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Willie Mullins quintet checks in for Sunday's Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse
Willie Mullins is mob-handed in his bid to finally win the Grade One Ryanair Gold Cup at Fairyhouse on Sunday.
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Saturday, March 31, 2018
Friday, March 30, 2018
Manchester City Bearing Down On Title As Premier League Returns
Latest Football News, Football Info, Sports News Updates - NDTVSports.com
Manchester City Bearing Down On Title As Premier League Returns
Manchester City boast a 16-point lead over Manchester United and could seal the league against their local rivals at the Etihad next weekend.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Gareth Southgate told Dele Alli to ‘grow up’ in England training camp
Dream Team FC
Gareth Southgate told Dele Alli to ‘grow up’ in England training camp
In Dele Alli’s mind he is good enough to play for Real Madrid.
And Gareth Southgate provided the sobering reminder that the Tottenham forward is still young enough to be picked for England’s Under-21s.
This has been a difficult, frustrating international break for Dele, 21.
Dele Alli faces the fight of his life to make England’s starting XI at the World CupNews Group Newspapers Ltd
He joined the England squad just a few days after Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino claimed his man was the best 21-year-old footballer in the world.
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £5k!But Three Lions manager Southgate clearly still needs some convincing.
Dele is fighting for his place in this England side, falling behind Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling and his deputy Jesse Lingard of Manchester United in the battle to wear the No 10 shirt at the World Cup in Russia. Dele has work to do now.
SunSport
Who may get the chop or not?
GARETH SOUTHGATE has used 46 players as England boss — but must rely on half that many when he names his 23 for Russia.
The Three Lions chief says he knows his ideal team to face Tunisia in their Volgograd opener on June 18.
Here, SunSport look at where his troops stand in the pecking order for England’s World Cup squad.
GUARANTEED
Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jamie Vardy, Jesse Lingard.
PROBABLES
Joe Hart, James Tarkowski, Ashley Young, Jake Livermore, Adam Lallana, Danny Welbeck.
OUTSIDERS
Tom Heaton, Luke Shaw, Ryan Bertrand, Phil Jones, Michael Keane, Jack Wilshere, Harry Winks, Lewis Cook, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Dominic Solanke, Jermain Defoe, Daniel Sturridge.
NO CHANCE
Nathaniel Clyne, Aaron Cresswell, Wayne Rooney, Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Chris Smalling, Nathan Redmond, James Ward-Prowse, Jack Cork, Theo Walcott, Tammy Abraham.
Southgate said: “I have a problem because I have Marcus Rashford, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Jamie Vardy — so there is a huge choice and I have to make those choices.
“I don’t foresee a scenario where they don’t come to Russia, but I am an England manager and I have to make decisions. There is no reason Dele will not come and he can make a huge impact there.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiver“He has so much ability and with all those guys he is another one at an age where he could be playing for the Under-21s.
“There was no ulterior motive to leaving him out. It’s a bit like Kyle Walker, it’s a bit like Ox, there are others we wanted to learn more about and we wanted to protect Dele as well with his little problem.
The Spurs midfielder has seen his stock fall over the past seasonGetty Images
“He has the ability and I am looking forward to seeing him over the next few weeks. His relationship with Harry Kane in the team is also important.
“I can only reiterate that Dele is a very important player. He wasn’t able to finish every session and we had to manage the problem he had when he came into the camp.”
Dele’s groin injury was monitored during the international fortnight, but it was not serious enough to prevent him playing against Italy on Tuesday. Southgate simply decided not to use him.
He likes the look of Sterling in the No 10, the role in the hole that seems to excite the forward. Sterling took responsibility against Italy, controlling England’s attacks with those slalom runs and eye-catching dribbles.
He looks the part again, especially after his man-of-the-match performance against Holland. Sterling will take some shifting from that position.
Southgate added: “If we play 3-4-3 then Raheem can play No 10, as he did against France last year, but could he play as one of two forwards because he plays on the wing for City?
Jesse Lingard has soared past Alli in Gareth Southgate’s plansAFP
“We know he likes playing through the middle though and he enjoys that.
“He had a little spell at Liverpool where he was behind Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, running and dribbling through he middle of the park.
“He is playing with confidence, speaking with confidence, as we saw before the game. Raheem, Dele and Jesse are expressive players and they need to feel freedom on the pitch.
“It is different for defenders because they need structure, but the forwards needs structure as well as freedom, and those guys enjoy that.”
Southgate is tapping in to that. This is his England, establishing a playing style that these boys must buy into if they are to stand any chance of starting the World Cup opener against Tunisia.
It is an admirable attempt, a genuine effort to make an England side meet Southgate’s exacting standards. We will soon see where it takes him.
His next big task is to trim the squad, to name his World Cup 23 plus the four or five players on a provisional list in case of emergencies.
Breaking the bad news is always a big deal for an England coach, but Southgate will do the dirty work in a dignified, respectful manner.
Raheem Sterling has already cemented his place behind Harry KaneReuters
He added: “I want to run a performance camp rather than a selection camp because then there is a different feel for everybody.
“Sven did it the right way. Name 23 plus five on stand-by. If you have 28 or 30 who think they have a chance then there’s a lot of uncertainty and anxiety.
“I was there for Gazza when he was left out of France 98 and I was one of the next in to see Glenn Hoddle. Mine didn’t take too long after that.”
READ MORE:
Remember when Real Madrid played Real Madrid in the Copa Del Rey Final? This National League side could be relegated despite finishing FIRST this season 5 footballers who were transferred for FOOD
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Gaelic Players Association hits out at decision to cancel Allianz Football League games
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Gaelic Players Association hits out at decision to cancel Allianz Football League games
The Gaelic Players Association has added its voice to the growing anger over the cancellation of Allianz Football League games
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Far Cry 5: 6 reasons why Ubisoft’s latest open world shooter is the best of bunch
Dream Team FC
Far Cry 5: 6 reasons why Ubisoft’s latest open world shooter is the best of bunch
Far Cry 5’s villain is ‘really f***** up’.
That’s the view from cult specialist Rick Ross, who advised Ubisoft throughout the creation of the game’s main antagonist Joseph Seed.
He’s not lying, either.
Preacher Seed believes he’s been called on by higher forces to ‘save’ as many of the residents from fictional Hope County, Montana as possible – whether they want saving or not.
Something tells me he’s not going to give up this easily
Within minutes of the stunning introductory section, which is easily the strongest opening in the series, you’ll experience his twisted sadistic tendencies first hand.
Thousands of armed militia now occupy most of the land and your job, as an inexperienced sheriff’s deputy, is to fight back.
Thankfully, you’re not alone. You’ll have guns for hire, pilots, an enormous armoury of weapons… and a bear called ‘Cheese Burger’ who suffers from diabetes.
Here are six reasons why Far Cry 5 could well be the shooter of the year.
Fish out of water
You’ll need to learn to use cover if you’re to survive in Far Cry 5
Far Cry has always sought to create a ‘fish-out-of-water’ experience for the gamer.
Ubisoft plonk you in a world, often with just the most basic skills to survive, and send you on a revenge mission.
It’s a formula that works and, although it feels familiar, still hasn’t lost any of its charm.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiverAt the start of the game, you meet Dutch, an old man who realises you’ve got a bit of fight in you.
He acts as a voice in your ear throughout – providing just the right amount of hints and tips to ensure you continue to progress.
Still, how you play the game is up to you. Fancy just exploring the map on a quad-bike or a spot of fishing? Go right ahead.
Just pack a machine gun for good measure.
Seeds’ brother Jacob has a military background and was badly injured in conflict
Bad Seed
Seed is almost certain to go down as one of the most evil and twisted villains in video game history.
What did we expect from the team who brought us Far Cry 3’s Vaas and Far Cry 4’s Pagan Min?
While those two clearly had overtly psychopathic tendencies, what makes Seed so evil is just how calm he is.
He genuinely believes he’s a force for good and sees anyone who stands in his way as evil. What’s even more shocking is the way his followers view him – not as a person, but as a beacon of hope.
In the recent brilliant trailer, which I strongly recommend you watch here, you watch Seed ‘baptise’ a follower by dipping her head underwater – only for Seed to drown her.
Cars, boats, planes – Far Cry 5 has them all
Instead of shock, the followers, watching from the river bank, don’t bat an eyelid.
It’s this unflinching loyalty and tunnel vision that creates an incredibly uneasy and tense atmosphere from the start – making for a gloriously stark contrast with the vibrant world of Hope County.
Thanks to an incredible score from Dan Romer – who also penned the stirring Beasts of No Nation soundtrack – you’ll have to stop yourself from being brainwashed, too.
Americana ‘feel-good’ tunes blast from the radio wherever you go.
One track, dubbed ‘Let the water wash away your sins’, quickly burrows into your mind and you’ll have some job trying to block it out.
PLAY DREAM TEAM WEEKENDER Pick seven players to win £5k!Cheese Burger the bear
Far Cry 5’s gun-for-hire system is one of the game’s big talking points – and it’s not hard to see why.
Here, you can ‘hire’ NPCs you meet during your quest to fight with you.
These range from pilots who provide support from the skies, to a cute dog called Boomer – who’ll attack enemies on the ground and retrieve their weapons.
But they all pale in comparison to Cheese Burger – a diabetic former zoo bear – who developed the condition after its keepers encouraged tourists to feed it cheese burgers.
You’ll met other members of the resistance – but getting their trust will not be easy
Just like in Far Cry Primal, you can set the beast on anyone – and providing you have enough fish to keep it happy (Cheese Burger is cleaning up its diet), then it’ll prove a loyal companion.
Online co-op is also fully supported, with a friend able to jump in and act as a ‘gun for hire’.
They won’t level up in the same way as the main character – or have their progress saved – but it’ll be fun to dip in and out of.
Killer looks
Far Cry 5 is once again powered by the Dunia engine.
It’s not a huge step up visually from Far Cry 4, which remains an attractive game, but it certainly looks better.
Textures, so often the first casualty in games of this scale, are pin sharp – backed up with a seriously impressive draw distance.
Wolves roam in the hills so be sure to keep your wits about you
Despite not having the lush jungles of Far Cry 3, or the mountains of Kyrat, there’s still plenty of variation in the landscape.
Ubisoft revealed they ‘fell in love’ with Montana while they were scouting for locations – and this love has transferred to the game.
Lakes, teeming with fish, are dotted around the map – broken up with settlements, hills and fields of corn that stretch as far as the eye can see.
Obviously, the game will look its best at 4K – but 1080p gamers will still have plenty of eye candy.
One of the developers was overheard saying that PC owners will need hugely powerful ‘rigs’ to run Far Cry 5 at max settings – no surprise there, then.
Still, the PS4 Pro version we tested looked really stunning.
CLAIM YOUR FREE £20 BET Sun Bets have this brilliant offer when you sign up and bet a fiverArmed and dangerous
As per the last game, you’re able to explore the massive map at will – but tread with caution. It’s teeming with baddies of all shapes and sizes.
Thankfully, you’ll have a range of weapons including such as shotguns, pistols, rocket launchers, bows, and explosives to help you survive.
The assault rifle you’re given at the start of the game sets the tone nicely – packing bags of feel and some seriously impressive punch.
Not long after, you’ll find a shotgun that sends foes flying back with a satisfying thud.
Cultists won’t be the only thing you’ll need to worry about in Hope County
By far the most fun can be had with the bow – with a well-placed head-shot stopping an enemy in their tracks.
Add to the mix brutal takedowns and a range of melee weapons – from pitch forks, sledgehammers and baseball bats – and you’ve got everything you need to start a revolution.
Be warned, the more chaos you cause, the more the cultists will seek to take you down.
Riding shotgun
Far Cry games have always featured vehicles but they’ve always played second fiddle to the on-foot action.
Ubisoft has changed things this year and put a lot more effort into the vehicles – so they serve as much more than just a means of travelling from A-B as quickly as possible.
Muscle cars, all-terrain vehicles, boats and planes are just some of the transport options available.
A huge Optimus Prime-style truck is also a delight.
Planes are the big addition this year – with aerial combat proving to be as fun as it looks
Armed with two machine guns on the bonnet and a huge amount of horsepower, you’re able to smash through enemy blockades like a knife through butter.
You’re also able to lean out and shoot from the passenger seat – making for some really impressive car chases.
It’s not too fiddly, either. An ‘auto drive’ function alleviates any annoyances by sticking the vehicle on the road so you can concentrate on taking out baddies.
They really have thought of everything.
Rating: 5/5
Far Cry 5 is out now.
NOW WATCH DANNY WALLACE CHECK OUT THE UK’S CULT HOTSPOT.
Monday, March 26, 2018
Morocco vs Uzbekistan: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, and team news for international friendly
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Morocco vs Uzbekistan: TV channel, live stream, kick-off time, and team news for international friendly
MOROCCO ended a 20-year World Cup drought to secure their spot in Russia this summer.
And four days after facing Serbia, Herve Renard’s men will face a tough test against Uzbekistan.
Players of Morocco pose for a photo ahead of a World Cup qualifier against Ivory CoastGetty - Contributor
What time is kick-off?
THIS match will take place on Tuesday, March 27.
It will kick-off at 8pm.
Stade Mohamed will host the showdown.
Most Read in Football
UNFORTUNATELY this match will not be available to watch live on TV in the UK.
But you can keep up to date with all of the action on the SunSport live blog.
What is the team news?Morocco ace Ayoub El Kaabi, who was the top scorer at the recent African Nations Championship, will be one to watch.
Sofiane Boufal, Khalid Boutaib, Younes Belhanda, Nabil Dirar and Hakim Ziyech are all expected to feature.
Sunday, March 25, 2018
Thomas Tuchel in ‘negotiations’ with Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger after turning down Bayern Munich
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Thomas Tuchel in ‘negotiations’ with Arsenal to replace Arsene Wenger after turning down Bayern Munich
THOMAS TUCHEL has reportedly turned down the Bayern Munich job due to being in ‘negotiations’ with Arsenal.
The former Borussia Dortmund boss was the Bundesliga side’s No1 target to replace Jupp Heynckes.
Thomas Tuchel has reportedly rejected the Bayern Munich job and is in negotiations with ArsenalEPA
But he has rejected their approach and informed that he wants to manage abroad.
And SportsBild claim that he is already in talks with the Gunners about succeeding Arsene Wenger.
It also states that Chelsea are interested in bringing the 44-year-old to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are expected to part company with Antonio Conte at the end of the season.
The German coach was the No1 choice for the Bundesliga leaders to take over this summerEPA
Reports in Germany claim he is already deep in talks to replace Arsene Wenger at ArsenalNews Group Newspapers Ltd
But it appears Arsenal have stolen a march on their Premier League rivals by already starting discussions with highly-rated German coach.
Tuchel has been out of work since he was axed by Dortmund last May just days after leading them to German Cup success.
GET OUTTA TOON West Ham plotting raid for Newcastle captainAnd he is a man known well to new Arsenal‘s new head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.
The duo worked together at Signal Iduna Park, although the two did have a rocky relationship.
LATEST ARSENAL NEWS
Bayern need a new man to take over with 72-year-old Heynckes, who came out of retirement earlier in the season when Carlo Ancelotti was sacked, set to leave.
And the veteran has been vocal in his desire to see Tuchel come in to fill the void left by him in May.
He said: “Thomas Tuchel has the quality to coach Bayern. I rate Thomas Tuchel. He has continued the progression from the youth teams at Mainz. That is the stairway to success that you must take, learning the correct approach and people skills.
Jupp Heynckes is leaving Bayern this summer and has backed Thomas Tuchel to replace himAFP
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the German coachAFP
“Under Tuchel, Borussia Dortmund played excellent football with a good system—all of today’s modern footballing elements were there for everyone to see. Tuchel’s side finished runners-up, won the DFB Pokal and played attractive football. I had fun watching BVB, that’s why I respect and rate him as a very good trainer.”
But Bayern president Uli Hoeness and CEO Karl-Heinze Rummenigge awere both claimed to have discovered Tuchel’s desire to work abroad this week.
They will now reportedly turn to RB Leipzig’s Ralph Hasenhuttl or Entracht Frankfurt’s Niko Kovac instead.
How to win £1MILLION with Sun Six
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Make your picks – predict the scores from these six games Enter your details – quickly sign up to Sun Bets so we can contact you Score £1m – Watch the scores roll in and you can win £1mTop pundits IAN WRIGHT and DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM have made their picks for this week if you need a steer.
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Saturday, March 24, 2018
International roundup: Ronaldo secures late win for Portugal
Sportsnet.ca
International roundup: Ronaldo secures late win for Portugal
ZURICH — Cristiano Ronaldo scored with two stoppage-time headers and lifted Portugal to a stunning 2-1 win over Mohamed Salah-inspired Egypt in a friendly between World Cup-bound teams Friday.
Salah seemed to have won the game with a 56th-minute shot worthy of his fast-rising star status from the edge of the Portugal penalty area.
But one superstar was still on the field after Salah was substituted to a loud ovation in the 79th.
Ronaldo first rose unchallenged to score from Ricardo Quaresma’s left-flank cross in the second minute of time added on.
Two minutes later, Ronaldo powered a header low into the right corner of the goal from Quaresma’s free kick on the right.
The winning goal was confirmed 90 seconds later after a video review for a possible offside.
France 2, Colombia 3SAINT-DENIS, France — France’s casual defending was exposed again as ruthless Colombia rallied from 2-0 down to win 3-2 in a World Cup warmup on Friday.
European Championship runner-up France scored twice inside 26 minutes through striker Olivier Giroud and wide midfielder Thomas Lemar. But poor concentration from goalkeeper Hugo Lloris let Colombia back in two minutes later, when Luis Muriel’s cross eluded him and went in.
Roared on by huge swathes of yellow-shirted fans at Stade de France, Colombia levelled in the 62nd when striker Radamel Falcao swept in James Rodriguez’s perfect cross from the right for his 29th international goal. A clumsy foul just inside the penalty area from Samuel Umtiti gifted Colombia a chance to win, and substitute Juan Quintero slammed the spot-kick past Lloris in the 85th.
Colombia’s fans, seemingly filling half the stadium, celebrated wildly at the final whistle. France coach Didier Deschamps, meanwhile, has plenty of thinking to do prior to Tuesday’s game away to World Cup host Russia in St. Petersburg.
It must have felt like deja vu for Deschamps. His side twice led away to World Cup winner Germany in November, only to draw 2-2.
Against a spirited and tough-tackling Colombia, France often gave the ball away too easily, particularly in midfield. Colombia caused panic with every attack, particularly down the flanks.
Early on, however, a rout looked on as slick France stretched Colombia with flowing moves.
Giroud’s 30th international goal moved him level with Jean-Pierre Papin and France great Just Fontaine, who holds the single-tournament scoring record for a World Cup with 13 goals in 1958.
Giroud got his in 70 games, Papin in 54 and Fontaine in an astonishing 21, although he played in a far more high-scoring era. Only four more players have scored more than them for France.
Germany 1, Spain 1DUESSELDORF, Germany — Germany and Spain drew 1-1 in a World Cup warm-up on Friday, underlining their status as tournament favourites with high quality performances.
Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno got Spain off to a perfect start thanks to a perfectly weighted pass from Andres Iniesta, but Thomas Mueller set another highlight in a game of many when he equalized from distance ten minutes before the break.
Both former World Cup champions extended their world-leading unbeaten records, 2014 winner Germany stretching its run to 22 games, while the 2010 champion is now 17 games without defeat.
Germany coach Joachim Loew named arguably his strongest possible lineup with captain Sami Khedira partnering Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos in midfield.
Regular captain Manuel Neuer is still recovering from the foot injury that has kept him out since September. Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen played in his place.
Spain’s Julen Lopetegui surprised many by starting Moreno in place of the more experienced Diego Costa. But Moreno has 13 league goals this season, with four in his last three appearances.
The Valencia forward needed only six minutes to open the scoring off Iniesta’s brilliant pass behind the German defence.
The impressive Isco beat Jonas Hector to the ball and sent in a low cross for David Silva before Timo Werner went close in response for Germany.
Most of the highlights were coming from Spanish players before Mueller provided one of his own with the equalizer. Receiving the ball in a central position well outside the penalty area, Mueller looked up and let fly from a standing position inside the top left corner.
Mueller then played Julian Draxler in, but Spain captain Sergio Ramos closed the door on the Paris Saint-Germain midfielder. Ramos was making his 150th appearance.
David de Gea produced a brilliant save to deny Draxler after the break, ten minutes before Ter Stegen blocked Isco from point-blank and De Gea stretched to save from Ilkay Gundogan at the other end.
Mats Hummels hit the crossbar from a well-worked Kroos free kick, but chances became scarcer as substitutions took hold.
Spain’s players wore black armbands in tribute to former goalkeeper Santiago Canizares’ five-year-old son, who died earlier Friday.
Germany next plays Brazil in Berlin, while Spain hosts Argentina in Madrid on Tuesday.
Netherlands 0, England 1AMSTERDAM — Jesse Lingard scored his first international goal as England beat the Netherlands 1-0 Friday in a friendly that proved Gareth Southgate’s team can win without striker Harry Kane.
Lingard opened his England account in his ninth international, firing low into the corner past the despairing dive of Jeroen Zoet in the 59th minute after a cross from the left had rebounded to him off a Dutch defender.
It was a deserved victory for England, which looked quicker and more dangerous than the Dutch going forward, even without injured captain Kane, and solid at the back.
The match at the Amsterdam Arena was a World Cup tune-up for England, while it marked the start of a rebuilding process for new Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman, who took over the reins after the Dutch failed to qualify for the tournament in Russia.
While the Netherlands was largely impotent in front of goal, Southgate showed his squad’s strength when he was able to replace Lingard, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford midway through the second half with Dele Alli, Danny Welbeck and Jamie Vardy.
England plays Italy on Tuesday at Wembley in its last friendly before Southgate names his World Cup squad.
Argentina 2, Italy 0MANCHESTER, England — Without a slightly injured Lionel Messi, Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini provided late goals for Argentina in a 2-0 win over Italy in a pre-World Cup friendly on Friday.
Messi was left on the bench due to a minor muscular problem, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Giovani Lo Celso getting the start instead at the centre of Argentina’s attack.
In the 75th, Banega scored from the edge of the area in between three defenders after Italy’s Jorginho gave up possession near midfield.
Ten minutes later, Lanzini blasted a shot over two defenders into the top corner, past an outstretched Gianluigi Buffon.
Manuel Lanzini scored the 2nd goal for #Argentina in their 2-0 win over #Italy, bending an excellent strike into the top corner after a sweeping counterattack. #Golazo #ARGITA pic.twitter.com/IVYiyxzmUi
— Jason Foster (@JogaBonito_USA) March 23, 2018
Until he was taken off, Angel Di Maria was Argentina’s most influential player. The PSG midfielder provided an inspired through ball for Gonzalo Higuain before the break that resulted in a difficult save from Buffon.
Italy didn’t threaten until early in the second half, when Ciro Immobile took advantage of a defensive error to roll across for Lorenzo Insigne, who blasted over the bar with only goalkeeper Willy Caballero to beat.
Insigne again came close then Caballero stopped an effort from Immobile before Argentina took control.
It was Italy’s first match since failing to qualify for the World Cup and the debut of interim coach Luigi Di Biagio.
While 20-year-olds Federico Chiesa and Patrick Cutrone made their national team debuts, much of Di Biagio’s lineup consisted of veterans held over from the qualifying campaign.
During the singing of the national anthems, each member of Italy’s squad wore the No. 13 shirt of defender Davide Astori, who was found dead in his hotel room earlier this month after a suspected cardiac arrest before Fiorentina, his club, was to play Udinese.
Italy also wore black armbands and a moment of silence was observed in Astori’s memory before kickoff.
Argentina plays next at Spain on Tuesday, while Italy visits England at Wembley Stadium in London.
Russia 0, Brazil 3MOSCOW — Brazil cruised to a 3-0 win at World Cup host Russia on Friday without the injured Neymar.
In freezing temperatures at Moscow’s vast Luzhniki arena, the Brazilians worked hard to break down Russia’s deep defence before three goals in 13 minutes early in the second half.
Russian goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev parried Thiago Silva’s 53rd-minute shot into the path of Miranda, who scored from close range.
Philippe Coutinho made it 2-0 from the penalty spot nine minutes later, and Paulinho added Brazil’s third in the 66th with a header off Willian’s cross.
Less than three months before the World Cup opens at Luzhniki, the defeat highlighted Russia’s vulnerability at the back. Injuries to two central defenders this year forced coach Stanislav Cherchesov to field a makeshift five-man back line which was often able to do little more than stay deep and defend in numbers.
Up front, the Russians missed the injured Alexander Kokorin — who is unlikely to return for the World Cup — but still managed to create chances against a sometimes-shaky Brazilian defence.
An excellent chance went to waste late on when Anton Miranchuk hit the bar before his fellow substitute Anton Zabolotny missed an open goal on the rebound.
Alexander Samedov and Miranchuk’s brother, Alexei, both failed to score from good positions in the first half.
Friday, March 23, 2018
Watch this basketball player’s intelligent ‘miss’ to win his side the game
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Watch this basketball player’s intelligent ‘miss’ to win his side the game
A chance he converted, prompting jubilant scenes in the arena.
Thursday, March 22, 2018
Man Utd take steps to ensure they are only Premier League side without women's professional team
Sport: : BreakingNews.ie
Man Utd take steps to ensure they are only Premier League side without women's professional team
Manchester United have announced plans to form a women's professional team.
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
Christian Benteke insists Crystal Palace will beat drop as he launches bespoke suit collection
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Christian Benteke insists Crystal Palace will beat drop as he launches bespoke suit collection
CHRISTIAN BENTEKE has launched his own eye-catching range of bespoke suits – and insisted Crystal Palace will avoid relegation in comfortable enough fashion.
The Eagles striker is charged, along with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Andros Towsend, to provide the goals to drag the side away from the Premier League drop zone.
Christian Benteke ensured all eyes were on him with this stunning suit – team-mate Ruben Loftus-Cheek went with a more demure lookRex Features
The Belgian striker has launched an impressive range of bespoke suits in his nameRex Features
And on the collection you will find the emblem of Crystal Palace, just near the pocketRex Features
And while his loud and colourful suit collection will ensure those wearing stand out from the crowd, the Belgian striker needs to be the difference on the pitch for his side.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, the 27-year-old attacker was in confident mood about the prospect of Premier League football for Palace next season.
He said: “We will definitely stay up”.
Benteke launched his dazzling array of suits at The Christian Benteke Bespoke Collection Launch for Apsley Bespoke Tailors.
Christian Benteke launched his special collection at The Apsley Bespoke Tailors Store in LondonRex Features
Christian Benteke of Crystal Palace shakes hands with Arshad Mahmood of Apsley Bespoke TailorsRex Features
There were also a smattering of overcoats and sharp blazers on display – all with the Crystal Palace emblem on the side.
Team-mate Ruben Lofts-Cheek also attended the launch at the store in Pall Mall, London.
MOUR ISSUES Mourinho furious after Pogba interrupted live TV interviewBespoke suits start from £1,100 at the store, although they have a limited-time off on where you can get one designed from £679.
The Eagles are back in action on Saturday, March 31 when they host free-scoring Liverpool.
Most Read In Football
Roy Hodgson’s side are currently two points above the relegation zone, although they have played one more game than Southampton, who sit third-bottom.
Christian Benteke will be asked to score the goals that keeps Crystal Palace in the Premier LeaguePA:Press Association
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Remastered: Everything you need to know – trailer, release date, gameplay, graphics, co-op and more
Dream Team FC
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 Remastered: Everything you need to know – trailer, release date, gameplay, graphics, co-op and more
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 could be getting remastered as early as next year.
An Amazon listing appears to show the game will be being remade, although it’s not sure exactly when.
Earlier in the year, Activision’s annual investor report revealed the company plans “releases of remastered versions of titles from our library of IP” this year.
This is particularly interesting as it says titles (plural), indicating there are several remastered games on the way.
It follows mounting pressure from fans – thousands of which have signed a petition begging developer Infinity Ward to update the popular shooter.
The good news is that there are plenty of hints that suggest it could arriving next year – after this year’s Black Ops 4.
Let’s go through what we know.
10-year anniversary
Believe it or not, 2019 marks the 10 year anniversary of Modern Warfare 2.
Timing wise, it would certainly make sense for Infinity Ward to release a remastered version.
Maps such as Favela, Afghan, and Highrise would likely get the full remastered treatment – as well as the stunning campaign.
Activison may use the game as a means of locking people down to pre-orders, before releasing the game as a standalone, much like the remastered original, a few months later.
How good was the last remaster?
In 2016, Raven Software gave the original Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare a much-needed visual spit and polish.
despite a few flaws, ti arguably generated more excitement than the lacklustre Infinite Warfare.
MW2 runs on the same, albeit tweaked engine, as its predecessor – so in theory, would be easy to port over.
It’s a safe move
After a lukewarm reception to Infinite Warfare, and this year’s COD returning to BLOPS, Infinity Ward will have their work cut out to come up with an interesting COD setting.
To lower the risk, bundling the game with a sure-fire hit such as MW2 would certainly take pressure off the main game to sell.
Remember, you can keep up-to-date with all COD Blops 4 news here.
Any other COD-related news I should know about?
Wellm Sledgehammer Games co-founders Michael Condrey and Glen Schofield have left the studio behind Call of Duty WWII to shift their attention to new ‘executive duties’ within Activision.
“We thank Glen and Michael for their tremendous body of work on Call of Duty and look forward to continuing to collaborate with them in their new roles,” an Activision spokesperson said in a statement sent to Glixel.
“These changes have created an opportunity to elevate one of the key leaders at the studio, Aaron Halon, to lead Sledgehammer Games. Aaron is a founding member of Sledgehammer Games and the natural fit to lead the team.”
“Now, it’s time to try other things,” said Schofield.
“Activision has offered me the opportunity to focus my energy on something I’m very passionate about, exploring new game ideas for the company. It’s something I just couldn’t pass up.
“Working with such a great studio of developers at Sledgehammer Games has been an honour and the highlight of my career. The team is in great hands with Aaron, he has my full support and confidence.”
What about the controversial No Russian mission?
Yes – chances are Infinity Ward will once again face pressure to omit the mission from the game – especially given the recent school shootings in the US.
The No Russian mission sees you play an undercover agent forced to gun down hundreds of innocent people in an airport
Monday, March 19, 2018
Real Madrid 6 Girona 3: Cristiano Ronaldo scores four alongside Lucas Vazquez and Gareth Bale strikes
Football news - transfers, fixtures, scores, pictures | The Sun
Real Madrid 6 Girona 3: Cristiano Ronaldo scores four alongside Lucas Vazquez and Gareth Bale strikes
Cristiano Ronaldo smashed four past Girona in another sensational display of his unwavering skill.
Barcelona are running away with the Spanish league – leaving Lionel Messi first in line for personal accolades – but the ex-Man United man reminded the world of his talents with a sublime quadruple.
Cristiano Ronaldo smashed four passed Girona on their first Bernabeu tripREUTERS
Lucas Vazquez and sub Gareth Bale got on the scoresheet for the home side – with Christhian Stuani snatched an unlikely brace – but it was the 33-year-old icon who secured all of the headlines.
Ronaldo went close with an early free-kick that he spanked across the face of the goal but was beaten away by the Girona keeper Yassine Bounou.
Moments later Vazquez should have scored a one-on-one but again the Madrid finishing was not up to scratch.
Ron did finally score on 12 minutes and it was a sublime piece of technical skill for the Portuguese.
A Real corner was taken short and worked into the feet of German playmaker Toni Kroos.
Real icon Ronaldo scores all sorts of goals for club and countryREUTERS
Portugal star Ronaldo hit four more Real Madrid goalsAFP or licensors
The ball was pulled back into the path of the ex-Manchester United man and he connected sweetly to guide the ball home with his left foot.
Vazquez then had goal ruled out for offside but he was in a legal position and had two of his team-mates to blame for straying offside.
After a string of missed chances it was a moment of miserable defending that cost the home side.
Woeful dithering at the back almost let Girona in but they were eventually forced wide where the danger seemed to be averted.
But Daniel Carvajal committed a ridiculously obvious foul and gave away cheap wide free-kick.
Alejandro Granell whipped the ball away from goal but Stuani’s movement and powerful neck helped hammer the ball goalward and beyond Kaylor Navas on 29 minutes.
latest real madrid news
On 36 mins the Galacticos almost regained the lead when Ronaldo passed on a dead-ball and let Asensio hit a free-kick that was well saved, allowing Girona to go in for the break on level terms.
Sadly for the visitors, they undid all their hard work just seconds into the second half.
Karim Benzema slipped the No9 in beyond the Girona defence and he smashed the ball in off the crossbar.
And 21 minutes later Vazquez extended Real’s lead with Ronaldo turning provider with a simple set-up.
Ronaldo now has 17 goals in his last eight matches in all competitionsREUTERS
And the 33-year-old was rewarded for his generosity inside five minutes when he completed his latest goal milestone, barrelling home a rebound after a save from Benzema.
On 67 minutes ex-Riverside star Stuani rose hightest in the Madrid box to crash home his second header of the night.
Late substitute Bale made his play for a start in the upcoming Champions League clash with Juventus with a goal on 86 minutes.
And Girona got another consolation goal when defender Juanpe took advantage of more shameful Madrid defending.
But Ron went up the other end in injury time to add to his outrageous tally and guarantee the headlines and the ball belonged to him.
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Sunday, March 18, 2018
Morocco bid: $16B for 2026 World Cup venues, infrastructure
Football – Inquirer Sports
Morocco bid: $16B for 2026 World Cup venues, infrastructure
Morocco would need to spend almost $16 billion to prepare to host the 2026 World Cup, with every proposed stadium and training ground built from scratch or renovated, the bid said Saturday. With less than three months to go until the FIFA vote, the north African nation presented the first significant details of its proposal […]
The post Morocco bid: $16B for 2026 World Cup venues, infrastructure appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
UP stays unbeaten after rout of UE; Gayoso nets four goals for Ateneo
Football – Inquirer Sports
UP stays unbeaten after rout of UE; Gayoso nets four goals for Ateneo
University of the Philippine kept its undefeated streak after blasting University of the East, 3-0, in the UAAP Season 80 men’s football tournament Thursday at Rizal Memorial Stadium. The Fighting Maroons (7-0-2) remained atop the table with 23 points and are one win away from securing a Final Four spot, but head coach Anto Gonzales […]
The post UP stays unbeaten after rout of UE; Gayoso nets four goals for Ateneo appeared first on Inquirer Sports.
Friday, March 16, 2018
Huddersfield’s Williams fractures fibula, out for season
Sportsnet.ca
Huddersfield’s Williams fractures fibula, out for season
American midfielder Danny Williams will miss the rest of the Premier League season after breaking a bone in a leg during training with Huddersfield.
The club said Thursday that the 29-year-old fractured a distal fibula a day earlier. He was scheduled to have surgery Friday.
Williams has one goal in 24 games in his first season, scoring against Bolton in the FA Cup in January. He made 20 Premier League appearances, including 11 starts.
Williams made his U.S. national debut in 2011 and has two goals in 23 appearances, scoring in exhibitions against the Netherlands and Brazil.
Thursday, March 15, 2018
Andres Iniesta says he is mulling future with Barcelona
Sportsnet.ca
Andres Iniesta says he is mulling future with Barcelona
BARCELONA, Spain — Andres Iniesta says he is considering leaving Barcelona after 16 trophy-filled seasons with the Spanish club.
Iniesta said on Wednesday that “it’s a decision I will communicate to the club first and then everyone will find out. Before April 30 I will take a decision. There are two options, stay or leave.”
Iniesta spoke after playing the first hour of Barcelona’s 3-0 victory over Chelsea that sent the team through to the Champions League quarterfinals on a 4-1 aggregate score.
The 33-year-old Iniesta has won 30 titles, including four Champions Leagues, since debuting for Barcelona in 2002.
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