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    Watch incredible moment Kazakhstan’s Abiken scored from kick-off against Albania as Roy Keane rages at keeper

    ROY KEANE has blasted Albania’s keeper Etrit Berisha who conceded straight from kick off in his side’s 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan in the Nations League.
    Berisha, was lobbed by Kazakhstan’s Aybol Abiken from the centre-circle, who had noticed the keeper was off his line when play resumed.

    Kazakhstan’s Aybol Abiken scores an incredible goal from the kick-off against Albania in the Nations League surprising their opponents and the commentator! pic.twitter.com/bclkk9TxRh
    — Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) November 16, 2020

    Keane was furious with Berisha after his error in the gameCredit: AFP or licensors

    Keane, 49, was furious with Berisha’s complacency and made his feelings known while he was covering the game as a pundit.
    He raged: “You wouldn’t forgive him. International football? What was he doing?! It’s just…”
    “You’d never forgive him for that. Stupid. I’m angry watching it.”
    The error came as Albania lead the game 2-0, giving Kazakhstan an opportunity to get back in the match.

    But fortunately for Berisha, his mistake wasn’t fatal as Albania went on to win the match 3-1.
    Barcelona B striker Rey Manaj scored from the penalty spot to finally put the game to bed.
    Albania’s victory means they can top the group if they beat current leaders Belarus on Wednesday.
    Kazakhstan on the other hand will have to beat Lithuania on Wednesday to avoid the relegation play-offs scheduled for March 2022.

    England fans will miss the opportunity to see them in the Nations League after their loss to Belgium last night.
    Despite their loss, Gareth Southgate praised the England players and defended said they were ‘excellent.’
    Speaking after the defeat he said: “The scoreline does feel harsh. We don’t like losing football matches but I’ve got to give enormous credit to the players.
    “Right the way through the game we created problems with the ball and defended resiliently. I feel we were excellent.” More

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    Peru vs Argentina betting tips: Messi to star in Lima but back both teams to score – World Cup qualifier predictions

    HAVING seen bets on Portugal vs France and Belgium vs England come good, we turn our attention across the Atlantic.
    Argentina are in World Cup qualifier action against Peru and we’ve taken a look at where to place your money.

    Lionel Messi will be in World Cup qualifier action late Tuesday nightCredit: AFP or licensors
    Peru vs Argentina, Wednesday 00.30am

    Never mind the Euros, South America has World Cup fever.
    Argentina and Peru clash in Lima as Lionel Messi looks to lead his country to the Finals – and perhaps one last shot at the elusive gong.
    The home side are in the midst of a shocking run of form and haven’t won a competitive game since July 2019, although they did stun Brazil when 12/1 in a Rio friendly.
    Argentina are going into this one in good nick, and in direct parallel to the hosts haven’t lost since July last year.

    Away banker then, surely?
    Well, not so fast – Argentina on their travels are not a gimme and haven’t beaten Peru on their last three visits here.
    All of those matches have ended in draws, with the most recent a World Cup qualifier in 2016.
    The Argentine’s looked to have won it through Gonzalo Higuain with a late strike, but were dominated throughout and Peru deservedly grabbed an equaliser from the spot.

    World Cup 2022 could be Messi’s last chance Credit: AFP or licensors
    Just as they showcased in Bolivia, Argentina aren’t a slick, attacking force and they had to come from behind after managing just 43 percent possession.
    In a nutshell, don’t expect this to be a walkover.
    Argentina have conceded on their last four visits to Peru and the home side, despite their poor recent form, managed to score twice against Brazil last time out.
    Both teams to score is therefore in play at a generous 8/11, while we’re also tempted by Peru to score more than once again at 11/4.
    Messi dreams of lifting the World Cup and it’s about the only thing left he hasn’t won.
    The little magician has three in his last two matches, but none for his country this term – and even saw one ruled out by VAR in the 1-1 draw with Paraguay over the weekend.
    That can all change in Lima – get on a Messi first goal at 3/1.
    SunSport’s best bets
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
    Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org More

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    How Uefa Nations League finals will look in 2021 with Germany, Spain, France and Holland in contention after England KO

    ENGLAND officially failed to qualify for the Nations League finals after slumping to a 2-0 loss to Belgium on Sunday.
    The Three Lions had hoped to make it back-to-back appearances at the finals after making it in 2019.

    England officially failed to qualify for the Nations League after losing 2-0 to Belgium on SundayCredit: Reuters

    That year, Gareth Southgate and Co lost to Holland in the semi-finals, with Portugal beating the Dutchmen in the final.
    England finished third after beating Switzerland in the playoff match.
    But they won’t be in next year’s finals after recent losses to Belgium and Denmark.
    While the Three Lions won’t be appearing in next October’s mini-tournament, there are still a number of teams who can still qualify.

    We take a look at who’s already in, who’s out and who’s been relegated to Group B, but first…
    WHAT’S THE FORMAT?

    Portugal are the reigning Nations League championsCredit: Alamy Live News
    THE Nations League is currently split into four tiers – Leagues A, B, C and D.
    Europe’s elite go into League A, with the divisions getting gradually weaker until you reach League D, featuring the likes of San Marino and Liechtenstein.
    Here, we’ll focus on League A and the permutations.

    League A is split into four groups, with the 16 teams originally split into four pots of seeds based on their world ranking.
    One team from each pot of seeds are drawn into four groups; A1, A2, A3 and A4.
    In each group, it’s fairly simple: the team finishing top advances to the finals and the team in last place get relegated to League B.
    Second and third in each group fail to advance to the finals but maintain their League A status.
    Now, let’s take a look at who’s in, who’s out and who’s staying put…
    GROUP A1

    How Group A1 looks ahead of the final round of games
    Teams: Italy, Holland, Poland, Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Already qualified: None
    Who can still qualify for finals: Italy, Holland, Poland
    Relegated to Group B: Bosnia and Herzegovina
    THERE’S still everything to play for in group A1 going into the final round of fixtures.
    Bosnia and Herzegovina are officially relegated – but the other THREE teams can still qualify for the finals.
    Italy sit top on nine points and are favourites to qualify, taking on Bosnia and Herzegovina on Wednesday.
    Holland are currently second on eight points with Poland on seven.
    They go head-to-head on Wednesday still hoping Italy drop points.
    Should Italy lose, whoever wins between Holland and Poland will reach the finals.
    A draw will be enough for Italy if Poland win – thanks to the Italians boasting the better head-to-head record thanks to Sunday’s 2-0 win.
    But a draw for Italy and a Holland win would mean the Dutch progress.
    Should Italy win, they qualify regardless of the Poland vs Holland game.
    GROUP A2

    How Group A2 looks ahead of the final round of games
    Teams: Belgium, Denmark, England, Iceland
    Already qualified: None
    Who can still qualify for finals: Belgium, Denmark
    Relegated to Group B: Iceland
    AS we all know, England are now out of contention after losing to Belgium.
    With one game to go, Belgium have 12 points, Denmark have ten, England have seven, while Iceland – officially relegated – have failed to pick up a single point.
    England host Iceland while Denmark travel to Belgium for the final round of fixtures, meaning the scenario is simple.
    England vs Iceland is a dead-rubber.
    Regardless of the result, Iceland will still be relegated and England can’t progress.
    A draw between Belgium and Denmark will see Kevin De Bruyne and Co reach the finals.
    A Belgium win will see them through, too.
    But a win for Denmark will ensure the Danes reach the final four next year.

    GROUP A3

    How Group A3 looks ahead of the final round of games
    Teams: France, Portugal, Croatia, Sweden
    Already qualified: France
    Who can still qualify for finals: None
    Relegated to Group B: None (Croatia or Sweden)
    FRANCE’S win over Portugal on Saturday ensured they qualified for the finals regardless of what happens in their final game.
    The French sit just three points above Cristiano Ronaldo and Co and with a lower goal difference.
    But with a draw and a win from their two games, France clinch the tie-breaker based on their head-to-head record.
    Portugal, though, are at least safe from relegation.
    Sweden and Croatia are the two teams facing the drop to League B, both on three points.
    Croatia host Portugal while Sweden face a tricky test away to France – both on Tuesday.
    To complicate matters further, both Sweden and Croatia won their home matches against each other 2-1 – meaning their head-to-head record is identical.
    Should both teams win, draw or lose – ending on the same points tally – it will go down to goal difference.
    Both Sweden and Croatia currently have a goal difference of -6, so a draw – or win/loss by the same margin – will mean it then goes down to goals scored.
    Croatia have scored seven to Sweden’s three, meaning the they are marginally in the driving seat.
    Therefore, Sweden cannot simply match Croatia’s result and scoreline, they must better them.
    A draw – or a win/loss by the same margin as Sweden – would be enough for Croatia to avoid relegation.
    GROUP A4

    How Group A4 looks ahead of the final round of games
    Teams: Germany, Spain, Ukraine, Switzerland
    Already qualified: None
    Who can still qualify for finals: Germany, Spain
    Relegated to Group B: None (Ukraine or Switzerland)
    THE final round of matches in the A4 group promise to be enthralling.
    Spain host Germany in the fight for the top spot – and a place in the finals – while Ukraine travel to Switzerland in the relegation game.
    With the group entirely split into two, the scenarios are fairly simple – at least for the leading pack.
    Germany – incredibly the bottom seeds of their group – lead Spain by a single point.
    That means, a draw would be enough for the Germans to progress to next year’s finals, with Spain needing to win.
    In the other game, Ukraine sit three points ahead of the Swiss – having won their match-up 2-1 earlier in the group.
    Switzerland boast a better goal difference at just -2 compared to Ukraine’s -5.
    That means a 1-0 win will be enough for the Swiss after going into the FOURTH level of the tiebreakers – goals scored AWAY in the head-to-head.
    Should Switzerland win 2-1, it would then go to the FIFTH tiebreaker level – overall goal difference, which would see the Swiss progress.
    Therefore, Ukraine will need a win or draw to progress, with a Switzerland win enough for them to go through.

    England manager Gareth Southgate, 50, secretly battled coronavirus last month with players none the wiser More

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    Gareth Southgate confirms he DID have coronavirus after England lose to Belgium in Nations League

    GARETH SOUTHGATE has confirmed he DID have coronavirus.
    SunSport revealed the England boss secretly battled the virus last month after developing symptoms.

    Gareth Southgate has confirmed he did battle coronavirusCredit: Rex Features

    Southgate described the virus as ‘not pleasant’ but said his condition ‘wasn’t as serious as some people’Credit: Rex Features

    And following the Three Lions’ 2-0 Nations League defeat to Belgium, the 50-year-old confirmed the news.
    Southgate, 50, said: “Yes, I did have the virus but fortunately I wasn’t as serious as some of the people in our country.
    “It’s not pleasant and it’s not something you’d choose to have but everything is fine now.”
    Southgate had been forced to self-isolate for ten days before further checks came back negative.

    Concern was heightened due to his age but his fitness helped him fight off the deadly virus — with his England stars none the wiser.
    One source said: “He’s a professional, he just got on with it. Fortunately he’s very fit for his age.”

    Southgate’s England lost 2-0 to Belgium in the Nations LeagueCredit: Reuters
    Southgate tested positive around October 25, derailing his preparations for the current international matches.
    He self-isolated at home in North Yorkshire, abandoning plans to attend Premier League games in person.

    Like Prince William, who was diagnosed back in April with coronavirus, he kept the news quiet with only a handful of people knowing.
    A subsequent test came back negative by November 5, enabling him to host a press conference on Zoom announcing his latest squad.

    Gareth Southgate praised Jack Grealish’s performance against BelgiumCredit: AFP or licensors
    Meanwhile, Soutgate praised Jack Grealish for his “outstanding performance as England lost to Belgium.
    He said: “Today was a great game for us to see him in. I couldn’t speak highly enough of his performance.
    “I thought Jack Grealish had an absolutely outstanding game. Losing Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, we lose a lot of speed. But I can’t fault the attacking play until the last chance.
    “I saw what I knew I would see from Jack, someone with the bravery to play. He took the ball in tight areas, his technique was good, we knew he would buy a lot of free-kicks. I thought he was outstanding – he should be delighted. I explained to him what we wanted to see when we brought him in in September.”
    Southgate added Grealish had “100 per cent” moved himself up the pecking order for future England games.

    England manager Gareth Southgate, 50, secretly battled coronavirus last month with players none the wiser More

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    Wales vs Ireland LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, kick-off time, team news for TONIGHT’S Nations League clash

    WALES welcome Ireland to Cardiff for a Nations League clash TONIGHT.
    Stand-in boss Rob Page saw his Dragons draw a blank against the USA in midweek, but they’re expected to be back to full-strength for this one.
    Kick-off: 5pm
    TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Football
    The match will also be shown for FREE on S4C with Welsh langauge commentary

    Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

    TEAM NEWS – WALES
    Gareth Bale starts and captains his national side today.
    Earlier this week the Spurs forward was praised by the Wales caretaker boss who claimed Bale ‘was the fittest he had been in a long time’.
    Juventus midfielder Aaran Ramsay and Swansea City centre-back Ben Cabango withdrew from the squad last week, but there are no new injury concerns in the Wales camp.
    The team that featured against the USA earlier this week allowed fringe players to feature.
    Ward is the only player who started in the friendly on Thursday who also starts today.

    IRELAND DUGOUT
    Travers, Khelleher, Manning, Clark, Hourihane, O’Dowda, Christie, Byrne, Knight, Collings, Maguire, Curtis

    WELSH BENCH
    King, Fon-Williams, Gunter, Lawrence, Lockyer, Roberts, Smith, Johnson, Sheehan, Matondo, Moore, Roberts

    IRELAND XI
    Randolph, Doherty, Duffy, Horgan, Idah, Brady, McClean, Hendrickm Long, O’Shea, Molumby

    WALES XI
    Ward, N.Williams, Mepham, Rodon, Davies, Norrington-Davies, Morrell, Ampadu, Bale, Brooks James.

    CLASH OF THE CELTS
    Ireland have arrived at Cardiff City stadium for their meeting with Wales.
    The Boys in Green face a tough opposition in the Dragons who currently occupy top spot in the group.

    GOOD AFTERNOON
    The last meeting between Wales and Ireland, last month, ended in a goalless draw but fans will be hoping for a more exciting affair this afternoon.
    Wales star Gareth Bale sat out the friendly with the United States this week but is reportedly ready to start this afternoon having taken part in a vigorous training session with the national side.
    The Welsh camp have reported that he’s the fittest he’s been for years, so all eyes will be on the Tottenham striker.
    But the Dragons can also boast a fully-fit squad for this meeting in Cardiff.
    The Republic of Ireland however have made four call ups following a bout of injuries.
    Jason Knight, Josh Cullen, Darragh Lenihan and Ciaran Clark have been included, while captain Seamus Coleman, John Egan and Harry Arter have all returned to their clubs for treatment.
    After their mid-week loss to England, Alan Browne tested positive for coronavirus so will have to sit out for a period of isolation.
    Stephen Kenny has insisted that his players have the right mentality, despite their recent loss, and will be looking to end their seven-match winless run.
    In the other dugout, there will be no Ryan Giggs, but instead caretake manager Robert Page will take the reins.
    Stick with us as we bring you all the action from Cardiff.

    Load more entries… More

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    Football betting tips: Lukaku to score for Belgium vs England plus back over 2.5 goals – Nations League predictions

    THE NATIONS LEAGUE takes centre stage this weekend as the Premier League has a well-deserved rest.
    After Portugal were edged out by France in a tight affair – landing our tip of under 2.5 goals – England’s World Cup revenge match with Belgium steals the limelight.

    Harry Kane is back on the goal trail against BelgiumCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Belgium vs England – Sunday 7.45pm (Sky Sports)

    Ahh, how we yearn for 2018.
    You could go to a game, sit in the pub, see your mates – and England were a bright, fearless attacking young side.
    Fast forward two years and Gareth Southgate is under pressure to deliver following a number of limp, uninspired results since football returned from lockdown.
    It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, with the Three Lions already booked in at the Euros next summer.

    And the B side looked the part in the win over Ireland in midweek.
    You could say that Southgate is simply experimenting with his pack ahead of a major tournament.

    But just three goals in four Nations League matches is not the England we’ve come to expect and many are calling for Southgate to let off the shackles.
    It was a bizarre game at Wembley when these sides met there last month with the Three Lions somehow coming out with a 2-1 victory.

    Belgium have won their other three Nations League games comfortably and sit top of the pile in Group 2.
    A victory for the visitors here though would see Southgate’s men head back to the summit.
    See, what’s all the fuss about?
    England will need to be infinitely better than their 0-1 loss to Denmark, in which they failed to ever get going against well organised opposition.
    Belgium will attack here and attack with speed, so don’t expect Southgate to abandon his holding midfielder experiment.

    Lukaku scored at Wembley and we reckon he bags again at 6/4Credit: Reuters
    Betting wise, the home side are a terrific 11/8 despite being unbeaten on home soil since September 2016.
    That makes the 4/11 you can get on Belgium to either win or draw an absolute steal – and definitely one to top up your accumulators.
    As much as we’d love a return to the England which tore Spain apart on that glorious October evening two years ago, we’re not holding our breath.
    England might have only been on the road twice so far this calendar year, but they’ve mustered just 5 shots on target across games against Demnark and Iceland.
    This is a big step up.
    Four out of Belgium’s last six matches have seen three or more goals, including that 2-1 reverse in London.
    Despite England’s stingy outings on the road, we’re expecting goals in this one at a very backable price.
    Over 2.5 goals is 17/20, whilst we’re also a massive fan of Belgium to win EITHER half at a huge 7/10.
    Romelu Lukaku has thrived since leaving the Premier League and is fast developing into one of Europe’s best marksmen.
    He has 10 in 11 matches so far in 2020/21 – including against England last month – so shouldn’t be 6/4 to score anytime on Sunday. Get on.
    SunSport’s best bets

    Peru vs Argentina, Wednesday 00.30am
    Never mind the Euros, South America has World Cup fever.
    Argentina and Peru clash in Lima as Lionel Messi looks to lead his country to the Finals – and perhaps one last shot at the elusive gong.
    The home side are in the midst of a shocking run of form and haven’t won a competitive game since July 2019, although they did stun Brazil when 12/1 in a Rio friendly.
    Argentina are going into this one in good nick, and in direct parallel to the hosts haven’t lost since July last year.
    Away banker then, surely?
    Well, not so fast – Argentina on their travels are not a gimme and haven’t beaten Peru on their last three visits here.
    All of those matches have ended in draws, with the most recent a World Cup qualifier in 2016.
    The Argentine’s looked to have won it through Gonzalo Higuain with a late strike, but were dominated throughout and Peru deservedly grabbed an equaliser from the spot.

    World Cup 2022 could be Messi’s last chance Credit: AFP or licensors
    Just as they showcased in Bolivia, Argentina aren’t a slick, attacking force and they had to come from behind after managing just 43 percent possession.
    In a nutshell, don’t expect this to be a walkover.
    Argentina have conceded on their last four visits to Peru and the home side, despite their poor recent form, managed to score twice against Brazil last time out.
    Both teams to score is therefore in play at a generous 8/11, while we’re also tempted by Peru to score more than once again at 11/4.
    Messi dreams of lifting the World Cup and it’s about the only thing left he hasn’t won.
    The little magician has three in his last two matches, but none for his country this term.
    That can all change in Lima – get on a Messi first goal at 3/1.
    SunSport’s best bets
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
    Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org More

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    Football betting tips TODAY: Romelu Lukaku to score against England – Nations League predictions

    THE NATIONS LEAGUE takes centre stage this weekend as the Premier League has a well-deserved rest.
    After Portugal were edged out by France in a tight affair, England’s World Cup revenge match with Belgium steals the limelight.

    Belgium vs England – Sunday 7.45pm (Sky Sports)

    Ahh, how we yearn for 2018.
    You could go to a game, sit in the pub, see your mates – and England were a bright, fearless attacking young side.
    Fast forward two years and Gareth Southgate is under pressure to deliver following a number of limp, uninspired results since football returned from lockdown.
    It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, with the Three Lions already booked in at the Euros next summer.

    And the B side looked the part in the win over Ireland in midweek.
    You could say that Southgate is simply experimenting with his pack ahead of a major tournament.

    But just three goals in four Nations League matches is not the England we’ve come to expect and many are calling for Southgate to let off the shackles.
    It was a bizarre game at Wembley when these sides met there last month with the Three Lions somehow coming out with a 2-1 victory.

    Belgium have won their other three Nations League games comfortably and sit top of the pile in Group 2.
    A victory for the visitors here though would see Southgate’s men head back to the summit.
    See, what’s all the fuss about?
    England will need to be infinitely better than their 0-1 loss to Denmark, in which they failed to ever get going against well organised opposition.
    Belgium will attack here and attack with speed, so don’t expect Southgate to abandon his holding midfielder experiment.

    Lukaku scored at Wembley and we reckon he bags again at 6/4Credit: Reuters
    Betting wise, the home side are a terrific 11/8 despite being unbeaten on home soil since September 2016.
    That makes the 4/11 you can get on Belgium to either win or draw an absolute steal – and definitely one to top up your accumulators.
    As much as we’d love a return to the England which tore Spain apart on that glorious October evening two years ago, we’re not holding our breath.
    England might have only been on the road twice so far this calendar year, but they’ve mustered just 5 shots on target across games against Demnark and Iceland.
    This is a big step up.
    Four out of Belgium’s last six matches have seen three or more goals, including that 2-1 reverse in London.
    Despite England’s stingy outings on the road, we’re expecting goals in this one at a very backable price.
    Over 2.5 goals is 17/20, whilst we’re also a massive fan of Belgium to win EITHER half at a huge 7/10.
    Romelu Lukaku has thrived since leaving the Premier League and is fast developing into one of Europe’s best marksmen.
    He has 10 in 11 matches so far in 2020/21 – including against England last month – so shouldn’t be 6/4 to score anytime on Sunday. Get on.
    SunSport’s best bets

    Peru vs Argentina, Wednesday 00.30am
    Never mind the Euros, South America has World Cup fever.
    Argentina and Peru clash in Lima as Lionel Messi looks to lead his country to the Finals – and perhaps one last shot at the elusive gong.
    The home side are in the midst of a shocking run of form and haven’t won a competitive game since July 2019, although they did stun Brazil when 12/1 in a Rio friendly.
    Argentina are going into this one in good nick, and in direct parallel to the hosts haven’t lost since July last year.
    Away banker then, surely?
    Well, not so fast – Argentina on their travels are not a gimme and haven’t beaten Peru on their last three visits here.
    All of those matches have ended in draws, with the most recent a World Cup qualifier in 2016.
    The Argentine’s looked to have won it through Gonzalo Higuain with a late strike, but were dominated throughout and Peru deservedly grabbed an equaliser from the spot.

    World Cup 2022 could be Messi’s last chance Credit: AFP or licensors
    Just as they showcased in Bolivia, Argentina aren’t a slick, attacking force and they had to come from behind after managing just 43 percent possession.
    In a nutshell, don’t expect this to be a walkover.
    Argentina have conceded on their last four visits to Peru and the home side, despite their poor recent form, managed to score twice against Brazil last time out.
    Both teams to score is therefore in play at a generous 8/11, while we’re also tempted by Peru to score more than once again at 11/4.
    Messi dreams of lifting the World Cup and it’s about the only thing left he hasn’t won.
    The little magician has three in his last two matches, but none for his country this term.
    That can all change in Lima – get on a Messi first goal at 3/1.
    SunSport’s best bets
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
    Commercial content notice: Taking one of the bookmaker offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply. Begambleaware.org
    Remember to gamble responsibly
    A responsible gambler is someone who:
    Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
    Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
    Never chase their losses
    Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
    Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
    Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org More

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    Football betting tips TODAY: Ronaldo to score in Portugal vs France, and Belgium vs England – Nations League predictions

    THE NATIONS LEAGUE takes centre stage this weekend as the Premier League has a well-deserved rest.
    We’ve betting tips to bring you from two huge clashes in Europe, before heading across the Atlantic for a crunch World Cup qualifier involving Argentina.

    Portugal are Nations League holders and held France to a draw in ParisCredit: EPA

    Portugal vs France – Saturday, 7.45pm (Sky Sports)

    A potential game-of-the-weekend clash from Lisbon gets us underway.
    The defending Euro champions face the World champions once again after a 0-0 stalemate last month in Paris.
    That was a game of two defences, with Portugal showing the kind of toughness which give them a superb chance of retaining their crown next summer.
    They currently lead Group 3, holding off the second-placed French on goal difference.

    But never underestimate Didier Deschamps men, who left it late to beat Croatia last time out in the Nations League.
    And definitely ignore their poor performance against Finland in midweek due to an experimental XI.

    When you can bring Kingsley Coman, Paul Pogba and Olivier Giroud off the bench, you’re never going to be far away in any game.
    That 0-0 draw in the French capital saw just six shots on target, but you couldn’t split the two sides over 90 minutes.

    50/50 possession, 13 attempts each, same blocked shots, even their passing stats were separated by just four (603 to 607, if you’re interested).
    Basically, you can’t split these two and we wouldn’t be surprised to see another draw.
    Just one of the last five meetings have seen over 2.5 goals and despite Ronaldo chasing his 103rd international goal, we’re not convinced this is going to be a goal fest.

    Ronaldo came off the bench to score in the thrashing of AndorraCredit: Reuters
    Portugal have conceded just once in their last six matches – and even that was in a 4-1 thrashing over Croatia.
    21/10 on a draw is definitely worth backing if the defences remain on top.And for those of you wanting to play even safter, under 2.5 goals at 8/13 is the way to go.
    Ronaldo was rested from the start against Andorra in midweek as he recovers from a dose of Covid-19 – and still found time to bag his 102nd international goal from the bench.
    He’s evens to net anytime – an excellent price and very easy to back.
    SunSport’s best bets
    (18+ / Begambleaware.org)

    Belgium vs England – Sunday 7.45pm (Sky Sports)
    Ahh, how we yearn for 2018.
    You could go to a game, sit in the pub, see your mates – and England were a bright, fearless attacking young side.
    Fast forward two years and Gareth Southgate is under pressure to deliver following a number of limp, uninspired results since football returned from lockdown.
    It’s certainly not all doom and gloom though, with the Three Lions already booked in at the Euros next summer.
    And the B side looked the part in the win over Ireland in midweek.
    You could say that Southgate is simply experimenting with his pack ahead of a major tournament.

    But just three goals in four Nations League matches is not the England we’ve come to expect and many are calling for Southgate to let off the shackles.
    It was a bizarre game at Wembley when these sides met there last month with the Three Lions somehow coming out with a 2-1 victory.
    Belgium have won their other three Nations League games comfortably and sit top of the pile in Group 2.
    A victory for the visitors here though would see Southgate’s men head back to the summit.
    See, what’s all the fuss about?
    England will need to be infinitely better than their 0-1 loss to Denmark, in which they failed to ever get going against well organised opposition.
    Belgium will attack here and attack with speed, so don’t expect Southgate to abandon his holding midfielder experiment.

    Lukaku scored at Wembley and we reckon he bags again at 6/4Credit: Reuters
    Betting wise, the home side are a terrific 11/8 despite being unbeaten on home soil since September 2016.
    That makes the 4/11 you can get on Belgium to either win or draw an absolute steal – and definitely one to top up your accumulators.
    As much as we’d love a return to the England which tore Spain apart on that glorious October evening two years ago, we’re not holding our breath.
    England might have only been on the road twice so far this calendar year, but they’ve mustered just 5 shots on target across games against Demnark and Iceland.
    This is a big step up.
    Four out of Belgium’s last six matches have seen three or more goals, including that 2-1 reverse in London.
    Despite England’s stingy outings on the road, we’re expecting goals in this one at a very backable price.
    Over 2.5 goals is 17/20, whilst we’re also a massive fan of Belgium to win EITHER half at a huge 7/10.
    Romelu Lukaku has thrived since leaving the Premier League and is fast developing into one of Europe’s best marksmen.
    He has 10 in 11 matches so far in 2020/21 – including against England last month – so shouldn’t be 6/4 to score anytime on Sunday. Get on.
    SunSport’s best bets

    Peru vs Argentina, Wednesday 00.30am
    Never mind the Euros, South America has World Cup fever.
    Argentina and Peru clash in Lima as Lionel Messi looks to lead his country to the Finals – and perhaps one last shot at the elusive gong.
    The home side are in the midst of a shocking run of form and haven’t won a competitive game since July 2019, although they did stun Brazil when 12/1 in a Rio friendly.
    Argentina are going into this one in good nick, and in direct parallel to the hosts haven’t lost since July last year.
    Away banker then, surely?
    Well, not so fast – Argentina on their travels are not a gimme and haven’t beaten Peru on their last three visits here.
    All of those matches have ended in draws, with the most recent a World Cup qualifier in 2016.
    The Argentine’s looked to have won it through Gonzalo Higuain with a late strike, but were dominated throughout and Peru deservedly grabbed an equaliser from the spot.

    World Cup 2022 could be Messi’s last chance Credit: AFP or licensors
    Just as they showcased in Bolivia, Argentina aren’t a slick, attacking force and they had to come from behind after managing just 43 percent possession.
    In a nutshell, don’t expect this to be a walkover.
    Argentina have conceded on their last four visits to Peru and the home side, despite their poor recent form, managed to score twice against Brazil last time out.
    Both teams to score is therefore in play at a generous 8/11, while we’re also tempted by Peru to score more than once again at 11/4.
    Messi dreams of lifting the World Cup and it’s about the only thing left he hasn’t won.
    The little magician has three in his last two matches, but none for his country this term.
    That can all change in Lima – get on a Messi first goal at 3/1.
    SunSport’s best bets
    *All odds from Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication.
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