands got one back within three minutes of the restart, though, De Ligt rising highest to glance home a header from a superbly delivered left-wing Depay cross.

And Depay equalised in the 64th minute, indecision in the Germany box allowing Georginio Wijnaldum to tee up the Lyon attacker for his seventh goal in eight internationals.Both sides seemed to have settled for a point in the closing stages but Germany snatched all three at the death.

Substitutes Ilkay Gundogan and Marco Reus combined to free Schulz and he picked out the bottom corner with an unerring strike to spark a new dawn for German football.

 

[Wolverine GTR]

Cyprus 0 Belgium 2: Hazard marks 100th cap with a goal in easy win

Eden Hazard marked his 100th international appearance with a goal as he helped Belgium to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Cyprus in Nicosia on Sunday to extend their winning start to Euro 2020 qualifying.

Much of the build-up focused on Chelsea star Hazard due to the significance of becoming only the third Belgian to reach a century of caps and he did not
disappoint, leading the way as Belgium added to Thursday's 3-1 win over Russia.Hazard gave the visitors an early lead with a typically tidy finish for his 30th in a Belgium shirt and Michy Batshuayi doubled the advantage eight minutes later.

The visitors never looked in danger of relinquishing their lead as Roberto Martinez's men secured an early three-point cushion at the top of Group I.Belgium were kept at bay for just 10 minutes as the ball broke kindly for Hazard just inside the box and he curled a fine effort inside the right-hand post.

Thorgan Hazard then played a key role as Belgium got a second soon after, chipping a clever pass over the defence for Batshuayi and he found the net after skipping past the goalkeeper.Martinez's side seemed to play within themselves thereafter, failing to offer much urgency or killer instinct in the final third.

Timothy Castagne and Youri Tielemans both put harmless efforts wide of the left-hand post in the first 10 minutes of the second half, while Batshuayi was denied by an excellent last-ditch Anthony Georgiou tackle when seemingly through on goal with a quarter of the match to play.

Cyprus – 5-0 winners over San Marino in their opener – nearly pulled one back two minutes from time, but Kostas Laifis headed on to the roof of the net and that was the final opportunity.