₦airaland Forum

Liverpool welcome Champions League semi-final opponents AS Roma to Anfield as both teams do battle in the Champions League semi-final first leg tie, and Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has charged his club’s prolific goal scorer and former Roma star, Mohamed Salah to expect not too “friendly” treatment from his former team mates.

Mohamed Salah joined Roma from another Serie A side Fiorentina after a brief spell at Chelsea and went on to score 34 goals in 83 appearances for the Rome based club.

Salah joined Liverpool last summer in a deal worth £34m and has been a sensation in the English Premier League scoring 41 goals in 46 appearances for the Reds, and was on Sunday named the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year.

The Champions League tie against Roma will be the first time Salah will face his former colleagues since his departure from the Italian Serie A.
“Mo will know pretty soon they are not his team mates anymore,” said Klopp

“Italian defenders are famous for not having friendly games – but he can strike back in football terms.”
Both Liverpool and AS Roma were superb in their Champions League quarter final fixtures against Manchester City and Barcelona respectively and their dramatic comeback for Roma against Barcelona at the Stadio Olympico in Rome has made Klopp wary of their visitors.

“Nobody thought after the first result that they can have the kind of comeback against Barcelona because it’s not usually possible,” said Klopp.
“They can make seven or eight changes for their last league game and look comfortable and win which is a big advantage. But then being at Anfield is an advantage to us as well.

“They have a full squad available. They have different options offensively, a strong defence, the wingers or wing backs are strong, it all looks settled, fit and experienced.

“It’s a semi-final which is a big thing for them like us. You will see two excited teams and that’s good for football.”
Roma over the weekend rested some of their key players with Edin Dzeko, Aleksandar Kolarov, Alessandro Florenzi and Daniele de Rossi in their 3-0 win at Spal. Roma sit third on the Serie A table behind Juventus and Napoli.

Liverpool also had some key players rested as Roberto Firmino, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dejan Lovren, Andrew Robertson, and Alex Oxlade Chamberlain as they played a 2-2 draw with bottom-placed West Brom.
Roma manager Eusebio di Francesco says his side will not sit back against Liverpool in the first leg and insisted there is more to focus on than just the threat of Salah.

“They have to do well to force us deep,” said Di Francesco. “They decisive thing will be for us to stay compact.
“Liverpool are not just Salah. The front three combine really well together and that’s not an insignificant factor.
“We haven’t prepared this game with one player in mind.”

The atmosphere created at Anfield is incredible but it would not intimidate his team, says Di Francesco and urged his players to “make the most of Liverpool’s possible weaknesses”.

“The beauty of English stadiums is amazing,” said the Italian, whose side are third in the Italian elite league.
“Liverpool are different to Barcelona in terms of pace and we need to play well to win and have even more of a team-mentality.

“In Italy we are not used to having the fans right behind us in this way. Liverpool will have the fans on their side – but our away fans will support us.
Liverpool who are five-time winners of the Champions League will attempt to reach the finals for the first time since 2007.


www.dabbsports.com

Arsene Wenger is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, which will see an end of his 22-year reign as manager of the side.

Wenger leaves the Emirates a year before the expiration of his current contract which is due to end next season.
The Frenchman, 68, has served in the club and have won trophies in his years at Arsenal; he has won three Premier League titles and seven FA Cups, including the Double in 1998 and in 2002.

The Gunners sit sixth on the EPL table and are set to miss out on a top-four spot for the second consecutive season, showing a dwindling performance of the Wenger-led team. Their hopes of reaching the Champions League now solely lie on their winning the Europa League which has reached the semi-final stage.

“I am grateful for having the privilege to serve the club for so many memorable years,” said Wenger. “I managed the club with full commitment and integrity.

“To all the Arsenal lovers, take care of the values of the club.”

Arsenal has stated that a successor will be appointed “as soon as possible”.

The Frenchman came into the employ of Arsenal on October 1 1996, and has since become the longest serving manager in the Premier League after the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson. He has taken charge of a record 823 games; from the days at High bury Park.
[/b]
Wenger’s replacement has in the past two seasons be in the words, choruses of many fans of the club, while a cross section of Arsenal faithful still believed in the Frenchman.

The club has seen missing out of the Champions League qualification spot last season and probably this season too as their current standing on the EPL table shows they cannot make it to the prestigious UEFA Champions League.

Sunday’s defeat at Newcastle was their 11th in the league this season, equaling their worst tally in the campaign under Wenger.
Arsenal are 33 points behind league leaders Manchester City, who have garnered 87 points, and the same number away from the bottom side West Brom who have 21 points to their credit.

Stan Kroenke, Arsenal’s majority shareholder describes Friday’s announcement as “one of the most difficult days we have ever had in all our year in sport”.

He added: “One of the main reasons we got involved with Arsenal was because of what Arsene has brought to the club on and off the pitch.
“His longevity and consistency over such a sustained period at the highest level of the game will never be matched.

Arsenal will have to overcome their semi-final opponent, Atletico Madrid in the Europa League, the first leg tie to be played next Thursday.

Wenger’s first few seasons at Arsenal were very rewarding; nine seasons to be precise. The period saw Arsenal winning three Premier League titles and four FA Cups and which in-between this nine successful years, 2003-04 season, he became the first manager since 1988-89 to lead a team through an English top-flight season unbeaten.
[b]
But after the glorious era of the nine-year trophy-filled period, Arsenal’s fortunes with regards title winning vanished after winning the FA Cup trophy in 2005. The Gunners waited for 3,283 days (nine years) for their next silverware which came after they defeated Hull City to win the 2014 FA Cup, then went on to win the season trophy the next season.[/b]

Who succeeds Wenger?[color=#006600][/color]
Wenger says former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira “has the potential” to succeed him at the Emirates but former Borussia Dortmund manager Thomas Tuchel has already been linked with the job.

“We have high ambitions to build on Arsene’s remarkable tenure and to honour his vision by ensuring Arsenal competes for and wins the biggest and most important prizes in the game,” added Kroenke.

Tuchel is the favourite with the bookies as it stands, ahead of Germany boss Joachim Low and former Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and AC Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti.

www.dabbsports.com

Manchester City dominates the Professional Footballers’ Association Players’ (PFA) team of the year.

[b]The five players who made the cut from the newly crowned English Premier League champions are Midfielders David Silva, Kevin de Bruyne, defenders Nicolas Otamendi and Kyle Walker, and forward Sergio Aguero.

The only player who made the team from Neighbours, Manchester United is goal keeper David de Gea and Chelsea’s lone inclusion, Marcos Alonso.

[b]Tottenham has defender Jan Vertogen who pairs Otamendi in the centre of the back four, and midfielder Eriksen.
Tottenham’s striker Harry Kane and Liverpool and EPL’s leading goal scorer Mohamed Salah both completed the eleven man list. Both players have scored a total of 54 goals (salah -29; Kane -25)[/b]

David de Gea: The Spaniard has appeared in the PFA’s team of the year four times in the past five years.
This stems from his sterling performance of having the highest save percentage, stopping 80% of shots faced, which ranks third in Europe’s top five leagues (France, Italy, England, Germany and Spain).

Do you know?

Kyle Walker (Manchester City): He has provided six assists in the Premier League in 2017/18, making it his best return in a top-flight season.

Nicolas Otamendi (Tottenham): The Argentine defender has made 2665 successful passes in the Premier League this season, at least 300 more than any other player.

Jan Vertonghen (Tottenham): Vertonghen has featured for Spurs in 13 of Tottenham’s 14 Premier League games where they have kept clean sheets this season; one more than any outfield player for Tottenham.

Marcos Alonso (Chelsea): The Chelsea left back have had a wonderful season. Alonso has scored more goals than any other defender in the English Premier League this season (6).

David Silva (Manchester City): Silva has been amazing for Manchester City this season having scored 14 goals in all competitions and having a pass accuracy of 89%; the highest of any attack-minded player in the Premier League.

Kevin de Bruyne (Manchester City): The Belgian has shown great improvement in his game under boss Pep Guardiola, and has provided the most assist by any player in the EPL this season. De Bruyne is the first player to deliver 15+ in consecutive campaigns in the competition. He has created more chances (102) than any other player in the EPL this season and has also scored 11 goals for Manchester City.

Christian Eriksen (Tottenham): Eriksen has been a delight to watch for Spurs and has created 0ver 30 goal scoring chances for Harry Kane in the Premier League this season; the most to be seen of any player to another in 2017-18.

Harry Kane (Tottenham): The English forward has score 25= goals in the Premier League in the past three seasons consecutively; the other two players to have done same are Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer.

Mohammed Salah (Liverpool): Salah since a return to the English Premier League from a stint in Serie-A has been a torn in the flesh for opponents.

He is the first player to score 40+ goals in all competitions since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007-08 season.

The 25 year old scoring and assists have earned Liverpool 15 points – more than any other Premier League player. Salah has been instrumental in 51% of his side’s 75 league goals, again more than any other player in the League.

[b]Sergio Aguero (Man City): The Argentine has had quite a nice season for the Citizens, and this is the first time he has been included in the PFA Team of the season, in his seven years in England.


www.dabbsports.com[color=#006600][/color]

Manchester United lost to bottom placed West Brom at Old Trafford on Sunday and certain players who performed poorly have been penned down to be dropped in Saturday’s FA Cup against Tottenham, says Jose Mourinho.

[b]The Red devils disappointingly lost in front of their fans at home to relegation bound West Brom, and the loss transcended to Manchester City winning the Premier League title.

“The way you play is the only way I can select players,” said Mourinho.

The Manchester United manager stated “some of the guys” that played against West Brom “don’t have a place” in the team for the semi-final at Wembley.

Manchester United’s loss over the weekend have narrowed the gap between themselves and third placed Liverpool to just a point.

The Red devils play Bournemouth in the league on Wednesday before travelling to Wembley to face Tottenham in the FA Cup.

The United gaffer further said that the midweek’s Premier League game against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium was “an opportunity for some people to play and try to get a place in the team for Spurs”.

When asked to clarify if he meant those who performed badly against the Baggies will not be fielded against Spurs, Mourinho said:” Yeah.

“What are the criteria for a manager to choose a team?

“I only know one criterion: is the way you play.

“Or do you want me to go for the price they cost, or their salary, or their beautiful face? The only way is to go with performance.”

About Pogba’s performance, Mourinho said:”It was not just him and he had a yellow card, so he was in a more difficult position than others.”
“And playing with only two midfielders, you cannot play with one player in risk of not being able to make a foul.

“You can do it if your team is losing the ball, but our team was losing the ball so easy with the complication, everything was complicated, so we were losing lots of balls.

“Paul was out because of the yellow card; because of in terms the way he played he was not worse than some others that were on the pitch for 90 minutes.”

Manchester United will hope to consolidate their position on the Premier League standing with a win at Vitality Stadium against Bournemouth.[/b]

www.dabbsports.com

The current Premier League toppers Manchester City have clinched the EPL title with 16 points difference as fellow City rival United fail to win at the weekend.

City played on ‘Super Saturday’ against rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley and had a comfortable 3-1 win after losing to Liverpool and Manchester United in the Champions League and the Premier League respectively.

Manchester City posed a fine form on Saturday as the netted three times pass their hosts, Tottenham who only had a consolation goal.
Guardiola’s men had to wait a day longer to know the outcome of the Manchester United game at Old Trafford against relegation bound West Brom.

Manchester United lost at Old Trafford to the delight of their city neighbor and indeed the struggle for the EPL title was over.

Chelsea, the defending champions of the Premier League who many believed were going to be a strong contender failed to get it right, with the influx of new signings and the exit of the likes of Diego Costa and others may have affected the club’s fortunes.

The Blues are very likely than not, not finishing in the first four places in the EPL with their hopes of a UEFA Champions League spot almost out of sight.

Though Chelsea recorded a victory over the weekend, coming from behind to defeat Southampton 3-2, a brace from forward Olivier Giroud ensured they came out victorious.

Chelsea occupy the fifth spot with 60 points, seven points adrift of fourth placed Tottenham Hotspur who has 67 points.

Chelsea still have hope of reaching the final of the FA Cup if the defeat Southampton, and winning the FA Cup will be a consolation for the disappointing season.

It is almost certain that the Blues will end up qualifying for the Europa League next season contrary to the wishes of the club’s supporters.
Though Manchester City crashed out of the UEFA Champions League by losing both ties to fellow Premier League rivals, Liverpool, the EPL title is a huge Trophy and a consolation for the season’s hard work.

The UEFA Champions League title may have eluded them this season; a chase for it should begin as soon as the 2018/19 season begins.
Accolades must be apportioned Pep Guardiola and his men who had a decent run all through the 2017/18 EPL season, and with the quality of coaches in the various rival clubs, the upcoming season holds more for the teeming football followers.

www.dabbsports.com

The speculations surrounding VAR’s introduction in the English Premier League (EPL) has now been put to rest as it will not be introduced to the Premier League next season.

This was made known after the Premier League clubs agreed on Friday that more testing is required before its introduction in the EPL.

In a statement, the Premier League said: “Premier League clubs have today agreed to continue advanced testing of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) throughout season 2018/19.

“The decision came after comprehensive discussions regarding the progress made in VAR trials in English football, and the key learning from the many competitions using it elsewhere.

“The clubs recognized and are grateful for the substantial developments made by PGMOL Managing Director Mike Riley and his team.

“The clubs agreed that advanced testing will continue to the end of the 2018/19 season to make further improvements to the system, especially around communication inside the stadium and for those following at home and around the world.

“The Premier League will also be asking for VAR to be used more extensively in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup in season 2018/19.”

So far the VAR technology has been put to use in the FA Cup and the Carabao Cup this season but not without controversies probably owing to lack of communication in the decision making within the stadium and viewers at home and in viewing centres.

VAR is already being used in some leagues, including the Bundesliga and FIFA have approved its introduction in the forthcoming World Cup billed for Russia.

UEFA on the other hand have confirmed they would not be hasty in fast tracking the introduction of VAR in the Champions League or the Europa League next season.

In the competitions used in English (the Carabao and FA Cup), soccer fans have been left confused while stoppages in between games have most times taken long periods for decisions to be made.

We hope VAR’s introduction in Russia 2018 will not rub off the shine and glamour the World Cup is known for.

The semi-final draws for the Uefa Champions League holds in Nyon, Switzerland with the four semi-finalists hoping for a fair pairing.
The semi-finalists Liverpool (England), Bayern Munich (Germany), AS Roma (Italy) and the defending champions Real Madrid (Spain) gear up for the outcome of the draw in Nyon.

Roma put up a stunning performance in Rome to see off one of Champions League’s favourites Barcelona to advance to the semi-final.
In an all-England derby, Liverpool defeated Pep Gaurdiola’s Manchester City in both legs to make it to the last four of the competition.

Bayern Munich held visiting Sevilla to a goalless draw in Munich to go through 2-1(aggregate) after a win in Spain a week earlier.

The defending champions Real Madrid escaped from being ousted from the Champions League by the determined and resilient Italian champions Juventus as Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury time penalty saw them advance to the semi-final of the Champions League.

It will no doubt be a pulsating semi-final as the four teams spread across four major leagues will be a tough nut to crack for the other.

All four teams though still basking in the euphoria of a fierce quarter final victory will have to look beyond that and aim a successful run in both ties of the semi-final fixtures.

It’s all concluded as Liverpool have been drawn to face Italian side AS Roma; Real Madrid face German champions Bayern Munich.
It will be a spectacle as all four teams will vie for a place in the finals to hold in Kyiv, Ukraine.

www.dabbsports.com

Football’s world governing body voted some months ago, January precisely to expand the tournament from the present 32 teams for 2026, but the confederation in the South American continent, Conmebol have asked for that to be brought forward.

It is understood that unofficial talks have taken place with Qatar officials, who remain skeptical about the idea given the logistical issues and the practicalities of making plans logistically for extra 16 teams.

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is keen to expand 2022 World Cup to be hosted by Qatar to 48 teams – which may mean matches in the tournament being played in other Gulf States.

The football governing body will also conduct their own study to determine if the plan will be[b] feasible in Qatar 2022.[/b]

“It seems to me a very interesting idea,” Infantino said after attending a Conmebol meeting in Buenos Aires. “We have to study it seriously and if it is possible, why not?

“I firmly believe in an enlargement because I am convinced that it is good for the development of the game. That is why we have proposed it and that is why we have agreed to it since 2026.”

The project would be a bogus and more cash-intensive for the expansion of the 32-team World Cup to 48.

Qatar are currently planning to construct eight more stadia – four fewer than bidders for the 48-team 2026 edition have been told they will require.

It is worthy of note by all football followers that the finals in four years’ time is scheduled to span through 28 days cutting across the last two months of the year, November and December, after the tournament was moved from its traditional summer slot because of concerns over heat.

www.dabbsports.com

Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos is reportedly at risk of not featuring in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final after breaching UEFA protocol in their club’s [b]3-1 defeat to Juventus at the Bernabeu.
[/b]
The Spanish centre back was suspended for the quarter final second leg tie against Juventus on Wednesday night, in a match that saw the current UEFA Champions League cup holders survive a looming defeat to advance to the last four of the competition via the away goal rule.

Ramos who is at the brink of a suspension left his position at the Real Madrid stands and moved closer the touchline in the last few minutes of the tension-soaked encounter and got involved in an altercation with Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri before Madrid’s decider goal from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports from Sky Sports news has it that the Spaniard breached UEFA regulation Article 15, stating that players cannot participate in a game for which they are ineligible.

UEFA are reportedly awaiting referee Michael Oliver’s report, and the outcome of the report will determine Ramos’ fate – the same punishment that was meted out to fellow Spaniard Xabi Alonso for an incident in 2014 when he entered the pitch to celebrate a goal in the final.

It will be a big blow for the Spanish champion and defending champion of the Uefa Champions League should the suspension be slammed on Ramos.

[img]
Real Madrid had led 3-0, stemming from the first leg result against Juventus in Turin, but their advantage was wiped out at Bernabeu through two goals from Mario Mandzukic headers and another from Blaise Matuidi who struck after Keylor Navas’ error.


The centre referee for the match, English official Michael Oliver awarded an injury time penalty to Real for Mehdi Benatia’s foul on Madrid’s Lucas Vazquez.
Juventus goalkeeper Buffon was sent off by the referee for his reaction after the penalty was awarded.
[img]
“It was certainly a dubious incident. Not clear-cut,” Buffon told Italian TV.
Buffon did tell the Italian media that referee Oliver should “sit in the stands eating crisps” for “ruining a dream”.

As the game tied at 3-3 on aggregate was heading to extra time, the referee adjudged Benatia of bringing down Vazquez in the box and pointed to the penalty spot.

Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo stepped forward and neatly had the ball behind the net in the 97th minute.
Goal keeper Buffon and Juventus captain was shown his first Champions League red card on his 650th appearance for Juventus.
He said after the game: “It was one-tenth of a penalty.

“I know the referee saw what he saw, but it was certainly a dubious incident. Not clear cut.
And a dubious incident in the 93rd minute when we had a clear penalty denied in the first leg, you cannot award that at this point.”
[img]
“The team gave it’s all, but a human being cannot destroy dreams like that at the end of an extraordinary comeback on a dubious situation.
“Clearly you cannot have a heart in your chest, but a bag of rubbish. On top of that, if you don’t have the character to walk on a pitch like this in a stadium like this, you can sit in the stands with your wife, your kids, having your drink and eating crisps.

“You cannot ruin the dreams of a team. I could have told the referee anything at that moment, but he had to understand the degree of the disaster he was creating.
[img][/img]
“If you can’t handle the pressure and have the courage to make a decision, then you should just sit in the stands and eat your crisps.”
Ronaldo scored the decider for Real Madrid thereby halting Juventus’ hope of advancing to the semi-final.
“I don’t understand why they are protesting,” said Ronaldo.

“Lucas was tackled from behind and if they don’t give him the penalty, it is a goal.
“The pulse increased, but I calmed down, and I knew I would be decisive.”
What the managers say:

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane: The Frenchman has guided the Spanish side to back-to-back Champions League crowns, as well as a La Liga title since taking charge of the side in 2016.
Zidane said: ”Juventus played well in the first leg and perhaps deserved a goal. Today it was the same for us.

“They scored early on like we did there and this is football. The Champions League is the crème de la crème and anything can happen.
“We were always going to suffer and be pressed high. They did that and played wonderfully well and their coach’s plan worked.

“I never thought we were going out, I am a positive thinker. I never believed we weren’t going through.”

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri: “Games like these are great moments against the biggest clubs in the world. We want to be the best.
“Sometimes things go for you, and other times they don’t. We need to get over this hard moment and move forwards.”

The Uefa Champions League semi-final draw holds on Friday at the Uefa headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland with Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern Munich and AS Roma being the semi-finalists.

[b]
Liverpool welcomes back their midfielder Emre Can who was on suspension, but Daniel Sturridge and defender Joel Matip whose fitness are not yet ascertained are doubts for the game against the Gunners. Alberto Moreno is still sidelined by an ankle problem.

At the other end, Arsenal forward Olivier Giroud will miss Friday’s match and probably the games lined up during the festive period due to a hamstring injury. Another player in the Gunner’s fold Francis Coquelin who limped off in their win against West Ham in the League Cup could be fit for tonight’s game and there are strong signals of Shkodran Mustafi featuring tonight for Arsenal.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger spoke on his side’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool earlier this season. "When you have such a long career as I have, you have some defeats unfortunately that hurt you for the rest of your life.

"When you can put things right, do it. So let's focus on what is in front of us and turn up on Friday night with a completely different performance.

"The motivation is there. This squad has a good mentality and it is about us, to make sure we are on top of our game. We must play with pace and a determined attitude."
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp had this to say. "I don't know if there will be a lot of goals again, but we go there to perform and to get as much as we can. We know that's difficult but in this moment I feel it is possible.

"Arsenal are a complete football team, they are able to do everything, switch and change styles. Against us it happened that they played a lot of long balls to Giroud. He cannot play (Friday) so that will mean they will change a few things maybe.

"But they are able to create; they will have a strong side whoever will play. It means a lot of good, good footballers on the pitch."
It’s really going to be a pulsating encounter between the fourth placed Liverpool on the Premier League table against another skillful and attacking-minded Arsenal. Just a point separates the two sides and a win for Arsenal at the Emirates tonight will see them climb above Liverpool on the standing.[/b]

dabbsports.com

[b]Nigeria has been punished by Fifa for fielding an ineligible player in their final World Cup qualifier group game against the ‘Desert Foxes’ of Algeria in November.

The sanction however does not jeopardize Nigeria’s World Cup qualification as they had already secured a place in Russia prior to the tie against Algeria.
The game which was played in Constantine ended in a 1-1 draw but the world governing body has now overturned that and Algeria has been awarded a 3-0 win.

Nigeria’s Shehu Abdullahi featured in the match against the ‘Desert Foxes’ and played the entire 90 minutes of the encounter even though he should have been suspended for picking up two yellow cards in two previous qualifying games.

The defender was cautioned in their match against Zambia in which they won 1-0 in October. That victory against the Zambians confirmed Nigeria’s spot in Russia, but prior to that game, Abdullahi was booked in a match against Swaziland in November 2015.

So to that effect, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been fined 60 US dollars for the oversight, but despite the deductions Nigeria still finish top of Group B with 13 points as against 14 points initially amassed while Algeria still sit bottom of the group, but with 4 points rather than 2 points previously had.
[/b]

Source:www.dabbsports.com.

[b]
Mark Clattenburg, EPL’s former referee has stated how he allowed “Tottenham to self-destruct" when he refereed in an EPL game that ended in a draw (2-2) against Chelsea as Spurs conceded the title to Leicester.

Tottenham on that occasion needed to beat Chelsea to retain any hope of winning the league.
Clattenburg says he "went in with a game plan" so he could not be blamed by Tottenham for losing the title.

He booked nine Spurs players in an ill-tempered match, but now says he could have sent off three players.
Chelsea and Tottenham received record fines from the Football Association following the incidences that transpired in the course of the game, while Tottenham midfielder Mousa Dembele was banned for six games following a violent conduct against Chelsea's Diego Costa.

"If I sent three players off from Tottenham, what will the headlines be?’ He cost Tottenham the title.' It was simply dramatic that Tottenham’s self-destruct against Chelsea was put on the burner and Leicester won the title."

Asked if he helped to "script" the game, he replied: "I helped the game. I certainly benefited the game by my style of refereeing.
"Some referees would have played by the book; Tottenham would have been down to seven or eight players and probably lost and they would've been looking for an excuse.

"But I didn't give them an excuse, because my game plan was: Let them lose the title."
Clattenburg took charge of the Euro 2016 final, as well as that year's Champions League and FA Cup finals.

In February, Mark left his job as a Premier League official to become Saudi Arabia's new head of referees.
Mark Clattenburg says he had to change his style of refereeing when he took charge of European matches.
"The English style of refereeing is different," he added.

"I had to referee differently when I went into Europe because none of the top players in Europe would accept some of the physical contact that went on in the Premier League - but that was the theatre, that's what people loved.
"They love a tackle, they don't want it punished."[/b]

SOURCE: www.dabbsports.com

[b] Eden Hazard is set to return to the Chelsea line-up against Newcastle after dropping to the bench against Swansea. The Blues might have won the match but it was also a reminder of how much they rely on their star man to do the creative work.

There were certain nervous faces in the Stamford Bridge crowd on Wednesday evening as Swansea toiled for an equalizer late on. That the visitors did not even manage to fire off a single shot is an indication that they were not particularly close to finding one and Chelsea deserved the win. But there was a spark missing from their performance.

Willian, with his amazing feet ability, occasionally displayed flashes of presenting one. Pedro is [color=#770077]capable of turning conjuror himself, the Belgian, Eden Hazard is the true magician and Chelsea are just nowhere near as much fun without him. The Belgian was rested for all but the final moments against Swansea but he will surely return against Newcastle - and return in his new No 10 role.

[/color]Chelsea manager, Conte said earlier in the week that it is important his side does not lose its identity. He was referring to the change of system to what is perhaps best described as a 3-5-1-1 with Hazard playing off Alvaro Morata. After winning the Premier League title with the 3-4-3 used against Swansea, this alternative approach positions Hazard at the centre. He is reveling in the role.

"Eden is in really good form. I think he likes to play as a striker," said Conte after the draw at Liverpool in which Hazard impressed once more. He has three goals and two assists this Premier League season but that does not tell the whole tale. Hazard averages a successful dribble every 15 minutes on the pitch - nobody else completes one inside 22 minutes.

Playing in a central role has opened up his options. Hazard is no longer in a direct battle with the right-back but can instead pursue pockets of space elsewhere and beat opponents to the left and to the right. It is a role he has craved for years. "I like to play as a No 10," he said in October of last year. "I think I have more freedom offensively."

Back then he did not hold out much hope of enjoying an extended run in the role. "At Chelsea, we do not play a system with a No 10," he said. "I do not think Chelsea wants to change just for me." But Conte has changed in search of greater stability, persuaded in part by the opportunity it presents to get Cesc Fabregas into the side alongside two midfielders.

Conte felt confident enough against Swansea to field Fabregas in a two-man midfield with N'Golo Kante. But even at home to a side in the drop zone, he felt the need to withdraw his wide forwards and introduce Danny Drinkwater to accompany Kante behind Fabregas as an added layer of protection. That seems likely to be his go-to strategy in the bigger games.

It is a system that puts a huge onus on Hazard to create and relies heavily on the relationship that he can forge with Morata. Thankfully, the striker is much more than a target man and is capable of linking the play as well as drifting wide to open up space for his partner. Morata has already provided two assists for Hazard in their 481 minutes together on the pitch.

Conte speaks warmly of the "good link with Morata" that his most creative player has developed but the concern is surely that the 3-5-1-1 formation does not offer too much support from elsewhere, a fact acknowledged by Hazard himself at Anfield. "If we wanted to win we had to do something together, just me and him," he pointed out afterwards.

Perhaps that explains Jose Mourinho's reluctance to use Hazard there during their time together at Chelsea. On the face of it, switching him to a central role could have stripped the player of some of the defensive duties that he occasionally neglected - most notably in the 2015 Champions League semi-final exit to Atletico Madrid.

But Mourinho had other concerns. "We have different concepts of No 10, me and him," he explained the following season. "I demand a lot from a No 10. I like a No 10 to score goals. When he plays at No 10, he gets into areas where sometimes he is surrounded by teams." It took time for Liverpool to recognize this last weekend but eventually, they figured it out



Source: www.dabbsports.com
[/b]

The Reds were coasting into the knockout stage for the first time since 2009 as a brace from Roberto Firmino and the other from Senegal’s [b]Sadio Mane put them in total control.

Alberto Moreno conceded a free-kick against his former club, and Wissam Ben Yedder's header from the spot kick taken made it 3-1.
Moreno, on a bad night for him conceded a penalty by clipping same player, Ben Yedder, and the French striker scored after being ordered to retake a successful spot-kick because of encroachment.

Guido Pizarro added his name on the score sheet as the hosts snatched a draw against Liverpool.

"I don't doubt the mentality of the boys, not a bit," said Klopp, whose side must avoid defeat when they host Spartak Moscow on 6 December to ensure they advance from Group E.

When the half-time whistle blew, five-time winners Liverpool looked set to join Premier League rivals Manchester City and Tottenham in the draw for the last 16 on 11 December.

The Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan has become a fortress for Sevilla, with no visiting team having won there for more than a year.
But the Spanish side were taken aback as Liverpool, inspired by Philippe Coutinho, produced a scintillating first-half display.
The full-back failed to control the ball inside his own area and ended up fouling Ben Yedder, who beat Karius for a second time from the spot after German referee Felix Brych ordered a retake.
Liverpool had become a mess at the back.

Substitute Franco Vazquez fired straight at Karius before the Reds keeper got his hand to Sergio Escudero's fierce strike, the ball hitting the underside of the bar before rebounding to safety.
Their reprieve was short-lived, though, and Pizarro struck in the dying moments after the visitors failed to deal with a corner to leave Liverpool with work to do.

HARD FACTS
 Liverpool let a three-goal lead slip in a competitive match for the first time since May 2014, against Crystal Palace in the Premier League (also 3-3).
 The Reds have scored the same number of goals in their past three Champions League games (13) as they did in their previous 14 combined.
 In the two games between these sides in the Champions League this season, Liverpool have attempted more than twice as many shots as Sevilla (37 v 18) but scored the same number of goals (five).

 This result means Premier League clubs are unbeaten in six successive Champions League matches against teams from La Liga (W2 D4 L0).

 Firmino has been involved in seven goals in five Champions League appearances this season for Liverpool (five goals, two assists).
In the first knockout round EPL current table toppers, Man City could face either current Champions, Real Madrid or last season's runners-up Juventus, while five-time European champions Bayern Munich are second in Group B as things stand and are another potential opponent.

Raheem Sterling was the scorer of the only goal in the game as Manchester City pulled a win in the 88th minute, firing home after a neat one-two with Ilkay Gundogan, to ensure their progress with another game in hand, away to second-placed Shakhtar Donetsk.

"We play to win the games and after that we will see how things finish," Guardiola said.
"It is important that City have got 15 points at this stage for the first time and we are going to go now to Shakhtar to try to finish well and to try to go and win the game.

"In the last 16, it doesn't matter which one [you get], it always will be complicated."
With Sergio Aguero having missed a number of chances and Yaya Toure firing a free-kick just wide, it looked like the game was heading for a goalless draw until Sterling broke through the visitors' defence and finished neatly.

It preserves City's 100% record after five matches of this season's Champions League, extends their unbeaten start to the overall campaign to 19 games and gives Guardiola his 50th win as City boss, in just his 75th game.

City could also have been looking at a first defeat of the season had Sam Larsson and Steven Berghuis shown greater composure in front of goal, the latter striking the bar with a rising shot from close range in the second half.
With Napoli beating second-placed Shakhtar 3-0, City can travel to Ukraine on 6 December knowing even a defeat cannot deny them a last-16 tie in which they play the home leg second.

Tuesday's result also allows Guardiola to rest players for a game that immediately precedes the Premier League leaders' trip to second-placed Manchester United.


Spurs travelled to Germany and got a win at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday to secure their place at the head of the group with a game to spare.
This followed a 3-1 win against Real Madrid at Wembley at the start of November which ensured their place in the last 16.
"The group we had, a lot of people doubted us and we wanted to prove them wrong," said Kane.
"Hopefully we can build on this now for the rest of the campaign."

It is an impressive achievement for the London side especially after they failed to progress from what could be perceived as an easier group last season.

"The season before, we were watching the draw and we thought: 'Oh Monaco, Leverkusen and CSKA' and we thought we had a chance to go to the next stage," manager Mauricio Pochettino said.
Dortmund who desperately needed a win to keep alive their slim hopes of advancing to the last 16 took the lead in the first half when Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang swept in his 16th goal of the season.

However, Spurs turned things around in the second half as Harry Kane equalised with a clinical low strike from the edge of the box soon after the commencement of the second half.
Son Heung-min's curly finish sealed the win late in the game for the visitors.

It was a highly sort-for result and performance for Tottenham after the disappointment of their north London derby defeat to Arsenal at the weekend.

Spur’s optimism is heightened as a potentially more favourable draw in the last 16 against a side that finishes runner up in their group.
With Tottenham already through to the knockout round this was not a game they needed to win. However, Pochettino nevertheless picked a strong side, perhaps underlining his desire for his side to show that the lacklustre display against Arsenal was a one-off.

Initially, it looked like the hangover from Saturday's defeat had not yet worn off. Dele Alli, particularly disappointing against the Gunners, was largely anonymous in the first half while Kane did not look fully fit.

Both teams met in Dortmund in a Europa League last-16 first leg tie in March 2016. On that occasion Tottenham were the underdogs and were outclassed by their German opponents with a 3-0 defeat.
But while Tottenham have been on an upward curve since that game, Dortmund have gone in the opposite direction.

The 2012-13 Champions League finalists had lost away to Spurs and at home to Real in their first two group games before claiming unconvincing consecutive draws with Cyprus minnows Apoel Nicosia.
Dortmund have had run of four defeats in their last five Bundesliga games meant head coach Peter Bosz was under pressure to get a win on Tuesday night.

There were flashes of the old Dortmund's quick, attacking football in the first half. A smart ball over the top of the visitors' defence put Aubameyang through but the striker uncharacteristically stabbed wide.
However, Aubameyang made amends soon after with the opener, finishing off a delightful move that included a clever back-heel by Andriy Yarmolenko to cut open the Tottenham’s defense.
But as soon as Tottenham equalised Dortmund's confidence evaporated and Hugo Lloris did not have a shot to save in the second half.


It is saddening as the defeat to Tottenham means Dortmund have gone without a win at home in five straight games, the first time they have endured such a run in 11 years.
RB Leipzig stunned last year’s semi-finalist Monaco and bundled them out of the UEFA Champions League after the French side were beaten 4-1.

Monaco have collected just two points from five matches and finished bottom of Group G, and this means they do not even drop into the Europa League.
Needing a victory to keep their hopes alive, Monaco found themselves 3-0 down after 31 minutes following a Jemerson’s own goal and a brace from Timo Werner.

Radamel Falcao pulled a goal back for Monaco, before Liverpool’s target Naby Keita ended the home side's hopes just before half-time.
"We've always paid heavily for our errors in this group," coach Jardim said. "We haven't been up to the level of such a competition, with three defeats at home and two draws away.

"We need to build a stronger team for next season."

Cristiano Ronaldo broke another Champions League record as holders Real Madrid thrashed Apoel Nicosia to qualify for the last 16.
Ronaldo scored twice in the second half to take his tally to 18 goals in the Champions League in 2017 - the most in a calendar year.
Madrid have been on a poor run but were dominant as they picked up their biggest away win in the competition.
Real Madrid will face the group winner, Tottenham Hotspur in the last 16 as Tottenham lead Group H.

Spurs' 2-1 win in Dortmund means Mauricio Pochettino's side have wrapped up the group with a game to spare.
Zinedine Zidane has won the Champions League in each of his two seasons in charge at Real but his side fell 10 points behind fellow league rivals, Barcelona.

Having lost 3-1 to Spurs at Wembley last time out means they need to win in Cyprus to qualify, but that was a formality from the moment Luka Modric volleyed in from 25 yards.
Karim Benzema had scored only twice all season but doubled that tally with two neat finishes inside the area, while defender Nacho also headed in.
Ronaldo headed home Marcelo's cross and then scored from the edge of the area to become the third player in the Champions League era to score in each of the first five games of a season.
He has 18 goals in his last 10 appearances in the competition and now 113 in total, 16 ahead of Barcelona forward Lionel Messi.

[/b]

SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/uefa-champions-league-tottenham-real.html

[b]
It’s been confirmed by Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho of the fitness and availability of the trio, Paul Pogba, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo. They will be part of Manchester United’s match day squad for Saturday’s premier League meeting with Newcastle United.

The gaffer has been without the services of Pogba since the midfielder picked up a hamstring injury in the victory over Basel in September, while Rojo and Ibrahimovic have been long term absentees after both suffered anterior cruciate ligament damage in April.

“All three selected for the match [in the squad]” Mourinho said.
“I didn't like to speak while he was injured but you can clearly see Manchester United this season before Paul's injury and after Paul's injury.
“There are qualities in our football that influence our approach in matches with Pogba and without Pogba. It's as simple as that.”

On Ibrahimovic, Mourinho added: “Zlatan, last season, we played with him every minute until he was injured. This season we learn how to play without him. We've played in a different way but he's a very important player for us and of course, we welcome him back.

“Of course, an incredible personality to fight such an important injury is not easy. We were all saying in 2017 he will be back, but one thing is 31 December 2017, another thing is mid-November. He was, as an injured player, the same super professional he is when fit, so fantastic, fantastic work.

“Same thing with Marcos, a very important injury too, big surgery, he played already with the Under-23s on Wednesday. He's fine, confident and also ready,” Mourinho quipped.

The Red devils are aiming for a win tomorrow against Newcastle so as to try to close the gap on city rivals, Manchester City.
[/b]


SOURCE:http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/ibrahimovic-marcos-rojo-and-paul-pogba.html

It’s going to be a weekend of match activities in the Bundesliga as teams move to different locations in the country to honour games slated for match day 12.

Hannes Wolf's promoted side probably have the worst away record in the Bundesliga this term with six defeats from as many matches; but they are a difference force to reckon with on their own turf, with four wins, a draw and just one goal conceded.

To help their cause, captain Christian Gentner and centre-back Holger Badstuber are expected to be available again after injury kept them at bare, but Dzenis Burnic misses out against his parent club through suspension.


Borussia Dortmund travel south in search of a much needed victory after taking just a single point from their last four Bundesliga outings which is not a palatable meal for the fans.

Having topped the table at the start of the campaign, Peter Bosz's charges are now six points behind leaders Bayern Munich following their 3-1 Klassiker defeat on Matchday 11.

Christian Pulisic and Raphael Guerreiro should be well rested after staying in Dortmund during the international break, while Andre Schürrle is another attacking option after recovering from injury. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has not been included in the squad due to disciplinary reasons.

Probable line-ups

Stuttgart: Zieler - Baumgartl, Badstuber, Pavard - Beck, Ascacibar, Aogo (c), Akolo - Asano, Ginczek
Absentees: Burnic (suspended), Donis (shoulder), Kaminski (ankle), Mane (knee), Zimmermann (knee)
Coach: Hannes Wolf

Dortmund: Bürki - Toljan, Sokratis, Bartra, Schmelzer (c) - Castro, Weigl, Götze - Pulisic, Philipp - Yarmolenko
Absentees: Durm (hip), Piszczek (knee), Reus (knee), Rode (pubic bone), Toprak (knee), Isak (knee), Aubameyang (not included in squad)
Coach: Peter Bosz

OPTA STATS.

• If Pulisic plays, it will be his 50th Bundesliga game. Only Timo Werner and Julian Draxler have reached that milestone at a younger age.

• Pulisic became the youngest player in Bundesliga history to score two top-flight goals, at the age of only 17 years, seven months and five days, in Dortmund's 3-0 win against Stuttgart in April 2016.

• Last season's top scorer Aubameyang is without a goal in his last five competitive games.

• Stuttgart have gained all 13 of their Bundesliga points this season at home. If they beat Dortmund, it will be their 500th home win in the Bundesliga.

• Dortmund's one point from the last four games is the worst return in the Bundesliga.

• Borussia are the only side to concede as many as 12 goals in the last four matches.

• Die Schwarzgelben are yet to lose to Stuttgart in 12 Bundesliga games, and have won the last three against the Swabians.


SOURCE:http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/bundesliga-vfb-stuttgart-v-dortmund.html

Borussia Dortmund have dropped their striker, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang due to disciplinary reasons.

Aubameyang was not included in the squad for Friday night’s match at Stuttgart, but the club did not give details on the ”disciplinary reasons” in a social media post.

The Gabon striker was left out of the squad last November in a Champions League

match against Sporting Lisbon for “internal reasons”, which makes this saga not the first of the player in a case such as this.

Dortmund sits back at Signal Iduna Park to welcome Tottenham in the Champions League on Tuesday followed by a league match against rivals Schalke on Saturday.

Aubameyang is the club’s top scorer this season in all competitions with 15 goals but has faced goal drought as he has not scored in the last five games. He was linked with a move from Signal Iduna Park last summer with Chelsea, ACMilan as well as Manchester City interested.

Dortmund heads south in search of a much-needed victory after taking just a single point from their last four Bundesliga outings.

Having topped the table at the start of the campaign, Peter Bosz's charges are now six points behind leaders Bayern Munich following their 3-1 Klassiker defeat on Match day 11.

Christian Pulisic and Raphael Guerreiro should be well rested after staying in Dortmund during the international break, while Andre Schürrle is another attacking option after recovering from injury.

• [b]Brendan Rodgers says St. John-stone boss, Tommy Wright would be a perfect fit for either Northern Ireland or Rangers.

• Pedro Caixinha's time without a job after his Rangers exit appears likely to be short as he is set to become manager at Mexican side Cruz Azul.

• Niall McGinn is set for a return to Aberdeen after terminating his deal with South Korean side Gwangju.

• Manchester United believes Jose Mourinho is hungry to win them the Premier League and will not leave next summer.

• West Brom are set to make a move for Burnley defender Ben Mee if they lose Jonny Evans in January.

• The bill for Chelsea's new stadium has risen to more than £1bn, double the original estimate and potentially making it the most expensive stadium in Europe.
• Manchester United are confident Jose Mourinho will remain with the club in the long term.

• Pep Guardiola has united the Manchester City dressing room by getting rid of cliques and going on regular team outings.

• Sunderland have turned their attention to Chris Coleman after failing with an attempt to lure Michael O'Neill.[/b]
[b]
• Jose Mourinho is plotting an escape route for David Luiz and will target the Chelsea defender, possibly even in January.

• David Unsworth's stint in caretaker charge of Everton shows no sign of ending as frustrations continue in their managerial search.
• Sporting Lisbon have told West Ham they could be open to offers of £28m for William Carvalho in January.

Jose Mourinho will not be quitting Manchester United for Paris Saint-Germain.
• Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's future at Borussia Dortmund has been cast into doubt after he was suspended by the club for unspecified disciplinary reasons.

• Manchester United will up their chase for Tottenham’s left-back Danny Rose in January.

• Everton and AC Milan are set to battle it out for Dynamo Kiev defender Domagoj Vida.

• Emmanuel Adebayor says his family drove him to the brink of suicide.

• Manchester United are set to offer Jose Mourinho a lucrative new contract to ward off PSG.

• Southampton want £70m for Liverpool target Virgil van Dijk after Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino admitted he couldn't guarantee the defender staying.

• Leicester boss Claude Puel wants to add Hatem Ben Arfa to his squad in January.

• Manchester United have no concerns that Jose Mourinho could leave next summer.[/b]


SOURCE:http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/football-gossip-newsfrom-around-england.html

North London rivals clash on Saturday at the Emirates Stadium in what promises to be a fierce battle.
Though there are injury worries for Mauricio Pochettino, the club also received a big boost as the trio, Harry Kane, Dele Alli, and Harry Winks [/b]all return to the side. Those out of Saturday’s clash are [b]Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama.

The club confirmed today that defender Alderweireld, who has a hamstring, and midfielder Victor Wanyama, who suffers from a knee problem are both undergoing rehabilitation and missed training.

Pochettino is elated that Kane who has scored 17 goals in 18 matches for club and country this campaign is back and will surely sent scary signals to the Gunners defense.

The duo of Harry Kane and Dele Alli were seen on the pitch at Spurs’ training base at Enfield. Harry Winks who also joined the duo at the training base as he round off the hat-trick of first-team returnees for Poch as he put his squad through their final preparations for Arsenal.

Tottenham currently sit third in the Premier League table with Manchester United ahead of them by virtue of goals difference.[/b]

The Gunners are already four points behind their neighbors after 11 games so far this season, but they can narrow the game by beating Spurs on Saturday.
Tottenham will visit the Emirates for a 12.30pm lunch time kick-off against Arsenal.

SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/pochettino-elated-as-trio-reunites-with.html

FIGC, the Italian Football Federation, have sacked[b] Giampiero Ventura[/b] after the four time World Cup Champions failed to qualify for Russia 2018 for the first time since 1958.

The Azzurri, in a two-legged paly-off tie lost 1-0 to Sweden and that culminated to their inability to have their flag amongst those to be hoisted in Russia.
Ventura said his record was “one of the best in the last forty years”.
“I lost only two games in two years,” he told Italian television show[b] Le lene[/b] before the Italian Football Federation fired him on Wednesday.

It will be recalled that Ventura who replaced current Chelsea manager, Antonio Conte was then described as “master of football” by Italian football federation Chief Carlo Tavecchio.

“I can only apologize to the Italians, not for the will or effort but for the result, which as I know is the main thing,” said the former Sampdoria and Napoli boss after the World Cup hopes and expectations faded.


The poor result against Spain and Macedonia during the qualifying campaign was Italy’s waterloo as they could only gather just a point from a possible six.

Ventura at his appointment was offered a two-year deal and was heaped with encomiums from the Federation’s president, Tavecchio who called him an “innovative” coach with “limitless experience” who have over the years helped players reach the country’s national team.

But obviously the romance between the Federation's chief and Giampiero Ventura faded when Italy failed to make it to Russia.
The three remaining members of Italy’s 2006 World Cup success, Gianlugi Buffon, De Rossi and Andrea Barzagli, all announced their international retirement on Monday.

There are news making the rounds for a return of Chelsea’s manager Antonio Conte to rejuvenate the fallen Champions. Who will be saddled with this responsibility to build the national side again back to its pinnacle of pride is yet to be ascertain.


As a matter of truth, time alone will tell who next will be appointed to lead the Azzurri in the ‘Path of Glory’ once again.


SOURCE:http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/giampiero-ventura-sacked-by-figc-after.html

If a picture is worth a thousand words, it is half a dissertation on a cagey; physical game in the offing.
In what seems the last play-off match for qualification to Russia 2018, for the [b]CONCACAF/AFC zone, Australia battled Honduras for the qualification slot.[/b]

They was fireworks at the Sydney Harbour Bridge as this encounter will determine who qualifies as the first leg ended goalless. The match was intense, tension–soaked, physical and goal-packed.

The Australians were the better side from the blast of the whistle as they launched attacks from all sides. It was game that would definitely end in a penalty shootout if both sides fail to pull a win at normal regulation time.

Australia were working a familiar pattern with Aziz Behich and Tommy Rogic combining down the left, mounting pressure on the visitors early in the game. Aaron Mooy got three corners in quick succession to try rip apart a watertight Honduras defence.

[b]Mile Jedinak[/b] takes a free-kick with the wall unable to stop the strike.
His blasted effort is probably heading wide, but gets giant slice luck as the ball ricochets off substitute Henry Figueroa to leave the goal keeper helpless.


Tim Cahill leaves the outcome in the hands of his team-mates as he is replaced with Tomi Juric.
Mile Jedinak jogs back into his own half, thumping his fist against his chest. Coach Ange Postecoglou has his aloft on the bench. Honduras goal keeper Donis Escober got a hand to the ball but it’s certainly goal number two for the ‘Socceros’.

It’s glaring the North Americans are going down the drain, but struggles to come back into the game with substitutes Mario Martinez and Eddie Hernandez to try and pull the impossible out of the fire.

86 minutes has been played so far and its 3 – 0 with few minutes to end the show down. There are tears on faces on the Honduras bench as the late goal from Costa Rica in their last game deprived them a direct qualification for Russia 2018.
Three minutes was added and Maynor Figueroa bundles in from a corner, but its little too late for Honduras.


SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/australia-trumps-honduras-3-1-qualifies.html

England Coach, Gareth Southgate was full of praises for his lads after the played a goalless draw against the South American power house.
The sterling performance of his side in the game gave better prospects for the current players as the fans at Wembley Stadium were not disappointed.

The back three for the 'Three Lions’ which had youthful exuberance had their work cut out against a dominant Brazil side led by Neymar and Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus, but the resilience of the English boys gave them an incredible result on the night.

Southgate was particularly impressed with Liverpool’s youngster, Joe Gomez, who was a surprise inclusion ahead of the experienced Gary Cahill after coming off the bench for his debut against the German national team.

“I thought they were excellent, “said Southgate. “ Joe was given the man-of –the-match award and deservedly it was.
On John stones, which played in the middle of the trio, he quipped: “I think in the two games played, Stones has really shown his defensive attributes.
“He looked really mature, controlled the line and took pride in his defending as well as being calm in possession. I think that’s a significant step for him.”
“They are not going to face more difficult tests than they have had in the two matches we have had, and they have come through them with two clean sheets.

“They system has worked well. Collectively we have worked well. They had control of the game tonight and they were the most dangerous team, no doubt about that, but we have limited both teams to very few clear-cut chances.
Southgate was also impressed by goalkeeper[b] Joe Hart[/b], who made strings of saves on his return to the national team after his absence.

“Today was vital for Joe,” he said.” He had to be under some pressure due to the way Jordan Pickford had performed and he lived up to expectation.


SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/england-brazil-settle-for-draw-at.html

It was a night to behold in Krasnodar, Russia when the Super Eagles of Nigeria made the [b]Argentines [/b]swallow the bitter pill.
4.30 (GMT) heralded the sparks around the arena as the kick-off whistle of the centre referee saw both sides slug it out with pride and so much to play for.

The Nigerians failed to rise up to the occasion in the first 25 minutes of the encounter as the Argentines ran riot and dismantled the Nigerians with whatever strategy they came to the party with.

Gernot Rohr’s (3-5-2) formation which was used by the Super Eagles in the first 45 minutes turned out to be a total mishap as the helpless defenders were seen on occasions struggling to combat the rate at which the Argentines ran freely through the massive vacuums created by the tactical idea that caused great depletion in the heart of the Eagles’ defense.

The choice of Daniel Akpeyi to man the goal for Nigeria made the coach and his crew to pay dearly as he fumbled; thereby giving reasons he can’t be relied on. He single-handedly caused the first goal and by the end of the first 45 minutes, Nigeria were down 2-1 with the Eagles getting a consolation goal over a minute before the break.

The second half saw a resurgent Super Eagles as the introduction of fresh legs with talent and zeal in the offing, the tides had truly turned as the Argentines couldn’t comprehend what had befallen them. The Nigerians scored the second, only to get the third 10 minutes later.
The fire ignited within the Eagles no doubt was the aftermath of a tactical switch to the more preferred 4-4-2 formation.

The debutants did not disappoint as they rose to the occasion and sealed the opponent’s fate when the scored the fourth goal.
A pulsating encounter it was, as Jorge Sampaoli’s men lost to the better of the evening. Beating a side that ranks among the first 10 teams by FIFA is indeed a morale booster for the side.

There is so much work needed to be done so as to present a formidable side in [b]Russia next year, but at the moment, let’s all enjoy the party as the Eagles bask in the euphoria of victory.
[/b]


SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/international-friendly-super-eagles.html

The search for a new manager for the Toffees prolongs as the club's management become more restless and frustrated after it was confirmed that the hope of landing either former Bolton Wanderers, and Sunderland manager, Sam Allardyce or Watford’s manager, Marco Silva hit the rocks.

Everton sacked Dutch manager, Ronald Koeman nearly a month ago and had in his place on the interim, David Unsworth.
There are indications that Unsworth might remained in that position till the end of the season if the delay trend continues.

News making the rounds has it that any chance of Sam Allardyce becoming the replacement for Koeman vanished over the weekend, as the former England manager said he was no longer interested in the job.

Both parties representing ‘Big Sam’ and the ‘Goodison Park Club’ met on Sunday but ‘Big Sam’ felt the contract on offer from the Merseyside Club – running only till the end of the season; was not tempting enough to lure him out of retirement.

Everton made contact with Watford a day after talks fell through with Sam’s team. The offer presented included details of the compensation they were willing to pay, only to be told that Silva would not be allowed to talk to them and obviously will be staying at Vicarage Road.

[color=#000099]Dabble Sports understands Silva would be interested in talking to Everton [/b]but the two-year contract of the 40-year old does not include a break clause, hence their effort to secure his services has met doom’s day.
[/color]
We also understand there has not been any contact between Burnley and Everton over the services of [b]Sean Dyche, who was the early favourite to replace[b] Koeman.

[/b]
Unsworth’s side ended a run of bad form prior to the international break when they came from 2-1 to beat Marco Silva’s Watford[/
b] at Goodison Park.

With that victory, the Toffees moved away from the bottom three to [b]15th on the table ahead of Saturday’s crunch tie with bottom side Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

SOURCE:http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/the-search-for-new-manager-for-toffees.html

South American giants, Argentina face arch rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria today in a “Grade A” international friendly match billed for Krasnoda[/b]r in Russia.
The Albicelestes defeated the Russian national side (1- 0) at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, some days back. Lionel Messi’s link play with Manchester City’s striker Sergio Aguero gave the Argentines the victory.

But [b]Jorge Sampaoli who was ecstatic after the win have a different team altogether to contend with as they file out against the in-form Nigerian side.
Though some prolific names in the Super Eagles will be missing in this encounter, those called up by the Franco-German Tactician will be saddled with the task of delivering today as a victory will hopefully see them climb in the next FIFA ranking.

The Gernot Rohr’s tutored side whose form throughout the World Cup qualifying series was impressive having scored 12 goals in the qualifying campaign will be boosted by their outstanding performance against the Fennecs of Algeria in the (1 -1) draw at Algiers.

It will be an opportunity for Gernot Rohr and his men to announce themselves at the global stage if they pull a win against the Argentines today.
The new lads in the fold should be given a chance to prove their worth as they are the future Super Eagles backbone if they football power will be organized and visionary to get it right for once.

It’s indeed a friendly match but not one to be taken lightly, especially not against the Argentines.


SOURCE:[color=#990000][/color]: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/familiar-foes-battle-at-krasnodar-old.html

The Azzurri [/b]rued their chances as they fail to score in 180 minutes against the Swedes. It was a sad tale for the four time World Cup Winners as they miss out at [b]Russia 2018.

Despite parading so much quality as compared to the Swedish national team, Italy could not hit the back of the net as the toiled hard to go pass the Swedish goal keeper.

The keeper was outstanding on a night the Italians needed at least a goal to have the hope of extending the game to extra time and possibly get a win. But the determined Swedes ensured the score line remained the way it was after the first leg of the play-off played some days ago.
The veteran Italian shot stopper had hoped to make this tournament (Russia 2018) his last, but sadly, it didn’t work out as planned.

Gianlugi Buffon has been to five World Cups with Russia 2018 meant to have been his sixth and the last, sadly he will have to call it quits on a sad note. He has undoubtedly been one of the best keepers of all times.
Though the Swedish side deserve a spot at the World Cup billed for next year due to their hard work, resilience, composure and the technical organization, the truth remains that ‘ the Italians will be missed’.

Croatia, Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark all sail through the play-off rounds as they made the cut for next year’s soccer mundial billed for Russia.
December 1st, this year, will see countries gather for the World Cup draws as the die will surely be cast.



SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/russia-2018-sweden-sails-through-as.html

ITALY and Juventus goal keeper, Gianlugi Buffon[/color] has been named the second best player in the 2017 Goal 50.
The 39-year-old goal keeping icon was rewarded for leading Juventus to a domestic double, as well as the Champions League final.

The goalkeeping icon turned 39 in January but has enjoyed a stellar 12 months, winning another league-and-cup double with the Bianconeri, whom he also led to the final of the Champions League.

Of course, Buffon - who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper 16 years after his €52 million transfer from Parma to Turin - was left


heartbroken after Juvetus' loss to Real Madrid in Cardiff but there was nothing he could have done about his side's 4-1 defeat.
[color=#000099]
He had played a pivotal role in the Old Lady reaching the final by going 600 minutes without conceding a goal in the Champions League -

a new personal best before Mbappe's [/b]strike for Monaco in the second leg of the semi-finals.

In addition, Buffon's performance in a 1-0 win for a 10-man Juventus side over Lyon in the group stage was immediately lauded as one of the finest of his career, thus silencing the critics who had written him off.

"I love it when they celebrate your funeral," he enthused on the night on which he saved a penalty from [b]Alexandre Lacazette, "and then you show them that you're still alive."


Meanwhile, a sixth successive Serie A title took Buffon's overall tally to eight, moving him level with Virginio Rosetta, Giovanni Ferrari, and Giuseppe Furino as the players with the most Scudetti in the history of Italian football.



SOURCE: http://www.dabbsports.com/2017/11/italys-sensation-gianlugi-buffon-named.html