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четверг, 02 марта 2023
06:11 Man Utd beat West Ham to reach FA Cup quarter-finals as Spurs knocked out

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06:10 Man Utd beat West Ham to reach FA Cup quarter-finals as Spurs knocked out
Man Utd beat West Ham to reach FA Cup quarter-finals as Spurs knocked out
Alejandro Ganaccio and Fred beat West Ham 3-1 in Wednesday's FA Cup quarter-final but Tottenham were stunned by Sheffield United up.

Elsewhere in the fifth round of the night, fourth-tier side Grimsby beat Premier League contenders Southampton 2-1 and Burnley beat 10-man Fleetwood 1-0.

Manchester United made six substitutions in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle but lacked fluidity in front of an expecting crowd at Old Trafford.

United goalkeeper David de Gea tackled Michel Antonio midway through the opening game, and the West Ham striker sprinted for goal before Emerson Palmieri fired a tempting shot inside the box.
Elsewhere in the fifth round of the night, fourth-tier side Grimsby beat Premier League contenders Southampton 2-1 and Burnley beat 10-man Fleetwood 1-0.

Manchester United, who made six substitutions in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, lacked fluidity in front of the expecting crowd at Old Trafford.

United goalkeeper David de Gea held off Michel Antonio midway through the opening half and the West Ham striker sprinted for goal before Emerson Palmieri fired a tempting shot inside the box.

United manager Eric ten Hag replaced Scott McTominay with Casemiro at half-time but the hosts struggled.


Benrahma cost them in the 54th minute when he spun the ball past De Gea after the home defender stopped, thinking it had gone wide for a throw-in.

The goal prompted the Ten Witches to bring in top scorer Marcus Rashford, but Antonio had a chance to double West Ham's lead but was again thwarted by De Gea.

In the 72nd minute, Casemiro scored with a header, and Bruno Fernandez's header from a free kick was ruled offside by VAR.

Five minutes later United equalized with a header from Naif Aqel's header from Fernandes' corner.

The home side remain on top of their six-year trophy drought at the weekend as they continue their search for a winner.

They were rewarded, with Argentine teenager Ganacho giving United the lead with a 90th-minute right-footed strike before Fred scored in stoppage time.

"The best teams never stop believing," Manchester United captain Harry Maguire told ITV, "I'm not saying we are by far one of the best teams.

"We've got a lot of work to do but we're getting there, we're moving forward ... it feels like Stretford has sucked in the goal at the last minute."

spurs dumped
Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup by title rivals for the second consecutive year after Eliman N'Diaye sacked newly promoted Sheffield United in a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Spurs had Harry Kane on as a substitute in the 79th minute but Kane had nowhere to go when he headed a cross in stoppage time.

Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Christian Strini has apologized to fans on behalf of Antonio Conte, who is recovering from gallbladder surgery.

"If you don't win a game like this, it's because something wasn't perfect and we didn't have enough energy to give the opponent a lot of trouble today," he told the BBC.

New Southampton manager Ruben Seles has made nine changes to his side for their home game against League Two Grimsby.

Gavan Holohan's double penalty before and after half-time gave the visitors a 2-0 lead and Grimsby kept the lead despite Duje Caleta-Car halving the deficit.

Grimsby manager Paul Hurst told ITV: "We hoped for a miracle and it was unbelievable to reach the quarter-finals." "It was just a fantastic day and we went down in the history books. "

Championship leaders Burnley needed a Conor Roberts goal in the 90th minute to beat a 10-man side at league leaders Fleetwood.

Manchester City beat Bristol City 3-0 on Tuesday, while 2021 champions Leicester suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to second-tier side Blackburn Rovers.

Fulham beat Premier League contenders Leeds 2-0 and Brighton beat Championship side Stoke City 1-0.

In the quarter-finals, Manchester City faced Burnley, and Manchester United faced Fulham at home. Grimsby travel to Brighton, while Sheffield United host Blackburn.




United manager Eric ten Hager replaced Scott McTominay with Casemiro at half-time, but the home side remained in a slump.

Benrahma cost them in the 54th minute when he spun the ball past De Gea after the home defender stopped, thinking it had gone wide for a throw-in.

The goal prompted the Ten Witches to bring in top scorer Marcus Rashford, but Antonio had a chance to extend West Ham's lead but was again thwarted by De Gea.

Casemiro had the ball in the net in the 72nd minute but his header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

United finally drew level five minutes later when Fernandes sent in a corner and Nayef Aguerd headed into his own goal.

The home side -- still on a high after ending their six-year trophy drought at the weekend -- poured forward in search of a winner.

They got their reward when Argentine teenager Garnacho produced a superb right-footed curler in the 90th minute to edge United ahead followed by a stoppage-time strike by Fred.

"The best teams never stop believing," United captain Harry Maguire told ITV. "I am not saying we are one of the best teams yet.

"We have a lot to do but we are getting there, we are taking steps forward... It felt like the Stretford End was sucking the goal in at the end there."

- Spurs dumped out -

Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship opposition for the second year in a row after Iliman Ndiaye fired promotion-chasing Sheffield United to a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Spurs, who started Harry Kane on the bench, conceded in the 79th minute and could not find a way back, with Kane heading an Ivan Perisic cross over deep into injury time.

Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini, standing in for Antonio Conte, who is recovering from gallbladder surgery, apologised to the fans.

"If you don't win a game like this it's because something was not perfect and today our energy was not enough to put the opponent in a great difficulty," he told the BBC.

New Southampton manager Ruben Selles made nine changes to his team for the home tie against League Two Grimsby.

Two Gavan Holohan penalties either side of half-time put the visitors 2-0 up and although Duje Caleta-Car halved the deficit, Grimsby held on.

"We turned up, hoping for a miracle and to be in the quarter-final is incredible," Grimsby manager Paul Hurst told ITV. "It is just a fantastic day, we have gone down in the history books."

Championship leaders Burnley needed a 90th-minute goal from Connor Roberts to edge out the 10 men of League One Fleetwood.

In Tuesday's matches, Manchester City beat Bristol City 3-0 while 2021 winners Leicester suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against second-tier Blackburn.

Fulham beat Premier League strugglers Leeds 2-0 and Brighton won 1-0 at Championship side Stoke.

City will take on Burnley in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Fulham. Grimsby travel to Brighton while Sheffield United host Blackburn.
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06:10 Man Utd beat West Ham to reach FA Cup quarter-finals as Spurs knocked out
Man Utd beat West Ham to reach FA Cup quarter-finals as Spurs knocked out
Alejandro Ganaccio and Fred beat West Ham 3-1 in Wednesday's FA Cup quarter-final but Tottenham were stunned by Sheffield United up.

Elsewhere in the fifth round of the night, fourth-tier side Grimsby beat Premier League contenders Southampton 2-1 and Burnley beat 10-man Fleetwood 1-0.

Manchester United made six substitutions in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle but lacked fluidity in front of an expecting crowd at Old Trafford.

United goalkeeper David de Gea tackled Michel Antonio midway through the opening game, and the West Ham striker sprinted for goal before Emerson Palmieri fired a tempting shot inside the box.
Elsewhere in the fifth round of the night, fourth-tier side Grimsby beat Premier League contenders Southampton 2-1 and Burnley beat 10-man Fleetwood 1-0.

Manchester United, who made six substitutions in Sunday's Carabao Cup final against Newcastle, lacked fluidity in front of the expecting crowd at Old Trafford.

United goalkeeper David de Gea held off Michel Antonio midway through the opening half and the West Ham striker sprinted for goal before Emerson Palmieri fired a tempting shot inside the box.

United manager Eric ten Hag replaced Scott McTominay with Casemiro at half-time but the hosts struggled.


Benrahma cost them in the 54th minute when he spun the ball past De Gea after the home defender stopped, thinking it had gone wide for a throw-in.

The goal prompted the Ten Witches to bring in top scorer Marcus Rashford, but Antonio had a chance to double West Ham's lead but was again thwarted by De Gea.

In the 72nd minute, Casemiro scored with a header, and Bruno Fernandez's header from a free kick was ruled offside by VAR.

Five minutes later United equalized with a header from Naif Aqel's header from Fernandes' corner.

The home side remain on top of their six-year trophy drought at the weekend as they continue their search for a winner.

They were rewarded, with Argentine teenager Ganacho giving United the lead with a 90th-minute right-footed strike before Fred scored in stoppage time.

"The best teams never stop believing," Manchester United captain Harry Maguire told ITV, "I'm not saying we are by far one of the best teams.

"We've got a lot of work to do but we're getting there, we're moving forward ... it feels like Stretford has sucked in the goal at the last minute."

spurs dumped
Tottenham were knocked out of the FA Cup by title rivals for the second consecutive year after Eliman N'Diaye sacked newly promoted Sheffield United in a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Spurs had Harry Kane on as a substitute in the 79th minute but Kane had nowhere to go when he headed a cross in stoppage time.

Tottenham Hotspur assistant coach Christian Strini has apologized to fans on behalf of Antonio Conte, who is recovering from gallbladder surgery.

"If you don't win a game like this, it's because something wasn't perfect and we didn't have enough energy to give the opponent a lot of trouble today," he told the BBC.

New Southampton manager Ruben Seles has made nine changes to his side for their home game against League Two Grimsby.

Gavan Holohan's double penalty before and after half-time gave the visitors a 2-0 lead and Grimsby kept the lead despite Duje Caleta-Car halving the deficit.

Grimsby manager Paul Hurst told ITV: "We hoped for a miracle and it was unbelievable to reach the quarter-finals." "It was just a fantastic day and we went down in the history books. "

Championship leaders Burnley needed a Conor Roberts goal in the 90th minute to beat a 10-man side at league leaders Fleetwood.

Manchester City beat Bristol City 3-0 on Tuesday, while 2021 champions Leicester suffered a surprise 2-1 loss to second-tier side Blackburn Rovers.

Fulham beat Premier League contenders Leeds 2-0 and Brighton beat Championship side Stoke City 1-0.

In the quarter-finals, Manchester City faced Burnley, and Manchester United faced Fulham at home. Grimsby travel to Brighton, while Sheffield United host Blackburn.




United manager Eric ten Hager replaced Scott McTominay with Casemiro at half-time, but the home side remained in a slump.

Benrahma cost them in the 54th minute when he spun the ball past De Gea after the home defender stopped, thinking it had gone wide for a throw-in.

The goal prompted the Ten Witches to bring in top scorer Marcus Rashford, but Antonio had a chance to extend West Ham's lead but was again thwarted by De Gea.

Casemiro had the ball in the net in the 72nd minute but his header from a Bruno Fernandes free-kick was ruled out for offside following a VAR review.

United finally drew level five minutes later when Fernandes sent in a corner and Nayef Aguerd headed into his own goal.

The home side -- still on a high after ending their six-year trophy drought at the weekend -- poured forward in search of a winner.

They got their reward when Argentine teenager Garnacho produced a superb right-footed curler in the 90th minute to edge United ahead followed by a stoppage-time strike by Fred.

"The best teams never stop believing," United captain Harry Maguire told ITV. "I am not saying we are one of the best teams yet.

"We have a lot to do but we are getting there, we are taking steps forward... It felt like the Stretford End was sucking the goal in at the end there."

- Spurs dumped out -

Tottenham were dumped out of the FA Cup by Championship opposition for the second year in a row after Iliman Ndiaye fired promotion-chasing Sheffield United to a 1-0 win at Bramall Lane.

Spurs, who started Harry Kane on the bench, conceded in the 79th minute and could not find a way back, with Kane heading an Ivan Perisic cross over deep into injury time.

Tottenham assistant manager Cristian Stellini, standing in for Antonio Conte, who is recovering from gallbladder surgery, apologised to the fans.

"If you don't win a game like this it's because something was not perfect and today our energy was not enough to put the opponent in a great difficulty," he told the BBC.

New Southampton manager Ruben Selles made nine changes to his team for the home tie against League Two Grimsby.

Two Gavan Holohan penalties either side of half-time put the visitors 2-0 up and although Duje Caleta-Car halved the deficit, Grimsby held on.

"We turned up, hoping for a miracle and to be in the quarter-final is incredible," Grimsby manager Paul Hurst told ITV. "It is just a fantastic day, we have gone down in the history books."

Championship leaders Burnley needed a 90th-minute goal from Connor Roberts to edge out the 10 men of League One Fleetwood.

In Tuesday's matches, Manchester City beat Bristol City 3-0 while 2021 winners Leicester suffered a shock 2-1 defeat against second-tier Blackburn.

Fulham beat Premier League strugglers Leeds 2-0 and Brighton won 1-0 at Championship side Stoke.

City will take on Burnley in the quarter-finals, with Manchester United hosting Fulham. Grimsby travel to Brighton while Sheffield United host Blackburn.
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понедельник, 27 февраля 2023
22:25 Arsenal struggling to beat wayward Leicester
Arsenal struggling to beat wayward Leicester
Arsenal had to fight for their three points but Leicester never seemed to get the most from the King Power Stadium on Saturday as the Gunners extended their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win in England's East Midlands leading edge in .

Leandro Trossard prepared a cool Gabriel Martinelli shot after scoring a goal from VAR in Arsenal's 10-1 win over Leicester, leaving the Foxes The team scored only 0.02 expected goals in 90 minutes.

Watch full Leicester vs Arsenal replay on stream - link

Arsenal have now won back-to-back Premier League wins since their disappointing loss to Manchester City and showed a firm resolve to extend their lead to five points before City take to the stage at Bournemouth at 12.30pm ET determination.

After a stellar run, the Foxes have lost two games in a row and Leicester will be sad to see them just three points clear of the bottom three.

[ MORE: How to watch the Premier League in the US ]

Premier League News
Aston Villa ushered in the early storm and brought Everton back to the relegation zone. West Ham United beat Nottingham Forest 4-0. Bournemouth VS Manchester City exited the relegation zone, live! Scores, Updates, Live Links, Highlights

Arsenal close shop, outlive lagging Leicester
The Gunners took just 10 shots but didn't get a full xG on the day and it was really hard to get an answer from anyone other than Leandro Trossard as even the mighty Martin Odegaard had a day off.

Trossard scored a fine goal but was pulled back as Ben White was deftly saved by Danny Ward from the previous corner, but he, like Martinelli, was a big draw for the Gunners The goal brought absolute benefits.

Martinelli was very strong that day, overcoming a serious injury scare after Wilfried Ndidi accidentally stepped on the scorer's knee to score, and he had already sprinted into space to allow Trossard's scythe pass into the box.
Another thing Gooners should know is how handsome Jorginho looks, perfect for Mikel Arteta's game, a game where the boss knows his men will have a lot of possession. Granit Xhaka will look back - he may have received Arteta's lavish praise for Fabio Vieira - as Thomas Partey fights for the start again, Partey-Joe Ginho's partnership could give the Gunners permission to concede, allowing the duo to replay along with two centre-forwards, a goalkeeper and six strikers against some teams. We almost never joke around.

Meanwhile, Leicester City will abstain as long as James Maddison is out. And Uri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy, coming off the bench with less than half an hour to go, had little impact.

Leicester vs Arsenal player ratings: Stars to star
Leandro Trossard: Playing a false nine, he scored a firecracker, but Ben White's nonsense was brought down by VAR before a brazen pass to Martinelli's goal.

Gabriel Martinelli: What a great conclusion. And he probably should at least have braces. Lively show.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: Fighting to the end as the left side of the pitch looked to be Leicester's best chance (none).

Jorginho: 16 passes in the final third, 10 restarts... what an inspiring little signing.

what's next
Arsenal host Everton on Wednesday and Bournemouth travel to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday 4 March.

Leicester host Blackburn in their beloved FA Cup on Tuesday before traveling to Southampton on Saturday 4 March.

Gabriel Martinelli goal video: Trossard gets the Brazilian ready
How to watch Leicester v Arsenal live, live link and start time

Leicester look so much better in attack and even though they are just four points above the relegation zone, the focus is on finishing in the top 10. They are perfectly capable of doing that and Harry Souttar seems to be a perfect addition in central defense as his arrival has calmed everyone down. In attack Maddison and Harvey Barnes are the keys and they will cause Arsenal plenty of problems.

As for the Gunners, Arteta saw Jorginho pop up with a wonderful late strike which helped them win at Villa last time out and the Italian midfielder has added extra experience and nous just when they needed it as Thomas Partey remains out injured. Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard continue to dominate games and there is a wonderful resilience about this young Arsenal side. The fact they are still in this title race with 15 games to go is a great achievement and if they can cut out silly defensive errors, they could just win this thing.

Leicester City team news, injuries, lineup options
OUT: Ryan Bertrand (knee), James Justin (achilles), Jonny Evans (calf)

Arsenal works its way past wayward Leicester City
Arsenal had to work hard for its three points but Leicester City never looked like taking more than one, at most, from the King Power Stadium on Saturday as the Gunners increased their Premier League table lead with a 1-0 win in the East Midlands of England.

Leandro Trossard set up a clinical Gabriel Martinelli finish after having a goal chalked off by VAR as Arsenal out-attempted Leicester 10-1 and only allowed the Foxes 0.02 expected goals over 90 minutes.

WATCH LEICESTER vs ARSENAL FULL MATCH REPLAY STREAM – LINK

Arsenal’s now won consecutive Premier League matches since a dispiriting loss to Man City, showing solid resolve in boosting their table lead to five points before City takes the stage at 12:30pm ET at Bournemouth.

It’s two-straight losses for the Foxes after a bright period, and Leicester will be aggrieved to see it remains just three points clear of the bottom three.




Arsenal shuts up shop, outlasts laggard Leicester
The Gunners only took 10 shots but did not register a full xG on the day and really struggled to find answers through anyone but Leandro Trossard, as even the mighty Martin Odegaard had an off day.

Trossard scored a beautiful goal that was pulled back for Ben White’s clever almost-uncaught hold of Danny Ward during the preceding corner kick, but he delivered the absolute goods, as did Martinelli, on the Gunners’ goal.

Martinelli, who was very good on the day and overcame what was a nasty injury scare after his goal when Wilfried Ndidi accidentally stepped on the scorer’s knee, had burst into space for Trossard’s scything nutmeg pass into the box.

Another note that should resonate with Gooners is just how good Jorginho looked again, the right fit for a Mikel Arteta game in which the gaffer knew his men would have a lot of the ball. Granit Xhaka will be looking over his shoulder — he may already be given Arteta’s glowing praise of Fabio Vieira — as Thomas Partey is back in contention to start and a Partey-Jorginho pairing might just give the Gunners license to play the duo along with two center backs, a keeper, and six forwards against some sides. We’re barely kidding.

Leicester City, meanwhile, looks off whenever it doesn’t have James Maddison in the fold. And Youri Tielemans and Jamie Vardy came off the bench with just under a half-hour to play and did not affect much of anything.
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вторник, 21 февраля 2023
00:36 Lionel Messi's magical 95th-minute winner saves Paris Saint-Germain from the abyss
Lionel Messi's magical 95th-minute winner saves Paris Saint-Germain from the abyss
With 10 minutes to go in one of the tightest matches of the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain find themselves in a multifaceted crisis. Neymar was stretchered out and a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit, with the Parisian superclub's grip on the domestic league suddenly loosened as their Champions League dreams were dashed.

Then Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi performed.

Almost two full months after dueling in a memorable World Cup final, they conspired to save Paris Saint-Germain and stop the downward spiral. Mbappe's slip made it 3-3 with three minutes remaining in the 90 minutes. Then, in stoppage time, Messi won a free-kick and stepped up...

He was literally and figuratively alone, an unrivaled talent with the outcome of another game at his feet.

He saw Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier cheating in the middle of goal and counted on the skillful dink
So Messi opted for the gap between Chevalier's tentacles and his left post. The 35-year-old Argentine magician fired a free-kick over that post, clearing the Parc des Princes of darkness that had enveloped it.

Even on a sunny afternoon in Paris, dark clouds gathered just before Mbappe equalized at 3:20. PSG sporting director Luis Campos left his seat in the stands and ventured onto the pitch. French TV reporters have even speculated on who Paris Saint-Germain's next boss will be - assuming the club will sack their current boss, Christophe Galtier. Its five-point lead over a league expected to win in Pot 2 is rapidly shrinking.

And his true ambitions, already dampened by a Champions League last-16 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich, could be further undermined by Neymar's injury. After Sunday's goals and assists
But Mbappe, and then Messi, replaced that sense of impending doom with excitement. Maybe it will be fleeting. Or maybe Sunday will be a turning point.

“En el fútbol,” enthused the commentator on BeIN Sports’ Spanish-language program, “todo es possible cuando en la cancha está el mejor del mundo.”

"Anything is possible in football when the best players in the world are on the pitch."

With 10 minutes left in the most intense game of the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain finds itself in a multifaceted crisis. Neymar was stretchered out and a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit, with the Parisian superclub's grip on the domestic league suddenly loosened as their Champions League dreams were dashed.

Then Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi performed.

Almost two full months after dueling in a memorable World Cup final, they conspired to save Paris Saint-Germain and stop the downward spiral. Mbappe's slip made it 3-3 with three minutes remaining in the 90 minutes.

He was literally and figuratively alone, an unrivaled talent with the outcome of another game at his feet.

He saw Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier cheating in the middle of the goal, expecting a clever dink over the wall.

So Messi opted for the gap between Chevalier's tentacles and his left post. The 35-year-old Argentine magician fired a free-kick over that post, clearing the Parc des Princes of darkness that had enveloped it.




Even on a sunny afternoon in Paris, dark clouds gathered just before Mbappe equalized at 3:20. PSG sporting director Luis Campos left his seat in the stands and ventured onto the pitch. French TV reporters have even speculated on who Paris Saint-Germain's next boss will be - assuming the club will sack their current boss, Christophe Galtier. Its five-point lead over a league expected to win in Pot 2 is rapidly shrinking.
And his true ambitions, already dampened by a Champions League last-16 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich, could be further undermined by Neymar's injury. After Sunday's goals and assists, the Brazilian was taken off on a stretcher after half-time with what appeared to be an ankle injury. (The second leg with Bayern Munich is on March 8.)

But Mbappe, and then Messi, replaced that sense of impending doom with excitement. Maybe it will be fleeting. Or maybe Sunday will be a turning point.

“En el fútbol,” enthused the commentator on BeIN Sports’ Spanish-language program, “todo es possible cuando en la cancha está el mejor del mundo.”

"Anything is possible in football when the best players in the world are on the pitch."


Lionel Messi scored from a 95th-minute free-kick as Paris Saint-Germain beat Lille 4-3 in a dramatic 4-3 upside-down Ligue 1 classic at the Parc des Princes this afternoon.

The home side surged into an early 2-0 lead as they looked to end a run of three straight defeats in all competitions, with the fit-again Kylian Mbappe and Neymar getting on the scoresheet despite a bright start from Lille.

Things soon started going wrong for Christophe Galtier against the team he guided to the title in 2020-21, though, with Lille turning the game on its head to take a 3-2 advantage and PSG also losing Nuno Mendes and Neymar to injuries, the latter being stretchered off.

With pressure beginning to grow, though, Galtier's two main men stepped up to the plate as Mbappe made it 3-3 before Messi stole the headlines off his teammate with the winning free kick five minutes into stoppage time.

The result temporarily lifts PSG eight points clear at the top of the table, and perhaps more importantly ends a poor run of form which had seen them lose three times in three different competitions in the space of a week.

The home side, who had hammered Lille 7-1 in the reverse fixture between the last two champions of Ligue 1, looked as though they could threaten a repeat of that chastening scoreline when they raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 17 minutes.

The returning Mbappe got the first of those with a brilliant solo effort after 11 minutes, when he cut inside from the left and skipped between two defenders before steering the ball past the keeper - a move which saw Lille skipper Jose Fonte injured in the process.

Neymar joined his strike partner on the scoresheet just six minutes later when he turned the ball into an empty net after a one-two with Vitinha, who managed to smuggle the ball back to him ahead of Lucas Chevalier.

However, that two-goal advantage flattered the home side, with Lille looking an omnipresent threat - Timothy Weah threatened with an effort inside the opening minute, and Gianluigi Donnarumma was needed to deny Jonathan David headers on two occasions.

Messi had also come close at the other end before the deadlock was broken, but Lille's first of the afternoon was certainly not against the run of play when Bafode Diakite glanced a header into the corner.

There was more bad news for the champions with Nuno Mendes limping off in the first half, and Neymar's withdrawal on a stretcher added a major further blow with a Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich on the horizon.

That misery was only compounded when Lille levelled things up before the hour mark, although PSG could feel justifiably upset with the controversial decision to penalise Marco Verratti for an apparent pull in the box off the ball from a corner.
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00:36 Lionel Messi's magical 95th-minute winner saves Paris Saint-Germain from the abyss
Lionel Messi's magical 95th-minute winner saves Paris Saint-Germain from the abyss
With 10 minutes to go in one of the tightest matches of the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain find themselves in a multifaceted crisis. Neymar was stretchered out and a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit, with the Parisian superclub's grip on the domestic league suddenly loosened as their Champions League dreams were dashed.

Then Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi performed.

Almost two full months after dueling in a memorable World Cup final, they conspired to save Paris Saint-Germain and stop the downward spiral. Mbappe's slip made it 3-3 with three minutes remaining in the 90 minutes. Then, in stoppage time, Messi won a free-kick and stepped up...

He was literally and figuratively alone, an unrivaled talent with the outcome of another game at his feet.

He saw Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier cheating in the middle of goal and counted on the skillful dink
So Messi opted for the gap between Chevalier's tentacles and his left post. The 35-year-old Argentine magician fired a free-kick over that post, clearing the Parc des Princes of darkness that had enveloped it.

Even on a sunny afternoon in Paris, dark clouds gathered just before Mbappe equalized at 3:20. PSG sporting director Luis Campos left his seat in the stands and ventured onto the pitch. French TV reporters have even speculated on who Paris Saint-Germain's next boss will be - assuming the club will sack their current boss, Christophe Galtier. Its five-point lead over a league expected to win in Pot 2 is rapidly shrinking.

And his true ambitions, already dampened by a Champions League last-16 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich, could be further undermined by Neymar's injury. After Sunday's goals and assists
But Mbappe, and then Messi, replaced that sense of impending doom with excitement. Maybe it will be fleeting. Or maybe Sunday will be a turning point.

“En el fútbol,” enthused the commentator on BeIN Sports’ Spanish-language program, “todo es possible cuando en la cancha está el mejor del mundo.”

"Anything is possible in football when the best players in the world are on the pitch."

With 10 minutes left in the most intense game of the 2022-23 Ligue 1 season, Paris Saint-Germain finds itself in a multifaceted crisis. Neymar was stretchered out and a 2-0 lead turned into a 3-2 deficit, with the Parisian superclub's grip on the domestic league suddenly loosened as their Champions League dreams were dashed.

Then Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi performed.

Almost two full months after dueling in a memorable World Cup final, they conspired to save Paris Saint-Germain and stop the downward spiral. Mbappe's slip made it 3-3 with three minutes remaining in the 90 minutes.

He was literally and figuratively alone, an unrivaled talent with the outcome of another game at his feet.

He saw Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier cheating in the middle of the goal, expecting a clever dink over the wall.

So Messi opted for the gap between Chevalier's tentacles and his left post. The 35-year-old Argentine magician fired a free-kick over that post, clearing the Parc des Princes of darkness that had enveloped it.




Even on a sunny afternoon in Paris, dark clouds gathered just before Mbappe equalized at 3:20. PSG sporting director Luis Campos left his seat in the stands and ventured onto the pitch. French TV reporters have even speculated on who Paris Saint-Germain's next boss will be - assuming the club will sack their current boss, Christophe Galtier. Its five-point lead over a league expected to win in Pot 2 is rapidly shrinking.
And his true ambitions, already dampened by a Champions League last-16 first-leg loss to Bayern Munich, could be further undermined by Neymar's injury. After Sunday's goals and assists, the Brazilian was taken off on a stretcher after half-time with what appeared to be an ankle injury. (The second leg with Bayern Munich is on March 8.)

But Mbappe, and then Messi, replaced that sense of impending doom with excitement. Maybe it will be fleeting. Or maybe Sunday will be a turning point.

“En el fútbol,” enthused the commentator on BeIN Sports’ Spanish-language program, “todo es possible cuando en la cancha está el mejor del mundo.”

"Anything is possible in football when the best players in the world are on the pitch."


Lionel Messi scored from a 95th-minute free-kick as Paris Saint-Germain beat Lille 4-3 in a dramatic 4-3 upside-down Ligue 1 classic at the Parc des Princes this afternoon.

The home side surged into an early 2-0 lead as they looked to end a run of three straight defeats in all competitions, with the fit-again Kylian Mbappe and Neymar getting on the scoresheet despite a bright start from Lille.

Things soon started going wrong for Christophe Galtier against the team he guided to the title in 2020-21, though, with Lille turning the game on its head to take a 3-2 advantage and PSG also losing Nuno Mendes and Neymar to injuries, the latter being stretchered off.

With pressure beginning to grow, though, Galtier's two main men stepped up to the plate as Mbappe made it 3-3 before Messi stole the headlines off his teammate with the winning free kick five minutes into stoppage time.

The result temporarily lifts PSG eight points clear at the top of the table, and perhaps more importantly ends a poor run of form which had seen them lose three times in three different competitions in the space of a week.

The home side, who had hammered Lille 7-1 in the reverse fixture between the last two champions of Ligue 1, looked as though they could threaten a repeat of that chastening scoreline when they raced into a 2-0 lead inside the opening 17 minutes.

The returning Mbappe got the first of those with a brilliant solo effort after 11 minutes, when he cut inside from the left and skipped between two defenders before steering the ball past the keeper - a move which saw Lille skipper Jose Fonte injured in the process.

Neymar joined his strike partner on the scoresheet just six minutes later when he turned the ball into an empty net after a one-two with Vitinha, who managed to smuggle the ball back to him ahead of Lucas Chevalier.

However, that two-goal advantage flattered the home side, with Lille looking an omnipresent threat - Timothy Weah threatened with an effort inside the opening minute, and Gianluigi Donnarumma was needed to deny Jonathan David headers on two occasions.

Messi had also come close at the other end before the deadlock was broken, but Lille's first of the afternoon was certainly not against the run of play when Bafode Diakite glanced a header into the corner.

There was more bad news for the champions with Nuno Mendes limping off in the first half, and Neymar's withdrawal on a stretcher added a major further blow with a Champions League second leg against Bayern Munich on the horizon.

That misery was only compounded when Lille levelled things up before the hour mark, although PSG could feel justifiably upset with the controversial decision to penalise Marco Verratti for an apparent pull in the box off the ball from a corner.
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пятница, 17 февраля 2023
20:00 Three reasons for Arsenal's slump
Three reasons for Arsenal's slump

Arsenal have no time to lick their wounds. Two and a half days after losing their place at the top of the Premier League table, they are back with one of the managers they most want to face: Unai Emery awaits them at Villa Park, undoubtedly more motivated than ever as he Try again, to prove against his old employer.
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After a four-match winless run in all competitions, Mikel Arteta's side have all the makings of an away game. Ahead of Wednesday's loss to Manchester City, Arsenal are expected to be without Thomas Partey again, while Gabriel Jesus remains unavailable.

This is undoubtedly a decline in form, although Arteta believes that the team's performance is still maintained at a high level. So what can the Arsenal boss do to revive his side in this title race and what's behind the latest slump?
Call-ups of Xhaka and Martinelli
One of the defining features of Arsenal's early-season form has been Granit Xhaka's remarkable transformation as an attacking midfielder. Xhaka was never a prolific goalscorer, but in the first half of the season he suddenly became crucial from the back.

In Xhaka's first 15 appearances for Arsenal this season, he has scored four goals - more than his previous three seasons combined. However, he failed to score a single goal in his next 15 games. Against City, Xhaka found himself in a promising position in the second half but seemed unsure whether to pass or shoot.




Another problem has been Gabriel Martinelli's lack of sharpness in recent weeks. The Brazilian has been one of the most exciting and prolific young strikers in Europe this season but has gone eight games without a goal since the start of the year. It wouldn't be a surprise if Leandro Trossard, who came off the bench against Brentford last weekend, could score

"He impresses every time he plays," Trossard's Arteta said. "He's an option."

lack of rotation
Arteta has made just 16 changes to his starting XI this season, the fewest of any Premier League team so far. How unusual this is, the average number of changes for the rest of the "Big Six" this season is 59.

Obviously, this is one of Arsenal's biggest strengths this season. Arteta has a defined system and a clear vision of which players will make it work. That's in stark contrast to a club like Chelsea, which have made 79 changes to their squad this season and haven't looked more closely at their best team.

But a team can only go so far without deploying their entire squad and it's clear that rotation will be required in the coming weeks, especially once Arsenal's Europa League resumes. Especially since some fringe players need the opportunity to build some rhythm,

youth inexperienced
"I've always said you have to pay the bills, especially with the young players in our squad," Arteta said earlier this season. "And the math is they're going to make mistakes at some point, they're going to experience things for the first time, and they have to go through that."

Unfortunately for Arsenal, they paid one of those "bills" against Manchester City on Wednesday when a mistake cost his side. Defensive errors by Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Magalhaes, while Eddie Nketiah wasted time in front of goal.

That's the reality for Arsenal's side, despite gaining more experience with the signings of Jorginho and Trossard in the January transfer window.

Arsenal are the youngest team in the Premier League this season, with an average age of just 24 years and 255 days (exactly the same as Southampton's). The vast majority of these players have never been in a championship game, nor have they ever felt the pressure that comes with it. In recent games, notably against Everton and Brentford, the pressure seemed to be starting to cloud their judgment at times.

Arteta needs more experienced players - such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jorginho and Thomas Partey - to keep going and stay calm.

"You need experienced players to guide you, reassure you and show them [young players] how to do it," Arteta said on Friday.

"That's what we're talking about. If you want to win the league, you have to pay. Sometimes you lose a game or two, sometimes you should win one, sometimes you have to win the game in the 96th minute,
It hasn’t been a smooth few weeks for Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.

Apart from a nervy 1-0 win over Queens Park Rangers in the Premier League and an extra-time miracle against Reading in the Capital One Cup, Arsenal have lost three times and drawn once.

All this, of course, on the back of some solid and encouraging performances at the start of the season that suggested that this could be the first season in quite a few that Arsenal finally get their hands on some silverware.

It’s still entirely possible that they do finish the season with a trophy—especially if Wenger considers a fourth-place finish as a trophy—but there’s no denying that the Gunners are going through a recent slump.

Let’s look at 10 reasons behind Arsenal’s current run of poor form—and, as usual, feel free to have your say in the comments below.

First, the most widely used reason of all: Andre Santos.

In fact, Santos has been blamed so frequently for Arsenal’s recent troubles that it’s beginning to seem like he’s being made a scapegoat.

But there is lots of merit to such a claim, because Santos’ recent run in the side has coincided with some very poor defending and goals conceded from the Gunners’ point of view.

The fact that he has had to come in to replace the injured Kieran Gibbs—whose loss incidentally came in Arsenal’s last convincing win against West Ham in early October—means that his performances have been judged against Gibbs’ impressive early-season form.

In Santos’, it’s hard to pinpoint one particular thing that is his downfall: his all-out attacking philosophy, his lack of tactical awareness, his aloofness in defence, his inexplicable positioning.

And that’s because the whole is unfortunately greater than the sum of its parts.

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понедельник, 13 февраля 2023
22:37 Man City beat Aston Villa but Haaland fears Arsenal test
Man City beat Aston Villa but Haaland fears Arsenal test
It was the first chance for City players to respond to the Premier League allegations on the pitch and they did not disappoint.

A three-goal blitz in the first half allowed Aston Villa to come off the hook with their particular brand of shock and awe, something they had missed since scoring 24 goals and winning six in the September-October period. One flaw - especially against Arsenal on Wednesday - was Erling Haaland's kick to the thigh, which forced him to remove the ball at half-time.

RELATED: Guardiola built this Man City team knowing he could lose it all | Jonathan Wilson

Back in the fall, like this afternoon, they can score at will and make opponents feel inferior, so the performance of the past eight days is appropriate. City's denial of 101 allegations of alleged financial misconduct sparked an emotional 'coach's welcome' as Guardiola and the team held signs reading 'fuck the Premier League' and 'look into that' The banner went up to the fans. ) maintained an obscene posture), while the Premier League anthem was booed before kick-off.

In the end, City trailed Arsenal by three points before heading to the Emirates Stadium: had they won there, Guardiola's side would have taken the lead on goal difference.

Guardiola said of Haaland: "We'll see what he does in the next few days. I spoke to the doctors at half-time and they said, 'Maybe don't take the risk. I agree. I agree. Think it doesn't hurt, but tomorrow we'll see. If there was a risk, he wouldn't play."

Within 30 seconds, City had them panicked. Ollie Watkins feeds Leon Bailey, whose shot misses a corner. However, unlike the hosts' first such free-kick, it didn't work out: Riyad Mahrez shot from the left and Rodri's header was over Emiliano Martinez.

For a first man who could be absolutely sure, the opening goal was a blemish on Martinez, a reminder of how this game bites your ass. But the Argentine redeemed himself when Rodri exchanged passes with Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkeiguindogan unloaded: Martinez made a save to the right. Next, Haaland went down in a chaotic pass to the goalkeeper and Gundogan finished but Robert Jones ruled out a foul on the No. 9.

Urban sprawl: This has been rare these days. Jack Grealish nearly hit a stunning volley that would silence fans of the team he once captained and those who jeered at him. Then Harland missed from close range. Guardiola's formation of his side in a 3-2-2-3, perhaps to close the gap when he was out of possession, bothered him. But once his men returned to their familiar, ball-ridden, free-flowing form, the defense became overwhelmed.




Kyle Walker's pass kicked off her next move and fed to Rodri, who tapped De Bruyne. The Belgian jumped in like a nimble winger and scattered Villa, with Grealish receiving the ball and his curling effort needing Martinez's glove to save him.

City's second goal was a combination of De Bruyne's genius and Haaland's powerful pace. Seeing the latter lurking, the former turned around and hit a no-look chip. Martinez sprinted off the pitch as Callum Chambers panicked and headed past the keeper, who was crossed by a galloping Haaland

Riyadh Mahrez made it 3-0 after Glarish was tripped in the box by Jacob Ramsey at the end of a spectacular first 45 minutes and Jones took the penalty. City moved on in the second half as Julian Alvarez and Manuel Akanji replaced Haaland and Ruben Dias. De Bruyne, Grealish and Álvarez combined to knock down Rodri, whose efforts were stopped by Martínez.

As a game, this is over. Alvarez hit a shot, Walker leaped 50 meters and the City fans yelled at each other to "stand up for the title", which they did. Watkins scored after a midfield scrimmage with Bernardo Silva, which saw him come forward to beat Ederson. While City are still a bit slack - Ederson had to move out of the way and John Duran was late - the overall performance may suggest they are at their best at the end of the season.

City will turn an eight-point deficit in 27 days and hope to emulate it if they beat Arsenal in north London

One more moment of defiance may have come at the final whistle when Panic, by The Smiths, was played. That song is not a usual choice here. The silk who will defend City before the independent commission and who will hear the charges is Lord Pannick KC. Though, of course, that may just have been a coincidence.

This was the first chance for Manchester City players to post an on-field riposte to the Premier League charges and they did not disappoint.A three-goal, opening-half blitz put Aston Villa away via their particular brand of shock and awe that has been missing since the September-October period when 24 goals and six wins in a row were reeled off. One blot on the landscape – and for their game at Arsenal on Wednesday – was a possible injury to Erling Haaland, which meant he was taken off at half-time. Continue readingreadfullarticle
This was the first chance for Manchester City players to post an on-field riposte to the Premier League charges and they did not disappoint.

A three-goal, opening-half blitz put Aston Villa away via their particular brand of shock and awe that has been missing since the September-October period when they reeled off 24 goals and six wins in a row. One blot – particularly for the trip to Arsenal on Wednesday – was the kick suffered to Erling Haaland’s thigh, which meant he was taken off at half-time.

Back in the autumn, as this afternoon, they could score at will and leave opponents with an inferiority complex so after the past eight days this was the apt performance. The 101 counts of alleged financial wrongdoing – which City deny – had drawn an emotional “coach welcome” as Pep Guardiola and the squad arrived to fans who held banners that declaimed “Fuck the Premier League” and “Investigate That” (with a finger in an obscene position), while the Premier League’s anthem was booed before kick-off.

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пятница, 10 февраля 2023
19:30 Dyche makes his debut as Everton beat Arsenal

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четверг, 09 февраля 2023
18:09 Premier League accuses Manchester City of breaching league financial rules
Premier League accuses Manchester City of breaching league financial rules
The Premier League has accused league powerhouse Manchester City of breaching financial regulations for almost a decade.

The Premier League said on Monday it had referred more than 100 cases of alleged rule breaches to an independent committee following a lengthy investigation. From the 2009-2010 season to the 2017-2018 season, Manchester City was accused of breaching financial rules.

"Under Premier League Rule W.82.1, the Premier League confirms that it has today referred a series of alleged breaches of Premier League Rules by Manchester City FC to the committee under Premier League Rule W.3.4," the league said in a statement. statement.
According to a statement from the EPL, City are accused of "breaching Premier League rules throughout the season which require member clubs to provide accurate financial information to the Premier League in good faith to give the Premier League a true and fair sponsorship income), related parties and their operating costs.”




Manchester City's City Football Group is largely owned by Sheikh Mansour, the deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates. City Football Group took over the team in August 2008, and Mansour and his ownership group immediately began injecting capital into the team. City finished 10th in the EPL in the 2008-2009 season and fifth in the following season. It has finished in the top four in each of the past 11 seasons and has won six EPL titles during that time. City are currently second in the table following Sunday's loss to Tottenham.
In a statement, the team said they were "surprised by these alleged breaches of Premier League rules, particularly given the wide-ranging involvement and the wealth of detailed material the EPL has secured", and "welcome". A review of the matter by an independent commission to impartially examine the body of irrefutable evidence available to support its position. "

Previous financial allegations against Manchester City
It is not the first time City have been accused of financial impropriety since Mansour took over the club. In February 2020, the club was banned from UEFA's lucrative Champions League for two seasons for multiple violations of UEFA's Financial Fair Play rules.
City were fined more than $30 million as part of the punishment, one of the toughest penalties UEFA has ever imposed to regulate team finances. The team has been accused of inflating sponsorship deals to offset spending on transfer fees for top players. Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is the title sponsor of the City Stadium and has their name on the team's jerseys.

Being excluded from the Champions League would deal a major blow to City's annual revenue. The top four clubs in the EPL qualify for the UEFA Champions League every season, and teams in the tournament earn more than $16 million just from qualifying.

However, the ban was lifted less than six months later for procedural reasons. City pointed out that UEFA rules set a five-year statute of limitations for penalties related to breaches of the FFP. The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned the ban in July 2020, citing the rule and saying there was "insufficient conclusive evidence".

If it’s found guilty by the Premier League’s independent commission, City could receive a points penalty and get pushed down the league table. However, it seems unlikely that any penalty would come anytime soon and if City does receive a points deduction, the team will surely appeal the punishment.

The English Premier League has accused Manchester City of more than 100 breaches of the league’s finance rules and referred the club to an independent commission, according to a statement released on Monday.

City is accused of failing to provide accurate financial information in accordance with Premier League rules from the 2009-10 season until the 2017-18 campaign.

“The members of the Commission will be appointed by the independent Chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel,” the Premier League statement said, adding that the proceedings will be “confidential and heard in private.”

The Premier League also alleges that City failed to comply with UEFA’s financial fair play (FFP) regulations from the 2013-14 to 2017-18 seasons and failed to follow the Premier League’s rules on profit and sustainability from the 2015-16 to 2017-18 seasons.

According to the league’s handbook, City could be suspended from the league, handed a points deduction, or ordered to pay an unlimited fine if found guilty.

City was acquired by The Abu Dhabi United Group in 2008, and since then the club has won six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and six EFL Cups, as well as finishing runner-up in the Champions League in 2021.

That success has been achieved with the help of assembling an all-star squad with some of the best players in the world.

In a statement on Monday, the club said: “Manchester City FC is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the EPL has been provided with.

“The Club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent Commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position.

“As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

In 2020, City was banned from European football competitions for two seasons for “serious breaches” of club licensing and FFP regulations.

The ban was later overturned by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), although the body ruled that City had failed to cooperate with UEFA authorities and an original fine of 30 million euros ($34 million) was reduced to 10 million ($11.3 million).

LONDON — The English Premier League on Monday announced it has referred soccer club Manchester City to an independent commission over alleged breaches of its financial rules.

The organizing body of the top-level English men’s league said this included its rule that clubs must provide it with accurate financial information representing a “true and fair view of the club’s financial position,” particularly relating to revenue.

This was alleged to have been breached in each season from 2009-10 to 2017-18.

The Premier League also claimed the club had failed in its duty to provide full details of manager remuneration, during the 2009-10 to 2011-12 seasons, and on player remuneration, from the 2010-11 season to 2015-16 season.

It further alleged the club had failed to cooperate or assist with its investigations into the matter over the last four years; and had breached Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Club Licensing and Financial Fair Play Regulations between 2013 and 2018.

A commission will be held in private, with members appointed by the chair of the Premier League Judicial Panel.

The club told the BBC in a statement: “Manchester City is surprised by the issuing of these alleged breaches of the Premier League Rules, particularly given the extensive engagement and vast amount of detailed materials that the [English Premier League] has been provided with.”

“The club welcomes the review of this matter by an independent commission, to impartially consider the comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence that exists in support of its position. As such we look forward to this matter being put to rest once and for all.”

Dan Harraghy, senior analyst at Ampere Analysis, said it was a period where soccer club finances were particularly under the spotlight, from the proposed sales of Liverpool and Manchester United to the recent record-breaking transfer window.

A government review covering club ownership and funding sources, which is expected to recommend an independent regulator, was due to be published Wednesday but was delayed on Monday for up to two weeks.

Manchester City’s “commercial revenues more than quadrupled in the time frame assessed by the Premier League, growing faster than any of the other ‘Big Six’ clubs in that period – although City will be keen to note that results on the pitch meant that the club grew from a mid-table team in 2008/2009 to one of the world’s best and most well-known,” Harraghy said by email.

The Premier League may see the commission as an opportunity to show it can regulate clubs without the need for an independent regulator, he added, as well as inflicting a sanction to deter other clubs from breaching financial regulations.

Manchester City is owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his Abu Dhabi-registered firm Newton Investment and Development LLC, the majority shareholder in holding company City Football Group.

In 2022, the club won the Premier League for the fourth time in the last five years.

A spokesperson for Manchester City was not immediately available for comment when contacted by CNBC.
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воскресенье, 05 февраля 2023
16:20 Manchester United's Mason Greenwood will "no longer be prosecuted for rape and batter
Manchester United's Mason Greenwood will "no longer be prosecuted for rape and battery".

Warning: This article contains descriptions of abuse and sexual assault.

Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood will not be charged with rape and battery after Greater Manchester Police announced on Thursday that a criminal case had been dropped.

"Given the extensive media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man has been arrested and charged as a result of the investigation which began in January 2022 and no longer faces criminal charges in this case. next," Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP's head of public protection, said in a statement. "The investigative team has been in regular contact with the legal department to provide important updates, so at this stage of understanding the reasons for closing the proceedings, the decision was not taken lightly."

Greenwood was arrested a year ago after disturbing images were posted on social media showing Greenwood allegedly sexually assaulting his girlfriend. Manchester United suspended Greenwood indefinitely, and Nike suspended their partnership with Greenwood shortly after the allegations came to light.

Greenwood was later charged in October 2022 with one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive conduct and one count of battery.

The charges and the case were dropped on Thursday because "the withdrawal of key witnesses and the coming to light of new material mean there is no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction," according to a prosecutor's spokesman.

"I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support," Greenwood said in a statement to The Sun. "There will be no further comment at this time. "

United said in a statement on Thursday that the club "will now undertake its own process before deciding on next steps", but would not comment further until that process is complete.

Mason Greenwood arrested in January 2022 after allegations surfaced
Attempted rape and battery charges against Manchester United footballer Mason Greenwood have been dropped.

The 21-year-old was arrested in January 2022 on charges related to the images and videos.

He was later charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault.

In a statement, Greenwood said he was "relieved" and thanked family and friends for their support.

Prosecutors said the charges were dropped after key witnesses withdrew their participation.

A spokesman said: "We have a duty to review cases.



“In this case, the combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and the coming to light of new material means that there is no longer a realistic prospect of a conviction. In this case, we have an obligation to close the case.

"We have explained our decision to all parties.

"We will always encourage all potential victims to come forward and report incidents to the police, and we will prosecute wherever we pass the legal test."

The footballer has not played for Manchester United since the allegations surfaced
In a statement on Greenwood's behalf, the 21-year-old said: "I am relieved this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.

"There will be no further comment at this time."

The former England striker was suspended from playing or training at the Old Trafford club within hours of the allegations surfaced in early 2022.

A United representative said the club had "taken note of the prosecutor's decision to drop all charges against Mason Greenwood".

"The club will now carry out its own procedures before deciding on its next steps," they said.

"We will not be commenting further until this process is complete."

The BBC understands Greenwood will not return to training or competition until the process is complete.

Greater Manchester Police said it was "fair" to announce that Greenwood would no longer be charged.

Ch. Supt Michaela Kerr said the decision "was not taken lightly".

She added: "I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate the force's commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them."

The 21-year-old was later charged by Greater Manchester Police, with a provisional trial date set for November 2023.

He had faced one count of attempted rape, one count of controlling and coercive behaviour and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, all against the same complainant.

However, the Crown Prosecution Service announced on Thursday that they had dropped all charges against Greenwood after a key witness withdrew their involvement.

A CPS spokesperson said: “We have a duty to keep cases under continuous review.

“In this case a combination of the withdrawal of key witnesses and new material that came to light meant there was no longer a realistic prospect of conviction. In these circumstances, we are under a duty to stop the case.

“We have explained our decision to all parties. We would always encourage any potential victims to come forward and report to police and we will prosecute wherever our legal test is met.”

Greater Manchester Police said it was ‘only fair’ to announce publicly that Greenwood would no longer face criminal proceedings.

Chief Superintendent Michaela Kerr, GMP’s Head of Public Protection, said: “Given the significant media coverage of this case, it is only fair that we share the news that the 21-year-old man, who had been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation opened in January 2022, no longer faces criminal proceedings in relation to this.

“The investigation team has remained in regular contact with the legal team, providing any updates of note, and so understand the rationale for the discontinuation of proceedings at this stage, and that this decision has not been taken lightly.

“Despite the media and public’s interest in this case, we have decided not to comment on it in any further detail.

“I would, however, like to use this opportunity to reiterate GMP’s commitment to investigating allegations of violence against women and girls and supporting those affected, regardless of their circumstances, throughout what can be a hard and upsetting time for them.

“An ever increasing number of officers are receiving specialist training and the force is more consistently utilising tools, available via the criminal justice system, to keep people safe and care for victims.

“If you feel you are or might be a victim, please don’t let this case put you off asking for help.”

In a statement, Greenwood said: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support.

“There will be no further comment at this time.”

In a statement, Man United said: “Manchester United notes the decision of the Crown Prosecution Service that all charges against Mason Greenwood have been dropped.

“The club will now conduct its own process before determining next steps. We will not make any further comment until that process is complete.”

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среда, 01 февраля 2023
21:08 Chelsea complete UK transfer record with signing of Enzo Fernandes
Chelsea complete UK transfer record with signing of Enzo Fernandes
Chelsea have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandes for £106m, a British transfer record.

The Blues fulfilled Benfica's release clause for the Argentine midfielder just before Tuesday's transfer deadline.

The Portuguese side confirmed the deal in a statement after midnight after Chelsea rushed to complete the transfer.

Chelsea have spent more than £300m this month, with Fernandes' signing breaking the previous Premier League record set by Manchester City's £100m move for Jack Grealish.

Fernandes, 22, was named the best young player at the World Cup and played for Argentina as they lifted the trophy in Qatar.

Benfica insisted Fernandes would not sell for less than his release clause and Chelsea finally fulfilled their demands ahead of the 11pm transfer deadline.

Chelsea got a head start in the closing minutes of the transfer window as the Blues broke a British transfer record by signing Enzo Fernandes from Benfica.

The 22-year-old midfielder has signed a contract with the Argentine world champions until 2031, for which Chelsea will pay €121m (£106.8m).

In announcing the deal, Benfica said: "In a statement filed with the Securities Market Commission (CMVM) at 00:13 this Wednesday, February 1st, Sporting Lisboa and FC Benfica announced that they had entered into a The football club has reached an agreement to sell all the rights to the player Enzo Fernandez for 121 million euros.

"Benfica SAD also stated that Chelsea FC will have the right to maintain the 3.78% solidarity mechanism for subsequent distribution to clubs participating in player training.




"Additionally, Benfica SAD will charge a brokerage service fee equivalent to 6.56% of the sale value deducted from the solidarity amount, and they must deliver to River Plate an amount equivalent to 25% of the transfer value deducted from the solidarity amount brokerage service"

The Fernandes deal has pushed Chelsea's spending to the £550m (€620m) mark since last summer and breaks the previous £100m (€113m) signing of Jack by Manchester City in August 2021. The British transfer record set after Grealish.

Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain's attempt to sign Morocco star Hakim Ziyech on loan from Stamford Bridge fell through after the French league (LFP) refused to approve the player's contract, a source close to the deal told AFP.

PSG have asked the LFP to approve the deal despite receiving the necessary documents after Tuesday's French transfer deadline.

Ligue 1 clubs have until 23:00 (2200GMT) on Tuesday to send all contracts to the league, and then have an hour to register transfers in the FIFA system, which validates all international transfers.

Ziyech passed a medical and the club agreed to loan the player to Paris Saint-Germain until the end of the season.

However, sources claim the Premier League club have failed to submit the necessary paperwork in time to complete the move for the 29-year-old winger on time.

As a result, PSG applied to the LFP for special permission, which was promptly rejected.

The Ligue 1 leaders who will face Bayern Munich in the first round of the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on February 14 cannot make any signings in the winter window.

They are also targeting Inter Milan's Slovak centre-back Milan Skriniar, but he will now remain with the Italian club until his contract expires at the end of the season.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Enzo Fernandes for £106m, a British transfer record.

The Blues fulfilled Benfica's release clause for the Argentine midfielder just before Tuesday's 11pm transfer deadline.

The Portuguese side confirmed the deal in a statement after midnight after Chelsea rushed to complete the transfer.

Chelsea have spent more than £300m this month, while Fernandes' move broke City's previous Premier League record and shattered the £100m signing of Jack Grealish in August 2021.

Fernandes, 22, was named the best young player at the World Cup and played for Argentina as they lifted the trophy in Qatar. He was signed from Benfica for around €10m last summer and made just 29 appearances for the club.
Benfica were adamant that Fernandez would not be sold at a price below his release clause and Chelsea eventually met their demands shortly before the 11pm transfer deadline, when an agreement was reached between the clubs over the structure of the payments.

River Plate, who were Fernandez’s first club in Argentina, will receive 25 per cent of the fee due to a sell-on clause included in the previous deal.

Fernandez is set to sign an eight-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea continued their approach of signing up some of the game’s most promising young stars to long-term deals.

The signing of Fernandez is Chelsea’s seventh major transfer of the January window, following Mykhailo Mudryk, Benoit Badiashile, Noni Madueke, Malo Gusto, Andrey Santos and David Datro Fofana. Joao Felix has also arrived on loan until the end of the season.

In total, Chelsea have spent more this month than the rest of the Premier League combined did in January 2022.

Jorginho signs for Arsenal as Manchester United quickly turn to Sabitzer loan

Chelsea had earlier seen a midfielder leave Stamford Bridge as Jorginho joined Arsenal on an 18-month deal.

The 31-year-old Italy international moved across London after Arsenal had been keen to strengthen their midfield options following Mohamed Elneny’s serious knee injury earlier in the month.

Manchester United, meanwhile, completed their shock loan signing of Marcel Sabitzer. The Red Devils made their move for the Bayern Munich midfielder after it emerged that Christian Eriksen would be ruled out until early May, with the 28-year-old arriving on loan until the end of the season.

Tottenham announced the signing of Pedro Porro from Sporting Lisbon 10 minutes before the deadline.

The 23-year-old wing-back has signed on loan until the end of the season with an obligation to make the move permanent in the summer.

Spurs had earlier torn up Matt Doherty’s contract to allow the Republic of Ireland full-back to join Atletico Madrid.

Doherty’s departure was initially set to be temporary, but that would have taken Tottenham up to nine players out on loan and FIFA’s limit is eight.

Djed Spence, another Spurs full-back, has joined Ligue 1 side Rennes for the rest of the season.

Bournemouth completed a busy January with the deadline-day signings of Illia Zabarnyi and Hamed Traore.

Ukraine defender Zabarnyi has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal after leaving Dynamo Kyiv, while Ivory Coast midfielder Traore joins from Serie A outfit Sassuolo on an initial loan agreement which will become permanent in the summer for a further five years.

Nottingham Forest also had a frenetic finish to the window with three signings in the final hour or so before the deadline.

Veteran defender Felipe came in from Atletico Madrid, midfielder Jonjo Shelvey joined from Newcastle and goalkeeper Keylor Navas signed on loan from Paris St Germain.

Crystal Palace added to their midfield resources with Stuttgart’s Naouirou Ahamada and Albert Sambi Lokonga, who has agreed a loan deal from Arsenal until the end of the season.

Fulham signed Torino midfielder Sasa Lukic for a reported fee of around £9m.

Lukic, who joins his fellow Serbian international Aleksandar Mitrovic at Craven Cottage, has agreed a four-and-a-half-year deal, with Fulham holding an option to extend by a further 12 months.

Leeds saw Diego Llorente leave for Roma on loan until the end of the season with a view to a permanent deal, but signed a player for the future in 18-year-old centre-back Diogo Monteiro from Swiss Super League side Servette.

Leicester signed Australia defender Harry Souttar from Stoke on a five-and-a-half year deal, with Ayoze Perez joining Real Betis for the rest of the season.
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пятница, 27 января 2023
18:54 Mbappe scores five against amateur minnows in Paris Saint-Germain Cup
Mbappe scores five against amateur minnows in Paris Saint-Germain Cup

Kylian Mbappe becomes the first Paris Saint-Germain player to score five goals in a game as the Ligue 1 giants win the French Cup Beat six-rate amateur minnows Pays de Cassel 7 - beat Montag 0.Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in France's loss to Argentina in the World Cup final just over a month ago, scored a first-half hat-trick as Paris Saint-Germain led them 4-0 at half-time regional league opponents.He added two more goals after the restart, with Neymar and Carlos Soler adding the others for PSG in the round of 16.The Qatari club, who have won the French Cup 14 times, now face arch-rivals Marseille in the round of 16 early next month.The match is scheduled for the week of February 6, just a week before PSG host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.




"After we scored the first goal, it became more difficult for our opponents," Paris Saint-Germain coach Christophe Galtier told reporters. "The quality of the opponents we face in the next few weeks is different," he added.Mbappe was given the captain's armband, while Neymar was also in the starting XI, but Lionel Messi was rested and allowed to sit out the clash, which was held at the 38,000-seat Stade in Lens. Bollaert-Delelis was sold out. The Pays de Cassel are a small club representing a handful of inland villages from the northern French port city of Dunkirk, but their stellar performance at this stage of the tournament has sparked interest across the region.They played admirably in the early stages against the Ligue 1 leaders, but their resistance was broken just before the half hour when Mbappe conceded Nuno Mendes' cut and the ball deflected decisively en route into goal.

Mbappe then set up Neymar for his first goal since the World Cup before the France star scored his side's third before finishing off a pass from Vitinia A hat-trick in 12 minutes. Mbappe's fourth and PSG's fifth came after a goalkeeper error in the 56th minute.Neymar set up Soler to make it 6-0 before Mbappe ended the defeat.His fifth game saw him equal the record for most goals in the French Cup.He has now scored 29 goals in the competition, as many as former Marseille star Jean-Pierre Papin. Kylian Mbappe became the first Paris Saint-Germain player to score five goals in a game as the Ligue 1 giants beat sixth-tier amateur minnows Pays de Cassel 7-0 in the French Cup on Monday.Mbappe scores five points in Paris Saint-Germain's French Cup match against Amateur Fish Mbappe scores five points in Paris Saint-Germain's French Cup match against Amateur Fish
PARIS, Jan 24 — Kylian Mbappe became the first Paris Saint-Germain player to score five times in one match as the Ligue 1 giants crushed sixth-tier amateur minnows Pays de Cassel...

for the latest news you need to know.for the latest news you need to know.for the latest news you need to know.Hannah Yeoh/FBPIX KUALA LUMPUR : Hockey fans will have the opportunity to watch cross-over match of the 2023 World Cup between Malaysia and Spain on a big screen at two locations at 6.

Tuesday, 24 Jan 2023 6:54 AM MYT PARIS, Jan 24 — Kylian Mbappe became the first Paris Saint-Germain player to score five times in one match as the Ligue 1 giants crushed sixth-tier amateur minnows Pays de Cassel 7-0 in the French Cup on Monday.Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in France’s defeat by Argentina in the World Cup final just over a month ago, netted a hat-trick in the first half here as PSG led 4-0 at the break against their regional league opponents.The West African country is facing an Islamist insurgency by groups linked to al Qaeda and Islamic State which have taken over large swathes of land and displaced millions of people in the wider Sahel region, just south of the Sahara.He struck twice more after the restart, with Neymar and Carlos Soler scoring PSG’s other goals in the last-32 tie.S.The Qatar-owned club, who have won the French Cup 14 times, more than any other team, will now play away to bitter rivals Marseille in the last 16 early next month.18, giving France one month to pull its troops out.That match is scheduled for the week beginning February 6, just a week before PSG host Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.Let’s go!,“ she said in a Facebook post.

“Once we scored the first goal it became harder for our opponents,” PSG boss Christophe Galtier told reporters.“At the current stage, we don’t see how to be more clear than this,” said government spokesman Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouedraogo, speaking on national television."Unfortunately, the year didn't start the way I wanted.“The opponents we’ll face over the next weeks are of a different quality,” he added.Mbappe was given the captain’s armband while Neymar also started, but Lionel Messi was rested, allowed to sit out this tie played before a full house at the 38,000-seat Stade Bollaert-Delelis in Lens.The one-month deadline is part of the military agreement, he added.Pays de Cassel are a tiny club representing a handful of villages inland from the port town of Dunkirk in France’s far north, but their remarkable run to this stage of the tournament stoked the interest of the whole region.I will try everything in the upcoming week to get fit and practice well.They performed admirably in the early stages against the Ligue 1 leaders, but their resistance was broken just before the half-hour mark when Mbappe turned in a Nuno Mendes cutback, the ball taking a crucial deflection on its way in.French authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Malaysia have a dismal record against Spain, having beaten them just three times and drawn twice in 18 meetings.

Mbappe then set up Neymar for the Brazilian to score his first goal since the World Cup, before the France star lobbed in his team’s third and then completed a 12-minute hat-trick from a Vitinha pass.Mbappe’s fourth, and PSG’s fifth, followed a goalkeeping mistake in the 56th minute.Both Burkina Faso and Mali are ruled by military juntas that seized power by force in the last two years, promising to improve security and burning bridges with their traditional allies.— Reuters Advertisement.Neymar set up Soler to backheel in for 6-0 before Mbappe completed the rout, his fifth of the game allowing him to equal the all-time record for most French Cup goals.He has now scored 29 times in the competition, as many as former Marseille great Jean-Pierre Papin.The French army’s departure from Mali concided with the junta’s decision to hire Russian mercenaries to help it fight insurgents, a move Western countries strongly condemned.— AFP Advertisement.
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среда, 18 января 2023
11:55 Chelsea aim to beat Arsenal for €100m
Chelsea aim to beat Arsenal for €100m
Chelsea slammed Arsenal on Sunday for signing Ukrainian winger Mikhailo Mudrik from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee that could rise to €100m (£88m, $108m).

Shakhtar confirmed Mudryk will initially cost Blues 70 million euros, with another 30 million euros for performance-related add-ons.

The 22-year-old has signed an eight-and-a-half-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Mudryk is a long-term target for the Gunners and looks poised to join the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have refused to match Shakhtar's €100m valuation.

"We always want to improve the team," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after Sunday's 2-0 win over Tottenham.

"The club are the first to try to do everything they can to improve the quality of their players. But I also think we need to have some discipline."

Chelsea have no such reservations as another big deal sees their first-season transfer spend exceed the £400m-plus owned by Todd Burley's syndicate.

"We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to Chelsea," Boehly and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali said in a club statement.

"He is a very exciting talent and we believe he will be a great addition to our squad now and for years to come.

"He will add depth to our attack and we know he will be warmly welcomed in London."

Mudrik draped the Ukrainian flag at half-time in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.

He scored 12 goals in 44 appearances for Shakhtar's first team, including 3 goals in the Champions League group stage this season.

"I am delighted to have signed with Chelsea," Mudrick said. "It's a big club in a great league and it's a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career.

"I look forward to meeting my new teammates and I look forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."

Porter is under intense pressure to translate Chelsea's investment into results on the pitch after six defeats in nine games.

The Londoners have already brought in Benoit Badiahill, David Fofana, Andre Santos and Joao Felix on loan in the January transfer window.

In a statement, Shakhtar confirmed the deal was a record for the Ukrainian club.

"I have mixed feelings," Miners president Renate Akhmetov said.

"In order to win European trophies, I should invite footballers like Mudrik to our club, join our Ukrainian league, instead of sending them to the best championships and best clubs in the world.

"However, I am sure that Mihajlo, with his speed, technique, impressive and beautiful game, will command the respect, sympathy and love of all connoisseurs of world football."

kca/pi/dj

Mudryk is a long-term target for the Gunners and looks poised to join the Premier League leaders, but Arsenal have refused to match Shakhtar's €100m valuation.

"We always want to improve the team," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said after Sunday's 2-0 win over Tottenham.

"The club are the first to try to do everything they can to improve the quality of their players. But I also think we need to have some discipline."

Chelsea have no such reservations as another big deal sees their first-season transfer spend exceed the £400m-plus owned by Todd Burley's syndicate.

"We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to Chelsea," Boehly and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali said in a club statement.

"He is a very exciting talent and we believe he will be a great addition to our squad now and for years to come.

"He will add depth to our attack and we know he will be warmly welcomed in London."

Mudrik draped the Ukrainian flag at half-time in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.




He scored 12 goals in 44 appearances for Shakhtar's first team, including 3 goals in the Champions League group stage this season.

"I am delighted to have signed with Chelsea," Mudrick said. "It's a big club in a great league and it's a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career.

"I look forward to meeting my new teammates and I look forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."

Porter is under intense pressure to translate Chelsea's investment into results on the pitch after six defeats in nine games.

The Londoners have already brought in Benoit Badiahill, David Fofana, Andre Santos and Joao Felix on loan in the January transfer window.

In a statement, Shakhtar confirmed the deal was a record for the Ukrainian club.

"I have mixed feelings," Miners president Renate Akhmetov said.

"In order to win European trophies, I should invite such footballers as Mudryk to our club, to our Ukrainian league and not send them to the best championships and the best clubs in the world.

"However, I am sure that Mykhailo will win respect, sympathy and love of all connoisseurs of world football with his speed, his technique, his impressive and beautiful play."

Chelsea swooped to beat Arsenal to the signing of Ukrainian international winger Mykhailo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk for a fee that could rise to 100 million euros (£88 million, $108 million) on Sunday.
Shakhtar confirmed that Mudryk will cost the Blues an initial 70 million euros with a further 30 million in performance related add-ons.
A long-term target for the Gunners, Mudryk looked set to join the Premier League leaders but Arsenal refused to match Shakhtar's 100 million euro valuation.
Chelsea had no such reservations as another huge deal takes their spending on transfers in the first season under the ownership of Todd Boehly's consortium above £400 million.
"We are delighted to welcome Mykhailo to Chelsea," said Boehly and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali in a club statement.
"He's a hugely exciting talent who we believe will be a terrific addition to our squad both now and in the years to come.
"He will add further depth to our attack and we know he'll get a very warm welcome to London."
Mudryk was in attendance at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's clash against Crystal Palace.
He scored 12 goals in just 44 first team appearances for Shakhtar, including three in the group stages of this season's Champions League.
"I'm so happy to sign for Chelsea," said Mudryk.
"This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career.
"I'm excited to meet my new team-mates and I'm looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."
Potter is under huge pressure to turn Chelsea's investment into results on the pitch after a run of six defeats in eight games.
The London side have already added Benoit Badiashile, David Fofana, Andrey Santos and the loan signing of Joao Felix in the January window.
In a statement, Shakhtar confirmed the deal is a record sale for a Ukrainian club.
"I have mixed feelings: in order to win European trophies, I should invite such footballers as Mudryk to our club, to our Ukrainian league and not send them to the best championships and the best clubs in the world," said Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov.
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воскресенье, 08 января 2023
20:05 Electric Marcus Rashford sees Manchester United past Everton to reach FA Cup fourth r
Electric Marcus Rashford sees Manchester United past Everton to reach FA Cup fourth round
Five games, five goals. Marcus Rashford returns from the World Cup in rare form and if the man whose name appears twice in the top scorer list is Connor Coady, who has goals at both ends, then Everton will Knocked out of the FA Cup by Rashford. He has been instrumental in all three of United's goals, with his 97th-minute penalty aiming to extend his tally of goals scored in every game since his return from Qatar, with crosses proving to be more important than shots important. Two tantalizing low crosses needed only touches: first Anthony and then the hapless Coady was signed as United entered the fourth-round draw as a first-team.

By doing so, they ensured that Everton's wait for the title going back to their 1995 final win over Manchester United lasted until at least 2024. It remains to be seen whether Frank Lampard will oversee their next FA Cup game or next week's relegation six-point tie with Southampton, but this dynamic display shows he is the player he has been support since.

There's a "Morning Fire" chorus, but it's from Stretford. A voting line of 9,000 traveling Evertonians chanted instead: "Fill the board." They gave no hint that they blamed Lampard for Everton's woes, and there was certainly plenty of bravery at Old Trafford. A place to admire. He celebrated his second equalizer,




In contrast, Manchester United have now achieved seven consecutive victories. Victories became Erik ten Hag's happy habit, and even David de Gea's roar, which seemed to be a thing of the past, didn't prove costly. Rashford's revival is one of the reasons for their revival. As well as an assist - United's second goal was an own goal and his other was blocked - his evening included a defence-breaking pass as Anthony Martial was saved by Jordan Pickford Germany banned, a goal was blocked by the goalkeeper, and a free kick was taken by his teammate from a free kick in England.

Rashford eventually won their duel when Ben Godfrey nudged substitute Alejandro Ganaccho, with the Manchester man free-spirited for a penalty. Everton were booked for fouls on Rashford by two players, but they were unable to stop him. He was too fast, too ruthless, and too confident to stop him at all.

He wasn't the winger always called a flanker, but set up two goals early in each half with a low centre-forward. First, he sped past Godfrey before Anthony slipped in for the finishing touches. It was the Brazilian's first goal since United's last meeting with Everton three months ago.

Rashford then spun and spun past Seamus Coleman in search of Martial and Coady, who headed the ball into his own goal.
If it took until injury time for a second United player to find the net, they certainly created enough chances before then. Christian Eriksen curled a shot just over and the excellent Pickford repelled a long-range strike from Bruno Fernandes.

This was more eventful than Everton’s draw at Manchester City, though Lampard had seemed to seek the same formula by reverting to a back five and recalling Godfrey. If a blueprint of safety in numbers in their own box appeared redundant when his side conceded inside three minutes, Everton then defended with great determination, with James Tarkowski making his usual host of blocks, and got a defender turned scorer, albeit with the aid of United’s goalkeeper.

There was a freakish element to the leveller, Neal Maupay’s low shot from an acute angle going through De Gea’s legs and leaving Coady with a tap-in. The Spaniard tends to stop more shots with his legs than most keepers but acted as if unaware he could use his hands. But De Gea’s footwork was altogether better when he saved Coleman’s shot in the second half and if Everton’s veteran captain had some awkward moments against Rashford, he led the charge in their bid to draw level for a second time. It was the rampaging Coleman who fed Gray before the substitute Calvert-Lewin put the ball in. With Gray excellent, Everton contributed to a rousing tie but while Ten Hag finished with five defenders, his attacking replacement, Garnacho, helped seal victory.

Everton’s losses extended beyond the result. Alex Iwobi was stretchered off after a challenge from Tyrell Malacia, the midfielder’s foot catching in the turf after he had charged 40 yards on a typically wholehearted burst. Iwobi had been an emblematic player for Lampard’s Everton. With the immediate impression being that he could be out for quite some time. He may have played his last game for Lampard.
Five games, five goals. Marcus Rashford has returned from the World Cup in rare form and if the man whose name was imprinted twice on this scoresheet was Conor Coady, who struck at either end, Everton were eliminated from the FA Cup by Rashford. He played a huge part in all three Manchester United’s goals and, composed as his 97th-minute penalty was as he extended his record of finding the net in every game since he came back from Qatar, his crossing proved more significant than his shooting. Two inviting low crosses that only required a touch: first Antony and then the luckless Coady obliged and United became the first side to enter the fourth-round draw.

In the process, they ensured Everton’s wait for major silverware, which dates back to their 1995 final win over United, will extend at least until 2024. Whether Frank Lampard is in charge to oversee their next FA Cup campaign, or indeed next week’s relegation six-pointer with Southampton, remains to be seen but this was the kind of spirited display to suggest he retains his players’ backing.

There was a chorus of “sacked in the morning” but it came from the Stretford End. The vocal contingent of 9,000 travelling Evertonians instead chanted: “Sack the board.” They gave no indications they hold Lampard responsible for Everton’s plight and, indeed, there was plenty to admire about a gutsy display at Old Trafford. He had celebrated a second equaliser, only for Demarai Gray to be ruled offside before Dominic Calvert-Lewin chested in his cross. There was no second draw in seven days in Manchester but, once again, Everton acquitted themselves well. The problem, augmented by the midweek meltdown against Brighton, is the bigger picture of six defeats in seven games and no wins since October.

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пятница, 06 января 2023
11:39 Man City shut out hosts Chelsea; Sterling, Pulisic injured
Man City shut out hosts Chelsea; Sterling, Pulisic injured
City came alive at half-time, beating Chelsea with a second-half goal from Riyad Mahrez at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.

City are just five points clear of Premier League leaders Arsenal and are now four ahead of third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Manchester United.

Watch the full Chelsea v Manchester City replay live

City have played one more game than Newcastle and the same number as Manchester derby rivals United, who meet them later this month.

It was Chelsea's fifth defeat in seven games in all competitions, as they lost to early injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic. The Blues sit 10th in the Premier League table with 25 points.

[ MORE: How to watch the Premier League in the US ]
Premier League News
Chelsea transfer news, live! Latest reports, rumors, updated Arsenal transfer news, live! Latest reports, rumours, Premier League fixture updates for 2022-23 season

Man City find spare tank, Chelsea run out
Graham Potter's projects take a lot of time and we're not sure if all the ingredients are going to be sourced from the best suppliers.

Within 22 minutes of kick-off, hopes of a thrilling front three with Sterling, Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech turned into Ziyech, Pierre El-Emerick Aubameyang and Kani Chukwemeka.

It just didn't work, though Chukwuemeka hit the post with an encouraging performance. Fortunately for Porter, City looked lethargic again for at least 45 minutes.

Things picked up for City after the break, even before substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez scored a fine goal.

City may not have dominated possession as much as they usually do - 52% - but the defending champions led the xG game with a 2.08-0.41 run and also made shots (although Nathan Ake did).

On a night without Ruben Dias and Americ Laporte, City barely bothered at the back. When the time came, John Stones arrived early for two big things

show star
Kevin De Bruyne

Manuel Akanji

Mateo Kovacic

Thiago Silva

John Stein

rodry

What's next?
mutual. Manchester City host Chelsea in the FA Cup on Sunday. Chelsea then travel to Fulham for a PL tie on January 12, while City travel to Southampton for the Carling Cup. City's next Premier League appearance is a Manchester derby at Old Trafford on January 14.

How to watch Chelsea v Manchester City live, live link and start time
Kickoff: Thursdays at 3:00 p.m. ET
TV Channel: Peacock
Online: Streaming via Peacock Premium



important storyline
Chelsea have struggled under new boss Graham Potter and while some of their supporters appear to be growing anxious, this has been a long-term project. After nearly 20 years of a hire-and-fire mentality, Porter was asked to build an engaging, durable team, and that took time. Chelsea owners and everyone involved with the west London club will have to be patient and give Porter time. But is time something you get in football? They looked good defensively, but really lacked spark and creativity up front. With Todd Burley and company showing their financial muscle, they continue to be linked with big-money signings, but if this poor form continues, Chelsea could fall out of the top four soon.
City host Everton, an outcome that happens once or twice every season. They controlled the game and scored early, but for some reason they couldn't score the second goal. Then Everton single-handedly scored and scored beautifully. Sometimes that's football. Guardiola knows it will take a while for his team to get back on track and with so many at the World Cup, this visit to Chelsea will be a great chance to get them back into top form and prove they can do More than could be done to hunt down leaders Arsenal. Guardiola will want a reaction.

Players in form to watch
Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa continued to excel, while Jorginho gave his all in midfield. USMNT star Christian Pulisic is playing well, while Chelsea need Marc Cucurella and Cesar Azpilicueta to improve with back injuries.

Man City’s Erling Haaland continues to score goals at an alarming rate as he has 21 so far in the Premier League. Kevin de Bruyne is also looking back to his best and is showing off his class on the ball.

Chelsea team news, injuries, lineup options
N’Golo Kante and Reece James remain out injured but are working their way back to full fitness. Having that duo back soon will be a big boost for Chelsea. Armando Broja, Ben Chilwell, and Wesley Fofana remain out, while Edouard Mendy (shoulder) and Ruben Loftus-Cheek (calf) are working their way back.

Manchester City team news, injuries, lineup options
City have two defensive injuries with Ruben Dias out with a hamstring injury and Aymeric Laporte a doubt with a back problem. Kyle Walker comes back in at right back although youngster Rico Lewis has been exceptional in recent games.

Manchester City came alive at half-time and beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday with a second-half goal from Riyad Mahrez.

City move within five points of Premier League leaders Arsenal and are now four points ahead of third-placed Newcastle and fourth-placed Manchester United.

WATCH CHELSEA v MANCHESTER CITY FULL MATCH REPLAY IN STREAM

City have played a game more than Newcastle and as many as Manchester derby rivals United, who City meet later this month.

It is the fifth loss in seven in all competitions for Chelsea, who lost to early injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic. The Blues sit 10th in the Premier League standings with 25 points.

[ MORE: How to watch Premier League in USA ]
Chelsea run out of gas as Man City find spare tank
Graham Potter’s project will take a lot of time and we are not sure if all the ingredients were supplied by the best suppliers.

Hopes for an electrifying game with Sterling, Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech in front three were turned to Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Carney Chukwuemeka within 22 minutes of kick-off.

It just didn’t work, although Chukwuemeka hit the post with a promising shot. Luckily for Potter, Man City looked sleepy again for at least 45 minutes.

Things got better for CIty after the break, even before substitutes Jack Grealish and Riyad Mahrez scored a nice goal.

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City may not have dominated possession as usual — 52 percent — but the defending champions led the xG game by a 2.08-0.41 margin and also threw the post (although Nathan Ake did).

On a night without Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, City hardly bothered at the back. When it did, John Stones was there for two big early interventions.
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среда, 28 декабря 2022
12:11 Novak Djokovic arrives in Australia ahead of Grand Slam after COVID-19 vaccine incide
Novak Djokovic arrives in Australia ahead of Grand Slam after COVID-19 vaccine incident and deportation
Novak Djokovic is back in Australia preparing for the upcoming Australian Open.

Djokovic arrived in Adelaide on Tuesday night and Tennis Australia confirmed on Wednesday that he will make his 2023 debut at the Adelaide International on Sunday. It was Djokovic's first return to the country since he was deported nearly a year ago for lack of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Djokovic was granted a visa last month. He will play the tournament in Adelaide on January 16 and the Australian Open in Melbourne.

"Novak is welcome in Australia," Australian Open director Craig Tilly said Tuesday via The Associated Press. "I think he's landed in Adelaide as we speak and will be the player to beat again [at the Australian Open]."

Djokovic's 2022 Australian Open saga is insane. He missed the Grand Slam after refusing to be vaccinated against the coronavirus, which Australia requires visitors to enter. These requirements have been removed.

Djokovic, who won the 2021 Australian Open, was world No. 1 when he was suspended from last year's tournament. The Serbian star ended up at the French Open, where he lost to Rafael Nadal in the quarterfinals. Last year, Djokovic defeated Nick Kyrgios to win Wimbledon.

He has never played the US Open and is now ranked fifth in the world.




Djokovic last played at the Nitto ATP Finals in Italy in November, when he beat Kasper Rudd to win the title -- his fifth title of the season.

Djokovic has won the title nine times in Australia, including three of the past four. Nadal won it last year.

While Djokovic's vaccination stance has undoubtedly caused a lot of criticism and commotion in the tennis world, he is undoubtedly the favorite to lift two titles in Australia this month - something that Terry believes the Australian may still be behind.

"I have great confidence in the Australian public," Terry said, via The Associated Press. "We're an educated sports audience, especially those who come to play tennis. They love their tennis, they love watching great games, they love watching great sports.

"And I'm very confident that the fans will react the way we want them to react and respect that."

Novak Djokovic has returned to Australia almost a year after being banned from Australia with a high-profile visa over his stance on Covid-19 vaccination, a Tennis Australia spokesman said.

The 21-time Grand Slam champion will start his 2023 tennis season next week in Adelaide for Adelaide International 1. More than a month ago, Australian officials said they would lift Djokovic's three-year entry ban.

The Serb was deported from Australia in January after former immigration minister Alex Hawke found the tennis star a threat to public health and order because he was an outstanding athlete and had previously objected to people being forced to Playing tennis can see the Covid-19 vaccine as an anti-vaccination "icon".

The minister's decision to expel the former world number one men's player meant he was initially banned from re-entry for three years.

"We welcome him back to Australia," Tennis Australia chief executive Craig Tiley said on Monday.

On the reception Djokovic should expect from the Australians, Terry said: "I have a lot of faith in the Australian public. I think we have a well-educated sports audience, especially those who come to play tennis. They love tennis. They love to see greatness. They love to watch great sports.
"I'm very confident that the fans will react the way we want and respect that," he added.

CNN has reached out to the tennis star for comment.

Djokovic has won the men's singles nine times at the Australian Open, more than anyone in history. He has signed up for the 2023 race next month.

australian open legend
Djokovic's high-profile visa saga cast a pall over the Australian Open earlier this year, pitting one of tennis' biggest stars against the Australian government and creating divisions in the country. The country has imposed strict epidemic border restrictions.

The government revoked the Serbian’s visa shortly after his arrival in Melbourne on January 5 because he was not vaccinated against Covid-19.

Djokovic said he was under the impression he could enter the country because two independent panels associated with Tennis Australia and the Victorian state government had granted him an exemption on the grounds he had been infected with the virus a few weeks prior to his arrival.

But the federal government argued that was not a valid reason for an exemption under its rules.

A judge later ruled that border officers had been “unreasonable” when they canceled Djokovic’s visa and ordered his release from an immigration detention center.

But his visa was then revoked for a second time and after losing his bid to challenge the decision, the tennis star left Australia.

Despite his return to action in selected tournaments following the ordeal, the player’s Covid-19 vaccination stance restricted his participation in others.

In July, Djokovic won his 21st grand slam title, beating Nick Kyrgios in the final at Wimbledon.

Melbourne [Australia], December 28 (ANI): Nine-time Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic has arrived in Australia nearly a year after he was deported from the country, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH) reported on Tuesday.

Djokovic landed in Adelaide where he is due to play in the Adelaide International beginning on Sunday, the SMH said.

Less than a year after his high-profile visa saga and deportation last January, Djokovic’s bid for a remarkable 10th title at Melbourne Park next month has begun in earnest.

Djokovic, the men’s tennis standout, has missed Australian and US Opens in 2022 due to his refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

A source familiar with Djokovic’s travel plans confirmed late Tuesday that the Serbian had arrived in Adelaide, where he will play an Open warm-up event next week.

The mixed-gender United Cup begins on Thursday, kicking off the Australian tennis summer, and Djokovic will begin his 2023 campaign with the Adelaide International, an ATP 250 event in South Australia that begins on January 1.

The Australian government granted the Serb a visa to attend the Grand Slam event in November, stating that it had decided to rescind the decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa after considering all relevant factors.

Djokovic’s visa was revoked in January 2022. Since then all Covid-related border restrictions in Australia have been lifted, including the requirement to show proof of vaccination status to enter the country.

Australian Open boss Craig Tiley flagged the former world No.1’s arrival in Adelaide at a press conference on Tuesday morning as stated by Sydney Morning Herald.

“I think again he’s going to be the player to beat,” Tiley said.

The former world number one won the season-ending ATP Finals last month and will be a favourite to win his 10th Australian Open title.

The 2023 Australian Open will take place at Melbourne Park from January 16 to 29. (ANI)

This report is auto-generated from ANI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
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пятница, 23 декабря 2022
19:18 Report: Lionel Messi to stay at PSG for another season after World Cup win
Report: Lionel Messi to stay at PSG for another season after World Cup win
Lionel Messi's potential MLS arrival may not be imminent.

According to various reports, Messi has verbally agreed to renew his contract with PSG for another season. Messi is in the second year of a two-year deal with the French giants and could have started negotiations over a new contract with another club in January. Football contracts generally allow players to negotiate freely with other clubs and are valid for six months.

During the World Cup, reports emerged that Messi would strike a deal with Major League Soccer to join Inter Miami in the summer. Messi has long been tipped to be the ultimate MLS mover and his name has been linked with Beckham's side.

Reports in November said Messi would become the highest-paid player in MLS history if he joined Inter Miami in the summer. Will or when will Messi move to Inter Miami - perhaps after the 2023-24 season? – He may still be the highest paid player in the league. His profile hasn't dipped at all over the past few weeks.

The World Cup has shown that Messi is still at or near his prime. He was unbelievable as Argentina bounced back from their first defeat in Saudi Arabia to win the World Cup. It was the country's first World Cup win since 1986, a victory that could prove Messi is the greatest player of all time.

Did World Cup success keep Messi in Europe? PSG are by far the best team in French Ligue 1 but are still chasing the elusive Champions League title. Led by Messi, Mbappe and Neymar, PSG have the best attacking trio in all of club football.


Messi won the Champions League four times with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer in the summer of 2021. He has 11 goals and 14 assists in 18 Ligue 1 and Champions League games in 2022.

Paris Saint-Germain suffered another tough draw in the Champions League this season. PSG met eternal German champions Bayern Munich in the round of 16 after losing to eventual champions Real Madrid in the round of 16 a season earlier. Paris Saint-Germain won the first leg of that match 1-0 before losing the second leg to a 1-3 draw.

Lionel Messi will agree to stay at Paris Saint-Germain to celebrate his World Cup triumph as he tries to lead France to the elusive Champions League, local media said on Wednesday.

The 35-year-old, who guided Argentina to victory over France in Qatar in last weekend's World Cup final, is set to extend his contract with the French capital for another season, which expires this summer. Le Parisian and RMC Sport report that Messi will meet Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and other senior club officials after returning from his World Cup break.

After spending his entire career at Barcelona, ​​Messi signed a two-year contract with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021, with an option for a further year.




The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has won four Champions League titles and ten La Liga titles with Spain in 2006, 2009, 2011 and 2015.

He led Argentina to a penalty shootout victory over France in the World Cup final on Sunday after the epic game ended 3-3 in extra time.

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Messi, who was voted the tournament's best player, scored twice against Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Kylian Mbappe to score a hat-trick for France.

(This story was not edited by NDTV staff, but was automatically generated from syndicated feeds.)

Messi will leave the Parc des Princes in June after two years and hopes to stay in Paris for another season or two, French newspaper Le Parisien first reported on Wednesday.

- ESPN+ Live: LaLiga, Bundesliga and more (USA)

Sources told ESPN that talks on contract details - including duration, wages or bonuses - have yet to start, but there is an informal agreement that Messi will stay in Paris.

Paris Saint-Germain officials met Messi's father Jorge ahead of the World Cup and told him they wanted to keep the striker and needed to understand his plans for next season, and Jorge said Messi wanted to, too. stay.

They will sit back down for talks with PSG president Nasser al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos in January when the forward returns from his 10-day break after the World Cup.

Sources have told ESPN that Messi has not received any offers from any other club than PSG and has not spoken to Barca president Joan Laporta since he left the club.

PSG will also pledge to give him a competitive team to try to win another Champions League and to stay at the top of his game ahead of his next, and perhaps final, chance to win a trophy with Argentina at Copa America in 2024.

Messi, who has won the Ballon d'Or seven times, helped Argentina lift the World Cup trophy by beating France on penalties in the final on Sunday. It was Messi's first World Cup win and the third in Argentina's history.

Last month, reports suggested Major League Soccer club Inter Miami CF were confident they would sign the Argentina captain after the World Cup, but ESPN sources denied there was an agreement in place. Barcelona were also reported to be interested in Messi's return.

Messi, who has 12 goals and 14 assists for PSG in all competitions this season, moved to the French capital from Barcelona in 2021 on a two-year contract.

Information from Reuters was used in this story.

December 22, 2022 at 9:50 am ESTExpandLionel MessiPSG's Lionel Messi controls the ball during the Champions League group H soccer match between Juventus and Paris Saint Germain at the Allianz stadium in Turin, Italy, Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

ByDecember 22, 2022 at 9:50 am ESTLionel Messi’s potential MLS arrival may not be imminent.According to multiple reports,Messi has verbally agreed to extend his contract with Paris Saint-German for another season. Messi is in the second year of a two-year deal with the French giants and could have started negotiating a new deal with another club in January. Soccer contracts generally allow players to freely negotiate with other clubs with six months remaining on their contracts.

Seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi has been all over the news after he led Argentina to their third FIFA World Cup title and the first in 36 years (1978, 1986). With the 35-year-old having completed his international duty on a high by winning the only title missing from his trophy cabinet, rumours have already begun about his club future, with the latest report stating that he has agreed on a contract extension with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

Lionel Messi to snub Inter Miami & stay at PSG
According to Le Parisien, Lionel Messi has reached a verbal agreement with PSG to extend his contract for another season, with his current deal set to expire in June 2023. This latest development comes after previous reports stated that the Argentine international was close to agreeing on a deal with Inter Miami. Matt Lawton of The Times had reported in November that the 35-year-old was close to agreeing on a deal with Inter Miami, which would have made him the highest-paid player in MLS history.

ESPNFC's Julien Laurens had reported that Messi had not agreed on any deal with the MLS outfit as he was keen on focusing on the FIFA World Cup 2022. While it remains to be seen what decision Messi takes for his future, PSG owner Nasser Al Khelaifi has made it clear that he wants the Argentine international to remain at the club.

"We want to keep both Leo Messi and Mbappé, of course — they’re the best players and the best goalscorers of the World Cup. I won’t say more about Messi as we have a plan to discuss after the World Cup," said Al Khelaifi in an interview with RMC Sport. Alongside Kylian Mbappe, who won the golden boot at the recently concluded FIFA World Cup 2022, Messi was the other star of the tournament with seven goals and three assists to his name.
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воскресенье, 18 декабря 2022
15:34 A chaotic World Cup produces an era final: Argentina vs France
A chaotic World Cup produces an era final: Argentina vs France
Khor, Qatar - The 2022 World Cup kicked off amidst controversy and chaos. It started at the Al Bayt Stadium with a night about Qatar and then quickly changed dramatically. It pushed Argentina into the abyss in less than 48 hours and quickly toppled Belgium and Germany. It goes on to play semi-finals with Morocco and Croatia - and ends at the feet of the two giants on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Chaos gives way to order.

This is where cute, inspiring underdog stories give way to a clash of titans.

Argentina will play France and Lionel Messi will take on Kylian Mbappe after France beat Morocco on Wednesday. It would be a fantastic ending, a futuristic city built out of thin air inside a giant stadium rising from the desert. It all still feels a little weird and twitchy, a little uncomfortable and morally complicated, but omg it's going to be oozing with brilliance
France, though, has sufficient depth to weather an outbreak. Argentina has plenty too. Together, they have all the ingredients to concoct a final for the ages, the most memorable of the 21st century.

The tournament as a whole has been memorable, too. The controversy has not and will not disappear; it will taint the legacy of the event. But the soccer, in a vacuum, has thrilled. It presented drama at every stage; it offered up Saudi Arabia and Iran, Japan and Costa Rica, Tunisia and South Korea and Australia. Upsets galore.

Now it will end as it always does, with either Argentina or France, one of the six nations who’ve won the tournament twice. It will end with a gargantuan audience and with history, either a title for Messi or a second in succession for France, who’d become the first back-to-back champions since Pelé’s Brazil in 1962. It will be wonderfully complex and impossibly magnificent, and yet, at the same time, simple.

“Both teams are playing a better team than they've played so far in the tournament,” Deschamps said. “It will be up to key players to make a difference. Maybe a team who makes fewer mistakes. … Whoever manages to do that will win the match.”

A World Cup of chaos has yielded a final for the ages: Argentina vs. France




AL KHOR, Qatar — The 2022 World Cup began amid controversy with chaos. It began here at the Al Bayt Stadium with a night all about Qatar, then quickly turned upside down. It pushed Argentina to the brink after less than 48 hours, and soon discarded Belgium and Germany. It continued, all the way to the semifinals, with Morocco and Croatia — and that, on Tuesday and Wednesday, at the feet of two giants, is where it ended.

the," as French teammates and coaches have said, but Argentina can put them on hold.“There is not only Messi in that team, eh,” French striker Olivier Giroud said Wednesday. “They've got great players who work for the team also.”only Messi — which of course is an exaggeration, but surrounding him was an Argentine mess. The French remember that game; head coach Didier Deschamps remembers how Messi surprisingly played as something of a striker; Giroud remembers how N'Golo Kanté, the always-everywhere French midfielder,"was all the game, on [Messi's] back."


It will be a battle of continents, vibrations and generations. Either the torch is passed by the GOAT to the first potential challenger to the throne; or the GOAT is christened. Mbappe, who has probably achieved more before the age of 24 than anyone since Pele, is on track to break "all records", as his France team-mate and coach say, but Argentina can set them aside for now.

The 23-year-old French prince, who failed to score in Wednesday's semi-final, showed in seconds why he was so terrified. Without the ball, he darted past the Moroccan defender. He picked it up too, pushed it against them, and turned on his turbojet. He even used Messi's magical dribbling to set up France's second goal.

While it is inevitable to talk about individuals, arguably the two most talented footballers in the world, it will be team to team, unit to unit, sharp young coach versus sharp world champion coach.
"It's not just Messi in this team, eh," France striker Olivier Giroud said on Wednesday. "They have great players and they also work for the team."


Four years ago, when these two teams met in the round of 16, it was only Messi - a bit of an exaggeration, of course, but there was Argentine chaos around him. The French remember the game; coach Didier Deschamps recalls how amazing Messi was as a striker; Giroud recalls how French midfielder N'Golo Kante was "whole All games on [Messi's] back".

But "of course, four years ago it was different," Deschamps said. Four years later, Messi will be rejuvenated and put in a more appropriate position.

"Messi has been in great form since the start of the game," Deschamps said.

"Every team with Messi is a completely different thing," said France striker Antoine Griezmann, who followed the Argentine with his team-mates throughout the campaign.

"I mean, he's an incredible player," Giroud said. "But we're not going to let him have the best night he can have. We want to win this game, we want to win another World Cup. We're going to do everything we can to stop him."

While they don't have Kante, Paul Pogba or many of the regulars who were absent due to injury in 2018, they have a near-ideal mix of kids and veterans. They have Aurelien Tchouameni, an imposing and versatile midfielder who, in a sense, is playing in Kante's place. They have the 2018 winner to guide him and the rest of the World Cup rookies.

Griezmann recalled crying after beating Belgium in the semi-finals four years ago. "And I think I'm more focused now," he said after Wednesday's semifinal. "I'm already focused on going into Sunday's final. I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground."

Unfortunately, they may also have a virus that is spreading. Adrien Rabiot and Dayot Umpemecano, regulars at midfield and defense respectively, missed the game against Morocco while battling flu-like symptoms. Deschamps hinted that Kingsley Coman was also upset.

"We're taking every precaution and we're trying to make sure it doesn't spread," he said. Rabiot did not travel to Wednesday's game, but stayed at the team hotel. "But of course the virus is contagious," he added.
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четверг, 15 декабря 2022
16:38 World Cup 2022: France reach final, but not without fight for Morocco
World Cup 2022: France reach final, but not without fight for Morocco

Khor, Qatar - A flying goal by Theo Hernández would have snapped Morocco out of months of fantasy. It came too early, in just 4 minutes and 38 seconds, on a Wednesday night full of history and enthusiasm. It could have silenced the screeching whistles and rousing roars of Morocco's World Cup semi-final at the Al Bayt stadium, as it could have proved France had the upper hand, order had been restored and the final between France and Argentina was doomed of.

But in the ensuing 85 minutes, Morocco proved they belonged instead.

It failed to fully topple the defending champions and extend its magical run. It was knocked out of the 2022 Championship 2-0 after Hernandez's goal in the 5th minute and the final French tiebreaker. But it does it proudly, surrounded by cacophony of noise, with French football fever - France! - Persist for a lifetime.Argentina's second semi-final after Tuesday's exhilarating victory brought so much reckoning. It's upstarts versus blue bloods. It was colonized by colonizers. This is Africa versus Europe. It was a struggle of friends against friends, despite a tinge of unease that France has long brought about the marginalization of the people of North Africa.

But it's actually 11 football players against 11 football players. It's one multicultural team against another. That's pretty remarkable considering their respective pedigrees, stature, resources, earnings and pre-match odds.

France scored early and had more chances in the first half, but then went out. Attack after attack, it had to fend off Moroccan attacks, each of them called forward by tens of thousands of fans in red.

The prospective home team is awarded a penalty. Its menacing attack is thwarted by a lack of precision in the final third. The first half ended in a whirlwind as Jawad El Yamiq nearly scored the tournament's goal with a barbed shot. French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris barely saved the ball against the post.

Morocco's defensive five got off to a shaky start, with captain Romanses struggling in midfield with injury. Substituted after 20 minutes, Morocco went into a standard 4-3-3 and began to dominate France's two-man midfield.

After the intermission, the two sides continued to confront each other. France fell behind and couldn't settle for what felt like an eternity. Ibrahima Konaté has excelled in the center forward position of the French defence.

but the defending champion

They found their footing halfway through the half. Marcus Thuram came on and helped change the game by giving France a triple threat on the counter-attack. And Kylian Mbappé was sidelined on 75 minutes with some crunchy Moroccan challenges, who kept the Moroccan out. With a diabolical dribble, he made room for a shot that deflected straight into Randall Kolomouani's goal. That's it.



The result pitted France against Argentina in the final. It will pit the best teams from the past two World Cups against the greatest players of all time. Lionel Messi will be in search of his first title. France will be looking for their second consecutive victory and will become the first men's team to repeat the title since Brazil in 1962.

Yet 90 minutes on Wednesday were all about Morocco. The Atlas Lion has inspired millions - Africans, Arabs, Muslims and immigrants around the world. In Al Khor, they do more.

They had already been the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal and the first Arab team to reach a quarterfinal. They oh-so-nearly set the bar even higher.

They didn’t, but even as the closing minutes became closing seconds and the dream elapsed, the drums kept banging, and the chants kept ringing.

Sunday will be the World Cup final of destiny — and perhaps of Messi. But this entire month has been the World Cup of Morocco.

Just two teams remain at the World Cup in Qatar after defending champions France ended Morocco’s dream run at the tournament to set up a sensational final against Argentina and Lionel Messi on Sunday.

World champions France used all of their experience to survive some nervy moments against Morocco, who produced a defiant performance despite going a goal behind within the opening five minutes. Walid Regragui’s side had become the first team from Africa to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup but it was France who progressed to the final thanks to goals from Theo Hernandez and substitute Randal Kolo Muani.


France and star forward Kylian Mbappe now face Argentina as they bid to become the first team in 60 years to win back-to-back World Cups. Argentina defeated Croatia on Tuesday following an inspired performance from Messi, who has confirmed Sunday’s final will be his last World Cup match as he attempts to win football’s greatest prize for the first time in his career.

Follow all the latest news and reaction from Qatar plus build-up to Sunday’s World Cup final between France and Argentina in our live blog below:

Sarina Wiegman embraced English culture from day one to succeed with England
Sarina Wiegman feels embracing the English culture was a crucial component behind her leading the Lionesses to a record-breaking year.

England enjoyed a remarkable 2022 under their Dutch coach, with European Championship success secured on home soil during a 12-month period where they remained unbeaten.

Bookending the major tournament triumph in the summer was Arnold Clark Cup glory in February and a memorable victory against World Cup holders the United States at Wembley in September.

The Hague-born Wiegman had only managed clubs in the Netherlands and supervised her own national team before she accepted the job from the Football Association.

AL KHOR, Qatar — France is heading back to the World Cup Final and aiming to do something that hasn't been done in 60 years - repeat as World Cup champions. France is making a return trip after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the semifinal.

It didn't take long for France to silence the overwhelmingly pro-Morocco crowd at Al Bayt Stadium.

In the 5th minute, the Moroccan defense let a ball scoot by to French forward Antoine Griezmann who passed it to Kylian Mbappé. Defenders swarmed him but he still managed a shot, deflecting it to Theo Hernández. He elevated and sent the ball with a soaring left-footed scissor kick beyond keeper Yassine "Bono" Bounou to score 1-0.

It was the first time Morocco had trailed in the tournament.

Morocco's defense and goalkeeping have been stellar this World Cup. Morocco hadn't allowed a single goal by an opponent the entire tournament until the semifinal. They shut out European soccer powerhouses: Croatia, Belgium, Spain and Portugal. Canada is the only team credited with a score - but it was an own goal, put in the net by a Moroccan player.

The first half goal wasn't the only down moment for the Atlas Lions. In the 21st minute, Morocco made an early substitution replacing their captain Romain Saiss who was injured (another defender, Nayef Aguerd, was pulled from the starting list just before kickoff also due to an injury).
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