Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Late Mohamed Salah strike seals comeback win for Liverpool
Mohamed Salah scored his 37th goal of the season in all competitions as Liverpool came from behind to secure a vital 2-1 victory at Crystal Palace.
Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
AC Milan’s last win away to Juventus featured one of Gennaro Gattuso’s greatest moments
Dream Team FC
AC Milan’s last win away to Juventus featured one of Gennaro Gattuso’s greatest moments
Juventus take on Milan in Turin tomorrow night.
The game could have a huge impact on the only competitive title race left in Europe’s top five leagues.
Anything other than a win for the hosts will open the door for Napoli.
Milan haven’t won away to Juventus since the 2010/11 season, but the current crop may take heart from events that day…
Do you see where this is going?AP:Associated Press
First of all, let’s take a look at the line-ups for a nostalgia hit…
Hang on, Armand Traore? The Nottingham Forest left-back on loan at Cardiff? Okay then…
As you’d expect from a midfield that includes Gattuso, Van Bommel, Flamini, Melo and Marchisio, much of the game was more of a battle than a football match.
The referee was happy to let a warzone develop and while Milan dominated possession, much of it occurred in nonthreatening territory.
A classical Italian encounter, both teams displayed supreme tactical awareness and soon became clear the opening goal would likely be the winner…
Game recognise game
Step forward, Rino Gattuso.
Milan’s combative midfield general only scored 18 goals his whole career.
So when a scrappy passage of play ended up with the ball falling to him on the edge of Juventus’ box, few fans would have backed him to beat arguably the greatest keeper to ever play the game.
But that’s exactly what he did.
Robinho lurking in the background
A left-foot strike in the 68th minute burst though Buffon’s hands, ending Gattuso’s three-year goalless spell.
His team-mates could barely contain themselves — Zlatan Ibrahimovic pushed his skipper to the ground before embracing him like a long-lost lover.
Juve brought on Alessandro Del Piero and Vincenzo Iaquinta and but Milan’s formidable centre-back pairing of Thiago Silva and Alessandro Nesta held firm.
Oh yeah, Allegri was managing Milan at the time… nearly forgot to mention that
These days, Gattuso is in Milan’s dugout and though their performances haven’t been particularly inspiring under his leadership, the results have improved dramatically.
Unbeaten in 13 games in domestic competitions, Milan count Inter, Lazio and Roma as recent victims and will hoping to add top dogs Juventus to that list on Sunday night.
Seven years ago, Gattuso inspired Milan to victory as a player.
Can he do the same tomorrow as a manager?
Napoli will certainly hope so…
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Arsenal and Liverpool will have to pay at least £40m to land Watford star this summer
Dream Team FC
Arsenal and Liverpool will have to pay at least £40m to land Watford star this summer
ABDOULAYE DOUCOURE could reportedly leave Watford for a fee of £40million this summer.
The 25-year-old, who joined the Hornets for just £6m, has attracted interest from Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool.
Doucoure has scored seven goals for Watford this seasonRex Features
It looks inevitable that Javi Gracia’s side will cash in on the French star at the end of the season, according to The Mirror.
Watford owner Gino Pozzo boasts an impressive business model that aims to make substantial profit from up-and-coming players.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiverAnd Doucoure, who has flourished since joining from Rennes in 2016, certainly ticks this box.
Liverpool are looking for a potential replacement for Emre Can, who will be out of contract at the end of the season.
Jurgen Klopp is among the managers scrambling for Doucoure’s signaturePA:Press Association
The Gunners are at risk of losing injury-prone Jack Wilshere at the end of the season.
And Spurs are understood be viewing Doucoure as a long-term successor for Mousa Dembele, who is out of contract in the summer of 2019.
Earlier this week, the 25-year-old revealed his desire to play in the Champions League.
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £5k!He told Canal Plus: “Everyone wants to play in the Champions League, the big competitions.
Doucoure was sent out on loan to Granada after joining WatfordHANNAH MCKAY
“Liverpool is a club that needs no introduction.
“I was impatient to play at Anfield, I wanted to feel the atmosphere. For me it would be a dream to play for a club like this.
“I am grateful to Watford, I have the confidence of this, it is the one who revealed me to the Premier League.
“If there is an offer, we will discuss the best solution.”
Arsene Wenger could be eyeing Doucoure as a replacment for WilsherePA:Press Association
Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku share bizarre banter on their goal celebration
Dream Team FC
Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku share bizarre banter on their goal celebration
Belgium star Dries Mertens saw the funny side of Romelu Lukaku’s goal celebration during their win against Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.
The Manchester United striker bagged a first half brace in the win against the Saudis to take his tally to ten goals in his last six games for the Belgians.
But it was his team-mate Mertens who took the comedy to social media posting a picture of Lukaku sunk to his knees celebrating his second goal, thanks to an assist from Eden Hazard with a suggestive caption.
Mertens said on twitter: “There are other ways to thank us for the assists Rom…”
Romelu Lukaku sinks to his knees after scoring against Saudi ArabiaGetty - Contributor
Romelu Lukaku bagged a first-half brace against Saudi ArabiaGetty Images - Getty
Michy Bathsuayi and Kevin De Bruyne were both on target to complete the rout.
Roberto Martinez’s star-studded side are currently on a 16-match unbeaten run, the Spaniard’s only defeat coming in his first game in charge against his home nation in September 2016.
However, the 21-goal Napoli forward also has a serious side.
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £5k!Mertens, 30, is hoping to inspire others to follow in his footsteps and take on charitable causes.
Earlier this month it was revealed he fed pizzas to the homeless, rescued a dog shelter from closure and even ‘married’ a young cancer patient he had met at hospital.
On one night in December, Mertens decided to buy a stack of pizzas and hand them out to people in Naples.
Dries Mertens handed out food to homeless
Dries Mertens walks down the aisle to ‘marry’ young cancer patientInstagram @DriesMertens
He previously had got ‘married’ to a teenage cancer patient, Aurora, with whom he had become good friends.
On Instagram he wrote: “Unfortunately I am already married, because you are a wonderful girl!”
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiverThe forward is a frequent visitor to children on terminal and intensive care wards.
Along with wife Katrin, he also paid for a local dog shelter to stay open when it faced closure.
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Wednesday, March 28, 2018
England would have won three World Cups in a row if we’d played 3-4-2-1
Dream Team FC
England would have won three World Cups in a row if we’d played 3-4-2-1
This isn’t one of those opinion pieces where we gently try and coerce you into agreeing with us.
Nope. What we’re about to say is fact. As nailed on as England drawing 0-0 with Panama in the 2018 World Cup group stages.
If England had played a 3-4-2-1 formation between 2002 and 2010 we’d have won three consecutive World Cups.
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Nothing to do with 3-4-2-1, just a beautiful World Cup shot
Obviously we can’t just drop a statement like that without dishing out some proof to go alongside it.
So here you are, friends.
All the proof you could ever need and more with an added splash of vindaloo, Seaman’s ponytail and Goldenballs.
All bow down to David’s holy ponytailReuters
2002 World Cup
We all know what happened on 21 June 2002. Ronaldinho lobbed Seaman from 40-yards to send England packing.
But in a 3-4-2-1 formation Paul Scholes would never have made the foul on Kleberson that allowed Ronaldinho a free shot at goal.
He would have had a back three of Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell and Gareth Southgate screaming at him to shield the pass, with midfield partner Nicky Butt doubling up to win the ball back.
After we’d seen out Brazil’s harmless attack our two no.10s, Joe Cole and David Beckham, would have taken the game by the scruff of the neck allowing Michael Owen to score the winner.
From there it would have been an inevitable march to the final, with wing-backs Gary Neville, who’d miraculously recovered from a pre-tournament injury, and Ashley Cole flying up and down the flanks.
Sven would have been knighted and we’d have Emile Heskey Day every year, dedicated to the man who scored the winner in the final.
Majestic
2006 World Cup
England’s 2006 World Cup winners are even stronger than the previous crop.
John Terry is in for Southgate meaning we’re finally able to fit him in the same team as Cambpell and Rio.
‘But how are you going to play Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the same side?’ we hear you tweet.
Owen Hargreaves comes into the midfield, convincing Scholes to put off his international retirement and freeing up Lamps and Stevie G to play in their preferred attacking midfield positions.
A young Wayne Rooney, whose metatarsals are stronger than ever, bounds about up top, leaving Beckham, Owen, Cole, Peter Crouch and Michael Carrick to spring off the bench when needed.
We’d only concede one goal, which would happen when David James gets bored of having nothing to do and heads out of his box for a stroll.
No one is beating that XI
2010 World Cup
In this magic world of ours Sven would be staying on for another World Cup campaign meaning no Fabio Capello and no 0-0 draws with Algeria.
Campbell has moved on but Ledley King is a more than adequate replacement, as is permanent Barcelona target Glen Johnson for Neville.
Michael Carrick is no longer the most underestimated midfielder in the history of football after dominating the midfielder and driving England to a third World Cup win without sprinting once.
Stevie G drops into midfield alongside him, with Lampard and Cole, who is now rated as highly as Gazza, playing in front.
Rooney finishes as top scorer and is caught on camera ranting about how passionate England fans have been throughout the tournament.
What a time to be alive.
All hail the 3-4-2-1
Of course, we didn’t play 3-4-2-1 in 2002, 2006 or 2010, so we never even got a sniff of the warm Carling-induced glory that comes with winning a World Cup.
But there’s some good news.
With Southgate at the helm and England now playing 3-4-2-1 we’re bound to win in Russia. Better order the open-top bus parade now.
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Matt Phillips opens Scotland account as Alex McLeish claims first win of second reign
The Independent - Football
Matt Phillips opens Scotland account as Alex McLeish claims first win of second reign
Hungary 0 Scotland 1: Phillips scored his first international goal as the visitors produced an encouraging performance in Budapest
Monday, March 26, 2018
Whitecaps’ playing style evolving, but players still need time to gel
Sportsnet.ca
Whitecaps’ playing style evolving, but players still need time to gel
Soccer pundit Mark Rogers joined Sportsnet 650’s On Point to recap the Whitecaps’ draw against the LA Galaxy on the weekend, and how Vancouver’s playing style has changed with the addition of Felipe.
Rogers argues that Vancouver now has players that can do serious damage when in possession, not just in transition. But they will need time to build chemistry.
[radioclip id=3956515]
Greatwich assumes new role with Azkals
Football – Inquirer Sports
Greatwich assumes new role with Azkals
Former national team great Chris Greatwich gets a shot at redemption, albeit in a different role.
The post Greatwich assumes new role with Azkals appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Dele Alli in line to replace Steve Smith as captain of the Australian cricket team
Dream Team FC
Dele Alli in line to replace Steve Smith as captain of the Australian cricket team
Dele Alli is the unlikely front-runner to replace Steve Smith as the captain of the Australian cricket team.
The world of sport was rocked yesterday after Australia admitted to premeditated cheating in the form of ball-tampering during the Cape Town Test Match against South Africa.
Spurs and England star Alli is the current favourite to be named as Smith’s permanent replacement after a spokesman for Cricket Australia said they wanted someone who ‘could cheat and get away with it’.
A natural
“Look mate, Smithy’s done and we need a new skipper,” said Lee Satchelll, “someone who can cheat and get away with it, you know?
“Davey Warner is technically next in line as he’s our vice-captain but he’s also the only bloke in the world with a batting average higher than his IQ.
“I heard someone say we should just stopping cheating altogether but, realistically, that’s not going to happen.”
“I’ve been watching the Premier League this season, and I think Dele’s our guy.
“He’s literally cheating on a weekly basis, throwing himself to the ground whenever some c**t breathes on him.
“It’s so obvious, all the cameras catch him dong it, but he doesn’t care. He just goes out the week after, does it again, and wins a penalty.
“And the best thing is, because he’s a pom and he’s young, the media pretty much let him off.
“Fair f**ks to the lad. We need him in charge of our cricket team as soon as possible.”
Alli is expected to negotiate terms with cricket Australia once England have been eliminated from the World Cup on penalties in the round of 16.
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‘Welcome to Zlatan’: Ibrahimovic makes play for LA’s heart
Football – Inquirer Sports
‘Welcome to Zlatan’: Ibrahimovic makes play for LA’s heart
LOS ANGELES — Zlatan Ibrahimovic has really always belonged in Hollywood. The powerful 6-foot-5 Swedish forward has loomed above soccer for nearly two decades, captivating the world with his sublime physical talent and uniquely outrageous personality. He has scored hundreds of majestic goals, won dozens of trophies and scuffled with a few teammates on his […]
The post ‘Welcome to Zlatan’: Ibrahimovic makes play for LA’s heart appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Former Bolton player puts Spain ahead against world champions Germany
Dream Team FC
Former Bolton player puts Spain ahead against world champions Germany
Bolton can boast some pretty fine cult heroes down the Premier League years.
Sam Allardyce assembled a side brimming with iconic faces with European pedigree, from Ivan Campo to Jay-Jay Okocha.
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Reuters Happier times[/caption]
But we bet this name escaped your memory.
In the 2010/11 season, the year before they were relegated from the Premier League and never came back, they signed a certain promising Spanish forward by the name of Rodrigo from Benfica.
The then 20-year-old didn’t really make an impression, scoring just once in 20 games in all competitions.
PA:Press Association A forgotten face[/caption]
But while Bolton’s fortunes spiralled downward at an alarming rate, Rodrigo’s have skyrocketed.
So much so that on his fourth appearance for the Spanish national team he’s just opened the scoring against world champions Germany.
Rodrigo started up front ahead of a typically star-studded midfield and latched onto a brilliant Andres Iniesta pass to tuck home confidently past Marc-Andre Ter Stegen.
Andres Iniesta sees things no one else sees 
Gorgeous assist for Rodrigo and Spain lead Germany inside six minutes… pic.twitter.com/ge9oP6mZ3x
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) March 23, 2018
AFP Bang[/caption]
Since that spell at Bolton he has really caught the eye at Valencia, particularly this season with Los Che back in the Champions League picture in La Liga.
And with Alvaro Morata struggling for form is there an opportunity to make that striker position for Spain his own?
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Despite late scare vs Fiji, Azkals get ‘good training session’ ahead of crucial match
Football – Inquirer Sports
Despite late scare vs Fiji, Azkals get ‘good training session’ ahead of crucial match
Alarming as the two goals surrendered late in the second half, Philippine Azkals coach Thomas Dooley believes that the 3-2 victory over Fiji on Thursday had served its purpose. “It was a good training session for us playing against fast forwards,” he said. Dooley took advantage of the friendly to give some guys a much-needed […]
The post Despite late scare vs Fiji, Azkals get ‘good training session’ ahead of crucial match appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Azkals survive late scare, escape Fiji in friendly
Football – Inquirer Sports
Azkals survive late scare, escape Fiji in friendly
Philippine Azkals topped Fiji, 3-2, in their international friendly Thursday night at Rizal Memorial Stadium, but not without a late scare as errors nearly proved costly for the home team. Phil Younghusband converted a penalty at the 29th minute to break the ice and set the tone for the home squad as they were the […]
The post Azkals survive late scare, escape Fiji in friendly appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Jose Mourinho can say what he wants but he’s damaging Man United more than David Moyes or LVG
Dream Team FC
Jose Mourinho can say what he wants but he’s damaging Man United more than David Moyes or LVG
In many ways, it’s been a fairly successful season for Jose Mourinho, hasn’t it?
After all, Man United are currently second in the Premier League table, two points and a game-in-hand ahead of Liverpool and more-or-less safely inside the top four, with fifth-place Chelsea nine points away.
AFP or licensors Can Mourinho claim this season is a success?[/caption]
They’re also through to the semi-final of the FA Cup, although they face a considerably tricky clash against Spurs to reach the final.
And overall, he can be pleased with the performances of summer signings Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic, while David De Gea remains the world’s best goalkeeper and Marcus Rashford continues to be talked up as one of football’s most exciting youngsters.
EPA Rashford has struggled to become a regular starter at United under Mourinho[/caption]
But since the defeat to Sevilla in the last-16 Champions League, many fans and critics have somewhat changed their perception of Mourinho and his presence at United – including myself.
And before you roll your eyes, it’s not the first-round knockout that is has stuck in the craw of fans – after all, the club have under performed in the Champions League for a while now.
Mourinho even said so himself in his post-match ‘football heritage’ rant, saying: “In seven years, with four different managers, once not qualify for Europe, twice out in the group phase and the best was the quarter-final; this is football heritage.”
EPA Mourinho’s post-match press conference after the Sevilla game was perplexing – even by his standards[/caption]
But what’s really grinding the gears of the club’s supporters is the uninspiring, cautious and unadventurous football that he continues to insist upon, coupled with his outdated methods, general negativity and the juvenile me-against-the-world attitude that has resulted in the gloomy atmosphere around the club.
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £10k!After the win against Brighton last weekend, Mourinho spectacularly hit out at his own players for their ‘lack of personality, class and desire’, singling-out academy graduate Scott McTominay and brutally dumping on Luke Shaw, with some even claiming he’s bullying the young defender.
Whatever you want to call it, it’s not tough love and it’s certainly not doing Shaw – or the atmosphere in the dressing room – any favours.
Reuters Luke Shaw has been constantly criticised by Mourinho[/caption]
And in terms of ‘football heritage’, United are still living in the shadow of their success under Sir Alex Ferguson and have laboured under the management of David Moyes and Louis van Gaal ever since, but Mourinho’s decision to highlight the club’s lack of recent success does nothing to justify his own failings.
It’s fair to say that the club slumped under Moyes and plateaued with LVG, but something far worse is happening under Mourinho and it could go a long way to damaging United’s great legacy.
AP:Associated Press Finers in ears[/caption]
The club is becoming toxic, the atmosphere stoic and the gap to their rivals is widening in terms of success at Man City and excitement and firepower at Liverpool.
And the club’s long-time philosophy of excitement, vibrancy and youth has become overshadowed by Mourinho’s negative tactic, whining to the media and overbearing need to outspend his opponents.
"Get Mourinho out and get Steve Bruce as Man United manager!" 
Passionate caller has a solution to all #MUFC's problems 
pic.twitter.com/9owC3ign1Q
— talkSPORT 
(@talkSPORT) March 14, 2018
Don’t get me wrong, whatever happens by the end of the season, nothing will take away the extreme success the Portuguese manager has enjoyed throughout his career, which includes Champions League success with Porto and Inter Milan and league titles in four different countries.
News Group Newspapers Ltd The Boss[/caption]
But Mourinho’s once-great reputation is gradually diminishing and seemingly taking United down with him.
His decision to turn on his own players and his failure to inspire that old siege mentality could spell the premature end to his time at Old Trafford if things haven’t changed by this time next season, or worse, he could seriously damage the heritage of the club that was built by Matt Busby and nurtured under Ferguson.
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Monday, March 19, 2018
Cristiano Ronaldo: I say that I am the best because I believe it and I show it on the pitch
English // marca
Cristiano Ronaldo: I say that I am the best because I believe it and I show it on the pitch
Sunday, March 18, 2018
Leicester vs Chelsea, FA Cup LIVE: Latest score and updates from the King Power
The Independent - Football
Leicester vs Chelsea, FA Cup LIVE: Latest score and updates from the King Power
All the latest from the last quarter-final of the weekend
