List of All Articles with Tag 'ball'

Sam Kerr remained on the bench but thankfully for Australia, they did not need her. In a must-win match, the co-hosts did much more to keep their World Cup alive: thrashing the Olympic champions Canada to reach the knockout stages and restoring belief that looked to have been lost in the shock defeat to Nigeria. With it, Group B was flipped on its head: Ireland’s draw with Nigeria means Australia advance as group winners, avoiding a potential clash with England in the last-16. Kerr could yet return for that, but Australia finally found a way to play without their star striker and captain. It came at the perfect time with the Matildas facing elimination and a World Cup dream that was instead turning into a nightmare. Kerr was back on the bench after missing Australia’s opening two games with a calf injury, but against Canada they were instead lifted by another returning star in Mary Fowler. Ruled out of the defeat to Nigeria, a result that left Australia on the brink, Fowler returned to spark Australia’s attack into life, saving a World Cup that threatened to be over long before it was meant to. The Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson changed his shape and landed on a 4-4-2 that devastated Canada on the counter-attack, with Hayley Raso scoring a decisive brace from the right and Caitlin Foord enjoying her best performance of the tournament on the left. By the end, Australia’s position was so secure that there was no need to rush Kerr back. In her absence, Fowler has emerged as Australia’s next great hope. Badly missed against Nigeria after she was ruled out with concussion, Fowler gave Australia ideas and another option, a willing runner and clever dribbler to pull Canada out of their defensive shape. With Fowler setting Australia’s press alongside Emily van Egmond, her return meant Foord could return to the left wing, creating space for Steph Catley and restoring their key combination. It gave Australia familiarity and, even without Kerr, they had the attacking options to overwhelm Canada down the channels. Catley’s cross set up Raso’s opener inside 10 minutes, with the forward taking a touch before firing a low shot through the legs of Canada defender Ashely Lawrence. Australia were denied a second after a farcical offside, but Canada failed to take the warning with Raso scrambling in her second from a corner. Fowler’s tap-in, finished after Foord was released down the left in the second half, was then added to by Steph Catley’s late penalty. Relief had long since turned into joy, with Australia celebrating their biggest ever World Cup win, but this was meant to be nervy and a potentially disastrous night. Canada represented the worst possible opponents for a must-win decider, a side built for knockout football. In winning the Olympic gold medal, they were the team who simply refused to lose, absorbing pressure in their low-block and edging victories in games where they were second-best in possession and chances. They had cracked the code, always managing to find the breakthrough goal they needed to win close games. But at the World Cup that side did not turn up, and they became the first Olympic champions to exit at the group stage. Perhaps Chrstine Sinclair’s penalty miss in the opening stalemate with Nigeria was the moment that foreshadowed a doomed campaign - what would have been a historic goal for Sinclair, and a record sixth World Cup in which she had scored, turned into a missed opportunity. Throughout their three games, Canada only showed up in the second half against Ireland, where for 45 minutes they were able to solve some of their problems. Defensively, Canada never found a shape or structure that suited them. Kadeisha Buchanan, hooked at half time against Ireland, was overwhelmed again, struggling alongside Vanessa Gilles. Lawrence, another experienced member of their side, was often found out of position, never settling left or right. Behind them, goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was far from the reassuring presence in goal that Canada desperately required. Bev Priestman’s four changes at half time was an alarming indication of how far Canada’s levels had fallen. It did not rescue them. Instead, Canada fell to their heaviest defeat under Priestman, a team in disarray. Australia now look the opposite: they are likely to face either Denmark or China in the last-16 and even without Kerr, this is a side who will be confident of progressing. Kerr could yet return and her World Cup is not yet over - more importantly, neither is Australia’s. Read More Kelly Smith: England can cope without Keira Walsh — here is how Lionesses can adjust Women’s World Cup group permutations: How can each team qualify? Nouhaila Benzina: The hijabi-wearing Moroccan making World Cup history

Chelsea and Barcelona are understood to be the clubs working hardest to pull off a player-plus-cash deal for Paris St Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe. Sources close to PSG have indicated the Blues’ co-owner Todd Boehly is trying to put together a deal for the 24-year-old, who seems certain to leave Paris either for a fee this summer or for nothing next year. Spanish champions Barcelona have also been actively pursuing a player swap deal, the PA news agency understands. The French club are also anticipating a renewed attempt from Saudi club Al Hilal to persuade Mbappe to agree personal terms. He reportedly refused to even meet with an Al Hilal delegation in Paris last week. The Saudis were given permission to speak to Mbappe by PSG after lodging a world record £259million bid earlier this month. PSG fear all efforts to sign Mbappe this summer will be in vain, though. Sources close to the club are convinced he has already agreed a deal to sign for Real Madrid on a free transfer and secure a 160m euro (£138m) signing-on fee. The Saudi league is still understood to be pushing hard to secure Mbappe as its marquee player, having appointed former Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo as the director of football at its Player Acquisition Centre of Excellence (PACE) to lead recruitment centrally for the league’s clubs. Speculation around Mbappe increased in intensity in June when it became clear he would not activate the one-year extension in his PSG deal to keep him under contract until 2025. His exit from the club seemed almost certain when he was omitted from the pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea, which sparked the rush of interest in him, including the world-record bid from Al Hilal.

Manchester United have renewed their kit sponsorship with adidas in a deal that will be worth almost £1 billion. It is the biggest kit deal in Premier League history and guarantees United a minimum of £90 million per year for 10 seasons. Adidas have been United’s shirt suppliers for the last eight years and their partnership will now last a minimum of 18 years. The Carabao Cup winners reported record sales for both their men’s and women’s teams kits last season and said the new contract continues “Manchester United and adidas commitment to drive the women’s game forward.” United CEO Richard Arnold added: “The relationship between Manchester United and adidas is one of the most iconic in world sport, forged through a shared commitment to style, flair and, most importantly, high performance. “With its roots in the 1980s, our partnership has been reinvented over the past decade with some of the most innovative designs and technology in sportswear. We are now looking forward to refreshing this powerful partnership again through the remainder of this decade and into the 2030s.” Bjorn Gulden, the CEO of adidas, said: “We look forward to continuing our partnership with one of the most iconic clubs in football.” On pitch-related matters, United continue to chase the signing of Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojland, with a £64m fee agreed for the Dane according to weekend reports. They have already signed goalkeeper Andre Onana this summer and midfielder Mason Mount, as manager Erik ten Hag looks to rebuild a team capable of challenging for major honours. Read More Manchester United signing a ‘very good player’ in Rasmus Hojlund Erik ten Hag highlights Man Utd ‘challenge’ in push to ‘raise the bar’ On this day in 2014: Romelu Lukaku joins Everton for club record £28million

Sam Kerr, 29, is Australia’s most beloved player, the captain of Matildas and the first person from her homeland ever to score a hat-trick at the World Cup. Now preparing for a tournament on home soil, the icon hopes to conjure an even greater moment for her fans to savour. Australia are coming into it in a rich vein of form, having won their last eight games in a row, one of which saw them inflict the first defeat of Sirena Wiegman’s tenure on England, a 2-0 defeat on a rainy night in Brentford this April. Kerr, naturally, bagged the opener. A global phenomenon, she made her debut on the international stage aged just 15 and split the early part of her career between teams in Australia (Perth Glory, Sydney FC) and the US (Western New York Flash, Sky Blue FC). She chalked up five goals at the 2019 World Cup and subsequently joined Chelsea in the Barclay’s Women’s Super League (WSL) from Chicago Red Stars. She made her debut in the team on 5 January 2020, setting up two goals in a 3-1 win against Reading. She opened her Chelsea account two weeks later with an iconic header in a 4-1 win over Arsenal and has gone from strength to st The 2020/21 campaign saw Kerr become the Blue’s top scorer, netting 28 in all competitions. After another fine season in 2021/22, she now has the extraordinary total of 54 goals in 67 games for the West London club. Get all the latest Women’s World Cup odds here She has received huge acclaim since arriving in England and has won the WSL Player and Goal of the Season awards and been named FWA Player of the Year, PFA Player and Players’ Player of the Year and Player of the Year at the London Football Awards. Now hoping to lead the Matildas to World Cup glory and add to her 63 goals at international level, Kerr told The Guardian recently her team is “here to win” and said they are “really confident” for the challenge ahead. Read More Women’s World Cup LIVE: Japan beating Spain before Canada vs Australia Sam Kerr ‘available’ for Australia’s must-win clash with Canada after calf injury Today at the World Cup: Australia third in Group B after Nigeria defeat

What the papers say The race to sign Brentford’s Spanish goalkeeper David Raya has stepped up with Bayern Munich the latest strong pursuers. The Guardian reports the German club are looking to sign the 27-year-old, who is also wanted by Arsenal, after having a loan offer turned down. England defender Harry Maguire’s future remains in doubt. According to the Daily Mirror, West Ham have ended their interest in taking the 30-year-old from Manchester United due to the price tag and wage demands. Tottenham defender Sergio Reguilon, 26, could be on his way out of the Premier League. The Daily Mail reports the Spanish full-back is a target for Real Sociedad. Across London, Arsenal are looking to add to their summer signings. According to the Daily Express, Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus, 22, from Ajax is on their list of targets. Social media round-up Players to watch Kylian Mbappe: Chelsea are the latest club reportedly interested in taking the France forward, 24, from Paris St-Germain after weekend reports linking him with Liverpool. Alex Scott: Wolves are being linked with a final offer for the midfielder, 19, after Bristol City turned down bids of £18 million and £20 million.

Women’s World Cup hosts Australia face their moment of truth when the Matildas take on Canada. Australia will likely require a win to advance from Group B to the knock-out stages or hope the Republic of Ireland can upset Nigeria after a stunning defeat to the Africans last time out. Canada and Nigeria both know a draw will see them through, while the Republic cannot qualify. Elsewhere, Spain and Japan are already in the last 16 after winning both matches so far, meaning they face off to decide who will win Group C, while Costa Rica take on Zambia and play for pride. The Lionesses are also finalising their preparation for Tuesday’s crunch match with China following the brutal loss of Keira Walsh to injury. It has been a World Cup packed with surprises, including Colombia’s shock win over Germany. Follow the latest World Cup scores, updates and news in today’s live blog: Read More Women’s World Cup TV schedule: How to watch every match today Who do England women play next? World Cup fixtures and route to the final Women’s football world rankings: Who could take No 1 at the World Cup?

Christian Eriksen has been impressed by compatriot Rasmus Hojlund’s development over the last year and believes Manchester United are signing a “very good player”. After sealing deals for midfielder Mason Mount and adventurous goalkeeper Andre Onana, Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils increased their focus on signing a new striker. United have been regularly linked to Tottenham sharpshooter Harry Kane but ended up moving for up-and-coming Atalanta frontman Hojlund. The clubs have agreed a deal in principle worth £64 million plus a further £8 million in potential add-ons for the highly-rated 20-year-old striker, who has impressed Denmark team-mate Eriksen. “What’s he like? He’s a strong number nine,” the United midfielder told the PA news agency. “He’s developed a lot in the last year from when I first saw him with the national team (to) a year’s time, so, yeah, he’s a very good player.” Put to Eriksen that Hojlund had gone under the radar for many until the recent transfer talk, he said: “I suppose we don’t get enough media attention in Denmark that’s why, so people outside Denmark don’t know enough. “He’s a nice guy, he’s a good player. Like I said, he’s developed, turning into just a nine, which he’s played for the national team. “I have to be honest I haven’t seen that many games for Atalanta, but I know how they play and he fitted in well there, so, yeah, he’s a good player.” I've said a lot of good stuff - and also said some bad stuff Christian Eriksen Hojlund played for FC Copenhagen and Austrian side Sturm Graz before joining Atalanta last summer, scoring nine goals in Serie A as well as six in as many appearances for Denmark. Asked if the striker had engaged with him about what United was like, Eriksen said: “Not recently. “I spoke to him when we were with the national team last time. “But of course, I’ve said a lot of good stuff – and also said some bad stuff – but in the end it’s what’s going to happen.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live The sporting weekend in pictures Fifth Ashes Test, day five: England hope Stuart Broad provides fairytale finish Tommy Fury promises knockout as KSI fight confirmed for October

Four weeks before the season, four-star cornerback Aaron Scott poked the bear in his commitment to Ohio State, which pissed off the Michigan fanbase.There might be 118 days until "The Game," but it's never too early to stir the pot when talking about the magnitude of the Ohio Stat...

Chelsea have agreed a fee with Monaco to sign France defender Axel Disasi, the PA news agency understands. A deal worth £38.5million is believed to have been struck, which will see the 25-year-old make the move to Stamford Bridge. The Blues dipped into the market for a centre-back after Wesley Fofana suffered a serious knee injury. Disasi moved to Monaco from Reims in 2020 and has made 118 appearances for the Ligue 1 side, and has impressed suitably in the principality to have made his senior France debut. Having previously been capped at Under-20 level, he became the first Frenchman to make his debut at a World Cup since 1966 when he featured in the 1-0 group-stage loss to Tunisia in Qatar. Disasi is set to become Chelsea’s third major signing of the summer with forwards Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkuku having joined from Villarreal and RB Leipzig respectively. Chelsea, under new head coach Mauricio Pochettino, begin their Premier League campaign away to Liverpool on August 13. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Erik ten Hag is demanding Manchester United raise the bar once again having overseen “necessary” and “immense” improvements during his first year in charge. Last summer the Dutchman took the reins at a club in disarray, with a lack of coherency, quality and joined-up thinking resulting in a wretched 2021-22 campaign. Ten Hag brought in a new style, implemented demanding standards and handled star Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit as well he could before masterminding the end of United’s six-year wait for silverware. The Carabao Cup triumph was followed by a third-placed Premier League finish and FA Cup final loss to eventual treble winners Manchester City, who are the target as they push for further improvements. “I think the levels all across increased (at an) immense (level) and that was necessary,” Ten Hag said, reflecting on his first year in charge. “But, still, we are not there where we want to be and we have to raise the bar, so we have to go to next levels. “You learn always and I think English football evolves and I think you see nowadays the league is stronger and stronger. When you compare it with three, four years ago, it’s definitely the case. “Because all the strong players get attracted to the Premier League, all the best managers got attracted to the Premier League, so every time it develops and progresses. “It’s really a challenge and I’m really looking forward again to go in the season and to get the challenge.” United have been bolstered heading into the new season by the arrivals of Mason Mount from Chelsea and Inter Milan’s adventurous goalkeeper Andre Onana. Rasmus Hojlund is set to join them after United agreed a deal in principle to sign the talented Atalanta striker for a £64million fee rising to £72m – a potentially key addition to a goal-shy group. “I can’t talk about this player in this moment because I’m a long time in football and I know first we need signings,” said Ten Hag, who always tends to keeps cards close to his chest. “So far, we have to keep calm and let the professionals do their work. “ Hojlund’s arrival will take United’s summer outlay to £162.8m – a figure that would increase to £179.2m if the respective clauses in the three arrivals’ contracts are met. Club success is key to many of those add-ons and fans could be concerned it will be hard to reach those heights under the Glazers given their track record. Hope that their long, unpopular ownership could end grew with November’s announcement of a “strategic review” at United, with Sheikh Jassim and Sir Jim Ratcliffe placing bids. But the Glazers are dragging their heels and no resolution is in sight with the Premier League kick-off less than a fortnight away. “I focus on my job, and that is to improve the team,” Ten Hag told the PA news agency when asked about the takeover situation. “I have to do my work to sign the players and I have to work on the way of play. That is my focus area. “That’s what I’ve done, so I don’t get distracted from any of the strategic review. That’s what others in the club will deal with. We are building, we are building a project. We want to win trophies Erik ten Hag “We have a good information line. We’re sharing the information, so I know where I am and I can focus on my job. “Most of the times (the information) is going over (chief executive) Richard Arnold or (football director) John Murtough. But sometimes also we have direct contact, as you have seen in New York.” Ten Hag faced a variety of questions about different topics in the New York area ahead of kicking off their US tour with a 2-0 friendly win against Arsenal at MetLife Stadium. The Dutchman pointed back to his comments there when asked for an update on Mason Greenwood, who has been suspended since January 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service announced in February that all charges, including attempted rape and assault, had been dropped but an internal investigation continues. “I explained in New York and I don’t think I have to reply again on that question,” Ten Hag said. “I answered this question, but I can’t every time answer the same question.” Another major topic heading into the New York leg was the United captaincy as Ten Hag had just stripped Harry Maguire of the armband and handed it to Bruno Fernandes. The club have since rejected a £20m bid from West Ham for the out-of-favour defender, who it was suggested could dominate the first few months of the season like Ronaldo did last term. “I don’t see it like that, but you can have that impression,” Ten Hag retorted. “That’s your choice. “But not last year, not this year. We are building, we are building a project. We want to win trophies. “And, so we have to invest in the way of play, we have to invest in the team and our focus is not on one player.” Ten Hag says consistency across the team is essential if United are to kick on next season, with the early acquisitions of Mount and Onana boosting their preparations. “I wouldn’t call it an Erik ten Hag squad,” the manager added. “It’s about the demands of top football. “We have to find the players, or we have to increase the levels from the players who are there. “I think many players improved during last season. My expectation is that we can make another step that we increase the levels of the individuals.” Read More Manchester United agree deal for Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund Manchester United confident of signing striker as Rasmus Hojlund talks continue Bellingham scores first goal for Real Madrid in win over Man United Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney meets Man United boss Erik ten Hag Manchester United make ‘progress’ in transfer search for new striker Manchester United transfer news: Hojlund, Henderson, Amrabat, Bailly and more

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag does not see Saudi Arabia’s eye-catching spending as a problem for the Premier League as England remains the go-to place for top players. The football landscape has been disrupted by the ambitious Saudi Pro League since world star Cristiano Ronaldo’s winter move to Al Nassr made ripples. The Saudi splurge shows no signs of abating, with Al Hilal making a world-record £259million bid for Paris St Germain star Kylian Mbappe. ... I don't see it in this moment as a problem for the Premier League because the Premier League is the league where the big players want to play Erik ten Hag Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola said Saudi Arabia has changed the market after Riyad Mahrez joined Al Ahli, but United boss Ten Hag does not see it as a problem for the Premier League. “I think in Europe it has an effect because there is some money over there and it will attract players,” the Dutchman told the PA news agency. “But I don’t see it in this moment as a problem for the Premier League because the Premier League is the league where the big players want to play. “That is not in competition with a league like America or Saudi Arabia.” Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante completed moves to Al Ittihad, with Roberto Firmino, Edouard Mendy and Mahrez switching to Al Ahli this summer. Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has joined Steven Gerrard’s Al Ettifaq, with Ruben Neves and Kalidou Koulibaly leaving the Premier League for Al Hilal.

Allan Saint-Maximin has become the latest player to swap the Premier League for the Saudi Pro League after leaving Newcastle United to join Al-Ahli. The former France youth international spent four years at St James’ Park and leaves for an undisclosed fee. Saint-Maximin will team up with both Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez at Al-Ahli as the influx of top names to Saudi Arabia shows no sign of abating. The 26-year-old scores 13 goals across 124 appearances for the Magpies, but has struggled with niggling injuries in recent seasons. The deal to sell Saint-Maximin has drawn criticism as the Saudi Public Investment Fund having the majority ownership in both Newcastle and Al-Ahli. “Everyone at Newcastle United thanks Allan for his contribution to the club and community and extends best wishes for the next chapter in his career,” Newcastle said in a statement confirming his departure.