World champions France recovered from another deficit, for the second time in four days, to be crowned the 2021 UEFA Nations League champions with a 2-1 win over Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain. Just like their comeback win over Belgium, goals from Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappe saw them storm ahead in a frenetic second-half packed with chances for both sides. Continue reading
Tag: Belgium
Belgium 2-3 France: Benzema, Mbappe key as Les Bleus earn second-half comeback win
In a week where he addressed the Real Madrid rumours and mother Fayza provided an update on her son’s future, Kylian Mbappe produced his best display since May to help propel France into the UEFA Nations League Final, where they play Euro 2020 semi-finalists Spain on Sunday.
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Timely two-year contract extension just what Kevin de Bruyne deserves
Less than 12 hours removed from his decisive display to help Manchester City overcome a relentless Borussia Dortmund effort in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final, the news was finally announced: the Premier League leaders had agreed a two-year contract extension with their creator-in-chief to keep him at Eastlands until the summer of 2025. Continue reading
Thierry Henry named Montreal Impact head coach: A necessary means to progress
Thierry Henry has been appointed head coach of Major League Soccer side Montreal Impact on a two-year deal. The legendary former France and Arsenal striker will look to emulate compatriot Patrick Vieira’s US success after being sacked following a brief, tumultuous spell with Monaco back in January. Continue reading
Belgium 9-0 San Marino: 5 Talking Points
Belgium became the first team to book their Euro 2020 place with a record-equalling 9-0 home thrashing in their qualifier against San Marino on Thursday. Inter Milan’s Romelu Lukaku was again among the goals while there were strikes for a forgotten man and talented teenager too. Continue reading
Vincent Kompany: A colossus, model pro and future City boss
It’s been over a month now since he revealed the inevitable. After 11 years of service, countless accolades and an ever-increasing trophy cabinet, Manchester City defender and captain Vincent Kompany will officially depart for pastures new tomorrow morning. Continue reading
Why Tottenham’s Mousa Dembele must consider his next career move carefully
Moments arrive when even the best footballers are forced into making tough decisions to advance their career. The primary example this summer is Cristiano Ronaldo leaving Real Madrid, but Mousa Dembele is no different. Continue reading
World Cup Final Preview: France vs Croatia – All or nothing
After an unpredictable tournament packed with memorable moments, France and Croatia will contest the 21st World Cup final at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on Sunday afternoon. Both sides have worked hard and battled through difficult moments to get here, but both know their final opponent pose various threats; so they’ll be equally bullish about their chances of bringing home the ultimate prize.
France 1-0 Belgium: Umtiti’s header breaks Belgians in smash-and-grab victory
France are through to the 2018 World Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Belgium in a tense semi-final encounter in St Petersburg. Both sides fashioned great chances, although the deadlock was finally broken after the interval where Samuel Umtiti leaped above Marouane Fellaini from a corner before heading beyond Thibaut Courtois at the near post.
In a real battle, Les Bleus came out on top and have plenty of players to thank – namely the goalscorer, his centre-back partner Raphael Varane for immense displays at the back, as well as goalkeeper Hugo Lloris for a string of impressive saves to keep the scores goalless in the first-half. Continue reading
World Cup 2018: 3 players who let Brazil down
Despite being favourites, Brazil was knocked out of the World Cup at the quarter-final stage after a 2-1 defeat to Belgium. They did so ruing missed opportunities against a side who soaked up pressure well and hit them on the counter, a tactic that crucially exposed the Seleção’s weaknesses without possession.
England are through Group G, but can Three Lions roar in knockout rounds?
England, for all the quality within their ranks, have been consistent underachievers on the international stage. Despite this though, there is a surge in belief across the country. The Three Lions are finally starting to justify their hype. Led by a manager in Gareth Southgate who is providing them opportunities to play freely, they have responded by becoming a collective unit.
World Cup 2018: 5 best players from the group stage
Since the World Cup began, it has been seen as the perfect platform for players to elevate their respective levels, attracting interest from the world’s best sides while placing their names in history forever.
