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      Leo Beenhakker, Winning Soccer Coach Without Borders, Dies at 82

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      Among many other accomplishments, he led tiny Trinidad and Tobago to the World Cup and Poland to its first appearance in the European championships.Leo Beenhakker, a globe-trotting soccer coach who managed his native Netherlands during the 1990 World Cup, won three Spanish League titles with Real Madrid in the 1980s and, perhaps most impressively and improbably, guided Trinidad and Tobago to the 2006 World Cup as the smallest nation at the time ever to compete in soccer’s global championship, died on April 10. He was 82.His death was announced by the Dutch soccer federation and by Ajax, the powerful Amsterdam club that Beenhakker coached to two Dutch League titles. The announcement did not cite a cause or say where he died.His own playing career, as a winger, did not carry him beyond the amateur level. But neither did it prevent him from achieving national and international success as a coach.In that role, Beenhakker displayed wit and charm as well as the ability to engage with and inspire his players and to immerse himself in various cultures in the soccer diaspora. One of his accomplishments was to coach Poland to its first appearance in the European championships, in 2008.He dismissed the idea that to coach at a high level, one needed to have played at a high level. “You can be a very good milkman,” he once said, “without having ever been a cow.”Beenhakker (pronounced bin-HACK-er) never possessed the authority or standing of Johan Cruyff, who captained the Netherlands to second place at the 1974 World Cup and is considered one of the greatest players of all time. Nor did he have the tactical skill of Guus Hiddink, who in 1988 coached PSV Eindhoven to both the Dutch League title and the European Cup, the forerunner of the European Champions League title.We are having trouble retrieving the article content.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings.Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times.Thank you for your patience while we verify access.Already a subscriber? Log in.Want all of The Times? Subscribe. More

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      Inter vs Bayern (agg 4-3) LIVE RESULT: Inter book place in final four after NARROW aggregate victory over Bayern

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      INTER Milan booked their place in the final four of the Champions League in Italy.Bayern’s Harry Kane is chasing a first career trophy, but it will need to come in the Bundesliga if he is to win it this season. Inter Milan were pegged back to 2-2 on the aggregate after Kane’s strike in the second half, but they had a huge counter punch for Bayern.Lautaro Martinez and Benjamin Pavard scored to put PSG 4-2 up on aggregate, and Eric Dier’s late strike could not inspire a late Bayern comeback.Match result: Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern MunichCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Jordan Pickford becomes father for third time as England goalkeeper and wife Megan welcome baby girl

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      JORDAN PICKFORD and wife Megan have welcomed their third child. The Everton and England goalkeeper and his partner took to Instagram with a joint post on Wednesday evening to reveal the happy news – nine months and two days after the Euro 2024 final.Jordan Pickford has become a dad for the third timeCredit: InstagramWife Megan smiled for selfies with the newbornCredit: InstagramMegan and Jordan embraced after the exhausting arrivalCredit: InstagramThe Pickfords are now a family of fiveCredit: InstagramThe couple shared a series of snaps of their newborn baby daughter, Misty Celine Pickford.The pics included adorable pictures of Megan, 29, and Jordan, 31, holding the baby, her older siblings meeting her and the celebrations at home. The Pickfords wrote: “And just like that Ostara has been promoted to Queen.”Welcome to the world our new little princess, Misty Celine Pickford – our hearts just doubled in size.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHollyoaks actress and Strictly Come Dancing star Chelsee Healey was among the first to comment on the post.She wrote: “Beautiful and lil princess’ name.”Megan’s fellow England Wag Dani Dyer added: “Oh how perfect!!! Congratulations to you both.”Harry Kane’s wife Kate replied: “Beautiful,” followed by a string of love hearts.Most read in FootballErin Borini, wife of Pickford’s ex-Sunderland team-mate Fabio Borini, typed: “Can’t wait to meet her. So happy for you all.”Conor Coady’s wife Amie responded: “Beautiful pictures, so happy for you all! Congratulations.”Watch Jordan Pickford’s hilarious expression in tunnel as England emerge for Euro 2024 finalAnd Everton’s official account posted: “Congratulations to you all.”Jordan and Megan had their first child, a son called Arlo, in 2019.They then welcomed daughter Ostara in 2023. Jordan and Megan married each other in 2020, after meeting as teenagers.The wedding was a low-key affair because of the coronavirus pandemic, with the Everton star sporting a baseball cap and ripped jeans.However, when restrictions lifted, they flew to the Maldives and tied the knot for a second time.The two admitted it was “worth the wait” as they shared pics of the luxurious occasion.No expense was spared, as Jordan and Megan stood on a white podium filled with pink roses as they said their ‘I dos’ in front of 13 guests for their beach wedding.The newlyweds then enjoyed a dance together on the beach, before they were seen cradling Arlo in their arms and serenading him with kisses.Read More on The SunPickford played the full 90 minutes of Everton’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The Toffees take on Manchester City this weekend at home, their third-from-last match at Goodison Park. Misty is in safe hands were her goalkeeper dadCredit: InstagramOstara is getting used to life as a big sisterCredit: InstagramTheir son Arlo was born in 2019Credit: InstagramComments flooded in from friendsCredit: InstagramThe news was posted nine months and two days after the Euro 2024 finalCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)Megan was in attendance at the Euros cheering on her manCredit: EURO 2024 News Pool (ENP)They announced news of their second pregnancy on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @meganpickford_ More

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      Newcastle vs Crystal Palace LIVE RESULT: Newcastle DOMINATE at St James Park as they hit Eagles for FIVE

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      NEWCASTLE were DOMINANT as they thrashed Crystal Palace 5-0 at St. James Park.Newcastle further cemented their place in the Champions League spots with a huge win over Crystal Palace.The Toon continued their fine form, and extended their winning run to six games.Jason Tindall’s side hammered the Eagles 5-0 with goals from Jacob Murphy, Harvey Barnes, Fabian Schar and Alexander Isak. Match result: Newcastle 5-0 Crystal PalaceCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSFollow our live blog below… More

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      Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?

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      IN tonight’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Real Madrid, Arsenal have numerous players who are balancing disciplinary issues.According to Uefa regulations, players will be suspended for one match if they collect three bookings before tallies are reset after the quarter-finals.Mikel Arteta will be sweating the availability of some of his key players should Arsenal progressCredit: GettyOn-pitch general Declan Rice is one of those players tetering on the edgeCredit: GettyIf Mikel Arteta’s players are issued a yellow card at the Santiago Bernabeu, they risk missing a potential semi-final first leg dust-up with Paris Saint-Germain.Discipline has already been a concern for the Gunners this season, as loanee forward Raheem Sterling was suspended for the first leg victory against the Spanish giants.Which Arsenal players are one yellow card away from Champions League suspension?Declan Rice, who scored two stunners in the first leg, is among those who might face a suspension after being booked in a league phase match against Girona and an overwhelming round of 16 victory against PSV Eindhoven.Similarly, Jurrien Timber, a key defensive cog, must exercise caution after receiving cards against Dinamo Zagreb and PSV. READ MORE IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUEWorryingly, the Dutch international has received more yellow cards this season than any other Arsenal player, with nine in 44 appearances.Gabriel Martinelli is the third Gunner on a tightrope. This season, the winger has flattered, scoring only seven goals in 42 appearances and providing one assist in nine Champions League games.He had two bookings during the league round, in a 1-0 win over Shakhtar and a 3-0 win over Monaco.Most read in Champions LeagueThomas Partey, an injury doubt for tonight’s game, is the fourth and final Arsenal player who might miss a Champions League semi-final first leg after receiving a yellow card early in the second half last week. More

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      Gary Lineker didn’t hesitate when naming best player he played alongside with Gazza and Shearer snubbed

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      GARY LINEKER did not hesitate when asked who the best footballer was that he played alongside.The retired striker starred alongside the likes of Alan Shearer and Paul Gascoigne during his career.Gary Lineker has revealed the best player he ever played alongsideCredit: PAHe played alongside Diego Maradona during a Rest of the World matchCredit: GettyLineker, 64, featured for clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Barcelona before hanging up his boots in 1994.He also earned 80 caps for England and featured alongside other legends such as Peter Shilton, Chris Waddle and Bryan Robson.But it was none of his English compatriots that he believed were the best he played with.Lineker insisted the best player he lined up with was Argentine star Diego Maradona.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLDuring a snooker match with Stephen Hendry he revealed he played with the mercurial forward during a Rest of the World match.He said: “Well, I only played with him for half a game, but it was Diego Maradona.”Hendry then asked if Lineker thought that the skilful forward would have been successful in today’s game.Lineker replied: “Yeah, as in those days he would have been kicked to bits.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSMaradona is considered one of the best to ever grace the football pitch.He captained his homeland of Argentina to World Cup glory in 1986, during which he scored the infamous ‘Hand of God’ goal against England.’You never lose it’ – Gary Lineker stuns former world snooker champion as he shows off impressive skillsMaradona ended his playing career in 1997 at Boca Juniors, having enjoyed spells at Napoli, Barcelona and Sevilla while in Europe.He was prolific on the pitch and scored 348 goals across 690 appearances in domestic and international football.After hanging up his boots, he went into management and even coached the Argentina national side.He passed away at the age of 60 from a heat attack in 2020.Meanwhile, during the snooker match with Hendry, Lineker was able to showcase his impressive cue skills.He admitted that he was no stranger to the felt and would often play during his time in Spain.Lineker’s most regular team-matesHere is a list of the players that featured alongside Gary Lineker the most during his career…Pat van den Hauwe – 163 matchesGary Mabutt – 139 matchesAndoni Zubizarreta – 137 matchesRobert Fernández – 129 matchesPaul Allen – 126 matchesPaul Stewart – 124 matchesSteve Sedgley – 117 matchesErik Thorstvedt – 114 matchesDavid Howells – 112 matchesIan Wilson – 105 matches More

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      Who is Thibaut Courtois’ model wife Mishel Gerzig and how long has she been married to the Real Madrid goalkeeper?

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      MISHEL Gerzig is the wife of star footballer and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.Courtois will be appearing in Real Madrid’s Champions League 2025 quarter-final clash against Arsenal as Los Blancos attempt to comeback from a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg.Mishel Gerzig is a famous runway modelCredit: Getty ImagesShe is married to Real Madrid star Thibaut CourtoisCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigThe star regularly takes fans behind the scenes on InstagramCredit: Instagram/@MishelGerzigMishel’s incredible careerMishel was born on June 5, 1997, in Tel Aviv, Israel. She gained fame as a print model before being signed by Model MGMT, Next Miami and View Spain. The star was recognised on the Forbes 30 under 30 list and even appeared on the magazine’s cover, wearing a white suit. Thrilled about the news, she posted on social media: “Excited to share I was chosen for Forbes 30 under 30! Read More on Football“Thankful for this recognition.”Meeting a football legendMishel opened up to Israeli lifestyle magazine La’Isha about how she met Thibaut.She said that the footballer messaged her on social media about a picture of her and her pet dog. Mishel said: “He started asking me questions about Israel, about the army.Most read in Football”In April I had several jobs in Madrid, and then we met for the first time face-to-face. “We met again in early July, that’s when the relationship between us became romantic.”Watch Thibaut Courtois bizarrely throw cake at fan at Tomorrowland in ‘most random crossover of 2024’Thibaut proposed to Mishel on Italy’s Amalfi Coast and Mishel shared pictures from the romantic event. She captioned the post with: “Yessss to a lifetime with you.”The pair tied the knot at the Château de la Croix des Gardes in France in 2023. Real Madrid vs ArsenalFans are clamouring to see whether Mishel will be supporting Thibaut at the Champions League 2025. The competition kicked off on April 8, 2025 and concludes in Munich, Germany, on Saturday 31 May 2025. Thibaut will be representing Real Madrid in their faceoff with Arsenal at 8pm on April 16, 2025, in what could be one of the competition’s great comebacks.SunSport will live blog all the action as it happens. More

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      ‘Deal on’ – Kevin De Bruyne approached over free transfer after confirming plans to leave Man City

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      MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly emerged as a target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire.De Bruyne will leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer, putting an end to his 10-year spell with City.Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Chicago FireCredit: GettyClub officials and Pep Guardiola decided against renewing his contract, despite the midfielder wanting to stay.De Bruyne has insisted that he will not hang up his boots after leaving Manchester, putting many clubs on red alert regarding a potential move.And Chicago Fire are among those interested.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Fire have already made an approach for the 33-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are showing a strong interest and will propose a specific project to him in due course.De Bruyne is set to assess his options in the coming weeks before coming to a final decision.Inter Miami are also known to be considering a move for the Belgium international.SunSport revealed last week that Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi could spoil the plan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham and Co would like to open talks with De Bruyne now that his plans to leave City are confirmed.But star man and captain Messi will instead attempt to persuade the owners to go for Di Maria instead, who will also become a free agent.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club It is likely that Inter Miami will only be able to afford one of the players this summer.The club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books. More