Spain coach Montserrat Tome on Tuesday cited "team spirit" as a reason for the omission of World ...

Spain coach Montserrat Tome on Tuesday cited "team spirit" as a reason for the omission of World Cup winners Irene Paredes and Jenni Hermoso from the squad for friendlies against South Korea and France. After La Roja won the 2023 Women's World Cup, Luis Rubiales, then President of the Spanish Football Federation, forcibly kissed Hermoso during the medal ceremony, provoking a wave of indignationHermoso and Paredes were among several players who appeared in a recent Netflix documentary about the affair. Spanish media speculated that they were dropped because of what they said in the programme.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Tome was asked about their absence at a press conference. "We've been in an exceptional situation for two years now, and when we started we were very clear about what we wanted to be as a team," the coach said. "I don't want to say that these players weren't up to the job, but I'm clear about what I want the team to be and what I like to see, this team spirit, this know-how." Tome did include Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmati, former and current holders of the Women's Ballon d'Or, who also spoke in the Netflix documentary, in her squad.Hermoso, 34, is Spain's all-time leading scorer and second-most capped player, with 123 appearances -- four behind Putellas. Paredes, 33, is third on 111 caps.After the kiss, Rubiales was forced to resign and was suspended for three years from all football-related activities by world governing body FIFA, and will stand trial for sexual assault in early 2025. At the World Cup, Tome was an assistant to head coach Jorge Vilda, who was dismissed after the victory, and faces trial for alleged coercion of Hermoso.Spain face South Korea on November 29 in Cartagena, before taking on France on December 3 in Nice.

SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 28: Irene Paredes and Jenni Hermoso of Spain holds the trophy after wining the UEFA Nations League Final Match between Spain and France at Estadio La Cartuja on February 28, 2024 in Seville, Spain.

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Paredes, Hermoso omitted from Spain squad after Netflix documentary

Genoa have sacked their coach Alberto Gilardino, the relegation-threatened Serie A side announced...

Genoa have sacked their coach Alberto Gilardino, the relegation-threatened Serie A side announced on Tuesday."Genoa CFC announces that Alberto Gilardino has been relieved of his duties," the club wrote on social media.Genoa sit 17th in the table, just one point above the relegation zone, with only two wins from 12 matches this season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 42-year-old Gilardino took over at Genoa in December 2022, after coaching the club's Under-19 team. Last term, he guided them to an 11th-placed finish in the table.Gilardino, a World Cup winner in 2006 with Italy, made over 500 appearances in Serie A as a player and also claimed a Champions League title in 2007 with AC Milan.The former striker spent a brief period at Genoa between 2012-2014, scoring 21 goals in 52 outings.Several media outlets have reported that ex-Arsenal and France midfielder Patrick Vieira could replace the Italian on the bench at Genoa.Vieira, 48, previously managed Crystal Palace in the Premier League. He has been without a club since leaving Ligue 1 side Strasbourg in July.

GENOA, ITALY - NOVEMBER 07: Alberto Gilardino of Genoa CFC going to the bench during the Serie match between Genoa and Como at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on November 07, 2024 in Genoa, Italy.

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Genoa sack Gilardino after 2 wins from 12 matches

Christian Pulisic scored twice as the United States beat Jamaica 4-2 to book its place in the fin...

Christian Pulisic scored twice as the United States beat Jamaica 4-2 to book its place in the final four of the CONCACAF Nations League on Monday.AC Milan star Pulisic produced a dazzling display in St. Louis to give Mauricio Pochettino's men a comfortable 5-2 aggregate victory following their 1-0 first leg win in Kingston.In-form U.S. striker Ricardo Pepi, who scored the only goal in last week's away leg, was on target again while Juventus winger Tim Weah scored in his first appearance since being sent off in the team's Copa America defeat to Panama in June.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Saudi Arabia-based Demarai Gray grabbed two second-half goals to give the final scoreline a look of respectability but the Reggae Boyz were soundly beaten in all departments.The victory sends Pochettino's side to the Nations League finals, a four-team event being held in March at SoFi Stadium. The U.S. has won the first three editions of this competition, which began in 2019.Pulisic opened the scoring for the home side in the 13th minute, meeting a lofted pass from Weston McKennie on the edge of the area and driving a low finish past Jamaica goalkeeper Andre Blake.The AC Milan forward then doubled the lead on 33 minutes after a flowing counterattack.McKennie broke down the right flank, and cut back for midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who dummied cleverly to allow the pass to roll to Pulisic.Pulisic's venomous low shot took a wicked deflection off covering Jamaica defender Richard King and flew past the helpless Blake for 2-0.Pepi then effectively put the tie to bed with the home team's third goal three minutes before halftime.Good work from Fulham's Antonee Robinson saw Pepi collect the ball from the edge of the area, and the PSV Eindhoven striker got just enough power on his low shot to beat Blake.There was a brief flicker of hope for Jamaica when Gray hooked in a deft angled volley to make it 3-1 on 53 minutes, but Weah slammed the door shut moments later with the Americans' fourth goal.Yunus Musah's perfectly weighted cross to the back post picked out Weah in space, and the 24-year-old controlled before volleying a thunderous finish into the roof of the net.Gray bagged Jamaica's second after burying a rebound from a Renaldo Cephas shot but it was too little too late for former England manager Steve McClaren's side.

ST LOUIS, MISSOURI - NOVEMBER 18: Christian Pulisic #10 of the United States celebrates scoring with teammate Tanner Tessmann #18 during the first half against Jamaica during leg two of the 2024 Concacaf Nations League Quarterfinals at Citypark on November 18, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.

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Pulisic leads USMNT past Jamaica, into Nations League finals

Josko Gvardiol continued his scoring streak to earn Croatia a 1-1 home draw with Portugal on Mond...

Josko Gvardiol continued his scoring streak to earn Croatia a 1-1 home draw with Portugal on Monday that allowed them to squeak into the Nations League quarter-finals.Portugal had already sealed top spot in Group A1. The draw allowed Croatia to finish one point above Scotland, who continued their late surge with a 2-1 win over Poland in Warsaw. In Group A4, Spain, already assured of qualification, beat last-placed Switzerland 3-2 in a match of penalty kicks in Tenerife. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Denmark secured second place in the group with a 0-0 draw in Serbia.Croatia and Denmark joined France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands in the Nations League quarterfinals. Those ties will be held from March 20-23.In Split, Portugal took a 33rd-minute lead when Joao Felix neatly finished a sharp counterattack. Rafael Leao then missed the target when clean through. With Scotland winning in Warsaw after a third-minute goal from John McGinn, set up by teenager Ben Doak, Croatia were heading out. Gvardiol, ghosting at the far post, had a header on 62 minutes disallowed for offside. He repeated the move three minutes later, sneaking in unmarked and onside to squeeze a close-range shot through Jose Sa. Gvardiol, a defender, has three goals in his last six Premier League games for Manchester City. Almost simultaneously in Warsaw, Kamil Piatkowski rocketed a cross-shot into the top far corner of the Scottish goal to level for Poland. In the 73rd minute in Split, left-back Nuno Mendes nearly emulated Gvardiol for Portugal but goalie Dominik Livakovic blocked.In Warsaw, Andy Robertson headed home in added time to give Scotland a second win in four days, but Croatia comfortably saw out the draw they needed.Scotland go into a play-off to save their League A status. Poland are relegated.In Tenerife, Alvaro Morata's clever turn won a penalty just after the half-hour. Yvon Mvogo saved Pedri's low, hard spot kick, but after some pinball, Yeremi Pino, from the neighbouring Canary island of Las Palmas, scored.Joel Monteiro dribbled through the Spanish defence for a spectacular 63rd-minute equaliser.Bryan Gil stole the ball in the Swiss area to put Spain ahead again five minutes later.Andi Zeqiri levelled again with a penalty five minutes from time.Deep into extra time, Bryan Zaragoza converted Spain's second spot kick.In Leskovac in Serbia, the hosts needed to win to overtake visiting Denmark and reach the quarter-finals.On a night when both goalkeepers, Dorde Petrovic and Kasper Schmeichel, were in eye-catching form, the hosts had to settle for a 0-0 draw.

SPLIT, CROATIA - NOVEMBER 18: Josko Gvardiol of Croatia celebrates with his teammates after scoring during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A1 match between Croatia and Portugal at Poljud Stadium on November 18, 2024 in Split, Croatia.

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Croatia, Denmark complete bracket for Nations League quarterfinals

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland ...

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday.The Nations League holders, already guaranteed top spot in Group A4, twice took the lead but were pegged back by the already-relegated Swiss in Tenerife.It was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years and fans were able to celebrate a win after Bayern Munich winger Zaragoza's late spot-kick settled the game.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Coach Luis de la Fuente changed his whole line-up from the win over Denmark on Friday, handing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aitor Paredes his debut in defence.Yeremi Pino, a Canary Islander, sent Spain ahead on home territory after 32 minutes after Pedri's penalty was saved.Captain Alvaro Morata won the penalty and handed Pedri, born in Tenerife, the ball to take the spot kick, but Yvon Mvogo saved the Barcelona midfielder's effort."Here at home with a goal, the win... I can't ask for more," Pino told TVE."It was a very special game... full marks to the fans."De la Fuente sent on another Spain debutant at half-time in Porto striker Samu Aghehowa.Joel Monteiro levelled for Switzerland but a few minutes later Bryan Gil stole the ball back to restore Spain's lead.Andi Zeqiri fired home from the spot after a foul by Fabian Ruiz in the 85th minute but Zaragoza ensured Spain could finish a spectacular year on a high.The winger, on loan at Osasuna from Bayern, burst into the box and was brought crashing down by Vincent Sierro.Zaragoza clinically dispatched the resulting penalty to spark jubilant celebrations in Tenerife.

Spain's forward #15 Bryan Zaragoza celebrates with teammates scoring his team's third goal during the UEFA Nations League, League A Group A4, football match between Spain and Switzerland at the Heliodoro Rodriguez Lopez stadium in Tenerife, in Spain's Canary Islands, on November 18 2024.

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Holder Spain strikes late to beat Switzerland in Nations League

San Marino made history on Monday after coming from behind to beat Liechtenstein 3-1 and obtain a...

San Marino made history on Monday after coming from behind to beat Liechtenstein 3-1 and obtain a stunning promotion to the third tier of the Nations League.Trailing at half-time, San Marino claimed their third-ever win - and second in official competition - thanks to strikes from Lorenzo Lazzari and Alessandro Golinucci and a penalty from Nicola Nanni.San Marino's players charged onto the pitch in joy after securing promotion to League C at the Rheinpark Stadion in Vaduz.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The micro state's national team, whose first competitive win came against Liechtenstein back in September, have been promoted after topping Group D1."Finishing that first half 1-0 down was an insult to football, but the boys were brilliant and deserved what they've managed to achieve," said San Marino coach Roberto Cevoli.San Marino are international football's bottom-ranked team but finished the group one point ahead of Gibraltar, with whom they drew 1-1 on Friday thanks to a last-gasp Nanni spot-kick.They scored three goals in an official fixture for the first time, and Golinucci's first-time finish in the 76th minute, which decided the match, came from a slick passing move which would have once been unthinkable."Apart from suffering the serious risk of heart attack, all I can say is that these boys made history tonight," said a visibly emotional Marco Tura, the president of the San Marino Football Federation."As people, as athletes, as men they have shown what they are worth. ... I cried with the boys."The whipping boys of international football had been building up to their historic Nations League campaign after also claiming draws in friendly matches against Seychelles, Saint Lucia and Saint Kitts and Nevis over the last two years.

San Marino, San Marino - September 5: Dante Rossi of San Marino and Ferhat Saglam of Liechtenstein compete for the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League D - Group 1 match between San Marino and Liechtenstein at San Marino Stadium on September 5, 2024 in San Marino, San Marino.

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Lowest-ranked team San Marino earns Nations League promotion with rare win

Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur was given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association (F...

Tottenham's Rodrigo Bentancur was given a seven-match domestic ban by the Football Association (FA) over a racist remark made about teammate Son Heung-min and South Koreans in a television interview this summer.The midfielder was charged by the FA in September in connection with a breach of its rules during the interview in his home country of Uruguay.Bentancur, also fined £100,000 ($126,000), had been asked in June by a TV presenter for a Spurs player's shirt.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>He replied: "Sonny's? It could be Sonny's cousin too as they all look the same."Bentancur, 27, apologized to the South Korea international but because it was deemed an "aggravated breach," an independent regulatory commission panel was required to either uphold the FA charge or dismiss the case.The panel upheld the charge and Bentancur will have to sit out Tottenham's next seven domestic fixtures, though he will be able to play in Europa League matches against Roma and Rangers.The FA said in a statement that it was alleged that the incident constituted an "aggravated breach ... as it included a reference - whether express or implied - to nationality and/or race and/or ethnic origin.""Rodrigo Bentancur denied this charge, but the independent regulatory commission found it to be proven and imposed his sanctions following a hearing," it added.Son, speaking in late September, said: "He apologized straight afterwards when we had holiday. I was at home. I didn't even realize what was going on. He sent me a long message and you could feel it was coming from his heart."Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou said Bentancur had acknowledged his mistake and had pleaded for leniency.Bentancur will not return to domestic action until December 26, missing Premier League matches against Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool as well as Tottenham's League Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.The Uruguayan has played 15 times for Tottenham this season.

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 07: Tottenham Hotspur's Rodrigo Bentancur and Son Heung-Min during the UEFA Champions League group D match between Tottenham Hotspur and Olympique Marseille at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on September 7, 2022 in London, United Kingdom.

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Bentancur banned 7 games for racist remark about Son, South Koreans

Adrien Rabiot fired France to first place in Nations League Group A2 with a headed brace in Sunda...

Adrien Rabiot fired France to first place in Nations League Group A2 with a headed brace in Sunday's 3-1 win over Italy at the San Siro.Ex-Juventus midfielder Rabiot netted from Lucas Digne set-pieces in each half at the home of his former Milanese rivals to ensure that Les Bleus leapfrogged Italy into top spot on goal difference, with both teams already in the quarter-finals before kick-off.Digne -- like Rabiot making his 50th appearance for his country -- was also crucial to France's second goal, as it was his stunning free-kick in the 33rd minute which crashed out off the woodwork and into the net off Italy goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>France were on their way to top spot when Digne forced home via Vicario's back as they needed to win by at least two goals to move above Italy.Andrea Cambiaso's neat first-time finish moments after Digne's strike put Italy back on top on head-to-head record, due to their 3-1 win in Paris back in September.But Rabiot stepped up in the 65th minute to give France a positive end to what has been a tumultuous international break, with captain Kylian Mbappe left at home with little explanation from coach Didier Duschamps and a fraught goalless draw with Israel at the Stade de France on Thursday.A tally of 13 points from a group including France and Belgium seemed unlikely for Italy in the aftermath of their dreadful European Championship title defence in Germany.And the renewed enthusiasm for the national team was clear among the more than 68,000 fans at the San Siro, with the majority of the empty seats located in the sparsely-populated away section given to the French supporters.France were the better team but created very little from open play, while Cambiaso's strike was the result of a fine passing move and excellent work from Federico Dimarco, whose give-and-go with Sandro Tonali ended with a teasing cross for the Juventus winger to tuck home.However the last six goals Italy have conceded have come from set-pieces, a fragility which is unusual for the traditionally defence-minded Azzurri and was exacerbated by an underwhelming display from Vicario.Tottenham goalkeeper Vicario started in place of captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was left out before kick-off reportedly because of a stomach bug.Donnarumma has been a frequent target of fans at the San Siro since his big-money move from AC Milan to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021.

MILAN, ITALY - NOVEMBER 17: Adrien Rabiot of France celebrates his goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Italy and France at on November 17, 2024 in Milan, Italy.

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Rabiot brace fires France past Italy, into 1st of Nations League group

England clinched Nations League promotion with a 5-0 rout of Ireland as Anthony Gordon, Conor Gal...

England clinched Nations League promotion with a 5-0 rout of Ireland as Anthony Gordon, Conor Gallagher, Jarrod Bowen and Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored their first international goals to bring a successful end Lee Carsley's reign.Shrugging off a lacklustre first half performance, England ran riot after the break at Wembley on Sunday to secure the victory they needed to return to League A.Three goals in the space of five minutes and 36 seconds did the damage in Carsley's last game before Thomas Tuchel takes over on an 18-month contract from January 1.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Harry Kane, back in the team after being dropped to the bench for Thursday's win against Greece, opened the floodgates with a penalty conceded by Ireland defender Liam Scales, who was sent off for a second booking.Newcastle winger Gordon, Atletico Madrid midfielder Gallagher, West Ham forward Bowen and Southampton defender Harwood-Bellis all netted for the first time in an England shirt.England's stylish show ensured first place in Group B2, after five wins from six matches under Carsley.Carsley, who will return to his previous role as England Under-21 manager, plans to speak with former Bayern Munich boss Tuchel to "talk through the players" the German will inherit for next year's World Cup qualifiers.And the 50-year-old, who replaced Gareth Southgate following the Euro 2024 final loss to Spain, will be able to deliver a largely glowing review of England's strength in depth after handing out eight debuts since September.Nine of the stars called up by Carsley withdrew from the squad amid suggestions they had been persuaded by their club managers to avoid risking injuries during a busy time of the season.England captain Kane had said he was unhappy about the amount of withdrawals.But the stay-aways, including Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Trent Alexander-Arnold, were not missed as Carsley steered England out of the Nations League second tier before handing the reins to Tuchel.<h3>England goal spree</h3>Jeers for both national anthems before kick-off provided an antagonistic backdrop to a match between two countries with a troubled political history.The enmity in the stands was a stark contrast to the tepid fare on the pitch as England found it impossible to prise open Ireland's massed defence in the first half.But the Irish have never won at Wembley and last beat England in the 1988 European Championship, so perhaps it was no surprise they wilted after the interval.Having failed to muster a shot on target in the first half, England finally started their goal spree in the 53rd minute.Picked out by Kane's lofted pass, Bellingham was set to shoot from close range before Scales tripped the Real Madrid midfielder.Scales was given his marching orders and Kane converted the penalty in typically assured fashion.Gordon doubled rampant England's advantage three minutes later with a goal with deep Tyneside roots.Tino Livramento was making his first England start and the Newcastle right-back marked the occasion with an assist as his deflected cross reached Magpies team-mate Gordon, who volleyed home from seven yards.Gallagher put the result beyond doubt in the 58th minute, poking home from virtually on the goal-line after Marc Guehi flicked on a cross.Bowen struck with his first touch after coming on, steering in a fine finish from the edge of the area in the 76th minute.Harwood-Bellis met Bellingham's cross with an emphatic header three minutes later as England gave Tuchel a welcome glimpse of the vast array of talent at his disposal.

England , United Kingdom - 17 November 2024; Jarrod Bowen of England celebrates after scoring his side's fourth goal during the UEFA Nations League B Group 2 match between England and Republic of Ireland at Wembley Stadium in London, England.

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England routs Ireland to earn Nations League promotion

Netherlands outclassed Hungary with a 4-0 victory in their winner-takes-all Nations League encoun...

Netherlands outclassed Hungary with a 4-0 victory in their winner-takes-all Nations League encounter on Saturday, while record-setting Germany hammered Bosnia and Hercegovina 7-0.Netherlands and Hungary went into the match tied on five points each and with the winner set to join Germany in ensuring their progress from Group A3 to the quarter-finals.First-half penalties by Wout Weghorst and Cody Gakpo sent the Oranje on their way, before Denzel Dumfries and Teun Koopmeiners made the game safe in the second period. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"There are always things we can improve upon," Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk told SBS6. "But in the end, we deserved to win."The match at the Johan Cruyff Arena was briefly interrupted in the seventh minute following a medical emergency on the Hungarian bench.The referee stopped play for some 10 minutes while Hungary's assistant coach, Adam Szalai, received treatment. Szalai was shielded from view by huddled players and staff members, and by a large white sheet.Szalai, 36, was stretchered off to applause from spectators and players alike.The Hungarian FA later released a statement saying he was "conscious" and in a "stable condition" at an Amsterdam hospital."It was a scare, of course," Gakpo told NOS. "Fortunately, I just heard he regained consciousness on the pitch. Things like this are more important than football."Almost forgotten in the aftermath of the worrying incident was the handball by Tamas Nikitscher as the ball was crossed into the Hungarian box.The referee consulted the touchline video monitor and promptly restarted play by pointing to the spot, allowing Weghorst to sweep the Netherlands in front.Denes Dibusz was the busier of the two goalkeepers as the first period wore on and had to be alert to keep out efforts from Tijjani Reijnders and Donyell Malen.In the 11th minute of added time, Dutch dominance told and Malen was clipped by Zsolt Nagy in the box.Gakpo dispatched the resulting spot-kick, sending Dibusz the wrong way and Netherlands into a two-goal lead.Right-back Dumfries sealed the Netherlands' spot in the quarters as he latched onto Malen's flick-on at the back post and fizzed a volley back into the far corner shortly after the hour.Koopmeiners marked his first international match since 2022 by nodding in a fourth in the 86th minute.<h3>'Good fun'</h3>Germany cemented their spot at the top of the group with a 7-0 win over Bosnia - the heaviest in the six-year history of the Nations League."It was good fun tonight. After a couple of goals we did the work defensively and then everything came together offensively. The more that happens, the more fun we have on the pitch," German attacker Jamal Musiala told UEFA's website.Musiala opened the floodgates after two minutes with a header from Joshua Kimmich's cross.Tim Kleindienst scored his first goal for Germany in the 23rd minute and Kai Havertz made the game safe eight minutes before the break, slotting home after a slick one-two with Florian Wirtz.Wirtz then made it four on 50 minutes with a sublime swerving free-kick from wide on the left before doubling up seven minutes later."Seeing Flo (Wirtz's) free-kick was kind of nice but just in general everyone played well, had good moments. We're just playing good football," added Musiala.Substitute Leroy Sane scored Germany's sixth in the 66th minute and Kleindienst completed the rout just over 10 minutes from time as he guided home a pinpoint cross from centre-half Antonio Rudiger.The emphatic result leaves Germany five points ahead of Netherlands with only one match left to play.In Group B1, Georgia played out a 1-1 draw at home to Ukraine and stay two points ahead of the fourth-placed visitors.The Czech Republic drew 0-0 in Albania and remain top of the group on eight points, one ahead of Georgia in second and their third-placed opponents.Turkey stayed top of Group B4 with a 0-0 draw at home to Wales, while Iceland beat Montenegro 2-0.Turkey were presented with a golden opportunity to grow their two-point lead over Wales, but Kerem Akturkoglu sent his 89th-minute penalty wide.

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - NOVEMBER 16: Denzel Dumfries of Holland celebrates 3-0 with Virgil van Dijk of Holland, Jurrien Timber of Holland during the UEFA Nations league match between Holland v Hungary at the Johan Cruijff Arena on November 16, 2024 in Amsterdam Netherlands

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Dutch ease into Nations League quarters, Germany puts 7 past Bosnia

Ayoze Perez inspired Nations League holders Spain to a 2-1 win at Denmark on Friday to clinch top...

Ayoze Perez inspired Nations League holders Spain to a 2-1 win at Denmark on Friday to clinch top spot in Group A4.The Euro 2024 champions had already sealed progress to the quarter-finals, and this victory expanded their lead on second-place Denmark to six points with a match to spare.Villarreal forward Perez set up Mikel Oyarzabal for the opening goal and then tucked home La Roja's second himself to secure victory in Copenhagen, with Gustav Isaksen pulling one back late on for the hosts as they piled on the pressure.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"Above all, I really congratulate the players, because they have many talents, they surprise us every day with different options in the game and because they know how to suffer, which is still the most important thing," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente told TVE."We're very happy because we can take very positive conclusions from all these games."De la Fuente was without injured Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and long-term absentee Rodri, among others, and started with just three players who began the European Championship final this summer against England.Perez nearly sent Spain ahead but crashed a shot against the post after Pedro Porro played him in with a clever low pass.The striker turned provider instead three minutes later as he set up Oyarzabal to finish a neat team move.Spain were on top and conceding few opportunities to Denmark, and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead.Barcelona playmaker Dani Olmo slipped in Perez, who slotted home with a clinical finish.Perez should have netted a second when well placed but attempted a chip which span wide off his boot.De la Fuente handed Barcelona midfielder Marc Casado, who has become a fixture for his club, a national team debut.Bad news for Spain came in the form of injuries to Alex Baena and Martin Zubimendi before Isaksen's late strike.The forward charged down David Raya after Fabian Ruiz passed back to the Arsenal goalkeeper and the ball deflected into the net.Raya made amends with a fine save to thwart Skov Olsen in stoppage time and ensure his team kept the three points."We came here with the aim of winning. We knew we would have to suffer, as we did in the end," Oyarzabal, who scored Spain's Euro 2024-winning goal, told TVE."We had a good game and we're happy with the victory."Spain, 15 matches unbeaten across all competitions, face Switzerland on Monday in their final Nations League group match.

COPENHAGEN, DENMARK - NOVEMBER 15: Ayoze Perez of Spain celebrates after scoring a goal to make it 0-2 during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Denmark and Spain at Parken Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Spain beats Denmark to secure top spot in Nations League group

San Marino are dreaming of a stunning Nations League promotion after snatching a late 1-1 draw wi...

San Marino are dreaming of a stunning Nations League promotion after snatching a late 1-1 draw with Gibraltar on Friday.Nicola Nanni's penalty in stoppage time gave the micro state's national team, who won their first official match against Liechtenstein in September, a point and a chance to move up to League C.San Marino sit second in three-team Group D1, two points behind Gibraltar, who have played all four of their matches.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>That means a win over Liechtenstein in Vaduz on Monday will secure promotion to the tournament's third tier.

San Marino, San Marino - September 5: Fabio Luque Notaro of Liechtenstein and Michele Cevoli of San Marino compete for the ball during the UEFA Nations League 2024/2025 League D - Group 1 match between San Marino and Liechtenstein at San Marino Stadium on September 5, 2024 in San Marino, San Marino.

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San Marino a win away from Nations League promotion after Gibraltar draw

A Nations League game between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest was abandoned on Friday in injury t...

A Nations League game between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest was abandoned on Friday in injury time after fans in the crowd shouted "Serbia!".The Kosovo players left the pitch after the chants, leading to the game to be paused with the score 0-0.The Romanian players stayed on the field but the Kosovo team never returned, with the referee blowing the final whistle more than 30 minutes later as the match was abandoned.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"The UEFA Nations League match between Romania and Kosovo has been abandoned. UEFA will communicate further information in due course," said governing body UEFA on its website.Animosity between Kosovo and Serbia has persisted since the war between Serbian forces and ethnic Albanian insurgents in the late 1990s.Kosovo and Serbia do not play each other in UEFA and FIFA tournaments.Football's world governing body opened disciplinary proceedings against Serbia during the 2022 World Cup after the team hung a flag in their changing room depicting Kosovo as part of Serbia.Kosovo joined FIFA and European confederation UEFA in 2016.When Romania played in Pristina, they beat Kosovo 3-0.

Kosovo's players argue with Romania's players before leaving the pitch during the extra-time of the UEFA Nations League, League C, Group 2 football match between Romania and Kosovo in Bucharest, Romania on November 15, 2024.

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Kosovo players abandon match after crowd in Romania shouts 'Serbia'

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal staged a second-half supershow to crush Poland 5-1 and...

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal staged a second-half supershow to crush Poland 5-1 and reach the Nations League quarter-finals on Friday.Portugal join France, Germany, Italy and Spain in the last-eight, while Poland's hopes of going through from Group A1 were ended.Having struggled to plant a shot on target in the first half, Portugal stepped on the accelerator after the break.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Rafael Leao broke the deadlock in Porto just before the hour mark after starting and finishing the move.The AC Milan striker raced away and passed to Nuno Mendes, whose cross from the left was headed powerfully past Marcin Bulka in the Portugal goal.Thirteen minutes later, skipper Ronaldo got his name on the scoresheet, converting a penalty after Jakub Kiwior was penalised for a handball in the area.Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes made it 3-0 in the 80th minute, scoring after a clever run by Vitinha.Pedro Neto added the fourth three minutes later after Ronaldo's fine pass which left the Polish defence stranded.As Polish spirits sank, Ronaldo added his second and Portugal's fifth in the 87th minute with a spectacular overhead kick before Dominik Marczuk tucked away a consolation goal for the visitors.Poland had enjoyed the better chances before falling behind, but their potency in front of goal was blunted by the absence of record goal-scorer Robert Lewandowski, who was sidelined with a back injury.Moments before Leao's goal, Portuguese 'keeper Diogo Costa pulled off a fine save to deny Marczuk having also been alert to deny Nicola Zalewski in the first half.Portugal's best chance in the first 45 minutes had fallen to Ronaldo, who fired a close-range effort over the bar from close range.

Portugal's forward Cristiano Ronaldo (L) scores their fifth goal during the UEFA Nations League, League A, Group 1 football match between Portugal and Poland at the Dragao stadium in Porto, on November 15, 2024.

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Ronaldo's bicycle kick steals show as Portugal reaches Nations League quarters

Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on ...

Italy ensured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals with a victory over Belgium on Thursday that also guaranteed France a place in the last-eight despite a lacklustre display in a scoreless draw with Israel under tight security in Paris.In Brussels, Italy were economical as they beat Belgium 1-0 in Group A2. The visitors dominated the early stages and scored after 11 minutes. Slick play by fullback Giovanni Di Lorenzo set up Sandro Tonali for a tap in. <div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The 24-year-old was hit with a 10-month suspension in October last year for betting on football matches, including those involving his old team AC Milan while he was still playing for them.That ban cost Tonali the chance to play a part in Italy's awful Euros title defence in Germany, where the Azzurri were dumped out in the last 16 by Switzerland.Tonali's strike was crucial as Italy were guaranteed a spot in the last eight with a draw either against the Red Devils or with France on Sunday night.Italy lead France by three points at the top of Group A2 and will battle with Les Bleus for first place at the San Siro."We showed again that we give it a go and don't just sit back in matches, that's the big change," Tonali told RAI. "There's a great atmosphere in the squad and we all look forward to getting back together again every time the international break finishes."Luciano Spalletti's team, who have been rejuvenated over the course of the Nations League group stage, are unbeaten since the Euros and only drew with Belgium last month after having to play over half the match in Rome with 10 men.Domenico Tedesco's Belgium meanwhile are six points behind second-placed France with one game remaining and cannot reach the quarters after winning only against Israel.At the Stade de France, tentative France struggled to create and take chances as they drew 0-0 with Israel before a sparse and grumbling crowd at the Stade de France.The game took place under heavy security after clashes between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax fans following a Europa League match in Amsterdam last week.On Thursday, it took until the 20th minute for captain N'Golo Kante, jinking into the six-yard box to force a first save from goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Israel almost pounced after 35 minutes when centre back Raz Shlomo stole in unmarked at the far post, but missed the ball completely as he tried to side-foot home.France managed 25 attempts on goal but Peretz had to make only two diving saves in the second half, first from Warren Zaire-Emery and then in added time from Christopher Nkunku.Israeli hung on for their first point in the Nations League top tier.

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM - NOVEMBER 14: Sandro Tonali of Italy celebrates his goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Belgium and Italy at on November 14, 2024 in Brussels, Belgium.

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Tonali's winner vs. Belgium sends Italy, France to Nations League quarters

England's understudies ignored the controversy over Harry Kane's criticism of the team's absentee...

England's understudies ignored the controversy over Harry Kane's criticism of the team's absentee stars as they beat Greece 3-0 on Thursday to keep alive their hopes of Nations League promotion.Kane was surprisingly dropped by interim boss Lee Carsley just 24 hours after his scathing response to the rash of withdrawals from England's squad.The England captain said international duty should "come before anything" amid suggestions several had been persuaded by their club managers to pull out to avoid injuries at a busy time of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill, Aaron Ramsdale and even Jarrad Branthwaite, who was a late call-up, all opted to withdraw from Carsley's squad.Carsley's decision to leave Kane on the bench for the first 66 minutes before introducing him as a substitute was seen in some quarters as a rebuke for his uncharacteristically divisive comments.In truth, Kane may have been given a rest day in the midst of a hectic campaign with Bayern Munich.But the stay-away players weren't missed as England's reserves powered to a victory that leaves them in control of their fate in Nations League Group B2.Ollie Watkins, deputising for Kane, gave England an early lead in the Olympic Stadium in Athens before an own goal from Greece keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos doubled the visitors' advantage.Like Watkins, Curtis Jones had benefitted from the England absences and the Liverpool midfielder marked his first England start with their third goal.England have moved above Greece on goal difference and will be guaranteed to win promotion to Nations League A if they beat Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.If England finish second in the group, they go into a promotion play-off against one of the third-placed League A sides next year.That will be of particular interest to Thomas Tuchel, the incoming England manager who was notable by his absence in Athens.Tuchel agreed an 18-month contract to become the permanent successor to Gareth Southgate in October, but the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss is not due to start until January 1.England are treading water until Tuchel takes charge, with questions asked about why the German has not already started his reign ahead of the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.<h3>Finished with a flourish</h3>This was an encouraging sign of the quality that will eventually be available to Tuchel as England avenged their first ever defeat against Greece at Wembley in October.It took just seven minutes for Watkins to justify his inclusion instead of Kane.Noni Madueke's cut-back found Watkins perfectly positioned in the six-yard box for a predatory finish.Madueke's dynamic contribution to the goal extended the Chelsea winger's superb start to the season.The 22-year-old went close to doubling England's lead as he tested Vlachodimos with a low strike.Kostas Tsimikas almost grabbed an equaliser against the run of play when the Liverpool left-back forced Jordan Pickford to make a good save at his near post.Watkins squandered a chance for his second goal, racing through only to let the ball trickle from his possession with only Vlachodimos to beat.Madueke was a constant danger on the right flank and he teed up Rico Lewis for a fierce drive that Vlachodimos pushed away early in the second half.Bellingham glanced a header against the far post moments later, but Greece nearly levelled through Fotis Ioannidis, whose close-range effort was repelled by Pickford's fine stop.England finished with a flourish as Bellingham powered to the edge of the area in the 78th minute, unloading a blistering shot that beat Vlachodimos, hit the post and rebounded into the net off the Greece keeper.Jones underlined England's strength in depth five minutes later with a cheeky back-flicked finish from Morgan Gibbs-White's cross.

ATHENS, GREECE - NOVEMBER 14: Ollie Watkins of England celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Greece and England at Athens Olympic Stadium on November 14, 2024 in Athens, Greece.

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England beats Greece to keep Nations League promotion bid alive

England captain Harry Kane was left out of the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League cla...

England captain Harry Kane was left out of the starting line-up for Thursday's Nations League clash with Greece just 24 hours after his remarkable blast at the team's absentee stars.Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley surprisingly put Kane on the bench in Athens after the Bayern Munich striker departed from his usual low-key personality to strongly criticise the rash of withdrawals from the England squad over the last week.Kane said England should "come before anything" for players amid suggestions several had been encouraged by their club managers to exaggerate injuries to avoid international duty at a busy time of the season.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill, Aaron Ramsdale and even Jarrad Branthwaite, who was a late call-up to replace the walking wounded, all opted to stay away from Carsley's squad.Kane was replaced by Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, with Carsley saying he wanted to "create leaders", while refusing to confirm why England's record goalscorer was left out."It was important to give Ollie Watkins the opportunity to experience a night like this," Carsley told ITV."I think it's great for himself, I think this team needs to show and try and create leaders and by doing that it's giving them the opportunity."(Harry) is fine. Obviously he wants to play, but his attitude has been fantastic since. I have to say I think it's important that we give the players a chance and I'm sure Ollie will do really well tonight."Carsley is taking charge of his final two games before former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel arrives as England's permanent boss on January 1.After facing Greece, England host Ireland at Wembley on Sunday as they bid to earn promotion from Nations League Group B2.

ATHENS, GREECE - NOVEMBER 14: Harry Kane and Dean Henderson of England inspect the pitch prior to the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Greece and England at Athens Olympic Stadium on November 14, 2024 in Athens, Greece.

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Kane dropped for Greece clash after blasting absentee England stars

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee Dav...

UEFA has appointed an ethics and disciplinary inspector to investigate Premier League referee David Coote after a video emerged of him allegedly snorting a white powder during Euro 2024.It comes after English referees body PGMOL (Professional Game Match Officials Limited) said it was taking fresh allegations about Coote "very seriously."The 42-year-old was suspended by the PGMOL on Monday after different video footage was posted on social media appearing to show him making disparaging remarks about former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>Coote's comments about the German are also being investigated by the Football Association.On Wednesday another video appeared on the Sun newspaper's website which it said showed Coote snorting a white powder during Euro 2024 in Germany, where he was officiating.European football's governing body UEFA, which had already suspended Coote, has now opened an investigation into his conduct."A UEFA ethics and disciplinary inspector has been appointed to evaluate a potential violation of the UEFA disciplinary regulations by the referee Mr David Coote," it said in a statement."Further information regarding this matter will be made available in due course."A PGMOL spokesman said on Wednesday that the organisation was aware of the second video."We are aware of the allegations and are taking them very seriously. David Coote remains suspended pending a full investigation," said a PGMOL spokesman."David's welfare continues to be of utmost importance to us and we are committed to providing him with the ongoing necessary support he needs through this period. We are not in a position to comment further at this stage."

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 27: Referee David Coote during the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Manchester United FC at London Stadium on October 27, 2024 in London, England.

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UEFA investigating EPL ref Coote over footage of apparent drug use at Euro 2024

Former England football captain Gary Lineker will step down as host of the BBC's flagship Match o...

Former England football captain Gary Lineker will step down as host of the BBC's flagship Match of the Day highlights show at the end of the season, the broadcaster confirmed on Tuesday.But the BBC said Lineker -- the broadcaster's highest-paid presenter earning £1.35 million ($1.7 million) a year -- would remain at the corporation after both parties "agreed in principle to a contract extension through to the 2026 World Cup"."After 25 seasons Gary is stepping down from MOTD," said Alex Kay-Jelski, director of BBC Sport.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>"We want to thank him for everything he has done for the show, which continues to attract millions of viewers each week. "He'll be hugely missed on the show but we're so happy he is staying with the BBC to present live football."Lineker, who will have held the post for 26 years when he leaves at the end of the Premier League season in May 2025, said: "I'm delighted to continue my long association with BBC Sport and would like to thank all those who made this happen."Former BBC director general Greg Dyke told BBC radio that Lineker was "the outstanding sports presenter of his time", but added: "Life moves on, presenters don't stay forever."The 63-year-old Lineker took over as host of the Saturday night programme in 1999.In March last year, Lineker was briefly taken off air by bosses after comparing the language used to launch a British government asylum policy to the rhetoric of Nazi-era Germany on social media.In solidarity with Lineker, a number of fellow presenters and pundits including Alan Shearer and Ian Wright refused to appear on the programme, meaning an episode was reduced to 20 minutes and aired without its host, pundits and commentary. Lineker was reinstated just over a week later.The BBC launched an independent review of its social medial guidelines, which recommended that high-profile presenters should be able to express views on political issues but should stop short of campaigning on party politics or for activist organisations.The former Leicester, Everton, Tottenham and Barcelona forward has hosted refugees in his home and has often criticised government policies, particularly on immigration.Last week Lineker, who turns 64 at the end of November, admitted he would "have to slow down at some point", and intimated to Esquire magazine that he may seek to focus full-time on his successful podcast business.In August 2016, Lineker made good on an earlier promise to present the show in his underpants after his boyhood club Leicester won the Premier League.

Gary Lineker arriving ahead of the Premier League match at the King Power Stadium, Leicester. The BBC's football coverage on Saturday was ripped up as several more presenters and reporters withdrew in solidarity with Gary Lineker after the Match of the Day presenter was stood down on Friday. Picture date: Saturday March 11, 2023.

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Lineker to leave Match of the Day after 26 years

Ruud van Nistelrooy left Manchester United's coaching staff on Monday as new manager Ruben Amorim...

Ruud van Nistelrooy left Manchester United's coaching staff on Monday as new manager Ruben Amorim arrived at the club's training complex to start his Old Trafford reign.Dutchman Van Nistelrooy, a former star striker at the club, was put in temporary charge after the sacking of Erik ten Hag late last month.He oversaw three wins and a draw in his four-match spell, signing off with a 3-0 victory against Leicester in the Premier League on Sunday.<div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div>The former PSV Eindhoven boss, appointed as an assistant coach in July on a two-year contract, had voiced a desire to stay at Old Trafford to work with Amorim.But United issued a statement on Monday confirming the 48-year-old would not be part of the new coaching set-up."Manchester United can confirm that Ruud van Nistelrooy has left the club," the statement said. "Ruud rejoined in the summer and has taken charge of the team for the past four matches as interim head coach."Ruud is, and always will be, a Manchester United legend."We are grateful for his contribution and the way in which he has approached his role throughout his time with the club. He will always be very welcome at Old Trafford." United said fellow coaches Rene Hake, Jelle ten Rouwelaar and Pieter Morel had also left the club."We will confirm the full men's first team coaching composition in due course," United said.<h3>'Amazing period'</h3>Van Nistelrooy, who scored 150 goals during a stellar playing career for United, said he had relished his time in charge."I really enjoyed it, it's been a short but amazing period," he said after the Leicester win. "We are in an uncertain position but we tried to do our jobs and help the club, which is important."There are a lot of feelings there, the way the fans supported me and the team always in difficult moments.... To close down this block of games with good results and a good connection I can't thank them enough."Amorim was named as the new United boss earlier this month. The 39-year-old jetted to Britain from Portugal on Monday after completing his stint as Sporting Lisbon boss with a 4-2 win against Braga.He was met at the club's Carrington training complex by chief executive Omar Berrada, and was also welcomed by sporting director Dan Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox.The former Portugal international is United's sixth permanent appointment since the end of Alex Ferguson's trophy-filled 27-year-reign in 2013.United are 13th in the Premier League table after a poor start to the season but are only four points off the top four.Amorim's first match in charge will be away at struggling Ipswich on November 24, following the current international break.The new boss, who transformed Sporting's fortunes during his four-and-a-half-year spell at the club, said he was aware of the scale of the task awaiting him at Old Trafford."I feel ready for the new challenge," he said after his farewell match with Sporting. "I'm not naive, I know that it's going to be very, very different, very tough but I feel that I'm ready."

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 10: Ruud van Nistelrooy the interim head coach / manager of Manchester United applauds the fans during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Leicester City FC at Old Trafford on November 10, 2024 in Manchester, England.

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Van Nistelrooy leaves Man United after Amorim arrival

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