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Euro 2020: Belgium vs Italy preview

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The Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany will host the Belgium vs. Italy contest as part of the Euro 2020 quarter-final on Friday.

The Red Devils defeated defending champions Portugal 1-0 and while the Italians needed extra-time to beat Austria 2-1.

Both nations are still unbeaten in the tournament.

Head to Head Games

Belgium and Italy last met met in the group stage of the Euro 2016, held in France.

The Azzurri won that game 2-0 with goals from Giaccherini and Graziano Pelle.

Interestingly, the man of the match was Leonardo Bonucci.

Belgium have a slightly worse head-to-head record, winning three and losing four of the nine clashes between the two teams.

They have defeated the Italians just once, of the four encounters since the turn of the century.

Current form

The Red Devils are on a run of five straight victories and unbeaten in thirteen consecutive meetings across all competitions.

They have conceded just a single goal since the start of Euro 2020 and have kept a clean sheet on three occasions. 

Italy is currently unbeaten in thirty-one matches.

This is the longest streak in the country’s history.

On top of that, they have managed to keep a clean sheet in each of the previous twelve games. (In regular time)

Team news

Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne both came into Euro 2020 with injury concerns. 

Although the two players got a lot of minutes in the tournament, they were substituted in the round of 16 due to injury concerns.

Chances are they will likely not feature against Italy either.

This could be a big blow for the Belgians.

On the other hand, defensive lynchpin Chiellini is back in training for Italy and might be available against Belgium.

Another key player, Marco Veratti hasn’t looked at his best but Italy have a capable back-up option in Manuel Locatelli.

Top performers

Belgium: Romelu Lukaku 5 goals, Thorgan Hazard 3 goals, Kevin De Bryune 2 goals 3 assists.

Italy: Ciro Immobile 4 goals 1 assist, Manuel Locatelli 3 goals 1 assist, Matteo Pessina 2 goals.

Predicted line-ups

Belgium: Courtois; Alderweireld, Vermaelen, Vertonghen; T. Hazard, Witsel, Tielemans, Meunier; E. Hazard/Mertens, Lukaku, Carrasco/De Bruyne

On yellow cards: Alderweireld, T. Hazard, Vermaelen

Italy: Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bonucci, Chiellini, Spinazzola; Barella, Jorginho, Verratti; Chiesa, Immobile, Insigne

On yellow cards: Barella, Di Lorenzo, Pessina

Predictions

Had the Belgium team been fully fit, they would be hard to beat.

However due to their injury problems, we expect Italy to win the match 2-0.

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Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand

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Rio Ferdinand recalls Alex Ferguson’s tough criticism of Cristiano Ronaldo, highlighting his resilience and eventual rise to greatness.

Rio Ferdinand shared an emotional incident involving Cristiano Ronaldo and Alex Ferguson during their Manchester United days. The story highlights Ferguson’s management style and Ronaldo’s journey to becoming a football legend.

According to Ferdinand, the incident occurred early in Cristiano Ronaldo career. Ferguson criticized Ronaldo in front of the team after a subpar performance. The harsh words left Ronaldo in tears, but they also sparked a determination to improve.

Ferdinand explained that Ferguson used such moments to build mental toughness in young players. The criticism wasn’t meant to demean but to push Ronaldo toward greatness. This tough-love approach became a hallmark of Ferguson’s management.

Ronaldo responded by working harder on his game, focusing on areas Ferguson pointed out. Ferdinand recalled how Ronaldo’s commitment to improvement impressed both teammates and coaches. This incident marked a turning point in Ronaldo’s development.

The story also sheds light on Ferguson’s ability to read players and tailor his approach. While his methods were tough, they often brought out the best in players like Ronaldo.

Ferdinand emphasized that Ronaldo’s resilience and willingness to learn set him apart. He turned criticism into motivation, eventually becoming one of the greatest footballers in history.

This anecdote offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a legendary player-coach relationship. It also highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in professional sports.

Ronaldo’s ability to handle challenges and grow from them remains a key lesson for aspiring athletes. The story serves as a reminder of how tough moments can lead to extraordinary success with the right mindset.

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Bukayo Saka Injury: Arsenal Star Out for Several Weeks

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Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka faces weeks of recovery due to a hamstring injury. Manager Arteta confirms plans for his return.

Bukayo Saka had hamstring injury will keep him sidelined for several weeks, confirmed Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. This announcement comes as a significant blow to Arsenal’s campaign, as Saka plays a pivotal role in the team’s attack.

Arteta revealed that Bukayo Saka injury occurred during a recent match and requires adequate recovery time. Medical evaluations confirmed the severity of the issue, necessitating a break from competitive football.

Saka’s absence creates challenges for Arsenal, particularly in crucial upcoming matches. The team must now explore alternative strategies to maintain their performance without one of their key players.

Arteta emphasized the importance of player health and stressed that Saka’s recovery would not be rushed. The manager expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability to manage this period effectively.

Arsenal’s medical staff will closely monitor Saka’s rehabilitation to ensure a safe and complete recovery. The club remains optimistic about his return later in the season.

Fans expressed their support for Saka, wishing him a speedy recovery. His contributions this season have been vital, making his absence a significant setback. Arsenal supporters eagerly await updates on his progress.

This development highlights the physical demands on players in competitive football. Teams must balance performance and player welfare to prevent such injuries. Arsenal’s handling of Saka’s situation reflects their commitment to safeguarding their players’ health.

Saka’s injury adds pressure on Arsenal to perform without their star winger. The team’s response during this period will test their resilience and ability to adapt to challenging circumstances.

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FC Goa Triumphs Over Mohun Bagan with a 2-1 Victory

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FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan

FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan! FC Goa secured a memorable 2-1 victory against Mohun Bagan Super Giant in the Indian Super League at Fatorda Stadium. This high-stakes encounter ended Mohun Bagan’s unbeaten streak, marking a significant moment in the league.

Brison Fernandes opened the scoring for FC Goa in the 13th minute, assisted by Borja Herrera. His shot deflected off Mohun Bagan’s Tom Aldred, giving Goa an early lead. Despite pressing attacks, Mohun Bagan failed to capitalize on opportunities during the first half, keeping FC Goa ahead.

The second half saw Mohun Bagan equalize through Dimitrios Petratos’ penalty, awarded after a handball by Armando. With the match level, momentum shifted briefly in favor of Mohun Bagan. However, FC Goa struck again in the 68th minute as Brison Fernandes headed in Herrera’s precise cross, sealing the lead and eventual victory for the home side. FC Goa defeats Mohun Bagan!

FC Goa’s defense stood firm during the closing stages, with Sandesh Jhingan and Odei Onaindia effectively countering Mohun Bagan’s attempts to find another equalizer. This win elevated FC Goa to third place in the league standings with 22 points from 12 matches, showcasing their strong form this season.

The match underscored FC Goa’s resilience and tactical discipline, while Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back from this setback. Fans were treated to an exciting contest, reflecting the competitive spirit of the league.

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