Thomas Tuchel must win the 2026 World Cup to justify his appointment as England’s new manager, according to the Three Lions’s former captain Alan Shearer. England have not won a major tournament since the 1966 World Cup. Tuchel was named the third foreign manager of the English men’s side on Wednesday. Also Read: Ronaldo frustrated as Scotland hold Portugal to goalless draw “We need a trophy — it’s as simple as that,” Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast. “There’s no doubt [Tuchel] has an incredible CV, but this is going to be a very different test for him. It’s a bold move from the FA [Football Association], there’s no doubt about it. You have to win the tournament, that’s what he’s been hired for. They [the FA] have seen the bunch of players are the best England have had for a long, long time,” he added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 08:07 AM IST | London | AFPScotland frustrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal in a 0-0 draw at Hampden on Tuesday to avoid losing five consecutive competitive games for the first time ever. The home side needed a wonder save from Craig Gordon to deny Bruno Fernandes a winner in the closing stages, but held out to secure their first point in the top tier of the Nations League. Also Read: Mhambrey rejoins MI as bowling coach Portugal remain on top of Group A1 but were made to wait to book their place in March’s quarter-finals. On his 216th international appearance, Ronaldo made his 200th start for his country, more than 21 years on from his first. However, the 39-year-old failed to add to his 133 Portugal goals and stormed off the field at full-time ranting at the officials. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 08:05 AM IST | Glasgow | AFPKylian Mbappe was “shocked” to see his name linked to a Swedish rape investigation, his lawyer told AFP on Tuesday. The France captain, however, is “at ease” because “he has done nothing wrong”, lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard said. A Swedish prosecutor said Tuesday that a rape investigation had been opened without mentioning Mbappe, following media reports that the Real Madrid and France star was the suspect following a visit with friends to Stockholm. Swedish newspapers Aftonbladet and Expressen, and public broadcaster SVT all reported that 25-year-old Mbappe was the target of the investigation, following his two-day visit to the Nordic capital last week. Mbappe’s lawyer Canu-Bernard said the player was “not aware of the extent of the media frenzy, but is completely calm and does not understand what he could be accused of. Also Read: It’s all about Messi “He is stunned to hear that it could concern him. He preferred to go to training and asked my office not to leave things as they are because it is impossible to let yourself be slandered and defamed in this way. This is the reason why we are going to file a complaint for libel.” The lawyer said she could neither confirm nor deny claims in Swedish media that Mbappe was the suspect. “We read the press,” Canu-Bernard said. “The Stockholm prosecutor’s office issued a statement, but it does not allow us to know whether Kylian Mbappe is the target. I therefore have no information allowing me to confirm whether this is indeed a complaint filed against him.” This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 07:51 AM IST | Paris | AFPThe quality of football has improved immensely in the region but the Indian team is equipped to win the SAFF Women’s Championship, senior defender Ashalata Devi said on Wednesday as the side gears up to take on arch-rivals Pakistan in its tournament-opener. The clash against Pakistan on Thursday assumes significance since Ashalata will become India’s first woman footballer to play 100 international matches when she takes field on Thursday at the iconic Dasarath Stadium. Also Read: Sheoran bags bronze medal The last time the two teams clashed, India had emerged a 3-0 winner. “It’s always exciting to face a team like Pakistan. We have a lot of respect for them. They have grown as a unit. Last time, we won against them, but we are not taking them lightly. They are motivated, prepared well and will surely put up a good fight,” said Ashalata. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 07:48 AM IST | Kathmandu | PTILionel Messi struck a vintage hat-trick as world champions Argentina romped to a 6-0 win over Bolivia in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Tuesday. Clinical finishes The 37-year-old provided an emphatic reminder of his enduring quality with three clinical finishes, two assists and some of his trademark creativity throughout the game as Lionel Scaloni’s side dominated. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Bolivian defender Marcelo Suarez was robbed by Lautaro Martinez, who sent Messi clear and he cleverly slotted into the bottom corner. Also Read: Can’t take Pak lightly: Ashalata The home crowd at Buenos Aires’s Monumental Stadium were on their feet again in the 43rd minute when Julian Alvarez threaded a brilliant pass through to Messi, who unselfishly squared the ball to Martinez to finish. Three minutes later, Alvarez was on target himself when Bolivia were caught sleeping at a free-kick, Messi chipping the ball over the top and the Atletico Madrid forward slotted home. After the break, Nicolas Otamendi had a header ruled out for offside but the home fans didn’t have long to wait for the fourth when Thiago Almada side-footed home after a superb pull-back from Nahuel Molina. A classic Messi goal made it 5-0 in the 84th — the Inter Miami forward dribbling centrally before switching from his left foot to his right and burying the ball into the bottom corner. Fans in tears Two minutes later and some fans were in tears after Messi cut in from the right, played a smart wall pass off substitute Nico Paz and again put the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Guillermo Viscarra. Argentina are top of the 10-team table with 22 points from 10 games — three points clear of second-place Colombia, who crushed Chile 4-0 in Barranquilla. Meanwhile, Brazil continued to ease any concerns about their qualification chances with a comfortable 4-0 win over Peru in Brasilia. A pair of penalties converted by Barcelona winger Raphinha put the record five-time World Cup winners on their way. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 October,2024 07:48 AM IST | Montevideo | AFPThe Polish men's football team rallied from a two-goal down to secure a 3-3 draw with Croatia in the UEFA Nations League at Warsaw's National Stadium. Zlatko Dalic's side, coming off a 2-1 win over Scotland in Glasgow on Saturday, looked to continue their winning form. However, Poland started brightly, breaking the deadlock just five minutes into the match. Kacper Urbanski found Piotr Zielinski, who slotted home a well-placed shot into the far post from the left side of the box. Croatia responded swiftly, scoring three goals in just seven minutes. Borna Sosa equalised in the 19th minute with a perfect volley from distance before Petar Sucic guided the ball into the far corner following a well-timed pass from Martin Baturina to give Croatia a 2-1 lead, reports Xinhua. Baturina, who assisted on the second goal, scored just two minutes later after Poland lost possession near their box. He fired a low shot through Marcin Bulka's legs to make it 3-1. The visitors appeared to be in full control, but Poland shifted the momentum before halftime. In the 45th minute, Nicola Zalewski curled a left-footed strike into the far post, pulling one back for the hosts. After the break, Croatia pressed for a fourth goal, but Marcin Bulka made several key saves to keep Poland's hopes alive. Michal Probierz's side gradually improved, and they were rewarded in the 68th minute. Robert Lewandowski, who started on the bench due to a minor injury, came on and just six minutes later delivered a crucial assist. The striker set up Sebastian Szymanski, who curled a low shot into the left corner to level the score at 3-3. Poland gained an additional boost in the 76th minute when Croatia's goalkeeper, Dominik Livakovic, was shown a red card for a foul on Lewandowski after rushing out of the penalty area to challenge him. Despite having a one-man advantage, Poland was unable to find a winner, and the match ended in a 3-3 draw. Elsewhere in Group A1, Portugal played to a 0-0 draw with Scotland on Tuesday evening, keeping them at the top of the group with 10 points. Croatia remains in second place with seven points, while Poland sits third with four points. Scotland, still winless, is last with one point. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 October,2024 02:38 PM IST | Warsaw | IANSCristiano Ronaldo was held scoreless and Portugal lost its perfect record in the Nations League after a 0-0 draw at Scotland. Portugal had won its first three matches in the competition but couldn't find a breakthrough against the Scots at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Tuesday. Ronaldo, sitting on 133 international goals, had a few good chances to break the deadlock. He seemed upset with the referee after the game ended, leaving the field with a sarcastic applause, waving his arms and with thumbs down. Portugal had beaten Croatia, Scotland and Poland in Group A1, which it still leads with 10 points, three more than Croatia and six more than Poland. Last-place Scotland stayed on one point. It came into the match on a nine-match winless streak and had lost four games in a row. "There was a lot missing for Portugal tonight," midfielder Bernardo Silva said. "We lacked intensity, didn't attack at the right moments. We leave here frustrated." The top two nations in each group will advance to the knockout stage. Spain into quarterfinals Álvaro Morata scored about 10 minutes after missing a penalty kick as Spain comfortably defeated Serbia 3-0 to secure a spot in the quarterfinals after its third consecutive victory in the Nations League. Morata sent his penalty over the crossbar in the 54th, then found the net for Spain's second goal in the 65th at the Nuevo Arcangel stadium in Cordoba."I missed a penalty but ended up scoring," Morata said. "We are in the knockout stages again. It seems easy but it's not, we need to give value to our achievements." Aymeric Laporte had opened the scoring five minutes into the match for Spain, the defending champion which opened with a 0-0 draw at Serbia and then beat Switzerland and Denmark in Group A4. Also Read: Cristiano Ronaldo thanks head coach Luis Castro following Al-Nassr sacking Spain leads the group with 10 points, three more than Denmark, which drew 2-2 at last-place Switzerland. Serbia was third with four points from the draw against Spain and a win over Switzerland, which remains winless. Serbia played a man down from the 76th after Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off for a sliding tackle on an opponent. Álex Baena scored Spain's third goal from the ensuing free kick. Five-goal first half Croatia scored three times in the first 26 minutes of a first half against Poland that featured a total of five goals. The Croatians led 3-2 going into the break in a game that ended in a 3-3 draw in Poland in Group A1. Piotr Zielinski opened the scoring for Poland five minutes into the match before the visitors took command with goals from Borna Sosa in the 19th, Petar Sucic in the 24th and Martin Baturina in the 26th. Nicola Zalewski brought Poland closer in the 45th and Szymanski leveled the match in the 68th. Croatia saw goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic sent off in the 76th for an ugly foul on Poland striker Robert Lewandowski outside the penalty area. Livakovic kicked the ball clear but kept his foot high during the follow-through and hit Lewandowski just below the knee on his standing leg. Croatia was in second place in the group with seven points, three less than Portugal. Poland was third with four points, three more than Scotland. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 October,2024 02:09 PM IST | Madrid | AP | PTIThe E7 Football Academy will be conducting football coaching for boys and girls between the age group of five and 15 years at Astro Park, Dadar (West) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6pm to 7pm. For details, call 9820982357. Also Read: Ranis of football!
16 October,2024 07:06 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentAlex Ferguson is leaving his reported £2 million-a-year ($2.6m) ambassador role with Manchester United at the end of the season as part of a cost-cutting exercise. The former United manager, 82, won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns among a huge trophy haul during nearly 27 years at Old Trafford. The Athletic reported that the decision had been made amicably, with Ferguson stepping down from the global ambassador role when the season ends. Ferguson, a regular at matches since he stepped down in 2013, will remain a non-executive director of the football club board. It comes as part of a wider cost-cutting exercise at United under INEOS, which has had responsibility for football operations at the club since its founder Jim Ratcliffe completed the purchase of a minority stake earlier this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 October,2024 07:04 AM IST | London | AFPThomas Tuchel is in talks with the Football Association about becoming England’s next manager, according to reports on Tuesday. It follows reports that Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who is out of contract at the end of the season, has been asked about his interest in the role. Tuchel, 51, led Chelsea to Champions League glory in 2021 but was sacked the following year. He has been among the bookmakers’ favourites for the England job since Gareth Southgate stood down after England lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final in July. Sky Sports said the German, who left Bayern Munich at the end of last season, was in “pole position” to become Southgate’s long-term replacement. The Football Association declined to comment on the reports. Lee Carsley was appointed as Southgate’s successor on a temporary basis in August, initially for the Nations League campaign over three international windows. However, the 50-year-old, who stepped up from his role as under-21s manager, has since given mixed messages about whether he wants the job on a permanent basis. Carsley, who has overseen three wins and a defeat, believes the job should go to the best candidate, regardless of nationality. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 October,2024 07:04 AM IST | London | AFPFrance coach Didier Deschamps said Monday that a report claiming captain Kylian Mbappe was being investigated for rape in Sweden “is not a good thing for the national team.” France beat Belgium 2-1 “Everyone is free to write what they want but there is a negative atmosphere” around the French team, Deschamps told reporters following the 2-1 win in Belgium in the UEFA Nations League. Randal Kolo Muani of Paris Saint-Germain scored twice as France won in the absence of Kylian Mbappe on Monday.His comments came in response to questions about Mbappe, the France skipper who was allowed to sit out the team’s games this month in order to work on his fitness. Didier Deschamps That was already a source of controversy in the build-up to last Thursday’s win against Israel, before a newspaper in Sweden on Monday claimed that the Real Madrid striker was being investigated for rape following a visit to Stockholm. After Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet claimed that an alleged rape had been reported to police, but did not say who was the accused, another publication, Expressen, said that 25-year-old Mbappe was the suspect. The player though has denounced the report as “fake news.” Also Read: Mbappe-PSG salary row faces hearing as France captain cited in 'rape' report “Be careful when you pick things up,” Deschamps warned. “You had better take a bit of a step back before publishing anything and everything, but these things happen so often,” he said, appearing to cast doubt on the report. “There are things that are not difficult to verify, but if you credit any old thing... In any case I am not going to talk to him about it. He is big enough to know how to communicate.” ‘Reasonably suspected’ Expressen said Mbappe was “reasonably suspected” of rape and sexual assault, the lower of two grades of suspicion in the Swedish legal system. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 October,2024 07:03 AM IST | Brussels | AFPADVERTISEMENT
