Netherlands outclassed Hungary with a 4-0 victory in their winner-takes-all Nations League encounter on Saturday while record-setting Germany hammered Bosnia and Herzegovina 7-0. Netherlands and Hungary went into the match tied on five points each and with the winner set to join Germany in ensuring their progress from Group A3 to the quarter-finals. First-half penalties by Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo sent the Oranje on their way, before Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners made the game safe in the second period. “There are always things we can improve upon,” Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk told SBS6. “But in the end, we deserved to win.” Medical emergency in game The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was briefly interrupted in the seventh minute following a medical emergency on the Hungarian bench. The referee stopped play for some 10 minutes while Hungary’s assistant coach Adam Szalai received treatment, shielded from view by huddled players and staff members, as well as a large white sheet. Also Read: Martin denies Bagnaia to bag first MotoGP World C’ship Germany’s Kai Havertz (centre) is all smiles after his goal v Bosnia in Freiburg on Saturday. Pic/AFP Szalai, 36, was stretchered off to applause from spectators and players alike, the Hungarian FA later released a statement saying he was “conscious” and in a “stable condition” at an Amsterdam hospital. Almost forgotten in the aftermath of the worrying incident was the handball by Tamas Nikitscher as the ball was crossed into the Hungarian box. The referee consulted the touchline video monitor and promptly restarted play by pointing to the spot, allowing Weghorst to sweep the Netherlands in front. In the 11th minute of added time, Dutch dominance told and Malen was clipped by Zsolt Nagy in the box. Gakpo dispatched the resulting spot-kick. Right-back Dumfries sealed the Netherlands’ spot in the quarters as he latched onto Malen’s flick-on at the back post and fizzed a volley back into the far corner shortly after the hour. Koopmeiners marked his first international match since 2022 by nodding in a fourth in the 86th minute. Biggest win of tournament Germany cemented their spot at the top of the group with a 7-0 win over Bosnia — the heaviest in the six-year history of the Nations League. “It was good fun tonight. After a couple of goals we did the work defensively and then everything came together offensively. The more that happens, the more fun we have on the pitch,” German attacker Jamal Musiala told UEFA’s website. Musiala opened the floodgates after two minutes with a header from Joshua Kimmich’s cross. Tim Kleindienst scored his first goal for Germany in the 23rd minute and Kai Havertz made the game safe eight minutes before the break, slotting home after a slick one-two with Florian Wirtz. Wirtz then made it four on 50 minutes with a sublime swerving free-kick from wide on the left, before doubling up seven minutes later. Substitute Leroy Sane scored Germany’s sixth in the 66th minute and Kleindienst completed the rout just over 10 minutes from time as he guided home a pinpoint cross from centre-half Antonio Rudiger. The result leaves Germany five points ahead of Netherlands with one match left to play. 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
18 November,2024 07:48 AM IST | Paris | AFPIndia head coach Marquez Manolo has not notched up a win in three matches, and he admitted his team need “to improve in everything” during the international friendly against familiar opponents Malaysia here on Monday. Under Manolo, who was appointed head coach in July, India has so far lost once while drawing twice. India drew against Mauritius and lost 0-3 to Syria in the Intercontinental Cup in September. The team drew with Vietnam 1-1 in its last match on October 12. Also Read: Swiatek leads Poland into maiden BJK Cup SF If the Indian team does not get a positive result on Monday, it will end the year without a win in 11 matches. Monday’s match will also be India’s last before the 2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers in March next year. “Obviously, we want to win after a long time. Football is about attack, defence, transitions and set pieces. We need to improve in everything,” Manolo said on Sunday at the pre-match press conference. “For example, people say you played a great second half in Vietnam. I say ‘yes’, but we still made some big mistake that almost made us lose the game. We need to work on that. The team with less mistakes usually are the one who wins the game. We will try to play a good game with fewer mistakes than Malaysia,” 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
18 November,2024 07:37 AM IST | Hyderabad | PTIMexican national team coach Javier Aguirre sustained a head injury after being hit by an object at the end of a Nations League quarter-final match against Honduras. At the end of the game that Mexico lost 0-2 on Friday, Aguirre was struck by an object, apparently a beer can that cut him and caused his head to bleed. 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 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | San Pedro Sula (Honduras) | AP | PTICristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal thrashed Poland 5-1 thanks to a rampant second-half display on Friday to reach the Nations League quarter-finals, while already-qualified Spain beat Denmark. Roberto Martinez’s Portugal wrapped up top spot in Group A1 with a game to spare, securing their place in the next round in March. France, Germany and Italy are also already through to the last eight. Poland were the better side early on but failed to take their chances in Porto and the home side made them pay, netting four times in the last 20 minutes. “We couldn’t impose ourselves on the game in the first half,” said Portugal goalscorer Rafael Leao. “[Coach] Roberto Martinez’s approach in the locker room was important; it was the key to changing the pressure at half-time.” Dominik Marczuk almost broke the deadlock in the 58th minute, but Portugal goalkeeper Diogo Costa produced a brilliant fingertip save to deny him. The hosts broke from the resulting corner to score less than 60 seconds later, as Leao powered forward before finding Nuno Mendes, then continuing his run to meet the Paris Saint-Germain full-back’s cross with a powerful header. Portugal were awarded a penalty when Diogo Dalot’s strike flicked off Jakub Kiwior’s hand at point-blank range and was saved by Marcin Bulka. Ronaldo stepped up to dink home a ‘Panenka’ spot-kick. European champions Spain stayed unbeaten in Group A4 with a 2-1 win over Denmark in Copenhagen. Spain took an early lead after Denmark carelessly gave the ball away on the edge of their own box. Perez played in Mikel Oyarzabal who slipped it past ’keeper Kasper Schmeichel and in at the near post. Romania-Kosovo game abandoned A Nations League game between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest was abandoned on Friday in injury time after fans in the crowd shouted “Serbia!.” The Kosovo players left the pitch after the chants, leading to the game to be paused with the score 0-0. The Romanian players stayed on the field but the Kosovo team never returned. The referee blew the final whistle more than 30 minutes later as the match was abandoned. 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 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | Paris | AFPGhana failed to reach the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2004 after drawing with Angola 1-1 in qualifying on Friday. The Black Stars needed a win in their penultimate group game to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the tournament next year. The four-time champs have played in 24 editions. Only seven-time champs Egypt (26) and defending champs Ivory Coast (25) have played more. 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 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | Luanda (Angola) | AgenciesNew Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim said on Friday that he would give “everything” to help take the struggling Premier League giants back to the top of English football. The Portuguese boss, who replaced the sacked Erik ten Hag, arrived at the club’s Carrington training complex on Monday following a 4-2 win at Braga in his final match in charge of Sporting Lisbon. On Friday, United released a video of Amorim’s first interview with the club’s in-house TV channel. United are 13th in the Premier League table after a poor start to the season but are only four points off the top four. “I will try to do everything to put this club in the place that it belongs,” he said. “And I believe a lot that we are going to succeed.” Amorim’s first match in charge will be away at struggling Ipswich on November 24, following the international break. 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 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | London | AFPPaul Pogba will no longer be a Juventus player from next month. Juventus announced on Friday it came to “a mutual agreement” with Pogba to cancel his contract despite the France World Cup winner having a ban for doping slashed last month. Pogba, 31, who will be free to resume his career in March 2025, had said he was ready to give up money to play for Juventus again. Also Read: Deschamps delight as 'light back on' for Pogba after doping ban 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 November,2024 08:41 AM IST | Turin (Italy) | AP | PTIManuel Ugarte grabbed a dramatic last-gasp winner as Uruguay ended a five-match winless streak with a thrilling 3-2 win over Colombia in South American World Cup qualifying on Friday. Marcelo Bielsa’s Uruguay looked set for a 2-1 win until Colombia levelled through Andres Gomez in the sixth minute of stoppage time. But once the celebrations were over — Uruguay pumped the ball into the box and the ball fell to the Manchester United midfielder Ugarte and the substitute buried the chance for his first international goal. The crowd at the historic Estadio Centenario went wild as Uruguay claimed the three points and some revenge for their bad-tempered loss to Colombia in the Copa America semi-finals in July. The win moves them above Colombia, on goal difference, into second place behind leaders Argentina. Colombia took the lead in the 31st minute with a clever free-kick from Juan Fernando Quintero. Uruguay drew level in the 57th minute via an own goal. 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 November,2024 08:36 AM IST | Montevideo (Uruguay) | AFPLee Carsley claimed England’s 3-0 win over Greece showed the strength in depth that awaits Thomas Tuchel when he takes over as coach. England were hit by a rash of withdrawals before Thursday’s Nations League clash here, but Carsley’s team made light of the star absences to keep alive their hopes of promotion to the event’s top tier. Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden were among nine players to pull out of England’s last two games of 2024 amid speculation they were encouraged by their club. England captain Harry Kane launched a scathing attack on the stay-aways, insisting international duty should come before anything else. Kane was surprisingly dropped to the bench by interim boss Carsley after his outburst, but England were unfazed. Also Read: "There was a lot more blue in the crowd than actually green": VVS Laxman on support for Team India Lee Carsley (right) with goal-scorer Curtis James Kane’s replacement Ollie Watkins gave them an early lead before Greece goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos deflected Jude Bellingham’s shot into his own net. Curtis Jones’ audacious back-flicked effort wrapped up a win that put England top of Group B2. They are guaranteed to win promotion to League A with a win over Ireland at Wembley on Sunday. Carsley spoke of the vast array of quality that former Bayern Munich boss Tuchel will inherit when he finally takes the reins on January 1. “It’s just important the players play to their strengths. We have got a lot of outstanding talent. The players who were not here, we concentrated on the ones that were. We spoke yesterday about players getting an opportunity, and we have seen that tonight. People were speaking about the inexperience within the squad, but these players play week in and week out in the Premier League at a really high level,” Carsley said. After losing to Greece for the first time ever at Wembley in October, this was a sweet moment for Carsley, who was then criticised for his tactics. Chelsea winger Noni Madueke caught the eye with an assist for Watkins’ opener, while Jones and Anthony Gordon also impressed. Assessing England’s long-term prospects, Carsley said: “It represents we are moving in the right direction. You’re now seeing quality in terms of the younger ones, that they’re more than capable. Think about the two wide players, Anthony [Gordon] and Noni [Madueke], so attacking, so direct. Curtis was outstanding tonight,” said Carsley. Italy, France book quarter-final spots LONDON: Italy ensured a quarter-final spot in the Nations League, beating Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a goalless draw with Israel. Italy were economical as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Group A2. The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes. Slick play by full-back Giovanni Di Lorenzo set up Sandro Tonali for a tap in. At the Stade de France, tentative France struggled to create chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before a sparse and grumbling crowd. The game took place under heavy security after fans from the Maccabi Tel Aviv club were attacked in Amsterdam last week following a Europa League match against Ajax. 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 November,2024 07:35 AM IST | Athens | AFPFrance coach Didier Deschamps said that there are both physical and psychological reasons for Kylian Mbappé’s rough patch of form. After France drew 0-0 with Israel in the Nations League, Deschamps was again asked about the reasons behind the Real Madrid striker’s absence from his squad. “It’s a fact that he is in a difficult situation,” Deschamps told broadcaster TF1. “Obviously, he is going through a period which is not the happiest of his career.” Also Read: Brazil’s Vinicius Jr misses penalty; Argentina stunned Mbappe was not included in Deschamps’ list for the match against Israel and a game in Italy later this this week. Mbappe was also absent from the previous France gathering because of a minor thigh injury. This time he is not injured. “He wanted to come,” Deschamps said. “I think it’s better for him [not to be selected] at the moment. Everybody can go through a difficult period. There is a physical element, and a psychological one.” 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 November,2024 07:23 AM IST | Paris | AP | PTIWorld champions Argentina suffered a 2-1 defeat to Paraguay while rivals Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw at Venezuela as South America’s big guns struggled in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying on Thursday. It started well for Lionel Scaloni’s team, also reigning Copa America champions, as they grabbed an early lead through Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez. Eight minutes later, Gustavo Velazquez whipped in a cross and Antonio Sanabria leapt in the air and fired past Emiliano Martinez with a brilliantly executed bicycle kick. Also Read: India eye good show v Malaysia today Two minutes after the interval Omar Alderete grabbed what proved to be the winner, rising at the back post to head home a cross from Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez. Meanwhile, Vinicius Junior missed a penalty as Brazil had to settle for a point after a superb Raphinha free-kick was cancelled out by a second half strike from Telasco Segovia. Two minutes before the interval, Brazil finally broke through with Raphinha’s free-kick flying in off in the inside off the far post. Venezuela drew level within a minute of the break — Segovia blasting in from the edge of the box after a lay off from Jefferson Savarino. 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 November,2024 07:21 AM IST | Montevideo | AFPADVERTISEMENT
