Klopp: Liverpool win deserved; Mane should've had clear penalty

Klopp: Liverpool win deserved; Mane should've had clear penalty
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Klopp: Liverpool win deserved; Mane should've had clear penalty
Klopp: Liverpool win deserved; Mane should've had clear penalty

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists they deserved victory at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Going into the second-half 1-0 down, Liverpool struck twice through Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to win 2-1 at Selhurst Park.

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He's still a kid – Pochettino backs Alli

He's still a kid – Pochettino backs Alli
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He's still a kid – Pochettino backs Alli
He's still a kid – Pochettino backs Alli
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino backed Dele Alli, reminding critics the midfielder was "still a kid". Alli, 21, has been unable to find his best form consistently this season and played just 22 minutes in England's friendlies against Netherlands and Italy. England boss Gareth Southgate was unwilling to guarantee Alli a starting spot for the World Cup, which is less than three months away. But Pochettino again backed Alli, who has been the PFA Young Player of the Year the past two seasons. "I have full confidence in him and his talent and because I know him. He is a great kid and a very good person," he said. "But he is young. He is 21. If you compare [him] with normal people on the street who are 21, they are still living at home with their parents, they are still at university doing stupid things. "Sometimes we expect too much and we put too much pressure on 21-year-old players. Sometimes we forget and treat them like 40-year-old men. "It's not like this. We need to be focused on him being still a kid. It's a lot of pressure on his shoulders and not always can he act how the people and the society expect. That is so important to understand. "We are going to help him because he is a talented player and a great kid. And he has done a lot for us and the club." Alli has six goals and nine assists in the league this season, down from his 2016-17 (18 goals, seven assists) and 2015-16 (10 goals, nine assists) campaigns. Pochettino feels the attention on Alli is unfair, saying the midfielder was capable of being a key player for Spurs and England. "You can see every time that we play away from home, the fans focus on him and it's a moment to stop and try to help because, for me, Dele would be such an important player for England, not only for Tottenham," he said. "It's not to give presents but, yes, to help him because he is a talent. For every player there are tough moments and in those situations the most important thing from my side is to support Dele – but not be funny with him or nice. "Sometimes you need to push him and be tough. Those situations are in my manager's room and we have a lot of chats. It's about trying to help a very talented player, an English player."

Serbia World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide

Serbia World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide
News – World Soccer
Serbia World Cup Fixtures, Squad, Group, Guide

Serbia topped their group to qualify, but the Serbian FA still sacked the head coach, Slavoljub Muslin.

Serbia World Cup FixturesQuality: Serbia do have several quality players like Aleksandar Kolarov, Nemanja Matic, and Branislav Ivanovic (Getty Images) Serbia topped their group to qualify, but the Serbian FA still sacked the head coach, Slavoljub Muslin.

England 1-1 Italy: Controversy Clouds Another Decent Three Lions Showing Via Late VAR Penalty

England 1-1 Italy: Controversy Clouds Another Decent Three Lions Showing Via Late VAR Penalty
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
England 1-1 Italy: Controversy Clouds Another Decent Three Lions Showing Via Late VAR Penalty
England rounded off their March friendlies with a controversy-filled 1-1 draw with Italy on Tuesday evening, as VAR took the headlines at the national stadium once again.  The Three Lions opened the scoring midway through the first half as Jamie Vardy took advantage of a quick free-kick to leather home his seventh international goal.  Countries that Jamie Vardy has scored against: Germany Netherlands Turkey Wales Spain Italy Man for all occasions. pic.twitter.com/FkO9b6Rzlr — bet365 (@bet365)...

Caitlin Foord eyes Tournament of Nations for Matildas return

Caitlin Foord eyes Tournament of Nations for Matildas return
ESPN FC News
Caitlin Foord eyes Tournament of Nations for Matildas return
Caitlin Foord will miss Australia's Asian Cup campaign with a foot injury. Matildas star Caitlin Foord is targeting a return from injury for July's Tournament of Nations. The versatile attacker will sit out Australia's Asian Cup campaign after rupturing the Lisfranc ligament in her foot in February. Foord hopes to be back as early as June, but it's more likely to be in time for the competition the Matildas sensationally won last year with impressive victories over the United States, Japan and Brazil. The 23-year-old said her recovery from surgery was progressing well and...

Chimbidzikai wins PPC Matopos 33-Miler

Chimbidzikai wins PPC Matopos 33-Miler
Sport – The Standard
Chimbidzikai wins PPC Matopos 33-Miler

BLACK Rhinos Athletics Club long distance runner Andrew Chimbidzikai crossed the finishing line first to win this year’s edition of the PPC Matopos 33-Miler Ultra-Marathon beating last year’s record by […]

The post Chimbidzikai wins PPC Matopos 33-Miler appeared first on The Standard.

Di Biagio embodies the Italian spirit, says Lorenzo Pellegrini

Di Biagio embodies the Italian spirit, says Lorenzo Pellegrini
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Di Biagio embodies the Italian spirit, says Lorenzo Pellegrini
Di Biagio embodies the Italian spirit, says Lorenzo Pellegrini
Italy midfielder Lorenzo Pellegrini praised interim coach Luigi Di Biagio's ambitiousness and for embodying the "Italian spirit" as he looks to secure the job on a permanent basis. Di Biagio was installed as Italy's temporary head coach at the start of February following the sacking of Gian Piero Ventura in November. Ventura was dismissed after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, the first time they had suffered such a fate since 1958. Di Biagio took charge of his first match against Argentina on Friday, a game which ended in a 2-0 defeat thanks to goals from Ever Banega and Manuel Lanzini. Antonio Conte remains many people's favourite to take the job long-term, with his position at Chelsea looking increasingly precarious, though Pellegrini – who was handed his third cap on Friday – credited Di Biagio's personality as he bids to keep the position for himself. "He is very direct with us," Pellegrini told reporters at Sunday's news conference ahead of Tuesday's clash with England. #Azzurri  #Pellegrini: "All of us must improve together, for ourselves, for #Italy and out of pride for the National Team." https://t.co/HBkqaOPsSx#VivoAzzurro #EnglandItaly pic.twitter.com/9tTVbKld0W — Italy (@azzurri) March 25, 2018 "He doesn't care if we call him boss or something else. He is very ambitious and has the desire to improve. "He embodies the Italian spirit and wants to make that next step, not just from a footballing perspective. "There are many things that don't depend just on us or the coach. We must do what the coach asks of us in helping us to improve. "We must get to know each other better and create a team that can put Italy back to where they deserve to be. That's the main thing." Italy showed signs of promise in the defeat to Argentina, but Pellegrini is adamant they have a lot to improve on from a "technical" perspective, before suggesting the likes of Fabricio Bustos, Giovani Lo Celso and Lanzini do not offer much more than what the Azzurri have. "This is a bit of disappointment and bitterness," Pellegrini said. "All of the teams that we face look to pass the ball around. "We must improve a lot in terms of the technical qualities that we have. We must enjoy ourselves and improve, looking to steal some things from other teams. "Players like Bustos, Lo Celso and Lanzini don't have much more than us, including international experience."

Bryan Dabo makes debut in Burkina Faso win

Bryan Dabo makes debut in Burkina Faso win
ESPN FC News
Bryan Dabo makes debut in Burkina Faso win
Burkina Faso dispatched Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in Limeil-Brevannes on Thursday, with Fiorentina midfielder Bryan Dabo marking his international debut for the Stallions with a win. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder represented France at youth level - featuring for the U-21 side in 2013 - but has opted for the Burkinabe despite being eligible for Mali through his mother. He began his senior career with Montpellier, but secured a permanent move to Saint-Etienne in 2016 after a brief and unsuccessful...

Neymar could be back for Coupe de France final, says Silva

Neymar could be back for Coupe de France final, says Silva
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Neymar could be back for Coupe de France final, says Silva
Neymar could be back for Coupe de France final, says Silva
Thiago Silva has set the Coupe de France final as a possible return date for Neymar, should Paris Saint-Germain prevail from next month's last-four clash with Caen. Brazil star Neymar underwent surgery on a broken metatarsal sustained at the end of February against Marseille and could be out of action for as long as three months. That timescale would effectively rule him out of the remainder of PSG's season, while he would face a race to be at full match fitness for the start of Brazil's World Cup campaign in mid June. Three-time defending champions PSG face Caen in the Coupe de France semi-finals on April 14 and, if they emerge victorious, Silva hopes his compatriot will return in time for the decider on May 8. Le classement du @PSG_inside en @Ligue1Conforama après #OGCNPSG  pic.twitter.com/hWkspkRtwJ — Paris Saint-Germain (@PSG_inside) March 18, 2018 "I am waiting for the next week to speak with him," Silva said following Sunday's 2-1 win at Nice. "I think he is fine so far, he still needs to rest. "Later, he could start working on his recovery. We are expecting him for the end of the season, maybe for the Coupe de France final, we will try to win this competition for him. "Of course, he has to be ready for the World Cup. It is important for him to be back, not too early but just recover well, and don't take any risk for the World Cup and the next season. "I think if he is recovering well, maybe he could be back to play that Coupe de France final, which is important for the club."

MLS Review: Champions Toronto still winless, Atlanta crush Whitecaps

MLS Review: Champions Toronto still winless, Atlanta crush Whitecaps
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MLS Review: Champions Toronto still winless, Atlanta crush Whitecaps
MLS Review: Champions Toronto still winless, Atlanta crush Whitecaps
Toronto's title defence failed to ignite after the winless MLS champions crashed to consecutive defeats, while Atlanta United routed 10-man Vancouver Whitecaps. Saturday saw Sebastian Giovinco's Toronto upstaged by Canadian rivals Montreal Impact 1-0 at Stade Olympique. Toronto have been flying high in the CONCACAF Champions League, where they are set to meet Mexican giants America in the semi-finals, but the MLS titleholders have struggled domestically. And Toronto are still searching for their first win of the MLS season after Jeisson Vargas' deflected shot four minutes before half-time lifted the Impact to victory number one in 2018. Toronto are rooted to the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, along with Chicago Fire, who lost 2-1 at Minnesota United. Moments from our match in Montreal#TFCLive | #MTLvTOR pic.twitter.com/fDIMseoxbC — Toronto FC (@torontofc) March 17, 2018 Atlanta made the most of their numerical advantage as they eased past the Whitecaps 4-1. Playing in front of 45,000 fans in Atlanta, the hosts crushed Vancouver thanks to Kendall Watson's 13th-minute red card and Josef Martinez's hat-trick. Watson was dismissed for a foul on Leandro Gonzalez Pirez following a video review and Martinez converted the subsequent penalty. It was one-way traffic from that point as Aaron Maund scored an own goal in the 58th minute before Martinez added a third on the hour-mark. Substitute Erik Hurtado managed to pull a goal back for the visitors but Martinez completed his hat-trick with two minutes remaining after heading past Stefan Marinovic. Make that  goals in  games at @MBStadium#UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/NDg0UChb6f — Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) March 18, 2018 Atlanta are third in the east and three points behind unbeaten New York City, who made it three wins from as many matches thanks to their 2-0 victory over Orlando City. After a scoreless first half, Ismael Tajouri and Maximiliano Moralez were on target to break Orlando's stubborn resistance at Yankee Stadium. Luciano Acosta scored a 97th-minute equaliser as DC United salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Houston Dynamo, Sporting Kansas City overcame San Jose Earthquakes 3-2, Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew played out a goalless draw, while Real Salt Lake edged New York Red Bulls 1-0.

Tim Vickery’s Notes from South America: Venezuelans battle against the weight of history

Tim Vickery’s Notes from South America: Venezuelans battle against the weight of history
News – World Soccer
Tim Vickery’s Notes from South America: Venezuelans battle against the weight of history

In South America, just as in Europe, teams can be boosted - or burdened - by the strength of their traditions

Derlis Orue (C) of Paraguay's Nacional vies for the ball with Brayan Hurtado (L) of Venezuela's Mineros during their Copa Sudamericana 2018 football match at the Cachamay stadium, in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela, on March 8, 2018. (Photo: WILLIAM URDANETA/AFP/Getty Images)In South America, just as in Europe, teams can be boosted - or burdened - by the strength of their traditions

Newcastle United Flop Florian Thauvin Reportedly Valued at £73m After Ligue 1 Career Renaissance

Newcastle United Flop Florian Thauvin Reportedly Valued at £73m After Ligue 1 Career Renaissance
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
Newcastle United Flop Florian Thauvin Reportedly Valued at £73m After Ligue 1 Career Renaissance
​Former Newcastle United flop Florian Thauvin is now being valued at £73m following an impressive campaign for Marseille.  According to ​CIES Football Observatory, the Frenchman's value has been decided based on statistics accumulated throughput the season, with Thauvin's stats putting him alongside some of Europe's deadliest attackers.  Thauvin has scored 16 Ligue 1 goals this season, while his 11 assists stands him as one of the most creative players in Europe.  The 25-year-old made his move...

Steve Nicol Claims Liverpool Star 'Doesn't Have a Brain' After Shocking Performance Against Man Utd

Steve Nicol Claims Liverpool Star 'Doesn't Have a Brain' After Shocking Performance Against Man Utd
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
Steve Nicol Claims Liverpool Star 'Doesn't Have a Brain' After Shocking Performance Against Man Utd
​Liverpool legend Steve Nicol has criticised Dejan Lovren for his performance in Liverpool's 2-1 loss to Manchester United on Saturday, saying he "doesn't have a football brain".  Lovren was arguably at fault for both of United's goals, losing two aerial battles to striker Romelu Lukaku in the lead up to them. This has led to scathing criticism, ranging from fans to pundits, including the ex-Liverpool defender.  Speaking on ESPN FC, via ​The Express, Nicol revealed that he saw Lovren as the...

Calcio rocked by death of Astori | Paddy Agnew

Calcio rocked by death of Astori | Paddy Agnew
News – World Soccer
Calcio rocked by death of Astori | Paddy Agnew

Tributes to 31-year-old Fiorentina captain, a widely respected figure in Serie A

Calcio rocked by death of AstoriA giant banner reading "Ciao Captain" is hanged on the fence of Fiorentina's stadium, on March 4, 2018 in Florence. Italy international defender Davide Astori was found dead in his hotel room on March 4, 2018 in Udine, where he was due to play a Serie A game between Udinese and Fiorentina. (Photo: CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI/AFP/Getty Images)Tributes to 31-year-old Fiorentina captain, a widely respected figure in Serie A

100 Days To Go: 7 of the Worst Ever Groups of Death in World Cup History

100 Days To Go: 7 of the Worst Ever Groups of Death in World Cup History
All the latest breaking football news, transfer rumours, analysis, and match reports - 90min
100 Days To Go: 7 of the Worst Ever Groups of Death in World Cup History
So, only 100 days to go before the 2018 World Cup kicks off in Russia. We've all been waiting over three years, what's 100 days? Right? Let's just hope the upcoming tournament is worth the wait. And one thing that every great World Cup needs is a group of death! While, there was no strikingly obvious death group sewn up in the draw in December, but you just never know. This is football, after all. Here is a list of seven of the toughest groups in World Cup history. We can only hope for this...

Paul Gardner: Why is football ignoring the problem of goalkeeper violence?

Paul Gardner: Why is football ignoring the problem of goalkeeper violence?
News – World Soccer
Paul Gardner: Why is football ignoring the problem of goalkeeper violence?

Ahead of this weekend's IFAB meeting, Paul Gardner calls for greater action to be taken to protect outfield players

Injury of Christian Gentner - here with Koen Casteels Football - Bundesliga: VfB Stuttgart vs VfL Wolfsburg, Stuttgart, Germany - 16 Sep 2017 Photo: Hofer Christian/action press/REX/Shutterstock (9065275y)Ahead of this weekend's IFAB meeting, Paul Gardner calls for greater action to be taken to protect outfield players

Liverpool coach Gerrard has Chelsea dig: They didn't play to Salah strengths

Liverpool coach Gerrard has Chelsea dig: They didn't play to Salah strengths
Tribal Football - Football News, Soccer News, Transfers & Rumours
Liverpool coach Gerrard has Chelsea dig: They didn't play to Salah strengths
Liverpool coach Gerrard has Chelsea dig: They didn't play to Salah strengths

Liverpool youth coach Steven Gerrard believes Mohamed Salah struggled at Chelsea due to being played out of position.

The Egyptian's brief spell at Stamford Bridge was dominated by loan moves to Serie A before sealing a permanent switch to Roma in 2016.

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Infantino promises positive impact of 'almost perfect' VAR

Infantino promises positive impact of 'almost perfect' VAR
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Infantino promises positive impact of 'almost perfect' VAR
Infantino promises positive impact of 'almost perfect' VAR
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is adamant VAR will prove successful if, as expected, it is utilised at the upcoming World Cup. The technology is on course to be implemented at Russia 2018 after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) pledged its unanimous support at its annual general meeting in Zurich on Saturday. The final decision is likely to be made at the next FIFA Council meeting on March 16 in Bogota. Though widespread trials in the likes of England, Germany and Italy have been met with mixed reviews, Infantino claimed a study of approximately 1000 live matches resulted in an improvement in the accuracy of refereeing decisions from 93 per cent to 99 per cent. "It is almost perfect, [although] it is not perfect. Perfection I think in our world does not exist," Infantino said at a media gathering. "But we have to have the ambition to be as close to perfection as possible and VAR gets us certainly closer to perfection. "It can only improve the game, it can only improve the fairness of the game. "From my side, as FIFA president, I am very happy we give this opportunity and this option. "I am sure all those who are studying it carefully - really digging into it, looking it as we have done - they will be convinced about the benefits. And everyone will see it as we implement it and as we go on." FIFA President Gianni Infantino on the positive impact #VAR can have on the game pic.twitter.com/MvddO92jTU — FIFA.com (@FIFAcom) March 3, 2018