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Italy avoid old tormentors: the draw for the European play-offs
Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semi-finals of the European play-offs for the four remaining World Cup spots. This was determined by Thursday afternoon’s draw.
Jamaica head coach resigns after failing to secure direct qualification
Jamaica head coach Steve McClaren resigned after a 0–0 draw against Curaçao cost the team direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Despite dominating and needing a win to go through automatically, Jamaica were held to a draw and must now try to reach the tournament via intercontinental play-offs in March. The federation will appoint a new coach to lead the team into these crucial games.«
Haaland one goal away from smashing the Premier League record
Erling Haaland can shoot himself into the Premier League history books on Saturday. The Norwegian superstar needs only one more goal to become the fastest player to reach one hundred Premier League goals. The current record held by Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer could be shattered at St James’ Park.
Luis Díaz apparently suspended for one Champions League match
Next Wednesday, Luis Díaz will not be available for Bayern in London. After that, he will be again.
Remarkable request: Lewandowski was told by Barça not to score anymore
A book about Robert Lewandowski has caused quite a stir in Spain and Poland. In the book Lewandowski: The Real One, it emerges that the Polish striker had to stop scoring for Barcelona in the 2022/23 season, because otherwise the club would have had to pay extra money to Bayern Munich.
To win a World Cup, our defensive process will be fundamental
Portugal head coach Bino Maçães urges calm and defensive solidity ahead of the World Cup quarter final with Switzerland, stressing that staying true to the team’s identity will be key.
Grote Ivan gets his way: Gattuso and his frightened followers have fallen
Because of the trouble with Gennaro Gattuso, Ivan Perisic’s (international) career was in danger of fading away. The 36-year-old forward refused to accept that. Perisic got back up, played his 150th international match on Monday, and now stands on the verge of his fourth World Cup. And we’re going to make ourselves seen.
Palmer was close to returning for Chelsea
Cole Palmer will miss at least the next three Chelsea games, including the Champions League clash with Barcelona, after suffering a toe injury in a domestic accident just as he was about to return from a groin problem. The 23 year old has already been out for two months and missed 11 matches, and is now expected to be sidelined for a further two weeks.
Peque: I was almost more out than in and it wasn’t easy
Gerard Fernández “Peque” talks about his resurgence at Sevilla, explaining how the team’s recent win restored confidence after three straight defeats.
Antony, the 2026 World Cup and turning down Bayern
The Brazilian winger confirmed that he was contacted by Bayern on the last day of the summer transfer window, but he couldn’t go back on the promise he had made to return to Betis after half a season on loan.