Page 3 - Football

Premier League preview: Arsenal face tough Test against Newcastle United

In the last five games between the Gunners and the Toon, it has been a neck-and-neck battle, with both sides winning 2 matches each. One game ended in a draw.

Manchester United hires Ruben Amorim as manager from November 11

Manchester United hired Ruben Amorim on Friday, gambling on a manager unproven in Europe's top leagues to turn around the fortunes of the fading English power. At age 39, Amorim, who has joined from Portuguese champion Sporting Lisbon, will be the youngest person to coach United since the 1960s and the sixth permanent manager since the retirement of Alex Ferguson in 2013. Amorim will take charge on November 11, after completing his commitments to Sporting and has signed a contract until June 2027, with United having an option of an additional year. Ruben is one of the most exciting and highly rated young coaches in European football, United said. United, the record 20-time English champion, hasn't won the Premier League since Ferguson's final season in charge. Amorim's task will be to revive the glories of a club that has fallen way behind the best in England and Europe something that has been beyond the likes of Louis van Gaal, Jose Mourinho and most recently Erik ten Hag, who wa

Arsenal captain Odegaard in final stages of recovery after 2 months out

Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard is in the final stages of his recovery from an ankle injury after nearly two months out, manager Mikel Arteta said Friday. Arteta said Odegaard wouldn't play against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday but didn't rule the midfielder out of the trip to Inter Milan in the Champions League on Wednesday. Now is the stage where he is going to do certain work with us. Let's see how he deals with pain and if his movement is natural enough, Arteta said. He's physically now at the level required to compete. With the work rate and hours he has put in, I'd be surprised that the moment he starts training with us; he looks ready. Hopefully, soon. Odegaard was injured playing for Norway in a Nations League group-stage match on September 9 and Arsenal has missed his creativity and leadership. After collecting just a point from its last two games, Arsenal is in third place, five points behind leader Manchester City. Arteta said left-back Riccardo ..

UEFA pledges to spend $1 billion for women's football development in Europe

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) pledged Wednesday to steer 1 billion euros (USD 1.08 billion) toward all levels of women's soccer over the next six years as part of a comprehensive strategy to grow the game in Europe. UEFA's goal is to make football the most-played team sport for women and girls in every European country, as well as doubling the number of fully professional national leagues to six and raising the number of professional players from 3,000 to 5,000. It is our promise to keep investing and collectively lead the game forward, with all European national associations, leagues, clubs, players, fans and partners part of our journey, UEFA's director of women's soccer Nadine Kessler said in a statement. The UEFA plan, dubbed Unstoppable, includes developing paths for women and girls to play, coach and referee from the grassroots level. Still, Kessler acknowledged in the 31-page document that there are persistent challenges and obstacles to overcome in gett

EFL Cup: Man United responds to Ten Hag firing by routing Leicester City

Manchester United responded to the firing of Erik ten Hag by scoring four goals in the first 38 minutes on the way to a 5-2 thrashing of Leicester in the English League Cup, while Tottenham eliminated Manchester City in the last 16. Also advancing to the competition's first all-Premier League quarterfinals lineup in 14 years were defending champion Liverpool, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace. Two days after Ten Hag's exit, United displayed the cutting edge so often lacking under the Dutchman with Brazil midfielder Casemiro scoring two of the team's first-half goals one a curling strike into the top corner from 30 meters, on Wednesday. Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes also netted in that early flurry of goals, while Fernandes added a fifth in the 59th. Ruud van Nistelrooy, United's former star striker, took charge of United having been Ten Hag's assistant, and enjoyed what might be his only game at the helm. United appears close to bringing in Sporting Lisbon coach Ruben

Copa del Rey games postponed after deadly floods devastate southern Spain

The Copa del Rey matches involving Valencia and Levante have been postponed following floods that have killed at least 95 people and caused havoc in southern Spain. Other sporting events were also affected by Tuesday's flash floods that swept away cars, turned village streets into rivers and disrupted rail lines and highways in the worst natural disaster to hit the European nation in recent memory. The Spanish league planned to postpone all weekend matches in the Valencia region, including those of Valencia against Real Madrid and Villarreal against Rayo Vallecano. Three second-division games also were expected to be postponed. Clubs, soccer stars and other athletes including Vincius Jnior, Luka Modric, Sergio Ramos, Diego Simeone and Thibaut Courtois posted messages of support on social media. Real Madrid is deeply saddened and expresses its solidarity with all the people affected by this catastrophe, to whom it conveys all its full support and sympathy, the club said. Both Mad

CONCACAF Gold Cup final set to be played at Houston's NRG Stadium on July 6

The 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup final will be played at Houston's NRG Stadium on July 6. CONCACAF announced the site on Wednesday. In September, it said 14 sites in 11 areas will be used for the tournament, which starts June 14. It avoided the Eastern Seaboard, staying away from FIFA's expanded 32-team Club World Cup. The U.S. sent second-string rosters to the 2021 and '23 Gold Cups to give most Europe-based players time off following their club seasons. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, including in 2023. The U.S. has won seven, including in 2021, and Canada won in 2000.

Musiala's hat trick powers Bayern Munich to 4-0 win vs Mainz in German Cup

Jamal Musiala scored a first-half hat trick as Bayern Munich reached the third round of the German Cup in a 4-0 win over Mainz. Bayern was never seriously tested after Musiala opened the scoring less than 90 seconds into the game on Wednesday. The ease of the win underlined Bayern's return to the sort of domestic dominance it is used to in Germany after a trophyless 2023-24 season, even if its Champions League campaign has been less impressive. After scoring his first on a slick team move assisted by Harry Kane, Musiala made sure he was in the right place at the right time for his other goals. The second came on the rebound when a Kane shot was saved and Musiala completed his hat trick with Bayern's fourth goal of the game, a tap-in when Konrad Laimer's cross deflected off two Mainz players. Shortly before that, Leroy San had scored Bayern's third goal on a flowing counterattack that began in his team's own penalty area. In Wednesday's other games, Union Berlin has been on the ris

Brentford and Southampton advance to English League Cup quarters

Premier League teams Brentford and Southampton both squeezed past second-tier opponents to reach the quarterfinals of the English League Cup. Brentford needed a penalty shootout to get past Sheffield Wednesday after a 1-1 draw. Goalkeeper Mark Flekken saved from Liam Palmer off the last spot kick of a high-quality shootout that Brentford won 5-4. James Bree scored an 88th-minute winner as Southampton beat Stoke 3-2. A cup run is proving some respite for Southampton, which is in last place in the Premier League. The rest of the last-16 matches are played on Wednesday, with all of the competition favorites in action. Defending champion Liverpool visits Brighton, Premier League leader Manchester City is away to Tottenham and there are three other all-Premier League matchups: Newcastle vs. Chelsea, Manchester United vs. Leicester and Aston Villa vs. Crystal Palace. Arsenal visits second-tier Preston.

'Will be a tough game against Chennaiyin FC' - Punjab FC's Leon Augustine

The 26-year-old is in his debut season with the club and has delivered energetic displays off the bench for the Shers so far.

Why Erik ten Hag's exit is the best thing for Manchester United this season

While most pundits and fans believe it was best for Ten Hag to be let go, there could be consequences of this departure for the club, especially with no genuine replacement currently available.

EPL round-up: Liverpool fights back vs Arsenal; Man United loses again

As the weeks go by, Liverpool is showing the quality and resilience to be Manchester City's chief title rival in the Premier League this season. Liverpool twice came from behind to draw 2-2 at Arsenal on Sunday, with Mohamed Salah scoring the second equalizer in the 81st minute at Emirates Stadium. It's just one loss in 13 games in all competitions for Liverpool under new manager Arne Slot this season. A testing past week has seen the Reds beat Chelsea 2-1 in the league, eke out a 1-0 win in Leipzig in the Champions League, and now battle back for a draw at Arsenal the other likely challenger for City's crown. If Liverpool's inner belief is growing, then doubts might be increasing about Arsenal's durability in the title race after finishing runner-up to City for the past two seasons. The biggest concern might be the list of injuries, to which defenders Gabriel and Jurrien Timber were added after they came off in the second half. With defensive linchpin William Saliba missing throu

Harry Kane scores his 15th goal of the season as Bayern Munich wins big

Harry Kane scored his 15th goal of the season as Bayern Munich eased to a 5-0 win over Bochum in the Bundesliga to lift some of the gloom from its heavy midweek loss at Barcelona. Jamal Musiala scored a header and set up Kane's goal in Musiala's first start since Oct. 2 following a hip injury in a win that looked like a return to business as usual for Bayern following one win from its previous five games in all competitions. We just want to take a step forward in every game and we enjoy scoring goals, Musiala told broadcaster DAZN. Of the 4-1 loss to Barcelona on Wednesday, he added: It was really bitter and it hurt us, but we're looking ahead." Michael Olise got Bayern started when he lofted a free kick over the wall and into the net in the 16th minute, before Musiala headed in for 2-0 soon after. Musiala dribbled past a defender and passed for Kane to score in the 57th. The England captain has nine Bundesliga goals this season, making him the league's joint-top scorer with Eintra

Manchester United winger Antony wearing protective boot after injury

Manchester United winger Antony is being assessed by doctors after injuring his left leg against Fenerbahce in the Europa League. The Brazil international left the Ulker Stadium in Istanbul on crutches and wearing a protective boot Thursday night. United manager Erik ten Hag said it would take 24 hours to fully assess the severity of the injury. It's really unlucky for him, Ten Hag said Friday. I feel real compassion for him when he worked so hard in training." Antony came on as a substitute in the 73rd minute of the 1-1 draw but left the field on a stretcher in the 89th after falling to the ground and holding his left leg. The forward, who signed from Ajax in 2022 after United paid a transfer fee of USD 95 million, has made only a start and four substitute appearances this season. United plays West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday when captain Bruno Fernandes will be available, having missed the Fenerbahce game through suspension.

SAFF 2024: India into semifinals despite 1-3 loss against Bangladesh

India struggled to cope with Bangladesh's midfield dominance and failed to convert their key chances to suffer a 1-3 defeat to Bangladesh in 44their final Group A fixture of the SAFF Women's Championship 2024 here on Wednesday. Despite already securing a semi-final spot, India finished second with three points, while Bangladesh topped Group A with four points. Afeida Khandaker (18') and Tohura Khatun (29', 42') struck for Bangladesh before skipper Bala Devi reduced the margin with a deft header two minutes later. India also further suffered by an injury blow to midfielder Anju Tamang as her exit in the 27th minute weakened their attack. All of India's troubles were generated by dipping crosses in the box. The first goal was off a corner and Afeida Khandaker lobbed it past Panthoi Chanu. India conceded the second goal when a hopeful lob from the left saw Khatun rushing in to take advantage of the situation. Her second strike, however, was a pile-driver from just outside the box.

Calafiori injury in Champions League adds to Arsenal's mounting concerns

Arsenal's problems are mounting ahead of a huge Premier League game against Liverpool at the weekend. With key attacking players Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka and defender Jurrien Timber already on the injury list, Arsenal saw left back Riccardo Calafiori go off in the second half of the 1-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Tuesday after twisting his right knee. He felt something, he could not continue playing, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said of the Italy defender. Bit of a worry. Center back William Saliba also is sure to miss the Liverpool game because he is suspended after a red card in the loss to Bournemouth on Saturday. While Odegaard, Arsenal's captain, is almost certain to be absent as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury sustained last month, less was known about the status of Saka after the winger appeared to hurt his hamstring on England duty last week. Saka didn't play at Bournemouth or against Shakhtar, and Arteta wasn't too positive

Premier League preview: Injury-hit Man United take on Brentford test

Brentford will be looking to take the game to United, who have not been in good form recently. The visitors will be keen to extend the 2-point advantage they hold over their opponents

Premier League preview: Arsenal look to continue winning run at Bournemouth

With Bournemouth and Arsenal 10 spots apart from each other in the league, the Cherries will be looking to end Arsenal's unbeaten run and secure those valuable 3 points on the night.

Indian footballers selected to go train at Old Trafford in Manchester

PC Lalchhuanawma (Mizoram), Shreejal Kisku (Bhubaneswar), Mohd Ayan (Lucknow), Bhakta Bahadur Pariyar (Nepal), and Chanason Chaiyatham (Bangkok) have been selected to go to Manchester.

Ancelotti says Mbappe 'not affected' by reports of investigation in Sweden

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti says Kylian Mbapp is not affected by the Swedish media reports this week that said the France captain was the subject of a rape investigation. Mbapp's legal team dismissed those reports as false. I do not pay attention to speculations that come from outside the team. The player is not affected in the least, Ancelotti said Friday. The reports in Swedish media came out after the striker visited Stockholm during the international break when he was not called up by France due to a minor injury. Without citing sources, Swedish media reported Mbapp was the subject of an investigation of an alleged rape at a hotel in Stockholm. Mbapp's representatives have called the reports false and irresponsible. Swedish prosecutors issued a brief statement on Tuesday saying a rape had been reported to police but didn't name any suspect. Ancelotti defended his player's right to travel on his time off. The rest days are programmed for him and he can choose what he want