Benzema Rises To The Occasion For Madrid Again To Spare Zidane Europa League Humiliation
The Blancos maintained their proud record of never having failed to make it out of their Champions League group thanks to two goals from their No.9

It was a chilly night in the Spanish capital, but Real Madrid did not freeze. On the contrary, everything clicked into place for Zinedine Zidane – and not a moment too soon.

Karim Benzema was at his lethal best, Sergio Ramos returned to galvanise the defence and the record 13-time European champions flexed their muscles to blow away Borussia Monchengladbach and quieten the Europa League jibes being thrown their way.

Real Madrid have never failed to make it out of their Champions League group and despite fears among their fans and media in the Spanish capital, that proud record never looked in doubt at the Alfredo di Stefano on Wednesday.

Zidane’s side won 2-0 thanks to Benzema’s headed brace, but it might have been five, six or seven, such was their dominance.

It had been a dismal group phase for Madrid until this point, with six of their seven points coming against a weak Inter, and the other in a snatched 2-2 draw at Gladbach.

The good news was their captain’s return from injury, with Madrid suffering eight defeats in their last 10 Champions League games without Ramos. Among the worst of those were the two recent early exits against Man City and Ajax, both in the last 16.

The 35-year-old’s leadership was keenly felt, and heard, as he marshalled and instructed the defence throughout, as Madrid kept only their second clean sheet of the group phase.

Benzema took care of things at the other end of the field. The Frenchman celebrated equalling Roberto Carlos’ record of 527 games for a non-Spanish player at Madrid by sending his side ahead with a brilliant header from Lucas Vazquez’s cross in the ninth minute.

Alassane Plea might have equalised for Gladbach when he ran through on goal moments later but clipped his effort over Courtois and wide of the post, in the Germans’ only promising moment in the first half.

The rest was one-way traffic, with Luka Modric hitting the post and having a goal disallowed for offside, while Benzema headed in his second goal in much the same way he managed his first, this time connecting with a ball that Brazilian forward Rodrygo Goes had served up on a silver platter.

In Madrid’s 1-0 win over Sevilla last weekend, we saw signs of them getting back on the right path after a shaky start to the season, showing the kind of discipline and desire that propelled them to the Liga title last season.

This performance raised the bar further, with Zidane’s resurgent side not just defending well but looking confident and sure of themselves, trusting in one another, their prestige and their undoubted individual quality.

Most importantly, they worked hard, which wasn’t the case in recent defeats by Valencia and Alaves.

This was the perfect warm-up, then, for Saturday’s Madrid derby clash with rivals Atletico, and the ideal way to lighten the load on Zidane. It’s unlikely he’ll face any more direct questions about his future, at least until the Champions League resumes in 2021.

Madrid were helped by Gladbach’s dismal display, with the visitors looking every bit the team that collapsed in the final three minutes of the pair’s 2-2 draw at Borussia-Park in October, rather than the exciting side that steamrollered los Blancos for the first 87 minutes of that game.

Benzema came within inches of a hat-trick with an effort that smashed against the crossbar, Sommer produced a spectacular save to deny Ramos, while Vazquez hit the near post too as Real ran riot.

Benzema had another chance at the death but this time he was unable to nod the ball home. Third time unlucky, but no unlucky third place for Madrid.

Despite all the mounting doubts and criticism, Zidane led his side to top spot in Group B. Mission accomplished, order restored.

The impact of the former Nigeria captain was not enough to hand the Potters maximum points at Sheffield

John Obi Mikel was in action as Stoke City settled for a goalless draw against Sheffield Wednesday in Saturday’s Championship encounter.

The former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder has started in every one of the Potters’ league games this season and he made his 14th appearance at Hillsborough.

Mikel saw 76 minutes of action on Saturday before he was replaced by Jordan Cousins as Michael O’Neill’s men chased a goal – it was the first time the 33-year-old was taken off in a match in this campaign.Another Nigerian player Moses Odubajo was involved in the encounter and he came on as an 83rd-minute substitute for Sheffield Wednesday.Nigeria youth star Tom Dele-Bashiru and DR Congo’s Elias Kachunga also made Tony Pulis’ matchday squad but they watched on from the bench.

19-year-old Cameroon goalkeeper Blondy Noukeu was an unused substitute for Stoke City as he awaits his Championship debut.

The lone point at Hillsborough left the Potters in the eighth spot in the Championship standings with 22 points from 14 outings while Sheffield Wednesday languish in the drop zone with just eight points.

Next up for Mikel’s Stoke City is a trip to Wycombe Wanderers on December 2 before they host Middlesbrough at bet365 Stadium next Saturday.

The wideman scored in the Bluebirds’ 4-0 demolition of Luton Town on Saturday

On-loan Liverpool winger Sheyi Ojo scored and weighed in with an assist as Cardiff City thumped Luton Town 4-0 in the Championship on Saturday.

The Bluebirds were already 3-0 up when the wideman found the net in the 82nd minute following goals from Sean Morrison, Mark Harris and Kieffer Moore during thoroughly one-sided affair in which the hosts took a two-goal lead after nine minutes.

Ojo had also contributed the assist for Harris’s ninth-minute goal—the forward’s first for the club—when he sent a fine cross from the left flank for the Wales U-21 international to dispatch with aplomb.The Anglo-Nigerian wideman then added the fourth late on, when he slammed home into the far corner after Marlon Pack’s corner was cleared into his path.Ojo impressed on the left flank—with Harry Wilson also excelling on the opposite wing—as Cardiff delivered a dazzling offensive display to ease the pressure on Neil Harris, who was in dire need of a positive result following a three-game winless streak.

The victory takes Cardiff up to 14th on 17 points, seven clear of the dropzone, having played 14 matches.

Luton, who are now without a win in four, remain up in 12th, although they will be desperate to arrest their poor form imminently, with league leaders Norwich City next up for them.

Ojo can look back on his best performance of a season in which he’s now scored three and contributed two assists for the Welsh heavyweights.

The 23-year-old former England U-21 international—who remains eligible for Nigeria—is currently on his sixth loan spell away from Liverpool, having made eight Premier League appearances for the club since arriving as a youngster nine years ago.

He’s represented the likes of Wigan Athletic, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Fulham and even French club Stade de Reims on a temporary basis, but has enjoyed his best form in the Championship.

Last term, he spent the season on loan with Steven Gerrard’s Rangers, but received criticism from the former Reds legend for his lack of consistent contribution.

Next up, Cardiff host Huddersfield Town on Tuesday evening, before travelling away to Watford next Saturday.

The Nigeria international has been restored back to the Blue and Black team after he was punished for misconduct

Club Brugge manager Philippe Clement has confirmed Emmanuel Dennis’ return to the squad for their Belgian First Division A clash against Excel Mouscron on Saturday evening.

The 23-year-old forward was suspended for the Blue and Black’s Champions League game against German side Borussia Dortmund for misconduct.

The Nigeria international left the team bus in anger after he was denied his preferred seating position on the bus.Besides his suspension for their clash against Dortmund, the Super Eagles star was also fined for the incident.Clement has revealed the forward has apologized to the management of the club as well as to him and his teammates for his conduct.

Subsequently, Dennis has been restored back to the team and will be expected to feature against Excel Mouscron.

“Dennis apologized to the management but also to the players and to myself,” Clement said in a pre-match press conference.

“He was fined by the club. He is part of the selection for Saturday. For me, this story is over.”

Dennis has been with the Jan Breydel Stadium outfit since 2017 when he teamed up with the club from Ukrainian Premier League side Zorya Luhansk.The forward played a key role as the Blue and Black won the league title in 2017-18 season and also finished top of the Belgian top division in the 2019-20 campaign.

The 23-year-old has made more than 75 appearances for Club Brugge across all competitions and in the current season, he has featured in 10 games, scoring one goal and providing two assists.

Dennis will hope to deliver an impressive showing for the Jan Breydel Stadium outfit if he gets to play in the encounter.

Chelsea ace Mason Mount has revealed Frank Lampard pep talk ahead of the clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the west London derby on Sunday afternoon[url=https://images.google.com.af/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Chelsea will face their former manager Jose Mourinho at the Stamford Bridge as the two London based clubs battle for three points, Chelsea remained unbeaten since their defeat to Liverpool as the Blues has gone on to get a massive 15 points from their last seven games.


Tottenham has hit the ground running and has recorded some great victories, the 6-1 win over Manchester United at the Old Trafford, the 2-0 win over Manchester City at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last weekend[url=https://images.google.com.bz/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Speaking to Chelsea TV, Mount lifted the lid on Lampard’s conversation with the Blues squad ahead of their London derby at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.

Asked if the squad are aware of the importance of Sunday’s clash, Mount replied: “Yeah, everyone knows.

“The gaffer has made it very known how big of a game it is. All of us boys know how big of a game it is and we’re going into the game with the confidence that we want to win[url=https://images.google.com.nf/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

“And that’s what we’ve been doing recently and we’re not going to change.
Obviously, we know how big of a game it is and how tough it’s going to be

“But we’re ready, we’re confident and we’re ready to fight.”
The Blues defeated Lille 2-1 in the Champions League which marked their last competitive game[url=http://images.google.com.ni/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

More details on the series of events in the final hours before the death of Diego Maradona are now been released.

According to the Sun, Maradona’s last words before he died were: “I don’t feel well[url=https://images.google.com.na/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]”

The widely revered football legend died on Thursday from a heart attack, two weeks after he underwent surgery on a brain bleed.


It can now be revealed Maradona, 60, ate breakfast before telling nephew Johnny Esposito he didn’t feel well and was going to lie down again, The Sun added

A nurse who was looking after Maradona, following his release from the hospital after his brain scan operation, phoned for an ambulance and several responded[url=http://images.google.com.om/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

But it was already too late and the retired footballer was dead by the time help arrived.


The last hours of the former Napoli and Barcelona star’s shockingly short life were played out in Argentine media as an autopsy expected to show he had died from a massive heart attack.

One described how he had awoken in the morning looking pale and complaining of feeling cold.


From Nigeria to England, tributes have since been flowing in for Maradona who would be sorely missed for all that he has done for the round leather game[url=https://images.google.com.ag/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte has reacted to the 2-0 defeat against Real Madrid on matchday 4 of the Champions League.

Conte feels the referee Anthony Taylor killed the game with the decision to give Arturo Vidal a marching order. The Chilean midfielder was not pleased with the decision of the referee not to have awarded him a penalty when he was caught by Raphael Varane in the penalty area, something the referee was not interested in[url=https://images.google.com.bo/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

He was given a yellow card for his complaints and then handed another yellow card just moments later and given his marching orders by the English referee.

“Honestly, don’t talk about refereeing, even if many times the referee must be intelligent and the game is like that,” he began his post-match press conference at San Siro following the defeat to Los Blancos.

“Unless Vidal said something serious, leaving a team with 10 men after just 30 minutes means killing the game but I don’t know what Vidal told him.”The former Juventus and Italian national team manager then went on to share his thoughts on the game overall, which Inter lost 2-0 due to a penalty from Eden Hazard and a second-half strike from substitute Rodrygo[url=http://images.google.com.bn/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]“It was not a matter of fury, we need to understand the weight of certain games.

It was a heavy game from a heavy point of view.“We played a lot against Real Madrid. It was a match that we couldn’t go wrong in, there was no lack of fury. Maybe we felt that a little bit too much.“Only time will help us improve in these matches and manage them better.”

Inter hope of reaching the knockout stage of the Champions League now looks dim and they have to win their next two games against Borussia Monchengladbach and Shakhtar Donetsk and have some luck to advance[url=https://images.google.com.bd/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Former Super Eagles midfielder Austin Okocha has joined millions of football fans across the world to pay tribute to the late Diego Maradona.

The Argentine legend died on Wednesday after suffering a cardiorespiratory arrest. The former Barcelona and Napoli player was released from hospital a couple of weeks ago following brain surgery.

‘What a sad day, we have lost one of the greatest to ever have played the game of football. But God knows better than man. RIP King, you will be missed,’ Okocha tweeted.


Interestingly, Okocha made his World Cup debut against a Maradona led Argentina team at the USA 94’ mundial.

‘Mourinho Has Brainwashed Tottenham Players’ – Former Chelsea Boss Can Deliver Premier League Title Says Sherwood
The former Spurs head coach sees no reason why his old club can’t lift English football’s top prize under their current manager

Jose Mourinho has “brainwashed” his Tottenham players, according to Tim Sherwood, who believes the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss can deliver Premier League title this season.

Tottenham have emerged as the surprise early pacesetters in the top flight this season, having picked up 20 points from a possible 27 so far.

Mourinho’s men lost their opening game 1-0 at home to Everton, but have since regrouped to establish themselves as a formidable force, with thrilling wins over Southampton and Manchester United providing evidence of their attacking power.Spurs have also proven they are capable of grinding out results when not at their best, seeing off Brighton and West Brom in an unconvincing but effective fashion, and they currently boast the best defensive record in the entire division.Another impressive clean sheet was recorded in a 2-0 victory over Manchester City on Saturday, with talk of Mourinho being on track to win his fourth Premier League title increasing with each passing game.

Sherwood has praised the Portuguese for raising the collective confidence levels within his current squad, and sees no reason why they can’t lift the trophy if they continue on their current trajectory.

“He’s found a way with the group of players he has,” the ex-Spurs midfielder and manager told talkSPORT.

“He’s bought very well, [Sergio] Reguilon has been a good signing at left-back, but [Pierre-Emile] Hojbjerg for me has been the best signing. He fits into the style and just protects the two centre-halves.

“Jose has brainwashed his players to believe they have to work to achieve something – they need to win trophies, this group of players.

“When you play as solid as they do, he’s almost brainwashed them into believing.

“And why wouldn’t you believe in him? He’s won 20 major trophies in his career and you’re winning football matches, so then you start believing that this guy is the real deal, he knows what he’s talking about, and why can’t we win the league?”

Sherwood, who won the Premier League crown with Blackburn in 1994-95, added: “When we’ve got players like Son and Kane, who are world class and could probably play in any team in the world, you’ve always got a chance.

“They haven’t played fantastically well this season, but who cares? On the back of my medal it doesn’t say: ‘Oh, and by the way we didn’t play well for 24 games’.

“You just go and pick it up at the end of the season, and that’s it!”

Man Utd Win More And Score More With Greenwood Starting – His Return Can’t Come Soon Enough


The numbers say the Red Devils are a better team when the teenager starts and a lack of goals and creativity has hampered them this season

At the fifth time of asking, Manchester United finally found their first Premier League home win of the season[url=http://images.google.com.co/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng];[/url] a 1-0 victory over West Brom on Saturday evening.

Three points were a must for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and, while he was delighted to be moving up the table, there was realism post-match about how the team must improve. They have scored just three goals in five league games at Old Trafford this term and two of those have come via Bruno Fernandes and the penalty spot.

There is a widespread acceptance from the players and coaching staff that things have got to get better and fast. One of the solutions, Solskjaer believes, is the return of Mason Greenwood. “We need to improve – we need to get more flow and rhythm to our game, be more clinical, take our chances,” the United manager said. “We’re looking forward to having Mason back – fit again and well, so hopefully we can hit some form like we did towards the end of last season.”It’s been a difficult few weeks for Greenwood, both on and off the pitch, with the teenager finding himself at the centre of unjustified negative media attention and failing to get the starts and goals to divert the focus back to his footballing abilities.

Solskjaer revealed the 19-year-old recently had nine days off training to recover from an illness but the positive for both the manager and the young forward is that he is back to full training and a return to the matchday squad is imminent.

Not only do United create more chances, on average, when Greenwood is in the starting XI but he can give balance to an attack that is sometimes lacking it in his absence. In the Champions League group-stage defeat to Istanbul Basaksehir the lopsided nature of United’s forward line concerned Solskjaer.

“Sometimes I felt the whole team was way too much over to the left,” he said. “We were too open down the right, too many players wanted to play football over to the other side.”

He was right. Over 51 per cent of their attacks in that game, which they lost 2-1, came down the left with only 19% coming down the right. And there is a similar theme across all games this season, which reinforces why Solskjaer was so desperate to add a natural right-sided attacker such as Jadon Sancho to his ranks in the summer[url=http://images.google.com.cu/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Against Everton, another game Greenwood missed, the statistics were similar; 51% of the United attacks came down the left and 23% on the right.

When Greenwood starts, as he did against Arsenal in the league a few weeks ago, United still favour that left side but the difference between wings is not as stark. During that 1-0 defeat, for example, United’s attacks down the right were up to 31% compared to the total of 34% down the left.

Since securing his place in the first team last season, Greenwood has started 33 times, predominantly on the right wing, across all competitions. When he starts, United’s average goals per game total stands at 2.1. That compares to a total of 1.7 in the 44 games he hasn’t started.

United’s win percentage, meanwhile, is 63% with Greenwood in the starting line-up and only 50% without him. Their average shots taken per game is around 10 with Greenwood starting and falls to 8.8 without him in the team.His attacking contribution is undeniable, as is evidenced by his stunning opening goal in the 5-0 win against RB Leipzig last month.

However, it’s not just his own contributions that Solskjaer will be considering when debating whether or not to select the teenager. His inclusion has the potential to boost those around him mainly due to his movement.

Against West Brom at the weekend, United’s creativity was stifled due to the decision to again play two holding midfielders in Fred and Nemanja Matic. It saw Anthony Martial, who is still trying to hone his craft as a number nine, lacking in service and dropping deep to collect the ball.

Martial’s average position in the majority of games he has played this campaign has been drifting towards the left, almost on top of wide attacker Marcus Rashford, rather than through the middle. While Solskjaer is keen for his forward line to be fluid, it is one of the reasons for his side’s warped attacking shape.

Greenwood’s turn of pace, ability to take on his man and get a cross into the box gives Martial more licence – and more of an incentive – to get in the area.

He has, however, started just four times across all competitions this season and his creativity has been missed. United will be seeking to avenge that Istanbul defeat when the Turkish champions visit Old Trafford on Tuesday night[url=https://images.google.com.cy/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

With the fixtures piling up, the fact he is edging closer to a return can only be a huge boost for Solskjaer as he looks to build some consistency in the Champions League and on the domestic front.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi plus 28 others shortlisted for the Player of the Century Award[url=http://images.google.com.pg/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

The 35-year-old Juventus forward enjoys the advantage to win the prestigious award after winning the Global Sports Star of the Year award six times, while his closest rival Barcelona skipper will be a strong challenger is of course after winning six Ballon d’Or in the last decade[url=https://images.google.com.pe/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Others in the 28-man shortlist for Player of the Century include Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappe, Neymar, Andres Iniesta, Andrea Pirlo, Andres Iniesta, Andriy Shevchenko, Arjen Robben, David Beckham, Fabio Cannavaro, Francesco Totti, Frank Lampard, Gianluigi Buffon, Iker Casillas, Kaka, Luka Modric, Luís Figo, Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm[url=https://images.google.com.pe/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng],[/url] Robert Lewandowski, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Steven Gerrard, Xavi, Zinedine Zidane, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

kranka12:
Pinnick is really doing business

He can't sack his business

seriously ooo

‘I’m Not Going To Smile Too Much At The League Table’ – Lampard Not Getting ‘Carried Away’ By Chelsea’s Position.
The Blues boss has urged his side to maintain their recent consistency in order to keep pace with reigning champions Liverpool

Frank Lampard says he’s “not going to smile too much at the league table” as he resists the urge to get “carried away” by Chelsea’s current position.

Chelsea picked up their fifth successive win in all competitions by beating Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park on Saturday.

A Federico Fernandez own goal and a Tammy Abraham strike gave the Blues all three points on Tyneside, while goalkeeper Edouard Mendy recorded his fourth Premier League clean sheet since joining the club from Rennes in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea have risen to third in the standings after their latest victory, two points behind leaders Tottenham and reigning champions Liverpool with a huge showdown against the former up next on November 29.

Lampard is not paying much attention to talk of a possible title challenge just yet though, and has urged his side to prove they can maintain their recent consistency over the next few months.

“After eight or nine games, it would be very easy to get excited about being in a lofty position but I’m not going to smile too much at the league table,” the 42-year-old told the Blues’ official website.

“It’s nice to have three points when you’re the first game of the weekend but I knew the league table would change by the end of it.

“We can only worry about ourselves and our recent form has meant we’re in a decent position but doing that consistently over a big period is the next step for us now.

“The first port of call this year was to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, who have set different levels of consistency and amassing points through a season.

“We are improving but we cannot get carried away with ourselves at this early stage. We have to try to reach those levels of consistency but I’m happy with where we’re at right now.”

Before Chelsea start preparing for next weekend’s London derby against Spurs, they must first negotiate a Champions League group-stage fixture against Rennes on Tuesday.

Lampard’s men can qualify for the knockout stages if they win at Roazhon Park and Sevilla secure either a draw or a victory away at Krasnodar, having already picked up seven points in Group E.

The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick has ruled out the sacking of Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr despite widespread calls for the head of the Franco-German[url=https://images.google.gy/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

In an interview with the BBC on Friday, Pinnick stated that despite the recent poor results against the Leone Stars in the AFCON qualifying series, it is not enough reason to sack Rohr as the national team coach.

“Nobody is happy about what happened against Sierra Leone in both matches,” Pinnick told BBC Sport Africa[url=http://images.google.fm/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]


“But it is not enough to sack the coach because his team is still top of the Nations Cup group after four matches.

“His statistics speaks volume for him, so on what indexes do we want to sack him considering the contract recently signed by both parties.

“No matter how emotional and disappointed the fans are, there’s no basis to sack him now and he deserves to keep his job.”


Having been handed a fresh two-year mandate to lead Nigeria, Pinnick is positive Rohr would lead the Eagles to a successful outing at both the AFCON and Mundial both scheduled for 2022[url=http://images.google.gl/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

“When you look at his performance, where he has won 29 matches, drew 14 and lost 10, you can say that is enough to back him,” said Pinnick.


“Yes, the performance in the last two games has not gone down well with some people, but we need to be professional, honest and respectful in how we analyse things[url=https://images.google.gm/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]”

The Nigerian striker has settled in well at the Stadio San Paolo with a regular spot in the starting XI[url=https://images.google.sh/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng] .[/url]

Victor Osimhen is eager to pay back the faith shown in him by Napoli coach Gennaro Gattuso since he arrived from Lille on a big money deal in the summer.

The 21-year-old has played in all of Napoli’s Serie A matches this campaign and he has two goals to his name already.

He broke his duck in the Italian top-flight against Atalanta in October and he scored the match-winning goal which gave Napoli a 1-0 win on the road at Bologna just before the international break[url=http://images.google.si/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Prior to his move to Italy in August, the Nigeria striker recalled the warm welcome he got from Gattuso and the desire the former AC Milan midfielder and coach showed to have him in his squad.

“Sometimes we watch people on TV and quickly judge them, I think for me he is a great man and he is becoming a great coach also,” Osimhen told Brila FM.

“When I first went to Napoli, I went to his home and I know the way he spoke to me and how he really wants me and this is the most important thing, a man I watched on TV and really admire a lot.

“For him supporting me and pushing me to the hardest, trying to bring the best out of me I want to repay him for the believe he has had in me which is the most important thing[url=http://images.google.gr/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]”

Osimhen is a doubt for Napoli’s league outing against AC Milan at the Stadio San Paolo on Sunday as he continues recovery from a dislocated shoulder.

The former Lille star suffered the shoulder injury during Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone which ended in a 4-4 draw in Benin[url=https://images.google.gp/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Super Eagles striker Simmy Nwankwo and his Crotone teammates may be heading back to the Serie B if things continue the way they are going presently[url=https://images.google.sm/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

In their eighth game since gaining promotion back to the top flight on Saturday, Corotone lost 0-2 at their Stadio Ezio Scida home ground yet again.


While Simmy fired blanks for Crotone in Saturday’s tie, it was Ciro Immobile who scored on his comeback before Joaquin Correa squeezed in a finish from the tightest angle[url=https://images.google.sn/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng], [/url]as Lazio earned a 2-0 win in awful weather conditions in the away game.


This is the sixth defeat of the season for Cortone as they have managed just two draws in their other games.

They have just two points and are rooted at the bottom of the log[url=https://images.google.so/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Chelsea’s fine form continues after beating Newcastle United 2-0 at Saint James Park to go top of the Premier League table on Saturday afternoon[url=http://images.google.td/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Federico Fernandez’s own goal set the Blues on their way, the Argentine defender poking the ball over his own line while under pressure from Ben Chilwell.Chelsea oozed quality, Newcastle keeper Karl Darlow producing excellent saves to deny the excellent Timo Werner as well as a close-range header by Tammy Abraham.

But the Nigerian descent made sure of the points with a smart finish following Werner’s pass after Newcastle United had threatened through Isaac Hayden and Joelinton with Sean Longstaff hit the bar for the home side towards the end[url=http://images.google.tg/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Chelsea, who started the day fifth, are top the table on goal difference ahead of Leicester City, who are at Liverpool on Sunday

Aston Villa, who host Brighton could replace Chelsea at the summit with a big win, while Tottenham Hotspurs, who entertain Manchester City later in the night will move to the summit with a victory[url=https://images.google.tl/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

The 34-year-old has been cast aside by Frank Lampard this season[url=https://images.google.ro/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud will seek an exit in January should his playing time not increase[url=https://images.google.tt/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng], [/url]reports ESPN.

The veteran forward has played just 33 minutes in the Premier League this season and is eyeing a place at Euro 2020 with France next summer.

Giroud’s contract at Stamford Bridge will expire at season’s end[url=https://images.google.ru/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, in Uyo on Friday arraigned two fraudsters before Justice Simon Amobeda of the Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River state[url=https://maps.google.com.ph/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]


The convicts; Okanezi David Tamunonengiyeofori and Unuafe Robert Oghenetejiri, were convicted on a separate one-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining by false pretence.

Their journey to prison started when Oghenetejiri fraudulently obtained the sum of N492, 000.00 (Four hundred and ninety two thousand naira) from one Julius Austin Nkpung after hacking into the electronic identity of his UBA account, while Tamunonengiyeofori was convicted for impersonating one James Ogbonda in order to gain monetary advantage for himself from unsuspecting victims.

The duo pleaded “guilty” to the charges preferred against them[url=http://maps.google.com.pg/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

In view of their guilty pleas, the Prosecuting Counsel, Joshua Abolarin, prayed the court to invoke Section 270 (9) and (10a) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act in convicting the offenders. The prosecution equally informed the court of the plea agreements dated November 19, 2020, entered by the guilty duo and the prosecution, and adopted same for the prosecution.

The defence counsel, C. N. Nweke raised no objection, but prayed the court to tamper justice with mercy during sentencing, because, according to him, they were first time offenders.

Delivering judgement, the presiding Judge, Justice Amobeda convicted the accused persons and sentenced them accordingly, in accordance with the provisions of the extant laws.

“I have considered all the factors, particularly the fact that the convicts are first-time offenders and who have exhibited sincere penitence in the circumstance rather than insist on their inalienable rights to trial[url=https://maps.google.com.pa/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

”They pleaded guilty, thereby saving tax payers resources and the time of this court”, the Judge said.

They were both sentenced to 3months imprisonment each. While Tamunonengiyeofori was given the option of a fine of N150,000.00 and ordered to restitute N250,000.00 to his victim through the prosecution, Oghenetejiri was given the option of fine of N200,000.00 and was also ordered to restitute the sum of N492,000.00 to his victim through the prosecution.

The court also ordered that the convicts forfeit every instrument used in committing the crimes to the Federal Government.

Justice Amobeda also ordered the convicts to make an undertaking to the prosecution to be of good behaviour and never to be involved in any form of crime[url=http://maps.google.com.py/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

They have been remanded at the Commissions facility in Uyo, pending the fulfilment of their fines and restitutions.

Scheduling three games in a slot normally allocated for two has only placed further pressure on professionals already at breaking point

On Wednesday evening[url=http://maps.google.com.ly/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng],[/url] Republic of Ireland avoided relegation from Nations League Group B4 with a dreadful 0-0 draw against Bulgaria.

“It’s not something to celebrate,” manager Stephen Kenny admitted afterwards. And it wasn’t. It was a game with no crowd, no goals and no purpose.

It was a game that should never have been played within an international break that should never have happened.

What unfolded in Dublin provided the few people that dared watch on television with a horrific but accurate portrayal of pandemic football.

Both sets of players gave their all – there was no shortage of full-blooded challenges – but the standard was shocking, and not just because this was a game between two low-ranked teams[url=http://maps.google.com.mm/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Bulgaria were deprived of 15 players through a combination of injury or Covid-19; Ireland were without 13.

The negative effect was as significant as it was inevitable. As Lille boss Christophe Galtier stated after losing two key players to injury over the past week, “Whoever made this international schedule has lost all reference to what high-level football is.”

Cramming three games in an international window usually reserved for two was asking for trouble. And it arrived in spades.
Most media outlets understandably focused on the big stories: Luis Suarez contracted coronavirus on Uruguay duty, for example, while Sergio Ramos was injured lining out for Spain.

However, of greater significance was the fact that Norway had to forfeit one game because of a Covid-19 outbreak within their squad, and then field a ‘B team’ for another. In addition, Ukraine’s entire squad was put in quarantine in Lucerne after three members of its group for a game against Switzerland tested positive[url=https://maps.google.com.mt/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Meanwhile, the already-injured Aleksandar Kolarov has just returned to Inter with coronavirus, illustrating the dual risk posed by the international window.

The Serb is the ninth member of the Nerazzurri’s squad to be sidelined by the virus since the start of the season, which offers an unequivocal response to CEO Beppe Marotta’s question as to whether it was really wise to allow players to link up with their national teams at all.

The net result is that a number of top-flight games in Europe this weekend will go ahead without even more elite players, who have either ended up in the treatment room or self-isolation.

Liverpool, for example, will not have Mohamed Salah, Joe Gomez, Trent-Alexander Arnold or Virgil van Dijk for Sunday’s clash with Premier League leaders Leicester, and could also be potentially shorn of the services of Jordan Henderson, Fabinho and Thiago Alcantara.

The Reds have been hit harder than most, by coronavirus, fatigue and the normal rigours of a top-flight campaign, but everyone will suffer this season. A widespread dilution of quality is, thus, absolutely inevitable, at every level[url=https://maps.google.com.sa/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Perish the thought, but games like Ireland-Bulgaria could become the norm, in the Premier League, the Champions League or even at the Euros, with the game’s star men likely to be emotionally and physically drained by next summer.


Players are already being pushed to breaking point. There been a notable increase in muscular injuries this season – the predictable result of a shortened summer break, a truncated pre-season and the most congested fixture list the game has ever seen.

What’s remarkable is there has been so little give, particularly in England. The Premier League is world-renowned for its intensity and yet it felt compelled do away with its planned winter break to ensure the season finishes in time for Euro 2020, which has been postponed until 2021 because of the pandemic.

The Premier League’s smaller clubs also voted against allowing five substitutes this season because of the understandable belief that it would benefit the bigger clubs, with their deeper pools of talent.

And that is the point here: every organisation is looking out for themselves. Nobody is looking out for the players.

“It’s clear with these new invented competitions, we’re simply puppets for both FIFA and UEFA,” Germany and Real Madrid midfield Toni Kroos told Bild.

“New competitions are devised such as the Nations League or the expansion of the Club World Cup to maximise profit and in doing so it’s simply pushing players to new physical limits[url=https://maps.google.com.pe/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]”


The mental aspect cannot be overlooked either.

“It’s not easy whatsoever,” Aston Villa midfielder Conor Hourihane told reporters before Ireland’s draw with Bulgaria. “This pandemic has influenced a lot of people.

“We’re all worried about results, performances and goals and whatever, but listen, I’ve had a family issue with Covid, somebody unfortunately passing away. It’s not an easy time for players.

“People won’t know what’s going on in players’ lives. We’re all wanting to win games, but sometimes there are bigger things in life. This pandemic is definitely bigger than a couple of goals and a couple of results.”

Of course, the broader question here is whether we should still be playing football at all. But there are obviously major financial factors at play here.

Clubs risk bankruptcy as it is without gate receipts; losing television money too would be a potentially fatal blow.

Football federations have the same fears; many simply couldn’t have done without the revenue generated from the latest round of international fixtures.


“That’s why England had a joke of a friendly against Republic of Ireland (last week),” Jamie Carragher pointed out on Sky Sports earlier this week. “It was because of the financial situation at the FA, so they played that game, which was a nonsense.

“What this season has told us – through the null-and-void-the-league debate, ‘Project Big Picture’, the five subs rule and international football – is that everyone just looks after themselves and does what’s right for them.

“So, throughout the world, nobody has given up anything in football this season and the players are just being treated like a piece of meat.”

It’s impossible to disagree. If football is to continue, it must do so cautiously and intelligently.

Nobody wants to see tournaments cancelled or jobs lost. Even FIFPro – the players’ union – has stated that it “strongly supports the efforts of the football industry to continue to play despite the fast-changing and unpredictable nature of the pandemic.”

However, it also argued that “the intensive current match calendar, with barely any off and in-season breaks for players, not only risks their health but also risks undermining their performance at the forthcoming UEFA European Championship and FIFA World Cup Qatar in 2022.”

It’s in everyone’s interest for football to survive this brutal period. But, at present, there are too many tournaments. There are too many games. Something has to give. Something has to be sacrificed.

Sadly, it looks like it’ll be the physical and mental well-being of the players.

After failing in the bid to successfully lure Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka to play for the Super Eagles, a fresh round of battle is looming between Nigeria and England football officials for another Arsenal youngster[url=https://maps.google.com.bn/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

This time, the new bone of contention is Arsenal’s teenage goalkeeper, Ovie Ejeheri, according to Skysports.

The 17-year-old born in Greenwich, England, but to Nigerian and Ugandan parents.


Ejeheri currently plays for Arsenal’s U-18 side, and the English FA are said to be keeping a close eye on him having shown great potentials in-between the sticks for the Young Gunners[url=https://maps.google.com.om/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

However, according to reports, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Ugandan FA are also monitoring his developments at Arsenal.

While Ejeheri does not look like one that would be fast-tracked to the main national team the Super Eagles, there have been growing concerns lately that the Super Eagles is now been dominated by players from the diaspora[url=http://maps.google.com.lb/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Recall, the NFF tried to convince Saka to represent Nigeria, but the Arsenal winger eventually represented the Three Lions.

While Saka chose England, another Arsenal product. Alex Iwobi decided to play for three-time African champions[url=http://maps.google.com.lb/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng], [/url]Nigeria.

source:-

mosdii:
Go and return no more mr no clean sheet..basket of a goalie

These are not the best of times for under-fire Chelsea goal Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Arrizabalaga is reportedly willing to accept a loan exit from Chelsea and equally take a substantial pay cut from his £150,000-a-week wages to revive his ailing club career elsewhere[url=https://images.google.com.py/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

The 26-year-old has endured a torrid time of things in his two years at Stamford Bridge and now finds himself behind summer acquisition Edouard Mendy in the pecking order.

Kepa’s poor form at club level has also affected his international prospects with Spain[url=https://images.google.com.pr/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng], [/url]having become the third choice to Unai Simon and David de Gea.

According to The Sun, the Spanish keeper has now acknowledged that he needs to find a new club in January if he is to win back his place for La Roja.La Liga side Valencia have previously been tipped to offer Kepa a temporary route away from Chelsea[url=https://maps.google.ht/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

There are fresh speculations around the club future of controversial Italian striker Mario Balotelli.

Ballotelli who in the past weeks have been linked with a sensational move to Egyptian side Pyramid FC is now a transfer subject of a possible move to English club, Barnsley[url=https://images.google.com.qa/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

A report in the Athletic quoting Matt Slater indicates Championship side Barnsley have made an offer to free-agent Balotelli.


Balotelli has been without a club since leaving Italian side Brescia at the end of last season. He has been training with semi-professional Serie D side Franciacorta this month.

The former Liverpool and Manchester City ace is available on a free transfer and Barnsley’s owners have a connection to the striker.

Chien Lee previously owned Ligue 1 side Nice[url=https://images.google.com.sa/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url] Balotelli spent three seasons with Nice between 2016 and 2019 and impressed there.


He was even recalled to the Italian national team on the back of his performances.

The Athletic understands Balotelli is still considering the options available to him since the offer from the Championship side as he plots his next move[url=https://images.google.com.sb/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez helps Algeria to qualify for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-2 scored draw with Zimbabwe in Harare.

Andy Delort had put the defending champions up front in the 34 minutes after he beat Talbert Shumba with a shocking ball.

However, Mahrez scored Algeria’s second goal after he was set up by the Montpellier striker as former Leicester City star superbly doubled the bet with a cross-shot with the right foot.

But in their enclosure, the Warriors have made it a point of honor to return with Knowledge Musona and Prince Dube ensure both sides share a point.


Algeria has now joined Cameroon and Senegal in qualifying for next year’s tournament after gaining 10 points ahead of Zimbabwe with five.

Qatar’s foreign minister said on Monday Arab states that establish ties with Israel undermine efforts for Palestinian statehood, but it was in their own sovereign right to do so[url=https://images.google.md/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]


Three Arab countries – the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan – set aside hostilities with Israel in recent months to agree to formal relations in deals brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.

Palestinian leaders have accused them of betrayal, while U.S. and Israeli officials have said more Arab states could soon follow.

“I think it’s better to have a united (Arab) front to put the interests of the Palestinians (first) to end the (Israeli) occupation,” Qatar Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani told the online Global Security Forum.

He said division was not in the interest of concerted Arab efforts to get the Israelis to negotiate with the Palestinians and resolve the decades-long conflict between the sides[url=https://images.google.mg/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

However, for the states who established ties, “it is up to them at the end of the day to decide what is best for their countries”, he said.

The UAE, Bahrain and Sudan broke with decades of Arab policy that had demanded Israel first cede land to the Palestinians to form their own state before establishing relations.

UAE officials have said the Gulf state remains committed to Palestinian statehood, and that its deal with Israel had stopped further annexation of lands Palestinians seek for a state[url=https://images.google.mu/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Until this year, Israel had only current formal relations with just two Arab states – its neighbours Egypt and Jordan – established under peace deals reached decades ago.

Qatar has been tipped by Israeli officials as among Arab and other Muslim-majority countries that could establish formal ties with Israel.

Sheikh Mohammed said Doha maintains some relations with Israel, though only on matters concerning the Palestinians such as humanitarian needs or development projects.

Qatar, which also has relations with two of Israel’s bitter enemies, Iran and Palestinian militant group Hamas, supports a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, a stance the foreign minister reiterated.

The certificate forgery suit filed against Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki by the All Progressives Congress (APC) will resume hearing today, November 16[url=https://images.google.lu/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]


The APC is praying to the court to quash his nomination by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the September governorship poll.

The suit was filed shortly after Obaseki emerged as PDP candidate, before defeating Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the APC.

The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Akin Olujimi alongside four Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) are legal representatives of the APC[url=https://images.google.lv/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Justice Ahmed Ramat Mohammed had fixed today after a request by Olujimi, leading counsel for APC and a chieftain, Edobor Williams.

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was joined in the suit marked FHC/B/CS/74/2020.

The plaintiffs prayed the court for an order disqualifying Obaseki on the grounds that he supplied false information on oath to INEC, an act said to be contrary to Section 31(5) and (6) of the Electoral Act, 2010.

Ken Mozia (SAN) and Rasaq Isenalumhe had announced appearance for Obaseki and PDP respectively. INEC is expected to announce its representation.

In June, the University of Ibadan (UI) confirmed that Obaseki was a product of the institution.

The Registrar, Olubunmi Faluyi, in a statement, said he gained admission in 1976 and studied Classics.

UI added that Obaseki graduated in 1979 with a Second Class Honours, Lower Division[url=https://images.google.no/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is self-isolating after coming into contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19, a fresh setback after infighting among his top advisers plunged Downing Street into chaos last week[url=https://images.google.com.vc/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].
[/url]

Johnson, who was admitted to intensive care in a London hospital earlier this year with the novel coronavirus, is well and does not have any symptoms, a spokesman for the prime minister said on Sunday.

“He will carry on working from Downing Street, including on leading the government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic,” the spokesman said. “The prime minister will follow the rules and is self-isolating.”

Johnson met lawmakers in Downing Street on Thursday, including Lee Anderson, a Conservative Party member who subsequently developed COVID-19 symptoms and tested positive.

The British leader had been hoping to seize back the initiative after last week’s drama in Downing Street.

Johnson’s office said on Friday that Dominic Cummings, the prime minister’s most powerful adviser and a fellow veteran of the Brexit referendum, would stop working for him next month.

Weekend newspapers were full of reports of bitter rows between rival factions in Downing Street that painted a picture of a government in chaos.

In an attempt to show he was not letting the upheaval distract him, his office said Johnson would make a string of “critical announcements” over the next two weeks on issues from green policy to a return to regional COVID-19 rules from Dec. 2.

Johnson has come under pressure from within his party not to extend the economically damaging, four-week coronavirus lockdown that he ordered for England this month.

Downing Street said the prime minister would remain firm in the finale of talks with the European Union over a post-Brexit trade deal and reiterated that he was ready to end Britain’s transition period on Dec. 31 without a trade deal if necessary.

Johnson will agree a one-year public spending plan with his finance minister, Rishi Sunak – to be announced on Nov. 25 – and he will publish this week a plan setting out steps for a “green industrial revolution” to boost green jobs as Britain aims for net zero carbon emissions by 2050[url=https://images.google.com.sl/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng],[/url] the statement said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered a tightening of state emergency anti-coronavirus systems in the face of the worldwide pandemic, as he presided over a meeting of the politburo of the ruling Workers Party, state news agency KCNA said on Monday[url=https://images.google.com.tr/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]


The meeting came amid economic and political uncertainty surrounding the global COVID-19 pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North’s economy, already battered by international sanctions aimed at stopping its nuclear program.

Making his first public appearance in 25 days, Kim stressed the need to keep a high alert and intensify the anti-epidemic work, KCNA reported.

The meeting discussed an unspecified “serious crime” committed by party officials at the Pyongyang University of Medicine. Other officials at the Central Committee and other government agencies “shielded, connived and fostered the crime” by failing to tighten oversight over the university, KCNA said, but did not specify if the crime was related to the coronavirus.

North Korea had tested over 12,000 people and reported no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, as of early November, according to the World Health Organization.

A total of 6,173 people, eight of whom were foreigners, were detected as suspected cases and 174 people were quarantined in the last week of October, the WHO said.

More than 54 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 1,312,334 have died, according to a Reuters tally[url=https://images.google.com.ua/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

Kim had called on his country to embark on an 80-day campaign to attain its goals in every sector before a congress in January to decide a new five-year plan.

North Korea’s premier, Kim Tok Hun, visited a heavy machine complex and a notebook factory to the southeast of Pyongyang to discuss efforts to reach those goals, KCNA reported on Monday[url=https://images.google.com.uy/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

“At the Taean Heavy Machine Complex, he gave pep-talks to its workers working hard to produce custom-built equipment ahead of schedule amid the intensive 80-day campaign,” KCNA reported.

Spain manager Luis Enrique has reacted to the Sergio Ramos two penalty miss against Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday evening.

Spain need a late equaliser to avoid a second defeat in a roll in the tournament after the1-0 defeat against Ukraine. Spain was awarded penalties on two occasions in both halves against Switzerland but Ramos who is making a record appearance in European competition was inaccurate with his kicks.

Enrique said Ramos’s twin spot-kick misses would not affect his captain. “Sergio’s numbers when it comes to taking penalties are in the reach of few players. If we had got a third penalty or a fourth one he would have taken them as well,” he said. “He had scored his last 25, but football has moments like this.”

The number one spot-kick taker for Real Madrid and Spain, despite being a defender, Ramos has been imperious from the spot in recent years, with his last miss coming when he hit the crossbar in Madrid’s 3-2 defeat by Sevilla in May 2018[url=http://www.google.co.ao/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]

He has confessed to relishing the high-stakes situation of a penalty, scoring a number of crucial spot-kicks in Real’s run to the Primera Liga title last season as well as netting from the spot in last month’s 3-1 win at Barcelona.

But he finally met his match in Swiss keeper Yann Sommer, who guessed the right way to parry Ramos’ first penalty early in the second half and then refused to be fooled by the Spaniard’s ‘Panenka’ routine which has worked so well for him in the past.

“It’s a real shame that Ramos missed the penalties because he’s usually so good,” said Spain forward Dani Olmo.

“But he’s very strong mentally and I’m sure that the next time he takes a penalty he’ll score.”

Spain will host Germany on Tuesday in their next fixture in the UEFA Nations League[url=https://www.google.co.zm/url?sa=t&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.zummy.com.ng].[/url]