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France 1-0 Belgium: Umtiti’s header breaks Belgians in smash-and-grab victory

France's Samuel Umtiti celebrates scoring his side's first goal of the game

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 “France 1-0 Belgium: Umtiti’s header breaks Belgians in smash-and-grab victory”

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Uruguay 0-2 France: Varane and Muslera’s error seal semi-final place

 06.07.2018, Nizny Nowogrod, pilka nozna, mistrzostwa swiata, Urugwaj - Francja, 1/4 finalu
N/z Raphael Varane (FRA), radish, bramka
fot. Tomasz Jastrzebowski / Foto Olimpik -----…

Raphael Varane’s towering header and a long-range effort from Antoine Griezmann were enough to see France progress into the World Cup semi-finals in a feisty, tough affair – which only intensified as the match continued.  Continue reading “Uruguay 0-2 France: Varane and Muslera’s error seal semi-final place”

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France 4-3 Argentina: Mbappe magic fires Les Bleus into the quarter-finals

(180630) -- KAZAN, June 30, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Kylian Mbappe (L) of France celebrates scoring during the 2018 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between France and Argentina in Kazan,…

Kylian Mbappé scored two and assisted one more as France rallied to prevail over Argentina in a seven-goal thriller to kick off the knockout stage in style. Argentina, who needed a Marcos Rojo late winner just to qualify for the last-16, have been eliminated. Continue reading “France 4-3 Argentina: Mbappe magic fires Les Bleus into the quarter-finals”

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Who is West Ham United’s new record signing Issa Diop?

The Hammers have secured a coup by obtaining Diop.

You could excuse the collective surprise when West Ham United announced the signing of Issa Diop on Tuesday. After all, the talented centre-back was highly coveted, having been linked with numerous European clubs. So why choose the Hammers?

Continue reading “Who is West Ham United’s new record signing Issa Diop?”

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France 2-1 Australia: Pogba’s wicked strike deflates plucky Socceroos

(180616) -- KAZAN, June 16, 2018 (Xinhua) -- Paul Pogba (2nd L) of France reacts during a group C match between France and Australia at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Kazan, Russia,…

Two second-half penalties in the space of just four minutes saw this fixture explode into life, as France were made to work hard for an important group stage victory – only their fourth in World Cup history.
Continue reading “France 2-1 Australia: Pogba’s wicked strike deflates plucky Socceroos”

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World Cup Preview – France vs Australia: Gut check time for Socceroos against Les Bleus?

Who, if anyone, will prevail in Group C’s intriguing curtain-raiser on Saturday morning? The answer might not be as straightforward as it looks.

Continue reading “World Cup Preview – France vs Australia: Gut check time for Socceroos against Les Bleus?”

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FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 keys to success for France

France v Italy - International Friendly match

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.

Continue reading “FIFA World Cup 2018: 5 keys to success for France”

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Liverpool lurking: Nabil Fekir, his evolution at Lyon and France

Fekir, who scored during France's friendly win on Monday, has attracted European interest again following another impressive campaign at Lyon.

This summer will be a busy one for Nabil Fekir. The creative midfielder, 24, has been named in Didier Deschamps’ France squad with the World Cup campaign looming. Les Bleus have an immensely talented squad. They’re expected to go deep into the competition.

Continue reading “Liverpool lurking: Nabil Fekir, his evolution at Lyon and France”

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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.

Continue reading “Bulgaria 0-1 France: Matuidi’s slick strike seals important qualifying victory for visitors”

Specials

Scout Report: Kylian Mbappé | Monaco’s prized asset

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Despite financial firepower adding questions over the competitive edge between PSG and their main rivals at the top in Ligue 1, there’s no disputing the sheer number of talented youngsters within France’s top tier. Kylian Mbappé, who flourished as France’s under-19 side enjoyed glory in the European Championships over the summer, is expected to feature on a more regular basis at club level – after bursting onto the scene last term. Continue reading “Scout Report: Kylian Mbappé | Monaco’s prized asset”

Specials

Scout Report: Kylian Mbappe – A look at Monaco’s prized teenage asset

Despite financial firepower adding questions over the competitive edge between PSG and their main rivals at the top in Ligue 1, there’s no disputing the sheer number of talented youngsters within France’s top tier. Kylian Mbappe, who flourished as France’s under-19 side enjoyed glory in the European Championships over the summer, is expected to feature on a more regular basis at club level – after bursting onto the scene last term. Continue reading “Scout Report: Kylian Mbappe – A look at Monaco’s prized teenage asset”

Specials

Paul Pogba and the weight of expectations

Paul Pogba 2016

Not many professional footballers can feel the weight of expectation bearing down on them at just 23. Add into the mix, it’s a national team as opposed to a handful of disgruntled supporters on social media and, Juventus’ Paul Pogba seems to be a man on a mission.

Continue reading “Paul Pogba and the weight of expectations”