Mario Mandzukic’s eighth goal of the campaign proved enough to secure an important three points on a record-equaling evening against a tricky Inter side in this season’s maiden Derby D’Italia. Continue reading
Tag: Blaise Matuidi
Why now is decision time for PSG’s Adrien Rabiot
With a year left on his existing deal, Adrien Rabiot has an important decision to make in the coming days and weeks. Paris Saint-Germain are eager to keep him. Why would they not? He has a wealth of experience for a 23-year-old and is widely regarded as a top-class midfielder possessing a range of different attributes.
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
FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 keys to success for France
After suffering a heartbreaking extra-time final defeat by Portugal at Euro 2016, the onus is on France’s golden generation to step up and justify why they’re all so highly-rated.
Juventus 0-3 Real Madrid: Analysis as hosts wilt when it matters most
My thoughts on an intriguing clash in Turin, where Real took a commanding step towards this season’s semi-finals at Juventus’ expense. Why Allegri got his selection wrong, Real’s strengths and weaknesses as well as where the hosts must improve to stand a better chance in future…
Bulgaria 0-1 France: Matuidi’s slick strike seals important qualifying victory for visitors
Blaise Matuidi’s early strike from a ridiculous angle proved enough to seal a well-earned but hard-fought away victory for France against Bulgaria. They’ve leapfrogged Sweden into top spot within Group A, with one final World Cup qualifying fixture to play next week.
Juventus 4-0 Torino: Three talking points
The defending Serie A champions ended Torino’s unbeaten start to the campaign, whilst extending their own with a comfortable 4-0 thrashing in Turin against ten men. Juventus’ display was convincing, but what did we learn from the encounter? Continue reading
Why a move to Juventus for Blaise Matuidi is a potential masterstroke
£18.2million pounds. In a transfer market littered with plenty of inflated prices for players, especially at the top level, it surely comes as a surprise that Serie A champions Juventus have managed to sign PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi for just less than £20m. Continue reading