FOOTBALL

World Cup Predictions: Croatia vs Canada

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2022

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Two winless sides yet to score their first goal in the competition will come to blows at the Khalifa International Stadium when Canada and Croatia meet in their second Group F match.

However, the 2018 runner-ups do have an advantage over the Maple Leafs.

Croatia got a point in their opening match, which ended in a 0-0 draw against Morocco. But, Canada could not get anything for their efforts as Belgium edged past them with a 1-0 win.

Croatia did not come to Qatar as one of the favourites, despite coming within a match of winning their first World Cup trophy in Russia four years ago.

They have an ageing squad with no prominent breakthrough players in their ranks. But, a few could have foreseen Morocco forcing a point out of them.

Vatreni dominated the possessions, but they had the same amount of on-target shots as Morocco.

In fact, the African side had more attempts than Croatia. Dejan Lovren produced one of his finest displays in the Croatia shirt to keep the Morocco attackers at bay. There were dashes of individual brilliance from time to time, but a lack of self-belief seemed evident in Zlatko Dalić’s men.

Canada head coach John Herdman sparked controversy by telling his team they have the ability to ”F” Croatia.

Unsurprisingly, his remarks did not go down well, particularly in the Croatian media, but the 47-year-old must have been encouraged by what he saw in Canada’s first match in the tournament.

Canada were a constant menace to the Belgian backline throughout the match.

None of the players gave away that it was their first-ever match on the biggest stage of international football. Canada had 22 attempts in the game, but a lack of precision cost them.

Canada are yet to score any goals in their World Cup history.

They will hope to break the duck against Croatia and also open their points tally to keep their newfound knockout stage hopes alive.

Team News

Nikola Vlašić limped off the pitch in the Morocco game, but the Torino man has alleviated the injury scare and returned to full training.

Mario Pašalić or Mislav Oršić could take his place in the starting lineup if Zlatko Dalić feels Vlašić is not fit enough to start.

Andrej Kramarić might get another chance to prove his goalscoring credentials. The experienced midfield trio of Luka Modrić, Mateo Kovačić and Marcelo Brozović are a lock in the starting XI.

John Herdman doesn’t have any injury problems to sweat over ahead of the Croatia match.

He should not also feel the need to make changes, given Canada’s energetic performance against Belgium.

Club Brugge forward Cyle Larin could be the only change in the starting XI if Herdman believes he can add more attacking threat than Junior Hoilett.

Our Prediction

Croatia might fall victim to the next upset of the tournament if they don’t improve upon their opening-day performance.

Canada’s youthful attack will take another stern test of the resolute Croatian defence, but this time Canada might have better luck.

We will roll the dice on a surprise 1-0 win for Canada in this one.

Date: 27 November

Kickoff Time: 9:30 PM IST

Venue: Khalifa International Stadium

FOOTBALL

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

Published

1 month 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

1 month 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

1 month 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.