Twelve&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;boys and their football coach, who were dramatically rescued from a flooded cave in July, enjoyed a high-profile kickabout on Sunday (October 07), playing a game at River Plate's iconic Monumental stadium.

The team, known as the 'Wild Boars', are honoured guests at the Youth Olympics in the Argentine capital after their rescue gripped the world.

Dressed in violet jerseys with the team logo of the record Argentine champions, they faced River's under-13 team, entering the pitch to loud applause from their opponents.

For the record the final score was 3-3.

The team were greeted by Rodolfo D'Onofrio, president of River Plate, whose vast stadium was the site of the 1978 World Cup final.

The boys, aged 11 to 16 at the time, and their 25-year-old coach, Ekapol Chanthawong, had been exploring Chiang Rai's Tham Luang cave on June 23 when they became trapped.

They survived nine days on water dripping from rocks before they were discovered on a muddy mound by divers.

A dramatic, international rescue effort ended on July 10 when they were all brought out safely after an ordeal that made headlines around the world.

They have since been showered with invitations, among them to fly to the Argentine capital and attend the Youth Olympic Games.

The boys, who were also guests of honour at the Games opening ceremony in Buenos Aires on Saturday (October 06), will leave on Tuesday (October 09).

Twelve Thai boys and their football coach, who were dramatically rescued from a flooded cave in July, enjoyed a high-profile kickabout on Sunday (October 07), playing a game at River Plate's iconic Monumental stadium.

Twelve Thai boys and their football coach, who were dramatically rescued from a flooded cave in July, enjoyed a high-profile kickabout on Sunday (October 07), playing a game at River Plate's iconic Monumental stadium. The team, known as the 'Wild Boars', are honoured guests at the Youth Olympics in the Argentine capital after their rescue gripped the world. Dressed in violet jerseys with the team logo of the record Argentine champions, they faced River's under-13 team, entering the pitch to loud applause from their opponents. For the record the final score was 3-3. The team were greeted by Rodolfo D'Onofrio, president of River Plate, whose vast stadium was the site of the 1978 World Cup final. The boys, aged 11 to 16 at the time, and their 25-year-old coach, Ekapol Chanthawong, had been exploring Chiang Rai's Tham Luang cave on June 23 when they became trapped. They survived nine days on water dripping from rocks before they were discovered on a muddy mound by divers. A dramatic, international rescue effort ended on July 10 when they were all brought out safely after an ordeal that made headlines around the world. They have since been showered with invitations, among them to fly to the Argentine capital and attend the Youth Olympic Games. The boys, who were also guests of honour at the Games opening ceremony in Buenos Aires on Saturday (October 06), will leave on Tuesday (October 09).

Thailand's cave boys enjoy kick about at iconic River Plate stadium

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is retiring from international soccer after leading the national side as captain to this year's World Cup quarter-finals on home soil.

The 32-year-old CSKA Moscow player's acrobatic penalty saves captivated home crowds and helped Russia to their best tournament finish since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

"There is a beginning and an end to every story," Akinfeev was quoted as saying on CSKA's website. "My story with the national team has also reached its logical end."

Akinfeev earned 112 caps for his country since his debut in 2004 as an 18-year-old, according to the Russian Football Union.

The highlight of his international career came at this year's World Cup hosted by Russia.

"It was a great honour for me to lead the Russian team as captain at the World Cup," he said. "Honestly I couldn't have dreamt of it. But it happened and probably was the peak of my career with the national team."

Akinfeev played a key role in helping his team reach the quarter-finals, where they lost 4-3 to Croatia in a penalty shootout.

He saved two penalties, including one with his left leg, to help Russia eliminate 2010 world champions Spain in the round of 16.

After the match, graffiti of the goalkeeper appeared around the country and his kick save became a symbol of Russia's unexpected success at the tournament.

"We didn't win any medals at the World Cup, but all the guys did what they could," he said. "The most important thing is that no one was indifferent among us."

CSKA manager Viktor Goncharenko said Akinfeev's decision would allow him to focus on his club who face Real Madrid in the Champions League in Moscow on Tuesday.

"As a simple fan, I regret that he can't help the national team," Goncharenko told reporters. "As CSKA coach I think this will benefit us because he will be completely concentrated on the club."

Russia had been heavily dependent on Akinfeev, who before the World Cup had had a checkered history in internationals.

At the 2014 World Cup, he fumbled the ball to gift South Korea a goal and a 1-1 draw, a mistake that contributed to Russia's group-stage exit from the tournament.

"I'm leaving with peace of mind," Akinfeev said. "A very good and promising generation has appeared in Russia. Some guys already revealed themselves to be real leaders at this World Cup."

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is retiring from international soccer after leading the national side as captain to this year's World Cup quarter-finals on home soil.

Russia goalkeeper Igor Akinfeev is retiring from international soccer after leading the national side as captain to this year's World Cup quarter-finals on home soil. The 32-year-old CSKA Moscow player's acrobatic penalty saves captivated home crowds and helped Russia to their best tournament finish since the collapse of the Soviet Union. "There is a beginning and an end to every story," Akinfeev was quoted as saying on CSKA's website. "My story with the national team has also reached its logical end." Akinfeev earned 112 caps for his country since his debut in 2004 as an 18-year-old, according to the Russian Football Union. The highlight of his international career came at this year's World Cup hosted by Russia. "It was a great honour for me to lead the Russian team as captain at the World Cup," he said. "Honestly I couldn't have dreamt of it. But it happened and probably was the peak of my career with the national team." Akinfeev played a key role in helping his team reach the quarter-finals, where they lost 4-3 to Croatia in a penalty shootout. He saved two penalties, including one with his left leg, to help Russia eliminate 2010 world champions Spain in the round of 16. After the match, graffiti of the goalkeeper appeared around the country and his kick save became a symbol of Russia's unexpected success at the tournament. "We didn't win any medals at the World Cup, but all the guys did what they could," he said. "The most important thing is that no one was indifferent among us." CSKA manager Viktor Goncharenko said Akinfeev's decision would allow him to focus on his club who face Real Madrid in the Champions League in Moscow on Tuesday. "As a simple fan, I regret that he can't help the national team," Goncharenko told reporters. "As CSKA coach I think this will benefit us because he will be completely concentrated on the club." Russia had been heavily dependent on Akinfeev, who before the World Cup had had a checkered history in internationals. At the 2014 World Cup, he fumbled the ball to gift South Korea a goal and a 1-1 draw, a mistake that contributed to Russia's group-stage exit from the tournament. "I'm leaving with peace of mind," Akinfeev said. "A very good and promising generation has appeared in Russia. Some guys already revealed themselves to be real leaders at this World Cup."

Russia's World Cup hero Akinfeev retires from internationals

Arsenal cruised to a 4-2 win over Ukraine's Vorskla Poltava here Thursday in the 2018-2019 Europa League kickoff.

The Gunners, who reached the semifinals last season, are among the favorites to win the current edition of the Europa League under new coach Unai Emery, who guided Sevilla to victory in the competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Arsenal led 1-0 at the break on a goal in the 32nd minute by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Danny Welbeck doubled the advantage for the hosts just three minutes in the second half at the Emirates in London.

The third goal came in the 56th minute, again courtesy of Aubameyang, while Mesut Özil made it 4-0 in the 74th.

Volodymyr Chesnakov clawed back a goal for Vorskla in the 76th minute and Vyacheslav Sharpar added a second for the visitors in stoppage time.

The victory leaves Arsenal sharing the lead in Group E with Sporting, who defeated Qarabag 2-0 in Lisbon.

Arsenal cruised to a 4-2 win over Ukraine's Vorskla Poltava here Thursday in the 2018-2019 Europa League kickoff. The Gunners, who reached the semifinals last season, are among the favorites to win the current edition of the Europa League under new coach Unai Emery, who guided Sevilla to victory in the competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016.

Arsenal cruised to a 4-2 win over Ukraine's Vorskla Poltava here Thursday in the 2018-2019 Europa League kickoff. The Gunners, who reached the semifinals last season, are among the favorites to win the current edition of the Europa League under new coach Unai Emery, who guided Sevilla to victory in the competition in 2014, 2015 and 2016. Arsenal led 1-0 at the break on a goal in the 32nd minute by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Danny Welbeck doubled the advantage for the hosts just three minutes in the second half at the Emirates in London. The third goal came in the 56th minute, again courtesy of Aubameyang, while Mesut Özil made it 4-0 in the 74th. Volodymyr Chesnakov clawed back a goal for Vorskla in the 76th minute and Vyacheslav Sharpar added a second for the visitors in stoppage time. The victory leaves Arsenal sharing the lead in Group E with Sporting, who defeated Qarabag 2-0 in Lisbon.

Arsenal thump Vorskla 4-2 in Europa League opener

By:&nbspDavid Rowe*

With the FIFA World Cup just days away, I have been chatting with people on my travels through central and northern Europe to gauge their opinions about Russia being the host.

Several people have simply sighed, resigned to the fact that nefarious FIFA politics won the day. One Prague taxi driver, remembering the Soviet-led invasion of his country in 1968, hated the idea, but another Czech shrugged and said that most people, especially those too young to remember the Communist rule, would just focus on the football.

Indeed, many football fans will be thinking only of stoppage-time goals, dubious penalties and defence-splitting passes when the tournament kicks off on Thursday. But it’s also worth reflecting on Russia and the ethics of selecting hosts for major events in today’s commercially driven and politicised sports world.

The case against Russia

Every time there is a contest to host a World Cup or Olympics, debate ensues about the criteria for selection. These include technical matters like the economic and infrastructural capacity to stage a massive spectacle, and an overarching belief in spreading sports like football to new corners of the world.

But non-sporting matters also come into consideration. Organisers always consider the potential that awarding hosting rights to the wrong country could bring a major sporting event into disrepute.

Cases have been made against a string of host cities and countries over the years. These include the 1978 Argentina World Cup (military coup), the 1968 Mexico City and 1988 Seoul Olympics (popular demonstrations and violence), the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (bribery), the 2008 Beijing Olympics (human rights and crackdowns in Tibet) and the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil World Cups (financial mismanagement and lack of preparedness).

So, Russia is by no means the first country to be faced with threats of boycotts or being stripped of its hosting rights. But it is something of a standout case, because of the spectrum of its egregious behaviour since being awarded the World Cup (and 2014 Winter Olympics). What’s remarkable is that Russia has stains on its record both in and outside the sporting world.

Inside sport, Russia is most notorious for its wide-ranging state-sponsored doping programme, which included swapping positive-testing urine samples for negative ones through a "mouse hole" in the wall of the anti-doping laboratory at the 2014 Sochi Games. Russian athletes were subsequently banned from flying their national flag and competing under the Team Russia name at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Paralympics.

For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the "racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism" that has been well-documented in Russian football.

FIFA's culture of money and influence

Russia, of course, has furiously denied everything, making much-outraged noise while pointing out the hypocrisy of its most vocal detractors. The latter reaction has some legitimacy – Russia does not have a monopoly on external aggression, calculated corruption and internal repression.

And although the process by which Russia and Qatar won their World Cup bids was undeniably flawed, there is more than a whiff of hypocrisy among the losers who played their part in the whole charade. Few of the bidding countries for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments came out of American prosecutor Michael Garcia's lengthy but imperfect investigation of the decisions unscathed. This includes Australia, which burned a cool $AU45 million of public money on a futile attempt to work its levers of access and persuasion.

But Russia's sheer effrontery in recent years makes it an especially conspicuous target for those wondering what it would take for a country to be barred from hosting the world's largest sports party on ethical grounds.

That it hasn't been stripped of the World Cup says much about global sport's intensely commercial and political imperatives. Nothing exemplifies this state of affairs more than the emergence of FIFA as a machine of money, influence and subterfuge under the presidencies of João Havelange and Sepp Blatter from 1974 to 2015.

FIFA’s moment of truth came with the arrests of a coterie of top officials at its 2015 Zurich congress – a very different image of the organisation than the one propagated in FIFA's absurdly self-aggrandising 2014 docudrama film United Passions.

Blatter and many of his associates have since been swept away. But there's been little appetite for voiding the controversial Russia and Qatar victories and re-opening the bidding process, despite the efforts of politicians like former British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Nor have there been realistic calls for team boycotts of the 2018 World Cup. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop briefly flagged the idea of a World Cup-related action against Russia but said a boycott was not under consideration. So far only a few countries have confirmed boycotts by dignitaries, such as the UK, Poland and Iceland.

New standards for selecting hosts

Has FIFA reformed itself sufficiently under new President Gianni Infantino to ensure that a country like Russia will never again be rewarded after fuelling so much international condemnation with its actions?

We may soon get an idea. On June 13, the day before the opening match, the 68th FIFA Congress meets in Moscow to decide the 2026 World Cup host. There are new rules in place, including a more stringent bid appraisal process and an open ballot of all FIFA member associations.

There are only two bids for 2026 – Morocco and a North American joint bid submitted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The former has its own human rights issues, while the latter has US President Donald Trump's proposed travel bans and implied threats to countries who do not support the bid.

Will the new process result in a fair, transparent outcome? Not according to Bonita Mersiades, the whistle-blowing former head of corporate and public affairs at Football Federation Australia and author of Whatever It Takes: The Inside Story of the FIFA Way, and her fellow campaigners at the reform advocacy group New FIFA Now.

New FIFA Now and the recently formed Foundation for Sports Integrity argue that a new FIFA governance model under the control of fans and players is required. Among New FIFA Now's guiding principles for FIFA reform is this recommendation on selecting future hosts:

Establish a one-off committee of relevant experts from around the world to investigate and recommend the staging of future men's World Cup tournaments. The objective would be to ameliorate the World Cup as a vehicle for geopolitical soft power and brand building of nation states, as well as the construction of 'white elephants' and the demands of government guarantees made by FIFA to host nations that compromise and jeopardise international and domestic law.

Reformist proposals like these are gaining traction as part of widespread push-back against the excessive demands and massive costs of hosting mega sports events. The questions posed by Russia's winning bid should only add to the calls for change.

It's expected that over 3 billion people will catch at least some of this year's World Cup over the next month. Let's hope they look beyond the spectacle to ponder how the beautiful game made its way to Russia at this point in its history and whether it was worth the ethical price.

David Rowe is an Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University.

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/id">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/is-russia-worthy-of-hosting-the-world-cup-96917">article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the 'racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism' that has been well-documented in Russian football

By: David Rowe* With the FIFA World Cup just days away, I have been chatting with people on my travels through central and northern Europe to gauge their opinions about Russia being the host. Several people have simply sighed, resigned to the fact that nefarious FIFA politics won the day. One Prague taxi driver, remembering the Soviet-led invasion of his country in 1968, hated the idea, but another Czech shrugged and said that most people, especially those too young to remember the Communist rule, would just focus on the football. Indeed, many football fans will be thinking only of stoppage-time goals, dubious penalties and defence-splitting passes when the tournament kicks off on Thursday. But it’s also worth reflecting on Russia and the ethics of selecting hosts for major events in today’s commercially driven and politicised sports world. The case against Russia Every time there is a contest to host a World Cup or Olympics, debate ensues about the criteria for selection. These include technical matters like the economic and infrastructural capacity to stage a massive spectacle, and an overarching belief in spreading sports like football to new corners of the world. But non-sporting matters also come into consideration. Organisers always consider the potential that awarding hosting rights to the wrong country could bring a major sporting event into disrepute. Cases have been made against a string of host cities and countries over the years. These include the 1978 Argentina World Cup (military coup), the 1968 Mexico City and 1988 Seoul Olympics (popular demonstrations and violence), the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics (bribery), the 2008 Beijing Olympics (human rights and crackdowns in Tibet) and the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil World Cups (financial mismanagement and lack of preparedness). So, Russia is by no means the first country to be faced with threats of boycotts or being stripped of its hosting rights. But it is something of a standout case, because of the spectrum of its egregious behaviour since being awarded the World Cup (and 2014 Winter Olympics). What’s remarkable is that Russia has stains on its record both in and outside the sporting world. Inside sport, Russia is most notorious for its wide-ranging state-sponsored doping programme, which included swapping positive-testing urine samples for negative ones through a "mouse hole" in the wall of the anti-doping laboratory at the 2014 Sochi Games. Russian athletes were subsequently banned from flying their national flag and competing under the Team Russia name at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and Paralympics. For foreign football fans visiting Russia, there are additional concerns over hooliganism and the "racism, nationalism, homophobia and sexism" that has been well-documented in Russian football. FIFA's culture of money and influence Russia, of course, has furiously denied everything, making much-outraged noise while pointing out the hypocrisy of its most vocal detractors. The latter reaction has some legitimacy – Russia does not have a monopoly on external aggression, calculated corruption and internal repression. And although the process by which Russia and Qatar won their World Cup bids was undeniably flawed, there is more than a whiff of hypocrisy among the losers who played their part in the whole charade. Few of the bidding countries for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments came out of American prosecutor Michael Garcia's lengthy but imperfect investigation of the decisions unscathed. This includes Australia, which burned a cool $AU45 million of public money on a futile attempt to work its levers of access and persuasion. But Russia's sheer effrontery in recent years makes it an especially conspicuous target for those wondering what it would take for a country to be barred from hosting the world's largest sports party on ethical grounds. That it hasn't been stripped of the World Cup says much about global sport's intensely commercial and political imperatives. Nothing exemplifies this state of affairs more than the emergence of FIFA as a machine of money, influence and subterfuge under the presidencies of João Havelange and Sepp Blatter from 1974 to 2015. FIFA’s moment of truth came with the arrests of a coterie of top officials at its 2015 Zurich congress – a very different image of the organisation than the one propagated in FIFA's absurdly self-aggrandising 2014 docudrama film United Passions. Blatter and many of his associates have since been swept away. But there's been little appetite for voiding the controversial Russia and Qatar victories and re-opening the bidding process, despite the efforts of politicians like former British Prime Minister David Cameron. Nor have there been realistic calls for team boycotts of the 2018 World Cup. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop briefly flagged the idea of a World Cup-related action against Russia but said a boycott was not under consideration. So far only a few countries have confirmed boycotts by dignitaries, such as the UK, Poland and Iceland. New standards for selecting hosts Has FIFA reformed itself sufficiently under new President Gianni Infantino to ensure that a country like Russia will never again be rewarded after fuelling so much international condemnation with its actions? We may soon get an idea. On June 13, the day before the opening match, the 68th FIFA Congress meets in Moscow to decide the 2026 World Cup host. There are new rules in place, including a more stringent bid appraisal process and an open ballot of all FIFA member associations. There are only two bids for 2026 – Morocco and a North American joint bid submitted by Canada, Mexico and the United States. The former has its own human rights issues, while the latter has US President Donald Trump's proposed travel bans and implied threats to countries who do not support the bid. Will the new process result in a fair, transparent outcome? Not according to Bonita Mersiades, the whistle-blowing former head of corporate and public affairs at Football Federation Australia and author of Whatever It Takes: The Inside Story of the FIFA Way, and her fellow campaigners at the reform advocacy group New FIFA Now. New FIFA Now and the recently formed Foundation for Sports Integrity argue that a new FIFA governance model under the control of fans and players is required. Among New FIFA Now's guiding principles for FIFA reform is this recommendation on selecting future hosts: Establish a one-off committee of relevant experts from around the world to investigate and recommend the staging of future men's World Cup tournaments. The objective would be to ameliorate the World Cup as a vehicle for geopolitical soft power and brand building of nation states, as well as the construction of 'white elephants' and the demands of government guarantees made by FIFA to host nations that compromise and jeopardise international and domestic law. Reformist proposals like these are gaining traction as part of widespread push-back against the excessive demands and massive costs of hosting mega sports events. The questions posed by Russia's winning bid should only add to the calls for change. It's expected that over 3 billion people will catch at least some of this year's World Cup over the next month. Let's hope they look beyond the spectacle to ponder how the beautiful game made its way to Russia at this point in its history and whether it was worth the ethical price. David Rowe is an Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Is Russia worthy of hosting the football World Cup?

Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month. 
 
"Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press. 
 
The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians. 
 
Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut. 
 
The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney. 
 
At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances. 
 
Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.

Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances

Brazilian football icon Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known worldwide as Pele, on Sunday cancelled his scheduled trip to Russia to speak at a conference at the country's main university, thus leaving up in the air his presence at the inaugural World Cup match later this month. "Pele will not come (to the university), since he is feeling ill. He has problems in his legs. Before Tuesday, it will be decided if he will ultimately attend the inauguration of the World Cup," his spokesperson commented to the local press. The Brazilian (and world) soccer legend - who won the Jules Rimet Cup, used as the World Cup trophy from 1930-1970, three times - is one of the main invited guests at the opening ceremony of this year's tourney on June 14 in Moscow's national Luzhniki Stadium, where the Russian squad will go up against the Saudi Arabians. Pele, who is an admirer of Russian President Vladimir Putin, had cancelled a March visit to Russia, where he was due to be honored during the friendly match between the host nation and the Brazilian squad on the 60th anniversary of his World Cup debut. The Brazilian star first took part in a World Cup match in 1958, going up against the Russian squad in the 1958 Sweden tourney. At age 77, Pele in recent years has undergone several spinal, femur and cartilage operations which have forced him to curtail his public appearances. Recently, he expressed his concern about the Brazilian team and, although he praised its coach - Tite - he said that the squad had not come together yet as a unit and recalled that it was the teams that won the past World Cups, not individuals.

Pele cancels visit to Russia and is doubtful for attending inaugural ceremony

Head coach Stephen Constantine's strategy of making seven changes in his starting eleven did not yield the desired result as India suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their final league match of the Intercontinental Cup football tournament here today.

Despite the loss, the Indian team is still one foot in the final to be played on June 10 with six points from two earlier wins. The home team had beaten Chinese Taipei (5-0) and Kenya (3-0).

India took the lead through captain Sunil Chhetri in the 47th minute but New Zealand rallied through goals from Andre Earnest De Jong (49th) and Moses Dyer (86th) as the Indian defence looked shaky all through the match in front of a full-house Mumbai Football Arena.

For Chhetri, who was playing in his 101st match, it was his 62nd international goal, levelling with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (62 from 116 matches) of Sweden and Ronaldo (62 from 98 matches) of Brazil.

If Kenya beat Chinese Taipei tomorrow, it will be a complicated calculation to decide who play in the final. In that situation, all the three teams -- India, Kenya and Chinese Taipei -- will have six points each and head-to-head results will be considered and then the goal difference.

Since India has a goal difference of plus 7 as against plus 1 of New Zealand, it has a big chance to make it to the final.&nbsp;

New Zealand had more chances in the first half as they kept the Indian defence under intense pressure after the half-hour mark. But they failed to find the Indian net and both teams went to the breather goal-less. 
Just after resumption, Chhetri scored in the most bizarre way of giving his side a 1-0 lead.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Individual errors cost us the match, says Constantine. 
 
Read: <a href="https://t.co/K3gWhN67lD">https://t.co/K3gWhN67lD</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BackTheBlue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BackTheBlue</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreIndia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvNZL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvNZL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsianDream?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsianDream</a> <a href="https://t.co/rDFATVKkpp">pic.twitter.com/rDFATVKkpp</a>
— Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndianFootball/status/1004784930256089088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
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A back pass to New Zealand custodian Woud prompted him forward but his poor clearance hit Chhetri's foot and rolled back into the goal.

But, India's joy was short-lived. Sarpreet Singh slipped the ball through to De Jong, who gave a fine finishing touch, sending the ball into the right corner of the net.

After the comfortable wins in the first two matches, Constantine made as many as seven changes in his starting line-up though he made five substitutions later on.&nbsp;

One of them was goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who made way for Amrinder Singh. He had also initially benched experienced Jeje Lalpekhua and Sandesh Jhinghan, who were back in the second half.

New Zealand showed an aggressive intent and in the third minute Sarpreet Singh drooped it from a high but Amrinder parried it away to the left. Jai Ingham was nearby but Salam Ranjan Singh kicked the ball out.

The second chance for the Kiwis came in the 13th minute when right back Justin Gulley crossed the ball in a tight angle to Andre De Jong, whose header went above the crossbar.

For India, Chhetri did well to bring the ball down from a diagonal pass from Mohd Rafique but it was taken away by Kiwi custodian Micheal Woud. The India skipper appealed for a penalty but it was dismissed by the referee.

In the 28th minute, Udanta Singh came in for Rafique.

The best chance for New Zealand in the first half came in the 35th minute when Ingham floated a corner to the near post, which was headed by Myer Bevan, but Amrinder managed to keep it at bay.

Minutes before the half-time came two good chances for India. Chhetri had made his way into the middle to give the ball to Ashique, but the winger took long to get his feet.

Another chance was when Ashique sent in a cross which was headed back to Chhetri by Balwant Singh but the India skipper shot above the bar. At the half-time it was 0-0.

India suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their final league match of the Intercontinental Cup football tournament

Head coach Stephen Constantine's strategy of making seven changes in his starting eleven did not yield the desired result as India suffered a 1-2 defeat at the hands of New Zealand in their final league match of the Intercontinental Cup football tournament here today. Despite the loss, the Indian team is still one foot in the final to be played on June 10 with six points from two earlier wins. The home team had beaten Chinese Taipei (5-0) and Kenya (3-0). India took the lead through captain Sunil Chhetri in the 47th minute but New Zealand rallied through goals from Andre Earnest De Jong (49th) and Moses Dyer (86th) as the Indian defence looked shaky all through the match in front of a full-house Mumbai Football Arena. For Chhetri, who was playing in his 101st match, it was his 62nd international goal, levelling with the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (62 from 116 matches) of Sweden and Ronaldo (62 from 98 matches) of Brazil. If Kenya beat Chinese Taipei tomorrow, it will be a complicated calculation to decide who play in the final. In that situation, all the three teams -- India, Kenya and Chinese Taipei -- will have six points each and head-to-head results will be considered and then the goal difference. Since India has a goal difference of plus 7 as against plus 1 of New Zealand, it has a big chance to make it to the final. New Zealand had more chances in the first half as they kept the Indian defence under intense pressure after the half-hour mark. But they failed to find the Indian net and both teams went to the breather goal-less. Just after resumption, Chhetri scored in the most bizarre way of giving his side a 1-0 lead. Individual errors cost us the match, says Constantine. Read: https://t.co/K3gWhN67lD#BackTheBlue #WeAreIndia #INDvNZL #AsianDream pic.twitter.com/rDFATVKkpp — Indian Football Team (@IndianFootball) June 7, 2018 × A back pass to New Zealand custodian Woud prompted him forward but his poor clearance hit Chhetri's foot and rolled back into the goal. But, India's joy was short-lived. Sarpreet Singh slipped the ball through to De Jong, who gave a fine finishing touch, sending the ball into the right corner of the net. After the comfortable wins in the first two matches, Constantine made as many as seven changes in his starting line-up though he made five substitutions later on. One of them was goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu who made way for Amrinder Singh. He had also initially benched experienced Jeje Lalpekhua and Sandesh Jhinghan, who were back in the second half. New Zealand showed an aggressive intent and in the third minute Sarpreet Singh drooped it from a high but Amrinder parried it away to the left. Jai Ingham was nearby but Salam Ranjan Singh kicked the ball out. The second chance for the Kiwis came in the 13th minute when right back Justin Gulley crossed the ball in a tight angle to Andre De Jong, whose header went above the crossbar. For India, Chhetri did well to bring the ball down from a diagonal pass from Mohd Rafique but it was taken away by Kiwi custodian Micheal Woud. The India skipper appealed for a penalty but it was dismissed by the referee. In the 28th minute, Udanta Singh came in for Rafique. The best chance for New Zealand in the first half came in the 35th minute when Ingham floated a corner to the near post, which was headed by Myer Bevan, but Amrinder managed to keep it at bay. Minutes before the half-time came two good chances for India. Chhetri had made his way into the middle to give the ball to Ashique, but the winger took long to get his feet. Another chance was when Ashique sent in a cross which was headed back to Chhetri by Balwant Singh but the India skipper shot above the bar. At the half-time it was 0-0.

Intercontinental Cup: India suffer 1-2 defeat against New Zealand

All the tickets for the Indian football team's remaining Intercontinental matches have been sold out.&nbsp;

On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity.

Chhetri made the plea a day after his hat-trick helped India defeat Chinese Taipei side 5-0 in front of a sparse crowd at Mumbai Football Arena.&nbsp;

India responded to the emotional request of Sunil Chhetri and a full house stadium greeted him at Mumbai Arena Stadium. Team India is coming off from victory against Kenya in the previous match and will meet New Zealand at Mumbai Arena Stadium on June 7 and all the tickets have been sold out, again.

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Thirty-three-year-old Chhetri is regarded as one of the greatest footballers that India has produced, urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms.

The appeal was also backed by India's cricket heroes Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar which helped in in a quick sale of the tickets.

India have already qualified for the finals of the first edition of Intercontinental Cup which is scheduled to take place on June 10.

Team India will play against New Zealand at Mumbai Arena Stadium on June 7 and all the tickets have been sold out, again

All the tickets for the Indian football team's remaining Intercontinental matches have been sold out. On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. Chhetri made the plea a day after his hat-trick helped India defeat Chinese Taipei side 5-0 in front of a sparse crowd at Mumbai Football Arena. India responded to the emotional request of Sunil Chhetri and a full house stadium greeted him at Mumbai Arena Stadium. Team India is coming off from victory against Kenya in the previous match and will meet New Zealand at Mumbai Arena Stadium on June 7 and all the tickets have been sold out, again. Thirty-three-year-old Chhetri is regarded as one of the greatest footballers that India has produced, urged the people who abuse to come to the ground and scream at them instead of taking out their anger on the social media platforms. The appeal was also backed by India's cricket heroes Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar which helped in in a quick sale of the tickets. India have already qualified for the finals of the first edition of Intercontinental Cup which is scheduled to take place on June 10.

Chhetri magic: Tickets for India's Intercontinental Cup matches sold out

The 21st edition of World Cup will take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. With nine days remaining for the tournament, here are some lesser-known facts about the history of football World Cup which you probably did not know.

1- In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered. It is believed that the trophy was melted and sold.&nbsp;

2- The first World Cup was played in 1930. Uruguay was both the tournament host and winner.

3- France's Lucien Laurent scored the first goal in World Cup history at the 1930 tournament in Uruguay.

4- The most goals ever scored by one player in a World Cup match is an impressive five, by Oleg Salenko of Russia.

5- The 2018 World Cup will be Russia’s 11th World Cup appearance and the World Cup in 2018 will mark the first time Russia has ever hosted this event.&nbsp;

6- This is the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup and Brazil holds the most titles with five.

7- For the first time in the history, the 2002 World Cup was held in two different countries: South Korea and Japan.

8- It is rumored that India withdrew from the 1950 tournament as they were not allowed to play barefoot.

9- The highest scoring game in World Cup history was in 1954 when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.

Here are some interesting facts about the history of football World Cup which you probably did not know.

The 21st edition of World Cup will take place in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. With nine days remaining for the tournament, here are some lesser-known facts about the history of football World Cup which you probably did not know. 1- In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered. It is believed that the trophy was melted and sold. 2- The first World Cup was played in 1930. Uruguay was both the tournament host and winner. 3- France's Lucien Laurent scored the first goal in World Cup history at the 1930 tournament in Uruguay. 4- The most goals ever scored by one player in a World Cup match is an impressive five, by Oleg Salenko of Russia. 5- The 2018 World Cup will be Russia’s 11th World Cup appearance and the World Cup in 2018 will mark the first time Russia has ever hosted this event. 6- This is the 21st edition of FIFA World Cup and Brazil holds the most titles with five. 7- For the first time in the history, the 2002 World Cup was held in two different countries: South Korea and Japan. 8- It is rumored that India withdrew from the 1950 tournament as they were not allowed to play barefoot. 9- The highest scoring game in World Cup history was in 1954 when Austria defeated Switzerland 7-5.

9 lesser-known facts about the football World Cup

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri thanked the supporters who turned up at Mumbai Football Arena to watch that match between India and Kenya on June 4. Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament. After winning the match, Sunil Chhetri took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support Indian team received.

Chhetri tweeted, "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!"

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We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!
— Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) <a href="https://twitter.com/chetrisunil11/status/1003694651285442561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity.

India responded to the heartfelt plea as the tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours and a full house cheered for the team.

India comfortably defeated Kenya as captain Chhetri converted a penalty in the 68th minute to give a lead which was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute.

Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match.

Team India has entered the finals but will play its next match against New Zealand.

'India, this night was special because we were in this together,' says Sunil Chhetri

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri thanked the supporters who turned up at Mumbai Football Arena to watch that match between India and Kenya on June 4. Chhetri struck twice in his 100th international game to register a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Kenya in the Intercontinental Cup football tournament. After winning the match, Sunil Chhetri took to the Twitter to express his gratitude for the love and support Indian team received. Chhetri tweeted, "We promise you that if that's the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you!" We promise you that if that’s the kind of support we get every time we play for the country, we will give our lives on the pitch. India, this night was special because we were in this together. Those in the stands shouting, and the ones at home cheering - thank you! — Sunil Chhetri (@chetrisunil11) June 4, 2018 × On June 2, Chhetri posted a video on social networking sites and pleaded to fellow citizens to come and support the Blue Tigers at the stadiums at every possible opportunity. India responded to the heartfelt plea as the tickets of India vs Kenya match sold out in hours and a full house cheered for the team. India comfortably defeated Kenya as captain Chhetri converted a penalty in the 68th minute to give a lead which was further extended by Jeje Lalpekhlua when he doubled India's lead in the 71st minute. Sunil Chhetri took advantage in the extra time and scored the third goal for the team. He converted a beautiful cross-field assist from Balwant Singh to celebrate his 100th international match. Team India has entered the finals but will play its next match against New Zealand.

'We will give our lives on the pitch,' says Sunil Chhetri to express gratitude for fans' support

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri is currently on a record-breaking spree. Recently, he scored a hat-trick in India's 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the Intercontinental Cup on Friday and now he has joined the ranks with legendary footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the third-highest active international goalscorer.

He surpassed USA international striker Clint Dempsey when he scored the hat-tricks and joint-third in the active goalscorers' list with Spain' David Villa.

Sunil Chhetri has scored a total of 59 goals in his illustrious career so far.

Now, level with David Villa (59), behind Cristiano Ronaldo (61) and Lionel Messi (64) in the list of an active international goalscorer.

Lionel Messi: 62

Cristiano Ronaldo: 61

David Villa: 59

Sunil Chhetri: 59

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/abuse-us-scream-at-us-but-come-watch-us-urges-indian-football-team-captain-sunil-chhetri-141860">‘Abuse us... but </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/abuse-us-scream-at-us-but-come-watch-us-urges-indian-football-team-captain-sunil-chhetri-141860">come</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/abuse-us-scream-at-us-but-come-watch-us-urges-indian-football-team-captain-sunil-chhetri-141860"> watch us,’ urges Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri</a>

"I am very happy when I score. I do not take it for granted. I am very fortunate to score so many goals for my club and country. I am very happy from inside," Chhetri said during a post-match press conference.

Sunil Chhetri has scored a total of 59 goals in his illustrious career so far

Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri is currently on a record-breaking spree. Recently, he scored a hat-trick in India's 5-0 win over Chinese Taipei at the Intercontinental Cup on Friday and now he has joined the ranks with legendary footballers Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to become the third-highest active international goalscorer. He surpassed USA international striker Clint Dempsey when he scored the hat-tricks and joint-third in the active goalscorers' list with Spain' David Villa. Sunil Chhetri has scored a total of 59 goals in his illustrious career so far. Now, level with David Villa (59), behind Cristiano Ronaldo (61) and Lionel Messi (64) in the list of an active international goalscorer. Lionel Messi: 62 Cristiano Ronaldo: 61 David Villa: 59 Sunil Chhetri: 59 ‘Abuse us... but come watch us,’ urges Indian football captain Sunil Chhetri "I am very happy when I score. I do not take it for granted. I am very fortunate to score so many goals for my club and country. I am very happy from inside," Chhetri said during a post-match press conference.

After Ronaldo & Messi, this Indian footballer is the 3rd-most active international goalscorer

Real Madrid beat Liverpool to clinch the European Cup for the third consecutive year. The credit goes to Welshman Gareth Bale who came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning overhead bicycle kick.

Bale was substituted in the 64th minute and scored a jaw-dropping reverse kick to produced an outstanding goal and gave Real 2-1 lead.

The goal proved vital for Real Madrid as Sadio Mane's equalizer had given winning hopes to the Reds after the dramatic start to the second half in which Karim Benzema gave Real the lead as a result of a Loris Karius howler.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-goalkeeping-errors-that-cost-liverpool-champions-league-title-140070">Watch: Goalkeeping errors that cost Liverpool Champions League title</a>

Another Karius' blooper happened just after few minutes as a disappointing and lose attempt to save Gareth Bale's splendid effort gave Real 3-1 lead.

Watch the video Gareth Bale's overhead bicycle kick here:

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⚽?? <a href="https://twitter.com/GarethBale11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarethBale11</a>, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CHAMP13NS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CHAMP13NS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HalaMadrid?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HalaMadrid</a> <a href="https://t.co/1dciApRNyR">pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR</a>
— #CHAMP13NS ???? (@realmadriden) <a href="https://twitter.com/realmadriden/status/1000666121085865984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

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Bale’s crazy Bicycle Kick goal from a fans view ? How did you enjoy the game? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bale?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bale</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ramos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ramos</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ChampionsLeagueFinal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ChampionsLeagueFinal</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Liverpool?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Liverpool</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/APorLa13?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#APorLa13</a> <a href="https://t.co/6Lo1iN2tfL">pic.twitter.com/6Lo1iN2tfL</a>
— TheSkillShow (@TheSkillShow) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheSkillShow/status/1000559383774945284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Jurgen Klopp's and Liverpool's own evening was marred by the loss of a distraught Mohamed Salah to injury in the first half, the Egyptian coming off half an hour in having damaged his shoulder.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/over-15-lakh-sign-petition-urging-punish-sergio-ramos-for-intentionally-hurting-mohamed-salah-140172">Over 1.5 lakh sign petition urging, 'punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah'</a>

This was not to be Salah's night, with Real allowing Zinedine Zidane to become the first coach ever to win the Champions League three years in a row.

Gareth Bale came off the bench to score twice, including one of the all-time great goals in a Champions League final

Real Madrid beat Liverpool to clinch the European Cup for the third consecutive year. The credit goes to Welshman Gareth Bale who came off the bench to score twice, including a stunning overhead bicycle kick. Bale was substituted in the 64th minute and scored a jaw-dropping reverse kick to produced an outstanding goal and gave Real 2-1 lead. The goal proved vital for Real Madrid as Sadio Mane's equalizer had given winning hopes to the Reds after the dramatic start to the second half in which Karim Benzema gave Real the lead as a result of a Loris Karius howler. Watch: Goalkeeping errors that cost Liverpool Champions League title Another Karius' blooper happened just after few minutes as a disappointing and lose attempt to save Gareth Bale's splendid effort gave Real 3-1 lead. Watch the video Gareth Bale's overhead bicycle kick here: ⚽?? @GarethBale11, WHAT. A. GOAL!!!#CHAMP13NS | #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/1dciApRNyR — #CHAMP13NS ???? (@realmadriden) May 27, 2018 × Bale’s crazy Bicycle Kick goal from a fans view ? How did you enjoy the game? #Bale #Ramos #ChampionsLeagueFinal #Liverpool #APorLa13 pic.twitter.com/6Lo1iN2tfL — TheSkillShow (@TheSkillShow) May 27, 2018 × Jurgen Klopp's and Liverpool's own evening was marred by the loss of a distraught Mohamed Salah to injury in the first half, the Egyptian coming off half an hour in having damaged his shoulder. Over 1.5 lakh sign petition urging, 'punish Sergio Ramos for intentionally hurting Mohamed Salah' This was not to be Salah's night, with Real allowing Zinedine Zidane to become the first coach ever to win the Champions League three years in a row.

Watch: Gareth Bale's stunning & jaw-dropping overhead bicycle kick

Kiev has attracted a wave of negative publicity due to the problems faced by supporters wanting to get there for Saturday's Champions League final, but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists it will always have a place in his heart.

Fans of Madrid and Liverpool have had their plans for attending the game thrown into turmoil, with some hotels cancelling previously-made bookings to put the same rooms up for sale at exorbitant rates.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed that 1,000 Real supporters had handed back their tickets because it had become too expensive to get to the Ukrainian capital.

But Ramos is returning to the city, and to the same Olympic Stadium, where he won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy.

"The truth is that Ukraine is a special place for me and brings back great memories," he told media on Friday ahead of the game.

"With Spain we became European champions in this city and this country. It is always gratifying to return to such a place."

Both teams had been given an initial allocation of around 17,000 tickets for the game, with Real hoping to win the Champions League for the third year in succession.

"It is true that due to the distance and the cost a lot of Spaniards have not been able to come, but we must not disregard countries that are harder to get to," Ramos added.

Since co-hosting Euro 2012 with Poland, Ukraine has seen Russia annex the Crimean peninsula, while Russian-backed rebels seized two eastern industrial regions.

And in 2014, president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and fled to Russia after the pro-European Maidan revolution.&nbsp

"Some might have been thankful if it were somewhere closer that would make it easier to get to for those who don't have the salary to pay for a ticket, a flight, or a hotel room," Ramos said.

"But if this helps Ukraine bounce back as a country that would be great."

In 2012, at Olympic Stadium, Sergio Ramos won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy

Kiev has attracted a wave of negative publicity due to the problems faced by supporters wanting to get there for Saturday's Champions League final, but Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos insists it will always have a place in his heart. Fans of Madrid and Liverpool have had their plans for attending the game thrown into turmoil, with some hotels cancelling previously-made bookings to put the same rooms up for sale at exorbitant rates. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin confirmed that 1,000 Real supporters had handed back their tickets because it had become too expensive to get to the Ukrainian capital. But Ramos is returning to the city, and to the same Olympic Stadium, where he won the Euro 2012 final with Spain against Italy. "The truth is that Ukraine is a special place for me and brings back great memories," he told media on Friday ahead of the game. "With Spain we became European champions in this city and this country. It is always gratifying to return to such a place." Both teams had been given an initial allocation of around 17,000 tickets for the game, with Real hoping to win the Champions League for the third year in succession. "It is true that due to the distance and the cost a lot of Spaniards have not been able to come, but we must not disregard countries that are harder to get to," Ramos added. Since co-hosting Euro 2012 with Poland, Ukraine has seen Russia annex the Crimean peninsula, while Russian-backed rebels seized two eastern industrial regions. And in 2014, president Viktor Yanukovych was ousted and fled to Russia after the pro-European Maidan revolution. "Some might have been thankful if it were somewhere closer that would make it easier to get to for those who don't have the salary to pay for a ticket, a flight, or a hotel room," Ramos said. "But if this helps Ukraine bounce back as a country that would be great."

Kiyv has special place in heart, says Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad.&nbsp

Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi.&nbsp

If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate.&nbsp

After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out.&nbsp

After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes.&nbsp

Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends.&nbsp

A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'.&nbsp

Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support.&nbsp

There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real.&nbsp

Dembele injury concern

The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half.

Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup.

Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes.

Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half.&nbsp

Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele.&nbsp

Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera.&nbsp

Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward.&nbsp

Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner.&nbsp

That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish.&nbsp

Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.&nbsp

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad

Andres Iniesta waved goodbye to Barcelona on Sunday and his supposed successor scored the winner as Philippe Coutinho's superb strike sealed a 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad. Iniesta, with a tear in his eye, walked off to a standing ovation from the Camp Nou when substituted in the second half, having unfastened his captain's armband and handed it to Lionel Messi. If Messi is to become Barca's new leader, Coutinho is the player marked out to assume Iniesta's creative responsibilities and it was perhaps fitting the Brazilian proved the difference on a night almost entirely devoted to his 34-year-old team-mate. After his number eight had come up on the fourth official's board, Iniesta first hugged Messi and then embraced the rest of his colleagues. He clapped the crowd, blew them a kiss, before exhaling and ducking into the dug-out. After 22 years at the club and 16 in the first team, Iniesta's 674 appearances for Barcelona is bettered only by Xavi Hernandez, who was also on the pitch before kick-off to join in the tributes. Real Sociedad welcomed Iniesta with a guard of honour while the crowd formed an impressive mosaic to spell out 'Infinit Iniesta' on the two sides of the Camp Nou, with an infinity symbol, doubling up as number eights, at the ends. A giant flag behind one of the goals read 'Gracies Per Tant', 'thank you for so much'. Iniesta exchanged pennants with Xabi Prieto, the 34-year-old midfielder who is also calling time after 15 years in the first team of Real Sociedad. Prieto came on in the 88th minute to great appreciation from the visiting support. There was also a football match to win and Barcelona's victory means they finish top of La Liga on 93 points, 14 ahead of their nearest rivals Atletico Madrid and 17 clear of Real. Dembele injury concern The one blot on the night was an injury to Ousmane Dembele, who had to go off in the 53rd minute after sustaining an injury to his right foot towards the end of the first half. Dembele was seen being handed an ice pack on the bench, with France now facing an anxious wait for the diagnosis before the start of the World Cup. Ernesto Valverde stayed true to his word that he would rest Messi, who only came on for the final 23 minutes. Early on, Gerard Pique miscued when left free at a corner and Ivan Rakitic headed wide but otherwise Real Sociedad were fairly comfortable in the first half. Nelson Semedo wanted a penalty after he was tripped by Alberto De La Bella and Luis Suarez wanted a harsher punishment when Raul Navas lunged in on Dembele. Navas, nowhere near the ball, caught Dembele's right foot and Suarez was booked for his complaints to referee Jose Munuera. Dembele finished the half but was taken off shortly after the interval as Denis Suarez came on to replace the French forward. Coutinho's goal came rather out of the blue but was no less impressive for the fact as he wiggled his way into space on the left of the penalty area and curled a trademark shot inside the far corner. That was his last significant contribution before being replaced by Messi, who almost set up a second only for Denis Suarez to squander the finish. Finally, Iniesta was replaced in the 82nd minute by Paco Alcacer and the fans did not stop chanting the veteran's name until the final whistle blew.

Andres Iniesta bows out with Barca win thanks to brilliant Coutinho strike

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.

A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings.

According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy.

When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know.

"For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy.

"It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy.

"We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow."

Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007.

The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February.

"There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game."

Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season.

"At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad.

"We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte said he is focused on making sure his side finish the season with a trophy in Saturday's FA Cup final against Manchester United rather than commenting on speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge. A 3-0 defeat at Newcastle United on the final day of the Premier League season ended Chelsea's hopes of Champions League qualification as they finished fifth in the standings. According to British media reports, Conte is expected to leave the London side at the end of the campaign after disagreements with the club hierarchy over transfer policy. When asked if the final at Wembley will be his last game with Chelsea, Conte said: "I don't know. "For sure I think we must be focused on tomorrow's game. For us this game is very important because we have, in a difficult season, to finish the season with a trophy. "It's always important for the players, for the coach, for the manager, for our fans, for the club, to finish the season with a trophy. "We're focused on this target. We have to try to do everything to win the game tomorrow." Saturday's clash pits Conte against United manager Jose Mourinho, who won the FA Cup with Chelsea in 2007. The duo have been involved in a war of words since the start of last season but they shook hands during their league meeting at Old Trafford in February. "There is a normal relationship between him and me," Conte added. "I will shake his hand tomorrow, for sure. And then we will think about the game." Chelsea playmaker Eden Hazard believes victory at Wembley can salvage a disappointing season. "At the moment we have nothing," the 27-year-old Belgian told reporters. "We are not qualified for the Champions League next season, so this season has been bad. "We can save a little bit of the season with this trophy, so we will give everything. I never won the FA Cup in six years. I hope this year is for me and for Chelsea."

Antonio Conte focused on securing FA Cup success amid Chelsea exit talk

David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday.

The 55-year-old former Everton and Manchester United boss arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' top-flight status, which he achieved.

"I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," said joint-chairman David Sullivan.

"When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future," he added.

"Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction."

Sullivan said the club, who finished 13th in the Premier League, aims to appoint a "high-calibre" successor within the next 10 days.

David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday

David Moyes has left West Ham following the end of his short-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Wednesday. The 55-year-old former Everton and Manchester United boss arrived at London Stadium in November, with the sole objective of ensuring the Hammers' top-flight status, which he achieved. "I would like to place on record my sincere thanks to David Moyes and his staff for achieving the target of keeping West Ham United in the Premier League," said joint-chairman David Sullivan. "When David and his team arrived, it was the wish of both parties that the focus be only on the six months until the end of the season, at which point a decision would be made with regards to the future," he added. "Having taken stock of the situation and reflected now the campaign is complete, we feel that it is right to move in a different direction." Sullivan said the club, who finished 13th in the Premier League, aims to appoint a "high-calibre" successor within the next 10 days.

David Moyes leaves West Ham, club seek 'high-calibre' successor

Mohamed Salah's clinical first-half strike against Brighton helped confirm Liverpool's presence in the next season of Champions League.

Salah also broke the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season by scoring 32 goals. He also has scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term.

After winning the Premier League Golden Boot, Salah was celebrating on the Anfield turf with teammates.

While the Twitterati were awestruck after watching Salah playing with his beautiful daughter in the video that has gone viral on social networking sites.

Salah was taking pictures with his trophy and meanwhile, his four-year-old daughter Makka Mohamed Salah showed off her dribbling skills and earned the biggest cheers from the crowd.

When Mo Salah cheekily took the ball, he was jokingly booed from the stands.

Watch the cute video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A family affair as Mo Salah and his daughter take centre stage at Anfield <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/o7fi0jtgIH">pic.twitter.com/o7fi0jtgIH</a>
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/995696888476250112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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I think you’ll love this video from the Anfield gantry. Mo Salah’s daughter stole the show. That moment when she realises that the entire crowd are cheering her! Then Daddy gets booed whilst holding his Golden Boot. Brilliant. ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoSalah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoSalah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/QhUkRqYhL5">pic.twitter.com/QhUkRqYhL5</a>
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/arlowhite/status/995710221711536129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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See how Twitter reacted to the video of Mo Salah playing with his daughter:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Can't believe after 44 goals in his debut season, Mo Salah found a way to get booed at Anfield haha. 
 
Turns out the only person more popular than Mo Salah, is Mo Salah's daughter.
— Justin???? (@JuzaShannon) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuzaShannon/status/995722624868249600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Well <a href="https://twitter.com/MoSalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoSalah</a> could never have thought he would be upstaged at Anfield this season, but his daughter Makka has just done exactly that. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a>
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaddockMirror/status/995696891504586753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Definitely a future candidate for <a href="https://twitter.com/theofficialfwa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theofficialfwa</a> Women's Footballer Of The Year. ... <a href="https://t.co/kzld68hEnW">https://t.co/kzld68hEnW</a>
— Patrick Barclay (@paddybarclay) <a href="https://twitter.com/paddybarclay/status/995905837318144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Mohamed Salah won the Premier League Golden Boot

Mohamed Salah's clinical first-half strike against Brighton helped confirm Liverpool's presence in the next season of Champions League. Salah also broke the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season by scoring 32 goals. He also has scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term. After winning the Premier League Golden Boot, Salah was celebrating on the Anfield turf with teammates. While the Twitterati were awestruck after watching Salah playing with his beautiful daughter in the video that has gone viral on social networking sites. Salah was taking pictures with his trophy and meanwhile, his four-year-old daughter Makka Mohamed Salah showed off her dribbling skills and earned the biggest cheers from the crowd. When Mo Salah cheekily took the ball, he was jokingly booed from the stands. Watch the cute video here: A family affair as Mo Salah and his daughter take centre stage at Anfield #LFC pic.twitter.com/o7fi0jtgIH — Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) May 13, 2018 × I think you’ll love this video from the Anfield gantry. Mo Salah’s daughter stole the show. That moment when she realises that the entire crowd are cheering her! Then Daddy gets booed whilst holding his Golden Boot. Brilliant. ?? #MoSalah #LFC pic.twitter.com/QhUkRqYhL5 — Arlo White (@arlowhite) May 13, 2018 × See how Twitter reacted to the video of Mo Salah playing with his daughter: Can't believe after 44 goals in his debut season, Mo Salah found a way to get booed at Anfield haha. Turns out the only person more popular than Mo Salah, is Mo Salah's daughter. — Justin???? (@JuzaShannon) May 13, 2018 × Well @MoSalah could never have thought he would be upstaged at Anfield this season, but his daughter Makka has just done exactly that. #LFC — David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) May 13, 2018 × Definitely a future candidate for @theofficialfwa Women's Footballer Of The Year. ... https://t.co/kzld68hEnW — Patrick Barclay (@paddybarclay) May 14, 2018 ×

Watch: Mohamed Salah's 4-year-old daughter shows off dribbling skills at Anfield

Mohamed Salah's clinical first-half strike against Brighton helped confirm Liverpool's presence in the next season of Champions League.

Salah also broke the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season by scoring 32 goals. He also has scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term.

After winning the Premier League Golden Boot, Salah was celebrating on the Anfield turf with teammates.

The Twitterati were awestruck after watching Salah playing with his beautiful daughter in the video that has gone viral on social networking sites.

He was taking pictures with his trophy and meanwhile, his four-year-old daughter Makka Mohamed Salah showed off her dribbling skills and earned the biggest cheers from the crowd.

When Mo Salah cheekily took the ball, he was jokingly booed from the stands.

Watch the cute video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A family affair as Mo Salah and his daughter take centre stage at Anfield <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/o7fi0jtgIH">pic.twitter.com/o7fi0jtgIH</a>
— Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) <a href="https://twitter.com/RichardBuxton_/status/995696888476250112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I think you’ll love this video from the Anfield gantry. Mo Salah’s daughter stole the show. That moment when she realises that the entire crowd are cheering her! Then Daddy gets booed whilst holding his Golden Boot. Brilliant. ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MoSalah?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MoSalah</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/QhUkRqYhL5">pic.twitter.com/QhUkRqYhL5</a>
— Arlo White (@arlowhite) <a href="https://twitter.com/arlowhite/status/995710221711536129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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See how Twitter reacted to the video of Mo Salah playing with his daughter:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Can't believe after 44 goals in his debut season, Mo Salah found a way to get booed at Anfield haha. 
 
Turns out the only person more popular than Mo Salah, is Mo Salah's daughter.
— Justin???? (@JuzaShannon) <a href="https://twitter.com/JuzaShannon/status/995722624868249600?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Well <a href="https://twitter.com/MoSalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoSalah</a> could never have thought he would be upstaged at Anfield this season, but his daughter Makka has just done exactly that. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LFC</a>
— David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaddockMirror/status/995696891504586753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Definitely a future candidate for <a href="https://twitter.com/theofficialfwa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@theofficialfwa</a> Women's Footballer Of The Year. ... <a href="https://t.co/kzld68hEnW">https://t.co/kzld68hEnW</a>
— Patrick Barclay (@paddybarclay) <a href="https://twitter.com/paddybarclay/status/995905837318144000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Mohamed Salah's clinical first-half strike against Brighton helped confirm Liverpool's presence in the next season of Champions League. Salah also broke the record for most goals scored in a 38-game Premier League season by scoring 32 goals. He also has scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term. After winning the Premier League Golden Boot, Salah was celebrating on the Anfield turf with teammates. The Twitterati were awestruck after watching Salah playing with his beautiful daughter in the video that has gone viral on social networking sites. He was taking pictures with his trophy and meanwhile, his four-year-old daughter Makka Mohamed Salah showed off her dribbling skills and earned the biggest cheers from the crowd. When Mo Salah cheekily took the ball, he was jokingly booed from the stands. Watch the cute video here: A family affair as Mo Salah and his daughter take centre stage at Anfield #LFC pic.twitter.com/o7fi0jtgIH — Richard Buxton (@RichardBuxton_) May 13, 2018 × I think you’ll love this video from the Anfield gantry. Mo Salah’s daughter stole the show. That moment when she realises that the entire crowd are cheering her! Then Daddy gets booed whilst holding his Golden Boot. Brilliant. ?? #MoSalah #LFC pic.twitter.com/QhUkRqYhL5 — Arlo White (@arlowhite) May 13, 2018 × See how Twitter reacted to the video of Mo Salah playing with his daughter: Can't believe after 44 goals in his debut season, Mo Salah found a way to get booed at Anfield haha. Turns out the only person more popular than Mo Salah, is Mo Salah's daughter. — Justin???? (@JuzaShannon) May 13, 2018 × Well @MoSalah could never have thought he would be upstaged at Anfield this season, but his daughter Makka has just done exactly that. #LFC — David Maddock (@MaddockMirror) May 13, 2018 × Definitely a future candidate for @theofficialfwa Women's Footballer Of The Year. ... https://t.co/kzld68hEnW — Patrick Barclay (@paddybarclay) May 14, 2018 ×

Mohamed Salah scored a record-breaking 32nd goal of the Premier League season on Sunday as the Liverpool star set a new mark for the most goals in a 38-game campaign.

Salah went into the last day of the season at Anfield with a share of the record alongside Alan Shearer (Blackburn in 1995-96), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United in 2007-08) and Luis Suarez (Liverpool in 2013-14).

But Egypt forward needed only 26 minutes to make the record his personal property as he produced a clinical left-footed finish from inside the Brighton penalty area.

Salah, who was voted the Premier League's Player of the Year earlier in the day, has now scored 44 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season.

Shearer (Newcastle in 1993-94) and Andy Cole (Manchester United in 1993-94) jointly hold the Premier League record of 34 goals in a 42-match season.

&nbsp

Mohamed Salah scored a record-breaking 32nd goal of the Premier League season

Mohamed Salah scored a record-breaking 32nd goal of the Premier League season on Sunday as the Liverpool star set a new mark for the most goals in a 38-game campaign. Salah went into the last day of the season at Anfield with a share of the record alongside Alan Shearer (Blackburn in 1995-96), Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United in 2007-08) and Luis Suarez (Liverpool in 2013-14). But Egypt forward needed only 26 minutes to make the record his personal property as he produced a clinical left-footed finish from inside the Brighton penalty area. Salah, who was voted the Premier League's Player of the Year earlier in the day, has now scored 44 goals in 51 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool this season. Shearer (Newcastle in 1993-94) and Andy Cole (Manchester United in 1993-94) jointly hold the Premier League record of 34 goals in a 42-match season.

Mohamed Salah sets new Premier League goal tally

The spat over Saudi Arabia's refusal to support a Moroccan bid for the hosting rights of the 2026 World Cup tells the tale of the rise of individual country nationalism at the expense of Arab solidarity, Saudi determination to safeguard its alliance with the United States at whatever cost, and creeping Saudi and UAE efforts to strongarm countries into supporting their 11-month old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar.

In the latest round of the spat, Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Sports Authority and a close associate of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, broke with the decades-old, often farcical, principle of Arab solidarity, by suggesting that the kingdom would support a US-led rather than a Moroccan bid for the 2026 World Cup.

Adopting a Saudi Arabia First approach, Mr. Al-Sheikh noted that the United States "is our biggest and strongest ally." He recalled that when the World Cup was played in 1994 in nine American cities, the US "was one of our favourites. The fans were numerous, and the Saudi team achieved good results."

In an earlier tweet, Mr&nbsp;Al-Sheikh, noting that none of the contenders for the 2026 bid had sought Saudi support, said that "if someone ever asks, we will look for Saudi Arabia’s interests first."

Mr&nbsp;Al-Sheikh's Saudi Arabia First stance reflected Prince Mohammed's efforts to emphasise Saudi nationalism as a compliment, if not replacement of religion as his regime’s legitimising ideology.

Applying the principle to soccer, takes on added significance given the fact that few other things parallel the depth of emotion that religion evokes in what is a soccer-crazy part of the world.

Underscoring the importance of soccer, Saudi businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, in one of his first public acts after being released from three months of detention in Riyadh's Ritz Carlton hotel and in a demonstration of fealty to Prince Mohammed, donated in February $533,000 to Saudi soccer club Al-Hilal FC.

Prince Alwaleed, who was among the more recalcitrant of the hundreds of members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family, senior officials, and prominent businessmen detained last November in what amounted to a power and asset grab under the mum of an anti-corruption campaign, said the donation was in response to a call by the government.

Mr. Al-Sheikh's apparent support for a joint US-Canadian-Mexican bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup followed a veiled threat by President Donald J. Trump, in violation of guidelines regarding the political influence of world soccer body FIFA, against nations that may oppose the US-led proposition.

Morocco is the US-led bid's only competitor. FIFA is scheduled to choose the 2026 host on June 13.

"The US&nbsp;has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?" Mr. Trump said on Twitter.

"We will be watching very closely, and any help they can give us in that bid we would appreciate," Mr. Trump added, implicitly linking support for the US-led bid to trade issues.

In his own tweets, Mr. Al-Sheikh made clear that Saudi support for the US-led bid was about more than preserving the kingdom's alliance with the United States.

He suggested that it was yet another indication of an attempt to strongarm countries into supporting the boycott of Qatar that has failed to garner international support and punish those who opposed it.

Morocco, despite close security, military and economic ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has refused to take sides in the Gulf conflict and has offered to mediate. As Qatar was scrambling last June to ensure food imports in the days that immediately followed the declaration of the boycott and the cutting of land, air and sea links, Morocco sent several planeloads of supplies to the Gulf state.

"Some people went astray. If you want to support, you should seek it in Riyadh. What you are doing is wasting your time. Now ask the pseudo-state to help you. A message from the Gulf to the Ocean," Mr. Al-Sheikh tweeted several weeks ago, referring to Qatar in derogatory terms and the fact that Morocco’s shores are on the Atlantic Ocean.

Adding insult to injury, Mr. Al-Sheikh posted his tweet at the very moment that his aide and namesake, Talal Al Sheikh, was meeting in the Moroccan capital of Rabat with the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, Faouzi Lekjaa.

The linking of Saudi Arabia’s position on the World Cup came on the heels of the kingdom’s efforts to force prominent, multi-national financial institutions to take sides in the Gulf dispute. The Saudi push persuaded JP Morgan and HSBC to refrain from participating last month in a $12 billion Qatari bond sale.

The Saudi-Moroccan spat is the latest incident in which the World Cup has become a battleground in the Gulf crisis.

In an indication of the importance, Gulf leaders attribute to Qatar’s ability to garner soft power with its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, Dubai security chief Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan suggested in October that the UAE-Saudi-led boycott would be lifted if the Gulf state surrendered its hosting rights.

That may have been an overstatement by the notoriously bombastic law enforcement official, but nonetheless reflected thinking about the political importance of sports in Qatar and among its detractors.

The Saudi-Moroccan spat goes, however, beyond the political significance of soccer in the Gulf. It symbolizes the end of a post-colonial era in the Middle East in which Arab states look out for their individual interests rather than perceive themselves as a true bloc in anything but name. That may be a healthy development, albeit one that promises even greater fracturing in an already deeply divided part of the world.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

A Saudi Moroccan soccer spat speaks volumes about the depth of change in the Arab world

The spat over Saudi Arabia's refusal to support a Moroccan bid for the hosting rights of the 2026 World Cup tells the tale of the rise of individual country nationalism at the expense of Arab solidarity, Saudi determination to safeguard its alliance with the United States at whatever cost, and creeping Saudi and UAE efforts to strongarm countries into supporting their 11-month old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar. In the latest round of the spat, Turki Al-Sheikh, the head of Saudi Arabia's General Sports Authority and a close associate of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, broke with the decades-old, often farcical, principle of Arab solidarity, by suggesting that the kingdom would support a US-led rather than a Moroccan bid for the 2026 World Cup. Adopting a Saudi Arabia First approach, Mr. Al-Sheikh noted that the United States "is our biggest and strongest ally." He recalled that when the World Cup was played in 1994 in nine American cities, the US "was one of our favourites. The fans were numerous, and the Saudi team achieved good results." In an earlier tweet, Mr Al-Sheikh, noting that none of the contenders for the 2026 bid had sought Saudi support, said that "if someone ever asks, we will look for Saudi Arabia’s interests first." Mr Al-Sheikh's Saudi Arabia First stance reflected Prince Mohammed's efforts to emphasise Saudi nationalism as a compliment, if not replacement of religion as his regime’s legitimising ideology. Applying the principle to soccer, takes on added significance given the fact that few other things parallel the depth of emotion that religion evokes in what is a soccer-crazy part of the world. Underscoring the importance of soccer, Saudi businessman Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, in one of his first public acts after being released from three months of detention in Riyadh's Ritz Carlton hotel and in a demonstration of fealty to Prince Mohammed, donated in February $533,000 to Saudi soccer club Al-Hilal FC. Prince Alwaleed, who was among the more recalcitrant of the hundreds of members of Saudi Arabia's ruling family, senior officials, and prominent businessmen detained last November in what amounted to a power and asset grab under the mum of an anti-corruption campaign, said the donation was in response to a call by the government. Mr. Al-Sheikh's apparent support for a joint US-Canadian-Mexican bid to co-host the 2026 World Cup followed a veiled threat by President Donald J. Trump, in violation of guidelines regarding the political influence of world soccer body FIFA, against nations that may oppose the US-led proposition. Morocco is the US-led bid's only competitor. FIFA is scheduled to choose the 2026 host on June 13. "The US has put together a STRONG bid w/ Canada & Mexico for the 2026 World Cup. It would be a shame if countries that we always support were to lobby against the U.S. bid. Why should we be supporting these countries when they don’t support us (including at the United Nations)?" Mr. Trump said on Twitter. "We will be watching very closely, and any help they can give us in that bid we would appreciate," Mr. Trump added, implicitly linking support for the US-led bid to trade issues. In his own tweets, Mr. Al-Sheikh made clear that Saudi support for the US-led bid was about more than preserving the kingdom's alliance with the United States. He suggested that it was yet another indication of an attempt to strongarm countries into supporting the boycott of Qatar that has failed to garner international support and punish those who opposed it. Morocco, despite close security, military and economic ties to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, has refused to take sides in the Gulf conflict and has offered to mediate. As Qatar was scrambling last June to ensure food imports in the days that immediately followed the declaration of the boycott and the cutting of land, air and sea links, Morocco sent several planeloads of supplies to the Gulf state. "Some people went astray. If you want to support, you should seek it in Riyadh. What you are doing is wasting your time. Now ask the pseudo-state to help you. A message from the Gulf to the Ocean," Mr. Al-Sheikh tweeted several weeks ago, referring to Qatar in derogatory terms and the fact that Morocco’s shores are on the Atlantic Ocean. Adding insult to injury, Mr. Al-Sheikh posted his tweet at the very moment that his aide and namesake, Talal Al Sheikh, was meeting in the Moroccan capital of Rabat with the president of the Moroccan Football Federation, Faouzi Lekjaa. The linking of Saudi Arabia’s position on the World Cup came on the heels of the kingdom’s efforts to force prominent, multi-national financial institutions to take sides in the Gulf dispute. The Saudi push persuaded JP Morgan and HSBC to refrain from participating last month in a $12 billion Qatari bond sale. The Saudi-Moroccan spat is the latest incident in which the World Cup has become a battleground in the Gulf crisis. In an indication of the importance, Gulf leaders attribute to Qatar’s ability to garner soft power with its hosting of the 2022 World Cup, Dubai security chief Lt. Gen. Dhahi Khalfan suggested in October that the UAE-Saudi-led boycott would be lifted if the Gulf state surrendered its hosting rights. That may have been an overstatement by the notoriously bombastic law enforcement official, but nonetheless reflected thinking about the political importance of sports in Qatar and among its detractors. The Saudi-Moroccan spat goes, however, beyond the political significance of soccer in the Gulf. It symbolizes the end of a post-colonial era in the Middle East in which Arab states look out for their individual interests rather than perceive themselves as a true bloc in anything but name. That may be a healthy development, albeit one that promises even greater fracturing in an already deeply divided part of the world. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Saudi Moroccan soccer spat symbolises the Arab world’s new politics

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations.

The Argentine, who was sent off in the first leg of Atletico’s 2-1 aggregate Europa League semi-final victory over Arsenal, received a four-game suspension from European&nbspsoccer’s governing body for the incident which led to him being sent to the stands.

Simeone, 48, has served the first match of the ban and local media reported that he will contest the punishment, which if upheld would mean he cannot sit in the dugout during the final against Olympique de Marseille on May 16 in Lyon.

“UEFA needs to have a look at how difficult it is to play the second leg at home, with your opponent having 30 extra minutes in which one of their goals counts double when as the home side you don’t have this advantage," Simeone told a news conference on Saturday.

“I invite those within sporting justice to have a look at this. There’s no reason that the side playing the second leg away from home should have 30 extra minutes and the chance to score a more valuable goal.

“I’m sure they’re very capable of seeing it and it’d help it be more even for everyone because if not, injustices start to appear.”

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations. The Argentine, who was sent off in the first leg of Atletico’s 2-1 aggregate Europa League semi-final victory over Arsenal, received a four-game suspension from European&nbspsoccer’s governing body for the incident which led to him being sent to the stands. Simeone, 48, has served the first match of the ban and local media reported that he will contest the punishment, which if upheld would mean he cannot sit in the dugout during the final against Olympique de Marseille on May 16 in Lyon. “UEFA needs to have a look at how difficult it is to play the second leg at home, with your opponent having 30 extra minutes in which one of their goals counts double when as the home side you don’t have this advantage," Simeone told a news conference on Saturday. “I invite those within sporting justice to have a look at this. There’s no reason that the side playing the second leg away from home should have 30 extra minutes and the chance to score a more valuable goal. “I’m sure they’re very capable of seeing it and it’d help it be more even for everyone because if not, injustices start to appear.”

Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule

Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday after their dismal season culminated in them giving up a first-half lead against Crystal Palace before succumbing to a deserved 2-1 defeat.

The Potters had to win to give themselves the faintest hope of maintaining their 10-year stay in the top tier of the English game but Paul Lambert's ailing side, who have not won in 13 league matches, went down to a late Patrick van Aanholt goal.

Xherdan Shaqiri had given Stoke hope with a deflected 43rd- minute free kick, only for James McArthur to equalise midway through the second half after a slick counter-attack.

Then, as Palace piled on the pressure, Van Aanholt struck four minutes from time as Stoke's worst run in the top flight for 34 years sealed their fate while Roy Hodgson's resurgent Palace could celebrate another year of Premier League football.

A crestfallen Ryan Shawcross, Stoke's captain whose late mistake led to Van Aanholt's goal, admitted his team had not been good enough all season.

"We've had a right go every single game (under Lambert) but for whatever reason, we haven't got the goals we needed and ultimately it's cost us," he told Sky Sports.

"It's difficult to take but it's a great club this and we'll be back."

With Palace not at their sharpest in a nervy opening half, it took the quality of Shaqiri to break the deadlock as he began a promising move with a fine cross-field ball, then tempted Ruben Loftus-Cheek into a clumsy challenge 23 metres out.

The Swiss international's curled free-kick took a slight diversion off Loftus-Cheek in the Palace wall to give Stoke a lifeline.

Yet the home side increasingly retreated as Palace began to swarm over them after the interval, with McArthur, overlapping on the left, slotting home an excellent left-footed finish after the visitors broke from deep in their own half.

A draw would not realistically have been enough to save Stoke but their fate was sealed when Shawcross, trying to clear his lines, diverted the ball straight into the path of the charging fullback Van Aanholt.

"The goal was my fault. Sometimes you make mistakes and they cost you," said Shawcross.

The win sealed Palace's safety, a remarkable achievement for former England manager Hodgson, who had to pull off a considerable feat of escapology after the Eagles' desperate start to the season under Frank de Boer.

Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday after their dismal season culminated in them giving up a first-half lead against Crystal Palace before succumbing to a deserved 2-1 defeat

Stoke City were relegated from the Premier League on Saturday after their dismal season culminated in them giving up a first-half lead against Crystal Palace before succumbing to a deserved 2-1 defeat. The Potters had to win to give themselves the faintest hope of maintaining their 10-year stay in the top tier of the English game but Paul Lambert's ailing side, who have not won in 13 league matches, went down to a late Patrick van Aanholt goal. Xherdan Shaqiri had given Stoke hope with a deflected 43rd- minute free kick, only for James McArthur to equalise midway through the second half after a slick counter-attack. Then, as Palace piled on the pressure, Van Aanholt struck four minutes from time as Stoke's worst run in the top flight for 34 years sealed their fate while Roy Hodgson's resurgent Palace could celebrate another year of Premier League football. A crestfallen Ryan Shawcross, Stoke's captain whose late mistake led to Van Aanholt's goal, admitted his team had not been good enough all season. "We've had a right go every single game (under Lambert) but for whatever reason, we haven't got the goals we needed and ultimately it's cost us," he told Sky Sports. "It's difficult to take but it's a great club this and we'll be back." With Palace not at their sharpest in a nervy opening half, it took the quality of Shaqiri to break the deadlock as he began a promising move with a fine cross-field ball, then tempted Ruben Loftus-Cheek into a clumsy challenge 23 metres out. The Swiss international's curled free-kick took a slight diversion off Loftus-Cheek in the Palace wall to give Stoke a lifeline. Yet the home side increasingly retreated as Palace began to swarm over them after the interval, with McArthur, overlapping on the left, slotting home an excellent left-footed finish after the visitors broke from deep in their own half. A draw would not realistically have been enough to save Stoke but their fate was sealed when Shawcross, trying to clear his lines, diverted the ball straight into the path of the charging fullback Van Aanholt. "The goal was my fault. Sometimes you make mistakes and they cost you," said Shawcross. The win sealed Palace's safety, a remarkable achievement for former England manager Hodgson, who had to pull off a considerable feat of escapology after the Eagles' desperate start to the season under Frank de Boer.

Stoke City relegated from Premier League after 2-1 loss to Crystal Palace

The backbone of FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta has announced on Friday that he will leave the&nbsp;club at the end of the season.

Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna.

From past few months, there were speculations that 33-year old might leave Barca and Spanish media reported that he will move to Chinese Super League.

On Friday, Iniesta addressed a press conference and with teary eyes, he said that he will leave Barcelona. The Spain international broke down in tears at Barcelona's training ground with all his teammates present and a packed press room burst into applause when he finished his opening statement.

As per the media reports, Iniesta will join a CSL giant Chongqing Dangdai Lifan.

Recently, Barcelona won the Spanish King's Cup and Iniesta was crying in the concluding minutes.

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Andres Iniesta has announced on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season

The backbone of FC Barcelona, Andres Iniesta has announced on Friday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. Barcelona captain Iniesta has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou and has lifted 31 trophies and it is expected that the count will increase to 32 as Barca will clinch the Liga title on Sunday at Deportivo La Coruna. From past few months, there were speculations that 33-year old might leave Barca and Spanish media reported that he will move to Chinese Super League. On Friday, Iniesta addressed a press conference and with teary eyes, he said that he will leave Barcelona. The Spain international broke down in tears at Barcelona's training ground with all his teammates present and a packed press room burst into applause when he finished his opening statement. As per the media reports, Iniesta will join a CSL giant Chongqing Dangdai Lifan. Recently, Barcelona won the Spanish King's Cup and Iniesta was crying in the concluding minutes. ×

Watch: End of an era as Iniesta says 'goodbye' to FC Barcelona

Brazilian football chief President Marco Polo Del Nero has been banned from football for life by FIFA's ethics committee for bribery, the global soccer body said on Friday.

FIFA said that Del Nero had been investigated over "schemes in which he received bribes in exchange for his role in awarding contracts to companies for the media and marketing rights to various football tournaments."

In doing so, he violated ethics rules on bribery, offering and accepting gifts, loyalty, conflict of interest and general rules of conduct, FIFA said.

Del Nero, a former member of FIFA's executive committee, could not immediately be reached for comment although he has previously denied wrongdoing.

He was among several dozen soccer officials and sports marketing executives indicted in the United States in 2015 in a corruption scandal that sparked the biggest crisis in FIFA’s history.

Brazil does not allow the extradition of its own citizens and Del Nero had remained as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) until the FIFA provisionally suspended him in December.

Brazilian football chief President Marco Polo Del Nero has been banned from football for life by FIFA's ethics committee for bribery, the global soccer body

Brazilian football chief President Marco Polo Del Nero has been banned from football for life by FIFA's ethics committee for bribery, the global soccer body said on Friday. FIFA said that Del Nero had been investigated over "schemes in which he received bribes in exchange for his role in awarding contracts to companies for the media and marketing rights to various football tournaments." In doing so, he violated ethics rules on bribery, offering and accepting gifts, loyalty, conflict of interest and general rules of conduct, FIFA said. Del Nero, a former member of FIFA's executive committee, could not immediately be reached for comment although he has previously denied wrongdoing. He was among several dozen soccer officials and sports marketing executives indicted in the United States in 2015 in a corruption scandal that sparked the biggest crisis in FIFA’s history. Brazil does not allow the extradition of its own citizens and Del Nero had remained as president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) until the FIFA provisionally suspended him in December.

Brazilian football boss Del Nero gets life ban

The Swedish FA have officially confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be coming out of international retirement for FIFA World Cup 2018.

"I spoke to Zlatan on Tuesday, and he said that he hasn't changed his mind about the national team - it's a no," Lasse Richt, chief of staff for the national team, said in a statement.

There were speculations that Sweden's record goalscorer Ibrahimovic might overturn his decision and mark a comeback in the 21st football World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Russia.

Zlatan had retired in the year 2016 after the 2016 European Championships in France and been plagued by a knee injury for almost a year.

Recently he played brilliantly his debut match for MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy against Los Angeles FC and scored a stunner.

"Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in that case, for the same reason as with previous national team gatherings, not under consideration for the World Cup squad that national team coach Janne Andersson will announce on May 15," the statement went on.

Sweden booted out Italy to qualify for the World Cup and was placed on Group F campaign with South Korea, Germany and Mexico.

The Swedish FA have officially confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be coming out of international retirement for FIFA World Cup 2018

The Swedish FA have officially confirmed that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will not be coming out of international retirement for FIFA World Cup 2018. "I spoke to Zlatan on Tuesday, and he said that he hasn't changed his mind about the national team - it's a no," Lasse Richt, chief of staff for the national team, said in a statement. There were speculations that Sweden's record goalscorer Ibrahimovic might overturn his decision and mark a comeback in the 21st football World Cup which is scheduled to take place in Russia. Zlatan had retired in the year 2016 after the 2016 European Championships in France and been plagued by a knee injury for almost a year. Recently he played brilliantly his debut match for MLS club Los Angeles Galaxy against Los Angeles FC and scored a stunner. "Zlatan Ibrahimovic is in that case, for the same reason as with previous national team gatherings, not under consideration for the World Cup squad that national team coach Janne Andersson will announce on May 15," the statement went on. Sweden booted out Italy to qualify for the World Cup and was placed on Group F campaign with South Korea, Germany and Mexico.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic wont play in FIFA 2018, says Swedish FA

Liverpool blew AS Roma defence into pieces as the Reds defeated&nbsp;visitors 5-2 in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield.

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early 2-0 lead to Juergen Klopp's side.

Lead was then further extend by&nbsp;Roberto Firmino as he ripped Roma apart after the break by scoring two more goals.

Sadio Mane scored one more goal to make it&nbsp;5-0 up for Liverpool but two late Roma goals, however, gave&nbsp;the Italians some relaxation as they tried to forfeit the deficit to some extent.

Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to save some excitement for the second leg game.

As the fans would expect AS Roma to repeat the quarter-finals heroics that booted out Spanish&nbsp;giants FC Barcelona from the tournament when they&nbsp;came back from 4-1 down to beat Barca&nbsp;in the round of eight.

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It's half-time in the tie. Another big 90 minutes in Rome await. 
 
Up the Reds! ? <a href="https://t.co/LeSwh7tVzl">pic.twitter.com/LeSwh7tVzl</a>
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LFC/status/988879501043077120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/mosalah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@mosalah</a>'s latest attacking masterclass helped establish a 5-2 lead in our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> semi-final first leg. 
 
Our take on tonight's seven-goal thriller → <a href="https://t.co/HcXakqONx2">https://t.co/HcXakqONx2</a> <a href="https://t.co/4gkoCOxlnF">pic.twitter.com/4gkoCOxlnF</a>
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Edin Džeko has now scored in 4 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UCL?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UCL</a> games in a row. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/Pt4OLDxIPK">pic.twitter.com/Pt4OLDxIPK</a>
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/988879056207740929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Mo Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early lead to Juergen Klopp's side

Liverpool blew AS Roma defence into pieces as the Reds defeated visitors 5-2 in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday at Anfield. Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah struck twice in the first half to give an early 2-0 lead to Juergen Klopp's side. Lead was then further extend by Roberto Firmino as he ripped Roma apart after the break by scoring two more goals. Sadio Mane scored one more goal to make it 5-0 up for Liverpool but two late Roma goals, however, gave the Italians some relaxation as they tried to forfeit the deficit to some extent. Edin Dzeko struck for the visitors in the 81st minute and four minutes later Diego Perotti converted a penalty to save some excitement for the second leg game. As the fans would expect AS Roma to repeat the quarter-finals heroics that booted out Spanish giants FC Barcelona from the tournament when they came back from 4-1 down to beat Barca in the round of eight. It's half-time in the tie. Another big 90 minutes in Rome await. Up the Reds! ? pic.twitter.com/LeSwh7tVzl — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018 × .@mosalah's latest attacking masterclass helped establish a 5-2 lead in our #UCL semi-final first leg. Our take on tonight's seven-goal thriller → https://t.co/HcXakqONx2 pic.twitter.com/4gkoCOxlnF — Liverpool FC (@LFC) April 24, 2018 × Edin Džeko has now scored in 4 #UCL games in a row. ⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Pt4OLDxIPK — UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) April 24, 2018 ×

Champions League: Super Salah shines again as Liverpool beat Roma in semi-final first leg

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma.

Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday.

For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries.

Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from.

Eusebio Di Francesco: "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah."

Jurgen Klopp: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield."

Lineup (TBC):

Liverpool: Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane.

AS Roma: &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield

Liverpool host giants-killer AS Roma in the first leg of Champions League semi-finals at Anfield on Wednesday 12:15 AM. AS Roma surprised everyone after defeating Barcelona in the quarterfinals by covering a 1-4 deficit in the second leg. Also, Liverpool have reached the semis without suffering a single defeat so far in the competition and to advance to the finals, Liverpool need to defeat Mohammed Salah's former club, AS Roma. Mohammed Salah is one of the most important reasons for Liverpool's magnificent run. He has scored 41 goals in 46 appearances in all competitions for Juergen Klopp's Reds this season and was voted PFA Player of the Year by his peers on Sunday. For Liverpool, Jordan Henderson is available once again after missing the Manchester City clash due to suspension, although Joel Matip, Emre Can and Adam Lallana are still recovering from injuries. Roma rested key players such as Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi, Edin Dzeko and Daniel De Rossi at the weekend, but have a fully fit squad to choose from. Eusebio Di Francesco: "Kevin (Strootman) has become very Italian, very smart, very focused, I can assure you that we didn't prepare the match purely focused on (Mohamed) Salah. Salah is not here (at Roma) any more, but I can count on (Cengiz) Under, who's a young player, a skilled player, a great prospect, and my philosophy is to look forward, to move on. Once again, we didn't prepare the match focusing on individual players, but obviously we will give special attention to the best players, all of them, not only Salah." Jurgen Klopp: "Most people in the football world thought the last four would be Bayern, Barcelona, Real Madrid and City. Barcelona are not here because of Rome and City are not here because of us. We both deserve to be here. Maybe a lot of people think the real final should be Real Madrid v Bayern Munich but that will not happen because they are in the other semi, so one of us will go through. We really feel the opportunity. It is a big thing. We came here with not a lot of expectation. We only came here expecting to win the games. People ask me if I feel pressure. No. I only feel opportunity. I am really happy to be here and to have another big night at Anfield." Lineup (TBC): Liverpool: Karius Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, van Dijk, Robertson Milner, Henderson, Oxlade-Chamberlain Salah, Firmino, Mane. AS Roma: &nbspAlisson J. Silva, Fazio, Manolas, Peres Pellegrini, Gonalons, Gerson Nainggolan, Schick, El Shaarawy.

Champions League: Match preview of Liverpool vs AS Roma

A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month.

Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard.

"I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport.

Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net.

Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar.

The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot.

They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game.

Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday.

The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte.

Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game.

"Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United."

Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.

Chelsea will meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 in the finals of FA Cup

A flash of attacking brilliance from Olivier Giroud and an emphatic header from substitute Alvaro Morata earned&nbspChelsea&nbspa 2-0 win over struggling Southampton at Wembley on Sunday and an FA Cup final date with Manchester United next month. Giroud muscled and dribbled past three defenders and flailing keeper Alex McCarthy seconds into the second half to poke the ball home from a pass by the ever-busy Eden Hazard. "I love to play here (Wembley) and I have been unbeaten here so hopefully for the final we are going to keep it up," Giroud, whose Arsenal side beat&nbspChelsea&nbspin the final last year, told BT sport. Morata, who came on for Giroud, made it two in the 82nd minute, nodding Cesar Azpilicueta's cross into the net. Relegation-threatened Southampton were outplayed for most of the match but defended manfully during a dour first half, during which&nbspChelsea&nbspforward Willian hit the crossbar. The Saints were forced to move out of their half after Giroud's goal and came close to equalising in the 72nd minute when&nbspChelsea&nbspkeeper Willy Caballero's save kept out Nathan Redmond's rasping shot. They also had a possible goal not given when Charlie Austin was judged to have fouled the keeper. Austin then hit the post in the dying minutes of the game. Chelsea&nbspwill meet Jose Mourinho's United at Wembley on May 19 after the Manchester side beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in the first semi-final on Saturday. The clash will have added spice because of the tension between former&nbspChelsea&nbspboss Mourinho and current coach Antonio Conte. Hazard, who has played under both managers, said: "We gave everything, we played very good football especially in the second half and controlled the game. "Now we go to the final and for the championship (Premier League) again and then we can think about the final against Manchester United." Chelsea&nbspare fifth in the league but Hazard said they had not given up hope of making the top four and getting a Champions League spot as well as winning the FA Cup.

FA Cup: Chelsea beat Southampton 2-0 in semi-final

Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans.

The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job.

"I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United.

"I know that I will not get that anymore in my life."

Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience.

"I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference.

But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world.

"I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said.

Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons.

"I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said.

Fan Base

Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season.

Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg.

The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles.

"At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said.

"I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today."

He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager.

"My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.

'I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful,' says Arsene Wenger

Arsene&nbspWenger&nbspjoked on Sunday that the broad coverage of his impending departure as Arsenal manager made him feel as if he had already been to his own funeral - but he also expressed dismay at a perceived lack of unity among the club's fans. The Frenchman announced on Friday that he would be leaving Arsenal at the end of the season after nearly 22 years in the job. "I am touched by all the praise I got from all English football, and I'm grateful for having had that experience in this country ... where football is special, where the passion is special,"&nbspWenger&nbsptold reporters after a 4-1 Premier League win over West Ham United. "I know that I will not get that anymore in my life." Wenger&nbspsuggested the coverage had felt something like an out-of-body experience. "I had the feeling a little bit to assist live at my funeral because people speak about 'how you were' - so I don't need to die any more," he said, drawing a loud laugh at a packed news conference. But after numerous poorly attended home games and a damaging run of losses away from the Emirates in 2018,&nbspWenger&nbspalso said he felt Arsenal's fans in England held the club in lower esteem than their supporters around the world. "I personally believe this club is respected all over the world, much more than in England. Our fans did not give the image of unity I want at the club all over the world. That was hurtful," he said. Wenger&nbspsaid he did not resent the fans but wanted them to focus their attention on the club and not on him - suggesting he may have been upset by the "Wenger&nbspout" signs that graced the stands with growing frequency in recent seasons. "I do not want to make stupid headlines. I'm not resentful of our fans. I just feel if my personality is in the way of what I think our club is, for me that is more important than me," he said. Fan Base Wenger's relations with the club's fanbase have been increasingly rocky, particularly as Arsenal have failed to get beyond the Champions League last 16 since 2010 and failed to qualify for it all together this season. Their only route back into that competition next season is by winning the Europa League, where they face Atletico Madrid on Thursday at the Emirates in the semi-final first leg. The 68-year-old&nbspWenger&nbsprefused to say whether he would take any more managing roles. "At the minute I speak to you, I am too attached to this club to say yes to another club,"&nbspWenger said. "I cannot tell you much more because I don't want you to come back to me and say in six months 'You lied to us' - I know I did that a few times - but I don't want to be definite today." He would not be drawn on who Arsenal might pick as their next manager. "My job is to take care of the team, the results and the finances and transfers. My job is not to select the next manager," he said.

Fans did not give image of unity,  that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger

Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United in a London derby at the Emirates on Sunday.

Defender Nacho Monreal put Arsenal ahead six minutes into the second half when he fired low past Joe Hart at a corner to bring the match to life after a dull first half.

Marko Arnautovic equalised 13 minutes later when substitute midfielder Manuel Lanzini fed him on the left and the striker shot past the diving David Ospina into the bottom far corner.

Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead again in the 82nd when a mistake in the Hammers defence allowed his effort from the left edge of the box to sail into the far side of Hart’s net and Alexandre Lacazette added the third and fourth goals.

"We took a bit of time to get going. I don't want to make excuses, we weren't quite at it," Ramsey told Sky Sports. "It was important we put it right in the second half.

"I'm delighted on a personal note to score -- and more importantly get the three points."

Hart had previously kept West Ham in the match with diving saves from Xhaka and Danny Welbeck but Arsenal climbed within six points of fifth-placed Chelsea on 57 while West Ham remain in relegation trouble six points above the drop zone on 35.

Asked about Wenger's departure, Ramsey said: "It's really tough to take by the group of lads. He's believed in us and given us all these opportunities over the years.

"We're not thinking about who's coming in next -- it's about doing it for him. Winning the Europa League would be a perfect send-off for him," he told Sky Sports.

That competition is effectively Arsenal's only route back into the Champions League next season but their way is blocked by formidable opponents in the form of Atletico Madrid in the semi-final. The first leg of that fixture is on Thursday at the Emirates.

Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United

Arsenal scored three goals in the final eight minutes as manager Arsene Wenger marked his penultimate home Premier League match in charge with a crushing 4-1 win over West Ham United in a London derby at the Emirates on Sunday. Defender Nacho Monreal put Arsenal ahead six minutes into the second half when he fired low past Joe Hart at a corner to bring the match to life after a dull first half. Marko Arnautovic equalised 13 minutes later when substitute midfielder Manuel Lanzini fed him on the left and the striker shot past the diving David Ospina into the bottom far corner. Aaron Ramsey put Arsenal ahead again in the 82nd when a mistake in the Hammers defence allowed his effort from the left edge of the box to sail into the far side of Hart’s net and Alexandre Lacazette added the third and fourth goals. "We took a bit of time to get going. I don't want to make excuses, we weren't quite at it," Ramsey told Sky Sports. "It was important we put it right in the second half. "I'm delighted on a personal note to score -- and more importantly get the three points." Hart had previously kept West Ham in the match with diving saves from Xhaka and Danny Welbeck but Arsenal climbed within six points of fifth-placed Chelsea on 57 while West Ham remain in relegation trouble six points above the drop zone on 35. Asked about Wenger's departure, Ramsey said: "It's really tough to take by the group of lads. He's believed in us and given us all these opportunities over the years. "We're not thinking about who's coming in next -- it's about doing it for him. Winning the Europa League would be a perfect send-off for him," he told Sky Sports. That competition is effectively Arsenal's only route back into the Champions League next season but their way is blocked by formidable opponents in the form of Atletico Madrid in the semi-final. The first leg of that fixture is on Thursday at the Emirates.

Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Tottenham, playing on the ground which has been their temporary home all season, got off to a dream start when Dele Alli scored from close range but Sanchez maintained his superb record at Wembley with a headed equaliser.

A tight game was settled just past the hour mark when Ander Herrera fired United in front.

While United, who will play in their 20th FA Cup final, can look forward to the prospect of finishing the season with some silverware, Tottenham must pick themselves up after an eighth successive semi-final loss in the competition.

Standing between United and a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph will be Chelsea or Southampton, who play on Sunday.

"We deserve it. If we split the match into periods we were the best team for many of these periods," United manager Jose Mourinho, bidding for a third trophy for United since taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, said.

"We lost control after the 1-0. At halftime we spoke -- we came back late for the second half because we spoke a lot -- and organised ourselves."

Sanchez, who has struggled to hit the heights since joining United from Tottenham`s arch-rivals Arsenal in January, finds Wembley an inspiring backdrop and took his goal tally there for club and country to eight with a tireless display.

Yet it was Tottenham, looking for a first trophy for 10 years and something tangible to show for all the exciting progress made under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who dominated early on.

The white end of Wembley erupted after 10 minutes when a sweeping move ended with Alli putting Spurs in front.

Central defender Davinson Sanchez, who kept the experienced Toby Alderweireld on the bench, curled a pass down the line to Christian Eriksen and the Danish playmaker`s precise cross was stabbed home by Alli at the back post.

United were rocking as Eriksen fired wide from another slick Spurs move while Harry Kane just failed to connect with Son Heung-min`s teasing cross.

Crucial Intervention

Alli was also denied a second as Phil Jones made a crucial intervention while at the other end Romelu Lukaku headed over after a rare United foray forward.

United, however, weathered the storm and were level after 24 minutes. Mousa Dembele was out-muscled by Paul Pogba out wide and the Frenchman`s cross was headed expertly past Michel Vorm by Sanchez -- one of the smallest players on the pitch.

Tottenham were the width of the post away from re-taking the lead on the stroke of halftime when Eric Dier`s daisy-cutter flicked off Chris Smalling`s shin and on to the upright.

Tottenham`s superior possession lacked conviction in the opening stages of the second half and there was a sense that Mourinho`s United were in game-management mode.

They struck in the 62nd minute with Sanchez this time cutting a pass across the area which fell to Herrera who steadied himself before firing a shot through the legs of Ben Davies and past a slow-to-react Vorm.

With United`s fans in full voice and a sea of red at Wembley`s west end, Spurs barely threatened David de Gea`s goal in the closing stages as their 10-year trophy drought continued.

United could even have added to their lead with Pogba forcing a smart save from Vorm.

Pochettino has now suffered a League Cup final defeat and successive FA Cup semi-final losses with Tottenham.

"We are disappointed because we are so close," he said.

"We need to think, move on, finish the season and try to finish in the top four."

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory

Manchester United inflicted yet more FA Cup semi-final misery on Tottenham Hotspur as Alexis Sanchez helped inspire a comeback 2-1 victory at a packed Wembley Stadium on Saturday. Tottenham, playing on the ground which has been their temporary home all season, got off to a dream start when Dele Alli scored from close range but Sanchez maintained his superb record at Wembley with a headed equaliser. A tight game was settled just past the hour mark when Ander Herrera fired United in front. While United, who will play in their 20th FA Cup final, can look forward to the prospect of finishing the season with some silverware, Tottenham must pick themselves up after an eighth successive semi-final loss in the competition. Standing between United and a record-equalling 13th FA Cup triumph will be Chelsea or Southampton, who play on Sunday. "We deserve it. If we split the match into periods we were the best team for many of these periods," United manager Jose Mourinho, bidding for a third trophy for United since taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, said. "We lost control after the 1-0. At halftime we spoke -- we came back late for the second half because we spoke a lot -- and organised ourselves." Sanchez, who has struggled to hit the heights since joining United from Tottenham`s arch-rivals Arsenal in January, finds Wembley an inspiring backdrop and took his goal tally there for club and country to eight with a tireless display. Yet it was Tottenham, looking for a first trophy for 10 years and something tangible to show for all the exciting progress made under manager Mauricio Pochettino, who dominated early on. The white end of Wembley erupted after 10 minutes when a sweeping move ended with Alli putting Spurs in front. Central defender Davinson Sanchez, who kept the experienced Toby Alderweireld on the bench, curled a pass down the line to Christian Eriksen and the Danish playmaker`s precise cross was stabbed home by Alli at the back post. United were rocking as Eriksen fired wide from another slick Spurs move while Harry Kane just failed to connect with Son Heung-min`s teasing cross. Crucial Intervention Alli was also denied a second as Phil Jones made a crucial intervention while at the other end Romelu Lukaku headed over after a rare United foray forward. United, however, weathered the storm and were level after 24 minutes. Mousa Dembele was out-muscled by Paul Pogba out wide and the Frenchman`s cross was headed expertly past Michel Vorm by Sanchez -- one of the smallest players on the pitch. Tottenham were the width of the post away from re-taking the lead on the stroke of halftime when Eric Dier`s daisy-cutter flicked off Chris Smalling`s shin and on to the upright. Tottenham`s superior possession lacked conviction in the opening stages of the second half and there was a sense that Mourinho`s United were in game-management mode. They struck in the 62nd minute with Sanchez this time cutting a pass across the area which fell to Herrera who steadied himself before firing a shot through the legs of Ben Davies and past a slow-to-react Vorm. With United`s fans in full voice and a sea of red at Wembley`s west end, Spurs barely threatened David de Gea`s goal in the closing stages as their 10-year trophy drought continued. United could even have added to their lead with Pogba forcing a smart save from Vorm. Pochettino has now suffered a League Cup final defeat and successive FA Cup semi-final losses with Tottenham. "We are disappointed because we are so close," he said. "We need to think, move on, finish the season and try to finish in the top four."

Manchester United outplay Spurs to enter finals of FA Cup

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