Two camps who will get their respective Europa League qualifying adventures underway on Thursday night, Dynamo Kyiv and Universitatea Cluj will meet at the Morot Lublin Arena. With all eyes fixed on North America this summer for the 2026 World Cup, there are a host of attractive betting promotions available. Verdict: Dynamo Kyiv win Best […] The post Prediction: Dynamo Kyiv vs Universitatea Cluj appeared first on SoccerNews.
Throughout history, Egypt have been one of the most competitive national teams in Africa. However, their stars have names such as Ziko or Trezeguet, which demonstrate influences from soccer powerhouses in their development. Egypt have remained one of the most competitive national teams in Africa. Led by Mohamed Salah, they have managed to be protagonists, reaching the final stages of the African Cup of Nations. Although their main star is already 34 years old, they still maintain numerous talents in their squad. However, several of them have well-known names such as Ziko or Trezeguet, clearly reflecting their influence from soccer powerhouses in their development. In the 2026 World Cup roster of Hossam Hassan, Mahmoud Hassan, Trézéguet, Nabil Emad Dunga, and Mostafa Zaki Abdelraouf (Ziko) are an essential part of Egypt’s project. Their names are reminiscent of the legends David Trézéguet, Carlos Caetano Bledorn (Dunga), and Arthur Antunes Coimbra (Zico). However, none of the Egyptian stars officially carry these surnames in their names, so these are presented as a tribute. Badr Ragab, Mahmoud Hassan’s coach, revealed to AFP that the nickname ‘Trézéguet’ was his idea. “From his first days… I noticed (Hassan’s) resemblance to Trézéguet, both in appearance and playing style… He was strong in the air and scored goals in a similar way, so I gave him the name. I never imagined it would stay with him for so long,” he revealed. In the same way, Dunga’s nickname was born. In the same way, Mostafa Zaki’s brother revealed that the nickname ‘Ziko’ emerged because of him, as he used to be named ‘Ziko’ while playing professional soccer. “When Mostafa started playing, coaches called him ‘little Zico’ because he was my younger brother,” he revealed, via AFP. Being 29 years old, he keeps his nickname, playing at Pyramids FC and Egypt, showcasing the inspiration in the Brazilian legend. Mostafa Zico #11 of Egypt is challenged by Maxim De Cuyper #5 of Belgium. Pavel Nedved and David Beckham inspire Egyptian League players Despite only Mahmoud Trézéguet, Mostafa Ziko, and Nabil Emad Dunga being in the Egyptian national team, in the Egyptian League there remain some names that recall soccer legends such as Pavel Nedvěd, and David Beckham, who have not yet reached the national team. Karim Walid, known as Karim Nedved, is one of the stars of Cleopatra FC in the Egyptian Premier League, who played for Egypt U-23. As happened with Mahmoud Hassan, the same coach who gave the nickname “Trézéguet” supposedly gave him the nickname at the Al-Ahly academy. Similarly, Ahmed Ramadan from Al-Ahly emerges, who plays under the nickname David Beckham.
After failing to qualify for the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League, AC Milan have decided to part ways with Massimiliano Allegri. Following this, the Rossoneri are reportedly targeting Andoni Iraola as their new head coach, signaling a major shift in the club’s sporting project. Despite a strong first half of the season, AC Milan suffered a significant drop in form that ultimately left them out of the 2026–27 UEFA Champions League. As a result, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed alongside several other key figures within the club’s sporting structure. Following these changes, Zlatan Ibrahimović is expected to lead the search for a new head coach, reportedly identifying Andoni Iraola as the leading candidate. According to Sky Sports, via X, formerly Twitter, the Rossoneri have identified Andoni Iraola as their next head coach after Allegri. Coming off a successful spell with AFC Bournemouth, the Spanish manager has emerged as one of the most sought-after coaches of the summer of 2026. After guiding the English side to qualification for the 2026–27 UEFA Europa League, Iraola has reportedly decided to pursue a new challenge, departing as a free agent. As one of the Premier League’s standout managers, Iraola is attracting interest from far more than just AC Milan. As per Ben Jacobs and Alex Crook, via teamTALK, Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen are also showing strong interest in securing the Spanish coach. With this in mind, Zlatan Ibrahimović could face a major challenge in convincing him to join the Rossoneri, potentially needing to present a long-term sporting vision backed by significant reinforcements. With his children reportedly settled in London, Iraola reportedly prefers taking charge of a club based in or near the city. In addition, he could be tempted by the opportunity to manage in the UEFA Champions League, meaning Arne Slot’s future at Liverpool may also influence his next move. Nevertheless, the Rossoneri may not have much time to wait, as they are expected to move quickly in appointing a new head coach ahead of a crucial rebuild. Rafael Leao of AC Milan interacts with Christian Pulisic AC Milan may need to reshape the roster ahead the 2026-25 season AC Milan failed to maintain consistent performances under Massimiliano Allegri throughout the season. With very limited squad depth and few players truly suited to his tactical system, the Rossoneri struggled for stability. Lacking a world-class goalscorer and reliable backups for Rafael Leão and Christian Pulisic, they often fell short when trying to change matches from the bench. As a result, the Rossoneri could now be forced into a significant squad rebuild. With their defensive solidity and strong quality in midfield already in place, the Rossoneri may need to focus their efforts on strengthening the attacking department. Not only will securing the continuity of Leão and Pulisic be crucial, but also finding reliable backups capable of providing greater rotation. In addition, signing world-class striker could become a priority, as Santiago Giménez and Christopher Nkunku failed to meet expectations. If AC Milan manage to secure Iraola’s arrival, the club’s younger players could receive a major boost, as the Spanish coach is known for trusting and developing emerging talent. As a result, players such as Davide Bartesaghi, Francesco Camarda, and Yunus Musah could have a strong opportunity to shine under his system. In addition, Luka Modrić’s departure could open the door for Ardon Jashari or Samuele Ricci to take on larger roles.
Club are battling relegation from the second tier in a city under attack by Russian forces but are one upset away from the Europa LeagueA minivan with darkened windows pulls up at a gym in central Chernihiv and, once the doors have slid open, a stream of youths emerge into the daylight. Inside, Artem Rakitin sits everyone down on the rubber mat for one last pep talk. He has known most of the young men for several years, working with them here twice a week and in effect acting as a mentor. It is a kind of physical and mental training, he explains: self-discipline; resisting vices; preparing oneself, if the moment comes, to defend his country. “One of the main targets is for them not to become alcoholics, drug addicts or anything like that,” he says. “It’s to put their energy in the right places, and to support the right team.”The team they follow is FC Chernihiv and, on Wednesday evening, the second-tier side will face Dynamo Kyiv in a Ukrainian cup final no one could have predicted. FC Chernihiv are battling relegation but, to delirious scenes, won their semi-final against Metalist 1925 Kharkiv on penalties despite being reduced to 10 men in the fifth minute. They are one more upset from an improbable Europa League spot; it is a remarkable moment for a city, tucked in Ukraine’s north towards the Russian and Belarusian borders, that has suffered devastating losses since February 2022. Continue reading...
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