South Africa and Zambia drew 0-0 in the COSAFA Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 5 stage in the 2021 season. The match was played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. B. Chimene officiated the match. The full-time result capped a South Africa vs Zambia meeting in COSAFA Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for South Africa and Zambia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
COSAFA CupRecorded meetings: 5 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
South Africa and Zambia drew 0-0 in the COSAFA Cup. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 5 stage in the 2021 season. The match was played at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. B. Chimene officiated the match. The full-time result capped a South Africa vs Zambia meeting in COSAFA Cup with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for South Africa and Zambia. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
COSAFA CupRecorded meetings: 5 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. With a triumphant return to the battlefield, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival as Al-Nassr mercilessly dismantled Al-Riyadh in a 4-0 Friday night conquest. The eternal Portuguese titan carved his name deeper into the club’s lore, his latest strike penning yet another immortal chapter in a breathtaking career. Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. Ronaldo began the match on the bench after missing Al-Nassr‘s opening two competitive fixtures of the season. When Ange Postecoglou introduced him in the 62nd minute, however, the 41-year-old needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when Ayman Yahya sent a low cross into the area. Ronaldo controlled the ball brilliantly, turned sharply and finished with his left foot to complete a 4-0 victory, marking his first Saudi Pro League goal of the 2026-27 campaign. The goal against Al-Riyadh was Ronaldo’s 977th of his professional career, leaving him only 23 goals away from the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. It also extended another remarkable scoring streak, as he has now found the net in 25 consecutive professional seasons, stretching back to his breakthrough campaign with Sporting CP. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s latest achievement comes after he has already established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Saudi soccer since joining Al-Nassr. His ability to maintain that production at 41 has continued to surprise even those accustomed to his remarkable longevity. The forward also celebrated his return with a simple message on social media after the match: “Good to be back.” Ronaldo reaches another historic Saudi Pro League milestone The strike carried far greater significance than simply adding another goal to the scoreline. Ronaldo has now scored 103 Saudi Pro League goals for Al-Nassr, putting him level with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi at the top of the club’s all-time scoring chart in the competition’s professional era. The numbers become even more remarkable when the appearances are taken into account. Ronaldo reached 103 goals in only 108 league appearances, while Al-Sahlawi needed 205 matches to reach the same total, meaning the Portuguese superstar has matched the record in 97 fewer games. PlayerGoalsMatchesGoals per MatchCristiano Ronaldo1031080.95Mohammed Al-Sahlawi1032050.50 Al-Sahlawi remains one of the most important goalscorers in the club’s history, having played a major role during its successful campaigns in the 2010s. Yet Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring rate has allowed him to rapidly catch a record that took his Saudi predecessor more than a decade to establish. One more league goal will now give Ronaldo the record outright. With 103 goals already to his name, the Portuguese captain is within touching distance of becoming Al-Nassr’s undisputed leading scorer in the competition. When could Ronaldo break the record? For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s latest milestone adds another layer to an already impressive start under Postecoglou. Two league wins, six points and 103 Saudi Pro League goals from Ronaldo have put the defending champion in an ideal position after the opening two rounds. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC The next target is obvious. One more league goal will see Ronaldo move clear of Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s outright all-time leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has two potential record-breaking opportunities coming up in upcoming matches for Al-Nassr: Tuesday, August 25, against Al-Ittifaq, and next Friday, August 28, against Al-Taawoun.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
Kai Havertz has given Arsenal the lead against the newly promoted Coventry City, scoring the first goal of the new Premier League season. New signing Christos Tzolis did excellent work in the buildup, piling pressure on the Coventry defender and stealing the ball which deflects on towards Riccardo Calafiori who puts in a low cross […] The post Watch: Kai Havertz scores first goal of the 2026/27 Premier League season; great assist from Riccardo Calafiori appeared first on CaughtOffside.
After a 25-year absence, Coventry City are back in England's top-flight. In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Mark Chapman is joined by Golden Boot-winning former striker Dion Dublin, club legend Steve Ogrizovic, BBC CWR's Rob Gurney, and others to reflect on the club's remarkable journey back to the top. You can also hear from manager Frank Lampard - the man who brought the Sky Blues back to the Premier League - recall the club's rejuvenation under Mark Robins and hear fan stories from the darker years.
A stunning double from the summer signing Camilo Durán helped Celtic open up a commanding lead against Lask in their Champions League playoff. Benjamin Nygren also produced a superb finish to send Martin O’Neill’s side on their way to a 3-0 first-leg win over their Austrian opponents in Glasgow.The visitors had two goals disallowed for offside and created chances throughout in an open encounter but Celtic were clinical as they continued their strong start to the season. Nygren has been at the heart of it with four goals and four assists in as many games and he opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The Swede readjusted his body to volley into the top corner from 20 yards after a weak clearance from Kieran Tierney’s cross. Continue reading...
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!In the 1941 RKO Radio Pictures/Mercury repertory theatre production Citizen Kane, Orson Welles essayed a man who began as a whirlwind of prolific energy, only to spectacularly fizzle out, to the extent that near the end, stubborn pride his only remaining fuel, he could barely move around or achieve anything of note at all. Football Daily isn’t sure how any of this relates to Charles Foster’s namesake Harry, or his recent Geopolitics World Cup campaign; nor are we sure what bit of Welles’ career Harry’s mooted move from Bayern Munich to Al-Hilal would be comparable with. The flawed masterpiece The Magnificent Ambersons, perhaps, or that thing where he loses his mind over Findus peas.Don Revie and his merry henchmen [Tuesday’s Memory Lane, full email edition] getting ready for a night on the lash, as it was back then. Lest we forget: one-club man Jack Charlton once said ‘I cant play football, but I can stop those that can’. Diamond geezer eh?” – Alvin Jordan.It was bewildering to read in Tuesdays’s Football Daily that ‘Kevin Lamour was a lone dissenting voice inside Fifa’s lair when Gianni Infantino’s plot to flog part of the World Cup to private investors – potentially on the cheap – was rumbled’. He was far from lone. Fifa’s secretary-general, Mattias Grafström, called the FFE plans a ‘sad and reproachable series of events’ in an email to staff. Fifa’s chief of global development, someone called Arsène Wenger, pronounced the withdrawal of FFE ‘absolutely necessary and beyond question’. Above all, Infantino’s right-hand man, the Fifa senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, stated: ‘I cannot stand by while Fifa considers selling a stake in the World Cup. Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It is a bad deal for Fifa’s member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game.’ And unlike Lamour, Grafström, or Wenger, Cordeiro put his money where his mouth was and resigned” – Simon Skinner.Talking of players’ wages, my Middlesborough friend who knew Wilf Mannion told me that when he was chosen to play for England at Wembley that they gave him a third-class rail ticket to get there. Unfortunately the train was so crowded that he had to sit on his suitcase in the corridor the whole way to London (not an unusual situation in those days)” – Bob Hopper.This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
Monique Ngock starred as Cameroon triumphed for the first time in a tournament of compelling surprises, even if crowd figures disappointedCameroon became only the fourth country to lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title following Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, and only the third to have both a men’s and women’s continental champion, after a 3-0 win over Malawi in Rabat last weekend. The result was significant for several reasons, not least because it gave the competition a new winner after the former champions Nigeria and South Africa were eliminated in the quarter-finals to mark a changing of the guard in the African women’s game.It is worth remembering that Cameroon did not directly qualify for this edition of the Wafcon and were only added when the tournament was expanded to 16 teams last November. That gave them the opportunity to compete, but almost no one would have picked them as champions based on reputation and results. Cameroon had not reached a Wafcon final in a decade and had never even scored a goal in the final, but had three before half-time against a Malawi side that seemed destined to complete a fairytale. Continue reading...
Real Salt Lake host FC Dallas in MLS on Wednesday, and Pablo Mastroeni's hosts will be without exciting winger Zach Booth due to injury. The post Real Salt Lake boss Mastroeni laments ‘dire situation’ after Booth injury appeared first on SoccerNews.
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Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but 41-year-old's next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Cristiano Ronaldo made a massive statement in his return to the pitch, but all eyes are already locked on what’s next for the Al-Nassr captain. Boss Ange Postecoglou played it completely safe with his minutes against Al-Riyadh, setting the stage for a crucial next move, but the 41-year-old’s next appearance will indicate his readiness to handle a full workload. Ronaldo had started the campaign away from the matchday squad after an extended break, making his comeback one of the biggest talking points of Al-Nassr‘s 4-0 victory. His brief appearance changed that conversation almost immediately, with the veteran forward finding the net and sending an early warning ahead of the club’s next league assignment. Ronaldo began the match on the bench as Postecoglou continued to manage his workload. Al-Nassr had already established a comfortable advantage against Al-Riyadh through goals from Abdulelah Al-Amri, Angelo, and Joao Felix before Ronaldo entered in the 62nd minute. The Portuguese forward needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. Ayman Yahya’s low cross found Ronaldo inside the box, and he expertly created enough room before sweeping a left-footed finish past Milan Borjan in the 83rd minute. It was Ronaldo’s first appearance of the 2026-27 season and his first Saudi Pro League goal of the campaign. The strike also took his extraordinary career tally to 977 goals, leaving him 23 short of the much-discussed 1,000-goal milestone. Postecoglou explains Ronaldo’s controlled comeback Postecoglou was careful to explain why Ronaldo was introduced from the bench rather than being thrown straight into the starting lineup. The Australian coach wanted his captain to rebuild his fitness gradually following a demanding period away from competitive action. “Cristiano Ronaldo always wants to play, but it is important that he takes his time to return, as he was busy during the preparation period,” Postecoglou said, according to Al-Riyadiah. The manager was also delighted that Ronaldo managed to score despite receiving limited minutes. “It is wonderful for him (Ronaldo) to score a goal within 30 minutes of play, he did everything possible,” Postecoglou added. 🇦🇺🗣 Ange Postecoglou on Cristiano Ronaldo:“Obviously, I said after the last game that I think it was important for Cris to take his time coming back because he was very, very busy during the off-season.His mentality is that he always wants to play, but he made sure he did…— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Will Ronaldo play against Al-Ettifaq? That controlled return now appears to have paved the way for a bigger role in Al-Nassr’s next match. Ronaldo is expected to make his first start of the 2026-27 Saudi Pro League season when Al-Nassr travels to face Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday. According to Okaz Sports, the Portuguese superstar is set to lead the line at Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium in Dammam, with the match scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Saudi time. The report would represent a significant step up in workload after his 28-minute cameo against Al-Riyadh. The timing makes sense after Ronaldo emerged from his first appearance without any reported setback. Postecoglou can now assess him during training before deciding exactly how many minutes he can handle, but his expected start suggests the forward is progressing as hoped.
Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. With a triumphant return to the battlefield, Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival as Al-Nassr mercilessly dismantled Al-Riyadh in a 4-0 Friday night conquest. The eternal Portuguese titan carved his name deeper into the club’s lore, his latest strike penning yet another immortal chapter in a breathtaking career. Now, with destiny in his sights, he marches ever closer to conquering a legendary record that has withstood the test of time. Ronaldo began the match on the bench after missing Al-Nassr‘s opening two competitive fixtures of the season. When Ange Postecoglou introduced him in the 62nd minute, however, the 41-year-old needed only 21 minutes to make his presence felt. The breakthrough came in the 83rd minute when Ayman Yahya sent a low cross into the area. Ronaldo controlled the ball brilliantly, turned sharply and finished with his left foot to complete a 4-0 victory, marking his first Saudi Pro League goal of the 2026-27 campaign. The goal against Al-Riyadh was Ronaldo’s 977th of his professional career, leaving him only 23 goals away from the extraordinary 1,000-goal milestone. It also extended another remarkable scoring streak, as he has now found the net in 25 consecutive professional seasons, stretching back to his breakthrough campaign with Sporting CP. 🚨🚨| CRISTIANO RONALDO SCORES HIS 𝟗𝟕𝟕𝐓𝐇 CAREER GOAL ON THE FIRST MATCH OF THE SEASON 🌟🇵🇹 pic.twitter.com/Ronr54IHnl— CentreGoals. (@centregoals) August 21, 2026 Ronaldo’s latest achievement comes after he has already established himself as one of the most prolific scorers in Saudi soccer since joining Al-Nassr. His ability to maintain that production at 41 has continued to surprise even those accustomed to his remarkable longevity. The forward also celebrated his return with a simple message on social media after the match: “Good to be back.” Ronaldo reaches another historic Saudi Pro League milestone The strike carried far greater significance than simply adding another goal to the scoreline. Ronaldo has now scored 103 Saudi Pro League goals for Al-Nassr, putting him level with Mohammed Al-Sahlawi at the top of the club’s all-time scoring chart in the competition’s professional era. The numbers become even more remarkable when the appearances are taken into account. Ronaldo reached 103 goals in only 108 league appearances, while Al-Sahlawi needed 205 matches to reach the same total, meaning the Portuguese superstar has matched the record in 97 fewer games. PlayerGoalsMatchesGoals per MatchCristiano Ronaldo1031080.95Mohammed Al-Sahlawi1032050.50 Al-Sahlawi remains one of the most important goalscorers in the club’s history, having played a major role during its successful campaigns in the 2010s. Yet Ronaldo’s extraordinary scoring rate has allowed him to rapidly catch a record that took his Saudi predecessor more than a decade to establish. One more league goal will now give Ronaldo the record outright. With 103 goals already to his name, the Portuguese captain is within touching distance of becoming Al-Nassr’s undisputed leading scorer in the competition. When could Ronaldo break the record? For Al-Nassr, Ronaldo’s latest milestone adds another layer to an already impressive start under Postecoglou. Two league wins, six points and 103 Saudi Pro League goals from Ronaldo have put the defending champion in an ideal position after the opening two rounds. Cristiano Ronaldo of team Al Nassr FC The next target is obvious. One more league goal will see Ronaldo move clear of Al-Sahlawi and become Al-Nassr’s outright all-time leading scorer in the Saudi Pro League. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has two potential record-breaking opportunities coming up in upcoming matches for Al-Nassr: Tuesday, August 25, against Al-Ittifaq, and next Friday, August 28, against Al-Taawoun.
The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo has officially scored his 977th career goal to put Al-Nassr at the Saudi Pro League top. The 41-year-old superstar marked his season debut with a mysterious, late strike that secured a 4-0 victory over Al-Riyadh. This triumphant performance proves that Al-Nassr remains a dominant force in domestic competition. The defending champion, Al-Nassr, controlled the match from the very beginning under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou. Abdulelah Al-Amri opened the scoring in the 18th minute with a commanding header from a corner. Just before halftime, Brazilian midfielder Angelo doubled the lead to firmly establish control at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Stadium. Shortly after the break, Portuguese star Joao Felix made it three by firing a low shot past goalkeeper Milan Borjan. According to Sofascore, Al-Nassr completely dictated the tempo against an overwhelmed opponent. This sustained pressure set the perfect stage for a heavily anticipated substitution. Entering the game around the 61st minute, Ronaldo immediately began searching for his moment of magic. In the 83rd minute, he collected a precise low cross from Ayman Yahya and executed a sharp turn inside the box. He then sealed the comprehensive victory with a composed, left-footed finish that rattled the back of the net. 23…⏳️I'm already there… pic.twitter.com/rSOYeChzr8— The Nassr Tribune™️ (@AlNassrTribune) August 21, 2026 Chasing historic milestone At an age where most professional athletes step away, Ronaldo is steadily marching toward the unprecedented 1,000-goal mark. He has previously hinted that this could be his final season, openly expressing his profound desire to leave “a spectacular legacy.” With this resounding win, Al-Nassr leaps above rival Al-Hilal on goal difference to claim the top spot. WHAT A FINISH FROM RONALDO 🐐🟡 pic.twitter.com/WjMYKRkTsK— All About SPL 🔔 🇸🇦 (@Saudifutbol) August 21, 2026 The crushing defeat leaves Al-Riyadh sitting at the very bottom of the table following their second consecutive loss. Meanwhile, the integration of global stars alongside local talent makes Al-Nassr look incredibly formidable right out of the gate. For Ronaldo, returning from the sidelines with a goal and a massive victory is the ultimate statement of intent.
Kai Havertz has given Arsenal the lead against the newly promoted Coventry City, scoring the first goal of the new Premier League season. New signing Christos Tzolis did excellent work in the buildup, piling pressure on the Coventry defender and stealing the ball which deflects on towards Riccardo Calafiori who puts in a low cross […] The post Watch: Kai Havertz scores first goal of the 2026/27 Premier League season; great assist from Riccardo Calafiori appeared first on CaughtOffside.
After a 25-year absence, Coventry City are back in England's top-flight. In a special episode of BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast, Mark Chapman is joined by Golden Boot-winning former striker Dion Dublin, club legend Steve Ogrizovic, BBC CWR's Rob Gurney, and others to reflect on the club's remarkable journey back to the top. You can also hear from manager Frank Lampard - the man who brought the Sky Blues back to the Premier League - recall the club's rejuvenation under Mark Robins and hear fan stories from the darker years.
A stunning double from the summer signing Camilo Durán helped Celtic open up a commanding lead against Lask in their Champions League playoff. Benjamin Nygren also produced a superb finish to send Martin O’Neill’s side on their way to a 3-0 first-leg win over their Austrian opponents in Glasgow.The visitors had two goals disallowed for offside and created chances throughout in an open encounter but Celtic were clinical as they continued their strong start to the season. Nygren has been at the heart of it with four goals and four assists in as many games and he opened the scoring in the 26th minute. The Swede readjusted his body to volley into the top corner from 20 yards after a weak clearance from Kieran Tierney’s cross. Continue reading...
Sign up now! Sign up now! Sign up now? Sign up now!In the 1941 RKO Radio Pictures/Mercury repertory theatre production Citizen Kane, Orson Welles essayed a man who began as a whirlwind of prolific energy, only to spectacularly fizzle out, to the extent that near the end, stubborn pride his only remaining fuel, he could barely move around or achieve anything of note at all. Football Daily isn’t sure how any of this relates to Charles Foster’s namesake Harry, or his recent Geopolitics World Cup campaign; nor are we sure what bit of Welles’ career Harry’s mooted move from Bayern Munich to Al-Hilal would be comparable with. The flawed masterpiece The Magnificent Ambersons, perhaps, or that thing where he loses his mind over Findus peas.Don Revie and his merry henchmen [Tuesday’s Memory Lane, full email edition] getting ready for a night on the lash, as it was back then. Lest we forget: one-club man Jack Charlton once said ‘I cant play football, but I can stop those that can’. Diamond geezer eh?” – Alvin Jordan.It was bewildering to read in Tuesdays’s Football Daily that ‘Kevin Lamour was a lone dissenting voice inside Fifa’s lair when Gianni Infantino’s plot to flog part of the World Cup to private investors – potentially on the cheap – was rumbled’. He was far from lone. Fifa’s secretary-general, Mattias Grafström, called the FFE plans a ‘sad and reproachable series of events’ in an email to staff. Fifa’s chief of global development, someone called Arsène Wenger, pronounced the withdrawal of FFE ‘absolutely necessary and beyond question’. Above all, Infantino’s right-hand man, the Fifa senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, stated: ‘I cannot stand by while Fifa considers selling a stake in the World Cup. Let me be clear: I had no involvement in this proposal, and I oppose it unequivocally. It is a bad deal for Fifa’s member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game.’ And unlike Lamour, Grafström, or Wenger, Cordeiro put his money where his mouth was and resigned” – Simon Skinner.Talking of players’ wages, my Middlesborough friend who knew Wilf Mannion told me that when he was chosen to play for England at Wembley that they gave him a third-class rail ticket to get there. Unfortunately the train was so crowded that he had to sit on his suitcase in the corridor the whole way to London (not an unusual situation in those days)” – Bob Hopper.This is an extract from our daily football email … Football Daily. To get the full version, just visit this page and follow the instructions. Continue reading...
Monique Ngock starred as Cameroon triumphed for the first time in a tournament of compelling surprises, even if crowd figures disappointedCameroon became only the fourth country to lift the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) title following Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa, and only the third to have both a men’s and women’s continental champion, after a 3-0 win over Malawi in Rabat last weekend. The result was significant for several reasons, not least because it gave the competition a new winner after the former champions Nigeria and South Africa were eliminated in the quarter-finals to mark a changing of the guard in the African women’s game.It is worth remembering that Cameroon did not directly qualify for this edition of the Wafcon and were only added when the tournament was expanded to 16 teams last November. That gave them the opportunity to compete, but almost no one would have picked them as champions based on reputation and results. Cameroon had not reached a Wafcon final in a decade and had never even scored a goal in the final, but had three before half-time against a Malawi side that seemed destined to complete a fairytale. Continue reading...
Real Salt Lake host FC Dallas in MLS on Wednesday, and Pablo Mastroeni's hosts will be without exciting winger Zach Booth due to injury. The post Real Salt Lake boss Mastroeni laments ‘dire situation’ after Booth injury appeared first on SoccerNews.
Tap a headline to view metadata and excerpt fields in Sportra, then use the article website button to continue on the original publisher page.
