France set up a World Cup final against Argentina after goals from Theo Hernandez and Randal Kolo Muani secured a 2-0 win over Morocco on Wednesday.
Didier Deschamps side became the first defending champions since Brazil in 1998 to return to the final at the next edition with another efficient performance at Al Bayt Stadium.
Hernandez struck as France raced into a fifth-minute lead against Africa s first World Cup semi-finalists, although Morocco were in the ascendancy for large parts.
That pressure brought no reward, and substitute Kolo Muani s 79th-minute second ensured France s bid to become just the third side to retain their global crown continued into Sunday s final against Argentina.
THEO
1-0 | |
— Equipe de France (@equipedefr…
Brendan Rodgers is not surprised by Kilmarnock’s flying start to the season as he prepares to renew rivalries with the manager who posed him the biggest challenge during his first spell as Celtic manager.
Former Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has had the chance to reshape his squad ahead of his second full season in charge at Rugby Park.
McInnes’ Aberdeen side finished as runners-up to Celtic in both of their title-winning campaigns under Rodgers during his first spell in charge, and in three of the five cup finals he won.
Rodgers was therefore not fazed as Killie started their cinch Premiership term with a win over Rangers and a draw at Hearts.
“It doesn’t surprise me,” he said. “Obviously he did a fantastic job at Aberdeen and when I was up …
Luis Enrique has no doubts about the quality of his Spain team but accepts their Nations League final opponents France have the best collection of individuals in international football.
Spain defeated European champions Italy in their semi-final on Wednesday, ending the Azzurri s world-record 37 match unbeaten run in the process.
World champions France await in the finale, with Didier Deschamps men having come from 2-0 down to beat Belgium 3-2, which was the first time they had reversed a two-goal deficit since May 2012.
Spain s starting XI last time out was the youngest (average age of 26.8 years) of the four teams involved in the Nations League semis, and prior to their win over Italy, Luis Enrique had the impression they were most people s outside bets for the…
Arsenal kept their hopes of winning a famous double on track with a fiery 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 tie at Sporting CP on Thursday.
The Gunners took the lead, went behind and fought back to ensure it ended all square at Estadio Jose Alvalade in a four-goal encounter high on drama.
First-half headers from William Saliba and Goncalo Inacio left the two sides on level terms at the break, before Paulinho s tap-in had pushed Ruben Amorim s men in front.
But a Hidemasa Morita own goal just beyond the hour mark ensured Mikel Arteta s Premier League leaders will head into next week s second leg level with the Portuguese side.
Honours even in the first leg
Back to Emirates Stadium next week
— Arsenal (@Arsenal)
Frank Lampard admits it is no coincidence Chelsea s disappointing form has coincided with Hakim Ziyech s absence, with the winger potentially returning to face Manchester City.
Ziyech has missed Chelsea s last six matches in all competitions due to a hamstring injury sustained in the 3-1 victory over Leeds United on December 5.
That win lifted Chelsea to the top of the Premier League but they have won only one of their five top-flight games since, leaving them six points adrift of leaders Liverpool having also played a game more than the reigning champions.
The Blues have a 27 per cent win rate in the 11 Premier League games Ziyech has not started this term, compared to 80 per cent in the five games he has featured from the beginning.
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With the title races from across Europe appearing to go down to the wire, neutrals look set for yet another stacked schedule this weekend. So, for those of you who are looking to stick on a Saturday accumulator, we have found a few helpful tips that are worth keeping an eye out for.
Saturday April 21st
BST 15:00 Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest
While Liverpool might need a minor miracle if they’re to claim a top-four finish this season, Jurgen Klopp’s side will be boosted by a rampant display earlier in the week. Eventually storming their way to what was a stellar 6-1 romp away at relegation scrappers Leeds, Saturday’s hosts are now desperate to find some much-needed stability. Smelling the chance to claim back-t-back Premier League victories this weekend, there …
Frank Lampard praised the form of Trevoh Chalobah during his spell as Chelsea interim manager after the defender put in a fine all-round display in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Nottingham Forest.
The 23-year-old academy graduate has featured in all eight of Lampard’s games in charge including five starts, becoming a dependable presence amidst the team’s struggles for performances and results.
He has been used both at right-back and on the right of a back three as Lampard has shuffled between systems, and has been the club’s most visible homegrown product since owner Todd Boehly’s whirlwind January transfer spend.
We go again. Lets finish strong.
— Trevoh Chalobah (@TrevohChalobah)
This has been Chalobah’s second season in Chelsea’s f…
The pressure is firmly on Zinedine Zidane and Real Madrid heading into Saturday s Clasico at Barcelona.
Madrid were crowned LaLiga champions just three months ago, but recent results have altered the narrative considerably prior to the clash at Camp Nou.
Los Blancos lost to Cadiz in the league last week and then on Wednesday suffered a remarkable Champions League reverse at the hands of Shakhtar Donetsk, who were missing 10 first-team players due to coronavirus.
These defeats followed the closing of a transfer window in which Madrid did not make a single signing, leaving Zidane short on options.
1- Real Madrid have lost their opening Champions League home game for the first time ever, after winning each of their previous 12 such games in the competition. …
Emma Hayes is a visionary leader who has figured out her lane and nailed it , and will inspire more women to strive for similar positions, according to Portland Thorns general manager Karina LeBlanc.
The 47-year-old recently took charge of the United States following a decorated 12-year spell with Chelsea, who she guided to seven Women s Super League titles and five FA Cup triumphs.
Hayes has certainly hit the ground running with the Stars and Stripes, leading them to a record-extending fifth Olympic gold in Paris last month with victory over Brazil in the final after an undefeated tournament.
But LeBlanc believes Hayes successful impact will extend much further than just on the football pitch.
Speaking at the Thinking Football Summit organised by Liga P…
German players are unlikely to make any major political statements at Euro 2024 after their World Cup protest in Qatar was met with a tepid domestic reception, ex-international Thomas Hitzlsperger has predicted.
Seven European nations at the 2022 global showpiece – including England – initially planned to wear ‘OneLove’ anti-discrimination armbands but were dissuaded following the threat of sporting sanctions from FIFA.
Instead, the Germans covered their mouths for a World Cup team photograph in protest, while the tournament remained overshadowed by the host nation’s record on human rights, from its treatment of migrant workers to the criminalisation of same-sex relationships.
We wanted to use our captain’s armband to take a stand for values that we h…