World Cup

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      South Korea manager Paulo Bento slams Anthony Taylor for lacking ‘common sense’ after being sent off at World Cup

      by

      PAULO BENTO has blasted Anthony Taylor for lacking “common sense” as their row took a fresh twist.South Korea’s Portuguese boss must sit out Friday’s crunch clash with his home nation as punishment for being sent off in the previous game.
      A fuming Paulo Bento confronted Anthony Taylor after the 3-2 loss to GhanaCredit: Getty
      Taylor then showed Bento his marching ordersCredit: AFP
      Bento fired a stinging attack against TaylorCredit: AP
      Bento confronted Premier League official Taylor for blowing the final whistle while his team prepared to take a corner as they desperately looked for an equaliser in the 3-2 defeat to Ghana.
      Bento said: “I reacted maybe not in the best way but it was the response of someone who is human and makes mistakes.
      “Maybe the way I did it was a mistake but this was at a time when we had good reason.
      “It was an unfair decision (not to let them take the corner) and also one that reveals a deep lack of common sense.”
      READ MORE ON THE WORLD CUP
      Bento will travel to the stadium with his players but must then wave them goodbye and sit in the stands.
      The former Portugal international added: “It won’t impact us much. I have worked with these players for a long time and the coaches. 
      “Quite often they make decisions during matches anyway, such as substitutions. They are independent and this is all in line with our work.”
      South Korea face an uphill battle to make it out of the group stage in Qatar.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Firstly, they must beat group leaders Portugal and they must then hope results go their way in the hotly anticipated clash between Ghana and Uruguay.
      Son Heung-Min and Co could be boosted by a rotated Portugal team given they have already confirmed their progression out of the group.
      But given the powerful swing of momentum at the World Cup, Portugal will likely still play a number of their big guns.
      Cristiano Ronaldo missed training earlier this week ahead of the clash amid speculation he has been offered a record-breaking wage to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Croatia 0 Belgium 0 LIVE SCORE: Romelu Lukaku header SAVED as Belgium on cusp of World Cup exit

      by

      BELGIUM go up against Croatia with the chance to secure World Cup last-16 survival and the clash is UNDERWAY.It has been end-to-end in the first-half so far, with Dries Mertens firing over for Belgium.
      Croatia were then denied a penalty despite Anthony Taylor adjudging Andrej Kramaric to have been brought down.
      VAR intervened to determine that there was an offside in the build-up, with the score remaining level.
      Romelu Lukaku is on for the Red Devils as they look to grab a winner.

      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC ONE
      Group F: LIVE TABLE
      Croatia XI: Livakovic; Juranovic, Lovren, Gvardiol, Sosa; Modric, Brzovic, Kovacic; Livaja, Kramaric, Perisic
      Belgium XI: Courtois; Meunier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Castagne, Dendoncker, Witsel, Carrasco; De Bruyne, Trossard; Mertens
      Preview: How Croatia and Belgium could qualify

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group F clash…
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      47, De Bruyne immediately combining with Lukaku.
      The substitute peels wide and holds off Gvardiol well before taking his position in the box.
      De Bruyne curls it into the area but Croatia deal with it.
      Second half – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      We’re back underway and there is one big change to report.
      Romelu Lukaku is on for Mertens. He has three goals in his last two games against Croatia.
      Half-time stats
      There has been little to separate the sides so far, and even less to celebrate.
      Gary Lineker and co are doing everything they can to kill time in the studio.
      Let’s hope for better in the second half.

      Martin Lipton reports from Al Rayyan
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton has his say at the break.
      Needs a goal. As they say.
      Although, technically, Croatia don’t. At least if they just want to go through rather than win the group.
      By the way, if Croatia score one and Morocco get another, they will be level on points – seven – goal difference and goals scored.
      You know what that would mean – yellow card count to win the group.
      At half-time, that’s….2-2. Dead level. It would mean lots being drawn back at the Main Media Centre two stops back on the Metro later tonight.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Neil Custis in Qatar
      Here is Neil Custis’ half-time report from the stadium:
      ALF-TIME AT The Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium and the way Belgium are playing you would not put much money on them progressing with the win they need.
      By the break their hopes of making it into the last 16 had only been kept alive by a VAR reversal as Luka Modric prepared to put Croatia ahead from the penalty spot on 15 minutes.
      Andrej Kramaric reached for a loose ball in the box and was felled by Yannick Carrasco.
      No complaints as English referee Anthony Taylor pointed to the spot and everyone was lined up and ready for Modric to take the penalty.
      Then Taylor was called to the off pitch to screen to review the situation and he agreed that Dejan Lovren was just offside when the first ball was played into the area and had interfered with play.
      A let off for Belgium but they had barely threatened at the other end.
      They looked happy to sit deep and play on the break.
      To be fair that nearly worked shortly before the penalty award when Kevin de Bruyne charged half the length of the field and laid the ball off to Dries Mertens but his finish was woeful curling a shot way over the bar.
      Before that when Mertens has found Carrasco at the far post Josip Juranovic got back well to block his shot.
      Indeed for a game with so much on it, this was amazingly flat and subdued.
      Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic said his side would not play for the draw they needed but with Belgium hardly pushing the pace they seemed happy with the situation as it stood.Neil CustisSunSport
      HALF-TIME – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      The ball drops to Juranovic on the edge of the area, and his sliced effort signals the end of a half that won’t live long in the memory.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      There will be four added minutes here.
      Over in the other game, Morocco are 2-1 up and currently top of group F.
      As it stands, Belgium are heading home.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      44, De Bruyne digs out a great first time cross into the six-yard box.
      Livakovic was out quickly to claim it, but Mertens really had to gamble at the near post.
      You sense Lukaku would have been licking his lips at that opportunity.
      Sosa then blazes his effort into the stands. A lack of composure from the full-back.
      Luka Modric passes the ball through the legs of Leandro TrossardCredit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      41, Belgium use the Mexican wave as encouragement and pile forward with some urgency.
      Dendoncker makes a good run down the right and slides a dangerous ball across the face of goal.
      No one in red could get on the end of it and Croatia escape.
      Martin Lipton in Al Rayyan
      SunSport’s Martin Lipton on the atmosphere inside the Ahmad bin Ali Stadium.
      There is a strange mood inside the stadium.
      Subdued, uncertain, nervous.
      Croatia still appear the more composed team, although the statistics suggest it’s far more even a contest than it feels.
      And, of course, if you have De Bruyne, you will always have hope.
      At some point, surely, Martinez will have to think about Lukaku, no matter how fit he really is.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      36, Trossard picks up possession on the edge of the area. He holds on to it for too long and can’t get the pass away to De Bruyne.
      Perisic had tracked back brilliantly to intercept.
      Credit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      35, Witsel drives forward and just kept going. They eventually work it wide to Castagne who crosses into Trossard.
      It’s a mismatch against Lovren and the Croats clear it to safety.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      32, Perisic checks inside and finds Brozovic who’s shot is deflected.
      It comes out to Sosa who wastes no time curling in a decent cross. Livaja meets it but it’s over the bar.
      Courtois was stood rooted.
      Ivan Perisic jostles with with Toby AlderweireldCredit: Getty
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      28, All of Croatia’s good work is down their wings.
      Kramaric and Perisic are hugging the touchline, pulling out Belgium’s wing-backs so wide that Modric has acres of room in the middle.
      Still goalless as we approach the half hour mark.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      25, Witsel has a crack from distance, but it’s not struck with any real venom and Livakovic can claim it eventually.
      Croatia are able to move defence into attack in a heartbeat and they have a corner now.
      The Croatia players argue with Anthony Taylor after his decision to rule out the penaltyCredit: AP
      Martin Lipton on the penalty
      Or offside, I should say.
      Croatia can’t believe it. Belgium can’t believe their luck.
      Anthony Taylor rightly points to the spot when Carrasco’s stupid stray boot brings Kramaric down.
      But the men in the VAR booth intervene.
      The micrometers and computer gadgets say Lovren was a matter of millimetres offside when he forced the panicky header, so it was not a “deliberate play”.
      And the ball then fell to Kramaric, who was even further advanced and surely would have called as well as he retreated from a “Griezmann” type position to take advantage of the error.
      Disbelief from the Balkan sans when they see the 3D illustration. But a correct call.Martin LiptonSunSport
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      20, Modric flashes a teasing ball across the area, but Belgium just about manage to hack it clear.
      It’s been a dramatic start, that’s for sure.
      Martin Lipton in Qatar
      Here’s the low-down from the stadium…
      Defences on top. Not at all. In fact, both of them look horribly vulnerable already.
      News of that Moroco goal against Canada has upped the ante even more.
      If that scoreline does not alter adversely for the North Africans, one of these is going out.
      Croatia only need a draw. Belgium must win.
      Twitchy. On and off the pitch.Martin LiptonSunSport
      NO PENALTY – Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      18, Anthony Taylor rules out the penalty for an offside.
      A ridiculously long wait for what should be a simple decision for VAR.
      A lucky escape for Belgium and Carrasco. But letter of the law and all that.
      But wait…
      16, There is a delay as VAR check for an offside in the build-up to the penalty…
      Anthony Taylor has gone over to the screen now. There is an overwhelming sense of confusion inside the stadium.
      Credit: Getty
      PENALTY to Croatia
      14, Carrasco steps on Kramaric’s toes in the box and Anthony Taylor points to the spot!
      Modric will take…
      Credit: Reuters
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      13, Massive chance!
      De Bruyne drives his team forward on the counter and puts it on a plate for Mertens who gets it all wrong, curling his first time effort high and wide.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      11, Mertens makes a smart run and gets in behind.
      He rolls it across goal but no one had gambled. It falls to Carrasco who hit it from a tight angle, but straight into a white shirt.
      Leandro Trossard (L) takes on Marcelo BrozovicCredit: EPA
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      10, Alderweireld plays a brilliant ball over the top to Mertens who can’t quite bring it under his spell.
      Nice idea from the defender.
      Croatia 0-0 Belgium
      8, Trossard uses his body to win a foul in the middle of the park.
      Carrasco then cuts inside and gets a shot away, which takes a nick off Juranovic who followed him all the way.
      Belgium are just starting to get a foothold in the game.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Senegal manager Aliou Cisse lost 11 family members in ferry tragedy but kept heartache secret during Birmingham game

      by

      SENEGAL boss Aliou Cisse suffered an awful family tragedy and kept it private to carry on playing – then used the pain to strengthen him as a person and as a manager.The Lions of Teranga have qualified for the knockout stages of the World Cup for just the second time in their history – and face England in the last 16 on Sunday.
      Senegal manager Aliou Cisse was hit by tragedy in 2002Credit: Reuters
      Eleven family members were on board the MV Le Joola ferryCredit: AFP
      The boat capsised with more than 1,900 passengersCredit: EPA
      In 2002, Cisse was captain as they beat France on their way to the quarter-finals, months after missing the decisive spot-kick in the Africa Cup of Nations final shootout defeat to Cameroon.
      Now in the dugout aged 46, he is the most successful manager in the national team’s history.
      But when he was 26 and had just signed for Birmingham immediately following his World Cup exploits, he experienced the unbearable loss of 11 family members.
      On September 26, 2002, the MV Le Joola ferry was travelling from Ziguinchor in southern Senegal to the capital city of Dakar.
      READ MORE ON WORLD CUP
      The government-owned ship was permitted to carry 580 passengers, but more than 1,900 were on board when it set sail.
      After encountering high winds and rough seas, MV Le Joola capsised and sunk.
      Just 64 people survived as 1,863 lost their lives.
      The death toll – made up of people from Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, France, Spain, Norway, Belgium, Lebanon, Switzerland, and the Netherlands – makes it one of the worst non-military maritime disasters ever, with more casualties than the Titanic.
      Most read in Football
      In the days before social media, Cisse watched on television in his new apartment as reports of the ship’s demise off the Gambian coast first spread.
      The following day, the midfielder received a phone call informing him that members of his family were on board – and eventually had it confirmed that 11 had passed away.
      That included his sister, aunts, uncles, nephews and cousins.
      Cisse said: “The waiting was the hardest part.
      “Trying to find someone on the other side who had the right information.
      “At one point, people were saying it wasn’t true. They were saying the boat had arrived.
      “In those moments, you catch your breath only to be told 30 minutes later, ‘No, no, no, it’s not true, the boat still hasn’t arrived.'”
      Cisse kept the heartbreaking news quiet as he continued to train that week and played the full 90 minutes of a 2-1 win away at West Ham.
      Former Birmingham chief and SunSport columnist Karren Brady said: “He kept the terrible news to himself for days before the facts emerged.
      “Naturally we invited him to take indefinite leave but that wasn’t his way of mourning.
      This tragedy is not only personal, it’s collective… we are still thinking about themAliou Cisse
      “He stayed with us for all but a few days, going about his business with dignity, asking for no favours, showing incredible mental strength.”
      Former team-mate Michael Johnson added to The Athletic: “It just seems so surreal that he had lost so many members of his family in this disaster and then, within days, he was back playing for his club.
      “I look back at what he did and I think, ‘If that’s how you are as a man and as a player, then my gosh, what kind of attitudes will you bring with your leadership as a manager?’
      “So it doesn’t surprise me that he has done so well for Senegal.
      “This is a man who has real strength, real leadership, real values.
      “What he is doing on the world stage is no surprise because I remember what he brought as a player and how, even in a really bleak time for him, he stood out.”
      Cisse did then head home for a couple of weeks to be with his family and play in a charity match for the disaster appeal.
      When he returned, Blues fans unfurled a Senegal flag and raised money for the survivors and victims’ families while an official inquiry was launched in his homeland.
      Cisse revealed: “I kept it all to myself.
      “It was a very complicated and difficult day, but my family needed me to be strong for them.
      ‘I COULDN’T BE WEAK’
      “They needed my presence. I couldn’t be weak.
      “As soon as we played the game, I went straight to Dakar to see my family.”
      Cisse has naturally been reluctant to speak about the tragedy to the media.
      However, he did bravely open up as he contributed to a BBC documentary on the Le Joola catastrophe.
      The former PSG and Portsmouth man – who led Senegal to their first Afcon title in February – said: “This tragedy is not only personal, it’s collective.
      “You have to remember that there were all layers of Senegalese society on that boat.
      “In reality, the whole region was decimated. Everyone in the city of Ziguinchor had one, two or even ten family members left in that shipwreck.
      “These are moments that we will never forget. It was a very difficult time.
      “We must remember, remember our dead and all those families who were decimated, from the father down to the grandchildren.
      Read More on The Sun
      “It’s important to remember them, to pay tribute to them, to know they are not here but we are still thinking about them.
      “I think that’s very important. In fact, my main motivation for agreeing to this interview is to say, ‘We are thinking of you.’”
      Cisse played in the 2-1 win over West Ham days after the tragedyCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      He was captain when Senegal stunned France at the 2002 World CupCredit: Getty
      The former skipper led the team from the dugout as they won the Afcon this yearCredit: Reuters More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Canada 1 Morocco 2 LIVE SCORE: Ziyech and En Nesyri put Morocco top of World Cup Group F before own goal halves deficit

      by

      MOROCCO are currently TOP of Group F after Hakim Ziyech opened the scoring from long-range.It was Milan Borjan, the Canada goalkeeper, who is at fault for the goal after taking a heavy touch into the path of the Moroccan.
      Chelsea’s winger made no mistake, finishing from far out to put his side ahead and top of the group as it stands.
      They soon doubled their lead through Youssef En Nesyri, who calmly slotted past Borjan to make it comfortable for his side.
      Canada had a goal back as Nayef Augerd deflected a cross past his goalkeeper to halve the deficit.
      Morroco thought they had restored the two-goal lead before half-time, but En Neysri saw his second chalked off as the flag was up for offside.

      Kick-off time: 3pm GMT
      Live stream: BBC iPlayer
      TV channel: BBC TWO
      Group F: LIVE TABLE
      Canada XI: Borjan; Johnston, Vitoria, Miller; Adekugbe, Osorio, Kaye, Davies; Buchanan, Larin, Hoilett
      Morocco XI: Bono; Hakimi, Aguerd, Saiss, Mazraoui; Ounahi, Amrabat, Sabiri; Ziyech, En-Nesyri, Boufal
      Preview: How Morocco can qualify for the last-16

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Stay up to date with all the latest from the Group F clash…
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      46. That goal just before half time will have rejuvenated the Canadians.
      They were completely out of this game at 2-0 down.
      The Atlas Lions will be keen to restore that two goal lead as soon as they can in this second half.
      Kick-off: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Canada get the second half started.
      No changes for either side at half time.
      Big half ahead for Morocco now.
      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      The Atlas Lions need to get another goal to give themselves some breathing space in this game.
      Otherwise, the run the risk of having a very nervy second half if Canada equalise and continue to press.
      Meanwhile, in the other group game it remains 0-0 between Croatia and Belgium.
      Fans will be feeling the nerves until that final whistle is blown.
      Credit: Reuters
      In the ground – half time analysis
      SunSport’s reporter Oscar Paul reports from Doha:
      The raucous Morocco supporters must have felt qualification was done and dusted after early strikes from Hakim Ziyech and Youssef En-Nesyri. 
      Now, at 2-1 following Nayef Aguerd’s own goal – the 100th goal of this World Cup – there will be a few nerves jangling. 
      The Africans top the group at half-time with Belgium drawing 0-0 with Croatia at the break. 
      Yet an early Canada goal at the start of the second half would really set pulses racing. 
      Morocco are playing brilliantly but will want to reestablish that two-goal advantage before the party can really kick off. 
      En-Nesyri thought he had his second just before the break but it was ruled out because Aguerd was adjudged to be blocking the goalkeeper. 
      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Hakim Ziyech seems to lead this Moroccan side with their attacking threat.
      He sticks to his job for the national team and hugs that touchline, looking to bring others into the game.

      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      Despite slightly shading the possession stats, there has only really been one team in this for the main.
      Morocco will feel hard done by with the Canadian goal, which was just genuine bad luck.

      HT: Canada 1-2 Morocco
      The referee brings the half to a close.
      Morocco lead and are heading for the last 16 as things stand.
      Canada will feel they have got themselves back into this game.
      Credit: Reuters
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45+4. Just when you think the officials cannot surprise you, they just say ‘hold my pint’.
      The linesman has his flag up, presumably for offside.
      Replays show no offside but potentially a Moroccan player was in the keeper’s eyeline when the shot came in.
      How would the linesman see that from the touchline, begs belief.
      Either way the goal is chalked off.
      Goal disallowed
      Goal – Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45+2. Morocco look to come forward once again.
      The crowd have been quietened by that own goal.
      It’s a yellow card for Adekugbe for his foul on Hakimi.
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      45. We are going to see five additional minutes added.
      That must be for that tea party earlier.
      Walid Regragui needs to get his troops in the changing rooms and get the them to regroup.
      That goal seems to have knocked them.
      Credit: Reuters
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      43. That is the first goal Morocco have conceded under Walid Regragui’s reign.
      The Canadians are playing with a lot more confidence now.
      Just goes to show how important a goal is in any context of the game for changing your fortunes.
      Morocco have a game on their hands again.
      Canada 1-2 Morocco
      41. Out of nowhere, Canada are back in this game.
      Adekugbe crosses the ball from the left and Aguerd throws a leg at it and deflects it passed his keeper and in.
      Totally against the run of play of this half.
      Goal – Nayef Aguerd own goal (Morocco)
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      39. There is something missing from this Canadian team.
      Just the ability to make something happen in midfield and attack.
      Too often their play seems to have no penetration.
      Credit: AP
      Canada 0-1 Morocco
      37. Canada are struggling to string a series of passes together.
      You have to give credit to the Moroccan tactics as they are creating this in their opponents.
      Still the fans whistle as Canada have the ball.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      35. We have a slight break in play as the officials have a tea party on the side of the pitch.
      Maybe one of them needs their batteries changing.
      Walid Regragui takes the opportunity to get some messages across to his players.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      33. Morocco are getting numbers behind the ball all of the time.
      There seems no way through for the attacking Canadians.
      Morocco are bossing this game all over the pitch.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      31. Credit where it is due, Canada are not giving up on this game.
      Their fans have been silenced by this Moroccan performance, left wondering what could have been.
      If only Alphonso Davies put that penalty away.
      Credit: PA
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      29. Canada are having some possession now.
      With no way through the Moroccan lines, they pass back to their defenders.
      Walid Regragui really has the Midas touch with this team.
      I wonder if tomorrow will be a Bank Holiday in Morocco.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco – Osorio yellow card
      27. The Atlas Lions are not a team anyone will want to face in the knockout phases of the competition.
      Solid at the back, physical, can pass the ball and finish their chances.
      Some could even say dark horses for this World Cup.
      Meanwhile Osorio is shown the yellow card for Canada.
      Canada 0-2 Morocco
      25. Ball in behind the Canadian defence and Youssef En-Nesyri gets himself onto it, beating two defenders in a foot race.
      From the edge of the box he buries the shot passed the Canadian keeper.
      It is party time for all those Moroccan fans now.
      Credit: Getty
      Goal – Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)
      Canada 0-1 Morocco
      22. Morocco could become only the second African side to qualify for the last 16 of the Qatar World Cup.
      Senegal of course play England on Sunday.
      The travelling African fans are enjoying their day so far.
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Szczesny’s career almost ended when he broke BOTH arms in freak gym accident, before becoming Poland’s World Cup hero

      by

      POLAND hero Wojciech Szczesny has been his country’s star performer at the World Cup.The former Arsenal No1 pulled off a stunning double save to thwart Saudi Arabia, first from the penalty spot, and then from close range.
      Wojciech Szczesny has been Poland’s hero at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Szczesny saves Lionel Messi’s penaltyCredit: Rex
      A young Szczesny hones his skills in his homeland
      He followed that up by keeping Lionel Messi out from 12 yards with another incredible spot-kick stop, as Poland qualified for the last-16.
      Amusingly, he lost a €100 bet to the little Argentinian over whether the penalty would be overturned by VAR.
      But his career could have been over before it had started, following a training ground incident that left his career hanging by a thread.
      In a freak accident in the gym, Szczesny broke BOTH arms after slipping during a weightlifting exercise when he was just 17.
      That didn’t stop the youngster from breaking into Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal team and establishing himself as first-choice goalkeeper at 20.
      read more world cup news
      Despite falling out of favour in North London, when he was caught smoking in the changing rooms following a defeat, he rebuilt his career in Serie A at Juventus.
      Outside of football, the outspoken footballer, now a more mature 32, is a family man – married to stunning pop star Marina Luczenko.
      Born to be between the sticks
      Poland has always had a history of mad goalkeepers – check Jan Tomaszewski to the more recent Artur Boruc.
      Most read in Football
      Szczesny is in that mould. His dad Maciej was also a famous keeper and was capped seven times by his country.
      As an athletic kid growing up in Warsaw, his first love, surprisingly, wasn’t sport.
      Somewhat apologetically, he admitted he enjoyed ballroom dancing in his early years.
      “I’m a little embarrassed to talk about it now but the very first sport that I did, if you can call it sport, was ballroom dancing,” he told The Guardian in 2011.
      A young Szczesny (first from the right in the front row) pictured with Lukasz Fabianski (first from the left on the front row) was taught his skills by legendary coach Krzysztof Dowhan
      His dad Maciej Szczesny played for Legia Warsaw and PolandCredit: PA
      “I was aged seven to nine or 10. I was tall and so I think I was a little bit stiff but I was getting the movements and everything.”
      At school, Szczesny excelled at the javelin. But it was football that would soon become his priority.
      Under the tutorage of legendary goalkeeping coach Krzysztof Dowhan, who worked with his dad, he rose through the ranks at Legia Warsaw, making his debut between the sticks aged just 15.
      Bigger things were just round the corner.
      North London calling
      In 2006, the promising youngster moved to Arsenal – where he was promoted to the reserve team for the 2008-09 season.
      However, a horrific and fluke injury threatened his progress.
      While lifting weights at the club’s the training ground, he lost his footing and broke both his arms. It left the teen sidelined for four months during a crucial period in his development.
      “I was in the gym doing squats when I lost my balance and the weight fell on my hands and broke both of them,” he recalled.
      “It was a little bit bizarre. There was ­actually a few people in the gym at the same time and they said they were about to laugh before they realised my arms were not quite straight!”
      Despite the setback, Szczesny was not going to let that stop him from breaking into Arsenal’s first eleven.
      After suffering injury heartbreak, Szczesny became a first team regular aged just 20Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Rise
      After a successful loan at Brentford in the 2009-10 season, Szczesny found himself fighting Manuel Almunia and fellow Pole Lukasz Fabianski for the goalie’s jersey at the Emirates.
      He made his debut in a 1-0 loss to Manchester United, accrediting himself well in the narrow defeat.
      After a run of games and clean sheets, Wenger made him first choice – insisting, “he’s done nothing for me to take him out.”
      There was a blip – a combined error with Laurent Koscielny that allowed Obafemi Martins to tap into an empty net and win the League Cup final for Birmingham City.
      But, Arsenal appeared to have found a save pair of hands for the years to come.
      The 2013-14 season was Szczesny’s best in North London.
      Not only did he share the Golden Glove award with Petr Cech for most clean sheets, he also won his first piece of silverware – the FA Cup.
      The following season, as is the case with many young players, a dip in form contributed towards his downfall.
      Szczesny cuts a glum figure after his error cost Arsenal the League CupCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Demise
      In what was probably his worst performance in an Arsenal shirt, Szczesny had a mare during an away day at Southampton.
      Two errors led to a 2-0 defeat, and the Gunners were soundly beaten by the Saints at St Mary’s.
      What happened next cost him his future at the club.
      Upset after the game, he hid in the dressing room shower and lit up a cigarette.
      “Back at that time I was smoking regularly and the boss knew it very well,” he told Arsenal podcast In Lockdown.
      “He just didn’t want anybody smoking in the dressing rooms and I knew that also. 
      “Because of the emotion of the game, I had a cigarette after the game when the team was still in. I went in the corner of the showers, so it was at the other end of the dressing room and nobody could see me, and I lit one up. 
      “Somebody saw me, it wasn’t even the boss himself, and just reported it back to the boss. I saw him a couple of days later, he asked me if that was true and I said, ‘Yes’. He fined me and that was the end of it. 
      Arsene Wenger ruthlessly dropped Szczesny after he was caught smoking in the dressing room showersCredit: Getty – Contributor
      “He then said, ‘Look, you’re going to be out of the team for a little bit’ but there was no big bust-ups or big confrontations. I was very professional about it. ”
      Szczesny was replaced by David Ospina for the rest of the season, but was selected to play in the 2015 FA Cup final – a 4-0 thrashing of Aston Villa. It would be his last appearance for the club.
      Redemption in Italy
      When Arsenal signed Cech in preseason, it was the signal Szczesny needed to move on.
      He embarked on a two-year loan deal to Roma, where in his second season he kept Brazil’s Alisson out the side.
      The 6f5in goalie also kept the most clean sheets in Serie A (14) as Roma secured their highest ever points total (87), finishing second in the league.
      In 2017, still on Arsenal’s books, Juventus agreed to pay £10million for his services – seeing him as a successor to Gianluigi Buffon. And they weren’t wrong.
      Szczesny found redemption in Italy, first with RomaCredit: Reuters
      After moving to Juventus, Szczesny established himself as their No1Credit: Getty
      Szczesny ousted the Italian legend in his first year at the Old Lady – winning the scudetto in his debut season.
      That was followed by two more consecutive title wins, as he firmly established himself as Juve’s No1.
      Family guy
      Keeping his feet firmly on the ground are his family, mainly pop star wife Marina Luczenko.
      He has admitted in the past it was love at first sight.
      “I saw a picture of Marina on the Internet. I really liked her, I was wondering how to get her phone number. Somehow I managed to do it. But I had to fight for her a bit. I don’t hide it,” he told Polish fashion magazine Viva!
      They tied the knot in 2015, after dating for two years. Three years later, they welcomed their son Liam into the world.
      Both Marina and Luczenko haven’t made the trip to Qatar, but they are cheering Szczesny on from afar.
      The four year-old might even follow in his dad’s footsteps – opening up the possibility of three generations of Szczesnys playing for Poland.
      Read More on The Sun
      Stunning Marina Luczenko is a famous pop star
      Luczenko and Szczesny married in 2015
      “He knows everything. He’s so interested in football. Liam’s first steps were to the ball,” Marina told Party.pl.
      First, he must learn from his dad as Poland’s World Cup campaign continues when they play France on Sunday. More

    • 263 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans all say the same thing as World Cup legend Guillermo Ochoa may have played last game for Mexico at tournament

      by

      LEGEND Guillermo Ochoa may have played his last game at a World Cup after Mexico’s Group C exit.Mexico finished 3rd behind Poland and Argentina, missing out on a knockout spot on goal difference.
      Ochoa may have played his last World Cup game on WednesdayCredit: Reuters
      Ochoa has been named in five Mexico World Cup squads, with his first coming in 2006Credit: AFP
      Ochoa’s heroics in 2014 and 2018 make him one of the World Cup’s most unforgettable starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      It was the first time since 1978 that Mexico were eliminated from the World Cup in the group stage.
      World Cup hero Ochoa, 37, started all three group games but was unable to save the day for his country.
      Although, he added a few more memorable moments to his already impressive World Cup highlight reel.
      Ochoa – who has amassed 11 World Cup appearances – saved Robert Lewandowski’s penalty in the 0-0 draw with Poland.

      But he truly announced himself at World Cup 2014 when he kept out host nation Brazil.
      Ochoa made four big saves, including one denying poster boy Neymar.
      The save immediately drew comparisons to Gordon Banks’ famed 1970 World Cup save against Pele.
      Ochoa picked up two Man of the Match awards at the 2014 tournament but Mexico crashed out to Holland in the round of 16.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      In 2018, it was business as usual and Ochoa made NINE saves to deny then world champions Germany, securing a historic 1-0 victory.
      He went on to play in all four of Mexico’s games, making a total of 25 saves, two less than Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois.
      But by the time the next World Cup comes around in 2026, which happens to be in the US, Canada and Mexico, Ochoa will be 41.
      It’s possible the 2-1 win over Saudi Arabia on Wednesday may be his last at world football’s greatest tournament.
      The sad possibility of not seeing Ochoa’s gorgeous headband and curly hair has all fans saying the same thing: The streets will never forget World Cup legend Ochoa.
      One fan said on Twitter: “If this is Ochoa’s last World Cup, the streets will never forget a World Cup legend.”
      Another tweeted: “Ochoa sealed his spot as goalkeeper in the ‘Streets Won’t Forget XI’.”
      A third said: “Probably the last time we will see Ochoa at a World Cup. An icon.”
      A viewer quipped: “Ochoa is to the World Cup what Mariah Carey is to Christmas.” More

    • 238 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Canada goalkeeper Milan Borjan make shocking howler after just 3 minutes to gift Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech a goal

      by

      CANADA goalkeeper Milan Borjan endured a nightmare before Christmas as his howler gifted Morocco the lead.The already-eliminated Maple Leafs had nothing but pride to play for in their final match of the World Cup 2022.
      Canada’s Milan Borjan endured an early Christmas nightmareCredit: Reuters

      But fans may well be hoping their skipper is on Santa’s naughty list after he handed Hakim Ziyech an early gift.
      With just three minutes on the clock, Borjan came way out of his goal and attempted to play a short pass.
      But he kicked it straight to Ziyech – and the Chelsea star produced a fantastic first-time chip over the stranded goalie and into the net.
      Morocco, who knew beforehand that a draw or better will seal a spot in the last-16, have avoided defeat in their last five matches when scoring the opening goal in the World Cup.
      READ MORE WORLD CUP NEWS
      And Borjan’s disaster certainly got them off to a stunner start.
      Arsenal legend Martin Keown, who was covering the game for BBC, said: “Well I know Christmas isn’t far away but this really is a present.
      “Ziyech isn’t going to miss this.
      “Ziyech as if he’s at the local golf course, he just chips it into the green. The goalkeeper Borjan is in no man’s land.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “It’s a beautiful finish. Perfect start for Morocco, exactly what you need.”
      However, it got even worse for Borjan and Canada just 21 minutes later after he was beaten at his near post.
      Youssef En-Nesyri received the ball and held off two defenders before drilling it past the 35-year-old Red Star Belgrade stopper.
      You can keep up with all the action from Canada vs Morocco with Sun Sport’s live blog. More

    • 188 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea stars not at World Cup back in training at Cobham including Aubameyang and Jorginho

      by

      CHELSEA stars who didn’t make the World Cup have been hard at work under the watchful eye of Graham Potter.While the likes of Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Kalidou Koulibaly are impressing in Qatar, many Chelsea players have remained in London.
      Graham Potter has put the squad through their pacesCredit: Getty
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is one of several Blues not at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Marc Cucurella was not called up to the Spain squadCredit: Getty
      Chalobah battles Aubameyang for the ballCredit: Getty
      Omari Hutchinson is looking to impress after being involved in the matchday squad against Manchester CityCredit: Getty
      They have continued to train at Cobham with Potter preparing for the Premier League’s return.
      The Blues host Bournemouth on December 27th in their first game back after the World Cup break.
      But first Chelsea will play Aston Villa in a friendly in ten days to help players maintain their match sharpness.
      The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Jorginho and Trevoh Chalobah were back in training on Thursday.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      Marc Cucurella was also involved along with several Chelsea youngsters, including Omari Hutchinson.
      The wonderkid was named on the bench as Chelsea lost to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup last month.
      Hutchinson was set to join up with Jamaica before Chelsea stepped in and encouraged him to stay in London.
      Hutchinson, who has represented England at U17 and U19 level, won his first cap for the Reggae Boyz back in May.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE WORLD CUP
      Potter is aiming to get back to winning ways after overseeing four defeats in his last five games.
      Chelsea are without a win in five league games and find themselves in eighth place – eight points off the top four. More