Fairfax may tap IDBI bank’s excess capital to help fund ₹52,878 crore buyout

Ohio Senate seat JD Vance vacated for vice presidency flips to Democrats as Sherrod Brown defeats Husted

US midterms: Did Trump lose young voters, women and minorities? Here's how Americans voted

‘Dialled wrong number in season of dharna, go protest’: CJI’s quip on plea seeking rotation of SC-ST reserved seats

Who is Abdul El-Sayed’s wife Sarah Jukaku and what is her Indian connection?

US stocks rally as Dow surges 1,569 points after Democratic midterms sweep; biggest post-midterm gain in 44 years

Florida shooting: Two dead, including suspect, after gunfire at Citibank's Tampa-area complex

First handshake? Radio signal with all hallmarks of alien technology detected in China

Trump's 'best guy' Pete Hegseth on the chopping block? Why Republicans are now turning against him after midterms disaster

Trump has meltdown on Truth Social, vows to become ‘Political Pundit’

‘Iran handed Trump political defeat after strategic ones,’ says security chief Mohsen Rezaei

Ashwin shares reasons for Bhuvneshwar's struggle in NZ T20Is, says his 'chapter is maybe closed'

US Midterms 2026: Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan race, becomes first Muslim American to be elected to US Senate

US Midterms 2026: Pooja Sethi defeats bigotry, makes history as first Hindu, Indian-American woman elected to Texas Legislature

US midterms: What went wrong for Trump? | Gravitas

‘You can call me Senator’: From Texas To Maine, watch Democrats celebrate historic 2026 midterm wins

US midterm elections: Donald Trump enters 'lame-duck presidency' era. What does it mean?

Iran exempts ships from India, China, Iraq, and Qatar from Strait of Hormuz restrictions

Keran Heritage Centre to give new impetus to border tourism in North Kashmir

Did aliens just send earth a signal? China detects mystery radio pulse from 238 light-years away

NASA invites people to fly their names to Saturn's moon, Titan, aboard Dragonfly

Spate of similar deaths raises alarm over heart health in children

What's behind the wave of doctors and nurses winning congressional seats in the US midterms?

"That run-out by Rohit changed the momentum": Gill reflects on India's 5-wicket win in 1st ODI vs NZ

Mahadev app co-founder Ravi Uppal arrested in Dubai days after kingpin Sourabh Chandrakar’s extradition

'Habibi, there's a delicious irony': What the word Abdul El-Sayed used on JD Vance actually means | US Midterms 2026

Doomsday warning? Why governments are warning people to stockpile emergency supplies for 72 hours

Drugs on the ballot: Did American voters back marijuana legalisation in 2026 US midterms?

'I was one of his child victims': Former Miss Teen USA contestant Larissa Portnoff accuses Trump of sexual abuse in viral video | WATCH

Israel's Ra'am party backs Gadi Eisenkot to lead next government after meeting with Herzog

US midterm elections: Major Republican upsets, historic firsts and an unexpected India connection | Gravitas

Indian Army marks Battle of Shalateng Day with veterans’ rally, educational outreach at Sharifabad

US Midterms: After Senate, House win, can Democrats force Trump to stop Iran war? Answer may surprise you

From Texas to South Carolina: How Democrats stormed Republican strongholds to redraw America's political map in US midterms 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace on his return from suspension for Real Madrid, as Tottenham Hotspur ended their Wembley jinx and Liverpool were held on their Champions League comeback on Wednesday.

Real have sorely missed their Portuguese superstar as he serves a five-match domestic ban for pushing a referee.

But he wasted no time in making his towering presence felt against APOEL Nicosia, scoring after just 12 minutes from Gareth Bale&#39;s low cross, and then doubling his tally from the penalty spot before Sergio Ramos&#39;s overhead kick rounded off the cosy 3-0 win.

Ronaldo has now struck 12 times in his last six Champions League games.

&quot;He is the best in the world. We know he will always score goals,&quot; said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

&quot;With a bit more luck today he could have scored four. Cristiano has so many goals in him and we feel it.&quot;

&quot;Hopefully he stays in form. You can&#39;t question the levels he reaches every year,&quot; added Ramos.

The titleholders top Group H with Tottenham, who ended their woeful Wembley run with an impressive Harry Kane-inspired 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund.

Already scarred by damaging Wembley defeats in the Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals last term, Tottenham had lost to Chelsea and drawn with Burnley this season, sparking alarmist talk that they were jinxed at the hallowed north London venue.

But, after losing eight of their previous 12 matches at Wembley, Kane&#39;s predatory finishing ensured Tottenham finally enjoyed a night to remember in their temporary lodgings.

Son Heung-Min&#39;s first goal of the season put Tottenham ahead early on with Andriy Yarmolenko conjuring a sublime equaliser.

Kane, who scored twice in Saturday&#39;s win at Everton, restored Tottenham&#39;s advantage before the interval and wrapped up the victory with his second goal after half-time.

The only blemish for Spurs was a late sending off for a second bookable offence for Jan Vertonghen, who swung his forearm into Mario Gotze&#39;s face.

&quot;It was so important to win, we are so happy. We increased our level in the second half and were very clinical,&quot; Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said.

&quot;It is more than three points. The team is more mature now. Harry Kane was fantastic.&quot;

Costly Firmino miss 
At Anfield, Roberto Firmino&#39;s first-half penalty miss proved costly for Liverpool as Joaquin Correa scored a dramatic equaliser to grab Sevilla a 2-2 draw.

Anfield was in jubilant mood as the English club welcomed back Champions League football after a two-year absence, but it took Sevilla just four minutes to dampen the enthusiasm.

After Wissam Ben Yedder had given the Spanish side an early lead, goals from Firmino and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead, only for Firmino to miss a penalty.

On the hour, Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo was dismissed for throwing the ball away from Liverpool&#39;s Joe Gomez as he tried to take a throw-in, but his disappointment was eased, thanks to Correa, on 72 minutes.

&quot;Of course I&#39;m not happy with the result but I&#39;m happy with a big part of the game,&quot; said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

&quot;A lot of times when good teams play each other, the games are kind of boring, but this game was the opposite. And that was due to the desire, the passion, the greed of my team.&quot;

Liverpool and Sevilla were joined on one point in Group E by Spartak Moscow and Maribor, who drew 1-1 in Slovenia.

Manchester City ran out the biggest winners of the night with a 4-0 rout of Feyenoord in Rotterdam courtesy of goals from Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and John Stones&#39; double.

City coach Pep Guardiola commented: &quot;We did not play back... We were aggressive... We had the legs to run on the side, especially on the right and created the chances. Enough to win the game comfortably.&quot;

Shakhtar Donetsk beat Napoli 2-1 to share the summit in Group F.

French champions Monaco were held 1-1 at competition newcomers RB Leipzig in Germany as Besiktas topped Group G with a 3-1 win at Porto. 
&nbsp;

Cristiano Ronaldo grabbed a brace on his return from suspension for Real Madrid, as Tottenham Hotspur ended their Wembley jinx and Liverpool were held on their Champions League comeback on Wednesday. Real have sorely missed their Portuguese superstar as he serves a five-match domestic ban for pushing a referee. But he wasted no time in making his towering presence felt against APOEL Nicosia, scoring after just 12 minutes from Gareth Bale's low cross, and then doubling his tally from the penalty spot before Sergio Ramos's overhead kick rounded off the cosy 3-0 win. Ronaldo has now struck 12 times in his last six Champions League games. "He is the best in the world. We know he will always score goals," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane. "With a bit more luck today he could have scored four. Cristiano has so many goals in him and we feel it." "Hopefully he stays in form. You can't question the levels he reaches every year," added Ramos. The titleholders top Group H with Tottenham, who ended their woeful Wembley run with an impressive Harry Kane-inspired 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund. Already scarred by damaging Wembley defeats in the Champions League and FA Cup semi-finals last term, Tottenham had lost to Chelsea and drawn with Burnley this season, sparking alarmist talk that they were jinxed at the hallowed north London venue. But, after losing eight of their previous 12 matches at Wembley, Kane's predatory finishing ensured Tottenham finally enjoyed a night to remember in their temporary lodgings. Son Heung-Min's first goal of the season put Tottenham ahead early on with Andriy Yarmolenko conjuring a sublime equaliser. Kane, who scored twice in Saturday's win at Everton, restored Tottenham's advantage before the interval and wrapped up the victory with his second goal after half-time. The only blemish for Spurs was a late sending off for a second bookable offence for Jan Vertonghen, who swung his forearm into Mario Gotze's face. "It was so important to win, we are so happy. We increased our level in the second half and were very clinical," Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino said. "It is more than three points. The team is more mature now. Harry Kane was fantastic." Costly Firmino miss At Anfield, Roberto Firmino's first-half penalty miss proved costly for Liverpool as Joaquin Correa scored a dramatic equaliser to grab Sevilla a 2-2 draw. Anfield was in jubilant mood as the English club welcomed back Champions League football after a two-year absence, but it took Sevilla just four minutes to dampen the enthusiasm. After Wissam Ben Yedder had given the Spanish side an early lead, goals from Firmino and Mohamed Salah put Liverpool ahead, only for Firmino to miss a penalty. On the hour, Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo was dismissed for throwing the ball away from Liverpool's Joe Gomez as he tried to take a throw-in, but his disappointment was eased, thanks to Correa, on 72 minutes. "Of course I'm not happy with the result but I'm happy with a big part of the game," said Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp. "A lot of times when good teams play each other, the games are kind of boring, but this game was the opposite. And that was due to the desire, the passion, the greed of my team." Liverpool and Sevilla were joined on one point in Group E by Spartak Moscow and Maribor, who drew 1-1 in Slovenia. Manchester City ran out the biggest winners of the night with a 4-0 rout of Feyenoord in Rotterdam courtesy of goals from Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus and John Stones' double. City coach Pep Guardiola commented: "We did not play back... We were aggressive... We had the legs to run on the side, especially on the right and created the chances. Enough to win the game comfortably." Shakhtar Donetsk beat Napoli 2-1 to share the summit in Group F. French champions Monaco were held 1-1 at competition newcomers RB Leipzig in Germany as Besiktas topped Group G with a 3-1 win at Porto.

Champions League: Ronaldo back in style for Real, Spurs end Wembley jinx

Lionel Messi netted twice in Barcelona&#39;s convincing 3-0 victory over Juventus that kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea also won big on Tuesday.

After a troubled summer, a home meeting with last season&#39;s runners-up may not have been what Barcelona wanted, but Messi was at his brilliant best to give the Catalans the three points.

New signing Ousmane Dembele was handed a first Barcelona start at the Camp Nou but it was Messi who got the opening goal on the stroke of half-time after a brilliant exchange of passes with Luis Suarez.

It was fine play from the Argentine that led to Ivan Rakitic doubling Barca&#39;s lead on 56 minutes and Messi saved the best for last with a sublime goal to complete the victory midway through the second half.

&quot;I have suffered many times playing against Messi and now I have the luck to have him on my side,&quot; said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde.

The result gave Barcelona revenge for their defeat to Juventus in last season&#39;s quarter-finals and leaves them on top of Group D alongside Sporting Lisbon, who won 3-2 away to Olympiakos in Greece.

Sporting, who had been three goals up at half-time, host Barcelona next.

While Barcelona adapt to life without Neymar, the Brazilian is enjoying life with PSG and scored the opener in their superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow.

Neymar silenced the Parkhead crowd in the 19th minute for his fifth goal in five appearances for PSG, and he then set up Kylian Mbappe to make it 2-0.

Edinson Cavani -- the third member of PSG&#39;s &#39;MCN&#39; front three -- won and converted a penalty to put the visitors out of sight before the interval.

A Mikael Lustig own goal on 83 minutes and another for Cavani put the seal on PSG&#39;s victory and left Celtic to contemplate their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe.

&quot;It was a great match and very important to win. It is always a pleasure to play alongside great players,&quot; Neymar told beIN Sports.

PSG&#39;s next opponents in Group B will be five-time European champions Bayern Munich, who began their campaign by brushing aside Anderlecht 3-0 at the Allianz Arena.

The game was conditioned by the early sending-off of Anderlecht&#39;s Sven Kums for giving away a penalty that Robert Lewandowski converted.

Alexandru Chipciu did hit the post for the 10 men when it was still 1-0 but Bayern added two more goals in the second half, with Joshua Kimmich setting up Thiago Alcantara to score before wrapping up the win himself.

Fellaini United&#39;s fixer 
Substitute Marouane Fellaini was an unlikely source of inspiration as Manchester United comfortably defeated Basel 3-0 in Group A on their return to the Champions League.

Fellaini came on for the injured Paul Pogba and gave United a 35th-minute lead at a drizzly Old Trafford. He later teed up Marcus Rashford for the hosts&#39; third goal after Romelu Lukaku had struck early in the second period.

It was United&#39;s first Champions League game since December 2015, with Jose Mourinho&#39;s side having engineered a return to the competition by winning the Europa League last season.

In the same group, CSKA Moscow came from behind to beat Portuguese champions Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon with Timur Zhamaletdinov getting their winner. CSKA entertain United later this month.

Mourinho&#39;s old club Chelsea were the biggest winners on the night, thrashing group stage newcomers Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in Group C.

A superb Pedro Rodriguez strike set Chelsea on their way before recent signing Davide Zappacosta&#39;s intended cross flew in to make it 2-0 before the interval.

Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored after the break and Michy Batshuayi added the fifth before forcing Maksim Medvedev into the own goal that completed the rout.

Chelsea next go to Atletico Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Roma on Tuesday.

Messi scored twice for Barcelona, Neymar scored the opener in PSG's superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow

Lionel Messi netted twice in Barcelona's convincing 3-0 victory over Juventus that kicked off their Champions League campaign in style, while Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United and Chelsea also won big on Tuesday. After a troubled summer, a home meeting with last season's runners-up may not have been what Barcelona wanted, but Messi was at his brilliant best to give the Catalans the three points. New signing Ousmane Dembele was handed a first Barcelona start at the Camp Nou but it was Messi who got the opening goal on the stroke of half-time after a brilliant exchange of passes with Luis Suarez. It was fine play from the Argentine that led to Ivan Rakitic doubling Barca's lead on 56 minutes and Messi saved the best for last with a sublime goal to complete the victory midway through the second half. "I have suffered many times playing against Messi and now I have the luck to have him on my side," said Barca coach Ernesto Valverde. The result gave Barcelona revenge for their defeat to Juventus in last season's quarter-finals and leaves them on top of Group D alongside Sporting Lisbon, who won 3-2 away to Olympiakos in Greece. Sporting, who had been three goals up at half-time, host Barcelona next. While Barcelona adapt to life without Neymar, the Brazilian is enjoying life with PSG and scored the opener in their superb 5-0 victory over Celtic in Glasgow. Neymar silenced the Parkhead crowd in the 19th minute for his fifth goal in five appearances for PSG, and he then set up Kylian Mbappe to make it 2-0. Edinson Cavani -- the third member of PSG's 'MCN' front three -- won and converted a penalty to put the visitors out of sight before the interval. A Mikael Lustig own goal on 83 minutes and another for Cavani put the seal on PSG's victory and left Celtic to contemplate their heaviest ever home defeat in Europe. "It was a great match and very important to win. It is always a pleasure to play alongside great players," Neymar told beIN Sports. PSG's next opponents in Group B will be five-time European champions Bayern Munich, who began their campaign by brushing aside Anderlecht 3-0 at the Allianz Arena. The game was conditioned by the early sending-off of Anderlecht's Sven Kums for giving away a penalty that Robert Lewandowski converted. Alexandru Chipciu did hit the post for the 10 men when it was still 1-0 but Bayern added two more goals in the second half, with Joshua Kimmich setting up Thiago Alcantara to score before wrapping up the win himself. Fellaini United's fixer Substitute Marouane Fellaini was an unlikely source of inspiration as Manchester United comfortably defeated Basel 3-0 in Group A on their return to the Champions League. Fellaini came on for the injured Paul Pogba and gave United a 35th-minute lead at a drizzly Old Trafford. He later teed up Marcus Rashford for the hosts' third goal after Romelu Lukaku had struck early in the second period. It was United's first Champions League game since December 2015, with Jose Mourinho's side having engineered a return to the competition by winning the Europa League last season. In the same group, CSKA Moscow came from behind to beat Portuguese champions Benfica 2-1 in Lisbon with Timur Zhamaletdinov getting their winner. CSKA entertain United later this month. Mourinho's old club Chelsea were the biggest winners on the night, thrashing group stage newcomers Qarabag 6-0 at Stamford Bridge in Group C. A superb Pedro Rodriguez strike set Chelsea on their way before recent signing Davide Zappacosta's intended cross flew in to make it 2-0 before the interval. Cesar Azpilicueta and Tiemoue Bakayoko scored after the break and Michy Batshuayi added the fifth before forcing Maksim Medvedev into the own goal that completed the rout. Chelsea next go to Atletico Madrid, who drew 0-0 at Roma on Tuesday.

Champions League: Barcelona beat Juventus; PSG, ManU & Chelsea win big

FIFA is struggling to implement reforms and change its operating culture because its leaders are more worried about their own political futures, a former top official said on Wednesday.

The global soccer body has been trying to overhaul its operations in the wake of the worst crisis in its history, sparked in 2015 by the indictment in the United States of several dozen soccer officials on corruption-related charges.

Miguel Maduro, a former head of FIFA&#39;s independent governance and review committee, also told a British parliamentary hearing that FIFA&#39;s leadership tried to persuade him not to block Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko from being re-elected to its top committee.

&quot;There is a culture in the institution ... that is extremely resistant to accountability, to independent scrutiny, to transparency, to the prevention of conflicts of interest,&quot; Maduro told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee.

He said FIFA president Gianni Infantino &quot;realised that if he wanted to survive politically, he had to choose to protect the independence of bodies, and therefore to keep us in place, or answer to his constituency.&quot;

Neither FIFA nor Infantino could immediately be reached for comment.

Maduro, a Portuguese lawyer, and politician was removed from his post in May, two months after ruling that Mutko could not stand for re-election for his place on the FIFA Council.

His responsibilities had included conducting eligibility checks on candidates for places on FIFA committees.

At the same time, FIFA also decided not to renew the mandates of Cornel Borbely and Hans-Joachim Eckert, the two heads of the independent ethics committee responsible for banning a number of soccer officials over the previous three years.

&quot;If they wanted in FIFA to really have independent scrutiny, they ought to have protected us,&quot; said Maduro. &quot;I think that ultimately, he (Infantino) chose to politically survive.&quot;

&quot;I was clearly told that declaring Mr. Mutko ineligible would probably cost the presidency because the World Cup would be a disaster and as a consequence, the presidency would be put under question,&quot; Maduro added.

Mutko was barred by the governance committee because his position in Russia contradicted its statutes concerning political neutrality.

Infantino was elected in February 2016 to rebuild FIFA after it became embroiled in the corruption scandal.

FIFA is struggling to implement reforms and change its operating culture because its leaders are more worried about their own political futures

FIFA is struggling to implement reforms and change its operating culture because its leaders are more worried about their own political futures, a former top official said on Wednesday. The global soccer body has been trying to overhaul its operations in the wake of the worst crisis in its history, sparked in 2015 by the indictment in the United States of several dozen soccer officials on corruption-related charges. Miguel Maduro, a former head of FIFA's independent governance and review committee, also told a British parliamentary hearing that FIFA's leadership tried to persuade him not to block Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vitaly Mutko from being re-elected to its top committee. "There is a culture in the institution ... that is extremely resistant to accountability, to independent scrutiny, to transparency, to the prevention of conflicts of interest," Maduro told the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee. He said FIFA president Gianni Infantino "realised that if he wanted to survive politically, he had to choose to protect the independence of bodies, and therefore to keep us in place, or answer to his constituency." Neither FIFA nor Infantino could immediately be reached for comment. Maduro, a Portuguese lawyer, and politician was removed from his post in May, two months after ruling that Mutko could not stand for re-election for his place on the FIFA Council. His responsibilities had included conducting eligibility checks on candidates for places on FIFA committees. At the same time, FIFA also decided not to renew the mandates of Cornel Borbely and Hans-Joachim Eckert, the two heads of the independent ethics committee responsible for banning a number of soccer officials over the previous three years. "If they wanted in FIFA to really have independent scrutiny, they ought to have protected us," said Maduro. "I think that ultimately, he (Infantino) chose to politically survive." "I was clearly told that declaring Mr. Mutko ineligible would probably cost the presidency because the World Cup would be a disaster and as a consequence, the presidency would be put under question," Maduro added. Mutko was barred by the governance committee because his position in Russia contradicted its statutes concerning political neutrality. Infantino was elected in February 2016 to rebuild FIFA after it became embroiled in the corruption scandal.

FIFA still resistant to change, says former official

Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish clubs, may soon be playing competitive La Liga games outside of Spain.&nbsp;

The move would be to help increase revenue.&nbsp;

The idea was revealed on Friday by Spanish President Javier Tebas.&nbsp;

AFP reported Tebas as suggesting the staging of La Liga games abroad from next season would help Spanish soccer compete for foreign revenue with its English and German rivals.

&quot;It would only be one or two games a season, like the NFL or NBA do,&quot; AFP quoted Tebas as saying.

&quot;If we want to compete with the Premier League or the Bundesliga we have to look for added value,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

AFP added Tebas as saying they would look &quot;deeply&quot; into the idea before taking it to the clubs.&nbsp;

And added him as saying, &quot;But it&#39;s not a bad idea.&quot;&nbsp;

The preferred destinations for the games played abroad would be China or the United States.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The move would be to help increase La Liga's revenue

Real Madrid, Barcelona, and other Spanish clubs, may soon be playing competitive La Liga games outside of Spain. The move would be to help increase revenue. The idea was revealed on Friday by Spanish President Javier Tebas. AFP reported Tebas as suggesting the staging of La Liga games abroad from next season would help Spanish soccer compete for foreign revenue with its English and German rivals. "It would only be one or two games a season, like the NFL or NBA do," AFP quoted Tebas as saying. "If we want to compete with the Premier League or the Bundesliga we have to look for added value," he added. AFP added Tebas as saying they would look "deeply" into the idea before taking it to the clubs. And added him as saying, "But it's not a bad idea." The preferred destinations for the games played abroad would be China or the United States.

Barca, Real may play competitive La Liga games abroad starting next season

Germany&nbsp;fired six past Norway while England fought back after an early scare to beat Slovakia in European&nbsp;World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;qualifying on Monday.

Timo Werner scored a double in&nbsp;Germany&#39;s 6-0 rout of the Norwegians in Stuttgart to leave Joachim Loew&#39;s&nbsp;world&nbsp;champions with a perfect eight out of eight record atop Group C.

But with second-placed Northern Ireland beating the Czech Republic 2-0 in Belfast&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;will have to wait until their next match, away to the Irish on October 5, to seal automatic qualification to Russia.

Werner, booed by his own fans in&nbsp;Germany&#39;s 2-1 win in Prague against the Czechs last Friday, came off to a standing ovation this time after netting in the 21st and 40th minutes.

After struggling to beat the Czechs, this was a far more polished performance, with Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil&#39;s 10th-minute opener sparking the rout.

Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler netted the second with Werner&#39;s brace putting them four goals up at the break.

Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka grabbed&nbsp;Germany&#39;s fifth with Werner&#39;s replacement, the 32-year-old veteran Mario Gomez, rounding off a productive night.

It was the perfect antidote after Friday&#39;s laboured trip to Prague marred by a group of 200 right-wing German fans chanting Nazi-era slogans.

&quot;That showed the beautiful side of football,&quot; said head coach Loew, who had said Friday&#39;s scenes in Prague &quot;shamed&nbsp;Germany&quot;, following Werner&#39;s ovation after his two goals.

&quot;It was a huge amount of fun to play here and we played our part in that with some great combinations and goals.&quot;

The Northern Irish guaranteed themselves at least a place in the play-offs thanks to Jonny Evans&#39; second international goal eight years after his first and his West Bromwich Albion teammate Chris Brunt&#39;s 41st minute freekick.

&quot;I thought I might have been offside,&quot; Evans admitted. &quot;I thought I&#39;d head it anyway and see what happens. I saw it go into the net and I don&#39;t remember much after that!&quot;

Manager Michael O&#39;Neill praised his men after yet another solid defensive display.

&quot;We&#39;re in a great position now. We&#39;re guaranteed second place and seven clean sheets out of eight is a phenomenal record.&quot;

At Wembley, England were stunned when Stanislav Lobotka gave Slovakia a third-minute lead after a costly error by Marcus Rashford.

But the 19-year-old atoned in style when setting up the equaliser for Eric Dier and then netting a sumptuous 20-yard winner in the second half.

Victory sent England five points clear of Slovakia in Group F -- Gareth Southgate&#39;s side need only two points from their last two games against Slovenia and Lithuania to seal qualification.

&quot;To come from behind against a side with very good footballers, particularly in midfield, we had to show character,&quot; said Southgate.

&quot;Marcus Rashford showed, like the rest of the team, great character. He made the mistake for their goal, but he kept persevering.&quot;

Scotland kept alive their hopes of a play-off place with a 2-0 home win over Malta, the goals coming from Christophe Berra and Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths.

Gordan Strachan&#39;s team are alive and kicking on the road to Russia in fourth place, on 14 points.

Elsewhere, Poland held on to the Group E summit, beating Kazakhstan 3-0, with Denmark going second on the strength of a 4-1 win in Armenia.

Germany?fired six past Norway while England fought back after an early scare to beat Slovakia in European?World?Cup?qualifying

Germany fired six past Norway while England fought back after an early scare to beat Slovakia in European World Cup qualifying on Monday. Timo Werner scored a double in Germany's 6-0 rout of the Norwegians in Stuttgart to leave Joachim Loew's world champions with a perfect eight out of eight record atop Group C. But with second-placed Northern Ireland beating the Czech Republic 2-0 in Belfast Germany will have to wait until their next match, away to the Irish on October 5, to seal automatic qualification to Russia. Werner, booed by his own fans in Germany's 2-1 win in Prague against the Czechs last Friday, came off to a standing ovation this time after netting in the 21st and 40th minutes. After struggling to beat the Czechs, this was a far more polished performance, with Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil's 10th-minute opener sparking the rout. Paris Saint-Germain star Julian Draxler netted the second with Werner's brace putting them four goals up at the break. Schalke midfielder Leon Goretzka grabbed Germany's fifth with Werner's replacement, the 32-year-old veteran Mario Gomez, rounding off a productive night. It was the perfect antidote after Friday's laboured trip to Prague marred by a group of 200 right-wing German fans chanting Nazi-era slogans. "That showed the beautiful side of football," said head coach Loew, who had said Friday's scenes in Prague "shamed Germany", following Werner's ovation after his two goals. "It was a huge amount of fun to play here and we played our part in that with some great combinations and goals." The Northern Irish guaranteed themselves at least a place in the play-offs thanks to Jonny Evans' second international goal eight years after his first and his West Bromwich Albion teammate Chris Brunt's 41st minute freekick. "I thought I might have been offside," Evans admitted. "I thought I'd head it anyway and see what happens. I saw it go into the net and I don't remember much after that!" Manager Michael O'Neill praised his men after yet another solid defensive display. "We're in a great position now. We're guaranteed second place and seven clean sheets out of eight is a phenomenal record." At Wembley, England were stunned when Stanislav Lobotka gave Slovakia a third-minute lead after a costly error by Marcus Rashford. But the 19-year-old atoned in style when setting up the equaliser for Eric Dier and then netting a sumptuous 20-yard winner in the second half. Victory sent England five points clear of Slovakia in Group F -- Gareth Southgate's side need only two points from their last two games against Slovenia and Lithuania to seal qualification. "To come from behind against a side with very good footballers, particularly in midfield, we had to show character," said Southgate. "Marcus Rashford showed, like the rest of the team, great character. He made the mistake for their goal, but he kept persevering." Scotland kept alive their hopes of a play-off place with a 2-0 home win over Malta, the goals coming from Christophe Berra and Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths. Gordan Strachan's team are alive and kicking on the road to Russia in fourth place, on 14 points. Elsewhere, Poland held on to the Group E summit, beating Kazakhstan 3-0, with Denmark going second on the strength of a 4-1 win in Armenia.

World Cup qualifiers: Germany rout Norway, England survive Slovakia scare

Brazil's soccer sensation Neymar moves into sprawling mansion near PSG training ground

PSG superstar Neymar's new 5-storey mansion near club ground

West Bromwich Albion has signed Scotland international Oliver Burke from Germany&#39;s RB Leipzig, the Premier League club said on Friday.

The 20-year-old winger joins Tony Pulis&#39;s squad on a five-year deal after featuring 25 times in the league last season for Leipzig, who finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.

Burke became the most expensive Scottish player in signing for the German side from Nottingham Forest for a reported 13 million pounds ($16.66 million) in August last year.

Local media said on Friday West Brom had shelled out around 15 million pounds to bring him back to England.

&quot;I feel like it is a time for me to move on and play more games,&quot; Burke said in a statement. &quot;I&#39;m here, I want to impress and I want my name to be first on the team sheet.&quot;

West Brom had shelled out around 15 million pounds to bring him back to England.

West Bromwich Albion has signed Scotland international Oliver Burke from Germany's RB Leipzig, the Premier League club said on Friday. The 20-year-old winger joins Tony Pulis's squad on a five-year deal after featuring 25 times in the league last season for Leipzig, who finished runners-up to Bayern Munich. Burke became the most expensive Scottish player in signing for the German side from Nottingham Forest for a reported 13 million pounds ($16.66 million) in August last year. Local media said on Friday West Brom had shelled out around 15 million pounds to bring him back to England. "I feel like it is a time for me to move on and play more games," Burke said in a statement. "I'm here, I want to impress and I want my name to be first on the team sheet."

West Brom signs Burke, now the most expensive Scottish player

&nbsp;Marcello&nbsp;Lippi&nbsp;will remain as China coach until at least the 2019 Asian Cup finals, the Chinese Football Association said on Thursday.

The Italian, who replaced Gao Hongbo last October, has kept China&#39;s slim hopes of qualifying for the next year&#39;s World Cup finals alive since taking over.

China take&nbsp;on Uzbekistan and Qatar in their final two qualifiers over the coming weeks, withLippi&#39;s team needing to win both and hope other results go their way to have any hope of progressing into the playoffs for a place in Russia.

&quot;We will strictly carry out our contract with&nbsp;Lippi, which expires after the 2019 Asian Cup,&quot; the CFA said in an article posted on their website on Thursday.

&quot;We won&#39;t interfere with his preparation and the line-up. In the meantime, we will support his group as always. We hope to support and trust each other.&quot;

By progressing to the final round of Asia&#39;s World Cup qualifiers, the Chinese have already secured their place at the quadrennial Asian Cup, which has been expanded to feature 24 teams for the first time in the United Arab Emirates in 2019.

China&#39;s best performance in the Asian Cup came on home soil in 2004, when they lost to Japan in the final. They reached the quarter-finals in the most recent edition, in Australia in 2015.

The team has shown some progress under&nbsp;Lippi, securing only their second win over South Korea in March, but their hopes of qualifying for a second World Cup finals were always remote after a poor start under Gao.

&quot;Since October 22 last year,&nbsp;Lippi&nbsp;and his coaching staff have helped China to get one win, two draws and one defeat in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup,&quot; said the CFA.

&quot;The team has changed a lot tactically and mentally. We hereby take this opportunity to thank them all.&quot;

"We will strictly carry out our contract with?Lippi, which expires after the 2019 Asian Cup," the CFA said in an article posted on their website on Thursday.

Marcello Lippi will remain as China coach until at least the 2019 Asian Cup finals, the Chinese Football Association said on Thursday. The Italian, who replaced Gao Hongbo last October, has kept China's slim hopes of qualifying for the next year's World Cup finals alive since taking over. China take on Uzbekistan and Qatar in their final two qualifiers over the coming weeks, withLippi's team needing to win both and hope other results go their way to have any hope of progressing into the playoffs for a place in Russia. "We will strictly carry out our contract with Lippi, which expires after the 2019 Asian Cup," the CFA said in an article posted on their website on Thursday. "We won't interfere with his preparation and the line-up. In the meantime, we will support his group as always. We hope to support and trust each other." By progressing to the final round of Asia's World Cup qualifiers, the Chinese have already secured their place at the quadrennial Asian Cup, which has been expanded to feature 24 teams for the first time in the United Arab Emirates in 2019. China's best performance in the Asian Cup came on home soil in 2004, when they lost to Japan in the final. They reached the quarter-finals in the most recent edition, in Australia in 2015. The team has shown some progress under Lippi, securing only their second win over South Korea in March, but their hopes of qualifying for a second World Cup finals were always remote after a poor start under Gao. "Since October 22 last year, Lippi and his coaching staff have helped China to get one win, two draws and one defeat in the qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup," said the CFA. "The team has changed a lot tactically and mentally. We hereby take this opportunity to thank them all."

Marcello Lippi to remain China's coach until 2019 Asian Cup Finals

Emre Can scored twice as Liverpool defeated Hoffenheim 4-2 in the second leg of Wednesday&#39;s play-off to complete a 6-3 aggregate victory and qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, a first-half brace from Germany international Emre Can either side of a Mohamed Salah goal put five-time European champions Liverpool 3-0 up at Anfield.

Mark Uth gave Hoffenheim a glimmer of hope but Roberto Firmino converted Liverpool&#39;s fourth just beyond the hour with Sandro Wagner&#39;s late header scant consolation for the visitors.

Leading 2-1 from the first leg, a first-half brace from Germany international Can either side of a Mohamed Salah goal put five-time European champions Liverpool 3-0 up at Anfield.

Emre Can scored twice as Liverpool defeated Hoffenheim 4-2 in the second leg of Wednesday's play-off to complete a 6-3 aggregate victory and qualify for the Champions League group stage. Leading 2-1 from the first leg, a first-half brace from Germany international Emre Can either side of a Mohamed Salah goal put five-time European champions Liverpool 3-0 up at Anfield. Mark Uth gave Hoffenheim a glimmer of hope but Roberto Firmino converted Liverpool's fourth just beyond the hour with Sandro Wagner's late header scant consolation for the visitors.

Football: Liverpool qualify for Champions League group stage

Makoto Hasebe has been recalled for Japan&#39;s crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Australia and Saudi Arabia after the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder was included in head coach Vahid Halilhodzic&#39;s squad on Thursday.

Having missed games against the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Iraq due to surgery on a knee injury, Japan&#39;s captain has made a full recovery to be selected in Halilhodzic&#39;s initial 27-man squad.

&quot;There are a number of players I am concerned about and I have done this because I don&#39;t want to take risks. I want to look first-hand at the players I have got and see what the possibilities are,&quot; Halilhodzic was reported as saying by Kyodo News.

The former Algeria coach has also recalled Getafe midfielder Gaku Shibasaki as well as striker Yoshinori Muto, while there are fitness concerns over Yuya Osako, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa.

Japan lead Group B of Asia&#39;s qualifying competition for the tournament in Russia next year by a solitary point and victory over Australia on Aug. 31 would secure a place in the World Cup finals for a sixth successive time.

However, with the Australians and Saudi Arabia only a point behind, Halilhodzic&#39;s side cannot afford to slip up or risk being forced to continue their qualification quest via a series of playoffs.

&quot;We started the final round of qualifiers on the wrong foot (with a 2-1 home defeat to UAE last September) but we are top of the group,&quot; Halilhodzic said.

&quot;I hear the recent criticism directed my way and it puts pressure on me but this is the kind of situation I like. The more I come under attack and the more criticism I face, the more determined I am to respond.&quot;

&nbsp;

Japan Squad

Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Metz, France), Masaaki Higashiguchi (Gamba Osaka), Kosuke Nakamura (Kashiwa Reysol).

Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan, Italy), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Maya Yoshida (Southampton, England), Hiroki Sakai (Marseille, France), Gotoku Sakai (Hamburg, Germany), Gen Shoji (Kashima Antlers), Naomichi Ueda (Kashima Antlers), Genta Miura (Gamba Osaka).

Midfielders: Makoto Hasebe (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Yojiro Takahagi (FC Tokyo), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Yuki Kobayashi (Heerenveen, Holland), Gaku Shibasaki (Getafe, Spain), Yosuke Ideguchi (Gamba Osaka).

Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City, England), Keisuke Honda (Pachuca, Mexico), Takashi Inui (Eibar, Spain), Yuya Osako (Cologne, Germany), Genki Haraguchi (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, Germany), Kenyu Sugimoto (Cerezo Osaka), Yuya Kubo (Gent, Belgium), Takuma Asano (Stuttgart, Germany).

Japan's captain has made a full recovery to be selected in Halilhodzic's initial 27-man squad.

Makoto Hasebe has been recalled for Japan's crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Australia and Saudi Arabia after the Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder was included in head coach Vahid Halilhodzic's squad on Thursday. Having missed games against the United Arab Emirates, Thailand and Iraq due to surgery on a knee injury, Japan's captain has made a full recovery to be selected in Halilhodzic's initial 27-man squad. "There are a number of players I am concerned about and I have done this because I don't want to take risks. I want to look first-hand at the players I have got and see what the possibilities are," Halilhodzic was reported as saying by Kyodo News. The former Algeria coach has also recalled Getafe midfielder Gaku Shibasaki as well as striker Yoshinori Muto, while there are fitness concerns over Yuya Osako, Keisuke Honda and Shinji Kagawa. Japan lead Group B of Asia's qualifying competition for the tournament in Russia next year by a solitary point and victory over Australia on Aug. 31 would secure a place in the World Cup finals for a sixth successive time. However, with the Australians and Saudi Arabia only a point behind, Halilhodzic's side cannot afford to slip up or risk being forced to continue their qualification quest via a series of playoffs. "We started the final round of qualifiers on the wrong foot (with a 2-1 home defeat to UAE last September) but we are top of the group," Halilhodzic said. "I hear the recent criticism directed my way and it puts pressure on me but this is the kind of situation I like. The more I come under attack and the more criticism I face, the more determined I am to respond." Japan Squad Goalkeepers: Eiji Kawashima (Metz, France), Masaaki Higashiguchi (Gamba Osaka), Kosuke Nakamura (Kashiwa Reysol). Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo (Inter Milan, Italy), Tomoaki Makino (Urawa Reds), Maya Yoshida (Southampton, England), Hiroki Sakai (Marseille, France), Gotoku Sakai (Hamburg, Germany), Gen Shoji (Kashima Antlers), Naomichi Ueda (Kashima Antlers), Genta Miura (Gamba Osaka). Midfielders: Makoto Hasebe (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Yojiro Takahagi (FC Tokyo), Shinji Kagawa (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Hotaru Yamaguchi (Cerezo Osaka), Yuki Kobayashi (Heerenveen, Holland), Gaku Shibasaki (Getafe, Spain), Yosuke Ideguchi (Gamba Osaka). Forwards: Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City, England), Keisuke Honda (Pachuca, Mexico), Takashi Inui (Eibar, Spain), Yuya Osako (Cologne, Germany), Genki Haraguchi (Hertha Berlin, Germany), Yoshinori Muto (Mainz, Germany), Kenyu Sugimoto (Cerezo Osaka), Yuya Kubo (Gent, Belgium), Takuma Asano (Stuttgart, Germany).

Japan World Cup qualifier: Makoto Hasebe recalled for matches against Australia, Saudi Arabia

West Ham United manager Slaven&nbsp;Bilic&nbsp;is keen to bring in one more player before the transfer window closes on Aug. 31 but admits he may have to rush through another deal if he loses someone from his tight squad.

West Ham have strengthened with five new players including striker Javier Hernandez, defender Pablo Zabaleta and winger Marko Arnautovic but there has been speculation Argentine Manuel Lanzini was being lined up by Liverpool.

&quot;We will see what happens in the last week of the transfer window, if somebody is going to leave or come in,&quot;&nbsp;Bilic&nbsp;told reporters ahead of Wednesday&#39;s League Cup match against Cheltenham Town.

&quot;I&#39;m happy with the squad now. I would like to have one more and after that, if somebody leaves we have to fill that gap because we don&#39;t have a big squad ... We are happy but if somebody leaves we have to be ready to act.&quot;

West Ham, who have lost their opening two league games of the new season, travel to Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes on Saturday.

"We will see what happens in the last week of the transfer window, if somebody is going to leave or come in," Bilic told reporters

West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic is keen to bring in one more player before the transfer window closes on Aug. 31 but admits he may have to rush through another deal if he loses someone from his tight squad. West Ham have strengthened with five new players including striker Javier Hernandez, defender Pablo Zabaleta and winger Marko Arnautovic but there has been speculation Argentine Manuel Lanzini was being lined up by Liverpool. "We will see what happens in the last week of the transfer window, if somebody is going to leave or come in," Bilic told reporters ahead of Wednesday's League Cup match against Cheltenham Town. "I'm happy with the squad now. I would like to have one more and after that, if somebody leaves we have to fill that gap because we don't have a big squad ... We are happy but if somebody leaves we have to be ready to act." West Ham, who have lost their opening two league games of the new season, travel to Newcastle United when Premier League action resumes on Saturday.

EPL transfer window: West Ham manager Bilic planning to bring new player

Paris Saint-Germain&#39;s future with&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;looks good said coach Unai Emery on Wednesday (August 23) after training in preparation for the latest La Ligue game against Saint-Etienne.

The Spanish coach praised <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-dazzles-on-home-debut-psg-thump-toulouse-6-2-19235">the newly-acquired Brazilian striker</a> performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances.

Asked about the Champions&#39; League group draw, Emery said the European championship is one of the main motivations for the club, and that the goal this year was to become one of the best teams in the world.

On the domestic championship, Saint-Etienne represents the first meaningful test for the team, Emery also said. St Etienne has a maximum nine points from three games, along with PSG and Monaco.

It has not all been plain sailing for&nbsp;Neymar&nbsp;since his move. It was reported on Tuesday that Barcelona is suing him for 8.5 million euros ($10.00 million) for breach of contract. The club says they want him to return the bonus he was paid when he signed a new five-year deal just nine months before joining PSG.

The Spanish coach praised the newly-acquired Brazilian striker performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances

Paris Saint-Germain's future with Neymar looks good said coach Unai Emery on Wednesday (August 23) after training in preparation for the latest La Ligue game against Saint-Etienne. The Spanish coach praised the newly-acquired Brazilian striker performances since his arrival. He has already scored three goals in his two league appearances. Asked about the Champions' League group draw, Emery said the European championship is one of the main motivations for the club, and that the goal this year was to become one of the best teams in the world. On the domestic championship, Saint-Etienne represents the first meaningful test for the team, Emery also said. St Etienne has a maximum nine points from three games, along with PSG and Monaco. It has not all been plain sailing for Neymar since his move. It was reported on Tuesday that Barcelona is suing him for 8.5 million euros ($10.00 million) for breach of contract. The club says they want him to return the bonus he was paid when he signed a new five-year deal just nine months before joining PSG.

PSG's future good with Neymar: Coach

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/five-match-ban-seems-exaggerated-and-ridiculous-cristiano-ronaldo-19093">Cristiano&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;will have to serve his five-match ban</a> for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid&#39;s appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials.

The Portuguese<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/real-madrid-to-appeal-ronaldo-card-zidane-18952"> forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea</a> after being sent off during Real&#39;s 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August&nbsp;13.

As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;with a $3,543.20&nbsp;fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card.

&quot;Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me,&quot; Ronaldo&nbsp;posted on Instagram.

The ban ruled&nbsp;Ronaldo&nbsp;out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid&#39;s first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches.

The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September&nbsp;20.

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension

Cristiano Ronaldo will have to serve his five-match ban for pushing a referee after the Spanish sports court (TAD) rejected Real Madrid's appeal against the length of the suspension, Spanish media reported on Tuesday citing court officials. The Portuguese forward shoved official Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea after being sent off during Real's 3-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on August 13. As a result, the Spanish Football Federation issued Ronaldo with a $3,543.20 fine and a four match suspension in addition to the automatic one game ban the player was due to serve for the red card. "Another incomprehensible decision. From injustice to injustice, they will never overthrow me," Ronaldo posted on Instagram. The ban ruled Ronaldo out of the Super Cup second leg and Madrid's first La Liga match of the season against Deportivo La Coruna on Sunday. Real won both matches. The striker will sit out league fixtures against Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad before making his comeback against Real Betis on September 20.

From injustice to injustice: Ronaldo blasts Spanish football federation over suspension

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club&#39;s Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015.

Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11.

Pochettino, though, said he was &quot;only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat&quot; in a game which Spurs dominated.

&quot;The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world.&quot;

Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season.

&quot;If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn&#39;t lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us,&quot; Pochettino said.

&quot;What is more important was the performance which I am happy with.&quot;

On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side.

&quot;Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way,&quot; Pochettino said.

 
&nbsp;

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino refused to blame the club's Wembley hoodoo for their 2-1 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Sunday. Spurs had hoped to mark a new era at their temporary home by turning it into the sort of fortress they had constructed at White Hart Lane, where they last lost a league game in May 2015. Instead they extended the poor form that always dogged them at the national stadium where they have won just two of their past 11 games, a record far inferior to Chelsea who have now won nine in 11. Pochettino, though, said he was "only disappointed and not frustrated or upset by the defeat" in a game which Spurs dominated. "The Wembley effect is not the reason we lost the game," he said. "It is not fair to blame a stadium that is one of the best places to play football in the world." Pochettino batted away suggestions that his players were affected by the size of the pitch, which is eight per cent bigger than their old home which is being replaced by a new, 61,000-seater stadium due to open for the 2018-2019 season. "If you love football you know that Wembley is not the problem. We didn't lose because of the pitch but because they were more clinical in front of goal than us," Pochettino said. "What is more important was the performance which I am happy with." On another day, Harry Kane would have buried any number of the chances he spurned on Sunday and Christian Eriksen also went close. But, for all their effort and possession, Spurs could not break down a battling Chelsea side. "Chelsea set out to contain us and I am happy to lose in that way," Pochettino said.

'Wembley effect not the reason we lost', says Spurs manager

Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday.

The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at the Parc des Princes as they recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal.

Neymar got the equaliser and the 222 million-euro ($261 million) man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, an Edinson Cavani penalty, Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa.

Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but they were ultimately blown away by the world&#39;s most expensive player.

&quot;I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,&quot; the 25-year-old said ominously after the game.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,&#39; the 25-year-old said after the game</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,' the 25-year-old said after the game" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

It was PSG&#39;s third win in as many league outings this season and they join reigning champions Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points to their name.

Saint-Etienne visit the French capital next Friday and will be dreading the prospect after this latest exhibition from PSG&#39;s new superstar.

Neymar had a part in all of his side&#39;s goals in last week&#39;s 3-0 win at Guingamp, scoring one in his first game in French football since his stunning world-record transfer, and he was again at the centre of everything here.

Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute but Neymar had already seen a shot strike the top of the bar before that.

The Brazilian then saw a header tipped onto the post by Alban Lafont before he equalised just after the half-hour, setting up Rabiot for a shot that was pushed out by the away goalkeeper before following in to convert the loose ball.

The same duo combined as PSG went in front, Rabiot playing a one-two with Neymar before beating Lafont with a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards.

&#39;Class&#39; 
The second half was quieter before coming to life after Verratti was harshly shown a second yellow for catching Christopher Jullien in the Toulouse area in the 69th minute.

Soon after, the referee gave a harsh decision the other way, awarding a penalty for a foul on Neymar when Toulouse striker Andy Delort appeared to play the ball.

Cavani scored from the spot, the goal his 11th in his last 11 Ligue 1 games, but Toulouse quickly pulled another one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner with 12 minutes left to make it 3-2.

Yet there was to be no grandstand finish from the visitors, as instead substitute Pastore -- the man who has lost his place to accommodate Neymar -- curled in a superb fourth.

Neymar&#39;s corner was headed in by Kurzawa. But Neymar had to have the last word and somehow engineered himself space in the area in stoppage time before finishing to make it 6-2 and bring the Parc des Princes crowd to its feet.

&quot;If I forget the fact I am the Toulouse coach, it is good for football to see that kind of class,&quot; said opposition boss Pascal Dupraz.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa suffered a second straight loss as Lille coach in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Caen, while Marseille were frustrated by Angers in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome.

Radamel Falcao struck his fifth goal in three games on Friday to give Monaco a 1-0 win at Metz, while Saint-Etienne beat newcomers Amiens 3-0 on Saturday. 
&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything

Neymar starred from beginning to end on his home debut for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring twice in a 6-2 thumping of Toulouse in Ligue 1 on Sunday. The Brazilian superstar had a hand in everything else his new side did at the Parc des Princes as they recovered from the shock of falling behind early on to a Max Gradel goal. Neymar got the equaliser and the 222 million-euro ($261 million) man later completed the rout in stunning style after further goals from Adrien Rabiot, an Edinson Cavani penalty, Javier Pastore and Layvin Kurzawa. Marco Verratti was sent off for PSG midway through the second half and Toulouse at one point came back to 3-2, but they were ultimately blown away by the world's most expensive player. "I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet," the 25-year-old said ominously after the game. I feel very happy and relaxed, I feel at home. I am adapting as quickly as possible. I am getting better physically and I can still improve yet,' the 25-year-old said after the game × It was PSG's third win in as many league outings this season and they join reigning champions Monaco and Saint-Etienne in having the maximum nine points to their name. Saint-Etienne visit the French capital next Friday and will be dreading the prospect after this latest exhibition from PSG's new superstar. Neymar had a part in all of his side's goals in last week's 3-0 win at Guingamp, scoring one in his first game in French football since his stunning world-record transfer, and he was again at the centre of everything here. Gradel, making his first appearance for Toulouse on loan from Bournemouth, volleyed the away side in front in the 18th minute but Neymar had already seen a shot strike the top of the bar before that. The Brazilian then saw a header tipped onto the post by Alban Lafont before he equalised just after the half-hour, setting up Rabiot for a shot that was pushed out by the away goalkeeper before following in to convert the loose ball. The same duo combined as PSG went in front, Rabiot playing a one-two with Neymar before beating Lafont with a low strike into the bottom corner from 25 yards. 'Class' The second half was quieter before coming to life after Verratti was harshly shown a second yellow for catching Christopher Jullien in the Toulouse area in the 69th minute. Soon after, the referee gave a harsh decision the other way, awarding a penalty for a foul on Neymar when Toulouse striker Andy Delort appeared to play the ball. Cavani scored from the spot, the goal his 11th in his last 11 Ligue 1 games, but Toulouse quickly pulled another one back when the giant Jullien headed in from a corner with 12 minutes left to make it 3-2. Yet there was to be no grandstand finish from the visitors, as instead substitute Pastore -- the man who has lost his place to accommodate Neymar -- curled in a superb fourth. Neymar's corner was headed in by Kurzawa. But Neymar had to have the last word and somehow engineered himself space in the area in stoppage time before finishing to make it 6-2 and bring the Parc des Princes crowd to its feet. "If I forget the fact I am the Toulouse coach, it is good for football to see that kind of class," said opposition boss Pascal Dupraz. Elsewhere on Sunday, Marcelo Bielsa suffered a second straight loss as Lille coach in a disappointing 2-0 home defeat against Caen, while Marseille were frustrated by Angers in a 1-1 draw at the Velodrome. Radamel Falcao struck his fifth goal in three games on Friday to give Monaco a 1-0 win at Metz, while Saint-Etienne beat newcomers Amiens 3-0 on Saturday.

Neymar dazzles on home debut, PSG thump Toulouse 6-2

Manchester United fans would be ill-advised to start dreaming about the Premier League title just yet but they will be heartened by another vintage performance in a 4-0 rout of Swansea on Saturday which showcased their attacking firepower.

Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man.

&quot;I think the team is confident and in both matches winning 1-0 at halftime, we didn&#39;t start the second half looking like we had to keep a clean sheet to win the match,&quot; he said.

&quot;We tried to control the game by keeping the ball and creating chances and we did that in both matches,&quot; he added.

&quot;The players that came on from the bench did well. Easy for me to make decisions, easy for me to make changes. The players make the manager look better and I thank their fantastic attitude because we know we have to have a squad to do something special this season.&quot;

Midfield anchorman Nemanja Matic bossed the centre of the pitch, allowing a rejuvenated Paul Pogba to venture forward and score his second goal in two games while striker Romelu Lukaku netted his third after selfless work throughout the match.

Henrik Mkhitaryan and substitute Anthony Martial, who again scored as a late substitute, also continued to thrive.

&quot;We are more confident (than last season),&quot; Pogba told Sky Sports.

&quot;We know each other more. We work for each other and I think that is easier for us. We want to carry on on this road.&quot;

Mkhitaryan spoke about United&#39;s passion and team spirit, factors which have been lacking for long spells since the departure of manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 when United won their 20th and last league title.

Cracks in last season&#39;s disappointing sixth-place finish were papered over by winning the League Cup and the Europa League, the latter allowing United to qualify for the Champions League group stage.

Mourinho signed Matic, Lukaku and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who is yet to make his Premier League debut as Phil Jones forced his way into the starting 11 with good pre-season form.

United now have the squad depth they have lacked in the past four years and although their credentials are yet to be tested against stronger rivals, former Wales striker John Hartson believes they will be a different prospect this season.

&quot;Clearly the opposition will get tougher for Manchester United,&quot; Hartson told the BBC.

&quot;But in terms of the first two games they&#39;ve been faultless. In that three or four minute spell where they took the game away from Swansea, they were devastating.&quot;

Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man

Manchester United fans would be ill-advised to start dreaming about the Premier League title just yet but they will be heartened by another vintage performance in a 4-0 rout of Swansea on Saturday which showcased their attacking firepower. Following the opening day mauling of West Ham by the same score, United manager Jose Mourinho was a happy man. "I think the team is confident and in both matches winning 1-0 at halftime, we didn't start the second half looking like we had to keep a clean sheet to win the match," he said. "We tried to control the game by keeping the ball and creating chances and we did that in both matches," he added. "The players that came on from the bench did well. Easy for me to make decisions, easy for me to make changes. The players make the manager look better and I thank their fantastic attitude because we know we have to have a squad to do something special this season." Midfield anchorman Nemanja Matic bossed the centre of the pitch, allowing a rejuvenated Paul Pogba to venture forward and score his second goal in two games while striker Romelu Lukaku netted his third after selfless work throughout the match. Henrik Mkhitaryan and substitute Anthony Martial, who again scored as a late substitute, also continued to thrive. "We are more confident (than last season)," Pogba told Sky Sports. "We know each other more. We work for each other and I think that is easier for us. We want to carry on on this road." Mkhitaryan spoke about United's passion and team spirit, factors which have been lacking for long spells since the departure of manager Alex Ferguson in 2013 when United won their 20th and last league title. Cracks in last season's disappointing sixth-place finish were papered over by winning the League Cup and the Europa League, the latter allowing United to qualify for the Champions League group stage. Mourinho signed Matic, Lukaku and Sweden defender Victor Lindelof, who is yet to make his Premier League debut as Phil Jones forced his way into the starting 11 with good pre-season form. United now have the squad depth they have lacked in the past four years and although their credentials are yet to be tested against stronger rivals, former Wales striker John Hartson believes they will be a different prospect this season. "Clearly the opposition will get tougher for Manchester United," Hartson told the BBC. "But in terms of the first two games they've been faultless. In that three or four minute spell where they took the game away from Swansea, they were devastating."

Premier League: Manchester United crushes Swansea 4-0

Lazio won the Italian Supercup for the fourth time after a stoppage-time goal by substitute Alessandro Murgia gave them a 3-2 victory over last season&#39;s domestic double winners Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner.

Lazio dominated the opening hour as striker Ciro Immobile fired them ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty after he was brought down by Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and then headed a delightful Marco Parolo cross into the far corner in the 54th.

Looking out for the count, Juventus staged a late comeback as Argentina forward Paulo Dybala put them on level terms with goals in the 85th and 90th minutes.

Dybala curled in a superb free kick from 25 metres and then converted a penalty, throwing vociferous Juventus fans into raptures as both lots of supporters created a cracking atmosphere on the terraces.

But the Bianconi&#39;s celebrations were short-lived as Murgia swept in a low cross from the left at the death, delighting the Lazio contingent as he settled a rip-roaring curtain raiser to the Italian season.

Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner

Lazio won the Italian Supercup for the fourth time after a stoppage-time goal by substitute Alessandro Murgia gave them a 3-2 victory over last season's domestic double winners Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday. Juve, who beat Lazio 2-0 in the Italian Cup final at the same venue in May after they had also won the league title, came back from a two-goal deficit in a frantic five-minute spell before Murgia netted the winner. Lazio dominated the opening hour as striker Ciro Immobile fired them ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty after he was brought down by Juventus keeper Gianluigi Buffon and then headed a delightful Marco Parolo cross into the far corner in the 54th. Looking out for the count, Juventus staged a late comeback as Argentina forward Paulo Dybala put them on level terms with goals in the 85th and 90th minutes. Dybala curled in a superb free kick from 25 metres and then converted a penalty, throwing vociferous Juventus fans into raptures as both lots of supporters created a cracking atmosphere on the terraces. But the Bianconi's celebrations were short-lived as Murgia swept in a low cross from the left at the death, delighting the Lazio contingent as he settled a rip-roaring curtain raiser to the Italian season.

Italian Super Cup: Lazio beat Juventus in dramatic final

Real Madrid will appeal Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s second yellow card for diving in the Spanish Super Cup first leg at Barcelona, coach Zinedine Zidane said after the Portuguese showed the best and worst side of his game in Real&#39;s 3-1 win.

Ronaldo spent 24 minutes on the pitch after not starting the game at the Nou Camp but still had the biggest impact.

The 32-year-old, who was given a hostile reception by Barca fans as he warmed up before replacing Karim Benzema, hit back moments after Lionel Messi&#39;s equaliser with a brilliant strike into the top corner to put Real 2-1 up in the 80th minute.

The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked.

Two minutes later he was sent off for trying to win a penalty in a challenge from Samuel Umtiti, angrily pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before leaving the pitch.

&quot;We played a great game but I am annoyed by Cristiano&#39;s sending off,&quot; Zidane told a news conference.

&quot;Perhaps it wasn&#39;t a penalty but the red card is a little harsh. We can&#39;t change it, but we&#39;ll try and make sure he plays on Wednesday.&quot;

Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also leapt to Ronaldo&#39;s defence.

&quot;I think he was caught off balance and he didn&#39;t dive,&quot; said the defender. &quot;We should try and appeal it. It should be analysed a little more.&quot;

Marco Asensio scored Real&#39;s third with a stunning long range goal in the 90th minute, giving Madrid a healthy advantage as they seek to win a fourth trophy in four months and earn their first Super Cup since 2012.

&quot;We fought with 10 players, we believed until the end but it&#39;s only one game, we have the second leg up next,&quot; added Zidane.

Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said his side had not deserved to lose 3-1.

&quot;I don&#39;t have the sensation we were as far away from them as the scoreline suggests,&quot; he said. &quot;They scored three times, but we played well and had our chances.

&quot;They caught us on the counter-attack when it was 1-1 and scored a great goal, and then another one. But it&#39;s not just about getting into the danger zone, it&#39;s about putting your chances away.&quot;

The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked

Real Madrid will appeal Cristiano Ronaldo's second yellow card for diving in the Spanish Super Cup first leg at Barcelona, coach Zinedine Zidane said after the Portuguese showed the best and worst side of his game in Real's 3-1 win. Ronaldo spent 24 minutes on the pitch after not starting the game at the Nou Camp but still had the biggest impact. The 32-year-old, who was given a hostile reception by Barca fans as he warmed up before replacing Karim Benzema, hit back moments after Lionel Messi's equaliser with a brilliant strike into the top corner to put Real 2-1 up in the 80th minute. The Portuguese threw off his shirt after scoring and provocatively held it up to the crowd and was booked. Two minutes later he was sent off for trying to win a penalty in a challenge from Samuel Umtiti, angrily pushing referee Ricardo De Burgos Bengoetxea before leaving the pitch. "We played a great game but I am annoyed by Cristiano's sending off," Zidane told a news conference. "Perhaps it wasn't a penalty but the red card is a little harsh. We can't change it, but we'll try and make sure he plays on Wednesday." Madrid captain Sergio Ramos also leapt to Ronaldo's defence. "I think he was caught off balance and he didn't dive," said the defender. "We should try and appeal it. It should be analysed a little more." Marco Asensio scored Real's third with a stunning long range goal in the 90th minute, giving Madrid a healthy advantage as they seek to win a fourth trophy in four months and earn their first Super Cup since 2012. "We fought with 10 players, we believed until the end but it's only one game, we have the second leg up next," added Zidane. Barca coach Ernesto Valverde said his side had not deserved to lose 3-1. "I don't have the sensation we were as far away from them as the scoreline suggests," he said. "They scored three times, but we played well and had our chances. "They caught us on the counter-attack when it was 1-1 and scored a great goal, and then another one. But it's not just about getting into the danger zone, it's about putting your chances away."

Real Madrid to appeal Ronaldo card: Zidane

Cristiano Ronaldo was hit with a five-match ban by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday for pushing the referee after being sent-off in Real Madrid&#39;s 3-1 Spanish Super Cup, first-leg win over Barcelona.

The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea.

Ronaldo was also fined 3,805 euros ($4,500) and has 10 days to appeal the ban.

Should any appeal fail, Ronaldo will miss Wednesday&#39;s Super Cup, second leg and Madrid&#39;s first four La Liga games of the season against Deportivo la Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad.

Madrid had already signalled their intent to appeal Ronaldo&#39;s second yellow card shown for diving eight minutes from time when he went down inside the area under pressure from Samuel Umtiti.

&quot;Ronaldo&#39;s sending-off annoys me because even if it is not a penalty, the card is harsh,&quot; said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after the game.

&quot;We will see if we can do something so that he is available on Wednesday.&quot;

Ronaldo was only on the field for 24 minutes as he was introduced as a second-half substitute and fired into the top corner 10 minutes from time to give Madrid a 2-1 lead.

He received his first yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration before being shown the 10th red card of his career two minutes later.

&quot;Once shown the red card, said player (Ronaldo) pushed me lightly as a sign of his disapproval,&quot; de Burgos Bengoetxea wrote in his referee&#39;s report.

According to the RFEF&#39;s rules, such offences are met with a suspension of anything between four and 12 games, but previous cases also resulted in four-game bans.

The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea

Cristiano Ronaldo was hit with a five-match ban by the Spanish football federation (RFEF) on Monday for pushing the referee after being sent-off in Real Madrid's 3-1 Spanish Super Cup, first-leg win over Barcelona. The World Player of the Year received an automatic one-match ban for his dismissal on Sunday and an extra four games for his reaction towards referee Ricardo de Burgos Bengoetxea. Ronaldo was also fined 3,805 euros ($4,500) and has 10 days to appeal the ban. Should any appeal fail, Ronaldo will miss Wednesday's Super Cup, second leg and Madrid's first four La Liga games of the season against Deportivo la Coruna, Valencia, Levante and Real Sociedad. Madrid had already signalled their intent to appeal Ronaldo's second yellow card shown for diving eight minutes from time when he went down inside the area under pressure from Samuel Umtiti. "Ronaldo's sending-off annoys me because even if it is not a penalty, the card is harsh," said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane after the game. "We will see if we can do something so that he is available on Wednesday." Ronaldo was only on the field for 24 minutes as he was introduced as a second-half substitute and fired into the top corner 10 minutes from time to give Madrid a 2-1 lead. He received his first yellow card for removing his shirt in celebration before being shown the 10th red card of his career two minutes later. "Once shown the red card, said player (Ronaldo) pushed me lightly as a sign of his disapproval," de Burgos Bengoetxea wrote in his referee's report. According to the RFEF's rules, such offences are met with a suspension of anything between four and 12 games, but previous cases also resulted in four-game bans.

Ronaldo handed five-match ban for push on referee

Neymar wasted no time in making an impact on the field for Paris Saint-Germain, scoring on his debut in a 3-0 win at Guingamp on Sunday.

Football: Super Neymar scores on debut for PSG

Chelsea had two players sent off and lost to Burnley 3-2 in the first match of its English Premier League title defence on Saturday

EPL: Rooney scores first goal for Everton

The US Treasury on Wednesday accused Rafael Marquez, captain of Mexico&#39;s national football team and a former FC Barcelona player, of being a &quot;front person&quot; for a major drug trafficking organization.

Marquez was one of 22 people and 43 entities the US Treasury placed on a sanctions list in relation to a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking cartel controlled by one Raul Flores Hernandez.

The Treasury said Marquez has a &quot;longstanding relationship&quot; with Flores, has acted as a &quot;front person&quot; for him and held assets on his drug cartel&#39;s behalf.

Also on the list of those in one of the largest single US actions against a Mexican cartel under Washington&#39;s &quot;Kingpin Act&quot; were Flores and members of his family, and Latin Grammy-nominated singer Julion Alvarez.

&quot;Raul Flores Hernandez has operated for decades because of his longstanding relationships with other drug cartels and his use of financial front persons to mask his investments of illegal drug proceeds,&quot; said John Smith, head of the Treasury&#39;s Office of Foreign Assets Control which implements sanctions.

The sanctions freeze any assets, such as bank accounts and property, that a blacklisted person holds in a US jurisdiction, and bans any US individuals or companies from doing business with them.

Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups.

He was a young star for the Atlas club before moving to Monaco in 1999.&nbsp;

Four years later he signed with FC Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican player to win a Champions League final with the team&#39;s victory over Arsenal in 2006. The defender spent another four injury-marred years with the team before being released in 2010.

After that, he spent two years with the Red Bulls of US Major League Soccer, and then joined Mexico&#39;s Club Leon, and most recently played for Atlas again.

Still potent despite injuries, he scored the winning goal at the 89th minute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory over the United States last November.

Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups

The US Treasury on Wednesday accused Rafael Marquez, captain of Mexico's national football team and a former FC Barcelona player, of being a "front person" for a major drug trafficking organization. Marquez was one of 22 people and 43 entities the US Treasury placed on a sanctions list in relation to a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking cartel controlled by one Raul Flores Hernandez. The Treasury said Marquez has a "longstanding relationship" with Flores, has acted as a "front person" for him and held assets on his drug cartel's behalf. Also on the list of those in one of the largest single US actions against a Mexican cartel under Washington's "Kingpin Act" were Flores and members of his family, and Latin Grammy-nominated singer Julion Alvarez. "Raul Flores Hernandez has operated for decades because of his longstanding relationships with other drug cartels and his use of financial front persons to mask his investments of illegal drug proceeds," said John Smith, head of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control which implements sanctions. The sanctions freeze any assets, such as bank accounts and property, that a blacklisted person holds in a US jurisdiction, and bans any US individuals or companies from doing business with them. Known popularly as Rafa, the 38-year-old Marquez made his debut for the national team in February 1997 and has captained his country in the last four World Cups. He was a young star for the Atlas club before moving to Monaco in 1999. Four years later he signed with FC Barcelona, becoming the first Mexican player to win a Champions League final with the team's victory over Arsenal in 2006. The defender spent another four injury-marred years with the team before being released in 2010. After that, he spent two years with the Red Bulls of US Major League Soccer, and then joined Mexico's Club Leon, and most recently played for Atlas again. Still potent despite injuries, he scored the winning goal at the 89th minute in a 2-1 World Cup qualifier victory over the United States last November.

US sanctions Mexico football captain Rafael Marquez for alleged drug cartel ties

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message in the direction of UEFA Super Cup opponents Real Madrid by declaring his readiness to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford.

Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Monday, Mourinho said he would wait to see what Bale&#39;s role in Tuesday&#39;s match was before deciding whether the Welshman was worth pursuing.

&quot;If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won&#39;t even think about it,&quot; said Mourinho of the 28-year-old.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="row">
<div class="article-blockquote">
<div class="col-sm-10 col-sm-offset-1 blockquote-content quoteshare">
<blockquote>
<h5>If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won&#39;t even think about it,&#39; Mourinho said of the 28-year-old</h5>
</blockquote>
</div>

<div class="col-sm-1 blockquote-content">
<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it,' Mourinho said of the 28-year-old" target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqquoteclosemark">&times;</a></div>
</div>
</div>

&quot;If he is not in the club&#39;s plans and it is true that a player like Bale is at the departure gate, I will try to be there waiting for him at the other side.

&quot;But if he plays tomorrow it is the clearest signal that he is staying there.&quot;

Bale moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record fee of 100.8 million euros.

However, injuries restricted his involvement during last season&#39;s run-in and he was only a substitute in Real&#39;s 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff.

He has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu with Real among the clubs fighting for the signature of Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe.

The French teenager has been linked with a 180 million-euro ($212 million, &pound;163 million) transfer although Manchester City are also keen and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to want him to play alongside their world record recruit Neymar.

United have already splashed out close to &pound;150 million in this transfer window on three players -- Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku.

Matic is the most recent arrival and Mourinho admitted he is unlikely to have more than a limited role in Tuesday&#39;s game at the Philip II Arena, which pitches last season&#39;s Europa League winners United against the reigning European champions.

Mourinho also confirmed that, while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are on the sidelines, Tim Fosu-Mensah did not travel to the Balkans with the squad because he is set to seal a loan move away from the club.

Eric Bailly is still suspended in Europe following his red card in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo in May and fellow defender Phil Jones is banned too.

His suspension is the result of a run-in with an anti-doping official after United&#39;s Europa League final win over Ajax in Stockholm at the end of last season.

&quot;I was expecting that the appeal would be negative,&quot; said Mourinho, who is preparing to come up against the club he coached for three years before leaving in 2013.

&quot;The only thing I hope is that tomorrow, the team that wins, if some team wants to celebrate, a player wants to get his medal, enjoy with his teammates, I just expect that the doping committee sends somebody with him and doesn&#39;t close him in a room and forbid the guy to enjoy a special moment.&quot;

Jones was given a two-game suspension for insulting an official and was fined 5,000 euros after staying on the pitch to celebrate his team&#39;s win rather than going straight to a doping control.&nbsp;

Mourinho's Manchester United will play Real Madrid -- Bale's team -- in the Eufa Super Cup final early Wednesday morning

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has sent a message in the direction of UEFA Super Cup opponents Real Madrid by declaring his readiness to bring Gareth Bale to Old Trafford. Speaking to reporters in the Macedonian capital of Skopje on Monday, Mourinho said he would wait to see what Bale's role in Tuesday's match was before deciding whether the Welshman was worth pursuing. "If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it," said Mourinho of the 28-year-old. If he plays tomorrow it is because he is in the plans of the coach and the club, and it is in his own plans and ambitions to stay there. Then I won't even think about it,' Mourinho said of the 28-year-old × "If he is not in the club's plans and it is true that a player like Bale is at the departure gate, I will try to be there waiting for him at the other side. "But if he plays tomorrow it is the clearest signal that he is staying there." Bale moved to the Spanish capital from Tottenham Hotspur in 2013 for a then world record fee of 100.8 million euros. However, injuries restricted his involvement during last season's run-in and he was only a substitute in Real's 4-1 Champions League final win over Juventus in Cardiff. He has been linked with a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu with Real among the clubs fighting for the signature of Monaco forward Kylian Mbappe. The French teenager has been linked with a 180 million-euro ($212 million, £163 million) transfer although Manchester City are also keen and Paris Saint-Germain are believed to want him to play alongside their world record recruit Neymar. United have already splashed out close to £150 million in this transfer window on three players -- Swedish defender Victor Lindelof from Benfica, Serbian midfielder Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and Everton striker Romelu Lukaku. Matic is the most recent arrival and Mourinho admitted he is unlikely to have more than a limited role in Tuesday's game at the Philip II Arena, which pitches last season's Europa League winners United against the reigning European champions. Mourinho also confirmed that, while Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw and Ashley Young are on the sidelines, Tim Fosu-Mensah did not travel to the Balkans with the squad because he is set to seal a loan move away from the club. Eric Bailly is still suspended in Europe following his red card in the Europa League semi-final against Celta Vigo in May and fellow defender Phil Jones is banned too. His suspension is the result of a run-in with an anti-doping official after United's Europa League final win over Ajax in Stockholm at the end of last season. "I was expecting that the appeal would be negative," said Mourinho, who is preparing to come up against the club he coached for three years before leaving in 2013. "The only thing I hope is that tomorrow, the team that wins, if some team wants to celebrate, a player wants to get his medal, enjoy with his teammates, I just expect that the doping committee sends somebody with him and doesn't close him in a room and forbid the guy to enjoy a special moment." Jones was given a two-game suspension for insulting an official and was fined 5,000 euros after staying on the pitch to celebrate his team's win rather than going straight to a doping control.

Mourinho ready to make move for Bale

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the Catalan giants on Monday in the wake of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572" target="_blank">Neymar&#39;s world record 222 million euro ($264 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain</a>.

Bartomeu and his board are under pressure to wisely reinvest the huge sum, which more than doubled the previous record for a transfer fee, before the transfer window closes on August 31.

&quot;No player is above Barca,&quot; Bartomeu told the world congress of Barca supporters groups.

&quot;You know that Neymar formed part of the success of our club, but Neymar is now history. He wanted to go. It was his decision although we did everything in our hands for him to stay.&quot;

Barca were powerless to stop Neymar leaving after PSG met the buyout clause in the Brazilian&#39;s contract, which he had signed just last year.

However, Bartomeu defended himself from criticism that the club should have insisted on inserting a much higher buyout clause in that deal to fend off PSG&#39;s millions.

Neymar&#39;s clause rose from 200 to 222 million from July 1 and would have jumped to 250 million had he entered the third year of the five-year deal.

&quot;We foresaw that he could leave in the future, that is why we raised his buyout clause in the new contact,&quot; added Bartomeu.

&quot;Receiving this money allows us to face the future with guarantees to strengthen the team.

&quot;When the doubts over his future began we were calm because his decision would be a good one

&quot;If he stayed we would maintain a great player and if he went, obviously paying his clause, we had the guarantee of being able to bring new players.&quot;

Barca have been linked with a series of potential replacements for Neymar with Liverpool&#39;s Philippe Coutinho heading their wish list.

Yet, Bartomeu promised to be act with &quot;prudence&quot; despite having to deal in a transfer market characterised by hyperinflation due to booming television rights deals.

&quot;The 222 million euros that we received for Neymar Jr will be administered with prudence, rigour and serenity,&quot; he said.

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the club

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu insisted no player is bigger than the Catalan giants on Monday in the wake of Neymar's world record 222 million euro ($264 million) move to Paris Saint-Germain. Bartomeu and his board are under pressure to wisely reinvest the huge sum, which more than doubled the previous record for a transfer fee, before the transfer window closes on August 31. "No player is above Barca," Bartomeu told the world congress of Barca supporters groups. "You know that Neymar formed part of the success of our club, but Neymar is now history. He wanted to go. It was his decision although we did everything in our hands for him to stay." Barca were powerless to stop Neymar leaving after PSG met the buyout clause in the Brazilian's contract, which he had signed just last year. However, Bartomeu defended himself from criticism that the club should have insisted on inserting a much higher buyout clause in that deal to fend off PSG's millions. Neymar's clause rose from 200 to 222 million from July 1 and would have jumped to 250 million had he entered the third year of the five-year deal. "We foresaw that he could leave in the future, that is why we raised his buyout clause in the new contact," added Bartomeu. "Receiving this money allows us to face the future with guarantees to strengthen the team. "When the doubts over his future began we were calm because his decision would be a good one "If he stayed we would maintain a great player and if he went, obviously paying his clause, we had the guarantee of being able to bring new players." Barca have been linked with a series of potential replacements for Neymar with Liverpool's Philippe Coutinho heading their wish list. Yet, Bartomeu promised to be act with "prudence" despite having to deal in a transfer market characterised by hyperinflation due to booming television rights deals. "The 222 million euros that we received for Neymar Jr will be administered with prudence, rigour and serenity," he said.

'Neymar not bigger than Barca'

Brazilian soccer star Neymar who completed a world record &nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572">222 million euros ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona to PSG</a> appeared in his first press conference in Paris and declared the move was &quot;one of the most difficult decisions&quot; of his life.

The former Barcelona striker said, &quot;I thank all my teammates at Barca for their friendship. I was very happy there for four years but I felt it was time to move on.&quot;

&quot;It was a tense time, thinking about what I should do in my life. I have left behind a lot of friends, but things go very fast in football,&quot; he said.

&quot;In Barcelona, I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy,&quot; the 25-year-old Brazil superstar admitted at PSG&#39;s Parc des Princes press conference.

Neymar&#39;s move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG, but he said he&nbsp;followed his heart while making the decision to play for PSG.

&quot;I have never been motivated by money. I always follow my heart. I regret that people think that and I thank PSG for believing in my potential,&quot; he said.

PSG are set to host newly promoted <a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/neymar-pledges-trophy-haul-after-psg-transfer-18573">Amiens at the Parc des Princes on the opening day </a>of the new Ligue 1 season, and Neymar declared he was ready to take up the challenge on Day-1 of the season.

&quot;I always want to play, so I am ready to do so tomorrow. I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I&#39;ve seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play.&quot;

When asked about supporters feelings who felt the Brazilian &quot;betrayed&quot; them, Neymar said: &quot;At no point did I lack respect to the supporters or the club.&quot;

PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi who accompanied Neymar at the press conference&nbsp;said the world record transfer fee of $264million will more than double within two years.

&quot;There are not two Neymars in the world. I would love for us to meet in two years and see what his value will be compared to today. At least the double.&quot;

Neymar's move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG

Brazilian soccer star Neymar who completed a world record 222 million euros ($264 million) transfer from Barcelona to PSG appeared in his first press conference in Paris and declared the move was "one of the most difficult decisions" of his life. The former Barcelona striker said, "I thank all my teammates at Barca for their friendship. I was very happy there for four years but I felt it was time to move on." "It was a tense time, thinking about what I should do in my life. I have left behind a lot of friends, but things go very fast in football," he said. "In Barcelona, I had adapted well to the city and the team. I had friends there and it has not been easy," the 25-year-old Brazil superstar admitted at PSG's Parc des Princes press conference. Neymar's move would mean he would earn nearly 30 million euros net per year at PSG, but he said he followed his heart while making the decision to play for PSG. "I have never been motivated by money. I always follow my heart. I regret that people think that and I thank PSG for believing in my potential," he said. PSG are set to host newly promoted Amiens at the Parc des Princes on the opening day of the new Ligue 1 season, and Neymar declared he was ready to take up the challenge on Day-1 of the season. "I always want to play, so I am ready to do so tomorrow. I have trained in pre-season. I stopped for two days, but I am ready, I've seen the pitch and I want to put the PSG shirt on and play." When asked about supporters feelings who felt the Brazilian "betrayed" them, Neymar said: "At no point did I lack respect to the supporters or the club." PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi who accompanied Neymar at the press conference said the world record transfer fee of $264million will more than double within two years. "There are not two Neymars in the world. I would love for us to meet in two years and see what his value will be compared to today. At least the double."

I have never been motivated by money, always follow my heart: Neymar

With the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/football/football-neymar-signs-record-breaking-264-million-deal-with-psg-18572" target="_blank"> transfer of football phenomenon Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain</a>, Qatar is hitting back at its Gulf rivals with a high-profile soft power play.

Paris Saint-Germain -- owned by sanctions-hit Qatar -- have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record.

&quot;The announcement of Neymar&#39;s transfer to PSG was piloted among the high ranks in Qatar as a sort of communications strategy that would overshadow the debate around all other considerations, namely terrorism,&quot; said Mathieu Guidere, an expert in the geopolitics of the Arab world.

&quot;For days now, nobody has mentioned the negative -- it&#39;s all about the Neymar transfer.&quot;&nbsp;

The transfer comes as Qatar faces its worst political crisis in decades, with Saudi Arabia leading a four-state bloc that suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups and Saudi Arabia&#39;s regional rival Iran.&nbsp;

Qatar has denied the allegations, arguing that the sanctions aim to bring the gas-rich emirate to its knees.

&#39;International soft power&#39;

On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain pulled their ambassadors from Qatar, ordered all Qataris to return home and banned Qatar from using their ports or airspace.

The Saudi-led bloc later publicly released a 13-point list of demands as a condition for the end of the sanctions.

The list includes the closure of Qatari broadcast giant Al-Jazeera, which the bloc accuses of hate speech and encouraging extremism over its airing of the tapes of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in a US operation in 2011.

Qatar, the world&#39;s largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has risen as a key broker over the past two decades in the multiple conflicts and clashes of the Arab world.

The tiny emirate has also leveraged power through massive investments in real estate abroad, including hotels, as well as in aviation, media and professional sports.

In his first and only speech since the start of the crisis, Qatar&#39;s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, openly said he would be turning to &quot;sources of soft power at the international level&quot;.

With the Neymar transfer, Doha may be looking to cash in its cache of soft power.

&quot;This is a soft power stunt. Qatar needs to demonstrate to the world... that, despite all the allegations, Qatar is the most resilient country in the Middle East by far,&quot; said Andreas Krieg, a political risk analyst at King&#39;s College London.

&quot;Having the best player in the world shows the rest of the world that if Qatar is determined, they still have the largest assets to draw from and if needed they will use the money that they have to further their agenda,&quot; Krieg told AFP.

&#39;At whatever price&#39;

Qatar&#39;s ties to international football go back several years and the Gulf state is to host the 2022 World Cup.

International sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS was a subsidiary of Al-Jazeera, and between 2013 and June 2017, FC Barcelona athletes wore jerseys bearing the Qatar Airways logo.

&quot;For the time being, Qatar&#39;s opponents are paralysed by this circumvention strategy, as none of them has that level of media leverage in the field of international sports,&quot; said Guidere.

French government spokesman Christophe Castaner on Thursday called the expected transfer a &quot;communications operation&quot;, but said Qatar must still be &quot;transparent&quot; over any support for extremism.

On the flipside, one argument backing Neymar&#39;s decision to leave Barca, on top of reportedly tripling his wages, is to move out of the shadow of Lionel Messi.

If the Neymar transfer goes through, it would more than double the previous record of 105 million euros ($124 million) that Manchester United paid Juventus last year for France&#39;s Paul Pogba.

The transfer will hardly dent Qatar&#39;s budget.

Qatar has moved to boost business with the West since the start of the Gulf crisis, which analysts says threatens the unity of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council.&nbsp;

Doha has signed two major contracts in recent weeks, both military: a $12 billion acquisition deal to purchase F-15 fighters from the United States and a $6 billion deal for navy vessels from Italy.

&quot;The per capita reserves they have are the greatest in the world,&quot; said Krieg.

The cost of the Neymar transfer &quot;sends a very strong signal to the sporting world and a very strong signal of defiance towards the UAE and Saudi Arabia,&quot; he added.

&quot;They wanted this player and they used the money to buy him at whatever price.&quot;

A four-state bloc, led by Saudi Arabia, had suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups

With the transfer of football phenomenon Neymar to Paris Saint-Germain, Qatar is hitting back at its Gulf rivals with a high-profile soft power play. Paris Saint-Germain -- owned by sanctions-hit Qatar -- have signed Brazilian forward Neymar from Barcelona for a world-record transfer fee of 222 million euros (around $264 million), more than doubling the previous record. "The announcement of Neymar's transfer to PSG was piloted among the high ranks in Qatar as a sort of communications strategy that would overshadow the debate around all other considerations, namely terrorism," said Mathieu Guidere, an expert in the geopolitics of the Arab world. "For days now, nobody has mentioned the negative -- it's all about the Neymar transfer." The transfer comes as Qatar faces its worst political crisis in decades, with Saudi Arabia leading a four-state bloc that suspended all ties with Doha last month over accusations the emirate had close ties to Islamist extremist groups and Saudi Arabia's regional rival Iran. Qatar has denied the allegations, arguing that the sanctions aim to bring the gas-rich emirate to its knees. 'International soft power' On June 5, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bahrain pulled their ambassadors from Qatar, ordered all Qataris to return home and banned Qatar from using their ports or airspace. The Saudi-led bloc later publicly released a 13-point list of demands as a condition for the end of the sanctions. The list includes the closure of Qatari broadcast giant Al-Jazeera, which the bloc accuses of hate speech and encouraging extremism over its airing of the tapes of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, killed in a US operation in 2011. Qatar, the world's largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has risen as a key broker over the past two decades in the multiple conflicts and clashes of the Arab world. The tiny emirate has also leveraged power through massive investments in real estate abroad, including hotels, as well as in aviation, media and professional sports. In his first and only speech since the start of the crisis, Qatar's emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, openly said he would be turning to "sources of soft power at the international level". With the Neymar transfer, Doha may be looking to cash in its cache of soft power. "This is a soft power stunt. Qatar needs to demonstrate to the world... that, despite all the allegations, Qatar is the most resilient country in the Middle East by far," said Andreas Krieg, a political risk analyst at King's College London. "Having the best player in the world shows the rest of the world that if Qatar is determined, they still have the largest assets to draw from and if needed they will use the money that they have to further their agenda," Krieg told AFP. 'At whatever price' Qatar's ties to international football go back several years and the Gulf state is to host the 2022 World Cup. International sports broadcaster beIN SPORTS was a subsidiary of Al-Jazeera, and between 2013 and June 2017, FC Barcelona athletes wore jerseys bearing the Qatar Airways logo. "For the time being, Qatar's opponents are paralysed by this circumvention strategy, as none of them has that level of media leverage in the field of international sports," said Guidere. French government spokesman Christophe Castaner on Thursday called the expected transfer a "communications operation", but said Qatar must still be "transparent" over any support for extremism. On the flipside, one argument backing Neymar's decision to leave Barca, on top of reportedly tripling his wages, is to move out of the shadow of Lionel Messi. If the Neymar transfer goes through, it would more than double the previous record of 105 million euros ($124 million) that Manchester United paid Juventus last year for France's Paul Pogba. The transfer will hardly dent Qatar's budget. Qatar has moved to boost business with the West since the start of the Gulf crisis, which analysts says threatens the unity of the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council. Doha has signed two major contracts in recent weeks, both military: a $12 billion acquisition deal to purchase F-15 fighters from the United States and a $6 billion deal for navy vessels from Italy. "The per capita reserves they have are the greatest in the world," said Krieg. The cost of the Neymar transfer "sends a very strong signal to the sporting world and a very strong signal of defiance towards the UAE and Saudi Arabia," he added. "They wanted this player and they used the money to buy him at whatever price."

After Arab states blockade, Qatar hits back with Neymar transfer

football

Football, News on Football, stories on Football, articles on Football, Football stories at Wion, Football news, Football latest news