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Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were named as finalists for the FIFA best players of the year awards by world football's governing body on Thursday.

Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or crown in October in Paris, while Bonmati took the women's prize after starring for Spain in their Women's World Cup triumph.

Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are the other nominees for the FIFA men's best player award, with Bonmati's Spain teammate Jenni Hermoso and Colombian teenage sensation Linda Caicedo also named on the women's shortlist.

The awards ceremony will take place in London on January 15.

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The men's finalists were named based on performances from December 19, 2022 until August 20 this year, with the women's decided by achievements between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023, the day of the World Cup final.

Messi won his second FIFA best player trophy last year after helping Argentina win the World Cup.

Haaland, who finished second to Messi in the Ballon d'Or voting, scored 52 goals in his first season at Manchester City last term to help the English club to a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles.

France striker Mbappe scored 41 goals in all competitions to help Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1.

Bonmati and Hermoso both scored three goals in the tournament as Spain lifted the Women's World Cup for the first time, while Bonmati also won the Women's Champions League with Barcelona last season.

Hermoso was forcibly kissed by then-Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales following Spain's 1-0 final win over England, sparking a huge controversy and his eventual resignation.

Caicedo, 18, starred in Colombia's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and has since signed for Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were named as finalists for the FIFA best players of the year awards by world football's governing body on Thursday. Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or crown in October in Paris, while Bonmati took the women's prize after starring for Spain in their Women's World Cup triumph.

Lionel Messi and Aitana Bonmati were named as finalists for the FIFA best players of the year awards by world football's governing body on Thursday. Messi was awarded a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or crown in October in Paris, while Bonmati took the women's prize after starring for Spain in their Women's World Cup triumph. Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are the other nominees for the FIFA men's best player award, with Bonmati's Spain teammate Jenni Hermoso and Colombian teenage sensation Linda Caicedo also named on the women's shortlist. The awards ceremony will take place in London on January 15. Also Read: Shreyas Iyer to lead KKR in IPL 2024, Nitish Rana named vice-captain The men's finalists were named based on performances from December 19, 2022 until August 20 this year, with the women's decided by achievements between August 1, 2022 and August 20, 2023, the day of the World Cup final. Messi won his second FIFA best player trophy last year after helping Argentina win the World Cup. Haaland, who finished second to Messi in the Ballon d'Or voting, scored 52 goals in his first season at Manchester City last term to help the English club to a treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League titles. France striker Mbappe scored 41 goals in all competitions to help Paris Saint-Germain win Ligue 1. Bonmati and Hermoso both scored three goals in the tournament as Spain lifted the Women's World Cup for the first time, while Bonmati also won the Women's Champions League with Barcelona last season. Hermoso was forcibly kissed by then-Spanish football federation president Luis Rubiales following Spain's 1-0 final win over England, sparking a huge controversy and his eventual resignation. Caicedo, 18, starred in Colombia's run to the World Cup quarter-finals and has since signed for Real Madrid.

Lionel Messi, Aitana Bonmati nominated for FIFA best player awards

Starting in 2022, the Naupang League is setting a benchmark for the academies in the country as India tries to achieve its football goals in the coming years. The eight-month-long football league aims at developing grassroots football in Mizoram state of India. The league‘s latest season started in September across four districts of Mizoram - Aizawl, Champhai, Kolasib and Lunglei, after a successful inaugural season. The competition aims at the sustainable development of players at a very young age in Mizoram. Here is WION’s Aditya Pimpale as he goes into detail and speaks to some of the prominent names associated with the Naupang League in an exclusive report from Mizoram’s Aizawl.

Decoding rise of Indian Football through Naupang League

Manchester United crashed out of the Champions League with a 0-1 loss to Bayern Munich. United finished rock-bottom in Group A which means that they haven't qualified for the Europa League as well. The Red Devils conceded 15 goals in the group stage which was the most by an English Premier League club.

UCL: Manchester United end worst-ever campaign with a loss to Bayern Munich

Record 14-time champions Real Madrid defeated and beat Union Berlin 3-2 to maintain their 100%-win record in the 2023-24 edition of the UEFA Champions League. The German Bundesliga side also missed on a Europa League spot after finishing bottom of Group C with two points from six matches.

Real Madrid beat Union Berlin 3-2 in Champions League

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec. 12). It was United's 12th loss across tournaments this season and seventh at home.

"There are still many things to play for and now we can focus, of course, on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, the Champions League, so we have to give every effort to be in the top four and next year be back in the Champions League. Then we have the FA Cup, so there are so many things to play for," said Ten Hag after the crushing 1-0 loss.

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He acknowledged that the whole group is disappointed with the result, and so is he since he is the manager. Noting that the team&nbsp;should have done better, Ten Hag said: "The facts are we do not have enough points. We are disappointed as a group. As a manager, I am disappointed. We should have done better."

The statement comes more or less as an attempt to find something positive from a forgettable season Manchester United are having in which they have exited Carabao Cup and Champions League.&nbsp;

Man United next play against table-toppers Liverpool in the English Premier League (EPL) at Anfield on Sunday, December 17. They, however, have been plagued with injuries too as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw suffered muscle injuries against Bayern. Both the players could miss the Sunday trip and Ten Hag isn't excited about it.

"We are losing players and players who are very decisive for our game, who can make the difference and in many games it was also the case in this campaign," said Ten Hag. "We had not always the players available we want to play. That's definitely a part.

"Now I give you a reason, but don't see it as an excuse because even when we are not all on board, we still have to win because they are targets that belong to Manchester United."

The Red Devils, who finished fourth in four-team group A at the end of the Champions League group stage, are sixth on the Premier League points table with 27 points from nine wins in 16 games.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag says that there's still a lot left to play for after his club's exit from the Champions League following the loss against Bayern Munich on Tuesday (Dec. 12). It was United's 12th loss across tournaments this season and seventh at home. "There are still many things to play for and now we can focus, of course, on the Premier League. This is the level we want to play, the Champions League, so we have to give every effort to be in the top four and next year be back in the Champions League. Then we have the FA Cup, so there are so many things to play for," said Ten Hag after the crushing 1-0 loss. Also Read: 'Mood in camp is always happy,' says unperturbed India skipper Suryakumar after loss in 2nd T20I vs SA He acknowledged that the whole group is disappointed with the result, and so is he since he is the manager. Noting that the team should have done better, Ten Hag said: "The facts are we do not have enough points. We are disappointed as a group. As a manager, I am disappointed. We should have done better." The statement comes more or less as an attempt to find something positive from a forgettable season Manchester United are having in which they have exited Carabao Cup and Champions League. Man United next play against table-toppers Liverpool in the English Premier League (EPL) at Anfield on Sunday, December 17. They, however, have been plagued with injuries too as Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw suffered muscle injuries against Bayern. Both the players could miss the Sunday trip and Ten Hag isn't excited about it. "We are losing players and players who are very decisive for our game, who can make the difference and in many games it was also the case in this campaign," said Ten Hag. "We had not always the players available we want to play. That's definitely a part. "Now I give you a reason, but don't see it as an excuse because even when we are not all on board, we still have to win because they are targets that belong to Manchester United." The Red Devils, who finished fourth in four-team group A at the end of the Champions League group stage, are sixth on the Premier League points table with 27 points from nine wins in 16 games.

'We should've done better,' acknowledges Ten Hag after Manchester United crash out of Champions League

In a setback, Spanish LaLiga football club Barcelona will be without eight first-team players for their last Champions League group stage match against Antwerp in Belgium. The match is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, December 13. The decision comes after a shocking 4-2 defeat against LaLiga leader Girona on Sunday (Dec. 10).

Among the players who will be missing the UCL match, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan and Ronald Araújo will be rested. Marc-André ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, Iñigo Martínez and Gavi, on the other hand, will be out due to injury as coach Xavi sets focus on Saturday's (Dec. 16) La Liga game at Valencia.

The loss against Girona was only the second for Barcelona this season in LaLiga and they now stand fourth on the table with 34 points - seven short of topper Girona - after 16 matches.

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The Barca coach, however, said that the club's performance wasn't as bad as the result showed. He acknowledged that the result&nbsp;was disastrous.

"It is a disastrous result, but the performance was not disastrous," Xavi said in the news conference after the defeat.

"It's a big blow because we were hoping to get back within two points of the leaders.

"This is the reality. It's a Barça side in construction. These things happen when you are building, taking a step back to hopefully take two forward.

"Today, things didn't come off for us, but on another day they could have. We can't have any doubts. It was not a bad performance. Last year we also faced setbacks, but we went on to win two trophies."

Eight academy players, meanwhile, have been called to play in the UCL match against Antwerp, namely: Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsí (defenders), Marc Casadó and Aleix Garrido (midfielders), Ángel Alarcón and Marc Guiu (forwards) &amp; Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen (goalkeepers).

In a setback, Spanish LaLiga football club Barcelona will be without eight first-team players for their last Champions League group stage match against Antwerp in Belgium.

In a setback, Spanish LaLiga football club Barcelona will be without eight first-team players for their last Champions League group stage match against Antwerp in Belgium. The match is scheduled to be played on Wednesday, December 13. The decision comes after a shocking 4-2 defeat against LaLiga leader Girona on Sunday (Dec. 10). Among the players who will be missing the UCL match, Robert Lewandowski, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan and Ronald Araújo will be rested. Marc-André ter Stegen, Marcos Alonso, Iñigo Martínez and Gavi, on the other hand, will be out due to injury as coach Xavi sets focus on Saturday's (Dec. 16) La Liga game at Valencia. The loss against Girona was only the second for Barcelona this season in LaLiga and they now stand fourth on the table with 34 points - seven short of topper Girona - after 16 matches. Also Read: Messi vs Ronaldo: Inter Miami confirm friendlies with Saudi club Al Nassr next year in January The Barca coach, however, said that the club's performance wasn't as bad as the result showed. He acknowledged that the result was disastrous. "It is a disastrous result, but the performance was not disastrous," Xavi said in the news conference after the defeat. "It's a big blow because we were hoping to get back within two points of the leaders. "This is the reality. It's a Barça side in construction. These things happen when you are building, taking a step back to hopefully take two forward. "Today, things didn't come off for us, but on another day they could have. We can't have any doubts. It was not a bad performance. Last year we also faced setbacks, but we went on to win two trophies." Eight academy players, meanwhile, have been called to play in the UCL match against Antwerp, namely: Hector Fort and Pau Cubarsí (defenders), Marc Casadó and Aleix Garrido (midfielders), Ángel Alarcón and Marc Guiu (forwards) & Ander Astralaga and Diego Kochen (goalkeepers).

Barcelona to be without eight first-team players for Champions League match against Antwerp

Inter Miami on Monday confirmed details of two upcoming friendlies in Saudi Arabia next year which will include a showdown between Lionel Messi and old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Major League Soccer club had already announced plans for the team to face Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Riyadh, without confirming a date.

Inter said on Monday the team would take on Saudi powerhouses Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on January 29.

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They will then face Al Nassr at the same venue on February 1, giving Messi the chance to lock horns once again with Ronaldo in the latest installment of a rivalry that has spanned decades stretching back to their first meeting in 2008.

"These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season," said Chris Henderson, Miami's chief soccer officer and sporting director.

Miami will travel to Hong Kong following the Saudi Arabia games to play a team made up from the Chinese territory's First Division on February 4.

The team will then head back to the US for the start of the MLS season later in February.

Inter Miami on Monday confirmed details of two upcoming friendlies in Saudi Arabia next year which will include a showdown between Lionel Messi and old rival Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inter Miami on Monday confirmed details of two upcoming friendlies in Saudi Arabia next year which will include a showdown between Lionel Messi and old rival Cristiano Ronaldo. The Major League Soccer club had already announced plans for the team to face Ronaldo's Al Nassr in Riyadh, without confirming a date. Inter said on Monday the team would take on Saudi powerhouses Al Hilal at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on January 29. Also Read: One in five players at Women's World Cup suffer online abuse: Study They will then face Al Nassr at the same venue on February 1, giving Messi the chance to lock horns once again with Ronaldo in the latest installment of a rivalry that has spanned decades stretching back to their first meeting in 2008. "These matches will offer important tests for our team, which will benefit us as we approach the new season," said Chris Henderson, Miami's chief soccer officer and sporting director. Miami will travel to Hong Kong following the Saudi Arabia games to play a team made up from the Chinese territory's First Division on February 4. The team will then head back to the US for the start of the MLS season later in February.

Messi vs Ronaldo: Inter Miami confirm friendlies with Saudi club Al Nassr next year in January

The greatest football player rivalry will be renewed as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will face off in February in Riyadh. Messi's Inter Miami have confirmed that they will take on Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in the Riyadh season cup on February 1, 2024.

The last Messi vs Ronaldo face-off?

Manchester United's future in this season's Champions League hangs by a thread ahead of Bayern Munich's visit to Old Trafford, with an early exit in Europe sure to put more scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag.

The Dutchman tried to argue after victory over Chelsea last week that United's season has not reached crisis-mode.

But Ten Hag's hopes that a turning point had been reached were short-lived as a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday saw a troubled campaign reach a new low.

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The Red Devils sit sixth in the Premier League after seven defeats in their opening 16 games.

Yet, while there may be time to recover a place in the top four domestically, their need in the Champions League is urgent.

Only victory against the German champions on Tuesday will give United any chance of progress to the last 16 and even then, they need FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in their final Group A match.

United are fortunate to even have a shot at the knockout stages after a return of just four points from their opening five matches.

No English side has ever conceded as many as the 14 goals that Ten Hag's men have in five Champions League group games.

A series of high-scoring shootouts in Europe contrasts sharply with United's troubles to score goals in the Premier League.

"We are really inconsistent. We have the abilities to do it, but you have to do it every game and every third day," said Ten Hag after Bournemouth celebrated their first ever win at Old Trafford in style.

"I think as a squad we are not good enough to be consistent and we have to work as a squad to improve that."

<h2>- Rashford's demise -</h2>

No United forward has scored at home in the Premier League all season as Marcus Rashford's demise has contributed to his side's struggles.

Rashford scored 30 times in a career-best campaign for goals last season but has just two so far this season -- one of which came from the penalty spot.

The England international has exhausted Ten Hag's patience and been dropped for the last two games.

But Rashford could return against Bayern as his understudies have also struggled to shine.

Alejandro Garnacho has produced flashes of brilliance, though remains wildly inconsistent as can be expected for a 19-year-old winger.

Meanwhile Antony, who Ten Hag pushed to sign in a £86 million ($108 million) deal last year, has not scored in his last 25 matches.

The Brazilian is just one of a long list of expensive flops that have seen United's fortunes decline in a decade since Alex Ferguson departed as manager.

Last weekend's loss to Bournemouth was the 35th home league defeat suffered by United since Ferguson's retirement.

During the iconic 26-year reign of the Scottish manager, United were only beaten in the league at Old Trafford 34 times.

Bayern may already be assured of their place in the last 16 as group winners but have a point to prove themselves after being thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

And the last time Bayern lost a Champions League group game was six years ago.

United captain Bruno Fernandes said his side must "do their job" and hope for help in Copenhagen.

"We know that the next game is going to be really tough - we have to win and wait for a good result in the other game for us," said Fernandes.

"We have to do our job, first of all, but we are more than capable of getting the result in that."

Manchester United's future in this season's Champions League hangs by a thread ahead of Bayern Munich's visit to Old Trafford, with an early exit in Europe sure to put more scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag.

Manchester United's future in this season's Champions League hangs by a thread ahead of Bayern Munich's visit to Old Trafford, with an early exit in Europe sure to put more scrutiny on manager Erik ten Hag. The Dutchman tried to argue after victory over Chelsea last week that United's season has not reached crisis-mode. But Ten Hag's hopes that a turning point had been reached were short-lived as a 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth on Saturday saw a troubled campaign reach a new low. Also Read: Haaland-less Manchester City return to winning ways with victory over Luton Town The Red Devils sit sixth in the Premier League after seven defeats in their opening 16 games. Yet, while there may be time to recover a place in the top four domestically, their need in the Champions League is urgent. Only victory against the German champions on Tuesday will give United any chance of progress to the last 16 and even then, they need FC Copenhagen and Galatasaray to draw in their final Group A match. United are fortunate to even have a shot at the knockout stages after a return of just four points from their opening five matches. No English side has ever conceded as many as the 14 goals that Ten Hag's men have in five Champions League group games. A series of high-scoring shootouts in Europe contrasts sharply with United's troubles to score goals in the Premier League. "We are really inconsistent. We have the abilities to do it, but you have to do it every game and every third day," said Ten Hag after Bournemouth celebrated their first ever win at Old Trafford in style. "I think as a squad we are not good enough to be consistent and we have to work as a squad to improve that." - Rashford's demise - No United forward has scored at home in the Premier League all season as Marcus Rashford's demise has contributed to his side's struggles. Rashford scored 30 times in a career-best campaign for goals last season but has just two so far this season -- one of which came from the penalty spot. The England international has exhausted Ten Hag's patience and been dropped for the last two games. But Rashford could return against Bayern as his understudies have also struggled to shine. Alejandro Garnacho has produced flashes of brilliance, though remains wildly inconsistent as can be expected for a 19-year-old winger. Meanwhile Antony, who Ten Hag pushed to sign in a £86 million ($108 million) deal last year, has not scored in his last 25 matches. The Brazilian is just one of a long list of expensive flops that have seen United's fortunes decline in a decade since Alex Ferguson departed as manager. Last weekend's loss to Bournemouth was the 35th home league defeat suffered by United since Ferguson's retirement. During the iconic 26-year reign of the Scottish manager, United were only beaten in the league at Old Trafford 34 times. Bayern may already be assured of their place in the last 16 as group winners but have a point to prove themselves after being thrashed 5-1 by Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday. And the last time Bayern lost a Champions League group game was six years ago. United captain Bruno Fernandes said his side must "do their job" and hope for help in Copenhagen. "We know that the next game is going to be really tough - we have to win and wait for a good result in the other game for us," said Fernandes. "We have to do our job, first of all, but we are more than capable of getting the result in that."

Manager Erik Ten Hag under scrutiny as Manchester United fight for Champions League survival

Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a late Randal Kolo Muani winner against Nantes, with Monaco winning to go second.

Bradley Barcola's stylish finish just before the break gave PSG the lead, but a Mostafa Mohamed header in the second half made it look as if the points would be shared in the capital.

However, Kolo Muani pounced in the six-yard box seven minutes from time to allow PSG to open up a six-point lead at the top of the table.

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"I think that before an important match like Wednesday's (Borussia Dortmund), we were good right from the first minute," said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

"Nantes defended well and it was a match that allowed us to strengthen our position in the league."

In Paris, a first half dominated by the hosts, though with few clear-cut chances at either end, was illuminated by Barcola in the 41st minute when he stroked home his first goal for PSG.

Playing a one-two on the left wing with Vitinha, the 21-year-old glided into the box before opening his body and bending the ball beyond Alban Lafont.

But Nantes were back on terms 10 minutes after the break when Florent Mollet's corner was nodded in by Mohamed at the near post, leaving last week's hero Arnau Tenas little chance.

PSG were handed a welcome boost when teenager Warren Zaire-Emery entered the fray after 61 minutes, though returning captain Marquinhos left the field at the same time.

However, the key change came with 11 minutes remaining as goalscorer Barcola made way for Kolo Muani.

And just four minutes later, the French international was on hand to turn in a rebound from close-range and his fourth goal of the season was enough to give the home team a narrow 2-1 win.

Luis Enrique declared the result "a good preparation for a Champions League match" as his side now turn their attention to next week's do-or-die clash in Dortmund, the Parisians need a result to reach the knockout stages.

<h2>- Monaco reign in Brittany -</h2>

Second-half strikes from Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana gave Monaco a 2-1 win away to Rennes with the principality side moving above Nice into second place.

Despite a late penalty from Benjamin Bourigeaud and Vanderson's red card, Monaco held out at Roazhon Park to take themselves within three points of Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1.

Monaco started the week in third place, having somewhat fallen out of the title race in recent weeks but back-to-back wins have them firmly back in the conversation as their direct rivals prepare for action later in the weekend.

An uneventful first half, spiced only by a VAR intervention that spared the visiting side's Mohamed Camara on 14 minutes, seemed to be heading towards the second 0-0 of the weekend, after Friday's draw between Montpellier and Lens.

However, six minutes after the break Folarin Balogun profited from a lucky break to tee up Vanderson and the Brazilian defender's strike glanced off Jeanuel Belocian on its way into the net.

Just three minutes later, the defender was again in the thick of the action as he earned a caution for a foul on Amine Gouiri.

His match was then cut short with 15 minutes remaining when he fouled Mahamadou Nagida and picked up a harsh second yellow card.

A man down, Monaco dug in and managed to double their lead on 85 minutes when captain Fofana slotted a right-footed shot past Steve Mandanda, following a second assist from Balogun.

Bourigeaud converted a penalty on 90 minutes to give the hosts a lifeline, but Adi Huetter's 10 men were able to see it out, aided by a fine save from 'keeper Philipp Koehn three minutes into added time.

Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a late Randal Kolo Muani winner against Nantes, with Monaco winning to go second. Bradley Barcola's stylish finish just before the break gave PSG the lead, but a Mostafa Mohamed header in the second half made it look as if the points would be shared in the capital.

Paris Saint-Germain triumphed 2-1 on Saturday thanks to a late Randal Kolo Muani winner against Nantes, with Monaco winning to go second. Bradley Barcola's stylish finish just before the break gave PSG the lead, but a Mostafa Mohamed header in the second half made it look as if the points would be shared in the capital. However, Kolo Muani pounced in the six-yard box seven minutes from time to allow PSG to open up a six-point lead at the top of the table. Also Read: Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC for third MLS title "I think that before an important match like Wednesday's (Borussia Dortmund), we were good right from the first minute," said PSG coach Luis Enrique. "Nantes defended well and it was a match that allowed us to strengthen our position in the league." In Paris, a first half dominated by the hosts, though with few clear-cut chances at either end, was illuminated by Barcola in the 41st minute when he stroked home his first goal for PSG. Playing a one-two on the left wing with Vitinha, the 21-year-old glided into the box before opening his body and bending the ball beyond Alban Lafont. But Nantes were back on terms 10 minutes after the break when Florent Mollet's corner was nodded in by Mohamed at the near post, leaving last week's hero Arnau Tenas little chance. PSG were handed a welcome boost when teenager Warren Zaire-Emery entered the fray after 61 minutes, though returning captain Marquinhos left the field at the same time. However, the key change came with 11 minutes remaining as goalscorer Barcola made way for Kolo Muani. And just four minutes later, the French international was on hand to turn in a rebound from close-range and his fourth goal of the season was enough to give the home team a narrow 2-1 win. Luis Enrique declared the result "a good preparation for a Champions League match" as his side now turn their attention to next week's do-or-die clash in Dortmund, the Parisians need a result to reach the knockout stages. - Monaco reign in Brittany - Second-half strikes from Vanderson and Youssouf Fofana gave Monaco a 2-1 win away to Rennes with the principality side moving above Nice into second place. Despite a late penalty from Benjamin Bourigeaud and Vanderson's red card, Monaco held out at Roazhon Park to take themselves within three points of Paris Saint-Germain at the top of Ligue 1. Monaco started the week in third place, having somewhat fallen out of the title race in recent weeks but back-to-back wins have them firmly back in the conversation as their direct rivals prepare for action later in the weekend. An uneventful first half, spiced only by a VAR intervention that spared the visiting side's Mohamed Camara on 14 minutes, seemed to be heading towards the second 0-0 of the weekend, after Friday's draw between Montpellier and Lens. However, six minutes after the break Folarin Balogun profited from a lucky break to tee up Vanderson and the Brazilian defender's strike glanced off Jeanuel Belocian on its way into the net. Just three minutes later, the defender was again in the thick of the action as he earned a caution for a foul on Amine Gouiri. His match was then cut short with 15 minutes remaining when he fouled Mahamadou Nagida and picked up a harsh second yellow card. A man down, Monaco dug in and managed to double their lead on 85 minutes when captain Fofana slotted a right-footed shot past Steve Mandanda, following a second assist from Balogun. Bourigeaud converted a penalty on 90 minutes to give the hosts a lifeline, but Adi Huetter's 10 men were able to see it out, aided by a fine save from 'keeper Philipp Koehn three minutes into added time.

Ligue 1: Kolo Muani's winner takes PSG past Nantes

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday.

A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute.

In what may have been the final game before retirement for former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and possibly a last appearance for LAFC for Mexican star Carlos Vela, last year's champions were convincingly beaten.

Columbus, coached by little-known Frenchman Wilfried Nancy, dominated the game for long stretches while Steve Cherundolo's LAFC were unable to unleash their trademark counter-attacks.

Nancy, who won his first major title as a coach in his first season with Columbus, said his team had improved throughout the season.

"They have grown a lot as players, and as people. When we started, I told them 'Guys, impossible is an opinion'-- just enjoy it and we're gonna grow. And this is what happened. This is unbelievable," he said.

"We played our way. I'm so proud".

After a frantic start, in front of a loud, capacity 20,802 home crowd, Columbus quickly settled into their possession game thanks to the calming influence of veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who has now won the title with three different clubs.

French defender Steven Moreira had the first real opening, in the 16th minute, but his disappointing header from a promising position in the box was off target.

The Crew's roaming Colombian striker Hernandez sent a reminder of his goal threat with a shot from 20 yards out which flashed wide of the post.

Uruguayan attacking midfielder Diego Rossi was increasingly influential as he began to find spaces behind Hernandez and he went close in the 27th minute with a shot into the side-netting.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Fortunate penalty -</h2>

&nbsp;

The pressure on the Los Angeles defence was building but when the Crew broke through it was via a fortunate penalty award.

Yeboah crossed from the left, Rossi flicked the ball up in the air and it struck the shoulder of Diego Palacios and then his arm.

Referee Armando Villarreal had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Hernandez buried the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 33rd minute.

Within four minutes the Crew doubled their lead with a goal of perfect simplicity.

Danish defender Malte Amundsen played a pinpoint defence-splitting pass to Yeboah who sped around the back of Ryan Hollingshead before poking home with the outside of his left-foot.

The Crew fans, many of whom had been chanting in the stadium over two hours before kick off, were ecstatic and LAFC, who had created next to nothing for the league's top scorer Bouanga, looked shell-shocked.

There was some encouragement though for the constantly singing black-clad visiting Los Angeles supporters on the stroke of half-time when a low cross from Cristian Olivera was almost sliced into his own goal by Crew defender Rudy Carmacho.

Columbus continued to dominate after the break though with the livewire Yeboah, skipping past two defenders as he weaved into the box, chipping over the advancing Los Angeles keeper Max Crepeau only for Palacios to head off the line.

There were signs that Columbus were starting to tire a little heading into the final 20 minutes with mistakes creeping into their game and LAFC pushed forward with more urgency.

A burst of pace from Bouanga got him behind the defence but his low ball across the face of the goal went untouched.

Moments later the French-born Gabon international got his team back into the game -- a right foot shot inside the box was parried by Patrick Schulte but Bouanga reacted swiftly and buried the loose ball.

But the Crew were not for crumbling, responding positively - Rossi scuffing a chance to make it 3-1 and substitute Christian Ramirez appealing in vain for a penalty after bursting into the box.

The Crew held firm in seven minutes of added time to set off a party as the Ohio crowd celebrated a third title following their triumphs in 2008 and 2020.

Chiellini said Columbus had deserved the victory.

"It was a beautiful journey, that we have to be proud of it. Of course, I am sad for the game, I don't think they are better in general but they played much better tonight," he said.

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute.

The Columbus Crew won their third Major League Soccer title after beating Los Angeles FC 2-1 in the MLS Cup final on Saturday. A penalty from Cucho Hernandez and goal from Yaw Yeboah gave the Crew a 2-0 lead at the interval before Denis Bouanga pulled a goal back for LAFC in the 74th minute. In what may have been the final game before retirement for former Italy captain Giorgio Chiellini and possibly a last appearance for LAFC for Mexican star Carlos Vela, last year's champions were convincingly beaten. Columbus, coached by little-known Frenchman Wilfried Nancy, dominated the game for long stretches while Steve Cherundolo's LAFC were unable to unleash their trademark counter-attacks. Nancy, who won his first major title as a coach in his first season with Columbus, said his team had improved throughout the season. "They have grown a lot as players, and as people. When we started, I told them 'Guys, impossible is an opinion'-- just enjoy it and we're gonna grow. And this is what happened. This is unbelievable," he said. "We played our way. I'm so proud". After a frantic start, in front of a loud, capacity 20,802 home crowd, Columbus quickly settled into their possession game thanks to the calming influence of veteran midfielder Darlington Nagbe, who has now won the title with three different clubs. French defender Steven Moreira had the first real opening, in the 16th minute, but his disappointing header from a promising position in the box was off target. The Crew's roaming Colombian striker Hernandez sent a reminder of his goal threat with a shot from 20 yards out which flashed wide of the post. Uruguayan attacking midfielder Diego Rossi was increasingly influential as he began to find spaces behind Hernandez and he went close in the 27th minute with a shot into the side-netting. - Fortunate penalty - The pressure on the Los Angeles defence was building but when the Crew broke through it was via a fortunate penalty award. Yeboah crossed from the left, Rossi flicked the ball up in the air and it struck the shoulder of Diego Palacios and then his arm. Referee Armando Villarreal had no hesitation pointing to the spot and Hernandez buried the penalty into the bottom corner to make it 1-0 in the 33rd minute. Within four minutes the Crew doubled their lead with a goal of perfect simplicity. Danish defender Malte Amundsen played a pinpoint defence-splitting pass to Yeboah who sped around the back of Ryan Hollingshead before poking home with the outside of his left-foot. The Crew fans, many of whom had been chanting in the stadium over two hours before kick off, were ecstatic and LAFC, who had created next to nothing for the league's top scorer Bouanga, looked shell-shocked. There was some encouragement though for the constantly singing black-clad visiting Los Angeles supporters on the stroke of half-time when a low cross from Cristian Olivera was almost sliced into his own goal by Crew defender Rudy Carmacho. Columbus continued to dominate after the break though with the livewire Yeboah, skipping past two defenders as he weaved into the box, chipping over the advancing Los Angeles keeper Max Crepeau only for Palacios to head off the line. There were signs that Columbus were starting to tire a little heading into the final 20 minutes with mistakes creeping into their game and LAFC pushed forward with more urgency. A burst of pace from Bouanga got him behind the defence but his low ball across the face of the goal went untouched. Moments later the French-born Gabon international got his team back into the game -- a right foot shot inside the box was parried by Patrick Schulte but Bouanga reacted swiftly and buried the loose ball. But the Crew were not for crumbling, responding positively - Rossi scuffing a chance to make it 3-1 and substitute Christian Ramirez appealing in vain for a penalty after bursting into the box. The Crew held firm in seven minutes of added time to set off a party as the Ohio crowd celebrated a third title following their triumphs in 2008 and 2020. Chiellini said Columbus had deserved the victory. "It was a beautiful journey, that we have to be proud of it. Of course, I am sad for the game, I don't think they are better in general but they played much better tonight," he said.

Columbus Crew beat Los Angeles FC for third MLS title

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope will be sidelined for "around four months" with a shoulder injury, manager Eddie Howe said on Wednesday as his list of absentees continued to grow.

England's Pope, who needed surgery on his same left shoulder in 2018 while a Burnley player, suffered a dislocation when diving during last weekend's 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United.

He joins Newcastle's lengthy injury list which has left Howe making very few substitutions in recent matches, with several youth-team players on the bench.

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"There's no doubt he needs an operation so he will be out for a period of time, we think around four months," Howe told a press conference ahead of Thursday's league game at Everton.

"It's the same shoulder (as 2018 injury) but a different part of the shoulder. There was no reason for that happening."

Media reports have linked Newcastle with both out-of-favour Arsenal 'keeper Aaron Ramsdale and former Man United number one David de Gea, who is a free agent.

But Howe was keen to play down speculation of signing a short-term replacement in January.

"I've seen a lot of the media headlines and press speculation regarding goalkeepers and other players," said Howe.

"We've not made any enquiries or decisions regarding our recruitment leading into January and I have said many times that is because if we were to recruit now we would probably be recruiting in every position on the pitch because we have injuries everywhere throughout the squad.

"Hopefully that picture looks different by the time January comes."

Slovakian Martin Dubravka replaced Pope as a late substitute against Manchester United and will likely start at Goodison Park.

He was sent on loan to Old Trafford last season but played two Premier League matches for Newcastle after being recalled from Man United in January.

"We really believe in Martin. I have always had that high opinion of him," added Howe.

"Martin is a high-class goalkeeper, he is a brilliant shot-stopper himself.&nbsp;He is very good with his feet and his distribution, so there's no hesitation in bringing Martin into the team and I hope he does really well."

Newcastle have won their last two league matches, either side of a 1-1 Champions League draw at Paris Saint-Germain, despite their injury woes.

But Howe wants his side to improve away from home, after just one win on their travels in six Premier League games this season.

"I'm looking forward to the game. We're going to Tottenham next, we'll need to work on our away form."

Newcastle sit sixth in the table, just three points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope will be sidelined for "around four months" with a shoulder injury, manager Eddie Howe said on Wednesday as his list of absentees continued to grow.

Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope will be sidelined for "around four months" with a shoulder injury, manager Eddie Howe said on Wednesday as his list of absentees continued to grow. England's Pope, who needed surgery on his same left shoulder in 2018 while a Burnley player, suffered a dislocation when diving during last weekend's 1-0 Premier League victory over Manchester United. He joins Newcastle's lengthy injury list which has left Howe making very few substitutions in recent matches, with several youth-team players on the bench. Also Read: India's Ravi Bishnoi now No. 1 bowler in T20Is, pips Afghanistan's Rashid Khan in latest ICC rankings "There's no doubt he needs an operation so he will be out for a period of time, we think around four months," Howe told a press conference ahead of Thursday's league game at Everton. "It's the same shoulder (as 2018 injury) but a different part of the shoulder. There was no reason for that happening." Media reports have linked Newcastle with both out-of-favour Arsenal 'keeper Aaron Ramsdale and former Man United number one David de Gea, who is a free agent. But Howe was keen to play down speculation of signing a short-term replacement in January. "I've seen a lot of the media headlines and press speculation regarding goalkeepers and other players," said Howe. "We've not made any enquiries or decisions regarding our recruitment leading into January and I have said many times that is because if we were to recruit now we would probably be recruiting in every position on the pitch because we have injuries everywhere throughout the squad. "Hopefully that picture looks different by the time January comes." Slovakian Martin Dubravka replaced Pope as a late substitute against Manchester United and will likely start at Goodison Park. He was sent on loan to Old Trafford last season but played two Premier League matches for Newcastle after being recalled from Man United in January. "We really believe in Martin. I have always had that high opinion of him," added Howe. "Martin is a high-class goalkeeper, he is a brilliant shot-stopper himself. He is very good with his feet and his distribution, so there's no hesitation in bringing Martin into the team and I hope he does really well." Newcastle have won their last two league matches, either side of a 1-1 Champions League draw at Paris Saint-Germain, despite their injury woes. But Howe wants his side to improve away from home, after just one win on their travels in six Premier League games this season. "I'm looking forward to the game. We're going to Tottenham next, we'll need to work on our away form." Newcastle sit sixth in the table, just three points adrift of fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Newcastle and England keeper Pope out for around four months with shoulder injury

English Football Association (FA) has charged Premier League side Manchester City for failing to conduct players' behaviour during the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (Dec. 3). City striker Erling Haaland, however, escaped punishment for responding with 'WTF' to a clip from the game on social media platform X.

Haaland <a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/watch-manchester-citys-erling-haalnd-loses-clam-after-referee-stops-game-vs-hotspur-may-get-sanctioned-665991">responded to the clip</a> which showed referee Simon Harper stopping the game four minutes into stoppage time when City had a chance to win the 3-3 stalemate. The referee's decision was protested by City players as Haaland was fouled about a minute before that but didn't get it as he got up on his feet and continued with the game.

It has been reported by ESPN, citing FA sources, that Haaland wasn't in breach of the rules on covering media comments and social media activity.

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The team, however, has been found in breach of FA Rule E20.1 which pertains to the conduct of the players. The association issued a statement and has given two days to City to respond to the charge.

"Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023.

"It's alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper.

"Manchester City have until Thursday 7 December 2023 to respond to the charge," read the FA statement.

City manager Pep Guardiola, however, had defended Haaland's reaction post-game and had said: "It's normal. His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today. He's a little bit disappointed."

With the draw, City slipped to the third place on the points table with 30 points in 14 games. City have won nine games from 14 played and have played three draws as well while losing only two.

English Football Association (FA) has charged Premier League side Manchester City for failing to conduct players' behaviour during the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (Dec.

English Football Association (FA) has charged Premier League side Manchester City for failing to conduct players' behaviour during the game against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday (Dec. 3). City striker Erling Haaland, however, escaped punishment for responding with 'WTF' to a clip from the game on social media platform X. Haaland responded to the clip which showed referee Simon Harper stopping the game four minutes into stoppage time when City had a chance to win the 3-3 stalemate. The referee's decision was protested by City players as Haaland was fouled about a minute before that but didn't get it as he got up on his feet and continued with the game. It has been reported by ESPN, citing FA sources, that Haaland wasn't in breach of the rules on covering media comments and social media activity. Also Read: Premier League announces blockbuster domestic TV deal worth $8.45 billion The team, however, has been found in breach of FA Rule E20.1 which pertains to the conduct of the players. The association issued a statement and has given two days to City to respond to the charge. "Manchester City have been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20.1 after their players surrounded the match official during the Premier League fixture against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 3 December 2023. "It's alleged that, during the 94th minute of the fixture, the club failed to ensure their players do not behave in a way which is improper. "Manchester City have until Thursday 7 December 2023 to respond to the charge," read the FA statement. City manager Pep Guardiola, however, had defended Haaland's reaction post-game and had said: "It's normal. His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today. He's a little bit disappointed." With the draw, City slipped to the third place on the points table with 30 points in 14 games. City have won nine games from 14 played and have played three draws as well while losing only two.

Manchester City charged for failing to control players' behaviour in Tottenham game; Haaland escapes penalty

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland may face a sanction for criticising officials for a controversial call during the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur. The game ended in a 3-3 draw after the referee stopped it in injury time when City seemingly had a chance to score and win.&nbsp;

City were leading 3-2 before Dejan Kulusevski scored an equaliser in the 90th minute for Tottenham. Five minutes into the stoppage time, Haaland was fouled by opposition defender Emerson Royal but the striker got up on his feet and continued. Referee Simon Hooper kept the game going but stopped when Haaland passed the ball to Jack Grealish who had a clear run to goal.

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Haaland was visibly furious by the call and wrote 'WTF' on his social media handle X after the game in response to the clip of the play. Have a look at the play below:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Wtf <a href="https://t.co/E7GKDiTZAf">https://t.co/E7GKDiTZAf</a>
— Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) <a href="https://twitter.com/ErlingHaaland/status/1731387201622004197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He was shown a yellow card as well by Hooper during the game for protesting the decision. The Football Association (FA) will now examine if the post is in breach of Rule E3.1 of the Premier League which pertains to governing social media comments or remarks made in the media.

City manager Pep&nbsp;Guardiola, however, defended Haaland's reaction and said: "It's normal. His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today. He's a little bit disappointed.

"Even the referee -- if he played for Man City today he would be disappointed for that action, that's for sure."

With the draw, City slipped to the third place on the points table with 30 points in 14 games. City have won nine games from 14 played and have played three draws as well while losing only two.

As for the Spurs, they edged Newcastle United for the fifth place on the table with 27 points after 14 games that includes&nbsp;eight wins, three draws and three losses. 
&nbsp;

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland may face a sanction for criticising officials for a controversial call during the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland may face a sanction for criticising officials for a controversial call during the Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur. The game ended in a 3-3 draw after the referee stopped it in injury time when City seemingly had a chance to score and win. City were leading 3-2 before Dejan Kulusevski scored an equaliser in the 90th minute for Tottenham. Five minutes into the stoppage time, Haaland was fouled by opposition defender Emerson Royal but the striker got up on his feet and continued. Referee Simon Hooper kept the game going but stopped when Haaland passed the ball to Jack Grealish who had a clear run to goal. Also Watch: 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw and Eagles security chief Big Dom ejected after on-field confrontation Haaland was visibly furious by the call and wrote 'WTF' on his social media handle X after the game in response to the clip of the play. Have a look at the play below: Wtf https://t.co/E7GKDiTZAf — Erling Haaland (@ErlingHaaland) December 3, 2023 × He was shown a yellow card as well by Hooper during the game for protesting the decision. The Football Association (FA) will now examine if the post is in breach of Rule E3.1 of the Premier League which pertains to governing social media comments or remarks made in the media. City manager Pep Guardiola, however, defended Haaland's reaction and said: "It's normal. His reaction was the same for 10 players. The rules are you cannot talk with the referees or fourth officials, so we should have had 10 players sent off today. He's a little bit disappointed. "Even the referee -- if he played for Man City today he would be disappointed for that action, that's for sure." With the draw, City slipped to the third place on the points table with 30 points in 14 games. City have won nine games from 14 played and have played three draws as well while losing only two. As for the Spurs, they edged Newcastle United for the fifth place on the table with 27 points after 14 games that includes eight wins, three draws and three losses.

WATCH | Manchester City's Erling Haaland loses calm after referee stops game vs Hotspur, may get sanctioned

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against&nbsp;Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday.

The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench.&nbsp;

Ruben Neves, another summer signing, was not part of the squad, with Brazil superstar Neymar out for the majority of the season after rupturing&nbsp;the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October.

However, Al Hilal needed only four minutes to take the lead against&nbsp;Nassaji Mazandaran&nbsp;at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, when winger Michael finished Mohammed Al Breik's low cross at the back post.

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Al Hilal, who replaced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at half-time, doubled their advantage on 54 minutes courtesy of a clever half volley from reigning Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari.

Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic were introduced on the hour mark, although it was not enough to prevent&nbsp;Nassaji Mazandaran from pulling a goal back 13 minutes from time.&nbsp;Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati halved the deficit with a thunderous volley following a clearance from Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

In the group's other match, Uzbekistan’s Navbahor booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City in Pune.&nbsp;

While Navbahor progress by finishing second, Mumbai ended their campaign with six defeats from six matches.

In Group B, Uzbek side Nasaf Qarshi qualified for the knockouts by drawing 2-2 against Qatar's Al Sadd in a match that featured a goal for each team in injury-time. UAE club Sharjah, meanwhile, dropped to third and thus exit the tournament after they let slip the lead to lose 2-1 to Jordan's Al Faisaly in Amman.

Elsewhere, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan's AGMK to a sixth successive Group C defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.&nbsp;

Al Ittihad concluded Group C with a 2-1 win against Iran's Sepahan in Mecca.&nbsp;

Former Celtic winger Jota grabbed the winner for the Saudi champions, who welcomed back Egypt international Ahmed Hegazy from long-term injury.

Also in Group C, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan’s AGMK to a sixth successive defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds.&nbsp;

The 10 group winners and the six best second-placed teams advanced to the knockout rounds, which begin in February.&nbsp;

The final takes place, across two legs, in May.

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday. The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench.

Four-time winners Al Hilal ended their Asian Champions League group campaign unbeaten thanks to a 2-1 home victory against Iran's Nassaji Mazandaran on Monday. The Saudi side, runners-up last year, had already qualified for the last 16 as Group D winners, allowing manager Jorge Jesus the luxury of starting in-form striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and attacking midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic on the bench. Ruben Neves, another summer signing, was not part of the squad, with Brazil superstar Neymar out for the majority of the season after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus in his left knee on international duty in October. However, Al Hilal needed only four minutes to take the lead against Nassaji Mazandaran at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium, when winger Michael finished Mohammed Al Breik's low cross at the back post. Also Read: Premier League announces blockbuster domestic TV deal worth $8.45 billion Al Hilal, who replaced Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou at half-time, doubled their advantage on 54 minutes courtesy of a clever half volley from reigning Asian Player of the Year Salem Al Dawsari. Mitrovic and Milinkovic-Savic were introduced on the hour mark, although it was not enough to prevent Nassaji Mazandaran from pulling a goal back 13 minutes from time. Mahmoud Ghaed Rahmati halved the deficit with a thunderous volley following a clearance from Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly. In the group's other match, Uzbekistan’s Navbahor booked their place in the last 16 with a 2-1 victory against Mumbai City in Pune. While Navbahor progress by finishing second, Mumbai ended their campaign with six defeats from six matches. In Group B, Uzbek side Nasaf Qarshi qualified for the knockouts by drawing 2-2 against Qatar's Al Sadd in a match that featured a goal for each team in injury-time. UAE club Sharjah, meanwhile, dropped to third and thus exit the tournament after they let slip the lead to lose 2-1 to Jordan's Al Faisaly in Amman. Elsewhere, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan's AGMK to a sixth successive Group C defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. Al Ittihad concluded Group C with a 2-1 win against Iran's Sepahan in Mecca. Former Celtic winger Jota grabbed the winner for the Saudi champions, who welcomed back Egypt international Ahmed Hegazy from long-term injury. Also in Group C, Iraq's Air Force Club condemned Uzbekistan’s AGMK to a sixth successive defeat with a 3-2 victory in Erbil. Both teams went into the match without any chance of advancing to the knockout rounds. The 10 group winners and the six best second-placed teams advanced to the knockout rounds, which begin in February. The final takes place, across two legs, in May.

Al Hilal finishes on top of Asian Champions League group stage

The Premier League announced on Monday it had agreed a record £6.7 billion ($8.45 billion) domestic television rights deal for a four-year period starting from the 2025/26 season.

The current deal is reported to be worth around £5 billion over a three-year cycle and covers 200 matches per season.

The English top flight hailed the agreements shared between different broadcasters as the "largest sports media rights deals ever concluded in the UK".

Sky Sports and TNT Sports have retained their rights to show live matches, with Amazon, currently showing 20 matches per season, not part of the next cycle.

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Sky will screen a minimum of 215 live matches per season while TNT will broadcast 52. BBC Sport will continue to broadcast highlights via its Match of the Day programme.

A Saturday afternoon blackout, designed to protect attendances in the lower leagues, will remain but for the first time all matches outside of those scheduled for 3:00 pm on Saturday will be screened live.&nbsp;

The Premier League boasted of a four percent increase in live rights value compared with the previous process but the broadcasters will be paying significantly less per game because they will be showing more matches each season.

"The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League," said the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters.

"It is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world's most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week."

He added: "As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming.

"We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League."

The Premier League said the new deal would provide financial certainty for clubs throughout professional football until at least 2029.

It is the first Premier League tender process since 2018 as the current deal was rolled over in 2021 for an extra three years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The deal will maintain the huge financial advantage Premier League clubs enjoy over their European competitors thanks to far more lucrative domestic and international TV rights deals.

International rights for the English top flight overtook the value of domestic rights for the first time last year and are estimated to bring in £5.3 billion between 2022 and 2025.

The Premier League accounted for 11 out of the top 20 clubs in this year's Deloitte Football Money League, with champions Manchester City in top spot.

The Premier League announced on Monday it had agreed a record £6.7 billion ($8.45 billion) domestic television rights deal for a four-year period starting from the 2025/26 season.

The Premier League announced on Monday it had agreed a record £6.7 billion ($8.45 billion) domestic television rights deal for a four-year period starting from the 2025/26 season. The current deal is reported to be worth around £5 billion over a three-year cycle and covers 200 matches per season. The English top flight hailed the agreements shared between different broadcasters as the "largest sports media rights deals ever concluded in the UK". Sky Sports and TNT Sports have retained their rights to show live matches, with Amazon, currently showing 20 matches per season, not part of the next cycle. Also Read: Ronnie O'Sullivan becomes oldest UK champion by beating China's Ding Junhui Sky will screen a minimum of 215 live matches per season while TNT will broadcast 52. BBC Sport will continue to broadcast highlights via its Match of the Day programme. A Saturday afternoon blackout, designed to protect attendances in the lower leagues, will remain but for the first time all matches outside of those scheduled for 3:00 pm on Saturday will be screened live. The Premier League boasted of a four percent increase in live rights value compared with the previous process but the broadcasters will be paying significantly less per game because they will be showing more matches each season. "The outcome of this process underlines the strength of the Premier League," said the Premier League's chief executive, Richard Masters. "It is testament to our clubs, players and managers who continue to deliver the world's most competitive football in full stadiums, and to supporters, who create an unrivalled atmosphere every week." He added: "As longstanding and valued partners, Sky Sports and TNT Sports are renowned for consistently delivering world-class coverage and programming. "We have enjoyed record audiences and attendances in recent seasons, and we know that their continued innovation will drive more people to watch and follow the Premier League." The Premier League said the new deal would provide financial certainty for clubs throughout professional football until at least 2029. It is the first Premier League tender process since 2018 as the current deal was rolled over in 2021 for an extra three years due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. The deal will maintain the huge financial advantage Premier League clubs enjoy over their European competitors thanks to far more lucrative domestic and international TV rights deals. International rights for the English top flight overtook the value of domestic rights for the first time last year and are estimated to bring in £5.3 billion between 2022 and 2025. The Premier League accounted for 11 out of the top 20 clubs in this year's Deloitte Football Money League, with champions Manchester City in top spot.

Premier League announces blockbuster domestic TV deal worth $8.45 billion

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs.

Beautifully taken goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram pushed Inter back above closest challengers Juventus, who briefly held top spot after beating Monza on Friday.

Sunday's thumping was a show of force from Inter who illustrated why they are favourites to win a 20th league title, still unbeaten away from home in all competitions after claiming a huge win at a ground where they have a dreadful record.

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"It was a show of strength, of team spirit," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi.

"Winning like this in Naples is satisfying, but we're only 14 games in and there is a very long way to go."

Napoli are now 11 points off the pace and travel to Juve next weekend in a match which could end any realistic hope of the champions retaining the Scudetto before the calendar year is out.

To add insult to injury Napoli have dropped out of the top four, replaced by Roma who won 2-1 at Sassuolo earlier and sit in the last Champions League spot on goal difference.

<h2>Napoli recriminations</h2>

Returning Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri refused to speak after the match, sporting director Mauro Meluso expressing anger at referee Davide Massa for not stopping play for a foul before Inter's opener and not giving a penalty for what he believed was a clear foul on Victor Osimhen while the home side trailed by a single goal.

"I don't want to create an excuse for our team, who obviously still need to work on a few things, but we didn't deserve that humiliation today," said Meluso.

Simone Inzaghi's side have won 11 of their 14 league matches so far this season and once Hakan Calhanoglu thrashed in the opener on the stroke of half-time they expertly dealt with a hyped-up Napoli.

Hosts Napoli were playing their first home fixture under Mazzarri, whose team are stuck on a paltry seven points from as many matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

Barella doubled Inter's lead just after the hour mark with his first goal of the season shortly after Yann Sommer pulled off a brilliant save to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of three superb stops from the Swiss.

Italy's Barella burst unopposed from midfield and after collecting Lautaro Martinez's low pass skipped past Leo Ostigard and Natan before confidently finishing past Alex Meret.

And with five minutes remaining Thuram -- who earlier had a goal ruled out for a microscopic offside -- made absolutely sure of the points, tapping home his fifth league goal of a brilliant first season at Inter from substitute Juan Cuadrado's low cross.

<h2>Roma comeback</h2>

Paulo Dybala's 76th-minute penalty and a wildly deflected strike from Rasmus Kristensen shortly afterwards earned Roma a win from their scrappy match with 10-man Sassuolo, who opened the scoring through Matheus Henrique.

The win at the Mapei Stadium came as coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for saying that referee Matteo Marcenaro didn't "have the emotional stability to referee at this level" ahead of the match.

The Portuguese blasted Marcenaro, 31, in a pre-match outburst on Saturday which the country's refereeing association said "could lead to violence" against officials.

And despite having excellent Italian Mourinho insisted on only speaking in Portuguese in his post-match interview with DAZN.

"I am speaking Portuguese because my Italian is not good enough to explain certain concepts," claimed Mourinho.&nbsp;

"When I spoke about emotional stability, I was talking about a quality that is necessary in both life and football in order to perform at the highest level."

Fiorentina are a point behind Roma and Napoli in sixth thanks to a simple 3-0 win over the division's bottom team Salernitana, while Bologna are a further point and place back following their 1-1 draw at Lecce.

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs.

Inter Milan sent a warning to the rest of Serie A with Sunday's convincing 3-0 win at Napoli which re-established their two-point lead at the summit and left the champions' title defence on its last legs. Beautifully taken goals from Hakan Calhanoglu, Nicolo Barella and Marcus Thuram pushed Inter back above closest challengers Juventus, who briefly held top spot after beating Monza on Friday. Sunday's thumping was a show of force from Inter who illustrated why they are favourites to win a 20th league title, still unbeaten away from home in all competitions after claiming a huge win at a ground where they have a dreadful record. Also Read: Italy vs Spain in Euro 2024 group stage, England handed comfort draw "It was a show of strength, of team spirit," said Inter coach Simone Inzaghi. "Winning like this in Naples is satisfying, but we're only 14 games in and there is a very long way to go." Napoli are now 11 points off the pace and travel to Juve next weekend in a match which could end any realistic hope of the champions retaining the Scudetto before the calendar year is out. To add insult to injury Napoli have dropped out of the top four, replaced by Roma who won 2-1 at Sassuolo earlier and sit in the last Champions League spot on goal difference. Napoli recriminations Returning Napoli coach Walter Mazzarri refused to speak after the match, sporting director Mauro Meluso expressing anger at referee Davide Massa for not stopping play for a foul before Inter's opener and not giving a penalty for what he believed was a clear foul on Victor Osimhen while the home side trailed by a single goal. "I don't want to create an excuse for our team, who obviously still need to work on a few things, but we didn't deserve that humiliation today," said Meluso. Simone Inzaghi's side have won 11 of their 14 league matches so far this season and once Hakan Calhanoglu thrashed in the opener on the stroke of half-time they expertly dealt with a hyped-up Napoli. Hosts Napoli were playing their first home fixture under Mazzarri, whose team are stuck on a paltry seven points from as many matches at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Barella doubled Inter's lead just after the hour mark with his first goal of the season shortly after Yann Sommer pulled off a brilliant save to deny Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, one of three superb stops from the Swiss. Italy's Barella burst unopposed from midfield and after collecting Lautaro Martinez's low pass skipped past Leo Ostigard and Natan before confidently finishing past Alex Meret. And with five minutes remaining Thuram -- who earlier had a goal ruled out for a microscopic offside -- made absolutely sure of the points, tapping home his fifth league goal of a brilliant first season at Inter from substitute Juan Cuadrado's low cross. Roma comeback Paulo Dybala's 76th-minute penalty and a wildly deflected strike from Rasmus Kristensen shortly afterwards earned Roma a win from their scrappy match with 10-man Sassuolo, who opened the scoring through Matheus Henrique. The win at the Mapei Stadium came as coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly being investigated by the Italian Football Federation for saying that referee Matteo Marcenaro didn't "have the emotional stability to referee at this level" ahead of the match. The Portuguese blasted Marcenaro, 31, in a pre-match outburst on Saturday which the country's refereeing association said "could lead to violence" against officials. And despite having excellent Italian Mourinho insisted on only speaking in Portuguese in his post-match interview with DAZN. "I am speaking Portuguese because my Italian is not good enough to explain certain concepts," claimed Mourinho. "When I spoke about emotional stability, I was talking about a quality that is necessary in both life and football in order to perform at the highest level." Fiorentina are a point behind Roma and Napoli in sixth thanks to a simple 3-0 win over the division's bottom team Salernitana, while Bologna are a further point and place back following their 1-1 draw at Lecce.

Serie A: Inter Milan send warning across league with win over Napoli

Reigning champions Italy were placed in the same group as Spain in Saturday's draw for Euro 2024, while France will come up against the Netherlands and England avoided any of the toughest opponents.

Gareth Southgate's much-fancied England side will meet Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in the tournament's opening game on June 14 in Munich.

Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley in the final of the last European Championship in 2021, and Spain will also face Croatia and Albania in Group B.

Spain, victors over Italy in the final of Euro 2012, will take on 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in their opening match in Berlin on June 15.

Italy were always likely to face a difficult draw after being placed in the bottom pot based on their results in qualifying, when they scraped through with a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine in their final match.

"When you're in the fourth pot you know that you have a lot of teams ahead of you, but you can't forget that you represent Italy and you have to play every match with pride," coach Luciano Spalletti told broadcaster RAI.

The meeting of France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, and the Netherlands will be the other heavyweight tie of the opening phase.

They were in the same section in qualifying, with France winning both encounters. The two nations are in Group D along with Austria and a play-off winner, which will be one of Poland, Wales, Finland or Estonia.

<h2>'Ready for the expectation'</h2>

England, in contrast, will have few complaints about their opponents in Group C, although a Denmark side ranked 19th in the world were arguably the team to avoid from the second pot of seeds.

Southgate's team, considered the favourites along with France for the tournament, will take on Serbia in their opening game in Gelsenkirchen on June 16.

"I've stood here after quite a few draws and you always feel the same way, you can look at it on paper but the games aren't played on paper," Southgate told the BBC.

"One or two teams that you are obviously glad to avoid, especially in pot three, pot four, but all the teams we play are more than capable."

He added: "We've developed a lot as a team over the past few years, we're used to these big games, we're ready for the expectation and we hope we can give our supporters some more brilliant nights as I think we have in the last few tournaments."

If England top their group, and France also finish first in their section, the two sides would find themselves on the same side of the draw in the knockout phase and would be on course to meet in the semi-finals.

Scotland, who famously lost to Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup, will again have the honour of featuring in the tournament's curtain-raiser when they meet Germany to start in Group A.

Hungary and Switzerland complete that section, which could be one of the most evenly-matched.

"It'll be nice to open the tournament, be involved in that first game, and hopefully we can set the tournament off with a good match," Scotland manager Steve Clarke told the BBC.

<h2>Germany face Scotland in opener</h2>

Germany have been European champions three times, a record shared with Spain, but there are big doubts about their form heading into the tournament.

"It will be a very nice start against Scotland in Munich. The other games will also be exciting duels. It's not a group of death, but a very good one," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann.

Euro 2016 winners Portugal were drawn in Group F with Turkey, the Czech Republic and a play-off winner from either Greece, Georgia, Luxembourg or Kazakhstan.

Belgium are in Group E alongside Slovakia, Romania and the winner of the other play-off path, which will be Israel, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Ukraine.

The month-long Euro, played in 10 cities across Germany, will conclude with the final in Berlin on July 14.

The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last 16, along with the four best third-placed sides.

Earlier on Saturday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that the total prize pot for competing nations will be 331 million euros ($360m).

Each team gets 9.25 million euros as a starting amount and will earn up to a maximum of 28.25 million euros for the winner, if they win all their group games.

Reigning champions Italy were placed in the same group as Spain in Saturday's draw for Euro 2024, while France will come up against the Netherlands and England avoided any of the toughest opponents.

Reigning champions Italy were placed in the same group as Spain in Saturday's draw for Euro 2024, while France will come up against the Netherlands and England avoided any of the toughest opponents. Gareth Southgate's much-fancied England side will meet Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia, with hosts Germany taking on Scotland in the tournament's opening game on June 14 in Munich. Italy, who beat England on penalties at Wembley in the final of the last European Championship in 2021, and Spain will also face Croatia and Albania in Group B. Spain, victors over Italy in the final of Euro 2012, will take on 2018 World Cup runners-up Croatia in their opening match in Berlin on June 15. Italy were always likely to face a difficult draw after being placed in the bottom pot based on their results in qualifying, when they scraped through with a 0-0 stalemate against Ukraine in their final match. "When you're in the fourth pot you know that you have a lot of teams ahead of you, but you can't forget that you represent Italy and you have to play every match with pride," coach Luciano Spalletti told broadcaster RAI. The meeting of France, the 2022 World Cup runners-up, and the Netherlands will be the other heavyweight tie of the opening phase. They were in the same section in qualifying, with France winning both encounters. The two nations are in Group D along with Austria and a play-off winner, which will be one of Poland, Wales, Finland or Estonia. 'Ready for the expectation' England, in contrast, will have few complaints about their opponents in Group C, although a Denmark side ranked 19th in the world were arguably the team to avoid from the second pot of seeds. Southgate's team, considered the favourites along with France for the tournament, will take on Serbia in their opening game in Gelsenkirchen on June 16. "I've stood here after quite a few draws and you always feel the same way, you can look at it on paper but the games aren't played on paper," Southgate told the BBC. "One or two teams that you are obviously glad to avoid, especially in pot three, pot four, but all the teams we play are more than capable." He added: "We've developed a lot as a team over the past few years, we're used to these big games, we're ready for the expectation and we hope we can give our supporters some more brilliant nights as I think we have in the last few tournaments." If England top their group, and France also finish first in their section, the two sides would find themselves on the same side of the draw in the knockout phase and would be on course to meet in the semi-finals. Scotland, who famously lost to Brazil in the opening match of the 1998 World Cup, will again have the honour of featuring in the tournament's curtain-raiser when they meet Germany to start in Group A. Hungary and Switzerland complete that section, which could be one of the most evenly-matched. "It'll be nice to open the tournament, be involved in that first game, and hopefully we can set the tournament off with a good match," Scotland manager Steve Clarke told the BBC. Germany face Scotland in opener Germany have been European champions three times, a record shared with Spain, but there are big doubts about their form heading into the tournament. "It will be a very nice start against Scotland in Munich. The other games will also be exciting duels. It's not a group of death, but a very good one," said Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann. Euro 2016 winners Portugal were drawn in Group F with Turkey, the Czech Republic and a play-off winner from either Greece, Georgia, Luxembourg or Kazakhstan. Belgium are in Group E alongside Slovakia, Romania and the winner of the other play-off path, which will be Israel, Iceland, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Ukraine. The month-long Euro, played in 10 cities across Germany, will conclude with the final in Berlin on July 14. The top two teams in each group will qualify for the last 16, along with the four best third-placed sides. Earlier on Saturday, European football's governing body UEFA announced that the total prize pot for competing nations will be 331 million euros ($360m). Each team gets 9.25 million euros as a starting amount and will earn up to a maximum of 28.25 million euros for the winner, if they win all their group games.

Italy vs Spain in Euro 2024 group stage, England handed comfort draw

Hungary and Slovakia booked their tickets for Euro 2024 on Thursday while 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored again for already-qualified Spain. The Hungarians guaranteed their place at the finals in Germany when an own goal from Bulgaria's Alex Petkov deep in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw in Sofia.

The visitors only needed a point to qualify but were 2-1 down before Petkov allowed a cross to skid off the top of his head and into his own net in the 97th minute in the most dramatic of finishes.

The Hungarian players exploded in joy at the end of a match played in an empty stadium because of fears of protests against the head of the Bulgarian football federation. Instead, Bulgarian fans mounted protests outside the ground.

Ten supporters and five police officers were injured in clashes and police also used water cannon to disperse crowds of fans angry at the lack of their national team's progress. The draw gave Hungary 15 points from seven games in Group G of European qualifying, two ahead of Serbia.

<h2>Haraslin double&nbsp;</h2>

In Bratislava, Slovakia cruised past Iceland 4-2, with two goals from Lukas Haraslin helping them qualify for the finals for the third time in a row. Hungary and Slovakia join host nation Germany, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkey as the teams qualified so far.

In other&nbsp;games, Spain, who have also already secured their qualification, comfortably beat Cyprus 3-1 with starlet Yamal opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Yamal had become Spain's youngest player and scorer in a 7-1 qualifying win against Georgia in September and on Thursday he rounded the goalkeeper and scored with a powerful finish.

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Already-qualified Scotland came from behind to draw 2-2 with Georgia in Tbilisi thanks to Lawrence Shankland's 93rd minute equaliser. Serbia have to wait to qualify from Group G as Montenegro beat Lithuania 2-0 to keep their hopes alive.

Portugal opened up an eight-point lead over Slovakia in Group J by beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in Vaduz with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo -- his 128th international strike to extend his world record -- and Joao Cancelo. Ronaldo's chance was created by Diogo Jota's beautifully weighted pass through the defence, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner firing the ball into the roof of the net.

Luxembourg thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and will enter the playoffs in a bid for qualification after a campaign that has defied expectations. Azerbaijan eased past a woeful Sweden 3-0 in Baku in Group F, from which Austria and Belgium have already qualified. Austria beat bottom team Estonia 2-0.

Hungary and Slovakia booked their tickets for Euro 2024 on Thursday while 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored again for already-qualified Spain. The Hungarians guaranteed their place at the finals in Germany when an own goal from Bulgaria's Alex Petkov deep in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw in Sofia.

Hungary and Slovakia booked their tickets for Euro 2024 on Thursday while 16-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal scored again for already-qualified Spain. The Hungarians guaranteed their place at the finals in Germany when an own goal from Bulgaria's Alex Petkov deep in stoppage time gave them a 2-2 draw in Sofia. The visitors only needed a point to qualify but were 2-1 down before Petkov allowed a cross to skid off the top of his head and into his own net in the 97th minute in the most dramatic of finishes. The Hungarian players exploded in joy at the end of a match played in an empty stadium because of fears of protests against the head of the Bulgarian football federation. Instead, Bulgarian fans mounted protests outside the ground. Ten supporters and five police officers were injured in clashes and police also used water cannon to disperse crowds of fans angry at the lack of their national team's progress. The draw gave Hungary 15 points from seven games in Group G of European qualifying, two ahead of Serbia. Haraslin double In Bratislava, Slovakia cruised past Iceland 4-2, with two goals from Lukas Haraslin helping them qualify for the finals for the third time in a row. Hungary and Slovakia join host nation Germany, Austria, Belgium, England, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain and Turkey as the teams qualified so far. In other games, Spain, who have also already secured their qualification, comfortably beat Cyprus 3-1 with starlet Yamal opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Yamal had become Spain's youngest player and scorer in a 7-1 qualifying win against Georgia in September and on Thursday he rounded the goalkeeper and scored with a powerful finish. Also Read: WATCH | 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw and Eagles security chief Big Dom ejected after on-field confrontation Already-qualified Scotland came from behind to draw 2-2 with Georgia in Tbilisi thanks to Lawrence Shankland's 93rd minute equaliser. Serbia have to wait to qualify from Group G as Montenegro beat Lithuania 2-0 to keep their hopes alive. Portugal opened up an eight-point lead over Slovakia in Group J by beating Liechtenstein 2-0 in Vaduz with goals from Cristiano Ronaldo -- his 128th international strike to extend his world record -- and Joao Cancelo. Ronaldo's chance was created by Diogo Jota's beautifully weighted pass through the defence, the five-time Ballon d'Or winner firing the ball into the roof of the net. Luxembourg thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 and will enter the playoffs in a bid for qualification after a campaign that has defied expectations. Azerbaijan eased past a woeful Sweden 3-0 in Baku in Group F, from which Austria and Belgium have already qualified. Austria beat bottom team Estonia 2-0.

Hungary, Slovakia book Euro 2024 berths; Lamine Yamal scores again for already-qualified Spain

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Nigeria had to come from behind against Lesotho, ranked 153rd&nbsp;by FIFA, in the game played on Thursday in the southern Nigerian city of Uyo

Despite the absence through injury of star forward Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Nigeria had been expected to make a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Peseiro, 63, has been made the scapegoat. The well-travelled former Venezuela coach was never a popular choice to head the three-time African champions, but the decision to extend his contract till next year’s Africa Cup of Nations has drawn criticism. Nigeria had won all three head-to-head meetings against the southern Africans before Thursday’s draw.

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Former Nigeria international defender Ifeanyi Udeze said he was enraged by the "unacceptable" result. "This was our first World Cup qualifier in front of the home fans and we couldn’t beat Lesotho. "This was a match not against Cameroon or the Ivory Coast or Ghana. This was a loss." Analyst David Mikel Okoye blamed the disappointing start by the Eagles squarely on Peseiro.

“That the Super Eagles will go nowhere with Jose Peseiro’s absolutely limited tactical nous is no secret,” he said. “The man does not know how best to utilize this team and he keeps picking the wrong personnel per game with a limiting formation."

Sports journalist Wale Ajayi said it was a mistake to renew the contract of the Portuguese coach. "Peseiro has to go, he's a bad coach," he said. "Renewing his contract was renewing disaster."

Peseiro himself blamed bad luck for the draw. "I am sad of course, disappointed by the result, but my team tried to do the maximum," he said.

"We had 76% of the ball possession against 24%, the opponents only had two chances to score and scored a goal.“We had many chances to score. It was bad luck." Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and were knocked out of the last Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage by Tunisia.

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro.

Nigerian football has been thrown into shock after the Super Eagles were held to a 1-1 home draw by Lesotho in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, with anger directed at Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro. Nigeria had to come from behind against Lesotho, ranked 153rd by FIFA, in the game played on Thursday in the southern Nigerian city of Uyo Despite the absence through injury of star forward Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Nigeria had been expected to make a winning start to their World Cup qualifying campaign. Peseiro, 63, has been made the scapegoat. The well-travelled former Venezuela coach was never a popular choice to head the three-time African champions, but the decision to extend his contract till next year’s Africa Cup of Nations has drawn criticism. Nigeria had won all three head-to-head meetings against the southern Africans before Thursday’s draw. Also Read: USWNT star Trinity Rodman meets Serena Williams after win against China. Almost gets embarrassed | Read Why Former Nigeria international defender Ifeanyi Udeze said he was enraged by the "unacceptable" result. "This was our first World Cup qualifier in front of the home fans and we couldn’t beat Lesotho. "This was a match not against Cameroon or the Ivory Coast or Ghana. This was a loss." Analyst David Mikel Okoye blamed the disappointing start by the Eagles squarely on Peseiro. “That the Super Eagles will go nowhere with Jose Peseiro’s absolutely limited tactical nous is no secret,” he said. “The man does not know how best to utilize this team and he keeps picking the wrong personnel per game with a limiting formation." Sports journalist Wale Ajayi said it was a mistake to renew the contract of the Portuguese coach. "Peseiro has to go, he's a bad coach," he said. "Renewing his contract was renewing disaster." Peseiro himself blamed bad luck for the draw. "I am sad of course, disappointed by the result, but my team tried to do the maximum," he said. "We had 76% of the ball possession against 24%, the opponents only had two chances to score and scored a goal.“We had many chances to score. It was bad luck." Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and were knocked out of the last Africa Cup of Nations at the last-16 stage by Tunisia.

Nigerian Football in shock after Super Eagles draws with Lesotho in World Cup Qualifier

At least 33 police officers and 24 football fans were injured in clashes outside the stadium where Bulgaria were playing a Euro 2024 qualifier against Hungary, authorities said Friday. UEFA had ordered Thursday's game in Sofia to be played behind closed doors after a request by the national federation, which feared trouble following a supporters' call for a major protest against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) and its long-time president Borislav Mihaylov.

But around 4,000 supporters gathered outside the national stadium and some involved in the demonstrations suffered broken limbs in the clashes. "Twenty-four injured were examined, including seven who were hospitalised with head traumas, broken legs and arms and many who were gassed with pepper spray," Katya Sungarska, a spokeswoman for the national emergency centre, told AFP Friday.

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"The injured police are 33, there are some with serious injuries and hospitalised," Stefan Ivanov, deputy chief of the Sofia police directorate, said at a briefing. Thirty-three football fans were detained last night and arrests were still being made, he said, slamming the violence as "an unprecedented violation of public order with serious aggression and posing high risk".

Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said he would consult UEFA about their assessment of the organisation of the event and the decision to shut the stadium to fans. "Yesterday we witnessed ugly scenes of violence. Their main cause is the long-standing management of the Bulgarian Football Union which led to a decline of Bulgarian football, without any prospects for development," Denkov told journalists.

But he refrained from directly calling for Mihaylov's resignation. Several politicians have already demanded the 60-year-old former goalkeeper for the national team to quit immediately but the BFU has not commented. The prime minister sacked the deputy minister of the interior after he allowed fans from rival clubs to gather in one location.

<h2>Fans' anger</h2>

Police said supporters from Sofia's arch rivals CSKA and Levski as well as fans from Plovdiv and Varna has gathered outside the stadium on Thursday. They shouted "Resign!" and held banners "18 years is enough" to call for Mihaylov to stand down, accusing him of corruption and leading Bulgarian football into an unprecedented decline.

Violent clashes erupted after groups of masked fans started to throw smoke bombs, pavement blocks, stones and beer bottles at police lines.&nbsp;Over 1,500 policemen in full anti-riot gear were in place to ensure security.

Two water cannons were deployed to disperse the crowd -- a measure used relatively rarely in the Balkan country. An AFP reporter saw at least seven fans with head injuries after police pushed away the supporters, who set fire to a police van and several garbage containers.

Fans' anger has built up in recent years over the poor results of the national team that has failed to qualify for any major tournaments and went through numerous coaches during Mihaylov's time at the helm of the federation.

The controversial president quit in 2019 but then withdraw his resignation and was re-elected in 2021, despite a record marred by suspicions of match-fixing and a racist abuse scandal during a match against England in 2019. Hungary qualified for the finals as a result of the 2-2 draw on Thursday. Despite the point Bulgaria achieved, they are last in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, with three points from seven games.

At least 33 police officers and 24 football fans were injured in clashes outside the stadium where Bulgaria were playing a Euro 2024 qualifier against Hungary, authorities said Friday.

At least 33 police officers and 24 football fans were injured in clashes outside the stadium where Bulgaria were playing a Euro 2024 qualifier against Hungary, authorities said Friday. UEFA had ordered Thursday's game in Sofia to be played behind closed doors after a request by the national federation, which feared trouble following a supporters' call for a major protest against the Bulgarian Football Union (BFU) and its long-time president Borislav Mihaylov. But around 4,000 supporters gathered outside the national stadium and some involved in the demonstrations suffered broken limbs in the clashes. "Twenty-four injured were examined, including seven who were hospitalised with head traumas, broken legs and arms and many who were gassed with pepper spray," Katya Sungarska, a spokeswoman for the national emergency centre, told AFP Friday. Also Read: Chief selector George Bailey hits back at Johnson for ‘uncomfortable remarks’ against David Warner "The injured police are 33, there are some with serious injuries and hospitalised," Stefan Ivanov, deputy chief of the Sofia police directorate, said at a briefing. Thirty-three football fans were detained last night and arrests were still being made, he said, slamming the violence as "an unprecedented violation of public order with serious aggression and posing high risk". Bulgarian Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov said he would consult UEFA about their assessment of the organisation of the event and the decision to shut the stadium to fans. "Yesterday we witnessed ugly scenes of violence. Their main cause is the long-standing management of the Bulgarian Football Union which led to a decline of Bulgarian football, without any prospects for development," Denkov told journalists. But he refrained from directly calling for Mihaylov's resignation. Several politicians have already demanded the 60-year-old former goalkeeper for the national team to quit immediately but the BFU has not commented. The prime minister sacked the deputy minister of the interior after he allowed fans from rival clubs to gather in one location. Fans' anger Police said supporters from Sofia's arch rivals CSKA and Levski as well as fans from Plovdiv and Varna has gathered outside the stadium on Thursday. They shouted "Resign!" and held banners "18 years is enough" to call for Mihaylov to stand down, accusing him of corruption and leading Bulgarian football into an unprecedented decline. Violent clashes erupted after groups of masked fans started to throw smoke bombs, pavement blocks, stones and beer bottles at police lines. Over 1,500 policemen in full anti-riot gear were in place to ensure security. Two water cannons were deployed to disperse the crowd -- a measure used relatively rarely in the Balkan country. An AFP reporter saw at least seven fans with head injuries after police pushed away the supporters, who set fire to a police van and several garbage containers. Fans' anger has built up in recent years over the poor results of the national team that has failed to qualify for any major tournaments and went through numerous coaches during Mihaylov's time at the helm of the federation. The controversial president quit in 2019 but then withdraw his resignation and was re-elected in 2021, despite a record marred by suspicions of match-fixing and a racist abuse scandal during a match against England in 2019. Hungary qualified for the finals as a result of the 2-2 draw on Thursday. Despite the point Bulgaria achieved, they are last in their Euro 2024 qualifying group, with three points from seven games.

Clashes erupt outside Bulgaria stadium during Euro 2024 qualifier, dozens of people injured

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact. Arsenal signed the 24-year-old England international in July for 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), a record transfer between two British clubs, surpassing the 100 million pounds Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021.

"When the transfer was going through I was very nervous because of the price tag," Rice told reporters ahead of England's final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia.

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"You're a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn't feel very normal. But that was because of what I'd done at West Ham, what they valued me at. "It's 100 million pounds, it's a lot of money, I could understand the pressure that comes with it.

"Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there's an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things."

Rice also said he understood why England team mate Grealish, who won the treble with City last season, may have struggled initially after his transfer. "He was a 100 million pounds footballer but as he wasn't playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he's flying and it's the same for me," added Rice.

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact.

Declan Rice said his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United left him feeling "very nervous" and the midfielder arrived in North London knowing the club would expect to see him make an immediate impact. Arsenal signed the 24-year-old England international in July for 105 million pounds ($130.84 million), a record transfer between two British clubs, surpassing the 100 million pounds Manchester City paid Aston Villa for Jack Grealish in 2021. "When the transfer was going through I was very nervous because of the price tag," Rice told reporters ahead of England's final European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia. Also Read: WATCH | Dallas Mavericks go 30-0 vs Oklahoma City Thunder to create history; still end up losing "You're a human being bought for 105 million pounds, it doesn't feel very normal. But that was because of what I'd done at West Ham, what they valued me at. "It's 100 million pounds, it's a lot of money, I could understand the pressure that comes with it. "Not only the pressure you put on yourself but there's an expectation of being bought for that much money we need to see performances straight away. They have invested a lot of money in me, I need to prove why I can go there and change things." Rice also said he understood why England team mate Grealish, who won the treble with City last season, may have struggled initially after his transfer. "He was a 100 million pounds footballer but as he wasn't playing as much, it was probably as bit different for him. Now he's flying and it's the same for me," added Rice.

Declan Rice feels 'very nervous' over his big-money transfer to Arsenal from West Ham United

Gareth Southgate says he is driven to make England the world's top-ranked team, stressing there is no room for "sloppiness" as they seek to end their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high. England, who face North Macedonia in Skopje on Monday, are all but assured of being among the top seeds in next month's draw for the finals in Germany.

But they were disappointing in Friday's 2-0 victory against Malta at Wembley and will be keen to improve against lowly North Macedonia, whom they hammered 7-0 at Old Trafford in June. "Qualification's done," the England boss told British media ahead of the Group C finale.

"With the games at the weekend, we might be ranked third in the world at the minute (England are fourth in the latest published FIFA rankings), but we're two places off where we need to be so we can't waste games.

"Some of the players have got three games to get into a squad, some have got maybe three to get into a team." Southgate said the level of performance had to be "spot on every time". World Cup winners Argentina are top of the rankings, with France in second place and Brazil third. England have been in the top five for five straight years.

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Asked if being number one drives him on, Southgate said: "Yeah, because ultimately you achieve that through consistency and you've got to play well in the tournaments as well because the ranking points are higher in the tournaments.

"Also, it sets behaviours every day on the training pitch, off the training pitch. "If you are going to be the top-ranked team, there's no room for sloppiness or casualness. That's got to be our drive." England's final camp of the year has been disrupted by absentees. Five players withdrew from the original squad through injury and two more departed the squad before they flew to the Balkans. The Football Association announced Kieran Trippier had gone home due to a personal issue, while injury meant Jarrod Bowen left the camp on Sunday.

Gareth Southgate says he is driven to make England the world's top-ranked team, stressing there is no room for "sloppiness" as they seek to end their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high.

Gareth Southgate says he is driven to make England the world's top-ranked team, stressing there is no room for "sloppiness" as they seek to end their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign on a high. England, who face North Macedonia in Skopje on Monday, are all but assured of being among the top seeds in next month's draw for the finals in Germany. But they were disappointing in Friday's 2-0 victory against Malta at Wembley and will be keen to improve against lowly North Macedonia, whom they hammered 7-0 at Old Trafford in June. "Qualification's done," the England boss told British media ahead of the Group C finale. "With the games at the weekend, we might be ranked third in the world at the minute (England are fourth in the latest published FIFA rankings), but we're two places off where we need to be so we can't waste games. "Some of the players have got three games to get into a squad, some have got maybe three to get into a team." Southgate said the level of performance had to be "spot on every time". World Cup winners Argentina are top of the rankings, with France in second place and Brazil third. England have been in the top five for five straight years. Also Read: Adelaide Strikers win second consecutive Women's Big Bash League title after defeating Brisbane Heat Asked if being number one drives him on, Southgate said: "Yeah, because ultimately you achieve that through consistency and you've got to play well in the tournaments as well because the ranking points are higher in the tournaments. "Also, it sets behaviours every day on the training pitch, off the training pitch. "If you are going to be the top-ranked team, there's no room for sloppiness or casualness. That's got to be our drive." England's final camp of the year has been disrupted by absentees. Five players withdrew from the original squad through injury and two more departed the squad before they flew to the Balkans. The Football Association announced Kieran Trippier had gone home due to a personal issue, while injury meant Jarrod Bowen left the camp on Sunday.

Football: Gareth Southgate driven to make England world's top ranked team before Euro 2024

New Zealand Football celebrated Wednesday after a Texas billionaire established a new professional club, saying it would give the sport an "enormous" boost in the rugby-mad country.&nbsp;Financier and sports mogul William "Bill" Foley has been granted a licence to set up a new franchise in New Zealand's largest city Auckland, playing in Australia's A-League competition from next year.&nbsp;

Foley is better known for financing English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth and helping found ice hockey team the Vegas Golden Knights, the reigning champions in North America's National Hockey League.&nbsp;"This is enormous," New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell told local media.&nbsp;

"It's a watershed moment for the game in the country.&nbsp;It's going to have a massive impact on our talent pathway, in terms of the quality of our national teams, but equally, Bill is bringing with him a lot of investment."&nbsp;

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New Zealand has been eager to capitalise on the renewed interest in football among its five million citizens, after co-hosting the women's World Cup tournament with Australia earlier this year.&nbsp;The men's side is currently ranked 103rd in the world, according to FIFA, while the women's side is ranked 26th.&nbsp;

In an open letter to Auckland, Foley, who has a net worth of US$1.6 billion according to Forbes, said he was "thrilled" to bring a professional football club to the city.&nbsp;Foley, who also has a minority stake in French top-tier football club FC Lorient, has been investing in New Zealand businesses since 2008, including a wine company and a chain of restaurants.&nbsp;

The Auckland franchise -- which does not yet have a name, playing kit or badge -- will join an expanded A-League of 13 teams for the 2024-25 season.&nbsp;A women's side will join the competition a year later.&nbsp;It has been 17 years since Auckland last had a professional football team, when the defunct New Zealand Knights played in the city.

New Zealand Football celebrated Wednesday after a Texas billionaire established a new professional club, saying it would give the sport an "enormous" boost in the rugby-mad country.

New Zealand Football celebrated Wednesday after a Texas billionaire established a new professional club, saying it would give the sport an "enormous" boost in the rugby-mad country. Financier and sports mogul William "Bill" Foley has been granted a licence to set up a new franchise in New Zealand's largest city Auckland, playing in Australia's A-League competition from next year. Foley is better known for financing English Premier League side AFC Bournemouth and helping found ice hockey team the Vegas Golden Knights, the reigning champions in North America's National Hockey League. "This is enormous," New Zealand Football chief executive Andrew Pragnell told local media. "It's a watershed moment for the game in the country. It's going to have a massive impact on our talent pathway, in terms of the quality of our national teams, but equally, Bill is bringing with him a lot of investment." Also Read: Premier League: Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag vows full support to struggling Rashford New Zealand has been eager to capitalise on the renewed interest in football among its five million citizens, after co-hosting the women's World Cup tournament with Australia earlier this year. The men's side is currently ranked 103rd in the world, according to FIFA, while the women's side is ranked 26th. In an open letter to Auckland, Foley, who has a net worth of US$1.6 billion according to Forbes, said he was "thrilled" to bring a professional football club to the city. Foley, who also has a minority stake in French top-tier football club FC Lorient, has been investing in New Zealand businesses since 2008, including a wine company and a chain of restaurants. The Auckland franchise -- which does not yet have a name, playing kit or badge -- will join an expanded A-League of 13 teams for the 2024-25 season. A women's side will join the competition a year later. It has been 17 years since Auckland last had a professional football team, when the defunct New Zealand Knights played in the city.

Texas billionaire William Foley to set up new football club in Auckland

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has backed struggling Rashford to come good while promising that the team will support him fully. The comments come after United lost to Newcastle United - their sixth lose of the season in the Premier League, during which Rashford was substituted in 61st minute.

Rashford's form has gone down drastically as the England forward has managed to just score two goals in 18 games across all competitions this season while he had managed 30 goals last season.

"I know this issue is coming up and Marcus is investing a lot, we support him and he will return to his form," said Ten Hag.

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"He works hard and he's investing a lot. He will get back, he will recover and he gets all our support," he added.

The manager also spoke about the loss and agreed that Newcastle were way better than them on the day.

"Today we have to say the credit's to Newcastle," he said.

"After the start, where we could have scored with Alejandro Garnacho, they were better than us.

"They were more proactive and we had to go behind to go back. We allowed them one goal and in the end we fought back. We had two good opportunities but we couldn't take a point from there," added Ten Hag.

The closest United came to levelling was when Fabian Schar blocked Sergio Reguilon's goalbound volley.

But that incident came with a cost for Newcastle as goalkeeper Pope jolted his shoulder in an attempt to save the Spaniard's shot.

United finally showed some urgency for the closing stages plus nine minutes of added time for Pope's injury and did have the ball in the net.

However, Maguire was clearly offside as he deflected in Antony's effort and Newcastle held on to close to within two points of the top four.

With the loss, United is now seventh on the points table with 24 points after eight wins from 14 games.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has backed struggling Rashford to come good while promising that the team will support him fully. The comments come after United lost to Newcastle United - their sixth lose of the season in the Premier League, during which Rashford was substituted in 61st minute.

Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag has backed struggling Rashford to come good while promising that the team will support him fully. The comments come after United lost to Newcastle United - their sixth lose of the season in the Premier League, during which Rashford was substituted in 61st minute. Rashford's form has gone down drastically as the England forward has managed to just score two goals in 18 games across all competitions this season while he had managed 30 goals last season. "I know this issue is coming up and Marcus is investing a lot, we support him and he will return to his form," said Ten Hag. Also Watch: LeBron 360 layup in Lakers vs Rockets sends internet in frenzy "He works hard and he's investing a lot. He will get back, he will recover and he gets all our support," he added. The manager also spoke about the loss and agreed that Newcastle were way better than them on the day. "Today we have to say the credit's to Newcastle," he said. "After the start, where we could have scored with Alejandro Garnacho, they were better than us. "They were more proactive and we had to go behind to go back. We allowed them one goal and in the end we fought back. We had two good opportunities but we couldn't take a point from there," added Ten Hag. The closest United came to levelling was when Fabian Schar blocked Sergio Reguilon's goalbound volley. But that incident came with a cost for Newcastle as goalkeeper Pope jolted his shoulder in an attempt to save the Spaniard's shot. United finally showed some urgency for the closing stages plus nine minutes of added time for Pope's injury and did have the ball in the net. However, Maguire was clearly offside as he deflected in Antony's effort and Newcastle held on to close to within two points of the top four. With the loss, United is now seventh on the points table with 24 points after eight wins from 14 games.

Premier League: Manchester United manager Erik Ten Hag vows full support to struggling Rashford

United States Women's National Team (USWNT) soccer player Trinity Rodman almost got embarrassed when retired tennis star Serena Williams asked for her jersey after the 3-0 win against China in friendly on Saturday (Dec. 2). After the game, Williams met the players and asked Rodman's jersey but she had already given to a fan after the game.

“I walked over there, and she was like, ‘Can I have your jersey?’ I was like, ‘Oh my god, no!” Rodman said after the game at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium as reported by the USAToday. “So, I dug in the dirty bag from beginning of the half to find mine, and I got it to her.”&nbsp;

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“She was very sweet, very humble, which was refreshing and amazing,” Rodman added. “And obviously, we all look up to her, one of the greatest female athletes in the world. To meet her in person and see how she was, was incredible.”

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Just us and the GOAT 🐐 <a href="https://t.co/Imi8eVlyCD">pic.twitter.com/Imi8eVlyCD</a>
— U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) <a href="https://twitter.com/USWNT/status/1731090499350512097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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USWNT interim coach Twila Kilgore also met the tennis legend who met and collected jerseys of several players.

“I sure did,” Kilgore said about meeting Williams. “I made sure I got in there.”

Talking about the game, Sophia Smith scored in the eighth minute before skipper Lindsey Horan scored in 58th minute before Rodman added in the 77th minute.

The win completed USWNT's week-long stay in Fort Lauderdale. They'll again take on China next week at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas to end the year.

“My eyes are immediately on the next game, but I think one thing today is just we’re happy that we’re playing in such a way that’s given us these repeated moments that we’ve identified as a team that are predictable for us and not for the opponent,” Kilgore said after the game.

Kilgore currently is heading the USWNT till the time six-time Super League winner with Chelsea Emma Hayes takes over in May next year.

United States Women's National Team (USWNT) soccer player Trinity Rodman almost got embarrassed when retired tennis star Serena Williams asked for her jersey after the 3-0 win against China in friendly on Saturday (Dec.

United States Women's National Team (USWNT) soccer player Trinity Rodman almost got embarrassed when retired tennis star Serena Williams asked for her jersey after the 3-0 win against China in friendly on Saturday (Dec. 2). After the game, Williams met the players and asked Rodman's jersey but she had already given to a fan after the game. “I walked over there, and she was like, ‘Can I have your jersey?’ I was like, ‘Oh my god, no!” Rodman said after the game at Inter Miami’s DRV PNK Stadium as reported by the USAToday. “So, I dug in the dirty bag from beginning of the half to find mine, and I got it to her.” Also Watch: Dallas Mavericks go 30-0 vs Oklahoma City Thunder to create history; still end up losing “She was very sweet, very humble, which was refreshing and amazing,” Rodman added. “And obviously, we all look up to her, one of the greatest female athletes in the world. To meet her in person and see how she was, was incredible.” Just us and the GOAT 🐐 pic.twitter.com/Imi8eVlyCD — U.S. Women's National Soccer Team (@USWNT) December 2, 2023 × USWNT interim coach Twila Kilgore also met the tennis legend who met and collected jerseys of several players. “I sure did,” Kilgore said about meeting Williams. “I made sure I got in there.” Talking about the game, Sophia Smith scored in the eighth minute before skipper Lindsey Horan scored in 58th minute before Rodman added in the 77th minute. The win completed USWNT's week-long stay in Fort Lauderdale. They'll again take on China next week at Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas to end the year. “My eyes are immediately on the next game, but I think one thing today is just we’re happy that we’re playing in such a way that’s given us these repeated moments that we’ve identified as a team that are predictable for us and not for the opponent,” Kilgore said after the game. Kilgore currently is heading the USWNT till the time six-time Super League winner with Chelsea Emma Hayes takes over in May next year.

USWNT star Trinity Rodman meets Serena Williams after win against China. Almost gets embarrassed | Read Why

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