FOOTBALL

Will Netherlands destroy Messi’s World Cup dream?

Published

2 years ago

December 9, 2022

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In a 2014 World Cup semifinal rematch, the Netherlands and Argentina will lock horns at the Lusail Iconic Stadium for a place in the semifinals.

Oranje beat a lively United States side 3-1 to reach the quarterfinals, while Argentina saw off a resilient Australian unit.

The Netherlands had to weather the storm in the opening minutes against the USA in the round of 16.

The Stars and Stripes were playing a positive brand of football, but it was the Dutch who took the lead.

Memphis Depay and Daley Blind fired the Netherlands to a 2-0 lead. Haji Wright momentarily brought the US back into the equation. But Denzel Dumfries, who had assisted the first two goals for the Netherlands, got his name on the scoresheet and binned off the USA’s hope for a resurgence.

The Netherlands did not lose a quarterfinal match since the 1994 World Cup, and their current form will make them hopeful of keeping that form intact.

Louis van Gaal’s men have not experienced defeat in their last 19 matches.

They have two in-form attackers, Memphis Depay and Cody Gakpo, up front. And the rearguard, led by the mercurial Virgil van Dijk, has conceded only twice in more than six hours of football in Qatar.

Argentina took their time to exert their dominance in the match when they played Australia on Saturday night.

Lionel Messi ended his wait for a World Cup knockout stage goal as he brilliantly put the ball into the back of the net.

Julián Álvarez exploited a Matt Ryan mistake to make the scoreline 2-0.

The Socceroos set up a nervy finale after Enzo Fernández deflected a ball into his net. But Argentina custodian Emiliano Martínez made a brilliant late save before Lisandro Martínez produced a block reminiscent of the iconic Javier Mascherano tackle on Arjen Robben in the 2014 World Cup semifinal. So, the score remained 2-1 in favour of Argentina.

Argentina arrested their three-match losing streak in the World Cup quarterfinals when they previously played in the last eight.

Argentina overcame Belgium to play the Netherlands in the semis. They will hope to get the better of the 2010 World Cup runner-ups once again to book a spot in the semifinals.

Team News

Jeremie Frimpong fought off an ankle injury to make it to the starting XI against the US.

The fullback will keep his place in the lineup once again.

Stefan de Vrij has also pulled through fitness issues to provide competition for the settled back three of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Aké, and Jurrien Timber.

Argentina might not get to call upon Papu Gómez, who sprained his ankle during the Australia match and had to come off only five minutes after the second half started.

But La Albiceleste could get back the experienced Ángel Di María, who is on the brink of returning from a quadriceps injury.

Our Prediction

Argentina are on a 13-match scoring streak, but they might struggle to break through the organized Netherlands defence.

Similarly, the Dutch could also fail to unlock the Argentina defence, which has the ability to fend off top attacks.

We expect the tie to end goalless and then Argentina to win on penalties, because of their penalty specialist goalkeeper.

Date: 10 December

Kickoff: 12:30 AM IST

Venue: Lusail Iconic 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.