FOOTBALL

World Cup Predictions: Netherlands vs USA

Published

2 years ago

December 3, 2022

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Netherlands and the USA will get the World Cup 2022 knockout stage going when they meet in their Round of 16 clash at the Khalifa International Stadium.

Oranje were heavily favoured to win Group A before the group stages began.

They lived up to expectations and clinched the top spot with two wins and a draw.

The USA also had an unbeaten run in their group as they drew against both of their British opponents, England and Wales, before beating Iran in the final group stage match.

Netherlands kept intact their brilliant record of making it to the Round of 16 in all of their World Cup campaigns since 1934; a feat not even Brazil can match.

However, their playing style in this World Cup has drawn widespread criticism.

The Netherlands have managed only eight on-target shots in Qatar, but thanks to Cody Gakpo’s red hot scoring form, the Dutch have managed to convert five of those in goals.

Louis van Gaal has been the architect of the Netherlands’ renaissance following their disappointing Euro 2020 campaign.

The veteran tactician has overseen an unbeaten streak that exceeded to 18 matches when Netherlands beat Qatar in their final group match.

Van Gaal is on the brink of a personal milestone ahead of Saturday’s match. If the Netherlands win, Van Gaal will match Luiz Felipe Scolari’s record of staying unbeaten in 12 successive World Cup games.

The United States have played an exhilarating brand of football at times in this World Cup. But the results do not reflect that.

Gregg Berhalter’s side dropped points against Wales and England, despite being the best team in both matches for prolonged periods.

A win against Iran did bring them to the Promised Land of the knockout stages, but they need to be wary of their struggles in front of the opposition goal.

USA won only one of their last six matches in all competitions.

They also failed to get the better of European sides at the World Cup since 2002. The Star and Stripes must end that dismal run to make their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance in 20 years.

Team News

Louis van Gaal heaved a sigh of relief when Jeremie Frimpong overcame an injury scare to take part in training.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager will likely field the same line-up that brought the Dutch a 2-0 win over hosts Qatar on Tuesday.

Christian Pulisic collided with Iran goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand while scoring the winner in the do-or-die clash against Team Melli.

He was hospitalised with a groin injury, but he announced on social media that he will be fine to return on Saturday.

Josh Sargent picked up an ankle injury against Iran. Weston McKennie is another player who is doubtful for Saturday.

Our Prediction

The Netherlands’ playing style did not win over critics, but they have been incredibly clinical.

Cody Gakpo might become the first player in the history of the Netherlands to score in four successive World Cup games and lead them to the quarterfinals.

The fitness issues of several key USMNT players also make the Dutch favourites to come out of this clash alive.

We say, the Netherlands 2-0 USA.

Date: 3 December

Kickoff: 8:30 PM IST

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium.

FOOTBALL

WATCH: Georgina Rodriguez makes huge claim on Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement in Football

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Georgina Rodriguez made a huge claim on the future of her husband and star player, Cristiano Ronaldo, in Football. In a brief interaction with a host recently, Rodriguez was asked about the time left for Cristiano to make an impact at the highest level. Georgina looked honest in her approach to the question of the host and claimed something the fans would not love to hear.

Georgina claimed that the Portugal star has maybe one year more from him at the highest level. She felt that Ronaldo might play two more years before retiring and not more than that. She was however not sure if he would play for just one or two years and added that the Al Nassr star could also play more than that.

Watch the video of Georgina Rodriguez here –

🚨🎙️| Georgina Rodriguez on Cristiano Ronaldo’s future at Paris Fashion Week yesterday:

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know.”

(via @ArobaseGiovanny)pic.twitter.com/4dxw2j5DuC

— Pubity Sport (@pubitysport) March 3, 2024

“Cristiano one more year, then it’s over. Maybe two, I don’t know,” said Rodriguez in the little chat she had with the host. The video has gone viral on X and the fans have started sharing it on different platforms. Some of the fans feel that Georgina might be right, while others feel that she could be wrong, given the fitness and longevity of the star player.

Legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo

On the 5th of February, Ronaldo celebrated his 39th birthday. He is currently one of the oldest players in the world. In the past, players at this age would have retired way back. But the fitness and consistency of Ronaldo make him play the sport as long as he wishes. In his career so far, Ronaldo has won many major leagues for Portugal and league teams like Real Madrid, Al Nassr, and Manchester United.

With United, Portugal won some major leagues like the FA Cup and the Champions League. With Real Madrid, the 39-year-old won the leagues like the UCL, Copa Del Rey and La Liga. He won it three consecutive times for Real Madrid. For Portugal, Cristiano had a huge contribution to Portugal. He has the most number of appearances and goals for an international team and won the Euro 2016 with Portugal.

FOOTBALL

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham slapped with Red Card as he argued with referee

Published

9 months ago

March 3, 2024

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Jude Bellingham shown Red Card (Image Credit: Twitter)

England and Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham was slapped with a Red Card during the La Liga game against Valencia. In the game, the home team, Valencia was leading by 2-0 after 30 minutes before Madrid scored in the injury time of the first half. Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Madrid while Hugo Duro (27′) and Roman Yaremchuk (30′) scored a goal each.

In the 76th minute, Junior scored an equalizer to keep the team in the game. However, in the injury time of the second half, Bellingham was given a red card as he argued with the referee against calling it a full-time before he could score. In reply, the match official decided to slap the England international with a Red Card. The team coach Carlo Ancelotti wasn’t happy with the verdict as the Three Lions player was making a pass at the time.

Jude Bellingham verbally abusing officials and other footballers at the slightest provocation needs to be talked about more. It’s embarrassing he gets applauded by Real Madrid Fans.

Mason Greenwood should’ve allowed La Liga to deal with this simp. pic.twitter.com/ixYSw6YxaC

— Herman Facundo© (@hermanfacundo_7) March 3, 2024

“I think what’s just happened is unprecedented. It’s never happened to me,” Ancelotti told reporters.

“We had possession of the ball and the match should have been finished when Valencia had the ball.

“What bothers us is the red card for Bellingham because he didn’t say anything insulting. He was frustrated of course,” said Ancelotti, adding that Bellingham had used a common English swearword when telling the referee it was a goal.

We are annoyed with Jude Bellingham’s Red Card: Carlo Ancelotti

“We were annoyed with Bellingham’s red card. He didn’t say any insults. He said in English ‘it’s a f—ing goal,’ but he was just saying what we were all thinking … [The referee] allowed play to continue. I think he made a mistake.”

“[Bellingham] was clear in what he said,” Ancelotti added. “He was quite vehement [in his reaction] but that’s normal, after what happened. It wasn’t an insult, not at all.”

FOOTBALL

PL 2023-24: MCFC vs MUFC Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI, Fantasy League Today’s Captain, Vice-Captain, and more for Manchester derby

Published

9 months ago

March 2, 2024

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Super Sunday is set to witness the Manchester Derby in the Premier League 2023-24. The match between Manchester City (MCFC) and Manchester United (MUFC) is set to take place in Etihad Stadium, the home ground of Manchester City. The two teams have had a contrasting journey in the league till now. The fortunes of City changed ever since Pep Guardiola took over the club as the manager.

While the home side are placed in the second position in the points table currently, United are in the sixth place in the points table. In their previous encounter, City hammered Luton Town by 6-2 in the FA Cup. United have shown massive improvements in the last few weeks after not having a good start to their campaign. United were involved in a thrilling game where they beat Nottingham Forrest by 1-0 in their last game.

Both teams feature some of the best players in the world. The likes of Julian Alvarez, Erling Haaland, Marcus Rashford, Kevin De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, and others would be taking part in the match. Manchester City will start the match as the favourites, given their record in the ongoing league so far and the match taking place in their home. United with their improved record can challenge the home side.

MCFC vs MUFC – Match Details

Match – Manchester City (MCFC) vs Manchester United (MUFC), Premier League 2023-24

Venue – Etihad Stadium, Manchester

Date and Time – 3^rd March 2024, 21:00 IST

Live Coverage – Star Sports Network and Disney plus Hot Star

MCFC vs MUFC – Head-to-Head

Both the teams from Manchester have a rich history in the sport. they have been up against each other in 191 instances. In as many games, Manchester United have been historically the better side with 78 wins to their name. City have managed to win 60 wins, as 53 games ended in a draw. In the last five games between the two sides in the Premier League, City have won four of the five games.