
Mane's Bayern departure sad but for the best - Tuchel
Bayern Munich boss Thomas Tuchel said Tuesday he was saddened that things didn't work out for Sadio Mane at the club but feels his...
2023-08-01 20:18

Michael O’Neill hails Paul Smyth impact on first Northern Ireland start
Michael O’Neill was delighted to see Paul Smyth grab his Northern Ireland chance with both hands as the QPR winger got a goal and an assist on his first international start in a 3-0 win over San Marino. Smyth, who also had a goal disallowed, did his best to light up what was a largely drab affair at Windsor Park as Northern Ireland ended a run of five straight defeats in Euro 2024 qualifying but did not fully catch fire. Smyth’s trademark backflip celebration was seen just five minutes into the match after he leapt to volley in a Jamal Lewis cross and six minutes later Smyth’s low cross was turned home by Josh Magennis. It might have been even better when Smyth met Jonny Evans’ ball from deep with the ideal finish to lift it over the goalkeeper, but after a lengthy VAR check the strike was ruled out for offside and instead it was substitute Conor McMenamin who made it 3-0 with his first international goal late on. Smyth, who this summer returned to QPR after two years with Leyton Orient, made his Northern Ireland debut five years ago but this was only his sixth cap. “He’s had to be patient, Paul,” O’Neill said. “I gave him his debut against South Korea in 2018. We are five years on and his appearances have been limited since then. “He’s in a good place at his club. He’s got himself back into Championship football, he’s played a lot of times for QPR this season. “I know at his club he sometimes plays a lot at wing-back, but in that 4-3-3 not only does he give you width and crosses, he has an eye for a goal. It was a brilliant finish for his goal and a brilliant finish for the one that was disallowed.” O’Neill was delighted with the way his side started but admitted they lost momentum too quickly, with the manager identifying Smyth’s disallowed 31st-minute strike as a key moment. “When Paul’s goal was disallowed it kind of took the momentum out of the game with the time it takes to make the decision,” O’Neill said. “It was a long time for just an offside, I’m not sure why it takes so long. “I thought in the second half again we’d chances, at times we got a little bit bogged down in our play, but equally it was good to get a the third goal.” San Marino coach Fabrizio Contantini called Northern Ireland deserving winners, but also felt substitute Conor Washington should have seen red when caught Lorenzo Lazzari heavily on the ankle in the 66th minute. Referee Bram van Driessche was sent to the monitor by the VAR but opted only to book Washington. “In my opinion it was totally a red card,” Constantini said through a translator. “It is strange because the VAR tells the referee to go and see it and very, very few times the referee goes to the screen and decides not to show the red card. But at the same time it was not a key moment.” Unsurprisingly, O’Neill disagreed, saying Washington’s challenge looked worse than it was when slowed down. More frustrating for him was a late yellow card for Paddy McNair which rules the Middlesbrough man out of Tuesday’s match against Slovenia. “I think the referee possibly got the wrong player,” O’Neill said. “I think it was young Callum (Marshall) who was more forceful in the tackle. I’m not sure if we can address that, but if it rules Paddy out it will be disappointing. “He blows the full-time whistle 10 seconds later. Is it really necessary to brandish a yellow card in that situation? We’ll deal with whatever the outcome of that is coming into the Slovenia game.” Read More Rob Page to ‘ignore the noise’ amid reports his Wales job could be in jeopardy Josh Hodge hat-trick helps Exeter inflict record defeat on Saracens Paul Smyth stars as Northern Ireland see off San Marino Ben Stokes ‘getting better day by day’ but Afghanistan game could come too soon World Cup has given Rob Burrow the rugby union bug – Kevin Sinfield Returning Antoine Dupont ‘inspires fear in opponents’ – Mathieu Jalibert
2023-10-15 01:18

NFL rumors: Aaron Rodgers retirement, Matthew Stafford trade, Kirk Cousins payday incoming
NFL rumors leading up to Week 1's Sunday kickoff features Aaron Rodgers' changing retirement plans and a tr
2023-09-10 22:19

MLB Rumors: Another threat emerges to hire Ron Washington away from Braves
The Atlanta Braves offseason is full of possibilities, from big trades to free agent pitchers. Will they be able to keep their beloved third base coach Ron Washington, though?
2023-11-08 12:23

Aaron Wan-Bissaka offered chance to switch allegiance to DR Congo
Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has received an invitation to represent the Democratic Republic of Congo at international level, 90min can confirm.
2023-11-24 00:20

Barcelona teenager Dragoni face of new era at World Cup for Italy
Next week's World Cup marks the dawn of a new era for Italy's women with teenage Barcelona midfielder Giulia Dragoni the exciting face...
2023-07-15 11:20

Korneeva wins French Open girls’ title, Prizmic prevails in boys' final
Alina Korneeva of Russia won the French Open girls’ title and Dino Prizmic of Croatia won the boys’ final
2023-06-10 22:26

Heidenheim hold stunned Dortmund after late penalty drama
Promoted Heidenheim claimed their first points in the top division on Friday, coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 at Borussia Dortmund after a...
2023-09-02 04:53

Edge Makes Shocking AEW Debut at WrestleDream
Edge showed debuted in AEW to confront Christian Cage.
2023-10-02 13:16

Japan and Sweden brace for ultimate clash of styles at World Cup
Japan are the revelation of the Women's World Cup but they must brace themselves for the ultimate clash of styles when they face Sweden in the...
2023-08-10 13:58

Short contracts and bonus money prove to be popular in NHL free agency this year
Short contracts with some including performance bonuses were popular early in NHL free agency
2023-07-03 01:46

Pro Picks: Disrespected Eagles will "upset" the 49ers in an NFC championship rematch
The Philadelphia Eagles (10-1) are home underdogs against the San Francisco 49ers (8-3) in an NFC championship rematch on Sunday
2023-12-01 13:59
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