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Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at&nbsp;hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf.&nbsp;

Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute.&nbsp;

Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero&#39;s weak penalty.

The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10.

Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece.&nbsp;

Brazil&#39;s striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross.

The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Lacking inspiration from captain Lionel Messi, Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat at home to Paraguay

Argentina sorely missed its injured captain and star player Lionel Messi as it suffered a humiliating defeat at hands of Paraguay in their World Cup qualifier on home turf. Paraguay stunned the two-time world champions with a fast break from deep in their own half, Angel Romero playing the ball into the path of Derlis Gonzalez who beat Sergio Romero with a shot inside the near post in the 18th minute. Argentina missed an opportunity just two minutes into the second half to get back on level, but Paraguay captain Justo Villar saved Sergio Aguero's weak penalty. The defeat left the side five points behind new leaders Brazil in the South American group, who won 2-0 in Venezuela. The Argentine side will be desperate to have Messi back in shape for their next qualifier away to Brazil in Belo Horizonte on November 10. Brazil leads the standings with 21 points from 10 matches, Uruguay is second with 20 points while Ecuador and Colombia are third and fourth respectively with 17 points apiece. Brazil's striker Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring at Estadio Metropolitano in Merida on Tuesday by chipping over goalkeeper Hernandez Santos after some poor defending by Venezuela. Willian later made it 2-0 just after halftime with a slick first-time finish following a Renato Augusto cross. The top four will go through to the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia, while the fifth-placed side go into an intercontinental playoff for another berth. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Argentina suffers defeat in WC qualifiers, Brazil tops South American group

World champions Germany struck twice in four first-half minutes to beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and stretch their winning run in Group C with their best ever start in a tournament qualification.

Julian Draxler&#39;s 13th-minute strike put them ahead and Sami Khedira added another goal as Germany killed off the game for their third win in three qualifiers in their best start to a World Cup or Euro qualification with no goals conceded.

Germany, who made three times as many passes as the Irish, are top with nine points, two clear of Azerbaijan, who drew 0-0 away to the Czech Republic. The Irish stay third on four points.

Northern Ireland, who battled hard in a 1-0 Euro 2016 group stage defeat by Germany, were no match for the hosts, who had over 75 percent possession and were never really threatened.

&quot;We did our job. We got the six points we wanted from our (latest) two qualifiers,&quot; said Loew, who equalled former Germany coach Sepp Herberger&#39;s record 94 wins.

&quot;Northern Ireland were defending deep in their half and it was at times difficult for us.&quot;

&quot;We were in a good run after our win over the Czechs (on Saturday). I wanted two or three goals in the first half to be able to then rest some players.&quot;

Messy performance mars Southgate&#39;s audition

England interim manager Gareth Southgate is halfway through his audition for the full-time job but his hopes were hardly helped by an ugly performance in a 0-0 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday.

Southgate claims he inherited a &quot;mess&quot; after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 67 days in the job, and the display in Ljubljana was anything but pretty.

England rode their luck to stay top of Group F and on course for the 2018 Russia World Cup, thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping by Joe Hart, but there were few positives in a shapeless display that classier opposition than 67th-ranked Slovenia would have punished.

His decision to drop skipper and England&#39;s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney in favour of Eric Dier was hardly a qualified success with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder almost gifting Slovenia an early goal.

Jordan Henderson, who wore the captain&#39;s armband, struggled to exert much authority and he too was guilty of a careless pass that would have led to a Slovenia goal after the break but for another fine intervention by the over-worked Hart.

When Rooney did finally come off the bench in the 73rd minute he almost gave his side an undeserved lead with a shot that flashed past the post, but there was precious little to excite the visiting fans as England laboured to a draw.

Southgate&#39;s first game since replacing disgraced Allardyce was a nondescript 2-0 win over Malta last weekend.

Now he must wait another month before a qualifier at home to Scotland and a friendly versus Spain, after which the English&nbsp;Football&nbsp;Association are expected to make a decision on his future.

Lewandowski scores stoppage time winner

Robert Lewandowski struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Poland a dramatic 2-1 home win over 10-man Armenia in a World Cup Group E qualifier on Tuesday.

The result kept Poland on course to reach the 32-team finals in Russia, as it left them second in Group E on seven points from three games, behind surprise leaders Montenegro on goal difference.

Romania have five points, Denmark are on three after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Montenegro, Kazakhstan have two and Armenia none.

(Reuters)

Goals by Draxler and Khedira gave Germans their best-ever start in a World Cup or Euro qualification stage

World champions Germany struck twice in four first-half minutes to beat Northern Ireland 2-0 in their 2018 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday and stretch their winning run in Group C with their best ever start in a tournament qualification. Julian Draxler's 13th-minute strike put them ahead and Sami Khedira added another goal as Germany killed off the game for their third win in three qualifiers in their best start to a World Cup or Euro qualification with no goals conceded. Germany, who made three times as many passes as the Irish, are top with nine points, two clear of Azerbaijan, who drew 0-0 away to the Czech Republic. The Irish stay third on four points. Northern Ireland, who battled hard in a 1-0 Euro 2016 group stage defeat by Germany, were no match for the hosts, who had over 75 percent possession and were never really threatened. "We did our job. We got the six points we wanted from our (latest) two qualifiers," said Loew, who equalled former Germany coach Sepp Herberger's record 94 wins. "Northern Ireland were defending deep in their half and it was at times difficult for us." "We were in a good run after our win over the Czechs (on Saturday). I wanted two or three goals in the first half to be able to then rest some players." Messy performance mars Southgate's audition England interim manager Gareth Southgate is halfway through his audition for the full-time job but his hopes were hardly helped by an ugly performance in a 0-0 draw in Slovenia on Tuesday. Southgate claims he inherited a "mess" after replacing Sam Allardyce, who lasted only 67 days in the job, and the display in Ljubljana was anything but pretty. England rode their luck to stay top of Group F and on course for the 2018 Russia World Cup, thanks to some outstanding goalkeeping by Joe Hart, but there were few positives in a shapeless display that classier opposition than 67th-ranked Slovenia would have punished. His decision to drop skipper and England's all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney in favour of Eric Dier was hardly a qualified success with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder almost gifting Slovenia an early goal. Jordan Henderson, who wore the captain's armband, struggled to exert much authority and he too was guilty of a careless pass that would have led to a Slovenia goal after the break but for another fine intervention by the over-worked Hart. When Rooney did finally come off the bench in the 73rd minute he almost gave his side an undeserved lead with a shot that flashed past the post, but there was precious little to excite the visiting fans as England laboured to a draw. Southgate's first game since replacing disgraced Allardyce was a nondescript 2-0 win over Malta last weekend. Now he must wait another month before a qualifier at home to Scotland and a friendly versus Spain, after which the English Football Association are expected to make a decision on his future. Lewandowski scores stoppage time winner Robert Lewandowski struck in the fifth minute of stoppage time to give Poland a dramatic 2-1 home win over 10-man Armenia in a World Cup Group E qualifier on Tuesday. The result kept Poland on course to reach the 32-team finals in Russia, as it left them second in Group E on seven points from three games, behind surprise leaders Montenegro on goal difference. Romania have five points, Denmark are on three after a shock 1-0 home defeat by Montenegro, Kazakhstan have two and Armenia none. (Reuters)

World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Germany cruise to win as England draw blanks against Slovenia

Christian Benteke struck after seven seconds and went on to grab a hat-trick as Belgium thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to stay top of World Cup qualifiying Group H on goal difference on Monday.

It was the fastest&nbsp;ever goal in a World Cup qualifier.

The Crystal Palace striker stole the ball in the home side&#39;s half straight from the kickoff and weaved his way through Gibraltar&#39;s defence to score from inside the area.

Benteke celebrated the record-breaking strike, also the fastest goal scored by a Belgium international, by holding up six fingers, thinking he had scored after six seconds.

Axel Witsel scored from 25 metres after 19 minutes to double Roberto Martinez&#39;s side&#39;s advantage, and Benteke scored his second shortly before halftime when he turned in Thomas Meunier&#39;s cut back from six yards.

After Dries Martens scored the fourth with a dinked finish in the 51st minute Benteke completed his first hat-trick for Belgium five minutes later with a backheel from Eden Hazard&#39;s pass.

Chelsea forward Hazard then added to his assist by completing the rout in the 78th minute.

Belgium top Group H on nine points thanks to their superior goal difference over Greece, who also extended their 100 per cent start by winning 2-0 in Estonia.

&quot;The fact we scored so early proves we were fully concentrated,&quot; Martinez told Belgian network RTBF.

&quot;We weren&#39;t selfish, we played for each other. Our aim was to score early to make our job easier and that&#39;s what we did. I&#39;m very pleased with the display we put on.&quot;

Martinez also said Benteke&#39;s return to form for club and country was his reward for working hard to try and bounce back from an underwhelming last year with Liverpool.

&quot;As well as scoring he held the ball up really well,&quot; added Martinez on Benteke, who has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace.

&quot;He has been rewarded for all the hard work in recent weeks. He had a difficult last season and is trying to find his best form again.&quot;

(Reuters)

The striker stole the ball in the home side's half, straight from the kickoff, to score the fastest-ever goal in a World Cup qualifier

Christian Benteke struck after seven seconds and went on to grab a hat-trick as Belgium thrashed Gibraltar 6-0 to stay top of World Cup qualifiying Group H on goal difference on Monday. It was the fastest ever goal in a World Cup qualifier. The Crystal Palace striker stole the ball in the home side's half straight from the kickoff and weaved his way through Gibraltar's defence to score from inside the area. Benteke celebrated the record-breaking strike, also the fastest goal scored by a Belgium international, by holding up six fingers, thinking he had scored after six seconds. Axel Witsel scored from 25 metres after 19 minutes to double Roberto Martinez's side's advantage, and Benteke scored his second shortly before halftime when he turned in Thomas Meunier's cut back from six yards. After Dries Martens scored the fourth with a dinked finish in the 51st minute Benteke completed his first hat-trick for Belgium five minutes later with a backheel from Eden Hazard's pass. Chelsea forward Hazard then added to his assist by completing the rout in the 78th minute. Belgium top Group H on nine points thanks to their superior goal difference over Greece, who also extended their 100 per cent start by winning 2-0 in Estonia. "The fact we scored so early proves we were fully concentrated," Martinez told Belgian network RTBF. "We weren't selfish, we played for each other. Our aim was to score early to make our job easier and that's what we did. I'm very pleased with the display we put on." Martinez also said Benteke's return to form for club and country was his reward for working hard to try and bounce back from an underwhelming last year with Liverpool. "As well as scoring he held the ball up really well," added Martinez on Benteke, who has scored three goals in five Premier League appearances for Crystal Palace. "He has been rewarded for all the hard work in recent weeks. He had a difficult last season and is trying to find his best form again." (Reuters)

Belgium defeat Gibraltar 6-0, Benteke scores after seven seconds

Spain defender Gerard Pique has grown &quot;tired&quot; of the criticism against him and has announced plans of retiring from international soccer after World Cup 2018.

&quot;Yes, I&#39;m tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and then I hope I can be left in peace,&quot; Pique said on Sunday.

Pique came under the radar during the Sunday&#39;s 2-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against Albania after he claims that he had cut off the sleeves from his shirt which bore Spain&#39;s colours of yellow and red. The Barcelona centre-back clarified after the match that he had, in fact, cut off the sleeves from a different shirt that did not have the flag design.

&quot;I cut my shirt because the sleeves were very short and they were bothering me. I&#39;ve tried everything but I can&#39;t take it any more, the thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel&#39;s back.&quot;

The 28-year-old&#39;s relationship with Spain supporters has been rocky because of his repeated jibes at Real Madrid and his support for a referendum on Catalan independence.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation defended the Barcelona-born defender&#39;s action of cutting the sleeves in a statement.

&quot;Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments - that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours - the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match.&nbsp;

&quot;This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also wore long sleeves,&quot; a statement read, goal.com reported.

Pique&nbsp;has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also present in Spain&#39;s disappointing campaigns in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

'The thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel's back,' the Barcelona-born defender said on Sunday

Spain defender Gerard Pique has grown "tired" of the criticism against him and has announced plans of retiring from international soccer after World Cup 2018. "Yes, I'm tired of it and the World Cup in Russia is going to be my last commitment with the Spain team and then I hope I can be left in peace," Pique said on Sunday. Pique came under the radar during the Sunday's 2-0 win in the World Cup qualifier against Albania after he claims that he had cut off the sleeves from his shirt which bore Spain's colours of yellow and red. The Barcelona centre-back clarified after the match that he had, in fact, cut off the sleeves from a different shirt that did not have the flag design. "I cut my shirt because the sleeves were very short and they were bothering me. I've tried everything but I can't take it any more, the thing with the sleeve is the straw that has broken the camel's back." The 28-year-old's relationship with Spain supporters has been rocky because of his repeated jibes at Real Madrid and his support for a referendum on Catalan independence. The Royal Spanish Football Federation defended the Barcelona-born defender's action of cutting the sleeves in a statement. "Contrary to what was indicated by some malicious comments - that the player cut his sleeves to avoid wearing a top with the national colours - the RFEF wishes to clarify that this trimming only exists in the Adidas short-sleeve shirt, and not in the long sleeves, which is what Pique wore in the match. "This lack of trimming can be seen on the shirt of his partner, Sergio Ramos, who also wore long sleeves," a statement read, goal.com reported. Pique has made 86 appearances for Spain and won the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and Euro 2012. He was also present in Spain's disappointing campaigns in the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Spanish defender Pique decides to quit international soccer after 'shirt sleeve' controversy

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports.

As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported.

Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported.

Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England&#39;s most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals.

The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday.

Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was &#39;at times unfair&#39;.

&quot;He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride,&quot; said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. &quot;I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today.&quot;

Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United&#39;s last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United&#39;s recent starting sides.

&quot;I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant,&quot; said former England defender Southgate. &quot;Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren&#39;t good enough to play. And you&#39;ve got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What&#39;s happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important.&quot;

Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side.&nbsp;&quot;Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start.&quot;

Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

England may start without Rooney, who scored only once in 12 games this season, as it looks to maintain 100 per cent record in qualifiers

England captain Wayne Rooney is set to be benched from the World Cup qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday, according to media reports. As England prepares to maintain its 100 per cent record, manager Gareth Southgate has decided to name the Manchester United striker among the substitutes for the game in Ljubljana, BBC and Sky Sports reported. Southgate is likely to name Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson as his two deep-lying central midfielders, Sky Sports reported. Rooney, with 117 appearances, is England's most capped outfield player but has recently faced criticism for his performances. The Manchester United player has scored just once in 12 games this season and only once in the last seven internationals. The 82,000-strong Wembley crowd booed the striker near the end of their 2-0 win in a World Cup qualifier over Malta on Saturday. Southgate defended Rooney saying his experience was crucial to the team and that the criticism was 'at times unfair'. "He ploughs on and plays with pride and captains his country with pride," said the interim boss who took over after the resignation of Sam Allardyce last month. "I think his experience, his leadership has been crucial throughout this week, not just today." Rooney has been a substitute in Manchester United's last three games. Southgate added he was not overly concerned that Rooney had been left out of United's recent starting sides. "I think at this moment in time that`s irrelevant," said former England defender Southgate. "Part of that is because we`ve got 30 percent of the Premier League eligible for England. Of that, some don`t want to play; of that, some aren't good enough to play. And you've got a captain who is desperate to lead on and off the field and continues to make an outstanding contribution to that group of players. So that was why he was selected. What's happening at Manchester United for this week is not as important." Slovenia coach Srecko Katanec said he hoped Rooney would not be playing against his side. "Because of his experience and quality, I would rather he would not start than he does start." Southgate is expected to announce the captain in a news conference later in Slovenia. (WION with inputs from agencies)

England to bench captain Rooney in World Cup qualifier against Slovenia: Reports

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time.

Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili&#39;s 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar.

&quot;People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half,&quot; Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports.

&quot;We got a great start but you&#39;ve got to take care of business. We didn&#39;t and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they&#39;d got a bit of confidence by then.&quot;

He added: &quot;We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you&#39;ve got to take the three points.

&quot;The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that.&quot;

 
&nbsp;

(AFP)

The match ended in a 1-1 draw with Gareth Bale getting wales a 10th-minute lead and Georgia's Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header

Wales let slip two 2018 World Cup qualifying points in a 1-1 draw at home to Georgia in Cardiff on Sunday. Real Madrid star Gareth Bale headed Wales into a 10th-minute lead and the Euro 2016 semi-finalists should have scored more goals before half-time. Georgia hit back after the break, equalising through Tornike Okriashvili's 57th-minute header and they nearly won the game late on when Valeri Kazaishvili struck the crossbar. "People will look at it as two points dropped but it might be a point gained at the end of the day, in the second half," Wales manager Chris Coleman told Sky Sports. "We got a great start but you've got to take care of business. We didn't and we were punished, we tried to come again but it was too late, they'd got a bit of confidence by then." He added: "We could have lost it in the second half but you think Georgia at home, you've got to take the three points. "The next game now is Serbia here (on November 12). It puts more pressure on us to take three points there and we have to deal with that." (AFP)

Wales drop two World Cup points in Georgia draw

Thomas Mueller netted twice as Germany eased to an impressive 3-0 home win over the Czech Republic to keep them top of their World Cup qualifying group on Saturday.

It leaves Germany with a perfect six points ahead of Tuesday&#39;s next qualifier, home to Northern Ireland, who beat San Marino 4-0 in Belfast.

Germany stay top of Group C on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan on the road to Russia 2018.

&quot;We can be very happy with the win and we had a good grip on the game,&quot; said Germany coach Joachim Loew.

&quot;After 60 minutes you could see the opposition had run themselves into the ground and didn&#39;t have any more clear chances.&quot;

After Mueller gave Germany an early lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp strike just after the break.

Mueller then hit Germany&#39;s third with the best goal of the game midway through the second half to cap a very polished display from the world champions.

&quot;We&#39;re very serious about these two games (against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland), we could have scored more goals, but we delivered a very concentrated performance,&quot; said Mueller.

&quot;The fans deserve some praise, the atmosphere was really good. It made it even more fun to play for Germany and, of course, I am happy to have scored twice.&quot;

Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were outstanding in shutting down the Czech attack and putting in damaging long-range passes.

With his only out-and-out striker, Mario Gomez, injured, Loew opted to play Mario Goetze as his lone striker, in front of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil with Julian Draxler and Mueller on the wings.

The Czech Republic dealt Loew the heaviest home defeat of his 10-year tenure when they won 3-0 in Munich in October 2007 in a Euro qualifier.

But with veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik had a busy night.

The hosts went ahead after just 13 minutes. Goetze&#39;s pass to Ozil was flicked on to the unmarked Mueller, who drilled his shot past FC Basel&#39;s Vaclik.

&nbsp;

It could easily have been 3-0 at half time as Germany dominated the first 45 minutes.

&nbsp;

Goetze went one-on-one with Vaclik, who brought him down, but the German&#39;s chipped shot went wide and the referee waved away shouts for a penalty.

&nbsp;

Draxler&#39;s effort was just the wrong side of the post, while a superb long ball from Hummels found Goetze in behind the defence, but he was incorrectly flagged for offside.

&nbsp;

Four minutes into the second half, left-back Joshua Kimmich&#39;s pass allowed Kroos to curl his shot around Vaclik&#39;s despairing reach to double Germany&#39;s tally.

&nbsp;

But Germany saved their best goal for last.

&nbsp;

Ozil released Jonas Hector on the flank and he played in a superb cross which Mueller expertly converted on 65 minutes.

&nbsp;

It was nearly 4-0 on 80 minutes when replacement Benedikt Hoewedes fired just wide.

&nbsp;

(AFP)

Germany managed to stay on top of their World Cup wualifying group with a 3-0 win over Czech Republic

Thomas Mueller netted twice as Germany eased to an impressive 3-0 home win over the Czech Republic to keep them top of their World Cup qualifying group on Saturday. It leaves Germany with a perfect six points ahead of Tuesday's next qualifier, home to Northern Ireland, who beat San Marino 4-0 in Belfast. Germany stay top of Group C on goal difference from surprise-package Azerbaijan on the road to Russia 2018. "We can be very happy with the win and we had a good grip on the game," said Germany coach Joachim Loew. "After 60 minutes you could see the opposition had run themselves into the ground and didn't have any more clear chances." After Mueller gave Germany an early lead, Toni Kroos weighed in with a crisp strike just after the break. Mueller then hit Germany's third with the best goal of the game midway through the second half to cap a very polished display from the world champions. "We're very serious about these two games (against the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland), we could have scored more goals, but we delivered a very concentrated performance," said Mueller. "The fans deserve some praise, the atmosphere was really good. It made it even more fun to play for Germany and, of course, I am happy to have scored twice." Centre-backs Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng were outstanding in shutting down the Czech attack and putting in damaging long-range passes. With his only out-and-out striker, Mario Gomez, injured, Loew opted to play Mario Goetze as his lone striker, in front of attacking midfielder Mesut Ozil with Julian Draxler and Mueller on the wings. The Czech Republic dealt Loew the heaviest home defeat of his 10-year tenure when they won 3-0 in Munich in October 2007 in a Euro qualifier. But with veteran midfielder Tomas Rosicky injured and goalkeeper Petr Cech now retired, Czech shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik had a busy night. The hosts went ahead after just 13 minutes. Goetze's pass to Ozil was flicked on to the unmarked Mueller, who drilled his shot past FC Basel's Vaclik. It could easily have been 3-0 at half time as Germany dominated the first 45 minutes. Goetze went one-on-one with Vaclik, who brought him down, but the German's chipped shot went wide and the referee waved away shouts for a penalty. Draxler's effort was just the wrong side of the post, while a superb long ball from Hummels found Goetze in behind the defence, but he was incorrectly flagged for offside. Four minutes into the second half, left-back Joshua Kimmich's pass allowed Kroos to curl his shot around Vaclik's despairing reach to double Germany's tally. But Germany saved their best goal for last. Ozil released Jonas Hector on the flank and he played in a superb cross which Mueller expertly converted on 65 minutes. It was nearly 4-0 on 80 minutes when replacement Benedikt Hoewedes fired just wide. (AFP)

Mueller brace inspires Germany win

The United States beat Cuba 2-0 on Friday in the first friendly between the two countries for 69 years in a match that will be remembered mainly for the poor quality of the Havana pitch.

The US&nbsp;triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green.

Nevertheless, it was an encouraging display by Cuba, who belied their lowly FIFA world ranking of 139 with an encouraging display in which they twice hit the post in the second half.

The US&nbsp;played Cuba in World Cup qualifiers in 2008, and the two teams have since met in the Gold Cup, but this was the first friendly between them since 1947.

The match at the Estadio Pedro Marrero was played amid a backdrop of thawing political relations between the two countries as they work towards normalising relations, but some questioned whether much was accomplished.

&quot;I&rsquo;d rather have the game on (artificial) turf and I hate turf,&quot; ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman said, referring to the state of the pitch. &quot;I just think if you&rsquo;re going to schedule a friendly... you&rsquo;ve got to get something out of the game.&quot;

Chances were few and far between in the first half on a&nbsp;very bumpy pitch that more resembled a farmer&#39;s plowed field than an international soccer playing surface, with a shaggy covering of grass that was pock-marked with deep divots.

The unpredictable bounce made ball-control difficult, contributing to a forgettable first half, but the match came to life after the break.

Cuba striker Maykel Reyes hit the post in the 58th minute&nbsp;before the US&nbsp;took the lead four minutes later when keeper Sandy Sanchez parried a shot into the path of Wondolowski, who lashed home from close range for his 11th international goal.

Chants of &quot;USA, USA&quot; rang out from the healthy contingent of American fans in the crowd.

Cuba almost drew level when midfielder Roberney Caballero hit the post with a header in the 65th&nbsp;before Wondolowski set up the second US&nbsp;goal six minutes later by cutting the ball back from the byline for Green to tap home from close range.

(Reuters)

The US?triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green

The United States beat Cuba 2-0 on Friday in the first friendly between the two countries for 69 years in a match that will be remembered mainly for the poor quality of the Havana pitch. The US triumphed thanks to second-half goals by veteran Chris Wondolowski and Bayern Munich youngster Julian Green. Nevertheless, it was an encouraging display by Cuba, who belied their lowly FIFA world ranking of 139 with an encouraging display in which they twice hit the post in the second half. The US played Cuba in World Cup qualifiers in 2008, and the two teams have since met in the Gold Cup, but this was the first friendly between them since 1947. The match at the Estadio Pedro Marrero was played amid a backdrop of thawing political relations between the two countries as they work towards normalising relations, but some questioned whether much was accomplished. "I’d rather have the game on (artificial) turf and I hate turf," ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman said, referring to the state of the pitch. "I just think if you’re going to schedule a friendly... you’ve got to get something out of the game." Chances were few and far between in the first half on a very bumpy pitch that more resembled a farmer's plowed field than an international soccer playing surface, with a shaggy covering of grass that was pock-marked with deep divots. The unpredictable bounce made ball-control difficult, contributing to a forgettable first half, but the match came to life after the break. Cuba striker Maykel Reyes hit the post in the 58th minute before the US took the lead four minutes later when keeper Sandy Sanchez parried a shot into the path of Wondolowski, who lashed home from close range for his 11th international goal. Chants of "USA, USA" rang out from the healthy contingent of American fans in the crowd. Cuba almost drew level when midfielder Roberney Caballero hit the post with a header in the 65th before Wondolowski set up the second US goal six minutes later by cutting the ball back from the byline for Green to tap home from close range. (Reuters)

US beat Cuba 2-0 in first friendly since 1947

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his international return with four goals in a 6-0 mauling of hapless Andorra on Friday and then demanded eight more wins to guarantee Portugal a place in the 2018 World Cup.

The Real Madrid superstar took his Portugal career tally to 65 goals in 134 games but his team, the European champions, are only third in Group B, a point behind minnows Faroe Islands and three back from leaders Switzerland.

Only the group winners are certain of making the finals in Russia.

On Friday, the Swiss followed their opening 2-0 win over the Portuguese with a last-gasp 3-2 triumph at Hungary while the Faroes beat Latvia 2-0 in Riga.

&quot;We know that Switzerland and the Faroes won tonight and it will be necessary for us to beat them during qualification,&quot; said Ronaldo.

&quot;There are eight games left and we want to win them all to reach the World Cup finals.&quot;

Ronaldo, 31, was making his first appearance for Portugal since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016, where his country beat France.

He wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence from international football, getting off the mark after just 73 seconds.

He was on target again two minutes later while adding two more after the interval.

&quot;I know that I am an important player and I have always done my best since I started my international career. I scored four goals tonight and obviously I am very happy to have come back after my serious injury in the Euros final,&quot; he said.

&quot;We knew that the first goal tonight would be very important because they are a team who defend with 11 players.

&quot;Things went well. We scored twice in the first five minutes and the match became a lot easier.&quot;

Portugal will be in action again on Monday when they travel to the Faroes.

(AFP)

Portugal now have three points from two games. The Euro 2016 champions had lost their first match to Switzerland

Cristiano Ronaldo marked his international return with four goals in a 6-0 mauling of hapless Andorra on Friday and then demanded eight more wins to guarantee Portugal a place in the 2018 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar took his Portugal career tally to 65 goals in 134 games but his team, the European champions, are only third in Group B, a point behind minnows Faroe Islands and three back from leaders Switzerland. Only the group winners are certain of making the finals in Russia. On Friday, the Swiss followed their opening 2-0 win over the Portuguese with a last-gasp 3-2 triumph at Hungary while the Faroes beat Latvia 2-0 in Riga. "We know that Switzerland and the Faroes won tonight and it will be necessary for us to beat them during qualification," said Ronaldo. "There are eight games left and we want to win them all to reach the World Cup finals." Ronaldo, 31, was making his first appearance for Portugal since he was stretchered off injured and in tears from the final of Euro 2016, where his country beat France. He wasted no time in making up for his three-month absence from international football, getting off the mark after just 73 seconds. He was on target again two minutes later while adding two more after the interval. "I know that I am an important player and I have always done my best since I started my international career. I scored four goals tonight and obviously I am very happy to have come back after my serious injury in the Euros final," he said. "We knew that the first goal tonight would be very important because they are a team who defend with 11 players. "Things went well. We scored twice in the first five minutes and the match became a lot easier." Portugal will be in action again on Monday when they travel to the Faroes. (AFP)

World Cup qualifiers: Ronaldo nets four in 6-0 mauling of Andorra

Former president of the Costa Rican soccer federation, Eduardo Li, on Friday pleaded guilty to extortion and fraud in a corruption case that has also touched dozens of former leaders of soccer&rsquo;s world governing body.

The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty in December 2015.

As the president of the Costa Rican federation since 2007 Li was looking to becoming a member of the executive committee of FIFA, when the Swiss authorities arrested him in May 2015.

Investigators said that Li used his influence to help a private company obtain the marketing rights to several matches by the Costa Rican national team, and for another company to be represented on the team&rsquo;s jerseys, AFP reported.

Li is also accused of siphoning off FIFA funds intended for the Costa Rican federation.

Investigators said that Li received more than half-a- million dollars in exchange, AFP reported.

The charges against him include extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, according to a statement Friday from Robert Capers, the US attorney for the eastern district of New York, AFP reported.

In a plea deal, Li has agreed to pay a fine of $668,000.

About a third of the 40 people implicated in the FIFA scandal have entered guilty pleas, avoiding trial and most of those implicated were executives either of FIFA, of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), or of sports marketing companies.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

 
&nbsp;

Eduardo Li pleaded guilty to three charges including extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud

Former president of the Costa Rican soccer federation, Eduardo Li, on Friday pleaded guilty to extortion and fraud in a corruption case that has also touched dozens of former leaders of soccer’s world governing body. The 57-year-old had pleaded not guilty in December 2015. As the president of the Costa Rican federation since 2007 Li was looking to becoming a member of the executive committee of FIFA, when the Swiss authorities arrested him in May 2015. Investigators said that Li used his influence to help a private company obtain the marketing rights to several matches by the Costa Rican national team, and for another company to be represented on the team’s jerseys, AFP reported. Li is also accused of siphoning off FIFA funds intended for the Costa Rican federation. Investigators said that Li received more than half-a- million dollars in exchange, AFP reported. The charges against him include extortion, fraud and criminal conspiracy to commit a fraud. Each of these charges carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, according to a statement Friday from Robert Capers, the US attorney for the eastern district of New York, AFP reported. In a plea deal, Li has agreed to pay a fine of $668,000. About a third of the 40 people implicated in the FIFA scandal have entered guilty pleas, avoiding trial and most of those implicated were executives either of FIFA, of the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf), or of sports marketing companies. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Former Costa Rican soccer chief pleads guilty in FIFA fraud case

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane denied his side were facing a crisis after they drew 1-1 at home to La Liga minnows Eibar and racked up a fourth consecutive draw for the first time in more than 10 years.

The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was in March 2006, when the club were reeling from on-field and institutional crises and president Florentino Perez had recently resigned.

Although Real remain unbeaten in the league, they are without a win in their last three games and are on 15 points from seven games, the number Zidane&#39;s predecessor Rafael Benitez had earned at the same stage last season.

The Spaniard was sacked three months later.

&quot;We are not in crisis, we&#39;re only in October. What we need to do is improve, we can&#39;t lose our minds over this,&quot; Zidane told a news conference on Sunday.

&quot;I&#39;m not going to go crazy and neither are my players, all I can see is that we need to work harder and be more intense at the start of games.&quot;

Real fell behind to Fran Rico&#39;s header in the sixth minute after a lapse in concentration at the back and a mistake from goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who let the ball slip through his hands.

The Costa Rica international returned to the side only last Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund after more than four months out with an Achilles injury and was also at fault for one of the goals in the 2-2 draw in Germany.

Gareth Bale equalised later in the first half but Real, missing Luka Modric, Casemiro and James Rodriguez through injury, struggled to create many chances against the Basques, although Bale hit the post after the break.

Real&#39;s next game is away to Real Betis in a fortnight&#39;s time, after the international break.

&quot;We leave tonight with a bad taste in the mouth. We let our opponents play in the first half and we knew that they could score like that and we didn&#39;t deal with it,&quot; added the coach, who lead Real to their 11th European Cup last season and last month saw them match the La Liga record of 16 straight wins.

&quot;We can&#39;t blame fitness issues, we just need to work with more intensity, starting with me. When the players return from international duty we have to turn this around, we can&#39;t continue like this.&quot;

(Reuters)

The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was 10 years ago when the club was reeling from on-field and institutional crises

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane denied his side were facing a crisis after they drew 1-1 at home to La Liga minnows Eibar and racked up a fourth consecutive draw for the first time in more than 10 years. The last time Real drew four games in all competitions was in March 2006, when the club were reeling from on-field and institutional crises and president Florentino Perez had recently resigned. Although Real remain unbeaten in the league, they are without a win in their last three games and are on 15 points from seven games, the number Zidane's predecessor Rafael Benitez had earned at the same stage last season. The Spaniard was sacked three months later. "We are not in crisis, we're only in October. What we need to do is improve, we can't lose our minds over this," Zidane told a news conference on Sunday. "I'm not going to go crazy and neither are my players, all I can see is that we need to work harder and be more intense at the start of games." Real fell behind to Fran Rico's header in the sixth minute after a lapse in concentration at the back and a mistake from goalkeeper Keylor Navas, who let the ball slip through his hands. The Costa Rica international returned to the side only last Tuesday against Borussia Dortmund after more than four months out with an Achilles injury and was also at fault for one of the goals in the 2-2 draw in Germany. Gareth Bale equalised later in the first half but Real, missing Luka Modric, Casemiro and James Rodriguez through injury, struggled to create many chances against the Basques, although Bale hit the post after the break. Real's next game is away to Real Betis in a fortnight's time, after the international break. "We leave tonight with a bad taste in the mouth. We let our opponents play in the first half and we knew that they could score like that and we didn't deal with it," added the coach, who lead Real to their 11th European Cup last season and last month saw them match the La Liga record of 16 straight wins. "We can't blame fitness issues, we just need to work with more intensity, starting with me. When the players return from international duty we have to turn this around, we can't continue like this." (Reuters)

Zidane says Real Madrid 'not in crisis' after fourth consecutive draw

After Manchester United drew&nbsp;1-1 with Stoke City at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho insisted his team had played the best football of the season.

He also said they could have put seven goals past lowly Stoke City.

A rare error by David de Gea allowed Joe Allen to cancel out Anthony Martial&#39;s 69th-minute opener.

But Mourinho refused to be critical either of David de Gea or his forwards, who missed a host of chances.

&quot;It&#39;s simple, that was the best performance of the season&quot;, said Mourinho.

&quot;Three or four-nil at half-time, six or seven-nil at the end of the game&hellip; but the result was 1-1.

&quot;That&#39;s football. That&#39;s very underserved but, I repeat, that was a much better performance than against Leicester,&rdquo; &nbsp;said Mourinho, whose side beat reigning champions Leicester 4-1 the previous weekend.&nbsp;

&quot;That was our best performance by far. We had six, seven, eight great chances to win the game.&quot;

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, on at least two occasions, wasted glorious chances for United while Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant -- making only his second Premier League appearance at 33 --&nbsp;was the man of the match.

&quot;In the first minute, their goalkeeper made an unbelievable save,&quot; said Mourinho. &quot;And he kept doing that until the end of the game.&quot;&nbsp;

&quot;He started with an amazing save from Zlatan and ended with an amazing save from Zlatan.&quot;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

Mourinho refused to be critical either of goalkeeper David de Gea or his forwards, who missed a host of chances

After Manchester United drew 1-1 with Stoke City at Old Trafford, Jose Mourinho insisted his team had played the best football of the season. He also said they could have put seven goals past lowly Stoke City. A rare error by David de Gea allowed Joe Allen to cancel out Anthony Martial's 69th-minute opener. But Mourinho refused to be critical either of David de Gea or his forwards, who missed a host of chances. "It's simple, that was the best performance of the season", said Mourinho. "Three or four-nil at half-time, six or seven-nil at the end of the game… but the result was 1-1. "That's football. That's very underserved but, I repeat, that was a much better performance than against Leicester,” said Mourinho, whose side beat reigning champions Leicester 4-1 the previous weekend. "That was our best performance by far. We had six, seven, eight great chances to win the game." Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba, on at least two occasions, wasted glorious chances for United while Stoke goalkeeper Lee Grant -- making only his second Premier League appearance at 33 -- was the man of the match. "In the first minute, their goalkeeper made an unbelievable save," said Mourinho. "And he kept doing that until the end of the game." "He started with an amazing save from Zlatan and ended with an amazing save from Zlatan." (WION with inputs from AFP)

After 1-1 draw, Mourinho says United could have put seven past Stoke

Xavi, who now plays for Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League, will become the public face of the 'Generation Amazing' programme and will visit a refugee camp in Jordan later this week to hold training sessions with youngsters there

Former Barca star Xavi to be Qatar 2022 World Cup ambassador

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches were recalled&nbsp;to the Portugal squad after injury on Thursday as&nbsp;coach Fernando Santos urged the two to switch out of &quot;party mode&quot;.

&nbsp;

While naming his players for next month&#39;s World Cup qualifiers, Santos said his players were not fully switched on when they vegan their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland,

&nbsp;

&quot;We have to get out of European champion mode, that party mode, that state of relaxation,&quot; Santos told reporters. &quot;That cannot happen again.&quot;

&nbsp;

&quot;We have to remember that the qualifying competition is very different from a tournament. We don`t have 50 days together and the sense of togetherness that goes with it,&quot; he added.

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&quot;We play once a month and then the players go back to their clubs.&quot;

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The squad&#39;s captain, Ronaldo, and midfielder Sanches missed the Switzerland match because they had not fully recovered from injuries sustained during Euro 2016.

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But Santos added it was not just their presence that would make Portugal stronger. &quot;I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland.&quot;

&nbsp;

Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October&nbsp;7 and visit the Faroes three days later.

&nbsp;

Santos called Faroes a &#39;very well-organised team&#39; and said&nbsp;they would play in a similar manner to Iceland, who held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match at Euro 2016.

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&quot;They are a very well-organised team. They will cause trouble and we have to be on our guard. If we respect them as we did with our opponents during the Euros, we will win; if we are not careful, we will be left with a bad taste.&quot; he told reporters.

&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October?7 and visit the Faroes three days later

Cristiano Ronaldo and Renato Sanches were recalled to the Portugal squad after injury on Thursday as coach Fernando Santos urged the two to switch out of "party mode". While naming his players for next month's World Cup qualifiers, Santos said his players were not fully switched on when they vegan their campaign with a 2-0 defeat in Switzerland, "We have to get out of European champion mode, that party mode, that state of relaxation," Santos told reporters. "That cannot happen again." "We have to remember that the qualifying competition is very different from a tournament. We don`t have 50 days together and the sense of togetherness that goes with it," he added. "We play once a month and then the players go back to their clubs." I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland." × The squad's captain, Ronaldo, and midfielder Sanches missed the Switzerland match because they had not fully recovered from injuries sustained during Euro 2016. But Santos added it was not just their presence that would make Portugal stronger. "I wouldn`t say the team is stronger just because Ronaldo is here but because the other players have played more, have worked more and have trained more. That was one of the problems of the match against Switzerland." Portugal will host Andorra in Aveiro on October 7 and visit the Faroes three days later. Santos called Faroes a 'very well-organised team' and said they would play in a similar manner to Iceland, who held Portugal to a 1-1 draw in their opening match at Euro 2016. "They are a very well-organised team. They will cause trouble and we have to be on our guard. If we respect them as we did with our opponents during the Euros, we will win; if we are not careful, we will be left with a bad taste." he told reporters. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Santos recalls Ronaldo and Sanches, asks players to get out of 'party mode'

&nbsp;

Borussia Dortmund&#39;s Andre Schuerrle came off the bench to snatch a late goal as they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Champions League holders Real Madrid in a compelling Group F encounter on Tuesday.

The Germany international lashed the ball high into the net from inside the area to level in the 87th minute after Raphael Varane had restored Real&#39;s advantage in the 68th.

The France defender&#39;s goal made up for an earlier slip that allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to cancel out Cristiano Ronaldo&#39;s 17th minute opener towards the end of the first half.

Dortmund and Real each have four points with the Germans top on goal difference, while Sporting Lisbon are third on three points after beating visitors Legia Warsaw 2-0.

&quot;My players played very well and I think we deserved a little more but this is not a bad result,&quot; Real coach Zinedine Zidane told a news conference after a third successive draw following two in la Liga.

&quot;We suffered a little because Dortmund pressed us a lot, although we knew we were coming to a difficult ground against a difficult opponent.

&quot;The annoying thing is we have now drawn three games but we&#39;re going to turn this around. We&#39;re not going to stop.&quot;

Electric Start

The hosts made an electric start at the Westfalenstadion after Ronaldo tested goalkeeper Roman Buerki with an early free-kick as Gonzalo Castro and Aubameyang each shot straight at Real stopper Keylor Navas and Ousmane Dembele fired over.

Just as a Dortmund opener looked inevitable, Real struck from a perfectly executed counter-attack involving Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale which Ronaldo finished off by arrowing the ball into the far corner.

Thomas Tuchel&#39;s side stuck with their game plan of pressing Real high and hitting them with lightning speed, although their equaliser came from a free-kick.

Navas, making his first appearance of the season for Real, weakly punched Raphael Guerreiro&#39;s shot at team mate Varane and the ball trickled towards the goalline where it was helped across by Aubameyang.

The home side kept up the tempo after the break, although Real also grew in confidence.

Bale and Benzema wasted chances before Varane put Zidane&#39;s side ahead again, tapping home after Benzema had crashed a shot against the bar.

Dortmund again raised their game, though, and while Navas turned away two shots from lively substitute Emre Mor, he was powerless to keep out Schuerrle&#39;s rocket.

Dortmund and Real each have four points, while Sporting Lisbon are third on three points after beating visitors Legia Warsaw 2-0

Borussia Dortmund's Andre Schuerrle came off the bench to snatch a late goal as they twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Champions League holders Real Madrid in a compelling Group F encounter on Tuesday. The Germany international lashed the ball high into the net from inside the area to level in the 87th minute after Raphael Varane had restored Real's advantage in the 68th. The France defender's goal made up for an earlier slip that allowed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to cancel out Cristiano Ronaldo's 17th minute opener towards the end of the first half. Dortmund and Real each have four points with the Germans top on goal difference, while Sporting Lisbon are third on three points after beating visitors Legia Warsaw 2-0. "My players played very well and I think we deserved a little more but this is not a bad result," Real coach Zinedine Zidane told a news conference after a third successive draw following two in la Liga. "We suffered a little because Dortmund pressed us a lot, although we knew we were coming to a difficult ground against a difficult opponent. "The annoying thing is we have now drawn three games but we're going to turn this around. We're not going to stop." Electric Start The hosts made an electric start at the Westfalenstadion after Ronaldo tested goalkeeper Roman Buerki with an early free-kick as Gonzalo Castro and Aubameyang each shot straight at Real stopper Keylor Navas and Ousmane Dembele fired over. Just as a Dortmund opener looked inevitable, Real struck from a perfectly executed counter-attack involving Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale which Ronaldo finished off by arrowing the ball into the far corner. Thomas Tuchel's side stuck with their game plan of pressing Real high and hitting them with lightning speed, although their equaliser came from a free-kick. Navas, making his first appearance of the season for Real, weakly punched Raphael Guerreiro's shot at team mate Varane and the ball trickled towards the goalline where it was helped across by Aubameyang. The home side kept up the tempo after the break, although Real also grew in confidence. Bale and Benzema wasted chances before Varane put Zidane's side ahead again, tapping home after Benzema had crashed a shot against the bar. Dortmund again raised their game, though, and while Navas turned away two shots from lively substitute Emre Mor, he was powerless to keep out Schuerrle's rocket.

Dortmund's Schuerrle denies Real Madrid victory in thriller Champions League match

Barcelona battled back from a goal down and scored twice in the second half to beat hosts Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 in their Champions League Group C match on Wednesday despite the absence of the injured Lionel Messi.

Second-half goals from substitute Arda Turan and Gerard Pique gave the Spaniards their second win in two group matches to top the standings, after their opening 7-0 demolition of Celtic.

The hard-working Germans had taken a surprising lead, scoring against the run of play, with Thorgan Hazard slotting in to complete a quick break in the 34th minute.

Barcelona, who had Argentine Messi missing with a groin injury, dominated the game but were made to work hard for their second group win that put them on six points.

The hosts, who managed just one shot on target but gave the Spaniards a run for their money, have zero, having lost both matches so far and ended an 11-match winning streak at home in all competitions.

Manchester City drew with Celtic 3-3 in the other group game to stay second on four points.

Barca coach Luis Enrique started with Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom were rested in the 5-0 thrashing of Sporting Gijon at the weekend.

Despite the absence of Messi, replaced by youngster Paco Alcacer, it was the Spaniards who stamped their authority on the game early on and carved out the first chance with Neymar&#39;s shot from inside the box saved by keeper Yann Sommer after seven minutes.

Luis Suarez should have put them ahead three minutes later when he pounced on a defensive error but he saw his powerful left-footed shot sail narrowly wide.

The Uruguayan was also the recipient of a brilliant defence-splitting pass from Neymar but instead of rifling the ball home he tried a cutback to Alcacer that was cleared.

Gladbach gradually grew in confidence but struggled to get past a Spanish wall when they tried to venture forward.

They scored when forward Raffael, back from injury, gained possession in midfield and launched a quick break with Hazard tapping in from a Mahmoud Dahoud pass.

The Brazilian&#39;s injury in the 48th minute and his substitution took out most of the Gladbach pace.

The introduction of Turan on the hour brought instant results for the Spaniards, with the Turk picking up a Neymar assist in the 65th and drilling the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle.

Pique then pounced on a weak clearance by Sommer from a Suarez shot to tap in from close range and hand Barcelona a hard-fought victory.

(Reuters)

Manchester City drew with Celtic 3-3 in the other group game to stay second on four points

Barcelona battled back from a goal down and scored twice in the second half to beat hosts Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 in their Champions League Group C match on Wednesday despite the absence of the injured Lionel Messi. Second-half goals from substitute Arda Turan and Gerard Pique gave the Spaniards their second win in two group matches to top the standings, after their opening 7-0 demolition of Celtic. The hard-working Germans had taken a surprising lead, scoring against the run of play, with Thorgan Hazard slotting in to complete a quick break in the 34th minute. Barcelona, who had Argentine Messi missing with a groin injury, dominated the game but were made to work hard for their second group win that put them on six points. The hosts, who managed just one shot on target but gave the Spaniards a run for their money, have zero, having lost both matches so far and ended an 11-match winning streak at home in all competitions. Manchester City drew with Celtic 3-3 in the other group game to stay second on four points. Barca coach Luis Enrique started with Andres Iniesta, Javier Mascherano, Jordi Alba and Ivan Rakitic, all of whom were rested in the 5-0 thrashing of Sporting Gijon at the weekend. Despite the absence of Messi, replaced by youngster Paco Alcacer, it was the Spaniards who stamped their authority on the game early on and carved out the first chance with Neymar's shot from inside the box saved by keeper Yann Sommer after seven minutes. Luis Suarez should have put them ahead three minutes later when he pounced on a defensive error but he saw his powerful left-footed shot sail narrowly wide. The Uruguayan was also the recipient of a brilliant defence-splitting pass from Neymar but instead of rifling the ball home he tried a cutback to Alcacer that was cleared. Gladbach gradually grew in confidence but struggled to get past a Spanish wall when they tried to venture forward. They scored when forward Raffael, back from injury, gained possession in midfield and launched a quick break with Hazard tapping in from a Mahmoud Dahoud pass. The Brazilian's injury in the 48th minute and his substitution took out most of the Gladbach pace. The introduction of Turan on the hour brought instant results for the Spaniards, with the Turk picking up a Neymar assist in the 65th and drilling the ball into the roof of the net from a tight angle. Pique then pounced on a weak clearance by Sommer from a Suarez shot to tap in from close range and hand Barcelona a hard-fought victory. (Reuters)

Champions League: Barcelona beat Gladbach 2-1

England&#39;s&nbsp;Football Association (FA) announced on Tuesday that England&nbsp;manager Sam Allardyce had been asked to go&nbsp;after he was found negotiating a deal with a group of bogus Far East businessmen looking to get around FA and FIFA rules on player transfers.

British newspaper The&nbsp;Daily&nbsp;Telegraph conducted a sting operation in which Allardyce revealed England&#39;s failings to businessmen with interests in Hong Kong and Singapore, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

The deal with the bogus Far East frim&nbsp;was worth 400,000 pounds ($520,840).&nbsp;

&quot;Allardyce&#39;s conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised,&quot; AFP reported the FA as&nbsp;saying.&nbsp;

&quot;However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect,&quot;&nbsp;the FA announced on Tuesday.&nbsp;

&quot;This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA&#39;s priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football,&quot; the FA was quoted as saying by Reuters.&nbsp;

Gareth Southgate will be in charge for the next four matches while the FA looking for a replacement for Allardyce.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Telegraph investigation claimed he offered advice to a bogus group of Far East businessmen on how to get around player transfer rules

England's Football Association (FA) announced on Tuesday that England manager Sam Allardyce had been asked to go after he was found negotiating a deal with a group of bogus Far East businessmen looking to get around FA and FIFA rules on player transfers. British newspaper The Daily Telegraph conducted a sting operation in which Allardyce revealed England's failings to businessmen with interests in Hong Kong and Singapore, Reuters reported. The deal with the bogus Far East frim was worth 400,000 pounds ($520,840). "Allardyce's conduct, as reported today, was inappropriate of the England manager. He accepts he made a significant error of judgement and has apologised," AFP reported the FA as saying. "However, due to the serious nature of his actions, The FA and Allardyce have mutually agreed to terminate his contract with immediate effect," the FA announced on Tuesday. "This is not a decision that was taken lightly but The FA's priority is to protect the wider interests of the game and maintain the highest standards of conduct in football," the FA was quoted as saying by Reuters. Gareth Southgate will be in charge for the next four matches while the FA looking for a replacement for Allardyce. (WION with inputs from agencies)

England manager Sam Allardyce sacked after newspaper sting

&nbsp;

The Football Association was hit by a new scandal hours after England&nbsp;manager Sam Allardyce was sacked.

The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has alleged&nbsp;that&nbsp;eight current and former Premier League managers received&nbsp;&#39;bungs&#39; or illicit payements&nbsp;for player transfers.

The newspaper filmed football&nbsp;agents boasting about how many managers they had paid off.

The newspaper said it would hand over the evidence it had gathered to the FA and the police.&nbsp;

The newspaper also described other corruption allegations.&nbsp;It alleged that two managers of second-tier clubs had also accepted payments and that another manager was known to demand kickbacks from his own players in return&nbsp;for increasing their wages.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

The Daily Telegraph alleged that 8 eight current & former Premier League managers had taken 'bungs' (illicit payments) for player transfers

The Football Association was hit by a new scandal hours after England manager Sam Allardyce was sacked. The British newspaper The Daily Telegraph has alleged that eight current and former Premier League managers received 'bungs' or illicit payements for player transfers. The newspaper filmed football agents boasting about how many managers they had paid off. The newspaper said it would hand over the evidence it had gathered to the FA and the police. The newspaper also described other corruption allegations. It alleged that two managers of second-tier clubs had also accepted payments and that another manager was known to demand kickbacks from his own players in return for increasing their wages. (WION with inputs from agencies)

Hours after Allardyce sacking, FA hit by another scandal

Burnley struck either side of halftime through Jeff Hendrick and Michael Keane to claim a 2-0 Premier League home win over Watford in the first top-flight meeting of the two clubs on Monday.

Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot where they joined five clubs on seven points from six games, including 11th-placed Watford who they trail on goal difference.

Steven Defour laid on both goals with Hendrick heading home his corner in the 38th minute and Keane rising to nod in the winger&#39;s left wing cross five minutes into the second half.

Watford were aiming for a third straight league win but could not find the form that helped them comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 and West Ham United 4-2. 
 
(Reuters)

Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot

Burnley struck either side of halftime through Jeff Hendrick and Michael Keane to claim a 2-0 Premier League home win over Watford in the first top-flight meeting of the two clubs on Monday. Forward Hendrick broke the deadlock before defender Keane wrapped up the victory to lift the Clarets into 13th spot where they joined five clubs on seven points from six games, including 11th-placed Watford who they trail on goal difference. Steven Defour laid on both goals with Hendrick heading home his corner in the 38th minute and Keane rising to nod in the winger's left wing cross five minutes into the second half. Watford were aiming for a third straight league win but could not find the form that helped them comfortably beat Manchester United 3-1 and West Ham United 4-2. (Reuters)

Premier League: Burnley beat Watford 2-0

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho said on Saturday that he was fit to play after his manager Juergen Klopp said last week that he needed time to get back on the&nbsp;field. 
 
The 26-year-old, who was banned for failing a drug test in April, posted on Snapchat that his fans deserve to know the truth about his situation. 
 
&quot;I accept my situation but I can&#39;t accept the lie. The fans deserve to know the truth. Now it&rsquo;s three weeks since I am fit to play games. I finish all my rehabilitation work. They don&#39;t want me to play also with second team lol! Why, I don&rsquo;t know,&quot; Sakho wrote on Snapchat at 3.05am local time on Saturday. 
 
&quot;Still working hard like Scouse Soldier! Still not talking cos I want speak on pitch,&quot; he said. &quot;I will speak soon for the people who support me and don&rsquo;t understand the situation. 
 
&quot;Still happy to live in my &#39;Liverpool Country&#39; with my family, hope to have chance to play soon to give my best like I try to do always!&quot; 
 
&quot;(He is) still working on (his fitness),&quot; said Klopp. &quot;It&#39;s not about how the player feels. It&#39;s about how I feel and how close the player is. That needs time. It&rsquo;s a long, long time that he didn&#39;t play, for sure.&quot; The sanction was lifted by UEFA but the centre-back has not played since April. 
 
Sakho removed the Snapchat posts early on Saturday morning, Sky Sports reported. 
 
It looks increasingly unlikely that the Frenchman will get that chance, The Guardian said on Saturday. 
 
(WION with inputs from Reuters)

Says he will expose 'the lie' about his situation at the club

Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho said on Saturday that he was fit to play after his manager Juergen Klopp said last week that he needed time to get back on the field. The 26-year-old, who was banned for failing a drug test in April, posted on Snapchat that his fans deserve to know the truth about his situation. "I accept my situation but I can't accept the lie. The fans deserve to know the truth. Now it’s three weeks since I am fit to play games. I finish all my rehabilitation work. They don't want me to play also with second team lol! Why, I don’t know," Sakho wrote on Snapchat at 3.05am local time on Saturday. "Still working hard like Scouse Soldier! Still not talking cos I want speak on pitch," he said. "I will speak soon for the people who support me and don’t understand the situation. "Still happy to live in my 'Liverpool Country' with my family, hope to have chance to play soon to give my best like I try to do always!" "(He is) still working on (his fitness)," said Klopp. "It's not about how the player feels. It's about how I feel and how close the player is. That needs time. It’s a long, long time that he didn't play, for sure." The sanction was lifted by UEFA but the centre-back has not played since April. Sakho removed the Snapchat posts early on Saturday morning, Sky Sports reported. It looks increasingly unlikely that the Frenchman will get that chance, The Guardian said on Saturday. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Liverpool's Sakho courts controversy with Snapchat outburst

Manchester United dismantled Premier League champions Leicester in a ruthless 20-minute burst as Jose Mourinho&#39;s decision to drop Wayne Rooney was rewarded with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday. 
 
Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes. 
 
It was a stylish display from a United side who had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games, against Manchester City and Watford, with Chris Smalling opening the scoring after replacing Rooney as captain. 
 
Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with his first United goal following his world record &pound;89 million ($115 million, 102 million euros) arrival from Juventus, were also on target after England captain Rooney was dropped to the substitutes&#39; bench. 
 
But it was a chastening afternoon for Leicester despite an improved second-half display and a brilliant consolation goal from half-time substitute Demarai Gray. 
 
It was the second successive Premier League away game in which Leicester had shipped four goals after doing so at Liverpool two weeks ago. 
 
Leicester held their own early on with Robert Huth lashing a shot just over but it was United who edged in front in the 22nd minute after some neat play wide on the left had forced a corner. 
 
It was delivered by Daley Blind and Smalling escaped the United defence to power home a header from six yards. 
 
Rashford should have doubled United&#39;s lead moments later when Leicester squandered possession and Zlatan Ibrahimovic galloped forwards and squared for the teenager. 
 
But Rashford&#39;s first touch was heavy and his shot flew over. 
 
Ibrahimovic then went close to a goal after collecting a fabulous pass by Pogba, but the Swede&#39;s effort on the turn just cleared the bar. 
 
Next it was Pogba&#39;s turn to let fly with an outrageous effort from 30 yards that bent towards the top corner but was forced away by Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. 
 
United finally added a second goal as they turned on the style eight minutes before half-time. 
 
Ander Herrera started the move with a fine ball to Mata before a clever pass by Pogba and a fine flick by Jesse Lingard allowed Mata to blast past Zieler. 
 
And the third goal arrived just two minutes later as Leicester handed a chance to Rashford which the youngster snapped up. 
 
The visitors were caught napping as Blind took a quick corner and Mata was free to square for an unmarked Rashford to finish from close range. 
 
Double change&nbsp;

It was 4-0 before half-time as another corner by Blind was headed in by Pogba as he leapt above Christian Fuchs. 
 
Leicester made a double change at half-time with key duo Vardy and Riyad Mahrez withdrawn ahead of the Champions League meeting with FC Porto on Tuesday. 
 
And they almost had some joy when David De Gea dived at the feet of Islam Slimani but gifted possession back to the visitors with a poor throw. 
 
Fuchs wasted the chance, however, with a poor cross. 
 
And at the other end Mata tried to add his second goal with a firm shot that Zieler parried well. 
 
It was one of the half-time substitutes who salvaged a modicum of respectability for Leicester with a goal of real quality on the hour-mark. 
 
Gray collected a crossfield pass from Daniel Amartey and cut inside Lingard before lashing a brilliant shot past a helpless De Gea from 25 yards. 
 
But United were soon back on the attack as Zieler made a smart save from Ibrahimovic. 
 
Two more Leicester substitutes combined for what should have been a second goal but Andy King produced a tame shot from a Jeff Schlupp cross and De Gea saved easily. 
 
Gray then went within a whisker of replicating his stunning goal with an almost identical effort which De Gea scrambled back to push over the bar. 
 
(AFP)

The United side had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games

Manchester United dismantled Premier League champions Leicester in a ruthless 20-minute burst as Jose Mourinho's decision to drop Wayne Rooney was rewarded with a 4-1 win at Old Trafford on Saturday. Leicester imploded defensively as United racked up four goals between the 22nd and 42nd minutes. It was a stylish display from a United side who had entered the game under pressure after losing their last two league games, against Manchester City and Watford, with Chris Smalling opening the scoring after replacing Rooney as captain. Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba, with his first United goal following his world record £89 million ($115 million, 102 million euros) arrival from Juventus, were also on target after England captain Rooney was dropped to the substitutes' bench. But it was a chastening afternoon for Leicester despite an improved second-half display and a brilliant consolation goal from half-time substitute Demarai Gray. It was the second successive Premier League away game in which Leicester had shipped four goals after doing so at Liverpool two weeks ago. Leicester held their own early on with Robert Huth lashing a shot just over but it was United who edged in front in the 22nd minute after some neat play wide on the left had forced a corner. It was delivered by Daley Blind and Smalling escaped the United defence to power home a header from six yards. Rashford should have doubled United's lead moments later when Leicester squandered possession and Zlatan Ibrahimovic galloped forwards and squared for the teenager. But Rashford's first touch was heavy and his shot flew over. Ibrahimovic then went close to a goal after collecting a fabulous pass by Pogba, but the Swede's effort on the turn just cleared the bar. Next it was Pogba's turn to let fly with an outrageous effort from 30 yards that bent towards the top corner but was forced away by Leicester goalkeeper Ron-Robert Zieler. United finally added a second goal as they turned on the style eight minutes before half-time. Ander Herrera started the move with a fine ball to Mata before a clever pass by Pogba and a fine flick by Jesse Lingard allowed Mata to blast past Zieler. And the third goal arrived just two minutes later as Leicester handed a chance to Rashford which the youngster snapped up. The visitors were caught napping as Blind took a quick corner and Mata was free to square for an unmarked Rashford to finish from close range. Double change It was 4-0 before half-time as another corner by Blind was headed in by Pogba as he leapt above Christian Fuchs. Leicester made a double change at half-time with key duo Vardy and Riyad Mahrez withdrawn ahead of the Champions League meeting with FC Porto on Tuesday. And they almost had some joy when David De Gea dived at the feet of Islam Slimani but gifted possession back to the visitors with a poor throw. Fuchs wasted the chance, however, with a poor cross. And at the other end Mata tried to add his second goal with a firm shot that Zieler parried well. It was one of the half-time substitutes who salvaged a modicum of respectability for Leicester with a goal of real quality on the hour-mark. Gray collected a crossfield pass from Daniel Amartey and cut inside Lingard before lashing a brilliant shot past a helpless De Gea from 25 yards. But United were soon back on the attack as Zieler made a smart save from Ibrahimovic. Two more Leicester substitutes combined for what should have been a second goal but Andy King produced a tame shot from a Jeff Schlupp cross and De Gea saved easily. Gray then went within a whisker of replicating his stunning goal with an almost identical effort which De Gea scrambled back to push over the bar. (AFP)

EPL: United thrash Leicester 4-1 without Rooney

A case of fraud against Brazilian superstar Neymar and his father in relation to the player&#39;s 2013 transfer to Barcelona was re-opened on Friday following a successful appeal by Spanish prosecutors, a court filing showed. 
 
In July, a judge ruled that irregularities in the high-profile transfer were detected, but said it was an issue for a civil court, not a criminal court to settle. 
 
However, prosecutors successfully argued the player and his father were aware of potentially fraudulent dealings between Barcelona and his former club Santos to the detriment of DIS, a Brazilian investment company who owned 40 per cent of the player&#39;s sporting rights at the time of the transfer. 
 
(AFP)

Following a successful appeal by Spanish prosecutors, a fraud case against Neymar opened in relation to his 2013 transfer to Barcelona

A case of fraud against Brazilian superstar Neymar and his father in relation to the player's 2013 transfer to Barcelona was re-opened on Friday following a successful appeal by Spanish prosecutors, a court filing showed. In July, a judge ruled that irregularities in the high-profile transfer were detected, but said it was an issue for a civil court, not a criminal court to settle. However, prosecutors successfully argued the player and his father were aware of potentially fraudulent dealings between Barcelona and his former club Santos to the detriment of DIS, a Brazilian investment company who owned 40 per cent of the player's sporting rights at the time of the transfer. (AFP)

Spain reopens Neymar fraud case

Ivory Coast&#39;s Yaya Toure has announced his decision to retire from international football on Tuesday. 
 
&quot;Writing this note was probably &#39;the most difficult match of my life&#39;,&quot; read a statement by him. 
 
&quot;After 14 years at the highest level, I`m sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision,&quot; Toure wrote. 
 
&quot;Football is everything to me and it gave me so much in my career that I no longer feel able to set myself new goals as a player with the Elephants of Ivory Coast.&quot; 
 
Captain of his national team, Toure made his debut in 2004. He has since then made 113 appearances for Ivory Coast. He captained his country to an Africa Cup of Nations win in 2015. The versatile African also helped his country finish runner-up in 2006 and 2012 editions of Africa Cup of Nations.&nbsp; 
 
The current Manchester City midfielder has been facing a tough time to get into Pep Guardiola&#39;s starting XI. 
 
Speaking some time after Toure announced his retirement, Guardiola said he could play for City only after he apologised to the team for comments made by his agent. 
 
Toure&#39;s manager Dimitri Seluk had said Guardiola should &quot;apologise&quot; to Toure if his team failed to win the championship this season. 
 
(WION)

The Ivory Coast midfielder helped his country win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2015

Ivory Coast's Yaya Toure has announced his decision to retire from international football on Tuesday. "Writing this note was probably 'the most difficult match of my life'," read a statement by him. "After 14 years at the highest level, I`m sure this is the right time for me! The fact that I am 33 now, the intensity of training and the multitude of games are not the reasons why I am making this decision," Toure wrote. "Football is everything to me and it gave me so much in my career that I no longer feel able to set myself new goals as a player with the Elephants of Ivory Coast." Captain of his national team, Toure made his debut in 2004. He has since then made 113 appearances for Ivory Coast. He captained his country to an Africa Cup of Nations win in 2015. The versatile African also helped his country finish runner-up in 2006 and 2012 editions of Africa Cup of Nations. The current Manchester City midfielder has been facing a tough time to get into Pep Guardiola's starting XI. Speaking some time after Toure announced his retirement, Guardiola said he could play for City only after he apologised to the team for comments made by his agent. Toure's manager Dimitri Seluk had said Guardiola should "apologise" to Toure if his team failed to win the championship this season. (WION)

Yaya Toure announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will return to action for Real Madrid&#39;s La Liga game with Villarreal on Wednesday, coach Zinedine Zidane said. 
 
Ronaldo, Real&#39;s all-time top scorer, missed Sunday&#39;s 2-0 win at Espanyol with a sore throat while record signing Bale was out with a hip injury sustained in the Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon. 
 
&quot;They are both well, they trained normally and are both 100 per cent,&quot; Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday ahead of the&nbsp;game with Villarreal, who are unbeaten this season having won two and drawn two of their four games. 
 
The return of Bale and Ronaldo means Zidane will be able to start with his first choice front three, Bale, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, for the first time in a league game this season. 
 
Veteran defender Pepe, however, will miss out after finishing the Espanyol game injured and goalkeeper Keylor Navas has still not recovered from surgery on his Achilles. 
 
Real are top of La Liga and are the only team in the top flight to have won all four of their opening games. 
 
Despite equalling a La Liga record of 16 consecutive wins last Sunday in beating Espanyol, however, Zidane&#39;s side have been criticised by Spanish media for their uninspiring performances. 
 
The European champions needed an 89th-minute equaliser and a stoppage-time winner to beat Sporting last week in the Champions League&nbsp;and had nervous moments against Espanyol before Benzema sealed the points. 
 
Zidane, however, shrugged off the negative comments. 
 
&quot;Criticism is expected here, you know when you are a player or coach here that you will face greater demands than anywhere else, you know that when you sign for Real Madrid,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;You can always improve whether you&#39;re a player or a coach but we are doing pretty well,&quot; the Frenchman added. 
 
&quot;We&#39;re going to try and improve our play and keep a clean sheet. But we know we&#39;ll have a very difficult game at home, against a very good side who are unbeaten, so we&#39;ll have to prepare for the game well.&quot; 
 
(Reuters)

Ronaldo missed Sunday's 2-0 win at Espanyol with a sore throat while Bale was out with a hip injury

Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale will return to action for Real Madrid's La Liga game with Villarreal on Wednesday, coach Zinedine Zidane said. Ronaldo, Real's all-time top scorer, missed Sunday's 2-0 win at Espanyol with a sore throat while record signing Bale was out with a hip injury sustained in the Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon. "They are both well, they trained normally and are both 100 per cent," Zidane told a news conference on Tuesday ahead of the game with Villarreal, who are unbeaten this season having won two and drawn two of their four games. The return of Bale and Ronaldo means Zidane will be able to start with his first choice front three, Bale, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, for the first time in a league game this season. Veteran defender Pepe, however, will miss out after finishing the Espanyol game injured and goalkeeper Keylor Navas has still not recovered from surgery on his Achilles. Real are top of La Liga and are the only team in the top flight to have won all four of their opening games. Despite equalling a La Liga record of 16 consecutive wins last Sunday in beating Espanyol, however, Zidane's side have been criticised by Spanish media for their uninspiring performances. The European champions needed an 89th-minute equaliser and a stoppage-time winner to beat Sporting last week in the Champions League and had nervous moments against Espanyol before Benzema sealed the points. Zidane, however, shrugged off the negative comments. "Criticism is expected here, you know when you are a player or coach here that you will face greater demands than anywhere else, you know that when you sign for Real Madrid," he said. "You can always improve whether you're a player or a coach but we are doing pretty well," the Frenchman added. "We're going to try and improve our play and keep a clean sheet. But we know we'll have a very difficult game at home, against a very good side who are unbeaten, so we'll have to prepare for the game well." (Reuters)

Ronaldo and Bale to make Real return against Villarreal

Midfielder Dele Alli has signed a new deal with Tottenham Hotspur which will keep him at the north London club till 2022, the Premier League side said on Monday. 
 
The 20-year-old, who had also signed a contract extension in January, enjoyed an excellent season last campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 matches. 
 
The former Milton Keynes Dons midfielder picked up the Professional Footballers&#39; Association Young Player of the Year award and was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season. 
 
Ali&#39;s dazzling performances at Spurs also earned the midfielder his England cap last October and he was part of the country&#39;s Euro 2016 squad. 
 
(Reuters)

The former Milton Keynes Dons midfielder picked up the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award

Midfielder Dele Alli has signed a new deal with Tottenham Hotspur which will keep him at the north London club till 2022, the Premier League side said on Monday. The 20-year-old, who had also signed a contract extension in January, enjoyed an excellent season last campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing 11 assists in 46 matches. The former Milton Keynes Dons midfielder picked up the Professional Footballers' Association Young Player of the Year award and was also named in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year last season. Ali's dazzling performances at Spurs also earned the midfielder his England cap last October and he was part of the country's Euro 2016 squad. (Reuters)

Tottenham midfielder Alli extends contract until 2022

Legia Warsaw has sacked head coach Besnik Hasi in just over three months after a run of poor results left the Polish champions sitting third-from-bottom in the league table after nine games. 
 
In his short tenure, the 44-year-old Albanian, who was appointed in June, led the club into the Champions League group stage, the first time in 20 years a Polish club made an appearance in Europe&#39;s elite club competition. 
 
However, Legia lost 6-0 at home to German side Borussia Dortmund, their biggest loss in Europe, and are facing possible sanctions from UEFA for crowd trouble. 
 
European governing body will take the decision on September 28. 
 
Assistant coach Aleksandar Vukovic will act as caretaker manager while the club searches for Hasi&#39;s replacement. 
 
&quot;The assistant coach Aleksandar Vukovic will be a caretaker as of Monday,&quot; club said. 
 
(Reuters)

Hasi was sacked after a run of poor results left the Polish champions sitting third-from-bottom in the league table after nine games

Legia Warsaw has sacked head coach Besnik Hasi in just over three months after a run of poor results left the Polish champions sitting third-from-bottom in the league table after nine games. In his short tenure, the 44-year-old Albanian, who was appointed in June, led the club into the Champions League group stage, the first time in 20 years a Polish club made an appearance in Europe's elite club competition. However, Legia lost 6-0 at home to German side Borussia Dortmund, their biggest loss in Europe, and are facing possible sanctions from UEFA for crowd trouble. European governing body will take the decision on September 28. Assistant coach Aleksandar Vukovic will act as caretaker manager while the club searches for Hasi's replacement. "The assistant coach Aleksandar Vukovic will be a caretaker as of Monday," club said. (Reuters)

Legia Warsaw sack coach Hasi after three months

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