by David
on November 30, 2019
One of France, Germany and Portugal may face an early exit after being drawn together in Group F for Euro 2020 in what has already been dubbed the ‘Group of Death’.
They will be joined in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ by a team from Path A/D following the tournament draw in Bucharest.
That Path A/D team could be any of Iceland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Georgia, Belarus, North Macedonia or Kosovo.
While England avoided those team in the group stage, they could find themselves playing of the three in the last 16. Read more... (1043 words, estimated 4:10 mins reading time)
by David
on November 30, 2019
Italy have been drawn Turkey, Wales and Switzerland in the Euro 2020 group stage. The Azzurri previously faced Turkey at Euro 2000, beating them 2-1 with goals from Antonio Conte and Simone Inzaghi.
Italy have never before faced Switzerland or Wales at a Euros, although they have lost just nine of their 66 meetings with the two countries.
They will open the tournament against Turkey in Rome on June 12 and have the advantage of playing all their group games at the Olimpico.
Roberto Mancini’s side host Switzerland on June 17 in their second match, before welcoming Wales four days later. Read more... (466 words, estimated 1:52 mins reading time)
by David
on November 30, 2019
After missing the past two major tournaments, Netherlands’ run to the Nations League final, combined with Ajax making the final four of last season’s Champions League, is undoubtedly to the benefit of the Euros. Ukraine were so good in qualifying that they forced their way into the top seeds, dumping France into pot two. Austria are reliant on maverick striker Marko Arnautovic, but have talent elsewhere in Marcel Sabitzer, Valentin Lazaro and David Alaba. Of the playoff teams competing to complete the group, Kosovo were such a joy to watch in qualifying that it’s hard not to root for them to reach their first major tournament. Read more... (317 words, estimated 1:16 mins reading time)
by David
on November 30, 2019
Spain will face Poland and Sweden in Group E at next summer’s European Championships, following the finals draw in Bucharest today.
La Roja, who won the competition in 2008 and 2012, were ranked as top seeds for the draw, and will be guaranteed a set number of home games (in Bilbao), as one of the co-host nations.
After sealing qualification earlier this month, the Spanish national team has been mired in controversy, following the return of head coach Luis Enrique.
The former Barcelona boss stepped away from the role during the qualification campaign, due to the illness and tragic death of his young daughter, however he has now retaken his role. Read more... (302 words, estimated 1:12 mins reading time)
by David
on November 29, 2019
Huge blow for Liverpool as midfielder Fabinho has been ruled our out until next year with the ankle injury he suffered against Napoli.
The Brazilian, who Jurgen Klopp refers to as his ‘Dyson’, had to be replaced after just 18 minutes of the match after falling awkwardly while challenging for the ball and was seen after the match wearing a protective boot.
It is a blow for Klopp, with his side currently two games into a run of 14 matches in just 43 days, including a run of 10 games between now and the end of December. Read more... (394 words, estimated 1:35 mins reading time)
by David
on November 29, 2019
Unai Emery has been sacked as Arsenal manager after 18 months in charge and has been replaced on a temporary basis by assistant and former Arsenal midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.
The Spaniard, who previously led Paris St-Germain to the French league title and won three Europa Leagues with Sevilla, was appointed Gunners boss in May 2018, succeeding Arsene Wenger.
Arsenal said the decision had been “taken due to results and performances not being at the level required”. The Gunners have not won in seven games and lost 2-1 at home to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League on Thursday. It is their worst run without a victory since February 1992, which was eight games under George Graham. Read more... (423 words, estimated 1:42 mins reading time)
by David
on November 27, 2019
Joao Felix has won the Golden Boy award for 2019, beating England’s Jadon Sancho and Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz to top spot.
The 20-year-old announced himself on the world’s stage with Benfica last season that saw him score 18 goals with the Portuguese giants.
His performances earned him a £113million move to earlier this summer.
Felix said: ‘Thanks to Tuttosport for the Golden Boy Award 2019, I am very proud.
‘It is the second time that a player from Atletico Madrid has won this award and I am happy. Read more... (265 words, estimated 1:04 mins reading time)
by David
on November 26, 2019
Lionel Messi is set to win a record sixth Ballon d’Or award and the Barcelona superstar has already been informed of his achievement, according to reports in Spain.
Mundo Deportivo claims that the Argentine has already been told of his win, even though the awards ceremony is on Monday, December 2, and that a team from France Football magazine travelled to Barcelona to tell the 32-year-old.
Messi is on a three-man shortlist for this year’s gong alongside his perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. Read more... (213 words, estimated 51 secs reading time)
by David
on November 25, 2019
Paris Saint Germain have reportedly opened talks with their star man Kylian Mbappe, in hope of tying the superstar down to a new deal in the French capital.
Mbappe signed a five-year deal with the club in 2017, though PSG are wary of the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus closely monitoring their prodigious talent.
PSG sporting director Leonardo has made Mbappe his main priority above all else, as report French publication L’Equipe.
Mbappe has led the forward line for PSG over the last 12 months during the prolonged absence of fellow superstar Neymar. Read more... (359 words, estimated 1:26 mins reading time)
by David
on November 25, 2019
Paris Saint-Germain will not offer Neymar a new deal as they believe he is already leaving, according to Sport.
The Brazilian’s contract expires in June 2022 and the Ligue 1 champions do not believe there is a rush to extend his current deal.
The 27-year-old has expressed his desire to leave Paris which has greatly cooled the relationship between both parties. So much so that sports director Leonardo insists he will not devote any effort to renew Neymar’s contract.
Neymar’s father, who is negotiating the contract on behalf of his son, is said to be making life incredibly difficult for PSG, in the hope of convincing them to sell. Read more... (287 words, estimated 1:09 mins reading time)
