FOOTBALL
World Cup Predictions: France vs England
Two neighbours, France and England, will renew their rivalries thousands of miles away from home when they fight to grab a spot in the last four of the World Cup.
Both teams progressed to the quarterfinals with comfortable victories. So, football fans can rub their hands in anticipation of a mouthwatering tie on Saturday night.
Senegal had a brilliant start to the game against England, but their resistance fell apart as soon as England found their first goal through the experienced Jordan Henderson.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka added to the tally to make the scoreline 3-0, and it stayed that way at the final whistle.
Gareth Southgate now stands a chance of becoming the first Three Lions boss to lead his team to succussive World Cup semifinals, should they manage to end France’s title defence.
England’s performances in major competitions under Southgate should make the England faithful confident ahead of the tie, even though they are about to face arguably the best team in the tournament.
France also had to survive an early assault from Poland before taking control of the tie.
Olivier Giroud opened the scoring right before the first-half whistle and surpassed Thierry Henry to become the second highest all time goal-scorer for France.
The mercurial Kylian Mbappé bagged a brace in the second half to seal the fate of the tie. Robert Lewandowski scored a late penalty to cut the deficit.
France now need to win three more matches to keep hold of the World Cup trophy they won in Russia four years ago.
On paper, England will be their biggest test of the tournament up until now.
Les Bleus emerged victorious in only one of their last eight encounters with England.
France manager Didier Deschamps will bank on the immense attacking depth of his squad to condemn England to their seventh quarter-final defeat in their history.
Team News
Raheem Sterling became the latest England player to fly back home for personal reasons after Arsenal defender Ben White also had to leave the squad for family reasons. So, none of them will be available for selection against France.
Callum Wilson has been feeling minor discomfort, but he should be fit enough to make the bench.
Declan Rice missed training through injury, but the Three Lions camp expects him to be in shape for the quarterfinal.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson might rejoin Rice and Jude Bellingham in the midfield trident.
Kylian Mbappé sent alarm bells ringing in the French contingent as he missed training because of an ankle problem.
But the medical team has ruled out any serious complication, so he should be on the pitch right from the start. So, Deschamps doesn’t have any fresh fitness and suspension concerns before the match.
Our Prediction
France and England have both enjoyed a great campaign so far, but one have to go home on Saturday.
We believe England will be the last man standing after the tie. France have been fluid in attack, but they have been defensively vulnerable and the Three Lions have the weapons in their arsenal to outscore France.
We expect a 3-2 win for England.
Date: 11 December
Kickoff: 12:30 AM
Venue: Al Bayt Stadium
BIG NEWS
Cristiano Ronaldo Criticizes Ballon d’Or for Ignoring Vinicius Jr.
Cristiano Ronaldo expressed dissatisfaction with the Ballon d’Or ceremony for overlooking Vinicius Jr. despite his remarkable season. Ronaldo called the decision unfair and questioned the selection process for the prestigious award.
Vinicius Jr. delivered standout performances for Real Madrid, contributing significantly to their successes last season. His consistent brilliance made him a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or shortlist.
However, the Brazilian winger failed to secure a nomination, raising eyebrows among fans and football analysts. Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, voiced his disappointment at the omission.
Ronaldo highlighted Vinicius Jr.’s contributions, including crucial goals and assists during high-stakes matches. He emphasized that such achievements deserved recognition at football’s highest level.
This criticism marks another instance where Cristiano Ronaldo has questioned the Ballon d’Or’s transparency. In the past, he has expressed similar sentiments about perceived biases in the award process.
Fans echoed Ronaldo’s views, taking to social media to defend Vinicius Jr. Many agreed that his exclusion undermined the credibility of the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius Jr., on the other hand, maintained a composed response, focusing on his performances rather than awards. His maturity amid the controversy earned respect from fans and peers alike.
Ronaldo’s comments have reignited debates about the criteria used to select Ballon d’Or nominees. Critics argue that consistent performance should weigh more than subjective judgments.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, remains a symbol of individual excellence. However, instances like Vinicius Jr.’s omission spark ongoing discussions about its fairness.
As the debate continues, fans and players alike await reforms in how football’s top accolades are awarded. Ronaldo’s advocacy for deserving players adds weight to this conversation.
FOOTBALL
Nottingham Forest Climbs to Third with Victory Over Tottenham
Nottingham Forest secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Tottenham in a gripping Premier League encounter. Anthony Elanga’s decisive goal propelled Forest to third position in the league standings, marking a significant achievement for the club.
The match showcased Forest’s resilience and tactical discipline. Elanga’s goal came in the second half, capitalizing on a defensive lapse by Tottenham. The Forest forward displayed composure as he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper, ensuring three vital points for his team.
Tottenham, despite their efforts, struggled to break through Forest’s well-organized defense. Their attack lacked the sharpness needed to convert opportunities into goals. This defeat marks a setback for Tottenham, who now face mounting pressure to reclaim their form.
Nottingham Forest manager praised the team’s performance, emphasizing their determination and collective effort. He highlighted the significance of the win in boosting morale and confidence for the challenging fixtures ahead.
The victory reflects Forest’s remarkable form this season, as they continue to defy expectations and compete among the league’s elite. Their consistent performances have made them a formidable opponent in the Premier League.
Fans celebrated the win, recognizing it as a testament to the club’s progress under the current management. The team’s climb to third position underscores their ambition and growing reputation in English football.
This result serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and excitement that defines the Premier League. Nottingham Forest’s rise adds a compelling narrative to the season, inspiring fans and players alike.
FOOTBALL
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Emotional Moment Recalled by Rio Ferdinand
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.
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: Tripti Dimri shocks audiences with daring nude sequence in Ranbir Kapoor starrer ‘Animal’
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Riva Arora, aged 12, romances with Karan Kundrra in viral video
-
BIG NEWS2 years ago
Meet the sexiest female golfer ever!
-
LATEST2 years ago
The sexiest tennis star on the planet. Do you agree?
-
CRICKET1 year ago
‘Bloody dump captain’ – Former Pakistan cricketer lashes out at Babar Azam and staff for mismanagement of fast bowlers in Asia Cup 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
WATCH: After Tripti Dimri, Rashmika Mandanna’s intimate scene with Ranbir Kapoor in ‘Animal’ goes viral on internet
-
CRICKET1 year ago
Top 10 hairstyle of MS Dhoni from 2007 to 2023
-
FILMY1 year ago
Did you know Simi Garewal dated India’s iconic industrialist Ratan Tata? Know more about this