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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.«
Playing at Camp Nou is very different
Barcelona thrashed Athletic Bilbao 4-0 on their return to Camp Nou, almost three years later. When the stadium first opened in 1957, it was against a Polish team. Yesterday, it was a Polish forward, Lewandowski, who scored the first goal in the new version of the ground.
Furious Mourinho tears into Benfica players
José Mourinho is not at all pleased with Benfica’s squad. The coach of the Portuguese giants faces Ajax on Tuesday in the Champions League and has fired up his players with a heated tirade. And that after a victory.
I would have loved to see a sprint duel between Van de Ven and me in our prime
There is no limit to Micky van de Ven’s speed. The Dutchman is now breaking his own speed records in the Premier League. Still, Jarchinio Antonia, aged 34, believes that in his peak years he could have matched the Spurs sprint phenomenon.
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.
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.
Marseille thrash Nice and move into provisional first place in France
Marseille crushed Nice 5-1 at the Allianz Riviera, delivering a dominant performance that temporarily put them at the top of Ligue 1. Aubameyang and Greenwood shone in attack, with Greenwood scoring twice to reach 10 league goals, while Weah and Igor Paixão also added to the tally.
The grand return of Gerard Moreno
The striker has now scored in four consecutive matches after returning to action two months later.