Emiliano Martinez has hinted that he wants to join Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria in Argentina's Olympic squad that will fly to Paris in the summer.
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Alexi Lalas has warned that there is “always going to be baggage” between Gio Reyna and Gregg Berhalter despite differences being put aside for now.
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Reyna back in USMNT under BerhalterStarted against Germany in friendlyLalas expects more tensionWHAT HAPPENED?
The pair butted heads before and after the 2022 World Cup, with their feud getting personal at one stage as Reyna’s family got involved. Questions were asked of whether the duo could work together again after Berhalter was reappointed as USMNT boss.
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He has called upon Reyna since picking up the reins and handed him a starting berth in a friendly date with Germany. Lalas has told his podcast of whether an unfortunate saga can be considered closed: “I think Gregg Berhalter kind of put out a fig leaf if you will and said: 'Yeah, not only do I believe in you, but I believe in starting you against Germany’. I think that Gio after that first half doesn't look worse for wear – as a matter of fact I think looks better. And maybe people are even more confident. And I think Gregg kind of gets to assume the position of letting bygones be bygones and going forward.
"Now, don't think for a second that there isn't always going to be baggage and history relative to these two. But what you hope is that it dissipates enough where they can go on and they can function in these types of settings.”
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Berhalter has been trying to sweep the issue under the carpet, with the United States coach telling reporters when inevitably asked about a supposed divide in the camp: “I know that's going to be on people's mind. What I'd say is that we're moving forward. [I don't] really want to talk too much about the past. I think it's about talking about the future.”
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The United States suffered a 3-1 defeat against Germany – despite seeing Christian Pulisic open the scoring in spectacular style – and will be back in action on Tuesday when taking on Ghana.
Who has coach Shui Qingxia selected in China Women's World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
The China national women's team will be playing in their eighth FIFA World Cup finals in July, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand.
Shui Qingxia's troops are the reigning Asian champions and qualified directly for the tournament.
In 1999, they finished as runners-up, which is their best performance to date and in this edition, they would like to create history by lifting the World Cup.
In the 2023 Women's World Cup, they have been drawn in Group D with Denmark, England and Haiti.
Who has made Qingxia's final 23-player World Cup squad? GOAL takes a look…
(C)Getty ImagesGOALKEEPERS
Xu Huan is the undisputed number one for China between the sticks. The 24-year-old keeper of Jiangsu LFC is the most-trusted lieutenant of Qingxia under the bar and should have the gloves in the World Cup.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yu should be the second-choice keeper. She was given an opportunity to impress against Sweden and claim the No. 1 spot but conceded four goals in that match which saw Xu brought back against Ireland.
Meanwhile, the fight for the third spot should go to experienced keeper Zhao Lina of Shanghai Shengli.
Xu HuanWuhan Jianghan UniversityZhu YuJiangsuZhao LinaShanghai ShengliAdvertisementGettyDEFENDERS
Qinxia sets her team up with a four-woman backline. They generally play deep to keep things tight at the back.
Their efforts paid dividends in the 2022 Asian Cup as they conceded just five goals in the entire tournament. It would not be surprising if they defend with two banks of four to frustrate the likes of England and Denmark.
Paris Saint-Germain's Li Mengwen, on-loan from Jiangsu, should be the first choice at right-back. And if Mengwen is unfit, Gao Chen can slot in her place.
The likes of Duo Jiaxing, Yao Wei and Wang Linlin are among the first-choice centre-backs.
Chen Qiaozhu should be fielded in the left-back position.
Wu HaiyanWuhan Jianghan UniversityYao WeiWuhan Jianghan UniversityWang LinlinShanghai ShengliGao ChenChangchun Dazhong ZhouyueChen QiaozhuMeizhou HakkaLi MengwenParis Saint-Germain (on-loan)Dou JiaxingJiangsuLou JiahuiHenan Jianye(C)Getty ImagesMIDFIELDERS
It is primarily a four-woman midfield with Yao Lingwei entrusted with the responsibility to break down attacks and act as a defensive screener. She is supported by Zhang Rui, who has the license to go forward and join the attack.
Yang Lina is another option who can sit back and absorb the pressure. She will be useful against offensive teams when China will most likely sit deep and maintain their shape, with Zhang Linyan usually deployed on the left.
The likes of Wu Chengshu and Shen Mengyu add further depth in midfield.
Zhang RuiShandong Sports LotteryYao LingweiWuhan Jianghan UniversityGu YashaWuhan Jianghan UniversityZhang XinShanghai ShengliYang LinaLevante Las Planas (on-loan)Wu ChengshuCanberra UnitedZhang LinyanGrasshoppersShen MengyuCelticENJOYED THIS STORY?
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Getty ImagesFORWARDS
China's veteran forward Wang Shanshan is the key player of the squad. The forward has close to 150 caps and scored over 50 goals.
She is one of those rare players who can play at both ends of the pitch with aplomb. In the 2022 AFC Asian Cup she was fielded as a centre-back in the semi-final and final, and yet she came out with flying colours.
Shanshan was named as the Chinese Women's Footballer of the Year in 2022, and her presence will be key in what will be her third World Cup.
Wang Shuang has over 120 international caps and has scored 43 goals for China. Her scathing pace along with her dribbling abilities make her a potent threat in the wide areas.
Tang Jiali can be the X-factor in the Chinese team as she boasts of having spent the previous 18 months in Europe with both Tottenham and Madrid CFF, becoming the first female Chinese player to play in England.
She has the vision to split open defences and is strong on both feet, making her an exceptional talent in attacking.
Wang ShuangRacing LousvilleWang ShanshanTianjin ShengdeTang JialiShanghai ShengliXiao YuyiShanghai Shengli
The Portuguese striker's petulance is overshadowing his form at Al-Nassr, and setting a poor example for the next generation
“There are people out there who hate me and who say I’m arrogant, vain and whatever. That’s all part of my success. I am made to be the best,” Cristiano Ronaldo said in 2016 interview with Spanish outlet . “We cannot live being obsessed with what other people think about us. It’s impossible to live like that. Not even God managed to please the entire world.”
Portugal's favourite son has never been one for humility. No one really read that much into his attitude back then, though, as he was still at the peak of his powers in a Real Madrid team sweeping aside all-comers in the Champions League.
But eight years on, there is no question that Ronaldo's character flaws are outweighing his impact on the pitch. He said his "work in Europe is done" when signing a record-breaking contract at Al-Nassr in January last year, but really had nowhere else to turn after an acrimonious end to his second spell at Manchester United.
Since then Ronaldo has gone to great lengths to try and prove he remains relevant, completely contradicting his past comments in the process. It seems that, now, nothing is more important to the 39-year-old than how he is perceived by the public, and that narcissistic mindset is threatening to ruin the final chapter of his illustrious career.
Getty ImagesMissing the bigger picture
Ronaldo has been scoring for fun at Al-Nassr, and no one bettered his haul of 54 goals for club and country in 2023. The Portuguese took delight in outdoing "young animals" like Manchester City's Erling Haaland, and insisted he could still play on for another 10 years, but he's missing the bigger picture.
The Saudi Pro League is still a long way from being one of the top divisions in world football, despite the influx of European talent to the Middle East over the past year. Ronaldo's prolific output in the final third counts for little among the purists, who just see a once-great player stat-padding while pocketing obscene wages.
There would be nothing wrong with that, if he was still being a role model to the millions of youngsters that look up to him and could admit that Al-Nassr is just a place for him to wind down towards retirement. But Ronaldo seems to still genuinely believe he is the number one player in the game, and construes any suggestion otherwise as a personal attack.
AdvertisementGetty Images – Goal ARCourting controversy
Ronaldo netted his 22nd goal of the 2023-24 Pro League season from the penalty spot last Sunday, setting Al-Nassr on their way to a crucial 3-2 victory over Al-Shabab that keeps them within sight of Al-Hilal at the top of the table. However, after the final whistle, Ronaldo was too distracted by the home crowd to focus on celebrating the three points with his team-mates.
Al-Shabab supporters attempted to rile Ronaldo up with chants for his long-time rival Lionel Messi, and got what they wanted, with footage on social media showing the striker cupping his hand to his ear before making a lewd fist-pumping gesture in front of his genital area.
There appeared to be little doubt Ronaldo was motioning in the direction of the fans, and the Saudi FA subsequently launched an investigation, amid a fierce public backlash. Ronaldo was eventually punished with a one-game ban and 30,000 Saudi Riyals (£6,300) fine by an ethics and disciplinary committee.
The final verdict came after remarks from popular Saudi journalist Waleed Al-Farraj, who had urged the FA to make an example of Ronaldo – as reports. “Everything has limits, no matter how (much of a) star you are,” Al-Farraj said.
Getty'Used to it in Europe'
According to , Ronaldo explained his actions in an official statement. He is reported to have said: "I respect all clubs and the action in the shot expresses strength and victory and is not disgraceful, and we are used to it in Europe."
The sheer ignorance of that statement cannot be overlooked. Ronaldo is not in Europe anymore, and it is his duty to be aware of Saudi Arabia's conservative customs as a foreign national.
has reported that Ronaldo's gesture was seen as "immoral" by a country known for its strong religious beliefs, and he should consider himself lucky that he's not facing a much longer suspension. And to make matters even worse, it's not the first time that the former Real Madrid and Manchester United superstar has exhibited such childish behaviour in his first year in the Middle East.
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Previous escapes
Ronaldo was faced with more Messi taunts during Al-Nassr's 2-0 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Riyadh Season Cup final on February 8, and allowed his frustration to get the better of him again when making his way down the tunnel.
Al-Hilal supporters threw a team scarf at Ronaldo, which he then appeared to rub near his crotch before hurling it back in the direction it came from. There were no sanctions imposed after that incident, with the Portugal international getting the benefit of the doubt despite similar controversy in April last year.
After another loss to Al-Hilal, this time in the final weeks of the 2022-23 Pro League season, Ronaldo grabbed his crotch when trudging off the pitch, much to the outrage of Saudi lawyer Nouf Bint Ahmad. She described the gesture as a "crime that requires detention and deportation" in a post on social media, and Ronaldo was subjected to another investigation, before ultimately being cleared of any wrongdoing.
Al-Nassr even came out to defend their prized asset, saying in a quite frankly absurd official statement: "Ronaldo suffers from an injury. His challenge with Gustavo Cuellar, the Al-Hilal player, started with a blow in a very sensitive area. This is confirmed information. As for the fans’ explanations, they are free to think whatever they want.”
Andre Onana will not be changing his ways at Manchester United, with the confident Cameroonian goalkeeper saying he will continue to “take risks”.
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Big money invested in a new No.1Costly errors have sparked criticismProven performer believes in himselfWHAT HAPPENED?
The 27-year-old shot-stopper has endured a tough start to life in English football following his £48 million ($59m) transfer from Inter over the summer. A number of costly errors have crept into his game, leading to suggestions that United may be tempted to bring David de Gea back to Old Trafford a matter of months after releasing him as a free agent.
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Onana has sent a defiant message to his doubters, though, with the African ace eager to point out that he is “not afraid to make mistakes” as he seeks to become the modern day No.1 that United placed so much trust in. Onana has told the series on MUTV: “Now the goalkeeper is like [having] another player more, you know? And when you look at the way most of the teams want to play, now they use the goalkeeper as a plus one. I consider myself as a modern goalkeeper, so I'm not afraid to make mistakes. I'm not afraid to take risks and I would take risks because the way I play is what brought me to Manchester United, one of the best clubs in the world, and I will not drop. I will never drop. I will only go forward. I can make mistakes and mistakes are a part of life.”
WHAT THEY SAID
Onana has big boots to fill as the man chosen to succeed De Gea between the sticks in Manchester. He is also following in the footsteps of illustrious figures such as Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar – with the latter having helped to mould his game while working as chief executive at Ajax. Onana added on learning from all-time great Van der Sar: “He advised me a lot during the game, after the game, especially if I was making mistakes! He was coming through all the way to the dressing room or to the training session to speak with me and he helped me to build that personality, you know? I will always be thankful to him.”
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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Onana helped United to a clean sheet in his latest Premier League outing – a 1-0 win over Fulham – and will be hoping to figure again on Wednesday when the Red Devils take in a Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen that they desperately need to take maximum points from.
The Premier League is set to have a match take place on Christmas Eve for the first time in 28 years this year, according to reports.
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Molineux match moved to Christmas EveOriginally scheduled for December 24Supporters groups angered by decisionWHAT HAPPENED?
The clash between Wolves and Chelsea at Molineux Stadium was originally scheduled to be played on December 23, but reports that it has been moved back by 24 hours as part of the Christmas programme.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE
states that the decision has been made to fulfill the Premier League's broadcasting requirements.
The match will be the first since 1995 to take place on December 24, when Leeds beat Manchester United 3-1 thanks to goals from Brian Deane, Tony Yeboah and Gary McAllister.
WHAT THEY SAID
The Football Supporters’ Association has hit out at the move, saying: "It would be a huge kick in the teeth for supporters who have consistently made clear their opposition to games the day before Christmas – as it’s not the first time this has been proposed.
"Back in October 2017 there were reports that Sky Sports wanted to broadcast games on Christmas Eve which we said represented: 'a new low point in putting the interests of football broadcasters over those of matchgoing fans'.
"It would put many supporters in an impossible choice between going to the match or spending festive time with their families – and that’s before you factor in the added challenges of travelling on a Sunday (which Christmas Eve falls on this year)."
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Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The Premier League is yet to confirm the rescheduling of the fixture. In the meantime, Chelsea will take on Arsenal in the league on Saturday, while Wolves will visit Bournemouth.
Haaland scored for the sixth game running as Manchester City enjoyed a 3-1 win over Leicester in the Premier League
The only thing stopping Erling Haaland from scoring is Pep Guardiola taking him off too early.
The Norwegian looked in the mood for another hat-trick after dispatching his seventh penalty of the season and then slotting home a dream pass from Kevin De Bruyne for his 47th goal of the campaign.
But hopes of a hat-trick were dashed when Guardiola took him of at half-time along with John Stones, who had scored City's opening goal.
City had been coasting in the first half against a sluggish Leicester but Guardiola's many changes in the second half let the Foxes back into the game and Kelechi Iheanacho's goal brought the visitors back to life.
The champions then got nervous and it was an uncomfortable finish in the end but they at least got all three points to keep the pressure on Arsenal.
GOAL rates Man City's players from the Etihad Stadium.
MatériaMais Notícias
Acostumado com bons resultados recentemente contra gigantes equipes do futebol brasileiro, o Atlético-GO tem pela frente mais um difícil adversário neste final de semana. O compromisso deste domingo, às 18h15, será contra o Internacional, no estádio do Dragão, mas nada que tire a motivação da equipe Goiânia. Willian Maranhão, um dos principais destaques do Atlético, falou sobre a dificuldade da partida e os objetivos da equipe diante do Colorado.
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– Sabemos que o Inter é um time que tem diversos bons jogadores e temos que respeitar ainda mais pelo peso da camisa do outro lado. Porém, sabemos que somente isso não ganha jogo e mostramos isso alguma vezes esse ano e em 2020. Temos condições de fazer uma boa partida e ficar com os três pontos – ponderou.
Com dez gols marcados nos últimos três jogos, o ataque do Internacional está em boa fase, especialmente Yuri Alberto. Com isso, Maranhão falou também sobre os cuidados que o Atlético deve tomar na defesa para não sofrer gols e sair com a vitória.
– Não adianta focarmos somente em um jogador, fazer marcação especial. Com isso, outros ficarão livres para finalizar e sabemos que com Inter não podemos dar espaço para nenhum atleta. Eles tem um aproveitamento alto nas finalizações, então o cuidado que teremos com Yuri, será igual para todos os outros – concluiu.
USMNT leged Clint Dempsey believes that the 2024 Copa America could either be the peak or end of boss Gregg Berhalter's tenure.
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Dempsey gives exclusive Berhalter interviewBelieves Copa America is make-or-break for USMNT bossSays 'questions' will come about if bad performances arriveWHAT HAPPENED?
On the set of with CBS Sports Soccer, Dempsey spoke to the Daily Mail about Berhalter's current form with the USMNT. The ex-striker believes, now, that the next year will define the American's time with the USA – NOT – the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The result of that tournament is in the past, and this is a new era for his squad, meaning they can only look forward.
AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Berhalter's performances of late have put him under the scrutiny of many after falling to Germany in an international friendly in October, and then suffering an embarrassing defeat at the hands of Trinidad and Tobago in the Concacaf Nations League in November. Now, with the biggest tournament of 2024 upon him, Dempsey believes that Copa America could define his tenure with the USMNT.
WHAT DEMPSEY SAID
"I think Copa America is truly how you're going to be graded for the team,' Dempsey told Mail Sport, 'And, you know, for the coaches, are we doing the right thing? Because you're not gonna get another bigger opportunity to do well in the World Cup on home soil in 2026. So if you do well in [the Copa America] and you're building towards something, then that's great. But if you're not, I think there's still time to change things if you need to.
"You don't do well, then you're always on the chopping block,' Dempsey added. "That's what comes with every job, right? If you're not performing, the question starts to be asked. So I think there's still time to show what you can do. But I think Copa America is going to be a huge test for this team and for this coach in terms of where we're going."
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WHAT NEXT FOR THE USMNT?
The USSF have scheduled an international friendly against Slovenia for January 20, with the first test of the year for Berhalter and co. being against the EURO 2024 side. For now, though, Berhalter will be having his eyes on his player's club performances, especially that of Ricardo Pepi, who notched a stoppage-time winner for PSV in the Champions League Wednesday.
Jude Bellingham has made positive progress in his recovery from an ankle injury, with Real Madrid setting a date for his potential return to action.
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