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Barcelona&nbsp;paid a heavy price for the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as nine-man Malaga held out for a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou on Saturday.

Carlos Kameni produced an incredible 94th minute save from Neymar after Diego Llorente had been sent-off midway through the second-half.

Juan Carlos also then saw a straight red in the sixth minute of time added on, but Malaga hung on as Barca blew the chance to go top of the table.

The champions now trail leaders Real Madrid by a point ahead of their trip to Atletico Madrid later on Saturday.

Five-time World Player of the Year Messi was ruled out just hours before the game due to illness, whilst Suarez was suspended.

&quot;They are two of our most decisive players. They make the difference in the most important part of the pitch, but that can&#39;t serve as an excuse,&quot; said Barca&#39;s captain for the day Sergio Busquets.

In the absence of Suarez, Paco Alcacer was handed a rare start, but his search for a first Barca goal continues as he failed to make any meaningful impact.

Without his usual two strike partners, the focus was on Neymar to break down the mass ranks of Malaga defence.

The Brazilian fired into the side-netting inside the first 10 minutes, but Barca&#39;s bright start quickly fizzled out.

Rafinha&#39;s drive produced Kameni&#39;s only serious save of the first 45 minutes.

Barca continued to dominate possession without a cutting edge at the start of the second period and should have been caught out on the counter-attack.

Carlos had the best chance of the game just before the hour mark when he rounded Barca &#39;keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but fired into the side-netting with the goal gaping.

Malaga had to see out of the final 21 minutes with 10 men when Real Madrid loanee Llorente cynically chopped down Neymar and was shown a straight red card.

Yet, even with a man advantage, Barca badly missed the creativity of Messi and injured captain Andres Iniesta as they resorted to launching cross balls into Gerard Pique, who moved forward from central defence to act as an emergency forward.

Substitute Ivan Rakitic headed inches wide, whilst Pique also had a goal ruled out for offside after Andre Gomes had struck the bar.

However, Barca&#39;s best chance came deep into stoppage time when an injured Kameni somehow clawed Neymar&#39;s header from point-blank range to safety.

Earlier, Sevilla moved up to third as they produced a stunning fightback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Deportivo la Coruna.

Sevilla&#39;s demons away from home looked set to strike once more when Ryan Babel&#39;s first-minute opener and a wonderful individual effort from Florin Andone handed struggling Deportivo a 2-0 lead.

However, in-form French midfielder Steven N&#39;Zonzi launched the comeback with a vital goal just before half-time to give Sevilla hope.

The visitors had to wait until three minutes from time to level when Vitolo fired home at the back post despite Przemyslaw Tyton&#39;s best efforts.

And Tyton was beaten again deep into stoppage time when he saved Nico Pareja&#39;s first effort, but Mercado followed up to blast home the rebound.

(AFP)

The blaugranas, playing without their talisman Lionel Messi, failed to climb atop the league table

Barcelona paid a heavy price for the absence of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez as nine-man Malaga held out for a 0-0 draw at the Camp Nou on Saturday. Carlos Kameni produced an incredible 94th minute save from Neymar after Diego Llorente had been sent-off midway through the second-half. Juan Carlos also then saw a straight red in the sixth minute of time added on, but Malaga hung on as Barca blew the chance to go top of the table. The champions now trail leaders Real Madrid by a point ahead of their trip to Atletico Madrid later on Saturday. Five-time World Player of the Year Messi was ruled out just hours before the game due to illness, whilst Suarez was suspended. "They are two of our most decisive players. They make the difference in the most important part of the pitch, but that can't serve as an excuse," said Barca's captain for the day Sergio Busquets. In the absence of Suarez, Paco Alcacer was handed a rare start, but his search for a first Barca goal continues as he failed to make any meaningful impact. Without his usual two strike partners, the focus was on Neymar to break down the mass ranks of Malaga defence. The Brazilian fired into the side-netting inside the first 10 minutes, but Barca's bright start quickly fizzled out. Rafinha's drive produced Kameni's only serious save of the first 45 minutes. Barca continued to dominate possession without a cutting edge at the start of the second period and should have been caught out on the counter-attack. Carlos had the best chance of the game just before the hour mark when he rounded Barca 'keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen but fired into the side-netting with the goal gaping. Malaga had to see out of the final 21 minutes with 10 men when Real Madrid loanee Llorente cynically chopped down Neymar and was shown a straight red card. Yet, even with a man advantage, Barca badly missed the creativity of Messi and injured captain Andres Iniesta as they resorted to launching cross balls into Gerard Pique, who moved forward from central defence to act as an emergency forward. Substitute Ivan Rakitic headed inches wide, whilst Pique also had a goal ruled out for offside after Andre Gomes had struck the bar. However, Barca's best chance came deep into stoppage time when an injured Kameni somehow clawed Neymar's header from point-blank range to safety. Earlier, Sevilla moved up to third as they produced a stunning fightback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at Deportivo la Coruna. Sevilla's demons away from home looked set to strike once more when Ryan Babel's first-minute opener and a wonderful individual effort from Florin Andone handed struggling Deportivo a 2-0 lead. However, in-form French midfielder Steven N'Zonzi launched the comeback with a vital goal just before half-time to give Sevilla hope. The visitors had to wait until three minutes from time to level when Vitolo fired home at the back post despite Przemyslaw Tyton's best efforts. And Tyton was beaten again deep into stoppage time when he saved Nico Pareja's first effort, but Mercado followed up to blast home the rebound. (AFP)

Barcelona fire blank against nine-man Malaga

Olivier Giroud headed home an 89th-minute equaliser to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw at&nbsp;Manchester&nbsp;United on Saturday and a Premier League point their performance barely merited.

Just when it seemed Jose Mourinho would again prevail in his long-standing feud with Arsene Wenger thanks to a second-half Juan Mata goal, Giroud popped up to head home fellow substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain&#39;s cross in the rarest of Arsenal attacks.

Injury-hit United had largely dominated proceedings and looked set to bring relief to Mourinho after an inconsistent start to the season when Mata struck in the 68th minute, finishing sweetly from Ander Herrera&#39;s cut-back.

But in a game that never reached the peaks of the fixture that was once the league&#39;s defining contest, there was little consolation for Mourinho in improving his unbeaten league record against Wenger to 12 as Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17.

The match had begun in lively enough fashion, with Alexis Sanchez heading wide at one end and Mata sending a free kick just wide at the other.

Yet it developed into a dull affair until Mourinho finally got animated, screaming for a penalty when Antonio Valencia appeared to be brought down in the box by Nacho Monreal.

Both Mata and Anthony Martial brought fine saves from Petr Cech as United turned up the heat before the interval but, in the main, they were lacking any sort of cutting edge in the absence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Wayne Rooney was brought on as a substitute at the end of a week when he had been forced to apologise for his late night socialising on England duty and his introduction livened up United before Mata, the midfielder sold by Mourinho when at Chelsea, broke the deadlock.

Wenger has never had much luck against Mourinho but his substitutions did the trick with Oxlade-Chamberlain causing havoc down the right, floating in a fine cross and watching Giroud head home his 10th goal for Arsenal as a &quot;super sub&quot;.

The great escape for the Gunners meant that, even though they were unable to take their chance to go to the top of the table, they retained their six-point advantage over United.

(Reuters)

Substitute Olivier Giroud scored against the run of play in the 88th minute of the match; Mata scored for United

Olivier Giroud headed home an 89th-minute equaliser to earn Arsenal a 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Saturday and a Premier League point their performance barely merited. Just when it seemed Jose Mourinho would again prevail in his long-standing feud with Arsene Wenger thanks to a second-half Juan Mata goal, Giroud popped up to head home fellow substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's cross in the rarest of Arsenal attacks. Injury-hit United had largely dominated proceedings and looked set to bring relief to Mourinho after an inconsistent start to the season when Mata struck in the 68th minute, finishing sweetly from Ander Herrera's cut-back. But in a game that never reached the peaks of the fixture that was once the league's defining contest, there was little consolation for Mourinho in improving his unbeaten league record against Wenger to 12 as Arsenal stretched their unbeaten run in all competitions to 17. The match had begun in lively enough fashion, with Alexis Sanchez heading wide at one end and Mata sending a free kick just wide at the other. Yet it developed into a dull affair until Mourinho finally got animated, screaming for a penalty when Antonio Valencia appeared to be brought down in the box by Nacho Monreal. Both Mata and Anthony Martial brought fine saves from Petr Cech as United turned up the heat before the interval but, in the main, they were lacking any sort of cutting edge in the absence of the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Wayne Rooney was brought on as a substitute at the end of a week when he had been forced to apologise for his late night socialising on England duty and his introduction livened up United before Mata, the midfielder sold by Mourinho when at Chelsea, broke the deadlock. Wenger has never had much luck against Mourinho but his substitutions did the trick with Oxlade-Chamberlain causing havoc down the right, floating in a fine cross and watching Giroud head home his 10th goal for Arsenal as a "super sub". The great escape for the Gunners meant that, even though they were unable to take their chance to go to the top of the table, they retained their six-point advantage over United. (Reuters)

Giroud's late header gives Arsenal a flattering draw against Manchester United

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is still unsure of his best team and of the right formula to get the most out of players like world record signing Paul Pogba, according to the club&#39;s former defender Phil Neville.

As United prepared to host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday, Neville said Mourinho, while not having given up hope of winning the title, seemed still in the dark about how to get the best from his under-performing squad.

&quot;Jose will still believe he can win the title, I am sure of that,&quot; Neville, who played 263 times for United, told Reuters in an interview.

&quot;There are signs that they&#39;re playing a better style and quality of football but I don&#39;t think Jose knows what his best team is or what his best system is to get the best out of those players, Pogba in particular.&quot;

Arsenal have failed to beat United in their last nine Premier League games at Old Trafford (losing seven) and Mourinho is yet to suffer a league defeat against their manager Arsene Wenger after 11 previous meetings when he was at Chelsea.

Their rivalry has occasionally bubbled over with the pair becoming involved in a pushing match on the touchline at Stamford Bridge two years ago.

Neville, currently assistant coach at Spanish club Valencia, believes United&#39;s good record against Arsenal will give them a psychological advantage while the London club&#39;s &quot;lack of steel&quot; on big occasions could secure all three points for Mourinho.

&quot;I am sure both managers will try and play down the rivalry but ultimately the last time they played each other they were fighting on the touchline at Stamford Bridge so there is an intense rivalry there.

&quot;I actually enjoy it because I think it&#39;s good for football. They&#39;ve got one thing in common -- they both want to win. United need to win this game because if they don&#39;t they&#39;ll slip further away from the top four. It&#39;s a really intriguing encounter.

&quot;Arsenal are a fantastic football club and they play fantastic football but I always think that over the last 10 years, at the most important moments in seasons or in games, they&#39;ve always failed,&quot; said Neville who was speaking to promote his new book &#39;Class of 92: Out of our league -- our journey back to the heart of the game&#39;.

&quot;Coming to Old Trafford has been one of those moments over the last decade.

&quot;I think this is the biggest test for Arsenal so far this season,&quot; added Neville who is one of the co-owners of minor league club Salford City along with United team mates from the &#39;Class of 92&#39;, Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and brother Gary Neville.

&quot;It will show where they actually are. If they come here on Saturday and get rolled over, then for me it will be same old Arsenal.&quot;

(Reuters)

He said Mourinho is still unsure of the right formula to get the most out of players like world record signing Paul Pogba

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho is still unsure of his best team and of the right formula to get the most out of players like world record signing Paul Pogba, according to the club's former defender Phil Neville. As United prepared to host Arsenal at Old Trafford on Saturday, Neville said Mourinho, while not having given up hope of winning the title, seemed still in the dark about how to get the best from his under-performing squad. "Jose will still believe he can win the title, I am sure of that," Neville, who played 263 times for United, told Reuters in an interview. "There are signs that they're playing a better style and quality of football but I don't think Jose knows what his best team is or what his best system is to get the best out of those players, Pogba in particular." Arsenal have failed to beat United in their last nine Premier League games at Old Trafford (losing seven) and Mourinho is yet to suffer a league defeat against their manager Arsene Wenger after 11 previous meetings when he was at Chelsea. Their rivalry has occasionally bubbled over with the pair becoming involved in a pushing match on the touchline at Stamford Bridge two years ago. Neville, currently assistant coach at Spanish club Valencia, believes United's good record against Arsenal will give them a psychological advantage while the London club's "lack of steel" on big occasions could secure all three points for Mourinho. "I am sure both managers will try and play down the rivalry but ultimately the last time they played each other they were fighting on the touchline at Stamford Bridge so there is an intense rivalry there. "I actually enjoy it because I think it's good for football. They've got one thing in common -- they both want to win. United need to win this game because if they don't they'll slip further away from the top four. It's a really intriguing encounter. "Arsenal are a fantastic football club and they play fantastic football but I always think that over the last 10 years, at the most important moments in seasons or in games, they've always failed," said Neville who was speaking to promote his new book 'Class of 92: Out of our league -- our journey back to the heart of the game'. "Coming to Old Trafford has been one of those moments over the last decade. "I think this is the biggest test for Arsenal so far this season," added Neville who is one of the co-owners of minor league club Salford City along with United team mates from the 'Class of 92', Nicky Butt, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and brother Gary Neville. "It will show where they actually are. If they come here on Saturday and get rolled over, then for me it will be same old Arsenal." (Reuters)

Mourinho doesn't know best team: Phil Neville

Jose Mourinho&#39;s sombre countenance on the touchline and failure to win the &quot;hearts and minds&quot; of his players since arriving at Manchester United could prove his downfall, believes a leading British sports psychologist.

The United manager has repeatedly criticised his team in public this season and the 53-year-old should think carefully about changing his approach, according to Steven Sylvester who works with Premier League players as well as world champions from other sports.

&quot;It&#39;s very strange. In my experience, I haven&#39;t seen him [Jose Mourinho] constantly criticise players in the media, this is a new style from him,&quot; Sylvester, who is also psychologist to the cricket county championship winners Middlesex, said in an interview with Reuters.

&quot;Although they must have done something to make him question if these players are at standard he wants, I think it is a way to mask his frustration that he can&#39;t get the team delivering according to his mandate.

&quot;The whole point of good leadership is to win the hearts and minds and if you criticise players in the press you&#39;re going against that.

&quot;The players will sit there in the dressing room thinking, &#39;who&#39;s next, what happens if this goes wrong today?&#39; It creates more fear within the culture than joy.&quot;

Mourinho, who has made an underwhelming start at United, recently said his living arrangements in Manchester have been a &quot;bit of a disaster&quot;.

He painted a miserable picture of himself holed up in his hotel, alone without his family and unable to venture out to local restaurants because of the prospect of being hassled by fans and photographers.

&quot;There&#39;s a lot going on there and if you listen to the content you can be distracted from the main theme,&quot; explained Sylvester, author of the book &#39;Detox Your Ego&#39; (www.withoutego.com).

&quot;For me, Mourinho is in major transition as how to build a new culture at Manchester United.

&quot;He is not going to go to the media and talk about what he is doing to get the culture changed and to get the performance right or how he is assessing the players, so he has to talk about something else.

&quot;He has been one of the best at being able to take people away from the scent of what he is really doing. I think it&#39;s probably tactical.

&quot;Having said that, he has looked really unhappy and I think being unhappy transmits to the players when you&#39;re in transition.

&quot;This means it is harder to get them to play with the rhythm that he wants. It takes time for a group of players to assimilate.&quot;

On the eve of United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford, Mourinho claimed on Friday that rival manager Arsene Wenger received the respect that was not shown to him, even though &quot;my last title was 18 months ago, not 18 years ago.&quot;

Yet rather than opting for that typical swipe at Wenger, Sylvester felt it was about time Mourinho turned on his old &quot;charm&quot; instead.

&quot;I think he should go on the charm offensive, focus on what he can do to win the hearts and minds not only of his players and staff&nbsp;but of the fans, too,&quot; Sylvester said.

&quot;He needs the support of the media and the goodwill factor needs to come across in his leadership style.

&quot;Mourinho talks more about individual errors than collective errors. I believe in the collective. You win together and you lose together.&quot;

(Reuters)

Steven Sylvester said he has repeatedly criticised his team in public, should think carefully about changing his approach

Jose Mourinho's sombre countenance on the touchline and failure to win the "hearts and minds" of his players since arriving at Manchester United could prove his downfall, believes a leading British sports psychologist. The United manager has repeatedly criticised his team in public this season and the 53-year-old should think carefully about changing his approach, according to Steven Sylvester who works with Premier League players as well as world champions from other sports. "It's very strange. In my experience, I haven't seen him [Jose Mourinho] constantly criticise players in the media, this is a new style from him," Sylvester, who is also psychologist to the cricket county championship winners Middlesex, said in an interview with Reuters. "Although they must have done something to make him question if these players are at standard he wants, I think it is a way to mask his frustration that he can't get the team delivering according to his mandate. "The whole point of good leadership is to win the hearts and minds and if you criticise players in the press you're going against that. "The players will sit there in the dressing room thinking, 'who's next, what happens if this goes wrong today?' It creates more fear within the culture than joy." Mourinho, who has made an underwhelming start at United, recently said his living arrangements in Manchester have been a "bit of a disaster". He painted a miserable picture of himself holed up in his hotel, alone without his family and unable to venture out to local restaurants because of the prospect of being hassled by fans and photographers. "There's a lot going on there and if you listen to the content you can be distracted from the main theme," explained Sylvester, author of the book 'Detox Your Ego' (www.withoutego.com). "For me, Mourinho is in major transition as how to build a new culture at Manchester United. "He is not going to go to the media and talk about what he is doing to get the culture changed and to get the performance right or how he is assessing the players, so he has to talk about something else. "He has been one of the best at being able to take people away from the scent of what he is really doing. I think it's probably tactical. "Having said that, he has looked really unhappy and I think being unhappy transmits to the players when you're in transition. "This means it is harder to get them to play with the rhythm that he wants. It takes time for a group of players to assimilate." On the eve of United hosting Arsenal at Old Trafford, Mourinho claimed on Friday that rival manager Arsene Wenger received the respect that was not shown to him, even though "my last title was 18 months ago, not 18 years ago." Yet rather than opting for that typical swipe at Wenger, Sylvester felt it was about time Mourinho turned on his old "charm" instead. "I think he should go on the charm offensive, focus on what he can do to win the hearts and minds not only of his players and staff but of the fans, too," Sylvester said. "He needs the support of the media and the goodwill factor needs to come across in his leadership style. "Mourinho talks more about individual errors than collective errors. I believe in the collective. You win together and you lose together." (Reuters)

No way Jose: Top shrink says Mourinho should create joy, not fear

RB Leipzig continued their fairytale run by coming from behind to win against Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 and keep the pressure on giants Bayern Munich.

The Bundesliga new boys were 2-1 down and had to save a penalty after that to remain in hunt, which they did superbly to score two goals in 14 minutes to maintain their 11-match unbeaten run.

Leipzig&#39;s win takes them three points clear of Bayern Munich, who will now have to beat a tough Borussia Dortmund on their own turf to regain the top ranking in the German first division.

&quot;From a psychological point of view we really did very well in the second-half when we were behind twice,&quot; said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl.

After exchanging goals in the first four minutes -- Leverkusen&#39;s Kevin Kampl scoring after a minute before teammate Julian Baumgartlinger&#39;s own goal drew Leipzig level -- Leverkusen&#39;s German international winger Julian Brandt put the hosts ahead again just before half-time.

The turning point came when Brandt earned a penalty on 54 minutes only for Hakan Calhanoglu&#39;s shot to be cleared by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi.

Swedish international Emil Forsberg equalised for Leipzig following an impressive solo run on 67 minutes and defender Willi Orban headed in the winner on 81 minutes for the Bundesliga upstarts.

Leipzig earned their place in Germany&#39;s top flight with four promotions in seven years and have now set a Bundesliga record run for a newly promoted club by going 11 games unbeaten.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Leipzig's pulsating comeback win at Leverkusen means Bayern Munich would have to beat Dortmund to regain the top spot

RB Leipzig continued their fairytale run by coming from behind to win against Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 and keep the pressure on giants Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga new boys were 2-1 down and had to save a penalty after that to remain in hunt, which they did superbly to score two goals in 14 minutes to maintain their 11-match unbeaten run. Leipzig's win takes them three points clear of Bayern Munich, who will now have to beat a tough Borussia Dortmund on their own turf to regain the top ranking in the German first division. "From a psychological point of view we really did very well in the second-half when we were behind twice," said Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuettl. After exchanging goals in the first four minutes -- Leverkusen's Kevin Kampl scoring after a minute before teammate Julian Baumgartlinger's own goal drew Leipzig level -- Leverkusen's German international winger Julian Brandt put the hosts ahead again just before half-time. The turning point came when Brandt earned a penalty on 54 minutes only for Hakan Calhanoglu's shot to be cleared by Leipzig goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi. Swedish international Emil Forsberg equalised for Leipzig following an impressive solo run on 67 minutes and defender Willi Orban headed in the winner on 81 minutes for the Bundesliga upstarts. Leipzig earned their place in Germany's top flight with four promotions in seven years and have now set a Bundesliga record run for a newly promoted club by going 11 games unbeaten. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Modest Leipzig beat Leverkusen 3-2, topple Bayern to top Bundesliga standings

Rejuvenated Colombian striker Radamel Falcao bagged his fifth goal in five Ligue 1 appearances as Monaco swept past bottom club Lorient 3-0 to march to the top of the table on Friday.

The visitors, who have the league&#39;s most potent attack with 39 goals in 13 games, went ahead through Falcao in the 64th minute before Thomas Lemar and Gabriel Boschilia made sure of victory.

Leonardo Jardim&#39;s side, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday, have 29 points and lead Nice on goal difference.

Nice visit St Etienne on Sunday while third-placed Paris St Germain, who are three points off the pace, host Nantes on Saturday.

Maxwell Cornet struck in the third minute as Olympique Lyonnais jumped up to fourth with 22 points after a 1-0 win at Lille.

The home team finished with 10 men after Younousse Sankhare was shown a straight red card in the 55th minute.

Monaco have only failed to score once this season and Lorient did well to keep them at bay for so long with keeper Paul Delecroix denying Lemar and Valere Germain several times.

Lorient created their own chances at the other end in the first half but failed to take them.

Falcao, who struggled on loan at Chelsea and Manchester United in the previous two seasons, produced a clinical finish when he latched on to Bernardo Silva&#39;s cross near the penalty spot to put Monaco in front.

Three minutes later Lemar, who won his first cap for France earlier this week, curled a splendid 25-metre free kick past Delecroix.

Boschilia then rubbed salt into Lorient&#39;s wounds with the third goal in stoppage time.

Lorient, who have lost six of their last seven league games, are on seven points.

(Reuters)

Radamel Falco opened the scoring in the 64th minute to help his side climb atop the league standings

Rejuvenated Colombian striker Radamel Falcao bagged his fifth goal in five Ligue 1 appearances as Monaco swept past bottom club Lorient 3-0 to march to the top of the table on Friday. The visitors, who have the league's most potent attack with 39 goals in 13 games, went ahead through Falcao in the 64th minute before Thomas Lemar and Gabriel Boschilia made sure of victory. Leonardo Jardim's side, who travel to Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League on Tuesday, have 29 points and lead Nice on goal difference. Nice visit St Etienne on Sunday while third-placed Paris St Germain, who are three points off the pace, host Nantes on Saturday. Maxwell Cornet struck in the third minute as Olympique Lyonnais jumped up to fourth with 22 points after a 1-0 win at Lille. The home team finished with 10 men after Younousse Sankhare was shown a straight red card in the 55th minute. Monaco have only failed to score once this season and Lorient did well to keep them at bay for so long with keeper Paul Delecroix denying Lemar and Valere Germain several times. Lorient created their own chances at the other end in the first half but failed to take them. Falcao, who struggled on loan at Chelsea and Manchester United in the previous two seasons, produced a clinical finish when he latched on to Bernardo Silva's cross near the penalty spot to put Monaco in front. Three minutes later Lemar, who won his first cap for France earlier this week, curled a splendid 25-metre free kick past Delecroix. Boschilia then rubbed salt into Lorient's wounds with the third goal in stoppage time. Lorient, who have lost six of their last seven league games, are on seven points. (Reuters)

Rejuvenated Falcao helps Monaco sweep past Lorient

Brazilian police fired percussion grenades at rioting Internacional fans on Thursday after a 1-1 draw at home to Ponte Preta left the Porto Alegre club in danger of relegation for the first time in their history.

Coach Celso Roth was sacked after the result and the club will look for a new coach to lead them in the last three games of the season.

&quot;Straight after the match against Ponte Preta the vice president of football Fernando Carvalho announced that Celso Roth is no longer coach of Internacional,&quot; the club said in a terse statement.

Inter sit fourth from bottom, equal on points with Vitoria, with four teams going down. Two of their last three games are away from home at Corinthians and Fluminense.

Fans tore down barriers outside the Beira-Rio stadium after the game and police responded with percussion grenades and, according to Globo news sites, rubber bullets.

Percussion grenades, also known as &#39;stun&#39; or &#39;flash&#39; grenades, are non-lethal explosive devices that produce a blinding flash of light and an ear-splitting sound when detonated.

One of Brazil&#39;s best supported clubs, Inter won the Copa Libertadores in 2006 and followed that with a victory over Barcelona to lift the Club World Cup.

(Reuters)

Internacional drew 1-1 at home to Ponte Preta; they are in danger of relegation for the first time in their history

Brazilian police fired percussion grenades at rioting Internacional fans on Thursday after a 1-1 draw at home to Ponte Preta left the Porto Alegre club in danger of relegation for the first time in their history. Coach Celso Roth was sacked after the result and the club will look for a new coach to lead them in the last three games of the season. "Straight after the match against Ponte Preta the vice president of football Fernando Carvalho announced that Celso Roth is no longer coach of Internacional," the club said in a terse statement. Inter sit fourth from bottom, equal on points with Vitoria, with four teams going down. Two of their last three games are away from home at Corinthians and Fluminense. Fans tore down barriers outside the Beira-Rio stadium after the game and police responded with percussion grenades and, according to Globo news sites, rubber bullets. Percussion grenades, also known as 'stun' or 'flash' grenades, are non-lethal explosive devices that produce a blinding flash of light and an ear-splitting sound when detonated. One of Brazil's best supported clubs, Inter won the Copa Libertadores in 2006 and followed that with a victory over Barcelona to lift the Club World Cup. (Reuters)

Football: Police fire on angry Brazil Inter fans as relegation looms

The Spanish giants Barcelona have struck a sponsorship deal with Japanese online retailer Rakuten for the next four years.&nbsp;

With the 55 million euros ($59 million) a year deal, Rakuten replaces Qatar Airways who had been Barcelona&#39;s shirt sponsor since 2013.&nbsp;

They were reported to have paid 35 million euros for the final year of their deal taking them up to the end of the 2016-17 season.

&quot;I have the pleasure and honour to announce that the board of directors has approved that Rakuten will&nbsp;be the new main and global sponsor of the club for the next four years,&quot; Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told a news conference at the club&#39;s Camp Nou stadium.

The club success added with some of the world&#39;s most recognisable stars make it a highly attractive assest to the advertisers.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Rakuten has signed a deal worth 55 million euros a year with Barcelona

The Spanish giants Barcelona have struck a sponsorship deal with Japanese online retailer Rakuten for the next four years. With the 55 million euros ($59 million) a year deal, Rakuten replaces Qatar Airways who had been Barcelona's shirt sponsor since 2013. They were reported to have paid 35 million euros for the final year of their deal taking them up to the end of the 2016-17 season. "I have the pleasure and honour to announce that the board of directors has approved that Rakuten will be the new main and global sponsor of the club for the next four years," Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu told a news conference at the club's Camp Nou stadium. The club success added with some of the world's most recognisable stars make it a highly attractive assest to the advertisers. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Football: Barca strikes new sponsorship deal with Japan's Rakuten

Lionel Messi scored a majestic free-kick and set up two more goals as Argentina got their faltering 2018 World Cup qualification campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Colombia here Tuesday.&nbsp;

Barcelona maestro Messi curled in a superb free-kick from 30 yards in the 10th minute before providing the cross for Lucas Pratto&#39;s 23rd-minute header. The tireless Messi then popped up in the 84th minute to cross for Angel Di Maria&#39;s late goal as Argentina secured all three points.

The two-time world champions had taken just two points from their previous four games to leave themselves languishing just outside the qualification berths in South America&#39;s marathon qualifying tournament.

But Tuesday&#39;s victory puts Argentina back into the qualification positions.

(AFP)

Messi curled in a superb free-kick from 30 yards in the 10th minute before providing the cross for Lucas Pratto's 23rd minute header

Lionel Messi scored a majestic free-kick and set up two more goals as Argentina got their faltering 2018 World Cup qualification campaign back on track with a 3-0 win over Colombia here Tuesday. Barcelona maestro Messi curled in a superb free-kick from 30 yards in the 10th minute before providing the cross for Lucas Pratto's 23rd-minute header. The tireless Messi then popped up in the 84th minute to cross for Angel Di Maria's late goal as Argentina secured all three points. The two-time world champions had taken just two points from their previous four games to leave themselves languishing just outside the qualification berths in South America's marathon qualifying tournament. But Tuesday's victory puts Argentina back into the qualification positions. (AFP)

Messi is magic as Argentina secures 3-0 win over Colombia

Cristiano Ronaldo converted one penalty, missed another and also scored from open play as Portugal beat Latvia 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday.

On a typically dramatic night for the Portugal captain, Ronaldo fired the European champions ahead from his first spot-kick of the evening in the first half&nbsp;but missed a chance to double their lead when his second effort struck the post.

It looked a costly miss when Arturs Zjuzins equalised for Latvia in the 68th minute but William Carvalho headed Portugal back in front two minutes later, Ronaldo volleyed the third and Bruno Alves completed the win.

Portugal stayed second in Group B with nine points from four games, three behind leaders Switzerland.

Portugal survived an early scare when a corner landed at the feet of Igors Tarasovs but he failed to connect cleanly and Rui Patricio saved.

After being restricted to long-range shots, Portugal broke the deadlock when Nani was tripped by Gints Freimanis and Ronaldo fired low to Andris Vanins&#39; right in the 28th minute.

Portugal won another penalty when Glebs Kluskins tripped Andre Gomes in the 58th minute but this time Ronaldo, who also missed a penalty in the Euro 2016 match against Austria, saw his shot hit the inside of the post and roll across the goal.

Ten minutes later, Latvia, who had barely got out of their own half, equalised when substitute Zjuzins scored with his second attempt from the edge of the area.

But midfielder Carvalho came to the rescue two minutes later when he headed his first international goal from Ricardo Quaresma&#39;s cross.

Another Quaresma cross led to the third as it found Ronaldo at the far post and Portugal&#39;s all-time leading scorer volleyed home his 68th international goal.

Ronaldo then missed an easy chance for his hat-trick from Renato Sanches&#39; pass and also headed against the crossbar before Alves headed in Raphael Guerreiro&#39;s chipped cross at the far post.

(Reuters)

It looked a costly miss when Zjuzins equalised for Latvia in the 68th minute but Carvalho headed Portugal back in front two minutes later

Cristiano Ronaldo converted one penalty, missed another and also scored from open play as Portugal beat Latvia 4-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Sunday. On a typically dramatic night for the Portugal captain, Ronaldo fired the European champions ahead from his first spot-kick of the evening in the first half but missed a chance to double their lead when his second effort struck the post. It looked a costly miss when Arturs Zjuzins equalised for Latvia in the 68th minute but William Carvalho headed Portugal back in front two minutes later, Ronaldo volleyed the third and Bruno Alves completed the win. Portugal stayed second in Group B with nine points from four games, three behind leaders Switzerland. Portugal survived an early scare when a corner landed at the feet of Igors Tarasovs but he failed to connect cleanly and Rui Patricio saved. After being restricted to long-range shots, Portugal broke the deadlock when Nani was tripped by Gints Freimanis and Ronaldo fired low to Andris Vanins' right in the 28th minute. Portugal won another penalty when Glebs Kluskins tripped Andre Gomes in the 58th minute but this time Ronaldo, who also missed a penalty in the Euro 2016 match against Austria, saw his shot hit the inside of the post and roll across the goal. Ten minutes later, Latvia, who had barely got out of their own half, equalised when substitute Zjuzins scored with his second attempt from the edge of the area. But midfielder Carvalho came to the rescue two minutes later when he headed his first international goal from Ricardo Quaresma's cross. Another Quaresma cross led to the third as it found Ronaldo at the far post and Portugal's all-time leading scorer volleyed home his 68th international goal. Ronaldo then missed an easy chance for his hat-trick from Renato Sanches' pass and also headed against the crossbar before Alves headed in Raphael Guerreiro's chipped cross at the far post. (Reuters)

Ronaldo scores twice, misses penalty in Portugal win

Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium destroyed Estonia 8-1 to seize top spot outright in World Cup Group H qualifying on Sunday.

Coach Roberto Martinez&#39;s men also struck through Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Ragnar Klavan, with the first three coming inside the opening 25 minutes.

Estonia replied just before the half-hour through Henri Anier but it was a lonely highlight for the Baltic nation who are second from bottom with three points. Meunier&#39;s first international goal after eight minutes began the deluge as he timed a run to the back post perfectly to head home Carrasco&#39;s cross.

Mertens&#39; shot from outside the area took a wicked deflection for the second goal after 16 minutes and Hazard made it 3-0 with a powerful drive after a swift attacking move.

A rare defensive slip then allowed Anier to turn and beat keeper Thibaut Courtois before the break.

Belgium added three more goals in six minutes soon after the hour mark as they claimed their fourth group victory.

Unmarked Carrasco finished off a square pass from Lukaku before Klavan steered a centre by Mertens into his own net.

Mertens then grabbed his second goal with a chip over the goalkeeper after Lukaku&#39;s effort had been well saved.

Lukaku was rewarded for his contribution when his 83rd- minute shot took a deflection to leave goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu with no chance.

The Everton striker was then fed five minutes later with a clever ball from midfield and he raced towards goal before shooting into the corner of the net.

Belgium have 12 points from four games, two ahead of second-placed Greece and five in front of Bosnia who are third.

Greece were held 1-1 at home by Bosnia on Sunday.

(Reuters)

The first three goals came in the opening 25 minutes

Dries Mertens and Romelu Lukaku scored twice as Belgium destroyed Estonia 8-1 to seize top spot outright in World Cup Group H qualifying on Sunday. Coach Roberto Martinez's men also struck through Thomas Meunier, Eden Hazard, Yannick Carrasco and an own goal from Ragnar Klavan, with the first three coming inside the opening 25 minutes. Estonia replied just before the half-hour through Henri Anier but it was a lonely highlight for the Baltic nation who are second from bottom with three points. Meunier's first international goal after eight minutes began the deluge as he timed a run to the back post perfectly to head home Carrasco's cross. Mertens' shot from outside the area took a wicked deflection for the second goal after 16 minutes and Hazard made it 3-0 with a powerful drive after a swift attacking move. A rare defensive slip then allowed Anier to turn and beat keeper Thibaut Courtois before the break. Belgium added three more goals in six minutes soon after the hour mark as they claimed their fourth group victory. Unmarked Carrasco finished off a square pass from Lukaku before Klavan steered a centre by Mertens into his own net. Mertens then grabbed his second goal with a chip over the goalkeeper after Lukaku's effort had been well saved. Lukaku was rewarded for his contribution when his 83rd- minute shot took a deflection to leave goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu with no chance. The Everton striker was then fed five minutes later with a clever ball from midfield and he raced towards goal before shooting into the corner of the net. Belgium have 12 points from four games, two ahead of second-placed Greece and five in front of Bosnia who are third. Greece were held 1-1 at home by Bosnia on Sunday. (Reuters)

Brussels rout as Belgium dish up eight-goal feast against Estonia

England on Monday confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will fill in as captain after injured skipper Wayne Rooney remained doubtful for the year-end friendly against Spain.&nbsp;

Interim manager Gareth Southgate told media that Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand were the only players absent from training at Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s north London training base on the eve of Tuesday&#39;s meeting with Spain at Wembley.

&quot;Both are being assessed. They had minor issues this morning so we&#39;ll have a look at them as the game goes on,&quot; Southgate told his pre-match press conference at the Tottenham training ground.

&quot;Obviously they weren&#39;t able to train so they must be a doubt, but until we look at them we won&#39;t know for sure.&quot;

Rooney had returned to the team for Friday&#39;s 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying.&nbsp;

England had earlier ruled out Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker with an ankle ligament problem.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Skipper Wayne Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand missed the training on the eve of Tuesday's friendly with Spain at Wembley

England on Monday confirmed that Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson will fill in as captain after injured skipper Wayne Rooney remained doubtful for the year-end friendly against Spain. Interim manager Gareth Southgate told media that Rooney and left-back Ryan Bertrand were the only players absent from training at Tottenham Hotspur's north London training base on the eve of Tuesday's meeting with Spain at Wembley. "Both are being assessed. They had minor issues this morning so we'll have a look at them as the game goes on," Southgate told his pre-match press conference at the Tottenham training ground. "Obviously they weren't able to train so they must be a doubt, but until we look at them we won't know for sure." Rooney had returned to the team for Friday's 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying. England had earlier ruled out Harry Kane, the Tottenham striker with an ankle ligament problem. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Football: Henderson to lead England against Spain

England&#39;s caretaker manager Gareth Southgate faces a man he aspires to emulate in terms of style and status in Tuesday&#39;s friendly against Julen Lopetegui&#39;s Spain.

The match at Wembley will be the fourth and final assignment of Southgate&#39;s interim stint and following Friday&#39;s 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying he is expected to be handed the role full-time.

Like Southgate, Lopetegui earned the faith of his country&#39;s football association by excelling as under-21s coach, while Spain&#39;s confident passing game is something Southgate wants England to replicate.

&quot;It&#39;s one of the biggest challenges that we can face,&quot; Southgate said ahead of the encounter.&nbsp;

&quot;It looks as though they&#39;ll have a couple of players missing, but they have strength in depth and a clear identity of how they play through all of their age groups.

&quot;Obviously Julen has been the under-21 manager so he knows how the system is there. He&#39;s worked with so many of the players and the style, so it&#39;s going to be a huge test for us.

&quot;But that&#39;s a good challenge, a different type of challenge for us to prepare for.&quot;

While England are unbeaten on Southgate&#39;s watch, they are yet to produce a performance that has got fans off their seats.

After a laboured 2-0 win over Malta, they were fortunate not to lose in a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia.

Against Scotland, they struggled to create chances and might have found themselves level early in the second half had the Scots taken their opportunities at 1-0.

England&#39;s efforts to build play up from the back were unconvincing, but Southgate, 46, will task his players to press on with the tactic against a Spain team who are masters of the art.

&quot;It&#39;s a good means of gauging progress because they&#39;ve been one of the best for such a long time,&quot; says Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s Eric Dier, who made his England debut in a 2-0 loss away to Spain a year ago.

&quot;You always want to measure yourselves against sides like that, both personally and as a team. Obviously, results are what count in senior football but performing the right way as well is important.

&quot;If we defend for 90 minutes and score a last-minute winner on Tuesday then probably everyone goes home happy. But that&#39;s not my way of assessing whether we&#39;ve done well or not.&quot;

Herrera debut

Like England, Spain go into the game on the back of a slightly flattering victory that kept them top of their World Cup qualifying pool: in their case a 4-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday.

Lopetegui, 50, is unbeaten in five games since taking charge after Vicente del Bosque stepped down following their last-16 exit at the hands of Italy at Euro 2016.

Both coaches are expected to shuffle their starting XIs, but for Lopetegui necessity will be the mother of invention as he is without several first-team players.

Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa are all absent and Alvaro Morata is a doubt after being forced off half an hour from full-time against Macedonia.

Sergi Roberto, Cesar Azpilicueta, Isco, Nolito, Juan Mata and Jose Callejon could all start, while Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is in line to make a belated senior debut aged 27.

&quot;It is clear that the three points at stake were (against Macedonia) and now we have a fantastic game against a great national team like England,&quot; said Lopetegui.

&quot;We want to be competitive and play well, so whoever plays it will be a good 11.&quot;

With Ramos and Pique sidelined, Lopetegui has been obliged to rely on an unconvincing centre-back pairing of Nacho and Marc Bartra, which will give hope to England&#39;s forwards.

Dier&#39;s Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane will not take part after he returned to his club to build up match fitness following a lay-off with an ankle injury.

(AFP)

The match at Wembley will be the fourth and final assignment of Southgate's interim stint

England's caretaker manager Gareth Southgate faces a man he aspires to emulate in terms of style and status in Tuesday's friendly against Julen Lopetegui's Spain. The match at Wembley will be the fourth and final assignment of Southgate's interim stint and following Friday's 3-0 win over Scotland in World Cup qualifying he is expected to be handed the role full-time. Like Southgate, Lopetegui earned the faith of his country's football association by excelling as under-21s coach, while Spain's confident passing game is something Southgate wants England to replicate. "It's one of the biggest challenges that we can face," Southgate said ahead of the encounter. "It looks as though they'll have a couple of players missing, but they have strength in depth and a clear identity of how they play through all of their age groups. "Obviously Julen has been the under-21 manager so he knows how the system is there. He's worked with so many of the players and the style, so it's going to be a huge test for us. "But that's a good challenge, a different type of challenge for us to prepare for." While England are unbeaten on Southgate's watch, they are yet to produce a performance that has got fans off their seats. After a laboured 2-0 win over Malta, they were fortunate not to lose in a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia. Against Scotland, they struggled to create chances and might have found themselves level early in the second half had the Scots taken their opportunities at 1-0. England's efforts to build play up from the back were unconvincing, but Southgate, 46, will task his players to press on with the tactic against a Spain team who are masters of the art. "It's a good means of gauging progress because they've been one of the best for such a long time," says Tottenham Hotspur's Eric Dier, who made his England debut in a 2-0 loss away to Spain a year ago. "You always want to measure yourselves against sides like that, both personally and as a team. Obviously, results are what count in senior football but performing the right way as well is important. "If we defend for 90 minutes and score a last-minute winner on Tuesday then probably everyone goes home happy. But that's not my way of assessing whether we've done well or not." Herrera debut Like England, Spain go into the game on the back of a slightly flattering victory that kept them top of their World Cup qualifying pool: in their case a 4-0 win over Macedonia on Saturday. Lopetegui, 50, is unbeaten in five games since taking charge after Vicente del Bosque stepped down following their last-16 exit at the hands of Italy at Euro 2016. Both coaches are expected to shuffle their starting XIs, but for Lopetegui necessity will be the mother of invention as he is without several first-team players. Sergio Ramos, Gerard Pique, Jordi Alba, Andres Iniesta and Diego Costa are all absent and Alvaro Morata is a doubt after being forced off half an hour from full-time against Macedonia. Sergi Roberto, Cesar Azpilicueta, Isco, Nolito, Juan Mata and Jose Callejon could all start, while Manchester United midfielder Ander Herrera is in line to make a belated senior debut aged 27. "It is clear that the three points at stake were (against Macedonia) and now we have a fantastic game against a great national team like England," said Lopetegui. "We want to be competitive and play well, so whoever plays it will be a good 11." With Ramos and Pique sidelined, Lopetegui has been obliged to rely on an unconvincing centre-back pairing of Nacho and Marc Bartra, which will give hope to England's forwards. Dier's Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane will not take part after he returned to his club to build up match fitness following a lay-off with an ankle injury. (AFP)

Football: Gareth Southgate ends England audition with Spain test

Wales conceded an agonising late equaliser as Serbia battled to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday as former champions Italy and Spain both won 4-0.

Earlier Saturday, the Republic of Ireland has stunned Austria 1-0 in Vienna and are top of Group D on 10 points, with Serbia second on eight and Wales third on six.

Gareth Bale rocketed Wales into a 30th-minute lead in Cardiff after Hal Robson-Kanu dispossessed Matija Nastasic and fed the ball to the Real Madrid forward, who cracked home a powerful snap shot to make it 1-0.

But Aleksander Mitrovic was fastest to react with four red shirts around him when Antonio Rukavina whipped in an inviting cross to level for the visitors late in the game.

&quot;It was a disappointing result, we feel like we threw away two points. We&#39;re at home, 1-0 up after 85 minutes, it`s two points lost,&quot; Bale admitted after the game.

Just moments before Serbia had levelled, Bale had seen a snapshot come agonisingly back off the post.

Wales coach Chris Coleman was less disappointed and was looking down the road.&nbsp;

&quot;We are four points behind Ireland but we play them twice,&quot; he said. &quot;We have a massive chance. Tonight the boys deserved all three points.&quot;

It was the third game in a row the Welsh have gone ahead only to draw.

&quot;We can be proud of ourselves. We are on the right track. Today we can be happy with one point,&quot; said Serbia captain Branislav Ivanovic.

The Irish top Group D thanks to a James McClean strike three minutes after half-time in Vienna.

&quot;This is going to be a very tight finish. But this has been a splendid start for us and we are delighted with the 10 points,&quot; said Ireland boss Martin O`Neill.

Spain and Italy continue to set the pace at the helm in Group G and both have 10 points.

Spain played at Granada where Macedonia`s Darko Velkovski scored a 34th minute own goal before Votolo on 63 minutes, Nacho Monreal (83) and veteran striker Aritz Aduriz (85) gave them a comfortable win.&nbsp;

Taking on minnows Liechtenstein, Italy&#39;s Anfrea Belotti scored either side of strikes from Ciro Imobile and Antonio Candreva.

Eran Zahavi converted an 18th-minute penalty to set Israel on their way with Dan Einbinder and Eliran Atar making sure they beat Albania 3-0 in Tirana.

Iceland failed to replicate their Euro 2016 heroics in a 2-0 defeat in Croatia in Group I.

Croatia grabbed the lead after 15 minutes through Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, but it was Iceland who took control after that in Zagreb, where the game was played out in front of empty stands after a FIFA stadium ban.

Despite having plenty of the ball in both halves, Iceland failed to make the crucial breakthrough.

And the home side punished them in injury time, Brozovic again doing the damage against the run of play.

Croatia, now top of the group with 10 points from four games, finished the match with 10 men after Ivan Perisic was sent off at the death.

Also in Group I, Turkey revived their slim hopes of making it to Russia in 2018 with a 2-0 home victory over Kosovo in Antalya.

Burak Yilmaz and Volkan Sen scored within four minutes of one another in the second half to leave Kosovo bottom on just a solitary point.

Georgia and Moldova played out a 1-1 draw in Tbilisi to remain rooted in the bottom two spots in Group D.

(AFP)

Serbia's Aleksander Mitrovic scored late in the match to push Wales down to third in the group

Wales conceded an agonising late equaliser as Serbia battled to a 1-1 draw in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday as former champions Italy and Spain both won 4-0. Earlier Saturday, the Republic of Ireland has stunned Austria 1-0 in Vienna and are top of Group D on 10 points, with Serbia second on eight and Wales third on six. Gareth Bale rocketed Wales into a 30th-minute lead in Cardiff after Hal Robson-Kanu dispossessed Matija Nastasic and fed the ball to the Real Madrid forward, who cracked home a powerful snap shot to make it 1-0. But Aleksander Mitrovic was fastest to react with four red shirts around him when Antonio Rukavina whipped in an inviting cross to level for the visitors late in the game. "It was a disappointing result, we feel like we threw away two points. We're at home, 1-0 up after 85 minutes, it`s two points lost," Bale admitted after the game. Just moments before Serbia had levelled, Bale had seen a snapshot come agonisingly back off the post. Wales coach Chris Coleman was less disappointed and was looking down the road. "We are four points behind Ireland but we play them twice," he said. "We have a massive chance. Tonight the boys deserved all three points." It was the third game in a row the Welsh have gone ahead only to draw. "We can be proud of ourselves. We are on the right track. Today we can be happy with one point," said Serbia captain Branislav Ivanovic. The Irish top Group D thanks to a James McClean strike three minutes after half-time in Vienna. "This is going to be a very tight finish. But this has been a splendid start for us and we are delighted with the 10 points," said Ireland boss Martin O`Neill. Spain and Italy continue to set the pace at the helm in Group G and both have 10 points. Spain played at Granada where Macedonia`s Darko Velkovski scored a 34th minute own goal before Votolo on 63 minutes, Nacho Monreal (83) and veteran striker Aritz Aduriz (85) gave them a comfortable win. Taking on minnows Liechtenstein, Italy's Anfrea Belotti scored either side of strikes from Ciro Imobile and Antonio Candreva. Eran Zahavi converted an 18th-minute penalty to set Israel on their way with Dan Einbinder and Eliran Atar making sure they beat Albania 3-0 in Tirana. Iceland failed to replicate their Euro 2016 heroics in a 2-0 defeat in Croatia in Group I. Croatia grabbed the lead after 15 minutes through Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, but it was Iceland who took control after that in Zagreb, where the game was played out in front of empty stands after a FIFA stadium ban. Despite having plenty of the ball in both halves, Iceland failed to make the crucial breakthrough. And the home side punished them in injury time, Brozovic again doing the damage against the run of play. Croatia, now top of the group with 10 points from four games, finished the match with 10 men after Ivan Perisic was sent off at the death. Also in Group I, Turkey revived their slim hopes of making it to Russia in 2018 with a 2-0 home victory over Kosovo in Antalya. Burak Yilmaz and Volkan Sen scored within four minutes of one another in the second half to leave Kosovo bottom on just a solitary point. Georgia and Moldova played out a 1-1 draw in Tbilisi to remain rooted in the bottom two spots in Group D. (AFP)

FIFA World Cup qualifiers: Spain, Italy win big, Wales held

Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet scored as France fought back to beat Sweden 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday that was marked by tributes to the victims of last year&#39;s Paris terror attacks.&nbsp;

Emil Forsberg had put Sweden in front from a free-kick early in the second half at the Stade de France in a meeting of the top two teams in Group A in European qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.&nbsp;

But Pogba headed in the equaliser in the 58th minute and Payet profited from a goalkeeping error to score the winner and allow Les Bleus to move three points clear of Sweden at the top of the section.&nbsp;

&quot;Decisive no, but important yes,&quot; was how France coach Didier Deschamps summed up the significance of the result.

&quot;It was a difficult game but the result is all that counts. Sweden made things complicated for us.&quot;

The result came on a poignant evening that saw a minute&#39;s silence held in memory of the victims of the terror attacks that struck the French capital, and the Stade de France, almost exactly a year ago.&nbsp;

France were playing Germany in a friendly on Friday November 13, 2015 when three suicide bombers blew themselves up immediately outside the ground.&nbsp;

A 63-year-old man, Manuel Dias, was killed by one of the explosions at the beginning of a night of terror around Paris that killed 130 people and injured many more.

French president Francois Hollande was there to pay tribute in a capacity crowd of 80,000 at Friday&#39;s match, which was played on a national holiday to mark the day that ended the First World War in 1918.

The French team featured many of those who had played in that game against Germany, including Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, recalled in attack in place of Kevin Gameiro.

They had numerous chances in a bright start to the game, with Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen saving well from a curling shot from the edge of the box by Payet.

Pogba and Moussa Sissoko also sent efforts just over the bar, but Sweden -- fielding a rejuvenated side as they rebuild following the international retirement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- were an occasional threat too.

Forsberg stunner

Indeed, they should have taken a 10th-minute lead, but John Guidetti, inside the six-yard box, was unable to convert a Ludwig Augustinsson free-kick from the left.

And they stunned the Stade de France when they went in front in the 54th minute, the impressive RB Leipzig winger Forsberg sending in a free-kick from fully 30 yards that left Hugo Lloris rooted as it swerved through the air and in.

However, France were level just four minutes later when Payet delivered a free-kick from the left and the world&#39;s most expensive player Pogba just beat team-mate Raphael Varane to the ball to head in his eighth international goal.

The relief was palpable and France, who have needed play-offs to qualify for each of the last two World Cups, went in front on 65 minutes.

Olsen failed to hold a cross under pressure from Antoine Griezmann, who was just offside when the ball came in, and Payet pounced to roll the ball in.

Griezmann almost got a third but Sweden made it a nervy finish with substitute Isaac Kiese Thelin missing the target with a great chance to equalise.

Their coach Janne Andersson was left to bemoan the lack of an offside call at the second goal.

&quot;We deserved a better result. It is a bit of a shame because the second goal was offside, but these things happen in sport,&quot; he said.

The Netherlands can join Sweden and also close to within three points of France with a win away to minnows Luxembourg on Sunday.&nbsp;

France are next in qualifying action in Luxembourg in late March, although they play the Ivory Coast in a friendly in Lens next Tuesday.

(AFP)

France beat Sweden 2-1 in Friday's Group A European qualifying for the 2018 World Cup

Paul Pogba and Dimitri Payet scored as France fought back to beat Sweden 2-1 in a World Cup qualifier on Friday that was marked by tributes to the victims of last year's Paris terror attacks. Emil Forsberg had put Sweden in front from a free-kick early in the second half at the Stade de France in a meeting of the top two teams in Group A in European qualifying for the 2018 World Cup. But Pogba headed in the equaliser in the 58th minute and Payet profited from a goalkeeping error to score the winner and allow Les Bleus to move three points clear of Sweden at the top of the section. "Decisive no, but important yes," was how France coach Didier Deschamps summed up the significance of the result. "It was a difficult game but the result is all that counts. Sweden made things complicated for us." The result came on a poignant evening that saw a minute's silence held in memory of the victims of the terror attacks that struck the French capital, and the Stade de France, almost exactly a year ago. France were playing Germany in a friendly on Friday November 13, 2015 when three suicide bombers blew themselves up immediately outside the ground. A 63-year-old man, Manuel Dias, was killed by one of the explosions at the beginning of a night of terror around Paris that killed 130 people and injured many more. French president Francois Hollande was there to pay tribute in a capacity crowd of 80,000 at Friday's match, which was played on a national holiday to mark the day that ended the First World War in 1918. The French team featured many of those who had played in that game against Germany, including Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, recalled in attack in place of Kevin Gameiro. They had numerous chances in a bright start to the game, with Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen saving well from a curling shot from the edge of the box by Payet. Pogba and Moussa Sissoko also sent efforts just over the bar, but Sweden -- fielding a rejuvenated side as they rebuild following the international retirement of Zlatan Ibrahimovic -- were an occasional threat too. Forsberg stunner Indeed, they should have taken a 10th-minute lead, but John Guidetti, inside the six-yard box, was unable to convert a Ludwig Augustinsson free-kick from the left. And they stunned the Stade de France when they went in front in the 54th minute, the impressive RB Leipzig winger Forsberg sending in a free-kick from fully 30 yards that left Hugo Lloris rooted as it swerved through the air and in. However, France were level just four minutes later when Payet delivered a free-kick from the left and the world's most expensive player Pogba just beat team-mate Raphael Varane to the ball to head in his eighth international goal. The relief was palpable and France, who have needed play-offs to qualify for each of the last two World Cups, went in front on 65 minutes. Olsen failed to hold a cross under pressure from Antoine Griezmann, who was just offside when the ball came in, and Payet pounced to roll the ball in. Griezmann almost got a third but Sweden made it a nervy finish with substitute Isaac Kiese Thelin missing the target with a great chance to equalise. Their coach Janne Andersson was left to bemoan the lack of an offside call at the second goal. "We deserved a better result. It is a bit of a shame because the second goal was offside, but these things happen in sport," he said. The Netherlands can join Sweden and also close to within three points of France with a win away to minnows Luxembourg on Sunday. France are next in qualifying action in Luxembourg in late March, although they play the Ivory Coast in a friendly in Lens next Tuesday. (AFP)

Dimitri Payet nets winning goal as France mark anniversary of attacks

A trio of thundering headers gave England a thumping victory over their oldest foes as Scotland put up a fight before being swept aside 3-0 in Friday&#39;s World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

Daniel Sturridge&#39;s bullet header in the first half and equally impressive efforts after the break from Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill ensured England emerged from international football&#39;s oldest fixture having consolidated their lead at the top of Group F.

While it was not the one-sided romp the scoreline suggests and England only pulled clear in the second half having survived some nervy moments, the result will have strengthened interim boss Gareth Southgate&#39;s chances of claiming the role on a permanent basis.

With his side having moved onto 10 points from four matches, two clear of nearest rivals Slovenia, Southgate now looks almost certain to be appointed the permanent replacement to Sam Allardyce.

&quot;Tonight is down to the players they have shown what they are capable of,&quot; he told reporters -- although he was equally keen to stress his side had almost been the architects of their own downfall when Scotland put them under pressure in the second half.

For his counterpart Gordon Strachan, though, the future looks increasingly bleak, his side sitting second bottom in the standings with four points.

However, he was adamant, that he would not be rushed into decisions about his role.

&quot;If you think I&#39;m thinking about myself now, or worrying about myself, you don&#39;t know me,&quot; was his response to questions about his future.

Strachan had made sweeping changes to the side that lost to Slovakia in their previous qualifier and had clearly set his team up to make England uncomfortable and it was a game plan that worked to perfection until 24th minute.

A sprawling Scottish defender blocked Raheem Sterling&#39;s shot, but the ball fell kindly for Kyle Walker whose driven cross was angled superbly into the net by a stooping Sturridge.

Having broken the visitors&#39; resistance, England conspired to hand them a route back into the match two minutes later and would have been pegged back had Scotland defender Grant Hanley not headed hopelessly over the bar when completely unmarked.

That was the first of a series of let-offs for England, who survived two heart-in-mouth moments at the start of the second half when James Forrest pulled a shot hideously wide from 10 metres and Robert Snodgrass had one blocked from a similar range.

Within moments, however, England put the encounter to bed showing the sort of quality in front of goal Scotland had lacked, as Danny Rose&#39;s cross from the left found Lallana on the penalty spot to head powerfully past Craig Gordon.

England&#39;s third arrived on 60 minutes as Wayne Rooney&#39;s corner found Cahill, who flashed his near-post header past Gordon and into the far corner.

The defeat was already ensured, but England should have rubbed further salt into Scotland&#39;s wounds but Sterling somehow scooped his finish over from almost under the cross bar.

(Reuters)

Sturridge's bullet header in the first half and equally impressive headers from Lallana and Cahill handed England a 3-0 win

A trio of thundering headers gave England a thumping victory over their oldest foes as Scotland put up a fight before being swept aside 3-0 in Friday's World Cup qualifier at Wembley. Daniel Sturridge's bullet header in the first half and equally impressive efforts after the break from Adam Lallana and Gary Cahill ensured England emerged from international football's oldest fixture having consolidated their lead at the top of Group F. While it was not the one-sided romp the scoreline suggests and England only pulled clear in the second half having survived some nervy moments, the result will have strengthened interim boss Gareth Southgate's chances of claiming the role on a permanent basis. With his side having moved onto 10 points from four matches, two clear of nearest rivals Slovenia, Southgate now looks almost certain to be appointed the permanent replacement to Sam Allardyce. "Tonight is down to the players they have shown what they are capable of," he told reporters -- although he was equally keen to stress his side had almost been the architects of their own downfall when Scotland put them under pressure in the second half. For his counterpart Gordon Strachan, though, the future looks increasingly bleak, his side sitting second bottom in the standings with four points. However, he was adamant, that he would not be rushed into decisions about his role. "If you think I'm thinking about myself now, or worrying about myself, you don't know me," was his response to questions about his future. Strachan had made sweeping changes to the side that lost to Slovakia in their previous qualifier and had clearly set his team up to make England uncomfortable and it was a game plan that worked to perfection until 24th minute. A sprawling Scottish defender blocked Raheem Sterling's shot, but the ball fell kindly for Kyle Walker whose driven cross was angled superbly into the net by a stooping Sturridge. Having broken the visitors' resistance, England conspired to hand them a route back into the match two minutes later and would have been pegged back had Scotland defender Grant Hanley not headed hopelessly over the bar when completely unmarked. That was the first of a series of let-offs for England, who survived two heart-in-mouth moments at the start of the second half when James Forrest pulled a shot hideously wide from 10 metres and Robert Snodgrass had one blocked from a similar range. Within moments, however, England put the encounter to bed showing the sort of quality in front of goal Scotland had lacked, as Danny Rose's cross from the left found Lallana on the penalty spot to head powerfully past Craig Gordon. England's third arrived on 60 minutes as Wayne Rooney's corner found Cahill, who flashed his near-post header past Gordon and into the far corner. The defeat was already ensured, but England should have rubbed further salt into Scotland's wounds but Sterling somehow scooped his finish over from almost under the cross bar. (Reuters)

World Cup qualifier: England record a heady win against Scotland

Argentine coach Edgardo Bauza was unbowed after a 3-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Brazil and a fourth game without a win on Thursday but promised his misfiring team still have qualification for the 2018 finals in Russia in their own hands.

&quot;We still have a lot to do before the qualifiers end,&quot; he said after Brazil&#39;s easy victory in Belo Horizonte. &quot;We know that classification still depends on what we do.

&quot;The game against Colombia will be different,&quot; he said of their match against the third-placed side next week.

Argentina are sixth in the 10-team South American group on 16 points after 11 games, with only the top four automatically qualifying for Russia while the fifth-placed side faces a play-off with the Oceania winners.

Bauza is likely to be heavily scrutinised after recording just one win in his five games in charge while his players will also face questions after they were outshone by Brazil&#39;s three goalscorers Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho.

Lionel Messi returned from three games out injured but was largely anonymous and there was little of note from strikers Gonzalo Higuain or Angel Di Maria.

Sergio Aguero replaced Enzo Perez at half time but with Brazil dominant in the second period he had little chance to change the game.

&quot;When they hit us hard we struggled to recover,&quot; Messi said.

&quot;We are more than aware that we have to change a lot. Of all the bad points, the good one is that we depend on ourselves but we can&#39;t be giving away any more points.&quot;

Argentine sports newspaper Ole called the performance a &quot;catastrophe&quot; and in a headline classed the side&#39;s current predicament as &quot;Russian Roulette.&quot;

Argentina have won the World Cup twice and reached the final of their last three major tournaments but not won a senior title since the 1990s.

Their next two games are against Colombia on Tuesday and then next March against Copa America champions Chile, who are fifth on the table on 17 points.

(Reuters)

The Argentines are currently sixth in the 10-team South American qualifying group, only the top 4 qualify automatically for Russia 2018

Argentine coach Edgardo Bauza was unbowed after a 3-0 World Cup qualifying loss to Brazil and a fourth game without a win on Thursday but promised his misfiring team still have qualification for the 2018 finals in Russia in their own hands. "We still have a lot to do before the qualifiers end," he said after Brazil's easy victory in Belo Horizonte. "We know that classification still depends on what we do. "The game against Colombia will be different," he said of their match against the third-placed side next week. Argentina are sixth in the 10-team South American group on 16 points after 11 games, with only the top four automatically qualifying for Russia while the fifth-placed side faces a play-off with the Oceania winners. Bauza is likely to be heavily scrutinised after recording just one win in his five games in charge while his players will also face questions after they were outshone by Brazil's three goalscorers Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho. Lionel Messi returned from three games out injured but was largely anonymous and there was little of note from strikers Gonzalo Higuain or Angel Di Maria. Sergio Aguero replaced Enzo Perez at half time but with Brazil dominant in the second period he had little chance to change the game. "When they hit us hard we struggled to recover," Messi said. "We are more than aware that we have to change a lot. Of all the bad points, the good one is that we depend on ourselves but we can't be giving away any more points." Argentine sports newspaper Ole called the performance a "catastrophe" and in a headline classed the side's current predicament as "Russian Roulette." Argentina have won the World Cup twice and reached the final of their last three major tournaments but not won a senior title since the 1990s. Their next two games are against Colombia on Tuesday and then next March against Copa America champions Chile, who are fifth on the table on 17 points. (Reuters)

Argentina avoid crisis talk but slump worries players and coach

Brazil dealt Argentina&#39;s hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals a serious blow on Thursday with a resounding 3-0 win that dropped the world&#39;s top ranked side into sixth place in the 10-team South American qualifying group.

First half goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar were followed by a third from Paulinho after 58 minutes to sink the Argentines and extend their winless run to four games.

The result means Brazil remain top of the group with 24 points from 11 games.

Argentina are sixth on 16 points, with the top four teams qualifying automatically for the finals in Russia and the fifth-placed side going into a play-off with the Oceania winners.

&quot;Today we imposed ourselves, the fans helped from the first minute and we leave here very happy,&quot; Coutinho said in a pitchside interview.

Argentina&#39;s Lionel Messi, who returned to the side after three games out injured, was anonymous in a match lit up by brilliant moments from the home side.

Brazil took the lead after 24 minutes when Neymar slipped the ball to Philippe Coutinho on the left with the deftest of touches and the Liverpool midfielder hammered an unstoppable drive into the top corner of the net.

The Barcelona striker was lucky not to concede a penalty after he handled in the box 12 minutes later but he was always dangerous at the other end and he doubled Brazil&#39;s lead just seconds before half time when he coolly slotted home after taking a defence-splitting pass from Gabriel Jesus.

Paulinho sealed it 13 minutes into the second period when the midfielder charged into the box between defenders and poked home a cross from Renato Augusto.

Brazil were dominant in a rampant second half and could have scored more with Neymar and substitute Robero Firmino both coming close.

In the evening&#39;s other games, Peru got four goals in the second half to beat Paraguay 4-1 away in Asuncion, while Josef Martinez became the first Venezuelan to score a hat trick in World Cup qualifiers in the 5-0 win over Bolivia.

Earlier, Colombia drew 0-0 at home to Chile and stay in third, while Uruguay beat Ecuador 2-1 to remain second, a point behind Brazil.&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Argentina are now winless in four games and sixth in the 10-team South American qualifying group

Brazil dealt Argentina's hopes of reaching the 2018 World Cup finals a serious blow on Thursday with a resounding 3-0 win that dropped the world's top ranked side into sixth place in the 10-team South American qualifying group. First half goals from Philippe Coutinho and Neymar were followed by a third from Paulinho after 58 minutes to sink the Argentines and extend their winless run to four games. The result means Brazil remain top of the group with 24 points from 11 games. Argentina are sixth on 16 points, with the top four teams qualifying automatically for the finals in Russia and the fifth-placed side going into a play-off with the Oceania winners. "Today we imposed ourselves, the fans helped from the first minute and we leave here very happy," Coutinho said in a pitchside interview. Argentina's Lionel Messi, who returned to the side after three games out injured, was anonymous in a match lit up by brilliant moments from the home side. Brazil took the lead after 24 minutes when Neymar slipped the ball to Philippe Coutinho on the left with the deftest of touches and the Liverpool midfielder hammered an unstoppable drive into the top corner of the net. The Barcelona striker was lucky not to concede a penalty after he handled in the box 12 minutes later but he was always dangerous at the other end and he doubled Brazil's lead just seconds before half time when he coolly slotted home after taking a defence-splitting pass from Gabriel Jesus. Paulinho sealed it 13 minutes into the second period when the midfielder charged into the box between defenders and poked home a cross from Renato Augusto. Brazil were dominant in a rampant second half and could have scored more with Neymar and substitute Robero Firmino both coming close. In the evening's other games, Peru got four goals in the second half to beat Paraguay 4-1 away in Asuncion, while Josef Martinez became the first Venezuelan to score a hat trick in World Cup qualifiers in the 5-0 win over Bolivia. Earlier, Colombia drew 0-0 at home to Chile and stay in third, while Uruguay beat Ecuador 2-1 to remain second, a point behind Brazil. (Reuters)

Football: Brazil blitz Argentina 3-0 in World Cup qualifier

The Professional Footballers&#39; Association has voiced concerns over Jose Mourinho&#39;s criticism of Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw, urging the manager to show more empathy towards players with &quot;personal problems&quot;.

Mourinho condemned Shaw and Smalling over the pair&#39;s apparent unwillingness to play through the pain barrier in Sunday&#39;s Premier League win over Swansea City, saying they were not &quot;brave&quot; enough to feature.

&quot;I was disappointed by that because, knowing the individuals, they are both highly thought of. They&#39;ve got personal problems which I don&#39;t need to relay,&quot; PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor told Sky Sports.

&quot;Sometimes a manager needs to be a psychologist as well, and also to be a counsellor because you can&#39;t treat everybody in the team (the same), every manager must know that. Every player in a team is different.&quot;

Smalling has missed several United matches with a foot injury but took a pain-killing injection to play against Chelsea last month, according to British media reports.

Shaw, who recently returned following a 10-month injury layoff, has had a mixed start to the campaign and lost his place in the starting line-up after Mourinho publicly criticised the 21-year-old following United&#39;s loss at Watford in September.

&quot;It&#39;s a short-term career and we&#39;re all human beings. I think that&#39;s what management these days has to be,&quot; Taylor added.

&quot;I&#39;m not talking about being soft, I&#39;m talking about being understanding because to even get to the top in football you have got to succeed as not so many actually make it in the game.&quot;

(Reuters)

PFA urged Manchester United's manager to show more empathy towards players with 'personal problems'

The Professional Footballers' Association has voiced concerns over Jose Mourinho's criticism of Manchester United defenders Chris Smalling and Luke Shaw, urging the manager to show more empathy towards players with "personal problems". Mourinho condemned Shaw and Smalling over the pair's apparent unwillingness to play through the pain barrier in Sunday's Premier League win over Swansea City, saying they were not "brave" enough to feature. "I was disappointed by that because, knowing the individuals, they are both highly thought of. They've got personal problems which I don't need to relay," PFA Chief Executive Gordon Taylor told Sky Sports. "Sometimes a manager needs to be a psychologist as well, and also to be a counsellor because you can't treat everybody in the team (the same), every manager must know that. Every player in a team is different." Smalling has missed several United matches with a foot injury but took a pain-killing injection to play against Chelsea last month, according to British media reports. Shaw, who recently returned following a 10-month injury layoff, has had a mixed start to the campaign and lost his place in the starting line-up after Mourinho publicly criticised the 21-year-old following United's loss at Watford in September. "It's a short-term career and we're all human beings. I think that's what management these days has to be," Taylor added. "I'm not talking about being soft, I'm talking about being understanding because to even get to the top in football you have got to succeed as not so many actually make it in the game." (Reuters)

PFA chief Gordon Taylor voices concern over Mourinho's criticism of players

Northern Ireland&#39;s players will not wear the black armbands with poppies to pay tribute on Armstice Day in their World Cup qualifier, the Irish Football Association said, news agency AFP reported.

England and Scotland&#39;s football&#39;s associations decided to wear the poppy despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA. Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley.

FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match.&nbsp;

Northern Ireland&#39;s players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast.

&quot;We asked FIFA if permission could be granted for the Northern Ireland team to wear a poppy on the shirt or on an armband,&quot; IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said in a statement on Tuesday, AFP reported.

&quot;FIFA advised that they could give no guarantee that there would not be disciplinary proceedings if the Northern Ireland team was to wear a symbol of remembrance on the playing shirt.&quot;

Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that wearing the poppies would make him &quot;happy&quot;.

&quot;As long as we&#39;re wearing the poppy, we&#39;re happy,&quot; Kane told a press conference at the St George&#39;s Park football centre in Burton-on-Trent, central England. &quot;We all wanted to wear it. Being on the top or the sleeve, it doesn&#39;t matter too much. As long as we&#39;re wearing it, it&#39;s a big positive.&quot;

British Prime Minister Theresa May has described FIFA&#39;s stance on the matter as &quot;utterly outrageous&quot;.

(With inputs from AFP)

Northern Ireland's players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast

Northern Ireland's players will not wear the black armbands with poppies to pay tribute on Armstice Day in their World Cup qualifier, the Irish Football Association said, news agency AFP reported. England and Scotland's football's associations decided to wear the poppy despite a sanction threat from the world governing body FIFA. Britain remembers its war dead on November 11, which happens to be the day England play Scotland in a World Cup qualifier at Wembley. FIFA bans political, religious and commercial symbols on team uniforms while playing a match. Northern Ireland's players will wear plain black armbands for their Armistice Day game in Belfast. "We asked FIFA if permission could be granted for the Northern Ireland team to wear a poppy on the shirt or on an armband," IFA chief executive Patrick Nelson said in a statement on Tuesday, AFP reported. "FIFA advised that they could give no guarantee that there would not be disciplinary proceedings if the Northern Ireland team was to wear a symbol of remembrance on the playing shirt." Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane said that wearing the poppies would make him "happy". "As long as we're wearing the poppy, we're happy," Kane told a press conference at the St George's Park football centre in Burton-on-Trent, central England. "We all wanted to wear it. Being on the top or the sleeve, it doesn't matter too much. As long as we're wearing it, it's a big positive." British Prime Minister Theresa May has described FIFA's stance on the matter as "utterly outrageous". (With inputs from AFP)

Football: North Ireland decide against wearing poppies

Football competitions under the purview of Confederation of African Football (CAF) will see an increased prize money.

The announcement comes months after French oil-gas company Total inked an eight-year sponsorship deal with CAF.

In July,&nbsp;Total announced it will support CAF&rsquo;s ten principal competitions, starting with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The cash boost means that winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is held every two years, will now receive $4 million as against $1.5 million received by Ivory Coast, who won the continental competition in 2015.

CAF Champion League winners will also receive more prize money. They will now get $2.5 million, up from $1.5 million the previous champion received.

Prize money for the winners of the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup will be nearly doubled from $660,000 to $1.25 million.

Both the Champions League and Confederation Cup group phases -- where &nbsp;prize money kicks in -- will expand next year from eight to 16 clubs.

Winners of the annual CAF Super Cup match between Champions League and Confederation Cup title-holders pocket $100,000, a 33.3 per cent rise.

The biennial African Nations Championship for home-based footballers is another competition to get a cash boost with first prize climbing by $500,000 to $1.25 million.

Travel costs are a huge challenge for African teams with flights from one country to another often involving lengthy stop-overs in the Middle East and Europe to trim expenses.&nbsp;

Clubs like Sundowns are better placed because the Pretoria-based outfit is owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.

But in poorer African countries, teams rely on government financial assistance to play in CAF and FIFA competitions.

(AFP)

Confederation of African Football's announcement comes months after they signed an eight-year deal with oil-gas company Total

Football competitions under the purview of Confederation of African Football (CAF) will see an increased prize money. The announcement comes months after French oil-gas company Total inked an eight-year sponsorship deal with CAF. In July, Total announced it will support CAF’s ten principal competitions, starting with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The cash boost means that winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, which is held every two years, will now receive $4 million as against $1.5 million received by Ivory Coast, who won the continental competition in 2015. CAF Champion League winners will also receive more prize money. They will now get $2.5 million, up from $1.5 million the previous champion received. Prize money for the winners of the second-tier CAF Confederation Cup will be nearly doubled from $660,000 to $1.25 million. Both the Champions League and Confederation Cup group phases -- where prize money kicks in -- will expand next year from eight to 16 clubs. Winners of the annual CAF Super Cup match between Champions League and Confederation Cup title-holders pocket $100,000, a 33.3 per cent rise. The biennial African Nations Championship for home-based footballers is another competition to get a cash boost with first prize climbing by $500,000 to $1.25 million. Travel costs are a huge challenge for African teams with flights from one country to another often involving lengthy stop-overs in the Middle East and Europe to trim expenses. Clubs like Sundowns are better placed because the Pretoria-based outfit is owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe. But in poorer African countries, teams rely on government financial assistance to play in CAF and FIFA competitions. (AFP)

Prize money for African football competitions to increase: CAF

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out of Chile&#39;s World Cup qualifier against Colombia after he suffered a muscle injury, the Chilean Football Federation said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The federation said in a short statement that the player will remain in Santiago for treatment and is under evaluation for Chile&#39;s match against Uruguay.

Chile, who sit fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying competition for Russia 2018, are scheduled to play Colombia - the team directly above them in the standings - in Barranquilla on Thursday.

Chile have won the last two Copa Americas but have struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign, winning four of their 10 games on the pitch.&nbsp;

They were awarded a fifth victory when FIFA ruled that opponents Bolivia had fielded an ineligible player during their 0-0 draw last month.

(Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The midfielder was ruled out of the qualifier against Colombia and will remain in Santiago to undergo treatment for his muscle injury

Arsenal midfielder Alexis Sanchez has been ruled out of Chile's World Cup qualifier against Colombia after he suffered a muscle injury, the Chilean Football Federation said on Tuesday. The federation said in a short statement that the player will remain in Santiago for treatment and is under evaluation for Chile's match against Uruguay. Chile, who sit fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying competition for Russia 2018, are scheduled to play Colombia - the team directly above them in the standings - in Barranquilla on Thursday. Chile have won the last two Copa Americas but have struggled in the World Cup qualifying campaign, winning four of their 10 games on the pitch. They were awarded a fifth victory when FIFA ruled that opponents Bolivia had fielded an ineligible player during their 0-0 draw last month. (Reuters)

Arsenal's Sanchez out of Chile qualifier with muscle strain

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday.

Marten de Roon&#39;s stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte&#39;s Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola&#39;s side at the summit.

&quot;When you win in this way it&#39;s fantastic because we played good football with good intensity,&quot; Conte told BT Sport.

&quot;All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it&#39;s the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic.

&quot;It is fantastic to be top of the league.&quot;

Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday&#39;s North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford.

Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off.

At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal.

Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts&#39; second.

Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard&#39;s corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign.

Chelsea&#39;s fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard&#39;s pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot.

Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard.

City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro&#39;s former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium.

He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne&#39;s sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances.

Barnes late show&nbsp;

Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw.

After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend&#39;s deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point.

&quot;We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity,&quot; said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton.

&quot;It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward.&quot;

Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth&#39;s Vitality Stadium.

After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal.

Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe.

&quot;It is a big relief,&quot; Moyes told Sky Sports. &quot;We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us.

&quot;We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more.&quot;

There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes&#39;s 94th-minute strike.

Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke.

But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat.

Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead.

(AFP) 
&nbsp;

Man City slipped up, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough

Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea exploited a slip-up by Manchester City to claim top spot in the Premier League by stylishly crushing Everton 5-0 on Saturday. Marten de Roon's stoppage-time equaliser earned Middlesbrough a 1-1 draw at City and Antonio Conte's Chelsea took advantage to move a point clear of Pep Guardiola's side at the summit. "When you win in this way it's fantastic because we played good football with good intensity," Conte told BT Sport. "All the players played in the right way with and without the ball. We created many chances to score and also it's the fifth clean sheet in a row, which is fantastic. "It is fantastic to be top of the league." Arsenal and Liverpool could also surpass City before the weekend is out, the former tackling Tottenham Hotspur in Sunday's North London derby and the latter entertaining Watford. Elsewhere, bottom club Sunderland ended their wait for a first win of the season at the 11th attempt by coming from behind to win 2-1 at Bournemouth despite having Steven Pienaar sent off. At Stamford Bridge, Chelsea produced one of their most scintillating performances in recent memory as the 2014-15 champions made it five straight wins without conceding a goal. Hazard opened the scoring in the 19th minute, drifting in from the left to drill a shot into the bottom-right corner, and a minute later Pedro Rodriguez teed up Marcos Alonso for the hosts' second. Diego Costa made it 3-0 three minutes before half-time, slamming home at the back post after Nemanja Matic flicked on Hazard's corner to bring up his ninth goal of the campaign. Chelsea's fourth goal was a jewel, Pedro returning Hazard's pass with a sweet back-heel and the Belgian dancing into the box from the right before lashing home with his left foot. Pedro volleyed in the fifth, in the 65th minute, after Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg parried a shot from Hazard. City went into their game on the back of a stirring 3-1 Champions League win over Barcelona and Boro's former Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes looked determined to restore Catalan pride at the Etihad Stadium. He saved brilliantly from Sergio Aguero and David Silva, only for Aguero to put the hosts ahead in the 43rd minute by converting Kevin De Bruyne's sumptuous cross for his 150th goal in 223 City appearances. Barnes late show Boro showed more attacking intent in the second half, former City striker Alvaro Negredo almost catching out Claudio Bravo with an audacious lob from his own half before Bravo saved smartly from Adam Forshaw. After Aguero had squandered a late chance, Dutch midfielder De Roon met George Friend's deep cross with a thumping header to earn Boro a dramatic point. "We did absolutely everything to win the game. It is a pity," said Guardiola, whose side have drawn their last three home league games 1-1 following previous stalemates against Everton and Southampton. "It is a miss because we have dropped six points in the last three home games, but we are still there. We have to move forward." Sunderland remain bottom, below Swansea City on goal difference, but manager David Moyes belatedly has a victory to his name following a hard-fought success at Bournemouth's Vitality Stadium. After Adam Smith had teed up Dan Gosling to bundle in an 11th-minute opener for Bournemouth, Victor Anichebe equalised with his first Sunderland goal. Pienaar was sent off just before the hour after receiving a second yellow card for a lunge on Junior Stanislas, but Jermain Defoe netted a 74th-minute winner from the spot after Smith felled Anichebe. "It is a big relief," Moyes told Sky Sports. "We owed the supporters the victory. They have kept with us. "We needed a win, but it is only one. We need a few more." There was late drama at Turf Moor as Burnley withstood a Crystal Palace fightback to prevail 3-2 courtesy of Ashley Barnes's 94th-minute strike. Sam Vokes and Johann Berg Gundmundsson put Burnley 2-0 up, only for Palace to hit back through second-half goals by substitute Connor Wickham and Christian Benteke. But in the fourth minute of stoppage time, Gudmundsson crossed for Barnes to fire home and condemn Palace -- who later hit the post through Andros Townsend -- to a fourth straight defeat. Stoke City drew 1-1 at West Ham United, Bojan Krkic exploiting an error by home goalkeeper Adrian to equalise in the 75th minute after a Glenn Whelan own goal had put the hosts ahead. (AFP)

EPL: Chelsea crush Everton 5-0, storm to top of league standings

Ireland midfielder James McCarthy withdrew from the squad for Saturday&#39;s 2018 World Cup qualifier with Austria ending a fiery debate between national coach Martin O&#39;Neill and his Everton manager Ronald Koeman over his fitness.

Koeman blamed O&#39;Neill for giving 25-year-old McCarthy too much game time in two 2018 World Cup qualifiers last month as he had just returned from a groin operation.

O&#39;Neill said the Dutchman&#39;s claim was rubbish and accused him of &#39;bleating&#39; even though McCarthy, who has over 40 caps to his name, has only played just over an hour for Everton since the qualifiers.

However, on Monday the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued a statement saying he would not feature and had been joined on the sidelines by three other players.&nbsp;

&quot;Injury has ruled out Cyrus Christie, Stephen Ward, James McCarthy and Stephen Quinn from the provisional squad, while some players will be assessed by the FAI medical staff,&quot; read the statement.

Experienced defender John O&#39;Shea is one of the players being assessed and O&#39;Neill will hope he is fit as he has been hit prior to Monday by the loss of leading striker Shane Long.

Daryl Murphy, who scored the equaliser in the 2-2 draw in their opening qualifier against Serbia, is also a non-starter. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Ireland, whom O&#39;Neill guided to the last 16 of Euro 2016, are presently level on seven points with table-topping Serbia as the Irish bid to reach their first World Cup finals since 2002.

(AFP)

It ended a fiery debate between national coach Martin O'Neill and his Everton manager Ronald Koeman over McCarthy's fitness

Ireland midfielder James McCarthy withdrew from the squad for Saturday's 2018 World Cup qualifier with Austria ending a fiery debate between national coach Martin O'Neill and his Everton manager Ronald Koeman over his fitness. Koeman blamed O'Neill for giving 25-year-old McCarthy too much game time in two 2018 World Cup qualifiers last month as he had just returned from a groin operation. O'Neill said the Dutchman's claim was rubbish and accused him of 'bleating' even though McCarthy, who has over 40 caps to his name, has only played just over an hour for Everton since the qualifiers. However, on Monday the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) issued a statement saying he would not feature and had been joined on the sidelines by three other players. "Injury has ruled out Cyrus Christie, Stephen Ward, James McCarthy and Stephen Quinn from the provisional squad, while some players will be assessed by the FAI medical staff," read the statement. Experienced defender John O'Shea is one of the players being assessed and O'Neill will hope he is fit as he has been hit prior to Monday by the loss of leading striker Shane Long. Daryl Murphy, who scored the equaliser in the 2-2 draw in their opening qualifier against Serbia, is also a non-starter. Ireland, whom O'Neill guided to the last 16 of Euro 2016, are presently level on seven points with table-topping Serbia as the Irish bid to reach their first World Cup finals since 2002. (AFP)

Midfielder James McCarthy pulls out of Irish World Cup qualifier

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at the Manchester United players he fears might not have the right attitude to guide his side back into the Premier League title race.

Mourinho saw first half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba help United to only a second league victory in eight games as his side cruised to a 3-1 success at Swansea on Sunday.

However, in the wake of the win, Mourinho spoke openly about the need for players to play through the injury pain barrier.

&quot;We have players with problems, but we also have players on the pitch who have problems,&quot; he said.

&quot;And that is what I mean, because in every sport, and I know that because I have friends from other sports, playing at the highest level. How many times do they play when they are not 100 per cent?

&quot;I have a friend who is a big tennis player and he tells me that he remembers more times when he has played with pain than the times he has played without any pain. To compete, you have to work to the limits.

&quot;It is a cultural thing, for some. That&#39;s not my culture.&quot;

Asked if players needed to change to play for him, Mourinho said; &quot;Exactly, but more than me, Man United. More than me, Man United.&quot;

Despite Mourinho&#39;s blast, he could have no complaints about the overall United performance on Sunday.

&quot;After the draw against Burnley we needed points,&quot; he said.

&quot;We put in a great performance against Burnley, but only came away with one point. We needed three points today, more than the performance. But we got both.

&quot;Zlatan does not lack confidence. I used to say that a striker who doesn&#39;t score goals and does nothing else, means you have one player less.

&quot;A striker who doesn&#39;t score goals, but does everything else, is a very important player for the team. When Zlatan was not scoring goals, he was doing everything else. He was working defensively, he was working in the build up, he was giving assists and he was contributing towards the fact that the goalkeepers who played against us were the man of the match.

&quot;So, he was doing so many things that I was not worried. Today we needed goals to win and we got them.&quot;

Calling the tune

While Ibrahimovic was calling the tune in the final third, it was veteran Michael Carrick who was dictating the pace of the game in front of his back four.&nbsp;

Mourinho added; &quot;I would love Michael to play every game, but that is not possible.&nbsp;

&quot;He can&#39;t play in every game for the same reason I can no longer go to the gym every day. But he started today and he played very, very well.&quot;

Not even a 69th minute headed goal from Mike van der Hoorn could bring a smile to the face of Swansea manager Bob Bradley, whose side are stuck in the relegation zone.

&quot;We are in a tough spot, there is no two ways about that. We understand very clearly where we are and there is no hiding from that. But we understand all the areas where we need to be better,&quot; Bradley said.

&quot;We kept giving the ball back too quickly. I don&#39;t think we showed enough commitment to close people down. We cannot take solace from playing a little better in the second half.

&quot;There is only one way to win the support of the fans and that is to play well and to win games.

&quot;We need to focus on the only part we control and that is how we play. If the fans are angry, I understand that.&nbsp;

&quot;We didn&#39;t do enough to win them over. They had every right to be angry.&quot;

(AFP)

Mourinho spoke openly about the need for players to play through the injury pain barrier

Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at the Manchester United players he fears might not have the right attitude to guide his side back into the Premier League title race. Mourinho saw first half goals from Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba help United to only a second league victory in eight games as his side cruised to a 3-1 success at Swansea on Sunday. However, in the wake of the win, Mourinho spoke openly about the need for players to play through the injury pain barrier. "We have players with problems, but we also have players on the pitch who have problems," he said. "And that is what I mean, because in every sport, and I know that because I have friends from other sports, playing at the highest level. How many times do they play when they are not 100 per cent? "I have a friend who is a big tennis player and he tells me that he remembers more times when he has played with pain than the times he has played without any pain. To compete, you have to work to the limits. "It is a cultural thing, for some. That's not my culture." Asked if players needed to change to play for him, Mourinho said; "Exactly, but more than me, Man United. More than me, Man United." Despite Mourinho's blast, he could have no complaints about the overall United performance on Sunday. "After the draw against Burnley we needed points," he said. "We put in a great performance against Burnley, but only came away with one point. We needed three points today, more than the performance. But we got both. "Zlatan does not lack confidence. I used to say that a striker who doesn't score goals and does nothing else, means you have one player less. "A striker who doesn't score goals, but does everything else, is a very important player for the team. When Zlatan was not scoring goals, he was doing everything else. He was working defensively, he was working in the build up, he was giving assists and he was contributing towards the fact that the goalkeepers who played against us were the man of the match. "So, he was doing so many things that I was not worried. Today we needed goals to win and we got them." Calling the tune While Ibrahimovic was calling the tune in the final third, it was veteran Michael Carrick who was dictating the pace of the game in front of his back four. Mourinho added; "I would love Michael to play every game, but that is not possible. "He can't play in every game for the same reason I can no longer go to the gym every day. But he started today and he played very, very well." Not even a 69th minute headed goal from Mike van der Hoorn could bring a smile to the face of Swansea manager Bob Bradley, whose side are stuck in the relegation zone. "We are in a tough spot, there is no two ways about that. We understand very clearly where we are and there is no hiding from that. But we understand all the areas where we need to be better," Bradley said. "We kept giving the ball back too quickly. I don't think we showed enough commitment to close people down. We cannot take solace from playing a little better in the second half. "There is only one way to win the support of the fans and that is to play well and to win games. "We need to focus on the only part we control and that is how we play. If the fans are angry, I understand that. "We didn't do enough to win them over. They had every right to be angry." (AFP)

Football: Mourinho hits out at United 'problem players'

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to &ldquo;be cool&rdquo; after his side went top of the Premier League for the first time since he arrived at Anfield.

Klopp watched Liverpool produce one of their most emphatic displays of the season as they thrashed Watford 6-1.

Sadio Mane scored twice while Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also got their names on the scoresheet as Liverpool produced the kind of performance that will further fuel title talk.

However, Klopp was keen to urge caution despite the fervour whipped up by the red half of Merseyside, who have not seen Liverpool win the league title since 1990.

&ldquo;If somebody thinks being one point ahead after 11 matchdays is a big sign for the rest of the season, I can&#39;t help this person, so sorry,&rdquo; Klopp said.

&ldquo;We stay cool, it&#39;s the best position I can imagine, nothing else happened. We didn&#39;t speak one word that Arsenal drew against Tottenham, not one word about the possibility of being top of the table.

&ldquo;The only thing you can do is work and stay concentrated, because a lot of different things could happen in the next few weeks and months. No matter how positive they are is up to us, actually.&rdquo;

Klopp insisted that the extra scrutiny on his side as they head into the international break top of the pile for the first time since May 2014 will not affect them.

&nbsp;No pressure&nbsp; 
He added &ldquo;There is no pressure after 11 matchdays. Chelsea played yesterday, quite impressive. We saw Manchester City play Barcelona, quite impressive.

&ldquo;Never write Manchester United off. Tottenham, good side. I&#39;m not sure if I&#39;ve forgotten anybody but there&#39;s a lot of really good teams around.

&ldquo;You can play a really good season and when they are better what&#39;s possible is you could be fifth or sixth and no one would be really happy.&nbsp;

&quot;Stay cool, take the things like they are, play your best football and win football games. That&#39;s the only thing you can do.

&ldquo;When I came here I asked for time, patience, belief, a lot of things. Now after 11 matchdays everybody is asking for guarantees and they are not there, there&#39;s no guarantees.&nbsp;

&quot;The only thing we obviously have is a pretty good football team, let&#39;s try to use it.&rdquo;

While Klopp was keen to take the sting out of any title talk, Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was happy to rank Liverpool as his favourites.

Watford have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season but Mazzarri was adamant where Liverpool are in the pecking order for Premier League title challengers.

&ldquo;From the teams we have played against, there is no doubt they are the team I am most impressed with,&rdquo; said the Italian.

&ldquo;If they continue like this, they are number one in my list for winning the Premier League.

&ldquo;I am very very impressed, not only tactically but on their running, their pressing, they are really a great team.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Watford lost goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to an injury in the 33rd minute of the game and the Brazilian left Anfield his knee heavily strapped up, although Mazzarri does not know the extent of the blow.

&ldquo;He had a very big knock on the knee,&rdquo; he added. &ldquo;But we need to check in the next days if the knee twisted and we will know in the next days.&rdquo; 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

Talk has begun of a title challenge; the Reds last won the league in 1990

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has urged his players to “be cool” after his side went top of the Premier League for the first time since he arrived at Anfield. Klopp watched Liverpool produce one of their most emphatic displays of the season as they thrashed Watford 6-1. Sadio Mane scored twice while Philippe Coutinho, Emre Can, Roberto Firmino and Georginio Wijnaldum also got their names on the scoresheet as Liverpool produced the kind of performance that will further fuel title talk. However, Klopp was keen to urge caution despite the fervour whipped up by the red half of Merseyside, who have not seen Liverpool win the league title since 1990. “If somebody thinks being one point ahead after 11 matchdays is a big sign for the rest of the season, I can't help this person, so sorry,” Klopp said. “We stay cool, it's the best position I can imagine, nothing else happened. We didn't speak one word that Arsenal drew against Tottenham, not one word about the possibility of being top of the table. “The only thing you can do is work and stay concentrated, because a lot of different things could happen in the next few weeks and months. No matter how positive they are is up to us, actually.” Klopp insisted that the extra scrutiny on his side as they head into the international break top of the pile for the first time since May 2014 will not affect them. No pressure He added “There is no pressure after 11 matchdays. Chelsea played yesterday, quite impressive. We saw Manchester City play Barcelona, quite impressive. “Never write Manchester United off. Tottenham, good side. I'm not sure if I've forgotten anybody but there's a lot of really good teams around. “You can play a really good season and when they are better what's possible is you could be fifth or sixth and no one would be really happy. "Stay cool, take the things like they are, play your best football and win football games. That's the only thing you can do. “When I came here I asked for time, patience, belief, a lot of things. Now after 11 matchdays everybody is asking for guarantees and they are not there, there's no guarantees. "The only thing we obviously have is a pretty good football team, let's try to use it.” While Klopp was keen to take the sting out of any title talk, Watford manager Walter Mazzarri was happy to rank Liverpool as his favourites. Watford have played Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United this season but Mazzarri was adamant where Liverpool are in the pecking order for Premier League title challengers. “From the teams we have played against, there is no doubt they are the team I am most impressed with,” said the Italian. “If they continue like this, they are number one in my list for winning the Premier League. “I am very very impressed, not only tactically but on their running, their pressing, they are really a great team.” Watford lost goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes to an injury in the 33rd minute of the game and the Brazilian left Anfield his knee heavily strapped up, although Mazzarri does not know the extent of the blow. “He had a very big knock on the knee,” he added. “But we need to check in the next days if the knee twisted and we will know in the next days.” (AFP)

'Be cool', Liverpool's Klopp says after they go top of table

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