Football / Sports

Lukaku To Return Early To Help Man United – Mourinho

Belgium striker, Romelu Lukaku, has curtailed his vacation and will join Manchester United at the start of their Premier League campaign, manager Jose Mourinho, has said.

Mourinho called for the club’s World Cup participants to shorten their rest days after last month’s tournament to help United.
The club have also been hindered by injuries, and hope to avoid a poor start to the league season.
England duo Phil Jones and Marcus Rashford were already set to return early and United will now be boosted by Lukaku’s decision.

Man United prepare to host Leicester City in their first league game on Aug. 10.
“We will have (Victor) Lindelof who started training two days ago,” Mourinho said after United’s 2-1 win over Real Madrid in the pre-season International Champions Cup on Wednesday.
He added: “Marcus Rashford, Jones and Lukaku are coming back three days early to try to be available for the team.”

The Portuguese boss praised his senior players for the intensity they showed in United’s pre-season tour but insisted the fixtures did not reveal anything new strategically.
He said: “I didn’t learn anything (tactically). I know what (Ander) Herrera is, I know what (Juan) Mata is, I know what (Alexis) Sanchez is, I know what they are…
“I know the kids need time to grow up.

“The boys tried everything, they gave everything, they know we have to try to fight for the best result but tactically it means nothing.”


United have won two of their five pre-season fixtures so far and will be keen to make a quick start in their quest to win silverware this season.
Mourinho was unsure, however, if Anthony Martial would return in time to play Sunday’s final friendly against Bayern Munich.
The Frenchman left the team’s pre-season tour early to attend the birth of his daughter.…

Sports

Serena Suffers Career’s Worst Loss To Konta

Twenty-three-time major champion Serena Williams suffered the worst loss of her storied career on Tuesday, falling 6-1 6-0 to Britain’s Johanna Konta in the first round of the Silicon Valley Classic.

After a routine hold to start the match, Williams lost the next 12 games in a one-sided affair that lasted less than an hour.
She stunned the partisan crowd of 3,000 at San Jose State University.

Those expecting to see Williams continue to battle back after a difficult child birth last year were left disappointed.
The 36-year-old committed 25 unforced errors to Konta’s nine and managed to put just 41 per cent of her first serves into play.
“I think she played well in the second set and I think I wasn’t sharp at all in the first set.
“She got confident and she clearly ran away with it,” the American said after the loss.

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Serena Williams Reaches Wimbledon Finals

Williams, who lost the Wimbledon final earlier this month to German Angelique Kerber, had never lost a match before where she did not win at least two games since turning pro in 1995.
As poorly as Williams played, the 27-year-old Konta was sharp, firing six aces and smacking 17 winners to Williams’ nine while controlling the tempo of the match.
“She obviously wasn’t playing at her best level, nowhere near it, and I really just tried to play the match on my terms,” said Konta, who won the tournament two years ago.

She added: “I tried to put aside the incredible champion she is and just play the player of the day.
“I felt I did better than her on the day but it’s still a humbling experience to be out here with her.”
With the loss Williams falls to 11-4 since returning to the tour and will look to bounce back when she competes in the Cincinnati Open next month.

Cincinnati will offer her another hard court tune-up ahead of this year’s US Open.
Konta will face American teenager Sofia Kenin in the second round.…

Sports

GOtv Boxing Night 15: Joe Boy Retains ABU Title As Oyekola Wins N1m

Nigeria’s Oto “Joe Boy” Joseph on Sunday night retained his African Boxing Union lightweight title by defeating Ghana’s Nathaniel Nukpe.
The encounter was the headline bout at GOtv Boxing Night 15, which held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Also on the night, Ridwan “Scorpion” Oyekola, a product of GOtv Boxing NextGen Search, won N1 million for emerging  the best boxer of the night.
Oyekola, who was voted second best boxer at GOtv Boxing Night 13 last December, defeated Prince “Lion” Nwoye in a thrilling lightweight challenge bout.
He was wildly cheered by the capacity crowd.
Another GOtv NextGen Search graduate, Michael “Lion Heart” Godwin, knocked out Idowu “ID Cabasa” Okusote in a cruiserweight contest.
Ibadan’s cult boxing hero, Akeem “Dodo” Sadiku, knocked out Franc Houanevgbe of the Republic of Benin in a middleweight duel.
Olaide “Fijaborn” Fijabi, ABU light welterweight champion, defeated Kazeem “Iberu” Ariyo in a national challenge contest.
Daniel “Big Shark” Emeka defeated Sulaimon “Olags” Adeosun in the light heavyweight division.
The light welterweight duel between Vincent “Dada” Essien and Segun “Show Boy” Olalehin was declared a no-contest.
Among dignitaries at the event were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111; Wale Oke, Oyo State Sports Commissioner, who represented Governor Abiola Ajimobi; and Toye Arulogun, Oyo State Information Commissioner.
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Football / Sports

Atletico Unveil £52m Lemar

Thomas Lemar has been unveiled as an Atletico Madrid player after official confirmation of his £52million transfer from AS Monaco.
The versatile, World Cup-winning France midfielder was presented by his new club on Monday afternoon in the auditorium of Atletico’s Wanda Metropolitano home.
“I’m very happy to be here. I really want to meet all my new team-mates. I’ve met a few, but I want to meet them all,” Lemar said, per the official Atletico website.
“I also really want to meet the fans at the Wanda Metropolitano.
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“(France team-mates) Antoine (Griezmann) and Lucas (Hernandez) have told me lots about the club. I’m very happy with the decision I made.
“I know this team demands hard work and I’ll give it my all for the team. If I need to run more, I’ll do it without a problem.”
Lemar agreed to join Atletico in June and arrived in Madrid last week to undergo a medical check-up at the Clinica Universidad de Navarra before training for the first time after cutting short his post-World Cup holiday.
Lemar won the Ligue 1 title in the principality in 2016/17 and also reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. His final season at Monaco, which came after a proposed switch to Arsenal collapsed, ended with a second-place domestic finish.
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Football / Sports

Watch Top 10 Goals Of 2018 FIFA World Cup As Ahmed Musa’s Ranks 8th

Nigeria’s Super Eagles Ahmed Musa’s goal against Iceland was ranked eighth among the Top 10 goals of  2018 FIFA World Cup held in Russia.

The winner of the Hyundai Goal of the Tournament was Benjamin Pavard of France.
And listed behind him were Juan Quintero, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Denis Cherysev, Nacer Chadli, Ahmed Musa, Ricardo Quaresma and Toni Kroos.
The goal of the tournament is usually decided by fans who vote online to choose the winner.
Pavard becomes the first European player to win the Goal of the Tournament accolade since its creation in 2006.

At Brazil 2014, it was bestowed on eventual adidas Golden Boot winner James Rodriguez, whose venomous, dipping volley also later earned him the 2014 FIFA Puskas Award.
Other previous winners included Maxi Rodriguez of Argentina and Diego Forlan of Uruguay, winning in 2006 and 2010 respectively.
“The ball bounced up as it came to me. I didn’t even think about it. I just tried to get over it and keep it down,” Pavard told FIFA.com after France’s Round of 16 thriller with Argentina. “I was trying to hit it in the direction it came from, which is what the strikers always tell me. I didn’t think it over, and when it went in I just felt so happy.”

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FIFA announces 2018 World Cup goal of the tournament Nominations

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Football / Sports

Super Eagles Chief Coach Salisu Yusuf caught taking bribe

Chief coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria Salisu Yusuf has been caught on camera taking N360, 000 from fake football agents who wanted him to select two players for the 2018 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

As the chief coach of the Super Eagles, Yusuf is in charge of the Super Eagles home-based side and an assistant to Gernot Rohr for the Super Eagles.

 

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He was in charge of the Super Eagles Team B to the 2017 WAFU and 2018 CHAN where they lost in both finals.

In an investigation led by Ghanaian journalists Anas Aremeyaw, reporters posing as football agents for some players approached Yusuf in September 2017 for a conversation about players’ selection.

During the conversation, they handed the Nigerian coach N360, 000 ($1000) and alluded to more cash incentives if he selects their players for CHAN 2018 which held in Morocco.

The clip has been made public by BBC African Eye.

The clip has been made public by BBC African Eye.

“So if anything goes through and these players are able to get their contracts, you will get 15% of that contract,” one of the reporters posing as an agent told Yusuf to which he replied; “they will be in CHAN.”

The two players were eventually selected for CHAN 2018 although the investigation stated that there is no suggestion that the money given to Yusuf influenced the selection.

Although he told the reporters that team selection is based solely on performances, Yusuf, a top Nigerian coach will be facing the wrath of FIFA, CAF and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

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Sports

Heritage Bank Supports Business Investments In Africa Freestyle Football Championship

Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, has signed a partnership agreement with Feet ‘N’ Tricks International Limited to make the premier edition of Africa Freestyle Football Championship a resounding success.
The premier edition of the tournament, which is scheduled to hold from September 13 to 15, 2018 at the Balmoral Convention Centre at the Federal Palace in Lagos, is being planned as a perfect fusion of freestyle football and entertainment that would feature top musical and dance artistes.
Divisional Head, Corporate Communications, Heritage Bank, Fela Ibidapo, who disclosed this at a media launch in Lagos, said the bank is excited to be part of an initiative that would provide bountiful entertainment to Nigerians and others across the African continent.
Also speaking, Chairman of Feet ‘N’ Tricks International Limited, Valentine Ozigbo, said registration for the tournament is open to male and female freestylers of African descent and will close on August 15, 2018, adding that the registration is available on the company’s website for interested individuals.
Ozigbo said the qualifying rounds and Nigerian championship would hold on September 13 and 14 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel in Lagos.
He explained that after the final rounds, the best 16 male and eight female freestyle athletes on the continent would battle it out at the grand finale on September 15, 2018 when the first African male and female Freestyle Football champions would be crowned.
The chairman said the 2018 Africa Football Championship will also host international freestyle professionals, Guinness world record holder, Iya Traore, and female freestyler, Raquel Benetti, from Brazil.
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Ozigbo said Feet ‘N’ Tricks International is excited to chart a new direction for freestyle football in Africa.
He said the company expects at least 20 African countries to be represented at the championship, adding that contestants from more than half of the number had already registered.
He said Feet ‘N’ Tricks International would promote the development of African freestyle talent and continually exploit all available resources to
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Football / Sports

Ozil Quits International Duty

Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil has confirmed that he has retired from international duty, citing “disrespect” from within the German Football Federation.
Ozil, 29, earned 92 caps for his country and was part of the team that won the 2014 World Cup.
However he drew criticism at home after he met with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan in May.
He and Ilkay Gundogan – a team mate also of Turkish descent who likewise posed with Erdogan – were jeered in warm-up games before the World Cup in Russia.
At the height of the row Ozil made no comment on his meeting in London with Erdogan, an outspoken critic of Germany, who was campaigning for re-election at the time.
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He broke his silence in a string of statements on Twitter on Sunday with the third and final of these confirming his retirement.
Oil tweeted: “The treatment I have received from the DFB & many others makes me no longer want to wear the German national team shirt. I feel unwanted & think that what I have achieved since my international debut in 2009 has been forgotten.
“It is with a heavy heart and after much consideration that because of recent events, I will no longer be playing for Germany at international level whilst I have this feeling of racism and disrespect.
“I used to wear the German shirt with such pride and excitement, but now I don’t. This decision has been extremely difficult to make because I have always given everything for my teammates, the coaching staff and the good people of Germany.
“But when high-ranking DFB officials treat me as they did, disrespect my Turkish roots and selfishly turn me into political propaganda, then enough is enough. That is not why I play football, and I will not sit back and do nothing about it. Racism should never, ever be accepted.”
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Sports

Hamilton Wins German Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton claimed one of the most remarkable victories of his Formula One career after his championship rival Sebastian Vettel crashed out from the lead in the German Grand Prix.
Hamilton started only 14th after a mechanical failure in qualifying, but took the chequered flag at Hockenheim following a dramatic conclusion sparked by a rain shower, and Vettel’s jaw-droppingcrash.
Both Hamilton’s Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas and Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen pitted for new tyres after the safety car was deployed following Vettel’s costly accident.
Hamilton stayed on track to assume the lead, and when the race was back under way with 10 laps to run, the Englishman held off team-mate Bottas to seal a famous victory.
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The result means Hamilton now sits 17 points clear of Vettel at the halfway point of the season and the four-time winner credited the elements with helping him secure a vital victory this afternoon.
“It was so tough out there, conditions were perfect for business time,” Hamilton said.
“When it rained, I knew that I would have a good position but you never knew what would happen after the safety car.
“The other guys behind had the new tyres on but I’m just so grateful for the hard work the team has done and I hope this justifies their belief in me.
“For those who don’t know me, now you do.”
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Sports

Bale Cancels Wedding Ceremony

Real Madrid and Wales forward Gareth Bale has reportedly called off his wedding to fiance Emma Rhys-Jones due to an ongoing family rift.
The 29-year-old, who has dated his wife-to-be since childhood, was due to tie the knot in Italy this summer in a star-studded ceremony.
Plans have been shelved for at least another year, however, which The Sun reports is down to concerns regarding Bale’s fiance’s dad.
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Schumacher’s wife buys £27m mansion 

Martin Rhys-Jones allegedly fell out with his daughter after moving in with a Russian florist half his age shortly after being released from a US jail, where he was serving six years for a £2 million international fraud, and the pair want things to die down before getting married.
A source is quoted by the publication as saying: “There’s so much family turmoil right now. They are still very much in love but they’ve had a lot of issues to deal with.”
Emma Rhys-Jones gave birth to the couple’s third child in May.
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Sports

Schumacher’s Wife Buys £27m Mansion

Formula One legend Michael Schumacher’s wife Corinna has reportedly bought Real Madrid president Florentino Perez’s Majorcan mansion for nearly £27 million (€30 million).
The German tabloid Bild said she had purchased the exclusive property on the upmarket estate of Las Brisas near Andratx in the southwest of the island so she could spend holidays there with her children and friends.
The house was bought by building magnate Perez in 2005 but he put it up for sale last year after the death of his wife Mari Angeles Sandoval.
The villa is part of a 15,000 square metre estate which boasts two swimming pools, a helipad, a gym and a huge palm-tree-fringed garden.
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Schumacher, the only driver in history to win seven F1 World Championships, was placed in a medically-induced coma after a life-threatening skiing accident in December 2013 in the French Alps.
He was relocated to the family home on the shores of Lake Geneva in September 2014 where he continues to receive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Updates on his health have been few and far between.
It has been reported he is looked after by a 15-strong medical team, with his care costing 115,000 pounds per week.
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Football / Sports

Juventus Unveils £105m Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo was officially unveiled as a Juventus player on Monday evening following his staggering £105 million move from Real Madrid as reported by us last week.
The Portuguese superstar was unveiled in front of the world’s media at a press conference at the club’s Allianz Stadium in Turin.
Ronaldo was pictured shaking hands with new manager Massimiliano Allegri and several of his new teammates earlier in the day ahead of his official unveiling.
Ronaldo insisted he remains as ambitious as ever as he prepares to leave his mark on Juventus after completing his switch.
He told the press conference: “The nine years at Real Madrid were wonderful, but it’s a brand new step in my life, so I thank all the supporters with my heart.
“But I have to focus on this next step. I’m looking forward to playing. I’m very motivated, concentrated and focused on that.
“I’m going to try to show that I am a top player, as usual. I’m going to work hard in training. I don’t think I have to show what I am more than that – you know my stats.
“But I am very ambitious and I like challenges. I don’t like to stay in my comfort zone, I like to seize new challenges.
“After the experiences in Manchester and in Madrid, I’d like to mark the history of Juventus. I like challenges, again, and I hope everything will go very well.”
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Sports

Djokovic Returns To World’s Top 10

Novak Djokovic has moved into 10th place in the ATP Rankings after winning Wimbledon for a fourth time.
On Sunday, Djokovic registered a straight-sets victory over Kevin Anderson to claim his 13th Major crown and his first since the French Open in 2016.
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Rafael Nadal remains at number one but now holds an advantage of 2,230 points over Roger Federer, while South African Anderson now finds himself at a career-high of fifth.
British number one Kyle Edmund has improved by one spot and now features in 16th place, but Andy Murray is now only regarded as British number 23 after dropping down to 839th courtesy of his quarter-final appearance at SW19 in 2017 coming off his record.
Cameron Norrie is ranked at 77th, while Dan Evans and James Ward continue to close in on a return to the top 300 with the pair now sitting at 323rd and 333rd respectively.
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Sports

Anthony Joshua, Povetkin Fight September 22

Anthony Joshua will fight Alexander Povetkin at Wembley on September 22nd with his fourth stadium fight in succession bringing his total live audience for those spectaculars close to 350,000.
The confirmation that Joshua will fulfil his WBA mandatory defence against Povetkin will come as no surprise.
The 28-year-old has been in training while negotiations with Wilder stalled and he has now admitted he can’t wait to return to action.
“I can’t wait to get back in the ring. The end of March feels a long time ago now,” said Joshua, who beat Joseph Parker by unanimous points decision in Cardiff on March 31.
“Povetkin is a serious challenge that I will prepare meticulously for. He has serious pedigree and only a fool would underestimate what he brings to the table.
“Training hasn’t stopped for me, but the next 10 weeks ahead will be intense both mentally and physically. I will push myself to breaking point to make sure I am in peak condition for another huge night for British boxing at Wembley Stadium on September 22nd.”
Negotiations for the contest with Wilder to find the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis has been bogged down in retracted and bitter trans-Atlantic arguments.
Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn insists that his $15 million (£11.3 million) offer to Wilder remains on the table for another Wembley date next April.
If that stand-off can eventually be resolved, Hearn revealed to Sportsmail that discussions are underway to enable a capacity in excess of 100,000.
That would eclipse the British record of 90,000 set by Joshua’s clash with Wladimir Klitschko at the stadium in 2017.
Hearn told Sportsmail: “The plan is Povetkin on the 22nd and then Wilder on the 13th (April) if he gets around to signing the contract.
“This is where Joshua wants to be and we are looking forward to two great nights of boxing, with 90,000 at Wembley in September and plans for a capacity of more than 100,000 for April.”
Joshua continues to
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Football / Sports

Club Owners Postpone NPFL Resumption Indefinitely

The lingering leadership dispute at the Nigeria Football Federation has caused Wednesday’s resumption of the NPFL to be postponed indefinitely, officials have disclosed.
Last month, the country’s league went on break for the World Cup in Russia.
“I am directed to bring to the notice of all members and clubs that the resumption date of the 2017/2018 season earlier scheduled for Wednesday 18th July 2018 has been put on hold,” read a statement signed by Executive Secretary of the Club Owners Association, Alloy Chukwuemeka.
Ahmed Musa gets Nominated for goal of the 2018 world cup
The statement said: “Consequently the league resumption date has been postponed indefinitely until further notice.
“This postponement is as a result of some unresolved issues amongst the stakeholders within the football circle.”
Lobi Stars top the league table with 43 points from 24 matches, while Akwa United are two points behind.
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Football

Ahmed Musa’s Goal Nominated For Goal Of The Tournament

World’s football’s governing body, FIFA, have shorlisted Super Eagles star, Ahmed Musa, for the Goal of the Tournament Award at the just concluded 2018 World Cup in Russia.

A total of 169 goals were scored at the 2018 World Cup; but only 18 from that pool were shortlisted for the top award.

Musa who was arguably Nigeria’s best player at the tournament, had his second goal against Iceland in the group stage of the Mundial, alongside 17 others, selected.

The list includes Cristiano Ronaldo’s third goal against Spain and Lionel Messi’s goal against Nigeria.

Leading the line are the two goals scored by Russia midfielder, Denis Cheryshev and one from his teammate striker Artem Dzyuba.

The voting for the Best Goal in Russia 2018 will be open until July 23 on FIFA’s official website.
To vote for Musa, CLICK HERE
FIFA World Cup

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🗳️ Voting for the Goal of the Tournament is open!

Choose from the best 18 goals at Russia 2018.

Vote here: https://fifa.to/urpU0v7pAO 

2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ – Videos – GOAL OF THE TOURNAMENT – FIFA.com

Here is your chance to vote for the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Goal of the Tournament, presented by Hyundai. Choose below from our shortlist of the best 18 goals at Russia 2018 and cast your vote….

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The other contenders to win the Goal of the Tournament title are below:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal (third goal v Spain);

Nacho, Spain (v Portugal);

Philippe Coutinho, Brazil (v Switzerland);

Dries Mertens, Belgium (v Panama);

Juan Quintero, Colombia (v Japan);

Luka Modric, Croatia (v Argentina);

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria (second goal v Iceland);

Lionel Messi, Argentina (v Nigeria);

Toni Kroos, Germany (v Sweden);

Jesse Lingard, England (v Panama);

Ricardo Quaresma, Portugal (v Iran);

Adnan Januzaj, Belgium (v England);

Angel Di Maria, Argentina (v France);

Benjamin Pavard, France (v Argentina);

Nacer Chadli, Belgium (v Japan).

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Football

France are World Champions!

France have emerged World Champions after defeating Croatia 4-2 at the Final of the Russia 2018 World Cup in Moscow on Sunday.

An own goal by Mario Mandzukic gave France a  19-minute lead.

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Antoine Griezmann’s ball-in was superb, left-footed and flat, Varane was close to winning it but instead it was England’s nemesis, Mario Mandzukic, who flicked a header into the top corner of his own net.

On 29th minute Croatia equalised through Ivan Perisic, a well deserved goal.

There was a free-kick and was nodded down, it bounced around just inside the area and Perisic then took a composed right-footed touch to bring the ball into his arc and then battered home left-footed, via a slight deflection.

France took the lead on 38 minute through a penalty, thanks to VAR. Griezmann easily converted the kick.

France made it 3-1 after Paul Pogba’s super strike on 59 minutes.

Pogba started it with a brilliant ball forwards into the run of Kylian Mbappe, he carried it downfield, and found Griezmann who then teed up Pogba. His shot was blocked but the ball came back to him, and Pogba clipped home left-footed past an unsighted goalkeeper.

Kylian Mbappe made it 4-1 for France on 65 minutes. With the goal, Mbappe becomes only the second teenager to score in a World Cup final after the great Pele.

Again, Danijel Subasic did not cover himself in glory in the Croatian goal, he took a step to his left and Mbappe drilled into the other corner from about 22 yards.

Mandzukic reduced the tally for Croatia on 69 minutes. Hugo Lloris was to blame. The Spurs keeper got a back-pass, tried to take a touch around Mandzukic and he tackled him and put the ball into an empty net.…

Football / Sports

Chelsea Sack Antonio Conte

Chelsea have announced that head coach Antonio Conte has been sacked.

The Italian leaves after two seasons in charge, a spell in which he won the Premier League and FA Cup with the west London club.

Chelsea the winners of the FA Cup have released the following statement: “During Antonio’s time at the club, we won our sixth league title and eighth FA Cup.

“In the title winning season, the club set a then-record 30 wins in a 38-game Premier League season, as well as a club-record 13 consecutive league victories.

“We wish Antonio every success in his future career.”

 

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Wednesday that the deal is almost done, saying: “Sarri is close to being new Chelsea manager. My lawyers are in talks with his lawyers to finalise everything.”…

Sports

Serena Williams Reaches Wimbledon Final

Seven-time champion Serena Williams reached the Wimbledon final for the 10th time on Thursday and will face Germany’s Angelique Kerber for the title.

The 25th seeded American downed German 13th seed Julia Goerges 6-2, 6-4 to book her place in her 30th Grand Slam final.

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The 36-year-old, who will be in her first final at the majors since giving birth to daughter Olympia last year, can equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Slam titles if she beats Kerber in what will be a repeat of the 2016 final at the All England Club.

Speaking after the game, Serena said: ‘It’s crazy, I l didn’t expect to do this well in my fourth tournament back. I can play so free and that’s kind of what I’m doing.’ ‘This wasn’t inevitable for me, I had a tough delivery (birth) and had multiple surgeries, I couldn’t walk to my mailbox so it’s not normal to be in a Wimbledon final.’

Of her next opponent, she said: ‘She is clearly a very good grass court player, whatever happens it’s an incredible effort from me and good motivation to keep going for the rest of my career.’ Serena Williams, a 23-time champion, will equal Margaret Court’s all-time record if she beats Angelique Kerber on Saturday in the finals.…

Football / Sports

Papastathopoulos Completes Arsenal Switch

Arsenal has completed the signing of Greek international Sokratis Papastathopoulos from Borussia Dortmund.
The Gunners have announced that the experienced defender has signed a “long-term contract” after joining for “an undisclosed fee”.
The 30-year-old, who won two league titles and one German cup with Dortmund, will wear the number 5 shirt for Arsenal.
Sokratis’s previous clubs include Werder Bremen, AC Milan, Genoa and AEK Athens, and he also has 79 caps from the Greek national team.
New Arsenal boss Unai Emery previously already added experience to his backline with the signing of Swiss veteran Stephan Lichtsteiner from Italian giants Juventus.
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