Month: November 2021

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Ronaldo set to sting Hornets after Portugal frustration

Soccer Football - Premier League - Manchester United v Everton - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - October 2, 2021 Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo shakes hands with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before being substituted on REUTERS/Phil Noble EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.

Spectacular has quickly become the norm for Cristiano Ronaldo back at Manchester United.

Despite being criticised in some quarters, the 36-year-old has taken to rescuing United with late heroics like a duck to water.

The superstar has nine goals already this season but his Old Trafford comeback has come with plenty of frustration and a mixed bag of results.

After a heartbreaking stoppage-time defeat to Serbia saw Portugal miss out on automatic World Cup qualification, we look at Ronaldo’s campaign so far and judge whether Watford should fear a backlash on Saturday.

It has not all been plain sailing for CR7 since returning to Manchester.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United have looked a side short of rhythm or an idea of how they want to play and certain critics have blamed Ronaldo’s signing.

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “I wouldn’t say it was a mistake but certainly some emotional impact was in there because he has been a fantastic player. 

“I believe Ronaldo can still score you the goals you need. Can he repeat it every three games, very high-intensity games? 

“When you buy a player like that, the secret is the balance of the team. 

“To play Ronaldo, he can win you games, but you need to create the balance around him.”

Despite United’s struggles, Ronaldo has come to Solskjaer’s aid on more than occasion. 

He has produced a series of barely believable moments to keep them riding high in the Champions League.

A stoppage-time winner against Villarreal and a fantastic header to secure a 3-2 win over Atalanta have been among the highlights. 

But it was the perfectly executed volley in the last minute at Atalanta to secure a 2-2 draw that encapsulated his impact.

When the chips are down and everything appears lost, Ronaldo is still able to conjure up magic out of nothing.

It is little surprise he was a key figure in the 3-0 win at Tottenham last month, when he scored his first league goal since the comeback win over West Ham in September.

The Portuguese veteran has also hit back at criticism of his displays.

Speaking recently, he said: “I know when the team needs my help defensively.

“But my role in the club is to win, help the team to win and to score goals — [the defensive side] is part of my job.

“The people who don’t want to see that is because they don’t like me but to be honest I’m 36, I win everything so am I going to be worried about the people who say bad things about me? I sleep good at night.

“I go to my bed with my conscience very good. Keep going with that because I will still close mouths and win things.”

There is no doubt it will be a frustrated Ronaldo taking to the pitch at Watford on Saturday.

That victory over Spurs was sandwiched by home defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City prior to the international break.

And his trip away with Portugal was far from successful.

After a draw against the Republic of Ireland and the defeat to Serbia, Ronaldo and his countrymen must now reach next November’s World Cup in Qatar via the play-offs. 

Playing one of the Premier League’s worst defences could prove just the tonic the former Real Madrid and Juventus icon needs.

Watford have shipped 19 goals in 11 top-flight games, with Liverpool putting five past them at Vicarage Road.

Claudio Ranieri’s troops will be on red alert come 3pm on Saturday.

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football Slides Sports News Transfer News

Real boost for City and Chelsea in Haaland race

Manchester City and Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in the race to sign Erling Haaland.

Spanish giants Real Madrid have reportedly accepted the Norwegian is destined to move to the Premier League.

Haaland, 21, has a £64million release clause that comes into play at the end of the season.

And with Europe’s biggest clubs all interested in signing him, Borussia Dortmund expect to lose their star striker.

But The Sun say the feeling at the Bernabeu is Haaland will likely end up playing English football.

Real are clear favourites to sign Kylian Mbappe on a free when his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expires next year. 

But their dream of pairing the two hottest young stars in football alongside each other in the Spanish capital appears to be over.

And that will be music to the ears of the bigwigs at the Etihad, Stamford Bridge and maybe even Old Trafford.

Like City and Chelsea, Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for Haaland.

Pep Guardiola heaped praise on the forward before the Citizens faced Dortmund in the Champions League quarter-finals last season.

He said: “To score that number of goals at his age is not easy. The numbers speak for themselves.

“When that happens it’s because he can score with the right, the left, via counter-attacks, in the box. He’s a fantastic striker, everyone knows it.”

Haaland has 13 goals in 10 games this season but has missed time with injuries and is expected to remain on the sidelines until next month, 

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cricket Sports News

GRAHAM FORD STEPS DOWN AS IRELAND CRICKET COACH

Graham Ford has stepped down as Ireland head coach.

Ford, who was appointed to the role in 2017, will immediately relinquish his coaching duties before departing from Cricket Ireland next month.

The 61-year-old oversaw Ireland’s introduction to the Test arena and their recent run to the T20 World Cup.

However, Ireland failed to progress to the Super 12 stage of the competition following a surprise eight-wicket defeat to Namibia.

“The last four years have been very special for me,” said Ford, who took charge of 102 Ireland internationals.

“I have enjoyed many happy days with a cricket squad made up of very special people.

“When compared with the other ICC Full Member nations, Cricket Ireland has faced many handicaps and challenges.

“Despite this, on several occasions the team has competed impressively with some of the top teams in world cricket and it has been a privilege for me to experience first-hand the character and togetherness of the Irish players.

“However, over a period of time these challenges and handicaps have taken their toll on me. After much consideration and discussion with my family, I realise that this is the right time for me to step away from Cricket Ireland.

“I’d like to end by thanking all the players and the support staff for their impressive attitudes and loyal support during the four years and I look forward to watching them achieve big things in the future.”

Ireland, who head for a tour of America next month before a white-ball series against the West Indies in January, will announce their interim coaching plans in the coming weeks.

Captain Andrew Balbirnie said: “Graham has been one of the best coaches I have ever worked with, and I feel very fortunate that I got to spend four years working with him, not just for the playing development side of my game, but for his incredible support during my captaincy to date.

“We have had our challenges over the last number of years as a squad, but his consistent positivity has been infectious and his determination to improve the skills of everyone in the squad has brought some of our young cricketers on leaps and bounds.

“I think more important than anything is that Ford is a brilliant person and one that will be greatly missed in and around the squad, and on behalf of the group of players we wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

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football Slides Sports News

MAN CITY’S MENDY APPEARS IN COURT OVER NEW RAPE ALLEGATIONS

Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has appeared in court charged with two more counts of rape.

Mendy (27) now faces a total of six allegations of rape and one of sexual assault after initially being charged with five offences in August.

The French international has been in custody since August after a number of bail applications were refused by judges.

He appeared by video-link at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday afternoon charged with two further counts of rape.

During the five-minute hearing, which was delayed due to technical issues, Mendy, who appeared wearing a cream-coloured sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

The court clerk told the hearing that Mendy was charged with two counts of rape, which are alleged to have taken place in Macclesfield in July and August this year.

The footballer was initially charged on August 26 with three counts of rape relating to an alleged incident in October 2020, one count of raping a woman in August this year and the sexual assault of a woman in early January 2021.

Those alleged offences relate to four women over the age of 16 and are alleged to have taken place between October 2020 and August 2021 at his home address on Withinlee Road, in Prestbury, Cheshire.

Mendy appeared alongside his co-accused, Louis Saha Matturie (40), who has also been charged with two additional counts of rape and one of sexual assault.

The court heard that Matturie, of Eccles, Greater Manchester, is accused of sexually touching a woman in Sheffield in 2016, raping a woman in March this year and another count of rape in Macclesfield in July.

He now faces six counts of rape in total and one of sexual assault.

District Judge Margaret McCormack told the defendants: “The charges that you face will be sent to Chester Crown Court and you will appear there tomorrow morning and that’s to tie in with existing matters.”

No application for bail was made at Wednesday’s hearing. Both men are due to go on trial on January 24, 2022.

Mendy has played for Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52 million.

He was suspended by the club after being charged by police, pending an investigation.

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Slides Sports News Tennis

ROGER FEDERER OUT OF AUSTRALIAN OPEN AND UNLIKELY TO BE FIT FOR WIMBLEDON

Roger Federer has confirmed he will not feature in next year’s Australian Open – and says he would be “extremely surprised” if he plays at Wimbledon.

In an interview with Swiss publication Le Matin, the 40-year-old added that he does not anticipate returning to competition until next summer.

The 20-time grand slam winner is recovering from a series of knee operations.

Federer, who has not played since he lost his quarter-final match against Hubert Hurkacz at Wimbledon on July 7, said: “I will be able to resume running quietly in January and resume sessions on the court with complex support in March or April.

“Today, I therefore estimate my return to competition in the summer of 2022. I would be extremely surprised if I could play Wimbledon.”

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football Sports News

WESTHAM ACCEPT SUPPORTER BAN FOR EUROPA LEAGUE

West Ham have accepted a Uefa sanction banning their fans from traveling to the Europa League game at Rapid Vienna.

The Hammers were charged with crowd disturbances and for their fans throwing items in their draw with Genk.

In a statement West Ham said they “reluctantly” accepted sanctions but “also wish to place on record our disappointment at the extremely short notice of the measures.”

The game against Rapid Vienna takes place on Thursday 25 November.

The Premier League club, who were also fined a total of 34,500 euros (£30,000), said that they were working to identify the fans responsible for the disturbance.

“West Ham United condemn the behaviour of this group of individuals,” the statement added.

“We are working to identify them following their actions, which have now ultimately led to our supporters – the vast majority of whom behaved impeccably in Belgium – being punished and resulting in David Moyes’ team being forced to play in Austria without the backing of the club’s fans.”

The Hammers also “strongly” urged their fans not to travel to Vienna for the tie.

“Fans will not be granted access to the Allianz Stadion and any attempt to enter the stadium could lead to further sanctions for the individuals and the club in the future,” they added.

West Ham are top of Group H with 10 points after four games.

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football Slides Sports News

PREMIER LEAGUE CHAIRMAN RESIGNS AMID NEWCASTLE TAKEOVER SCRUTINY

Gary Hoffman has resigned from his role as Chairman of the Premier League.

The Premier League boss will step down from the role at the end of January 2022.

It follows on from backlash from Premier League clubs after the recent Newcastle takeover.

Mike Ashley’s £300m sale to the consortium consisting of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, PCP Capital Partners and the billionaire Reuben brothers was finally given the green light last month.

It was a deal which had remained in limbo for more than a year, and one that has attracted a host of criticism as a result of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record

Hoffman said in a statement: “It has been a privilege to lead the Premier League through the last two seasons – when the spirit of English football has been more important than ever.

“Now, I have decided the time is right for me to stand aside to allow new leadership to steer the League through its next exciting phase.”

Hoffman’s departure is expected to add further weight to the arguments over a need for an independent regulator in English football, with MP Tracey Crouch’s extensive review expected to be published next week.

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football Slides Sports News

Argentina qualify for World Cup after CONMEBOL rivals stumble

Argentina qualified for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, despite playing out a goalless draw with CONMEBOL rivals Brazil.

Lionel Messi returned to the line-up but he was unable to inspire Argentina, who played out a stalemate against Qatar-bound Brazil in San Juan on Tuesday.

That underwhelming performance left Copa America champions Argentina waiting to discover their World Cup fate.

Argentina only had to wait less than an hour as 10-man Chile lost 2-0 at home to Ecuador, sealing La Albiceleste’s qualification after Colombia and Uruguay also failed to win.

Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina – riding a 27-game unbeaten streak – are second in the CONMEBOL standings with five matches remaining, six points behind leaders Brazil and six clear of third-placed Ecuador.

Argentina and Brazil have both played a game less following September’s qualifier in Sao Paulo, which was sensationally abandoned after Scaloni’s men left the field as Brazilian health officials tried to detain visiting players due to coronavirus regulations.

Having ended their 28-year wait for silverware via July’s Copa America, Messi’s Argentina will now look to conquer the World Cup.

Two-time champions Argentina – eliminated in the round of 16 at Russia 2018 – have not won the World Cup since Diego Maradona inspired the country to 1986 glory, though they reached the final in 2014.

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football Slides Sports News

Moore equaliser seals home advantage for Wales

Kieffer Moore secured a home World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final for Wales as Belgium were held to a 1-1 draw at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday.

Robert Page’s side were already assured of a play-off spot, but they headed into the final Group E game desperate to be among the six top seeds.

Although Kevin De Bruyne put an under-strength Belgium – already assured of a place in the tournament in Qatar next year as group winners – in front, Moore equalised in the first half.

Neither side could fashion a winner, but Wales sealed second place and face a home play-off tie in March when they will hope to have captain Gareth Bale – absent here – back to full fitness.

De Bruyne silenced the Wales fans when he opened the scoring 12 minutes in, the stand-in captain finding the bottom-right corner with a measured finish after a poor attempted clearance from Chris Mepham.

Wales took that setback on the chin, capitalising on slack defending to equalise when Arthur Theate missed his kick as he tried to deal with Dan James’ cross and Moore finished clinically with his left foot 13 minutes before half-time.

Thorgan Hazard struck the post when he met a pinpoint De Bruyne corner with a sublime volley from just outside the penalty area as Belgium finished the first half strongly.

An unmarked Connor Roberts spurned a chance to put Wales in front when he sliced a long way wide after a James cross fell nicely for him early in the second half.

Dante Vanzeir came on to make his debut as Roberto Martinez made a triple substitution before the hour-mark.

Neco Williams almost won it when he cut in from the left and brought a fine save from Koen Casteels, but a point was enough for Wales to achieve their objective.

A play-off spot was already in the bag for Wales, but they capped an impressive qualifying campaign by finishing runners-up ahead of the Czech Republic and ensuring they will avoid the likes of European champions Italy and Portugal in the semi-finals.

The Dragons have only played in one World Cup, way back in 1958, but will be hoping a raucous Cardiff crowd can help them into a play-off final and then book a ticket to Qatar. They will face one of Austria, North Macedonia, Poland, Ukraine, Turkey or Czech Republic at the semi-final stage.

Belgium are now unbeaten in their past 28 World Cup qualifiers, this point secured without a whole host of key men such as Eden Hazard, Romelu Lukaku and Thibaut Courtois.

The powerful Moore delivered when Wales needed him on his home ground and led the line superbly. Since his international debut in September 2019, the Cardiff City striker has scored more goals in all competitions than any other Wales player with eight.

Theate was at fault for Moore’s goal, while Dedryck Boyata also looked shaky at the back. The 21-year-old lost possession 12 times and Boyata nine, with Timothy Castagne much more solid alongside them.

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football Slides Sports News

Netherlands secure Qatar 2022 qualification

Steven Bergwijn and Memphis Depay made sure of the Netherlands’ place at the 2022 World Cup with late goals in a 2-0 victory against Norway on Tuesday.

Turkey’s 2-1 win against Montenegro kept the pressure on the Netherlands, but they still needed only a point to secure their qualification and got more than that in the closing stages at De Kuip.

Bergwijn netted with six minutes left when he fired high into the net before Depay put the result beyond doubt with a goal on the break in injury time.

While the Oranje finished as Group G winners, Norway slipped to third and missed out on a place in the play-offs having failed to register a shot on target across the entire contest.

With coach Louis van Gaal watching from the stands in a wheelchair after falling off his bicycle and suffering a hip injury, the Netherlands were the more adventurous side in a tepid first half.

However, Depay scarcely tested Orjan Nyland with two straightforward attempts, first flicking a Denzel Dumfries cross towards goal and then striking an ambitious volley too close to the goalkeeper.

Norway offered precious little without injured superstar Erling Haaland, although Kristian Thorstvedt wastefully missed the target when a long throw dropped for him in the second half.

Needing the victory more than the Netherlands with Turkey winning, Stale Solbakken’s side pressed higher up the pitch, only to be picked off at the other end.

Bergwijn received the ball from Arnaut Danjuma and struck decisively beyond Nyland, and Depay then put the gloss on the win when he converted after being unselfishly found by Bergwijn following a counter-attack.

What does it mean? Oranje back but heartbreak for Norway

After failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, securing automatic qualification for next year’s tournament in Qatar was mission accomplished for the Netherlands.

The Oranje had not lost to Norway since 1992 and their miserly defence never gave their opponents a sniff in this encounter.

For Norway, who have neither qualified for a World Cup since 1998 nor reached any major tournament since Euro 2000, the defeat was heartbreaking.

Deadly Depay

Depay had six shots, including four on target, and his attacking intent kept Norway on the back foot and prevented the Netherlands from retreating. He finished with 12 goals in the qualifying campaign.

Sloth-like Sorloth

Norway’s attack was led by Alexander Sorloth but the number nine was largely anonymous as he failed to have a single shot in the game and did not touch the ball inside the opposition box.