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☆ Real Madrid dominated by local rival Atlético Madrid in 3-1 derby loss
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-25 | by ( Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

CNN —It was derby day delight for Atlético Madrid, which shocked arch-rival Real Madrid at the Metropolitano Stadium in a comprehensive 3-1 victory. “I could have done better, maybe, that’s quite clear,” Ancelotti said after the match, according to Real Madrid. Half-time’s frustration quickly led way to second half blues as Atlético started the second 45 minutes even quicker than the first. Another ball in from the left, another header and another goal – Madrid had been rocked by the Colchoneros’ aerial threat. “The team wasn’t compact, especially in the first half and Atlético capitalized on that.

Persons: Atlético, Álvaro Morata, Antoine Griezmann, Toni Kroos, Morata, Jude Bellingham, Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modrić, Rodrygo, “, ” Ancelotti, I’ve, it’s, Ancelotti, Oscar del Pozo, Samuel Lino, Federico Valverde, David Alaba, Chelsea loanee Kepa, Dani Carvajal, Lucas Vázquez, Ñíguez, Frenchman, Diego Simeone’s, Kroos, Jan Oblak, Kepa, Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, Antonio Rüdiger, cynically, José María, – Madrid, Jose Breton, ” Organizations: CNN, Atlético Madrid, Real Madrid, Metropolitano, Los, La Liga, –, Bellingham, “, Getty, Chelsea, Madrid, Spanish national, Girona, Barcelona Locations: Madrid, Real Madrid, AFP, ” Madrid

☆ France star Paul Pogba provisionally suspended after drugs test
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —France and Juventus star Paul Pogba has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance, Italy’s national anti-doping tribunal (NADO Italia) said. In a statement Monday, NADO Italia said that testosterone, which can be used to increase athletic endurance, was detected in the midfielder’s system. Juventus confirmed in a statement that Pogba had been provisionally suspended. Pogba’s agent, Rafaela Pimenta, said in a statement: “We are waiting for the counter analysis and until then we cannot say anything.”“What is certain is that Paul Pogba never wanted to break the rules,” Pimenta added. In his prime, Pogba was one of the best midfielders in the world and was a key member of France’s World Cup-winning team in 2018.

Persons: Paul Pogba, NADO Italia, Pogba, Rafaela Pimenta, Pimenta, ” Organizations: CNN — France, Juventus, NADO, Juve, Udinese, ” Juventus, Manchester United Locations: Qatar

☆ Late Bardhi goal earns North Macedonia 1-1 draw with Italy
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SKOPJE, North Macedonia, Sept 9 (Reuters) - North Macedonia captain Enis Bardhi's stunning free kick cancelled out Ciro Immobile's header to earn a 1-1 home draw against Italy in their Euro 2024 Group C qualifier on Saturday, spoiling Luciano Spalletti's debut as the Azzurri coach. Italy remain third in the group level on four points with fourth-placed North Macedonia although the Italians have only played three games to their opponents' four. Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali hit the post with a low shot shortly after and Bryan Cristante was denied by goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski from close range. But Bardhi did finally conjure up a late equaliser to give his side a boost before they visit bottom side Malta on Tuesday. (This story has been refiled to make clear the reference is to Spalletti's debut in paragraph 9)Reporting by Anita Kobylinska in Gdansk; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Enis Bardhi's, Ciro Immobile's, Luciano Spalletti's, Nicolo Barella, Bardhi, Spalletti, Roberto Mancini, Barella, Bojan Miovski, Sandro Tonali, Bryan Cristante, Dimitrievski, Anita Kobylinska, Ken Ferris Organizations: Italy, England, Ukraine, San, Malta, Thomson Locations: SKOPJE, North Macedonia, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Macedonia, Ukraine, San Siro, Gdansk

☆ Jude Bellingham: Why Real Madrid has fallen in love with a 20-year-old Englishman
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Real Madrid’s return to the Santiago Bernabéu after vacating its home stadium due to building works was supposed to be a celebration for Madridistas but, as time ticked away, the Spanish giant was being pegged to a 1-1 draw by Getafe. Enter Jude Bellingham who, deep into added time, was fastest to a rebound off goalkeeper David Soria, prodded the ball into the net, and secured Madrid’s fourth consecutive victory – and his second late match-winner in a row. Already, Jude Bellingham’s goalscoring celebration in Real Madrid’s famous white shirt is omnipresent – after just four La Liga games, he has scored five goals, the most in the league. Bellingham is the second Real Madrid player in history – after club legend Cristiano Ronaldo – to score in his first four La Liga games. Bellingham has scored five goals and given one assist in his first four La Liga games for Real Madrid.

Persons: Santiago Bernabéu, Jude Bellingham, David Soria, –, tugged, “, Jude, Bellingham, ‘ Hey Jude ’, ”, Jude Bellingham’s, Cristiano Ronaldo –, Carlo Ancelotti, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, ” Bellingham, Alberto Gardin, Zinedine Zidane, Ancelotti, …, ” Ancelotti Organizations: CNN, Getafe, Real Madrid TV, La Liga, Bellingham, Real Madrid, €, Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund Locations: Spanish, Bellingham, Real, Madrid’s

☆ Barcelona's 16-year-old Yamal gets first senior Spain call-up
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MADRID, Sept 1 (Reuters) - Barcelona's 16-year-old forward Lamine Yamal received a first senior call-up for Spain, as manager Luis de la Fuente named his squad on Friday for next week's Euro 2024 Group A matches against Georgia and Cyprus. Yamal, who has a Moroccan father, was born and raised in Spain. He is a Spain youth international and his call-up for the senior side will end the hopes of Moroccan fans that he could be persuaded to switch allegiance. He was a stalwart of Spain's youth teams and is a footballer with exceptional power. Reporting by Fernando Kallas Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Lamine Yamal, Luis de la Fuente, Yamal, De la Fuente, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David de Gea, Unai Simon, Kepa, David Raya, Dani Carvajal, Aymeric Laporte, Cesar Azpilicueta, Robin Le Normand, David Garcia, Pau Torres, Alejandro Balde, Rodri, Martin Zubimendi, Fabian Ruiz, Mikel Merino, Alex Baena, Dani Olmo, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio, Lamine, Nico Williams, Abel Ruiz, Fernando Kallas, Toby Davis Organizations: Georgia, Villarreal, Manchester United, Athletic, Arsenal, Thomson Locations: MADRID, Spain, Cyprus, LaLiga, Moroccan, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Gaya

☆ Julie Ertz: US soccer great announces retirement
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —Two-time Women’s World Cup winner Julie Ertz, one of the greats of US soccer, has announced her retirement from the sport. Ertz, 31, was an integral member of the US teams which won the Women’s World Cup in 2015 and 2019. She made her senior international debut in 2013 and went on to play in 17 World Cup matches, winning 13 of those. I hope that I was able to leave an impact that reflects that.”Ertz celebrates winning the 2015 Women's World Cup. 8) celebrates with teammates afer winning the 2019 Women's World Cup.

Persons: Julie Ertz, Ertz, I’ve, ” Ertz, Mo Khursheed, “, I’ll, Madden, afer, Richard Heathcote, Angel City, ” Organizations: CNN, National Women’s, US, National Team, Chicago Red Stars, US Soccer, National Women’s Soccer League, Angel City, Getty, Angel Locations: France, Angel, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden

☆ Liverpool sign Dutch midfielder Gravenberch from Bayern
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Sept 1 (Reuters) - Liverpool have completed the signing of Dutch midfielder Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich on a long-term contract, the Premier League club announced on Friday. Financial details were not disclosed, but British media report that the deal is worth around 34.3 million pounds ($43.17 million) for a five-year contract. Also the fans, the stadium, I think everything from the outside is top," Gravenberch said in a statement. "Really happy to bring him in because he’s an exceptional talent," Klopp said of Gravenberch. Liverpool's next match is a Premier League clash at home against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Persons: Ryan Gravenberch, Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Juergen Klopp, Klopp, Liverpool's, Trevor Stynes, Tommy Lund, Ken Ferris Organizations: Bayern Munich, Premier League, Liverpool, Ajax Amsterdam, Aston Villa, Thomson Locations: Liverpool, Netherlands

☆ Messi to lead Argentina in opening World Cup qualifiers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - International Friendly - Argentina v Panama - Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina - March 23, 2023 Argentina's Lionel Messi during the match REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian/File photo Acquire Licensing RightsBUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Lionel Messi will lead world champions Argentina in their opening World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Bolivia, the captain's first internationals since joining Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni's 32-man squad also features stalwarts including Angel Di Maria, who returned to Benfica this year, and defender Nicolas Otamendi. Argentina host Ecuador in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7 and travel to play Bolivia five days later. SquadGoalkeepers: Juan Musso (Atalanta), Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa), Walter Benitez (PSV Eindhoven), Franco Armani (River Plate). Midfielders: Leandro Paredes (AS Roma), Rodrigo De Paul (Atletico Madrid), Guido Rodriguez (Real Betis), Facundo Buonanotte (Brighton & Hove Albion), Enzo Fernandez (Chelsea), Alexis Mac Allister (Liverpool), Exequiel Palacios (Bayern Leverkusen) and Bruno Zapelli (Athletico Paranaense).

Persons: Lionel Messi, Agustin Marcarian, Lionel Scaloni's, Angel Di Maria, Nicolas Otamendi, Alan Velasco, Bruno Zapelli, Lucas Esquivel, Lucas Beltran, Paulo Dybala, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso, Atalanta, Emiliano Martinez, Aston, Walter Benitez, Franco Armani, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Juan Foyth, Marcos Senesi, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico, Athletico, Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Guido Rodriguez, Facundo Buonanotte, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Correa, Julian Alvarez, Alejandro Garnacho, Thiago Almada, Ramiro Sandolo, Janina Nuno Rios, Ed Omsond Organizations: Soccer Football, Estadio Monumental, REUTERS, Argentina, Ecuador, Major League Soccer's Inter Miami, Benfica, FC Dallas, Athletico Paranaense, Italy's Fiorentina, AS Roma, Ajax Amsterdam, Aston Villa, PSV Eindhoven, Atletico Madrid, Real Betis, Nottingham Forest, Villarreal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Olympique Lyonnais, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Bayern Leverkusen, Fiorentina, Inter, Manchester City, Inter Miami, Atlanta United, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Panama, Buenos Aires, BUENOS AIRES, Bolivia, Ecuador, Real, Nottingham, Bournemouth, Olympique, Benfica, Brighton, Liverpool, Athletico, Inter Milan, Manchester

☆ Andrés Iniesta: Soccer legend on Lionel Messi and his own new adventure in the UAE
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-30 | by ( Ben Church | Becky Anderson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —In his prime, Andrés Iniesta was widely regarded as one of the best midfielders in history. After leaving Spain, Iniesta signed for Japanese club Vissel Kobe and enjoyed reasonable success in following five years. Mohamed Farag/Getty ImagesAmid interest from around the world, including Major League Soccer (MLS), Iniesta eventually signed a one-year deal with UAE side Emirates Club. There were reports earlier this year that Iniesta may team up with Lionel Messi in the MLS, although it didn't materialize. “Football is a global sport, it’s a world sport where everybody would like to have different football players,” he said.

Persons: CNN —, Iniesta, – La Roja, Mohamed Farag, ” Iniesta, CNN’s Becky Anderson, “, I’m, he’s, Lionel Messi, Mike Hewitt, – Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Germain, Messi, ”, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema Organizations: CNN, Spain, Vissel Kobe, Barcelona, Major League Soccer, UAE, Emirates, Ajman Club, “, Emirates Club, Inter Miami, MLS, Messi, Argentine, Paris Saint, Europe’s Locations: Barcelona, Spain, Japan, UAE, Ras Al Khaimah, North America, Barça, Catalonia, Catalan, ., Saudi Arabian, Europe

☆ Salah not for sale, says Liverpool boss Klopp
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 25 (Reuters) - Mohamed Salah is not for sale and Liverpool have not received any offer from Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, manager Juergen Klopp said on Friday. Salah has scored 187 goals in 307 appearances since joining Liverpool in 2017, helping the club win the Premier League and Champions League. The German also said that 31-year-old Salah, who signed a three-year extension to his contract last year, is 100% committed to Liverpool. Mac Allister is now available for the game at Newcastle where Klopp will face Eddie Howe. Centre back Ibrahima Konate is struggling with a muscle injury, and he is a doubt for the Newcastle game.

Persons: Mohamed Salah, Juergen Klopp, Klopp, Salah, It's, Mo Salah, Alexis Mac Allister, Allister, Eddie Howe, Howe, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Thiago Alcantara, Curtis Jones, Konate, didn't, Trevor Stynes, Toby Davis Organizations: Liverpool, Egypt, Premier League, Champions, Saudi, Newcastle United, St James, Bournemouth, Newcastle, Champions League, ., Thomson Locations: Saudi Arabian, Al, Ittihad, Liverpool

☆ Christian Pulisic: US captain scores sensational goal on AC Milan debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-22 | by ( Ben Morse | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —US Men’s National Team captain Christian Pulisic scored a sensational goal on his debut for Italian side AC Milan on Monday night. The 24-year-old’s thunderous 21st-minute strike was the second of the night in AC Milan’s 2-0 victory over Bologna as the team began its Serie A campaign strongly. Nice to get a goal, while a clean sheet and a win are always nice.”Giroud scored Milan’s opening goal, tapping home from close range after just 11 minutes. Following a disappointing Serie A title defense last season – though the Italians did reach the semifinals of the Champions League – AC Milan has recruited heavily this offseason in the hope of reclaiming the Scudetto. Pulisic scores Milan's second goal against Bologna.

Persons: Christian Pulisic, Pulisic, Olivier Giroud, ” Pulisic, DAZN, ” Giroud, Sandro Tonali, Midfielders Ruben Loftus, Cheek, Luka Romero, Tijjani Reijnders, Yunus Musah, Noah Okafor, Samuel Chukwueze, Alessandro Sabattini, ” Milan, Stefano Pioli, “, ” Pioli, ” Organizations: CNN, US Men’s National Team, Italian, AC Milan, Champions League –, Milan, English Premier League, Newcastle United, Midfielders, Chelsea, Bologna Locations: Chelsea, Bologna, Italy, Milan, London, “

☆ Soccer-Bayern still a work in progress with Bundesliga season set to start
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The Bavarians have won the last 11 consecutive league crowns but they needed a Borussia Dortmund slip-up on the final matchday last season to retain it. A 3-0 loss to RB Leipzig in the German Super Cup at home on Saturday left Tuchel, who took over from Julian Nagelsmann late last season, fuming. Kane's German debut, with a low-key substitute appearance in the second half of their Super Cup loss, did little to dampen Bayern fans' enthusiasm and expectations. Their Super Cup win over Bayern gave them an early shot of confidence but they will have to repeat it again on Saturday when they face ambitious Leverkusen in their season opener. "We can improve many things but this obviously did give us a push," said Leipzig coach Marco Rose of the win against Bayern.

Persons: Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane, Kai Pfaffenbach, Robert Lewandowski, Tuchel, Julian Nagelsmann, Manuel Neuer, Kim Min, jae, Felix Nmecha, Marcel Sabitzer, Rami Bensebaini, Granit Xhaka, Victor Boniface, Jonas Hofmann, Christopher Nkunku, Konrad Laimer, Dominik Szoboszlai, Josko Gvardiol, Andre Silva, Marco Rose, Robin Gosens, Karolos, Robert Birsel Organizations: Soccer Football, DFL, Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Allianz Arena, REUTERS, Rights, Bundesliga, Werder Bremen, Borussia Dortmund, Bayern, Tottenham Hotspur, Borussia, Bayer Leverkusen, Germany, Leverkusen, Champions League, Thomson Locations: Munich, Germany, Barcelona, Napoli, Leipzig, Union Berlin

☆ Chelsea sign Ecuador's Caicedo from Brighton for British record fee
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - Chelsea have broken the British transfer record for the second time in a year by signing Ecuador midfielder Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion on an eight-year contract on Monday. Financial details were not disclosed but British media said Chelsea will pay 115 million pounds ($145.96 million), eclipsing the 106 million pounds record fee the London club paid to sign Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez from Benfica in January. Caicedo still had four years to run on his Brighton contract but had told the south-coast club he wished to leave. 'TOP MIDFIELDER'Caicedo signed for Brighton in February 2021 for a reported 4.5 million pounds and was loaned to Belgian club Beerschot in August that year. He made his Premier League debut in April last year and scored his first Brighton goal against Manchester United in May.

Persons: Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez, Caicedo, Juergen Klopp, Mauricio Pochettino, Todd Boehly, Moises, Tony Bloom, Roberto De Zerbi, Alexis Mac Allister, David Weir, Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Angelo, Chelsea, Rohith Nair, Trevor Stynes, Ken Ferris Organizations: Chelsea, Brighton & Hove Albion, London, Benfica, Premier League, Brighton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Liverpool swooped, Clearlake Capital, Belgian, Beerschot, Manchester United, Argentina, West Ham United, Thomson Locations: Brighton, Argentina, Merseyside, London, Belgium

☆ Moisés Caicedo could be on the brink of record-breaking $141 million transfer – but to which club?
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-11 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Liverpool has made a £111 million ($141 million) bid for the midfielder, but whether the Ecuadorian international signs for the 2019 Premier League champion remains to be seen. Matthew Childs/Action Images/ReutersLiverpool head coach Jürgen Klopp confirmed in a press conference on Friday that the club had agreed a transfer fee with Brighton for Caicedo. The BBC reported the fee for the Brighton star is $141 million, which would break the British and Premier League transfer record. Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC/Getty ImagesAfter arriving at Brighton from Independiente del Valle for £4.5 million ($5.7 million), Ecuadorian midfielder Caicedo has impressed during his time in the Premier League. During the January transfer window Caicedo took to Instagram to plead for a move away.

Persons: Moisés Caicedo, Caicedo, Matthew Childs, Jürgen Klopp, Enzo Fernandez, Klopp, “, Jordan Henderson, Fabinho, ”, Liverpool’s, Andrew Powell, Instagram, Moises, De Zerbi, “ I’m Organizations: CNN, The Premier League, Chelsea, Liverpool, Brighton, Hove Albion, Ecuadorian, League, Caicedo, BBC, Premier League, London, Benfica, Argentine, Sky Sports, Liverpool FC, Getty, Independiente del Valle, Arsenal, Manchester City, Burnley Locations: Ecuadorian, Caicedo, Brighton, Saudi Arabia, ” Brighton, Liverpool

☆ Kerr returns off the bench as Australia down Danes to reach quarter-finals
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-07 | by ( Nick Mulvenney | Thomson Reuters | Leads Coverage Of Sport Across The Asia-Pacific. Still Reports On The Full Panoply Of Sport. Many Olympics World Cups World Championships Grand Slams Grands Prix | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

SYDNEY, Aug 7 (Reuters) - Co-hosts Australia welcomed captain Sam Kerr to the fray for the first time in the tournament as they beat Denmark 2-0 to reach the quarter-finals of the Women's World Cup at Stadium Australia on Monday. Caitlin Foord and Hayley Raso scored the goals either side of halftime before Kerr, who has been absent with a calf injury, came on as a 78th-minute substitute to a huge roar from the crowd of 75,784. Foord's touch took the ball to the edge of the six-yard box, where she slid it between the legs of Denmark goalkeeper Lene Christensen for her first goal of the tournament. A huge roar went up four minutes later when Kerr was shown on the big screen putting on a match shirt but Australia had doubled their lead before she came on. Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sam Kerr, Caitlin Foord, Hayley Raso, Kerr, Pernille, Danes, Fowler, Lene Christensen, Emily van Egmond, Van Egmond, Raso, Nick Mulvenney, Christian Radnedge Organizations: SYDNEY, Australia, Thomson Locations: Denmark, Australia, France, Morocco, Brisbane

☆ England midfielder Walsh joins squad for training on eve of Nigeria game
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

BRISBANE, Aug 6 (Reuters) - England midfielder Keira Walsh trained on Sunday with the European champions on the eve of the Lionesses' last-16 game against Nigeria, her first time to participate in training since suffering a knee injury on July 28. Walsh left the pitch on a stretcher with what looked like a serious injury during England's 1-0 win over Denmark on July 28, and sat out their 6-1 rout of China to cap the group stage. The team announced a day later that Walsh had not suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament, but it is still not known when she will be able to play. England won all three of their group games at the World Cup to finish atop Group D.Walsh is considered on the world's top midfielders, signing a three-year deal with Barcelona last September for a world-record fee of around 350,000 pounds ($401,170). Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Tom HogueOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Keira Walsh, Walsh, Lori Ewing, Tom Hogue Organizations: BRISBANE, Nigeria, England's, Denmark, England, Barcelona, Thomson Locations: England, China

☆ Man Utd sign Danish striker Hojlund from Atalanta
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-05 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Soccer Football - Pre Season Friendly - AFC Bournemouth v Atalanta - Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, Britain - July 29, 2023. Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund during the warm up before the match Action Images via Reuters/Matthew Childs/File PhotoAug 5 (Reuters) - Manchester United have signed Denmark striker Rasmus Hojlund from Serie A side Atalanta on a five-year contract until 2028, the Premier League club said on Saturday. "It is no secret that I have been a fan of this great club since I was a small boy, and I dreamed of walking out at Old Trafford as a Manchester United player," Hojlund said. Hojlund, who previously played for FC Copenhagen and Sturm Graz, joined Atalanta at the start of the 2022-23 season and scored nine league goals in a breakout campaign. "Working under Erik ten Hag and his coaches will provide Rasmus with the perfect development platform," Manchester United football director John Murtough said.

Persons: Atalanta's Rasmus Hojlund, Matthew Childs, Rasmus Hojlund, Hojlund, Wout Weghorst, Erik, Bruno Fernandes, Mason Mount, Erik ten Hag, Rasmus, John Murtough, Andre Onana, United, Aadi Nair, Ken Ferris Organizations: Soccer Football, AFC Bournemouth, Atalanta, Manchester United, Denmark, Serie A, Premier League, FC Copenhagen, Sturm Graz, Inter Milan, Champions League, League, Thomson Locations: Bournemouth, Britain, Old Trafford, Denmark, Mount, Chelsea, Bengaluru

After six seasons in the Champions League, where Klopp's side reached the final three times and won the trophy in 2019, Liverpool now find themselves back in the Europa League. Premier League clubs sacked 14 managers last season but Klopp, currently the longest-serving coach at a single club in England's top flight, was never in danger of losing his job. Liverpool did not inject fresh blood into an ageing midfield while injuries in the forward line scuppered a title challenge. This year Saudi Arabian clubs have forced Liverpool's hand, with the cash-rich league tearing up the Anfield club's transition plans by luring away their two midfield stalwarts. Returning to the Champions League will be their first priority, which is why a top four finish -- or even winning the Europa League -- will be the bare minimum that is expected of Liverpool.

Persons: Klopp, Jordan Henderson, James Milner, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade, Chamberlain, It's, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Szoboszlai, Fabio Carvalho, Romeo Lavia, Thiago, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott, Trent Alexander, Arnold, Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez, Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, Rohith Nair, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Liverpool, Premier League's, Champions League, Europa League, Premier League, Anfield, Saudi Pro League, RB Leipzig, Thomson Locations: Liverpool, England's, Saudi, Saudi Arabia, Bengaluru

☆ 'We just have to get better': US regroup after World Cup close call
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-02 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Instead they packed their bags after the scoreless draw as the United States stayed behind, left to wonder how their journey for an unprecedented third consecutive title had nearly turned into utter disaster. Had they exited, it would have been the worst World Cup performance for the top-ranked team and would have marked the first time that defending champions had gone out in the group stage. Doing so will require that the United States resolve their lack of synchrony, with Andonovski previously blaming the starters' lack of playing minutes together. "We have to get on the same page when it comes down to the final goal, to the final pass and execution." "I wouldn’t say that the midfield three was disjointed - obviously we wanted to see them more connected," said Andonovski.

Persons: Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan, David Rowland AUCKLAND, Ana Capeta ricocheted, Carli Lloyd, Vlatko Andonovski, Andonovski, Lynn Williams, Trinity Rodman, Ines Pereira, Williams, Rose Lavelle, Amy Tennery, Sonali Paul Organizations: Soccer Football, FIFA, REUTERS, Fox Sports, Sweden, Thomson Locations: New Zealand, Portugal, United States, Eden, Auckland , New Zealand, U.S, Melbourne, American, Auckland

CNN —After the thrill of winning successive Women’s World Cup titles, the 2023 tournament – so far – has brought the US team very much down to earth with a bump. For a team that has been so historically dominant at the Women’s World Cup, performances throughout the 2023 edition so far have been underwhelming for women’s soccer’s most dynastic team. Fans of the US team get ready for the Women's World Cup group game against Portugal. 3 ranked in the world by FIFA, has plenty of World Cup history. Sweden drew with the US in 2015 and also beat them in 2011 – the last time any team defeated the USWNT inside regulation at a World Cup.

Persons: Ana Capeta’s, Vlatko Andonovski, “, Julie Foudy, Buda Mendes, Alex Morgan, ” Morgan, Thailand’s, –, Megan Rapinoe, Morgan, Andonovski, Mallory Swanson, Tobin Heath, Sam Mewis, Catarina Macario, Becky Sauerbrunn, Abby Dahlkemper, Andrew Cornaga, Trinity Rodman, Carli Lloyd, ” Lloyd, Crystal Dunn, Lloyd, ” Andonovksi, ”, Rebecca Welch, Rose Lavelle, Lavelle, Saeed Khan, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sophia Smith, we’ll, Lindsey Horan, ” Andonovski, “ We’re Organizations: CNN, TNT, US, National, Getty, Portugal, New Zealand, Canada, Tokyo, Christen Press, Vietnam, Professional, Chicago Bulls, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Montreal Canadiens, UEFA, Leagues, ”, Sweden, FIFA Locations: Portugal, Buda, Thailand, Netherlands, Vietnam, England, New, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain, Auckland, Wellington, AFP, Real Madrid

☆ Senegal's Mane joins Saudi side Al-Nassr from Bayern
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Aug 1 (Reuters) - Bayern Munich's Senegal forward Sadio Mane has joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr after one season with the Bundesliga champions, both clubs said on Tuesday. Mane has signed a four-year contract, Al-Nassr added on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Mane moved to Bayern last year with high hopes after netting 120 goals in 269 games for Liverpool where he won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Club World Cup. "We want to thank Sadio Mane for the past season," Bayern CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen told the club website. Mane joins an Al Nassr outfit who have strengthened their squad since the marquee signing of Cristiano Ronaldo last term.

Persons: Sadio Mane, Mane, Nassr, Leroy Sane, Jan, Christian Dreesen, Al Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo, Marcelo Brozovic, Seko, Alex Telles, Ahmed Musa, Rohith Nair, Anita Kobylinska, Osama Khairy, Ken Ferris Organizations: Bayern Munich's, Saudi Pro League, Al, Bundesliga, Twitter, Bayern, Liverpool, Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Africa, Nations, FC Bayern, Inter Milan, Manchester United, FIFA, Leicester City, Thomson Locations: Bayern Munich's Senegal, Merseyside, Senegal, Lens, Leicester, Bengaluru, Gdansk, Cairo

☆ Women’s World Cup: Italy Starts a 16-Year-Old, and Germany Leans on Its Experience
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-24 | by ( Juliet Macur | The New York Times | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +16 min

Women’s World Cup: Italy Starts a 16-Year-Old, and Germany Leans on Its Experience Italy’s Giulia Dragoni became one of the youngest players ever to appear in the tournament. Credit... Hannah Mckay/Reuters Morocco’s presence at the Women’s World Cup already has yielded a string of notable moments. Italy vs. Argentina Italy reached the quarterfinals of the last World Cup, a solid result after a 20-year absence from the tournament. The Brazilian legend is appearing in her sixth World Cup at age 37, and still hoping to capture an ever-elusive title. The South Koreans have made it to the knockout stage once in three previous World Cup appearances, in 2015.

Persons: Giulia Dragoni, Morocco Asanka Brendon Ratnayake, Hannah Mckay, Morocco James Ross, Robert Cianflone, Hamish Blair, Argentina Phil Walter, Abbie Parr, David Rowland, Argentina Buda Mendes, Panama Bienvenido Velasco, Naomi Girma, Julie Ertz, Alyssa Naeher, Andrew Cornaga, Vlatko Andonovski, Ertz, Andonovski, Alana Cook, Girma, ” Girma, Becky Sauerbrunn, Sauerbrunn, ” Andonovski, Nouhaila, Nouhaila Benzina, Prince Ali bin al, Hussein, Benzina, Morocco’s, Reynald Pedros, Ghizlane, Chebbak, “ It’s, ”, Megan Rapinoe, Quinn, Pedros, Sam Kerr, Australia’s Sam Kerr, Darren England, Kyra Cooney, Kerr, “, Sam, ” Cooney, we’re, Sam’s, ZT8aF7puDp — Tracey Holmes, Cooney, Cristiana, Phil Walter, Marta, Pia Sundhage, Milena Bertolini, Little Messi, Chiara Beccari, Italy nabbed, Cristiana Girelli Organizations: Morocco, Reuters, Associated Press, Argentina, Getty, Panama, Group, Argentina Cristiana, Brazil Group, Vietnam, United States, Tokyo Olympics, Portugal, U.S, North, Germany, FIFA, Moroccan, BBC, ., Ireland, United, European Locations: Germany, Morocco, Reuters Germany, Reuters Morocco, Associated Press Italy, Italy, Associated Press Argentina, Reuters Italy, Argentina, Brazil, Panama, Alyssa Naeher ., United States, Ertz, Netherlands, United, Vietnam, Melbourne ., Arab, France, Moroccan, Melbourne, Brisbane, Australia, Nigeria, Colombia, South Korea, Argentina Italy

☆ Leipzig sign Dutch midfielder Simons on one-year loan from PSG
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

July 19 (Reuters) - Germany's RB Leipzig have signed Netherlands midfielder Xavi Simons on a one-year loan from French champions Paris St Germain, both clubs said on Wednesday. The 20-year-old returned to PSG on Wednesday, signing a four-year contract following a year at Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven. In the Netherlands Simons was league's second-best scorer with 19 goals in 34 games, helping PSV to a second-place finish as well as to the 2022-23 KNVB Cup. "We have been able to sign an exceptional young talent in Xavi Simons," Leipzig's Board Member for Sport Max Eberl told the club website. "I was immediately impressed by RB Leipzig's style of play and I strongly believe that my qualities will be a good match for this team and we can achieve a lot together."

Persons: Xavi Simons, Netherlands Simons, Sport Max Eberl, Simons, Anita Kobylinska, Toby Davis Organizations: Leipzig, Paris St Germain, PSG, Wednesday, PSV Eindhoven, PSV, KNVB, Sport, Bundesliga, Champions League, RB, Thomson Locations: Netherlands, Europe, Barcelona, Leipzig, Qatar, United States, Gdansk

☆ Summer transfer window: The biggest moves so far as Saudi Arabia becomes major factor
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-23 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

CNN —European soccer’s summer transfer window is in full swing, with several household names already moving to pastures new. Karim Benzema – Real Madrid to Al-IttihadIn the first major coup of the summer for the Saudi Pro League, Karim Benzema has agreed to join Al-Ittihad once his contract expires with Real Madrid. After a disappointing season, Real Madrid will be hopeful that Bellingham will be a star midfielder for years to come once the ageing Luka Modric and Toni Kroos depart. The 32-year-old midfielder has signed a contract worth around £86 million ($109.8 million) a year, according to UK media. Rice, who was in the youth ranks at Chelsea and then West Ham, was voted Conference League player of the season.

Persons: Cristiano Ronaldo’s, Al Nassr, Karim Benzema –, Karim Benzema, Ittihad, Benzema, Frenchman, Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid Jude Bellingham, Florencia Tan Jun, Bellingham, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos, N’Golo Kanté, Ittihad N'Golo Kanté, Justin Tallis, Kanté, Christopher Nkunku –, Chelsea Christopher Nkunku, Annegret Hilse, Germain, Chrisopher Nkunku, Nkunku, Todd Boehly, Kai Havertz, Germany's, Maja Hitij, Kai Kavertz, Mikel Arteta, Havertz, Boehly, Declan Rice –, Declan Rice, Richard Heathcote, Rice, West Ham’s, Mateo Kovačić –, Mateo Kovačić, Pep Guardiola’s, İlkay Gündoğan, Bernardo Silva, Alexis Mac Allister, Alex Pantling, Lionel Messi, Mac Allister, Jurgen Klopp, Mac, Roberto Firmino’s, Rúben Neves, Al Hilal Rúben Neves, Naomi Baker, Al Hilal, Neves Organizations: CNN, Super League, CNN Sport, Saudi Pro League, Al, Real Madrid, League, La Liga, Real, Champions League, Borussia Dortmund, Birmingham City, English, Ittihad N'Golo, France, Getty, Benzema, Chelsea, Premier League, FA, Europa League, UEFA Super, Leicester, Leipzig, RB Leipzig, Bundesliga, Reuters, Paris Saint, Arsenal, Ukraine, Gunners, Manchester City, football’s, Europa Conference League, Gent, Manchester United, Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Manchester, Argentina, Brighton, Liverpool, Anfield, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Wolves, Everton, Molineux, Portugal Locations: England, Saudi Arabia, Europe, Portuguese, Saudi Arabian, Karim Benzema – Real Madrid, Al, Ittihad, Bellingham, Dortmund, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Leicester, Paris, Leipzig, Bremen, Germany, Declan Rice – West Ham, West Ham, Mateo Kovačić – Chelsea, Madrid, Spain, Croatian, Brighton, Argentina, Qatar, Barcelona

☆ Veterans Rapinoe, Morgan named in U.S. World Cup squad
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jun 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign forward Megan Rapinoe (15) is seen before the game against the Kansas City Current at Lumen Field. Five players, Rapinoe, Morgan, midfielder Julie Ertz, defender Kelley O’Hara and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher were part of the victorious U.S. World Cup squads in 2015 and 2019. The top-ranked Americans are fielding one of their least experienced squads in recent memory, with 14 of the 23 players going to their first World Cup, compared to 11 in 2019 and seven in 2015. Sam's sister and fellow midfielder, Kristie Mewis, was included in the roster for her first World Cup at age 32. Her Gotham FC team mate, Lynn Williams, also made the cut for the global showpiece tournament for the first time at age 30.

Persons: Megan Rapinoe, Michael Thomas Shroyer, Alex Morgan, Vlatko Andonovski, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma, Savannah DeMelo, Andonovski, Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, Morgan, Julie Ertz, Kelley O’Hara, Alyssa Naeher, Mallory Swanson, Becky Sauerbrunn, Catarina Macario, Sam Mewis, Kristie Mewis, Lynn Williams, Aubrey Kingsbury, Casey Murphy, Alana Cook, Crystal Dunn, Emily Fox, Sofia Huerta, Kelley O'Hara, Emily Sonnett, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Kristie, Ashley Sanchez, Andi Sullivan, Amy Tennery, Ed Osmond Organizations: Kansas, Lumen, YORK, Savannah, Women's Soccer League, U.S, Gotham FC, Washington, North, Courage, Chicago Red Stars, Portland Thorns FC, Diego Wave FC, NY Gotham FC, Racing Louisville FC, FC, Olympique Lyonnais, San Diego Wave FC, Angel, Thomson Locations: Seattle , Washington, USA, States, Australia, New Zealand, NJ, Angel, New York

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